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Thank you for being so open about you past, Takio. I see a little better why today's events were so upsetting to you. I will endeavor to earn your trust and your respect as we go forward so that you will know that I, for one, will never betray you. Hopefully my friendship will show you some of the light that is left in this dark world.
Faltain bolts up to the deck after he helps to make sure his comrades are alright, following the strange agony that seemed to wash over them. He felt nothing peculiar at the moment, but knew that something awful must be occurring. He moves about the deck at top speed when Jaythail gives the command to ready the ship, and does everything he can to help with the preparations before finding Takio and urging him to lash himself to the mast to hopefully ensure that he doesn't fall overboard and drown.
Kasumi elected to stay at the stern and enjoy a bit of silence.
The blessed silence he'd been enjoying was shattered by Jaythail's screaming voice, and normally such a thing may not exactly have been a bad thing, but it was this time as he turned about to see the giant wave.
"Dammit I really miss my chair."
showing to be out of it as tears show in his eyes
shakes head to clear hid mind.
"Gods below .... what was that?"
Jimmy and Pocky rushed towards the others excited.
"Yahoo! Look at that wave! Shii shii shii!"
Pocky didn't seem so enthusiastic...
With your combined efforts you manage to hoist up the mast and tie most of the essential things on the main deck down. Jaythail climbs up to the wheel and steers the ship towards the big wave to reduce the impact.
You hear Ternock in your minds.
Get together on the deck!
The crew gathers at the mast as the ship begins to travel up the immense wave. Balthazar joins you casting a spell and begins touching everyone in turn quickly. However, to his shock, Jaythail wasn't together with them.
"I c-can hold it..." She says seemingly to herself, clearly frozen in fear now and not hearing Ternock's call.
With seconds left before the wave crashes down upon you. A blueish white crack appears next to Balthazar and he jumps through it. He appears in turn lunging towards Jaythail up by the wheel. His arms just wrap around her as the wave crashes down upon the Corvette. Everything goes black...
You all shudder awake. All of you laying in straw beds, everyone but Jaythail, Balthazar and Tenock lay about the room in there own bed.
jolts upright and whips a hand through his hair, dislodging a small shower of straw. he looks around and takes an accounting, is... is everyone alright?
slowly gets up
"Man remind me to never eat your food again Clubsen"
rubbing his temples
"I get the weirdest dreams from it"
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Faltain slowly sits up in his bed, a look of deep concern and confusion on his face. Without a word to the others, he stands and moves to the nearest source of light (candle/fire/lantern) and stares into the flames. He begins muttering softly under his breath, I am the spark that lights the flame. I am the flame that lights the dark. I am the heat that warms downcast hearts. I cannot be quenched. He continues repeating this mantra, staring into the flames and holding his hands together in a prayer-like posture.
He shares a significant look with Bonvorio, Faltain?...
Jimmy jolts up! Confused by his surroundings and not understanding at all what just happened. Jimmy looked around him and asked, "Where'd the boat go? And the water? Everyone okay? Where's Jaytha-ya?
at that time Pocky slowly raised her head and looked up to find herself lying on jimmy's lap as usual. A look of horror cross her face, and tears began rolling down the panda cubs cheeks.
"RAWR!!!!! RA-RAWRRARRR!!!!!" The panda cried. Clutching Jimmy firmly for dear life.
"Pocky?! What's wrong? Jimmy asked concerned. Jimmy hugged the panda tightly and after a few minutes the cub began to calm down, but she still remained to softly cry for a few hours.
checking my surroundings
then checking my self to see if my gear is on me.
Takio comes to, dazed and thinking to himself, "What a weird dream... Is that... what happened?...", As it hits him what had happened he begins looking to the others to ensure himself that everyone was breathing and in 'one piece' before checking himself. He gives a sigh of relief, as his hands begin to shake ever so slightly. Clenching his jaw he rolls onto his side facing away from the others. A few moments go by before he's collected enough to speak, "I'm sore, but other than that, I'll be fine,... what's the damage?" He'd ask in a general disposition.
Kasumi checks himself and his surroundings after almost rolling out of the bed, not having remembered when or how he got there.
