Qidira finds an out of the way place to tuck herself into on deck trying to adjust herself to the new rhythm of the ship and be out of the wind. Taking out her new little mechanical bird, she tinkers with it. Adjusting wings and admiring the little costume jewels she'd placed for eyes and the tiny glittery pieces used along the wings to reflect the light. She illuminates it with a mild white light inspecting it then tucks in back into a pocket like a pet, cancelling the light as she does so.
From her pack she retrieves the Snuff box still labeled 'Dreams' and takes out her tools adjusting the little notches that make the sound. She tunes it trying to get the notes just right. Inspired by the engraving, she chose a gentle tune of a few notes bouncing back and forth that makes her think of light rain drops on a pond in spring somewhere warm and green. She leaves a tiny place hidden under the gears to tuck a little keepsake or precious note for whomever ends up owning this new creation.
Then she just sits, waits and listens to the sounds and activities around her. Learning what she can of how the ship functions.
Kotar’s worries seemed unnecessary as the captain answered his friends offers rather favorably. The goliath expected that his strength would be to some use despite his basically inexistent knowledge about sailing. He followed Qidira into the deck, as far and well as the size difference allowed.
Lost in his silence the fighter started to ponder if he shouldn’t take off his armor. After all, should something happen to the ship the splint suit would make it all the harder to actually swim. By counterpart he would be in less than ideal condition should the vessel be attacked by pirates. Are there pirates in the way to Eiselcross? He never heard of any or at least he didn’t remember hearing. It wouldn’t be that strange, after all the vestiges of Aeor were treasures. Urgon, Pelc and the Uttolots thought as much, others could too. It would be reason enough for thieves to set sail, besides there could be worse things in the water. The Remorhaz in the bow served well enough as a warning against beasts.
What about the vault? He asked himself, imagining what could be waiting for them there. Kotar wasn’t sure about what to expect, but he was sure that there he would want to be clad in armor.
Qidira eyes brighten suddenly and she looks over to the sea then back to each of the party eyeing their packs for the evidence she seeks. She seems to focus on Brandon. "Brandon, I had a thought. We'll be in need of rations, and there's a mighty sea right under us. Do you supposed dried fruit would work as bait? I also have some spoiled foods from Durnham's pantry. Some old shrimp..it smells terrible, but some fish would eat that sort of thing? Do you think it would be ok? I guess I could apologize if its not. I could even light it up before you drop it in the water." She grins at the last and looks hopeful and prepares to open up whichever food stuffs seem more ideal to him.
@DM does Qidira have time to run down the dock and buy some fishing tackle quickly? If so she will do so but not if timing would be unsure.
Noted earlier gathering both rotten and left over food as left cabin. The Goliath would be much more likely to maintain his footing if we got lucky and it works. Technically both spoiled food and dried fruit do work for fishing (at least in my experience but up to DM and appetites of regional fish.)
Durnham walks towards the rail of the ship looking back at Palebank. He is feeling a sense of excitement and a bit of fear as well... he’s never been as far as Eisselcross. Of course he’s been on a fishing vessel, helping his parents in the past and such but never out to open sea.
You stand on deck waiting for Orsik to finish his dockside paperwork, which he hands to the harbourmaster and then makes his way up the gangplank. Just as he reaches the deck of the Remorhaz, Qidira slips away and past him in the opposite direction, arms almost thrust outwards at right angles by the thick layers of cold weather clothing. Orsik looks after her, then turns back to the rest of the party with a bemused look . He shrugs and starts to speak, just as the bundle of fur and leather knocks past him and rejoins the group, line and hook trailing from her hand.
"Hmph. Anyway, follow me and we'll get you into your cabins"
You follow the quartermaster below decks and he presents you with a couple of wooden doors set about four feet apart. They are open and lead into two identical cabins, each with a triple-deck bunk bed, a wooden chest and a small table.
