The RFD is a two masted aisling ship from a much earlier age of the Atlantean empire, made to traverse the deep oceans rather than hug the shores. It is old but exceptionally well cared for. The sails are furled as it sits in the harbor here in the Garden district in what could only be the personal pier of Alembos.

Ason and a few of the crew can be seen on board doing some of the work needed before departure.

Brude the pict is already on the ship going about his daily duties as the ships pilot. He spends his time going over charts and checking his navigation equipment.

Aias arrives carrying a single leather backpack. It would not be a stretch to imagine that it contained all his worldly belongings. He is wearing his light armor and has a gladius slung over his shoulder.

He offers a easy greeting to Ason and asks, "Where do I stow my gear and what would you have of me this fine morn?"

Conall arrives next.  Whatever he's been up to since the meeting at the tavern, he seems little changed this morning, wearing a wide smile as he spies the ship.

"Are we readying to go, or are some of our companions still giving the shore one last embrace?" he calls to Ason merrily.

Ason shakes his head..."A few earth huggers reamain but I expect them soon."

He looks at Aias then back at Conall and says..."Go below decks and find a bunk."

Nkruma arrives next. He again wears his ornate, ocean blue cloak. He is followed by a Human youth carrying two bags.

Reaching the ship, Nkruma takes one of the bags and places a few coins in the young man's hand before taking the second. "Olukun and the Orixa watch over you and yours, lad."

He then turns and hauls his gear aboard the vessel, at least two bows protrude from one of the bags, and a pair of quivers are lashed to the sides. Looking around the deck, he nods.

"Permission to come aboard," he calls aloud. Softer, he intones, "Deepwater, hear the pleas of your supplicant. Bless this vessel to your service and see her home safe again."

Stalking up the deck behind Nkruma, a few humans in tow carrying a slew of packages and bags.

"Aye, permission," she calls as well.  She turns to look at the humans.  "You, take all that to the kitchen.  You, come with me and stow things.  Once you're done, I'll have coin for you."

She looks to the Asena and cocks her head.  "Nkruma, is it?"

Fernao arrives with a backpack and belt pouches stuffed with gear. All of this is over his bronze full suit of armor, which is gleaming in the sun, and a good number of flowers that have been intertwined over his body and among the golden jewelry he wears on his horns and around his neck. His weaponry consists of javelins in a quiver next to his backpack, cestus, a few daggers, a net seemingly wrapped around one of his arms, and a particularly well taken care of flail hanging from his belt. In his left hand is a large, heavy shield of oak wrapped in bronze.

Despite the load his step is light and there is a surprisingly high and light hum as coming from him as he approaches the ship. Having served on it before he knows The Rosy Fingered Dawn well and with bright eyes he stops before boarding, "Greeting Captain. It is I, Fernao the Flowered, that requests to board.", he shouts.

As he speaks he catches sight of a sailor climbing across a topmast and with a look of excitement bellows in his direction in an even louder voice, "O! There is Saprys the Spry! Hoy there, my friend. Do you recall Fernao the Flowered? Hoy!"

Having shouted and bellowed his hellos in the direction of the Captain and crew he spies Kkruma and Sabetha who have arrived just before him. He continues speaking as if he had been chatting with them the entire time, though he does modulate his voice, "O! And look! It is my friend and my new friend. Hoy to you as well!"

"Nkruma, yes," the Asena answers the Atlantean woman. "Once of Ophir, now surviving at the mercy of the mighty Olukun, moving where and when he will."

He watches the Humans that came with her moving goods onto the ship. And then he winces slightly at the volume of Fernao. "Yes, mighty Tauran, it is I," he says in a quieter voice. "You are ready for this great journey?"

"Ophir," she says, contemplatively.  "If you care to hear the language of your home, let me know and I can practice speaking and you can correct all my improper use of verbs."  She chuckles, obviously mocking herself, and looks up at the Tauran and winks.

"Hoy, Flowered One!"

Fernao claps Nkruma on the shoulder and bows to the Sabetha, "I bring the flowers, Nkruma brings the waters, and your beauty brings the sun. All will be well, I think on this journey, Sabetha!", he says loudly.

In a much lower rumble he replies to the Asena with a wry smile, "I am ready and looking forward to showing what a Brute can do, my friend!"

Conall springs lightly aboard the ship, heading for the bunks below when he sees he others arrive in a group behind him.  "Come, come," he calls down, "once we are under way, there will be all the time in the world to talk!"

"Flowery words," she says, reaching out and brushing her fingers over some close petals.  "You flatter me too much."

She looks back to those waiting with her things and shakes her head.

"Here, go get yourself something to drink or buy some trinket for a loved one.  Spend this frivolously and with joy.  I'll make trips."  She presses coins at the humans, lifting one of her bags and marching up the gangway.

Thamyron strides up to the ship, carrying a long black wooden staff, polished to an almost metallic sheen. His long hair and beard are tied up with dark bands, and he again wears a long dark robe. A black and gold belt holds a dagger in a black sheath at his waist.  His clothing, though well-made, seems very plain for an Atlantean. To Brude and those who remember his time fighting and traveling in the past, however, it is not so much of a surprise. While he loves luxury like all his race, his past travels have lead him to be able to travel light and live rough. Of course, this didn't stop him from having several casks of liquor delivered to the ship to make sure he keeps the flask hidden in his robe full. He wears a worn backpack on his back, and his free hand holds a well-stuffed satchel that appears to be made to resist water damage.

He calls out, "Ahoy the ship, ready for me to board?"

He waves to all those who he remembers from the meeting.

Ason waves all aboard the ship, telling all to find a bunk below deck and stow their gear. He looks around and says, "The only one not here yet is the one who called herself the Seer..and Alembos himself. He is always late. He and his dog Vranu should be here shortly though. We cannot leave without them.

Brude notes how Ason has called Vranu a "dog". He says nothing but keeps it in mind that Ason is usually a very tolerant person.

Fernao comes aboard and stows his backpack and travel sack. Returning on deck he finds a place to sit down that is not in the way of the crew, but from which he may greet them as they are doing their duties. It was not long ago he too was one of them and he recalls most of them well.

Thamyron stows his gear, checks his provisions,  & returns to the deck. He turns into the sea breeze and inhales deeply, savoring the taste of the sea in the air. He then moves over to Fernao and says, "Hello. Ready to sail?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Fri 21 Feb 2014.

Koryos, who was already on the ship came up from below deck. He sits himself down next to Fernao after looking the biog Tauran over for  moment..."Once we get underway and out into the open sea, you will have to let me test that flail of yours against my axe. I must confess I have never faced that weapon in battle."

Fernao turns and gives the human a shy smile, "Well, yes, I think I would like that very much. An axe is a good weapon. It is direct. It is no fooling around. The flail... It takes strength. It takes balance. It is sometimes not so easy to use and it is always difficult to face.

"In this way a flail is like wine. If you are foolish and drink too much you have a horrible sickness the next day. See, but if you understand how to use your wine you will not feel badly. This is the way I think about it."

Koryos flashes a smile at the big Tauran and says..."You have an interesting way of looking at things my new friend! I once had dealings with a tribe of folk who had become displaced, none spoke as eloquently as you though."

