Alfonse raises his cup of dark wine.
"And see! she stirs!
She starts,--she moves,--she seems to feel
The thrill of life along her keel,"
"To a safe voyage. May Dagon have mercy on us all."
Alfonso drains his glass.
"You'd think the easiest way to get rid of you would be to send you on some dead-end mission that you're unlikely to come... hmm. Well, here's to your uncle's ingenuity! And the voyage!"
Another cup downed and returned to the table.
"Come on! Let's go up on deck! We can see the harbor!" Donata tosses off the rest of her glass and hurries out for a ladder to the deck.
"Come on! Let's go up on deck! We can see the harbor!" Donata tosses off the rest of her glass and hurries out for a ladder to the deck.
"An excellent idea, but let us head towards the prow of the ship. I would rather not be downwind. It brings back bad memories."
the scene before you is one of majesty and wonder. the Neversere cuts a line through the water like a knife through hot butter. Although still in the harbor, with half sail, you can see that the Neversere was a ship built to glide through the water.
The first mate starts to issue orders, lines loosened or tied off, course corrections, and other nautical terms.
as the ship heads past the breakwater, you see behind you a trail of a dozen other ships following the ship to sea. Glancing ahead, you see a small group of ships that appear to be waiting.
those ships out there are our escorts through pirate infested waters. but, i dont put much faith in them, because i know the captains, and they are all pirates themselves. it wouldnt suprise me to see half of them turn on us when pirates do attack us. captain morwhin says with a grim face as he walks up and joins you, sliding in next to donata.
if i was you, id keep my weapons close by, and have your gear ready to go. this trip up through the bay is filled with opportunistic pirates, especially since we be heading to riddleport.
Joining them on the deck of the ship, Arbot overhears some of the conversation.
"Pirates!? As if this uh... ship... needed any extra reason to end up on the bottom of the sea. Let's hope for the best I suppose, it's no use worrying now."
Next time he is below, Arbot will be sure to grab his sword and bow and keep them nearby at all times.
"Dear Arbot I feel more and more that we should have heeded the wise advice of yourself and friend Lucas and simply walked."
"Oh well Always did want to see the sea, though not perhaps from the bottom.
"You all are so gloomy. I'm sure Neversere has the speed, and good Captain Morwhin, the skill, to keep us out of trouble with pirates. And if not, then the pirates will get more than they expect."
"You all are so gloomy. I'm sure Neversere has the speed, and good Captain Morwhin, the skill, to keep us out of trouble with pirates. And if not, then the pirates will get more than they expect."
"Yes and as they expect a boat full of cattle getting more should prove a red letter day for them." Alfonso appears concerned for a moment.
"But you are correct, a muter and uncaring universe mocks our pitiful attempts to chart a predictable course. It is best to remain awake and eat the strawberries." But only for a moment. The brittle light returns to his eyes and the familiar half-smile to his face.
"They will come or they will not and the sun will shine on us uncaring if it does so through a few paltry fathoms."
As the shoreline receds farther and farther away, Donata slides further and further aft along the rail.
"Look, the Irespan and Arvensoar!", she exclaims while pointing first at the gigantic bridgelike ruin, and then at the sky-scraping pinnacle of stone, that are Magnimar's two most famous, and easily visible, landmarks. Others follow in quick succession. "There's Ordellia!" "Is that The Floodfire?" "Fort Indros!" She waits a long time at the stern watching the ripples in the smooth wake and the gulls soaring and veering behind the ship as her home shrinks until just the tip of the Arvensoar and the end of the Irepan are visible.
the magnificent city of magnimar recedes into the horizon, from large presence to small blob, to nothing, in a couple hours. still lounging on the bow, you can hear the talk of the sailors on deck and the shouts of orders from other ships. The ships are still tightly packed, with lookouts calling directions to the steerman aft.
captain morwhin seems to be relaxing on the bow, not moving from his chosen spot next to donata. well, seems we have a few more hours staying this close to the other ships due to the unaturally high reefs found below. but, the crew here and other sailors have found an interesting way to pass the time, and to increase ones gold in said pocket. You, being guests on this ship, are allowed an opportunity to either participate in the gambling or the activity. but ye cannot do both....interested? he finishes, looking donata in the eye, and then giving a slow wink.
Arbot stands next to the captain, ignoring any clues he may be trying to convey to Donata.
"The activity? What exactly is this activity? Gambling is a fool's pastime, but if this activity may prove to be interesting."
