19-22nd Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
En route

The Dryad and the Marlena sail swiftly southeastward, propelled by Jadira's favorable winds. Built for speed, the First Age vessels and its accompanying courier make quick work of the miles between Seahaven and the Wavecrest islets.

Their course has taken them close to more than one contingent of Wavecrest Navy ships. Patrols seem to have doubled along this way. Once or twice the Cobalt Alliance has been bade to stop and identify themselves, and each time were given the same warning: steer away from Nevermoor. They speak of mysterious mists that rose to dwarf the island chain. Of ships lost within and survivors escaped with horror stories of demon sailors that ate men.

Some declared them Lintha. Others, Fair Folk. Whichever it was... they were certainly trouble.

By afternoon on the third day of their voyage, the lookout on the crow's nest points out the border of the mists, perhaps a couple hours voyage ahead -- far enough for the Dryad and Marlena to decide whether to skirt around the mist or move straight through it.

---

OOC: If you had done anything of importance during the 3 days of voyage, go ahead and note that in your next post as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Tue 20 Jan 2009.

Kareth had spent the last several days staying to himself mostly.  If something needed to be repaired, he did it, but otherwise he didn't inflict the crew with his dower personality... for the most part.

Seeing as she was they were the two officers, he had immediately informed both Jadira and Lasuri that he also possessed the same boon for communication which Darel apparently uses.  As such, he would be able to help facilitate communication between the two groups in case of an emergency if they knew where the other group was located.  In fact, over the last few days, he had been asked to relay some messages to the Marlena on occasion, as use of this boon over short distances was far more cost effective.

Much of his spare time the first day on the water was spent placing his few possessions into his quarters.  As far as anyone could see, these mostly consisted of books, tools, and a few changes of clothes.  However, he had not let anyone assist him with his things beyond pointing him in the direction of his room and many of his possessions remained locked in a chest.

His second day on the ship consisted of inspections of the essence cannons he had heard about.  After he had seen to it that they were in working order.  He also tended to the maintenance of his own magitech, as well as any other he managed to find.

On the third day, Kareth happened to be on deck whenever the mist came into view.  He had just been seeking Jadira to inquire her about matters of the occult.  The day before, he had heard through the crew some rumblings about a ghost and exorcisms, the details of which he got from the first mate upon asking.  He had politely offered his services in the matter in exchange for being kept abreast on the subject, insisting that he had received the same education in occult matters that sorcerer engineers of Lookshy did, despite not ever having been able to achieve initiation into their ranks.  Today, Kareth had intended to inquire as to who else on the ship might have knowledge of Occult matters because at some point, he felt it would be prudent for him to learn more on the subject.  However, once the mist came into site, he quickly set his inquiries aside to spend several moments looking at the mist, trying to see if he could figure out if it had magical properties of some sort which could riddled out.

Once the others began to arrive, Kareth wasted no time in giving his opinion.  "With all due respect, if we don't need to sail into the mist then I am against doing so.  I see no point in limiting our visibility if it's at all possible.  Especially when we know there are those would prey on us who use said mist to hide themselves."

[Private to GM: I'm trying to make an Occult roll to see anything magical about the mist, either naturally or through some apprentice level thuamaturgy if plain book smarts doesn't cut it.  The order of the rituals I'll use are Essence Sence (Art of Geomancy, Core book) then Dragon Line Compass (Art of Geomancy, Oadenal's Codex)]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Sat 17 Jan 2009.

Tageru offered a sparring match to Kiana and, in case she accepted, only held back from doing lethal damage, so as not to seriously hurt his sparring partner. [Private to Kiana Makohgn; Storyteller: OOC: if you want, we can actually roll the combat, but I'm a bit low on time in the next 10 days or so...]

When the suspicious-looking mists show up, Tageru simply stands on the ship's helm and closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them, he seems like in a trance, and there is suddenly a soft, green glow around him from his anima.

[Private to Storyteller: OOC: Activating Pasiap's Humility for 3 motes to see immaterial spirits in case there are any.
Also: 12:29, Today: Cynis Tageru rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,6,9,8,7. Int+Occult, the mist, what could it be. ]

Jadira's primary duty in these days was to call up the winds when needed to speed up their course. Other than that, she spent her time studying the notes she brought with her from her studies at the Seahaven libraries, deeply interested in the nuances and superstitions that flavored Western sorcery and thaumaturgy. Eventually, with further study, extrapolation and practice, she would be able to learn a spell or two from the various diagrams and annotated rituals -- but for now these remain mental exercises only.

Being as much a social creature as a studious one, though, Jadira also took the time to mingle with the crew, whether mortals or Exalts. She spent her nights with Lasuri, of course, but she also took periodic breaks from studies to amuse herself with the gunnery crew, watch Tageru and Kiana spar, speak with Kiana alone (particularly since seemed to prefer female company), or chat with Kareth on occult matters. She seemed quite interested to inquire about the training of Lookshy sorcerer-engineers, and spoke in turn of her training at the Heptagram (though there were aspects of her education that even 8 years away from the Realm could not dissuade her from keeping secret).

Now, standing near Kareth as the mists come into view, Jadira shakes her head. "Sailing thoughtlessly into the mists would definitely be foolish. But we are here to investigate unusual activity in this region. We can skirt the mist, but not without attempting to understand its nature, at least." Once the Dryad moves close enough for observation, the Wood Aspect starts noting specific details: the color and thickness, the positioning compared to visible land-masses (if any), whether it seems to originate from water, earth or sky. From there she recalls from her occult studies any accounts of mist-like phenomena she may have read, particularly those with some connection to the sea or the Western direction.

[Private to GM: Int+Occult attempt, I hope!]

Kareth employs thaumaturgy rituals learned from his Lookshy education, quickly discovering that the mist is not simply mundane but contains, or is itself some Essence manifestation.

Tageru's Immaculate training allows him to see the mists for what they really are. The mists themselves hide no dematerialized spirits he can make out, however... [Private to Cynis Tageru: you also see something moving beneath the water, a misshapen mass of tentacles, large enough to be seen even from this distance.] Drawing from their studies of supernatural beings, both Jadira and Tageru are fairly certain of what the mists really mean. [Private to Cynis Tageru, Jadira Thornbloom: The mist signifies the presence of eristufa (COCD: West p. 132-33), which means there's also a high likelihood someone hiding in that mist actually summoned them, too.] [Private to Cynis Tageru: You're also sure there's more than one, since you see one manifested in tentacle form in the water.]

As realization sets in for the occult-knowledgable, the Dryad continues on its course toward the mist-shrouded isles. Zeru, from his perspective on the neighboring courier, notices a single ship's sail coming their way at speed from the direction of the mists. Kiana's ever attentive senses catch this detail as well, but Captain Lasuri seems for the moment completely oblivious.

"NO! NO! NO! TURN US BACK, NOW!", Tageru shouts "LINTHA! TURN US BACK! IF WE ENTER THESE MISTS NOW WE'RE DEAD! TURN THIS SHIP AROUND NOW!" The green glow around his body shines a bit stronger and he takes up his bow and knocks the first arrow, then turns his head toward whoever is at the ship's wheel. "NOW! OR WE ALL DIE!"
This is actually the first time anyone's seen Tageru so upset and shouting. He looks back toward the mists, but somehow he seems to be targeting something in the water.
[Private to Storyteller: I activate Eyes of the Wood Dragon to focus on one of the Eristrufa that haven't materialized yet. I can shoot it even if it doesn't materialize and if I hit, I do an Essence ping of damage in addition to my normal damage. I have to take the shot within the next five actions, though, or the Charm is wasted. :)

Since I rolled 3 sux. on the Int+Occult, I thought it's ok to assume to know about Eristrufa, if that's indeed what these things are. Difficulty is 3 in the West to know all about them, and since we're in the West... :)]

Kareth could tell that the mist were filled with Essence but he hadn't detected the danger that the monk had.  None the less, he reached for his piece and his blade.  If something were close enough to cause the monk panic then best to be prepared.

Over the past few days, Kiana had been doing her best to get used to her new surroundings.  She and Jadira had shared a few talks, and Kiana was starting to grow fond of the wood aspect.  Her sparring match with Tageru had went fairly well.  The man was an amazing fighter, and was the more skilled between the two of them, though it wasn't by a margin that the layman would be able to discern.  She had learned quiet a bit through the combat alone, and looked forward to training with him further.

As she leaned against the railing, she ran her hand over the smooth wooden surface, the white jade Smashfist on her hands while outside her cabin.  She was under no illusions that their journey would be peaceful, and those ideas were unfortunately true as Tageru started to shout.  Even during the sparring match, she had not heard such noise from the monk.  Clenching her fists, she quickly turned and found herself near the others, peering into the mists and trying to see what Tageru did.

And what she saw indeed!  "Captain, this mists hides a battle ahead!  In the mist itself!"  She says, pointing a white-Jade finger towards the obscuring manifestation.  "I can't tell how many, but there are several ships at the very least."  Would they believe the youngest member of the crew?  Kiana had not been lying when she spoke to Jaira about her senses--Kiana was not a prideful person in the least, and utterly truthful to a fault.  She knew her senses were keen, especially her sight.

"That isn't a warship, is it?"  She said as she jumped up on the rail to give herself just a little more clarity to the scene in front of them.  The mist itself wasn't a physical threat, though the emotional and mental ramification wouldn't be pretty, Kiana knew from her studies...but would this boat try to board them?  Or was it simply sending for help, like she thought?  If she were being attacked, and had the ability to hold off eventual defeat for any amount of time, that would be her course of action--send for back-up!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Mon 19 Jan 2009.

From the Marlena Zeru heard Tageru's shout about Lintha in the mist. His face broke out into a sly grin as he fingered the end of his chain. "Be on your guard" He said to his crew. "There are Lintha in the mist, and we're taking whatever course the Drayd is." Then he shouts to the Dryad. "Our course sir?"

Lasuri had been busy with a lot of the more boring aspects of his position - planning the ships' course, updating the Alliance roster, keeping current with the finances, acquisitions and bookkeeping (someone has to do it), etc. His work had kept him away from the deck much more than he usually is, and so he comes a little belatedly when the commotion comes and shouts come from the deck of the two boats.

He surveys the horizon, but his recent arrival and sudden plunge into the situation keep him from actually seeing the details the others speak of. The details reach him, one by one, and that is when he decides to take a step forward, standing in the middle of the Dryad's deck. And in this moment, the aloof, laid back man that is Lasuri shows why he is called 'the Sea Drake'. Even among the danger and panic, he is as calm as can be, an oasis of stability in an ocean of madness. His expression is much more serious than many have ever seen him, grim and determined.

"Mister Donnegal." He calls out, his tone difficult to ignore. "You will slow your approach and start heading at an angle. We are not changing our heading until we have a better understanding of the situation. Be ready to change the heading at the second I order it, however, and to step aside should I claim the bar."

"Miss Thornbloom, you will prepare your gunners and stay at the ready. We might be entering battle soon, or step into hostile situation. You have only seconds to be ready - but be ready." He nods sharply towards Jadira, trusting that even though it is short notice, she will be ready even before the time limit elapses.

"Mister Zeru!" He calls out to the Marlena, his voice having no problem reaching over. "Keep your crew and the Marlena in flanking position. Once we have a better assessment of what they're capable of, I'll relay it to you so you can adjust accordingly. Don't be worried about letting the Dryad taking a hit if you need to, and move to keep to the enemy's side and back. I'm counting on you!"

He turns back, resting a hand on the Dryad's mast, and speaking slightly lower now. "Be ready for a tussle, Dryad my old friend. Just like always, I'll have your back, and trust you with mine. east to West, North to South, no prison nor lad will hold us down." He makes a short gesture, akin to that of a prayer, then calls out loud.

"Miss Kiana. You are now officially the eyes and ears of the Dryad. I want you to watch and give updated reports regularly, no matter how this situation turns. Mister Crawford. Mister Dunn. You will assist Miss Kiana, and relay messages as she sees fit if the situation gets too chaotic for her voice alone." He turns to Kiana, and nods encouragingly to her. "I trust in your abilities, Miss Kiana. Keep us enlightened."

The captain takes another step forward, then calls out to both the crew of the Marlena and the Dryad at once while drawing the WAcleaver Daiklave in his sheath. "Men and women of the Alliance! Keep your wits to yourselves, and raise your heads proudly! We've come here to investigate, and we won't leave until we've done what we've come to do! You are a brotherhood! You won't be intimidated out of our mother the Sea, brushed aside and made to cower! Not by the Lintha, not by the forces of Skullstone, not by the very mouth of Malfeas were it to open under our feet to swallow what we fight for!"

"We're the Cobalt Alliance! Now show all who don't know our name what it means!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:40, Mon 19 Jan 2009.

"Aye, sir!"  Kiana said quickly.  She turned away from the railing and began to clamber up the rigging, towards the crow's nest.  It wasn't her destination, however, as she stopped half-way up the mast and turned to get a better vantage point.  She didn't want to get situation that far up when the battle started--that would keep her from the altercation.  No, sharp as her eyes might be, she belonged on the battlefield, small a girl she might be.  She had surprised Tageru with her vigilance in the martial arts...and she would happily surprise every last one of the Lintha as well.

Though her heart was pounding due to the sudden burst of excitement the mist, and the ships within it had caused, she was silently beaming from the faith that the captain was putting in her.  She was the official eyes and ears of the Dryad, wasn't that what he said?  That certainly sounded important, and his brave words warmed her and fed the adrenaline even more.

A fight was coming, and for once she wasn't afraid of the outcome.

No, as Kiana leaned out, hand over her eyes in attempt to further her view just a bit, Kiana realized she was eager.  Eager to prove herself, and eager to show Lasuri that she was worthy of such trust.

Kareth took note that he had not been given any orders yet.  As such he assumed that his duty would be to stay on deck and help repel any attempt to board.  He kept his eyes open, alternating between looking at the approaching battle and  into the water which had seemed to disturb Tageru.  He did make it a point to stay within earshot of the Captain though.  Just because the boats were close enough to shout now, didn't mean that would be the case in the battle.  However, despite his best attempts at looking ready for conflict, Kareth still looked to be something of a sulking shadow on the deck.

Walking towards the sullen figure on the deck, Lasuri gives a sharp, knowing nod. "Mister Kareth." He says, in a tone that carries only to the man standing next to him, and no one else. "I didn't want to make a big show of it, since it might demoralize some of the sailors... But the truth of the matter is that we're a lot more sturdy than the Marlena is. That means that we're likely to be taking some hits if the situation gets ugly. I'll need you to stay on board and help with any combat that might take place here... But also to keep an eye on the damage we take, and be prepared to deal with damage assessment and to direct some emergency repairs if need be. I'll give you to working hands you need, don't worry about that. I trust you with the ship's integrity, so do what you think is best."

He nods, then a faint smile crosses his lips. "Don't worry though. The ship's spirit is damn obstinate, and I'm also too hard headed to let them do too much damage to this ship." He nods again, and takes a step away while pointing some directions at some of the sailors, perhaps telling them to stay close to Kareth and be ready to follow his commands.

"Allright, people... Go about your assigned positions and stay at the ready. I want no one acting until Miss Kiana gives us her word and we understand the situation. Is that clear?"

Tageru's arrows fall well short of whatever it is he sees in the mist, even with the tremendous distance potential he can manage with his bow. They just aren't close enough for an attack yet.

Lasuri's stirring speech is answered by enthusiastic shouts by his crewmen as they scurry to fulfill his orders. Mister Donnegal is the first to respond, with a rousing "Aye!" as he turns the ship's wheel at an angle to port, then hollers to the topsmen to trim the sails and get ready for some tight sailing. The nimblest of the Dryad's crew climb up the mast and manipulate the rigging and generally seem to have a good, singsong time of it despite the danger Tageru had made quite apparent.

The deck of the Spring Dryad is bustling with activity, as well. The gunnery crew takes their positions at the ballistae and catapults, and any other hand without their hands full of sail or rope readies blade, hatchet or bow, depending on preference and specialty. Crawford and Dunn flank Kiana uncomplainingly -- they are used enough to working alongside Jadira, and any other concern they may have of Kiana's age or relative newness at sea is swallowed by the trust their Captain puts in her.

As for Dryad herself... only Lasuri really knows her response to his prayer, whispered to him in a warm, fragrant breeze meant for him.

Not to be outdone, the smaller crew of the Marlena get right to it as soon as their heading is sure. Antov and Sunden clamber up to manage the sails from above, with the twin brother strongmen prepared for any eventuality from repelling boarders or bailing water or quick-fix repairs. Cinna aids Zeru in the steering, keeping an eye on the rigging and angle of the sails from her vantage point on the deck.

Meanwhile, the mists loom closer, as the Dryad and Marlena start veering to skirt their edge. No other ships have emerged from within yet, but the distant flash of cannon fire can be seen now from within, and the small hazy shapes of what could be ships circling one another. The Cobalt ships can continue on course, or pause to rendezvous with the vessel coming toward them. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: Kiana is the first to see the approaching ship in any detail: a single-masted cutter, little more than a messenger. But it looks as if it has sustained heavy damage already, and the surviving crew have hoisted a white flag, waving their arms and calling out a mayday.]

---

OOC: Sorry to give the wrong impression--you're still a good amount of distance away, not enough yet for a Join Battle.

If you'll just pass the smaller ship by, the pilots of the Dryad and Marlena should roll their Wits+Sail to maneuver around the mists. Kiana and anyone else paying attention can roll Perc+Awareness to make out additional details.

If you want to ready weapons, activate scenelong charms or any other additional prep, do so in your next post!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:41, Tue 20 Jan 2009.

"Captain, it appears to be a messenger vessel!"  Kiana shouted, not putting to use her two 'assistants' just yet.  Her voice was the high octave of youth, though it carried very, very clearly and right into the Captain's ear, or so it seemed.  "She has sustained heavy damage, and they've hoisted a white flag."  She paused for a moment, her eyes looking over the poor souls as they waved their arms desperately.  "They look like they've survived dinner with the Abyss..." She said, still loudly, though not with the same conviction she relayed the other bits of information.

She saw the cannon fire of course, and did her best to see what more she could fathom.  The winds carried words as well, sometimes, and she made sure to use her other senses as well, especially in the mist.  Though she didn't have much trouble seeing through it, dependence on one sense alone was a recipe for disaster.

[Private to Storyteller: You rolled 3 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((3,10,1,4,6,8,3,3,2)).]

Jadira does her part, shouting commands to the catapult crews, distributing armaments where needed. Besides the short daiklave and plasma tongue repeater at her belt, she carries with her a massive bow of pulleys and joints that Kareth (if he's indeed from Lookshy) would recognize immediately as a Lookshy strongbow.

For now she keeps the strongbow nearby but ready, giving her attention to the Dryad's large foredeck cannon. These weapons are rarely just point and shoot -- there are adjustments to make, panels to keep an eye on, and of course the question of proper power output. Drawing from her experience with the cannon's smaller cousin, she runs through some quick diagnostic tasks to ensure all is in order. The Hearthstone she'd placed in it ought to be enough.

"Ready for anything, Captain," the armswoman announces, grinning fiercely. She looks... rather enthusiastic to give the large cannon a try. But Jadira is not reckless -- simply a 'ranged weapon enthusiast.' She certainly carries, or has access to enough unusual armaments to make such a claim.

When Kiana announces the ship's approach, she instructs the ballista operators to ready ammo, but NOT fire at the messenger ship until given further direction.

Kareth listens intently on what the Captain says, and promptly channels his Essence into his bracers to activate them.  No point in finding himself short handed later.  "Aye Aye, Captain," he replies and resumes his watch.  He does take note of two things, however... the first being the presence of some of the crew who had helped him with the earlier repairs.  He knew he could count on them, so he planned on taking them with him if emergency repairs could be done.  Secondly, he took note of Jadira's Lookshy Strong bow.  He smiled a disturbing smile.  That's the second strong connection to Lookshy that the two officers of the crew have shown since he's been on board.

His expression hardens considerably once Kiana makes her report, and almost immediately starts to head towards the middle of the deck. "You've heard the lady!" He shouts, signaling to people around him and pointing towards the Mist and the ship Kiana saw in there. Of course, he cannot see the ship himself, but he trusts what the girl sees, relying on her senses for the coming strategies he makes.

"Wounded ship coming ahead, flying a white flag! We're not going to just stand by and let it be gutted, people!" He moves ahead of the ship, and although not able to see what transpires then, he already starts making calculations.

"Miss Kiana, give me the approximate position of the endangered ship, if you can determine this. If you can give an estimate of its heading, that'd help a lot too. I you can't do it right away, keep a sharp eye out until you can and let me know as soon as you manage it. If there's any way you can pierce through the mist and give us an account of what the attackers' ship and crew are like, then let us know as well."

"Mister Donnegal... Prepare to cut in and buy some time for the ship to escape its pursuit. That means we'll likely be taking hits, people - keep your heads down and your wits about you, and prepare for combat situation! Miss Thornbloom, have your gunners ready to provide cover fire. The rest, prepare your weapons and stand at the ready - we might get boarded, or might have to do some boarding ourselves. Keep steady... I'll be among you as well."

With that, the Sea Drake draws his second weapon, a hand axe adorned with long, beautiful feathers, and keeps his gaze on the horizon, ready for anything that might come out of the unnatural mist.

