Interesting Times (D&D 3.5) [IC]

[Machuchang]

It is a stormy morning, and the air is thick with the salty spray of the ocean, the sticky moisture carried aloft by the waves that crash ceaselessly against your small ship. You have traveled for months, and have set foot on multiple continents. You have risked your life multiple times to get this far, whether on the roiling open seas or in the shady back alleys of dingy port towns. But as you see the dark shape on the horizon steadily growing closer, you know that this trip was worth it.

“Land ho!” A crewman shouts from up on the crow's nest. “Land hooooooooo!” The other passengers, hearing his voice, hurry up to the main deck to get a better view. There, everyone stands beneath the pouring rain, entranced by the magnificent sight.

Vaera, the final continent, is just moments away.

[Sophistemon]

A great anticipation had driven Jonathan abovedeck a few hours before their expected landfall, and he had spent the intervening time leaning against the furthermost railing of the prow with his face to the spray, so that he might peer into the mists. He had learned, throughout the long course of his journey over land and sea, that the very life of every sailor was one of constant adventure, and even more so if one lacked the constitution to contend with the roiling sea. If adventure were all that he sought, he might have considered making a living at it; after all, facing the primordial fury of the ocean was no less dangerous than confronting an angered troll, and sailors did it nearly every day of their lives. It was perhaps one of the most honest and honorable professions that he had ever encountered, and he had enjoyed his time at sea immensely. Of course, Jonathan craved more than adventure, and after having braved the length and width of Geridia in search of it, a change of scenery was now required. A wide grin split his face following the lookout's call, and the young knight beamed into the pounding surf. "Soon," he said, and a great joy welled up in his heart.

[Varil]

"Woo-hoo! We actually made it! No thanks to that no-good sailor."

"It's fine, Gul-Nen."

The two stood in their cabin, having retreated to ready their limited belongings. Duil's furs had gotten rather damp in the heavy rain outside, though Gul-Nen looked the same as always. It's never easy to tell if a Water Gen is wet or not.

"It is not fine! He swindled us! The...swindler!"

Duil sighed to himself, knowing there was no hope of convincing the tiny Gen. The sailor they had originally gone with, who had planted the idea of going to Vaera in Duil's mind, had left them in the first port they had stopped in. Duil didn't blame the old sailor, though.

"It's your fault, too, you know! Just because you can tell people how your magic works, doesn't mean you should!"

Duil nodded, absent-mindedly. Duil's "bargain" with the Elemental Lords is nothing malevolent, but to a band of superstitious sailors it may as well have been a deal with the Abyss itself. Only Duil's unsuspicious nature had prevented violence, and that was unlikely to last the entirety of the trip.

"Most people aren't as superstitious as sailors, Gul. It'll be fine. You should be happy anyway. Thanks to that we had the opportunity to visit quite a few places, and some were quite warm."

In the end, the old sailor(who had only introduced himself as "Captain Saltboot", for some reason), had left them to prevent his crew from attacking Duil over his strange magic.

Shuddering to himself(Probably just the damp, he thought), Duil considered his efforts to travel here. He and Gul had paid and bargained their way through several ships on their way here, bouncing back and forth between continents.

And now here they were, the "Last Continent". A place where maybe, Duil could find what he wanted.

Shouldering his bag, he addressed Gul-Nen, "Let's go. We should be getting near the port."

Gul followed the lumbering Duil up to the deck and into the onslaught of rain.

[redzimmer]

Man was never meant to go to sea, Oskar thought bleakly.

Since the storm hit he had been over the side of the ship, making "Offerings to Umberlee" as the seadogs so colloquially put it.

But Oskar suffered it, and the sailors' derision silently, as he did most indignities foisted upon him. No suffering he endured was greater then he had inflicted in his past life.

Now Vaera was taking up the whole horizon. Soon there would be landfall, and solid ground under his feet.

"As St. Cuthbert intended," he muttered.

A nearby sailor made a superstitious sign against evil and moved away from the crazy seasick burn victim.

Oskar began to gather his gear. He knew it inadvisable to wear heavy armour aboard a ship, but he did wear his enchanted bracers and shield. Never one to be ill-prepared, he loosened his sword in its sheath and scanned about for anything unusual.

As usual, his wandering mind limited his focus...

[Doc_Pippin]

Gideon rolls lazily from his hoisted bed. Landing hard on the floor, the smell of last nigh's pilfered grog still clinging to his breath. The loud call of 'Land ho' echoing in his still sensitive ears. He lifts himself up and sways to join the rest of the passengers on deck. As Gideon passes someone that could only be discribed as over cooked, he jokingly comments "watch yourself crispy," his tone light and followed by a small laugh.

