"The Brandy mostly, and then most recently the Looking Glass. But, there will be plenty of time to get caught up once we are at sea! Let's go!"
'Kestrell uses Prestidigitation to create a small gust of wind at their backs as they double time it to the ship and step aboard.'
'Perhaps serendipitously, or maybe merely coincidentally, a particularly strong onshore gust blows through as Kestrell summons his magic. Instead of a mild breeze at their backs, the four officers find themselves briefly in the midst of a small tempest that sends their cloaks and other clothing flapping around them in all directions.
Judging by the growing length of the masts ahead, Kestrell estimates that the ship should be just around that next group of buildings... and the singer/come navigator quickens his pace in anticipation.'
A'ro chuckled a little "Sorry about that - thankfully you caught up. Friends is fine, after all we are going to be sailing together for a while."
He looked at Daegrin as they walked"That's pretty impressive. I've been sailing since I was 9, filling various roles aboard various ships..."he felt the gust as the man cast his spell and just looked at him. This man was impatient and that could eventually get someone killed or injured really bad"My friend - patience is a virtue and quality that a navigator should have. All four officers are here and walking together. You are neither late nor early - you are right on time. We have plenty of time left to get to the ship. Might as well get to know who we are working with - we'll have to have each others backs as officers. You can't rush that." A'ro just smiled at the man as he finished the rest of the sentence in his head 'Plus if you try to rush me with a wind spell again - I'll toss you right in the water. That I will.'
'The tiny man nods his head, visibly pleased at A'ro's brief recounting of a life spent on or around ships,'
"Ahh, a fine thing that is, Master of Sails. I knew I liked the cut of yer jib when I first laid me sights on ye!"
"This is me first tour on an official ship, I've worked on me dad and uncle's tow. It was a good training experience but this is something else. I am so excited. She is magnificent."
'The halfling nods along with the rest of Virt's companions, but cautions the Shark's new Ship's Mage with a somewhat condescending pat on the hand,'
"All well and good, then. Nice of yer kin to take ye aboard an', hopefully, teach ye the ropes. Ye've some experience aboard ship, so there's that, and we all have to start our careers at sea at some stage and time.
Besides, despite me curiosity at what yer folks' magic might be able do to aid us on our journeys, a Ship's Mage ain't no real sailor of course... no offence intended, goodman Virtoris. Not that I've ever sailed with one before, I admit, but I can't imagine that the odd brief magical spark of this or that, here or there, could make too great a difference during the long, oft-hard and ongoing voyages of a true ship an' crew... again, no offence meant, of course."
"Oh, we have a philosopher in our midst, aye? That's good to have as it provides some different viewpoints from time to time."
"Now Virtoris has it right, she is a magnificent vessel. We're going to go places, you bet!"
'Daegrin laughs at Kestrell's words, but spying something ahead around the bend of the street, suddenly rushes forward whilst calling back at the three of you and throwing a hand out towards the watery expanse that sweeps Westward out into the vastness of the Trackless Sea,'
"Ahh, the philosophy of the sea! We'll talk about mysteries deep and evershifting, much like our beautiful mistress herself, have yerselves no doubts on that! The swells and winds of the ocean's embrace demand no less!
And speaking of beautiful mistresses..."
'The Quarter Master takes a few strides around a large nearby shop, but as the rest of you round the building's edge, you see that Daegrin has stopped about ten feet in front, standing with his small hands on his relatively equally small hips. As you walk up alongside you see a joyous look of near-rapture on his face, which you understand as you follow his gaze to the beauty waiting a mere sixty feet ahead of you.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
'Looking at the Shore Shark for the first time up close, you are struck by what a sturdy and reliable, if somewhat unconventional, ship she appears to be. A three-masted caravel with a shallow draw and narrow profile, her builders had eschewed the triangular lanteen sails typical of her kind in favour of more conventional large square sails. Likewise notable for its absence, those of you familiar with such ships note that she lacks the raised quarter deck between the mainmast and poopdeck usually standard in caravels. Running ninety-feet in length from stern-to-prow and little more than twenty-five feet across her beam, the Shark also has a noticibly higher forecastle and combined poop and quarterdeck, both rising an easy twelve feet above the main deck.
While the large polished ship's wheel dominates the quarterdeck, much of her forecastle was taken up by a formidable looking mangonel, its catapult arm safely latched and bolted with the ship at rest. A near fifteen foot bowsprit extends beyond her prow - and you all notice that the upper-part of the prow and the thicker base of the bowsprit have been carved into a figurehead artfully depicting the Bitter Shore's native and much feared cove shark. On alternating port and starboard sides, ten feet in from either end of the main deck, you can make out the newly made frames of medium ballistas, though the racks of their deadly missiles are nowhere to be seen. The small crows nest can be seen near the top of the seventy-foot high mainmast, just below the top-pennant, though the Shark also sports archer platforms twenty and thirty-five feet up both her main and mizzen masts.
Perhaps the most striking thing that you all notice as you stride towards the waiting beauty, is her dark colouring. While an obviously new ship, nearly all of her external boards and surfaces have been painted or stained an almost-black, dark grey. Giving the armoured low-riding vessel an even more daunting aspect is the imagery on the sails - a stylized and ferocious looking cove shark that matches the figurehead, dyed or stitched into the fabric in a deep navy blue. As though that wasn't enough, a small black flag billows on high atop the mainmast - sporting the well-recognised and dreaded classic skull-and-crossbones sigil of open piracy. This incogruous touch gives you all pause as you approach the base of the gangplank leading out to your new home.
Approaching the long gangplank, which extends from the pier fifteen feet out to rest upon the ship's mid-deck, you all hear a familiar welcoming voice call out as Captain Aundrey's curly gold mantled visage appears at the nearby rail alonside the entrypoint,'
"Ahhaa! If it isn't the Shark's newest officers, come to pay this dear fine lady their respects. Come my new friends and companions - there is no need to ask permission to come aboard, not for you fine fellows... for never should any man or woman have to ask permission to enter their own home!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
((OOG replying to the halfling. My iPad is acting up and won’t let me quote it.))
“Aye, Daegrin. Me dad and uncles are the best sailors I’ve ever met. Bites that superstition in the ass if ye ask me! Gnomes are bad luck on a ship, BAH,” Virt exclaims as he spits on the ground. “I may be an Artificer, but I have experience in storms, with pulley systems, sails, knits and knots, keel repair...you name it, friend. Taught by the best, trained above the rest. But this, this voyage, to me’self anyways; that’s me real test. For me’self.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Virt stands in awe of his new home, amazed at her shape, size and condition.
“She’s perfect. Just perfect.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
'Looking at the Shore Shark for the first time up close, you are struck by what a sturdy and reliable, if somewhat unconventional, ship she appears to be. A three-masted caravel with a shallow draw and narrow profile, her builders had eschewed the triangular lanteen sails typical of her kind in favour of more conventional large square sails. Likewise notable for its absence, those of you familiar with such ships note that she lacks the raised quarter deck between the mainmast and poopdeck usually standard in caravels. Running seventy-feet in length from stern-to-prow and little more than twenty feet across her beam, the Shark also has noticibly higher poopdeck and forecastles, both rising an easy twelve feet above the main deck.
While the large polished ship's wheel dominated the poopdeck, much of her forecastle was taken up by a formidable looking mangonel, its catapult arm safely latched and bolted with the ship at rest. A near fifteen foot bowsprit extends beyond her prow - and you all notice that the upper-part of the prow and the thicker base of the bowsprit have been carved into a figurehead artfully depicting the Bitter Shore's native and much feared cove shark. On alternating port and starboard sides, ten feet in from either end of the main deck, you can make out the newly made frames of medium ballistas, though the racks of their deadly missiles are nowhere to be seen. The small crows nest can be seen near the top of the sixty-foot high mizzenmast, though the Shark also sports archer platforms twenty and thirty-five feet up both her main and mizzen masts.
