This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"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!"
"Aye Pete, thank ya for checking. I just wanted to be sure. Go and enjoy yourself." He said smiling as he patted the boy on the back "Sorry for all the hassle."
He just walked off to the side of the ship and stared off into the distance - enjoying the breeze and smell of the salt air. He honestly couldn't wait to get back to open water and just enjoy the freedom that came with sailing. When it came time for the officers dinner he just retreated to the officers lounge smiling as he passed the crew "Enjoy yourselves crew, for soon we set out for true freedom of the open waters. Nothing beats her, not even the best girls or men in town." His voice was confident, trying to help keep people from thinking of their crew-men's death earlier.
"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!"
"Aye Pete, thank ya for checking. I just wanted to be sure. Go and enjoy yourself." He said smiling as he patted the boy on the back "Sorry for all the hassle."
He just walked off to the side of the ship and stared off into the distance - enjoying the breeze and smell of the salt air. He honestly couldn't wait to get back to open water and just enjoy the freedom that came with sailing. When it came time for the officers dinner he just retreated to the officers lounge smiling as he passed the crew "Enjoy yourselves crew, for soon we set out for true freedom of the open waters. Nothing beats her, not even the best girls or men in town." His voice was confident, trying to help keep people from thinking of their crew-men's death earlier.
'Petey nods gratefully in thanks at the dismissal, though clearly torn between a wish to please and impress the older Master of Sail and the young sailor's desire to fraternise with his fellow shipmates. Scampering off towards the large gathering of sailors sitting around the ship's open hold, you hear the enthusiastic young man shout,'
"Hey, darrow. Ye seen where that inked up fellow Nibs went? I'm gonna gets me first tat to celebrate me first real job I am. Ohhh YEAH!"
'Staring off out to see, lost in his own thoughts of freedom over the open waters, A'ro thinks for a second that he sees a flash out beyond the heads, but then realise with his fatigue and all the commotion around him that he could be mistaken.'
[OOC] A'ro make a perception check and if you get a score of 15 or more, read the spoiler. OTHER PLAYERS MAY ALSO DO SO WITH A SCORE OF 20 OR MORE:
'No, you realise, you are not mistaken. There it is again, a flash way out to see, in a North-Westerly direction. A moment later you hear the slightest of echoing *booms* and realise that what you are seeing is likely the first of the fierce and sudden Summer storms that strike the deeper waters of the Trackless Sea in these warmer months. Watching the vague and barely discernable dark cloud swirls intermittently broken by flashes of distant light, you imagine for a second the huge crashing waves and the torrents of rain water striking like hail... and you are glad that, for now, you are still safely moored here in Rumbottom. Soon enough... soon enough...'
'Unsure of how much time he has spent staring out to see, the Master of Sail turns away to head towards the Officer's Lounge, calling out words of encouragement to passing crew members, most of whom are too busy in their cups or own conversations to pay him much mind, though as you pass a small group including Nubrel and Lionel who appear to be playing dice, Lionel calls out a thanks to the genasi for helping to pull him from the harbour earlier.
The sorcerer is about to enter the Officers Lounge in preperation for the dinner when a throaty, almost harsh, woman's voice calls out from a pool of shadows on the portside rail. Turning in that direction, A'ro makes out the form of a tall, athletic tiefling woman in a long travelling cloak, with lava-red skin and a long jagged scar across her face, leaning out over the rail but looking over her shoulder at the distinctive genasi officer,'
"You're the wizard aren't you? The Master of Sail that everyone's saying can control the wind itself? I suppose the Captain and other officers must have been jumping out of their tunics to sign you up. Of course they would have. Well, I sure hope that you're as amazing as everyone is saying you are. I've never been offshore before, but some of the other sailors were saying that there are storms out there that will sink a ship like this in minutes if the worst comes to pass. I suppose that we should all feel better for having you aboard."
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 turned to look at the woman and smiled as he walked over taking in the woman’s features that he could see. He never remembered meeting this crew member in the Pirate, but nothing against making new friends before the Captains meeting“Not really a wizard, just a man with a born connection to the air.”
He just leaned over the railing on her right side“I'm A’ro its a pleasure to meet you miss. It seems I'm at a disadvantage though, you know a couple things about me and I know nothing about you.”
A’ro turned to look at the woman and smiled as he walked over taking in the woman’s features that he could see. He never remembered meeting this crew member in the Pirate, but nothing against making new friends before the Captains meeting“Not really a wizard, just a man with a born connection to the air.”
He just leaned over the railing on her right side“I'm A’ro its a pleasure to meet you miss. It seems I'm at a disadvantage though, you know a couple things about me and I know nothing about you.”
'Turning back to look out at something far out at sea, and adopting a somewhat bored tone despite having initiated conversation with the officer in the first place, the tiefling responds,'
"Wizard, spell caster, magician, sorcerer, arcanist... I'd bet you're one of them types, am I right? Putting on self-depreciating airs to make nice with the common sailors... that your game?
And of course I heard of you and you ain't heard of me. You're a big shot officer with magical powers, so of course us lowly sailor types have to call you by name or title... sir. But folks like me, well, we're just the ones who do the running, the climbing, the fighting and the dying... we don't need names, do we? You could probably just get by with calling me 'Hey you' or 'You there'. I doubt anyone would call you up on it... Mr Master of Sails sir."
'The thin pretext of boredom doesn't survive the obvious note of bitterness that adds an edge to the tiefling's words as she turns to leave, but not before saying,'
"But don't mind me none. Just had a rum or two too many is all... sir. I'm sure your magics, ohh sorry, I mean your connection will save us all out...out there."Anyway, I'd best go join my own kind and leave you to important officer's business."
[OOC] insight check with a score of 10 or more allowing you to read the spoiler:
'Surprised by the entire unexpected exchange, it nevertherless doen't take you too long to realise that this woman's rude, almost challenging words, and the obvious bitterness that underpin those words, are really just her expression of a deep seated pent up fear that she is harbouring.'
