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Kinslayer
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Post by Kinslayer »

OOC - Hope you all have a good Christmas! This is probably the last post I will get in for a day or two due to family stuff, don't worry if you can't post either.

IC -

Elysian was left disappointed as the Corsairs' Vryala had attempted to gamble with gave away the fact that they did not have a ship, and V decided not to continue her game for coin alone. He had been waiting to help sway the odds of the dice in her favour, but as the Warrior left the game to focus on the more pressing matter of finding a ship, he too let his attention turn elsewhere. The Mage found himself watching Phalx, for the wild Shade had somehow got himself into a corner with two Corsair bouncers who had each half drawn a sword. The Shadowmancer wondered how long it would be before Phalx started a fight or at least got himself a beating, and he didn't have to wait long to find out. As the bouncer in front of him told him that he would have to wait until later to access the rest of the Shrieking Mermaid and stood before him with a cold sneer spread across his features, Phalx burst into motion and drew his short sword and punching dagger. His dagger went for the gut of the one in front of him faster than he could blink, but the tough scales of his Sea Dragon Cloak turned the stab into a glancing hit. Phalx span and brought his short sword around at the one behind him, the bouncer having only half drawn his own sword. The blade cut him across the face, and sent him reeling backwards with a crimson splatter across the bar and wall.

Caraoc and Casaythe were still discussing the important details of the current condition of Nightshade when Vryala strode over, bored of her game of dice and realising the Corsairs' were having more success than she was at procuring a vessel. As the Warrior approached she heard the end of a conversation about sails, something about how stitched manhide did better in the storm winds that often blew down the coast when compared to animal skin sails. She had no real interest in what they were saying until it became apparent that the Corsairs' had agreed in part to buying said sails for these four sailors, on the condition that they could tag along on board the ship. Vryala quickly realised the subtle ploy Caraoc was pulling, and introduced herself to the four young Corsairs' before addressing Casaythe as though he was her Captain. Knowing full well that her and the others would not pass as competent sailors to these true Corsairs, she knew she did not have to hide her lack of knowledge when it came to ship repairs, so asked the obvious question. The manhide sails for Nightshade would cost them 900g, which was almost as much as the mast and hull repairs the four had already paid out for. Pricey as it was, she knew it could be their only way to get out to sea.

A loud cry broke the quiet atmosphere Vryala and the Corsairs' had with the four other Corsairs a moment later, interrupting their discussion before they could agree or disagree to lend their gold to repair the ship. A hushed silence filled the Shrieking Mermaid for a moment as all eyes turned on the barmaid who had screamed, and followed the line of blood that had splattered her all the way across the bar to... Phalx! What a surprise!" The Shade had cut one of the bouncers, but as he fell backwards the first one Phalx had been talking to who was now behind him sprang forwards at the Shade. Phalx was fast and managed to turn and lunge out with his dagger again, but it bounced off the thick cloak once more and the Corsair bouncer tackled him to the floor. He felt the air leave his lungs as he hit the ground, the heavy brawler crashing down on top of him before rolling free and drawing his sword in a defensive crouch. The other bouncer, the one the Shade had just cut across the face, got to his knees a dozen paces to his left, baring his teeth in a snarl as blood ran down them, sword also poised ready to block another attack.

Elysian watched the brief exchange between Phalx and the bouncers, which happened so quickly he couldn't intervene even if he had wanted to. K was still sat beside him, and she too seemed less than hasty to help the Shade out of yet another mess he had caused himself. Phalx was strong enough to handle his own fights, though possibly mad enough to pick them even where he couldn't, so the Mage and Khainite sat with hands on weapons in case anyone else decided to join in. Sure enough, it was only a matter of seconds before several of the regular patrons were on their feet. Two of them were Corsairs, armed with short swords and cloaked in much the same way as the bouncers, and Elysian couldn't be sure if they worked at the tavern or were just eager for a fight. They were heading straight for Phalx but would have to pass him and K to get there, meaning the other mercenaries had a chance to intervene. The large group of celebrating Corsairs at the far end of the bar roared in applause as Phalx was sent sprawling by the bouncer that tackled him, though it seemed that they were numerous and tipsy enough that their good humour could be turned sour and start a brawl at any moment given the right excuse.

Discussions of obtaining a ship were rudely interrupted, leaving Caraoc, Casaythe and Vryala to watch the Corsairs now running for Phalx, trapping him in one corner of the tavern with no escape, winded on the ground.

The four Corsairs who owned Nightshade seemed to want to leave now that such a commotion had started, the leader amongst them indicating to the door with a nod of his head. "I'm sorry, I think it's time we left..."


