Devram is breathing hard as they pull the ship to shore. The man wasnt weak, but seed to tire easily. As the others begin examining the area, Devram can only slump down against the boat. He begins coughing and spits out some blood onto the sand.
"Can someone get a fire going? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Penance feels the ache across his own shoulders, and he stumbles through the surf to the shore as well. He shouts orders in a hoarse voice to the mercenaries to do as they are doing-- bring the ship in, start working on setting up camps.
"We need to set up a basic perimeter," he grunts. "We're all tired, but we've got to get a watch going and at least get the lay of the land within a hundred yards. Anything can be in those damned trees."
He hauls his pack off his back and down into a spot on the sand and starts digging out some of his personal gear. "Someone bring some firewood, we'll get fires going."
He uses his flint and steel to light a basic fire, then seeks out some high ground to cup his hands around his mouth and bellow to the exhausted sailors and soldiers.
"Listen up! Every dog-son here is tired, we had a hellish crossing and we lost men doin' it! But we're here now, and there's work to do! I need thirty men to take two-hour watches for the next eight, and tend the fires, unless you like the idea of beasts coming out of the forest to eat you while you sleep! You can volunteer, which'll make it go a damn sight quicker, or I can grab men as needed. You're tired, I get it: by the gods, I'm tired too! We'll sleep better knowing what's off in those trees, though. Come talk to me if you're man enough to stand a watch."
At a quieter volume, to the other agents, Penance says-- "I'll scout the perimeter before I sleep. Anyone willing to walk after that damned ship ride, come join me."
He grabs a passing soldier and enlists the man's help as temporary squire to help him get his armor on.
Stepping up beside Penance, Kahnjar unfurls his Whip and cracks it to draw attention to himself. And if any one of you is found sleeping on your watch, its going to be three licks from the lash. If I find you asleep a second time its ten.
Turning back towards Penance, the Hobgoblin gives a feral smile. Scouting the immediate area is a good plan. It's going to be dark for a while yet, but i'm light on my feet and the darkness doesn't bother me, if you want me to take point.
Penance gives the hobgoblin a slow, measured nod. He's known the bite of the lash too often on his own back to ever be entirely thrilled at the whip as a way to enforce cooperation, but... he's also too much the pragmatist to object to it. Abadar believes in punishment as well as law. If it keeps people awake, so be it.
"Dark doesn't bother me either, but I'll own I'm not the quietest son-of-an-orc. You can have point."
Iliante returns from his brief recon of the lagoon to the collection of Bronze Agents. "The tropical lagoon is full of coral growths, white sand, and diverse forms of small aquatic life. I didn't see anything dangerous around here at the moment. The water in the cove ranges from 10-15 feet deep (above the top of the coral), then it drops off at a shelf several hundred feet out."
To add his two coppers, "Forget fires. We're not staying at an inn here. The sun will dry you off. Just set watches and recover our strength." He joins Shinjuko's crew unloading her gear and preparing her camp.
Telemakos gets down the ship, or rather stumbles onto the beach on his short, aching legs. “I… ah, yes, please do as Master Penance say, men.” he is too tired to reinforce the half-orc’s orders. He walks just as far as it is needed to be on dry sand, then he drops down, sitting on the beach. He stares blankly at the tropical wildland in front of him. He almost dazes off, then bats his eyelashes and shakes his head, trying to stay awake.
“A little help would be nice.” he murmurs to himself “Ostroiniadisk…” he stops, stumbling upon the complicated true name of the spirit “Ostroiniadisukisius? Ostroiniadisakessianus?” after a few tries, he feels the magic flowing through him. He takes the backpack off his shoulder and tosses it on the sand. “Prepare my bedroll. Please.”
The Unseen Servant just summoned takes a few minutes to get the sleeping bag and pillow laid down properly on the sand. Not caring what goes on around him, Telemakos crawls into the sleeping bag, trying to stay awake at least until the Unseen Servant finishes building the tent around him.
"I'm not worried about fires to keep us warm. I'm worried about being able to deal with wild animals-- they shouldn't come near us if we've got some good fires going," Penance says, but he rubs at the back of his neck and squints at the vaguely lightening sky in the east.
