It's up to you if you want to put any headers under the PC name or not. I print out the PC sheets and refer to them at home when I prepare a turn recap.
I have very few rules and the main one for posting is to make sure it's clear when you are posting IC and posting OOC. You can do this using 'OOC code' or just putting a line after your IC post or something similar. I'll use various ways.
Use bold and quotes for speech, italics for thoughts, that sort of thing helps me out when I'm compiling a turn recap.
I spoiler my rolls just to go easy on the eyes but you are always welcome to peek under my spoilers. In fact, I encourage that to make sure I'm not forgetting to add a bonus or something like that. I suggest you peek 'after' you read the turn recap.
I picked all of you because of your writing ability so that coupled with some enthusiasm is all you need to play in my games. Anything you learn along the way. And we are lucky enough to have a couple of 'veterans' that you can use as examples. No pressure gals. :)
BTW, I'll also start an NPC list where I put a pic and a brief description of the PC so let me know if you have an important NPC in your past. I'll also be looking forward to you guys making up NPCs, places, things, etc. I'm all for co-creating the world.
More questions?
Game on!
You can call me 'Fabian' :)
As you'll soon discover I am all for personalizing things (deities, spells, magic items, etc.) so your deity sounds fine.
As for speak with animals, I think I will take the approach that animals are like 3-4 year olds but very instinctive in their knowledge. There are always exceptions like an 'old soul animal'. How does that sound?
I've never used background skills before and want to make sure I'm doing it right. Per my understanding, you get your normal x+Int allotment of skill points to spend in the adventuring skill list and then two extra skill points to spend in the background skill list. So, basically two bonus skill points with a limited list of where to spend them: is that correct?
Also, do you have a problem with Min spending some of her starting gold on purchasing extra spells for her spellbook or on scribing scrolls of spells she knows?
Judging from the GM's first turn, we write in past tense? ("It was time to board," not "it is time to board?")
Thanks, both of you!
Yes, past tense is preferred.
So where are the IC posts?
The Kavaa Cutter is sailing... :)
Questions?
Game on!
So where are the IC posts?
Working on it....
It was hot, blissfully hot. After almost a year in Korvosa, a long winter that chilled her to the bone and an early summer that was barely warm, no matter how the other students fanned themselves with pleated scraps of parchment and protested that it hadn't been this hot in years, Min absolutely soaked up the tropical heat, feeling like a jungle vine that might burst into extravagant bloom at any moment.
Despite her inner exuberance, however, her outward appearance put no observer in mind of colorful flowers. She looked as she usually did: sensible, practical, calm. No one would know as she settled her hat more firmly over her hair and tugged at her gloves that she did so with anticipation bubbling effervescently within. An older woman with the same Chelaxian coloring and profile smiled, she alone discerning a little of what was going on beneath her daughter's stoic exterior.
"Now, you're sure you packed everything you need? If you need anything, write. The Cutter makes regular runs; it's no problem to send anything you may have forgotten or not realized you'd need...."
"Mother, you said the same thing when I went to Korvosa, even though it would have taken months by the time a letter got down here and a parcel made the return trip. Besides, if I need anything, I'll just borrow it from him." She nodded with amusement at the numerous boxes and pieces of equipment being painstakingly loaded onto the ship by the longsuffering crew. "Aroden's odd aunt, I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't taken his house apart piece by piece to have it carried down the coast and reassembled." Her amusement faded, however, as her gaze lingered on the waiting slaves. A new colony, a new start, and it's poisoned already.
Again, her mother seemed to realize what was going on behind Min's coffee-brown eyes and spoke to redirect her thoughts. "Wasn't it nice of your brothers to take the time to come down to the dock to see you off?"
Min turned to look at the spot of shade her brothers had commandeered further up the wharf, out of the way of the milling laborers: Caetron, the oldest, ostentatiously checking the time on his very expensive imported pocket watch, Dex, the middle brother, ingratiatingly holding a parasol over his sulky-looking and alarmingly-pregnant wife. Only Vespasian, the youngest, noticed Min's gaze and gave her an encouraging smile and wave. "I suppose," she groused, returning his wave half-heartedly, "although I'm fairly certain they only showed up to make sure I get on the boat. If their children start growing up to be too much like them, Mother, be sure to send them down to visit their Auntie Min in Pridon's Hearth. I'll try to set them straight."
Turning away from her brothers, away from the slaves and the cargo, she sought to regain her former excitement. A new colony, a new start, an opportunity just like the original colonists had enjoyed almost six hundred years ago! But this time, surely they had learned from the mistakes of the past centuries. Pridon's Hearth could be a shining example of Sargavan civilization ... and would, if Minercuria Cicensis had anything to do with it.
Zeljka was relieved when they were given the go-ahead by the captain to board the ship headed for Pridon’s Hearth. Her journey had been very long and she was feeling weary. To be so close to the start of a new life gave her the extra push she needed to keep moving forward. The heat caused sweat to trickle down Zeljka’s temple, plastering her black hair to her forehead. She still wore her hide armor but had removed her cloak and stuffed it into her backpack along with her few possessions. As she boarded, the nervous glances and people moving to avoid her barely registered. After all, this was nothing new for the half-orc. To be fair, she was sure she must seem imposing standing at 6’3” with broad shoulders that were well-muscled; however, she was more certain it was because of her obvious orc blood which gave her protruding tusks, pointed ears, and greyish skin. Even though her weapons were primarily used for hunting, the fact that she carried a falchion as well as a machete and crossbow was intimidating. No matter where she went, there were always stories about the horrendous actions of marauding orcs and humans tended to paint them all with the same brush. Some were even so ignorant as to not even realize that she was only part orc.
