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The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The ship seems unusually quiet, her crew deserted or sullen, her captain no more. His body had been removed by the city guard, his presence now found only in the specters of memory and the blood and sweat he left in the boards and planks.
The fog that has settled over the docks forms white walls in the moonlight, adding to the feelings of loss and foreboding that seem to radiate from the ship. Only the occasional bell or shout pierce through the night to break the heavy air that has settled over the ship.
But, regardless of how much the ship may mourn or how deeply the night and fog may try to hide her during the night, the vessel will set sail in the morning as soon as the passengers arrive. The shimmering seal of one Es'teli'on on the contract was enough to ensure that. Six passengers to be taken on a journey along Xen'Drik's coast, then up a river to the believed location of one of the many ruins of the once powerful giants, and finally returned to Stormreach.
With the journey ahead, it will be more than enough time for the captain's murderer to cover his tracks and escape. If clues were to be found, there were only a few hours to find them. There were no clear suspects, however; if Captain Agarish had any particular enemies, he had never mentioned them over the years.
Yet, if the Captain's murder and the figures that seemed to have trailed the members of the crew lately were related to this upcoming voyage, then protecting the ship and her crew might be the wisest use o the night.
The harbor bells ring out, signaling a change in the watch. The night has just begun.
Recruitment Prologue:
Spoiler
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Xen'drik, the home of the once powerful giants, a land riddled with ruins, mysteries, and danger. But also the promise of adventure and profit. You have made a living daring the coastlines of this forbidding land, carrying passengers and supplies to small camps and points of exploration along its coast or moving passengers and cargo between Stormreach and Sharn or, occasionally, Pylas Talaer. The loss of lives in the dangerous seas surrounding Xen'drik are not uncommon, but the most recent death has been sudden and tragic. Your captain has been murdered.
You recently put into Stormreach after a successful voyage from the eastern coast of the continent. You had leave in the city for a few days as the ship restocked and Captain Agarish arranged for your next voyage. The scuttlebutt was that the Captain had made a deal with a group of Valenar elves seeking passage to some ruins up a river off the coast of Xen'drik's western front. Soon after these rumors started, so did the trouble.
Cloaked figures began to appear, apparently watching you and your crewmates. Ghostly apparition began to linger in the corners of vision only to vanish, never revealing if what you saw was truly there or merely your imagination. The word began to circulate that your ship had taken on a curse and was doomed on her next voyage. Crewmates were deserting, signing on with other ships, moral was low; then the Captain was found dead.
He was discovered in his cabin, his door barred from the inside, stabbed through the chest with a finely crafted scimitar. No boards were loose, no windows broken. Whomever killed the half-orc had left no evidence of who he was or how he had entered the cabin and no clues other then the single blade. Divination and resurrection magic seemed to fail. The Captain would not return or share the secrets of his death.
What was discovered, however, was two contracts, one binding the ship to the voyage with the elves and the other leaving the ship and its final duties to a small group of his crew, you and a few others. Despite the captain's death, the elves have insisted that they depart on their voyage on the date agreed in the contract. The contract itself was witnessed and approved by the dock master and a powerful patron of the city, Es'teli'on, an elf mage and member of the Twelve. Even if the Captain's mysterious death wasn't worth the time of Stormreach's militia to investigate, a breach of that contact would have severe consequences. As the new owner and captain of the ship, you have little choice but to take on the voyage.
It is the night before you set sail. Who are these elves and what are they after? Has their goal truly cursed the ship? Who murdered the Captain and has watched you throughout the city? Will you survive long enough to find the answers?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg goes throughout the ship, asking the remaining crew to assemble in the galley. He's a short, slim, dark-skinned man who wears ill-fitting sailor's clothing. He carries a short sword and a shortbow, both very well-made but standard commercial products that can be bought anywhere in Stormreach. He asks one of the other crew to tell Surge, as if he's afraid of the warforged. After all of the crew have been told he goes to the galley and waits for them.
Kwikweg
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka sits up in his bed, stretches himself and yawns lazily. He scratches his messy silver hair and mutters something about the time of the night. He quickly changes out of his scruffy pyjamas, into his immaculate white and silver trimmed Priest Robes.
