20th Day of the month Arribea.

The Foamfollower casts off at dawn and makes its way out of Thyrta's harbour, its little skiff bobbing along behind it. The sky is bright, the a strong steady wind blows from the North, and in little time the ship is a mile or more off shore and Zenduf is  steering a course South for Tempigone.

Only last night the Korantines in the party (Kordan and Sallantus) called in for a drink in At Salty Mari's, and here lay he standard bet with the owner, Jaxo, with odds on their safe return. Jaxo seems happy enough to give odds of 2-1 against. Now many people say its just Jaxo's way to have sailors back from their voyage make At Salty Mari's their first stop when their purses are still full...but then maybe Jaxo is a good judge after all.

The fortunate wind sees The Foamfollower racing on its way - while this is reason for good cheer, there is less when it is clear the ship has found the island in the night, somewhat ahead of schedule, and runs aground at dawn with an ominous crunch. As the light blooms and reveals the coastline of what is essentially a solitary large mountain thrust up out of the sea, Zenduf curses his luck and sends a team into the skiff and others with poles to try and help him get the ship off the bar on which it is stranded.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 1):

...Continued

21st Day, Arribea, morning

Zenduf Seems well in charge of things, and Joresh his first mate barks orders at everyone, hurrying along their labours. He scrambles down below decks to inspect the hull - and returns to report to Zenduf there is a little water coming in, but nothing too serious right now. Zenduf assess the situation and asks through Sanjar as interpreter that Kordan take poles to the skiff, and make a way round the Foamfollower to test in which direction the water is deepest so as to choose the right direction to attempt to get off the bank.

Others are told to start finding heavy gear and goods and bring them up on deck so that they might be dumped in the skiff to raise the ship a little - even a few inches may do it.

As this is done, Sallantus casts his eye towards shore perhaps over a mile distant, and spies some activity - is that people on the beaches? Are they taking to boats? Might they be coming to help? Sallantus knows these waters a little (based on earlier Regional Lore roll), as does Kordan.

Either Kordan or Sallantus are entitled to make a Locale test.


Meanwhile,
Here's a reminder about the ship and crew:

THE CREW
Zenduf - The ship's captain and helmsman (Seamanship 88%, Navigate 75%), a grizzled seaman, perhaps 40 years or more of age

Joresh - First mate, and trusted to look out for Safra (Seamanship 95%, Boating 85%). Small and wiry with nut brown weathered skin and a lined face. Looks tough though.

Senduk - A man from Perlak. He's the ship's doctor (First Aid 78%, Healing 55%) but quite willing and able to pitch in to the sailing work.

Kallish, Midrim, Valosh, Vashtar and Horsum, the sailors, the core of the crew (Seamanship 30%-65%). Varying in age between early 20's and mid 30's.

Zebos, the ship's cook and storekeeper. He's panfully thin - just the way he is, so he says - because he's smart enough not to touch his own cooking, so say the rest of the crew.

Bessum and Zoshi, two deck hands. Bessum is a big dumb brute with little more than his musclepower to offer, Zoshi hardly more than a boy - he is 14.

The ship has a rear deck where Zenduf usually sits at the steering oars on a raised seat.  This area is part covered by awnings, and it is decked out with all manner of little religious images, symbols and charms placed there by the crew.
The main deck has a hatch down to the hold and to the crew quarters. There is a cabin for the ship's owner (currently Safra), another area reserved to the officers (Zenduf, Joresh and Senduk, and Sanjar has been allowed to cram in alongside them. The other crew and any passengers are expected to doss down in the hold or on deck such as suits them.

Orinastron absolutely sleeps down in the hold.  For goodness sake, if you are on the deck how do you not fall off into the briney when you are asleep.

Orinastron is quietly pleased that the ship's helmsman is that poor at his job that he actually managed to hit an island when there is all that ocean around.

Nevertheless, if there are people headed our way recent experience suggests lovesick tribeswomen are unlikely to be the cause so he will unpack his bow and have a quiver of arrows to hand to provide cover or a warning shot should it become necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Thu 03 Jan 2013.

13:51, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 19 using 1d100. 53 - Locale.

Kordan mutters under his breath something about experienced captains making juvenile mistakes, it's really very quiet though, surely nobody overheard the comment.

If the results of the Locale check imply friendliness, Kordan will proceed to the skiff to test for depth.  If hostility is implied, the information will be passed on and he'll delay long enough to judge whether we're going to battle stations or not.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 4):

Kordan - "well, that's Tempigone, and it belongs to the Himelans*, but most of the island is inhabited by Guyuntars (Kordan even speaks a bit of Archipelagan, which is their language), and are rumoured to be wreckers**, So had better watch out. If they know better than to take advantage of a Korantine ship...well this isn't one."



