DM Deevor's River Into Darkness pbp (Inactive)

Game Master Deevor

Trueheart looks at Lysandra a twinkle in his eye, then back to Leylyn. "If there's anything you can do that might slow them down, it might help. Just be careful with what you do. But if they catch up with us and the Guards want to board, then we'd best let them, so throw down some netting to let them climb up." The Captain is really enjoying this little diversion and just can't stop grinning.

"Aye Captain."

Lysandra leaves to drop netting from the side of the ship for the guards to climb, as the captain ordered. Waiting patiently as the rowboat gets closer and closer.

Once two of the rowers on the boat are within 90 feet, Lysandra will begin singing, targeting two of the rowers with Fascinate. Will Save DC 16 for the rowers (If its saving throw fails, the rower sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the Lysandra continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on all skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks.)

"Hmmm I guess this is one way to learn to be a Sailor"

STR Rolls:

"Best we keep at this Jon, would be a shame to have to ruin that mans fine clothes by getting them awful wet..."

With one almighty heave the 3 sailors with Harry and Jon, fully hoist the sail, much to the surprise of Dreavin. Dreavin lets out, "Impressive boys, hope you can do that when we really need it out at sea, when the winds blow and seas swell." The wind picks up and takes the sail, as the Green Serpent picks up speed and leaves the harbour's waters into the slightly more choppy waters of the open sea.

You see Joseph come back on deck, there is no sign of Charles.

Captain Trueheart lets out a shout, "We're free to follow our destiny in the hands of the Gozreh himself. He tosses his head back, extends his arms outwards, palms up to the sky and in a loud voice "Gozreh look kindly on us as your winds drive us forward to Bloodcove. May your waves be benign and our passage swift." All the crew respond as one, "Aye aye Cap'n. Let it be." The wind flows through the Cap'ns hair as the ship plunges out to sea, the small waves beat against the bow, spraying fresh blue water.

Dolphins jump and swim in front of bows, an escort to the Green Serpent as it makes its way, onwards into the blue horizen. A beautiful day for sailing.

It is 10 minutes later that Joseph goes below deck and appears with Charles once more. Charles comes up, rubbing his eyes and stretching a little.

You all work until dusk is nearly upon the ship, when everyone except the first mate and the helmsman gather in the galley to get their food.
George serves everyone at the galley table. It seems there's a lot to discuss over dinner. George takes Runther and Draevin their meals up top.

...Harry looks rather pleased with himself as he wipes the sweat from his muscular form.

"So chaps, how many days sail we set for on the way down? And do you reckon those fellows might be following on later?"

"...and this naval life dont seem so bad neither, three squares and a cot each day, and pay to see the world"

"Depending on how many ports we stop at along the way, it could take us two and a half, maybe three months to reach Bloodcove."

Turning her attention to Charles

"Which with an equal amount of time on the return trip, should be sufficient for someone's troubles to die down a bit, whatever they may be. That being said, since we are to travel together for the next half a year or so, what did you do?"

Diplomacy (if needed):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Well I'm not in any hurry to return to anywhere in particular, and the journey to a stange port always opens the opportunity to new and fascinatin' lasses, not as fetching as refined your good self of course Madam Eventide, but just more..'available'..."

Harry tucks mightily into his food, whilst watching the conversation between Charles and Lysandra.

Charles grimaces.

"I have not done anything, beyond being unlucky enough to be born a Beecroft. Unfortunately, my brother recently annoyed several powerful factions within Corentyn, and when people like that get angry, they tend to spread their displeasure around with a rather large shovel..."

He shrugs.

"I decided that things were a little too 'lively' in town, and that taking a sabbatical would probably be good for my health, until things calm down..."

Charles gives Lysandra a wan smile.

"Half a year or so sounds like a good length of time to me."

"Well I'm not in any hurry to return to anywhere in particular, and the journey to a stange port always opens the opportunity to new and fascinatin' lasses, not as fetching as refined your good self of course Madam Eventide, but just more..'available'..."

