Fantasy &nbsp; Tumultous Nights (SOD Adventure 2)

DJ UwU

We will have choices here as well and I will be documenting the logbook entries. This will be another AU with no ties to the main thread. There will be no posting order either but this is intended to be a free roam/semiplot AU set within Xaythea. You can bring your characters into this, there is no need for new characters unless you want them. If you are waiting on a turn, you may RP here and in Festival of Maglif instead.

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Season: Alsayf
Moon: Rose Moon
Day & Year: Flyrus of Year of the Buffalo
Weather: Thunderstorms, winds coming from the west at 22 knots (39 km h/25 mph); towards sunrise storms abate to be replaced by rain to zenith (mid-day)

"Are you sure this is safe?"

"We need food," came the feminine reply, her male companion giving her a level look. "And you and the vampire need to feed yes?"

"I don't know about him but I do," said the male slowly. "We have no idea what is out here Felicia. It could be dangerous."

"This entire adventure has been dangerous from the get go," said Felicia. "Money is tight and we have to use it sparingly. If that group of bandits hadn't robbed us when we slept..."

"Maybe if you hadn't fallen asleep on watch we wouldn't be in this situation," snapped the pale-skinned male, red eyes glowing within the darkness.

His companion was in her hybrid form, looking like an andromorphic feline. Felicia had explained that males of House Bast had small manes when in their hybrid form. As a result she didn't look like a humanoid at all. They headed into the woodland, searching for any wary travelers to hunt for Damascus and prey that might be out and about. As luck would have it, they had traveled some distance from camp when Felicia heard something moving within the brush. They both stopped, listening to the brush move and a rabbit darted out in front of them. Damascus took off after it, the rabbit's zigzagging no match for the Sanedhel who caught it easily and snapped its neck, canines elongating into fangs and then sinking said fangs into the rabbit's neck. In the growing darkness, Felicia made a face of disgust and continued walking within the woodland when chanced upon a small herd of Storsozelle grazing. Stomach rumbling, reminding her she was hungry, like everyone else probably was at that, she began shifting into her feline form. Bones snapped and rearranged, the girl falling onto four legs as her body lengthened and she stretched out before prowling forward as she searched for a target. There was an elderly Storoszelle and a fawn resting some distance from the herd. Felica's lips drew back over her teeth as a snarl echoed from her, tail twitching within the darkness. Crouching low, she prowled forward until she was close enough to pounce and then did so, scattering the herd as she burst among them. The sight of the werelion caused the herd to scatter yet the old Storsozelle remained behind, bleating at the fawn. The fawn got up and began rushing after its parental figure, the werecat leaping and hitting the animal, sending it to the ground. It let out a painful bleat and the old Storsozelle rushed the werelion who snarled at it before swiping out with outstretched claws, grazing its leg. Yet, unknowingly, the smell of blood and the hunt had attracted the eyes of a hellwolf and it sent up a howl for its pack before rushing Felicia, the two rolling around on the ground and clawing at each other, others hearing their packmate's call and rushing from their den.

A flurry of paws, hooves and feet rushed through the downpour that came from the dark sky above. Every so often the sky would be light up by flashes of lightning, stark white against the blackness, rain pouring down in sheets and the lack of moon and stars made it visible to see, forcing Damascus, Felicia and possibly Makino to guide the others through the darkness yet safety was not yet visible within to the three. How had everything gone so wrong in the span of a few hours? A few hours before when they had been safely wandering about and observing the wildlife as they searched for a new quest to fill their pockets and money for supplies and food. On top of all this, they had someone to protect, the group of adventurers becoming almost like a family in their quests together and whether it had been that reason for the attack and current pursuing paws behind them or they were, Vamdes forbid, sent after the group to waylay them or they had just been too close to their territory, the group of adventurers were now on a run for their very lives.

Behind them was the pounding paws, thunder not able to mask the bloodcurdling howls, the squelching mud that drifted onto legs, over hooves and paws and feet. A flash of lightning appeared some distance to Damascus's life, Felica snarling as she raced through the rain at the back and got caught by one of the hellhounds that leapt for the werecat who was holding a dead Storsozelle fawn in her mouth. Not much of a meal but money was a bit tight and they needed food. Damascus turned and in a blur too fast follow, rushed one of the Hellwolves, sending it off balance and into a tree instead, the creature letting out an enraged scream as it hit the tree. The creature picked itself up as more figures padded past it, rushing for the fleeing group of travelers who fled as best they could. Felicia glanced at Damascus as he turned to her and grabbed the Storsozelle fawn before rushing after the group, allowing Felicia to turn and face one of the creatures head on, though as a Sigma, she had not had trained much in combat. "Keep going!" shouted Damascus, the group coming to wide open country and a cliff with a steep path up ahead, the trees of the woodland gradually fading.