Perhaps the most striking thing that you all notice as you stride towards the waiting beauty, is her dark colouring. While an obviously new ship, nearly all of her external boards and surfaces have been painted or stained an almost-black, dark grey. Giving the armoured low-riding vessel an even more daunting aspect is the imagery on the sails - a stylized and ferocious looking cove shark that matches the figurehead. As though that wasn't enough, a small black flag billows on high atop the mainmast - sporting the well-recognised and dreaded classic skull-and-crossbones sigil of open piracy. This incogruous touch gives you all pause as you approach the base of the gangplank leading out to your new home.
Approaching the long gangplank, which extends from the pier fifteen feet out to rest upon the ship's mid-deck, you all hear a familiar welcoming voice call out as Captain Aundrey's curly gold mantled visage appears at the nearby rail alonside the entrypoint,'
"Ahhaa! If it isn't the Shark's newest officers, come to pay this dear fine lady their respects. Come my new friends and companions - there is no need to ask permission to come aboard, not for you fine fellows... for never should any man or woman have to ask permission to enter their own home!"
Virtoris the Blue doesn’t have to told twice, he walks onto the gangplank so quickly he almost took a tumble. The excitement was getting to him and he hoped no one noticed the small trip up he had on his robes. As he made his way onto the deck he goes to the closest top ladder and climbs up halfway, wraps one of his legs in the ropes and stretches his arms out wide.
In gnomish he says an old blessing his father taught him when he was still a boy, a tradition of their family, but one of good luck.
”Arria glipri hellpli un del, bli hellpli un dae sae.”
((OOG If you speak gnomish this Spoiler is for you.))
If you speak gnomish it translates to: Shallow men believe in luck, we believe in the sea.
“She’s perfect, Captain, my Captain. Perfect.” Virt climbs down, no that his ritual is out of the way. He walks up to Captain Aundrey and stops short, “Sir, are we still in need of a carpenter? I know a fella, family friend he is. Could use the work and would do us right. He can be ready by this afternoon. Has a family to support, lost his dear wife not a season back.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
... As though that wasn't enough, a small black flag billows on high atop the mainmast - sporting the well-recognised and dreaded classic skull-and-crossbones sigil of open piracy. This incogruous touch gives you all pause as you approach the base of the gangplank leading out to your new home.
Approaching the long gangplank, which extends from the pier fifteen feet out to rest upon the ship's mid-deck, you all hear a familiar welcoming voice call out as Captain Aundrey's curly gold mantled visage appears at the nearby rail alonside the entrypoint,'
"Ahhaa! If it isn't the Shark's newest officers, come to pay this dear fine lady their respects. Come my new friends and companions - there is no need to ask permission to come aboard, not for you fine fellows... for never should any man or woman have to ask permission to enter their own home!"
"Wow, would you look at her? What a beaut!" Kestrell elbows A'ro in the ribs."And with you giving her all that philosophizing hot wind, I bet she can outrun any ship on the sea!"
'As Kestrell steps on the ship, mouth still agape and head looking up, he returns the captain's greeting:'
"Good morning, Captain! My what a fine ship! I can't wait to see how she feels under the ocean swells!"
'Kestrell points up to the skull-and-crossbones flag':
((OOG replying to the halfling. My iPad is acting up and won’t let me quote it.))
“Aye, Daegrin. Me dad and uncles are the best sailors I’ve ever met. Bites that superstition in the ass if ye ask me! Gnomes are bad luck on a ship, BAH,” Virt exclaims as he spits on the ground. “I may be an Artificer, but I have experience in storms, with pulley systems, sails, knits and knots, keel repair...you name it, friend. Taught by the best, trained above the rest. But this, this voyage, to me’self anyways; that’s me real test. For me’self.”
'The halfling, despite being more than twice the age of the rest of you, dashes onto and over the gangplank, boarding the Shark with an energetic burst that takes his fellow officers by surprise. The suddenly spry little fellow calls back,'
"Err, yes, yes, sounds about right. Sorry, we'll talk more soon, I'm sure. We'll have lots of time to... Umm, where... is... Aha! There it is! Now let me see... Ahem... yes, that's the measure, which if I calculate the volume of the front storage..."
'Following the little man onto the ship, Virt mutters his some words in gnomish, which the Captain clearly not understanding, but appreciating the officer's appreciation for their new vessel, responds to with,'
"Ahoy there, good Ship's Mage. Yes she is, isn't she Officer Virt. She, and we with her, will do wonderful things together... mark my words!
I, ahh... sadly must admit to not speaking that particular tongue that you just used, though it sounds distinctly... gnomish? I speak elvish and dwarvish fluently, but am afraid that I never did learn that particular tongue. Would it be rude of me to ask why you spoke it and what you said?"
A ship's carpenter? Yes, yes we are still lacking in that department, sadly. Hmm, you know someone do you? That sounds like a matter to table at our officer's meeting, though I want to give you all a chance to walk her deck and take in her smells before we get to business. Moments such as this are rare as roc's teeth after all... and should be enjoyed as such"
'Captain Aundrey, while listening and responding to each of the officers gathered, seems more intent upon watching your collective and individual expressions and impressions regarding the Shark'
[OOC] perception checks from the three officers, and you may read the below spoilers relevant to your score:
DC 10:
'After your prolonged time away from the sea and the familiar sensations that she brings, the sounds of the ship are a siren call to your soul. The flutter of wind-filled sails, the swaying of rigging ropes, the cries of passing sea birds and the gentle lapping of the waves against the ship's hull and nearby wharf are simultaneously soothing and stimulating in a way that no landlubber could possibly ever know.'
DC 15:
'Looking about the Shark's deck, you notice a number of details you'd missed on your first glance about. You notice the double sets of stairs leading up to the poop and foredecks, you see the two doors at each end of the main deck, you spy a small hatch near the aft-side base of the mainmast and catch sight of Daegrin kneeling excitedly at a large section of coaming between the mainmast and foredeck. The halfling is crouched down, apparently trying to peer beneath the solid timbre cover and the hatch underneath it into the ship's hold.'
DC 20:
'Perhaps the wind shifted at just the right time, but somehow you make out the barely audible whispers of voices comign from the far starboard side of the vessel. Moving across the ship to the far rail, you peer over to see two rafts are tied up against the hull, floating low to the waterline. A couple of workers are in each boat, busily using boards, nails, tar and pitch to seal what look to be mostly repaired, but still visible, long gouges in the outer starboard hull.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
”Of course, Captain Aundrey. The words translate to this; `Shallow men believe in luck, we believe in the sea’. It’s an old gnomish adage me dad taught me. The meaning, which I’m sure is clear, says to trust the signs of the sea. Watch the waves, how they dance across the horizon. Don’t test her, she’ll tell ye all ye need to know.” Virt clears his throat before carrying on, “I learned the language of my family, they taught me, ser.”
Walking around the deck and taking in the sites Virtoris looks down and sees the repairs being made. He felt the wind dance across the water and spray his senses with the longing he’s had in his heart and fulfilled it with his desires. The men repairing the ship didn’t make him uneasy, though. It was the markings on the ship.