Harry tucks mightily into his food, whilst watching the conversation between Charles and Lysandra.

"Refined? You take that back!" she says, only half-joking.

"What brings you on board, Harry? Running from trouble like Charlie?"

"Well Master Beecroft, a chap can't be helping his heritage now can he? nor can he be taking the blame for the actions of others. Should that lot be finding you on our journey then I'd be happy to politely ask them to see reason and find another place to go shovelling."

...Harry flashes his trademarked 'charming rogue' grin at Lysandra

"No real trouble other than a bunch of barmaids making dark designs on me having a new life of homemaking and child rearing."

The grin slowly gives way to a look of more quiet reflection.

"I guess a man in my position always puts a few noses out of joint by putting a few noses out of joint, and of course every debtor who loses more than he owns in a drunken moment considers himself a 'victim', and victims seem to have a habit of plotting a bit o' the old revenge. If my only real crimes are collecting on what folks owe and the odd bit of bodyguarding, then I can sleep well enough at night."

"Anyhow, none of these things are a concern on their own, but they soon add up to a rather lively existence should you stay too long in one spot, so best me and Thumper headed on our way"

As your eyes contact, he looks at you with an expression as if you are someone who would understand.

"I know all too well what it is to be tied to a heritage or deeds you might not have chosen, my heritage is writ large - whilst I was lucky enough to blessed with the human looks of my mother, my fathers lineage is also rather obvious; and though I haven't been cursed with a snout and fangs, the blood shows - especially when things get bloody.

"I feel a bit like my dog Thumper some days; people like having the big dog around to protect them, but quite often they begin to fear the beast as being 'savage'; well I never hurt anyone who didn't have it comin"

Indeed you note that Harry does appear very human, but the pointing of the ears, the solidly muscled frame, the hardness of his features and strongly chiseled jaw do give away his orcish bloodline - though the looks also appear vaguely complimentary.

The smile leaves Lysandra's face briefly.

"Sounds like what my mother had in mind for me before I left, the homemaking part that is."

The smile returns to the young woman's face, but it lacks a bit of sincerity.

"I can certainly understand not wanting to stay in any one place too long. I left my home a little over three years ago and so far I've managed to stay a bit ahead of the people my mother sends to bring me home. She never understood that I always felt more at home on the deck of one of my father's ships, and even less so since....well nevermind, I don't mean to bore you the little trifles of my past."

"Never boring, milady, always nice to have a knowing for the types of 'gentlemen callers' we can expect to be arriving at our door for you during our business together"

...Harry begins to grin again...

"...I could always introduce myself to them as your new husband, the follwing spectacle could be worth a laugh..."

Harry shoots a quick glance over to Charles,

"I guess I could say I was his husband too come to think of it, wonder how his 'friends' would react? Rather priceless I'd wager, a likely riot"

Harry chuckles away quietly, aparently very pleased with his comedic efforts.

Charles nods to Harry.

"My brother has a glib tongue, and a knack for getting himself out of trouble. I dare say he will be able to worm his way out of the current difficulties he has gotten the Family into, but until then, it is good to know that I will have people who understand watching my back."

He sighs.

"Truth be told, Arthur was always better at moving in political circles, so Father left him in control of the Family interests... I was always more comfortable outdoors exploring new trade routes, and was happy to leave the 'home' business side of things more or less to him. I guess if anything, this proves that in future, I will have to take at least a passing interest in them, because he clearly cannot prevent fall-out from hurting the rest of the Family..."

Harry shoots a quick glance over to Charles,

"I guess I could say I was his husband too come to think of it, wonder how his 'friends' would react? Rather priceless I'd wager, a likely riot"

Charles smirks at that.

"I dare say it would be quite amusing! Of course, to cement the disguise, we should really get a pair of matching platinum wedding bands at the next port we arrive at..."