He stands and says loudly..."This offer goes out to the rest of you as well....more than happy to try  your weapon here on the deck once we are out to open sea and killing time."

Actually just an IC way to explore the combat system for those of you who have not used this type of system before.

The Atlantean woman who calls herself the Seer approaches the ship is is waved aboard
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:13, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

About a minute later, Alembos approaches the gangplank with Vranu close on his heels.

Once aboard he looks upon those assembled and says..."Are we prepared for advanture and riches? The treasures of Old Atlantis await us upon the Sea of Grass!"

He looks to Ason and says..."I have arranged for a vril tug to tow us out of the canals and into the river, where you can let our sails do their work."

The small vril tugboat attaches to the bow of the Rosy Fingered Dawn and within a matter of less than twenty minutes the sailing ship is in the wide river with it's sails unfurled.

A strong wind catches the billowing cloth making the design of a great rising sun on both masts visible.

Ason is first to pilot the ship but after the unfurling of the sails hands the rudder over to Brude.

Nkruma stows his gear, armor, and weapons below deck and returns top side to feel the wind in his fur. He lifts his snout to the breeze and inhales deeply.

After taking a bit of ease, he will seek out Ason. "Do you anticipate any trouble sailing to this distant shore? I have heard that the seas between Gondwana and Europa suffer with piratical attacks." He scratches at his chin, one ear twitching slightly. "Olukun's province is the deep sea and ocean, but I believe that I can beseech him to grant us favorable seas and a strong current to speed us on our way. However... Well, you know as well as any that the gods are mighty and their attention often lies elsewhere."

Once they get underway Fernao sits back and relishes the air and movement. He leans back and until somebody gives him something to do he does... Nothing. As he is leaning back and he opens one of his pouches and begins threading together fine pieces of leather and in the process of this weaves dried flower and bits of gems. As he does this he relaxes even further. His 8' tall, nearly 400 lb mass of muscle is relaxed as if he were an 8" tall 40 ounce pile and with the sun glinted off of the golden rings circling his horns and around his neck the Tauren glows in spite of the darkness of his black brindled body. Or perhaps it is because of? Well, regardless, he is busily making his bracelet and the joy he is taking from it is palpable.

This wasn't the youngsters first time on a boat and she didn't want to assume that she was going to be giving any special privileges but she did wonder where was most of those that was just hired going to be resting.  Was there separate quarters for the females and males.

"Sorry for the delay but I had to complete a task before being able to go.  It seems that we are in good hands by the Gods.

Brude gladly accepts the rudder from Ason. He was very happy to be the pilot of such a fine sailing vessel as this. One day he would own his own ship though, it was just a matter of time.

Once they are under way, Thamyron quickly ducks below decks. He reemerges in a short, loose-fitting grey tunic and breeches, suited to working on a boat.  He still has a dagger at his waist, and breathes deeply, savoring the sea air. It had been a while since he had been on the open water.

Ason replies to Nkruma..."yes, we willb e crossing a sea wrought with pirates...my own people the Hellenes are among the worse offenders but the Tharshi are bad as well. The Rosey Fingered Dawn is a fast ship though, much faster than the galleys the pirates tend to favor."

"That said, I would appreciated any payers or sacrifices that you could do on our behalf to Olukun."

After a quick look around it is clear to  that there is no separate quarters for men and women. The few women on the crew bunk right alongside the men. The ship fast but not very comfortable.

After Aias stows his gear he comes back up on deck. He falls in the the regular crew of the ship and begins to work right along side them.

Nkruma nods and turns his gaze to the waves. He ponders the tasks ahead as he allows Olukun to carry them all onwards towards their Fate.

The various rivers and canals flow quickly...aided by the favorable winds, the Rosy Fingered Dawn finds herself in the open sea by the third day of sailing. The crew and passengers watch the shore of the Atlantean continent vanish int he distance as they sail East.

Ason has a schedule set up that has all of those hired by Alembos taking a small part in the maintenance and sailing of the ship. Each passenger is even given a small time with Brude to learn the basics of piloting a sailing ship.

Alembos keeps to himself most of the time. He has taken over the captains quarters and uses it as his makeshift lab. Ason bunks with the rest of the crew. He does take a moment to show Nkruma the small shrine to Olukun that he has set up near the prow on the deck.

Each day at dawn and dusk finds Nkruma before the shrine in the prow of the boat. He also throws himself into learning as much about the ship as he can - from piloting the vessel to learning the terminology for the sails, ropes, rigging, and accouterments.

He also spends some of his free time simply sitting and staring at the moon and stars, sometimes howling mournfully, sometimes chanting softly under his breath.

Brude is overjoyed tog et the chance to share his profession with those he is sailing with, especially two women. He is not a letch but had always been drawn to the beauty and grace of Atlantean women. It was really one of the reasons he left home. After he got his first good look at Atlanean beauty, it was hard for him to look at Pictish women the same any more.

Aias already had the basic skills needed to be a crew member on a galley, the sailing ship was a bit different but he was still happy to get the extra experience.

For the last three days The Seer kept to herself as much as Alembos, but she was a curious about what he was making in the captains quarters.

On the morning of the 13th of Du'uzu, Nkruma awakens and goes to the shrine of Olukun in the bow of the boat. He seems energetic and curious. His eyes scan the horizon and waves. "We should be near the isle of Hesperia, should we not? I am not as familiar with maps and geography as I could be, I suppose. Still, I hear that the Hesperian isles are full of strange and exotic beasts."

When she's not cooking or cleaning in the kitchens, Sabetha can be found spinning tales of her past on the deck.  She stays out of the way of any real heavy work, but she keeps any who listen to her amused.  If asked about the truthfulness of her tales, she vows as to their accuracy.

Ason nods and smiles at Nkruma..."Aye, strange and exotic beasts, dangerous as well...none more so than the Hesperians themselves. Alembos has wisely requested that we steer clear of Hesperia. Very soon I will be calling to Brude to change our course northward for a bit."

Nkruma nods. "I am told that the gryphons of Hesperia are particularly dangerous. Very swift." He uses his spread paw-like hand to mime something swooping down towards the railing. "Very swift. Faster than an arrow. Or so I am told."

He looks at the waves a bit longer before clearing his throat. It sounds very much like a low-rumbling growl. "In two nights, it will be a full moon. If I may, I would ask that we find anchorage on that night so that I might swim in Olukun's embrace beneath the light of the moon. Whether such a moorage is safe or no, it must be done."

Ason purses his lips as he thinks of Nkruma's request for a moment..."We will see what we can do but these are dangerous waters."

The captain then looks to Brude and says..."Change our course, North-east, we skirt the tip of Hesperia."

The next two days pass without event. The ships passes by the northern most tip of Hesperia and is back out into open waters again when the sun begins to set.

The anchor is dropped and Ason lets Nkruma know that they would only remain here for no more than a half hour.

Fernao spends his time on whatever duties required of him and when he had no duties he exercises with his weapons as space permits. Otherwise he weaves his necklaces and bracelets using the stash of leather, beads, gems, and flowers he included in his gear.

