IC Area - Chapter Five - "Stormy waters ahead!"

[houndle]

Will Darness
With a groan Will lurches towards the ship's rail. He hasn't felt this bad since he was up to his neck in a Dhesiri toilet.

His gaze travels over the monstrous denizens of the savage land before him.

 "I wonder if they're good to eat," he muses.

[apn]

Udhaav (on deck) considers all he'd learned about the Omnipotent Eye spell in the last few hours of study.

He'd spent three hours on it. Would that be enough to risk trying it out and possibly losing all that information as if his mind were blank? He recalled the efforts of the ancient Mage Vancian who was doomed to forget a spell as soon as he had cast it and shudders. Rubbing his eyes the mage glances at the setting sun. On the equator the sun seemed to hang around for longer and that had been a blessing. The Crimson Avenger had been unmolested for several hours now and the sailors were less nervy about dread ship attacks from underneath, with many nursing a mug of broth and chunk of bread or oat biscuit.

Some had tried their hand at fishing with bait and a length of Gnome twine but the initial efforts, whilst securing a 'bite' had been discouraging. Reeling in a large fish would attract the attention of larger fish - the Sharks were back.

OOC mosker At the moment the target number for an IQ Save is 28, your call if you want to try for that or hang on for a couple more hours of study. At 6 hours its a straight IQ L2SR (25 Target number) and more hours than that will trim it down to a minimum L1SR eventually.

The Crimson Avenger ploughed on towards the bay, sailors turning to the new threat of a small boat loaded to the rails with warriors.

Akki, having taken the time to rest from his exertions, notes the newcomer on deck dressed in a white night shirt. Without her armour she seemed small, frail even but she'd shown a level of determination and will that belied her appearance. Speaking of which her face was still red raw as was her arms and hands where she'd clung stoically to the upturned ship. he sees the mage, Udhaav, who'd mentioned about teaching him a new spell. The piqued his interest. A Take That You Fiend! would certainly come in handy, though of course he had that black bladed cutlass by his side.

That weapon would drain him Kremm when it needed - he'd felt it in battle - but the results had been startling, the weapon twisting in his hand and slashing with a speed the Elf would not normally be able to muster. He'd also felt something else - that he could control or stem the flow of Kremm though thus far he'd been content (it seemed) to go with the flow. No wonder such a potent weapon had caused Black Jack McMarne - it's former wielder - such distress when he'd lost it.

Felix, the young deckhand and thief/stowaway came on board, yawning. No one knew where he slept. He just seemed to vanish and reappear a few hours later. "What's fer eats? Am starvin!" he said, before fishing out a crunchy red apple and biting into it. Several sailors gaped. Where had the boy...?

Tintagel sighed and approached the Captain. Klarrrrchur was watching the new ship through an eyeglass and glanced at the physician/scholar as he stepped up. "Captain, if you want me to be ships Surgeon I'll need a measure of authority sir." he explained. "For instance I have two unwell patients who insist on defying my advice to rest! I need to be able to confine them to quarters for bed rest! next thing will be the Vampire, up and about on her feet!"

Meggins chuckled. "That there Will Darness is a fighter Mr Tintagel. I ain't one but been around a few. Him'n th' Cap'n, aye, an' maybe that Elf, all got the look o Eagles about 'em. Better orderin' th' sun not ta rise or the wind not ta blow than expect them ta stay bedridden when there's action afoot."

Fergal called from the Quarterdeck "What's th' call Cap'n? Trim sails an' let her come ta us? Just thinkin' we best be out o'er th' deep in case that monster ship comes back."

Klarrrrchur heard that then saw the samurai woman come over, requesting that she be allowed to use the signal flags to send a message...

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“As long as it does not state, 'we are going to tear ya to pieces,' I will be fine!” Grunts Klarrrrchur.

The Dwarf turns to the female Samurai, “aye, that you may,” he gesture her towards the signalman with the signal flags that she may intercede and contact her fellow Sonan Ie.

"I sure once this carfuffle is seen to, they will go back to rest Mister Tintagel!"

“Lets move towards them Mister Fergal and see what can be gained my communication with one of their own!” Calls Captain Klarrrrchur to the Chief Helmsman, “I too wish to be far from deep waters, then once we are closer to their ship, let us slow to quarter speed!”

[mosker]

Udhaav

Thinks about hard learned patience, lets his mind go back to "Kremm and your noggin" lectures by the schools vivisectionist. Front. Back. Left. Right.

OOC: IQ is 23 target is 28

Actions:
1. Roll: 4+6=10 + 23 IQ=33
2. Makes an unmanly squee of triumph (probably sounding like one of those rats being hunted for Lucia
      2a. Makes mental note not to discuss the rats for the vampire plan with the captain: they've clashed enough over culinary issues while crew have been killed.
3. Starts Poor Baby study

[gringnr]

Akki

Akki spies the rescued sailor on deck. He approaches her cautiously. "Hello," he says in the Common tongue."Feeling better, I hope?" He feels foolish after realizing that she may not speak the language. "My name is Akki," he says, indicating himself with his thumb. "Akki."

