Hearing Jiro's reply through the message spell, Rain replied, "Keep watch if it breaks the water, than raise the alarm."
With Variel by her side, protecting her as she worked/sailed, Rain moved the ship through the squalls as safely and quickly as possible as the others prepared for impending attack from whatever was scraping against the bottom of the ship.
While you are attempting to get set up, a massive snakelike creature looms up out of the water. The creature is sleek and silvery blue with a spiny frill around it's head. A deafening hiss issues forth from between sword length fangs in the monstrosity's mouth. The immensity of the creature is astounding as it doesn't stop rising until the head is a good 30' above the ocean surface and you suspect at least that much or more lies below.
One of the deckhands looks up and makes a sign to ward off evil and seems to whisper but you hear it as clear as if he had shouted...By the gods...a Sea Serpent...
Horatio's eyes widen at the presence of this creature.
Well - at least no one released a kraken.
Although...
He suddenly shakes his head to get whatever idea may be on his mind out of his head.
Horatio shall go about the business of aiming the cannon.
Meanwhile, as Amen-set is on the Fighting Top, she takes a shot at the creature with her musket
Then she swings the firearm onto her back, her eyes staring hard at the serpent...
She jumps from the Fighting Top to leap to the deck below.
|
Cursing their luck Variel realizes that they have no choice but to face this creature and kill it or drive it off quickly to resume the race. Calling upon his inner reserves Variel dashes down the stairs and swings at the serpent in the water before him.
mythic point for fleet charge and no AOO for movement.
power attack for
crit confirm for
Once standing blade to fang on the serpent Variel vows to give as much as he gets in the hopes that Adular or Sandara can patch him up afterwards.
full round spellcombat
concentration shocking grasp
power shocking grasp attack for
crit confirmation with Shanxia statue for
main power attack for
crit confirm for
full hp
AC 26
1 mythic point used
1 arcane pool used
spells active: bless, shield
Noting Variel's heroic run and attack on the sea serpent, Amen's shot and the others' attempts to keep it at bay, Rain concentrated on steering the ship, driving it as best and as fast as she could through the waters and away from the sea creature; keeping her eyes open for any/other obstacles or threats.
If Variel's impressive attack sequence didn't slay it outright, Seijiro starts playing his harmonica, and breaking between measures to sing as well, from teh crow's nest, so that everyone on board the ship can hear him and be inspired.
The Captain, seeing the threat the sea serpent posed, darts forward towards the creature. He moves with unparalleled speed, faster than the eye can follow, the only thing visible is the flash of steel as he swings. The serpent goes to counter attack the impudent creature when a bright red line forms across it's belly. The serpents eyes glaze over and the upper half falls upon the deck of the ship while the lower half sinks to the briny deep to be feasted upon by its denizens.
Just as your crew aproaches the carcass it begins to move slightly, bulging out in places before you suddenly see a booted foot smash out some of the innards and something begins to shimmy it's way out. It is difficult to tell what it is however due to the slime and blood that covers it. Eventually a humanoid form spills onto the deck like an animal birthing it's young.
|
|
Variel flings the gore off of his blade and stops. The creature still moved! Ready to resume his attack Variel pauses slightly when he sees that the movement is caused by a boot. By Besmara! What is going on here? Luckily Variel's inquiry revealed itself as a humanoid figure. Calling out to everyone to hold their attacks Variel calls out to Adular and Flynn. Come quick. I think the sea serpent swallowed this creature and it is still alive.
By Besmara! What is going on here?
Horatio turns and scares at the carnage on the deck even as Amen-set calmly reloads the musket and scans the horizon for other potential threats.
Come quick. I think the sea serpent swallowed this creature and it is still alive.
Horatio's eyes widen in shock at those words.
"Cut off one head, two more will take it's place..." he gasps, then shakes himself out of his shock as Amen-set lets out an audible sigh at his words.
Horatio then bounds forward from the cannon, leaving it in the hands of the gun crew. He then halts his rush by dropping to a crouch and sliding across the damp, blood-covered deck on his knees to rest next to Variel.
Arcana: 18
Dungeoneering: 18
Engineering: 25
Geography: 22
History: 18
Local: 20
Nature: 18
Nobility: 18
Religion: 18
Glancing at Variel he gives him a nod and a thumbs up in a mute congratulations on his amazing attack on the serpent.