------------------
Zeljka’s journey began with her fleeing Kintargo on any ship traveling south after avenging the slaughter of her family. She found herself on a ship headed for Azir. It was the first time that she had ever been on a ship for any length of time and it took almost her whole journey for the half-orc to find her sea legs. It was difficult going from spending her days outside in the forest to being cooped up on a ship. The constant sway of the ship on open sea kept Zeljka confined to her cabin due to nausea until the day before arriving in Azir.
Determined to keep moving south, Zeljka quickly secured passage on a ship headed from Azir to Bloodcove which was commanded by Captain Dowling. It took the half-orc less time to adjust to the ship’s motion this time around and it didn’t take long for Zeljka to feel the effects of cabin fever. As she prowled around the ship, she noticed that there were vermin that had hitched a ride. Assuming no one would mind, she put her talents at trapping animals to work in order to keep herself busy and help the time go by faster. It wasn’t long before news of her actions reached the captain and she was told he wanted to speak with her.
Unsure as to what to expect, Zeljka stood before Captain Dowling expectantly in his quarters. He finished writing something at his desk before speaking. ”I guess I should thank you for doing such a thorough job at removing the vermin from my ship. Is there any particular reason you felt the need to do this without consulting someone first?”
The captain didn’t appear angry but Zeljka was instantly on guard considering there was nowhere to run on the ship and she couldn’t fight an entire ship of people. In her gravelly voice she answered simply, ”Actions speak louder than words. I meant no disrespect. I needed to keep busy.”
The captain nodded. ”We will be arriving at port tomorrow and your services have been a help - both in ridding my vessel of vermin but also in showing me where my crew is lacking in skill. I don’t suppose you would be looking for work?”
Zeljka shook her head. ” I couldn’t live on a ship. I plan to continue south.”
The captain looked somewhat surprised at her answer. ”There isn’t much land south of where we are headed but if that’s the case then I can help arrange passage for the next leg of your journey. Where are you headed?”
Zeljka shrugged and looked at the captain warily, ”I haven’t decided. My kind aren’t always welcomed.”
Captain Dowling rifled through some papers on his desk until he found the one he was looking for. ”I received a notification about a new colony in Sargava looking for people.” He silently re-read the paper before continuing. ”Pridon’s Hearth is the name of the new colony. If they’re looking for new colonists then chances are they won’t be overly unwelcoming, especially if you have skills to offer which is seems like you do. I should be able to find a ship sailing from Bloodcove to Eleder if you’re interested. Once in Eleder, it should be easy for you to find passage to Pridon’s Hearth.”
The captain’s words seemed almost too good to be true. Zeljka’s grey eyes narrowed somewhat. ”Why would you help me?”
Unperturbed by her demeanor Captain Dowling replied, ”Consider it payment for services rendered.”
Doubt still colored Zeljka’s face as she said hesitantly, ”In that case, I accept.” The next words felt foreign on her lips since leaving the Barrowood. ”Thank you.”
And so Zeljka made her way to Eleder and found her way on to the Kaava Cutter which was destined for Pridon’s Hearth.
Very nicely done, both of you!
I can already see characters (moods, personalities, goals,etc.) coming through.
Hopefully, we'll get the other posts by tomorrow so I can move the story ahead.
Questions?
Game on!
Don't worry; you still have time before I recap.
Thanks for letting us know.
Game on!
Akosua rubbed her temples anticipating yet another frustrating conversation with the group of seagulls perched on the ships rail before her, their beady eyes fixed upon the fish held firmly in her hand. Calling upon the blessings of Shimye-Magalla, who the unenlightened insisted upon separating into Gozreh and Desna, and feeling the familiar tingling in the leaf birthmark that covered her left eye,
"Now I am understanding you. If you want this fish, tell me where the false Priests of "Gozreh" dwell, concentrate now."
"Fish, fish, want a fish! Give us the fish!" The gulls chorus, two starting an anticipatory scuffle,
"No you must tell me something useful if you want this fish, otherwise I shall eat it my own self." This brings a series of distressed squarks,
"They are in the place beyond the place, where the not brown men rule over the brown. Far, far."
"Quickly how far, how long to fly? Towards the rising sun or setting sun? Towards the winter place or the summer place?"
"Many days, one, and one, and one, and many more. Towards the morning and the winter.... Kwarrr shee kaar!" And with that the power fades and the gulls are a wordless chattering menagerie once more. Akosua offers them a bow, digs a finger into the centre of the fish's belly and tears it into pieces before flinging them overboard high above the gathered birds and watching them dart up to snatch the morsels in the air. People think the gulls are coarse and stupid, they do not see in them the beauty of the eagle, or the swan, but they are many clever and free. Would that we could all say as much.
She is a striking dusky skinned woman, slender, but tall for her people, the seafaring Bonuwat, with the play of hard muscle visible as she shifts with the ships motion. As she watches the horizon, picturing what she might find beyond it, and turning the task before her over in her mind, the dark expanse of her long hair sways in the breeze - dozens of tied dried flowers giving it the appearance of some cascading plant. Unusually for a Bonuwat her clothing is mostly devoid of colour, a mixture of faded blacks, though the front of the leather armour she wears is covered in an intricate white pattern of fantastical entwining foliage.
