"Yes, we could do all of that... and we could still be sunk by a fleet with superior numbers," Kareth responds to Hirdu.  "Trust me, Captain.  I'm as eager as you to train a repair crew, begin the full restoration of the Dryad as anyone here, and create true wonders.  We can still do these things too.  But those things require time and the book does us little good if we're dead because we drew too much attention to ourselves."

The engineer then turns to respond to Lasuri's mention of a new title.  His words are measured, precise, and delivered in his usual drab tones.  "Captain Lasuri, I'm not one for titles.  If that's what you need me to do and what you wish to call me then I will comply.  I will point out that I lack certain skills which would be helpful.  I will have to ask others in the crew for help in those areas.  I'll work on increasing my personal skill in those areas as soon as possible."

Those who witnessed both Kareth's and Kiana's acceptance of new duties might note several differences between the two Dragons. Kiana had, after all, humbly accepted the new duties and titles with pride.  Karth's voice carried neither humility or pride.  It simply relayed information with cold precision.  He would accept the job, but he will need to call on other's expertise.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Sun 08 Nov 2009.

Zeru looks to the south, but is relatively sure he doesn't see anything. "My lady, please steer us closer to Akihiro, if something's out there Kiana will see it." He pauses a moment and amends his statement. "That is if you don't see it already."

In the time Kiana had spent with Kareth over the past few months, her opinion of the man had changed.  Oh, he was peculiar enough and certainly a darker man for it, but that didn't stop him from being a good man.  "Kareth, you should try to have a little more faith in your abilities.  You are a quick study--I'm sure whatever abilities you think that you may lack will be quickly addres-"  Her words were cut off as something out in the water caught her incredibly sharp eye.

Kiana moved swiftly to the opposite side of the deck, leaning against the rail as her eyes narrowed, tightening her already impossibly acute vision before she was satisfied with what she saw.  Her tone was very serious as she spoke next, her face still out towards what she saw.

"Captain Lasuri, there are two ships on the horizon, and they are approaching very swiftly.  They are flying the colors of Skullstone."

She turned away from the rail and looked at the others.  The good news was that Kiana didn't exactly seem worried about this, or at least it didn't show in her face.  That was entirely likely that it was her adept Martial Arts training that kept her so stoic.  Or, perhaps, it was something else.  "One of them is an artifact warship, Captain, comparable to the Dryad.  That one is captained by the Dread Pirate Moray Darktide--I'm not sure about the other one.  They'll reach us if fifteen minutes time, by the looks of it."

"From what I can tell, they are not hostile, sir.  If they have blood in mind, they are entirely too calm about it--and poorly planned for it as well.  Their sailing formation is hardly ideal for any navel strategy I'm aware of.  They are well armed, but they are not readying those weapons, or preparing to board--in fact, I don't think they even suspect they have been spotted, Captain."  Kiana observed, a small smirk on her face.  It was entirely possible that this was going to be a battle, and if that were the case, heaven help those approaching ships.  The Alliance was united again, and more than ready for whatever the dark tide brought to them.  It was her fond hope, however, that that wasn't the case.

"Captain Darktide is a well known enemy of the Lintha." She offered to the others, before their decisions were made up entirely.  "It is more than likely that our exploits against this common foe has reached his ears.  What he would do with that information, though, I cannot second guess."  Though she -did- have her theories.  Fifteen minutes was more than enough time to prepare for what could be a bloody battle, however, and with her mind already working on how to quickly overtake and dominate such a battle, she made her preparations quickly.

Akihiro, a potential enemy sails to us.  I do not believe they have hostile intentions, but in case they do I want to be ready to overtake them as quickly as possible.  Tell Calliope and Akuj to take shelter and ready my people--I want for you to submerge yourself as quickly as possible, and tell them to be ready for battle--if these stranger's prove dangerous, I want to surprise them with your power.  Can you do this for me?

One of the gifts she shared with her ship, Kiana had learned the ability to communicate with the Island-Ship with thoughts alone.  How many captains employed such tactics, and with a spirit-ship!?  Her tactics were especially brutal, though the others would only see Akihiro submerging.  If things went sour, she would have her ship capsize one, or even both of the ships with his surfacing.  Rising stone on the hull of a ship was an easy recipe for victory on the open seas, and it also promised that few of their own people would die in the process--as well as fewer of their men, if done quickly enough.

