An island mass breaks up the Arcadian Ocean, some still bearing the crumbling ruins of academies and towers atop them. These are the ruins of the Azlant and the lost Azlanti civilisation. The island ruins are only a small fraction of the buildings that yet exist, most of which are submerged underwater. Trade and travel ships skirt the islands, as spires or collapses hidden by the waves are a common danger. Small groups of adventurers and salvagers commission ships to carry them to the ruins, while larger expeditions sometime visit on the bankrolls of government patrons or private enterprises.
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After almost five hundred years since first making landfall there, the nation of Andoran is attempting to colonise one of the islands of the Arcadian Ocean.
The Andoran government in joint enterprise with the finance company, Bountiful Venture Company, have selected the island, Ancorato, as the site for the new colony of Talmandor's Bounty and put out a second call for colonists to help build and populate the settlement.
The second wave of colonists, much like the first, had to apply for membership in the expedition, and were put through numerous interviews and screenings to select the best individuals for this wave of settlement. The four of you stood out to the leaders of this expedition and you were recruited for the colony. The Peregrine, under the command of Captain Jacob Markosi, was then commissioned to transport supplies, materials and the settlers from the capital city of Almas in Andoran to Ancorato. The good crew of the Peregrine number twenty one souls and together with the fifty four passengers (including the four of you) set sail and begin the long journey across the sea to Ancorato (an island hundred of miles away from the closest civilised port).
Location: Upper Deck of the Peregrine
Date: Wealsday, 11th Pharast
Moon Cycle: Waning Crescent
Time: 6.30pm
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The meal had been the usual fare - a heavily seasoned and fragrant stew of turtle meat, fish, cabbage, onions and pickled vegetables. After such a long, and, at times, harrowing voyage - almost six weeks on the sea - and the final destination less than a day's sail, the colonists seemed most eager to set foot on land and source other game to eat.
Upon completion of the meal, most of the colonists returned to their quarters to pack their personal belongings and the crew on watch duty readied themselves for the night ahead. Captain Jacob Markosi bid the colonists a "Good night" and moved to his cabin to study his charts for the day ahead and make any final preparations.
The ship's lanterns have been lit to provide more light for the deepening night ahead. A single bell was struck and there was some movement from crew heading to their stations. Only a handful of you mill about on deck, taking in the cool night air.
Daryl eases the heavy strap that is fixed to the stock of his crossbow a bit so it does not rub too hard on his shoulder and then strides forward to the light of the lantern.
His long, dirty brown hair is tied back behind his neck with a bit of tarred hemp and he peers at the sky to attempt to gauge their direction almost unconsciously.
Moving under the light of one of the forward lanterns he pulls from his satchel a small ledger and he opens it to study some information on it.
Those who are close can see that the information is not hand-written; instead, the letters seem to be made by arranged letters covered in ink and "pressed" to the sheets of paper within - in short; a printed book.
His youthful face is marred by a grim expression as he reads over the text, but this is not uncommon for his expression is generally grim when he is thinking.
He pauses a moment to raises his eyes to study the water ahead, then gazes aloft and he again peers at the stars.
Then he shrugs and goes back to reading.
Uzziah is near the prow of the ship, staring out towards the horizon, breathing in the salt ocean air.
This is the life! Though I'll need to take a dip soon.
He strips unselfconsciously, ties a rope to himself, and dives off the side of the ship.
After a minute or so of luxuriating in the ocean water, he swims back to the ship and climbs up. Someone without gill slits on their necks might have found that tricky.
Cleaning himself off with a little fresh water, he clads himself again, and goes in search of the other leaders of the expedition to Ancorato.
He sees Daryl and walks over, hailing him with his usual good humour and easy charm. His tall, athletic frame obvious to any who know him.
"Daryl, how are you faring? I hope well, the air and water are wonderful tonight!"
His long black hair still shines from the damp, and his purple eyes glint in the lantern-light.
Daryl would be aware that Uzziah makes a point of immersing himself in the ocean several times a day.
"Daryl, how are you faring? I hope well, the air and water are wonderful tonight!"
His long black hair still shines from the damp, and his purple eyes glint in the lantern-light.
Daryl would be aware that Uzziah makes a point of immersing himself in the ocean several times a day.
Daryl pauses from his reading and looks up at Uzziah.
"I'm alright," he says, studying Uzziah thoughtfully.
He glances at the wake of the ship and peers aloft, studying the clouds and gauging the wind, then turns his eyes to study the sails.
He frowns a bit as if thinking.
"Careful on your rope trick," he says after a moment.
"Ship's going pretty fast; you jump free of her at the present speed the rope'll likely hurt you if you don't give it enough slack, though I reckon you probably knew that," he adds with a dry grin.
He cocks his head and studies Uzziah curiously, then opens his book and flips through it a bit, pausing to read something and then grunts and closes the book and looks at Uzziah again.
"Begging your pardon but I've heard of your folk before, but most of what I've heard or read is pretty vague... You mind if I ask you some questions about your people?" he says with a curious voice, but also polite - it's clear he's interested in learning about Uzziah, though his tone implies he's not trying to pry if his questions seem indelicate.
Standing on the forecastle, watching as the sun finishes sinking into the west. ’It’s another beautiful night, It’s been a good trip. A few storms but nothing to bring the ship down. Which is just as well, I really don’t want to spend another week in the deep.’ Taldo shifts his rucksack onto his shoulders, as he watches Uzziah tie a rope to himself and dive over the rail of the ship.
’Speaking of being in the deep, he does this several times a day. I wonder if it’s for pleasure or need. I should speak to him about it. I don’t know why I’m so secretive about my own race.’ Looking down at his human looking hands. ’Of course I look human. Heck I thought I was human until a boat sank under me. Of course, he looks fairly human too. One could blame the purple eyes on an Azlanti background. Or so I’ve been told.’
As Taldo is watching the Gillman, he starts moving through the ship, off the forecastle along the rail, shifting his spear from hand to hand so as not to injure anyone. He watches as the Gillman swings back on board and begins speaking to Daryl. Taldo nears, just as Daryl inquires about asking Uzziah about his people. Tucking the spear in it’s scabbard on his pack, Taldo moves closer to the two, ”Pardon me , Daryl and Uzziah, I was also admiring your exercise regime, may I join you?”
”Pardon me , Daryl and Uzziah, I was also admiring your exercise regime, may I join you?”
Daryl tuns a glance to Taldo.
"I got no problem with that, but we aren't really exercising - just talking," he says.
Giving Uzziah a glance to see if he has any other thoughts he looks back Taldo.
"You use that spear for throwing or stabbing?" he asks curiously.
"I used to know a lad or two from Andoran - they served with the Steel Falcons - their folk'd carry a spear or two with them on ships and when the battle start they'd toss them into the enemy and then draw their blades and rush in hot after them."
"But I hear tell that southern folk keep the spear and use it like they got a staff for fighting - swinging it around and such, and using the spear tip to slice or stab good when they see an opening."
"Anyway, I was just curious on your preference," he adds with a shrug.
"Begging your pardon but I've heard of your folk before, but most of what I've heard or read is pretty vague... You mind if I ask you some questions about your people?" he says with a curious voice, but also polite - it's clear he's interested in learning about Uzziah, though his tone implies he's not trying to pry if his questions seem indelicate.
