Genesis

Game Master Stratos

The Great Circle, you say? So it even has a name. Masterful indeed. Quite the spectacle. I guess if it makes you feel good about yourself, its good for you!

Haggin breaks some more bread and continues talking with his new companions. So, where it is that you folks are heading? Do you travel often? Have any need for fine, crafted jewerly?

I travel with the ship to protect the Cargo. I have no need for finery, but I may take you up on the appraisal skills that I am sure you possess sometime in the future.

He nudges the monk with an elbow and a wink.

I will let you know how things go with the lady later this evening. I am hoping to make her aquaintance this afternoon.

Filios finishes his breakfast and heads up to the main deck to have a look around.

Quiahar winks back at Filios. "Good luck, then."

Reaching into a satchel, Tasha's hand roots around for a minute, before pulling out some dried leaves. She reaches out her hand, a bracelet made of bone hanging loosely on her wrist. "In the meantime, you should eat these. They're very bitter, but will settle your stomach."

After the gnome walks away, Dristen will approach the human. "Do you mind telling me what you gave her? I've been the healer on several ships but I have not yet found a way to deal with sea sickness that doesn't involve magic."

Haggin looks at the one that was called a monk and says, Why would he need any luck with something like that? I would imagine coin is all you need, not luck. Woo-hoo! The gnome gives a big absurd smile and then chuckles to himself over his meal.

During the next suppertime, Sagaxus will stand before the assembled crew and clear his throat. He hums a few notes, awkwardly, looks out over the crew, then breaks into a well-known drinking song that starts slow:

"Ahem. NOW I'M...AIMIN' FOR HEAVEN, ah,
BUT PROBABLY WIND UP DOWN IN HELL-ah.
WHERE UPON THIS ALTAR, I WILL HANG MY GUILT-RIDDEN HEAD.
BUT IT'S TIME I'LL TAKE
BEFORE I BEGIN,

THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND,
THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND,

WELL IT'S TIME I'LL TAKE
BEFORE I BEGIN, THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND,
THREE SHEETS
TO
THE
WIND.

REBELLLLLLS, ARE WE,
THOUGH HEAVY OUR HEARTS SHALL ALWAYS BE,"

here he pauses, then grins and begins stomping his foot to a lively beat,

"AH, NO BALL NOR CHAIN NOR PRISON SHALL KEEP,
WE'RE THE REBELS OF THE SACRED HEART!
I SAID NO BALL NOR CHAIN NOR PRISON SHALL KEEP,
WE'RE THE REBELS OF THE SACRED HEART!"

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Apparently it's pretty badly off-key, but damnit, it's sung with enthusiasm

"Ahh.... coin will buy you time, charm will buy you skill." Quiahar slowly intones, barely audible over the bad singing.

Ariston sits among the assembled crew for dinner, this time not having any room to be off by himself. He stares, appalled by the performance of the crew member who has launched into song, oblivious to the poor nature of it. "Though you do have to admire his spirit."

At Quiahar's remark, which Ariston only just caught, he leans across the table towards him and says, "I doubt even the glint of coin could buy him much time, regardless of the establishment."

Haggin laughs at the comments by Quiahar and Ariston as if it were the funniest things he had ever heard that wasn't said by he himself. Oh, is that really fair? I'm sure coin can buy a man many things, even appiness if one tried hard enough! Anyway, I should take my leave of you now, good sirs. I have an apology to make.

Haggin will actively seek out the one named Saladraxis and approach said person as soon as he can locate them alone. Umm, excuse me, is it miss? Umm, I beg your pardon for my intrusion earlier. I was quite rude to not have noticed that you were there, which occasionally can happen when one is as small as we are. It can become difficult to keep track of everything that occurs at our level, if you know my meaning. Always having to look up at these taller folk one can miss someone that is right there in front of you. The jeweler removes his hat and continues. I am Haggin Goodfey, at your kind service.

Filios, after walking the deck for awhile, taking in the salt air and the breeze provided by the speed of the vessel, heads below deck into the cargo hold to inspect his charge. He looks for anything out of place, or cargo that may have been tampered with.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The dark of the hold was comforting, almost like a floating cave. It was much safer here, with all the tall scaleless above carrying on without any discipline. It was hard to even think. But here Sal could let go of the lock around her heart, she did not have to try so hard to swallow down her feelings. Her musings almost led to a nap if it had not been for the sudden intrusion of the small gnome man from before.

