28th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Morning

The day comes for the Cobalt Alliance to depart from Auragik. They are a fleet of four ships now: the Spring Dryad II, the Black Marlena, the Hirdu's Ambition and the Wavecrest Navy Ship Falchion -- accompanying them, for the time being.

Before departing, Captain Hirdu comes aboard the Dryad in order to explain what the next leg of their journey would entail. The explanation, naturally, calls for the presence of all four ship captains as well as important crew.

The mustachioed captain appears healthier than before -- at the least, he is wheezing less, having recovered slightly from his unfortunate encounter with the Lintha captain's boot. "Well, sirs, the Seven-Day Island isn't your ordinary island," he explains, pacing back and forth on the deck with his stubby legs. "Er, how do I say this? It's actually alive. But not like you or me; more like a spirit or elemental is alive, and takes physical form. For whatever reason the island has a fondness for the end of things. It's eaten a great many items towards that, er, end, and apparently the Lintha's artifact was one of them."

Hirdu scratches the back of his head. "So... all that said, I know how to entice the island to surface, but it'll be easier if any of you on board's familiar with prayer or performing arts... Figured I may as well ask."

"And if you've any more questions about what we're getting into, you may as well spill it now."

---

OOC: I've opened this thread but don't feel obligated to post in it right away if you're not done with Nevermoor Aftermath or other things. :) I'll be back on Wed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:43, Mon 16 Mar 2009.

Kareth had just gotten back on board from finishing his crafting when the captain started talking.  He possessed a wide knowledge of lore and to some extent, occult knowledge.  His new glasses hid the gleam in his eyes, which those who had seen it before would recognize as him showing interest.  They did not, however hide the small smile that curled up on his lips.  "Captain Hirdu, when you say the island "eats" thing... do you mean it has a mouth and swallows them or is this more metaphorical?"

"Well, captain Hirdu, I was an Immaculate monk back in my days, and I frequently dealt with spirits. Sometimes I dealt with them the nice way, sometimes the hard way, but I had a way of dealing with them every time.", the monk adds and stands next to his crew members.

"I can recite prayers, if it will help, but I don't think that appeasing little gods is a good thing. The spirits should only be revered at their awarded time in the calendar, as I'm sure you know.", he adds a bit grimly, frowning at the captain. Wavecrest is still a tributary to the Realm, and old habits die hard. "But, dark times call for unorthodox measures", he adds "so if you think it is necessary and captain Leomaris agrees, I offer my services in performing a prayer for this spirit, so that it might be more inclined to help. After all, the Lintha are a much greater threat to Creation than a single unruly spirit, so if we must choose between two evils, we can at least choose the lesser one..."

"Oh, now that's a great question, sir engineer," Hirdu says, grinning and rubbing his mustache. "Indeed, the island has a mouth. And well... we're going to be walking into it, at least if you'd rather not attempt a hostile takedown of a living island. Believe me, heh... it's not a good idea."

"That said, I'd suggest we don't head over there with too many people. This isn't war." The rotund Captain of the Ambition glances distinctly at the purple-haired Fairwind, who leans idly against a railing, listening to the budding discussion. "The idea, in actuality, is to entice the Island to surface and allow a small band of us -- safely! -- into its mouth, and through its innards, to search for what we need. Barring that, of course... we'll just have to open it up long enough for us to get inside, find what we're looking for and get right back out before things get too hairy." He seems unwilling to dwell on that possibility, hurrying onto other matters.

"Master Tageru, if you'd be so obliged I would welcome the aid in beseeching the island to cooperate. I assure you, my interest in this is purely secular, and for our mutual goal of stamping out these Lintha bastards before they can rise with renewed strength! But you are correct in that it would be most appropriately up to Captain Leomaris to agree on this course of action."

Fairwind, having had enough of listening in silence, adds: "If you're against overtly hostile action concerning this 'living island', I'm more than willing to leave my men on standby, as long as I or a representative of the Wavecrest Navy accompanies you. What'll we do if you don't come out, though, or if the island itself goes hostile?" He raises his eyebrows, glancing meaningfully across the docks at the Falchion and its array of cannon weaponry. "I've got a job, and that includes protecting the people of Wavecrest --and you visitors, incidentally, as well."

Zeru follows the gaze of Captain Fairwind towards the Falchion. "No disrespect towards your fair ship sir, but if the island itself turns against us, of what use are a few cannons?"

In answer to Captain Hirdu, Zeru decides to voice his opinion. "I can play a bit of the pipes and dance a number or two," He holds his hands up against any questions that might be thrown his way before explaining. "I only know as much as was required in the House of Ancient Stone, I was required to learn a bit of performance, and I chose those which bring fortune in sailing. The Dance is said to stir the wind to action and prevent the doldrums, and the pipes have been known to calm the sea herself."

He looks up. "I will help to draw the spirit out provided it doesn't require that I be procluded from the team to venture into the Island. This smells like quite an adventure and I want to miss none of it."

"Visitors are responsible for their own mistakes, aren't they?" The Captain voices suddenly surfaces, just before the man himself steps into the conversation - dusting his coat as he does so. "You don't have to keep up appearances so much, mister Fairwind - I'm well aware that your primary duty remains making sure that we don't do anything illegal or to endanger your people. We'll take full responsibility for our actions, of course. I'll even sign you a waiver if you want." He grins at the navy man, then turns towards the assembled others.

"Seems you people actually got ahead of me on this one. I didn't mean to overhear, but I still did - and I have to admit I like where this is going. No sense in being bloodthirsty if we don't have to, after all. If there's a way to resolve this peacefully and placate that place without needing to fight our way through it, then I'm more than willing to give it a go." He nods, then turns towards Hirdu.

"You've studied this thing for a while, right? Since you're the one that knows the most about this, that makes you the more tactically sound person to call the shots on this one. You can direct the cues as to how to try to appease this thing. I'll handle the planning in case that part doesn't work out." He smiles once more, then turns towards Tageru. "If you're comfortable with that, please lend a hand to Captain Hirdu, mister Tageru. I'll get things prepared if there's anything you need for that sort of ceremony - just give the word and I'll see what I can do."

He then smiles in Zeru's direction, and nods warmly. "You're more than welcome to give a hand with preparations, mister Zeru. Don't worry, I'll still include you in any shore missions we have. I'll make sure to let you know when it's time, so don't worry about that and knock yourself out."

"Thank you captain..." Zeru says with a bow. "You wouldn't happen to have any pipes or flutes on board would you? I'd very much like a chance to refresh my skills,"

Kiana was there, of course.  Any time a meeting had been called, she had made it a point to attend, especially now since the Captain had made her position on the ship much more official.  Considering the meeting concerned several of her new responsibilities, it was no wonder that the young woman was standing against the wall with her arms crossed, listening silently.  She seemed to simply fade into the background, not voicing an opinion or giving any reason to be noticed.  She nodded a greeting to the Captain as he (expected) dashing entrance.  Fashionably late, wasn't that a common saying on the Crimson Isles?  She seemed to remember something of that sort.

"I agree."  Kiana said.  She was always soft spoken, it seemed, until the gloves were off.  Or, in her case, when the gloves were on.  "There is certainly no need for violence if it can be avoided.  Especially if our foe could reasonably be considered an island."  She gave a small, conservative smirk.

She nodded toward Tageru, at his words, and looked back to the mustached Captain.  "I, too, have had extensive training in such things.  I am able to both see and, if needed, strike spirits, as I am sure the crew of the Dryad will attest.  However, I have very little experience in terms of prayer or performances of a spiritual nature."  Or, I can punch ghosts, if one were to take the useful parts and run with them.

She then turned to Peleps and offered a curious smile.  "You can play?  I haven't heard so much as a whistle since I left the Cri-"  She paused for a moment.  "Since I left home.  I'm sure if we can find some spare wood, I would be able to fashion you a sort of pipes.  Musical instrumentation isn't my specialty, but I should be capable of producing something for you to practice with."

"... Hmm, a flute, huh? I'd have to check for that in the bottomless abyss that is the ship's paperwork. We might have something like that in the cargo somewhere, although I'm not making any promises." He grins a bit sheepishly, then shakes his head. "If not, I'll find some materials for miss Kiana to try to make you one."

"I thank you Miss..." Zeru starts before again realizing the two hadn't yet been introduced. "I apologize, but I don't think we've been properly introduced." He stands straighter, and gives Kiana a warm smile. "I'm Peleps Zeru, but I prefer Zeru, as for your inquiry on my ability to play the pipes, I can only claim to be a novice, you're just as likely to get noise as you are a song."

"Mau!"

"Err... Right. Caterwauling as it were..." Zeru glares down at his pocket, apparently unhappy with the comparison. "This is Lucky Coral, I found her close to our entrance into the Alliance."

Kiana returns the smile (though not nearly as energetic) and bowed deeply in greeting, as Peleps hadn't extended his hand to shake.  It was a strange greeting, shaking hands, and Kiana still wasn't entirely used to it.

"I am Kiana White-Fist, Head of Defense for the Dryad"  She said, her named rolling off her tongue with practiced ease.  In those few moments it was easy to see her in an elegant ballroom dress (Not the tunic and pants she wore now), bowing and introducing herself to some Duke.  The moment quickly passed however, and she was just Kiana again.

Coral's sudden outburst spurred a surprised laugh from the girl, however, and she looked down at Coral with an expression her face that could only be wonder.  "Is that...a cat?"  She asked, her voice held taut like a tightrope, almost a whisper.  "May I pet her?"  She asked again, almost embarrassed to ask such a thing, but pressing forward anyhow.  If he confirmed that she could, she extended a pale hand to caress the feline--and if not, she nodded her understanding (perhaps she over stepped her boundries) and adjusted her sights back to the meeting at hand...though whether her request was granted or not, she would sneak peeks at Coral, as if she were the most magnificent little creature in the world.

Zeru looks down at his pocket, as if to examine new contents. "Yep she's a kitty alright. Cat's are lucky to have aboard ships." She smiled at her fascination and responed to her wish to pet the kitten with a positive. "Oh Coral? by all means. She adores the attention." Zeru says with a returning bow, removing the Kitten from his pocket.

"Mau" Coral purred upon being pet by Kiana. The kitten was white, but dotted with aqua. She acted like royalty, especially when being pet.

Fairwind resumes his deceptively casual stance at the railing. "Oh, I wouldn't underestimate the Wavecrest Navy. Our cannons pack enough of a punch to harm a floating behemoth should we be able to figure out its weak points. Though I admit it could need the cooperation of more than one ship. What are the dimensions we're looking at, anyway?" The Falchion's captain rubs his slightly stubbled chin.

"Captain Leomaris," Hirdu says in greeting to the younger captain, bowing and putting a hand to his head before realizing he doesn't have a hat. Instead he scratches his head uncomfortably, then listens to what Lasuri has to say. "Oh ho!" the rotund captain exclaims, somewhere in between Kiana's entrance and the talk about flutes or pipes. "Giving me some authority already, I see? Though I've got to admit, you youngsters are hard to keep up with... I'll do my best to make clear what needs doing."

Hirdu gives Kiana another, perhaps even deeper bow. Fairwind just watches her, still reacting oddly to the novelty of such a young woman aboard a ship, even if she is a Dragon-blood.

Finally, the purple-haired man looks away and smirks slightly toward Lasuri. "No, no waivers. I'll be the first to admit that Captain Irongall is a hardass, even for us military folk. Me, I just want to do my job right. And I admit... I'm curious to see more of the Cobalt Alliance in action."

Hirdu continues while Kiana meets with Zeru's cat. "Any and all help is welcome. As it stands, the island -- Rakatau is its proper name -- is actually most fond of the performance arts. It is attracted to music at sunset, and in odd time signatures. It's been known to take unusual gifts to add to its collection. And it appreciates a beautiful ending... the more esoteric, the more appealing. There are of course some written prayers. I've one chant scribed down, it's as authentic as I could find, but I am no priest."

"Dimensions... eh, somewhere between huge and gigantic? I've never actually seen it before, like I've said. I only know roughly where it will appear next. But it ought to be of comparable size to an islet in this area."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Fri 20 Mar 2009.

"I, too, can see spirits... or more accurately, I can see their reflections, Ms.... White-fist.  Which is what will make these useful."  Kareth almost let slip his confusion on Kiana's new name, but he contains it enough to where it does not sound as though he is asking a question.  As he speaks of seeing spirit's reflections, he points to his new, oddly silver looking glasses.  The lenses look like mirrors to observers but it is apparent that Kareth has no issues seeing through them.

"From the way he's talking, 'Floating Behemoth' sounds like a most accurate description, Captain Fairwind," Kareth said looking up from his work.

He then turned to Zeru and Kiana and specifically said, "As for the flute, I believe that I too would be able to help craft such an instrument and my bracers would be an effective tool in its construction.  Harmonics are not unheard of in the realm of engineering.  It would be much easier for me to make an instrument than to play it, however."  After a brief moment's hesitation, he went on to say, "Given our limited time frame, Miss Kiana's assistance in the matter would be most preferred as well as anyone who could lend a hand.  The more aids who volunteer, the better."

OCC:  What are the the time interval and resource cost like on crafting a flute.  Are we talking days or hours?

She returned the deep bow to the captain, but then her attention was quickly captured by the cat.  Kiana petted lucky Coral gently, scratching behind her ears and rubbing her cheek with the back of her fingers, all the while looking down at the cat with what could only be described as awe.  "My mother had a cat."  She whispered.  "She was jet black, nothing at all like Coral, but very gentle.  I wasn't allowed to pet her."

Almost in a sort of trance, she visibly jerked when she realized just how long she had spent petting Coral (only about two minutes) and stood up straight again.  "She is very nice."  Kiana said, sparing a small smile and then turned her attention back to the Captains, and a nod to Isole.

"I would be happy to assist you in the matter, Mr. Kareth.  I am always eager to see another professional apply his trade, and help as I can."

Zeru watched Kiana surreptitiously as she pet Coral. He kept most of his attention on the Captain, and Isole as they spoke. Noting for once that Isole didn't scowl directly at him this time.

Kiana only after what amounted to a couple minutes stiffened suddenly when petting Coral. With a bow he accepted the cat back and she took her place in his pocket. The tips of her paws and her head sticking out, and looking around.

"Mau" She said quietly. And Zeru nodded, knowing what her assessment of Kiana was.

Jadira arrives in a bit of a hurry. The brunette armswoman has her coat hanging on her shoulders and her shirt-sleeves rolled up.

"Sorry I'm late, all," she says, nodding and smiling at all the faces she recognizes (which makes for a great deal of nods and smiles). "Just making sure all the supplies are loaded up. It's fortunate Zeru had the idea of looking into some thaumaturgical medicine to help our crewmen heal, too. Though I'm hoping we can let them take it easy for longer. Let us do some of the hard work for once."

The last she says with a wink, eliciting some chuckles from the gunnery crew. A few of them are still sporting bandages, but for the most part they look eager to get going, danger or no danger.

"Oh, that's right. I figure I ought to announce formally that our Kiana White-Fist..." Jadira emphasizes the surname somewhat, as if to bring attention to the change. "Is now the Dryad's Head of Defense. As of... five days ago, in fact, and approved by both myself and Captain Lasuri. But now you all know." She smiles brightly, obviously pleased by this fact. "That means she'll be the one organizing our hand-to-hand fighters, both for boarding and defense, and coordinating our lookouts so we've always got a good eye on our surroundings. Spare some time to congratulate her, when you can!"

"Anyway, from what I hear from Captain Hirdu, we're likely going to be on foot for most of this mission. And most likely in small groups, am I correct?" Her emerald eyes glance toward the captain with the mustache.

"Top o' the morning to you, Lady Thornbloom," says Captain Hirdu, sketching another bow. He also smiles at Kiana, his eyes twinkling merrily. "And congratulations, little lady."

Fairwind makes no comment about the appointment, though he appears to regard Kiana in a new light, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Belatedly, he nods towards Jadira. "Good morning."

"Er, yes, you are correct, Lady, assuming everything goes well with appeasing the island beast," Hirdu goes on to answer Jadira's inquiry. "I doubt Rakatau would be happy with our crews stomping around inside it. It's the difference between a search party and a war party. We don't want our behemoth to think we're trying to hurt it. Not while we're inside it." His nose twitches, and he sneezes, then smooths out his mustache absent-mindedly. "I'm thinking that when we arrive we can split up into a pair of smaller groups, to make the search go a little faster. But... we can decide that when we get there."

"We'd best head out soon, if we want to reach our destination by sunset," Fairwind suggests, and glances upward. "Sky looks a little overcast. There might be rain."

---

OOC: When ready, individual captains should prepare to cast off and depart. Of course, since Lasuri's the leader, we'll need his word for the Alliance to set sail. Then I'll narrate the journey to the island (guided by Hirdu, who knows the way).

Kareth, you can start work on the flute, either now or during the voyage. The crafting interval is one hour. If Kiana is to aid the crafting she has to have at least 1 dot in the specific craft being used (I figure it will probably be Craft (Air) unless Kareth has another idea).
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:11, Sun 22 Mar 2009.

"That's right folks - Miss Kiana White-Fist is the newly appointed Head of Defense aboard the Dryad. I've made the inscription in the Charter, so it's as official as can be. Mister Kareth has also been inscribed there under the function of 'Chief Artificer'. These positions are effective now, so treat the folks accordingly, all right?" He smiles, then turns towards the two aforementioned Exalts. "Congrats, but more than anything... Thanks to the both of you."

"As for Mister Hirdu, well... I'll discuss with you at a later as to what your new position within our group is going to be. But thanks to you as well." He nods, then his expression turns slightly more serious.

"All right everyone - we've got to reach our destination before the sun goes down, so we better go and get ready now. I suggest everyone gets prepared for a ground mission while we're in transit, so we're ready when we do reach our goal. Mister Zeru, please pass the instructions to your crew too... We'll all meet again at the destination to organize our efforts."

"Okay... Let's go and do this, people." And with that, the Captain claps his hands, starting to prepare for the trip himself.

Kareth arched his eye brows at the new title.  No one could call the engineer surprised that he had the duties.  After all, that had been the specific reason Jadira and Lasuri had brought him on board.  However, he had not expected to be given an official title, especially one that struck so close to a title he once held in Lookshy.  None the less, Kareth felt pleased with this turn of events and showed it by holding his shoulders back slightly more and letting a creepy smile touch the edge of his lips.

After Captain Lasuri told the ships to ready themselves for departure, Kareth quickly pulled Kiana aside and inquired of her skills with crafting.  After he had good field for her optimal medium, he then inquired of Captain Lasuri and Jadira of available raw materials for purching raw material for Zeru's flute.  Lastly, Kareth then made arrangements with a crew member to quickly return to a store Kareth had noticed in town and purchase the necessary goods.

[Private to Kiana White-Fist: Kiana, if you don't have Craft (Air) then I figure we can fit it under Craft(wood) or (fire) if you have those.]

Captain Fairwind excuses himself, returning to the Falchion to brief his men and make preparations of his own. Hirdu does much the same, though not without first lingering aboard the Dryad, showing a deep curiosity about the structure of the ship and its weaponry, as well as the efficiency of the crew.

"You're welcome," he says privately to Lasuri before departing to join the Ambition's skeleton crew. "You've been fabulously generous, in fact, young man. I look forward to learning more about what I might do to repay you." He bobs his head in a friendly gesture and clears away, scuttling across the gangway to his vessel.

Kareth finds he can obtain the materials he needs quite easily, as they are well within the Cobalt Alliance's means. With that done, he can settle down to craft (with Kiana, should she show the proper skill) for the duration of the journey, which Hirdu promises should only be hours long. [Private to Isole Kareth, Kiana White-Fist: go ahead and roll your Craft, Kareth, I'll determine the bonuses. If Kiana helps, you'll get a +1 success, however at the moment I think she only has Craft(Earth!) Maybe she can be persuaded to spend some xp to raise one of the other Crafts... Fire might make sense for a princess of war. :D Since this is a relatively simple item I'll rule she'll only need a couple dots to be of help (4 xp to buy first two 2 dots of a craft).]

By the time the Alliance ships are prepared to depart from Auragik, it is starting to drizzle lightly, and the sky is overcast. Fairwind mumbles uneasily about storms and omens, but the Wavecrest Navy ship accompanies the Dryad and the Marlena without delay. Captain Hirdu is eager and more than ready to leave, so with Lasuri's okay, the explorer-savant's ship leads the way from Auragik port back to the open sea.

---

OOC: Time skip imminent. :) soon as I get some results on the flute.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Thu 26 Mar 2009.

Tageru congratulates Kiana and Kareth on their new positions, albeit in a not-very-pleased manner, or at least so it seems. The monk bows to the Fire Aspect "I hope your wisdom helps us stay afloat, mister Kareth. Dragons know we needed someone to help use this ship properly, and finally, we have you! I wish you all the best in your duties."
He approached Kiana, whom he saw as a young and shy girl, but certainly deserving of respect, and asked her to speak to her privately.
[Private to Kiana White-Fist:
"Congratulations, miss White-Fist.", Tageru adds a bit awkwardly, still getting used to her new name. "I am sure that you will be more than capable enough for your newly awarded position. If you ever need some sparring or advice, I would be honored to help. Gods know you have a big task ahead of you, and you'll need all the help you can get.", he says grimly, but still somehow it seems like he means well...]

Kareth returned the unfriendly congratulations with a cold nod of his head.  For his part, Kareth wished to avoid overly entangling himself with the monk, even if he no longer served the Order. He did however feel the need to interject at the request for Kiana's attention as the matter of crafting the flute was a time sensitive matter.  "Master Tageru, I trust your conversation with our new chief can wait an hour.  I am in need of her assistance at this second."

After he garnished the materials, Kiana's attention, and activated his bracers, Kareth set about the task of forming an instrument.  Using Kiana as a reference for traditional layout of the holes on a flute, the fire aspect was able to accuately calculate the length of the instrument as well as the most comfortable fingure grips.  Furthermore, Kiana's description of the necessary tools helped Kareth form the exact ones he needed which he was then able to apply in a most accurate manner.  The end result was a piece of equipment which Kareth both recognized as instrument for entertainment and an instrument for producing sonic waves in precise wavelengths.  While he did not have the skill to use such an instrument, he was quite proud of it none the less.

[Private to Cynis Tageru: Sorry about delaying the conversation.  I just didn't want to hold up the storyteller from setting sail if she's waiting on the flute.]

[Private to Kiana White-Fist; Storyteller:

Since we didn't have 2 supernatural assitants, I used the rules regarding assistance in the core and assumed she had Craft(Air).

So that's -1 wound penalty.  +1 cooperation bonus with Kiana.  :)

Activating excellency and buying 1 sux.

Today: Isole Kareth rolled 2 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,2,1,7,7. craft flute.

Roll: 2 sux
Bracers: 3 sux
Charm: 1 sux

total: 6 sux]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Tue 24 Mar 2009.

Zeru bowed to the captain and hopped over to where the Marlena lay bobbing in the water.

He gathered his crew, actually in the room where Sunden and Curren were recuperating. "Alright guys, we need to prepare to move out, We're heading to one of the strangest places I've never heard of." He smiled at his crew. "We're going to an Island that eats stuff. It's apparently eaten whatever it was that the Lintha were seeking." He looks around at his crew. "Most of the crews will be stationed on the boats, keeping lookout." He rubs the back of his head. "I'm heading inside the island, but only after I try to placate it so that it doesn't eat us... I've gotta try my hand at the flute."

He focuses his gaze on Sunden, and Curran "You guys have gotten the medicines from Auragic you focus on healing, Cinna's in charge of duties, I expect you'll listen to her." He gives Antov a wink. "And Antov's gonna make sure that Cinna takes care of her wounds too."

After finishing his meeting he goes to the captains cabin to have a word with the Marlena. "What are your thoughts on this mission Milady? I also feel the need to inquire about your intentions should I stay eaten by the island."

The flute Kareth produces in a mere hour of artistry is of fine quality, an instrument both functional and attractive. [Private to Isole Kareth; Peleps Zeru: As fine quality instrument, it grants a +1 specialty die for Woodwinds.] Kiana finds the experience quite educational, even if Kareth happens to be doing the majority of the work. Mostly, it seems, he is in need of her aid because of injuries from the Lintha battle affecting his usual crafting precision.

After the dour engineer relinquishes her, Kiana has the rest of the journey to hear Tageru out. [Private to Kiana White-Fist; Cynis Tageru: If you want to talk at length, though, might be better to do it in a separate thread. As long as you are fine participating in multiple threads at once, 'cause I won't delay this thread for it.]

At the Marlena, the crew is in higher spirits now that the medicine has aided the recovery of the wounded. Of the five, Curran is still the most significantly injured, and mostly continues to stay in bed, but Sunden seems to have recovered enough to at least sit up and help as a lookout. Even Zeru, for all his worry, has to admit that Cinna looks much better, and is already enjoying the idea of being in charge over the men. Antov, true to his word, continually polices Cinna not to push it too much; he and Brogan take over any heavy lifting or exertion that she or Sunden might otherwise participate in. [Private to Peleps Zeru: Curran is still at his first -2 wound level, with 4 health levels of damage. Sunden is up to -1, he only has 2 health levels of damage now. Cinna is also at -1, but close to being completely recovered.]