”Shore shark facing some of her kin, is’she?” The artificer asks of Captain Aundrey. He makes a couple of quick bites, gnashing his teeth as if he were a shore shark. “They can be fearsome. I’ve seen one once, dead on the beach. Me brothers and me were too afraid to get too close to it. It’s body rotted and barely there, half of its monstrous body floating into the sea. Scariest thing I can remember from childhood. Anyways, I look forward to the officers meeting, will it be soon?”
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
A’ro just blinked at the man’s comments “No, not a philosopher – just someone who has experience with the seas and different crews. Just letting you know sometime the more relaxed route is better than the faster route.”
A’ro just looked at the other blue man and smiled “That’s the heart friend – it’ll be the first time I’m not the only blue person on a ship. If we get one more we could become a group.” He just listened to Daegrin comment towards Virt “Well make you one hell of a sailor after this – just don’t recount that story to any of the crew, or you’ll never live it down.” He ignored the elbow jab from Kestrell and his comments enjoying the ship as it came into view – when he saw it in all it’s glory his breath was taken away
“She sure is beautiful Capt’in.” A’ro said walking aboard the ship. He just took a look at the sails and masts ‘Three mast ship, that’ll be good for speed’.
“They’ll never see us coming – this is some clever work for pirate hunting.” He just looked at the Captain and gave him a smile. As he peered around the corner he just stared at the Captain and kept moving enjoying the beauty of his new home.
come aboard, not for you fine fellows... for never should any man or woman have to ask permission to enter their own home!"
"Wow, would you look at her? What a beaut!" Kestrell elbows A'ro in the ribs."And with you giving her all that philosophizing hot wind, I bet she can outrun any ship on the sea!"
'As Kestrell steps on the ship, mouth still agape and head looking up, he returns the captain's greeting:'
"Good morning, Captain! My what a fine ship! I can't wait to see how she feels under the ocean swells!"
'Kestrell points up to the skull-and-crossbones flag':
"But what is this?"
'Captain Aundrey smiles at the Navigator's complements for the Shark as though the bard had just praised the man's first born child. Lifting a ringed hand to point out to sea, the proud young Captain exclaims,'
"She'll ride those swells like a Sword Coast dolphin, I guarantee it! She was built in Port Ganthul, a couple hours North of Luskan, and she made the voyage here in good order, if not quite a top notch speed. With her shallow draw, she hugged the coast like a maiden at her first dance, or so I'm told. Err, perhaps a little too closely, as I remonstrated to that dunce Captain Reth when he delivered her to me a little worse for ware.
She's still green in all the ways a new ship is expected to be, at least that's what E'strue and Drannick say, but I was standing right on the end of that pier when Reth brought her in and... by Tymora's golden graces, it was a sight to see! Watching her clear the heads and soar into the harbour..."
'The obviously infatuated man pauses, as he surveys the deck, rigging and sails with a glint in his eye. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, he refocuses on Kestrell, finally answering the bard's question,'
"Ahh, yes. That little touch, along with the painted hull, sails and figurehead, were E'strue's idea. Can't say that I'm a fan of even having that pennant aboard ship, but that woman makes a damned fine argument, you can take my word on that for free!
Worry not though, as the flag won't be staying up there. That could cause too much trouble with other privateers and honest ships we encounter. E'strue says that we'll run her up when we're in unpatrolled or disputed waters when it suits our purpose."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
He just listened to Daegrin comment towards Virt “Well make you one hell of a sailor after this – just don’t recount that story to any of the crew, or you’ll never live it down.” He ignored the elbow jab from Kestrell and his comments enjoying the ship as it came into view – when he saw it in all it’s glory his breath was taken away
“She sure is beautiful Capt’in.” A’ro said walking aboard the ship. He just took a look at the sails and masts ‘Three mast ship, that’ll be good for speed’.
“They’ll never see us coming – this is some clever work for pirate hunting.” He just looked at the Captain and gave him a smile. As he peered around the corner he just stared at the Captain and kept moving enjoying the beauty of his new home.
'Having just responded to the Navigator, Captain Aundrey turns to face the Master of Sail, his already contented grin expanding into a pearly white crescent moon,'
"Yes, exactly! The original design I was shown for the Caravel had her as a two master, with lanteen sails, which is indisputably the faster configuration for a light transport. But for a battle ship, built for speed, with little concern for overall weight and space for storage... well, I discussed my thoughts on this long and hard with some pretty knowledgable people, and they agreed that this hybrid build could work and if she did...
Now, with three sheets, two topsails, one aft and two fore jibs to boot - combined with her shallow draw and narrow beam - we should be cutting through these waters like her namesake in no time. At least we will once we've fully taken her measure. And there's nothing else quite like her sailing North of Neverwinter, so we'll have the element of surprise on our side... or so I'm hoping!
Ahh, yes the colour scheme. I was more in favour of something a little less... villainous looking, but if I've learned anything in the last year, it's to listen to the voices of reason that you trust!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
”Of course, Captain Aundrey. The words translate to this; `Shallow men believe in luck, we believe in the sea’. It’s an old gnomish adage me dad taught me. The meaning, which I’m sure is clear, says to trust the signs of the sea. Watch the waves, how they dance across the horzion. Don’t test her, she’lol tell ye all ye need to know.” Virt clears his throat before carrying on, “I learned the language of my family, they taught me, ser.”
Walking around the deck and taking in the sites Virtoris looks down and sees the repairs being made. He felt the wind dance across the water and spray his senses with the longing he’s had in his heart and fulfilled it with his desires. The men repairing the ship didn’t make him uneasy, though. It was the markings on the ship.
”Shore shark facing some of her kin, is’she?” The artificer asks of Captain Aundrey. He makes a couple quick bites, gnashing his teeth as if he were a shore shark. “They can be fearsome. I’ve seen one once, dead on the beach. Me brothers and me were too afraid to get too close to it. It’s body rotted and barely there, half of its monsterous body floating into the sea. Scariest thing I can remember from childhood. Anyways, I look forward to the officers meeting, will it be soon?”
'Hearing the Ship Mage's translation as he walks the width of the deck before calling out his question about the damage from the starboard railing, Captain Aundrey nods towards Virt as he approaches with a noticable grimace replacing his previously cheerful look,'
"My thanks for the translation and for the cultural education. I had an old tutor back home who would have been fascinated to hear all of that. 'Trust the signs of the sea', you say? Those sound like wise words, Virtoris. I'd say that your kin's lessons have equiped you well. As for the Shore's cove sharks, they're a fierce breed of hunters, no question there. I consider myself a man who likes to learn through experience, but facing one up close is probably something I'd give a miss, all things being equal.
And as for our Shark and her wounds, I was just telling our Navigator Kestrell about that very incident. Partly my fault, I guess, as I had asked that they test the limits of the Shark's shallow draw with minimal crew and an empty hold. That madman Captain Reth certainly did that. Almost tore her guts out on a shaol fifty-miles South of Ebbwhistle. She's almost right now, another day or two should see her ready to sail again, but I guess that it's a lesson in regards to limits and not sailing too close to the wind!
As you yourself said, 'Don't test her and she'll tell us all we need to know."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
'The Captain and his newest officers are still examining and discussing their new ship, when one of the aft doors beneath the poopdeck swings open and First Mate E'strue and a stocky bald sailor with a black beard exit onto the maindeck. You all hear E'strue's voice carry clearly across the deck, despite the increasing gusts of wind that shake the uppermost yards of the main and mizzenmasts, and rattle the spars of the foremast,'
"Thank ye, Lionel. Please man the gangplank and deny ship's access to anyone until meself or the Captain tells ye otherwise. And keep an eye on the crates on yonder pier will ye. Drannick said that some roustabout was snooping around down there late last night. That's a good man.