He is a tall, slender, simple looking man with tan skin, and and would easily pass off as just another Ship Prelate. But his Ruby Red eyes betray his otherworldly heritage.
Once he is ready, he trots off to the Galley along with the others.
Xenka Steele
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
Fahrl draws his cloak around him as he stares out into the mist. As Kwikweg approaches, he turns and nods to him, then sets off to find Surge. He stops before going below deck, turning one last glance towards the mist, his deep black eyes scanning the mists as the harbour lights reflect off his green scales. With that he heads below deck towards the cabin of the warforged giant.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Surge
Farhl finds the massive warforged doing two things that he is often found doing; standing and cleaning himself. In all their time together, the crew can only recall a handful of times where they've seen Surge not standing. Now he stands hunched forwards in his cabin with the back of his head up against the ceiling. There's a reason he doesn't come inside much, except to clean the brine off his armor. When given the call to assemble he gives his shoulder plating a quick wipe to remove the cleaning oil. Reattaching his trusty armblade, he follows Farhl. The hulking barbarian has to duck down even further and turn sideways to fit through his doorway. At the assembly he stands in the back with his arms crossed over his chest.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
The little halfling opened one eye, then squeezed it shut again. They need more wind now? Are you kidding me?
That's when the hangover began to go to town. The headache became piercing. Whoever he was competing against in the drinking competition last night, he was certainly not the winner. He really should've just stuck to blowing the sails and that's it...
Finally mustering up the fortitude to survive the headache, the little bard made his way up to the deck... ignoring the statements and just trying his best to maintain his balance on the ship. He arrives topside, his head in his hands.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhtiaz mumbled and groaned as he woke and looked out the window. He heard something about meeting in the galley, and replied with a mumble about the absurd hour and that he would be there shortly. He waited for whomever it was that woke him to leave the room, then sat up. He scratched his head, letting his had fall to his shoulder and down along his back, stroking the dark black symbiont co that lived there, a small almost snake like being that rested on his back, connected solely to his neck and directly to his spine and brain. They symbiont squirmed a little and raised itself up, revealing a single eye at end not attached to Zuhaitz. Zuhaitz patted the odd creature on its apparant head and smiled as he stood.
He dressed himself, concealing the small symbiont beneath layers of clothing and his signature deep blue robe, no one could know about the symbiont. He sighed as he gla.nced out at the open waters, checked to make sure that all of his belongings, most notably his spellbook, were intact, and made his way to the galley.
He is a slender man of average height and weight, with no special features other than his grey eyes and the constellation of Hlal marked upon his cheek (which many unfamiliar with him, or dragon prohpets in general, oft mistake for a dragonmark), as well as the many layers of clothing, though most have stopped bothering him about his choice in attire.
EDIT: Forgot something.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg grabs the hilt of his sword as Surge enters, his knuckles whitening. He forces himself to let go and relax, deliberately looking away from the warforged. He waits until everyone has arrived and addresses the crew.
This ship needs a captain. We must choose one before we can do anything else.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka gave (another) large yawn, and replied "So how do we intend to do this then? Secret Ballot? Duelling? Drinking Competition?"
Spoiler
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I thought who is to be captain would be decided OOC, and retconned that Agarish willed the position to him.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The sahuagin slams his fist down onto the table. "This is too important to be decided by some contest. We all have our roles on this ship, we must keep to the chain of command. An officer must assume the role of captain."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka shrugged nonchalantly, "Alright then, Officers only. So how do we intend to do this? Secret Ballot among the Officers? Duelling among the Officers? Drinking Competition among the Officers?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg looks impatient.
Which officer has the most experience with this ship?
Kwikweg
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"Zuhaitz and Xenka are the most qualified. Only they can answer whether they are ready for the responsibility. There can only be one captain though, one voice must guide us, especially in these dark times."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
"Meh, I'm not one for ordering people around, or I would have stayed with..." another yawn interrupts Xenka before he finishes the sentence. "Besides, I think it would be awkward if I ordered someone get 10 lashes, and then had to patch him up after that. Zuhaitz can fill in for poor ol' Agarish, God rest his soul. That is, if the Dragon Prophet is so inclined..."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz stood and sighed, the constellation on his cheek glowed dimly in the poor lighting, "If none of you is willing to take command of this vessel... Then I am willing to captain this ship. Though I am no Agarish, and much will change with me as captain."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
It was never quite clear whether Quid was considered an officer or not. Just someone who was incredibly useful in terms of filling the sails.
