To Rule the Razor! (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Swanson

Ke' will attend to the wounded with potions or bombs of healing. If any stat or poison damage, he will work on creating specified counteragents using his portable alchemy case along with anything available in the complex itself.
There are exotic plants and fungi on the island, he'll search for them in his off time.

"We have plenty to do," Nef agrees. "We need to consecrate this space tomorrow. However, I agree with Aikane that I'd rather sleep on the beach than in this haunted space... even after we get it consecrated."

"In the meantime, I'd be happy to cook a real meal for everyone if you hunt and gather, and if someone else spends time scrubbing the kitchen." She looks round the room meaningfully, hoping that someone will step up.

Especially since leveling up gave me Profession Cook as an actual skill.

"However there is one thing I have to do first. Wedjat and I need to take off and inform a certain whale of his freedom." She looks to Jacinth. [b]"Your permission, Kaiku?"

Aikane starts gathering the treasures they have found. He drags one of the chests to near the entrance and uses that to store the things he thinks the group would most want to take. He also stacks the ingots there.

As he is going through the treasure, he checks if the boots and either cloak would fit him.

That should take him until the bird returns.

After that, he works with the others to gather food and create a better shelter for the night. He recommends it be just slightly in the jungle from the shore.

Survival to gather food: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Survival to create shelter: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Jacinth sighs inwardly but decides not to argue the point. "Very well; outside it is if that is what everyone would be most comfortable with. And yes, go ahead Nef. The rest of us can work on organizing what we have found as well as making sure we did not miss anything. Once you return, I say we should go and recover our charges."

Question about reading scrolls - are they subject to Arcane Spell Failure due to armor?

No one? :P

Because if not, I would like to have the Spider Climb one.

------

Reknar just shrugs and smiles as Nefertiti takes off to speak to a whale - "Beautiful girl, bur she's a strange one alright"

Turning back to the others, and making sure that all the loot is secured, Reknar's first order of business is setting up a secure camp where they will be able to spend most of their time, after retrieving their charges.

His second order of business is taking care of the giant statue - being particularly keen in rolling it all the way down the road, iif it can be made to gain momentum in such a way.

Otherwise he assists in making sure the area is clear, as well as the tunnel complex, and gathering food/water.

When they are gathered, he adds - "I'll be damned if we didn't do a fine job! Took the whole island single handed - you are all much tougher than you look" - he smiles.

Reknar. wrote:

Question about reading scrolls - are they subject to Arcane Spell Failure due to armor?

No one? :P

Because if not, I would like to have the Spider Climb one.

Alright, I've looked it up. Now you owe me a cookie.

Using a scroll is like casting a spell for purposes of arcane
spell failure chance.

"However there is one thing I have to do first. Wedjat and I need to take off and inform a certain whale of his freedom." She looks to Jacinth. "Your permission, Kaiku?"

Nefertiti climbs on top of Wedjat and spirals up into the sky, enjoying the feel of the sunlight on her face. While the day is actually rather cloudy with hints of rain to come, the air feels crisper and cleaner than she remembered. Certainly the pall cast by that foul demon was the cause of it. Now that the demon is slain it is much like opening a window to let the fresh breezes into a cooped up house.

It takes much less time than the priestess anticipated as she soon finds the Whale swimming in a long arc around Dolentla Island, not bothering to hide its presence now. As you draw closer, the Whale seems to actually sense your approach as it rises to the surface of the ocean and sends a plume of water geysering into the air.

As the haast eagle slows his approach, Nefertiti feels the same presence flooding her as before. She can sense that while the madness she felt before is absent there is still a palpable anger in its message.

"You bear the sacred Ambergris, Priestess. I can sense it all over you. Bring me the Ambergris...NOW!!"

Time Check: early afternoon Day 9.

"It has always been my intention to bring it to you. I came bearing it before, trying to give it to you as a gift. You would not talk to me then... Perhaps because the demon compelled you."

"I freed you from Hawanapoki's clutches. I protected your ambergris, and brought it to you almost as soon as it was found. I have told you stories, and shared with you the innermost workings of my heart. When my friends died, I shared my grief with you without offering blame. Tell me, have I ever acted as anything other than your friend? Have I been untrue? If not, why then are you angry?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Recklessly, she drinks the child of the sea potion, and then prepares to pitch herself into the water. "My other friends will call me a fool for this, but so be it. I'm coming to return it to you."

She leaps off Wedjat's back, diving into the water, her boots of the cat softening her fall. Swimming to the whale, she offers not only the jar of Ambergris, but her full trust. "Whale, whale. This is your friend, Nef, though in my stories, I called myself 'Eagle. Please, take back what is yours. All I ever wanted was your friendship."

