Ferris grins and again looks to the Foamrunner thinking to himself, 'Those cheeky bastards.' He displays a brief rude gesture in their direction but still looks jovial. He hops the nest and proceeds to rappel quickly down to the deck, waiting to hear sounds again.
When he does he calls out, "Ho there! Wider berth on that rock it's larger underneath!" He looks to the appropriate Officer and cries out, "Everything's gone quiet up top, I assume magic!"
(Using Athlete feat to descend quickly)
Looking to the Foam Runner, Ferris spies the colourfully dressed captain sheath something at his hip as the man turns away from the Shore Shark to monitor the repairs to his own lines and sails.
As Ferris hits the deck of the ship with a solid *thump* after his speedy descent from the nest, a tall, bald and blue-skinned man who had been been speaking to the gnomish carpenter steps forward at the lookout's mention of magic. Squinting up at the crows nest far overhead and into the rigging where Zaretta is waving down and futiley trying to shout something down to the deck, the taller man (an officer apparently) says, "Fascinating! Me Pa was right when he said I'd use me skills and knowledge fer good out here. Don't worry, none of ye. I'm Ship's Mage on the Shark and I tell ye true that this spell will stop sound in a small area, nothing more. It'll do us no harm, though it might persist for some time. In the meantime, lookout, ye should be able to perch up there on that lower yard and call warnings from there, or take to the foremast, since the spell's effect should not extend that far from the nest."
The Ship's Mage points to a shorter, lower yard on the mainmast about 30' up off the deck and then to the 50' tall foremast. At Ferris's shouts about the submerged rock, the First Mate orders the Helmsman-come-Weapons Master to take a slighty wider bearing, which the huge Northman does after fixing Ferris with an angry stare.
[OOC] Unlike from the crows nest, Ferris will not get advantage on his perception checks from either vantage point.
*Since this was purely movement and free action talk, I'm not counting at Ferris's action for the 3rd turn.
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...
A'ro looks around "EVERYONE READY - WE ARE ABOUT TO PICK UP A LITTLE MORE SPEED!" he shouts as he begins to move his hands in a rhythmic dance and elemental slips from his lips to cast gust into the sails.
Hearing shouts of jubilation from the deck of the Foam Runner, A'ro glances over in time to see the severed line reset and the spar sails once again filled with wind. While still some distance behind the Shore Shark, the trailing ship begins to gain in speed, narrowing the distance a little in light of the momentary confusion taking place in the Shark's mainmast rigging.
As the Master of Sail shouts his warning and focuses his will-power, channeling the elemental energies inside and around himself into fist that he drives into the billowing sails above, the Shark seems to be cutting through the water just that little bit faster. Looking across at the sleek form of the Foam cutting through the waves with her smaller crew and unencumbered by the Shark's large weaponry, the genasi sorcerer is relieved to see that his ship still holds a considerable, though shrinking lead.
[OOC] Being a cantrip, the gust spell's ability to power a ship the size of the Shore Shark is very limited, though in this race-type encounter, or with continual and repeated use, it can still be useful.
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...
And a bardic inspiration to Ferris: "You there! With the eyes! Keep them open so we don't get a nasty surprise!"
OOC Ferris has 1d6 to add to an attack roll, ability check or saving throw in the next 10 minutes. It can be made after the roll but before knowing the outcome.
Hanging his head over the side of the ship momentarily to try and spot the submerged rock shelf, the buffeting of the wind and choppy surface of the bay unfortunately thrawrt Kestrell's efforts. Following the shouted warning from the lookout, the Navigator feels the ship turn ever so slightly beneath the remaining hand of Unne and at the direction of the First Mate.
Looking over at the trailing Foam Runner, the handsome bard notices that the sleeker merchant runner with the shallower draw does not follow suit and if anything tacks a closer, inside heading. It appears that the Foam's captain and crew are seeking to take advantage of the Shark's wider course by cutting back inside the larger battleship's forced diversion.
[OOC] It's the end of the second turn of this encounter, which I'm treating like rounds for the sake of parsing actions in this brief 3 turn encounter. Everyone can post 3rd turn actions now.
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...
After making his way up to the top deck Vaken walks to the railing and tries to judge the distance to the Foamrunner. If it's within reach, he will cast Fog Cloud in front of the Foamrunner and just high enough so that the cloud will envelope both the main deck and crows nest should the ship enter into it. He's hoping to force their ship to turn and avoid it, thus slowing them down. If Vaken feels he's too far away for that, then he'll continue to make his rounds delivering water and motivational speeches.