Despite his headache, the halfling managed.
"Fine. Zuhaitz it is... and all the changes that come with. So... what's the first order, captain?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
"First off, I would like someone to go out and hire us a new crew... I don't like that there are so few of us left, we will need more men to crew this vessel. I don't care who does it, just hire us a new crew... and make sure they are trustworthy... Or at least that they won't try and kill us while we sleep."
"Second, I would like to go back and get some bloodly sleep if there isn't anything else we need to discuss."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Surge
A loud grumbling laugh, like a troll laughing deep inside a metal tube, emanates from the massive warforged.
"I'll do it. I need the bigger cabin anyways."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
"I think we should all do the recruiting, spread ourselves out across taverns in the city and the like. Also, I think we should only go about this in the morning. No one we want, would be up at this time of the night."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
"I have no objections to that, I don't care when it gets done. So long as it gets done before we set sail."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg nods.
We should leave the recruiting until the morning. But we still have a murder that the militia don't seem interested in solving. I want to look at that scimitar.
Kwikweg
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"Agarish is dead. If we find out who did this to him, then I will feed them to the sharks. Perhaps the scimitar will help us. Find out who's weapon it was, that will be a start."
"Now, who is on watch tonight. It may be that whoever killed Agarish sought to end this voyage before it began, and may return to finish their work." A smile spreads across his face, revealing a mouthful of sharp fangs. "I would like that."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Surge
"I will take the watch" The warforged turns and walks away from the group, finding himself a good place on deck to stand and keep watch.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
"Tomorrow morning, we should also take a count of the crew. Who wants to stay on the voyage under our new captain, and what roles we already have filled... Would be good to have an 'Intention' for the rest of the folk. That way we aren't doubling up too much on duties."
If nothing else is stated, the halfling will scurry back to bed. His head still throbbed.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"I cannot sleep easily while Agarish's murderer still breathes. I will search the cabin again, perhaps there is some clue we missed."
The sahaugin turns to leave, heading for the murder scene whilst offering a whispered prayer to the spirits of the deep to guide his eyes.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
"Well, the Scimitar was taken by the Militia, so if we really want, we could drop by the Garrison, and request to give it a look over. And we should probably do it in the morning, before we go recruiting, when the guards aren't nearly as grumpy or drunk." Xenka said as he stretched himself lazily. "For now the best we can do is search round the ship, to see if there is anything those drunk grumps missed."
"Bah! only an hour till dawn anyway, I might as well help the Sahaugin wannabe." Xenka, stood up and shuffled off.
Spoiler
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Search: [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg looks thoughtful.
I'll go and help with the search. But before I go, did any of you recognise the scimitar? Did you ever see the captain wearing it, or see it in his cabin? The reason I ask is that he was killed behind a door barred from the inside, and he can't be resurrected. There's all kinds of magic which could explain that, but there's also a much simpler explanation.
Kwikweg hesitates, trying to find the right phrasing.
It's possible the captain killed himself. He can't be resurrected because he doesn't want to come back.
Kwikweg leaves the galley and goes to the captain's cabin to help with the search.
Spoiler
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I know you guys can't actually answer Kwikweg's question, even if your characters would know the answer. But you could roll a skill check for "remembering if you saw the scimitar before", probably Local Knowledge, and get Mantid to tell you the answer. I'll do it for Kwikweg:
Local Knowledge: "Have I seen the scimitar before the captain's death?" [roll0]. But he's only been here a few days so the other characters will know more.
Search For evidence connected to the captain's death. [roll1]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"Agarish was murdered, he did not kill himself. Why magically bar the door? all he would need to do is close it. Why and how would he be able to mask divinations? Someone, or something, did this to him, and they may well have captured his soul. If that is the case, then we can find and free him. That is my hope."
Farhl pauses, then turns to Xenka.
