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18:21, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

In the Land of Zu.

Posted by GM StarMasterFor group 0
Jheridan
player, 18 posts
Human Gunmage
AC 21; HP 32/32
Fri 30 Oct 2015
at 22:25
  • msg #120

Re: In the Land of Zu

Jheridan watches as the fliers turn and begin to make their way back to land.  With precise movements, reloads both if his magelock pistols while watching for any of the enemy to change their mind and seek revenge.

Once they are far enough out that risking a shot would be improbable he turns to look over his companions.
"Well, that was an adventure.  Anyone need help to the medic?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:30, Fri 30 Oct 2015.
Tealon Holdron
player, 49 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Sat 31 Oct 2015
at 14:28
  • msg #121

Re: In the Land of Zu

Hauling the hooked flier onboard, Tealon can't help but marvel at the wings and searches for if they are grown or machinery and if the latter, how to separate from the body.

With others helping Katrin get the remaining floaters out of the water, the inquisitive Thurian sets about his studying. Now, let's see how these work! Danyka, I'll be downstairs if you need me. I'll try and keep them intact, or at least the others whilst I see how these work. Anyone joining me?

He waits a moment then after unhooking his grapple bolt and sorting the line out to dry, he drags the wings down to his lab, the wagon.

14:24, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 13 using 1d20.  Research of the wings from a flying attacker.
Unsure which plus to use. This is basic score.
(Knowldge Mechanica +12, Knowledge Engineering +6, Disable Device +3)
(Craft Mechanica +11)

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:45, Wed 04 Nov 2015.
GM StarMaster
GM, 207 posts
Wed 4 Nov 2015
at 06:53
  • msg #122

Re: In the Land of Zu

Only Creswick and the captain were injured.


Tealon's engineering skill is the one that comes into play as he studies the flyers' wings. They are, indeed, mechanical attachments. It's clear enough that the wings are powered by the flyers' own arms, but they can also be fixed for gliding... or hovering? Learning any more detail will require a lot more study.
Danyka Ydrasyl
player, 147 posts
Rynnish/Llaelese Human
Gun Mage/Morrow Initiate
Wed 4 Nov 2015
at 08:19
  • msg #123

Re: In the Land of Zu

Danyka frowned slightly as she watched the remaining winged men fly away.  Eyes downcast, the Rynnish brunette noted simply, "Let them go.  We can't catch them all... especially if they split up."  Likely the enemy already knew of their presence.  She knew full well that if the birdmen weren't allies of Azultec then they would likely just head home to lick their wounds.  If they were associated with the Azultec, then the Azultec already knew they were coming (and now just had better intelligence with respect to their position).

She pursed her lips for a moment and then gave no one in particular a slight shake of the head as she had once again likely failed tactically.  But that was par for the course for her.

Then Dany nodded to Tealon, as the Arcane Mechanik moved to retrieve some of the fallen enemy, presumably for study.  Even has he headed down below decks, the Llaelese initiate of Morrow moved to see to the wounded.  Both Creswick and the Captain of the Resolute were injured and needed to be tended to.



OOC:  Dany will cast CLW for those that need it (either from her spells or from her wand), as necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Tue 17 Nov 2015.
Tealon Holdron
player, 50 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Wed 4 Nov 2015
at 22:44
  • msg #124

Re: In the Land of Zu

Spending so much time on researching, first the steam gun and then the wings, Blaster almost misses mixing powder and making ammunition, almost he thought to himself.

Without practicing and testing, which would mean on deck with a rope or on land, the Thurian Mechanik felt it was time to take a break from the wings. Having thought of sending his tiny mite servitor up the grapple cord, he had an idea. Was it possible to have the tiny mite go into the original steam chamber tand then have it draw the insides! Then he remembered how small the hole was and that he'd already used mirrors and lights to look inside, it was the sealed chamber he needed to check.

Having decided not to mess, Tealon got hold of his 'improved' prototype steam gun, ready to test it up on deck. First he went through the drawings and reviewed all the seals and valves. Grabbing the contraption, he went for permission from the Captain to play practise test the gun, giving it a tweak or two in the process.

{Private to GM: the roll is in case you want a roll against anything if want another, let me know}
22:41, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 12 using 1d20.  In case its required.
(Craft Steam is my lowest at +6, the rest that are relevant are >+10

GM StarMaster
GM, 210 posts
Tue 17 Nov 2015
at 06:09
  • msg #125

Re: In the Land of Zu

Both the captain and Creswick need a shot from the wand. Their injuries weren't life threatening, but it would have slightly handicapped them to go about their tasks.


