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Chapter 0:
Two weeks ago.
Blood red skies, the sweet scent of burning pine lingers in the air, mixed with a coppery blood aftertaste. The still standing line of defense is littered with bodies of human, elf, gnoll, and all sorts of once bitter enemies fighting back the tide of demonic invasion. The ground underneath their feet shifts uncomfortably as if in protest of the bloodshed spilled in the last few hours. A brief respite earned by those defending the line have allowed almost all of the villagers to board the last ship, a caravel sized vessel stretched to capacity with little supplies to go around.
You board the vessel as the stars themselves begin to crash into the world, leaving craters where houses and forests once stood. The ground cracks open and threatens to burn the ship in dock only moments before you set sail for the last portal opened not far from port.
The ship slowly moves forward.
A few passengers call out to their loved ones just a few finger tips out of reach, begging them to come with them. Those wizards levitating out of reach spare the quickest of glances as they struggle to hold the portals open with their dwindling arcane might.
The ship slowly moves forward.
A crash of what sounds like thunder accompanied by the smell of burning flesh fills your head as you see a blacked hand clutching the life from a floating wizard. His cries fill your ears with clarity as the rest struggle to keep their concentration. Another explosions knock a pair of wizards to the deck of the ship, only one still groaning the other silent.
The ship slowly moves forward.
The captain calls out orders to anyone listening as he scrambles to avoid blackened arrows fired from shadowy attackers from the shore, the demons have returned.
The ship slowly moves forward.
Tracing the edges of a keenly sharpened arrow of pitch wedged into his ribs, the former captain falls from the ship in slow motion, crashing face first into the dark water below.
The ship slowly moves forward.
The ship shudders, it's momentum stopped shortly as it pierces the magical veil tentatively holding the escape portal open. A resourceful gnoll tosses a rope and a wizard bobbing on air surprisingly catches she catches it, and is hauled on board seconds before the ship disappears for good through the luminous white gate.
The portal quickly closes.
Aaah... how absolutely beautiful Avion thinks and grins to himself while looking at the small vial of poison bottle. This is surely last of it´s kind... I shall truly savour this bottle and burst to his own hilarious laugh. Watching around the small cabin, it´s neatly packed with stuff and equipments all over... but the table is taking most of the space, too large to be just for normal use. Sharp knives and equipments are in shelf next to it and vials of different colors below, almost in "ground" level.
Avion had gained this room for his job... shrugging while watcing to mirror Surgeon... ahaha, honestly, I should "heal" these people.... if they just would know the truth while giving last finishing touch to his disguise. Better yet not reveal my true colors... more sweet is the moment, when I collect their souls and steps outside and walks towards the outdoor to get outside.
Memories keep flowing while he walks... the moment of massive hordes of undeads marching and moaning behind the walls, clerics and priests of Nerull rebuking and commanding the undead fights against each other... liches and more horrors from deepest of hell...
Wrong believers and traitors! Serves them right... They gave up, never believed. Those fools deserved each ounce of pain they received before death walking with heavy steps, stopping in front of the outdoor and opening it... revealing the sun shining on desk.
Lying exhausted in the cat-tail of ropes bundled into a hammock which swings in time to the ships motions through the waves. The brown skinned Elf lays still, letting the gentle rocking motion sooth her mental ills.
After a long life upon the hard sea, the images and things she'd seen over the past had left her trully drained and wrung out.
Now with the wash of the sea against the ships prow coming frm beneath her perch that hung from the Bow-sprit. She had more than enough time to simply relax and attempt to forget.
*looking out upon the water covered world he thinks to himself this is all wrong its not supposed to to covered in water*
*sits on the deck pulls ouþ a bag of rune stones and "casts" them to see what they say about this place*
Hmmmm doesn't look to good
*looks up to the sky*
Odin All-Foder what went wrong why is the world not a garden where are the other Aesir I will find them and do what ever I can to fix this Odin so that your shade may rest*
The giant demons hellfire covered whip tore through the front line leaving the smells of burned flesh and the sight of charred, dismembered bodies lying among the faltering line of skirmishers...
Everything is surrounded in a blurred haze as the skirmisher forces retreated toward the neatly formed ranks of the heavy infantry and calvary of the 1st line of defenses. Everything has began to fail, over half the tribes warriors are gone, the chieftain is badly injured but still standing and urging the warriors on. The human’s commander gives an impassioned speech of their gods watching over them, some type of drivel as the enemy marched slowly over their earth works and trenches.
Memories are becoming more blurred more chaotic, the last of the tribes warrior caste kneel in an earthwork within a breath of their enemies and embattled allies. Kai'itza's wounded chieftain hands him, the last warrior, his bow and war cloak. A final look into his eyes shows his willingness to die with the tribes warriors and the final command of entrusting his items to the one who would survive wholesale slaughter that surrounds them. Kai'itza's watches his chieftain re-strap his shield and draw his war-blade in preparation.