"I'll leave you to decide who takes which cabin. The galley is on the next floor down, not hard to find. The head is up on deck at the fore. Heh, that's also also not hard to find"
He makes to leave, then stops for a moment and says "We cast off in a few minutes, any questions?"
Brandon chuckles as Qidira hurries off the ship and returns with a length of fishing tackle. “Good idea, now we have two sets. I had originally thought to use mine in the icy streams of Eislecross, but trying to stock up on fish during the voyage is a good idea. My guess is that the fish will eat almost anything, I have some bits of rations we can use as well.”
He turns to Durnham “You have some experience fishing here right, will you share some secrets and help us run some lines out during the crossing?”
He follows Orsik down to the sparse accommodations below deck. As Orsik turns to leave, Brandon asks “How long to Syrinlya, any chance the seas will favor us and we will make the journey in less than nine days?”
Ressys follows Orsik below decks stooping low to avoid banging his head. "It'll do. Our thanks to you and the captain." he says. Used to sleeping on the ground he considers just sleeping on deck but the cold nights and the wind and sea spray out on the water are likely far worse than being surrounded by pines that block the wind.
"Our gear and supplies such as tents can be stored in the room with Qidira and the rest of us bunk in the other room?" he asks aloud eyeing the rooms. "No idea if I snore or not. The rabbits and squirrels nor the pines or maples have ever complained."
Knowing where their quarters are Ressys heads back on deck to watch as they cast off and set to sea.
"Excuse me sir," apologizing as she knocks past Orsik. "Still getting used to this bulk." She says trying to compress her arms down more but not succeeding. She listens to bunk assignments and other necessary aspects of the voyage quietly. Shaking her head at his offer of answers to questions.
Qidira smiles at Ressys' seeming nod to providing with her some privacy. "That doesn't seem at all fair. Happy to take turns in the room for changing purposes and take the top bunk. I could fasten light partitions on each of your levels for your own privacy and mine. That's what I used to do for the other kids on the street when we had to share quarters so the boys didn't get all giggly. Could also illuminate the ceiling with say a purple light when I was getting down as a warning to the other two? All I ask is a top bunk. Snoring wouldn't bother me at all, I sleep like a rock once I'm settled." She says quickly before they all try to crowd themselves into the other room. "But up to you. I have no problem sharing if you don't." Then with a sly grin, "Just stay on your own bunk."
"If you're worried about where to store the excess gear, I still have the bag, Ooooo and a sled!" She adds suddenly remembering that they haven't seen it yet.
Nodding to Brandon Durnham smiles and says “I’ll be happy to show you what I know. I was never a strong fisher though. I helped my parents from time to time and you can’t grow up in Palebank without learning the basics, but my interests were always more focused on academic studies.” He shrugs and continues “We have a few days on this ship so we should have plenty of time.”
Durnham chuckles at Qidira’s joke. “I don’t mind sharing the room if you’re ok with it. I tend to stay up late reading and studying. I’ll take the bottom bunk.” He then begins removing his backpack and setting it next to his bunk. “I’m going to head up to the top as we leave port.” Shouldering his crossbow and carrying his staff, he heads back up for the fresh air.
Once sure of who is in each room, she heads to hers and peeks in corners and drawers of the desk checking to see if anything was left behind by the prior occupants. Then helps the group settle the excess gear that they don't need immediate access to in the room. Trying to keep an easy path from bed to door and desk should they need to vacate quickly for trouble and setting up quick privacy curtains with anything available.
She heads back up to the deck, just as the ship leaves port watching the dock getting smaller and smaller in the distance.
Orsik does not seem confident of a shorter journey: “Mmm, it’s normally a reliable nine days. A bad storm might slow us down, but it takes a lot of good weather to get us there any quicker”
Satisfied that there are no further questions, Orsik turns and heads up to the deck, climbing the small wooden steps with practised efficiency. Those of you that choose to follow him up are able to find a place at the ship’s side to look out at the horizon or the bustling dock below you.