Kiana strives to see through the mist.

[Private to Kiana Makohgn: There's at least half a dozen ships within. You count two troop transport vessels... triremes, you think, from the three masts. They appear to be fighting a flagship of a trimaran design, accompanied by a pair of merchantmen or biremes, and one or two smaller ships. It's hard to confirm details in the misty haze, exacerbated by cannon fire smoke and fires.

Though the triremes are large, they are outnumbered. Your sensitive ears can hear voices crying out in confusion and agony, the sound of drowning men thrashing in the waves, the roar of an inhuman beast relishing in bloodlust. The temper of the sea, roiling against the ships' hulls if almost... alive. The creak of wood straining until fit to burst.

There is no particular heading for Kiana to report, as the ships appear preoccupied with combating one another.]

But nothing appears to be emerging from the perimeter of the mist to pursue the messenger ship. Apparently it is too small to merit a pursuit.

The damaged courier slows, attempting to flank the Dryad, if only long enough for their loudest voice to deliver a message. "This is the exploratory vessel Hirdu's Promise. The Lintha have overtaken us, captured our captain. The Wavecrest Navy has intercepted, but the mists...!" The voice is already fading into the distance, as the window of opportunity passes, and the two ships move past one another. The Promise makes a wide half-circle turn, apparently maneuvering to meet up with the Dryad again on port side, putting the larger ship between it and the mists.

If the Cobalt Alliance does not wish to enter the mist directly... perhaps they may draw attention to themselves, disrupt the battle somehow...

---

OOC: Join battle if you're a pilot, captain or ranged weapon wielder, or otherwise want to be included in combat time (miscellaneous actions count as well).
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Sat 24 Jan 2009.

Kiana's crystal blue eyes peered into the swirling mists ahead, and after a few moments she turned her head toward the captain and let her voice carry quickly after the white flagged ship passed.  "At least half a dozen ships ahead, Captain!  Two for transporting troops, one flagship, two merchant vessels, and one or two smaller ships. I can't make them out completely, but the flagship and its cousins have the size, but are outnumbered.  No heading to report, sir--they're fighting amongst themselves and don't seem too interested in anything else."  She paused for a moment as her sensitive ears picked sounds off of the wind.

"Men are dying, sir.  Drowning and bleeding...and something else is in that mist, Captain.  Some inhuman beast the Lintha must be using.  It's roar is deafening..." She said, her voice trailing off ever so slightly at the last bit.

"Good work, Miss Kiana. We'll work with that." He pauses, looking towards the mists, then turns back and shout.

"Did you hear that, people? These folks need our assistance! We'll go and give it to them! But not brashly - we can't afford to charge in there, or we'll be just as much in need of rescuing as the people we're trying to help."

"We'll disrupt the combat from afar first! Miss Thornbloom, direct your gunners to cut the attack pattern of the aggressors. We'll need to lure them out of this mist, and towards us, so we can engage them on our terms. It's going to be difficult for our gunners to see where they're firing - so you'll have to do it with coordinates only. Miss Thornbloom, you'll coordinate your firing according to miss Kiana's directions. Make sure you coordinate your assault with her."

"Everyone else, prepare for battle immediately. Raise the cobalt flag, and make a lot of noise - enough to wake a sea devil if you must. We need to make them notice us. Once they do, and we can engage them on our terms, it'll be up to us and the Marlena to rope up these bastards and take them down."

"Chin up, people, the real deal's coming! I'm counting on each and everyone of you - Give me your worst!"

"You've got it, captain," Jadira replies affirmatively, then nods at Kiana. "Your eyes will help us aim, all right? The catapults don't have the range, but the ballistae do. And so does this beauty." Her fingers stroke the foredeck cannon lovingly.

"We'll have to face the mists and full stop for me to shoot it into the fray. That's right, I ought to let you all know--that mist there is susceptible to fire. So if you've got some convenient means of producing it, be liberal with it! Just make sure you're tossing it away from us," she cautions, chuckling.

The armswoman raises her voice then, leading the gunnery crew in a rousing, high spirited and improvised chant about the men of Cobalt triumphing over the mist-demons. They stomp their feet on the deck, shouting their defiance as they finish cranking back the bowstrings and swivel the ballistae into position. Taking heed of Jadira's advice, they ready the next wave ammunition by wrapping oil soaked rags around the head, lighting them only when ready to fire.

[Private to GM, Kiana Makohgn: Don't know of any actual Exalted rules that let someone else aim for you. Maybe Jadira and her crew will all do standard aiming, and Kiana helping out would put a +1 to the aim for teamwork.]

Jadira and the ballistae aim before firing, choosing their targets with Kiana's aid. [Private to Jadira Thornbloom, Kiana Makohgn: Jadira, aim with +1 die from Kiana, but get a -2 external penalty for the mists.] In the meantime, Donnegal (or Lasuri if he deigns to take the helm) must maneuver the Dryad, skirting close enough to see without entering the strange, chilling mist. Zeru, if he wishes to follow, may follow suit with the Marlena. [Private to Lasuri Leomaris; Peleps Zeru: Roll Wits+Sail for your respective ships.]

The Cobalt Alliance and crew start to see the outline of ships in the mist, though not individual people. The two large troop transports Kiana mentioned are beleaguered by Lintha boarders. The Navy has cannons aboard, and have blasted a few good holes into their enemies. But the Lintha simply have more ships... and who knows what else in their midst.

Of the Lintha ships, two are in too close proximity to the Navy to make a clear shot for the cannon, but the vessel Kiana points out as the Lintha flagship is not directly engaged, as well as a couple of two-masted vessels, and a single-mast. It's difficult to tell the allegiances of these other ships from here, but one of them does appear to fly Lintha colors. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: Your catch a few more details. Aboard the Lintha flagship is a strange multilimbed creature with weapons on all arms. You can see the sea roiling with tentacles, and Lintha actually walking on the waves, while ordinary men drown around them. You think another ship must have sunk here recently.]

The Promise completes its turn, flanking the Dryad close enough for their herald to shout. "Watch out for our Captain... he'd be on the Hirdu's Ambition, captured by the foul demon-spawns! We are too damaged to help -- but we will seek reinforcements!" Again the smaller ship pulls away, getting out of the way of the battle.

---

OOC: actions
tick 0 - Lintha ship 1, Navy ship 1
tick 1 - Kareth, Tageru, Hirdu's Promise, Lintha ship 2, Navy ship 2
tick 2 - Lasuri + Dryad, Lintha flagship, Mist-demon, Lintha ship 3, Unknown ship 1
tick 3 - Jadira + Kiana + ballistae, Unknown ship 2
tick 4 - ???
tick 5 - Zeru + Marlena
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:02, Tue 27 Jan 2009.

Kareth realized that his Essence cannon would do no good at this distance decided to take a different approach.  He charges his essence and with a flick of his wrist he sends a bolt of fire into the mist.

[Private to GM: charging with 3m so that's 10L for the attack.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Wed 28 Jan 2009.

"The creature is on the flag-ship, sir!  I can't count how many arms it has, and a weapon in each grip.  The Lintha...Dragons protect us, the Lintha can walk on the water, sir!  They could board us without warning, crawling right up the hull!"  She said, though not exactly frantically.  Though she was loath to admit it under such circumstances, it felt damned good to be needed like this.  Who would have guessed that a small earth aspect like her would have such sharp senses?

"I think they've already lost a ship, sir, judging by the men struggling in the water."  She leaned out on the rigging, though as they got closer, and combat more of an option, she would gladly leap down to the deck--and put those boots of her to good use.

Lasuri and Zeru, guiding their respective vessels, skirt the mist edge masterfully. They come so close to the edge that a strong wind could blow them right into it, yet maintain a course along the perimeter.

They've not yet been noticed, but it's certainly a matter of time, as the chanting of the Dryad crew reaches a crescendo!

The main battle is close enough for long range weapons to fire upon, now. The Navy men fight desperately against the Lintha attackers, heard more than seen by the Cobalt crew. Those humans that fall are consumed by the pirates, fed to their blood apes or the tentacles writhing in the sea. Or the monstrosity on the flagship, many-limbed and indistinct.

But there are Lintha, too, that fall dead to navy cutlass and flame piece. No one touches them.

---

OOC: ok, long-range folks (that'd be Jadira and Tageru :P) give me your targets and we'll get this started in earnest. ;) which ship (or large demon, you can at least make out those) you'll fire on is enough.

Kareth, you could still actually toss flame at the mist itself, if you wanted. It IS miles wide, hard to miss. :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Tue 27 Jan 2009.

(OOC: sorry for the delay.)

Relying on Kiana's sharp eyes and Lasuri's piloting skill, Jadira keeps the Dryad's large cannon trained on the Lintha flagship until her confidence in the trajectory is assured.

The crew manning the ballistae follow her lead. They've no supernatural ability to aid them, but firing in the right vicinity would be enough, for now. Enough to draw some of the Lintha ships away from the navy.

"Right into the demon's jaws..." one of them mutters, and another quips, "Are we paid enough for this?"

But when Jadira yells "FIRE!" they don't hesitate to oblige. The cannon belches a beam of pure, blazing Essence toward the enemy flagship, and the crew lights the ammo at the last moment, sending two flaming javelins in the wake of that unmistakable show of force.

[Private to GM: Pouring the max into my 1st Archery Excellency for this shot. I suppose the gunners could put either a WP or virtue (valor) into it too (ST's decision)]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Wed 28 Jan 2009.

Tageru opens the attack with a flurry of arrows, bathed in verdant light from his Wood Dragon Form. One arrow falls short, but the second strikes its mark so cleanly and silently no one on board notices their comrade fall at first.

Then Kareth's fire bolt burns through the mist in front of him. Sensing the presence of its weakness, the living mist writhes and splits to avoid it. But his Essence is just too strong, singing and harming the gaseous form as it howls in defiance, the sound seeming to come from everywhere at once. Angered, the mist starts to encroach upon the Cobalt ships, lashing back with a mental attack on the firebearer. [Private to Isole Kareth: You are now confused, though Exalted is typically vague as to how this affects anything. Let's just go with a -2 overall internal penalty, which, unfortunately, stacks with the external penalty I mention below.]

In Jadira's able hands, the Dryad cannon roars its defiance, fed energy by the Air Hearthstone serving as its battery. The blast crackles like lightning, streaking across the battlefield! The mist is not harmed, but blows back where the blast ripples through it... stopping disappointingly short of reaching the flagship. On the other hand, the ballistae fire sears through the mist, poking two more distinct holes into it as the mist parts to avoid it, provoking another disembodied roar. Only one of the flaming missiles reaches the flagship, colliding with the hull and guttering out.

Tageru lets loose a second flurry of arrows, but the Lintha are paying attention now. One target leaps clear away, but another gets struck hard on the shoulder, staggering back.

Needless to say, the gauntlet has been thrown. Two vessels split away from the battle with the Navy to support the flagship. They approach the Dryad and the Marlena while the flagship crew takes cover and prepares to evade fire. One is a two-masted war galley, the other of the bluewater merchant class, armed with artillery. The latter does not fly Lintha colors... yet it is clearly supporting them.

---

OOC: All actions requiring sight are at -2 external penalty. If you'll attack tell me which ship or creature you'll hit. With the mists about, you won't be able to choose a specific target on a ship (or even know what those specifics are) unless you first take an action to aim. Otherwise I will choose the specific target for you.

actions (trimmed to only include enemies you're directly confronting)
tick 6 - Kareth, Tageru
tick 7 - Lasuri + Dryad crew, Lintha flagship (at 500 yards), Lintha war galley (approaching at 500 yards), Mist-demon
tick 8 - Unknown Lintha ally (approaching at 600 yards)
tick 9 - Jadira + Dryad weapons, Kiana [Private to Kiana Makohgn: I'd recommend activating Earth Dragon Form!]
tick 10 - Zeru + Marlena

[Private to GM: keeping track of abstracted actions
tick 5 - Lintha/Navy ship 1 (combating one another)
tick 6 - Hirdu's Promise (moving away), Lintha/Navy ship 2 (combating one another), Mist-demon (in physical form, attacking Navy ships), Hirdu's Grace (longbow fire on the Navy)
Xander, Loukan Hirdu and 5 crewmen are on the Ambition (Unknown Lintha ally).
Mist-demon has taken 3L damage.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Sat 31 Jan 2009.

The situation on the Black Marlena is much the same. Visibility down, and the crew rattled from the idea of being enveloped in the mists, while taking on the demon scourge of the sea.

"This is absolutely... terrifyingly... CRAZY!" Cinna shouts over the crew making noise to draw the demons this way. She and Sunden are both equipped with bows, not that they can see much at all in the mists. Antov has his cutlass brandished and the twins a pair of boarding axes. "I can't believe we're even doing this!"

"Ha ha ha," chortles Antov, "now this is how the blood quickens."

I sense a great battle, Marlena speaks, not showing her form, but addressing Zeru directly. Let us show our mettle! Suddenly the boat flares with a pale purple light, a beacon the Dryad and its crew can also see. Phantasmal black feathers begin to rain down onto the hull and deck of the Marlena, seeping into the wood and strengthening it.

"...Whoa. What was THAT?" Cinna exclaims. To which the brothers provide, "She is blessing us."

[Private to Peleps Zeru: On your turn Marlena will also have a turn. I will control her, but she now has spirit charms! Over time you'll get some idea of what she is capable of.]

One of the fondest memories that Kiana had was that of her father--and more importantly, of the time they spent together.  Some of the most cherished of those moments was the training that he instilled within her, and the sparring sessions they had shared.  The order of conflict, the act of hurting or of being hurt, these things she loathed with her entire being.  But having the opportunity to share with the world that which her father had taught her?  The very skills in which she could honor him, and prove him immortal?  Those moments she loved very, very much.  And this becoming such a time!

Kiana leaped from the rigging that she had hung by, her light frame making a surprisingly solid sound as she landed in a crouch.  From that crouch, as the ships began to close the distance between them, her slate-gray eyes narrowed as her legs spread out in a low stance.  Her knees bent achingly close to the deck, and her left hand formed a knife-edge just above her knee, and the other formed a half-fist just above her forehead, both arms slightly bent at the elbow.  For those with any appreciation for the martial arts, it was easily one of the most solid stances they had every seen.  Her entire visage seem to change and shift as essence flowed into her, making the small girl seem more like a mountain than even the biggest brute.

"Let them come taste the teeth of the Earth Dragon!"

Had the crew not been preoccupied with the battle, they might have noticed their morose engineer acting out of character.  In fact, he looked as though he had trouble figuring out what was going on exactly, much the same way someone who had been drinking heavily gets confused easily.  Truth be told, under different circumstances, this would have presented a most comical scene.  However, now was not the time for laughter on anyone's part

Kareth looked around dazed for several moments and then decided to try burning the fog again.  His Essence flared and lashed out again in a second burning arc.

[Private to GM: 3m to Elemental Bolt again. 6L+4L bonus from the fire effect.
14:12, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 1 success using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,2,7,5,5,2,4,3,1,3. Elem Bolt Dmg.
14:09, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 5 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,6,4,10,6,9,6,7,4. Elem Bolt.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Thu 29 Jan 2009.

As the two ships break away from their current assault to chase the Dryad, Lasuri knows that their first goal has been achieved - they were noticed, and acknowledged as a threat. And if they can keep this impression - and escalate it by showing they are even more of a threat than the Lintha first thought - they can shift the course of this battle.

The Captain steps up, and climbs on the railing - a move that effectively puts him directly into the enemy's sights. Despite this, he stands on the edge of the Dryad, in plain view of the enemy, almost as if handing them a silent, irrefutable challenge. Strands of sea mist start to coalesce around him, forming snake like patterns that coil around his standing form. He holds his Wavecleaver and Axe in a relaxed but firm fashion, ready to meet any opposition thrown his way.

"Mister Donnegal." He calls out, eyes still affixed on the enemy. "The enemy is likely to try to outmaneuver us, and try to catch us in a ship sandwich. Try to... not let that happen. We need to maneuver where we're going to deny the fire of at least one ship, by putting one of them between us and the other at all times." With that, he gestures to the Marlena and to Captain Zeru, trusting that he would use the best of his abilities to complement to Dryad's strategy.

With that out of the way, Lasuri lifts his chin slightly, then continues. "You've got sharp senses, miss Kiana. Let us know if anyone gets on board that we didn't catch immediately. Now more than ever, you're the Dryad's senses." He turns towards her, and smiles at the display when she takes her stance, turning towards the rest of the crew.

"You've heard the lady! Don't let her do all the work here, and follow her example! Let no one get in here, and sunder anyone who tries!"[Private to GM: Activating Deck Striding Technique.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Fri 30 Jan 2009.

Tageru's body starts to glow as soon as it is obvious that the battle is inevitable. A faint, green aura quickly turns into a full green beacon of elemental energy as he performs the holy katas taught to him by his masters at the temple. He closes his eyes for a moment and when he opens them, he starts to knock, draw and loose arrows almost mechanically, and each shot a perfectly fluid motion. Green-lit arrows fly in long, graceful arcs and fall onto the unsuspecting foes, each carrying the essences of life and death combined. He just stands there silently, shooting one arrow after another onto the hateful Lintha and their demonic servants, as the ships approach.

[Private to GM: OOC: ok, so I just shoot, shoot and shoot some more. I start with one arrow at a time, and if they seem like easy prey, I start shooting two at a time, flurrying. If not, I remain focused and just shoot on. :)
I won't use any Charms for now, and instead will save Essence in case we come across something more powerful or dangerous. I activate the wood dragon form, but that's it...]

This time Jadira holds fire with the cannon, realizing the range is still too far and the blast does not affect the mist.

She turns to her people. "Those of you not at a catapult station, ready bows!" Those men (and, rarely, women) of the gunnery crew who can respond do so immediately, arming themselves with quality longbows and arrows. "Ballistas, aim! We want to disable the weapons on their artillery ship. Everyone, they'll fire on us for sure so take cover if you can!"

"Will we flame 'em ma'am?" asks one of the men standing close to her.

"You bet, we'll hit'em with all the fire we've got. Come on, get the oil passed around, the striker..." She nods approvingly as the man who spoke before designates himself 'the firestarter' while other crewmen wrap their ammo with rags. "Anyone with hands free, grab a torch! The mists despise fire -- even if you can't hit 'em with it, we might be able to force it into a physical form." Which of course wouldn't make the eristufa any safer... but she'd be able to bring more powerful weaponry to bear on it.

[Private to GM: Jadira and her crew will use 3 ticks to aim, concentrating on the artillery ship. To keep things coordinated, I'll have Jadira's archers (there would be 7 of them, as Jadira has 19 followers and 3x4 of them are manning the ballistae) fire on her next tick after the ballista fire.]

Unfortunately for Kareth, the mist is ready for him this time, shifting apart to let his blazing bolt pass through it harmlessly. His mind still feels frustratingly addled.

Tageru fires, and keeps firing, not particularly concerned at the target as long as it's Lintha or demonic. His first verdant arrow flies straight for the flagship, arcing into the cloud of limbs and weapons guarding there. The creature, certainly some form of demon, lets out an angry screech and attempts to beat the arrow away with its spear-arm. [Private to Cynis Tageru: If you're just going to fire and keep firing, I'll keep randomly choosing your targets. Your first hit the many limbed demon on the flagship. 13 sux -2 for visibility, -1 for distance, so 10 sux. The demon has total of 9 DV. in with 1, I'll presume you use broadhead since its armor is all natural.] It strikes nonetheless, stabbing through a weak point in its carapace. (2L)

"Ha ha, just trying won't cut it in these waters, eh cap'n," replies Donnegal to Lasuri, grinning fiercely. "I'll get to it imme... dia... tely..." His eyes unfocus suddenly; something in the mist has distracted him, and his hands grow still on the wheel. The Dryad is still moving forward, but drifting from the course Lasuri suggested.

The Lintha war galley and supporting artillery ship continue their approach toward the Dryad and Marlena. The galley does not appear to have any long-range weapons, but the deck holds a mix of rowers, a few auhzian swordsmen, and pair of large hulking shapes, their blood ape support. [Private to Cynis Tageru; Kiana Makohgn: You see more Lintha underneath the waves. The figures aboard the galley are not enough to overtake the Dryad. The majority are actually underwater, clinging to the belly of the ship, waiting till they are close enough to arise.]

The artillery ship lets fly with a ballista barrage, aiming to take out the Marlena quickly. [Private to Peleps Zeru: Attack successes are 2, 1, 1 after penalties for distance and visibility. Coordinated attack puts you at -4 DV. Ship DV is half (round up) of your Wits+Sail-2 (the -2 is from courier stats). Your raw total is -1 right now (effectively 0 DV). If you have sail excellencies, or want to buy one with your xp, you can add to the DV. You can also use appropriate Virtue channels or WP to help. Marlena may help also but I'll let you post first :)] Jadira's ballista teams return fire, the javelin-like ammunition sadly falling just short of their marks. "Damn this mist!"

Exposure to the mist chills the crews of both the Dryad and the Marlena. Those with a source of fire close by manage to repel it, but those who do not feel the cold seep right through to their bones (1L). The Dragon-blooded find the mist's touch uncomfortable but take no damage.