Kiana waited to see what the rest of them had to say, however.

Kareth had been preparing the laundry list of skills he completely lacked which would be helpful in the new duties as soon as Kiana had started speaking.  Unfortunately, her never finishing the sentence deprived the engineer of his rebuttal.

"We're in the middle of the sea.  If they were looking for us, how would they even find us?  Regardless, we need to hide our new... literature."

With that Kareth takes the Libram and hides tucks it behind his cloak.

Treon frowned as Kiana relayed her intelligence to those present on the deck.  "I've not heard much of Moray Darktide, but very few things I hear of Skullstone are good.  I will return to the Hammerhead until they have announced their attentions one way or the other.  It is easy enough to row back over here should they wish to talk and if they do not, I would rather be on my ship.  Tethia, if you would accompany me?", he asks of the woman who is somewhere between his second and a completely independent agent.  "Darel, you can return with me or stay here, as you wish.  It might be safer should fighting break out, Aranita, on this ship."

When all who are returning with him have decided, Treon has his crew row back to the Hammerhead.  He raises his voice as he gets there.  "Everyone look lively, we have two ships from Skullstone sailing in.  We don't know of their intentions, but if they prove hostile then they will need to be shown the error of their ways and the foolishness of attacking the Cobalt Alliance."

As the various members of the Alliance speak, Lasuri listens intently, his brow furrowed slightly in thought. As the decision on what to do with the Libram is something that regards the whole of the Alliance, he lets everyone express their thoughts and opinions on the matter, unwilling to direct or push the issue one way or the other. Whatever they decide should be a democratic call, after all. When Kareth speaks, he turns towards the engineer, shaking his head softly.

"Don't worry, I won't burden you with titles when you don't desire them, as you've mentioned before. I'm just saying this because things need to get reorganized - we've lost so many people in our last engagement, I need to reassign people and know who will take care of what. As for the skills... Don't worry too much about it. What I like and trust is your judgment and approach to situations - you think things through, like a military man. If you need certain skills, I can try to assign you people who know about them to help make your decisions. In the end, it's your mind that the most important bit of the puzzle."

"As for the book... Well, seems like we should keep it more under wraps for the time being. We need to discuss this further, obviously, weigh the pros and cons of each approach and..." Lasuri's explanation and thoughts are cut short, however, when Kiana speaks her warning. "Of all the times... What does Darktide want with us?" The Captain utters while staring in the distance, using a hand to shield his eyes from the sun's rays. Of course, the question if rhetorical, more of a question to fate itself than one meant to be answered by anyone in assistance.

"Allright, everyone prepare to see what they want. I want everyone ready to respond if it turns out to be hostile. The Dryad is functioning with a severely reduced crew right now, so we cant's stand to to toe. All Captains, strategies are up to you, I completely trust your judgments and abilities - the only request I make is that whatever you do, you also prepare to make an exit. If it gets heated, we can't risk more losses before we get to An-Teng. If needed, we should engage quickly and fiercely, and make our break."

"I want the Archers keeping Moray and his ally in sight, Miss Thornbloom. Until we figure out what in Malfeas they want, we shouldn't let them come up close unscathed."

Turning back towards the approaching ships, the Captain advances to the front of the Dryad, awaiting Moray's arrival and seeing if his intentions are hostile in any way.

Black Marlena

"There are two vessels, about the size of a large yacht," says Marlena matter-of-factly. She hasn't materialized, as it takes a great deal of energy to do so, and she may well need all the power she can spare. "Details are minimal from this distance. Their sails are black, though, how quaint."

The courier-spirit scoffs, but does not shirk on Zeru's request, maneuvering so that they remain close to the Akihiro, only to find that Kiana has passed orders to the island ship from the Spring Dryad. "I will speak with the Spring Dryad, that fancy priss." Zeru can feel the presence of Marlena disappear from the ship, though not entirely. Part of her is tied to her 'home', after all.

The spirit of the Dryad and Marlena commune quietly, so that when Marlena returns to Zeru she can report the full situation. Ships from Skullstone approach swiftly, led by Captain Moray Darktide. The Alliance should be battle ready but on standby, in case conflict can be averted.