When Zeru calls for Marlena, she appears immediately and perches herself on the desk of the captain's cabin, her raven-wing hair draped over her shoulders. "Hmmph. I suppose it's all right, if it's to beat the Lintha. But if you were eaten?? I would raise an army to get you back, of course!" She frowns, her fingers brushing the onyx she now perpetually wears at her throat. A pair of black feathers drift from her hair and falls onto the desk, an unspoken sign of her distress.

Then her crimson eyes glow boldly. "But don't take more from this 'Rakatau' than what you ask for. I know all about how vengeful an angry spirit can be, and he's much, much larger than me. If you're stupid enough to piss him off that way, then I'll just leave your carcass behind."

Zeru smiles at the spirit. "I thank you for your care and advice, but I thought you would know me better than that." He bows low. "All this talk of music has gotten me curious, what instruments are favored by my lady."

Jadira spends the journey checking and rechecking the ship's weaponry, both the fixed turrets and the supply in the armory. She'd also taken the liberty of replenishing ammunition while in Auragik, though of course the simple islanders had nothing like incendiary arrows or alchemical pearls.

She vacillates over what weapons she will bring (assuming they can even get onto the island), and decides the small Essence cannon might be too dangerous inside a living island. So Jadira oils and restrings her strongbow, a weapon with quite a bit of sentimental value, as it inadvertently triggered her and Lasuri's exodus west. But none would know that by looking at it, only that it definitely has its origins in Lookshy.

Afterward she joins Lasuri and Donnegal at the helm, carrying the strongbow in its protective case, the Lioness Fang at her belt, and the plasma tongue repeater (which still carries four shots--better than nothing). Since the Dryad's traveling with slower vessels, she doesn't bother to call the winds. Besides, the weather seems too temperamental at the moment to risk messing with the elements. "Aren't we lucky," she remarks, looking up and squinting when the drizzle sprinkles her face. "Nice weather, then clouds and rain right as we leave? Maybe Captain Fairwind is onto something."

Helping with the flute was certainly educational, as Kiana had never made such a thing on her own, or helped create such an instrument, for that matter.  She was quick to follow all of Isole's orders and instruction--he would be very hard pressed to find a quicker assistant, or one as able as Kiana.  What she lacked in skill in the required field, she more than made up for in willingness to learn, and raw talent with crafting in general.

She was, of course, the matter of Cynis, and Kiana was more than pleased to meet with him.  Though his demeanor was certainly more severe than most, Kiana knew that some scars were more than simple grooves of flesh, and so she smiled when he asked to speak in private, and entertained his request without hesitation.

[Private to Cynis Tageru: "Thank you very much, Mr. Tageru."  She says, smiling lightly as he tripped over her new sur-name.  "It is a very important duty that the captain trusts me with, and I appreciate your offer.  I enjoyed sparring with you very much before, and I look forward to future matches!  And any wisdom you might have gained from your years as a monk would be highly appreciated as well--I but young still, I realize, and while my Father's lessons are vast and many, you can never know too much."  She said, bowing in gratitude of his offer.]

When those matters were attended to, however, and Zeru was given his flute, Kiana would risk another glance at Lucky Coral before Peleps went to his own ship, and the young man as well by default.  He seemed kind enough, but Coral was such a beautiful creature!  Whether or not she got a last glance (childish as it might have been) Kiana quickly went to work as the Head of Defense should, and rounded together the men and women under her charge.  They wouldn't have nearly enough time to prepare as fully as Kiana would like, but she would make due with what she had, learning their names, their strengths and weaknesses, and doing what she could to impart what martial prowess she could before the Island was within their sights.

Zeru accepted the flute with great humility, remarking on it's beauty. He bowed low in thanks and in deference to the skill of Isole Kareth and Kiana White-Fist. Coral poked her head out of Zeru's pocket.

As Kiana looked back to see if she could spot Coral, she could swear that the kitten winked at her. "Mau!" She calls to Zeru as he hops back towards the Marlena.

"You like her huh?" Zeru asks.

"Mau!"

"Hey! I never said that you only love the attention, you do seem more comfortable around fawning women though..." He hooks his chain on the Marlena's mast to aide his jump. "What makes me special?"

"Mau!"

"What? I can too be scary if I want."

After his little conversation with the kitten Zeru makes his way to the bow of the ship. He brings the flute to his lips, and closes his eyes. He lets the feel of the sea's spray, and the wind rushing through his hair and coat guide the beginning of his melody. He lets his trust in the Marlena, his crew, Captain Lasuri and Lady Thornbloom, and the entire Cobalt Alliance guide his fingers.

[Private to Storyteller:  18:51, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,2,7,5,8,10,5,4. Dex+Performance I hope I rolled right... It might have been charisma...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iXpJ3YZTLE (My estimation of what 5 successes is... and the only song I've heard my friend play) :D

"Eh, it's not so much Fairwind being right as this kind of luck is our luck." Lasuri grins at the armswoman, then peers straight ahead. "Years down the line with at least something going wrong even with the best laid plans, you kinda get used to it, I suppose. But hey, all that means is that we've got years of practice to get better at working under adverse conditions." He peers at Jadira and Donnegal, a mischievous smile on his lips.

"Of course... That doesn't do squat about all that business with appeasing the island spirit. I can work with most things, but that esoteric stuff is not something I'm too good with. I mean, I can handle a talk, and I suppose I understand the theory, but past that, you lose me. Except for the Dryad, but she's different. I guess because we've known each other for what seems like an eternity."

"Either way, I'm just glad we've got people who know which way of the magic wand to wave."

Kareth had gone with Kiana to deliver the flute to its new master.  He had mostly wished to stay near enough to the Marlena to try and hear Zeru play the instrument.  This was not done out of a particular fondness for music as it was a sense of self-satisfaction at hearing a creation of his.  While he waited for the captain to leave the Dryad, he noticed the exchange between the cat and the girl.  The scene caused his mouth to contort in a way that might have been what one would imagine a smile would be like on his face but for the fact that one cannot smile while frowning.  Instead it just looked odd and creepy.  As the girl walked away to her meeting with the Tageru, Kareth simply pushed his spectacles further up his nose, completely blocking out his eyes and then sat down on the deck of the ship, with his back and head leaned against the railing.  Every now and then he could  hear a small snippet of Zeru's melody come over the wind and Kareth knew he had done well in at least one thing.  His hand went to his wound unconsciously as he sat.  If no one else needed him, he intended to spend his time doing something he had not done much of the past week... rest.  After all, in a few hours they faced a behemoth and Kareth feared they would need all the rest they could get.

"Well, knowing about magic wands is part of what I do," Jadira says teasingly, tapping Lasuri's nose with a finger. "Though it looks like it might be Zeru at center stage..."

The brunette smiles wistfully as she catches notes of Zeru's beautiful flute playing. "He's quite good at it, isn't he? You can tell he was raised in the Realm," she says with a chuckle. "Remember the recitals we had to do, Las? I bet you're SO happy about remembering those... though that time you botched the Water part of the Elemental Cycle was great! You improvised your way out of the worst of it, and managed to impress the teacher anyway. I always wondered afterward if you did it for me. Because I was watching, I mean." Her eyes linger on the Dryad Captain for a long moment, until she laughs, blushing slightly.

"Never mind. We're on a mission, and I should be thinking about how I can help... A shame I don't have an instrument. I suppose I have a decent voice, though, and we learned more than enough in the Heptagram about appeasing spirits... or at least looking like you are." She hums a few notes in a mezzo-soprano range, thinking on what gifts or praises they could possibly offer an island.

"Yeah. Kinda hard to forget, really. I saved face in front of everyone, but I still got the shaft back home." He shakes his head, a smile on his lips. "As for the improvisation... Yeah, that was part of it. I mean, think of what you'd feel if you trippedon your dress in front of your crush at a formal ball, for example. Fortunately, improvisation was always my strong point. In pretty much everything, actually." He pauses, turning in the direction of the music. That kinda was the rule back then. It was a game of how much I could get away with without being permanently confined to the holds on one of my mom's ships. 'Course, Lufos didn't help." He leans back, lost in reminiscence. "Wonder what the old dog's up to these days.

"Rules are different nowadays. Got a whole bunch of misfits that could get grounded if I get my stuff wrong. But then again, I guess I kinda started to learn that along the way. Nexus was a big eye-opener, and it just went downhill from there..."

He nods towards Jadira, smiling at her signing for a moment. "Yeah well, you can smooth that stuff with the others, since you're all more knowledgeable about that than me. I'll make plans for the shore mission and take charge once we land. We really don't know what to expect down there after all, and like I said, that's my forte."

"Oh, Nexus... That's so true! Figures that when you decided to go bad, you really went off the deep end." Jadira grins widely, her eyes glittering with excitement over whatever anecdote they're collectively recalling. "It was all your plan that got us through it, too."

"All right, Mr. Improv, I'll let you do your thing. Not sure how much planning there is before we get there with Captain Hirdu, though. I have a feeling there'll be more than a little bit of improvising on my end, too. I learned it from the best." She emphasizes that part with a wink.

"Yeah well, there's always something to plan out. Improv carries a long way, but you've got to be ready to improvise, right?" He grins, then gazes back towards Zeru's location. "I know you'll do just fine. I trust you all with that business."

"Oh, and do try to act like you don't think I'm some sort of master knave when others are listening? Got some bits of reputation to try to salvage, you know?" He says, with a wink.

"Hey, you started it," Jadira points out mischievously, before wandering off to take care of said plans... if she can think of them.

Zeru's flute playing catches Marlena's attention, as well. She briefly materializes again at her favorite perch on the bowsprit. "I've thought about it," says the courier-spirit abruptly, balancing on the thin surface without fear, as light as the feathers in her hair.

"I think the flute suits me fine. They are instruments of air, after all, and there is little more I love than the wind in the sails. So you will play for Rakatau? I hope he won't be an ingrate." She sniffs at the thought someone would think her Captain would play badly.

The journey continues as the light rain continues to fall. Auragik disappears from the horizon, and for a while there is nothing but the sea ahead and all around, or so it seems. Then the vague shapes of the Isles of Nevermoor appear in the distance, and the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse. By the time the Cobalt Alliance and Wavecrest Navy ships near the Nevermoor perimeter, the sea is roiling and the sky pouring with rain. The winds wrench at the sails, threatening to pull the ships off course.

Loukan Hirdu doesn't seem willing to give in so easily. The Ambition continues to forge ahead, braving the storm despite lacking the size, crew or artifact protection of the other vessels. Whether the Dryad, Marlena and Falchion wish to follow suit is up to their respective captains and pilots, but turning back now means forfeiting the attempt and waiting another week, at least.

---

OOC: Since I didn't get it last time, I need Wits+Sail rolls from Lasuri and Zeru, unless you two are having a NPC do the sailing. Then I'll roll it.

Anyone on the main decks, roll Dex+Athletics. (The difficulty will be affected by how well the sailors do.) If you're not exposed to the elements you're still getting rocked around and ought to hang onto something, likely!

Zeru smiles, at the Marlena "I thank you my lady, your words are very kind." He bows in thanks to her acceptance of his instrument of choice. "I will play for Rakatau in order to coax him to the surface. And I fervently hope that he's not an ingrate, because facing an island who is offended your music isn't high on my list of things to do"

The rain hits and Zeru looks up at the approaching storm... "That can't be good." He goes back and relives Antov at the helm, and brings the Marlena closer to the Dryad. "Captain, do we press on?!" he calls up to the Deck

21:39, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,5,10,10,6,5,4,1. Wits + Sail.

Kareth had been glad he had spent the time resting while on deck.  The rain wasn't a pleasant thing in which to be sitting but with the current rocking of the boat he was glad he wasn't trying to stand up.  He did however, take to bracing himself using the crate and the railings of the ship so that he wasn't rolled all over the deck.

[Private to GM: Thu 26 Mar: Isole Kareth rolled 2 successes using 4d10 ... with rolls of 1,2,3,10. Dex + Ath. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sat 28 Mar 2009.

Pursing his lips slightly at the storm ahead, Lasuri takes a moment to ponder, stepping in to take the helm over from Donnegal. Evaluating the situation, he then turns towards Zeru and the Marlena and nods sharply. "We've got no real choice here, Captain Zeru." He calls out, to let his words carry over the noise of the storm. "If we try to leave, we run the chance of being blindsided by the storm later - who knows what path it'll take. Besides, if we give up now, we'll lose Mister Hirdu." He smiles at that, indicating the Ambition with a wave of his chin. "Can't let that happen to one of our own, now can we."

He lets his body relax, hands gripping the helm carefully, and calls out to Zeru one more time. "We'll need to attune to the Storm, and ride along with its currents, mister Zeru. The Dryad won't get damaged in it - I've got a little trinket than insures that - so I can step in first if you'd like, and absorb some of the storm's wrath. From there, we'll try to follow the path of least resistance and cut a passage through." He smiles, and nods as his fellow captain. "Tall order for most people, but you're not most people, my friend. Get your crew ready, Captain... We'll meet again on the other side of the tempest."

Taking the lead, Lasuri puts the bar towards the storm, taking a moment to try to feel its chaotic patterns. He tries to understand it first, seeing how it displays its wrath, the ways it pushes and pulls, and the force with which it does so. He treats the sea and winds like living, breathing people - with moods and strengths and flaws. It is his hope that he can somehow read the storm's 'personality', and get to know it personally... All so he can negotiate a passage through it with the less resistance possible.

"All right, people!" He calls out to the crew of the Dryad. "Get ready for a big one, and take emergency positions! Hold on to yourselves, this is the real deal! Let's show Mother Sea the Alliance is ready to meet its every challenge!"

"Aye Sir" Zeru lets the Dryad go forth and follows with the Marlena. He trusted her and the Captain to help him navigate the storm. With one hand he tips his hat down, granting his eyes some protection from the wind and rain.

[Private to Storyteller: 10:30, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,5,2,10,5,2,5,4. Wits + Sail following the Captain. ]

Jadira braces herself, holding onto the grips at the base of the Essence Cannon as the worst of the storm starts to hit. "Our Dryad's made to take quite a beating, so we'll just ride it out till it's over! Make sure the oilskins on the catapults hold tight!" she calls out to the gunnery crew.

Hirdu, at the lead, seems to be holding his own. His crewmen are bailing water from the deck, hanging onto the rigging for their lives. The Ambition's sails hold up to the gusting winds, and the ship plows laboriously through the storm. He stands at the helm, shouting words that are swallowed by the sound of thunder as lightning lances the sky.

The Dryad and Lasuri seem to be locked in a silent communion. The ship compliments his wishes, remaining solidly upright as she and her pilot deftly avoid colliding head-on with the sea's worst temperament. They easily master their environment, riding over the swelling wave crests to maintain speed as the steelsilk sails capture and tame the winds to their advantage. Kiana, Kareth and the crew manage to keep themselves steady, but Jadira's hands slip and she falls hard, taking some bruises until she can scramble for a better handhold. (1B)

Marlena is not one to be beaten by a mere storm-mother's child. She manifests defiantly, standing balanced atop the very tip of the bowsprit with her arms outstretched and her raven-wing hair spread out, forming a shield against the worst of the elements. Her vessel is tossed by the winds and the waves, small compared to the Dryad and tiny compared to the Navy trireme, but manages not to capsize. Zeru's crew fortunately manages to keep upright, except for Sunden, who tumbles from his bolted-down bedframe and adds fortunately minor bruises to his tender injuries. (1B, poor Sunden!)

Perhaps ironically, the Falchion is the worst off in the storm. Though the hull is wide and solid enough to remain stable, the violence of the weather pushes them a good distance away from the Ambition, Dryad and Marlena. Fairwind has ordered the sails furled and puts the marines to rowing against the storm, but a huge wave crashes over the main deck and knocks a good quarter of the men flat before they can manage to grab the oars.

The Dryad and the Ambition hold the lead, the former pulling nearly even to the latter. The Marlena manages to catch up due to her size, speed and tenacity, but is still tens of yards behind. But the Falchion is lagging significantly behind.

---

OOC: ok, Perception+Awareness if you're being watchful of the surroundings (there will be an external penalty for the storm but I'll take care of that). Those who fell over or are busy navigating get -2 dice to this roll.

Also, Jadira, reroll Dex+Ath.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Sat 28 Mar 2009.

Kiana stood resolute against the waves, the water crashing into her harmlessly.  Her strong stance, a bit modified from her usual practice (and amplified by a careful hand around a nearby rail) left the Earth Princess, though certainly not dry, as stable as her beloved earth.

They were doing well enough, but she was not fooled or intimidated by the storm.  No, she trusted the Captain to get them through.  Such a convenient storm through, to arrive just as they were setting out for the Island.  Kiana kept those slate-blue eyes open, despite the rain, and ears keen.  This storm might well wreck havoc on the ships, or even the crew, but it would NOT dull her senses.

Jadira gets quite the shock when her grip slips and she falls on her back. "Oof! That was... unexpected!" she exclaims, though her words are probably lost in the storm.

Her bruises are minor, fortunately, and she lunges to grab at the cannon again before the combination of strong winds, torrential rain and temperamental sea can toss her around any further. Her usual reflexes hadn't served her well this time, so she decides to eschew any attempts at finesse and wraps both arms and legs around the Dryad's main weapon to hold herself in place.

The armswoman shakes off some of the raindrops pelting onto her face and attempts to get her bearings despite her awkward position. She thinks she can see the Hirdu's Ambition dead ahead, but where are the other ships? Could the storm hold other unexpected dangers?

Zeru finds his vision all but blinded by the storm. It's enough of an effort to navigate the immediate situation, and the gap with the Dryad is widening. I could speed us up further, says Marlena, her voice projected mentally to her Captain and crew, but in the storm it could be dangerous... for you, not for me.

Jadira clings to the cannon and gets a glimpse of land ahead, sharp clusters of rock silhouetted by flashes of lightning. Kiana's senses pierce through the chaos of wind and water, giving her a much clearer view of what lies ahead. [Private to Kiana White-Fist: The storm seems to be pushing the ships toward a rocky land mass jutting from the sea. The danger of this is obvious -- the ships could run aground or even be wrecked if they collide with the rock formations. As your view of the land masses is all but perfect, you are certain you can help Lasuri navigate safely (mechanically, you'll negate any penalties he gets from the storm, possibly even add bonus to his dice pool). But someone will have to notify Hirdu, who doesn't seem to see the danger.

To get safely past these rocks Kiana sees two options: there's a gap large enough for the ships to move through, it will take less time but is potentially more dangerous. The ships could also attempt to skirt around the rocks entirely. Safer, but the group could risk missing the rendezvous with Seven-Day Island at sunset.]

Donnegal, his hands wound tight around a length of mooring line anchored to the body of the Dryad, remains upright near Lasuri. "Wonder what's got the storm spirits all riled up," he shouts over another lash of thunder. "Seems too close and sudden to be coincidental, if ya ask me."

---

OOC: Sailors, roll another Wits+Sail. Also, anyone may roll Int+Occult to consider a supernatural source for the storm. If you want to directly address a storm spirit, use Cha+Perform, but you'll get a penalty if you don't know the spirit's identity.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:09, Tue 31 Mar 2009.

She peered into the raging storm with soft serenity.  She didn't know if this was a supernatural storm, at least not yet, but that wasn't her duty--at least not at the moment it wasn't.  Moving from the deck with sure and quick steps, Kiana made her way through the swaying ship to find herself clutching the rails near Captain Lasuri as he manned the ship.

"The storm is pushing us towards a jagged landmass ahead sir!" She shouted above the churning and violent waves.  "There are two ways to get past!  I can guide us through, or we can go around.  The first is faster but more dangerous!  The latter is safer, but we might miss our sunset."  She paused for a minute, gripping tightly as another swell surged onto the deck.

"Someone needs to alert Captain Hiru to the landmass as well, sir!  He isn't privy to my eyes."  Here, it was easier for Lasuri to hear her, which made it a simple process for her to guide the Captain through the waters, whichever path he chose to take.  The Cobalt Alliance were not cowards or ones to shirk gains over risk, so she figured he would choose the direct route--though possibly splitting up the ships might be a suitable course as well, she thought.

"Tie yourselves down guys, we're fighting this storm head on!" With that he flicks his chain and almost unconsciously lashes himself to the helm. He thinks back at the Marlena I'm almost blind and unfamiliar with this area, give us enough speed to keep with the Dryad.

He keeps his eyes on the Dryad and works the helm, calling orders to Brogan and Antov as they man the Sails hopefully tied down as he asked them to be.

[Private to Storyteller: 17:00, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 5 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,10,2,9,8,2,6,2,2,5,3. Wits+Sail+3 for excellency. ]

"You and me both, old friend." Lasuri responds to Donnegal's assessment, watching intently to make certain Jadira has regained a sense of balance after her sudden fall. Once she secures herself, he seems more relieved, and continues on. "Neither you or I saw that one coming. Even while we're pushing ahead, there should have been some signs... Which means there's something else responsible, likely. Keep your eyes peeled, we might have more than the storm to contend with."

"Tough choice..." Lasuri begins, after Kiana makes her report. "I'd say it'd be safer to go around, but that means we'd have to punch through that storm even faster to meet our deadline. I trust Captain Zeru can pull it off, but I'm not certain about Captain Fairwind... And I don't want to be responsible for the death of a bunch of navy men, either. Not only is it bad form, but these people have just been assigned to us on guard duty, so they didn't choose to face what we do. I don't want to risk getting separated from them and losing them in the storm. We'll have to make do with what we have."

He pauses, gazing around for a time before calling out loudly to the crew, and perhaps even the ships around. He has to compete with the storm to be heard, of course, but Lasuri does not back down from the challenge, letting his voice echo in the tempest-wrecked area despite the winds' wishes. "Listen up! We need to cut a path for the other ships to follow! All ships, follow my lead as closely as you can, mimic my moves, and do your best to walk in my footsteps! Keep your sights on the Dryad, I'll get you all through this. Pass the word back if the rest of the column misses it! He shouts, before gripping the wheel tightly.

"Miss Kiana, I'll need your eyes from here on end. I'll need you to keep those reports coming, and be as detailed as possible. I can't see ahead, so I'll sailed based on what you're telling me." He nods towards the girl, before turning his gaze onwards, somewhat grimly. His grasp on the bar loosens, and his handling of the ship suddenly becomes more fluid, mercurial and instinctive. It is almost as if he is completely convinced the Dryad will respond to even the most minute of adjustments he makes, and lead them all to safety.

Come on, Dryad my old Friend. I need your help again. He whispers, the sounds lost even to him in the middle of the storm. Tough odds once again, and we need to do what we do best - improvise, and survive. There's people that depend on us. There's people looking up to us for help.

You and I -can't- fail.

"We're going through?" Jadira, all but latched to the cannon, shouts so she'll be heard by the helm. She ponders using the cannon to help clear a path, but decides it's better she only save that for a dire emergency. Blasting the rocks frivolously might just end up making a rockfall, and that might make things worse. "I'll try to contact Captain Hirdu!"

Unfortunately... this means she has to have her hands free. Cautiously she straightens, planting her feet back on the deck. She takes some time to accustom herself to the swaying of the ship as it rides the waves, relaxing her muscles to keep herself from making sudden jerking motions, letting her body smoothly and instinctively shift to correct her balance. Only when she feels confident in her ability to keep upright despite the pitching and rocking of the deck, she gradually lets go of the cannon -- first one hand, then the other. Now that Lasuri and the Dryad have gotten more of a feel for the storm, she would have to trust her body to do the rest.

A shame she couldn't use her hearthstone of balance, but it was slotted into her essence cannon at the moment, which she'd so smartly thought to leave in the armory. Can't win 'em all.

Fortunately the Infallible Messenger is a spell Jadira knows well, and she begins the shaping immediately, conjuring a small messenger spirit from the ambient Essence around her. Her messenger has a greenish tint to it, the wings darkening to a tropical red, with a pair of antennae-like stamens, a mix of winged sprite and flowering plant. She whispers her message to the spirit, and sends it on its way. [Private to GM: Jadira tells Hirdu through the spirit to slow down and let the Dryad lead, as they will soon encounter a rocky land mass, which they will attempt to navigate safely through with the help of Kiana's sharp eyes and Lasuri's keen navigation skills. She also informs him that the option of going around the landmass entirely also exists, but that doing so may make him miss summoning up the island at sunset.]

Seconds after Hirdu receives Jadira's messenger, the sails of the Ambition are reefed even further, slowing the vessel until it passes the Dryad on starboard side. Rather than falling into the second position, though, the gap between them continues to widen further and further. It seems that captain of the Ambition is not... 'ambitious' enough to take the challenge of navigating through the rocks ahead.

That will likely mean that Hirdu and Fairwind and their respective ships will not make it to the rendezvous. Fortunately, Lasuri can figure out the location where Rakatau will rise from the trajectory Hirdu was leading them through, as well as coordinates the older captain left to him. [Private to Lasuri Leomaris: it will take a separate roll to confirm, but we'll do it after you're through the storm.] So all is not yet lost -- but Zeru had best be a very good flute player!

Zeru's ship takes the second position behind the Dryad and maintains it, thanks to Marlena's burst of speed. Lasuri and the spirit of the Dryad prove to be quite the challenge to follow exactly, but Zeru and the black-winged courier spirit do well enough, beating the odds against them with a potent combination of skill and tenacity. The Dryad and Marlena are well within sight of one another when the sharp rocks Kiana warned about loom close enough for everyone on board the two ships to see.

