Precisely, especially if it's something I/we can help with
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Not happy about the slash in his belly and even less happy about the slash in his pristine uniform shirt, Mirandir narrows his gaze and tries to finish her off. In the process, he shouts to the crew. "Take out the short one with the shark bone!"
Mirandir will also ready to hit the first Pirate over, keeping an even glare at the enemy.
Mirandir coughs up a small amount of blood as his wounds heal after pulling the arrow from his midsection. He then pulls himself together and prepares for the fight to come by casting Shield of Faith on himself. Readying his shield and trident, he gets ready to attack the first target that threatens him.
After taking two shots that go way wide, Mirandir decides to save his bolts and wait for the enemy to get closer. In the meantime he stays with the other sailors whilst keeping an eye out for anyone targeting the captain or Ms. Avalon. Should he spot someone doing so, he'll move to cast Shield of Faith on that individual.
Knowing he wasn't a good shot with the crossbow he posessed and not being able to figure out the wind due to the chaos on the deck, Mirandir focused on trying to push any speed he could out of the sails to help them evade the approaching ship. It didn't matter what the ultimate outcome was, if they engaged, people would die. That was something the elf was rather keen to avoid.
Mirandir quickly ducks below to get his combat gear, returning to the deck after a minute or so. Upon his return, he makes for his post, trying to assist the other sailors in their evasion. Should he get the chance, he'll let someone know he could create a small fog bank at the right moment on request.
Mirandir gives Salty a look as he moves to help untie the people in the stricken craft. He recalls some basic rites, albeit elven ones, for the departed (which he'll do his best to translate into common for the crew). During the process, he gives the bodies a thorough look over for anything potentially identifying.
Mirandir says a prayer for the dead, asking that Gozreh guide their souls. Once he gets a good look at the bodies, Mirandir gets a pensive look on his face and turns to the Master of Sail. They haven't been dead long, but there's something else. They had their fingers broken before they died. Given that and the way they're tied in this could be," Mirandir gulped at the thought of what he was about to suggest,"either the result of or the punishment for a mutiny or worse someone seizing a ship.'
When the Captain comes to the deck, there's a part of Mirandir that wanted to say something. After a moment though, he thinks better of it as she looked like a troubled woman. He tried to convey through his body language he was willing to listen if she had something to say but otherwise did his best to keep his eyes on his duties.
Squinting into the distance, Mirandir nods at Salty's comment. "I concur mam, looks like it has quite a gash in her.
Mirandir didn't dignify Salty's response with a reply and simply retired to his hammock, muttering his evening prayers to Gozreh as he did so.
Mirandir was a bit put off by the method of punishment that had been employed, but not enough to react. His people used different, but no less harsh methods but they were less...physical. In fact, given how it was playing out, by elven logic the whole even would have been considered less punishment for Mr. Salt and rather would be seen as punishment for the dwarf. It was easy to tell that he was mentally shook up by the whole episode. Regardless of the methodology though, they both deserved what they got, the cook's mate for disobeying an order and the dwarf for putting to sea without the ability to cope with it.
The elf could also quickly tell that many of the crew didn't agree with the punishment. Mirandir thought it wise then to keep his own opinions on the matter to himself. The last thing that was needed was additional tension right now. Problem was he couldn't help himself, despite his best efforts. Thus, as they were finally settling in their hammocks, the elf shot a look at Salty. "I hope you learned your lesson about proper discipline on a ship. Captains give orders for a reason and you're being paid to follow them.The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one. Keep that in mind before you abandon your post and do something stupid again.
Nodding to Ms Avalon as she heads below Mirandir replies, "Aye mam. Sound advice I'll keep in mind. And if there's a shipwright you'd like to register a complaint about, let me know and I'll pass it to my brothers." Mirandir had heard many a tale of a ship builder's bad day from his elder brothers, both of which were highly placed in the Shipwright's guild. Despite being a half-breed, Ms. Avalon had begun to earn respect in the elf's eyes. She both had skill and recognized that he had some as well. As he steered for the remainder of his watch, he couldn't help but give the gnomish bosun more than a couple awkward and perplexed glances. He couldn't help but wonder how one became an officer on a ship who's wheel he couldn't see over.