"Was startin' to think we'd make it ashore without any trouble," says Antov, hefting his chopping sword, as the crew of the Marlena assemble and await any further instructions.

Akihiro

It will be done, Kiana, comes Akihiro's ponderous reply. In the three months they have had to communicate and bond, he has become as much a friend as a means of transportation. Though I am curious about these newcomers and their ships, I want to protect you and your friends as well. We will submerge and await your signal to attack.

In the next few minutes, Kiana and others can watch as the beautiful nymphs dive easily into the water, while the strong jokun climb toward the mouth of the island ship to fetch their blades and axes. Once Akihiro 'swallows' the elemental crew, he gradually begins to sink beneath the waves, until the water swallows up the crest of his head, and finally the flat top of his back that serves as the deck. What disturbances can be seen of his movement from above are negligible, as none of the elementals need to breathe.

We are in position, Akihiro thinks to Kiana. Then comes a childish thought, tinged with sorrow. I hope they are not bad people.

Dryad/Hammerhead

Tethia nods sharply at the suggestion by Treon to return. Though she doesn't speak often, she has in fact gained a measure of respect for the Fire Aspect during the Black Rock mission and the months after. Treon knows he can depend on her to remain calm and focused in uncertain situations, and she's a keen shot with a bow.

Aranita looks surprised and a bit confused when Treon suggests that she stay. "But... I... are you sure...?" She looks between him and Kiana, who has remained on the Dryad's deck. It's obvious that the island girl is attached to Treon, but also wants to learn more about the young woman who apparently has earned the right to be a captain in her own right. And with a living island ship, like something out of a picture book!

So Aranita stays, and Treon and Tethia return to the Hammerhead. Black Reed nods sharply as the Captain briefs the crew on the current situation. "Captain Kossuth never had the pleasure of facing Moray Darktide at sea, though his reputation is well-known among pirates. Despite the association with the dead island," and here Black Reed reflexively makes a superstitious warding sign, "he's a man that keeps his promises, and respects parleys."

Tethia takes her place at the implosion bow, while Reed shouts to the crew to get battle ready. The other crewmen look thrilled at the prospect of some action. Mere months have not entirely erased the bloodlust they embraced when under the influence of the Siakal cult, though Treon may be pleased to see they exhibit more restraint and fewer complaints than they once did.

On board the Spring Dryad, Jadira listens pensively to the report from Kiana, and Lasuri's orders afterward. "You got it, Captain," she replies to Lasuri, promptly assuming her role as first mate and gunnery sergeant.

Jadira's commands are sharp and sure, directing a half-dozen archers led by Amon to arm themselves, while two more pairs under her command serve as artillerists, taking up position at the ballistae. We'll eventually have to replace those with better grade weaponry, but it's probably not a good idea to overload the Dryad with artifacts. Kareth does have a point. She tries not to think too hard about how the gunnery crew has been reduced to half strength... not even enough to take control of all the artillery available.

"If Darktide's sailing a light warship like ours, about the only thing that's going to dent it's hull is this baby." The Dryad's first mate steps up to the foredeck, where the large essence cannon salvaged from the Hammerhead has been securely attached. "Kareth... sorry to borrow your power again, but can you send a message to the Hammerhead? Tell them to aim their implosion bow toward the ship accompanying Darktide's. That way both of our big guns'll be locked on them."

Her hands deftly adjust the controls, obviously already accustomed to the cannon's functions. "Eventually we'll have to come up with some uniform method of ship-to-ship communication. Learning the trick to whisper to the wind would help," Jadira adds wryly. She'd meant to, but her warfare lessons with Kiana took priority. "But that's something we'll figure out later."

With a satisfied smile, she completes the calibration and aims the large cannon at the bow of the Skullstone artifact ship. Let'em try to threaten us now.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Tue 10 Nov 2009.

Somewhere in all the excitement and preparation, Loukan Hirdu prepares to return to the Ambition, but not before a friendly parting shot toward Kareth. "Believe me, we'll talk more about the Libram later. And what applications we can safely implement. Don't be such a pessimist!" Of course the jolly captain and blacksmith might consider Kareth's pragmatism to be one step away from fatalism. But Hirdu's also the one that got caught by Lintha Hazhain Sul in the first place, before the Alliance came into the picture.