Leylyn watches as the row boat gets farther away until it disappears from view . Hohoho~! So much for me needing to help, seems a favorable wind is blowing in our direction after all.

After helping with dinner Leylyn listens to the current topic of conversation and snorts. Looks like this is going to turn into a honeymoon cruise after all! Charles and Lysandra, I think you both will make beautiful brides! Leylyn beams with an awkward kind of seriousness.

Leylyn watches as the row boat gets farther away until it disappears from view . Hohoho~! So much for me needing to help, seems a favorable wind is blowing in our direction after all.

After helping with dinner Leylyn listens to the current topic of conversation and snorts. Looks like this is going to turn into a honeymoon cruise after all! Charles and Lysandra, I think you both will make beautiful brides! Leylyn beams with an awkward kind of seriousness.

Jon wolfs down his food. The excitement of their departure from port has made him famished. He gets up to take his dishes to the rear of the galley.

A honeymoon cruise...well, good thing you have a man of faith among you to help you recite your vows! he says with a laugh.

Captain Trueheart jokes "You know as the captain of this vessel, it is within my power too to perform the wedding ceremony for whom ever feels the need...Hahahaha! George, break open a the cask of rum, let's celebrate the first night aboard with our new fugitives. You all did well today, I've not had that much fun for...oh it must be at least a couple of days!...Hahahaha!" The rest of the crew in the galley join in the Captains's joke and look appreciatively at the thought of rum.

As for the journey, we might not head into any large ports, all speed is required to get to Bloodcove, and besides some of us may have a few debts outstanding in those places, eh Joseph. No doubt, you'll be part of the games that Joseph and Runther play, just take pity on them, they have practice at being good loosers. Although we shared the winnings once did we not, what a night that was in Sandport. Wine, Women and a profit...what more could a captain wish...eh!!..eh!...Hahahaha!" It seems nothing will stop the Captain's jovial mood, even his orders aren't quite as severe as they could be.

A little later he talks a bit more seriously, "We'll need you ta help with the watches too you know, over a 24 hr period, I'll need everyone to take their turn. I suggest Harry, you take a midnight turn, then you'll be safe to walk you dog on deck without getting in everyone's way. You'll do the watch and leave the navigation and helm to my more permenant crew. So if you can all do a 4hr watch each day, you will be doing your job and learning the craft of the sea. Tonight my boys have it covered, but I'd like you to start tomorrow, By, the by, you'll not need to do the 8am to noon slot, that's shared by whatever is down for the day, maybe one of you or our boys. Anyway sort yourselves out, I'm sure you will."

The dinner seems somewhat extended by the jug of rum on the table. All in good humour and relaxed. Until eventually George clears the table and Joseph calls Leylyn over to wash and wipe the pots and dishes. The captain stands and with an exaggerated bow, leaves the company, returning up top, either to his cabin or the main deck. He turns and casts a glance at Lysandra, "Maybe see you later?", a wink, then he's gone.

You sit under the swaying oil lamp, as it gently spreads it's light over the ever darkening scene. Dusk has given way to night, warm and rollong, soporific. Joseph joins you, "Time for some cards anyone, a few coppers will do? Runther will be down soon, we can all have a little wager."

George gets out a little harmonica and begins to play a simple sea shanty. There's a call from above and one of the deck hands rises and leaves to do his duty.

And so the night comes in.....

Work out your watch rota and let the captain know in the morning. Otherwise it seems you have the night to yourselves.

"Certainly Cap'n, I find that witching hour rather refreshing; will try and ensure Thumper doesn't eat the ships cat...12-4 it is."

Harry eyes off George shuffling the cards and hears the familiar chink of coppers hitting the table, 'just a few coppers' is always the way it starts...

"Sorry chaps, not really one for cards, but say, did you hear the one about the barmaid and the dragon?..."

