[pnpgm] Game Update #27 - File #304 - Storm ravages ship
bonahoom@hotmail.com
bonahoom at hotmail.com
Wed Aug 12 03:02:37 CEST 2009
Fremea sits holding her. She is lucky that it wasn't so bad as it could have been and Raban came along to make sure it did not get worse. Never had she been in any storm so bad, most of them she grow up in, she could still fly high enough or fast enough to get out of. This is one she never wants to be in again. Luckily she did not have to leave anyone behind. It would not help her to achieve anything at this time. "Thank you Raban." she gives him a hug, or something like it as he is so big, and she small.
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Adams
Sent: 8/11/2009 5:59:07 AM
To: PBEM List
Subject: [pnpgm] Game Update #27 - File #304 - Storm ravages ship
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R1.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
??.Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe
W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
-..Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........??????..Normal/Human..Ma
Do John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma
R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys
Cover Story Info: [HD- House member, F-Foreignter, N-native non house]
Arawn aka Arawn as Teacher to daughter [F]
Ben'dar aka Bu Da as Horse expert [F]
Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer [N]
Chion aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee [HD]
Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard [F]
Fremea aka Lin Mong as Noble child [HD] [Disguised]
Kell aka Swan as Trader [F]
Kiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant [F]
Raban aka Toban Nu as Entertainer/Guard [F]
Strie'bog aka Sun Zhu as Entertainer [N]
Shu aka Shu as Niece [HD]
Unali aka Tun Au as Zhou's wife [HD]
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Noble [HD]
Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at darktech.org
Game Update #27 in sequence (file #304)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
OOC: My apolgies, I seem to have missed a chunk of posts from
on deck. Whitney would have responded, and it may ansswer some
questions about him, so I'll do so now.
Whitney rolls his eyes, "Why does EVERYONE assume I'm a....
It's worth noting, that, while a good 8 inches too tall, and
proportionately heavy, Whitney could pass for Katai as though
he were borne there, albeit, southern Katai. He's a bit too
pale for Northern Katai.
GM: Ack. Doubt you missed posts. The stuff you see from others
may have come in form of emails or such. Farseeker for example
lives across the street so gives me his actions in person.
Well to be a native one has to have the oriental eyes.
From Raban: [Re: Cover story]
Raban grins happily, "Thank you Zhou, that blends the....
<Not the best but it works as a post. Need more tall jokes!
<Actually Raban should look like a tall Fabio since he has such
a huge Appearance (Gorgeous) LOL
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
At a point where Whitney is reachable and alone, Raban speaks
up. "I must apologize as I had planned actions that....
<Sometimes Raban is too nice of a guy? <Raban did not join in
on the other conversations because they were too confusing.
GM: Ack. Too confusing to you Raban or John? :)
From Kiet: [Re: Secret vote]
Kiet speaks up "Sharks don't ask embarrassing questions..."
GM: Ack.
From kell: [Re: Actions]
"Do you need to buy something? I have a fine selection of...
GM: Ack.
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
Whitney grins, Why yes, yes I am. I deal art, although...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: actions]
"I say we learn more about him, and after a week or three...
GM: Ack.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
OOC: Welcome to the new players over the past little while.
The more the merrier!
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
"there is no debt!"...
OOC: Will's IBT is done and probably would not allow the
teaching of the telepathic sending but someone may be available.
Will would appreciate someone to practice with and then if he
ever found himself in a position such as you did (bound, gaged
and imprisoned) you could check on him and organize a rescue
this might also improve the frosty nature of there current
relationship.
Wa da ya say Whit? (-:
GM: Ack. Your IBT is done and I've said he wouldn't do one for
time sakes. But I may go half way. I'll think on it more.
But you'd earn no more experience for this IBT session. But
yes could teach him in essence.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
While having some seamanship skill Z'leyra knows her skill is
not the equal of a full storm like we are headed into. She hunts
down an empty or nearly empty cask and some rope and in her
cabin sets to work rigging a harness so that the cask will give
her flotation if she should end up in the water. As she does this
she ponders the possible need for magic to save the ship, crew
and passengers and the possible ways it could be done.
Not having Sea Powers she doesn't have the Calm Sea spell that
she has heard of. She wonders if any in the party know the spell.
Staff in one hand, cask in the other she will make her way around
asking those she knows can cast magic if they know the spell. If
so, she will offer her assistance in the form of high EL
Purification and Luck spells and possibly the loan of her staff
to improve the odds of successfully casting the Calm Sea spell.
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
What Secret Vote...EEEEK I am the only one who doesn't know...
Panic.. panic LOL
Actually if there is one I do not remember seeing it mentioned...
Languages:
http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem/Lang.txt still has Raban
with Elder instead of Wood
I do not recall seeing confirmation as to whether she wanted
Wood Or any response to why she wanted it?
Sorry I have not looked much into more Languages for Raban
GM: Ack. See Ma 24th. When Zhou gets folks together to talk
about bringing Whit into the mission fold or not. Was in the
last update. Not an official vote GM wise but a role playing
vote. :) I believe Elder was it but has been awhile. I'd have
to back track the posts when get time.