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Post by Nightcall »

Casaythe listened to Caraoc entice the four dim-witted crew with his tales, nodding at key moments. The ship sounded repairable, but the sails... the sails would cost a bit. Perhaps the Blackthorn Estate or it's henchmen could chip in a bit? "Hang on a minute", he thought, "I am one of those sods myself now." Grumbling to himself as he reminded himself of his current bond, he looked to Caraoc as he made his remark about managing something. 'Huh? Yes, of course! Nothing cannot be achieved if we set our minds to it. You have a ship, we have a map. And you are sitting with the most experienced Captain and pilot this side of the Great Ocean!' he boasted, gesturing to Caraoc. Casaythe hoped he didn't choke on his drink at his exaggerated remark.

Vryala joined them, and cleverly joined the charade, addressing Casaythe as if he were her captain. 'Ah, there you are. Excellent. I was just explaining how it would not be out of the question to procure funds to purchase a new set of sails... would it ?' He explained, trusting her ties to Sevro and the Blackthorn Estate would help procure more funds with which to get the ship seaworthy. The Druchii lifted his glass and toasted the four corsairs, 'To wealth and glory!'

The goings on of the pub were interrupted by a blood curdling scream, and silence followed. All eyes turned to see what in Khaine's name was going on. Kraken curse him, not Phalx again...? he remarked with a pained expression on his face, as he saw the tell-tale signs of the madman's work. If he didn't get himself killed, an accident at sea might be on the cards for the shade...

Still trying to charm his way into a ship and crew. Needs money.

((Made another post in the OOC thread))
Last edited by Nightcall on Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Calisson »

A brawl started. The leader amongst the four Nightshade sailors indicated the door with a nod of his head. "I'm sorry, I think it's time we left...". He was probably the ship's boatswain.

Caraoc jumped on his feet and answered:
"Agree. Let's go the the sail shop."
Caraoc went towards the door along with the four Nightshade crewmembers and their new captain.
Once outside, he told his new mates:
"We need to wait for our treasurer. No money, no sail, eh?"
He knew that the other mercenaries would be able to provide the money. Which one, that was none of his business.
He trusted the agile shade to be able to sneak outside in no time, especially with the help of the shadowmancer.
Actually, the sooner outside, the better.

Getting out with the crew.
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Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion, Raiding
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Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Raneth »

OOC: Merry Christmas everybody! :D

IC:

Worming her way into the Corsairs' conversation quite skillfully, Vryala was introduced to current dealings by Casaythe. Indeed it seemed their plan would have more success, hampered solely by a lack of coin. V shrugged in response; she had the money on her person, and for the moment there was nothing else she wanted to spend it on. She nodded at his toast: Aye, but mostly wealth! Then, the situation Phalx had created for himself finally blew up in his face; Vryala still felt no need to interfere and made to leave with the sea-dogs. K, join us? she asked her friend, confident the Khainite would share her views on the Shade's predicament; if Elysian decided to help, that was his own call.

On with the mission, let's buy some sails.
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
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Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
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Dauricha
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Post by Dauricha »

OOC: Its been a mad and wonderful Christmas for me. January will be hectic, but I will keep up with this as much as I can. A Happy New Year to you all also.

IC: As was the nature of battle plans, things didn't go as fully expected for the mad Shade. Phalx had grown used to this. It was ones ability to adapt to the bloody changes of conflict that decided if they would live or not. The thugs were better armoured then he had expected. He would need a clean shot for his dagger, and he'd need his own blade judging by the serviceable swords the two henchmen had now. None of his comrades had stepped in. Phalx was pleased by that, he'd need no help dealing with these whelps, and he knew his comrades knew that as well.

He got to his feet, coughing as he drew wind back into his lungs, moving to draw his own short sharp blade. Another vicious tackle saw him thrown into a grubby corner. Phalx shakily got to his feet again. The odds were becoming more and more stacked against him. Fine he thought. The fierce rush of liquor was burning through him now, his eyes narrowing, his nostrils flared, as his scarred frame made ready for another dance in the blood. A half dozen at his estimate. Fine bloody fine for him.

Come then you bastards! Giving a harsh bark, he drew his blade.

Phalx will draw his short sword and charge. He hopes to cut his way into the group of attacks, where he can lash out at will, whilst they have to reserve their strikes for fear of wounding a comrade. Sword for sweeping strikes and parries, dagger for stabbing kills.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Layne »

K had watched V work in the mirrors behind the bar. The two losers were far too drunk to be more than a one punch concern, but the faker might just be a difficult customer. K had a bit of a feeling that once he saw a little blood he would stop talking big. She knew a little about petty crooks, brave until violence starts. She couldn't hear what was going on, but she could see the shifty looks from the crook, and the happy drunken grins from the others. They stumbled and slunk away, and K saw the game was over. V turned, and V followed her eyes to where the sailors had gone. She heard them say something about volunteering to cover the cost of the sails and guessed that this might be her problem, and then she realised Phalx was not sitting next to her. She looked around just in time to see blood spray across the wall, and she heard a scream and breaking glass from behind the bar.