...
captain morwhin seems to be relaxing on the bow, not moving from his chosen spot next to donata. well, seems we have a few more hours staying this close to the other ships due to the unaturally high reefs found below. but, the crew here and other sailors have found an interesting way to pass the time, and to increase ones gold in said pocket. You, being guests on this ship, are allowed an opportunity to either participate in the gambling or the activity. but ye cannot do both....interested? he finishes, looking donata in the eye, and then giving a slow wink.
Donata smiles and laughs lightly.
"The activity? What exactly is this activity? Gambling is a fool's pastime, but if this activity may prove to be interesting."
"Yes. What is it? You can't expect anyone to commit if they don't know what they're committing to."
"Yes. What is it? You can't expect anyone to commit if they don't know what they're committing to."
Why stop now?
Please my captain lead me to this unspecified activity like onto a lamb to the slaughter.
Alfonso goes to meet his fate with a smile.
ahhhhh, so, here is how it works. as we go through the narrows, the ships move closer and further apart as we sail. the distances is always changing. contestants, one from each ship, starts off in the middle of his ships deck with a large stick. he pauses leading you down to the middle deck, and pulls out a wooden rod that is no thicker than his thumb, and about 10 feet long. when the gong sounds, which can come from any of the ships, the contestant must gather up his rod and attempt to cross to another ship by any means neccessary. It could be by jumping, lunging, swinging, zip lining, or by skiff, but the contestant cannot touch the water at all. if he falls in, he is out. if he looses the staff, he is out. once on the other ship, he tears off a colored rag and ties it to his staff, letting people know he has been there. He keeps going till he has all the rags and makes it back to his ship first. There is a twist too. some of the ships dont participate. but they do not say anything. it is up to the contestants to find out when the land on deck. those that land on a non participating ship are greeted with sailors "defending the ship" with soap bars wrapped in towels. nothing too serious, but has been known to knock a guy out.
sound like fun?
sound like fun?
"Ah... yes boisterous fun." "I am afraid I must regretfully sit this game out. My recent soaking stands too large in my memory for me to welcome a repeat visit to the deeps."
Donata considers the captain's words. The winner of such a game would have to be incredibly strong, nimble, and skilled. The young men and boys in the summer caravans used to play games jumping from horse to wagon to horse, but this seemed far more dangerous and difficult. She considers the water below. It looks colder and more forbidding than it did a few moments ago.
"Captain, I think I too shall sit this one out. Even with the goddess' blessing I could not succeed at such a feat. Please tell me how the gambling works. How can we judge who is running from other ships? Or can we only wager on Neversere's champion?"
the captain laughs a hearty chuckle. ahh my dear donata, you have a keen mind! you see, the betting isnt on who wins, although that is an option. the bets can range from the number of ships touched before the last guy falls in, how many times a certain person makes a certain style of crossing, how many people will land onto a "non-playing" ship, how far a contestant will go before failing, heck you can even wager on the ships, position, speed, whether they assist or deny contestants... if you can think it up, im sure someone will have odds on it.
he pauses a moment and pats himself down ahh, here it is he pulls out a fist sized black stone. putting it into the palms of his hands, he gives a sudden jerk and twists the stone apart, revealing a hollowed out core.
fellow captains, can you hear me? he speaks into one end, holding the other up to his ear. you can hear some muffled ayes from the earpiece. yes, it is good to talk to all of you again. yes, i have here some fellow travelers who wish to partake in the wagering aspect of the shippard games. no, i dont think any of them wish to participate. ok, ill do that
he lays both pieces down on the deck, cup side up, and then steps back. suddenly you hear loud voices emmenating from nowhere
speak! identify yourselves to be counted on the wagering books!
[jimmy is gonna make it this time! my ship wagers 100gp on him
fushaw! jimmy is crap. aelon can do it, and he will do it by rope use only, at 7 to 2 odds.
Arbot thinks on the affair for a minute.
"I'm not much of an acrobat, but it sounds like an entertaining enough undertaking. I'll give it a shot. Better than sitting around here anyway!"
Alfonso glances at Arbot with a raised eyebrow.
"One platinum that Arbot will take more flags than Jimmy or Aelon."
Arbot looks around the ship. "Would I be able to trouble you for a harpoon and a dinghy? I'll have both back to you in good shape in no time."
Donata considers the rules and her purse, before speaking up, "Donata Petali on the Neversere. I'll add 5 gold to Alphonso's platinum on Arbot taking more flags than Jimmy and Aelon."
