"BWAHAHAHA, THE CHAMPION AND HIS COMRADES ARE VICTORIOUS ONCE AGAIN!! TIME TO BREAK OUT THE GUT CRUSHER!!" Any one with a good sense motive can tell that Torgus is holding back his fatigue and how bad his wounds truly are.
"INTRESTING TRICK THERE FIREBEARD! YOU'LL HAVE TOO SHOW ME HOW YOU DO THAT SOMETIME, HAHA." He yells towards the dwarf.
"Yeah... I happen to think it's disgusting too, but I wouldn't tell that to the guy who just tore apart the squid." Nisk says as he and Javi manage to pull the remnants of the tentacle off him. "Thanks... I need a bath."
Fangul follows Nisk through the water to the side of the ship and follows up the rigging after spending some time sluicing the worst of the mess off of him.
The other members of the group (initiates and crew both) continue their work of ensuring the dead are dead and the living remain so.
It is simple, light your hand on fire, then hit someone hard with it.
Javi laughs as he goes to help the initiates and crew, paying special attention for any useable or expensive gear of the dead fish-folk. "Why I like you, Frakdar... you're practical."
One question. There appeared to be two different types of fish men on that boat. Do they usually work together?
__________
In response to Gorak's inquiry - Yeh, burn it after we have searched it. It looks like it was previously sunk and salvaged by those slimy things once already. Lets make it harder this time. Plus, I like fire.
As many people go raid the other ship the Brawling Bear goes downstairs to raid the ships ale supply. Coming up with a barrel and a fist full of mugs. "COME ON! WHO WANTS TO CELEBRATE OUR VICTORY WITH THE BEAR! BWAHAHHAA!! AND DON'T BOTHER ASKING THE DWARF HE DON'T DRINK!!" He then gives Frakdar a nod, in the bears mind he's being nice to you.
"Lets search the ship then I can burn it to the waterline if no one has a better way."
The ice creature rapidly thaws and returns to normal water. (spell ends)
Javi finds mundane weapons and armor in large numbers on the footsoldiers of the sahuagin and kua-toa. The larger sahuagin are armed with only their teeth and claws, their scaled hide serving as armor enough. The kua-toa casters have a smattering of arcane works and scrolls between them. However maybe there is more interesting items in the derelict's cabins and hull?
Morthar and Fangul take Torgus' invitation and settle in upon their behinds to begin the drinking. Mtumbo is seeing to the injured initiates, and the Harrower is still above decks checking on the rigging. Master Gond has not yet emerged from his cabin.
Nisk takes a mug and sips tentatively at the ale. "Good stuff... good for what ails ya."
There is a time for drinking once this wreck is smoldering.
I climb onto the derelict and begin a thorough search of the cabins and the rest of the boat.
Perception:
Perception:
Perception:
Perception:
Perception:
"Would anyone care to go below decks with me and see what we can find?'
Thought that I already had, but sure.
Those that choose to move below decks push past the fallen sahuagin into a hold sloughing with brackish seawater. There is a variety of flotsam floating in the cabin - mainly half-gnawed bones and wooden planks. A musty smell permeates the area strong enough that you need to choke back gagging. The main chamber does not hold anything of interest, but there are sealed doors leading fore and aft.
Above Decks:
Fangul offers "You did well younglings.. perhaps theres a future for you yet" giving a wide grin.
Morthar is more generous "Without your help we would probably have lost far more of the crew... you'll dine with me tonight?"
We head to the aft door.
Frakdar wades through the brackish water to try the aft portal. The timbers have swelled and he is unable to make it budge. From the looks you don't think the door has been open in some time.
TO Frakdar, "We'll force it open together. on three. One. Two. THREE!"
Str check
Gorak's attempt at forcing the door is foiled when his hands slip off the grimy handle.
Gorak recovers from his ungraceful attempt and says. "Let's try that again, shall we?"
Str check 2
The plan is for this to continue until the pair force the door.
Strength:
Stupid fish.