She has been at sea for several days, but this is nothing new, serving as ship's healer to pay her way to Eleder. All her life she has listened to her infamous great great grandmother, the infamous Wave Witch Shimshem rail against the place, and its Chelaxian rulers, but beyond that she has never spared it much thought.
"Are you sure I cannot persuade you to stay aboard Mistress Akosua?" The Captain, a wilting bouquet of a man, asks her wearing a greasy smile.
"No I am where I need to be for now, or else closer than I was. Thanks to you for the offer, but you are no longer going my way," she replies firmly, casually shifting her trident onto her shoulder in case the man needs a reason for caution.
Walking away she wanders the lattice of docks, taking in the sights and smells, for a time, and listening to the people. After a few hours she stops a stout limping woman with a smile and a raised hand,
"Forgive me for interrupting your day Madam, but if someone told you to travel south and east for a week as the gull flies where would you go? I know it is a strange question, but you seem like a sensible woman and I require a sensible answer," she says a warm smile and tone softening the abruptness of her approach.
"Somewhere in the wilderness I should think?" The woman responds, "Perhaps near that new Colony?"
"A new Colony, there is such a thing?" Akosua encourages, tilting her head and giving her full attention to the woman.
"Oh yes, it was, wait a moment now, Pridon's Hearth... That was it."
"My thanks to you, blessings of Shimye-Magalla for your kindness," Akosua says calling upon the power of her goddess and sending forth a wave of soothing tranquillity that scents the air with clean sea foam, wild honey, and the scent of morning rain. The woman steps back and stares down at her ankle, finding the pain faded to nothing and when she looks up Akosua is walking away.
As darkness descends she continues to walk the docks asking after Pridon's Hearth, a ship, any ship, bound for Pridon's Hearth. And finally she find it, the Kaava Cutter.
Instead of approaching the Captain for passage she spends an hour examining the vessel, drawing the attention of its crew and gradually gathering a small crowd of watchers as she continues her inspection. Thinking themselves safe a few of the sailors offer cat calls,
"I have heard it said that the smallest cocks crow the loudest," she responds levelly, drawing raucous laughter and even more attention.
Eventually the Captain disembarks and approaches clearing his throat and asking, "What is your interest in the Kaava Cutter Girl? You are disrupting my crew, and I would have the why of it..."
Akosua nods, "I am deciding whether I can offer you my services, a man who does not care for his ship is not a man I will sail under."
The Captain barked a laugh, "And what services would these be?"
"I am a healer, and a voice of Shimye-Magalla. I have sailed with a hundred and more vessels on the ever changing seas. I am most lucky to have aboard in many ways and more - and I am not the distraction other women may prove because in place of a silken slit I have the teeth of a shark," her tone allows that this last might be a joke.
The Captain laughs, "Well perhaps I could offer you passage at a discounted rate..."
"No I am Bonuwat, and we are loathe to pay for the right to travel the waves. You must either grant me passage for service, as a healer, or you must refuse it," Akosua responds, bowing her head and sending forth another wave of her goddesses fragrant power.
The cabin is small, but I am blessed to receive one at all. Perhaps this Kaava Cutter can take me to those who defile my goddess... But at the very least I need not speak with the gulls for the length of the voyage. Perhaps I will ask a fish to tell me a joke instead...
It was hot - but the sea breeze cut through the thick, humid air, tugging at the braided hair of a woman standing on the dock. And she, for her part, didn't seem to mind the sharp, briny scent of Desperation Bay; eyes closed, she inhaled almost meditatively, taking in the sounds and the smells and the feel of the air dancing across her medium brown skin. I've missed this. That old shop was too far from the harbor's edge.
Three powder horns and a bandolier with its many tiny pockets stuffed full hung over her chest; the backpack sitting next to her leg was untidily packed, the handle of a mystery tool fighting its way from beneath the bag's flap. But there was nothing else - no retinue of slaves, no herds or chests. Just the woman, her single bag...and a lifetime of worry, doubt, memories. But she was used to carrying those.
----------
"This 'Pridon's Hearth' - might be a good place to get yourself a start on your own."
Marcus and Alleria didn't talk much when they were working. They could go hours without saying a word, one bent over a small anvil while the other crushed powders in a mortar and pestle. Charcoal, sulfur, saltpeter...weighed carefully, ground meticulously, mixed precisely. It was probably the only thing the young gunsmith was precise about - certainly the rest of her workstation told the story, with tools and stray lead shavings strewn everywhere.
But a visitor had shown up to their tiny shop the day before - a wealthy man, looking to outfit his retinue for life in a new colony south of Sargava. He certainly spoke lavishly about it...soil blessed by Gozreh's hand, he claimed, a forest bursting with riches just waiting to be tamed and gold and jewels in every shovelful of dirt. And the colony itself he claimed to be the new pride of Sargava, a wonder to behold - "or it will be when I'm done with it," he'd finished with a wink. "Setting off on the morrow - for wealth and glory!"
Alleria wasn't quite so sure. She'd sailed all up and down the Garundi western coast, once - wherever the fruit and fish were teeming, the stirges and flies tended to flock to as well, and the only place she'd ever seen gold underfoot was in a ship's hold. "And if it's so rich as he was saying, how's it we hadn't heard of such fabulous wealth before, Father?" The lie of the name came easily to her lips now.
