To Thea, he says, "Oh ho, performer, is it?" He gives you an appraising look. "Acrobat, by any chance? I'll confess, I've done my time entertaining a crowd too. Partial to a sing-song, myself. Indeed, it may have done its part to keep me sane out here all this time. Don't worry, lass, I'll get us there. I'm no landsman but I've got to know my little estate pretty well."
To William, "A sailor? Aye, I miss the shift of a deck beneath my feet and the salt breeze. Two years is too long to spend on land. You served on Company ships? Hauling what? Setroka? Matsira? Logwood? Gold?"
"Ha, don't worry, mate. I chose this spot well. You'll see. Follow me."
Billy leads the way out of the cave. The passageway narrows and bends to the right, then to the left. You exit into the evening light on the north side of the hill. As he exits the cave, he takes two mangoes from a net hanging just inside and throws one to William before biting into his own, the juice running into his beard. "Help yourselves,"he calls to the others behind.
The cave entrance is masked by the rock formation and some large, broad-leaved bushes. Directly in front of it is a broad ledge that ends in a sheer drop to the jungle below. There is a neatly arranged circle of stones in the middle of the ledge, with the remains of a fire within. There is an arrangement of branches over it, presumably for Billy to cook on. The sun is low to the west, and to the north east you can see the column of black smoke rising from a smudge of land on the horizon. It is hanging at an angle now, and you can feel a breeze starting to pick up from the east. From the ledge you have a magnificent view of the jungle canopy stretching away to the north, ending in a similar beach to the one that extends around the southern side of the island. Directly to the north you can see another land mass sitting way out on the horizon. To the west, though you are dazzled by the setting sun, you can see the northern slope of the other hill. The one that, presumably, has these statues on that Billy mentioned.
As you exit into the light, 'Old Roger' appears and swoops down to land on Billy's shoulder.
"Fire Island! Squawk!"
"Give it a rest, you scurvy dog!" says Billy, but not entirely without affection.
He then turns left, to the west, and leads you around the hill back towards the 'back door' by which you entered his cave, and your trail back down to the river.
A momentary flash of anger crossed Kairouanis face as she was reminded over her own failure at the river, she was of the opinion that the men below were likely simply curious, one did not go to war so lightly....spilling blood among the islands when kinship linked to kinship could start a rain of blood that would not cease for decades.
She followed the others outside.
" Let them come to us, we can meet them downslope and they will be tired from the climb. Though I do not think it will come to blood once they see one of the Wise with us and that I am Islander."
" Though if they are young....the young do not often think before they act.", her voice had a slight scolding inflection that was hard to determine exactly where it was aimed, though likely mostly at herself.
Seri feels a momentary pang for the giant sea turtles that had climbed the beach the previous day. Were they to be hunted down by the canoe-riders, guided by their ankoai? She knows Trondro's cycle of life well, just as red in tooth and claw as its landbound counterpart. Yet she cannot help feeling sad.
Having said her piece, she makes her way to the damaged sailcloth as the others discuss their plans. Remembering that William had deemed her previous purification of food and water to be "cheating", Seri murmurs for Trondro'sguidance to help her act unnoticed, and His restorative magic to render the sailcloth whole once more. Blocking the others' view with her back, she casts Guidance and then Mending to repair it.
Seri'sStealth plus Guidance to sneakily cast Mending on the torn sailcloth: 17 + 3 = 20 (dirty)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thea stops at Kairouani's comment about the young not thinking before acting. She thinks for a second, and then begrudgingly follows along through the jungle, on the lookout for danger.
Perception: 23
As they walk, she replies to Billy Flint's comment about a performer "Not an acrobat. I am of the mind of not putting my body on display for the enjoyment of others." She says, which to the others, might seem quite hypocritical considering her current outfit.
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Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master,The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brorminthe Crusher; Discoverythe Keeper; Theathe Scoundrel; Jorvirthe Weaver; Threlan,the Speaker; Zolyathe Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
Seri's discreet repair of the sailcloth barrier goes unnoticed by the others as they file out of the cave after Billy.
Despite his size, Flint moves easily through the jungle. Roger the parrot soon gets fed up of the motion of his human perch and begins tracking the party's path in the branches instead.
