Thea drifts off to sleep, thankfully accepting the offer of a hammock. Her dreams are scattered, filled with images of leering beasts and evil spirits disguised as men. Over the past few days, Thea's relationship with animals has decreased in closeness. She does not trust them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 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?"
William hands fell silent as he reflected for a moment. Had it really been a couple of days now? He was no stranger to long journeys confined to a ship but for some reason however much time he had spent on this island felt longer than any journey he had undertaken so far.
'We were aboard a ship called The Horn of Plenty.' William's voice was solemn and he spoke slowly. 'Our captain...' He choose his words carefully. 'had a dream. One that drove him to take risks other would call foolish. Alas, they were proven right.' He paused for a moment. Everything that happened that faithful day during the storm whirled around in his head much like an actual storm. 'The storm was too much to handle and we got shipwrecked on this island. As far as we know we are the only survivors.'
William stopped talking. He tried to remember the faces of all who served on board the Horn of Plenty. To his chagrin and regret he found he could only picture the captain and his current companions in his mind. All the rest were shadowy, faceless blurs.
"Aye, the storms in these waters catch out many an unwary sailor. You're a long way from the colonies up here, mind. What was it drove this cap'n of yours so far from civilisation? What was it he sought?"
Secure in her resting spot, Seri enters her trance. If William or Billy look back at her, they would see her irises slowly expand, like the stately undulation of a jellyfish, the luminescent, dappled turquoise spreading gradually to cover the entirety of both eyes, pupils, sclera and all.
Seri sways gently like underwater columns of kelp, on rolling swells from far storms.
"Aye, the storms in these waters catch out many an unwary sailor. You're a long way from the colonies up here, mind. What was it drove this cap'n of yours so far from civilisation? What was it he sought?"
'Something many men seek but no one has ever been able to find.'William replied. He did not say more of it. Partially because he did not know how Bill would react to the actual reason and partially out of respect for captain Thorne's memory, lest he be remembered as a fool. And secretly, if he had to be honest, William still hoped that one day he and the others would be the ones to find the fabled treasure of Blackheart. The less people knew, the more the chances were hedged to their advantage.
'So what's your story, Bill? Two years you said?'William shifted the topic in the hope to learn more about the man or perchance the island. His face did not show it but he had finally recalled why Fire Island sounded to familiar.
“Aye, shipmate. That’s just it isn’t it? Everyone’s looking for something.” He glances in Seri’s direction. “The good sister of the sea exposed my cock and bull story alright. Truth is, aye, I was marooned here after a… disagreement. Doesn’t feel like the thing to start with when you finally meet someone new though, if you see what I mean. I hope you can forgive my little yarn. I’m sure you understand, clever fellow like you.” He looks up to make eye contact with William as he says the last part.
”Say, I don’t suppose you could spare a good sharp blade, could you?” He gestures at his beard and matted hair. “Bastards left me with no good steel, so I’ve not been able to tame this lot.” He grins, self-deprecatingly. “Surprised I didn’t scare you off, looking like some sort of wild savage. Amazing how quick your clothes rot off you in these climes.”
“Aye, shipmate. That’s just it isn’t it? Everyone’s looking for something.” He glances in Seri’s direction. “The good sister of the sea exposed my cock and bull story alright. Truth is, aye, I was marooned here after a… disagreement. Doesn’t feel like the thing to start with when you finally meet someone new though, if you see what I mean. I hope you can forgive my little yarn. I’m sure you understand, clever fellow like you.” He looks up to make eye contact with William as he says the last part.
”Say, I don’t suppose you could spare a good sharp blade, could you?” He gestures at his beard and matted hair. “Bastards left me with no good steel, so I’ve not been able to tame this lot.” He grins, self-deprecatingly. “Surprised I didn’t scare you off, looking like some sort of wild savage. Amazing how quick your clothes rot off you in these climes.”
William looked up. 'I'm also a ship's surgeon. I could give you a haircut.'He shrugged a bit. 'Though it won't be as good as done by a barber, at least it will be better than this.'
While his parents had taught him to see the good in people, William's time amongst the less savoury of society had taught him to tempter that wisdom with caution. He was not about to give a weapon to a stranger.
Billy regards William for a moment, then grins that easy grin. "I'll take that deal, mate!"
