"Right, well thank you, most kind, I best go see them."
She heads off below decks to see if she can find any one.
"hello!! any one here"
victor
When Victor addresses the human woman she takes a double-take, and says Oh, thought you were one of the Bilge-rats. Um, name's Maria Tate, and my brothers are round here somewhere. she looks around and beacons.
An Orc approaches and brings his fist to his chest and makes a sound like clearing his throat Ghulthruk.
Then a Half-Orc calls out We call him Cody cause nobody can pronounce that. And I'm "Bumb", Maria and Cody's half-Brother. You be needin something Doc?
HEALING
The three wounded Tengu have taken full bedrest for a few days, and after the ministrations of Hezala, they are up and moving again, although still injured.
victor prepares to speak, but his coat is ruffled by a strong breeze, the coat blows into his face
"well i could use a list off MMMMMPPPPPHHHMPPHH"
Victor's snout is muffled by the coat.
He peels the coat off and glances over the side of the ships, looking for grey clouds or signs of stormy weather.
that being done, he returns to the conversation at hand.
"like i was saying, i could use a full list of personnel of your crew mates, including yourselves. it would make it easier for me to dispense aid that way, and ration out supplies."
Comes back on deck as she did not find anyone and sees Victor.
"Hello Victor what have I missed?"
Thoyoitu follows Victor up deck, "Getting payed to stay alive? Truly this is a land of great opportunity!"
Upon seeing Rosalyn, he smiles, "Hello, Lady. Quite the series of events I've gotten us into, huh? Your arm looks injured, what happened? Hopefully not the result of my foolishness? Don't know if you heard, but I was nearly killed in my sleep simply for being the new captain of this vessel."
Victor leans aside away from the two other pirates and speaks to lady rosalyn
"a lot i'm afraid. The drow apparently were slavers and had captured the ship of another pirate, the hobgoblin akyrat. There was a mutiny from the pirates and the drow captain was driven overboard, along with the cook, butchy and the doctor, horus. Thoyoitu's acting captain now, he made a deal with the hobgoblin. Then we found the drow quartmaster murdered cause of southern tribe slaves, and then there was another mutiny from the remaining drow, and then you woke up."
Victor gasps for air
"You'll have to excuse me for a moment, dear lady, i'm trying to speak to the pirates to figure out exactly how many people there are on this ship."
"On the bright side, I didn't assassinate Akyrat, so that's one less war aboard to worry about."
victor,
The woman frowns a moment, counting, then says, Well, i think you've met most of us. There's me and my brothers, the little ones, Tilly and Tavis what roll with Anteater, the dwarf. You know the bilgerats Tickle and Squeek, and Akey and Nanna are the bosses."
The surviving passengers are Tamerand, his Valet, his last Guard, and two more human passengers, in addition to the 4 southerners. The remaining crewmen are Hezala and Lela, the pilot Bessie, her Boss, and Kumunde the Bosun, and the Drow Prisoner. Total of 25 people in beyond the party and Thoyoitu's tengu.
Goandi speaks with you as well You notice the skys? Storm seems to be coming up from the south, but something's wrong. We've got a southwestward wind coming at us, like it's pushing us toward the storm. I doubt we'll be able to avoid it for the rest of the day, he says, pointing at the darkness on the horizon. This storm has been welling up just on the eddge of the sky for days, and now it seems to have peaked.
Within an hour it is clear that the clouds are fast approaching and it's almost as if you are being pulled into Tempest, the storm that rages deeper into the western sea.
|
Desula wakes to the crack of thunder in the distants and the rising howl of wind.
Wha.., He cracks his eyes open to peak at his desk. He is up at a start and searching, before he remembers his book is strapped to his back under his clothes. Aching from sleeping on it oddly, happy to know its there. Won't survive long without, you now will I.
Des cracks open his book of shadows, and reviews quickly for the day.
0 Level:
-Jolt
-Ghost Sounds
-Prestidigitation
1 Level:
-Mage Armor
-Color Spray
-Disguise Self (Shadow Stored)
After the morning ritual, Des goes to check the window in his cabin. This doesn't look good. He stores his book back on his person, grabs a set of components for the day. He get his coat on, and looks over the rest of his possessions. Better ready them just in case.
He readies them, and stashes them under his bed. Let's go raid the quartermaster's stash. He walks off to the store rooms.
As he hears news of the storm, victor scratches his chin. Deep in thought. He continues to talk to the woman.
"I see. And all you are willing crew members? Also, there's a storm coming and I'd be real grateful if you would aid me in preparing the ship."
Turning to thoyoitu, he begins
"there's a big storm coming and we'd better lash everything down. You'd be best to make the call. I don't have much influence around big groups."
Pyre sits on deck watching the storm slowly approach. An ill feeling sits in his stomach.
"Well gosh that is why I had a poison arrow in my arm. And yes the storm dos look a bad one. best get below decks and get ready for it."