[apn]

The samurai turns to Akki when he approaches and she bows, respectfully. "I owe you my life" she states though it is clear that 'Common' is not her first language. "Please to excuse..." she frowns, then points at the oncoming ship.

At a nod from Klarrrrchur Meggins instructs the flag handler to pass the flags to the Samurai. She starts to wave and the flag handler squints, tips his head to the side and mutters "Is that a cake recipe?"

Whatever it was, Klarrrrchur watches the oncoming ship through the telescope and sees them relax. They look to one another, converse and the ship turns, hard whilst a flag waver conveys a message.

"Follow." said the Samurai, pointing to the ship and the Captain sees that it is indeed turning a tight circle to head back to the bay where the huge merchantman - easily several times the size of the Crimson Avenger is anchored.

She stumbles, and Akki helps as the lady warrior is clearly suffering from a long day in the blazing sun. Tintagel doesn't need to order her back to the cot bed - she raises a hand in acknowledgement and is helped that way by a sailor.

=========

An hour later (OOC Udhaav can try at 29 Target Number for the next spell if he wants) the Crimson Avenger slows to a crawl in the bay where the crystal clear waters show a sand bank below.

With the sleek Samurai ship standing to - though they didn't expect any treachery they were ready for anything - Meggins called for the anchor to be dropped and the sails stowed after Klarrrrchur called a halt.

"She's a size. That right enough." said Fergal as he joined Klarrrrchur and Will on the quarter deck. "Magic involved there. T'ain't nothin' that floats supposed ta be this big in this shallow water. We can't go much further and she's further in than we are!" he declared.

The huge six masted ship was wide and long and young crew - like those on the Horizon Flower airship scurried about in neat uniforms.

Tintagel came up to the deck, shaking his head. "She's sleeping at last." he referred to the Samurai. Looking at the two ships in the bay he turned to the Captain. "I've never seen a ship that size before. She must be laden with supplies - including medical. Captain, it may be worth our while to ask for some, or transfer the Samurai to her own ship for care. I've done what I can but..." he spreads his hands. "Heat stroke is something that medicine can help with but she needs proper care."

His voice trailed off when a rowing boat was lowered from the smaller (fighting) vessel and half a dozen occupants climbed aboard it via ladder, rowing towards the Crimson Avenger.

Looking through the telescope Klarrrrchur could see four of them were armoured in the style of the Samurai they'd rescued - and armed with katanas. The two rowing had two belts of throwing knives crossed against their chests.

The Dwarf looked about. His sailors were nervous - maybe rightly so. Some had swords in hand, spears in others and an axe of knife at the ready...

Will, whilst still weakened by blood loss, felt his blood fire within him and knew he'd be fine if it came to a fight. In the short time he'd be on this caper he'd grown beyond anything he might have dreamed of. Akki stepped up onto the Quarter deck, towering over everyone else.

Udhaav stood on the main deck near Tintagel. "I have a bad feeling about this." the Surgeon/Scholar muttered.

[mosker]

Udhaav

Bad feelings indeed..about the ship [and OOC seeing it may be now or not for a while for that Poor Baby...]

Actions/OOC
1. Rolls 3+4=7 + 23=30! b]Poor Baby[/b] learned
2. Semi-OOC Asks Tinantgel to offer prayer of thanks--or suggestions for such prayers...

[apn]

Feb 8, 2023 14:34:43 GMT -5 mosker said:

Udhaav

Bad feelings indeed..about the ship [and OOC seeing it may be now or not for a while for that Poor Baby...]

Actions/OOC
1. Rolls 3+4=7 + 23=30! b]Poor Baby

[/b] learned
2. Semi-OOC Asks Tinantgel to offer prayer of thanks--or suggestions for such prayers...[/quote]

OOC I'll update your sheet then with Teacher, Omnipotent Eye and Poor Baby. Did I miss any or get any wrong?

You can make things easier for yourself by spending some of your 1476AP...

[mosker]

Feb 8, 2023 16:34:30 GMT -5 apn said:

OOC I'll update your sheet then with Teacher, Omnipotent Eye and Poor Baby. Did I miss any or get any wrong?

You can make things easier for yourself by spending some of your 1476AP...

OOC: You got it right. On it. Can you tell I'm Diablo player who hordes potions and the guy who's always talking about Best Used/Expiration/Sell By dates on cans, dry goods in sealed plastic bags are all designed for consumer churn?

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will squints at the approaching boat.

 "Maybe best avoid any references to friendly vampires until we've taken their measure," he murmurs. " Things nearly went wrong last time. "

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Have no fear men, they be allies or I a six-legged giraffe!” Gruffy says Klarrrrchur.