Below Decks:
Pushing the beast to one side, swarthy dwarven arms get the job done, wrenching the door open. Inside the rear cargo compartment you are greeted with a welcome sight. It looks as though not all of the derelict's previous cargo was cast overboard or wrecked. There are a number of large wooden crates stamped with Taldan sigils. Some are starting to look worse for wear, but others are yet intact.
I repeat once again, Stupid Fish.
Lets get this stuff above deck and on the other ship before we start burning stuff.
I pick up the boxes one by one and start moving them up to the deck. I assume someone, other than the drunk Kellite, will help take them to the other ship.
I repeat once again, Stupid Fish.
Lets get this stuff above deck and on the other ship before we start burning stuff.
I pick up the boxes one by one and start moving them up to the deck. I assume someone, other than the drunk Kellite, will help take them to the other ship.
Gorak contemplates turning into a beast of burden, but thinks better of it.
Torgus chugs down the gutcrusher and yells tales of his various matches forcing many iniates to listen his gruesome tales. "..YEAH I ATE THE EYE AFTER I PULLED IT OUT BUT THATS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN TRULY STRIKE FEAR IN A BUGBEAR! ANYWAY AS I CHOMPED DOWN ON HIS EYE HE SCREAMED LIKE A LITTLE GIRL AND TRIED TO RUN SO I CHARGED HIM AND..."(The stories continue on as long as the ale keeps flowing.)
Getting the crates back up to the top deck of the ship, Frakdar hazards to open one and finds that they are filled with fine cloth from Absalom. Just as he begins to get disappointed, he hears a whisper from a halfling crewmember "...feck me thats a score, worth a few pennies..."
At that moment a door opens on the cabin of Morthar's vessel. Master Gond steps out momentarily and surveys the scene impassively. Seeming reasonably pleased, he calls to a nearby initiate speaking to him brusquely before walking back into his cabin leaving the door open.
The initiate moves to the party in turn passing on the message "Master Gond has invited you for tea... if it pleases you."
"Ive never understood tea. Why not just drink fresh spring water?" Gorak thinks to himself but with a mental shrug "I may never understand the 'civilized' folk."
"Tea would be nice." Gorak says to the messenger. He proceeds to join Master Gond.
Nisk looks longingly at his tankard, but sets it down. Should probably be clear headed for whatever the man wants to tell me. The lanky half-elf looks over the goods but knows little of the value of such things, so turns to head into Master Gond's quarters.
If there is no other loot to be found, I help get the crates onto the ship and then brush myself off as best I can before proceeding to Master Gond's cabin.
If there is nothing else to be found - I go to Master Gond's cabin, politely bow to him and await instruction.
Those that accept the invitation of the master enter his cabin to find that it is spartan in decoration. Aside from the cot in a corner, the only other item within is a large carpet. Gond is currently sitting crosslegged on the rug with the teapot and cups before him. He smiles and nods a greeting before gesturing for you to sit and take a cup. He does not speak yet... merely concentrating on the aroma and taste of the tea in his hand.
"OF COURSE THE MASTER WANTS TO CONGRATULATE THE BRAWLING BEAR AND FRIENDS! FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND TO CELEBRATE THE VICTORY! BWAHAHAHA!" He fills up his mug and moves towards the masters cabin, but stops when he starts to pass the Harrower he stops and looks to her raising an eyebrow. "A CARD DEALER WILL YOU BE JOINING US FER DRINKS!!"
Entering the Master's cabin, I silently bow my head and then sit as cross-legged as a dwarf can on the carpet, accepting a cup of tea from the master.
As Torgus addresses her, the Harrower's facial expression does not change. She merely shakes her head and gestures for Torgus to keep moving.
The tea is a strong bitter black blend.
The master welcomes you all in turn and once all are assembled and the door is closed he begins "You did well today aspirants, and as reward we will start your training. The trainings of Irori teach that one must perfect oneself, through discipline and application. By following those teachings you are able to transcend the possibilities that many would believe achievable."
Gond is still crosslegged, but now floats a few inches off the ground. Hands to the side in the Lotus position he closes his eyes and when they reopen they are glowing a pale shade of gold. "While watching you I have seen your potential, and my masters and I will seek to unlock your nascent talents..."