Persuasion check to motivate the crew: 5
The nearby Lionel takes a quaff from a waterskin handed to him by Vaken, nodding his thanks as the sailor sets to work securing spare ropes and pins that obviously weren't stowed sufficiently prior to cast off. Hearing the nearby lookout and Master of Sail exclaim that magic was being used against the Shark, the far-from-home Cook reaches out, remembering the cold mists that would climb the ravines and mountain sides of his distant home year round. Shouts of surprise and alarm suddenly spring up from the direction of the Foam Runner as a spherical ball of grey cloud-like fog swiftly materialises around the crows nest and the middle-upper mainmast of the competing caravel. In the space of moments, the lookout and upper rigging of the ship are lost in the fog cloud, as many of the crew on the deck below begin to call out in concern and point upwards, despite their captain and officers shouting at them to remain working at their stations.
As the two ships clear Flathead rock, change course and begin to tack against each other vying for the fastest heading, the Shore Shark retains her lead, despite it's own communication issues and having to take the wider course around the rock shelf.
[OOC] The Foam Runner looses speed as a result of the distraction caused by Vaken's spell. Nicely done!
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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...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing the crew getting distracted and starting to fall into panic Dekket, after making sure his weapons are secured tries to speak to them.
"Listen up people! We have problems... and we better keep up our we will be in greater problems. So stop moving around and liten to the officers. Now!!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kay's eyes widen as she looks over at her tabaxi crewmate and hears no sound. Her eyes dart around trying to see what others are doing.
Seeing Ferris drop from the Crow's Nest, Kay hastily ties off the rope she was working on. She tries to climb her way to the foremast to see if she can get a view of what is happening from above.
perception:5 bardic inspiration : 1 [ooc: if she's able to escape the area of silence by moving to the foremast she will call down what she sees to the folks below]
A'ro just looks around at the crew smiling as he continues "We got this mates! Keeps her going!" he focuses another gust into the sail trying to just get the wind caught and helping as much as possible.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kestrell runs to the back of the deck and shouts at the Foam Runner "HEY YOU GUYS!!!", then turns around, fumbles frantically at his pants buttons, and then drops his drawers and bends over, mooning the crew of the Foam Runner as best he can.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ferris touches two fingers to his brow in a quick accepting salute to the Ship's Mage before hitting the rigging. He sees Kay up on the foremast and as such he heads to the lower yard, gripping any rope nearby to steady his aim as he retakes his job of overwatch.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing that his spell had the intended effect, Vaken gets excited and starts yelling at the crew.
"We've almost got them. Just a little more! Don't celebrate until the race is won! Put everything you have into it! If we win, I'll give ya each extra grog at dinner tonight!"
Persuasion check to motivate the crew: 20
Advantage Persuasion check to motivate the crew b/c I'm offering them alcohol: 10
Seeing the crew getting distracted and starting to fall into panic Dekket, after making sure his weapons are secured tries to speak to them.
"Listen up people! We have problems... and we better keep up our we will be in greater problems. So stop moving around and liten to the officers. Now!!"
( Persuasion: 27 )
A few of the crew initially ignore the demands of the Shark's newest deckhand, while two nearby sailors respond derisively - a burly half-orc in a too-tight leather vest who growls at the tiefling before spitting on the deck near Dekket's feet and a cowled, dusky-skinned half-elf who turns away muttering out loud, "For **** sake, now the noob's giving orders! God damned fresh fish thinks he's..."
Overhearing both Dekket's words and the half-elf's response, the dwarven engineer Argrin shouts down the half-elf's complaint in support of Dekket's words, "Argh, shut your darned ale-hole, Sholt! And try putting your spindly back into your work for a change. Dekket has the right of it. We need to all bloody well pull together and stay focused! The Weapons Master will hear of any blasted shirkers or troublemakers, ohh yes he will."
Despite the discontent of the two sailors and some general hesitation in heeding the words of a stranger that they haven't met before, Dekket's confident tone and stance, along with the supporting words of the rotund, red-bearded dwarven engineer prove enough to sway the surrounding crew. As the nearby deckhands redouble their efforts in carrying out the orders of their officers and the Shark begins to pick up more speed on her way towards the harbour mouth, the half-elf's hooded visage swings back around to fix Argrin and Dekket both with a brief, but very cold, stare, before the scowling man climbs the silence affected mainmast, unslinging an ornate looking longbow as he goes.
[OOC] Nice nat 20! Being a common deckhand and stranger to almost all of the crew, the DC was very high, but that 27 looks to have done the trick.
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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...
Kay's eyes widen as she looks over at her tabaxi crewmate and hears no sound. Her eyes dart around trying to see what others are doing.
Seeing Ferris drop from the Crow's Nest, Kay hastily ties off the rope she was working on. She tries to climb her way to the foremast to see if she can get a view of what is happening from above.
perception:17 bardic inspiration : 4 [ooc: if she's able to escape the area of silence by moving to the foremast she will call down what she sees to the folks below]
Even in the gusty conditions with the rocking motion of the ship under sail, the climb across from the mainmast to the foremast isn't usually a difficult one, if the climber takes sufficient time and care. However, swept up in the race and moving quickly out of the silenced area as she is, Kay almost slips a couple of times, but catches herself on ropes and spars at each juncture. With the sobering image of two tangled and bruised halfling siblings in mind, the young sail monkey finally manages to reach a short spar near the top of the foremast.
