Lee, trusting Sal's instincts, will follow her attack with a Web in the same general direction.
.
Muffin looks down from the rigging, trying to get a handle on the action below.
"Belina, the wheel!" Thren curses. As she steps away, she sings out a strange series of notes.
She looks around to try to determine what is attacking her ship, drawing her sword.
Sandara loads her crossbow, hoping to figure out where the enemy is for a shot. She then closes her eyes and concentrates for a moment. Where there was one of her, now are two.
Sal's dagger slices through invisible flesh, and dark violet blood drips onto the deck.
The web explodes onto the deck, railings, yard arm, and mast. The web thrums like a scaled up version of a spider's web catching a fly as something unseen near Sal attempts to escape. It breaks free for just a moment, but is captured again almost immediately.
Sal swiftly swings her ranseur into her hand () and steps into the web.
She stabs at the lump of webbing she can smell blood coming from with her very long three pronged spear.
Lee yells:
"Anybody know what we're dealing with, here?
If we think they are summoned we can try to send them away, otherwise it is duking it out the old fashioned way, right?"
"They're some sort of humanoids, still vague even though I can see them! Kind of like air shaped like a person!"
Lee gives things a quick ponder.
"Obviously sent to slow us down. We don't have to win the fight against these things, just not be hindered. The one caught in the Web isn't going to be up to much, but the free one can still make mischief with the sails and rigging. Just keep the ship moving full speed and we'll deal with these issues 'the old fashioned way'."
It looks like Lehland's naturally soft heart has tempered his application of 'the old fashioned way'. He hucks a Magic Missile spell Mercifully.
Lee directs all 5 magic bolts from his (Merciful) Magic Missile at the creature hovering off the port side of the ship.
"They've not 'attacked' us yet. If I can get them to just fly off I'll be satisfied."
"'We don't have to win...' Lee, I don't think I unnerstand this language yer speakin'. We're skirtin' the edge of the Eye of Abendego. THe Eye has its own denizens what definitely don't like visitors. I know. I been here before. And I didn't survive it by playin' nice. And if this ain't just an angry bit of nature aimin' to make us its dinner, this is folk in a race willing to kill--if not to attack then to capsize us--to cheat to win--so's they can win the race and have the Hurricane King's ear, and no doubt do more damage to all across the Shackles once they do. They get let go they will try to hurt as many as they can next chance they get. This is an 'us or them' situation and I'm choosin' us."
She hefts her ranseur with no intent to be merciful.
Sal strikes one of the invisible foes, but whatever it is, it doesn't bleed.
Lee's missiles strike home.
Sal's dagger slices through invisible flesh, and dark violet blood drips onto the deck.
As an FYI, my descriptions were in reaction to this earlier post from you.
"Sandara, fire to hit due north, about twemty-five feet!" The bard directs. She then sings out a few more notes.
Sandara casts dispel magic where Thren directs, hoping to make the target visible...or disappear, if summoned.
As an FYI, my descriptions were in reaction to this earlier post from you.Sal's dagger slices through invisible flesh, and dark violet blood drips onto the deck.
There is a pop in the air as the invisible creature vanishes as Sandara's spell unravels the magic holding it on this plane.
The creature moves toward Sal, once again becoming entangled in the web.
Round 3. Finish this thing.
Lee considers Sal's case.
"I see you point. You are 100% correct in your desire to protect the crew and the ship. But our task is to win a race, not hunt monsters. If we could shoo them away quickly? That would be fine by me."
"That being said, I can join in a fight as well."
Lee throws a Magic Missile spell at the creature stuck in the web (All 5 magic bolts).
"Can't win a race if these varmints snuck on and cut our riggin', neither. But we kin debate the finer points o' tactics later."
The web ceases its thrumming from the struggles (but not from the wind) as the bolts of force drive the 2nd creature back to wherever it came from.
As before, the only competitor ship you can see is the Wormwood. And she is neck and neck with you. It all comes down to this...
"Clear the deck of that webbing Lee and let's get to it! I'd rather have my tail cut off than let the Wormwood win and I bet I'm not alone here saying that!"