Once Nkruma makes known his need to swim under the full moon, but before they actually drop anchor, the Tauran is curious, "So each full moon you must swim? What if you are in the desert? Does this mean you may not go into the desert? If we are going to the Sea of Grass? Will you be able to swim in the grass if there is no water? It is still a sea, I think, though it is not of water it is of grass."

"If there is no water, Nkruma answers Fernao, "then I must find or make a pool. Olukun is both mysterious and powerful." He shrugs. "Though it is true that I have not ventured into the deep deserts of the world." Nkruma strips down to everything but a belt and a bronze dagger. "I shall make this as fast as possible." He kneels on the deck of the ship near a opening in the railing and at first seems to have dozed off. His chin dips, nearly touching his chest, and his eyes are closed.

Then his chin lifts and he begins to sing a common hymn to Olukun. It is passable, but clearly not something that he is skilled at. The song last some two or three minutes and when it ends he rises to his feet and turns back to the boat. "Should any wish to join me, you are welcome." Without waiting for a response, he throws himself from the deck into the open sea.

He cuts through the water with speed, putting a slight distance between himself and the ship.

---

Nkruma rolled 12 using 1d20 ((12)). Perform roll.
Nkruma rolled 18 using 1d20+4 ((14)). Athletics (Swimming).

Thamyron keeps a silent watch while Nkruma swims in the water. He doesn't want to disrupt the rite, but stands ready to act if something unexpected occurs. The open waters hold many surprises and secrets,  something he had learned repeatedly in his travels.

Conall spends plenty of time with Brude during the voyage; though he clearly is an experienced sailor, he is eager to learn more about navigation of the vessel.

He listens, amused, as Fernao queries Nkruma.  The big Tauran certainly had a way of cutting right to the heart of the matter.

"What of you, Fernao?  Are there any gods you follow?" he asks.

Brude spends his time piloting the ship, taking orders from the captain and looking over the charts and stars. He is more than happy to have Conall show an interest in navigation, a subject dear to his heart.

He shows the Cimmerian the star charts during the day and lets him comparer the charts to the night sky when they get the chance.

He looks over at Fernao when Conall asks him of his gods. Over all the years they had known each other, this topic had never came up for some reason.

Aias seems happy to accept the offer and within a second or two is stripped down to a dingy loincloth. Like Nkruma he has his bronze dagger thrust through his belt but nothing else.

Throwing caution and reason to the wind he catapults himself over the railing and dives into the dark water. He breaks the surface from his dive and smiles broadly in the moonlight. He does not get too close to the Asena.

With a shrug she strips down to nothing and slips into the water.  No weapon at her side and no clothes to cover her skin.  In the moonlight, any looking at her will notice a plethora of scars.  Puncture wounds with their puckered circles, slashes with their raised welts, scars that cross one another, and others almost too perfectly spaced.

Her normally oiled black curls lay slick on her head, leaving a waving pattern, and the fine oils leave an almost rainbow sheen in the moonlit water around her as she surfaces.  Her pitch lips pull into a happy smile just before she dives back under the water's surface.

She repeats the surfacing and submerging a few more times, taking no more than five minutes before she heads back to the boat, ready to climb back on the dry boards, and chill breath of air.

To Conall the Tauran says, "The Orixa Erinle is one I most appreciate, though, I give all Gods their due."

Otherwise, when others dive into the water he does not. Hooves do now work well as flippers and while he can certainly float and swim if he wishes it is clearly something that he is hesitant about doing now.

All three take to the water...Nkruma more acrobatically but in the end all three a swimming about in a dark calm water around the Rosy Fingered Dawn.

Calmly, treading water. Nkruma watches Sabetha climb back aboard the ship. He calls over to Aias in the water nearby. "Do not be alarmed, but there is something large in the water with us. If you wish to return to the ship, now may be the time."

Turning his head to the ship, he calls out, "Ropes! Ropes and lights! Strike torches, hang lanterns. If we've one of those fancy alchemical lights to spare, someone toss it to me."

So speaking thus, he dives under the waves and is lost to sight.

She speeds her way to the ship, artfully pulling herself up.  She's shivering slightly, but not with chill.

"Something... Something brushed against me.  Large, sleek, and powerful," she explains, almost breathlessly, a bit of trembling in both her voice and in her body.

She looks down at her right leg, examining it to make sure that the large thing that struck her left no mark.  After she's examined it to her satisfaction she grabs her tunic and pulls it on over her head, the gauzy material clinging to the curves of her wet skin.  Her curls dripping and helping to soak the flimsy fabric.

Not knowing what Nkruma is going on about, Brude rushes to the rail and throws a rope over after attaching an end tot he mast. He stands ready with a spear in hand. After he hears Sabetha speak of the thing that brushed against her he calls out, "What is it? A shark? A whale?"

Despite the fact that Alembos does not seem to be a very physical man he is quicklup on deck once he hears the call of Nkruma. He tosses  glowing orb down to the Asena saying..."Tell us what you see!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Tue 04 Mar 2014.

Thamyron ties off another rope and throws it down to the swimmers, then stands by the rail, scanning the water.

Aias grabs one of the ropes as if he believes his life depends on it. He climbs back on board the ship as quickly as he can.

Conall leaps deftly to the rigging, finding a perch where he has a clear view of the swimmers.  He readies his bow, and nocks an arrow.

Despite his size, Fernao's speed is impressive. He grabs his javelins and heads to the rail next to Brude.

Nkruma grabs the orb after it hits the water. He surfaces for air and waves to the ship, then dives beneath the surface once more with the orb.

He holds the light forth beneath the waves, attempting to illuminate the giant eel.  He soon surfaces again, gasping for air. His wet fur is plastered against his skin as he begins to swim across the surface back to the ship, slowed slightly with the alchemical orb in one hand. "We are safe," he says between gulps of air. "It is a giant eel. Sent by Olukun."

He reaches the ship and grabs for one of the ropes. Once steadied, he tosses the alchemical orb to someone on deck before he begins to pull himself free of the ocean's grasp. "It is a sign," he shouts. "A good sign. Olukun blesses our passage." Before lifting himself to the deck, he braces his feet against the side of the ship and shakes free much of the salt water from his fur.

"While I do not think it wise to linger in the sea itself, I think that Olukun blesses our passage. We should not scoff at this, but take it to heart and make what time and speed we can. Leave the lanterns lit, let their light herald our passage as the rising tide hearkens the bountiful harvest of the sea. Surely, with the blessing of the Bountiful Void none can stand against us." He pulls himself up on deck and shakes himself once more. "With haste, let us chase down our fate and rest assured that Olukun lifts us all."

Hearing Nkruma's words, Fernao puts down his javelins and in a low rumble thanks Olukun for this blessing. "A good sign. A welcome sign!

Ason smiles broadly upon hearing Nkruma's words..."This is good to hear my friend!"

He turns his back to the rail and barks..."Raise the anchor...let us catch this midnight wind tot he east and Scythia!"

Inspired by the revelation of the good omen, Brude gets right to work getting underway once again. He was not overly superstitious but would not look down on the Asena's omen.

He looks up at Conall in the rigging and says,"No need for that! Cme on down and help me once again!"

Feeling the chill wind whipping over her in her soaked shirt, she shivers again and lifts her previously discarded clothes.