---

OOC: Sorry this was so slow. We can try speeding up toward boarding if people give me an idea of what they'll do (actions, charm use, etc.) over the next few actions.

actions
tick 11 - Kareth, Tageru
tick 12 - Lasuri + Dryad Crew, Lintha flagship (stationary at 425 yards), Lintha war galley (approaching at 350 yards), Mist-demon
tick 14 - Unknown Lintha ally (aka the artillery ship, approaching at 490 yards)
tick 15 - Kiana, Zeru + Marlena

Zeru + Marlena need to defend before their next action.
Jadira's next action won't come till the turn cycle after this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Mon 02 Feb 2009.

Zeru's hands grip the wheel tightly. His eyes are desperately searching the mists for anything that could impede their progress. "Mau!" he hears from his pocket. He looks off to his right to see a form in the mist launch some projectiles at them.

"Oh my lady grant me speed." He prays as he cuts the wheel, using his dragon graced strength to set it spinning hard to port, then again to catch it harmlessly. Da'naad seemed to be with him as the currents pushed along the stern, seemingly disturbed by the unnatural mists. "Twins... please grab the sail lines." He quickly puts his finger in his mouth gauging the wind.  "Curran three strides to me, Brogan 2 strides straight back. Cinna Antov please reciprocate, I want them scurrying." Despite his protestations he falls easily into the squad leading role. Especially in a tense situation.

"There are Lintha under water! They'll board us as soon as they get near! Prepare yourselves!" Tageru shouts, and turns his attention to the ship coming towards them. He breathes in deep, to calm himself, and goes through the Five Heartbeat Meditation, like he used to when he trained back in the Cloister. Within moments, his arms are steady, and his aim is perfect, and he calmly starts shooting at the Lintha approaching them, as if on target practice, and not in a life-or-death battle. The arrows fly toward the approaching ship, and soon, the dying screams of the demon-bloods can be heard on the Dryad.

[Private to Storyteller: OOC:
Okay, I need an estimate of how close they are, how soon they'll get to us, and how many rowers there are. If I think I can kill their rowers before they reach us, I do so, slowing them so we can destroy them with our cannon. If there are too many, or they're too fast and too close, then I start killing the Blood-Apes on board. I still do not activate any Charms, unless I think they could make a big difference. Also, I attack twice/action, since they're rowing and cannot defend themselves properly, so I can afford to lose a couple of dice. :)
And I use the appropriate type of arrow, depending on their armor.]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sun 01 Feb 2009.

Despite his confusion, Kareth could see the crew getting injured by this living mist and he barely managed to realize that something had to be done.  In a fit of righteous anger, he begins to concentrate with all his might, pushing the Mist's power from his head and molding his Essence, once more, into a ball of energy.  Suddenly, with an unintelligible grunt he, thrust the hand holding the sword out and once again throws his ball of flame into the demonic mists.

[Private to GM: Same gig,  but this time I'm spending a point of willpower to break the confusion and then I'm using the Elem Bolt again.  I'm also goin to buy 2 sux with my Archery Excellency this time.   That puts my anima banner at 4m.

01:36, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 7 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,10,1,3,7,2,6,10,9,8. Elem Bolt Dmg.
01:35, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 9 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,8,2,10,7,8,1,1,7,8,8. Elem Bolt Attack.

Attack: 9 sux
Damage: 7 sux ]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Sun 01 Feb 2009.

Struck by the angry blast of fire, the mist roars in agony, drawing away from the ship. It coagulates together, sinking lower, lower into the sea, forming into tendril-like shapes that further define themselves into the solid shape of a sea-monster.

[Private to Isole Kareth: You actually did 5, not 7 damage, since 10s don't count twice for damage... still a good hit though!]

The mist is gone... and in its place, the sea around the Spring Dryad writhes with a mass of eyes, tentacles and grasping claws (several of its appendages have been scorched black, though, useless and charred.) Any normal ship would be lacerated by its grip, but the Dryad's hull holds firm, dragging the monster along with it. With the creature clinging to the ship, however, its speed slows considerably!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Mon 02 Feb 2009.

Tageru's arrows start raining down on the war galley, focusing first on the biggest targets -- the blood apes. One arrow slams into the sternum of the first erymanthus, so hard it staggers back, roaring its blind wrath at the distant attacker. The second slams into the skull, dropping it immediately. [Private to Cynis Tageru: You nearly one-shotted a blood ape, haha! Just 2 HLs off.]

The screams that come are not so much dying screams as howls, the large creature crashing onto the deck as the Lintha on board crouch for what cover they can find. Except the rowers -- they have no choice but to row, and the spike-armored bosun is visible on board, heavy with the whip as he strides back and forth, forcing them to keep on moving!

[Private to Cynis Tageru: Ok, there's about 22 rowers. And they're going at a rate of 15/tick, while Dryad is approaching at roughly 7/tick. So 110 per 5 ticks, that means they'll be within a reasonable distance to board in 3 turns. With your rate (2) you wouldn't actually put them below their minimum for rowing at normal speed. So... I'll have you hit the blood apes first.

Also, stunts.. you got +2 last time and +1 this time, not sure I said before.]

Zeru's natural instincts as a sailor prove true, as does the loyalty of his crew... and his ship. The heavy ballista shots strike the water on either side of the Marlena as she bravely skips between them, guided by her Captain's hand. [Private to Peleps Zeru: +2 stunt was enough to keep you safe!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Mon 02 Feb 2009.

The trimaran flagship remains distant, holding its position. Without the mists in the way, though, the Cobalt Alliance force sees the distant flare of dark, infernal essence emanating from the flagship deck. The Lintha's sorcerer is casting a spell, guarded by the shape of the many-limbed chitinous demon holding weapons in every hand.

The Wavecrest Navy is still fighting bravely, two ships against two, perhaps bolstered by the arrival of 'reinforcements' -- whomever they may be. They do not ask questions for now, but use the confusion roused by the mists dropping away and the sudden arrival of their allies.

Curled around the Dryad, the materialized eristufa continues to seize Donnegal's mind while the pilot struggles to throw off the illusion.

The artillery ship reloads, sending another barrage flying, this one not nearly as organized as before. They do not aim for the ship's hull -- perhaps realizing from Zeru's quick maneuvering how closely he and the Marlena are tied -- but fire directly at captain and crew. Two ballista shots arc toward Zeru's place at the wheel; the others toward Cinna and Brogan, who duck for cover as best they can! [Private to Peleps Zeru: Oops, disregard my first series of rolls, used the wrong dice. It's 5 and 4 dice on you, 7 on Brogan, 6 on Cinna.

You've got 3 choices here...
1) Defend individually. The ballista shots miss you, but Brogan and Cinna are on their own to defend.
2) Use sail skill to avoid all the shots, like last turn. This time your DV starts at 3. But you'll need 3 more DV to cover Cinna and 4 more to cover Brogan.
3) Ask Marlena to take over the ship and dodge it herself.

Also, you're moving over 2x as quickly as the Dryad now that they're tentacle-trapped. Are you going to head toward boarding the war galley, or the artillery ship?]

---

OOC: Annnd there we go. The galley is just continuing to row, for now, they used their turns taking cover. I'm holding on the eristufa's action for Lasuri.

Seeing this as his chance to finally clear the demon from this battle, Lasuri doesn't hesitate once he sees the opportunity. He takes a step on the railing, watching the beast down below, before turning back to the crew for a moment - Donnegal is obviously affected by something, and the tentacles keep the Dryad from moving at its normal speed, and so clearly, something has to be done.

"Keep your wits, people! We'll soon get company up here. Show them how we receive people we don't want as guests, and don't let up. I have to go swat a big fly, but I'll be back in just a moment."

And with that, he takes another step... This time towards the side of the ship. Strangely enough, gravity seems to ignore him as he walks on the side of the ship, walking downwards towards the water - as if the side of the Dryad had suddenly become the floor for him. With practiced stride, he crosses the distance between himself and the waterfront... And the demon grabbing the ship. He faces the creature, sword and axe pointing downwards, and meets the demon's gaze evenly.

"I'm the Sea Drake." He announces, without fanfare. "This is my ship. That up there is my crew, and my people. I'm a forgiving man... But messing with either's the best way to earn no quarter from me. You're two out of two." His stance shifts slightly, his weapons raising only a bit from their original position.

"You'll have to go."

In a surge of black, watery essence, he surges forward - downwards, as most people would see it - and lets loose with one attack of each weapons that seem to crash upon the demon with the strength of a Tidal Wave.

Jadira rallies her crew during the reloading process. "Keep it up, ammo ready on the double! The faster we shoot 'em down, the better!" Without the mist, they'll have a chance to really make a difference in this battle. And if the ship would just get a little closer... she'd hammer the galley with their cannon, as well.

For now she takes up the strongbow she'd been keeping in reserve. If the blast wouldn't reach right away, she would contribute to the arrow volley first -- and if she could, help Lasuri do something to finish off that tentacly mess below!

(OOC: she isn't actually acting since I didn't get a tick. Just preparing!)

"YOU THINK TO HIT MY CREW!?" Zeru shouts in mad glee towards the artillery ship? He Cuts the wheel again, "Brogan, Curren, back to your original positions." His smile grows wider, as his voice grows hushed. All the fury of Da'naad coursing through his veins. "My lady help me guide us through this volley that we may strike back at our foes." As he says the words his voice rises from the trickle of a mountain stream to the volume of a roaring waterfall. In a crescendo he shouts towards his men. "BOYS PREPARE FOR BATTLE! WE'RE GONNA SEND THEM BACK TO WHATEVER HELL SPAWNED THEM" He laughs loudly into the wind and the salty spray.

He lets the wind and currents push the ship back in line with the artillery ship so that the beasts aboard can feel their death approaching on black wings.

[Private to Storyteller: Another stunt attempt, although this one is more about his voice seeing as he's gonna channel valor into it. Whatever I don't get from the stunt and the channeling I'll use sail excellency for]

The Dryad crew hardly blinks an eye as Lasuri disappears off the side of the ship. It's not the first time they've ever seen it, after all. Some of them even cheer!!

Come then, Dragon-child. Lasuri hears the voice of the eristufa penetrate into his mind as he runs along the side of the ship to meet the sea-monster. It feels like cold fingers penetrating through his skull, like being dashed suddenly with cold water. I will savor the taste of your ill-thought valor.

The clawed tentacles rise to fend off his weapons, but it's not enough to stop him. Both wavecleaver and axe come away dripping with the demon's ichor. As he takes a step back, he sees the eyes of the eristufa blink as one, rising on tendrils to gaze at him balefully.

Enough. Lasuri feels the demon's presence pushing forcefully into his thoughts. Seizing for what is important and discarding the rest, like a child careless with toys. His mind is filled with delusions of what could be. The Dryad captured by the Lintha, brought courageously to Bluehaven. His crew put to slavery, his woman made Lintha cousin, forever his enemy. Despair. The Realm had turned from him and so would everything else he loves crumble to dust.

As the images rush dizzily through his mind--so does the eristufa's tentacles rouse themselves, slashing at Lasuri from either side, and finally grasping at him tight! [Private to Lasuri Leomaris: One tentacle slash in with 1 sux, and a clinch with 4 sux.]

As Lasuri fends off the sea-demon, the ships continue to encroach upon each other.

Tageru fires at the next blood ape, the first arrow sinking into the shoulder, the second deep into the chest, but displaced just enough not to be fatal.

The men on the galley just keep on rowing -- or crouching. Waiting their turn. The Lintha clinging to the hull beneath the galley do not care if they've been seen or not. The time for battle will soon come.

Again, Zeru's piloting skills and leadership ability help steer the Marlena away from the second barrage. The courier captain is at the top of his form, his crew perfectly in time with his commands as his words stir them to action! [Private to Peleps Zeru: Your last post was great! I'll give it a +3, and I'll let your stunt carry over for the next ballista attack I just rolled. This means you have a DV of 6 for this turn, too.] Seeing the Marlena speeding their way, and the strength and solidary of Zeru and his crew, the Lintha on the artillery ship do their very best to use distance to their advantage while they can. A third ballista volley comes arcing for the courier ship, but even with Marlena's aid, one of the shots tears into and splinters part of her hull! [Private to Peleps Zeru: You and Marlena dodged all but the 12 successes one. I'll roll your Sail excellency, which added 5 successes, but Marlena still got clipped!] (3L damage)

"No, no, NO!! That's not how it should go at ALL!!" Marlena fumes, feathers ruffled by the damage. "Zeru, get ready, we're going to pick up speed NOW!" And with another flare of the spirit's pale purple Essence, the black-winged courier begins to fly across the waves toward the artillery ship! [Private to Peleps Zeru: Marlena is now using Landscape Travel, double speed.]

---

OOC: actions [Private to Cynis Tageru, Isole Kareth: I've been using the wrong spd for both of you, should be 6 each. Tageru has the green jade bonus, not general jade bonus. So I'm starting to adjust to that from now on.]
tick 17 - Kareth, Tageru, Lasuri + Dryad crew, Lintha flagship, Lintha war galley
tick 18 - Jadira + Dryad weapons, Unknown artillery ship
tick 20 - Kiana, Zeru + Marlena

distances (at tick 17)
Lintha flagship (395 yards from Dryad)
Lintha war galley (240 yards from Dryad)
Artillery ship (442 yards from Dryad)]

distances (at tick 20)
Lintha flagship (280 yards from Marlena)
Lintha war galley (85 yards from Marlena)
Artillery ship (311 yards from Marlena)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:52, Tue 03 Feb 2009.

"Ah, captain, my captain,"  Kareth thinks to himself as he sees Lasuri walk down the side of Dryad.  Truth be told is that he was impressed with the man so far, not that anyone could tell from his sulking glares.  It was for this reason that the new engineer walks to the edge of the boat, took his piece, and begins to take careful aim on the tentacles of the demon where were attacking Lasuri.

[Private to GM: One attack with very small essence cannon.  +2 sux from Excellency 00:18, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 6 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,6,7,5,7,7,2,7,4,10. Essence Cannon Dmg.
00:17, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 3 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,9,3,5,3,2,5,8,9. Attack with Very Small Essence Cannon.

Attack:  5 sux
Damage:  6B (piercing)
-1 DV
Oh and I forgot to ask about it on the last one so I'll ask here... stunt? (probably not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.)  BTW, if I spend another 2m my anima is at the 8m level which means it would be noticeable to everyone.]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Mon 02 Feb 2009.

The images assail him, and force him to take a step back as the violence of their precise nature invade his mind. For but a moment, he is forced to contemplate all the scenarios the demon wishes him to see, and to feel their horror as the feelings associated with each and every one threaten to overtake him.

But somewhere, deep down, at the core of his being, the Captain continues the fight. This source of will and determination, small as a seed within his psyche, gradually grows bigger and bigger, until it threatens to overtake the images the demon would play for him. It spreads across the nightmarish scenes like hair-thin lines scattering across glass following the breaking of a windowpane. And then, in one burst, it explodes in a million glittering shards, revealing new images within the Sea Drake's mindscape.

The Dryad, proudly surviving against odds it shouldn't, in various scenery from West to East.
The crew of the ship, Donnegal in the lead, recruited from all walks and all areas, fighting against things that would normally scare mortals into complete submission, pride and courage swelling their hearts.
The members of the Cobalt Alliance, shoulder to shoulder as they cover each others' backs in a sea of flames, refusing to give in even an inch of their precious ideals even in the face of overwhelming odds.
A brown haired girl, spirited and care-free, maturing into a hardened combat veteran, keeping up her spirits and fierce determination through almost-impossible situations, from combat to imprisonment - no matter the scene, she remains only a touch away from Lasuri himself, never straying.

The images of his people swell his heart with pride, and no demon-induced despair can take hold of him in the face of such.

"...You're wrong if you think that's all it takes." He finally says, his stance firm and his mind unbroken, as he swiftly sidesteps the first attack by the beast, deftly jumping aside on the Dryad's side. "You think I'm the only thing that will keep these people going? You could kill me right here, and it would only make them fight harder, and make their spirits grow fiercer. It'll take more than a few scares to keep the Alliance down, with or without me."

The Sea Drake himself is as unpredictable as the sea, using the advantage of his otherwise impossible position to step and weave away from the monster's attack, his eyes never leaving that of the beast's. "We're not bound like you, Demon. We don't break from a world of enslavement into another sort of slavery like you do. Contrary to your kind, we've not accepted our fate. We fight for it. Every damn inch of it." He moves almost as if he had the knowledge of where the tentacles would strike next, putting himself in positions where the appendages would have to work against one another in order to catch him.

"You might set us back, kill some of us, make us taste defeat and sorrow... But you're never going to kill our will. And as long as there's only a single breath in our collective bodies... You'll lose. As long as one of us is standing, you'll be sent screaming to that forsaken abyss that spawned your sorry carcass."

Before Kiana could shout the warning to the Captain about the Lintha under the waves, Tageru was ahead of her.  Contrary to some sort of fleeting jealousy, she was grateful--knowing that his senses were also sharp took the edge off of her apprehension.  She was happy that she was given the role of the Dryad's eyes and ears, but knowing that did put a small weight on her shoulders.

She marveled at the bravery of the Captain as he dove at the demon.  The creature was easily the most immediate threat, as they hadn't been boarded just yet--but could the Captain take the demon all on his own?

She flirted with the idea of following the Captain's example and diving at the demon.  True, the water was not her element, but in that same regard, Earth was not Water's element either.  Maybe she would have an advantage against a creature whose home was the waves?  Then again, they had cannons and arrows to support the Cap'n, so maybe jumping into such a mess wasn't the most intelligent thing for her to do.  For now, she would wait.

As the Marlena grants the ship speed Zeru's smile grows even faster. The speed the chase, the dodging of ballistas, it all added to his excitement as his battle with the artillery ship grew to a climax. Through the wind brought about by speed he shouted to his crew. "KEEP STEADY, AT THIS RATE WE'LL CLOSE IN NO TIME!" Zeru's body, and grinning face, stands unmoving as if the ship was still in calm seas, and yet the sea was moving at unbelievable speeds. His connection with the Marlena, and with Da'naad kept his hands on the wheel and his feet firmly on the ground. He carefully kept the ship on course... flying straight at the artillery ship that hounds them. The Lintha may use demons to add power to their ranks but they'll have never seen the like of Peleps Zeru, for he was a maelstrom of destruction.

[Private to Storyteller: 11:53, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,6,4,7,10,4,5,3. Wits+Sail High speed sailing!. Going for the artillery-ship ]

Lasuri simply cannot be beaten by the eristufa's dark illusions. The captain bravely dodges the tentacle slashes, his feet still planted firmly on the side of the Dryad's hull. But the third spiny tentacle grasps hold of him and starts to squeeze, the barbs piercing the joints of his reinforced armor to sting at his flesh! (1L damage)

The grasping tentacle yanks Lasuri high into the air, holding him tight, clearly intending to harry the rest of the crew now that their leader is held fast. But in its weakened state, the eristufa's reflexes are too poor to avoid Kareth's firearm. The essence blast scores a direct hit, and the tentacle holding Lasuri blasts right off... sending the captain plunging right into the water.

The demon's body begins to flicker, as if once again going indistinct. But rather than reforming into mists, it appears to simply be ... dissolving! A heavy mist colors the sea a dark shade of green as its form in Creation dies and fades away, swallowed back up into the the bowels of Malfeas it was born in. I will remember this, Cobalt Alliance... my mother and brothers and sisters will ever despise you! One day... ONNnee dAAyyy...

As the Dryad regains its mobility, and its pilot his senses, Zeru masterfully controls the Marlena's incredible advance. The spirit of the ship shares in his exhilarated laughter, the courier moving entirely too fast and at too direct a course for the artillery ship to get another shot! [Private to Peleps Zeru: Yay! I loved the avatar you made. :) Also... another +2 stunt for you, and you manage to keep control AND make yourself a very difficult target. Next post (I'll have the next tick count in soon) you'll have to make a boarding action while at speed. So give your crew some directions, and then do a Dex+Athletics roll. Basically... you're jumping on!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Tue 03 Feb 2009.

The torsion cords and pulleys of Jadira's Lookshy strongbow shift, supplementing her strength as she effortlessly draws back the bowstring. She has prepared a trio of arrows -- two of them normal, blazing arrows, and a third 'special' round consisting of a glass ball with flammable resin.

"Archers, on the rowers, ballistas, on the ship!" With the artillery and bowmen armed, loaded and organized, there's only one thing left for the armswoman to order. "FIRE!" she yells, and a volley of flaming arrows and ballista ammo flies toward the approaching war galley! She wasn't in time to help with the demon, but she doesn't worry herself over Lasuri submerged in the sea -- not yet, anyway. He is, after all, a chosen of Danaa'd; for him, the ocean is home.

She, too, is in her natural element, handling the bow as if it were an extension of her own body. Sextes Jylis, guide my aim! Jadira prays fervently, and then aloud, "Let's do this, Darling!"

Whoever 'Darling' may be is unexplained, as Jadira lets the arrow shafts fly with incredible speed. Imbued with Wood Essence, they join the volley already arcing to meet the galley and its crew. The twin burning heads dive down to pierce the striding Lintha subofficer, the incendiary head following a split second later to impact right at his feet! [Private to GM: Swallows Defend the Nest for 3 shots at once. I'll put 2m Archery excellency into each. Next turn she'll definitely use the cannon, though.]

