When Variel gives the word, Seijiro will slip overboard and swim to the land, then make his way stealthily and sneakily over through the forest to where the other ship currently lays.
don't know how many you need, but here are a few, and I can make more if you need them:
In case he is spotted, he keeps a potion of invisibility handy so he can quickly drink it and slip away unseen.
Seijiro, you make your way through the jungle and come out on a slight outcropping of rock that gives you a good view of the cove and the ship within. It is a massive warship, completely dominating the cove that it is in. It is named, appropriately enough, Dominator which is enblazoned in big gold letters upon the stern, beneath the flying colors of Cheliax. It is clear that this vessel, with it's full company of heavily armed marines, is a pirate hunter. You also see that, unfortunately, in order to get out of the river you are going to need to go right past it. It does not appear that they are preparing for battle or anything like that so you do not think they are aware that you and your companions are anchored upriver from them.
When Seijiro is sure he's seen everything there is to see, including checking for signs that they might have sent any scouts inland, he sneaks back to report, knowing he can always go back for more information if necessary.
Back on board the Sanbalot (or the Lady - wherever the officers have gathered) he reports what he saw... describing the DOminator in detail, along with his assessment of numbers of crew and marines he saw, as well as the Dominator's armaments. "It seems to me that they are much larger than we are and are unaware of our presence. They do not appear to be preparing for any attack... Perhaps they cannot come as far upriver as we can, having a deeper draft. Maybe we should just wait them out. They are pirate hunters and have a full complement of Chelaxian marines as well as their ship's crew. If they aren't aware of us, and hopefully will put out to sea soon, we can avoid them entirely by just being patient."
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If they are as formidable as you say Jiro, then we must wait them out. Or at least wait I'll cover of darkness to proceed. At dark we may decide to pass them by and run for it. Either that or when they are asleep we make our way over land to board them and try to take it over before the watch sounds.
Horatio listens to Seijiro’s report.
Cheliax marines, eh? Best not let Piper hear of it; she’ll likely want to charge over and attack the lot of them… damn shame we didn’t keep some of the plague; it would have been quite handy against that lot…
He thinks a bit for a while.
No good waiting for darkness – it is a clear sky and a full moon in less than a day; they’ll see us for leagues if we try to run…
”If she is a true pirate hunter, we will likely not outrun her and certainly not outgun her…” he says slowly.
He glances to the sky above, seeing the mid-afternoon sunlight through the trees.
”But we may be able to outsmart her...”
He turns a quick glance back to the Rahadoum ship, and takes a long sigh.
”Once we sail out into the bay, The Lady can easily move far faster than The Sandbalot; so she’ll lag behind… “ he says slowly.
”The Cheliax ship will likely move up to try to take The Sandbalot; and we let them…” he adds.
He glances at the others.
”Have you ever heard of a “fire ship”,” he asks the crew slowly.
”You light the entire ship up; it’s a crude battering ram, it blocks an entire bay, a ship that moves close… even a little close… well, when the flames are roaring from the masts and sails a simple gust of wind will cause the flames to surge over to the enemy ship and cause it to burn fast.”
He sighs.
”It is a suggestion – and it will cost us our prize – but it will trap the Cheliax ship in the narrows of that cove; the rising inferno will block their ranged weapons, and by the time they manage to get past the burning ship… we will be long gone.”
He lowers his head and thinks, wondering what the others will say.
A goodly plan, aye – but where is your heart, lad? Why should you fear to fight; the gods are with you if you move as one, eh?
”Or, if that plan is not to your taste… perhaps we can sail over there and simply show her the meaning of steel?” he says, raising his head and his eyes glinting fiercely over a cold smile.
"I think we should just wait them out... taking them on directly sounds like a suicide mission to me and trying to get past them and out to sea seems unlikely without being noticed. I don't know what they're doing upriver... maybe just replenishing their fresh water supply? But they're unlikely to stay long... let's just wait here another day. It's not like we're in any big hurry now that the plague is cured."
"Damn, after dealing with the plague I REALLY hate the idea of losing the Sandbalot. We worked too hard for it. I think waiting it out is wise. If they take too long, we can always bring on some pain another day. But we best have a plan B ready in case it comes to a fight."
"I think we should just wait them out... taking them on directly sounds like a suicide mission to me and trying to get past them and out to sea seems unlikely without being noticed. I don't know what they're doing upriver... maybe just replenishing their fresh water supply? But they're unlikely to stay long... let's just wait here another day. It's not like we're in any big hurry now that the plague is cured."
"I do not think it is likely that they would need to refresh their water after such a storm," he says slowly.