The boat slowly rolls under your feet as it moves away from the dock, crew and dock workers working together in a ballet of shouts, ropes and grunts to get the vessel underway. There are no bystanders to witness the launch of the Remorhaz other than Elro, who stands on the dock and salutes with a simple wave as you pull away. He stays there, seemingly prepared to watch you disappear over the horizon, as Mila approaches him from behind and starts to debrief him on some unheard matter.
Slowly, the docks get smaller and smaller until they disappear. The cold greys and blues of the sea and sky are almost silent in comparison to the rhythmic noise of the crew’s work around you.
(Qidira found nothing of interest in the cabin, it was obviously scoured and thoroughly cleaned after the last time it was used)
Qidira pops back out of the room as the harbor disappears in the distance and watches the crew as they move through various functions setting course for the new destination. She spots an area of little traffic, attaches some bait to her hook and tosses it over the side securing the pole so she doesn't find herself pulled over by anything caught and ponders how much her life has changed in just a few short days.
Qidira's focus during the voyage with be split between enhancing her fishing skills - she is not proficient and learning all that she can in case trouble occurs and knowledge is required. She does not expect it, but it is her nature to prepare for it. survival7
As the village fades into the distance, Durnham leans on the rail of the ship, remembering some of the trips he had taken with his parents in smaller fishing vessels.
What were they really doing? Fishing in the cold this far north was hardly an easy job. Was it all just a cover so they could spy for the Dynasty? It was hard to believe... he had never heard his parents talk about the Dynasty. True, they held no love for the Empire but that was a common sentiment here. He would have assumed it was all just a big misunderstanding but Urgon seemed convinced...
The more he thinks about his parents the more he realizes he doesn’t really know much about them. Where did they come from? How did they end up working as spies for the Dynasty? There were more questions than answers.
He needed to know more, and although the hazy recollections of his dreams frightened him, he also knew it was his path to knowledge. He thought back to Ressy’s words the previous day about reckless pursuits of power and knowledge, and promised himself to prudence. Divination could provide him the answers he needed, but the dreams were also a warning. He needed to be careful.
With the village beyond sight, Durnham goes back to the cabin to collect the purchased charcoal, incense, and herbs, along with his spellbook and returns to the deck. Durnham finds an out of the way corner of the deck and sits down with his spellbook open beside him.
He begins reading through the book with his staff across his knees. Picking up the charcoal, he begins drawing a circle surrounded by strange symbols on the deck. He reaches for the herbs and crushes them before sprinkling them on the circle. The Dwarf then starts murmuring quietly and moving his hands above his work.
Begin casting the Find Familiar ritual. This will take a bit over an hour to complete.
Qidira struggles to catch anything, but persists. Once in a while a friendly sailor will offer a word or two of advice before his duties take him away again.
Durnham finds a spot which is rarely-traveled, just behind the helmsman. He spends an hour conducting his ritual and is left in peace as he works.
@Durnham:
Feel free to describe your familiar's arrival and appearance etc if you wish
Durnham continues his chanting and spelling, his eyes focused and his forehead tense and dripping with sweat by the end of the hour. Towards the end he adds the increase and lights four spots of incense around the circle, also adding arcane symbols around them as he does so. With the ritual set and the incantations in place he rises as the words flow from his mouth.
The staff is raised over the circle and Durnham traces the circle in the sit with the staff. The head of the staff begins glowing a soft green which slowly forms a circle in the air matching the circle on the ground. A green sheet of energy springs up from the charcoal and herb circle and the burning incense begins to burn green as well. The light pulsates as he continues the encantations and then with a final raising of the staff Durnham utters the final phrase “Thus I summon thee!”
The soft green light brightens and blazers the area briefly before disappearing altogether suddenly. The charcoal circle, the herbs, and the incense are gone and there is just a bit of smoke lingering in the air. The deck of the ship is completely clean as the ritual has consumed every trace of the materials used in the summoning. In the center of where the circle was, a white snowy owl stands with smoke rising off its body. It looks at Durnham and tilts its head before jumping to fly up to his shoulder.
