The party starts aboard the Rising Aether, an aethership that was once in the fleet on the Consulate Navy. Two days ago, you were briefed by Nahdeel Crimsonfist, one of the counselors in the Renegade’s leadership. Nahdeel told you of a secret operation the Renegades run to help keep all of their aether creations up and running. One of their sites has gone dark: the aether shipments stopped arriving a couple of days ago, and they have had no luck in reaching them by more advanced methods of communication. You have been selected based on your background and expertise, proving successful in past missions. You are tasked with making sure the supply of aether continues uninterrupted as quickly as possible. If the council’s fears are true, then the site is either destroyed, on lock-down due to discovery by the Consulate, or dead. A back-up crew has been sent to help assist and make sure the site is back up and running, along with the crew of the Rising Aether to provide a safe journey there and back.
It is early in the morning, and you have boarded the Rising Aether just hours before. You’re expected to land at the aether refinery in roughly two-days time, weather permitting. The ship’s captain, Arial Manfield, has asked all aboard to come to the deck that she might lay the ground rules of her ship, and get to know the personel she’ll be hauling to the black site, as she likes to call it. “Ajaev (a common Elvish greeting), fellow renegades! The name’s Arial, and this here is my ship!” She claps her hand on the intricate railing. “Thanks to Lero here, that is!” She smiles, nodding her head at Lero. “This ship is one of the grandest beauties you’ll ever lay your eyes on, and she is because we take good care of her, don’t we lads and lasses!?” Shouts of “Aye!”, “We sure do, miss!”! One voice, more robotic, rings out above the rest. “Affirmative, captain!” You see a tall, polished construct, mimicking the appearance of a polished stone. Noticing the attention, Arial speaks up. “And that is Elto. He’s the Rising Aether’s chief mechanic. He’s a lifecraft, and has been endowed with sentience. Give him your respect and we’ll get along just fine.” Looking at the new faces, she laughs loudly. “Now, who has the council demanded I transport? Speak up or you’re getting dropped off at the filthiest hole I can find!”
NPC's:
Arial Manfield - Pirate Captain of the Rising Aether
Lero grins at the group assembled on the deck and bows his head in a little flourish when Captain Manfield mentions his name. Its been awhile since the Rising Aether has been on a transport mission and he hopes it goes smoothly. With luck, all the crew has to do is a simple drop-off and pick-up at a time determined by the Renegades. This should be easy enough... but Lero knows nothing is as simple as you hope when travelling the skies. It's a perk of the job.
He gestures to Elto as the Renegades begin introducing themselves. Elto approaches and Lero whispers, "It's an odd group, don't you think? We got a few elves, nothing against them personally, soulless Aetherborn, a Vedalken," he winks in her direction as he says it, "and a human." He shakes his head, "I'm not sure what the Renegades are expecting, but I sure hope they know how to handle themselves." He continues listening to the introductions.
Lero stands a little over six feet tall wearing dark studded leathers upon a loose-fitting white under-tunic. His rapier bears the Talamari crest and shines as if a weapon for a man of noble birth. Upon his chest he wears the insignia of his former Aethership, the Talamari Jewel, torn from the ship's wheel upon its mutiny. He's known to be quick on his feet, able to dart in and out of combat quicker than an enemy can strike. His wit is unmatched (in his opinion) and he's been known to enjoy the telling of a good story while in port. His dark hair and low brow are characteristics of the Talamari household, and it is hard to not recognize a man of his infamy.
Ducan pulls the hood of his cloak a bit more to obscure the people seeing his face, not that they could, since he had a scarf covering half of it. Clenching the cloak he sys, "The name is Duncan of the Line of Eld."
Clearly uncomfortable with being the center of attention, Duncan began to look down at the deck, as if all his attention was on the board at his feet.
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PbP Character: Stribog Northson(Zendikar/Eberron) "Why chase them when a bolt of lightening goes so much faster"
PbP Character: Vilk Dusza (The Peak's of Winter's Hold)
Namura had trouble paying attention to people, and the captain's speech was no different. Her eyes, and hands, began to wander. Absentmindedly, her left hand began to play with a nearby knot. She didn't pay attention to what the rope lead to, or that she was untying it. The elf's hands would often do things without consulting her brain first.
As all elves do, Namura stood tall and proud alongside her compatriots. A blue and gold tunic hung loosely over her green leathers, with her double short swords crossed on her back. Her feet were completely bare, as no amount of city-living would ever convince her to wear shoes.
The ranger looked on edge, as if she was ready to pounce or run at any moment. There was a hungry look in her hazel eyes that she had been told in the past set people on edge. Namura had told said people that she didn't care.
"I hope they know how to handle themselves," she caught the end of the human pirate's jest, coming through over Duncan's uncomfortable introduction.