Perched 15' above the shirtless form of the even younger Petey, Kay can't help but notice the sunburned lad ignoring the unfolding ships' race to proudly display one freshly tattooed shoulder in her direction, saying, "Hey, Miss Kay. Nice moves there. Like my new ink? It's a Sahuagin trident stabbing through a setting sun! Wicked, ehh? Nibs is letting me get tatts now and then fix him up later when I get paid. How good is that? He'd probably do the same for you. I could ask him... if you'd like me to?"
Staring out from her new forward station, Kay sees that the ShoreShark has a lead on the Foam Runner of around three lengths, though the latter ship has the inside line. The open harbour mouth beckons less than a mile ahead of the speeding vessels. The Southern shoreline rises into rocky walls and cliffs that are thick with brush and trees. a dark mass of tangled vegetation that Kay recognises as one edge of the fey Wispwood. The rocky Northern shoreline is closely accompanied by jagged shoals, occassionally rising into low ridges and jutting crags, completely absent the foliage of the Southern shoreline. Both of the racing caravels have room to spare clearing the approaching heads, even if they were to be parralel and adjacent when they did so.
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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...
A'ro just looks around at the crew smiling as he continues "We got this mates! Keeps her going!" he focuses another gust into the sail trying to just get the wind caught and helping as much as possible.
While A'ro keeps encouraging his team above, the genasi sorcerer sends another blast of wind into the sails to help keep fill the mainsails full. Looking throughout the rigging, the Master of Sails is proud to see the rigging rats and sail monkeys giving their all in an effort to maintain or increase the distance between the Shore Shark and the following Foam Runner. Captain Aundrey seems likewise pleased, as the ships master calls down from the aftcastle, "Well done, Master of Sail! We almost have it! The Shark's first victory is at hand!"
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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...
Kestrell runs to the back of the deck and shouts at the Foam Runner "HEY YOU GUYS!!!", then turns around, fumbles frantically at his pants buttons, and then drops his drawers and bends over, mooning the crew of the Foam Runner as best he can.
When the Shark's Navigator runs back along the starboard rail of the main deck yelling at the Foam Runner before proceeding to drop his pants and moon the opposing vessel, a chorus of cheers and laughter goes up from most of the crew around him, including from the nearby Bosun who slaps the rail in amusement. A chuckling Nubrel calls out, "That's the stuff, Kes! Show that chumbucket who they're messin' with!" A quick glance up at the aftcastle rail reveals the grinning, gap-toothed face of Unne, the clearly surprised expression of Captain Aundrey and the narrow-eyed, appraising visage of First Mate E'strue.
A significant number of insults and jeers comes back from the trailing ship with the triangular sails, clueing Kestrell in to the effectiveness of his distraction. However, a moment later, a high pitched *whirrrring* sound catches the vulnerable bard's ears a split second before an immense pain erupts in his backside followed by an uncomfortable numbing sensation. Having to reach out to grab the nearby railing in order to keep from falling over in his compromised position, Kestrell hears a *clatter* and looks down through eyes teary with pain to see an arrow on the deck beside him. While the fletching and shaft look standard, instead of ending in a sharp point, the arrow head appears to have a blunt, almost ball-like tip.
Blinking through the pain in his buttocks, Kestrell looks back at the Foam Runner to see a tall, black-haired woman with a longbow in hand standing above the bowsprit of the pursuing ship. Above the injured Navigator, atop the Shark's aftcastle, the bemused chuckle of the First Mate can be heard even as Unne roars in laughter, "HA! Arrow beats moon! Hahahaha!"
[OOC] Very creative - you can have your Inspiration Point back, Kestrell. Unfortunately for you, the archer made that shot even with disadvantage (roll made in chat), though it's non-lethal damage since the archer used a blunt hunting arrow. HIT: Kestrell takes 8 bludgeoning damage.
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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...
Ferris touches two fingers to his brow in a quick accepting salute to the Ship's Mage before hitting the rigging. He sees Kay up on the foremast and as such he heads to the lower yard, gripping any rope nearby to steady his aim as he retakes his job of overwatch.
Perception: 26
Seeing that the Navigator did not appear critically injured by the shot he had taken to the backside and noting that the distant archer on the prow of the Foam Runner was not reaching for a second arrow, Ferris climbs the foremast up to the same lower yard that the youthful sunburned sailor was perched on. The much younger sailor essentially ignores Ferris' presence, focused almost entirely on the elevated figure of the somewhat notorious sail monkey above them. Despite the veteran lookout's lower perch, his sharp gaze takes in the vista around him, seeing all that the other two nearby sailors see and more.