"A sahaugin is made, not born. I am no wannabe."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka, Farhl, & Kwikweg:
Spoiler
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Digging through the Captain's quarters doesn't turn up much out of the ordinary. The only items you manage to find that stick out are some papers that seem to have been recently written. It seems the captain had been doing research as of late, although the connection between the subjects elude you.
There are notes on Du'Rashka Tul, a giant term meaning "the madness of crowds", a supposed curse on Xen'Drik some believe leads large civilizations to be gripped by a homicidal madness causes them to seek out and kill anything they encounter until, at last, they themselves are destroyed.
A couple notes cover rumors and news from another small city on Xen'Drik called Dar Qat in which some well guarded artifact was recently stolen.
A few of the notes cover legends of an ancient battle between the Giants and invaders from another plane.
One note, however, stands out for its lack of connection to Xen'Drik. It is page crowded with notes about the contentment of Aerenal and the Undying Court the elves of the contentment worship. Unfortunately the cramped writing and smeared letters make it hard to make out most of what the pages saids. Apparently the Captain wrote it in a hurry and didn't have time to fetch more paper or to let the ink dry.
Xenka:
Spoiler
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Your religious studies do reveal a few faiths and a couple cultures where the scimitar is commonly used.
The obvious choice is the followers of the Traveler, the god of chaos and change, who favors the scimitar as his weapon. The priests of the Traveler often wander long distances seeking to find ways to upset order and cause change, regardless of the harm it may cause, sometimes adopting false identities for years at a time. In addition changelings, doppelgangers, shifters, and lycanthropes often worship the Traveler as well, making it even harder to identify the chaotic god's followers.
Another faith that might use the scimitar is the Undying Court, worshiped by the elves of Aerenal. It is believed that on Aerenal a select group of exceptional elves continue to live beyond death, forming the pantheon of the Court. Although the more devote priests favor the exotic double scimitar, many Aerani elves have taken to using the easily wielded single bladed scimitar in it stead.
This practice also spread to the Undying Court's splinter sects, including the less specific ancestor worship practiced by the Valenar elves. The practice of wielding a scimitar is even more pronounced in Valenar then it is in Aerenal, in fact, and few warriors of Valenar would be found without one.
Kwikweg:
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You don't recall anything particular about the scimitar in Stormreach.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Glancing through the the papers Agarish left behind, Xenka comments, "Hmm... interesting. From what I can recall, Scimitars are commonly used by followers of the Traveler, by elves of Aerenal who follow the Undying Court, and by the various Undying Court splinter sects, especially the Valenar elves."
Rifling through the Agarish's papers he continues, "Now on one hand, we have Valenar elves who comissioned the journey. On the other, here we have a bunch of scribbles about the Undying Court of the Aerenal. It would seem to me that both are most likely to be connected to this."
Glancing through the hastily scribbled notes on the Aerenal contentment, he remarks, "And Agarish certainly wrote this in a hurry. I can barely make out anything at all..."
Spoiler
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Decipher Script: [roll0]
Edit: Doh!
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"It could be the elves did this, or perhaps they are being framed. Either way, we need to keep a close eye on our passengers."
The bosun looks through the papers again, searching for some hidden clue, but none is forthcoming.
"I wonder is our commission has anything to do with this theft in Dar Qat? and why the interest with the gaints? Were the elves not servants of the giants long ago, or was it enemies? My knowledge of ancient history is not great."
Farhl starts to leave the room, then pauses in the doorway.
"Perhaps we should hire a sage to join our crew. No, that would be foolish. I must get some rest for the dawn is fast approaching."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
(FINALLY! It finally decides to load!)
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz sat where he was in the gally for a few minutes, watching most of what was left of the crew leave to search for clues as to the previous captain. After a few moments, he stood, let out a hefty sigh, and returned to his bedchamber to get some more rest.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Fahrl's right. Whoever killed the captain certainly didn't leave that scimitar there by accident. We were meant to find it. They're either trying to frame the elves - or it's exactly what it looks like, and they're trying to intimidate us. Either way, we have to be careful. Someone lock those papers up where the elves won't find them. When they get on board, someone should get them talking, try to find out more about them. Someone more diplomatic than me, that is.