He seems entirely unconcerned by the proximity of the stranger's finely-honed blade to his throat, as William sets about taming the tangle of beard and hair by Seri's magical light. In fact he seems extremely relaxed, and begins humming a tune as he sits patiently. The tune seems vaguely familiar to William. (History check to see if he can recall why, or where from.)
William's concentration is as complete as it is when he tends his tools. If a job is worth doing then it is worth doing well. After an hour or so, by which time he has had to light a torch as Seri's light winked out, he has Billy looking altogether human again. By request, he has trimmed the beard to a couple of inches and shaped it as far as he can, and trimmed away enough of the hair that it can still be tied at the nape of Billy's neck. Without a comb, or indeed any experience as a barber, it is far from a perfect job, but Billy seems heartily satisfied as he runs his hands over the result.
"A fine job, matey. A fine job!" he declares. "There is no end to your talents, by the gods. I'd have you aboard my ship and that's no lie."
The rest of the night passes without incident. Each takes a turn on watch by torchlight, which seems to have the desired effect of keeping the larger creatures at bay. It does not, however, deter the smaller critters from enjoying a bit of human flesh. Again, William seems to be the prime target for the biting insects and he ends up spending a hot, uncomfortable night wrapped inside his bedroll. Once he has found and exterminated the couple that got trapped in there with him, he manages a fitful sleep. Thea, again, seems to live a charmed life, sleeping with arms and legs akimbo and plenty of seemingly appetising flesh on show, but getting away almost scott-free with only one or two bites. Kairouani, as a native of these islands, appears unbothered. Whether or not she is suffering by the insects is unclear to the rest of the party. Seri seems as serene as ever. It seems more likely the insects would befriend her than bite her.
Dawn happens as rapidly as dusk in these latitudes, and no sooner than you realise that the first glow of the sun is on the horizon, the land is bathed in glorious early-morning sunlight. Before the heat of the day comes along to bludgeon the unsuspecting into submission, it is pleasant. A low mist rises from the jungle floor and makes for an ethereal scene as you stir into life, almost as if the trees are floating in the clouds. The mist ends abruptly at the riverbank, where you can see the bright light sparkling on the water only thirty or so feet away from your makeshift camp.
Anyone looking across the river will see a figure standing on the far bank, hand raised to their face against the low-hanging sun, and peering in your direction. From this distance, and through the trees on your side of the river, you cannot see them clearly. However, it does bear a similarity in size, shape, and posture to one of the men you watched come ashore yesterday.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thea raises her head and yawns loudly. Goodness, I slept good. And waking with the dawn was oddly refreshing. She stretches and looks around, her eyes glancing across the river. When she sees the figure, she nearly falls out of the hammock. They were being watched. Suddenly hyper aware, she ever so slowly draws her daggers and slips out of her resting place. Staying low, she sneaks over to Seri, and taps her shoulder, whispering to her "We're being watched. One of the people we saw land here yesterday. What should we do with him?"
stealth to remain unseen, using the trees as cover from the figure: 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 is already awake, seated on a log and idly stripping the bark from a twig with his fingers. Despite the rough skins that clothe him still, William's efforts have made him look like a different person. Gone is the untamed savage, and in his place a man who looks like he could almost belong on the quarterdeck of an Aseri ship. Civilised. Groomed. To a point. He could almost be described as ruggedly handsome, if tall, strong, charming, confident, capable, bearded men are your thing. He looks up as Thea stirs.
"From where he is, we're deep in the shadows. With the sun in his eyes," he gestures toward the figure with the naked stick, "there's not a great chance he can see us unless he's got the eyes of a falcon. I wouldn't beat to quarters just yet, shipmates."
Seri stretches languidly, feeling rested yet... incomplete, with the ocean at least a mile away. Far too distant.
In truth, she has been up for 4 hours after her Trance, gazing at the rushing river and losing herself in thought about how Trondro's waters rise from the oceans to form clouds and then raindrops, which then coalesce to flow back down to rejoin their brethren. A cycle, chaotic yet endless.
Glancing at the stranger on the far side of the river and listening, she remains still but speaks quietly in response to Thea and Billy.
"Most of the divine magic I can channel from Trondro works only at closer proximity, but I can project my whispered voice as a telepathic message inside his mind, like a breaker casting its salt spray far up a cliffside. Shall I ask him what he wishes here? He will not see me, but can reply in his head."