Gorak enters and quietly sits. He does not take tea unless it is specifically offered to him. If it is he thanks them and sips lightly.
Javi stands at the rail near the prow. As the ship splits and churns the wind-whipped waves of the sea below, his mind churns with the memories and lessons of the past few days. It had been a lot to take in, and his mind was still processing the new tricks and techniques the masters had taught him.
---
The first memory comes alive in his mind's eye, every nuanced detail etched forever by the magnitude of the breakthrough moment.
The ever-present scents of salt, sea, and treated wood had competed against the calming fragrance of Master Gond's lonely scented candle. The dull roar and slap of waves-on-hull was reduced to a gentle background static in the cabin's intimacy. The candle -- the only source of light in the old man's dim cabin -- was more than enough for Javi's elven eyes, and it gave the room a singular and monumental air.
Javi had been seated across from the old man, both of them on a thin mat on the floor, the candle holding vigil between them. It was somehow unsettling and peaceful at the same time. These rare private conversations with the school's Master always were. Master Gond had spoken little -- always communicating the most with the least.
As Javi plays the memory over and over in his head, trying to glean everything he can from the old man's words, gestures, and looks, he can't help but come back to what Master Gond had ultimately taught him. The words resonate in his mind once again. Words that could have been used to cut Javi down instead were used to teach… to grow.
- There is fear in you, young Javi… insecurity. But there is no shame in fear itself, for there is fear in every mind… great and small. And this fear has been as vital a part of your success and survival as any other bit of skill or luck so far. If channeled properly, Javi, fear can motivate. Fear can drive you. Fear can empower you in the face of overwhelming opposition. But only if you learn to understand and control it.
The lesson had been eye-opening. Listening to the old man in the wavering light of a single candle, Javi had taken his first steps down the Path of the Disciple of the Blue Lotus. The Path focused on the Base Chakra; the chakra of fear, adrenaline, and instinct.
Already Javi can feel a sense of calm -- of security -- as he thinks back over his meditations.
---
Javi idly rubs a swollen left eye with a wince as the second memory rises to the surface. This second lesson was learned (surprisingly) at the painful end of Mtumbo's fists, elbows, and knees. The big, black-skinned man had shaken his head as Javi hit the deck once again with a bounce. "This Wasp is quick," he'd said as he waited for Javi to pick himself up, "but this wasp only has a small sting once his opponent sees his attack patterns." The big man had grinned wide, white teeth a stark contrast to his skin. "You should make better use of some of those stinging early strikes."
In his usual, brutal fashion, Mtumbo had gone about showing Javi how to do just that instead of telling him. Soaring right-fisted feint became a sudden knee to Javi's solar plexus, and Javi didn't even see the followup eye gouge. He'd been left stunned, panting, and blind until his tears could clear his vision. When they finally did, he was looking up at the big man looking down on him. "You see? Make the most out of every sting, Little Wasp, and you'll bring them down even faster."
---
A particularly big wall of spray washes away the memory, and Javi's eyes (one still blood-shot) sweep back over the ship-turned-dojo.
There is a lot I will learn here, he thinks. Assuming I survive…
Once again Frakdar takes his stance across from Fangul. Learn to absorb that which you cannot evade. Before he can blink and eye, the scarred Ulfen once again lashes out with a blindingly fast strike. However, unlike the past, rather than attempting to dodge the strike, Frakdar draws the strength from his core and feels his skin toughen. The strike lands, but barely moves the stout dwarf.
Stepping back, the Ulfen smiles. Well done, you have learned to absorb vicious blows. Then, without warning, the Ulfen strikes a second time knocking Frakdar from his feet. However, you must always be prepared. Never let your guard down, or you may lose to the weakest of foes striking from the shadows.