The sudden feeling of Kai'itza's lungs burning from exertion, the sight of the distant shore rushing closer as he runs towards the ships and escape. The feeling of pain heralds the sudden impacts of something piercing his back. The vision of turning and hurling a short spear at the Dretch screaming as it was charging up behind him, the demon screams cut off as the spear strikes home.
The feeling of water rushing up around as he dives into the rolling surf the ships are close, he could swim, the enemy is far but their bows are real heavy draw and its wielders very accurate. Surfacing near the side of a massive wooden vessel, as a rope ladder falls within reach more impacts strike his shoulder and back as he begins to climb.
As he reaches the railing, he drags himself over and collapses unto the deck, no one pays much attention to him as he crawls towards the stairs and curls up beneath the stairwell. The sounds and screams going on around him fade and the smell of fresh sand begin thrown over the bodily fluids running freely across the main deck.
Odd sensation of something changing, as he tried to taste the air his eyes refusing to open and then his pain fades as the world fades to a muffled blackness.
Languishing under the stairs on the main deck of the caravel, Kai'itza's memories came and went as he stared listlessly at the excited activity going on around him. He barely remembers being on the ‘surgeons’ table, something cutting into his back and removing the sharp pain that had kept him from helping on deck. Everything felt dull as he watched as everyone on deck went about their tasks.
It took a long time for his wounds to heal in this new world, everyone seemed on edge or perhaps he misread their body language and attitudes. Things would be interesting among these unscaled, hopefully he wouldn't have to kill any of them but with a ship this overcrowded it was only a matter of time before one of them forced his hand.
If there are any lizard-folk on deck he makes a point of staying near them, and storing his items near those he thinks he can trust. If not he sets up shop under the stairs and treats the darkwood bow and cloak of memories with the greatest of care.
He painstakingly spreads oil across his itching wounds, in an attempt to minimize the scars from the battle. As the ship moves along the waves of this new and strange world, he watches everyone on deck reading their body language. The tension in the air was almost palpable, Kai'itza was only able to shake his head as he resealed his oil pot.
These unscaled allow so much tension to remain festering and distract them so much, how do they ever get anything done?
The only things of interest was the growing tension over the new captain and the rumor of someone raising dissent over his 'rise' right after the old captains death. Then this new world of water, so little land, but the meat was plentiful. As he secures another couple of rogue lead ropes, he checks his fishing net before hurling it into the endless sea. As a sailor moved further away after he noticed Kai's satisfied toothy grin, his chest rumbled with a bestial chuckle.
Survival
The last annoyance is his promotion to quartermaster of this strange vessel, although the 'lead boatswain' complains about it like the annoying birds that cry throughout the day. the new 'captain' believed him to be very efficient in how he goes about his tasks, it seems that it must be a rare trait among the unscaled. More of this annoyance is because of how so many of the unscaled complain when they don't get what they want all the time, one 'man', as he called himself many times, carried his bruising well when he tried to take what he wanted by force.
As he draws in his net, he rumbles with laughter again and prepares to throw the net again before his new 'kalimbe', Loincloth, got caught in the rigging. 'Clothing' was a stupid thing when it served no purpose, but oh no if he walked around bare they grew even more tense and offended.
Some unscaled are foolish...
With much still fresh on his mind after their long trek from the portals, and their supplies still limited, even with all that they have brought forth, Captain Pantera sat in his cabin.
He sat with a long face, and had a clean map, nothing charted but a location he indicated as the 'entry point.' Here he had, with much dismay, tracked every last distance, and every movement the Brotherhood had taken. All distances, all approximations, nothing concrete.
If we don't find land soon, I worry for the livestock - but moreso, for the crew. Even after two weeks, I still have not finalized the true heading we've wished for.
With a heavy sigh, he slipped on his coat, and placed his tricorne 'top his head, and dipped out onto the main deck. Somewhere on board he heard "Captain on deck!", and gave a smile as he moved to the wheel. He motioned for the current sailor to ease, and simply do what he'd been doing, and stared off over the whole ship.
So. Here we are. Appointed positions, and still more bodies. I'm rather fortunate to have garnered this ship from our most gracious supplier - it wasn't easy for that man to part with it. Anyways... it seems there's nothing but water here, even still. Worse yet, we could be in the middle of a vast ocean, and no land in sight for weeks.
As he thought deeply on the situation, the Captain, in his dark blues and blacks, stepped out to the main deck, descending the stairs and inspecting the deck. He made a note to check the spirits, to see if any had taken unfaithfully... and he had already demonstrated that punishment. He was very much cleaning the deck - and he ensured he stepped through the fresh job, giving it a bit more dirt before he moved onward to the bow.