"Right. Let's not dip into the supplies for wood just yet. We can harvest wood from around here. Alright! Men!"
He cups his hands around his mouth again, preparing to yell more orders.
***
Once the soldiers are digging into the work they've been appointed, Penance sets out into the woods to scout, letting Khanjar take a quieter lead and following about forty feet behind. Full plate and thick jungle make for a bad combination.
"It's more than that. Fire is the mark of civilization, right follower of Abadar? Its the first mark of our arrival even if its location is temporary. This won't be an easy excursion, and it has to become home. A fire can start that feeling; give us all a moment of peace."
"But it can be dangerous. Fine, we can forgo it for tonight. But don't mistake its power."
The swordsman gentle rises and goes to help collect wood.
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
After having issued quiet orders to the pair of Kellids she owns, as well as extending a polite "arigato" to Iliante for assisting the two brutes in their endeavor, Yamakawa Shinjuko glides gracefully off of the vikingr longboat and onto the froth of the tide beneath. Though her geta do an admirable job of keeping sand from clumping overmuch onto her legs and garments, the rends and gashes in her wool kimono following the sea creature's attack leave her wishing for a change of attire—the sooner the better. In the interim, her eyes survey the beach and chosen campsite for prime real estate. Her eyes prove true and reliable, spotting a break in the treeline large and flat enough so as to provide a more-than-suitable home for the immense tent her slaves are currently unloading. Meanwhile, the sun above beams relentlessly onto her porcelain skin. As soon as her clothing dries, she retrieves her kyōwagasa and extends the canopy to afford her some respite from the affront of the sun above.
[dice=Perception ("home shopping")]1d20+10[/dice]
When Kennet and Fergal, aided by Iliante, finish unloading Shinjuko's goods at her chosen location, she sets the pair of Kellids to planting stakes and raising the pavilion tent she procured for the extended expedition. As way of thanks, she bows to the undine she had briefly mentored on the voyage aboard The Naga's Breath, offering a slight smile to Iliante. "You have rendered help where none was needed, and for that you have my thanks, Iliante-san. Should you have need, I extend to you an offer to use my tent at your convenience. Kennet and Fergal shall see that your own belongings are situated appropriately."
Seeing that the erection of her own "abode" is well in hand, Shinjuko begins making a circuit through the forming campsite.
"Dark doesn't bother me either, but I'll own I'm not the quietest son-of-an-orc. You can have point."
Overhearing the conversation between half-orc and hobgoblin, Shinjuko approaches the pair quietly before offering a nod to Khanjar and a deep bow to Penance. "To this endeavor, I ask that I be allowed to commit myself also. Laboring among those who would build a palisade is of little use for one such as I, nor will I permit myself being confined to lounging while others are set to tasks. Furthermore, should we encounter whatever force inflicted the initial expedition with profound madness, it would be prudent to have one versed in the workings of things unnatural along for the scouting foray." To herself, Shinjuko remarks, And I will not permit one who has saved me from the shame of defeat to suffer himself an inglorious end to these foreign lands.
Corridan sighs as his feet touch solid land again. Putting down the few possessions he has brought with him, he looks around, taking in both his new surroundings and the various people starting to busy themselves with the tasks involved in setting up a camp. Seeing Penance, Khanjar and Shinjuko talking about moving into the forest around them and doing a little scouting, the tailor approaches the trio, the cane in his hand and an amiable smile on his face.
"Mr. Tarruk, Mr. Penance," he says simply with a nod, "I see you are ready to brave the unknown and see if there is anything out there that could prove a danger to our merry little camp. Now, I may not have your eyes, but it is getting brighter by the minute, and I am not too shabby at remaining quiet, if I do say so myself. I could come along." He pauses as his eyes then turn to the pale woman and the state of her clothes. "Or, if Yamakawa-san has a change of clothes, I could remain in camp and see what I can do about mending the ones you have on at the moment. The beast did a rather good job of ruining them, I admit, but I am not all that bad with a needle and thread either."
Iliante nods to Shinjuko's appreciation and offer. "It is my pleasure. I don't take very much space and carry all of my belongings in my haversack."
