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Post by DM Nevets on Jul 10, 2014 14:07:09 GMT -5
A month and a half at sea... The journey, for the most part, had been uneventful, save for a few lubbers that suffered a bit of sea-sickness, that is. All in all, though, the crew and passengers were in good health and good spirits. Even the dour Governor Reece had come to be a bit more familiar with some of those aboard, and he'd even been seen to smile once or twice. His son, Kale, seemed a decent enough lad, with a hunger for knowledge, and a willingness to learn from pretty much anyone who'd teach him new skills. By now life aboard a ship had become second nature to pretty much everyone. Even the terms of nautical living were becoming familiar, if not ingrained. As explained by the half-orc first mate, Krell: "As far as the basics go, the nose o' the boat is called the bow, and the ass end is called the stern. Ain't no right or left at sea...Right is starboard, and Left is larboard. Say right or left and you're likely to get someone hurt an' that'll earn ya a few days swabbin' decks or even cleanin' the hull from a hoist." The gruff, squat orc paused and then added, " And remember, when yer telling someone else what's what, its the SHIP's starboard and larboard yer talking about, and not yer own." Overall, though, after the first week of storms, and until this morning, life had been rather simple and calm. "Sails Ahoy, Captain!" came the call from the crow's nest where Baham kept his usual vigil. "Sails?" came the reply from Captain Rheegos. "Sails? As in, more than one??" "Aye, Cap'n. Two ships, three points off the larboard bow." And sure enough, off in the distance, two ships, both smaller than the Impolite Fortune, sat floating side by side, possibly lashed broadside to one another...and at this distance, no sailors could be seen on either ship. OOC: Where is everyone at this time? Let me know where you WANT to be... Charlie: Your post will come a little later tonight.
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Banwyck
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Post by Banwyck on Jul 10, 2014 16:03:26 GMT -5
Ban is on deck teaching (or waiting to teach, if the DM deems it "not right now") Kale some rudimentary tumbling.
Upon hearing the announcement, however, he runs to his quarters to equip-up, comes back, and finds a likely guarded place from which he could shoot an arrow, if necessary.
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Post by tinytroll on Jul 10, 2014 16:05:05 GMT -5
Not long after the call from the crow's nest, a figure glides up the stairs from belowdecks and moves to the larboard rail. A full length forest green heavy cloak provides shade from the morning sun and hides his face. One leather gloved hand rests lightly on the rail. In the other hand is held a dark brown staff capped with iron, its length carved with arcane symbols. The top of the staff is fashioned to appear as though it is unravelling like a rope, with the strands twisting into a spherical shape. Within is cradled a faintly glowing, fist-sized translucent green crystal. He is dressed in a rugged adventurer's outfit; Sturdy leather boots, dark leather breeches, a wide leather belt from which hangs two pouches and binds his white shirt to his waist, heavy leather gloves that cover midway to the elbow, and a black leather vest with three brass buttons and quite a few pockets.
He stands motionless, silently observing the ships.
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Post by Professor Malvo on Jul 10, 2014 16:29:19 GMT -5
After the call of sighting of the ship's, Professor Malvo looks up from his gadgets. He then gently puts the artefact into his satchel and takes a walk to the larboard rail. Picking up his cane, he carefully manipulates the small knobs and it began to collapse and change with the clicking of gears. He brings the newly transformed Douglass up to his eye to get a closer look.
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Post by Klangwhyrr on Jul 11, 2014 9:46:49 GMT -5
Still standing in the pilothouse, Klangwhyrr heard the call from the crow’s nest. His ever-vigilant eyes peered across the sea to where the two ships rocked atop the rolling waves.
The color of automaton’s glowing eyes shifted, becoming a wary, amber yellow. He searched the vessels from the top of their masts and from bow to stern, seeking (first and foremost) any detail that would identify the ships as a threat to Jon Reece and his son, Kale Reece. Secondly, he sought to uncover any clue that would explain why the ships seemed to be without crew.
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OOC: Klangwhyrr has several skills that may be of use in his examination: Craft (6), Knowledge – History (7), Knowledge – Local (4), Search (2), Sense Motive (5), Spot (5)
Assuming Klangwhyrr does not see anything that would convince him that there is absolutely no chance of danger, he will take the following action:
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A faint series of mechanical clicks and the creak of old, worn leather accompanied the turn of Klangwhyrr’s head. “What is the accepted protocol for hailing a vessel in these circumstances? Should we sent over a landing party?” Klangwhyrr asked of the captain.