Focusing firstly on the job at hand, Ferris notices that the interaction between theNavigator and the trailing ship seemed to, if anything, have increased the Shark's lead. Judging the distance between the two ships and the approaching harbour mouth, the experienced eye of the lookout judges it almost impossible for the trailing ship to overtake the Shark. The waters around both ships and the harbour mouth appeared clear of shoals or other dangers.
While Ferris spots dark storm clouds further out at sea, their direction and the prevailing wind indicates that they should not be a problem for their vessel once it leaves the harbour and sails Southeast towards the small chain of islands known as the Knuckles. The lookout's gaze is leaving the horizon when he notices a small cluster of tiny figures, likely atop horseback but hard to confirm at this distance, located near the rocky edge of the Northern tip of the heads. Squinting his eyes against the bright morning light, Ferris estimates that that there are between 4-6 riders in the small group.
Turning his attention back to the Shark, Ferris catches a flicker of movement high above and looks up just in time to see a cowled figure crouched inside the crows nest holding a longbow. The sniper releases an arrow that streaks across the open waters between the two caravels to strike the archer standing near the Foam Runner's prow sending the tall woman toppling back into the ship and out of view. Almost immediately, the keen ears of the watchful sailor hear a chorus of angry shouts coming from the trailing vessel, though with the buffeting wind and increasing distance between the two ships, it seems unlikely that most on the Shark would hear them. Indeed, with the spell of silence still active and all the commotion going on aboard ship, it appears to Ferris that he is the only one who noticed the shot being taken.
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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...
Seeing that his spell had the intended effect, Vaken gets excited and starts yelling at the crew.
"We've almost got them. Just a little more! Don't celebrate until the race is won! Put everything you have into it! If we win, I'll give ya each extra grog at dinner tonight!"
Persuasion check to motivate the crew: 2
Advantage Persuasion check to motivate the crew b/c I'm offering them alcohol: 18
OOC: See, alcohol makes everything better
The crew, who are clearly exhausted after their relatively brief but furious efforts since leaving shore, at first seem reluctant to respond to Vaken's prompting... until the Cook brings up the offer of additional grog for their first night at sea together! At the towering goliath's encouragement, sailors all around the ship put a little more urgency into their efforts, with the overall result that the Shore Shark seems to gain an even greater lead over her rival vessel.
As the Shark glides out through the harbour mouth into the wider sea beyond, a loud cheer goes up across the ship. Hearing equally jubilant shouts from above, Vaken realises that the silence which had shrouded the mainmast rigging must now have faded. As the Shark leans over portside, swinging about to take a Southwesterly heading towards the distant Knuckles, the Cook notices the Foam Runner also leaving the harbour, the fog cloud in her rigging now all but dispersed by the gusty winds. The lanteen sailed vessel continues on a straight Westerly course, before swinging Northwards, perhaps bound for Fireshear or one of the smaller communities between that city and Rumbottom. Vaken's perceptive eye barely catches a glimpse of something fluttering in the Shark's direction from the shrinking ship, and after several long moments of watching the Cook realises that it is a small bird made of pink paper, which wings its way to the seemingly expectant hand of Captain Aundrey.
Pocketing his strange trophy, Captain Aundrey's elated voice echos out over the ship, "Well done, crew! Well done, indeed! You have done yourselves, your ship and your captain proud today! This will be but a small taste of our victories to come, I am sure, but it is certainly an auspicious beginning to our journeys together. The First Mate, Bosun and your other officers will now seperate you into two operational complements, as we begin our voyage in earnest to find the missing Wildyeast. Cook Vaken has rightly decided to reward you with an extra alcohol ration tongiht to celebrate today's efforts. but I will remind you to keep your wits about you at all times... For we are surely now in harms way, sailing waters shared by the very villains that we are pledged to put an end to. Let us remain ever vigilant of our duty!"
Almost distracted to the point of inattention by the hectic noise and activity aboard ship in the wake of the Captain's announcement, Vaken's breath is stolen momentarily as a trio of the long, sleek grey/blue forms that the First Mate called 'dolphins' emerge before the ship, leaping in and out of the waters thirty feet out in front of the ship, almost as though leading the vessel on her maiden voyage.
[OOC] Vaken gets a good, close up look at the dolphins now and can absolutely take their form with his wild shape ability if he wishes to. :)
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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...
As the Captain descends the stairs to a loud chorus of cheering, the First Mate and Bosun begin gathering officers and senior sailors, shouting orders and directions regarding who will be remaining at station with complement one and who will be off-duty with complement two. As Vaken listens, it appears that among other crew members, Vaken, Kay, Dekket and the new lookout Ferris will be taking their ease as part of complement two, along with the First Mate, Navigator, Master of Sail and Ships Mage.