"After all, if they were here for fresh water, than we should already be hard pressed, I think, for getting drinking water so close to the coast is not a good plan, for it will mingle with the salt seas... if they are here for water, they would have likely sailed up the river, farther from the coast, to get nearer to a fresher source and we would have seen them sooner," he adds, musing aloud.
"But really, why they are here seems unimportant; rather than what we should do next."
He turns a look to Seijiro.
"Did you not like my suggestion on the fire ship?" he asks.
"It would keep them trapped, and it would let us escape..." he says, then shrugs.
"But the idea of a fire ship was only a suggestion; I was just considering options," he says with a nod.
... when they are asleep we make our way over land to board them and try to take it over before the watch sounds.
Horatio's eyes glitter as he turns a fierce grin to Variel.
"Aye - I like your plan," he says, nodding slowly.
"We enter their ship and take it by main force even as they sleep."
"It is very bold, this plan; and yes - it is possibly suicidal, too," he says, his grin broadening into a wolfish smile.
"But such fears should not concern us; for it is written - The gods favor the bold - and we sail with their blessings."
He nods at Variel.
"But I agree with you - we should not fear this ship or the adventure the gods have given us. Let us do as you suggest and wait until they sleep, and take ourselves a new prize... and if we fail, we shall at least spill some Cheliaxan blood," he adds the last almost to himself.
He looks to Variel and meets his eyes directly.
"I will go with you to attack this ship, even if we are the only two who will go," he says sincerely.
"Why lose the value of the ship we captured when we can probably just wait them out...Both our ships are smaller and can be further upriver than they can go... we should be safe where we are. In a day or so, they will most likely move on and we will be safe and can escape without losing the Sanbalot."
"Variel-sama, I counsel against trying to board and take the DOminator... and unless I'm ordered to, I won't participate in something so foolhardy. Now it's another thing if you want me to try to sneak behind her and disable her rudder... That might be doable, then we can simply slip by her at night with our sails furled and hopefully by the time she does see us, it'll be too late to bring her weapons to bear on us... But that's as far as I'll go... I don't want to take part in an effort to try to take her - it's suicide with all those marines on board."
"Why lose the value of the ship we captured when we can probably just wait them out...Both our ships are smaller and can be further upriver than they can go... we should be safe where we are. In a day or so, they will most likely move on and we will be safe and can escape without losing the Sanbalot."
Horatio nods.
"You are right, I do not wish to lose our prize, either."
He scratches his chin, thinking a moment.
"But I do not like skulking about - not after all the gods have shown us..."
"I believe that the gods have given us a challenge."
"It may seem deadly to some - but I have judged nearly every task before so far to be deadly, to my shame. But I feel that if we stand united as one - we shall not fail."
"In any case, I shall journey with Variel; I will risk my life with his and I shall go with him to pirate this ship. If they will try to stop us - then we shall make them bleed for it."
"..unless I'm ordered to, I won't participate in something so foolhardy. it's another thing if you want me to try to sneak behind her and disable her rudder... But that's as far as I'll go... it's suicide with all those marines on board."
Horatio gives Seijiro a surprised look as he listens to the kitsune and wonders at the plan that the plan he offers instead.
"Nightstorm has made his suggestion; to wait until they sleep and attempt to take over the ship with force," he says to Seijiro.
"He offered us a bold plan, aye - one filled with danger and risk. Yet that is what stirs our blood, and more still - fulfills the will of the gods."
He cocks his head, thinking a bit.
"Are you sure you will not want to come with us?" he asks curiously.
"I saw their ship and her complement... Yes, I'm sure." Seijiro shrugs and sighs softly, looking over at the others for their opinions on what their mission should be.
"I saw their ship and her complement... Yes, I'm sure." Seijiro shrugs and sighs softly, looking over at the others for their opinions on what their mission should be.
"As you wish," he says with a nod of his head.
Having remained quiet during the ensuing conversation regarding the Cheliaxan ship, Rain politely adds her opinion once the others are done speaking. "I am in agreement with Jiro. We do not have the might, skill or manpower against a full company of heavily armed marines and a pirate hunter. Especially not now with the Sanbalot in our possession and Rahadoumi sailors unwilling to join our cause. We have a newly formed crew of sailors, not soldiers. At this point in time, I believe we would be defeated by such a force. My vote is to wait them out."
Horatio's eyes move from Seijiro to Rain, glancing at Variel than Adular.
He sighs a bit, than glances to the sky, and watches the sun for a moment, nodding suddenly to himself.
"The gods have called us to be like a brotherhood; a family," he says slowly.
"I believe that in my heart."
"I wish to act as one, not alone or apart from each other," he adds, his brow furrowing.
