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  1. - Top - End - #961
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    R1T8: Urol, holding his breath, takes out a wand and touches it to his quarterstaff. The staff glows and sprouts of clover bud about it.

    End Round 1, Begin Round 2 ...

    R2T28: One-Eye, it's your turn.

    .......................................

    Elsewhere

    The shark chews on Jer'el to bring him further and further into its maw as a snake swallowing a mouse. With the briefest insight, the half-elf remembers what he was taught about sharks. He smacks the shark several times on the nose and it lets go just briefly enough throw himself into the lifeboat. The boat gets thumped only a few times, giving a little bit of pitch. In his shock he assume that it was happy with the meal it got. Jer'el feels pain, and he knows he has to use the tarp to somehow control the bleeding.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  2. - Top - End - #962
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    R2T28: A very loud report goes off, accompanied by smoke, as a bullet shot by One-Eye's gun zips through the air-sucking voidwraith. It does not appear to harm it at all. He rapidly reloads his pistol with another wad and bullet.

    R2T26: The voidwrath puts another vacuous tendril out at Urol. The gnome's old body is no longer as agile as it was when in its prime, but size matters and that is what saves him from being touched.

    R2T23: Skald fires twice with excellent shots, but they just get jumbled about and get crunched by the creature's vacuous body.

    R2T20: Mr. Cohen defensively casts a spell, just barely keeping it. In the same vein, he just barely manages to touch the voidwrath, blasting it into oblivion.

    Combat Ends ...

    Urol takes in a good breath, but seeing as he wasn't holding his breath very long he's not in that bad of shape. Mr. Cohen heals the light bit of skin that was pinched with a good contusion from vacuum damage with a CLW.
    ............................................

    Elsewhere

    Jer'el looks down. First towards his feet; gone. Then his lower legs to the knees; gone. Up and up, and his legs are entirely gone. But the greatest horror is not that the upper legs are shredded stumps. No. It’s worse than that. His groin, his hips, his lower abdomen … all gone. He is going to die, and it will happen very, very shortly. He can’t bare to look, and he barely has strength to pull the tarp over that lower part of your body that is no longer there.

    All of this struggle, this defiance, this bravery, this endurance, the loss of his father. All of this, and if only he went down with the ship it would have been a quick, relatively painless death. But, no, Jer'el's a fighter and he had to fight; look where it got him. What a horrible, ugly way to die.

    He could curse Procan, but he realizes it was probably his own godlessness that put him here. Shall he lash out with anger, be numb, or accept his judgement?

    “Forgive me, Procan, for I see now I was foolish.”

    The plea is not empty. It is full of sincerity, asking nothing in return but some sense of closure.

    But it is too late to ruminate on these things. The pain goes away. Death isn’t “growing cold” as many say.

    A warmth rolling over he ceases to be.

    Just another casualty of the capricious sea.
    ............................................

    Back at the Hall of Justice on the Sea Wyvern

    "Ahoy, Captain!" calls Skald from the crow's nest. "Longboat adrift 200 yards out."

    No doubt it bears investigating, but in case of trouble, everyone is spread out (or in the rigging) in case of some strange attack. As the ship is borne around to close. Celiss is sent to investigate. She flies back (having gotten no closer than 10' above the boat) to mention that there is the body of a nearly dead half-elf, his lower body covered by a very bloody tarp.

    She makes a faux pas, saying that he must be alive "because no living creature would have that stink of virtue."

    No sooner does she say this then she seems more horrified than anyone else there. She immediately flies up into the rigging, and from below it looks as though she is weeping.

    The longboat, which seems badly beaten, is pulled alongside the Sea Wyvern. Mr. Cohen is the first to fly into the boat, gingerly pulling back the tarp so it doesn't rip any skin. He gasps.

    He looks up and steps back, and now everyone can see the deformation of this poor cursed creature.

    The entire lower portion of his body is that of an octopus, starting at the abdomen.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  3. - Top - End - #963
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    It is now apparent that this is no half-elf, but merely some bizarre sea-creature (possibly amphibious since it still lives). The humanoid top is similar to a handsome human with vaguely sylvan/elven features, including two arms. Overall, crown to the lowest part of his "abdomen" is 6'4". However, his eight tentacles look like they could reach about 12' out or so. With carrying him onboard, he weighs in at a hefty 245 pounds, despite being rather lithe, and is covered in light scales, a thick rubbery skin at the octopoid side, and thick skin on his humanoid torso.

    His hair is purple. Not solid purple, as it contains all manner of sea-colors for natural blending, but the overall 'background' color is purple. His humanoid skin is a pale brown, as would be a light-skinned man with a moderate tan. As with his hair, his octopoid body contains all manner of sea-and-rock colors, though the base color is amber. Mr. Cohen pulls back the creature's eyes, and sees blackish horizontal slits as pupils, surrounded by a ring of various colors (mostly pale gray). When moved, the slits have the eerie habit of shifting so they are always parallel to the ground. Of course, since the deck shifts, and gravity doesn't, the pupils constantly shift depending on sea state. (Eek!)

    Finally, as Mr. Cohen does a cavity check (sorry, but that's the way it is), he notices that the creature's tongue is 10' long or so. Still, there is an oddness to the already-very-odd creature that doesn't make sense. Just then, the creature stirs, and as he does, his skin reflexively takes on the hue of what is behind him. (Or, to be more accurate, the deck underneath him.)

    Mr. Kahir figures that the thing is actually some type of monstrous humanoid, rather than an aberration .... despite many aberrations often sporting tentacles and rubbery parts.

    Mr. Cohen says, "He is a cecealia. An amphibious race which, as you can see, has the upper torso of a man and the lower torso of an octopus. Still, there's something not quite right here."

    The old gnome squeals with delight as he can add, "First, cecaelia are always described as having a man's body, where this one has the upper body of an incredibly brawny half-elf. Also, the human parts are quite human, having the coloring expected of a human with only the barest tinge of something aquatic. Purple hair? Octopoid eyes? No.

    "Next. Cecaelia do not have scales on the humanoid part, nor long tongues. Despite some octopi being able to blend into their surroundings, this is not true for cecaelia. This seems to be some hybrid of reptilian-humanoid, a chameleon creature, making true nomenclature extremely difficult."


    The old gnome dances and makes noise in delight, bounding round and round, "We've found a new species! We've found a new species!"

