Meanwhile, back aboard the Shore Shark with A'ro, Kestrell and Virtoris
“Sounds good on all fronts, next time to meet up is dinner tonight – is there anything else for us to cover now or can we begin to wonder around this beautiful ship and finish up loose business in town, if we got any? A’ro was just curious, besides wanting to see the ship in all its grandeur he also wanted to conduct some business in the town before leaving.
”Understood, First Mate. My apologies. But, if that will be all, I have to go speak with Yentil. A’ro, would you mind walking out with me?” Virt stands up and asks the Genasi. Pushing his chair in he leans on it, now also getting hungry. Forgetting that he only had tea for breakfast, he decided that he was going to take Yentil to lunch once he caught up with him.
"Aye, Captain. Aye." 'Kestrell's voice drifts off as he continues to examine the tools. Then he picks his head up as if a thought just came to him:'
"Oh Captain, where would you like me to do my course plotting? I've used my quarters before, or a common room like this. Well, not as nice as this. And sometimes a room off the Poop Deck in order to be close to the pilot. Do we have such a place here?"
'Holding the glowing yellow vial in one hand, Captain Aundrey responds with a smile,'
"Well, I can appreciate that you are all keen to explore the ship and take care of other business, but before you depart, there is one other thing that I would like to show you."
'Having rolled up the Map, the First Mate rejoins the Captain and the rest of the now standing officers. E'strue reaches out towards Kestrell, handing the Navigator the Coastal Map and large iron key with a slow and deliberate nod, before responding to his question,'
"If ye had been listening, ye would have heard the Captain mention the Shark's navigation room, beneath the foredeck. It's a smaller room than this mind, but big enough for ye to do yer work. There's a lockchest in there with a number of charts of this part of the Shore, including some of the nearby documented islands, reefs and shoals."
'Both the Captain and the First Mate lead the junior officers back out onto the main deck, where the gusting onshore breezes have gotten stronger in their absence. Both climbing the poopdeck stairs to stand near the ships wheel, looking down on the other officers, the Captain seems about to say something when the clatter of something loud echos from the wharf near the ship's gangplank, followed by the distinct neighing of horses. A moment later, strong male voice with an almost lazy drawl calls out,'
"Hey there, ya'll ship's folk. The Lady Ambersap, Dubol of Rumbottom, demands entrance to that there vessel... right promptly like. Which is to say, NOW!"
'The bald-headed sailor Lionel, standing at the ship's rail atop the gangplank, looks down at whoever is calling from the dock and responds,'
"No one demands right of entry to a ship, mate. If'n the good Cap'n is willin' to grant yer mistress's request to come aboard, then she may, but NOT before."
'Captain Aundrey looks to E'strue with a less-than-surprised shrug, though the look on the First Mate's face is one of noticable displeasure. The Captain calls out in the direction of the gangplank,'
"Let them aboard, Lionel. And fair welcome to ye both, Guard Captain and Noble Lady both."
'The two people who brush past Lionel to stand upon the deck are almost polar opposites. The taller of the two, standing a good six-six with broad shoulders and a solid frame, is a fair haired man with a square jaw, shoulder length straight hair, a three-day growth and a crooked smile. The man, the Dubol's Guard Captain apparently, has longsword and daggers at his belt and is wearing gleaming scalemail armour. He also wears a fine brown and green longcloak, with the Ambersap crest displayed upon its fabric - a row of sugar cane upon a quartered field of gold and blue. The hood of the tanned man's cloak is down currently and he gives you all a firm nod and a thin smile as he strides confidently onto the deck.
The Dubol hereself is small by comparison, standing a mere five-feet-eight, and being slight of build, though as she storms aboard ship her manner clearly displays as someone used to being obeyed despite her physical stature. With long curly black tresses, fair-bordering-on-white skin and bright green eyes that sweep over the assembled officers before resting on the Captain, Lady Karindah Ambersap is clearly a woman of means. She is dressed in a fine gown of gold and emerald silk weave, over which a volominous russet-gold cloak of satin is draped. Twinkling saphires inset into gold glitter at the Dubol's ears and neck, while a number of silver and platinum rings adorn her slim fingers. Though no longer young, the noble woman would undoubtedly be considered beautfiul by human and like standards.
Those fingers reach out towards the young Captain as the Dubol says lightly,'
"I'm glad that your sea pup there didn't actually try to stop us boarding, fair Aundrey. It would have been a shame for Carvis to have had to harm the man here upon your beautiful new ship... especially considering our mutual agreement. You do remember that agreement, don't you, Aundrey? You know, the one where you promised to find a certain missing ship for me? Hmm?
I mean you are such a lovely charming young man and I really have enjoyed our... time together since you came to Rumbottom, but despite my regard for your dear father, I really must insist that you hold up your end of the bargain. It has been what, Carvis... three, four days now?"
'Captain Carvis does little to keep his obvious disdain for Captain Aundrey from his heavily accented voice,'
"The Yeast is six days late, Dubol. It's been four days since you agreed to the... Captain's request and struck your agreement."
'First Mate E'strue clears her throat, taking a half-step forward and seems about to speak, but Captain Aundrey places a calming hand upon the senior officers arm and replies,'
"No, my Lady, I have not forgotten our agreement. And of course, you are always welcome to visit us here aboard ship when we're at dock, though to ensure an amicable welcome, it's probably best to call ahead first. After all, it would be..."
'Captain Aundrey's words are cut short by a high pitched blood-curdling shriek that pierces the morning air. Glancing about, you are all unsure at first where the sound came from, but as another... then another... and another... and more of the shrieks assault your assembled ear drums, First Mate E'strue calls out in worried suprise,'
"Above... the skies, there's something... TO ARMS!"
'Reacting quickly, Guard Captain Carvis lifts the Dubol uncerimoniously from her feet and disappears down the gangplank, knocking Lionel into the water with a *SPLASH* as he does so. The First Mate and Captain draw their weapons as red, feathered creatures descend from above in a flurry of beating wings, slashing talons and savagely pecking beaks. Quarter Master Daegrin begins to run, but stumbles, the clearly frightened man calling out,'
"Bloodhawks... they're bloodhawks!!!"
[OOC] A'ro, Kestrell and Virt roll initiative please.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A'ro nodded as the man informed him there was one more thing to show them "Aye, Capt'in. Sounds good."
He followed the men as they led them out and watched as the encounter between the two occurred 'Funny how people who don't know ships just think they sail by themselves' came to his mind as he listened to the woman talk. Although beautiful she gave off the aura of entitlement, it was then his attention was grabbed by the shouting of bloodhawks.
'Having rolled up the Map, the First Mate rejoins the Captain and the rest of the now standing officers. E'strue reaches out towards Kestrell, handing the Navigator the [Tooltip Not Found] and large iron key with a slow and deliberate nod, before responding to his question,'
"If ye had been listening, ye would have heard the Captain mention the Shark's navigation room, beneath the foredeck. It's a smaller room than this mind, but big enough for ye to do yer work. There's a lockchest in there with a number of charts of this part of the Shore, including some of the nearby documented islands, reefs and shoals."
'Nodding his head, a slight flush coming to his cheeks and looking chagrined, Kestrell says meekly':
"You are right, my apologies, I should have remembered that." Kestrell looks E'strue in the eyes, smiles and says: "I remember it now though!"
'Kestrell follows the rest of the group out, and then tries to catch the eye of the Dubol, almost straining his cheek muscles with the large winks he was throwing her way.'
