A’ro was caught off guard by the man as he turned to look at him “Sure, don’t see no harm in that.” He just walked over with his food and ale, followed by the shimmering blue hand carrying the second mug. He just sat down and looked at the man “A’ro Gale, I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting formally.”He said taking a sip of ale and then munching on some bacon.
He quickly glanced at the women “Ladies.” He said nodding and giving a smile ‘Wonder if their his bodyguards or his friends’ he thought to himself, waiting to see what the man wanted exactly.
"The pleasure's all mine, A'ro, and good it is to make your acquaintance. Daegrin's the name! Not sure if ye saw, but the Captain and his seniors were good enough to appoint me the Shark's new Quarter Master. Of course, theyd've been fools not to, but most folk are fools, so I guess I just got lucky this time around. Ha!
Sad I was to hear that I missed your wind-show last night, but a few of the boys were tellin' me about it afterwards. Sounds like you'll be a useful chap to have aboard ship. If I can find us enough cloth to keep us under sail, then you'd be able to do the rest. Lest, that's what some of the boys were saying over their drinks.
I was just finishing me breakfast before heading on over for our officer's meeting aboard the Shark. I never did see the point of walking somewhere alone when company was available."
'The two muscle-bound ladies at your previous table nod back at the blue man's attention, though the shorter one also cocks the left side of her mono-brow and grins suggestively at the handsome genasi. The half-orc at their table narrows his gaze in A'ro's direction, while the little man, seeing the exchange, just starts slapping his leg as he hoots and hollers.'
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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...
Una slowly dresses and makes her way down stair, accompanied by a splitting headache and a constant grimace, when she gets down stairs she take a couple pieces of toast then waddles into a corner and sits on the floor, her bandana wrapped across her nose atempting to dampen the smell of bacon which is sickly and overpowering for una and her hungover state, slowly eating one of the four pieces of toast she grabbed before heading to crossbow training.
'Kay nods,' "I can imagine, I hope you are able to rest better once the Shore Shark sets sail. As for the bath, it was positively... divine, I've never experienced luxury such as that. M'lady I'm not one to be making false promises, but I will do what is in my power to ensure that your dear Vaken lives a long and storied life. May we all find fortune." 'Kay takes Lorana's hand and nods to her before taking her leave.'
'Kay eats the bread and bacon hastily and is in the midst of looking for something to wash it down with when she sees the other sailors making for the door. She remembers crossbow practice and tries to remember if Unawalyn was supposed to be there as well. Not willing to risk being tardy, she finds Lorana again.' "Would you... could you see if you can wake Unawalyn and tell her to come the field outside the town gates? I'd wake her myself, but I can't afford to have my pay docked further... we were warned not to be late." 'She squeezes Lorana's hand tightly, and kisses the air beside her ear by way of parting, leaving four silver behind.'
'She runs for the door, calling back to Lorana, and winks just before she disappears.' "For your sweet smile, demeanor, and wonderful service."'She shouts from behind the doors,' "And one for good lady Beril!"
'She tries to beat the majority of the croud to the practice area.'
A’ro just looked at the man and listened to him “Pleasure to meet ya then Daegrin – I must have missed it, sorry about that was nursing some wounds. Couldn’t agree with you more that company makes everything better.” He just continued to eat his food as he started onto the second mug of ale.
“I think I made him jealous…” he said turning to find his shipmate laughing and laughing along with him. He just finished his food and looks at the man “Get going or one more glass of ale?” he asked looking at Daegrin as he finished what was left in the mug.
After wondering around for a solid half hour and unable to find Vergil, Vaken curses the man and goes to bid Lorana and Beril farewell. After extracting himself from those conversations before tears were shed, Vaken walks back into the common room and sees some of his crew mates leaving. Vaken decides to follow and strikes up a conversation. He quickly learns that they're suppose to meet for crowsbow practice. This excites him as Vaken has never fired a crossbow before.
Una slowly dresses and makes her way down stair, accompanied by a splitting headache and a constant grimace, when she gets down stairs she take a couple pieces of toast then waddles into a corner and sits on the floor, her banana wrapped across her nose atempting to dampen the smell of bacon which is sickly and overpowering for una and her hungover state, slowly eating one of the four pieces of toast she grabbed before heading to crossbow training.
'Kay nods,' "I can imagine, I hope you are able to rest better once the Shore Shark sets sail. As for the bath, it was positively... divine, I've never experienced luxury such as that. M'lady I'm not one to be making false promises, but I will do what is in my power to ensure that your dear Vaken lives a long and storied life. May we all find fortune." 'Kay takes Lorana's hand and nods to her before taking her leave.'
'Kay eats the bread and bacon hastily and is in the midst of looking for something to wash it down with when she sees the other sailors making for the door. She remembers crossbow practice and tries to remember if Unawalyn was supposed to be there as well. Not willing to risk being tardy, she finds Lorana again.' "Would you... could you see if you can wake Unawalyn and tell her to come the field outside the town gates? I'd wake her myself, but I can't afford to have my pay docked further... we were warned not to be late." 'She squeezes Lorana's hand tightly, and kisses the air beside her ear by way of parting, leaving four silver behind.'
'She runs for the door, calling back to Lorana, and winks just before she disappears.' "For your sweet smile, demeanor, and wonderful service."'She shouts from behind the doors,' "And one for good lady Beril!"
'She tries to beat the majority of the croud to the practice area.'
'Despite their interactions last night, the barmaid seems puzzled at first with the constant attention and to-and-froing between Kay and herself, but as the young rogue leaves her with the squeeze of a hand and the kiss near her ear, as well as the four silver in her palm, the half-elf smiles shyly and calls back,'
"Thank you, miss. For agreein' to watch out for Vaken... and fer the coin! And thank you from Beril, too! And good luck with your journey an all!
Oh, and your tatooed drunk friend from last night was just down here, grabbed some toast as quick as you please and joined the cue leaving the tavern. Saw her right behind Vaken, heading out the front door!"
'As Kay quickly moves to and out the tavern's front door, she does indeed see the big cook Vaken out on the street and the toast-munching Una standing just beyond the door. The two stand amidst a large group of the Shore Shark's new crew, all apparently waiting for further instructions.'
'It is clear that Kay, Una and Vaken are not the only ones curious to see what the morning holds. Nearly a score of sailors stand with then. Most appear to be chatting with shipmates or milling about uncertainly, asking questions like 'why'd we have to up so damn early' or 'are we allowed to bring a cask or flask with us'? Despite the uncertainty however, everyone seems to be in a relatively fine mood, having both full stomachs and confirmed work aboard ship for a month at least.
Standing near the edge of the wharf about thirty feet away you see the dwarven Bosun and the hook-handed Northman conversing. Besides them is a medium sized wagon, stacked with a number of large boxes and small barrells. A single grey horse is tethered to the wagon and a sole sailor sits atop the wagon's seat, reigns in hand.
After a few moments, the Bosun turns to those gathered and shouts out in a voice that cuts through the morning air and silences the conversations,'
"Well good morning to ye! Glad to see that ye could be bothered joining us. Everyone's feelin' tip top, I take it? Good! I was about to send our large Weapon's Master here in to start kicking over tables and draggin' folks out by their ankles, but it looks like ye saved us both the trouble. Well done.
Before we go any further, I wanna address somethings I heard muttered about the place, both last night and this mornig, both with me own ears and ears that are mine in all but name. Firstly, yer all crew members of the Shore Shark now, which actually means a thing or two. Congratulations on that, by the way.
What it mostly means that you'll do what yer asked, when yer asked and in the fashion yer asked to, by the Captain, our First Mate, myself or any of the Shark's other fine officers... in that order! If'n ye have a problem with what yer being asked to do, you do it anyway and then AFTERWARDS yer bring yer grievance to me! Of course ye can ask for further information on the task if ye require it, though i'd hope we don't have too many simpletons among you lot, but you DO... NOT... QUESTION... THE... ORDERS... GIVEN! If at any time yer unsure what ye should be doing, ask the closest officer present. A ship can't function if 'er crew stop to question every order they're given or if her officers don't know that they can rely on their crew to get the job, WHATEVER job that may be, done! Am I making me'self clear so far?