After climbing to his feet, the scowling dwarf again assumes his stance. However, this time it is he who is on the offensive. After sparing for several minutes, Frakdar sees a brief opening in Fangul’s usually unassailable defenses. Drawing from his inner strength, Frakdar lashes out with a sudden strike to Fangul’s throat bringing a gasp from the tattooed trainer. Seeing the hesitancy in the Ulfen, Frakdar presses his advantage grappling the larger Ulfen and then, using a technique he learned after calmly watching Master Gond train, Frakdar reverses the grapple and drives the Ulfen to the deck of the ship where he is pinned.
After being released, the northerner climbs back to his feet with a look of shock in his eyes. That was unexpected. Master Gond has used that maneuver on me and the other trainer’s many times, but I have never mastered this technique. While its uses are limited, when the need comes to disable an enemy, being able to pin a foe without allowing him to break the hold is invaluable. . . . Just remember, for every maneuver, there is another maneuver which may make it useless. With this, Fangul drops to one leg and sweeps his foot so quickly that Frakdar has no time to respond. Before he knows it, Frakdar is sitting on his rump looking a very foolish dwarf.
After several more similar sparing sessions, the pair, trainer and apprentice, retired to the aft deck to watch the other’s train and to recover with tea and dried fruit.
____________
Chakra - Stahl Brustkorb --> +1 Natural Armor
Chakra action - Kündigung Schlag --> when using unarmed combat or a monk weapon and a crit is confirmed, may as a Swift Action increase the power of the strike to increase the damage by 1x, 2x @ level 12, 3x @ level 18. (i.e., 2x become 3x for levels 1-11, becomes 4x for levels 12-17, and becomes 5x for levels 18+). Once this power is used, the monk must wait 1 minute before he may make another increased critical. This is a slight change from what I had before, but I do not think is all that different.
Maneuver - Umgekehrt und Merkt - when performing a grapple, if you beat the enemies CMD by 5 or more, may make an immediate attempt to pin the person.
How about a throat chakra? Voice of 1000 beasts. He can shift his throat/vocal cords independently of his body and at will. It's a combination of the Feral speech arcane discovery and the ability to speak normal even while polymorphed. It's interesting and flavorful while still having some function.
If you like it I'll write up a flavorful introduction for it.
"Again!" Mtumbo barked, watching Nisk rise from the deck. "And this time keep your feet." Nisk rises with rage in his eyes, then forcibly calms. The Anja will not respond to rage. The third eye opens for he who is calm. Nisk steps into his stance again before the tall Mwangi, who takes his own stance across the deck. "You strike without thought, trying only to pummel your enemy into submission. You accept his blows even when you do not know his strength." Mtumbo rushed forward, taking a strike from Nisk in order to plant a much more solid one that shoved Nisk nearly over the side of the railing. "Beating your enemy down is all you need. The sooner the enemy is dead the sooner I have won." Nisk replies as he steps upward onto the railing, avoiding Mtumbo's next blow and leaping over him in a tight ball to strike the unmoved man in the back with both feet. "WRONG!" Comes another bark from the larger man, as he sweeps Nisk's newly regained footing from under him. "The enemy on the ground is unable to strike back. Break your enemies footing, and he will be helpless before you." This last is said to a dazed Nisk as he attempts to rise again. "Then show me." Nisk says, taking his stance once more. "You are tired. Come back later." Mtumbo says, his eyes turning from his pupil. This is a mistake, as he feels a foot to his side a moment later. "Show me. I'll do it until it's right." Nisk says, his newly awakened Anja twinkling in his dark eyes.
The Harrower's training was easier, physically, than Mtumbo's. It consisted of meditation and Chakra binding. "The Chakra of the Third Eye calls to you, the Anja, on your brow." The woman said, placing two fingers onto his brow and painting a small circle there. "Already you see more of others than they wish, but you do not know your true potential. You must see ahead, know what they do before they choose to move. This will make you better, harder to strike." Nisk sat uncomfortably on the small mat across the Harrowing table, seeing her count out her cards. "Open the Brow Chakra." She asked once more, and Nisk suppressed a sigh of resentment as he made the significant mental effort to pry open his third eye. Suddenly he saw the world as it would be, soon, but not far enough to be disorienting. "I don't know what use this is. It's too tough to open in combat and I can't keep it going long enough to use it before." Nisk complains, his anger growing once more. "Calm, young dragon. It will grow easier with time." She replied, as she always did when his temper caused Nisk to spout something stupid. She then pulled a card from the deck. "The Lovers." Nisk said, feeling the future before she turned the card. "Good. Next?" She asked, unmoving. "I can't see it until almost as you turn it." Nisk complained. "You can, and you will, in time." The Harrower said, as he she pulled another card to continue his training.
