Miroslav stands on the deck of the Heart of Oak finished with his preparations even before the rise of the sun on the proscribed day of departure. He and several of the crew have spent the night on the ship getting it ready.

As the sun rises those who are making their way onto the ship see the big Rus standing at the rail. With his are the Arab, Barmak and the Varangian, Oleg. It is clear that the ship a knarr has been altered somewhat in order to make room for extra gear and mounts.

"What ho, Miro?" calls A'kos, leading Storm's Wind by the reins toward where the ship sits docked.  "I've added little except a couple of iron spikes to what I already carry."

Waiting for one of the ship's hands to come and assist with the boarding of his destrier he shrugs and adds, "Never know when such my prove helpful!"

Loukas had considered continuing his debate with Jean and A'kos, but after events of the past several months he seems to have learned when to shut up. Or maybe it was just Miroslav's toast? He joined the others in the toast and then departed to prepare for what sounds like a long journey. He meets with Zmija and the Temple priests not only for tutelage, but to ensure that while he is away his responsibilities are being covered and the monastery and temple shall be taken care of while he is away.

The morning of their departure Loukas arrives at the Heart of Oak not long after A'kos. He is packed somewhat lighter (no shield and it no armor over a wool rubakha and knee-length svita), but otherwise he has his backpack and bedroll and blades just as he had had when they departed for Kiev for their prior adventure. He could not help but feel the excitement that the open seas offered them and it was with a big grin that he saw so many of his old friends and with a shout he boards, "Greetings, Captain and comrades! These shoulders need the oar and the oar needs my shoulders!"

He goes to the place he has spent so many ventures at and stows his gear before going from Barmak to the Varangian and Oleg to give them each great hugs.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sun 27 Nov 2011.

Jean boarded the Heart and greeted all those on board that he had traveled with before. His smile in greeting Barmak was exceptional for he had not forgotten the dark man's past actions despite his decision to return to a more mundane lifstyle.

As was his custom the Knight led Donnerhuf to the center of the boat and appointed himself wrangler and hostler for all of the mounts and livestock on board. Sir Jean would pull an oar only in the direst of emergency but he would do his part in other ways.

Balthazar arrives with his two lady friends in tow.  He bids them a fond farewell, then he has some men carefully bring his chest up the gangplank.  He explains that the chest contains not only his clothes and spellbooks, but also his mirror which can be used for scrying purposes.

"Will Dyanna be joining us on this sojourn?" asks A'kos to Balthazar. "Seems a lost library would be to her flavor as well."

Dyanna slowly walks up the gangplank of the ship and says "My ears are on fire! yes, I am here as well. I will not leave all those dusty tomes to the Hedonite, God knows what he would do with them."

Her riding horse is still on the dock, she gestures to one of the crew to take it aboard.

"I trust you are all well and healthy. Forgive my absence, there has been some urgent matters these last few weeks but all is settled now."

"No worries about what I'd do with those tomes.  Now, I did bring along a copy of Busty Byzantines for the long voyage ... "
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Fri 10 June 2011.

"Mmm," nodded A'kos sagely.  "And I've my copy of the Swimsuit edition of 'Magyar Women of the Plains'!  We'll have to swap mid voyage..."

Turning then to the Frank he says, "Watch 'Wind, he bites."

With that the Magyar finds a seat on a bench near Jaleh.

Sneaking up from behind, "Swimsuit edition?" Jaleh echoes. "I much prefer the skinny-dipping of whatever it is you're talking about."

"That's my girl," grins A'kos, before leaning forward to rest his forearms upon the oars.

Calling forward he cries, "Ready when you are, 'Slav!"

Miroslav smiles broadly at A'kos and waves his hand toward Oleg and Barmak who untie the mooring ropes and push off from the dock with a pair of oars.

Cuivi appears on the other end of the dock just as they cast off. With near superhuman effort he runs and leaps onto the ship at the last possible moment defying his advanced age. Miroslav catches the older mans hand and helps him to steady himself after the leap.

When Cuivi makes his dramatic entrance Loukas laughs, "Father Cuivi begins every trip with a little calisthenics! Welcome, Father!"

Dyanna grins at the antics of the cleric, "Perhaps next time you will rise earlier for your prayers?"

The first day of the journey is a rough one, storm clouds appear on the horizon just minute after the departure and the Heart of Oak and her crew must battle to stay afloat as it is battered by the high winds and rains. The mounts are agitated as the ship rolls with the waves.

The normally serene Euxine sea shows her violent side as the storms continue.

"Bloody hell, the is worse than trying to tame a wild stallion," bellows A'kos over the pounding surf.  "Let us find a stable to bed this beast, and find some peace from the roiling waves!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Sat 02 July 2011.

"The sea is not something to be tamed, my friend. We may, however, ride out this storm as we have been doing, rather than seeking cover. What say you, Miroslav?"

"It was my plan to go directly towards our destination but since we are still close to shore, it may be in our best interest to stay closer to the coast...unfortunately there are no suitable natural harbors for some time. Perhaps the storms will die down enough for us to continue but for now we must weather the gale and stay nearer to the shore." Miroslav says before he turns and barks orders to the Varangian at his side.

"Lovely," grimaces A'kos, his pallor a sickly shade of green as he looks sidelong at Jaleh.

In truth Sir Jean was not enjoying the weather any more than A'kos but he managed to hide his reaction as he concentrated on calming the horses. The Franks uncanny knack for caring for the animals was tested to the limit by the boats rocking motions.

Within the hour, the weather turns more agreeable and Miroslav stops hugging the coast and orders Oleg to pilot the vessels back into deep waters towards their destination. They travel opposite the setting sun and soon the dark enshrouds them under a new moon.