    Just then, the creature's eyes flutter open and he gives several sharp coughs.

    Jer'el, you hear some creaky-shrieky noise (the gnome) and some pounding on what sounds like wood. Your tongue feels ridiculously thick in your mouth. Your eyes flutter open to see yourself on a ship. Of course, that makes sense. If Procan did take you to his afterlife, it would only make sense that you would be on a sailing ship, right?

    But what a sight as you look up. A man in captain's garb arrayed with quasi-real blue things on him. A man with strange weapons that looks like a killer whale gave birth to something humanoid. A winged dwarf, but of a purity of skin and even somewhat beauty that goes far beyond any dwarf you've seen. A bizarre, creature with olive skin and a black topknot, and then a few others. Directly above you in the rigging, you see a devil of some sort glaring down at you.

    From the look of things, no real ship would have such misfits on it. No, you are not with Procan, but 'someplace else' ... likely a nautical hell for those that supposedly worship Him, but failed.

    As you cough and sputter out some water, everyone turns to you in shock. With the cough, your 10' long tongue zips out violently at the air!!! Your lift your head lightly and you see your changed humanoid form. As you look down to where your abdomen was ripped by the shark, it is replaced by .... oh, horrible, horrible, horrible. You are a monster!

    RP time. Go ...
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  4. - Top - End - #964
    Titan in the Playground
     
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    Celiss breathes deeply, struggling to keep her emotions from flaring again. It was hard to determine what was just her natural reaction to such an infernal change and what was amplified by her fiendish blood. It took far too much time to sift through every feeling and determine its origin. Far simpler it was, to simply contain it all within an iron cage. Just like a spell, to be released later, if at all. Really, in the long term she would have to find another option, but for now she could just do this, to stay in control.

    Calming down, Celiss looks back down to the foul creature - no, it was someone they had rescued. Not foul at all...well, alright, maybe a little bit foul. That giant tongue wasn't exactly attractive. Then again, who was she to judge? Gathering herself a bit longer, Celiss raises her gaze, letting the wind blow on her face. Perhaps she would just stay up here for a bit longer, to make sure she was utterly calm.

    Would she need to always do this, just to stay human? No, if she kept a constant grip on all of her feelings like she was, she wouldn't be human, not really. Still, it was better than becoming a fiend of some sort. Perhaps that was a way to find the superior ruler...? Lost in thought, Celiss turns away from the scene below entirely, her mind racing.
    Not Person_Man, don't thank me for things he did.

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  5. - Top - End - #965
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Darrius takes a half step back as the tongue whips through the air and reaches for his blade, but does not draw it. He glances to the doctor and then to a random deckhand, "Make sure... he, is alright. You there, go fetch a blanket. If thats all his blood, he will no doubt be cold." Then, he does something somewhat strange. He takes a few gold coins that were tucked in his belt and chucks them overboard with his eyes closed. He glances back to the octopoid-elf, his thoughts straying to the mephit attack and his own words on signs from Procan. He's certainly willing to give aid to this... creature, but a niggling doubt wants Korian up above in case it turns out to be a hostile entity.
    Never can find my towel...

    So it goes.

    GNU Terry Pratchett
    Forgot who did my avatar, sorry! >.<

  6. - Top - End - #966
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Skald's lean figure bends down over the crow's nest. He is the night sentry, since his eyes are significantly better at seeing with only moonlight or starlight than Korian. Korian tends to just wrap himself up in a tarp towards the bow. When Darrius thinks about it, Korian poked his head out disinterestedly during the battle - watching. What was going through his mind is unknown, but it is likely that he saw no real threat. But if this thing is a threat, Korian would be on it in short order.

    Mr. Cohen looks to Darrius, "The blood on the tarp is old. This one has no wounds on him whatsoever. Other than needing to have a good meal and potable water to regain his strength, his physiognomy suggests that he is better able to handle cold than the rest of the crew, present company (Darrius and himself) excepted.

    "Tavey, bring up some fish and water, enough for two meals worth."


    Mr. Cohen, by the way, is still glowing with that unknown aura that none of you had ever seen before ... and for the short time Celiss was in that aura, she felt very, very uncomfortable. In fact, she even felt a little nauseous. (Not to any game mechanic level, however.)

    The winged dwarf looks at the cecaelia (Jer'el) and says, "I'm Mr. Cohen, ship's first officer and surgeon. I know you speak Common, because I am speaking that language now in regard to what is comfortable to you. What is your name? Where are you from? Why was a sea-person like yourself in a boat, covered by a bloody tarp?"
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2012-12-04 at 02:32 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  7. - Top - End - #967
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    The cecaelia's head is supported up some by Mr. Cohen. He/ it looks at his torso, moving his eyes down to his octopoid tentacles, and finally to the tips of his tentacles. He starts to moan and whimper, building to a low scream; at the same time, his tentacles start to whip around and Captain Wavebreaker calls everyone back. Only Mr. Cohen, who gets grasped by some of the tentacles, remains holding him.

    Tears stream from the creature, and he finally gives a sorrowful shout to the heavens before passing out. Silence on the decks, and Lazer checks him.

    The silence remains before Cohen looks up. "He's alive, but he just passed out ... from mental shock. I'm pretty sure, from the way he looked at himself, that he did not start his life like this. Considering the longboat and some of his base features , I am guessing he is ... was ... a half-elf who got stranded at sea for some time. A change like this can only come from the gods. Procan, I shouldn't wonder. Time will tell if this wasn't a horrible curse for disrespect, or an unusual gift."

    A few rough wool blankets are brought out to cover the creature for the night.

    Captain Wavebreaker, Skald is in the crow's nest since his vision in moonlight and starlight on the open ocean well exceeds Korian's own.

    Anything else? Any comments?
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  8. - Top - End - #968
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    "If this be the doing of Procan hisself, we oughttae turn him back to the sea."

    Beguiler, you just got served.
    ALL hail DirtyTabs, creator of this wonderful UserClone TRONpony!
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    Railroading isn't saying "There is a wall there", Railroading is when you say "There is a wall everywhere BUT there"


  9. - Top - End - #969
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    Amella looks to One-Eye. "If this be Procan's doin', we keep him. I doubt yer' ass is smarter than Procan's, and no doubt the Sea Lord turned him to us fer something. If Mr. Cohen speaks true, then this poor bugger doesn't understand he's been given one hell of a gift! From the look o' things, seems this creature's fate and our own are tied on the sea."