He straps on his holstered revolver and bandolier of metal cartridges and readies to accompany Shinjuko inland. He does not want to miss saving her life again.
"I will stay behind, I am of little use collecting wood. More so I am dead tired which will make me even more of a burden then boon."
He had used a good number of spells on the beast. He would reserve the rest should trouble find them, not seeking it out. A leaderless camp would be a ripe target, if someone had been watching they would strike when the agents were away. Simple beast would avoid such a large and loud group while smarter predators would watch and stalk rather then engage. A small group would be a far better target for anything hostile, something he did not relish at this point in time.
@ Devram:
Penance grunts, rubbing at his jaw and squinting at Coates' words. He tries not to show it in his face, but the older man's words spark a bit of uncertainty in him. If he's going to take this whole 'servant of Abadar' stuff seriously, does that mean he has to start thinkin' about things like that? Fire as a, a symbol of civilization and all that? That's too heavy for him. He grunts again.
"We can wait until we've gathered wood to start settin' up a beacon of civilization and all that... stuff."
@ Shinjuko:
"Aye. More eyes the better to see what's hiding in those leaves. Let's hope we don't run into anything that needs your knowledge, though."
@ Corridan:
Penance gives him a look, then a barked laugh and a rough clap on the shoulder. "Pretty clothes can wait! C'mon, you can help tailor our damn firewood into pretty patterns."
He nods at Nimlaidas's words-- looks around for Telemakos only to see him curled under his blankets. The half-orc snorts.
"Alright, let's move out-- men, get to work cuttin' wood for a palisade! You can sleep when you've got a wall up between monsters and your flesh!"
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully the hobgoblin sizes up Corridan...
Looking for something, but not entirely sure what he sees, the feral slaver gives a half nod. Take the lead then, and I will shadow you. Grabbing his whip in one hand the hobgoblin heads the the treeline. The sun was beginning to rise and already the guards were starting on the preparations for a defensive position.
"I will stay behind, I am of little use collecting wood. More so I am dead tired which will make me even more of a burden then boon."
He had used a good number of spells on the beast. He would reserve the rest should trouble find them, not seeking it out. A leaderless camp would be a ripe target, if someone had been watching they would strike when the agents were away. Simple beast would avoid such a large and loud group while smarter predators would watch and stalk rather then engage. A small group would be a far better target for anything hostile, something he did not relish at this point in time.
"Though I would very much enjoy a change of clothing, Corridan-san, I fear my spare suit would be even more poorly suited to a trek through the wilderness beyond. I shall endure for the time being, though I might have need of your services when we return, should your offer still stand."
Nodding a thanks to the tailor, Shinjuko turns to step in line with the forming scouting team, stepping gingerly and as quietly as she can manage through the tangle of tropical forest beyond.
__________________________________________________
Iliante falls in step behind Shinjuko with his revolver in hand. He watches Shinjuko more than looking for surprises.
_____________________________________
Bowing his head with a smile in response to the pale woman's words and gesture, Corridan falls in along with the rest of the scouts as they start their task.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Devram helps the soldiers haul some wood for the defenses, but after an hour, the man is panting heavily and nearly collaspes and he carries in a load of wood. "I think I may need to..." He's cut off as he begins coughing and doubles over to retch. He simply slumps down afterward.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Penance sets off into the jungle with the others. And trips over a number of vines, logs, and anything else that can be banged and rattled noisily off of.
<< | | | >>
Corridan, Iliante, Khanjar, Penance and Shinjuko go off to scout the perimeter of the camp while the soldiers, slaves and pirates finish setting up the base camp. Devram works on helping the Agent's underlings in the monumental task of gathering enough wood to build a palisade wall around the camp. After an hour of sneaking through the thick jungle undergrowth, which is only cut through by game trails, the scouts haven't seen anything except for harmless animals. Insects, birds and reptiles are everywhere in the trees, and they see several small mammals as well. Monkeys, a sloth, a family of swine, some small deer and other small furry critters they don't have names for are all amongst the animals they startled into the brush. The general consensus is to head back to camp, only Penance wants to press on, but he is overruled by everyone's general exhaustion.