With a smile, Uzziah responds.
"Most certainly, Daryl! I see no reason to keep secrets about the gillmen, or Low Azlanti as some of us call ourselves. What would you like to know?"
Taldo moves closer to the two, ”Pardon me , Daryl and Uzziah, I was also admiring your exercise regime, may I join you?”
"Haha! Why thank you, Taldo. As Daryl says, we are now just speaking. But you are still welcome to join us. I favour a lance or trident myself, with a cestus for a handy backup. I tend not to rely on weapons that I can cannot stab or throw with, they tend not to be much use underwater."
"Most certainly, Daryl! I see no reason to keep secrets about the gillmen, or Low Azlanti as some of us call ourselves. What would you like to know?"
Daryl's eyes widen a moment at the term "Low Azlanti" but he says nothing on that, docketing the information away for another time. Instead, elects to ask a few basic questions.
"Alright... Meantime, if I start asking you questions you don't fancy just let me know and I'll lay off," he says, then thinks a moment and begins.
"First thing; your folk - ya'll look human in a lot of ways, but how close to us are you? Are your lady folk like ours? I mean to say - do you give birth to young or... well, do you have eggs as birthing? Sorry for the question, but knowing your physiology's kind of handy if we run into a tango that'd leave you cut up and needing some healing..."
He waits for an answer then continues.
"When we deal with spellslingers and their lot I'm also thinking it'd be good to know how you handle things like heat and cold - human folk'll adapt alright to changes in temperature, but how's your kind deal with it?"
"You like diving in the water a lot; that's fine and all on a ship, but when we hit dirt and start trekking in the bush what happens if you're not swimming for a while? I don't mean to pry, but if we're going to be watching each other's backs out there I want to be sure that the guy on my flank won't be needing to get water every couple hours as that'd be damn tricky in certain spots."
"I saw you spritz yourself off with the fresh water we got on the ship after your swim. Any reason? I mean to say; does salt water cause you some issues, or maybe more than fresh water does?"
"In other words, after we're plodding through the muck for a piece if you need to get wet, and so on, will it be bad if you do it in the ocean direct, or does the water need to be fresh to do the job proper? And if it is fresh in particular how's that going to be if you go swimming in the ocean for a good portion?"
He pauses a bit and takes a sip from a flask at his side and prepares to offer it, then pauses.
"I was going to offer you some whisky - it's Varisian, pretty good brew... But anyhow; if you drink alcohol is that going to do any hurting on your breathing? I know when I'm out fishing that if I put a few drops of whiskey on a fighter that it causes it to settle fast so I can real it in; and if that same fish gets any alcohol on their gills they absorb the stuff so fast that it causes them to die outright... That might be another thing to know as if some basterd native gives you too much hooch - and by that it could be any, then will you die outright if you drink it?"
Realizing that he asked several questions he pauses so that Uzziah's got some time to respond.
"Haha! Why thank you, Taldo. As Daryl says, we are now just speaking. But you are still welcome to join us. I favour a lance or trident myself, with a cestus for a handy backup. I tend not to rely on weapons that I can cannot stab or throw with, they tend not to be much use underwater."
Daryl says nothing at that comment, but his hand eases the strap to his crossbow reflexively and he smiles a bit, knowing something of what a crossbow can do underwater.
At this time he waits for either Uzziah to offer some feedback or Taldo to say more...
Daryl tuns a glance to Taldo.
"I got no problem with that, but we aren't really exercising - just talking,"
"Haha! Why thank you, Taldo. As Daryl says, we are now just speaking. But you are still welcome to join us..."
’Not exercising, was that not the right word. Oh, he means not exercising now.’ Looking from the Daryl to Uzziah, ”My apologies, sometimes I struggle with tenses, still. I can see your talking now, I meant I was watching Uzziah diving and swimming.”
Giving Uzziah a glance to see if he has any other thoughts he looks back Taldo.
"You use that spear for throwing or stabbing?" he asks curiously.
Looking back to Daryl he smiles, ”Here let me show you.” He draws the spear out of it’s scabbard, offering to hand it to crossbowman. ”I don’t think throwing it would work, it’s weighted on the end. So I can thrust with it, or use it like a staff. Striking with the tip or the iron ball. I’m not very good with a shield. So I prefer being able to fight with both hands.” He gestures back toward the bow, ”I used the bow if I want to bring something down at distance.”
Turning to Uzziah, ”The bow would be no good under water, but the spear tip would work fine. So would my gladius I believe.”
’I would like to know more about these ‘Low Azlanti’s’ as well.’ Turning looking from Uzziah to Daryl, ’What questions would be too tough to answer? Oh, questions about ‘Lady parts.’ Taldo’s eyes widen a little as he looks from Daryl to Uzziah, ’Adjust to temperature? The ocean depths are cold. So does he need to be wet constantly to live? That’s a good question. I know there are fish that only do fresh water, or sea water, but there are some that do both.’
Taldo watches as Daryl draws out the flask, ’that’s a lot of questions.’ without thinking he reaches over and ”Here, let me have a sip, I’ll test it for him.” Taking the flask He sips the whiskey, then quickly hands it back. ”Ah, That’s good stuff, thank you.” He wipes his mouth with his shirt sleeve, waiting to see how Uzziah answers all the questions. Looking at Daryl, he gives a weak smile. ’I think I'll wait a bit to tell these guys I’m Undine and a distant relative to a Marid.'
Looking back to Daryl he smiles, ”Here let me show you.” He draws the spear out of it’s scabbard, offering to hand it to crossbowman. ”I don’t think throwing it would work, it’s weighted on the end. So I can thrust with it, or use it like a staff. Striking with the tip or the iron ball. I’m not very good with a shield. So I prefer being able to fight with both hands.” He gestures back toward the bow, ”I used the bow if I want to bring something down at distance.”
Daryl nods his head as he listens and takes the weapon, hefting it to feel its weight and power and then giving it back to Taldo.
Turning to Uzziah, ”The bow would be no good under water, but the spear tip would work fine. So would my gladius I believe.”
He grins dryly.
"Nah - crossbow'll work underwater, even longbow can be alright if you shoot it from shore into water."
"Hell, I've even seen some folk rig up line between the bolt and something near to them and then they aim the bow at the fish and let fly... If it hits they pull the line and haul the fish back to the shore. But it's all the same to me; if you got to do a killing then I reckon it don't matter what weapon use so long as it works."
”Here, let me have a sip, I’ll test it for him.” Taking the flask assuming Daryl lets him have it.
Daryl tosses him the flask and leans back on the gunwale watching him drink.
He sips the whiskey, then quickly hands it back. ”Ah, That’s good stuff, thank you.”
"Glad you like it," he says as he takes the flask back and then slips it into his satchel.
As he waits for Uzziah to get around to answering his questions he glances tot he prow and then back at them and decides to ask Taldo a few questions.
"So why'd you want to come on this thing?" he asks, curious to know what brought Taldo - or either of them - on the mission.
"So why'd you want to come on this thing?" he asks, curious to know what brought Taldo - or either of them - on the mission.