"We do," she said coldly, her voice sounding more like a growl than. "Know how to handle ourselves. We are capable." The hunter stood up even taller, if that was possible, crossing her arms across her chest. "And I'm Namura."
With one hand on the hilt of his tasseled sword and the other resting on his staff, Azi will take a look up and down the group as if sizing them up. Being uneasy with the concept of the aethership itself, he holds his desire to find somewhere to lose his lunch as to make a good first impression.
Paying no mind to the Pirates comments he starts, "I am Azi Nemreth. I was assigned to this detail as someone with a little experience. Pleasure to be aboard sir." ending with a nod and a smile, tho still clear to those used to airships that he has not yet gained his 'sea legs'
"We shall see about that Namura," Lero says with a crooked smile. He then turns to Azi, "Cheer up, mate. We'll make a pirate out of you yet!"
He hops onto the railing next to Namura and kicks the cleat with the half-knotted rope she was playing with. The rope swings out immediately as the knot is undone and he clenches it in a fist. As the wind buffets the sail, Lero travels with the rope down the side of the ship and back up to the railing. There, he reties the rope, well out of Namura's reach. He hops off the railing, a childish smile playing across his face, and awaits the rest of the introductions.
Close enough to hear Lero's whispering, the aetherborn who had been beside him looks a little annoyed.
"I'll have you know that my kind do have souls thank you very much. More complex than those of other races even, thanks to our unique ties to the aether. Ajaev, am called Flux, and I chose that name when I joined the renegades. Flux is a substance used to purify aether, the renegades are a group who intend to purify Ghirapur's aether laws. As such, I thought the name appropriate. While I am relatively new to the world, I know much, as I formed in a marvellous library where I learned alchemy and artifice, which are my areas of expertise. As with most aetherborn, my preferred pronouns are they/them/their. I haven't been travelling on prior missions, having mostly worked back in the labs, but I have been told to join you on this mission because of my expertise with aether manipulation, which is how I create some of my more destructive formulae."
Flux then considers the emotions of those around him. Nervousness from both elves, self-importance from Lero, and anger from his fellow aetherborn, probably towards the consulate. The vedalken was expressing the same intrigued sensation that was flowing through Flux - why was the site dark all of a sudden? - and the other human, Duncan, was also a little nervous, probably not a fan of attention. Observing Buama, Flux noted that he should take care to not leave any of his concoctions laying around, especially those that had damage-causing properties.
As Flux said we do have souls. Souls deep and powerful ones that even the Consulate wants to control it as they try to control all the Aether. If this site is dark we should investigate with care for the Consulate might already have dug into it and will be hard to remove as a rusted cog in clockwork construct, we might have to break it.
Standing about 5'4, with grayish skin and Aether flowing through its body almost as an warding aura, Kraithee continues:
We have souls for I am proof that the Consulate is trying to take it from us (lowering its hood and showing some strange scaring and actual plugs inserted in his scalp) so if the Consulate is at this Dark Site be sure that most of the people there is already dead, and they might be the lucky ones.
It is windy, as the Rising Aether has gained significant altitude, and made quite some distance. Ghirapur, a city of near-unfathomable size and splendor, is quickly becoming a small blip on the horizon. Looking over the guardrails along the ship, you can see land that seems to stretch on for miles. The landscape itself seems to mirror the streams of aether as the twist and wind their way through the sky, as if through unseen channels.
Slow to respond, Elto brushes past everyone, his "skin" actually iron, and cold to the touch. "Master Lero, the chances of you slipping and falling off the ship are 13 percent! You've long overrun your luck in this matter, and I insist you cease such activity immediately. Also, your whispering needs vast amounts of improvement. Perhaps the captain can share some of..." Elto is cut off short by Arial. "Share nothing, Elto. You need to learn to keep a secret." Grinning, she adds, "I still have half a mind to fragmentize you and turn you into animal or something." She winks at Elto, before adressing Namura. "And you! Elf. Your kind is suppose to graceful, and gentle. Not trying to get us all killed by untying the sails!" Elto cuts in, "But captain, the sails actually provide no momen..." "Yes, Elto, I know that! I swear, your ability to read conversation is on par with a thopter, and they don't even speak! As... Elto, cut me off and mentioned, while the sails are mostly for looks, you didn't know that. Please try and stay alive. It's a looooong fall down at this height." The Rising Aether is approximately 4200 ft. above the ground right now, and still climbing.
As both Aetherborn (almost simultaneously) begin to speak up, Lero lets off a little chuckle, "Down to business it seems. It's always the same with them." Can Aetherborn be offended? I guess time will tell.
"Captain Manfield," Lero says addressing the captain, "It may be best our companions wait down below as we travel. They can use the cargo hold as a place to rest on the journey."
