In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 344):

Ioelenna pulls the body along as she swims back to the others.

Whilst checking and watching, Tealon thought back to his arrival at the ship to rejoin the Iron Fists.

It was a hot air balloon and he had felt decidedly queezy with its instability in the winds, he didn't like heights but here he was, controlling his own flight, free as a bird, but it was HIS controll, not the whim of the winds no materials how stronger the engineer on the balloon. He was glad he had discovered how the winds 'floated' and that now he was using them.effectively, he could fix the other set and show the other how the worked.

The Mechanik still had the steam guns to make too. He was going to be busy when the all left there islands.

As she clambered up to the deck of the Seacutter, Danyka paused for a moment and motioned to one of the crew that was still on the small craft.  "Help her." she ordered, with a gesture towards Ioelenna and her cargo, the dead guard.  Placing a finger over her lips to make sure that the man knew to keep quiet, the thin Rynnish gun mage then immediately turned back to the task of climb up.

When she hit the railing, Dany paused to look up towards Tealon to see if the arcane mechanik has any last minute instructions.  Then the raven-haired Llaelese gentlewoman motioned to Del, who was immediately behind her to take half the men and break in the direction opposite of her.  "Remember," she hissed, her volume barely over the splashing of the waves, "the primary objective is retake the Seacutter."  Danyka hoped that would be enough of a reminder to show some mercy, potentially.  Though, of course, the ship needed to theirs first; so, securing the deck, helm, and weapons was essential.

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 347):

From his vantage point, Tealon saw the new activity on the Seacutter and glanced around to see if their ship was visible on the horizon, ready for the signal to sail away. He would need to get a lot higher to get a good view but with the sun soon to crest and lights this whole are, this would be a very bad idea until it was time to go.

The Thurian noticed Danyka stop as she got to the deck and look up at him, he just raised a hand and swooped a little to acknowledge being seen, then continued being the lookout.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:32, Tue 19 Sept 2017.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, but my internet provider seems to have gotten some damage to its wires or towers or whatever, because all week, I've only been able to stay connected to the internet for about 15 minutes at a time. So it's like playing a game of tag... to have the time and energy to post just when I have that internet window. As it is, I'll write a post and go to post it, and lose the internet connection, and the post just vanishes into the ether.

Frak! It just did it again, so I've had to rewrite this one!]


Like many islands, this one has an elevate ridge down the middle of it, somewhat steep and rocky, but the natural harbor on the shoreward facing side made it suitable for some settlement... mostly just fishing huts and boats. Now, of course, there's a small garrison there to keep guard over the ship Seacutter.

The Resolute is parked on the opposite side of the island because the ridge keeps it from being spotted from the shore or those on the island.

From the sky, Tealon easily locates the ship, and because the crew is on perpetual alert until the group returns, they have no problem spotting Tealon against the gradually lightening sky.

The Seacutter's crew swiftly and silently climbed back aboard the ship, taking up stations and preparing the ship for departure. The ropes to the dock are released and taken aboard the ship, as is the gangplank.

Some of the crew then manned the anchor winch while the rest hid on the ship, although two of them donned the guards' uniforms and resumed the watch on the ship. As the anchor starts to get raised, it makes a rattling, ratcheting sound. It's not loud, but it does carry.

In a few minutes, the door to the barracks opens and a single guard looks out with still-sleepy eyes. He realizes the sound is coming from the ship, but can't see anything amiss.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 16:34, Sat 30 Sept 2017.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 349):

Seeing the Seacutter crew make ready for sailing, only needing to rig in the sails to get some movement, the winged scout waves and rises as he goes closer up the ridge, as he gets high enough, he looks back and although he doesn't see the door open, he sees a figure standing in front of the barracks door.  He has no time to do anything about it and knows his company will, if necessary, take action, he rises to see the Resolute.