'The cries of alarm catch his attention, and he quickly sheaths his rapier wit and draws his Rapier and horn.'
...it was then his attention was grabbed by the shouting of bloodhawks.
'The genasi is almost thrown back into the mizzenmast by a bloodhawk's buffeting wings as a half-dozen of the creatures swoop down at various angles to tear and peck at the officers with their razor sharp talons and iron hard beaks. One of the red and black feathered beasts swoops in directly at A'ro's torso, wicked talons extended. Somewhat restricted in his movements by the mast and a couple of trailing rigging' ropes, A'ro is unable to avoid the creature's talons, which tear bloody furrows across the man's chest and right shoulder. The flesh-eating bird uses its powerful wings to hover in place, continuing to rip and tear at the Master of Sail.'
'Kestrell follows the rest of the group out, and then tries to catch the eye of the Dubol, almost straining his cheek muscles with the large winks he was throwing her way.'
'The cries of alarm catch his attention, and he quickly sheaths his rapier wit and draws his Rapier and horn.'
'Seeing the object of his sudden desire snatched away before his very eyes, Kestrell reacts swiftly, drawing blade and horn, ducking and weaving around the creatures... before being forced back hard against the ship's rail as one of the bloodhawks swoops down to slash at the tall bard, who adeptly steps beneath the angle of the strike, using the nearby railing as a shield which forces his attacker to pull up short in a banking maneouver carrying it away from the bard and back out over the water.
Virt, pushed up against the opposite rail, near the gangplank, sees poor Lionel shoved to a watery landing before the Ships Mage is attacked by another of the creatures in a flurry of wings and fury. As with A'ro, this bloodhawk pulls up in front of its prey, it's wings beating the air as it hovers beside it's fellow hunter, its fierce beak lashing out, once, twice, a third time - each strike leaving raw wounds in Virt's raised arms.
You all hear the frantic sounds of Daegrin's efforts to scamper to safety... but another piercing shreik from that direction raises doubts to the effectiveness of the halfling officer's flight. A moment later, a pained scream from the halfling confirms your fears that another of the carnivorous birds has attacked and likely injured the Quarter Master.
Twelve feet above you, Aundrey and E'strue twist and slash, sword and axe blade pitted against talon and beak, as the Captain and First Mate are forced back-to-back by two of the savage birds who seek to tear the living flesh from their bodies. Aundrey's heavier armour stand him in good stead, as his foe's talons and beak fail to penetrate the smith-forged steel. E'strue is not as fortunate, her leathers torn across one shoulder which now runs heavy with blood, as the First Mate swings two hand-axes at the creature, trying to slay it or drive it away.'
[OOC] Bloodhawks attacks vs A'ro Attack: 19 Damage: 5
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.
'Kestrell, ducking, diving, dodging and ...ducking crouches down by the rail, Rapier up, horn in his offhand, watching the evil birds shouts:'
"What in the good gods are these? Watch out up there!"
'Not seeing a good angle to get more than one with Faerie Fire without also affecting his shipmates, Kestrell casts Dissonant Whispers at the bloodhawk attacking E'strue, whispering at the bloodhawk:'
"Woo hoo, witchy woman, She got the moon in her eye, She held me spellbound in the night, Dancing shadows and firelight..."
[OOC] Bloodhawk must make a Wisdom saving throw of 14 or take 9 psychic damage.
'As a bonus action, Kestrell inspires Virtoris':
"Go Virt! Make 'em hurt!"
[OOC]1d6 Bardic Inspiration die good to add to an ability check, attack roll or saving throw in the next 10 minutes. Can be made after seeing the roll but before knowing the outcome.
'Kestrell, ducking, diving, dodging and ...ducking crouches down by the rail, Rapier up, horn in his offhand, watching the evil birds shouts:'
"What in the good gods are these? Watch out up there!"
'Not seeing a good angle to get more than one with Faerie Fire without also affecting his shipmates, Kestrell casts Dissonant Whispers at the bloodhawk attacking E'strue, whispering at the bloodhawk:'
"Woo hoo, witchy woman, She got the moon in her eye, She held me spellbound in the night, Dancing shadows and firelight..."
[OOC] Bloodhawk must make a Wisdom saving throw of 14 or take 9 psychic damage.
'As a bonus action, Kestrell inspires Virtoris':
"Go Virt! Make 'em hurt!"
[OOC]1d6 Bardic Inspiration die good to add to an ability check, attack roll or saving throw in the next 10 minutes. Can be made after seeing the roll but before knowing the outcome.
'As the bloodhawk that struck at him banks away from the ship, Kestrell's rapier flashes out beneath the ship's rail skewering the beast tail-to-beat in mid-turn, the gleaming tip of the rapier emerging briefly from the creature's open beak. Swiftly pulling his blade free, the now dead weight of the bird splashes down into the bay below.
The bard's whispered incantation at the bloodhawk attacking E'strue causes the creatures to angrily shake its head side-to-side, colliding hard with the nearby rail, though the beast manages to regain its senses and refocus on its prey. Seeing the momentary lapse in the bloodhawk's attention though, E'strue brings both handaxes down in swift strikes towards the fearsome predator. While the first swing goes astray, the First Mate's second hand axe slams down on the things head, splitting it's skull and beak both in two.'
[OOC] Bloodhawk attacking E'strue's wis save 7
E'strue's main and off-hand attacks Attack: 6 Damage: 6 Attack: 9 Damage: 5
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.
'Clutching at his torn arms and weakened by the blood loss, the heavily wounded Virt turns his back to the bloodhawk's fury and, clutching his favourite tool, incants words of health and vitality, focusing his myseterious magics on mending his own shredded flesh. Sighing in relief as his unusual magic begins to soothe his hurts, the Ship's Mage turns to look at the creature that attacked him... as a spark of flame ignites at the tip of his right index finger.
Hearing the cries of his wounded crew including E'strue, who fights directly at his back, Aundrey pulls a dagger from his belt as he attempts to run the creatue he is facing through using his rune-engrave rapier with a text-book lunge. As his slim blade slides fatally through the breast of the bloodhawk he is facing, the Captain spins around and throws the short blade at the bloodhawk attacking his Master of Sails. While the blade does little damage, it does score the creatures wing, eliciting a screech of fury.
Shouting feebly for assistance beyond this fellow shipmates, Daegrin stumbles desperately towards the safety of the doors beneath the foredeck, hoping to escape the bloodhawk that is harrying the injured halfling. The bloody-beaked creature pursues relentlessly and the Quarter Master barely gets through the doorway in time, slamming the door shut in his pursuer's face at the last moment.'
[OOC] Virt casts cure wounds on himself - 10
Aundrey's main-hand attack with the rapier Attack: 20 Damage: 10
Aundrey's off-hand attack with a thrown dagger at the bloodhawk attacking A'ro Attack: 20 Damage: 1
Daegrin uses his action to disengage and flee into the Officer's Cabin, pulling the door shut behind him.
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 at the creature and swears in pain at the one that just injured him. He just begins to float back to the doorway they just came out of as he moves his hand speaking in primordial as three darts of light shoot from his hand hitting the creature. He looks at it and retreats further in the doorway hoping to block it from getting him, as he plans his next move.
[OOC]
Bonus Action: Tempestuous Magic - As a bonus action, you can cause gusts of air to surround you before or after you cast a spell of 1st level or higher that allows you to fly up to 10 ft. without provoking opportunity attacks.