He then turns to the Renegades, "We don't have much room on the Rising Aether, but there is a table bolted down in the hold for you to talk tactics if you need to and four seats with straps in case things get a little... bumpy. Normally the crew take turns in there, but I feel our time will best be spent making this trip as quick and smooth as possible. Mind Elto's more curious contraptions, please. He hates when people tinker with his tools..."
As an aside, "Feel free to come up for air whenever you need to. The skies are dangerous at times, but they're also quiet beautiful." He smiles at the silent Vedalken as he says this.
Azi watches as Lero does he acrobatics along the side of the ship, and takes careful note of exactly what he is doing. Once back aboard and after Elto finishes his speech Azi will pipe up, "You talk very informally for having just met us, I suppose it's a culture difference. The aether touched are viewed as abominations by some, others see them as a source of power and aether to be harnessed, but there are a few that see them as blessed. To have their very life essence infused with aether is nothing sort of a miracle."
Azi likely hasn't had too many encounters with aetherborn up to this point, so he's actually not entirely comfortable with addressing them directly. Flux and Kraithee will pick up this with an easy insight. He will approach and attempt to talk with Elto, in a whisper that only Elto and the captain can hear:
"Is there anything you can suggest to help with this uneasy feeling I'm getting? I have never been on a ship like this before so I think I might be getting some sort of sickness from the high altitude, or maybe it's the material the ship is made of. Or is this the thing pirates call sea-legs? No one told me such a thing could happen." Grasping his staff with an extremely tight grip will show the two of them the pain he might be feeling.
Looking at Lero with no actual expression in its face Kraithee says: Thank you Lero, I will join my companions below decks when they decide it is prudent, but I prefer to stay above deck if that won't get in the way of the crew. I really don't enjoy closed or locked places.
To Namura it compliments Captain Arial comment with what looks like a smille in its face: Please try not to help the Consulate by making us crash before we can arrive at our destination.
Buama watched and listened. A smile playing on her lips most of the time, though not one that meant she found anything humorous. Well, maybe Lero showing off his skills, got a smirk out of her and the added calculations of possible mishap by Elto. She was not sure two days would be enough to really figure out this crew the Renegades suddenly threw together. At least, she knew her part in this. She would help analyze what was going on and help fix things as needed. Of course, if the Consulate shut it down, there could be fun traps and bombs to diffuse, it would be like them to see if they could add insult to injury.
Thinking on that makes her look thoughtful for a moment, but the smile doesn't fade much. The Consulate should have known better to toss her out when she could prove more efficiency if the rules could be bent some on how much initial aether could be used. So many things would in the long run work on less if more freedom could be used at the beginning. No use dwelling on all that because it was their lose and the Renegades boon.
"This is all acceptable to me. I promise not to tinker on anything that could cause issues though if I see something that could run better, I'll be sure to discuss it thoroughly with Elto and not touch it. Just call me Buama and yes, the name implies what you think, but I like diffusing them as much as making them." She rubs her long fingered hands together. "If the Consulate is behind this and left any surprises behind, I'll be ready to do whatever it takes to remove them without damaging the aether collection units."
Though anyone looking at her, has to wonder that the wind is not blowing her overboard. She stood nearly six and a half feet, but might have weighed 150 pounds soaking wet. She seemed to be at ease on the deck, however. She also, other than Lero, seemed to be of a far better mood than most. So much thin skin that could break easily with the trials an adventure like this could cause. There was no doubt in her mind this was not some easy walk in and flip a switch fix. If it were, someone with lesser talent than hers would have been called upon and she would be back at the lab tweaking some gadget or other to run better.
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Lero's grin widens ever-so-slightly and he whispers to Buama, "I knew I'd be able to get you out of your shell." Looking up slightly, he takes a step closer to Buama and presents a deep bow, "It is a pleasure to have you aboard." He turns as if the bow were meant for everyone, "Please make yourselves at home." He then turns to give the captain a sharp nod and makes his way into the control room. He's got a ship to fly.
Not really worried about planning, someone always told him who to attack, Duncan went to the bow of the ship and watched as they sailed higher and higher. Feeling a rush of excitement as they moved up in the air. It made Duncan realize just how small he was in the world, and the wonder that Aether had provided to give people wings.
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PbP Character: Stribog Northson(Zendikar/Eberron) "Why chase them when a bolt of lightening goes so much faster"
PbP Character: Vilk Dusza (The Peak's of Winter's Hold)
Buama grins back at Lero, but there is a hint of challenge. He had to be daft to think he got her talking. Vedalken were usually gregarious without help, though much better to be talking on a topic closer to her heart. But analysis of people, things and situations worked best with a shut mouth until you had time to properly form questions.
She flexed her fingers as if trying to loosen them as she watched him disappear into the control room. Thankfully he had a job to do on the ship to keep him out of her hair some. However, she had nothing to do. Her hands already idle too long itched to be tinkering on something. She crossed her arms, but her fingers drummed against her bicep in agitation.