    Darrius can take a good look at the cecaelia and see that he is not evil. If Procan did change this man to send him to you, it may well be as much a gift for you as this man. To toss him into the sea, with no evil mark on him, is as if you spat in the Sea Lord's eye. Of course, Procan has far more to spit back with ....
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2012-12-10 at 02:54 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  10. - Top - End - #970
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Captain Wavebreaker watches the still form of the half-man for several long moment before he states simply, "He stays, and is to be well treated. Now, back to work, all."
    Never can find my towel...

    So it goes.

    GNU Terry Pratchett
    Forgot who did my avatar, sorry! >.<

  11. - Top - End - #971
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    The rest of the night passes by uneventfully. Mr. Cohen tends his light wounds first, and Mr. Forol is back on helm.

    The next morning .... Jer'el, you awaken.

    Someone's got to say something here. Jer'el, given your form, you must be in Procan's afterlife. The major cast of players are probably assembled in front of you.

    Jer'el .... Captain Wavebreaker, Celiss, One-Eye .... anyone want to open up this dialogue?
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    I can prod with NPCs, but I'd rather not start off that way.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  12. - Top - End - #972
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    The kindly winged dwarf looks at the now well-rested, watered, and fed caecaelia. He asks, "My friend, I am Mr. Cohen, the ship's first mate and surgeon, and rabbi-nazirite to Moradin. You are currently on the Sea Wyvern out of Sasserine and headed far south to the Isle of Dread.

    "Do you know your name? No doubt the gods sent you here to be saved somehow. We sense you are a decent soul and no monster, whatever you may think. Do you know what you are meant to do, having been blessed with this form?"


    He points to the PCs, as well as Korian (who is now in the nest), "You'll not see the like of any of us, especially altogether, strolling down Merchant's Lane in any other city."

    Jer'el, while there is a furry man-thing and a devil-creature, there is no doubt whatsoever that you are easily the most 'monstrous' creature on deck. And yet, this daft dwarf thinks you are "blessed with this form." He does answer one very important question: you are alive, and not in an afterlife. By stating coming from Sasserine, that pretty much locks the "still living" theory into place.

    Description of Mr. Cohen
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    Though you aren't an expert on various subraces, you know enough about the dwarves of seaport areas to recognize that at first glance, he is a seacliff dwarf. This is an offshoot of dwarves that know less about fighting underground but are very strong swimmers. Why he has the beautiful wings of an albatross are beyond you. Then again, look at yourself. These wings are dark on the top, but white on the bottom and trimmed with dark.

    He stands 4'7" tall ... taller than hill dwarfs by a good margin, though he seems to only step at about a gold-and-a-half. Very likely, while he has the bulk of a dwarf, if he is like a bird his bones are a little more hollow to allow for flight. He has steely blue eyes, but his head and beard seem to have been shaved completely bald recently, very unlike most dwarves. Now, however, a layer of fuzz is starting to show on his head and face.

    Outstanding K: Religion Roll...
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    Your dad haggled with many of Cohen's kind; and make no mistake, they are expert hagglers. They are worshippers of Moradin, like most classic dwarves, but this is a particular subset of the Soul Forger that focuses more on the "Soul" than the "Forger." For the sake of simplicity, these dwarves are fantasy versions of Jewish chasidim ... complete with black hats, prayer shawls, curling long hairs at the temple, etc.

    A "rabbi" simply means "teacher", but it usually also implies some sense of leadership within that community's religious circles. On the other hand, very few outside of the circle know what a "naziritie" happens to be .... but through various bits of this and that you have picked up the basics. Nazirite comes from the word nazir which means "consecrated" or "separated." It is a type of vow that usually lasts for a year and a day, but in rare cases it may be a vow that lasts for longer periods, even up to a lifetime. The vows are as follows:
    • Abstain from wine, wine vinegar, grapes, raisins, intoxicating liquors or substances, and vinegars distilled from such substances. Refrain from eating or drinking any substance that contains any trace of grapes.
    • Refrain from cutting the hair on one's head; but to allow the locks of the head's hair to grow.
    • Not to become impure by corpses or graves, even those of family members.

    It is likely that he just took his vows as a nazirite in the past few weeks, given the shaved head and face. The term of separation is used because a Moradinite is supposed to enjoy what life has to offer, but nazirim (plural) have stricter guidelines. These guidelines are often taken by adventuring Moradinites because in going out in the world for deeds, they remember what they have left behind and stay true to their roots. After the year-and-a-day (or, rarely, periods beyond that), the nazirite must bring a sin-offering to a rabbi and take a special bath called a mikveh before being allowed back into the community at large. At that time, a great party is held in which the former nazirite is expected to get rip-roaring drunk.

    OOC: All of that said, you can do your own research on restrictions of chasidim-Orthodox Jews to determine what's what ... such as observing the new moon of each month and the laws of kashrut (kosher eating and preparation).

    He wears high-quality sharkskin armor, a light armor that is good for swimming but is also defensive against those that would grab him. At his side is a warhammer with obvious symbols of Moradin and this sect, as well definite symbols of the smashing of lawlessness. Extremely well-blended into the runes is what is likely the name of the warhammer: Gili-Nachum, which translates as "My Joy & Comforter" in the Common Tongue. He carries a small quiver of three javelins, and while he does not look particularly strong (nor weak), his fists appear to have enough gnarl on them to cause some injuries on the unwary. He also currently wears gold-rimmed spectacles, giving him an even kindlier and bookish look.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2012-12-18 at 05:42 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  13. - Top - End - #973
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Jer'el looks at the other crew members then back to Mr. Cohen while constantly fidgeting his new limbs, clearly mortified at his current state and the appearance of the crew.

    "My name is Jer'el... I was a fisherman, along with my father, until our ship was caught in a storm. Now I'm not sure what I am, but I thank you for saving me nonetheless. What is wrong with everyone?"
    Veni, Vidi, Vici.

  14. - Top - End - #974
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    "Wrong?" asks Mr. Cohen simply. "Oh, well ... we're just surprised to find that you ....