Along a similar current, you're probably wondering what the chain of command aboard ship or ashore is. Well let me set ye straight on that one right now, in case yer a bit slow on the uptake. Your Captain is your god - what he says is DIVINE COMMAND! If good Captain Aundrey says 'jump in that flamin' fire pit, Mickey' then I want to hear you say 'Yes, Captain! Would you like me to baste myself first, Captain?' Still with me? Good!
After the good Captain, the First Mates word is final on ALL matters and stands cross-bart-deck above the wants of any other mere mortal, including me own wishes, your other officers wishes and CERTAINLY above your own or any of ye friend's insignificant wishes. First Mate E'strue has sailed these waters longer than most of ye' bald chin chowder heads have been alive. She's served with good men and aboard good ships. That's all ye need to know on that, but her ORDERS are NOT to be questioned... CLEAR?
After the First Mate though... Oh, ahh, my good little sea lice, MY... WORD... IS... LAW! This part is especially important, because I am YOUR personal representative on that boat! If you don't like something, anything, I want to know. I don't care if it's the cook's stew, the smell of the hold, the look ol' Roger sometimes gives ya when ya bend over... whatever you're unhappy about, YOU... BRING.. TO... ME! Directly to ME! You do not UNDER... ANY... CIRCUMSTANCE take your complaints to yer little group of shipmate buddies or to a junior officer... GOT IT!
Oh, I may tell you that you're being a blockhead about it, or I may not - in fact, as a big part of my job is to keep ye all in some semblance of happiness, I may actually act on your complaint. But that AIN'T the reason it's so important. The reason it's important is because, and again, best listen up here - INCITING... MUTINY... IS... A... HANGABLE... OFFENCE! Now i'm sure you all know what mutiny is and I'm sure you all know what hangin' is, so I won't need to belabour the point... right? WRONG! Mutiny is a hangable offence, o'course it is I hear ye say. But so is INCITING mutiny! For any who don't know what that means, it means complaining to the wrong people about decisions your betters have made, thinking that you and they may be able to make wiser decisions or do things better. Who are the wrong people to complain to? Everyone except... that' right, you guessed it... ME! All clear so far? Good!
The other officers ye'll be given commands by are our Pilot and Weapon's Master here, though that'll primarily when we're in a scrap, whether aboard or on land. The Master of Sail, in regards to ANYTHING to do with moving our beautiful boat from point A. to point B. The Quarter Master, when it comes to anything to do with ships provisions, crew equipment or the storage of goods taken aboard.
The other two officers who outrank ye lowly scum are our fine Navigator, who's primary job is to advise the good Captain and First Mate on our best course of travel, avoiding the MANY dangers of the sea, and our Ship's Mage, who's job it is to take care of any hookum-pookum we encounter, or if needed, to curse the livin' shite out of our enemies!
Ye'll all meet the officers this evening when ye may all stow ye gear aboard ship... after our fine Weapons Master and I are done with you. But fer now, good Master Unne here and I are going to take you up on that hill yonder and see if we can't teach you half-blind poxxy bastards how to load, aim and fire a crossbow without killing a fellow crew member!
We'll be takin all non-officers in two groups.. and you me pretties are first up. So... MOVE... YOUR... ASSES!"
'Standing to the side during the whole speech, Weapon Master Unne looks somewhat bored by the littler man's tirade, but at Bosun Drannick's last words, the huge Northman belows out,'
"You DOGS heard the wee Bosun here! Get your delicate little arses out the North gate and to the rise below that corpse of trees NOW! I'm with this slow moving wagon here, so if I get there before ANY of you worms..."
'The mighty Northman lets his words trail off, but the fearsome grin on his face leaves you all with little doubt that Unne REALLY hopes that some of you get to that rise after he does. Glancing around, the three of you notice that most of the crew are already hurrying through Rumbottom's streets towards the North Gate and the hills beyond.'
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 looked at the man and listened to him “Pleasure to meet ya then Daegrin – I must have missed it, sorry about that was nursing some wounds. Couldn’t agree with you more that company makes everything better.” He just continued to eat his food as he started onto the second mug of ale.
“I think I made him jealous…” he said turning to find his shipmate laughing and laughing along with him. He just finished his food and looks at the man “Get going or one more glass of ale?” he asked looking at Daegrin as he finished what was left in the mug.
'Quarter Master Daegrin slaps A'ro on the lower back with a chuckle, not being quite able to reach the taller man's shoulder blades, saying,'
"Ahh, that's a good one, A'ro. And I can't say I think that man's death a shame, to be honest. I don't have much time for fools meself, to be perfectly frank. Sailin's serious business, as is priate hunting. Probably best that this Gaut fellow is lying in a corpse cart somewhere rather than preparing to sail with you and I, hmm?
And while another mug is tempting and all, I think we'd best get to this meeting..."
'The two officers are just standing, when Kestrell and Nubrel move up alongside the table. As Kestrell introduces himself, Daegrin smiles and puts his tiny hand out for the larger man to shake. When the bard mentions Nubrel however, the halfling frowns and says,'
"Well, good Navigator, I fear we'd best not tarry too much longer. The good Master of Sail and I were just preparing to head over to the Shore Shark for our little officer's meeting. First Mate E'strue does not strike me as the sort of lady tis wise to keep waiting.
Err, Nubil, was it? I think that non-officers were meant to meet out front of the tavern, or out on a hillside somewhere... something like that. I saw that big Northman in here earlier talking about how he thought it was a good idea to kill the slowest person on the day after hiring a new crew to instill a sense of urgency in the rest. Ye may want to make haste to your assigned post."
'You all hear an audible *GULP* from Nubril, almost causing the poor man to choke on a mouthful of half-chewed bacon, but nodding goodbye to Kestrell and the rest at the table, he spins around and half-runs, half-stumbles towards the door. The be-spectacled halfling laughs quietly and says,'
"Well shall we, my good fellows?"
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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...
“It’s a shame how that all went down – just wish he hadn’t been a stupid piece of sod to actually try and get physical. I just feel sorry for Kay, girl was put in shackles in front of everyone and called a murderer. It's good for the crew to know they have someone willing to protect them at such a cost, but still...” A’ro just looked down for a second and then back to the man as he mentioned continuing moving“I agree don’t want to be late on our first day.”
A’ro noticed that Kestrell and Nubrel had come down the stairs. He was a little surprised that Nubrel had not left for training yet. A’ro looked at Kestrell and nodded “I’m Aro Gale, pleasure.”
He watched as the quarter master messed with the Nubrel a little and just chuckled only adding to it “I’d run ther’ double time if I was you mate. Don’t wanna end up like that Gaut fellow and his mate from last night. Worst yet don’t want your pay cut three times for just being late.”
When it was just the three of them left he just looked at them “Probably best to get a move on then. So Daegrin and Kestrell, what’s your sailing experience like?” He was just trying to start conversation with the two to make the walk to the ship less quiet.
While they started walking he would sniff his hooded shirt and just look around hoping a street vendor would happen to be out selling something new that he could put on, hopefully a shirt and hooded vest of some sort. He didn’t really look that part of an officer of the ship, though he didn’t care for looks he knew that he would probably be judged for a while on that alone. It also occurred to him, he was probably going to be the youngest officer there as Daegrin had pointed out at the table.
"Ye'll all meet the officers this evening when ye may all stow ye gear aboard ship... after our fine Weapons Master and I are done with you. But fer now, good Master Unne here and I are going to take you up on that hill yonder and see if we can't teach you half-blind poxxy bastards how to load, aim and fire a crossbow without killing a fellow crew member!
We'll be takin all non-officers in two groups.. and you me pretties are first up. So... MOVE... YOUR... ASSES!"
