The morning brings with it a sea mist that obscures your views slightly. Otherwise Buck starts yelling orders and soon the ship is off on it's planeed course. None of the sailors know what that course is yet.

[Private to Zorlax Marn: The scrolls that were given to you were Gust of Wind, Fog Cloud, Animate Rope and Flaming Sphere. You had to cast Read Magic once]
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:49, Thu 12 Apr 2007.

"Rope burns, splinters and blisters. you know after a while you'd think sailors hands would toughen up and they'd get less of them, but it seems like just the opposite is true, the more experienced the sailor the more splinters, rope burns and blisters he seems to get." Flik comments while watchng the crew work on deck.

Zorlax strolls on the deck to watch the crew get the ship underway. He leans on a rail on the poop and watches Buck give the orders to get the ship moving. He examines some of the rope esimating thickness and speaks with the master about which ropes are the most critical for power, steering, etc..

Aurlin climbs up the mast and into the crows-nest. The wind blowing through his hair is wondefull and he can think of no better job. He begins scanning the horizon...........

Hoat takes his assigned station at the helm, looking to get a feel for the ship, and how she handles. The blood of his sea-faring ancestors yearns for the salty air and shifting deck.  Hoat breaths in deeply, glad to be underway again.  Now, he just needed to do little pillaging, and things would be perfect.

Aralanthalas stands around on deck, watching the crew get working as the ship gets underway.

As Flik looked over the crew hard at work, felt the warm sun beaming down on him and the breeze blowing past he decided that sailing was a fine thing, as long as you didn't have to do any of the hard work, not to mention that some of the songs the sailors sung were quite catchy.

"So any ideas on who were are going to be piliaging today or is it just the usualy rob the first unlucky sod who crosses our path?" Flik asks.

"Cap'n's got a plan. She always has a plan." replies a crewmember that you think is named James...or something from last night.

Just then though, the second cabin's door is flung open and one of the crew is being held by 3 others. They are dragging him to the captain.

Zorlax leans over the poop railing and watches as the person is drug out into the light. He mumbles to himself about thieves on a ship and watches with amusiment. Hes seen what he thinks will happen next.

Reluctant to leave his post, but to curiouse not to, Aurlin leaps out of the crows, and levitates to the deck. "Looks like someone has been up to no good! Wait a minute, did he say thief?" Aurlin eyes the man suspiciously, 'better not be any of my stuff stolen........'

Zorlax and Hoat recognize him as that Teifling they met back at the cove. The captain walks closer to him and then punches him in the nose.

"There's sharks in these waters you know." she says, smiling as blood trickles onto the Tiefling's lips. "They get bored easily. I reckon you should go and play with them...I would recommend 'Hide an' seek'. They like that game."

The bloodied man makes a quiet comment which earns him a punch in the gut and a knee in the crotch. He doubles over but is quickly dragged back onto his feet.

"Fetch the gangplank someone!" the captain shouts.

Flik sighs at the display amd anyone looking at him would see the slight disapproval on his face I'm sure the captain has her reasons, but everytime I see a display like this I can't help but wonder what exactly I've gotten my self into. Sometimes I can't believe that tymora would send me here, but the captain did win the card game fa... well, she beat me anyway." Flik thinks to himself.

Hoat picks his teeth, waiting to see what will happen.  Only a fool would interfere with a Captain's justice.

The teifling waits while the plank is fetched. it is placed and he is pushed towards it.

He takes his steps but on the last one he attempts to use the plank as a springboard, retrieving a dagger, concealed on his person. It is a daring and dextrous move but he just recieves a slash from the captain's sword and a powerful boot to the gut that pushes him into the sea.

Cap'n Blackmane takes a rag and wipes the blood off her sword as the plank is retracted.

"Attention on deck!" she yells "Seems we have a position for first mate that's just opened up. Who wants it?" she smiles, waiting for the response.

"Well, wouldn't the obvious choice be Buck? He knows the area very well, has just as much if not more experience then anyone else onboard ship and did very well commanding the ship on it's shake down run."

"Buck WAS first mate...mate." says the crewman next to you as his facial features contort into those of a very confused man.
He snaps out of it. "Only time cap'n ever sends someone overboard is when they betray or kill another crewman. I reckon Buck is goin' on a trip to meet Davey Jones soon enough."

"Opps where was my head you are quite right, I guess this means that the tiefling who just got booted from the ship murdered Buck. That's a shame, but that's the life I guess. Anyway, I personally know next to nothing about running a ship smoothly, so I would suggest a hardy sailor who knows the area. Who, besides the captain, knows the sea around here very well?"

Zorlax remains calm as the man disappears astern. He contemplates this sudden change. So the first mate is dead. Well I guess I have the cabin all to myself."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Mon 30 Jan 2006.

Aurlin smiles, obviously pleased at the doomed tiefling entertaining attempt at escape. When the position of first mate comes up, Aurlin cringes at the idea of being given any responsibility. He is free spirited and unpredictable, not one to be tied down or told what to do. But then he calms his normaly racing thoughts, takes a breath of fresh sea air--which he was coming to like even more--and thinks about the position more carefully. Never thought of myself as a leader............ but I suppose pirates ain't as picky as them big shots in the cities. Not sure of what to do, he decides to head down to his bunk and think ab.............. bunk.
Bet the first mate gets better quarters than the rest of the crew.
Suddenly finding the position most interesting, and realising that a certain amount of power and responsibility might actually give him the freedom he so despratly needs, Aurlin decides that he is indeed interested in the position.
The cunning and oppurtunistick rogue steps boldly forward, stands confidently in front of the captain and assembled crew, and says, I have not the expierience my good captain, but my dedication is steadfast, and my skills are without doubt. Ask and it shall be done, and if anyone wishes to challenge me for the position, then say so now! He looks in turn to each member of the crew, as if challenging there opposition.

"No offense friend, but what we need in a first mate is experience. Can you run the ship on your own, how adept are you at navigation and how well do you know these waters?" Flik asks Aurlin.

Aurlin turns to face his first obsacle in his daring grab at the first mate position. " Let anyone who thinks that they are more worthy step forward and make their claim," he finish matter'o' factly and waits for a response.

Hoat steps forward, cracking knuckles the size of a halfling's fist.

"Well now, little man.  Ye seem to be good at talkin' and walkin', that's fer sure. But there's more t' bein' 'Mate than makin' a few jokes an' dancin' a jig.  What makes ye think yer more worthy than Hoat Hundemar?"

Blackmane simply smiled at Hoat and looked on at the pair with interest.

