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Fantasy UNTAMED ARCHIPELAGO: IC

Other
Here
Martydi Martydi :
Turn actions
1. Gather information about the Oyster Isle
2. Trade magical lore with the witches

The Cult of the Celestial Siblings had arrived at the Grey Maidens after a long voyage. The Chorus poured into the markets to refill on water and other supplies, while the higher members of the cult went about gathering information for the venture.

Tyaraa and Telren, Heads of the Venture, instead sought the guidance of the witches in their wagontrains outside of town at the food of the dark and whispering woods... Tyarra was no spellcaster, but a dear friend and guardian of Telren, and would take no chances with a Venture Leader's safety...

Going to stores of knowledge (hard to find in the town proper) and asking around with locals and drunken sailors the Cult had a stroke of great fortune, finding a interesting bit of clues in the back of a book on island architecture. They learned on the Oyster Isle is an ancient tower built by the long lost civilization of the Vaal, a mysterious race not heard of since the second wind ages (15th age-- of 17, the current age). This tower was built in the style of the even more ancient Azlant -- who's building methods and styles date back to the 5th age! The Vaal tower is said to be an observatory of ancient Azlanti ruins -- most recently used to survey the island of smuggler's shiv. What ancient secrets did Smuggler's Shiv hold if it was touched by the ancient Azlanti? What else in the archipelagos could date back to the Vaal or Azlant, and if found what could the observatory tell about them?

Besides this, They learned of the ruined city of Mwangi on Oyster Isle, a great community astride the river that leads into the islands central bay. Among other notes, they found a map of the old city of Mwangi, which, if close enough to the ruins to get points of reference, could reveal the position of various points of interest there. (Make note of this!)

Meanwhile, Tyarra paced around a muddy tent where Telren communed with a witch named Shenogura -- waving her arms, she pulled motes of white and brown mana from her, sampling her power and nodding frequently. "The sphere of stars, and the sphere of earth... a natural combination -- heaven above, and earth below"

You have gained the spells of:

Earth: Flying Shards, Earth Might, Stoneskin, Lightning Resistance, Earth Grip, Summon Minotaurs (1d4, last 1 combat, "Bodyguard" descriptor)
Astral: Twist fate, Astral Projection, Starfires, Personal Luck, Resist Magic, Blink

(Your manapools are depleted, you may cast no spells this turn or next turn)

_______________________

Before reconvening at their vessel, the cult was approached by a strange Gnome with a sapphire chalice... "A cup of Waterbreathing", he called it... capable of granting up to 30 individuals the ability to breathe underwater for hours at a time. The Gnome, his purple hair going white, said he no longer had any use for it -- but would part with it for enough gold for him to retire (1 wealth) -- will you buy the item? (does not cost an action)
 
Pat Pat :

1) Scout the Oyster Isle with 21 Jestir and 3 Skald-kappi, exploring the ruins on the northern and southern peninsular lips of it's largest bay in addition to cautious further investigation of it's many 'hills' utilizing TRADITIONS of ESPIONAGE, COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE, and STEALTH to remain undetected/confuse any unwanted observers. Bylgja, a (stormlord) storm genasi, tries to conceal the Hringhorni by cloaking it in mist as it's mast is lowered to reduce it's profile once it nears the shore, and then proceeds to join and advise the landing party along with Einar's crag hedrox cat Jörmungandr to support the reconnaissance effort by conjuring illusions, increasing mobility, and enhancing senses whilst Jörmungandr goes where others cannot.


2) Raid, or if utterly uncontested, settle the ruins of the eastern bay (3 wealth spent if so), keeping a low profile. The Hringhorni itself is covered in local vegetation when beached to help camouflage it.

________________________________________


The Hringhorni pulled into the strait of Oyster Isle -- and upon doing so did everything in their power to hide their ship. The ruins north and south of the channel had many flooded basements -- filled with saltwater and small but very aggressive reptiles -- Jörmungandr ate one, but not without a hell of a fight. Learning quickly not to disturb them, they scouted the ruins (picked clean it would seem many times before) finding nothing of interest but a few Sandstone and Lapis mosaics of powerful dark-skinned warriors that apparently lived in this once flourishing city astride the river. some bits of pottery and a tablet or two later and they figured this was once the great city of Mpinkulu -- which the skalds roughly translated as "Big War"... After the ruins were searched the stealthy teams searched the surrounding countryside to learn that many of the "Hills" about the island were actually man-made stone barrows, covered by earth and grass with the passage of time. None dared defile these crypts without direct ordres, but the Jestir saw plenty of signs -- most especially bones outside the barrows -- to indicate that the dead did not rest easily here.

Uncontested, the great warband, disembarked, began to dredge a nearby basement of saltwater and begin construction of a great longhouse (3 wealth) that was to be three stories high, with arched clearance for even large ships to sail below it. The longhouse would be a place of commerce and socialization, but also a vault and seat of government as well. With a calm forest to the south and plenty of quality stone in the ruins, there were plenty of materials for the project. the bridge was completed first, when the expedition was approached by a dozen or so NOT SO SMALL but potentially very aggressive reptiles...

Aymarans they were, and far from home it would seem, as they were native to the great deserts far from here and south. Ten to twelve feet each, they wielded great trees like one handed clubs, The leader of the bluish scaly bunch and almost black in color wielded a magical leather tower shield and a cestus made of over twenty bone spear-tips, that shone with a yellow hue.

One of the smaller Aymarans listened to the dark one bark at him, then recited in a broken but understandable trade dialect:

"You Draining Spawning pool. Build on Kulu ruins We flattened. Aymarans come and flatten again?"

The warhost of Einar Jarl began to pick up their weapons and place down their tools, and the Aymarans smiled and picked their teeth... More Barking.

"Num-lox says you look like raiders. Come to raid us."

(DECISION POINT: Continue construction? Parley with Aymarans? One wealth is already invested)
 

Act I​
"A Kingdom of Ice and Torrent"
A pail of water wrested itself from oblivion on the deck of the Alfaðir, freezing over like a freshly washed winter porch then shifting to a boiling cauldron of activity and finally seeping outwards as if someone had submerged their arm into it. The water poured from the bucket, pooling into ten evenly spaced puddles that vibrated like a ferrofluid to a magnet - the air around them clicked and buzzed with electrical activity that made hair stand up on end.

They suddenly rose upwards undisturbed, flat plates of window-clear fluid; then straightened out and re-ordered into a rough, almost childlike representation of a short humanoid. The stickperson moved it's "hand" downwards, taking hold of the pail it had emerged from and hanging it from a bracepost to it's side. The figure then shapeshifted once again, legs and arms filling out into muscular, pale representations of dwarvish limbs, the torso and abdomen did the same before finally the previously simplistic and circular head was formed into a distinguished, detailed visage of poorly hidden beard-laden power.

Hrónn took in a chilly breath of fresh air, their choice of a representational form flaring it's rosy red nostrils to breathe and giving off a jolly, slightly too-wide smile. The Genasi looked across the deck into a crowd of hungover sailors ready for adventure, the crowd (about eighty in all) stood at port waiting to be ordered onboard. Stroking their noncorporeal beard Hrónn debated making the crew wait a little longer, though chose to be a little more polite. The Stormlord gave a ceremonial bow to their crew and stated one word in Brodirian Dwarvish: "Findäri.". The crew walked on board, all pretenses of silent professionalism releasing as they immediately broke into talk and laughter - Fiskanda followed the crew's example, showing the same uncanny smile as before and ordering for everyone to their posts.

The other nine Stormlords on the crew, all in various states of form and emotion, convened with Hrónn amidship. The nine: Eyþór, Nökkvi. Særún, Solveig, Bøki, Håkon, Wolffe, Hjalmar and Jens had less than two decades of experience altogether in the material plane but they were ambitious and powerful, traits useful in a place like the Untamed Archipelagos, and summarily the ten of them (including Hrónn) paid eachother the respect of a band of blood siblings - with all of the skirmishes that may come in a relationship so close.

After over an hour of structured argument the ten were set on accompanying Einar Jarl on his sail to Oyster Island, the ten were also in agreement that Dwarves are really fuckin' cool and that it would make some sort of sense to copy their architectural choices; believing that choosing the underground for a garrison was the best course of action in protecting the newly-formed settlement. Finally coming to a consensus, the ten threw wind into the sails and hailed for oaring - it would be hours until they reached the Jarl's position and they would need to catch their slumber.

Orders
1. Form a base-of-operations on Oyster Island, spending one (1) wealth on a wall surrounding the ruins, one (1) wealth on a fishery on the coast near them and one (1) wealth on beginning an underground complex that will serve as a military base for an Oyster Island garrison. (All of this is overseen by Leadfang-3 who has both Mining and Architecture experience.)

2. oyster island recon that was already accounted for
 
Twist Twist

Orders:

Seek an audience with the local Church/ Governor for their blessings/ protection to build a colony with Father Damian, 1 Alabaster Nun (Sister Jane) (Oratory/ Theology specialty used)

Reliant on order above (possibly)
Recruit volunteers/ the unemployed to help establish and build a colony with Father Damian, 1 Alabaster Nun (Sister Jane) (Oratory/ Translator speciality used/1 Wealth put aside for possible boat/ incentive)

Father Damian's spurious oratory had confounded the Housemen guarding the front of the Governor's mansion. Spouting theology and thanks and praise he and his Nun compatriot blazed past the outdoor servants and upon mentioning his charges, being Lepers, the indoor staff as well were too frightened to lay hand on him to stop him from ever-on making more and deeper polite progress into the building. Before long he was sitting before the governor... A rotund man his servants merely called "Mr. Black."

The governor was NOT intimidated or frightened by Damien, so he was taken aback when Mr. Black took a course tone with him, eventually heard him out, and then replied as he pulled apart a giant greasy rock-bird with his bare hands...

"Approval. Yes... Of course, whatever gets you going to parts further west the soonest. No, there will be no volunteers, conscripts or even hire-ons for your venture. We need every able bodied man in Port Bax for the time being... and gentlemen of your... condition... do not bode well for the Port or the townies. But let it not be said that I am not a sport for you getting in here... He pushed a small box of pearls and gems across the table at Damian -- (Gain 1 wealth) -- we pay our respects to the priests, and the gods, and all of that... Shit."

Father Damien was dejected for the kurtness and obvious biases of the governor, but any charity, no matter how barbed, could not be afforded to be turned away. Taking the box under his arm he made his way back out of the Mansion, this time to the rear, where many unsavory characters lurked, drank, and gambled. They stared Father Damien down, but could not get under the skin of Sister Marianne... lovely as she was, in her habit she seemed almost "out of time" with everyone and everything else, a celestial way about her. Her age could not be guessed without seeing her white and silver hair, and even that left a person guessing from the freshness of her face.