Kwikweg
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka scratched his head thoughtfully, "Well, if any evidence we find may be planted, than its as good as not finding it at all. As for milking the elves for info, I don't think any of us are talkers. Although if we work together we might come up with something."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
Quid rotated in his bed, still sleeping. The cause of the captain's murder troubled him no further than a violent thunderstorm. Even with the magical door closed shut, the halfling was convinced it was some sort of suicide. What sort of magic exists than keeps a resurrection from occuring? If someone spent the money on him, he'd be glad of the second chance at life. Such resources wouldn't go to waste, no sir.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg
So we don't have a diplomat on board? Maybe we could try to recruit one. Anyway, working together sounds fine. Just try not to make it seem like an interrogation. They are paying for this.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl wakes early, and sets to work making the Spear ready to sail. Provisions and supplies are checked and re-checked. Ropes are examined to ensure they are seaworthy and the patches on the sails are tested to ensure they will hold. It is hard work, but it needs to be done.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
Quid awoke with a start. Looking around his dim cabin, he saw nothing but empty beds. Well, if there was a time for waking.. this was probably it.
The halfling wiped his eyes as he stepped out onto the dock and noticed Kwikweg diligently working. Passing on by without offering to help, he moved his way aft to discover if there was a snack he could find. There must be some bit of biscuit or something down there... Then, after his food was found, he'd get to work.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Dawn found Xenka meditating on the deck. When he finished, he carried out whatever else needed to be done (like recruiting 3 Sailor-Carpenter-Siege Engineers).
Finally, he put on his best robes, neatly combed his messy silver hair, and generally made himself more presentable than he normally was, "Look lively. We have guests coming aboard, and we need to make sure they feel welcome... even if they might have had something to do with Agarish's death."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg climbs the main mast shortly after dawn and looks out across the ocean, trying to predict the winds and spot signs of bad weather.
Spoiler
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Climb check to reach top of mast: [roll0]
Knowledge: Geography check "What will the weather and wind speed and direction be for the next 12 hours?": [roll1]
Profession: Sailor check "How do the results of the previous check affect how the ship should be sailed?": [roll2]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz woke early, and spent an hour or so pouring over his books, preparing for the day ahead. When finished, he made his appearance on deck and set himself to work, making sure that everything was in proper order and that everyone was doing whatever they could to ensure a swift and safe voyage.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The sun has just begun to lighten up the fog of the night when your hired hands arrive. A pair of humans, Greyth and Hoyard Geard, a seige engeneer and a carpenter respectcfully, and a wavecrest gnome who happily bills himself as "Namac Nallac Gonsol the Third provider of all services ship related".
The morning is still young when six figures emerge from the receding fog, making their way down the wooden docks toward the gangplank to the ship. As they approach the fog gradually reveals details about your passengers. They all appear to be of average height for an elf except for one notably short member, who stands a head shorter then any of the others. Four of them wear leather armor adorned with a few apparently decorative medallions. One of the others wears an odd assortment of baggy cloths tied tight at various points with strips of cloth, while the last, waking in the lead, wears a worn brown robe with its hood pulled over the head. Of the four wearing leather armor, three of them carry scimitars at their sides, while the fourth carries a double scimitar swung across his back. One of the elves seems to have a couple daggers strapped to his scimitar’s sheath. The remaining two appear to be unarmed.
They stop at the foot of the gangplank and the hooded figure motions for the scimitar and dagger wielding elf to announce them. The elf steps forward with a grin and shouts “Es’tal’en and company requesting permission to board the The Lucky Windspear for our voyage to the west!”
Kwikweg
Spoiler
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Weather is predicted by Knowledge: Nature. To your untrained eye, however, it looks like it'll be clear sailing.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz steps forth, positioning himself atop the gangplank leading onto the ship, blocking any from actually setting foot on the ship for the moment,"Very well. I am Zuhaitz, acting captain of this vessel. However, before we depart, there are a few things I would like to discuss about the voyage." As he spoke the constellation mark glowed dimly upon his cheek.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The bosun stood behind his captain, arms crossed in front of him. "Follow me and I'll show you to your cabin."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg climbs down from the mast and joins the group. He doesn't say anything to the elves.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The grinning elf nods and steps aside for the hooded figure to lead the way. You can't see much of the hooded figure, his brown robes with its large hood hide any details you might see. You get the impression that he is wearing a mask of some stylized skull under the shadows of his hood. He nods and gives alight bow. "I am Es’tal’en," he announces in a tough, strangled voice. He waves an aged, emaciated hand at each of the elves as they board the ship, announcing their names.