"You missed a spot, there. Better make sure you keep your 'spirits' high, and scrub harder."
He gave him a smile and a wink. All in due time, he thought. All in due time.
Sunny yawns and stretches as the light of another new day in this new world dawns. Wriggling about, she dexterously climbs out of her rope hammock and up onto the bow-sprit arm. Thence walking down onto the Bow-deck and the crew there who are about their duty 'on shift'.
While the brown elf's rather meager attire attracts the gaze of many, the paired swords that she carries easily have dissuaded them from doing anything more than looking. That the wench sleeps in make shift hammocks rigged all about the boat seemingly at random has kept many of those who wished a more nocturnal encounter equally stymied.
As she climbs the 'steps' of the companion way up and onto the Fo'cstle, she smiles and nods to the figure of "Captain" Devannis.
"Mornin' Sir." She acknowledges his presence easily. "Should, may-hap, we be soundin' the waters as we go? The sea may seem endless an' flat as a map, but where th' bottom lies should also be a concern, don'cha think?"
With a large grin plastered on his face at the attire of this elf, he just chuckles, and pats her shoulder.
"Mayhaps. The only issue with that, my dear, is the presence of creatures 'neath the waves. Wouldn' want to lose our siren 'midst the sharks, hmm? 'Course, if you got a method, then be my guest. Just make sure you don' get killed, or I'll have to make some sort of rousin' speech. And I hate speeches."
On that last note, he leaned in, and gave a good, long wink. He'd then stretch, and lean upon the railing, running his hand along it. It needed work, most could tell, but the way the Captain treated this Caravel, was as if it were family. As if it were home, even...
With his mind fresh on that subject, he did turn around and look across the boat from this angle, and close his eyes - embracing the sea air.
A bit lower than Suny, Kyre had already packed away her own hammock for the day. Some had observed that it was pointless; she was going to put it up again in exactly the same spot to sleep, but she couldn't help it. She was a refugee, a guest of the ship, and she felt the constant impulse to be courteous to the ship and it's captain.
The courtesy was not merely for their benefit. Courtesy required discipline, and she felt the necessity to remain disciplined in the presence of her new companions. There were some who had striven mightily merely to protect natural life against constant violations of nature. There were some who had no such might; and there were others who but for happenstance might have given their loyalties to the invaders.
The time might very well come when Kyre Sannah's discipline might the the only thing standing between these last two.
For now, Kyre merely took up as little deck space as she could, caring for her 'armor' and watching the horizon...
With a large grin plastered on his face at the attire of this elf, he just chuckles, and pats her shoulder.
"Mayhaps. The only issue with that, my dear, is the presence of creatures 'neath the waves. Wouldn' want to lose our siren 'midst the sharks, hmm? 'Course, if you got a method, then be my guest. Just make sure you don' get killed, or I'll have to make some sort of rousin' speech. And I hate speeches."
On that last note, he leaned in, and gave a good, long wink. He'd then stretch, and lean upon the railing, running his hand along it. He then did turn around and look across the boat from this angle, and close his eyes - embracing the sea air.
Suny's smile remains, though a blond eyebrow also does rise. She steps up to the railing, getting closer to the Captain,
"Not meanin' t' be tellin' a Officer their business? But there be things called 'Sounding lines' whut are dropped over th' side t' check the fathoms under yer keel. Not t' mention yer 'knott' line fer workin' out yer speed afore th' wind." She whispers, then also turns abut and leans against the railing and looking out over, not the ship but the crew.
"Aye, well my folk been sailin' th' ocean fer a very long time an' we's comfortable above or below it." Her grin seems wider.
"Now, if'n we wasn't a mite pressed fer time at findin' somat solid t' be workin some o' th, um, kinks out'a people limbs, hey?" She finishes loudly enough for any one close by to hear.
"Then, aye, I'd be more'n happy t' oblige ye in seein' whut he sea covered swells o' this world have t' hide."
*pulls out his weapons and sharpens them treating them with the honor gifts from his father deserve then gets up and casts his net into the water wanting to catch a few fish *
*sings in the lands of my fathers the jotum rule, lost are the Enjer protectors of all, shadows fill Vahalla the Aesir scatter to the four*
He looks about, and as she leans in to be closer for her hushed whisper, he leans back in, and grins.
"I knew that. Wanted t'see if you were capable. I need to test each an' every one of you that's been welcomed aboard this vessel. If I don't have capable sailors, then I have to know, so I can make up for 'em."
"As for sailin' the ocean wide, I know much of it, Sunny-day - I myself bear qualities that allowed me t' soar 'neath these waves, and breathe this fine air we have now. Nothin' is better for me than t' sail about, and sometimes, talk like a pompous nobleman."
He'd give a good laugh, and leaned still on the railing. On her next commentary, he does add, "Then when we've time, we should both go see what's hidin' in these waters. Maybe we'd have a better idea of what we're dealin' with."