Ahh, our fine officers have arrived and, by the looks of it, have taken in something of this beauty's charms. Good, good. Well Captain, I've prepared those things that you asked me to, so I guess that we're ready to begin?"
'Captain Aundrey, with yet another gaze around his cherished new ship, gives you all a comradely nod and a wave for you to follow, then heads through the open door into the room beyond.'
'Beyond the doorway you find yourselves in a spacious and nicely furnished multi-purpose dinning room and study. An oval polished mahognay table and chairs enough to seat ten take up the centre of the room, while a small two-person sofa, a large iron-studded chest, a side table, a single row of bookshelves and a small writing desk round out the room's furnishings, though a number of oil paintings also decorate the walls. Four ornate polished brass oil lamps help to light the space from the corners of the room, though the risen morning sunlight can also be seen shining through the concave windows lining the upper half of the room's aft-facing wall.
Moving around the table to take the seat at the end closest the rear windows, Captain Aundrey indicates that you should all take a seat, though First Mate E'strue moves immediately to sit to the Captain's right and indicates with a wave and a firm shake of her head that the seat to the Captain's left should also be left vacant, presumably for the absent Bosun. The four of you are left to take which ever seats you choose. After everyone is seated, the Captain begins,'
"While I've welcomed you aboard already, I find myself somewhat beholden to tradition and will therefore again welcome you all, this time to your rightfully appointed seats at the Captain's table. The room you see about you is what I have dubbed the Officers Lounge. It is for our use as we each may need, individually or collectively, and when at sea I expect that we will meet around this table both to discuss pertinant official matters, as well as eat our meals here together.
You are all, of course, invited, indeed encouraged, to familiarise yourselves with the vessel over the next couple of days, as the repairs on her hull are finished. Next to this room is my private cabin, while beneath the foredeck you will find the navigation room and the shared officers quarters, where yours and Unne's berths can be found, with a spare berth besides. The senior officers cabins, general crews quarters, kitchen, infirmary and armoury take up the lower deck, and finally the brig and hold lie beneath all of that. For those of you unfamiliar with the ship's layout, her halls and stairs can be accessed via the hatch by the main mast. Additionally the hold can be accessed via the grate, using a rope ladder or boom-hoist, though removing the coaming is a four man job. The ship's longboat is also in the hold.
'The Captain pauses with a nod to First Mate E'strue, who gives you a level look in the eye before continuing,'
Now that that's out of the way, we'll move on to more important business. Including Bosun Drannick and Weapons Master Unne, we number eight officers and by the charter's last reckoning thirty other sailors. Having agreed with the First Mate and Bosun on this point, we will round the entire crew out to a minimum of forty souls before we depart, allowing for a rotating twenty sailor active crew on eight-hour rotation, twenty sailors being a full complement for the sailing of this vessel, though she could make do, at least for a brief time, with a skellaton crew of ten souls in a pinch.
As the crew chief and designated representative of all non-officers aboard ship, Bosun Drannick is currently drawing up the roster rotation, but at all times four officers must also be active, with split rotating pairs consisting of the Captain and meself, the Bosun and the Quarter Master, the Pilot/Weapons Master and Navigator; and the Master of Sails and Ship's Mage. Of course, between officer rotations at least, there will be some overlap.
It has, of course, not escaped mine or the Captain's notice that we are not a full complement of officers or associated crew as things stand now. This ship holds sufficient berths for sixty souls, meaning that we could add another twenty sailors, essentially another full crew rotation, which might help in any number of ways, but as things stand now, we plan to test this lady out with a two-rotation crew. Missing a Surgeon and Ships Carpenter is clearly not ideal, but such are not always easy to find, so we'll just have to...."
'Captain Aundrey clears his throat at this point, interrupting the First Mate by saying,'
"Well, actually, E'strue, good Virtoris here has brought a potential opportunity to my attention that I thought it worth tabling at this meeting. Would you be so kind as to convey to everyone your suggestion regarding the vacant Ships Carpenter's position, Ships Mage?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Virtoris the Blue walks into the room and is amazed at the sheer grandeur of such a cabin on a ship. He wasn't used to such luxuries when on a vessel, but he could get used to it. He walks in and takes an open seat, then rub his hands over the smooth mahogany table.
Listening to the Captain's words, he tried to take it all in. Virt couldn't wait to explore the ship, learn every nook and cranny of this vessel. Captain Aundrey seems like he is a really good person, Virt was sure he was going to be happy working under him. And for him to give such a young "mage" (as they called him) a berth on his ship's maiden voyage under his command; he would not forget that any time soon.
As the first mate started going over crew numbers Vert pulled out a notepad and started jotting down the numbers. This was important information for him to know, a smaller crew, for now, would make sense. Until we start making money patrolling it would be best to not open up the ship to a whole crew. Thankfully this ship only needs one mage for right now. Imagine them hiring someone else, someone more experienc...
"Uh...me? Ah...oh... yes. Um, My name is Virtoris the Blue. Ship's magic...the ship's mage. I, well, this is me first berth. Well, with such a large crew, me and da' and me uncle sailed the sea for many a years." Virt blurts out the words, nervously he stands up and slids back down into his chair. This wasn't how this was supposed to be.
He grabs his footing and grabs a hold of the table and stands up.
"I do know of someone whose services I can attest for, ol' family friend. But, I... I have to let you all know, he's a gnome. But... I was raised by gmones... on a ship smaller than this, I...Uh..." This was not going well. He wasn't usually this nervous, but it was all starting to sink in. He was an officer of a pirate hunting vessel. Sweat started pouring out of his brow, his hands were getting clammy and the room was starting to spin.
He grabbed a pitcher on the table and poured whatever was in it and took a big drink. He couldn't even taste the drink he just gulped down, but it seemed to do the trick of wetting his quickly drying mouth. Then he thought of Yentil, the small mans desperate face as he came to him in his room the night before. He knew all about the prejudice of other races against his people. THEIR people. 'This man depends on me for help, I can't let him down. Not now.'
"Look," Virt says to everyone at the table, looking at each of them in the eyes, "his name is Yentil Burleyworth. Not too long ago he lost his wife, the mother of his children. He's a master carpenter, someone who could suit all yer needs on this vessel. And if ye think that gnomes are bad luck on a ship... well, how I am here? How am I standing here in this room? I'm twenty-two (22) years old, I have been sailing with gnomes me whole damned life. Bad luck, bah! We need a carpenter, we have one knocking on our door begging for a berth. And if we turn him away, I will send him back home to help me da'. Our village could use an extra skilled hand. But why deny the opportunity to have a carpenter right now, when we need one. Old prejudices aside, gnomes are people too. Good, hardworking people. With good minds, sharp wit, and brave hearts. I wouldn't be who I am today without the love of a gnome family. Of a gnome village. I wouldn't be the sailor I am today without the skills I learned on me da's ship. Give the man a chance, we should. You gave me a chance, and I am cut from the same stock."
Virtoris nods his head and says, "Ah, thank you." Then takes his seat and awaits to hear the denials start, about how gnomes are bad luck. He knew it was coming, but at least he tried. And he felt like he gave it a good go. That he knew was true.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
A’ro just smiled at the captain his grin like a child in a candy store “I like your style Capt’in, I can’t wait to get this beauty into open waters. If you don’t mind me asking what type of rope do you have attached to them and what type of material are the sails made from cloth or linen?” He was trying to get acquainted with the ship, specifically items revolving around his jobs. This was probably the best ship A’ro had been on – he could already feel the breeze blowing across his face.
As the doors opened A’ro turned his attention to the doors and E’strue came out with a man named Lionel. As they were lead into the Captains quarters he just took in his surroundings as the captain began to lay down his expectations for people. With the sounds of it they may be in port a while longer.