"Maybe to keep those Shackles lords' hands off it." More words spoken with a casual air that belied the gunsmiths' hearts. Their words didn't even catch anymore at the mention of the pirates sailing the treacherous Shackles to the north.
"No pirate's going to bother with this place. I bet these gold and jewels are nothing more than shiny rocks - no farmer's gonna know the difference." But his descriptions had wormed their way into her imagination, somehow...and she hadn't believed herself to have much imagination left. "Though...the city there. He said there wasn't much in the way of shops yet, yeah? If I did go...and I'm not saying I will..."
"Be getting yourself in at the start, you would," he responded simply. "Not many folks there, and those as are there, their eyes are on the woods. And lots of hunters, I'd bet, looking for any advantage they can get against the dinosaurs...and there ain't nothing takes out a tyrannosaur quite like hot lead."
The conversation had petered out quickly after that, old man and young woman returning to their work. But that night, Alleria had dug out an old, worn backpack, begun stuffing blankets and tools inside. She'd puttered around the tiny apartment above their shop for hours, grabbing bits and bobs and stuffing them in, Marcus occasionally handing her small knick-knacks with nary a word. Finally, her entire world was condensed into that beaten-up backpack, and she slept in her bed for the last time.
----------
Next morning, there was no tearful farewell, no reminiscing about happy memories in the cramped rooms above the shop. That apartment hadn't been home, any more than the tavern room in Port Peril or the secret back chamber in the House of Stolen Kisses. Alleria's home was on the bottom of the Arcadian Ocean; nothing was bringing that back. But maybe...just maybe this "Pridon's Hearth" could replace it. And at least the farther she got from the Shackles, the less the chances a wandering eye would dig beneath the surface and see who she'd been...
"Just remember, your old dad's rooting for you. Take care of yourself," Marcus huffed, clapping the young woman on the back and leaning close. "Zarah."
At the name, Alleria's heart began to race. But no one was looking at the father saying goodbye to his daughter outside their family shop; no one saw past what they expected to see. Marcus was not her father, but he'd taken her in when her mother could no longer shoulder the bother. He'd found her work in that cruddy old inn until he could arrange passage to Eleder, put all he had left of the sea's wealth into that passage and the first month's rent on the worn building no one respectable wanted. He'd made it into the shop where he practiced the only other craft he had besides the sea, and he'd poured hours into giving Alleria the same.
"Take care...Father."
----------
Her father would be watching, she knew - his spirit would fill the Kaava Cutter's sails as it bore her to her new beginning, remind his daughter's legs of their old steadiness on the waves. Though her home and inheritance lay moldering beneath the Arcadian Ocean's currents, her father had become part of the rolling tides, the day his rise had led to his fall. And now, as she cut the last remaining tie to her father's world, it was time to follow in his steps and create her own fortune - whatever it may be. Though she could no longer carry his name for fear of the retribution it might bring...she could carry his determination.
She strode along the dock, feeling the heartbeat of the ocean lapping against the dock. "Passage for one, Alleria Hawkins," she told the captain, counting out the coin she'd saved and checking her pistol's place at her hip. Her gait on the swaying deck was strong and sure; as she walked along the deck, she ran a hand along the railing, almost lovingly. And as the ship went underway, the breeze picked up, and her father's hand brushed at her cheek.
I've missed this.
Another two excellent posts. Thank you both.
@Akosua: minor observation is that you started in past tense and then you switched. No biggie; I'll fix it in the turn recap.
Questions?
Game on!
The sun barely kissed the horizon, and already the various inns and bars of the port district were bustling with activity; sailors, dockhands, caravan guards and mercenaries all settling in to spend their day's pay on an after work drink or five. Marc was among them. A tall, bald Mwangi in colonial clothes of poor fit sat beside him, eyeing Marc and his whiskey curiously.
"I fail to see how this is helping, Nkosi." his voice was like the rumbling of distant thunder. Dark, deep and unsympathetic. Marc, hunched over the bar disk and staring at his glass, ignored him, seemingly lost in thoughts of a self-pitying nature as he muttered to himself words of profane encouragement. Suddenly and without prompt, his anger flared, and he slammed his hand onto the bar hard and roared "Just one day too slow, I f&+*ing had it, Bandar!" He looked at the Mwangi at his side and held out his hand in a grasping gesture "Right f~#$ing here!".
Marcallon and Bandar had arrived in Eleder three days earlier with a haul of ivory from the elephants of the M'neri Plains and the Laughing Jungle, intending to sell it on and become rich men. However, just one day before, ivory hunting and trade had been forbidden for anyone not carrying an official permit signed by the Sargavan Office of Regional Safari and The Foreign Trade Ministry. As a result, Marc and Bandar's ivory was confiscated, and they faced charges of poachery, the latter which were quickly dispelled by a bribe consisting of the remainder of their legal cargo.
Dead broke, they had been forced to take some cheap, dirty work wherever they could get it. Luckily, they were well acquainted with a place called "The Sargava Club", a sort of combination inn, tavern and outfitting shop for adventurers and explorers, and on their second day in Eleder, had heard rumors of the Kaava Cutter and its destination. Ever opportunistic, Marc soon convinced the more cautious Bandar that going on the Cutter was as good an idea as any. After all, they could hardly be worse off than they were now.
And so, after selling some of their less vital equipment for funds to pay for passage on the Cutter, Marc could stop worrying about the future, and start lamenting the past as viewed through the lens of alcohol.
