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Variziel grunts again as the wind buffets him, but his invisibility remains, allowing him to continue casting spells without trouble. He then ejects his second wand and taps it against Râzvrâtitor's side, healing the creature.
Râzvrâtitor, for its part, rolls to the side to make room for the others, now that it has grown to greater size.
Variziel grimaces as the buffeting winds slam him about, causing damage to his thin body. Still invisible, he takes some solace in knowing the other creatures won't target him. He takes the opportunity to begin casting one of his longer spells, one that will cause a creature to grow larger, stronger... and less susceptible to strong winds. Meanwhile, Râzvrâtitor finds itself borne aloft by the powerful winds of the air elemental's form. Raging in its inability to escape it "drops" the sword for a moment, instead surging its flame forth all around its body.
Variziel falls back as the air elemental shifts into a whirling vortex and pulls a few bits from his component pouch. "I'll still be here, everyone, don't worry," he calls, and as he tosses his hand in the air, his form shimmers and disappears.
Meanwhile, the eidolon drops back out of the whirlwind and swings its blade again, bringing the flaming appendage about in a vicious strike.
Variziel grins broadly as the group finds themselves in a massive arena with adoring fans. "Now this is more like it!" He waves to the crowd and blows them a kiss, but as the battle starts, he quickly takes stock of the opponents. "Watch the smoky one--it can enter your lungs and kill you from within. And it matters not where you strike!" The half-elf draws his longspear and places his hand on Râzvrâtitor's shoulder. "Strength has always been your forte, Razzy," he whispers with a giggle , and the eidolon shrugs its shoulders and lifts its sword. "And air only feeds the fire," it crackles, stepping forward and ready to strike should anything come near.
Variziel claps his hands and Râzvrâtitor brings its sword around for just a moment, allowing the half-elf to place his hands on it. "Again," he whispers eagerly, and the eidolon responds by bringing the sword forward in another mighty slash.
The half-elf summoner grins and gives a quick flourish as the sparkling dust blinds the barbazu, then steps up to his eidolon and places a hand on its shoulder. "Bring it down, Râzvrâtitor," he whispers, and a surge of magical energy flows into the eidolon. In turn, Râzvrâtitor steps forward once more, bringing its sword to bear against the devil.
Variziel darts around the corner, sliding gracefully between XiaoLong and the walls of the cavern. Spinning as he comes to a halt over the bird-creature's corpse, he gets a good look at the bipedal creature for the first time and recognizes it immediately. "Barbazu!" He raises his hands and chants a quick spell, flinging one palm at the creature and showering it with glittering specks. Once its master casts its spell, Râzvrâtitor steps up and strikes with its flaming sword again.
"Something in the shadows--prepare yourselves!" The half-elf goes through another brief incantation, and lays his hand on the eidolon once more. "Now, Râzvrâtitor, attack!" The fiery man raises its hands and some of its flaming body coalesces into the shape of a large sword. "My pleasure," it says in a voice like crackling tinder, before stepping up next to XiaoLong and striking the bird-creature.
"Right, sounds fair." With that, Variziel begins chanting, waving his fingers back and forth, and wildly shaking his head in a decidedly dramatic fashion. After a few seconds of this, he lays his hands on the flaming man. "Stick close, Razzy." The eidolon responds with a hissing noise like frying grease, but it steps toward the sound to the northeast, with its summoner close behind.
Readied Attack:
"Fight well? We'll do more than well, we'll do amazing! Really wow the crowd and show them what we've got." Variziel elbows Kodlak in the ribs. "Isn't that right, big fella?" When the monk pulls out the ioun torch and lights up the chamber, Variziel frowns. "Hmm. Have to say I expected something more...fabulous? The planar games. Expected some sort of big arena, you know? Ah well." He kicks at the floor and glances around. "Any idea if I should start casting spells yet?"
"Well, this certainly seems interesting. Let's hope we do well, eh?" The half-elf shakes out his hair and winks at the others. "Of course, between my magical power and Razzy's brute strength, not to mention your own martial skills, I've no doubt we'll succeed. Pass with flying colors and all that."