And then she smiles ruefully up at the cetacean. "Well, that and the answer to a question. Who is Qualmaga? Is that you?"

Reknar. wrote:

Reknar. wrote:

Question about reading scrolls - are they subject to Arcane Spell Failure due to armor?

No one? :P

Because if not, I would like to have the Spider Climb one.

Alright, I've looked it up. Now you owe me a cookie.

CRB, pg. 499 wrote:

Using a scroll is like casting a spell for purposes of arcane
spell failure chance.

We've got a deal ;)

And bleh on the Arcane Spell Failure for scrolls.

As Nefertiti watches the jar of Ambergris sink to the bottom of the sea floor the Whale swallows it easily, swimming away from the priestess so as not to swallow her in return. After a moment the Whale swins back towards the priestess and replies in her mind,

"NO. That is not I. I am...Whale. Qualmaga is my creator. My purpose has been fulfilled. That which was removed has been returned. Now I shall go."

"Farewell, my brother. May Whale and Eagle always be friends!"

Signaling to Wedjat, Nef lets the eagle scoop her out of the water, and returns to the others, still soaking wet but glowing with purpose.

The others have not been idle while Nefertiti has been communicating with the Whale. Oren, Jacinth and 'Lani make a beeline for the western beach to gather up your charges while Reknar and Aikane get to work on setting up some shelters for not only all of you but the Dulcimer crew.

The task is an easy one if a bit time-consuming. Still they are able to take down enough small game and gather enough plants and other edibles for all of you through the rest of the evening and the following day as well. The statue proves more vexing, as it is anchored firmly into position. Other than using some form of magic it would be difficult to destroy it, not to mention the fouled altar.

The others move along the hawani trail to the western beach where the former crew members of the Dulcimer sit on the beach with the ghostly apparition of Maximillan hovering nearby. 'Lani determines from a cursory look at them while they have seem to been freed of the unnatural catatonia, they all suffer from severe psychological scars that can only be repaired by curing their mental disease and breaking them of a severe case of maht poisoning. He estimates the process will take weeks, perhaps months, but their prognosis is hopeful.

You gather up all of their belongings, including Maximillan's, and return back to the clearing where the shelters are already set up. 'Lani is able to also replenish his pharmaceutical supplies along the way. The maht field proves to be a bonanze for the chirurgeon.

After rejoining each other in your shelters you all gather to enjoy time to relax and talk with one another as a large rain shower drenches the clearing....

Feel free to RP here if you want.

The rest of the evening passes on to the next day. The night was pretty uneventful, though you did hear the tortued cries of what few remaining hawanis still plaguing the island. As you prepare the morning meal, Rata Fenn who is on lookout cries, "A ship? A SHIP! WE BE SAVED!" As the ship draws closer you do recognize it as the newly-christened Kolohe.

The ship does not approach Dolentla Island too closely but a longboat is dispatched from the vessel. Aboard are three passengers: Two Tulitan sailors and a long lost friend...

OK by popular demand, here is a cameo appearance by everyone's (and especially Nef's) favorite Tulitan guide :D

Time Check: Mid morning, Day 10.

"Is that Zem?" Asked Ke' on spotting the boat. He grinned as he puffed on his pipe.
"Want me to brew up a little something 'special' fer the two of you fer tonight?" He asked Nef, nudging her impishly.

FINISH OF DAY 9

Though the rest of the day's work proves exhausting in its own fashion, Jacinth is relieved to hear that the remainder of her former friends should eventually recover from their ordeal, at least physically. She has no doubt however that they will be forever left with some degree of emotional scarring, especially the girls.

Once the shelters are set and the evening meal polished off, the elven woman sits in quiet contemplation for a time, listening to the rain fall. When the rain eventually slacks up, she stands and moves over to where Rata sits. "Rata...will you speak with me for a moment? Privately?" she murmurs quietly. For perhaps the first time since being placed under Nef's truth-telling magic, she seems to be quite nervous.

Ignoring any looks or snickers or smiles from the others she pulls him away from the campsite, though the others notice that they do not move out of sight. Anyone that cares to observe notes that they stand talking in low voices for some time, occasionally glancing over to the rest of the group, before eventually rejoining them. Despite the apparent seriousness of whatever was discussed, both man and elf are smiling...

DAY 10

As the others stand and watch the ship that Rata sighted move closer and closer to the island, Jacinth's eyes widen with surprise when she recognizes that it's the Kolohe. "Nef, I believe I owe you an apology," she says with a shake of her head and a disbelieving smile. "Zem did come for you, like you said that he would. I am sorry that I doubted him."