Felicia ignored Damascus as she turned and skidded to a stop. Out of the trees came a black furred figure with two large bat wings attached to its shoulder bones, a head devoid of fur and two bone-like appendages where flesh and muscle were missing. Still, the legs seemed permanently attached, as if this was not an issue. A pair of black ram-like horns and spikes littering its head came out of a skull devoid of fur, tissue and muscle but what was worse were the red pupiless eyes that stared at the lioness. It was a horrifying sight, one that sent chills down the lionesses' spine. She snarled, hackles raising as she stood her ground, waiting for the pack of hellwolves to pounce as more began to appear out of the trees. One of the hellwolves lunged at her, the one out in front that she had injured and injured her in turn, evidenced by blood dripping down both. The two clashed once again only this time a few helped its packmate with the werelion while others pursued the rest of the group.

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 18, 2019

Ori had been carrying pin in his arms. She was soundly asleep as they walked. The sound of the wolf howls easily woke her and she leapt from his arms onto the ground. For a moment he was stunned by the scene that took place. Seeing the glimmers of it from the flashing of the lightning. Unsure of what to do he pulled off his sachel and tossed it to Pin, knowing she'd keep a hold of it if things got rough. In a flash of lightning he spotted a portion of the hellwolves coming in his and the others direction. Wasting not a second more he turned into an owl griffin of his own. Standing much taller than his flechling counterpart. He stood over Pin ready to pounce on the first hellwolf to come close enough.

scorpiodragon · Sep 18, 2019

Damacus Elwynn

Realizing their most vulnerable member was perhaps Adamina and her child, Damascus turned and searched for her within the darkness as the howls of the Hellwolves grew closer, some splitting off from their pack to come at the rest of the group. Yet he could there was Ori who tossed his bag to his pet griffin and had shifted into a griffin himself. Shifter, Damascus thought to himself before going back to searching for Adamina. "Adamina! This way," he would shout, hoping the Suon wolf was not attempting to fight or lagging behind the group. Behind him a path led upwards towards a cliff and it was this Damacus stood at the foot of while keeping an ear on his surroundings.

Felicia Bast
It wasn't just one Hellwolf that emerged but a few who broke off from went for the rest of the group but the werelion could not be distracted for the hellwolf in front of her lunged at her, Felicia doged out of the way before turning and unsheathing her claws. "Hissssss," came from the werelion's mouth as she opened her jaws and revealed sharp teeth that glimmered as the lightning flashed overhead again.

"Really brother? Hellwolves?" A woman dressed in flowing white gown that flared at her hips and then pooled around her feet turned to the stranger resting on the settee. Within the shadows one of the Ancient Ones appeared and looked towards its parents, hissing in response.

"I assure your dear sister, I did not send the hellwolves after this little group of fortune seekers," came the ice cold voice, a man with eyes like burning embers languidly rising from a settee. "No, whoever did this Nitrix has another reason for doing so. Or maybe it is just a pack of hellwolves who are upset they hunted on their territory. Besides, Calius is watching things."

"Did you or one of your siblings release the hellhounds? Your father only knows how much you lot like toying with your creations," said Nitrix with a sigh. She only got a hissing chuckle in response and the Goddess of Life turned to her brother.

"They have done well so far."

Back within the stormy night an owl flew along like a phantom, on silent wings that mad nary a sound, eyes watching the battle below despite it being black out before flying towards a tree. "Whoo," came the noise of the owl as its snowy plumage stuck out against the night air, turning bright gold eyes upon the fighting below between the werecat and some of the pack. Felica snarled as one of the hellwolves jumped her while two rushed the shifter that was now a griffin, the rest of the group splitting off while most seemed to be content cornering the werecat that had dared hunt on their land. One hellowlf that appraoched the shifter attempted to jump it while the other would circle, trying to get at its exposed wings and cripple it so it couldn't fly. Meanwhile, Felicia snarled as the hellwolves began harrying the werelion, snapping and biting at her as they tried to distract her and keep her busy from helping or interfering with the others.

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 18, 2019

Ori's tail flicked angrily as he waited for just the right moment to attack. He took a dive at the one that came right at him slicing at its throat with his talons. The one that circled him took a swipe at him ripping a few feathers from his right wing.
Pin, who now had the sachel draped around her neck. Darted out from under him to at the nearest opening and took to the sky. Ori, knowing she was out of the way turned his hip in an attempt to knock the second hellwolf off balance.

scorpiodragon · Sep 18, 2019

A spray of blood sprayed from the torn throat of the Hellwolf that had tried to attack the larger griffin from the front, the creature dropping to the ground below. There was a choked scream from the Hellwolf as it stumbled back, blood staining the front of its pelt before turning and attempting to run only to collapse a few seconds later. The second Hellwolf succeeded in ripping out a few feathers from the griffin who did not expect the sudden jarring force from the griffin's hip which sent it sprawling to the ground. Despite the loss of one of their packmates, the rest of the Hellwolves continued to try to attack, Felicia doing all she could as she fought her own group of monsters. Felicia lashed out with fang and claw at a hellwolf that got too close to for its own safety, claws slicing through the hide and spraying blood everywhere onto the ground, some splattering another hellwolf that was close by.

