Kira had blocked out what was being said and done by the others, focusing on the ram to try to figure out how to get rid of the dang thing when a little something clicked in her mind.  "Well why not give it a try," she muttered to herself.  Taking out her tools, she wriggled about and situated herself as best she could so that she could safely try to 'disarm' the ram.

---

08:48, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Tools.

Kira laces her legs through the ship's railing and hangs upside down to gain better access to the mortise and tenon joints. Then, with tools in hand, the rogue goes to work while her companions are top-side, discussing things and seeing to the ship's navigation.

The task turns out to be not very difficult and Kira quickly works through the process of dislodging the lustrous, black ice battering ram.

Then, support joints removed, the demon-prow falls free of its own accord, and splashes noisily into the icy water!

PLUNK!

Then, at that precise moment, a chill gale howls across the ship. The fierce wind catches the sail and the boat lurches sideways violently, throwing everyone aboard equally as violently. It's all anyone can do to grab hold of something before they are tossed overboard!!!

OOC: Dexterity Saving Throws please.

"Kiraaaaa!  What are you doeeeyoweeee...!" Thane exclaimed as he saw the plucky lass tinkering at the ram and it suddenly plopped into the water and the Fiend lurched like a bucking horse under the sudden gale of winds.

He scramble to grab hold of something, anything, that would help him from tumbling over the gunwales and into the icy waters!

---

14:29, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  DEX save.

Dal suddenly found herself in the air and when she came down it was in water.

"MORGRIIIIIM!!!!!"

Dal quickly put her hand on her holy symbol, gather some comfort in it as she silent made a prayer to her goddess and tried not to panic.  ~Oh Great Goddess please help me!  Help all who enter these freezing waters but if you don't mind...me first!~

Arnan was still looking out over the back end of the ship, peering into the fog in the direction where the pirates' boats had last been seen.

If he had been looking in the right direction, he might have seen the fierce winds churning the waters of the lake as they neared the ship, and had a moment to brace himself. Woulda-coulda-shoulda . . .

As it was, the wind slamming into the ship and tipping it to the side took him entirely by surprise. He grabbed for the wooden tiller, hoping to steady himself, but missed . . .

"Oh, shhh . . . !" he growled, the blustery winds drowning out the tail-end portion of his words.

---

OOC:

15:52, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1. Acrobatics Check.

I rolled an Acrobatics Check instead of a straight Dex Check, since an Acrobatics Check is specifically said to apply  to "your attempt to stay on your feet in a tricky situation, such as when you're trying to . . . stay upright on a rocking ship's deck" (p. 176, PHB). Obviously, it didn't help!

"Aye!" Morgrim angrily spat back at Thane. "The speaker wants the boat intact, if possible, you bloody big lummox. Its not possible! That ice is chilling your brain!"

"Those pirates were little better than rabid dogs at the end, and if ye don't watch yerself ye won't be far behind!"

Just then the ram gave way under Kira's light touch and the deck began to heave violently. Morgrim weathered the tossing waves like he'd been born to the sea, a strange state of affairs for most dwarves. Seeing that his sister was not so skilled he reached out to try to steady her before she went over the edge.

Another natural 20 save. The dice gods are looking out for Morgrim.
16:10, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 21 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 20.  Dex.

Good thing you burnt all your luck dice Arnan! ;)

Morgrim will try to grab Dal before she pitches over the edge.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Fri 16 Feb 2018.

Hengar lurches forward and reaches out to grab a loose rope to avoid being thrown over the side of the Howling Fiend.

Kira, Morgrim and Thane also manage to grab hold of something, but Arnan and Dalgura are tossed violently to the deck, both skidding out of control toward the edge of the ship...

OOC: Arnan and Dalgura can make another DEX saving throw or Acrobatics check (both DSC 10) to avoid being tossed over the side. Dalgura will make it at advantage, since Morgrim is nearby and stated he will attempt to grab her.

Failure means the character is over the side and into the drink.