Actually looking at the features under the wide brimmed hat upon the man's head, Suny blushes upon realizing that they share a bond of kin. It does not stop her from voicing her erudite opinion upon Devanni's comment about 'competency'.
"Meeeeeh!" She pokes her tongue out cheekily at him.
Then something catches her attention and she skips off over the decks, heading towards the main deck where one of the larger passengers or crew seems to have attracted her attention.
In the midst of enjoying the usual low buzz of conversation and the noise of the ship's activity being muffled by the natural noise of the ocean flowing around the ship, Kai continued his fishing pulling in usual share of fish. He was contemplating jumping into this forbidden, endless sea when Suny's happy voice broke up the monotony of the day. As always he focused one of his ear frills to listen as she chimed on in a marry energetic tone. He found that watching her move about the deck at times proved to be most useful to learn how to sway with the ship in time. Sometimes it was hard to override his better judgement but his instinct told him to watch out for this one, as interesting as she proved with each passing day, it also proved that she was probably one of the most vulnerable ones on the ship.
With his interest perked he continued to monitor what she talked about. Although after he folded up his fishing net, happy with his catch, he was distracted by his duties of monitoring the stores and keeping what little order he could through cold calculation and strength of arms if forced. Sadly the rumor was even more abuzz with the same complaints of moving in the same meaning direction. Kai squashed the complaints whenever he could but no matter how many times he snapped his teeth the complaint persisted.
Gather Information on the current rumors and complaints
Upon seeing 'Captain' Chief Devannis he made a point of approaching and falling in step with the shorter unscaled.
"I know thiss quesstion is foolissh but there are thosse who cannot distract themsselvess from assking if we have a heading in an unknown and endlessss ssea."
He watched for his reaction with rapt attention, he found it best to learn the unscaled to better predict what they would do in certain situations.
As Suny bounds about the deck, Kai's impression of her continued to rise, that one was a dangerous one. No good in heavy armor but lithe and quick like a viper with light or no armor, a shame she was born an unscale. Both vulnerable and dangerous...
That one will need to be watched further for sure...
Once his attention had been daydreaming with the skies above, he had again been interrupted by his quartermaster - ever a daily routine, if he had one, was to be talked to by his crew. Not that he minded, ever at all - it was why he was here, to lead them in this voyage.
"Our direction is unknown, my friend, and even if'n we had a headin', it'd do us no good. All we can tell is we're headin' what we believe to be Eastern. That ways, we don't hit any ice or such things - long as the tools say so. Now, what else can you tell me about our guests? Do they seem on edge, at all? Or are they calm? I understand cert'n things, Kai, but I understand fear more'n anythin'."
He had a more serious face, and adjusted his tricorne a bit to look about the ship. He would note what had been said, though.
"I do understand that a headin's good and all, but with no directions 'n no map? Not much else we can do but keep on sailin' one direction. What little good my navigation's tellin' me is that if'n we keep on this way, we'll be well off!"
He turned, and patted the lizardfolk's shoulder. "Soon, my friend, soon. We'll find land soon 'nough. Now, how's our other notables doin'?"
Leaning on the rail and watching the wake left by the ships passage, Kai listened to the captains response, as he took a moment to collect his thoughts for a proper answer he spares a quick glance for Finn as he sharpens his weapons and the ever bouncy Suny bounding around the deck and rigging.
"For the mosst part Captain I ssee dissapointment with a few, anger from many becassue of their current..." an unscaled's term "place... Ssome of coursse believe they sshould be in a different cassste." Kai shakes his head in bewilderment. "It all iss foolissh possturing and other empty dissplayss of weaknesss. The ssooner we find a place, the ssooner we will be rid of thesse foolissh mongerss and the tension will be releassed."
As he watches the Captain for his response, he mentally tallies up the current stores and fresh water supplies. Even on the sparse rations they were living on now showed things were grim and a few weeks it would be worse. He quickly glanced over the nearby crew, remembering faces and expressions. Yes, grim to worse.
"I have many fisshing for whatever extra meat we can catch, but it sstill takess time to make certain it iss not poisonous. Other then that our storess are going to be worse in the passssing weekss..." As he considered his next words carefully he tared back down into the cold water below. "My sshield and sspear ssstand with you Chi... Captain... No matter how thisss endsss..."
With a keen ear and a calm mind, Captain Pantera thought hard on the words Kai had used. He listened intently, and mentally noted the dissent that would rise to riot if nothing could be done. He stroked his chin for a moment, and then sat up, turning to his Quartermaster.
"Kai, I appreciate your loyalty more than you could ever know. That much is certain. I believe we may need t'break open more o' the rum for our disturbed guests, even if'n they know it's a ruse to calm them for th' time being."