She walked up to the captain and asked, "Is there anything an artificer can do to help? I need something to keep me occupied for the trip and not wind up restless."
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
[The Rising Aether has one floor beneath the deck, though it is quite expansive. It has various rooms for storage (some having been repurposed for potential sleeping quarters), a main room (as Lero described), and then the “bridge” , posted in the front part of the hull, where the ship is directed. The back portion, beneath the deck, is where the aether-engine is stationed, and where Elto resides when he needs to recharge. The deck itself has stairs leading to an upper portion, where two harpoon launchers are stationed in case of a drake attack. Beneath the elevated upper portion are where the captain and firsthand’s sleeping quarters reside. The crew itself consist of seven people: the captain, Arial, her firsthand, Lero, chief mechanic, Elto, his assistant, a dwarf named Dahlun, and then three redshirts… I mean deckhands.]
Arial nods her head in agreement with Lero. “Aye, that would be smart, the higher we climb, the more dangerous the predators. Some are keen to grabbing deckhands and dropping them from the deck, only to chase them as they fall to the ground, ripping at their skin with their razor claws.”
If there is anything Elto isn’t known for, it’s his lack of subtlety. Addressing Azi loudly, he states, “You feel sick because you have never been on an aethership before. Colloquially, it is called air-legs. Sea-legs is a term commonly used to denote those who feel unease while on a ship in water. The captain would suggest we tie you to a rope and dangle you off the deck for a few minutes. I, however, think that is unwise, due to the innumerable risks present. The variables are too great for me to calculate a chance of certain death, but it is quite high.” Bringing together the closest thing to a smile he can muster, he clasps Azi firmly on the back. “I don’t ever feel sick, because my anatomy is fundamentally different than yours. It was not wise to ask me.”
As Buama approaches Arial, she smiles. “A vedalken, huh? And a female! Lero is certain to have his eyes set on you.” Drawing in closer, she whispers, “He was a weird fetish for things exotic.” Listening to Buama’s request, she chuckles. “Our ship runs in pristine condition, thanks to Elto!” Flashing her eyes at the dwarven mechanic, she leans in again and whispers, “Though sometimes Dahlun messes things up.” Moving back a bit, she continues, “I would talk to Elto: he runs the ship, mechanically speaking. I run the ship, as a whole, and Lero likes to fly and do whatever I tell him to do.” She laughs at the last bit, as if it was an inside joke.
Turning to address everyone, she says, “Feel free to stay up here if you’d like. But we’re not turning around for your remains if you get swooped off by a roc or drake!”She then turns, descending from the elevated portion of the deck, and retires to her quarters. The crew quickly follow suit, retiring down below through the main hatch, posted near the front of the deck.
Turn briefly red from Elto's response will slink back into his position. At this point Azi will step off towards the front of the ship and for the first time really look at the expansiveness of the view. He is taken aback and finds the view calming and beautiful. Taking it in he will head the warnings of the shipwrights and head towards the bowel of the ship. Passing most on his way in, again paying no real mind to them.
Once below he will seek our Duncan, "Will this be our quarters for the duration of trip? Seems to be a lively bunch up there, I do hope we make it back in one piece. Please let me know if they server dinner and I will join you. But for now I must attempt to beat this sickness..." With that Azi will choose an open spot on the floor and lay down a small mat. Upon which he will sit, laying his staff across this lap, and begin to concentrate. Though with each jerk and drop of the ship in the turbulence, you will be able to see Azi's discomfort has no sign of going away.
Breathing a heavy sigh, Kraithee heeds the captains advice. Ay, I see the wisdom in not getting eaten so I will join the rest of you below deck.
When below deck it sees Azi laying down on the floor, it approaches him and say: Try sleeping in a corner as to make your body feel where you actually are in horizontally and vertically, that should help with your air-sickness. Since we appear to going to spend most of the time in closed quarters the trick of looking at the horizon won't work.
To Buama it approaches her and, concentrating the Aether that flows inside it: I also enjoy blowing Consulates up, we sure are going to have to do it before this journey is done.
(OOC: text in italic are an attempt at humor/sarcasm)
Buama laughs at the captain's comments about Lero. "I hadn't noticed." She winks. "I'll see if Elto has anything productive I can do."
As she heads towards Elto, she realizes everyone is pretty much going below decks as far as the crew. She smiles at Kaithree, "We can talk about that in a bit."
She follows Elto and gets his attention once they are inside."I asked the captain what I could do to try and be productive the next couple of days and she said to talk to you. I am an artificer and have been more into weaponry of sorts, but have helped out on many other projects. I even get to test making things work more efficiently in a lab."
She does not add that a lot of her work is out in a field where nothing will be damaged or killed for testing what they are working on. She gives him one of her award winning smiles hoping he will have something to do. She looks around for the dwarf because he might think she is stepping on his turf, but maybe he was an alright guy.
