IC Area - Chapter Four - "High Seas Gambit"

[apn]

The Vampire purred "More than just a pretty face" with a stroke of a finger along Wills chin.

With several hand gestures - some sort of sign language? - Chu Tzan has a young crew member hurrying up with a map.

Content for the moment the ship - though damaged - is steering above or between mountain peaks the Second Officer lays the map out on a table on deck.

Sheltered from the rain by a short roof the winds are still sufficient that the map corners need weighting down with handy weights on the table for that purpose.

"I believe..." said Chu Tzan "We are somewhere around here... and that the fleet must be... around here?"



OOC Blue Dot = estimated location of Fleet
Red Dot = estimated location of the Horizon Flower

"We have had much lost time to deal with." growled Hang Tze. "The storms have lost us time whilst allowing the fleet to use the trailing winds to speed their way around the coast and make distance. It is no surprise that our Third Officer chose the short route to make time up..."

"...and yet to pass over or through our sovereign lands..." stated the Vampyre.

"...without knowledge they were there..." interjected Chu Tzan.

The Vampire sighed. "We can go around in circles all you like, Easterners. We MUST protect our home, one we chose to avoid contact with places like Jepik and that new town of Jepistra along with others. We have enough troubles with Elven Rangers, Urucks, Dragons, Adventurers following old maps and other Undead who are not as... careful as we are. Suffice to say anyone who transgresses will be warned off. If that does not work we must defend our home and limit or eliminate knowledge of it!"

She holds up a hand forestall further argument. "This gets us nowhere. I am, however, intrigued by the suggestion from this young man with the fine but rain bedraggled hair. As a show of... good..." she practically spits the word "Faith we return to you..."

From nowhere - or rather from underneath the ship boil hordes of spherical formations of bats, dozens of them! They whirl about then approach the ship! Hang Tze reaches for his swords, Chu Tzan readies his spells...

What now?

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

Klarrrrchur grumbles to himself, “witches, ghouls and goblins. Now vampyres!”

Trying to think of a considerate response concerning both groups he ponders the dilemma.

“Well, the word of a Dwarf is unbreakable!” He grunts, “I give my sworn oath not to reveal yer whereabouts so longs as yer not dinning on good folk (good Uruks included)!”

Edit: Turning to note the new swarm, he states to any that would listen, "Any got a spare silver weapon, a spoon would do?"

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf...

OOC: Gee, he Dwarf, Man! That is what he does, he not know anymore!

Yip Starboard = Right. Just goggled it!

[houndle]

Will Darness
 The only nautical phrase he knows is "splice the mainbrace".
He tries to convey, without actually speaking or moving a muscle, and sincerely hoping the fighting is now done with, that while his hands are full the Vorpal blade is at Klarrrrchur's disposal. Or if the dwarf wanted to throw himself overboard and seek to wrestle his magic axe back from Crispy the troll, that would also work.

[apn]

"Silver weapon? Spoon?" purrs the Vampire. "And here I thought we were making progress." she said, batting her eyes at Will.

The sky is dark with bats all around the ship...

"Pull in!" ordered Hang Tze and he stepped up to the Vampire with sword drawn and raises it to her throat. The crew formed into circles with weapons jutting outwards.

She smiles and rolls her eyes theatrically then the bats swarm in... boil around in circles at several places on the deck and... fly away.

In their place are a dozen or so crew members. Children who are bewildered, dazed but otherwise unharmed.

"Your crew, unharmed." she said with an eyebrow raised at the Samurai sword.

Chu Tzan coughs, covering his mouth and the Samurai turns to his Second Officer then to the Vampire and lowers the weapon.

"You present an intriguing idea." said the Vampire, stepping away and pacing with hands behind her back. "We will continue to prey on Pirates and stray vessels that stray too close to the shore. Vessels that fly the flag of Sonan Ie shall be... allowed passage."

"Allowed?" spluttered Hang Tze.

Chu Tzan stepped forward "Madam, my superior merely states that the seas belong to no one therefore..."