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
Neither do I. I just figured that it was about Whitney. :-)
Not sure what to do about Whitney's collection of languages,
either, at this point, but, being a librarian, he has a few. he
even speaks some of them
GM: Ack. If you want to list in the file what you know go for it.
It is up to you. If you want to learn some you can let me
know as well. With the slots that are left.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Good to hear that we're all of one mind on the secret vote.
GM: Ack. Didn't I say no comment/reply needed on that post? :)
Where's my wet noodle to slap you a few times. :) But
will take that more a an affirmative than negative on the vote.
From Will: [Re Actions]
>he will want to at least gather information about the creatures
Creatures is that a reference to us or the Vong?
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Vote]
Ah, but I haven't voted yet...
GM: Ack. Your sharks comment was sort of it. Unclear but done.
From Fremea: [Re: Vote]
Fremea wonders why there even really has to be any discussion...
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Ma 23rd, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Overcast, Wind storm]
[Temperatures: 61-71]
[Magical talisman: Not active at this time]
[Time: 1:54pm]
Zhou asks Will if there is a life debt between the two men by
Katai standards.
"there is no debt!" Will bursts out quickly. Tough Will does
not say more you get the feeling that their is a strong sense of
obligation here.
Zhou asks about the escape and how will the other ship react.
Will shrugs, "I believe we did a fairly good job of disguising
the escape and placing a couple of miles between the Blue Moon and
the Choshai ship when the escape apparently happened. So the
shore should have been a closer destination than our ship which
was headed in the opposite direction if swimming was anticipated. "
Zhou nods accepting these details.
After Will talks to Unali about Whitney's magical ability.
Whitney rolls his eyes, "Why does EVERYONE assume I'm a mage?
There is absolutely nothing of magic about me. I've made sure
there isn't a hint of it since I left for Marob to do field work.
Besides, technically a Mage is trained in Sidhe magic. Human magic
is mostly wizardry."
Zhou rolls his own eyes, "so your a wizard then. Its not a big
deal. I've lived among them all my life. Those who have issues
with being a wizard tend to be those with secrets. We knew
there was a wizard being held on the other ship. We didn't have
time to form a plan to free him or her. The other ship left too
fast and then you show up. Based on that simple logic you have
to be the one. Unless there were more on board."
Zhou comments on trust and challenges in the Dark Lands.
Whitney gives Zhou a puzzled look, "Yes, I know. I'm from the
same land...hell, the same realm. Even the same city. Remember?
That *IS*, after all, where the Old Count keeps his library."
Zhou frowns and turns red slightly but remains silent.
Captain Sung waits for his payment when Whitney is released.
Whitney shrugs, "Well, Captain, all my medicinal herbs were
confiscated awhile back. Where's the mop? Unless, of course, like
certain Elemental Sea Serpents, quite nice fellows by all
accounts, you'd prefer a bit of education? Yeah, I didn't really
think so."
The Captain lowers his arm and frowns. "A map? Education? This
is not a noble cruise we don't learn as we sail son. A person
like you might earn 6 copper by the end of he voyage. Not near
enough what you owe me." He glances to the sailors standing
behind Whitney. "Throw him overboard." The sailors come forward
and grab Whitney's shocked arms.
As the sailors drag the squirming librarian away the Captain turns
his back and examines a dirty fingernail. He grins and waits a
few seconds then raises a hand. "Wait!" He turns back around
and looks at Whitney. "If you can't pay then I give you one day
to come up with the cash. I'm sure someone here might help out
with those funds?" He gives a quick glance at Zhou and then
toward Z'leyra. "If can't pay then maybe the next port will be
the last we see of you."
The sailors release Whitney again and one slaps his back and
laughs as they move on. Captain Sung also move on leaving the
party with Whitney. Zhou comments on Whitney maybe being here
as a spy for the high elder.
Whitney shrugs, "What the hell were my options? I'd reached my
majority. It was go out into the world and do some field work, or
piss off the Chaos Bit... err, anger the Sorcerous by killing off
one of her pet wizards, shifting the balance of power and
requiring me to spend the rest of my life managing a realm of my
own. The Old Count spends so much time making sure things run
right and people are getting without major problem, that, after
three quarters of a millenium, he still hasn't finished HIS
researches. Why do you think he has a library in the first place?
Librarians. We all have extensive information in our respective
areas, short cutting his research no end."
Zhou's face reddens again. "You will refrain from calling
the High Elder by that term. You use his library and dare
call him by that name?" The loyal servant of the High Elder
seems to take a few long breaths and calms down. "So your
a Chaos wizard then from your implication you were living
in a chaos domain?"
A few minutes later Kell introduces himself to Whitney.
Whitney's eyes light up, "Merchant you say? really? and what
pray tell is your preferred commodity?"
Kell replies back, "Do you need to buy something? I have a fine
selection of whatever you may need," bowing, sweeping his hands
out to his sides and down. Standing and smiling broadly at the
librarian.
Looking a bit more serious, Kell continues, "I deal in anything
and everything I can trade for a profit. It's amazing how some
items in one location are almost worthless, yet travel a few
hundred miles and they become valuable. Lately I have been doing
singular deliveries of special, high cost items over long
distances. It's very profitable, if a bit dangerous." Pausing
for a moment and taking his black hat off.