’That’s a good question, why did I come on this mission?’ Looking at Daryl for a moment, then looking out to sea. He shifts his feet a little as he thinks about how much to share. Turning back, ”It’s fairly simple. I was orphaned in the Jungle, raised by a 'kindly' druid. I had lots of unanswered questions. I left there looking to connect to my heritage somehow. Some questions got answers some didn’t." He shrugs slightly, "I had been in Almas for five years working as a tanner. I figured I had learned all I was going to learn, or all I needed to learn. The whole time I had a longing for the wilds. When the invitation came to head into the wilderness, I answered.” He smiles and winks, ’Sides, every colony needs a tanner, right.”
"Alright... Meantime, if I start asking you questions you don't fancy just let me know and I'll lay off,""First thing; your folk - ya'll look human in a lot of ways, but how close to us are you? Are your lady folk like ours? I mean to say - do you give birth to young or... well, do you have eggs as birthing? Sorry for the question, but knowing your physiology's kind of handy if we run into a tango that'd leave you cut up and needing some healing..."
He waits for an answer then continues.
"When we deal with spellslingers and their lot I'm also thinking it'd be good to know how you handle things like heat and cold - human folk'll adapt alright to changes in temperature, but how's your kind deal with it?"
"You like diving in the water a lot; that's fine and all on a ship, but when we hit dirt and start trekking in the bush what happens if you're not swimming for a while? I don't mean to pry, but if we're going to be watching each other's backs out there I want to be sure that the guy on my flank won't be needing to get water every couple hours as that'd be damn tricky in certain spots."
"I saw you spritz yourself off with the fresh water we got on the ship after your swim. Any reason? I mean to say; does salt water cause you some issues, or maybe more than fresh water does?"
"In other words, after we're plodding through the muck for a piece if you need to get wet, and so on, will it be bad if you do it in the ocean direct, or does the water need to be fresh to do the...
"I was going to offer you some whisky - it's Varisian, pretty good brew... But anyhow; if you drink alcohol is that going to do any hurting on your breathing? I know when I'm out fishing that if I put a few drops of whiskey on a fighter that it causes it to settle fast so I can real it in; and if that same fish gets any alcohol on their gills they absorb the stuff so fast that it causes them to die outright... That might be another thing to know as if some basterd native gives you too much hooch - and by that it could be any, then will you die outright if you drink it?"
Uzziah nearly has one answer ready when another question appears. He is not upset by this, simply unused to it.
That is a lot of questions!
"First of all, we are pretty close to human. Our Azlanti ancestors were fully human after all! Our ladies still give birth to live young, we still have warm red blood, etc, etc."
He trails off for a second.
"The big differences? There are two. The water is the huge one. I have to get immersed, fully, once a day minimum. Or I start dying. I like to get wet more often than that, because it feels good and it means I won't be caught short so easily. It can be sea water, freshwater, doesn't matter so long as it's wet! I mainly wash off with fresh water for the sake of not going around in salt-encrusted clothes.", he adds with a wink.
"The other one is magic. No real difference for me when it comes to fire or cold, though a few of my kind do find one. Where I'm strong is against mind-affecting magic - except for that of aboleths."
And with that last word, Uzziah's normal good cheer darkens, just a little, then vanishes like a passing cloud.
"And I have no issue with whiskey! Pass it over!"
”My apologies, sometimes I struggle with tenses, still. I can see your talking now, I meant I was watching Uzziah diving and swimming.””The bow would be no good under water, but the spear tip would work fine. So would my gladius I believe.”
"Not a worry! And the pointed weapons tend to carry further, it is true."
"So why'd you want to come on this thing?"
"I had been in Almas for five years working as a tanner. I figured I had learned all I was going to learn, or all I needed to learn. The whole time I had a longing for the wilds. When the invitation came to head into the wilderness, I answered.” He smiles and winks, ’Sides, every colony needs a tanner, right.”
Nodding at Daryl and Taldo's talk about reasons, Uzziah adds:
"I want to explore! My brother Jeremiah and I have explored some Azlanti ruins back in Outsea, in the River Kingdoms. He couldn't make this expedition, but he's aiming for the next one. Anyway, I want to know our past - the Azlanti past. And besides, I've never been one to shy from a challenge!"
======
The night passed without incident and the only sounds to be heard were the sailors on duty, the bells signalling change of watch, the wind whipping about the ship and the sloosh of the waves lapping against the hull.
After six long weeks, in the early hours of the morning, a shout was raised, ”Land Ho!”, as the crew of the Peregrine sighted land to the west. The sky was clear, except for some light cloud, and land was certainly a most welcomed sight.
A few hours after the first glimpse of land, the Peregrine sailed into a calm, natural bay with a long stretch of sandy beach within rowing distance for the ship’s boats. The colonists, who were eager to spy their new homeland, lined the upper deck to get their first glance of Ancorato. Some of the colonists stayed below deck, having not fared well during the rougher parts of the sea voyage. The six soldiers, who reported only to Ramona Avandth, were also on deck; Ramona standing eagerly by the captain’s side. As the crew began to untie one of the small boats to lower it into the water, the sailors passed a spyglass among themselves before handing it across to their captain.
Captain Jacob Markosi peered at the island for a few moments before grunting and handing the spyglass to the expedition leader, Ramona Avandth. He whispered against her ear, ”You should see this.”
Accepting the spyglass, Ramona lifted it and peered toward the shore of Ancorato Bay. After a few moments, she lowered the scope; her eyes clearly conveying distress, yet she was attempting to mask the worry from general observation. She nodded to Captain Markosi before glancing across to the four of you by the rail.
Ramona steadily approached your small group, and in quiet voice asked ”May I have a word with you?” She motioned toward the far end of the deck; away from most of the colonists congregated on deck and moved there. Levelling her intense green eyes on you, she blurted out bluntly albeit quietly, ”We have a problem,” before offering you the spyglass. ”Something is wrong. Nobody’s in sight. There’s no smoke from the cook fires or the smithy and some of the buildings appear burned out.” As each of you take turn to look through the spyglass, you can see the truth of Ramona’s words. In lowered voice, Ramona continued, “Sailors can’t keep their mouths shut. Soon all the other colonists are going to hear about this-if they can’t see for themselves first-and things could become…tense.”
Her green eyes scanned the deck before returning to you; her back to the other colonists for added discretion. ”I know why you were approved for this expedition, and, we wish to learn what is going on in the settlement. For that reason, I will need you to go ashore, explore and determine what the situation is in Talmandor’s Bounty. In the meantime, I am going to ask Captain Markosi to sail north along the island’s coast to a secondary landing our surveyors determined as a viable location for a colony. Once you are done with your exploration, head north to rendezvous with the Peregrine and then I can make a final determination as to where the remainder of the colonists will disembark. The ship’s boat is readied for you to row ashore. You noted the deserted dock through the scope. Head for it and good luck.”
========
Date: Oathsday, 12th Pharast
Time: 10.00am
Conditions: Light wind, blue skies and calm sea. Temperature: 22 deg C / 72 deg F
The gray eyes of the easterner stared the shores with a calm, piercing light gleaming from his eyes which seemed to penetrate even the imperceptible darkness which lingered between the buildings to mask the signs at what uncertain doom may have befallen the colonists.
Even so; he was contracted to do a job and was no mean coward as to cringe from tasks that he had agreed to do.
Barely 10 o'clock and a fair day in springtime... Whatever has happened must have happened before we reached the bay, else we should have seen signs of distress. Therefore, for now we must seek for clues rather than battle...