As Virtoris began to explain his proposal about letting the gnome come on as a ship’s carpenter, he just chuckled a little. This was going to be interesting watching the man try to convince old sailors to break from old tales.
A’ro spoke up as he finished “If ya don’t mind me askin’ just two questions friends - What did he build mostly before trying to come work for this ship? Has he ever sailed on anything before?”
A’ro spoke up as he finished “If ya don’t mind me askin’ just two questions friends - What did he build mostly before trying to come work for this ship? Has he ever sailed on anything before?”
'Kestrell takes a sip of the provided liquid.'
"Some pastries would be good for our next meeting, yes? Maybe a jelly filled pastry?"
"My new-blue-friend here has the right of it. I don't care what he is, if he can do the job on a ship."
A’ro just smiled at the captain his grin like a child in a candy store “I like your style Capt’in, I can’t wait to get this beauty into open waters. If you don’t mind me asking what type of rope do you have attached to them and what type of material are the sails made from cloth or linen?” He was trying to get acquainted with the ship, specifically items revolving around his jobs. This was probably the best ship A’ro had been on – he could already feel the breeze blowing across his face.
As the doors opened A’ro turned his attention to the doors and E’strue came out with a man named Lionel. As they were lead into the Captains quarters he just took in his surroundings as the captain began to lay down his expectations for people. With the sounds of it they may be in port a while longer.
As Virtoris began to explain his proposal about letting the gnome come on as a ship’s carpenter, he just chuckled a little. This was going to be interesting watching the man try to convince old sailors to break from old tales.
A’ro spoke up as he finished “If ya don’t mind me askin’ just two questions friends - What did he build mostly before trying to come work for this ship? Has he ever sailed on anything before?”
"Aye, he's a deft carpenter. Great with a chisel and plane, he is. One of the best in the area I'd wager," Virt was not the wagering type, neither was Mr. Burleyworth. But Virtoris trusted the man, he spoke to the place in his heart where all free folk should be able to take care of their own if they're willing to work for that wage. "And the fella grew up on these shores, ye can't live in this area an' not work a shill."
"Good questions, um...Mister A'ro is'it?" Virt puts out his hand to A'ro, "I really don't think ye and me have properly been introduced. Virtoris Fishflower, known among me kin as Virtoris the Blue. I am an artificer trained in the studies of instant magics and production."
"Agreed, good sir. If ye can do ye's job, no matte' yer race, methinks ye should be given the work. I also agree about the jelly-filled pastries A likin' me has fer them, me do." Virt smiles over at Kestrell and nods his head in appreciation. He reaches his hand over to him to formally introduce himself as well, "Virt Fishflower, pleasure."
Virtoris felt like he made his point and all he can do is wait for the Captain to make his decision. The other's opinion mattered it's true, but the final word here would be Capn' Aundrey's. Virt looked at the Captain, sitting there listening to his words. Quietly taking in his impassioned plea.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Virtoris felt like he made his point and all he can do is wait for the Captain to make his decision. The other's opinion mattered it's true, but the final word here would be Capn' Aundrey's. Virt looked at the Captain, sitting there listening to his words. Quietly taking in his impassioned plea.
'Kestrel returned Virt's nod and stands up to reach his offered hand.'
"Kestrell, Kestrell Season. The pleasure is mine my other new-blue friend!"
'Kestrell was impressed with Virt's impassioned plea, and decided to offer him a little bardic inspiration, if needed for persuading the captain':
"There once was an artificer named Virt.
Who also enjoyed desert.
Yes it is true, he was very blue
Listening to his words could not hurt!"
[OOC] 1d6 bardic inspiration die for use in the next 10 minutes on ability checks.
A'ro looked at the man and smiled "Just A'ro mate and that's fine. So do you know how long the man has been sailing? Cause honestly knowing now that you're an artificer, wouldn't it be better for the Capt'in to just dual slot you as the Carpenter and Ship Mage? This would allow him to save some money that he could invest in better items for the ship and crew."
"As for this man you want us to bring on - you can't tell us how long he's been a craftsman or if he has experience on a ship. If you don't mind me asking - how do you even know this man?" A'ro's voice was gentle as he asked this question, it was clearly only out of concern for their journey.
'Kestrell uses Prestidigitation to create a small gust of wind at their backs as they double time it to the ship and step aboard.'
'Perhaps serendipitously, or maybe merely coincidentally, a particularly strong onshore gust blows through as Kestrell summons his magic. Instead of a mild breeze at their backs, the four officers find themselves briefly in the midst of a small tempest that sends their cloaks and other clothing flapping around them in all directions.
Judging by the growing length of the masts ahead, Kestrell estimates that the ship should be just around that next group of buildings... and the singer/come navigator quickens his pace in anticipation.'
'The tiny man nods his head, visibly pleased at A'ro's brief recounting of a life spent on or around ships,'
"Ahh, a fine thing that is, Master of Sails. I knew I liked the cut of yer jib when I first laid me sights on ye!"
'The halfling nods along with the rest of Virt's companions, but cautions the Shark's new Ship's Mage with a somewhat condescending pat on the hand,'
"All well and good, then. Nice of yer kin to take ye aboard an', hopefully, teach ye the ropes. Ye've some experience aboard ship, so there's that, and we all have to start our careers at sea at some stage and time.
Besides, despite me curiosity at what yer folks' magic might be able do to aid us on our journeys, a Ship's Mage ain't no real sailor of course... no offence intended, goodman Virtoris. Not that I've ever sailed with one before, I admit, but I can't imagine that the odd brief magical spark of this or that, here or there, could make too great a difference during the long, oft-hard and ongoing voyages of a true ship an' crew... again, no offence meant, of course."
'Daegrin laughs at Kestrell's words, but spying something ahead around the bend of the street, suddenly rushes forward whilst calling back at the three of you and throwing a hand out towards the watery expanse that sweeps Westward out into the vastness of the Trackless Sea,'
"Ahh, the philosophy of the sea! We'll talk about mysteries deep and evershifting, much like our beautiful mistress herself, have yerselves no doubts on that! The swells and winds of the ocean's embrace demand no less!
And speaking of beautiful mistresses..."
'The Quarter Master takes a few strides around a large nearby shop, but as the rest of you round the building's edge, you see that Daegrin has stopped about ten feet in front, standing with his small hands on his relatively equally small hips. As you walk up alongside you see a joyous look of near-rapture on his face, which you understand as you follow his gaze to the beauty waiting a mere sixty feet ahead of you.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Looking at the Shore Shark for the first time up close, you are struck by what a sturdy and reliable, if somewhat unconventional, ship she appears to be. A three-masted caravel with a shallow draw and narrow profile, her builders had eschewed the triangular lanteen sails typical of her kind in favour of more conventional large square sails. Likewise notable for its absence, those of you familiar with such ships note that she lacks the raised quarter deck between the mainmast and poopdeck usually standard in caravels. Running ninety-feet in length from stern-to-prow and little more than twenty-five feet across her beam, the Shark also has a noticibly higher forecastle and combined poop and quarterdeck, both rising an easy twelve feet above the main deck.
While the large polished ship's wheel dominates the quarterdeck, much of her forecastle was taken up by a formidable looking mangonel, its catapult arm safely latched and bolted with the ship at rest. A near fifteen foot bowsprit extends beyond her prow - and you all notice that the upper-part of the prow and the thicker base of the bowsprit have been carved into a figurehead artfully depicting the Bitter Shore's native and much feared cove shark. On alternating port and starboard sides, ten feet in from either end of the main deck, you can make out the newly made frames of medium ballistas, though the racks of their deadly missiles are nowhere to be seen. The small crows nest can be seen near the top of the seventy-foot high mainmast, just below the top-pennant, though the Shark also sports archer platforms twenty and thirty-five feet up both her main and mizzen masts.