Aurlin turns to regard the towering seven foot tall human, taking special note of his wicked looking halbred. 'Hmmmmm, obstacle two is a mite bigger!' Having no desire to confront the obviously skilled warrior, but knowing that if he wanted the first mate position he must show no fear, Aurlin decides that showing a brave front in front of such an impressive figure could actually work in his favor.

"Well my good man Hort,"he says calmly while walking towards the warrior, "I couldn't say that I am more worthy than yerself, seeing as we havn't had as much bonding time together as I would normally have liked," he says with a hint of sarcasm."But I can tell you that my talents extend far beyond my witty banter and dancing abilities."

He waits patiently for the captains imminent intervention--so he thinks--, but he gathers his wits and readies for a show of strength just in case. If the big one proposes some sort of challenge, he doubts that it would be opposed. Confident he could at least give the big one a run for his money, he cares not regardless as this was one of the most fun(tense) moment of his young life. 'Now this is an adventure!'
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Wed 01 Feb 2006.

"Well, we can't sail without a first mate and, honestly I'm intrigued to see who would be the better man out of you two."

She gives the two men a broad smile that could melt a man's heart...and strike fear into the most hardy of warriors.

When the captain smiles at him, he can't help but find her to be quite striking. He banishes such thoughts instantly knowing that he had more pressing matters at hand, 'Looks like a fights unavoidable................gotta look like it is what I wanted all along.' He takes his bow from his back, and reaches for an arrow......... or so it would seem at first. He however removes his quiver as well, tossing both to the ground. Knowing he had just relinquished his greatest advantage, he suppresses a cringe and puts his hands to his side, in easy reach of both his rapier and daggers.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Wed 01 Feb 2006.

Deciding that bloodshed is immient Zorlax snaps out of his daze. He addresses the two would-be first mates.
"Let any man who would be first mate stand before me and answer 3 simple questions. The person who answers correctly will have my support for first mate." Tired of seeing fellow adventureers fighting and causing delays, Zorlax motions for Hoat, Aurlin, and Flik to stand before him on the main deck. He will remain above them on the poop.

I already said that not only was I uninterested in the job, I wouldn't be fit for it. I just want to make sure the person who does take the job can handle it. I'd hate for us to sink because the first mate didn't know about a reef or something. So I'll ask the same question of Hoat as I did Aurlin. Can you run the ship on your own, how adept are you at navigation and how well do you know these waters?"

Hoat laughs loudly raising his hands.

"Hey now! No need to draw blades...I was only thinkin' of a friendly wrestlin' match."  Hoat points at Zorlax, "But mayhap that one has an even better idea. You c'n keep your pointy little sticks in their sheaths fer now, little man.  how bout a battle o' wits?"

Aurlin is indeed interested in gaining Zorlax's support for the position, he just wishes that it was proposed before he got himself in such a predicament.

Listening as Flic tries to garner some information on the prospective first mate, Aurlin thinks it strange that the warrior also had enough wit to save such usefull information until after it was requested by the captain.

As Hort laughs, Aurlin reaches for a dagger to throw at the man while he redies himself for combat. He is about to unsheath his weapon and let fly, when--just in the nick of time--, Hort proclaims that blades arn't neccessary. Aurlin is immensly pleased that it wasn't going to come to combat with the undoubtedly skilled warrior, but he takes great pains to mask his approval. Feigning a sigh, and saying with false dissapointment,"a battle of wit's you say?"
Aurlin takes a moment, as if considering the offer, ."although I was looking forward to crossing blades with you, I suppose a test of wits will do."

Aurlin picks up his dropped bow and quiver, slinging them back over his back
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Thu 02 Feb 2006.

As the two candiates stand before Zorlax he asks his first question.

Think carefully of the questions before answering, they are meant to test your mind's nimbleness as well as your general knowledge. Your first question, Hoat, is in a gale which sail do you reef first? The royals or the stays?

Aurlin, How many ropes and men do you need to properly keelhaul someone?"

Zorlax's eyes glitter as the two answer his first question.


OOC: If anyone one else wants to take a shot at theses questions, I'll see if the DM will ante up a little XP for a correct answer. Just PM them to me.

Not a confident sailor, Aurlin listens carefully as Zorlax asks his first question. Thanking the gods for his luck, he at least knew what keelhaulig was, having witnessed such an event last time he traveled by ship. He was traveling to Amn in hopes of finding work with the shadow thieves, and while on-board, a crewmember got a little to mouthy with the captain.

Trying to remember the details of the process, he doesn't want to delay so steps forward and says, " Why you would need the rope to be long enough to reach the ships keel from the deck," he pauses, thinking that that is probably not enough, so he adds, "so as to properly drag the doomed sod under the ship. And as fer the manpower, I suppose it depends on who ye be wanting to Keelhaul."

Zorlax taps his chin with his finger as he ponder's Aurlin's answer. He pauses waiting for more from the blue lookout, then adds. I'm thinking of your average man as being keelhauled, and how many ropes and men are required. Your answer so far is correct, but it dragon steps the answer. Please be a bit more specific.

Zorlax glances at Hoat who seems to be in deep thought. Maybe he's giving Aurlin enough rope to hang himself. Zorlax chuckles at his own pun.

Hoat pulls on his beard before answering,

"Well now, mage, I been more a galley sailor, but I c'n take a guess.  I don't think I'd rightly want royals flyin' in a gale - seems like you'd want less sail near the top o' the mast to keep it from splinterin' at the base.  So then, I'd reef them royals first.  Ye' didn't say which stays, but as I recall they be good in strong winds.

Fer keelhaulin' all ye need is one rope under the belly o' the ship, an' two men t' pull, one on each side.  Though as the man says, if the sod bein' keelhauled like his meat, or gets caught on somethin', ye might need an extra hand er' two t' yank him free."

Zorlax nods at Hoat's answer and smiles at his second. Are you trying to help poor Aurlin out with his question? Maybe this question will get you thinking. Your second question Hoat, What seperates a cat's head from a cat's block?

Dissapointed that his 'dragon step' was indeed noted, it looks like the position would be harder to gain than he originally thought. With Hoart however filling in the details of his question, Aurlin concocts a cover. He turns to Hoat and says, "Thank you for the assistance Hoat, but I could have filled in the details myself."

 Seeing that Hoat seems to have more sailing knowledge than himself, the prospect of gaining Zorlax's support seems unlikely. Not one however to give up, and hearing Zorlax's attempted insult, Aurlin turns to the mage and says "Poor Aurlin indeed, maybe some recognition of some of my 'other' skills would be neccessary.......... "  he leaves the statement open and waits patiently for his next question
This message was last edited by the player at 07:29, Sat 04 Feb 2006.