Thoyoitu stands in the center of the deck and shouts out, "Hear ye, hear ye! I, your captain, have an announcement to make. As I am sure many of you have surmised, there is a storm coming our way and we must go through it to reach our destination in the most timely of manners. As such, I ask that you all lash everyone down to the ship to make sure nothing moves around when the storm hits. Then, when the time comes, I will alert you all that the storm is coming, so that those of you who need to can seek safe haven below deck. And unlike the past few days, there is no cause for alarm. Thank you for listening, and keep well." Thoyoitu salutes before walking back to his friends. "Hey, Rosalyn, I saw you looking up in the Crow's Nest. Happen to see any small islands we could, erm, drop a package off at? Anything it wouldn't drown on would work."
"No sorry not a thing but the storm"
The storm approaches far faster than any of the crew anticipated, and the seas quickly turn violent. The ship pitches and yaws as waves roll by and crash onto the deck. Sailors run around frantically, raising the sails when it's too late to run, and chasing after loose ropes whipping around in the wind.
Desula is barely able to finish his studying before the chop becomes too severe for him to continue. WHile he is in the quartermaster's stash a few crewmen rush in and out, grabbing gear, and replacement parts, weights and pinions.
The ship creaks under the stresses of the storm and all sense of location will soon go out the window as the sky has darkened and no horizon can be seen.
Holding on as best she can she looks around as the storm hits.
"Well this is a bit choppy I must say. I do home some being is not behind this, if so they are just being a pain for the sake of it"
She makes light if the matter as the ship rolls and pitchs.
Victor looks worried.
I'm going under deck. Don't wanna be above it when the storm rages
"Victor, my friend, please make sure my friends below are all safe. I'm going to stay up deck with the pilot" Thoyoitu shakes Rosalyn's hand, "Good to see you up and about, Rosalyn." He then goes as planned to see the pilot.
The Wyern'shaad is tossed and turned in the waves. It takes everything the pilot can do to keep the ship from being crushed by the swells but she has no idea when the ship may land or where you are even going? Voices cry out in the chaos and your people cling to the railings and ropes when waves crash across the deck. Water pours down the stairways into the lower decks as the sailors desperately work the bilge-pumps. Still water is taken on, and timbers crack as lines are ripped loose.
Rosalyn can barely see through the gale, but as you rise up over the crest of the waves, up ahead you glimpse whitecaps and crashing swells as you seem to be heading into even mroe treacherous waters!
From below, the prisoner screams Untie me! Don't leave me in locked in here! while Tamerand and his men huddle in their cabins. The Tengu follow the orders of the more seasoned sailors, but it soon becomes clear that this is by far worse than any storm the crewmen have weathered. Only one person seems unperturbed by the havoc being wrought.
Nanna Sati, the Wolf-faced woman stands on the deck, arms outstretched howling into the tempest. As Thoyoitu approaches the captain, she cries out to you, The time ith nigh, and our fate ith in your handth! then she lets out a mad cackle and pushes you along on your way to the Pilot.
The ship itself seems nearly on the verge of shaking itself apart. Are there any further preparations you wish to attemept?
Thoyoitu calls over a passenger still on the deck, or a non-essential crewman, or whoever, "Get downstairs and tell Rosalyn, Desula, or Victor to make sure that the package we have tied down in the makeshift storage bay in the brig stays tied down. And tell them I'm safe on the bridge, please."
Behind the pilot, "Do what you can to keep us safe! Are there any orders I should give the crew on how to operate in this storm, or are they performing as they should? Get us out alright, and I'll give you a bonus, okay?" Thoyoitu braces himself against the waves.
Runs up and get ready to jump ship, taking as much as she can with her.
Victor hurries to pack his stuff up, paranoid that the ship might break apart.
Then he rushes off to find hezala or lela or any familiar face to huddle with to wait out the passing storm
Straps every thing to herself, and takes a water proof sack. starts placing things in the long boat she had fallen into. Fixing as much as she can in the rolling sea.
Pyre straps his ax to his back and has his armor on. He lashes himself by a cord to the railing at the front of the ship. A mad grin on his face as he sits on the deck. Be braces himself, "Let me hear your roar!", he yells to the storm.
Thoyoitu calls out to Pyre, "Pyre, get over here!"
As rosalyn packs the lifeboat, she is joined by Tamerand and his men, also carrying supplies. prudent decision my dear. You'll be wanting as much for rations as you can fit. Who knows where we are, or will end up after the storm! the fop says as he tires a line round his waist and his men work.
As victor approaches, healing waves wash over him as she further heals the wounded.oh, its you! Glad you haven't been washed away. Just making sure the wounded are as well of as possible before. . . in case things go poorly. she says, careful not to say anything that might Jinx you.
On Thoyoitu's command one of the little people scurries by saying to check in the "package" is still tied down
But if questioned about the order says I got no notion what he means. since they don't know about the Drow assassination attempt.