By morning, land is nowhere in sight. Oleg, who has piloted the ship throughout the night turns over the duty to Barmak.

Once the weather clears Loukas oars as required and otherwise contemplates and meditates. He seems much more at peace and he also shows an interest in the weather and nature, such as it is aboard a ship at sea, than on prior trips. Indeed, when the weather breaks sufficiently and his rowing is not required he goes back to where Jean is with the horses and speaks quietly to them. His commiseration seems to have some effect...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Sun 03 July 2011.

The previous night, Balthazar decides to try out his scrying mirror on Nicephorus.  Just for kicks.  He does this in full view of the party so everyone can see.

A brief back post...

Sir Jean seems to have the mounts under control, with the aid of Loukas, the situation is calmed.

Meanwhile as the ship finally finds some calm waters Balthazar sets up the scrying mirror and takes a look at the parties old friend Nicephorus, who seems to be safe at home in Constantinople.

The mirror slowly goes from reflecting what is before it, to revealing what Balthazar seeks. The paunchy Greek sits before the fire in his bedroom, his face lined from worry. An empty goblet lolls from his hand, he does not look like he has been sleeping well. Slowly he falls to sleep,the goblet drops from his hand and spills what little wine it contained.

Loukas had never met Nicephorus, though he knew that it was he who had brought everyone else together, so while he watched Balthazar's show he did not have quite the invested interest that others might have had. "Were I a pet of the Emperor's I suspect that I would need wine to ease me into sleep as well."

A'kos looks at the mirror dubiously, says, "Life lived chained to someone else's yoke rarely ends well."

Finished pontificating he goes back to checking gear for rust and wear and damage from the sea's salt.

"So this if the nefarious Nicophourus that I have heard speak of. He dos not look the demon I have heard him made out to be, but most demons hide thrir natures well." she says as she toys with a particularly unruly curl of hair hanging into her eyes.

Loukas smiles, "Before us we see the wages of 'Demonism'... Sad and pathetic when alone, but such does not mean that they are not effectively bad when putting their schemes into action."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Sat 09 July 2011.

Miroslav nods his head as Loukas speaks..."All too true my once young friend! This Greek was an effective liar, that could rival any in the world. At the time of our betrayal, I burned with hatred for this man but now, perhaps some of us owe him a debt of gratitude...bah, he is a liar and a demon in his own right...I owe him nothing but a cracked skull!" He laughs half in embarrassment and half at the thought of cracking the paunchy Greek's skull.

"Yes, well, I am uncertain that 'debt' is the right word for what you owe him, though I think you make a good point. Through him the gods brought us together and since then we have each benefited in more ways than one. What he is owed despite what we have managed to make out of his fiendishness is at least a cracked skull, but it seems that his misery is not such a bad repayment..."

Loukas's face goes blank for a moment and he strokes his vaguely-bearded chin and grins, "What do you mean by 'once young'?"

The unnaturally wide Rus slaps a big meaty paw on Loukas's shoulder and says..."When I first met you on the docks of Byzantium, you were like a mere beardless child, now in just a short time, I have seen you mature well beyond what I would have thought possibly is such a short time...and I am not just talking about the beard, but that is part of it."

"Yes. You are probably right. And I probably would not like you to call me a bearded-child either, so I suppose I ought to shut my mouth! Thank you, Captain!"

Moving on...

Days pass and the Heart of Oak sails on favorable winds. The oars are left untouched for most of the journey. Miroslav is clearly happy that the ship is making such good time and everyone who normally mans the oars are in good spirits as well.

Soon the coastline of Colchis is in view and the mouth of the River Phasis. By all estimates the party should reach the river mouth by midday.

Miroslav leans on the rail and stares toward the growing shoreline. He looks back to the others, Balthazar and Loukas in particular and says..."So, what do we know of this Phasis? Will he give us the key to the tower or must we wrench it from his watery hands? I have no desire to battle a god but will if we have to."

He thinks for a moment and says..."Perhaps Phasis is more like the river and lake spirits form my homeland int he Karpatos? Truly formidable but far from a full fledged god or even godling, more like Vikhor or the Efreeti."

Loukas shrugs and looks out toward the shoreline before responding, "Phasis is River-God of Kolkhis. If he has this key it may come down to battling him, but given that his power is likely to be no less than the Baba Yaga's, I think we ought to tread carefully. By which I mean, we treat him respectfully and we ask for that which we seek. From the little I have heard of him he does not seem unfair...

"But let us be careful, Miroslav, if Phasis is only a spirit, rather than a God, he is the spirit of the river that bounds the West and East... He has been called King of the rivers for good reason and as such he may make things more or less difficult on us if he wishes."

"Ware dealing with spirits," counsels A'kos, his dark eyes also taking in the shore as they approach.  "At best they are rascals, at worst they are wicked and arrogant, especially when faced within their own demesne!  We must tread with care, and much as it irks me, with respect as well."

Miroslav nods, acknowledging the wise words spoken by both Loukas and A'Kos as the shore grows ever closer.

Soon the Heart of Oak is right at the mouth of the the River Phasis. Miroslav orders that the anchor be employed and the ship sits at the mouth of the river with it's captain unsure of his next move.

Loukas joins Miroslav and with a song in his voice, "Well, Captain, my Captain it seems as if it is time disembark, no? We shall not find our legendary destination from this Heart-y deck, shall we? We are of the Oak's Heart, but we are still by our nature beings of water and seek the Spirit of the River. Come!"

A'kos makes his way aft where Jean has kept the horses, and spends time looking over Storm's Wind; he has little doubt of the knight's efficacy with caring for horses, but his propietary nature forces him to give his mount a thorough once over...satisfied, he grunts at the Frank and nods his approval, before making his way back to Jaleh.

The day before we reached our destination, Balthazar tries to scry on Phasis.