Arnan had never slid across the deck of a ship before, but he had slid on sheets of ice -- which, to his mind, was slicker and more slippery than the wet wood of The Howling Fiend's deck-timbers.

So, the experience was not entirely foreign to the Outlander. Thus, as he felt himself careening towards the side-rail of the ship where he would, he knew, be pitched into the frigid waters of the lake, Arnan had the presence of mind to reach out and halt his out-of-control sliding by grabbing hold of a loose rope.

---

OOC:

11:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11. Acrobatics Check (DC 10). Success!

There was an inelegant shriek from where Kira still dangled by her legs, arms windmilling as she tried to plaster herself against the ship so she wouldn't be tossed about like a rag doll being shook by a dog.  "Not good," she muttered and as soon as the ship evened out was scrambling up to the deck, her tools secure in the pouch.  She hoped no one would comment on her scream.  A rogue had her image of always cool under pressure after all!  "Everyone okay?" she asked, hoping perhaps the effects of the black ice might be wearing off.

Both Arnan and Dalgura manage to grab hold of something solid, thereby preventing their decidedly unheroic deposition into the icy lake.

The adventurers hear a howling shriek, or perhaps it's just the wind, as the ship slams back down into the water. The ship displaces a large amount of water as it comes back down onto the lake's surface, but eventually, the ship rights itself and the party sails away from the shore...out into open water.

A short time later, the party sees another ship cut through the fog, The Lilting Tern. Captain Ryev shouts short phrases of encouragement over the screaming wind, his face beaming upon seeing the adventurers in control of the magnificent vessel. Captain Ryev gestures for the adventurers to follow him. The Captain is a master at his craft and he effortlessly hops to and fro, getting The Tern to respond to his expert guiding.

Captain Ryev sails straight toward Caer Dineval, looking over his shoulder several times to ensure the adventurers follow along in his wake.

Arnan thumped back down on the deck of The Howling Fiend, which seemed to have righted herself and to no longer be pitching and rolling wildly. The Outlander had heard winds shriek and howl before, but this seemed somehow . . . different . . . almost as if something evil were giving voice to its displeasure. He glanced around on all sides, and was relieved that he did not glimpse any sort of a water-beast that was responsible for all the noise and commotion.

Arnan felt light-headed, and he suddenly realized that the ship was missing its Black-Ice ram -- a fact that he had overlooked in all the goings-on. He briefly closed his eyes and massaged his forehead, then shook his head as if to clear it of mental cobwebs. He knew that  just because one event followed another, it did not necessarily mean that the two were related. But until someone convinced him otherwise, he was inclined to think that the Black Ice had somehow poisoned his mind, influencing him to think and say all manner of things that would not ordinarily occur to him.

Just about then, Captain Reyv and his ship appeared out of the swirling fog, and the experienced lake-sailor began shouting and gesturing for those aboard The Howling Fiend to follow him. Since Arnan had been manning the rudder, he took up position there once again, steering the captured vessel so as to follow the veteran Reyv's lead.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Mon 19 Feb 2018.

Following Ryev's lead, the adventurers sail through the morning, bound toward Caer Dineval. The wind picks up and the fog clears. Soon, the lakeside village appears in the distance, its clifftop fortifications overlooking the fishing vessels operating in and around Knucklehead Harbor.

Several tense moments pass as the adventurers bring the ship into port, villagers nervously spying the Howling Fiend's return and perhaps expecting another surprise attack. Of course, none comes, as she no longer carries that dread black ice battering ram and is sailed by friends of the village.

Tense moments turn to bouts of impromptu celebration as it becomes clear the prized vessel has been captured, intact. The adventurers pull into port under a heroes' welcome, as its normally stoic denizens marvel at this welcome turn of events. The Speaker of Caer-Dineval is soon on the scene. He too congratulates the adventurers on capturing the village's ship and suggests they regale the village with tales of how they bested Derrick the Drownder...at the Uphill Climb, of course.