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...
A’ro stayed quiet letting the woman talk and listening to her – for him this was a part of being an officer. It was weird for him to realize the responsibility he had taken on and if he were being honest, he had no idea what he was doing. For the most part he had been mimicking what he liked about officers he had served under and trying to avoid the negative qualities he didn’t like.
“When I first started sailing when I was 9, I was a lowly deck hand or riggin’ rat. I took any job that needed to be done and did it with a smile on my face. Mah first capt’in…”he smiled staring off into the sea as a faint memory slipped its way across his face“told me somethings once that I hold true to this day. The first, ‘No matter where someone is in life – respect them. People and relationships will always be more valuable then gold’ and the second ‘No matter where you are, the sea is home and your ship is your family.”
The smile changed from one of nostalgia to compassion and concern“Pete, Kay, Una, Lionol, Vakan, and the rest of this lot – they ain’t just crew or crewmates to me. They’re family and I remember my family’s names, they just usually have to tell me it first.”He just pushed himself off the railing and stretched a little as he turns around and leans backwards on the post just staring at her.
“Unfortunately, I’m learning that being an officer means a lot of meetings. However, should you want to tell me your name I’ll definitely be back up here after I’m done, enjoying a couple glasses with everyone else. As for my magic saving us - we will just have to see, hopefully we are blessed with good skies for all our journeys. Though if it comes to my life or this ship and her crew, I'll gladly sacrifice myself for her and them.” He again pushes himself off the railing and begins to just walk away waving“Have a good time." His head turned a little and playfully smirked at the tiefling "I’ll be seeing you around.”
A’ro stayed quiet letting the woman talk and listening to her – for him this was a part of being an officer. It was weird for him to realize the responsibility he had taken on and if he were being honest, he had no idea what he was doing. For the most part he had been mimicking what he liked about officers he had served under and trying to avoid the negative qualities he didn’t like.
“When I first started sailing when I was 9, I was a lowly deck hand or riggin’ rat. I took any job that needed to be done and did it with a smile on my face. Mah first capt’in…”he smiled staring off into the sea as a faint memory slipped its way across his face“told me somethings once that I hold true to this day. The first, ‘No matter where someone is in life – respect them. People and relationships will always be more valuable then gold’ and the second ‘No matter where you are, the sea is home and your ship is your family.”
The smile changed from one of nostalgia to compassion and concern“Pete, Kay, Una, Lionol, Vakan, and the rest of this lot – they ain’t just crew or crewmates to me. They’re family and I remember my family’s names, they just usually have to tell me it first.”He just pushed himself off the railing and stretched a little as he turns around and leans backwards on the post just staring at her.
“Unfortunately, I’m learning that being an officer means a lot of meetings. However, should you want to tell me your name I’ll definitely be back up here after I’m done, enjoying a couple glasses with everyone else. As for my magic saving us - we will just have to see, hopefully we are blessed with good skies for all our journeys. Though if it comes to my life or this ship and her crew, I'll gladly sacrifice myself for her and them.” He again pushes himself off the railing and begins to just walk away waving“Have a good time." His head turned a little and playfully smirked at the tiefling "I’ll be seeing you around.”
'As A'ro begins to walk away, his kind and sincerely spoken words hanging in the air behind him, he hears the tiefling say quietly,'
"Yes you will, A'ro. My name's Herzay... and thank you."
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...
[OOC] A'ro make a perception check and if you get a score of 15 or more, read the spoiler. OTHER PLAYERS MAY ALSO DO SO WITH A SCORE OF 20 OR MORE:
'No, you realise, you are not mistaken. There it is again, a flash way out to see, in a North-Westerly direction. A moment later you hear the slightest of echoing *booms* and realise that what you are seeing is likely the first of the fierce and sudden Summer storms that strike the deeper waters of the Trackless Sea in these warmer months. Watching the vague and barely discernable dark cloud swirls intermittently broken by flashes of distant light, you imagine for a second the huge crashing waves and the torrents of rain water striking like hail... and you are glad that, for now, you are still safely moored here in Rumbottom. Soon enough... soon enough...'
'Kay's eyes are closed and she sways back and forth with her hands on the wheel, feeling the power of the wind above and the sea below her, the stories of adventurers and sailors that she would over hear back home suddenly ringing more true. The trials and the hardships, even Gaut's death and the horrifying battle with the undead seem far away now, and having nearly died twice in as many days doesn't even cross her mind, lost as she is in her reverie.'
'A distant sound of thunder startles her, and she runs to the side of the ship, her brilliant orange eyes seeking. Sure enough she see the storm a ways off, but not knowing from boats it sets off a series of alarms and suddenly she's running, tumbling, shouting for someone of more experience. Someone she knows.'
"A'ro! Master A'ro?!" 'She shouts and searches, finding him just as he's turned to enter the Officer's lounge. Out of breath and full of anxiety, Kay breathes heavily, one hand on a knee to prop herself up, her earlier injuries flaring up slightly from the effort. She points toward the far off storm.'""Storm... that way... need... t'worry?" 'The words sound forced as she struggles against her breath to get them out.'
"It was a pleasure Miss Herzay, I look forward to talking with you again." He said as he disappeared into the Officers lounge.
"Sorry if I'm a little late mates. How's everyone doing?" He asked looking around as he as about to sit down, only to be stopped by Kay shouting. He just walked over to her putting his hand on her should "Kay, it's just A'ro - I ain't no ones master. Now gather ya breath and say it again. What is this about a storm?"
'Kay takes a deep breath, still respectfully standing outside of the Officer's Lounge, points to the North West,'"A storm, to the... that way. Still far off yet but... my apologies Ma... A'ro... but m'still green as pertains to sailing and m...matters thereof. Just wanting to be sure we haven't anything to worry over." 'Her face is flushed and red from either embarrassment, effort, or a combination of the two.'