"Glad to hear it was a good omen.  Is there any significance in it brushing against me?"  Her teeth chatter a bit and she pulls at her shirt, temporarily freeing it from her skin before it sucks itself back into place.

Nkruma rolls his shoulders in a shrug. "The Unknowable One holds all mysteries and gives them up in his own time. Mayhaps his avatar was curious, mayhaps he intends to strengthen your devotion." Nkruma's dark eyes twinkle in the moonlight. "I will pray on this, but do not expect an answer." He shakes his head lightly, not to shed water, but to indicate the possibility of certainty. "All mysteries, like water, flow eventually to the sea, where Olukun takes them and makes them his own. Some, he casts back up in time. Perhaps when we reach shore, you shall find some meaning waiting for you."

"I can live with that," she chuckles.  "For right now, I'm going to head below decks and heat some water to wash the salt off, then I'll re-oil my hair.  Company is welcome. I can even oil some of your fur, if you care for it Nkruma."  She shivers again and looks at her leg where the eel brushed her with a vague smile.

She turns and moves off toward the stairs, tugging at the hem of her shirt, barely covering her buttocks and sticking to her skin.

The Asena, fur wet and dripping, nods. "Aye. That might be well. First, I shall help set the ship in order and then fresh water to wash Olukun's skin from my own."

The omen was indeed a good one...the Rosy Fingered Dawns makes great time through the next few days as she passes east skirting the southern coast of Tharshesh. It is then that one of the lookouts spots a pair of fast looking galleys in the distance and what looks to be a burning ship in the water. The sky is clear and visibility is good, this looks to be several miles away to the east.

Ason stands on the deck looking towards the east once he hears of the ships ahead. He does not have Brude change course..."Most likely pirates."

"Pirates," Nkruma asks. He scratches his chin. "Are we in danger, do you think? And that burning wreck. Should we give aid?"

Thamyron stands on deck, as he has been enjoying his time on the ship, helping as needed. He listens to Ason and Nkruma talk, his head swiveling to look at the wind direction in the sails and the position of the two fast galleys.

Brude says nothing but stands by in case he needs to change course, either directly towards the pirates or to avoid them. There was no doubt that with the lucky winds that the Rosy Fingered Dawn could easily out pace any galley.

Aias stand on the rigging looking out over the sea to the three ships.
"Tough luck on them but better that they met the pirates than we did. Should we really tary here and risk our necks for those who we do not know?"

Sabetha purses her lips and looks at the burning ship.  She shakes her head, the oiled curls bouncing as she does so.  Her expression is clear, she is conflicted, but about what, she's not saying unbidden.

Upon hearing the commotion Alembos joins the others on the deck. He looks at Ason and shakes his head..."By no means are you to offer aid to this ship. We have our plans and I am paying you well."

Ason turns away from Alembos and looks at Brude..."Change course straight for the burning shop. We are going to take a look." He looks back at Alembos and says..."You pay me well but dare to give me an order again on my own ship and you will find yourself swimming to Scythia."

The older Atlantean scowls but says nothing. He heads back below deck with Vranu in tow.

Brude smiles to himself as he shifts course slightly to he direction of the two galleys and the smoking hull. "How close do you want to get Captain?"

"Bring her close, we'll need to get a good look at the situation but be wary. They will surely see us coming and be ready to add to their take."

he looks to those on deck and says..."Those of you with bows get ready to use them and those of you with magic...well do whatever it is you do."

Although he is an employee of Alembos, he is very much his own man...Koryos sees no conflict on interest in nocking an arrow to his sturdy Kurgan composite bow. "I think they will be in for a surprise once we drop the great Tauran brute onto their deck eh Fernao? Flowers and blood!"

Nkruma sniffs the air and then heads below to don his armor and grab his short bow and sword. When he emerges back on deck, clad in bronze and leather, he looks around to find where the opposing ships are.

"Question for you who have more experience. Do pirates normally burn a catch like that? Don't they normally... I don't know, just rob you and leave you to float your way home? Like some thug in an alleyway?" He eyes the smoke, and the water, trying to judge how much time they have. He strings his short bow and kneels near the railing, his quiver of arrows held under the toes of one foot.

Fernao grabs his quiver of javelins he knows he does not have the range of a bow, but when the pirates get near enough he will do his part. Accordingly he moves close to the rails with a somber look upon his face, "Those who pick on others... They are bad", he says aloud, but to himself.

"Pirate pick on others. Pirates are bad."

Koryos looks out over the waves..."For the most part you are correct Nkruma, but perhaps these victims fought back? Also fire aboard a ship is a serious matter...one would think with all the water around it would not be but a tipped brazier will send the a deck into flames quickly if not taken care of and fighting pirates is a bit of a distraction. I suppose we will see soon enough."

Nkruma nods as Koryos speaks, but doesn't take his eyes from the vessels. Suddenly, something pops into mind. "Fernao, you get everyone who doesn't have a bow or isn't already keeping us afloat and move to that side of the ship." He points a furry finger at the starboard side of the ship. "Everyone with a bow, to the opposite."

As he stands, grabbing his quiver and moving to the port side, he calls back to Ason and Brude. "Can we maneuver between them safely? Put the wreck on the Bull's side, the possible pirates to the other?"

He eyes the sails a moment and tries to gauge the wind. "Blast. Which way is the wind going to carry the flames? We don't want to fall victim to the fires ourselves." He turns his head back to Ason and Brude. "Ason, we'll wait for your orders to loose."

Thamyron moves over to Brude and asks, "If they try to close, should I fire their sails and rigging? Just like old times?"

He ends with a grin, not mentioning how often the old times involved a desperate fight to stay alive.

Fernao nods to Nkruma's command and hefts his big shield, "Come, my friends, we shall give room to our archers. Fernao's shield will protect us from their archers and soon we will be teaching the pirates a lesson!"

The Tauran moves everyone without a bow to the other side and of the ship and puts up his shield to give cover to those around him.

Thamyron looks to Nkruma and asks him as well,"If they vlose, should I fire their sails and rigging? "

Ason smiles and nods when he hears the Asena's plan. He looks at the ships then at Brude and says..."It willtake some fine sailing to thread such a needle but I think you are up for it!"

He holds up a finger testing the wind direction and says..."The wind favors us, there is little danger for us from the flames."

Brude grins even if shows some signs of worry over the maneuver. Archers on the pirate side and burning hull on Fernao's side? Just want to get this right."

His knuckles go white on the rudder as he fights the wind and currents to secure his course.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Thu 06 Mar 2014.

"Aye," Nkruma shouts. "We present archers to the pirates, if pirates they truly be. Any not keeping this fine vessel afloat can spy out the wreck for survivors or clues as to what is happening here."

He looks over at Thamyron. "I confess I am not used to firing from a moving ship under these conditions. Hopefully, if we seem threatening enough, the pirates might leave us be, hm?" There is something of a hopeful look in his eyes, obviously not considering the fact that there are two vessels afloat that have already set a third ablaze. Being outnumbered doesn't seem to have entered his mind.

"I will keep my eyes peeled.  I'm relatively useless at things like," she gestures expansively.  "This."