The Resolute, far enough from the land to not be clearly see from the shore but close enough to keep watch, Tealon unfolds his crossbow, loads the signal bolt, an incendiary bolt. Activates it and fires over and to the side of the Resolute.  The bolt bright against the darker hillside, he knew the crew would see it and know that the Seacutter and her crew were ready to move.

As the bolt hit the water a short way from the Resolute, he reloaded with an exploding bolt, turned and went back down towards the rest of the Iron Fists.

Dany felt a little like a fifth wheel, knowing that the Captain and his crew knew much better than she what was to be done to get underway.  She watched the shore, but her vantage was much less scenic than Tealon; so, mostly she kept an eye on him to ensure that there wasn't anything amiss.

They were too far from shore for her to shoot effectively (and hopefully, conversely, for anything on shore to reach them, readily).  So, the thin Rynnish brunette stalked the deck seeing to the more mundane taks, making sure that enemy bodies were disposed of cleanly, any prisoners were safely ensconced, and that everyone else (Iron Fisters as well as any remaining Seacutter crew) was on-board.  She also helped to bring the lifeboats back up, though not being the strongest person on-board she more supervised than labored.

Danyka made a mental note to make sure to order Tealon to try and scuttle any craft that he saw that might be use to pursue them.  It might not be much more than a delaying tactic, but they needed all the time they could to make their escape.

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 351):

Ioelenna keeps watch over the water between the boat and shore. As she almost chants a mantra to herself, in order to not pass out from the heat.

“ I will do my duty even as I melt. ”

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 350):

Heading back towards the Seacutter, sure in his own belief that the Resolute crew had seen the signal, he almost dove down towards where the Iron Fisters had taken the ship, for speed he pulled the wings close but not so much as to stop gliding and pulled up so he was high over the barracks.

Scanning the barracks and surrounding area for movement, Tealon watched until the Seacutter was far out of the bay,  ready to send the exploding bolts towards any boat being readied for pursuit.

Spot Hidden roll =17

Ioelenna was the first to spot the guard that had come out of the barracks, drawn by the rattling sound of the anchor being raised. He didn't seem to be fully awake yet, as he looked at the ship but didn't seem to see anything amiss. If he woke up a bit more, it might sink in that the there was no one on guard.


Dany spots the guard only a moment later, keeping out of sight, and knowing that the odd morning light made it hard to see things clearly... night vision still trying to adjust to the dim light of early dawn.


And Tealon makes his way back just in time to spot the guard as well. As he was circling around the back of the barracks anyway, he's behind the guard, above the barracks.


Even as you all watch, something happens that fully wakes up the guard: the sails are unfurled!

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 354):

Spotting the guard starting to react, Tealon takes careful aim, glancing up at the Seacutter, and then into the water to sea Ioelenna, he spots what he was looking for and waits a moment longer.

Taking his eyes away from the scene opening up below him, the flying Mechanik looks for any vessels close on that may be used to pursue the ship.  Finding none and waiting for the guard to makes his move, the folding crossbow with the explosive tipped bolt ready to fire was lowered slightly to the jetty in front of the potential threat......And Fires.

19:35, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Crossbow Attack from Above.
Exploding Crossbow does 6+2 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Mon 13 Nov 2017.

If the guard had been about to sound the alarm upon seeing the sails of the ship unfurl, Tealon's exploding bolt saved him the trouble. As little force as there was from the bolt, it wasn't nearly enough to drive him forward into the water, but he did stagger forward and drop to his knees. It probably knocked the wind out of him as well, for he doesn't shout out.

The explosion wasn't all that loud, but it was close enough to the barracks to alert someone. The door opens and another guard looks out.

"What's  all the noise?" he asks, as he sees the guard kneeling. In the still-gray dawn, he doesn't quite see the change in the ship until another sail unfurls. The motion catches his attention, and he stares at the ship in momentary bafflement, even as the ship starts moving away from the dock.

"Help!" he tries to call out, but can't quite say it loud enough in his surprise. Then he turns back into the barracks.

"WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Somebody's stealing the ship!" Tealon can hear him yelling inside the barracks.

A couple of guards rush out of the barracks still in their skivvies, and then start running along the dock as if they might still catch the ship, but it's too late. A couple of guards, when the reach the end of the dock, just stand there, mouths agape, while two of the guards start shouting threats at the retreating ship and waving their weapons.

Mere moments later, fully clothed guards rush out of the barracks and then dash along the dock to where there are two small boats tied up. Tealon hadn't spotted them before, or maybe didn't consider them significant. A leader type directs six men into each boat, and they take up oars and start rowing after the ship.

The ship, now under full sail, is able to catch the slight breeze from the island and quickly out-distances the small boats.

Pursuit soon stops when they realize the futility of their efforts.

However, a moment later, Khuno and Micollo are spotted in a boat rowing out towards them. The captain changes the ship's direction to intercept them. Both are brought aboard, as is the boat.

"Danyka," Nicollo begins reporting, "I am sorry to say that Koss Murchin is dead. I was forced to kill him as he would not come with us. He seemed to think that he would be treated as royalty because of the secrets he knew. Had it been anyone else, I might have been inclined to let him stay. But, he could speak the language already."

"I do not know how much he knew about building ships, nor about making black powder and weapons, nor about machinery, but it is not something I could take a chance on. If Verlo had those secrets, he would conquer this land. I simply could not allow that on my conscience."

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 356):

Watching as other guards made their was out of the barracks, Tealon kept a readied exploding bolt loaded in his crossbow and granades on his person.

He didn't want to kill people but was prepared to do so.

He fired at the floor in front of the barracks door hoping to make a hold, dropping a granade to do the same. Reloading with incendary bolt and aiming at the wood of the building itself.

That should keep their view away from the ship and rescue boats; keep them occupied.He said to nobody in particular as he soared above the scene below.

At that, he took to the ridge and flew back to the Resolute to report that the Seacutter was safe.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Fri 24 Nov 2017.

Danyka listened to Nicollo's report with a slightly pensive expression, her brow furrowed in thought at the news of that the potential traitor had been eliminated.  Of course, whether her consternation was due to the assassination itself or the fact that one of their own had turned was not nearly as apparent.  Likely it was a mixture of both.

However, there was not use in shooting the messenger; so, the lithe Rynnish gun mage nodded curtly to her pistol-wielding companion.  "Understood." Dany acknowledged Nicollo's actions and observations before dismissing the man, "Thank you.  We can't let our own secret and tactic get leaked to a potential enemy.  I would have done the same; you did the right thing."

She silently stared out over the back of the ship, watching the morning light dawn upon the receding coastline for a pregnant moment.  Then the young Llaelese gentlewoman turned back to her duties on the deck of the Seacutter.  Her long black hair bobbed lightly as she scanned the sky before trying to flag down Tealon to make sure that the flying arcane mechanik was still in touch with the Resolute.  The two ships would need to rendezvous soon to coordinate and resupply before even entertaining the thought of attempting the long and arduous trip home.

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 359):

Tealon landed on the deck of the Resolute and reported to the Captain that the Seacutter was making its way out to sea and may need a few more crew to be safe further out.

Captain, I will fly forward, if you follow, you will catch the Seacutter, it's the only way I can think of without giving away both ships location to the islanders

With that said and an affirmation from the Captain, Tealon took wing again, being mindful to lift off from deck in case he miss timed his steps.

Rising into the air like a professional flier, the Arcane Mechanik headed up andforward in the last known direction of the Seacutter. On catching sight, he goes lower so the Captain of the Resolute can see him clearer. Once they were on course, he went forward closer to let the Iron Fist know they were on their way.

Once close, he pulls ouy his collapsible spy glass, fixes it and watches for signals. Catching Danyka waving, he circles back to the Resolute, signals forward and heads to his companions.

ooc: Fly Check = 16. Success.