A pained snarl escaped Felicia as a hellwolf jumped on her back and bit into her neck, causing pain to sear up down her body. Claws dug into the feline's fur as Felicia turned and thrash, trying to throw the hellwolf off her back as others snapped at the werecat's paws. Turning, she rushed for the cliffside instead, leaping over Damascus who was in her way, the Sanedhel pulling out his twin daggers and slashing into one of the wolves as it passed him, causing it howl in pain. Yanking his blade out, he spun and kicked out at another hellwolf, sending it flying through the air and slamming into the ground some feet away. "Felicia don't...." he started but the werecat didn't....couldn't respond with words in its current state and scrambled up the steep grassy path, rushing into the cliff's edge before it and sending the hellwolf and herself to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

Shaking her head, both creatures turned to face one another, falling into a circling pattern on the cliff path. To their right the waves roiled below, white foam spraying against the cliffs sheer face with a steep drop below. Felicia leapt over the wolf as it lunged at her and it sailed over to the rocks below, the feline scrambling up the rest of the rocky slope where in the distance she could see something in the distance. As the moon began to appear, she could a mast in the distance. Staring at it, her nose twitched when she heard the scrambling and barking of something and turned to see some hellwolves scrambling after her up the incline. Snarling, she leapt down among them, scattering them and then threw herself over into the abyss.

Mentioned:

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 19, 2019

Seeing the lioness fall down bellow Pin flew over the ledge to find her. Being almost the size of one of the hell wolves she attempted to grab one of the ones that were climbing up and throw it off as she descended.
Ori panicked as he saw Pin fly after Felica. Wasting no time he jumped onto the Hell wolf that he had knocked over, sinking his talons into where ever they would grab. His tail trashing angrily, not appreciating the damage to his wings this on had caused. He planned on grabbing this one and flying up to throw it at the next Hell Wolf he saw.

scorpiodragon · Sep 19, 2019

Felicia Bast
As Felicia fell through the air, the snagging of different hellwolves was successful, one trying to leap up at Pin as she flew over the ledge in search of the lioness that had thrown herself off. Two dark figures threw themselves off after the werelioness, tumbling down through the air to the waters below as did Felicia, the werecat’s tawny form somewhat visible with the moon appearing in the sky. She slammed into a tree halfway down but her weight caused the tree to simply crack.

The hellwolf yelped as it was snatched in the claws of the griffin and lifted into the air, talons digging into its legs. It twisted about, trying to get free, red crimson steaming down its leg. Others looked up but ultimately went rushing forward while there was an opening.

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 19, 2019

Pin dropped her hellwolf into the waters bellow, taking the opprotunity to fly a bit farther from the cliff as others pursued her and scanning the area for Felicia. As soon as she spotted her she quickly flew over the the tree. She nuzzled the werecat in an attempt to check if she was alright and let her know she was there to help.

Ori flew toward Damascus, throwing the stuggling hell wolf in his grip at the first one that he saw with as much force as he could. After releasing the one beast. He then landed near the Sanedhel with his side turned toward the other hell wolves, looking over to see how many were left. His tail still flicked wildly and he lowered his body, ready pounce once again.

scorpiodragon · Sep 19, 2019

Felicia Bast
Clinging to the tree as it creaked, bark flaking off as it began to crack, her tail dangled over the side as her claws sank into the wood as if that would help her from falling. The hellwolves fell into the waters below and she heard a few pained howls as they hit the rocks below the surface of the water, her ears catching the sound of wings and lifted her head to see Ori's pet griffin arriving. Releasing a concerned merow from her mouth as Pin flew towards her and nuzzled her, the werecat assuming it was meant as a sign of comfort. Starting to stand up, the tree began to snap and Felicia flicked her tail towards her left, huffing at the young griffin to go and spot the mast to lead the others to safety. She tried to rise again, looking for a way down. It was impossible for her to catch the cliff and pull herself up, that left possibly the rocks beneath the ocean which might kill her. However, her eyes spotted a ledge in the distance a short way from her and she leapt towards it, landing on her paws and shaking herself. Now she had to get down from here and that might mean climbing up the cliff face itself for there was nothing but ocean below. Turning she paced the ground, looking up at the cliff face. It was risky, she could see the cliff was wet with water from the ocean when it crashed against the sheer rock face but it might be the only way out of here. She took a running start and leapt towards the cliff, sinking her claws into the grooves between the rock.