****
She turns away from the speaking stones and looks at Arbot. "You'd better shed that mail. If anyone drops a rock through the bottom of your dinghy you'll be swimming.
" If you'll accept the blessing of Shelyn, I may be able to provide you some minor help."
Arbot smiles at Donata.
"This little shirt was worn by my pappy. He put it on me when I was a little boy, and it's never hindered me since then. Have faith that it won't hinder me now! I'll take what aid you can give me though... I expect these sailors to have a lot more practice than I."
Alfonso's eyes light up for a moment.
He speaks clearly for then microphones.
"Did you hear that! Our competitor Arbot will not only take more flags than Jimmy or Aleon but he will do it while wearing steel armor!"
"What blessings I can offer are of short duration. They may only last until you reach the first ship. "
"What say you Pallo? Care to gamble on the life of our shipmate?
the sounds of outrage and disdain suddenly fill the air, as if over 100 people surround you
"impossible"
"outrageous"
"idiot"
"dbag"
"dumba**"
and it goes on. cpt morwhin looks over at arbot, sizes him up, and with a shout says i give 12 to 1 odds on the whaler. silence fills the air.
a bit bold of a bet my friend. what is your wager? a solid smooth talking voice carries through the speaker.
ahh, captain arlo, i was wondering when you would make yourself known. a wager huh? hmmm, lets make this interesting. i shall let my passenger alfonso here speak for me, and whatever you and him work out, i shall cover.
stepping up to alfonso, capt morwhin whispers dont go too crazy. we have to pay up before we hit port otherwise i will loose respect and honor.
dont go too crazy. we have to pay up before we hit port otherwise i will loose respect and honor.
Before Morwhin steps away, Alfonso whispers."Give me a ceiling, or are we talking shame and humilation rather than cash? Could you stand serving this Arlo drinks when we reach port? While wearing a dress? Or sing him a lullabye every night over this gadget until then?"
"Whaler? What exactly does that mean?"
hmmm? oh, it means that your using a harpoon and a dingy. i dont suppose you got 5 gold so i can recoup some of my loss when a ship drops a rock through the hull? morwhin explains with a blase attitude.
at alfonso, morwhin turns shame and humiliation is all good. but just remember that since you speak for me now, you and your friends have to do whatever you agree to
hmmm? oh, it means that your using a harpoon and a dingy. i dont suppose you got 5 gold so i can recoup some of my loss when a ship drops a rock through the hull? morwhin explains with a blase attitude.
at alfonso, morwhin turns shame and humiliation is all good. but just remember that since you speak for me now, you and your friends have to do whatever you agree to
"Well" Alfonso cracks his knuckles. It appears there is a bit of sporting blood in the water today. I propose a conservative bet to begin with. I am unfamiliar with the sport and may well be a poor judge of form. Let us say five hundred gold on the whaler at twelve to one......Oh and Captain Arlo I propose a side bet. If Arbot beats Jimmy and Aelon then you, and your entire crew will parade in single file the length of Riddleport harbor. This will be done in full daylight and your crew will sing the praises of the Neversere for the whole walk. Oh and one final detail. Every last one of you will be naked as the day you were born. If Arbot fails the crew and passengres of the Neversere will present themselves for the edifaction of the Riddleport docks.
.Do you find this bet agreeable?"
"Alfonso! What are you doing? I for one do not intend to parade naked in front of the Riddletown trash! I won't be party to a bet I won't pay."
Arbot spins around to glare at Alfonso.
"Yes Alfonso... perhaps such a bet is unwise."
"Ah, my co-passengers seem to lack my faith in our champion. Considering one of those expressing a lack of faith is the aforesaid champion perhaps my sporting nature has overstepped the bounds of sanity yet again. In the spirit of continuing harmony I shall amend said wager to simply an open tab for all participating crews at the tavern of the loosing captain's choice; this tab to remain open for not less than one full day. The participating captains must remain in the bar to maintain eligibility for their crews and the winning captains drinks will be served by the loosing captain as will the drinks of the winning crew be served by the crew of the losing ship.
Does this meet with agreement?"
"Bah! You nobles and your humiliation. Gambling is still a fool's sport and I shall have no part of your bets so I'm happy as long as they don't involve me."
"Ah, my co-passengers seem to lack my faith ... amend said wager to simply an open tab for all participating crews at the tavern of the loosing captain's choice; this tab to remain open for not less than one full day. ... served by the crew of the losing ship.
Does this meet with agreement?"