No one needs Jheridan's help to the medic as the medic goes to the injured.


Tealon begins his studies of the wings that the attackers wore. He quickly ascertains that they are mechanical in nature, confirming his prior evaluation. However, there is nothing about them that he can find that should enable the wearer to fly!

He has to be joined by Gorren and Rrger before the three of them can figure out what is going on. It appears as if the wings are made of bamboo and silk, of rather amateur construction. There's not a lot of skill put into them; certainly no design or embellishments. They are very... functional.

It isn't until the entanglements are removed and the harness that held the wings on the body is removed that some small enlightenment occurs. Setting the wings on a table, everyone is surprised to see the wings float up to the ceiling!

Unless the effect is caused by magic, then the wings shouldn't be doing that. Since there are several sets of wings to examine, pulling the wings off of the harness seems like a reasonable course of experimentation. And the harness promptly floats up to the ceiling.

The harness is composed of straps that go around the chest and over the shoulders, firmly fastening the wings in place. The straps go through simple buckles on the wings.

The straps are then fastened together on the chest with a buckle arrangement.

Examining the straps more closely, it can be determined that they are made of some sort of metal. It's a metal unfamiliar to everyone.


Meanwhile, the ship has resumed its course. It isn't long before sights of the Azultec begin to appear in earnest--step pyramids that stand higher than any other building in the town. Towns are small, perhaps just above village, and the step pyramids get larger as the towns get larger.
Tealon Holdron
player, 54 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Wed 18 Nov 2015
at 20:16
  • msg #126

Re: In the Land of Zu

Teal on casts Detect Magic on the harness and wings to confirm the supposition that magic is involved. Nodding at the outcome, he smiles at his fellow researches.
GM StarMaster
GM, 211 posts
Thu 19 Nov 2015
at 22:58
  • msg #127

Re: In the Land of Zu

Neither the wings nor the harness detect as full-blown magical! However, the harness seems to have a trace of magic to it, which precludes it being masked by magic.

He doesn't think it's residual magic that occurs when the magic finally wears off on an enchanted item. That pretty much leaves some sort of extra-planar material.
Gorren Stonefist
player, 42 posts
Rhul Dwarf Bodger/Fighter
AC: 24; HP 38/38
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 08:09
  • msg #128

Re: In the Land of Zu

"So that's what it looks like!" Gorren said after Tealon indicated it might be extra-planar. "I mean, I'm just guessing here, but this floating business... well, I think that might be Nth metal. Lessee... that's what the Dwarves call it, though I don't know why. What was the other word someone used? Nether-something... oh, yeah, got it. Netheranium. Does that ring a bell with either of you?"

"If I recall correctly, it was supposed to have anti-gravity properties. With it floating that way, that's what made me think of it."

Tealon Holdron
player, 56 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 23:09
  • msg #129

Re: In the Land of Zu

"Doesn't ring a bell to me although my studies only briefly touched on Planar things. I need to pay more attention to teachings. Maybe its hidden somewhere in the back of my mind but that does sound plausible Gorren."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Sat 28 Nov 2015.
GM StarMaster
GM, 212 posts
Mon 30 Nov 2015
at 05:18
  • msg #130

Re: In the Land of Zu

<orange>Now that the first of the holiday madness is behind us...<orange>


As the ship continues on, you start to see more and more 'civilization' of the Azultecs. Observing them from a distance, it quickly becomes obvious that the flying men that attacked may not be Azultec. Or at least of a different clan.

The flying men had lighter skin and wore different clothing and had strange tattoos. Of course, that might have also been some sort of special 'para-military' cadre.

Getting nearer to the center of Azultec civilization, you start seeing boats... no ships... just, apparently, fishing boats, though there are also boat shops, boat houses, and boat transports.

Keeping your distance, you sail past the main city without realizing it... and have to sail back to it. It isn't until you sail back, getting a bit closer due to the incoming tide, that you spot the ship. It's anchored in a cove in an island.
Danyka Ydrasyl
player, 150 posts
Rynnish/Llaelese Human
Gun Mage/Morrow Initiate
Mon 7 Dec 2015
at 06:18
  • msg #131

Re: In the Land of Zu

Danyka watched the Azultec coastline with keen interest.  She kept her spyglass handy (well, more handy than even stowed simply in her haversack) by keeping it in hand as the ship sailed.

When the finally spotted the other ship, their actually quarry, the thin Rynnish gun mage pursed her lips.  She made her way up to Captain and pointed out the island, the cove, and then noted, "Could be a trap..."  But then she seemed to come to a decision internally, "But those that never dare, never win."