Damascus Elwynn
Damascus lifted his head as he heard wingbeats within the air, only to see an owl griffin flying towards him. As the hellwolf in the griffin's clutches was tossed into a group, it sent them falling to the ground and then the owl griffin landed beside him. Knowing they had a shifter in the group and that was Ori, he wasn't too worried about the owl griffin landing beside him. The group of hellwolves lay there dazed, the one who had been thrown bleeding and injured from landing hard, one leg obviously injured. "Get up on high ground!" Damascus shouted. "Ori, see if you can find anywhere for us to hide to get away from these beasts," he said to the griffin. Unsheathing his daggers, he rushed towards the hellwolves, slashing into the closest one while they lay on the ground, being careful not to get them in a biting mood, lest the Sanedhel be poisoned. Moving at a speed more normal for a hybrid born of a vampire parent or a vampire itself, the rabbit blood gave him a bit of strength to perform such a feat. There were only a few more left as Damascus rushed into them. Though Sanedhel disliked fighting and preferred peace, he was ready to fight if backed into a corner.

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 19, 2019

Pin looked toward the mast and understood what Felicia had met. Watching her wearily she hesitated before flying back up toward the other. Flying back to Ori she circled him once before flying in the direction of the mast. Pausing briefly too look back. Silently saying she wanted him to follow. Ori let out a roar to get the other members of the group's attention. And get them to follow.
Pin flew away, leading the way toward the mast that Felicia had pointed her to. Ori flew back into the air. Not wanting to leave even Demascus behind he flew back. Tackling one of the hellwolves to the ground. Letting out a more menacing roar in hopes they would turn tail.

Yomojo · Sep 19, 2019

Ayren had just finally gotten her footing on high ground, having spent the earlier part of the kerfuffle simply running and trying to avoid gaining the attention any of the horrendous beasts coming after the group. Finally taking a moment to turn around and look at the scene behind her, there now seemed to be a noticeably smaller amount of hellwolves pursuing them. Still too many for my tastes the half-elf thinks, pulling out her crossbow and loading a bolt, taking an extra moment to aim in the less than perfect conditions before letting the shot fly towards one of the nasty creatures.

Aucren notices her sister stop behind her, and turns around with the intention of telling her to keep running. Upon looking back, however, the sight of both the shifter and the Sanaedhel acting as vanguards re-assures her enough that she takes a moment to look around, attempting to locate their missing werecat companion. Some faint sounds alert her to the cliff below, and she looks down to see Felicia attempting a wild scramble up the cliffside. Thinking quickly, Aucren turns around and snatches the coil of rope from her sister's pack, unrolling it and tossing one end down towards Felicia, wrapping the other end tightly around her wrist and planting her feet in an attempt to anchor herself on the slick, sodden mud underfoot.

scorpiodragon · Sep 20, 2019

Damascus Elwynn
Damascus heard the wingbeats of Ori again, this time accompanied by a roar as he worked to protect the rest of the group from fleeing. Another roar echoed within the air from Ori, the Sanaedhel looking up this time as Ori tackled one of the hellwolves to the ground. Damascus and his daggers were covered in blood of at least two hellwolves that he had killed when the others had, hopefully, ended up fleeing. The first roar made the hellwolves halt in their tracks, Damascus standing there, the sounds of the blood dripping from his daggers barely heard over the rain which gave time for Ayren to fire an arrow at one of the creatures, ending it's life, yet the second roar worked to scare off the remaining few who turned and ran. Reaching back behind him, he sheathed his daggers and turned to face the shifter. "Thanks," said Damascus. "Let's go before they get the courage to come back. I guess be glad it is hellwolves and not hellhounds, their subspecies will not stop when it gets a scent until that victim is dead or they're called off."

Yomojo

Felica Bast
Felicia slipped and snarled. For a few precious minutes, her back legs dangled helplessly away from the cliff's face before thrusting her hind legs forward and struggling for purchase, claws managing to catch the cliff face once again as she began pulling herself up. The rain lashing her face did not make things easy, nor the waves churning below. Something hit the cliff near her and an eye flicked towards a rope dangling in front of her. Grabbing the rope in her jaws, she caught a glimpse of Aucren standing above her and began the climb of pulling herself up with the rope and the half-orc's aide. Slowly but surely with Aucren's help, Felicia climbed up the cliff face and dragged herself up onto the cliff she had dived off of. Her ears twitched but she couldn't hear the hellwolves anymore, though she did hear the roar echoing within her ears. Rainwater dripped onto the feline, her fur all plastered to her body. A displeased growl echoed from between tight teeth as Felicia tried to catch her breath.

ArchAngelLexi · Sep 20, 2019

Ori finished off the hellwolf bellow him be clawing at it's throat. Nodding his head before shifting back. He let out an exsausted sigh. He a bit, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck. "Right you are, right you are. Just glad we all seem to be in one piece." Feeling a bit sore from the strain of shifting into such a large creature and exserting a lot of energy he stumbled forward a bit. He pointed toward Pin who was leading the other members of their party torward the mast he stated, "I guess we should go that way."
He started making his way toward that direction. His steps were slow and heavy but he pushed on. The rain slowly washed the blood from his hands, where his talons once were.

scorpiodragon · Sep 20, 2019

Damascus Elwynn & Felicia Bast
Damascus watched as Ori breathed out an exhausted sigh and then shifted back to his, Damascus believed it was called a base form but couldn't be sure, the shifter stumbling a bit. He pointed towards Pin, Damascus turning his head towards that direction and spoke of heading in that direction. In the air, he could see and hear Pin flying around and leading them towards their next destination, hopefully a hiding spot. Not sparing the hellwolves on the ground another look, he followed after Ori as they headed in the direction pointed out, using Pin as a guide to get them through the rain. The snowy owl spread its wings and flew into the air, following the group of travelers as they ventured onward through the darkness. Pin would lead the group up the cliff path Damascus had previously stood at which allowed them a vantage point. On the way they would meet Felicia who was panting and a sodden mess, a rope lying on the ground where the werelioness had dropped it. "We're leaving," said Damascus as he saw that Aucren was also there, one part of the rope tied around her wrist.