'As the already gusty wind aboard the Shark picks up into a mini-tempest around A'ro, the bloodhawk before him is struggling in the buffeting winds until the wounded wizard raises a hand to send three glowing darts of force blasting into it. The viscious flying beast is struck once, twice, three times, the focused magical energy sending its smoking form sliding across the deck in bloody heap.
All but gliding back to the Officer's Lounge door and crouching down to survey the deck, the genasi at first thinks the coast clear... but then catches sight a lone bloodred form streaking towards the bard Kestrell, who wounded, appears to also be making his way to the Lounge door, or perhaps the stair leading up to the poopdeck.
Unfortunately, the limping bard has his back to the swooping attacker, and the bloodhawk's talons strike true with audible impace and ferocity, sending Kestrell tumbling to the deck with bloody gouges up and down his back.
Hearing a shout of anger from above, Aundrey and those others on the deck glance over to see an enraged E'strue, blood still flowing from her own wounds, bound down the stairs to the maindeck and rush over to stand infront of the downed Navigator, bringing both of her hand axes to bare on the monster that struck Kestrell down. E'strue's first blow hacks through a wing joint sending the predatory bird to the deck, before the First Mate brings her second blade down on its neck, cleanly severing the bloodhawk's head from its body.
Kicking the creature's head into the harbour, the First Mate kneels down beside the unconscious bard to help tend his wounds. Seeing his First Mate tending to the only downed crew member aboard, Captain Aundrey still standing atop the upper deck, scans the skys above and around the ship for further enemies and, finding none, calls out,'
"Is everyone else okay? Daegrin are you alright in there? Lionel, is that you splashing around? Virt, can you see A'ro? And can someone please check on the Dubol and her man."
[OOC] Bloodhawk attack vs Kestrell Attack: 24 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...
"Here sir, I was lucky to kill the one that came at me." He said grasping his gut where the creature wounded him as he stood up from where he was crouching. He just tried to give a smile "Seems like I need to put something around my gut, I keep getting struck there. I'll check on 'em sir."
A'ro began making his way to Dubol and the man that was with her "Excuse the blood miss. Are you okay?" He asks keeping up his charming smile "Would hate for such a beauty to be hurt on our ship, wouldn't be good luck at all."
'As Kestrell regains consciousness, he sees E'strue bent over him tending to his wounds.'
"First Mate! How did we do?"
'Kestrell sits up, back against the railing, wincing a little.'
"What the heck were those?"
'Once Kestrell is able to walk, he picks up the slightly wrinkled map that he dropped to the ground when the attack occurred. Then rushes back to the Officers Lounge. He sweeps up the Navigation Tools and then rushes them down to the Navigation Room for safekeeping.'
'As Kestrell regains consciousness, he sees E'strue bent over him tending to his wounds.'
"First Mate! How did we do?"
'Kestrell sits up, back against the railing, wincing a little.'
"What the heck were those?"
'Once Kestrell is able to walk, he picks up the slightly wrinkled map that he dropped to the ground when the attack occurred. Then rushes back to the Officers Lounge. He sweeps up the Navigation Tools and then rushes them down to the Navigation Room for safekeeping.'
"Well I'm kneeling here talkin' to ye and yer talkin' back, so that's a fine start. And I can't be sure yet, but I think the others are all in one piece as well, more or less.
'Seeing the blood soaked bard trying to rise, E'strue holds the weakened man down for a second, until seeing that that the Kestrell is set on getting up, she eventually assists the injured Navigator to his feet as gently as she can.'
"Those things? Bloodhawks, or redtalons as most folk of the sea call'em. Believe it or not, our current state is a fair outcome all-in-all, if'n ye happen to be unlucky enough to encounter a flock of the flesh-feedin' things. I've always liked birds meself, but those particular feathers I can stand to live without glimpsin' again!"
'The First Mate then smiles and gives a nod of approval as she watches the Navigator worriedly pick up the Coast Map and then rush to store his precious new navigator's tools away.'
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...
"Here sir, I was lucky to kill the one that came at me." He said grasping his gut where the creature wounded him as he stood up from where he was crouching. He just tried to give a smile "Seems like I need to put something around my gut, I keep getting struck there. I'll check on 'em sir."
A'ro began making his way to Dubol and the man that was with her "Excuse the blood miss. Are you okay?" He asks keeping up his charming smile "Would hate for such a beauty to be hurt on our ship, wouldn't be good luck at all."
"I don't know about being lucky, Master of Sail, but that was some timely magic that you used to blast that bloodhawk with and another fine use of your perculiar aptitude with the wind. Your gut you say? Well, I've never seen a chain cumberbund before, but mayhap you could be the first to commission one, eh? And yes, please do. As we're already indebted to the good Dubol, i'd rather that we didn't add a blood debt to the ledger.
And will someone please fish poor Lionel out of the harbour!"
'Moving to the gangplank to look down on the wharf, A'ro sees the Dubol's long-lashed wide-eyed face peering out from the window of her covered wagon. Beneath the wagon itself you can see the dirt-stained face of a gnome with a strangely woven hair and beard braid. The gnome's eye's are wider than his mistresses, as not five feet away are the slashed and blood drenched bodies of three bloodhawks. Standing in the middle of the three slain beasts is the Guard Captain Carvis, armour scratched, cloak somewhat torn, but only a single superficial neck wound to show for the battle. The warrior is in the process of wiping his blood stained weapon off on his torn cloak.
Hearing A'ro's call from the above, both look up, though it's the Dubol who answers, clearly shaken but obviously unwilling to show as much, though the noble woman does not deign to leave the safety of her carriage,'
"Yes... yes, we're okay. Fine in fact. I've faced worse plenty of times, and of course Carvis here could have killed the lot by himself. Nicely done, Carvis. Perhaps I'll allow the young Captain to borrow your services, in order to try and train these... sailors of his with weaponry. I'd hate for pretty Aundrey to perish against the first pirate ship this motley crew run into... especially if it means that our missing ship is never accounted for.
You up there. Let Aundrey know that I'll expect word from him regarding that missing ship within the week. No longer. And tell him NO more excuses. Rybald, Carvis, let us go. I wish to return to the manor, immediately."
'The wizened gnome quickly climbs out from beneath the carriage and climbs aboard, taking the reigns and calming the clearly agitated horses. Before sheathing his weapon and climbing into the carriage with the Dubol, Carvis gives A'ro a sly grin and a duelist's salute. The carriage then clatters off down the wharf, dissapearing into the distance, gone as suddenly as it had come.'
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.
A'ro just smiled keep his kind face on as the woman went on her rant"Yes, he does seem like a good bodyguard to have miss."
He watches as the man gives him a salute and just waves back before turning to board the ship again. He waits for the carriage to be down the road a bit"She seemed fine Capt'in. She was quite a charmer." He just looked around and then up at the sails worried that they may have been damaged.
Brews and Stew for the Crew - Later that evening, with all crew now returned and aboard ship, the mood of the gathered sailors is high, despite the attacks of the day and the death of young Nern.
'Evening has arrived and a warm, almost balmy Summer dusk beckons. The yellows and reds of the day are fast fading into shades of grey and purple, the arriving sunset destined to be beautiful, even moreso when glimpsed out upon or over the waves. As the Captain, First Mate and now returned Bosun greeted and welcomed each sailor onto ship, the atmosphere aboard the Shore Shark brightend considerably. The bloodied corpses of the bloodhawks had been tossed into the sea and most of the blood scrubbed from the deck, while poor Nern's dead body had been taken by Weapon's Master Unne and the Enzio to the town's cemetary and resident grave digger. Upon returning, the oft-frightening Northman had seemed in better spirits, though a weary Enzio had not, the normally boisterous Islander sullen, nursing a noticable split lip and black eye. Though news of the young sailor's death had met with curses, frowns and much shaking of heads, the gathered sailors knew that life was hard and often short in these parts, and the sombre pall had soon lifted from the crew at the prospect of more free drink and a first night spend aboard their new home.