Sweeping his the kit which lay near to his feet up and over his shoulder with a swift, fluid motion he cinched the straps and then strode with a purposeful stride to the ship's boat.
Gripping the ropes which it hung from he swung it easily over the lee of the ship and lowered it to the waters below where it touched the gray foam.
Then he swung himself on to one of the ropes and prepared to lower himself down; yet he paused and peered at Uziah and Taldo.
"What are you waiting for?" he called to them with a grim smile "or do you wish to live forever?"
Then, gripping the rope he lowered himself with ease into the waiting boat - which rested on the water line.
’I knew we were close when we saw so many gulls, it never ceases to amaze me how bold they are, always ready to steal a meal.’ Tearing his last bite of sea biscuit in half, he tosses half to the gull that landed on the rail. Catching the bit in it’s mouth the gull gulped it down, but flew away as Taldo neared. ’Well not too friendly yet. He will change his mind eventually.’ Ruck sack on his back with spear, quiver and bow attached to it’s sides, he moves down the rail to where his fellow adventurers stand.
’I’m a little jealous, Elathras used to watch through his falcon’s eyes. Using a looking glass must be the closest a human’s eyes can get.’ Watching enviously as the sailors pass a spyglass around and then to the captain he turns and watches as others lower a longboat. Turning when Romona approaches and discreetly asks for a word.
Looking through the spy glass Taldo passes it on. ’She’s right, that is a problem. Why we were approved? Well that’s gently put, but her point is fair, these people can’t go in blind. They need someone to find out what happened and what the level of danger for the rest of the group is.’ Looking from the expedition leader to the others, Taldo asks bluntly. ”How long?” Then clarifies. ”How long do we have to show up at the Northern rendezvous point, until you assume were dead and sail on?”
’Well, we’re burning daylight.’ Turning to see if everyone was ready, Taldo realizes that Daryl is already calling back to them as he prepares to climb down the rope to the dingy. Taldo smiles, as he approaches the rail looking down at the grey foam, then at his associate. ”I wouldn’t say forever, maybe a millennia or so.” He then swings out, also, lowering himself to the boat. Shifting his shoulders to resettle his pack as he takes a seat, he grips the oar, first looking over his shoulder, then back up at the rail, waiting…
’Well, we’re burning daylight.’ Turning to see if everyone was ready, Taldo realizes that Daryl is already calling back to them as he prepares to climb down the rope to the dingy. Taldo smiles, as he approaches the rail looking down at the grey foam, then at his associate. ”I wouldn’t say forever, maybe a millennia or so.” He then swings out, also, lowering himself to the boat.
Daryl lets out a boisterous laughs which belies his moody expression as Taldo follows him into the boat.
"The only thing that lasts that long are the legends of heroes," he says with a rare grin as he helps Taldo into the rocking boat.
"If you want to be legendary then I figure we best not waste more time," he says with a glance aloft at the those lollygagging on the main deck.
He turns a glance to the shore line.
"What'd the captain say about the rendezvous time?" he asks as he stows his kit in the bow and then slips the oars into the oarlocks.
"Also - is it just me and you, or do the others plan on tagging along?" he asks.
Looking from the expedition leader to the others, Taldo asks bluntly. ”How long?” Then clarifies. ”How long do we have to show up at the Northern rendezvous point, until you assume were dead and sail on?”
Ramona levelled her eyes on Taldo and answered in lowered voice, "The secondary landing spot is nine miles north. I can only give you two days at best before we declare you dead for the Captain's schedule is tight and we must unload the colonists and supplies so he may leave to continue on with his livelihood. So, do everything you can to determine what has happened and then meet us before the cut off. Do not tarry. The lives of the new colonists are in your hands. So, if you mean to leave, better now before more colonists come topside and see you."
Ramona levelled her eyes on Taldo and answered in lowered voice, "The secondary landing spot is nine miles north. I can only give you two days at best before we declare you dead for the Captain's schedule is tight and we must unload the colonists and supplies so he may leave to continue on with his livelihood. So, do everything you can to determine what has happened and then meet us before the cut off. Do not tarry. The lives of the new colonists are in your hands."
It occurs to Daryl that as they have the location of the island and position of the colony on the island noted in the ship's log then it's likely that they would have the notations on the size of the island on the charts; including all noted landmarks and variances taken by earlier expeditions when deciding on what island to create colony.
Shaking his head at this obvious oversight, he calls up to one of the others still lounging on the deck.
"Oye - get a copy of the charts with the island and hurry it up."
He turns to Taldo.
"Sorry about that; pretty stupid of me not to ask for a chart that has the island on it as I reckon it'll have something like a map of the island for us to figure out where we're legging it to," he adds.
At this point he waits for someone to toss them a copy of the chart before heading out... Failing that, he can also scurry up the rope and fetch the charts if needed.
Ramona cringed at hearing the man's voice loudly on the wind. Is he a fool?! I said not to alarm the other colonists. Opening the satchel she had slung over her shoulder, Ramona removed a small, rolled up parchment and handed it to Uzziah.
"This is all I can give you. The other chart is mine alone as expedition leader and I will not part with it. Here, you can see both landing spots. That should be enough direction to lead you to us - head nine miles north along the shore. If you need more direction, the original colonists should be able to guide you further. And, tell that man below to be quiet!"
Ramona levelled her eyes on Taldo and answered in lowered voice, "The secondary landing spot is nine miles north. I can only give you two days...."
'Two days, nine miles, hopefully we won't need to track anyone or anything too far.' Nodding his head, Taldo smiles. "So the morning of the third day, worst case we stumble into camp after the ship leaves."
Daryl lets out a boisterous laughs which belies his moody expression as Taldo follows him into the boat.
"The only thing that lasts that long are the legends of heroes," he says with a rare grin as he helps Taldo into the rocking boat.
"If you want to be legendary then I figure we best not waste more time," he says with a glance aloft at the those lollygagging on the main deck.
Nodding his head, "I guess being a legend would be a second option. But I would certainly like to live for a bit longer, Starting with the two days we have to get to the northern landfall."
"Oye - get a copy of the charts with the island and hurry it up."
He turns to Taldo.
"Sorry about that; pretty stupid of me not to ask for a chart that has the island on it as I reckon it'll have something like a map of the island for us to figure out where we're legging it to," he adds.
At this point he waits for someone to toss them a copy of the chart before heading out... Failing that, he can also scurry up the rope and fetch the charts if needed.
'What the blazes? Why is he yelling? She said to keep it quiet!' Looking from Daryl up to the deck, Taldo shakes his head, "Ssshhhhh, I can get us north nine miles with our without charts. If we scare those colonists, it won't be the island what we have to worry about!"
Nodding his head, "I guess being a legend would be a second option. But I would certainly like to live for a bit longer, Starting with the two days we have to get to the northern landfall."
He grins wryly at the response.
'What the blazes? Why is he yelling? She said to keep it quiet!' Looking from Daryl up to the deck, Taldo shakes his head, "Ssshhhhh, I can get us north nine miles with our without charts. If we scare those colonists, it won't be the island what we have to worry about!"
Daryl looks at Taldo, the boat rising and falling on the froth and foam of the water at the side of the ship.
He opens his mouth to express his incredulity at the judgement levied on him for calling to ask for something from someone fifteen feet away, but instead he merely shakes his head.
"That's good. Meantime, if it's alright, I still want the charts" he says.