Captain Hirdu claps Kareth on the shoulder, then nods to the rest of the Alliance still aboard the Dryad. "Well, time to go, good sirs and madams. The Ambition will provide more artillery support should the situation get nasty. Don't have all that much manpower either, sadly, so ranged support's the most ideal. We've got plenty pitch grenades and incendiary arrows to bring to the fight." He salutes and disembarks on one of the lifeboats, rowing back to the Ambition with the aid of two of his accompanying crewmen.

By the time the Alliance members have returned to their respective ships and stations, the Skullstone vessels have sailed close enough for even the least aware individual to see (assuming they're looking due south). Moray Darktide's warship -- with its forbidding dark steel hull and fixtures of brightly bleached bone -- and the other medium-sized vessel appear to be slowing down the closer that they get. Their black sails blend in with the deepening dusk, along with a flag displaying a white circle on a black field, the insignia of Skullstone.

Figures can be seen moving around on the Skullstone decks now, crewmen that everyone knows cannot possibly be human. One knowledgeable about the undead might be able to figure out from their mannerisms what sort of beings they are, even from afar. Regardless, they and their captains still refrain from any overt sign of hostility.

---

OOC: Everyone else except Treon (Hammerhead) and Zeru (Marlena) is assumed to be staying on the Dryad unless otherwise noted. (Darel and Hera, if you disagree it's a good time to say now!)

Also, roll Int+Occult if you would like to figure what sort of spookies Moray and co. have aboard. My next post will detail more about what they're up to, but I'm pausing here to give more space for people who haven't reacted yet to post (or for others to react further).
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Tue 10 Nov 2009.

Zeru smiles at Antov. "Don't count this as a fight just yet. If we're lucky he may just want to congratulate us on defeating the lintha, I mean how many people around here actually like them?" He looks back on the ship, nothing he had seen could have prepared him for the manner of creatures on the ships.

"That being said... gear up, I'd rather not be caught slacking should he decide he wants something we got, or that we're too much of a good thing to let sail happily through the waters of the western seas." He gently touches Melusine on the shoulder. "That was a great catch," He says. He didn't want her to get hurt when the fighting started but she heard what Zeru couldn't see amidst his playing no less. She might have other tricks, but the loss of ones sight is a huge disadvantage, and it hasn't been overly long since she lost it, he didn't know how she would handle herself in a combat situation. "I won't send you away, but you're free to head into the hold if the situation comes down to fighting."

Turning back he calls out. "Cinna, I'd like my first mate up here with me," He smiles warmly and lovingly. "You're an officer in the alliance, so you ought to be present for negotiations and pleasantries."

Darel had noted, distractedly, the emergence of the two vessels... And was both disappointed and relieved that their discussion was to be reported at a later date. More time to prepare sound arguments and make a solid case...

As Akihiro sunk under the waves, he made a thumbs-up sign at Kiana. "That is quite a neat trick, Captain," he said with genuine excitation in his voice. Then he followed Treon as he returned to the Hammerhead, followed by his neomah.

"I hope the Skullstone people have no ill intent," he told Treon. "Because while they are dwellers of the Western seas, I place them just a bit below the Lintha on my "kick-out" list. At any rate, be assured that my sorcery will be unleashed should they make a hostile move. If you have a crew member who is capable with ranged attacks and not afraid of heights, let me know."

And then his voice took on a musical accent as he spoke the language of the Old Realm: "Zorodeanès, prepare to cloth yourself in flesh and take off," he told his agata, seemingly speaking alone. "K'raelden, at my command, be ready to engulf the two incoming ships in your mists, and prey on the crews at your leisure... Do not hinder or harm the Alliance ships under any circumstances."

He then went to his cabin, his neomah on his heels. "Kathelane, prepare your poison pins, stay by my side. Use your illusions wisely if I am assaulted during spellcasting." He picked up his store of throwing knives, and his sesselja from its resting place on his desk, before pocketing it. "Thuulandr, I may need you to stitch flesh back together."

He came back on the deck. That was quite the alert. He eyed the approaching ships warily, gauging the numbers and nature of the shambling host onboard the vessels of the undead nation.