Dyanna watches the others for a moment then looks to the mouth of the Phasis herself.

"Perhaps we should consider a sacrifice to the river god? Maybe  a cow or bull can be purchased nearby? Many of the ancient Greek tales speak of sacrifice, this Phasis seems to fall in line with what I know about the other gods and spirits, selfish and needy. Perhaps that is just the male gods?"

She smiles as she speaks and give Jaleh a quick wink.

"Hmph," replies A'kos from where he sits next to Jaleh.  "The winds are male.  Capricious yes, but neither selfish nor needy!"

Loukas smiles, "Quite right, A'kos. They are not selfish or needy... It is more like they are insensitive and uncaring."

"As it should be," shrugs the Falcon.  "Why should they worry over us when they've their own errands to run?"

He thinks for a moment then adds, "Better that way; I'd rather worry for my own fate than await others interference in my life.  Let the Winds blow, and the gods do what they may...just leave me alone!"

"Selfish and greedy or insensitive and uncaring...I do think a sacrifice would be in order. A gift of cattle may well do it but is there something more specific to please a river god or even spirit? I spotted a village off the coast just a bit north of here, so getting a cow should be possible with enough gold...I just want to make sure we make the correct offering"

Backpost

When Balthazar looks into the mirror while focusing on Phasis, he does indeed see something but it seems to be under murky water...most likely the silty mouth of the river. Something large moves through the murk but it does not seem to have a definite shape.

"I am afraid that from what I know, that human sacrifices has been a common form for ages. I am not sure we are ready for that though. Let's talk more and try to find another way to appease this Phasis." Dyanna bites her lip as she finishes talking.

"Perhaps some mongrels can be found in the countryside," suggests A'kos.  "I've no truck with them, nor will my conscience be burdened by their deaths."

Miroslav raises an eyebrow at A'Kos...neither in approval or condemnation. "I tend to feel the same way as you my friend but I think such a sacrifice might rub some of our group the wrong way...we keep that as an option for now though."

"It seems to me that a power such as Phasis would not be so sensitive. Whether we sacrifice a bull or a maiden the entire point is that we are making an offering and this ought to get attention. Let us see if we can not acquire a bull and if that does not work..."

"...run like the Wind!" laughs A'kos in continuation of Loukas' thought.

The big Rus throws his head back an laughs at the Magyar's comment..."Too true!"

Composing himself he says..."Let us go back to the village and try to by ourselves a bull. I think Loukas is correct, it is perhaps more in the gesture of sacrifice than the actual sacrifice...as long as what is offered has value or else how is it a sacrifice?"

After a bit more discussion in which Ciuvi also voices his support of the bull sacrifice, the captain has Oleg pilot the ship back a few miles then north where thy find a good natural harbor.

After a fair bit of haggling, the arrange for a bull to be delivered to the mouth of the Phasis at daybreak tomorrow.

Just about 30 minutes late, the Heart of Oak is run ashore near the mouth of the river and camp is set up. A few of the locals enter the camp with gifts of food and drink.

Loukas feels confident that Phasis will respond positively to their sacrifice and is pleasantly surprised by the visiting locals. When they arrive he is among the first to welcome them. "Greetings. You are kind to visit us and your hospitality honors us. Please, join us."

Years of raiding on the plains, mixed with their current lot has made A'kos suspicious, and he whispers to Miroslav, "Have a care for some sort of ploy or ambush.  Let not your guard be slackened by folk with doubtful intent."

Miroslav replies to A'kos's comment with a knowing nod.

A matronly woman who leads the small party of 10 natives, (7 women, 3 older men.) replies to Loukas in near perfect Greek..."We bring you gifts of the land to welcome you...we greatly appreciate that you open your camp to us. Int he amphora you will find the best wine we have to offer and the women carry loaves of fresh wheaten bread."

THe older men each carry an amphora of wine while the women carry the bread. They are dressed in simple peasant clothes.

Dyanna smiles as she accepts a loaf of bread from one of the women. She turns to the woman who had just spoken and says "Such a nice gesture." her empty hand wave in an intricate pattern before her. "I wonder if you would tell us  why you are being so cordial to a group of stranger such as us?"

Cast suggest, hopefully not too obvious.

It had not occurred to Loukas to be as suspicious as everyone else, which for a moment surprised him. Not long ago he would have certainly been a bit more cynical... Has he really changed so much in the past year? Is it possible?

When Dyanna spoke his revelry was broken. Perhaps he can help distract her from the sorceresses spell casting? Nodding in response to Dyanna's query he smiles at the old woman, "Yes, your kindness is unexpected. We thank you for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 25 July 2011.

The matronly woman looks straight at Dyanna and says..."We have come to drug you and steal both your ship and the men who have come here."

In a flash both of her hands shoot up to her mouth in shock. The other woman look at her frozen in disbelief that she spoke of their plans so freely. The three older men smile slightly but do not move.

Loukas looks at the woman and then at the rest of  her party. He imagines smacking himself in the same manner that his instincts tell him to smack one of the old men, but he pauses, and continues smiling glancing into the trees, etc. around their camp, "Then you had better hope that you have several of your men hidden with bows, because we are quite likely to sacrifice you to Phasis now that you have revealed your true intentions."

"There will be no human sacrifices while I am present".

Jean steps towards the strangers, dropping a hand to his sword, and scanning the trees to see if there are indeed more of them.

"The death of these treacherous dogs and whoever put them up to this is a distinct possibility however."

For the first time since the strangers' approach then arrival A'kos finds himself smiling.  Standing he draws his blade, and like his namesake he begins to circle his prey.

"I wouldst make no sudden movements, friends, were I you."

Loukas, feeling more like his old self glances at Jean and smirks, "You mean that wily peasants could not come up with a clever plan to loot a vessel themselves? It is hardly an old story, Sir Jean."