Kell finishes up, "Whilst I deal in whatever makes a profit,
some of my usual wareas are armor and weapons, mainly tulwars and
swords, jewelry, and fine wines. I'm learning more about fabrics,
silk in particular since we're going to Katai where the silk is
excellent. I will be helping a friend with his horses and hope
to become proficient with horses as well. Are you a merchant
also?"
Whitney grins, "Why yes, yes I am. I deal art, although
definitions can vary from place to place, particularly, woodworking,
mainly. I have the exclusive distribution contract For the products
of a W. Whittler. fine carpentry for any need, be it home
furnishings, on up, local laws permitting, to the most beautifully
crafted wands and staves you could ever hope to see.
"But, to pay the bills in the less developed or less educated
ares of the world, I mainly sell rare medicinal herbs I've
collected in my travels. No one really wants a chair built to
last a thousand years anymore.... well, outside of the Old Count,
of course. And try finding anyone that can appreciate the beauty
of a well crafted and decorated wand around these parts. Go ahead,
try. I'm sure someone well rescue you if you do."
Later Whitney is finally alone, Raban approaches and speaks up.
"I must apologize as I had planned actions that could have caused
your death. I was going to sink the ship you were on to prevent
future problems and I could have done so before you were freed. I
did not realize they could have had prisoners or other innocents
aboard and that lack of forethought could have killed you...Maybe
I should not have mentioned this?"
----------------------------
[Ma 24th, 1634TH]
Zhou meets privately with the others to discuss whether to tell
Whitney about the mission in a secret vote.
After Shu comments on her lack of detail on the mission Kiet adds
his own comment.
Kiet speaks up "Sharks don't ask embarrassing questions..." with
a smile on his face.
Some in the group laugh. Some recall a memory of Clima and those
strange Red Sharks they encountered.
"I say we learn more about him, and after a week or three we can
decide to tell him about our mission," responds Kell. "I suspect
there is more to him than we know. He may be valuable in Katai
and helpful finding and destroying the Vong."
Farseeker giggles, "Yes. he could be used to teach the Vong how
to read and sort their books while we hack them to death."
Will comments on the vote to invite Whintey on the mission, "If
he proves trustworthy I'm sure he must have some skills that would
be useful to us. Who knows maybe even the apparent harmlessness
(real or feigned) could be useful in gathering information.
Leaving him on his own seems like it would be quit dangerous as
he seems to be unable to remain uncaught for more than a minute
so if he cannot be trusted then returning him in the Dark Lands may
be safest. My opinion would be to see how things go over the
course of the trip though he already knows enough to get all of
us and himself hung in Katai if he is not careful with his words.
So see what we think before we land in Katai and then if we think
we can trust him tell him what the mission is and spell out his
options"
Fremea wonders why there even really has to be any discussion.
"Just let him know and decide. At least that way he has a say in
whether the end of the world matters to him or not. I am guessing,
being someone that cares for knowledge, he will want to at least
gather information about the creatures. He also might already have
some important knowledge. Give him some rope to hang himself by
basically, and see if he fits the noose over his own head."
Thinking to herself, why does this have to be so hard anymore.
We pick up people, even me, and tell them tons of information.
Why is this one different. I will just have to be careful around
this one too.
Kiet says "Oooh...I have rope..."
Zhou nods to the group, "it seems settled down. No one seems to
have dire reason not to tell him so we'll give it a week or two
and then I'll inform him on the details. We could use another
person though as we grow larger our stealth shrinks."
----------------------------
[Date/Time: Days following the inspection but before the
Big Storm event talking on the cover story roles.]
Raban listens to what others say on his role from Zhou, Unali
and Fremea.
Raban grins happily, "Thank you Zhou, that blends the other's
ideas quite well into a role to play. As long as I do not meet
anyone from Kll'maun or who knows much about it, I should do fine.
It would be best if you know some details from there I can use. A
language from there should not be needed but could be a good idea
if anyone knows one. An honorable Barbarian who owes a great debt
covers up many of the problems and allows Fremea to give orders
that can cover up the rest. I will need to work on limiting my
observable skills, though some will be obvious if I fight. Is that
a problem? My agility is exceptional for a large man and will show
if I move rapidly during a fight. Other times it could be covered
with some minor fumblings or deliberate mistakes. Likely you will
not wish me to dance... It is a difficult thing you ask for an
entertainer, an artist, to spoil his work but I will do so. Fremea
can choose what area she wishes me to retain some skill to teach
her and I will try to reduce the others to a novice's skill. But
be warned, I do not know if that would fool someone skilled in
those areas. Skill cannot be so easily lost and forcing mistakes
can be detected. It would be best to keep to a few skills and do
not use any of the others as many performers specialize. If the
Kll'maun has preferred instruments, those would be the best
choices. Likely Drum, Flute, Pipe or Whistle if they are
Barbarians."
"Should I prepare some jokes about my parentage? Question about
my height do seem to come up in many conversations. 'What, me
tall? But my tribe exiled me for being a runt' or more subtle 'I
am not really sure but I did notice my Grandfather always looking
smug about this huge white bear rug he has and my mother always
seemed sad when she saw it.'"
