As Marcus began concentrating to channel the divine blessings of Lusiny, he heard the snap of a rope. He looked up just in time to see one of the little fires aboard the ship finish burning through a rope that was holding some barrels in place. With the ship still bobbing in the open sea, the barrels immediately broke loose and rolled into Marcus, knocking him over. A few even broke open in the process. Pickle juice spread across the deck in one direction, and lamp oil spread across the deck in the other.

From her spot in the air, Ilura saw what happened to Marcus but was too far away to prevent it in time. However, she was in a prime position to see that the contents of the broken barrel of lamp oil could be a terrible threat to the ship. The liquid was slowly moving toward one of the remaining mini-fires aboard the ship. The mast above it was starting to burn too, sending cinders down dangerously close to the flammable liquid. And if that wasn't bad enough, the light bubble that had been floating around inside Ilura had just moved up to her throat. She felt that it would finally expel itself soon, but for the moment it made it impossible to speak aloud.

While all this was happening, Eryn and Brigg conversed, not yet aware of the additional trouble befalling the fighter's companions. Sybilla was attempting to organize a bucket brigade with the help of the hirelings and pirates, but the attempts to organize such a thing in all of the chaos was proving to be difficult.

Brigg stared at his hands as he absorbed all of the new information Eryn had told him. He clenched a fist in determination and pulled himself to his feet. Then immediately leaned against a crate for support. "You are correct, Eryn. Both crews are in bad shape, and need a new leader. Unfortunately I am a member of one of those crews, and am in bad shape. But Gravelbourough can not be allowed to lead us."

Brigg sighed. Then, with significant effort, he spoke loudly and clearly to address the nearby crew. "Men and women of The Lessthansix! I, Officer Brigg, hereby extend my every authority to Miss Eryn, the spear-maiden, until I am in a condition to lead. Friend and foe alike, please heed her words so that we might survive our current predicament!"

After uttering his last word, Brigg promptly collapsed back against his crate. With a weak smile, he said to Eryn, "I hope you don't mind. But you and your allies are probably our best chance at survival right now."

What do you do?

---

Ilura
What is about to happen?
The contents of the barrel of lamp oil that broke near Marcus will ignite soon if not dealt with.

Also, your failed Light spell finally caught up with you. You feel like you are about to belch out the bubble of light magic that was inside you, but for the moment you are unable to speak in anything above a whisper.

Marcus
You got "attacked" by some barrels that broke loose when the rope holding them down got burned through. Take 1d6 damage. Armor counts. Your spell did not get successfully cast in time, so you would have to try casting it again in order to heal yourself. You are also partially covered in pickle brine.

Eryn
Brigg has just transferred his own authority to you.

Better to be covered in pickle brine than lamp oil I suppose... :>

Ilura coughed and sputtered but was unable to get any words out.  She could communicate with Thomas, but unfortunately he couldn't talk to anyone else, and putting out flames wasn't exactly part of his training.  Even worse, the cloud beneath her feet continued to send out the odd spark of lightning - not exactly the the sort of thing that made it wise to approach a pool of flammable lamp oil...

She 'ran' through the air, coughing all the while to see if she could get the bubble free, trying to get to an area of the ship unlikely to be lit by her lightning.  Perhaps if she could get her feet back on the deck, the cloud would disappear.


I'm making a roll to see if I can 'cough' out the bubble.  I don't know what the skill might be, so adjust whatever direction is appropriate.  (Or ignore if coughing it out isn't possible.)

quote:

21:13, Today: Ilura rolled 10 using 2d6.  Cough out magic bubble.

The promotion was sudden, but welcome. Eryn had no idea what authority Brigg actually commanded on board, but she reasoned that as long as he stayed alive to guide her it would work out alright. There was some fear in her heart that her earlier outburst would have landed her popularity far lower than Captain Frost's, but with Frost presumably gone for good she could hope for a respite, so long as she remembered not to speak ill of the dead.

