Secrets of Kreshire

Game Master Aeosianna

The sun is currently at it's highest in the sky, it's rays bathe color to everything it touches, everything on you, the boat you are in, the sky and the sea. Perhaps by now you are accustomed to the salty sea air, or the more organic smells coming from the water. Birds chatter and cry everywhere as you get closer and closer to land, their cacophonous melody wails to one another in the unending hunt for food. In the horizon you begin to see some buildings on the approaching land of a seaside town, there are other boats around and some docked on the coming pier.

The area seems so eerily normal compared to what has stricken many towns and cities so far. Perhaps you are from one of these places, hearing word from a local temple on the mad ravings of Alhazred who may have answers. The crescent shape of this continent makes water travel sometimes more convenient than land travel. This is the town your quest for answers has led you, yet maybe not every answer and it likely won't be the end. You already have plenty of experience, and some of you may get the feeling this is only the start of the search for answers.

The sky seems so peaceful during this bright, clear day. Within several hours you know it will be replaced by darkness and the blasphemously horrid crimson moon that has wretched the night for the past month already.

(Okay we are on a boat. Robin is captain (talked to player about it already). Introduce yourselves and maybe to each other and then you'll come ashore to the town of Berem.)

Boat map

Slashiir hugged the ledge of the starboard side, near the rigging. Her brown hooded shawl got caught up whenever the breeze hit, an expensive looking outfit being revealed below. A green silk blouse embroidered with the pattern of moons and flowers was covered by a brown vest littered with small pockets, and the blouse was matched by a green skirt held up by a small belt. Knee high black leather boots were arched upwards, their wearer having to stand on her tippy toes to see the water below.

Conversely however, in spite of her small and delicate look, a massive maul was slung across her back, the hammer stained red all along it's surface. A smaller warhammer hung on her right on her belt, and a sharpened sickle on her left.

She made little noise as she watched the water waves come up and down, carrying their little vessel along to it's destination. It was... an odd sort, that were traveling on the boat as well. Her nature has left her with little social reaction among them so far.

Pursuit kept to themselves while on the boat, and kept seated with her back against the ledge. Her studded leather armor, dyed a dull yellow with red accents, ended with a lightly armored skirt that went down to her knees. The color scheme continued with her knee high boots, dyed the same way. She wore a red cloak above the armor, but for now it stayed behind her like a cape. With her hood down, you can see her brown scarf and short brown hair. Her horns however are the most noticeable thing you'll see at a glance, and they would remind you of curled ram horns.

She sat cross legged, scroll case resting on her lap and reading some papers covered with messy handwriting. This is how most of her trip was spent, avoiding anyone else and reading notes. However, this time, it would seem fate has intervened with her plans of continued isolation. The wind picks up and blows the papers out of her hands. Most are caught, but one blows all the way over to Slashiir's feet. Not wanting to risk her notes, Pursuit reached out and... didn't speak.

{You there, elf! My notes are coming your way by the floor, to your right. Step on them before they go overboard!} Slashiir will hear in her head, loud enough to catch her attention. All the while, Pursuit grabbed her scroll case and started running over.

She startles at the sudden intrusion into her head, dropping down from the ledge and rocking backwards as her maul upsets her small center of balance, but rights herself well enough. As luck would have it, she manages to step on the papers as she turns around to face the... really big looking tiefling.

"A-ah..." she gasps out, displaying her skills as a master wordsmith.

With the sea air in his hair and a song in his heart, Robin steered his prized ship toward port. He whistled away the time as the city on the horizon became closer into view. Some of the crew and passengers stated their desire to make it into port before nightfall, but Robin hadn't found himself believing in omens of ill fortune. He stroked his thumb over his necklace, a river-worn rock with a neat hole in the middle, knowing that the trinket has brought him plenty of good luck in the past and would continue to shield him and his vessel no matter what the sky foretold.

He overlooks the main deck from the helm. The young elf lady seemed to hold up some quick reflexes to save the tiefling's notes. Further good fortune for the whole ship, as far as he cared to look into it.

The dark skinned lady standing at the bow scans the horizon, ever vigilant for danger. Her black, shoulder-long hair bound in thin dreadlocks. While it is difficult to tell through the suit of splint armor, she is muscular, although still femininely built. A floor length white skirt, white cloak and a blank white kite shield in her right hand partially obscure the otherwise undyed armor which bears blemishes from many battles. A black-hilted longsword in a black sheath dangles from her belt along with a collection of handaxes, javelins and other objects.
Trying to protect everyone around her, Shaani has been trying to get a gauge on her fellow passengers, so far with limited success.

She turns around to see the petite elf somewhat timidly looking up at the tiefling, sizing both of them up, curious what would happen next.