Felicia just lifted her head and huffed at Damascus. "Where are those hellwolves that went after you?" The lioness turned and made a chuffing sound while looking over the edge of the cliff to the water below. Her companion said nothing and continued to follow Pin up to the top of the cliff. From there, one could indeed see a mast in the distance. Raising a paw, Felicia swiped at her eyes as she turned them upon the half-orc and gave a purr in gratitude before taking the lead and heading down the other side of the cliff, the climb down not nearly as steep as the climb up but it could still cause injury if one fell. As they would descend the cliff path, the group would find themselves within a grove of trees and cautiously headed through it. It took them half a mile until they emerged finally to a beach that stretched before them and within the distance there could be seen a ship within the water, listing on its side. It seemed the most logical place to hide so they would begin jogging towards the place as best they could. Upon reaching the ship, they discovered it was somewhat grown over with algae and other plant matter. Whether it would be safe to seek sanctuary on or even sail was uncertain but for now it would do in terms of hiding from any predators that might be following them.

Kipsy ,

DJ UwU

Yomojo · Sep 21, 2019

Having successfully pulled the werecat back up the cliff, Aucren lays on the ground for a few seconds, catching her breath. Large cats, as it turns out, are pretty heavy. Hearing the others approaching, she rises to one knee before standing up. Ayren approaches, putting away her crossbow with a satisfied look on her face, following the lead of Damascus and Ori. Aucren unties the rope from her arm and roughly tosses it at her sister, who catches it with a jolt, surprised by the mass of fibres. "Oh, thanks. Didn't even noticed you borrowed it." the half-elf says, her half-orc companion merely grunting in response.

As they approached the seemingly derelict ship, Ayren strikes up a conversation between out of breath inhales. "Sunken ship? Well, at least it will get us out of the rain. And out of sight. I could defninitely think of better places to stay the night, though. We should probably scout around inside a bit, make sure no-one else has decided to seek shelter in there. Don't want to be surprised in the middle of the night." she remarks, staring up warily at the strange vessel.

scorpiodragon · Sep 22, 2019

Damascus Elwynn & Felicia Bast

The group slowed as they approached the ship and then Ayren broke the silence of their frantic running between breaths, questioning their find. Felicia rumbled in her chest, obviously displeased with the rain leaking off her fur but werecats were finicky creatures. Only the Viaza and Bakshi houses tended to enjoy swimming and being out within the water while the remaining three houses did not like water so much. Damascus gave the feline a long look and then turned his head towards the ship before venturing closer to it. "Perhaps some of us should remain out here in case those hellwolves come back or something worse until others see if it is safe," said Damascus slowly. Felicia didn't wait and began walking towards the ship without waiting for another word from Damascus, causing the Sanaedhel to hiss in annoyance. Felicia was sometimes more trouble then she was worth, given her training in a non-combative rank according to her species.

Felicia prowled towards the ship, wanting to get out of the rain that didn't seem to be ending anytime soon. As she moved across the sand, it shifted under her paws and was soon replaced by wet sand as she padded into the surf, water moving around her paws as she moved further. It seemed the ship was somewhat within the water, well that was probably to be expected but Felicia didn't know much about ships. She stopped though at the side closest to her, seeing some algae and other plant life cresting the ship. She wasn't sure but she thought she could make out a faint marking. Curious, Felicia grabbed onto the plant life and began pulling at it, flopping back into the water and wet sand as she did so. There was a 'V' but she couldn't make out the rest and then began shifting to call out to the others to come help, her body changing into her human form. Somehow this letter felt important....would it give a clue to what they had stumbled upon?

