Chapter 1: A Reacher Darkly
It is a mild afternoon when the Red Spring sets off from a small trading port just outside of the Gnomish Empire. Originally a colony, it was ceded to the Goblins at the end of the first war, taken back during the second, and shelled into near oblivion by both sides in the third in an act that can only be described as “tactical spite”.
As the mission at hand, and even the presence of the Red Spring at this port was a secret of the upmost importance, everyone in the Fey Court was aware and most made an appearance.
Serious Gnomish troopers in deep crimson of the Royal Guard lined the docks as the crew spent the day loading cargo. When that was done, the passengers were ferried by rowboat to the exposed upper decks of the submarine.
Fey, along with their entourages of Changeling and fairy-folk, made small talk and shared wine while both pretending not to care about the proceedings and also making every effort to learn more about them. In particular, some are very interested in a large flat object wrapped in cloth and carried most gingerly by the Gnomish sailors.
The captain, Olek Longthrow, an old grim but somehow spirited individual, stood atop the submarine’s tower and gazed into the overcast skies. It was unclear if he was preparing for a speech or merely daring the clouds to rain upon his long beard, but as soon as everything was aboard, he clambered down into the sub without a word.
“We will dive as soon as we’re off,” Olek growls to you when safely belowdecks. “So don’t be left topside or you’ll drown. The eels ‘round here are normally spawning this time O year, so if you’re lucky one might make a thrill of you before you die.”
The submarine is a marvel of clattering pistons, wrought metal, grinding gears, blinking lights and endless rows of pipe, cable, rope, chain, pulley, towel and tube. The air is stale, smokey and thick.
Alveris and James, being “not of regulation size” as a passing crewman puts it, are forced to duck, dodge, bend and sometimes crawl to navigate the passageways and hatches. Conrad is able to walk with only minimal dodging to avoid this sailor or that as they rush about shouting orders, pulling levers, checking dials, and doing god knows what else.
With a wave of his glove, Olek indicates an isolated room (in section J on the map).
“This here is where our Fair Folk Friends will bed down.” The room is small but clean enough. The bunks are too small for Fey but are otherwise comfortable. The room also has toilet, washbasin and lockers.
“I hope you lot will join us for dinner. We have much to discuss. Conrad, you’re to stick with me. I’ve had them sling a hammock for you outside the door O my quarters.”
Dinner is not for several hours, so you have your run of the ship until then (let me know what you want to do).
Sections I and K are locked and none of you can enter them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:17, Wed 25 Sept 2013.