[Private to GM: [OOC: You rolled 3 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((5,2,7,4,6,4,4,10)).]]

The engineer simply looks at the Hirdu as he quips.  "Aye Aye, Ma'm," Kareth then says and quickly relays the message to the Hammerhead.  He then begins to study the crews of the approaching ships.

[Private to GM:
Isole Kareth rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with ... rolls of 5,4,8,10,6,9,9,2. Whose da spook?. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Wed 11 Nov 2009.

Black Marlena

Antov chuckles heartily at Zeru's comments, though he squints uncomfortably toward the approaching ships. "Can't argue with that, the Lintha are a scourge many would be glad to be rid of."

At the call to gear up, the crew of the Marlena follow Antov's example and retrieve their weapons, armor and bucklers, gear that Captain Hirdu of the Ambition has recently blessed and improved in quality. Along with Antov's chopping sword, Brogan and Curran wield a pair of boarding axes, Cinna a slender, accurate rapier and Sunden a pair of long knives (with many more still strapped and sheathed to his body, of course).

Melusine smiles at Zeru's compliment, then hesitates when he mentions hiding in the hold. Finally she says, "I would like to remain. I can tell you more about the nature of the Skullstone captains and crew, perhaps even distract their minds. I can take water form if I sense too much danger." The blind nymph concentrates visibly, and after a moment murmurs to Zeru her findings, her tone indicating some amount of shock and surprise. [Private to Peleps Zeru: Melusine is using the spirit charm 'Measure the Wind'! She tells you that Moray Darktide is a Solar Exalt of Essence 4. There is also a second Solar Exalt with Moray (Essence 3). He has 40 War Ghosts, 10 Nemissaries and 5 Ghost-Blooded. The second vessel has an additional 25 Shadowland Mortals (elite soldiers), and its Captain is amazingly ALSO a Solar, but a young one (Essence 2). The Alliance may well have just encountered part of a Solar Circle devoted to Skullstone.]

Cinna steps up beside Zeru when he summons her, smiling warmly, though her face furrows with worry. "I admit, I'm a bit weirded out by the idea of making deals with the dead. But if we can avoid too many risks, I wouldn't complain."

Hammerhead

In turn, Darel's demons acknowledge his orders, and prepare themselves accordingly. He feels K'raelden acknowledge him and drift away underwater, still dematerialized, positioning himself so that should he take mist form, he will leave the Alliance ships out of the perimeter. Between the eristufa and Akihiro, Skullstone has quite the surprise waiting for them.

Zorodeanès hovers unseen and obediently, so close Darel can faintly hear the pleasant buzzing of her(?) wings. Thuulandr's emotions through the binding are like a ball of expectant energy. Kathelane, the only one materialized, smiles confidently and replies, "It would be my pleasure, master." She draws a pair of aconite dusted pins from her hair with fingers too delicate to be quite human.

Tethia waits for Darel to complete his orders to the unseen beings that serve him, then remarks, "I am a ranged combatant, Darel, though it seems more appropriate that I stay with the implosion bow at this time." Having heard Kareth's message, she swivels the artifact weapon to aim at the second ship beside Moray's, her hands steady on the controls as she tracks the Skullstone vessel's progress.

"Hailstorm and Zir are the other ranged attackers; they usually man the sailcutters." The two ex-pirates Tethia names raise their heads curiously and a little apprehensively when pointed out. They're hard-bitten men, but sorcery and consorting with demons still gives them the creeps. "I'm curious what you mean about 'heights', though."

Skullstone Ships

At 500 yards away, the warship and accompanying yacht come to a dead stop in the water. This gives Darel and Kareth plenty of time to consider the type and number of beings they can see aboard. [Private to Darel Arwan: Moray's warship carries about 50 of a mixed group of many War Ghosts, several you suspect are Nemissaries and a handful whose origin you can't quite place. On the other vessel you see 25 other figures, which you realize are not actually the zombies you assumed them to be, but mortals (this makes more sense as you realize zombies are too awkward and dumb to be much use as sailors).][Private to Isole Kareth: You're able to differentiate about 40 War Ghosts, 10 silver-masked Nemissaries and 5 Ghost-Blooded on Moray's ship, and about 25 elite mortals (not undead, but likely seeking to be one day, given Skullstone's culture) on the other ship. You would also know that Moray is a Solar, and you assume the other Skullstone Captain is also an Exalt but cannot tell immediately what type.]