"Any who stray into our lands whether on purpose or by error shall be subject to our whim. This day..." she turns and glances at the Delvers "I have been offered an alternate plan. You see we are old, ancient by any measure. We are not uncivilised and lack certain... niceties. It is easy..." she says with a glance at Klarrrrchur "To group us all as Illkin and smite us hip and thigh. Or try to." she says, smiling with fangs bared and red eyes narrowed.

"This..." she waves a hand about "has been an unfortunate meeting of our peoples."

"Unfortunate!" spluttered Hang Tze. "You have killed our Third Officer..."

"Who attacked us first after having entered our homeland and had the same high and haughty attitude that you show! Sonan Ie may well be a great world power but you are a single vessel surrounded by dozens of mature Vampires..." she said with a hand waved at the clouds of bats flying about.

"Assuming you cannot find enough silver spoons to equip your crew with, I can give the word and this vessel with be downed, your ship destroyed. Yet... here I am. I am speaking as two diplomats might and I am suggesting... free passage in exchange for access to trade goods at preferential rates. We are Vampires. Yes we drain the blood of the living and live forever..." she glances at the Delvers "Unless some misguided Adventurer seeks to 'end us'. However we have lived this long because we are intelligent, private and mind our own business."

"So long as there are no surprises - ships turning up unannounced and taking liberties for example - we can come to an accord." she says.

"I for one would absolutely kill for a new dress." she says as she glances down at the torn, worn, faded, blood stained and many times patched up frock that she wears.

"Or we can fight." she says, leaning against the rail. "And you can die." she adds "But I would rather be... civilised about this."

"Sir!" barked a crewman, an Adult. "Many apologies, I would not have interrupted were it not vital but... the Efreeti containment chamber is cracked!"

Hang Tze was about to splutter at the lapse of protocol but he held his tongue and turned to Chu Tzan. "The ship is doomed." he declared.

"Prepare to abandon ship!"

OOC Rather than hack your way through a series of encounters I wanted to offer an alternative. Meeting, greeting and getting on with (or hacking your way through) a varied group of NPCs and factions.

What will happen is that you gain a Reputation statistic. This will be a number that applies as a modifier any time you have dealings with that faction. Jepistra (the town as a whole), Rathmere (the man), Franick and the Militia, Sonan Ie, The Horizon Flower Crew and this new Vampire faction the D'Avignon Clan would all have a number to rate your reputation with them. So will the Dhesiri. That will be a negative modifier because you invaded their home and turned loads of them into Lizard mince.

Over time it will be a long list and when you encounter them and/or help them or have good dealings your rating will slide up the scale from 'Known' to 'Respected', 'Valued', 'Honoured', 'Famous' and 'Legendary'. Or something like that. Happy to change some of those as required.

Using your modifier in Jepistra might get you information, better prices or maybe get you into places anyone else has to queue for, for example.

Any thoughts? What 'negative' reputation titles should there be? Mistrusted? Hunted? Reviled? Enemy? Hated?

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Just a precaution lady, ya can never truly trust anyone in this cosmos. By the Great Huzzan Duzzan; the spiritual connection to the greater cosmos, makes sure of that!” He pauses just a moment, “even you vampyres must have disputes?!”

He notes Will's actions. The vorpal blade would do just fine and the silver dagger. He will need a good weapon for other not so nice vampyres. A silver capped mace would be perfect.

“I sure you would look fine in a new dress, but far better without one, I am sure!” Splutters out the Dwarf before he could stop himself.

“Yip, ya would not want an army of silver wielding swordsmen approach yer home, that would be unjust. As I stated ye have mi word I not come a threatening yer horde after yer been so nice to mi!”

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf...

OOC: I fine with that, Conan D20 has Reputation scores for characters. Just means some may have heard of your name or seen you in previous town, etc. Perfectly normal...

[apn]

The ships crew buzzed into life once more, even the dazed ones released by the vampires.

Coils of rope were set out on the deck and small hand sized boxes beside them.