'Standing to the side during the whole speech, Weapon Master Unne looks somewhat bored by the littler man's tirade, but at Bosun Drannick's last words, the huge Northman belows out,'
"You DOGS heard the wee Bosun here! Get your delicate little arses out the North gate and to the rise below that corpse of trees NOW! I'm with this slow moving wagon here, so if I get there before ANY of you worms..."
'The mighty Northman lets his words trail off, but the fearsome grin on his face leaves you all with little doubt that Unne REALLY hopes that some of you get to that rise after he does. Glancing around, the three of you notice that most of the crew are already hurrying through Rumbottom's streets towards the North Gate and the hills beyond.'
'Kay, Una and Vaken pass through the streets of the town in a hurry, as, much like the rest of your shipmates, it seems that no one wants to test whether or not Unne Ironhand is serious or not about the threats he's made. While the onshore breezes are still strong and gusty, as the Shark's new crew move away from the wharf and between the town's various buildings, they are afforded some protection from the biting wind. With no time right now to spend visiting the town's stores or otherwise engaging with the town's folk, the short trip to the North Gate passes quickly.
Nearing the gate just as the sun crests the horizon to the East, your large contingent of sailors sees that the gates have already been opened. However, you are all forced to move quickly to the side of the ten foot wide dirt and gravel road as an ornate carriage led by two fine black horses and a grey haired gnomish carriage driver speeds quickly through the opening, sending earth and small stones flicking out to either side. The gnome, who wears his long hair and equally long beard braided together on the left side of his pouting face, calls out,'
"Make way, you dunderheads! Dubol Ambersap, Lady of Rumbottom, coming through!"
'Having all cleared the way in time, the carriage thunders past and onto the streets beyond, apparently heading in the direction of the wharf on the town's Western edge, back the way you've all just came. Concerned that the small delay might have given Dranncik, Unne and the wagon time to catch up, the collective sailors rush through the open gates, and past the four Wardens standing guard. Both the half-orc Warden with the mohawk and the plain-faced younger woman are on duty, though neither seems to notice the three of you amongst the press of your fellows.
Making your way across the road beyond the palisade and over the small field beyond, you all eventually arrive at the base of a slight hill, which rises in a gradual North-Easterly direction. Some seventy-eighty feet up the rise, you see the large corpse of trees that Unne had indicated from outside the tavern. Ten or so feet infront of the trees, a few large, stripped branches and some painted round wooden panels have been used to errect crude targets. There look to be seven targets, all in a line running East-West, spaced with five foot gaps between each. Birdsong from the nearby corpse of trees and more civilised sounds from the still awakening town behind you fill the air.
Moments later, the rumbling of large wooden wheels heralds the arrival of the two officers and the wagon. Drannick and the other sailor get down off the bench and move around to begin opening the crates and barrells, while it appears Unne merely strode beside the wagon, his long strides easily keeping pace. As the other two crack open the containers and begin removing items, the Northman walks forward to where you are all gathered. Some of the sailors, whether from having either hurried beyond their capacity or plain lack of fitness, are panting for breath or sitting on the grass. Unne eyes these crewmen and women dangerously as he belows,'
"Did I say you could REST worms? I don't remember giving you leave to sit... ON... YOUR... FEET!"
'As the Weapon's Master, who has his greataxe strapped to his back in plain sight, continues to berate and instruct the assembled sailors, you all notice that the two men on the wagon have unloaded almost two dozen light crossbows from the large boxes, and are now removing leather cases jammed full of bolts from the small barrels. The weapons and ammunition are lain in neat rows near the wagons' tailgate, and Unne walks over to pick a crossbow and bolt case up to demonstrate, but it is Drannick who talks you through the instruction,'
"Crossbows are EASY weapons to master. A child can load and fire one. Are you children? No, I thought not... children are not usually so UGLY!
These are light crossbows, so even you twig-figures should be able to load, lift and fire one. To load the weapon, you pull the crank, which draws the string. You then CAREFULLY load the bolt. To aim the weapon, you place one hand beneath the body of the weapon HERE, and cradle the small stock against your arm and chest, like SUCH! To fire, you simply turn your body so that the front of the weapon and your lead foot are facing in the direction of the thing that you want to HIT, then you gently squeeze the trigger... like SUCH!"
'With a deep *TWANG* followed almost immediately by a loud *THUNK* Unne fires a bolt up the rise towards one of the targets. While it is hard to see the bolt itself at this distance, you all hear the contact and see the stand quaver slightly from the impact.'
"See... EASY! Okay, you seven are first. That's it, move yer backsides! Grab a weapon and a case of bolts, then go stand in a line there, where Unne is pointing. That's it! Good, now all ye have to do is show us that you know how to follow basic instructions and that you're not blind bottom feeders who ain't worth the smile from a two-copper whore. Right... let's GO!'
'Kay, Una and Vaken are motioned forward with the first group, alongside two young halflings, a red-headed youth and a dreadlocked man covered in tattoos. All seven of you stand in a line, take aim... and fire.'
[OOC] Ranged attack rolls with a light crossbow from Kay, Una and Vaken.
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 11 Damage: 6 Freya's attack roll Attack: 7 Damage: 5 Nern's attack roll Attack: 13 Damage: 3 Enzio's attack roll Attack: 17 Damage: 6
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...
"I've been sailing for quite a while, mainly as the Assistant Navigator, and just on merchant vessels. So I'm excited about the Shore Shark. Oh look, there she is! Isn't she magnificent?"
When it was just the three of them left he just looked at them “Probably best to get a move on then. So Daegrin and Kestrell, what’s your sailing experience like?” He was just trying to start conversation with the two to make the walk to the ship less quiet.
While they started walking he would sniff his hooded shirt and just look around hoping a street vendor would happen to be out selling something new that he could put on, hopefully a shirt and hooded vest of some sort. He didn’t really look that part of an officer of the ship, though he didn’t care for looks he knew that he would probably be judged for a while on that alone. It also occurred to him, he was probably going to be the youngest officer there as Daegrin had pointed out at the table.
'You leave the tavern together, walking South along the wharf in the direction that the tops of the Shark's mizzen and main masts can be seen in the distance, towering behind and above the buildings along the dock. A'ro recalls a tailor's clothing shop lies this way, perhaps the next street over, though the genasi can't see the store itself or be sure of its location.
As you continue along, you all hear a shout from back the way you came. Looking back, you see the tall Ship's Mage, Virtoris, run out from the Pirate onto the street, looking left and right, before he spots the three of you and hurriedly approaches.'
"Hail, friends. Or should I say 'fellow officers', eh? Thanks for waiting up. I was looking for the Captain or Bosun, but neither seems to be in the vicinity of the Pirate this morning. I guess we'll find one or both aboard the Shark, waiting for us at our appointed rendevous."
"I've been sailing for quite a while, mainly as the Assistant Navigator, and just on merchant vessels. So I'm excited about the Shore Shark. Oh look, there she is! Isn't she magnificent?"
'Daegrin greets Virtoris warmly and teases the much taller man a little about his tardiness, before turning to look at the tops of the Shark's masts in the distance. The halfling smiles at Kestrell's enthusiasm, before answering the bard's question,'
"Aboard ship, I worked mainly on the merchant cog the Wench. Eleven years I served aboard her as stores master. She was a solid lass, easy on calm water and generous of hold. Unfortunately, she wasn't much for storms... more's the pity. Prior to that long stretch, I worked warehouses in Luskan, predominantly for some of the larger trading costers in that thieves den of a city. How about yerselves?"
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...
"See... EASY! Okay, you seven are first. That's it, move yer backsides! Grab a weapon and a case of bolts, then go stand in a line there, where Unne is pointing. That's it! Good, now all ye have to do is show us that you know how to follow basic instructions and that you're not blind bottom feeders who ain't worth the smile from a two-copper whore. Right... let's GO!'
'Kay, Una and Vaken are motioned forward with the first group, alongside two young halflings, a red-headed youth and a dreadlocked man covered in tattoos. All seven of you stand in a line, take aim... and fire.'