"I have offered only thoughts on what may be done; suggestions only."
"In this matter, my heart tells me we have a great challenge but we may defeat if we act as a family; if we act as one together. Yet I do not know what we should do..."
"But if I do not know, I do not mind, for I am content in knowing this - if you all are in agreement with a plan, I will follow it. I feel that it is will of the gods that we stand as one; I am content with that, no matter our choice may be," he says.
"You have heard my advice; tell me what you all wish to do, and I will do it," he says with a sincere voice.
"If we're going to wait em out, then we aught ta take advantage o' bein' lighter and sail into narrows where they can't reach, and take down our sails, disguising our ships with branches."
We get well hidden, and up river if we wait.
"We should also keep an eye out on them, as not to be surprised if they move how we don't expect.
"I'm good at being unseen when I don't want to be noticed, so I'd be the obvious choice to keep an eye on them. If there's trouble, I can send Tomo with a note if I'm out of range for sending a message spell."
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I trust your judgement Jiro and if you say that they are beyond us at this time then so be it. As most of you have indicated we will wait to fight another day. We will move upriver farther so they will not find us. With Jiro on watch we can know what they are doing and how to react accordingly. In the meantime let us make the best of the situation and give the crew as much chance to recover from the disease as possible. If they make no sign that they are moving by tonight then we may have to take matters into our own hands such as a foray to disable the rudder so we may slip past them and run. of course this will all depend on what Jiro finds out while watching them. My onloy concern is if Jiro is discovered but with his abilities to hide and the potion he has I pray that is enough.
Variel is content with the plan and if everyone agrees prepares to sail the Sanbalot upriver further. He gets his rest when he can and waits to here from Jiro.
Horatio glances between the others and nods.
"If we are indeed to move up the river, we may wish to take this time to rotate between ships some of the artillery. Perhaps a ballista on The Sandbalot and a capable gun crew as well?"
"If the Rahadoum will not attack us now, and we do not need to fear them - we should be able to trust a weapon on the other ship."
"If the enemy does move to attack us - gods forbid - having a second ship to run interference would be useful. It would force them to divide their attacks between both ships; rather than hammering our Flagship with everything that they have," he adds.
He pauses a moment.
"I do not know much about how to disable ships, so much. Is that a skill that is easy to practice, or will it need specific assistance?" he asks tentatively.
"Of course, if there is indeed a way to disable the ship so it cannot attack us, that is good. But I do not think that Seijiro needs to be afraid while he remains to observe them."
"I say this only because if they somehow manage to see his hiding spot in the bushes - if that is where he chooses to hide - what of it?"
"They will only see what seems to be a sleeping fox. And no spell can penetrate this "disguise" for it is his true form, is it not? So if they spy him; he should be as safe as any other creature in the wild is from their interest, I would think," he says, scratching his beard lightly as he glances around, wondering what the next move will be formally; as they have some incidental details to take care of, if they are to wait until night.
He glances to the heavens and the sun above.
With a full moon so near we must be doubly cautious if we do try anything rash at night...
"Well, my true form is not exactly a fox... but hopefully close enough to a wild creature that they will not peg me as an immediate enemy." He shrugs. "Still, I am willing to keep the watch on them as long as we need one."
"Ah! In that case, if you do go - please be careful," he says with a nod at Seijiro, learning more about his shapeshifting.
He glances at the others, than gauges the sun's position.
"If you want, I can move one of the ballista to The Sandballot now. I will put it on the aft deck. If we turn our stern to the mouth of the river, we will use have the angle to fire."
"If we run, we'll have two separate ships to fire at the enemy, if the enemy is able to give chase," he says.
"I will get to work on that right away," he adds.
Adular will say a prayer for Seijiro, and then help with the Ballista. Currently he's focusing on the crew, though there's nothing like restoring their strength early to make some of them like you.
Adular will say a prayer for Seijiro, and then help with the Ballista. Currently he's focusing on the crew, though there's nothing like restoring their strength early to make some of them like you.
As Horatio begins the supervision and moving of the ballista, he watches the lean half-elf assisting him.
”Tonight we will likely have to fight the enemy, I think,” he says slowly.
”Their ship – if it remains – we shall be hard pressed; it can trap us in the bottleneck of this river, if it chooses, and we do not have so much supplies to last, even if they do not wish to fight us.”
He pauses, thinking a moment.
”We wait for them to leave; but I do not think that they will. I think we shall be forced to take some action against them.”
He glances to Adular.
”The trial of the plague was a difficutly – aye; but my heart tells me that it was merely a prelude to a greater task.”