((Edits made because this silly woman missed Kaithree talking to her))
Kaladesh: Silence in Peema
Chapter One: Journey to Peema
Storyline:
The party starts aboard the Rising Aether, an aethership that was once in the fleet on the Consulate Navy. Two days ago, you were briefed by Nahdeel Crimsonfist, one of the counselors in the Renegade’s leadership. Nahdeel told you of a secret operation the Renegades run to help keep all of their aether creations up and running. One of their sites has gone dark: the aether shipments stopped arriving a couple of days ago, and they have had no luck in reaching them by more advanced methods of communication. You have been selected based on your background and expertise, proving successful in past missions. You are tasked with making sure the supply of aether continues uninterrupted as quickly as possible. If the council’s fears are true, then the site is either destroyed, on lock-down due to discovery by the Consulate, or dead. A back-up crew has been sent to help assist and make sure the site is back up and running, along with the crew of the Rising Aether to provide a safe journey there and back.
It is early in the morning, and you have boarded the Rising Aether just hours before. You’re expected to land at the aether refinery in roughly two-days time, weather permitting. The ship’s captain, Arial Manfield, has asked all aboard to come to the deck that she might lay the ground rules of her ship, and get to know the personel she’ll be hauling to the black site, as she likes to call it. “Ajaev (a common Elvish greeting), fellow renegades! The name’s Arial, and this here is my ship!” She claps her hand on the intricate railing. “Thanks to Lero here, that is!” She smiles, nodding her head at Lero. “This ship is one of the grandest beauties you’ll ever lay your eyes on, and she is because we take good care of her, don’t we lads and lasses!?” Shouts of “Aye!”, “We sure do, miss!”! One voice, more robotic, rings out above the rest. “Affirmative, captain!” You see a tall, polished construct, mimicking the appearance of a polished stone. Noticing the attention, Arial speaks up. “And that is Elto. He’s the Rising Aether’s chief mechanic. He’s a lifecraft, and has been endowed with sentience. Give him your respect and we’ll get along just fine.” Looking at the new faces, she laughs loudly. “Now, who has the council demanded I transport? Speak up or you’re getting dropped off at the filthiest hole I can find!”
NPC's:
Arial Manfield - Pirate Captain of the Rising Aether
Elto - Chief Mechanic of the Rising Aether
PC's:
Lero
Flux
Kraithee
Buama
Namura
Azi
Duncan
Lero grins at the group assembled on the deck and bows his head in a little flourish when Captain Manfield mentions his name. Its been awhile since the Rising Aether has been on a transport mission and he hopes it goes smoothly. With luck, all the crew has to do is a simple drop-off and pick-up at a time determined by the Renegades. This should be easy enough... but Lero knows nothing is as simple as you hope when travelling the skies. It's a perk of the job.
He gestures to Elto as the Renegades begin introducing themselves. Elto approaches and Lero whispers, "It's an odd group, don't you think? We got a few elves, nothing against them personally, soulless Aetherborn, a Vedalken," he winks in her direction as he says it, "and a human." He shakes his head, "I'm not sure what the Renegades are expecting, but I sure hope they know how to handle themselves." He continues listening to the introductions.
Lero stands a little over six feet tall wearing dark studded leathers upon a loose-fitting white under-tunic. His rapier bears the Talamari crest and shines as if a weapon for a man of noble birth. Upon his chest he wears the insignia of his former Aethership, the Talamari Jewel, torn from the ship's wheel upon its mutiny. He's known to be quick on his feet, able to dart in and out of combat quicker than an enemy can strike. His wit is unmatched (in his opinion) and he's been known to enjoy the telling of a good story while in port. His dark hair and low brow are characteristics of the Talamari household, and it is hard to not recognize a man of his infamy.
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Ducan pulls the hood of his cloak a bit more to obscure the people seeing his face, not that they could, since he had a scarf covering half of it. Clenching the cloak he sys, "The name is Duncan of the Line of Eld."
Clearly uncomfortable with being the center of attention, Duncan began to look down at the deck, as if all his attention was on the board at his feet.
Namura had trouble paying attention to people, and the captain's speech was no different. Her eyes, and hands, began to wander. Absentmindedly, her left hand began to play with a nearby knot. She didn't pay attention to what the rope lead to, or that she was untying it. The elf's hands would often do things without consulting her brain first.
As all elves do, Namura stood tall and proud alongside her compatriots. A blue and gold tunic hung loosely over her green leathers, with her double short swords crossed on her back. Her feet were completely bare, as no amount of city-living would ever convince her to wear shoes.
The ranger looked on edge, as if she was ready to pounce or run at any moment. There was a hungry look in her hazel eyes that she had been told in the past set people on edge. Namura had told said people that she didn't care.
"I hope they know how to handle themselves," she caught the end of the human pirate's jest, coming through over Duncan's uncomfortable introduction.