"Keep it down, punk!" A big man, taldan by the looks of him, turned to sneer at Marc after the latter's outburst, "Go treat your sore seat somewhere you're not disturbing the rest of us."
Deliberate and slow, Marc rose from his seat, still steady on his feet, and crossed the floor over to where the big man, who had turned back to his own table, laughing with his friends, sat. Marc tapped him lightly on the shoulder, and he turned back again, annoyed. "Apologize to the barkeep for the mess" Marc looked the man in the eyes as he spoke, slowly, as if to a child.
"Mess? What me..." Marc's fist slammed into the man's face like a sledge hammer, cutting his question short and sending him flying across the table he and his friends were playing at, crashing it on its flimsy legs. "Anyone else with a stupid comment?" In the stunned silence of everyone in the bar, Marc's inciting remark roused the man's friends' ire, and they jumped him like a pack of wolves. Across the bar, Bandar sighed heavily "Barkeep, a whiskey please."
----------
A tall Mwangi, a young, tame lion and a stocky Chelaxian walk along the docks. The men are in good spirits, laughing, although the Chel seems to be limping slightly. As one, they stop. Before them, the Kaava Cutter imposes on their vision.
Nsizi wiped sweat from his brow, wishing for a breeze. If he'd taken time to think about it, he'd have assumed that the river would have afforded a nice breeze to the town. Instead it was hot, muggy, stagnant. He missed the freshness of the plains, the open sky.
The trip here had been rough and uncomfortable - hurrying across the plains in one of the few Bas'o wagons, pulled "tamed" antelope. In reality, the creatures were spirited and irritable, and it took all of his and his uncle's efforts to keep them going.
Late that night they'd finally arrived, and he'd bid his uncle farewell at the outskirts of town. Limping through the streets, he'd relied on the honesty of strangers to point him in the right direction. Finally, after a few wrong turns, he'd managed to secure passage for the morrow, and a meal and a night's sleep. Though he hadn't slept much in the noisy, stuffy inn.
Now he paced restlessly, waiting to board. The moneypouch strapped to his waist, under his clothes, chaffed his skin. It was a constant reminder of the importance of his quest. For the pouch contained almost every coin the Bas'o had, and they were betting the future of their children on his ability to find a cure. If anything happened to him, or he lost his precious purse, it was possible the children would never awake, and the future of the Bas'o would die.
Finally there was a breeze, and activity picked up near the boat. The ship? The vessel? He knew that seafaring types were particular about their terminology, but he didn't understand the difference.
As the other passengers arrived, Nsizi couldn't help but be affected by their excitement and nervous energy. Important his mission was, but the children were merely asleep, not dying. Not yet. He could afford to enjoy himself when possible. Taking a breath and straightening his neswambi and prepared to meet his companions
OK, and that's the six of you. Thank you for these last excellent posts.
I plan to post another turn recap later today. In this one, you'll be able to interact with each other.
Some of you have expressed 'concern' about length of posts. This first turn was by yourself so I understand it was more difficult. These turns from now on are with other PCs so you can post a paragraph and then tag another player and then keep going like that. You'll that once I recap everything, it turns out a pretty decent sized 'chapter'.
Questions?
Game on!
"Now I am understanding you. If you want this fish, tell me where the false Priests of "Gozreh" dwell, concentrate now."
"Fish, fish, want a fish! Give us the fish!" The gulls chorused, two starting an anticipatory scuffle,
"No you must tell me something useful if you want this fish, otherwise I shall eat it my own self." This brought a series of distressed squawks,
"They are in the place beyond the place, where the not brown men rule over the brown. Far, far."
"Quickly, how far, how long to fly? Towards the rising sun, or setting sun? Towards the winter place, or the summer place?"
"Many days, one, and one, and one, and many more. Towards the morning and the winter.... Kwarrr shee kaar!" And with that the power faded away and the gulls were a wordless chattering menagerie once more. Akosua offered them a bow, dug a finger into the centre of the fish's belly and tore it into pieces, before flinging them overboard high above the gathered birds and watching them dart up to snatch the morsels in the air. People think the gulls are coarse and stupid, they do not see in them the beauty of the eagle, or the swan, but they are many, clever, and free. Would that we could all say as much.
She stood a striking dusky skinned woman, slender, tall for her people, the seafaring Bonuwat, with the play of hard muscle visible as she shifted with the ships motion. As she watched the horizon, picturing what she might find beyond it, and turning the task before her over in her mind, the dark expanse of her long hair swayed in the breeze - dozens of tied dried flowers giving it the appearance of some cascading plant. Unusually for a Bonuwat her clothes were mostly devoid of colour, a mixture of faded blacks, though the front of the leather armour she wore was covered in an intricate white pattern of fantastical entwining foliage.
She has been at sea for several days, but this was nothing new, serving as ship's healer to pay her way to Eleder. All her life she had listened to her great great grandmother, the infamous Wave Witch Shimshem rail against the place, and its Chelaxian rulers, but beyond that she had never spared it much thought.
------
"Are you sure I cannot persuade you to stay aboard Mistress Akosua?" The Captain, a wilting bouquet of a man, asked, wearing a greasy smile.
"No I am where I need to be for now, or else closer than I was. Thanks to you for the offer, but you are no longer going my way," she replied firmly, casually shifting her trident onto her shoulder in case the man needed a reason for caution.