(Like this, Seri demonstrates, whispering and extending her finger to cast Message on any of her companions who ask).
William worked the best he could with the limited tools he had. He figured that the most Bill's hair had gotten over the last two years was the occasional rinse but all in all he should count himself lucky that knotted hair and clumping was about the worst of it. No lice, no damaged patches of scalp: two years could have been much worse.
'Most haircutting I do involves head wounds and a need for a clean surface.'William said as he cleaned off his dagger and carpenter's rule he had used in lieu of a comb. He scrounged around in his alchemist kit and found a little bit of grease to rub onto Bill's hair. Before it would not have sufficed to tame the wild mane but as it was now, the grease was just enough to slick the hair back into a manageable ponytail. 'Or when the captain or crew member has something come up and there is little time.'
Having worked for the past hour made William sleepy. He was satisfied enough with the result to call it a night and woke the next one to take over his watch. Night passed by rather unremarkable aside from the insects intent on making his life every bit as uncomfortable as possible. After what must have been the eleventh or twelft time he heard a buzzing in his ears, William jumped out and silently raged against anything with more than four legs in the near vicinity. He managed to swat two before he was stopped in his tracks at the sight of Thea. Or rather her... sleeping arrangement. Taking great care to look the other way, William took of his cloak, or what remained of it, and threw it over the asleep girl before settling back into his bedroll for a blissful sleep free of insects.
Daybreak arrived and William was roused from his sleep by the soft voices of his companions. A quick question and answer told him there was someone out there on the other side of the river. So far they had not spotted the group but the question was what to do now. Seri proposed to speak with the man from a distance which William questioned how she was going to do that. Moments later he heard her voice echoing inside his own skull.
'Maybe don't do that.' William said after the demonstration of voiceless communication. 'Suddenly hearing an unknown voice inside your own head...'He shook his head. 'Are you familiar with cabin fever?'
"I have heard of cabin fever, William. Yet you know it is me speaking inside your mind, since I have told you, so you need not worry. As for the islander on the opposite side of the river, I thought perhaps it would not be the worst thing in the world if they feel uncertain of themselves."
Still, if the others are averse to the idea of initiating a telepathic conversation from a hidden position, Seri sits back placidly and waits to see if there are any other ideas to try while the angle of the sun still obscures the group.
"At closer range, I can also change the flow of the water in the river, or use Trondro's breath to pull and push, but these may do us little good."
"Well, heres the thing: If you can get inside an enemies head, you've already won. I say go talk to him with magic, see what he says. Besides, if he thinks he's crazy, that makes him unpredictable, which works in our favor." Thea grins devilishly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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;
Kairouani ia well rested and listens to her companions as they chat.
The man on the other side of the river is one of her people, though not her family line. Sneaking about or shaman skills whilst safer may lead to misunderstanding.
She stands and walks to the edge of the river, " Good Morning, Brother. How are you today?", she calls across.
As Kairouani emerges from the shadows into the bright sunlight on the riverbank, so too do several other men appear on the far bank. Their skin is coppery brown and their hair, like most islanders Kairouani has seen before, is jet black. Their nakedness is covered only by gourds and loin cloths, though their bodies and faces are adorned with red and white paint in simple geometric patterns and ornaments of bone and wood. One or two of them are holding long straight poles, which appear to be blowpipes, whilst others are clutching large knives that seems to be made of some kind of bone. The one whom Kairouani addressed, the first to the riverbank, holds a long, steel knife whose blade broadens toward the tip. In Kairouani's experience, this looks like a band prepared either for war or for hunting.
You have to raise your voice to be heard over the roar of the waterfall. The men don't seem surprised or alarmed by your sudden appearance into the light, though it is hard to make out their facial expressions.
When the man with the steel blade replies, he does so in a loud, clear voice, but in a dialect that is unfamiliar to Kairouani. You don't fully understand his words, but there are enough similarities with your own language that you gather the following:
They were hunting turtles when saw the wreck and your camp and decided to follow.
Thea looks at Billy and William, talking to them in a normal voice, so as not to be heard by the strange men "We should stay low, so as not to reveal our true strength. I''l try to get a better vantage point" Slowly and stealthily, Thea crawls through the jungle, attempting to climb a tree, so as to have the high ground. Once she gets up there, she silently draw her shortbow, and knocks an [Tooltip Not Found].