*Himela is a Korantine city-state, known to have the most radically democratic constitution
**I guess this is a familiar term to everyone...but just in case: - wreckers are people who 'salvage' things from ships found in distress on their shores, and may correctly be suspected of causing the distress in the first place by luring them onto rocks, reefs or sandbars.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 5):

"Oh boy. This sounds less like an accident and more like a trap."

Tanek prepares himself for impending combat and loosens up his sling. Maybe he'll get to prove out that Slings beat Bows today. His shield and spear will be stationed nearby. (Unless slinging can be done with shield equipped, where then only the spear would be propped up nearby.)

Kordan quickly relays the information and then double-times it to the skiff.  Getting off the sand bar, if possible, is going to be a major priority.  Grabbing Ori along the way, he hollers:

"Feed rope to me while I'm on the skiff, if things get too hostile you may need to help me get back aboard the ship."

Then, grabbing a length of rope, Kordan boards the skiff and proceeds to test for depth as instructed.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 7):

Then Kordan can make a Seamanship (Shiphandling per Legend) roll and see if his efforts impress...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 8):


15:44, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 23 using 1d100. (59 - Shiphandling).

Having tagged along onto the sandbar with Kordan, Orinastron will keep guard over them, bow at the ready and watching the approaching mob.  Once within normal range c. 125 m is it possible to discern whether they are armed and, if so, to fire a warning arrow short of them?

21:49, Today: Orinastron rolled 15 using 1d100. Perception (45).
This message was last edited by the player at 10:50, Sat 05 Jan 2013.

In reply to Orinastron (msg # 10):

Kordan does his job well, and quickly determines on which side of the Foamfollower there is the greatest depth to get free of the bar. It's not ideal as the wind is driving the ship the other way.

Fore of the ship, Kordan indicates where there is the deepest path through the bank - but it's too shallow for the Foamfollower.

A number of small boats are labouring their way out from the shore - once they are clear of the surf you can assume 10-15 minutes to get close.

Zenduf calmly takes control, the skiff is brought back close by the Foamfollower and anything of weight that can be is lowered down into it to help reduce draft. Meanwhile Joresh is seeing that the deck hands make everything else fast, and instructs those aboard to secure themselves too. The next bit is very tricky, but masterfully done - Zenduf manipulates the sails in such a way as to heel the boat, producing a list that lifts her keel to the side and so reduces draft by enough to see her driven off the sand bar. It's a critical seamanship roll for the old captain, and the Foamfollower grinds free before he has the sails turned, and she tips back to near the level. There is much clapping of hands and shouts of joy, an Zenduf feels his damaged pride and reputation has been somehow restored.

There is no prospect of the folk from the shore engaging a ship like the Foamfollower from their little boats, and once they see she is under way they turn back to shore.

What can and must be done this morning is the crucial bearing be taken from Tempigone, looking for where the moon sits in the sky and taking a course to the West in accordance with Rilados' instructions. Solisand is, you are told, up to 3 days' from Tempigone - well within the range of a ship like the Foamfollower without stopping over at Tempigone - and Safra is now determined to press on, having tolerated several days delay at Thyrta.

The mood is good today, and the Morkeshite sailors look on Kordan at least with some respect, he has shown he can be a useful hand at sea. Much unintelligable bonhomie goes around, but you can see there is a test of strength being lined up and maybe wagers taken between Kordan and their own brawny giant, Bessum the deck hand.

Orinastron climbs back aboard and will approach Kordan, Sanjar and the others.

'Do we need a plan when we get to Solisand based on what little we know?  Based on this morning's experience on the sandbar, we won't be able to get this hulk onto the beach and there's no talk of a port there, from what you said.  The ancient records of that Paladin talked of landing on a beach on the northern end, virtually nowhere to land on the rocky coast east and west and then long stretches of beach protected by reefs and monsters to the south.  Ruins of a village in the west and forests throughout the centre...

'Do we sail around and survey or simply make for the northern or southern end?  If we want to send a small scouting party ashore somewhere I'd be happy to be a part of that - the less time I spend bobbing about on what used to be a tree, the better.

'Any thoughts?'

"I imagine we'd put down anchorage and send our team to shore. Though we have to actually FIND Solisand first...

Oh and that Bessum guy?  I sized him up when we first came aboard.  I can take him."

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 13):

For the day following the grounding off Tempigone, the light mood returns, encouraged by the bright sky and following breeze that is the sailor's joy. Zenduf feels confident that the following wind will the Foamfollower to Solisand on the 3rd morning after Tempigone, if Rilados' navigation instructions are correct. Zenduf and Joresh take turns at the helm, and Kordan gets the chance to sit there himself, and learn how this foreign ship is steered with rope and tiller (Korantine ships have steering oars), and how the lateen-rigged sails are set to catch the wind. The crew are at times scurrying about their work, but the sea is playing nice, so there is time for relaxation too.