"Nevertheless I do not believe these women and old men acted alone. Did you?"

The last is directed at one of the men as Jean steps close to him and attempts to grasp him by the neck and lift him bodily from the ground.

Their attentions on the man whom Jean is grabbing, A'kos continues to make his way behind the villagers, with his eyes peeled for danger.

Loukas shrugged, "No, Sir Jean. I think the entire village -- all of them -- acted together. It is an old tale that I am embarrassed I did not remember earlier."

Balthazar casts charm person on the toughest looking man of the bunch who is not being grappled by a party member.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Wed 27 July 2011.

The women all look down at their feet as the men of the party begin to menace them. They look afraid but resigned.

Jean easily grabs one of the man who immediately looks as if he will scream but when he opens his mouth, only garbled yelps come forth. it is clear that his tongue has been cut or perhaps ripped from his mouth.

All three of the men are not terribly tough looking but one is larger than the others...he snaps to attention and looks to Balthazar.

When Miroslav sees the state of the mans mouth he shoots a knowing look at Loukas and walks to where his axe is leaning. He slings it over his shoulder and walks to stand in front of the matronly woman who was the speaker for the villager.

He does not speak...he only waits for her to speak or for someone to make her do so.

Dyanna looks in disgust at the mans tongue stump then at both Jean and Balthazar and shakes her head. "Very much like men to assume that that only men could be in charge here."

She turns her eyes on the matron and says"Please explain this to us."

Again, suggestion.

The matron reluctantly replies..."We need men for breeding purposes. We were to give you our drugged wine. The women amongst you would have been sacrificed to Phasis, the men, bound and used for breeding. Once we were sure of conception, they would also be sacrificed to Phasis. As I speak, there are surely a troop of our women on their way here to collect what they think are drugged prisoners."
She collapses to the ground disgusted that she cannot control her own mouth.

"Hmph. Well, perhaps we ought to sacrifice some women after all."

"I'm sure negotiations with the rest of the village will be interesting," says A'kos.

From his pouch he pulls out a small statue; casting it to the ground he murmurs briefly and before him springs a golden lion, it's mane a bright nimbus about it's head.

"Ah, Leo," he grins.  "We've an impression to make!"

Balthazar tells the man that he and his comrades will need protection - though that's probably obvious!  Does the man have a weapon?

The man nods his head at Balthazar and opens his mouth to speak but only garbled noises come from his tongueless mouth. None of the men carry weapons, they are dressed in simple tunics and carry the three wine amphora...the one Jean has grabbed no longer carries his amphora, it lays smashed on the ground.

Miroslav forces the matronly woman to her knees and raises his axe threatening to strike. The woman looks up and says..."Kill me if you wish, I was sent because I am expendable. It will not stop them from coming."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:23, Fri 29 July 2011.

Raising an eyebrow, "She has a good point, Captain. They send out the matronly and aged, because they are more seemly... Friendly. I fell for it.

"We had best prepare for whomever follows. Perhaps some of us play dead and the others lay in wait -- hide on the ship or make themselves invisible? I am actually rather good at playing dead as it turns out. Indeed, my training permits me to make my body cold as a corpse for a short time."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 29 July 2011.

"I say we spread out," replies A'kos.  "Play dead if you must, or we can wrap this lot in bedrolls and make them the real thing, their lumps providing as much camoflage as we may need.  Offer some surprise when their friends arrive, giving us the initiative, if nothing else - at least we'll be able to tell if its an o'erwhelming force...though I've faith that Dyanna and the Hedonite can help in o'ercoming most odds."

"More likely than not, they have been watching us. I would say perhaps we should just go along and make them think we are duped by their ploy but, the action sof the Frank and the Rus are too hostile to let slide by the watchers. I am sure they know just what is going on, playing dead may or may not help at this point."

"Fair point," nods A'kos, who then looks at Leo intently.

"You both may be correct, and I have had similar thoughts, but if this is the case, then where are they? Perhaps Leo can suss them out if they are lurking out there?

Leo leaves the side of the Magyar and vanishes into the undergrowth. A few moments later you can all hear a woman scream in fear about 100 yards out. Leo quickly returns to the side of the falcon.

Loukas looks, but is careful not to approach (magic item or not that thing is intimidating) Leo, in an attempt to determine whether or the creature killed the lurker. Turning to A'kos, "Well was that the only one?

"Nope," answers the Magyar smugly.  "25 or 30 at best guess, surrounding our position...should make for a fun fight."

He draws his sword to emphasize his point.

"Really? Hmph. I wonder what is taking them so long? Do they have missile weapons? They must really want to take us alive...

"Well, when we're done we'll have plenty of fresh meat to sacrifice to this river godling of theirs."

Jean drops the man he had been holding with no small show of disgust on his face. He then draws Coffin Nail from it's scabbard and stands ready for what surely will come.

"These women will find that we stand tougher than mutilated old men!"

As if in answer to Sir Jean, a hail of arrows rip from the trees and most if not all find their marks in the bodies of the matron and the women who accompanied her as well as the three men. As one the drop bleeding heavily from their wounds.

A voice calls out from cover..."We send the old and infertile. They mean nothing to the continuance of the tribe. We would parlay with the dark haired woman. We promise she will not be harmed."
Assume they mean Dyanna as Jaleh has not left the ship.

"Come parlay then cowards," calls A'kos, eager now to bloody his sword.

Loukas glances at A'kos and then turns to Dyanna, "They will want you to go to them. I know you are quite capable of taking care of yourself and you've probably go the best head on your shoulders of all of us... That said, it is your decision."