The next day had been a busy one, with Nef leading the work on cleansing and consecrating the space once fouled by Hawanapoki, as well as starting on the Remove Disease and Lesser Restorations that their charges would need. She was just washing up when she heard Rata's call. Running to the beach with the others, her heart races to see the tall and dark mo'amasu.

She blushes from head to toe at Ke'ahilani's suggestion. "Thank you, Lani, but there'll be no need."

At Jacinth's words, Nef looks up. "No need to apologize, Kaiku. I know Zem... here." She gestures to her heart. "I knew he'd come for us."

Oren was his typical cantankerous self, waiting for the ship, if it ever was to come. It was really hot, the Captain's friends were clearly out of their minds from the experience, etc. He missed his creature comforts of 'civilization.'

Once he noticed a ship heading in their direction, no one was happier than he. He jumped, yelled, and even set a fireball off into the sky to be sure they were noticed. He was surprised to see Zem was in the boat.

"Well hell, I never thought we'd see him again," Oren whispered to the others, out of earshot of Nef. "I guess he's a man of his word after all!"

Laying back and enjoying the sun and the food, Aikane opens one eye to peer towards the ship. "Good, now we don't have to pay for the rescue!" He then goes back to napping.

Shifting to her bikini, Nef runs out into the water, and then remembers another morning when she and Reknar had splashed in this very bay. She glances back at him and the others, waves and then runs forward until the surf reaches her chest.

"Malama! Malama! Aloha!" she calls, knowing that her voice will carry and he will hear.

At the bow of the longboat, Zemwaar stands upward, arms crossed over his chest, his stare intense gazing at the beach ahead. The only sign of any stress in the warrior are the muscles of his jaw, tense as rock

As the vessel moves closer, he is finally able to start making out the images, but the tenseness does not go away until the last moment - "Nefertiti" - the whisper escapes the man's lips as he slowly, purposefully jumps from the longboat towards the priestess.

With but a few strokes he stands there in front of her, staring - "Are you well my love?" - he asks with a concerned look.

She doesn't say anything. She just hugs him fiercely in the water, and doesn't let go.

Zemwaar stands there for a long time, hugging Nefertiti, and smelling her salty hair.

After a few moments he holds her at arm's length - "I want to know what has happened here" - he nods - "Where are the others? Are you ready to return?"

A haast's eagle lands in the longboat that had finally caught up with the two lovers standing in the water. Wedjat bumps Zem's side with his head, and starts nudging at the tribesman's bag.

"Scrreeee!"

Zem, got any snacks?

Nefertiti laughs, but does not scold her bird.

"The others are all on the beach, waiting for you. All save Kaleo, Butterfly, Maka and Dirty Pete." Her face clouds over. "To spite me, the demon that ruled this place killed them. We returned the favor, and have been purging the island of the horrors that haunt it. Another day's work, and it might be fit for habitation by real people again. How about we tell you the full story when we get back to the shore?" She takes his hand, then turns to the other two Tulitan sailors in the longboat. "One thing this island offers is ample food, and I've turned into an excellent cook. Will you two have lunch with us?"

As they turn to join the others back at the beach, Nef drops her voice. "You ripped my heart out when you left. For days, I felt worse than a hollowed out shell. Seeing you again... I remember all that I've been missing." She squeezes the hand that she's been holding, hard. She's not going to let him out of her sight again.

"A demon..? You have done amazingly well" - the man offers, after listening to Nefertiti's recount, then turns to look at Wedjat - "I have missed you too, mighty eagle" - reaching for his bag, opening it, and allowing the beast to choose her own morsel.

As they turn to join the others back at the beach, Nef drops her voice. "You ripped my heart out when you left. For days, I felt worse than a hollowed out shell. Seeing you again... I remember all that I've been missing." She squeezes the hand that she's been holding, hard. She's not going to let him out of her sight again.

"I will never leave again" - Zemwaar answers, staring back into her eyes - "I will stay - differences must be ironed out in any way we can, and a compromise found. But I will not allow wanton murder Nefertiti. I cannot"

At the mention of the word, 'murder', Nef slumps.

"Zem, the demon had servants that were once human, called hawanis. These creatures sacrificed their own infants to the demon, and have a bite that saps the will. I got bitten by them three times, and barely recovered. They..."

...raped me.

Wait a minute. That only happened in her head, another invention of Hawanapoki's lies and illusions. Still, it's so real, she's suddenly crying uncontrollably with the shock of the memory.

"They violated Jacinth's friends, and turned them into comatose will-less people, and nearly killed Oren and..." She breaks off, wiping her face. "I killed one outright. She was pregnant. I'd kill them again, to wipe this island free of them."

She swallows, finally gaining the courage to meet quiet Zem's gaze. "Is this... murder in your eyes? Am I losing you?"