Speaker Siever further suggests, "Drinks on me, ALL AROUND!" This is met with a chorus of cheers and hurrahs. Nearly the entire village spills out onto the docks, their faces a mask of relief and joy. It's all the adventurers can do to avoid being carried aloft, all the way up to an awaiting tavern, where taps run freely and the day promises to slip away in a riot of song, dance and festive cheer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Mon 19 Feb 2018.

Never one to refuse a pint, Morgrim none the less makes a point of cornering Siever early in the evening. It was necessary to be forthright if for no other reason than to make sure the harbor was well watched that night.

"We outwitted Derrick," he confided in the burly man. "Bested his bosun and ship's crew and stole the vessel out from under his nose, but we never spied Derrick himself."

"He's out there still, in the icebergs, with who can say how many men. They have canoes, but nothing larger. They won't catch a fishing boat at sail, but they might paddle right up to your pier if they think they can get away with it. Make sure the watchtowers are lit tonight, or whatever it is you have looking over the harbor. I wouldn't put it past him to try to take back the boat."

"In fact, I wouldn't mind sleeping on the boat tonight in case he tries."

Thane sat in the tavern, enjoying his free rounds.  It had been quite a loooong day, tense and difficult, but worthwhile in ways he couldn't put into words.  He made the rounds, taking a few moments to speak with each of his companions in turn.

To Arnan he went first, extending a hand to the wiry archer.  "You'd make a fine rudderman if you ever decided to put down your bow," he joked.  He knew Arnan's type and was sure he'd not change vocation.  "That black ice sure gave me some funny thoughts," he confided, sneaking a glance at Kira, "at one point I was convinced you were going to try to steal away with the stuff and I was just about ready to knock you off'n the boat.  Sure glad I didn't, seein' how things worked out."  He tilted his mug in honor of the archer and ambled over to talk a moment with Morgrim.

"We're lucky you fought like the devil itself, and kept your head, Morgrim," Thane said a bit sheepishly.  "That damned black ice playin' with everyone heads was near the ruin of us all."  Then Thane swallowed a bit of pride and leaned down to say something quietly in Morgim's ear.  [Private to group Dwarvish: "I'm sorry I was such a bigfacedummybutt.  Dark frostedbits gave me big bad feels.  Many thankings for you!"]  Thane straightened up and nodded respectfully to the tough druid, then tottered off towards Dalgura.

He'd been drinking quite a bit, even for a big Luskan!

He smiled big at the tender hearted cleric.  "We did it!" he laughed, remembering the fight against the crewmen of the Howling Fiend.  "Probably best that them pirates went down fighting as I don't think they'd enjoy rotting in the town dungeon.  There's just some folks you can't save even if you want to," he continued, sneaking another glance Kira's way.  "You done good, Dalgura.  Real good!"  He raised his mug in her honor, then sauntered over to talk with Hengar.

"I'm real glad you joined up with us, Hengar," Thane clopped the man on the shoulder.  "You mightn't think it, but you have the heart of a soldier.  Reliable.  Tough.  Sensible."  Thane took a pull from his mug followed by a deep, centering breath.  "And I'm right thankful for you teachin' me how your folks fight.  I really have learned a thing or two my Luskan Armsmasters don't even know.  you and your people are Good Folk in my book."  Thane stuck out his hand and shook the Luskan with the customary barbarian forearm to forearm warrior handshake.

Then he set his shoulders and straightened up a bit, and wove his way across the tavern room to where Kira was.  He tipped his head to her when he caught her eye.  "That was quite some thing you did, Kira," he praised her.  "I looked at that dreaded ram and didn't see no way to get it off'n there that wouldn't take at least a quarter hour of hackin' with axes.  An' you dropped it in, what, quicker'n I can count to fifty?!?"  He smiled at her and shook his head.  That look was still there.  "You sure are good with your tools.  Figures, though.  You're a Luskan!" he grinned, then looked down towards his feet.  A couple seconds passed then he leaned over and whispered something in her ear.

