The crew seems to heavily suspect that Ieana is an owner of the ship.
They don't know much of Jask's imprisonment, or if he's a slave or not - though that seems unlikely - but they do know that he is very respectful, if not friendly. And a good prisoner. He seems to be eager to be going to Sargava.
Shorga nods, feeling a little frustrated at the lack of information, but politely keeping his concerns to himself for now. He makes a formal request to speak to the captain at the mans earliest convenience.
He's sure to get Ursa all the exercise possible when they stop, but decides that Cheliax makes him a little uneasy, and Alphonse seems not to enjoy the place a bit. One evening, after getting a reluctant Ursa back into the hold, he approaches Alphonse, trying to sound casual, "Sho, not your mosht favorite cshity I take it?"
Wren disembarks in Cheliax only to scour the pier and seashore for feathers. If asked, she will explain (in far too much detail) that the feathers are necessary for both her arcane arts and her jewelry.
She has little interest in the prisoner, focusing on her work and her best friend, Shilyn.
"What do you think of these earrings, Shilyn? Do you think they would appeal to a sailor?"
"Not particularly, no. Their government doesn't really agree with my sensibilities, and I've never been brave enough to see how they react to someone of my lineage in public in the capital. I've seen how they treat Tieflings, like Travis, and I doubt they'd be any more kind to those of celestial bloodlines. The people aren't all bad, plenty of a good nature live there, and the farming communities and smaller towns are nice places to visit, but the seat of the House of Thrune is not a place I ever wanted to see first hand, up close."
Shorga nods along with Alphonse's tale, but in the back of his mind he's feeling strongly that he's missed something that apparently should have been obvious. Lineage?... celestial!?
"I've not vishited before, but there'sh cshertainly a different feeling among the people here than other placshesh I've been. Though my travelsh sheldom took me far from home." Then he clears his throat, uncertain how to proceed, "Forgive my ignorancshe, shir Alphonshe, but did you shay you carry csheleshtial lineage? Ash in, you're an angel of shome short?"
"Well, I'm no angel," he says with a laugh "But somewhere up the line one of my ancestors had a tryst, or something more, with a Garuda. It's where I get my odd eye color. And they may be a bit hard to see in this light, but I've got feathers mixed in with my hair." he parts his hair back a little to show Shorga.
"I've been told my face is very 'hawk-like' too but I'm not sure whether that was a commentary on my race or just an observation on facial features."
"I suppose I got off lucky, I hear some others with Garuda blood have deformed fingers and toes, talon-like, and more overt avian features."
"If there was one thing I wish I had, though, it's the wings of my ancestor. Being able to fly has always sounded amazing to me."
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Shilyn looks at the earrings and replies, "They.. um.. are quite you. I would venture that a sailor would find them intriguing." She looks around to see if anyone is nearby and leans in and whispers, "Why, I even bet Mater Gelik would find them quite.. enchanting." With a giggle, she turns to wander over to where the men are gathered.
So I am going to add a little game mechanics into the "getting to know you" phase...
Each week at dinner (rather than roleplay individual encounters for the week) pick one person on the boat that you want to appeal to, and then pick how you want to appeal to them. (I don't care what the modifier that you choose is IE charisma, wisdom, int, dex etc, but you would want to pick something appealing to the person).
Pick the person and what type of "appeal" you are going for, roll and add your modifier, and I'll set the dc based on my inner-knowledge of what the people would want.
Then I'll tell you what you learn and what you get.
We'll do this once a week and include the new people when they come.
Sound good?
I guess if you don't want to play then that represents you staying in your cabin and not talking to anyone, which would be lame.
Everyone in? Go ahead for this week!
Travis spends his time working hard... using his levitate ability to make him look better at what he does than he really is... climbing the rigging is easy when you can levitate at will. During this time, he makes sure he looks especially good at what he's doing to impress the First Mate...
During some of his downtime, when he's not chatting with Shorga or learning Siege from Alphonse, he'll try talking with the First Mate, get to know him and perhaps his story - How he became a man of the sea, what brought him to the JEnivere, how long he's served on the Jenivere, what he knows about the areas we're going to next, and so forth.
If it becomes possible to maybe earn any kind of promotion on the ship, he'll aim for that, too.