[OOC] Ranged attack rolls with a light crossbow from Kay, Una and Vaken.
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 10 Damage: 4 Freya's attack roll Attack: 24 Damage: 8 Nern's attack roll Attack: 10 Damage: 6 Enzio's attack roll Attack: 12 Damage: 9
[OOC] Vaken's attack roll: 8
'As the volley of bolts are fired with a series of *TWANGS* your fellow crew send up cheers and jeers of encouragement or discouragement respectively. Perhaps knowing that they'll each have to take their own turn, there are a lot more cheers than jeers. As the accompanying *TWACKS* reverberate from the top of the rise, you all hear Drannick call out,'
"Well, well... Not bad, not bad at all. Maybe you lot are all fit for more than fish bait and ballista cushions. And you, Freya, wasn't it, very nice indeed!"
'Apart from the large cook who is standing at one end of the line looking at his crossbow as though it just betrayed him, everyone else seems to be pretty happy with their first shot, though the only one to hit the target (almost) dead centre was the female halfling with the long black hair and the silver ear and eye piercings. The small woman looks at the almost identical looking male halfling to her left and tilts her head with a single eyebrow raised. It is clear from the displeased look on the male halfling's face that no words were necessary.
Leaving little more time for congratulations or commiserations, the towering Northman shouts out with his iron hook extended up towards the targets,'
"Cock, load, aim... FIRE!"
Vaken's attack roll Attack: 4 Damage: 7
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 23 Damage: 8 Freya's attack roll Attack: 22 Damage: 10 Nern's attack roll Attack: 5 Damage: 5 Enzio's attack roll Attack: 13 Damage: 3
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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...
”Tea would be fine, thank ye,” Virt says as he slides two (2) silver pieces her way. “Do ye know where I can find the captain of the Shore Shark? Maybe his bosun? ‘Tis most urgant it is, ma’am.”
'The young woman seems unsure at first whether Virt heard her... but then seeing the coin, an oddly calculating look falls over her face and she merely takes it and tucks it away, saying'
"Not a problem at all, sir. The tea'll be out in two shakes of a trout's tail.
I ain't seen the Captain since last night, but the Bosun was in earlier and I overheard him tell Beril that he expects all the officers they hired last night for a meeting on the ship and everyone else to be at crossbow practice, though I don't know more'n that I'm afraid."
Virtoris thanks the barmaid for her time, grabs his tea, and proceeds to leave the Prancing Pirate. Making his way to the Shore Shark. He had to be quick, for he didn't know when they would be leaving port.
He walked the muddy streets, still holding the melt from the winter's frost making the walk sloggy at best. He passes the small shops and businesses, hoping he might be able to stop in before he sets sail. Best not to dwaddle, though. He hurries through the town and makes his way to the main gate. He nods to the Wardens watching the gate and notes to himself to not piss off the half-orc with a mohawk. That one just looked intimidating.
He looks up on the hill and sees the new recruits training with the Master of Arms. Why did they look so small compared to him? Maybe it was the way he stood, tall and fierce, the morning sun making him shine as a beacon over his trainees. Another one he wouldn't want to anger, that's for sure.
Virtoris sees him, the bosun. What was his name again? He couldn't remember, not for the life of him. Oh, that's not a good start. But, he would figure his way around that. he picks up his pace and walks towards him at a brisk pace.
"Bosun, good morning, sir!" Virt calls out to him. "Beautiful day in'it? Dad and me used to pray for mornings like this, navigating our little piece of the coast. B-e-a-utiful day. What are me orders, sir? I'm new to this and just want to make sure me do everything right!"
"...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 Kay exits through the town gates she sees Beatrice and thinks about giving the warden a wave good morning, but remembers herself and decides against it. She does her best to stay toward the front of the pack of runners as they sprint up the hill, but purposefully holds back if it looks like she's going to pull to the front, not wanting to be the nail that sticks out. The uphill jog is tiring, but she does her best to remain standing, resting her hands on her thighs for support.'
'As the crossbows are presented, Kay looks at hers quizzically. She'd seen them before, watched people operate them even, but never fired one herself. It's heavier than she thought it would be, and but she does her best to emulate the stance of the others, her eyes darting back and forth between the target and the folk to her right and left.'
'When the Weaponsmaster commands them to fire, Kay is as ready as possible and exhales as she fires.'
'The bolt flies through the air and strikes the target center mass, and Kay smiles unconsciously, practicing the reload carefully. She's so focused on the practice that she doesn't hear the praise or jeers and doesn't think to participate.'
'Kay's still mentally celebrating her first shot when the Weaponsmaster commands the group to fire a second time and it catches her off-guard causing her to reel back from the recoil as she pulls the trigger.'
'The bolt arcs high and is caught aloft by the wind and for a moment Kay holds her breath watching it in flight. From its trajectory, she even thinks that it might just strike the target, but it sails over by a few feet, clattering on some rocks behind.'
'Kay's cheeks flush and she scolds herself, but practices the reload yet again a look of determination on her face.'
[ooc: the following spoiler is a pre-post for the 3rd volley because I'm not sure how available I'll be during work today]
'Kay watches Freya's movements out of the corner of her eye, having noticed that the female halfling is far and away the most adept. She slides a foot back and hefts the crossbow, lining up the iron sight of the crossbow with the target, feeling a soft wind blow through her hair. As the Weaponsmaster calls for the third volley Kay exhales slowly and squeezes the trigger and relaxes her shoulders, setting the butt of the crossbow on her foot gently as she watches the last bolt find its mark.'
[ooc: all attack and damage rolls pulled from private chat]
"Aboard ship, I worked mainly on the merchant cog the Wench. Eleven years I served aboard her as stores master. She was a solid lass, easy on calm water and generous of hold. Unfortunately, she wasn't much for storms... more's the pity. Prior to that long stretch, I worked warehouses in Luskan, predominantly for some of the larger trading costers in that thieves den of a city. How about yerselves?"
"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.'
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.'
"I've been sailing for quite a while, mainly as the Assistant Navigator, and just on merchant vessels. So I'm excited about the Shore Shark. Oh look, there she is! Isn't she magnificent?"
"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."
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
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.'
'Kestrell returns A'ro's smile':
"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!"
'As the volley of bolts are fired with a series of *TWANGS* your fellow crew send up cheers and jeers of encouragement or discouragement respectively. Perhaps knowing that they'll each have to take their own turn, there are a lot more cheers than jeers. As the accompanying *TWACKS* reverberate from the top of the rise, you all hear Drannick call out,'
"Well, well... Not bad, not bad at all. Maybe you lot are all fit for more than fish bait and ballista cushions. And you, Freya, wasn't it, very nice indeed!"
'Apart from the large cook who is standing at one end of the line looking at his crossbow as though it just betrayed him, everyone else seems to be pretty happy with their first shot, though the only one to hit the target (almost) dead centre was the female halfling with the long black hair and the silver ear and eye piercings. The small woman looks at the almost identical looking male halfling to her left and tilts her head with a single eyebrow raised. It is clear from the displeased look on the male halfling's face that no words were necessary.
Leaving little more time for congratulations or commiserations, the towering Northman shouts out with his iron hook extended up towards the targets,'
"Cock, load, aim... FIRE!"
Vaken's attack roll Attack: 9 Damage: 9
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 11 Damage: 6 Freya's attack roll Attack: 21 Damage: 11 Nern's attack roll Attack: 5 Damage: 9 Enzio's attack roll Attack: 19 Damage: 8
'As Kay exits through the town gates she sees Beatrice and thinks about giving the warden a wave good morning, but remembers herself and decides against it. She does her best to stay toward the front of the pack of runners as they sprint up the hill, but purposefully holds back if it looks like she's going to pull to the front, not wanting to be the nail that sticks out. The uphill jog is tiring, but she does her best to remain standing, resting her hands on her thighs for support.'
