~ The dawn of Day 13 arrives with Hazara on her daily course to reach her starting line far off at the eastern horizon. The sea breeze is cool and brisk and the deep, dark waters remain calm. A light and spotty sea fog swirls in clumps here and there on the surface and a few high clouds mingle. The winds are still mostly westward in nature and remain strong enough to continue propelling the Seahawk steadily on her course. You open your eyes and awake to hope's fleeting kiss and dawn's gentle caresses. It is indeed a new day and you rise again feeling well rested. The fresh sea air slaps you in the face when you make it out on deck, retaining it's powerful intent of reinvigorations. The smells of the bountiful breakfast are welcoming and although the meal is quick, it is filling and indeed well received. The day proceeds with the crew undertaking their usual duties in the bright sunlight. Some stand guard and others work the sails. The fractured foremast is holding but the sail is kept tacked off lean to avoid too much stress. The damaged rudder holds as well and is currently tied off without unnecessary inputs from the wheel. Yesterday's previous southwesterly course has been modified a bit and the ship sails more towards the west.
Midday arrives to find everything all clear on the Sea of Ghosts and without further ado, the afternoon rolls in. Bogdan, Caelvanna, Emm and Ulrich are on station. Also on deck to soak in the sunlight and fresh sea air are most of the still-wounded from the infirmary. Lauranna, Griffo and Thalion are all brought up and soon joined by Troc and Farlon. The old nobleman Ziffiris and the elderly half-elf Jarrel also arrive with Sam and Benny in tow. The young girl and her stuffed bear keep smiles and spirits high as they make their rounds around and among the injured sitting on the cargo nets.
It is still mid afternoon when the Blic calls out from the crow's nest. "Contact! Straight ahead!"
Everyone on deck looks forward with anticipation as the next few minutes roll by. Billings and Ziller get impatient and both climb up to the nest to join the halfling lookout. The captain removes his spotting device from his belt and everyone holds their collective breaths as he scrutinizes the contact. "Land, ho!" Billings announces and a collective cheer erupts from the crew. Gramps begins to sing an old sailor's tune and dance a jig with his infectious smile, shooting winks at everyone he sees. Some of the crew begin to clap their hands and egg him on while others laugh at the spectacle and hug and share in the outpouring of relieved camaraderie. Regardless of whether you try and resist, a smile makes its approach upon your visage!
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OOC: ok, all! Feel free to respond with any revelry, banter or declared actions, if so desired. Otherwise we'll move things forward with the ship's approach to the islands later this evening!
Need updated levels and hit points for all as well as current spell rosters for Emm and Ulrich on Battle Sheets. Still have a few pms I need to get out. Looking to get that done sometime today or by this evening at the latest.
Updated spell list:
1st: Detect Magic, Faerie Fire x2, Speak With Animals.
2nd: Cure Light Wounds x2, Charm Person/Mammal.
Emm, still feeling some small effects of the wound at the hands of the Mermen, seeks out one of Shanny's brews before arriving at landfall. She will share a few joyous giggles with the child at the possibility of solid ground beneath their feet again.
~ After the initial celebration and feelings of fortuitous gratitude, relief and the giving of thanks at the prospect of being back on solid land again, the crew snaps to, returns to their stations and begins making preparations. Billings and Ziller climb down from the crow's nest after covering off instructions with Blic. The captain moves back up to the wheel and is quickly joined by his officers for the construction of their plan of approach. Ziller moves over to meet with Jovak, who had appeared in the doorway of the stern castle in the moments previous, his wand and axe to hand, to see what the hubbub was all about. The halfling commander reassures the dwarven general that all is well in hand and their island destination is in sight. Jovak stands down but instead of returning to the captain's cabin, he steps out on deck and moves off to the side.