Eryn spoke to the crew: "Thank you, Brigg. Though I am able to lead warriors on land, I must admit to a lack of maritime expertise. I will rely on the rest of you experienced sailors to fulfill your duties as you normally do. Do not be afraid to speak up if something needs to be discussed."

She looked to Gravelborough, not knowing if he would approve or not. "Fellow officer, I know I am not Brigg and that I may not take his place. I you will allow me to take charge of the immediate practical matters, I will confer everything else to you. Rest assured I will relinquish my command as soon as Brigg has recovered."

Next, sensing the need for urgency, Eryn turned to the matters at hand. "First: The fire! The sea monster appears to have withdrawn, at least for now. We must make haste and secure the ship before it returns! All able-bodied men, join the bucket line. Marcus and anyone else capable of seeing to the wounded: Do so, please. Save as many as you can. Navigator: Chart us the best course to a place where we may land safely. Anyone left without something to do: Keep watch for the sea slug, and patch any leaks you see."

She waited for a moment to see if her commands were accepted.

---

12:45, Today: Eryn rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Parlay with the crew to accept my command, promising efficiency and limited authority.
Concrete assurance of my promise: I will not overstep Gravelborough's authority or the crew's expertise, and I will give up command as soon as Brigg has recovered.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:49, Wed 08 May 2019.

Gaging slightly at the sourness that washed over him, Marcus rose to his feet with a few new bruises. As he did, the paladin uttered a short thanks to Lusiny for keeping him from greater harm. Surveying the damage from the falling barrels, he noticed the spread of oil towards the fire but was unaware of the further sparks overhead. "Oil spill!" he yelled hoping the sailors had a way to deal with such dangers. Leaving them to deal with the flammable liquid, Marcus moved towards the burning part of the deck, hoping to reach it and put it out with his brine soaked boots before it ignited the oil.

15:38, Today: Marcus rolled 3 using 1d6-2. Barrel damage.
Let me know if I need a Defy danger or something to get to/Deal with the fire

Yeah, go ahead and give me a Defy Danger, Marcus. The fire is on the other side of the oil, which means you will have to go through the oil or navigate around it. Both of which could be potentially dangerous. Especially on a rocking, burning ship full of new passengers.

Dex considering he needs to keep his balance. Fun times!
17:28, Today: Marcus rolled 7 using 2d6.  Defying danger

As Ilura made her way to land on the ship, the bubble in her throat slowly worked its way out. With one final belch, the light spell emerged from the ranger's face like someone opening a shuttered lantern. Then it was gone and Ilura could speak again.

When she reached the ship's surface, her cloud created a little rainbow for her to walk down, and the cloud itself lost its stormy qualities and became white and fluffy. But it did not dissipate. The cloud remained a few paces from Ilura, usually just off the side of the ship. Ilura was just in time to catch the tail end of Eryn's speech.

The crew seemed to already be doing most of what Eryn had directed them to do before she had even said anything. The few who had paused long enough to listen to her words didn't seem all that moved by the message either. But it was Officer Gravelborough who took it upon himself to point out why. "They aren't going to trust you lass," the greedy dwarf admitted. "Not until you prove they should. And after starting both the ships on fire, it would probably take something impossible to do that. Like driving away that big ole slug squirmin' around in the brine." He harrumphed and smirked, "knowing" that driving the slug away couldn't be done, then went back to leading people in his own way.

Meanwhile, Marcus got himself across the spilled lantern oil patch relatively successfully. He fell to his knee once or twice, coating his lower legs in oil, but he did manage to reach the fire before the spill spread that far. Unfortunately, stomping the fire out with his now-oily legs was probably an ill-advised strategy at this point.

What do you do?

---

Ilura
You can speak again. The cloud did not dissipate when you landed, but did turn white and fluffy once you stepped off of it. As long as you wear the boots, the cloud follows near you, usually just off the side of the ship. (And yes, it will even follow you inside if you go inside the ship. It is not a stealthy or convenient cloud.)