DJ UwU

Yahhah · Sep 22, 2019

Seri

A slinking shadow prowled across the road. Seri was in her cougar form straining her senses to read her environment, the werecat had been traversing the night when she’d heard a commotion and chosen to hide until the noise died down, which it eventually had. Now she stood in a clearing sprinkled with the carcasses of hellwolves. The rain impeded her sense of smell but it wasn’t hard to figure out what had happened here. Something or someone had killed these beasts, that piqued Seri’s curiosity. The sandy pelted feline stood to her full height and trotted around the site stopping every five steps or so to examine the area to try and pick up a trail the rain had yet to wash away.
When she did catch a scent it was odd, no two were the same. She believed she could pick out something feathery, and another that smelled catlike. Possibly another werecat but not one she knew. There were others if her nose didn’t deceive her but they were not scents she could decipher over the rain and blood.
After another few moments of deciphering the trail she took a relaxed trot off in the direction of the trail this supposed group had gone. She didn’t want to be in too much of a rush, as she didn’t want to appear threatening. Seri eventually stopped; the scent had gotten fresher. Sure enough there they were, a group of five or six. Seri sat down on her haunches and cocked her head at them, they were a mismatched group to be sure.
Deciding it would be better to make it known she meant no ill will Seri began to revert to her humanoid self. Not that they should have much reason to fear her as they had her outnumbered and that she was unarmed. As she stood, she took in the group with a neutral expression, “greetings” she called. Her eyes did stray to the beached ship ahead of them.

scorpiodragon · Sep 26, 2019

Damascus Elwynn & Felicia Bast
Before anything else could be said, Felicia had stopped moving and was tugging at something on the side of the ship, the fault causing her to fall back into the water. Nobody said anything to his suggestion of standing guard while some investigated the ship to see if it was safe and the Sanaedhel hissed to himself at the lack of support. His words of suggestion proved to be necessary as the group was soon joined by something that smelled of cat, a smell he could just pick up through the rain. A cat appeared before them with sandy brown fur and it began turning into its human form as it looked from them towards the ship that was in the distance where Felicia was also positioned at. The hybrid stared at the figure that appeared from the feline as she greeted them, Damascus's eyes narrowing as they were prone to do when meeting someone. Half-blood? Or pureblood? Damascus had not paid much attention to when Felicia had explained what she was and the other houses that were considered purebloods or even how half-bloods were made in werecat culture. "Who are you?" he questioned the now human of the sandy brown feline.

"I've found something," said Felicia as she came scurrying back towards the group, her nose catching the scent of another werecat and turned towards the stranger. The woman before her didn't smell like anyone from House Bast and she hadn't been around the other houses enough to be sure of what they smelled like.

"What is it?" questioned Damascus.

"A letter...a 'V' on the side of the ship but I can't tell what it is without getting more algae off," said Felicia. "I think it might be part of a name...maybe a clue as to the ship's origins?" Her voice was uncertain and Damascus picked up on it.

"You think?" he questioned. "Nevermind…I'll see to it. Go in the ship and see if it is sturdy." He turned and headed towards the ship himself as Felicia led the way towards where the 'V' was located, Damascus pulling out one of his twin daggers and beginning to scrape the algae and plant life off of the side of the ship, using the seawater to help reveal the fading letters of the ship, sounding them out as he did so. Soon a word appeared before him, faded but might be a clue. "V-A-R-A-N-U-S," he said slowly. "Varanus." Hmmm, he thought to himself as he crouched to wipe the plant and algae off his dagger. Straightening a few moments later, he looked around and then up at the moon once again. Heading into the ship after Felicia who had gone in when he had been scraping the plant life off, he entered through a hole in the side. That would need to be repaired if they were to have any attempt at sailing but first....to discover it was safe to hide out in.

Yomojo · Sep 27, 2019

Ayren and Aucren had both wandered off to take a look at the mysterious, beached ship. Ayren's natural curiosity had immediately lead her to examine the hulk, and Aucren figured that since the Sanaedhel had voiced concerns about keeping watch, he would be looking out enough for her to join her sister. "What do you think, sis? Lost pirate ship full of treasure? Ghost ship complete with old crew? Or just some boring cultural stuff?" the half-elf of the two asked, looking to her sister as they splashed through the shallow waters around the hull of the ship. "Well, hopefully not ghosts. Not sure how we'd be able to deal with that. I don't think my mace or your crossbow would be too useful against ghosts..." came the gruff reply, a casual observer taking the statement as a simple proclamation. Ayren, having spent all her life living with Aucren, was able to catch the hint of lightness that showed her sister was attempting to make the best of a bad situation. She could appreciate that, at least.

Aucren's attention turns away from the hull as Damascus barks out a question at what seemed to be another traveler. Grabbing her sister, the half-orc walks over to make sure the situation was being properly taken care of. Upon closer inspection, Aucren's insight is good enough to tell that this newcomer meant them no harm, which she communicates to her smaller half with a slight nod. Seeing the signal from her sister, Ayren intervenes to strike up conversation with the new arrival. "I must say, you've chosen a poor time to come along. We're currently being hunted by Hellwolves, and I'd wager that it's too late for you to try and run. Best for you to come join us, it seems we'll be spending the night in this rotting husk of a ship. Unless, of course, you have any better ideas for surviving the night." she calls out, figuring that having another pair of hands and eyes could be a good idea, and if they were to put this other werecat to work it would help to at least get her up to date on the current situation.

