Astrianna considers the Koa Island. "Ah I remember now. The Koa Islands are heavily wooded and scared to the Tulita, harboring the majestic Koa trees. In the past the wood was reserved only for chieftans, but ever since the Avistans caught wind of the virgin forests they have been the sites for lucrative logging operations. If I recall correctly, I heard some rumors that many of the lumber parties have been mysteriously vanishing lately."
"Sounds to me an adventure waiting to happen, but we're on a bit of a timetable. In any case, we don't have anything to worry about except seeing some lumber freighters, perhaps."
Bri shakes her head. "Nope, not an adventure for me at least, not even later. Sounds like the lumbermen deserve their fate."
"If there aren't many ship round here than lumber freighters, we likely won't see many pirates. Lumber seems like it would be too bulky and heavy for them to want to bother with."
The remainder of the night goes by uneventfully and captain emerges shortly before the 6th morning bell. Nobody woke him up and he slept (or stayed out of the way at least) through, along with most of the crew, the nightly events. Quite few men are cleaning below deck int he morning from those who were seasick. There are a few swabbies mopping the decks, when the Captain moves onto the poop deck. He glances around. "Position report? I'll take the wheel you get some rest navigator."
As the night shift readies to grab a bit of breakfast and bunk down they gossip and tell other crewman about the night's adventures and losses.
"Right out of the riggin'...one minute he's thar, the next poof..gone to Davie Jones locker."
---
In another snippet, "Yep...the villainous, parrot-strangling, lilly-livered kelp eaters just plum snatched Waern (Tulita Veteran) and Cronin (Human Marine) right from d'deck."
"They are probably either looting the lumber ships or trying to repair their ship from the storm. I doubt we have to worry about them anymore if it is the latter. I know I pushed to get us to sea quickly to help Port Shaw but I don't think we are ready for this. Maybe after a few more days we can try. Quell knows most of the crew are probably up for it after Ptahh's speech. I have a few spells I want to try out against another ship too but we have a greater worry. I imagine the crew would be happier to know their home port is safe and lycan free." Chell casts Keep Watch on herself and two other willing people.
Bri gives the Captain a report on how far off course they were thrown by the storm and what she has done to correct that problem and what she thinks their current position is.
After that, she goes to get some food and then some rest.
My first priority is the crew, and they need to know how we can improve on our situation so that there is no repeat of last night... A different watch, actively looking for climbers, something. A path to improved survival. And, if we're boarded again, what's the plan.
We need to address the fallen. From a religious perspective and for morale. I appreciate the need to know where we are, but the tension will grow, the tales will become more fanciful.
School enchantment; Level inquisitor 1, magus 1, paladin 1, ranger 1, sorcerer/wizard 1
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
EFFECT
Range touch
Target one creature touched/2 levels
Duration 8 hours or less; see text
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
DESCRIPTION
This spell enables the subjects to stand watch or keep vigil throughout the night without any ill effects.
The subjects suffer no fatigue and gain all the usual benefits of a full night's rest.
The subjects gain hit points as though from resting, wizards may prepare their spells as though they had slept for 8 hours, and so on. Effects that rely on actual sleep or dreaming are ineffective, though the subjects are still susceptible to effects that would put them to sleep, such as sleep or deep slumber. Any vigorous activity, including fighting, immediately ends the effect, and the affected creatures must either have the spell cast on them again or sleep for the remaining hours to avoid fatigue and gain the benefits of a full night's rest.
I'm assuming you someone brought the Captain up to speed. "The ship lost how many souls last night?" He nods. "I'll note it in the log. What's the damage report?" He's very monotone, there isn't a sign of emotion or excitement.
She nods to Sorrin. "Tomorrow we'll bury the fallen, properly. I'll leave the improvements up to you. Just don't overwork the crew or they'll get sour."
Astrianna is on the poop deck with Bri when the Captain arrives. "I've noted the location of the Sahgauin raiders on our charts so we can avoid or speed through the area next time. We lost three souls. One sailor and two marines. Maybe some day we can came back and avenge them... damn fish men. As for damage there's a bit of buckling on the bow, took a nasty wave and some sparring from the wrecked ship left its mark. Nothing to worry about at the moment, so I'm told."
She clicks her tongue remembering what else there is to report. "Fished up a halfling from that shipwreck. Fiosa Sweetooth. The pirates on board the Rabid Weasel left them adrift, and then the gill-breathers attacked... She was lucky to get picked up by us. I offered her work if she wants to sign on as a sailor. Hasn't accepted yet, but she may. I think she's sleeping off the night." She runs fingers through her hair. "Speaking of sleeping, I'm exhausted..."
Guess we'll talk to the crew, Ptahh. Thoughts?
