[pnpgm] Game Update #28 - File #311 - Danger from the depths
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Fri Aug 14 06:01:43 CEST 2009
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...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma
R1 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 #28 in sequence (file #311)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
Re: Roster
Scholar. Really
I thought he did. see below
Just the spoken ones, at this point?:
Katai, Marentian, Primal, Sidh, Elf Sidh, Faerry Sidh
I'd rather use the spell you told everyone I have to learn any,
though. May as well get the expertise, experiese, and stat
points. :-)
Whitney growls under his breath, "Mop, the world was MOP...as
in swabbing decks? A sailor's main pastime?"
Whitney gives Zhou with an odd look and speaks a bit slowly, "I
have
OOC: and which is why I think Whitney might have Katai-ish eyes.
GM: Ack. Roster changed. By saying what you had in languages
I added it to the language file. Being new you may not be
aware I don't award CPs during play but until after the game.
Its easier to handle it that way. So stat points are not
added to stats till AFTER the adventure. Why would you
use spell to learn languages you already know? :)
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Concerning the serpent...
Kiet says "I am just glad that Squirt didn't go after...
GM: Ack. Darn! That would've been fun the two battling. Heck.
Maybe I can still sink the ship! Thanks for he reminder!
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea sits holding her. She is lucky that it wasn't so...
GM: Ack. Holding her? Will say head. :)
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
[*** Fremea quote deleted ***]
Raban smiles sweetly as he says, "You are quite welcome....
GM: Ack.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea looks at Raban a long time. "No, trust me on this."
Maybe one day I will tell someone in about me, just not now.
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
As the great serpent faded away like sea-mist Arawn remained...
"That was a good plan that you had, attempting the summons....
GM: Ack.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Ma 23rd, 1634TH]
[Time: 1:54pm]
After Whitney is released.
Whitney growls under his breath, "Mop, the world was MOP...as
in swabbing decks? A sailor's main pasttime?"
But the others ignore the comment not finding it amusing,
especially from the sailors.
Later Whitney has a chat about the High Elder.
Whitney gives Zhou with an odd look and speaks a bit slowly, "I
have said I was living in the Old Count's domain, which, last time
I checked, was Balance. Also if I was killing a chaos wizard and
upsetting the balance of power and the Sorcerous to stay that would
hardly make me Chaos oriented, would it? Oh my. As to calling him
the Old Count.... My family, and many many others, followed him
out of Marob and into the Dark Lands eight centuries ago, as did
most of settlers of the Dark Lands. Or is it that you don't want
the rest to realize that the highest noble rank in all the lands
is only Count?"
Zhou's face turns red and with a speed not seen by many before
he pulls a dagger from his belt and with one swift hand places
the sharp edge up against Whitney's throat. "If you EVER use
that term again I will kill you." The aide to the High Elder
eyes flair in rage as he ignores the comments about who Whitney
is or his orientation. "He is to be known only as High Elder
Ki'ama or Master ki'ama do you understand?" He places the sharp
edge up further to his throat. "He deserves that title of respect
and not something a simple noble like a 'old count' would use.
I don't care what you call him behind my back. But in my
presence you will only use those two titles. Do you understand?"
Zhou stands a good two inches taller than Whitney but both
are about equal weight. Zhou has a slightly better frame in
terms of muscles and likely could take Whitney though it might
be more a fair fight. Of course Whitney is younger by a decade
or so, age does help in fights. The others stare but do not
prevent the personal aide to Zhou in his threat. Frankly Chion,
and Kiet have heard stories of those who have insulted the man.
The High Elder seems to know all in his lands while he may not
react to it all his aides act on his behalf. Zhou and Oby
are the gatekeepers to the Citadel and High Elder. Chion has
heard stories of Oby sending word to have peasants lose jobs or
be banished from certain domains for not using the proper title
even when not in the presence of the High Elder. Rumors might
even say some were killed but none were ever proven as true
stories.
Zhou stares at Whitney for a few long movement and then pulls
back his body and dagger. "If Oby had heard you repeat that
slur to him after he had asked you to stop it you would be
dead and not hearing this. I am more forgiving. But this is
your final warning."
With hand still holding dagger he places his arm down to his
side. He then glances around at the others. Whitney seems
to realize this person who he met a few times in the Citadel
is a very loyal servant. One who would do anything to keep
the reputation and name of his master whole. Zhou leans
in and whispers so only Whitney can hear him. "As to the
High Elder being ....experienced through age...you will not
spread this lightly. It is not common knowledge and he will
not be too happy with you giving that out to even mere sailors
who could spread foul rumors."