NPCs. So far you have the crew as one, The cook Rambar - who is separate from the crew for rp purposes, the Captain, Alton the first mate, Gelik, Ieana and Jask.
noted travis.
You make a stop in Mediogalti Island, and (with no surprise the captain has gone recruiting bodies to hold weapons, as you are days away from the shackles.)
You board with 2 personages. The first being a gnome, whose appearance will be described later. The next is a red haired woman named Sasha Nevah. She seems somber and determined, but for what you do not know. Of note, she has a missing left pinky finger. You wonder if you dare ask her, based on her obvious fighting potential.
Shorga approaches the magic user, the one who kept changes the illumination of his clothes, "Greetish, I've been mosht impresshed by your dishplay of magical shkill! what bringsh you on thish voyage friend?"
When the red haired woman boards the boat, Shorga is obviously impressed. What a woman! he thinks to himself, and determines he'll at least make an introduction. He approaches cautiously, like he might a approach a wild mare, "Madame. I am Shorga Brull. There'sh been much talk on board about learning to defend ourshelvesh, and I hope you'll exshcushe me shaying so, but you cshertainly look the part. I prefer mounted combat myshelf, my horshe Ursha ish in the hold. Pleashe tell me, have I grosshly misshed the mark?"
As they play, Shorga notes Shilyns approach, with Wren not far behind. He glances up at the half-elf, then grins while half rising and inclining his head in an informal bow, "Greetingsh Madame. I have sheen you about but rudely have not introducshed myshelf yet. I am Shorga Brull. There is shir Travish and shir Alphonse." and gestures at his new friends in turn. "Are you a player yourshelf?" he asks, and looks at the board, thinking she might be interested in the game.
Travis practices his kata daily both before and after his duties as a member of the crew. He does this as a form of both exercise and meditation. One morning, he spies the little red-haired girl (sorry, I coudn't resist the Peanuts reference) and takes a little time to observe her. After his kata, he will approach her and greet her quietly and as nicely as he can, like the monks taught him. "Hello, I'm Travis. Pleased to meet you. I am guessing you are one of the folks brought aboard because of your martial prowess as we near dangerous areas. You most definitely look the part of a warrior. If you don't mind sharing, please, tell me about your exploits. Also, do you play Siege? I've just been learning, but we have an excellent player on board, perhaps you'd fancy a game. Or perhaps you'd like to spar later when I'm off duty. I could use the practice?"
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Stopping near the tall half-orc, Shilyn smiles and offers her hand. "Greetings Shorga. Name's Shilyn," she says politely. "As for the game? I'm not even sure what it's about although I do enjoy watching."
She watches the game for a few minutes before turning to talk to some of the others, as she knows she'll be aboard for a while. Seeing the first mate, she decides to make her way over and spends a moment talking about the boat and the sea, keeping it short to ensure she does not distract him from his duties.
She wanders over to where the recently boarded woman is standing and introduces herself, paying attention to the way she carries herself and trying to be careful not to be intrusive.
She keeps her comments light hearted and impersonal, only staying a moment before going to the front of the ship and lean against the side to watch the sea go by.
Stopping near the tall half-orc, Shilyn smiles and offers her hand. "Greetings Shorga. Name's Shilyn," she says politely. "As for the game? I'm not even sure what it's about although I do enjoy watching."
Hearing this Gelik mentions "She's not sure what most things are about, unless you count swinging your hips and wig-a-ling about! I wonder how did you get your bread today, did you steal it or did someone trade it, for your SERVICES?" he says enunciating the last word to emphasize. He doesn't say it mean, but he is intense. As if there is a little edge to the comedy. He watches to see what kind of reaction happens.
After receiving his compliment from Shorga, the gnome looks pleased. Thank you, the magic found me, I assure you. Just as height and strength clearly found you. And that voice you have, it reminds me of a story of a champion that had a voice much like yours, as it is told:
"One day a King had his warriors and guests around a table. On the opposite sides of the table was the King's champion and a Half Elf bard. The champion was an arrogant brutish man who took delight in belittling the courtiers at the table. The Half Elf quickly realised he was far too clever for the arrogant champion and his cheer squard of fellow warriors around the table. He took great pleasure in subtle mocking to impress the ladies and in no time he was locked in a contest of one-up-manship. The Champion tired of the insults thought he'd outwit the Half Elf and asked, "What's the difference between a Half-Elf and a Half-Wit?" To which the Half Elf replied, "The width of this table"
When Gelik is alone, Wren will approach the gnome, Gelik. Preening her armor as she walks, Wren gives the gnome a big smile, the gap between her yellow teeth spanning her hips. It's evident that she's both trying to be nice and completely unaware of her teethy imperfections.