Donata stares aghast. "Do you have any idea how much sailors can drink? We'll be broke within an hour. Varisians love a game of chance or skill, but you'd better be able to back your bets or you'll find yourself outcast -- or worse."
She shakes her head. "Gambling to embarrass, ruin, or degrade does no good. Let us try something nobler. I will stake 5 weapons, the best my hand can make, steel without flaw, edges keen as a dragon's fang, lines smooth and beautiful as flowing water, on Arbot! Who will match those stakes?"
Alfonso removes a small box from an inner pocket. He opens it carefully and removes a pinch of black powder. With practiced ease he inhales the snuff and the springloaded box closes with a loud.
bump
The sudden noise makes Donata jump.
Alfonso, watching the still sea and listening to the silent communication stones turns to the others.
"Oh, dear."
after a long moments of silence, captain arlo speaks uphmmm...i heard the distinct sound of a womans voice. Been a long time since ive enjoyed the... company, of a female. Good speaker, since you were the one to put forth the terms of "embaress, ruin, or degrade", i counter offer this. If your whaler wins, my self and my crew will not only cover the cost of your trip to a tavern, but we will also be each sailors personal server. IF any other sailor wins, Captin Morwhin, crew, and guests cover our tavern bill. BUT, instead of you being our personal waiters, i insist on that lady being my... friend, for the evening...
Arbot grumbles on indistinctly about the wagers. He waves his hands to indicate his disgust with the affair and goes below to prepare himself for the undertaking.
He will collect 4 50' lengths of rope, borrowing from his travel mates or the ship stock. He will find himself a harpoon and seek out a large metal shield or two if he can find them.
Alfonso silently considers the speaking stones, glances at Donata, and simply raises one eyebrow.
“Multitudinous echoes awoke and died in the distance. . . . . And, when the echoes had ceased, like a sense of pain was the silence.”
~Longfellow
Bump
Donata looks back at Alfonzo, shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
How did this get so out of hand? Oh yeah, we let the nobility start arranging terms. Oh for the simple days when my father gambled dice and you paid in cash -- or blood.
"Good Captain, I am a true daughter of Shelyn. I would be happy to dine with you, but if you seek Calistria's pact, you must look elsewhere."
whilest in the straights, the game of jumping ships takes place. massive wages are placed all around, and arbot gettting in on the action. whilest it being his first time and not finishing first, he finished a very close second. unfortunetly for all the others, the repelling actions proved to be deadly. dagaard, in full armor, fell over the side of the rail, and with a splash, disappears below the murky waters below.
the trip to riddleport is a sullen one, lamenting the first casualty of the expedition...
whilest in the straights, the game of jumping ships takes place. massive wages are placed all around, and arbot gettting in on the action. whilest it being his first time and not finishing first, he finished a very close second. unfortunetly for all the others, the repelling actions proved to be deadly. dagaard, in full armor, fell over the side of the rail, and with a splash, disappears below the murky waters below.
the trip to riddleport is a sullen one, lamenting the first casualty of the expedition...
To Arbot and Donata. "We few seem all that have survived from the field before Magimar. I suggest our first step should be having these stones appraised and see about hiring some merceneries, lest we all simply vanish into the forest."
sorry guys... i think we should just call this adventure dead. i wasnt able to commit to this as much as i had at the start due to more responsibilities, both at work, and at home. you all were great to play with.
hopefully when i get into a better rythym, i will be able to start up again.
thanks...
the DM
Dewn Mou'Tain, thanks for the game. I certainly understand real life getting in the way. Good luck.
vip00, PoorWanderingOne, great characters. Very fun Rping with you.
I'll see you guys around the boards.
therealthom
Definitely understandable. Thanks for the time we had! Good luck with your house and all the other stuff.
Vlad
Alfonso, Donata, and Arbot stand on the Riddleport pier.
Alfonso speaks."Yes. The expedition was canceled. The entire Chelish contingent defected two hours out of Magimar. Apparently my loving uncle and the rest of the cheliax command were tarred, feathered and dumped in a disused stable." "I suspect the mutinous troops would not be happy to see the folks sent on a special mission by the Ancien Régime. I also suspect Cheliax might not exactly welcome our return. They dislike being reminded of failure. So it appears we are alone and friendless in an alien land." "Except...." Here Alfonso pulls a corner of the gem filled bag from his sleeve. He glances at the others and raises his eyebrow."A fine dinner and a toast to our continued partnership."
The three walk arm and arm and arm into the city and a future that would shake the inner sea.