    "... no, wait. You mean to say that something is wrong with us individually rather than our attitude at finding you? Oh, yes. Ha, ha. Well, let's just say that each of us has an interesting heritage. Only one of us partially chose how that heritage should show itself."


    That last seems to be directed to a woman in the rigging who looks almost like a demon or devil straight from graffiti or church renderings, replete with scalloped wings, red scales, and a tail.

    "Ms. Nightrom, if you would?" he calls, pointing to her and then the crow's nest. Even her name, at least with its relation to the night, makes her seem all the more diabolical.

    [Assuming she relieves the crow's nest...]

    Climbing down from the crow's nest, head first (downward) and simply gripping the mast and dodging around rigging rather than needing to use normal handholds, is a furry beast, pure and simple. The man-animal lands and rights himself on the deck.

    "Mr. Jer'el, meet Korian. He's not a member of the crew, having no seafaring skills - nor desiring the responsibility - but he does spend the days in the crow's nest all the same. I need to have him smell you, just so he can get your scent well enough that you can be found if we needed to find you."

    Description of Korian...
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    You recognize that this "furry creature man" (possibly even mistaken as a werewolf or the like) is a monstrous humanoid of a type known as an anthropomorph. They are animals with arms, a bipedal nature though sometimes with wings, arms with opposable thumbs, thinking minds comparable to humans (though actual animal type varies), and the ability to speak. They are not "half-" anything, but breed true within their own animal type, and cannot cross-breed with other anthropomorphs.

    Amazingly (as amazing as your K: Religion roll w/ Cohen), despite no "base animal" of Korian's type living within well over a thousand miles from your home, you recognize his animal side. At some point, given Sasserine's interesting arena, a ship you passed had a curious creature aboard from the northern climates called a wolverine. Wolverines are usually 4' long and dark brown, with two stripes running down its back. They can climb or burrow, and like a badger once in battle they go into a blood frenzy until they or their opponent is killed. A perfect animal for the arena.

    Then again, this anthropomorphic wolverine is 6'5", 246 pounds. His claws and teeth look a little larger and sharper than you'd expect for his size. Instead of dark brown fur, his is dark grey, but he has two white stripes down his back. His eyes are amber and animal, and he seems to definitely favor the wild side. The only sign of civility beyond a loincloth is a mithral chain shirt, adorned with a sea-green gem at the bottom front of his neck.

    He is very intimidating, as you can guess.

    Korian sniffs Jer'el to get all of his scents, looks at the captain and the first mate, and nods before climbing back up to the crow's nest to relieve Ms. Nightrom again.

    Anyone?
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
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  15. - Top - End - #975
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    "Well, Mr. Jer'el," says Captain Wavebreaker. "You say you sailed with your father. All of our cots are taken, and we didn't account for you as a mouth to feed. So you need to earn your keep. Let's see you rig out the topsail, so I can see how well you know your stuff."
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    Roll a Profession: Sailor check for Jer'el.

    Just in case you forgot where your character sheet is located, he is here. Let me know if you can see "Private Notes" at the very bottom of the sheet.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-04 at 01:44 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
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  16. - Top - End - #976
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Jer'el, starts to climb up the sparring and rigging when he realizes ... he climbs like a natural climbing creature, much like Korian. Though not incredibly fast, his many limbs make it quite easy. He gets up to the main yardarm, and performs brilliantly. He even makes a swinging flourish from one of the hanging ropes to go out over the water, down, and alights right in front of the captain. Much to his own amazement at his newfound strength and agility as to the onlookers noting his skill.

    The captain claps him on the back, "Officers and crew of the Sea Wyvern, welcome our new newest deckhand, Jer'el!"

    There is cheering and applauding, but when it dies down, he follows. "Well, Seaman Jer'el? Get to work! Report to the bo'sun there, Ms. Venkalie will give you tasking."

    Wealsun 28, 8th day out of Sasserine ... nothing of note.

    Richfest 1, the Summer Festival (New Moon)

    At 0700 in the morning, the Sea Wyvern still follows the coast, but a ship is spotted out in open ocean by Korian in the nest. As soon as he calls it out, the rest of those on deck notice it. It is some manner of large warship.

    Captain Wavebreaker takes out his spyglass. "The flag isn't Scarlet Brotherhood, nor anything else I know. And I've never seen a ship like that before. Mr. Cohen, Ms. Nightrom, take a look."

    Eliezer, you do an excellent job of aiding Celiss. She says, "Yes, it took a little bit because of the distance, but I remember seeing that sign in the Witchwarden Tower. This is a mage who was expelled for killing fellow warden members for secrets concerning magical naval architecture. That ship is big, bigger than ours, but it seems to be moving quite apace."

    "That doesn't bode well," says the captain. "Mr. Cohen, if you would be so kind, take another look - with the bo'sun's aid if need be - and see if you can't identify the ship type."
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
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  17. - Top - End - #977
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Celiss nods ruefully. "That's a theurgeme. Very rare. It is a boat that is mastered by only one, and possibly powered by anything from undead to elementals. It can carry up to 40 persons. What you see is an illusion made to seem like a large warship, but it's big enough ... more than us, and faster, too. If it's just a wizard and a few guards, he won't bother, but if he's some type of pirate with a full complement, he can chase us down. I recommend we signal to the Blue Nixie."

    [COLOR="darkred"]"No doubt,"[COLOR] says Celiss, "that Cariss Markol - whose banner that is - knows better than to mess with two caravels. Still, I wonder of his business."
    Last edited by PSinger; 2013-01-08 at 05:03 PM.
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    Savage Tide: Rabbi Eliezer "Lazer" Whuraili Cohen ben Mordechai of Clan Ironoath of Oriadeth
    Serpent's Skull: Harsk! (yes, that one)
    Shattered Star: Lilim
    Strange Aeons: Dorn

  18. - Top - End - #978
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    The Wyvern signals the Nixie, about the same point they just notice the other ship. For awhile, it seems that the strange ship changes course to follow or give pursuit, but once the Wyvern catches up to the Nixie (which had slowed), the far-off theurgeme breaks off.

    "Wonderment will have to go unsated," says the captain. "This is a colony ship, as is the Nixie. We might have well-trained, seasoned combatants between the crews of each, but too many innocents might die and we might cause irreparable damage to the ships."