"You're Gelik, are you? I notice that you share the same affinity for magic as I do. We simply must trade recipes! I know this fabulous spell that with a seagull's feather from a nest in a coil of rope will cause it dance and limber about. It's really quite nice," Wren says.
Diplomacy
When Gelik is alone, Wren will approach the gnome, Gelik. Preening her armor as she walks, Wren gives the gnome a big smile, the gap between her yellow teeth spanning her hips. It's evident that she's both trying to be nice and completely unaware of her teethy imperfections.
"You're Gelik, are you? I notice that you share the same affinity for magic as I do. We simply must trade recipes! I know this fabulous spell that with a seagull's feather from a nest in a coil of rope will cause it dance and limber about. It's really quite nice," Wren says.
1d20+0 Diplomacy
"Well now! That IS useful. I didn't expect much from a bird lover, but here you come with this! Full of more than bird seed it seems! Well, let me tell you something of value...
"An Oracle prophesied to a king that his favorite mistress would soon die. Sure enough, the woman died a short time later. The king was outraged at the Oracle, certain that his prophecy had brought about the woman's death. He summoned the Oracle and commanded him: "Prophecy, tell me of YOUR death!". The Oracle realized that the king was contriving to kill him immediatly in accordance with whatever answer he gave. "I do not know when I will die," he answered finally. "I only know that whenever I die, the king will die three days later.'
The morale of the story is that he that asks without seeing first, will be shown what he does not want to see. "
And with that he hops along, with a little better bounce in his step.
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"She's not sure what most things are about, unless you count swinging your hips and wig-a-ling about! I wonder how did you get your bread today, did you steal it or did someone trade it, for your SERVICES?" he says enunciating the last word to emphasize. He doesn't say it mean, but he is intense. As if there is a little edge to the comedy. He watches to see what kind of reaction happens.
Shilyn grins at the gnome and taps her lip with her finger. "Well, let's see.. since my services routinely bring in much more than a loaf of bread, hence I have little need to pilfer something so trite, Suffice it to say that I simply procured sustenance through more mundane means.. such as purchasing from the local baker," she says with a smile. "However, your concern for my well being is duly noted and I do sincerely appreciate your inquisitiveness into my health and ability to acquire a proper meal."
She pauses for a moment and her brow furrows. "Um.. Master Gelik? Did you know you have this spot of something on your shirt? Breakfast perhaps?" With a giggle, she turns and wanders off to find something to eat.
Sasha looks at Travis' tail and laughs jovially and it makes him feel a little shy.
When Shorga talks to Sasha, she looks him up and down. Twice. "Interesting." is all she has to say with a large smile. {b]"I might have to show you all a thing or two."[/b]
I'll wait for a couple hours to see if any other rolls come in.
Some of you overhear Travis talking with Alton, and although you don't hear Travis' side of the conversation you get the gist that Alton is worried about the Captain. He says that the Captain was drunk last night and kept muttering a quote by Captain Lortch Quellig.
"She's not sure what most things are about, unless you count swinging your hips and wig-a-ling about! I wonder how did you get your bread today, did you steal it or did someone trade it, for your SERVICES?" he says enunciating the last word to emphasize. He doesn't say it mean, but he is intense. As if there is a little edge to the comedy. He watches to see what kind of reaction happens.
Shilyn grins at the gnome and taps her lip with her finger. "Well, let's see.. since my services routinely bring in much more than a loaf of bread, hence I have little need to pilfer something so trite, Suffice it to say that I simply procured sustenance through more mundane means.. such as purchasing from the local baker," she says with a smile. "However, your concern for my well being is duly noted and I do sincerely appreciate your inquisitiveness into my health and ability to acquire a proper meal."
She pauses for a moment and her brow furrows. "Um.. Master Gelik? Did you know you have this spot of something on your shirt? Breakfast perhaps?" With a giggle, she turns and wanders off to find something to eat.