Oren made it a point to walk away from the reunion for the time being. Both Zem and Nef had heavy topics to get off their chests. That was way too serious for Oren, who was just happy the group had a way back to shore. Ale, ice, the brothel...these are a few of my favorite things, he thought to himself as he made for the boat.

Though unable to hear what is being said, there's no mistaking the body language expressed by both Nef and Zem as they slowly make their way back towards the group.

Oren has the right idea; they need some time alone to talk.

She gives a nod to the reunited couple and turns to follow Oren, trailing along behind him down the beach. After moving a respectful distance away, she stops and turns to gaze out at the ocean and the Kolohe. "What an excellent day for a rescue and reunion, is it not?" she muses aloud.

At the mention of the word, 'murder', Nef slumps.

"Zem, the demon had servants that were once human, called hawanis. These creatures sacrificed their own infants to the demon, and have a bite that saps the will. I got bitten by them three times, and barely recovered. They..."

...raped me.

Wait a minute. That only happened in her head, another invention of Hawanapoki's lies and illusions. Still, it's so real, she's suddenly crying uncontrollably with the shock of the memory.

"They violated Jacinth's friends, and turned them into comatose will-less people, and nearly killed Oren and..." She breaks off, wiping her face. "I killed one outright. She was pregnant. I'd kill them again, to wipe this island free of them."

"I cannot speak of what I have not seen Nefertiti" - the man continues, without skipping a beat - "My thoughts were about what happened before, in the ship. It was wanton and uncalled for" - he does pause for a moment however - "I will not dwell on it - there is no point. But it will not happen again"

Putting his hand on the priestess shoulder he motions her to halt - "I do trust your judgment" - he nods - "And I have come to understand the will in your heart - thus I know you did what you felt was right. It is not my place to judge you, nor anyone else. Much less for what has transpired while I was absent"

She swallows, finally gaining the courage to meet quiet Zem's gaze. "Is this... murder in your eyes? Am I losing you?"

"You will never lose me" - he moves closer to her - "It is a mistake I do not intend to repeat. If you will forgive me"

She gives a nod to the reunited couple and turns to follow Oren, trailing along behind him down the beach.

Zemwaar answers with a respectful nod of his own, but does not yet move to join the others.

Half naked from the waist up, Reknar stands halfway across the beach staring at it all with a smirk in his face - "Yep, them are two love birds, that's for sure" - shaking his head with a chuckle, and moving towards Jacinth as she addresses one of the sailors who just arrived - "And perhaps some rum?" - the man adds in a good mood.

Nef's face lights up and she leaps into Zem's arms. "No forgiveness needed." She kisses him on the lips, holding nothing back. When at last they disengage, she smiles radiantly. "Shall we rejoin the others? Or do you want to stay here in the surf all day? I'm sure we can arrange for Wedjat to deliver our meals," she adds with a mischievous grin.

This time Zemwaar abandons his usually rigid stance, embracing and kissing Nefertiti back, realizing just how much he had really missed her.

"Yes" - the man answers, this time with an open smile on his face, something rarely seen - "As much as I enjoy this paradise-like beach, and having meals brought to me" - he laughs at the absurd notion of being served - "It is time to rejoin the others" - then takes the hand of his love, moving toward the rest of their companions, waving his hand to greet them.

"By the way, who is that half naked, savage looking man who has been observing us this whole time..?" - he questions as they move.

We can wrap it up right there, but he had to ask :P

"That is Reknar, a good man -- both in a fight, and for when you need to talk and gain clarity." Nef remembers Reknar, thinking about how the man had helped her understand what she truly wanted, despite the cost to himself.

Hand in hand, she walks with Zem towards the beach and a future that seemed now to be full of possibility and hope.

"Well met" - Reknar nods at his former companions - "I am Zemwaar" - and introduces himself to Reknar, even though they had probably crossed paths before in the slave ship - "How fare you all - I hope we have managed to reach you in adequate time, but it was not easy to convince the Captain to move anywhere close to Dolentia" - the man turns back to look at the ship - "I understand now, from what Nefertiti has told me, that what I thought mere superstition was in fact a dreadful truth?"

"We are well enough, under the circumstances," Jacinth nods. "And yes, you are correct - this place was indeed home to a foul creature, a demon from the Abyss. This demon enthralled man and beast alike and was ultimately responsible for the sinking of both the Dulcimer and the Rita. Fortunately, we were able to slay him and most of his hiwani thralls that populated this place...though not without difficulty."

She glances back in the direction of their campsite and sighs, her voice dropping as she is reminded of all that has been lost. "Although we managed to rescue six of my former friends the seventh, Maximilian Sidrow, met an unfortunate end here - as did Maka, Kaleo, Butterfly and Dirty Pete."