Zhou nods, "good it is settled." Then moves onto the next person
to resolve their role.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 7th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 6]
[Distance this day: 30]
[Weather: Overcast, Storms]
[Temperatures: 55-74]
As the storm approaches the clouds are wide and tall and seem to
all clump up in one fast movement over an hour. It seems to come
from all directions at once as if more than 3 storms are in the
same area to form a super storm. Soon the waves build and build
over time getting higher and higher.
Kell watches the storm with the party and crew, and he looks
more worried than most. His newly acquired seaman skills still
leave him unsure. He's never been a big fan of oceans, preferring
the mountains and deserts. Thinking out loud, "This looks really
bad, very bad." He is a bit green again, after going through the
other storms and being ok.
Kell ponders this mightily. He tries to pace around and back and
forth, as much as he can in the confined, rolling and rocking
spaces. It is more of a falling around.
Finding Chion and Arawn specifically, and the others as best he
can, Ha'Kell asks, "Can we evacuate the crew, our party and horses
to the shore before the ship sinks with magic? Better to have most
of us survive then go down with the ship. Then perhaps someone can
stay and if the ship goes down, rescue the captain and crew still
here by magic?"
"If the Blue Moon survives, then we can rejoin her after the
storm. Fix her and be on our way. If not, we can acquire new
transport and perhaps help our esteemed Captain in his
misfortune."
Ben'Dar masks his discomfort by glaring about angrily, thinking
about how he suggested taking the land route.
Ben'dar finds two large barrels and a length of strong rope and
lashes them together. If the ship goes down, and Chion isn't on
hand to teleport, he'll try to tie the barrels on either side of
Tef'wo, then he'll hang on while the big horse swims to shore.
Ben'dar knows horses can do streams and rivers. But in rough
seas it will be very difficult and just hope he has the stamina.
Then where is the coast? Which direction does the horse go?
As the crew prepare the ship Z'leyra goes from person to person
ask if they have spells able to save the ship. This doesn't help
the morale of the sailors who overhear this. Finding a cask she
holds onto it and her staff in case she needs to float to shore.
Arawn prays to the gods for safe passage.
Ben'dar with his barrels ready in the hold prepares to tie down
the horses. He knows they will panic as the storm gets going.
He wonders why Z'leyra isn't here calming them down.
Caladan finds Z'leyra, "no. I don't know the spell I know
storm magic but not for the sea. I suggest you head to the hold
and talk to the horses. If they start rocking about and getting
antsy the ship will move further side to side."
Fremea has never seen such a storm like this before. Hiding
below she knows she could never stay aloft in this storm without
some serious work. She could escape to shore if she can find
it in this mess but the others would likely not make it.
Kell green face goes to his cabin to secure his things from
going in all directions. he wonders where Squirt has gone off
but likely chasing some rat oblivious to the storm.
As Kiet prepares his gear and cabin his stomach twists. Not
from the motion of the ship but he has been through this before.
The storm that shipwrecked him in the Dark Lands a few months ago
wasn't as big as this one but he doesn't like going through this
same situation again.
Raban finds himself in the most need of balance as the ship
rocks. Several sailors recruit him in case they need to secure
the hold and beams. his strength might be the difference between
a small hole being a huge one.
Soon one sailor recruits Caladan to join him in the storeroom.
"You can do fire right?" Caladan nods. "We may need to heat
up our repair mix to seal holes. Help me setup the equipment."
the two work fast to prepare emergency hull breach gear and
the smelly mix of sealants.
The others in the party simply prepare their gear and cabins.
When one is up against a force of nature like this one can only
sit back and wait. Little can be done and no one seems to know
the spell to end this storm.
Farseeker helps other sailors secure items in cabins from
breaking as the ship bucks wildly.
Whitney watches as Z'leyra and others go around asking if
anyone has the sea powers magics to save the ship. He is
amazed at the answers. With a ship full of 10 spell casters
at least 3 of those very powerful casters, none seem to have
the spells or knowledge. But he also knows that it would
require a high level Calm spell rite to protect this ship.
An apprentice might be able to protect a rowboat but a ship
this huge would need a moderate Calm spell. As others hurry
back and forth he feels useless for a few long minutes. Finally
when the ship is hit on the starboard side by a huge wave he
is thrown against the opposite wall hitting his knee hard. He
growls and that wisp of pain seems to finally resolve the issue.
He leaves the safety of the messhall where he was sitting and
heads for the stairs top deck.
As Whitney passes the hold the door is open and he can hear
Arawn, Ben'dar and Caladan trying to calm the horses down.
At least 3 are so nervous they are stomping the deck. Caladan
suggests making them sleep but Ben'dar reminds him if they
need to swim a sleeping horse is a dead horse. Whitney passes
quickly and gets to the stairs. he climbs them and has to shove
at the locked hatch above his head that opens like a 45 degree
door top up. He has to push heavy due to the wind and sheets of
rain. As the rain drenches him in just 2 seconds he closes the
door and looks around the deck. He can see the Captain and First
Mate struggling with the keel and wheel among other devices. In
front two sailors struggle to hold the rigging into one piece.