Seeing as the Gnome before her had earlier interrupted the conversation she was having with the nice lady with the leaves, and then had the audacity to run away as soon as he was barked at, this man thing seemed to be far stranger than any she had met so far. Strangely there was something still so familiar about him, like a distorted reflection in a pond. True he was so bright and colorful it almost made her mind shrink away, but still it was interesting to meet someone who at least looked similar enough to her. He may not be Kobold but somehow he still felt like kin.

These feelings did much to temper the habitual venom that normally crept into her voice. She didn't even have to close the lock on her feelings, although she still reached momentarily to the golden key at her throat."I could see how you would have a problem noticing what was important, if all you do is crane your neck to look up at the tall yips... I mean scaleless. I would have a pain in my neck that no amount of healing would fix if I did that. My name is Saladraxis first and only of my clutch."

I think we have nicely tied up the paradox of our posts. As I understand it Haggin was in the middle of a game, was winning too much, then by luck my stumble interrupted and the already angry sailors turned their anger on me, Tash stepped in, Haggin thought she had moved in to save him thinking the men had shoved their way up from the table after him not having even noticed me, conversation continues, Haggin figures out he has given offense to me and in an uncharacteristic move decides to flee. Then comes the eating in the galley and now this interaction. I will continue my conversation with tash and any who get involved with it from that point and continue this conversation as if it is happening after my eventual departure from that group and time frame.

Seeing as time is what it is I think you perceive the sounds of two gnomes having a conversation in your hold. :)

Gansukh comes up finally out of the hold, his legs still unsteady from the heaving and rocking the boat constantly does

Muttering to no one in particular he holds himself to the side of the deck, the salt spray to cool him and freshen his stench

Whoever said I'd find my "sea legs" in a few days should be punched! looking around at all the company Anyone up for some gambling or wrestling? I'm tired of this being couped up. Noticing the perceptive elf inspecting things he saddles himself up along side of him

What are you getting into, you think something is amiss on this wooden coffin!? He honestly doesn't look to be enjoying the sea at all and there is some paranoia of it sinkingI really hope everything is ok, the fate of my name lies in getting to Sargava!

[b]Good day. I am Filios. And, you would be? My job is to protect this cargo with my sword and wits. I was just conducting a routine inspection. However, now that you mention it, some diving or cards would be a great way to pass the time.[b]

I would love a good game of cards if we could find some crew to gamble with or other passengers. But I must ask, is anything suspicious? You've got me all worried now just when I was getting close to being settled down!

looks around motioning for anyone interested to join

I'm personally hoping to get Sellas into a game, that man is given much respect and I'd love to talk with him he looks almost as strong as I am! with that he bellows out a heartening laugh and seems to be feeling much better now that his mind is on something other than that pitching sea and salty meat

"Suspicious" Quiahar asks, gradually looking up at Gansukh. "No, not really. Ships have different ways of working, I mean their crews, of course. I'll keep my eyes open, however, if you like."

Well, dear Sladraxis, perhaps I should learn a wise lesson from you and not stare up to these, ummm, yips was it? Yes, I should have them stare down at me! Wonderful idea!

Where have I seen a creature like this one before? Surely I have encountered at least one in my travels? No matter, she can't be bad considering her height!

Where is it that you travel from? I'm sure you have seen fascinating places. I'd much like to hear a tale or two sometime if this homely little gnome isn't too much hassle to you.

Noting Quiahar taking interest in the conversation between him and Filios he engages him lightly

Ah well that's good! I've spent most this voyage dealing with this ruddy box and I don't need new anxieties creeping in! Name is Gansukh, I think I saw you working out the other morning, want to dice or play some cards with us, I'm hoping for at least a five man hand!

Where are we at? Is Gansukh up in the mess looking for a game, or has Quiahar ventured down into the hold as well?

I had some confusion and thought filios was on deck inspecting stuff, so that's why the locations seem disjointed

Dristen approaches the gathering and waits for a break in the conversation. He addresses Gansukh "Excuse me, uh, sir. I am the priest aboard this ship and would like to record your last rights observations."

A priest you say? When I die my soul should go on wherever the gods will. As to the body it's just a vessel, show me some honor and bury me or burn me. And occasionally have a drink poured out... It's all without merit though, when I die I'll have restored my nation and my own country men will know what to do!

A priest you say? When I die my soul should go on wherever the gods will. As to the body it's just a vessel, show me some honor and bury me or burn me. And occasionally have a drink poured out... It's all without merit though, when I die I'll have restored my nation and my own country men will know what to do!