[OOC] As part of complement two, all PCs are now off duty and free to engage in RP, downtime activity or simply rest. As is explained by the senior officers, there are three shift periods in the day when the complements rotate - 1. 6am-2pm, 2. 2pm-10pm, 3. 10pm-6am. This means that complements will alternate between having a single or a double shift each day, i.e. Complement 1 will have a double shift today, complement 2 will have a double shift tomorrow.
Oh, and congrats all on reaching level 3 and the next part of the adventure! :D
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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...
Now that the excitement has died down, Vaken stays on deck watching the dolphins for as long as they're traveling alongside the ship. Once they break away he heads to the galley and starts prepping for dinner a bit early, wanting to make it extra special for their first official meal while underway.
Seeing Vaken looking at something Dekket joins him and look at the dolphins in silence. When they finally break he says.
"You know, an old sailor told me once that it was a good omen to have those around the ship. And that they even rescue some sailors from beign drown when they fall to the sea or the ship sinks."
Ferris loosely bats his coat, letting the air in as he slow rolls across the deck. He took a few moments here and there to clap the on duty sailors on the back in recognition of their hard work. The older sailor moved across the ship in search of the first mate. Once sighted he approached the woman with a pleasant smile, "Master Estrue, a word? Now I'm not saying that Archer on the Foamrunner did not deserve a poke back, retaliation is part of the game, but someone got in to my barrel and shot back. I don't know who but I feel that it may have done more damage than was originally dishes out. Just wanted to report it is all.
"Other than that, I am about to do some fishing if you feel like staring at the sea with an old grump like me."
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Looking to the Foam Runner, Ferris spies the colourfully dressed captain sheath something at his hip as the man turns away from the Shore Shark to monitor the repairs to his own lines and sails.
As Ferris hits the deck of the ship with a solid *thump* after his speedy descent from the nest, a tall, bald and blue-skinned man who had been been speaking to the gnomish carpenter steps forward at the lookout's mention of magic. Squinting up at the crows nest far overhead and into the rigging where Zaretta is waving down and futiley trying to shout something down to the deck, the taller man (an officer apparently) says, "Fascinating! Me Pa was right when he said I'd use me skills and knowledge fer good out here. Don't worry, none of ye. I'm Ship's Mage on the Shark and I tell ye true that this spell will stop sound in a small area, nothing more. It'll do us no harm, though it might persist for some time. In the meantime, lookout, ye should be able to perch up there on that lower yard and call warnings from there, or take to the foremast, since the spell's effect should not extend that far from the nest."
The Ship's Mage points to a shorter, lower yard on the mainmast about 30' up off the deck and then to the 50' tall foremast. At Ferris's shouts about the submerged rock, the First Mate orders the Helmsman-come-Weapons Master to take a slighty wider bearing, which the huge Northman does after fixing Ferris with an angry stare.
[OOC] Unlike from the crows nest, Ferris will not get advantage on his perception checks from either vantage point.
*Since this was purely movement and free action talk, I'm not counting at Ferris's action for the 3rd turn.
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 shouts of jubilation from the deck of the Foam Runner, A'ro glances over in time to see the severed line reset and the spar sails once again filled with wind. While still some distance behind the Shore Shark, the trailing ship begins to gain in speed, narrowing the distance a little in light of the momentary confusion taking place in the Shark's mainmast rigging.
As the Master of Sail shouts his warning and focuses his will-power, channeling the elemental energies inside and around himself into fist that he drives into the billowing sails above, the Shark seems to be cutting through the water just that little bit faster. Looking across at the sleek form of the Foam cutting through the waves with her smaller crew and unencumbered by the Shark's large weaponry, the genasi sorcerer is relieved to see that his ship still holds a considerable, though shrinking lead.
[OOC] Being a cantrip, the gust spell's ability to power a ship the size of the Shore Shark is very limited, though in this race-type encounter, or with continual and repeated use, it can still be useful.
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
Hanging his head over the side of the ship momentarily to try and spot the submerged rock shelf, the buffeting of the wind and choppy surface of the bay unfortunately thrawrt Kestrell's efforts. Following the shouted warning from the lookout, the Navigator feels the ship turn ever so slightly beneath the remaining hand of Unne and at the direction of the First Mate.
Looking over at the trailing Foam Runner, the handsome bard notices that the sleeker merchant runner with the shallower draw does not follow suit and if anything tacks a closer, inside heading. It appears that the Foam's captain and crew are seeking to take advantage of the Shark's wider course by cutting back inside the larger battleship's forced diversion.
[OOC] It's the end of the second turn of this encounter, which I'm treating like rounds for the sake of parsing actions in this brief 3 turn encounter. Everyone can post 3rd turn actions now.