He looks up and watches the two above him.
"This is all I can give you. The other chart is mine alone as expedition leader and I will not part with it. Here, you can see both landing spots. That should be enough direction to lead you to us - head nine miles north along the shore. If you need more direction, the original colonists should be able to guide you further. And, tell that man below to be quiet!"
Noting that she hands something to the one called Uziah, he turns to back to Taldo.
"I'll be back," he says with a grunt.
With that he takes the rope he descended on and shimmies up it and then swings himself on to the deck.
He look at the woman.
"If you're worried that me calling to you at a space of fifteen feet might be overheard by them that sleep over the waves and foam and between the hard wood of decks then I beg your pardon and I'll keep my mouth shut to make it safer and it won't happen again," he says with a polite, but clearly quieter voice.
"As for anyone else making a hint of noise that might be a problem, don't worry on that account - if there's another whisper of noise I'll kill whatever there is myself," he says with a courteous nod.
He looks at Uzziah.
"You coming?" he asks the man, somewhat rhetorically.
Uzziah has been busy ensuring the sturdiness of the kit on Ezekiel, who has been known to take walks up on deck during the day. Ezekiel being a giant dodo, flightless but with a strong beak.
At the first hint of trouble, Uzziah nodded his acceptance to the captain's request and began his preparations.
With rope and any help proffered, he lowers Ezekiel to the boat.
"I would live a long time, to enjoy glory earned.", he replies to Daryl with a smile, once he and Ezekiel are in the boat.
"You will not find my arms - or Ezekiel's beak - lacking should we run into trouble. Let us cast off, we have no time to waste."
A black haired man, in clothing less fit for an ocean voyage and more for some dusty clerks office, comes on deck as you all are preparing to go down to the rowboat. You have seen little of the man throughout the journey as he was for a long time suffering from a queasy stomach due to the rocking of the ocean and thus kept to the quarters he was given to spare the passengers the sound of splattering that came after what seemed like every meal. Eventually the nausea subsided from deathly to merely miserable and he made his way out for meals. He spoke little throughout this time, his nose always buried either in a dusty old tome of some sort or jotting notes in a journal that he kept with him.
The man had an unassuming air about him and yet when he was looking at books or scribbling in his notebook, an almost fiery zeal comes over his deep blue eyes, almost turning them a shade of violet but that always seems to be a trick of the light as when looked at directly, they're always the same shade of blue. Dressed always as if he is going to the moneylender to inquire about an account, his deep widows peak draws his brow down, giving him a perpetually stern expression. This expression is at odds with his voice however, as it is effeminate, silky, and pleasant. He carries numerous pouches upon his clothing from which strange sounds and bizarre smells, occasionally waft.
-------------------------------------------------------
The man known as Aeracian comes running up, panting with his gear. "Wait! I'm coming as well!" he says, trying to catch his breath. "I cannot stay on this barely buoyant box of bewailing barbarity another moment!" At that he begins his descent to the boat, not waiting for an answer until he is already seated.
He opens his mouth to express his incredulity at the judgement levied on him for calling to ask for something from someone fifteen feet away, but instead he merely shakes his head.
"That's good. Meantime, if it's alright, I still want the charts" he says.
Taldo smiles, nodding his head back at their boss."That's fine, I just don't want to piss of Romona, were going to have to live on this island with her, and I don't think she's the kind of person we want on our bad side."
As The other two members of the advance party join them, Taldo nods, "Gentlemen, glad you could make it."
He looks from Uzziah to Ezekiel, nodding at the large bird. "Any chance Ezekiel swims and can just pull the boat in?"
"If you're worried that me calling to you at a space of fifteen feet might be overheard by them that sleep over the waves and foam and between the hard wood of decks then I beg your pardon and I'll keep my mouth shut to make it safer and it won't happen again," he says with a polite, but clearly quieter voice.
"As for anyone else making a hint of noise that might be a problem, don't worry on that account - if there's another whisper of noise I'll kill whatever there is myself," he says with a courteous nod.
The six soldiers who were standing near to Ramona (but a discreet distance to allow her to speak freely) noted the man's presence and close proximity and moved forward to stand on either side of their leader; all eyes on the one called Daryl.
Ramona nodded in approval at her men and then responded quietly to Daryl, a small smile on her face, "You have two days to attend to the task I have given you. I suggest you return to the boat with your companions and start. As to killing anyone. I'm certain your companions may have something to say on the matter, especially the large bird the Gillman has for companion. Good day, Mister Bohannon." And with one last, levied look, Ramona turned on her heel and moved toward the captain; her soldiers following dutifully behind her.
Ramona nodded in approval at her men and then responded quietly to Daryl, a small smile on her face, "You have two days to attend to the task I have given you. I suggest you return to the boat with your companions and start. As to killing anyone. I'm certain your companions may have something to say on the matter, especially the large bird the Gillman has for companion. Good day, Mister Bohannon." And with one last, levied look, Ramona turned on her heel and moved toward the captain; her soldiers following dutifully behind her.
Daryl seems to completely ignore the presence of her guards, his eyes completely focused on her.
"No worries, boss; I won't forget it," he says, tipping his hand to his forelock respectfully. Then he waits until she leaves, his eyes following her thoughtfully as she strides across the deck away from him.
When her entourage leaves he then shakes his head after a moment and grins at some private thought.
Then he takes the chart and grabs the rope and shinnies down into the boat.
Taldo smiles, nodding his head back at their boss."That's fine, I just don't want to piss of Romona, were going to have to live on this island with her, and I don't think she's the kind of person we want on our bad side."
Daryl glances at Taldo.
"Yeah, I guess you're probably right," he says after a moment of thought.
"You think I rubbed her the wrong way?" he asks and scratches his chin thoughtfully as he considers things.
"Ah, hell - if I pissed her off then I guess I'll just have to do better to be less of an ass," he says with a crooked grin.
Then he glances at Uzziah.
"I would live a long time, to enjoy glory earned.", he replies to Daryl with a smile, once he and Ezekiel are in the boat.
"You will not find my arms - or Ezekiel's beak - lacking should we run into trouble. Let us cast off, we have no time to waste."
Darryl looks extremely uncomfortable when he sees a giant, flightless bird being lowered into the boat and his eyes are hard, but as Uzziah has been a courteous fellow he says nothing as he studies it.
Grabbing the oar he prepares to set off when the party is again halted by a random man rushing toward the boat.
The man known as Aeracian comes running up, panting with his gear. "Wait! I'm coming as well!" he says, trying to catch his breath. "I cannot stay on this barely buoyant box of bewailing barbarity another moment!" At that he begins his descent to the boat, not waiting for an answer until he is already seated.
Darryl says nothing as he looks at this person, instead he shakes his head and takes a long drink from his flask.
"Well, grab the oar then," he says, briskly, though not unkindly.
As The other two members of the advance party join them, Taldo nods, "Gentlemen, glad you could make it."
He looks from Uzziah to Ezekiel, nodding at the large bird. "Any chance Ezekiel swims and can just pull the boat in?"
Daryl lets out a grunt and begins to pull on the oars and do his best to get the boat to shore.
"You want to moor the boat near docks, or put it down wind and advance slow and quiet-like through the trees, just in case?" he asks Taldo, but clearly loud enough for anyone to offer their thoughts.