[Private to Kira: "I've paid for the biggest bath this place has to offer.  I'm gonna go get me a loooooong soakin'.  Be a shame for me to waste all o' that water on plain ol' me when it surely can handle two.  I reckon' there ain't nobody here better'n you to share it with.  Actually, I'm damn certain there ain't!  Come join me and thaw your bones.  Soakin'...more than soakin'...'sup to you."] he said, all serious but also genuine and sincere, then a sheepish grin took over and he winked at her.  He straightened up, drained the last of his mug, set it down on the table, then sauntered off into the back of the tavern.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

Morgrim barked a laugh over top of his ale. "Aye, well, I'm glad you and I found a ship we both could fight for, Thane Harkensen," he said, hearkening back to the Luskanite's words in the Dwarven Valley.

"Figuratively and literally. And I've about ground this axe long enough. Apology accepted."

"Can't imagine we'll be allowed to buy our drinks tonight, but when you go looking for the hair of the dog that bit ye come tomorrow, first round's on me."

The remainder of the trip back to Caer Dineval's harbor was uneventful, but docking The Howling Fiend proved to be a bit more troublesome than Arnan had anticipated. He had not had occasion to look for the ship's hand-brake -- a useful contraption that he was used to from the few times that he had been in the driver's seat of a wagon -- but as he neared the docks and was ready to halt the forward progress of the boat, he was chagrined to find that she was apparently not equipped with a brake.

As a result, The Howling Fiend slammed into one of the docks with more force than was usual for incoming vessels, accompanied by an audible "Whump!" and a shudder that was felt throughout the ship. Luckily the impact was not severe enough to throw anyone off of their feet nor significantly damage either the boat or the dock, but it left Arnan red-faced nonetheless. "Sorry!" he called out, giving a wave to one and all. "It seems that I'm a landsman through and through, and I'll admit to being more than a little eager to be back on solid ground again!"

A little to Arnan's surprise, The Howling Fiend's bumpy arrival with him at the rudder did little to dampen the enthusiasm with which the adventurers -- and the erstwhile pirate vessel -- were welcomed by the townsfolk. Speaker Siever himself soon arrived at dockside, and -- even more surprisingly to the Outlander, given the man's previous display of a rather grumpy disposition -- offered drinks to one and all, at his own expense.

Once the throng had reached The Uphill Climb tavern, beer and ale were indeed flowing freely, and Arnan accepted a mug. Thane made a point of seeking out the Outlander and complimenting his rudder-work in spite of Arnan's using the dock to halt The Howling Fiend's forward motion. Arnan's first impression was that the Luskan's comments were tongue-in-cheek and that Thane was making fun of him, but the big man gave every impression of being earnest.

True to his nature as a man who was often off on his own and alone with his thoughts, Arnan was not especially glib in his reply. He chose not to comment on his rudder-work or Thane's admission that he had come close to tossing the scout overboard, and simply agreed "Aye, that Black Ice . . . it did put some odd thoughts into my head, that's for damned sure."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

Dal hugged the nearest person when the ship bumped into the dock.  Her hug was actually more like squeezing tightly for fear of being dumped into the water.  When it became obvious that she was going to be on dry land, Dal disengaged herself and smiled.

"Well that was an adventure!  Let me see the dock area.  Perhaps I can do something about that."

Dal looked at the dock to see if it was damaged and if so if she could do her Mend cantrip on it.  It wasn't the docks fault that it got bumped into.  AFter all, it was just sitting there and then the next thing you knew...whump...from a ship.  At least it wasn't the black ice!

When Kira realized everyone was okay, she let out a huge sigh of relief.  Neither Thane nor Arnan swept down upon her, fists or weapons in hand to murder her for dropping the battering ram and that was another relief.  Then their previous ride appeared and they were headed back to town, all in one piece and no longer under the influence.  HUZZAH!  The reaction of the townsfolk surprised her though and she found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed as they were herded along to The Uphill Climb for drinks.  She didn't deny herself drinks either, finding herself a spot close to the fireplace yet sort of in the shadows too.