Harry joins George and any other crew at the table, and whilst avoiding the cards (and any excess of rum) tells them a collection of tall stories and ribald jokes from the rougher end of the docks whilst trying to engage with the lads (and pick up any pertinent info).

After a few hours...

"...and so he looks the princess dead in the eye and says 'not without my platemail!' - hahaha"

Harry rises from the table,

"Righto chaps, thanks for the pleasure of your fine company, but I'd be best off catching my beauty sleep, should I catch the eye of a wealthy heiress"

Lysandra enjoys the evening, having idle conversation with the other crew members, and a bit of rum.

"Well boys, let's see just how good you are at games of chance." she says tossing a couple of copper coins on the table, and having a seat.

"Due care Miss Lysandra, lest your shirt is not the only thing you lose"

Harry winks at Lysandra conspiratorially

Jon enjoys a few mugs of rum and beer...chatting with the crew. As the games begin...

Well boys...and ladies..., nodding to Lysandra, I'll leave you to your games.

He makes his way on deck. He never enjoyed the smoker air of below decks for very long. He breathes in the salty air as he strolls along the ship's deck.

"Due care Miss Lysandra, lest your shirt is not the only thing you lose"

Harry winks at Lysandra conspiratorially

Lysandra smiles, pleased with Harry's concern

"No worries, I won't be drinking too much, or do you not remember my warning for Leylyn earlier today?

Leylyn watches the others partake of their game of chance, chuckling whenever someone loses a big hand. She would participate but she figures she wouldn't be able to resist using her powers. Last thing she needed was to be considered a cheat.

Sorry guys, apparently Lysandra's fiancée is the worrisome protective kind. You might be biting off more than you can chew! She says to the group jokingly.

Harry laughs at Leylyns remark,

"I've not often been accused of being a gentleman, but I do try to make the odd effort toward it where the ladies are involved, unless of course they prefer me not to be..."

Harry laughs at Leylyns remark,

"I've not often been accused of being a gentleman, but I do try to make the odd effort toward it where the ladies are involved, unless of course they prefer me not to be..."

Ho ho ho! How deceptive... I like it! Leylyn laughs.

Some fun mechanics on the OOC thread, as an option to include here in the story thread, when you feel the time is right.

Joseph and Runther appreciate the added company, and not forgetting the extra rum. Joseph, abruptly gets up around 10pm. "You continue... hic...I'd best be getting up ... hic top, the Cap'n said he would let me off til now, what wiv it being our first night...hic.." The big man, struggles to get up in his inebriated state, knocking his chair to the floor. His pudgey hand comes out to hold onto the wall, as the ship takes a sudden lurch from a larger wave and the oil lamp almost swings into his sweaty brow. "Best make sure the honeymoon cruise don' get no trouble...hic..." As he steadies himself, one hand goes to pat the elf affectionately, but thinks better of it and the arms makes a strange circular motion. He nods at Harry as he moves past him, "You'll learn to let go a bit, when the boredom sets in...hic ...oh yeah....Best do me watch now, be glad when our 'guests' are on the rota, make our life easier...hic...hopefully." He sways up the stairs onto the main deck.

Runther looking across at Leylyn slurs, "Bet you got lots of boys in trouble little lady. So much more fun with the ladies aboard...Hahahaha!" Returning his gaze to Lysandra, looking deep into her eyes, "I'd like to win more than money, you know that don't you?" His eyes seem to blur, just as his speech.

The other three sailors eye the girls, but are wary of the 'gentlemen', the are polite but not overly friendly.

At a polite point in the evening (around 12) after putting in enough time to tell his yarns and bond with the crew, Harry gets up from the table and stretches out to his full size, whilst casting a lazy eye over the remaining three crew members.

"That beauty sleep is a calling, and I'd best get a few scraps down to Thumper before he goes looking for something or someone to gnaw on"

Harry descends below decks, happy they seem to be travelling a bit calmer than they were earlier, a boon he thinks, as the rocking would not have been conducive to good sleep.