Tageru's arrows join with the Dryad's volley. The second blood ape topples and dies with another arrow driven into its brain, but the second arrow finds no mark, the Lintha subofficer cutting arrows aside with slashes from his auhzian blade.

Four rowers perish where they sit, their bodies engulfed in flame. Another arrow from Jadira nicks the subofficer's side (2L), and he hisses, spewing out a string of curses in some mangled form of Old Realm that (to those who understand the language) allude to violent copulating of their enemy's mothers and kin. The incendiary arrow collides with the galley's deck, immediately spreading flaming resin that ignites the surface ravenously!

The screams and the fire disturb the other rowers, and the subofficer fumes and spits at them, stamping at the flames. "Steady course! Keep rowing, keep rowing you fools! Move clear of the path of their cannon!" He makes a sharp gesture, insisting on haste, refusing to duck even with the arrows coming at him. Addressing the Dryad, he calls out, "I am Lintha Dara-Said Brother Juza, Third Son of Father Hazhain Sul! You will regret the day you have crossed the Lintha of Dara-Said!"

The galley keeps rowing, closing the distance toward the Dryad. The Marlena speeds right past the galley, while the artillery ship continues its course to intercept them, taking aim for the Dryad's archers and artillerists instead! One archer and one ballista operator are struck by the spear-like ammo, deeply wounded. Tageru simply swats the shot away, but Jadira is in danger of getting struck... [Private to Jadira Thornbloom: 1 sux in, choose how you'll add to defense.]

Further away, the sorcerer on the flagship completes her spell, summoning an icy blue-grey fog that engulfs part of the deck. Apparently further protection against projectiles, with the mist demon now gone. They remain for now a distant threat, while the Wavecrest Navy continues to hold their own against the other two Lintha warships.

---

OOC: actions
tick 22 - Lasuri + Dryad crew, Lintha flagship, Lintha galley
tick 23 - Kareth, Tageru
tick 24 - Jadira + Dryad weapons, Unknown artillery ship
tick 25 - Kiana, Zeru + Marlena

distances (at tick 22)
Lintha flagship (328 from Dryad, 200 from Marlena)
Lintha war galley (130 from Dryad; Marlena is pulling away from it)
Artillery ship (340 from Dryad, 217 from Marlena)

current speeds
Dryad - 15/tick
Marlena - 40/tick
Lintha flagship - 0/tick
Lintha war galley - 10/tick (moving toward Dryad)
Artillery ship - 7/tick (moving toward Marlena)

Zeru grips the wheel with a smile on his face and a song of battle in his heart. He turns his head to his crew. "Prepare to board men." He says calmly his words soothing the anxieties of his crew. "The Marlena will guide us to the enemy, and the momentum will be on our side." His voice starts to rise. "We are with the Cobalt Alliance, and this artillery ship is harrying our brothers. We shall show these demons what it means to attack our brothers. The captain has vanquished the demon of the mist and now we will vanquish it's summoners." He strengthens their resolve with more of the captain's Zeal than his own. "Remember your tactics, watch each other, and take them down one at a time. I will be watching."

"And my lady, do stay out of harm's way. It would not do to lose our home, I could find no ship to match your spirit, or heart." "MAU!" "Coral will stay behind." He adds letting the cat drop from his pocket. "She's grown rather attached to you."

With that he prepares to board himself. His eyes narrowed in a dangerous fashion, his grin more maniacal, and less warm. His muscles tense like those of his partner and wait for the precise moment to unleash their fury on his enemies. His blue chain spinning like the maelstrom from which he ascended.

[Private to Storyteller: 16:07, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 3 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,6,1,8,8,5,7. Str + Ath BOARDING!. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Tue 03 Feb 2009.

The blast sends him plummeting in the waters below, but it is with the knowledge of the defeat of his enemy that Lasuri dives, and his pride in his crew and comrades could not be greater. For a moment, the Sea Drake is nowhere to be seen, the waters around where he fell becoming quieter. It is after a short moment that he finally reemerges, walking from the bottom of the Dryad all the way up its wall, slightly ruffled but mostly undamaged.

His stride his quick and his pace hurried, and he does not wait to be at the top of the railing before he shouts more commands. "The demon has fallen!" he announces, to confirm the kill, and he nods towards Kareth's leaning form as he says so, saluting the crafter with a smile and a salute with the tip of his Wavecleaver. "But our watchers are right, there's a lot of Lintha dogs down there. Mister Kareth, lead the operations as follows - crew, listen to this and follow mister Kareth's instructions to the letter. I want all the netting we can find brought immediately to the middle of the ship, and I want it as soaked in oil as you can get it. We'll toss the netting around the ship, and mister Kareth will set it ablaze... We'll teach those short-sighted freaks what it costs to dive without knowing what you'll emerge into."

He takes a moment to look to the side, and sees the galley coming, furrowing his brow. "Miss Kiana. I might have to take the bar to make sure we match the galley ahead. When I do, the infantry is under your command. You might not have led people in battle before, but I know you can do it; I trust your eyes and your ability to assess the situation, and it's only a short stretch from there to apply that to what you know of combat. Think of the crew as a single person, apply the same principles you would in your battles, and you'll do fine." He smiles encouragingly towards the girl, then turns towards the gunners.

"Miss Thornbloom, Mister Tageru... keep our ranged cover under control, and make sure that galley doesn't move to where it's going to be disadvantageous. Keep your fire focused, and make sure it knows it will need to move where you allow it to move."

"It's about to get heated up here, so get to work, people!"

Kareth raises his piece to his brow returning the informal salute, but looks incredibly displeased at his orders.  He stares at his hands momentarily obviously deep in thought and conflicted.  If one could hear his thoughts, they'd hear "I've used all my personal essence already, too much more and my anima will flare.  If it were just the Captain, the girl, and the monk, then it might be okay but..." here his thoughts cut off and he glances at Jadira manning the guns.  "Perhaps she's too busy to notice," he thinks to himself.  He then calls out to the men who he would be directing, "You heard the captain.  Move!  I need every shred of netting you can find along with any spare rope.  You there, go find all the oil the archers can spare.  If it's too small to be of any use or has holes which are too large, then bring it to me."

Already, the crew had started to respond to their captain's orders.  Kareth sheaths both his weapons, thankful that he had already activated his bracers.  He knew that he couldn't possibly create new netting in such a short period of time, but he did think he could get the smaller nets tied together into several larger blankets which could be easily thrown into the water at different intervals.

As the material came in, he immediately set to work putting the scraps together into larger nets.  His bracers glow with a light blue liht momentarily as the essence projections extend and nimbly begin to manipulate the ropes into tight knots.  "Men, be ready with the oil and begin soaking the larger pieces," he said trying to sound authoritative, but knowing that when the crew acted on his word, it was merely due to the respect they had for their Captain.  He had the men connect several of the nets together with oiled rope.  He knew anything in between the two nets would not be caught by the rope but he hoped to cut down the time it took to deploy the nets and on the essence spent igniting pieces.  Lastly, he made sure each net was properly waited to ensure easy deployment through throwing.

When the nets came together and were both properly oiled and weighted, Kareth called back to Lasuri "Ready on your orders, Captain."

[Private to GM: 23:40, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 3 successes using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,6,7,8. Int + Craft(Wood):  net prep.

Sux: 6 (3 from roll + 3 from bracers)

Stunt for the net prep?]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Wed 04 Feb 2009.

Jadira manages a last-moment dodge through sheer determination, the enemy ballista shot landing uselessly on the Dryad's deck. She snaps immediately, "You two, help the wounded out of the way. You, take over Tarim's place at ballista number two! All right, we're going to blast 'em with all we've got!"

She hardly has the time to register Kareth's displeasure, but directs another of hers to help the engineer. Along with the wounded and those bringing them away to sickbay, she has only three of her archers left to her, but this time she can bring both the main cannon and the onagers to bear.

Putting aside the bow now she grasps the controls of the large essence cannon, swiveling the barrel on its turret to follow the progress of the galley. Oh no you don't, she thinks, her emerald eyes bright and fierce, you aren't getting away this time.

"Onagers, ready firepot payloads, aim for their starboard bow! We'll time this together, force them to dodge right into the cannon blast. Ballistas, load up, aim for the body of the ship! Archers, keep harrowing the rowers!" A flick of Jadira's thumb and a keystroke arms the cannon, and the barrel begins to pulse visibly with blue energy. She is the picture of intense concentration, her mind working to align the trajectories, to predict the movements of the galley, waiting for that perfect, crystal clear moment where it all comes together... "Now! FIRE!"

[Private to GM: so.. I guess I'm splitting 3 times ;.; switch weapon, coordinate attack with 2 onagers, then fire the cannon at the galley. I'll put 6 dice into the attack with excellency. Also channeling valor!

and sorry, added the dodge of the ballista attack! Used a WP there to defend, before my action.]
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Thu 05 Feb 2009.

She certainly wasn't prepared to accept such responsibility so quickly--this wasn't her first fight, no, but she had never lead a group of people into combat.  She had studied her Father's victories and (few) defeats to the point of exhaustion, and while several of them were naval battles, it still made her heart skip a beat when she was given the sudden news.

"..A-aye aye, sir!" She stuttered at first, but quickly regained her composure, and even gave a bit of a salute, perhaps to calm her own mind and settle the nerves a bit.  And, honestly, she was a bit shocked in awe at what the Captain had single-handedly done to that water demon!

Still, if he had to take the Bar, she would be ready.  And it wouldn't be long now before they were boarded, and before her fists and feet became just as important as her eyes and ears.  The firing of the arrows, the deafening booms of the cannon--all of it was new and exciting, like watching your favorite story come to life.  Her father would be devastated to see her in such warfare, but Kiana also knew that deep down, her Father would be proud that a captain would so blindly put her in command of his troops.

That's my girl.

Kareth's work with the nets is masterful even with a short amount of time to work, yielding two large oiled nets that could be cast on either side of the ship. [Private to Isole Kareth: +3 stunt this time, hopefully that might keep you from showing your secret!] The entire deck is suffused with the oil fumes, making breathing uncomfortable for those unused to the smell. Fortunately, both the sails and body of the Dryad are effectively fireproof, so there's no worry about the boat going up in flames before the trap can be cast.

While Jadira shouts her commands, Tageru shoots another pair of arrows at the Lintha subofficer, Juza. His first arrow is casually shredded, but the second pierces through his defenses, sinking into his arm. He bares his fangs, clearly irate, commanding the rowers to propel his ship away from the cannon's trajectory.

Unfortunately for him, the onager firepots arc toward the galley's point of escape. One explodes near the bow, actually blasting a small chunk off the hull, and the rowers instinctively swerve the vessel back the other way.

To Juza's credit, he'd managed a near-escape against the odds, but it just isn't enough. The essence beam erupts from the cannon, ripping diagonally through the galley's starboard side, right through to the stern. The entirety shreds apart in an explosion of hull fragments and Lintha flung apart by the concussive force of the blast. Many of them, Juza included, manage to dive free before getting caught in it, but a dozen rowers are caught in the blast or pierced by well-placed arrows from Jadira's archers. It's very doubtful they survived. [Private to Jadira Thornbloom: +2 stunt]

The galley wreckage is about 35 yards away now. The surviving Lintha have already plunged into the sea, taking advantage of gills and natural swimming talents to avoid any further arrow fire. No doubt they will emerge again: over three dozen still remain.

---

OOC: actions
tick 27 - Lasuri + Dryad crew, Lintha flagship (still observing, distance: 233 from Dryad), Lintha galley crew (underwater, moving)
tick 28 - Kareth, Tageru
tick 29 - Jadira + Dryad weapons
tick 30 - Kiana

The Lintha galley crew will be close enough to board by tick 29 or 30 (assuming the Dryad doesn't slow down) but Lasuri/Kareth get a chance to set their trap first. if you want to hold till the galley crew show themselves again, go ahead!

Wavecrest Navy ships are still battling and surviving, as far as you can tell. Zeru and crew, your part with the artillery ship is coming next (it'll be separated from the Dryad's battle soon)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Thu 05 Feb 2009.

The crew of the Marlena respond to Zeru's speech with enthusiasm and bravery. "You've got it, cap'n!" "Ready as ever!" "Yes sir!" Sunden doesn't talk, of course, but he's smiling, with a pair of long knives in his hands. Brogan and Curran have their axes, Antov his chopping sword, and Cinna a straight sword with a point. "For the Cobalt Alliance!" they shout.

Marlena's voice manifests for the entire crew to hear. "Destroy the ones who dared hurt me!" she demands, as she brings the courier close in a risky but calculated move. It almost looks as if they'll crash right into the bigger ship, but at the last moment the spirit-manned ship pulls parallel with the artillery ship, giving the crew just enough of a window to hop on.

"Go!" Zeru swings from the rigging, landing solidly on the enemy's deck while his five crewmen follow suit with running leaps. All five make it, though Brogan and Curran are clinging precariously at the edge for a moment until they pull themselves up bodily, using their axes as an anchor!

And the Marlena wheels away, making a wide circle back toward the Dryad -- not intending to attract the flagship's attention any time soon. Lucky Coral is left at the helm, and looks quite pleased about it.

---

OOC: Zeru and artillery ship will now be handled in a different thread! [Private to Peleps Zeru: Go to Chapter 2, Phase 3 Intermission - Ill-Fated Voyage.]

Lasuri cannot help but smile at the concentrated efforts of everyone, and the high degrees of success they seem to be getting. Truly, the Alliance is starting to move out of its incredibly humble origins - a group comprised of two Dragon-Blooded and the skeleton crew of their ship - and has begun to evolve into something else. Something greater.

He sends a last salute towards the Marlena as the ship moves to face its own battles. Lasuri trusts Zeru and his crew implicitly, and knows that no matter the odds, no matter what it would take, they would ultimately emerge victorious. And with that thought in mind, he turns back towards his own ship, and to the hard work and efforts of his people. Kareth managed to do a wonderful job in a very short amount of time, something that will likely greatly aid them in the coming battle. As for Jadira and the gunners, their handling of the galley ahead is nothing short of prodigious. With a big clap of his hands that end up splashing water around him from his wet clothes, the Captain calls to order.

"Spectacular job, gunner crew! Couldn't have asked for better job! Now get ready to defend your skins while you scan ahead - there's gonna be boarders in here, and although we'll do our damndest to make sure it doesn't happen, there might be people that will manage to make it to the gun deck. Stay on your toes!"

"Again, great work, mister Kareth. Now, the crew from that galley will reach us pretty soon - and they'll try to board us, likely. Drop the trap immediately, and ignite it as soon as possible. We'll zoom past some of these swimmers I suspect, but the more damage we do, the better." He smiles at the dour artificer, and nods. "I leave to you, Mister Kareth. Do your worst, I know the Lintha will remember it for generations to come."

"Miss Kiana - the galley's down, but I don't trust that flagship to remain quiet forever. I'll need to be ready to grab the helm at the moment's notice. Which means we don't change our original plan. You'll be in charge of the ship's defense team, so I can focus on coordinating everything else." He nods grimly, then smiles encouragingly to the girl. "Give it all you've got, lady. I know you can do it." He then turns towards the rest of the crew, then bellows out.

"Allright, those assigned to ship defense, you take your cues from miss Kiana! You breathe when she tells you to breathe, you attack when she says to attack, and you pull back when she tells you to pull back. And before you try to wisecrack me mister Leeds, the answer to your question is yes - you need to ask her if you need to use the bathroom." His smile widens, betraying the camaraderie he has with the people under him, and then the smile turns almost wolfish as he raises his Wavecleaver, stepping closer to the ship's wheel.

"Allright, let's be the ones to teach the Lintha they don't own these damn waters!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Sat 07 Feb 2009.

After finishing with the netting, Kareth felt refreshed.  Battle was not something that came naturally to him, but putting things together, now that was another story.  It made him feel... alive.  With the captain's orders to throw the nets and light them, Kareth turns to the archer Jadira had sent to help him and says "Go to port, ready a fire arrow and shoot the nets once they're thrown, use a fowling arrow if you have one.  If not, just make sure it gets lit."  Once Kareth reaches the starboard side of the vessel, he shouted his command as loud as he could so that he'd be heard clear on the other side of the deck:  "THROW THE NETS!"

Once again, his fiery essence condensed before his body.  Once again, Kareth sent it forward, this time into the netting just settling into the water.

[Private to GM: Elemental Bolt into the starboard netting to set it on fire.  1m. ]

Kareth and his assistant toss down the nets as the Dryad pulls past the galley wreckage. About 15 Lintha miss the first chance to board, left in the Cobalt flagship's wake, but 25 more latch onto the hull with their hooked swords... only to find themselves caught in the burning surprise as it's set ablaze!

The Dryad drags the burning net along with the Lintha clinging to the hull as the demon-spawn curse and spit and struggle to cut free of it to board. They are made of strong stuff, these demon-pirates, braving the flames with mostly minimal damage.

Meanwhile Lasuri continues on course, bringing the Dryad ever closer to the unmoving flagship, still obscured by the sorceress's icy, protective fog. Another flare of dark Essence indicates the presence of sorcery aboard the vessel, while Jadira and Tageru may choose their targets as they wish. Kareth is in range to fire down at the Lintha attempting to board, as well.

The flagship looms closer, enough that one can start to make out individual figures. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: You can see the crew preparing bows to fire at the Dryad. They seem to have no artillery weapons on board, though.] The visible crew of the flagship numbers about 20, not including the sorceress, the many-armed demon protecting her, and the imposing figure crossing his arms at the helm.

---

OOC: All the Lintha that got caught succeeded at resistance rolls. 5 took no damage, 20 took 1B damage. All of them are still stuck in the nets, losing their turn and exposing them to flame another turn before they can start climbing up.

So we're speeding up slightly. 10 ticks will pass. [Private to Cynis Tageru; Jadira Thornbloom: Both of you have the equivelant of two full actions to attack. Valid targets are: (on Lintha flagship) the helmsman, the sorceress, the crew, the many-limbed demon; (in the water) the Lintha trying to board the Dryad.][Private to Isole Kareth: You have time for one action to attack the boarding Lintha with your very small cannons.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:14, Sun 08 Feb 2009.

Kiana's group of defenders consists of 12 men and 3 women, wielding chopping swords or axes with bucklers. The majority of them are older than her, but they look ready and willing to help her out. Leeds twinkles at her from underneath a brimmed hat. "We're your honor guard now, little lady."

One of the women jabs him in the ribs. "C'mon, cut that out. Miss Kiana, we're the Alliance's frontliners. We're among the first to stand with Captain Lasuri. And we won't be the last. The name is Saari. That's Leeds..." she swats at the man next to her and points out others. "Quinn, Rowe, Madigan, Cray, Silva, Duarte..."

"Blythe," speaks up a younger man with brown hair, and another, dark haired, "Csinta." Even while the impromptu roll call goes on, the crewmen do their best to aid the archers, going so far as to toss firepots like makeshift grenades down where the Lintha are struggling.

Mister Donnegal, who has finally managed to shake off the effect of the images the eristufa sent at him, shakes his head a little groggily. "What's our heading, Captain," he finally manages to croak out, and clears his throat, gripping the wheel as his alertness returns. "Don't be leaving your old friend out of the fun, eh?"

"Well, here it begins for real" Tageru says grimly as the Lintha attach themselves to the hull of the Dryad and he looks over the side of the ship to see the demon-pirates approaching. The Wood Immaculate frowns even deeper than he usually does, and his green eyes are ablaze with emerald lights and the power of Sextes Jylis himself.
He starts to rain the arrows down onto the invaders, each shot another scream and another splash as the Lintha's body hits the water. 'I have to take out as many as I can before they can reach us and defend themselves' he thinks, and fights on with grim determination.

[Private to Storyteller: Ok, splitting my action into two shots at two different hangers-on. Also, I forgot to mention, but if I hit any Essence-users (and I did, the Demons, at least), I regain 1 mote per hit. So that leaves me with only the Essence for the form spent, and everything else full. :)
Also, could I use my anima power since I'm technically toxic to use that poison on my arrows? :)]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Sun 08 Feb 2009.

Kareth stood with one foot propped on a box as he looked over the railing.  A small smile spread across the engineer's pale lips as he saw the demon-blooded boarding party burn in the nets.  It was always nice when things went according to plan and the nets were holding up to expectations.  However, as they began to break free from the netting, Kareth drew his piece again and leveled it down the side the Dryad at one of the climbing aggressors.  He chose his target carefully and taking his time to aim square at his chest.  Even if the blast didn't kill him, he wanted the impact to knock him off the ship.  After aiming, he released the safety and opened fire.

The Lintha for the most part had been more concerned with escaping the netting than paying attention to what was above him... that is to say, until he heard a very small "click".  On looking up the demon-blood found himself staring into the barrel of a Kareth's essence cannon.  Then he found himself looking at the incoming blast of concussive essence.

[Private to GM: 14:21, Today: Isole Kareth rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,1,7,5,6,2,3,9. dex + arch attack w/ essence cannon.

Stunt? ]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Sun 08 Feb 2009.

Jadira takes up the strongbow again, and rallies her crewmen:

"Archers, form up, we'll shoot as many of them down as we can." Realizing that her catapult crews won't be able to aim at the boarders from here, she reassigns them. "You men on the ballistas, take up bows and join them as well. Onager crew, do like the other men are doing, grab the firepots and throw 'em by hand! Whether the thing goes off or not doesn't matter as much as you actually hitting 'em enough to hurt!"