The remainder of the inactive crew that had come up on deck for the sun and fresh air return to the infirmary and hold below to make preparations. After a brief conference with Billings and his men, Ziller approaches the party and gives them a quick briefing. "Alright friends, we believe that the land mass spotted on the horizon is the westernmost of the three larger islands of the chain. We want to avoid those main islands and their inhabitants if we can. The plan now is to turn to port and make south before circling around and approaching the smaller southern islands of the chain. We have to be careful in this, as according to the captain and his men, there are shallow reefs all about these islands and we can get hung up if we're not careful."
"Anyways, we'll make our approach from the south and pick out one of two islands that Gramps says have small hidden bays and beaches that will work well to hide the ship and allow us to effect repairs. When we're a few hundred yards out, we'll drop anchor and launch a few longboats. We need to take depth soundings and plot the ship's approach through the reef. I also want to make sure that there are no surprises awaiting us there, so we'll make a quick reconnoiter of the landing site and surrounding terrain. After we're sure that the island we choose is unoccupied and free of obvious dangers, we'll return to the ship and begin preparations to bring her in with the longboats. With any luck, the fog will be light enough to have the aid of Mosara's evening illuminations to aid us in bringing in the ship just after dusk," he concludes, taking a deep breath and glancing over at Jovak as he sits out of the way on the cargo nets nearby. Sam and Benny have joined the blind general there and the young girl appears to be explaining something to him. For the first time you can remember in weeks, you see Jovak smile as he listens to the excited and mirthful child detail what her and her stuffed animal companion are going to when they reach land. Ziller smiles and nods his silent gratitude to the child's unknowing blessing and small favor before collecting himself and then turning back to each of you with an assessing eye. "I need volunteers for a security detail to go ashore with the men in the longboats and help them secure our site..."
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HPs/Status: Bog 28/28 ; Caelvanna 25/25 ; Emm 10/10 ; Griffo** 22/24 ; Ulrich 16/16 ; Lauranna 9**/9 ; Thalion** 12/12 (**-conscious but incapacitated) WIH (primary/secondary): Bog – spear/longsword ; Caelvanna – short bow/short sword ; Emm – scimitar/SC ; Griffo – none ; Ulrich – mace/SC ; Lauranna – none ; Thalion – none (SC = spell component/spell to cast) M.O./LocationAll on deck:Bogdan , Ulrich , Caelvanna ; Emm , Lauranna** ; Now back down in hold:Griffo** , Thalion** (**-wounded/conscious but incapacitated)
I know others more willing and better suited, but they are now bedridden, the Druid starts. Perhaps I can glean some information about our port if I go ashore and make contact with some of the more...overlooked inhabitants.
~ Ziller nods his approval, an obvious sense of pride evident at every one of the able-bodied party members' quick responses in the affirmative. "Very well then, friends. We'll launch all four longboats when the time comes. Two will stay with the ship and prepare to pull her in, two will head for the landing zone. The four of you will be in the first skiff with me and a few others. Billy will take Gramps, Arak, Zimba and a few others in the second. Wear no heavier than leather armor, not for stealth but in case we have to get wet. If you need a suit, or anything else from the armory, let Billings know and he'll get you set up. And bring a ranged weapon. We'll need to be able to return fire if targeted on our approach. Once we've secured the landing zone, Gramps and Arak will go about checking the beach and inlet to see if it will work to bring the ship in. We'll then split up into two or three teams and make a quick scan of the island, just to be sure there's nothing too dangerous about. But more on that later," he offers with a wave of his hand as he looks about to each of you with an almost excited smile. He looks up and shares a look with Billings as he converses with his men before continuing.