Still seeming like sleep is heavy on him, he gets up and shakes himself awake, turning to the others and narrowing his eyes as he realizes the others have also had restless sleep.
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Faltain finishes his meditation by breathing deeply a few times. As he breathes, the others may notice the flames glowing slightly brighter than normal when he exhales. He then breaks his gaze with the flames, turns to the others, and says, I am glad to see you are all alive and well. Clubsen, I am sorry if I caused you any concern. I hope that Jaythail and the others are safe as well. Perhaps we should start by figuring out where we are.
yes... standing She did something that either caused or was in response to... whatever that was that happened when we crested the wave, something to do with that black stone... what that thing?
The party awakens in a large stone chamber on top of straw beds. A few dimly glowing lanterns dot the room giving it an eerie glow. You all first notice that most of you aren't decently dressed. You all have bandages and wrappings covering different portions of your bodies. Any armor you may have been wearing is now residing by the doorway. Neatly folded and strangely enough, better maintained then you would of originally thought. Any gear/weapons you were carrying prior to the wave now are resting on top of a large table on the opposite end of the room from the door. All of it looks pretty well off considering.
A elderly human man opens the door carrying what looks to be piles of cloth. He wears a long white clergy robe with red accents and upon his shoulder is a fist sized brooch in the shape of a small sword surrounded by a jagged golden circle.
The man turns to look at you after setting the cloth down next to the small pile of armor. He looks to Takio. "I'm glad to see you are awake Lieutenant Commander. All of us saw the huge wave from here and I prayed for the lives of those affected. It seems my prayers were heard..." He looks about for a few seconds and then looks back to Takio. "Did... any of your men not make it?" He says with a lower and softer voice, a look of concern upon his face.
"Ugh,... Where the hell am I?...What happened?" Takio grabs his head sitting up momentarily before attempting to stand. Looking down and realizing he is naked other than his Lieutenant Commander's jacket... Takio stumbles over towards the man now looking at his bandages. "A couple appear to be missing,... bless you for fixing us up..."
If the man allows it Takio will grab check the violin to make sure his newly found treasure was safe. Looking back at the party he'll raise his voice, "Good work men,... I hope those that aren't here made it either to safety, or might rest in peace knowing they served the Navy well... Save your strength and rest."
The old cleric looks to you in earnest. "May the light of The Inheritor watch over them. Whatever their trails may be." He holds his holy symbols as he speaks the prayer and then he gently smiles.
"The citizens of this fair island combed the shores to locate any and all goods or gear you where carrying at the time of the wave. I took the liberty of fixing anything damaged with my divine magic. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to mend your clothes. But my acolytes set to work to make new clothes for you all." He points to the pile of cloth by the doorway. "Everything should fit well enough for the time being."
He begins walking about the room turning up the lamps to shed more light in the dark room. You now can all see that this large stone chamber is clearly a basement of a large building. Many flasks and crates adorn the walls and a well stocked, very large wine rack can be seen as well.
"Your ship is docked on the north side of the island. However it has sustained great damage to the mast... or so I was told by our local shipwright. You should go talk to him when you are feeling able... If you have any other concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask... other than that, welcome to Tinderhill."
Er... Lieutenant Commander... sir, there's a bit less of me to rest up and heal than the rest of you, so I'm feeling quite hail. With your permission, I'd like to have a look around; get the lay of the land, if you like. I doubt I'll find anything an entire island working in concert hasn't found, but I'd also like to see if there's any sign of our missing crewmen, as well
While waiting for an answer, he addresses the priest as he begins collecting his things and dressing, Father, we're all incredibly grateful to you and your community for taking us in and tending to us; if you don't mind, how long have we been here, what day is it?
"Any information will be appreciated, though what you've managed thus far is more than enough..." He now turns towards the others, "Jim, keep yer damn mouth quiet, you tend to get yourself into trouble with it.That said, once you all feel up to it we will be visiting our ship, we need to take a provisions list and damages to the ship. The paperwork is going to kill me...
"Clubsen, permission granted, just don't over do it. I dont want to loose anymore of the crew..."