Durnham smiles at the owl and pats it’s head briefly before it takes off and flies up and around the ship. As it flies Durnham’s eyes go completely white and he begins to see through the owl’s eyes as it surveys the seas and are around the ship.
Grateful for the assistance, she will cheerfully and eagerly put the suggestions into practice until its nearly unwise to do so due to cold and wet, watching for ways to help in return. Using her skills in many ways to mend, sharpen, repair or illuminate.(using only one light at a time per spell reqs)
Ressys stood watching the horizon as the ship made way. He feels the wind on his face, smells the salt in the air and grow accustomed to the rocking of the ship on the waves. He settles into a near trance as he loses himself in the stark beauty of the open sea. He feels as if the ship is one with the water and approves of the sailors life as the ship interacts with the water. He spends the first day just watching and communing with nature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Brandon’s usual smile falters a bit as the sleeping arrangements are discussed. Looking around at the cramped room and the size of both the Firbolg and the Goliath, Brandon resolves to spend most of his time on deck when possible.
He returns to the main deck as the ship leaves the port, eyes focused not on the disappearing shoreline of Palebank, but on the expanse of water ahead of them and the promise of Eiselcross on the horizon. Eiselcross he thinks to himself, since he first heard of the place in Uthodurn, he wanted to find out more of the strange artifacts and magic uncovered there. What secret knowledge and hidden treasures will they find?
Pushing those thoughts of his mind, he moves next to Qidira on the deck and throws his own fishing line in the water next to hers, using some of her old food from the cabin as bait, if she is willing to share. As they fish, he asks to hear more about her story “You were born and raised in Uthodurn? When I visited, I found them..less welcoming to outsiders like myself. What bought you to Palebank?”
The climax of Durnham’s ritual attracts some attention from the ship’s crew, a few of them stopping to stare as the smoke from the incense and herbs drifts away to reveal the white owl. Stunned stares turn to shrugs, suggesting the sailors are accustomed to seeing - or at least hearing of – examples of the arcane arts.
Archimedes soars high and circles the ship in increasing circles, scanning the waves and horizon. Through their eyes Durnham sees a pod of dolphins swimming ahead of the Remorhaz, a group of albatross following for errant fishing bait, but no signs of danger.
Ressys takes the chance to commune with this new aspect of nature. He knows water of course, but this massive expanse, stretching in all directions as far as the eye can see, is wonderous. Hundreds of food chains in perfect symbiosis, entire ecosystems existing only to sustain each other, feed from the sea and land, and nourish or shape them simply by being alive.
@Ressys:
Just as you achieve total serenity, there it is again – blip – just once and then gone. As if the sea underneath you was not quite perfect, not quite at peace in its own certainty. You had not experienced this sensation before yesterday’s meditation, and now it has happened again.
Brandon and Qidira share some time fishing over the side of the Remorhaz, and even manage to haul a few cod onto deck, to Orsik’s surprise and amusement – although Brandon seems to catch the most.
(Letting Qidira & Brandon’s conversation continue, plus any activity from the rest of the party)
After the flight and look around, Archimdedes flaps down to the crow’s nest and rests on the edge. Durnham’s eyes darken from white to the normal brown color. As his senses return he walks to the quartermaster. “Orsik, allow me to show you one of my talents.” With that, he snaps his fingers and Archimedes appears in a sulfurous puff of smoke on his shoulder.
”My friend Archimedes here,” and he pats the owl’s head “has keen eyes and ears and can serve as a good lookout. He tells me there isn dangerous than a pod of dolphins around at the moment. But he’ll be able to warn me of anything dangerous does show up. Would something like this be useful for the captain?”