She fires off her first volley of shots with six assembled archers, shooting three of them for every one shot the crewmen manage to fire. The onager crew adds to the group hurling firepots down at the Lintha, with greater success due to their experience judging artillery trajectories.

With the second volley the ballista group joins the archers, doubling the number to a full dozen. "Archers, FIRE!" The rain of arrows falls upon the demon boarders, joining the second thrown firepot barrage!

"Captain, the flagship." Jadira calls over to Lasuri. "She's in cannon range -- and it looks like they're about to retaliate on us. Sorcery--and archers, too, I think. What'll we do?"

Kiana bowed to the Captain as he lavished praise and expectations onto her.  She wasn't tempered by battle--not yet, at any rate, but she had been tempered by different flames.  Flames that burned all the brighter, with or without blood as flux.  The bow was rather quick, though, as she turned her attention to the men (and women) suddenly under her charge.  She nodded at their introductions, doing her best to commit name to face as her memory would allow.  Though the Earth Dragons were known for their love of tradition and unchanging ways, Kiana had learned long ago that she had to think on her feet, or possibly die trying to determine what to do.  She was of the earth, but there was different sorts of earth, wasn't there?  Now she was quicksand, quickly shifting to the weight of the Lintha as the threat approached.

"It's a pleasure to serve with you all."  She said quickly.  She pointed toward the edge of the deck, where the Lintha were trying to work their way up, though the nets and flames were certainly slowing them down.  "We need to do everything we can to stop them from reaching the deck.  If they can't board us, they can't fight us."  It was simple sea warfare, really.  Though the Lintha wouldn't drown if thrust back into the waves, it would still be one less demon to worry about.

Then, as they approached closer to the ship, her sharp eyes accosted a detail the Captain need know.  "Mine eyes only see archers aboard the flagship, Captain!  Some magic worker may be hiding among their ranks, but I can see no artillery at all.  They are either confident in their arrows, or they have something else up their sleeve!"  She shouted, and then turned her attention back to 'her' crew.

"Listen carefully.  If we fail in suppressing their boarding us, we must face them.  The Sea Drake prides himself on his crew, and I've no doubt each one of you are strong and brave unlike any other--but the Lintha are not human.  They are no bound by flesh and blood, and have strength that no living creature should.  Pair yourselves to fight them, and make sure you work as a whole.  These creatures think themselves better than you, and that is their weakness.  Strong as they are, we are more cunning.  But hopefully it won't come to that--if we can stop them from boarding, all their strength and all our cunning will not matter--we'll be dry, and they'll be wet."  She said, a small smile crossing her lips as she finished what was a fairly calm and heartening speech.  She sounded calm and sure, a veritable mountain to lean against and find shelter.  Surely not as courageous or as inspiring as the Sea Drake, and certainly not as dashing, but Kiana seemed...solid.  Unmoving.

Eternal?  Perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration, but the crew would know this--Kiana would endure.  She always had, and she always would.  Her ways had kept her alive up until now, and that path had been fraught with peril.  Surely if they followed her, their hearts might well tell them, then they too would weather the storm they now found themselves in.

The Captain listens to the reports around him before pausing for a moment, lowering his head in thought. It lasts only for a second however, and he quickly lifts his gaze once more to look at the men and women around him.

"Listen up, folks. This here's more than just a simple naval battle. It's a battle of ideas, and a clash of beliefs.We've taken much from them already, and perhaps some of you are wary to continue the fight - but listen carefully. We can't let their flagship go unscathed. They've seen us in action, and there's a good chance they'll get reinforcements and try to flank us when we least expect it. They've got power and a level of respect to maintain, after all. So what I'm asking you is to stand with me... And we'll deny them that."

"We'll cripple their flagship as well, and in doing so deal them a blow they won't soon forget. Not for fame. Not for glory. Not even for ourselves, in the end. But rather to teach a lesson to anyone who'd try to encroach on freedoms and rights. We'll hit 'em hard and fast, so next time they'll think twice before just robbing and plundering and killing who they want. To teach them that no man's deed goes unpunished."

He nods once, and turns back to Donnegal with a smile on his lips. "Wouldn't dream of leaving you out of this one, Mister Donnegal. Glad to see you back with us, old friend." He claps the older man on the shoulder, then points onwards. "Set sail for the Lintha Flagship, and be ready to give me the bar when I ask for it. In the meantime, approach so that we're as face-to-face as possible with them. Miss Kiana thinks there's only archers on board, so we'll approach them directly onwards - that way, we'll limit how many of their troops can shoot us at once. We won't be able to dodge them all, but if we force them to bunch up together we can set them up for a big surprise once miss Thornbloom fires. We'll give these yellow-livered dogs a reception they won't soon forget."

"Miss Thornbloom." He calls out, his voice resounding to Jadira's gun deck. "We'll be heading for the flagship, so prepare to fire the Essence cannon at it once you've got a nice clean shot. Make it a good one - we'll use it as our greeting card."

"Boarding crew... do your worst. We'll be assaulted while making an approach, so your work is crucial. Let no one near the gun deck, and keep these freaks off your crewmates' backs. Once the boarding's dealt with, stay sharp and on your toes... We might be getting a bit of boarding action of our own." He smiles, nodding towards Kiana. "Ball's in your camp now."

"Mister Kareth, we'll help with the defense team, but I want you to stay close to me. If there's a surprise among their ranks like miss Kiana suggests, I want to have a fast response time, and that'll be your job." He nods sharply, then turns towards the Lintha Flagship. "Okay, enough chatter, and on to action. And as we go... A little gift for our team leaders."

He lifts the axe in his left hand, and for a moment Kareth, Jadira, Kiana, and Tageru as well as Lasuri himself are caught in mini-tornadoes, black mist swirling around them and taking the shape of twirling sea serpents. "Let the Sea Drake help you with these arrows." He adds cryptically, before focusing entirely on their approach.

[Private to Cynis Tageru; Isole Kareth; Jadira Thornbloom; Kiana Makohgn; Storyteller: Activating Whirlwind Shield Form, which means that until the end of the scene, all those affected automatically subtract 3 dice from any ranged attack pools rolled against them.]
[Private to Storyteller: This costs 3 motes +1 per ally, so comitting 7 motes on this.]

The mood on the Dryad is tense as a taut bowstring, but the crewmen are bolstered by the confidence of their leaders. Particularly Kiana, who surprises them by emerging out of her shy, quiet shell with courageous words and sound advice. The fifteen assigned to her arrange themselves in small groups of two or three, facing either edge of the deck. "We'll triumph together," Leeds calls out, "just as the lady of Earth commands!"

"For miss Kiana!" proclaims Saari proudly.
"For our fair Dryad!" shouts Duarte, fist in the air.
"For the Sea Drake!" yells an enthusiastic Blythe.
"For Cobalt!" the crewmen thunder as one.

The cohesion of the Lintha boarders begins to falter as they are bombarded from above by a hail of arrows, firepot grenades and essence cannon blasts. Three are slain while still caught in the nets, four more as they just get free, lethally arrow-stung or burned to a crisp by the flaming oil clinging to their clothing and skin. Thirteen of the Lintha manage to get free unscathed to nimbly scale the ship's hull; another six flounder, cut clear of the netting but ducking under the water to extinguish the flames.

Donnegal shouts orders to a remaining skeleton crew of four, turning the Dryad's wheel on a direct course toward the enemy flagship. "You heard the Captain, we're heading right for 'em! Dryad winds, blow fair and strong today!" The frayed, but still burning nets are dragged along as the half-dozen Lintha underwater remain unseen.

Meanwhile, on the Lintha flagship...

The build-up of dark essence on deck reaches a crescendo, as an eagle of pure flame coalesces at the sorceress's fingertips and streaks towards the Dryad. It strikes in the midst of the archers, crossing the distance with such speed it almost seems not to physically move, but simply appear there, trailing a blazing line of fire.

The unfortunate crewman struck lets out a scream of agony as he is consumed by the supernatural flame. Several of his mates start for him, to drag him away and try to extinguish the fire, and are caught as the fireball spreads incandescent wings and explodes outward. They fortunately suffer only minor burns; Jadira would have been much less lucky, had she been too preoccupied to leap away from her station to dodge the blast.

The sorcerous flame lingers in an area 3 yards in diameter, burning into the near-impenetrable material of the deck. The armswoman would have to step back into the flames to operate it, now.

As the deck of the Dryad erupts into chaos, the first volley of arrows from the flagship comes flying toward the crew. One arrow perhaps mercifully ends the burning man's life. Four archers are pierced through the breastplate but still remain standing. Donnegal takes an arrow on the shoulder and another on the arm, while Kiana's crewmen get away with a few light cuts. The last few arrows come straight for Jadira -- clearly the Lintha do not want to give her a chance to fire the cannon that shredded their galley again.

---

OOC: actions - to make this simpler we'll just assume everyone reconvenes on tick 40. make your action and we'll restart the count from there. At tick 40 the flagship is pretty close -- within 50 yards. The 13 Lintha have JUST made it aboard. [Private to Isole Kareth: Technically you actually could do two whole actions, I skipped ahead a bit so you can have some leeway with that.]

boarders status
killed: 7
boarding: 13 [1 3hl, 7 1hl, 5 0hl]
underwater: 6 [2 5hl, 3 4hl, 1 3hl]
unaccounted for: 15

dryad crew status
killed: 1 / out of commission: 2
injured: 9 [4 archers 3hl, 5 fighters 1hl], Donnegal [2hl]
healthy: 26 [6 archers, 10 fighters, 6 artillerists, 4 misc. crew]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:20, Thu 12 Feb 2009.

Seeing the boarding party climbing on deck, Kareth makes a quick assessment of the situation.  Seeing that there happens to be a healthier looking Lintha only a couple of yards from the still burning remains of the magical, flaming bird the sorcerer had sent them moments before he decides to turn their own attack against them.  Kareth crosses his arms, using his sword hand to steady his shooting hand.  He takes aim directly at the Lintha's head and fires his essence cannon with the hope that the concussive force carries him into the magical flames ignited by his own crew.

[Private to GM:
Turn 1:Firing a single shot at a lintha (hopefully not the weak one.)  Hoping knockback effect of essence cannon knocks him into the fire. Stunt?

Isole Kareth rolled 8 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,7,3,10,7,10,6,5. Attack (Essence Cannon).
]

After firing his shot, Kareth calmly comments to his repair team "Do stay close.  When the flames die down, we'll see if emergency repairs are crucial." It was evident that he would give no lofty words of inspiration.  Kareth was as he had been the whole trip: cold.

After commenting to his crew, Kareth decided to deal with another demon-blood.  Figuring that the crew could more easily deal with wounded opponents than fully healthy ones, he choose yet another healthy looking target and once again took aim.  However this time he didn't expect to be able to catch the enemy so easily, but he was ready.  Firing a shot as a distraction Kareth once again charged up another bolt of flame.  As the invader defended the concussive blast, Kareth's elemental bolt followed swiftly in its wake making it more difficult to defend.

[Private to GM:
Turn 2:

1 Attack w/ Essence Cannon followed by an Elm Bolt.  Stunt?

The elm bold is charged w/ 1 m so damage should be 6L dice if it hits.  Buying one sux for the elm bolt with my excellency.

Essence Cannon:  2 sux
Elm Bolt: 4 sux
DV: -2

Isole Kareth rolled 3 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,8,2,5,8. Attack (Elm Bolt) (2nd turn).

Isole Kareth rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,1,8,4,8,1. (oops)Attack (Essence Cannon) (2nd turn).
Isole Kareth rolled 2 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,10,6,6,6,2,5,1. Attack (Essence Cannon) (2nd turn).  (Wrong number of dice, sorry).
]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Thu 12 Feb 2009.

The golden rule for any authority figure, on the battlefield or off was simple.  The Sea Drake lived by it, her father had lived by it, and Kiana had every intention of upholding it as well:  Lead by example.  These Lintha were demons of the sea, devil-pirates who defied every good thought and noble intention that the world held dear.  Creatures of the most despicable evil, tyrants sailing on what should have been the sweet waves of freedom.  She would gladly fight the first wave of boards, the second, and even the third and the fourth if it came to such numbers.  Their numbers would fall well before she would.

Of the coming numbers, two came at her, no doubt thinking the girl an easy target.  Her frame was slender and meek at first appearance, after all, and few would pay serious attention to Smashfirst on her hands, and the boots on her feet until it was too late.  One Lintha, brandishing two wicked curved blades jumped from yards away with a hideous battle cry, while another with a larger single blade came at the Earth Aspect, wanting to cleave her from shoulder to thigh.

Kiana didn't move as they approached, her lungs filling slowly and with purpose despite the eruption of chaos around her.  Some might think she was simply frozen with fear at the coming onslaught, but then those thoughts would be sundered away as she moved.  From her low stance, suddenly she unleashed a deadly outer crescent kick with her right leg, just as the airborne Lintha was upon her.  Her well timed kick would not only catch the pirate precisely in the Solar Plexus, but the kick continued onward, and downward.  She brought the kick wide, eventually slamming the demonic villain under her White-Jade covered boot and into the deck of the Dryad, which gave no quarter or comfort to him.  Her other leg swung out behind her, putting her in a low bow stance once again, facing the other directly.  The other was still charging, too stupid to realize that he was approaching a master of the Earth Dragon Style--and one who was not finished.  Not by a long shot.

Her stance low once again, She turned and delivered a devastating side-thrust kick into the other fiend, spinning a complete rotation and grinding the other poor bastard under her boot and further into the Dryad's deck.  The kick had eons of power behind it, slowly planned and quickly executed fury and majesty that flowed in her veins, both physically and spiritually, no doubt bending the running man in half and sending him careening off of the boat.  She flowed with the kick, despite its tremendous stopping power, until she faced the boarders and planted her feet firmly once more.  The lone reminder of the flying monster was his tattered bandanna, which fell like a damp rat to the deck of the Dryad, not dare moving for fear that Kiana might see such a thing as a threat.

She stood defiantly, seeming as tall and impassable as the mountains of the Crimson Isle.

"For Father..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:15, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

As the blast of the fire spreads across the Dryad's deck, Tageru leaps into the air, suddenly high above it as he pulls out two more arrows from his quiver. Two green-skinned Lintha with horrible scaring on their faces and sharp, wicked fangs appear on the edge of the ship as they climb and suddenly, there are two arrows sticking out of their chests and the impact and the pain send them hurtling back into the sea. Tageru lands on his feet and turns to face another of the demon-pirates as he tries to slash his sword at his chest. Tageru steps toward him and grabs the pirate's wrist and pulls him off balance, causing him to miss both his target and his step as he stumbles to remain upright.


[Private to Storyteller: OOC: two attacks, and the last bit was an unarmed parry stunt against a sword attack. :)]

NO! Jadira feels a thrill of shock through her as the magical flames consume her crewman -- a cold jolt that quickly turns hot with rage. That spell had likely been meant for her, and Nikanor would die for it now. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.

Barely avoiding the expanding fireball, the armswoman invokes her anima in defiance of the rain of arrows that follows. Coils of thorned flower vines surround her in serpentine spirals, blossoming bright red flowers as her warm emerald aura builds in strength. The arrows simply cannot find a path toward her, dragged off course by Lasuri's wind shield, bending crazily when they come within inches of her skin. Wooden shafts snap into fragments and disintegrate around her feet, leaving only the arrowheads.

"Archers, spread out into a loose formation and take cover. We don't want to be caught by any more fireballs," Jadira commands grimly. "Onager crew, do the same. Keep up with the firepots -- don't let any more get aboard! But if the demon-spawn get close don't hesitate to draw your weapon!"

She continues to direct the archers, "Return volley on the flagship crew. Focus on the spell-thrower if you can. We'll make them pay!"

Boldly, Jadira leaps back onto the flaming turret deck, heedless of the harm it will cause her. She flicks the safety switch to arm the cannon, the hearthstone once again gathering essence from the ambient air, channeling it through the barrel. The heat builds around her feet, tongues of flame licking at her boots, at the hems of her leggings. It does nothing to disturb her focus. Her senses are narrowed toward a single purpose: timing and placing the trajectory of the cannon to unleash the most damage she can.

"Archers, FIRE!" As the Dryad arrows dive for the enemy crew, Jadira sends a solid beam of crackling blue energy streaking across the waves toward their flagship!

[Private to GM: Reflexively activating anima, changing formation of my crew, and +6 excellency to cannon fire.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Thu 30 Apr 2009.

The first essence cannon blast from Kareth catches the unfortunate Lintha in the head, hammering his skull open. He is already dead by the time his body flies not only clear across the deck, but right PAST the deck, splashing into the tangle of half-shredded net below. (7L) [Private to Isole Kareth: Oh, geez, I just realized belatedly that I rolled your damage 2 dice over -- forgot it's bashing, not lethal -- but I just subtracted 1 sux. Still enough to off the guy.]

Kareth's second shot misses the demon-spawn -- intentionally -- allowing him to surprise more than harm the boarder with the flames that burst from his fingertips. (1L) [Private to Isole Kareth: No stunt love here, got 0 extra successes this time. I gave you +2 stunt twice though, so you can help your motes more.]

Kiana grinds one Lintha right into the deck. He stays down, his chest all but caved in by the heel of Kiana's boot as he struggles and gasps for breath, an inch away from death. (6L) The other demon-spawn caught by her side-swipe kick has his torso all but demolished by the impact, the bones cracked and the insides pulped. (8L) The dead body clears the Dryad as it continues on its path toward the enemy ship, landing with a nasty squelch on their foredeck: a rather grisly reminder of what a bad idea underestimating Kiana can be. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: I didn't have the body do any significant damage to the enemy flagship but it kinda was a "holy crud she kicked this guy to death and sent him back as a proof!" sort of effect :D]

Tageru's arrows send one more Lintha to a watery grave. The other manages to barely remain steady, clutching the arrow stuck deep in his chest before he sinks to the deck, bleeding into death's arms. (6L and 4L -- I'll assume Tageru hits the 3L wounded one)

At this point the crewmen under Kiana are definitely getting the picture of what sort of devastation the recent additions to the Cobalt Alliance are capable of. It takes them a split second to stop gawking and start chopping! A few of the Lintha are nicked by their collaborative effort, but one pair cuts down a demon-spawn between them with their precise, well-timed attacks.

The Lintha quickly realize they have severely underestimated the Dryad crew, but the first wave doesn't have all that much choice but to survive or die. "We are Lintha Dara-Said!" cry the seven still standing, impudently pushing aside the mortal crew as mostly insignificant and sprinting to surround and subdue the Dragon-blooded combatants.

A pair moves to intercept Kareth, brandishing auhzian blades crackling with dark essence. [Private to Isole Kareth: 5 sux and 12 sux, not onslaught so apply to DV separately. You have 4 DV.]

Another pair stab at Tageru, similarly invoking the power of their infernal blood. [Private to Cynis Tageru: 14 sux and 4 sux. Since you already stunted, I already rolled for the first hit, you took 2L damage. For your records, you got +1 stunt for your attack, +2 for your defense.]

The final trio converge to slash at Kiana -- targeting the young, seemingly fragile girl as one of the most potent threats. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: 8 sux, 7 sux and 6 sux. You have a DV of 5, so right now you'll need +3 DV to make sure they all miss. You can stunt a defense, an exceptional stunt (enough for +3) would be enough. Or you could write a minor stunt, then channel a virtue (adds maybe 1 or 2 DV depending on the virtue) or use a willpower (adds 1 DV) to supplement. PM if you need more help. :)]

While the battle on board the Dryad rages, the Lintha still following underwater manage to cut away a large portion of the netting. They do not surface yet, but it appears they are attempting to pull the burning net into the sea to leave the next wave the freedom to ascend -- assuming the next wave makes it.

---

OOC: Note the Lintha do have excellencies/virtues/wp, so they're powering up somewhat now that they know what you're capable of. Fortunately their ess pools are relatively limited and you guys hit freaking hard. ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:42, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

Arrows from Jadira's archers pepper the crew of the flagship. The enemy archers, wisely (or unfortunately, for Cobalt) taking cover, manage to avoid harm. The sorceress is still covered by her ice fog spell, which coats the incoming arrows with ice and pulls them down harmlessly at her feet. The many-limbed cloud hovering in protective stance behind the Lintha spellcaster bristles with its arsenal of axes, bows, mauls, spears and blades.

Jadira's cannon poses the greater threat. It belches pure, undistilled destruction, hurtling on a direct path to shatter the stationary flagship's hull and raze its deck of soldiers. No ordinary ship could possibly take a direct hit against it.

Except the Kri Kiamo, flagship of Lintha Dara-Said Father Hazhain Sul, is no ordinary ship.

At the very moment the beam would have struck and splintered the ship's surface, something completely unexpected happens. The ship -- and the entirety of its demonic crew -- simply disappears. The beam strikes the spot where the flagship once floated, apparently blazing right through thin air. Or is it?

The Dryad may very well sail right through the point of disappearance, if Lasuri or Donnegal do not change its course.