'As the crossbows are presented, Kay looks at hers quizzically. She'd seen them before, watched people operate them even, but never fired one herself. It's heavier than she thought it would be, and but she does her best to emulate the stance of the others, her eyes darting back and forth between the target and the folk to her right and left.'
'When the Weaponsmaster commands them to fire, Kay is as ready as possible and exhales as she fires.'
'The bolt flies through the air and strikes the target center mass, and Kay smiles unconsciously, practicing the reload carefully. She's so focused on the practice that she doesn't hear the praise or jeers and doesn't think to participate.'
'Kay's still mentally celebrating her first shot when the Weaponsmaster commands the group to fire a second time and it catches her off-guard causing her to reel back from the recoil as she pulls the trigger.'
'The bolt arcs high and is caught aloft by the wind and for a moment Kay holds her breath watching it in flight. From its trajectory, she even thinks that it might just strike the target, but it sails over by a few feet, clattering on some rocks behind.'
'Kay's cheeks flush and she scolds herself, but practices the reload yet again a look of determination on her face.'
attack : 7damage : 7
'The volley of bolts shoot up the rise to more shouts and cheers, most slamming into their intended targets with audible force, though a couple of the missles go astray, disappearing into the tree line beyond or shattering on rocks in the area.'
"Hmm, pretty damn good shootin' al'round, I'm forced to admit. A few of ye must be cyclops' in disguise or unfamiliar with the notion of consistency, but I reckon' that the lot of ye might at least force 'em buccaneers we'll be facin' to duck on occassion.
But a couple of ye... well, I'd have ye shootin' o'er me shoulder any ol' day. That was a shot, Una, a fine shot indeed. You again as well, Freya."
'Brannick looks at the towering goliath, the young red-head Nern and the lithe Kay with his disparaging remarks, though his withering gaze lingers mainly on Vaken, who seems to be struggling with a jammed crank.
Most of the others seem pleased enough, though the male halfling (Fillian, Freya's twin brother, you now know from the derisive comments being thrown his way from the other waiting sailors) seems particularly unhappy with the praise that Freya is recieving. Freya for her part looks happy, but with an almost imperceptible pout in Una's direction, not as happy as she was a moment ago.
Unne's voice roars above the noise from your crewmates,'
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 second volley of bolts shoot up the rise to more shouts and cheers, most slamming into their intended targets with audible force, though a couple of the missles go astray, disappearing into the tree line beyond.'
"Hmm, pretty damn good shootin' al'round, I'm forced to admit. A few of ye must be cyclops' in disguise or unfamiliar with the notion of consistency, but I reckon' that the lot of ye might at least force 'em buccaneers we'll be facin' to duck on occassion.
But a couple of ye... well, I'd have ye shootin' o'er me shoulder any ol' day. That was a shot, Una, a fine shot indeed. You again as well, Freya."
'Brannick looks at the towering goliath, the young red-head Nern and the lithe Kay with his somewhat disparaging remarks, though his withering gaze lingers mainly on Vaken, who seems to be struggling with a jammed crank.
Most of the others seem pleased enough, though the male halfling (Fillian, Freya's twin brother, you now know from the derisive comments being thrown his way from the other waiting sailors) seems particularly unhappy with the praise that Freya is recieving. Freya for her part looks happy, but with an almost imperceptible pout in Una's direction, not as happy as she was a moment ago.
Unne's voice roars above the noise from your crewmates,'
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 17 Damage: 4 Freya's attack roll Attack: 14 Damage: 5 Nern's attack roll Attack: 19 Damage: 6 Enzio's attack roll Attack: 15 Damage: 4
'The hail of steel tipped projectiles rips into its buckler-shaped victims, the slighly mistimed volley connecting with staggered contact *tha-tha-tha-tha-TWACK*. Even the worst shot, Una's, appears to graze the edge of its target. Some of the crudely made targets look a little worse for wear, leaning backwards or slightly to the side after the battering that they've just recieved.
Brannick, standing behind the line of waiting sailors who are now familiarising themselves with their own weapons, says in a clearly pleased voice,'
"Ho, ho, HO, now! It would seem that I may have underestimated ye bunch of marginally useful lads and lasses. All-in-all, that was a solid performance... though of course solid on the sea will get you hit plenty and sunk right quick. I encourage you to aim fer excellence, not proficiency... like the very impressive miss Kay here."
'As you hear Fillian give his, now clearly displeased, twin a ribbing about her comparitively loose final shot, your Weapon's Master steps up beside the Bosun, motioning the next group forward. Before those of you in the front line have the chance to step back, Unne points at Kay, Nern, Una and Vaken, barking out,'
"NOT so fast! You four - get up there and straighten those targets. And see if you can't do anything to make them more secure... NOW!"
'Nern, his rash covered face and neck standing out almost as bright as his flaming red hair, merely nods, slinging his crossbow over his shoulder as he trudges up the slope towards the top of the rise. Upon reaching the targets, Nern goes to work trying to straighten and stabilise one of the targets, without much initial success.'
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
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'Shaking his head at Nubrel, Kestrell says':
"Let's get a bite to eat and then get down to the ship!"
'Plate of food in hand, Kestrell approaches A'ro's table':
"Gentlemen, I'm Kestrell and I'm the new navigator for the Shore Shark. This is Nubrel, he'll be working on the Shark as well."
"The pleasure's all mine, A'ro, and good it is to make your acquaintance. Daegrin's the name! Not sure if ye saw, but the Captain and his seniors were good enough to appoint me the Shark's new Quarter Master. Of course, theyd've been fools not to, but most folk are fools, so I guess I just got lucky this time around. Ha!
Sad I was to hear that I missed your wind-show last night, but a few of the boys were tellin' me about it afterwards. Sounds like you'll be a useful chap to have aboard ship. If I can find us enough cloth to keep us under sail, then you'd be able to do the rest. Lest, that's what some of the boys were saying over their drinks.
I was just finishing me breakfast before heading on over for our officer's meeting aboard the Shark. I never did see the point of walking somewhere alone when company was available."
'The two muscle-bound ladies at your previous table nod back at the blue man's attention, though the shorter one also cocks the left side of her mono-brow and grins suggestively at the handsome genasi. The half-orc at their table narrows his gaze in A'ro's direction, while the little man, seeing the exchange, just starts slapping his leg as he hoots and hollers.'
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
Una slowly dresses and makes her way down stair, accompanied by a splitting headache and a constant grimace, when she gets down stairs she take a couple pieces of toast then waddles into a corner and sits on the floor, her bandana wrapped across her nose atempting to dampen the smell of bacon which is sickly and overpowering for una and her hungover state, slowly eating one of the four pieces of toast she grabbed before heading to crossbow training.
'Kay nods,' "I can imagine, I hope you are able to rest better once the Shore Shark sets sail. As for the bath, it was positively... divine, I've never experienced luxury such as that. M'lady I'm not one to be making false promises, but I will do what is in my power to ensure that your dear Vaken lives a long and storied life. May we all find fortune." 'Kay takes Lorana's hand and nods to her before taking her leave.'
'Kay eats the bread and bacon hastily and is in the midst of looking for something to wash it down with when she sees the other sailors making for the door. She remembers crossbow practice and tries to remember if Unawalyn was supposed to be there as well. Not willing to risk being tardy, she finds Lorana again.' "Would you... could you see if you can wake Unawalyn and tell her to come the field outside the town gates? I'd wake her myself, but I can't afford to have my pay docked further... we were warned not to be late." 'She squeezes Lorana's hand tightly, and kisses the air beside her ear by way of parting, leaving four silver behind.'
'She runs for the door, calling back to Lorana, and winks just before she disappears.' "For your sweet smile, demeanor, and wonderful service." 'She shouts from behind the doors,' "And one for good lady Beril!"
'She tries to beat the majority of the croud to the practice area.'
~♡~
A’ro just looked at the man and listened to him “Pleasure to meet ya then Daegrin – I must have missed it, sorry about that was nursing some wounds. Couldn’t agree with you more that company makes everything better.” He just continued to eat his food as he started onto the second mug of ale.
