Marwan listens to the others suggestions on the story. Prior to the crewman entering with dinner he replies:
"I am a firm believer in honesty. As the Book of the Navigator says, 'Let truth be the steady wind that sails you past the shoals of deception.' I was just thinking that we didn't want to volunteer too much truth, in case it was taken out of context like the villagers did."
Fazaam nods his agreement to Marwan's and Shulim's words.
"Agreed then. We stick to the truth, but we do not volunteer too much. FOr the sake of preventing misunderstandings, of course." HE grins. Then looks somber. A look that is not often on the young elf's face.
"In the interest of being honest, perhaps we should just ask Morah what his dealings with Zerea have been, if any. Or what he knows about the island. I don't think that any of us actually know what was going on over there. Maybe Morah has some answers?"
There is a knock at the door, and his smile easily slides back into place.
"Very well then. Let us pray for a swift and restful voyage," He says, indicating his own wounds. "For I have a feeling that our destination will be anything but uneventful!"
HE gets up and answers the door, revealing the crewman with the platter. With a smile, he waves him grandly into the tiny cabin.
"Welcome! Ah, that soon? Excellent! We have only a few minor details to work out, we will be ready when you are! Ghari, you ready to go?"
"De udder advantage of not saying to much is it leaves tings a mystery," Shulim says as he searches, "and mystery is all da fun in life. Thus far, if Morah isn't acting, our host seems fascinated wit us . . . it'd be a shame fer him ta loose interest before we gots were we're going."
"Dis is a sturdy door . . . but it can be used ta keep people out or in."
"Some food might be an idea," Shulim says, "in case someting is wrong wit da fair we're given aboard ship."
...towards the food. "Go ahead, I won't say anythin'. Fill your gullet."
The crewman takes a look at the lamb and shakes his head. "Alif be wanting me back quick he said. No thanks." He runs back out on deck.
The sounds of sails unfurling and ropes screeching in their blocks is familiar enough. Through the doorway and Yrar, everyone can hear the shouts and calls as a sea chant begins.
The fine voice is elven and the crew are responding to each order sung.
Marwan looks greedily at the food the crewman brought. Understanding Yrar's ploy, he holds back from grabbing any, but his eyes shine with hunger.
"Ah! Noble Morah does indeed fufill the obligations of host most graciously! May Krakis and Najm both smile upon him and his house!"
EDIT:
in a whisper "That was odd. Anyone have a method of detecting additions to our food?"
"Welcome! Ah, that soon? Excellent! We have only a few minor details to work out, we will be ready when you are! Ghari, you ready to go?"
The crewman leaves after answering Yrar. His back is the only response that Fazaam gets.
Then the deck lurches under everyone.
Ghari takes up one of the offered skewers. "A noble offer. I haven't eaten since Shelitan. Thank your master for me." He quickly wolfs down the food. "Also tell your master I'll be up on deck to help weigh anchor."
"Well, I'm off to make friends with the crew. Anyone care to sweat at the capstan with me?"
Fazaam shakes his head as his friend gulps down his food.
"Ghar, you are probably the bravest man I have ever met. Not the brightest, but probably the bravest." He says as he pats him on the back.
"I like the way you think Master Shulim!" He smiles. "I'll follow your lead when it comes to our host. Let's try to keep his interest peaked then, shall we?"
At the lurching of the ship, he raises an elegant eyebrow. "Well then, shopping seems to be out of the question. I guess we'll have to rely on trading with our host for any supplies we might need upon reaching our destination. And on our packs if we determine some of the crew might be up to mischief. Our Captain at least seems to have taken a dislike to our singing friend."
"Well!" He adds, clapping his hands together. "I'm off to see if I can help. And Hasan has a fondness for the view from the top of a mast!" He smiles, and follows Ghari out the door.
"As others have stated I think we should be able to trust Morah. At least as far as helping us reach our destination. From that point on we will just need to pay attention to his actions. Maybe the witch came by and said to deliver them to her at some point. Or maybe he will make a round a bout journey so this favor so can be done first. I do not recall if we agreed on a time frame to complete the favor. The crew members however I wouldn't trust an inch. All of us should be watching them closely. And as you stated we should always be in pairs."
As he watches Ghari devour the food he realizes how long it has been since he last ate. "Let's hope the crew hasn't decided to give us all the runs out of spite."
As the ship lurches, "It the crew, Morah, or both wanted us out of here as quickly as possible. Has an hour passed since our introduction with him?"