She almost nimbly climbs the ratlines, up into the rigging, half trying to conceal herself to make herself less of a target.  Once in place, she keeps her eyes peeled, watching both the pirates and the burning ship.

The fire from the burning ship glints in the golden rings encircling the Tauran's horns, "Yes, bring me to the burning ship. They need our help. We will have to kill pirates, I fear.", he says. Ferao's rumbling voice displays sincere sadness at the violence he speaks of, but his resolution is no less sincere.

Conall has readied his great yew bow, and keeps handy a couple score of arrows.  His eyes glitter as he watches the confrontation between Alembos and Ason.

"Captain, this vessel is under your command, and I am indeed a sailor upon it.  But the good Alembos has made offers of payment for my blade and arrow.  Tell me, what do you offer when we go racing into this fight?  I will fight for plunder, if you will guarantee shares."

He looks around at the others as he mounts the rigging, lets out a deep, hearty laugh, "Keep in mind, we know not who or what goes here!  For all that we know, the burning ship belongs to pirates who attacked the others, and are now having the worst of it!"

Driven by the favorable winds, a gift from Olukun, the Rosy Fingered Dawn streaks towards the site of combat. Brude looks to be dead on course at this time but it will take some kill to remain on course.

With the ships a few hundred yard off it is certain that the pirates have spotted your ship. They look to be turning their attention to your vessel.

As you get closer it appears that the ship next to the burning hull has sustained a good bit of damage itself and the other pirate vessel has men at it's oars and is beginning to move.

Standing at the bow with his foot on the rail Ason answers Conall..."Shares it is!"

He looks back at Brude at the rudder and says..."Hold steady, you are doing great my friend. I knew I trusted you for good reason!"

He looks to Thamyron and says..."At the first sign of aggression towards us...you burn them good! Fist we must take stock of the situation but if they act on us...we will have our assessment."

Looking less than overjoyed at the idea of facing two shiploads of pirates int he open sea, Aias take his place along the rail with his short bow in hand. A slight smile spreads across his face as he hears Ason speak of shares. He could at least get behind that idea if nothing else.

Alembos comes back on deck with Vranu in tow. He avoids any eye contact with Ason but looks about as nonplussed as Aias. He wears a satchel with many small pockets sewn into it, each pocket has a small vial of what looks to be ambeglass in it.

He looks at Vranu and hands a fragile glass vial to the big Vir saying..."This is the powder I told you about. You know what to do when you can get a good thrown in yes?"

Vranu accepts the amberglass vial and nods his head saying..."Yes, and I will be mindful of the wind."

Fernao continues to hold his big shield up to protect those on his side of the ship from any incoming arrows or other missiles from the pirates. "It is the time of waiting before a battle that I find the most difficult. I would rather be working on the bracelet I had begun now, but, alas, I can not. Leather is a good material to work with. I wonder what it would be like to work with sea weed?", he ponders aloud as he readies for whatever is going to come next.

Brude throws his head back and laughs when he hears Fernao talking about bracelets, leather, and seaweed, "THis is why we are friends Fernao! Faced with almost certain battle you talk of making bracelets! No grim warrior, my friend Fernao! Instead he lifts all of our spirits!"

A smile flashes across Conall's face when Ason offers shares of the spoils.  He finds stable footing  along the mast, secures himself, and sets an arrow to his bow.  "Have any particular targets in mind?" he calls down to the captain.

Ason shakes his head..."Nothing yet but that will change once we see the situation up close."

Watching the chatting below her, she smiles, then she lifts her eyes to watch both of the ships they're approaching, warily.

The undamaged galley is slow to get underway but it does begin to move once the Rosy Fingered Dawn is a few hundred yards away. It looks like it is trying to move to block the path of your ship but it might not make it. It also looks as if there are men loafing a ballista on the prow.

"Damn them, a ballista! Keep on course, when we get in range let your arrows go!" shouts the captain.

A large bolt is fired from the ballista a few minutes later. It hits below he waterline bu does no damage that can be seen either from  the deck or below.

They do not reload the ballista as the continue to get closer. Now less than 100 yards away you can see that for the most part they seem to Tharshi but there are a few Atlanteans and what might be Hellenes on the crew. At this range it is impossible to verify who the captain or officers are.

They look to be armed with gladii and hand axes. If they have missile weapons they have not pulled them out yet. They have moved into bowshot range.

Aias's smile vanishes once they are fired upon. He lets loose his own arrow at the crew of the offending ship.

3:15, Today: Aias rolled 22 using 1d20+6. ranged attack.

Nkruma watches the other ship and instinctively ducks when the ballista bolt is fired at the Dawn. He growls, a low rumble of sound as much felt by those nearby as heard. He calmly looses several arrows from his quiver, then rises. He fires off three shots in rapid succession. He aims all of them at one of the men operating the ballista.

---

Using flurry of shots to fire three arrows at one target.
Nkruma rolled 24 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 11.
Nkruma rolled 25 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 12.
Nkruma rolled 29 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 16. Ranged attack (no modifiers).
DR 8 each, if any hit remains a critical the target is also impaled

As soon as Ason marks the ballista and makes his cry, Conall bends his great bow and takes aim at one of the crew on the weapon, sending a long shaft speeding towards him.

When the bolt is launched, he's not satisfied with a single arrow, and continues to draw and take careful aim at each of the ballista crew as the Dawn closes the range.


OOC:

16:47, Today: Conall rolled 27 using 1d20+19. bow attack. Adjusted for range.  possible crit?  DR12
16:53, Today: Conall rolled 30 using 1d20+19. bow attack.
16:53, Today: Conall rolled 24 using 1d20+21. bow attack.

Waiting for the pirates to close just a bit more before attacking, Thamyron chants quietly, his hands weaving in the air. Once he is finished,a shimmering aura appears around him, with light vril sparks reflecting in the air. His eyes stay fixed on the closest pirate ship, waiting for them to close just a bit more.


Thamyron rolled 23 using 1d20+4. invoking an aura shield spell on himself.

Fernao watches and waits. If when the pirate ship gets into Javelin range it seems as if it will be useful, he'll toss some of his at them. If, however, the Rosy Fingered Dawn's archers manage to neutralize the ballista he will simply wait until he can jump onto the oncoming galley and show them how a flail works.

Between, Conall's long shot and his closer and Nkruma's bow, the three Tharshi men manning the ballista are dead or dying, one of them impaled to the ballista itself.

Aias and Koryos manage to feather two more of the crew.

The few pirates armed with bows have a dismal showing and do not manage to hit anyone on the Rosy Fingered Dawn...most of the arrows do not even reach the sailing ship.

The two ships continue to speed towards their goals...the pirates look to intercept while the sailing ship looks to come between the burning hull and the anchored pirate galley. It does not look like the galley will be able to catch the RFD though as the sailing ship is propelled towards the others at a rate the rowers of the galley cannot match.

The Rosy fingered dawn is not just 40 yards from either galley. One more round of missile fire from all parties before the RFD gains it place.

Close to the enemy vessel, Nkruma frees more arrows from his quiver. "I've got an idea," he says, just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Hold your shots until after I fire. I will find your target." He nods to Conall, Aias, and Koryos, and he sucks in a deep breath.