Billy is humming a jaunty tune to himself until Thea speaks. "No?" he replies, as he pushes aside a branch and holds it for the next person in line. "I hope you don't take it wrong, I just meant you look you could run the yards in a storm like a cat. So how is it you entertain?"
Night falls quickly in these latitudes, but by pressing on back down your own trail, you make it most of the way to the river before it is fully dark under the canopy. The last few hundred yards is slow going as you bunch up to within touching distance of each other, relying on Billy's local knowledge and Seri's ability to see in the dark in shades of grey. The sound of the waterfall aids in your navigation and you soon see the last dying rays of daylight falling on the river beyond the shadows of the jungle. Billy halts the party short of the river and speaks in hushed tones in case the men are already at the far bank. The sound of the waterfall would make it hard to overhear anything across the water though. He offers some advice.
"Looks like we'll spend the night here. I don't know if any of you have ever spent the night in a jungle before, but I can offer some advice based on hard experience. Get yourselves off the ground. A hammock if you have one, or find a tree to climb."
"Well, I...I used to entertain. I played a role. Like one in a play, so to speak. I guess I still do." Thea expression is hard to figure out, though it seems somewhere between reminiscience and loathing, but not loathing Billy, loathing what she is remembering.
As the group reaches the waterfall, she listens to his advice, but has one question "Can't snakes climb trees?" She looks up, and for the first time, the party sees something almost...is that fear in her eyes? You rub your eyes and its gone. You must be tired, you think to yourself.
To William, "A sailor? Aye, I miss the shift of a deck beneath my feet and the salt breeze. Two years is too long to spend on land. You served on Company ships? Hauling what? Setroka? Matsira? Logwood? Gold?"
William pondered the question for a moment before giving a nonchalant shrug. 'A bit of everything, I would say.'He said as he remembered the ships and captains he had sailed with. 'I am a surgeon and cook and, if need be, shipwright. Cargo was of less importance to me than keeping the men and ship sturdy.'
He followed Bill out of the cave. The mango Bill threw at William he stashed away for now. He also picked two more just in case he needed them or wanted to experiment. Fresh fruit was hard to come by out on a ship's journey and was almost never taken on board as they spoilt too fast. Any sweetness he could get, William would indulge himself in.
The light seemed extraordinarily bright after the darkness of the cave and William had to shield his eyes before they adjusted. He noted the strategic advantaged of the cave entrance's position, adding it to the list of things he ought to keep in mind regarding Bill, and moved through the jungle with the group. When night and the time to set up camp came, he put down his backpack and other equipment so he could stretch his back. Following Bill's advice, William took out his bedroll and rope and used them to construct a rudimentary hammock between two sturdy looking trees.
'What about a fire?'He asked after inspecting the impromptu hammock. He noticed an odd look in Thea's eyes and made note of it.
Kairouani nodded to Thea, " But they are generally not as dangerous...less aggressive and they don't need such potent venom....of course there's those that don't use venom but just give you a hug, but most of the ones big enough to swallow people stick nearer the ground or in water....mostly."
She climbed up and tried to settle in, " I'd worry more about the cats personally."
Seri looks a bit glum at having to spend the night far from the shore, though she knows it is a necessity.
As time permits, she gathers river water, walking in a circle as she prays and pouring a thin stream of it on the soil to ritually cast two spells in succession:
1. Purify Food and Drink on the rest of the gathered river water so there is enough for the party and Flint to drink safely.
2. Speak with Animals to converse with Rogerin squawking Parrot-language as Seri eats a mango she had taken from Flint's tree and offers the bird some choice bits. Asking the parrot questions such as... (spoiler below). The only words intelligible as human speech at one point are "Fire Island."
"Have you always been with Billy Flint? Have their been other two-legs you were with before him?"
"Were you with Billy (or one of the other two-legs) when they sailed a ship? Was there a storm, or a fight between two-legs on other ships that caused Billy to end up on this island? Or perhaps did the crew of his own ship strand him here with nothing but a fire-stick with one use left in it?"
"Why do you say 'Fire Island' in the two-legs' language? Did Billy or someone else say it often?"