Thren retakes the wheel and sets the Fearsome Tide on a course straight for the finish line.
Sandara snaps orders to get the ship underway properly, throwing herself into any task that needs that little extra bit to get done fast. She also keeps an eye on our old rival Harrigan's ship in case of more trouble.
"Did I see what happened right? Quinn, you sent away one with yer magic? Does that mean it was summoned? 'Cause if so, then that had to come from another ship. An' if the Wormwood's the only ship in sight..." She scowls. "How far away could the caster be to set off a spell like that?"
She calls up to the crewmate in the crow's nest (Conchobar if daytime, presumably, Xosrov if night). "You see anything?"
Sal also stays on the alert.
"Nothing from up here, but if they are sending invisible beasties at us, I can't very well be expected to see them."
Nothing else stands in your way nor intervenes as you race to the finish, a tiny island called Coaming Point. Conchobar calls out "Something incoming from the Kraken. Looks like a porpoise."
And indeed, a silver and black porpoise streaks through the water at speeds the learned among you think of as more than natural. Clearly the Master of Gales is observing the finish up close.
At first you are neck-and-neck, but you are better rigged for speed, and the Wormwood falls behind, and you reach the finish line several lengths ahead.
As Coaming Point passes on your port side, the porpoise leaps from the water, transforming into an albatross and flying back toward the Kraken.
At the same time, a gull with black tipped wings circles and then lands on the rail in front of the wheel. It speaks in a nasal voice, "Congratulations, Captain and Crew of the Besmara's Whim! You are the winners of the Free Captain's Regatta! The Master of Gales invites you to celebrate on the nearby Coaming Point. Do not worry about the weather, you will find that no storms will trouble the area until we depart. You will find a suitable cove on the leeward side of the island."
Indeed, making your way to the harbor is easy, and almost immediately a crack appears in the clouds and crepuscular rays create a picturesque scene.
Our vivacious tiefling gives the wheel to Belina and races over to the rail on the side the Wormwood would be on. "You can kiss my tail, Harrigan!" Thren shouts exuberantly. Indeed, her tail is going back and forth like it has a mind of its own. "Maybe if you treated your crew like crew and not barnacles you could get that ship of yours to move!"
Done taunting, the captain smiles at the gull. "We've earned that and then some. Get us to harbor Belina. We can assess damage later, we've gone into the teeth of the storm and now it's time to celebrate!"
When they cross the finish line, Sal lets out a whoop so loud it echoes over the little island and gulls fly away in terror. She goes around and shakes all the crew's hands.
Later in a quieter moment, she asks Thren and Lee, "So I heard like anyone has what a bastard Harrigan is but you've been up close an' personal. What's the likelihood he sent the elementals?"
"I think he'd send the elementals if he had the chance." Thren asserts. 'The lightning critters were one thing, we were in the biggest storm in the world. But the elementals? Which were invisible? Probably. Best guess is he had his seacaster conjure them up somehow."
You are the first of the competitor ships to reach the harbor, but the Master of the Gales and his crew still beat you there, which is fortunate for you and your crew.
The air has cleared over the island, and various trees hang heavy with fruit. All manner of fish are cooking on coals, pots of crustaceans, seaweed, and vegetables boil, and a variety of looted exotic specialties burden tables that have been set up on the beach. The standard rum, but also fine wines and aged liquors, rice wine, along with refreshing chilled and warm drinks of all kinds are available.
Brazenly, Harrigan and his officers come ashore, but most of the crew remain aboard. About an hour later, the Pharasma's Price arrives, and aboard is Zarina Visk, who spreads a remarkable tale of the Wormwood ramming her ship, the Barnacled B$!%@. Zarina is the only survivor of the sunk ship, having been picked up by the crew of the Price.
AFter some time, the Master of the Gales calls out to gain everyone's attention. "I am please to announce that Captain Threnody Nocturne and the crew of the Fearsome Tide are the victors in this year's Free Captain's Regatta. Captain Threnody, here is your purse. And here your shackle." He holds out a broken, silver plated broken manacle. "This shackle represents your freedom from the constraints of the laws of the nations of Golarion, and your bond with the free people of the Shackles. Thought the shackle is broken, it binds you to the welfare of The Shackles and all that dwell within them. And lastly, a deed to an island. As a Free Captain, you have the right to claim your territory."