"These men are thieves and killers Father" Sister Marianne said.

But father Damien didn't hear her, as he stepped outside into a loud thunderstorm.

He would head back to port to make sure the resupplies had been done and, yet again, check on the status of all his charges.

He would also find that after boarding his ship, it was towed out of port and given a gentle ram into a lane of high wind... They were at sea again... having been on solid ground already seemed like a distant dream...
 
adrian_ adrian_

1. Form a base-of-operations on Oyster Island, spending one (1) wealth on a wall surrounding the ruins, one (1) wealth on a fishery on the coast near them and one (1) wealth on beginning an underground complex that will serve as a military base for an Oyster Island garrison. (All of this is overseen by Leadfang-3 who has both Mining and Architecture experience.)

2. oyster island recon that was already accounted for

Hronn and his crew arrived a minor time after his Ally Einar Jarl had broken ground on Oyster Island...

The Jarl was fighting... barking... or perhaps conducting diplomacy with Towering Crocodile people... Aymarans -- what were they doing here so far from the southland deserts? Likely escapees or abandoned slaves of some Muurdain project that used the giant monsters as dumb labor and warriors. Hronn listened in to the Exchange:

"Would raiders build?" Einar replied to a grunting Amyran Giant, a hand at his hip above his axe while he made a sweeping gesture over the great bridge, crowning jewel of the emerging skyline of the bay. Further drainage would cease for now, and the spawning pool refilled if possible. "We are far from Iorund, as are you from your ancestral homeland of Aymara. We hail from cold fjords, and your people from warm oases. A world apart, these lands of ice and fire, but yet here we meet in the middle," he spoke, patiently waiting for the translator to catch up. "Know now I am Einar Jarl, a man who is no friend of the Muurdain, and that I will not be moved from this spot. I say take the best of the spawning pools, and trust us with raising the rest of them into warriors capable of beating your's. Your mouthpiece here," he points to the smaller translating Amaryan, "can live with us to watch as well as step in where we fail. A day may come where Muurdaan seeks to take all these islands for their own, and so may a day when their rule is challenged. Would it not be better to have allies willing to do everything in their power to strengthen and stand with your tribe for when those days come?"

"We do not raise our young, and you think we will let YOU? Parent-Parent. Coddle-Coddle. Mammal talk. WEAK talk."

"We crushed the invaders that settled her before you, and we will come from the swamps to crush you again if you insist on staying here. Leave Croclets alone. Leave Ruins alone. Leave Island alone." The Aymarans left, walking straight into a tree-line like it wasn't there and felling prodigious amounts of old growth....

While the talks seemed to lead the Northmen nowhere with their neighbors, the work assignment was likewise as shitshow. (You can't build 3 buildings with one order, at least not without an already bustling community.)

There was no wall... what little barricades they erected washed away at high tide.

The fishery has an area cleared for it, but nothing put down...

And the ambitious idea for an underground base was abandoned almost instantly when any attempt to excavate the surface in the ruins quickly flooded with saltwater, and little aymaran young were running everywhere -- eating tools, stealing food, eating EACH OTHER, and more than anything just being a dangerous nuisance.

Hronn and Einar sighed and drowned their sorrows in great tankards of beer as the sun went down.

As they watched, a particularly large Aymaran Croclet swallowed their steaming cooking-pot, (and both of their dinners) before galloping off into a basement.

What in the nine hells would they do about this?!

(No wealth spent by adrian_ adrian_ on construction, Pat Pat spends 1 wealth on bridge)
 
Last edited:
Lazaro1505 Lazaro1505

Princess Despduis’s adventure:

Turn 1

Scouting / Gathering force: (60 Drones, 2 Directors, 36 Pincers, 2 Shamanwing); “The swarm’s first task… going out into what we call home in order to begin collecting and gathering resources so that we can begin our journey throughout the islands along with reinforcing our position in the case that hostilities may arise… whether from those we know or those unknown.”

Building: (60 Drones, 3 Directors, 10 Pincers) Guard posts; “Setting up guard posts positioned in key areas in order to better respond to dangers to our hive along with reinforcing our position should be the first thing we focus upon… especially with our rivals who may plan to attack us while we are gone.”

The Princess lay dormant in her chambers, tended by the court -- but the orders had gone up to begin scouting and construction outside of the hive.

Aggressive dances and gesticulations began as the bees prepared their first tasks of expansion in their territory... The buzzing became loud then overpowering as scores of drones and pincers took flight, under careful pheromone guidance by the Directors. The Beevarians were on the move!

The Beevarians had merely operated on a level of subsistence for the most part until recently -- the New Princess, Despduis, had ambitions beyond this.

The drones foraged further and more ardently into the surrounding woods than ever before... and rapidly found patches of DARKWOOD in the deeper forest and scattered supplies of AMBER the closer they got to the territory of the Arachnai, their occasional predators (and victims) who they shared a border with. The pincers killed any animals of significant size quickly and cleanly and carried them back to the nest -- It was incidental to the gathering of strategic resources, but the larders would be full after this operation.

At the very border of their territory they found a ship run aground that had been overwhelmed by the Arachnai -- Skeletons picked clean, there nonetheless were useful tools and items strewn about... and golden treasures glittered in the wooden wreckage as well... but did they dare potentially anger the Arachnai? The Directors pondered what the will of the swarm would be:

DECISION POINT:
A) Loot the shipwreck (+1 wealth)
B) Strip the shipwreck (+1 wealth, chance of materials/goodies) AND relations with Arachai may suffer.
C) Strip the shipwreck and pick the webs bordering Beevarian Territory of anything valuable (+2 wealth, Materials/goodies) AND relations with Arachnai fall considerably.

The Border of Beevarian Territory was pushed as far as could safely be flown into the woods before the webs of the Arachnai became dangerous and/or ubiquitous. The Silk-choked area of the deeper wood was full of new and ancient cocooned prey, not the least notable being the shank of a Vespasian (Wasp-folk) Raiding party -- had these wasps tried to sneak into Beevarian lands and fallen prey to the Arachnai?

The final point of interest was a small collection of Dryad Woods in a not-oft visited corner of the forest. Dryad wood had powerful magical properties, and was valuable in making items and in trade -- so the directors were tempted to attack the trees and take the glorious wood back to the swarm. The Dryads however said that if aggression was avoided, The Dryads would OFFER TO TRAIN THEM IN MAGIC.

DECISION POINT:
A) CUT THEM DOWN! (6 units dryad wood!)
B) Spare them for magical lore (costs an action each time to study with them, will teach nature and elemental magics)

________________

With the gathering expedition clearing the perimeter and driving away anything too large to be quickly killed, rendered and stored, The construction drones and their retinue set up many guard posts (no wealth cost) They might gain early warning of encroaching interlopers now, and fight more effectively on their own territory. (Updating map)

GLORY TO THE HIVE! DANCE THE HIVE IMPERIOUS! BEEVARIANS AS ONE!
 
Captain Dagget Daggerson

Turn 2


3 Months Ago


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Dagget Daggerson looked on in awe at the machine that was before him. It was a mechanical marvel. Something that was going to help him achieve his dreams of owning a successful port town in the middle of the untamed archipelago. A powerful tool and weapon that would make his life so much easier in the long run.


A true feat of goblin engineering. He looked at the Wrenchmace that had finished building the wonder before him.


“What do you call it?”


He gave a devious grin. “A Tinker Tanker. Its got the raw power of a Dwarven Construction Machine, but without any of those silly safety features that make it so much weaker. I mean, seatbelts? A waste of good leather. Metal liquid containers? Bah. That metal should be used for weapons. And it’ll be staffed by the craziest and most wildest goblins that want the job. What do you think, boss?”


Daggerson gave a whistle as he placed his tri cornered hat to his chest. “It's a piece of true beauty and you’ve done good work.”


He turned to walk away. “Just make sure that the boys are careful when they’re loading it up on the boat. I wouldn’t want it to break before we even get to the islands.”


—------------------------------------------

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The chaos that had been caused in the streets made Daggerson’s blood boil. He had just gotten a most wonderful high of not only winning a battle against a nasty dwarf in the arena, of which he not only received a large sum of coin, but also a pretty nifty Rune Axe that he’ll be sure to use in battle from now on.


Heck, that was even followed up by gaining two prospective investors into his venture. A venture alone that was a monumental task to be sure. But he was happy to take the coin from Prince Airdan and Guildmaster Zerah Chervon. Two very fine chaps, one of which even wanted him to train some of his men in the Daggerson Way of Combat ™ . With any luck, he’ll get to continue having such a fruitful relationship with the duo and they’ll stop by his port town.


But now…..Now he had to pay the town his hard earned winnings to not face their wrath from the chaos that his men had caused.


Before him stood the “ring leaders” of the chaos. Two Crays and a Troll whereas he was fuming, almost red in the face.He pointed at the two Cray.


“One of you stand on the other’s head.”


They looked at each other as each attempted to scramble and be the one on top. Hands and feet flew at each other in a series of uncoordinated strikes as eventually one proved superior to the other and took the position of standing on the other's head. A hearty grin on his face which was quickly removed when Daggerson hopped up onto his head to slap the troll, then jumped down and slapped the other two crays.


Dagget Daggerson was pacing as his spoke with his hands behind his back. His anger was rising so much that one could practically see the steam rising from his ears.


“You idiots! You complete morons! We are here to make money! Not lose it! At least not my hard earned winnings. Because when I win, you all win. But when you mess up. It makes me look bad. And if I look bad, people won’t come to the port. And if people don’t come to the port. We have no money.”


He moved in close to one of the Crays.


“You understand what I’m saying?”


The Cray nodded his head with a stupid grin on his face quite voraciously and then after a few moments of scrutiny, the smile faded to a frown as he shook his head in the negative.


Daggerson sighed as he placed two fingers on the bridge of his nose.


“You lot stay out of trouble. At least until I find some trouble for you to cause. Now get out of my sight. I have to go train some of the Prince’s troops in the Daggerson Way of Combat ™ .”


The two crays scurried off to the others while the Troll just slowly walked away. Nothing was accomplished and nothing gained. He knew that it all went through one ear and out the other. But it made him feel better at least.


—------------------------------------------------

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After training Prince Airdan’s men, Daggerson made sure to get a good night’s sleep. For in the morning, he had everyone packed up safe and sound in The Golden Dagger and launched forward to the Mysterious Island G.


“Land Ho, Captain!”


