|
"Ha! We are such an unlucky group, I should say. Imagine, we found a fishing spot that is full... of garbage?! And almost every one of us, including me, can't even catch a fish! How about that? Good thing this Ulvard barbarian here gives us two points more to our one measly point." Severus tells the twins while he helps them fix their broken lines.
"This is how you actually do it to make them still connected, actually. Let me show you." Severus begins to show off again, but with skills this time, to the twins.
The team may not be experienced fishers, but they know how to fix what is broken.
Zibini quickly rallies a crowd around Deka's ship, and they begin to offer their spare lines and bait. Deka is quite thankful, but she's also meticulous, rejecting gear due to low quality, small size, or too unorthodox.
Severus takes careful study of Deka's preferences. A strong, yet flexible rod. Rope thick enough not to snap against her grip, but thin enough it is hard to see. And tasty bait that is easy to hook and still moving a bit. Nikma gets the point and quickly scouts a few discarded lengths of wire floating among the trash alongside a bamboo reed. They are able to fashion a new rod and offer it to her.
"Hmm... this is good, very good. The smell is... well, beggars cannot be choosers. Thank you!" She nods to you and then turns to her crew. They hoist their borrowed lines onto the ship and prepare to resume fishing again.
One of the judges approaches you as the fishers return to their posts. "Hmm. An excellent display of ingenuity and collaboration. I do like your style." He looks out to the sea and taps one of his tusks. "I'll adjust your score accordingly."
He turns to the crowd and shouts. "It's more than just winning, it's about winning with the spirit of Vidrian!" The crowd roars with him. "Now then, it's time for Round 2 of the Silverscales Tournament. Fishers, back to your stations. Go!" Everyone returns to their stations and begins fishing in earnest.
Black Molly: Deception
Severus Snape: Crafting
Zibini: Occultism
Nikma: Crafting
Ulvard: Survival
Black Molly also encourages people to join and help Deka's line, earning her team an extra point.
When it's time to fish, she begins scouting the bay for a good spot, but the seas are too crowded. She isn't able to find a good spot.
Black Molly: Deception - Sailing Lore
Severus Snape: Crafting
Zibini: Occultism
Nikma: Crafting
Ulvard: Survival
|
|
Given that he was just signaling to the competition sincerely, did that make it more likely that he could now pull it off insincerely?
...does that make it poor sportsmanship? Oh well!
Zibini looks for where the more experienced fishers are looking, and then frantically points in the other direction, trying to draw their attention there.
|
Ulvard grows irritated with trying to find worms.
"Biggest Fish Need Biggest Tools" he says.
Drawing his greatsword he struts to the edge of the wharf. Scanning the the sea below he waits, waits, waits.... and them jumps in. Point first!
Grabbing hold of his impaled fish he climbs up the ladder to the wharf once more. Once up on the top he shakes his head like a dog, sending showers of water over all the fishers, before removing his sword from the impromptu sheath.
"Not quite as big as Ulvard's first one. But still plenty big!"
|
|
Severus eyes go wide when Deka calls them beggars?! Is he hearing her right?! But being not even a resident of the area but a mere visitor that got mingled by chance to their competition, well, they choose to be part of it, he shrugs it half-heartedly but will keep it in mind. He gives Deka a stern look that she might wonder what.
Severus gets back to his allies to continue what they can do to catch more fish. But why catch fish if he can steal from the twin's baskets? He tries to sneak some before he leaves, trying not to be obvious.
Severus takes a few fish from Deka's basket as "thanks." Meanwhile, Ulvard decides he needs a bigger boat. Failing that he goes for a bigger sword and catches a few more fish.
The judges count all of the fish and award more points just in time for Round 3.
Black Molly: Sailing Lore
Severus Snape: Thievery
Zibini: Deception
Nikma: Survival
Ulvard: Attack
|
|
Severus tries to recall whatever he learned from a certain biology class many years ago when he was so young. He recalls that fish like shiny objects because they get curious about them. He looks at his bag and begins to rummage for something shiny and wades it under the water to attract fish.
Or maybe not. But he is really sure that it was thought to them, like twenty years ago.
|
|
Fish, most of them anyway, were really fairly small creatures. So many more of them could fit in a relatively small space, so close together. There's an idea...
It was so sad that those fishies wer in danger!
Not really. But Zibini allows himself to feel that sadness anyway. Leaning forward to touch the surface, he then protects that feeling outward and watches it ripple through the water. Easy enough to scoop 'em up, he hopes!
|
|
Ulvard, still sodden, but enjoying the dampness in the heat gets a funny look on his face. After a moment he shakes a *very* small fish out of his trouser leg.. He looks at it in disgust before throwing it back in.
"Ulvard Big. That fish too small. But fish gives Ulvard an idea!"
Grabbing a net he rubs it over his face and body. "If Little Fish like Ulvard scent." he pauses to let the crowd appreciate the taste the small fish must have had in picking Ulvard.
"Then maybe big fish do too!"