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 360):

Ioelenna finally relaxes some.

“ Finally a breeze. Duty can be difficult. ”

Once the Resolute gets easily within sight of the Seacutter Tealon, tired from all the flapping, heads back to the latter to let the rest of the Iron Fists know that the Resolute won't be long before coming alongside.

"Danyka, hope you don't mind if I get some rest, that has been rather exhausting.  When we get the chance, please remind me to show others how it works so we can use the remaining set.  I'm sure others are as tired, like Ioelenna who has been swimming for most of the night."

With that, he heads to a dark area, takes the wings off and just sleeps as he is.  He would have fallen asleep standing if it hadn't been for them giving way.

ooc:  I think we salvaged another set or two but erred on it being only one
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 362):

“ A Rest at least a short rest would be appropriate. ”

"The crew is more than capable of taking care of the ship, Ioelenna," Jheridan replies. "We have nothing but rest to do for a few days now."

"These people don't have any ships that can catch us, but, as Tealon has discovered, they may be able to fly in pursuit. Or have some other nefarious ability."

"It also depends on where we go. How about it, Danyka? You got any place in mind?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

In reply to Jheridan (msg # 364):

“ Somewhere Cold would be nice. Anywhere away from Zultec lands. Deserts and Jungles are the most Godsforsaken places. ”

After sleeping for what seemed a few days but more likely just half of one, Tealon got back to his wagon and his work.

Ensuring the other set of wings were working well, he took them to the rest of the Iron Fist were gathered.

"So who wants to be free as a bird and fly? Well, levitate with movement from flapping the wings and, well yeah, who wants to fly?"

"In retrospect, we should have suspected something like this happening," Nicollo chimed in. "I mean, if we'd sent a mysterious ship to some other port in the north, there'd have been a good chance it would have been seized. Certainly an attempt would have been made."

"So, the real question is... did any of us receive any additional secret orders as to what we should do after this mission was accomplished?"

"For that matter, have we accomplished it? We've found out what happened to the Seacutter. Probably exceeded our orders by rescuing it. It's prepared to sail back and report. Do we need to escort it all the way back? Remember, it was only taken by surprise and duplicity."

In reply to Nicollo Baldino (msg # 367):

I know I wasnt given any additional orders beyond utilising my special skills to aid the Iron Fists in this endeavour.

Who was it that wanted to use the wings, was it you Jheridan or you Nicollo?

Im almost done with the steam gun upgrade too, just a few extra tweaks.

Danyka looked thoughtful as Nicollo said his piece.  She shook her head with respect to any 'secret' orders.  If anything, secret orders would not be divulged - now or ever really - if they were truly secret.  But it might explain the disappearance of some of the others along the way.  Either that or straight-up desertion.  Both were possible in equal measure.

"We are far from home." she mused aloud, seeming to agree with her fellow gun-mage and disagree in equal parts, "We have exceeded our orders, but I will hold myself accountable for that, if it comes to punishment.  It was my call that we act rather than wait."  She'd already agreed that Thruian man's actions regarding the traitor were fully justified; she'd known that it would be a tangible possibility given the circumstances when she sanctioned his sortie.

"As for orders," the raven-haired gun mage contemplated, "has the Seacutter fulfilled its mandate and completed its mission?"  Dany turned to regard the newly-rescued Captain, offering as a bit of , "We are aware of a potentially more trade-friendly or, at least, politically-friendly set of islands and people on the continent ..."  She didn't want to put the Rish in harm's way.  But, opening talks with them might be possible.

That and they had their contacts with both Khuno and the Prince.

"The only other thing that I can think of to do here is to help the Khuno and the Prince foment a revolt..." and even though Danyka had postulated it as an off-the-cuff and rather flippant remark.  Was there perhaps an underlying current of earnestness?  Just a touch?  But, of course, that course of action was way out of their mandate.  No stretching of any of their orders could possibly justify that...