So far no one had said anything about her crying and acting like such a baby, another bit of relief that made her knees weak though she would never want anyone to know.  She was on her third (or was it fourth?) mug, watching everyone surreptitiously as a mellowness settled about her.  Better not have a fourth ... lips tingling means I'll soon be dancing on the tables, she thought to herself as her eyes drifted from Arnan to Hengar to Thane.  Or trying to lure the three of them somewhere ...  They were three fine men, all spectacular in their own ways.

She watched as Thane moved to Arnan and grinned as they spoke, looking all manly.  Thane moved on to Hengar and and again she felt her mind slipping more into fanciful daydreams.  Enough time had passed she had found each man more than reliable and good hearted ... and enough time to find each one desirable.  Morgrim even had his qualities but Dal was like a sister she never had and by extension Grim felt like a brother.  Funny how she thought of them all as family but her thoughts strayed with the big guys.

Through her musings Thane had talked to Dal and Grim but she hadn't noticed, her mind wandering as she warmed near the fire.  The light around her dimmed and she blinked, then looked up to see Thane standing there blocking some of the light.  "Heyla," she said and was about to offer him a seat when he brought up the ram, making her laugh when he called her a Luskan.  "Nahhhh, sometimes I'm just good at figuring out puzzles and got lucky it worked.  I grew up in Luskan but I'm actually from somewhere around these parts," she said as she fingered the antler pendant.

He didn't say anything about all that though and leaned down to whisper in her ear.  He said his piece and then sauntered off, leaving her sitting there a little slack-jawed until she picked up her mug and drained the last dregs so she didn't look quite so stupid.  From the heat emanating from her, she knew her face was bright red and that made her turn even redder.  She'd just been sitting there with such fanciful thoughts going on and then ... "Oi it's warm in here," she muttered, wondering what had happened to her since she'd left that rathole and traveled north.

What should she do?  So many thoughts started racing around in her mind and when she looked up again, she saw Dal.  Another woman ... and a cleric to boot!  She'd shown a lot of wisdom along the way.  "Pssst!" she hissed and gave Dal a little wave that was a touch on the frantic side, hoping to draw her to her since there was a modicum of privacy there in her little corner.

Dal looked around but didn't drink TOO much.  It was by accident that she noticed Kira waving to her.  Dal waved back and grinned.  THEN it occurred to her that perhaps that wave wasn't a "hi there" kind of wave but a "come over here" kind of wave.

Dal took her drink with her and made her way to Kira's table.  As she sat down at Kira's table she put her feet up on one of the empty chairs.  "You DID want me to come over didn't you?  I'm not intruding am I?"

Dal caught on, thank goodness, and made herself comfortable in Kira's little corner of the world.  "Yes ... no ... I mean ... you aren't intruding becuase I did mean for you to come over," Kira said, stammering a bit at first and then smoothing out a little.  She looked into her empty mug and sighed, shaking her head as she set it aside.  "No more tonight," she muttered then looked back up at Dal, feeling her cheeks heat again.

"Thing is ... I need some ... advice," she said in a quieter voice, leaning forward so she could stay quiet and look about to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation.  "Growing up in Luskan, I didn't have any family and it's something I've wanted really bad ... something I've sort of found traveling with all of you.  Sort of makes me look at some things a lot different, you know?"

In reply to Kira (msg # 183):

Dalgura could tell that Kira had something on her mind so she settled down in her chair and propped up her feet and was prepared to listen.

"Yeah, I can see that.  This has been good for me because I'm not used to being with others besides Dwarves and I like you guys too."

It took Kira a moment as she considered Dal's situation.  "There were all sorts of people around, never thought about how some folk would only stay with others like them," she said thoughtfully.  "Guess it's kinda weird but I'm glad you and Grim got out and about.  I used to watch you two on the caravan," she admitted.  "It was hard at first and I was a little jealous, wishin' I had a brother or sister ... or at least someone close who'd have my back no matter what."