“Good, good.Send 5 Hobs to scout out the island. They can be pretty sneaky when left on their own. If there ain’t any islanders, send them back out with 10 Wrenchmaces to get the lay of the land and see how well it can be used for our plans. Hopefully they’ll find something great and not get killed.”


Daggerson was hopeful. But this time he was keeping back his most disruptful elements as best as he could. If there were islanders on this land, he would make sure to give them the best possible first impression that he could manage.


Which meant keeping back the Crays and the Trolls of the Trash Vanguard unless things were about to get hairy. And if they were, well, lets just say that they’ll finally be put to good use with all that destructive energy that they love to exude.



After giving his orders, Dagget went back to his cabin and began plotting his next move. He’d need to be very careful out here in the untamed wilderness. He didn’t have too many goblins. But he did have something special. The Tinker Tanker



Actions:


  1. Train Prince Airdan’s troops in the Daggerson Way of Combat ™
  2. Survey Island G. Send Hobs first using their expert scout and spying action. If the Hob report comes back without their being any current tribes on the island, take them back out with the Wrenchmaces to use their survival skills to ascertain how useful the island is to their current venture. If there are islanders, Daggerson will come out to meet them with some troops on standby in case things go south.
  3. Move to Island G



Crew: 5 Tinker Thinkers

8 Trash Vanguard (Trolls)

10 Goblin Hobbes

40 Wrenchmaces

39 Crays


Captain Dagget Daggerson
 
A coastal barque gently skimmed the ocean surface with the True Banner of Attolia proudly flying over it. The Attolian Nobles found themselves crammed in the Captain's Quarters once more with bookcases lines along the walls. It was so crammed that they couldn't avoid bumping into each other. They all stood straight and looked at the First Captain who stood behind a desk. The First Captain thought to himself "Kindred, yesterday, we arrived at Port Bax and mingled with the natives. First I want to thank the bookcases for their advice and expertise in diplomacy and law to ensure that we behaved like proper humans and spoke like them. Second, I wish to applaud you all for a successful night of gathering information and filling our bellies with food and booze. However, we must discuss certain concerns. First, humans do not have relations with inanimate objects, Lord Billy Bob. Please cease any mating rituals with chests and other inanimate appearing objects while in our human forms. Remember, we are able to communicate with fellow mimics telepathically if they have a certain amount of intelligence." It was then that the First Captain heard in his head "But... Captain! The Hope Chest! I could have sworn it was a very good mimic! I couldn't tell if it was a beautiful hope chest or not! Not one of my jokes worked! Surely if it is a mimic, then we want it to be a part of our crew!"

The First Captain feigned a sigh and said "Yes, yes... but there are more discreet ways to confirm if another object is a fellow mimic. We must maintain our appearance to continue our mission and quest. Remember, we now represent the proud human Attolian Navy, and we must act like it. That said, we will likely return to the Port to confirm if the chest was indeed a mimic in the future. Now, the second matter... I must regretfully inform you all that there are no bookcases that are capable of drinking or getting drunk. While we are in the presence of others, I must request that bookcases act like bookcases and blend in with the background while communicating telepathically to feed us your wisdom and act accordingly." The First Captain heard a collective groaning in his head.

"That is it for today's feedback session. Now onto the second part of our team meeting. What shall we do now? We are adrift off the coast of Ayan Bakur. There are clear signs of civilization and society on the island... and we have a ton of spices in our hold." One of the bookcases then spoke in the First Captain's mind "Perhaps, we should proceed to the walled settlement in search of the Garun'dim? I am sure that I can help negotiate a fantastic price using these commerce books that are on my bottom shelf. Bring the spices and the bookcases along in carts and wagons with a retinue of Totally Normal Humans dressed as Attolian Navy Officers, the Kuo Toa marching band, and a few corpulents to serve as extra labor and protection" The First Captain replied in his head "Very well, then what of the Kuo Toa?" Another bookcase replied "I can help keep an eye on them and keep them busy. While we have scouted the surface of the island, we have not looked underwater. At the worst case, we'll find some fish to catch and eat or maybe some oysters as the isle's name suggests, but perhaps the waters hide secrets that even the surface folk are not aware of."

"Excellent!" The First Captain replied in his head "This has been a productive team meeting. Let us now set forth and do what we must. Gather half of the honor guard! Sound the marching song of the Mayflower!" The Totally Normal People and bookcases left the Captain's Quarters and began to form their work groups. The Nobles stumbled upon the Koa Toa, on the deck of the ship... imitating the humans that they saw lately. The First Captain notably saw one of the Priests posing for a personal... portrait? in an Attolian midshipman's uniform that another Koa Toa was attempting to sketch in an imitation of the grand portraits of important humans. The First Captain looked at the rough portrait and was amused by the surprising accuracy of the rough drawing. He gave a quick nod of approval to the sketcher before he called out "The Mayflower sets sail! All hands on deck! We set sail!" A flurry of activity exploded on the ship as the Kuo Toa crew rushed to get to their positions and begin the journey. Meanwhile, one Kuo Toa was in bliss and excited to have been noticed and recognized by the First Captain as he hiss hummed a tune to himself while standing at his position, crewing the Mayflower.

1648579461210.png

---

Summary/Orders:

1. A party sets forth to explore and conduct trade/diplomacy at the Northern Shore Ruined Temple/Walled Community POI

First Captain w/ True Banner of Attolia
10 Totally Normal People
Bookcase Numbers:
4. History, Arcana, Theology
5. Stealth, Espionage, Counter-intelligence
6. Carpentry, Shipwright, Architect
7. Translator, Diplomacy, Castellan
8. Crafting, Artificer, Law
10. Monster Lore, Survival, Commerce

10 Kuo Toa Priests (Astral 1/ Water 1)
2 Kuo Toa Corpulents (Astral 3/ Water 3)
2 Units of Spices

2. The remaining crew and mimic ship explore the underwater areas around the island of Ayan Bakur/Typhian Strait for resources and/or anything else of interest

The Mayflower (3 Water/ 3 Blood) (4 Adhesive Tentacles - Mid/Short Range + Bite)
50 Kuo Toa Miscreants (Work at Priest level of Talent when being led by at least 1 Priest)
10 Kuo Toa Priests (Diving and Survival Specialties) (Astral 1/ Water 1)
3 Kuo Toa Corpulents (Wealth Generator relative to number of underlings) (Astral 3/ Water 3)
Bookcase Numbers:
1. Astronomy, Navigation and Cartography
2. Gunnery, Engineering, Metallurgy
3. Medicine, Herbalism, Biology
9. Agriculture, Mining, Geology
 
The Imperial Expedition

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Tian appeared back in the middle of a magical circle and began chuckling. The two Imperial Scholars who were drenched in sweat looked at the Crown Prince with a complex expression before sighing and shaking their heads.

“My hunch was right. There is a scale here.” The Crown Prince chuckled as looked in the direction of Arafelle. “Little Queen, making an enemy of the Dynasty and possessing a scale will be the biggest mistake of your three lives. ”

Xia Hu, the Empyrean Corps Commander knelt in salute. “My Liege, the Empyrean Corps will prepare. I do not know the capabilities of their cavalry but I have confidence in our troops. The heavens will see our victory. The Empyrean rules!”

"Esteemed Song Hui and Celestials, you will all follow me. Esteemed Ren Huan, please take control of the outpost in my absence and prepare a sufficient defense with Esteemed Lai Jian. I will leave the specifics to you. I also authorize the relocation of all the cannons in Shenlong to the outpost so they can complement the defense that you would prepare. We have no time to waste, we will depart immediately."
​
Order 1: Defense Preparation
A budget of 1 wealth is allocated for this project. Scholar Ren Huan, the settlement scholar, and Scholar Lai Jian, the Survival/Treasure-Hunting scholar lead the Taskmasters and workers to build a defensive perimeter and traps for the upcoming battle. The specialty of the Burning Riders was kept in mind so they will focus on creating defenses that would be advantageous against cavalry as well as complementing their troops such as the Empyreans Corps. Instead of being lethal, the traps would be intended to impede and eliminate or at least reduce cavalry advantages while maximizing infantry advantages. Once you go into the zone, it would be harder to retreat as well.

Some workers were given different colored fireworks and deployed to act as sentries. They will hide and relay information through the fireworks they would launch. Red means the Burning Riders are approaching, Orange means Arafelle is present, Yellow means the Wight is present, Green means the scale robe has been spotted, and Black means the enemy troops outnumber the expedition.

Order 2: The Awakening
Before they left, the Celestial Unit bound the Empyrean Corps to an Astral Mark on Crown Prince Tian who could recall his bodyguards to his side when necessary. Crown Prince Tian, Scholar Song Hui, and the Celestial Unit also left an astral recall mark on the outpost before secretly departing towards the volcano to tap into its slumbering power and awaken magic. Crown Prince Tian tried to utilize his Imperial Lineage that is related to dragons to tap into its innate fire magic potential and worked alongside the Scholar and Celestial Units to make sure they will be able to maximize their gains. Scholar Song Hui also studied the environment to prepare for rituals or magic that would be helpful in the ascension of the fire magic potential of the expedition as well as the potential to erupt the volcano in the future.
​
 
Trektek Trektek
  1. Train Prince Airdan’s troops in the Daggerson Way of Combat ™
  2. Survey Island G ("SANDRIFT"). Send Hobs first using their expert scout and spying action. If the Hob report comes back without their being any current tribes on the island, take them back out with the Wrenchmaces to use their survival skills to ascertain how useful the island is to their current venture. If there are islanders, Daggerson will come out to meet them with some troops on standby in case things go south.
  3. Move to Island G (SANDRIFT)

    The training of Prince Airdan's troops was more than successful, he thought -- the Akluitok weren't from around here or anywhere else goblins had likely been, but that had good fighting spirit, and Dagget could work with that. Work he did, and collected his pay.

    The Mysterious Dune-choked Island of "SANDRIFT" (so named because of the constant drifting dunes and the odd rift in the sandy earth on the north part of the island)
    did not seem like the most inviting of places, but it was not without points of interest... MANA CRYSTALS grew in a strange fertile clearing in the middle of the island, Amid tiny Veins of SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES. Things glittered at the bottom of the rift as well, but whether it was water and light playing at the bottom or some kind of metal the Hobs could not determine.

    One thing they were sure about however was a great marble mausoleum-like structure was in constant states of being buried and uncovered by the wind sweeping the south part of the isle. The area would need to be excavated to gain entry -- the sand piled high at the only entrance... but Dagget and his minions could only wonder what prizes might lie inside it. Heck, The Wrenchmaces had a mind to just smash the structure completely and sell the valuable pretty stone.