The storm seems almost too eager to push them towards the peril ahead.

[Private to Kiana White-Fist: You are certain the storm bears the 'signature' of the storm mother Tashalmira. Various signs such as winds howling in from the southeast, the sea taking an odd shade of violet, lightning flashing in intervals of multiples of four, and the sight of a crooked winged bird caught in the storm tell you this. Why she is causing storms at this particular time and location brings to mind two possibilities: she may have made a deal with the Lintha, or she is protecting Rakatau for some reason.

Someone Occult-minded could potentially attempt to invoke Tashalmira directly. You yourself know various things about storm-mothers, including that they like sacrifices of ravens, black dogs, human babies and obsidian, and they cannot use their Charms against red-haired women. On the other hand it would be really risky to draw Tashalmira's attention and anger her into making the storm worse, so it might be better to just push through it as is.

Also you can't both call to Tashalmira yourself and help Lasuri with navigation.]

---

OOC: We'll do an extended roll for passing through the rock formations. Lasuri and Zeru each need to make a total of 20 successes. Roll Wits+Sail and keep rolling until you botch or reach the total. (I'll handle any added difficulty or bonuses, you can just roll.) Lasuri, you can use the same stunt dice as your previous post; Zeru can stunt to get some extra dice, too, but will have to pay per roll to use Excellency.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:17, Thu 02 Apr 2009.

"Sharp pointy rocks," Zeru notes, "It's always a challenge with you isn't it captain." He mutters to himself and the Marlena.

"We're more than capable aren't we my lady." He adds with a confident laugh, before turning back to the crew and shouting through the storm. "Everyone who's not tied down had better get that way! This is going to get real fun, real quick! Brogan, Antov you need to be on time with exactly what I say! The Marlena will help but you're the backbone I need right now!" With that he steers his way to the rock formation, following as closely behind the Dryad as he can.

He opened his mind to better connect with the Marlena. My lady, you are the one in control of our speed, I will rely on you as much as I rely on the crew. I will need your aid for this.

With one final defiant laugh in the face of the storm Zeru steels himself against any chance of failure. "Here we go!!"

[Private to Storyteller: I'm gonna channel Valor for the first
09:57, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,3,6,1,10,6,4,3. Wits + Sail.
09:57, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,2,2,2,9,3,10,6. Wits + Sail.
09:57, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 3 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,9,6,5,6,2,1,5,7,1,7. Wits + Sail + Excellency.
09:56, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,10,1,2,3,7,5,9. Wits + Sail.
09:56, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,8,1,3,6,7,4,10. Wits + Sail.
09:56, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 3 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,3,3,5,6,7,8,3,4,4,3. Wits+sail+valor]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Thu 02 Apr 2009.

Kiana's sharp eyes missed very little, and even through the voracious storm that surged around them, keen little details were quickly picked up.  The direction of the wind, the intervals of the lightening strikes, even the slight change of the sea told her that this was, in fact, a storm of super-natural origin.  She knew the name of the storm mother that laid siege to their ships, but didn't say it aloud, at least not yet.

Her mind, militant in its execution and tactics, quickly scanned through their options.  They were headed straight through, and thanks to the effects of the storm, Kiana herself couldn't confront the spirit, and though others on board might be more fitting for that task regardless, the lack of on-hand items to invoke her would make the task all the more difficult.  She had to focus all of her attention on helping Lasuri, or the Dryad, not to mention the ships following, would be in even greater danger.

"This storm is not of natural origin, Captain!"  She shouted as she pointed toward a larger gap for the ship to proceed toward, her pale fingers standing out brilliantly against the storm around them.  "I don't know why Tashalmira is so angry with us, perhaps she has made a deal with the isle, or perhaps the Lintha!  I don't think we should dwell on it, one way or another.  She only has so much domain to control--I recommend simply punching through the storm as quickly as possible!"

Tageru sits on the deck, the rolling of the waves too much for him to handle while standing, but he seems calm. Somehow, he doesn't seem afraid of the storm or the possibility that the ship would sink. He just sits there, cross-legged and meditates, while the storm rages around him, and his crewmates fight to keep the piece of wood they're floating on above the water. Suddenly, his eyes open, and there is a brilliant emerald light in them, like two beacons in the storm. He rises, and with him, green light rises to envelop him and it grows on and on, until it seems like it will swallow the whole ship.

Like in a trance, the monk turns toward the eye of the storm and shouts, his voice like thunder as he yells at the Storm Mother.
"Storm Mother Tashalmira! Hear me! I am Cynis Tageru, the Chosen of the Dragons! I am their will made flesh! You will not sink this ship today! You will not defeat us! Let us pass, and do as the Law commands you! Let us pass and do not tempt Fate by trying to hurt the Exalted! Let us pass or face the consequences!" Behind him, in the magnificent glow, a dragon appears, made of leaves and wood, and carrying a small purple flower in his jaw, like the one growing on Tageru's temple. The dragon encircles the monk as he speaks, and the glow is visible for leagues around.

The monk points his finger at the storm's center, and at the Storm Mother herself "I see you! I know you! See me and know me, and know that if you don't cease this foolishness, you will face your due punishment. And, if you let us go now, we will sacrifice a red-haired animal in your honor, to show that we know you and respect you, as you knew and respected us! But should you refuse, the only sacrifice here will be in your blood!"

The monk stares the spirit down, his face like made of stone, his eyes like green fire, and he approaches the ship's edge, one hand holding onto a rope, the other stretched out toward the spirit, as if offering a handshake.

[Private to GM: OOC: Okay, first I use the spirit-detecting Charm, and then all that mumbo-jumbo with the glowing, and the shouting was a stunt with the first Performance excellency and a WP to add Compassion to try to persuade the spirit to let us go. :) You roll for me, I add the maximum amount of dice possible with the excellency, so that's 13 dice plus the stunt minus the disturbing flaw if you decide it is applicable :) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Sat 04 Apr 2009.

As the Spring Dryad and Black Marlena brave the storm mother's wrath, the wind howls in the ears of the brave sailors that remain on deck. Icy droplets of rain sting their exposed skin and soak through their clothes, chilling them to the bone. If the storm cannot destroy them, it certainly does its very best to suck out every last ounce of warmth from their bodies.

The Dryad leads the way through the rock formations, with the Sea Drake serving as helmsman and Kiana lending her keen senses to point out the perils ahead. The First Age vessel is incredibly responsive, manuevering close corners without losing speed, righting itself almost immediately against waves that would capsize a lesser ship. The steelsilk sails hold firm against the tempest, but with the storm in full force, it takes all the manpower and cooperation of the crew to harness the wind and spur them to safety. Lasuri has to shout at the top of his lungs to direct them, keeping the Dryad's bow pointed toward water while expertly skirting the jagged shores.

Zeru, Marlena and crew put their best effort into following suit. While Curran goes below deck to check on Sunden, Antov and Brogan put their muscle into wrestling with the rigging and steadying the boom. Unlike the Dryad, they can afford to keep the sails trim, what with Marlena lending her wings to power forward motion without the need for wind. The rest is up to Zeru himself, steering the black-winged courier to match the Dryad's maneuvering while Cinna serves as lookout, calling out directions from the bow.

Once the Marlena is nearly overturned by a wave that drenches the entire deck. It pushes them toward a rocky outcropping, forcing the courier-spirit to drop speed and maneuver manually for a few tense minutes. The hull's been grazed, she reports tersely, but it doesn't seem a major enough injury to worry her... yet. [Private to Peleps Zeru: the base difficulty was actually 4 successes. Even with your stunt you fell below the mark only once! But it wasn't a botch so I made the consequence relatively minor :)]

---

OOC: Results of Tageru's action comes next.

Kareth sees the monk bellowing his demands into the wind and thinks to himself "This should be interesting."  He then dones his silver glasses and readies himself to hear the Storm Mother's response.  He uses the railing for balance and begins to make his way closer to the monk.

[Private to GM: Activating Spirit-detecting mirror technique.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Mon 06 Apr 2009.

The other end of the rocky ravine is in sight when Tageru rises and starts flaring with power, calling out Tashalmira herself from the eye of the storm.

She manifests, large enough to be visible on the deck of both vessels. Unlike her sister Sikunare, Tashamira is not hideous, but intimidating nonetheless, towering as tall as a dozen men in this shape. She is wizened and matronly, and obviously physically powerful, muscles rippling beneath tough, bluish-gray skin. Her cloak is a tempest of rain, her hair gusts of wind wreathed by lightning. Her watery skirts are merged with the sea itself, roiling and churning where her feet ought to be.

The storm mother is positioned to block the way to the open sea, beyond the rock formations the Dryad and Marlena have just managed to sail between. They will end up passing right through her should they not slow down, but passing in her close vicinity would be the equivalent of sailing through a hurricane. There's also no guarantee she'll simply let the two ships go after being threatened so ostentatiously. But Lasuri and Zeru do have just enough time to attempt a stop.

For now, Tashalmira's towering gaze focuses specifically on Tageru. "Little dragonet, do you speak to me? These waters are under my jurisdiction, so I am of the right mind to say YOU are the trespassers. Should you wish safe passage, I require one of two things: I will duel you, and only you, in an arena of my choosing, or I will demand the immediate sacrifice of this 'red-haired animal'." She raises a massive finger, jabbing it toward the redhead standing on the bow of the Marlena: Zeru's first mate, Cinna Argall. "That one right there."

---

OOC: I counted Tageru's initial post as a prayer to catch Tashalmira's attention. At this point Tageru (and/or anyone else who will address her) can still bargain her price. So we can assume they are now engaged in social combat, unless 1) Dryad and/or Marlena try to move past her, 2) she is physically attacked, 3) she is angered enough to initiate combat herself.

[Private to Cynis Tageru: You got a +2 stunt for your last post.]

[Private to Lasuri Leomaris; Peleps Zeru: Also, roll yet another Wits+Sail. Slowing the ships to a stop without mishap will be +3 difficulty, while actually passing through Tashalmira's position will be +5 difficulty. You can of course stunt if you like.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:53, Tue 07 Apr 2009.

At the calling of Cinna a 'red haired animal' Zeru bares his teeth in anger, and he calls out to the Marlena to stop. He would rather not sit idly by and watch the showdown go down, but he will not sacrifice one of his crew. He would defend her till his last breath, even against Tageru himself, and it may come to that if the Storm Mother claimed her prize without Zeru dying in the process. And so so calls to the Marlena to stop, and he will wait this out, and protect his crew.

02:14, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 6 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,10,2,7,8,4,7,6,3,1,4. Wits + Sail + excellency.

"You challenge me to a duel in order to let us pass?" Tageru asks, and a small smile appears on his lips. "Fine, but that means you will let us through even if I lose! I would sacrifice my life to save the lives of many, but it may not come to that... But I will not fight you 'in the arena of your choosing', storm mother! I will fight you on solid ground, somewhere where there is a point in dueling. Your honor would not have it other way either, if you want this duel to be fair at all!" Hopefully, Tageru's words would sting her pride, and she would agree to a fair duel-one that he hopes he could win. If not... he doesn't want to think about it...

Tageru turns to his crewmates and friends "Is there someone that does not agree with this arrangement?" then, not waiting for an answer, he turns back to face the storm mother. "We do not have to fight, Tashalmira! I would gladly sacrifice ten oxen in your honor if you would let us pass without bloodshed. We just want to pass, and we'll go away quickly...", he adds, in a final attempt to avoid violence. Even though he was trained for it since he was a child, he still took no pleasure in meaningless shedding of blood, even that of a disobedient small god.

Gritting his teeth, Lasuri does his best to compensate for the Storm Mother's arrival and the sudden stop the Dryad has to make. With the same determination as his previous sailing of the stormy sea, he pushes the bar hard right, making the wheel turn wildly as he turns the ship on its side - and away from the storm mother herself.

By the... I can't believe this. We had a good path, there. We were gonna make it. And now...

The feeling is reminiscent of another time, and another good operation falling apart at the last minute because of a single action. The memory is not pleasant, but the Captain has no time to wallow in it - the situation calls for his immediate attention, and fast. If it is not resolved quickly, the Alliance risks missing their appointment with the Island... And the Lintha getting away with an artifact that might spell doom for the west.

"I disagree with that arrangement, Mister Tageru." The captain says, his voice strangely serious now. He takes a step forward, speaking in a a more hushed tone so as to not let the Storm Mother intervene. "There is no way out of this fight, even with a victory. If you lose, she'll kill you. If you win, you and the Alliance will be known as the killers of a Storm Mother, and word will spread to all the other ones. We'll be hunted all throughout as renegades and those who disrespect the sea. Sailors will want nothing to do with such a cursed group. Nations will not accept us in their ports, lest they also attract the Storm Mothers' ire. So one way or the other, it's a losing battle." He shakes his head softly, taking a deep breath. "You might not agree with them, or think they have a right to being worshiped. But the truth of the matter is that this is Western tradition, and this is their domain. If we're to make our niche in this place, we have to accept the rules and work with them."

He then turns towards the Storm Mother herself, and stands on the edge of the ship. "Storm Mother Tashalmira." The Captain says, his conviction unwavering as he stands before the spirit. "I am the Sea Drake, Captain of the Spring Dryad II, and humble traveler of the Western Seas. I would ask of you that you at least hear us out before casting your mighty anger upon us. I protect my ship and my people like you protect your domain, Blue Queen. Let me do my part to make amends."

Even though the waves and winds of the storm mother's powers cause the deck of the Dryad to roll to and fro, Kareth steps back from the railing and makes his way to stand behind Lasuri, his body turned perpendicular to his captain's.  Kareth said in a very low voice where Lasuri could hear him but hopefully the storm mother could not, "Just thought I'd let know that red haired women sailors have the favor of Rudhira, The Storm Rider.  She's one of the 5 Celestial Admirals.  Storm Mothers fear her."  Kareth's voice then dropped another notch as he whispered something else which might or might not have been heard by Lasuri.

[Private to Lasuri Leomaris; Storyteller:
I figured that's a really high Int + Lore roll to know enough about storm mothers.  I was hoping that with a roll like that I could get some other information that I don't have OCC on this particular storm mother that could also help Lasuri (hence the whole second whisper thing).

Today: Isole Kareth rolled 7 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,7,7,8,10,4,5,9. Int + Lore.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Tue 07 Apr 2009.

Jadira stands up straight, holding on with one hand to the Essence cannon, but stepping to the side of it so as to show the weapon is deactivated. "And I am the captain's first mate, Jadira Thornbloom," she pronounces boldly, drawing attention to herself while Kareth confers with the captain.

Can we really get out of this? She has an idea of what might be going through Lasuri's mind right now. Eight years ago, a random act of violence by someone they thought was an ally, a friend, changed the course of their lives forever. Four years they were barred from the sea, and for a lifetime, barred from a dream.

The laws out at sea, of course, are much different than those of a certain Eastern nation. No absolutes have been thrown down, yet.

So Jadira pushes herself to continue, deciding to speak frankly. "The rest of us aboard have no desire for hostility. We just want to make it safely through. Our mission here is one of great importance. Somewhere beyond this ravine, between the Isles of Nevermoor, we seek the island named Rakatau. He inadvertently carries an artifact that we seek to destroy... An artifact that could do great harm should it fall into the hands of the Lintha."

Tageru looks at the captain, and then at Jadira and speaks "I did not intent for this to happen, captain. And I do not mean to kill the storm mother, even if I win. I am not a murderer. I would fight with fists. And I do want this to end peacefully."
He turns to the storm mother "We do not mean you harm, nor to your domain, we just wanted to pass, as I said. We do not need to fight, storm mother. Please, let us through, and let this end peacefully, and I promise you I will perform prayers in your name for seven days!"

'How do I always say it the wrong way?!' he thinks. 'And why are these little gods so damn quick to take offense at the truth?'

Both the Spring Dryad and the Black Marlena manage to raise the sails and come to a stop before reaching the eye of the storm, and without colliding with the surrounding rock. The Dryad itself is unharmed by the weather, and does not so much as sway as the sea continues to churn, but Zeru and crew must continue to devote some attention to steering in place.

Donnegal wordlessly takes the helm so that Lasuri can continue to address the storm mother directly.

Aboard the Marlena, Cinna is shocked and confused at the sudden focus on her. She takes a step back, looking behind her at Zeru, then steels her nerves. "I-I'm no sacrifice. I'm a woman of the sea like my mother Vencia, and I'm proud of it!" she pronounces, gulping as she does. As brave as she may be, a spirit of that size and power would crush her for sure! In fact, she is pretty sure this storm should have wiped all of them out -- if not for Captain Zeru and Marlena working together. And Captain Leomaris and the Dryad.

[Private to Isole Kareth; Kiana White-Fist; Lasuri Leomaris: Ok, whisper time! :D Kiana succeeded at listening in so that's why she's in the PM.

Kareth is whispering to Lasuri some additional 'facts' his mind recalls about Tashalmira, the storm mother of the Wavecrest Islets. Now here's where we pretend I came up with those... I've been drawing a blank for hours. :(

Well, he knows all the other storm mother things, which I'll pass on for Lasuri's sake. Storm mothers like sacrifices of black dogs, ravens, human babies and obsidian. They like confrontation and battle, they'll rarely refuse a challenge to single combat. Lasuri's seacalm hearthstone makes the Dryad immune to negative weather effects, so Tashalmira would actually have to attack physically to really do any harm. And the Marlena has Cinna, as a redhead she pretty much serves as a talisman that adds difficulty for her to attack Marlena and her crew. Also Tasha's charms won't work on Cinna at all.

On the other hand Tashalmira's court includes both elementals of air and water, so basically she could summon others to do the fighting for her, others who aren't limited by her taboos.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:58, Tue 07 Apr 2009.

Tashalmira looks wrathfully down at Tageru. "Why are you still making noise? You are impertinent. Why would I still let you go should you lose? Why should I put any weight on promises you say you will keep, without proof?" She makes a sharp gesture, her hands slicing through the air, and lightning lances through the gathered clouds. "You try my patience. If we duel, it will be on your deck, but with MY choice of weapon. That is final!" [Private to Cynis Tageru; Isole Kareth: You will start to see dematerialized winged shapes manifesting in the clouds. Thunderbirds, you think. If you look to the sea you see other spirit shapes. They look like sea dogs ridden by beautiful pale blue skinned women. But none of these shapes are moving in a hostile manner, just gathering and watching.]

Then she shifts her gaze toward Lasuri. Her demeanor shifts, suddenly more cautious. But Tashalmira does not so much as glance in Jadira's direction -- clearly favoring the male captain. "Captain Lasuri Leomaris of the Spring Dryad II. You will explain to me why you have allowed Cynis Tageru to insult me so. Your ships are competent enough to challenge this storm. I wished to test you, and you may have won. So tell me, why has this crewman of yours has spit so boldly on my favor?"

"Your woman spoke of the Lintha. I have no reason to withhold them from their ambitions should they continue to honor me properly. And they have. If you will not do the same, why should I do you any favor in return? SPEAK!" Thunder roars to emphasize that single, sharp syllable. "If I do not like your answers, I will take what I wish for myself!"

---

OOC: So far I haven't see anything there that would constitute a social attack roll. People are just telling the truth or saying "do this because I say so" which... isn't much to work with. Lasuri has some leverage, due to having his hearthstone and rolling very well as a sailor, so he's in the positive in terms of making an impression. Tageru is taking penalties, and everyone else (except possibly Cinna) is neutral.

You can still try to social attack, it just needs to be worded more apparently as one. Or if you prefer, Perception+Socialize or Invest. may allow you to get a better insight to her motives/mood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Tue 07 Apr 2009.

Zeru is listening, but he is gripping the wheel of the Marlena tight enough to make his knuckles white. The Storm Mother's voice is like the howling of the wind and crashing of the waves, but as a sailor he can hear her deeper, the ebbs and flows of her motives, the differences between the angry surface and the calmer interior. He wishes to speak on behalf of his First mate, but he will not risk it until he is certain of his ability to sway her feelings.

[Private to Storyteller: 15:50, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 6 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,3,10,2,8,8. Perception + Socialize. (Umm... BooYah!?)]

"I did not mean to insult you, storm mother. My companions can tell you that often I sound both harsher and more hostile than I mean to. They will also vouch for my honesty, so you would know that I speak the truth. And forgive me, but I thought you were attacking us for real. I do not know of the West's customs and ways of travel, where I come from, a storm like this would mean an attack, not a test. I am sorry for the misunderstanding, it was not meant to be a hostility."
He bows to the spirit, his palms together, like greeting a respected and honored person.
"If you say that I have insulted you so gravely that I must fight, then I shall do it, but I hope that it doesn't have to be so. Also, I beg for your forgiveness, not for myself, but for my friends. It is not they that have insulted you, nor did they have any part or influence in that. If you should find any harm in my words, then hold me responsible, not my captain and my friends."
He looks at the spirit, his body still glowing, his face and posture as humble as a man of his size and build can manage.
[Private to Storyteller: ok, so this is a social attack, Charisma+Performance, again with the full excellency and a WP for a success. I try to persuade her not to harm any of the crew members. ]

"I make no excuse, Storm Mother Tashalmira. I didn't plan on the demand Cynis Tageru made, and wasn't aware of that decision before it was made. I am a man of the sea first and foremost, and I know the rules. I was prepared to meet your challenge head on, and sail through the obstacle you put in our path, fair and square. That's the code, and I live and die by it."

"I won't deny your accusations, however. Even unaware, I am still responsible for this trespassing, as Cynis Tageru is traveling on the ship I command. As the same code dictate, I won't try to dodge your wrath and make excuses. This is your domain, so I'll face the consequences of the actions my passengers and crew take."

"If amends by trial is what you require, venerable Storm Mother, then I'll make sure that requirement is fulfilled. Be it by storm and sailing or by sword, I'll meet your challenge. You are aware, of course, that the Dryad is shielded from the direct wrath of Storms, but I'm not trying to weasel out of a fair challenge - There more than enough rocks and hazards here for you to direct us at if you so wish. As master of your purview, I know you're a force to be reckoned with. And if you choose to ask me to meet you blade to blade, then I'll do just that."

"Despite the blunder, we mean no offense, Storm Mother Tashalmira. I have only respect for the Sea, as a child of Danaa'd and a sailor. Tell me how I can repair this slight to your honor and I'll meet your challenge, fairly and equally."

Kiana and Zeru both examine the storm mother's behavior as Tageru makes another attempt at addressing her...

[Private to Peleps Zeru: Here's your impression of Tashalmira's feelings...
- She has a lot more respect for Lasuri than for Tageru. Lasuri was willing to play along with her storm 'test' but Tageru wasn't. A similar respect extends to you as well, since you were following Lasuri and did a pretty good job of it.
- She isn't actually as interested in harming Cinna as she is teaching Tageru a lesson. The superstition of redheads having immunity in storms does hold more weight than she's letting on (in fact this is why she'd rather get Tageru to kill Cinna for her).
- And for your over legendary success bonus! ;) You also get the feeling she encountered the Lintha before. You suspect that the Lintha may have prayed to to Tashalmira to worsen the storms in this particular area. However, she's a fickle god. You're pretty sure she'd do the opposite for someone who satisfies or appeases her better than the Lintha did.]

[Private to Kiana White-Fist: Tashalmira just doesn't want to be disrespected on her own domain. She might not even have come out, just watched discreetly while the Alliance's sailing abilities were tested by the storm she called up. Now that Tageru called her out with hostilities, though, her pride demands that she answer in kind and so it's unlikely there won't be SOME sort of conflict -- what's on the line here is whether it'll be a controlled conflict (a single duel, with rules) or just all out battle.

Should there be this all out battle, you'd recommend Jadira hit her with the Essence cannon ASAP. You doubt arrow fire would do much damage. At her current size you'd have to climb ON her to hurt her effectively.]

Tashalmira continues to glower down at Tageru for a time, though her countenance is not quite so stormy. The expression is a bit closer to 'calculating'. The rain still pours down in unforgiving torrents, though, and the wind batters unceasingly at the two ships and their crews. Marlena's power and attention is devoted entirely in preventing as much damage as possible, particularly to the mast, while helping to keep the courier ship steady.

"Your attitude has shifted," muses the storm mother at the ex-monk. "At the least you are capable of humility, even if it is humility in order to save yourself, or get out of an unpleasant situation you created. But I have not changed my mind about payment." Tashalmira's large, lightning-bright eyes shift from the man who called her out, focusing now on the Captain. "Captain Leomaris, I will propose this, and only this. If you and your people will not immediately sacrifice the red haired child in my name, I require a duel for my honor. Now, and in a way satisfying to me. It will be on the deck of the Spring Dryad II, and it will be a duel by sword. If the fool dragonet that called to me is too cowardly to honor my choice of weapon, then you will choose another to fight me in his place."

"There will be no other help. Only myself and the duelist. There will be no one standing within ten yards of us. The contest will continue until one duelist submits. If neither will submit until the death, then so be it! If you refuse my requirements, or if there is any cheating, any at all... my subjects of the air and sea are watching, and they will attack both of your ships at the instant they see it!" [Private to Cynis Tageru; Isole Kareth: you can of course confirm there are indeed elemental spirits gathering to watch.]

Lightning-laced clouds of blue-grey Essence surround Tashalmira's towering form. The amorphous mass of cloud that she disappeared into begins to shrink, floating toward the bow of the Dryad: incidentally, giving Jadira a clear opportunity to fire at the center of it, if she were so inclined.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:32, Sat 11 Apr 2009.