Another sailor is moving heavy anchor chain away from the side
so the anchor isn't lost. Whitney closes the stair hatch and
stands and realizes the storm is all around now. The sky is
midnight black with no hint it is daylight. In fact the only
light is that of the intense lightning that is flashing in every
direction and height at least 5 flashes every 2-3 seconds. Whitney
becomes a bit green at the swaying deck. He gulps and curses
himself for this foolish act. Not a inkling of seaman or even
swimming skill and he is up on deck. He wonders if the Choshai
who hit him when he was captured him messed up his brain and
made him insane. The others don't seem to notice him at first too
busy to react. He notices the captain is tied by rope to some
inner railings away from the ocean side railings. He nods and
looks around for ropes. The blinding rain and wind is bad enough
but after several falls on the deck onto his knees he finds a piece
of rope and traces it to a cabinet hinged nearby. When the ship
rocks to port he is tossed sideways on the deck and rolls a few
feet. He realizes he could go over if he doesn't act fast so
grabs the rope and hangs on for life. When the ship regains its
balance he crawls back and unlocks the cabinet to find a good
200 foot length of rope it looks like. He hears shouting behind
him but the wind is too strong to understand it. As he ties the
rope to his waist he slowly stands. He then finds a control
railing near the downed secondary rigging and ties the other end
of the rope to it. He gulps and realizes he doesn't even know how
to tie a rope well! If only he had listened to that acrobat talk
about ropes but it was a bit boring at the time. Maybe next time
he'll listen closer. He hopes the knot is tight and to ensure
it ties it again and this time through a spar connection on the
rigging itself. Standing slowly he starts to pray silently enough
only he can hear himself but even then its too faint over the
wind.
As Whitney crossed to the port side expanse to the side railing
just a few feet over the ocean the Captain finally sees him
and yells for him to go below. Whitney turns and smiles and
raises a hand in a victory sign. The First mate near the captain
mutters "the fool will kill himself!" The Captain simply nods,
"let him if he wishes. If he goes over he's dead we won't be
able to get him."
As Whitney closes into the railing he realizes he doesn't
like these type of ships. The side isn't a wall like on some
pleasure ships. They are simply railings made of long timbers
or planks. One to lean against and makes the top and then
every 4-5 feet it looks like one thin timber piece to support
the top rail. In between the gaps is nothing but air. One
slip and you go through. Whitney curses to himself and makes
a mental note, "note to self : LEARN TO SWIM." He knows this
type of railing allows for easy cargo exchange for merchant
ships and not made for sturdy support. As he reaches the
top railing he realizes he didn't wound the rope around several
times the rigging and support beams. If this rope is 200 foot
and he goes overboard he might be pulled behind a corpse for
some shark.
The man not wanting to be known as a magician but as a wizard
considers his final actions and begins to cast a pact rite to
form an alliance with the water. As his stomach churns he holds
on for dear life with his left hand and gestures with his right
and casts the words. Hoping the pact was successful he then
casts a summoning spell knowing that only one creature might
be able to help. Only minor knowledge of the summonable force
he desires he has read only a few lines on them or been taught
by a certain friend long ago about the creatures. His only other
information was books and even hearing Sven in the Dark Lands
talk of the creatures. As lightning seems to hit almost directly
over the ship he waits for the creature. Visibility is only
20-30 feet at best. He wonders if the creature could be on the
other side of the ship? He calls out to it and for help. As
seconds move into minutes he realizes nothing is here. Not
wanting to give up he recasts the pact and the summoning spell.
he read the creature is powerful not your typical force to be
summoned. It would take a high spell to likely get him. He
knows he doesn't have that high power. Again as seconds move
into minutes despair slowly comes to him as he realizes his
knowledge and rites might not just be enough to summon the
powerful creature.
Meanwhile below deck the storm ravages the hull points. As
timber, nails and pitch seem to interact in a wild dance causing
dust, growls and metal pops the hull bucks ever so slightly.
Many are fearful massive hull breaches will result. Since waves
wash over the top deck new leaks begin to form all over the ship
some as drips and some as big as minor streams.
In Fremea and Arawn's cabin, Fremea sits silently on the bed.
She isn't used to this severe of a storm. The wind alone could
probably make her die in it since flying against the gales would
be difficult. Feeling slightly useless not having that Calm
Sea spell Z'leyra asked for she just waits. An evacuation could
be needed at any time. She might be useful there at least taking
one or two to shore by magic. She wonders why Chion is so blasted
calm knowing he might have to teleport the entire ship's people
and horses ashore. Yet she noticed him walk the halls helping
sailors when he can and joking with them by betting on where
leaks might occur next. Suddenly outside a wave slams into the
ship tilting the ship so severely Fremea is knocked off the bed
to the left and slammed into the nearby wall. As she lands on
her stomach she rolls and begins to pull herself u when she
notices the bed moving fast with her. With only a second of
movement the bed slams into her shoulder and slams her against
the wall knocking her head up against the wall hard enough to
do a minor crack in the wood. She slumps to the floor out
cold.
In the passenger storeroom Unali is helping a sailor secure
crates and barrels to ropes. When the big wave hits a barrel
escapes its bindings and rolls toward them. Unali is able to
push the sailor away and she leaps over the tiny barrel easily
as it slams against the wall.