Her fingers lightly tapped the tabletop, a bit like a nervous habit.  "Back in Luskan, I just went about things without a whole lotta thought.  If someone wanted to spend some time with me ... you know what I mean?" she said with a certain look.  "Well, I'd just go have some fun 'cause there wasn't anyone else to think about.  Now though, I got several to think about and I'm not sure what to do.  If I wanted to have some fun ... what if it hurts someone else?  I ... don't wanna mess things up ... ya know?"

In reply to Kira (msg # 185):

Dal looked perplexed.  Why would it hurt somebody if someone spent time with another?  THEN it dawned on her what Kira possibly might be really saying.

"Yeah, it's nice to have others and I'm glad that you are here.  Brothers are great and all but they can be dunderheads at times.  It's nice having another female to talk to.  Of course there are times when you might only want...ummm...male attention.  Some women might want female attention only.  Give me a clue here Kira.  I'm not sure which way I'm suppose to be talking to you about.  You like males right?  If that's the case then I am guessing you like somebody in our party right?"

Dal gets excited and her foot comes off of the chair it had been resting on.  "Ooohhh.  Fess up. Who?  Which one?  Wait.  Did you mean Grim?  I don't think you'd mean him but maybe. Hengar?  No not Hengar.  He's all muscles and stuff but that probably wouldn't affect our group that much.  That leaves Arnan or Thane.  Arnan AND Thane?  Ohhh.  Come on.  Tell me...tell me."

Watching the wheels spin in Dal's mind was almost enough to distract Kira but she shook her head in the negative about liking other women for more than sisters or friends.  Then Dal truly caught on and sat up, demanding she fess up and again the heat felt like it flamed out of her ears as she brought a finger to her lips.  "Shhhhh!" she whisper-hissed, her eyes drifting to take in the guys who were being mentioned and then she slumped a little in defeat.

"Grim's your brother and he's more like a brother to me," she said to set that part straight.  "And Hengar's simple but he's got a good heart.  All three of 'em do," she sighed and rested her chin on her hand.  "But yeah ... I like both of 'em," she admitted of Thane and Arnan.  "I know there's some who'd say you gotta pick one or other other and some'd say take 'em both.  I wouldn't mind that but I dunno how they feel about that sort of thing."

She knew the blush was still on her cheeks as she leaned even closer to Dal.  "I was just sittin' here thinking about that sort of stuff but didn't think anything would come of it, was just gonna keep on the way things were," she stated.  "But then I sorta got an offer.  The old me would'a beat him to the place and asked what took him so long.  It's temptin' ... more temptin' than that damned black ice.  But if I did, an it hurt the other's feelings, and it messed up the group I'd ..."

She couldn't finish the statement, swallowing hard at the lump in her throat.  She'd seen jealousy and how it could destroy lives.  Now that she was starting to feel like part of something like a family, she was afraid to lose everything.  A soft whimper escaped as she looked up in Dal's wise eyes.  "I'm scared, Dal," she whispered and blinked at the stinging in her eyes.  It wasn't something she ever liked to admit but sometimes the truth was just unavoidable.

In reply to Kira (msg # 187):

Dal smiled at Kira.  Scared she knew.  Scared she could relate to.  Dal put her hand over Kira's and shook her head.

"Don't be scared.  You've got me on your side.  You know what is scary?  Knowing that if your brother doesn't like who you are interested in, and I doubt he will EVER like anybody I am interested in, he might turn all beastly on them.  I mean literally!  So you just need to take some deep breaths."

Dal waited for Kira to take the deep breaths and if she doesn't Dal will remind her too again.  Dwarven and priestly stubbornness at its best.

"Soooo is there one or the other that you might like a bit better?  Tell me what you like about them.  Besides being all manly and big and such."