Nef pulls Zem amongst the others, not wanting them to stand back from him. She wants to embrace this moment of having all her loved ones in one place.

"Look, Zem!" she grins. "I learned to cook!"

Profession Cook: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Only, she's so excited and distracted by the prospect of seeing Zem again that she burns the fish.

"Oops. Um... I did learn to cook..." She blushes, embarrassed that she messed up the delicious meal she promised him.

Ke'ahilani works his potion magic to heal who he can (and passes some more exotic spices to Nef for the cooking), while in his off time searching for exotic plants, seeds and fruits of the island.

"We are well enough, under the circumstances," Jacinth nods. "And yes, you are correct - this place was indeed home to a foul creature, a demon from the Abyss. This demon enthralled man and beast alike and was ultimately responsible for the sinking of both the Dulcimer and the Rita. Fortunately, we were able to slay him and most of his hiwani thralls that populated this place...though not without difficulty."

She glances back in the direction of their campsite and sighs, her voice dropping as she is reminded of all that has been lost. "Although we managed to rescue six of my former friends the seventh, Maximilian Sidrow, met an unfortunate end here - as did Maka, Kaleo, Butterfly and Dirty Pete."

"I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of lives and friends captain Jacinth" - the bows his head in respect - "Even though a greater good seems to have been achieved, and one which has planted such fear in so many hearts - what you have done here has been truly heroic" - he continues - "And lives have actually been saved, which would otherwise be forfeit. I salute you for that"

Zemwaar stares at the island for a few moments, pondering in silence, then turns back to the ship - "I must send word to them of what has transpired here - this is amazing news regarding Dolentla Island - many will rejoice at such accomplishments"

Nef pulls Zem amongst the others, not wanting them to stand back from him. She wants to embrace this moment of having all her loved ones in one place.

"Look, Zem!" she grins. "I learned to cook!"

[dice=Profession Cook]1d20+6

Only, she's so excited and distracted by the prospect of seeing Zem again that she burns the fish.

"Oops. Um... I did learn to cook..." She blushes, embarrassed that she messed up the delicious meal she promised him.

Taking up a piece and tasting it, Zemwaar smiles softly - "Thank you Aka, for preparing this for me" - eating the burnt fish without hesitation.

"Screeeeee!"

You can have mine! Wedjjat hops away from the burned fish. Blech!

Then he cocks his head at Oren. "Screee?"

Or maybe we can intimidate Lardbutt here into eating it...

Wedjat fluffs up, looks menacing, and drops a slab of burnt fish into Oren's lap.

Untrained Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

At least he's consistent.

Nef laughs, and holds Zem's hand. "Thank you."

"Malama, we should talk with Milliauka about this island. It's far away from Port Shaw, and without the demon... It might make a place where some of our people could start over. We could turn it into someplace good..."

She breaks off. "But first I guess we need to get these kids home to Port Shaw. When do you need us to leave?"

"We must" - Zemwaar agrees with the beautiful priestess - "Again you surprise me with your clairvoyance Aka - this can mean a new beginning for many a Tulita" - he suddenly seems to realize what Nefertiti's words may actually mean, and looks around - "A home away from home?"

Not sure exactly when we need to leave :P

"Thanks for the fish, chicken. You are starting to grow on me, with your cute little feathers, and such. Such a funny little guy..."

OK guys this will be the last post from the Kraken. While I am sure you could do some more RPing here, other worlds await...one which happens to lie under a desert sun...

After a long discussion between Zenwaar and Nefertiti concerning the future of Dolentla Island as a possible future home for the Tulitan, you realize that while the island is free of the demonic influences of Hawanopoki, there are still several hawanis roaming the island in a maddened state, not to mention the shambling mounds which still lurk in the deepest parts of the jungle. Indeed not only do you have to contend with the existing threats of Dolentla Island, but the cultural taboos that run very deep...generations deep. Still, while the task is daunting it is indeed possible.

The issue decided for the time being, you settle back to wait for your rescue from a more reliable ship. On the fifteenth day of your journey you sight a ship off the eastern shore...the Quells’ Whore! It is not much longer before you see the familiar bestial face of of the minotaur first mate Korg. Navigating the reefs with a skill borne of long hours sailing on the Razor Coast , he lands the longboat onto the beach and soon you are all bidding farewell to your erstwhile home.

The voyage back to Port Shaw is far more pleasant than your journey there as you are berthed in a set of cabins where you have a modicum of privacy, thanks to Aikane’s foresight. The only time you are troubled is when the Captain Bethany Razor calls you in for a private meeting over a fine repast where you are requested to regale your tales to her and her officers. Other than that you are left to your own devices which allows you to concentrate on your training and other personal endeavors.