    Large Scorpions travelled in packs on the island however, but they were easy for the Hobs to avoid or intimidate... for now. It seemed with every encounter they lost more and more fear of the newcomers, but for now were content to endlessly chase the island's goats around rather than try to sneak up on any of Dagget's Goblins... for now.

    Was this the island of his Venture's Settlement? The goblins were unsure. There were resources here but not much clear land -- and the mausoleum when it wasn't looking attractive for loot could give the odd goblin a chill... and they were all pretty odd goblins. Captain Daggerson wondered if he could clear some or all of the dunes with the Tinker-Tanker and plenty of elbow grease... His 'Thinkers said if he wanted to, he could fill in some of the shallows around the island with dunes and maybe even make the island larger!

    Was it a good idea? No idea!

    Did it sound like a good idea? YES -- IT INVOLVED KNOCKING THINGS OVER.

 

  • Zerah Hian Chevron, Titles:
    The Avatar of the Ashen Flame
    The Second Sun
    download (1).jpg
    Zerah without his garb that hides his face and body.
    Age: 124 Apparent Age: Early to Mid 20's (Applies to Cherub and Sid as well)


Horrors of the Past: Both Manor and Brother
[Ravinca's Sandbox] - [Music]​

[One Hundred and eight Years ago] - [Oraska Village] - [Zerah Age: 16]

The birds fell to sleep; the lightning bugs flashed across the entire village. Sleepy, boring village. A reveler would perish on entering the place... Well if not for the town's tourist attraction. Accidental arsonist and feeble plagued miscreant. Not the dynamic duo fit for a circus, but it brought all the druids, priests, clerics, what have you into town. Mostly priests. And that kept most kids inside, to shelter them from the horror of the sickness, obviously (not). Each day would end as the sun began to sink. The visitors come at dusk, when the arsonist would sleep, to speak with the sickened boy. Yet, on this night, fate had something more in store. You see friends. Religious orders have their own plans, own goals. No one wants a little boy to stab their propaganda to pieces, especially when this kid stabbed it twenty-eight times. Figuratively speaking of course. This time, the priests came not to heal the unfortunate soul. To kill him they came, and they brought a black book, drenched in blood. They entered the Chevron home, cleaning the eating table. A stone fireplace, a rack of bear rugs. Mikhail Chevron boasted to be the best hunter in the land, and he wore the husk of a panther as a cloak. A cloak with its treated leather, trimmed with its bones. A comfortable home and a wonderful lifestyle compared to many around.

The priest placed the book on the table, taking the child's hand. Cherub, his name was. Cherub. The almost forgotten son. Black ooze fell from his hand. Rumbles in the sky, in the earth. The air began to ignite in rage. The priest's eyes grew large as demons stripped to the bone appeared around the house, glowing with two black flames for eyes. Screams, crashing wood, claws piercing flesh. Blood gushed as children and women fled in every direction. The priest raised the symbol of his god, pressing it to Cherub's forehead. Prayer beads in each hand. He splashed holy water onto the plagued. Mikhail bellowed at the priest.

"Exorcism?! You bastard." As Mikhail pressed toward the priest, a holy light froze his body.

"You will not interfere." As the priest continued work, a demon slinked behind him. His claws ripped the priest to shreds, leaving the house in a macabre of death. Zerah jumped the railing, rolling and landing beside Cherub. Cherub kept his hand on the book. The skeletal horns of the demon twitched in response, causing demons across the village to bow.

"My master. What would you have us do?"

"Take me away from here. I... need away from this horrible group of people." The demon picked up Cherub, sprinting out of the house and village into the woods.

"No... the priest must have made him crazy." One foot in front of another. Zerah ran after the demon, chasing it through the woods and rivers. At a clearing, Cherub kneeled, and a dozen or so demons covered every angle of the clearing.

"Why are you following me? Leave me alone."

"Cherub, that priest made you crazy. Come back home."

Cherub clenched his fists, "No... NO... FUCK YOU. I hate you. Every second, every breath I have had to deal with pain and isolation. None of you cared about me. Days you would go without seeing me. Mother doesn't know my name. None of you love me. I'm the runt, the dead weight to you. You kicked me, spit in my eyes. And that night, you left me to die when I somehow convinced you to let me see the night sky at your little favorite spot. So, no Zerah. You're not a brother to me."

"You know if I die, you will too?"

"Good." The demons rushed at Zerah, biting their teeth together. Closing his eyes, a light emerged with a dash of shadow. An inferno rushed and waved through the clearing. Two circles left unburned. One around Zerah, another around Cherub. The book clasped shut and blinked out of sight. With a dash of black sand, Cherub fell flat onto the grassy forest floor. Heaving Cherub over his shoulder, Zerah carried him to Oraska.

An hour passed. Tents put up. Cherub in one of the surviving buildings, Zerah in a tent distanced from the others. Out of earshot. A dagger stained with softly glowing blood. A touch of ash in there as well. Many cuts, many. Sometimes the demons die and return to hell. Or they have been banished to somewhere else, leaving you in hell. Tears, a puddle amassing. A chest-bursting depression, figuratively of course. And as the night began to end, the dagger was wiped clean. The blood was cleaned, and a promise was made.

FIND A CURE.

[Present Day]

"Zerah, are you sure that grapefruit isn't a vegetable?"

"Marge, it's in the name. And for fuck's sake, what does that have to do with Ravnica here."

Sevastian materialized, "Nothing. I begin to question the people you put around yourself."

"Seva, we're not going to get lost. We're not going to pilot this ship like a drunken goblin."

"Fair fair, but my people do not like this place. Something has happened. We best be prepared for anything. Ravnica could be a demon for all we know."

Marge smirked, "Yeah Gocjekt, I could see that."

Gocjekt rolled his eyes, saying nothing.

Zerah crossed his arms by the wheel of the ship, "We should at least speak with her. Have her come to shore and speak with us while we stay on the ship."

"Assuming she is Ravnica." Gocjekt snarled. Sevastian and Marge nodded. Seva calmly. Marge with sudden enthusiasm shook both of her fists down.

"Alright, ready yourselves. Anything could happen."

Orders:

  1. Attempt to meet with "Ravnica" by the shore and discuss with her on the island, etc.
  2. Move to Sandbar Crocodile
  3. Scout Sandbar Crocodile
 
In the wee hours of the morning, after an evening of fine wining and dining with other patrons and captains in Port Bax, Lady Victoria returned to her ship, a bounce in her step, a lipstick smear on someone else’s collar, and a certain someone on her mind.

Thus, she began to write a series of letters.

Heyitsjiwon Heyitsjiwon
To Captain John du Doe;

I chanced upon some bookshelves of yours while I was in Port Bax. They were quite handsome, with glossy finish and solid shelves. I am intrigued by the rumors of your mission, and curious to know if you are as becoming as your furniture.

Warm Regards,
Lady Victoria Varna

Cosmo Cosmo
To Captain Hank Willians;

I had the pleasure of meeting a certain Bill Dauty while exploring Port Bax. He had a sample of fine tobacco with him which he so generously shared with equally fine company. If it pleases you, Captain Williams, consider The Black Light a future customer.

We look forward to doing business with you.

Graciously,
Lady Victoria Varna

P.S.: I hope we meet again, Bill. 💋

Beckoncall Beckoncall
To the Honorable Governor of Port Bax;

Greetings from House Varna. I, Lady Victoria Varna, the late widow of Sir Orvyn Varna, passed through your charming town while conducting official business.

It was a wholesome experience. Port Bax is the cleanest and most genteel port town I have had the pleasure of visiting.

I will be visiting Port Bax with some frequency as I continue my work in the area. Would you be amenable to a trade deal? The influx of wealth will mutually beneficial.

Cordially
Lady Victoria Varna

She had her work cut out for her – from her crew’s research, there potentially could be treasure in those mountainous islands. But there were also merfolk in there. She could have to exercise caution to avoid inciting another war. She wouldn't mind it, per se, but Lady Victoria did not feel she was currently in a position to defend herself under the Varna banner if something went awry.

No, what she wanted to do was find out more about these mysterious triplets, and the ruins of the Makken-Depths.

If she helped the Yssians, would they be loyal to her? Would the royals feel entitled to their noble positions? It would be no good to Victoria to have uppity slaves, but if she could see what it is they wanted, she could perhaps ply them with money. No, no. Not money, that's stupid. They weren't human, what good would Muurdaan money be to them? She'd have to think of something else. Food? The Pazai would be hard-pressed to share during a war. Did they smoke? Could she sweet-talk the tobacco growers into a trade? Ah, no, then even if the merfolk smoked, they would cut her out of the deal once they found the source...

What did she, as a devil, want? Well... to see evil flourish. To see anger, resentment, vitriol. To break hearts. To have complete and utter control of those under her. And Old Ys... They lost a war, and then lost more of their people to a rebel faction? WIth pressure on both sides, they would be feeling... defensive, she imagined. Betrayed on both sides. Perhaps wanting revenge?

Victoria’s Turn-Two-Do List:
  • Send greetings to du Doe and Williams
  • Propose a trade deal with the Governor of Port Bax
  • Ammo up at the gunnery
  • Set sail for the Highstone Grottos
  • Scout the coastline of Old Ys.

 
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≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡
"Peggy, we've just left Port Bax and are heading into the archipelago with our cargo full of tobacco and tobacco accessories. You should see The Ladybird sail, she's as smooth as a tavarian tobacco, I tell you what. We are heading to an unknown island, I hope to find some potential customers that can enjoy the clean, smooth burning flavor of tobacco, but we won't know until we get there. I'm worried about Bill. He went to a tavern last night where he met up with a few other people, I think the invitation was meant for me, but, well, you know Bill. Says he met a lady there and that she's interested in him. I know what you're going to write, Peggy, and I agree. Bill is a good man, but he's Bill. The last thing we need is another Lenore situation. With the port left behind us, it is my hope that we will put this whole 'Lady' business behind us and get to doing what is right and needs doing, selling and growing tobacco.

I write you now as your husband and father of Bobby. How is the boy? Last you told me he was starting to court that neighbor girl. I don't know Peggy, she's not even tavarian, I'm not even there and that boy ain't right.