<< | | | >>
The crew and mercenaries continue to work, having no real choice in the matter. First they dig a pit around the perimeter of the camp, long difficult work in the sand. Those without shovels move to the edge of the forest and begin chopping down suitable trees for the palisade. By noon, the pit is finished and so is the Bounty's crew. Many of them simply pass out from exhaustion where they stand. Others begin to vomit and act delirious. Hagebak steps in and insists that they be allowed to rest. "If ye's want to work someone ta death, let it be the feckin' slaves!" The mercenaries, being a generally tougher sort, seem like they could keep going for a while longer, but they certainly don't appear to want to. If they continue working, they will be in no position to fight should anything attack the camp.
Penance spits onto the earth when the others suggest heading back. He slaps at some insects that are feasting on the back of his sweaty neck, and somewhat reluctantly agrees that they've at least cleared the most immediate terrain of obvious threats. Slog, slog, slog back to the camp!
Once there, he strips his armor again and leaves it with the rest of his gear-- no point in sweltering in steel while he works on the palisades. And he intends to work.
He has his carpentry tools with him with his gear, so he trades the executioner's greatsword for saw and hammer, and grimly slogs through the sand to work with the weary slaves and sailors, just as dirty and sweaty. Rest happens once they get a wall up, and not before. The whip of Abadar as a master may not be a physical thing, but he feels it all the same in his soul.
Devram stirs as he sees another member of the crew stumble and fall carrying the wood for the palisade. About half an hour before someone slammed another's hand with a hammer and a fight nearly broke out. He approaches Penance, who has just taken up the saw. "We have to let them rest, Penance. This isn't going to end well if we keep pushing. You're liable to have an all out mutiny here. They're barely awake using saws, hammers, and trying to shoulder heavy loads. It's not a good recipe. You didn't find anything but squirrels and birds in the trees. We've done enough today. We can live for a day without defenses."
Penance squints through a layer of sweat on his face at Coates' approach. Teeth bared in a semi-conscious growl at the other man's words, he looks around at the ragged, sweat-soaked, stumbling slaves and crew.
"....guess you've got a point," he says at last with no great grace. He drops his hammer into the earth and rests with hands on his knees for a moment, catching his breath. Feels like admitting defeat. He wants this to work. If he could bull through it on sheer determination, he would, but reality doesn't work that way.
"Fine. Everyone! Get some water in you and crawl into the shade to rest your bones. Soldiers! We're the lucky ones, we get to stand watch while slaves and sailors sleep and dream!"
Due to her very nature, the insects are far less of a bother than they prove to be for the rest of those volunteering for the scouting mission. Her pulse runs so cold, most of the pests likely don't even recognize her as a walking banquet; a stark contrast to those in whose company she shares. Seeing nothing but beasts and insects is at least moderately reassuring. No tapestry-spawned horrors or unspeakable evils yet reared their heads to visit ruin upon their expedition. Perhaps it was the swamp itself that should be avoided. The jungle landing reveals little to cause hesitance or concern. As the call sounds to return to camp, Shinjuko wordlessly ascents to the suggestion. She would press on if need be, but there seems to be no great need. And she is exhausted from her near-death experience.
After returning to camp, Shinjuko makes her way to her pavilion immediately; the entryway soon flanked by her Kellid slaves serving as buffer to any who would interrupt their owner while she changes clothes. Several moments later, she reemerges from the confines of her new "home" carrying a bundle of tattered, half-ruined Tian-Min clothing, now wrapped in the expensive silk garments that she had worn while attending the clandestine Aspis meeting. Hoping dearly that Corridan-san spoke honestly before with his offer, she approaches where the man makes camp and sets the neatly folded bundle before him.
Bowing, she speaks through a smile, "If you should find yourself in possession of time to tend to these, I would be grateful, Corridan-san."
Corridan looks up from where he is sitting, resting from the day's accumulated fatigue. Still, the man returns the smile, his expression friendly and his tone polite as usual. "Of course, Yamakawa-san," he replies as he takes the bundle of torn clothes from the pale woman standing in front of him. "I will take care of it first thing in the afternoon. I am afraid our little scouting trek has rather exhausted me and I could do with some rest."