"We do," she said coldly, her voice sounding more like a growl than. "Know how to handle ourselves. We are capable." The hunter stood up even taller, if that was possible, crossing her arms across her chest. "And I'm Namura."
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With one hand on the hilt of his tasseled sword and the other resting on his staff, Azi will take a look up and down the group as if sizing them up. Being uneasy with the concept of the aethership itself, he holds his desire to find somewhere to lose his lunch as to make a good first impression.
Paying no mind to the Pirates comments he starts, "I am Azi Nemreth. I was assigned to this detail as someone with a little experience. Pleasure to be aboard sir." ending with a nod and a smile, tho still clear to those used to airships that he has not yet gained his 'sea legs'
"We shall see about that Namura," Lero says with a crooked smile. He then turns to Azi, "Cheer up, mate. We'll make a pirate out of you yet!"
He hops onto the railing next to Namura and kicks the cleat with the half-knotted rope she was playing with. The rope swings out immediately as the knot is undone and he clenches it in a fist. As the wind buffets the sail, Lero travels with the rope down the side of the ship and back up to the railing. There, he reties the rope, well out of Namura's reach. He hops off the railing, a childish smile playing across his face, and awaits the rest of the introductions.
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Close enough to hear Lero's whispering, the aetherborn who had been beside him looks a little annoyed.
"I'll have you know that my kind do have souls thank you very much. More complex than those of other races even, thanks to our unique ties to the aether. Ajaev, am called Flux, and I chose that name when I joined the renegades. Flux is a substance used to purify aether, the renegades are a group who intend to purify Ghirapur's aether laws. As such, I thought the name appropriate. While I am relatively new to the world, I know much, as I formed in a marvellous library where I learned alchemy and artifice, which are my areas of expertise. As with most aetherborn, my preferred pronouns are they/them/their. I haven't been travelling on prior missions, having mostly worked back in the labs, but I have been told to join you on this mission because of my expertise with aether manipulation, which is how I create some of my more destructive formulae."
Flux then considers the emotions of those around him. Nervousness from both elves, self-importance from Lero, and anger from his fellow aetherborn, probably towards the consulate. The vedalken was expressing the same intrigued sensation that was flowing through Flux - why was the site dark all of a sudden? - and the other human, Duncan, was also a little nervous, probably not a fan of attention. Observing Buama, Flux noted that he should take care to not leave any of his concoctions laying around, especially those that had damage-causing properties.
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As Flux said we do have souls. Souls deep and powerful ones that even the Consulate wants to control it as they try to control all the Aether. If this site is dark we should investigate with care for the Consulate might already have dug into it and will be hard to remove as a rusted cog in clockwork construct, we might have to break it.
Standing about 5'4, with grayish skin and Aether flowing through its body almost as an warding aura, Kraithee continues:
We have souls for I am proof that the Consulate is trying to take it from us (lowering its hood and showing some strange scaring and actual plugs inserted in his scalp) so if the Consulate is at this Dark Site be sure that most of the people there is already dead, and they might be the lucky ones.
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It is windy, as the Rising Aether has gained significant altitude, and made quite some distance. Ghirapur, a city of near-unfathomable size and splendor, is quickly becoming a small blip on the horizon. Looking over the guardrails along the ship, you can see land that seems to stretch on for miles. The landscape itself seems to mirror the streams of aether as the twist and wind their way through the sky, as if through unseen channels.
Slow to respond, Elto brushes past everyone, his "skin" actually iron, and cold to the touch. "Master Lero, the chances of you slipping and falling off the ship are 13 percent! You've long overrun your luck in this matter, and I insist you cease such activity immediately. Also, your whispering needs vast amounts of improvement. Perhaps the captain can share some of..." Elto is cut off short by Arial. "Share nothing, Elto. You need to learn to keep a secret." Grinning, she adds, "I still have half a mind to fragmentize you and turn you into animal or something." She winks at Elto, before adressing Namura. "And you! Elf. Your kind is suppose to graceful, and gentle. Not trying to get us all killed by untying the sails!" Elto cuts in, "But captain, the sails actually provide no momen..." "Yes, Elto, I know that! I swear, your ability to read conversation is on par with a thopter, and they don't even speak! As... Elto, cut me off and mentioned, while the sails are mostly for looks, you didn't know that. Please try and stay alive. It's a looooong fall down at this height." The Rising Aether is approximately 4200 ft. above the ground right now, and still climbing.
As both Aetherborn (almost simultaneously) begin to speak up, Lero lets off a little chuckle, "Down to business it seems. It's always the same with them." Can Aetherborn be offended? I guess time will tell.
"Captain Manfield," Lero says addressing the captain, "It may be best our companions wait down below as we travel. They can use the cargo hold as a place to rest on the journey."