A'ro just chuckled"Kay it's fine - if it's worry for the ship no one will ever fault you. No need to be scarlet about it."
A'ro just looks over to where Kay points the storm out and tries to figure if it is something they should be worried about or if it'll just pass.
'With Kay pointing out the storm, it is relatively easy for the Master of Sail to deduce that the storm lies at least 50 miles or more out to sea far to the North-West. Despite the onshore breezes, with the winds blowing in a stiff North-Easterly direction, A'ro judges that the storm front, while likely a fierce and fast-moving one, will hit the coast far to the North tomorrow sometime, if it doesn't dissipate first.'
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...
A'ro looks at her and shakes his head "Oh boy - sure is a good thing you got me. That store is gonna be a fierce one." He raises his hand to his mouth covering it as if thinking, though below it lies a small smile growing "It's a good thing you got me." As he says that he mutters a few words under his breath in primordial, creating a gust of wind that ripples their clothes.
It's at this point he can't help the smile as it becomes a little more visible. He just looks at her "Thanks for getting me Kay, I think we will be fine. Though if we were a little more North we would definitely be in trouble. How are you doing today though?"
'Kay's eyes grow wide, worried that by narrowly avoiding death twice, she may have set events into motion that may have doomed the Shore Shark and everyone aboard. Her panic makes her forget her mumbling and her voice is ferocious and clear.'"Oh no... what'll we do?! What can one do about a storm on a boat?! Should we batten the... rudder? Do we run back to shore?!" 'Kay finally looks up to see A'ro's smile. She punches him in the arm.' "How can you be laughing and smiling at a time like this?! You're supposed to be Master of Sails! What do we do?!"
'Her shouts echo far enough that it's possible people back in town hear her. Finally, when A'ro says everything will be fine, she punches him in the shoulder again.' "Not nice, Mas... A'ro!" 'She storms off, still mildly worried that the coming storm will dash the Shore Shark upon the rocks.'
As Una rides in the wagon with Enzio and Vaken. Holding the wound that she sustained from the skeleton that felled her Una turns to Enzio, silently watching him for a moment before braking the silence with a gentle swot to his knee to get his attention "Hello, we've been sitting here for a while and you haven't even tried to make conversation with us"Una's hand makes a movement to Vaken as she say 'us'. she look to Vaken and smiles at the Goliath "By the way you did well out there, not to put any pressure on you but if we ever find ourselves in shit don't be surprised if i try hiding behind you" Una lets out a little chuckle before she slouches forward and smiles at Enzio but her eyes are hard and piercing, looking up at him as she leans forward, her arm still clutching at the wound from where she was run through with a sword "was that your first time firing a crossbow? Or did you know what you were doing?" Her smile drop completely and she just stares at Enzio waiting for an answer her free hand clenched into a fist
As Una rides in the wagon with Enzio and Vaken. Holding the wound that she sustained from the skeleton that felled her Una turns to Enzio, silently watching him for a moment before braking the silence with a gentle swot to his knee to get his attention "Hello, we've been sitting here for a while and you haven't even tried to make conversation with us"Una's hand makes a movement to Vaken as she say 'us'. she look to Vaken and smiles at the Goliath "By the way you did well out there, not to put any pressure on you but if we ever find ourselves in shit don't be surprised if i try hiding behind you" Una lets out a little chuckle before she slouches forward and smiles at Enzio but her eyes are hard and piercing, looking up at him as she leans forward, her arm still clutching at the wound from where she was run through with a sword "was that your first time firing a crossbow? Or did you know what you were doing?" Her smile drop completely and she just stares at Enzio waiting for an answer her free hand clenched into a fist
'The usually cocky Islander just sits there miserably at first, not comprehending that Una is speaking to him, but as the waiting silence stretches on he seems to come around a little, finally responding,'
"Wat? Ye axe mi dat question? Ya tink mi mean to?"
'Enzio glances down guiltily at the cloak wrapped body beside him, before quickly averting his gaze to look off the back of the wagon,'
"Mi nuh mean to, mi swear! Mi did just havin' fun... Trow an apple up inna di air... An tink dat mi cud shoot it... ****! Ye axe mi dat question! Ya tink mi mean to... Weapons masta thinks suh too. Mi DEAD!"
'The dreadlocked sailor's brow is sweaty and his breath catches in this throat as he looks out at Unne, who is marching along while shouting praise at the crew members who fought well against the undead... and withering insults at those who froze or who failed to land a blow.
As the wagon clatters back through Rumbottom's North gates, the Weapon's Master strides up to the back of the wagon and without bothering to put the tailgate down, reaches in to scoop up Nern's body from atop the crates and boxes of crossbows and bolts. Seemingly having already discussed and agreed upon it, Bosun Drannick gives Enzio a brief but hard stare over his shoulder and calls back from atop the wagon bench,'
"Master Unne will be taking our fallen young companion here... and this other dead weight, out to the cemetary. The rest of ye curs, likely to die one day cold, wet and far out there upon Umberlee's moist skirts somewhere, won't have the benefit of no dry, warm dirt bed... but tonight ye will swing in yer very own hammock and drink the good cap'n's rum and ale aboard YER own ship! So let's heave to our berths lads and lasses... the SHARK awaits us!
And mores-the-pity, but Unne and I have yet another band of ye lot to put through their paces..."
'Most of the crew give excited, is somewhat muted cheers, quite a few of the clearly suspicious sailors also cast sombre glances at Unne and Enzio as they move away with Nern's body while making signs of protection or good fortune to various gods.'