Now Nisk sat, high in the crow's nest, physically and mentally drained. He could keep his Anja open far longer now, and open it with hardly any effort. But still he practiced, knowing he had to see further, and hold it open all day if necessary. The half-elf sat in the crow's nest, his eyes opening with their deep spark, then going dark once more as he lost his grip hours later. Then sparking as he tried once again. There he stayed most of the day, treating his Anja like a new form, learning his Third Eye as just another part of himself.
** spoiler omitted **
After the cargo was offloaded from the derelict, the other ship was poled away and a torch set to it. Your ship floated idly for a few days as repairs and general housekeeping took place. The human cost was counted and burials at sea given to a number of the crew as well as a few initiates - though all things considered the cost was lower than it could have been. Morthar did happily informed you that the silks you claimed from the derelict would more than make up for the damage on his ship - and will leave over a sizable sum for you as well.
On the third day as if planned the wind picked up and you set back on the journey to Jalmeray, training with the masters and watching the wake of the ship disappear behind you... closer to your goal and closer to your destiny.
Gorak stands on the edge of a mountain top with the wind wipping around his body fiercely. Master Gond stand close by, but the violent winds never seem to touch him. He is the calm in the storm. Snow and debris sting Gorak's skin and make it difficult to keep his eyes open. Gorak tries to tell the Master that he does not understand. Just as Gorak begins to speak Master Gond calmly and expertly reaches out lightly pushes Gorak off balance. Gorak tumbles over the side of the precipice. He sees Gond growing smaller watching him from the cliffside as Gorak tumbles. Gorak calls upon the power of nature to give him wings. Moments later Gorak feels the familiar shift over his body and takes the form of a mountain eagle. Narrowly saving himself from a tramatic death, Gorak soars into the air. Without warning Gorak feels a small rock strike him on the throat, slightly painful, but more suprising than damaging.
Gorak, in humanoid form, is stirred from his metative trance sitting crosslegged across from Master Gond. A small smooth river pebble sits on the carpet before him. It was not there when he began the meditation with Master Gond. They are in Gond's lightless cabin save the light of a single candle between the two. He begins to speak with the master to further express that he does not understand. Much to Gorak's suprise it is not his voice that emerges, but that of a mountain eaglel. Somewhat startled Gorak shakes his head as he grabs his throat gingerly.
"Calm youself." Master Gond says with closed eyes in a voice of absolute serenity. "Concentrate on what form you wish your voice to take then speak."
Gorak complies, takes a deep breath. As he exhales he feels the shifting of his chakara much as he does when he shifts normally, except this time it's only deep in his throat. Gorak makes a quiet tentative noise to test his voice. This time is is that of a lion. Gorak breathes and concentrates again calling upon the familiar, though localized, shift. Then, without further testing Gorak understands. He speaks calmly and surely to Master Gond the voice he was born with emerges, "Thank you, Master." Master Gond opens his eyes and nods his approval. After a moment of silence and metative breathing Gorak stands, bows deeply to the Master, and makes his exit from the room.
The time at sea passes slowly but peacefully as you absorb yourselves in training. The masters in particular are less gruff with you, seeing that Gond has accepted you into his teachings you are more as true students than hopeful applicants. The Initiates themselves also open up and talk more readily and openly with you.
A week passes with fair sails and fair seas and you gauge the journey roughly halfway done when one of the older Initiates comes to you with a proposition. He is a slight Chelish man with relatively unbroken skin "Feh, we're getting bored and soft sitting on this boat with naught to do but sun ourselves...."