"The seas a dangerous place, we just visit it for the most part, but when she is angry there's not much we can do but ride out her wrath. It looks like you all handled the storm and rescue well." He rubs his chin, then continues. "It's always difficult losing a soul, it's hard second guessing yourself. Sahuagin are some of the most dangerous, sneakiest creature in the sea. They are intelligent...more so than quite a few humans that I know, which makes them worse especially since they live in the sea. It's their home." He looks over the guards and sailors milling about having breakfast. "You had eight guards - positioned well - on duty, you really couldn't or be expected to do much else. Guards plus sailors on deck and you nearly have people bumping into one another. Plus too much noise on deck and you'd disturb the others who were off-duty."
He pauses. "So this Fiosa escaped in a barrel? That Rabid Weasel was in port with us, if I recall. If you need sleep you should take it."
A dog?
The sky has brighten following the storm, the seas are still swelling on the backside of the front, but the sailing is clear and uneventful through the morning. There is shipboard chatter about yesterday's events they are a bit down and are talking about it.
Capt level 9
capt chr 2
Nav Int 5
Chap Wis 5
base roll +21
The crew is quelled easy enough, they basically assume the events of last night as the way of the sea.
Ptahh lurns to Sorrin, "The crew will be fine as long as we remain strong in our duties and show no signs of weakness or dispair. We should continue on with a steadfastness that will inspire and rally them behind us. Last night's misadventure was a hard lesson. Our losses hurt but we should bury the dead, prepare them as though we may run into the Rabid Weasel and move on with our mission."
"Perhaps we should have a discussion in the cabin about tactics if we run into any unfriendly ships? Like what spells that we are capable of casting at a long range that would hinder or damage the ships, what spells are good for dealing with boarders... That sort of thing, because it is always best if we can get our spells off first before you fellows move in for the close combat, that way we do not hit you with them too by accident."
"Also, have you two trained any of the men yet in how to deal with boarders? The importance of everyone cutting grappling hooks as soon as they appear on our railings and that sort of thing?"
Astrianna yawns. "A well-placed fireball on their main sail and you can knock out their sailors and rigging alike, Bri. Or hell you could make their helsman fall asleep and send the whole ship reeling. You're probably the most potent ship combatant we have, unless Chell has some tricks up her sleeve I don't know about. She has the staff of Swarming Insects I suppose... it would be deadly on board a vessel."
She waves a hand. "My spells are mostly good for subterfuge, disrupting enemy spellcasters, debilitating foes, or emboldening us. You shouldn't have to worry about cross-fire from me. If there are spellcasters on board I'll try to stun them or silence the deck."
The half-elf makes for the officer's quarters. "I've got to get some sleep....I'm jealous of your ring, Bri."
"I can hold an enemy ship in a whirlpool for the better part of an hour," she says conversationally. She is fully aware of how powerful and dangerous that was but, like the staff, it would be used wisely. "And I can make them afraid of water. Should make them a lot less likely to fight. Maybe even end it without bloodshed."
Sorrin listens on. A dog would be good, could smell'em.
The morning and early afternoon moves by peacefully and without incident.
Astrianna wakes after a long rest in the Officer's quarters and returns to the deck, refreshed. She had retrieved her Hat of Disguise from Chell and the black wide-brimmed cap protected her smooth complexion and silky olive skin from the sun.
The half-elf takes to the poop deck with Bri and the Captain, resuming her assistance. She keeps an eye out for sails in the distance, and makes a prayer to Calistria. My Lady in the Room, let us see the sails of the Rabid Weasel in the distance today, so they may feel our stingers. Their murder of Jard must be avenged. Fiosa Sweettooth's ship, Mist of the Sea, was sacked and left for dead by those bastards as well... I say a prayer for her too, that she may find revenge for her friends and livelihood soon.
Fiosa wakes for breakfast which she are, but then promptly went back to bed. When she, finally, woke she lingered around the galley like a stray alley cat. Sampling everything and anything. After finally having her fill of vittles she made her way to the main deck. Stretching and basking in the sunlight, letting it warm her short, rotund body. Taking a deep breath of fresh salt air. "It's good to be alive.." She looks down at her outfit and frowns, she then pats at a small pouch around her neck.
Eventually, the halfling walks up the stairs to the poop deck. "Good afternoon. I'm Fiosa Sweettooth." she curtseys.
"Eeeek!" she jumps back, her large round brown eyes wide. Pointing towards Bri. "Careful you've a snake crawling on you." Her heartbeat pounding.
Astrianna smiles as Fiosa takes to the poop deck. Finally, someone with some manners. "Good afternoon, Fiosa. I hope you found our ship accommodating?"
She chuckles as the halfling notices the witch's pet snake. "Don't worry about her, that's just Emmy. She only eats... actually, come to think of it I've never seen her eat anything."
All clear! The call comes down from the crow's nest.