Hang Tze made a slight bow to the Delvers and the Vampyre and hurried off to make preparations.

Chu Tzan explained.

"The containment for the Fire Efreeti that serves punishment for transgressions is prone to ... breaching. In order to let the extreme heat out that heats the water and powers the gnomish steam engine that powers the propellers there needs to be apertures that weaken the structure of the containment area..."

Chu Tzan was clearly too polite to say 'prison'.

"...and the storm, or the collision with the mountain or the attack have ruptured the water tanks which in turn leaked and cooled the containment area... which became brittle and cracked. Hence..."

There was a FWOOOSH! as a narrow burst of flames jetted up through a tiny gap in the deck.

"To be clear the guest in our containment area agreed to serve their penance but they tend to try and escape anyway. Unfortunately when that happens the ship generally bursts into flames and will fall burning to the ground far below." he adds.

"The plan will usually entail heading for the nearest body of water and ejecting the efreeti containment into it. In these winds we will struggle to reach the sea and..."

The Vampyre held up a finger. "I have tarried too long. Send an emissary under a flag of truce. We shall expect one." She turned to Will "You, I shall meet again..." she purred. With a raised eyebrow and a bow she speaks to Klarrrrchur. "I am glad that we are not enemies Master Dwarf. Should we meet again I shall make a present to you of a set of silver spoons."

"Oh, and I'd not worry about the wind... these are OUR lands after all..."

She transformed into a cloud of bats and flew off, the horde of bats following and vanishing from sight...

...And a heartbeat later the clouds broke, the black thunder laden sky clearing whilst a powerful wind whipped up and filled the sails! The Horizon Flower shot forward and with the skies cleared the glittering sight of the blue ocean could be seen, the Sonan Ie exploratory ship aiming for it like an arrow!

=========

The Horizon Flower angled down then levelled off aiming for the ocean...

The crew had been fighting small fires across the ship, sealing off burst pipes and fixing leaks where they sprung.

Klarrrrchur and Will had all their possessions and were waiting with the crew by the rail instead the ship was 'lost'.

Well practised, the crew fought small fires everywhere and despite the smoke trialling from the ship the Horizon Flower angled level and drifted slowly towards the surface of the azure sea.

With a SPLASH! the ship plunged down then up as the water came up all around. The balloons above were deflated near instantly by yanking on ropes and Chu Tzan gave an order...

There was a HISS! behind the ship with steam rising in a wide area of superheated water!

"We have ejected the containment area." explained the Second Officer. "we have also taken precise navigational measurements. The cell shall be collected by a Sonan Ie vessel within the day, the Efreeti inside sealed up by the cooling of the containment area."

"Ships ahoy!"

Eyes turned to where a lookout in the masts above pointed and then towards where distant dots one the horizon drifted across the view.

"It's the Trade Delegation Fleet!" called out the lookout...

"Set course!" declared Hang Tze. "Unfurl all sails make best speed!" came the order.

END OF CHAPTER FOUR

OOC You earned 250AP (300AP for the Human Will) for resolving the Vampyre encounter without fighting, saving the ship and roleplaying.

Will Darness 462AP
Klarrrrchur Deathaxe 370AP

I'll cook up the 'reputation meter' and a new issue that will see you hopefully meeting up with Udhaav and Akki in a day or two (real time).

[apn]

OOC We might be just as well continuing for a short time in this thread whilst the Horizon Flower catches up with the Trade Delegation fleet. need the other two guys to get out of the hold of the 'Sea Fox' before we can get you on the same page...

Chu Tzan gave orders in their native tongue as the young crew switched from expecting the ship to sink to making progress on the ocean waves.

Like a well oiled machine the youngsters pulled in the deflating balloon and folded it as they pulled the airbag in.

With sails full the ship would normally make good progress on the waves being sleek and narrow but...

"There must be damage under the hull. Understandable but the alternative was smashing into tinder against a mountainside. I'll take it." admitted the Second Officer. He raised a fancy looking telescope to his eye and frowned, looked again then handed it to the Delvers.