"Have you ever been on or near an an island which emits smoke? Such as possibly the one emitting the smoke we saw on the horizon from the hill?"
When it comes time to tie up a hammock in the trees, Seri pleads humbly for Trondro'sguidance, being so far from his open waters, to find a good spot:
Billy nods as Kairouani answers Thea's fears about the snakes. He adds, "In my experience the snakes don't bother you unless you bother them. As long as you're off the ground you'll be right as rain."
"You've had a run in with the cats, have you? I've found them to be curious but nervous. They're easy enough to see off."
Turning as William speaks, he says, "Ho! Useful chap there! I take it you never encountered pirates? They'd snap up a man of your talents quicker than you can say 'pass me the rum'!"
"A fire? Certainly, as long as your intention is to reveal our presence to our friends over the water. It would likely serve to keep predators at bay, though."
As Kairouani makes herself comfortable in a broad nook about five feet off the ground and William works on his makeshift hammock, Billy watches Seri in conversation with Roger. His eyes still hold their twinkle of amusement, but there is an edge of suspicion in his demeanour.
Roger is a bit startled when Seri begins talking in his own language, but soon gets into his stride. He is rather talkative.
Roger confirms that Billy (he doesn't refer to him by name, as he doesn't seem to understand names, but indicates that is who he is talking about) is the only big, wingless, featherless parrot that he has ever been friends with. They met in the place that Roger grew up, and he decided to stay with Billy because he fed him and was kind. They travelled on the sea on a huge log with great, white wings, and there were lots of other big creatures like Billy on the log too. Roger seems to have little concept of the passage of time, so it is unclear how long this took place for.
He tells you that they came to this island with some others (you gather to be humans), who then left and didn't come back.
He can't really explain why he keeps saying 'Fire Island' other than he thinks that it is something important to Billy.
He doesn't really understand the question about the smoke, but says that he has been to lots of other places with Billy. Usually there were others around. This is the first time they have been away from other (humans).
Once you've finished, you see that Billy is still watching. The smile is there. "You really can talk to the animals, can't you? No end of wonders. I'm curious what you can learn from a bird. I can't imagine you'd get much sense from him."
Seri gives Roger the rest of her mango in sincere thanks. She tells the bird she hopes they can be friends, admitting and explaining that she can't always speak parrot. She tries to agree with Roger on a noise Roger can make when he has something to communicate to Seri so she can prepare.
Turning to Billy, she is quiet for a long moment, her turquoise eyes solemn.
"I will tell you what I imagine, Billy Flint. I imagine you underestimate your friend, for that is what Roger considers himself. Trondro holds treasures untold in His depths and on His shores, yet the Olona teach that simple friendship may surpass them all. I have been fortunate to receive such friendship freely given when they took me in. Then during the maelstrom that struck the Horn of Plenty, I witnessed what I have been taught, that it is better to be the ocean God's friend than His enemy. And you too have befriended us, in your own manner, on this island. For that, I am thankful."
Seri pauses once more, searching for the words. "Yet we are strangers. Perhaps useful strangers, but strangers still. I hope one day, you consider us friends with whom you can share your secrets. Such as why your shipmates left you on this island with only Roger and a fire-stick with one use left. Or what the words 'Fire Island' mean. I am an acolyte of Trondro. I do not seek to turn your knowledge against you, only to understand who we can trust."
Seri's voice drops to a whisper as she turns away to move towards her resting spot. "Your sailcloth is mended, Billy Flint."
Turning as William speaks, he says, "Ho! Useful chap there! I take it you never encountered pirates? They'd snap up a man of your talents quicker than you can say 'pass me the rum'!"
"A fire? Certainly, as long as your intention is to reveal our presence to our friends over the water. It would likely serve to keep predators at bay, though."
'The Company is strong and affluent enough to deter all but the most desperate of pirates.'William replied with a touch of pride in his voice. The remark about the fire struck true: fire would provide warmth and comfort but it would also inform everyone around of their location. For now William decided against it. He hoped that tonight he would not need to make the decision between the cover of darkness or the safety of fire. He still gathered some dry branches and held his tinder box on hand just in case he needed his eyes during the night.
He listened in on Seri's conversation. William was curious as to what Seri revealed and how Bill would react.