Hoat grins with great, yellow teeth, and replies to Zorlax quickly.

"Th' answer you ware lookin' fer is 'anchor' I believe.  Though in my galley days, we'd run our dragon-ships up on th' beach.  We didn' use no anchor cuz' it gave us more time fer lootin'"

Zorlax gives Aurlin a level stare. Your threats mean little to me, gensai. I seek only to get the best first mate for this ship. A position of command deserves no less than the most qualified.

Your second question, what does the wax on a lead's chain reveal?
Zorlax snaps out the question almost like a threat and eyes the rogue as Hoat belts out another answer. Zorlax nods to the fighter and waits for Aurlin to answer before asking his last question.

Zorlax gives Aurlin a level stare and their eyes lock. He listens to the mage offer his petty excuses for the insult against his intelect and offers no response apart from a insincere smile.

Disturbed after listening to the Zorlax's second question, Aurlin frantically searches his mind for even the vaugest reference to wax on lead chains.
'Rats, cant talk my way around this one'
He is silent for a fair amount of time and it looks like the rogue has nothing to say to this difficult question, but he is then struck by an idea.

Desperate, and seeing no other way to avoid answering the question, he turns his back on the mage and adressess the captain. " Captain! Zorlax has not properly accounted for his insult and explained exactly why he reffered to me in such a manner. I care not, but I also will not answer any more of his questions. If you need someone to organise our raids, and gather information for jobs, then you would do well in considering me for the post. If you would like another sailor to enhance your own superior skills, then you know where to turn."

Knowing his move to be a bold one, his nerves are starting to shaken and a slight magical breeze picks up arounde his person. While it would be overlooked out here on the open seas, when it occurs in-doors it is often regarded with a fascinated curiousity by onlookers. It is however an annoying curse to Aurlin, a 'gift' from his Gensai heratage that occurs whenever he is nervouse or irritaded......... and it only ever served to worsen his nerves further.

Flik looks on slightly amused by the 'game'. As a cleric of Tymora and an avid 'gamer' Flik can easily recognize a gamble of any type and Aurlin has just made a bold one. The playing field was shifted in Hoat's favor, possibly by design. So far Hoat has shown himself to not only be the better sailor, but also the cooler head. Aurlin is teetering and needed to react quickly before he lost more ground, perhaps Zorlax was hoping to provoke just this sort of response pulling Aurlin's strings to see what the rouge could come up with to worm his way out of the situation. A more cautious gamble would of been to force a change in the rules of the game or the field being played on, but Aurlin threw caution to the wind, so to speak, and pre-empted play entirely by trying to force a disqualification. Maybe any other game that came to mind either didn't give him enough of an advantage or wouldn't turn out favorably. Then again his unspoken challenge to Hoat before this game probably would not of turned out favorably as well. Hoat would be the standard choice out of the two, but Flik has a soft spot for gamblers and as the little drama presses forward he can't help but start to like Aurlin more. Flik continues to watch, still with holding judgement, after all Hoat hasn't really made any moves yet, he's guarding his cards carefully. Perhaps the sailor is a gambler too.

Zorlax, unimpressed with Aurlin turns to the captian. I think the gensai has made his choice. The questions are secondary when compared to the cool-headedness of the answerer. I think we know who I support. With that Zorlax makes his way down the poop ladder and into the comforting darkness of his cabin. He hurrys once he gets to the door. He enters locks the door and begins a systematic search of Buck's belongings.

OOC: We did room together. ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Sun 05 Feb 2006.

Aralanthalas chuckles to himself as the spectacle seems to be drawing to an end. He then steps forwards and starts to speak.

"If I might speak a few words... something a first mate needs as much as knowledge of how to work a ship, is respect from his fellow crewmates. And after watching this... show... the one I would most respect in that job would be the mage."

"I must admit you do have a point Aralanthalas," He quickly and quietly mumbled "jeez it that a long name," And then continues as if he had not muttered anything "But, first he didn't say that he wanted the job. Second he doesn't seem like the type who would always be on deck keeping an eye on things making sure the vessel worked smoothly. Sure delagating authority is often necessary, but how easily can he be roused from his books if there is a situation that needs to be handled. The time lost in getting him on the scene to settle whatever the problem might be could cost the crew and the ship a lot. Finally although he seems to have a lot of knowledge about sailing, has he ever put that knowledge to work practically? To know how to do something in theory is a whole lot different than doing it in actuallity. For example in a shell game, theoretically the pea has to be there, but in actuality it's often not."

Bored now... mumbles the captain.

"Alright, Hoat seems to have the skill and the strength to keep the ship together and the crew working hard but we also need someone with personality and the 'Doc' here is more in tune with that. I need Hoat at the rudder and sails so he can't be where a first mate should be when he'll most likely be needed. I reckon we need to start up a new position. Flik is now second mate as well as ship's surgeon. Hoat is first mate."

She looks for an argument from someone.

With the position lost, Aurlin refrains from comment and climbs back up to the crows nest.

Genasi! Come with me. she beckons Aurlin to follow her and begins walking towards her cabin.

Already partway up the mask, Aurlin stops upon hearing the captains request and leaps back onto the deck.
"At your command captain,"he says as he follows the captain into her cabin.

After being silent for a while waiting to see if anyone objected to his promotion and then seeing none Flik comments "Well, from nurse to consular. Now I guess I'll be healing rifts as well as wounds."

The captain enters her cabin and closes the door behind Aurlin.

[Private to Aurlin Sift: "Take a seat." she says "Now, a lot of you are fairly new aboard this ship and a couple of your crewmates have been elevated to high-standing positions. I want you to keep an eye on them, you know...make sure they're not plotting a mutiny or anything. Report back to me every few days or if you find something.
Now, I don't expect you to snitch on your fellow mates for free. There will be...'fringe benefits' in it for you. Got it?" she gives you an alluring wink and waits for a response.]

PM
[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: Have I made it to my cabin? I still want to search through Buck's stuff like any good priate would.... ARGGH]

-PL-

[Private to Zorlax Marn: Yes, OK. Buck's stuff includes the following items of note: A belt, a fine necklace, and a pair of boots. All look unusual.]

Aurlin enters the captains quarters and takes a seat. [Private to Cap'n Blackmane: He listens to the captains proposal and smiles." That my good captain, is something I can do without error. These..........simians are no match for my daring wit or cunning intelect. Fear not for the safety of you or your ship, not while I am on board. 'but only as long as I am getting paid,'he thinks to himself  ]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:19, Tue 14 Feb 2006.

PM
[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: Cast detect magic on the items adn if they are magical, I'll stash them for later study.]

-PL-

[Private to Zorlax Marn: All are magical. Roll spellcraft checks to determine the schools if you want.]