He tries to gaze out through the mist but quickly loses interest. He had been so drunk that he couldn't for the life of him even remember where they were headed. "So not to sound ignorant to the obvious but exactly were is this tub of fun going again?" His words were followed by a small belch that did nothing to lessen the public view of him as the patron drunkard.

[Tjallen]

Looking up from his daily cleaning of his combat gear upon hearing the lookout, Darv carefully finishes cleaning his chainshirt and walks up to the deck.

Finally were here. But it just had to rain.
Muttering to himself Darv silently repeat the things he know about Vaera.

[bindin garoth]

At the announcement, Jan rushes out of his bed and up onto the deck....... Just to lose his lunch. It was truly unfortunate, but he apparently had a problem with seasickness.... Something he found out about after boarding the ship.

<Perhaps you should stay down in the cabin until we land?> Kara asked him through their link. He was grateful for their link, otherwise he was sure to get blank stares for talking to a sword!

<I gotta see this amazing land you told me about first!> He responds, lifting his head for a moment to look at the new continent. Truly, despite the heavy rain, it was an amazing, breathtaking beauty of nature. It was times like this that Jan was thankful to the spirits!

"Wow....." Jan says to no one in particular.

<It's more amazing than you said!> Jan says to Kara. He simply hears laughter through their connection while he continues to look. Thankfully, after that..... Episode, he was feeling a little better.

[Machuchang]

The sky seems to grow even darker as your ship gets closer, and the waves begin to churn even more forcefully, only encouraging the rampant seasickness that seems to be taking hold on deck. In the distance, lightning streaks across the sky, followed all too quickly by the crack of thunder. The air becomes so cold that it cuts through your clothing like a knife, chilling your sodden bones underneath.

As the wind grows in strength, the masts begin to billow and flap at an alarming rate. Suddenly a sail is ripped from the mizzen-mast, the cloth carried into the sea. You notice that the crew begins to swear even more profusely than usual, and it doesn't take a sailor to realize that something has gone very, horribly wrong. Someone screams, only to be cut off by a wave that crashes over the stern.

In that moment, everything devolves into chaos. The ship explodes into action as every sailor and passenger aboard scrabbles across the slick, slippery deck, trying to find some way to stabilize the ship. You see a man struggling with the main mast take a tumble into the sea as the vessel lists precariously toward the starboard side.

Just when it seems as though things can't get any worse, a stunned silence overtakes the ship. A massive, roiling wave, far larger than any ship, comes barreling towards you at horrendous speed. You barely have time to blink before you are completely submerged.

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Reflex saves and Swim checks, please.

[bindin garoth]

OOC:

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My reflex save of 2 and swim rank of 0 do not like the above post

Jan holds on to the railing for dear support as the rocking continues. He almost losses his grip on Kara! Luckily, he is able to maintain his grip, even with the continued rocking.

But the worse has yet to come. He soon sees a giant wave come bearing down. No sooner does he utter the words "Oh s...." then the wave comes crashing down on the ship. Jan tries to quickly secure himself, but if it is enough, he's not sure.

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Reflex save: (1d20+2)[8]
Swim:(1d20+0)[1]

Hmmmmm...... If I fail both, can I use my Mark of Passage Dragonmark to teleport back on top of the boat?

[Varil]

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Duil Reflex :
(1d20-2)[13]
Swim :
(1d20+1)[18]

Gul-Nen Reflex :
(1d20+3)[13]
No swim check needed, swim speed 20'.

[Sophistemon]

The joy in Jonathan's chest is slowly replaced by apprehension, and then by dread, as the storm intensifies and progressively larger waves begin to knock the ship about, rocking it to and fro. As he is not himself an accustomed sailor, the young knight manages to keep his balance, as precarious as it is, only by holding on to the railings. When the sail is blown away and their vessel takes a nasty lurch to starboard, Jon nearly takes a nasty tumble into the drink, and is saved only by the tightness of his grip. While those aboard with the training to do so attempt desperately to replace or repair those parts of the ship damaged by wind and water, Jonathan occupies himself with managing to stay upright on the water-slick planks of the prow. Vaera was so close! If not for the storm they would likely be able to see it by now, if only just barely. And then, not a few moments later, there is that terrible silence wherein everyone aboveboard takes note of the wave, far larger than the others, yawning open like a colossal frothing mouth. Dread is replaced by panic and Jonathan manages to utter a single syllable, "Ber-!", before the water crashes down.