Kareth decided now would be an ideal time for him to make himself known.  "Great Storm Mother, my name is Kareth of the Gens Isole from Lookshy.  I would like to point out that the terms of this duel are slightly inequal as I, for one have never seen Master Cynis here ever hold a sword.  If I might make a suggestion to you that you both use mortal weapons and adopt a rule for this duel which is common in my homeland.  If a participant's weapon breaks, the duel is over and the person with the broken sword is the looser.  The looser must announce his defeat to his peers.  Since your court is here, there would be no need for you to announce anything, but Master Cynis here would be forced to announce his defeat at the next monestary he enters.  This is of course, merely a suggestion for the duelers to accept or reject as they see fit.  We do have many mortal blades on board from our last battle with the Lintha."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Sat 11 Apr 2009.

They Dryad was a a big ship, but was there really enough room for a ten-yard dual without anyone coming close?  In calm waters, certainly...and if such a duel occurred, Kiana highly doubted the storm would endure, as the Storm Mother would no doubt put all of her concentration into the duel--Cynis might well be mortal, but he was an Exalted mortal, and that made him dangerous, even to a godly being.

So far she had not said anything, to the small god or to anyone else, but now that talks of a duel were commencing, she decided now was the time to share her thoughts--though certainly not to their new guest.

Walking softly, Kiana rose to her tip-toes so that her lips were almost pressed against Jadira's, and whispered in her ear.

[Private to Jadira Thornbloom: "If she loses the dual, she might not keep her word.  If that occurs, and I pray it doesn't, she will no doubt regain her giant stature.  Your essence cannon will be the only thing to do much good--if it breaks down to a battle royal, the faster we take her down, the better."]

Then, making sure that Jadira understood the full implications of what she meant, Kiana turned and whispered words to 'her' crew, giving them orders to be ready if an all-out brawl should break out, and a quick run-down of what she knew about what reinforcements the Storm Mother might bring if angered at losing the dual, and how to prepare what little preparations they could make without arising suspicion, or offending the Storm Mother.

Jadira watches the shifting cloud that is Tashalmira from her vantage point, but does not take the opportunity to fire upon her. The armswoman looks on silently, and nods to Kiana's words. For now she is only a spectator, and certainly not skilled enough with the short blade at her belt to take on the role of champion.

It grates at her to be in a helpless position, but that is how it is. She voices no complaint, only gestures for her men to step as far to the edges of the ship as possible, toward starboard or port bow or up the quarterdeck at the stern. This incidentally pushes the gunnery crew too far away to operate the other catapults -- what little good those would do now -- though they could possibly dash for them if absolutely necessary.

For now Jadira signals that they make no sudden moves that could be interpreted as arming a weapon. This is too sensitive a situation to leave much at all to chance.

Finally the cloud gathers and solidifies on the bowsprit, atop which the human-sized form of Tashalmira balances easily, unperturbed by the wind or the rocking of the waves. These are all part of her purview, and they do her no harm.

In this form she is still blue-skinned, wizened, and more muscular than feminine. Her hair is closer to human, though, a pale blue-white that seems never to rest still, whipping about in shimmering tendrils. Her lightning crown is a crackling blue-violet tiara, and she is clad in a flowing robe, starting at a sky azure at the shoulders and darkening down the skirt to oceanic blue. A breastplate branded with jagged lightning motifs covers her chest, and she wields a subtly curved dueling cutlass, all crafted from pure quintessence.

The orbs of energy that are Tashalmira's eyes fix upon Kareth. She lets him speak then answers harshly, "Isole Kareth of Lookshy, I refuse. We will duel with the sword, and I will choose my own. The duelist may also choose his own weapon, so long as it is a sword, and the duel is fought only with that weapon. That is all!"

Tashalmira steps around and past the Essence cannon, all but ignoring the existence of the other crew, stepping toward the center of the Dryad. Her gaze fixes on Tageru, then Lasuri. "Do you accept my terms? Try my patience any further, and my subjects shall join me in battle!"

---

OOC: Either Lasuri or Tageru should respond at this point. Whoever answers first is going to duel; if no one answers in two days I will start a full scale battle. I have agreed that if Tageru duels he can use an auzhian as a hook sword with Martial Arts, but that is it. I'm going to leave it largely to dice -- I'll allow use of excellencies, willpower, virtue channel, at least one chance at a stunt and that is all. That's my final word.

"I will duel you, Storm Mother.", Tageru says grimly. "I have caused this, so it is only fair if I should be the one to deal with it. I am not as good with a sword as I would like to be, but I can try to stand up to you, at least, to put up a good fight."
Tageru turns to one of the crew "Where do we keep the confiscated weapons? I need the Lintha blades that we got from the last battle with them. Try to find me two lighter ones, please."

"So be it," Tashalmira pronounces imperiously, brandishing her cutlass. "But this is a contest of pure skill. Do not use any unnecessary tricks!" Indeed, the storm does calm noticeably as she speaks, though the clouds do not clear and the rain is still falling. The sun is gradually starting to approach the horizon, and the clouds are lit up in shades of gold, orange, rose and purple.

"Captain Lasuri Leomaris, you shall be our referee. At your mark, we begin."

The addressed crewman, Duarte, excuses himself and heads for the armory to retrieve the pair of auhzian swords. Unfortunately, there are none that are particularly lighter than the other, though each one is of exceptional quality. He returns with the two hook-ended Lintha blades and presents them to Tageru before stepping back toward the stern to give the duel as wide a berth as possible.

The duelists are now positioned between the main mast and the stern, but closer to the mast; here Lasuri can watch over the combat from the helm. By now all crew members have placed themselves either at the bow or the stern, and as way back as they can squeeze themselves while keeping a firm grip on the railing. Some of them move below deck to make room, but the crews directly under Kiana and Jadira stay on the main deck.

---

OOC: Tageru can roll join battle, and post any other mental or physical preparations for the duel. This is kind a 'give the opponent an impression of your prowess' phase so if you can stunt that it may have an effect on subsequent rolls. [Private to Cynis Tageru: Remember that the only charms you can use are excellencies. Tashalmira is doing the same. If you do have an excellency I'll assume you use the maximum each turn. If you'll channel virtue tell me what and which order, and tell me how much WP you'll be willing to spend. Also tell me if you'll split your dice pool per turn. You *may* have a chance to shift your tactics mid-duel. Again this is all to speed things up so the entire group isn't stuck watching you fight for weeks.]

Tageru takes the auhzians and swings them around for a few moments, just to feel their weight, to try them out. He tosses one into the air and catches it as it flips, and he hits the two swords against one another. The ringing sound seems to displease the monk, but he spins the swords above and around him, and stands into a defensive stance. 'these bloody things weigh almost twice as much as the hook-swords' he thinks, 'but it's the best I have, so it will have to do... Let's just hope this spirit underestimates me...'

"I am ready when you are, Storm Mother", Tageru declares and his emerald eyes fix on the spirit, waiting for the beginning of the duel. The rain flows down his face, but he doesn't blink, staring at his opponent silently, like a statue...

[Private to Storyteller: Okay, so, since I didn't take an excellency for MA, and all my other Charms are forbidden, I don't use a Charm. :) I will yell "I yield!" and then use the Wood Dragon's Form if it gets rough, so I don't bleed to death... Should that happen, the duel would be lost, but at least I would keep my head on my shoulders... hopefully... :D
Other than that, I will use wp on a couple of my attacks, but I don't spend all of it, I will write you a couple of stunts in my next post, to describe how I attack, and I will channel Valor once, on an attack after she attacks me a couple of times, lowers her guard or some other opportunity arises...]

The Captain nods grimly at the words the Storm Mother addresses to him. As strange as the situation is, it is an honor to be considered a trusted enough individual to be the referee - especially when the position comes from the Storm Mother herself. After all, she could have easily picked one of her retinue to fill in this position, but rather chose him instead.

"Allright." Lasuri says, stepping up to the contestants now that Tageru has received his weapons. The Captain's expression is definitely more grim than usual, much more serious and subdued than anyone on the ship is used to seeing him. "This is a formal Duel according to Western custom. This means that this is a honorable combat - skill and will alone pitted against one another. No tricks, no help, and no interference from outside. If any of these rules are broken, I'll break the duel and the offender will be considered as the loser."

"This is a formal resolution of the bad blood between the two parties. Once one or the other submits, the duel is over, and the matter is considered closed. No blood feuds, no retaliations, no lingering feelings."

The Captain nods, drawing his own blade as he steps slightly between the two contestants. "Let your will and skill prevail. Storm Mother Tashalmira, Cynis Tageru..." He brings his sword down sharply and cleanly, as if slicing the air between the contestants.

"Begin!"

Before Lasuri sets them Off Zeru calls out to Tashalmira, "Great Storm Mother Talmashira, Your course was most challenging. A great test of skill and daring." Zeru bows low. "I humbly request that you would allow me to play for you or cook a meal in your honor, as I have not had such fun in ages." He dares to look up at her. "I would ask that you turn your powerful fury on the Lintha, for they are worthy of such a test of skill, although I doubt their ability to match your greatness." Zeru flatters her, and works with what he has, his limited learning of cooking and his moderate ability with a flute. He hopes that he could appease her and get her to turn back on the Lintha when this blows over.

Tashalmira twists her head toward Zeru and stares him down. But despite the glare she does not appear displeased. Perhaps dealing with Marlena has given the courier ship captain a talent for dealing with temperamental goddesses. "We may discuss this later, dragon-chosen."

She even gives a rather fierce, toothy grin, but the expression quickly fades as the duel becomes imminent. The storm mother raises her cutlass with a flourish, cutting the air so quickly and precisely she splits several droplets of rain without leaving a trace of water on the blade.

At the word "Begin" Tashalmira is the first to lunge to strike, forcing Tageru to start on the defensive. Like the wind and lightning, her combat style is both swift and disconcerting, alternating between battering with quick, distracting flurries and overwhelming, gale-force thrusts. She is quick on her feet as well, dancing away from her opponent's attacks or positioning herself advantageously to deflect a direct blow, avoiding sliding or locking her blade with the hooks of Tageru's weapons. Every motion she makes is efficient and graceful, backed by raw physical force that belies the beauty inherent in her expert swordsmanship.

Tashalmira clearly enjoys the game of the duel itself: the baiting, the feinting, the give and take of parries and strikes. And when a blow lands, whether it's hers or her opponent's, she cackles with unabashed delight!

---

OOC: Tashalmira (who, btw, is statted a bit above Sikunare's level of ability and Essence) starts at tick 0, and Tageru at tick 2. Since their weapons have equal speed and there's only two combatants, there's really no need to keep track of ticks.

[Private to Cynis Tageru: Do your stunt and I'll start rolling. Or if it's more than a day (maybe two) without a post I'll just roll.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:20, Mon 13 Apr 2009.

Tageru stands with the two swords raised high, and as Tashalmira's sword starts to fly around him, his two swords join the deadly dance, parrying and returning the blows. For a while, it almost seems like a perfectly coordinated play-like they were actors and the Dryad's deck their stage. A sword passes dangerously close to Tageru's chest, his sword parrying the blow, and he hacks at the Storm Mother's sword-hand, she parries and thrusts, and the dance goes on.

Tageru is calm and concentrated, and goes through the moves with a perfect grace and fluidity of motion like a reed in the wind, every swing of the sword a thing of beauty. His swings are both swift and strong, his parries calculated to throw his opponent off guard, his every muscle in perfect coordination with the rest, everything to create a warrior of perfect skill and determination.

[Private to Storyteller: OOC: Okay, so it's a aim for 1 tick, then a wp channeled into Compassion and a disarm attempt, after that it's a turn-by-turn basis combat for Tageru, and he'll use one more wp to channel Valor, and another just to add a success... :)]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Tue 14 Apr 2009.

Tashalmira manages an early advantage right from the start, scoring a brutal strike that drives through Tageru's lamellar and tears into his flesh. (5L damage) Blood oozes from the gash, dripping onto the deck and mixing with the rainwater as he finds himself on the defensive, but does not give in!

Tageru's first move is to strike at her hand to disarm her, knowing that Tashalmira's immense skill depends strongly on her use of the sword. He manages to hook both of his swords onto it, attempting to wrench it away. Rather than moving against the wrenching motion, she steps forward with it, refusing him control of her blade. She stabs at his face from between the crossed hook swords, but he wrenches away at the last moment, and the tip of the sword pierces thin air.

The monk strikes with both swords at once, overwhelming her as she steps back and reevaluates her impression of Tageru's skill. A pulse of blue-grey Essence emanates from her as she interposes her cutlass to shove the hook swords aside, and retaliates with another thrust aimed to worsen the wound on his chest. By some stroke of fortune, Tageru manages to block the cutlass just so, and it impacts his armor at a harmless angle.

Again, Tashalmira is imbalanced and surprised, yet her face still shows no displeasure. She is clearly enjoying herself, even when Tageru turns his will to survive into an advantage, swinging his sword in a powerful downward blow. She brings her blade up and the weapons clash near the hilt -- the two fighters lock eyes -- until finally she pushes him away with a grunt of defiance!

When she launches at him again, she unleashes a trio of blows, slashing first at Tageru's cheek, at his side to make him flinch, to distract him for the final, forceful plunge into his chest!

[Private to Cynis Tageru: Here's how you've done so far. Your DV is (Dex+5 MA+1 Def from Auzhian)/2 + 2 stunt = 8. Tick 0, Tasha hit you for 5L with a nasty ping so you're now at -2 penalty. Tick 2, you aimed. Tick 3, disarm attempt. It was in with only 1 success, and I rolled her Wits+Melee which saved her from losing her weapon. Tick 4 was her attack again, which just barely missed (6 sux vs your 8-2=6 DV). You retaliated and she parried using Melee Excellency. She struck again, but this time did NO damage, amazingly! Your next attack, she parried with a Valor channel, and now it's her turn.

Current action: Tashalmira did a flurry of 3 attacks, which got 7 sux, 5 sux and 8 sux. You would normally be at 4 DV with your wound penalty. If you choose to use your current stunt rating of 2, you're at 6 DV. If you want to stunt again and try for a +3, then you can get up to 7 DV. You may also choose to use WP to add to DV or roll a Virtue to add to DV. Or you can just forfeit at this point, you'll take no more damage and duel is over.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:49, Wed 15 Apr 2009.

The blood from his wound pours down his armor, and the monk struggles to keep fighting and standing, but the spirit presses on too hard. The second blow that lands chills him to the bone, he thought he was going to die, but it didn't pierce his armor. When he saw the casual ease with which the spirit fought off his attack, he knew that the fight was over.

"I YIELD!", the monk shouts through gritted teeth. "You have bested me, Tashalmira! Your skill with the sword is obviously greater, and I admit defeat!"

He steps back, crosses the swords across his chest, and bows to his opponent, accepting his defeat with as much grace as he can manage. He tosses the swords in front of her feet and puts a hand at the place of the deep gash the storm mother's sword gave him, and tries to stop the bleeding. He's obviously in a lot of pain, but tries not to show it.

Quickly stepping in, Lasuri brings down his sword between the combattants, creating a very tangible limit that he will not allow them to cross. "That is enough." He says, looking back and forth to the two competitors. "This duel is now over. Storm Mother Tashalmira is the victor of this engagement."

He nods, his expression still deathly serious as he takes a step back. "Through force of skill, will and honor, this matter has now been settled and resolved." He nods, then turns towards the Storm Mother herself, taking another step back to show proper deference.

You've restored your honor, Storm Mother Tashalmira. I have only one request, now that the debt has been repaid - let me deal with the actions of Cynis Tageru, and let us pass through in peace, either through calm seas or powerful storms."

As soon as Tageru yields, Tashalmira stops her cutlass a hair's breadth short from piercing Tageru's body. She lowers her weapon and steps back when Lasuri intervenes, and sheaths the quintessence blade into a fold in her wind-and-water robes, where it seems to disappear from vision.

"I am satisfied enough," she says, and gazes down at the ex-monk. "You still lasted longer than I would have thought. But realize this, should you cross me again, and forget your respectfulness in my domain, I and my court will not stop to slay you and everyone you travel with. And if I hear you have harassed or harmed my sister-kin injustly, I WILL hear of it, and I WILL hunt you down."

"Lasuri Leomaris." The blazing orbs that are her eyes focus on the Captain of the Spring Dryad II. "I will leave the rest to you. Make sure the lesson is learned, or keep better company."

And Tashalmira turns to step away from the center of the deck, just as suddenly disinterested in Tageru and her recent victory over him. She steps off the edge of the Dryad, crossing over air to reach the Black Marlena and invite herself onto the deck. The storm mother stands facing the courier ship's helm, where Cinna -- still looking somewhat shaken from when Tashalmira suggested her harm -- takes another step closer to her captain.

"I am interested in what you spoke earlier," Tashalmira addresses Zeru. "I am pleased by the sound of woodwind. Give me a reason why I shall show the Lintha my wrath... if you can."

"I will do what I can dear Storm Mother." Zeru says with a respectful bow. During this bow he reaches into his pocket and removes the flute in a smooth mercurial motion. He brings the flute to his lips as he rises in a similarly smooth motion.

As he begins to play he follows the course of a storm, starting out with slow easy notes that almost mimic the trickling of water from the skies. His eyes close as he takes in his surroundings. The slow trickle begins to pick up tempo just as the rain worsens, and intermittantly he plays long low notes to bring the strength of the wind into the melody of storms. By the end of the song the notes are as fast as the fiercest rain, the wind lovingly howling from the ends of the flute, his legs move in harmony with the ship to bring the ferocity of the currents and eddies. From this monster of a storm the song lightens significantly just as the sun eventually breaks the cloud cover. He finishes bringing everything back to a single note.

As he finishes he is out of breath, and slightly off balance.
[Private to Storyteller: 11:45, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 2 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,1,8,6,9,6,2. Performing for Tamalshira.
I hope my stunt will modify this. *Puppydog Eyes*]

Jadira waits for Tashalmira to step away before moving to attend Tageru's wounds. She isn't terribly pleased by the situation, but so long as he is on the vessel he is still part of the crew, and she isn't one to refuse help to someone who has already backed down from hostilities.

At least the storm has stopped, she thinks, looking on the brighter side of things. And the duel went quickly.

"Lie back," she says to Tageru, and directs another of her crewmen to bring her medical tools and a flask of alcohol. "I will need to sew up and bandage this, Tageru, so if you can stay still... I can't make this less painful, unless you'd rather I use some sleeping draught."

Jadira pauses again, to see if he will require sedation or outright refuse her aid.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Wed 15 Apr 2009.

The Captain bows his head towards the Storm Mother, and sheathes his sword as he places a hand to his heart. "I've told of my utmost respect of the laws of the Seas. On my honor, I'll see to it, Storm Mother Tashalmira. And thank you for allowing my crew to restore honor. Your gesture will not be forgotten."

Tashalmira listens closely to the flute song. Even the rain stops, and the wind is a faint, gentle breeze as her senses focus intently on the composition. When the last note fades into silence, Cinna holds onto Zeru's arm.

The storm mother takes her time giving her verdict, crossing her arms over her breastplate. Finally she says slowly, "It is a good song. And you have talent. Practice more, and one day I may hear your flute again. And daughter of Vencia," she adds, glancing at the redhead near Zeru, "one day, I expect you to be worthy of your pedigree." [Private to Peleps Zeru: Your stunt got you 1 more success. It's good enough so that she won't get angry, but not enough to significantly impress her either. You're still on her good side in terms of her impression of you though. ;)]

Tashalmira says nothing more of the Lintha, rising up from the deck so that she hovers several feet above the Black Marlena. She floats backward until she is facing both the Dryad and Marlena at a distance of several yards, buoyed by a whirlwind that sets her pale hair whipping about and the skirt of her vestments rippling like storm-tossed waves.

Her final reply to Lasuri is a sharp nod. "To forget would be the worst crime of all. Remember... we are watching." The humanoid form of Tashalmira continues to rise, and the winds wreathing her continue to swirl. The clouds extend tendrils downward to embrace her body, drawn into the vortex that surrounds her, until finally she disappears in a blink of blue-grey Essence. [Private to Cynis Tageru; Isole Kareth: Assuming you're still using spirit sight, you don't see a trace of Tashalmira; it's likely she's retired to her spirit sanctum. As for the air and water elementals watching, they have withdrawn to a safe distance, and lessened in number, but there are still a few keeping an eye on the Alliance ships.]

The sky is still overcast, but the storm is over and the way out of the rocky ravine is clear. If the sailors hurry things along, they'll still make it to the location of the Seven-Day Island.

---

OOC: There, done with this. We'll move on as soon as I see people are ready to. [Private to Lasuri Leomaris; Peleps Zeru: to increase speed I'd recommend having Jadira use her wind calling spell, and asking Marlena to use Landscape Travel.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Wed 15 Apr 2009.

"Thank you great Storm Mother, I eagerly await the day when next you can provide me a challenge or an audience." Zeru says with a bow. "Do we have time yet to make our Sundown deadline Cap'n? I don't mind making a mad dash if Lady Marlena doesn't."

Kiana paid rapt attention to the duel, and the movements of the Storm Mother would not be forgotten--not at all.  Instead, the motions and fighting style used were memorized as quickly as possible: The Storm Mothers might not have completely similar fighting styles, but it would be folly to allow such a study go without proper attention.

As Cynis fell, Kiana quickly joined Jadira at his side, evalutating the damage as well, and offering whatever help she might need to start the mending process immidiately.

"You fought well, Cynis."  She said, knowing full well he fought at a disadvantager, as his dedication to the arts did not involve such barbaric swords.  "But we might need to work on your rapport a bit."  Was that a joke?  It was the closest thing Kiana could produce.  And though her attention was honed in on Cynis and Jadira, she couldn't help but hear Zeru's songs, or the words of both the captian and the Storm Mother.

Hopefully this wasteful ordeal wouldn't prevent them from reaching the island in time.

After seeing the Storm Mother leave, Kareth turns to talk to Lasuri, who he had not strayed far from during the duel.  "The goddes is completely gone.  It would seem that we can still make our destination in time, Captain.  However, have you given any thought to which of us are going to get ourselves eaten by the behemoth.  With our monk wounded, our fighting capacity is deminished.  What skills are you anticipating will be needed."  It was clear that Kareth did not think highly of the job itself but like always, Kareth was soldier.  He would follow orders.

Tageru looks at Jadira and Kiana and manages a smile, a little blood coming out of his mouth "Thank you, my ladies. But no help is necessary. Sextes Jylis will heal me, worry not. But I appreciate your offer."

He gets up on his feet, grits his teeth and performs a quick series of strikes on his own body, and a green glow envelops him in an instant, and soon his wounds start to close, and the blood trickle from his wound gets smaller and smaller until the bleeding stops entirely.

He looks at the young Earth Aspect "You're probably right, miss Kiana. I guess there's still a lot for me to learn. I just hope the next lesson is not as painful as this one." The monk raises an eyebrow at the girl, and there might be a bit of a jest in his gesture, but it may also be unintentional.

Tageru bows his head and turns to the rest of the crew: "I... I guess I should apologize to you all. I didn't mean to insult the storm mother, and I didn't mean to incur her wrath upon us. Had I not spoken, we might have gone through the storm unharmed, but I acted rashly and my actions were uninformed. I am sorry if I have caused any harm and stress, and I am truly sorry if I have brought dishonor upon our alliance. I did not mean it to be so, and I assure you that all I did was with the intention of making this ship safe. Please forgive me..."

The Wood Aspect looks as always, his face like chiseled from marble, but there is something in his green eyes, something that makes him look...different. It's obvious that he's at least a bit sad, and there might be other emotions there too, behind his stone-cold face, but it's still more emotion than the monk has shown in the last few months that the crew has known him.

Jadira stands up when Tageru does, watching the results of his Wood Dragon kata with mild interest. "That's a convenient and hard won power," she remarks; "I never had the right attitude for the Cloister." She apologizes to her crewman for sending him all the way to sickbay with the medical supplies, deciding to keep them close at hand for the meantime in case they ran into further trouble with the Island.

"Well... er..." The armswoman rubs the back of her head after listening to Tageru's apology. "I'm glad we're out of the whole situation safely, at least for now. It could've been a big mess but you took a hit for the team, and you didn't get yourself killed. Better than plenty of folks would've done in your place."

"It's up to the Captain to give the final verdict, though. But you might want to ask yourself whether this is your kind of group. We're not as heavy handed as the Immaculate Order apparently was, and we don't lord over our superiority because our blood Exalted us. The Alliance is a minority Outcaste group, we don't have the might of the Realm behind us any more. That means being diplomatic whenever we can, because not only do we want to play nice with potential allies, it's the smart thing to do while we're just a couple ships strong."

She pats Tageru on the arm, and walks off toward the bow of the ship so Lasuri can speak his mind. While that occurs she starts to prepare herself mentally to shape her wind-calling spell.

Kiana offers Cynis a rare smile, and a strange look as he apparently pounded himself into good health.  Certainly a strange ability, but she could not argue the results.  "If that isn't a blessing only received by the children of Sextes Jylis, my large friend, you will have to show me that one day."  She said, going quiet as Jadira spoke her piece about his place with the alliance.  It was a stupid move, make no doubt, but Kiana honestly felt that Cynis had meant no harm--he simply wasn't very good at expressing himself accurately.  Which meant, in her opinion, that he should keep his words still until he could channel them properly.