PM

[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: 11:11,

Belt: DC25, Boots:16, Jewerly:11

Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 11 using 1d20+8. spellcraft3.
11:11, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 16 using 1d20+8. spellscraft2.
11:11, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 25 using 1d20+8. spellcraft1. ]

Flik wanders about the ship seeing if his services as a healer or as second mate are needed anywhere.

Hoat grasps the ship's wheel with one hand, the other hand shielding the sun from his eyes as he surveys the crew at work.  They seem efficient, but it remains to be seen how they'd do in a fight.   The Captain probably has 'em whipped into pretty good shape, but Hoat keeps an eye out for the first opportunity to assert hi new authority

The crew go back to work. After 5 days of hard sailing those with a geographical talent recognize the Chultan peninsula appear off the port side of the Desert Rose. The captain takes up a commanding position and after analysing the coastline she calls the crew to attention again.

"We're attacking a temple that lies along the banks of the River Tath. I haven't been able to tell you anything about it or we might risk the wrath of the temple's patron. Umberlee herself has given us leave to make this attack but she needs us to keep this attack a secret. If we succeed though, and I have no doubt that we will, the temple has a huge stockpile of gemstones ripe for the looting."

OOC: Add 5 day units to your sheets
[Private to Zorlax Marn: You detect the belt has an aura of moderate transmutation, but fail to determine the other two item's auras.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:27, Thu 16 Feb 2006.

Zorlax makes his way aft to the captian's cabin. He nods to a pasing seaman and raps on the door. A brief wait he hears the captian's voice on the deck. He hurries up to the main deck and approaches her. Capt' I have a request. (Whispered) [Private to Cap'n Blackmane: Do you by chance have a few pearls I could use for some magical research. I seem to have a need for 3 of low value. ]After his request he listens intently and keeps an eye on Hoat who seems to be adapting quite well into his new position. A thought about the man snoring passes through Zorlax's mind before the captian's answer snaps him back to the here and now.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Thu 16 Feb 2006.

Distracted by Zorlax, the cap'n looks a little annoyed. "Alright." she sighs. "Here, I have two spare." She hands Zorlax something.

Zorlax nods sagely and returns below decks.

[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: HMM.. I guess I'll check the items for any writing
20:30, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 17 using 1d20+7. search3. (boots)
20:30, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 20 using 1d20+7. search2. (belt)
20:29, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 27 using 1d20+7. search1. (jewels)

BTW: What type of jewelry is it? Ring? Amulet?]

"Hmm, gems are rather nice. Sometimes they are even dazzling not to mention that you can do all sorts of things with them, although personally I'm more of a coin kind of guy. So Cap'n, will we luanch our daring raid soon? Should I hurry down below decks and get all geared up for battle or are we still a ways off?"

"The inlet of the river is just past this headland, here." She points towards a beach at the end of a range of mist-shrouded mountains. "We'll have to travel through the jungle once we find a safe harbour and these jungles are almost as treacherous as the temple itself will be. Above all, nobody drinks the water, got it? Nomatter how thirsty you feel in the hot jungle, don't take a drink."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Fri 17 Feb 2006.

"Sure thing Cap, no jungle water."

Aurlin goes to his bunk and equips for action. He returns to the deck and waits patiently to recieve his orders.

Flik follows suit and heads down below to get prepared. He puts on his armor, checks his weapons, puts his scrolls into his scroll case and then takes all the unnecessary stuff out of his pack leaving only what he'll need for this mission. Which are his wand, scroll case, half of his arrows and a waterskin.

[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: Flik is only bringing 4 of his ten Shurikens and only 20 of his 40 arrows]

after he finishes getting all the equipment he is taking with him ready Flik returns to the deck and then asks "Ok so is there any specific plan of attack or are we just going to run in and run out?" Flik asks the captain.

"You an' Hoat will be leading Aurlin, Aralanthalas an' Zorlax to secure the gemstones whilst meself an' the the others will be takin' out the cheif priest an' 'is cronies." she says. "Ye'll each take a potion of antivenom, 'cuz ye'll likely need it in there an' take some sacks fer the loot.
Now I don' like leavin' the ship ungarded but this is a big task an' we'll need every able-bodied crewman in the temple.
We'll meet back at the temple entrance unless circumstances warrant we set sail immediately."

As the ship docks part-way up the river, the crew all arm themselves and the gangplank is laid for egress.

Hoat is first to run down the gangplank, almost leaping ashore.  his halbard is slung across his back, and he has packed light - only water.   He expects to be returning with loot.

"Alright boys! Are we armed and ready?"

Flik follows right after Hoat, he too is packed light, but not quite as light as hoat. Flik besides his halberd and a water skin he also brings his bow, arrows, a handful of shuriken and a few other things with him.

"I'm ready, this should be fun. It's my first raid, well as a raider anyway."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Thu 23 Feb 2006.

Aurlin walks and joins Hoat, fully equiped for the mission. His longbow is strapped over his back, rapier and dager at his belt, and a pouch containing a couple of little suprises. While he left his backpack in his room, he removed his lockpick set and his looting sack before he left.

Smiling broadly, "Let's get a stealin boys."

<<From raiding the temple<<

The crew board the Desert Rose once more and once the sacks are stored everyone gets ready to push off.

Blackmane barks orders to the crew, hoping to be out of this gods-forsaken jungle and back to a safe port where the loot can be spent. She approaches Zorlax.
"Do you have the artifact?" she asks.

Flik goes about his business as ships surgeon. He grabs two ship hands and begins with basic triage. He looks over and sorts through the wounded, those with minor wounds are set aside for last and those with life threatening or serious wounds are dealt with first.

OOC: need the info on the injured.

I am unharmed, although slightly annoyed by having missed so badly with his net.
I go and practice throwing it over something that isn't in use until called on to help with the rigging.

None of Blackmane's team are too injured to work. The cap'n herself probably has the most wounds but she's still active as well.

OK then Flik draws his wand and approaches the person who is most greviously wounded, being the captain I guess unless someone else is more beat up, and looks them over but can't quite tell just how bad the wounds aare since he can't do a proper examination "Are you holding up well enough or do you think you need to be tended to?"

OOC: heal check to discern severity of wounds: 4

"You heard the captain, Heave to you lubbers!" Lilian screamed at the crew, watching with satisfaction as they went about getting the ship underway with practised ease.

She shouted a few well chosen words at one of the younger crewmen who had fumbled and dropped the rope he was carrying, as she walked to the captain.

"We should be ready to set sail in about 10 minutes captain!" she stated matter of factly to the captain before walking to the bow and started yelling orders at the crew again.