Then he turns his gaze on the humanoid on the deck and reaches out his hand and casts on the person they have just found.
If it's alive, it'll likely be hurt if it was digesting inside that thing...
He watches the humanoid feel the energy rushing from his hand to the body after healing it.
But what if it's dangerous? What if it's a threat?
His eyes study the body intently and he glances at Variel to make sure the Elf hasn't also sustained any injuries.
"You alright?" he says, double checking to see if Variel isn't wounded.
As he waits for an answer, his eyes flick to the creature laying next to them.
Well, if it's a threat then I guess we'll burn that bridge when we come to it...
Coughing to clear his throat as he finally finds himself free, the man covered in serpent innards manages to rise. Pushing his slime covered hair back and blinking to get his bearings, a grin forms as he catches sight of the magus. "Well hello, my good man! Word of advice: Do NOT go and get yourself swallowed by...," he looks over at the top half of the serpent, "well by that," he motions at it with a nod. "Because it does nothing for your social life," he says with a wink. "Now...," he starts, glancing around as he squeezes some form of liquid out of his shirt, "where in Sarenrae's light am I? I've managed upon a boat, which I must say, worked out quite well," he nods, quite pleased with the turn of events. "Oh! I nearly forgot. 'The Blue Rajah' at your service. Most just call me 'Rajah' - well... the kinder folk do anyway. I won't go into to much grave detail at what some have called me," he says with a wry grin and another wink.
A grin forms as he catches sight of the magus. "Well hello, my good man! Word of advice: Do NOT go and get yourself swallowed by...," he looks over at the top half of the serpent, "well by that," he motions at it with a nod.
Horatio pulls his open hand away, his eyes narrowing as he studies the individual before him.
Despite having used the Cure Spell on the slime covered man in an effort to aid him and make sure he is alright, the person seems to be entirely focused on Variel.
Horatio swings himself back and stands up, swaying easily on the deck of the ship and looks down the man thoughtfully but says nothing at this time.
"Oh! I nearly forgot. 'The Blue Rajah' at your service. Most just call me 'Rajah' - well... the kinder folk do anyway. I won't go into to much grave detail at what some have called me," he says with a wry grin and another wink.
Horatio glances at Variel and his hand drops to the butt of his pistol, his fingers tapping an easy cadence on it.
"Do you trust him?" he finally asks Variel with a bland voice, leaving the decision as to the man's fate up to the Elf.
As Horatio waits for an answer, he turns to the carcass of the Sea Serpent.
Noting that the "upper half" crashed on the deck, he walks towards the head and draws out his mother's dagger and uses it to remove the teeth of the Sea Serpent thoughtfully, even as he continues to watch the newcomer.
Seijiro watches from the crow's nest, curious but silent for the time being... through the message spell, he asks Rain, "What's going on, Rain? is he friend or foe?"
Pleased to mee'cha master Rajah. I'll be the First-mate of the Dread Lady, Lord Dhaavan Fellwind, of Tidewater Rock. This fella that sliced your... "Ride" open ta let ya out is our Cap'n Variel Nightstorm. Dhaavan says by way of introduction. His title used to bolster their rep, and a slightest hint of threat carries in his voice as he introduces Variel, as a man that can slay a sea-serpent with a single blow. Not people to make into enemies...
Welcome to the Dread Lady. So you're on a pirate ship in the middle of the Free Captain's Regatta. That a problem for a follower of the Dawnflower?
Noting Flynn pulling teeth, Dhaavan calls out, Oye, Sir Flynn! Grab me a few of them. May have some use in tying magic to em. May as well see what they can do
Turning to Horatio, "A fellow healer! Fantastic! Thank you, my good man, for the aid. Apologies for not saying something sooner. Still a bit disoriented from the swallowing and all that you know." He nods in thanks.