Eldon sits on a small bag, leaning back against the ships mast. His beard sways slightly in the wind as he stares inquisitively towards the startled Elf and the Tiefling over his small round glasses. He looks back down to his book, his momentary interest passing in favor of his research. This trip is the perfect opportunity to catch up on recent develops in regard to the apparent blight over the land; although none of his colleagues seem to have made much progress.

He reaches down to pat the head of his small fey companion, although few could tell that Kriv wasn't an ordinary lizard. Kriv could always tell when Eldon was stressed, and now he was more stressed than ever.

The Tiefling reached the elf and immediately knelt down on one knee to get a hand on the note. A quick scan of the paper indicated it would not have hurt to be lost, though Pursuit was happy she would not need to write all that down again. With a hand on the note, the tiefling forgets the social courtesy of looking at the face of who you 'speak' to.

{Lift your foot now, I must get this back in my case before the wind attempts to steal it again.}

She speaks up, a nervous tone in her voice as she does as told. She speaks in Elven, the language she can hear echo through her mind. "H-how are you doing that? I can hear you speaking but..." she trails off, unsure of how to describe it properly.

The Tiefling quickly and neatly puts the paper back in the scroll case and looked up at the elf, a quizzical look on her face. Pursuit responded to Slashiir, but not in elven. She responded in Deep Speech. "I do not understand you."

And with that Pursuit turned and walked away, returning to where she was before the wind intervened.

" Ah... what?" She says dumbfounded, using Elven still. A few helpless seconds are spent observing the tiefling, before she decides it better to distance herself. Perhaps one of the others would be more pleasent company. The gnome seems to be deep in his books as well, and she dosn't feel like bothering the captain, so she makes her way over to the woman on the bow.

She speaks up with mock confidence, hoping to come across as friendly. "Uhm... Hello, we uh, didn't have much chance to speak. I am Slashiir, of the Sianikiir family."

The door from the captians quarters bursts open with a rather temperamental dwarf bursting out, throwing his hands up and yelling things in dwarvish. He keeps muttering about something under his breath when he finally notices the elven lass bothering a fellow sailor.

BAH! Elves an' there need fer speakin'. Lass, ye ought' to know not everyone be jumpin' overboard fer a talk. Some folk come to the sea to escape such trivial matters, ye know? Sides o' that don't ye think that maul be a wee bit big fer ye? I've met a lot of your folk, fairly good, and honest, for the most, but I ain't never saw one of em wielding a weapon that looks more like something a dwarf would use. Much less a fine young lass as yourself. Bah, never ye mind.

He goes to the prow of the ship closes his eyes and begins a chant in elvish.

Well that was an experience she wouldn't want a repeat of any time soon. The man was probably just really drunk, or at least, she hopes that was why he went on a tirade like that. She stares dumbfounded at where he left regardless.

after a bit. The dwarf stops, then stares out at the horizon. He turns back towards the ship, then spots the gnome.

Oye! Gnome, er whats yer name! Ye a wizard, or just a book lover? Never ye mind. Just comere fer a second I got somethin' I need to be askin' ye.

The flurry of birds around gets more crowded, more ships surround the boat. Those of you on deck with an average or above passive perception would notice the town of Berem ever increasing in the horizon.

The shore approaches.

By average I mean 10 wisdom. Also ignore the ruins in that picture.

Eldon stares at the dwarf for a few seconds before reluctantly placing down his book and approaching him. I am both. You'd find most wizards are. He gazes at the distant city. I assume from your opinion of conversation that you have something worth such "trivial matters" to ask me. He states, looking at the dwarf next to him over his glasses.

Of course it is. Ye see, ye can tell can't ye? A great storms brewing further up north. By my mark its a big one. Now ye gotta help me convince the captain to head there. Who knows when anotha' chance like this will come up again?! ye know? ye wanna battle it too don't ye? To feel the strength in ye bones. To master it, master the storm of the decade?

Overhearing the dwarf speak do the gnome only further cements the possibility of him being either drunk and/or mad. But it'd be rude to accuse one of something like that outright, so she instead chooses to ignore it. With the sight of the town not that far off, it's not as if she'll have to deal with him that much in the future anyway.

Her attention turns back to the still silent human woman, and already her nerves are starting to fray at the stretched introduction. Perhaps it was a bad idea to try talking to people just yet, the Dwarf may've been right about bothering people at least. "A-ah, maybe I should just uh, leave you to what you're doing. And, er, leave and maybe start making sure my things are packed..." she trails off.