When her entourage leaves he then shakes his head after a moment and grins at some private thought. Then he takes the chart and grabs the rope and shinnies down into the boat.
The men and the large dodo position themselves accordingly in the ship's boat and Daryl and Taldo take up the oars and begin to row toward the dock on the sandy beach three hundred feet to the east.
The bay's waters are calm and the ship's boat gently rocks as Daryl and Taldo work together to propel the boat through the crystalline water of Ancorato Bay. The sun inches higher in the clear sky and the temperature grows a little warmer.
When the boat is about sixty feet from shore, if any of the companions glance down into the water, they will note that the closer they moved toward shore, the greater the number of shoals and troughs. The sandbars made the water murkier in and around them.
Daryl glances at Taldo.
"Yeah, I guess you're probably right," he says after a moment of thought.
"You think I rubbed her the wrong way?" he asks and scratches his chin thoughtfully as he considers things.
"Ah, hell - if I pissed her off then I guess I'll just have to do better to be less of an ass," he says with a crooked grin.
’Well, he has sand, I’ll give him that.’ Watching Daryl climb out of the boat, go talk to Romona, then climb back in the boat with a piece of paper, Taldo sits gapped mouth. When he realized that Daryl was asking him about the woman. Taldo blinks a couple of times, closes his mouth, blinks again and answers. ”Rubbed the wrong way, may be an understatement. But I’m sure you’ll grow on her.”
"You want to moor the boat near docks, or put it down wind and advance slow and quiet-like through the trees, just in case?" he asks Taldo, but clearly loud enough for anyone to offer their thoughts.
’That’s a good question. Both have potential.’ Pulling the oar, Taldo shrugs. ”If we put in the docks whoever is there, friend or foe; know we have nothing to hide. I’m not sure we want the locals to think were sneaking up on them. Besides, who’s not going to spot a boat with a giant bird in it?”
Keeping his eyes focused on the beach and docks, Taldo barely notices the water is getting murkier,
”Rubbed the wrong way, may be an understatement. But I’m sure you’ll grow on her.”
He shakes his head as he pulls on the oars.
"No - that'd be good, but I don't think that will happen," he says after a moment of thought.
’That’s a good question. Both have potential.’ Pulling the oar, Taldo shrugs. ”If we put in the docks whoever is there, friend or foe; know we have nothing to hide. I’m not sure we want the locals to think were sneaking up on them. Besides, who’s not going to spot a boat with a giant bird in it?”
Keeping his eyes focused on the beach and docks, Taldo barely notices the water is getting murkier.
He grunts as he pulls the oars.
"We got a three-masted frigate moored less than fifty fathoms from shore - if they don't see her masts raking the horizon then there's something wrong."
"Besides; it's mid-morning in springtime and not a gods damned fire or sign of movement - maybe that's something and maybe it ain't, but whatever's going on has got the whole ship spooked so I figure it's something, especially as some of their buildings seemed burned out..."
"I'd wager the folk are likely dead or hiding... Reavers go pretty far west, I hear... not to mention a coastal village having to deal with any nasty little troubles from the deep..."
A sudden thought causes him to look over the side of the boat as they row.
He glances at Aeracian.
"Hey, Ace - mind calling the fathoms as we row? I'd just assume not run aground on the way in," he says with a nod at the rope attached to the lead, somewhat suspicious of the water.
Sure as hell would help to see if they marked any reefs in this bay on their charts - but I guess that Uzziah will be seeing to that as he's the one who got them...
As The other two members of the advance party join them, Taldo nods, "Gentlemen, glad you could make it."
He looks from Uzziah to Ezekiel, nodding at the large bird. "Any chance Ezekiel swims and can just pull the boat in?"
Uzziah laughs heartily, clearly amused by the notion of Ezekiel as a cart-horse of sorts.
"Ezekiel is strong but not graceful in the water. To be honest, I've never tried tying a boat to him!"
Darryl looks extremely uncomfortable when he sees a giant, flightless bird being lowered into the boat and his eyes are hard, but as Uzziah has been a courteous fellow he says nothing as he studies it.
Uzziah takes note of Daryl's discomfort, and makes a clicking sound in Ezekiel's direction. Ezekiel, who was relatively calm, now seems much more focused and still.
The gillman then turns to Daryl, with a voice offering reassurance.
"Ezekiel may be large and ungainly, but he is obedient. I hope he does not concern you."
"You want to moor the boat near docks, or put it down wind and advance slow and quiet-like through the trees, just in case?" he asks Taldo, but clearly loud enough for anyone to offer their thoughts.
"I say we dock. We are here by right and if a foe hasn't seen the ships by now, they will hardly notice a boat, even with Ezekiel in it. The lack of signs of life is ominous though."
Uzziah and Ezekiel both keep an eye out for movement on the shore.
Aeracian looks a bit green as the boat rocks back and forth from the massive bird at the rear. Still he is fascinated by the creature and jabbers at Uzziah, asking question after question about it. "That's a Giant Dodo correct? What an amazing specimen. I thought they had become extinct but I am delighted to see that I was mistaken? From whence did you find the beast? Was it alone? What habitat does it prefer? Does it have the same corkscrew genitalia that duck's have? What is it's life expectancy?" You suspect that the incessant questions is partially an effort on his part to distract himself from his queasy stomach. While talking he looks towards the island for any signs of life or movement.
The gillman then turns to Daryl, with a voice offering reassurance.
"Ezekiel may be large and ungainly, but he is obedient. I hope he does not concern you."
Daryl glances at Uzziah.
"Nah - I guess he's alright," he says after a moment.
"I say we dock. We are here by right and if a foe hasn't seen the ships by now, they will hardly notice a boat, even with Ezekiel in it. The lack of signs of life is ominous though."
Uzziah and Ezekiel both keep an eye out for movement on the shore.
"Alright, sounds good," and he coordinates with Taldo to make sure the boat is pointed to the docks.
Aeracian looks a bit green as the boat rocks back and forth from the massive bird at the rear. Still he is fascinated by the creature and jabbers at Uzziah, asking question after question about it. "That's a Giant Dodo correct? What an amazing specimen. I thought they had become extinct but I am delighted to see that I was mistaken? From whence did you find the beast? Was it alone? What habitat does it prefer? Does it have the same corkscrew genitalia that duck's have? What is it's life expectancy?" You suspect that the incessant questions is partially an effort on his part to distract himself from his queasy stomach. While talking he looks towards the island for any signs of life or movement.
"Hey professor - you know you can help and talk, right?" he says as he tugs on the oars.
Aeracian looks back at Daryl and smiles, saying "Oh I would but you are doing such a marvelous job that I could not juxtapose my own exiguous capability with your own voluminous endowment. My ineffectualness would assuredly precipitate an abatement of our productiveness in this endeavor.
Aeracian looks a bit green as the boat rocks back and forth from the massive bird at the rear. Still he is fascinated by the creature and jabbers at Uzziah, asking question after question about it. "That's a Giant Dodo correct? What an amazing specimen. I thought they had become extinct but I am delighted to see that I was mistaken? From whence did you find the beast? Was it alone? What habitat does it prefer? Does it have the same corkscrew genitalia that duck's have? What is it's life expectancy?" You suspect that the incessant questions is partially an effort on his part to distract himself from his queasy stomach. While talking he looks towards the island for any signs of life or movement.