”This ship seems to me as if all the variances that would please both the cause and my faith are condensced into one.”
”Before you and I met, I had advocated much for the fighting against Cheliax ships – they are diabolists; their royals summon demons and my own homeland was a vassal state to them, before we broke apart from their rule.”
He scowls a bit.
”Even now there are Halfligns that stand as rebels to the Cheliax folk; I know of this already, for the lass I hired has told me much on it,” he adds, muttering a bit to himself.
He looks up at Adular with an apologetic smile.
”In any case; this ship is not only Cheliax, but it is also rumored to be a “pirate hunter”. The entire purpose of this ship exists to not only stand against our own way of life, but the will of your goddess, it seems – to assault it would seem to please your goddess, as well as stick a blade into the craw of a nation that would harm us.”
”Yet to fight this ship would bring us near death – it would be a great challenge; and our success would only occur if we function as one.”
He rubs his shoulder a bit.
”For that to happen I do not think that the gods will inspire the ship to simply sail away… but I am no priest.”
”Tell me, as you have studied the signs and know the mysteries of your goddess; what do you think on the way of the gods? Do you think this ship comes to us by their hand? And if so – where do you see our destiny?” he asks curiously.
** spoiler omitted **
Horatio pauses with the tackle; easing the lowering of the ballista onto the aft deck and wipes his arm across his forehead.
”In truth – I do not know what the moral of the crew is,” he says, glancing at their ship from the deck of The Sandbalot.
He gives Adular an appraising look.
”There are at least some among these ships who succumbed to this plague and will not be daunted; let us hope that such hope is infectious to the other lads, eh?” he says with a small smile.
”Still, I think that they are not as strong as they may be.”
”I think that this plague has worn them down; aye… I think that also they are beset by other difficulties that are more subtle.”
His eyes narrow as he thinks.
”I think that since we battled that enemy we have had naught but sloth and idleness; and even our actions in the jungles to find this cure were – at best – dangerous, yet they were not something that pushed us.”
He spits a stream of tobacco juice to the leeward.
”I still hold true that the gods have a purpose for us; I think that they will use the fire of stress and battle to forge into something, even as a smith places iron the forge and than pounds it with a hammer until it is made strong.”
He glances to the trees that hide the Cheliax ship and their own.
”I had heard before that the when the gods look at a man that they are wont to say – I shall bend them to my will, or break them all to pieces.”
He laughs grimly.
”Perhaps; but I do not know.”
”What I do know is that what challenge comes to us is through the will of the gods. Perhaps it will mean our death – or perhaps it shall mean great victory. Either way; if that is the will of the gods, than I should accept it. If I do so, it would be best to do so with peace; for we are in their hands, after all.”
”You are one of the faithful – do you not agree with that?” he asks, his head cocking to the side, curious to know what the priest may say.
** spoiler omitted **
Horatio says nothing for a moment, considering this idea.
”I hear you, friend. And I know something of the realms of beyond – from Asmodeus to even the Old Ones that are not to be named…” he says, his eyes dark and distant.
”But I do not give them my allegiance; nor do I offer them my heart.”
He thinks a bit longer.
”You speak of Besmara; and remind me that she journey’s with dark sails – and in her wake is blood.”
He makes a warding symbol at the mention of such thoughts.
”But I am not her follower, so I am not bound by such practices, unless I choose to turn my prow to such a course.”
"I have done so before, but I do not wish to overmuch; if at all."
He looks at Adular for a while.
”As I said – I am no priest, I am only a man."
"And perhaps the gods I pray to now are such that they shall fall to the iron will of others that you have named.”
”Perhaps the lash – or steel – shall reign over all, and only with a stern heart and ruthless intent shall the gods deserve true followers.”
”Perhaps.”
”But I do not know such things; and I do not pretend to.”
”But what I am clear on is this – family; honor; courage; a strong heart – these are qualities that all men respect on some level.”
”I, too, seek those things.”
He spits again, and thinks for a while.
”I ask you these things because I am not certain on the path I should take. I had hoped to find comfort and assurances in the rightness of my purposes; but I know that you cannot speak to me of matters that you do not hold true – when it comes to your faith, at least.”
He glances above at the sun for a while, than turns back to the other ship and sees his “ward” working with the men; her shield on her back and wearing her gear, despite the heat of the summer sun in the midst of the swampy jungle.
He smiles a little than turns back to the priest.
”Still, faith can come from many places – and a heart is like a bundle of wood; it is not so remarkable, until a fire is set to it – than it burns hot with a purpose.”
”I do not yet see that purpose clearly; but I tell you now – something has kindled my heart. I feel it lit and is slowly burning hot – I would see the heat be put to a good use, rather than not.”