"First we'll swing about and head back east, just in case we were spotted. Once we're sure of being out of sight, we'll turn right and sail on a bit. The intent of our maneuver to circle around somewhat and come straight on at the smaller islands of the chain from the south. There are a dozen or so of these smaller ones. They're anywhere from one to five miles across size-wise, and two to five miles apart of each other. They are about 10 miles south of the three big islands that will be to the north and northeast. Anyways, that course should cover our approach and from being seen by the inhabitants of the larger, main isles. Ultimately, we want to sneak in so that no one even knows we're there," he opines with a wink and a grin. "We'll approach in early evening, an hour or so before sunset. That way we have enough light to land by and hopefully get in just before dark. Gramps believes either the second or third of the ones furthest west will work for our needs. Says he's been on a few of them some years back, something about waiting out a storm and hiding from privateers. Those western ones have hidden coves and potentially the right beach and inlet we're looking for. That way, the ship and hopefully our presence, will be hidden and unknown while we effect our repairs," he explains, looking over and nodding to a strange hand signal that Billings makes. The captain returns to pointing at his map and offering contingencies and potentialities to his officers.
"Anyways, the plan goes like this. We close to a few hundred yards out and hold for a moment. We drop anchor and launch the boats. Be geared up and ready then. Remember, if you need anything from the armory, or want to prepare any new spells or such, see to it now. We'll have about four and half, maybe five hours before showtime. Get some rest and make ready as you will, friends" he explains with a smile of consideration, before nodding with his head over to indicate Jovak. The former cleric/fighter lord and renowned hero of the Great War is still being contained and entertained by the apparently omnipotent, magical innocence of the Sam and Benny show. He laughs and leans down to talk and consider her as she touches his massive, muscled forearm. The young girl looks like toy doll in contrast to the dwarf's massive and muscled physique and looming presence. Yet she shows not the slightest fear nor trepidation. Ziller lets out a deep breath of relief. "Gotta go see to the general. Until later then, friends..."
He departs your company to head over and make the least rude of an interruption as he can muster with Sam and her captive audience. He rubs the young girl's hair playfully and gives her a hug as he leans down to check up on Benny's status, to her obvious delight. After a short exchange, the halfling bids the child take her stuffed accomplice below with her to go see Cutler for a fresh-baked treat. Sam says goodbye to Jovak and jumps up to hug him around his neck. The general smiles as huge and toothy a grin as you've even seen and gently hugs the little girl hanging from his thickly-corded neck like a two-sizes too small amulet. He leans down even further to set her feet back on deck and after a departing hug for her Uncle Ziller, she happily follows Gentleman Billy and the lady Tamara below. Jovak and Ziller exchange words. The halfling commander lays down the plan on the dwarf general. He nods and looks blindly your way with his glossy white eyes for a moment before allowing himself to be escorted back into the stern castle to prepare for the landing.
~ Arak turns the ship about, tacking adjustments are made to tweak the main and the Seahawk sails back east away from the islands. Less than an hour passes when the easterner first officer turns the great wheel to starboard and you begin sailing south. The crew on duty man their stations and continue with their duties. There is a new, anxious energy in the cool afternoon air as you consider your preparations and focus on the approaching mission. Time passes and some gear is brought on deck. Billings has produced a map to go with his looking tube. He and his officers continue to talk and strategize about potentials. Hazara shines down brightly through the high, scattered clouds above and the deep, dark sea remains relatively calm below. A flight of large seabirds pass near the ship close to gawk and scrutinize the interlopers of their usually unmolested hunting area. One of them is apparently more curious than the others and comes in to land atop the foremast. It looks to be some kind of pelican, and beats its wings and caws furiously at Blic. The halfling lookout defiantly waves his arms in a most discourteous manner in response. It caw-laughs at him and even tries to crap-bomb Gramps below! Blic resolves a new application of discouragement by tossing small pebble-stones at it. It hits the big seabird and it relents unhappily, taking off to join it's mates circling wide around the ship. They do so for near a minute, almost as if expecting something that doesn't come and eventually fly off to search for a late afternoon meal.