Nkruma stands, bold and open, an arrow knocked in his bow and he bellows, his voice carrying across the waves to the pirate ship. "Ho! Captain of the pirate vessel! Now that we've taken each other's measure, stand and make yourself known!"

The man who stands upon the rowing vessel, the man who stands to answer Nkruma's taunting howls, receives as his prize a volley of arrow fire.

---

Nkruma rolled 16 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 4. CHA+Influence, +2 Fire Atman Hero Points.
Hero Points normally give +2 to a roll, but I'm gambling on passion to give Nkruma's words more weight, doubling the bonus since I'm using aspected Hero Points.


Flurry of Shots, 2nd use of the day
Nkruma rolled 30 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 17. Ranged attack (no modifiers).
Nkruma rolled 31 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 18. Ranged attack (no modifiers).
Nkruma rolled 14 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 1. Ranged attack (no modifiers).

Each arrow attack that hits is DR 8

IF the others wait, doing as Nkruma says, and all fire at the same man, Nkruma's Wolf Pack bonus comes into play and each attack gets +4 DR
This message was last edited by the player at 17:06, Tue 11 Mar 2014.

Nervous about the hail of arrows and giant bolts from the ballista, Brude holds steady on the rudder.

Normally I let the combat run it's course round by round but since this is a special case...

Nkruma calls out to the captain of the pirate galley, a grizzled and very large man stand and shakes his fist at the sailing ship.

Aias raises his bow and targets, not the captain, but the man hit hit before.

09:07, Today: Aias rolled 19 using 1d20+6. attack.

The wolfish grin spreading on Conall's face for a moment makes him almost indistinguishable from Nkruma.  "That's one way to find the captain!"

He hold his shot until the Asena has begun to fire, and then his hands blur as he begins launching arrows into the enemy captain, the last one leaving his bow before just as the first one lands.

OOC:

10:28, Today: Conall rolled 29 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
10:28, Today: Conall rolled 28 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
10:27, Today: Conall rolled 25 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
10:27, Today: Conall rolled 17 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
10:27, Today: Conall rolled 22 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

Conall's first Flurry... with each one that hits, DR16 thanks to Nkruma's bonus!

Knowing that no man, strong pirate or not will not be able to withstand such an onslaught, Koryos turns his attention to the other galley. He draws back his bow string and lets loose a wicked barbed arrow as favored by his people.

OOC: Sorry folks, but RL has me distracted. I'm following as best I can and things ought to be distracting me less in the next few days. Or something.

Fernao continues to offer whatever cover to himself and those about him with his shield and awaits the opportunity to jump the rail onto the enemy ship.

He captain called out by Nkruma is now indeed a human pin cushion. no amount of luck of favor of the gods saves him as he goes down in a hail of arrows. Aias manages to hit the same crewman again and the man drops to his knees on the deck. 5 sailors dead or incapacitated on the moving galley and one wounded but not in any danger. 19 crewmen uninjured but confused with the ship now nearly dead in the water.

Koryos manages to hit one of the crew on the other galley with an expertly shot arrow.

Betweent he two galleys, bows were fired at the Rosy Fingered Dawn. Two of the crew are hit with arrows as are Sabetha who finds herself with an arrow in he right shoulderand Thamyron who is hit in the right thigh but the arrows falls tot he deck infront of him without penetrating his clothing even.

He first ship flounders and remains at a distance of perhaps 70 meters while the Rosy Fingered Dawn expertly glides between the other galley and the burning hull.

There looks to be about 20 pirates on the galley and 5 on the smoking hull, pillaging, plundering and possibly even raping at will. Just three survivors are on the hull, all look to be Hellene women.

Of the five pirates on the hull, only one is well armed and armored...a bit of a dandy actually with a feathered plume on his iron cap and a rather ornate gladius.

Brude manages to bump into both the ships stopping the progress of the RFD right in between the two of them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Sat 15 Mar 2014.

Nkruma casts a glance over his shoulder at the burning hulk. "Fernao, see to the rescue of that craft." He drops a look at his supply of arrows. "Anyone else who wants to help the Flowered Bull, grab bronze and go." He looks back at the anchored galley nearby, trying to weigh the odds.

Brude lets go of the rudder and pulls the wickedly sharp hatchet from his belt. He sprints across the deck and as he jumps over the rail to the burning ship he smiles as his old friend Fernao and shouts, "Don't make me do this all alone!"

His hand axe whirls overhead as he attacks one of the regular crew from the galley on the burning ship. Whichever one is up to the most no good.

08:53, Today: Brude rolled 29 using 1d20+16 DR7+1

Conall shifts his position on the mast to interpose it between himself and the nearby galley, and takes aim at the pirates pillaging the burning hulk.  His hands move again in the practiced motions, pulling arrows one after another, sending one speeding at each of the five pillagers.


OOC:

Conall is firing one arrow at each of the five pirates pillaging the burning ship.  DR12 arrows; hopefully, a couple of criticals in here.  That should soften them up some for Brude!

09:20, Today: Conall rolled 25 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:20, Today: Conall rolled 17 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:20, Today: Conall rolled 27 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:20, Today: Conall rolled 34 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:20, Today: Conall rolled 35 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

Trembling, barely hanging on, Sabetha whimpers as she tries to lower herself from her vantage point without falling.

The look on her face is one of pure determination, and maybe a bit of anger.  She looks to the other ship, to the ones who hit her and her eyes seem to flash.

She concentrates on getting down, quickly and carefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Fri 14 Mar 2014.

When Brude brings the two ships together Fernao uses his size to his advantage and seeing the befeathered pirate he jumps the rail. As he lands on the galley with his shield raised and flail flailing he makes for him bellowing, "Helloooo! How dooo yooo dooooo? I am Fernao the Flowered and I have come to pluck yoour feather!!!"


OOC: Erm... This is my first combat in this system and I'm a bit uncertain what I should be rolling here, so I offer an Initiative roll and a first attack without any adjustment for the Befeathered One's defenses, etc.

Fernao rolled 4 using 1d20. Initiative.
Fernao rolled 30 using 1d20+13. Attack with Flail.

Aias continues to ply his bow as he shoots another arrow at the galley.


12:16, Today: Aias rolled 11 using 1d20+6.

Again Koryos the Kurgan sets barbed arrow to string and let the tension of his taut composite bow send the projectile screaming into it's target on the galley.

Once on her feet, her fingers reach over her shoulder and pluck the arrow from her back with a wince.  She turns and looks at the one who shot the arrow, holding it up before of her, between the two of them.

She grasps the arrow in her hands, and snaps it, a savage look in her eyes.

Just after the Rosy FIngered Dawn bumps into the burning ship, all five of the pirates find one of Conall's arrows sticking out of them somewhere Two of the men are critically wounded.

Brude leaps upon the back of a man who had a woman at his feet in a semidressed state. His hatchets comes down on the mans head and only the leather caps save his life but he is sorely wounded after such a blow and the arrow already sticking out of him.

The feathered pirate stands ready for the rush of the Tauran but is that even a possible thing to do for a mere human, in this case no...the mighty flail of the flowered one slams into the pirates chest, knocking him well back but he retains his footing, chest half crushed and an arrow protruding from his thigh.