Eryn
Unfortunately a promise to follow your promise is not concrete assurance. They demand proof that you have defeated or driven away the sea slug before they will accept you as a legitimate leader (or a feat that is similarly impressive and helpful). They are still doing their best to save the ship right now, but more out of self-preservation than because you told them to. Nobody has moved to help navigate or heal the injured.

Marcus
You have made it past the lamp oil, but not without getting a significant amount on your lower legs. Which will make stomping out the fire quite dangerous for you.

"Well, you do what you are good at, then, and I will do what I am good at," Eryn replied. "If you can handle the fire, I will deal with the slug." The warrior moved over to the side of the ship, gazing intently into the water for a chance at spotting it. If she was lucky, she could skewer it like any regular fish you would cook for dinner, but she expected that it wasn't going to be so simple.

Once Eryn spotted the slug's shadow moving under the water, she tried to follow its motion to see if it would be possible to predict its location. If it was also willing to extend its arms in an attempt to grab new prey, baiting it would be an option. Otherwise, one might have to dive into the sea to properly combat it, and that seemed all too risky.

She pondered her options for a few moments, and found herself wanting for a good crossbow. Unfortunately, they only had the big one...

---

The Parley result makes sense. I figured I would need to provide something more concrete.

Would the ballista be able to aim at such an angle that it could strike the slug in the water when it's so close by?

14:38, Today: Eryn rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  Observe the sea slug to figure out how to deal with it.
What is about to happen?
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?

Walking on a rainbow felt more than a little odd, but there were more important things to worry about at the moment.  With her voice finally freed, she hollered at the crew "Deal with the mast!  If the sparks it the oil, we're doomed"

Then she ran to the base of the mast, casting about for a blanket or cloak and some water she could wet it in that would help to extingish the flames.

quote:

09:32, Today: Ilura rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  Discern realities w/ Thomas - something to put out fire.

Forgot to actually include the bonus from Thomas - but not sure how useful he'd be in this situation.
Key question is "What here is useful or valuable to me"
I'll let you decide whether I get answers to other questions and, if so, which ones :)

Forced to reconsider his plan, Marcus stopped and considered the situation as Ilura's cry came through. He looked up starting to realize the danger of the situation.

21:23, Today: Marcus rolled 13 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities.
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is not what it appears to be?

Officer Gravelbourough grunted noncommittally at Eryn, but didn't argue further. Then, looking at the ballista, Eryn could tell it would be her best bet for taking out the sea slug. But unfortunately it wouldn't be able to aim low enough without purposefully tipping the ship far to one side. A feat that was possible if she got the crew to cooperate, but definitely risky.

There were, of course, bows around that had been used in the initial approach of the pirate ship. Or Eryn could probably even use her spear if she got down closer to the water. Maybe with some netting or a lifeboat? The slug was still prowling around down there though, and would lash out with its long sticky tongues at anyone who would get too close to the edge. Right now it seemed to be going toward the back of the ship to see what it could find back there.

And speaking of lashing out, Eryn caught a glimpse of a familiar face carrying the Skyhook Bow they had been rewarded for defeating the queen sea buzzard. Mouse had blended in with the newly boarded pirates and had joined a bucket line. Apparently the sneaky halfling didn't want their ship to burn down either. And with so many new faces aboard, nobody knew which crew they belonged to.

Meanwhile, as Ilura ran to the base of the mast next to Marcus, cinders rained down on the two of them from above. Nothing for them to worry about directly, but certainly a concern for the oil that was continuing to spread in their direction. And the oil on Marcus's legs. There was tattered canvas holding down some gear nearby, but it would need to be untied or cut loose. There was a rain barrel nearby as well. It would be safer to use than the seawater, but would also use up some of the crew's drinking water if the canvas got dunked inside.

After Ilura had issued her warning about the mast, three of the pirates approached to help out. At least, that's how it appeared at first. But Marcus's sharp senses caught the way they looked at Ilura. He also spotted the dagger one of them held in their sleeve. The paladin could tell the pirates meant to confront Ilura rather than help out. After all, the ranger had looted their captains valuables and shot the first mate. From their perspective, blood was owed.