Thren leaves a crew to stand watch over the ship in case a sore loser decides to do something stupid before bring her own officers ashore. She makes a point of ignoring Harrigan and his officers unless provoked-best not to tick off the Master of the Gales, in her mind.
The bard takes the purse first and looks through it like a proper pirate before accepting the shackle. This, she carefully slips over the end of her tail and holds on to it that way.
"Thank you, Master." The tiefling says solemnly. "It was a fun race, even though it sounds like someone couldn't follow simple directions." She doesn't look at the Wormwood or its captain as she speaks. "I'll happily drop Zarina off at a port of her choice if she likes, out of respect for the captain."
"Now, you mentioned claiming territory. I'm already based out of an island to the north and I'm very partial to it. It's where we claimed my ship and Redclaw's treasure."
"Yes, and it is convenient that those who couldn't follow directions did not fare well in the race. We will have to keep an eye on that one." he says, clearly staring down Harrigan. "As for your business, that is your business. Come morning we will sail back to Port Peril for the real party, and the other Free Captains and Pirate Lords will celebrate your victory. What you do with your winnings is up to you. The Hurricane King chose the island that is your reward himself. Settle it, sell it, use it to grow dragonfruit. It makes no matter to me, though he may have other stipulations. For now let's enjoy your victory."
[b]"Bonefist himself chose it? I guess it's worth looking into at least! But you're right. Today, let's enjoy victory!"[/b}
Sal shouts a loud, Huzzah!.
She says to the officers later, "Winnin' more land is a good thing. Only increases your reputation as true winner-takes-all Free Captains. Would be interesting to see what's there. Ya don't have to take my word, but were I you, if this place is in a good spot, I'd start a public trading port on the new place, and keep yer old Cyclopean lighthouse-temple as a private retreat. You've got the hidden cove entrance an' all, be good to keep it that way."
"Kind of what I'm thinking...when we get to it. Today...we party. Tomorrow, fix the ship, go to Port Peril, celebrate some more!" The tiefling agrees with a contagious grin.
"We should definitely do more than look. The island was "chosen". One doesn't become the Hurricane King by doing things by accident."
Lee is set to Mend small, needed items that can't be patched or recreated away from a real ship's outfitter.
Knowing how her captain can be, Sandara will use her magic to work on the damage to the sails (make whole) and attend to any lingering injuries among the crew.
You are about two days of sailing from Port Peril, and you will get there before some of the other competitors.
Zarena Visk takes you up on your offer to take her to port. She is a handsome hill of a woman, fully six and a half feet tall not quite so broad of shoulder. By the time the two days have elapsed, she has been impressed by the functioning of the crew. Scuttlebutt tells here that Sal has recently joined the crew, and that Lee has returned from a hiatus. Once you dock, she approaches the Captain with her request.
"Look, Cap'n, I ain't never been one much for lingering in port, always felt best with my feet on a deck since I was but a girl in the Inner Sea. would you have need of another swab? Or I've had some training as a carpenter and even a bit as a sawbones. You clearly have a great ship and a great crew. I'd be honored to join it."
Once that minor issue is resolved one way or another, you find that word of your victory has preceded you to the Port Peril, whether any other ships have or not. Your money is no good at any bar, inn, or tavern in the city, and your crew can celebrate on the house in pretty much any way they like. Bards sing already exaggerated versions of the race, feel free to set them straight.
Unfortunately, the officers are expected to attend a fete hosted by the Pirate Council itself.
"Zarina, you owned your own ship. You were-and are-a Free Captain. You know your stuff." Thren looks up at the woman, a bit surprised at the request. "You sure you want to just be a sailor again? And if I take you on, can you deal with the fact you're not a captain again? Can you take orders instead of giving them? If you can, you can stay and we'll find a berth for you. No doubt about that."