---

OOC: Lasuri+Donnegal haven't acted yet so can step in at any tick more or less. If anyone has spirit or essence sight and is activating it, let me know.

actions
tick 44 - Kiana+Dryad fighters, Kareth
tick 46 - Jadira+Dryad archers/artillerists, Tageru
tick 47 - Lintha boarders on Dryad

boarders status
killed: 12
on the Dryad: 9 [1 6hl (and under Kiana's boot :P), 2 3hl, 5 1hl]
underwater, pulling at nets: 6 [2 5hl, 3 4hl, 1 3hl]
underwater, unaccounted for: 15
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:06, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

Kareth sees his incoming attackers and maintains his out word calm.  Inward he becomes very worried.  As the first attack comes crashing down towards him, Kareth steps towards a nearby barrel and drops his weight.  While the barrel does little to stop the blade, it does wonders for slowing it down, giving him just enough time to spring forward and roll out of the way.  [Private to GM: stunting defense of the 5 sux attack.]

Unfortunately, as Kareth comes out of this roll he sees the second opponent coming at him.  While he could hardly be called combat hardened, he had been in Lookshy's military and knew when he was and was not going to be able to avoid getting hit.  And in this case, he knows he was definitely going to get hit no matter what he did.  He had worked himself into a situation where the railing and ocean covered the left, the enemy he just evaded on the right, and several men and Lintha behind him.  He was pinned, but he didn't have to allow the demon-blood's strike it's full force.  He reached inside himself and focused.  He pushed all of his fear out side his body and his outward calm became inward to.  His incoming attacker could see a change in the Fire-aspects eyes.  Suddenly, he sprung forward, pushing his weight from side to side in exaggerated, but unpredictable steps.  As he drew nearer his incoming attacker, Kareth put more force behind his unpredictable movements and launched himself onto the railing, the next step placed his right on the back of the first assailant.  The last step came down in the only place it could, right in front of the incoming Lintha.  Fortunately, this placed Kareth closer to the pommel of the sword and further away from the tip where the majority of the power resides.  While he did try to place his blade inbetween his body and the incoming blade, he knew his only hope to avoid injury now rest in the natural resistance of his breastplate as pommel came crashing down into it.

[Private to GM: Stunting second defense and channelling Temperance.  Using parry instead of dodge DV.  Raising DV to 5 using excellency.

Today: Isole Kareth rolled 1 success using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,4,2. Dodge DV: channel temperance. (should be parry DV)

DV: 6
Soak: 5]

As the blade cut into him, Kareth uttered a curse in Old Relm, but he used the momentum of the attack to pivot on his feet to move slightly to one side.  He then lunged past his attacker.  As he moved by, Kareth gave one last push forward and twisted his body in the air.  He then took his essence cannon and leveled it at the demon-blood who just cut him very badly.  Where some would have said a witty phrase, Kareth opted to skip straight to the revenge.  As his body flew through the air backwards, Kareth fired his small cannon at the Lintha.

[Private to GM: Decided to go ahead and make the post but I can't make the roll cause I don't know what sort of wound penalty I have.  +1 sux from excellency.   Stunt?]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

Chaos erupted on the deck, but Lasuri nonetheless smiled a grim smile. His instincts had proven right, and the members of the Cobalt Alliance performed admirably in their assigned roles. As a captain, he could ask for nothing more.

As the battle rages, the Sea Drake already sets his sights on the hunter that might try to claim their hides - the Lintha Flagship, most likely getting ready to peer them with arrows once more. A sinking feeling already settled in his stomach at the sight of the fate that befell Jadira's man, and he would cut on those losses if he could. Fighting for ideals is good and noble, but he would also fight his hardest to keep his people alive. "Keep it up, crew! Give these dogs the fate they deserve, and show them what it means to trespass on a Cobalt ship!"

"Mister Donnegal, the wheel." He states, walking towards the bar to take a hold of it, and pilot the Dryad himself. Before he can try to maneuver to cut the enemy ship's ranged advantage, however, he loses all track of it, and starts to scan the horizon to try to spot the disappearing vessel.

"The Lintha Flagship!" He calls out loudly, above the cacophonous sound of battle. "I've lost sight of the Lintha ship! Anyone who can figure out where it went, state so now - I'd rather not move in blind, but I will if I have to!"

With that last statement, he turns the wheel sharply towards where he last saw the flagship, and gazes ahead grimly. "Dryad, old friend... I might need your help in this one. If no one can see it, I'll need your eyes. Help me get a feel for the waves and the sea. Help me find the disturbance, the anomaly. Together, we can scan the waves and find where the waves are broken."

Kiana didn't have long to be satisfied with her blows.  She had done well just now, sure enough, but those were just two arrows broken in an entire volley sent to sink the Dryad.  She would not cheer or signify victory for her own sake, but after witnessing two of her charges bring down a Lintha on their own, she couldn't help but to glance at them and give a quick smile of approval.  "Good work!"  She would have said more, but there was yet more work to do as more Lintha scaled the hull, and others came to kill them.  "Stand fast!  More rush to their death!"  She said, warning and encouraging all at the same time.  The words were almost wasted, however, as the Lintha gave the crew little regard and instead focused on the Dragon-Infused crew aboard.  From her display of power just moments before if nothing else betrayed Kiana for what she was, and so three Lintha converged on her, in attempt to quickly nullify her as a threat.

Rightly so.

They came all at once, forgoing the pack mentality of letting the 'leader' or 'strongest' have the first crack at her.  They had seen what she could do, and knew that numbers were their only hope of taking her one--obviously one-on-one was paramount to suicide.  Unlike moments ago, however, Kiana was not on the offensive, but the defensive as the three stormed towards her.  She would not let them pass onward to the crew behind her, oh no--they would not pass.

With her stance low and stable, Kiana brought her arms up into an X in front of her chest as two of the pirate came at her from either side.  Like the mountains for which her kind were known, she moved little until the last possible moment, and then like a dormant volcano given life, she erupted.  Her arms spread out wide as the blades descended, catching the wicked blades on the smash-fist just so, sending the the weapons gliding along the smooth wide jade, causing sparks to fly around her like a vengeful aura.  Their blows were strong, as they were not mortal men, and the sudden deflection of their attack caused both of them to stumble to the side as she brought her arms back to her side in a snapping chamber, adding even more force to their already imbalanced paths.  Then, mysteriously, she closed her eyes. The last saw a window of opportunity, and he came down on the girl, his blade coming from on high to split her in half, one for each man she just tossed aside.

She was ready.

Her hands came up almost instantly, clasping the blade between jade-covered palms, a mere inch from her face.  Her eyes opened, the slate-blue orbs gone, replaced now by an impossibly deep oynx.  The Lintha leaned in close as he dared to her own, his own fingers clenching the sword tightly as he tried to force the blade further, but to no avail.  "The Wind blows, The Sea churns.  The Tree grows, The Flame burns.  Earth endures."  Her words were strong and imposing--these were the words of her Father.

The Lintha quickly stumbled back, visibly shaken by her words.  Given a moment's respite, she hears the captain shout in need, and her now-glowing red eyes quickly scanned the horizon as she quickly calls fourth the spiritual side of her training. They quickly fell back upon where the flagship had vanished, however  It hadn't vanished at all!  Or, it had from this world, but not from existence entirely.  "They've left this world and gone into the next Captain!  They're frozen in time!"  She yelled at him, quickly turning to face the Lintha that had attacked her, as they were beginning to gather themselves up and regroup.

Inspiration struck.

"Captain!  Send us toward where they last stood!  We'll pass harmlessly through them, but they are helpless in this state!  If we stay the course, I could lay their sorcerer to ruin and save us all a lot of trouble!"

Jadira, meanwhile, lets out a very unladylike curse, pounding a fist at the base of the turret. "What... I can't believe it! I had a perfect shot!" It isn't long at all before her more cerebral side sets in, though, and draws her attention away from the missed opportunity and toward how it was missed.

"Left this world and gone to the next... wait, what are you saying?" The first mate frowns, not in disapproval but in deep consideration of Kiana's words. "You can see them? Then they're not gone, just immaterial... damn, if they've got the power to do that with an entire ship and crew..." Her eyes widen with the implications, but she shakes her head vehemently, willing herself to focus.

If I can't help with the flagship now I'd better help with clearing these damned boarders!

"Archers, fire at will! Get rid of our nasty trespassers once and for all! Help the crew on deck if you can, but if you see any, and I mean any Lintha heads pop out of that water you're to make sure they stay down! Firepot throwers, make sure you do the same!"

Jadira doesn't slouch in supporting her fellow crewmen, either, this time drawing the plasma-tongue repeater from her belt. She considers helping Kiana, but if the girl could crush two Lintha into pulp and block three others without breaking much of a sweat, she probably doesn't need help. So she opts to help Kareth instead, deftly snapping off two shots of her rare, precious alchemical round toward the second attacker his cannon didn't aim for. [Private to GM: Using 2m on first excellency for each shot.]

Kiana comes out of the Lintha attack unscathed and triumphant, but the Lintha slashing at Tageru and Kareth are much luckier. Both the Wood Immaculate and the engineer feel the sting of demon-spawn steel on their flesh, drawing blood from wounds on the arm (2L for Tageru) and torso (3L for Kareth), respectively.

Kareth's retaliating shot is disrupted as the Lintha he singles out uses his blade to slash right through the essence blast, partially dispersing it. The blast still strikes, though, impacting through his buff jacket as hard as if he'd just been knuckle-punched in the abdomen. (2B)

Jadira gets a much clearer shot, not caught in the thick of things like Kareth. Her two alchemically fueled shots belch projectiles of flame at Kareth's other opponent, roasting the demon-spawn alive. Blackened and blistered, he falls to the ground unconscious and dying. (7L total)

The Dryad crew continue to work in teams. Half of the archers hold their fire, keeping an eye out on the waters below. The other half work together to focus arrow shots on the weaker Lintha, taking out the one Kiana had stomped. The melee combatants swoop in to swarm the Lintha that tried to surround Kiana, preoccupying them so she might concentrate her effort on her next plan. Between them, Kiana's crewmen wound several and take out one more boarder, leaving but 5 wounded Lintha aboard.

The Lintha still in the water have managed to deal with the trap Lasuri and Kareth set. They don't surface just yet, but they are bound to at the next opportunity they can gain an an advantage.

---

OOC: just need confirmation from Lasuri and Kiana can do her thing. I'm holding the Lintha's next turn until after she does. Tageru can also attack. [Private to Cynis Tageru: PM me if you use your initiation charms for spirit-sight, I'll let you know what Kiana already saw. But if you don't get to it before I resolve Kiana's next action, you'll miss the opportunity to see anything.]

boarders status
killed: 15
on the Dryad: 5 [1 5hl, 4 3hl]
underwater, done with nets: 6 [2 5hl, 3 4hl, 1 3hl]
underwater, unaccounted for: 15
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Thu 19 Feb 2009.

The Sea Drake takes only a short moment to listen to what Kiana has to say, then nods sharply. There is not much time to consider and ponder things, really. All that matters is that something is done.

"Got it!" He shouts, to Kiana's attention. He does not question her, or interrogate her about what she has found out or seen - he simply nods, and immediately gets to work on adjusting the heading of the Dryad to precisely where the Lintha flagship used to be.

"Don't know what you have in mind, miss, but we'll work it up as it goes. I'll give you the best damn chance I can give you, so make sure that whatever you do, you take that chance and give them your worst." He smiles, then focuses on piloting the Dryad towards their destination.

He does not seem to drive the ship almost as commune with it. As soon as he gets to the task, all of his senses are focused together as one, and his face becomes a mask of placid concentration. He makes minute adjustments to the wheel, as if making really precise change in course - changes too small or minute to even look like it would matter, and yet he makes certain he handles every one of them carefully and precisely. He might not know what Kiana's plan is, but he would trust her instincts, and give her exactly the opportunity she had been requesting.

Right then... Do your best.

As the ship sailed toward the spot the flagship was last scene, Kiana trusted her crew to keep the remaining Lintha off of her back as she headed toward the front of the Dryad.  With the first wave more or less obliterated, and the Lintha ship currently frozen in the spirit world, there was precious little to distract her from the task at hand.  That Sorcerer on deck had already proven to be a problem--and the demon on board might well prove to be more of a problem, if things turned sour.

As the boat approached, she took deeper breaths, channeling the essence she would need for what was to come only shortly.  It wasn't hard, even this far from her mother element--the gifts of her father made sure of that.  The slow surge of essence began to build and build, until finally her anima flared without her consent, sending an ethereal sand storm whirling around the girl, with small bits of bright colored ghost gems swirling in the chaotic mix.  It was a strange aura to be seen on a member of such a solid element (and immaculate art) but Kiana's life was far from stable, and the emotional turmoil the anima betrayed was almost as tragic as it was beautiful.

Legs bent low, they began to merge into the space the ghost-ship occupied, and there Kiana saw her prey.  The woman had two body-guards close at all times, it seemed, though all of them were frozen--or, to the eyes of the rest of the crew, completely invisible.  It was now or never.

Though she had been almost completely still as the ship approached, she had been preparing herself--precisely aligning her mind with her body, imagining the thousands of strikes available to her.  Only when she was sure of her strikes, and that they were the most damaging she could inflict did she strike.  Though on deck it looked like she was merely practicing a violent Kata, the implications of those strong movements was impressive.

She stepped through toward one of the still body guard, coming up from her low stance and sending her right foot high into the air and bringing it down it down in a devastating ax-handle kick across the back of his head.  Her foot landed on the deck with a thunderous shake.  It rested only long enough for her to transfer her weight to it, and she brought her left foot up into a front snap-kick into the midsection of the other, going through with the motion and landing far on the foot, landing far forward into a traditional low bow stance.  She turned her upper body slowly, facing the frozen Sorceress.  The two kicks had set her in front of the woman, just as she had planned.

With her left hand in a open-palmed block just above her head, her other was chambered low at her waist, and it was glowing through the White-Jade Smashfist she wore.  Through the gauntlet there seemed to be cracks of reddish-black energy forming, originating from her open palm and pulsing all the way to her elbow.

Kiana said nothing.  No witty remark or insight.  Her other hand chambered to her waist at the same time the glowing one shot out, her waist turning precise momentum.  The open palm landed just into the woman's stomach, resonating into large red-black ripples at the impact.  The ripples of essence resonated so powerfully that, for a split second, the entire crew could see the the entire Lintha crew, and the three Kiana had struck.

As suddenly it had happened it was gone, the images gone in the same blink they were produced, leaving Kiana standing firm in her strike, her eyes still glowing brightly from the charms she had used to see and strike at them.

"Vile, Demon-spawned wretches!" Tageru shouts as the Lintha cuts his shoulder, and even though the power of the Wood Dragon is already working on healing him, the wound hurts and the Immaculate clenches his teeth so as not to cry out in pain.

The big monk stands up straight in front of the Lintha, as tall as the inhuman pirate, and he pulls his bow. There's nothing subtle about the aim, it seems completely without grace and brutal, but when he looses it, the arrow flies straight into the Lintha's chest, and flies out the other side of his torso, leaving a gaping wound. The Immaculate glows with fury and turns to face the other Lintha at his side, his bow ready to inflict violence. As the pirate swings at him, he twists and catches his sword between his jade bow and his palm, rips it out of the pirate's grip and shoots it back into his face.

[Private to Storyteller: OOC: I'm so sorry for not posting more often, I'm having some RL problems-nothing huge, but still time-taking. :( I'll try to post more regularly, but I apologize nonetheless...
As for the actions, if I think there's something incorporeal I should see, then I'd turn on the Charm, but if not, then I'm perfectly happy with conserving Essence.
I use 1 WP on attacking the Lintha, then I wait, and parry with my hands the next time. (this is actually just one attack, and a connected stunt for the next action's parry and attack)
:)]

In the instant that the ripple from Kiana's essence penetrates the realm of Creation and spirit, the entire crew of the Spring Dryad II sees exactly what has happened -- and what she has done.

The ethereal image of the demonic ship is superimposed upon that of the solid, physically manifested Dryad, as the Cobalt flagship passes right through the space it occupies. Kiana stands right in front of where the sorceress had thrown her first spell, her palm strike going right through the Lintha woman's stomach -- strangely, without blood -- and briefly out the lower back before snapping back. On either side are the two Lintha struck by her kicks, still motionless, but one with his head at an odd angle (4B), and the other with his breastplate cracked at the midsection. (3B)

Then... the moment passes. The images are gone, time flows right again, and the Dryad sails past the area the Kri Kiamo dematerialized. Tageru sends another arrow right through a Lintha, killing him instantly just before the enemy flagship re-enters the physical realm. It and the Dryad face back-to-back in that moment, moving away from one another.

The Lintha regain their mobility, immediately readying arrows and turning to fire another volley at the Cobalt crew. But the sorceress near the foredeck remains utterly still and unmoving, her feet rooted in place by Kiana's Earth-powered, halting strike. Temporarily freed of control, the many-limbed demon on board moas wrathfully and lashes out at the wounded Lintha nearest it, piercing them with sword and spear!

"Fire, you fools, FIRE!" shouts the Lintha Captain furiously. Arrows fall amidst the Dryad crew, missing the fighters but nicking a few of the archers. The rest aim for the Cobalt Dragon-blooded, firing in coordinated groups of three. Two arrows poke ineffectually at Tageru's lamellar and break uselessly off Kiana's skin, while the rest blows off-course from Lasuri's wind shield.

[Private to Cynis Tageru: 3 sux, 3 sux, 1 sux, at -3 DV for you. Hrm, since your parry stunt was assuming  you're hit by enemies on board, I'll save it for next. Your DV for the arrows is 2, it'd be 3 but -1 for your attack. Two arrows hit, but your soak gives you 0 damage.]
[Private to Lasuri Leomaris: 1 sux, 1 sux, 1 sux, at -5 DV for you. Your wind shield lets you avoid them all.]
[Private to Kiana Makohgn: 1 sux, 2 sux, 6 sux, at -3 DV for you. Your best DV is 7-3 for your attack, -3 for enemy coordination, so you only have... 1 DV! I rolled damage already, but even though the arrows hit you, they did no damage. You could still stunt if you want ("ha! can't hurt me with your puny arrows!" or something :D)]
[Private to Jadira Thornbloom: 2 sux, 3 sux and a botch, at -3 DV for you. With all the ranged protection effects stacking on you, all miss.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:44, Fri 20 Feb 2009.

While the Dryad and the Kri Kiamo faced off, the Wavecrest Navy progressed in its own battle, achieving a narrow and hard-won victory. With one Lintha ship sunk, and the embattled navy picking off the stragglers (mimicking, Lasuri and Kareth might be pleased to see, the burning net tactic they employed before), the Wavecrest trireme freed from battle now turns about to approach the enemy flagship.

The trireme, battered and undermanned as it is, is no lightweight. Its foredeck cannon belches out a fiery stream -- a warning shot, at this distance, but enough to make clear the Lintha's increasingly desperate situation.

At the helm of the Kri Kiamo, the towering figure of the enemy Captain turns to face Lasuri at the stern. Taller than any normal human, with dark ruddy skin, his partially bald head is patterned with horns and a long topknot at the crown. "I am Lintha Dara-Said Father Hazhain Sul, Captain of the Kri Kiamo. Heed my oath: You are now marked! Ever after shall Lintha Dara-Said be your enemy!!" He grits his teeth, then spits out his command -- "WE DEPART!"

Beside the flagship there are only two remaining Lintha vessels: a galley now escaping the Navy ships, and a captured courier. The artillery ship appears to have been dealt with handily by Zeru's crew, and now remains still in the water. The demons in the sea can easily follow from underwater, but the four wounded Lintha left on board know their lives will soon be forfeit.

Preferring death over capture, the remaining boarders burn with infernal energy to power a last ditch assault.

One leaps for Tageru, who blocks his attack and sends him flying to the ground, his face split in two by an arrow. (7L)

Another charges straight for Kiana in a frontal assault, his hooked auhzian blade slashing at her arms to weaken her defenses with pure, unthinking brute force before lunging in for the kill. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: Ok... this time 3 attacks from the same target, which means onslaught penalties. Your DV against this starts at 4, the enemy got 6 successes for each attack. One attack hits with 2 successes, the next with 3, and the last with 4. In this case you could stunt to block the first two but the third will hit, unless you spend a WP to avoid it (WP is another +1 DV).]

A third rushes Lasuri, leading in with a pair of bewildering feints before thrusting his sword toward his throat: "The captain's head is mine!!" [Private to Lasuri Leomaris: Only the last attack will hit you, it's 9 successes, and you're at -2 DV. Defend if you can!]

The last finds himself caught in the midst of the mortal crew, and fights futilely to free himself, wounding one of them shallowly.

---

OOC: Remember that right now the Dryad is now facing opposite the Kri Kiamo. As for the (now 3) remaining boarders they are damaged 5L, 3L and 3L. You could easily capture them at this point or kill them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:44, Sun 22 Feb 2009.

From the deck of the Dryad, Lasuri salutes the rival Captain with his Wavecleaver, visibly unperturbed by the proclamation. "Good to know we've made the list, Captain. Hope you remember what happened here before you plan out that sort of thing around these parts again. Oh, and my best regards to your superiors. I'm sure the story of your exploits here will be glorious to recount to them."

The last words are almost cut off by the Lintha's death threat - the attacks forcing Lasuri to defend or die. He regards his opponent as the slices come, trying to seize him up through his desperate attack. The Captain's response time is incredibly fast, and with the first steps it is apparent that his movements are... peculiar. They are not regular swordsman, that is for certain. The way he moves across the deck as he evades attack is reminiscent of a circular pattern, more akin to a tribal dance than a usual combat style.