Only then do the Skullstone troops start to arm themselves. There are about three scales of them between the two ships. Arrows are nocked, bows drawn taut, artillery readied with the creak of turning gears. A telltale glimmer from the deck of the warship indicates the activation of an implosion bow. No projectiles are fired, so it appears to be more a show of strength and numbers, but the mood that settles over the encounter is tense.

At this point there is further movement on the Skullstone warship. A handsome man with long hair in a dark-hued naval greatcoat, very likely Moray Darktide, is giving some further orders. The Cobalt Alliance may react or simply look on as six others are selected among the Skullstone crew to descend with Moray in a rowboat onto the gently rolling sea. [Private to Peleps Zeru: With Moray is the other Solar (female), one Nemissary and four War Ghosts who are there mostly to row the boat.][Private to Darel Arwan: Five of those accompanying Moray on the rowboat are undead crewmen, but one (a woman) appears completely mortal to your eyes.][Private to Isole Kareth: Moray is accompanied on the rowboat by 1 Nemissary, 4 War Ghosts and another female figure (not the second Skullstone Captain) you are certain is NOT undead. Perhaps another Exalt?][Private to Cynis Tageru: One of the figures accompanying Moray Darktide is a woman that looks very familiar to you, though it's harder to tell why from a distance.]

---

OOC: While I'm on the subject of numbers, I will allow an Int+War roll if you want some hints from me considering the odds should this become a conflict. No need for Join Battle unless you're really paranoid, and intending to attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Thu 12 Nov 2009.

"Yes, I would prefer that you man the Implosion Bow," he nods to Tethia.  "It will be that much more effective in your hands than mine, should things go south," he says.  "I believe Darel is proposing to send one man aloft on his ... wasp," Treon says.  "I think concealing we have demons might be wiser however, as where there is one, there could be more.  If they don't know, then a strike from surprise becomes possible," he says as he catches Hailstorm and Zir's reluctance.

"What is he intending?" Treon muses out loud as Moray enters the rowing boat.  As he does, he tries to assess the situation they found themselves in.  If things did go wrong, Moray would probably be on the Dryad, but so would most of the Dragonblooded in the Alliance. Which left the ships.  One of them probably similar to his own Hammerhead, one similar to the Dryad.  Which left the fight ... where?
[Private to GM: 00:26, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,9,2,9,10,5. Waaaaar!.]

Kareth quickly relays the information he gleaned to Lasuri while waiving Jadira and Kiana over so that they might hear his assessment of the crew.  "Morray's crew seems to be composed of 2 score War Ghost, 10 Nemissaries, and 5 Ghost-bloods.  The ghost-bloods could wield necromancy."  Kareth thumbed the knotted cord hanging from his belt at this last assessment, but quickly moved on in his report.  "The other crew appears to be all mortal with an Exalted Captain.  Morray appears to be a golden anathama but of what type I don't know yet.  As for the other captain, I do not know what sort of Exalt he is."

As Kareth continued watching he continued to relate what he noticed to the officers, "It appears Morray is coming with one Nemissary and 4 war ghost.  I don't know what the other... person...  is.  The Nemissary will be the one in the silver mask."

At the prow of the Spring Dryad II, Lasuri watches the going-ons carefully, eyes narrowed and lips tightened as he tries to understand what is occurring and what Moray Darktide might actually be thinking. A quick analysis of the situation shows that whatever maneuver he is currently planning on is putting the Skullstone Captain at a possible disadvantage and that is something that puzzles the Sea Drake. Darktide has not survived this long and earned this big a reputation in the West by doing foolhardy or stupid things, after all. No matter how this looks, there must be a plan behind this all.

"Thanks for the reports, all." He calls out, when people make their assessments of who and what are accompanying the mysterious pirate Captain. "Pass that information along and make sure the other ships are up to date and on the same page as us." Lasuri adds, speaking directly to one of the Dryad's mates responsible for ship to ship communications.

