Qina's eyes opened ever so slightly and she remembered this was the part she hated more than any other: getting up. She rolled onto her side pulling the covers up as she went. A moment later she recalled the mission and their early departure time and she jumped out of bed.
She dressed as quickly as she could, not bothering to try and contain her wild hair. She grabbed her pack and her spear and bounded out of her room into the family's common area. She grabbed a few of the empty sacks that mama had left for her and stuffed s many cookies into the first one and potatoes into the second one as she could. The last one she was more careful with, taking her time to stack the threes pies and two loafs of bread that she had been up all night preparing with mama.
She rushed into her parents' room, jumping onto the bed and tackling them both before dashing out and over to Pressi's room where she knocked as loud as she could before shouting "I'M OFF AGAIN PRESSI. SEE YOU SOON. LOVE YOU." She hurried back into the kitchen, grabbed a sack in each hand and balanced the third in between the first two before turning to stare at the closed door. As she stood there trying to figure out this puzzle, her sister wandered out, gave her a hug, and opened the door for her.
Once Qina was out the door and half way down the path, Pressi called out "I know you hid money in your room again." Qina pretended to not hear her and kept running towards the docks. She didn't want to be late and couldn't wait for Brezik and the others, but mostly Brezik, to see how much food she brought with her.
She came waddling up to the docks like a pack mule strapped with too much cargo. Some how she was able to see and cautiously made her way onto the boat. Her arms were strained with more weight than she had carried in a long time so she asked as soon as she was able. "Where's the kitchen?"
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Vivian nods with understanding to the Captian and moves aboard. She takes her backpack off and holds her bundled up gear under her other arm. Taking in a deep breath, "Yep, smells like adventure to me." Looking to Alister, she sees him eye the water much like she did. "Yeah, I have the same feeling. I'm going to chance it without for the first few days.. I don't know, honestly I might not be able to sleep without it on.."
As Qina stumbles on Viv exclaims "Holy Pies! Let me help you!" and she takes one of the sacks from the girl.
The Kind words of the captain brought a smile tp Brezik's face... He relaxed into his own self and got bust stowing his own gear.... then he looked up and saw Qina. Brezik couldn't stop himself from laughing... Allister! We have a pack gnome it would seem... HAHAHA!!! Brezik walks upto Qina then takes the other two bags, that Vivian hadn't grabbed, without asking. If you were going to bring all of this you should have let me know... I would have been happy to load it into my bag! Wait... do I smell... PIE?
Captain Walran stares at the sacks Qina lugs on board. "Sorry lass, no real kitchen, just a magic stovetop that heats up, but it shouldn't be too difficult to prepare food."
"Your boat is beautiful captain. Do you own her? You mentioned the Razmirans... What can you tell me about them?"
Bel's growing social confidence with the keepers of the flame has not spread to his interactions with others. The questions are not delicately asked.
"Of course you smell pie. What kind of trip would this be without pie? Oh, and be careful. We probably won't get any more for quite a while so don't drop it. There's cherry, blueberry, and meat pie. I woulda had ma bake more but we only the one night." She shrugged as she started looking about the boat.
"So Captain, what kind of sights will we see?"
"Aye, I own her. As for the Razmirans, like I said they "encourage" others to join their faith at the point of a sword. Rare is the person able to look down steel and maintain their convictions."
Walran thinks a bit before answering Qina's question, "The first three days we won't be seeing much more than the riversides, I hope, but once we get to Lake Encarthan proper we'll be able to see old ruins on the shoreline from the time of the Whispering Tyrant." He gives a wink and continues, "Supposedly it was the sight of a great battle and many good folk perished there holding the Tyrant's forces at bay, but no one knows for sure, the records of the time having been sealed at Lastwall."
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Having spent very little time on boats throughout his life, Allister is uneasy at best. The endless churning back and forth of waves sends him to the rail and he struggles to keep any food down. The others may notice there is very little movement or waves and begin to wonder if his discomfort is borne of fear.
Despite the precautions from others, Allister does not remove his armor. "I'd rather die by the sea than a Razmiran blade," he can be heard saying in between upheavals.