Just finished putting on the finishing touches of gear and spell selection. Hopefully with this I'm good to go and ready to roll. And I'm hoping he'll do well--especially once he gets his buff routine going.
Aye! I'm in favor. I'll also be rebuilding Variziel as a swashbuckler.
Yet another player hopping in here to say that I like what you've posted so far, Megolopolis, and that I too am fine with these changes. I'll probably be reworking Variziel as a swashbuckler since it fits his concept better.
Yeah, that's the thing. I'd also like to get this going if possible, I've really enjoyed playing with you guys and it's quite a bit of fun. Been thinking of this a lot since my RL group is starting up a game of Skulls and Shackles as well. Do we want to just post in Recruitment looking for a GM? Do any of you have a good idea of who could run this?
I'm still here, just not really sure what to say at this point. Variziel's really waiting on the others moving the coral to let him know they're ready to go belowdecks.
...Pirates don't say huzzah?
Patience is a virtue,
Hold fast and weather the storm, lads and lasses.
I've been waiting and watching. Listening? Reading. You know how it is.
Glancing around for a moment, Variziel leans over to whisper in Sandara's ear. "Well, the others and I found something... special, out hunting. We're going to try and sneak it down in a little bit; they're collecting it now. If you want to help get it down there, I can show you once we've taken care of it."
Are you suggesting we become sky pirates?
You'll get used to it, lubber ;)
Aye. We rock about like a ship on the sea, sometimes sailing calm waters, sometimes cast to and fro in a storm. Cling to your lifeline and you'll be okay.
Pommels. Leave it at that.
Sunder a lock with a rapier? You bash the sh*t out of it with the pommel. Same for a dagger, or any sword, really. Slashing metal isn't gonna work. But hit it hard enough and it'll do damage--keep in mind that the modern word "pummel" comes from "pommeling" in the Middle Ages, where you'd crack your enemy's head open with the hilt of your sword. There are some really weird things out there in the game, and sundering isn't too crazy. A lot of more mundane obstacles can be overcome with some creative thinking.
Variziel looks at Sandara for another second, then his shoulders drop a little. "Alright, look," he says, dropping his voice. "I was honest when I said I wasn't sure what happened last night, but I woke up... Well, maybe I can show you a little later on. But I have something special now, and I'd rather the crew didn't know about it--especially Plugg, Scourge, and Harrigan. Right now I'm helping some friends with something, but maybe a little later I can show you what I mean."
Scoundrel, I think you're a little too worried about what we can't do at the moment. I don't think any of us are necessarily swaggering around the ship acting like the biggest badasses around--if we were, we'd probably have done something about Plugg, Scourge, and/or Harrigan by now. We're mostly just talking with other low-ranking NPCs, finding out what the situations aboard the ship are like. Of course, several of us have sideplots going on at this point... Janus is indeed a strange one, but he has Variziel's respect and assistance after patching him up. That doesn't mean they're best buddies or that Variziel totally agrees with his worldview, but it's something. As far as combat versus social interaction goes, I agree with Iggy that it's important to be competent at both, or at least know what you're doing with one. Pirates, superstitious beings that they are, are probably less likely to attack someone who's obviously favored by their patron goddess. It helps that Iggy can probably defend himself reasonably. On the other hand, I think most folks on board probably aren't too frightened of Variziel, even if he's descended from a feared Free Captain, but we'll see what happens once he gets in a fight with his sword. And Oracles are kind of similar to other divine casters--they help with buffing and healing, with some debuffs on the side. Not much damage dealing, but that's not their job.
I'm fine for allowing Scoundrel/Scott aboard. Like Charlotte, I think a good backstory is very useful--not only does it hash out some basic character information and motivation, it also gives you a chance to display your creative talents and writing ability, as well as giving the GM extra plot points to use as they wish. Of course, I'm a big writing person, majoring in Creative Writing at college right now, so I may be biased (just look at some of my backgrounds to see that...), but I think it holds true for most people. Play-by-Post especially benefits from creative thinkers who can write well and a lot.