“Good idea Will, let's keep Lucia down below decks for the while!” He says turning to his 1st-mate. “Spread the word, quietly!”

“Aye, Mister Tintagel, if the Sonan Ie want their warrioress back, then they can take her. We have had dealing with these people before,” he states nodding at Will, “and they are a gracious people and honourable. We can expect no trouble!”

“Master Akki, prepare to pipe them onboard!”

[apn]

Meggins looked doubtful but lined the men up in an honour guard. "Prepare to receive guests at the Captains' convenience!" he barked.

Blank looks.

"Line up, look sharp about it an' tuck yer shirts in!" he shouted. "Straighten that 'air. Shut yer mouth Derrik, no one wants to see how few teeth you got! Horgul, get ta back! You ain't 'ad a bath since... have you ever had a bath?"

Horgul frowned, then sniffed at his armpits. "Can't smell nowt." he muttered.

The sailors on either side pulled a face and took a few steps away.

The rowing boat came along side with a sailor reaching down with a hook and a rope ladder offered.

Moments later half a dozen armoured Samurai hopped over the rail and straightened up, fierce masks covering their faces. The sailors looked a little nervous but stood straight, eyes forward. Fergal kept steering steadily towards the bay in a wide circle to ensure they'd park up side on.

The Samurai were all short - none over about 5'10" tall and Akki towered over everyone of course. One, in dark red armour where the others wore dark blue, stepped forward.

"You are Klarrrrchur, honoured warrior and friend to Sonan Ie. Your description and reputation precede you. You are a great fighter." announced the warrior. "And you.." he turned to Will "Are the mighty Will Darness, heroic slayer of Illkin and friend to Sonan Ie." he said as he bowed to each of the delvers.

He looked about on the ship. "I was expecting... something else. You must know that we have been beset by evil for most of the journey so far. Betrayed by those hired to escort us and we lost one of our ships as you know."

He turns to the Samurai lady in the nightshirt and bows, which she returns. "I shall state high praise for you and your crew for defeating the evil on this ship and rescuing our crew member."

"The Divine Flower..." he continued with a wave at the huge vessel parked in the bay "Was heavily damaged by the treacherous cur and the subsequent storm. Our war sloop the Sharp Thorn was assigned to delay the enemy whilst the great ship escaped with us as escort. I am glad one of the crew survived. She, and all of the fallen crew, will be honoured. I am Kumosate, a Lieutenant in the Sonan Ie Marine Division. I would be honoured if you and your crew were to join our evening meal on the beach of the island."

Eyes turned to the beach where a dozen large tents were being set up. Despite the traumas they'd faced, the niceties of life and decorum would be maintained by the Sonan Ie dignitaries.

"The Divine Flower must be repaired before we continue." he said to Klarrrrchur. "She is not a ship of war and was holed several times on or about the water line on her port side (facing away from where the Crimson Avenger approached from). Our magic kept her afloat but until those repairs are made she cannot continue." stated Kumosate. He removed his helmet revealing a man in his early forties, tanned by the sun and an experienced warrior and sailor. "My superiors have not stated outright, but I believe that this mission is targeted, doomed to fail. Our honour and countries reputation are at stake but it seems obvious that Khazan seeks to undermine peace talks and is behind the attacks on us."

"The Death Goddess has long coveted our lands and riches for herself and we know of several hordes being gathered in strategic locations ready to strike."

In a hushed voice only the delvers could hear, the Samurai mutters "War is coming."

[gringnr]

Akki

Akki the Jagged listens attentively, his Elf's ears capturing much of the conversation. He looks to the tents on shore, a smile playing across his face. It will be nice to meet strangers in friendship, rather than in battle, for a change.

Actions:
1. Akki looks for Udhaav.

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will bows in return. In deference to his captain he does not yet speak. But he begins to compose suitable words about being honoured, describing their mission and commitment to tackling evil in whatever form, and an explanation for the vampire under the stairs. 

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

The Dwarf bows in consideration to the samurai's comments.

“It is my belief honourable Kumosate san that other forces may be behind this evil and strive to draw Sonan Ie and Khazan into a war that will destroy them both!” Quietly speak Klarrrrchur that only his officers and the samurai lieutenant could hear.

But to break the tension of his crew he calls out, “we would be grateful to accept your invitation to dine on the beach but we must be careful of the ship of the damned, it is still out there and there is no telling what it is capable of. Its crew is damned and can exist underwater, perhaps capable of trekking onto the beach as we feast or sleep!”

He turns around and whispers to Quartermaster Meggins, “perhaps Horgul should stay on board and guard the ships with a few other sailors. The Sonan Ie are sensitive to smells and Hogwart, Hoggil, I mean Horgul many be offensive to their sensibilities!”