After almost two hours of sailing south, Arak turns the Seahawk to starboard and proceeds west again. The specially built eastern ship picks up speed with the mostly westward wind now directly behind her. You proceed on your due-west course for just under an hour. The main is then tacked and trimmed, and Arak steers a somewhat northwest course for a good, long spell before finally turning proper north. Hazara is already past contemplations of her daily, dutiful heavenly assault upon the western horizon. It's just over another hour from then and very late in the afternoon when Blic calls out from the crow's nest above. Three shapes are spotted on the horizon, these much smaller than the one earlier. Arak and the crew make their final adjustments to approach the middle of the three contacts ahead. The smaller islands begin to loom in the early evening light and can now be observed more easily by those on deck. They are mostly circular in nature and look to be within a few miles of each other, just as Ziller had explained earlier. The one furthest west (off to port at @ the 10 o'clock position) is smaller than the others. The one straight ahead and the one to the east (off to starboard at @ the 2 o'clock position) are at least twice the size (say at least a mile and a half long by at most a mile wide). Each island appears covered with trees and flora of various types and densities. They have rocky cliffs that climb up out of the canopy by several hundred feet or more. It's hard to tell what their shores and beaches look like from this distance but by the way the waves break around them, reefs obviously surround each of them.
Billings and Ziller again climb up to the crow's nest to join Blic. The captain sets to work with his sighting glass, scrutinizing each island and the reefs surrounding them. After a few minutes, he hands it over to Ziller so he can have a look-see as well. They exchange words and finally Billings calls down to make for the middle island, slowing their approach and begin depth soundings immediately. Arak and the crew make the necessary adjustments. When within a mile, Bradley calls out that contact is made at 100 foot depth. The ship is slowed even more and additional soundings begin in earnest at both port and starboard sides. The island looms closer, glowing orange canopy and cliffs over dark shadows and spaces as sunset begins. The only visible movement and sign of life from the island are all the birds flying about. They appear to have homes along some of the cliff faces. Blic calls out seeing fish in the water, including more than a few sharks. The ship is slowed even more and those on station call out soundings at every change
Within a half mile, the depth is less than 50 feet. When the Seahawk pulls up short of the reef guarding their approach, she's about 300 yards off the island and in less than 20 feet of water. Cargo nets are dropped over the middle rails and two longboats are deployed. Ziller emerges from the stern castle, just before Jovak. He's equipped with his short bow and a small backpack ad wears a plain-looking grey, hooded cloak. He walks over and turns around to address everyone. "Alright lads and ladies, it's showtime. We'll take two longboats in. I will lead boat one and Billy will lead boat two. We'll make for the cove around the western end where the inlet is," he explains before looking up to Billings. "You see anything approaching or out of the ordinary, let us know and we'll do the same. Give us twenty five to thirty minutes to secure things or start heading back. Bogdan, Caelvanna, Emm, Ulrich, Mila and Yousef, you're with me. Arak, Gramps, Zimba, Sorel and Hammal, you're with Billy. The rest of you stay sharp and be ready. Alright then, friends. Let's do this!"
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OOC: ok folks, if there are any last minute questions or requests, now is the time. Otherwise, it's Dual Longboat Island Assault, Factor Alpha time!
*** Please be sure to update character sheets with currently-worn armor, weapons & equipment carried. All spell rosters should be updated as well! *** (Note: There was plenty of time for casters to pray/memorize any/all spells!)
Lauranna: will be staying behind and is currently in the infirmary, recovering with continued aid and help of Shanny, Tamara, Jennynia, and Najania. She will continue her talks with nobleman Ziffiris, and when well enough, will finally start her magic-user training for 2nd level!
HPs/Status: Bog 28/28 ; Caelvanna 25/25 ; Emm 10/10 ; Griffo** 22/24 ; Ulrich 16/16 ; Lauranna 9**/9 ; Thalion** 12/12 (**-conscious but incapacitated) WIH (primary/secondary): Bog – spear/longsword ; Caelvanna – short bow/short sword ; Emm – scimitar/SC ; Griffo – none ; Ulrich – mace/SC ; Lauranna – none ; Thalion – none (SC = spell component/spell to cast) M.O./LocationOn deck:Bogdan , Ulrich , Caelvanna ; Emm ; Down in the hold:Lauranna** , Griffo** , Thalion** (**-wounded/conscious but incapacitated)
Argennian wrote:"...And bring a ranged weapon. We'll need to be able to return fire if targeted on our approach...."