Thea drifts off to sleep, thankfully accepting the offer of a hammock. Her dreams are scattered, filled with images of leering beasts and evil spirits disguised as men. Over the past few days, Thea's relationship with animals has decreased in closeness. She does not trust them.
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
Kairouni snored softly wedged among the branches.
William hands fell silent as he reflected for a moment. Had it really been a couple of days now? He was no stranger to long journeys confined to a ship but for some reason however much time he had spent on this island felt longer than any journey he had undertaken so far.
'We were aboard a ship called The Horn of Plenty.' William's voice was solemn and he spoke slowly. 'Our captain...' He choose his words carefully. 'had a dream. One that drove him to take risks other would call foolish. Alas, they were proven right.' He paused for a moment. Everything that happened that faithful day during the storm whirled around in his head much like an actual storm. 'The storm was too much to handle and we got shipwrecked on this island. As far as we know we are the only survivors.'
William stopped talking. He tried to remember the faces of all who served on board the Horn of Plenty. To his chagrin and regret he found he could only picture the captain and his current companions in his mind. All the rest were shadowy, faceless blurs.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
"Aye, the storms in these waters catch out many an unwary sailor. You're a long way from the colonies up here, mind. What was it drove this cap'n of yours so far from civilisation? What was it he sought?"
Secure in her resting spot, Seri enters her trance. If William or Billy look back at her, they would see her irises slowly expand, like the stately undulation of a jellyfish, the luminescent, dappled turquoise spreading gradually to cover the entirety of both eyes, pupils, sclera and all.
Seri sways gently like underwater columns of kelp, on rolling swells from far storms.
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
'Something many men seek but no one has ever been able to find.' William replied. He did not say more of it. Partially because he did not know how Bill would react to the actual reason and partially out of respect for captain Thorne's memory, lest he be remembered as a fool. And secretly, if he had to be honest, William still hoped that one day he and the others would be the ones to find the fabled treasure of Blackheart. The less people knew, the more the chances were hedged to their advantage.
'So what's your story, Bill? Two years you said?' William shifted the topic in the hope to learn more about the man or perchance the island. His face did not show it but he had finally recalled why Fire Island sounded to familiar.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
“Aye, shipmate. That’s just it isn’t it? Everyone’s looking for something.” He glances in Seri’s direction. “The good sister of the sea exposed my cock and bull story alright. Truth is, aye, I was marooned here after a… disagreement. Doesn’t feel like the thing to start with when you finally meet someone new though, if you see what I mean. I hope you can forgive my little yarn. I’m sure you understand, clever fellow like you.” He looks up to make eye contact with William as he says the last part.
”Say, I don’t suppose you could spare a good sharp blade, could you?” He gestures at his beard and matted hair. “Bastards left me with no good steel, so I’ve not been able to tame this lot.” He grins, self-deprecatingly. “Surprised I didn’t scare you off, looking like some sort of wild savage. Amazing how quick your clothes rot off you in these climes.”
William looked up. 'I'm also a ship's surgeon. I could give you a haircut.' He shrugged a bit. 'Though it won't be as good as done by a barber, at least it will be better than this.'
While his parents had taught him to see the good in people, William's time amongst the less savoury of society had taught him to tempter that wisdom with caution. He was not about to give a weapon to a stranger.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Billy regards William for a moment, then grins that easy grin. "I'll take that deal, mate!"
He seems entirely unconcerned by the proximity of the stranger's finely-honed blade to his throat, as William sets about taming the tangle of beard and hair by Seri's magical light. In fact he seems extremely relaxed, and begins humming a tune as he sits patiently. The tune seems vaguely familiar to William. (History check to see if he can recall why, or where from.)
William's concentration is as complete as it is when he tends his tools. If a job is worth doing then it is worth doing well. After an hour or so, by which time he has had to light a torch as Seri's light winked out, he has Billy looking altogether human again. By request, he has trimmed the beard to a couple of inches and shaped it as far as he can, and trimmed away enough of the hair that it can still be tied at the nape of Billy's neck. Without a comb, or indeed any experience as a barber, it is far from a perfect job, but Billy seems heartily satisfied as he runs his hands over the result.
"A fine job, matey. A fine job!" he declares. "There is no end to your talents, by the gods. I'd have you aboard my ship and that's no lie."