    Richfest 3 (Moonday), 12th day out of Sasserine

    For several miles, the ships pass several enormous spider webs which cling to the boughs of the great jungle trees. Huge black shapes lie within the webs. Jer'el, the captain, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Kahir all recognize this place. It is a terrible place that seasoned salts dare not land called The Great Web.

    "The trees stretch out as far as 40' over the water," says Mr. Kahir, "and any fool who tries going there will be overrun. It's not a place even for the greatest hero."

    The progress of the Nixie ahead punctuates this by veering a little further seaward. Tomorrow, the expedition is scheduled to pull into Fort Blackwell for some restocking (including fresh stores such as vegetables, milk, etc.), very brief maintenance, and some R&R.

    Richfest 4 (Moonday), 13th day out of Sasserine

    The expedition arrives at Fort Blackwell after sailing 475 miles. This small settlement of approximately 2,000 is located near the northernmost tip of the peninsula known to sailors as "The Hook." One of the few coastal Amedio forts not controlled by the Scarlet Brotherhood (its distance from the Amedio interior makes it not worth the effort for the Brotherhood to control), Fort Blackwell remains an independently governed walled town perched on the edge of civilization.

    Fort Blackwell is a cozy town with a tiny harbor protected by an immense sea gate hung between two squat towers. Before any ship is allowed within the harbor, a troop of Blackwell guards must be allowed to search the ship and interview its captain. Fortunately, years of relative peace and being ignored by both the Scarlet Brotherhood and the Criimson Fleet (who maintain larger ports of call in various forts elsewhere along the coast - forts wisely avoided by the expedition) have made them rather lackadaisical in their searches, and barring anything outwardly suspicious performed by the crew or passengers, the guards allow their expedition entrance into the harbor after a mere 15-minute inspection.

    Celiss, as a diabolical creature whose mere presence might cause a commotion, Captain Wavebreaker orders you to use your hat of disguise for a less scary or offensive form.

    Although Lavinia only intends to stay one night in Fort Blackwell, she defers to Captain Wavebreaker if he or any of his crew (the PCs) wish to stay longer. She points out that that it'll probably be seven weeks before they reach Fort Greenrock, the next friendly location where they'll be able to resupply, so she encourages the group to get all their shopping done here if they can.

    Fort Blackwell features numerous small and cozy inns and taverns, all of which serve a delicious local malt blend called the Green Man (10 gp per bottle). Food and supplies can be readily purchased from one of four large provisioners who keep warehouses on the waterfront. Several small shrines, including ones dedicated to Heironeous, Kord, Pelor, St. Cuthbert, and the gods of the sea (Procan, Osprem, and Xerbo), can be found here as well.

    Father Feres wishes to make a brief check-in at Heironeous' shrine. Likewise, Mr. Cohen will see if there are any dwarves which might worship Moradin in a small group, or to give aid to any in need. Korian desperately leaves the ship to go into the outskirts of town to hunt on his own.

    Celiss, you are desperate for fresh meat, and should also go hunting as well.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-09 at 02:10 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  19. - Top - End - #979
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Celiss pauses to consider. She has no doubt that changing form is best, and now that she's an outsider, the most clear example would be a half-celestial like Lazer. But she is still tied to her humanity, and can't help but make her look like she used to look when she had human form, but with celestial wings.

    She goes out to hunt on her own. Survival (1d20+2)[20]
    Current Games
    Curse of the Crimson Throne: Dušana Essert(Zeta), & Fathi (Phi) and Hülya (Eta) Sharif of House al-Din
    Legacy of Fire: Water Prince Rafiq Karim
    Rise of the Runelords: Keghart Valdemar & Valbard the Velociraptor
    Savage Tide: Rabbi Eliezer "Lazer" Whuraili Cohen ben Mordechai of Clan Ironoath of Oriadeth
    Serpent's Skull: Harsk! (yes, that one)
    Shattered Star: Lilim
    Strange Aeons: Dorn

  20. - Top - End - #980
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    She has no problem hunting down a jaguar for her own consumption. Her craving for fresh meat is sated well for now.

    Jer'el, do you have any business you want to do in town? Even if it's a simple visit to the shrine of the 3 Gods of the Sea? You don't have a coin to your name. You have a shirt if you'd like, but that would just screw up your chameleon ability. Your sex organs are hidden by your form, so you don't really need clothes.

    What you don't have, though, is a bow ... or any other weapon besides your tentacles. And without a bow, you are missing half of yourself.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-09 at 02:12 AM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  21. - Top - End - #981
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Jer'el takes a trip into town, searching for any place or person that he might buy a bow from.
    Veni, Vidi, Vici.

  22. - Top - End - #982
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Jer'el will have to find a bowyer .... but he remembers from his shipwreck that he has absolutely nothing. Not a copper to his name.

    The bowyer, Gareth Ott, is more than a little put off by your presence. But if you're a paying customer, he'll help you as you can. You go to test the strongest bow they have. You test its maximum pull.

    CRACK!

    The bowstring rips the laminate from both top and bottom as the string itself is severed at those points.

    Gareth backs away to the entrance door and opens it, and he looks more than a little frightened. "I shoulda' figured, cause I didn't see anything on you, like a money pouch. You broke it, you bought it! That bow was worth 400 gp! No way you can pay.

    "Guards! Guards!"


    Jer'el, you still don't understand the limits of your full strength. What you do understand, however, is that you've never in your fisherman's life seen anything close to 400 gp, let alone 100 gp!!

    Jer'el is scared and not quite sure what to do, but he knows that trying to run or fight would only cause problems for himself and even the expedition. The guards arrive on scene quickly enough (not a town for guards enough considering location), but just as they are about to shackle his hands, and then try to figure out how to bind his tentacles so he can still walk without finding a way to arm himself. A loud roar (30 on Intimidate) makes the guard trying to shackle Jer'el drop the shackle with a stifle shriek and step back.

    Korian prowls in, practically on all fours. The guards begin to level their spears, but the wolverine says with a growl, "This is one of the seamen that keeps me safe on the ship. Has he done ill here? Has he threatened this shopkeep? or, is there some misunderstanding?"

    Mr. Ott steps forward, "This ... monster .... pulled my strongest bow and broke it! It costs 400 gold!"

    He shows the ruined bow to the guards and the two monster-men.

    "Broken," says Korian, "not destroyed. Good bowyer could fix it, but you shouldn't have to pay for my friend's clumsiness."