The grinning elf follows close behind. He wears the darkest colored leather of the group, his medallions lacking the bright shine the others’ posses. His long brown hair is pulled back into a neat braid that he has draped over his left shoulder. It would likely reach mid-way down his back if it hung straight. His eyes are brown, but seem to flash red when the light strikes them in the right manner. His scimitar is strapped on his right side, and his right hand hangs from on its immaculately clean hilt, close to the higher of the two daggers in smaller sheaths attacked the scimitar’s. "Melsitel."
The only female of the group is next. Her bright green eyes are highlighted by the green ribbon woven into her elaborately braided hair, which seems to be the only sign of femininity in the woman; the rest of her speaks of warrior. Her skin is weathered and tight, a jagged scar crossing her right cheek. Her stance and muscles tell you she has likely been a warrior from her birth and will be until her death, not to mention the worn and dirty leather straps that cover the hilt of her scimitar. "Celidea."
The shortest elf is next, his long golden hair bouncing with each step. Between his sharp, attractive face and powerful but tones muscles, you could almost believe he was some elf maiden’s fantasy given life, at least if it wasn’t for his diminutive height. He wears a scimitar at his side, but the handle of another weapon peeks out from underneath the shield he has strapped to his back. "Nelsrial."
The next elf seems to be a bad mood. A deep frown and furled brow sour his face. Half of his head is shaven, revealing a large scar and slightly misshapen skull. He stands slightly slumped as he examines his surrounding disapprovingly. "Besc."
Finally the double scimitar wielding elf boards. Apparently the youngest elf, he also is the most distinctive. His hair is dyed red, green, and purple. His ears sport several rings, as well as a single ring in his lip. He smiles slightly as he examines the ship and her crew. "Alimor."
"Now," the hooded leader replies. "I'm an sure there are many things we must discuss. Journey in this cursed land is never easy, and I and my men want to help make this trip as quickly and safely as we can. Melsitel and I would be happy to meet with Captain Agarish and discuss whatever matters are needed. Where is the good captain?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka steps forward, raises his hand to quiet the rest and replies, "I am not sure if you have heard, but Agarish is dead. He was found with a blade in his chest in his cabin. As has been mentioned, Zuhaitz is now the acting Captain."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg looks at the hooded figure with great suspicion.
Spoiler
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Knowledge: Nature check, "Is it possible that Es’tal’en is some race other than elf?" [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz nodded, "Indeed, it is as Xenka said. As such, all discussion about the oncoming voyage will be with me, and any of the other crew members should the wish to be present."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Check their faces for surpirse or recognition when they are told that Agarish is dead.
[roll0]
(I'll add my modifer when mythweavers is available again).
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The elves shift uneasily at the mention of Agarish's murder. "I see," Es’tal’en replies. "It seems that my caution was insufficient. I am truly sorry. He was a very capable and astute man. We had received word there had been trouble on the ship, of course, but I'm afraid that detail escaped mention.
"Still, we must depart the harbor today. Our patron, Es'teli'on, is not a forgiving man. He expects us to be on the seas today and if we are not... well, he has the favor of several of the dragonmarked houses. The penalties and pressures he can place against all of might make death the more merciful choice."
He waves his hand for the ginning elf again, who pulls a couple charts out of his haversack. "We will have plenty of time to discuss this at sea. For now we should discuss our course, settle any final arrangements, and set sail."
Kwikweg
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As far as you can tell, the cloaked figure is, indeed, an elf.