"How quickly can we make it over there?" Dany prompted Grant, even as she scanned the island for other places that might allow a boarding party to approach from a different direction; a two-pronged assault option was never a bad thing.  It split the Iron Fist up, but all of them had been trained to operate with a certain amount of autonomy.  Or in the Llaelese gentlewoman's case, had been co-opted into the regiment due to such displays of autonomy (and the rather unfortunate circumstances that might have resulted because of those willfully independent-minded choices)...

Then Danyka called down to Tealon, "Mr. Holdron, what about those flying harnesses?  Care to try and make use of them?  And how many of them were we able to salvage?"  She'd obviously leave it up to the discretion of the Arcane Mechanik and whatever he was comfortable with - though a three-pronged assault option was even better...
Tealon Holdron
player, 58 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Tue 8 Dec 2015
at 01:03
  • msg #132

Re: In the Land of Zu

Hearing the Gun Mage shout down to him, he searched around his wagon for pieces and completed equipment.

"We salvaged three harnesses although two are certainly still working, the third just needs a little work to put back together". Thinking on, he added "We have an improved steam gun too, lighter and more powerful, plus it works. The original also works.

Are we going to test them out? I've practiced a little with a harness, unsure how well anyone would perform without more time. Willing to give it a go though. How about you guys?"
Tealon didn't even think to mention their names as the other mechaniks were next to him.

"I'll be up shortly".
Tealon Holdron
player, 59 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Thu 10 Dec 2015
at 12:33
  • msg #133

Re: In the Land of Zu

Fixing a harness onto his back, the inquizitive mechanik tested it out again before heading up on deck with the other set('s) and the newer steam gun. He wanted to see if it would take his weight and the equipment. He'd have to be outside for that to happen. Failing that trial, at least they'd know what they could take.

Whom ever had a wingman harness on couldn't be as agile in the air as those they had gotten them from, but an advantage is an advantage after all. He took his trusty crossbow, loaded it and took a spare box. He wasn't going to be caught off guard.

"Danyka, I am ready. The harnesses seem to have a levitation effect, allowing us to float, the wings are for creating propulsion like oars on a boat. Let me demonstrate"

Francis was confident in his own abilities but he was still wary of being caught but a gust of wind. He has always been one for 'just doing it' and let the outcome justify the experiments, hence the explosion at the monastery, in the manor house, the barn catching fire etc. He always succeeded though in discovering 'something'.

Francis, being the salesman that he was made a big show of it. "Stand back, I don't want to catch anyone off guard and knock them in the drink"… He spread the wings and kept. Uuummm he thought. Try again. "That was to make you aware, now for real"

He kept upwards, no weapons, just the winged harness and flapped the wings as he had tried when testing the apparatus. Unsteadily he rose but barely. He tried a third time, this time rising quickly into the air, astounding himself, he wove around the ship and enjoyed the freedom from the bucking, rolling motion of the ship, then went back down to the desk again. The landing could have been better but he was safe.

12:27, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Fly.
12:27, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Fly.
12:29, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Fly

Danyka Ydrasyl
player, 152 posts
Rynnish/Llaelese Human
Gun Mage/Morrow Initiate
Tue 22 Dec 2015
at 06:15
  • msg #134

Re: In the Land of Zu

Danyka watched with more than a modicum of skepticism as Tealon claimed to understand the harness and wings enough to use them.  And that pessimism seemed to be have been borne out initially as there appeared to be more than one abortive attempt by the arcane mechanik to fly.

But, her fears appeared to be unfounded as the man appeared to actually get the hang of it.  And on the third attempt, Tealon both took off and landed without too much incident.  "Well done, Mr. Holdron." Dany gave the tall, thin Thurian his due.  She shrugged slightly, "If you feel up to it, then by all means, be our eyes in the sky."

The raven-haired Rynnish gun mage would likely have to try a pair of the wings out herself at some point.  But, there wasn't time right now, in her opinion.  Her gaze drifted back to what she could only assume was the borders of the Azultec Empire.  And the lost Cygnaran ship.

With a deep breath and slight sigh, the thin Llaelese woman informed the Captain of the Resolute, "It's now or never.  We'd best on our way.  Make landfall on the island with our boat.  Near, but not in the cove, if possible...  The sea looked so calm for the moment...

The calm before the storm Danyka mused silently to herself.
Tealon Holdron
player, 61 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Wed 23 Dec 2015
at 10:50
  • msg #135

Re: In the Land of Zu

Blaster my new, blaster by trade. The now winged eager Mechanik only nodded and smiled at his accepted leader, noting the totally unnecessary (in his mind) concern on her face.