The tall blue form of the Master of Sail can be seen moving about the deck, weaving in between jovial and noisy sailors, as the man stares up at each sail, checking and rechecking every piece of sail and rigging after the bloodhawk attack upon the ship. The voice of Petey, a shaved headed young sailor of barely sixteen years, calls out for perhaps the sixth time,'
"I'm tellin' ya, Master Aro. I spent the last 2 hours climbin' the mizzen, main and foremasts and there ain't no sign of damage to neither sheet nor rope. I can climb'em again of course, but I swears to ye that the result'll be the same!"
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...
'Kestrell spent the rest of the afternoon organizing the Navigation Room, perusing the available charts, and familiarizing himself with the tools. He made a list of things he would need from town the next day, and planned to plot out their course for The Knuckles tomorrow as well.'
'Kestrell then went to the Shared Officers quarters to find his bed, and store his backpack and other equipment.'
'Before the officers dinner, Kestrell found his friend Nubrel and found out about the attack during crossbow training. Eventually Kestrell made his way to the Officers Lounge for dinner.'
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Kay waits on the dock for a long time, marveling at her new home, and giddy with excitement. Enough so that she barely even remembers the pain, and hardly notices the the rank smell of death that still sticks to her from disemboweling zombies. A broad smile seems stuck on the young rogue's face. Whether from excitement, or out of habit, Kay waits until everyone else has boarded so that no one will be at her back as she climbs the gangplank. When she finally does, she practically runs up, her thumbs looped in her backpack straps to pull it tight to her back as she goes.'
'Once aboard, Kay looks up in awe at the masts and sails and rigging, at all of the fine and polished details. She stays above deck exploring, at some point she leans over the bow to look at the shark shaped figurehead.'
'Eventually, her head craned upward, she bumps into the wheel. She looks down, examining it closely, her heart aflutter. Though she's too excited to take in every detail, there's something about the wheel that speaks to her. First looking around to see if anyone is watching, she runs her hand along the soft curve of the wood, and then grips two of the handles gently, closing her eyes as the sea breeze blows through her light brown hair.'
'Kestrell spent the rest of the afternoon organizing the Navigation Room, perusing the available charts, and familiarizing himself with the tools. He made a list of things he would need from town the next day, and planned to plot out their course for The Knuckles tomorrow as well.'
'Kestrell then went to the Shared Officers quarters to find his bed, and store his backpack and other equipment.'
'Before the officers dinner, Kestrell found his friend Nubrel and found out about the attack during crossbow training. Eventually Kestrell made his way to the Officers Lounge for dinner.'
'As promised by the First Mate, the Navigation Room is fairly small, with most of space beneath the foredeck taken up by the Officers Quarters. The space is more functionally appointed, with only a small table, three chairs, a writing desk and a medium-sized lockbox furnishing the room. A single brass lantern sheds light from the room's corner, though the pinks, purples and oranges of the setting sun pierce the multi-paned concave window to further brighten the room. While the decor is not as lavish as that in the Officers Lounge, the quality of the furnishings is still apparent - the woods are predominantly aged Birch, the chair's upholstery a deep blue/green leather, the metal banding on the lockbox wrought iron and the inkpot and quill upon the desk comprised of smokey quartz and a single goose's feather.
After unlocking the large flat chest, Kestrell finds, as promised, a half-dozen charts of various sizes and detail, all regarding the coastal regions, deeper waters and islands of the Southern Bitter Shore, which the Navigator spends an hour pouring over, though the building noise of sailors shouting and moving about outside interrupts his concentration. Unne's loud voice can be heard shouting something in the adjacent Officers Quarters, so Kestrell carefully and patiently puts everything away, heading 'next door' to see what all the fuss is about.
Out on deck, the bard-come-navigator's cloak is whipped around him, as the wind has once again picked up over the last few hours. Kestrell sees that about half the sailors on deck are intent on exploring the ship, climbing the rigging, entering/exiting the hatch or just running their hands along the Shark's still-smooth surfaces. The other half of the sailors are tapping small kegs of ale and casks of rum, finding spots to sit in small groups, whether on deck or down on the adjacent wharf. Torches on the wharf and lanterns aboard ship are being lit, and the sound of conversation and even a few notes of song is carried by the gusting Summer sea-breezes. Having caught up on events with his old shipmate upon his return from crossbow training, Kestrell catches sight of Nubrel sitting on a crate near the portside rail with three other sailors, one of which is a now dry Lionel. Nubrel is taking his turn throwing dice whilst laughing at something the bald headed sailor has just said.
Entering the Officers Quarters, Kestrell finds Daegrin and Unne within, apparently embroiled in an argument of some kind. Six sleeping pallets with small chests at their feet take up most of the space in here, though it would appear that two of the pallets have been dragged closer to one another, now almost forming one continuous longer sleeping pallet. The massive Northman seems largely amused by the whole episode, but his knee-high fellow officer is gesticulating wildly while shouting,'
"I don't care how big you are, hog-head. You only get ONE berth, same as ME! You can push my pallet back over there and pull your stinking boots out from beneath. I've had enough of your farting and belching in the last hour alone - I'll not tolerate it beside my sleeping head while at sea for weeks at a time!"
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 waits on the dock for a long time, marveling at her new home, and giddy with excitement. Enough so that she barely even remembers the pain, and hardly notices the the rank smell of death that still sticks to her from disemboweling zombies. A broad smile seems stuck on the young rogue's face. Whether from excitement, or out of habit, Kay waits until everyone else has boarded so that no one will be at her back as she climbs the gangplank. When she finally does, she practically runs up, her thumbs looped in her backpack straps to pull it tight to her back as she goes.'
'Once aboard, Kay looks up in awe at the masts and sails and rigging, at all of the fine and polished details. She stays above deck exploring, at some point she leans over the bow to look at the shark shaped figurehead.'
'Eventually, her head craned upward, she bumps into the wheel. She looks down, examining it closely, her heart aflutter. Though she's too excited to take in every detail, there's something about the wheel that speaks to her. First looking around to see if anyone is watching, she runs her hand along the soft curve of the wood, and then grips two of the handles gently, closing her eyes as the sea breeze blows through her light brown hair.'
'Captain Aundrey's welcoming voice greets the new sail monkey on her walk up the gangplank, though the ship's master is quickly distracted by something that the Bosun begins muttering to him. First Mate E'strue adeptly takes up the welcome party duties and giving the younger still-somewhat-worse-for-wear woman a friendly smile, says,'
"Aye, welcome home, young Kay. I heard from Drannick that ye all had somewhat of an eventful morning... as we ourselves did here aboard ship. Apparently though, ye were in the thick of it... once again? It would appear that ye have something of a knack for finding trouble, little miss."
'The Mate's words are not unkind in tone, nor demanding of a response, and as a group of nearby crewmates are all clambering for the attention of the Captain and senior officers, Kay decides to walk the starboard side rail, hand gliding along the railing as she looks up at the ascending rigging and mighty ship's masts, though the sails are all stowed and tied. Kay sees a number of shipmates climbing about in the rigging, including the two halfling twins and a young shaved headed sailor, all of whom seem to be having a great time swinging from spar-to-spar using loose lines, much like children at play.