Fahrl
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You get the feeling that their reaction to the news of the captain's death is more out of a concern for their own safety rather than any surprise.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
"Alright, Discuss away."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Zuhaitz
Zuhaitz nodded and stepped aside, motioning for the elves to board the Lucky Windspear, "I suppose you are correct on such matters, please, come aboard. I will personally show you to your chambers so that you might drop off your belongings before we sit and discuss the voyage." He paused for a moment, "Oh, and perhaps you would like something to eat? Surely you are hungry? I'm sure we can whip something up for you."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
Quid listened lazily from the upper deck to the conversation below. Man, elves must be very focused individuals if they still want to leave on a cursed ship. At Zehaitz mention of food, Quid pipes up, "I might be able to assist with that."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The elves move their belongings, little more then what they carry and some basic camping and exploration equipment, and quickly begin the discussions.
Melsitel rolls out the two charts on a table and over some near by barrels and crates. One chart is a map of Xen'drik's north western coast, starting a short distance to the south west of Stormreach and extending toward Skyraker Claws mountains. The second map seems to be a more detailed map of the Skyraker Claws. Both maps have carefully written notes on them in some language of elegant, twisting characters.
Es’tal’en points a bony figure at the first map. "I'm sure you recognize this," he says. "Since there is little reason for a ship to sail to the Menechtarum desert, we were uncertain if you would have a chart of these areas. This map is one of the most detailed to be found."
He traces his finger along to map until it points to the Skyraker Claws. "Those more familiar with maps of this region may notice a difference here. A large river and lake in the mountains that no other map marks. This other map is a more detailed chart of that area. That lake is our destination.
"We believe that at that lake there is a hidden fortress, one left over from one of the giants' ancient wars. Because it is so well hidden, the treasures and mysteries inside must be of great worth, and it is those mysteries we are after.
"Unfortunately, there are those who believe these secrets should be left alone. They will do whatever they must to stop us from reaching this goal. Now that we are aboard, we should depart quickly, before they have a chance to stop us. If we are not armed for battle, we need to prepare the ship as quickly as possible."
((You can use Knowledge: Religion, Geography, or Royalty to identify the language on the maps. Knowledge: Geography can be used to study the map for details.))
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg frowns at the map.
We're happy to take you wherever you want, but you should prepare to be disappointed. Just because the river and lake don't appear in other maps doesn't mean there's some conspiracy hiding it. They could have dried up over the centuries, or they could be completely fake. Where did you get this map, anyway?
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Knowledge: Geography "What language is the map written in?" [roll0] Knowledge : Geography "Is there any indication that the map has been faked?" [roll1]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka peers through the maps while remarking, "Well, if it did dry up, it just means we have to go by foot."
With a frown he adds, "But I am more concerned with those who would try to stop this voyage. Since they know about this place, even though it has disappeared from the charts, that probably means that they knew about it before it disappeared. They might possibly even have known it since the time of the Giants. But the greater implication therein, is that they were the ones who deliberately and systematically erased it from the charts."
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Knowledge Religion: [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"A hidden fortress you say. Do you know who it belonged to? Is it occupied now? Do you know who wants these secrets left hidden, or what form their attempts to stop us will take? If we are prepare for war, I would like to know what form this war will take."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
"It belonged to the giants of course," Es’tal’en explains. "Perhaps the most powerful civilization Eberron has ever know, except, perhaps for the dragons. I have every confidence that it is there and undisturbed. The giants hid it well. Only a few people could ever find the entrance to the river, which is why this may be the only chart that marks its location.
"It isn't a war we seek there, just knowledge and artifacts. There are groups that aren't so enlightened, however. They believe we would use the weapons ourselves."
Kwikweg
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The language on the maps seems familiar, although rare. After a moments though you're certain you've seen examples of it from the land of Riedra, a land far across the seas, and home to perhaps one of the largest nations on Eberron. It is a closed land, however, unwelcoming to foreigners. It has only been recently that they have begun to send ambassadors to other nations.
As for the map, it seems authentic enough. Aside form the river and lake, everything matches us, as best as it can, with other maps you've seen. The exceptional quality of the map tells you that it may not be the original, however.
Xenka
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In your religious studies you recall coming across that written language before. The Path of Inspiration, the faith was called. They believe in reincarnation and are lead by men they believe are possessed by the spirits of their gods. The faith isn't common on this side of Eberron, with Xen'drik being the largest group of them in this part of the world, particularly around the city of Dar Qat.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
"Well, if it is so well hidden and preserved, there may even be giants or their descendents there." Xenka commented as he proceeded to make final preparations for the voyage.