“I think I made him jealous…” he said turning to find his shipmate laughing and laughing along with him. He just finished his food and looks at the man “Get going or one more glass of ale?” he asked looking at Daegrin as he finished what was left in the mug.
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
'Despite their interactions last night, the barmaid seems puzzled at first with the constant attention and to-and-froing between Kay and herself, but as the young rogue leaves her with the squeeze of a hand and the kiss near her ear, as well as the four silver in her palm, the half-elf smiles shyly and calls back,'
"Thank you, miss. For agreein' to watch out for Vaken... and fer the coin! And thank you from Beril, too! And good luck with your journey an all!
Oh, and your tatooed drunk friend from last night was just down here, grabbed some toast as quick as you please and joined the cue leaving the tavern. Saw her right behind Vaken, heading out the front door!"
'As Kay quickly moves to and out the tavern's front door, she does indeed see the big cook Vaken out on the street and the toast-munching Una standing just beyond the door. The two stand amidst a large group of the Shore Shark's new crew, all apparently waiting for further instructions.'
'It is clear that Kay, Una and Vaken are not the only ones curious to see what the morning holds. Nearly a score of sailors stand with then. Most appear to be chatting with shipmates or milling about uncertainly, asking questions like 'why'd we have to up so damn early' or 'are we allowed to bring a cask or flask with us'? Despite the uncertainty however, everyone seems to be in a relatively fine mood, having both full stomachs and confirmed work aboard ship for a month at least.
Standing near the edge of the wharf about thirty feet away you see the dwarven Bosun and the hook-handed Northman conversing. Besides them is a medium sized wagon, stacked with a number of large boxes and small barrells. A single grey horse is tethered to the wagon and a sole sailor sits atop the wagon's seat, reigns in hand.
After a few moments, the Bosun turns to those gathered and shouts out in a voice that cuts through the morning air and silences the conversations,'
"Well good morning to ye! Glad to see that ye could be bothered joining us. Everyone's feelin' tip top, I take it? Good! I was about to send our large Weapon's Master here in to start kicking over tables and draggin' folks out by their ankles, but it looks like ye saved us both the trouble. Well done.
Before we go any further, I wanna address somethings I heard muttered about the place, both last night and this mornig, both with me own ears and ears that are mine in all but name. Firstly, yer all crew members of the Shore Shark now, which actually means a thing or two. Congratulations on that, by the way.
What it mostly means that you'll do what yer asked, when yer asked and in the fashion yer asked to, by the Captain, our First Mate, myself or any of the Shark's other fine officers... in that order! If'n ye have a problem with what yer being asked to do, you do it anyway and then AFTERWARDS yer bring yer grievance to me! Of course ye can ask for further information on the task if ye require it, though i'd hope we don't have too many simpletons among you lot, but you DO... NOT... QUESTION... THE... ORDERS... GIVEN! If at any time yer unsure what ye should be doing, ask the closest officer present. A ship can't function if 'er crew stop to question every order they're given or if her officers don't know that they can rely on their crew to get the job, WHATEVER job that may be, done! Am I making me'self clear so far?
Along a similar current, you're probably wondering what the chain of command aboard ship or ashore is. Well let me set ye straight on that one right now, in case yer a bit slow on the uptake. Your Captain is your god - what he says is DIVINE COMMAND! If good Captain Aundrey says 'jump in that flamin' fire pit, Mickey' then I want to hear you say 'Yes, Captain! Would you like me to baste myself first, Captain?' Still with me? Good!
After the good Captain, the First Mates word is final on ALL matters and stands cross-bart-deck above the wants of any other mere mortal, including me own wishes, your other officers wishes and CERTAINLY above your own or any of ye friend's insignificant wishes. First Mate E'strue has sailed these waters longer than most of ye' bald chin chowder heads have been alive. She's served with good men and aboard good ships. That's all ye need to know on that, but her ORDERS are NOT to be questioned... CLEAR?
After the First Mate though... Oh, ahh, my good little sea lice, MY... WORD... IS... LAW! This part is especially important, because I am YOUR personal representative on that boat! If you don't like something, anything, I want to know. I don't care if it's the cook's stew, the smell of the hold, the look ol' Roger sometimes gives ya when ya bend over... whatever you're unhappy about, YOU... BRING.. TO... ME! Directly to ME! You do not UNDER... ANY... CIRCUMSTANCE take your complaints to yer little group of shipmate buddies or to a junior officer... GOT IT!
Oh, I may tell you that you're being a blockhead about it, or I may not - in fact, as a big part of my job is to keep ye all in some semblance of happiness, I may actually act on your complaint. But that AIN'T the reason it's so important. The reason it's important is because, and again, best listen up here - INCITING... MUTINY... IS... A... HANGABLE... OFFENCE! Now i'm sure you all know what mutiny is and I'm sure you all know what hangin' is, so I won't need to belabour the point... right? WRONG! Mutiny is a hangable offence, o'course it is I hear ye say. But so is INCITING mutiny! For any who don't know what that means, it means complaining to the wrong people about decisions your betters have made, thinking that you and they may be able to make wiser decisions or do things better. Who are the wrong people to complain to? Everyone except... that' right, you guessed it... ME! All clear so far? Good!
The other officers ye'll be given commands by are our Pilot and Weapon's Master here, though that'll primarily when we're in a scrap, whether aboard or on land. The Master of Sail, in regards to ANYTHING to do with moving our beautiful boat from point A. to point B. The Quarter Master, when it comes to anything to do with ships provisions, crew equipment or the storage of goods taken aboard.
The other two officers who outrank ye lowly scum are our fine Navigator, who's primary job is to advise the good Captain and First Mate on our best course of travel, avoiding the MANY dangers of the sea, and our Ship's Mage, who's job it is to take care of any hookum-pookum we encounter, or if needed, to curse the livin' shite out of our enemies!
Ye'll all meet the officers this evening when ye may all stow ye gear aboard ship... after our fine Weapons Master and I are done with you. But fer now, good Master Unne here and I are going to take you up on that hill yonder and see if we can't teach you half-blind poxxy bastards how to load, aim and fire a crossbow without killing a fellow crew member!
We'll be takin all non-officers in two groups.. and you me pretties are first up. So... MOVE... YOUR... ASSES!"
'Standing to the side during the whole speech, Weapon Master Unne looks somewhat bored by the littler man's tirade, but at Bosun Drannick's last words, the huge Northman belows out,'
"You DOGS heard the wee Bosun here! Get your delicate little arses out the North gate and to the rise below that corpse of trees NOW! I'm with this slow moving wagon here, so if I get there before ANY of you worms..."
'The mighty Northman lets his words trail off, but the fearsome grin on his face leaves you all with little doubt that Unne REALLY hopes that some of you get to that rise after he does. Glancing around, the three of you notice that most of the crew are already hurrying through Rumbottom's streets towards the North Gate and the hills beyond.'
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
'Quarter Master Daegrin slaps A'ro on the lower back with a chuckle, not being quite able to reach the taller man's shoulder blades, saying,'
"Ahh, that's a good one, A'ro. And I can't say I think that man's death a shame, to be honest. I don't have much time for fools meself, to be perfectly frank. Sailin's serious business, as is priate hunting. Probably best that this Gaut fellow is lying in a corpse cart somewhere rather than preparing to sail with you and I, hmm?
And while another mug is tempting and all, I think we'd best get to this meeting..."
'The two officers are just standing, when Kestrell and Nubrel move up alongside the table. As Kestrell introduces himself, Daegrin smiles and puts his tiny hand out for the larger man to shake. When the bard mentions Nubrel however, the halfling frowns and says,'
"Well, good Navigator, I fear we'd best not tarry too much longer. The good Master of Sail and I were just preparing to head over to the Shore Shark for our little officer's meeting. First Mate E'strue does not strike me as the sort of lady tis wise to keep waiting.