Even so, her ears were ever vigilant, and she heard what Kareth said to the Captain.  She got up and shared a few words with her crew, essentially summing up a 'At ease' and 'Back to your normal duties', she approached the two of them.

"Beg your pardon, Captain, but I've been thinking about that.  If the island is indeed an Earth Spirit, then I may be a preferred choice for the boarding team, given my abilities."  Given her being an Earth Dragon, of course, and being of course that whatever was in that island, odds were Kiana could take it--or, barring a victory, she certainly wouldn't fall to it.

"Allright, people, we've lost enough time! If we're to make the deadline we've set for ourselves, we've got to double the work and push on! Miss Thornbloom, I'm afraid we'll need your help to pull this one off. If you wouldn't mind helping us with the winds, I think we'll need that assistance to get where we needed to in a timely fashion. Allright people, quit gawking and get to it!" Lasuri claps his hands together, then approaches the group of Exalts while rubbing the back of his neck. He does not look as somber as he did a moment ago, but it is clear that something bothers the Captain.

Looking up, Lasuri nods towards the others, taking to answer Kareth and Kiana's questions first. "Well, first things first, it'll all depend on if we can get the spirit to open its mouth and keep it open for us to actually get our stuff done. As for who should go... It's hard to judge from here, since there's other parameters that might factor in - the island might have its own conditions, or might only allow some things and not others. So until we know, we'll have to keep the plan fluid. But the main idea is, 'we'll bring in as many people as we can bring in there'. Mostly because the Lintha are not going to kick back and do nothing. We've got to get this thing before they do, and we can't afford to take chances because we can't afford to fail."

Rubbing his forehead for a moment, Lasuri finally turns towards Tageru, leaning back against the railing and folding his arms across his chest. "That particular matter has been brought to its conclusion through duel. I can't reopen the matter, Mister Tageru. But there's a lesson in there. I'm not going to go on preaching forever here, because it's all stuff I've said before. But at the core, we can't strong-arm our way through things here. We're not trying to topple the West, or trying to sit at the top of the pyramid. We're trying to build a free nation, one that can co-exist with the other nations here. One that can fight against those who would threaten the West. But if we're to do that, we have to not only understand how things work here, but also respect them. If anybody is to think of remaining among us, to stay under the Alliance flag and fight with us, they should remember that, at all times."

"The other thing to remember is that no matter what, we're not alone anymore. By joining under a symbol, as a group, we all become related, for better or worse. If I take the Dryad and plunder some merchant ships, I'll be labeled a pirate. I might think it's fine and good, because it's me. But then if Mister Zeru encounters the Navy, and he's sailing the same flag as I, he'll be labeled a pirate too. Maybe he didn't want to be labeled as that. Maybe he didn't want that association. But because of my selfish actions, now he's stuck with it, so he either has to deal or leave, both of which are regrettable."

"Do you understand what I mean, people? Everything you do, every word you say, every act you decide on, you should always think of as not only being your own, but also belonging to everyone besides you. Think long and hard about whether the other people around you would want to be caught with the consequences of what you are about to do. Even better, ask them, and plan with them. That's what it means to sail together, plain and simple."

He nods to the wounded monk, stepping back up from the railing and clasping him on the shoulder before walking back towards the wheel. "You think about that, Mister Tageru. And think if that's the life you want to be a part of, and if those are things you can live with. If not, no harm done, we won't have any hard feelings and part ways. If so... Then let what happened be a life  lesson - you'll have your place among us, if you go in the same direction as us."

The Captain walks towards the wheel, and calls out one more time. "Allright, people, get on to it! We're already late, so let's blow this joint!"

"You're right, captain, I know that. And I assure you, I meant no harm to either the Alliance or its honor. I hope there will be no more trouble with the Storm Mother now that she's had her duel. I didn't want to insult anyone, it's just... It's hard having one life and then losing it and living a completely different one. And it's not something I've asked for, nor something I especially wanted, but something I have to do. I have reasons for leaving the Order and joining the Alliance, and I think those reasons are good and just, but I am still new to this, to the West and its traditions, so I can occasionally make a mistake or two... I am still a loyal warrior and a helping hand, if you would want me on board, and I promise I will try to learn more about the life on the seas, so that situations like these will not arise again on my behalf. If that's not good enough... Well, I'd appreciate it if you'd just drop me off at some larger port and I wish you all the best of luck. But I hope we can move past this incident, and continue to be allies and friends."

The monk bows to the captain and turns to the young Earth Aspect:
"Perhaps, one day I can teach you the forms. It does not come easy to those that aren't of the right aspect, and it's called Begging the Dragons, but with a lot of will and discipline it can be done. I would be honored to teach such a warrior, but I think that you should first finish learning your own style. It's bad for the balance of the soul to try and learn more than one Dragon Style at once, so I would not advise it. But, some day, if Fate lets us live that long, we can train and I can show you some basic katas of the Wood Dragon Style."

As soon as the Captain calls for a departure, the crew responds immediately and efficiently, preparing the Dryad to set sail again. With the storm over, they can afford to go full sail, with Jadira's summoned winds propelling them along.

Marlena, descending from the bow of her courier ship, looks irritable as usual (it's hard to tell, really; she rarely ever looks happy.) "What a show-off," the raven-feathered spirit mumbles, but doesn't dare say anything else while she and her crew remain in Tashalmira's domain. "Zeru, let's do this. I'll pick up the speed, no little wind elemental is going to beat me at that game!" She eyes the Dryad, where Jadira is completing her spell, and smirks.

From here on it is smooth sailing: there are no further obstacles in the water. The crews of both the Dryad and the Marlena can take turns going below deck to change into non-soaked clothing, while the others tend to deck duties.

After half an hour, the ships reach the rendezvous point Hirdu gave, at least according to Lasuri's navigational skills. The sun is glittering on the horizon. There is nothing to be seen for miles except deep blue sea. Neither the Hirdu's Ambition nor the Falchion were able to catch up to the Dragon-Blooded sailors.

Compared to sailing through a storm and treacherous rocks and dueling angry goddesses, it almost seems too quiet.

---

OOC: This is a new scene so any scene long charms that were in effect have to be renewed. Set up how you'll attract Rakatau's attention, either working together or individually praying or performing. The roll will be Charisma+Performance when you're ready. Or you can roll Int+Occult to see if you can get any last minute insights on what to do.

[Private to Isole Kareth; Kiana White-Fist: Originally I would have had Hirdu read one of the poems you two sent. But instead he just HAD to be a bad sailor and get left behind. ;) So instead I don't mind if one or both of you decide to recite what you wrote.]

As the ships approached the target point, Kareth decided he should mention something to Zeru.  Fortunately for the rest of the crew, this meant yelling across the gap to the captain so everyone could hear what was being said.  "Captain Zeru.  I believe I recall a poem from my days in the academy which might be of use to you in waking the behemoth.  I have little skill beyond the minimum that I was required to learn with performances, but should you find someone to assist you with the matter, I have written the poem down and is at your disposal."  With that, Kareth held up a piece of paper.  Those with the sharpest of vision would read these words inscribed on it:

"On the seventh day it became a shore
On the Weeksend he came ashore
He sought a treasure which was not his own
He found a place he made his eternal home
His ending made at Twilight’s final place
Let those who come not fail to seek its grace

Brings the night, does the behemoth Rakatau."

OCC:  I'm having too much trouble trying to come up with a reason for the sullen mechanic to just burst out into poetry recitations when there are others who are actually more skilled at such a thing.  Anyone who wants to use it, feel free.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Sun 19 Apr 2009.

"How about this," Jadira suggests, walking up to Kareth and Zeru. "I can read the poem. I have a good, strong voice, and I learned quite a bit about dealing with spirits in the Heptagram. Of course, it was more to combat and bind them than to make nice, but... well, that's all in the past now."

She takes the piece of paper from Kareth and scans through it, reading it under her breath once or twice. "This has a good rhythm to it. I think I can make it work. I can recite while Zeru plays his flute."

"Now if only we had a proper offering... It won't be so easy without one." Jadira closes her eyes a moment, trying to remember what Hirdu said before they left Auragik. "Maybe the song itself would work as an offering? Hirdu said that Rakatau is fond of music with odd time signatures, 3, 5, or 7 notes per measure. Also, he said something about 'unusual gifts'... but my mind's drawing a blank. We don't really have any unusual artifacts left. At least none I can think of sparing."

Kiana was leaning against the rail as they made their way toward the meeting place.  After dealing with the Storm Mother, it had been smooth sailing.  While that was fine, their 'escort' had fallen behind--not exactly a good thing, seeing as the other Captain was the expert regarding the Island.  Still, they were here, and as Sunset would come, it would be trial by fire.

There was very little she could do now, as most of her crew was helping prepare for the appearance of the island, and she herself was very little use in the actual sailing of the vessel...a problem she would have to fix at some point.  If she were to seriously apply her knowledge of combat and warfare to the best of her abilities for the Alliance, it would require her to further increase her knowledge of the seas and the ships that rode her unfathomable waves.  Leaning as she was, however, she heard the commotion with Kareth and his poem...and after hearing Jadira, the idea of an offering came to mind.  There was very little on the ship of value, especially to an island, but perhaps...

"...Perhaps I might be able to offer the island something?"  She said quietly, turning from the rail and looking to Jadira.  A pale hand caught a string of jet black hair (which fell well past her shoulders) and twiddled with the dark silken lock.  "On the Crimson Isles, as well as many other places within and without the Realm, a Woman's hair is her pride.  A status symbol, too, of elegance and proper upbringing."  She paused, thinking.

"I am the first...and last...of my Father's lineage.  He created and mastered a Variant of Earth Dragon style that only -I- know, so I am also the last bearer of an exotic martial art.  If the Earth Spirit enjoys rare things that end, perhaps he would find my locks pleasing?"  Though she didn't notice, she was braiding stray strands together as she spoke, perhaps out of simple show of the 'goods' she offered.

"Then again, it might be silly to offer him such a thing...but I am a daughter of the Earth, so perhaps something I cherish, but willingly give, will attract him?"

Kareth turns his thoughts to problem of a sacrifice and finally comes up with a solution he poses to the first mate for her scrutiny.  "From my understanding of it, the events of an objects life can define its character.  Perhaps a blade forged by a demon blood which has tasted combat with a storm mother would be sufficiently unusual to garner the attention of the isle.  Especially if it managed to taste the blood of a Terrestrial Exalt," he says in his typically depressing tones.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

"Wow. Those are both great ideas!" Jadira says, her eyes actually widening in surprise. She'd been prepared to just do the ritual as is, regardless of what happens. "Y'know, there's no reason we can't do both. Both the lock of hair and the sword resemble an ending and a sacrifice, in their own ways."

"Though, I think we could make a case for the sword as a sacrifice, even alone... I mean... I don't want to require you to chop some of your pretty hair off, Kiana. I'm just suggesting because we could use all the help we can get. But I'll leave it up to you." The brunette nods sympathetically to the younger woman. It could take years and a lot of care to grow it out again in such a lustrous and healthy state, after all.

"Anyway, would any of you be willing to present the sword... and possibly the hair... as a gift, after the poem and the song are done? It could be the 'finale' of our little ritual."

"See, that's why it usually pays off to let the people who know what they're doing to handle the business they're good at." Lasuri chimes in, stepping closer to the group wile dusting off his coat. The Captain has been away taking care of the Dryad's sailing and the preparations for their shore leave, and as such seems to have been occupied for a while. Now that their journey reaches its conclusion, however, he emerges again, obviously approving of the ideas the group has managed to come up with.

"In any case, I think this all might work out. Though uh... Like I said, it's not my area of expertise. So we'll play reverse for the time of this ritual, allright? You all be the Captains and I'll be the mate here. I'm not so great at performance and whatnot, but I'll do what I'm instructed to do and I'll try my best to support your plan." He scratches the back of his neck, regarding the others in turn.

"Just don't cast me in the starring role, and we should do fine."

Zeru does what is necessary to make his way aboard the Dryad. Once there he rendezvous with Jadira and the rest of the group. "Peleps Zeru flautist, reporting for duty." He says with a wry smile. "Would you mind I looked at the poem which Mr. Kareth managed to procure?" If given to him he reads it over. "I'm not sure if it's been decided already but could we get a chorus of people to recite it, would that do anything?"

"We could have my crew recite along with me. I can lead the recital. The only problem is needing to copy it all down for everyone to read together." Jadira looks down at the poem on the paper again, once Zeru is done with it. "Anyone good at penmanship? We'll make a copy for every three. That'll be --" she counts mentally "-- six of 'em. Let's do this quickly and get ourselves organized."

"You," she points to one of the men manning the starboard catapult, "get us some paper and pen from the navigation room. The rest of you, come and gather up near the foredeck. Those who can't read, I expect to help those who can."

"And you..." Jadira points to Lasuri with a wink. "Sit back and watch our awesome teamwork. Think you can handle that?"

"Now I think that we'll start like this. We'll have Zeru lead in with a lovely flute prelude. Then, after the music's had some time to settle in, I'll start leading the recital of the poem. Once that's done, then Kiana and Kareth can present the gifts. Then Zeru finishes off his flute performance, and we wait and cross her fingers. Sound good?"

Once the first mate gets her pen and paper she starts tearing the paper into pieces and copying the poem in hurried but legible script.

(OOC: Jadira herself has Linguistics 3... that's probably enough but if anyone else wants to help they can.)

Kiana thought about what Jadira said, but after a moment she simply nodded.  Yes, there might not be a need for her to offer lengths of her hair, but given how powerful the Lintha would be with that Artifact...frankly, she didn't feel comfortable not taking the chance.  If it helped, even a little bit, then she would do it.  It was only hair, after all--it would grow back.

She braided her hair quickly (to both get it out of the way, and to make it easier to cut) and then joined Jadira with the writing the lyrics of the poem.  Her hand-writing was a good deal more readable, but she was unable to write with the same speed as Jadira--writing, for her, was taught more as an art than a suitable means to trade or work, so while she was able to speed it up a good deal, she would only have two done by the time Jadira was finished with the other four.  A help, but not exactly the quickest--and if anyone could go faster, she would certainly let them take the task over.

"That sounds like a proper concert, Jadira."  She said.  "It sounds so lovely, in fact, I fear we may well be under dressed."  She said with a small smile.

Jadira and Kiana complete the copies of the poem, and the crew uses what little time they have remaining to memorize and practice the recital under the first mate's tutelage. Some of them grouse a little -- they hadn't joined the Cobalt Alliance for a literature lesson, after all -- but are quickly reminded that the secret Rakatau holds could lead to a West overrun by the Lintha.

Now the sun is dipping beneath the watery horizon, scattering shimmering rays of light across the ocean, making the gentle wave-caps sparkle in shades of topaz. Where the sky meets the sea, the clouds are aflame with orange and rosy hues, darkening toward a dusky blue where the descending sun's light does not reach.

As the curtain closes on the daytime hours, the time comes for the Seven-Day Island to be summoned. The participants take their places, and the ritual begins...

---

OOC: Ok, start doing your stunts. :) Zeru does his flute, Jadira the chanting with the crew, Kiana and Kareth the gift giving. You don't necessarily have to do it in order though in this case it may make more logical sense to do so. after everyone involved posts I'll judge stunts, make the calculations (including subtracting an appropriate Resources value for the gifts from the difficulty) to determine the effect.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Tue 21 Apr 2009.

Peleps Zeru raises the flute to his lips, his mind racing at the challenge and the faith that have been placed in him. Rakatau is a fan of endings, so the beginning should be fairly straightforward. Moving at a time signature of 3/4 Zeru begins playing as if he was playing a waltz. This steady beat should be perfect for the chanting of the crew.

He continues this way until the recital is finished, then he picks up the pace into a 5/4 time signature. This quickens the pace to hopefully get the blood pumping for Isole Kareth and Kiana to make their sacrifices to the island god.

Towards the finale Zeru picks up the pace once more, jumping from 5/4 to 9/8. He plays quickly his fingers moving as fast as blurs, giving himself barely time to breathe.

[Private to Storyteller: Just the straight dice and the bonus from the flute.
15:56, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 3 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,2,6,7,1,1,10,4. Playing for Rakatau. ]

Kareth walks to where Tageru had discarded the blades he had used in the fight against the storm mother and takes one of them.  After Jadira had finished copying the poems borrows her pen from her.  Instead of dipping it in an inkwell, though, he holds it in his teeth for just a moment while he removes his black cloak.  He then takes off his breastplate, his shirt, and finally, the bandage he had over his wound which had not quite healed.  He then does something that puzzles everybody who sees his actions: he begins to pick at the scab.  Once a very small segment of the healing flesh had been removed, Kareth then takes the pen in one and hand squeezed the wound with the other in order to force a small amount of blood from it.   He places the tip into the tiny stream of blood, until there is enough to write just a few words.  Kareth then takes the blade and scribles down what appears to be just six pictographs to most of the observers.

After setting the blade in the sun to dry as quickly as possible, Kareth then rewrapps his wound and dresses himself again.

[Private to GM:

It's written in old-realm.  It reads "Fire smothers in its own ash."]

As the sweet, but complex melody from Zeru's flute fills the evening air, Jadira puts the quick practice recital sessions she had with her crewmen to the test.

She has the eighteen men and women she has chosen to do the recital gather in an arc with its convex facing the bow, standing together in groups of three. She directs one of the central trios -- those she singled out as possessing the strongest and most articulate voices -- to recite the first line:

"On the seventh day it became a shore."

Then she points toward the other central trio, signaling them to add their voices to the first group. Six people recite the second line in unison, bolstered by Jadira's confident lead:

"On the Weeksend he came ashore."

Her next cues are for the second-to-leftmost group, and second-to-rightmost group in turn, each of them adding another trio of voices to the chorus. The building progression lends a sense of urgency and expectation to the entire recital.

"He sought a treasure which was not his own." Nine crewmen recite in slow, measured rhythm.
"He found a place he made his eternal home." One dozen voices speak to the deepening dusk.

The last two trios join in when directed, filling out the vocal range: baritones from the largest male artillerists, lending their muscles to crank the catapult winches; altos from female archers and lookouts, toughened by a life at sea most Western cultures would have forbidden them; tenors of varied accent and inflection from men the Cobalt Alliance has hired on from ports all throughout the West.

"His ending made at Twilight’s final place." Fifteen men and women utter fearlessly and resoundingly.
"Let those who come not fail to seek its grace." Eighteen shout out for the island beneath the sea to hear.

Jadira gradually raises her arms, and turns to face the bowsprit as she lends her own voice for the final refrain. Bowmen, artillerists, sailors and lookouts, men and women, short and tall, old and young, all of them repeat the motion as if beckoning the behemoth to heed them.

"Brings the night, does the behemoth Rakatau."

The poem was a little unusual in its phrasing, Kiana thought, but that was mostly due to her education and upbringing, her induction into the fine arts that the Realm considered masterpieces--many of which these fine people she had allied herself with had never heard before.  As she had written the words of it down, however, she had grown accustomed to it, and after hearing the spectacular arrangement that Jadira had produced, she found that she actually liked it.  It had a forbearance to it that highlighted the mood of this occasion quite nicely--no one knew what to expect.

She stood there at the edge of the ship, looking into the setting sun with a small dagger in her hand.  It had been easy enough to procure a sharp blade in the armory, even one that had a bit of an elaborate handle--not that Rakatau would care much about what cut her hair, she was sure, but just that she offered something of meaning.  And her hair was something of great meaning.  Many times her father had commented on how beautiful it was, and had ran his hands through it as they had studied the stars after a hard day's training.  It was a thing of rank, to have hair so beautiful--and now that the moment of truth was upon her, would she so carelessly cut such ties willingly?  Would she sever one of the few things that connected her with her previous life?

Yes.  She would.

The Cobalt Alliance meant a good deal to her now, and why wouldn't it?  Captain Lasuri had given her more than she could have ever asked for.  He had offered friends (no, family), a home, and most precious still, a way for her to give honor to her father's name by taking up his banner as a general; yes, she was only Head of Defence for the Dryad, but it was an incredibly potent role, and one that had not been given lightly.  The Captain had seen the profit of Kiana's training and education at her Father's hand, and had rewarded such devotion.  Now as she controlled the lives of many men and women, she again did whatever she could to ensure their continued survival and success, and though most on the ship wouldn't realize how much strength it took to cut those locks of ebony silk, the smallest of tears flitted from her face as the blade cut true.

One moment her long braid was curled around her fist, laying over her shoulder--and the next, it left her shoulders completely, leaving the remaining length of hair neatly at the base of her neck.  "I, Kiana White-Fist, Daughter of Kiando, Daughter of Pasiap, and Defender of the Cobalt Alliance give this offering willingly, Mighty Earth Spirit.  Please hear our cries."

As she released her hair over the ship, the wind caught the strands and began to quickly unravel the band that held the locks together, dispersing thin black lines into the wind.  If one tried, and tried hard, it almost looked like the individual strands formed letters in High Speak--but it was just an illusion, and the idea quickly faded from any who might have entertained it.

"And..." She added, choosing her next words carefully, "If you are so kind as to entertain our audience, Mighty Rakatau, know that never again will my hair grow this length.  It is offered to you, and you alone."

The poem to Rakatau comes to its poignant conclusion. The last notes of Zeru's flute song fade abruptly, snuffed out by the unnatural silence that follows. Not even the light breeze ruffling through the sails can be heard, nor the creak of wood from the hull of the Spring Dryad II and Black Marlena as they sway with the gentle rhythm of the sea.

The blood-anointed auhzian sword and the silky black braid that Kiana has so boldly and willingly cut disappear in a swirl of earth-toned Essence threaded with purple lines. The crew and officers breathe in and out without so much as a whisper of air, waiting for some reaction, some change that would give a sign of the island behemoth's reaction.

They wait until the last traces of daylight give way to the twilight blue of dusk. They wait until the stars shimmer through the dispersing bank of clouds, the beginnings of a moonless night.

They wait, for Rakatau is an elder being of the Earth. For such a creature that has lived, nearly unchanged in form and habit, for thousands of years, time has a different meaning. Decisions made hastily are not decisions worth making, and the process of mourning a beautiful ending is not one to be rushed. The complexity of the Cobalt Alliance's offering invites the behemoth to think heavily on each individual part.

Finally, at a distant point miles away, the ocean begins to swell in a gentle slope as water is displaced from below. Gravity drags the water back toward sea level, pushing the Alliance vessels backward as the water inclination continues to rise. What were once gentle ripples are becoming waves of increasing force and height -- not an attack, but rather a consequence of what is happening next.

Brace yourselves, for you have awoken the beast, utters the voice of the Spring Dryad in Lasuri's mind. Marlena's thoughts to Zeru are much more matter-of-fact: The Seven-Day Island is surfacing.

---

OOC: Here's how I determined the ritual results. Jadira read the poem, so she rolled the Cha+Performance prayer. Everyone else contributed to reducing the prayer difficulty, which is 7 - (resource value of gifts). I judged the value by the quality of stunt and highest base value among the gifts being given. I counted Zeru's song as an offering, as well as the sword Kareth prepared and Kiana's cut hair. All together I gave the entirety a Resource 5 worth, so the base difficulty was 2.

Jadira fortunately has a 2nd Performance Excellency, and added 2 sux. So that pretty much reduced difficulty to 0, and all the successes poured into just how much Rakatau was impressed. In all there was 11 successes and that is *amazing*. You will see soon exactly what that level of success entails. Excellent job!

After anointing of the blade with his blood, Kareth simply stood next to Kiana and held to blade out as though to say "This is part of the gift too."  He wasn't good with words or speeches in general.

As the island began to rise, the Fire Aspect couldn't help but stare in anticipation.  This would surely be very interesting.

[Private to GM: Sorry for the delay and not helping with the stunting.  Internet's been funny around my place recently.  Blah.]

Kiana and Lasuri are the first to see the peak of the Seven-Day Island emerge above the waves, that moist pinnacle of rock sloughing water off as it reveals its shape. First a peak, then a hill, then a mountain -- one mountain in a range of many, like spikes upon the back of a horned turtle.

Rakatau is truly gigantic. Its surface is miles and miles of treacherous, rocky terrain made slippery by ocean submergence. Nothing grows on that hard, unforgiving soil, a haphazard and often sharp-edged expanse of brown earth and grey rock. The island's shape is largely ovoid, though it's difficult to pick out any details with the Spring Dryad and Black Marlena are so close to its perimeter, pushed back further and further by the waves cascading from its slopes.

Finally, arising 50 yards from the bow of the Alliance ships, is a huge rounded protrusion partially submerged in the water. It is still much, much larger than either of the vessels, over a hundred yards above sea level and at least a couple hundred yards wide. This makes it all the more startling when two knobs of earth toward the top of the mound, equidistant from the center, split apart to reveal eyes that could be easily as large in diameter as the mast of the Dryad is tall, if not more. The irises are a dark brown in color, with bands of a lighter, almost amber brown, and a deep black pupil that focuses downward at the ships floating below.

When Rakatau opens its mouth to speak -- splitting the giant earth mound open nearly in half -- the water displacement starts pulling the Dryad and the Marlena toward the jagged opening. "YOUR OFFERING HAS PLEASED ME IMMENSELY, PETITIONERS. YOU MAY ASK A BOON OF ME, OR PERHAPS YOU SEEK A TREASURE FROM MY HOARD?"