As if in a trance, Kay moves around the small groups of gathered sailors, many of whom are now drinking and some of whom call out to Kay to join them, as she makes her way to the prow, taking the steps to the top of the forecastle and moving out to the stand at where the tip of the prow runs into the skillfully carved bowsprit. The fearsome aspect of the Shark's figurehead namesake is undeniable, even in the fast fading light of the day. The large war-machine, a "mangonel" two nearby crewmen are calling it, catches Kay's eye, it's large metal and wood components almost innocuous when considered against the pure destructive power of the weapon.
Continuing her rail-side navigation of the ship, and upon descending back to the main deck, Kay passes the now open hold-grate, around which a thick square of sailors, including her eventual saviour from atop the rise, the ever-quiet black dragonborn, Druht, are all sitting, drinking or talking, and occassionally shouting to other crew who are apparently below in the depths of the ship itself. Continuing on, the former urchin passes more of the Shark's artillery, this construct a somewhat more familiar looking ballista, quite similar in appearance to the crossbow she'd used earlier today, though just a little larger in scale. Walking up the stairs to the quarterdeck, Kay catches sight of the weathered oak tiller and a small flag on the aft-most point of the ship's rail, depicting a curled white shark of a field of navy blue. Higher than any other point upon deck, the wind is especially vexatious here, blowing about in a maelstorm of swirling gusts.
Hair blown about, Kay's eyes sweep the rest of the Quarterdeck, finally coming to rest on the large eight-pointed ship's wheel, all polished oak handles and shinning brass banding. Grasping two of the handles, Kay instantly feels the power and crushing weight of the ships movements, channelled through this most critical of instruments in small shudders and slight pulls to port and starboard. Marvelling at the skill, strength and dexterity clearly needed to control the movements of the ship via the wheel, Kay just stands there holding the wheel for long moments in the wind, eyes closed, wondering, imagining...'
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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“Sounds good on all fronts, next time to meet up is dinner tonight – is there anything else for us to cover now or can we begin to wonder around this beautiful ship and finish up loose business in town, if we got any? A’ro was just curious, besides wanting to see the ship in all its grandeur he also wanted to conduct some business in the town before leaving.
'Holding the glowing yellow vial in one hand, Captain Aundrey responds with a smile,'
"Well, I can appreciate that you are all keen to explore the ship and take care of other business, but before you depart, there is one other thing that I would like to show you."
'Having rolled up the Map, the First Mate rejoins the Captain and the rest of the now standing officers. E'strue reaches out towards Kestrell, handing the Navigator the Coastal Map and large iron key with a slow and deliberate nod, before responding to his question,'
"If ye had been listening, ye would have heard the Captain mention the Shark's navigation room, beneath the foredeck. It's a smaller room than this mind, but big enough for ye to do yer work. There's a lockchest in there with a number of charts of this part of the Shore, including some of the nearby documented islands, reefs and shoals."
'Both the Captain and the First Mate lead the junior officers back out onto the main deck, where the gusting onshore breezes have gotten stronger in their absence. Both climbing the poopdeck stairs to stand near the ships wheel, looking down on the other officers, the Captain seems about to say something when the clatter of something loud echos from the wharf near the ship's gangplank, followed by the distinct neighing of horses. A moment later, strong male voice with an almost lazy drawl calls out,'
"Hey there, ya'll ship's folk. The Lady Ambersap, Dubol of Rumbottom, demands entrance to that there vessel... right promptly like. Which is to say, NOW!"
'The bald-headed sailor Lionel, standing at the ship's rail atop the gangplank, looks down at whoever is calling from the dock and responds,'
"No one demands right of entry to a ship, mate. If'n the good Cap'n is willin' to grant yer mistress's request to come aboard, then she may, but NOT before."
'Captain Aundrey looks to E'strue with a less-than-surprised shrug, though the look on the First Mate's face is one of noticable displeasure. The Captain calls out in the direction of the gangplank,'
"Let them aboard, Lionel. And fair welcome to ye both, Guard Captain and Noble Lady both."
'The two people who brush past Lionel to stand upon the deck are almost polar opposites. The taller of the two, standing a good six-six with broad shoulders and a solid frame, is a fair haired man with a square jaw, shoulder length straight hair, a three-day growth and a crooked smile. The man, the Dubol's Guard Captain apparently, has longsword and daggers at his belt and is wearing gleaming scalemail armour. He also wears a fine brown and green longcloak, with the Ambersap crest displayed upon its fabric - a row of sugar cane upon a quartered field of gold and blue. The hood of the tanned man's cloak is down currently and he gives you all a firm nod and a thin smile as he strides confidently onto the deck.
The Dubol hereself is small by comparison, standing a mere five-feet-eight, and being slight of build, though as she storms aboard ship her manner clearly displays as someone used to being obeyed despite her physical stature. With long curly black tresses, fair-bordering-on-white skin and bright green eyes that sweep over the assembled officers before resting on the Captain, Lady Karindah Ambersap is clearly a woman of means. She is dressed in a fine gown of gold and emerald silk weave, over which a volominous russet-gold cloak of satin is draped. Twinkling saphires inset into gold glitter at the Dubol's ears and neck, while a number of silver and platinum rings adorn her slim fingers. Though no longer young, the noble woman would undoubtedly be considered beautfiul by human and like standards.
Those fingers reach out towards the young Captain as the Dubol says lightly,'
"I'm glad that your sea pup there didn't actually try to stop us boarding, fair Aundrey. It would have been a shame for Carvis to have had to harm the man here upon your beautiful new ship... especially considering our mutual agreement. You do remember that agreement, don't you, Aundrey? You know, the one where you promised to find a certain missing ship for me? Hmm?
I mean you are such a lovely charming young man and I really have enjoyed our... time together since you came to Rumbottom, but despite my regard for your dear father, I really must insist that you hold up your end of the bargain. It has been what, Carvis... three, four days now?"
'Captain Carvis does little to keep his obvious disdain for Captain Aundrey from his heavily accented voice,'
"The Yeast is six days late, Dubol. It's been four days since you agreed to the... Captain's request and struck your agreement."
'First Mate E'strue clears her throat, taking a half-step forward and seems about to speak, but Captain Aundrey places a calming hand upon the senior officers arm and replies,'
"No, my Lady, I have not forgotten our agreement. And of course, you are always welcome to visit us here aboard ship when we're at dock, though to ensure an amicable welcome, it's probably best to call ahead first. After all, it would be..."
'Captain Aundrey's words are cut short by a high pitched blood-curdling shriek that pierces the morning air. Glancing about, you are all unsure at first where the sound came from, but as another... then another... and another... and more of the shrieks assault your assembled ear drums, First Mate E'strue calls out in worried suprise,'
"Above... the skies, there's something... TO ARMS!"
'Reacting quickly, Guard Captain Carvis lifts the Dubol uncerimoniously from her feet and disappears down the gangplank, knocking Lionel into the water with a *SPLASH* as he does so. The First Mate and Captain draw their weapons as red, feathered creatures descend from above in a flurry of beating wings, slashing talons and savagely pecking beaks. Quarter Master Daegrin begins to run, but stumbles, the clearly frightened man calling out,'
"Bloodhawks... they're bloodhawks!!!"
[OOC] A'ro, Kestrell and Virt roll initiative please.