Allowing for ceremonies, burials and speeches... Sorrin eventually picks up sailor training where he'd left off, with the landsmen.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Yes...well my stay has been fine. Can I ask you something though? How did the scrambled eggs get burned, and well the oat cakes were ...not to sound rude or unthankful, but they were like rocks. I heard sailor grumbling about stale cakes and you've only been out to sea a day. Needed to soak it in the coffee first."
Bri looks down. "Don't worry, Emmy only bites if threatened. And she eats small lizards, mice, insects and frogs.
Astrianna sighs loudly and looks uncomfortable for a moment. She isn't about to admit she ate her own trail rations and brewed her own coffee this morning, but... "Ah... yes. The cookie is a tad inexperienced. Unfortunately we were in a hurry to leave Shaw, and he was a fresh hire. Not that he would know anything about freshness. At least no one has gotten food poisoning."
She shrugs, and is frank about the matter. "If he doesn't improve before we return to Port we may have to let him go. I can feel morale slipping every time someone bruises their jaw on a biscuit."
The half-elf raises a brow at Embri. "When exactly do you catch these critters?"
Perhaps she's trying to tell you, she can help. Or not... Sorrin moves to rejoin his trainees.
Bri looks down. "Don't worry, Emmy only bites if threatened. And she eats small lizards, mice, insects and frogs.
"Useful on a ship really."
On the subject of cooking: "I've had worse but poor food isn't going to help with moral. Can you cook?" she asks the halfling. Her size suggested she enjoyed food. Maybe that translated to a passion for cooking.
She brightens up a bit, "Well I've been know to bake up a decadent chelaxian triplet chocolate cake with a delicious raspberry cream frosting, or possibly fresh Taldorian white cream pastry." She notices the drool at the corner of the half-elf's mouth, "Mostly baking...I could...say assist, the cookie, if you think that would be a good spot for me."
As you look out on the horizon, you catch the glimpse of sails on the horizon (E of your position). Just the top edge of two sails at this time. Distance a bit over 6 miles.
Astrianna's eyes widen at the mention of baked goods. Taldorian white cream pastries?! The ones with the little almonds on top?! I haven't had those in YEARS!
"Yes!" She says a little too excitedly, before clearing her throat and regaining composure. "Yes, that would be wonderful. The cookie could use the help. Consider yourself hired; our galley is at your disposal." The half-elf thinks for a moment. "We recovered a crate of lemons from the sea last night, perhaps you could make some lemon bars...?"
"Or a nice lemon tart or even just use some lemon juice to freshen up some of the fish for dinner."
Bri squints out at the horizon, trying to make out something in the distance.
"Anyone have a spyglass or anything? I think I see the very tops of a couple sails out there on the horizon, maybe about 6 miles out to the east of us."
Astrianna squints at the distance. "I don't see anything... 6 miles? How can you even see that far? We don't have a spyglass yet, it's on the list of equipment to purchase."
She thinks for a moment. "It could be the Rabid Weasel. She's the only other vessel we know of heading this way. If we were blown off course to the west, and now we're heading north-east to correct, we could have ended up parallel to them if our vessel is faster than theirs."
Astrianna checks their charts and makes some calculations to see if they can set an intercept and still keep on course, if they decide to investigate the ship.
"Well then it's settled, I'll just be heading towards the galley." She begins to hum an upbeat song as she turns away and leaves.
Fiosa, was it... How did they come at you? The Rabid Weasel, I mean.
Anything extraordinary? Magic, beasts, weapons... Anything that could help would be appreciated.
Chell squints at the horizon trying to make anything out about the approaching vessel but, try as she might, she can't make out much more than a white dot. It could very well be the Rabid Weasel or another pirate. Or it could be a merchant or one of the Dragoon's ships. Either way they would need to get a lot closer to make out the flag or the name on the side. "Officers to the poop deck please," she says loud enough for the others to hear. When they have gathered next to Embrianna and Captain Donovan she speaks. "I think we should expand on our plans during battle in case that is a pirate." Her gazes lingers a tad longer on Sorrin than anyone else. "I have a plan that might work out with the fewest deaths possible. I doubt anyone on the water right now missed the storm so it wouldn't be too odd to see a ship in trouble. We pull back speed, loosen some lines and put three-quarters of the necessary men on the deck. Make it look like easy an easy mark. We don't have the manpower, experience or moral to fight an extended battle and out maneuver them so we draw them close. All the fighting men will stay below deck and ready to move. I'll hide up here on the poop deck and wait. On a signal from Embrianna I can hold their ship in a whirlpool and make probably more than half their numbers afraid of water. Or I can use Entrall or Shatter on the rudder or ballista. If there is a spellcaster Astrianna can silence the ship. If they manage to get out or cast before hand Embrianna can web or set fire to the sails. Once crippled we bring all the marines up and Sorrin and Ptahh can make show of force to cow them into submission, hopefully before any blood need be shed."