Dristen stops writing and looks up quickly: "Did something happen to your nation? Can things happen to an entire nation"

In the Tian lands there are many provinces and small nations. Mine is the nation of Chu Ye. A few generations ago it was taken over by evil Oni He laughs a bit at this Like there are any "good" oni! The entire human population is nothing more than fodder, slaves, and food for the ogres and oni that run that nation. A bastion of Evil that I will come back and liberate! That of course will take time and work, but that's why I'm heading to Sagarva, the strong thrive there and I need to find my own strength and find strong allies!

Dristen's eyes widen: "I think the gang and then temple must have sheltered me from events like this." He finishes up writing and starts to walk away. He turns back. "What is an oney?"

I'm just running under the assumption that we're in the mess. Seems like the best place to search for a game.

"You hope to liberate an entire nation? That's quite the lofty goal. It must take a huge effort to plan for an endeavor of that magnitude. Is playing cards part of your master scheme?" Ariston grins, showing he means... well, if not no insult, at least not much. "But if you have the money to lose, then by all means, let's play."

The cards? Oh of course not, even the greatest of leaders and conquerors must have some time to relax and unwind, and it gives me an opportunity to talk and find allies in my great and divine cause! He laughs easily clearly not offended at all

You can tell alot about a person by how they gamble, both with their money and with their life! My name is Gansukh for those who didn't hear, and as to your question little man, an Oni is a foul devil that feasts on human flesh and delights in cruelty! I've seen them take fair young boys and girls and slowly peel their skin to drink on their young tears and then eat their tender flesh, truly evil things!

"I come from a place in the Kortos Mounts, a place in the darkness and depths. Is your self deprivation considered cute by others, or is it suposed to put them at ease. Or maybe you really do feel the hate boil up. You are so colorful, burnished as a great Red. Such colors could never be homely." Maybe this one would understand her, so strange that a whole life could go by with no kindness outside of that of a dead man; and today two people show such a rare trait. Maybe it was a trick of the sea and these thrice damned waves.

"Yikes! Your cause is divine? Under what deity's favor?"

Dristen is uncomfortable: 1d2 ⇒ 2

"Nevermind, I have more crew members to talk to." Drysten walks away from the conversation, stopping after a few steps to listen to the response.

A diety is needed to make a cause divine!? In Chu Ye the gods have all forsaken us and let those devils run rampant and inflict cruelty on good honest people. Only the strong survive there, and while I speak of divine mandates and holiness, it is only the way my people talk and refer to things. I mean you no discomfort, my common isn't always perfect

Sagaxus is in the mess hall as well, and overhears Gansukh's voice - it carries far, you see. He gets up and moves to where he's seated, listening intently as he speaks of devils. "Gansukh, tell me what you know of these Oni. Have you encountered them in battle?"

I got to see some in combat when I was with the Mizu Ki Hikari rebels. They are tricky to fight because they are utter beasts without weapons and even more so with! In Chu Ye humans are not allowed to wield weapons or have steel, the penalty is death... so the rebels I was with were all trained by martial artists and skilled as they were, it would take many just to kill an ogre without casualties, and against an oni, even with a perfect ambush many would certainly die. He looks a bit sad as he thinks towards the rebels, his voice having gone from jolly to serious and gritty... he pauses takes a breath and begins shaking some dice in a cup

Sagaxus looks a little uncomfortable at the line of questioning himself, but he presses further. "These oni...you said they used natural weapons as well? Claws? Teeth?" he pauses. "Horns?"

His pointer finger taps a staccato, irregular beat on the table as he tries not to stare at Gansukh.

He stops rattling the cup for a bit

They love their weapons, steel Katana's, clubs, or even Tetsubo's such as I wield are all employed by those beasts. There are different varieties, and the spirit Oni will gore a man with their horns, or shred them with their claws... they come in many forms and shapes and some are strong and others are not... but even the weakest can try a normal man without much experience. You seem very interested in these diabolical creatures, do I sense a new recruit to my cause He says in a half serious half joking manner Or are you hoping to distract me so you can win my gold all the easier!

Ariston keeps a noncommittal face during this exchange, vaguely irritated by the prospect of being brought down with the general air of the conversation. "A nation under devil-rule, huh? Goring and shredding... and here I was hoping for a friendly game of dice." He brightens up when the conversation comes back around to the game. "I can't speak for him, but I'm certainly hoping for easier access to your purse."