"The High Elder is more than a mere count. He is ruler of all
the Dark Lands. Is more powerful than any 3 wizards in this
group combined. He is the most powerful wizard in the middle
world that we know of at this time. He is my lord and our
benefactor on this quest. You insult my by using that low
slur on him a title he is far above and you insult me. I may
not be a wizard but I can still uphold challenges."
Finally he places the dagger back in his hip sheath. He
speaks louder. "Your argument is sound. If we survive this
quest maybe the High Elder will meet with you to educate you
further." With a gleam in his eye on that last phrase he
walks away clearly some implication is there. Zhou shakes
his head what a way to make friends fast.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 7th, 1634TH]
[Distance this day: 30]
[Weather: Overcast, Storms]
As the ship moves through the storm all around it, the bubble
of protection the supernatural summoned Water Serpent remains
solid through his constant attention and concentration. As more
of the party and sailors stare at the large snake some almost
consider it an attack by Kototh himself. How could such a snake,
a typical sign of the snake god himself, be here helping man?
What would the outcome have been if Whitney had called it here
rather than the Alfar? Would he have wanted to help the ship?
Some consider the very fact the Alfar is a son of a god this must
be done only on that sole reason.
When some come top side their hands instinctively lower to
weapons but then they notice Arawn standing nearby the beast
with no weapons in hand. By now the snake is fully inside the
bubble and on the ship itself. It takes up over 2/3rds of the
width of the ship as it lays out waiting. With only about 5
feet at most on the sides of it allowing sailors to move back
and forth with clear reluctance.
When the winds die down and the waves stop crashing against the
ship, Kiet pokes his head out of his cabin door. Not really
understanding what is taking place, he looks around for one of
the other party members and sees them starting to wander up top.
Kiet decides to follow them to the main deck.
Upon reaching the open air deck Kiet's first reaction is of
great relief, clearly visible on his face. Most of the party
members know that Kiet was previously shipwrecked on the Dark
Lands coast, and that it must have been quite the traumatic
experience.
Quickly, however, all eyes and attention are turned toward the
massive serpent creature occupying so much deck space. Kiet sees
this creature and his eyes widen as far as anyone has ever seen
from him. He starts to move closer but stops for a second and
looks around for Kell. As soon as he spots him, Kiet calls out
loud to him "Kell! Whatever you do, keep that little fiend Squirt
away from this creature or you may doom us all!" Kiet slowly
moves closer to the head of the creature and kneels before it,
bowing his head in submission, with great reverence and quiet
genuflection.
The crew and party members hear Kiet say something to the
creature but the only word they pick out is "Lemasa" and Kiet
saying his own name.
Arawn next to the snake listens and watches Kiet in amazement.
He never figured the acrobat for such reverence to a creature
or religion.
As Kiet speaks the snake moves silently forward toward the human.
It raises its full body to tower over the kneeling Kiet As Kiet
speaks the snakes blue eyes seem to brighten and stare at the
downed head of Kiet. At one point it glances briefly at Arawn
and then back to Kiet. At this easy range and distance the snake
could easily kill the human below him but seems docile. Finally
Kiet raises his head but remains kneeling. Both human and snake
meet eye to eye as the snake lowers level to the man. Arawn
can feel the scent of oily scales, musk, fish on his breath and
some other odd things. Kiet can see the long forked tongue
come in and out almost hypnotically. As Kiet's gets to the end
of his speed the forked tongue seems to quicken in speed and
haste. As Kiet raises his head to see if he is insulting the
snake the hissing noise seems to change in pitch and style.
Kiet almost has the impression the hissing is like a human
would laugh if it was a hiss?
Afterward, Kiet slowly backs away from the creature, still in
obvious reverence, until he is back a proper amount and simply
resumes observing the goings on around the creature. The snake
watches Kiet intently and Kiet wonders if that last gesture he
notices was a nod or just some attempt at holding its head up?
Kiet wonders if he has just impressed or insulted the snake if
he could even be understood.
Kiet says "I am just glad that Squirt didn't go after the
Water Serpent. THAT would have been a disaster!"
Kell looks around and wonders where Squirt is. If it does
come up the natural behavior of snake killer for squirt might
cause a disaster as Kiet said. But the snake would not be in
any clear danger, in fact the pet and ship would be.