Regards,
Your Husband,
Captain Henry 'Hank' Williams, Captain of The Ladybird, seller of Tobacco and Tobacco Accessories"

≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡ ≡≡≡≡≡

The Ladybird rocked on the ocean's surface, a wooden blade that cut across the ocean, waves and ocean foam caressing the underside of the ship as it made its way into the great unknown that was the Untamed Archipelago. Behind them, just visible on the horizon behind them, was Port Bax, the last, known, bastion of civilization on this frontier. Blackburners, Shovel Knights and Spinning Handgunners walked to and fro, pulling lines, adjusting the sail, swabbing the deck, their work was concise, consistent and constant... Save for the occasional pauses where they'd take a quick smoke break, but there was nothing wrong with it. The real crime would be to deny a hard working man the smooth, clean burning flavor of tobacco. The smoke that lazily wafted into the air from any single pipe, cigarette or cigar was a small thing that would not stick away, the beautiful, soothing scent of freshly burnt tobacco primed to be stolen away by a strong sea breeze, but bring together a hundred of them and it created a constant haze of smoke that could sink and attach to everything. The wood, the sails, the rope, the bunk, no single part of The Ladybird would be void of that divine, heavenly tobacco flavoring.

Captain Henry 'Hank' Williams stood on the helm of the ship, the strong, sturdy Tavarian hardwood wheel filled his calloused hands just right. This old gal could take a hell of a beating and keep on chugging, there was no better vessel to carry a cargo as precious as tobacco in the whole archipelago and no finer crew to gently guide her across the waves to her waiting customers. Yes, somewhere out on those waves were islands full of people with their own customs and cultures, but none of them had that smooth, clean burning tobacco, it was his sacred duty to see that need fulfilled. His chest swelled with pride as he took a long drag on his pipe before he released it back out in a long steady stream of smoke, there was no finer feeling in the world, tell you what.

"Captain!" a nasally voice called from behind and Hank had just enough time to close his eyes and let out a long, slow sigh before he turned his head to spot Rusty Shackles sprinting up the wooden steps, "They're here!"

"Dammit Rusty, what's here and keep your voice down, you're scaring Ladybird," Hank said as his a vein in his forehead throbbed and his teeth grounded down on his pipe.

"She should be scared! I saw them! Off in the distance," Rusty said as he rolled a new cigarette with steady hands and popped it into his mouth, "Crab Men," he finished with finality, as if the very essence of the word should send good, strong Tavarian men screaming for the hills.

"There is no such thing as Crab Men, Rusty," Hank said as he rolled his eyes, "Why are you scrubbing the deck? The varnish is going to wear off if you don't-Hey! Those are Bill's shoes."

"Why?" Rusty said as he took a long drag on his cigarette, "He's good as dead, what's the difference? He would have wanted me to have it."

"Bill isn't going to die," Hank said as he gently adjusted the coarse of The Ladybird.

"Yes, he is. You've heard that story he's been on about. Of 'Lady Varna'," Rusty said as he blew a smoke, "No non-reptilian agent of the Tavarian government would ever be interested in a man like Bill. But she could be the leader of the Crab Men."

Hank rubbed his eyes with his free hand, as he tried to rub the annoyance and frustration away.

"They're out there Hank. They want to steal all our metal and build a metal ship to sail across the stars where they will join up with the lobster women and breed an army of lobster/crab hybrids that will suck our intestines out to lay their eggs in," Rusty said as he adjusted the dark reflective glasses that sat over his beady eyes, "The lizard overlords in Tavara don't want us to know about them because they have a secret alliance," he explained with the same tone he would have used to tell people his favorite cigarette rolling technique.

The captain didn't say anything and instead took this chance to take a long, steady draw on his pipe, letting the smooth, clean burning tobacco fill his lungs and clear his mind of Rusty's stupidity.

"Ha- Captain!" The loud, but somehow demure, voice of Bill said breaking over the momentary silence and peace that had settled over the helm, "Do you know when we're coming back?"

"No, Bill," Hank said for what had to be the twentieth time that day, "I don't know when we're coming back and I don't know when we will meet the captain of the 'The Black Light'."

"Oh, alright," Bill said as his shoulders slumped. His hands anxiously tapped against his thighs for a solid minute before he dog out a crumpled, lightly perfumed letter and started to read it again, "Lady Victoria Varna," he giggled, "She's so-"

Rusty let out an annoyed shriek, "No! I can't stand it! Lady Varna is a secret Crab Man agent working for the Tavarian government and I don't want to hear about her again!"

"Well, I'm sorry," Bill said, "But you're just mad that I've found a lady that is interested in me!"

"I already have the most beautiful woman in the world, my Nancy. As faithful as she is gorgeous," Rusty said as he took a long puff on his cigarette, his chest swelled with pride.

Bill and Hank busied themselves with looking anywhere but at Rusty, unable to look him in the eyes when he talked about Nancy especially with how faithful he truly believed her to be.

"Well no one prettier then Lady Varna," Bill said after a long, awkward stretch of silence, "she's got the bluest eyes, like crystal glass on a clear moonlight night. She's got just the prettiest red hair, like someone reached up to the sun and plucked it right out of the sky and spun the most beautiful crimson tapestry, and her clothes! She dresses so nice and fancy, with the prettiest little jewel at her throat and she smells like the finest Tavarian tobacco dipped in scented oils and baked into just the best bread there ever wa-"

"I-tell-you-what-man-you-know-it-getting-ugly-in-here-I-hear-Bill-one-more-time-about-that-lady-gonna-get-dem-ass-whoopin'-on-him," the rapid fire voice of Boom, mercifully, interrupted Bill's talk of the mysterious woman's endless beauty and qualities. Boom was carrying a wood platter that had four, full mugs of grog carefully balanced on it. He approached the group and each one took a mug, offering a nod or thanks to the First Mate for his tireless work.

Hank slipped the pipe in the corner of his mouth and took a long sip, "Yep," he said.

"Yep," Rusty followed, the cigarette held loosely in his lips.

"Mhm," Boom went next.

There was a small silence and all three men looked at Bill, a large dopey smile on his face as he held the grog and crumpled letter in each hand. He looked back at them and let out a small squeal, "She likes me~ and when she smiles..."

Orders/Actions
1. Sail to the Ghost Fort and Scout. Scouting team will be Rusty Shackles with Disaster Preparedness and Counter-Intelligence along with 3 Shovel Knights, 5 Spinning Handgunners and 6 Burner Blacks.

2. Captain Hank, and the two Puff Puff Pacifist, will look around for any interesting or unique plants they can crossbreed tobacco plants with. If the island appears to be 'dead' or void of plant life, Captain Hank will instead organize a friendly game of 'Pigskin' to improve morale, dividing the crew into two teams: Longhorns and Sooners.

Mentioned: welian welian ​
 
  • c794cc292db921e905ac88c974c8de4a.jpg
PRINCE AIRDANElf, Male, Druid, Opposed
- Playlist -

Elf Prince of the Fair Isles
Son of King Eldrin and Queen Delmiria
Younger Brother of Princess Eldrina
Fiancé to Princess Cordelia of Clavenshire

Location: Grey Maidens
Wealth: 2

Action 1: Relax at the taverns.
Action 2: Gather intel for Ravnica's Sandbox.
Travel: The Enchantress will set a course for Thruneswatch.


- Grey Maiden’s Tavern -​

“I’m still not sure I understand your decisions, Prince Airdan. We don’t know this goblin or his intentions. He could be running away with your wealth. You need to be more careful outside the kingdom,” Haemyth lectured.

“I am just as concerned for my own safety as you are, Haemyth,” the prince smiled, “and that is why I bargained with the goblin to train our Aklu warriors. He seems more than willing to aide our crew for a fair price.” His words did not seem to comfort or change the ill expression on the Winterborn’s face. But it was at least comforting to the Prince knowing more of his soldiers would be better equipped for whatever the archipelagos would show them. “Come, have a drink.” The prince slid a tankard of beer across the table. The two elves sipped and the buzz of the tavern surrounded them.

“What do you imagine your bride looks like?” Haemyth smiled to break the silence between them. The prince’s right eyebrow raised slightly. He never gave it much thought. “I imagine she might be pale like the snow. But her personality is warm, like a golden campfire.”

“Have you visited Clavenshire before, Haemyth?” the prince wondered.

“No, never,” the Winterborn replied. “In fact, I have no reason to travel to any human lands outside your arranged engagement.” The prince harbored a deep apprehension about his journey to Clavenshire, long before the witches revealed his fate within the Harrow cards, and it burrowed itself further into his stomach knowing Haemyth knew just as much about Clavenshire as he did. “Are you worried, Prince Airdan?”

“Yes, a little.” The Prince couldn’t lie, at least, not to Haemyth. “Wouldn’t you feel the same?” Haemyth paused to take another sip of his drink and placed a steady hand over the prince’s shoulder.

“You, my good lad, are the Elf Prince of Fair Isles.” Haemyth looked straight at the prince. “You possess godly powers that manifested at your birth, you are as beautiful as the nature which you create, you are cherished by your subjects, you have achieved so much since you were an elfling. Should there be anything you ever worry about- a woman is one of the last things on that list.”
 
Auriel Maza Auriel Maza

  1. Attempt to meet with "Ravnica" by the shore and discuss with her on the island, etc.
  2. Move to Sandbar Crocodile
  3. Scout Sandbar Crocodile

    It was suddenly cool, even cold as Zerah and associated landed in the silty bay by the ruins of a long-ago burned dock and disembarked to see Ravrica -- a much younger version of her -- Waiting to receive them on the beach... No servants were evident, but a delightful looking spread was laid out before the expected guests.

    Zerah and company, out of politeness, settled at the askew table quarter buried in the sand and Ravnica sat on a cushion slightly above the sand on her descended edge of the welcome table, while the visiting folk sat on the higher end of the table and examined the pastries and drink that lay out before them.
"It's been a while since we had guests -- and we have little else but guests to serve" Smile Ravnica, dropping a rotted eyeball into her tea nonchalantly like a sugarlump... the tea stirred red... a crimson of blood. Sorry that the last visitors haven't kept so well, but you'll be staying a while won't you Zerah and friends... you'll be saying a LONG TIME..

The linens on the lopsided table began to drip with blood, the tea was blood, the pastries on offer, rotted flesh. Looming in the dunes to the west, the hot mirage returned... a grand picnic of natives being pulled from the oases by Ravnica's servants and retinue, with them being beheaded and eaten in the sand-covered fields...

Zerah put up wards to keep the maleficence from growing -- and decided to beat a swift retreat. The alternative was to be drawn into Ravnica's house of nightmares -- which they would not dare without more understanding and magical backup...

"Oh, you are leaving already? It's been so lonely since the staff had to resort to eating the natives.... AND EVEN LONELIER WHEN WE CAUGHT THEM ALL AND WERE FORCED TO TURN ON EACH OTHER... LONELIER STILL WHEN WE LOST ALL HOPE, Dear guests! (her eyes, ears and nose pouring blood on her black and white garments.... Zerah knew if they did not extricate now, they would be lost in the haunted house -- and directly at odds with a terribly haunting.