Turning to the sorcerer as he introduces himself, "Lord Dhaavan, Captain Variel and the one pulling teeth and who is obviously versed in the healing arts is apparently Sir Flynn. Well met! And no, I've no problem with being on a ship of any sort, my good man. Well, unless you try to kill me of course," he says as a matter of fact. "If that is the case I feel I should warn you that I will do everything in my power to... well, run...," he looks over the side of the boat a moment before turning back, "or possibly swim away. Being that we're on a boat and all, you see. Quite silly of me, it's simple logic of course," he says with a grin, shrugging.
Seijiro, barely able to hear what is happening below, something about the fellow who came out of the sea serpent... introductions perhaps?... Asks Rain through the message spell "What's going on Rain, who is that fellow and are we keeping him or throwing him back? It looks like they are doing some introductions, so I'm assuming the former... You'll have to introduce me later, yes? I think I'm still needed up here for now."
He continues watching the water below and ahead for sand bars and other impediments to the ship.
Noting Flynn pulling teeth, Dhaavan calls out, Oye, Sir Flynn! Grab me a few of them. May have some use in tying magic to em. May as well see what they can do
”I’ll see what I can do, M'Lord,” he says with a distracted voice to Dhaavan, but for now his attention still seems focused on the man.
Turning to Horatio, "A fellow healer! Fantastic! Thank you, my good man, for the aid. Apologies for not saying something sooner. Still a bit disoriented from the swallowing and all that you know." He nods in thanks.
Horatio continues to work, but seems a bit more mollified by response.
Still, he seems skeptical. After all, being swallowed by a Sea Serpent usually meant that a man would be very dead, very quick.
Still, you’ve seen many strange things in the seas… Perhaps he was not swallowed but somehow appeared inside the creature magically because of some dark sorcery?
He pauses to study the size of the tooth he has just taken, studying it for a moment as he ponders things.
”Amen-set; the lad here may be alright physically, but it’s possible he may have suffered damage to the head or may be suffering from some lingering enchantment… See what you can do, eh?” he adds.
He then glances up to see Jiro looking down on them and waves his arm and then calls out in a loud voice in a language he assumes only Jiro would know so that he can be discreet –
”Not sure about man – he seems alright - captain-sama will decide his fate soon…”
Then he turns back to study the newcomer thoughtfully.
Seijiro casts another message spell to Flynn this time and replies in Minkaian:
"Thanks... was wondering... don't think we've ever had someone board in such an usual fashion before. I'm sure Variel-sama will make the right determination."
good luck swimming away from the Eye. Rough waters in these parts, you'd best stay on board then. We got a race to win!
Jiro, how's it Look in up there? Dhaavan calls out.
He also points to two of the Furies, old guard from the Wormwood, and subtly signals them to keep an eye on the Newcomer.
to be subtle and make this Rajah feel trusted and welcome, while maintaining security in the highly unlikely event that this is somehow a convoluted act of sabotage. He also shoots Variel a nod that we are good.
And For the crew to keep quiet about Jack
A pretty bird pushes its way out from the folds of the First Mate's many colorful scarves and flits over to Rajah, nuzzling him with apparent affection
Through the message link,
//A man, swallowed by the sea serpent. I don't know much more.//
Rain continued to keep the ship moving past through and past the squalls, keeping the lead as best as she could, even with the sea serpent attack.
Neko turned to look at the newcomer, but remained faithfully by Rain's side; the golden cat's emerald gaze occasionally straying to the stranger.
"Good luck swimming away from the Eye. Rough waters in these parts, you'd best stay on board then. We got a race to win!
Eyes going wide, "A race?! Fantastic!" He then looks for the other boats, wondering how they currently fare. "Are we winning, Lord Dhaavan?" he asks as he scans the waters.
Indeed we are. Now are you, master Rajah, an able sailor yourself? Dhaavan says, pointing to the opponents behind them.
A wry grin forms, "I've learned a thing or two in my time. What is it you need, my good man?" he asks, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "I will do whatever needs doing; just say the word."
"Aye, Jiro. Once we're out of the shallows, you may come down and speak with this man. Although the race should be foremost in everyone's mind and friendly interactions kept until after the race is done."
|
|
Variel eyes the 'Rajah' coolly at first. It is a miracle you are even alive. We will have to discuss it more at length later though. We have a race to finish.
Turning Flynn nearby Variel gives Flynn his answer not caring that he is overheard by Rajah. Perhaps Rajah can help you by the siege engines. That way you can keep an eye on him as well.