After "baiting" the net with his scent, he tosses it into the sea to try and retrieve some bigger prey.
Ulvard rubs the net over himself and dunks it into the sea, scaring all nearby fish. Severus's "floating stone" didn't live up to its name, either.
Zibini's sadness blasts several fish onto the boat, and Black Molly's magical lance spears a few more.
Nikma plans his next move to earn more points.
Nikma continues to think... and think... and think... hmm... Wait, Round 3 is over already?
As the judges count the points, Demed counts his catch. “Ten more!” shouts Demed.
“It’s not over until the fish are counted,” grumbles Deka as she hoists another catch into her half-full basket.
“Might as well be! You have no hope to catch up,” replies Demed as fish start jumping from the water directly into his overflowing basket.
|
|
Severus seems to not know what is happening to the overflowing basket. Maybe the twins just caught so many fish, and are so lucky. He is envious actually. If the team he is with just made more effort to find a better spot than they have now, they could be having that same amount of catch, and even the fish will start to jump onto their basket as well. "Of course, what fish would choose to jump on our basket located at a crappy and full of garbage fishing spot." he mutters to himself but seems loud for others to be heard.
Black Molly and Nikma take a closer look at Demed's rod, and it seems to be more of a magical staff than a fishing tool. But the bait is surging with energy.
Demed’s bait is charming the fish, but that their behavior is becoming erratic—the magic is either quite powerful or unstable. In fact, a burst of enchanting energy surges forth, invisible to the naked eye. The burst splits streaks and sinks into the surf.
A moment passes before panic breaks out. "Crabs!" Demed shouts. "They're coming!" Crabs the size of barrels emerge onto the beach, clicking and clacking their claws. Nikma and Black Molly notice the remnants of enchanting energy upon them. The claws swing at everyone as they slowly close in towards Demed.
"Everyone, inland!" Deka shouts. "I'll call the guards, quickly." Amidst the panic of the fishers, they scramble off of their ships and flee inwards.
Luckily, you're built of sterner stuff. These crabs are going to hurt many people as they rampage through town, and the guards will need time to arm themselves. But you're ready right now.
Severus
Crabs
Black Molly
Zibini
Ulvard
Nikma
Severus realizes two of the crabs are menacing the team. How preposterous!
|
|
Severus evokes a pair of rocks to bludgeon to crab, one on the purple crab’s space and another in the space in front of it, to making it a rocky difficult terrain for the creature, unless it skitter sideways. He then raises his magical shield. ”So they also wanted to be on the twins’ baskets?! Would they even fit?!”
◆◆ Cast a Spell, Scatter Scree, DC 17 basic Reflex save vs bludgeoning damage to Pink Crav
◆ Cast a Spell, Shield
Severus hurls rubble at the Purple-shelled crab, only to watch it scuttle out of the way at a critical moment, evading all of the debris. Frowning at such a predicament, he instead raises a magical barrier to protect himself.
The crab takes time to crawl through the rubble before climbing onto the pier and snapping at him. It barely manages to crunch through his magical defenses.
The red shelled crab climbs onto the pier and tries to pinch Zibini.
The second attempt catches him by the ear!
Crabs
Black Molly
Zibini (9 damage)
Ulvard
Nikma
Severus (Can Shield Block to reduce 6 damage)
|
|
"Hey!" says Zibini, wincing as the crab's claw cuts across his head, "Let GO!"
He pushes forcefully with his mind, a shield of force appearing between him and his assailants. Pointing two fingers at the first crab and slashing them past the pair of them, another force construct in the form of a large knife appears at his fingertips and slashes at them more literally--and more dangerously.
◆ Cast amped Shield, spending 1 Focus Point (AC raised to 17)
◆◆ Cast amped Imaginary Weapon, spending 1 Focus Point
The purple crab is quickly under assault from Zibini, Severus and Ulvard. Of their attacks, only Severus's magic missiles hit fully- the hard shells seem to resist their slashing strikes.
Zibini continues his assault, slashing the red shelled crab with a swing of an imaginary blade. Nikma identifies his target. Even with the crowded dock, he's able to land a shot, but it is unable to pierce its hard shell.
Silverbeard looms towards the crab, gently floating off the docks towards the surf. His sword slices into the crab but his hook catches sand.
The enchanting magic breaks off of the purple crab. It instead makes a posture of fear and begins to flee back into the sea.
The magic continues to hold over the Red shelled crab, and it swings at its nearest targets.
With its first swing Black Molly feels the sting across her back as the crab sinks its claws into Captain Silverbeard and grabs him within his clutches.
Zibini is glad for the distraction, though, as the crab's follow up misses him easily.
Purple Crab (25 damage, fleeing, provokes AoOs from Zibini, Severus and Ulvard if they have one.)
Red Crab (15 damage, grabbing Silverbeard)
Black Molly (16 damage, Silverbeard is grabbed)
Zibini (9 damage)
Ulvard
Nikma
Severus (1 damage, Shield spell offline)
|
|
He should... probably move away. Zibini wasn't built for hand-to-claw combat. But...