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OOC: Once Klangwhyrr understands the protocol, he will follow the captain’s orders. In the meantime, Klangwhyrr will ensure the safety of his wards:
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Moving with single-minded purpose towards his ward, Klangwhyrr lumbered down the stairs from the pilothouse to the deck. His three-toed feet hammered upon the wooden surfaces. “Pardon me, Banwyck,” the automaton said, stepping between the two young men.
“Come with me, Kale Reece. We must take shelter in your father’s quarters.” The automaton’s strangely vacant voice was firm and resolute, and broached no argument. He placed his massive arm of stone and metal around the young man and with a delicate balance of care and force, Klangwhyrr stewarded Kale to aft of the vessel, where the boy shared a room with his father.
Crossing the deck, Klangwhyrr arrived at the door the governor’s quarters and pushed it open without the decency of a courtesy knock. The automaton reasoned that the governor was relatively observant and would have heard the call of “sails ahoy” from the crow’s nest. With that being the case, Jon Reece would be expecting Klangwhyrr to discharge his duties and deliver Kale with expediency. The thudding footfalls that foretold the automaton’s approach would serve as well as any knock at the door. It was Klangwhyrr’s experience that Jon Reece delighted in saying, “Enter” before Klangwhyrr had the chance to knock, anyhow.
In any case, Klangwhyrr didn’t care. The danger presented by the unknown vessels off to larboard precluded the social niceties that encumbered human interactions. Klangwhyrr’s sole duty was to protect his wards – and that was precisely what he would do.
The automaton ushered the young man into the cramped quarters. “Stay here, Kale,” he told the young man and then, turned to the boy’s father. “Two vessels have been spotted of the larboard bow,” the automaton reported, “Neither ship is as large as the Impolite Fortune and given their proximity to one another, they may be lashed together. Until the captain instructs otherwise, I would advise that the two of you stay here until the risk has been fully assessed.”
And with that, Klangwhyrr stomped back to the pilot house, adjusting the quiver of javelins slung over his back. With each pounding step, the smattering of gems that were embedded in his armored form began to twinkle and glow. At the same time, somewhere, deep within his mechanical form came a sequence of low bell-like chimes, vaguely reminiscent of a clockwork, music box. The tones were almost too low and too quiet to hear, but they were audible. The sound was soothing and inspiring.
---------- OOC: Klangwhyrr will use Inspire Courage (Perform: 2)
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Post by DM Nevets on Jul 11, 2014 19:09:15 GMT -5
OOC: Spot Checks rolled: Messages sent to Klang , Baham, The Professor, as well as Moridon. Banwyk, prepares his bow and notices that only the "adventurers" are arming themselves. All of the sailors except for the Captain and Krell (first mate) look worried and cower a bit, trying not to be noticed.
No one else notices anything more than has been stated.
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Banwyck
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Post by Banwyck on Jul 12, 2014 10:06:10 GMT -5
"Frack..." Ban mutters under his breath, as he abandons his position of cover. He hopes he'll be able to get back to it before too long. But what he noticed is far too potentially important. He calls to the Captain as he makes his way towards him, stopping short so that his voice will carry to others around him. "Captain! I've noticed something very disturbing. That first ship... the one mostly blocking the other one... I'm certain I recognize it from the port we just left! It was docked nearby during the week of preparations for the Impolite Fortune...and left a few days prior to us. This isn't a chance meeting."
Getting a little closer and lowering his voice, Ban adds "And... are any of your crew aside from you and Krell prepared to defend this ship? Because it doesn't look like anyone else is... preparing."
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Post by DM Nevets on Jul 12, 2014 11:29:29 GMT -5
OOC: Bumping posting events around a touch for flow. No offense intended.
Kale starts to protest Klangwhyrr's instructions, and even starts to mope as the Warforged protector ushers him off to his father's room. Governor Reece, however, seems surprisingly accepting of the automaton's advice. "We shall remain here, Master Klangwhyrr, until we are informed that the crisis is in hand."
When the warforged reaches Captain Rheegos, he is frowning at the site off the larboard side of the ship. "The protocol for finding a pair of apparently abandoned ships lashed together at sea?" He chuckles darkly, "There ain't any."
Krell, the first mate approaches and barks out, "Still no signs o' life, sir."
Rheegos glances over at Malvo for his take on the situation. "Professor? Anything?"
"Salvage laws says that we can keep whatever the ocean leaves out for us, so long as we can claim it." the Captain continues but falters when Banwyck offers his insights. "Damn, are ye sure? That thieving bitch..."
Captain Rheegos calls back to the sailor at the helm and calls out to his crew who spring into action, "Helm, come about and lash the rudder. Bring in the sails and hang the anchor. We're gonna have to take a look, Aye, Mister Klangwhyrr...this'll be that protocol ye were asking about."