Turning as William speaks, he says, "Ho! Useful chap there! I take it you never encountered pirates? They'd snap up a man of your talents quicker than you can say 'pass me the rum'!"
"A fire? Certainly, as long as your intention is to reveal our presence to our friends over the water. It would likely serve to keep predators at bay, though."
'The Company is strong and affluent enough to deter all but the most desperate of pirates.'William replied with a touch of pride in his voice. The remark about the fire struck true: fire would provide warmth and comfort but it would also inform everyone around of their location. For now William decided against it. He hoped that tonight he would not need to make the decision between the cover of darkness or the safety of fire. He still gathered some dry branches and held his tinder box on hand just in case he needed his eyes during the night.
He listened in on Seri's conversation. William was curious as to what Seri revealed and how Bill would react.
"I would prefer a fire, if you don't mind. It seems the dangerous beasts of this island have it out for me. The jungle cats last night, and then the snake earlier today."
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Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master,The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brorminthe Crusher; Discoverythe Keeper; Theathe Scoundrel; Jorvirthe Weaver; Threlan,the Speaker; Zolyathe Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
Billy stares after Seri as she moves away to bed down. For the first time since you met him he seems at a loss for words. The look on his face is unreadable.
After a few moments he shifts, and seems to notice that William and Thea have spoken again. He responds to William's assertion of the Company's power. "What? Aye... perhaps, matey, perhaps."He seems distant, distracted. And glances in Seri's direction, a hint of a frown creasing his brow. Turning back to William, he says, a bit more brightly,"A fire. Aye, that'll be cheery. If those coves can creep up on us across the river in the dark and into our firelight, good luck to 'em, eh? After all, they already know you're here, don't they? Looks like our sisters of sea and island are taking later watches. Who'll sit up with me for a while? The actress or the doughty company man?" He looks at Thea and William in turn.
Billy stares after Seri as she moves away to bed down. For the first time since you met him he seems at a loss for words. The look on his face is unreadable.
After a few moments he shifts, and seems to notice that William and Thea have spoken again. He responds to William's assertion of the Company's power. "What? Aye... perhaps, matey, perhaps."He seems distant, distracted. And glances in Seri's direction, a hint of a frown creasing his brow. Turning back to William, he says, a bit more brightly,"A fire. Aye, that'll be cheery. If those coves can creep up on us across the river in the dark and into our firelight, good luck to 'em, eh? After all, they already know you're here, don't they? Looks like our sisters of sea and island are taking later watches. Who'll sit up with me for a while? The actress or the doughty company man?" He looks at Thea and William in turn.
'They know someone is on the island. They don't know where we are.'William said pointedly. He thought it a tad strange for Bill to go back on his earlier advice. Seri got him spooked all right. 'A fire perhaps not for now. But we might...' William motioned at Seri. He held his tinderbox in his hand. 'Could you do that light thingie on this again?'
With his tinderbox once again giving off light, William used a strap of cloth and his carpenter tools to nail it to one of the trees his hammock was attached to. One might call it a lantern given some leeway.
Thea's face flashes momentarily, but she regains her composure. She remains silent, looking at William imploringly.
'I'll take up watch. Here, Thea.'William stepped away from the hammock. 'You can use mine for now.'
He pulled out an unlit torch and struck it in the ground next to the rope construction. 'I hope the light will be enough to deter nighttime predators. But if you like, you can take the tinderbox and light this torch. Above all, safety is the most important.'
With his preparations out of the way for the night, William sat down on a fallen log. The light of the tinderbox reached far enough for his eyes to focus and he began a routine check of all his tools and equipment.
Seri, face still solemn from her conversation with Flint, suddenly beams like a child when William, who had seemed distrustful of Trondro's divine magic, actually requests it of her. Eagerly, she murmurs a prayer and dappled light appears upon the tinderbox, glinting like sunshine upon the waters of a cove.
"It should last an hour. After that, perhaps you can use another torch. I can take third watch after you two." (Four hour trance first, if uninterrupted).
Billy sits near William and regards you as you inspect your tools by Seri's magical light. His eyes follow your hands as they move deftly over the meticulously honed and cared-for tools.