Down below in Fremea's cabin both Raban and Fremea feel the
ship suddenly stop tossing about roughly. Fremea sits holding her
head. 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. In the back of her mind she
can hear the voices of her past to avoid the humans and don't get
attached. She shakes off the thoughts.
Raban smiles sweetly as he says. "You are quite welcome. You
had me very worried that I would have to try to fly off a sinking
ship carrying you and maybe others. I do not know how well that
would have worked since I have never needed to fly in such a storm.
At the best I would have been completely lost and need to pray for
guidance back to land. So it is fortunate we did not need to try
it after all. Maybe it is karma, since I was going to sink that
other ship. Now I know what such a thing feels like and knowing
there is so little you can do is a terrible thing to face. But I
also know I would still consider such an act if it was needed,
does that make me a bad person?"
Fremea looks at Raban a long time. "No, trust me on this."
Maybe one day I will tell someone in about me, just not now she
thinks to herself. What is bad is good to others. It is all
relative.
After everyone in the ship gets a view of the snake, Arawn sends
it away. While there was no exchange of information or favors
Arawn probably considers he now owes the snake a big favor later
on in his long life.
As the great serpent faded away like sea-mist Arawn remained
still and silent for a few minutes. Several thoughts raced through
his mind but after a bit he pushed them aside to tend to the here
and now. Tired and drained he moved amongst the passengers and
crew running a check to make sure that no one was missing. Along
the way he counted the animals- horses, birds and even little
Squirt- to make sure that all were well. Tending to any that needed
help or assisting with repairs in the aftermath he eventually found
time to sit down for a moment and catch his breath. Finding a spot
near Whitney he gave a quiet but warm smile.
Arawn speaks to Whitney. "That was a good plan that you had,
attempting the summons. The storm was dangerous and complicated
things. Not many can keep a level-head in such situations. It's
good to know that you can think clearly when things get rough,"
the Alfar said in a genuine tone. His demeanor shifted for a brief
moment, pensive, perhaps even brooding as he added,
"The gods are watching us I think, helping us in their way but
it makes me wonder if there are forces out there seeking to harm
us that would draw interest from the other Realms..." He trailed
off into silence for a brief second before looking up again, the
odd cast now removed from his face.
"Anyways, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Perhaps
when there is time we may share stories or knowledge of such magics
as we have seen in the future." Not wishing to bother the man any
longer than necessary he then rose with a smile to begin further
work on the ship.
The ship doesn't take long to get its bearings back since the
gets help from Fremea. She flies up high with her spyglass
and finds the shore. Knowing that the ship is easy to head south
as the storm heads further north.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 8th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 14]
[Distance this day: 38]
[Weather: Overcast, Rain]
[Temperatures: 56-69]
The day after the huge hurricane storm, the ship finds itself
docked in a Choshai fishing village by mid-morning. This allows
the sailors to fix damage and check the bottom of the ship while
diving below. As sailors do damage control the officers plan for
renewal of supplies including new pitch and food.
While the Captain doesn't care if the party heads to shore to
stretch the legs or visit the one and only tavern, Zhou mentions
there could be danger if Uli somehow got word ahead of them.
The village itself is one of the smallest of the 5 or so
visited in the last few weeks. There is just a small dock,
one warehouse, one tavern and two shops. Only about 100 small
homes and one large building that must be a town center or
hall that is closed this day. The residents are timid and are
obvious fishermen and their families. They leave the party
alone even as they dock and walk the horses.
As the party watches the merchant ship dock up, Zhou gathers
all but Whitney around. He states, "Whitney tried to save us
and his bravery showed he could be a team player. OF course
it could be self survival. Though Arawn actually got the
snake on board, Whitney thought of it first. So I will wait
a couple more weeks then inform him of our mission. He can
then decide to leave us or join us. Of course if we fear he
will give our mission away we may have to detain him. Of course
if he uses that name of the High Elder again his fate will be
decided by me."
Four hours later the party leaves mid afternoon and activates
the talisman for better speed. Nothing seems to have happened
bad for the party in the village and even less noticed the
ship leaving or cared.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 9th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 10]
[Distance this day: 34]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
[Temperatures: 59-79]
[Time: 1:10pm]
Coming up from the south west another Choshai ship is seen.