One bleeding burly fell back away from Phalx, but another charged and tackled him down. Her sword hand twitched but she did not follow it. She turned her head and looked about. There were two more corsairs running towards the fight from the other end of the room. If they were to be stopped, she would have to stop them. She stood, and facing towards the the fight and away from the two running Corsairs, she stepped into their path.

Whihc is to say, K will try to trip them and make it look like an accident.
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Karonath - WS6 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I3
Equipment: Bloodfeather, heavy armour, helm, Sea Dragon Cloak, rope x 2, month rations x 2
Inventory: longspear, 2 short swords, glaive, winter gear, shade cloak,
Mount: Dark Steed (Shiny), talisman of kurnous
Gold: 2294
Skills: Ambidexterity, Controlled Frenzy, Basic Ride, Drukh Kaganth
Class: Khainite
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Drainial
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Post by Drainial »

As expected Phalx managed to start a fight, not just a fight but a deadly brawl. The elf could start a fight in an empty room. The question remained whether to help him or not. None of the others seemed keen, Phalx wasn't the warmest companion and no one could say he didn't deserve everything that was coming to him. Even though he was on the back foot, on his arse truth be told, he could almost certainly handle the two bouncers. If the rest of the bar descended on him though that might well be a different story. Jumping into the fight himself would probobly only escalate matters to the point that he too would need saving and he had no idea if anyone would want to help him any more than the recalcitrant shade. That put further violence out of the question, it wasn't his forte in any case. Even so he felt he could not leave Phalx completely to the wolves, bastard though he might be at times he was a comrade after all.

Reaching into his robes Elysian fished out a purse, one of the smaller ones but with any luck large enough to do the job. Taking his dagger he slit the bag down the side, sheathed it and then stood up.
"Drinks on me lads," he called out, thickening his native Vikrahn accent the better to sound like one of the boys. So saying he tossed the open purse into the air letting a shower of gold rattle onto the floor. With any luck those thinking of joining the fight for a bit of fun would take up his offer of a round before the gold was all gone. Hesitating a few moments before leaving Elysian looked to see if his ruse worked. Phalx might have been a bastard, but he was an ally.

Elysian will toss about 20g into the air and hopes that will distract people. He will make his way towards the door but if it isn't working and Phalx is clearly out of his depth he will stick around. If Phalx looks to be in with a shot of victory he will leave and join the others.
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Kinslayer
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Post by Kinslayer »

OOC - I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to the onset of the new year, plenty more roleplaying to come I reckon!

IC -

Both Elysian and Karonath, closer to the fight that was breaking out as they were, decided that Phalx could probably do with some help, or at least have them ready should he call for it. Vryala, Caraoc and Casaythe had no interest in the Shades' misfortune however, the Corsairs likely because they didn't know him that well and were the ones leading the hunt for a ship, Vryala just because she was tired of him always looking for trouble even where it didn't need to be found. He could do with a bit of a beating, she reckoned as she left the Shrieking Mermaid with Caraoc, following Casaythes' lead as he went after the other Corsairs and agreed to buy them their sails. Back inside, Elysian decided to try and cause a distraction to stop anyone else from intervening in Phalxs' fight while Karonath took the more direct approach of getting in the way of the two Corsairs' that were already running towards him from the other side of the bar.

Elysian tossed a handful of gold coins out across the floor near the bar, instantly grabbing the attention of the large group of Corsairs' who had been applauding Phalx getting himself into trouble, as well as several other small groups within the tavern. Unsure why a shady looking rogue would suddenly offer to buy everyone he didn't know a drink, there was a moment of hesitation around the bar before everyone decided that gold was gold, and free gold and a free drink was not something to miss out on. Instantly they were all going for the coin, shouldering each other and pulling each other back while Elysian slipped away towards the door. He had certainly taken the attention off Phalx, but it looked at that moment like he might just start a bigger fight instead. The two Corsairs' that were already running at Phalx did not stop to collect any coin, instead drawing their weapons in anticipation of the fight to come, one wielding a long knife and the other a short knotted chain.

Karonath timed her intervention perfectly, making it look as though she had just jumped up from her seat to run to the bar and collect some of the thrown coin for herself. Instead, she stood up and blundered straight into the lead Corsair, knocking him into his companion with the chain and sending both of them stumbling to the side. The one with the chain was knocked so off balance that he fall against K's table, spilling what was left of the groups' drinks and shattering glasses, only adding to the sudden outburst of noise and commotion within the small dockside tavern. Karonath had to fight back the instinctual urge to draw her Drach, sever the Corsairs' head as he tried to stand, and then round on the first one she had knocked into and cut him down too. Instead she controlled herself, and let the two Corsairs' recoil from the unexpected hit. The one she had first knocked into seemed about to raise his dagger to her, but upon realising she was female he instead lowered his guard and held out a hand, offering his apology.