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 nearby Lionel takes a quaff from a waterskin handed to him by Vaken, nodding his thanks as the sailor sets to work securing spare ropes and pins that obviously weren't stowed sufficiently prior to cast off. Hearing the nearby lookout and Master of Sail exclaim that magic was being used against the Shark, the far-from-home Cook reaches out, remembering the cold mists that would climb the ravines and mountain sides of his distant home year round. Shouts of surprise and alarm suddenly spring up from the direction of the Foam Runner as a spherical ball of grey cloud-like fog swiftly materialises around the crows nest and the middle-upper mainmast of the competing caravel. In the space of moments, the lookout and upper rigging of the ship are lost in the fog cloud, as many of the crew on the deck below begin to call out in concern and point upwards, despite their captain and officers shouting at them to remain working at their stations.
As the two ships clear Flathead rock, change course and begin to tack against each other vying for the fastest heading, the Shore Shark retains her lead, despite it's own communication issues and having to take the wider course around the rock shelf.
[OOC] The Foam Runner looses speed as a result of the distraction caused by Vaken's spell. Nicely done!
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
Seeing the crew getting distracted and starting to fall into panic Dekket, after making sure his weapons are secured tries to speak to them.
"Listen up people! We have problems... and we better keep up our we will be in greater problems. So stop moving around and liten to the officers. Now!!"
( Persuasion: 17 )
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kay's eyes widen as she looks over at her tabaxi crewmate and hears no sound. Her eyes dart around trying to see what others are doing.
Seeing Ferris drop from the Crow's Nest, Kay hastily ties off the rope she was working on. She tries to climb her way to the foremast to see if she can get a view of what is happening from above.
perception : 5
bardic inspiration : 1
[ooc: if she's able to escape the area of silence by moving to the foremast she will call down what she sees to the folks below]
~♡~
A'ro just looks around at the crew smiling as he continues "We got this mates! Keeps her going!" he focuses another gust into the sail trying to just get the wind caught and helping as much as possible.
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 runs to the back of the deck and shouts at the Foam Runner "HEY YOU GUYS!!!", then turns around, fumbles frantically at his pants buttons, and then drops his drawers and bends over, mooning the crew of the Foam Runner as best he can.
Performance: 15
Using Inspiration! 20
Ferris touches two fingers to his brow in a quick accepting salute to the Ship's Mage before hitting the rigging. He sees Kay up on the foremast and as such he heads to the lower yard, gripping any rope nearby to steady his aim as he retakes his job of overwatch.
Perception: 9
Seeing that his spell had the intended effect, Vaken gets excited and starts yelling at the crew.
"We've almost got them. Just a little more! Don't celebrate until the race is won! Put everything you have into it! If we win, I'll give ya each extra grog at dinner tonight!"
Persuasion check to motivate the crew: 20
Advantage Persuasion check to motivate the crew b/c I'm offering them alcohol: 10
OOC: See, alcohol makes everything better
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
A few of the crew initially ignore the demands of the Shark's newest deckhand, while two nearby sailors respond derisively - a burly half-orc in a too-tight leather vest who growls at the tiefling before spitting on the deck near Dekket's feet and a cowled, dusky-skinned half-elf who turns away muttering out loud, "For **** sake, now the noob's giving orders! God damned fresh fish thinks he's..."
Overhearing both Dekket's words and the half-elf's response, the dwarven engineer Argrin shouts down the half-elf's complaint in support of Dekket's words, "Argh, shut your darned ale-hole, Sholt! And try putting your spindly back into your work for a change. Dekket has the right of it. We need to all bloody well pull together and stay focused! The Weapons Master will hear of any blasted shirkers or troublemakers, ohh yes he will."
Despite the discontent of the two sailors and some general hesitation in heeding the words of a stranger that they haven't met before, Dekket's confident tone and stance, along with the supporting words of the rotund, red-bearded dwarven engineer prove enough to sway the surrounding crew. As the nearby deckhands redouble their efforts in carrying out the orders of their officers and the Shark begins to pick up more speed on her way towards the harbour mouth, the half-elf's hooded visage swings back around to fix Argrin and Dekket both with a brief, but very cold, stare, before the scowling man climbs the silence affected mainmast, unslinging an ornate looking longbow as he goes.
[OOC] Nice nat 20! Being a common deckhand and stranger to almost all of the crew, the DC was very high, but that 27 looks to have done the trick.
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
Even in the gusty conditions with the rocking motion of the ship under sail, the climb across from the mainmast to the foremast isn't usually a difficult one, if the climber takes sufficient time and care. However, swept up in the race and moving quickly out of the silenced area as she is, Kay almost slips a couple of times, but catches herself on ropes and spars at each juncture. With the sobering image of two tangled and bruised halfling siblings in mind, the young sail monkey finally manages to reach a short spar near the top of the foremast.