Folding the wings in and with a confident step, Tealon went to get his granades, exploding bolts, repeating crossbow and the new steam gun then headed back on desk. He then tested the levitation effort with the different weapons, his own, the improved Rish gun and the wings. Truly an international configuration.
Jheridan
player, 24 posts
Human Gunmage
AC 21; HP 32/32
Sat 26 Dec 2015
at 16:05
  • msg #136

Re: In the Land of Zu

Watching the landmass looming before them, Jheridan checks and rechecks his pistols.  Murmuring to them under his breath be smiles as if having a friendly conversation with friends.  That done he grips the rail and waits calmly for the order to disembark.
GM StarMaster
GM, 215 posts
Sat 26 Dec 2015
at 23:14
  • msg #137

Re: In the Land of Zu

You saw some islands like this in the sea around Zu; Rish was one of them. Here, though, the islands are far more numerous. Even the nature of them is a bit different.

The northern islands weren't as high and were usually greater in circumference, but they were still rocky.

These islands in the south are higher, smaller around, but equally as rocky... perhaps more so.

The island where the ship is anchored is tight crescent shaped with a small harbor. You only spotted a dozen houses on the shore of the harbor, probably because there isn't much beach/shore to begin with. The rest of the island juts up out of the water almost shear, though the appearance from a distance is misleading. Under the spyglass, it looks like it wouldn't be two hard of a climb up the backside of the island.

So you have a few approaches: anchor off the backside of the island, take a boat to one of the horns of the crescent, and climb up and over. Or you can try approaching the ship from the sea in a boat... in the dark.

You did spot a watch on the ship; they looked like local warriors/soldiers.
Tealon Holdron
player, 63 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Sun 27 Dec 2015
at 00:39
  • msg #138

Re: In the Land of Zu

"Danyka, those cliff seem really steep, if we go around the back, maybe there will be a shallower gradient or once aloft, I could take a rope and grapple up after checking for guards, what say you?"

The winged 'lookout' as gunmage had named him, well the second bit anyway, was ready for this.

Tealon's thoughts went back to the cliffs. "Danyka, I'm going right now, I have a feeling the locals are not confined to that island. I shall check and report.". Immediately calling forth the words, having already gathered and attached his weaponry, he went Invisible then Mage Armour as the Arcane Mechanik felt it wise to leave the great cloak in favour of weaponry, then attempted to take flight before leaving the ship.

00:35, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Fly.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:40, Sun 27 Dec 2015.
GM StarMaster
GM, 216 posts
Tue 29 Dec 2015
at 05:44
  • msg #139

Re: In the Land of Zu

No, the locals aren't confined to that island. There's a huge sprawling city on the mainland, about two miles away. You'd passed the back side of the island on your way past the city. The edges of the crescents aren't as steep as the back.

The city has grown up the side of the mountains a bit. This close to the sea, they aren't really mountains--just steep craggy hills.

The city has also sprawled out into the sea in the form of a boat city. 500 or more boats are anchored in the bay of the city, all interconnected by walkways and ropes.

When you passed by the island the first time, you were far enough out to sea that you hope the people in the city might not have spotted you.

It was only when you were coming back that you spotted the missing ship. That's because the south side of the crescent isn't quite as tall as the north side, so the tops of the ship's masts were visible from the south.
Tealon Holdron
player, 64 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Fri 1 Jan 2016
at 16:11
  • msg #140

Re: In the Land of Zu

Being cautious of the unknown yet flying straight into it with gusto and eagerness, Tealon's usual brashness drives him to rise high, to fly high with weapons filling his duffle bag that swang tightly at his side.

The freedom of the sky and the potential threat from ahead, the anticipation of recovering the lost ship and maybe even rescuing the crew, if they need rescuing, lifted his spirit.  What could affect him, his unflappable nature supporting him, he was hidden from sight and could detect the thoughts of those around him, could even understand the language thanks to the gift bestowed upon him by the leader of the Rish peoples.

Remembering what he was capable of and what responsibility he has had placed on his shoulders, The tall slim Thurian searched the rocks ahead, the rising land and looked high to reach a spot where he could circle and use his spyglass.

By Angellia & Corben, I shall not let you down Iron Fist members, I shall do all that I can for you and the mission.  He knew they couldn't hear him but the thoughts still went through his head.
GM StarMaster
GM, 217 posts
Mon 4 Jan 2016
at 05:39
  • msg #141

Re: In the Land of Zu

The captain puts the ship's boat into the water, and Danyka, Jheridan, Ioelenna and Nicollo climb down into the boat. Unfortunately, Bosh and Rrger are too large to fit in the boat, but they are better at defending the ship if necessary any way.