Your arrival in Port Shaw is a welcome one and as you arrange to meet with the families of the nobles (and collect your well earned rewards) you reflect that perhaps despite the storms you encountered on your way to and from Dolentla Island that would prove nothing compare to the oncoming storm.

Your instincts are proven right as the sordid actions of Jacinth come to full light Viscount Senegar Deepwarder expresses outrage at the suggestion that his niece behaved in a cowardly fashion, and the demands that you keep these allegations to yourselves demonstrate the corruption that interlaces the upper crust of the Port Shaw elites.

The families of the other members of the Dulcimer’s expedition also expressed outrage, directed squarely at Jacinth Deepwarder. The families considered taking the matter to the Municipal Dragoons for proper justice, however, the viscount and the families detested the whiff of scandals so much that the parties discreetly settle the sordid affair with monetary recompense. Nonetheless, Jacinth soon found herself a pariah, making her a virtual exile among Port Shaw’s elite. This did not prove as great a hardship to the rapidly maturing woman as she has found another path to follow, one with a sailor thirsting to find his father...

The rest of you are welcomed by Port Shaw’s elite as heroes for rescuing the Dulcimer’s crew and destroying the malevolent being that poisoned Dolentla Island. While you bask in the fruits of your efforts you know there are other issues that need to be dealt with, including the recent arrest of Harok McFarrows for murder at the town of Thumb’s Reach. Also you hear Falken Drango, a feared pirate of the Razor Coast, went mad and murdered his own crew. He did recently escape from prison and Gregory Bonadeuce is interested in tracking him down…

But all of that is for another day.For the moment, though,you bask in the adulation you deserve for saving lives and ridding the Razor Coast of an ancient menace. As you find yourself looking out over Port Shaw and the Razor Coast beyond from your rooms at the Kraken’s Gullet wondering what the future holds for you...

FIN...

I hope you all enjoyed this game!

"Come, adventure on beautiful Dolentia Island! See Fiendbinder's Folly, an ediface of elven arrogance! Trek through jungles infested with all manners of beasts, beast-men, and beastly plants!"

After being run off by hostile crowds a few times, including mercenaries paid to object to any hint that elves are less than perfect beings, Aikane decides he needs a slightly different sales pitch.

"Before we all go our separate ways," Nefertiti says to her former shipmates, "would you do me the honor of being my friends and witnesses?"

She asks you to join her on a mostly clean stretch of beach beyond the outskirts, near where the group had met with Mokolai and Milliauka. "Those of you who have listened to my stories know that Eagle keened for the loss of his mate, the strong and righteous Makani. Whale comforted Eagle, and told him to hold true to his love, and to seek her always. And then one day, long after Eagle gave up all hope, he saw a pair of familiar wings on the horizon." Nefertiti's face lights up as she looks at Zem. "Eagle said to Makani, 'You are the wind that buoys my soul. I have found home, heart and purpose in your arms. I need nothing else so long as you fly by my side.'"

She looks around at the group of friends she has known and cared for so long. "That was Eagle and Makani's story. But I would like to begin another one."

She takes Zem's hands in hers. "Zem, I meet you where the water meets the sky. Ours is the endless horizon. Will you have me?"

Ke'ahilani would be pleased to officiate...;)

Ke'ahilani would be pleased to officiate...;)

If Zem says "Yes," let's do it. Does everyone have their leis ready?

Never leave home without it. I hope someone is roasting a pig.

She takes Zem's hands in hers. "Zem, I meet you where the water meets the sky. Ours is the endless horizon. Will you have me?"

"There is nothing I want more Nefertiti" - Zemwaar smiles, and stares at her small hands resting in his own, big and calloused - "I will not deny or mask my feelings for you never again my love" - he nods - "I know almost nothing of that which you seem to know so much, but I do know we are meant to be together" - the man's face is resolute, but his eyes smile - "Not together - but one"

OK everyone:

The Kraken, being a busy sea monster figuring out new and more inventive ways to devour all of you, has decided he needs a little help.

So I am inviting a player (Lady Ladile) to join us on a temporary basis. She will be running Jacinth as an NPC during your sea voyage.

She should be ready to go by tomorrow or Wednesday. Once she is ready, I will have her post in the Gameplay thread.

Nef waves to Lady Ladile.

Glad to have more great players involved. Welcome!

I also wanted to add that while Rata is most assuredly learned in the ways of life at sea, I, as a player, know jack diddly about sea travel and nautical terminology. So I won't be throwing out any crazy nautical descriptions simply because I lack the knowledge base.

Another player sounds fine with me, DM!

Things seem to be progressing quite well so far, I must say...