Takio turns towards the man ready to listen to any info he may or may not give him while trying to stay modest all the while.
Feeling petulant, if nii-chan's going to assign him a role, he's damn well going to fill it: so... is that a no, then... sir?
"I trust you if you feel up to it, but my concern is only that you not overwhelm your body after this wreck. All I'm saying is to be careful. It could do us good to have you gain a better grasp of the island"
now somewhat taken aback and embarrassed, he still can't help himself: oh, I know my body like the back of your hand, sir! I'm absolutely shipshape! I'll meet you all back at the ship, or else back here tonight.
he waits at least as long as it takes to get an answer from the priest before leaving.
Takio nods in approval, walking over to the clothes to get dressed. "But first off, we represent the Navy, so let all get some clothes on. "
Kasumi lumbers over as the situation begins to truly hit him. HIs voice when he speaks is low, and monotone.
"If it's all the same to you, sir, I'd like to search the shores where we landed. I'm not saying anything was missed, I just need to do this for myself."
He'd stared into nothing the whole time, and continues to do so.
"Okay, how about this then, if you want to venture out then we all meet back up here tonight, but someone gets Jimmy duty." Turning to the old man, "If that's okay sir?"
The man furrows his brow. "Hmm, you lot have been here for 3 days as of today. News of the comet and giant wave has already traveled worldwide."
He reaches into his robes and pulls out a newspaper and hands it to Clubsen.
"Sadly however, no one in Bridgeport survived..."
Seeming to snap out of the sudden melancholy, he looks back to Takio. "erhem, forgive me for my rudeness of not introducing myself, my name is Vartis Goldven, head priest of the Tinderhill church of Iomedea."
The old man seemed to stand more erect upon announcing himself, clearly he thought highly of his position.
He looks about the room to the others. "Of course you are welcome to go anywhere on the island... oh except for, of course, Tinderhill Orchard. Even Naval men such as yourselves need clearance to enter there. Don't need to start an international event... or that is... a larger one than there already is. But you may certainly stay here for the time being... that is, as long as you don't get intoxicated."
Vartis pulls Takio aside out of earshot from the others. "Excuse me for any further rudeness, but may I ask how you came to obtain that Tinderhill Flask? We've have had only had 9 festivals so far, two days from now would be the 10th. And I don't remember you being a winner from a previous festival. That means that there should be only nine of these in the world. The seal isn't even cracked either."
Clearly Vartis is getting agitated by the amount of questions that are beginning to pile up.
Clubsen suddenly drops everything he's holding and stares off into space, The comet... the comet smashed into the bay... so huge... not even time to scream... we all... we... we were all of us... he trails off and sits down hard on the floo,r still barely dressed
Takio looks to see if any names pop out on the newspaper, "That island... it was,... wiped out?!?!" the tone of his voice matched his facial expression as he was taken aback by the breakthrough in informatoion.
"Snap out of it Clubsen!..." Takio brings his voice to a more directive and strict tone. "I'm in shock too, but you need to hold together... None of this seems real... just breathe..." Though Takio doesn't do a very good job as his compatriot begins a mental breakdown... "Kasumi,... Faltain, Bonvorio... you all need to keep calm. We will have time to grieve for those lost whom we knew. Help Clubsen keep it together, I don't want any of you traveling alone right now"
"My appologies Vartis, I meant no disrespect." truly feeling both rushed and apologetic as he strongly despised being ignored.
"As you can see by the unbroken seal, I do not drink much if at all. I recovered that flask from a now dead man, it was found in his belongings after me and my men fought with him in his drunken stupor. He was left at Bridgeport actually..." Takio words ring loud in his own ears... Corigain was a piece of work,... but he didn't deserve to die that way... not like that... "Lieutenant Commander Savaros and it is a pleasure to be of your aqaintence!"
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Faltain bows to the priest as he gathers up the provided clothes and the rest of his gear. Once he is dressed, he turns to Takio and says in his most military voice, Lieutenant Commander, if I may, I would like to accompany Clubsen in his search for our missing comrades. Together we might be able to sniff them out. He gives a little wink with the word "sniff." He then moves beside Clubsen, showing the vast difference in their heights, and adds, Besides, he can search down low while I search higher up!