About time someone took me up on a game! If we can find three more we can switch to a more serious card game! He looks much happier and starts tumbling dice around again with a big grin on his face

Sagaxus smiles uncertainly, and nods, resolving inwardly to keep the attention away from the topic of devils for the moment. "Count me in for your game, though I'm not exactly swimming in gold."

Well then ante up! I'll shoot first and I'll wager a whole gold craps rules

This is going entirely too fast for me to be able to keep up with, as I simply don't have the time to be able to post a few times a day. If this is how the actual game is going to go, then I should probably withdraw my application.

Gansukh-Omae, I noticed you're partially a monk (or at least were one), did your alignment change over time, since by RAW, monks are lawful, and barbarians are nonlawful. Are you now an ex-monk? Quiahar was raised by aasimar after being orphaned, which is why he's an unusually aligned monk (an aasimar trait)

And Tasha, its probably not how fast the game will actually go. Recruitment threads in general are faster than the games, which eventually lose steam over time.

Tasha just post at the speed you are comfoottable at. I am having fun with our interaction and the others should be more than willing to slow down and take our time making longer posts. Trust me it will be fine.

Filios was in the hold with the cargo, and I assume the dice game is there as well. In any event, he will be where the gaming is!

I will bet the pass line - roll away friend, roll away.

Speed is quick, but I agree that it will slow down a little in gameplay.

"I come from a place in the Kortos Mounts, a place in the darkness and depths. Is your self deprivation considered cute by others, or is it suposed to put them at ease. Or maybe you really do feel the hate boil up. You are so colorful, burnished as a great Red. Such colors could never be homely." Maybe this one would understand her, so strange that a whole life could go by with no kindness outside of that of a dead man; and today two people show such a rare trait. Maybe it was a trick of the sea and these thrice damned waves.

Haggin blushes as the word "cute" is mentioned and gives a slightly embarrassed smile. Oh, perhaps my younger days some fair maiden may have considered me to be, umm, not so homely. I'm not as certain that my red burnishment is so great or my err, self privation so cute, mind you that doesn't mean I may not have held the affections of the ladies at one time, haha! Goodfey chuckles a little more after the laughter, asumed by how te conversation has turned onto him. Anyway, these Kortos Mounts, I do not believe I have been to this place that you mention. I prefer the light and the open spaces of the world, not so much the dark depths as you mention.

The gnome stands up and holds his hand out to the creature he is speaking to. Come with me, my lady. Let's go and see what these yips are doing about the ship and get some fresh air. I promise that if you let it, the air would do you some good. Will you join me?

Quiahar - Gansukh is a Martial Artist, who can be of any alignment.

And yes, it will slow down in gameplay, at least due to the fact that there will be less of us. "Stage 2" only lasts for two more days. I really don't think the actual game will be like this, so I'd encourage you to keep going, Tasha.

Agreed. Just overnight I had 20 new posts to look at and I already got confused as to who the gnome was once, LOL. I am going to somehow try to segway to where the dice game is so that more of us can interact.

After the conversation with Gansukh, Drysten approaches crew members who are on shift and offer to help them with the tasks they are working on. The familiar work eases his mood and he soon returns to Dristen, his natural sailing state. With his task to mind once again, Dristen returns to cataloging last right observations. As he does so, the conversation with Gansukh that seemed to end so abruptly fills his thoughts. A land where devil's rule and a nation that wants to rebuild itself under divine guidance. I know I could be of help to the human, but does he know that?

Sal smiles at the odd gnome and laughs"No it is yips, not yips. Your tongue needs to move more out of the way." She hesitates momentarily and looks back at the comforting niche she had found for herself."Maybe you are right, I spent so long running from home, maybe I should stop running back to the homelike."

He looks up to the crew and the passengers

Come now, wager on these bones that I rattle! Break the dull endless sky and endless water with a limited wager! I'm feeling lucky how about you!

yeah it won't normally be this fast, and even if it is, it's dialogue between players, not the expectation that all have to. I post alot while working but at home I'm about 1-2 a day. As to right now, gambling is an easy way to incorporate everyone here and gives a common topic...

He continues shaking the dice in a cup forcefully

who all is betting against me and for me! I've got whole gold on this first throw!

Sagaxus reaches into his coinpurse thoughtfully, holds up a gold piece, and wordlessly smiles at Gansukh as he plants it down on the table. "Wagered."

This man surely is betting for me, he looks too friendly and trusting to believe I could fail! Do I have any others!? He shouts fairly well to the crew and passengers, he seems very lively and boisterous.