    "You think you can fix it?" he asks Jer'el.

    The cacaelia looks at it, and sees that while challenging, he could fix it. In fact, by lengthening and reinforcing the upper laminate and then providing the appropriate stringing, he could even improve its power. He looks at Korian and the rest and nods.

    Korian shells out a large sack of gold. He carries no platinum, so there is some time counting, and the guards standby to make sure there is no treachery. "I'll take 60 arrows for Jer'el here as well. If he wanted a good bow, no doubt he knows how to use it. If he can use it, no doubt he needs ammunition."

    All in all, it costs 403 gold. The guards go away, bored. Gareth Ott seems to be sated, though the whole display unsettled him. Korian looks at Jer'el. "Not a gift. You owe me 403 gold. Captain Wavebreaker asked me to follow you in case you got in trouble, but also to recommend that you stop by the shrine of the Three Gods of the Sea and to tell them you're story."

    You both go, and Korian has no desire to go inside. He stays in the crow's nest on the ship, despite the swaying of the upper mast, because it keeps him from the water where he has no business ... but also because his big claws might accidentally shred rigging.

    Jer'el meets the priest there, one Casey Brenton Bernard. He hears of Jer'el's terrible ordeal and transformation.

    "Whatever trials you suffered, Jer'el," Father Bernard says, "your bravery and fortitude in such conditions have earned you a great blessing from the Gods of the Sea, and likely Procan given your background. Though you may yearn for the life you knew, it seems you are meant for much more ... though that may as well much more suffering, but who can tell for the Three of the Sea are as wild as the waves.

    "Come, I have something in the shrine that I hope I never need, but it seems that you were meant to have. I always knew one blessed like yourself would come."


    He comes back out with a long bundle, wide at one end. He takes out the object and it is a trident of incredible workmanship. "This, Jer'el, is Fell Point. It is a weapon of legacy, and one that shall grow as you do. The symbol of the Three is upon it, but considering its original forger, Procan's symbol is in ascendance. Always remember who saved you from death and peril, blessed you in this form, and gave you fantastic strength."
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    Fester and Desiria, I'll get to you, but I have to go to work.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
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  23. - Top - End - #983
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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    Hefestus Smithson
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    Hefestus, you are the classic "dropped on the doorstep" orphan, taken in by Hildred and Shanon Smithson. One of Fort Blackwell's two blacksmithing families, the Smithson's were the poorer of the two as they would not engage in underhanded dealings with what outsiders might be Scarlet Brotherhood or Crimson Tide pirates ... unlike the hereditary Audley family blacksmiths, armors, and weaponsmiths.

    Though Hefestus was treated as a son, it was still the Smithson legacy that went to their own children, and their children, and finally to Meredith, the last of that old line. With that, Hefestus was bequeathed the smithy for himself. Unfortunately, within 13 days of Meredith's death and his legally getting the title to Smithson Smithy .... the shop burned down.

    It would be a comfort to Hefestus were he able to blame this tragedy on the part of the newest leader of the Audley clan. Hefestus called for the guard and they investigated. It wasn't the Audley clan. It was Hefestus, who in a moment of his normal frenetic movement on a particularly distracted day, kicked some straw towards the starter with the bellows grate open. One spark while Hefestus was watching the sunset at the sea gate was all it took. It didn't take much for the lead investigator to note this. The only thing worth salvaging was the safe (not portable) with a large cache of money (used to purchase equipment) and a text on the Smithson family secrets. You only ever focused on blacksmithing, but if you learned the secrets in this book, you might at least learn the rudiments of the rest of ironmongery.

    It was over. They smithy was gone. The town notary would not allow him to secure any real estate, and his reputation was ruined. He had no enemy but himself to blame. He was in his own fiery hell. The only he could see was to wait for the next ship from Sasserine.

    Of course, there were these two Sasserine ships that just pulled into port: the Blue Nixie, the larger of the two caravels and the flagship; and the Sea Wyvern, the smaller of the two but reputed to be partly crewed by a handful of heroes. It is said that after only 13 days at sea, some of the colonists realized they would not be able to withstand a longer sea voyage, so the Farshore Expedition were looking for colonists with skills that could help sustain a small community far to the south at a place called Farshore on the ominously named Isle of Dread. It's your chance to start anew somewhere else. Besides, you've been stuck at Fort Blackwell for nearly a century. Maybe you stayed out of a sense of duty to your adopted family, but they, the smithy, your reputation, and your patience being stuck in one place are gone. Far, far gone.

    You make your way down to Fishman street where they are seeking anybody brave enough for a 1000-mile-plus sea voyage to an island to set up a colony, rich with resources, to begin a trade expedition. Hmmm, a trade route ... you've always been interested in trying to beat the Audleys at their own game. Perhaps if you created your own trade venue as a blacksmith (or even purveyor of other goods), you might find yourself quite successful after all. Maybe return to Fort Blackwell as a fat-cat businessman with things to sell.

    Or not. Time will tell.

    There are two tables set on each side at the street end of the pier. As you walk down, this dashingly handsome man in very fine clothing trots past with a magnificent white steed that advances disdainfully down the middle of the street, forcing people to move for him.

    You look at the two tables, and you go for the one which has more 'normal' persons that represent the Blue Nixie, the larger ship. The first is a stunningly beautiful amazon woman who reaches two inches higher than yourself. Hazel-green eyes, honey-colored hair. She is armed with a very fine rapier and pieces of jewelry along with very fine clothing, better than anyone else in Ft. Blackwell wears. The murmurs in the crowd mention that she is Lady Lavinia Vanderboren. While not the captain of the Nixie, she is the master of both vessels and of the expedition.

    The man beside her is just as tall, and likely her bodyguard. He has a classic "hero build" for a trim swordsman. He is strapped with two high quality short swords and a bow that you assess to be comparable to your own strong arms. He is simply dressed, and wears a chain shirt.

    They tell the crowd at their table that picks for colonists for the Blue Nixie are now closed, but they can still check with the Sea Wyvern. Considering the strangeness of the two at the Wyvern's table, the crowd begins to quickly disperse except for a few who sign in and then go to gather their belongings.