Instead he laughs, letting himself focus on the thrill of an exciting situation instead of fear or pain. He's buoyed up by a swirl of bright color, not quite floating but suddenly lighter on his feet.
With one hand in front he maintains his layered shield. With the other he makes a fist. "Should've realized. Crack the shell!"
He swings his fist upward. This time the weapon that appears in the air to mimic his movement is less like a knife and more like a mace.
Free: Unleash Psyche
* Sustain amped shield
** Cast imaginary weapon
Ulvard pierces the crab, feeling his sword blunt against its carapace. But Zibini feels the burn and applies a bare knuckle against the crab, punching right through the shell and laying it flat against the pier.
The rush of battle wears off, and you notice the sound of footsteps running to and fro, calling out for assistance.
"Thank the gods they're gone!"
"Why would they attack a crowded pier?"
"I'm gonna have so many crab legs for dinner..."
The town guard arrives with smaller crabs skewered on their spears, alongside several fishers. Deka among them. "Demed! Where are you!"
The man remains frozen in fear, clutching his fishing rod, his back against a palm tree. "S-s-so many crabs..."
|
|
In the last few seconds before the rush subsides, Zibini focuses on the Captain Severus, sharing a feeling of contentment and safety. And Molgy (When did she get hurt? He didn't see-- not important!) as well.
Then the swirling colors scatters and he drops heavily to his feet, staggering from the headache that came with overdoing it.
After a few moments, he recovers and focused on healing his own wound.
"Too exciting?" he says. "I will... need a few minutes before we do something like that again, please."
|
|
Molly tips her hat at Zibini. ”Much obliged”, she says, ”but I’ve got it from ‘ere”
With that, the sickly green fire sweeps over some of the stray crabs scuttling nearby. They drop to the sand, motionless. At the same time, Silverbeard stands straighter, his own aura glowing brighter.
Then she turns to Demed. ”That was quite a stunt ye pulled out there”, she says sharply. ”Care to explain how ye almost killed my shipmate again?”
"I... I... uh..." Demed stammers as Black Molly confronts him. Deka takes a moment to gauge the situation before turning to her brother. "Demed, answer the woman. What is she talking about?"
A judge approaches Demed and takes a look at his fishing rod. "Demed, the crabs seemed to be coming after you. Let me see that rod." Demed's gaze remains fixed on the ground as the judge inspects it. Her gaze scans the rod like a blacksmith inspecting a newly forged blade. "This bait... wait, it's magical. What is this?"
Demed still can't lift his head. "It is a... staff of enchantment." Deka gives him a stern look, but he keeps his head down and contunes. "The gem can be used to charm animals. A bit of magical reagents to trigger in the water. It releases low level pulses to charm the fish to approach."
The judge's impartiality gives way to anger, and Deka quickly intercepts. "There are no rules against the method used to catch fish. Some people talk to the fish. Others use nets. Some use worms. Removing him will simply stifle creativity and ingenuity. Please, let my brother stay."
The judge resumes her mask of calm and looks sternly at him. "He endangered multiple lives with his stunt. We only survived due to brave warriors and quick footed healers." She turns to your team. "Imagine this group were not so ready to fight- how many would have died?"
|
|
"No harm done!" says Zibini cheerfully, wiping blood from his face, "They were just big crabs.
"Um... is magic not allowed? I'm not from around here, and I don't think anybody else on my team is either. We're travelers who were here at the right time. Demed told us about the contest and we dropped in. I guess we never really asked about the rules."
The little goblin shuffles innocently. "But I was doing magic before, and I didn't think the judges minded."
|
|
Severus feels a small rush of vitality in him, thanks to Zibini. "Thank you," he says while giving the goblin psychic a bow. "I feel like I have never been hurt." he adds. And back to what happen, Severus has no intention to help the twins to plead to the judges in behalf of them after what happened to them. If not for them, who were able to quell the unintended disturbance, it could have been worse.
"It has actually something to do with that rod," he points to the thing Demed is holding. "But I am not sure what exactly it is." and he still can't know the exact nature of the rod in relation to what happened to the giant crabs that attacked them.
|
|
"Um... is magic not allowed? I'm not from around here, and I don't think anybody else on my team is either. We're travelers who were here at the right time. Demed told us about the contest and we dropped in. I guess we never really asked about the rules."
The little goblin shuffles innocently. "But I was doing magic before, and I didn't think the judges minded."
”So was I, but we knew what we were doin’”, Black Molly says. ”It’s the amateurs ye have to watch out for, eh Cap’n?”
”Aye, lass”, Silverbeard replies. ”A good keel-haulin’s in order, I’d say!”
"Magical assistance is allowed." The judge speaks midway through her meditation. "My apologies for not explaining myself clearly enough. This kind of magic, that harms the lives of others, is not tolerated. But perhaps you are correct. We cannot fully control magical energies, and they can spur beyond our control."
The judge turns to Nikma. "Do you have anything to add?"