Zerah and friends excused themselves nobly and backed to the dock boarding the skiffs.

"Surely you can't stay for a few eons, friends? Ravnica said as she waved a bloody hankerchief and began to eat her other hand absentminded-ly.

"Lady Fingers... they takes just like Lady Fingers...." Ravnica burbled with her mouth full as Zerah and host noped the fuck out of there...

"We'll go to Sandbar crocodile, fleeing this horrorshow -- When we have more magic we will purge this place."

_____________________________

They moved to and scouted SANDBAR CROCODILE, leaving RAVNICA'S SANDBOX well behind them, not telling the crew or anyone else curious in the venture of the horrors they'd seen.

Sandbar Crocodile had Goblins running all over it -- apparently moving in mutually intimidating circles with the giant scorpions that lived there. Trektek Trektek Dagget Daggerson and his Goblin Venture had already reached here, and seemed to be making decisions on what to do next with the island.

Points of interest were a buried Mausoleum that did not emit the horrible dark radiance of Ravnica's Haunt -- and it seemed mana crystals and strange water plants grew at an oasis among the primarily desert island. Zerah noticed that scorpions went into a great crevasse north of the island to eat and rest, and took all care not to provoke the goblins OR the skeletons.

In the shallows rotted the top half of an old merchant ship... tiny imps and mephits (minor demons) putting on some strange play as crew, pretending to sail the wreck through the shallow waters where it could not move... One flying mephit/imp wearing a balding felt captains hat waved a flag of commerce and parley... "Have any wood for trade? We, Hell's Javelin, need supplies to get seaworthy again!"

Zerah didn't know how to answer....
 
Heyitsjiwon Heyitsjiwon :

1. A party sets forth to explore and conduct trade/diplomacy at the Northern Shore Ruined Temple/Walled Community POI

First Captain w/ True Banner of Attolia
10 Totally Normal People
Bookcase Numbers:
4. History, Arcana, Theology
5. Stealth, Espionage, Counter-intelligence
6. Carpentry, Shipwright, Architect
7. Translator, Diplomacy, Castellan
8. Crafting, Artificer, Law
10. Monster Lore, Survival, Commerce
10 Kuo Toa Priests (Astral 1/ Water 1)
2 Kuo Toa Corpulents (Astral 3/ Water 3)
2 Units of Spices


Trading with Ayan Bakur was Easier than the perfectly normal people anticipated. They were a nice if not worried community, liviing off subsistence farming, Spider-milking (for poison and silk) and under the temple, a particularly clever bookcase specializing in espionage and stealth learned of a DIAMOND MINE hidden underneath the temple which likely justified the communities existence (the visiting of outsiders often enough to trade diamonds for whatever they needed) It also turned out beyond the forest the island was purportedly crawling with aggressive, fast, and ravenous demons resulting from some magical catastrophe originating from the ghost-town in the center of the island. The Women of Ayan Bakur (who did most of the diplomacy and trade, while most men worked in the secret mine and farmed for what amount of food would grow here) were thrilled to see the "Attolians" had spices -- as they were desperately needed to make food go farther both in how it could satisfy and how it could preserve it. The two units of Spices were quickly parted with for EIGHT wealth. The ladies were nervous to give any indication the town had such money to pay traders, but the perfectly normal people assured the people of Ayan that it make perfect sense with their secret diamond operation... things were tense for a moment...

...Then a bookcase fell over, and both sides of traders helped put all the books back in place. This was a herculean achievement by said bookcase to remain quiet, as restocking it's shelves made it extremely ticklish. But the event broke the tension and the perfectly normal people were innocuous enough to set the villagers jumpiness at ease.

The people of Ayan had the following for trade:

Silks -- 3 Wealth Each unit
Diamonds -- 6 wealth each unit (scarce)

The people of Ayan opened up to the perfectly normal people since their secret was known and said they were having trouble with A great warparty of lobster-folk that called themselves "Homarids" that blocked the way into more fruitful parts of their mine. They surmised the traders could not help them, but if they could bring appropriate arms and personnel a "most favored" relationship regarding diamonds could be arranged.

The Kuo Toa put on a huge juggling act for coin lest they be eaten by the corpulents, and generated 1 wealth.

And then just as suddenly it was time to go. One of the "Perfectly normal people" was offered a generous plate of food (a scarcity indicating some esteem, politeness) which apparently was absorbed into the very OPPOSITE oriface humans generally ate with. The Mimic figured if it's all one digestive tract it shouldn't matter where you put the food in, but the people of Ayan who were not insulted, were horrified. The Trading group bounced and ran back to the ship waving goodbye and smiling, repeating back the (insulting) words being thrown at them.

Such strange farewells. "F**k you too! Yes! and your whole family! Your children as well! Why are you YELLING?" (ducks rock)

(2nd order ahead) (con't)
 
Heyitsjiwon Heyitsjiwon

2. The remaining crew and mimic ship explore the underwater areas around the island of Ayan Bakur/Typhian Strait for resources and/or anything else of interest
The Mayflower (3 Water/ 3 Blood) (4 Adhesive Tentacles - Mid/Short Range + Bite)
50 Kuo Toa Miscreants (Work at Priest level of Talent when being led by at least 1 Priest)
10 Kuo Toa Priests (Diving and Survival Specialties) (Astral 1/ Water 1)
3 Kuo Toa Corpulents (Wealth Generator relative to number of underlings) (Astral 3/ Water 3)
Bookcase Numbers:
1. Astronomy, Navigation and Cartography
2. Gunnery, Engineering, Metallurgy
3. Medicine, Herbalism, Biology
9. Agriculture, Mining, Geology

The Trading party had returned, assuring the rest of their companions that they had conducted great trade, Discovered the secrets of the villagers, and told all of the populace to copulate with themselves... which seemed to be a local custom to scream at folk in farewell? Also -- sitting on your food MIGHT be rude, which was odd.

Little did they know that the landing party, laden with wealth from selling spices, had been spied by another vessel hiding among the offshore rocks, veiled by crashing waves and spray... Foes who waited still as the strange crew conducted their treasure-diving -- A BRIGANDINE OF PIRATES!!!

The Kuo Toa priests motivated the treasure-divers, just as the corpulents did -- great fish were brought up to feed the largest Kuo Toa, and it was a surety that if any treasure at all could be found, extra treasure would be brought for the "Fat Ones" -- Kuo Toa Culture demanded it.

The Ship itself, shuddering with hunger, caught a young whale and ate it whole. Once inside the stomach/hold however a bookcase remarked that whale-oil was valuable and 4 units of whale-oil were captured. There was a profoundly smelly clot found in the gut of the whale that was going to be expelled, but it was quickly rescued as 1 unit of Abergris.

The Kuo Toa searched for treasure, but found none in the shallow to moderate depths off the island... what they did find instead were great pearl beds, which was just the same as treasure plus food! 10 units of food were found, and 5 units of RED PEARL.

The Kuo Toa stuffed themselves, turning TWO miscreants into Corpulents.

and then the pirates attacked. (to be resolved)
 
As the forge heart demand ​
Cembor and the other elders where surprised how hospitable the place was and the “forge heart” survived the trip. The Center of the forge that best contained the flames and helped the other section of the forge smelt properly even the food was cooked upon the grand forge they formed it exceeded everyone’s expectations in shear scale a beacon of civilisation in these untamed lands.

a soft tap in the sand indicated the arrival of Telbor.. the sea treaders elder much like his kin they where incredibly stealthy. “Aah telbor tell me what did you find?” Cembor asked thoughtful looking out to the thicket of trees across the way, an expedition to collect charcoal would be needed meltbor would be perfect got the task along with the legionaries to carve through the trees.

”Aah cembor.. we’ve discovered a crashed shelless vessel though it may contain deadmen walking... the rewards however outweigh it though the youngers are restless too much excitement for one day” Teldor explained as the other sea treaders seemed to just show up out of nowhere to to await further orders.

”ahh very well you and me shall go and observe this.. deadmen walker bring your kin and some of the more, unlearned youngers those that lack the belief in such arcane matter inform Meltbor to ready his kin also there is an expedition to mount” Cembor clacked his claws thoughtfully and with a nod Telbor disappeared in a blink of an eye.
_______________________
”the spirit of salt stirrer steel and the sea it blurrs, runes the sing our song the ship hums as we move a
long to the sea we go our destination no one knows“ the iron shell sung the copperback seeming to buzz to life though whatever means propelled the strange submersible coffins of metal meltbor lead half there number to fufill the important task of cutting and burning the forest before hauling it back meanwhile the others half approached the ghost ship cautiously prehaps they could salvage it if the presence could be removed.
_____________

actions: half of youngers, rock breakers, and both types of legionary leave aboard the copper copper back along with meltbor to cut down and process the trees on thruneswatch into charcoal.

action 2: rest of the crew go to investigate the ghost ship.
_____________
resources: 1 iron 1 copper.
___________
3 Elders (10 ea) (leader is free)
6 Legionary Veterans (5 ea)
10 Legionary Front (3 ea)
20 Rock Breakers (2 ea)
10 Sea Treaders (2 ea)
3 Sea treader Shrouded (3)
45 youngers
The elders:
Cembor: caste rock breaker: astral 3/fire 3
Melbor: caste legion: bone 3/nature 3
Tegbor: caste sea treader/ teacher of the youngers: water 3/blood 3
 
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2570360-1280x960-[DesktopNexus.com].jpg

WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS

Jester's Smile - Sea of Strife

"You feel that lads? That's the magic of the sea and the magic of freedom!" the carnie who yelled laughed, taking a long swig from his bottle of rum as he hung from the rigging of the ship. Several others who hung with him joined in with the laughter before all of them were soaked by a wave coming over and hitting them, knocking several to the deck groaning.

"Aye, and that's why we keep an eye on the ocean you idjits!" Terren snorted and turned back to Corven to finish giving out his orders for the remainder of the journey. "Keep having Deaton and Aurel practice their juggling, I want them to try to get to a point we can have them passing to each other consistently even on the ocean. See if you can't get a few of the other carnies learning some more seafaring skills too, I don't like having so few proper sailors."

"Aye Cap'n," the elf struggled to keep a smile off his face as Terren scowled at him, hating the title that many of the crew had given to him as soon as they were on open water.

"Not you too you utter bastard! Go on and get to it before I toss ya overboard ya annoyance," the mystic muttered to himself as he left the deck, entering his rather small but private cabin and taking a seat at the desk situated within his quarters. Without paying much attention he pulled the deck of cards that he had 'borrowed' from the Pazai and began performing small tricks in his hands as his eyes pore over the rough map in front of him. "Thruneswatch eh? Well, we need to start somewhere after all. They won't need that figurehead or those vintages now that their dead, might as well not let em go to waste!"