    You get up to the table as only two potential colonists are left, you and ...
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-13 at 03:38 PM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  24. - Top - End - #984
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Desiria Tynalon

    There is a knock on the door of the Tynalon house. The elder Christina Tynalon (Desiria's mother) answers the door and gasps, almost falling to her knees.

    "Please, lady, stand," comes a beautiful voice with a resonant lower tenor quality.

    A smaller but stouter hand ... at a lower point than you would expect to see for a man ... offers it to Christina and helps her up. "Moradin's blessings on this house."

    A dwarf? But what would a dwarf want here?

    "I take it you are Miss Tynalon the elder?"

    "Yes, holy one," she replies as she recovers herself. "To what does my humble house, blessed to humble Myhriss, owe to have such a holy emissary? And why Moradin?"

    "May I enter?"

    "Of course, please do, sir. I am Christina Tynalon, priestess of Myhriss." As she shows the stranger in she continues, "And this is my daughter, Desiria, who follows in my footsteps as a priestess, as does her younger sister Dory."

    The stranger steps in ... it is a short, squat man. Desiria has never seen a dwarf before. She's heard of them, but without knowing for sure, she cannot positively identify him as a dwarf. He did mention Moradin, which she recognizes as the chief of the dwarven gods, but she's pretty sure dwarves don't have .... wings.

    He stands 4'7" tall and he steps at about a gold-and-a-half. He has steely blue eyes, but his head and beard seem to have been shaved completely bald recently. Now, however, a layer of fuzz is starting to show on his head and face. His wings are like those of an albatross: white, with dark trimming. The stories she has heard of dwarves is that they are stunty and unattractive, but this cannot be for there is an unearthly beauty in this dwarf with the flawless skin.

    He wears high-quality sharkskin armor, a light armor that is good for swimming but is also defensive against those that would grab him. At his side is a warhammer with obvious symbols of Moradin. He carries a small quiver of three javelins. He also currently wears gold-rimmed spectacles, giving him an even kindlier and bookish look.

    "I am Rabbi Eliezer Whuraili Cohen ben Mordechai of Clan Ironoath of Oriadeth. To those onboard my ship, the Sea Wyvern, I am known simply as Mr. Cohen. I am the ship's first mate and surgeon."

    He looks knowingly at Desiria. "I've come to offer a chance for you, young priestess of Myhriss, to bring your healing skills and the duties of your community-minded faith to a young colony that will have much need of these."
    ...............................................

    Christina invites him to dinner, along with the escort he had outside - a tomboyish girl named Lirith, the rigger for this ship (masterwork falchion, strong bow, and quality studded leather armor; obviously a physical bodyguard). There is much discussion about this new opportunity for the faith in a new community, measured against the potential danger of the voyage and the simple leaving of the older daughter. Lirith seems entirely lost in the conversation, remaining relatively quiet, but extremely happy there is a home-cooked meal and fairly good wine. (Christina's sister-in-law is a vintner.)

    Sister Desiria and Rabbi Eliezer test each other cannily throughout the dinner. You both seem to be comparatively intelligent and of nearly the same presence (he perhaps a little more), you seem to have much greater insight. Eliezer seems to be the more accomplished silver-tongue and an accomplished surgeon from the city, though not too much more than yourself, and seems like that is his focus. On other matters, you seem to just outdo him in matters arcane, he is significantly more educated on religious matters, and likewise with spell theory. It is an engaging evening, and you could learn a lot from him.

    In the end, though, it comes down to a burgeoning establishment that will want for the services of a hearth-priestess, and will definitely have need of an accomplished midwife among a pioneer establishment. He bids you all well, and asks that you take the evening to gather your things, say goodbye, and prepare mentally for this new chapter in your life.

    He and Lirith leave to go back to the ship, and the Ladies Tynalon hold a prayer vigil in blessed thanks for this wondrous opportunity to spread Myhriss' kindness abroad.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-13 at 04:35 PM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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  25. - Top - End - #985
    Titan in the Playground
     
    MikelaC1's Avatar

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    DESIRIA

    As Desiria packs her belongings, there is only one overwhelming thought in her mind and that is that Myhriss works in strange and unpredictable ways. Never in her life had she thought that the goddess would trust her with the growth of her faith in a whole new community, and certainly not at this point in her life. She had woken this morning, expecting the day to be much like any other, and instead this dwarf (Mr. Cohen) had come in with an announcement to turn her world upside down. Her last thought after turning in for the night was hoping that she would be up for the task.

    The next day, she kisses her mother good-bye, kisses her younger sister good bye with an admonishment to look after her mother and respect her wishes and then heads out for the Blue Nixie and her new life.
    #GoreMutualarejerks

  26. - Top - End - #986
    Colossus in the Playground
     
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    Hefestus (Cont'd)

    ... a woman and a young married couple.

    Both

    It turns out that the ships have already been in town for a day and have conducted their stores load, minus a fresh-fruit load occurring now before departure. The Wyvern has room for one more person, and waiting for three more that are signed up to arrive. You realize you were almost late to the party. And step up to the table.

    Captain Darrius Wavebreaker himself is here to greet the last of the four of you.
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    He stands 5'10", 177 lbs with a powerful, chesty build. He is of a dark scale of skin that almost drinks in the light, but with piercing blue eyes and bald (though he currently wears a classic tricorne hat). He has claws on his hands ... not large, but enough to slash open a throat. He has a short sword at his side, but the pommel that shows looks to be of some dark grainy metal that is unpolished. Mithral shirt with an incredible shine, and a fine shield of a very dark wood at his back.

    The stranger wear, however, all consist of translucent-to-solid articles of various shades of blue: boots, gauntlets that crackle every now and then with static, bracers, a stole or mantle with a draconic theme, and a gorget. Every now and then, he'll spit like a tobacco chewer and that spit will hiss and sputter on the ground from acid.

    His assistant at the table is identified only as Mr. Kahir, the ship's pilot.
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    Bizarre olive-skinned creature with a long, black topknot and black eyes. He is short (5'2") but powerful (148 lbs). He carries no apparent weapons, but wears extremely fine-crafted studded leather armor with a blue sapphire gem several inches below the neck that is part of the armor, on which is faintly carved a tiny flint arrowhead.
    Hifestus
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    You know all there is to know about xephs. They are a fascinating race, and you even know some stories about famous xephs. Perhaps you share an affinity because of the peripatetic nature of both races. (Or, perhaps it's because you got a 30 on your K: Local.)