His answer given he turns and shouts to the crew. All right crew, everyone back to your positions! We have a race to win, an island to claim and money to collect!
The matter taken care of for now Variel returns to Rain and informs her of what transpired and what he learned thus far. Interesting fellow surviving in a sea serpent. Flynn is going to keep an eye on him but I have a sneaky feeling that this man just had some bad luck but is a decent enough chap. Thanks for keeping the course with the Lady. Even though the wind is driving and the sea is churning Variel manages to lean over and give her a quick kiss.
"Siege engines?! Now you're talking, my good man!" Grabbing his pack that landed on the deck with him when he was expelled, he makes his way with Flynn over to the large weapons.
Now that the matter with the sea serpent has been dealt with, and you have found a new crewmate in the bargain, you proceed to your next checkpoint in the race, a pair of rocky spines jutting from the ocean known as Iris's Splinters. There you must "thread the Iris" in order to continue to the next stage of the race.
As you approach you notice that another ship managed to overtake you, coming from a more southerly course and making it's way toward the Iris. You see in the spyglass that the ship is the sloop Sullied Strumpet, captained by Genevive Writ. You don't know much about them other than that they are known to give a portion of their plunder to help the poor in their home port of Hell Harbor.
You poor on a burst of speed, attempting to make up the lost ground, when suddenly a massive bulge appears in the water and the shell of a turtle breaches the surface, sending water exploding into the sky. It slams into the Sullied Strumpet, sending crew and wood alike flying into the air as it capsizes the ship and begins to snap and feed on the crew.
Still in the crow's nest, Seijiro says to Rain and Variel, via message spell:
|
|
know arcana
Variel cringes at the sight of the ship being overturned. Anyone else and Variel would not have cared but the Strumpet and her captain had a reputation of helping the poor. Variel knew what that was like and while he did not want to jeopardize the race he wanted to help them. Hoping for a compromise Variel calls out. Ready the long boats. As we approach drop them into the sea for them to use. Rain we are going to need full speed once the boats are released to get away from that Dragon Turtle. Use the wheel if you need to avoid any collision
Through the message spell Variel gives Jiro the plan as well. Keep an eye on that dragon turtle. We need to know if it is coming our way or not.
Horatio, Rajah fire at will on that Turtle if you get a clear shot. Maybe we can injure it and scare it away.
Dhaavan, some support in the water would be nice as well right now.
Eyes going wide at the horrific sight, "By the Dawnflower," he murmurs in awe at the sight of the creature. The newcomer then cast multiple spells upon himself, preparing to help the boatless crew in any way he can.
Ready the long boats. As we approach drop them into the sea for them to use. Rain we are going to need full speed once the boats are released to get away from that Dragon Turtle. Use the wheel if you need to avoid any collision
Horatio nods at the command, glad at the least that something is being done for the other crew.
While destroying Harrigan does not rankle him in the slightest, letting innocent sailors drown is something he would rather not do.
Horatio, Rajah fire at will on that Turtle if you get a clear shot. Maybe we can injure it and scare it away.
Horatio turns a glance at Amen-set, and the girl moves forward quickly to the weapon and lays her hand upon it.
"See if you can get aloft and rain some damage on that thing," he tells her and she nods her head in agreement.
Horatio turns back to Rajah, watching him cast as he begins to aim the cannon...
"I guess I don't know you worth a damn, that said - I hope you're ready for a little action, because it looks like we're about to get some," he says with a dry smile.
Grinning wryly, "Only one way to find out, my good man!" He then prepares to fire one of the ballista at the large target.
The matter taken care of for now Variel returns to Rain and informs her of what transpired and what he learned thus far. Interesting fellow surviving in a sea serpent. Flynn is going to keep an eye on him but I have a sneaky feeling that this man just had some bad luck but is a decent enough chap. Thanks for keeping the course with the Lady. Even though the wind is driving and the sea is churning Variel manages to lean over and give her a quick kiss.
"Good," she replied to her betrothed as her mind was occupied with keeping them afloat and on course. When Variel leaned over and kissed her quickly, she was notably surprised as he generally didn't like to show such open affection in public, but she smiled at his tender gesture.