Yahhah · Sep 27, 2019

Seri

Seri stood still as she noticed one of the group turn to inspect her. He looked quite suspicious which she’d honestly expected but it didn’t bother the werecat much. He gave a simple question, who are you. No reason to lie about that, “I am Seri of... Well nothing much” she said deciding to eliminate the question of whether or not she was pureblood. That question would be answered anyway whenever she would need to shift into a cougar. Seri witnessed another werecat walk up to join them, she seemed young and didn’t seem to be sure of just what Seri was, hopefully she’d heard Seri’s explanation. The other werecat’s scent was now slightly familiar from this distance, reminding her of the only pure scent she knew well. A Bast, she was definitely a lot quieter than Ironpaw at least, of course it didn't take much to be quieter then him.

Seri noticed another pair approach; one practically dwarfed the other. If her judgement wasn’t off one was at least part orc, and the other seemed to have Elven blood. The smaller of the two seemed friendlier as she walked forward to say a few words. Seri politely took them in, when she finished Seri responded with. “I did notice the Hellwolves, I was passing through the area when I heard a terrible commotion. Once it was over, I decided to check it out and afterwards I suppose you could call it something between curiosity and concern for why exactly I'd decided to track you down. With a horse of Hellwolves about I think my only option is to take you up on your offer” her gaze returned to the ship. “I noticed the two of you were inspecting it earlier, did you manage to find out anything about the ship” she asked?

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scorpiodragon · Sep 28, 2019

Damascus Elwynn
Damascus turned his head as he heard a voice, that same voice of the interloper who had come upon them. The half-siblings, from what he had gathered, approached and questioned if anything had been found. "This ship appears to be called Vasanus," he spoke. "There isn't much more information that we have than that," he said, "unless Felicia has found something which I doubt." The werelioness couldn't seem to do much that was useful in Damascus's opinion. "Yes and that is why Felicia is checking out the ship in case the hellhounds come back and we can get out of the rain," said Damascus. She was okay at fighting but it was basic fighting skills. Not that he was much good at fighting either. Damascus didn't like violence...it wasn't in a Sanaedhel's nature.

Felicia Bast
Entering the ship, Felicia stopped as she scented the air for any scents but all she got was the scent of rain from outside, seawater, dust and rot. The hole in the ship provided the only source of fresh air as she made her way into the ship but at least werecats had good senses, no matter what form they were in. She couldn't see anyone as she found herself within hull but it seemed to be made of oak and hawthorn that she could see for the frame that was exposed, the planking appearing to smell like cedar. Her feet splashed in the water that had gathered within the ship and she made her way through it, finding frayed strips of rope lying on the floor as she moved from the cargo to the orlop deck to steerage and then towards the berth deck. Looking around she could see there were bunkbeds and posts that were bare but looked like they might have housed something once upon a time. The stairs leading upwards were at an angle since the ship was listed towards its side and she headed carefully up the steps, having to stop to catch herself as the water outside moved against the ship, hearing creaking from the boards. Don't let it tip, she thought to herself.

Continuing her way up the stairs, she found herself soon on the gundeck. All the while it was completely still, there being no evidence of people though she found a few clothes on a couple of the bunks when she briefly searched there. Where is everybody? I don't like this, she thought to herself, shuddering as she looked around. Steeling herself, Felicia continued upwards, passing the galley which was located on the mess deck with several tables and benches for eating meals.
Pausing to look within the galley, she swiped her finger on a table and got dust on it. By the time she got to the main deck, she was uncertain of which way to go but soon emerged on top, having to shift into her hybrid form in order to safely traverse the area. She could be seen now outside if any were to look her direction and lightning were to flash, the female passed the area where the foremast used to be as she headed across the deck. All she could see was water before her and jagged coastline. She then turned and headed towards the aftdeck, making her way to the cabin where the captain would once have stood, though she didn't know and pushed at the door in hopes of getting it open.

She had to push a bit to get it open, hurting her shoulder in the process and potentially an arm as she had thrown all her weight at the door..the end result being the wood which had been weakened splintered and she fell through to land on her face. Picking herself up and dusted herself off, finding herself within a living space of sorts for there was a couch and a globe in a corner. On a wall was a map and there was also a desk and broken chair. She could also see a sink and a door. Entering the second room, she discovered a bed and turned to see a compass on the wall opposite the bed with large windows.

It was quiet here, she could barely hear the sound of the sea, the thunder and rain. Felicia left and rooted through the desk, discovering a couple more maps, some parchment bound together in a book with some notes and a small leather bound book with the frayed words Capt. Petneak Sinai on the front in faded gold lettering. "Petneak Sinai," she said to herself as she examined the cover and then undid the leather strap that tied it shut, opening it to a yellowed piece of parchment and a photo that slid out. Bending down to pick it up she could see possibly an elf or a half-elf, she wasn't sure, with two adults and a smaller child the captain had their arm around and she knew it was the captain at least thanks to their semi-pointed ears and dressed in a black and gray uniform with brass buttons. Viewing the first page she could see a date and then what appeared to be the entry of a journal. She flipped through a few pages, discovering much the same thing with some sketches here and there, before closing it and heading out of the cabin before turning to where she could see the others. "It's empty! I found...a journal I think belonging to the captain!" she called down.