Perhaps the most striking thing that you all notice as you stride towards the waiting beauty, is her dark colouring. While an obviously new ship, nearly all of her external boards and surfaces have been painted or stained an almost-black, dark grey. Giving the armoured low-riding vessel an even more daunting aspect is the imagery on the sails - a stylized and ferocious looking cove shark that matches the figurehead, dyed or stitched into the fabric in a deep navy blue. As though that wasn't enough, a small black flag billows on high atop the mainmast - sporting the well-recognised and dreaded classic skull-and-crossbones sigil of open piracy. This incogruous touch gives you all pause as you approach the base of the gangplank leading out to your new home.
Approaching the long gangplank, which extends from the pier fifteen feet out to rest upon the ship's mid-deck, you all hear a familiar welcoming voice call out as Captain Aundrey's curly gold mantled visage appears at the nearby rail alonside the entrypoint,'
"Ahhaa! If it isn't the Shark's newest officers, come to pay this dear fine lady their respects. Come my new friends and companions - there is no need to ask permission to come aboard, not for you fine fellows... for never should any man or woman have to ask permission to enter their own home!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
((OOG replying to the halfling. My iPad is acting up and won’t let me quote it.))
“Aye, Daegrin. Me dad and uncles are the best sailors I’ve ever met. Bites that superstition in the ass if ye ask me! Gnomes are bad luck on a ship, BAH,” Virt exclaims as he spits on the ground. “I may be an Artificer, but I have experience in storms, with pulley systems, sails, knits and knots, keel repair...you name it, friend. Taught by the best, trained above the rest. But this, this voyage, to me’self anyways; that’s me real test. For me’self.”
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Virt stands in awe of his new home, amazed at her shape, size and condition.
“She’s perfect. Just perfect.”
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Virtoris the Blue doesn’t have to told twice, he walks onto the gangplank so quickly he almost took a tumble. The excitement was getting to him and he hoped no one noticed the small trip up he had on his robes. As he made his way onto the deck he goes to the closest top ladder and climbs up halfway, wraps one of his legs in the ropes and stretches his arms out wide.
In gnomish he says an old blessing his father taught him when he was still a boy, a tradition of their family, but one of good luck.
”Arria glipri hellpli un del, bli hellpli un dae sae.”
((OOG If you speak gnomish this Spoiler is for you.))
If you speak gnomish it translates to: Shallow men believe in luck, we believe in the sea.
“She’s perfect, Captain, my Captain. Perfect.” Virt climbs down, no that his ritual is out of the way. He walks up to Captain Aundrey and stops short, “Sir, are we still in need of a carpenter? I know a fella, family friend he is. Could use the work and would do us right. He can be ready by this afternoon. Has a family to support, lost his dear wife not a season back.”
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"Wow, would you look at her? What a beaut!" Kestrell elbows A'ro in the ribs. "And with you giving her all that philosophizing hot wind, I bet she can outrun any ship on the sea!"
'As Kestrell steps on the ship, mouth still agape and head looking up, he returns the captain's greeting:'
"Good morning, Captain! My what a fine ship! I can't wait to see how she feels under the ocean swells!"
'Kestrell points up to the skull-and-crossbones flag':
"But what is this?"
'The halfling, despite being more than twice the age of the rest of you, dashes onto and over the gangplank, boarding the Shark with an energetic burst that takes his fellow officers by surprise. The suddenly spry little fellow calls back,'
"Err, yes, yes, sounds about right. Sorry, we'll talk more soon, I'm sure. We'll have lots of time to... Umm, where... is... Aha! There it is! Now let me see... Ahem... yes, that's the measure, which if I calculate the volume of the front storage..."
'Following the little man onto the ship, Virt mutters his some words in gnomish, which the Captain clearly not understanding, but appreciating the officer's appreciation for their new vessel, responds to with,'
"Ahoy there, good Ship's Mage. Yes she is, isn't she Officer Virt. She, and we with her, will do wonderful things together... mark my words!
I, ahh... sadly must admit to not speaking that particular tongue that you just used, though it sounds distinctly... gnomish? I speak elvish and dwarvish fluently, but am afraid that I never did learn that particular tongue. Would it be rude of me to ask why you spoke it and what you said?"
A ship's carpenter? Yes, yes we are still lacking in that department, sadly. Hmm, you know someone do you? That sounds like a matter to table at our officer's meeting, though I want to give you all a chance to walk her deck and take in her smells before we get to business. Moments such as this are rare as roc's teeth after all... and should be enjoyed as such"
'Captain Aundrey, while listening and responding to each of the officers gathered, seems more intent upon watching your collective and individual expressions and impressions regarding the Shark'
[OOC] perception checks from the three officers, and you may read the below spoilers relevant to your score:
DC 10:
'After your prolonged time away from the sea and the familiar sensations that she brings, the sounds of the ship are a siren call to your soul. The flutter of wind-filled sails, the swaying of rigging ropes, the cries of passing sea birds and the gentle lapping of the waves against the ship's hull and nearby wharf are simultaneously soothing and stimulating in a way that no landlubber could possibly ever know.'
DC 15:
'Looking about the Shark's deck, you notice a number of details you'd missed on your first glance about. You notice the double sets of stairs leading up to the poop and foredecks, you see the two doors at each end of the main deck, you spy a small hatch near the aft-side base of the mainmast and catch sight of Daegrin kneeling excitedly at a large section of coaming between the mainmast and foredeck. The halfling is crouched down, apparently trying to peer beneath the solid timbre cover and the hatch underneath it into the ship's hold.'
DC 20:
'Perhaps the wind shifted at just the right time, but somehow you make out the barely audible whispers of voices comign from the far starboard side of the vessel. Moving across the ship to the far rail, you peer over to see two rafts are tied up against the hull, floating low to the waterline. A couple of workers are in each boat, busily using boards, nails, tar and pitch to seal what look to be mostly repaired, but still visible, long gouges in the outer starboard hull.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
”Of course, Captain Aundrey. The words translate to this; `Shallow men believe in luck, we believe in the sea’. It’s an old gnomish adage me dad taught me. The meaning, which I’m sure is clear, says to trust the signs of the sea. Watch the waves, how they dance across the horizon. Don’t test her, she’ll tell ye all ye need to know.” Virt clears his throat before carrying on, “I learned the language of my family, they taught me, ser.”
Walking around the deck and taking in the sites Virtoris looks down and sees the repairs being made. He felt the wind dance across the water and spray his senses with the longing he’s had in his heart and fulfilled it with his desires. The men repairing the ship didn’t make him uneasy, though. It was the markings on the ship.
”Shore shark facing some of her kin, is’she?” The artificer asks of Captain Aundrey. He makes a couple of quick bites, gnashing his teeth as if he were a shore shark. “They can be fearsome. I’ve seen one once, dead on the beach. Me brothers and me were too afraid to get too close to it. It’s body rotted and barely there, half of its monstrous body floating into the sea. Scariest thing I can remember from childhood. Anyways, I look forward to the officers meeting, will it be soon?”
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
A’ro just blinked at the man’s comments “No, not a philosopher – just someone who has experience with the seas and different crews. Just letting you know sometime the more relaxed route is better than the faster route.”