---

OOC: Lasuri and Zeru, roll Wits+Sail if you want to avoid your ships getting sucked into the mouth. Keep in mind again that Rakatau is not actually attacking, it's just so large that it could do damage inadvertently.

"Noy jitat!" Zeru spits out as he barks out orders to his crew, hoping to avoid being swallowed by the giant turtle earth spirit. He unfurls the sails and veers hoping that he could change his course slightly.

[Private to Storyteller: 12:32, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,6,9,6,4,8,2,8. Wits+Sail.]

Almost immediately, Lasuri starts to give the necessary orders to slow the ship down, but he does not completely put it to a stop. The island behemoth seems pleased with their offering, and thus it is difficult for the Captain to believe he might actually be trying to hurt them, but one could never be too cautious. After all, there is no telling yet whether they would need to head inside or no.

Watching the currents carefully and feeling their push and pull, Lasuri angles the ship in a way that will actually slow down their approach by working against the current, without putting the ship at a complete stop. First, he would want to hear the details of the Behemoth's offer.

"Venerable Rakatau... I'm Captain Lasuri Leomaris of the Spring Dryad, and we're glad to see you appreciate our worship. We've come to ask for your favor, Ancient One - and we hope you're going to be favorable to the idea of helping us out."

"We're actually looking for something in particular, Ancient One."

Jadira allows her crewmen to disperse, now that the recital is over. She thanks each and every one of them, because their success in calling up the island is as much due to their voices as to hers -- if not more so.

Once Lasuri has the Dryad under control enough to speak, she contributes her own voice to the Captain's introduction. "I am the Dryad's first mate and armswoman, Jadira Thornbloom, Chosen of Sextes Jylis," she pronounces formally, and bows under the massive gaze of Rakatau.

"We are looking for an artifact we have been led to believe lies in your... hoard," she continues, building on Lasuri's words while recalling Hirdu's explanations about the item they seek, and all the lore she knows of the Lintha. "It takes the shape of a chalice, and is apparently key to strengthening the blood of Kimbery, The Sea that Marched Against the Flame. This is an item key to the power of the Lintha, Kimbery's children, and it is our intent to seize it before they do."

"Will you help us put an end to the foul ambitions of the Lintha, Ancient One?"

Both Lasuri and Zeru manage to keep their respective vessels under tight control, skirting the water displacement without being sucked in. Fortunately, the mouth quickly fills to sea level, and the suction force ceases.

"YOU SEEK THE BLOOD CHALICE OF KIMBERY," pronounces Rakatau, "AND I SHALL GRANT IT TO YOU, ALONG WITH FIVE LESSER ARTIFACTS FROM MY TROVE. THERE IS BUT ONE PROBLEM." The island behemoth emits an unpleasant growling noise that sounds like the roar of an earthquake or a volcano. "THE CHALICE HAS TAKEN ROOT INSIDE MY BODY. IT IS A CANCER THAT MUST BE CUT AWAY, AND I CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT ALLOWING YOU TO ENTER INSIDE ME AND DESTROY... WHAT IT HAS BECOME."

"ARE THERE BRAVE SOULS AMONG YOU PREPARED FOR SUCH A TASK?"

The rise of the Seven Day Island was breath taking--Kiana had never seen anything like it before.  In a very real sense, despite her regal upbringing, intense studies, and tortured past, Kiana was rather sheltered in many ways.  Though she knew of elementals and small gods, she had never seen something quiet so...so massive in all of her life.  Or, at the very least, something that was both so large, and alive!  Mountains she had seen.  Islands she had seen...but this was on a completely different level.

She had held every ounce of faith that Lasuri would not let the ship fall into his maw, and it was with unworried eyes that she faced the giant spirit.  To hear that the Chalice was hurting Rakatau was saddening--though she did not worship or know well this Earth Spirit, there was a kinship there that couldn't be denied.  She was a Daughter of the Earth Dragon, and he was just as much His child as Kiana was.
Perhaps even more so, given they were literally made of the same element.

Shaking her head in an attempt to get used to the sudden lack of weight from her offered hair, Kiana looked up at the spirit--and she answered him.

"It would be an honor to help you in this way, Mighty Rakatau.  As Pasiap would not tolerate such an infection in one of his beautiful creations, nor shall I allow such a thing to exist without being challenged by my hand."

The Captain watches both the offerings and their result - the rise of the majestic and colossal island - with a mix of silent reverence and awe. The words of the Island are somewhat humbling to him, given that his people worked so well and hard to appease it... He would surely take some time later to reward each and every one of them individually, as he believes this sort of effort should not go overlooked.

After a moment, he takes a step forward, looking around him to see the faces of his fellow Alliance Members. He then looks up to the impressive Rakatau, and bows his head slightly. "Your offer's generous, Mighty Rakatau. And since I believe in power of favors, I'll be certain to help you out. If that accursed Chalice is actually eating at you from the inside, then it's all the more reason for us to take it out and find a way to get rid of it. That just confirms our decision and gives even more of a reason for us to have resolve."

Lasuri nods sharply, then turns back to his crew. He watches them intently, nodding silently to Kiana, who just spoke. "Allright people, listen up. I'm going in there, to fetch that damn Chalice drag it into the mouth of Malfeas if I have to. Miss Kiana already professed her desire to join in," He nods to Kiana again, "but I can't actually force any of you to come along either. This is going to be dangerous - it was supposed to be from the start, but now we've got more info and know that outside of the already present danger, the Chalice itself won't want to be dragged out of there. So here's the deal: I'll head a strike team of volunteers in there to retrieve the foul thing. Anyone who wishes to come is welcome to. Anyone who doesn't will remain on the ship, with no ill effects or judgment whatsoever."

He looks at the crew, one more time, his eyes piercing and filled with conviction. "So, Alliance members - speak loud, and speak quick, 'cause we don't know how much time we have. Who's with me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:50, Wed 29 Apr 2009.

Zeru pockets his flute having regained his breath and control of his ship. He whistles loudly both to draw attention to himself and to call Lucky Coral from below decks. "You keep an eye on our lady and our crew alright?" The white kitten raises on paw and answers with an affirmative "Mau!" He calls his crew together, "You all stay safe, I'll be back." He uses his mind to communicate to the Marlena. "My Lady I thank you for you support, and your faith in my music. I shall hopefully return with something shiny."

With that he looks over to the Dryad. "I'm in!" He calls as he steers the Marlena towards it."

Tageru looks at the behemoth, at the mountains rising from its' back, the caves on its' sides and the sheer size of it and just stands in awe for a few moments.
He has never seen any living thing of this size, and the sight is breathtaking. The monk stares for a while before regaining his composure, and as the captain asks for volunteers he speaks "If you... *Cough* I'll go, captain, if you would allow it. I am a skilled warrior, as you know, and it may be that you'll need my skills to defeat whatever unsavory spirits you find inside with the Chalice. Who knows what Demon-spawn that wretched Kimbery's artifact had called to Creation to plague this magnificent...creature, so it would be wise to take as many of those trained to fight them as you can."
He looks at Kiana and nods, and then turns to the behemoth. "If you would let me enter, I would be glad to help you in any way I can. It is an honor to rid the world of Demons, especially when they're trying to corrupt the natural order." He bows to the great living island Rakatau, and sits back on the deck.

Kareth looked momentarily around the crew and then moved forward to speak with the captain and first mate in a private tone that would not be overheard by the giant behemoth.  As he spoke, he appeared more irritable than ususal, "Captain, I have serious reservations about this opperation.  Assuming the Chalise is legitimate, if it's over taking the inside of the behemoth, then we might not be able to necessarily trust him.  This very well could be a trap.  It goes against my advice to continue, but if you insist on continuing then I will obey my orders.  If you think my skills in artifice will be of use, then I will accompany you."

"Of course you can count me in," Jadira says decisively, reclaiming her strongbow. "My only worry is leaving the ships out here while all of the Dragon-bloods go in. Then again, the crew will be staying behind in our place. Think you can handle being in charge, Donnegal?" She grins to the Spring Dryad's pilot. "You'll be in charge if both Lasuri and I go in."

"I figure there's a good chance Falchion and Hirdu's Ambition will intercept while we're away, as well. Hmm... how about this. Kareth, you or I can stay behind until the other ships catch up with us. You said you had a method of long distance communication, correct? My sorcery can do the same. So one of us can relay a message to the other in case something goes wrong. That way we can coordinate backup--and have someone on board who can operate the Dryad's main cannon."

[Private to Isole Kareth: If Kareth's the one who stays behind I'll definitely give him stuff to do. Jadira might be the better choice to stay since she's a GMPC but given Kareth's misgivings it could go either way.]

As strong as his misgivings were, Kareth was also aware of his duties as the Chief Artificer of the Alliance.  Though he could no longer call Looshy home, duty was something strongly important to the Fire Aspect and while he was not as gung-ho as the others, Kareth was certainly no coward.  Besides, he knew that if it came to a fight, he would never be able to offer the inspiration the crew needed to win the fight.  That was something Jadira could do that he couldn't.  "I will go into the behemoth."

[Private to GM: OCC:  Yeah I hate to force you to do a ton more work due to a botched Lore roll.  I'll try to act out my paranoia up until I think I can make another lore roll based on new information.  Besides, I think this would be true to Kareth's personality. After his conversion, Snape always followed Dumbledore even when he thought it was a bad idea.]

Donnegal nods and salutes to Lasuri and Jadira in turn. "I'll make sure the ship keeps afloat, sir. While the lovely first mate keeps our weapons honed and ready."

The rest of the Dryad crew forms up on deck, many of them wishing luck to the Dragon-bloods or asserting that they'll keep the ship in shape. "Don't worry about anything, Miss Kiana," says Leeds smartly, followed by Saari: "Come back in one piece!"

Over on the Marlena, Cinna kisses Zeru on the cheek and says, "We'll take care of things from here!" while Brogan and Antov grunt in assent and give a thumbs up, respectively. Sunden is still resting below deck, but Curran is above again, having taken another dose of Hero's Recovery and looking much better for it.

Marlena's own personal response to Zeru is I'll be disappointed if you die in there. So don't. As Zeru eases the courier ship next to the Dryad, a black feather drifts from above, falling at his feet. Take it with you: a token of my protection. [Private to Peleps Zeru: Marlena's black feather is a talisman that gives you the equivalent of having 1 dot of the Lucky merit. Once per story, or once per week (whichever comes sooner) you can reroll any one roll you make for free, and take the better result. You should add the feather and its effect, on your character sheet :)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Thu 30 Apr 2009.

"YOU ARE DECIDED ON A COURSE OF ACTION," Rakatau intones, its voice so large the air itself seems to shudder at its passing. "MANEUVER YOUR SHIPS AS CLOSE AS IS SAFE, AND I WILL HOLD MY MOUTH OPEN FOR YOU. THE ITEM YOU SEEK IS BEYOND MY HEART CHAMBER, AT THE PIT OF MY STOMACH."

"I CAN ONLY TELL YOU THAT YOU WILL KNOW THE CHALICE BY ITS INFERNAL GLOW. IT HAS BECOME LIKE A TUMOR IN ME. I FEEL IT GROWING. SHIFTING. IT MAY BE DANGEROUS -- BUT YOU HAVE MY LEAVE TO USE ALL FORCE TO ERADICATE IT. IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER WAY I WOULD GRANT IT TO YOU, FOR YOU HAVE ALREADY EARNED MY FAVOR. BUT I CANNOT. YOU MAY HOWEVER CLAIM FOR YOURSELVES THE FIVE ARTIFACTS I PROMISED YOU, SHOULD YOU ENCOUNTER ANY THAT SUIT YOU ON THE WAY THERE."

"THOSE WHO WOULD DARE, ENTER NOW." Abruptly, the island behemoth stops speaking, its mouth yawning wide open, more than large enough even for the ships to sail right into it. As soon as it does so, the jaw locks rigidly in that position. Within Rakatau's cavernous mouth, a gigantic tongue of equally large proportions lies straight across, bridging the body of water pooled into its jaw. There's no way of knowing for sure how deep that pool is, but it's likely enough to drown a human that can't swim.

The 'tongue bridge' leads straight into the behemoth's throat, which fortunately appears to be mostly dry, though rivulets of water trickling down it keep the bottom damp and muddy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:25, Fri 25 Sept 2009.

Zeru gives Cinna a squeeze and tosses his men a shining smile. "Thanks guys, boy will I have a story to tell you when I get back."

Zeru scoops up the feather and places it in the breast pocket of his jacket. "Thank you my lady, I will cherish it." With that he steps on the banister of the ship and makes his way over to the Dryad.

"Hello all..." he says cheerily, "are we ready to be eaten?"

"Miss Kiana, Mister Zeru, Mister Tageru, and Mister Kareth." Lasuri observes the faces around him carefully, then nods his assent at the newly formed team. Smiling at the sight, he takes a moment to turn towards Jadira, taking a step towards the armswoman as he speaks to her. "I'll leave things topside to you, then. Make sure to get everyone up to speed if they arrive while we're still down there - Hirdu and the Navy will want to know what's going on. And be careful - we'll be as quick as we can." He puts a hand on her arm, if only very briefly, gazing at her silently. Whatever he needed to tell her next, it apparently needs no more words.

He turns towards Kareth then, and pats him on the shoulder to let him know he is not completely ignoring his opinion. "I know you're not really keen on this, Mister Kareth, but hear me out. Maybe you're right, and this is a trap. Thing is, the Lintha are going to want this thing no matter what. For all we know, they're already aware that this thing has somehow mutated or whatnot, and they're gonna come equipped to track it down. So if we don't do this now, trap or no, we'll risk the Lintha stealing this thing from under our nose, and then we'll have failed."

"I'm glad you decided to come along anyways though. We need someone to peer at the artifacts in there - Rakatau has given us a gift in good grace, and we're gonna honor it." He smiles.

"Mister Tageru." He looks to the monk, and nods slowly. "There's power in seeing one's mistakes and wanting to make amends. No one should ever be denied that much, when their desire is genuine. You'll come with us too, of course. Your help and support is going to be real handy."

He then turns to Kiana and Zeru, saluting both in turn. "Miss Kiana, Mister Zeru, your individual approaches to problems might make you notice things that I don't, or consider solutions I haven't. So I trust the both of you with being my foil, in a way - if you see, think of or consider anything other than what I'm proposing at the time, let me know. I'm not infallible, so any side observations are welcome." He nods sharply, and smiles to the both of them.

"Okay, people, that's enough of this. Once again, the mission's dangerous and we've got a time limit to execute it. So let's get in and out as clean as possible, and give it our all." He studies the faces around him one more time, and then grins, this time almost wolfishly as he indicates the wide-open maw of Rakatau.

"Allright, Cobalt Alliance. Let's get this show on the road."

"Take care of yourselves," Jadira says emphatically, taking up position near the foredeck. She smiles at Lasuri longest, and nods, fully confident in his ability to make it through this mission well and alive -- and to guide the others the same way.

"All right gunnery crew. Let's not be idle while the others do the hard work. We've gotten tossed around and drenched for while, so let's make sure the catapults and ballistae are in proper working order. Amon, River, Carmine, Sireen, get the tarps off and let's see what we've got. Tarim and Gull, and the rest of you boys, get your bows and ammo ready..."

Jadira continues giving orders concerning weapons, lookout duties and other aspects of defense, partially covering for Kiana as well while Donnegal puts another group of men toward tending to the sails and rigging, tightening or replacing ropes as necessary, swabbing the deck, anything to keep them busy.

She turned to the Captain as he addressed her, and gave a curt nod.  "My senses are at your service, Captain, as always."  She

"I'll be fine."  Kiana told Saari, and she gave Leeds a small smile for his concern.  "I know all of you will do your very best while I'm gone.  Remember what I've taught you thus far, and if we are gone a good deal longer than we plan, don't forget to practice and train.  I will be back, and expect you all to be ready to pick up where we last left."  She said to her crew before bowing to Jadira.  "And you as well, Jadira.  We'll be back before you know it."

Then, standing beside Lasuri, she looked into the maw of the great isle Rakatau and marveled, if only for a minute, at the unexpected path she had found herself on.  She was sure Father was watching, and if she could help in crippling the menace that was the Lintha, she was sure he would be proud.

Tageru looks to his crewmates, nods at the captain and follows in behind. He just turns to the ships for one last look before entering, and then focuses on his task ahead. "This is one of the things they don't prepare you for in the Order, I have to say...", he says with a small attempt at a smile, and enters the great behemoth's mouth.

Hours later...

It is now deep night, nearly midnight from the look of the stars glimmering in the velvet-dark sky. The moon shows its hidden face, so that the visibility is dim at best, but for a few bright sources of light: the pinpoint of lanterns and torches, the brighter flare of boats and sails caught on fire, and the radiance of anima banners: watery blues and verdant greens from Dragon-blooded, and the sickly dark green of Lintha Essence-users.

The Spring Dryad II, assisted by the Wavecrest Navy Ship Falchion under command of Captain Roche Fairwind, and the smaller crews of the Black Marlena and Hirdu's Ambition, have been fighting the Lintha for the last two hours. The Kri Kiamo, Lintha Dara-Said Father Hazhain Sul's trimaran flagship, sits abreast to the Dryad as two glowing figures duel upon the refurbished First Age warship's deck.

The long-range weapons of the Ambition and the seamen of the Falchion keep the remaining two Lintha ships at a sharp disadvantage while the Marlena uses her mobility to her advantage, isolating small groups of Lintha for the crew to take down. The Alliance's flagship is sturdy enough to take the worst the Dara-Said's infernal sorcerer can throw, and Jadira's cannon has blown apart the Kiamo's main mast, leaving it dead in the water.

But now that the battle is on, less a ship battle than a battle of clashing weapons, the crew of the Dryad struggles to fight off Lintha who have sworn their lives to retrieve the Chalice. Jadira herself struggles, lacking more than rudimentary skill with the red jade daiklave she wields; she barely fends off the fury of Hazhain's paired blades.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:32, Wed 16 Sept 2009.

Then, from Rakatau's open mouth, a pair of spirit-skiffs sailed by lovely nymphs emerges, riding a cresting wave. Leading the water elementals is Queen Sylpheel, radiant and brave even in her sadness. The boats bear the saviors of Rakatau: Lasuri, Zeru, Kiana, Kareth and Tageru, battered by their recent battles but far from broken, retaining a fierce will to fight. In Captain Lasuri's hand is Kimbery's cursed chalice, a cup of orichalcum tainted into a dull brassy shade flecked with verdigris.

"The Sea Drake!" "Captain Zeru!" "Miss Kiana!" Voices shout out the names of the Dragon-bloods returning from their task. "...They're back!"

"Lasuri!" shouts Jadira from the deck of the Dryad. But the distraction is just enough for Hazhain Sul to slash with his auhzian sword and knock her daiklave away from her! Around her are Donnegal and Saari, Madigan and Duarte, men fighting to protect what's theirs, and to support their first mate... but there are bodies among them too, and not all of them Lintha.

On the Marlena, Zeru can almost see Cinna's hair, blazing red in the torchlight, and the black wings of vengeful Marlena herself, wrapping 'round her vessel as if to deny the demon-spawn passage. Cinna and the twins are back to back fighting off two pairs of demon-spawn. Antov defends a wounded Sunden with a hatchet thick with Lintha blood... and the fight rages on!

It seems consideration has been made for the less water-mobile Dragon-blooded. For waiting outside for them is a strange vessel, less of a traditional ship than a piece of Rakatau split off from the larger body, floating by its own power. It is a miniature, living island, large enough to challenge the size of the Kri Kiamo, offering its back as a platform to ride into the fray. As Sylpheel and her nymph guards climb aboard the island ship, one of the score of jokun aboard shouts down, "Come, before it is too late!"

---

OOC: Ok, since we're not rolling any of this, I'm totally going to let you start freeforming (within reason, i.e. only things your character sheet says you can do :D) how you'll help the battle. Assume the island ship, jokun and nymphs will follow your commands and/or cooperate as necessary!

At the moment the Alliance is holding its ground, but with the Dragon-blooded returning and the aid of the elementals, it'll get tough for the Lintha. :)

Zeru stands firm at the prow of one of the boats being propelled by the nymphs. Undaunted by the speed he grins as they break the maw or Rakatau the sea sprays him with salty air and he laughs into the wind as he leaps from the prow. Using his gifts as one of Da'naad's chosen he lands in a run on top of the water. He charges towards his ship and lashes Tempest to one of the rails on the side.

Zeru does not break stride as his feet leave the water and run a wide circle across the side of the marlena, reeling his chain in as he does so. His stride breaks as he leaps into the air. He goes not over, but through this feathery shield. He does not fear what would be on the other side, as he passes through he appears on the other side in a burst of small black feathers. Tempest whirls around him like the storm it was named for, keeping the feathers locked around him with its wind. Almost without warning Tempest reaches out wrapping up one of the Lintha facing Cinna and the Twins. Using his newfound anchor Zeru swings himself into the fray. He pulls hard on the rope, sending the lintha spinning towards the starbord rail. [Private to Storyteller: stuck rudder infliction ;)] His new foe turns with his hooked sword to face the Marlena's captain. Zeru's movements pull him out of the way of a downward chop, one he aids with one of his hands. As his body turns to the side his leg lashes upwards, kicking the bastard in the chin. "Hello guys, you miss me?" He says happily before he notices that the one he sent spinning has appeared to catch his bearings. With a mischevious smile he plants a kiss on Cinna's cheek and mutters "Take care of these other two for me would you guys?" then tears off at his full speed. Halfway there Zeru leaps into the air, kicking with all his might. Fortunately for him the Lintha is still woozy from the spinning or it would have dodged. But Zeru's foot lands home and the Lintha flies back, his legs catching on the rail and sending him headfirst over the side. Zeru pushes off and backflips landing on his feet.

A lintha who was fighting Antov recognizes the bigger threat, and shouts something to his partner who continues to harry Antov. The other leaps down the stairs hoping to overwhelm the captain's dance. With a casual spin Zeru kicks the jade ball backwards and upwards, loosening the bastard's grip on his weapon. It did so well, for when Zeru interposes his bracers he pulls the hooked blade from it's master's hand. His hand wraps around the handle and he tosses the blade overboard with a smile. "Guess what guys?" He says to the Lintha. "That fool of a cup you were looking for got its ass handed to it." His taunt works as the enraged lintha tries to attack Zeru unarmed. Zeru dodges the blow and returns it with one of his own, a sideways two handed strike with the jade ball. It's partially soaked by the pirate's armor but it's still got enough force to knock him off balance. Especially when it's followed up with a sweep from Zeru's leg. Zeru finishes his combo with a quick stomp on the Lintha's neck, one that would keep him out of the fight permanently. The young captain is fulfilling his promise, he has become a maelstrom of pain and suffering brought down on the Lintha. He seems excited to be in a knock-down drag-out brawl rather than a war against giant monsters.

Tageru jumps up onto the deck of the ship, and starts raining death from his bow at the Lintha. One, two, four fall before his onslaught, and then even more. If any are foolish enough to come close to the monk-warrior, he kills them with his fists, swatting them away like flies.
"DEMON WORSHIPERS! We have come from the depths of the behemoth, after defeating your vile master's puppets. You are nothing more than just another bunch of their wretched servants, and you will meet the same end! TREMBLE BEFORE THE CHOSEN OF THE DRAGONS!" he shouts as his anima blazes to chase away the dark of the night, a mighty Dragon of Wood appearing in the sky above him, carrying a beautiful purple flower in its' jaws, and it descends among the Lintha as Tageru slaughters them. His heart is filled with rage, at all the atrocities he saw in the big Earth behemoth Rakatau, at the pain of the Nymph, at his comrades' pain and all those that fell before these evil monsters, and he lets it all out like never before, fighting almost in a frenzy.

Perhaps has a testament to her Element, Kiana is not so quick to attack or to move as Zeru and Tageru.  Though in truth she wanted to run right along side Zeru and join him as he crashed into the Lintha, her aspect was not nearly so nimble and agile on their native element, little less on the ever moving surface of the ocean.  So instead of running toward the battle, her mind worked quickly, ever vigilant eyes scanning the ships, the bodies, and the battle in general, working over time to determine who was winning, who was losing, why, and how victory could be seized in the quickest means possible.  First, though, she had to make sure the Dryad was secure.

It was her job, after all.

She turned and bowed to the Nymphs, as without their help they would have still been plumbing the depths of Rakatau!  "Thank you for your help.  However this battle ends, you've done everything you can to assure us victory."  She said, clasping her white-jade covered hands in front of her breast as she bowed, her black hair falling over her eyes with the motion, hair that would never grow longer than its current length.  She had sacrificed one aspect of herself, only to find another in the breastplate of her Father--a trade she would make a thousand times over, if she were faced with the decision once more.

Kiana turned and spotted the unusual rock ship, and with Sylpheel and her Nymphs, she climbed onto the Island Ship, taking the hand of one of the Jokun in order to hoist herself up and quickly make her way toward the bow of the ship, appraising their naval position as much as she could.  Though Kiana was not much of a sailor, she did have a potent understanding of naval battle.  "Please, take us toward the Dryad.  The Flagship of the Cobalt Alliance must not fall." Kiana besought the Jokun in their native tongue, pointing toward the Dryad, and toward 'her' crew, who was fighting without her.  They had some training under their belts, but Kiana did not want them fighting without her any more than they had to.