Actions:

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Reflex: (1d20+2)[9]
Swim: (1d20+2)[17]

[Doc_Pippin]

Gideon continues to rant about various unrelated topics in a string of blather that could only come from someone found at the bottom of a bottle. His last rabbit trail of information detailed something about an ogre, a bundle of feathers, and a rather crude speaking bar maid, but the pointless story was cut short as the ship teetered on the brink of distruction. As the wave came crashing down upon the ship, Gideon's mind quickly pulled memories of the other times he had been on board small ships in rough seas. He reacted without a seconds hesitation.

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Because Gideon has a history at sea I'm gonna say he uses an inspiration point on the save
(1d20+7)[16] Reflex
(1d20+4)[11] swim

[redzimmer]

"Cuthbert keep me," is all Oskar has time to say, though he adds a prayer of thanks for his insight about no armour onboard.

I can always buy another suit, he thinks as the water hits.

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Reflex
(1d20+3)[13]

Swim Check
[roll]1d20+1[/roll]

[redzimmer]

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(1d20+1)[18]
I hope this doesn't become a habit for me.

[Tjallen]

A storm too, great.

As Darv notices the wave he shrugs before trying to hold on to the ship.
Of course...

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Reflex(1d20+7)[9]
Swim (1d20-1)[18]

[Machuchang]

Jan

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The huge wave bashes into you at full strength, lifting you bodily over the side of the ship. With a crash, you land face-first into the sea, the force of the impact knocking the air from your lungs. Pushed beneath the surf, you struggle to get to the surface, but the roiling waves are too strong. In just a matter of seconds, the current has pulled you under. The last thing you see before you are swallowed by darkness is the stream of bubbles bursting forth from your lips.

Duil and Gul-Nen

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As you see the ship taking water, you grab onto the side railing with all your strength. But once the huge wave hits you, you feel your fingers slip, and the next thing you know, you're in the ocean. With a burst of strength, you propel yourself to the surface. Frantically, you scan your surrounding for Gul-Nen, when suddenly, he pops up right next to you.

Jonathan

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The wave plows into you, sweeping you off the deck and into the ocean with and unceremonious crash. Although stunned for a moment from your fall, you manage to regain your senses and make your way back to the surface of the ocean.

Gideon

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You wrap your body around the ship's side railing, hanging on for dear life as the wave crashes over you. But just as suddenly as it began, it is gone. Thoroughly soaked, you see that the wave has destroyed all of the ship's masts. It's times like these that you're thankful for the numbing effects of alcohol.

Oskar

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You brace yourself against the ship's side, only to be swept away by the massive wave and carried into the ocean with a massive splash. Thanks to your lack of armor, though, you don't sink far under the water, and easily manage to make your way back to the surface.

Darv

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You try to stand strong against the onslaught of the ocean, only slip on the slick deck. Almost as soon as you hit the floor, you are carried aloft by the wave and plunged into the freezing water. Fortunately, your military training has taught you to keep your head in situations like this, and you quickly regain a sense for your surroundings, allowing you to easily make it to the surface, where a large floating plank awaits you.

[Varil]

Duil had barely had time to take in the chaos on the deck after returning to topside before the wave struck him, sweeping him overboard.

The shock of cold water hit a familiar note of fear in Duil as he frantically tried to return to the surface, curbed only by a note of amusement from Gul-Nen sent over their mental link.

He almost didn't notice the change from water to air under the heavy beat of the rain, and it took a moment for his mind to recenter itself. Gul surfaced as Duil tried to relax, glancing around in the storm.

I don't have time to bargain for a spell...where's the ship?

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Just in case, Spot : (1d20+3)[17]

Can Duil see the ship from where he is, or did he lose track of it in the storm?
Alternatively, can he see a bit of debris or something he could grab onto for stability?

[Doc_Pippin]

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I'm gonna try and see if anyone went under and hasn't come up.

(1d20+10)[29] inspired spot.

If I see them I will quickly secure my stuff and dive in to save them.

(1d20+4)[21] swim check

[Tjallen]

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As he is swept off of the deck Darv just have time to grab unto a plank.

Trying to keep his head above water, Darv does his best to not drown.

[bindin garoth]

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Oh noes!

Can Jan use his dragonmark (Dimension Leap) to teleport straight up 30ft, above the water?

Concentration check if needed: (1d20+7)[23]

Swim check, round 2!: (1d20)[16]

If he is able to teleport above, he'll start yelling and making a ruckus, trying to get someone's help.

[redzimmer]

If I never board a ship again...

Oskar searched around him and listened for any stricken shipmates in need of assistance.

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Search
(1d20)[8]

Listen
(1d20-4)[8]

[Tjallen]

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As he is swept off of the deck Darv just have time to grab unto a plank.