An almost sinister smile crosses Caelvanna's face as she hears Ziller mention ranged weapons. Instinctively, she reaches back over her shoulder and allows her elven fingers to touch the wood of her treasured short bow in confirmation of its presence. She takes a mental inventory of her possessions; she always packs light and her entire inventory still allows her full mobility, so after confirming she has a full stock of arrows -- both regular flight and her original silver-tipped -- she forces herself to relax the final hours until the ship reaches its destination and it's time to board the longboat.
Following Bog, Caelvanna lowers herself into the first longboat and immediate brings bow to hand and waits.
Emm's updated spell list:
1st: Detect Magic, Entangle, Speak With Animals, Faerie Fire
2nd: Cure Light Wounds x2, Charm Person/Mammal
Emm visits the armory to request another spear similar to the one she already has, and disparagingly also lugs along that ugly, cumbersome crossbow issued to her days earlier, with only 6 bolts (Wretched thing takes too long to load!). She knows she is unlikely to actually hit anything with it, anyway. She dons her leather armor and straps her slender, curved blade across her belt. Her oaken shield, cloak and satchel complete her outfitting. Upon coming topside, she lets out a cry of dismay at witnessing the Halfling in the crow's nest pinging a large-billed bird to drive it away. Feeling like a child ready to tantrum, she points an accusing finger at the fellow.
You, Sir, are a dolt! The young Druid feels her face flushing, and continues her diatribe to anyone close enough to hear. I have been seeking seabirds this entire voyage to act as advance scouts, and Blic elects to pelt the first one that gets close enough to enchant. Well done, hero! May your eyebrows fall out! A shudder of pure frustration locks her slim form until a disgusted moan breaks her lips, and she stomps to the longboat. Just as she steps into the vessel, she turns, suddenly aware, in the hope young Sam was not witness to her tirade.
Ulrich will acquire some leather armor as instructed. I'm afraid I'm not much of a shot with these things, he says, looking over the slings and bows with distaste. If it comes to that, I will make myself useful in other ways. Ulrich, unconsciously it seems, rubs his forearm where the branding scar of Moradin lies. He mumbles a quiet prayer.
Has Ulrich trained up sufficiently to learn L2 spells?
~ The two-boat landing force descends the cargo nets and climb aboard their respective longboats. Ziller indicates to Yousef and Ulrich to take the oars. Focused to the task and weapons at the ready, everyone's nerves are taunt. No one has said much since Emm scolded and verbally dressed down Blic about the pelican incident and her foiled plans. The chided halfling lookout and remaining crew of the Seahawk stay on station and on alert for any trouble.
Hazara sinks lower towards the western horizon as the two longboats leave the ship and begin their approach. Your boat takes point and Ziller communicates directions from the bow. The massive obstructing reef is maneuvered around to the west and the depth is checked with constant soundings from both Ziller and Mila, as well as from those on the boat behind. The opening through the reef is right where Gramps said it would be and soon both the small vessels are steered through the short, open passageway in the subsurface barrier and into the protected waters surrounding the island within.
The early evening light glints merrily off the much calmer, inner-reef waters but casts deep, dark shadows in the thick flora just beyond the island's golden brown beaches. Other than the many fish and underwater creatures swimming and moving about and the island's birds seen flying and heard calling out at and singing to one other, there no other signs of visible habitation. The winds are cool and mostly calm and the tops of trees sway lazily to the late-summer sea breeze's soothing melodies. The longboats are steered to port again and begin to approach the westernmost area of the island. You are briefly startled by the sudden disappearance of the fish and subsequent appearance of a massive shark swimming slowly by your boat, just below the surface. It gives you newcomers a curious, if not scrutinizing eye but takes no aggressive move or reaction to your presence, and continues swimming on past. Those in the other boat see it as well and forcibly subdue their collective agitations.