The Tiefling scowls a bit at the increased activity on deck, moving her cloak to cover herself and putting her hood up. She will avoid the others for as long as she can. Once she started reading her through her notes again, however, Pursuit was able to ignore things happening around her quite well.

Before the dwarf turns toward the gnome, Shaani looks at him: "Don't worry about me, I do appreciate a little talk." she then turns to Slashiir putting her hand on the elf's shoulder to gently invite her to stay, "Shaani Hareem. Pleased to meet you." she says with an almost motherly tone and expression.

"A-ah, right. It's a pleasure." She ducks her head lightly, using the manners taught to her by her tutors, before straightening up. "You are... a warrior too, right? Investigating the rumors?"

Laurelai had been staying out of the way, travelling companions disconcert her a little... she much prefers people to stay in one town or city - that way she doesn't bump into them in an unexpected place.

"I'm pretty sure Dwarf, that no-one else here wants to chase down a storm, sea travel is unpleasant enough as it is, without adding further complication." she interjects.

Shaani looks toward the approachign harbor "Yes, that's why I'm here. It would seem that is what brought most of us this way."

"Yes, I suppose a lot of us have been wondering..." She looks off toward the approaching town, seemingly peaceful despite the rumors. "What do you think could be causing all this trouble? I've heard many things from other people, some that didn't even make sense..."

"Hard to say. Talented pranksters, a wizard gone mad, demons?" she puts the tall shield on the ground and rests both arms on the top edge "Whichever it is, the rumors are bad enough to not leave it to chance."

"Yes... I hope whatever it is, answers can be found here. I wonder how many others are on this boat for that same purpose..." She looks around at the various others, from the tiefling to the gnome, and even the more nondescript woman who just spoke up. "Perhaps we'd even all work together? There is strength in numbers..." she ponders aloud.

Robin spots the beginnings of civilization out on the horizon. "Land ho! He lets out to the passengers. "Soon, we shall be upon the city of Berem, home of more than a few fine rise. If any of you are strangers to her, I could tell you more than a few stories about her bounties." He seems more than ready to launch into another tirade at the drop of a hat.

Eldon stares at the dwarf silently for nearly a minute before he adjusts his glasses and says. I'm sorry, sir, but I, and I'm sure most of the crew would be of similar thought to me on this, do not share your deathwish. Good day. With that Eldon returns to his bag against the mast, muttering something about compensation.

Bah! lilly livered the lot of ye. I've not lost to a single storm yet, and I wouldn't be startin' the marrow! I've always thought ye folk were apt for adventure and a good thrill. He sighs a heavy sigh and looks at the slowly approaching town.

I suppose I'll be makin' it on time fer me meetin' then.

He draws back, and with the force of a giant chucks his hammer as far as he can out to the sea. Making sure if passes over most around.

Robin, tell em the one bout' the tavern lass! He shouts as he nods in the direction he threw his hammer and lifts up his hand.

Robin is momentarily confused by the display. "Was that intentional? You seem to have missed any part of the deck by a wide margin." Obviously, the dwarf didn't have much love for the hammer, he mused. Probably the only dwarf Robin had met who didn't.

"But about the girl, a man cannot discuss tales of such a mademoiselle with mixed company and such a young child about, you understand!" A knowing grin did cross his face however. "Suffice to say that if her father still owns the tavern, I do not believe I will make that particular establishment my destination!"

Not that Robin's wanderlust and love of the sea weren't enough to keep him going, but it was quite a few weeks since he had made leave at port. He always enjoyed listening to the other salt's stories and hearing if his own reputation had preceded him there.

That was a rather... odd thing to do. Perhaps it was the start of something else, but it initially looks as if he just tossed his hammer away for no reason at all. A very strange act indeed. She finds herself placing a strong grip on the warhammer at her side,as if it would start flying off the ship as his did.

with a smile, his uplifted hand clamps around the reappeared hammer. He brings it down and dusts it off slightly.

Oh aye? who'd be the child then? considerin' present company, I'd say yerself most likely to be the youngest 'ere. course then again, never could tell the difference 'tween an old elf an a young one meself. How old ye be lass? Suren ye seen at least 25 years ain't ye? eh. Even if she is a youngin' might as well learn 'bout the world sooner than later. tweren't be right to have any old silver-tounged captain trying to get her graces.

The dwarf gives Robin a one-eyed stare. I'm still fer tellin' ye, ye ought to sail out fer another day or three. The storms a good'un.

He repeats the action of throwing his hammer, seemingly trying to throw it further than last time.

I'll work under the assumption that Thorin and Robin know each other. As in been sailing together a little while.

She gives him a slight look, before glancing down at herself, wondering how in the world she'd be mistaken for twenty five. But she shakes her head at the thought, putting on a face of determination. "I-I'm plenty old enough to hear any story you people have to tell!" Though it's fairly obvious, that probably not.