A large black dog is gently swaying in the hammock; Harry sighs and pokes the dog awake...

"Oi, I'd be wanting my hammock... up you big brute"

Thumper merely stares back, displaying little motivation to move.

Harry senses a possible impasse, and decides to break the deadlock, by producing a bowl of left overs from the galley - having the imediate effect of springing Thumper from the hammock.

"Ha!" Harry exclaims as he prepares to hop into his hammock for a well earned kip.

A vagely quizzical look crosses the big mans face as he realises his 6'4" heavily built frame is about to squeeze into a 5'8" hammock.
With a bit of tooing and froing, he attempts to climb into his pad of luxury...

...and with a bit of a hop and a period of wrestling, he finally manages an uncomfortable, yet secure position.

"Not sure about all this business, might see if theres spare sail to make a bed... anyhow you greedy mutt, your turn to keep an eye out for trouble... good dog"

Returning his gaze to Lysandra, looking deep into her eyes, "I'd like to win more than money, you know that don't you?" His eyes seem to blur, just as his speech.

A mischievious smile crosses Lysandra's face, "I seem to be hearing that, or something quite similar a lot today."

Shortly after Harry leaves, Lysandra heads below deck to seek a night's rest.

"G'night Harry. See you in the morning.", she says as she hops gracefully into her hammock, obviously she has done this once or twice in the past.

Acrobatics:1d20 + 10 + 8 + 4 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 8 + 4 - 2 - 2 = 36 {Prof Sailor, sea legs, size (missed it by 1 inch), drinking}

Jon strolls around the deck for a while and then heads off to bed around 11:30 or so. He takes off his armor and climbs into his hammock...

Hammock attempt #1: +1 Dex -2 drinking -1 waves -2 size 1d20 + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 = 1

1d4 ⇒ 1 non-lethal damage

And fails miserably. He slips as the boat rocks and cracks his head on the floor. Cursing, he takes firm hold of the hammock and tries to hoist himself up again...

Hammock attempt #2: +1 Dex -2 drinking -1 waves -2 size 1d20 + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 = -2

1d4 ⇒ 3 non-lethal damage

He get his entire body on the hammock this time, but the hammock flips him upside down. He lands on the deck again. Pain shoots up his back as he lands right on his backside. Snarling, he drags himself up and tries one last time...

Hammock attempt #3: +1 Dex -2 drinking -1 waves -2 size 1d20 + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 = 11

He manages to pull himself onto the hammock, but looks down to see his blanket on the floor. I...can...almost...reach...it he thinks as he stretches his hand down to grab it...loses his balance and falls face first onto the deck. He gets up...grabs his pillow off the hammock and settles in for the night on the floor....stupid hammock

:)

Runther looking across at Leylyn slurs, "Bet you got lots of boys in trouble little lady. So much more fun with the ladies aboard...Hahahaha!" Returning his gaze to Lysandra, looking deep into her eyes, "I'd like to win more than money, you know that don't you?" His eyes seem to blur, just as his speech.

The other three sailors eye the girls, but are wary of the 'gentlemen', the are polite but not overly friendly.

Leylyn laughs. You guys don't want this... She says as she points to her face. You just don't know better yet. She whispers to herself.

I'm going to help Joe with the watch! In his state he is likely to fall overboard... And there is no way I'm going to miss that… She says and then mumbles on the way up to the deck.

Despite herself, Leylyn pulls out her ever@burning torch if night time and assists Joseph in the watch.

As an early riser, Charles is happy to take the 4am-8am slot. A sunrise at sea is always so beautiful ;-)

Charles smiles at the Captain's conviviality, and certainly partakes of the rum, but makes certain that the other crew members drink a lot more than he does; once the rum has really been flowing freely for a while, he quietly sips the same mug as the hours pass.

He tries to get a 'feel' for the crew... Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18.

One can never be too careful...