He really hasn't been that bad to you guys. He's far nicer in this game than he's normally portrayed. Its the Scourge and Mr Plug who are the real A-holes. I find Janus very interesting. I imagine him as the guy who played Thor Gunderson on Hell on Wheels. lol I mean, he hasn't been that bad to us directly, but the current state of the ship points to him being a captain who's either ineffective or cruel, neither of which are great for us (or the rest of the crew). Variziel has his reservations about staging and outright mutiny--I don't even know that he's involved too much in those plans, beyond having spoken with the others some--but he recognizes the problems the current leadership pose. Scourge and Plugg definitely have to go, though. Janus... he's an interesting fellow. I think Thor Gunderson is a nice comparison, although I also picture him as being similar to Robert Mitchum's character from The Night of the Hunter in some ways.
Aye, that it is, Scott. You'll be joining us, then?
The half-elf smiles and shakes his head. Not much of one, I fear, although I try. Never thought of myself as a charmer, either, though." He closes the book and slips it into his bag, trying to hide a small frown as Sandara brings up the disappearance. "Aye, that's just nonsense. I was drinking with Sylus and the night became a bit of a blur. I woke up in a room further belowdecks, I don't think I could even find my way back if I tried." Variziel gives what he hopes is a sheepish grin, hoping the woman won't press any questions.
Variziel starts for a moment and then turns with a small grin. "Ah, Sandara! I was just writing down some of what's happened to me so far, since I left home. I promised someone I'd keep track of my journey and try to send letters. Although I don't know when I'll get a chance to send anything..." The half-elf frowns and looks down at the ring on his finger for a moment. "Ah well. How are things aboard the ship? Anything of interest happen while we were hunting?"
Variziel looks up as Charlotte approaches. "What? Planning to rob me?" He frowns, then smirks. "Well, we'll see. I don't have much worth taking, and I know how to defend myself. Thank you for the warning, though."
Good to see everyone's back, and sorry to hear about the struggles people have been through. I feel like it's been a rough time for a lot of people lately.
I am as well. It's good to see you back, Captain.
Finished the first year of college, back home. Got a job that I'm starting next week, which will be good. Also finishing up an online course to boost my GPA and hit some requirements. Also hoping that the Cap'n's doing okay these days.
Variziel continues to stand by, hoping he looks relatively inconspicuous. Realizing an easy way to accomplish this, he pulls out his journal and pen and begins writing an entry, scribing some of the events of the past days.
Variziel decides that it would be better for him to stay on board and let the more experienced swimmers get the coral. He pulls the journal, pen, and ink out of his waterproof sack, puts them in his backpack, and waits for Iggy and Salt to return, at which point he'll help them put the coral in his bag.
Variziel nods at the Mwangi man's suggestion. "Aye, that seems a good plan, Salt. If we can get the coral down to the cabins, I'll stash it away." He leans against the rail and suddenly cocks his head to the side, blinking. Then the half-elf shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair. "Let's get to it, then?" We'll take care of this, and then I'll meet... whoever, I suppose.
"Indeed. I take it there's something special about the... ahem... that we need to be so careful?" Variziel leans against the railing. "I may have a good place to hide it. After all, I managed to stay there all night into today without anyone knowing it." He raises his eyebrows and shrugs.
"Captain, I don't know much about piracy yet, but this is all of value we found," Variziel offers. "I don't imagine a haul better than this is common?"
"Aye, seems to me the captain should be the first to see what we've found," Variziel says. "Wouldn't be happy to find out he'd been cheated. I'd think that's a risk a man like you can't afford." The half-elf quirks an eyebrow and fixes Plugg with a stare.
Also still here. No musical accompaniment, though.
Whoa! Good to see that stuff's happening again, and good to hear that the Cap'n still lives and will return. Give him my regards, will you, please? I've hit some snags this year, too. College can be hard... As for questions, um, well, I'm American; I'll read up on combat of that type; I'll do some research on mascots; and I agree with pretty much everything Charlotte said above in regards to PBP. It's very fun, though it has its drawbacks, and I was fortunate enough to get into it pretty smoothly (first game I applied to, I got in, and when the GM disappeared another stepped up and he was fantastic). Just give it your best and don't get disheartened if things don't go smoothly--many games die off due to the nature of forums, and it can be difficult to get one off the ground. Hope that all goes well with you and our Cap'n!
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