Qidira finds an out of the way place to tuck herself into on deck trying to adjust herself to the new rhythm of the ship and be out of the wind. Taking out her new little mechanical bird, she tinkers with it. Adjusting wings and admiring the little costume jewels she'd placed for eyes and the tiny glittery pieces used along the wings to reflect the light. She illuminates it with a mild white light inspecting it then tucks in back into a pocket like a pet, cancelling the light as she does so.
From her pack she retrieves the Snuff box still labeled 'Dreams' and takes out her tools adjusting the little notches that make the sound. She tunes it trying to get the notes just right. Inspired by the engraving, she chose a gentle tune of a few notes bouncing back and forth that makes her think of light rain drops on a pond in spring somewhere warm and green. She leaves a tiny place hidden under the gears to tuck a little keepsake or precious note for whomever ends up owning this new creation.
Then she just sits, waits and listens to the sounds and activities around her. Learning what she can of how the ship functions.
Kotar’s worries seemed unnecessary as the captain answered his friends offers rather favorably. The goliath expected that his strength would be to some use despite his basically inexistent knowledge about sailing. He followed Qidira into the deck, as far and well as the size difference allowed.
Lost in his silence the fighter started to ponder if he shouldn’t take off his armor. After all, should something happen to the ship the splint suit would make it all the harder to actually swim. By counterpart he would be in less than ideal condition should the vessel be attacked by pirates. Are there pirates in the way to Eiselcross? He never heard of any or at least he didn’t remember hearing. It wouldn’t be that strange, after all the vestiges of Aeor were treasures. Urgon, Pelc and the Uttolots thought as much, others could too. It would be reason enough for thieves to set sail, besides there could be worse things in the water. The Remorhaz in the bow served well enough as a warning against beasts.
What about the vault? He asked himself, imagining what could be waiting for them there. Kotar wasn’t sure about what to expect, but he was sure that there he would want to be clad in armor.
Qidira eyes brighten suddenly and she looks over to the sea then back to each of the party eyeing their packs for the evidence she seeks. She seems to focus on Brandon. "Brandon, I had a thought. We'll be in need of rations, and there's a mighty sea right under us. Do you supposed dried fruit would work as bait? I also have some spoiled foods from Durnham's pantry. Some old shrimp..it smells terrible, but some fish would eat that sort of thing? Do you think it would be ok? I guess I could apologize if its not. I could even light it up before you drop it in the water." She grins at the last and looks hopeful and prepares to open up whichever food stuffs seem more ideal to him.
@DM does Qidira have time to run down the dock and buy some fishing tackle quickly? If so she will do so but not if timing would be unsure.
Noted earlier gathering both rotten and left over food as left cabin. The Goliath would be much more likely to maintain his footing if we got lucky and it works. Technically both spoiled food and dried fruit do work for fishing (at least in my experience but up to DM and appetites of regional fish.)
Durnham walks towards the rail of the ship looking back at Palebank. He is feeling a sense of excitement and a bit of fear as well... he’s never been as far as Eisselcross. Of course he’s been on a fishing vessel, helping his parents in the past and such but never out to open sea.
Noob
You stand on deck waiting for Orsik to finish his dockside paperwork, which he hands to the harbourmaster and then makes his way up the gangplank. Just as he reaches the deck of the Remorhaz, Qidira slips away and past him in the opposite direction, arms almost thrust outwards at right angles by the thick layers of cold weather clothing. Orsik looks after her, then turns back to the rest of the party with a bemused look . He shrugs and starts to speak, just as the bundle of fur and leather knocks past him and rejoins the group, line and hook trailing from her hand.
"Hmph. Anyway, follow me and we'll get you into your cabins"
You follow the quartermaster below decks and he presents you with a couple of wooden doors set about four feet apart. They are open and lead into two identical cabins, each with a triple-deck bunk bed, a wooden chest and a small table.
"I'll leave you to decide who takes which cabin. The galley is on the next floor down, not hard to find. The head is up on deck at the fore. Heh, that's also also not hard to find"
He makes to leave, then stops for a moment and says "We cast off in a few minutes, any questions?"