And yet, there is something terribly effective to this pattern. It is disorienting, almost mesmerizing. It follows a rhythm only the Sea Drake can hear. Whenever one might think they have a grasp of it, it halts and pushes in a different direction, throwing off the timing and creating a new pattern. What's more, the patterns of steps, halts, half movements and retreats seem to follow the movements of the boat perfectly; Lasuri's quick motions use momentum when necessary and even go against the ship's rolling to keep his opponent off balance.

"By all means, it's right here." The Captain says, eyes dangerously predatory as he breaks one step and quickly shifts his direction once more. "Careful not to get bitten, though."

[Private to GM: Going to put 8 motes into second dodge excellency to put my dodge at 8, and hope I can rack up at least a +1 stunt for the last point I need to beat that attack :o]

Seeing that the battle on the Dryad was mostly in hand, Kareth sets about staunching the rather nasty wound he received from the demon-blood.  After the bleeding gets under control he takes those of his repair team who aren't involved in subduing the few remaining pirates and begins to assess the damage to the ship.

[Private to GM: Today: Isole Kareth rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,7,9,5,9,7. Perc + Craft(Magitech): recognize repair. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Sat 21 Feb 2009.

Deep breaths followed the strikes to the ethereal plane, and as she remained in the striking pose she didn't even notice the ripples that tore through the physical realm, nor that the others got a brief glimpse of the implications of her blows.  Only the yell of the Lintha captain seemed to move her, so hard was her concentration.

Then, without warning, three arrows picked her as their next home and came sailing at her through the air!  They were too fast for her to simply avoid, so instead of darting out of their path, she brought her arms up in a whirling motion, both appendages swirling in front of her in two separate waves.  All three arrows bounced off of her White-Jade Gauntlets like toothpicks against a mountain, sending the wicked heads splintered off and into the depths below.  She snorted in annoyance at the ranged attack--such things were hardly honorable combat, at least in a skirmish this close.  On the field of battle proper, such tactics were commonplace, but-

She had little time to continue her thought as one of the Lintha was suddenly upon her, releasing a barrage of bottled rage!  Kiana was quick to react, sliding her read foot back in a retreated slide as her right hand snaked in front of her face and slapped the first strike away.  Clang!  The sword barely missed her face as it was forced off-course, her hands stinging somewhat within the gauntlets due to the sheer force of the blow she re-directed.  Clang!  Taking another low sliding step back, the same hand as before came out wide and deflected yet another bladed attack, the side of the blade actually grazing her shoulder and slicing the sleeve of her right arm neatly off, exposing her slightly pale skin as a result.

Off-balance as she was, Kiana was dismayed to find she had backed herself against the railing of the ship--she had no where else to go.  The raging pirate was quick to celebrate his cornered prey, and lunged toward her.  Kiana, however, was still processing this strange not-having-a-place-to-move happenstance.  She saw the Lintha coming at the last moment, and saw the murderous intent in his eyes.

Kiana thought of her Father--of her studies and the time they had spent together.  She thought of her Mother, how cruel and malicious she had been.  Most of all, however, she thought of all the things she had left to do--she would not die here, not by this pathetic whelps blade!  "No!" She said between clenched teeth as her Anima flared yet brighter still, the sand-storm effect swirling around her faster still, making her appear even more-stone like than before.  The last blow, surely set to slit her throat (and remove her head entirely!) sliced over her neck in a flashing slice.  Instead of bleeding, however, Kiana simply stood defiant, glaring at the foolish Pirate.  "I will not fall.  Not today...and not to you."

Jadira stalks forward with her plasma repeater in hand. "Captain!" she shouts, starting to cross the distance between herself and Lasuri.

Green tendrils swarm up her arm to embrace the fingers of her trigger-hand. Not even breaking her stride, she aims and fires a precise shot at the Lintha that had attacked him. The weapon belches alchemical fire, propelling a small pearl-like bullet toward the back of the demonic being's head.

"Archers," she says sternly, "we've got the demons pulling back. But it might be a trick! If you so much as see them twitch towards firing at us again, don't hesitate to bury an arrow into their treacherous hearts!"

The armswoman keeps her eyes on the situation on the deck, ready to fire off another shot at Lasuri's attacker if need be--or support Kiana or her crew should they prove unable to fend off the remaining two.

[Private to GM: OK, I'll split twice, spend 2m each on two attacks. The first will go toward the Lintha attacking Lasuri. The second will go towards finishing off that Lintha, or (if it's alread dead) helping Kiana's crew with the other two.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Sun 22 Feb 2009.

The Lintha attacking the Cobalt captain finds his blade narrowly slicing at air. Lasuri is just not quite in the place where he expects him to be, unpredictable and confident as he is in his mastery of combat at sea. It doesn't matter to the demon-spawn in the next moment, since by that time his head has been burst open by Jadira's alchemical bullet blasting through his skull.

Kiana's attacker fails at penetrating her formidable defenses. Her smashfists fend off his blows with such force that his shoulders nearly dislocate, and when his last blow looks almost certain to split the girl in two, it impacts ineffectually with her supernaturally hardened skin. His weapon actually cracks against her neck, the hooked part of the blade snapping right off and clattering to the ground.

While the Lintha looks at his partially broken weapon, a mix of rage and surprise on his darkened features, the crew assigned to her rallies to overwhelm him. "Come on men, let's not let Miss Kiana do all the work," shouts Saari, directing one group to surround the one that had attacked the Earth Aspect. "Let's show 'em what it means to trespass on our lady Dryad's deck!" Leeds proclaims, rousing another four to take on the other Lintha still standing.

They swarm their respective targets, and the last pair of Lintha boarders go down with blades piercing their bodies on all sides. (Jadira retains her last shot after all!)

Captain Hazhain Sul narrows his eyes at Lasuri's barbs, unconcerned at the loss of his crewmen. He is rather more agitated at his defeat -- temporary, of course -- than concerned about individuals whom, to his mind, had died as much from their weak blood as from an impossible situation to survive.

"Do not be so hasty to think you have won this easily, dragon-blood," utters the Lintha Father. Though the distance between him and Lasuri continues to grow, the message comes to the Water Aspect as easily as if he had been speaking right in his ear. "If either you or the Wavecrest men had faced us alone, you would be on a slave ship or at the bottom of the sea!"

Then his voice rises, amplified by some unknown magic so that all ships in the vicinity hear him speak: "We WILL be back. Nevermoor is ours, and it will never respond to your blood! NEVER!"

The archers on the Kri Kiamo continue to fire shots to cover their retreat, reduced in number now as the other crewmen manipulate rigging lines and sails, maneuvering the ship into a full retreat. The Dryad archers retaliates as best it can, kneeling to make themselves smaller targets. They are better matched, now, trading shots less to kill than to deter any attempts at a more concentrated attack. But the Dryad crew still take more arrows than the Kiamo does.

The enemy flagship is soon joined by its remaining accompanying galley and courier. They are moving out of range but for the most skilled of archers, at this point.

With the battle dying down, Kareth and his repair team have the opportunity to stamp out the flames from the sorcery spell. The spell has only penetrated the wooden material of the deck, and could be repaired with Second Age techniques, but would require some extra lumber to do so. [Private to Isole Kareth: The Dryad has taken about 6 health levels of fire damage. For the Dryad this is pretty minor and it'll be able to sail on fine with such damage. Of course all those little damages add up, so, probably shouldn't go too long without doing something about it.]

At the helm, Lasuri hears the voice of the Spring Dryad fill his mind... [Private to Lasuri Leomaris: "The Kri Kiamo is not a ghost. She is a powerful demon-spirit in the shape of a three-tailed siren. I have seen her true form, and I would recognize her instantly. It is the same for her -- she looked straight through to me, Lasuri. When they return, they will want to kill us. It may take them years to build up the strength, but such a heartfelt desire for revenge holds the power of an oath. Be wary!"]

Donnegal's report is much more down to earth: "Well, we're still alive, old friend." He kicks in disgust at the dead Lintha that lay sprawled between him and Lasuri. "What now, captain?"

---

OOC: Combat's over, unless Jadira and Tageru fire some last moment shots. But feel free to post any other reactions you have. There'll be a new thread soon (with Zeru and Xander included) unless Lasuri orders a pursuit.

With a smile, he salutes Jadira gratefully, bowing theatrically to her once his opponent has been downed. He says nothing - there is no need for words. No matter what he has to say, he knows the Armswoman will already understand. Gazing back for but a second, he turns his attention back to the Lintha captain, and nods at the challenge.

"Weak men speak in ifs, Captain. Those who lose find excuses in circumstances. The strong don't need excuses - they see their own role in their defeat, and man up to it." He nods, then lifts his wavecleaver, to signal Jadira and her crew to hold their fire. "We'll meet again, Captain. You won't need to stalk us... As long as you keep thinking these waters and those on it are yours for the taking, we'll never be far. I'll be waiting."

The Captain suddenly closes his eyes, seemingly listening to something, and then, after a moment, nods slowly. "I hear your warning, Loyal Friend. Their ambitions or our ideals... Only one will find strength to survive. I guess it's going to be about who's strongest in the end - dedication or revenge." He pauses, then lays a hand on the wheel reverently, eyes still closed. "You've got my thanks as always, swift one. I'll be mindful, I promise. And we'll see how we can use that burning desire for revenge against its owner - there's not quite anything as malleable as a man who's got something to prove. Most of all... I believe in you, and in my people."

The Sea Drake finally opens his eyes, and claps Donengal on the shoulder, nodding in appreciation to his crewman and friend. In answer to his question, he turns towards the crew, and lets his voice carry onwards.

"The enemy is routed! Let them be - there's been enough blood spilled for today. Let them cling to their lives, we've already won what we sought to win, and that's because of all of your hard work and dedication!" He smiles, raising his sword in a graceful salute to all of them. "This victory is yours! Savor it, men and women of the Cobalt Alliance!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Sun 22 Feb 2009.

The anima that so fiercely defended Kiana started to settle and dim as the last of the Lintha were both dispatched and retreated from them.  She hoped some of them were still alive, however, if only to be able to question them, and perhaps be able to find where this Father-Captain held port.  Information like that would be more than useful in the days and weeks to come as they sailed these seas.  The demon mist would always be a good indicator of trouble coming their way, if their tactics were any indication.

Kiana smiled at the Captain's pronouncement of victory, though she didn't yell or scream along with the countless others that did.  The fight was over, and that being the case, Kiana withdrew quite a bit.  She was comfortable in such instances because she was sure of herself, and knew of what she was capable.  Outside of such things, with a few exceptions, she lacked such confidence.

She looked around the deck as she stepped away from the rail she was forced against, and was happy to see that each face assigned to her was still in one piece!  That caused a slightly larger smile to form across her face, and one could hardly imagine that such an angelic (melancholy) face had kicked a demon-blood several hundred yards away and onto another vessel entirely.  She reached into a hidden pocket on the inside ripped shirt she now wore, and produced a swatch of white cloth--several swaths, as a matter of fact.  She walked up to Saari and gently pressed one of the sheets of cloth against a long but shallow cut that grazed some of her shoulder and upwards to her neck.  "Honor Guard indeed!  The Captain is fortunate to have such people as his crew.  Each one of you preformed magnificently."  She said to them.  She gave the bandages to who could use them, and went to work bandaging the ones who could not, where the wounds were too deep, or perhaps too awkward.  She turned to Leeds as she observed a somewhat-serious looking gash on  Blythe.  "Leeds, I'm unfamiliar with what we have stocked, but surely a needle and some mending threads are on hand?"

For a moment the men and women of the Dryad savor their triumph. For Cobalt it was more hard-won than most, and may have been disastrous, should they have entered the battle without allies for backup. But the crew trusts in Lasuri, that he would not lead them to a certain defeat, or sacrifice their lives needlessly.

There are quite a few cheers for Kiana, as well, who surprised many of them with her strength, tenacity and leadership skills. Even more surprised are they when she thereafter takes on medical duties as well. "Miss Kiana, you shouldn't trouble yourself patching us up," says Leeds, smiling. "But if you insist... I will show you some of our supplies."

The Spring Dryad has a sickbay, in fact, located below the quarterdeck. Until now Tageru has taken on the role of medic, supplemented by Jadira when she can get away from her usual duties as first mate and keeper of the armory. There are beds and stretchers, some already occupied by the wounded Jadira had ordered her men to bring there. Among the wounded archers are burn victims, some with arrows still buried in their bodies. A couple unlucky men were pierced by ballista ammunition; their fellows have snapped off enough of the large shaft so they could lie back, but have not dared remove the rest without medical training.

There are superior tools, as well, surgical knives and needles, scissors and saws, bandages and thread. Kiana easily finds what she is needing there. [Private to Kiana Makohgn: Since you've got great medicine we'll assume you can pretty much do basic first aid things without any problems. If you end up wanting to help some of Jadira's archers, though, they got more heavily wounded; that'll need medicine rolls.]

By now Jadira has tucked her repeater away. She holds the Lookshy strongbow in her hands, her eyes trained on the Kri Kiamo and its accompanying ships until they have moved well past long range fire.

Only then does she relax--slightly, her stance and expression ragged and weary. "We are victorious," she nods, moving among her crew and touching an arm, a shoulder here and there. They nod and lower their weapons. "And it's thanks to every one of you. We lost another of ours, but he will be remembered ever more. A moment of silence for Nikanor."

The cheers quiet down briefly as they offer a silent prayer for their comrade who took the enemy's fireball in Jadira's place.

"All right, men," Jadira breaks the silence several seconds later, not wishing for the crew to dwell on loss for too long. "If you're wounded, make sure you take care of that first. If you're not sure how, get it looked at in sickbay. Otherwise, let's get organized. Amon and Sorrel, start gathering up spare ammunition on the deck. River, Aquila, Carmine and Triste. Have a look at the artillery, make sure we're still in working order. The rest of you, start checking the Lintha boarders. Bring the dead ones over here, and start searching them." She points to one spot of the deck out of the way of the usual traffic. "Unpleasant, I know, but necessary. If you think you've got a live one, tie 'em up fast and bring 'em to the brig."

Then the Wood Aspect picks up the case for her strongbow, and walks over to join Lasuri and Donnegal. [Private to Lasuri Leomaris: Lasuri can tell that Jadira looks quite a bit more troubled than she is letting on. She's just keeping a stern attitude so it looks less obvious.] "You feeling all right? Quite a battle, wasn't it. I was going to join Kiana in sickbay, unless you've anything else for me."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Mon 23 Feb 2009.

Most of the wounds suffered by her honor guard were shallow and without real danger to their lives, if not all of them.  These poor souls below deck were the ones that needed the help.  She frowned deeply after realizing the damage that had been done.  In the heat of battle she had not noticed the losses, as they were not under her command.  Sometimes focus was required, and her focus on her own men and the situation on hand had prevented her from noticing this--perhaps that was for the best for everyone, though.  They had won, and though she would argue otherwise, Kiana had played no small part in that victory.

"...Earth-Dragon preserve us..." She mumbled, going through the supplies and finding what she was looking for.  She handed Leeds more bandages and and handed him a small vial of crushed herbs that she recognized instantly.  "Here.  Take these to the others.  Just sprinkle this on the deeper cuts, only a little is needed, and simply wrap the wound to protect it."  After a moments hesitation, she also managed to grab a flask of fresh water (precious!) and handed to him as well.  "Have them rinse the wound first, of course.  Can you handle that, Leeds?"  She asked, careful to impress upon him the directions, and their importance.  If he didn't reject the (orders) request, she turned her attention to the others in the sick bay and began to appraise who was in the most need.  She began to gather the tools needed, turning to look over her shoulder before Leeds scampered off.  "Who acts as the ships doctor?  Jadira, maybe?  Whoever it is, please send them down here--I'd hate to begin without their approval, but some of these wounds can't wait for such formalities."

"That it was." Lasuri nods, smiling towards the Armswoman, and touching her arm briefly. "You and your crew did admirably. As always, you prove to be reliable in every way, 'Dira." He smiles once more. It is not often that he drops the usual honorifics in presence of the crew, but in that moment, he feels it is necessary. He knows the woman is not feeling as well as she might try to portray, and thus feels compelled to make it better, somewhat.

"I'll have Mister Donnegal do the honors for Nikanor. That's not a sacrifice that will ever be forgot - freedom is bought with the efforts and lives of many, and I always feel saddened to see the price... But if it was their choice to fight by our side, then the best we can do is honor their life's wishes." He tilts his head towards the woman, then brushes her cheek with a gloved hand, for only a moment.

"You should head down to help Miss Kiana. Me, Mister Donnegal and Mister Kareth will handle all the dirty business up-deck. We'll contact Mister Zeru and arrange a formal meeting for later on tonight, at dinner. Until then, you girls check out the wounded then get some rest. You've deserved it. I spent most of my time shouting and waving my arms around while you guys did the hard work, so I'll handle the rest of the work form here on end."

Kareth finally managed to get the bleeding to stop from his wound and decided to let the girls treat him after the more serious injuries were taken care of.  At the very least, he intended to get it bandaged and disinfected.  "Aye, Aye, Captain," he says stoically.  He tries his hardest not to show how much he's been weakened from his flesh wound, but the blood on his shirt, cloak, and breastplate make it somewhat obvious.  While he was certainly hardier than the mortals, he did allow himself a bit of envy at that moment for the Kiana and her sturdiness.  This was but a brief spark of emotion which he wrote off as being a sign of his own dragon's grace... a product of his own nature.  Despite his pain, this brought an amused smile to his face and the image of the dark engineer, covered in his own blood, with a smirk did nothing to make him seem more heroic in the eyes of the crew.

[Private to GM: 20:49,

This comes out to roughly 35 seconds for the bleeding to stop which should keep me from taking more damage... except for that botch... do what you want with that.

Today: Isole Kareth rolled 4 successes using 3d10 ...stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth failed (no successes) using 3d10...stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth failed (no successes) using 3d10... stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth failed (no successes) using 3d10... stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth rolled 1 success using 3d10... 4,4,7. stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth botched using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,6,1. stamina + resistance: stop bleeding.

Today: Isole Kareth failed (no successes) using 3d10... stamina + resistance: stop bleeding. ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

Tageru fires a couple of arrows at the retreating Lintha, but eventually stops and sits down to meditate for a moment. His wounds close quickly and he gets up and starts helping the others that were hurt in the battle as best as he can. There will be a time for celebration, but for now, it's best to stay alert, so the monk keeps his bow ready and his muscles tensed so he could react if the need arises.

Leeds nods at Kiana, "Don't worry, ma'am. I'll do my best to pass on your directions." The blond man dashes back to the main deck with the herb flask, bandages and water. Before he goes to help the other crewmen with first aid, though, he steps toward Jadira and the Captain. "Captain, excuse the interruption. Kiana would like your assistance in sickbay, Lady Thornbloom."

He doesn't linger after passing the message, seeing how close Lasuri and Jadira are standing together. Instead Leeds goes on to distribute bandages, measures of water and medicine to the wounded. Seeing the grumpy-looking engineer and his bloody wound, he stops to hand him a portion of the medical supplies, too. "Er, sir, just in case, I was told you give you this." He leaves the sterilized bandages with a pinch of herbs and a damp towel nearby, not quite wanting to get too close to the man with the dour smirk. "Might want to clean yourself up. Could get infected." [Private to Isole Kareth: Normally I would just let it go, but the botch means you'll have to roll to resist infection. With the bandages, you need to roll 2 sux, but you only get one roll per day. If you fail it, though, don't worry; there's more than one skilled with medicine aboard.]

Tageru's arrows, even at a great distance, manage to strike one of the archers on the retreating Kri Kiamo, bringing him to his knees. The unexpected arrow, shot despite Lasuri's orders, seems to cause a stir on the distant vessel. Perhaps arguing on a last-minute retaliation? It's increasingly unlikely, though, as they continue toward a course of escape.

Below in sickbay, Kiana works on treating the two shot by ballista. She disinfects the area with alcohol (prompting some wincing and groaning from the patients), then gives the men a wadded up towel to bite into when she pulls out the broken shaft. The process goes fairly smoothly with the first man, but the second requires some careful manipulation, as the shaft had partly splintered on impact. By the time she's done with the second patient, he's passed out from the pain. Probably better for him, overall.

After that is more disinfectant, then wrapping the wounds, which are both elementary tasks for Kiana.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:17, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

"All right, Las... thank you." Jadira's expression brightens slightly when the Captain's hand touches her cheek. "Though you shouldn't underestimate what you do for all of us. You and the Dryad are the heart and soul of this operation. Don't forget it."

She leans forward and kisses Lasuri, ignoring the nearby snickers of crew and likely Donnegal as well (that old codger!) Then she heads over to sickbay, seeing that Kiana has already gotten started with treating the patients. She just watches, for a moment, smiling to herself. She's at least as skilled as I am, even without the blessing of Sextes Jylis.

Jadira clears her throat when she thinks Kiana is done working for the moment. "Hello, Kiana. Leeds sent me here. I'm impressed, though... you know what you're doing. In fact, you've done a great deal of impressive feats so far, and I'm proud to have you aboard." The first mate's eyes sweep over the groups of wounded, assessing their condition, and how she might be able to aid them. "Let's see... I'll help with the arrow wounds, I am better dealing with wood. The burn victims I'll leave to you; be liberal with the disinfectant. We'll use the alcohol stores if we have to."