After a while he says, "So what's your story? You four, I mean. I take it that big storm a couple of days back brought you a-visitin' me. Proper hooley that was. What vessel were you on and what became of her?"
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To Thea, he says, "Oh ho, performer, is it?" He gives you an appraising look. "Acrobat, by any chance? I'll confess, I've done my time entertaining a crowd too. Partial to a sing-song, myself. Indeed, it may have done its part to keep me sane out here all this time. Don't worry, lass, I'll get us there. I'm no landsman but I've got to know my little estate pretty well."
To William, "A sailor? Aye, I miss the shift of a deck beneath my feet and the salt breeze. Two years is too long to spend on land. You served on Company ships? Hauling what? Setroka? Matsira? Logwood? Gold?"
"Ha, don't worry, mate. I chose this spot well. You'll see. Follow me."
Billy leads the way out of the cave. The passageway narrows and bends to the right, then to the left. You exit into the evening light on the north side of the hill. As he exits the cave, he takes two mangoes from a net hanging just inside and throws one to William before biting into his own, the juice running into his beard. "Help yourselves," he calls to the others behind.
The cave entrance is masked by the rock formation and some large, broad-leaved bushes. Directly in front of it is a broad ledge that ends in a sheer drop to the jungle below. There is a neatly arranged circle of stones in the middle of the ledge, with the remains of a fire within. There is an arrangement of branches over it, presumably for Billy to cook on. The sun is low to the west, and to the north east you can see the column of black smoke rising from a smudge of land on the horizon. It is hanging at an angle now, and you can feel a breeze starting to pick up from the east. From the ledge you have a magnificent view of the jungle canopy stretching away to the north, ending in a similar beach to the one that extends around the southern side of the island. Directly to the north you can see another land mass sitting way out on the horizon. To the west, though you are dazzled by the setting sun, you can see the northern slope of the other hill. The one that, presumably, has these statues on that Billy mentioned.
As you exit into the light, 'Old Roger' appears and swoops down to land on Billy's shoulder.
"Fire Island! Squawk!"
"Give it a rest, you scurvy dog!" says Billy, but not entirely without affection.
He then turns left, to the west, and leads you around the hill back towards the 'back door' by which you entered his cave, and your trail back down to the river.
Thea looks indignant at the word 'lass', and is about to say something. Probably something rude. Very rude.
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brormin the Crusher; Discovery the Keeper; Thea the Scoundrel; Jorvir the Weaver; Threlan, the Speaker; Zolya the Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
DMing: Dark God's Dread; Raccoon's Strixhaven, Dungeon of The Dead Mage
Join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
EXTENDED SIGNATUR
A momentary flash of anger crossed Kairouanis face as she was reminded over her own failure at the river, she was of the opinion that the men below were likely simply curious, one did not go to war so lightly....spilling blood among the islands when kinship linked to kinship could start a rain of blood that would not cease for decades.
She followed the others outside.
" Let them come to us, we can meet them downslope and they will be tired from the climb. Though I do not think it will come to blood once they see one of the Wise with us and that I am Islander."
" Though if they are young....the young do not often think before they act.", her voice had a slight scolding inflection that was hard to determine exactly where it was aimed, though likely mostly at herself.
Seri feels a momentary pang for the giant sea turtles that had climbed the beach the previous day. Were they to be hunted down by the canoe-riders, guided by their ankoai? She knows Trondro's cycle of life well, just as red in tooth and claw as its landbound counterpart. Yet she cannot help feeling sad.
Having said her piece, she makes her way to the damaged sailcloth as the others discuss their plans. Remembering that William had deemed her previous purification of food and water to be "cheating", Seri murmurs for Trondro's guidance to help her act unnoticed, and His restorative magic to render the sailcloth whole once more. Blocking the others' view with her back, she casts Guidance and then Mending to repair it.
Seri's Stealth plus Guidance to sneakily cast Mending on the torn sailcloth: 17 + 3 = 20 (dirty)
Once done, she follows the others.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Thea stops at Kairouani's comment about the young not thinking before acting. She thinks for a second, and then begrudgingly follows along through the jungle, on the lookout for danger.