He pauses for a moment, although his smile remains. "But fear not. I have brought my tools with me and, after a nice restful sleep, I should be more than up to the task. I will bring them by your tent later today once I am done or tomorrow if it takes longer than expected, yes?"
Bah! Woulden't have lasted a day in the Expanse. Kahnjar grumbled as a rest was given to the rest of the workers. The consortium expects results, not weakness. Kahnjar said with finality before stomping off to his tent for a few hours of shuteye.
After getting Penance to give the crew a rest, Devram returns to his own resting spot. He wipes his mouth with his handkerchief again and pulls out his bedroll. "At least we're off that blasted ship, " he mutters. The swordsman gives a glance around one last time before settling in for some sleep if his own.
-Posted with Wayfinder
<< | | | >>
After the scouting mision all of the Agents but the indomitable Penance lay down to take a nap, while the crew and mercenaries work on fortifying the camp. Penance gets twenty volunteers from the mercenaries to stand first watch. They spread out along the camp's perimeter, and try to keep themselves awake by shaking their heads in tune to the worker's hammer blows.
<< | | | >>
The pirate crew are the first to drop, but soon after the mercenaries are showing signs of heavy fatigue. Penance wakes the other Agents and they decide to allow them all to rest.
The others return to their rest, while Penance keeps watch. It's around noon that Penance sees it. Or thinks he does anyway. He spots a momentary flash of metal from the underbrush. When he looks again, it's gone. Grabbing a couple of men he goes to investigate. Just inside the edge of the forest they find the tracks of a large reptile or bird. They follow the tracks, but the traces disappear after a few feet with no further sign to be found.
<< | | | >>
The rest of the watch is uneventful, it's an increasing struggle to keep awake and upright in the heat. The heavy blanket of total exhaustion lays over Penance as he steadfastly maintains his vigil. The first set of mercenary guards were relieved after a couple of hours. A shift changed had occurred three times since. each shift salutes Penance with respect before leaving to go back to their rest or work. Late in the afternoon the other Agents awake, feeling well rested.
__________________________________________________
~08:15-09:15
09:15-10:15
10:15-11:15
11:15-12:15
12:15-13:15
13:15-14:15
14:15-15:15
15:15~16:30
Success
Penance groggily nods to the other agents when everyone wakes up.
"Saw somethin' movin' off in the brush. Flashed like metal. Took a couple'a men outta look at it, but nothin' there but bird or lizard tracks or somethin'," he mutters, his words audibly slurred from how tired he is.
He scrubs at his face with his big hands. " 'm gonna close m'eyes for a bit. Make sure ev'ryone knows we got somethin' out there."
He stumbles for his bedroll. It takes less time to mutter another prayer to Abadar than it would take to strip out of his armor, so he whispers the words of a spell to sleep comfortably in his steel armor. His body aches with exhaustion, so he uses the last bit of divine health to try to ease the worst of his pains, too.
Iliante awakes and performs the kata that Shinjuko showed him. After readying his gear, he tours underwater in the bay to stretch his other muscles and gills looking for anything different from this morning.
____________________________
Penance groggily nods to the other agents when everyone wakes up.
"Saw somethin' movin' off in the brush. Flashed like metal. Took a couple'a men outta look at it, but nothin' there but bird or lizard tracks or somethin'," he mutters, his words audibly slurred from how tired he is.
He scrubs at his face with his big hands. " 'm gonna close m'eyes for a bit. Make sure ev'ryone knows we got somethin' out there."
He stumbles for his bedroll. It takes less time to mutter another prayer to Abadar than it would take to strip out of his armor, so he whispers the words of a spell to sleep comfortably in his steel armor. His body aches with exhaustion, so he uses the last bit of divine health to try to ease the worst of his pains, too.
[dice=Lay on Hands 5]2d6
Iliante doesn't see anything much different than he did that morning in the bay. If anything there are less fish in the shallows because of all the noisy activity on shore. He sees a couple of man-sized sharks but is able to avoid them by keeping his distance.