Jadira chuckles at the fresh chorus of groans that arises from that comment.

It was bloody work, dealing with the blows that the ballista, and the girl had already removed her Smashfist and placed them safely on her person so not to agitate the wounds further with the intrusion of more foreign materials.  Though Kiana's father had taught her much about combat, he had also been very stern about her learning a good deal of the non-magical healing arts.  When you fight hard, your men fight hard.  But they will not always be as strong as they need be, my daughter.  That is why you must learn all there is to know about the human body, and what makes it tick.  You know how to destroy--now you must learn how to repair.

After the worst of the messy work was done, she finished the wraps and made sure they were tight.  She placed the somewhat clean back of her hand against one of the sailors foreheads, a small frown on her face as she felt for fever.  It was too soon to check for it, maybe, but her senses were keen, and even a hint could caught early, if one was especially sensitive.  She felt nothing, though, and that was a blessing.

Kiana turned when Jadira spoke, and gave a ghost of a smile at the compliment.  "I only did what I was made to do, Jadira."  She said, a few flecks of blood splattered across her pale cheek from the messier part of procuring the shrapnel from the men.  Was she being humble?  She was an Earth Dragon, of course she was humble!  But something else was hinted in the words--made to do?  Was she only speaking of her father's training?  Or perhaps of the abuse she had suffered?  A combination thereof?  It was a sad thought, though, to think that your purpose in life was to cause pain, wasn't it?

She nodded quickly as Jadira took command of the sick bay, and why not?  It was much easier to follow than it was to lead, and she was especially grateful since Jadira was obviously older and wiser in such things.  She went to the first set of burn victims and began to administer first soothing cold water, and then the disinfectant.  She then went to work at the unpleasant task of cutting away what flesh was ruined, so that the new could begin to heal over.  She whispered calming words of comfort as some of the men winced and groaned, and some even screaming, from the pain.  She was kind and gentle, but almost robotic in the efficiency that she went from wound-to-wound, and then patient-to-patient.

The Captain smiles as Jadira makes her exit, then turns towards the others on board, sweeping his glance around the ship. "Allright, enough staring and giggling like schoolgirls, you've all got work to do!" He utters in mock indignation. "I want a full damage report ready in the coming minutes, and I want it submitted to Mister Kareth. He's going to tell you what needs to be done in terms of repairs or maintenance, so you listen to everything he says. Get on it!"

He then turns towards the engineer, and salutes him loosely. "You've done great work out there, friend. I really appreciate it. Assessing the ship's position is the last duty I'd ask of you for now - when you've directed the men to what needs to be done, go and have some rest. Better have that wound checked too, just in case." He smiles warmly, then begins to busy himself with the post-battle grind work - unpleasant work, but it has to be done.

The shots fired belatedly cause Lasuri to get closer to the railing suddenly, watching the Lintha warily before taking a step back. "Hold your fire!" He shouts, to make certain no one would be led to believe they should resume the attack. Not that he believes that Jadira's men would open fire without orders from the armswoman, but better not take chances.

"Mister Tageru... no shots should be fired after the cease-fire has been ordered. The hostilities have been called off, and there's more than enough bad blood without accenting it again." He says, his voice definitely more grim than before. "The Lintha might have tried to retaliate with a few shots... I've no qualms that would have done nothing to you. You can take care of yourself just fine, and you've proven that it takes more than that to shake you off. But there's other people on this ship, and right now they're not in battle stations, which means they could have been caught in the retaliation fire. That action might seem harmless on the moment, but it might have resulted in injuries of deaths on our side, and that's not something I want."

"It's not in my habit to dictate the conduct of those who don't want to be led, but I will speak up if something is done that might threaten the safety of those under my command. I don't ask much out of you, but I would like these rules respected while you're aboard this ship." He pauses, then nods, his expression softening slightly. "Otherwise... Thank you for the assistance in the fight. That's very much appreciated."

Not wishing to dwell on the matter, and leaving Tageru to his meditation for now. "Allright men, let's get this work done so you all can get some rest! The faster we get this done, the faster you get to wind down!"

Kareth tosses off his cloak, removes his breastplate, takes off his blood stained shirt.  The wound has already stopped bleeding, but there appears to be some mild infection around the wound.  Had the sailors not all been as experienced in battle as they were, many would have thought it serious.  However, it was obvious to the experienced crew that who paid attention that it wouldn't bee too much of a bother with the herbs that were sent from sick bay.  Kareth takes the herbs and mixes them with some water and applied them to the wound.  He then wraps the bandage around his torso and wound alike.

After he had redresses, Kareth and takes a seat on one of the crates on deck.  His earlier assessment of the damages indicated that there was nothing pressing that needed to be done, but repairs should never be put off too long.  Kareth looks to his repair team and starts barking out orders on materials that needed to obtained and set to the side:  "Lumber, nails, hammers, saws, shock transistors, essence cuplinks..."

After giving his orders he gives his assessment of the damages to the captain.  "After the deck is cleared off, we can conduct some of the repairs.  I do not see any particular need to rush though.  Unless you say otherwise, I would rather give the crew a rest before beginning."

[Private to GM: Today: Isole Kareth rolled 2 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,3,8. stamina + resistance: infection.

Yeah, normally I wouldn't even bother with the whole stop bleeding and check for infection thing except my guy is a complete looser when it comes to taking a hit with stamina + resistance pool of 3, and he took a hit that knocked off half his health levels in one blow.   ]

"Our experiences do shape us, Kiana... but so should your will. You're free now, with us. Have pride in what you've become, despite and because of your trials."

Jadira does not spend too much time directing Kiana, only keeps an eye out now and then, as the girl is more than capable of working out things on her own. Instead she puts her effort towards taking care of the arrow wounds. With care and concern, she sanitizes the wounded areas, then as gently as possible pries out the arrows from the patients' bodies. Depending on how deep they are buried though, she has to make a decision: whether it is safer to pull it out, or push the arrow through on the other side. Once the projectile is cleared, though, she again disinfects the wound, and sets to sewing up the skin and patching it up with fresh bandages.

"This hurts me as much as it hurts you," she tells the patients, keeping them talking so they don't focus on the pain. "I'll see about supplying some draughts for pain easing next time. I just don't like having too much of that aboard... addictive qualities, you know..." Sometimes they did have that sort of medication on board, but right now they had no supply of it nor anyone with the skill to brew it.

[Private to GM: I'm... buying up a specialty! Basically, Medicine specialty with combat wounds. And hopefully can channel compassion, too.]

"Perfect." Lasuri responds to Kareth's assessment, smiling warmly. "If that's the case, then we'll handle repairs when the crew is rested." He turns towards the rest of the crew, then Donnegal. "You've heard that? Clear the deck and you can get some rest for now. You've earned it folks - I'm proud of your performance there. Mister Donnegal, I'd like you to start closing in towards the Marlena as well, before you catch some rest. We need to go speak with Mister Zeru and the Navy. Notify me when we're close enough, and I'll take it from there."

He turns back towards the engineer, and smiles once more. "Same goes with you too, Mister Kareth. You've earned your rest like them. I'm about to head down to sick bay myself, would you like to come with? That'd be a good opportunity to have that wound checked out. Wouldn't want you to get any complications 'cause of my orders."

"O'course, Captain, leave it to me." Donnegal looks no worse for wear other than the one arrow that nicked him -- nothing he couldn't care for himself, though. He takes the helm and eases the Dryad to rendezvous with the Marlena and the Navy; the latter is more than occupied enough at the moment with assessing its own damages and casualties, though.

Before taking their well-deserved rest, the gunnery crew finishes acting on Jadira's orders, searching then tossing the dead Lintha overboard so as not to attract any diseases, dragging the others down to the brig. The repair crew fetches Kareth's tools, glad for the relatively easy task, and the rest of Lasuri's men aid Donnegal with the steering and sails when they've finished patching up their minor wounds.

Jadira and Kiana continue to administer care to the wounded in sickbay. They are both well suited for the task; Kiana in particular seems to be a quick favorite among the wounded as well. "She's easy on the eyes," comments one of the archers, good-naturedly, and another who introduces himself as Tarim says, "Got a gentle hand... when you're not wrecking up the Lintha. Remind me not to get on your bad side."

The patients are more used to Jadira, so they banter with her, and now and then tease, "Oh come on, can't we have the little lady help us instead?" Her hand is precise and sure, though she takes her time more than Kiana does, and isn't quite so gentle. But by the time they're all sewn up and leaning back with their bandages on clean sheets and pillows, they've got nothing to complain about.

---

OOC: Lasuri/Kareth can enter sickbay whenever they're up to it, just keep in mind I do want to start a new thread by tomorrow or Fri.

Zeru, if you pop in here, Donnegal will tell you where Lasuri's at, or you can wait till the new thread comes. :)

The Marlena quickly meets up with the Spring Dryad and Zeru drops the boarding plank and helps his wounded crew shuffle aboard, greeting the ship with a light brush on the banister. He leads them towards Mister Donnegal, "Mister Donnegal, I have some wounded that need a bit more than slight tending in the sick-bay. I was also hoping to talk with Captain Lasuri."

Kiana managed a genuine smile at Jadira's words, small as it might be, and continued going about her work.  Burns were a fairly common malady in war, and so she was versed well in how to treat and deal with them.  While finishing the wraps on Tarim, another small smile flickered across her lips.  "It is a hard side to find, Tarim."  She said, which was true enough.  Kiana, like many of her kin, was slow to such strong emotions as anger.  On the other hand, however, once those emotions took root, they stuck around for a loooong time.

With the work done, Kiana finally took some time to walk to one of the corners and wash the blood from her face, hands and arms.  That task done, she appraised the destruction of her tunic.  Frowning lightly, she turned to Jadira.  "Do we have any cloth on board, Jadira?  I'll need to prepare this before long, else the crew will start to see a bit more than they should."

"If they look they'll regret it," Jadira says, raising her eyebrows at the nearest resting crewmen. Then she steps closer to Kiana, eyeing the damage on her tunic. "Hmm... If you're not picky, I could let you use one of my shirts, even. Or you could use it to help patch up yours. Clothing casualties are part of life around here," she quips with a grin.

"Hail there, Captain Zeru," Donnegal says, saluting from the helm. For the time being he's ordered the Dryad at a standstill, the sails completely furled. She and the Marlena float serenely side-by-side and in place, awaiting the approach of the Wavecrest Navy ships and the reclaimed artillery vessel, the name of which only Zeru knows. "Captain Lasuri's headed down to sickbay. Think most o' the other dragon-chosen are there too, at least for now." The Dryad's pilot points toward the stern, at the stairway leading into the space beneath the quarterdeck. By now Lasuri has disappeared down that way, with Kareth if he chooses to come.

The crewmen remaining on the main deck are disciplined enough to get their work done without the officers griping at them. Some of them stop to salute Zeru and wave amiably at the other crew. The Dryad's presence is more subtle than that, but Zeru recognizes the fragrant scent that welcomed him the first time he boarded the once-ancient vessel.

Among the wounded Zeru brings with him are one of the heavyset twins (Curran), the lithe, acrobatic mute (Sunden) and the fiery-haired Cinna, who stands close by Zeru's side. All of them have at least administered emergency first aid on themselves, but as they are not skilled at it, their bandages most certainly need checking.

"How are the heroes around here?" the voice of the captain comes out, as he steps into sick bay with a wide smile on his face. "I didn't have time to snatch some fresh flowers given that we're sitting in the middle of the sea and all, but I wanted to let you know you all deserve it."

Nodding first towards Jadira and Kiana, Lasuri makes his way around the sick bay, making certain to exchange a few words with each and every one of the wounded. He thanks each one personally by name, shaking hands and delicately patting shoulders when he knows it will not aggravate wounds or conditions. From the smiles and chuckles, it seems the Captain also quips here and there with some of them.

Once he has seen and talked to everyone, the Sea Drake moves towards Jadira and Kiana, nodding amiably to them both. "Thanks to you both for handling healing duties - again, I'd like to give something more than just thanks, but the rest will have to wait. I'm thinking of giving the Cobalt people a token of my appreciation when we reach An-Teng." He winks, visibly unwilling to reveal more about his master plan.

"Miss Kiana." He says, turning towards the younger woman with a smile. "I didn't have a chance to tell you while above-deck, but thank you for all the work and effort you've put in this confrontation. You didn't have to go as far as you did, but you went above and beyond the call of duty for the Alliance. Again, that might not mean much, but know you have nothing but the utmost respect and attitude from the Sea Drake." He extends a hand towards her, this time not as a captain saluting a crewman, but as an equal greeting a friend.

"I can't influence your decisions, since your future is your own. But you'll always have a place with us if you decide to stay."

"Thank you mister Donnegal, that makes thing much more convenient for me." Zeru says with a grin. He turns his grin on those sailors who saluted him, and then helps his wounded crew into the sick-bay.

He smiles towards the two females tending to the soldiers. "Good evening madams" he calls with a tip of his hat. "I hope you have room for three more. We were slightly outnumbered. Only half of us made it out unscathed." He says, as if the battle had gone more to his liking than anyone thought. He helps his charges to some empty beds, and then moves to speak to the Captain.


"I have freed the Ambition under Captain Hirdu, and he would like to have a talk with you Captain Lasuri. Also on his boat was a young man in need of direction, I was hoping you could talk with him as well." Zeru stands tall, and relaxed but signs of worry show from beneath his sea-green eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Thu 26 Feb 2009.

"Thank you for your concern, Captain, but I think I should be fine from complications.  None the less I will accompany you,"  Kareth and then follows the captain down to sickbay.  He was fairly confident that the bandages and herbs sent to him would keep him well enough, but if the ladies could do anything to heal the damage he had taken, he figured it would help with repairs on the ship.  Pain can be... distracting when trying to work.  If not then, it wouldn't hurt to rest a bit like the crew was.

As everyone gathers in sick bay, Kareth initially listens to the conversation of the crew but quickly becomes indifferent towards it all. He takes a seat on a bed near the hull, leans his back against the wall, and closes his eyes.  He did open his eyes when he heard Zeru talk about the young man "in need of direction."  Whatever this was, it would prove to be interesting.

"Hello, Zeru," Jadira says, smiling with her greeting. "Of course, we've finished up with the other patients. It looks like you've mostly got slashing wounds here... You had more opposition on board than we did, I'm guessing." She immediately starts to work with unwrapping bandages, checking the wounds underneath for any infection or internal damage.

As with the other patients before, Jadira takes care to properly clean and disinfect the injured area. Then she fetches the thread and needle to carefully and patiently sew the cuts up, moving slowly so as to keep the stitches even (they'd likely still leave scars, but she is no cosmetic surgeon). This is, of course, assuming she doesn't find evidence of internal bleeding.

Inwardly, she hopes she won't; her current skill at both mundane and supernatural medicine might not be enough to help that effectively. But if Cinna and Curran and Sunden were able to walk themselves on board, then it couldn't be that bad...

"I don't know about more but we certainly had our fair share. There were..." He holds up his hands and looks into the ceiling of the sick bay. "8 Lintha and Dara Said Sister Kizil... an officer of sorts. Fortunately Danaa'd blesses me" He finishes his statement with a grin. "As did the Marlena surprisingly enough. She's really starting to take to the crew."

"I'm not used to being so popular, you know. It's a totally alien concept to me." Lasuri begins, visibly happy to see Zeru as well, and moving in to shake his hand. "Great job out there, Captain - both from you and your crew. As for your wounded..." The Sea Drake looks at the familiar faces of Zeru's crewmen, once under his command. "Didn't think they'd be back so soon, but we'll manage." He smiles playfully and once more goes out to give his personal thanks to each individual, giving out his congratulations each time. "I wish it was for some other reason, but thanks for the visit anyways, guys."

"Allright, now to business... We'll organize a meeting with Captain Hirdu, and with that young man you claim needs 'directions'. All of you are welcome to attend, of course. You're all integral parts of the Cobalt Alliance, after all, so your opinions and thoughts will be important. I'll arrange for the message to read the involved parties... In the meantime, you all get some rest and treatment if you're wounded."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Fri 27 Feb 2009.

"Thankee kindly captain, and you as well Miss Thornbloom." Zeru says with a wave of his hat and a bow. He turns toward the man accompanying Lasuri. "Mister... Kareth, I believe it was." He smiles, "I don't believe we've been formally introduced. Peleps Zeru, currently piloting the Marlena." He bows in greeting, and extends his hand.

Kareth looks up from his perch and regards the captain of the Marlena through the sweaty, greasy, black hair draped over his eyes with a cool expression.  "Charmed," he replies after a moment's silence.  Those around him couldn't help but wonder if they had heard a slight sarcastic tone in the engineer's voice.  As antisocial as he was, Kareth decided to not act on his initial inclination to leave Zuru's hand hanging in the air, and he reached out and clasped it.  It was not a strong grip, or energetic.  It was a very... polite... hand shake.  Nothing more.


"You did get my name correct.  I am Isole Kareth.  I am an engineer for the Alliance now, as you have no doubt heard."

"An engineer? Wonderful." Zeru says with nothing less than respect. "It is by your hands that the homes that carry us, are maintained." He explains. "I wished to learn to heal my home, but my father's ship never had a need for an engineer. So I never received any experience. I'm sure the Dryad and her fellows received more damage, but my lady Marlena was harmed as well. Whenever it suits you I would love for you to have a look at her."

"That's right, Mister Kareth is the official Alliance engineer now." The Captain smiles, and nods towards the usually somber man. He had learned that the engineer is less inclined to be a socialite, but the previous battle having seemingly built a certain sense of camaraderie between the two, he only has increased respect for the man.

"That's a lot to cover for now, unfortunately. The crew is well meaning in helping him, but the men are unqualified for those duties. Not that it's something to be held against them, but reality is that engineering's not their specialty." The Captain pauses, pondering for a moment.

"When we get to our destination, I'll see about finding skilled workers to work under mister Kareth, so we can build a battle engineer unit. That would likely take some of the load off our head engineer and keep us more efficient, I would think. Sticking one or two trained gearheads on the Marlena might be something to consider too, if Captain Zeru would wish that - and if the Lady Marlena herself sees it appropriate."

Kareth figured that he would eventually be asked to perform along these lines.  "I am much more skilled with machines than boats... however, I will look at the damage and see what needs to be done.  How dire is the damage to...," with this Kareth's lips once again turned up in a smirk that was only made him look unpleasant in his blood matted attire, "your 'home'?"

"I am not against such and idea, and while I will ask her, she seems the type to relish the idea of having a skilled ship-healer or two on board. I again thank you Captain."

He looks up at Kareth, ignoring his smirk. "She is not so hurt, but she treats every wound as serious." He pauses and begins to clarify the final comment. "Aye, my home. As a sailor, I have been at sea more than on the shore. Therefor my ship is my home, it is where I eat, sleep and survive. That makes it my home."

"I see," Kareth replied most simply to Zeru's comment.  "You may tell, her that I will take a look at it in short order.  As to skilled engineer's, captains, that would be helpful... especially if you would eventually like me to undertake certain projects on behalf of the alliance eventually.  I could possibly begin training some of the current crew who are here as well."

"Thank you" Zeru says with a bow "Now if you will excuse me, I must help my crew finish getting things in order, and prepare for the meeting." He waits shortly for responses before leaving and stepping back onto the Marlena.

Kiana smiled at the Captain, at his kind tones and words.  "The Alliance has made me feel very welcome, Captain.  More so than I've encountered else where.  Thank you for that."  She said, though she quietly seemed to fade into the background when more entered the sick bay.  She was quick to fetch the materials Jadira needed to fix-up the men from the other ship.  And though she was more than able to help directly, she simply assisted and paid close attention to what Jadira did in attempt to learn whatever she could.  Jadira was older, after all, and Kiana assumed that meant she knew some tricks of the trade.

After the messy business was taken care of, Kiana softly excused herself, bowing to the Captains.  "Please pardon me, sirs."  She almost murmured.  The meeting sounded interesting, and she might well take the Captains invitation.  Though she wasn't a staple of the crew yet (just the eyes and ears the ship) she thought she would still do well to go.

That being the case, she made her quarters, and began to make repairs to her shirt with the most worn of Jadira's garments that she could find.

With only three patients to go, Jadira welcomes Kiana's aid, and the two are able to efficiently clean, disinfect, and treat the wounds of Zeru's crewmen. Their careful work ensures that any infection that may have festered there between the battle on the Ambition and reaching the Dryad is kept at bay.

Fortunately, the superior armor Jadira's funds have bought the Cobalt crewmen kept any vitals from being torn or punctured. The surgery does take a good amount of time, though, as the hooks of the Lintha weapons leave nasty, jagged cuts. But with the careful, precise hand with which Jadira stitches the wounds, it is certain that the scars will be minimal (perhaps to the chagrin of those who would have liked the ugly scar to point at as 'proof of Lintha survival'.)

Jadira has to inform Zeru before he leaves that Curran and Sunden will have to rest at the Dryad for several days, though Cinna with her more minor wounds can leave straight away.

Finally the patients are allowed some privacy and rest, as the time for meeting with the Navy and Captain Hirdu grows near.

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OOC: Closing thread, move on to 'Nevermoor Aftermath'. Later there'll be more opportunity to post about repairs, crew assignments and other matters. :)