"I want everyone to stay into position in case something goes wrong, but I want this to be clear - everyone is to remain on standby only. I don't know yet what Darktide is up to. That worries me, but the Alliance will not be the one to strike the first blow, especially unprovoked."

Turning towards Kareth and Jadira, Lasuri nods grimly, his expression much more serious than usual. "I want a boat readied on our side as well. From the looks of it, it seems our 'guests' are taking an approach of deterrence - which means they might actually be trying to parlay. If that's the case, we'll hear what he has to say, even though I'm highly suspicious."

Having completed his preparations, Darel nodded to Tethia, Hailstorm and Zir. "Very well. Riding a horse-sized wasp could foul your aim if you are unused to it."

He turned towards the two Skullstone ships, arms crossed. "I do not think K'raelden will be as efficient as usual against a ship crewed by ghosts and other dwellers of the lands of the dead," he told Treon. "But at least its mist form should allow the Alliance to disengage if need be."

Kareth quickly rattles off a message to Darel using wind spoken words.  "Flagship: forty War, ten Nemissaries, five ghost blood. Moray is Solar.  Other: twenty-five mortals. Captain is female Exalt.  Relay to Hirdu."  He then rattled off the same message to Zeru.

[Private to Darel Arwan: Since English isn't your native language, you might get a little lost with what I was saying.  I tried to shorten the number of words to be less than 25, but it should contain the same information I gave
Lasuri in my last post concerning the nature of the skullstone crew.  You probably didn't need this explanation since you obviously speak the language well, but I figured I'd include it just in case.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Fri 13 Nov 2009.

Kiana scrutinized the ships as they drew closer, and even more so as the smaller vessel, harboring Morray and some crew members.  It was a curious tactic, and one that smacked of diplomacy and not treachery...but still, Kiana was not one to go on assumptions.  That was the quickest way to admit defeat, and she would not have it.  No, it was best to consider all avenues, and this could very well be a distraction tactic.  Kiana hated assuming the worst, but in honesty, while she did assume the worst, she really did hope for the best.  With all her heart she hoped it was a diplomatic situation, and not more fighting.  True, it had been almost three months since she had been forced to draw blood in the name of the Alliance, but that didn't seem hardly long enough to the Earth Princess, skilled at war as she was.

She was silent for now, trusting that Leomaris already had his own strategies in mind, though the look on her face suggested that she was still in communication with Akihiro.

Cobalt Alliance

The uncomfortable face-off continues. Numbers between the two forces are close to even, if one counts Akihiro lurking below, but Kareth's report brings to light some advantages on the opposing side. Solar leaders, war ghosts, possibly even necromancers... the situation could get ugly, should they be too hastily provoked.

Still, Captain Lasuri's insistence on standby is the prevailing order. Jadira's cannon remains pointed toward the Skullstone warship, too far away for its essence blasts to reach. Tethia stays with the implosion bow as commanded, keeping her aim steady on the second Skullstone ship. Artillery pieces on the Dryad, Hammerhead and Ambition are loaded and ready to fire on command. Anyone not currently manning ballista or catapult with the skill to wield a bow holds one in his or her hands.

Answering Lasuri's request, two crewmen on the Dryad ready the lifeboat to be lowered into the water, just in case. All that remains then is to decide who will board it with him.

Skullstone

The figures rowing Moray Darktide's boat still their oars exactly halfway between Skullstone's vessels (packed with undead archers and artillerists) and the Cobalt Alliance fleet. At 250 yards away, most everyone can pick out each individual figure in the rowboat. Besides Moray Darktide himself, there are four figures in blackened steel armor, their pallid hands and faces a stark contrast to their dark clothing. Another figure wears a more ornate black armor decorated with silver glyphs, and an expressionless mask wrought in silver.

The last member of the group, seated closest to Moray, is the only obvious female: slender and beautiful with golden blonde hair, she has a sweet, serene face that belies her youth. Her presence seems distinctly out of place among the Skullstone elite, as she lacks any of the trappings of the dead, wearing a robe of white and blue like the hue of seafoam and waves. Yet she appears calm and self-assured despite the darkness that surrounds her.