She gave an unhappy grunt when she saw the Sullied Strumpet overtake her from the south and then watched as the ship was suddenly set upon by a large sea turtle.
She heard Jiro's warning via the message spell active between them. Looking to Variel, she replied, "We cannot leave this crew to meet such a fate," and the message could be heard by Jiro through their link.
Ready the long boats. As we approach drop them into the sea for them to use. Rain we are going to need full speed once the boats are released to get away from that Dragon Turtle. Use the wheel if you need to avoid any collision."
Rain gave a nod and replied, "Aye, Captain." Her eyes cast about the water and creature a thousand feet ahead of them, trying to steer the Lady at a fair speed, but mindful of the obstacles up ahead.
Hearing Variel ask Dhaavan for aid in the water, she added, "Agreed, Dhaavan could send some of his water or air elementals to aid the sailors in the water."
Grinning wryly, "Only one way to find out, my good man!" He then prepares to fire one of the ballista at the large target.
As they begin to ready the weapons, Horatio studies Rajah carefully.
"You any good at Alchemical Weapons?" he asks him as he considers some of the various types of ammo he has ready.
Looking in thought a moment, "Can't say that I have but I guess there's a first time for everything. Let's give it a shot!" he says with excitement.
Aye! Dhaavan shouts, taking to the now of the ship, preparing to summon a group of water elemental via SM 3, once we are in closer range
As you get closer you see thrashing and a sound like a kettle screaming issues forth and then a sudden huge burst of steam comes from the spot of the capsized ship. The screams of the sailors come hurling across the sea, sheer agony as they are boiled alive.
--700 feet
Amen-set will send Horus aloft to move closer to the wreckage of the ship so that they can see if there are any signs of survivors.
Like the others, she is determined to save any innocent lives; however, it seems both illogical and dangerous to prepare an Away Team for rescue purposes if the other sailors are already dead…
Also, Horus will keep an eye out on the waters below as well as the ships that are around us (basically just trying to get a general run-down on the situation from a closer – albeit higher/safer – position).
Meanwhile, Horatio will quickly give Rajah a run-down on some of their more unique ammo in case the new sailor might have any valuable insights on how to use it.
--400 feet
--400 feet
Horatio turns a bland look at Rajah.
"Remember what I said about action?" he says, his eyes ranging over all the other officers, then he looks aloft.
"Oye - light it up, eh?" he calls out and Amen-set, hovering above near Jiro, nods briskly.
The fireball washes over the monstrous creature but you see that it doesn't seem to even be singed. You suspect the creature has some sort of resistance to fire after seeing the lack of effect.
Rain works at drawing the ship to a close enough distance to drop the longboats but out of the direct/immediate path of the giant turtle.
"We're too far! I will hold until we near! We need a better shot!" he yells through the wind speed. As he takes aim with the ballistae, "Wait for it... wait for it... FIRE!" he yells as he fires the over-sized crossbow bolt at the dragon turtle.
Missing horribly, he doesn't hesitate in working to reload another bolt.
"We're too far! I will hold until we near! We need a better shot!" he yells through the wind speed. As he takes aim with the ballistae, "Wait for it... wait for it... FIRE!" he yells as he fires the over-sized crossbow bolt at the dragon turtle.
Horatio lifts an eyebrow at Rajah’s efforts and watches the bolt sail through the air.
”Firing is good – hitting is better,” he calls out at the man, then blows gently on the taper to cause it to sparkle and crackle, then he turns and gives Rajah a small “Thumb’s Up” as he fires the cannon…
Hit or miss, Horatio instantly moves to reload.
Amen-set, seeing Horatio's actions, has moved to rest near Jiro and begins to cast the spell "Summon Monster Two"...
Rain, you have a decision to make, you can see an opening where you can slip past the dragon turtle without having to fight it and get through the pass to continue the race. This will allow you to leave the turtle to attack any other ships coming through, like the Wormwood, which would give you a definite advantage in the race but would also mean that if there are any survivors from the capsized ship they will definitely die. It's up to you as the Pilot to make the call as you won't have time to really confer with anyone before the decision needs to be made.
Risk your ship and crew for the capsized crew or take the opening and trust your piloting skills to bypass the danger?