Dyanna turns to her friends and says "If they wanted me dead, I imagine they would have at least targeted me with their bowshot. I do not think they plan to do me harm. I will go out and speak with them but will go no further than 50 yards from the ship."

She begins to walk out to parlay carrying no weapons.

"Whoever you are, you must be willing to meet me half way."

A tall and physically imposing woman wearing scale armor walks out to meet the Grecian Illusionist. They talk briefly before the woman send Dyanna back.

Dyanna walks back to the group shaking her head.

"They want all of you who are still young and virile. The older amongst you and Jaleh and I are free to go. I told them I would relay the message. We have only a few minutes before they launch an attack. I have no idea what sort of attack this could be if they want to keep you alive for breeding, which would be my guess."

"Surely they will try some sort of enchantment on us. That is the only way to subdue a number as great as ours. I for one will not stand and wait for them."

Jean whirls about, Coffin Nail still in hand and launches himself over the rail and onto the deck of the ship. He quickly makes his way to where his charger waits for him.

Mounting, he quickly urges the horse up and over the rail of the ship. They land at a run on the beach. Without stopping he races past the others and out into the open shouting,

"I, Sir Jean D'Arzillieres of Frankland, challenge you to send a champion forth to do battle this day, or better yet, send two champions if you must!"

The woman warriors seem to have a different take on honor than the Frankish knight. A womans voice can be heard but her words are not discernible but the gist is soon evident when two quick volleys of arrows speed toward Sir Jean.

He is hit with too many arrows to count as he and his mount fall...what must have been sixty arrows targeted the heavily armored knight. It is unclear from this distance if he is alive or dead.

Loukas had begun to say something as Sir Jean whirled about and laid his challenge. He turned to Miroslav and whomever else is near him as if to say something else as the volley of arrows lay the Frank low. If nothing else this gives him a moment, "I am the only man here who might wrangle out of this. Surrender. I will play dead. Dyanna and Jaleh will be on the inside and will support me when I am able to strike."

Cuivi the old shaman steps forward.

"I believe that they meant me when they spoke of the older among us. I am well past the years of siring children. They should have no interest in me checking on our Frankish friend lying out there in the field. His horse looks to be dead but perhaps his armor was enow' to save him."

Cuivi cautiously begins to walk out to where Jean lies.

Miroslav looks on in shock as Sir Jean displays his sometimes lack of discretion and winds up like a pin cushion for the women's arrows. He then grabs for the shaman's arm but misses. his head shakes as he sees him heading out to the Frank.

Miroslav looks at Loukas and A'Kos..."Leo scouted about thirty right? So they all must be armed with bows for so many to have attacked at once, and they are all archers by their targeting. If they focus on one of us at a time they will score heavy but how can they do that if we have cover? Loukas, I am not sure I am willing to be taken and have my tongue cut out and gods know what else done to me." He looks at Dyanna and Balthazar and says..."Now is the time to tell us there is something you can do for us!"

He turns and yells to the crew..."Take cover and grab what bow we have on board. We will need some support of things get close here on the shore."

Cuivi the Chud shaman slowly makes his way to the prostrate form of the Frankish knight.

Loukas nods in understanding to Miroslav's reply and after glancing quickly around -- he wants to be sure he's able to dodge any incoming arrows should they be coming in -- he looks at Dyanna and Bathazar expectantly...

Dyanna smiles at Miroslav and reaches into her bandoleer of spell components. Between her fingers is a small amount of blackish grey powder. She says "We best make for the ship while we cans till see!"

A quick gesture throwing the substance into the air and a thick fog begins to seep up from the ground.

"They can't hit what they can't see!

Within seconds the entire area is near covered with fog making it hard to see anything. Miroslav calls out..."Get back to the ship! Let the Heart of the Oak provide our cover!"

His head turns to where Cuivi and Sir Jean are...even though they are now obscured he shouts as he runs to them..."Oleg! Get the ship ready, man the oars with who you can. I will be but a moment!"

Loukas is not going to let Miroslav attempt to get to Cuivi and Jean alone, so he uses his fleetness to follow on the big Rus's heels and endeavors to help him get them back to the Heart of Oak.

Loukas easily catches up with Miroslav but one of the Rus's ham-sized hands catches his arm as the leave the cloud of fog.

When they are outside the cloud, Loukas pauses with Miroslav's hand on his arm and glances around. He does not see Jean or Cuivi, but much to his chagrin he does see the archers they'd been attempting to escape, "Come, it looks like Cuivi got him. Back into the fog, if we do not get to the ship now, we never will!"

This time he grabs the big Rus's arm with his smaller half-Rus hand and pulls him back into the protective fog using not only his speed, but his trained hand-to-hand combat abilities to ensure that Miroslav falls back and they get away before the women can fire upon them.

Loukas easily manages to get both Miroslav and himself back to the ship. With a few splashing steps the reach the rail and are quickly hauled up by Ulfr and Radvila. Both men quickly grab their oars and help push the Heart of Oak back out into the harbor and out of the fog bank.

Stribog smiles on the crew of the Oak as his winds gently carry the fog further inland to engulf the women warriors.

In just minutes the Heart of Oak is out of realistic reach but short two crew members.

If Striborg blessed them with winds, Loukas thought, Veles had proven his trickster self in proving them with Dyanna's spell and with their escape stealing Pharis's sacrifice. But Loukas is no theologian... Though having come with such a story for himself, for he does not speak it aloud, he realizes that in doing so he has felt Veles's storyteller blessing as well. His moment of religiosity chills, however, when he realizes that they are still missing Jean and Cuivi, both of whom might have had something to say had they been there to read his mind.

Turning to those who remain, "Well, what now? We have learned how some deal with Pharis... If Jean and Cuivi are not with us, I can not help but feel a desire for vengeance. Both on those damned women and Pharis himself."