Current Initiatve Order
Bloodhawks 17
Kestrell 16
First Mate E'strue 8
Virtoris 7
Captain Aundrey 7
Quarter Master Daegrin 3
A'ro 2
https://imgur.com/7ODBMRm
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
A'ro nodded as the man informed him there was one more thing to show them "Aye, Capt'in. Sounds good."
He followed the men as they led them out and watched as the encounter between the two occurred 'Funny how people who don't know ships just think they sail by themselves' came to his mind as he listened to the woman talk. Although beautiful she gave off the aura of entitlement, it was then his attention was grabbed by the shouting of bloodhawks.
[OOC]: Initative: 12
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
'Nodding his head, a slight flush coming to his cheeks and looking chagrined, Kestrell says meekly':
"You are right, my apologies, I should have remembered that." Kestrell looks E'strue in the eyes, smiles and says: "I remember it now though!"
'Kestrell follows the rest of the group out, and then tries to catch the eye of the Dubol, almost straining his cheek muscles with the large winks he was throwing her way.'
'The cries of alarm catch his attention, and he quickly sheaths his rapier wit and draws his Rapier and horn.'
OOC: Initiative: 9
'The genasi is almost thrown back into the mizzenmast by a bloodhawk's buffeting wings as a half-dozen of the creatures swoop down at various angles to tear and peck at the officers with their razor sharp talons and iron hard beaks. One of the red and black feathered beasts swoops in directly at A'ro's torso, wicked talons extended. Somewhat restricted in his movements by the mast and a couple of trailing rigging' ropes, A'ro is unable to avoid the creature's talons, which tear bloody furrows across the man's chest and right shoulder. The flesh-eating bird uses its powerful wings to hover in place, continuing to rip and tear at the Master of Sail.'
'Seeing the object of his sudden desire snatched away before his very eyes, Kestrell reacts swiftly, drawing blade and horn, ducking and weaving around the creatures... before being forced back hard against the ship's rail as one of the bloodhawks swoops down to slash at the tall bard, who adeptly steps beneath the angle of the strike, using the nearby railing as a shield which forces his attacker to pull up short in a banking maneouver carrying it away from the bard and back out over the water.
Virt, pushed up against the opposite rail, near the gangplank, sees poor Lionel shoved to a watery landing before the Ships Mage is attacked by another of the creatures in a flurry of wings and fury. As with A'ro, this bloodhawk pulls up in front of its prey, it's wings beating the air as it hovers beside it's fellow hunter, its fierce beak lashing out, once, twice, a third time - each strike leaving raw wounds in Virt's raised arms.
You all hear the frantic sounds of Daegrin's efforts to scamper to safety... but another piercing shreik from that direction raises doubts to the effectiveness of the halfling officer's flight. A moment later, a pained scream from the halfling confirms your fears that another of the carnivorous birds has attacked and likely injured the Quarter Master.
Twelve feet above you, Aundrey and E'strue twist and slash, sword and axe blade pitted against talon and beak, as the Captain and First Mate are forced back-to-back by two of the savage birds who seek to tear the living flesh from their bodies. Aundrey's heavier armour stand him in good stead, as his foe's talons and beak fail to penetrate the smith-forged steel. E'strue is not as fortunate, her leathers torn across one shoulder which now runs heavy with blood, as the First Mate swings two hand-axes at the creature, trying to slay it or drive it away.'
[OOC] Bloodhawks attacks vs A'ro Attack: 19 Damage: 5
vs Kestrell Attack: 9 Damage: 5
vs Virt Attack: 21 Damage: 5
vs Aundrey Attack: 13 Damage: 5
vs E'strue Attack: 16 Damage: 6
vs Daegrin Attack: 23 Damage: 5
Kestrell is up, then (NPC) E'strue then Virtoris
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
'Kestrell, ducking, diving, dodging and ...ducking crouches down by the rail, Rapier up, horn in his offhand, watching the evil birds shouts:'
"What in the good gods are these? Watch out up there!"
'Not seeing a good angle to get more than one with Faerie Fire without also affecting his shipmates, Kestrell casts Dissonant Whispers at the bloodhawk attacking E'strue, whispering at the bloodhawk:'
"Woo hoo, witchy woman, She got the moon in her eye, She held me spellbound in the night, Dancing shadows and firelight..."
[OOC] Bloodhawk must make a Wisdom saving throw of 14 or take 9 psychic damage.
'As a bonus action, Kestrell inspires Virtoris':
"Go Virt! Make 'em hurt!"
[OOC]1d6 Bardic Inspiration die good to add to an ability check, attack roll or saving throw in the next 10 minutes. Can be made after seeing the roll but before knowing the outcome.
'As the bloodhawk that struck at him banks away from the ship, Kestrell's rapier flashes out beneath the ship's rail skewering the beast tail-to-beat in mid-turn, the gleaming tip of the rapier emerging briefly from the creature's open beak. Swiftly pulling his blade free, the now dead weight of the bird splashes down into the bay below.
The bard's whispered incantation at the bloodhawk attacking E'strue causes the creatures to angrily shake its head side-to-side, colliding hard with the nearby rail, though the beast manages to regain its senses and refocus on its prey. Seeing the momentary lapse in the bloodhawk's attention though, E'strue brings both handaxes down in swift strikes towards the fearsome predator. While the first swing goes astray, the First Mate's second hand axe slams down on the things head, splitting it's skull and beak both in two.'
[OOC] Bloodhawk attacking E'strue's wis save 7
E'strue's main and off-hand attacks Attack: 6 Damage: 6
Attack: 9 Damage: 5
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
'Clutching at his torn arms and weakened by the blood loss, the heavily wounded Virt turns his back to the bloodhawk's fury and, clutching his favourite tool, incants words of health and vitality, focusing his myseterious magics on mending his own shredded flesh. Sighing in relief as his unusual magic begins to soothe his hurts, the Ship's Mage turns to look at the creature that attacked him... as a spark of flame ignites at the tip of his right index finger.
Hearing the cries of his wounded crew including E'strue, who fights directly at his back, Aundrey pulls a dagger from his belt as he attempts to run the creatue he is facing through using his rune-engrave rapier with a text-book lunge. As his slim blade slides fatally through the breast of the bloodhawk he is facing, the Captain spins around and throws the short blade at the bloodhawk attacking his Master of Sails. While the blade does little damage, it does score the creatures wing, eliciting a screech of fury.
Shouting feebly for assistance beyond this fellow shipmates, Daegrin stumbles desperately towards the safety of the doors beneath the foredeck, hoping to escape the bloodhawk that is harrying the injured halfling. The bloody-beaked creature pursues relentlessly and the Quarter Master barely gets through the doorway in time, slamming the door shut in his pursuer's face at the last moment.'
[OOC] Virt casts cure wounds on himself - 10
Aundrey's main-hand attack with the rapier Attack: 20 Damage: 10
Aundrey's off-hand attack with a thrown dagger at the bloodhawk attacking A'ro Attack: 20 Damage: 1
Daegrin uses his action to disengage and flee into the Officer's Cabin, pulling the door shut behind him.
A'ro is up
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
A'ro looks at the creature and swears in pain at the one that just injured him. He just begins to float back to the doorway they just came out of as he moves his hand speaking in primordial as three darts of light shoot from his hand hitting the creature. He looks at it and retreats further in the doorway hoping to block it from getting him, as he plans his next move.
[OOC]
Bonus Action: Tempestuous Magic - As a bonus action, you can cause gusts of air to surround you before or after you cast a spell of 1st level or higher that allows you to fly up to 10 ft. without provoking opportunity attacks.
Action: magic missile at the one that hit me.