Sati, in the other hand, joins Pyre and barks to him, You taunt death it-thelf! Do you not fear what the fat-th have in thtore for you Wyrmling?
And below, still, where Victor can hear, the Drow is throwing his body agaainst the door, crying out to be released.
"The gods live in the storms. In my home to hear the gods roar you need to be in the storm! Some say you can even see them fly in the clouds, if you watch carefully." Pyre says to Sati. He continues, " I believe the gods are fighting and i wish to see their scales and fire!"
The seer laught, Thay may well be! And yet you do not prey to be thpared their wrath, but laufth with them and theek to obthererve? You are either inthane, thtupid, or bold, perhapth all three! she replies, watching Pyre's lips as he speaks.
"Hello, Desula, I'm glad you're alive! Did you see Rosalyn or Victor? It's hard to see in this storm. I did hear Pyre screaming, so he seems to be alright. And has anyone checked on the prisoner? I don't want him tricking anyone into letting him out. And we're braving the storm, like it or not, friend. I feel this is the best thing to do, rather than stopping and hoping we live, we can keep moving at least not sit and get pummeled."
Coming up behind Desula
"You know this is both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, I must say I am enjoying both"
Victor nods.
"I'm glad you're well, but I must check on the others so I will leave you to your work!"
victor quickly realises the drow prisoner is still tied down and can hear the faint screaming. He rushes over.
Victor
When the Drow hears you at the door, he throws himself against it once again. Please untie me? If this ship goes down, at least I'll have a chance.
Victor unties the drow without hesitation.
"lay low and try to stay out of sight.i don't think I can help you much farther than that, so best of luck. Also do you have a name? I never learnt it."
Victor
The drow looks at you, appraising you for a moment. Thadrax, and I appreciate - There is a cracking noise and the ship groans, huh, not sure it'll do me much good tho. . .
The ship is driven towards the whitewater and savage waters. As it rises up on a wave and breaches the crest, the jagged fangs of a reefs are visible for a moment jsut under the surface of the water. The pilot cries out, Don't think any oil'll help us at this point!
Pyre, the reef almost looks to be the teeth of a smiling beast waiting to devour your ship and crew as the Wyernshaad hurtles toward the sharp coral and rock. Brace for impact! a crewman shouts
Pyre braces for the hit. Ready to cut his tether and jump over the side before the ship sinks.
"best of luck then friend thadax."
Victor darts off to grab his stuff before meeting the rest of the evacuees and hezela at the lifeboats.
He yells out as he reaches.
"Friends! Help the crew to the lifeboats! I'll go back for the maps!"
Victor darts off and catches up to Hezala and sees a few people below decks as well as crew. A few turn and pay attention readying to abandon ship if necessary.
Pyre cannot see land through the storm beyond the vicious reef poking out of the sea. There does appear to be a channel perhaps, that you could dive for and may avoid the reef itself if you want to jump in right upon contact.
Bessie looks at Desula, Maps at a time like this? There does appear to be some potential flotation devices that may fall, or you can try to stay on board and cut something lose while avoiding anything falling on you.
I'll keep an eye on the little one! Hezala shouts as Victor darts into the captains quarters to get what maps he can, quick fingers able to stash a few items.
"WELL THIS WILL BE INTERESTING! GET IN THE LIFE BOATS AND TRY TO GET PAST THE REEFS!! THERE SHOULD BE CALMER WATERS ON THE OTHER SIDE!!"
Then Rosalyn looked to get herself ready. She had flown is storms before, never one this bad but she knew how to have her things rapped on. Unlocking the parts of she spear she strips it down. The She heads to the back of the ship, Looking for a high spot to hold onto, Her wings if light unfold but she keeps them close to her waiting. This is going to have to be timed just right, the ship would hit and start to brake up and sink soon after. She need to use it to get over the reef, herself, she could do that with a drop dive, even in this wind. Letting gravity taker down and pulling up at the last moment. Once over the reef, the waves should be a lot lower than the swell around the ship now.
She starts calling out the Distance to the reef.
Victor returns from the captain's quarters and rushes up to desula, stuffing the valuable maps in his arms. Passing pyre on the way, the rat yelps
"PYRE GET TO A BOAT!"
The rat surges back, trying to herd whatever lone survivors back to the lifeboats.He loops around and ducks back beside hezala, panting.
"may the Gods watch over us all" he whispers
"may the gods watch over us all."
Thoyoitu watches as the crew abandon ship, but only braces himself against the storm. When Desula enters, he speaks, "Please, before you go, make sure my people have gotten to boats. And tell everyone to keep going in the same direction as before, even trying their best to stay on the same route if they have a map, that way maybe we'll all end up together again. But this ship has supplies that we all need. And I'll be damned if I lose this stockpile that my people need to survive!"
The Tengu grab whatever they can and rush for one of the boats.
There is chaotic scrambling in the few seconds before the crash and the details are lost in the melee. Crewmen take one last chance to brace for impact, holding fast to railings or loose barrels, hoping to avoid drowning!