When the rowboat stops, Moray confidently rises to his full height. His windswept hair is a brown color, his square-jawed face pleasant to look at. The greatcoat he wears is a blue so dark it may as well be black, the epaulets made of human skulls. He lacks a hat, but wears an eyepatch, and carries a sheathed weapon that looks to be the size of wavecleaver daiklave. One might think that Moray is trying a little too hard to look the part.

"Cobalt Alliance, should my reputation precede me - and surely it ought - you would know me as Moray Darktide of Skullstone, Captain of the Last Will and Testament. Sailing the Bride in Ashes is the ravishing Bittersea Blackfalcon," he gestures to the Skullstone yacht, where a curly haired woman in black corset, leggings and over-the-knee boots stands at the prow; she raises a firearm toward the sky and pulls the trigger with a bang! "Accompanying me is my lovely negotiator, Silver Shell, whose words are leagues more eloquent than mine." Here Moray gestures to the blonde seated beside him.

"Captain Leomaris, lesser known you may be, but even I have heard you are a man of honor, just as your Alliance is one of good deeds. Let us meet here in the middle, for all our crews to witness, and speak of our common enemy, whose waters are so uncomfortably near."

[Private to Peleps Zeru: Moray, Bittersea and Shell are the Solars Melusine mentioned (Essence 4, 3 and 2 respectively)]

Jadira doesn't step away from the Dryad's cannon, or even look behind her toward Lasuri, though she addresses him clearly. "Captain, if you will go, I will stay here to command the Dryad with Donnegal. My archers and artillery are here to watch your back."

To her crewmen she says, "Remain prepared, but take advantage of cover, we need not make ourselves too easy a target for the Skullstone archers."

Then it was a parlay.  Speaking of the Lintha with Morray could prove fruitful.

"Captain." Kiana said stoically, "I volunteer to accompany you to meet our new guests.  I can command Akihiro and his crew from afar, and I believe I may prove useful to you if negotiations prove sour."

Darel reported the information to Treon, and sent a Winds Carried Message to Hirdu relaying Kareth.

When Darktide made his offer of parley, Darel bit his lip. "This is not good... They must want something we have. I'd sooner destroy the Libram than hand it to them, no matter what we went through to obtain it."

[Private to GM: [OOC: How much do I pay for this relay?]]

"I do not think Captain Lasuri would just give up the Libram," Treon reassured him.  "Certainly not if he threatens him, and it would have to be a very significant trade which was offered.  Even then, I am not sure if he would."

"It could as easily be as a result of the engagement against the Lintha, or even unrelated to that."

Hearing the opposing Captain's call, Lasuri finally nods, turning back towards his crew. "Allright, here is how it will go down. I'll go and meet with Darktide, and see what he wants. I'm still a bit weary, but I trust in the people around us to cover us. Miss Kiana, I accept your offer. You'll come and back me up during the talks. I think our Captains should stay at the ready in case this goes sour, but I think you can direct the Akihiro even from where you are, so you're not losing your advantage. Mister Kareth... I'd like you to take the other place at our side. I'll need your assembled capabilities to pull through in this talk - we've no way to know yet how this is going to turn out. I'd like to be able to count on your combined strengths to help out with it."

"Mister Rowe. Mister Cray. Mister Koril. Miss Samil. You'll round up the meeting crew. Six on six, as the code prescribes." Lasuri nods sharply, then turns towards Jadira, taking a step closer towards her. "Listen closely, Jadira. If something - anything happens out there, you'll be in charge not only of the Dryad, but of the Alliance fleet. This ship is the flagship - the other Captains will look up to you for guidance. If, for whatever reason, this meeting turns hostile, I want you to pull out with the other ships and head for An-Teng directly. Miss Kiana can get the Akihiro to get us in a pinch, and I'll make sure to lead our small group to safety. We've got to fight defensively, so getting to Alliance to An-Teng is your priority. If it happens that way and we get separated, we'll meet at the usual rendezvous point."

The Captain smiles then, and touches the armswoman's shoulder. he lingers for a moment, then nods. "I trust you." He finally says, before turning towards Kiana and Kareth. "Well, let's not ride the line between fashionably late and unfashionably rude. Let's see what Darktide wants, and get this over with. Meeting crew, with us!" The Sea Drake orders, gesturing towards the lowered lifeboat, and preparing to go meet with the enigmatic Solar.