Leaning in towards Faltain Takio says in a lowered voice, "Just keep him from completely breaking down and be safe friend." He in turn straightens back up sighing, "If it's not one thing it's another. See you later."
The strain of trying to keep calm when the entire island he'd called his home was wiped out of existence was getting to him. "I do not know any prayers, nor have I ever prayed Vartis. A whole city gone in the blink of an eye,...To say the least I apologize if my mind is elsewhere time to time."
He stares to Vartis in hopes he isn't too agitated anymore. His outlook was that as a leading authority figure to the others, he'd wanted to remain vigilant and open minded as possible. Though he felt numb to an extent he fought to keep calm if not for himself then at least for the others.
Af that moment, Jimmy stood up staight with his head low. Pocky was still holding onto his neck and perched herself onto his shoulder.
" Jaytha-ya...." Jimmy uttered in a serious tone.
His fist clentching enough to draw blood. Jaythail was Jimmy's first true friend while growing up in Red bounce. He remembered her visiting quite frequently to watch the shows. She was the closest thing he could call a mother too even though he barely knew her.
"Thank you, for patching us up..." He said lifting his head up with a clearly forced smile to hide the single tear that rolled down his cheek.
"I want to come too." Directing his attention to Clubsen
Seemingly satisfied with your response his face relaxes.
"Lieutenant Commander Savaros. Glad to finally be formally introduced. Well in any case, I'll be here in the church if you need any further assistance. I have much more work to do with the festival coming up. Though I don't suspect a large turnout due to umm... recent events. Their is a Transponder Snail at the town hall, you can get in touch with the Navy that way. But, if you find yourself still here in the next 2 days, please take part in the festival. It may ease your minds to relax for a brief time. If you will excuse me..."
"Your welcome my boy..." Vartis says as he passes Jimmy, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But wounds of the heart, thoughs wounds I can't cure with magic, only time will. May her light watch over you."
He smiles gently again and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
Once the Padre is out of the room, Clubsen speaks up and stands back up, I'm alright, but you all should know, I saw it happen. I saw the shockwaves spreadfrom the impact and rip the town apart just before it ripped all of us apart... And I remember thinking, 'if only we gone after Jaythail, maybe at least we'd all be together...' It didn't happen that way, I know, but still, I was there...
"Club-san, Faltain... Let's hurry. Even though it's been a few days maybe we can find a clue to their whereabouts. Jaytha-ya must be alive!"
Jimmy walked over to his gear and donned his leather armor, which at this point, was slightly worn from the salty sea.
alright, Jimmy, Pocky, and Faltaine, let's go. The rest of you guys should also stick together, too. I doubt it has anything to do with Tinderhill other than our landing here, but there's something very strange going on with the world or with us. Be careful.
With that he leads his crew out into the town, stopping long enough to find out where the greatest concentration of stuff from the ship was found so they can start there.
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On the way out of the room with Clubsen, Faltain stops and firmly grasps the shoulder of each of his companion and wishes them well. Once the crew gets to a more remoter part of the island to find the wreckage, Faltain tells the other to stop for a moment. He does some quick stretches, takes a deep breath, then hunches over as with a groan that turns into a growl as his body grows thick with flesh and fur. His hands and feet change to enormous, clawed paws. His teeth lengthen to fangs. Within moments, a panda bear wearing a yellow scarf stands before you. Alright, let's head out.
"This might not go well, keep out of trouble Faltain... Devil druit users are frowned upon." Takio would make eye contact as he spoke in a lower voice. "Just be weary of who sees you like this,... 'Users' are hunted as prey. Takio warns, either way, I'll trust your judgment on the usage of your abilities."