[OOC] Kay, Vaken and Una make perception checks and read the relevant spoilers if you meet the required scores:
DC 10:
'Most of the superstitious and devout sailors mutter prayers to the ***** Queen of the Sea, Umberlee, and the Lady of Fortune, Tymora, though a few calls to Battle Father, Tempus, and the Dawn Bringer, Lathander can also be heard.'
DC 15:
'A small number of sailors cast lingering dark stares at Enzio's dissapearing back, with mutters about "crazy islanders never makin' real sailors" and "reckless fools havin' no place aboard ship" .'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Virtoris gathers himself after the encounter with the winged menaces. Seeing everyone was okay he made his way to his quarters, stowed his small amount of gear and sat down. 'I really didn't do well out there today, only thinkin' of me'self is a good way to get booted to the locker or worse; off this ship! I have to better, make me ma and da' proud.' And that's when Virtoris remembered he hadsomething to do.
"Shit! Shit, shit...," His voice trailed off as he ran out of his cabin and to the deck above. Nodding to his fellow officers on the way down the gangplank he hustled his way into town. After a few moments of being lost, Virt found his way to Yentil's. He arrived sweating and a little out of breath, but that was just as well.
He knocked on the door, three rapid loud knocks, two slowerquieter ones.
"Mr. Burleyworth, it is me, Virtoris the Blue. Me haves some good news, me friend!"
When Mr. Burleyworth answers the door, Virtoris shares the good news and explains that the Captain and First Mate have decided to test his skill and knowledge this evening on board the Shore Shark.
"If ye can prove yer worth as the skilled carpenter that ye say ye are, ye will have work and a berth aboard the Shore Shark. I do ask that ye try yer hardest, please. I put me good name and reputation as ship's mage on the line here, me friend. But, trust that ye are as good as ye says, then e'rtything should be alright."
He tells him what time and where to show up, invites him to ask for the Captain or the First Mate. Yentil's excitment puts Virt's mind at ease, 'may not be the gambling type, but I got a good feeling about this one..'
He will say his pleasantries then make his way back to the Shore Shark and start learning the ship. He will guide his hands along the panels in his cabin, work his way out until he finds himself gliding them across the rails on the deck of the ship.
He will find his way to the Navigator's room and see him working with his tools and leave him in silence. On the deck he sees the Master of Sails hard at work checking the rigging and lines, so he will sit around enjoying the day going over sketches in his tablet.
His father said with his power he may be able to forge something special. Something that is needed and unseen on the seas. He starts drawing the tubes which the magics would spew forth, the legs of the contraption shaped like large cat paws. The design was complicated, but its actions would prove invaluable to this ship. Especially if they couldn't find a healer.
As the evening came, he could hear more and more of the crew come on board. He would stick to himself, his nose in his book. Flipping pages back and forth and realizing that maybe he could have more than one design. Everything was starting to click, but he just had to figure out how to conjure such a thing. Hours have gone by and he had four (4) pages full of pictures and notes. All wrote in his gnomish side-scrawl.
His hands were smudged from the ink of his quill and the lead from his pencil, he didn't seem to notice or even care. What he was creating would change how things were made in this world. If he could perfect this, and teach it to others... how many ships would want one on board every vessel? This was a gamechanger and one that he was going to keep to himself until he was sure it was something that could be done. First, he actually had to do it. First, he has to see if he was as smart as he was hoping he was.
"...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
'Kay's heart is still racing, so she stands at the railing on deck watching the storm as it rumbles in the distance, feeling the to and fro of the boat rocking gently on the water. Eventually she turns around and looks at the crew making merry, and notices Druht sitting quietly. She looks at all of the crewmen around him and decides that she will wait until she can talk to him with less of a crowd around, still unsure who to trust. She turns back to the storm, and watches the lightning dancing amidst the clouds, through the air, upon the water.'
Virtoris gathers himself after the encounter with the winged menaces. Seeing everyone was okay he made his way to his quarters, stowed his small amount of gear and sat down. 'I really didn't do well out there today, only thinkin' of me'self is a good way to get booted to the locker or worse; off this ship! I have to better, make me ma and da' proud.' And that's when Virtoris remembered he hadsomething to do.
"Shit! Shit, shit...," His voice trailed off as he ran out of his cabin and to the deck above. Nodding to his fellow officers on the way down the gangplank he hustled his way into town. After a few moments of being lost, Virt found his way to Yentil's. He arrived sweating and a little out of breath, but that was just as well.
He knocked on the door, three rapid loud knocks, two slowerquieter ones.
"Mr. Burleyworth, it is me, Virtoris the Blue. Me haves some good news, me friend!"
When Mr. Burleyworth answers the door, Virtoris shares the good news and explains that the Captain and First Mate have decided to test his skill and knowledge this evening on board the Shore Shark.
"If ye can prove yer worth as the skilled carpenter that ye say ye are, ye will have work and a berth aboard the Shore Shark. I do ask that ye try yer hardest, please. I put me good name and reputation as ship's mage on the line here, me friend. But, trust that ye are as good as ye says, then e'rtything should be alright."
He tells him what time and where to show up, invites him to ask for the Captain or the First Mate. Yentil's excitment puts Virt's mind at ease, 'may not be the gambling type, but I got a good feeling about this one..'
'The gnome family's small cottage on the hill just North of town is humble but well-crafted, with its smooth, well-fitted timbers and carved window shutters and doors of fine make. Not surprisingly, the gnome family is ecstatic at Virt's news, though Meevis, Yentil's young daughter tears up a little at the news. Lufit, the older child, almost a gnome grown though, reassures both his younger sister and father, saying,'
"Don't you worry none, pa! I'll take care of everything while you're gone, includin' me wee sister here. And I'll keep up with me work out on the Tibet's farm as well. Promise!