It looks like the one Uli sailed in almost identically. It
is merchant looking size but the Captain knows better. It
looks more like a troop-inspection-military ship. Since the
talisman has been active for hours the Blue Moon simply passes
and avoids the other ship with ease. The other ship watches
intently the Blue Moon but can do little to catch up. Though
it is clear the crew is excited by the speed of the ship.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 10th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Overcast, Wind storms]
[Temperatures: 73-80]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 11th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 13]
[Distance this day: 37]
[Weather: Partly Cloudy, Fog]
[Temperatures: 66-86]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 12th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
[Temperatures: 56-89]
There is a slight emergency around 2pm when a hull breach that
was patched 5 days ago back at the big storm comes loose. A
piece of rotten wood is the cause. But the sailor who works
as ship's carpenter quickly repairs it though some water damage
is done to Farseeker's cabin.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 13th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 10]
[Distance this day: 34]
[Weather: Overcast, Rain]
[Temperatures: 54-62]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 14th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Superior, Speed 24]
[Distance this day: 48]
[Weather: Partly Cloudy, Light hail]
[Temperatures: 66-80]
Today around 3pm a storm rolls in but its light the crew sees
no reason to avoid it. It is not a thunderstorm but when the
skies drop small hail sized stones folks head below for cover.
Maybe its their large frames but as Chion and Raban head below
to avoid the golf ball sized stones both are hit by at least 2-3
stones and take some small bruises. But nothing serious from the
blows. Some of the other sailors don't even avoid the stones as
they have been through so many such storms in the past.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 15th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 10]
[Distance this day: 34]
[Weather: Cloudy, Normal]
[Temperatures: 66-81]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 16th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
[Temperatures: 41-75]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 17th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 10]
[Distance this day: 34]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
[Temperatures: 44-79]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 18th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Low, Speed 2]
[Distance this day: 26]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
[Temperatures: 46-75]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 19th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Poor, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Partly Cloudy, Normal]
[Temperatures: 59-76]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 20th, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 6]
[Distance this day: 30]
[Weather: Cloudy, Light storms in area]
[Temperatures: 59-76]
The storms today are avoided with ease. But around 9am a
Choshai fishing vessel is encountered. The talisman has not
been activated as Shu waits for the "lull period" she calls
it while the item rests and recharges. As the winds are low
today the ship moves slowly.
As the ship nears the fishing village the party notices excited
movement on board. But this isn't from a huge catch or a net
being hauled up. But it seems two are on the deck and there are
spots of red near them. As the ship nears the vessel the other
captain yells for help from the other ship. Though Captain Sung
is cautious it is obvious this isn't a military ship. There
are nets, seagulls, fishing lines, fishing poles and the typical
configuration of a fishing boat. The people don't even seem to
be carrying weapons other than daggers or knives.
As the ship gets within a few feet the others explain the
ship came across a foul fish pod. Their nets had captured it
thinking it was large fish like sea bass. But in fact it was
electric eels that seemed to be with fierce beasts that looked
like sharks but with tusks and sword like noses almost like
a hammerhead shark might have but with a point. The fishermen
said they threw the net out but in the process these two were
hurt. They had a small healing kit but the winds are not allowing
them to return fast enough to get a healer to help them.
Farseeker, Raban and three other sailors board first to ensure
its not a trap. When it becomes clear it not then others
join them. Z'leyra and Arawn both tend to the two wounded
men. One has a large pierced abdomen and the other has severe
cuts and burns. Both tend the wounds as best they can. Zhou
reminds them that use of magic is not proper even with these
people. While the party could take them easy word would
spread as families would get worried. Z'leyra and Arawn nod
as they treat the wounds and stabailize them. Aside from the
abdomen wound the other will be fine. The big side wound will
need extensive rest. As the two healers finish up they regret
not doing magic which could solve the wounds in seconds. But
Zhou is firm in this. Zhou asks Z'leyra if the man will live
as is without magic. Z'leyra says yes but will have severe
scars in the future and likely be infected. Zhou sadly says
this is good enough and orders the healers back tot he ship.
The fishermen who all seem uneducated beyond what might be
a 5th grade education for most civilized school children are
highly grateful for the help. In exchange they give the crew
one third of their fish haul for the day. Enough fish to feed
the crew for at least 3 days. They quickly head to shore and
will send the men to the local healer who happens to be the
tavern owner.
Z'leyra and Arawn is frustrated not being able to use magic it is
for the good of the cover story. This close to Katai only about
500 or so miles now from the final destination the Katai border
is coming up fast. That means this close rumors can spread
faster than could be handled.