Err, Nubil, was it? I think that non-officers were meant to meet out front of the tavern, or out on a hillside somewhere... something like that. I saw that big Northman in here earlier talking about how he thought it was a good idea to kill the slowest person on the day after hiring a new crew to instill a sense of urgency in the rest. Ye may want to make haste to your assigned post."
'You all hear an audible *GULP* from Nubril, almost causing the poor man to choke on a mouthful of half-chewed bacon, but nodding goodbye to Kestrell and the rest at the table, he spins around and half-runs, half-stumbles towards the door. The be-spectacled halfling laughs quietly and says,'
"Well shall we, my good fellows?"
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
“It’s a shame how that all went down – just wish he hadn’t been a stupid piece of sod to actually try and get physical. I just feel sorry for Kay, girl was put in shackles in front of everyone and called a murderer. It's good for the crew to know they have someone willing to protect them at such a cost, but still...” A’ro just looked down for a second and then back to the man as he mentioned continuing moving“I agree don’t want to be late on our first day.”
A’ro noticed that Kestrell and Nubrel had come down the stairs. He was a little surprised that Nubrel had not left for training yet. A’ro looked at Kestrell and nodded “I’m Aro Gale, pleasure.”
He watched as the quarter master messed with the Nubrel a little and just chuckled only adding to it “I’d run ther’ double time if I was you mate. Don’t wanna end up like that Gaut fellow and his mate from last night. Worst yet don’t want your pay cut three times for just being late.”
When it was just the three of them left he just looked at them “Probably best to get a move on then. So Daegrin and Kestrell, what’s your sailing experience like?” He was just trying to start conversation with the two to make the walk to the ship less quiet.
While they started walking he would sniff his hooded shirt and just look around hoping a street vendor would happen to be out selling something new that he could put on, hopefully a shirt and hooded vest of some sort. He didn’t really look that part of an officer of the ship, though he didn’t care for looks he knew that he would probably be judged for a while on that alone. It also occurred to him, he was probably going to be the youngest officer there as Daegrin had pointed out at the table.
[OOC:] perception check: 5
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
'Kay, Una and Vaken pass through the streets of the town in a hurry, as, much like the rest of your shipmates, it seems that no one wants to test whether or not Unne Ironhand is serious or not about the threats he's made. While the onshore breezes are still strong and gusty, as the Shark's new crew move away from the wharf and between the town's various buildings, they are afforded some protection from the biting wind. With no time right now to spend visiting the town's stores or otherwise engaging with the town's folk, the short trip to the North Gate passes quickly.
Nearing the gate just as the sun crests the horizon to the East, your large contingent of sailors sees that the gates have already been opened. However, you are all forced to move quickly to the side of the ten foot wide dirt and gravel road as an ornate carriage led by two fine black horses and a grey haired gnomish carriage driver speeds quickly through the opening, sending earth and small stones flicking out to either side. The gnome, who wears his long hair and equally long beard braided together on the left side of his pouting face, calls out,'
"Make way, you dunderheads! Dubol Ambersap, Lady of Rumbottom, coming through!"
'Having all cleared the way in time, the carriage thunders past and onto the streets beyond, apparently heading in the direction of the wharf on the town's Western edge, back the way you've all just came. Concerned that the small delay might have given Dranncik, Unne and the wagon time to catch up, the collective sailors rush through the open gates, and past the four Wardens standing guard. Both the half-orc Warden with the mohawk and the plain-faced younger woman are on duty, though neither seems to notice the three of you amongst the press of your fellows.
Making your way across the road beyond the palisade and over the small field beyond, you all eventually arrive at the base of a slight hill, which rises in a gradual North-Easterly direction. Some seventy-eighty feet up the rise, you see the large corpse of trees that Unne had indicated from outside the tavern. Ten or so feet infront of the trees, a few large, stripped branches and some painted round wooden panels have been used to errect crude targets. There look to be seven targets, all in a line running East-West, spaced with five foot gaps between each. Birdsong from the nearby corpse of trees and more civilised sounds from the still awakening town behind you fill the air.
Moments later, the rumbling of large wooden wheels heralds the arrival of the two officers and the wagon. Drannick and the other sailor get down off the bench and move around to begin opening the crates and barrells, while it appears Unne merely strode beside the wagon, his long strides easily keeping pace. As the other two crack open the containers and begin removing items, the Northman walks forward to where you are all gathered. Some of the sailors, whether from having either hurried beyond their capacity or plain lack of fitness, are panting for breath or sitting on the grass. Unne eyes these crewmen and women dangerously as he belows,'
"Did I say you could REST worms? I don't remember giving you leave to sit... ON... YOUR... FEET!"
'As the Weapon's Master, who has his greataxe strapped to his back in plain sight, continues to berate and instruct the assembled sailors, you all notice that the two men on the wagon have unloaded almost two dozen light crossbows from the large boxes, and are now removing leather cases jammed full of bolts from the small barrels. The weapons and ammunition are lain in neat rows near the wagons' tailgate, and Unne walks over to pick a crossbow and bolt case up to demonstrate, but it is Drannick who talks you through the instruction,'
"Crossbows are EASY weapons to master. A child can load and fire one. Are you children? No, I thought not... children are not usually so UGLY!
These are light crossbows, so even you twig-figures should be able to load, lift and fire one. To load the weapon, you pull the crank, which draws the string. You then CAREFULLY load the bolt. To aim the weapon, you place one hand beneath the body of the weapon HERE, and cradle the small stock against your arm and chest, like SUCH! To fire, you simply turn your body so that the front of the weapon and your lead foot are facing in the direction of the thing that you want to HIT, then you gently squeeze the trigger... like SUCH!"
'With a deep *TWANG* followed almost immediately by a loud *THUNK* Unne fires a bolt up the rise towards one of the targets. While it is hard to see the bolt itself at this distance, you all hear the contact and see the stand quaver slightly from the impact.'
"See... EASY! Okay, you seven are first. That's it, move yer backsides! Grab a weapon and a case of bolts, then go stand in a line there, where Unne is pointing. That's it! Good, now all ye have to do is show us that you know how to follow basic instructions and that you're not blind bottom feeders who ain't worth the smile from a two-copper whore. Right... let's GO!'
'Kay, Una and Vaken are motioned forward with the first group, alongside two young halflings, a red-headed youth and a dreadlocked man covered in tattoos. All seven of you stand in a line, take aim... and fire.'
[OOC] Ranged attack rolls with a light crossbow from Kay, Una and Vaken.
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 11 Damage: 6
Freya's attack roll Attack: 7 Damage: 5
Nern's attack roll Attack: 13 Damage: 3
Enzio's attack roll Attack: 17 Damage: 6
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 they walk along to the Shore Shark':
"I've been sailing for quite a while, mainly as the Assistant Navigator, and just on merchant vessels. So I'm excited about the Shore Shark. Oh look, there she is! Isn't she magnificent?"
'You leave the tavern together, walking South along the wharf in the direction that the tops of the Shark's mizzen and main masts can be seen in the distance, towering behind and above the buildings along the dock. A'ro recalls a tailor's clothing shop lies this way, perhaps the next street over, though the genasi can't see the store itself or be sure of its location.
As you continue along, you all hear a shout from back the way you came. Looking back, you see the tall Ship's Mage, Virtoris, run out from the Pirate onto the street, looking left and right, before he spots the three of you and hurriedly approaches.'
"Hail, friends. Or should I say 'fellow officers', eh? Thanks for waiting up. I was looking for the Captain or Bosun, but neither seems to be in the vicinity of the Pirate this morning. I guess we'll find one or both aboard the Shark, waiting for us at our appointed rendevous."
'Daegrin greets Virtoris warmly and teases the much taller man a little about his tardiness, before turning to look at the tops of the Shark's masts in the distance. The halfling smiles at Kestrell's enthusiasm, before answering the bard's question,'
"Aboard ship, I worked mainly on the merchant cog the Wench. Eleven years I served aboard her as stores master. She was a solid lass, easy on calm water and generous of hold. Unfortunately, she wasn't much for storms... more's the pity. Prior to that long stretch, I worked warehouses in Luskan, predominantly for some of the larger trading costers in that thieves den of a city. How about yerselves?"