I'm going to be a bit sparse this weekend as I'll be in charge of PFS at a local convention. I do, however, have something to make up for it. You might recall that earlier our esteemed GM put up rather basic drawings of our little boat. Having a day to myself and powerful map creation software sitting on my computer gathering virtual dust, I decided to, how to put it, upgrade them. There's two ways you can go about viewing them. The "essential" views of the three decks (Judd and I agreed the hold didn't need mapping) can be found HERE . The problem though is that whenever I pull the files out of their native format, they tend to lose resolution and thus aren't as snazzy as they could be. To view them in their native format you must either have Campaign Cartographer 3 (I use an add-on to it that makes it useful for this sort of application) or download their free viewer app HERE . You'll probably want to download both the viewer and the DD3 Bitmap set for optimal viewing. The native files can be found HERE . If you're having trouble downloading these, shoot me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send them on Sunday. Judd's cross section guided my mapping, but I took a couple liberties, mostly with the crew deck. I did a fair bit of research on the internal arrangement of these sorts of ships when doing this which is why, for example, there's not a mast running straight through the captains cabin :).
Despite his fatigue, Mirandir continues to perform his duties competently. Should the appropriate opportunity present itself (likely after the storm passes), Mirandir will approach Ms. Avalon to complement her on her skill and express a desire to learn from her. In this conversation, he'll, very tactfully, mention some of the gifts Gozreh has granted him, should another situation like the one that had occurred present itself.
Mirandir noticed that the captain and the master of sails were disagreeing about something, but couldn't make out the precise content of the disagreement. When the captain gave her order, Mirandir simply nodded and got to work making it so.
Mirandir goes out of his way not to make eye contact with Salty as he makes his way below. Instead he keeps focused on his duties and watches for any more loose sails or knots. He didn't want to risk having to say anything. Deep down the Elf knew he could have and perhaps even should have saved the dwarf. But the captain had given an order and he intended to do as he was told. For now.
Mirandir is busy with other concerns, though if the Captain changes her mind (doubtful) he can walk on water (literally), has the highest swim modifier in the group, and can take 10 in the water.
Mirandir briefly considered going in after the dwarf. He was a strong swimmer and had other abilities that would make it easier for him to go in than the average crew member. But the ship was in trouble and he'd do more good on deck ensuring more didn't die. The fact that the captain had given an order made the decision easier. Obeying lawful orders were important and in this case, she wasn't wrong. Muttering a prayer in a blend of Elven and Aquan for the seas to be merciful, Mirandir turned his attention to helping Morven secure the sail.
Noticing Salty going in after the dwarf was a source of both relief and concern. Now they had a chance to lose two, but at least the Dwarf had a fighting chance.
Despite still adapting to steering a large vessel, Mirandir appears to be a quick study. He still stays quiet most of the time, aside from muttering brief prayers on occasion.
"Probably better if I watch this one." Mirandir said in an attempt not to totally blow off his fellow crew members. The human obsession with games of chance was something he didn't understand nor have any particular desire to get involved in. However one of the points of the journey was to learn about other cultures and from what he had heard human mariners liked to engage of these sorts of games. Learning didn't require participation though. Errol's query into the reasons each of them were here got a perplexed response from the elf. "I wasn't aware misfortune was a requirement for living one's life at sea. For me it comes naturally, as it does for all my clan. I'm expected to be on a ship, particularly one inhabited by other races."
Mirandir has a look on his face as he approaches the helm. Between the lingering suspicion he had towards the half-breed and having to take the helm so soon, he seemed a bit miffed. Her question didn't help, but Mirandir did his best to deliver a forthright and respectful answer. "No mam, it didn't feel appropriate at the time." Expecting to have to clarify that statement, Mirandir continued. "I just found it odd mam that none among them was seeking the favor of the gods upon our journey. Since no one else was, I felt the need. I meant no disrespect" Despite not having handled a ship of anywhere near this size before, Mirandir had little difficulty keeping the ship steady. He seemed heartily content with himself and kept a confident veneer on his face.
Mirandir gives a curt nod to Morven. "First time on one this size, but the sea and I are old friends." At first glance, Morven seemed capable but he was...green. He'd been among humans before but all the others were a bit new to him. The captain seemed respectable and seemed to be the sort that valued results. That was a start as far as he was concerned, but her capability needed to be demonstrated yet. Mirandir seemed put off as the crew started singing as it didn't seem to be the time for that sort of activity. As they sang, Mirandir turned towards the water and muttered a brief prayer to Gozreh and the sea for a safe and calm journey.