Walking away she wandered the lattice of docks, taking in the sights and smells, for a time, and listening to the people. After a few hours she stopped a stout limping woman with a smile and a raised hand,
"Forgive me for interrupting your day Madam, but if someone told you to travel south and east for a week as the gull flies, where would you go? I know it is a strange question, but you seem like a sensible woman and I require a sensible answer," she said, a warm smile and tone softening the abruptness of her approach.
"Somewhere in the wilderness I should think?" The woman responded, with a bemused expression, "Perhaps near that new Colony?"
"A new Colony, there is such a thing?" Akosua encouraged, tilting her head and giving her full attention to the woman.
"Oh yes, it was, wait a moment now, Pridon's Hearth... That was it."
"My thanks to you, blessings of Shimye-Magalla for your kindness," Akosua said, calling upon the power of her goddess and sending forth a wave of soothing tranquillity that scented the air with clean sea foam, wild honey, and the odour of morning rain. The woman stepped back and staring down at her ankle, finding the pain faded to nothing, and when she looks up Akosua had walked away.
As darkness descended she continued to walk the docks, asking after Pridon's Hearth, a ship, any ship, bound for Pridon's Hearth. And finally she found it, the Kaava Cutter.
Instead of approaching the Captain for passage she spent an hour examining the vessel, gaining the attention of its crew, and gradually gathering a small crowd of watchers as she continued her inspection. Thinking themselves safe a few of the sailors offered cat calls,
"I have heard it said that the smallest cocks crow the loudest," she responded levelly, drawing raucous laughter and more sailors.
Eventually the Captain disembarked and approached, clearing his throat and asking, "What is your interest in the Kaava Cutter Girl? You are disrupting my crew, and I would have the why of it."
Akosua nodded, "I am deciding whether I can offer you my services, a man who does not care for his ship is not a man I will sail under."
The Captain barked a laugh, "And what services would these be?"
"I am a healer, and a voice of Shimye-Magalla. I have sailed with a hundred, and more, vessels on the ever changing seas. I am most lucky to have aboard in many ways, and more - and I am not the distraction other women may prove because in place of a silken slit I have the teeth of a shark," her tone allows that this last might be a joke.
The Captain laughed, "Well perhaps I could offer you passage at a discounted rate..."
"No I am Bonuwat, and we are loathe to pay for the right to travel the waves. You must either grant me passage for service, as a healer, or you must refuse it," Akosua replied, bowing her head and sending forth another wave of her goddesses fragrant power.
-----
The cabin is small, but I am blessed to receive one at all. Perhaps this Kaava Cutter can take me to those who defile my goddess... But at the very least I need not speak with the gulls for the length of the voyage. Perhaps I will ask a fish to tell me a joke instead...
Yeah, I started out in past tense just fine; then I hit the dialogue, which was obviously in present, and came out the other side still in present tense. Had to go back and correct the last few paragraphs' worth.
Excellent stuff people. I have really good feelings about this game.
Turn 001 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Akosua had spent half her life on the waves, the Kaava Cutter came close enough to make her feel at home. She had seen many strange sights, but mostly they were confined to the sea, she had never seen a live lion before. It was small, with the gangliness and promise of power that so many young predators possessed, but it was accompanied by two men. What does it say of a man that he must tame a lion? What does it say that he can? She considered approaching, but rejected the idea wishing to ascertain the nature of the unusual threesome.
She made her services available to the crew, claiming a small out of the way potion of the deck as he own and creating a few simple salves and poultices to ease swellings, and infection for those who had crossed the line with their banter, and deserved a little suffering to pay for their recovery. The few sailors who managed to remain polite she had treated by channelling Shimye-Magalla's healing energies, and the crew had soon taken her point.
As usual she found herself gravitating towards the female passengers, I am a fool to damn an entire sex for an old pain, but I am a fool. She met any looks from the women aboard with a smile, and any from the men with a flat unwelcoming stare.
When not tending to petty injuries, she spent her time fishing using pieces of bread soaked in her own blood for bait with a series of lines, catching enough that she could afford to contribute to the galley, and speaking with a small shark about the currents before releasing it for its helpfullness.
Once the heat of the day had begun to ebb, she had felt the need for motion, and approached the imposing half orc woman asking,
"You have the look of someone familiar with their weapons. I am Akosua, serving as healer for this Voyage, perhaps you would do me the favour of sparring with me, and share your name? I am no great warrior, but this is why there is a need to practice..."
A tall Mwangi, a young, tame lion and a stocky Chelaxian walk along the docks. The men are in good spirits, laughing, although the Chel seems to be limping slightly. As one, they stop. Before them, the Kaava Cutter imposes on their vision.
It's not clear to me whether the lion and the tall Mwangi boarded the Cutter with Marcallon or they just came to say good bye.
Please elaborate.
__________________
As I understand it, the only PC sheet that's ready for review is Zeljka.
Anyone else's ready?
________________
FYI: I have two days of 'field work' ahead of me but I'll still be able to post in the mornings (brief?) and later in the evening/night. However, don't expect anything from me during the day for the next two days.
Questions?
Game on!
Zeljka studied each of the passengers in turn, more to know who to avoid than to make friends with. The six, rough men accompanying Mr. Blackwell made the top of her list of who to avoid while stuck on this ship. Next on her list was the noble because anyone who kept slaves was not the type of person she wanted to know. The others looked to be a mixture of ones looking to start a new life much like herself.