Astrianna sighs as Chell calls them up, as she is attempting to plot a course if they decide to intercept the ship. She listens to Chell's plan, and at the end the half-elf is grinning. "My Chell, this is wonderful and perfectly devious. I love it. My only concern is how close we will be to this whirlpool you're going to crate, but I trust your spellcasting expertise and the blessings of Quell. Also, if they have a spellcaster on board, they may dispel your whirlpool... My silence does not last as long as your whirlpool does, and even with bows we may not be able to kill them before they get the spell off. In that case, it's going to turn into a brawl."
She thinks for a moment before continuing. "As such, I have the following improvements to suggest. With some time, a group of 10 sailors, and some equipment, I can make the Baron look like a humble, unarmed merchant vessel. It will be far easier than pulling men off the deck. I have a lot of experience with this, just trust me. Secondly, while I understand you don't want any bloodshed, I believe we should rustle them up a bit. If there is one thing pirates respect, it's strength, and we need to prove we have it in spades. A fireball or two, some ballista target practice, knock a few off into the whirlpool before we demand surrender. If you don't... they'll just start a fight when the boards get laid down. Thirdly, I can make an illusion of many more marines on deck... just to solidify their surrender."
For her final point, she sighs. "And lastly there's the matter of what to do with the pirates and their ship if we capture it. Personally, I believe if it is the Weasel, we bloody and cripple her, take the spoils they looted from Mist of the Sea, make Flynn walk the plank if he's aboard, or just gut him if we're in a hurry... and then send them on their way. If we want to capture the vessel there's a lot more logistics involved... and a lot of potentially mutinous pirates to deal with. As much as I'd love to capture the ship and sell it, we don't have a brig."
She spreads her hands wide. "If it even is the Weasel, of course. I still vote for disguising the ship as a merchant vessel and intercepting to find out."
"If they have a spyglass they might see us trying to disguise it. A lot faster just to remove some men and make it look like we are struggling. And I'd avoid a fireball unless we want to tow the ship. And I can cause the Whirlpool at over 600ft and it will be 60x60 but I can vary that. I can cover even a brig I believe. I suggest we wait until we are close enough to silence the ship incase there is spellcaster. As for if its the Weasel I would differ to to Ptahh. Are there any aboard the Weasel that don't deserve death?"
Astrianna sniffs and shrugs. "Does it matter if they see us disguising the ship if we want to draw them in? If anything, they'd think we were trying to go unnoticed... indicating we have something to hide, and potentially something they want. Trust me, I know this type." She chuckles. "I hope they have a spyglass. We could really use one."
She is curious about Chell handling the brig. "How could you hold an entire unruly crew for multiple days? Or make them sail their own ship? We don't have enough sailors to crew two ships. On top of that, you know if we brought them back to Shaw they would be immediately arrested and crucified by the Dragoons for piracy? I suppose we could drop them all off at Sharkjaw Docks, then sail the ship back... but we are on a timetable, and everything takes time. If the weasel is slower than our ship we'll lose a day or more. At this point I don't recommend capturing any ships, but at least capturing their spoils, or sending them all and the ship to Gozreh's Endless Depths."
The half-elf looks over to Ptahh for his opinion on the matter. Ah, I can see it now... we capture the Weasel, Ptahh challenges this Flynn person to single combat or something orc-y... then I can organize a nice betting pool around the fight and make some money when Ptahh chops Flynn in two!
Sorrin holds Chell's gaze as it lingers on him for a bit, them listens to her and Astrianna discuss options.
"Keep in mind that if we appear in distress, the vessel might approach us out of a genuine desire to help us out. So we shouldn't be too quick to attack them until we know their intentions for sure. There are more than pirates out here in these waters you know and I would really hate to repay someone's kindness with a fireball up their arse."
"Also, I see no reason to intercept the ship if it leaves us alone, regardless of who it is. We've already lost over half a day due to that storm and we really don't want to risk any further delays if we end up getting out own ship damaged. Remember that we are on a time limit and we need to put the safety of a whole town over that of a ship."
Bri gives a quick glance over at Sorrin. Boy, I thought you were supposed to be the voice of reason around here, what the hell am I doing making sense? Guess it's a bit easier to think clear when I'm not distracted by whichever man I'm chasing."
Sorrin raises a brow at Embrianna's words, nodding in appreciation of her point of view.
Seriously? Now they see the importance of getting to Sharkjaw? After all the convincing and... "Your absolutely right. We do have an important mission to see to. I am glad you all finally see that." Chell plasters a smile on her face but it is difficult to hide the sarcasm and bitterness. "Good talk," she says as she leaves to continue training the new recruits.
Sorrin seems surprised. What's wrong, Chell?