In the messhall pans slam to the floor and spice flasks fly
across the wooden shelf. One flask made of glass shatters
as it hits the floor. Others in the ship are able to maintain
their balance though Caladan almost nearly is crushed when
a 800 pound horse suddenly decides the wall is a good place
to hold him up, only Caladan happened to be between the horse
and wall. But Caladan had slipped feet first under the horse
to escape the last second crushing.
In the same hold with Caladan, Arawn steadies himself and
notices Tef'wo seems awfully calm compared to the other horses.
Again he seems to be taking a leadership with the other horses
to sway them to calmness. But when Arawn does a double take
he notices Tef'wo is staring at him. For a few heartbeats Arawn
seems to notice those black eyes piece his own. Tef'wo nods
and makes a funny noise and then seems to lose interest in Arawn
and moves a foot forward to steady himself. Arawn turns to
watch Ben'dar fight another horse from heading up the ramp and
notices the chaos reminds him of those traveling circus things
the humans liked in Marentia. They had those tiny wagons of
zoo cages and such. Zoo - Zu! Arawn's mind pings as he realizes
Zu could be of great help here. Without a second thought he
turns and heads for the hold door and stairs.
Topside Whitney has wasted almost four minutes at the railing
trying to summon help. But his skill seems too low or his
spells failed. He feels weakened not only from the sheets of
rain but his energy seems zapped from the spell use and he
isn't sure he can cast another one. A moment earlier a heavy
wave hit the other side of the ship and sent the port side
tilting to the water at a impossible angle. That's when Whitney
knew he was dead when the ocean floor became closer by the
heartbeat. He gripped on the railing with dear life and tries to
pull himself backwards as the ship slanted sideways. When the
impact of the force made his stomach hit the railing he almost
lost his morning's meals right there. Just as his body moves
forward and begins to feel like it is about to go overboard
a huge 14 foot wave slams into his side of the ship. The
tidal wave slams into Whitney with the force of 5-6 full cargo
wagons it seems. He is thrown backwards with the stone like
water and goes flying at least 6.5 feet. With breath blown
out of him he is blinded by the water but feels the impact
of the deck a second later hard. As he continues to slide
starboard side something sharp maybe a loose nail rips his
left arm to shreds and blood begins to pour forth. A half
second later his head impacts against a foot rail somewhere
near the provision lockers hard enough to bruise his head.
Below Raban hears the slam of something loud in Arawn's cabin
and rushes into to find the top of Fremea's wings along the
wall and a bed up against them. With one move he kicks the bed
away and reaches for Fremea. He knows she could be hurt so checks
her first. Her spine and neck seem to be not broken so gently
lifts her up. He yells for Z'leyra but last he saw she was some
other place in the front of the ship. Raban places her limp form
on the bed and checks her pulse. He finds her not bleeding but
just knocked out and doing well. Raban growls at the ship for
being led into this storm and will have a stern talking to the
captain if he gets the chance.
As Whitney shakes off the blow and gasps for air he rolls onto
his back from his die. he then feels the wound on his arm and
groans. As he looks up he places a finger to his head and notices
someone or something is staring down at him. In the darkness he
squints but his vision is stinging from the rain and the head
bump. When lightning flashes overhead he notices a humanoid standing
with hands on hips and then he notices the head with pointed
ears. He gasps as he realizes this demon must be here to avenge
some failed summons. He reaches for a weapon he can't seem to
find and then notices the form bend down and reach a hand. He
then realizes Arawn's voice say something but the wind is too hard
it sounded like, "here let me help you." Whitney is relieved to
know a demon isn't here to kill him for now. As he stands
with Arawn's help he presses a hand to the arm wound. Arawn
tells him to go below. When Whitney tries to protest Arawn
says something like "good try, I'll try now." Then again he might
have said "good going, I'll now try" or something. The head wound
has dazed him. Knowing that he may be tapped out of spell energy
and likely too dazed to concentrate to hold a pact Whitney
stumbles for the stairs.
Arawn takes the rope off of Whitney and ties it around his own
waist. He hadn't thought of that so it was a good thing he saw
Whitney do it. As Whitney heads below he realizes he has only
been training in sea skills a few days. The basics of standing
on ship as it moves was taught so that will help. he knows
how to swim as well thanks to the Sidh healing pools in his
father's private gardens. He begins to pray to the sidh gods
first and then to the elemental gods. He gives homage to
Domiel and begins to praise Zu. He knows from his mother Zu
can be a kind god but needs to be praised to get a rise out
of him. As Arawn moves to the same railing where Whitney
was he begins to consider his move. Arawn glances at the
ship crew and shakes his head at the decline for blessing. But
they had said helping the body is good but they would prefer
skill help first. Their sailor phobias in general also made
them decline the offer. Arawn in the minute or two to get
here thought of his options. He knows to stop the storm
there is likely no spell to do so. But if one can stop the
storm waters that might help. Then the thought of the zoo
came to him and Zu.