Hoat glowers at the young woman as he picks at one of his new scabs.  She seems competent enough, but a new face must prove itself.

Zorlax hands the artifact over to the captian as requested, although he would much rather study it. He retires to his cabin to rest and relearn his spells. He will also don the boots, belt?, and ring he found that belonged to the previous 1st mate.

PM
[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: Spell List
0- Mending, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound, Predist., Mending
1- Sleep, Mage Armor, Identify
2- Web, Web

I was just going over my sheet and noticed we never played out the part about the boots, jewelery, Belt. The capt. gave me 2 pearls for ID purposes and I thought I had used them Id'ing the ring and the belt.
]

The ship sets sail & is soon riding on the waves. Flik has done as much as he can for the injured (consider yourselves healed) and everything seems ship-shape.

Something seems to be bothering the captain though.

[Private to Zorlax Marn: Correct. You never told me which 2 items you were going to identify.]

Lilian walks towards the captain "Captain a moment if you can" She asks "Whats on your mind?"

Blackmane keeps looking out across the prow of the Desert Rose, not even turning to acknowledge your presence.
"Ye ever had the feelin' that somethin's not right. Like somethin's about to 'appen but ye can't quite put yer finger on what tha' somethin' is?"

"Yeah, I had that feeling just as we played that last hand...you know when you took me for everything I had." Flik comments with a grin.

The captain smiles slightly but the look does not disappear from her face.
"Aurlin! Ye see anyting up there?" she shouts up to the crow's nest.

"No captain, nothing yet!" Aurlin replies

Lily stands and looks with the captain at the horizon for a few minutes. When the captain got a feeling that something is wrong, then there is something wrong.

"Alright you lot, get to work! Fasten down anything that moves, and double check the rigging." She shouts, and the crew seems to double their efforts at the sound of her voice.

"Take those ropes below, and secure that hatch. The captain got a bad feeling, and that means there is something wrong!"


((OOC: Inspire Compitence))
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 03 July 2006.

"Looks like you were right cap'n!" shouts Aurlin from the nest. "We've got a ship around a mile off the prow. Can't tell what it's flying from this distance!"

Lily snaps to when hearing Aurlins call, peering of in the distance. She then turns and walks quickly down below, and starts rousing the rest of the crew to action.

A quick stop in her footlocker she brings a small metal box to the deck, sets it down carefully, making sure its secure before sitting down on deck and starts to load all four of her pistols.

Paul pulls out his rapier, sits cross-legged with his sword-point to the ground, and mutters a quiet prayer. Then he fetches his bag of caltrops from his chest. If they get boarded, he wants them to remember landing on his ship, and if they are doing the boarding... well, he can always leave them behind when he jumps across.

Flik pulls out two scrolls and starts getting ready to cast some spells.

OOC: Flik will cast sheild of faith (on himself), bless, bears endurance (on himself), and Aid on himself. When the enemy is four turns away from closing with us. remember everyone bless is a +1 to all your attack rolls and saves from fear.[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: sheield of faith raises my AC to 19, with bless and aid I get a +2 to all my attack rolls and 6 temporay hit points, bears endurance raises my con by 4 so I get 6 more hit points; making my final hp total 28.]

Lily stood after finishing loading each of her four pistols meticulously, each with a compact charge of powder and quality bullets. She put her pistols in their holsters and picked up the box.

Opening the box quickly she pulled out a pair of vials gingerly. "You two get over here" she called at a pair of sailors where weren't doing much of anything "Here take these, when they come close enough throw onboard, and if you can try to hit the rigging, if we get their sails up in flame they'll have to put it out before they can fight, which means they either have to stop or fight us while their ship burns"

A wicked smile spreads across her lips. "Either way, we are in for a lot of fun"

((OOC: Just waiting for them to come into range really, then its alchemist fire time, after that I'll start goading the crew into a battle state of mind, inspire courage)).

"Hey, I have a dilemma here - should I use this scroll of invisibility on myself, or on this bag o' caltrops?"

OOC: I can't think of many things funnier than boarders encountering invisible caltrops, myself, but a free sneak attack would be nice too. Also, if you see enemies with alchemists fire flasks, go for a sunder attack - fire your crossbows/pistols at the flasks. If we can make them explode on their ship rather than ours...

Zorlax makes his way up from teh depths of the ship. He has several scrolls in his hands (the one's the captian had given him earlier.) He is reading and re-reading them making sure he is familiar with them. At the sight of the other ship he examine another of the scrolls and then walks to stand near the captian.

Well Captian, I am as prepared as I can be. Do you have any ranged magics I could employ if the need arises?

OOC: Zorlax will cast Mage Armor on himself right before the boat is in range of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Thu 06 July 2006.

Hoat grips a rope, foot on a side rail, and grins at the thought of the upcoming battle.

Paul holds up three flasks of lamp oil & begins stuffing rags into the top to make impromptu firebombs.

"OK - who has a good throwing arm? Ideally if you can make these break against the main-mast lower, we'll be setting sails afire. If not, make sure it at least hits the sails - it won't break on them, but it will fall on deck."

Paul hands out two of the oilbombs to comrades who think they can hit the other ship's sails.

OOC: Spend three full-round actions to setup oilbombs.
A wooden spar extends from the mast of sailing ships (the sails hang from the spar). Try to hit the lowest spar with splash weapons, because the splash damage will set the sail on fire both above it and below it. Sails are flammable and losing them will stop the other ship dead in the water.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Thu 06 July 2006.

Having handed out his bombs, Paul decides to do one last check on his equipment, heading below decks. Coming up a minute later, Paul calls out "Captain! I found something interesting below - a few of these scrolls had slipped down behind a cabinet. They would be... indispensable in running down a faster ship. Shall I set their sails (and a few crew members) alight before we attack?"

OOC: I just found scrolls of fireball, web and darkness. Even with the minimum caster level, darkness should be an excellent way to confuse them.
What's our most accurate, long range bow-type weapon?

Zorlax snarls and glances at the scrolls. Had I time, I could have scribed several of these. Now we must take our chances. Are you able to handle such magics? The mage seems miffed at not having access to such powerful items and will act accordingly.

OOC: One scroll of each spell? As for ranged weapon, I'd say a crossbow is our most powerful ranged weapon, non magical anyways.

"You are probably better at using these than I am - when the time is right, use this scroll of darkness on a crossbow bolt and we'll fire it into their mast - they can have fun looking for it while we board.
Before that, let's put this fireball to good use. I don't think they need to have their sails that much, do they?"

Paul hands Zorlax the scrolls of fireball & Darkness, but holds onto the web scroll, wanting the practice.