He paused, and looked over the ship, taking a few paces forward. He knew what Kai was used to saying in his tongue when he almost slipped, though, and that brought a pleasant smile to his face. He turned to face him, and continued.
"I do agree with you, though - th' sooner we hit land o' any type, any city, anything will be a boon t'us all. No more of th unneeded cargo space, and would-be sailors who can't even scrub a deck clean. Now, I will send someone to check with our resident lookout shortly, or do it meself. Beyond that, I think as soon as we empty this load, we can be on a fresh start - s'long as we have food stores t'work with..."
Here he put his hand on Kai's left shoulder, and gripped it firmly - though it was clear the Captain wasn't physically strong, most could tell he was agile, and smart - smart enough to put a dagger 'tween your ribs and watch you bleed out from a punctured organ or artery. The motion, was more of respect - something he believed Kai knew plenty of.
"If it comes to it, Kai, you'll see Annabelle again."
Suny skips across the deck, waving to those others aboard who she's already struck up friendships with, , and comes to stand beside large frame of Finn Mackool,
"Hey-A there!" She proffers a hand out, "Folks here about's have taken' t' callin' me 'Suny', whut is it they be callin' you, then?" She asks cheerfully.
"Um...would ye be needin'a hand guttin' and scrapin' yer finny's there?" She adds, looking over Finn's catch of the day so far.
As the memory of the gunpowders smell, the strange oil used to maintain Annabelle came back into mind, Kai'itza's lips curl back revealing his teeth in disgust. It was the strangest thing he had ever seen but the smells made it barely tolerable, much like the 'can-non' on the main deck. Other then that the weapon the captain had shown him had an odd beauty to it, the thought of it was hard for him to comprehend even now.
As he marshalled his features, he looked up at their strange lookout as the Captain continued to speak. As the memory of the bloody battle they barely escaped flashed through his mind, he barely resisted a shudder at the thought of killing their own people instead of Real enemies.
"It would nice to sssee it being ussed but hopefully it will be on thosse who desserve it, I would dissslike to ssee fear get the besst of our... people. If you need ssomeone to brave the depthss I may be sstrong enough to ssee what isss below uss.
He flexes his claws and his frills rise, and fall, excitedly at the idea of exploration before he's able to bring himself under control again.
"I believe thingss will change ssoon and for the better. We ssurvived the death of our world, many were reunited with their godss, thiss iss another tesst to prove usss worthy of the godss. Sssemuanya claimed many of my brothersss that day, hopefully thesse foolss realize the gift they have and sstop their whining"
While keeping his frills up and listening intently to the Captains response, he passed his gaze over the deck looking for anything out of place or any type of distress. He watched Suny and spared a glance for the giant warrior.
*watches sunny move around the ship shaking his head*
Captin how are our stores?
Suny skips across the deck, waving to those others aboard who she's already struck up friendships with, , and comes to stand beside large frame of Finn Mackool,
"Hey-A there!" She proffers a hand out, "Folks here about's have taken' t' callin' me 'Suny', whut is it they be callin' you, then?" She asks cheerfully.
"Um...would ye be needin'a hand guttin' and scrapin' yer finny's there?" She adds, looking over Finn's catch of the day so far.
** spoiler omitted **
Sure if you want and you can call me Finn so what do you do around here??
*throws net back into the water*
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Gather Information 1d20 + 2 on the current rumors and complaints
DC 10 passed:
DC 15
DC 19
Adjusting his Blacksmith apron to better fit his barrel chested frame a half-orc speaks to ya "I'm telling ye, when we set those bodies to the sea, it was as if it was waiting for 'em. I never did see a thing like it before, it felt, I dunno how it felt - eager maybe? Must be my mind playing tricks on me. All this damn salt water." - Eismef, male half-orc
*feeds the eyes from my fishies to my raven Farfnir*
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Suny skips across the deck, waving to those others aboard who she's already struck up friendships with, , and comes to stand beside large frame of Finn Mackool,
"Hey-A there!" She proffers a hand out, "Folks here about's have taken' t' callin' me 'Suny', whut is it they be callin' you, then?" She asks cheerfully.
"Um...would ye be needin'a hand guttin' and scrapin' yer finny's there?" She adds, looking over Finn's catch of the day so far.
** spoiler omitted **
Sure if you want and you can call me Finn so what do you do around here??
*throws net back into the water*
** spoiler omitted **
Some of the ships passengers actually groans, "Ugh...more fish.
Avion, disguised as a old man to his best abilities and walk among the crows, greeting everyone as he walks while giving fake smile to everyone. Especially that one girl... was reeking too much Good!... ugh... that makes me sick but putting his own believes aside and trying to maintain low-profile.