The rest of the night passes without incident. Each takes a turn on watch by torchlight, which seems to have the desired effect of keeping the larger creatures at bay. It does not, however, deter the smaller critters from enjoying a bit of human flesh. Again, William seems to be the prime target for the biting insects and he ends up spending a hot, uncomfortable night wrapped inside his bedroll. Once he has found and exterminated the couple that got trapped in there with him, he manages a fitful sleep. Thea, again, seems to live a charmed life, sleeping with arms and legs akimbo and plenty of seemingly appetising flesh on show, but getting away almost scott-free with only one or two bites. Kairouani, as a native of these islands, appears unbothered. Whether or not she is suffering by the insects is unclear to the rest of the party. Seri seems as serene as ever. It seems more likely the insects would befriend her than bite her.
Dawn happens as rapidly as dusk in these latitudes, and no sooner than you realise that the first glow of the sun is on the horizon, the land is bathed in glorious early-morning sunlight. Before the heat of the day comes along to bludgeon the unsuspecting into submission, it is pleasant. A low mist rises from the jungle floor and makes for an ethereal scene as you stir into life, almost as if the trees are floating in the clouds. The mist ends abruptly at the riverbank, where you can see the bright light sparkling on the water only thirty or so feet away from your makeshift camp.
Anyone looking across the river will see a figure standing on the far bank, hand raised to their face against the low-hanging sun, and peering in your direction. From this distance, and through the trees on your side of the river, you cannot see them clearly. However, it does bear a similarity in size, shape, and posture to one of the men you watched come ashore yesterday.
Thea raises her head and yawns loudly. Goodness, I slept good. And waking with the dawn was oddly refreshing. She stretches and looks around, her eyes glancing across the river. When she sees the figure, she nearly falls out of the hammock. They were being watched. Suddenly hyper aware, she ever so slowly draws her daggers and slips out of her resting place. Staying low, she sneaks over to Seri, and taps her shoulder, whispering to her "We're being watched. One of the people we saw land here yesterday. What should we do with him?"
stealth to remain unseen, using the trees as cover from the figure: 12
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
Billy is already awake, seated on a log and idly stripping the bark from a twig with his fingers. Despite the rough skins that clothe him still, William's efforts have made him look like a different person. Gone is the untamed savage, and in his place a man who looks like he could almost belong on the quarterdeck of an Aseri ship. Civilised. Groomed. To a point. He could almost be described as ruggedly handsome, if tall, strong, charming, confident, capable, bearded men are your thing. He looks up as Thea stirs.
"From where he is, we're deep in the shadows. With the sun in his eyes," he gestures toward the figure with the naked stick, "there's not a great chance he can see us unless he's got the eyes of a falcon. I wouldn't beat to quarters just yet, shipmates."
Seri stretches languidly, feeling rested yet... incomplete, with the ocean at least a mile away. Far too distant.
In truth, she has been up for 4 hours after her Trance, gazing at the rushing river and losing herself in thought about how Trondro's waters rise from the oceans to form clouds and then raindrops, which then coalesce to flow back down to rejoin their brethren. A cycle, chaotic yet endless.
Glancing at the stranger on the far side of the river and listening, she remains still but speaks quietly in response to Thea and Billy.
"Most of the divine magic I can channel from Trondro works only at closer proximity, but I can project my whispered voice as a telepathic message inside his mind, like a breaker casting its salt spray far up a cliffside. Shall I ask him what he wishes here? He will not see me, but can reply in his head."
(Like this, Seri demonstrates, whispering and extending her finger to cast Message on any of her companions who ask).
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
History check: 18
William worked the best he could with the limited tools he had. He figured that the most Bill's hair had gotten over the last two years was the occasional rinse but all in all he should count himself lucky that knotted hair and clumping was about the worst of it. No lice, no damaged patches of scalp: two years could have been much worse.
'Most haircutting I do involves head wounds and a need for a clean surface.' William said as he cleaned off his dagger and carpenter's rule he had used in lieu of a comb. He scrounged around in his alchemist kit and found a little bit of grease to rub onto Bill's hair. Before it would not have sufficed to tame the wild mane but as it was now, the grease was just enough to slick the hair back into a manageable ponytail. 'Or when the captain or crew member has something come up and there is little time.'