Arawn prays for the man with the abdomen wound to live with
as little pain as he can. His days of fishing are likely over.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 21st, 1634TH]
[Winds: Low, Speed 1]
[Distance this day: 25]
[Weather: Cloudy, Fog]
[Temperatures: 67-88]
Fog finally leaves the area around 10am. The wind is so low
today if it weren't for the talisman the ship would barely move
at all.
Strie'bog and Arawn today seem especially happy. Arawn even
remains up as the sun shines when he could be below sleeping.
Strie'bog has been trying his best to keep track of the days
and knows today for Druids is a special day - the summer solstice.
Of course both druids may be off a day or two. But they believe
today is the day. They perform rituals on the deck of the ship.
Fremea helps out by getting some small plants from the shoreline
to represent the land in the rituals. While the ship doesn't
stop at all this day the rituals are performed for a full two
hours. Prayers are given, chants spoken, ceremonies given and
candles are burnt during these rituals. While Arawn isn't
as clear on human druid rituals as Strie'bog both help out each
other. It was only months ago when they were in the Vassa
Sacred Forest performing the winter solstice rituals with the
higher ranking druids.
The party watch and sit silently. Soon as the rituals end both
give stories and speak of legends for the day in their respective
cultures. Even the sailors seem happy to have the rituals done
as to them in this case it gives them luck. They know the summer
is the hardest period for storms and any luck will help them.
----------------------------
[Junaqa 22nd, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 14]
[Distance this day: 38]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Drizzle]
[Temperatures: 65-90]
----------------------------
[Junaqa 23rd, 1634TH]
[Winds: Good, Speed 14]
[Distance this day: 38]
[Weather: Clear/Sunny, Fog]
[Temperatures: 65-93]
The fog lasts for 3.5 hours this morning after sunrise. But
as the ship speeds along no one notices a lone Mermaid in the
water swimming in the air. The priestess sends word through
magic and animal methods ahead to her next relay contact.
For hours two more mermaids at least 3-4 miles apart continue
the relay communication. Deep below hundreds of feet on the
ocean bottom the party doesn't realize there is a large Merman
nation of underground city-caves. Their network of tunnels
and fast moving fish and magic allows for quick communication.
When King Klimos heard of a ship in the far out scout lands
to the north seem to escape a dragon encounter he was interested.
When word came from the middle regions of their thousand plus mile
domain that the same ship escaped a huge storm he was fascinated.
he wanted to find this ship. He set out scouts and warrior
groups. Soon the 3rd daughter of the First Priestess had found
it and reports came in for two days. But the King knew the ship
was moving too fast to encounter. So he sent word ahead to
set up a forward attack.
It was tasked to the noble Fum'lator of the warrior cast to
lead a group against this enemy ship and capture or kill them.
Lucky for the party the hundreds of merman troops could not
muster fast enough to encounter the ship or it would have been
the end. But instead a small force waits to the south of the
ship and waits. The sailors had mentioned stories of mermaids
in this region and even an occasional attack by mermen but
those were more rare than stories led to believe. Captain Sung
is happy for the speed of the talisman.
As the day continues the ship is oblivious to the dangers that
lurk and wait for them. The sun sets as the ship continues
south toward Katai. By midnight tonight the First Mate says
the ship would likely have come over 2,200 miles. With only
around 400 to go before the final destination. If the estimates
are right. Only another two weeks at current rates it is
estimated and so the morale picks up.
[Junaqa 24th, 1634TH]
[Time: 3:55am]
The next morning the group of merman finally see a faint glow
as the ship's lanterns alert them of their distance. The Merman
move swiftly into action.
On board the ship most are asleep. Nighttime duties even ended
hours ago. All the horses are asleep and docile now. Even
Squirt sleeps at the end of Kell's bed. Corona sits on the
rigging also sleeping to the humid climate. He has been also
complaining the last few days the humid weather is not doing
his skin and feathers well. He isn't made for ocean salt air
and climate.
Captain Sung and the First Mate are also below deck in their
own cabins. At the steering wheel is one sailor who simply
ensures no big winds will steer the ship off course. He stands
bored at the station. Halfway on deck is another sailor looking
to starboard side for problems with the sails as at any time the
rigging can get messed up. Another sailor sits on deck carving
a piece of wood he saw some in the party doing days ago and
wanted to attempt as well. All three sailors are on active duty
and watch but light duty. Usually only two sailors are up this
late of hour. All others below are sound asleep. Below only
the occasional lantern dots the hall for dim night lightning.