Perched 15' above the shirtless form of the even younger Petey, Kay can't help but notice the sunburned lad ignoring the unfolding ships' race to proudly display one freshly tattooed shoulder in her direction, saying, "Hey, Miss Kay. Nice moves there. Like my new ink? It's a Sahuagin trident stabbing through a setting sun! Wicked, ehh? Nibs is letting me get tatts now and then fix him up later when I get paid. How good is that? He'd probably do the same for you. I could ask him... if you'd like me to?"
Staring out from her new forward station, Kay sees that the Shore Shark has a lead on the Foam Runner of around three lengths, though the latter ship has the inside line. The open harbour mouth beckons less than a mile ahead of the speeding vessels. The Southern shoreline rises into rocky walls and cliffs that are thick with brush and trees. a dark mass of tangled vegetation that Kay recognises as one edge of the fey Wispwood. The rocky Northern shoreline is closely accompanied by jagged shoals, occassionally rising into low ridges and jutting crags, completely absent the foliage of the Southern shoreline. Both of the racing caravels have room to spare clearing the approaching heads, even if they were to be parralel and adjacent when they did so.
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
While A'ro keeps encouraging his team above, the genasi sorcerer sends another blast of wind into the sails to help keep fill the mainsails full. Looking throughout the rigging, the Master of Sails is proud to see the rigging rats and sail monkeys giving their all in an effort to maintain or increase the distance between the Shore Shark and the following Foam Runner. Captain Aundrey seems likewise pleased, as the ships master calls down from the aftcastle, "Well done, Master of Sail! We almost have it! The Shark's first victory is at hand!"
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
When the Shark's Navigator runs back along the starboard rail of the main deck yelling at the Foam Runner before proceeding to drop his pants and moon the opposing vessel, a chorus of cheers and laughter goes up from most of the crew around him, including from the nearby Bosun who slaps the rail in amusement. A chuckling Nubrel calls out, "That's the stuff, Kes! Show that chumbucket who they're messin' with!" A quick glance up at the aftcastle rail reveals the grinning, gap-toothed face of Unne, the clearly surprised expression of Captain Aundrey and the narrow-eyed, appraising visage of First Mate E'strue.
A significant number of insults and jeers comes back from the trailing ship with the triangular sails, clueing Kestrell in to the effectiveness of his distraction. However, a moment later, a high pitched *whirrrring* sound catches the vulnerable bard's ears a split second before an immense pain erupts in his backside followed by an uncomfortable numbing sensation. Having to reach out to grab the nearby railing in order to keep from falling over in his compromised position, Kestrell hears a *clatter* and looks down through eyes teary with pain to see an arrow on the deck beside him. While the fletching and shaft look standard, instead of ending in a sharp point, the arrow head appears to have a blunt, almost ball-like tip.
Blinking through the pain in his buttocks, Kestrell looks back at the Foam Runner to see a tall, black-haired woman with a longbow in hand standing above the bowsprit of the pursuing ship. Above the injured Navigator, atop the Shark's aftcastle, the bemused chuckle of the First Mate can be heard even as Unne roars in laughter, "HA! Arrow beats moon! Hahahaha!"
[OOC] Very creative - you can have your Inspiration Point back, Kestrell. Unfortunately for you, the archer made that shot even with disadvantage (roll made in chat), though it's non-lethal damage since the archer used a blunt hunting arrow. HIT: Kestrell takes 8 bludgeoning damage.
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
Seeing that the Navigator did not appear critically injured by the shot he had taken to the backside and noting that the distant archer on the prow of the Foam Runner was not reaching for a second arrow, Ferris climbs the foremast up to the same lower yard that the youthful sunburned sailor was perched on. The much younger sailor essentially ignores Ferris' presence, focused almost entirely on the elevated figure of the somewhat notorious sail monkey above them. Despite the veteran lookout's lower perch, his sharp gaze takes in the vista around him, seeing all that the other two nearby sailors see and more.
Focusing firstly on the job at hand, Ferris notices that the interaction between the Navigator and the trailing ship seemed to, if anything, have increased the Shark's lead. Judging the distance between the two ships and the approaching harbour mouth, the experienced eye of the lookout judges it almost impossible for the trailing ship to overtake the Shark. The waters around both ships and the harbour mouth appeared clear of shoals or other dangers.
While Ferris spots dark storm clouds further out at sea, their direction and the prevailing wind indicates that they should not be a problem for their vessel once it leaves the harbour and sails Southeast towards the small chain of islands known as the Knuckles. The lookout's gaze is leaving the horizon when he notices a small cluster of tiny figures, likely atop horseback but hard to confirm at this distance, located near the rocky edge of the Northern tip of the heads. Squinting his eyes against the bright morning light, Ferris estimates that that there are between 4-6 riders in the small group.