A’ro just looked at the other blue man and smiled “That’s the heart friend – it’ll be the first time I’m not the only blue person on a ship. If we get one more we could become a group.” He just listened to Daegrin comment towards Virt “Well make you one hell of a sailor after this – just don’t recount that story to any of the crew, or you’ll never live it down.” He ignored the elbow jab from Kestrell and his comments enjoying the ship as it came into view – when he saw it in all it’s glory his breath was taken away
“She sure is beautiful Capt’in.” A’ro said walking aboard the ship. He just took a look at the sails and masts ‘Three mast ship, that’ll be good for speed’.
“They’ll never see us coming – this is some clever work for pirate hunting.” He just looked at the Captain and gave him a smile. As he peered around the corner he just stared at the Captain and kept moving enjoying the beauty of his new home.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'Captain Aundrey smiles at the Navigator's complements for the Shark as though the bard had just praised the man's first born child. Lifting a ringed hand to point out to sea, the proud young Captain exclaims,'
"She'll ride those swells like a Sword Coast dolphin, I guarantee it! She was built in Port Ganthul, a couple hours North of Luskan, and she made the voyage here in good order, if not quite a top notch speed. With her shallow draw, she hugged the coast like a maiden at her first dance, or so I'm told. Err, perhaps a little too closely, as I remonstrated to that dunce Captain Reth when he delivered her to me a little worse for ware.
She's still green in all the ways a new ship is expected to be, at least that's what E'strue and Drannick say, but I was standing right on the end of that pier when Reth brought her in and... by Tymora's golden graces, it was a sight to see! Watching her clear the heads and soar into the harbour..."
'The obviously infatuated man pauses, as he surveys the deck, rigging and sails with a glint in his eye. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, he refocuses on Kestrell, finally answering the bard's question,'
"Ahh, yes. That little touch, along with the painted hull, sails and figurehead, were E'strue's idea. Can't say that I'm a fan of even having that pennant aboard ship, but that woman makes a damned fine argument, you can take my word on that for free!
Worry not though, as the flag won't be staying up there. That could cause too much trouble with other privateers and honest ships we encounter. E'strue says that we'll run her up when we're in unpatrolled or disputed waters when it suits our purpose."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Having just responded to the Navigator, Captain Aundrey turns to face the Master of Sail, his already contented grin expanding into a pearly white crescent moon,'
"Yes, exactly! The original design I was shown for the Caravel had her as a two master, with lanteen sails, which is indisputably the faster configuration for a light transport. But for a battle ship, built for speed, with little concern for overall weight and space for storage... well, I discussed my thoughts on this long and hard with some pretty knowledgable people, and they agreed that this hybrid build could work and if she did...
Now, with three sheets, two topsails, one aft and two fore jibs to boot - combined with her shallow draw and narrow beam - we should be cutting through these waters like her namesake in no time. At least we will once we've fully taken her measure. And there's nothing else quite like her sailing North of Neverwinter, so we'll have the element of surprise on our side... or so I'm hoping!
Ahh, yes the colour scheme. I was more in favour of something a little less... villainous looking, but if I've learned anything in the last year, it's to listen to the voices of reason that you trust!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Hearing the Ship Mage's translation as he walks the width of the deck before calling out his question about the damage from the starboard railing, Captain Aundrey nods towards Virt as he approaches with a noticable grimace replacing his previously cheerful look,'
"My thanks for the translation and for the cultural education. I had an old tutor back home who would have been fascinated to hear all of that. 'Trust the signs of the sea', you say? Those sound like wise words, Virtoris. I'd say that your kin's lessons have equiped you well. As for the Shore's cove sharks, they're a fierce breed of hunters, no question there. I consider myself a man who likes to learn through experience, but facing one up close is probably something I'd give a miss, all things being equal.
And as for our Shark and her wounds, I was just telling our Navigator Kestrell about that very incident. Partly my fault, I guess, as I had asked that they test the limits of the Shark's shallow draw with minimal crew and an empty hold. That madman Captain Reth certainly did that. Almost tore her guts out on a shaol fifty-miles South of Ebbwhistle. She's almost right now, another day or two should see her ready to sail again, but I guess that it's a lesson in regards to limits and not sailing too close to the wind!
As you yourself said, 'Don't test her and she'll tell us all we need to know."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'The Captain and his newest officers are still examining and discussing their new ship, when one of the aft doors beneath the poopdeck swings open and First Mate E'strue and a stocky bald sailor with a black beard exit onto the maindeck. You all hear E'strue's voice carry clearly across the deck, despite the increasing gusts of wind that shake the uppermost yards of the main and mizzenmasts, and rattle the spars of the foremast,'
"Thank ye, Lionel. Please man the gangplank and deny ship's access to anyone until meself or the Captain tells ye otherwise. And keep an eye on the crates on yonder pier will ye. Drannick said that some roustabout was snooping around down there late last night. That's a good man.
Ahh, our fine officers have arrived and, by the looks of it, have taken in something of this beauty's charms. Good, good. Well Captain, I've prepared those things that you asked me to, so I guess that we're ready to begin?"
'Captain Aundrey, with yet another gaze around his cherished new ship, gives you all a comradely nod and a wave for you to follow, then heads through the open door into the room beyond.'
'Beyond the doorway you find yourselves in a spacious and nicely furnished multi-purpose dinning room and study. An oval polished mahognay table and chairs enough to seat ten take up the centre of the room, while a small two-person sofa, a large iron-studded chest, a side table, a single row of bookshelves and a small writing desk round out the room's furnishings, though a number of oil paintings also decorate the walls. Four ornate polished brass oil lamps help to light the space from the corners of the room, though the risen morning sunlight can also be seen shining through the concave windows lining the upper half of the room's aft-facing wall.
Moving around the table to take the seat at the end closest the rear windows, Captain Aundrey indicates that you should all take a seat, though First Mate E'strue moves immediately to sit to the Captain's right and indicates with a wave and a firm shake of her head that the seat to the Captain's left should also be left vacant, presumably for the absent Bosun. The four of you are left to take which ever seats you choose. After everyone is seated, the Captain begins,'
"While I've welcomed you aboard already, I find myself somewhat beholden to tradition and will therefore again welcome you all, this time to your rightfully appointed seats at the Captain's table. The room you see about you is what I have dubbed the Officers Lounge. It is for our use as we each may need, individually or collectively, and when at sea I expect that we will meet around this table both to discuss pertinant official matters, as well as eat our meals here together.
You are all, of course, invited, indeed encouraged, to familiarise yourselves with the vessel over the next couple of days, as the repairs on her hull are finished. Next to this room is my private cabin, while beneath the foredeck you will find the navigation room and the shared officers quarters, where yours and Unne's berths can be found, with a spare berth besides. The senior officers cabins, general crews quarters, kitchen, infirmary and armoury take up the lower deck, and finally the brig and hold lie beneath all of that. For those of you unfamiliar with the ship's layout, her halls and stairs can be accessed via the hatch by the main mast. Additionally the hold can be accessed via the grate, using a rope ladder or boom-hoist, though removing the coaming is a four man job. The ship's longboat is also in the hold.
'The Captain pauses with a nod to First Mate E'strue, who gives you a level look in the eye before continuing,'
Now that that's out of the way, we'll move on to more important business. Including Bosun Drannick and Weapons Master Unne, we number eight officers and by the charter's last reckoning thirty other sailors. Having agreed with the First Mate and Bosun on this point, we will round the entire crew out to a minimum of forty souls before we depart, allowing for a rotating twenty sailor active crew on eight-hour rotation, twenty sailors being a full complement for the sailing of this vessel, though she could make do, at least for a brief time, with a skellaton crew of ten souls in a pinch.