OOC: Paul is quite happy to hand over the scrolls to someone who knows how to use them properly, and hands Zorlax the scrolls of fireball and darkness.

"Wouldn't a fire ball be better suited to blasting a large hole into thier side so they'll start taking on water, taking out thier masts or perhaps of blasting those on the deck to a crisp before we board?"

A hole in there side, I don't think it will manage so well. Sails it can do, but roasting those on deck may be a better way to go - what say you, Zorlax?

OOC: Fireball would possibly burn through the side of the boat, but it wouldnt effect it below the waterline, so it would take on water fairly slowly, and we wouldn't be able to either loot the boat or steal it if we sink it, would we?

"Oh, just a thought."


OOC: Yes we couldn't loot or steal the boat if we sunk it, but we just got back from raiding a temple and have lost some men. Our priority would be to get back to base, split the treasure and gather up some more men so we can do some more pilaging. Honestly if we can destroy thier mast and escape I really think that's what we should do. After all, unless backed into a corner, Pirates only fight when they know or atleast think they can win. An unknown vessel that starts attacking us without provocation and seems to be better equiped isn't something we'd fight unless we had to. ACtaully that reminds me, what flag do we have up? if our jolly roger or whatever isn't flying maybe we can get out of this with a bluff?

We don't quite know that they are attacking us yet. I personally think that the second we *do* know this, we should fly the plague flag (indicating that we have a horrible disease on board).

Zorlax listens to the other discussing the fireball spell. He thinks for a few moments then says I think the fireball should go to the poop deck. Take out their steering and maybe even the captain. The sails we can take out with the alchemist's fire. They should go up like tinder. I'd hate to waste the "blast" part of the spell and simply by trying to get the full potential out of the flames. I think we should base our decision to fight or flee on the effectiveness of the fireball.

"Albatross...a bad omen if the stories are to be believed." Blackmane comments as the bird flies nearby.

"I thought seeing them was good, but killing them bad. I mean aren't they supposed to lead you to shore or something like that?"

"They used to, but some prat killed one and since then, they've only been a bad  sign. Besides, the shore is over there." Blackmane points to an island off to the west.

"Well, yeah I can see the island over there. I was just wondering, since I've always heard that they were a good sign. Anyway If it's a bad sign, why not just kill it?"

"If you want to waste ammunition on it, that's fine with me, though I think you're jus' bein' overly superstitious."

"I'm not the one who was commenting on it being a bad sign."

"I for one always found circling carrion birds to be a worse omen than albatrosses" Lilly remarks with a sly grin on her lips, she peers her eyes at the ship in the distance.

"So who are these chaps, and what are they doing all the way out here"

((OOC: Take it as we are not in the main shipping lanes due to our recently lifted anchorage of the coast of Chult))

Zorlax studies to ship for a few minutes and then looks to the captain for instructions. He will ready his fireball spell.

Sitting in the crow's nest Aurlin removes his rapier from it's sheath. He ran his slender finger down the length of the blade drawing a thin line of blood. He smiled at the sharpness of the blade then placed it back into it's sheath. he then removed his bow and checked the draw. His heart was beginning to race as it seemed to when in these situations lately. He couldn't help but smile even wider as the impending battle loomed. While the crew below scurried about he kept a watchful eye on the approaching ship.

"Bastard bird landed on that ship! Went straight for it, it did! Was a spy! Men! I want you battle-ready sharpish, we've got a fight on our hands!"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Tue 25 July 2006.

Hearing the Captain shouting Aurlin draws forth a few arrows and places them next to him within easy reach.

Zorlax begins casting his spell. He waits for the perfect moment before completeing the spell and sending the fireball at their sails and mainmast.

"Beshaba's blasted bitchiness. You know what, the next temple we raid should be one of hers." Flik comments as he checks his scrolls, dons his armor, grabs his Halberd and otherwise prepares for the fight.

OOC: Well I posted this before but here it is again. Flik will cast sheild of faith (on himself), bless, bears endurance (on himself), and Aid on himself. When the enemy is four turns away from closing with us.[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: shield of faith raises my AC to 19, with bless and aid I get a +2 to all my attack rolls and 6 temporay hit points, bears endurance raises my con by 4 so I get 6 more hit points; making my final hp total 28.]

This cloudless day the Desert Rose keeps sailing on under full sail to catch every scrap of wind it can towards the unknown ship off the port bow.

The crew hands make preparations for the coming boarding action as fast as they can; concealing grappling hooks, rope, boarding pikes, and other weapons from sight until the last moment.

"Everyone to your stations! Now!  Prepare to board that merchie.  They obviously want to get our attention, boys.  It would be a shame to disappoint them."

OOC: The enemy ship is 200-100 ft. away at this point.  The captain will want everyone to hold action until the very end for surprise in order to grapple with the other ship.    Everyone start thinking about which part of the ship they will be attack and keep in mind that it will be close quarters combat.

For those that look you do notice several people in the bow of the other ship; waving their arms frantically as if to get your attention.

Suprise? Zorlax just fireballed them...

Whooshhhh.....

(screams of fear and pain can be heard on the other ship)
;)

All the info from the PL I sent to ninjacow a couple posts up. [Private to DM Songwind: Flik will cast sheild of faith (on himself), bless, bears endurance (on himself), and Aid on himself. When the enemy is four turns away from closing with us. Shield of faith raises my AC to 19, with bless and aid I get a +2 to all my attack rolls and 6 temporay hit points, bears endurance raises my con by 4 so I get 6 more hit points; making my final hp total 28.]

As for where I am I'll probably be towards the rear of, for lack of a better term, the scrimage line. I'll be sticking with in movement distance of my comrades so I can move and heal them should the need arise. Also when the enemy finally does close with us I'll cast doom on them.

OOC: Everyone make spot, and spellcraft and Know(arcana) check if applicable as well as initiative rolls

OOC: Spot check: 10
        knowledge arcana: 8
              Spellcraft: 22
                    Init: 17   
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Fri 13 Oct 2006.

OOC:

Paul Roberts rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Spellcraft.
Paul Roberts rolled 20 using 1d20. Spot.

Sweeeet.

OOC:
20:48, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 9 using 1d20+6. init.
20:48, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 23 using 1d20+8. know arcan.
20:48, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 20 using 1d20+8. spellcraft.
20:48, Today: Zorlax Marn rolled 19 using 1d20. spot.