Behind them, Phalx roared like a madman as he threw off his assailant, and with both short sword and punching dagger held ready he waited for the bouncers to try and tackle him again. The one had had cut across the face was behind him now, while the big guy who had tackled him was still staring him face to face from a few feet away. Both of them had their swords held ready, and a moment later they lunged in simultaneously, one making a cut for his back as the other went straight for his throat. Phalx let them come, weaving around the two attacks with practised agility and then lashing out around himself where there could only be flesh. His short sword cut one, he didn't see which, while he thrust his punching dagger out repeatedly until he felt not the hard resistance of a scaled cloak but the piercing of soft flesh. It was only when his blades were cutting only air again that Phalx slowed down and took a deep breath, the red mist that had descended over his eyes lifting once more to show him the damage he had dealt the Corsairs.

The one he had slashed across the face was now laying half propped up against a bar stool, blood running from a nasty cut across his fingers which had forced him to drop his own sword. The other one was on his back on the floor, gurgling as blood flowed into his lungs from the numerous puncture wounds in his chest. There was no chance he was going to get back up any time soon, indeed it looked like he was out for good. Phalx cackled like a madman as he realised he had one up on the goons that had tried to take him down, vaguely aware of the fact that it was his fault the fight had stated to begin with. Before he could do anything else he felt a strong grip grasp his arm and drag him towards the door, and he span to face who he thought would be Vryala, but was actually Karonath instead. The Khainite didn't utter a word as she gave Phalx a little shove in the direction of the door, following Elysian out just after the Mage went in pursuit of the others. As mad as he was, Phalx dared not upset Karonath with a reaction, and swallowed his anger as he too headed outside, leaving the carnage that was taking over the Shrieking Mermaid behind them.



Out on the docks, Casaythe let the other Corsairs' lead them to a small cloth merchants' stall a short distance from the tavern, where the manhide sails could be purchased. He knew Caraoc and Vryala were behind him, but when they reached the small market stall and he turned back around he could see Elysian approaching as well. Behind the Shadowmancer came Karonath and a rather disgruntled looking Phalx, completing their mercenary group or, as they now had to be known, Casaythes' makeshift crew. The Corsair Captain let the crew of the Nightshade talk him through exactly which sails their raiding vessel used and which were torn, and Caraoc nodded to himself behind them. It was as he had thought, and the ship would easily be controllable by the six of them should something happen to the other four Corsairs once they were underway. All he would need to do is give Vryala, Karonath, Elysian and Phalx a crash course in how not to crash a ship.

They paid for the sails once the specifications were given over, and the merchant told them it would be around three or four hours until he had cut and sewn them to the right size ready for collection. This allowed the group enough time to get better acquainted with the four Corsairs they would be hitching a ride to sea with, and a chance to go upriver to the ship repair shop where Nightshade was currently anchored. The Corsairs introduced themselves along the way as the group began to follow them west along the rivers edge, passing by other small market stands selling everything from fish, bread and fruit, exotic spices, rope and chains, cloaks, bags, sacks and other items to the likes of small weapons, torture devices, cages, crates and even slaves. They passed by a line of shackled prisoners as they listened to the Corsairs' introductions, partly paying attention and partly looking up the line of slaves trying to guess at their origins. There were humans from the northlands and from the distant world of weaker men, and even some tribal men from the south. There were elves from Ulthuan, and there were disgraced Druchii now subject to a life of slavery as well. There were no dwarfs on show, for those were hard to take alive most of the time, but there were a few Orcs, and even two shackled Ogres. Curious as to the price of a big of extra muscle, Vryala glanced at the price on the chain as she walked by. 10,000 gold each.

Karith was the largest of the four Corsairs, both taller and broader than the other three as well as most members of the group. Stood next to Sevro he would have looked less imposing, but built as he was from a life of hard sea graft they guessed like most Corsairs he was pretty tough too. The quiet one was slightly shorter, but still as tall as most members of the mercenary group, and introduced himself with few words as Moridan. The other two Corsairs it turned out were brothers, though of the same mother but to different fathers neither of them had ever met. They had both been born and raised at sea, for their mother too had been a Corsair until she was killed when raiding one season. Nagathi and Kirian, as the brothers were apparently called, had been the two in the service of their former Captain for the longest. They were as sure and able on board a ship as it was possible to be, and had been raiding since they were barely out of their thirties, each of them now nearly a century old. Capable as they were though, the group got the impression the pair lacked any real ambition or lust for power, which was rare in a Druchii, hence why Karith seemed to be leading the way now that their Captain was gone.