Okay, so I don't get to post as often as everyone else in this game, and I do apologize for being so busy, but Balthazar actually would have taken several highly prominent actions during this time.

#1 - protection from normal missiles, a no brainer, on Jean, the moment he saw that Jean was going to make that charge.  Yeah, I realize this would have changed everything, but should Jean be pin-cushioned just because Balthazar's player didn't get a chance to post?  If you won't allow it, then Balthazar casts it on himself.

#2 - there's no need for the party to flee, Balthazar has Leomund's Secure Shelter memorized, instant shelter for everyone and impervious to missile fire for those who stay inside.

#3 - fly on himself

#4 - if we're going to stay and fight, Balthazar puts the Shelter close enough to the enemy that he can cast a sleep spell and a monster summoning I spell from inside to harass his enemies.

#5 - if Jean is down, Balthazar will turn invisible, fly up, see if he is alive and if so, cast cure light wounds on him.

Basically - Balthazar's entire spell list is geared towards a fight like this.  I'm bummed that so much happened while I was busy. :(

OOC: Shoot!  I miss two days of posting, and come back to this...I'm assuming that A'kos and Leo are on board the Oak, then?

A'kos and Leo are indeed aboard the ship.

Sorry you weren't able to get in on the action Balthazar but that is one of the drawbacks of pbp. I don't want to go back and change the timeline...so I'll accept that Balthazar cast the protection spell upon himself.

It looks likely that Cuivi was able to, perhaps magically, take Jean elsewhere.

"We do not know where our two missing comrades are. I think it is a safe bet that the women did not get them. They were still too far out to reach him as were Loukas and I. Jean's mount lay dead ont he ground but his body and Cuivi were no where in sight."

"Hmph," A'kos mutters in anger.  "At the advent of our voyage did I warn him that was no way to treat a steed so fine!  He'll surely be wroth with himself for such a misadventure - 'twas a waste of a fine steed."

A'kos heads aft to look after Storm's Wind, seeking solace in companionship he'd known for some few years.

Miroslav nods at the Magyars words then smiles..."Do you remember when that crazy bastard lept off the ship with his horse so many months ago? He has always been too eager for a fight!"

"Wisdom is learned, we may only hope that our Frankish friend will be doing so from this. Luckily Cuivi was nearby."

A'kos hears Miro's words in passing; after a moment he grinned.

"Aye, of such are friendships born!  I thought we would draw blades that day, and a fine scrap it might have been.  One can hope the bastard is alive; I'd like to plant my boot in his backside for such rashness..."

Barmak, who had stayed aboard, stands looking out on the shoreward side of the knarr.

The pilot of the Heart of Oak walks up next to Barmak and lays a heavy hand on his shoulder..."We have talked little during this voyage my friend. I meant to ask you if you had ever sailed in this part of the Black Sea before. The east coast is new to me."

Dyanna also stands watching the shore with he hands resting on the rails. "So how do we go about getting Jean and Cuivi back on the ship? We are assuming that Jean is still alive yes? I doubt that Cuivi would have spirited off a dead Frank."

In response to Dyanna Loukas shrugs, "I do not know. They were not where Jean fell and there was no sign of Cuivi having dragged him off anywhere, so whatever he did, it seems the Priest managed to get himself and the Frank to safety. We can perhaps return and sneak in to see if they return... But we have no reason to believe that that the old man will not contact or signal us soon to pick them up from wherever they are, no?"

"I think you are correct Loukas...Cuivi will try to contact us whether Jean lives or not. We should just keep near the coast, not so close as to invite bowshot but close enough to see a signal fire or some other sign."

Barmak shakes his head. No...all new to me. Beautiful country...maybe cold in winter. We should have gurees the Amazons, or something like, were here.

You were right about my doing some of the rowing...not as strong as you, not nearly...but, well, stronger.

He turns toward the group. Seems to me we have three problems at the moment.

Retrieve the wise and foolish, or help Cuivi anyway,
Deal with these Amazons or whatever they are, and
Deal with the god Phasis.

We need to deal with the Amazons to have time to deal with the to-be-respected Phasis. Judging by the arrows and what else happened, nothing like an attack will succeed. That leaves negotiation or blackmail...or both, to my mind.

I suspect Lord Phasis is fond of that key and will want something substantial. I have an idea. I think the deities want to be prayed to or at least remembered. Now if we could have two standing stones, one on each bank, with a message carved in, something like

When you drink of this river,
Give thanks to the giver.
Say a prayer to Phasis
Whose bounty this is.
For here the water is sweet
Where Europe and Asia meet.

Maybe that would be something of equal, or even greater, value.

Dyanna looks at Barmak and says,
"Gods have always been vain. I think your idea is sound my friend. I am unsure how we will move the rocks and get them carved but in theory I think the idea works.

I am not sure how best to face these, amazons, as you call them. Between the Hedonite and myself we have a large range of spells that might help make the fight lopsided in our direction, we just have to plan this carefully."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Mon 08 Aug 2011.

Turning to Barmak, "Well, there is nothing we can actually do to aid Cuivi until he signals us as to where he is. It does not seem that we actually have to 'deal' with the Amazons at all, do we?"

He holds up his hands to stall the response he knows some warriors are likely to have, "What I mean is that we have come here for a purpose and taming a tribe of barbarians is not it. Unless they are somehow blocking our access to Pharis we may count ourselves lucky that besides Jean we did not fall into their trap.

"Finally, and speaking about what we are prepared for, your idea for building a shrine is interesting, but we have neither the skill (unless somebody here is a stone carver and I'm unaware of that) and the actual stones to create such a thing... Unless I am wrong and their are usable stones nearby and one of us does know something of creating such an altar?"