Turning his attention back to the Shark, Ferris catches a flicker of movement high above and looks up just in time to see a cowled figure crouched inside the crows nest holding a longbow. The sniper releases an arrow that streaks across the open waters between the two caravels to strike the archer standing near the Foam Runner's prow sending the tall woman toppling back into the ship and out of view. Almost immediately, the keen ears of the watchful sailor hear a chorus of angry shouts coming from the trailing vessel, though with the buffeting wind and increasing distance between the two ships, it seems unlikely that most on the Shark would hear them. Indeed, with the spell of silence still active and all the commotion going on aboard ship, it appears to Ferris that he is the only one who noticed the shot being taken.
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 crew, who are clearly exhausted after their relatively brief but furious efforts since leaving shore, at first seem reluctant to respond to Vaken's prompting... until the Cook brings up the offer of additional grog for their first night at sea together! At the towering goliath's encouragement, sailors all around the ship put a little more urgency into their efforts, with the overall result that the Shore Shark seems to gain an even greater lead over her rival vessel.
As the Shark glides out through the harbour mouth into the wider sea beyond, a loud cheer goes up across the ship. Hearing equally jubilant shouts from above, Vaken realises that the silence which had shrouded the mainmast rigging must now have faded. As the Shark leans over portside, swinging about to take a Southwesterly heading towards the distant Knuckles, the Cook notices the Foam Runner also leaving the harbour, the fog cloud in her rigging now all but dispersed by the gusty winds. The lanteen sailed vessel continues on a straight Westerly course, before swinging Northwards, perhaps bound for Fireshear or one of the smaller communities between that city and Rumbottom. Vaken's perceptive eye barely catches a glimpse of something fluttering in the Shark's direction from the shrinking ship, and after several long moments of watching the Cook realises that it is a small bird made of pink paper, which wings its way to the seemingly expectant hand of Captain Aundrey.
Pocketing his strange trophy, Captain Aundrey's elated voice echos out over the ship, "Well done, crew! Well done, indeed! You have done yourselves, your ship and your captain proud today! This will be but a small taste of our victories to come, I am sure, but it is certainly an auspicious beginning to our journeys together. The First Mate, Bosun and your other officers will now seperate you into two operational complements, as we begin our voyage in earnest to find the missing Wildyeast. Cook Vaken has rightly decided to reward you with an extra alcohol ration tongiht to celebrate today's efforts. but I will remind you to keep your wits about you at all times... For we are surely now in harms way, sailing waters shared by the very villains that we are pledged to put an end to. Let us remain ever vigilant of our duty!"
Almost distracted to the point of inattention by the hectic noise and activity aboard ship in the wake of the Captain's announcement, Vaken's breath is stolen momentarily as a trio of the long, sleek grey/blue forms that the First Mate called 'dolphins' emerge before the ship, leaping in and out of the waters thirty feet out in front of the ship, almost as though leading the vessel on her maiden voyage.
[OOC] Vaken gets a good, close up look at the dolphins now and can absolutely take their form with his wild shape ability if he wishes to. :)
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
As the Captain descends the stairs to a loud chorus of cheering, the First Mate and Bosun begin gathering officers and senior sailors, shouting orders and directions regarding who will be remaining at station with complement one and who will be off-duty with complement two. As Vaken listens, it appears that among other crew members, Vaken, Kay, Dekket and the new lookout Ferris will be taking their ease as part of complement two, along with the First Mate, Navigator, Master of Sail and Ships Mage.
[OOC] As part of complement two, all PCs are now off duty and free to engage in RP, downtime activity or simply rest. As is explained by the senior officers, there are three shift periods in the day when the complements rotate - 1. 6am-2pm, 2. 2pm-10pm, 3. 10pm-6am. This means that complements will alternate between having a single or a double shift each day, i.e. Complement 1 will have a double shift today, complement 2 will have a double shift tomorrow.
Oh, and congrats all on reaching level 3 and the next part of the adventure! :D
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
Now that the excitement has died down, Vaken stays on deck watching the dolphins for as long as they're traveling alongside the ship. Once they break away he heads to the galley and starts prepping for dinner a bit early, wanting to make it extra special for their first official meal while underway.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Seeing Vaken looking at something Dekket joins him and look at the dolphins in silence. When they finally break he says.
"You know, an old sailor told me once that it was a good omen to have those around the ship. And that they even rescue some sailors from beign drown when they fall to the sea or the ship sinks."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Ferris loosely bats his coat, letting the air in as he slow rolls across the deck. He took a few moments here and there to clap the on duty sailors on the back in recognition of their hard work. The older sailor moved across the ship in search of the first mate. Once sighted he approached the woman with a pleasant smile, "Master Estrue, a word? Now I'm not saying that Archer on the Foamrunner did not deserve a poke back, retaliation is part of the game, but someone got in to my barrel and shot back. I don't know who but I feel that it may have done more damage than was originally dishes out. Just wanted to report it is all.
"Other than that, I am about to do some fishing if you feel like staring at the sea with an old grump like me."