He shrugs.
”I suppose I must wait to discover that purpose. In the meantime – I shall be patient, but I shall also hold my faith that there is something better in the Planes of the Infinite rather than darkness.”
He grins.
”That said – do you yourself at least have faith in our success, when the gods provide us with the challenge?” he asks, returning back to his earlier question, curious to see at least if the priest had faith in his path – and his goddess.
Horatio gives Adular a dry smile.
"I do not look to Sandara for help, though."
"I think she occupied with other matters right now," he says, musing a bit.
"In any case - I do not fear using the gods as a crutch; nor do I fear their dominion, nor do I fear the situation."
He sighs a bit, but it is one of relaxation, of calm.
"Say rather - if you prefer - that whatever adventure has been prepared for us, I am - with faith - better able to accept it, and more prepared to accept it without fear."
He looks to the men in the rigging and the others at their work.
"We have duties, aye - but will fear ease those duties?"
"I think not."
He glances to the trees again.
"In the end, I only wished to say that whatever happens, I no longer am afraid of that unknown. Instead, I am content knowing that what is set before me is the task at hand. If I undertake that task and do my best, whatever the result - I shall be content knowing that I could not do more, and accept my Fate without hate or rage or anger."
He looks at Adular and gives him a sly smile.
"In any case, what little theology I know of your goddess tells me that you are even now doing her a disservice, eh?"
He grins.
"A maxim of the Dark Lady may yet be - Eat, drink and be merry; for tomorrow we may die! - eh?"
Than he laughs out loud.
"Good - it is so. If you wish the men to be of good cheer, smile more - be glad. Battle may claim us tonight and we may choke these waters with our dead and blood is the price of those witness such things."
"But there is an eternity between that time and this - we must taste of the life around us - we must be bold; fierce; and take what the life and the gods have offered with courage and joy and not let our heart be troubled by fear."
"Say this is not the path of your goddess and I shall at least know you are lying," he says without rancor and a friendly wink.
"For if you are right and our crew is weak from disease and may be slaughtered to the man tonight - than it is a good time to free our hearts from fear, if only for a little while, and enjoy the summer sun on a clear day on open water on a prize we earned with our courage and prowess."
"That speaks to my heart, and - if I guess right - to your own heart as well, eh?"
He spits more tobacco to the leeward, and turns back, his face a bit more serious.
"There! Now you know my heart, and my thoughts - and you know I am not so afraid as I once was, but instead, I am content in the faith that burns in my kindled heart and this moment of life which I am free to enjoy - at least, for now."
He claps his hand on Adular's shoulder and laughs.
"Be merry, priest - if death is our end tonight, that is the Fate the gods made for us. We cannot change that, so we may as well enjoy life now."
With the ballista moved, and observing that the crew is prepared; scouts dispatched and everything taken care of, Horatio will simply do what he can to make himself comfortable.
He looks to Piper and Amen-set, discovers what they are making, seems a bit surprised, but does not prevent it – and continues to make the rounds with the others, always scanning the trees for signs of Seijiro, and the approach of the enemy.
He observes that Amen-set is now dressed better for weather closer to the humidity of the jungles. Her flowing robes which would buffer the dryness of the desert air have been replaced with long blousy trousers, and a long light shirt. Around her waist is a long sash. Her hair is pulled back into a single braid which hangs down her back, but her face is still veiled.
Of course, she is also garbed for battle.
As she works, he speaks quietly to her; conversing with her over some private matters, it seems. The oppressive and humidity of the jungle – coupled with the threat of an enemy so nearby – weighs on him a bit.
He glances to the sun above, rolls a cheroot and sighs as he waits for what will happen next…
The word about the warship spreads among the crew and most are fairly uneasy about it. They go about the tasks you direct though, attempting to keep the muttering to a minimum around the officers.
Fishguts approaches you all after a while and says Waiting it out is a decent idea but we wont last for long. I also am concerned about what happens when or if they find out about us. Even if we manage to get upriver from them, a ship that size carries a goodly number of men. Might I suggest an alternative. I am sure you have thought of this already but a ship that size if you disabled the rudder chain they would be dead in the water and unable to pursue us once we passed the cove they are in. A small crew of 3 or 4 might be able to sneak aboard and disable it. Just a thought. I'll go back to seeing to dinner now. He salutes and then heads back down to the galley.
Seijiro smiles a little as Fishguts outlines his own idea... "That's what I suggested. Though I'm not sure we need so many to do such a thing, it might be safer to send a small team than one person. I'm willing to go as disabling things is easy for me usually."