12
(My bad set wrong dice)9
Movement: Move back down from where we came from for cover.
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
'As the already gusty wind aboard the Shark picks up into a mini-tempest around A'ro, the bloodhawk before him is struggling in the buffeting winds until the wounded wizard raises a hand to send three glowing darts of force blasting into it. The viscious flying beast is struck once, twice, three times, the focused magical energy sending its smoking form sliding across the deck in bloody heap.
All but gliding back to the Officer's Lounge door and crouching down to survey the deck, the genasi at first thinks the coast clear... but then catches sight a lone bloodred form streaking towards the bard Kestrell, who wounded, appears to also be making his way to the Lounge door, or perhaps the stair leading up to the poopdeck.
Unfortunately, the limping bard has his back to the swooping attacker, and the bloodhawk's talons strike true with audible impace and ferocity, sending Kestrell tumbling to the deck with bloody gouges up and down his back.
Hearing a shout of anger from above, Aundrey and those others on the deck glance over to see an enraged E'strue, blood still flowing from her own wounds, bound down the stairs to the maindeck and rush over to stand infront of the downed Navigator, bringing both of her hand axes to bare on the monster that struck Kestrell down. E'strue's first blow hacks through a wing joint sending the predatory bird to the deck, before the First Mate brings her second blade down on its neck, cleanly severing the bloodhawk's head from its body.
Kicking the creature's head into the harbour, the First Mate kneels down beside the unconscious bard to help tend his wounds. Seeing his First Mate tending to the only downed crew member aboard, Captain Aundrey still standing atop the upper deck, scans the skys above and around the ship for further enemies and, finding none, calls out,'
"Is everyone else okay? Daegrin are you alright in there? Lionel, is that you splashing around? Virt, can you see A'ro? And can someone please check on the Dubol and her man."
[OOC] Bloodhawk attack vs Kestrell Attack: 24 Damage: 8
E'strue's main hand attack Attack: 22 Damage: 2
Off-hand attack Attack: 23 Damage: 11
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
"Here sir, I was lucky to kill the one that came at me." He said grasping his gut where the creature wounded him as he stood up from where he was crouching. He just tried to give a smile "Seems like I need to put something around my gut, I keep getting struck there. I'll check on 'em sir."
A'ro began making his way to Dubol and the man that was with her "Excuse the blood miss. Are you okay?" He asks keeping up his charming smile "Would hate for such a beauty to be hurt on our ship, wouldn't be good luck at all."
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
'As Kestrell regains consciousness, he sees E'strue bent over him tending to his wounds.'
"First Mate! How did we do?"
'Kestrell sits up, back against the railing, wincing a little.'
"What the heck were those?"
'Once Kestrell is able to walk, he picks up the slightly wrinkled map that he dropped to the ground when the attack occurred. Then rushes back to the Officers Lounge. He sweeps up the Navigation Tools and then rushes them down to the Navigation Room for safekeeping.'
"Well I'm kneeling here talkin' to ye and yer talkin' back, so that's a fine start. And I can't be sure yet, but I think the others are all in one piece as well, more or less.
'Seeing the blood soaked bard trying to rise, E'strue holds the weakened man down for a second, until seeing that that the Kestrell is set on getting up, she eventually assists the injured Navigator to his feet as gently as she can.'
"Those things? Bloodhawks, or redtalons as most folk of the sea call'em. Believe it or not, our current state is a fair outcome all-in-all, if'n ye happen to be unlucky enough to encounter a flock of the flesh-feedin' things. I've always liked birds meself, but those particular feathers I can stand to live without glimpsin' again!"
'The First Mate then smiles and gives a nod of approval as she watches the Navigator worriedly pick up the Coast Map and then rush to store his precious new navigator's tools away.'
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
"I don't know about being lucky, Master of Sail, but that was some timely magic that you used to blast that bloodhawk with and another fine use of your perculiar aptitude with the wind. Your gut you say? Well, I've never seen a chain cumberbund before, but mayhap you could be the first to commission one, eh? And yes, please do. As we're already indebted to the good Dubol, i'd rather that we didn't add a blood debt to the ledger.
And will someone please fish poor Lionel out of the harbour!"
'Moving to the gangplank to look down on the wharf, A'ro sees the Dubol's long-lashed wide-eyed face peering out from the window of her covered wagon. Beneath the wagon itself you can see the dirt-stained face of a gnome with a strangely woven hair and beard braid. The gnome's eye's are wider than his mistresses, as not five feet away are the slashed and blood drenched bodies of three bloodhawks. Standing in the middle of the three slain beasts is the Guard Captain Carvis, armour scratched, cloak somewhat torn, but only a single superficial neck wound to show for the battle. The warrior is in the process of wiping his blood stained weapon off on his torn cloak.
Hearing A'ro's call from the above, both look up, though it's the Dubol who answers, clearly shaken but obviously unwilling to show as much, though the noble woman does not deign to leave the safety of her carriage,'
"Yes... yes, we're okay. Fine in fact. I've faced worse plenty of times, and of course Carvis here could have killed the lot by himself. Nicely done, Carvis. Perhaps I'll allow the young Captain to borrow your services, in order to try and train these... sailors of his with weaponry. I'd hate for pretty Aundrey to perish against the first pirate ship this motley crew run into... especially if it means that our missing ship is never accounted for.
You up there. Let Aundrey know that I'll expect word from him regarding that missing ship within the week. No longer. And tell him NO more excuses. Rybald, Carvis, let us go. I wish to return to the manor, immediately."
'The wizened gnome quickly climbs out from beneath the carriage and climbs aboard, taking the reigns and calming the clearly agitated horses. Before sheathing his weapon and climbing into the carriage with the Dubol, Carvis gives A'ro a sly grin and a duelist's salute. The carriage then clatters off down the wharf, dissapearing into the distance, gone as suddenly as it had come.'
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
A'ro just smiled keep his kind face on as the woman went on her rant "Yes, he does seem like a good bodyguard to have miss."
He watches as the man gives him a salute and just waves back before turning to board the ship again. He waits for the carriage to be down the road a bit "She seemed fine Capt'in. She was quite a charmer." He just looked around and then up at the sails worried that they may have been damaged.
[OOC] perception check: 14
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
Brews and Stew for the Crew - Later that evening, with all crew now returned and aboard ship, the mood of the gathered sailors is high, despite the attacks of the day and the death of young Nern.
'Evening has arrived and a warm, almost balmy Summer dusk beckons. The yellows and reds of the day are fast fading into shades of grey and purple, the arriving sunset destined to be beautiful, even moreso when glimpsed out upon or over the waves. As the Captain, First Mate and now returned Bosun greeted and welcomed each sailor onto ship, the atmosphere aboard the Shore Shark brightend considerably. The bloodied corpses of the bloodhawks had been tossed into the sea and most of the blood scrubbed from the deck, while poor Nern's dead body had been taken by Weapon's Master Unne and the Enzio to the town's cemetary and resident grave digger. Upon returning, the oft-frightening Northman had seemed in better spirits, though a weary Enzio had not, the normally boisterous Islander sullen, nursing a noticable split lip and black eye. Though news of the young sailor's death had met with curses, frowns and much shaking of heads, the gathered sailors knew that life was hard and often short in these parts, and the sombre pall had soon lifted from the crew at the prospect of more free drink and a first night spend aboard their new home.