They arrived at the shipyard around half an hour after leaving the Shrieking Mermaid, meaning they still had three hours or so to kill before they could go back for the sails and complete the repairs on the ship. They all wanted to get a look at her though, and Karith wasted no time at all in leading them past a few run down vessels to where Nightshade was waiting. The ship looked large when stood beside it looking up, but after they climbed the gangway and got onto the deck they realised it was a decent size, big enough for a small voyage out to sea but not too big as to need a crew of twenty just to operate. Vryala subconsciously patted her hand on the bag where the golden tablet was concealed, assuring herself that this vessel would see them swiftly take the artefact to Varins' hidden island and make a safe return to Vikarh. While Casaythe and Caraoc began to check the ship for all the obvious checks and found no faults, the rest of the group contemplated what to do with Karith, Moridan, Nagathi and Kirian when they got out to sea.


Elysian, -20g
Vryala, -900g (you can choose to split the cost amongst the group if you want but you said V would pay for now)
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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

((OOC: Happy Christmas and New Year everyone :) ))

Casaythe's eyes were drawn to a shower of coins as Elysian sacrificed some of his well earned treasure to buy them a safe exit from the tavern. The tavern turned into a free-for-all as its patrons scrambled over each other to grab a piece of the gold. Combined with the fight started by Phalx, the Mermaid now resembled a scrum, and Casaythe with Caraoc and Vryala made the most of things and escaped with their new crew, heading to the docks.

The corsair found a shipmasters store, and with luck on his side, they had some fine sets of manhide sails. Still supple enough to hang, he suspected they were less than two weeks old. Inspecting the wares, he was amused to see a tattoo on one section, an image depicting a human's love for his mother. He noticed the shadowmancer approach, and gave Elysian a nod, before chatting with the crew about which sails would suit their ship.

Without even asking for a contribution, Vryala handed over the full sum of 900 gold. Casaythe gaped as she passed over a large bag to the merchant and whispered to her 'I'd have given him half now, half later. If the bastard cheats us at all, we'll have his hide hanging off the mast...' He made sure the last part was loud enough for the merchant to hear, throwing him a promising stare, before the eight of them moved on to find the Nightshade.

The four corsairs had shared a little about themselves along the way. Named Karith, Moridan, Nagathi, and Kirian, they were experienced sailors, and Casaythe wondered if in fact they might be worth keeping after all. Only time would tell, and a voyage told more about an Elf than any tongue could tell. Finally reaching the shipyard, Casaythe paused, throwing Caraoc a questioning look. There she was, the ship that they had been after. She looked sleek enough; small enough to manoeuvre quickly, but what condition was she in? 'Well then matey,' he said to Caraoc, let's see if she's in good nick.

Inspecting the ship, starting with the masts and upper deck.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Drainial
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Post by Drainial »

Predictably the promise of easy gold was enough to turn the bar into a scrum, blood after all was not so pleasant to drink as wine or ale. As Phalx was now probably not going to be mugged by the entire mob of patrons Elysian took his leave trotting after the corsairs and Vryala. Swift footed as he was the shadow mage caught up quickly arriving just in time to see the warrior hand over a substantial pouch of gold. She would probably want him and the rest to chip in to help pay for it but he sure as hell wasn't about to bring it up. A walk down to the quay gave him chance to assess their new comrades. Lean, battered and with the swaying gait of sailors all four looked as though they could handle themselves in a fight and in the rigging. That was both good and bad but even if they were practised fighters Elysian did not doubt he and the group's more lethal members would be able to dispose of them if needs be. That would have to wait though, right now they needed these corsairs alive much more than they needed them dead.

For now Elysian chose to remain silent, he knew almost nothing of the sea and knew that he could easily become despised by this lot. That did not suit him, mysterious was better and that he could best maintain by keeping his mouth shut. Khaine knew his tongue had gotten him into almost as much trouble as it had gotten him out of. The ship itself seemed rather small. Tiny compared to the city he was leaving and smaller still compared to the great wide world they were sailing into. Out of nowhere a fragment of something came to mind, a snatch of a poem; perhaps something his mother had sung to him in the first few years of his life.

They went to sea in a sieve, they did
In a sieve they went to sea;
In spite of all their friends could say,
On a winter's morn, on a stormy day,
In a Sieve they went to sea!


It seemed frighteningly apt to the poor city boy. Once more he saught solice in silence, aloud he would only reveal his trepidation. Elves were not meant to brave the waves for all they insisted on doing so. He was not a fish, if he went over the edge he knew there was no chance of coming up again.
Best not fall in then old boy, he thought to himself. It didn't help.

Just following on and worrying.