"Loukas speaks true...we really don't have to deal with the women unless somehow they have our friends but I don't think that is the case. Phasis is another story...I like the thought of playing up to his vanity through some sort of tribute or monument but there is the problem of getting that done. I am no stone mason. I think Radvila might have some experience in this."

He waves a hand at Radvila and calls him over. He quickly describes what they are talking about to the squat man from the Baltic coast.

Radvila smiles a gap toothed grin..."There is no need for stone work. We can fashion god-posts from wood just like some of your fellows Slavs have done. Frnd a stout tree, cut the top and branches off and let me at it for a few hours with my axe and you will have a fitting monument that draws it's lifeblood directly from the river spirit.

I am equally skilled at woodcarving as I am working stone and woodcarving goes much faster."

Balthazar now has protection from normal missiles active.  He will follow that up with invisibility and fly, and go out scouting for Cuivi and Jean.

"Then we find a proper tree, Radvila carves it properly, and we place it where?

"I meant what I said about not wanting to have to fight a battle against the tribe, but having had a few moments to think about it, I realize that their presence at this location is probably purposeful. After all, this is where we originally decided to make our sacrifice. We shall have to find a suitable location far enough away that they will not be able to assault us."

Taking a pause from casting, Balthazar shrugs and says, "Then we'll take them out.  Let me see if Jean and Cuivi can be found first, then we'll go to battle."

Balthazar takes to the sky while the others discuss the situation.

Two, I suggest, one on each bank. No guarantee we won't find another non-friendly tribe elsewhere...and how do we open communications with Pharis?

Cuivi lets loose a sigh of relief when he sees Balthazar.

Balthazar responds:


Balthazar then flies off to scout the opposing archers.  DM, I hate to ask this of you, I know you've managed to avoid the need for a battle map for the entire game so far, but it would come in really handy right now.  Otherwise, elaborate away!

Check the game map...the Amazons are the red dots in the trees. Cuivi is the blue dot in the tree. The Heart of Oak is near the mouth of Phasis but I forgot to put it on the map.

Wow, I never knew we had a game map before!

Well, the casting time for Leomund's Secure Shelter is 4 turns, and besides we're probably going to need that to sleep in at night, so I'll hold off on that.

Balthazar casts Monster Summoning I - elves again would be nice.  I assume that his invisibility isn't dispelled until he actually orders the summoned monsters to attack.  For the spot in which the summoned monsters appear, he chooses the swath of forest directly northwest from the center point of the Amazons.  That way, they'll come into being able to take cover from the get-go, and what's more they may be able to get rear attacks if all the Amazons are focused on watching the south.  At the very least it will turn them all around so that the party can then advance.  Balthazar is hovering 3" above the spot where the summoned monsters appear.  Just after he orders them to the attack, he casts sleep on the amazons, targeting those a bit farther away that wouldn't immediately be the subject of the summoned monster's initial attacks.

Between the summoned monsters, the sleep spell, and Amazons wasting bow shots on targeting the hovering Balthazar who is protected from their missiles (assuming none are magical) this fight should be under control.  If need be, Balthazar will follow up with magic missile and stinking cloud as appropriate.

Balthazar and his wizardly ways swoop down on the Amazons like a plague from the gods. With a flourish and a few words in an arcane tongue 8 short but exceedingly stout warriors, heavily armed an armored, appear just northwest of the Amazons. They charge the women with a battle cry that sounds a bit Germanic but still different.

The women are taken unaware but fight valiantly until they begin to fall asleep. One by one they drop to the ground and are slain by axe and hammer of the stout warriors who seem a bit confused yet thirsty for blood.

Only six of the women do not succumb to the spell of the Hedonite. One of them is caught and dropped by a stout axe while the other five manage to escape.

Without any other help, Balthazar has managed to clear the field of Amazons. In a matter of minutes, the stout warrior vanish just as they appeared.

Cuivi waits in his tree and surveys the carnage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Wed 17 Aug 2011.

From the Heart of Oak Loukas watches. At first concerned, but finally with an hurrah and a laugh, "Remind me never again to argue with the Wizard!"

The big Rus leans on the rail next to Loukas and smiles..."I knew we brought him along for more than just his cooking skills. Let us turn the ship back to shore where we can retrieve our bull and continue with what we came here for and see if we can find Jean and the shaman."

He looks to Oleg and calls out..."Let's get her turned around and back to the beach where we came from."

Slowly the ship begins to head back to the beach. Within less than 20 minutes the Heart of Oak is once again safely beached.

Radvila is one of the first out of the ship. He is obviously eager to start work on the god post. "I will find a suitable tree. I know that Barmak suggests two but I do not know if I have time to carve two trees. Cutting and shaping just one will be enough work to keep me busy for the next day."

"Keep in mind, brothers and sisters, that although there are few of them left, they may still return for vengeance."

He grabs a tun of wine from their stores and jumps overboard, approaching the wizard, Cuivi, and the unconscious Frank, "Sirs, you have both done bold and brave service to our efforts. Master Barmak, may I offer you some wine? Your throat must be parched after your little exercise! Cuivi, you do honor to your gods and show noble friendship to our friend... Where is Sir Jean?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Thu 18 Aug 2011.

Sorry Loukas...no sign of Jean anywhere.

Doh! I've edited my post.

Balthazar flies over to the party and says grimly, "I believe Sir Jean was taken by his old nemesis Basrakan the fire elemental.  We summoned him originally with the Cube I hold; dare we try it again now in an attempt to free him?"

I know nothing of such matters. I do know you're asking a big favor of a god...think two posts best. Unless somebody objects, I'm going to follow the Amazons who escaped for a ways. Think we should have warning if they return with others.

Dyanna shakes her head when she hears of Basrakhan,
"This is not good at all! My guess is that the elemental has had his eye on our friend and was waiting for him to be too weak to put up a fight. If this is indeed the case then Jean is in no shape to fight or free himself while in the clutches of that red bastard."