What do you do?

---

So many Discernments, so little time.

Eryn
What is about to happen?
The sea slug is about to check out the back of the ship for a while, where nets are draped off the side that you could potentially hang from.

What should I be on the lookout for?
Be on the lookout for the sea slug striking at people near the sides of the ship. It will be difficult for the bucket lines to collect their water.

What here is useful or valuable to me?
Mouse's Skyhook Bow could be useful. It can shoot both arrows and magical tethers.

quote:

Skyhook Bow (near, far, 1 weight)
A bow that shoots tethers instead of arrows. (Arrows can be used to, but not simultaneously)  Shoot the bow and roll +Dex.  On 10+ the bow's tether strikes and pulls you to the target, or the target to you (weight and leverage matters).  On a 7-9 you are connected by a tether, but any pulling or climbing is on you.

Take +1 forward when acting on the answers.

Ilura
I don't think your bonus from Thomas would apply here, since you aren't fighting or scouting. You're just searching. Still an 8 though!

What here is useful or valuable to me?
There is a canvas wrapping over some nearby gear/cargo that can be cut loose, and water nearby to dunk it in.

Take +1 forward when acting on the answers.

Marcus
What here is useful or valuable to me?
The same cloth and water that Ilura has noticed.

What should I be on the lookout for?
Your legs catching fire. Roll me a Defy Danger if you decide to stay under the mast and help Ilura in some way.

What here is not what it appears to be?
The three pirates that seemed to be coming to help are actually intending to attack Ilura by surprise. They will stab her if you do not intervene.

Take +1 forward when acting on the answers.

Ilura set to work using her dagger to slice off a good sized piece of tarp, dunking it in the water barrel and then shoving it between her pack and her back to free her arms to climb.  She ran to the base of the mast and then began to climb.

quote:

11:15, Today: Ilura rolled 12 using 2d6+2.  Climb the burning mast to put out flames.

I made a guess that that would be a defy danger DEX?  Will hold onto the +1 for actually putting out the flames - assuming I don't get stabbed before making it that far... :>

"Mouse, could I borrow that bow for a spell?" Eryn asked. "I don't mean to make demands, but I'd rather have it to get back on board with in case I fall. I'm going after the sea slug that's picking off the crew. If nothing else, watch my gear till I get back!"

With the ballista too risky to try given the ship's rocking movement and the crew's lack of ability to assist her at the moment, the warrior stashed her shield along with her backpack on deck and made sure only to carry the essentials: Weapons, including a knife, and whatever useful adventuring gear was left.

With spear in hand she climbed over the edge and grabbed hold of the net rigging on the side of the ship, near the back. The sea frothed several meters below, and she could still see the slug circling in looking for someone new to grab and eat.

The nets felt solid despite earlier damage to the ship, and the beast luckily looked like it was approaching from the right direction. Eryn steeled her grip by securing her left arm through the net's loops. In her right she held her trusty spear, poised to strike the sea monster.

Ancestors, if you have any advice to give against this monster, I would gladly hear it, she called in her thoughts.

It was time to go fishing.

---

<Leaving my shield and backpack behind on deck, keeping only spear, longsword, knife, and adventuring gear on my person. I assume the sword and knife are secured in their sheath to prevent slipping out.

If Mouse gives me the bow I will carry it too. If he nicks my stuff I will feed him to the fishes.

08:37, Today: Eryn rolled 13 using 2d6+3.  Defy Danger (STR): Strength of my grip vs motion of the ship and when the slug strikes.

08:41, Today: Eryn rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  Heirloom: Consult the spirits about the slug.
* On a 7-9, the GM will give you an impression.