For his part, Yentil is almost speechless in his appreciation, clearly having doubted whether anything would alter his earlier rejection. Regaining his composure, the stout gnome with his brown, grey speckled curly hair, tuft-beard and thick mutton chops, merely says,'
"Can't rightly thank yer enough, Virt, but i'll find a way, ye can be sure of that. And ye can also be sure that the good Captain and our other crew will have no words to say on the matter that ain't words of praise and thanks! I'd best be packing me tools and other things, then high-tailin' it on over to the docks. I'll be seein' ye aboard the fine ship Shore Shark right soon, I will."
'Virt leaves the house to joyous *whoops* of relief and jubilation.'
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...
... then make his way back to the Shore Shark and start learning the ship. He will guide his hands along the panels in his cabin, work his way out until he finds himself gliding them across the rails on the deck of the ship.
He will find his way to the Navigator's room and see him working with his tools and leave him in silence. On the deck he sees the Master of Sails hard at work checking the rigging and lines, so he will sit around enjoying the day going over sketches in his tablet.
His father said with his power he may be able to forge something special. Something that is needed and unseen on the seas. He starts drawing the tubes which the magics would spew forth, the legs of the contraption shaped like large cat paws. The design was complicated, but its actions would prove invaluable to this ship. Especially if they couldn't find a healer.
As the evening came, he could hear more and more of the crew come on board. He would stick to himself, his nose in his book. Flipping pages back and forth and realizing that maybe he could have more than one design. Everything was starting to click, but he just had to figure out how to conjure such a thing. Hours have gone by and he had four (4) pages full of pictures and notes. All wrote in his gnomish side-scrawl.
His hands were smudged from the ink of his quill and the lead from his pencil, he didn't seem to notice or even care. What he was creating would change how things were made in this world. If he could perfect this, and teach it to others... how many ships would want one on board every vessel? This was a gamechanger and one that he was going to keep to himself until he was sure it was something that could be done. First, he actually had to do it. First, he has to see if he was as smart as he was hoping he was.
'By the time Virt has returned from Yentil's the first half of the crew has returned from their crossbow training. The artificer sees a variety of sailors loading crates and barrells from the wharf, or walking the length of the ship in awe or bringing their, for the most part meagre, possessions aboard. Quarter Master Daegrin's imperious voice can be heard shouting to sailors about the proper way to stow barrells in a ship's hold. To the side of the gangplank, one over-weight, bald-headed, tattoo covered half-orc appears to be giving a young man, barely more than a boy really, a tatoo across the upper part of his left arm.
After seeing his fellow officers about their work, the tall Ship's Mage begins his sketches, finding a nice (relatively) quiet spot atop the foredeck, leaning with his back againt the mangonel, facing aft-wards, looking back down the length of the ship toward the distant quarter deck and ships wheel. Virt's long legs are dangling above the main deck, his head buried in his sketch book, with most of the crew giving the obviously preoccupied arcanist a wide berth, when a gruff voice barks out almost in the artificers ear,'
"Argh, you shouldn't be leaning on the darned catapult... don't you tall folk know anythin'! Bah, accidently move her an inch one way or the other and... *SPLASH* ... we're bombin' fishheads instead of blastin' pirates!"
'Turning to see who has interrupted his ruminations, Virt spies a rotund and well weathered, red-headed dwarf in faded studded leather, with a wild-shock of upswept hair and a tangled mustache and beard so bushy they completely hides his mouth. The fellow is currently kneeling on the foredeck, squinting with one eye as he peers along the edges of the mangonel's base.'
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
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"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!"
"Aye Pete, thank ya for checking. I just wanted to be sure. Go and enjoy yourself." He said smiling as he patted the boy on the back "Sorry for all the hassle."
He just walked off to the side of the ship and stared off into the distance - enjoying the breeze and smell of the salt air. He honestly couldn't wait to get back to open water and just enjoy the freedom that came with sailing. When it came time for the officers dinner he just retreated to the officers lounge smiling as he passed the crew "Enjoy yourselves crew, for soon we set out for true freedom of the open waters. Nothing beats her, not even the best girls or men in town." His voice was confident, trying to help keep people from thinking of their crew-men's death earlier.
[OOC]: persuasion check: 18
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
'Petey nods gratefully in thanks at the dismissal, though clearly torn between a wish to please and impress the older Master of Sail and the young sailor's desire to fraternise with his fellow shipmates. Scampering off towards the large gathering of sailors sitting around the ship's open hold, you hear the enthusiastic young man shout,'
"Hey, darrow. Ye seen where that inked up fellow Nibs went? I'm gonna gets me first tat to celebrate me first real job I am. Ohhh YEAH!"
'Staring off out to see, lost in his own thoughts of freedom over the open waters, A'ro thinks for a second that he sees a flash out beyond the heads, but then realise with his fatigue and all the commotion around him that he could be mistaken.'
[OOC] A'ro make a perception check and if you get a score of 15 or more, read the spoiler. OTHER PLAYERS MAY ALSO DO SO WITH A SCORE OF 20 OR MORE:
'No, you realise, you are not mistaken. There it is again, a flash way out to see, in a North-Westerly direction. A moment later you hear the slightest of echoing *booms* and realise that what you are seeing is likely the first of the fierce and sudden Summer storms that strike the deeper waters of the Trackless Sea in these warmer months. Watching the vague and barely discernable dark cloud swirls intermittently broken by flashes of distant light, you imagine for a second the huge crashing waves and the torrents of rain water striking like hail... and you are glad that, for now, you are still safely moored here in Rumbottom. Soon enough... soon enough...'
'Unsure of how much time he has spent staring out to see, the Master of Sail turns away to head towards the Officer's Lounge, calling out words of encouragement to passing crew members, most of whom are too busy in their cups or own conversations to pay him much mind, though as you pass a small group including Nubrel and Lionel who appear to be playing dice, Lionel calls out a thanks to the genasi for helping to pull him from the harbour earlier.