Uzziah blinks. Then he recalls the man's obvious unease at sea, as strange as the notion is from his experience.
"Aeracian, right? I'm Uzziah of Outsea.", he says, offering his hand. Not missing a beat, he keeps talking. "Ezekiel certainly is! I found him stranded on an island not far from the River Kingdoms. Less tropical than he normally likes, this climate is much more suitable for him."
Glancing over at the bird, Uzziah smiles.
"Not the brightest, and his kin are far too friendly for their own good, which would shorten their lifespan, not that I'm certain how old he is. I did spot that he has similar equipment to the ducks. His bill is certainly very effective!"
"Alright, sounds good," and he coordinates with Taldo to make sure the boat is pointed to the docks.
"Excellent! We'll keep watch.", Uzziah replies, with his trident in hand.
Aeracian looks back at Daryl and smiles, saying "Oh I would but you are doing such a marvelous job that I could not juxtapose my own exiguous capability with your own voluminous endowment. My ineffectualness would assuredly precipitate an abatement of our productiveness in this endeavor."
Uzziah blinks again.
"Excellent! We'll keep watch.", Uzziah replies, with his trident in hand.
Daryl glances at Uzziah and stares at him for a while as he and Taldo row; but he says nothing at this time.
Aeracian looks back at Daryl and smiles, saying "Oh I would but you are doing such a marvelous job that I could not juxtapose my own exiguous capability with your own voluminous endowment. My ineffectualness would assuredly precipitate an abatement of our productiveness in this endeavor.
Any semblance of Daryl's courtesy, refinement and otherwise genteel nature seem to dry up rather quickly.
In short, he somehow looks more grim, dour and tense at Aeracian's speech, if that is even possible...
"This goosecap's doing nothing but spew hash," he finally growls, glancing at Taldo.
"If he ain't going to help us then why the hell is he tagging along?" he asks, wondering if the others might know something that he doesn't about what - exactly - Aeracian is planing on doing.
He shakes his head as he pulls on the oars.
"No - that'd be good, but I don't think that will happen," he says after a moment of thought.
He grunts as he pulls the oars.
"We got a three-masted frigate moored less than fifty fathoms from shore - if they don't see her masts raking the horizon then there's something wrong."
"I'd wager the folk are likely dead or hiding... Reavers go pretty far west, I hear... not to mention a coastal village having to deal with any nasty little troubles from the deep..."
"Alright, sounds good," and he coordinates with Taldo to make sure the boat is pointed to the docks.
Taldo laughs easily at Daryl’s quick response about their employer, Nodding in agreement both with Daryl’s and Uzziah’s assessment. Focusing his attention on coordinating the rowing to get to the docks as quickly as possible.
’What the crap? “Oh I would but”…”Not the brightest”… “goosecap's doing nothing”….We’re off to a great start. A big bird, a big brain and a big ego. Hopefully we won’t kill each other before we get to the dock.’ Rolling his eyes as the conversation settles down, Making eye contact with Daryl, Taldo shrugs ”As long as it’s your What was the term he used? “voluminous endowment.” He’s staring at, I couldn’t care. Let’s just get this boat to the dock before Uzziah’s giant bird, or his big mouth or your large parts; tips it over.”
Seeing the rising tension, Uzziah tries to calm the waters.
"Aeracian, you have the bearing of a scholar. Are you here to research any ruins we find? I will certainly be seeking them out once we've resolved whatever has happened here."
”As long as it’s your What was the term he used? “voluminous endowment.” He’s staring at, I couldn’t care. Let’s just get this boat to the dock before Uzziah’s giant bird, or his big mouth or your large parts; tips it over.”
Daryl gives a grunt that almost sounds like a laugh of appreciation at Taldo's response as he continues to row.
Then his eyes narrow as he thinks about something.
"We saw burned houses, but no smoke... The fact that houses got burned up's bad - lack of smoke means it a while back - if we get in there and see a bunch of corpses laying about mind yourself - there might be disease lingering," he says, his mind suddenly tacking to the thought of plague.
"Aeracian, you have the bearing of a scholar. Are you here to research any ruins we find? I will certainly be seeking them out once we've resolved whatever has happened here."
Overhearing Uzziah's comment, he glances at him.
"What kind of ruins you think they got? I didn't know this place had buildings on it already. Interesting..."
"We saw burned houses, but no smoke... The fact that houses got burned up's bad - lack of smoke means it a while back - if we get in there and see a bunch of corpses laying about mind yourself - there might be disease lingering," he says, his mind suddenly tacking to the thought of plague.
That is a worrisome notion."
He looks around.
"Are any of you familiar with the treatment of such diseases?", he asks with concern.
Overhearing Uzziah's comment, he glances at him.
"What kind of ruins you think they got? I didn't know this place had buildings on it already. Interesting..."
"More hope than knowledge in this case, Daryl. But I seek the remnants of Old Azlant. I would read inscriptions, walk through those halls, and find whatever secrets they hold."
"Are any of you familiar with the treatment of such diseases?", he asks with concern.
"Nah - I know enough to give a wide berth to them that's poxed; and not to touch things that are foul if you can help it... I've seen the plague masks that some folk wear, but I don't got any of that on me."
"Reckon we use cloth in a pinch if needs be."
"More hope than knowledge in this case, Daryl. But I seek the remnants of Old Azlant. I would read inscriptions, walk through those halls, and find whatever secrets they hold."
"Interesting," he says after a moment.
His eyes flick from Uzziah to Aeracian and back to Taldo.
"So to clarify - what exactly can you all do? We're in this together, knowing each of ya'll's skills could be handy."
He rolls his shoulder a bit so his bow is more clear as it hangs from his back.
"I don't fight well toe-to-toe; but I can shoot."
"Also, I can handle myself alright in the wild; though not as good as others... That said, what about the rest of you?" he asks the party.
"Nah - I know enough to give a wide berth to them that's poxed; and not to touch things that are foul if you can help it... I've seen the plague masks that some folk wear, but I don't got any of that on me."
"Reckon we use cloth in a pinch if needs be."
Uzziah nods, a touch more sombrely than usual.
"That makes sense to me. I don't know how best to fight disease."
"Interesting," he says after a moment.
His eyes flick from Uzziah to Aeracian and back to Taldo.
"So to clarify - what exactly can you all do? We're in this together, knowing each of ya'll's skills could be handy."
He rolls his shoulder a bit so his bow is more clear as it hangs from his back.
"I don't fight well toe-to-toe; but I can shoot."
"Also, I can handle myself alright in the wild; though not as good as others... That said, what about the rest of you?" he asks the party.
Uzziah brightens up with talk of skill and fighting. With more of his usual cheer in his voice, he replies:
"I can fight toe-to-toe, or on dodo-back with a lance, though trident is my preference. Either way, in front is what I relish. Best of all one-on-one underwater, though perhaps not the latter with Ezekiel! In general, I prefer to cover range by closing the distance swiftly. But if for some reason I can't I have a sling - and Storm's Kiss."
With his right hand holding the trident upright, with his left he pulls what appears to be an ordinary tin tinderbox from his clothes.
"This is Storm's Kiss. I can strike this against the prongs of a trident, and that trident will fire a lightning bolt forward! And keep a sharp charge for a few moments later, should anyone be close enough to stab it at.", he finishes with a grin.