"In any case, what little theology I know of your goddess tells me that you are even now doing her a disservice, eh?"
Adular raises a brow and his face grows serious, "Ware there,Flynn. Joke about me any other way you like, but I'm a very touchy about folks accusing me of slighting the goddess or even serving fear before her...if that's what you be accusing me of doing. "
He takes a deep breath, "As to the rest, we'll see. Me own thought is we've got a fine prize in our second ship, and we've worked too hard for the treasure she'd bring to risk it just to burn another ship down. I'm a pirate, not an arsonist. Bes' tithe will be mighty slim if I give her ten percent of nothing. But I'm sure something will come up. Even in a river, there's often more than one fork."
Fishguts approaches you all after a while and says Waiting it out is a decent idea but we wont last for long. I also am concerned about what happens when or if they find out about us. Even if we manage to get upriver from them, a ship that size carries a goodly number of men. Might I suggest an alternative. I am sure you have thought of this already but a ship that size if you disabled the rudder chain they would be dead in the water and unable to pursue us once we passed the cove they are in. A small crew of 3 or 4 might be able to sneak aboard and disable it. Just a thought. I'll go back to seeing to dinner now. He salutes and then heads back down to the galley.
Listening to this , Seijiro and the Captain talking, Adular grins, "Give me time to prepare, and I might have a few spells what would help me join in."
"I may not be so sneaky, but i can disappear if i need ta, for a few seconds. Movin careful like, I could get close, and If sommat goes sideways, yea'll have time ta finish yer work while I, say, light the Sails up for yea. But hopefully it won't come to nuthin like that." Dhaavan notes, offering to make use if invisibility and fire.
** spoiler omitted **
Listening to this , Seijiro and the Captain talking, Adular grins, "Give me time to prepare, and I might have a few spells what would help me join in."
Horatio quickly glances around them, to make sure they are not overheard by the other men.
His own face grows equally serious, and he lowers his voice.
”I tell you the truth; I was not jesting when I offered my opinion on how you are acting,” he says somewhat softly.
”Please know that I am not impugning your honor when I say that, nor am I suggesting you are not being faithful, I am merely stating my opinion, that is all.”
He looks at the river a bit, than turns back.
”You and I are more than men on this ship – we are both symbols to those who sail under us."
"When the crew sees us they take direction from our actions. If we act with good cheer and courage, they may take courage from our example; if we act nervous and afraid... well, I think that will spread worse than any plague I’ve seen,” he adds.
He takes a deep breath before he continues.
"I have been filled with many dark moods myself; my ways have been so foul and black that they have been a burden on my companions and allies alike."
"I have been selfish in this; considering only how things affected my life and affected me specifically; yet I have not given much thought beyond myself."
"It did not occur to me, until lately, that my mood could effect the moods of others so much; but I now believe that is true."
"If that is true; that means that I must now work doubly hard to show my all that I sail with that I am not that way anymore; that I am instead filled with good cheer and that I will accept any hardships the gods gave me with courage, rather than my sullen complaints."
He turns to gaze at the river for a while.
"I did not mean to project my own feelings of insecurity on to you; nor was I was trying to insult you, or your faith in your goddess... I simply wanted to say that I think it would better if we were all more positive in front of the men, no matter how we may actually feel; that was all.”
He turns back to Adular and smiles, hoping that the half-elf knew he meant no malice.
"I may not be so sneaky, but i can disappear if i need ta, for a few seconds. Movin careful like, I could get close, and If sommat goes sideways, yea'll have time ta finish yer work while I, say, light the Sails up for yea. But hopefully it won't come to nuthin like that." Dhaavan notes, offering to make use if invisibility and fire.
”Ha! Not only is he "not so sneaky" but that hat needs work, too!” says a voice from across the deck, followed by a peal of laughter.
Fishguts approaches you all after a while and says ... a ship that size, if you disabled the rudder chain, they would be dead in the water and unable to pursue us once we passed the cove they are in. A small crew of 3 or 4 might be able to sneak aboard and disable it.
"Well said, sir," Horatio says with enthusiasm, clapping the burly cook on his shoulder.
"That's a damn fine plan; and it deserves at least a drink! I'll have my lass Piper fetch you up a tot of rum for your troubles," he adds with a loud voice and a wide smile.
"I know that you thought of that plan earlier - but I figured that when the crew gives us good advice we should encourage them," he says with a little embarrassed look.
"Make no mistake, though - you were the one who came up with this plan, and it was a good one. But - well - I just thought it would be a good gesture, is all."
He thinks for a moment.
"He recommends three or four..." and glances between the others.
"Who do you think should go?"