The sorcerer is about to enter the Officers Lounge in preperation for the dinner when a throaty, almost harsh, woman's voice calls out from a pool of shadows on the portside rail. Turning in that direction, A'ro makes out the form of a tall, athletic tiefling woman in a long travelling cloak, with lava-red skin and a long jagged scar across her face, leaning out over the rail but looking over her shoulder at the distinctive genasi officer,'
"You're the wizard aren't you? The Master of Sail that everyone's saying can control the wind itself? I suppose the Captain and other officers must have been jumping out of their tunics to sign you up. Of course they would have. Well, I sure hope that you're as amazing as everyone is saying you are. I've never been offshore before, but some of the other sailors were saying that there are storms out there that will sink a ship like this in minutes if the worst comes to pass. I suppose that we should all feel better for having you aboard."
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 turned to look at the woman and smiled as he walked over taking in the woman’s features that he could see. He never remembered meeting this crew member in the Pirate, but nothing against making new friends before the Captains meeting “Not really a wizard, just a man with a born connection to the air.”
He just leaned over the railing on her right side “I'm A’ro its a pleasure to meet you miss. It seems I'm at a disadvantage though, you know a couple things about me and I know nothing about you.”
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
'Turning back to look out at something far out at sea, and adopting a somewhat bored tone despite having initiated conversation with the officer in the first place, the tiefling responds,'
"Wizard, spell caster, magician, sorcerer, arcanist... I'd bet you're one of them types, am I right? Putting on self-depreciating airs to make nice with the common sailors... that your game?
And of course I heard of you and you ain't heard of me. You're a big shot officer with magical powers, so of course us lowly sailor types have to call you by name or title... sir. But folks like me, well, we're just the ones who do the running, the climbing, the fighting and the dying... we don't need names, do we? You could probably just get by with calling me 'Hey you' or 'You there'. I doubt anyone would call you up on it... Mr Master of Sails sir."
'The thin pretext of boredom doesn't survive the obvious note of bitterness that adds an edge to the tiefling's words as she turns to leave, but not before saying,'
"But don't mind me none. Just had a rum or two too many is all... sir. I'm sure your magics, ohh sorry, I mean your connection will save us all out...out there."Anyway, I'd best go join my own kind and leave you to important officer's business."
[OOC] insight check with a score of 10 or more allowing you to read the spoiler:
'Surprised by the entire unexpected exchange, it nevertherless doen't take you too long to realise that this woman's rude, almost challenging words, and the obvious bitterness that underpin those words, are really just her expression of a deep seated pent up fear that she is harbouring.'
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 stayed quiet letting the woman talk and listening to her – for him this was a part of being an officer. It was weird for him to realize the responsibility he had taken on and if he were being honest, he had no idea what he was doing. For the most part he had been mimicking what he liked about officers he had served under and trying to avoid the negative qualities he didn’t like.
“When I first started sailing when I was 9, I was a lowly deck hand or riggin’ rat. I took any job that needed to be done and did it with a smile on my face. Mah first capt’in…” he smiled staring off into the sea as a faint memory slipped its way across his face “told me somethings once that I hold true to this day. The first, ‘No matter where someone is in life – respect them. People and relationships will always be more valuable then gold’ and the second ‘No matter where you are, the sea is home and your ship is your family.”
The smile changed from one of nostalgia to compassion and concern “Pete, Kay, Una, Lionol, Vakan, and the rest of this lot – they ain’t just crew or crewmates to me. They’re family and I remember my family’s names, they just usually have to tell me it first.” He just pushed himself off the railing and stretched a little as he turns around and leans backwards on the post just staring at her.
“Unfortunately, I’m learning that being an officer means a lot of meetings. However, should you want to tell me your name I’ll definitely be back up here after I’m done, enjoying a couple glasses with everyone else. As for my magic saving us - we will just have to see, hopefully we are blessed with good skies for all our journeys. Though if it comes to my life or this ship and her crew, I'll gladly sacrifice myself for her and them.” He again pushes himself off the railing and begins to just walk away waving “Have a good time." His head turned a little and playfully smirked at the tiefling "I’ll be seeing you around.”
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 A'ro begins to walk away, his kind and sincerely spoken words hanging in the air behind him, he hears the tiefling say quietly,'
"Yes you will, A'ro. My name's Herzay... and thank you."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Kay's eyes are closed and she sways back and forth with her hands on the wheel, feeling the power of the wind above and the sea below her, the stories of adventurers and sailors that she would over hear back home suddenly ringing more true. The trials and the hardships, even Gaut's death and the horrifying battle with the undead seem far away now, and having nearly died twice in as many days doesn't even cross her mind, lost as she is in her reverie.'
'A distant sound of thunder startles her, and she runs to the side of the ship, her brilliant orange eyes seeking. Sure enough she see the storm a ways off, but not knowing from boats it sets off a series of alarms and suddenly she's running, tumbling, shouting for someone of more experience. Someone she knows.'
"A'ro! Master A'ro?!" 'She shouts and searches, finding him just as he's turned to enter the Officer's lounge. Out of breath and full of anxiety, Kay breathes heavily, one hand on a knee to prop herself up, her earlier injuries flaring up slightly from the effort. She points toward the far off storm.' ""Storm... that way... need... t'worry?" 'The words sound forced as she struggles against her breath to get them out.'
[ooc : perception : 21 from PM]
~♡~
"It was a pleasure Miss Herzay, I look forward to talking with you again." He said as he disappeared into the Officers lounge.
"Sorry if I'm a little late mates. How's everyone doing?" He asked looking around as he as about to sit down, only to be stopped by Kay shouting. He just walked over to her putting his hand on her should "Kay, it's just A'ro - I ain't no ones master. Now gather ya breath and say it again. What is this about a storm?"