Klarrrrchur peered through, focusing on the Trade fleet. Will was handed a sight glass too.

With the Trade Fleet in sight it became clear something was... amiss.

Flying the diplomatic flag of Sonan Ie were the large trade vessel and much smaller fighting ship that acted as escort. Trailing at different distances were the three hired escort ships. Zooming in on them... where were... what were the crew doing? Even with the sight glasses from here it looked like the crew were chasing each other around or fighting or... Well, the Horizon Flower would have to get closer to make clearer what the situation was but they had a choice.

"Do we make for the Sonan Ie ships or investigate why the other ships are tarrying? The Horizon Flower is sea worthy but damaged. We have reports that we are taking on water and crew have been assigned to pump it away. We should be able to easily catch the escort ships but the Sonan ships will be a stretch. Hang Tze has indicated that our mission is to deliver you to the Fleet so the decision is yours."

OOC If you make for the trailing escort ships you will catch them in hours. if you head for the Sonan Ie ships the Horizon Flower might catch them but will probably sink in the process. You will need bucketloads of luck to get there before the 'Flower sinks but it is possible. Ish.

[apn]

OOC First go at a reputation table. I'll have another go when I get more time...



Neutral is +0
+3 for every column to the right.
-3 for every column to the left.

This applies to negotiations, encounters, even meeting the other side off the cuff and works like a Reputation Talent usually for Cha checks. Where a single person is listed (e.g. Rathmere) it will also apply to Rathmeres' associates and employees (a lot of them - the guy has fingers in every pie in Jepistra). You have a lot of positive feeling from him understandably as you saved his life.

[houndle]

Will Darness
 "I never learned to swim," says Will . "At least not in armour. Though it seems far too soon to say goodbye to our allies and (dare I say it) friends, I would not put them at greater risk than is strictly necessary. I say let us make for the nearest ship with all despatch, and hope we find new allies there to aid us in our mission."

Will votes for the shorter journey and a game of tag with the jolly jack tars.

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Most gracious Lady Vampyres, you have breach barrier no living person would care to consider. Your efforts will be reward somehow in the Great Huzzan Duzzan, fare thee well!” He states in true Dwarven honestly.

With a surge of realization that he steered a ship through the sky, the Dwarf breathe a sigh of relief. “This cannot last forever,” he muttered to himself.

He gave the helm over to an experience crew person and after the hit they water he peered through the scope.

“My best advice would be to secure one of the trailing vessels and attempt to board it with every crew person we can save. If the Horizon Flower sinks, we will be shark or sea dragon food in short order Master Second Officer!”

“They may be suffering a mutiny. By Rathmere's suggestion, perhaps some scallywags are on the ships instead of a reliable crew. Then we might be able to help some of the righteous survivors that are trying to repel the mutineers!”

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... Try to discern the actions of the crew on the last ship.

[apn]

With both Delvers suggesting the rear ship of the group is the best option (and offers the Horizon Flower the best chance of making it to shore before it sinks) Chu Tzan bows and turns away to give orders whilst breathing a sigh of relief.

Looking through the eye glasses the Delvers try to figure out what is going on, waiting at the prow and concentrating, gazing, every minute that passes bringing the ship further into view.

OOC Will (IQ12) + apn rolls 2d6 = 6 +1=7 (FAIL)
Klarrrrchur (IQ15) + apn rolls 2d6 = 2 +3=5 (L1SR pass)

Klarrrrchur sees Pirates chasing pirates... or rough looking sailors. Not all are human - some Uruck, Goblin, Ogre... - but the ones doing the chasing have a mad look to them, crazed. No details as yet but it explains why the vessel is falling behind.

No one is steering it.

The other two hired Sailing (Pirate) vessels are falling back too. Those other two are too far to see even with the sight glasses beyond their sails and dots moving about on deck. If they are suffering the same mutiny style chaos on board that explains why they are falling back as well.