Koryos, Aias and the few other archers on the RFD pepper the other galley with arrows.

More importantly, Vranu throws the amberglass vial of Alembos's manufacture onto the deck of the galley, it explodes into a a cloud of white powder. The wind is helpful as sweeps the dust across the deck of the galley and away from the RFD. All but three of the crew of the galley fall to the deck in deep slumber. The archer tha hit Sabetha is not among those to fall.

Back on the burning ship the pirate angaged with Brude swings his gladius in a short arc aiming for the pict's head but Brude easily catches it on the haft of his axe and turns the blade aside.

Fernao is not so lucky, the feathered pirate swings his gladius two and fro cutting at the Flowered One from each direction (using 2 Hero points for an extra attack) both hit but half of their damage is absorbed by the armor of the great Tauran

With a low growl, Nkruma again fires off a volley of shots at the galley crew still standing, one arrow for each figure still upright amidst the dust.

The sounds of the battle behind him make his ears twitch and prickle. He longs to turn his attention to the injured vessel, but he's made his claim to targets and keeps his eyes upon the anchored galley.

---

Nkruma rolled 18 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 5. Ranged attack (no modifiers).
Nkruma rolled 28 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 15. Ranged attack (no modifiers).
Nkruma rolled 19 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 6. Ranged attack (no modifiers).

Yick. Not the best rolls, but maybe enough to injure the remnants.

The Befeathered One's flower grazes Fernao's nose as the pirate swings what turns out to be a rather good hit. Since the man is so close the Tauran moves closer and brings his horns to bear and as he does so the feather tickles him again which inspires a sneeze bringing the horns down fast and hard and with the slightest snotty, giggle.

Fernao rolled 33 using 1d20+13. Attack with Horns.

The Befeathered One's flower grazes Fernao's nose as the pirate swings what turns out to be a rather good hit. Since the man is so close the Tauran moves closer and brings his horns to bear and as he does so the feather tickles him again which inspires a sneeze bringing the horns down fast and hard and with a slightly snotty giggle, "Achoo!, you fancy boy!"

Fernao rolled 33 using 1d20+13. Attack with Horns.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Tue 18 Mar 2014.

Brude brings his hand axe down once again aiming at the head of the pirate.

15:05, Today: Brude rolled 21 using 1d20+16.

Calmly, almost stately, Sabetha walks, climbs, and leaps to make it to her quarry.  She moves around all others, heading directly for the one who shot her.  In her hands is the broken arrow shaft.

Conall gives a whoop of encouragement to Fernao and Brude as they battle their respective foes, and targets the three remaining pirates on the burning hulk with his arrows, sending shafts lancing pitilessly down upon them.



OOC:

I'm assuming the critically wounded ones are not either of the pirates Fernao and Brude are engaged with; Conall targets each of them with one arrow, assuming they are still active and moving, and the other three for the remaining active pirate on the burning hulk.

This is his third 'flurry':

09:22, Today: Conall rolled 24 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:22, Today: Conall rolled 34 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:22, Today: Conall rolled 27 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:22, Today: Conall rolled 24 using 1d20+16. bow attack.
09:21, Today: Conall rolled 25 using 1d20+16. bow attack.

Seeing that things are looking well in hand, Aias begins the boarding process with the other galley by throwing grappling hooks onto the deck and helping the other crewmen pull the galley to the ship.

Conall's  and Nkruma's bows twang and make quick work of all the pirate crew still on their feet save the archer in the sights of Sabetha and the two pirates fighting Brude and Fernao on the hulk.

Aias, Koryos and some of the crew begin hauling the galley towards the RFD. Sabetha leaps over the rail of the galley and heads towards the offending archer. The archer gets a shot off but she easily dodges the arrow, letting ti sink into the rail of the galley itself instead.

Meanwhile on the burning ship Brude delivers the final blow to the pirate he faces and the man falls to the deck with his companions leaving only the feathered pirate on his feet.

Fernao soon takes care of that as he lowers his head and charges the man. His horns hit the man square int eh chest and with a mighty shake they sink in and rend flesh as the force of the impact throws the man back onto the deck a bloody and unmoving mass. Fernao stands his horns and face covered int he pirates blood.

On the burning ship an older matronly woman huddles with to teen age girls all three look to have been ravished or at least almost so.

Thamyron's hands move quickly as he calls upon the aid of the elementals. He chants quietly and sends a burst of roiling fire and air into the last pirate standing (the archer facing Sale that correct?).

Shaping attack spell for 12 hp damage with +2 to hit.
Rolled 6 for shaping, 23 to hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Thu 20 Mar 2014.

Nkruma stands, his bow sitting upon the deck, and rubs his arms, the toil of firing so many arrows in such quick succession clearly wearisome. He looks down at his nearly empty quiver. He would need to retrieve more arrows from his stash below decks.

He quickly casts his gaze over the anchored galley and the other one they left not too far behind. He grunts quietly before raising his voice, "Let's be about our business quickly."

He turns to look for Ason. "Captain," he calls out. "How much time do you think we have? Any further orders regarding these brutes?"

Ason turns towards the other galley and looks for a moment then turns back to Nkruma and points at Sabetha..."The other galley makes no move towards us yet so we have a few minutes before we need to decide anything...I am looking to see how this plays out with Sabetha and the archer."

She walks up well in reach of the archer and holds out the broken arrow, before letting them fall at her feet.

"Didn't you know that shooting at ladies isn't nice," she asks the archer, keeping pace with him if he tries to get away.  She reaches out and pokes him, not roughly at all, the kind of poke someone would do to get another person's attention.  As she's drawing her hand back, she plucks a stray hair off of his collar.  "I think you should drop your weapon and apologize to me.  Maybe you should even take to your knees and beg for my forgiveness."

Fenao shakes his head and bends down over the pirate, "I guess flowers are stronger than feathers. This is good to learn."

Plucking the feather and the fancy gladius he thrusts them through his belt and looks up at the matron and her girls. Speaking in a voice that is surprisingly kind despite its rumble, "Hello. I am Fernao the Flowered. I am sorry we were not here before. Please, come with me you will be safe now. My friends and I will help you. If you need me to carry you, I can do that."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Fri 21 Mar 2014.

The foes on both the burning hulk and the nearby galley appearing to be well in hand, Conall turns his eyes to the farther galley, looking to see if they have a new captain taking charge.

Ason calls over to Brude and Fernao..."Yes bring them over here, we need tog et them safe before the otehr galley turns it's attention to us once again."

The matron nods a quick thanks to the somehow both terrifying and kind Tauran before her. She gathers up the two girls and lets Fernao escort her tot he sailing ship.

On board the toehr galley there seems to be a fight for who the new captain will be. After a brief scuffle it is clear that a balding man looks to be now in charge. They have not yet moved the vessel any close, it sits 60 meters away.

Brude helps Fernao escort the three women to the Rosy Fingered Dawn taking care to help them over the rails. He slides his axe into his belt so as not to frighten them even more than they already have been.

As Fernao and Brude carefully help the survivors back to The Rosy Fingered Dawn, Fernao hums a song and then a thought occurs to him. To the matron he indicates the Pict and says, "Oooh! Forgive me, but this is Brooood. He is a good man."