Once the Captain leaves, Charles gets up, ready to turn in for the night, but he hesitates when Harry starts telling stories, pulls up a chair, and listens for an hour or two, before reluctantly turning in, commenting with a rueful grin:

"You certainly tell an impressive yarn, Harry, but I should grab some shut-eye whilst I can... I dare say the Captain will keep us busy tomorrow!"

Retiring to the crew's quarters, Charles eyes the hammocks with fondness.

Ah, how I missed the freedom of the open sea...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 + 8 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 8 - 2 - 2 = 19.

He easily slides into the cramped confines of the hammock, and dozes off, rocked to sleep by the 'gentle' swell...

And so the night comes in.....

As night descends on the Green Serpent, Leylyn takes in the air, watching Joseph. To her surprise in the fresh night air, or is it just that he is holding onto the wheel, Joseph seems quite poised and alert. Even his speech has lost its slur. He looks down to where Leylyn is looking across the glinting ocean, "Well little lady, what d'ya think. Your first day on the Green Serpent, you did good. You enjoy it, It'll get harder you know, make the most of the good times. The night sea breeze cools you down considerably after the close hot cramped galley, Leylyn pulls her clothes tighter, to keep out the cold. Joseph continues, "This is the most free we get now, the wind in our hair, the stars above in the inky bklack sky. Alone in the vastness of it all." The quiet of the night captures the moment, the sound of the bow pushing through the water, setting white plumes of waves dancing away from the ship, the wind catching the sheet as a pulley and rope thud occassionally on a mast. A time of reflection.

The reverie is broken by the sound of Joseph, and light comming up from the deck below."And that's why this is the best time of the day, for tomorrow we'll be back up early at 6am to make the breakfast for eavryone, you ready for that Leylyn? You'll get used to it, the routine, yes you'll get used to it." Jospeh engages Leylyn is some friendly if banal converstation, but does say he will wake her at 6am, if she's not up. The quiet conversation continues until Leylen returns below.

Runther and the sailors stop playing when the rum ceases to flow. It would seem that by the end of the night, all the players are more or less back where they started, neither making a good profit nor a bad loss. Runther claps the backs of anyone who played cards and in a big bear hug, expresses his thanks for making the night so enjoyable. He breathes his rum smelling breath over Charles and Lysandra, his eyes a little glazed, "Tis a pleasure to have you on board, for the moment, I love the sight of yous, and you of me I warrent. Hahaha! Come the end o' this little cruise, we'll be sick o' the sight o' one another." His heavy hands clasp the side of Charles's face, as he plonks a big friendly kiss on his cheek. His hands reach out for Lysandra, who deftly ducks out of the way and bids the man 'Goodnight'. Runther turns, says I have an engaement with the darkness. and he slips off to relieve himself before plonking himself in his bunk, snoring almost before his head hit the pillow.

The next morning the sun is already in the sky as the crew and the party wake up, the Captain is less than happy. "Joseph, what have I told you before, easy on the rum. Now get that breakfast going, I'm hungry." The crew and you quickly do as they are told, whilst Joseph cooks breakfast. Leylyn sweats and toils in the kitchen, for as the Captain kicks Joseph, so Jeseph kicks Leylyn, at least figuratively speaking. You all get up refreshed, especially Jon, who is awoken by a large pink tongue and slobber being dragged up his face, before Harry calls his dog to heel. Runther calls out, "Wake up you honeymooners, no time like the present to start your day together...Hahahaha! Captain's waiting!!"

[i] From the deck you hear the loud voice of Captain Trueheart, "Lysandra, get here will you! Have you got me the watch list ready? Let me sign this paper here now pin it up in the galley so all can see it."

Days go by uneventfully as the Green Serpent makes its way smoothly towards Bloodcove, the ship rolling calmly with the waves. Pleasant days followed by temperate nights. You do your duties, more or less the same everyday. The food which started so well, is now the same mushy stew you had yesterday and the day before. You are lulled into a routine, your senses traps in the boredom of sea travel. It goes on like this for days..