You can always throw out a post like this Rata:

_____________

Rata enthuses to the new subject of what sort of ship they should use, throwing out the pros and cons of a number of possibilities based on his years of sailing with his family. Then he turns to Jacinth, and asks, "What are your thoughts?"

______________

Basically, handwaive stuff that you don't know but your character does.

Ironically, I know a lot about ships -- I'm nuts about pirates, and my first long-running D&D campaign was a seafaring campaign for which I did a lot of research.

But Nef... Nef knows nothing about ships and sailing, other than she got seasick on the trip to the Razor Coast. She's a hopeless landlubber.

*waves*

Hey all, I just wanted to pop in and say hi! I've been keeping up with the game and I'm looking forward to playing a supporting role in this little tale for a while :)

*Opens his large mouth in greeting...exposing MANY, MANY sharp teeth...

Ahhh...fresh meat...errr....

"Welcome aboard Lady Ladile!"

*Much Waving*

"Screeeee!"

Don't blame me... I was BORED.

Didn't say anything ;)

"Screeeeee!"

Yeah, brother. The two of us can't go anyplace without stirring up trouble. Think Nef's gonna take us with her anymore?

Trouble..? Me..? I'm the most peaceful, easygoing Tulita this side of the Razor Coast.

You, on the other hand... Stealing food from people's plates... Well...

*Nods*

I've got a new thing.

It's where I put a TL;DR at the front of the post, and let the monologue carry on. Should help with the real estate around here.

Oops. There are real estate limits? If so, Nef's about to be cited for too much land grabbing!

Out of town this weekend. Likely unable to post. Trust you guys to handle it.

But where will we be without zings from Aikane? You have the best posts in here!

We'll try to handle it in your absence. Hope that the trip is for something fun, and thanks for letting us all know.

Per request, this picture reminds me a lot of Nef :)

That does look a lot like Nef! Thank you! Now I have concept art too!

Temperature is finally rising in my neck of the woods, so busy weekend with family and BEACH! ;)

Will try to have some posting up tomorrow.

Have fun on the beach. Someone should be able to enjoy warm weather.

Alas, it is still jaw-droppingly frigid here in Minnesota.

I'll look forward to tomorrow, because I always love reading Zem posts!

Have fun Zem! :)

I'm just glad the snow finally melted here in Tennessee...

Have fun Zem! :)

I'm just glad the snow finally melted here in Tennessee...

I'm in southern Kentucky, and I feel your pain. The last two weeks have been a nightmare!

I kinda feel like I'm drowning guys. I'll never be able to keep up with this many posts on the weekend... :(

Nef pulls Rata from the water.

Which is amusing, since she has a lousy swim skill.

"You're not allowed to drown, my friend."

Rata, don't feel you have to keep up with more than one post on the weekends. You told us at the beginning that weekends were tough for you. We'll take whatever you give us, because your posts are that good.

Hugs,
Nef

PS Besides... I am really looking forward to a chance to play matchmaker for you and Jacinth! I'm loving this subplot you added to your character.

Chiming in to agree with Nef here; post as you're able and don't worry about falling behind or anything like that :)

Whew, well that's a relief. I'm sitting here waiting for the guys delivering our new appliances to get here so I have a minute to post. Haha, matchmaker, we'll see about that! That definitely wasn't my intention from the start, but as I sat down to write, I realized that we had both gone through similar tragedies, so it made sense to find common ground in our grief.

Let me see if I can get a gameplay post up before these guys get here...

Rata Fenn (and everyone): Don't worry about the lack of posting on the weekends. Neither the other players nor myself will hold that against you. All we ask is that you post when you can...you can always feel free to reply to any earlier posts at any time.

Alrighty, sorry to be the dullard of the group, but could someone give me a quick rundown of the history and our uncertainty surrounding the reputation of the Rita? Between our ongoing discussion of purchasing a vessel and Rata's "episode" and the underlying talk of romances and whether or not we can trust Jacinth, the facts of the matter have been lost in the mix. Thanks :)

Sure thing. Here's everything we know about the Rita, which I totally think we should rechristen the Rata. Maybe I'll have Nef suggest that in game...

1) We heard a rumor in the Pig's Whistle that Harok McFarrows, a highly respected fisherman, went insane and murdered his wife. Harok claims that he didn't do it, but some man-sharks did.

2) We find the Rita for sale by Harok's cousin, Relgin, at a serious discount. The ship is named for Harok's dead wife.

3) Points in the Rita's favor

• It's sound and in great condition;
• It's a bargain;
• It's small enough we can run it without hiring extra crew;
• It's ours.

4) Points against the Rita:

• No weapons;
• It's slower than other vessels we could hire.

I think that covers it.

Nef

Nef's got it covered as usual!