Shi can you roll me a D20 and add your Cha modifier and Wis modifier?
Thanks.
[dice=Uh oh check] 1d20 + 1 + 1
Lol. Shilyn blurts out something that is funny, but remembers too late that it is an inside joke, and nobody gets it.
Gelik looks disappointed, and wins the exchange with a comment about instead of being roguish, she's being a little too rooge-ish.
[dice=knowledge untrained, history or local]1d20
That's good enough for some of it. You mention it in your conversation,
"The last words of Captain Lortch Quellig:
"THEY SAY THE DEAD WALK ON SMUGGLERS SHIV, AND THAT THOSE WHO HAVE , YET TO DIE DINE ON THE FLESH OF THEIR KIN. THEY SAY THAT THE VERY PLANTS AND ANIMALS OF THE ISLAND THIRST FOR BLOOD. AND THEY SAY THAT THOSE WHO SAIL TOO CLOSE TO THE ISLAND'S CUTTING EDGE ARE ALREADY DOOMED, EVEN BEFORE THEIR SHIPS ARE IMPALED AND SLIP BENEATH THE SHARK-HUNGRY WAVES. THE ISLAND ITSELF IS A GRAVE TO ALL MANNER OF FOLK-PIRATE AND SOLDIER, MERCHANT AND SMUGGLER ALIKE. By DAY, ONE WHO APPROACHES TOO CLOSELY CAN HEARTHEIRSCREAMSFROM THEGREENTHAT CROWNS THE ISLE, AND BY NIGHT ONE CAN WATCH THE WITCHLIGHTS DANCE ON ITS SHORE, SAID TO BE GLOWING CANNIBAL GHOSTS EAGER TO LURE NEW MEALS TO THEIR SHORE. THEY SAY ALL THIS AND MORE ABOUT SMUGGLERS SHIV."
But you can't remember if that is where it ends or not... It seems like there is more but it has been ages.
Wren notes the conversation in passing, a magnet for overhearing and gossip.
Know (history)
Know (local)
"I could have sworn I'd heard something about that myself..."
Alphonse tries to learn more about two of the mysteries, Ienea and Sasha.
He first approaches Ienea.
"Madame, I notice you spend a lot of time alone on this ship alone. I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to pass the time with a game of Siege? That is, if you don't prefer the solitude."
Later, when Sasha boards, he practices his weapon training while near her, and looks her over, to see if he can find any distinguishing features missed on a cursory glance.
"One day a King had his warriors and guests around a table. On the opposite sides of the table was the King's champion and a Half Elf bard. The champion was an arrogant brutish man who took delight in belittling the courtiers at the table. The Half Elf quickly realised he was far too clever for the arrogant champion and his cheer squard of fellow warriors around the table. He took great pleasure in subtle mocking to impress the ladies and in no time he was locked in a contest of one-up-manship. The Champion tired of the insults thought he'd outwit the Half Elf and asked, "What's the difference between a Half-Elf and a Half-Wit?" To which the Half Elf replied, "The width of this table"
Shorga grins, then the smile fades as he mulls the story over in his mind. Have I just been insulted? What does the width of the... OH!" and then he grins happily once more. "That wash mashterfully told, good shir Gelik. You're shurely too clever by half." and chuckles deep in his throat in genuine appreciation.
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When Sasha suggests 'showing him a thing or two' Shorga bows slightly, "I'd be honored for shuch exshpert inshtructionsh lady. What ish your weapon of choicshe? Myshelf, I favor my falchion -Shabatra-, and a fine enough weapon it ish too."