The young man leaned back and closed his eyes so that he could begin to focus on the magic that he could still feel echoing around him, something he was glad to see would occur even if the circus wasn't on land but would instead be over the ocean for a long while. He did his utmost to draw the sentient magic's attention sending out his own energy to convey that he wished to alert it to the plan that he had begun to formulate so that it would allow him the power that he would borrow from it. Sitting bolt upright suddenly the mystic's eyes shot wide open and he began to pant wildly, quickly drawing a waterskin from his side and drinking greedily.

'Blasted circus trying to kill me every time I let it know my plans, can't believe I took up the old man's offer to be his damned replacement. especially since it was this bloody thing that killed him to begin with!'​


Movement
Sail from Fort Bax to Thruneswatch, aiming for village side

Actions
1. Explore Thruneswatch

2. Engage with local village in diplomacy

Crew:
120 Carnies
12 Outrageous Hats
4 Bouncers
3 Freakshow
Terren Laevon (Mystic)
Astral 3
___3
 
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Kent said:
​
Order 1: Defense Preparation
A budget of 1 wealth is allocated for this project. Scholar Ren Huan, the settlement scholar, and Scholar Lai Jian, the Survival/Treasure-Hunting scholar lead the Taskmasters and workers to build a defensive perimeter and traps for the upcoming battle. The specialty of the Burning Riders was kept in mind so they will focus on creating defenses that would be advantageous against cavalry as well as complementing their troops such as the Empyreans Corps. Instead of being lethal, the traps would be intended to impede and eliminate or at least reduce cavalry advantages while maximizing infantry advantages. Once you go into the zone, it would be harder to retreat as well.

Some workers were given different colored fireworks and deployed to act as sentries. They will hide and relay information through the fireworks they would launch. Red means the Burning Riders are approaching, Orange means Arafelle is present, Yellow means the Wight is present, Green means the scale robe has been spotted, and Black means the enemy troops outnumber the expedition.

Order 2: The Awakening
Before they left, the Celestial Unit bound the Empyrean Corps to an Astral Mark on Crown Prince Tian who could recall his bodyguards to his side when necessary. Crown Prince Tian, Scholar Song Hui, and the Celestial Unit also left an astral recall mark on the outpost before secretly departing towards the volcano to tap into its slumbering power and awaken magic. Crown Prince Tian tried to utilize his Imperial Lineage that is related to dragons to tap into its innate fire magic potential and worked alongside the Scholar and Celestial Units to make sure they will be able to maximize their gains. Scholar Song Hui also studied the environment to prepare for rituals or magic that would be helpful in the ascension of the fire magic potential of the expedition as well as the potential to erupt the volcano in the future.
​
Click to expand...

Kent Kent

Defense preparation: Obsidian was light enough to move and sharp enough to make excellent cavalry traps piled amount the other scree and rocks that would impede the enemy cavalry around the Outpost. There were three radii of perimeters, each expected to take the enemy one cannon volley to navigate. The circles were progressively smaller, but more densely packed with obstructions and rougher terrain.

The fireworks were distributed, but the excess (they had found a lot of sulpher and other elements on the plates to make munitions) They piled in a covered pit just outside the outpost... If the empyreans could lure enemies into it, all the better -- but astral litanies of INTENT and BELIEF in the empire were instilled in these munitions, giving them a holy aire should the entire pit be decided to be detonated it could harm, or curtain the senses of undead, at least for a brief time. The first of the scouts had already reported close to arrafelle's castle a black firework... there were 200 skeletal footmen, barely clad in pitted armor but servicable and eerily glowing two handed weapons. Behind them, trotting slowly on shadowy horses, was WightLord Eddiel and 50 Heavy Wight Riders, THEIR blades burned with green fire that sucked the very life out of the air around them. Far Behind, an extremely agile chariot, pulled by four skeletal steeds, carried arrafelle, her great cloak billowing like a green cloud behind her.

But the prince was not there to see any of this -- save the black fireworks growing increasingly closer, but slowly, towards the outpost.

He and his agents had business at the Volcano -- and his astral magic would return him in time for the battle....

The Crown Prince and the Celestial Mage Units arrived somewhat winded from climbing the craggy side of the volcano, and enduring the sooty and ashy air where wisps of fire fell everywhere... but the reached the lip and could see into not just a regular volcano, but a bare exposed elemental node of mana.

The prince smiled. This increased the stakes, but it was he who would be placing the bets, and "the house" didn't seem to know what he might be up to...

In the center of the volcano was a HUGE Magma Golem, guarding or perhaps bound to a LARGE (several unit) chunk of MOLTEN CORE -- a most scarce and powerful material and resource. The Magma golem Scratched furrows in the semi-solid ground like a bull about to charge... But Prince Long Tian Had at his disposal two levels of every sphere of magic to call down upon it. Would he dash it with water? Attempt to awaken the volcano further with fire? Cast it into darkness or spray it with dazzling light? To have control of the volcano, that golem had to be neutralized and the molten core made his... he had some decisions to make. Whatever he did at the volcano it would have to be soon -- for the forces of arrafelle grew slowly ever closer to his defenses....

(Decision point: What type of magic, if any, cast on the volcano?)

(Decision point: Fight (or otherwise navigate) Magma golem in forum or discord? -- these decisions will immediately preface the battle at the outpost.

The stakes were never higher -- but the prince had been right so far. His smile, slightly blackened by soot and ash, yet remained....

(Fight TBD)
 


The Ship...

The Caridad
Class: Merchantman
Type: Large Merchantman
(Half Armed)

...and her Crew

Father Damian (10) (Captain)
Astral (4) Priest
Skills: Oratory
Medicine
Alabaster Maids (5)
3 astral magic/3 water magic -- Expert unit with mage abilities. Have 2 specialties chosen on joining the Venture.
Masako Goto (Biology/ Herbalist)
Josephine Dutton (Espionage/Architecture)
Marianne Cope (Theology/ Castellan)
Louise Conrardy (Theology/Translator)
Jane Dinner (Medicine/Biology)
Magical Healing, Small chance to heal afflictions. Spreaders of light and succor, the Alabaster Maids are Holy Nuns who Follow Father Damian and constantly tend to the wounds of the diseased and afflicted. If cornered, they will use maces to defend themselves where magic fails. Especially dangerous to undead and Demons (but not Devils or Qlippoth)
Redeemer (3)
These holy goliaths are mysterious celestials that followed Father Damian to the Godless Isles. Very Tall with a slender grace even in Ivory heavy platemail, they dance with sword and shield with the power of true super-elite units. They never speak, but occasionally make the sound of doves or ravens, depending on their mood and posture. Absolutely Deadly Tanks in Battle. Magical Weapons and Armor Descriptor, Holy Descriptor, Radiance (10 feet). Tireless Descriptor. Gain progressive bonuses in combat. In melee, Heavenly Shield has 50% chance of absorbing 3d6s in melee. Shield helps against ranged attacks at GM discretion
Gooey Ones (30)
These are "full bodied" lepers, whose skin and flesh is dripping off their bones. While normally gentle and seeking peace, these units can nonetheless defend themselves and serve effectively on a ship, as well as labor for the greater good of the colony. Have "Diseased" Descriptor. Fear (5)
Accursed (11)
These people have suffered so much with their disease they are little more than mummified heaps of scabs and welts, their bodies transcendent of their disease and somehow strengthened by it through faith and perseverance. So devout, they can lend themselves as mana batteries to friendly priests and casters, though have no spells of their own. Their decomposed bodies bear the equivalent of Medium armor, and have (un)holy strength equivalent to medium weapons. While relatively weak for an Elite unit, lesser units will find Accursed hard to deal with. Have "Diseased" Descriptor, Have "Twist Fate" descriptor, (un)holy strength descriptor, Mana Slave Descriptor.
The Maimed (60)
These are unfortunate people missing arms, legs, eyes, you name it. Extremely weak and frail, they fill the bottom tier of the venture serving as pathetic objects of sympathy or simply poor seamen and cannonfodder. Have "Diseased" Descriptor. Have "Affliction" Descriptor.




The once stunning scarlet ship looked weathered and weary now, its greatly extensive and always prolonged time at sea, stripping away it's rosy beauty and leaving only the shiny, lacquered wood of it's frame. All that remained of it's original good looks were crimson clumps of paint dotted among the bubbled timber of its bones, making the Caridad an unsightly vessel. But it did fulfil its purpose, and stoically so, as it traced the lane of high wind going North. Forewarned of the forecast already, his vestment still wet from his dalliance with the rain, Damian thought it best to avoid the coming storm and ducked the Caridad West.

Many of his charges remained silent as the sound of thunder cracked in the distance in fear of being turned to stones, an old belief from the islands of Molochai. Though he had his own theology to preach, Father Damian was not a man to discourage or discredit other's beliefs, after all every person is precious in the eyes of God.

Still while a good amount of his fellows were of Molochai birth, the others on ship seemed much the same way. The pot bellied priest could only surmise that the curt treatment by the residents of Port Bax, resulting in only the slightest glimpses of the normality of life in the bustling town, weighed heavily on them.

Such a life would be theirs eventually, Damian knew but for know they would need a place to land. Not knowing which way the storm would break, land seemed the best option. With one of the Gooey Ones, Alani, spying a tower on the Western Isle from the the crows nest, the carl clergyman sought out Sister Josephine below deck. After a prolonged discussion of the possibility of suitable shelter and mutual long gazes through the eyeglass, the knowledgeable Nun could not say in good faith what it was from their current whereabouts.

Looking to the sky, Father Damian said a quick prayer as he decided what to do. With Sister Masako often noting the need of moderate exercise for the afflicted, and his own worries and ignorance about a storm at sea, it seemed their next step was possibly preordained.

They would land near the tower, affording the Maimed a chance to stretch their legs before the coming storm, under the warm watch of Sister Masako, Marianne and Jane who would treat the wounds of the exuberant and quell the worries of the fearful

Mindful of the need for refuge amidst the darkening clouds, Damian would search the tower with Vowess Marianne and Canoness Josephine alongside the devout Accursed, the unfortunates doing their best to shield their shepherds even with their agonising affliction. Of course the Redeemers would follow, as they always did, these vassals to the heavens unerring in their duty to the afflicted. Only numbers and danger would affect their individual angelic assignment.

If all was clear, the Gooey Ones would join them on the island as they rested and waited out the storm.