The tall blue form of the Master of Sail can be seen moving about the deck, weaving in between jovial and noisy sailors, as the man stares up at each sail, checking and rechecking every piece of sail and rigging after the bloodhawk attack upon the ship. The voice of Petey, a shaved headed young sailor of barely sixteen years, calls out for perhaps the sixth time,'
"I'm tellin' ya, Master Aro. I spent the last 2 hours climbin' the mizzen, main and foremasts and there ain't no sign of damage to neither sheet nor rope. I can climb'em again of course, but I swears to ye that the result'll be the same!"
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
'Kestrell spent the rest of the afternoon organizing the Navigation Room, perusing the available charts, and familiarizing himself with the tools. He made a list of things he would need from town the next day, and planned to plot out their course for The Knuckles tomorrow as well.'
'Kestrell then went to the Shared Officers quarters to find his bed, and store his backpack and other equipment.'
'Before the officers dinner, Kestrell found his friend Nubrel and found out about the attack during crossbow training. Eventually Kestrell made his way to the Officers Lounge for dinner.'
'Kay waits on the dock for a long time, marveling at her new home, and giddy with excitement. Enough so that she barely even remembers the pain, and hardly notices the the rank smell of death that still sticks to her from disemboweling zombies. A broad smile seems stuck on the young rogue's face. Whether from excitement, or out of habit, Kay waits until everyone else has boarded so that no one will be at her back as she climbs the gangplank. When she finally does, she practically runs up, her thumbs looped in her backpack straps to pull it tight to her back as she goes.'
'Once aboard, Kay looks up in awe at the masts and sails and rigging, at all of the fine and polished details. She stays above deck exploring, at some point she leans over the bow to look at the shark shaped figurehead.'
'Eventually, her head craned upward, she bumps into the wheel. She looks down, examining it closely, her heart aflutter. Though she's too excited to take in every detail, there's something about the wheel that speaks to her. First looking around to see if anyone is watching, she runs her hand along the soft curve of the wood, and then grips two of the handles gently, closing her eyes as the sea breeze blows through her light brown hair.'
[ooc : perception : 9 ha!]
~♡~
'As promised by the First Mate, the Navigation Room is fairly small, with most of space beneath the foredeck taken up by the Officers Quarters. The space is more functionally appointed, with only a small table, three chairs, a writing desk and a medium-sized lockbox furnishing the room. A single brass lantern sheds light from the room's corner, though the pinks, purples and oranges of the setting sun pierce the multi-paned concave window to further brighten the room. While the decor is not as lavish as that in the Officers Lounge, the quality of the furnishings is still apparent - the woods are predominantly aged Birch, the chair's upholstery a deep blue/green leather, the metal banding on the lockbox wrought iron and the inkpot and quill upon the desk comprised of smokey quartz and a single goose's feather.
After unlocking the large flat chest, Kestrell finds, as promised, a half-dozen charts of various sizes and detail, all regarding the coastal regions, deeper waters and islands of the Southern Bitter Shore, which the Navigator spends an hour pouring over, though the building noise of sailors shouting and moving about outside interrupts his concentration. Unne's loud voice can be heard shouting something in the adjacent Officers Quarters, so Kestrell carefully and patiently puts everything away, heading 'next door' to see what all the fuss is about.
Out on deck, the bard-come-navigator's cloak is whipped around him, as the wind has once again picked up over the last few hours. Kestrell sees that about half the sailors on deck are intent on exploring the ship, climbing the rigging, entering/exiting the hatch or just running their hands along the Shark's still-smooth surfaces. The other half of the sailors are tapping small kegs of ale and casks of rum, finding spots to sit in small groups, whether on deck or down on the adjacent wharf. Torches on the wharf and lanterns aboard ship are being lit, and the sound of conversation and even a few notes of song is carried by the gusting Summer sea-breezes. Having caught up on events with his old shipmate upon his return from crossbow training, Kestrell catches sight of Nubrel sitting on a crate near the portside rail with three other sailors, one of which is a now dry Lionel. Nubrel is taking his turn throwing dice whilst laughing at something the bald headed sailor has just said.
Entering the Officers Quarters, Kestrell finds Daegrin and Unne within, apparently embroiled in an argument of some kind. Six sleeping pallets with small chests at their feet take up most of the space in here, though it would appear that two of the pallets have been dragged closer to one another, now almost forming one continuous longer sleeping pallet. The massive Northman seems largely amused by the whole episode, but his knee-high fellow officer is gesticulating wildly while shouting,'
"I don't care how big you are, hog-head. You only get ONE berth, same as ME! You can push my pallet back over there and pull your stinking boots out from beneath. I've had enough of your farting and belching in the last hour alone - I'll not tolerate it beside my sleeping head while at sea for weeks at a time!"
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
"Welcome aboard your new home, miss Kay."
'Captain Aundrey's welcoming voice greets the new sail monkey on her walk up the gangplank, though the ship's master is quickly distracted by something that the Bosun begins muttering to him. First Mate E'strue adeptly takes up the welcome party duties and giving the younger still-somewhat-worse-for-wear woman a friendly smile, says,'
"Aye, welcome home, young Kay. I heard from Drannick that ye all had somewhat of an eventful morning... as we ourselves did here aboard ship. Apparently though, ye were in the thick of it... once again? It would appear that ye have something of a knack for finding trouble, little miss."
'The Mate's words are not unkind in tone, nor demanding of a response, and as a group of nearby crewmates are all clambering for the attention of the Captain and senior officers, Kay decides to walk the starboard side rail, hand gliding along the railing as she looks up at the ascending rigging and mighty ship's masts, though the sails are all stowed and tied. Kay sees a number of shipmates climbing about in the rigging, including the two halfling twins and a young shaved headed sailor, all of whom seem to be having a great time swinging from spar-to-spar using loose lines, much like children at play.
As if in a trance, Kay moves around the small groups of gathered sailors, many of whom are now drinking and some of whom call out to Kay to join them, as she makes her way to the prow, taking the steps to the top of the forecastle and moving out to the stand at where the tip of the prow runs into the skillfully carved bowsprit. The fearsome aspect of the Shark's figurehead namesake is undeniable, even in the fast fading light of the day. The large war-machine, a "mangonel" two nearby crewmen are calling it, catches Kay's eye, it's large metal and wood components almost innocuous when considered against the pure destructive power of the weapon.
Continuing her rail-side navigation of the ship, and upon descending back to the main deck, Kay passes the now open hold-grate, around which a thick square of sailors, including her eventual saviour from atop the rise, the ever-quiet black dragonborn, Druht, are all sitting, drinking or talking, and occassionally shouting to other crew who are apparently below in the depths of the ship itself. Continuing on, the former urchin passes more of the Shark's artillery, this construct a somewhat more familiar looking ballista, quite similar in appearance to the crossbow she'd used earlier today, though just a little larger in scale. Walking up the stairs to the quarterdeck, Kay catches sight of the weathered oak tiller and a small flag on the aft-most point of the ship's rail, depicting a curled white shark of a field of navy blue. Higher than any other point upon deck, the wind is especially vexatious here, blowing about in a maelstorm of swirling gusts.
Hair blown about, Kay's eyes sweep the rest of the Quarterdeck, finally coming to rest on the large eight-pointed ship's wheel, all polished oak handles and shinning brass banding. Grasping two of the handles, Kay instantly feels the power and crushing weight of the ships movements, channelled through this most critical of instruments in small shudders and slight pulls to port and starboard. Marvelling at the skill, strength and dexterity clearly needed to control the movements of the ship via the wheel, Kay just stands there holding the wheel for long moments in the wind, eyes closed, wondering, imagining...'
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