Provided the Jokun did as they asked, Kiana eagerly looked toward the Dryad.  "Hold fast!  I'm coming!"   She shouted to them.  One of her people shouted something in return, pointing madly toward Kiana.  Just then, the Earth Princess heard the scrapping of flesh on stone, and quickly turned to see what had caused the noise, and was dismayed to see three Lintha boarding the Island Ship from off the port bow.  All three were wielding blades, and were apparently hoping to win honor for their people by cutting off the reinforcements that the Dragon-Born were bringing to the fight.  She narrowed her eyes and quickly took flight toward them, her heavy white-jade boots completely supported by the earthen deck as she closed the distance between them.

The three Lintha had already drawn their swords, and as Kiana rushed toward the one in the middle, the three of them moved to strike the Earth Princess at once, hoping to overwhelm her, as her charge was a thing of offensive, and knew from their previous experiences that when a man charged, he was not thinking of his own safety, and thus was an eager target.  The Earth Princess was hardly an average combatant, and as their blades came down, so did her arms go up, first crossed in front of her chest before spreading out in a large, circular arc, catching the blades in the protective forearm of her Smashfirst.  Her rush suddenly stopped as she finished in a low forward stance, swinging her arms wide to deflect the blades before shooting those hands out in an unstoppable double palm strike into the chest of the third demonic sailor, right in his chest.  The creature was only able to utter a surprised couch as it was struck, and went flying off of the ship and into the depths, with his sternum all but crushed, and his lungs collapsed.

One down.  There was still two boarders left to deal with.

Standing her ground, Kiana faced the two as they circled her, shifting only to keep the both of them in her gaze as one came right at her, while the other attempted to flank her.  The first charged with an over hand strike with the large sword he carried, and she quickly reacted.  Taking a long step inside of his range, her left hand lashed out and struck his arm, causing the sword strike to swing wide.  In the same motion, she brought her closed fist soaring into the man's stomach, causing him to double over in pain at the sudden displacement of his digestive organs.  Her anima suddenly erupted around her fists once more as she heard the other Lintha come at her from behind.  Kiana took a step back, bringing her right elbow, which had just punched the Lintha in front of her, straight back into a crushing elbow strike, into the flanking Lintha's stomach, while her left hand snaked out and chopped the other's neck as he was still recoiling from the previous blow.  The poor demonic fool all but collapsed onto the deck, while Kiana followed through with the elbow, turning to face the last boarder as he stumbled back from her blow.  He growled in rage as she assumed that familiar low stance, and he charged at her out of desperation.  Kiana, tired of dealing with them, simply stepped to the side just as he swung, lashing out with a devastating thrust kick into his side, her boot unforgiving as he was flung off of the ship, and actually skipping once off of the water before sinking below the surface.

With the boarders dealt with, for now at least, she turned her attention back toward the Dryad.  They didn't have much time.

As the boats docked at the isle, Kareth promptly emptied the contents of his stomach into the ocean.  Cursing his weak constitution, he stumbled onto the island, relieved to be done with the high speed boat ride.   He recovered his wits quickly however and Kareth became very much aware of the fact this his anima still flared with it's strange light.  It only took him moments to decide a course of action.  Taking his Sorcery-Capturing Cord, he handed it to Lasuri.  “I believe your first mate will be able to take advantage of what’s inside.  Four Chosen should be enough to cover the Dryad.  I’ll go watch Zeru’s back.”  As much as he hated to admit it, Kareth’s confidence in the abilities of the others was only one of the reasons he wanted to help Zeru.  He didn’t wish to face the sorceress at the moment.

Kareth directed the isle towards the Marlena after the other land bound Terrestrials were dropped off on the Dryad.  Here he found several boarders trying to scale their way up the side of the ship, completely oblivious to the island approaching them… at least they were oblivious until several of them found themselves burning  and most of the others found themselves ground into the side of the ship.   With two more boarders on this side of the ship, Kareth drew as close as he could.   Suddenly, one of them pushed off the side of the Marlena and landed onto the isle, sneering at the engineer.  The demon spawn, with auhzian already in one hand, drew a knife with the other and attacked using both blades.  Kareth barely managed to deflect the massive blade with the piece of slag that used to be his short sword.  As his blade finally gave out under the stress of the assault, the Fire Aspect buried the muzzle of his cannon into his assailant’s arm and fired.   The cracking of bone could be heard of the sounds of the ocean and battle.  The Lintha boarder instantly dropped the auhzian as his arm ceased to function and he started backing towards the edge of the isle, holding the knife in front of himself as though it would defend him.  Once his retreating foe arrived at the edge, Kareth shot him square in the chest, causing him to fly far enough backwards to bounce off the Marlena’s hull and fall into the waves below.   The impact from the final cannon shot caused the would-be boarder to drop the knife which the Kareth was quick to retrieve.  It would do in a pinch.

The bracers on his arms started to glow blue as Kareth pushed his essence into them.  The light condensed into a rope which he used to haul himself up onto the deck as Zeru finished making short work of the group attacking the twins and Cinna.  He wasn’t able to beat the final boarder up to the deck but he did arrive before the bastard could join the fight against the crew of the Marelena.  Kareth was certain that Zeru could handle this one too, but none the less he sent his Elemental Bolt hurling at the scum.  The demon-blood burst into flames screaming in a most undignified manner.  Confident he had the attention of the Marlena’s crew, Kareth caught Zeru’s eye and asked cooly “Permission to come aboard, Captain?” before sliding his silver shades over his eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

On the Black Marlena

The crew of the Marlena is in excellent spirits as Zeru comes running across the waves, up the hull and right through the protective shield of feathers to join in the defense. They cheer him on as he thrashes his first Lintha for the night, then takes the time to ask if they've missed him. "Very much sir!!" is the chorused reply from the twins, and Cinna adds, "Naturally!" beaming when Zeru plants a kiss on her blood streaked cheek.

"We've saved some for you," grins Antov, while one of the two Lintha he's fighting head off to take on Zeru, and summarily gets beaten down. The poor fellow has his neck crushed before he can so much as spit in anger at the chalice being beaten down and taken. Sunden teams up with Antov against the remaining Lintha near them. Antov's axe cleaves the demon-spawn's breastplate, while the lithe, mute acrobat tosses two throwing knives, one of them embedding into the Lintha's throat.

Three more Lintha remain between Cinna and the twins. Between the Captain's clinching chain, Cinna's nimble fencing style and the brothers' brute force combinations, they don't last long. More start clambering up the hull, but much fewer than before. Marlena laughs derisively at their feeble attempts to penetrate her barrier; her black wings swoop outward and fling several away, forcing the others to ascend with great difficulty.

On the Island Ship

Lacking Zeru's water mobility, Tageru, Kiana and Kareth climb aboard the child of Rakatau, joined by fleet-footed nymphs and stalwart jokun. At Kiana's order the island ship sails, or perhaps better to say swims toward the Spring Dryad.

Tageru's mighty Wood Dragon anima brightens the night, followed by the pure white flare of Kiana's anima, resembling so much the figure of Kiando gazing proudly down on his daughter. The two of them combine their efforts, whether inadvertently or not. The Lintha quickly learn the pain that a Dragon-blood trained in the Immaculate Arts can bring, as Tageru's unerringly accurate arrows pierce heads and impale foul hearts, and Kiana's white-blazing palm strikes, elbow slams and powerful kicks finish her opponents brutally.

The jokun form a living wall with their rock-hard bodies and shields, wielding broad chopping swords and axes against the Lintha's hooked weapons. The nymphs aim bows formed from mist and water, adding to Tageru's storm of arrows with arrows of unmelting ice. All join Queen Sylpheel in a grand chorus, singing to demoralize and distract the demonic pirates, the jokun creating a counterpoint with their deep, droning baritone.

On the Spring Dryad II

When the island ship reaches the Dryad, a ragged cheer goes up among the crewmembers. The morale boost sends several more Lintha tumbling into the water or down on the deck, clearing space for the Dragon-blood(s) to be helped aboard.

They are overjoyed to have the Earth Princess back among them, knowing her to be a fierce fighter despite her youth and stature. They welcome the deadly bow-shot of Tageru, whose green-glowing arrows so rarely misses a mark. They would welcome their Captain as well, should Lasuri arise to take the helm once more, and lead them to victory!

Meanwhile the crewmen hurl flaming pitch grenades down the edges to keep more Lintha from climbing in. They are tired, bruised and bloody. Among the fallen are Leeds and Csinta and Triste, good men who loved the sea, good fighters who gave their lives to serve the Dryad and its captain. Hazhain Sul grins widely, knowing each crewman's death shakes Jadira to the core.

Jadira is forced on the defensive, brandishing her plasma tongue repeater as she attempts to widen the distance between herself and the Lintha Father...

On the Marlena, again

The island ship moves on to the Black Marlena, easily dwarfing the courier ship in size but certainly not tenacity. Burning on his last reserves of Essence, Kareth still manages to put up a fight as the Lintha who fail to surmount the Marlena come to harry the island ship instead.

Kareth's Essence cannon roars, cracking bones and pulping insides. Even at half strength he literally torches his last opponent, impressing the hard-to-please Marlena. The spirit of the ship lifts her black wings to let Kareth in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Sat 19 Sept 2009.

It is with a swelling sense of pride that Lasuri watches the comrades he fought with fall into such organized positions, each one already knowing what role they wish to play in this grand battle. A part of him smiles at that - some might regard him as Captain, but this is the true face of the Cobalt Alliance. A group of men and women fighting for what they believe in, unrestrained by the concepts of nations or politics... Just pure heart, sweat and dedication.

Before Kareth leaves, Lasuri accepts the cord from him and nods to the engineer, regarding him with much respect in his eyes. As he takes the cord from Kareth, Lasuri pauses, a smile on his lips, as if he somehow understood something unspoken. But who knows? After all, Lasuri's mannerisms are sometimes hard to read...

"You do that, Mister Kareth. I'll bring this to Miss Thornbloom and let her know where it came from. Now go show those demonic fish-men that even if they're not truly savage beasts, they should still be afraid of fire." Clasping Kareth on his shoulder one more time, Lasuri then turns to Kiana.

"That Rock Ship's yours to command, Captain White-Fist." Lasuri quips, saluting her with the tip of his Wavecleaver. "I'll be going to help Miss Thornbloom. We'll meet back on the Dryad!" Perhaps it's a testament to how much faith and trust the Captain has in her - at no point does it seem doubtful to him that Kiana will reach the Dryad, no matter what it takes. With that, Lasuri follows Zeru's example, except he dives in the water like a fish and swims towards the boat at an amazing speed. [Private to Storyteller: Activating Deck-Striding before stepping onto the ship.]

***

On the deck of the Dryad, where the battle rages at its fiercest, two Lintha soldiers sidestep quickly to avoid attack by Alliance marines. Using the ship's railing to regain their balance, the limber attackers prepare to delve right back into the melee... Except they never truly get to. As they are about to jump, something pulls their bodies backwards, the weight flipping them over the railing and sending them straight into the waters below...

... And from the same spot the Sea Drake emerges, shaking some water off his drenched clothes and saluting the Alliance mates with his Wavecleaver. "Damn useful as climbing tools, those Lintha. It's the webbed limbs and fins and stuff! They make such great climbing holds!"

Winking to his crew, the Captain moves in, leading them into a charge meant to break the stalemate and bringing him closer to Jadira's position. Two Lintha fall to his blade as he approaches. A third manages to step in at very close range, getting into a clinch battle with the the captain and struggling to overpower him. Looking straight into the Lintha's eyes, Lasuri suddenly lets go of his Wavecleaver, pick a dagger from his opponent's belt, and quickly stabs it through his foot, effectively nailing him to the deck. Quickly, the captain picks his weapon back once the creature tries to grab its injured foot, kicking the dagger deeper in to add insult to injury. With a wink to his unwilling 'guest', Lasuri then rushes onwards, meaning to reach the Lintha Father.

Swinging and dashing across the ship, sometimes walking across vertical masts and boards to reach his goal. With one last, defiant leap, he finally reaches Jadira's side, brushing her with his body as he interposes himself between the Lintha Father and the First Mate, giving a strong nod to Donnegal and the rest of his crew as he does so. "Miss Thornbloom, you might just be the best homekeeper ever. I go out for only a little bit and you transform a boring mooring into the best party in recent history." He smiles at her, letting his presence reassure her weariness and worry. "I'll take it from here, if you don't mind."

Turning to the Lintha Father, Lasuri raises an eyebrow, raising his sword in a defensive stance. "You won't mind either, won't you? But then, I've got your boss right here in my hand..." He shows the Chalice to his opponent, making certain the other Lintha see it as well. "Yeah, we've pretty much made your boss break down and cry like a schoolgirl. So... I'm pretty much your boss' boss now, which means I'm the boss of you, right? Mind if I test that?"

Moving sideways, in a stance that shows his intent on dueling the Father one-on-one, Lasuri suddenly lunges, widening his eyes. "Lasuri says... Roll on the ground!" He remains in this stance for a moment, then shakes his head. "Yeah, didn't think it'd be that easy. So... Let's do this the hard way. The proper way."

The Captain smiles widely, getting into a proper fighting stance. "You want your glorified kiddy juice glass, you're gonna have to duel me for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

"Of Course" Zeru says as the wings raise. Kareth sees him with a grin, and his foot planted on the neck of a lintha proving that his mind is the same as that of his ship.

One rather unlucky Lintha manages to sneak aboard while Marlena while her wings are raised to allow Kareth access. His eyes wide with excitement Zeru charges forward. The creature has both a sword and a knife and looks like he knows how to use them. Zeru's whirling chain should be enough to dissuade him, but all it does is make him hesitate. That hesitation is the only agreement Zeru needs. Zeru spins into the creatures guard as it tries to slash. His blue green hair whips across the Lintha's face as he spins and his bracer blocks the slash. His spin is also accentuated by an elbow that digs deeply into the creatures side. Although his body stops his chain continues around and wraps the two together pinning the Lintha's arms to its own sides as Zeru pummels it with his elbows. When he unhooks himself from the chain the creature falls to the ground, as it was only supported by the chain for the last few strikes. He picks the lintha up by the lapels and throws him down the side of the ship with his full force. As it collides with another. He calls down to the Lintha who are climbing. "If you don't give up now each and every one of you will look like him" He calls down.

Kiana paused for the slightest moment as Lasuri saluted her, appointing her Captain of the Rock Ship.  At first, she wasn't sure she had heard him correctly.  Her, a captain?  It seemed an unlikely thing to hear in the midst of battle, but her ears were especially sharp, and she did not doubt them.  Her next thought was that perhaps Lasuri was simply giving a witty quip, all caught up in the moment--but again, that seemed very unlikely.  Lasuri was immaculate with his words, Kiana had learned, and she had yet to know him to mince words.  With Lasuri, you always knew where you stood because the man would tell you, and his words always meant exactly what he wanted them to.  That meant...that meant there was only one viable conclusion left.  She had just been the victim of a field promotion.

The hesitation was only a moment, her thoughts quick and precise.  She gave a curt nod and salute to the Captain as he dove off the Rock Ship.  "Aye aye Captain."  She said, turning to look at the Ship with completely different eyes.  This was no longer a simple barge to get her to the Dryad--it was a vessel.  Her vessel, at least temporarily.  Kiana was no fool--this ship was part of Rakatau, and no doubt loaned only for the duration of the battle.  She wouldn't indulge in the idea of being a Captain, not for any extended period of time.  Lasuri was simply using every thing he could to win this battle.  He knew Kiana had a great military mind, and he wanted to use every resource at his disposal.  And while Kiana's life certainly hadn't made her into a good leader, it had done wonders to forge her into a fine tactician.

She looked at the Nymphs and the Jokun that made up the 'crew' of the Spirit Ship, and then looked over her shoulder to survey the damage altogether, at least from her vantage point.  Captain or not, she had made a promise to her men on the Dryad, and still had every intention of joining them--but she would not leave this crew of allies to simply fire arrows and sing without real purpose.  Kiana jumped up to to bow of the ship, taking the battle in before she turned to address the spirits and elementals she had found under her command--or, as much as they would allow themselves to be.  But the Dragon-Blooded had proven themselves champions of the Seven-Day Isle...surely they would aid them in this dire time of need.

"You are brave without measure to join us in this battle, and as a Captain for the Cobalt Alliance, I cannot thank you enough."  She said in Old Realm, looking over them as the rattle of battle shook across the waves, her black hair shuddering from the high winds, covering one eye briefly as she spoke to them.  Without turning her head, she pointed to the Flagship, where the Lintha sorceress remained, casting her spells and helping their cause with devastating effects, and no doubt a big lynch pin to their battle strategy.

"This is the only ship unaccounted for in this battle, without counter measures to meet it.  That Sorceress is potent, and they protect her rightfully.  I ask that you flank their ship, stay out of range of their cannons and concentrate your arrows and voice at their crew, and her specifically.  I think she is also a priestess for their believes--if we take her down, it will strike a blow against their morale that they will not swiftly recover from."  Kiana turned her slate-gray eyes towards Queen Sylpheel, her face craved of determination.  "You know your people better than I do, your Majesty, but I believe them more than capable of this task, and they will follow you moreso than I.  Will you honor the Cobalt Alliance with this request?"  Kiana was sure she would, as the Queen had already shown a want to take the Lintha down.  This would merely focus their attention to a surgical strike that was well needed.  "Your actions will ensure victory for this battle--For Rakatau!"  She finished, pumping her fist in the air and, hopefully, energizing them for the task upon them.  At that same moment, the Island Ship was close to the Dryad, and Kiana jumped from the bow and, after a bit of climbing, clasped the hand of one of her waiting crew, and was pulled aboard.  She quickly batted away two Lintha with glowing white fists, her namesake, before she found her people--or, sadly, what was left of them. "To me, Defenders!"  She shouted, quickly followed by "How do we stand?", once they were close enough to hear her.

She heard the Captain's request for a duel, and couldn't help but smile.  The Captain was...crazy, but it certainly seemed oddly fitting.  And Kiana highly doubted the Lintha would honor such a thing...in which case, their Caster was going to find a nice surprise very, very shortly.

On the Spring Dryad II

Thirty-some voices greet the Dryad captain between their furious sword-and-axe exchanges, hurling of grenades and even bare knuckles at their foes. "Captain Lasuri!" "Thank the gods!" "We've held the fort for you!" "The Cobalt Alliance prevails!"

He can feel the spirit of the ship greeting him silently as well; she whispers her relief to his ears, and sorrow at the losses suffered from the crew. There is an undercurrent of anger and indignance as well, for the Dryad is unhappy at the scourge of Lintha blighting her vessel. The Lintha feel this disapproval as well, as their weapons grow increasingly heavy, their Essence and even willpower gradually drained. They are in her domain now, and they will not easily triumph.

Jadira nearly sags in relief when Lasuri reaches her, though she forces a smile for her beloved. She is not unscathed. A shallow wound across her arm, and a deeper one on her side that looks burnt and infected, as if touched by a vitriolic blade. She withdraws and snatches up her fallen daiklave, sheathing it in favor of her trusty bow. "Give 'em the Dragons' wrath, Las!"

Hazhain Sul, of course, is far from amused. Clad in armor of deep behemoth scales and tainted chain mesh, the Lintha Father is at least seven feet tall, his body long and lean with clawed hands and feet. His face is angular, the chin nearly a point, and his eyes are a strange dark color that drains the light. He wields two auhzian swords, forged by an infernal craftmaster; both are a forbidding black lead color, dripping with acid and surrounded by acrid fumes.

He snorts loudly at the "Lasuri Says" attempt, glaring pitilessly at his opponent to be. "So, the Captain of the Alliance. Whatever trick that keeps the chalice at bay will not avail you. Your blood is feeble and you will be bested!" Hazhain signals to his men with his twin blades, infernal Essence slithering across his skin. "Brothers and sisters, children and cousins, this man holds our greatest of treasures. Above ALL other duties, it must be reclaimed!!"

On the island ship

The elementals on the island ship listen keenly to Kiana's tactical advice. They do not protest or correct her, but rather nod their assent as one, the jokun pressing fist to their hearts, the nymphs bowing their heads as their eyes glitter with determination. They have all seen Melusine's plight.

Queen Sylpheel nods sharply and officially gives the order on Kiana's behalf. "Kiana White-Fist speaks true. Let us heed her request. We sing for Melusine and Rakatau, we sing for the Cobalt Alliance, we sing for all Creation against the spawn of Malfeas! The Lintha are a blight upon Creation, their weapons and Essence an affront to the five true Elements. To be asked to take such a pivotal part in the battle is an honor, not a chore!"

The Song of Earth and Water arises anew, nymphs and jokun keeping up a strident chant while Kiana leaps aboard. Water-blessed arrows pierce Lintha attackers, agonizingly poisonous to their demonic flesh. The crew of the Kri Kiamo answer with an arrow volley of their own, and the jokun step in with mighty shield and sword to protect their gentler allies. Still, a few nymphs' throats are stilled. A few jokun crumble to dust, sacrificing themselves for victory.

Ahead of them, the Lintha sorceress flickers with emerald fire webbed with tendrils of deep black, summoning the Flight of the Raptor while her pet tomescu flicks arrow after arrow away. But the nymph and jokun choir soon works its magic upon the simple-minded demon -- it shrieks and convulses, offended to distraction by their beautiful Song!

The sorceress, suddenly vulnerable, groans as one arrow of perfect ice strikes her shoulder, another her thigh. She struggles to keep hold of her infernal spell, but goes down in a rain of bowshot instead, her Essence fizzling uselessly.

On the Dryad, again

"Miss Kiana!" Saari and Duarte reach Kiana first, followed by another half-dozen or so, gathering close to her. The others are either... indisposed, or too caught up in one-on-one combat. However, several jokun have boarded with her, insisting on joining her 'honor guard'.

Saari's voice is weary, answering Kiana's question. "Overall we've lost up to a fourth of our number. Maybe more. That damned Wavecrest captain, he was lax at sending us support!" And Kiana can already see for herself - the Falchion has since pulled back from the Dryad, instead taking on one of the lesser enemy ships, whose crew they outnumber easily. There is still a small contingent of Wavecrest Navy fighters on the Dryad, but they are the minority.

There's not much time to think about that, though. Now that Hazhain Sul has called out Lasuri as a primary target, the Captain is quickly surrounded. The Lintha Father himself leads the attack, pitting Lasuri against a dishonorable five against one. The surrounding Lintha restrict his movement, hemming him into a smaller and smaller space while Hazhain's black lead blades press the offense relentlessly - if not to kill him directly, then to slice the Chalice from his body.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:00, Tue 22 Sept 2009.

The changing battlefield

Despite the desperate battle continuing to rage on the Dryad, the other ships are faring well against the remaining Lintha vessels.

The Kri Kiamo falters against the songs and arrows of the island ship, powered by the cooperation of nymph and jokun.

Zeru, Kareth and the Marlena face a smaller Lintha ship, making short work of the remaining boarders. The Hirdu's Ambition add to their efforts with ballistae and implosion bow, closing the distance to help finish their common enemy off.

The Wavecrest ship decimates the other small Lintha vessel, sinking it with cannon fire while the Navy soldiers take on the last demon-spawn still clinging to the Falchion's hull.

All that remains now is cleanup - and the fight for the Chalice.

---

OOC: Will try to make the end short and sweet, after Lasuri posts again. We've been battling long enough. :)

"Yeah, I know, I've heard that one before. You're weak and powerless, bow before the superior bloodline, my dad is more demonic than yours, blah blah. If you're so convinced that your ways will lead to your triumph, then by all means, you've got the chance to prove it, right here and now. Put your steel where your mouth is."

Lasuri's call is meant to imbalance and anger the Lintha father, but there is no denying the importance of the Chalice for him and his troops - calling to honor and pride will simply not work in this situation. As soon as he finds himself surrounded, the Captain realizes that fact; there will be no fair fight as far as his opponent is concerned, only what is necessary to gain victory.

And thus, it comes as no surprise when Lasuri faces fives opponents rather than the one. Quickly, the Captain steps backwards, using his mobility to keep himself ahead in the fight - but it becomes clear that the Lintha's desire to get what they are seeking make them all the more dangerous opponents. It is all Lasuri can do to keep them at bay and keep himself from being surrounded... But the Captain is not beaten yet. One of his strongest traits, after all, is his power of adaptation, rolling with a given situation to get the results he needs - and that is precisely what Lasuri does.

Without his off-hand weapon, Lasuri cannot use his usual strategies, and thus has to change his fighting style completely. Tucking the Chalice behind his back, he presents his side to the opponent in the manner of the eastern duelists he has encountered in the past, using his his ability to walk on his ship at impossible angles to keep the Lintha on their toes. And yet, despite these innovations, the best Lasuri can do in this situation is keeping the stalemate...

... Until a detachment of his crew manages to break through, their shouts and yells forcing the Lintha besieging the Captain to turn their attention to them. With axe, swords and shields, the crew bravely and valiantly rushes forward, transforming what should have been a duel into an all-out brawl. The crew's intention is courageous, and yet simple in its goal: keep the Lintha roped so Lasuri can fight Hazhain Sul as intended. Lunging towards his adversary, Lasuri takes footing on the railing of the ship, jumping over the enemy captain and onto a 'clear' portion of the deck, so they can have their duel.