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
[OOC] Vaken's attack roll: 8
'As the volley of bolts are fired with a series of *TWANGS* your fellow crew send up cheers and jeers of encouragement or discouragement respectively. Perhaps knowing that they'll each have to take their own turn, there are a lot more cheers than jeers. As the accompanying *TWACKS* reverberate from the top of the rise, you all hear Drannick call out,'
"Well, well... Not bad, not bad at all. Maybe you lot are all fit for more than fish bait and ballista cushions. And you, Freya, wasn't it, very nice indeed!"
'Apart from the large cook who is standing at one end of the line looking at his crossbow as though it just betrayed him, everyone else seems to be pretty happy with their first shot, though the only one to hit the target (almost) dead centre was the female halfling with the long black hair and the silver ear and eye piercings. The small woman looks at the almost identical looking male halfling to her left and tilts her head with a single eyebrow raised. It is clear from the displeased look on the male halfling's face that no words were necessary.
Leaving little more time for congratulations or commiserations, the towering Northman shouts out with his iron hook extended up towards the targets,'
"Cock, load, aim... FIRE!"
Vaken's attack roll Attack: 4 Damage: 7
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 23 Damage: 8
Freya's attack roll Attack: 22 Damage: 10
Nern's attack roll Attack: 5 Damage: 5
Enzio's attack roll Attack: 13 Damage: 3
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 thanks the barmaid for her time, grabs his tea, and proceeds to leave the Prancing Pirate. Making his way to the Shore Shark. He had to be quick, for he didn't know when they would be leaving port.He walked the muddy streets, still holding the melt from the winter's frost making the walk sloggy at best. He passes the small shops and businesses, hoping he might be able to stop in before he sets sail. Best not to dwaddle, though. He hurries through the town and makes his way to the main gate. He nods to the Wardens watching the gate and notes to himself to not piss off the half-orc with a mohawk. That one just looked intimidating.He looks up on the hill and sees the new recruits training with the Master of Arms. Why did they look so small compared to him? Maybe it was the way he stood, tall and fierce, the morning sun making him shine as a beacon over his trainees. Another one he wouldn't want to anger, that's for sure.Virtoris sees him, the bosun. What was his name again? He couldn't remember, not for the life of him. Oh, that's not a good start. But, he would figure his way around that. he picks up his pace and walks towards him at a brisk pace."Bosun, good morning, sir!" Virt calls out to him. "Beautiful day in'it? Dad and me used to pray for mornings like this, navigating our little piece of the coast. B-e-a-utiful day. What are me orders, sir? I'm new to this and just want to make sure me do everything right!""...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 Kay exits through the town gates she sees Beatrice and thinks about giving the warden a wave good morning, but remembers herself and decides against it. She does her best to stay toward the front of the pack of runners as they sprint up the hill, but purposefully holds back if it looks like she's going to pull to the front, not wanting to be the nail that sticks out. The uphill jog is tiring, but she does her best to remain standing, resting her hands on her thighs for support.'
'As the crossbows are presented, Kay looks at hers quizzically. She'd seen them before, watched people operate them even, but never fired one herself. It's heavier than she thought it would be, and but she does her best to emulate the stance of the others, her eyes darting back and forth between the target and the folk to her right and left.'
'When the Weaponsmaster commands them to fire, Kay is as ready as possible and exhales as she fires.'
'The bolt flies through the air and strikes the target center mass, and Kay smiles unconsciously, practicing the reload carefully. She's so focused on the practice that she doesn't hear the praise or jeers and doesn't think to participate.'
'Kay's still mentally celebrating her first shot when the Weaponsmaster commands the group to fire a second time and it catches her off-guard causing her to reel back from the recoil as she pulls the trigger.'
'The bolt arcs high and is caught aloft by the wind and for a moment Kay holds her breath watching it in flight. From its trajectory, she even thinks that it might just strike the target, but it sails over by a few feet, clattering on some rocks behind.'
'Kay's cheeks flush and she scolds herself, but practices the reload yet again a look of determination on her face.'
[ooc: the following spoiler is a pre-post for the 3rd volley because I'm not sure how available I'll be during work today]
'Kay watches Freya's movements out of the corner of her eye, having noticed that the female halfling is far and away the most adept. She slides a foot back and hefts the crossbow, lining up the iron sight of the crossbow with the target, feeling a soft wind blow through her hair. As the Weaponsmaster calls for the third volley Kay exhales slowly and squeezes the trigger and relaxes her shoulders, setting the butt of the crossbow on her foot gently as she watches the last bolt find its mark.'
[ooc: all attack and damage rolls pulled from private chat]
attack : 17 damage : 8
attack : 7 damage : 7
attack : 20 damage : 6
~♡~
"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.'
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.'
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
"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."
"...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
'Kestrell returns A'ro's smile':
"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!"
[OOC] Una's 1st 2 attack rolls: Attack: 10 Damage: 4 Attack: 24 Damage: 5
'The volley of bolts shoot up the rise to more shouts and cheers, most slamming into their intended targets with audible force, though a couple of the missles go astray, disappearing into the tree line beyond or shattering on rocks in the area.'
"Hmm, pretty damn good shootin' al'round, I'm forced to admit. A few of ye must be cyclops' in disguise or unfamiliar with the notion of consistency, but I reckon' that the lot of ye might at least force 'em buccaneers we'll be facin' to duck on occassion.
But a couple of ye... well, I'd have ye shootin' o'er me shoulder any ol' day. That was a shot, Una, a fine shot indeed. You again as well, Freya."
'Brannick looks at the towering goliath, the young red-head Nern and the lithe Kay with his disparaging remarks, though his withering gaze lingers mainly on Vaken, who seems to be struggling with a jammed crank.
Most of the others seem pleased enough, though the male halfling (Fillian, Freya's twin brother, you now know from the derisive comments being thrown his way from the other waiting sailors) seems particularly unhappy with the praise that Freya is recieving. Freya for her part looks happy, but with an almost imperceptible pout in Una's direction, not as happy as she was a moment ago.
Unne's voice roars above the noise from your crewmates,'
"Cock... load... aim... FIRE!"
[OOC] 3rd and final volley
Kay's attack attack : 20 damage : 6
Una's attack Attack: 9 Damage: 9
Vaken's attack Attack: 12 Damage: 6
Fillian's attack roll Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Freya's attack roll Attack: 19 Damage: 6
Nern's attack roll Attack: 7 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Enzio's attack roll Attack: 11 Damage: 8
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 hail of steel tipped projectiles rips into its buckler-shaped victims, the slighly mistimed volley connecting with staggered contact *tha-tha-tha-tha-TWACK*. Even the worst shot, Una's, appears to graze the edge of its target. Some of the crudely made targets look a little worse for wear, leaning backwards or slightly to the side after the battering that they've just recieved.
Brannick, standing behind the line of waiting sailors who are now familiarising themselves with their own weapons, says in a clearly pleased voice,'
"Ho, ho, HO, now! It would seem that I may have underestimated ye bunch of marginally useful lads and lasses. All-in-all, that was a solid performance... though of course solid on the sea will get you hit plenty and sunk right quick. I encourage you to aim fer excellence, not proficiency... like the very impressive miss Kay here."
'As you hear Fillian give his, now clearly displeased, twin a ribbing about her comparitively loose final shot, your Weapon's Master steps up beside the Bosun, motioning the next group forward. Before those of you in the front line have the chance to step back, Unne points at Kay, Nern, Una and Vaken, barking out,'
"NOT so fast! You four - get up there and straighten those targets. And see if you can't do anything to make them more secure... NOW!"
'Nern, his rash covered face and neck standing out almost as bright as his flaming red hair, merely nods, slinging his crossbow over his shoulder as he trudges up the slope towards the top of the rise. Upon reaching the targets, Nern goes to work trying to straighten and stabilise one of the targets, without much initial success.'
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