Zemwaar's page

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"

"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

"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.

"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?"

It is not forgotten ;)

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

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.

"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"

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?"

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 allows herself to drawn into the embrace, listening once again to the beat of his heart, savoring his warmth and gentle touch. But when he kisses her, she does not allow the kiss to stay gentle. She throws everything she has into it, kissing him fiercely with all her need and longing.

When they are done, she just stares up into his face, and says, "I'm such an idiot. I should have done that weeks ago." There are tears streaming down her face, and she wipes them away again. His last sight of her will not be of her crying. From somewhere, she summons a bittersweet smile. "I think I loved you from the very first."

Zemwaar is somewhat surprised by the fierce kiss, but he does not back away from it. Wiping Nef's tears away, he replies - "I am sure I did"

"I do need a guide, Zem. I don't have the hubris to navigate Tulitan politics without one. There is still so much I have to learn." She strokes his face. "But if needed, I will find one and train him in myself."

He nods, serious - "It is them that need to live up to your standards, and not the other way around".[/i]

Still leaning into Zem's embrace, she lets go of his hand long enough to wrap and carefully label it, and then she slips it into Zem's vest pocket. "If there's a shaman aboard this ship, she will be able to track the movements of the Rita with this sliver. If not, then Milliauka can do it when you reach shore. You'll know where we are. You'll know when we come back to Port Shaw."

And then, taking his hand back, she holds it tightly once again. "Find me if you can. Or at very least leave a message to let me know you fare."

"I will try"

He then motions for Zemwaar to follow him to below decks. "Well, my friend, it seems we have much to discuss..."

The Tulita nods, then turns to his companions - "Stand tall brothers - make sure that if you ever need to look back on your life and actions, you will be proud" - he eyes each one of them at a time, then stares at Nefertiti... And lets go of her hand, moving down below, and never turning back.

At Nef's words, Zemwaar pulls her close in an embrace, his acute senses feeling the smell from her skin, not knowing if the sensation will ever repeat itself.

"It will always be you Neferiti" - he whispers in her ear, kissing her cheek and mouth softly - "You do not need a guide - my brothers will lay their life on the line for you if needed" - he looks at the others - "All of them will be there for you, and perhaps you should be the guide" - he adds.

Nef feels the impossibly hard squeeze of Zem's hand on hers, but that isn't what causes her pain.

Eyes wellling with unshed tears, she turns to him in shock. "Malama? You're staying here? With the Bastion? But... I am bound, by contract, to escort Jacinth." She trembles. "If you stay... Wedjat and I can't come with you!"

She looks to him, as always, for guidance. "Is this just temporary? Will we meet again in Port Shaw?"

"I do not know" - is the straight answer - "My heart wishes so, but I cannot be sure - I do not know what paths we will thread from here onwards"- he adds, his hand still in hers.

"I could stay... But it would not be me - I cannot bend that much. I would break" - Zemwaar continues - "There would be nothing left for you to... Love" - he offers her a smile - "Nor nothing left for me to give you"

You know something is wrong when Zemwaar smiles ;)

His eyes widen at the news and he can't help hide his surprise. "Zem, friend, are you sure about this? There is honor in helping your people, for sure, but there is just as much honor in helping your friends."

"I am sure Rata" - Zemwaar nods at his companion - "Let us part without another word regarding honor though. Let us part as friends" - he adds.

Hehe guys - apologies but work has been murder - you got the gist of it - the Kraken has graciously accepted my request to move Zemwaar away from the game.

It is no one's fault, and regardless of it, I intend to keep playing albeit with a different character. Let me just say this again - you guys all are playing top notch characters, and I don't think anything should be changed - just that from my perspective, Zemwaar doesn't fit into the story as it is.

I would have to twist and turn the character around too much to stay in tune with the group, and if there is another alternative, then I prefer going with it.

So, lots of drama in gameplay, but zero outside of it - lets keep the ball rolling - I'm pulling all the stops and trying to come up with someone that can earn his place in this A game ;)

Zemwaar does not celebrate - he stares blankly at it all, his eyes taking a gleam only when Nefertiti addresses him - "Yes" - he speaks calmly - "I may be needed" - he looks at the Tulita around him, then at his companions

"Though not by my blood brothers - I do not recognize them. Ke'ahilani is right, we have grown very differently. Worlds apart it seems" - his hand squeezes Nef's impossibly hard - "Aka, I cannot thread this path with them. I will not. And I will not return to The Rita"

Again he looks around at the celebrations - I must look for a place to belong, somewhere else... Maybe here I can make a difference" - in spite of the weight they may carry, his words are unwavering.

Zemwaar stares as the captain is dragged overboard by his brother
Ke'ahilani, the warrior's hands firmly carved onto the side of the ship as the man gurgles and drowns.

Even after no sign of him can be seen, he is still there, staring, barely listening to Jacinth's words.

I think we are now entering the sixth day of deciding the captain's fate. Can we decide one way or another relatively soon?

I second that motion ;)

Yeah, I don't think Zemwaar has anything else to add also. Just curious to see how this will unfold ;)

"Being a worm, I would expect him to prioritize self-preservation" - Zem continues in Tulitan - "But it is impossible to be sure" - he adds while gagging the man.

"I am almost fully certain we will face multiple problems back at Port Shaw, consequence of our actions here - I am ready to face them" - the man finishes - "What I am not ready to do is send this cur to the sharks, or maroon him in an island to be eaten by one of the many cannibal tribes, and pretend it wasn't me who killed him. You all know my thoughts on this, however, as always, I will defer to the will of the group"

"I am sure you know what I think about it" - he replies.

"Do you believe such report would meet with approval in Port Shaw Aka? Slavery is indeed considered legitimate - it is we who are going against the city's laws, are we not?" - Zemwaar replies.

He replies in common if the man is already tied. Also, I don't think Zemwaar knows that Jacinth speaks or understands Tulitan - if that is so, he will wait until the man is tied, and then reply in the common tongue.

I'm not sure having a 'designed leader' will actually work out for us - isn't learning to act as a group part of the game? :D

"Zem, do you think it wise to put him on that longboat?"

aikane tries to get a read on the freed slaves' reactions around him.

"He speaks and acts as despicably as could be expected from a slaver" - Zemwaar replies to Aikane - "Though irrelevant and inconsequential his existence may be, my opinion on this remains the same" - then turns to look at the man - "Perhaps he should be bound and gagged to comply without having to listen to him any further" - he approaches Hazeltree - "I tire of his tone"

"Nefertit, this one has no love for our peoples. He would profit off the backs of our labors, and would never help us free our peoples." A gleam in his eyes appears as he adds, "My brother Ke'ahilani has the best solution to deal with him."

"Being like him is not the best solution" - the man replies in Tulitan, then resumes speaking to Hazeltree - "Turn around, and kneel - you will be bound until you are released"

"He is a prisoner" - Zemwaar adds in calm tones from his position guarding the exit - "He must be restrained, and returned to his crew as suggested"

I thought he was still charmed? :D

"Agreed" - the man follows Nef down below.

Unless Ko'oku'wa has more to add.

No Aka, you are doing the right thing" - Zemwaar offers an assenting nod, then turns to Ko'oku'wa - "You already know my thoughts on this matter" - he adds calmly.

He silently wills them to remain on the ship.

I laughed Rata :D

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Nimbly, Zemwaar moves atop a crate pile, shouting in Tulitan above the commotion - "Stand fast brothers. Those of 'The People' are not affected by this disease - we are SAFE. Do not run. Stand with me!"

Diplomacy Aid?: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Zemwaar moves up top after Nef and Ke'ahilani with a grave face on.

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

His look is most likely one of incredulity than fear, or genuine concern however, and he is unable to contribute to the ruse.

It does not prevent him from keeping an attentive eye on the surrounding crew members however.

Welcome back Rata - good to know everything went well with the surgery.

The First Mate listens to the elf Captain closely, his eyes widening as the word 'plague' is mentioned. As she finishes her tale, he glances over at Buckley who shakes his head slightly. His look of uncertainty is mixed with a look of skepticism. "I be sailing the Razor fer a long time, lass, 'n me never 'eard of such a disease before. Still...", he glances uncertainly at Zemwaar before turning back to her, "I guess we 'ave not run into 'everthing yet..." His voice trails off uncertainly...

Botting Rata Fenn here...

Rata Fenn adds smoothly, "She speaks the truth Master Guillard. 'I r'member running across somethin' like this on me travels 'ere afer I reached the Razor. It be a NASTY bug!"

Guillard nods in reply to him, and considers the words carefully...glancing at the other warrior who has remained silent so far...

I will need an Aid another check from Zemwaar here as well. The First Mate rolled REALLY well on his Sense Motive check, he he.

"It is as the Captain Jacinth explained - there is more than one way to deal with it, but this is the best one" - Zemwaar adds without hesitation.

Untrained Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Ko'oku'wa sighs softly. He motions Zemwaar to one side away from the others. The look in his eye is filled with regret yet his voice is flat as he replies, "My hold on the Captain is far more tenuous than you have seen so far. The spell influences his behavior, but does not control him. Should I do as you request, the Captain will no doubt break the enchantment I have over him, then we are surely doomed to fail."

He shifts to the Tulitan native tongue as he adds, "These are SLAVERS! Guillard and the other slavers would bathe the ship's decks with the blood of our peoples if we gave them that chance! Surely you smell the scent of mutiny here, do you not? They do not bear us any love, nor do they show us any mercy. Tell me, why should we do the same for these...these BARBARIANS?"

"'Barbarians' is exactly the term the slavers use to name our people" - Zemwaar answers calmly - "You misunderstand me if you think I would hesitate in striking any of them - they deserve nothing from me. From US" - the tribesman's eyes gleam, and he flexes his fists.

"Yet, I will not allow them to turn me into something I am not - to use your words, it is we who are being given a chance. If we act as they would, what would difference us?"

At Jacinth's words, he simply nods in agreement, following her up top.

He knew the answer would be that one, but he wanted to hear it - "Though I am commited to freeing as many tribesmen and women as possible, and we are most likely allies in this endeavour, we are not yet friends" - Zemwaar retorts openly - "Why not simply have the captain order all but the Tulita to abandon ship, nominating you as captain? Those refusing the captain's orders - as surely some will - would be forced to do so, but those agreeing to the terms, would be allowed to leave" - he adds.

"Unnecessary bloodshed could be prevented, and your destination would be safe" - the man continues - "If by any chance we were ever confronted with what has happened here, there wouldn't be much to tell - the captain decided to abandon ship, leaving a Tulitan in charge. Outrageous? Definitely? But he is the captain, and if he has decided so..."

** spoiler omitted **

"She does" - Zemwaar replies in the common tongue, so all can understand his words, bowing shortly in thanks for the compliment - "I speak in the common tongue, as I have nothing to hide from my companions" - he explains - "And I believe our Captain's reasoning is sound. If there will be a fight for your freedom, it needs to be a surprise and quick one. Guile will be the best way to garner us such advantage"

Taking a look at Jacinth first, he then turns to his fellow Tulita again - "If the slavers are fought and defeated, what will you do with them? How can you guarantee they will not know where you have headed?"

Apologies for the lack of posts guys - a mix of work and family duties bore down on me for the past few days. I should be able to update tonight.

Zemwaar nods at the Tulita, in appreciation of his straightforward words - "What are your intentions?" - he asks, also straightforward.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter - I got the runaround with family and all that. All in all, quite good, and even better with the extra day off last Friday to enjoy the sunny weather.

All the best on the surgery Rata, and a swift recovery man.

Thanks to Bret for putting the spreadsheet together - I have seen very ellaborate loot sheets, but I believe in these cases, less is more (making it easier to add more stuff if necessary). So I think it looks good.

Zemwaar follows the others closely, his eyes continuously surveying the scene around them, mainly Ko'oku'wa and Captain Hazeltree.

He cannot shake the feeling that something is clearly wrong with the picture, even though he feels satisfied the Tulita are not in shackles, but instead free to move around.

As the captain speaks, he listens, arms crossed, and ready to spring into action - the close quarters are the perfect set up for an ambush.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

With an arched eyebrow, his gaze shifts from Hazeltree to the Tulita personal assistant, staring hard at the man, observing his attire for telltale signs of any further... Abilities, apart from seamanship.

Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

I was on Easter radio silence, but I am here - unable to post right now. I'll have something up later today though.

"Allow me on board first" - Zemwaar comments to both Jacinth and Rita as they draw closer.

He climbs the rope ladder in silence and, after gaining access, surveys the scene looking for telltale signs that anything may be out of place, apart from a ship apparently freely manned by slaves.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Zemwaar obviously allows the hug, and returns it, but he is clearly tense - "This will not be straightforward Aka" - he whispers to her, before leaving with Jacinth and Rata.

Zemwaar nods, and moves to prepare the longboat for the trek to the Iron Bastion.

"Rata's observation about possible...allies is a sound one. And as I said a moment ago, I have no particular love of slavers. But what place is it of ours to get involved here? Should this matter not be left to proper authorities?"

Zemwaar raises an eyebrow at the mention of 'proper authorities', but does not comment on it. Instead he addresses the elf and the others - "I offer to go with Jacinth if parley is decided upon" - he states.

Zemwaar will offer to go with Jacinth - I'll have a post up soon.

Completely flustered to be in his presence once again, she looks down and stammers. "I... I was going to... Malama, will you... help me propitiate Whale? Please?"

"Of course Aka" - the man nods - "I will be with you"

--------------

As they row away from The Rita, the rhythmic makes his mind wander on what may be the consequences of the actions they are about to take - Zemwaar had learned to respect the gods of the Tulita, but in his mind, perhaps due to his warrior upbringing, he never saw them as entities that required reverence, but instead those that will usher you along, if you make to deserve it, and ignore you if you do not.

Crom anyone? :D

He did not feel the need, or will to bow before them, as in fact he usually had a hard time bowing before anyone, so he would show his respect by accompanying Nef, and being there, willing to listen, if there was anything to be heard.

--------------

When the ship is sighted:

Zemwaar strains to try and garner any details from the approaching vessel, grabbing the nearby spyglass, and extending it to its fullest.

We DO have a spyglass, right? ;)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Aye, aye, Captain!"

Nef and Wedjat fly out to get a closer look at the ship.

"Do not take any unnecessary risks Aka" - Zemwaar warns, before Nef takes flight, offering some dry meat to Wedjat - "Stay safe" - he whispers to the eagle.

Zemwaar will go ;)

Seems Oren is safe after all - there goes my chance to shine ;)

Well, if Oren goes overboard, Zemwaar is diving right after him.

In fact, if he seems to be going overboard, Zemwaar will try to catch him before he does, while dangling from his own lifeline - Spiderman anyone? :)

In the morning Zemwaar goes about his tasks without a single word - when noticing the storm heading their way, he makes sure all are warned against it.

When the shift changes, he goes down below for a couple of minutes to eat something, and then returns up top to assist with manning the ship against the torment.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 4 = 25