He sighs in contemplation... "was that enough to keep the old man content for now?"... "I think I should step out as well," Takio runs his hand absentmindedly over his bandaged chest. "we need to make certain that the ship is repaired A-S-A-P....... I don't like the way this situation we're in tastes"
Exiting the church, you find yourselves in the center of a bustling town. Decorations are being placed everywhere, wreaths of red & white roses adorn lamp posts and travel over the roads in long braids. Many of the people stop to look at you for a moment, almost bringing the hustle and bustle to a complete stop, getting eerily quiet. Though it appears that most of them are looking at Jimmy and Pocky. Vartis is nearby and quickly rushes over to the group. "Ah, everyone these are our guests for the festival, they are from the navy, so please show some decency to them because they surely will to you." There is a low grumbling amongst the crowd of people as they slowly begin decorating again. Vartis turns to you with a smile. "I apologize for there rudeness, we are generally a isolated island until the festival so some are a little rough with the manners... Anyway if your looking for clues to your lost friends, we found your ship and most of your possessions on the south side of the island. Just be wary, theirs an old undertaker that lives off that way that oversees the graveyard as if it were his own, but it is actually owned by the Eltarsa Kingdom. To which he is contracted through. He's an old dwarf... good at digging."
After the encounter with the towns folk. You all make your way to the south shores of Tinderhill. You come across the graveyard about 3 miles out. It is surrounded by thick iron bars that stand 10ft high with barbed wire at the tops. A large tower more than 40ft tall can be seen towering over the bars. Thick spruce and birch trees adorn the surrounding landscape. Just a mile beyond the graveyard you reach the shores after traveling down hill a pretty good distance. A few boards and planks here and there, but nothing of note can be found. When Faltain transforms into his panda form. His sense of smell heightens to extreme levels. However, the smell of the sea as well as the scents of many people that used to be here reach your nose. Pocky sniffs the air, and quietly moans to herself as if in sadness.
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Faltain speaks in a low voice to avoid any people that might happen to pass by hearing, Well I guess that idea didn't work out. I can't tell one scent from another. I guess I should start sniffing the people we are gonna travel with so I can get a handle on this. Yo-hoho, he laughs quietly. He then begins pawing at the ground around various piles of wood to see if he can find any of their missing companions' belongings.
steps between Jimmy and Pocky putting one hand on the fishboy's back and petting the panda with the other.
you can't smell them either, can you girl? Don't worry, one way or another we'll find them... and her
searching for signs of life and whatever else
Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the few planks of wood aren't from your ship, at least from any part your familiar with. Though they aren't weather worn, so you can deduce they haven't been here more than a month.
handles the wood and shrugs, slightly embarrassed
Pocky raised her mopey head up to Clubsen.
"Rawr...Rawrarr....*moan* Rrarr"
Jimmy looked at faltain at his Panda form. Suddenly his jaw dropped as he realised that faltain just became a panda.
"Woah! That's pretty cool!Can you do any cool tricks like Pocky?!"
Jimmy got ahold of his amazment and adressed Faltain in a serious, yet quiet tone.
"Faltain....what you said a few days ago... About me being pirate king...noone has ever believed in me. And I thank you."
"Club-san, I never got to try that stew you were making!"
Stomach groans
Kasumi makes sure he's at least dressed before moving to leave. Taking everyone's lack of acknowledgement as an affirmative for him to go. He begins to leave, first heading to the ship, and to the shores to find or not find whatever he will.
Still a little shocked over what happened Bonvorio will try to take a slow calming breath.
"There Gone .... (Flashbacks of Calvin and his daughter) There was nothing I could do (Seeing other faces of coworkers and other people he know at Bridgeport)All I can do is survive and find out the truth
seeing how everyone's heading out Bon will take a look at his gear first before putting it on.
finding nothing Bon puts on his gear and follows Kasumi out.
"I'll come with you Kasumi, I know a thing or two about boats"
Lugs his wrench on his shoulders
"Plus you might want to have someone watch your back"
Despite her somber concerns, Clubsen can't help but smile at the freakin' adorable panda chatter, Jimmy's not going to die any time soon, Pocky. Not with big brother Clubsen keeping an eye out.
To Jimmy, not to worry, I'll buy you some smoked fish once we get back to town. For now, let's expand our search a bit further.
Takio leaves the church with Kasumi and Bonvorio. "Ill be going as well, we shouldn't be split up in smaller numbers than necessary given the situation."
Clubsen's Group, please make a Perception check.