The half-elf pauses and then glances around, "Need to be sending over a longboat to see what's what. Be aware that its likely that the first ship yer seeing is Captained by my former first mate Draedonia Varr, a treacherous wench who stole off with a set of my maps and charts to get through the Maelstrom. Might not be seeing anyone there, but there should be. Scoundrels and miscreants, more than likely, pirates and brigands for sure."
Rheegos suddenly grins as if having fun, "So. Volunteers?"
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Post by Klangwhyrr on Jul 12, 2014 18:58:39 GMT -5
Klangwhyrr stomped across the deck from the governor’s quarters towards the steps leading to the pilothouse – but as he passed Malvo, who stood at the railing with a douglass pressed to his eye, Klangwhyrr stopped.
“Professor,” the automaton intoned. “I believe the second ship – the one that is mostly concealed from our view, flies a flag belonging to one of the dragon-kin armies. Can you use your spyglass and confirm my suspicion?”
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To those within earshot, Klangwhyrr speaks. “Since the two vessels have been identified, I have observed marked behavioral changes in the crew. Eye movements have become erratic. Body temperatures have increased, as have heart rates – which suggests a high degree of anxiety.”
“Therefore, I would recommend that the landing party be comprised of the governor’s expeditionary force. These individuals have demonstrated a more stalwart disposition. Further, I would volunteer to assist in such an investigation, assuming my wards would be well cared for. I will not leave – and, in so doing, jeopardize their safety.”
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Post by Professor Malvo on Jul 12, 2014 23:14:29 GMT -5
After the call of sighting of the ship's, Professor Malvo looks up from his gadgets. He then gently puts the artefact into his satchel and takes a walk to the larboard rail. Picking up his cane, he carefully manipulates the small knobs and it began to collapse and change with the clicking of gears. He brings the newly transformed spyglass up to his eye to get a closer look.
"Click, click, click click" the spyglass reforms into the Professor's cane. "Captain, I can assure you I see nothing on deck of either vessel" He takes out his pipe and tobacco pouch and begins packing it. "They appear as if, if I am correct to assume, to recover cargo from one ship to the other in the case of floundering or sinking" Happy with the packing of the tobacco, with a turn of a small gear, the pipe lights. " There also appears fire damage on ship that is sitting much lower in the water then the other, bad luck." Professor Malvo takes a few puffs then says "if you indulge me to collect a few belongings, I shall volunteer to further investigate the study vessels"
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Post by tinytroll on Jul 13, 2014 3:58:13 GMT -5
Once the rest of the volunteers have finished speaking and proceed to prepare themselves, Moridan turns from the rail and addresses the Captain in an even, dispassionate tone. "Captain Rheegos, I will also volunteer for this mission. My minions will surely be of value in the case of a salvage operation. In addition, if any pirates survived the fire and are hiding belowdecks, a few extra sword arms may be necessary."
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Banwyck
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Post by Banwyck on Jul 13, 2014 12:42:45 GMT -5
"If no one is on deck", Ban says loudly, "then maybe no one knows we'll be coming. That will be an advantage! I volunteer, as well. Let's just keep the noise of our approach down."
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blair
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Post by blair on Jul 13, 2014 14:42:36 GMT -5
"Captain..........I still see none aboard.................where do you want me.......up here ....down there......over on the ships........"as Baham prepares himself for battle he is using his draconic aura (power) all melee damage rolls add plus one if you are within 30 feet of Baham..."orders captain ....."
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blair
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Post by blair on Jul 13, 2014 17:10:02 GMT -5
as the crew runs about preparing to board the ship, Baham hears below about salvage rights and plunder and the such.....well as part of the crew ....first come first serve......climbing to the highest point he can and unsure if the captain heard him.....and having no other standing orders.......Baham tries to judge what is the safest distance he can glide to the ship and not get wet...........after what he figures is a safe distance ..he gives it a few more seconds to be safe........and he jumps .....speeding out and down .....sword drawn ......aiming for middle of the main deck on the damaged ship........."finally ...some adventure"
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Post by DM Nevets on Jul 13, 2014 18:32:15 GMT -5
Gauging from the top of the top of the mast (roughly 30' in the air), the Dragonborn figures he might be able to glide around 200', and possibly more if the wind holds up...which will mean he'll be VERY unlikely to make it to the first of the two ships...which sits around 100 yds away from the Impolite Fortune's current spot. (OOC: Before I count the jump as Done, Do you do this of your own free will? Its POSSIBLE to pull of the glide, but your roll will have to be VERY good...otherwise, sir, you're getting wet. )
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