"I'll take first watch with Allister. I don't see too good when it's dark but if you guys wake me up I can cast some light spells. Oh, and I can cast my armor spells and I got a wand of it so I can keep you guys somewhat safe without your armor" Qina says as she smiles with pride.
Gad'larr will work with the crew learning the barge and the differences it has with deep water craft,
while helping to maintain a watchful presence for any obstacles or enemies.
Commenting to no-one in particualr, Gad smiles again in a way you have rarely seen him do.
"Beautiful way to travel, is it not? It does not seem like it travels that fast, but the miles are just eaten away
with the breeze."
"I think so. It's quieter than I had imagined. No one's singing. And it doesn't hurt my feet. Do you like to sail Gad? You sure seem like you know what you're doing."
"When I fled our home as a child, I passed through many trials and tribulations, but eventually I had somehow made my way to a city by the sea. I actually hid on board a big ship that was in port just to stay warm during a winter storm, but the ship took off while I was asleep.
Technically I was a stowaway when I was found the next morning. However, the captain was a half-orc as well, sympathized with my position a little, and offered me a choice: Cabin boy or shark bait. I... almost chose the shark bait to be truthful, but that is another darker story for a darker time. Anyway I found I liked being on board a ship. Following orders amid the flowing seas, and fulfilling duties successfully in ocean storms was...well it was almost a serene experience compared to where I was prior to that. I now had trusted friends, a full belly every night, and an important job. Things came naturally for me on the sea for some reason...but all that ended quickly when the ship was attacked."
Looking into the distance Gad sighs heavily.
"The Lustful Seadragon went down near the coast of Jalmeray nearly a year later. I believe it was attacked by a giant mythical creature called a Kraken. It happened during an intense summer squall, and identifying the creature is only a guess based on the few glimpses I had and the experts I asked about it later. I...I think I'm the only survivor since no one else was ever found."
After a long pause, Gad smiles sadly, looks at Qina, and then ruffles her hair with a playful tongue sticking out of his hideous teeth.
"But you can guess my story from there Mother Dragon: I found myself rescued the next day by a passing ship, found nearly dead, and then landed in the amazing land of Jalmeray the day after."
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"I don't feel good about this, there's, so, much, water... I don't know how you did it Gad, I respect it but I don't know if I'd survive on a sea with all the rust." Vivian looks out in an almost morose disbelief. She has stowed away her scalemail and mace, and is now sitting in the boat's cabin polishing the beautiful shield. Her current infatuation.
"So, at what point in the trip do these zealots of the Living God come out to barter lies?" she asks of the sailor nearest her.
The day passes by, the sun rising and setting in due time. While Captain Walran whistles tunes Ewem helps to scrub the deck, check the sails and supplies, and generally maintain upkeep. Gad'larr helps out wherever he sees opportunity, causing Walran to grin and Ewem to give small smiles and half nods of acceptance. He even speaks little bits of Taldan intermingled with his native Hallit, "Your...work...well Брат" Ewem looks on in confusion to Vivian's question, but Walran answers quick enough, "Well lass, we're hopin' to avoid the damned zeolots, but I'd expect them closer to our goal than here."
Night comes on and no signs of any trouble arise. All but Gad'larr, Brezik, and Captain Walran retire for the evening. The captain leaves a single lantern above the door to the cabin so the barge is visible to others in the night, to prevent collisions. It is still about 4 hours until dawn when the first hint that something is wrong hits as the barge feels like it collides with something. The second hint is a large pair of jaws, able to take out a horse, lunging out of the water to snap at Gad.
They snap shut around the air next to Gad's arm with such force that several teeth fly out. The sound alone is enough to wake everyone from their slumber.
Brezik who had been watching the shadows of the bank is surprised by the sudden appearance of a large crocodile on the barge. He drops the pickled egg on the ground that he had been enjoying before so rudely being interrupted. He moves around the crocodile drawing his Great axe and steps up to the creature with some excitement.