Half an hour has passed.
Yrar stares at the platter as the crewman leaves. Ghari comes over and gulps down some food, but the Half-Orc is still skeptical. Not having met this Morah and only really having contact with the flippant Elf 'Pointy', the Barbarian is not trusting.
Yrar eventually sets the platter down and reaches for his pack containing some trail rations. As he moves the boat lurches.
Seeing Ghari indulge, Marwan begins to drool.
"Well, seeing as we will be aboard for a while, a bit of trust might not be misplaced. MMMM."
Marwan digs in eagerly, wolfing down his portion most heartily.
Ghari steps on deck, taking in the scene. He'll report to whoever seems to be in charge and volunteer to help.
Yrar
As Ghari and Fazaam emerge onto the main deck. It is a hive of activity. The elf, Dishdash, is in charge of the deck and rope work as everyone is setting sail. He seems to know what he is doing and the crew are every bit as professional.
On the upper deck at the rail is Captain Alif, he stands legs akimbo and swaying with the dhow. The big silk tent has been taken down from behind him, but from the main deck Morah cannot be seen.
Nearby a sailor is manning the wheel. He is concentrating on Dishdash.
At that moment the sail begins to billow out and the Sailors Dream is underway.
Fazaam throws Ghari a quick wink, then turns to the Captain.
"Ahoy Captain! Would another pair of hands be welcome?" He jabs a thumb at Ghari.
"My ugly friend here is good only for heavy lifting I'm afraid, but I'm a fair hand at climbing and the sails, Can we help?" The elf flashes his winning smile.
Fazaam has yet again unconsciously struck another pose, With his hands on his hips, and the sea breeze blowing his long hair and catching his shirt, he looks every inch the Hero of the poems. Despite his injuries, the sea breeze is refreshing, and the knowledge that they are finally on their way to save Temusa have combined to lift his spirits. He laughs into wind, Hasan chattering on his shoulder.
Yrar munches on rations as he stares at the four walls of the small room. The setting takes him back to his past and he sinks into his memories. The horror, anger, and torment come seeping back to him. He shakes his head and uncontrollably shouts, “NO!”
He quickly stands and starts pacing about the room. His thoughts go to the double locks on the door and the potential for imprisonment. He is torn between getting away from the enclosure and keeping out of trouble. His heart screams for freedom, but his mind tells him to stay here. The less contact he has with the crew, the better the chances of staying out of a fight which betters the chances of saving the woman.
He continues to pace and mumble to himself, moving to and then away from the door.
DM
Then again, Yrar going topside could bring the game other interesting scenarios.
Just some thoughts.
After eating, Marwan decides to follow Fazaam and Ghari to the deck. Approaching Alif, he bows.
"Noble Alif, I have come to offer my services as a deckhand in the spirit of cooperation. I have some small experience with ship's duties, and I am eager to assist."
"You ok der Yrar?" the gnome asks, "You don't look so good. Maybe ya want ta get topside? I knew someone once that didn't do so well wit camped spaces."
... He laughs into wind, Hasan chattering on his shoulder.
Alif looks down at the wounded elf and smiles a little.
"You up the mast and keep a good eye out for shifting sands ahead. Yell if you see any."
Then he takes in Ghari. "Dishdash - give him work. Let's see what he can do."
The taut elven mate nods at the captain and points to the prow where a small group of sailors are quickly unfurling a second smaller sail. "Give them a hand!"
The captain looks further and hears Marwan's offer too. "Take the lead, measure the depth and let me know, this place can be treacherous." He points over by the starboard rail. There is a thin hemp rope with a long metal lead for throwing out and drawing back in. It has a dozen coloured ties up its length in six foot intervals.
"You ok der Yrar?" the gnome asks, "You don't look so good. Maybe ya want ta get topside? I knew someone once that didn't do so well wit camped spaces."
The door opens and a curvaceous gnome puts her head around the corner. A holy symbol of an arrow dangles to her bulging chest.
"Dat rackit must be stopped. You woan Sexinon help the big fella?"
Yrar spoiler
The captain looks further and hears Marwan's offer too. "Take the lead, measure the depth and let me know, this place can be treacherous." He points over by the starboard rail. There is a thin hemp rope with a long metal lead for throwing out and drawing back in. It has a dozen coloured ties up its length in six foot intervals.