Brandon chuckles as Qidira hurries off the ship and returns with a length of fishing tackle. “Good idea, now we have two sets. I had originally thought to use mine in the icy streams of Eislecross, but trying to stock up on fish during the voyage is a good idea. My guess is that the fish will eat almost anything, I have some bits of rations we can use as well.”
He turns to Durnham “You have some experience fishing here right, will you share some secrets and help us run some lines out during the crossing?”
He follows Orsik down to the sparse accommodations below deck. As Orsik turns to leave, Brandon asks “How long to Syrinlya, any chance the seas will favor us and we will make the journey in less than nine days?”
Ressys follows Orsik below decks stooping low to avoid banging his head. "It'll do. Our thanks to you and the captain." he says. Used to sleeping on the ground he considers just sleeping on deck but the cold nights and the wind and sea spray out on the water are likely far worse than being surrounded by pines that block the wind.
"Our gear and supplies such as tents can be stored in the room with Qidira and the rest of us bunk in the other room?" he asks aloud eyeing the rooms. "No idea if I snore or not. The rabbits and squirrels nor the pines or maples have ever complained."
Knowing where their quarters are Ressys heads back on deck to watch as they cast off and set to sea.
"Excuse me sir," apologizing as she knocks past Orsik. "Still getting used to this bulk." She says trying to compress her arms down more but not succeeding. She listens to bunk assignments and other necessary aspects of the voyage quietly. Shaking her head at his offer of answers to questions.
Qidira smiles at Ressys' seeming nod to providing with her some privacy. "That doesn't seem at all fair. Happy to take turns in the room for changing purposes and take the top bunk. I could fasten light partitions on each of your levels for your own privacy and mine. That's what I used to do for the other kids on the street when we had to share quarters so the boys didn't get all giggly. Could also illuminate the ceiling with say a purple light when I was getting down as a warning to the other two? All I ask is a top bunk. Snoring wouldn't bother me at all, I sleep like a rock once I'm settled." She says quickly before they all try to crowd themselves into the other room. "But up to you. I have no problem sharing if you don't." Then with a sly grin, "Just stay on your own bunk."
"If you're worried about where to store the excess gear, I still have the bag, Ooooo and a sled!" She adds suddenly remembering that they haven't seen it yet.
Nodding to Brandon Durnham smiles and says “I’ll be happy to show you what I know. I was never a strong fisher though. I helped my parents from time to time and you can’t grow up in Palebank without learning the basics, but my interests were always more focused on academic studies.” He shrugs and continues “We have a few days on this ship so we should have plenty of time.”
Durnham chuckles at Qidira’s joke. “I don’t mind sharing the room if you’re ok with it. I tend to stay up late reading and studying. I’ll take the bottom bunk.” He then begins removing his backpack and setting it next to his bunk. “I’m going to head up to the top as we leave port.” Shouldering his crossbow and carrying his staff, he heads back up for the fresh air.
Noob
Qidira smiles at Durnham, "Anyone else?"
Once sure of who is in each room, she heads to hers and peeks in corners and drawers of the desk checking to see if anything was left behind by the prior occupants. Then helps the group settle the excess gear that they don't need immediate access to in the room. Trying to keep an easy path from bed to door and desk should they need to vacate quickly for trouble and setting up quick privacy curtains with anything available.
She heads back up to the deck, just as the ship leaves port watching the dock getting smaller and smaller in the distance.
perception 17
Orsik does not seem confident of a shorter journey: “Mmm, it’s normally a reliable nine days. A bad storm might slow us down, but it takes a lot of good weather to get us there any quicker”
Satisfied that there are no further questions, Orsik turns and heads up to the deck, climbing the small wooden steps with practised efficiency. Those of you that choose to follow him up are able to find a place at the ship’s side to look out at the horizon or the bustling dock below you.