Marcus took a quick look upward and judging the place where there would be the least cinders falling, he planted his feet and pointed his new sword towards the pirates. "You were given safe passage and this is how you repay us! Put your skills to good use like managing this fire and you may remain on the ship." he shifted the blade towards the nearest railing "Otherwise you'll end up in the depths." Marcus was clearly disgusted, maybe not just with the vengeful trio but with the threats he was uttering. But it seemed to be the only language they would understand.

15:38, Today: Marcus rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Defy fire (wisdom?).
15:39, Today: Marcus rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  I am the law! No attacking.
 - They listen, run away, or attack Marcus
Used +1 from second two questions

Ilura scrambled up the main mast even as Marcus confronted the approaching sailors. There were still plenty of handholds for Ilura to grip as she made her way up, and the ranger easily dodged the bits of flaming mast that were slowly falling to the deck below. One such piece was falling toward Marcus, but there wasn't much Ilura could do about it. She would have to trust that the paladin could take care of himself.

Up at the mast, half of the canvas was covered in flames and billowing thick smoke. As Ilura planned out how she could put it out, she realized she would need to climb a bit higher, into the midsts of the flames and smoke. It would be hot, and visibility would be limited, but she wouldn't be able to use her wet cloth from below the flames. She would need to get above or beside them.

Down below, Marcus berated the three pirates that dared to betray the generosity shown to them. The moment it became clear that Marcus was on to them, the pirate at the back of the group bolted, afraid for his safety. The second one hesitated, then sheepishly walked off to go rejoin a bucket line. The third, seeing her comrades abandon her, turned toward Marcus with renewed anger. "I ain't afraid of no depths! You'll pay fer what ya did to our captain!" The pirate with the dagger in her sleeve lunged toward Marcus, aiming to maim him even if it cost her her life.

The attack would have been easy enough for Marcus to avoid is a burning piece of the mast hadn't just landed nearby and blown toward his legs. The paladin knew he could either avoid the fire that would ignite his legs, or he could avoid the dagger coming toward his abdomen. Avoiding both would be exceptionally tricky.

While Marcus handled an unruly pirate, Eryn prepared to handle the sea slug that was lurking below the waves. Mouse agreed to watch Eryn's things in the meantime and lend her the bow, but assured Eryn that if the bow wasn't returned, Mouse would keep the rest of her stuff.

At the back of the ship, Eryn was in a prime position to strike at the slug when it came near. The waves bobbed toward her and way from her as she hung over the edge of the ship. The slug spotted her and squirmed toward the fighter, ready to lash out at its newest target. Eryn's ancestors answered her call just as the slug rose up out of the water to strike. Jonathan and Ramona rushed to give their advice at the same time.

"Throw your spear through its brain!"
"Tether it to the ship with your bow!"

Eryn new she only had a split second to act before the slug lashed out with its own sticky tethers.

What do you do?

---

Ilura
You'll need to climb further up the pole to effectively use your wet cloth, which will require another Defy Danger. The danger being avoiding the fire and smoke at such a height. 10+ and you put out the fire. Describe how. 7-9 you put out the fire, but...

Marcus
You can Defy the fire, but you'll get stabbed if you do. Or you can avoid getting stabbed, but catch on fire. Or you can roll a Defy Danger to avoid both, but if you get a 6- then you will suffer both.

Either way, you have one pirate attacking you. For you I Am the Law move, one ran, one listened, and one attacked. You take +1 forward against them.

Eryn
Johnathan and Ramona each gave valid, yet conflicting advice on how to handle the giant sea slug. It has risen above the waves and is about to attack you.

Ilura got to the part of the mast where the flames had started.  The charred wood there was no longer burning but it was far too hot to try to climb.  She needed to get above it to actually put out the flames burning higher on the mast.  Thankfully, there was a rope nearby.  She held onto the mast and gave the rope a yank to make sure it was solid before grabbing it and starting to climb.

Unfortunately the smoke above concealed from both her and Thomas's view that the line she was clinging to was itself aflame a good 20 fee further up.  A fact that became obvious when the rope snapped...

quote:

11:38, Today: Ilura rolled 5 using 2d6+3.  Defy danger (dex) using +1.