OOC: A merry Christmas and a Happy new year to you all.
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Post by Raneth »

With a grin of satisfaction, V watched Phalx emerge bloody from the gambler's den. He probably wouldn't learn from the experience but then again, his face couldn't get much uglier anyway. Equally amused when Casaythe shot her a warning glance upon paying for the sails, now she hid her smirk; confident in her prowess, she reckoned it must indeed take a very foolhardy rogue to try and rip her off - even though she wouldn't worry about the money until they were home safe and sound. While she still had solid ground under her feet, that was to say, and once more she found herself aching to get things going.

Four more Corsairs were introduced to them. Experienced fighters, by the looks of them, though clearly without a sense of duty and purpose now they were denied that Captain. She wondered what Casaythe's take on this would be; he and his pilot friend hadn't been around nearly enough to have any feelings of loyalty towards the group, might relate more to these sailors - and he'd already expressed his wish to take to the seas again. Well, if that happened, she'd have to be ready and have a good footing on deck to pound some sense into him. Maybe just kill the four new guys before the would-be admiral had the chance to subvert them. Or perhaps, the ten of them would all just happily get along. But somehow she didn't place too much faith in that scenario.

Eager to try out her sea legs!
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Post by Dauricha »

The Khainite? Out of all of them to draw him from a battle. Unsure by what this meant he followed, sticky with blood. Some of the rest of their party glanced his way. Phalx was not concerned. He looked over the ship, and the motley crew gathered there upon it. Some would have to go, probably most before their voyage was over.

The mad Shade had little to no knowledge of ships. They floated and used sails, was as in depth a idea he had on the blasted things.

Phalx will go onto the ship. He'll stay out of the way of the more experienced sea rats. The crows nest seems as good a place as any.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Calisson »

Here was the Nightshade.
An elegant brick, just the appropriate size.
The hull was tailored for speed. The masts were sturdy enough, they would support a big load of sails, allowing a fair speed in adverse winds and following winds alike.

Caraoc inspected the inside.
The bilges were surprisingly clean. That indicated a good sense of care from the crew.
There was a cabin for the captain, the rest of the crew had to share the same dormitory. Six racks. For the ten of them, less the captain.
They would have to share two bunks for three. Unless someone was willing to sleep on the floor or in the store room.
Caraoc left his cloak on the first rack on starboard, closest to the door.

On the quarterdec, the wheelhouse was well equipped and well maintained. Caraoc felt immediately at home.

The tide would allow the ship to get underway in six hours. If they missed that opportunity by more than four hours, they would have to wait till the next tide, half a day later.

Inspecting. Happy with the results.
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Equipment: staff, repeater handbow (20 clips), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: "Beastbane" Horn - Mount: Locke (ex Fiat's) - Gold: 433 - 2 months rations, sailing equipment
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion, Raiding
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Kinslayer »


The group spent quite some time on board the Nightshade, the Corsairs showing them around before Caraoc and Casaythe checked everything was in order. Once they were happy that the ship was what the Corsairs made it out to be, the group decided to head back to the docks and wait for the sails. The four Corsairs were staying with the ship, and only when the group returned with the sails for their ship would their debt to one another be properly begun. The two hours they had left until the sails were ready seemed to drag, the group eager to get out to sea. They stayed near the market at all times, making sure the other Corsairs did not come retrieve the sails and take them back to the ship, leaving Vikarh with a free set of sails and the group cursing on the shore. When at last they were ready, Vryala snatched them from the merchant with a word of thanks and the group hurried back upstream to the ship.

It didn't take the Corsairs long to get the sails up on Nightshade and have her ready to get their journey under way. Those two hours passed much more quickly, the group helping load barrels of water and crates of spare rope and other essentials into the ships' belly. Once they were done loading her for travel, the group went below decks to find their place to sleep. There were six bunks, enough for twelve if necessary. Casaythe decided to stay in the same room as the others, telling their new Corsair friends it was out of respect for their late Captain not to take his quarters so soon. In reality, he did not want to be isolated on a ship with four Druchii he did not know or trust. He barely knew five of the mercenaries either, but at least in Caraocs' company he could trust. The Corsairs seemed to think nothing of it, and were also content for Phalx to take the position of lookout in the crows nest, for he had a sharper eye than any of them.

The ten of them were set and ready less than an hour before the tide would change and delay them even further, so the Corsairs wasted no time in setting off along the river, as much to test out their new sails as to get their journey under way. The group had still told them little of the treasure hunt, just that they knew the location of some valuable artefact on an island just off the east coast of Naggaroth. It meant the Corsairs would have no doubts when the group sailed their ship out of the Sea of Malice, past Karond Kar and out onto the open ocean. They might start asking more questions along the way, but at least they were now expecting to go in the direction they would be heading. It wasn't long before the ship had sailed back to the docks, but with the sails okay and the change of the tide swiftly approaching they decided to continue following the River Spite all the way across Vikarh.