She then looks at the hammer and wonders just what exactly happened there, blinking in confusion.

The dwarf sighs. Settle yeself lass. A grumpy old dwarf I might be, but I can tell ye young. Twase one O' the reasons I mentioned ye having a hammer that big. Ye don't look any older than a human lad barely past his teens. Ye ought not be out on ye own. Aside from that, talkin' to folk ye don't know and tellin' 'em everythin' bout' yeself ain't the wisest thing to do. Sides, ye got plenty O' time to be hearin' tales like that once ye grown a bit.

he walks over to the young elf. shakes his head, sighs and pats her head. (which was already as tall as his)

Ye gotta make me be blunt huh? Bah. And ye think ye ready for the world eh? I can read the expressions on ye face plain as I can read a stormy sky.

He flips his hammer around so the pommel is pointing towards Slashiir. Ye wanna give it a try lass?, and just tween you an' me, the cap'n here ain't quite the lady killer he thinks, or wishes, he was hehehe.

Robin gave a laugh. "Calm yourself, Thorin, I'm sure the girl is capable coming this far on her own! Furthermore, with our destination so close in toe, it would be remiss if we didn't at least pick up more supplies before heading into more treacherous waters, wouldn't it?"

Her face is flushed with embarrassment, and as she stares at at the hammer pointed at her. She takes the hammer from him, barely feeling it's weight in her hand. She stares him down, twirling the hammer in her hands. "You wish to see how far I can throw this, then...?" She whips around, muscles rippling as the hammer is thrown far out into the sea.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

She turns around to face the dwarf, eager to see his assessment. "Was that far enough?"

I'll assume Athletics could be used here, but I could be wrong.

"Careful mi'lady, a dwarf might get funny ideas with the way you wield his hammer - I wouldn't have touched it if I were you." Laurelai smiles mischieviously.

it would probably qualify as an attack, but for that purpose would be fine I am sure

The dwarf whistles.

Aye lass, Twas' a good throw. Then as the warhammer reappears in her grasp he hears Laurelai's remark. He snaps the hammer up, pirouettes Dam right he does and suddenly a glint of reflected light later, she hears a hammer zip by her head not a heads distance from her.
An' don't ye be forgettin' it! Not a souls' to touch a dwarf's hammer without his permission. He bellows. Completely ignoring the less than proper innuendo.
He glances to the small elf again, thoroughly amused. Ye got an arm like me little sister had. How's 'bout we see how accurate that force is? What with someone so kind as to volunteer as a target an' all. he gives a deep laugh and offers the Hammer again while giving a sly look to the older elf that had made the joke.

From the point where the hammer landed, there seems to be a lot of bubbles coming to the surface. Even after the hammer re-appears in Thorin's hand, the bubbles still are there. The bubbles begin to move toward the boat, as they come closer they seem to also get bigger.

If you are on deck and have passive perception above 13 you may notice the bubbles approaching.

roll initiative!

If you notice the oncoming bubbles you gain +2 to initiative.

Robin notices the strange bubbles, even after the hammer returns. "Thorin, I believe ya just hit something! You may want to get ready!"

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24

She twists around, grabbing and donning her shield which was nearby, as she looks towards the sea. She seems to be leaving her larger hammer alone for now, instead going for the smaller warhammer at her side.

Init: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

Bwahaha! I was wondering' when ye was gonna show yeself!

initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"Something's coming!" Shaani calls out as she raises her plain kite shield and looses an axe from her belt, ready to throw: "If you fight in melee, stay close to me! This shield protects more than one. Whatever it is, keep it focussed on me!"

Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

I can impose disadvantage on attacking enemies, if they attack someone adjacent to me, or i can make an attack as a reaction against an enemy adjacent to me that attacks someone other than me. My name is Shaani and I will be your tank for this evening ;)

At everyone's sudden shouts Eldon raises his head from his book. Upon seeing the bubbles moving towards the ship he jumps up and fumbles for his wands.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Initiative order so far:

Robin
Saugin Warrior(rolled a 20)
Eldon
Laurelai
Thorin
3 Chuul (rolled 13)
Shaani
Lady Slasiir

Waiting for Pursuit

want us to wait for our turn in the order to post?

This time I am going by typical initiative rules since you all seem super hyped to move on. :3

Robin, sensing danger afoot draws his trusty swords. Unlike Thorin, however, he opts not to toss the weapons into the ocean.

He readies an action to attack whatever comes out of the sea and comes adjacent to him.

With all the Commotion Pursuit stands up and starts to get ready.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Sorry it took so long!