Having spoken he returns to his humming, which is not tuneless, but one suspects from hearing it that the Tauran probably can not carry a tune, and once they are all back on board the ship he looks about, "This is a good time for wine."

Conall draws back his bow, taking aim at the balding man who has apparently become the new captain.  If it looks like he's going to order the galley towards the RFD, Conall will do his best to put an arrow in the man's eye.

Ason sees what Conall is about and says..."Do not wait my friend. Let us send them a clear message right now."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Mon 24 Mar 2014.

Alembos stands with Vranu at his side..."Ok we have tarried here long enough and risked our lives, let us move on!"

Mean while on the galley, Sabetha stands with the archer at her feet on his knees, sobbing and begging forgiveness.

Ason looks on at Sabetha and her new friend and laughs...he then turns to Alembos and shakes his head..."We are not done here. There is no way we can leave the galley here for the pirates to recover, we take her with us."

He shouts out a general order..."We need to get thos pirates asleep on the deck out of their gear and put on the burned ship and we need to secure a tow line to the galley, she comes with us. We can go over the spoils once we get out of here making sure to return what ever property stolen from these women is returned to them."

He then turns and looks at the matron and asks her..."These men wronged you and yours...I will let youd ecide their punishment."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Mon 24 Mar 2014.

The matron speaks for the first time...bowing her head to both Brude and Fernao..."Thank you for saving us...we left several weeks ago from our home in Argos, we were headed for Tartessos for business dealings. THe piraes came upon us and gave chase but were were too slow, they over took us and killed all including my husband. THey were abvout to rape my daughters when they saw your ship approaching. I ask that you kill them for me and my daughters. It will not bring my husband back but he will rest easier wherever he is knowing that he is avenged."

Leaning down, she plucks all the weapons off of the would be archer, tossing them away from the two of them.

"Up now, let's see what the crew wants to do with you," she tells her new... Prisoner?  She gently tugs on his armpit, a gesture to get him to stand.  Once up, she'll hook her arm in his and guide him back to the ship.

Nkruma will help Sabetha and her captive back over to the Rosy Fingered Dawn, though he attempts to hold his breath when he's near the incapacitated galley. He'll cast a quick glance across the deck of anchored galley as Sabetha is leaving it to see if there are any spoils from the burning wreck visible on deck.

Conall simply nods, a grim, but ferocious smile shows as his lips curl back, just as does the string of the great bow.  He pulls it to his jaw, sights long but steady, then smoothly releases the long shaft, sending it speeding towards the other galley.

The new captain of the other galley drops to his knees clutching the shaft of the arrow now protruding from the bloody hole that was once his eye. The arrow does not kill him though, that job is done by his rival, the man who he recently fought with for the captaincy of the galley. Not 5 seconds after the man has dropped to his knees he finds his throat cut. About a minute later, the galley begins to pull away, heading west away from the Rosy Fingered Dawn.

The crew of the RFD follows the captains orders and delivers all the pirate crew, alive, dead, and sleeping to the smoldering deck of the victim ship.

They then begin the work of gathering all of the gear and loot and piling it on the deck of the galley for Ason to look over.

Ason smiles when he sees Conall's bowshot and what results form it.

He then looks at the ship load of pirates then at Thamyron and says..."I believe you have a way of getting rid of these pirates yes?"

He then turns and looks at the matron saying..."I am sorry for your losses, I cannot do anything to restore your husband but we will make sure we deliver you and this galley to Argos on our way past."

Alembos scowls and looks as though he is going to protest but thinks better of it and stalks away heading below deck to his lab with Vranu in tow.

"Thank you, Nkruma," she tells the Asena, reaching up to scritch him behind the ear briefly.  Her smile is warm, and after the quick scritch she braces herself on his shoulder to keep her balance.  She lets the archer be taken by the others without a qualm and she looks at the new women on board with a curious expression on her face.

When the time comes to loot, she does her fair share.

Fernao lets all occur as a spectator. He yells to Ason, "Captain, we have guests and they are unsettled. I think a place to wash up and a bit of wine might help matters."

Nkruma bends slightly as Sabetha pats his head. On his face is the clear war between the pride of a warrior and the in-bred deference to the Atlanteans.

Then he sets to following Ason's orders, moving pirates and loot from place to place. While he works, he begins to sing a rolling song to Olukun - something between a hymn and a sea shanty.

Koryos helps with the moving of pirates and gathering of loot. He pauses when he hears Fernao speak..."Fernao my friend, you are unlike every Tauran I have ever met!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Wed 26 Mar 2014.

Ason smiles at Fernao and says..."Yes this is true Fernao. I will leave it to you to make our guests comfortable while i go check on the loot."

The captain then makes his way to the galley where the loot is pile don the deck.

Three piles:
Arms and armor - 20 gladii, 25 daggers, 15 spears, 5 hand axes, 10 half suits light armor, 5 half suits medium armor...1 iron gladius taken by Fernao fromt eh feathered pirate. Fernao still has the gladius and since he won in in single combat no one else should have their sites set on that.

Trader goods - 10 barrels of wine, 5 barrels of olives, 20 wheels of cheese, 20 bolts of fine silk from the far east, 100 kilograms Khitan tea leaves

Gold and treasure - a fairly large pile of coins and gems as well as golden goblets and such.

Ason steps forward and begins to go through the items. After a few minutes he steps back and says...We will keep the trade goods paying the matron well for her share in these items. The treasure will be divided evenly between the crew. The arms and armor...take what you need and the rest can go in our armory. THe galley willb e sold in Argos with the proceeds going tot he matron and her daughters for their loss."

Everyone take a +2 to your WR

In reply to Ason (msg # 166):

OoC: +2 to WR, or Treasure +2. Slight difference mechanically. I think you mean the latter, but I want to be positive.

Fernao looks at Koryos and grins, "Yesss, my friend, I must be, because there is no other Fernao."

He remembers he has an extra blade in his belt and drawing it he looks over the hilt and blade as well as the sheath, "A little blade like this is better for when we are on ship is it not?", he mumbles to himself.

"We have earned our wine today, I think."

Yes treasure +2 sorry about that. Still getting used to the rules myself. Expect more mistakes to follow:)

Thamyron arches an eyebrow at Ason and asks, "What did you have in mind?"

Once he has his share of the spoils, Nkruma also takes one of the spears from the pile of claimed weaponry. Riches and weapons stowed away, he returns to learning the craft of being a sailor.

Ason looks at Thamyron with a grim visage..."These men lack the purity your fire could bestow upon them." He turns and begins barking out orders to the crew once again wanting to underway as soon as possible.

Traveling with the galley in tow would prove somewhat slower than normal but the payoff was well worth it.

Like Nkruma, Brude collects his share and then selects a weapon from the stockpile. He finds a hand axe that closely matches his own in weight shape and balance. He will go to his place on the rudder and get ready to sail on keeping in mind the extra burden the Rosy Fingered Dawn has in tow.

Aias collects his loot but looks on to see how Thamyron interprets Ason's wishes.

For the sake of moving on I am posting a new thread titled Argos. This thread will stay open, post as you see fit.