She gratefully accepted her bowl of food from the ship’s cook and found a place on deck to eat. She just needed to make it through another day and hopefully she’d never have to be on a ship again for awhile. That and she’d finally be free to be in the forest again. It had been so long since she’d been in an environment where she felt at peace. While standing at the ship’s railing lost in thought, Zeljka was surprisingly approached by one of the other passengers.
Once the heat of the day had begun to ebb, she had felt the need for motion, and approached the imposing half orc woman asking,
"You have the look of someone familiar with their weapons. I am Akosua, serving as healer for this Voyage, perhaps you would do me the favour of sparring with me, and share your name? I am no great warrior, but this is why there is a need to practice..."
The half-orc crossed her arms and instantly became guarded. ”Sparring so you can brag to your friends that you fought a half-orc and survived or we spar and then you go to the captain and tell him that you were attacked by the half-orc? I will not be easily baited. I trap and hunt, I don’t choose to fight for fun.”
Tag Akosua
Thanks, I will probably check them all at once but I'd like to know when the last one is ready. :)
BTW, you are encouraged to read each other's excellent fluff; just remember to keep character and player knowledge separate.
Questions?
Game on!
So two IC posts. One coming tomorrow morning. Another one out camping, which leaves me expecting two more posts...
I can't move this along unless you all post! :)
And seriously, I'm not looking for essays this time around, just a paragraph or two is enough as long as you involved other PCs (or NPCs).
You know I've thought about marooning the Kaava Cutter on Smuggler's Shiv (and running Serpent Skull) so don't make me mad. :)
Game on!
Min's mother stayed and waved until the Kaava Cutter was out of sight. Caetron snapped his pocket watch shut decisively and turned on his heel to get back to the office as soon as the ship put a yard of Desperation Bay between itself and the end of the dock.
"Papayas! Really?" Min fixed a bland smile on her face as Gallio Menius corralled her along the railing and held court on his monomania. "Unfortunately, I'm allergic," she lied, hoping someone might happen along and interrupt. Did my brothers know this wealthy, well-born bore was going to be aboard? she wondered. I thought I'd dissuaded them from playing marriage broker when I explained to Agrinus Glicinna's father at that dinner party why his views on native religion were simplistic and out-dated.
Akosua's lips curled up into a smile, having found herself in an all too familiar situation,
"I have no friends here I am alone - I had hoped to make one. But I had not realized I was speaking to a feeble little victim, I simply chose the strongest looking woman I could see because I know the way to get better at something is to practice. You think you will be safer on the ship if people do not know your strength or if they do? I wish to demonstrate to those aboard that I am not to be taken lightly, do you not wish the same?"
Stepping back Akosua stretched, and expanded feeling the heady rush of Shimye-Magalla's natural green energy flowing through her until she towered over the half orc, standing close to ten feet tall,
"I swear by my goddess I am not looking to do you any lasting harm. Spar with me and let us lend our shipmates some caution. Or else at least give me your name."
At least any over eager suitor will now know I can grow into a giant and enjoy imagining what retribution I could visit upon him, even if I have made a spectacle of myself.
"Papayas! Really?" Min fixed a bland smile on her face as Gallio Menius corralled her along the railing and held court on his monomania. "Unfortunately, I'm allergic," she lied, hoping someone might happen along and interrupt. Did my brothers know this wealthy, well-born bore was going to be aboard? she wondered. I thought I'd dissuaded them from playing marriage broker when I explained to Agrinus Glicinna's father at that dinner party why his views on native religion were simplistic and out-dated.
The short, fat man wiped sweat from his brow with a scented handkerchief. "I'm sorry to hear that. Miss..."
He fished for a name and when none came too quickly, he continued, "The thing is that the climate is ideal for papayas and also the soil near river deltas is specially suited for their growth."
He tried to impress her with all the equipment, "I've brought all I need. It is a loan from my father. Pretty soon, I'll have hundreds of papaya trees, about my size for easy harvesting. I could be the Papaya King."
He then added, "So what sort of business are you in? Miss..."
The previous night's scuffle, and his inexperience with sailing, had Marcallon struggling from the start of the first day on board, despite his jolly spirits. When he tried to copy the rolling gait of the crew or the experienced passengers, his limp got in the way, and when he didn't he was thrown about like a sack of potatoes. After a particularly nasty fall that had the crew laughing, he sullenly confined himself to the cargo hold.
"Nkosi, I have learned, that there is sangoma on board. Maybe she can fix that leg?" Bandar had had no trouble on deck, and had talked to a few of the crew members, even helped out a little where he could. Few had dared go near the place where Bandar's lion lay, apparently sleeping.
Marc rose eagerly, using the walls for support "Take me to him please, this is unbearable."
They climbed back out of the cargo hold, Marc supported by Bandar, and made their way to where a woman sat, obviously mixing poultices. "The sangoma is a woman?!" Marc hissed at Bandar. Bandar only shrugged, but the hint of a smile could be seen in his eyes.
"Are you the healer?" Marc avoided the woman's eyes, looking about, flustered and clearly unpleased, maybe even angry, and Bandar sat him down unceremoniously before her.
I intend to move things along later tonight.
Game on!
"I've brought all I need. It is a loan from my father. Pretty soon, I'll have hundreds of papaya trees, about my size for easy harvesting. I could be the Papaya King."