ALLISTER... I GOT A NEW BAG FOR YOU!!!! SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!!!
Bel is strangely at ease on the barge, he has never traveled on water before but the fluid seems to calm his soul, the currents running from the prow spin away in endless spirals, a good omen for sure.
As his watch ends and Bel slinks below deck he is happy to return to his worship and meditations.
With a start he is awake. It was dark outside and he had no idea what the time was. He had fallen asleep. A loud snap and shouts from outside bring him fully to his senses, grabbing his scythe he rushes for the deck, surveying all in a moment...
Having been completely surprised by the crocodiles attempt to make a meal out of him, Gad first simply stares at the creature as it's now missing teeth bounce off his chest.
Shuffling quickly and moving into his Dragon Style he attempts to pound sense into the stupid reptile!
+ Flurry!
+Stunning Fist!
Fort DC:13 (Wasted!)
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Unable to sleep during his first night on a boat, Allister sits out near the railing, trying to scan for the horizon, close to the water should he need to hurl again.
A couple hours before he had removed his armor thinking he may be able to sleep off the sickness. That was foolish. He left the armor down near his makeshift bed, but brought his sword along just as Lightbringer Naabi taught him to do.
Allister jumps to his feet when he hears the killer crocodile, readies his sword and moves adjacent to the creature.
"Not another animal..." He laments. It is so much easier on his mind to kill evil beings than hungry animals. 'I must. This beast could harm someone if we don't put him down. He attacked our boat.'
The crocodile takes a ferocious hit from Gad'larr , but remains standing .
Confirming...
Nearly breaking the crocodile's jaw in a spray of teeth, Gad steps back in case the croc takes another bite at him.
The sounds of snapping jaws and feet trampling across the deck was enough to rouse Qina from her slumber. She sat up briefly unaware of where she was. The light seeping in front outside barely provided enough for her to see her surroundings so she summoned her own light and crawled out of bed still half asleep.
Gad'larr's fist snaps the jaws of the crocodile out of alignment, causing severe internal damage, allowing the unconscious form to slip back towards the water.
Captain Walran looks at you as Ewem steps out of the cabin. "Hah! I knew it'd be a grand idea to have you aboard! After seeing how quickly everyone responded and how hard you hit I'm more than pleased to have ya here!" Ewem realizes everything is quiet once again and goes inside to finish sleeping once more.
Qina came walking out onto the deck, light emanating brightly from a small hair barrette nestled in her red locks. It looked as though her head was shining like a lantern to any but the most astute observer. She looked around at everyone standing about and asked "what's going onnnnn?" The last part turned into a yawn midway through. "What are ya'll doing up in the middle of the night? Are we having a snack?"
Grabbing the bleeding Croc before it slides into the water completely, Gad huffs at Brezik.
"Don't just stand there pickled-egg man! Grab a flipper! I think I can skin this thing for some extra money once we reach civilization."
Successfully skinning the creature...
...aaaaaand make a nice but simple crocodile teeth necklace for Qina!
=)
"Every mother dragon should never leave home without her teeth!"
Fresh meat for the next several days too!
As the fight ends and things seem to be going back to normal Brezik walks over and retrieves his Egg from the deck. He frowns and breaks a piece off tossing it over board then shoves the rest into his mouth...
"Don't just stand there pickled-egg man! Grab a flipper! I think I can skin this thing for some extra money once we reach civilization."
MMMbbllllmmmnnmmm
Brezik walks over with his mouth full of egg and helps pull the crocodile up on the boat. Brezik takes a final swallow as the large reptile drops to the deck of the ship.
Qina.... do you know how to cook Alligator?
"Hmm, alligator is normally pretty tough and dry, but we can make soup or stew pretty easy" she says as she looks it over. "We can try some steaks if someone can butcher it well enough."
"Uhm, Gad. I never leave home without my teeth. See" she says as she smiles.
"Your legend grows by the day Gad'larr Crocbane. These waters will be that bit safer now."
Bel steps over to the crocodile, bending down to inspect the body
"It still lives, if we are killing it best finish the job quick. Captain, are such attacks common on these waters?"
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Allister does not wish to see any animal suffer, so he rests the point of his sword at the base of the incapacitated beast's skull where it meets the spine and thrusts it downward. The beast jerks, then goes deathly still.
"Scary things they are, but pretty too. Gad'larr, will you save a tooth for me? And might be the captain wants the skull. It would look good at Flame Fort, too."
Walran hums to himself absentmindedly, "While not common it is certainly not unheard of for the hungrier predators to swing by and try to snack on unsuspecting travelers. Just be glad it wasn't a serpent, their venom can kill the toughest man in a few hours."
Gad will pass out croc teeth to whomever wants one.
"Croc for breakfast, lunch, and dinner folks! Can you make crocodile-bacon Qina?"
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Vivian bends down at pets the hide, "A beautiful natural armor, would this hide be able to give anyone some more protection? If so I could try to work with it." Looking the rough skin Viv starts to get some ideas. "Really only worked pelts to make blankets for Pa, but this seems similar enough to that."
"It would make a good set of smallish leather-style armor, or hide shirt maybe. I can not wear armor myself, or otherwise I cannot move as well as I should. Qina maybe? The rest of you tend to wear heavier armor I think normally. Can you work your magic at all with armor on? Not to mention seeing you with actual scales would be pretty intimidating!"
Again Gad smiles at no one in particular, and is in a rare good humor, despite the horror of nearly being eaten and currently covered in crocodile blood.
"You all should get back to sleep if you can. The next watch will come too quickly enough."
"I don't think I'm strong enough to wear armor, but maybe some nice bracers. I might even be able to enchant them eventually...some day."
Qina nodded at the idea of returning to sleep. "I think that's the best idea you've had all day. Good night." With that she turned and headed back to the cabin and her bunk.
The night passes quickly and the next day arrives. A routine is set with various watches up and about, though Walran or Ewem are always up and about. Rains begin to fall steadily, though this does not upset the water enough to concern the barge. On the third day you exit the mouth of the Tourondel River into Lake Encarthan proper. Captain Walran keeps within a mile of the shore only heading further into the lake to avoid sandbars and rocky outcroppings.
It is on the fifth day, early in the morning, the captain has skirted close to a rocky outcropping where Qina spots movement.
Qina suddenly shouts "CAPTAIN, I'VE GOT CRABS! Look, there are so many of them, they're all over the place. Off the star...port...left...over there! Ewe, and what is that?" She raises her arm and points to the rocks, trying to pinpoint the crabs' location.
By Torag's bushy beard! The captain immediately heads for deeper waters, turning the barge nearly 90 degrees to get away. "If those crawlers get aboard we'll be slowed to half or less of the pace we currently have. The last time I had to deal with that many of them they took one of me crew overboard. Only thing left was 'is bones."
"What's that?"
Belathorian had been at the prow, watching the currents
"Plagues of Crabs? We do seem to be attracting all manner of woes today..."
He trails off, lost in thought
Ewem, hearing the concern in Walran's voice heads into the cabin grabbing flasks of oil and crates of provisions before leaving them on the deck. From the ships aft end comes clicking sounds followed by the sound of splashing into the lake. It sounds like the tide is coming in violently on the shore, but because you're a mile or more out from it you believe it to be all of the crabs falling or jumping into the water.
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Allister perks up as the others begin to notice the crabs. "Oh, wow! Crabs are one of my favorites." He quickly realizes that the others are worried, and the swarm is closing in on the boat.
Rummaging through his adventurer's pack, Allister retrieves a tindertwig and a torch.
"Swarms don't work against swords, but fire might."
Once the crate of oil is set down, Qina grabs a flask of oil and starts stuffing a piece of cloth through the top. She looks around and asks "do you think this will work?" to no one one particular.
Having been woken up by An excited Ewem Brezik walks out in just a pair of pants. He looks around to size things up and seeing Qina begin to make Molotov cocktails Brezik laughs... So you guys like your crabs boiled or steamed?
Brezik will also spend a full round prepping an oil to be used as thrown weapon.