Until 8 days into the journey....
It is just late morning, Joeseph and Leylyn are in the galley cleaning up breakfast and getting ready for preparing lunch.
The Captain is on deck, with Draevin and Runther, Draevin the is a tough taskmaster, making you all work, either slopping the deck, making good the sails or other activities. Then "Help!...help!..." you hear the sounds of one of the crew shouting from down below. You hear the sounds of foosteps staggering up from below onto the deck, as Ursel (one of the 3 crew members) collapses in front of you all, you hear him say, "It bit me!!".

Then "Help!...help!..." you hear the sounds of one of the crew shouting from down below. You hear the sounds of foosteps staggering up from below onto the deck, as Ursel (one of the 3 crew members) collapses in front of you all, you hear him say, "It bit me!!".

Lysandra stops what she was doing and rushes over toward the fallen crew member.

"What happened? What bit you?" she says trying to examine the bite.

Heal:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Ok...so healing is not her strong suit.

"Jon! Get over here, this man is wounded!"

Lysandra stops what she was doing and rushes over toward the fallen crew member.

"What happened? What bit you?" she says trying to examine the bite.

Heal:1d20 + 1 Ok...so healing is not her strong suit.

"Jon! Get over here, this man is wounded!"

Jon gives the knot he was tying one final tug. There...that almost looks like a sailor tied it. He hears Lysandra's voice call out to him. He rushes over to her voice from the other side of the ship.

Kneeling down he places his hand on Ursel forehead and examines him. "Ursel, what happened to you?"

Heal check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

It bit me!

For a brief moment Harry looks concerned, then consoles himself that if it was Thumper that bit him, "that man wouldn't be in such good condition"

Harry lets out a sharp loud two noted whistle, a signal for Thumper to come to him, hoping his canine friends ears can catch the sound.

Rather than walk over to the wounded man, Harry merely observes with half an eye from the distance, more concerned with watching his surroundings for other possible dangers and possible sources of biters...

As Jon and Lysandra get to Ursel, they see a his top is bloodied, the crimson life force soaking his shirt like a belt. As you rip away the shirt to expose the wound you are shocked to see only a small bite mark. Surely not enough to make this man stagger and fall?

Captain shouts at Draevin to take over on the bridge, "George, go get Joseph, Ursel was assigned to work for him, perhaps he can help." Turning to his new crew, Trueheart asks, "Can any of you help him?"

As the waves of pain course through Ursel's body, "Save me" he says weakly, sweat across his brow, his eyes holding back the tears. His tongue flickers out to moisten his dry lips, he croaks "The food its ruined!" With that his eyes close and he starts to breath heavily.

Spell casters who need to prepare spells, cn you make sure your character sheet is up to date and contains the spells you have memorised for days travelling on the ship.

"It's not much, but this will help some."

Lysandra begins casting a healing spell on Ursel.

Cure Light:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Jon will take the 20 - 24 shift. He doesn't care to stay long in the galley. He will take this shift so others can enjoy their evenings.

When someone rushes to get Joseph, Leylyn rushes on deck. What did I miss... Waha! Ursel got bit! She laughs, hopefully not offending too many people...

Leylyn, checks to see what bit him and what is causing his weakness…

Heal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
K.Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
K.Arcana 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
K.Planes 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Wow best set of rolls in a while…

Relieved that the wound in question indeed bears no resemblance to a Rottweilers toothy maw,

"Hmm a lot of fuss over such a small bite"

Lysandra's touches the man, who's stomach wound heals and closes, but unusually still leaves many inflamed red puncture marks in a mouth shaped pattern. Momentarily his face is relieved of pain, his mouth smiles, but it passes and his face is wracked with pain once more.

Seeing these marks Leylyn, recognises the tell-tale signs of the poisoning, she immediately takes action to try and suck out the poison.