Watches will be set while in port but Thren will make sure everyone gets ample time to enjoy their newfound fame (and infamy) for their well-deserved victory before getting ready to attend the party. When she gets a chance, she gets the broken silver shackle fixed so it can open and close properly and wears it on her tail proudly. "Might try to get it etched or something too," she smirks if asked.
And then she'll dress for the ball. Clothes will be cleaned and mended, her red coat will be at its best, her hat perfect. Her hair will be loose, flowing down to mid-back. Every bit the successful pirate captain in looks.
"What kind of Captain is the only survivor of her wrecked ship? And besides, as a practical matter, my whole stake was wrapped up in the BB. Sailing with a successful crew is my best chance to build a new fortune."
"Just means Besmara still wants you sailing her seas. You lost your ship. Then time to get yourself back on your feet and get another." Thren tells Zarina with a cocky grin. "And maybe get a chance to get a piece of Harrigan's hide for the trouble. You'll be welcome aboard and we'll find a berth for you and a place that suits your talents."
Lee's quietly attending to the ship's needs during the trip.
When he hears that Zarina has joined the crew he finds a chance to chat with her.
"Welcome to the crew. Threnody is a good captain and you'll enjoy her leadership, I'm sure."
Sal, who is about five-foot-two when straightening herself as far upright as she can in her boots, looks up at the towering Zarina as though she is actually capable of meeting eye contact. "Welcome aboard! I'm the new master-at-arms on our rig. Mebbe with yer own command skills you can help me whip the crew into shape. Ya made it out of the Eye alive with cheaters abounding at all so I reckon you kin handle most anything." She pauses, and her usual cockiness fades a moment. "Though my condolences fer yer crew. Even if ya ain't the type ta get close, and that makes sense enough, crew on a ship gotta have each other's backs. So it always smarts a bit when the sea takes'em. You up fer a drink to their memory?"
When it is time to go to the party, Sal looks like Sal always does, although she bathed for the occasion.
"My best friends in the whole world were on that ship, and I'll be sure to make Harrigan pay for sending them to the bottom of the sea. Best way to do that is to make sure your crew is in the best shape it can be."
_______________________________________
The fete celebrating your victory takes place at the northern tip of the sprawling Port Peril. Where the mainland doesn't quite reach the island that houses Lucrehold (the castle that is the home of the Hurricane King and the fortress that guards the mouth of the harbor) and the lighthouse called Besmara's Beacon, four ships have been rafted together to allow party goers to walk across the water. The ships are recently captured, and provided by the various Pirate Lords in attendance. The party spreads across parallel beaches, lit by torchlight, magelight, and alchemical lanterns.
On the Lucrehold side, the Hurricane King is the center of the celebration. Several, but not all, of the Pirate Lords are in attendance, along with a smattering of Free Captains moving in myriad erratic orbits that combine drink, circles of influence, and other unknown factors.
You see Pierce Jarrell, who you've met before, who is only a Free Captain but was friendly enough. Tessa Fairwind is your closest ally here. She holds court at a long table with Arronax Endymion, lord of Hells Harbor. Merrill Pegsworthy sits nearby.
At another table, Avimar Sorrinash, lord of Shark Island (and a werewolf) leads a group singing sea shanties.
The Taldan Cerise Bloodmourne moves through the crowd, either a woman of the people or someone who wants to appear as one.
Also Mase Darimar, who once sailed with the Master of Gales before finding his own way onto the Pirate Council. And of course the Master of Gales himself.
There is food of every kind, drink of most kinds, and a wide variety of entertainments, from music to games to whatever. There is a shadow puppet reenactment of the Regatta, as well as dirges for those lost in the race.
Thren waves to Pierce at her first opportunity, remembering him well from their previous adventure. She gets herself a drink-juice or tea or water, nothing alcoholic-and mingles a bit. The tiefling doesn't try to gather attention, taking what she gets naturally. When she can, she greets Captain Endymion warmly.
"I hope to come back to Hell's Harbor and perform again, Lord Endymion," the bard greets him in as friendly a manner as she can. She's sincere in this, as her time there was a lot of fun for her.