"This will be close." said Chu Tzan, unable to keep the tension from his voice. "The Horizon Flower may yet sink but we will push on. With the water we are taking on board it seems we would not be able to catch the Sonan Ie vessels anyway. I am glad we did not attempt it."

The hours pass on.

The Delvers take turns to help with the bailing but a glance at each other reveals both know what the Horizon Flower crew already do. The ship is doomed.

Still, Hang Tze the First Officer presses on with jury rigged repairs, instructing and pitching in with planks of wood, slapping on heated pitch and sealing leaks wherever they spring. When the call goes out the Delvers and First Officer trudge up to the deck in the knowledge that the Horizon Flower might yet make it to shore but needs to turn around as soon as possible.

"Sail ho!"

Eyes turn and the trailing ship the 'Sea Fox' floats listlessly without any real direction.

There is no movement visible on deck.

As the two ships close to a hundred yards or so Hang Tze orders the guns rolled out as a precaution but need not have bothered.

With the sun dipping over the horizon the call goes out for a lifeboat to be lowered. Whatever is afflicting the Sea Fox will not also claim the Horizon Flower. One of the small hand size boxes is dropped onto the water... and instantly enlarges to become a rowing boat!

Smooth and perfectly formed enough for four people the boat seems to have been shrunk by magic and said magic is cancelled when it contacts with sea water. Very handy!

With a rope lowered down Hang Tze and Chu Tzan bow and pass on their respects to the Delvers.

"I pray Good Fortune paves your way. You are honourable and fierce warriors. My heart sings when I remember you fighting against the Goblins and Urucks." says Hang Tze.

"Beware you both." said Chu Tzan. "There is sorcery most dark, most foul at work here. I sense it and it stains my soul to merely brush against it!"

"A Sonan Ie vessel will claim the cast off Efreeti within the day and I shall send it to check on this location." offered Chu Tzan. "May fate bless you both and I hope you can catch the Sonan Ie vessels. This trip seems cursed... or targeted." he murmured.

OOC Climb down to the rowing boat and over to the Sea Fox?

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will clambers into the boat and looks around interestedly.

 "I suppose we have to propel it ourselves. Where do I find my rowlocks?" he asks taking care to pronounce the word properly.

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Fare thee well, if we do not see each other again. Live prosperous and safe!” The Dwarf slams his fist against his chest in salute and vaults over the side of the ship and lowers himself by the rope to the dingy.

“Cast off and ya ho!” He bellows.

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... If there are oars, the Dwarf will operate them and Will at the prow can guide him as he propels the boat over the waters.

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will settles on a convenient thwart and tries to work out which way to turn the rudder.

[apn]

The Sonan Ie crew lined up along the rail in a neat line and began to sing softly whilst somewhere a harp plays.

It's an honoured send off for respected guests and allies.

The Rowing boat has a pair of oars which Klarrrrchur settles down with. Luckily the boat had been released with a piece of twine which is just enough to hold it steady as the pair climb on.

Falling into the water would be a bad option.

Sleek grey shapes larger than the rowing boat blur past underneath.

Will thinks he sees a fin jutting more than six feet from the water with more to come but maybe it was just his imagination...

Slicing through the twine sees the Horizon Flower pull steadily away and turn to make desperately for shore. Below decks the crew would be frantically repairing, bailing and sealing off areas of the ship as best they can. If it did reach shore the Horizon Flower would sail no further without extensive repairs. As it was the chances of it getting there were less than 50/50...

Will Darness and Klarrrrchur Deathaxe had their own issues though.

With darkness falling across the landscape the row to the drifting Sea Fox takes around ten minutes in the choppy sea and with a clunk the rowing boat clatters against the side.

"Arrrrrgh!" comes a distant scream from somewhere inside the ship. From somewhere else there is crashing and banging...

A net hanging on the side of the ship allows access to climb up but from here you can't see what is on the deck waiting for you, if anything... Oh and it's pretty dark now. The distants lights on the Horizon Flower are dots and no one has lit lanterns on the 'Sea Fox'...