Perception: 23
As they walk, she replies to Billy Flint's comment about a performer "Not an acrobat. I am of the mind of not putting my body on display for the enjoyment of others." She says, which to the others, might seem quite hypocritical considering her current outfit.
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brormin the Crusher; Discovery the Keeper; Thea the Scoundrel; Jorvir the Weaver; Threlan, the Speaker; Zolya the Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
DMing: Dark God's Dread; Raccoon's Strixhaven, Dungeon of The Dead Mage
Join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
EXTENDED SIGNATUR
Seri's discreet repair of the sailcloth barrier goes unnoticed by the others as they file out of the cave after Billy.
Despite his size, Flint moves easily through the jungle. Roger the parrot soon gets fed up of the motion of his human perch and begins tracking the party's path in the branches instead.
Billy is humming a jaunty tune to himself until Thea speaks. "No?" he replies, as he pushes aside a branch and holds it for the next person in line. "I hope you don't take it wrong, I just meant you look you could run the yards in a storm like a cat. So how is it you entertain?"
Night falls quickly in these latitudes, but by pressing on back down your own trail, you make it most of the way to the river before it is fully dark under the canopy. The last few hundred yards is slow going as you bunch up to within touching distance of each other, relying on Billy's local knowledge and Seri's ability to see in the dark in shades of grey. The sound of the waterfall aids in your navigation and you soon see the last dying rays of daylight falling on the river beyond the shadows of the jungle. Billy halts the party short of the river and speaks in hushed tones in case the men are already at the far bank. The sound of the waterfall would make it hard to overhear anything across the water though. He offers some advice.
"Looks like we'll spend the night here. I don't know if any of you have ever spent the night in a jungle before, but I can offer some advice based on hard experience. Get yourselves off the ground. A hammock if you have one, or find a tree to climb."
"Well, I...I used to entertain. I played a role. Like one in a play, so to speak. I guess I still do." Thea expression is hard to figure out, though it seems somewhere between reminiscience and loathing, but not loathing Billy, loathing what she is remembering.
As the group reaches the waterfall, she listens to his advice, but has one question "Can't snakes climb trees?" She looks up, and for the first time, the party sees something almost...is that fear in her eyes? You rub your eyes and its gone. You must be tired, you think to yourself.
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brormin the Crusher; Discovery the Keeper; Thea the Scoundrel; Jorvir the Weaver; Threlan, the Speaker; Zolya the Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
DMing: Dark God's Dread; Raccoon's Strixhaven, Dungeon of The Dead Mage
Join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
EXTENDED SIGNATUR
William pondered the question for a moment before giving a nonchalant shrug. 'A bit of everything, I would say.' He said as he remembered the ships and captains he had sailed with. 'I am a surgeon and cook and, if need be, shipwright. Cargo was of less importance to me than keeping the men and ship sturdy.'
He followed Bill out of the cave. The mango Bill threw at William he stashed away for now. He also picked two more just in case he needed them or wanted to experiment. Fresh fruit was hard to come by out on a ship's journey and was almost never taken on board as they spoilt too fast. Any sweetness he could get, William would indulge himself in.
The light seemed extraordinarily bright after the darkness of the cave and William had to shield his eyes before they adjusted. He noted the strategic advantaged of the cave entrance's position, adding it to the list of things he ought to keep in mind regarding Bill, and moved through the jungle with the group. When night and the time to set up camp came, he put down his backpack and other equipment so he could stretch his back. Following Bill's advice, William took out his bedroll and rope and used them to construct a rudimentary hammock between two sturdy looking trees.
'What about a fire?' He asked after inspecting the impromptu hammock. He noticed an odd look in Thea's eyes and made note of it.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Kairouani nodded to Thea, " But they are generally not as dangerous...less aggressive and they don't need such potent venom....of course there's those that don't use venom but just give you a hug, but most of the ones big enough to swallow people stick nearer the ground or in water....mostly."
She climbed up and tried to settle in, " I'd worry more about the cats personally."
Survival ( Finsd a spot)- 15
Seri looks a bit glum at having to spend the night far from the shore, though she knows it is a necessity.
As time permits, she gathers river water, walking in a circle as she prays and pouring a thin stream of it on the soil to ritually cast two spells in succession:
1. Purify Food and Drink on the rest of the gathered river water so there is enough for the party and Flint to drink safely.