Knowing that he needs to be close to the water, Arawn also
knows its dangerous. He begins to cast a pact spell as
Whitney attempted with the sea itself. As he ends he knows
there was no time to grab Z'leyra's staff for help. The offer
was good but holding a staff, gesturing with another free hand
leaves room for only standing against walls of water. Very
dangerous situation. Arawn feels no change around him and
after a minute realizes the spell must've failed. After another
minute he recasts the spell. having some experience in summoing
his skill is higher and hopes it is sufficient to call the
force here to help. As the rite for an elemental pact is finished
he feels his neck tingle and realizes there is some move on the
spell and guesses it to be successful. his senses seem to show
the dark ocean slightly more grayish in hue. He is amazed at
this new visual cue of his own inner awareness. As a small wave
washes over his waist he starts to summons the force he needs.
finishing up the spell he simply waits and prays.
Whitney frowns as he stands on the hold deck level and tries to
ring out his clothes. He growls and feels Arawn is taking his
thunder literally from him. But he is tapped out and it seems
his skill isn't sufficient. The force must've been just too
strong to call. He shrugs and heads to the storeroom to find
something to dry himself with. To think he could've saved the
ship with one spell and he had this great speech prepared in
his mind. He realizes experience will help next time and
maybe next time he'll be able to pull it off.
Thirty seconds pass top side and Arawn glances around. Time
seems to slow or at least it seems that way as he concentrates
and waits. Finally as he is glancing aft something out the
side of his eye catches his attention. He turns and notices
something large in the now grayish looking water. He smiles
and nods at it.
The creature not 8 feet away from the port side of the ship
looks fantastic to Arawn. The body looks to be at least 25-30
feet in length. The water serpent looks comfortable in the water
as it swims fast alongside the ship. The serpent is green in
color On the snake's head are hooked horns, with placid green
eyes and multi-hued scales. Arawn has never seen a Water Serpent
a Zu favorite personally. He has heard stories of them and
only rumors. This one is from his world and powerful he knows.
As Arawn begins to shout praises to the serpent and a request
for help against the storm his eyes widen as he notices the
snake is losing ground, or in this case water. With the speed
of the talisman and the hurricane force winds the ship is moving
even faster than the swift snake. The snake is fast, even more
than Fremea and the ship on a normal day. But soon it looks
like it begins to tire. Arawn glances around for rope or something
to help it or the snake will lose ground and the ship will be
doomed.
As he glances around in the darkness he begins to untie his
own rope even at great risk. When a large aura of magic
bursts from the ocean Arawn glances up and notices a blue aura
around the snake. Watching in amazement the snake seems to
speed up ever so slightly and gain some distance. Then suddenly
with a magical force Arawn only saw once with that Kotothi
Shaman who could jump in the trees, the snake leaps through
the air with a great massive jump or movement spell. If all
things were equal with that force of magic he could probably
jump over a 25 foot wall! But this one is limited by the
force of movement, wind and rain. The snake soars over the
head of Arawn even as he instinctively ducks. The water serpent
easily overcomes the tall railing and impacts onto the deck
itself with a wet thud. Arawn stares at amazement at the
magic of this demigod creature. But he realizes that only
half of it is still on the deck struggling to get on board
even as the sea pulls him in the opposite direction. Arawn
wished the giant was here but he tries to help the large
snake haul itself aboard. Just in time to see the crew that
are on deck pull swords and charge.
Below those on the hold deck hear a sudden thud and wonder
if the rigging just fell? In Fremea's cabin she soon wakes
and stares at the smiling Raban who helps her up and gives
her some water from a water skin.
A few moments later Arawn raises both hands up and yells to
the 2 sailors and First mate to halt. He yells the creature
is here to help. Weary the crew remain in place for a few
seconds. The snake coils up into a heap and wraps itself around
a cabinet for support. It hisses at the crew but makes no move.
The captain stares and knows his ship could sink and now they
could be eaten alive before they drown. The fool Elf is there
next to it as if its a pet. That darn ferret animal is bad
enough now a 30 foot snake? He growls but suddenly at the forward
end of the ship a sudden blast of light and wood hits the ship
as lightning hits the front port side destroying a 4 foot section
of railing there and impacting into the deck itself going below
into the brig cell where it stops causing a small discharge of
electrical fire and smoke.
As sailors, Z'leyra and Chion head to put out the fire in the
brig cage the smoke rolls through the hall. Both Arawn and
the demigod snake jerk back at the bolt of lightning only 20-30
feet away. Arawn glances to the sky and wonders if some god
who hates Zu or this snake or even him did that on purpose?
The snake seems to consider the same thing and hisses as steam
leaves its breath from the temperature change and water.
The captain orders the two sailors to inspect the damage and
returns to the steering station. Finally Arawn turns to the
demigod and bows. Knowing that isn't enough he kneels before
the snake. Technically he might be of higher status than the
snake but in this case it is a desperate situation. The snake
turns to Arawn and stares intently for a good two minutes as the
storm rages around them. When Arawn finally raises his head
and pleads their case it seems the snake recognizes the Alfar
for what he is rather than who he is. The Elf stares at the
eyes and can tell his intentions through his empathic connection
the snake is a kind creature. He doesn't know its name but
continues to ask for help to save the ship and its people.
The snake stares for moments that seem hours to Arawn and flicks
its tongue. Finally Arawn realizes the snake may not understand
him but the snake isn't stupid. The snake nods and seems to
understand by pure intelligence at the desperate situation. He
raises his horned head to the sky and Arawn senses another great
surge of magical energy build.