Most rooms are pitch black. Top side there is only three small
lanterns lit at this hour. One near the steering wheel and the
sailor carving wood. The third is at the front tip of the ship
made for limited forward view. It is a special high powered
lantern that uses back mirrors to reflect as much light forward.
Its not meant to avoid objects but to warn other ships in case
in the dead of night another ship happens in the same path.
This night there is no moon at all and only the bright stars
in the clear sky shines down. No clouds at this hour and the
temperature is cool but humid at around 71 degrees.
While no one below stirs not human or animal on deck there
are some still awake. Besides the three sailors we find Arawn
and Fremea awake. On deck sleeps Raban in his normal spot
on the hold ramp. At times Raban shifts from flat on the deck
to the ramp. On top the back can be sore after a good night's
rest. but with enough cushion and small mattress it is actually
good to sleep on the ramp since it is angled just enough to
prevent movement but secure enough to keep him in place. While
the smell may be off at times the breeze from the open hold
hatch lets in enough fresh air for him to rest better than most
nights flat on the deck. This night Raban finds himself sleeping
tightly and dreaming of a Donaran virgin he met at a lake while
she was bathing.
Arawn sits by the man carving the wood. He is using the dim
light and his keen eyes to read the Katai history book he has
to prepare for the landing. Occasionally he glances over to
approve of the carving and give recommendations. Both men
mostly remain quiet concentrating on their tasks.
Fremea on the other hand is in the tiny crows nest high on
the forward primary rigging. To her she finds the soothing
motion of the nest comfortable almost like a parent rocking
her child though those memories are lost or hard to find for her.
She is staring at the stars high above and listening to the
snow white Corona near by roosted on the nest side. Just 15
minutes or so he woke up briefly and saw her. He decides to
remain awake and just relax with the fellow winged being. He
seems to find her easy to be with rather than the bipedal non-
winged beings. Quietly Corona had just asked Fremea how she
got fire to go from her bow like he can from his eyes.
As the Blue Moon moves swiftly through the water the large net
spread out by the mermen is snagged. But while the net is strong
its light a specialty of the merman people. As the forward part
of the ship catches the 50 foot long net it brings the net along
with it. underwater the two sides move swiftly down and then
toward the sides of the ship. The Merman who have been holding
onto the net are prepared for this and use special spikes to
attach to the hold. Not deep enough to penetrate but good enough
to secure them. In one coordinated effort the two sides and
front begins to move upwards. Five other merman quickly swim
to the rear and climb the rear of the ship. Agile beings they
are used to such activity even in the dead of night.
Arawn is so enthralled by the book the dangers lurking around
him isn't known to his keen senses. But the quiet air is
broken by a pained muffled cry. Both Arawn and sailor next to
him look up to see the sailor at the steering station pierced
by a long object. A form behind him pulls back to reveal a 3
pronged staff like thing later to be found to be a trident.
The sailor slumps forward on to the platform and onto the deck.
At the same time the 3rd sailor on the starboard side notices
forms behind him and to the front. He pulls his sword. "Intruders!
Sound the alarm!"
At the same time Arawn can hear and finally sees forms behind
him on this side of the ship. Arawn slams his book closed and
quickly scans the deck. It looks like 3-4 forms on each side
of the ship (front, aft, port and starboard) all coming up and
over the deck. Most are already on deck by now and pulling
weapons.
Fremea hears the yell and stands to look down to see more forms
than Arawn does from her angle. These continue to climb the
ship. From three sides (port, starboard and front) she estimated
5 on each side. If there are more in the rear she can't tell
from this angle.
Arawn knows the alarm is a brass bell right at the steering wheel
is has been used in the past to declare duty stations, storm
warnings and combat. With the sailor down he can't sound the
alarm now by ringing the bell which would likely waken those
below. Arawn sighs sound the alarm or fight? One down and
four on deck against 4-5 times that many. Not good odds at
this point. At least a dozen or so are on deck already.