2. Speak with Animals to converse with Roger in squawking Parrot-language as Seri eats a mango she had taken from Flint's tree and offers the bird some choice bits. Asking the parrot questions such as... (spoiler below). The only words intelligible as human speech at one point are "Fire Island."
"Have you always been with Billy Flint? Have their been other two-legs you were with before him?"
"Were you with Billy (or one of the other two-legs) when they sailed a ship? Was there a storm, or a fight between two-legs on other ships that caused Billy to end up on this island? Or perhaps did the crew of his own ship strand him here with nothing but a fire-stick with one use left in it?"
"Why do you say 'Fire Island' in the two-legs' language? Did Billy or someone else say it often?"
"Have you ever been on or near an an island which emits smoke? Such as possibly the one emitting the smoke we saw on the horizon from the hill?"
When it comes time to tie up a hammock in the trees, Seri pleads humbly for Trondro's guidance, being so far from his open waters, to find a good spot:
Survival plus Guidance: 19 + 1 = 20 (dirty)
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Billy nods as Kairouani answers Thea's fears about the snakes. He adds, "In my experience the snakes don't bother you unless you bother them. As long as you're off the ground you'll be right as rain."
"You've had a run in with the cats, have you? I've found them to be curious but nervous. They're easy enough to see off."
Turning as William speaks, he says, "Ho! Useful chap there! I take it you never encountered pirates? They'd snap up a man of your talents quicker than you can say 'pass me the rum'!"
"A fire? Certainly, as long as your intention is to reveal our presence to our friends over the water. It would likely serve to keep predators at bay, though."
As Kairouani makes herself comfortable in a broad nook about five feet off the ground and William works on his makeshift hammock, Billy watches Seri in conversation with Roger. His eyes still hold their twinkle of amusement, but there is an edge of suspicion in his demeanour.
Roger is a bit startled when Seri begins talking in his own language, but soon gets into his stride. He is rather talkative.
Roger confirms that Billy (he doesn't refer to him by name, as he doesn't seem to understand names, but indicates that is who he is talking about) is the only big, wingless, featherless parrot that he has ever been friends with. They met in the place that Roger grew up, and he decided to stay with Billy because he fed him and was kind. They travelled on the sea on a huge log with great, white wings, and there were lots of other big creatures like Billy on the log too. Roger seems to have little concept of the passage of time, so it is unclear how long this took place for.
He tells you that they came to this island with some others (you gather to be humans), who then left and didn't come back.
He can't really explain why he keeps saying 'Fire Island' other than he thinks that it is something important to Billy.
He doesn't really understand the question about the smoke, but says that he has been to lots of other places with Billy. Usually there were others around. This is the first time they have been away from other (humans).
Once you've finished, you see that Billy is still watching. The smile is there. "You really can talk to the animals, can't you? No end of wonders. I'm curious what you can learn from a bird. I can't imagine you'd get much sense from him."
Seri gives Roger the rest of her mango in sincere thanks. She tells the bird she hopes they can be friends, admitting and explaining that she can't always speak parrot. She tries to agree with Roger on a noise Roger can make when he has something to communicate to Seri so she can prepare.
Turning to Billy, she is quiet for a long moment, her turquoise eyes solemn.
"I will tell you what I imagine, Billy Flint. I imagine you underestimate your friend, for that is what Roger considers himself. Trondro holds treasures untold in His depths and on His shores, yet the Olona teach that simple friendship may surpass them all. I have been fortunate to receive such friendship freely given when they took me in. Then during the maelstrom that struck the Horn of Plenty, I witnessed what I have been taught, that it is better to be the ocean God's friend than His enemy. And you too have befriended us, in your own manner, on this island. For that, I am thankful."
Seri pauses once more, searching for the words. "Yet we are strangers. Perhaps useful strangers, but strangers still. I hope one day, you consider us friends with whom you can share your secrets. Such as why your shipmates left you on this island with only Roger and a fire-stick with one use left. Or what the words 'Fire Island' mean. I am an acolyte of Trondro. I do not seek to turn your knowledge against you, only to understand who we can trust."