Awesome, thanks Nef. I'll copy that into my Razor Coast doc. While we're at it, at the rate this game is going, we should rechristen this land Rumor Coast, hah.

Edit: Well, now I'm really confused. In my rumor notes, I have Harok McFarrows' wife's name as Jessica. Maybe the ship was named after Relgin's wife?

Ooh.... Good catch, Rata!

What does the Kraken have to say? Nef eyes his ever honorable toothiness, and waits for a reply.

::The Kraken nods in agreement:: Yes that is an interesting discrepancy there, he he.

Oh nuts.

I've been trying to ignore this whole Harok McFarrows subplot to keep us on task with the rescue mission. Now, Nef will have to poke at it when Rata reminds her of the discrepancy in-game.

Rata will tell us about this in game, right?

O Mighty Toothed One, are you alright with Rata perusing the rechristening place the next game day? I'm alright if you want to hand wave it, as we have quite a few subplots going on as it is. Or if you don't want to delay things any further. Just following up on things since we mentioned it in game.

Hey, since it looks like we are going all nautical on this, I would like to refer everyone to my favorite historical figure of all time, Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl Dundonald.

As for the Wailing Gypsy re-christening without the sanction of the Dragoons, he gets the impression it is possible despite the efforts by the Dragoons to stamp out piracy, there ARE still pirates out there. Perhaps...

Hey Rata,

For best results, gather names of ships lost at sea which match your vessel's description.

Just sayin, "if I was a pirate"-style

"Screeeeeeeee!"

It's International GM Day, which means you owe me snacks, Kraken!

::The Kraken looks up from his daily plotting to look up at the Haast Eagle flying overhead...::

"Snacks, you say Little One?? I think I can arrange that..."

::Snatches Aikane, Zemwaar, Rata Fenn, Oren, Ke'ahilani, Jacinth, and Nefertiti into his gullet and grinds them up into little beak-sized pieces...spits them out onto a garnished plate...::

"Here you are, Little One. Bon Appetit!"

It is not nice to tease the Kraken, he he he...:P

Nef frantically tries to shoo Wedjat out. "Please don't eat my bird, Honorable Kraken! He forgets that we're supposed to bring you snacks on your big day, not the other way around."

"Happy International GM Day!"

::The Kraken eyes the petite princess pleading for her eagle's life::

"Yes, Little one. I do enjoy snacks...a great deal."

::Releases the party unharmed.::

"Now bring me LOTS of food...I am not picky, as you well know..."

::Thinks:: The diet can wait, he he.

Yes Happy International GM day to those who are not in the US. Please do not hold that against me, he he. :)

I hadn't heard...that's awesome! Happy DM's day, and continued thanks for taking the helm of our little vessel!

Grats, oh MIGHTY GM/Kraken/Sir!

Yes, you've been a breath of fresh air on these boards. Thanks again for taking the helm, Almighty Toothed One.

Honorable Kraken --

What is your ruling on using spells from Inner Sea Gods? In PFS, anyone (even non-worshippers of that deity) can cast the spells that were discovered by specific faiths, but feats and traits are only allowed to worshippers of that deity.

I ask because there is a spell that I would love for Nef to be able to cast. It is called Abadar's Truthtelling or Touch of Truthtelling (depending on what source you look at.) It is a spell to which I believe Horus could groove, also being a lawful neutral dety that serves justice.

Here's why I want this one: it puts a visible symbol on the target's forehead. (I'd love for it to be the Eye of Horus.) Everyone can see it working. I'd like to be able to cast it on myself as well as Jacinth, so Jacinth will know that I am also speaking truth to her.

Is this spell allowed?

Nef

::The Honorable Kraken looks down on the petite Desert Princess who supplicates herself before him::

Sooo...she wishes to determine the truthfulness of a fellow member of her party...

This is true, yet the elvish lady has not proven herself trustworthy...her story is flimsy at best...

True...yet what of the trust returned to her?

Ahhh...quite a conundrum...So, the best way to decide the answer here is to see which would be most...amusing to me, correct?

Ahhh...that makes perfect sense. In that case...

::The Kraken gazes down on the delectable morsel in from of him.::

"The Honorable Kraken grants your trifling request, my dear. Please, use your boon...wisely, he he."

Okay...it has been brought to my attention that Oren's bonded ring may consist of whale bone. I will allow Oren to use a different animal bone for his ring so as to avoid the wrath of the Whale. I also wanted to say if the ring is indeed made of whale bone, then Oren would be WELL familiar with the rites of propitiating to the Whale, he he.

Thank you, Kraken!

I felt horrible pointing out that scrimshaw was often whale bone...

Thank you as well for the spell boon. I will use it wisely. (I hope.)

What other bone would be common for scrimshaw? How about crocodile?