"At once Captain Alif!" Marwan cries cheerfully, settling to the task at the Starboard rail.
Profession: Sailor: 1d20+1=21, Use Rope: 1d20+5=15
Marwan takes the soundings, calling out the fathoms in a strong voice as he reads them.
"You ok der Yrar?" the gnome asks, "You don't look so good. Maybe ya want ta get topside? I knew someone once that didn't do so well wit camped spaces."
The Half-Orc stops pacing and looks to Shulim, “Its not the space, it’s the place. Don’t really like the inside of ships any more. My past ….,” Yrar’s voice trails for a moment. Then he swats the air with an open hand, “Ah, forget it,” he growls, “I need some air.”
Just as he is about to leave, his passage is blocked by a female Gnome. He pauses as if lost in thought. His features soften considerably as he silently whispers, “Zayna.”
Yrar’s voice becomes really soft and his calm and quiet demeanor is quite surprising as he says, “Beggin’ your pardon my lady.” The Half-Orc lowers his head as if he was just scolded, “I did not mean to be so loud. Perhaps some fresh air will help me out. Unless you have some chores for me.” His head stays pointed at the floor while waiting for the Gnome to speak.
Alif looks down at the wounded elf and smiles a little.
"You up the mast and keep a good eye out for shifting sands ahead. Yell if you see any."
Fazaam throws a jaunty half-bow at Alif. "Aye-Aye Captain!" He calls happily. He goes to the mast and looks for the best path to climb. He mumbles to Hasan, "Well, Don't just sit there like a frog on a log, give me a paw here!"
The elf moves slowly due to his injuries, but his newfound good humor lends strength to his limbs, and with Hasan's occasional hint he soon sits on the small cross bar on the top of the mast. He spreads his arms and enjoys the feel of the wind with a beatific smile.
'Still don't care for ships one way or another. But the wind always makes me feel, safe. I wonder if that has anything to do with that story Mam told me about our family history?'
Fazaam's Profession(Sailor) Checks to climb mast: (1d20 6=17, 1d20 6=15)
:)
The captain looks further and hears Marwan's offer too. "Take the lead, measure the depth and let me know, this place can be treacherous." He points over by the starboard rail. There is a thin hemp rope with a long metal lead for throwing out and drawing back in. It has a dozen coloured ties up its length in six foot intervals.
"At once Captain Alif!" Marwan cries cheerfully, settling to the task at the Starboard rail.
Profession: Sailor: 1d20+1=21, Use Rope: 1d20+5=15
Marwan takes the soundings, calling out the fathoms in a strong voice as he reads them.
Alif and Dishdash share a look and the captain nods in approval of Marwan's seamanship.
It needs to be at first there is only a few fathoms clearance and the Dream could easily ground out.
....url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1603940/]Fazaam's Profession(Sailor) Checks to climb mast: (1d20 6=17, 1d20 6=15)[/url]
:)
Alif watches his movements up the mast and then points ahead in a wide arc.
....s voice becomes really soft and his calm and quiet demeanor is quite surprising as he says, “Beggin’ your pardon my lady.” The Half-Orc lowers his head as if he was just scolded, “I did not mean to be so loud. Perhaps some fresh air will help me out. Unless you have some chores for me.” His head stays pointed at the floor while waiting for the Gnome to speak.
The gnome appraises Yrar and his soft words. "Gots a voice, well I cun give you summat ado and set dat mind afree."
She then notices Fudrick and Shulim and grins with a lovely smile of pearly white teeth.
"Well hello boys. Aint I be lucky!"
The door opens and a curvaceous gnome puts her head around the corner. A holy symbol of an arrow dangles to her bulging chest."Dat rackit must be stopped. You woan Sexinon help the big fella?"
"'Allo der," Shulim smiles, "me mate here was just saying dat he don't like da indoors in' all. He was born free and likes ta see da sun and stars over 'is head. Me names' Shulim by da way, I don't believe we's been introduced."
If Shulim still has his hat (from past incarnations) he quickly pulls it off his head.
With his head still bowed, Yrar snakes his head backward to look at Fudrick and Shulim with confusion. His eyes then widen and a slight grin comes out from hiding. “No thank you my Lady. Just some fresh air.” He gives his friends a wink and quickly and quietly makes an exit and leaves the Gnomes alone.