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 takes a deep breath, still respectfully standing outside of the Officer's Lounge, points to the North West,' "A storm, to the... that way. Still far off yet but... my apologies Ma... A'ro... but m'still green as pertains to sailing and m...matters thereof. Just wanting to be sure we haven't anything to worry over." 'Her face is flushed and red from either embarrassment, effort, or a combination of the two.'
~♡~
A'ro just chuckled "Kay it's fine - if it's worry for the ship no one will ever fault you. No need to be scarlet about it."
A'ro just looks over to where Kay points the storm out and tries to figure if it is something they should be worried about or if it'll just pass.
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
'With Kay pointing out the storm, it is relatively easy for the Master of Sail to deduce that the storm lies at least 50 miles or more out to sea far to the North-West. Despite the onshore breezes, with the winds blowing in a stiff North-Easterly direction, A'ro judges that the storm front, while likely a fierce and fast-moving one, will hit the coast far to the North tomorrow sometime, if it doesn't dissipate first.'
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 her and shakes his head "Oh boy - sure is a good thing you got me. That store is gonna be a fierce one." He raises his hand to his mouth covering it as if thinking, though below it lies a small smile growing "It's a good thing you got me." As he says that he mutters a few words under his breath in primordial, creating a gust of wind that ripples their clothes.
It's at this point he can't help the smile as it becomes a little more visible. He just looks at her "Thanks for getting me Kay, I think we will be fine. Though if we were a little more North we would definitely be in trouble. How are you doing today though?"
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's eyes grow wide, worried that by narrowly avoiding death twice, she may have set events into motion that may have doomed the Shore Shark and everyone aboard. Her panic makes her forget her mumbling and her voice is ferocious and clear.' "Oh no... what'll we do?! What can one do about a storm on a boat?! Should we batten the... rudder? Do we run back to shore?!" 'Kay finally looks up to see A'ro's smile. She punches him in the arm.' "How can you be laughing and smiling at a time like this?! You're supposed to be Master of Sails! What do we do?!"
'Her shouts echo far enough that it's possible people back in town hear her. Finally, when A'ro says everything will be fine, she punches him in the shoulder again.' "Not nice, Mas... A'ro!" 'She storms off, still mildly worried that the coming storm will dash the Shore Shark upon the rocks.'
~♡~
As Una rides in the wagon with Enzio and Vaken. Holding the wound that she sustained from the skeleton that felled her Una turns to Enzio, silently watching him for a moment before braking the silence with a gentle swot to his knee to get his attention
"Hello, we've been sitting here for a while and you haven't even tried to make conversation with us" Una's hand makes a movement to Vaken as she say 'us'. she look to Vaken and smiles at the Goliath
"By the way you did well out there, not to put any pressure on you but if we ever find ourselves in shit don't be surprised if i try hiding behind you"
Una lets out a little chuckle before she slouches forward and smiles at Enzio but her eyes are hard and piercing, looking up at him as she leans forward, her arm still clutching at the wound from where she was run through with a sword
"was that your first time firing a crossbow? Or did you know what you were doing?"
Her smile drop completely and she just stares at Enzio waiting for an answer her free hand clenched into a fist
'The usually cocky Islander just sits there miserably at first, not comprehending that Una is speaking to him, but as the waiting silence stretches on he seems to come around a little, finally responding,'
"Wat? Ye axe mi dat question? Ya tink mi mean to?"
'Enzio glances down guiltily at the cloak wrapped body beside him, before quickly averting his gaze to look off the back of the wagon,'
"Mi nuh mean to, mi swear! Mi did just havin' fun... Trow an apple up inna di air... An tink dat mi cud shoot it... ****! Ye axe mi dat question! Ya tink mi mean to... Weapons masta thinks suh too. Mi DEAD!"
'The dreadlocked sailor's brow is sweaty and his breath catches in this throat as he looks out at Unne, who is marching along while shouting praise at the crew members who fought well against the undead... and withering insults at those who froze or who failed to land a blow.
As the wagon clatters back through Rumbottom's North gates, the Weapon's Master strides up to the back of the wagon and without bothering to put the tailgate down, reaches in to scoop up Nern's body from atop the crates and boxes of crossbows and bolts. Seemingly having already discussed and agreed upon it, Bosun Drannick gives Enzio a brief but hard stare over his shoulder and calls back from atop the wagon bench,'
"Master Unne will be taking our fallen young companion here... and this other dead weight, out to the cemetary. The rest of ye curs, likely to die one day cold, wet and far out there upon Umberlee's moist skirts somewhere, won't have the benefit of no dry, warm dirt bed... but tonight ye will swing in yer very own hammock and drink the good cap'n's rum and ale aboard YER own ship! So let's heave to our berths lads and lasses... the SHARK awaits us!
And mores-the-pity, but Unne and I have yet another band of ye lot to put through their paces..."
'Most of the crew give excited, is somewhat muted cheers, quite a few of the clearly suspicious sailors also cast sombre glances at Unne and Enzio as they move away with Nern's body while making signs of protection or good fortune to various gods.'
[OOC] Kay, Vaken and Una make perception checks and read the relevant spoilers if you meet the required scores:
DC 10:
'Most of the superstitious and devout sailors mutter prayers to the ***** Queen of the Sea, Umberlee, and the Lady of Fortune, Tymora, though a few calls to Battle Father, Tempus, and the Dawn Bringer, Lathander can also be heard.'
DC 15:
'A small number of sailors cast lingering dark stares at Enzio's dissapearing back, with mutters about "crazy islanders never makin' real sailors" and "reckless fools havin' no place aboard ship" .'
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 rubbed his arm where she hit him chuckling "A lil prank between friends, but that was fair."
He just watched as she stormed off and just walked back to the officers lounge. He'd apologize later, but for now he had a meeting to attend for now.