Arawn blinks once, twice and then a loud clap of thunder hits
overhead. Then suddenly the rain stops. Arawn blinks and wipes
his face. he glances around and notices the waves seem to be
calming down. As the snake lowers its head and stares at Arawn
the wind also seems to slow down by more than half its speed.
Arawn glances around and notices the storm hasn't stopped as it
rages on all around them in every direction. Even above him
flashes are still seen. Yet the aura around the ship is a light
red as if a bubble of magic protects the ship from the storm.
A calm sea indeed. The powerful magic seems to cover the entire
ship and then some. Even as waves seem to explode against the
bubble the ship moves forward.
The sailors forward and the officers in back stand tall and
look around in confusion. They stare at Arawn who simply points
at the snake and smiles. Arawn finally stands and looks around.
Below the party and sailors suddenly feel the ship stop as if
the ship left the storm or it stopped. Confused they slowly
begin to make their way top side only to discover the large
snake.
Whitney growls at the situation and stares at the snake.
Caladan asks, "this will save us. You have done a good
thing today."
Arawn shrugs at the wizard but glances at Whitney. He
admits it was really Whitney's idea as it seemed he tried to
do it first but became wounded. Then Arawn glances at Ben'dar
and adds, "and someone else gave the idea to me." He smiles
and lets the snake just stare at the party.
The first mate gets his bearings though has no landmarks and
knows the wheel hasn't been moved that much so his direction
continues south. Using that information and his own seaman
skills he guides the ship forward through the storm in the
magical bubble's safety.
The Captain orders damage reports. As sailors roam the ship
to check for damage the fire is put out below quickly. But
as the fire is finally put out the forward beams seem to crack
under the damage of the lightning strike and a gash in the
hull bursts open. Water comes in but not gushing as the water
line isn't all that bad in this section. If the storm was
going on it would be a gush beyond control. Sailors with the
help of Farseker and Caladan patch the hole within ten minutes
but the brig is flooded a bit. Someone will be on bail and
mop duty soon. Smaller breaches of quarter or fist size are
also patched up quickly. Overall the ship took moderate damage
but not enough to sink her out right.
Whitney wishes he had the energy to talk to the spell but does
not. Arawn considers his own tongues spell but gets a deep
impression the snake doesn't wish to communicate. Arawn is
desperate to know if he could convey a message to his parents
or get a message yet the snake seems to not want to deal with
that at all. Whenever Arawn attempts to start for such a
request Arawn senses not so friendly emotions boil up. Its
hard to pin the emotions down even with his empathic ability.
But he doesn't want to risk the ship so decides to let the
matter drop.
As the ship moves through the storm it takes almost 40 minutes
to finally escape the south edge of the hurricane like storm.
Once the storm is broken through the snake realizes this and
stares at Arawn. Arawn considers the subject of his home again
but he simply repeats his name as Arawn and gives his line of
birth. The snake gives off a soft hiss as if irrirtated to be
here for almost an hour. Arawn gets the hint and bows in
gratitude to the snake. his heart pounds as he so desperately
wishes to convey a message to his parents. He hopes the snake
will remember his name and somehow convey to his parents he
was seen well and alive. With a sad frown he begins to cast
a banish spell. With the last word and a flick of his fingers
the snake disappears back to the upper world. It clearly wanted
to remain here longer than it should've through the basic
summoning duration. A sign to Arawn that it wanted to help the
ship as if fated to do so? A demigod as powerful as him would
remain here that long to help mortals or in this case Alfar
if he had the power or the Powers that Be deemed it so.
Fremea frowns at the snake leaving and wonders if it was a
Kotothi snake. Yet the Elf didn't attack it.
As the ship zooms away from the storm the speed decreases
greatly. As damage to the hull, broken items and horses
helped the day settles back into a routine. Z'leyra tends
to Fremea's and Whitney's wounds. At least two other sailors
also took minor damage during the storm but light.
Caladan finds Whitney, "your bravery today showed me we can
trust you. You tried to save us. Sometimes even Z'leyra here"
He waves a hand at the Healer bandaging his arm. "Fails in
some spells. It happens. You thought of it first and that
matters. it is just ironic." He leans against his staff. "That
no one here knows the spell the snake did." He then laughs
and walks away.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Wow that was fun. Too bad the ship didn't sink. Man I gotta
get meaner! Good idea Whitney, Arawn. Sorry for the delay
the usual storms, power outages erasing a chunk of the update,
small family crisis (over now), work, life, blah blah. My
editor who reads these things is on vacation to some far
off eastern lands where the evil rulers force health care
on you and speak in weird accents. So this and the next 3-4
updates might be sloppy so bear with me. :)
GM: Friday I will work on the next event. The next update should
cover 4-5 more events easy to handle. The next one after
that will be an event that may need actions. But it won't
be as critical as this one. It will be a good 2 weeks or
so from now so we're moving along. By end of next update
ship will only be about 2 weeks out from Katai game time.
Probably by end of the month we'll be in Katai (our time).
I suspect next encounter will go fast. I will start to
write up the update Wednesday night. I also plan to work
on sheets and update them as best I can in the next couple
of weeks. Hope to get sheets out to folks by land fall in
Katai. Stay tuned...
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