The boat slowly rolls under your feet as it moves away from the dock, crew and dock workers working together in a ballet of shouts, ropes and grunts to get the vessel underway. There are no bystanders to witness the launch of the Remorhaz other than Elro, who stands on the dock and salutes with a simple wave as you pull away. He stays there, seemingly prepared to watch you disappear over the horizon, as Mila approaches him from behind and starts to debrief him on some unheard matter.
Slowly, the docks get smaller and smaller until they disappear. The cold greys and blues of the sea and sky are almost silent in comparison to the rhythmic noise of the crew’s work around you.
(Qidira found nothing of interest in the cabin, it was obviously scoured and thoroughly cleaned after the last time it was used)
Qidira pops back out of the room as the harbor disappears in the distance and watches the crew as they move through various functions setting course for the new destination. She spots an area of little traffic, attaches some bait to her hook and tosses it over the side securing the pole so she doesn't find herself pulled over by anything caught and ponders how much her life has changed in just a few short days.
Qidira's focus during the voyage with be split between enhancing her fishing skills - she is not proficient and learning all that she can in case trouble occurs and knowledge is required. She does not expect it, but it is her nature to prepare for it. survival 7
As the village fades into the distance, Durnham leans on the rail of the ship, remembering some of the trips he had taken with his parents in smaller fishing vessels.
What were they really doing? Fishing in the cold this far north was hardly an easy job. Was it all just a cover so they could spy for the Dynasty? It was hard to believe... he had never heard his parents talk about the Dynasty. True, they held no love for the Empire but that was a common sentiment here. He would have assumed it was all just a big misunderstanding but Urgon seemed convinced...
The more he thinks about his parents the more he realizes he doesn’t really know much about them. Where did they come from? How did they end up working as spies for the Dynasty? There were more questions than answers.
He needed to know more, and although the hazy recollections of his dreams frightened him, he also knew it was his path to knowledge. He thought back to Ressy’s words the previous day about reckless pursuits of power and knowledge, and promised himself to prudence. Divination could provide him the answers he needed, but the dreams were also a warning. He needed to be careful.
With the village beyond sight, Durnham goes back to the cabin to collect the purchased charcoal, incense, and herbs, along with his spellbook and returns to the deck. Durnham finds an out of the way corner of the deck and sits down with his spellbook open beside him.
He begins reading through the book with his staff across his knees. Picking up the charcoal, he begins drawing a circle surrounded by strange symbols on the deck. He reaches for the herbs and crushes them before sprinkling them on the circle. The Dwarf then starts murmuring quietly and moving his hands above his work.
Begin casting the Find Familiar ritual. This will take a bit over an hour to complete.
Noob
Qidira struggles to catch anything, but persists. Once in a while a friendly sailor will offer a word or two of advice before his duties take him away again.
Durnham finds a spot which is rarely-traveled, just behind the helmsman. He spends an hour conducting his ritual and is left in peace as he works.
@Durnham:
Feel free to describe your familiar's arrival and appearance etc if you wish
Durnham continues his chanting and spelling, his eyes focused and his forehead tense and dripping with sweat by the end of the hour. Towards the end he adds the increase and lights four spots of incense around the circle, also adding arcane symbols around them as he does so. With the ritual set and the incantations in place he rises as the words flow from his mouth.
The staff is raised over the circle and Durnham traces the circle in the sit with the staff. The head of the staff begins glowing a soft green which slowly forms a circle in the air matching the circle on the ground. A green sheet of energy springs up from the charcoal and herb circle and the burning incense begins to burn green as well. The light pulsates as he continues the encantations and then with a final raising of the staff Durnham utters the final phrase “Thus I summon thee!”
The soft green light brightens and blazers the area briefly before disappearing altogether suddenly. The charcoal circle, the herbs, and the incense are gone and there is just a bit of smoke lingering in the air. The deck of the ship is completely clean as the ritual has consumed every trace of the materials used in the summoning. In the center of where the circle was, a white snowy owl stands with smoke rising off its body. It looks at Durnham and tilts its head before jumping to fly up to his shoulder.