As the distance between the ships closes the crew of the ship prepares for the boarding action to come; readying grappling hooks and weapons for the impending combat.  From the pirate ship's main deck a fireball comes rushing out to meet the incoming ship's main deck area.  All the crew of the Hunter ship could do is watch in horror as impending ball of fire streaks towards their ship's main deck area.  The hunter ship's captain shoats out to his crew to take what cover they could; knowing there wasn't much else they could do, but take the attack. and begins mumbling words of his own; relying on his officers and crew to do their best.  As the fireball races across to the Hunter's ship, seeking it's death and destruction, the ball of fire grows and expands to point of encompassing the entire main deck and seems to break up; showering everyone there with small embers and sparks, but seeming to not do any real damage.  The Hunter captain nods in satisfaction.  Thank Valkur for that...

He then turns to the ballista crew at the bow of the ship.  "Fire on that person!!!"

At 30 ft apart both ship's crews throw grappling hooks across the distance between themselves and start reeling in the lines to close the distance as fast as possible.  Men in the rigging start firing arrows at their counterparts and enemy's main deck.

At 20 ft the pirate ship, Desert Rose, takes a hit broadside on the opposite of the hunter ship, Shoalrider, so hard the pirate ship moves 5 feet laterally towards the hunter ship; pitching the pirate ship's deck 30 degrees on its side.  The pirate ship's hull boards creak and crack with the impact trying to absorb the impact.  The pirate ship crew stumble around as they attempt to regain their balance.  The pirate captain curses under his breath.  "We've been betrayed!"  Several of the pirate crew pear over the side to find out what hit the Desert Rose.

The soon the ship hulls collide together and both crews prepare for the onslaut that was about to occur....

OOC: post 2 rounds of attacks everyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

Paul looks at his remaining scrolls in confusion for a moment, then pushes them into Zorlax's hand (Darkness & Web). Then he unslings his net and throws it across the gap between the boats.

OOC: Waiting until 20' then trying to throw a net at the most heavily armored person on the other ship. Hits Touch AC 17 including range penalties.

Flik casts doom from his scroll as the enemy boards.

OOC: Did that fireball decimate the enemy crew as hoped?

As the ships grapple with each other a cloud of mist and vapor billows out of the pirate ship's main cargo hatch and growing to include the entire main deck and reaching high to encompass the rigging as well.

Whatever hit the pirate ship broadside appears to have breaked the hull and water is coming in.  There is also a lot of splashing noise coming from that side of the pirate ship.

The Hunter ballista crew takes aim at the spellcaster who cast the fireball spell and fires a bolt across the distance; impacting the spellcaster and knocking him to the deck.

A Hunter sailor near the main deck railing throws a globs of acid at Zorlax and Flik each.

OOC: Resolving attacks....

Zorlax: Ballista bolt damage 15
        Acid spell damage 4

Flik: Acid spell missed.

Everyone within the cloud has their vision obscured beyond 5 feet.  This includes darkvision.

The fireball spell seems to have had no effect on the Hunter ship.

If there is attack that I missed from you before we start the boarding action then you need to tell me now.

Round 1 is about to start, so everyone roll initiative again and spot checks.  Also when making your attacks please post the damage for that attack; even if you feel the attack will miss.

Paul peers over the side, trying to see through the mist at whatever hit them.

The pirate captain shouts from the quarter deck, "Prepare to repel boarders and get rid of this damn fog now!!"

[Private to Paul Roberts:

As you look over the side of the pirate ship you see the shape of a huge shark in the water which is what hit the hull.  The huge shark's skin doesn't look healthy and you notice that skeletal bone are exposed in several places along it's torso.

You also see several smaller shark fins in the water and they seem to be attacking the huge shark.

There is a hull breach where the huge shark impacted with the ship with the shark's head slightly sticking through the hole in the hull into the cargo hold below.  The huge shark is waiting for something and not moving at the moment.

There are two other huge shadowy shapes in the water that you see about 100-200 ft away from the pirate ship...
]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Fri 03 Nov 2006.

"Cap'n, we're taking on water! We may have to take this ship to get away."

Flik quickly moves over to Zorlax. He bends down and utters a soft prayer to Tymora as he reaches out to touch the severly injured mage.

OOC: silly me forgot what the range of that spell was. Anyway so I'll cast cure light wounds instead of obscuring mist. I heal Zorlax for ten points of damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Tue 07 Nov 2006.

With the cloud of fog hinder vision on the pirate ship the Hunter archers have a difficult time finding and hitting targets.  Hails of arrows from both sides litter the sky as they seek their enemies; trading blood for blood.  The npc hunters on the hunter ship's main deck waiting for the first pirate to fall and make room for them on the other side of the railing.

Those on the pirate ship main deck hear a low based hum sound that becomes a shrilling screaching sound five times and then going silent.  This happens twice in a row...
[Private to Paul Roberts: As you are looking over the side railing of the pirate ship you see what appears to be two blasts of fire entering the huge sharks mouth and little fingers of flame coming out of its skin.  After that the huge shark falls away from the ship like the dead weight of a corpse and then two small pale blue skinned flying humanoid creatures come flying out of the hull breach, past you on the railing, and into the rigging above near the quarter deck...]

A hunter foolishly decided to jump between the two ships as they grappled and landed on top of an npc pirate on the main deck; wresting his cutlass weapon away from the pirate. All of the reamining npc pirate crew on the turn towards this fool with weapons drawn; ready to take him down.

On the quarter deck of the pirate ship the pirate captain and helmsman are put on the defensive as several hunters cross over the railing and form up for an attack; the big burly fighter's anger building within him and expressing his passion for combat.  "My, my boys.  All this for little o'me?  I'm touched."  You here the female pirate captain say as she draws a rapier and short sword from her belt.  She calls out to her crew, "Mister Roberts, to the quarter deck if your not too busy sightseeing."

Just then two small pale blue skinned humanoid creatures with sparks of electricity coming off their bodies come flying over pirate ship quarter deck railing near the edge of the fog bank and flittering among the rigging nearby and the fog bank for cover.  "Look at the ugly blue monkey having a tantrum." You hear one say as the other replies, "He is rather funny looking, now isn't he."

OOC:
Pirate ship main deck still effected by cloud of fog; reducing vision to 5 ft.

Flick: On the pirate main deck readying to support npc pirates. Healing Zorlan.
Zorlan: Regains consciousness on the pirate main deck. gains 10 hp from Flick's healing
Aurlin: Unsure; In crows nest looking for a target.
Erik: Below decks in combat with a huge shark.
Paul: Looking over the railing to survey the damage of the huge shark attack.
Lillian: Unsure;
npc pirates:
 -forcastle: 2 npc hunters move to the pirate quarter deck to support Gildor & Varal.
 -rigging: 9 npc pirates providing ranged attack support.
 -main deck: 10 npc pirates defending pirate main deck; attacking Hands now.
 -quarter deck: captain and helmsman defending against 2 npc hunters, a large raging fighter, & a lightly armored fighter.