Outwardly, Mirandir gave a polite nod of acknowledgement and a crisp salute before turning and getting to work as directed. Inside though he had to stifle the welling annoyance inside him. It wasn't anything to do with the work, it had to do with the fact he'd be working under...a half-breed. Anyone else would have been fine, even the gnome. But this Avalon woman, disgusting. Mirandir wouldn't be the first to strike up a conversation, but he was keeping his ears open while he worked.
Guess my prior attempt didn't get up. 34yo Attorney from Virginia who also happens to be the PFS Venture Captain for Richmond. First dice based PBP, but I've been doing freeform PBP and PBEM on and off for almost 20 years. Most recent effort was in the Star Wars Writing/Gaming/etc. group I'm in. My character in that Kz'set, he's a Verpine Sith. So yes, I can write insects. Note, in that format writing other PCs is allowed and, given the timeframe, usually essential (We did all that in 4 weeks).
Mirandir was perplexed by the response of the man who hired him. Why would he expect any sort of special treatment? One always expected to work on their maiden voyage, it's how his clan got their reputation to begin with. He simply nodded and made his way aboard. When prompted, Mirandir signed the contract without a second thought. Eager to get to work, the Elf wordlessly stowed his gear aside from a knife he'd need on deck. After stashing his gear and hanging his hammock in as secluded a spot as he could find, Mirandir promptly reported to the deck and started asking around for this Ms Avalon.
The still crisply dressed but weathered elf steps forward with a neutral expression on his face. Seeing the others before him get tested in some way wasn't a surprise, but it didn't make him nervous. If this ship frequented this port, the reputation of his clan should precede him. If it did not, he was prepared for that. Mirandir Waverider of the Falmalinnar Clan. This is my One-hundred-and twenty fifth summer. While I have not been on a ship of this size aside from a short voyage, I have extensive experience on smaller craft. Beyond that, I speak to sea and she speaks back. Mirandir glanced down at his holy symbol in the process.
(Good to be aboard!)
The comments about cooking got the first sign of a sense of humor from the usually morbid elf. His face looked like it was about to chuckle, but one didn't come out. Instead he simply shook his head as his face returned to it's usual stern look. "Personally, doesn't matter who cooks. If it's vaguely edible and doesn't kill you, that's all you can really hope for." When the half-orc started acting aggressively, Mirandir simply sighed. "If you're intending to pick a fight greenskin, get on with it. Better it's finished before the gnome returns. Don't want our potential boss being inadvertently hurled in the sea or through a window."
(OOC: Sorry folks, was out at weekly PFS. The life and times of a VC :P) Mirandir appeared to be zoned out for a moment, more concerned about maintaining appearances and not saying anything that would insult anyone. When he heard the comment about women being unlucky, the elf gave the half-orc a glare. "Not so, anyone can offend the sea, particularly those who don't respect her. And luck is irrelevant, anyone who thinks otherwise is looking for an excuse." Turning his attention to Joan, Mirandir nods slightly. "Lets just say the sea speaks to me in ways few would understand."
Great, now they're getting chatty. Mirandir was getting annoyed at the fact that they were apparently about to be kept waiting even longer. In fact he was quite annoyed that he hadn't been picked for a crew already and it was beginning to show on his face. While his loose fitting blue tunic and leather pants were crisp and unworn, that was about the only thing about him that didn't look battered and weathered. Though young for an elf, his skin and hair were clearly showing the signs of someone who'd worked the water for several decades. Because he had, and it was growing clear none of the others had. He fidgeted with his half showing symbol of Gozreh as he tried to keep any obvious disdain off his face for the time being. The elf didn't want to get turned away again for being an "arrogant pointed eared bastard who clearly wants to depress everyone". But at the same time he couldn't help but wonder if these people knew what they were getting into. This Joan person, she clearly looks like she's been on a ship before, but appears to be having way too much fun. She knows life at sea can be hard but... Mirandir realized where he was going with this line of thought and stopped. He had to at least keep it together long enough to make this ship. Then he could show them how cruel the sea really was, or they'd learn for themselves. "Pleasure to meet all of you. I'm known as Mirandir" |