And on a 6 or less...

Perhaps the pirate can break my fall? ;>

I can't risk throwing this spear away, Eryn thought. It is important to me, and the two of you may very well vanish into the depths with it.

Realizing that she could only use one hand to fight, the warrior held fast while waiting for the sea monster to strike. Eryn knew that if it acted on instinct, there would be a moment where it would be left open for retaliation, and in this moment she would skewer it. She wasn't certain if the flesh of the slug would be soft or made of sterner stuff, but the brain would indeed be a good target to aim for in any case. Where could it be on a creature like this? Center of the head, certainly? Would the sea slug stay alive long enough to flail and grab her?

Before Eryn had time to consider any other factors, the monster lunged forwards, forcing her to rely on years of trained reflexes over any kind of conscious decision. She leaned to the side as best she could to avoid the brunt of the mass behind the tentacle strike, and while hanging from one arm on the nets she swung forwards again, leaning into the motion to reach as far as possible with as much strength as she could muster.

"Begone! she shouted, over the roar of the waves.

Making the best guess she could, Eryn drove the spearhead straight for where she thought the creature's brain would be located. It tore through the outer skin easily and sunk into pliable monster flesh. With any luck, this would be the end of it...

---

12:20, Today: Eryn rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Hack and Slash (sea slug, using spear).
12:21, Today: Eryn rolled 3 using 1d10+1d4.  Dealing damage (+1d4 from Merciless).
12:21, Today: Eryn rolled 8 using 1d10+1d4.  Dealing damage (Fighter re-roll).
Weapon has 2 Piercing.
12:22, Today: Eryn rolled 11 using 2d6.  Defy Danger (Dex): Slip past the tenacles and aim for the brain.

That's not good...

Ilura's hands sensed the slack in the rope just as the "snap" reached her ears - and then she was falling.  As she looked down, she saw the pirate lunging at Marcus.  She'd caught enough bits and pieces of the conversation to have a pretty good sense of what was going on.  She was too far from the mast to wrap her hands around it and grabbing another rope risked more of what was already happening.  However, if she pushed against the mast, she could subtly alter her trajectory and...

quote:

08:40, Today: Ilura rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Defy danger (dex) - land on pirate.

Trying to stab me wasn't nice.  Trying to stab my oh-too-nice friend Marcus and suffer the consequences :>

Marcus nodded in satisfaction as the two pirates heeded his warning. Then the third spoke up and attacked. He had no intention of harming anyone further, no matter his words. He shifted his feet to avoid the attack but stopped as he felt the heat reaching his leg. With a deep breath, he squared off to face the incoming dagger. "If we keep going like that, we'll all end up dead." he spoke softly, bracing for impact.

Well, this occurred to me even before Ilura's sweeping down to save Marcus. Let's see how it plays out. I'm fine with taking the damage and then having the pirate plomped on.

Game Master:

Feel free to describe what it looks like when you take out this ferocious sea creature with a single strike.

For just a moment the sea monster spasmed, flailing its limbs in a manner which made Eryn concerned it would tear into both her and the ship, but then the slug went limp as the spear drove just a bit deeper into its soft skull. When it began to sink into the ocean it slid free of the polearm, revealing bits of blood and guts visible on the sharp weapon. The warrior then knew for certain she had landed a killing blow, rather than just hitting excess fat on the strange mollusk's body.

Seeing the dirtied spear-tip, Eryn wished to avoid corroding the steel by drawing it through any more saltwater than necessary. Therefore she flicked it through a wave only once, to get the worst of the mess off, before resolving to clean the weapon properly as soon as she could. A cloud of monster blood stained the ocean where the creature's body was already vanishing into the depths. Despite the looming threat of more slugs coming up from below, Eryn felt excited knowing she had bested such a beast easily, even after fighting it in a precarious position in an unfamiliar environment.