"Everything you needed...are you certain?" Alleria interrupted, emerging from below decks. A blank check from his rich daddy and he still wouldn't buy anything... "Because I remember seeing you at my father's shop in Eleder yesterday - you've planned well, it's true, but there's one thing you're missing." Reaching for her hip, she brought forth a short metal tube with a handle covered in shell inlays, holding it on its side in her palm.
"What you're missing is the latest in weaponry - black powder guns, the secret to Alkenstar's success, even against the blight of the Mana Wastes! No need to rely on unpredictable magic or go mad trying to find the biggest and strongest for your protection...with this, anyone can simply point at what they want gone and shoot! Here, take a look.
"And especially going up against some of the Mwangi Jungle's beasties...well, let's just say I'm glad to have this baby by my side," she added, patting the gun in her hand. "The bullets in these shoot ten times faster than any arrow or slingstone - so fast, they'll pierce straight through a beast's hide like it's not there, even plate metal. I remember your concerns about the expense - but these are made to last, an investment for a lifetime. And since I'm relocating to Pridon's Hearth as well, time to make them won't be an issue anymore, either. So, Mr. Menius, can I count on your investment?"
Akosua's lips curled up into a smile, having found herself in an all too familiar situation,
"I have no friends here I am alone - I had hoped to make one. But I had not realized I was speaking to a feeble little victim, I simply chose the strongest looking woman I could see because I know the way to get better at something is to practice. You think you will be safer on the ship if people do not know your strength or if they do? I wish to demonstrate to those aboard that I am not to be taken lightly, do you not wish the same?"
Stepping back Akosua stretched, and expanded feeling the heady rush of Shimye-Magalla's natural green energy flowing through her until she towered over the half orc, standing close to ten feet tall,
"I swear by my goddess I am not looking to do you any lasting harm. Spar with me and let us lend our shipmates some caution. Or else at least give me your name."
At least any over eager suitor will now know I can grow into a giant and enjoy imagining what retribution I could visit upon him, even if I have made a spectacle of myself.
Zeljka looked up at Akosua and blinked impassively. "Nice trick. I'm sure you're a hit at taverns. I guess that's earned my name, it's Zeljka." The half-orc looked back out to sea. "But you'll have to find someone else to prove yourself with. A human trying to prove himself killed my family,"Zeljka spat out the words with a growl. "I don't have the patience for such games and I don't need to show anyone I can fight."
tag Akosua
Akosua shook her head gently at Zeljka, and replied in a soft voice, "Zeljka, Zeljka, Zeljka, I shall remember. If you draw your distinctions so broadly you will cut yourself off from everyone. There is a large difference between seeking to hone ones skills and warn others off, and harming, or killing, others. I cannot believe you have only ever used your weapons in anger, but then perhaps you have much to be angry about... Well if you change your mind, need healing, or just wish to speak come find me, you will be welcome."
Moving away she gives several crewmen a level look before dwindling back to her normal height.
Akosua returned to the spot she had claimed upon the deck grinding sea weed into a paste and after loosing herself in the repetitive work looked up at the men before her, those with the lion,
"I am. It is your leg that pains you? Show me the wound, and tell me how you received it please. Not from your... pet I trust?" She replied, tone cool and face held taught save for a single cocked thick black eyebrow.
"I've brought all I need. It is a loan from my father. Pretty soon, I'll have hundreds of papaya trees, about my size for easy harvesting. I could be the Papaya King."
Dear gods, at some point in his life, he's coyly going to ask someone to become the Papaya Queen, isn't he? Heaven help the poor woman.
Min was saved by answering Gallio's question about her line of business, a question to which she hadn't given much serious thought, by the gun salesperson's interruption.
"Everything you needed...are you certain?" Alleria interrupted, emerging from below decks. A blank check from his rich daddy and he still wouldn't buy anything... "Because I remember seeing you at my father's shop in Eleder yesterday - you've planned well, it's true, but there's one thing you're missing." Reaching for her hip, she brought forth a short metal tube with a handle covered in shell inlays, holding it on its side in her palm.
"What you're missing is the latest in weaponry - black powder guns, the secret to Alkenstar's success, even against the blight of the Mana Wastes! No need to rely on unpredictable magic or go mad trying to find the biggest and strongest for your protection...with this, anyone can simply point at what they want gone and shoot! Here, take a look.
"And especially going up against some of the Mwangi Jungle's beasties...well, let's just say I'm glad to have this baby by my side," she added, patting the gun in her hand. "The bullets in these shoot ten times faster than any arrow or slingstone - so fast, they'll pierce straight through a beast's hide like it's not there, even plate metal. I remember your concerns about the expense - but these are made to last, an investment for a lifetime. And since I'm relocating to Pridon's Hearth as well, time to make them won't be an issue anymore, either. So, Mr. Menius, can I count on your investment?"
"Good heavens! Is that a fire-armament? I've never seen one up close before. How does it work?"
Giving them what privacy he could afford them on a boat such as this, Bandar walked over to the undisturbed lion and scratched him behind the ears, as if it was nothing but an oversized house cat.
"It's my body that pains me, but yes, the ankle is the worst part. Marc tugged off his boot and pulled his pants higher for the woman to see the swelling and bruising properly, as she requested, revealing his tan to stretch all the way down to the boot's very edge. Can you fix it?" Only willing to let his embarassment go so far, and doubtful it truly mattered how he got his bruises anyway, Marc left that part out.
As the healer inspected his ankle, Marc abruptly remembered his manners, and with a dry cough awkwardly presented himself "My name is Marcallon Lynch, by the way."