Avion walks among crew-members and gives treatment to everyone, while closely examines the condition of some people in the ship, determining who is more or less likely to die or get healthy. Those who would be more likely to die, he slowly weaken them and kills, until he can use their corpses to his own purposes. Not wanting to take risk, those who seem to be healthy and have a good chance to survive, he heals them faster and pretend to be happy for this
Hey quatermaster think there are any sharks round a bout I need a new hilt wrap for my sword and I got plenty o'chum heh.
*feeds Farfnir more eyes*
There you go I know its not eyes with souls in them but I don't think the Captin would like me killing our crew to feed you soon Farfnir I promise I will find you something soon as we find land
*looks at the doc and ponders*
Hmmmmmm Sunny keep going and feed Farfnir the eyes till he's full please
*walks over to the Doc*
hey can I talk with you tonight?? If so meet me by my bunk tonight I have a favor to ask but now I have to get back to my fish
*goes back to cleaning the fish*
Oh, yes, yes. I will meet you later. I will first take care of these people and tend their wounds... seems like that some of the wounds are still not healing or other sort of... sicknesses and as he speaks, he point to head
So far, I will see what I can do? Anything special you have mind, so I could prepare ahead of time or...? Avion asks and looks at Finn.
I will also first pay my visit to Captain. Most of the time since I came to ship, I had to spend downstairs to attend most injured people and had no time to properly greet him. and as he finishes, he give small bow to half-furbolg and walks towards "new" Captain
Greetings... as we haven´t had yet time to meet, I am this ship Surgeon & Cleric in charge. I though that now I am here to pay attention to less injured people, I could also do my greetings to everyone else
Bluff
"Sure if you want and you can call me Finn so what do you do around here??
Suny grins happily at the very large man, though she drops her unshaken hand without comment. "Well, I s'pose I be a leadin' hand. What with me skills an' know how all about boats an' such. Me family's been involved with th' sea like ferever!" She exclaims.
*Looks over at the 'Old man'/doc and ponders*
"Hmmmmmm Suny, keep going and feed Farfnir the eyes till he's full please." *walks over to the Doc, has some quiet words*
Suny grins,
"Sure an' I c'n be doin' that!" She agrees happily, reaching out eaerly to take the raven.
"Who's a pretty birdy, then? Hey? Who's a pretty birdy?" She coos to the raven while happily plopping fish eyes into its beak.
She calls out with a wave to Eiwia to come and see the pretty birdy.
Kai informs the Captain oh what other findings and complaints he's heard, even the odd report of what the blacksmith believed when they gave those who died rites at sea. As he sees the ships surgeon approach it causes him new flashbacks to burst across his mind, lying on a wooden table, the smell of fresh dirt spread over the blood on the floor, barely masking the metallic smell in the air as the ship tossed in some sort of storm and someone digging out the demonic arrows burning deep in his back. Shaking off the memories with an almost visible effort, he inclines his head respectfully to the surgeon.
Excusing himself returning to his duties he moves on and among the crew striking up conversation with whoever needs his assistance. Watching as more fish were drawn up and the daily quota's were met, helping to slack the use of on-board supplies. He chuckled with bestial laughter when he heard the usual groan over 'more fish', too bad not more of the un-scaled lived through what his tribe lived with daily. Meat is meat and we have plenty of it.
Going back below he took stock of the inventory again, the third time that day, checked with his assistants who kept watch over the inventory and made sure that the livestock was being properly taken care of. They're could be no slack in duties or they could invite sickness which, in such tight quarters, would be catastrophic. And burning out the disease wouldn't be prudent on-board a ship.
As he moved about below deck, he traced the ships beaming and made mental notes of how the frame and structure were shaped. It is truly a wonder what wood could formed out of wood. After finishing his rounds he emerged above deck and approached Suny as she was fishing. He saw Finn over by the Captain and... the Surgeon, he shook off another horrible image as it seeped in through his defenses. Leaning on the railing he cocked an eye on Suny's fishing as he composed his thoughts.
With the memory passed and his features... controlled, Kai tried to act casual. "What casste did you sserve before the...." he thought of a proper word. "Change?" he watched her with rapt attention bordering on a predatory gaze. This gaze shifts between Suny's and her friend.
Kai emerges again above deck and approaches Suny as she was fishing and fussing over Finn's Raven. He saw Finn over by the Captain and... the Surgeon, he shook off another horrible image as it seeped in through his defenses. Leaning on the railing he cocked an eye on Suny's fishing as he composed his thoughts.
With the memory passed and his features... controlled, Kai tried to act casual. "What casste did you sserve before the...." he thought of a proper word. "Change?" he watched her with rapt attention bordering on a predatory gaze. This gaze shifts towards anyone who approaches Suny.
Suny stops chattering to Eiwia in their shared musical language at Kai's question. Her face takes on a thoughtful look as she does seem to consider his words.