The river left Vikarh to the east, slightly further north than the breach and the site of the huge battle they had only just helped see to an end. It took them away from the City before turning south east instead, and under a mighty bridge that had been built across the great trade road just south of the City, the main road east to west across Naggaroth, between Har Ganeth and the Capital Naggarond and Ghrond. The mercenaries could see several caravans of wares being brought across the bridge to Vikarh. Several other docked Corsairs watched them sail under the bridge as they walked over it, and cheered them good luck as they saw the vessel heading out on just another raid, entering upon a journey that would see fresh slaves brought back to Vikarh, or so they thought. As Nightshade continued to carry them south east away from Vikarh, the dark wood forest that surrounded their countryside grew closer in front of them. The river snaked through the forest until it met with the Sea of Malice a few leagues to the south.

The black wood forest was a dark and foreboding place, well known to all in Vikarh for it's large number of predatory beasts and mysterious horrors.

It was said that every once in a while even a ship went missing when sailing along the river through the forest, never coming out the other side.


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Post by Dauricha »

Phalx liked it up high above the sails. He commanded a proud view, able to see much more of Virkarh then the rest of them, watching his home dwindle behind him. He was now trapped on this boat. Half the crew he didn't know, and some of the others wouldn't shut up with their bloody singing! Who the frig were they anyway? Minstrels?! At least up here he could stay away from most of that nonsense. With this in mind, he kept his kit, food and water up in the crows nest, fashioning a sort of den for him to live in. The wind was a bit strong up here, the Shade wrapped his cloak tighter around himself.

Soon the city was gone over the slightly curved horizen. The deep dark forests, so much like the ones he prowled through in his youth, grew up either side of the dark blue snake they traveled upon. It was strange to see those old trees from this angle. This was the view of a bird, of the harpy, or any winged bastard that had tried to kill him. It wasn't to bad.

He remembered what lurked under that canopy. From up there he was in the best position to keep an eye out. He'd be more surprised if nothing tried to kill them on their way.

Phalx will serve as look out. Eyes on the woods, voice ready to holler in an appropriately crude fashion at a sign of trouble.
Phalx Tr'dasr – WS5 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I4
Equipment: Deathspitter (5/20) 4 of these poisoned (1/2x QD, 3xSD), short sword, dagger, punching dagger (Bloodthirst Rune), shade cloak, full leather armour
Inventory: thieves tools, torches x3, healing balms x5, rope and grapple, Vikarh map, dice, winter gear, orc tusk,
Mount: Dark Steed
Gold: 5829
Skills: Basic Stealth, Precision Fire, Basic Ride, Frenzy, Ambidexterity,Suithenlu Khythan (1): SP2
Class: Shade
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Post by Drainial »

It didn't take Elysian long to decide that he didn't much like sailing. Seeing Vikrah from the outside was a strange sensation, almost like an outer body experience. Buildings he knew to be towering began to look increasingly insignificant as they dwindled into the distance. New sights and smells (he had to admit, the fresh sea air was rather more pleasant than any he was used to) could only distract him so far from the roiling of his stomach. How anyone could sleep with the world sloshing from side to side he did not know, nor did he look forward to finding out. On the sleeping front it seemed they would all be lumped in together, something he was not altogether pleased about. He didn't trust the four new corsairs and frankly he didn't trust old two too far either. Recently he had been sleeping far too deeply, he would have to revive old habits.

There did not on the surface appear much for him to do, the Corsairs were busy with ropes and many kinds, rigging, sails any a dozen other tasks Elysian did not even try to comprehend. He was not a sailor though, they could get on with that, he had brought something with him to do on the way. Finding a bucket was easy enough, water was also in plentiful supply given that for this purpose brine was fine. Finding a place where he could be unobserved was harder and Elysian had to settle for the ship's small hold.

First of all the shadow mage cleared a nice open spot on the floor, free of anything that might burn, second he wet the deck with some of the water, sparks would be unavoidable he guessed and he had no desire to set anything ablaze. Keeping the bucket close to hand with the rest of the water to put out any small fires Elysian then took out his anvil, arranged his tools by his side and placed on of the pieces of steel he had bought on the flat iron block. Now for the magic. Reaching out to Chamon the aspiring smith began to pour heat into the shard of metal until it began to glow and radiate the heat of the forge. Then, holding it in place with the tongs, Elysian began to work the steel with both hammer and magic. It was not a complex shape he was trying to form but still it might take a little practice.

Elysian will find an out of the way place and begin his smithing career trying to make a detachable spear head for the end of his staff. Plug bayonette style.
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Post by Raneth »

Helping Karith and his crew load up the ship, V quickly found herself respecting the strength of this Elf. She felt sure she could beat him in a fight, but he was obviously no stranger to hard work and feats of endurance. After that she immediately took to the two brothers, Nagathi and Kirian; if they truly lacked a sense of purpose she would give them one, and learn all she could while it lasted. The two had been at sea for most of their lives, from what she could tell; certainly the confidence with which they moved about the Nightshade's deck inspired some admiration.