Having worked for the past hour made William sleepy. He was satisfied enough with the result to call it a night and woke the next one to take over his watch. Night passed by rather unremarkable aside from the insects intent on making his life every bit as uncomfortable as possible. After what must have been the eleventh or twelft time he heard a buzzing in his ears, William jumped out and silently raged against anything with more than four legs in the near vicinity. He managed to swat two before he was stopped in his tracks at the sight of Thea. Or rather her... sleeping arrangement. Taking great care to look the other way, William took of his cloak, or what remained of it, and threw it over the asleep girl before settling back into his bedroll for a blissful sleep free of insects.
Daybreak arrived and William was roused from his sleep by the soft voices of his companions. A quick question and answer told him there was someone out there on the other side of the river. So far they had not spotted the group but the question was what to do now. Seri proposed to speak with the man from a distance which William questioned how she was going to do that. Moments later he heard her voice echoing inside his own skull.
'Maybe don't do that.' William said after the demonstration of voiceless communication. 'Suddenly hearing an unknown voice inside your own head...' He shook his head. 'Are you familiar with cabin fever?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
"I have heard of cabin fever, William. Yet you know it is me speaking inside your mind, since I have told you, so you need not worry. As for the islander on the opposite side of the river, I thought perhaps it would not be the worst thing in the world if they feel uncertain of themselves."
Still, if the others are averse to the idea of initiating a telepathic conversation from a hidden position, Seri sits back placidly and waits to see if there are any other ideas to try while the angle of the sun still obscures the group.
"At closer range, I can also change the flow of the water in the river, or use Trondro's breath to pull and push, but these may do us little good."
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
"Well, heres the thing: If you can get inside an enemies head, you've already won. I say go talk to him with magic, see what he says. Besides, if he thinks he's crazy, that makes him unpredictable, which works in our favor." Thea grins devilishly.
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 ia well rested and listens to her companions as they chat.
The man on the other side of the river is one of her people, though not her family line. Sneaking about or shaman skills whilst safer may lead to misunderstanding.
She stands and walks to the edge of the river, " Good Morning, Brother. How are you today?", she calls across.
As Kairouani emerges from the shadows into the bright sunlight on the riverbank, so too do several other men appear on the far bank. Their skin is coppery brown and their hair, like most islanders Kairouani has seen before, is jet black. Their nakedness is covered only by gourds and loin cloths, though their bodies and faces are adorned with red and white paint in simple geometric patterns and ornaments of bone and wood. One or two of them are holding long straight poles, which appear to be blowpipes, whilst others are clutching large knives that seems to be made of some kind of bone. The one whom Kairouani addressed, the first to the riverbank, holds a long, steel knife whose blade broadens toward the tip. In Kairouani's experience, this looks like a band prepared either for war or for hunting.
You have to raise your voice to be heard over the roar of the waterfall. The men don't seem surprised or alarmed by your sudden appearance into the light, though it is hard to make out their facial expressions.
When the man with the steel blade replies, he does so in a loud, clear voice, but in a dialect that is unfamiliar to Kairouani. You don't fully understand his words, but there are enough similarities with your own language that you gather the following:
They were hunting turtles when saw the wreck and your camp and decided to follow.
He asks if you were a slave on the ship.
He asks if there are any others from the ship.
Kairouani held her hands high over her head her fists clenched with her spear in one hand.
" Nobody enslaves Kairouani.", she boomed across the river, her face a war mask.
Her eyes flicked across the men, tallying numbers and strength....her mouth quirked into a half smile.
" You have already had hospitality from my camp which I give freely."
" I ask transport from here for my sister, a powerful Wise One chosen of Trondro and two strong fish bellies who are owed a blood debt."
" Can this be done?"
As Kairouani speaks, Seri seeks Trondro's guidance, then steps forward serenely to stand beside the Igneri woman.
She summons her invisible Mage Hand (Telekinetic Feat - no verbal or somatic components) thirty feet above the river towards the islanders.
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 looks at Billy and William, talking to them in a normal voice, so as not to be heard by the strange men "We should stay low, so as not to reveal our true strength. I''l try to get a better vantage point" Slowly and stealthily, Thea crawls through the jungle, attempting to climb a tree, so as to have the high ground. Once she gets up there, she silently draw her shortbow, and knocks an [Tooltip Not Found].
stealth check to remain unseen: 19.
[skill]acrobatics[skill] check to climb the tree: 17.
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