Yomojo · Sep 30, 2019

Aucren was glad that her assessment of the new werecat was correct. The calm tone of her voice matched well with her agreement to join them, and the half-orc couldn't really say no to any extra help on a night like this.

Ayren is about to respond to the question about the ship, when she hears her original werecat friend calling from above. Turning to look up, she can make out the outline of Felicia standing on top of what she now knew was the Vasanus. "The two of us didn't find much interesting," the half-elf says, motioning up to the deck of the ship, "but it seems our other werecat companion has. No better way to check things out than to head in, no?" Ayren turns around, trusting the others to make their own decisions, and walks into the previously discovered hole with Aucren close at her back.

Finding themselves in the cargo bay, the two sisters deice to stay in this first room and take a look around. After all, even if there isn't any cargo that could be salvaged for practical use, the previous contents of the ship could at least clue them into what sort of ship it was and perhaps even how it ended up getting beached out here. Aucren goes about rummaging through the less structurally sound containers in the hopes of finding any scrap of useful material, while Ayren scouts out for any objects that have managed to retain most of their integrity, figuring that anything worth finding would probably have been stored more carefully.

scorpiodragon · Oct 3, 2019

Damascus Elwynn
Damascus headed into the ship after looking around, hearing the two half-sisters heading towards the ship...the Varanus. He sniffed the air but the rain was washing away all scent and he so he followed the girls into the ship as he looked around himself upon entering the lower depths of the ship. His eyes easily pierced the darkness as he moved through the ship, searching for anything that could tell what this ship had been and where it might have come from. The wood that the ship was built with might give it a clue as to its origins but it was hard to say. A best guess was it came from Mosun, given its tropical climate or Storzine, however it was difficult to say without concrete proof. Perhaps there would be something in the captain's log that Felicia had found.

Within the cargo hold itself, there didn't appear to be much. There were some barrels containing crumbs that were covered in feces and urine from rats getting into them, stale wine which had turned into vinegar and there were also skeletons of people in iron chains. Could this have been a slave ship? Sometimes, the slave traffickers and poachers would sequester merchant ships to haul slaves from the other continents to their respective countries for their own slave markets. There were bolts and yards of wool and cotton, even some yards of silk.

The beds above them within the berk deck appeared intact despite the damage to the ship's hull but though the were poles in within the berth deck, there were no signs of hammocks. Damascus made his way around the berth deck, inspecting the deck. "A merchant ship?" he questioned himself as he sat down on one of the beds, the straw mattresses not changed in the gods only knew how long. There seems to be nothing of noteworthy important within the berth deck, he thought to himself.

Yahhah · Oct 4, 2019

Seri

"All the better to get out of the rain" Seri agreed. Making her way down the slight incline after them. She made her way into the ship and her body visibly relaxed as she was no longer assailed by the rain. Her eyes looked over the first room they were in, noting the skeletons decorating the place. Poor souls had probably died slowly, however long ago that had been. Her first instinct was to check the ship for some sort of plunder. She doubted there'd be much to find as the ship had most likely been here for a long time.

Her eyes had noticed the name of the ship as she'd entered it. The name Varanus had no significance to her, she moved through the ship trying to look for anything worth investigating. Most was un noteworthy to the Ironpaw but that didn't exactly surprise her. Perhaps she should've seeked out the other werecat to ask about their find whatever it had been. Seri passed the one who had questioned her as she had arrived, he seemed to be gathering his thoughts while sitting on a mattress.

"Not much of note is there" she commented to him as she passed.

scorpiodragon · Oct 6, 2019

Damascus Elwynn & Felicia Bast
Damascus had remained within the berth deck, thinking about the ship and if it wasn’t just hunting on the hellwolves territory to cause them to pursue the group. They had been awfully persistent. Was it something more and if so...what or why had they been pursued so fiercely? As the second werecat appeared within the berth deck and spoke, he turned his gaze upon her, not making any movement to get up. Whatever Felicia had could wait, as far as the Sanaedhel was concerned. "Nothing in here," Damascus spoke. "It seems that Felicia is the only one to have found something useful but I suppose we will not know what it is until we reach the top of the ship and can discover what it is together." Mentally sighing to himself, Damascus got to his feet and headed past the feline to the upper decks, finding Felicia coming back down after searching the captain's cabin again.

"Is that it?" he questioned as he looked at the book in her hand.

"Yes. There's a picture of the captain's family in there. He seems to be a half-elf." She opened the logbook for Damascus, briefly glancing at the other werecat and showing her companion the picture.

"Hmmm. We'll wait for the others so we can discover this information together." He looked at the pair of females and then went back into the berth deck which seemed one of the few places with seating, Felicia following him. They both sat down and Felicia opened the logbook to the first page that had the man's name on it and the picture of his family sequestered within. Who was he and what had happened?