Orders:

The Caridad will land on the NorthWest of Oyster Isle near the Tower(?) with 60 Maimed, 3 Alabaster Nuns (Masako, Marianne and Jane) and 2 Redeemers scouting and exploring the immediate area surrounding the tower (Herbalist/Castellan/ Biology specialty used if applicable)

While Father Damian, 2 Alabaster Nuns (Marianne/Josephine), 1 Redeemer and 11 Accursed will scout and explore the Tower itself (Architecture/ Translator speciality used if applicable)

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PAZAI CLAN​
Turn 2

The party was amusing but not seemingly as fruitful as the Pazai had hoped, for the diversity of ventures seemed to be working against the Pazai contract even if they left their guests on good terms with full bellies, plenty of drink and amusement. Julian Pazai elected to pursue something more discreet then if he could not build stronger open relations just yet and put out a request for a meeting with those of the Table of Shadows. It was to be an introduction to his needs but more so a plan of greater profit and plunder if the cards were played just right by the underworld powers that dwelled out here in the shadow of civilization. Piracy was good and all but smuggling was profitable beyond measure if one controlled shipping lanes and had bulk cargo, like food, to hide things in.

"You think they'll bite?" Galza asked as she lazed back in a chair across from her husband, hand behind her head and boots up on a chest.

"They'll be curious considering our clear efforts so far. This gives us time to investigate a island cluster that is drawing my attention. If we can lay claim to it, we'd have a starting point. If not, there could be things well worth looting to fund our efforts more and upgrade our ship. We need to find good food sources or land to start setting up on. Good fishing grounds too, but that will come soon enough," Julian said as he regards the map with a thoughtful frown.

"So long as we can meet the contract, that's what matters," Galza said as she seems to inspect the ceiling lanterns while thinking.

"We'll meet it. If all else fails, once we've gotten more to work with, we will begin the Dredging and find the secrets of these waters that few others can. I do not fail," Julian declared with a firm and confident tone as he stands and adjusts his coat. "Now then, let's go see about this meeting. Hopefully they're as hungry for money and reach as I think they'll be to ensure whatever flow of food we can get mustered."
​
Actions
1. Table of Shadows Meeting

2. Research Isle Cluster pictured below
Isle Research.JPG​
 
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welian welian :

Victoria’s Turn-Two-Do List:

  • Send greetings to du Doe and Williams
  • Propose a trade deal with the Governor of Port Bax
  • Ammo up at the gunnery
  • Set sail for the Highstone Grottos
  • Scout the coastline of Old Ys.

    ( Heyitsjiwon Heyitsjiwon and Cosmo Cosmo can reply to Victoria's missives as a free action, to improve familiarity between factions)
Victoria had left Port Bax behind her and set sail for Highstone grottos, when her ship was caught up to by a message from the Governor of that city:

The Governor's response to Victoria's missive arrived by Opalescent, Poisonous Blue Morpho Retenor butterfly -- A message-bearing familiar common to thieves made very, very well. Not as resplendent as Morpho Godarti Asarpai, and not nearly as poisonous -- She had to give this mortal oaf some credit for having class -- Even if he had a name as trite and cliche' as "Mr. Black" --

blue morpho.jpg

She would keep the butterfly 'familiar' and use it to send her own messages. It was enchanted to travel quite fast and return to it's master -- but Victoria had changed it's allegiance with one crook of her finger... (make note you have a message running butterfly familiar now) -- having the creature rest upside down beneath her hand she turned it over and bid it shake it's wings -- casting up a sparkling powder that formed runes of the western trade dialects that would compose Mr. Black's response...

"Victoria,

It is a shame there was no opportunity for an audience when you last were in Port Bax -- next you return, you may surely partake of my hospitality and we can discuss dealings of trade and labors, what businesses and service we can be to one another. Your reputation has preceded you, Ms. Varna -- Though I would warn you the intrigues of the Muurdain houses occasionally show themselves even here. Venture runners from house Irreptor and house Wosk have followed only a few days behind you -- and inquiries as to your recent comings and goings have been made, though it seems you have eluded your pursuers for the time being -- I warn you that these ships are, if not after your wealth, to settle some scores in whatever means you may have acquired it. They will be mislead by my agents, as a courtesy... but I hope the matter will be resolved by the time you return east to Port Bax. As far as dealings in trade, I would simply tell you that the port sells sugar, tobbaco, spices, and goods -- for the most part -- and you are welcome to purchase such goods to turn yourself a profit. What *I* am truly interested in, is knowing where the best markets for said commodities are in the archipelagos, and the further west and into the unknown the better, and more profitable this information is likely to be. As for services, if you can survive your pursuers we will have much to talk about in obstacles we can remove for one another -- and if you cannot then there is nothing else to discuss.

With warmth as only you can likely understand it,

Zeddicus Black"

____________________

Such warmth? Alluding to the obvious, be not so obvious exactly how he might could know of Victoria's unusual... heritage.

Still, it was good to know ahead of time that rivals were coming for her, she could expect no less, jilted families, withered ambitions and (ahem) stolen fortunes and inheritances left frowns in her wake -- just another reason to travel so far from the mainland -- and equally unsurprising that Varna would not have it's own house do it's dirty work. Victoria would have to wonder who actually wanted her dead for her trespasses, if she cared at all...

"The Black Light" was fully stocked with cannons, ammunition and powder, so she would be ready to receive any eager guests with cannons of their own... (minus 1 wealth)

The isles of Highstone Grottos seemed to crawl wider on the horizon until they took up the shank of her view... and took into the channels between the islands to search about the area of Old Ys...

From the shores, Angry native tribes of Kobolds and Lizardmen made menacing gestures or threw a variety of crude missiles at the Black Light, but none could reach her craft at the distance she kept from the coast. Still -- those tribals made their disapproval known with their gestures -- the waving of skulls, the burning of black incense, and the hurling of javelin, rock, and hissing curse carried on the wind. It seemed the Yssians were not alone in the Highstones... Sandstone mesas dotted with strangely and strikingly different jungle biomes all over the island cluster, and even on the same isles.

Scouting was confusing and perilous in the Grottos... the channels were dotted with shallow areas, some shelves and shoals threatening to run the Black Light aground... other areas were deep blue or even black, suggesting much more below the surface, and just like the islands, the channels themselves had mesas many of which slumbered below the waves or jutted just above the surface... Were it not for Oriax's constant attention to navigation the ship could have been lost, it was bad enough it had suffered one-a-brush too many with a hazard...

Scouting revealed that both Old, and "New" Ys appeared to be some kind of ancient structures the Merfolk had taken and repurposed from some earlier civilization... the structures were made of granite and Quartz and were very old. However, spying on the Yssians did not go as planned. Once her ship had passed these settlements but once, the merfolk from each Ys, new and old, sent their own delegation which helped themselves to boarding Victoria's craft. Neither delegation would speak to the other -- the baubled and bejeweled old Yssians neither the coral, shelled, and pearled new Yssians. However each muscled for the attention of the captain -- wanting to know the meaning of her visit and the peace or hostilities of her intentions...

DECISION POINT:
A) Choose One delegation to grant audience and reject the other (will have improved and marred relations accordingly)
B) Challenge both delegations to meet with Victoria at once.

(The interaction can be done through discord scene or back and forth in the forum -- TBD)
 
Cosmo Cosmo :

Ghostfort was NOT easy to reach... the ship glided quickly through the water and it was almost too late when they saw the turbulence outside the ghostfort... the center-structure of the ship groaned as the whirlpools and harsh currents pulled on the wooden frame of the ship, but bravery and spirit prevailed, so Hank grabbed the Helm and...

...and...

...and he had no idea what he was doing. Navigating the ship had been as easy as pointing it at things so far (Whoa!) until (Eeep!) They got stuck in a (gag!) Whirlpool...

The ship crashed against the walls of water as it grew ever closer to the center, each pass cracking more of the masts, the rigging, The lower decks... Things became desperate.

Hank knew that turbulence in a specially crafted pipe could make smoke rings or even other fancier effects -- so before everyone died, Hank imagined the whirlpool was the bowl of a pipe, and waves currents were smoke, and the Ladybird was a pinch of fine Tavarian long-burning Tobacco... A good bowl needed a light for a good burn, so Hank ordered some of the casks of (CRACK!!!) gunpowder (CRASH!) thrown behind the ship (leak-leak-leak) and ignited. In terror, the crew through all their powder overboard (You cannot fire cannons again until you restock) but once the bowl was packed, Hank ordered Boom to take a shot at it, and the whirlpool lit up -- fracturing the chaos of the whirlpool and... just as Hank suspected, the ship flew out and over the bowl like a cloud of fine Tavarian blend, I tell you what.

...The ship was almost scuttled when it limped into the shallows outside of ghostfort... the mists parted and what they saw was a beautiful old mission-fort lined with bright ivies and rolling with moss. The entire island was a paradise of fecundity -- every different type of plant hank could imagine, and none of them familiar. Boom mumbled something about "Ahbenthinkin ayoo gitcha-agin with the whoo-whoo-whoo anisay stranded forever in paradise, man."

Ghostfort was home of a large community of priests, mages, and mainly druids who lived in relative seclusion but were very welcoming to merchants as visitors...

"I don't know how you are getting out of here, my good friends, but we are pleased to have your business and the company of strangers with new stories to tell. No, we have never had Tavarian Tobacco... and most of us are used to smoking....erm... "Local Plants." We are intrigued by your offer though and perhaps we can grow tobacco on this island among the other bounties of the land...

The crew scouted the island and everywhere they looked there were vibrant plants of every description. Some plants were too packed with thorns or poisonous or protected by bees or a dozen other natural defenses, so they could not be sampled or documented well enough yet... but plenty other plants were vibrant, strange, and none-so-well defended. The men sallied out from Ghost-fort while they weren't enjoying the hospitality of the druids, and mapped the islands plants for hank and the others in charge.

Meanwhile, Hank had encountered a prize plant of his own... a long thought extinct specimen of "Umbrafina Radisicus" -- the Killer Shadow Radish -- Clean burning, armomatic, flavorful and gave a cooling refreshment to every pull of smoke, it was said... The only specimens that hadn't been smoked to exstinction were thought to be in the underdark where they grow to be particularly big and dangerous, I tell you what.

Hank took several clippings from the slumbering plant, and miraculously failed to waken it. Between this and some other plant samples... they had some serious decisions to make about their next blends of tobacco -- and there was the question of planting some tobacco in the ultra-fertile soil of the island as well...

They struck gold... Numerous promising plants, an embarassment of choices to potentially enhance their product.

...was almost enough to get your mind off being ship-wrecked. I tell you what... (map updated)
 
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