Her task complete, the warrior slung the spear back over her shoulder and gripped the net with both hands, before climbing back over the side of the ship to safety. There she greeted Mouse and retrieved her belongings, making sure to hand over the bow she had borrowed from him before making any mention of her own equipment. "Thank you for lending me your weapon," Eryn said while getting her gear back on, "I didn't end up needing it, but it was nice to have all the same, as a backup."

"The monster is dead," she called out to Gravelborough, trying to make the statement sound more like practical information to the officer than any sort of bragging. Though Eryn felt satisfied with killing such a threat to the crew, the important part was not to be the glorious victor, but to ensure that they trust her abilities despite the trouble she had caused earlier.

---

Handed the magic bow back to Mouse and retrieved my items.

I assume Ilura and Marcus may have resolved the fall before I manage to climb back on board, hence I have not rushed to help either of you yet. Tell me if you feel I could/should assist you there.

Edit: A word.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Mon 27 May 2019.

The pirate continued slinking toward Marcus, murder in his eyes. "If we all end up dead, at least it will still include you being dead!" Then, as Marcus was distracted by the flames at his feet, the pirate lunged.

But was promptly pummeled into the deck when his blade was only a hair's breadth away from piercing Marcus's thigh.

There was a sickening crunch and a yowl of pain before the pirate passed out. Ilura managed to roll off of her makeshift cushion and back onto her feet in one smooth motion. She was certainly not without her own share of bruises from the impact, but the ranger had managed to avoid breaking any bones. Well, her own bones anyway.

[What? How?] Thomas flew past and was quite taken aback at Ilura's incredible landing in her human form. The crow landed on the rail of the ship even as Ilura's cloud settled nearby.

Meanwhile, Eryn returned to announce her success against the giant sea slug. "The monster is dead."

A few sailors had witnessed the fighter's heroics, but those that had only just now heard all turned and stared at Eryn with awe on their face. Gravelborough himself was standing with his mouth agape. The old dwarf then ran to the rail of the ship to see the remnants of the battle himself. "What sort of dark pact did you need to enact to kill it so... effortlessly? Without even suffering a wound for your troubles!" It was unclear how serious he was being with his inquiry, but the look on his face let Eryn know she had earned his respect. At least as a capable warrior. "Very well, spear-maiden. What would you have us do?"

By this point all of the fires on the lower decks were pretty much out. The fires up in the sails were raging quite terribly now though. It would take a miracle to put them out at this point. There wasn't a lot of threat to the crew from the burning cloth and ropes, but the ship couldn't sail very well without its masts either.

What do you do?

---

Ilura
You are safely on the ground now. The fires in the masts spread quickly after your fall though, and not many are savable at this point.

Marcus
Ilura squashed your attacker before he struck you, so you're safe. The pirate is quite battered though and is currently unconscious from the pain.

Eryn
You have earned the respect of the sailors and they are ready to actually follow your orders now. The sails will be difficult to put out at this point though. What are your orders for the handful of sailors still in a condition to be helpful?

The ship is just past the horizon from the nearest port. Your masts are on fire and your hull has been rammed by another ship. You have about 20 healthy crew, plus hirelings, plus the two rescued drugar. Many injured and dead crew. Two shipwrecks nearby. Two unconscious jotun below decks. A dead sea slug. Two dead captains. And Marcus and Ilura and yourself, along with all your collective gear.

Ilura didn't bother sparing a glance at the pirate she'd taken out.  He'd wanted to kill her and he'd tried to kill Marcus.  Besides, there were more pressing matters.  She glanced up at the flaming masts, still dropping cinders dangerously close to the spilled oil.  <blue>"Get the crew to cover the oil with wet tarps.  I'm going to see if I can do something about the masts.

She didn't want to, but she couldn't think of any other alternative.  She prayed to her goddess, rubbed the bracelet around her wrist and willed herself to turn back into a queen sea-buzzard.  Hopefully she could scoop enough water with her beak that she could help to douse the flames - that was, if she could manage to change form at all...

quote:

23:15, Today: Ilura rolled 6 using 2d6+3.  Turn into sea buzzard.