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
Virtoris gathers himself after the encounter with the winged menaces. Seeing everyone was okay he made his way to his quarters, stowed his small amount of gear and sat down. 'I really didn't do well out there today, only thinkin' of me'self is a good way to get booted to the locker or worse; off this ship! I have to better, make me ma and da' proud.' And that's when Virtoris remembered he had something to do.
"Shit! Shit, shit...," His voice trailed off as he ran out of his cabin and to the deck above. Nodding to his fellow officers on the way down the gangplank he hustled his way into town. After a few moments of being lost, Virt found his way to Yentil's. He arrived sweating and a little out of breath, but that was just as well.
He knocked on the door, three rapid loud knocks, two slower quieter ones.
"Mr. Burleyworth, it is me, Virtoris the Blue. Me haves some good news, me friend!"
When Mr. Burleyworth answers the door, Virtoris shares the good news and explains that the Captain and First Mate have decided to test his skill and knowledge this evening on board the Shore Shark.
"If ye can prove yer worth as the skilled carpenter that ye say ye are, ye will have work and a berth aboard the Shore Shark. I do ask that ye try yer hardest, please. I put me good name and reputation as ship's mage on the line here, me friend. But, trust that ye are as good as ye says, then e'rtything should be alright."
He tells him what time and where to show up, invites him to ask for the Captain or the First Mate. Yentil's excitment puts Virt's mind at ease, 'may not be the gambling type, but I got a good feeling about this one..'
He will say his pleasantries then make his way back to the Shore Shark and start learning the ship. He will guide his hands along the panels in his cabin, work his way out until he finds himself gliding them across the rails on the deck of the ship.
He will find his way to the Navigator's room and see him working with his tools and leave him in silence. On the deck he sees the Master of Sails hard at work checking the rigging and lines, so he will sit around enjoying the day going over sketches in his tablet.
His father said with his power he may be able to forge something special. Something that is needed and unseen on the seas. He starts drawing the tubes which the magics would spew forth, the legs of the contraption shaped like large cat paws. The design was complicated, but its actions would prove invaluable to this ship. Especially if they couldn't find a healer.
As the evening came, he could hear more and more of the crew come on board. He would stick to himself, his nose in his book. Flipping pages back and forth and realizing that maybe he could have more than one design. Everything was starting to click, but he just had to figure out how to conjure such a thing. Hours have gone by and he had four (4) pages full of pictures and notes. All wrote in his gnomish side-scrawl.
His hands were smudged from the ink of his quill and the lead from his pencil, he didn't seem to notice or even care. What he was creating would change how things were made in this world. If he could perfect this, and teach it to others... how many ships would want one on board every vessel? This was a gamechanger and one that he was going to keep to himself until he was sure it was something that could be done. First, he actually had to do it. First, he has to see if he was as smart as he was hoping he was.
((OOG Small edits))
"...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
'Kay's heart is still racing, so she stands at the railing on deck watching the storm as it rumbles in the distance, feeling the to and fro of the boat rocking gently on the water. Eventually she turns around and looks at the crew making merry, and notices Druht sitting quietly. She looks at all of the crewmen around him and decides that she will wait until she can talk to him with less of a crowd around, still unsure who to trust. She turns back to the storm, and watches the lightning dancing amidst the clouds, through the air, upon the water.'
~♡~
'The gnome family's small cottage on the hill just North of town is humble but well-crafted, with its smooth, well-fitted timbers and carved window shutters and doors of fine make. Not surprisingly, the gnome family is ecstatic at Virt's news, though Meevis, Yentil's young daughter tears up a little at the news. Lufit, the older child, almost a gnome grown though, reassures both his younger sister and father, saying,'
"Don't you worry none, pa! I'll take care of everything while you're gone, includin' me wee sister here. And I'll keep up with me work out on the Tibet's farm as well. Promise!
For his part, Yentil is almost speechless in his appreciation, clearly having doubted whether anything would alter his earlier rejection. Regaining his composure, the stout gnome with his brown, grey speckled curly hair, tuft-beard and thick mutton chops, merely says,'
"Can't rightly thank yer enough, Virt, but i'll find a way, ye can be sure of that. And ye can also be sure that the good Captain and our other crew will have no words to say on the matter that ain't words of praise and thanks! I'd best be packing me tools and other things, then high-tailin' it on over to the docks. I'll be seein' ye aboard the fine ship Shore Shark right soon, I will."
'Virt leaves the house to joyous *whoops* of relief and jubilation.'
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
'By the time Virt has returned from Yentil's the first half of the crew has returned from their crossbow training. The artificer sees a variety of sailors loading crates and barrells from the wharf, or walking the length of the ship in awe or bringing their, for the most part meagre, possessions aboard. Quarter Master Daegrin's imperious voice can be heard shouting to sailors about the proper way to stow barrells in a ship's hold. To the side of the gangplank, one over-weight, bald-headed, tattoo covered half-orc appears to be giving a young man, barely more than a boy really, a tatoo across the upper part of his left arm.
After seeing his fellow officers about their work, the tall Ship's Mage begins his sketches, finding a nice (relatively) quiet spot atop the foredeck, leaning with his back againt the mangonel, facing aft-wards, looking back down the length of the ship toward the distant quarter deck and ships wheel. Virt's long legs are dangling above the main deck, his head buried in his sketch book, with most of the crew giving the obviously preoccupied arcanist a wide berth, when a gruff voice barks out almost in the artificers ear,'
"Argh, you shouldn't be leaning on the darned catapult... don't you tall folk know anythin'! Bah, accidently move her an inch one way or the other and... *SPLASH* ... we're bombin' fishheads instead of blastin' pirates!"
'Turning to see who has interrupted his ruminations, Virt spies a rotund and well weathered, red-headed dwarf in faded studded leather, with a wild-shock of upswept hair and a tangled mustache and beard so bushy they completely hides his mouth. The fellow is currently kneeling on the foredeck, squinting with one eye as he peers along the edges of the mangonel's base.'
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