Trying to keep his head above water, Darv does his best to not drown and scouts for the best way to safety, be it the ship or swimming to shore

[Machuchang]

Duil

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You glance around wildly, realizing that the wave has pushed you a good 60 ft. or so away from the ship. You also realize that the wave had destroyed every single mast. Fortunately, for you at least, a large chunk of wood from the base of the crow's nest has drifted nearby.

Gideon

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As you regain your bearings, you scan the wreckage for those in need, turning just in time to see a tall young man sink beneath the waves. After doing a quick double-check of your gear, you decide to go in after him. With a flying leap, you dive smoothly into the water, making barely a sound. Your old pirate kin would've been impressed.

As you push yourself through the churning tide, you manage to catch a glimpse of the young man, only to see him disappear in a flash of golden light before reappearing directly above you.

Jan

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Even as the waves drag you under, you manage to keep your cool. Bringing Kara close, you channel her energy into yours, and soon you are floating on the surface. The salty ocean air has never tasted so sweet.

Oskar

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You look around for any of your shipmates in need, but the howling wind and the roiling sea make it to difficult to pinpoint a specific person.

Darv

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You cling to your piece of driftwood for dear life. Fortunately for you, you are small enough and light enough that the wood has no trouble holding your weight.

[bindin garoth]

OOC:

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YES! OH YEAH, IT WORKED!

Ahem.

I'm glad I took that dragonmarked feat! It's already saved my life once! And to think I doubted the feat....

Jan suddenly appears a little bit above the waves, before falling back into the ocean. He gasps at the sweet, sweet air, praising Kara for saving him! Never before had he realized how flimsy his life was.

He immediately looks around, trying to find any nearby peace of wood to grab ahold of and use to stay afloat.

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Swim: (1d20)[10]

[Tjallen]

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Guess it's time to look for a way out of this stupid water...
Looking around in the water Darv tries to spot how far he have come away from the ship and how close to the shore he has gotten, determined to not let a little bit of saltwater ruin his perfectly good mood.
(1d20+10)[21] spot

[Varil]

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Duil will attempt to get to and grab onto the piece of wood.
Swim check if needed : (1d20+1)[15]

If he gets there in one piece, he'll try to draw out a Sunrod from his Haversack and activate it.

[redzimmer]

Oskar treads water as he weighs his options.

Return to ship or eventually drown. I wonder how far I am from shore? he thought.

After glancing shoreward, he tries to swim towards the ship.

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Swim

(1d20+1)[6]

Search

(1d20)[8]

[Sophistemon]

Jonathan

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The wave plows into you, sweeping you off the deck and into the ocean with and unceremonious crash. Although stunned for a moment from your fall, you manage to regain your senses and make your way back to the surface of the ocean.

Had Jonathan been born centuries later, in another universe far removed from his own, he might have equated the churning that he underwent beneath the waves to being stuck in an industrial washing-machine stuck on a perpetual spin cycle. He struggled as much as he could against the pull of the ocean and burst, gasping for air, above the surface. He twists about in the water, searching for the ship (or the ship's remains), and whoever else survived the tumultuous wave. Should he catch sight of ship and survivors, he will attempt to fight against the push and pull of the roiling waves and make his way towards them as best he can. If he can't see either... well. If so, that would mean that he was alone in the middle of the ocean, and there would be no hope for him.

Actions:
Spot: (1d20+2)[6]
Swim: (1d20+2)[22]

[Machuchang]

Jonathan

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You somehow manage to break away from the strong ocean current and push yourself to the surface. You look around frantically for other survivors, but due to strength of the storm and the turbulent motions of the waves, you're having a hard enough time just staying afloat. But even through the misty darkness, you manage to make out the large shape of your vessel, around 70 feet away.

Oskar

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As you try to swim toward the ship, a huge wave suddenly crashes into you, thrashing you about and burying you deep beneath the surface.

Duil

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You manage to grab hold of the wreckage, which fortunately is strong enough to support your weight. Paddling furiously with your legs to keep your makeshift raft upright, you manage to fish through your belongings and pull out your sunrod.

Darv

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You scan the wreckage, catching sight of the demonic-looking fellow you remember seeing around the ship. He seems to be struggling against the current, when a large wave blindsides him and pushes him beneath the waves.

Jan

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You grab onto the piece of wood, only for it to rocket out of your hands and land in the water several feet away. You try to paddle towards it, but against the roiling waves, you don't make any progress.

[bindin garoth]

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Spot: (1d20+11)[17] Looking for the others + Boat
Swim:(1d20)[7]

Jan continues his search for a piece of wood, or anything else, to grab ahold of, and hopefully stay afloat. But he finally thinks to look around, trying to spot his comrades. After all, he couldn't afford to lose them, could he?

<Kara! I thought you said it was nice here!> He yells at Kara, obvious frustrated.