Seri's voice drops to a whisper as she turns away to move towards her resting spot. "Your sailcloth is mended, Billy Flint."
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
'The Company is strong and affluent enough to deter all but the most desperate of pirates.' William replied with a touch of pride in his voice. The remark about the fire struck true: fire would provide warmth and comfort but it would also inform everyone around of their location. For now William decided against it. He hoped that tonight he would not need to make the decision between the cover of darkness or the safety of fire. He still gathered some dry branches and held his tinder box on hand just in case he needed his eyes during the night.
He listened in on Seri's conversation. William was curious as to what Seri revealed and how Bill would react.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
"I would prefer a fire, if you don't mind. It seems the dangerous beasts of this island have it out for me. The jungle cats last night, and then the snake earlier today."
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brormin the Crusher; Discovery the Keeper; Thea the Scoundrel; Jorvir the Weaver; Threlan, the Speaker; Zolya the Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
DMing: Dark God's Dread; Raccoon's Strixhaven, Dungeon of The Dead Mage
Join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
EXTENDED SIGNATUR
Kairouani stretched, " Fire or not, somebody wake me when its my turn on watch."
Billy stares after Seri as she moves away to bed down. For the first time since you met him he seems at a loss for words. The look on his face is unreadable.
After a few moments he shifts, and seems to notice that William and Thea have spoken again. He responds to William's assertion of the Company's power. "What? Aye... perhaps, matey, perhaps." He seems distant, distracted. And glances in Seri's direction, a hint of a frown creasing his brow. Turning back to William, he says, a bit more brightly, "A fire. Aye, that'll be cheery. If those coves can creep up on us across the river in the dark and into our firelight, good luck to 'em, eh? After all, they already know you're here, don't they? Looks like our sisters of sea and island are taking later watches. Who'll sit up with me for a while? The actress or the doughty company man?" He looks at Thea and William in turn.
Deception: 17
Thea's face flashes momentarily, but she regains her composure. She remains silent, looking at William imploringly.
Hi, I'm Raccoon_Master, The Rocket Raccoon/Trashcan Tactician (as appointed by Drummer). Pronouns They/Them/Theirs.
My Characters: Brormin the Crusher; Discovery the Keeper; Thea the Scoundrel; Jorvir the Weaver; Threlan, the Speaker; Zolya the Inspired; Penley the Devourer;
DMing: Dark God's Dread; Raccoon's Strixhaven, Dungeon of The Dead Mage
Join the Anything but the OGL 2.0 Thread!
EXTENDED SIGNATUR
'They know someone is on the island. They don't know where we are.' William said pointedly. He thought it a tad strange for Bill to go back on his earlier advice. Seri got him spooked all right. 'A fire perhaps not for now. But we might...' William motioned at Seri. He held his tinderbox in his hand. 'Could you do that light thingie on this again?'
With his tinderbox once again giving off light, William used a strap of cloth and his carpenter tools to nail it to one of the trees his hammock was attached to. One might call it a lantern given some leeway.
'I'll take up watch. Here, Thea.' William stepped away from the hammock. 'You can use mine for now.'
He pulled out an unlit torch and struck it in the ground next to the rope construction. 'I hope the light will be enough to deter nighttime predators. But if you like, you can take the tinderbox and light this torch. Above all, safety is the most important.'
With his preparations out of the way for the night, William sat down on a fallen log. The light of the tinderbox reached far enough for his eyes to focus and he began a routine check of all his tools and equipment.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Seri, face still solemn from her conversation with Flint, suddenly beams like a child when William, who had seemed distrustful of Trondro's divine magic, actually requests it of her. Eagerly, she murmurs a prayer and dappled light appears upon the tinderbox, glinting like sunshine upon the waters of a cove.
"It should last an hour. After that, perhaps you can use another torch. I can take third watch after you two." (Four hour trance first, if uninterrupted).
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Billy sits near William and regards you as you inspect your tools by Seri's magical light. His eyes follow your hands as they move deftly over the meticulously honed and cared-for tools.
After a while he says, "So what's your story? You four, I mean. I take it that big storm a couple of days back brought you a-visitin' me. Proper hooley that was. What vessel were you on and what became of her?"