Ursel save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Leylyn's training in the handling and care of people suffering from poison effects bears rewards and the man's eyes flicker open, his body still weak is unable to move, but cradling the man's head in her lap, Leylyn believes the worst is over. Ursel speaks slowly and quietly, it taking all his strength and effort, "Its in the food store, I was getting some fresh fruit, when I saw it, white bulbous body. It saw me and launched at me, the bite was far worse than I could have imagined. Immediately I was in pain, and from such a little bite, then..." His eyes close and sleep takes him.

"Well then, I guess it would be a good time to earn our keep; c'mon Thumper"

Harry heads below decks and throws on his mail and collects his axe.

"Wonder if the others shall be joining us?"Harry remarks to Thumper as they head towards the food store.

Lysandra, seeing that Leylyn has things well in hand, gets up and folows Harry.

giving more time for other to post...Sunday 10:30GMT

Sunday 21:30 here at the moment, so figured I'd wait til morning to see what others were doing :)

As the days have passed, Charles has become increasingly more comfortable with the crew and the other 'passengers', and has even allowed himself to relax a little.

Certainly, the work is hard, and the hours are long, but there is something supremely liberating about travel across the open ocean that he finds extremely satisfying; the wind through his hair, the ocean spray in his face, the rocking of the ship all serve to remind him of other such trips, taken under happier circumstances.

It has been far too long since I have been out of the city. Life is so much simpler without the wheels-within-wheels dealings of the politicians of Corentyn...

Charles is snapped from his reverie whilst he swabs the foredeck by Ursel's yelling, but before he can reach him, he is swarmed by the other passengers...

Hmmm... Well, at least he is in good hands...

He listens with concern as Ursel describes the strange thing hiding in the food stores, before turning to the others.

"Well, what do you lot think it is? I propose that we 'evict' it from our food stores post-haste," he says, as he pats the hilt of his blade.

Jon gets up and starts to follow Harry. He speaks an incantation as he follows and feels a rush of strength go through him (cast Bull's Strength). He pulls out his rapier as he rushes down the stairs.

I've been assuming that as the days have gone on, those with armour are either wearing none, or maybe light armour. Certainly the ship's crew are not wearing any, as Charles says, 'the work is hard'. The weather is hot, but not excessively so, thanks to sea breezes. So if you want to put on armour please say, Harry has gone to do that.

Before you all leave the deck, Captain Trueheart makes his way to you all and his injured crew man. "Hey, where are you all off to? What's up with this man?" The captain's face looks perturbed by this turn of events, particularly the random actions of his new crew. His hands on his hips, he awaits an answer.

Harry and Lysandra have gone below by this time, so Harry can change into his armour. You will be heading into the hold area, so here is a little bit you would know by now as crew members. The hold is dim light at the upper levels, and the further down you go the darker it becomes. The passageways through the hold are narrow, just 7ft across, so just room for 2 medium sized creatures, however the cramped conditions would make swinging weapons rather difficult. Knowledge local DC=8, and you know the location of the food supplies.

I am not providing a map for the encounter to come. If you don't change into armour and don't wait whilst others do, you will be the first into the hold. Currently Lysandra and Jon will be the first to arrive in the hold.

Leylyn sets Ursel's head down on some cloth as the Cap'n makes his appearance. She stifles a laugh from due to the captain's lack of knowledge and fills him in on the details she knows.

Shall I go help the others? My... abilities might be able to help them. She says looking up to the captain, wiping up the blood off of herself and her clothes.

Assuming the captain gives her leave, she rushes to her room to grab her gear, and then heads down to assist Lysandra and Jon.

I would assume that Lysandra is wearing her armor, as it is a mithral shirt, and has no armor check penalty.

Knowledge (Local):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Lysandra draws her blades from their scabbards, and carefully moves into the hold.

"If memory serves me correctly, the food stores should be right over here."