Within a few minutes, a small inlet comes into view that could not be seen previously. The entrance to the inlet is well camouflaged with thick trees and brush that come down close to the beach. Ziller looks over and gets the affirmative signal from Gramps and the two boats begin their approach with the soon to be setting sun mostly behind them now, off the port stern corner. As you get closer, the inlet becomes more visible and you can see past the flora wall to the inner waters and wide sand beach. Although it did not seem so at first, the entrance to this hidden cove is just wide enough to get a ship through, and the waters beyond just big enough to hold a ship. It barely seems deep enough though and would likely not be so if the tide were out. Based upon the lack of debris and a visible waterline on the beaches, the tide must be in at present. Beyond the hidden waters and beach, somewhere around a hundred feet or so, is the westernmost base of the sheer cliffs that rise up about 250 feet above this section of the island.
~ You continue your approach and when you are within about 50 yards from the beach, Billy calls out from the other longboat trailing about 10 yards behind you off the rear starboard side. "Movement, up on top the cliffs yonder!"
You strain your eyes at the cliffs and in all other directions for a moment but see nothing. Suddenly a large bird that must have been perched within the trees atop the cliff spreads it wings and takes flight. All of the small birds flying about shoot for cover as it swoops down the cliff in favor of taking flight up and away. It pulls up sharply just before the treeline and begins to glide silently in your direction! It must have at least a 12-15 foot wingspan and resembles what could be a giant owl of some kind, but bigger and more threatening than you've ever seen. It fixes it's huge yellow eyes on the two approaching longboats and heads straight for you. If it doesn't veer off, it will be upon your position within the round...
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Declared Actions?
Questions?
OOC: No need to roll initiative here, as everyone was in a ready position due Billy's warning and saw the avian take off, dive and it's subsequent approach. We'll consider it as being @ 150-160 feet away at the beginning of the round and will easily be on you by the end of the round (say in 6 segments), if it doesn't veer off in it's course.
~ All the landing party PC's current armor, weapons, gear and spells are accounted for and noted. Thank you all for getting that detailed. I just sent PMs out to those that were waiting for answers and/or clarifications and will update the other threads as we go.
As always, please feel free to ask if anyone has questions or needs any additional clarifications!
HPs/Status: Bog 28/28 ; Caelvanna 25/25 ; Emm 10/10 ; Griffo** 22/24 ; Ulrich 16/16 ; Lauranna 9**/9 ; Thalion** 12/12 (**-conscious but incapacitated) WIH (primary/secondary): Bog – spear/longsword ; Caelvanna – short bow/short sword ; Emm – scimitar/SC ; Griffo – none ; Ulrich – mace/SC ; Lauranna – none ; Thalion – none (SC = spell component/spell to cast) M.O./LocationIn Longboat One:Bogdan , Caelvanna ; Emm , Ulrich ; Still on the ship:Lauranna** , Griffo** , Thalion** (**-wounded/conscious but incapacitated)
Bog will take a moment to brace himself on the floor of the longboat, towards the front, gripping his longest spear in both hands. If the bird comes close enough, he will assume it has hostile intent and attempt a thrust at it with the spear. If it does not come that close, he will hold to see what it does.
Anyone mind if the Druid tries that Speak With Animals spell again? It'll be dicey, considering the spell range (4") and the speed of the owl's descent.
tkrexx wrote:Anyone mind if the Druid tries that Speak With Animals spell again? It'll be dicey, considering the spell range (4") and the speed of the owl's descent.
In 1e, outdoor range is 1" = 10 yards. So you have a range of a 40 yard radius, which ends up being almost the full length of a football (American) field. It will work for several rounds, which means at some point the creature will be within your area of effect. I say go for it.