Durnham smiles at the owl and pats it’s head briefly before it takes off and flies up and around the ship. As it flies Durnham’s eyes go completely white and he begins to see through the owl’s eyes as it surveys the seas and are around the ship.
23 Perception for Archimedes.
Noob
Grateful for the assistance, she will cheerfully and eagerly put the suggestions into practice until its nearly unwise to do so due to cold and wet, watching for ways to help in return. Using her skills in many ways to mend, sharpen, repair or illuminate. (using only one light at a time per spell reqs)
Ressys stood watching the horizon as the ship made way. He feels the wind on his face, smells the salt in the air and grow accustomed to the rocking of the ship on the waves. He settles into a near trance as he loses himself in the stark beauty of the open sea. He feels as if the ship is one with the water and approves of the sailors life as the ship interacts with the water. He spends the first day just watching and communing with nature.
Brandon’s usual smile falters a bit as the sleeping arrangements are discussed. Looking around at the cramped room and the size of both the Firbolg and the Goliath, Brandon resolves to spend most of his time on deck when possible.
He returns to the main deck as the ship leaves the port, eyes focused not on the disappearing shoreline of Palebank, but on the expanse of water ahead of them and the promise of Eiselcross on the horizon. Eiselcross he thinks to himself, since he first heard of the place in Uthodurn, he wanted to find out more of the strange artifacts and magic uncovered there. What secret knowledge and hidden treasures will they find?
Pushing those thoughts of his mind, he moves next to Qidira on the deck and throws his own fishing line in the water next to hers, using some of her old food from the cabin as bait, if she is willing to share. As they fish, he asks to hear more about her story “You were born and raised in Uthodurn? When I visited, I found them..less welcoming to outsiders like myself. What bought you to Palebank?”
Survival for fishing 7
The climax of Durnham’s ritual attracts some attention from the ship’s crew, a few of them stopping to stare as the smoke from the incense and herbs drifts away to reveal the white owl. Stunned stares turn to shrugs, suggesting the sailors are accustomed to seeing - or at least hearing of – examples of the arcane arts.
Archimedes soars high and circles the ship in increasing circles, scanning the waves and horizon. Through their eyes Durnham sees a pod of dolphins swimming ahead of the Remorhaz, a group of albatross following for errant fishing bait, but no signs of danger.
Ressys takes the chance to commune with this new aspect of nature. He knows water of course, but this massive expanse, stretching in all directions as far as the eye can see, is wonderous. Hundreds of food chains in perfect symbiosis, entire ecosystems existing only to sustain each other, feed from the sea and land, and nourish or shape them simply by being alive.
@Ressys:
Just as you achieve total serenity, there it is again – blip – just once and then gone. As if the sea underneath you was not quite perfect, not quite at peace in its own certainty. You had not experienced this sensation before yesterday’s meditation, and now it has happened again.
Brandon and Qidira share some time fishing over the side of the Remorhaz, and even manage to haul a few cod onto deck, to Orsik’s surprise and amusement – although Brandon seems to catch the most.
(Letting Qidira & Brandon’s conversation continue, plus any activity from the rest of the party)
After the flight and look around, Archimdedes flaps down to the crow’s nest and rests on the edge. Durnham’s eyes darken from white to the normal brown color. As his senses return he walks to the quartermaster. “Orsik, allow me to show you one of my talents.” With that, he snaps his fingers and Archimedes appears in a sulfurous puff of smoke on his shoulder.
”My friend Archimedes here,” and he pats the owl’s head “has keen eyes and ears and can serve as a good lookout. He tells me there isn dangerous than a pod of dolphins around at the moment. But he’ll be able to warn me of anything dangerous does show up. Would something like this be useful for the captain?”
Noob