"But that's not a trick I can pull off often. That's for when there's a serious problem."
"For skills, I'm very good with animals, always had the knack. Gaining their trust, training them, riding them into battle, it all comes easily to me. I used to serve in the Outsea militia, so I know some soldiering, and how to convince someone that they don't want to cause trouble."
He flashes another grin.
"And with my brother, I studied and explored ruins, their history and where we could find them. I joined the Order of the Waves, and this expedition, to see more and more of the old parts of the world. And I know the languages too. Aboleth, Aquan, Azlanti."
’Daryl’s observant, I ‘ll give him that much. Uzziah wants to explore, can’t say that I blame him, it would be interesting to be the first ones to discover something left over from the Azlanti continent…so he considers himself good with animals.’ Listening to the others Taldo smiles slightly. ’What can I do?’ Pulling the oar, he thinks for a moment. ”I’ve never seen a ‘plague mask’ but I know enough to not touch a rotting body unless I need to, and then to wash up good after.”
Looking from Daryl to Uzziah, ”Never thought about ‘Azlanti ruins’ much, I just wanted to get back out into the wild, I’d been in Almas five years and thought this was as good an opportunity as any.”
He nods toward the big bird, ”I’ll be curious to see if your as good with animals as my father, they practically followed him around.”
Looking from Uzziah to Aeracian then toward Daryl, rowing by his side. ”As for skills? I grew up in the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse with the Ekujae, so I know a little of this and that. Enough to follow a trail or stay alive in the wild with a few tools.’
He nods towards Uzziah’s trident. ”As for what I ‘relish’ in a fight? That would be to avoid it all together. If I can’t, I would just as soon hit them first, fast and hard. Using the best tool for the job: bow, spear, axe, knife, club, whatever gets the job done.”
Seeing the rising tension, Uzziah tries to calm the waters.
"Aeracian, you have the bearing of a scholar. Are you here to research any ruins we find? I will certainly be seeking them out once we've resolved whatever has happened here."
Aeracian smiles at the large man and says "Indeed I am! I am just completing my studies at the Arcanamirium in Absalom. I am writing a dissertation on ancient Azlanti magic. It is entitled, Azlanti Magic: Ioun Stone Pervasiveness and the Declination of Thaumaturgical Enchantments Due to the Demise of Aroden and Subsequent Magical Maelstrom." Seeing your confused look again, he says somewhat sheepily, "The title is a work in progress...but yes actually, I am here to research the ruins of Azlant, as well as serve as barrister for the small community."
At the question of what he can do, Aeracian nods and says "A fine idea my fit friend to find out the faculties and formations favored by our first-rate faction of fellows! I am a student of the arcane arts, learned in the language and science of the arcane. I have also studied a variety of topics a great deal, and am thus able to provide insight into the various creatures and places we may encounter. In addition, I am wonderful company and can provide improved morale just through my very presence." He says this last completely deadpan but you can see the light of laughter in his eyes showing he means it in jest.
'Ah a magician. He had the bearings of one. I saw a few elven wizards.' Watching and listening to the newly graduated wizard, Taldo nods, "A wizard, good. So any disease on bodies wont be an issue. You can just 'fireball' all of the corpses, burning any possibility of disease, right?"
"I can fight toe-to-toe, or on dodo-back with a lance, though trident is my preference. Either way, in front is what I relish. Best of all one-on-one underwater, though perhaps not the latter with Ezekiel! In general, I prefer to cover range by closing the distance swiftly. But if for some reason I can't I have a sling - and Storm's Kiss."
Daryl glances at Uzziah.
"Right - sounds like you're on point, then," he says.
He nods towards Uzziah’s trident. ”As for what I ‘relish’ in a fight? That would be to avoid it all together. If I can’t, I would just as soon hit them first, fast and hard. Using the best tool for the job: bow, spear, axe, knife, club, whatever gets the job done.”
Daryl then gives Taldo a sidelong glance as they row.
"That pretty much covers everything for fighting... I guess that'll mean you're behind Uzziah, then, seeing as how you're good at being upfront for fighting but you sound like a hell of a lot better tracker than the rest of us and that might be handy in the bush," he adds thoughtfully.
Aeracian smiles at the large man and says "Indeed I am! I am just completing my studies at the Arcanamirium in Absalom. I am writing a dissertation on ancient Azlanti magic. It is entitled, Azlanti Magic: Ioun Stone Pervasiveness and the Declination of Thaumaturgical Enchantments Due to the Demise of Aroden and Subsequent Magical Maelstrom."
"I guess the title'll do - in a pinch - but don't you think that topic's been done to death?" he asks with a dry voice.
However, he puts aside his shilly-shallying and remembers the point of the conversation and listens to the rest of what Aeracian has to say.
At the question of what he can do, Aeracian nods and says "A fine idea my fit friend to find out the faculties and formations favored by our first-rate faction of fellows! I am a student of the arcane arts, learned in the language and science of the arcane. I have also studied a variety of topics a great deal, and am thus able to provide insight into the various creatures and places we may encounter. In addition, I am wonderful company and can provide improved morale just through my very presence." He says this last completely deadpan but you can see the light of laughter in his eyes showing he means it in jest.
"Right - I guess that means you'll be coming up next as it's good to keep magic folk covered decent, and that means I'll be bringing up the rear as I can shoot alright," he adds.
Watching and listening to the newly graduated wizard, Taldo nods, "A wizard, good. So any disease on bodies wont be an issue. You can just 'fireball' all of the corpses, burning any possibility of disease, right?"
Daryl frowns at the thought of using magic to burn things, especially as there's already signs of burned out houses.
"Hell, he ain't no damn Fizban to be fireballing all sorts of stuff," he interjects "but you do touch on a point - any of ya'll know how fix a wound if we're done up bad?" he asks the group, curious to know who among them can heal.
I think acid would do better for the dissolving of bodies without the corresponding risk of a wild conflagration ensuing. As for fixing wounds, I have no healing magic unfortunately but I do know enough about manipulating the magical energies of objects that I will have a good chance of utilizing any wands or scrolls we come across that are healing in nature.
"That order makes sense to me, Darryl. Though I too wonder about healing. Aeracian here does seem to have notions on that score, so surely we will do fine."
Taldo has a clear and unobstructed view of the beach and dock. He can tell that the solitary dock extends 40 ft from the beach into the bay. The dock appears solid; suitable for tying off small boats, although there are no watercraft visible at this time. The beach inclines to the east before giving way to grass and trees. The dock and beach are deserted - devoid of any people - with only a gull or two flying across and occasionally landing on the white sand.
For the most part the surrounding water is murky with sand. Although, as soon as the sun breaks from a passing cloud, you do catch a brief glimpse of something blue - like long, flowing hair, on the right side of the ship's boat (15 ft from where you are seated at the oar). It is only a glimpse and then it seems to move quickly away from you - heading away from the boat - before you can no longer see it.
The gull, which suddenly screeches loudly above you, distracts your focus and you see nothing more than a long stretch of sand.
The large dodo's keen eyes take in the empty/deserted beach and dock. He looks at you with golden eyes and tries to convey there is nothing there to see. He shows no signs of agitation to demonstrate an awaiting threat on the shore.
You see nothing noteworthy on the beach. The only movement you discern are a few gulls flying above the dock and screeching loudly.