He then turns to the Renegades, "We don't have much room on the Rising Aether, but there is a table bolted down in the hold for you to talk tactics if you need to and four seats with straps in case things get a little... bumpy. Normally the crew take turns in there, but I feel our time will best be spent making this trip as quick and smooth as possible. Mind Elto's more curious contraptions, please. He hates when people tinker with his tools..."
As an aside, "Feel free to come up for air whenever you need to. The skies are dangerous at times, but they're also quiet beautiful." He smiles at the silent Vedalken as he says this.
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Azi watches as Lero does he acrobatics along the side of the ship, and takes careful note of exactly what he is doing. Once back aboard and after Elto finishes his speech Azi will pipe up, "You talk very informally for having just met us, I suppose it's a culture difference. The aether touched are viewed as abominations by some, others see them as a source of power and aether to be harnessed, but there are a few that see them as blessed. To have their very life essence infused with aether is nothing sort of a miracle."
Azi likely hasn't had too many encounters with aetherborn up to this point, so he's actually not entirely comfortable with addressing them directly. Flux and Kraithee will pick up this with an easy insight. He will approach and attempt to talk with Elto, in a whisper that only Elto and the captain can hear:
"Is there anything you can suggest to help with this uneasy feeling I'm getting? I have never been on a ship like this before so I think I might be getting some sort of sickness from the high altitude, or maybe it's the material the ship is made of. Or is this the thing pirates call sea-legs? No one told me such a thing could happen." Grasping his staff with an extremely tight grip will show the two of them the pain he might be feeling.
Looking at Lero with no actual expression in its face Kraithee says: Thank you Lero, I will join my companions below decks when they decide it is prudent, but I prefer to stay above deck if that won't get in the way of the crew. I really don't enjoy closed or locked places.
To Namura it compliments Captain Arial comment with what looks like a smille in its face: Please try not to help the Consulate by making us crash before we can arrive at our destination.
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Buama watched and listened. A smile playing on her lips most of the time, though not one that meant she found anything humorous. Well, maybe Lero showing off his skills, got a smirk out of her and the added calculations of possible mishap by Elto. She was not sure two days would be enough to really figure out this crew the Renegades suddenly threw together. At least, she knew her part in this. She would help analyze what was going on and help fix things as needed. Of course, if the Consulate shut it down, there could be fun traps and bombs to diffuse, it would be like them to see if they could add insult to injury.
Thinking on that makes her look thoughtful for a moment, but the smile doesn't fade much. The Consulate should have known better to toss her out when she could prove more efficiency if the rules could be bent some on how much initial aether could be used. So many things would in the long run work on less if more freedom could be used at the beginning. No use dwelling on all that because it was their lose and the Renegades boon.
"This is all acceptable to me. I promise not to tinker on anything that could cause issues though if I see something that could run better, I'll be sure to discuss it thoroughly with Elto and not touch it. Just call me Buama and yes, the name implies what you think, but I like diffusing them as much as making them." She rubs her long fingered hands together. "If the Consulate is behind this and left any surprises behind, I'll be ready to do whatever it takes to remove them without damaging the aether collection units."
Though anyone looking at her, has to wonder that the wind is not blowing her overboard. She stood nearly six and a half feet, but might have weighed 150 pounds soaking wet. She seemed to be at ease on the deck, however. She also, other than Lero, seemed to be of a far better mood than most. So much thin skin that could break easily with the trials an adventure like this could cause. There was no doubt in her mind this was not some easy walk in and flip a switch fix. If it were, someone with lesser talent than hers would have been called upon and she would be back at the lab tweaking some gadget or other to run better.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Lero's grin widens ever-so-slightly and he whispers to Buama, "I knew I'd be able to get you out of your shell." Looking up slightly, he takes a step closer to Buama and presents a deep bow, "It is a pleasure to have you aboard." He turns as if the bow were meant for everyone, "Please make yourselves at home." He then turns to give the captain a sharp nod and makes his way into the control room. He's got a ship to fly.
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Not really worried about planning, someone always told him who to attack, Duncan went to the bow of the ship and watched as they sailed higher and higher. Feeling a rush of excitement as they moved up in the air. It made Duncan realize just how small he was in the world, and the wonder that Aether had provided to give people wings.
Buama grins back at Lero, but there is a hint of challenge. He had to be daft to think he got her talking. Vedalken were usually gregarious without help, though much better to be talking on a topic closer to her heart. But analysis of people, things and situations worked best with a shut mouth until you had time to properly form questions.
She flexed her fingers as if trying to loosen them as she watched him disappear into the control room. Thankfully he had a job to do on the ship to keep him out of her hair some. However, she had nothing to do. Her hands already idle too long itched to be tinkering on something. She crossed her arms, but her fingers drummed against her bicep in agitation.
She walked up to the captain and asked, "Is there anything an artificer can do to help? I need something to keep me occupied for the trip and not wind up restless."