"Remember, too, while we are out there - we should give some consideration to our ships, too. Once the die is cast - metaphorically speaking - whoever went to the enemy ship might need to hurry back to a quick getaway."
He loosens the bound length of his hair behind his neck, spreads his hair and runs his fingers through the sweaty locks then rebinds his hair behind his neck.
"So... who should go, and who should stay?"
As who should go is discussed, he smiles, "Well, ye heard me volunteer but if there are better suited to the task I'll not whine if left behind. I do think if all goes wrong, ye might need some healing on the way though."
** spoiler omitted **
As who should go is discussed, he smiles, "Well, ye heard me volunteer but if there are better suited to the task I'll not whine if left behind. I do think if all goes...
”No, you mistake me,” Horatio says hastily ”you have always been friendly around the men, at least, in the short time we have known each other.”
”But I was concerned that we may be overheard, that is all…”
”In any case, I did not intend to shame you into any course,” he says, frowning a little.
”Such an action is contrary to me desires; for I wish all of us to move forward together; but if I shamed you into that purpose that is merely manipulating you. And that to speak with manipulation in my mouth is unwholesome and further, it is not a good mode of speech between confederates.”
He gives the half-elf a somewhat sidelong look.
”Please understand me, too – I am not insecure in my ability to kill; I know my skill in that, and I can kill more men with ease than I have demonstrated… I am a doctor, after all,” he adds with a dry voice.
”But I wondered if I was seeing my own dark self in the hearts of others, even when it is not there. That is what I was not sure on.”
He turns a bit to look at the trees near them, scanning for the enemy ship.
”I agree with what you said about being cunning, though.”
”The gods give us many gifts for their goals; some have strength in arms while others have cunning to win when strength fails.”
”Cunning and wits – I like those weapons best,” he adds with a grin.
He turns back to Adular.
”Meanwhile, I would not spend gold, not even a copper penny – to buy you a tot of rum for your priestly advice. I would not insult you by paying for such a drink… but, if you are willing, I will instead give you that rum by the coin that Besmara loves best…”
His gives Adular a sly look.
”After all, do not the wise say of the followers of Besmara – We do not sow – for your folk are not the sort who would pursue such things with gentle ways… Instead, they take what they wish and pay the coin of iron for it,” he says, his grin turning wolfish.
”But in any case,” he says, brightening a bit ”In the end I am happy that you are my friend.”
He offers his hand as he looks to the ships.
"If we need healing, it will be too late, I think."
"If we attack and meet a rebuttal, we will need to run fast, I think, or we shall easily be overcome, especially if there are so few of us."
"We need folk who can move with stealth, can kill quietly and have the ability to sabotage this ship."
"Seijiro is crafty enough for all of these things; and the cook recommends we take no more than four..."
"I will go, or stay; but that depends on the needs of you all. Tell me what you feel I would be best suited for, and I shall happily comply," he says, rubbing some of the grit off his neck.
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I think four is a good number to be sure for a couple of reasons. First, is that if necessary the strike team can split into two and both teams have a partner. Hopefully this will not be necessary and the 4 can stick together to accomplish the mission. However we may find that one set is needed at the rudder itself while the other is providing lookout duties. Second, if four go then that will leave two back to still man the two ships. Once the rudder is disabled a signal is given and the four continue to travel downstream. The two ships then come down and pick the four up once clear of the cove.
Looking around at the officers, Variel seems to be sizing them up. The hard part is selecting those that will stay behind. We all have our individual talents that can aid in this venture. However I feel that Rain should stay and pilot the Dread Lady as she has the ability to quickly passing the warship and heading down the river. She can pick up the 4 and continue down till the river empties into the sea.
Jiro I believe should go as he is the stealthiest of us all and has the skills necessary to not only disable the rudder but kill silently and quickly. I think Adular should go as well should a timely healing be needed as you make your escape. That leaves Flynn, Dhaavan and myself to flush out the last two members of the group.
Turning to Flynn and looking him in the eye, Flynn I know you have no love for Chelaxians. Are you able to put aside your hatred and focus on the task at hand and only the task at hand? I do not want you to jeopardize the entire mission and thus the entire crew and both ships by some blood lust to attack and kill. If you think that there is even a chance of it then I do not want you as part of the strike team. Nothing personal about it, I just need to know your position. If so then I think that you and Adular would make a good set of the four. Otherwise you can sail the Sanbalot and this one chance as well. Just before you are out of sight of the ship to fire from the ballista one of the special fire shots into their sails asa parting gift. Beyond that one shot I would not fire at all on to the ship as we are not out to capture or destroy it and anything else will be a waste of resourecs.