Them dice doesn't like me so much lately...

Ilura's form shifted as usual. Her face grew a long serrated beak, her arms became wings, and all of her gear melded into her new form as black feathers sprouted all over her body. Everything seemed normal at first. But then Ilura heard the scream behind her.

The ranger looked back to see that the cloud that had been following close to her was still present. But instead of being white and poofy, it was now roiling with a sickening green hue. As it churned like a miniature storm, an acrid rain poured out from underneath it, coating much of the nearby deck. Including the unconscious pirate that had tried to attack her. He had woken up just long enough agonize over his dissolving body before falling silent once more.

Parts of the deck were already starting to wear away significantly as the acid rain pelted it. Even the base of the brand new mast that had been erected in Markhain was being dissolved away. If Ilura didn't act fast, the ship would suffer crippling damage.

What do you do?

---

Ilura
+1 XP! You have 2 Hold. Your moves are Swallow Whole, and Regurgitate Acid.

When you transformed, the cloud created by your magic boots took on aspects of the Sea Buzzard's acidic vomit. It is currently down-pouring acid rain all over the center of the ship, where holes are quickly forming. (The boots themselves have melded with your form.)

Normally you could expend all of your hold and return to your human form, but you will find it more difficult than usual this time. If you try to expend your hold without using a move, roll +Wis to see if it works as desired.

If you try to move away from the ship, roll a Defy Danger. The danger being that the acid rain causes more damage to the ship and/or crew as you exit.

Marcus and Eryn
You see the cloud, but are not quite within its range. At least not yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Fri 31 May 2019.

Oh, no...

Ilura took to the air, flying directly to the side of the ship, dodging along a path that would hopefully minimize any damage by the following cloud.  She felt a twinge of guilt about the dissolving pirate.  She'd sort of expected Marcus to heal him - she might have even done so herself.  However, no time for that now.

She picked up speed, trying to get a sense of how quickly the cloud moved - and whether there was any chance of her outrunning it.  If not, she wasn't going to be much use putting out the flames...

quote:

15:23, Today: Ilura rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Defy danger (dex) - try not to damage the ship..

Is there any chance of outrunning the cloud, scooping up water while it catches up, then outrunning it again to dump the water and get back to the side of the ship before the cloud comes back?  Is grabbing a mouthful of water equivalent to the 'swallow whole' move if I don't swallow it but just carry it in my beak?

Eryn looked at the magic cloud with disdain. Once again botched spells had made the situation take a turn for the worse. "Ilura!" she shouted, "are you able to control that cloud? Can we do something about it?"

The warrior had no idea how to handle this new trouble. Putting the fire out was priority, but any sails they had would likely be gone if the acid rain kept up. She turned to Gravelborough. "I hate to say it, but I think we'll have to sacrifice the mast." Eryn was no experienced sailor, but she could tell when something was beyond repair, and when a fire had spread too much to be controllable. None of them - except Ilura - had any chance of raising water high enough to put out what was essentially a burning tree. Chopping it down and letting it fall overboard might be the best solution.

"Emergency solution: I know you have giants for cargo. Can they swim? Are you able to handle them well enough to risk releasing them?" Eryn gestured towards the ship that had rammed them. It was still afloat, though damaged. "I'm thinking we could put the jotun to work towing the ship back to shore, or as far as we get. If we do some rudimentary repairs and construct a harness for them, we could manage. The alternative is for two dozen or so of us to go onto makeshift rafts, and I'm not too keen on that idea."

Struggling with indecision, Eryn took the time to calm her nerves and get a proper handle on things. She figured there may be resources on the ship they had yet to remember, or perhaps some bright spot that could aid them.

---

08:48, Today: Eryn rolled 6 using 2d6+1 ((3,2)).
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?
What is about to happen?

Oh dear.

Edit: Text formatting.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Mon 03 June 2019.