"Hmmmm, I s'pose you'd be callen' me a 'warrior', P'raps? I c'n fight an' provide fer peoples, like." She responds, then twists a hip to show off the long, slim sword sheathed there. Matched by an identical weapon on her other side.
"I mainly use these when I'm doin' me business here about in'a dry. Down in'a wet I'm more partial t' spears and nets an' things."
Eiwia makes a comment in the Elve's trilling language and Suny actually blushes, playfully thumping the other woman in her embarrassment.
"Ah...yeah, well," Suny coughs as she tries to regain her composure, "Fighter type! That's me!" She grins and if Eiwia is holding Fafnir, then Suny offers a hand to be shaking to Kai.
Olek Molotva is standing by the railing, watching the ocean and sky in silence. For a time he was in the water, speaking with his manta ray Lijin. The other crewmembers aboard the ship knows that Olek is a river spirit and a Deep One, and that his purpose on the ship is that of a an expert in sea life and botany.
As he listened to Suny's response he chirps, to his surprise, happily at her answers. Although he tips his head to the side baffled at her comment in elven, her trilling accent and musical language caused him to think very hard on what she said and even after some consideration he didn't understand her comment. Her friends response was equally confusing, Suny's blush caused him to lean closer to examine her sudden change in tone. The unscaled proved so very interesting, learning about them gave him constant change and engaged him in ways that surprised even him.
"I assssumed you were a warrior cassste, it isss intersssting how each of our people have different..." he pauses and draws back as she offers her hand. Another gesture he was unfamiliar with personally but he had seen others doing it. With one large clawed hand he mimicked the gesture, trying not to cause her harm. The feeling was oddly nice.
After a moment he releases her hand and looks back over the railing, considering everything he has been exposed to in the recent weeks. So much to learn...
"How well do you ssswim? I've met few who could match my people... I know that until the... change we were not the most... friendly to outsiders."
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Possible Event:
As the day progresses a once clear sky begins to show signs of clouds forming over head. The wind delivers a stronger snap of salt air to your lungs. In the distance large storm clouds are gathering, and the boat is slowly, but steadily beginning to sway up and down a little more each passing hour.
What you may have assumed about what direction you have been traveling is suddenly very much in question. Alarmed cries from those on deck, followed by gasps and fingers being raised off the port side draw your attention.
A second sun has begun to rise behind the coming storm clouds, it's color is deep and vibrant red, like the sky itself was on fire.
It's not as strong, but seems larger than the sun you assumed was your own all this time, and it creates a wicked looking lining to the amassing thunderheads in the distance.
"Captain?!" Adie, the drow sailor calls out, pointing to make sure he sees what is on the horizon. her mouth left agape with an unfinished thought as she struggles to find words.
Kai's senses are overwhemed for a moment as the saltwater causes him to constrict his nostrils, his instincts were screaming leaving him grasping for an answer to what they were trying to warn him about. The drow sailor's call causes him to turn and see the odd event before his eyes. "Sssemuanya guide us..." he whispers as he sees the clouds boiling ahead and the ominous second sun.
As he searched his limited knowledge on sailing, Kai began moving toward gathering up his darkwood shield sheathing three of his javelins in their sheaths on its back side. As he strapped his shield to his back, he fought down a shudder at what this storm portends.
As he makes his way back on deck he barks out orders to his assistants to secure everything below deck, and keep the animals calm if possible. As he gets up on deck he moves about making sure ropes are secured and preparing for the worst. He doesn't wait for others to respond, that wasn't his duty, he only made sure that people below were warned and that what he could secure above was taken care of. The next few hours were going to prove... interesting.
Profession: Sailor
"I assssumed you were a warrior cassste, it isss intersssting how each of our people have different..." he pauses and draws back as she offers her hand. With one large clawed hand he mimicked the gesture, trying not to cause her harm. After a moment he releases her hand and looks back over the railing. He pauses and then asks,
"How well do you ssswim? I've met few who could match my people... I know that until the... change we were not the most... friendly to outsiders."
Suny leans against the railing, though still looking back at those aboard the ship and not out at the waves.
"Oh, swimmin' be easy," She frowns a little as she looks at the size and build of Kai, "Um, but I be thinkin' ye've a slight advantage when it be commin' t' speed in'a water." She grins as she points to to the large Lizard folks tail.
As the wind picks up and the pitch of the ship increases, Suny quickly moves about securing, stowing and lashing things to their places.
As people's attention is/are drawn to the sight appearing before them in the sky,
Suny shrugs pragmatically and actually ignores this second orb.
"C'mon mates! Unless th' darn thing be fallin' on us, there's nothin' we c'n do about a second lantern in th' sky!" She shouts.
"There's storm a brewin', an' gettin' the The Brotherhood ready t' weather the encounter is the more important thing t' be doin'!"
She belows.