Finally Dhaavan I will defer to you as to what you would want to do providing Flynn is going. Both are dangerous as the Chelaxians will see The Dread Lady first and thus be alerted in time for the Sanbalot to appear. They may well bring their firepower down upon the ship and attempt to sink her to the bottom of the river. If you go along your spellcasting will help if needing to create a rear guard with your summons or a creature to help destroy the rudder. Plus the glamours on other will be valuable as well. Jack can alert us when successful and we will know when to pick you up. I will then pilot the Sanbalot and tempt fate till I reach teh mouth of the river and join the Dread Lady on way to the port.
What say you all to this?
Horatio looks at Variel for a moment, digesting what the elf has said.
”My emotions will not compromise the safety of my men; or my crew,” he says with a polite smile.
”If you wish me to stay, though, I shall.”
"Also, based on what Seijiro said about the distance of the ship to the beachhead, I am assuming we will be swimming, not using a boat - a boat will only attract attention."
"I would think we will move through forest and tread with stealth to the waterline. Then we will swim to the ship's stern; climb the stern of the ship to disable the rudder and then we shall leap to the water, swim back to the trees - run through them quickly and climb onto our own ship."
”If I do go, I am assuming that Dhaavan shall remain on board or will you, Nightstorm?”
Yet the question is mostly rhetorical. He suspected that Variel will wish to come on the mission.
Still - Horatio was not entirely sure; Variel had offered, but had not said anything definite yet.
”Of course, the mission shall require some element of stealth, not to mention being able to swim, I suspect..."
He looks between Variel, Dhaavan and Adular.
"Are you all able to move with such skill; both with stealth, and as good swimmers, if you need to?” he asks, not knowing if the magus or the priest will be able to move covertly on the enemy ship, or not.
He pulls on his lower lip meditatively.
”Hmm….”
”Well, I shall miss Rain on this venture, and whoever else will stay behind. For now I suspect that is Dhaavan, though.”
Horatio turns and looks at Dhaavan.
”Unless you would prefer to come in my stead? Either way is no consequence to me; if you are hungry for action, I say step forward and take it.”
”However, if you would stay on the ship to sail out – you may need an ally to guide you. Amen-set is a fair pilot – she can help you if you want.”
"Honestly, I would rather sneak over there alone and do this job. I'm afraid others coming along would make it difficult to be as quiet as this mission requires. True, if I run into trouble, I'd be alone and that would be bad, but the backup I'd want if I DO run into trouble would definitely include you, Variel. All I can think of is if I'm discovered, there will likely be a fight. To avoid even more combatants joining the fight, we will have to kill quickly and most importantly silently and without a lot of flash. Once the job is done, I can return the same way I went, and we can just float past them in the dark. By the time they notice us and try to follow, it will be to no avail if they have no rudder. You asked my opinion and that is it, for whatever it's worth."
Seijiro grows quiet and sighs, not used to speaking so much.
"Honestly, I would rather sneak over there alone and do this job. I'm afraid others coming along would make it difficult to be as quiet as this mission requires. True, if I run into trouble, I'd be alone and that would be bad, but the backup I'd want if I DO run into trouble would definitely include you, Variel. All I can think of is if I'm discovered, there will likely be a fight. To avoid even more combatants joining the fight, we will have to kill quickly and most importantly silently and without a lot of flash. Once the job is done, I can return the same way I went, and we can just float past them in the dark. By the time they notice us and try to follow, it will be to no avail if they have no rudder. You asked my opinion and that is it, for whatever it's worth."
Seijiro grows quiet and sighs, not used to speaking so much.
Horatio turns to Seijiro.
"You suggest that the mission will require stealth?"
"Hmm..."
"Well, the thing is - is Nightstorm the best choice for that? I did not think he was very stealthy..." he says, watching Seijiro, then he shrugs.
"As for the dark? It is not likely to be so dark tonight, I think, unless we get more storms... tomorrow is a full moon, after all," he says simply.
"Still, if you wish to go alone - or travel with Nightstorm alone and leave the rest of us behind; that is your choice, though it seems odd to me, especially considering the advice of the cook..."
"Yet perhaps, if you go alone or with only Nightstorm, things will indeed be easier for you than if you had others with you. Though I would think that the odds would be more challenging if you went alone, than if you had backup; even if you have Nightstorm as your backup."
"But that is only surmise on my part."
He takes a drink from his hip flask.
"But as I said; you all decide what should be done, I will not press the issue either way."
"Simply tell me where you wish me to be, and I shall happily be there."
Adular ponders the situation, "Maybe the other three should send Seijiro ahead but still in a bow shot distance and be ready to retrieve him and run should all go sour on him?"