Fremea and Arawn both see at least 1-2 of the merman to get
a good look at them. They have heard the stories of the sailors
warn them and know these beings are the water creatures known
as merman. They are very muscular bipeds with blue or green
scaled skin. Their eyes seem to be just large black orbs with
no pupils and large ears. On each hand and foot are large
sharpened talons. Each have a light cloth like garment on the
bottom that might be called pants but no shirts. Their bare
chests are that of fighters and weight lifters. Some seem to
carry tridents, daggers or spiked clubs.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: All right. We moved from 7th to 23rd. So we are moving
on a bit. IBT ends on the 25th. This means those who
trained in seaman skill now have it as it would only likely
taken the first part of the period. So I will consider
present seaman skills for the current situation for fighting
purposes.
GM: Language file updated. Also added link of the ship voyage
showing the chart I've been using. Might have some details
I've not mentioned. Just a FYI. On bottom of game site.
GM: Ok. Arawn you can have your sword at hand. But you decide if
you want the scale mail or not (keep in mind this armor is
not good for going overboard) no other gear would be on you
like your bow. Fremea because your gear is just so light
and would normally wear it you can have all your gear (bow,
sword, dagger). Fremea can easily be wearing her leather
armor. Raban you full gear is at hand but would not be
in armor while asleep? Arawn let me know if you want to wear
the scale mail to me you wouldn't but I'll allow you to
make that decision.
GM: This weekend hope to work to clean up character sheets. I
hope to at least folks know how their mana is for spells
next week. But tonight don't have time. This is why I
suggested keeping some mana for just in case situations.
GM: All others asleep would be with their gear but not dressed
or in night clothes. If the alarm is sounded chances will
improve for your Wake Chance. The yell by the sailor has
a chance to wake up Raban. But it would not go beyond that
due to the hull. Only the bell would be loud enough to
piece the hull. Let me know what you don and do once you
are officially woken up. Once the first couple people
are awake and assuming alarm bell is sounded chance of
waking up improves. But otherwise it will depend on
what the others do at this point. The above is random
placement and timing. I hope I painted enough of a picture
and gave enough details. Right now there is ambush but
that has been given up at this point. I will do 1-4 phases
of combat depending on what Arawn/Fremea do. Then once
more wake up will likely only do 2 phases per update if
things get too big to handle.
GM: For better ease of viewing a map follows. For the detailed
deck plans check out the website link of the same. If
the below map messes up in your email check out the website
as the tabs and spaces don't seem to mess up as they do in
email clients. Its aligned on the website (at least for me).
* Player Ship Information
Ship - "Blue Moon" Class - Merchant
Length - 72 feet Width - 36 feet
Sails - 2 Square set [1 normal size, 1 half size]
* Ship Deck Plans
Scale - Each Column = 2 feet
Each Row = 2 feet
Port (Top), Forward (Right), Aft (Left), Starboard (Bottom)
Port (East), Forward (South), Aft (North), Starboard (West)
A. Top Deck
123456789012345678901234567890123456
_____M____________________
A /*** M M ____ MM \ * = Ship's Anchor
B / *** A 3 I%%%% \ @ = Navigator Station/Wheel
CI----I I%%%% M [--]= Rigging/Sails
DI ,, \ , = Steps up/down
EI M1 at I \ $$= Hold Hatch
FI @I [--] ##I\ %%= Deck Stairs down
GI M I ### [--] ##I M #= Provison/Storage locker
HI [--] ### [--] I \
II [--]\ /[--] ,, :\___
JI M [--]/ \[--] ,, M:/
KI [--] ### [--] I / Lanterns -
LI I ### [--] ##I / E5 [On steering platform]
MI ,, [--] ##I/ L15 [Just below rigging on deck]
NI ,, M / I25 [Front of ship on railing
OI I $$$$$$$$ 2 / latch]
PI____I $$$$$$$$ /
Q \ M M / Nest - 20' above deck on rigging
R \____________M____M_______/
123456789012345678901234567890123456
Light - Each lantern gives good light in 10 foot area, 20 foot in dim
diameter and 30 feet at very faint level.
Note: Horse/Hold ramp hatch is open. Stairs hatch is open.
People Location
#1 - Sailor #1 - [1] E3 - Facing forward [Standing]
#2 - Sailor #2 - [2] O23- Facing SE [Standing]
#3 - Sailor #3 - [3] B3 - Facing West [Sitting]
A - Arawn - [A] B10- Facing West [Sitting]
F - Fremeea - [ ] J26- Facing skyward [Sitting] [Not on map]
R - Raban - [ ] P14- Ramp/in hold [Laying down] [Not on map]
M - Each M is a merman seen at this point. May not all be mapped
at this point for the initial phase.
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