[dice=knowledge untrained, history or local]1d20That's good enough for some of it. You mention it in your conversation,
"The last words of Captain Lortch Quellig:
"THEY SAY THE DEAD WALK ON SMUGGLERS SHIV, AND THAT THOSE WHO HAVE , YET TO DIE DINE ON THE FLESH OF THEIR KIN. THEY SAY THAT THE VERY PLANTS AND ANIMALS OF THE ISLAND THIRST FOR BLOOD. AND THEY SAY THAT THOSE WHO SAIL TOO CLOSE TO THE ISLAND'S CUTTING EDGE ARE ALREADY DOOMED, EVEN BEFORE THEIR SHIPS ARE IMPALED AND SLIP BENEATH THE SHARK-HUNGRY WAVES. THE ISLAND ITSELF IS A GRAVE TO ALL MANNER OF FOLK-PIRATE AND SOLDIER, MERCHANT AND SMUGGLER ALIKE. By DAY, ONE WHO APPROACHES TOO CLOSELY CAN HEARTHEIRSCREAMSFROM THEGREENTHAT CROWNS THE ISLE, AND BY NIGHT ONE CAN WATCH THE WITCHLIGHTS DANCE ON ITS SHORE, SAID TO BE GLOWING CANNIBAL GHOSTS EAGER TO LURE NEW MEALS TO THEIR SHORE. THEY SAY ALL THIS AND MORE ABOUT SMUGGLERS SHIV.
I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER PLACE TO HIDE MY TREASURE."
He first approaches Ienea."Madame, I notice you spend a lot of time alone on this ship alone. I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to pass the time with a game of Siege? That is, if you don't prefer the solitude."
1d20
"I *do* prefer the solitude. I find books much more agreeable to people and much less smelly, even considering the aging process of the two." she looks pointedly at the door you came from , and then you with an amazed look that you haven't gone through it yet.
If you stick around long enough you would hear "Oh, and books are good for more than just the one thing, and they don't need to be told to put themselves away when they are not needed for that function. As you are not needed, now."
"Well, I guess I am too much of your **typical girl** in my weapon choice," she says accenting the "girl" part of it to Shorga, clearly she has dealt with chauvinistic people here whole life, "in that I couldn't decide on *one* weapon, so I landed on two instead." She says this very light hearted and jokingly with a smile, but a flash of steel and grit comes across her eyes that don't match her lighthearted attitude.
She watches Alphonse, but doesn't notice him watching her. He notices that she has a tattoo between her shoulder blades in the shape of an "N". (Know local or Ilzmagorti nationality auto succeed.) With one fluid moment she is happy watching, and then in your next move she is sad looking, and then gone the next time you glance.
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Shilyn's eyebrow raises briefly as the red-haired girl turns to talk to one of the others and her movement causes a tatoo to briefly show. "Interesting," she muses as her thoughts take a slight detour. Shi dismisses it as just another tatoo.. for now.
"Don't let this big lug intimidate you," she says to the other woman, pointing to Shorga with a half-eaten apple in her hand. "Perhaps you and I can spar a bit in our next training session." Shilyn takes another bite and chews it thoughtfully, enjoying the sweetness.
Interesting...definitely more than meets the eye to this one.
"The morale of the story is that he that asks without seeing first, will be shown what he does not want to see. "
And with that he hops along, with a little better bounce in his step.
Wren smiles as the little gnome bounds off, not even realizing that they didn't have a chance to share recipes.
I have a good new friend in that one, I'm sure.
"Well, come along Plumie. Whatever shall we do today? I saw some of them practicing with weapons. I wonder if that dreadful half-orc will be there. He's up to no good, I'm sure," Wren says to her bird, who does not seem interested enough to respond.
Wren will go sit and find a place wherein she can watch and listen for gossip.
Travis notices the beautiful red-haired woman's tattoo but has no idea what it means.... he goes about his work for the day, joining the others later, hoping for another chance to play or watch Siege or even just talk.
Oz, come on in whenever. We will be here for the next couple days, and I am thinking we will be here until everyone says "Go." and is all ready to go with characters, statted up, officially, etc.
Noted. Thanks for the all clear.
Standing by untile everyone else feels ready (and studying the campaign). :)
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Shilyn raises early while on ship and spends time in the morning going through a series of stretches and other exercises to keep her flexibility. The gentle rolling of the ship at sea adds a nice element, the thinks, as it helps her concentrate on her balance.
Looking over the side of the ship at Ollo, she smiles and pushes the hair back from her face, before turning to go find something to eat and head out to town for a brief tour.
Travis joins Shi on deck in the early morning to go through his kata. "G'morning," he bids her, though he pays her little other attention once he begins his physical and mental meditations and exercise.
Then he works for the day until the ship puts into Ollo. Once the ship is docked, he contemplates going into town. His kind won't necessarily receive a negative reception like they would in Cheliax... perhaps some time off the ship would be fun.