Katrin is left in charge, as she seems to be the one that understands the defense and the mission the best.


Tealon soars into the night sky with relative ease if not quite experience yet, and discovers two things that he didn't realize before: moon and night breeze.

At the moment, the moon is on the horizon but rising. He has to make sure he doesn't fly between the moon and the ship, or else he's likely to be spotted.

There's a slight breeze coming off the island, which makes it just a little bit harder to approach. But he's able to fly high enough to avoid them.

The best he can see is that there might be a villa or perhaps just a farmstead or fishing huts on the island--three buildings all about the size of a cottage. There's no activity in or around them that he can see.

On the ship, he counts six guards on watch. There are four stations, and there are two always on the move, going from one station to the next and relieving the guard there, who then moves on to the next station. There doesn't seem to be any set timing for this. When there are two guards together, they stop and chat for a minute or two.

The stations are two aft and two fore, two port and two starboard.

The guards do not appear to be wearing any serious armor... maybe hide vests. They carry a curved sword tucked into a belt (no sheath) and a hand axe. Plus they have short bows.
Tealon Holdron
player, 65 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Mon 4 Jan 2016
at 11:33
  • msg #142

Re: In the Land of Zu

"I am so glad I am invisible, otherwise that moon could give away my position. Best not get too close to the boat, not sure these wings are quiet enough, but I am closer to them than the ship guards are." Tealon observed with his inner monologue.

Flying back down to the ship and the launch boat the Iron Fist had taken, Tealon tried to stead himself to be beside the smaller boat.

"Danyka, there are 8 guards split evenly over 4 compass points of the ship. No armour, axe, curved blade and shortbows, don't seem to be the proper crew.

On land there are a few farm cabins, unable to get more details. Will take your lead. Do you want a distraction on the top of the hill?"


The winged Mechanik voiced as quietly as he thought the breeze would allow without his words carrying across the bay.

Circling the small craft waiting for a response, ready to repeat louder if no reaction to his words was seen, the invisible scout tried to slow to only fight against the wind and thus then be steady-ish beside the leader of the band of rescuers as he now believed them to be.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Wed 06 Jan 2016.
Danyka Ydrasyl
player, 154 posts
Rynnish/Llaelese Human
Gun Mage/Morrow Initiate
Wed 6 Jan 2016
at 05:28
  • msg #143

Re: In the Land of Zu

Danyka listened to Tealon's situation report and pondered for a moment as the invisible flyer circled, a pensive expression crossed her features in the flicking shadows from the moonlight upon the shifting water.  She knew that this group wouldn't be able to sail the ship necessarily, if they took it without the original crew.  Which meant that they really needed to find out where their countrymen were being held.  "The ship is useless to us without anyone to man it." the Llaelese brunette mused quietly.  From what she'd seen, more than the four of them were going to be needed to crew the ship - and that was assuming that they all knew what they were doing.  And Dany knew that she wasn't a sailor; far from it.

Which meant that ship might not be the first objective.  Unless they could determine if the crew were being held captive aboard.  Hopefully, they were still alive.

Danyka kept her eyes scanning forward trying to make out the details in the moonlight.  "No." the Rynnish gun mage finally noted curtly to Tealon's query about a distraction on the hill, "I need you to do another pass over the village and the ship.  See if you can determine where the crew might be being held."

"Then I want you back here.  Swooping." Dany ordered Tealon, "Your mobility better serves us as local sniper.  The night will still give you decent concealment, moonlight or lack of invisibility be damned."  They could split the enemy force or catch it in a two-pronged attack more effectively than if one of them were far away.  Besides once the fighting started, there would be more than enough distractions.  She figured that Tealon would be the least vulnerable target at that point.
Tealon Holdron
player, 66 posts
"Blaster"; ArcaneMechanik
AC 14 (22); HP 24/24
Wed 6 Jan 2016
at 12:47
  • msg #144

Re: In the Land of Zu

As Tealon received his instructions from his leader, the thought of how long was left of his invisibility spell's duration, should be long enough to rise high again or a quick pass near the ship, may have to wait for a cloud to cover the moon, if there are any. At that moment he looked up and around, hope in his heart as always.

"Danyka, remember that I have grenades that burn and that explode. I also have bolts of similar measure. I can quickly return to the ship and get smoke granades for myself or one of you!". He left the last thought hanging. "My invisibility will be lost within a few moments, by Corben's grace cloud could develop or move soon and cover the moon for us, they are bound to have seen our ship when we saw them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Wed 06 Jan 2016.
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