    The young married couple are signed and another woman guides them to the ship while Hefistus signs up and Desiria does final check-in ....
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2013-01-13 at 11:44 PM.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  27. - Top - End - #987
    Titan in the Playground
     
    MikelaC1's Avatar

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    DESIRIA

    Desiria is an attractive human woman (pure human, if that matters) who stands about 5' 6". Her blond hair hangs to her shoulders and she has green eyes. Her robes and cloaks most prominently bear the symbol of her goddess Myhriss, however the edges of them have magical sigils of various kinds embroidered on them. Also prominent, hanging from her neck, is a silver holy symbol, also of Myhriss.
    The other thing to note is that she does not carry a weapon. Not a single one, not even a knife. People may be used to some priests being martial proponents of their deity, but its clear that Desiria certainly isnt one of them. Her voice is soft and kind, yet she has a way of making you see her point of view.

    Greetings, Captain Wavebreaker, may the blessings of Myhriss, and Procan of course, be on our journey today. I hope to be proven worthy of the honor my goddess has chosen to bestow upon me. May I come aboard your vessel?
    #GoreMutualarejerks

  28. - Top - End - #988
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    lostsole31's Avatar

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    "I would say something smart about not getting your name, but my first mate spoke glowingly of you last night, so I'm guessing you are Sister Desiria of Myhriss, hmm? Sign here on the manifest, and go see the darfellan at the quarterdeck to be admitted onboard."

    Desiria, what is a quarterdeck you might ask yourself? And a "darfellan?" Probably some ship's position like a captain or a cook.

    "What about you?" the captain asks. "We have all names accounted that are sailing but we have room and stores for one more, though I would like to know what manner of man you are. Not human, but human-like with hints of flame."

    Strolling down the pier are a curious pair of monstrous creatures. One is a furry man, the other is a bizarre humanoid with an octopoid bottom.
    Hefestus
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    recognizes the first as an anthropomorphic animal of some type, and the latter is similar to a cecaelia - an octopus man. But the cacaelia usually look just like a human at the top. This cecaelia is more octopoid in many ways, even to his eyes. There is a horizontal bar that always remains parallel to the horizon.


    It seems they both tied one on last night and are managing the best they can. The octo-man carries a trident in one hand, and a bow with the string holders at both ends broken. He withers under the captain's glare. "Almost missed ship's movement, Jer'el. Get aboard, help with final stow-for-sea, and get yourself straightened out by maneuvering watch."
    Jer'el
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    Took liberties to advance the timeline. Korian, a fellow bestial creature himself, took you out carousing. You did much better than the normal men there, but Korian way, way outdrank you. He got drunk as well, but it's more of him helping you to the ship than not.

    Oh, and something else I didn't mention before. You are overdriven by tastes, most of which, walking in mud streets, is not very nice. See, your tentacles are actually taste sense organs.
    20MAR2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Worldwound (2013, Jacobs, Keith, et. al.).
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  29. - Top - End - #989
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    Hifestus

    *Months ago*

    CLANG. CLANG. CLANG. WHOOSH. SIZZLE. CLANG.

    The small boy could not resist. His friends had told him about the smith, the way he seemed to burn, he hadn't believed them though. He followed the sounds.

    WHOOSH. CLANG. SIZZLE. CLANG.

    He turned a corner and saw the stall. A blacksmith's shop, set up and open to the air so that passerby's could see the smith's work.

    The man working was the one his friend's had described.

    CLANG. WHOOSH. SIZZLE.

    He was a tall man, seemed human, with white skin, though it was now dark with soot. It was hard to see him through the smoke and sparks. He raised the large hammer over his head and the boy realized that the man was not wearing gloves or any protective gear.

    He brought the hammer down. CLANG. The man held a red piece of metal with his bare hand.

    The boy moved closer to see better and was stunned. The man, the blacksmith, seemed to be on fire.

    His skin glistened with sweat and as the sparks hit him, them seemed to ignite small fires across his skin. His eyes, so clearly the red eyes of burning embers, flared with each strike of his hammer. His hair, was on fire . . . or so it seemed. The man appeared to have fire in his hair, small flames burning throughout his blonde and red hair. The fire curled and flickered.

    The boy was transifxed. Watching this blacksmith burn, holding painfully burning things without a care, body set with sparks of fire and a head ablaze.

    When the smith finished, the fires went out. His body was just that of a tall, muscled white man. His hair, a reddish blonde. Only his eyes remained, red, without the intense look of burning fire, like embers in a dieing fire.

    "You there, Boy," the smith said. "Are you here to buy or just watch."

    With a squeel the child ran.






    *On the Dock*

    Hifestus chose to buy a simple outfit. A stylish orange piece. Clearly not one a noble would wear, but nicer than a peasant and hardy, an outfit for a trip. He carries a number of pouches and a weapon on each hip. He pulls a small cart with him, filled with crated items that a blacksmith would need to set up a shop.

    With a small bow and a friendly smile, "Captain," Hifestus says, "my exact lineage is unknown, I was orphaned as a child and raised by kind local people. At best guess I am most likely an Ifrit, human with an ancestry that includes fire elemental of some type. Based on some of my affinities, I believe it may be Azer."

    Hifestus reaches into a pouch at his hip and pulls out a few small fishing hooks and then draws a small dagger carefully, being sure to not appear threatening, and holds it up to the captain by the blade.

    "I think I can be of use sir," he says with clear pride, "the family that took me in, the Smithsons, taught me to work metal and I must say that I seem to have a knack for it. Any sailor worth his salt can pound out a simple hook, but mine will hold true even against the largest of fish you might catch. The dagger I made as well. If you have the equipment on board I can assist repairing or making anything of metal your crew might need."
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

    Annoying Gamer says - My level 1 character's background is pretty complex. After fighting in the three great wars, he was forced to return home and kill an elder dragon single handily.

  30. - Top - End - #990
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    MikelaC1's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Savage Tide [IC]

    DESIRIA

    Desiria blushes at the unintentional gaffe of not providing her name, and quickly signs the manifest. She picks up her things and heads up the gangplank to the deck, hoping that someone will point the way to whatever a darfellan is. By quarterdeck, she assumes that would mean something lower than the highest deck on board, and looks for stairs.
    #GoreMutualarejerks

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