Please post your round 1 actions/attacks
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Wed 08 Nov 2006.

"Now lads, lets show those fish lovers what real pirates look like!" Lily yells, her voice carrying over the noises. As she shouts she pulls a pistol from her belt waiting for an opportunity to present itself.


((OOC: Inspire Courage: An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
10:05, Today: Lilian Espaireith rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Initiative check.
10:04, Today: Lilian Espaireith rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Spot Check.

The dice roller truely hates me))

Well, if we can't see them, they can't see us thinks Paul, heading up to the quarter deck to see the captain, and informing her that a Great Big Shark is attacking the hull.

As both parties face off on the pirate quarter deck the pirate captain shakes her head in resignation and positions herself between the barbarian and his next target as human shield after mumbling something under her breathe.  No one is going to win this fight; not and still have enough men to crew a ship properly.  We're too evenly matched..., she thinks to herself.  In a commanding voice that makes people hesitate and take notice of her and her words the pirate captain commands to everyone, including the hunter crew, "Stand fast!! Everyone will hold their actions!!  I demand to see your captain at once!"

She pauses a little as everyone senses something monumentous is about to happen and the future is about to be rewritten...

The Hunter captain makes his way to the Hunter ship's forcastle to address the pirate captain in resignation; as if he too had drawn the same conclusion.  "I'm listening, Captain Blackmane.  Make it quick!", he responds.  Every member of the Hunter crew mimics

A flicker of respect passes across the eyes of Captain Blackmane at the recognition of her name.  Did you seek me out then on purpose since I don't believe in coincidences?  "I'll make a bargain with you, captain.  Spare this ship, myself, and it's crew and let us go unharmed, and I will give you something of value in return."

The Hunter captain considers for a moment.  She is a small fish...  "The name of your employer and his base of operation.

Figuring this was going to be asked she shakes her head "no".  "You know I can't give you that.  I and my crew would never find work if it got out that we turned on our employers and you know that.  However I am willing to give the name and location of a major slave trading operation in the area that goes against even my principles."  She chuckles a little and smiles.  "I know it sounds hypocritcal of me to see considering my line of work and yes, I do collect cargo and intelligence from the ships we take, but we don't traffic in slaves or necromancy.  That is dispicable.  As I am sure you agree?"  She pauses to gauge the reaction of the Hunter captain who looks around the immediate area at the tactical situation of the moment; taking note of the flying beings among the rigging with trepidation.  Hearing of a slave trading operation in the area was of interest to him on principle alone.  "I'm still listening, Captain Blackmane.  What did you have in mind?"

YES!! He bought it...If this guy is as good as he appears then I will have one less enemy in the world...  "A raid on his base of operations and haven and to make sure that isn't used for such a purpose ever again.  What say you?"

The Hunter captain responds, "I agree to your bargain and should have to remind you what will happen if I find out that you're lieing to me."  He then swings aboard by rope to the pirate quarter deck and approaches Captain Blackmane; tension increasing on both sides.  Captain Blackmane sheathes her swords and extends her hand to the Hunter captain.  "I keep my word.  You can be sure of that.  Besides this really does need to be done."

The Hunter captain grasps her hand; sealing the bargain.  "Varal, collect our wounded and return to our ship.  Make preparations to get under way.  I will join you shortly.  Captain, if you please." and motions with his hand towards Captain Blackmane's cabin.

She nods and starts walking that way.  "See to the wounded and make ready to sail once we are done.", she says to her helmsman.

The Hunter and Pirate captains make their way to the captain's cabin and are there for only 10 minutes...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Mon 13 Nov 2006.

Lilian looks around appearing half confused, half disappointed. She slowly tucks her pistol back into the holster all the while glaring at the hunters.

"You heard the Captain you lubbers, GET TO and prepare to sail!"

"Very well, cap'n - but I can't say I much like a truce with these fellers."

As the two crew follow the orders of their respective captains, gathering the wounded, returning to the ship, and preparations to get underway both captains watch over the proceeding with a critical eye; knowing both crews were disappointed with the outcome of this encounter and looking to quench their thirst for blood.

The two ships are soon ungrappled and sails unfurlied.  Shouts from the sailing master to the sailors ring out from the main decks....  The fog bank gently lifting from the pirate ship's main deck area.

As the two ships gather movement along the quarter decks to pass each other the Hunter captain yells out to Captain Blackmane in passing.  "I'll see you in three days."

Captain Blackmane eyes the hunter ship as it pulls away with determination in her eye and something else if someone nearby could see it.  "In three days then." She says to herself as if addressing her fate or destiny.  "The sins of our fathers..."

She then looks over the side to examine the hull breach with resignation and disgust.  "Get that fixed, sailing master."  Pointing at hull breach.

After a safe distance between the ships had been achieved the captain turns to Paul Roberts.  "Gather all the specialist in my cabin for a meeting. Oh and by the way.  You are now first mate Paul." She says in an emotionless command voice and walks to her cabin.  The calm before the storm...

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, you heard the cap'n - get to it. Specialists, cap'n wants to see us now, her cabin."

Flik scurries about doing all he can to help heal the wounded of both sides and get them at the very elast stable enough to be moved to a better location for healing. When Paul shouts that everyone should gather in the captain's quarters flik replies "First I've got to see to the wounded. I'll drop by after I set up an 'Infirmary'."

As the specialists make their way to the captain's cabin and take a seat around the table the captain watches the reactions and body language of each one.  They are not very happy about this... They are not in command.  "Have a seat everyone."

After everyone settles down the captain takes a seat.  The captain says in an even commanding tone that broaches no argument, "I know that many of you are displeased with how the day went today and frankly I don't care, so get over it.  Quick."  She pauses and looks each one of you in the eye around the table.

"Whether or not those saps realise it they are going to do us a favor.  About three days sailing time from here there is a pirate haven along the coastal penisula of Chult.  There is a system of large caves there that are used to hide ships from sight and a base of operations for pirates and their raids.  Several pirates with ships are working together their and are quite an evil lot that I have had dealings with. They traffic in any thing that will turn a profit; from raiding merchant ships of rival merchant companies to selling captured crews into slavery in Calimshan or corpses to a necromancer."  She pauses to let that sink in for a moment.

"I have brokered a deal with that idiot of a captain to help smoke out them out and take any booty we find in the process.  That's right.  No one will miss these people and rumor has it that this group of pirates attacked a wealthy merchant ship bound for Halaaru and are holding hostage several important people for ransom which means there will be trade goods and gold to had for the taking. Any questions?"