She looks at Balthazar and continues,
"I am not sure if that is such a wise move my hedonistic friend but I cannot think of an alternative."

Looking to Miroslav and the others,
"What do you think?"

Radvila cocks his head as he looks at Barmak and says..."Perhaps your kind is more used to carving coconut trees?"

He throws his hands up as he turns around and mutters...""Ok, two god posts but they will not be hardwood. This water god best be happy with pine!"

He stalks of into the nearby forest in search of two likely trees to fell.

Miroslav nods at Barmak..."Yes follow them but not too far. We may have need of you."

He looks at Ulfr and says..."Take some men with you and scavenge what you can from the bodies of the women."

He then looks at both Dyanna and Balthazar..."There is little I understand about your cube other than it is very powerful. I do know that Jean is our brother in arms and cannot be left behind. I will let the others speak their minds on this before I give my opinion." He gives both Loukas and A'Kos a quick glance.

"It truly was a horrifying sight! I rushed to Sir Jean's aid but before i could get to him, the ground itself opened and a fiery red hand grabbed him and pulled him in.

I had heard talk of this Basrakhan before but did not truly understand what he was. I fear we might not be able to help our friend Sir Jean but it seems we are honour bound to do so."

"Well ... " Balthazar thinks out loud, " just to give you a sense of what the odds are.  There are 6 faces to the cube, each going to a different dimension.  We once pressed a cube face that led to Baskrakan; no saying it will again.  So let's say that we have a 20% chance of reaching Basrakan with the cube in the first place.  Then once we've met up with him, we have to get him to hand over Jean.  I have charm monster memorized, and he's a powerful foe but there's probably a 40% chance that would affect him.  Otherwise, we might be able to overcome him with force, so let's say our chance of getting Jean back from Basrakan is 50%.  So put the two together, and we're looking at about 10%."

Loukas begins to speak and then pauses. Jean is a pompous cur as far as he is concerned. His religion is pompous, his unwillingness to do any real work is pompous... Everyone knows that he and Jean do not get along. BUT... When the Frank dealt with the elemental he might have saved their lives, and certainly saved others in the city. It reflected a wisdom that Jean, oddly enough, at least to Loukas's eyes, rarely seemed to showed. Even more, the man, despite his pomposity, was one of them: The crew of the Heart of Oak.

"If we were to rest for enough time to let you and Cuivi rest and recover your spells we would be better prepared. Let us rest here now. The sooner we do so the better. Then we go after him through the cube and Radvila takes his trees onto the ship and the crew that remains lies offshore waiting for our return, so that they are not exposed to a counter attack or any other inhospitable locals.

"Does this seem reasonable?"

Using what cover there is, Barmak goes off on his  scouting / early warning  trip.

A'kos has said little as the Hedonite plies his trade, and the others talk like a gaggle of women.  Disgruntled at being captive aboard ship, still part of him is relieved that he did not have to shed the blood of women, a strange brood though they were.

Listening to the plans he hears tell of Sir Jean's plight, and grin grows upon his face - here is a story worth telling!

"Aye, I'm for going after the stubborn mule!  A story to tell the heathens of my tribe around our fires to enflame (pardon the pun) their passions.  Perhaps such a story would be enough to finally convince Ge'za that abandoning our heritage has brought shame to our folk, maybe enough to force him to renounce his Christianity and put the interlopers in our lands to the sword!"

Realizing his passions were beginning to overflow he calms and bit.  With a rueful chuckle, however, he adds, "And I imagine their are flaming horses that will fair fly across the fields of hell - such a ride I would wish to take!"

Miroslav smiles at A'Kos, obviously he feels the same way about certain things. Once the Magyar is finished speaking he says..."It is settled then. We will do as Loukas and Balthazar have said. Radvila can stay here and work on his posts aboard the ship. I suggest that in the morning we go back on shore and get left there with the cube. Balthazar can work the damned thing and we can get Jean and be on our way even if it means we must kill Basrakan."

PM

After awhile a short while or a long while (Traditional Russian fairy tale way of putting things) Barmak returns from his scouting.

Ulfr and his small crew return with some weapons and a few trinkets from the dead amazons. Nothing too valuable.

Radvila returns and gets a crew to help him retrieve his two pine trees. They quickly drag them back and make short work of clearing them for the carving which he sets to before sunset.

The sun sets and a guard is set up...the Heart of Oak and it's crew safely rest for the night on the gently rolling waves of the Black Sea.

Barmak return ans reports: Seems to be no thought of attacking us. In fact, they sem to be in bad shape so far as their strength and numbers go. No sure about how all of you feel, but I think they can be negotiated with. We could help some of them get pregnant, and they could provide us with information and supplies. No so good an idea if they want to kill or enslave men, but maybe they're willing to adopt an alternative, like something normal.

This might be more likely if it wasn't...ah...like a stag mounting a doe...something more pleasurable for them.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Thu 18 Aug 2011.

Miroslav raises and eyebrow and looks at both Jaleh and Dyanna..."I will not pretend to understand women, even normal ones, if there be such creatures. I will also rarely deny a women my seed if she so craves it...I think we will need to talk about this more after we finish.

We can continue on here as long as we need to but I am going to start a new thread for the Search for Jean.

Loukas smiles at Barmak's suggestion, "It might be useful to learn what experience they have of Pharis... And whatnot. Well, clearly Jean is of the first importance. If you'd like to stay back and handle the... negotiations, Barmak, I think that would be rather... valuable to us."

Looking around at those who stand around him, he grins, "No. I am serious!"

Baqrmak clears his throat. The text is titled One Thousand and One Nights, not A Thousand and One in One Night.