The Barbarian follows his tracks to the main deck. Once there, he sucks in a big, chest-heaving breath of the salty air and closes his eyes for just a moment. The tranquility doesn’t last. He opens his eyes and clenches his hands. They feel somewhat naked without his maul, but his right arm still has the shelter of his spiked gauntlet and his hip still has his shortsword, dagger, and sling. He looks around for someone in charge as his eyes catch the deep blue, which brings a smile to his face.
A giggle escapes her lips as Shulim's charm warms her cheeks.
"Shulim, I be Sexinon an none said us had such attractive folk on board. What be doin' here? Your friend be a touch shy?" The gnome unconsciously twirls a finger around her arrow symbol, drawing attention away from her face.
She seems to be breathing lots.
Just before he speaks he realizes he was staring at her cleavage. Averting his eyes to the floor and blushing something fierce he says, "I.. I'm sorry. We all boarded on short notice. I.. I.. apologize if we disturbed you. Please to meet you, I am futrack, uhm, Fudirack,"Blushing even more brightly than before if even possible, "FUDRICK" Eyes, still downcast, "Sor... sorry for being so loud. I... I need to get back to stowing our gear. Please... please forgive me. He turns around and starts stowing his gear away. Grasping his holy symbol he think back to his time on the family ship. "She reminds me so much of your gay spirit."
Alif watches his movements up the mast and then points ahead in a wide arc.
Fazaam nods, and bends his mind to the task at hand. At first he sees nothing that he thinks should alarm him. But the captain has posted him to look for sandbars, and sent Marwan to take soundings, so there must be cause for concern. He focuses and takes another, longer, more careful look.
"Me friends have been through a lot dez past few days," Shulim says with a sympathetic glance to Fudrick, "some of us are going on very little sleep. Tell me ma lady, what relation are you ta Morah?"
Fazaam tries to see if there are any shoals and sandbars, but cannot see any.
Marwan's work continues well. The elf comes over and stands with him grunting approval at his handiwork with the lead.
---
Sexinon the gnome grins at Fudrick's awkward response. Just then a little human girl runs into the room calling, "Anatam! Anatam! Ana-!" She stops still at the two gnomes then bursts into tears. Lips quivering and body shaking she desperately searches the chamber for another person then dashes into Sexinon's arms in a hug, the gnome's body muffling the girl's wails.
Sexinon smiles a little lopsided, "I'm a nurse. This is Asheera, Morah's grand-daughter and the pearl of his oyster."
Fudrick turns around as the child runs into the room and starts crying. He watches as he is clutched by the pretty Gnome. "You are a nurse? Is something wrong with the child? I am a healer dedicated to Hettama and can help if someone is hurt" It seems once he is talking business his shyness is quickly forgotten.
Shulim smiles, and unconsciously begins rubbing his hands together, he'd been at sea and in the jungles for too long . . .
"Da big guy is Yrar," Shulim says moving closer, "ain't ye a cutie-pie," Shulim says to the little girl, "I bets us strangers done gone an' scared you!" Shulim glances up at Sexinon, "human be so cute at dis age, too bad da gots to get bigger."
The pretty gnome shakes her head to Fudrick.
"Well we have to get this bundle of fun something to do. And not here. Asheera, shall we go back into your room and you can play with these nice new friends?"
A small eye appears in the hug as she assesses the two gnomes. "Play what?" she asks.
Fazaam looks for dangers as instructed, but his wounds refuse to allow him to get comfortable, and he doesn't spot anything.
Resettling himself, he tries to remember what the few talkative sailors on Zerea's ship said about shallow water, and how it looks on the surface. He shades his eyes and takes another look around the bow of the ship,...
Only good for heavy lifting?Ghari bristles at Fazaam's dig, but subsides quickly at the mate's order. He makes his way to the bow and sets to work on the rope. "Can you gentlemen use a hand? I'm Ghari."
Help with sail. used 1/2 profession (fisherman ) for sailor check (1d20+2=11)
....takes another look around the bow of the ship,...
Fazaam cannot see any dangers ahead and Marwan's calls seem to echo that. The Sailors Dream is gradually moving into deeper water.
Ghari helps with the basics of readying the sail, but the intricacies of laying the ropes require a bit more skill.
The dhow is now about 200 yards from shore and heading between Shelitan and its larger neighbour. Daylight is fading as the vessel begins a slow turn towards the north and Musushlat. It travels sedately out of the sheltered coastline towards the Straits of Vinggor.
"Get that foresail up and shortened the sky looks a bit troubled ahead!" orders Alif of Dishdash. Dishdash points at Ghari and the rest and calls on them to get a move on.
Fazaam/Yrar Spot check DC17
Marwan/Ghari Spot DC19 (since you are both busy)
Fazaam/Yrar Spot check DC22
Ghari helps with the basics of readying the sail, but the intricacies of laying the ropes require a bit more skill.
Marwan/Ghari Spot DC19 (since you are both busy)
** spoiler omitted **
Use Rope, Spot (1d20=3, 1d20=11)
Ghari struggles to keep up , but a tangle of uncoiled line grows as the others feed him rope.
Yrar continues to look around the ship and watch the crew while also gazing out at the ocean.
Fazaam's Spot checks: (1d20 2=16, 1d20 2=17)
Fazaam continues to scan the deepening sea for dangers, and does not notice anything else out of the ordinary in the nearby seas.
At the captain's yell, he looks toward the horizon.
Dishdash steps in and starts helping Ghari. The rope work gets better and better. The crew's begins to smile and grin around at the improvement.
A small man with a long nose pokes a knotted end of rope into Ghari's stomach.
"First time sailing with us? I'm Ocelar of Bidikah. Just watch us, you will get better quick."
---
Shelitan passes on the left and ahead everyone on deck can see the clouds and rain slanting into the sea. Still the last red rays of sunlight pierce giving rise to a beautiful rainbow.
Yrar watches the sky and smiles in appreciation at the fleeting beauty of the wonders of nature. Noticing the storm clouds, Yrar contemplates going back to the room or experiencing the freedom of the sea that he enjoyed in his youth. The Half-Orc makes his decision and moves toward the Captain, "Storm on horizon. Long time, and know jungle better, but know way around ship. Need me?"
Marwan, engrossed in the crucial chore of taking soundings, doesn't notice anything.
Yrar watches the sky and smiles in appreciation at the fleeting beauty of the wonders of nature. Noticing the storm clouds, Yrar contemplates going back to the room or experiencing the freedom of the sea that he enjoyed in his youth. The Half-Orc makes his decision and moves toward the Captain, "Storm on horizon. Long time, and know jungle better, but know way around ship. Need me?"
Alif considers the half-orc briefly and keeps his eyes firmly on the clouds ahead.
"Maybe you should stay by the wheel," he murmurs. "Wait there!" and he points at the wheel below his position.
The wind starts to pick up and now that the Dream is out in the open water, Marwan's job is done and done well. Alif shouts at Fazaam, "keep your station in case we need to bring the mainsail in!"
---
The dhow seems to pick up pace and everyone hears the sails go taut. The captain shouts for the elf Dishdash and they have a quick conversation on the upper deck. Then the elf returns to his position near the mast.
"You help him steer." Alif calls down to Yrar. Ahead the gathered clouds seem to grow darker.
In the cabin, Shulim and Fudrick feel the vessel pick up pace and cant to the right. Even Sexinon frowns, then she ushers the little girl away, "let's get you tucked up in your room, me dearie!"
Both of the men get a quick sly wink as Sexinon leaves.
Dishdash steps in and starts helping Ghari. The rope work gets better and better. The crew's begins to smile and grin around at the improvement.
A small man with a long nose pokes a knotted end of rope into Ghari's stomach.
"First time sailing with us? I'm Ocelar of Bidikah. Just watch us, you will get better quick."
---
Inwardly Ghari curses his hands, and the fact that Dishdash felt he needed to help. Outwardly he stoically bears the grins of the crew, gruffly thanks Dishdash, even grins back at Ocelar's poke and comment. This is nothing compared to the hazing on the SeaWitch.
"I wonder which family ship she is from. Maybe I should have asked her instead of acting like a fool. It has just been a long time since..." Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, "Shulim, What are your plans? It seems we have reached open water now that we are picking up speed."
"I am going to see what I can find on this ship. Do a little exploring of my own." Lowering his voice, "Remember to be careful out there."
Yrar nods and follows the instructions. A huge grin appears from its bearded hide-out as the Half-Orc relishes the freedom of the open seas, the amazing power of nature propelling the vessel, and the sea spray glistening against his skin.
Anyone near the Half-Orc can pick up a grunting hum of a tune. Then he sings, "When the ocean meets the sky, we'll be saaaaaaillinggg." His humming continues and he bobs his head.
Marwan stands ready to assist the crew in any way needed. He casts a worried eye to the ominous clouds.