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
[The Rising Aether has one floor beneath the deck, though it is quite expansive. It has various rooms for storage (some having been repurposed for potential sleeping quarters), a main room (as Lero described), and then the “bridge” , posted in the front part of the hull, where the ship is directed. The back portion, beneath the deck, is where the aether-engine is stationed, and where Elto resides when he needs to recharge. The deck itself has stairs leading to an upper portion, where two harpoon launchers are stationed in case of a drake attack. Beneath the elevated upper portion are where the captain and firsthand’s sleeping quarters reside. The crew itself consist of seven people: the captain, Arial, her firsthand, Lero, chief mechanic, Elto, his assistant, a dwarf named Dahlun, and then three redshirts… I mean deckhands.]
Arial nods her head in agreement with Lero. “Aye, that would be smart, the higher we climb, the more dangerous the predators. Some are keen to grabbing deckhands and dropping them from the deck, only to chase them as they fall to the ground, ripping at their skin with their razor claws.”
If there is anything Elto isn’t known for, it’s his lack of subtlety. Addressing Azi loudly, he states, “You feel sick because you have never been on an aethership before. Colloquially, it is called air-legs. Sea-legs is a term commonly used to denote those who feel unease while on a ship in water. The captain would suggest we tie you to a rope and dangle you off the deck for a few minutes. I, however, think that is unwise, due to the innumerable risks present. The variables are too great for me to calculate a chance of certain death, but it is quite high.” Bringing together the closest thing to a smile he can muster, he clasps Azi firmly on the back. “I don’t ever feel sick, because my anatomy is fundamentally different than yours. It was not wise to ask me.”
As Buama approaches Arial, she smiles. “A vedalken, huh? And a female! Lero is certain to have his eyes set on you.” Drawing in closer, she whispers, “He was a weird fetish for things exotic.” Listening to Buama’s request, she chuckles. “Our ship runs in pristine condition, thanks to Elto!” Flashing her eyes at the dwarven mechanic, she leans in again and whispers, “Though sometimes Dahlun messes things up.” Moving back a bit, she continues, “I would talk to Elto: he runs the ship, mechanically speaking. I run the ship, as a whole, and Lero likes to fly and do whatever I tell him to do.” She laughs at the last bit, as if it was an inside joke.
Turning to address everyone, she says, “Feel free to stay up here if you’d like. But we’re not turning around for your remains if you get swooped off by a roc or drake!” She then turns, descending from the elevated portion of the deck, and retires to her quarters. The crew quickly follow suit, retiring down below through the main hatch, posted near the front of the deck.
Turn briefly red from Elto's response will slink back into his position. At this point Azi will step off towards the front of the ship and for the first time really look at the expansiveness of the view. He is taken aback and finds the view calming and beautiful. Taking it in he will head the warnings of the shipwrights and head towards the bowel of the ship. Passing most on his way in, again paying no real mind to them.
Once below he will seek our Duncan, "Will this be our quarters for the duration of trip? Seems to be a lively bunch up there, I do hope we make it back in one piece. Please let me know if they server dinner and I will join you. But for now I must attempt to beat this sickness..." With that Azi will choose an open spot on the floor and lay down a small mat. Upon which he will sit, laying his staff across this lap, and begin to concentrate. Though with each jerk and drop of the ship in the turbulence, you will be able to see Azi's discomfort has no sign of going away.
Breathing a heavy sigh, Kraithee heeds the captains advice. Ay, I see the wisdom in not getting eaten so I will join the rest of you below deck.
When below deck it sees Azi laying down on the floor, it approaches him and say: Try sleeping in a corner as to make your body feel where you actually are in horizontally and vertically, that should help with your air-sickness. Since we appear to going to spend most of the time in closed quarters the trick of looking at the horizon won't work.
To Buama it approaches her and, concentrating the Aether that flows inside it: I also enjoy blowing Consulates up, we sure are going to have to do it before this journey is done.
(OOC: text in italic are an attempt at humor/sarcasm)
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Buama laughs at the captain's comments about Lero. "I hadn't noticed." She winks. "I'll see if Elto has anything productive I can do."
As she heads towards Elto, she realizes everyone is pretty much going below decks as far as the crew. She smiles at Kaithree, "We can talk about that in a bit."
She follows Elto and gets his attention once they are inside."I asked the captain what I could do to try and be productive the next couple of days and she said to talk to you. I am an artificer and have been more into weaponry of sorts, but have helped out on many other projects. I even get to test making things work more efficiently in a lab."
She does not add that a lot of her work is out in a field where nothing will be damaged or killed for testing what they are working on. She gives him one of her award winning smiles hoping he will have something to do. She looks around for the dwarf because he might think she is stepping on his turf, but maybe he was an alright guy.
((Edits made because this silly woman missed Kaithree talking to her))
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard