Taking your watch one clear night, you become entranced by the strange new constellations that hove up over the southern horizon the further south you voyage.
And it suddenly hits you, the Scholar's Journal! Descriptions of the southern constellations were part of the clues that lead to the treasure!
When the time rolls around where you instruct the hand to hand combat, do you warn the new guys about Black Breath Bob? Or not?
Sunny blushes at the attention being shown towards her by people.
"Ummm...." Sunny looks around, then seeming making a desperate move, skips over to the other girl and again attempts to mimic Master.. (>_<) 'Lord' Avner's hand shake to her, bringing the other woman's hand upwards for a light kiss.
"Hey-lo there." Suny tries to mimic Mas- (>_<) Lord Avner's introduction that she received, " M'name be 'Suny' in'a speakin' of tha' peoples...." Again giving a slight bob and curtsy to the other woman. (^_^)
Burian is a little slow in picking up the uneasiness his appearance and manner bring about in the crew. He attends to his duties, and general preventative maintenance at his own pace.
After a while Burian notices the crew seems to give him a wide berth, but without any tangible incident to address... he says nothing. He merely redoubles his efforts toward working past exhaustion, and keeps his friendly nature understated - like a polite and tireless child.
His isopod whispers in his mind...
"Yes... keep your head down and work, my boy. Acceptance of mere men bears too high a price... made toothless or a fool."
The newcomers will can quickly see that Bryson doesn't actually do anything. He spends much of his time in the crow's nest. He does talk to Spinnaker Jon at least once each morning about the weather. He also spends time snuggling with Annie. He will sometimes change into a bird and be gone for hours looking for the Blue Nixie, the ship of their patron, Lavinia Vanderboren. When not doing those few things, he's walking around in his frilly clothes emulating Avner Meravanchi.
Devon throws himself into the duties afforded. He also enjoys the fighter practices immensely. His starting opinion of Avner is not high as he knows of his reputation. However, he can't help being pleased with the noble's flattery and takes him up on his offer to dine where he will talk of his arena experiences as well as some of the dalliances of the nobility in that area of society. Devon knows his tongue is his worst enemy and will be especially wary of insulting the noble by accident per the Captain's request.
When Devon can he will catch Suny privately.
"Suny, I notice that Lord Avner has been paying close attention to you lately. I don't wish to intrude, but be wary of him. He has quite the reputation for using women for his own entertainment then leaving them at the drop of a hat."
It is very apparent that Devon is uncomfortable with this conversation, but his concern is obviously sincere.
"I have no advice, but take care of yourself."
When Devon can, he will catch Suny privately.
"Suny, I notice that Lord Avner has been paying close attention to you lately. I don't wish to intrude, but be wary of him. He has quite the reputation for using women for his own entertainment then leaving them at the drop of a hat."
It is very apparent that Devon is uncomfortable with this conversation, but his concern is obviously sincere.
"I have no advice, but take care of yourself."
Sunny listens intently to her friend's words and warning. Once Devon is finished Sunny lets out a huge sigh of seeming relief,
"Ahhhh! Thank'e!" She even moves to give her friend a welcoming hug, "See? This be tha' thing! Is like when that Bryson feller done yelled at me fer not knocking wood right! How's I s'possed ta' know things less'n peoples tell me tha' things I should be knowin'?" She asks/explains to Devon, nodding.
"Why? T'is such'a nasty thing whut I done, that Bryson feller? He done seem ta be talkin' t'me self none! All'a ways spendin' time up in'a mast or flittin' about in'a sky.... In't got tha chance ta be sayin' how sorry I be fer whut I done wrong or nuffin!" She exclaims.
"Right! No hat droppin'! Is'a rilly important thing ta' not be doin' around Lard Avner." She nods seriously, repeating Devon's very important but timely warning about more 'Faux-pass' social interactions in regards to Human culture.
"I mean, even remeberin' ta' put tha other word in'a front of Avner's name? In'a speakin' of tha' kin, when ye be sayin' that sort'a thing.. it changes tha' way ye say tha' name, ye ken? In'a speakin' of peoples? Why, t'is ye need a whole t'other word ta be doin' tha' same thing..." Sunny shakes her head smiling ruefully, "Still, that be one'a tha reasons I come. Ta be learnin' all'a things about peoples!" She declares brightly. (^_^)
She'll also seek to get to know Rynight Trendit who's also in Avner's company. (^_^)
If Sunny sees Ghirrak practicing his 'katas' of a morning on deck Sunny will move to be beside him so that she too can get some exercise in. Her basic techniques should be the same. Just her emphasis will be more flexible and circular. Sunny will be the 'Water' to Ghirrak's 'Earth'. (^_^)
Sunny spends her days as productively and enthusiastically as seems to be her want.
Marius nodded thoughtfully, "As far as defense against fire goes, it's difficult to shield something the size of a ship against fire. I can be ready to counter any fire-based spells, which ought to prevent mages setting us alight, and I should also be able to deal with any fires which do take hold. Still, taking out anybody waving firepots or the like about in a fight should definitely be a priority."
"I'll definitely coordinate with Bryson. He's bound to have some different approaches to mine. My own specialty is in transmutation - the alteration of people or objects to better suit our needs. Turning fire into smoke or fireworks is the obvious example there."
Taking a sip of the wine, he sighed ruefully, "There is something else you should know, as it's bound to come out sooner or later." He rolled up a sleeve, exposing a tattoo of a serpent coiled about a lotus blossom, "I was involved with the smuggling side of their operations. When I learned just how far their ambitions and methods went... Well, Rowyn didn't like people quitting. Or knowing who she really was, for that matter. I was fortunate enough to be able to escape in the confusion of an attack on the hideout, and it seemed prudent to skip town."
Ghirrak smiles as Sunny joins in his training sessions, noting the very different yet complimentary style. He also warns her of Avner's lecherous nature, though it is clear that the noble would find his advances checked quite capably were they unwelcomed. The thought of Avner being knocked on his ass brought a chuckle.
Ghirrak smiles as Sunny joins in his training sessions, noting the very different yet complimentary style. He also warns her of Avner's lecherous nature, though it is clear that the noble would find his advances checked quite capably were they unwelcome. The thought of Avner being knocked on his ass brought a chuckle.
(^_^)
"T'other person's hands be 'sposed ta wanderin' when they's sharin' a bunk." (^_^) She answers brightly.
"Though, knowin' tha whens an where I s'pose can get a mite confusin' sometimes..." She nods in agreement. She tilts her head,
"Master Avner be not too displeasein' ta tha' eye...." She admits after some thought, perhaps only now even thinking along such lines in regards to the fellow. Then her gaze drifts bck to contemplate Ghirrak himself and a very mischievous grin spread across the tanned Elf's features.
"Wan'a spar closer?" She asks, even as she shifts her stance and posture, slipping around to face the burly Half-Orc, the meaning of her words indicative of perhaps a more 'Hands on' approach to their lessons....
Spinnaker Jon looks wide eyed at Marius.
"An' ye made it out alive? Ye got some intestinal fortitude in ye laddie! So tell me..."
They spend an enjoyable time in conversation about Port Sasserine, politics, Arcane matters and travel.
When the matter of a Pyrotechnics spell comes up, Spinnaker Jon starts searching his books and papers, he comes up with a couple of scrolls.
"Found a couple of scrolls from Minkai, could be o' use ta ye."
Sunny's approach to Trynight Trendit ends in disaster! She throws a screaming fit of jealousy and throws stuff at Sunny until she leaves. The whole thing turns the female settles hostile to Sunny.
The male settlers have to follow their women's lead, but really think she's OK. (Think of them as Neutral).
The ships crew and officers generally admire her ability and cheeriness.
GULL STREET ANNIE:
Annie giggles at Bryson when he first parades his new finery, then grabs him to apologize for her reaction.
"You don't need to dress like that to impress me!" She said with a grin. "But where on earth did you get such a... set of fine clothing?"
During sword practice, Devon's superior skill turns several of the crew into friendly competition to try to best him in the use of a Rapier. Annie, Parrotless Booker, Amella Venkalli and Spinnaker Jon come the closest so far.
Spinnaker Jon seems impressed by Devon's skill at helping the riggers up top, and calls him up to the quarterdeck to question him about key points in sailing.
"You seem pretty good at this Devon. Where'd ye learn how ta sail? I mean ye told us yer background in general, but WHO did you learn from?"
Burian seems to have a more difficult time of it, but not from the petty bullying often seen below decks. He is isolated, and seems to not converse with anyone except when needed for ships duties.
Except perhaps for No-Eyes Bellamy, the cook. Perhaps the face he keeps a patch over both eyes had something to do with his being friendly. He seems to have found something good to eat for Burians pet as well as the rest of the crew.
"Hee, hee! Here ye go Burian! And here's something fer yer little buddy too!" Said No-Eyes as he looked in the wrong direction again. He set a bowl of chowder for Burian, and a dish of sea urchin something-or-other down for the isopod. The isopod digs in with relish.
"Don't know why he likes that stuff; ain't nobody else on board 'll eat that." He commented.
"Hey now come on Burian!" He nudged. "We're sailin the ocean blue! There ain't no finer life ever, and I been all over the world!"
The newcomer's first taste of the unarmed training comes as a shock. Despite Ghirrak's warning, nothing could really prepare anyone for wrestling with Black-Breath Bob.
A big Black bearded man, his favorite tactic was to grapple his opponent and then breath into his face with his 'weaponized halitosis'. Generally, you wake up being doused with water and laughed at by the crew.
The effect can only be described as being punched in the nose; from the inside.
The crew takes pity on you then and show you some breathing techniques to avoid that fate.
The Voyage Continues
With everything else going on aboard ship, the voyage continued.
The Savage Kraken continued to follow the coast of the Amedio Jungle south. There were no great dangers in this time; no dangerous monsters, no enemy sails, no sails at all actually. It was as if they were alone on the sea.
The weather turned mild and hot. The wind grew less and less until there were long days where there was no wind at all.
Noteworthy was a vast stretch of valley ashore, several miles of which had been reduced to blackened ash. When investigated, you find several hundred dead ape like creatures wearing some jewelry and armor had been piled up in a great mound. No clues how that happened, and you are forced to sail on before you can solve it.
It is several weeks later, and you come to the vast alluvial plain of a great river. The crew works very hard to row the ship into one of the channels with no wind to aid them. Eventually you come close enough into a suitable anchorage to tie up using a lot of cables and a bunch of trees ashore on one of the jungle covered islands. You should be relatively secure here.
Spinnaker Jon gathers the ships complement on deck for a speech.
"Alright ye lads and lassies! Here's where we rest up fer a day or three before we head out into the next phase of the voyage! Rest up and have fun, 'cause it's gonna be a while before we hit land again!"
Two days later, a fog descends on the ship and shore parties after nightfall.
Everybody make Perception checks.
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"That's...quite the offer. Another time and place, I definitely would. But I'm spoken for, in fact I worry for her safety since she is in command of our other ship. The one that went missing before you all showed up." He says, the brief smile fading. Sunny returns Ghirrak's grin, though as he relaxes from his stance she tilts her head and seems puzzled for a moment. Then bounces a little closer and playfully bats at the air between them and she giggles.
"Dun't be silly! I were talkin' about two different things." Though she laughs, "But I can see how they's kind'a tha' same, sometimes..." She adds with a wink. (^_~)
Possibly getting a good, fast tap in on the burly Half-orc before the tanned, lithe Elf skips back and begins to circle...
The male settlers have to follow their women's lead, but really think she's OK. (Think of them as Neutral).
The ships crew and officers generally admire her ability and cheeriness.
For some reason the first mate, Amella Venkalli glares at you as if she hates you, though she is invariably polite.
Lady Tendrit's reaction leaves Sunny completely stunned (And possibly even slightly bruised) as the other woman's tirade takes her completely by surprise. The tanned Elf retreating to the space that's been set aside for herself and her companions.
In the following days Sunny throws herself into her chores, even taking double shifts if she can. Though she keeps her distance from most 'old' crew and tends to try and be near those she's familiar with.
In the quiet times with her companions, Sunny will flip between curled up in a corner in her hammock or quietly but earnestly asking her friends what social thing she's gotten so horribly wrong this time.
"Hey now come on Burian!" He nudged. "We're sailin the ocean blue! There ain't no finer life ever, and I been all over the world!"
Burian is appreciative of "No-Eyes" Bellamy's efforts. "I know you think I should make further attempts, but the crew would certainly see through the facade if I were to suddenly change my behavior. I'll not win favor through artifice. My time will come, Good Sir. Like a plain girl at a ball, I will appear more appealing once something truly hideous arrives. Mark my words, Master Chef." Welt clicks and dribbles urchin bits as if in agreement.
When the fog rolls in Burian tries to quiet the part of his mind that hopes this is the time. He knows from Welt's lessons, fog often forms from the hot breath of malevolence.
Spinnaker Jon gathers the ships complement on deck for a speech.
"Alright ye lads and lassies! Here's where we rest up fer a day or three before we head out into the next phase of the voyage! Rest up and have fun, 'cause it's gonna be a while before we hit land again!"
Sunny throws herself into helping load up the jolly-boats with gear and people, though she herself simply dives over board and swims around, besides and under the boats as they head to shore. Helping guide the rowers in avoiding anything hidden under the waters.
Once ashore she's quick to scamper about to look at every thing there is to see. (^_^)
With Annie not liking the outfit, Bryson will wear it only occasionally at dinners when he wants to make the evening special. On those occasions, he tries really hard to act more like Avner.
Bryson will eventually try to befriend Burian. "You ok with your tentacle buddy so you ok with me."
When the fog comes up, Bryson hurries to Spinnaker Jon. "This here fog ain't natural. You gotta git e'rebody back here and ready."
Ghirrak takes advantage of the opportunity to get rid of some of his tension sparring, enjoying the opportunity for physical action without the immediate concern for life and death. It helps him keem his mind from venturing into the darker corners.
He boards one of the boats, amused to see the tawny elf preferring the water to the boat, his preturnaturally sharp eyes piercing the unnatural fog.
Marius had spent the voyage integrating himself into the crew. Getting to know people, helping out where possible and sharing the odd story about some of his exploits, particularly a couple which had gone awry in an amusing fashion. On a long voyage such as this, there was a lot of time to talk.
He'd also found the time to coordinate with Bryson about the ship's defense, suggesting that his own role be to defend against fire, whilst Bryson went on the offensive against any pyromaniac types, perhaps keeping a defensive spell or two in reserve just in case.
Shore leave after weeks at sea was a welcome prospect, and Marius had enjoyed stretching his legs a bit. He didn't think much of the fog rolling in until Bryson's warning that it wasn't natural, at which point he hurried to the railing, ready to cover the shore party.
OK, all you Player Characters tell me whether you are on ship or on shore when the fog rolled in after nightfall.
On ship.
Sunny is scampering about on the shore, looking at all the stuffs there is about to see.
"Hmmm... I wonder if'n these shell critters be good eatin'....?"
(^_^)
"Well, I grew up by the sea. Worked a fishing ship as a bow for a while. Except for my couple of years in the arena, I've spent most of my life at sea."
Devon does not particularly enjoy unarmed combat, but does seem to be hard to grapple. Once the ship ties up for rest, he will spend as much free time ashore as possible.