As the crew chief and designated representative of all non-officers aboard ship, Bosun Drannick is currently drawing up the roster rotation, but at all times four officers must also be active, with split rotating pairs consisting of the Captain and meself, the Bosun and the Quarter Master, the Pilot/Weapons Master and Navigator; and the Master of Sails and Ship's Mage. Of course, between officer rotations at least, there will be some overlap.
It has, of course, not escaped mine or the Captain's notice that we are not a full complement of officers or associated crew as things stand now. This ship holds sufficient berths for sixty souls, meaning that we could add another twenty sailors, essentially another full crew rotation, which might help in any number of ways, but as things stand now, we plan to test this lady out with a two-rotation crew. Missing a Surgeon and Ships Carpenter is clearly not ideal, but such are not always easy to find, so we'll just have to...."
'Captain Aundrey clears his throat at this point, interrupting the First Mate by saying,'
"Well, actually, E'strue, good Virtoris here has brought a potential opportunity to my attention that I thought it worth tabling at this meeting. Would you be so kind as to convey to everyone your suggestion regarding the vacant Ships Carpenter's position, Ships Mage?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Virtoris the Blue walks into the room and is amazed at the sheer grandeur of such a cabin on a ship. He wasn't used to such luxuries when on a vessel, but he could get used to it. He walks in and takes an open seat, then rub his hands over the smooth mahogany table.
Listening to the Captain's words, he tried to take it all in. Virt couldn't wait to explore the ship, learn every nook and cranny of this vessel. Captain Aundrey seems like he is a really good person, Virt was sure he was going to be happy working under him. And for him to give such a young "mage" (as they called him) a berth on his ship's maiden voyage under his command; he would not forget that any time soon.
As the first mate started going over crew numbers Vert pulled out a notepad and started jotting down the numbers. This was important information for him to know, a smaller crew, for now, would make sense. Until we start making money patrolling it would be best to not open up the ship to a whole crew. Thankfully this ship only needs one mage for right now. Imagine them hiring someone else, someone more experienc...
"Uh...me? Ah...oh... yes. Um, My name is Virtoris the Blue. Ship's magic...the ship's mage. I, well, this is me first berth. Well, with such a large crew, me and da' and me uncle sailed the sea for many a years." Virt blurts out the words, nervously he stands up and slids back down into his chair. This wasn't how this was supposed to be.
He grabs his footing and grabs a hold of the table and stands up.
"I do know of someone whose services I can attest for, ol' family friend. But, I... I have to let you all know, he's a gnome. But... I was raised by gmones... on a ship smaller than this, I...Uh..." This was not going well. He wasn't usually this nervous, but it was all starting to sink in. He was an officer of a pirate hunting vessel. Sweat started pouring out of his brow, his hands were getting clammy and the room was starting to spin.
He grabbed a pitcher on the table and poured whatever was in it and took a big drink. He couldn't even taste the drink he just gulped down, but it seemed to do the trick of wetting his quickly drying mouth. Then he thought of Yentil, the small mans desperate face as he came to him in his room the night before. He knew all about the prejudice of other races against his people. THEIR people. 'This man depends on me for help, I can't let him down. Not now.'
"Look," Virt says to everyone at the table, looking at each of them in the eyes, "his name is Yentil Burleyworth. Not too long ago he lost his wife, the mother of his children. He's a master carpenter, someone who could suit all yer needs on this vessel. And if ye think that gnomes are bad luck on a ship... well, how I am here? How am I standing here in this room? I'm twenty-two (22) years old, I have been sailing with gnomes me whole damned life. Bad luck, bah! We need a carpenter, we have one knocking on our door begging for a berth. And if we turn him away, I will send him back home to help me da'. Our village could use an extra skilled hand. But why deny the opportunity to have a carpenter right now, when we need one. Old prejudices aside, gnomes are people too. Good, hardworking people. With good minds, sharp wit, and brave hearts. I wouldn't be who I am today without the love of a gnome family. Of a gnome village. I wouldn't be the sailor I am today without the skills I learned on me da's ship. Give the man a chance, we should. You gave me a chance, and I am cut from the same stock."
Virtoris nods his head and says, "Ah, thank you." Then takes his seat and awaits to hear the denials start, about how gnomes are bad luck. He knew it was coming, but at least he tried. And he felt like he gave it a good go. That he knew was true.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
A’ro just smiled at the captain his grin like a child in a candy store “I like your style Capt’in, I can’t wait to get this beauty into open waters. If you don’t mind me asking what type of rope do you have attached to them and what type of material are the sails made from cloth or linen?” He was trying to get acquainted with the ship, specifically items revolving around his jobs. This was probably the best ship A’ro had been on – he could already feel the breeze blowing across his face.
As the doors opened A’ro turned his attention to the doors and E’strue came out with a man named Lionel. As they were lead into the Captains quarters he just took in his surroundings as the captain began to lay down his expectations for people. With the sounds of it they may be in port a while longer.
As Virtoris began to explain his proposal about letting the gnome come on as a ship’s carpenter, he just chuckled a little. This was going to be interesting watching the man try to convince old sailors to break from old tales.
A’ro spoke up as he finished “If ya don’t mind me askin’ just two questions friends - What did he build mostly before trying to come work for this ship? Has he ever sailed on anything before?”
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
'Kestrell takes a sip of the provided liquid.'
"Some pastries would be good for our next meeting, yes? Maybe a jelly filled pastry?"
"My new-blue-friend here has the right of it. I don't care what he is, if he can do the job on a ship."
"Aye, he's a deft carpenter. Great with a chisel and plane, he is. One of the best in the area I'd wager," Virt was not the wagering type, neither was Mr. Burleyworth. But Virtoris trusted the man, he spoke to the place in his heart where all free folk should be able to take care of their own if they're willing to work for that wage. "And the fella grew up on these shores, ye can't live in this area an' not work a shill."
"Good questions, um...Mister A'ro is'it?" Virt puts out his hand to A'ro, "I really don't think ye and me have properly been introduced. Virtoris Fishflower, known among me kin as Virtoris the Blue. I am an artificer trained in the studies of instant magics and production."
"Agreed, good sir. If ye can do ye's job, no matte' yer race, methinks ye should be given the work. I also agree about the jelly-filled pastries A likin' me has fer them, me do." Virt smiles over at Kestrell and nods his head in appreciation. He reaches his hand over to him to formally introduce himself as well, "Virt Fishflower, pleasure."
Virtoris felt like he made his point and all he can do is wait for the Captain to make his decision. The other's opinion mattered it's true, but the final word here would be Capn' Aundrey's. Virt looked at the Captain, sitting there listening to his words. Quietly taking in his impassioned plea.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
'Kestrel returned Virt's nod and stands up to reach his offered hand.'
"Kestrell, Kestrell Season. The pleasure is mine my other new-blue friend!"
'Kestrell was impressed with Virt's impassioned plea, and decided to offer him a little bardic inspiration, if needed for persuading the captain':
"There once was an artificer named Virt.
Who also enjoyed desert.
Yes it is true, he was very blue
Listening to his words could not hurt!"
[OOC] 1d6 bardic inspiration die for use in the next 10 minutes on ability checks.
A'ro looked at the man and smiled "Just A'ro mate and that's fine. So do you know how long the man has been sailing? Cause honestly knowing now that you're an artificer, wouldn't it be better for the Capt'in to just dual slot you as the Carpenter and Ship Mage? This would allow him to save some money that he could invest in better items for the ship and crew."
"As for this man you want us to bring on - you can't tell us how long he's been a craftsman or if he has experience on a ship. If you don't mind me asking - how do you even know this man?" A'ro's voice was gentle as he asked this question, it was clearly only out of concern for their journey.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9