"I assssumed you were a warrior cassste, it isss intersssting how each of our people have different..." he pauses and draws back as she offers her hand. With one large clawed hand he mimicked the gesture, trying not to cause her harm. After a moment he releases her hand and looks back over the railing. He pauses and then asks,
"How well do you ssswim? I've met few who could match my people... I know that until the... change we were not the most... friendly to outsiders."
Suny leans against the railing, though still looking back at those aboard the ship and not out at the waves.
"Oh, swimmin' be easy," She frowns a little as she looks at the size and build of Kai, "Um, but I be thinkin' ye've a slight advantage when it be commin' t' speed in'a water." She grins as she points to to the large Lizard folks tail.
He looks back at his tail, as Suny gestures towards it, he gave a low laugh herald by a deep rumble rolling through his chest. "One day we will have to race and sssee if it isss an advantage."
He looks back at his tail, as Suny gestures towards it, he gave a low laugh herald by a deep rumble rolling through his chest. "One day we will have to race and sssee if it isss an advantage."
Suny laughs out loud - a bright, open and honest sound - as she seems to find something funny in Kai's comment,
"Aye, well then mate." She composes herself, "Lets find us some dry dirt t' be keepin' certain peoples happy an' yeah, maybe we'll give it a shot." She finishes, casting a look at Kai that is both friendly, cheerful and yet there is a hint of mischief and lurking mayhem in the Elf's large blue eyes.
Kyre has been on board long enough to be useful, so she makes herself as useful as she can in following the captain's orders, but in her case it's somewhat absent-minded.
In spite of Suny's exhortations, she gives the greater part of her thought to the skies. Cudgeling her brain, she tries to recollect everything her teachers - mortal and fae - taught her about the primacy of the sun, and what another might mean.
Knowledge: Nature check -
And from time to time, she closes her eyes and directs her innermost attention skyward. It was given to her, this sense, to tell her when creatures of wicked intention were near, and she had no reason to believe that a celestial body would be within it's reach, but she opened herself to it anyhow; she could not know if it were futile until she tried...
As the sky darkens and winds grow stronger, this odd Sun is appearing. Avion is smiling Aah, this dark and menacing scene! How beautiful However, curious of what is this event, Avion will study this odd phenomena for a while and remembering some text from his religious books about other worlds
KN:Religion
Looks like Suter is still up to his tricks and Musilhiem is a drift
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Knowledge: Nature check - 1d20+2
Your Detection of evil reveals what you may have already known in these past two weeks, that some of the crew may have had evil in their past still clinging to them. Though whether you subscribe to the new saying of a clean slate bought through blood or not is up to you. Trying to determine if a sun itself is evil proves impossible.
Forces of nature in your experience, tend to be nothing more than driving forces, either for change, or to prevent stagnation, or simply 'just because'. You are assured however, that this portal brought you to a new world entirely, and realize that the sun in the sky has 'features' You recognize them from some maps you must have seen at one point, they are landscapes you recognize, your old home, is in the sky above you burning bright.
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As the sky darkens and winds grow stronger, this odd Sun is appearing. Avion is smiling Aah, this dark and menacing scene! How beautiful However, curious of what is this event, Avion will study this odd phenomena for a while and remembering some text from his religious books about other worlds
KN:Religion1d20+8
With much on his plate, the captain had only so much he could have responded to before the darkening forecast occurred. With all that he knows, Devannis moved with haste, disregarding those who would speak to him as he shouted, moving with haste and utmost urgency.
"Batten down the hatches! Helmsman, set heading to port! We're passing by this storm as much as we can! All hands to your stations, NOW!"
He rushes back to his cabin, where he ditches the fancy coat and wearings, rushing back out in his normal attire. His boots slam the deckboards as he begins all procedures per the norm.
The second sun was disturbing, but nothing he couldn't handle - he accepted this was not Faerun anymore, and so was simply dazed for a few seconds before he continued his work.
He did, however, take time to look around, to ensure all involved were indeed doing their job. If someone was caught slacking this time, there'd be hell to pay.
DM:
I the player have limited nautical knowledge. I'd appreciate any help if I mess anything up.
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DM NOTE:
Port = Left side of the ship (facing forward.)
Starboard = Right side of the ship (facing forward.)
Fore, or Foward = front of the boat
Aft = rear end of the boat
URL: the Wiki page of nautical terms helps me whenever I'm in a bind, but may be a bit overkill for the game. Still if you want to spout nautical nonsense, or flub like a fish, that's the page to visit.
URL: Nautical metaphors is also a fun read.
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You've had a sneaking suspicion that something wasn't quite right with the stars, just when you think you found a familiar pattern it just didn't quite match up. Seeing a new sun altogether sort of solidifies your suspicions that this is indeed not the same world you were once on. There's still something you can't put your finger on however, and it's elusiveness might be bothering you.