"Come get what you want." Lasuri quips, getting into stance once again.

And thus the fight between the two men, and their two clashing ideals, finally takes hold. Against the might of the twin auzhian swords, Lasuri finds himself at a disadvantage... A weakness he makes up for with inventiveness and trickery. At two different moments, he puts one of the ship's masts between himself and his opponent, using his intimate knowledge of the ship to move precisely where the stout wood would hinder Hazhain Sul's attacks. Several times, Lasuri pulls out the Chalice from behind his back, pretending to toss it at his opponent or drop it overboard, causing the Lintha father to get even more enraged... And to drop his guard momentarily, which Lasuri uses to gain an edge in the fight.

As the fight gains in ferocity, the two duelists both make marks on one another - Lasuri slashing the opponents's arms, ribs and left cheek, while Hazhain Sul scores a few arm and chest hits, each of them leaving an acidic mark each time it strikes the sea drake's skin. A vicious strike against the Alliance Captain's ribs causes him to fall backwards and stumble, almost losing his balance in the process, while Hazhain Sul lets out a cry of victory, pouncing in to claim the kill and the prize...

But despite the accumulated wounds and increased fatigue, the Sea Drake is not yet broken. Standing limply, he waits for his opponent to make his all-out attack, for just the right gap in the opponent's defense... And then, with a roar from his Leviathan's anima, Lasuri pushes forward in one final, desperate strike. His body suddenly taut with strength and agility, he rushes towards the Lintha father... And tosses the Chalice into the air, above their heads. Using the distraction as his chance, the Sea Drake quickly draws his hand axe, shifting his fighting style mid-dash, and lowering his body close to the deck. Powerfully, he lunges and whips both weapons at his opponents arms, disarming one of the swords with a powerful slash across the wrist, and causing the other to drop with an axe strike that almost severs the Lintha's arm at the elbow.

Hazhain Sul's second sword has not yet hit the ground when Lasuri hangs his axe to his belt once more, catching the Chalice flawlessly before it falls to the ground and putting his Daiklave to the Lintha's neck.

"This fight his over. You've spilled enough blood." Lasuri says, all mirth and mocking chime gone from his voice, leaving only intensity and seriousness. Wounded and battered, the Sea Drake nonetheless stands triumphant, holding the Chalice in one hand and the sword that holds Hazhain Sul's life in the other. "You and your men are beaten, you realize that by now. Just like I hold your precious Lord in my hand, your life - and that of your line - is mine now. I could kill you right here and there. But instead, here's what I offer."

"Call your dirty crew together and leave with your tail between your legs. Tell the other Lintha of what happens to anyone who messes with the Cobalt Alliance. Tell them of your complete and utmost failure, and maybe they'll be merciful on you, who knows. At this point, I don't care what they do to you."

"You can just ignore that if you want, too. If so, I'll just spill your dirty blood right on the deck of my ship and have my men end your bloodline right here on this day. So make your choice, and make it fast."

To his credit, Hazhain Sul fought his best. Though of a minor Lintha family, he was far from a slouch. He'd had visions for the future of his bloodline. He thought to revive what his sept leader could not. Grandmother Karatull was a belligerent woman, overly prideful and scathing, so much so that she was blind and uncaring of the changing tides of the world, and the increasingly negative opinion of the Dara-Said among the Family.

With the Blood Chalice of Kimbery he yearned to revive their blood. To make the Dara-Said a contender in the power struggles of the Lintha, in the West, in all Creation!

As he faced Lasuri in close combat for the first and last time, he poured that long-coveted desire into every double-bladed strike, filled with a searing wrath toward the impertinent young Dragon-blood who dared claim this incredibly priceless treasure for himself. How could he possibly understand the power that lurked in the Chalice, just waiting to taste a Lintha's willingly sacrificed blood?! He urged the Lintha warriors to prevail against the Alliance's useless, bleating herd of mortals. Beat them down, tear them apart, claim the chalice for the glory of Dara-Said!

Hazhain's ambition made him careless. He saw the object of his desire and the cursed dragon-spawn was dangling it at him, carelessly handling it like it were some common cup! Laughing at him, mocking him! More and more his attacks became rage-filled hacking, inaccurate but brutal. He would flay the Captain of the Alliance, he would cut him up so his entrails were open to the air and let him die that way, stinking and slow, eaten up by seagulls and vermin!!

But it was not meant to be. For Lasuri understood Hazhain Sul's weakness and exploited it for all it was worth.

Now Hazhain kneels, helpless and disarmed, a wavecleaver at his throat. Defeated. Even so, the Lintha Father neither grovels nor hangs his head in shame. His dark, angry gaze meets the cool blue of the Dragon-blood Captain, and he spits a mix of blood and saliva on the deck. "I fled once, and I will not again, spawn of Danaa'd," and he says the name like a curse, like it burns his tongue to speak it. "We are done here. I am disgraced, and my children will die with me. But while you hold that Chalice, the Lintha will pursue you to the ends of the earth. I hope it is one of my siblings who buries her blade in your skull."

As the Lintha makes his final speech, Lasuri nods slowly, his expression deathly serious and focused. He does not waver, does not fall back on any more tricks. This time, it is Captain against Captain, in a meeting of wills rather than steel or fists. When the last word is spoken, the Sea Drake lowers his head, his resolve unwavering.

"I don't know what the future holds. To be quite honest, your children have more than the right to challenge me as of now. But I'll meet each challenge evenly, with the full weight of my conviction and the support of the Alliance. If I die, then they'll carry on the fight. As long as one of us remains, the battle will go on."

"And so it's settled. You choose to take that path courageously, so I'll spare you the humiliation and the pain. You and I both clashed in our beliefs and our desires, but I respect your dedication to your ideals, Captain Hazhain Sul of the Lintha. By Law of the Fickle Sea, you die here as a true Mariner and Seafarer, your honor intact. Your weapons will be reduced to cinders and their ashes returned to the Mother Sea, completing the cycle of life and death."

"May the waves give you rest, Hazhain Sul."

There is a pause then, as Lasuri looks at condemned man. He nods, perhaps a shard of understanding imperceptibly between the two captains. And then... The flash of steel comes, a single, clean stroke. And with that, the Lintha father's head is freed from its shoulders, falling down with a heavy thunk.

Another moment passes, and finally Lasuri straightens, his face bloodied and his stance wavering, Wavecleaver in one hand and the accursed Chalice in the other. His expression tightens then, and he thrusts his sword to the heavens, letting out a bellow that all ships in the area would hear.

"Though blood and tears, and death and fear, the Alliance never falls!"

When the grisly deed is done, and the life fades from Hazhain's eyes, so do the Lintha under his command follow him in death. Auhzian blades are withdrawn, plunged willingly into beating demon-spawn hearts until they are stilled.

One by one the Lintha fall dead, following their Father rather than endure capture and disgrace.

Hazhain Sul's demon-ship, the Kri Kiamo, lets out a wail of rage and despair and finally dematerializes, taking the body of the sorceress and the rest of the crew with it. It departs from the area until neither Tageru nor Kiana's spirit-sight can see any sign of it.

What remains of the Lintha fleet is a single courier ship, the Hirdu's Grace, reclaimed by her rightful owner, Loukan Hirdu. Decks are strewn with bodies, wounded and dead, Lintha and human. The night air smells of blood and salt. Those who lived through the battle with the Lintha it are incredibly tired, but incredibly amazed to be alive.

In time, their voices rise to join Lasuri's, a chorus of voices from the Dryad, Marlena, Falchion, Ambition and the island ship, recently born but unbaptized. They are united now in victory... and some, in grief, for it was a battle hard-won.

---

OOC: Total crew losses
Spring Dryad II: 15 dead out of 40
Black Marlena: 0 dead out of 5 (luck is with them!)
Falchion: 20 dead out of 100
Hirdu's Ambition: 4 dead out of 12
Island Ship: 6 dead out of 30
Almost everyone is wounded, many severely and needing weeks of rest.

Most equipment looted from the Lintha corpses will be suitable to upgrade the remaining Dryad and Marlena crew. But Hazhain's equipment is Malfean-forged and would be better off disposed of.

Post reactions here if you like, but there will be an 'aftermath' thread soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:18, Wed 23 Sept 2009.

Kiana had been more than happy to join the brawl, quickly hashing with her crew the specifics of the brawl, at least to the point that they could control.  The main focus of a brawl was, of course, to be chaotic, and while that was certainly hard to control, chaos was hardly difficult to create.  With orders to attack the Lintha two on one, and to switch targets as often as possible to keep them off balance, Kiana joined them as they rushed to save the Captain from the uneven odds--and to give him the cover he needed to face the Lintha captain in an honorable match.

White Jade met with demonic flesh as Kiana tore into them, rushing at the head of the crew in order to drive them to fight harder, and to know that she was with them completely.  Chests caved and jaws broke, arms shattered with vicious blows while blades shattered against her breastplate--many Lintha went flying over board from devastating kicks, while others still were nearly planted into the deck with equal part hammer-blows and elbows.  Perhaps most impressive of all, Kiana's anima burnt brightly as she fought, the after image of Kiando, almost god-like in majesty and size, shadowed her every blow, though showing contrast with each one, showing his own individual nuances of the style that he himself crafted from the studies of Pasiap.

The Lintha fought bravely during the entire battle, but it ended very suddenly as Lasuri bested the enemy Captain.  Then it was only a matter of words before a sacred trust was enacted--and Hazhain was no more.  The Lintha that had just recently been fighting with all their might suddenly gave up hope, and Kiana, though willing to destroy every one of them in the name of the Alliance, was shocked to see each and every one of them take their own lives.  She even rushed forward to stop one of them from slitting his own throat, but was only just short of preventing it, and watched helpless as they died on the deck of the Dryad.

She joined the cheers with the others, but it was only a brief moment of celebration.  Kiana, the Princess of the Earth, had escaped the battle completely unscathed, and for that there was a price to pay--she was healthy, and so she would be quick to take care of the wounded.  Motioning for those of her crew that were able, those not under her direct command and the Jokun who considered themselves her 'honor guard', she gave quick orders.  "Battle well fought, my friends, but now we have to tend to our wounded.  Get those who cannot move into sick bay, and do your best to group like wounds with like.  Ignore the dead for now...we have to do what we can to prevent more of our number from joining those who sacrificed themselves for the Alliance."  She then quickly reiterated the orders to the Jokun, in Old Realm, before pulling Saari aside.  "Go to medical bay and acquire one of the emergency kits, and bring it back quickly.  Some of our people won't make it to the sick bay, and I'll need your steady hands to assist me.  Do you have any knowledge of medicine, Saari?"  Kiana asked, looking down at her jade covered hands.  She clenched them together in tight fists, the aura around them burning all the more brightly before she opened her palms, and the gauntlets simply faded from existence.  "Never mind, it doesn't matter--you are one of mine, so I'm sure you will learn quickly."  She said with a faint, tired smile.

The crew of the Marlena and Kareth manage to wipe out the rest of the Lintha boarders. Not too few leaving the decks bloodied or dead. The Marlena's wings managed to protect her crew from even the most stubborn Pirates. She guards her crew fiercely and they fight just as fiercely to rid her of the enemy.

As the last boarder falls the crew gathers around the Marlena's main mast to reunite fully and to celebrate. Antov supports Sunden, both covered in the demon tainted blood of the Lintha as they hobble to the Mast. The Marlena's wings spread wide in victory. No one noticed the lone Lintha creep up onto the decks. As Lucky Coral makes her way onto the deck to meet her master she catches wind of the creature. Turning her head to find the tasty morsel she lets out a high pitched mewl. Zeru's head snaps to the side to see the new foe.

The Lintha seemed to be a twisted version of Zeru himself. He was lithe, like the young captain,  and he sported both a cocky grin and a dire chain. But both his grin and chain are twisted from the warm and pure forms of Zeru's. His wicked grin sports fangs, and his rusty chain sports them as well, it appeared to be dripping something vile onto the deck. With practiced ease he spins the chain and sends if forth looking to end the wounded Sunden's life. Zeru's hand flicks his chain, but it doesn't move fast enough. The chain bears down on his comrade,  until Antov bats it to the side with his axe. He throws Sunden back into the group costing Zeru several more seconds as the other side of the chain whirls around to wrap the sailor up. He's pulled down into a puddle of blood as the chain leaves him filled with punctures and gashes. Zeru hands Sunden to the twins and kicks the spiked head of the dire chain in mid fall towards Antov's unconscious form.

With his chain in hand Zeru glares hatefully at the creature that would attack a wounded man after a battle has been won. Their chains spin mirrored of one another. The beautiful blue of Tempest against the black and red of the rusty metal. The chains collide in midair in a dastardly dance of skill. But Zeru's not out to just win, he's out to destroy this demon that has harmed his crew, and Tempest has skills beyond those of any normal chain. Zeru puposefully misses a parry with the chain and bats the spike ball into the deck with his bracer. He simultaneously steps on the chain as he whirls the Weighted jade end of Tempest towards the bastard. With a turn of his body and a genius tug, the ball hits the Lintha on the back of his head, knocking him forward as Zeru charges forward. His legs leave the ground as Zeru's knee collides with the Lintha chin knocking something loose. In midflight he brings the chain over his head in a two handed smash into the Lintha's spine. Bones crack as Zeru lands sliding on his feet. His heels touch with the rail of the Marlena and he runs forward once more. He kicks hard upwards into the downed lintha's side, with enough force to get him airborne. Tempest lashes around his leg and Zeru spins, finally releasing the Lintha off of the ship and over the bowsprit, leaving the final blow for the Marlena herself even in spirit.

Zeru comes back to himself when he hears Cinna's voice call to him. "He- he's alive.

[Private to Storyteller: I figure you can take it from there tomorrow :)]

Jadira, seeing the battle is over and the Lintha either routed, killed or dead by their own hand, exhales an immense sigh of relief. She hardly even has the energy to shout with victory, instead going to her crew to offer moral support. Here and there she pats an arm or a back, congratulating on a job well done. She quickly kneels to each that died, and gently shuts their eyes, murmuring a seaman's prayer.

When she straightens, she rallies her remaining men. "If you've the strength, your first priority is to help the others arrange the wounded. The dead will be given their respects in due time." Her side wound still burns with agony, but she pays it hardly any mind. The other crewmen are more fragile than her, and she'd be damned to Malfeas herself if she let any others die.

Too many have died already. It hurts just to think about.

For a moment Jadira's eyes just linger on Lasuri; the realization dawns of how relieved she is that he is safe, with that demon leader headless at his feet. Blinking back sudden tears, Jadira goes to join Kiana before her legs just cave in, and forces a weary smile. "Thank the Dragons you all made it back alive. Let's get to work."

The brief expression of camaraderie soon fades, as she, Kiana, Saari and a few others from the archer and defender teams work at sorting the wounded in groups. Even those that are healthy enough to carry their heavily wounded comrades have minor wounds at best. The prevalent wounds are jagged sword cuts, embedded arrows and acid burns, the worst of them with several wounds at once. One man has his arm cut off, the stump poorly tended to; another an eye gouged out by a Lintha's hooked sword. [Private to Kiana White-Fist: I should add that Jadira herself looks pretty wounded, she's taken maybe 4 lethal damage, and her worst wound is still acidic and needs washing and binding. But she's being stubborn and helping others before herself. :)]

Before Jadira plunges into the medical work in earnest, she turns to one of her people. "Amon, can you signal the Marlena to approach? I think one of Zeru's men was hurt badly, and we've better facilities here." Time is of the essence, and Jadira doesn't let herself slow down or rest for an instant.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Wed 23 Sept 2009.

Kareth allowed himself a moment to relax and gather his thoughts once the victory roar went up.  But as he turned around, he realized how fool hearty it was for him to do that.  He had managed to get himself located on the other side of the boat and turned to see the demon-spawn attack Antov.  The man was wounded before he could so much as shout a warning.  He immediately leveled his cannon at the demon-spawn but couldn't get get a clear shot on the scum.  Kareth was forced to lower his weapon, even as the Marlena's captain finished the job.  As he rushed over, he quickly realized the wound was serious enough to where he would be of no assistance.  He whispered words into the wind to be taken to the Dryad.  Even as he spoke his report, dread filled his heart for what was coming.  He simply walked away from the fallen man.  The others there would be able to care for him better and Kareth's flaring anima filled with spectral faces would only make matters worse.  He went and stood on the bow with his head lowered as the wind made his equally black cloak and hair dance uncontrollably in the wind.   The effect was not that of a raging bonfire, but that of a flickering candle causing shadows to dance.  Still, his anima would serve as beacon enough for the Dryad.  Here Kareth maintained his silent vigil, wrapped in his own thoughts.

On the Black Marlena

The Lintha that Zeru thrashed will remember the agony into his next life, having tasted his wrath when protecting one of his own. Zeru feels Marlena's immense satisfaction when the broken body of that last stubborn demon-spawn falls overboard, through her arching wings, and into the deep drink.

The brothers lay Antov out as comfortably as they can on the deck, while Cinna frets over them both. Especially Antov, whom in protecting Sunden very nearly lost his own life. He remains unconscious, blood pooling from the jagged chain wounds. Cinna looks panicked, having caught Zeru's attention. "He's breathing but it's shallow. We have to stop all this bleeding!"

As she tears strips from her tunic and awkwardly attempts to bind Antov's wounds, Zeru sees a flare signal from the Dryad. Marlena, sensing the urgency of the situation, doesn't even complain once. She moves the ship by her own power, while the crew hopes and prays for Antov to stabilize.

The eerie flames of Kareth's anima light up the night, answering the signal from Amon -- and illuminating, for those who care to notice, a trace of darkness that no normal Dragon-blood ought to have.

On the Spring Dryad II

Once the report is received, the Dryad quickly prepares to receive the wounded from the Marlena, immediately giving priority to the critically wounded Antov.

During the process of treating the injured, Saari proves to be an immense aid to Kiana. "I know some first aid, at least, enough that I can bind a wound, maybe set a bone. It's served me and the crew well in the past." She isn't quite as well trained as either Kiana or Jadira, but she is careful and attentive enough that her efforts don't just get in the way. "I couldn't do anything about surgery or strange diseases though. And... I don't even know what to make of this green acid other than that touching it is very, very bad."

Fortunately, between Jadira, Kiana and Tageru, the Dryad has plenty of medical expertise to go around. With the additional advantage of Tageru's Wound Mending Needles, the remaining wounded brought to the Dryad pass the threshold where survival is uncertain. Many of them will remain scarred by this battle for life, and an unlucky few have even lost body parts. But as mortals who have survived a battle with the Lintha, though, these men and women will wear these scars as badges of honor. [Private to Kiana White-Fist: Weeellll... since you'll more or less have the entire night to do this, I don't think we need to complicate things with Medicine rolls. Up to you if you want to post anything more concerning the medical treatment. :)]

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OOC: I will wait another day or two for more reactions, then close this thread. The epilogue should open up by Friday at the very latest!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Fri 25 Sept 2009.

Tageru helps the wounded as much as he can, and tests the powers of his new satchel. They are beyond amazing, restoring those too wounded to normally have any chance of survival and even healing damaged or amputated body parts. Those who insist on keeping their scars Tageru indulges, even though he does not see it that way...

He even tries his artifact on the wounded Nymph, trying to relieve the poor blinded creature of her pain. Her Nymph comrades bring her to the ex monk and he places the bandage from the satchel over her eyes, engulfing her in a brilliant golden and green glow.

Finally, after it is all over, the tired Tageru retreats to his quarters and sits down to meditate and pray. Finally, the battle was over, and all the horrors of it are now in the past. A great evil was stopped, the battle won, and a service to all of Creation done. It was at a great price, certainly, for not even Tageru's mighty healing artifact could revive the dead, and there have been too many that died in the battle, but even such a Pyrrhic victory was to be celebrated. Praying to the Dragons and thanking them for saving him and his allies in their time of need, remembering the horrible pain in the caves when the spell-created acid wave covered them all, he slowly falls asleep, his body and mind healing slowly from the pain...

Lasuri is just as relieved to see that Jadira and the crew are all right - some of them, anyways. His relief comes with the heaviness of loss, however - the truth and realization that even though victory was finally granted to them, it came at such a heavy price for some. It had happened before, of course, but the Captain never truly settled into it - setting a course that led to the death of people under him was something he would never learn to gloss over.

His first thought is to help Jadira with the post-battle maneuvers and the repairs and treatment that would be now needed. Shouting some orders for the crew to help their brethren - not that he has to tell Alliance men about such a thing. The Captain does his best to organize the effort, despite his own weariness and wounds, seeing it as a necessity for him to be a model for his crew, and be a pillar of stability so they may continue to advance.

His task bring him close to Jadira again, and he starts to shake his head at her demeanor. Tearing a band from the bottom of his cut, already ruined shirt, Lasuri starts to work at binding one of the First Mate's wounds, wrapping the piece of fabric without waiting for acquiescence from her. Some things never change, do they? You'll work yourself until you pass out, and even then, you'll find something to lean against so you can work while in a daze." He smiles to her, but she can probably see the worry in his eyes.

"Can someone who knows something about medical treatment and has a second to spare come to fix Miss Thornbloom here? If she loses a limb she'll just use her other ones without flinching, so I'd rather get an outside opinion not her own about her condition." Smiling at the first examination and the way she cannot weasel out of this one - Captain's orders, after all - Lasuri gets back to his feet, but not before touching the first mate's cheek softly with a gloved hand.

Staring back at the other ships, Lasuri let out a long, drawn out sigh... They have been shaken, but they will pull through.

Once again, the Alliance lives on.

Kiana was a fine medical mind, an anomaly given her martial prowess--few practitioners of the Martial Arts put so much time and effort into healing damage, as opposed to causing it.  Perhaps that in itself was curious about Kiana--when she fought, she knew exactly what it was she was doing to her opponent, and she did it with unflinching resolution, just as she was now compressing a bleeding wound, and showing Saari how to make a quick tourniquet to get the poor sailor stable and down to sick bay.

She heard the Captain, and quickly rose to her feet, nodding to one of Saari's questions and patting her on the shoulder as she went toward the first mate.  "Happy to oblige, Captain."  She said with a small salute.  She frowned instantly at seeing the wounds, especially the deeper one, and quickly motioned for Saari to bring her a skin of water.  "These are serious wounds, Jadira.  You shouldn't be on your feet, little less hoisting others around."  Kiana said, concerned.  "Here, lean over so I can clean the wound.  If the acid lingers in your system...well, it wont' be pretty."  She used the water liberally, knowing with two aspects readily available that they had access to more.  She then took some clean gauze and pressed it against the deeper wound, packing it full and holding it against her.  "It isn't life threatening, Captain, but it is still serious.  You need to rest, Jadira.  If you over work yourself now, your wounds will lead to complications."    The frown returned as she contemplated patching up Jadira right then and there, but realized that others still needed her attention.

But then the Alliance was coming together beautifully, helping each other in the aftermath of the battle--and frankly, Jadira deserved a little attention, seeing as she had held off that assault for as long as she had.  "I can take care of this now, Jadira--but I'll need you laying down.  Your quarters would probably be ideal, given as the deck is a little..." She looked down at the acid and blood ridden planks, "...busy."

Jadira is her usual stubborn self, but when Lasuri comes to her she leans on his shoulder for a time, and lets him do some of the basic first aid. Kiana pitches in to wash it, and she smiles for the younger woman, though the tiredness shines in her eyes. "Hey, hey... let's all not focus on me now. There's plenty of others who are more hurt."

Her eyes are haunted, remembering those who died while she was in command. Of course it couldn't be helped, the Dryad was outnumbered and in the worst position of all the ships. Fighting an enemy prepared to die for their cause against lesser numbers is a terrible position to be. But Lasuri can tell that it will be a sore spot for her for a very long time.

Later on, when all the wounds that could be patched are patched (Jadira finds herself amazed by the power of Tageru's Satchel - particularly when he uses the regrowth function on a severed arm - though it will be days yet before even a single limb is restored) the Dryad's first mate retires to her chambers and allows others to tend to her. She's not a model patient, given all her insisting to make sure the other patients are comfortable, but the truth of just how exhausted she is is soon revealed. By the time she and Lasuri are left alone for the night, she has already fallen deep asleep.

That night, after the dead are put to rest beneath the sea, the Chalice sleeps with the Sea Drake. The presence within sends terrible nightmares into Lasuri's mind, all of them involve the woman lying next to him. While she sleeps peacefully, his mind is a roiling sea of calamity, and he sees her die one too many times for him to rest well that night.

Still, the Chalice is little more than a cup of disembodied, malicious thoughts. All it can affect is the perception of what could be, and tempt Lasuri to despair or misstep just enough to let it free.

Elsewhere, the mixed celebration and mourning on the other ships wind down. Antov is still on the Dryad, resting where Tageru's Wound Mending Needles can heal him best. Loukan Hirdu of the Ambition sends some of their wounded to the flagship as well, so the beds of the Dryad are still fuller than they could have been, with the loss of nearly half the crew. As for the Falchion, the Wavecrest Navy soldiers mostly remain to themselves, taking care of their own.

All is quiet until morning light...

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OOC: Continues in "Chapter 2, Phase 5 - The Quiescent Sea".