Safra enjoys being on deck, and as the wind whips at her clothes her handsome features are more apparent; at one moment the veil is briefly torn from her face, revealing a fine - and very young - face. Surely she is barely in her twenties? no younger in truth than some of her hirelings, but to be possessed of such a fortune and responsibility at her age...

Joresh breaks the moment, calling on Sanjar to translate for the foreigners.

"Bessum you big lump, get up here!"

"Look", he says to kordan with a grin, "a strapping lad at no mistake...a little wager then? We'll put 10 Dinars behind our boy" (it's clear this is a sum collected from the whole crew). Will you and your fellows match it?"

GM Note: to keep this brief in play time, your choice of Unarmed (Brawl) or Brawn to match against my choice of his. Can make it best of 3...but if you want to play it out as a full combat of Unarmed skills, we can do that too. Bessum won't have put many of skill points into intellectual pursuits, and he's a big lad - what do you think?

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 14):

I'd choose Brawl, as mine's slightly higher than my Brawn.  Slowing down gameplay for just one player to be involved in a mock combat doesn't seem terribly worthwhile as it's not plot integral, entertaining as it might be.

Best of 3 works for me.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 15):

It's before the evening meal - and the crew take up positions around the deck to watch the two giants go at it, laughing and clapping.

Kordan is not entirely surprised that a jar of oil is produced, and the wrestlers are expected to smear themselves with it, make the whole thing slippy so getting a hold is difficult. Back home they call that 'Assabian Wrestling'. But he is a little suprised that he's supposed to keep at least some of his clothes on - for modesty's sake. Assabians don't actually do Assabian wrestling naked. A relief perhaps, what with Safra looking on.

Bessum is relying on brawn alone, so Kordan draws on his experience in brawling to take him on, use a little speed and dexterity in the bargain. It's a simple job of pinning the other fellow down, or lifting him up off his feet.

Bessum may be slow witted, but he's good - his shipmates wouldn't be risking a day's pay each if he weren't. And he has three successes (16, 44, 13) - but Kordan can beat at least two of them on the opposed roll...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:04, Tue 08 Jan 2013.

19:55, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 91,68,58 using d100,d100,d100. brawl challenge (43).

Not even close!  Apparently the oil rub down threw me off tilt and a left myself wide open.

Orinastron watches the spectacle with a mixture of shock and amusement - two burly sea-salts rolling around on the deck.  The ocean will ever be alien to Orinastron's Jekkarene upbringing... Nevertheless his comrade's honour is dented and it occurs to Orinastron that, lanky streak of piss he may be, they might not know much of the Jekkarene style.

He clears his throat and steps forward, ”So brawn beats brawn, but can it beat wit? I'll stand as Kordan's second and tale the bet.  Will you try your luck with me?"

Orinastron is no expert at wrestling and certainly doesn't have the brute strength (Brawn) to take on Bessum.  Nevertheless he has learned a little technique in the ranks and it is a Jekkarene military style that maybe unfamiliar to this crew.  He has just seen Bessum in action and might have some sense of the big lunk's opening moves.

In reply to Orinastron (msg # 18):

"Double or quits little fellow? Our boy has hardly broken a sweat!" says Joresh. "And are you good for the money - if your friends do not stand you the wager, perhaps we can prevail on our lady to take it from your wages?"

At this point it seems hardly fair to remind folk that so far as Safra and her crew are concerned, Orinastron is still effectively the prize and property of the band, and no wage has been negotiated for him...

So Safra turns to Sanjar and says, "My dear and trusted companion - perhaps you may advise. It would amuse me to see this one put his efforts where his mouth is - I hardly think he could prevail. Perhaps if he were to win a match with Bessum he shall prove himself worthy of the trust that your recruits have placed in him since he so foully tried to murder us only a few days ago. I would see the captain get his money back, and I shall forgo my share of his slave price and place him on half pay* if he wins. But if he loses - then he is mine, unless he buys his freedom from me with his efforts on Solisand..."

*2SP/day for a skilled sell-sword

Does Orinastron hear any of this exchange between Safra and Sanjar?  Even if he does he will keep his thoughts to himself...  Tanek and Kordan already freed him, after the run-in with the brigands out in the hills before they struck upon Gorkas. Strange that this perfumed pair should think they have any claim over him!  If he should lose the bet he plans to make good his debt with the fine helm he took as his share from the last few days' excitement.

Orinastron will hazard that Bessum will try the same opening moves again and will look to feint these and go for a quick throw, using the lunk's weight against himself.  It's a trick that at only work once but even if it secures a small advantage it will be worth it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Tue 08 Jan 2013.

In reply to Orinastron (msg # 20):

Good call.

Orinastron thinks he has the measure of the big deckhand from watching his simple but effective plays on Kordan.

Make an Insight role to get a bonus (one grade easier) on your first roll - and then roll, best of three.