Below deck, Vryala thought the sleeping quarters somewhat cramped to her liking. 'Reserving' the bunk farthest from the door for herself and Karonath by hanging up her cloak in front of it, she set about cleaning up the place. When the little Khainite would eventually join her, she would leave her the choice of which bunk to sleep on.

See ya later, Vikarh.
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
Gold: 1735
Skills: Defensive Fighting, Anarin Sarath (2), Basic Ride
Class: Warrior
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Post by Layne »

K's little manoeuvre went even better than she had hoped. Her trip sent both thugs sprawling, and when they got up, they both apologised. She gave them a little smile and nod to finish the part she had played and rounded on Phalx, who still looked smug and dangerous. She skipped forward and grabbed his collar, pushing him outside backwards. He had a look which was surprise, but not fear. Surprise, she guessed, because it wasn't V spoiling his fun. And beneath the surprise she saw his smug smile returning. She pulled him closer and whispered in his ear.

I didn't save you, I saved the job. I could have let you die. If you do that to us again I'll kill you myself.

She let him go, smiled, nodded, and skipped off after the others.

********

Before she could speak, V had bought the sails required for their passage. She heard Casaythe's remark and checked the Corsairs again. They seemed like good guys. K didn't feel any obvious need to murder them. Not yet. They would certainly be essential companions on the way out, and as long as they co-operated and didn't get too nosey things should be fine.

********

V threw a cape in front of the bunk farthest from the cabin door and looked at K with quiz eyes. K looked back with an awkward grimace. With not one scrap of sea knowledge K couldn't even guess what to do. She put her mathematical brain to mind and reasoned that the lighter one may as well be higher. She laid her hand on the top bunk.
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Karonath - WS6 / S4 / T4 / D5 / I3
Equipment: Bloodfeather, heavy armour, helm, Sea Dragon Cloak, rope x 2, month rations x 2
Inventory: longspear, 2 short swords, glaive, winter gear, shade cloak,
Mount: Dark Steed (Shiny), talisman of kurnous
Gold: 2294
Skills: Ambidexterity, Controlled Frenzy, Basic Ride, Drukh Kaganth
Class: Khainite
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Post by Calisson »

With the sails okay and the change of the tide swiftly approaching, Casaythe decided to continue following the River Spite all the way across Vikarh. The river took them away from the City before turning south east, and under a mighty bridge that had been built across the great trade road just south of the City.

Several other docked Corsairs watched them sail under the bridge as they walked over it, and cheered them good luck.

Corsairs were probably the Druchii who understood best what a team spirit was. It made them somehow special in the Druchii society. They felt belonging to a specific caste, bound together by having married the same mistress, the most demanding one, the Sea.

-=-=-

Caraoc felt the helm wriggle eagerly under his hands. The ship answered smoothly to his request, the hull would elegantly circle around boats and shoal waters.
With only the top sails unfurled for the moment, the speed was kept gentle. Nightshade was well designed and knew how to get the most of the winds.

The four corsairs knew their job. They obeyed Karith's orders before they were half uttered, under Casaythe's approving gaze.
The four other mercenaries tried to find their place.
The Shade went in the crows nest and became the lookout. The indication he would occasionally provide was mostly useless, for he lacked the most elementary maritime vocabulary. However, to be alerted about "something" was already nice.
The shadowmancer took a bucket. Was him seasick already? Why did he go inside the hold, then?
The girls visited the ship. One of them gave a help to handle what she kept calling "ropes". She would learn fast, no doubt, she had the right spirit.

Caraoc was confident that such a fine ship as Nightshade could be handled by Casythe and himself alone in the open seas.
However, during long journeys, they would have to sleep sometimes.
And during maneuvers in narrow waters and especially in ports, or in preparation for combat, more numerous a crew was required.
For the moment, the four extra corsairs were more than welcome.
It would take a couple of days before Vryala and Phalx would be ready to replace them, and probably a few more days for Karonath and Elysian who seemed less at ease - but they could prove able to adapt surprisingly quickly.
The journey through the Sea of Malice and the Sea of Chill would be enough to train the new crew.
Meanwhile, Caraoc was confident that Casaythe would find some ways to make the original crew's life so miserable that they would desert the ship as soon as Karond Kar would be in sight.
Before they would depart, Caraoc and Casaythe would hint that the ship was bound northwards from that city, towards the Chaos Wastes. In case their former crew would be eager to gossip, that would lead would-be pursuers towards the wrong direction.

-=-=-

As Nightshade continued to carry them south east away from Vikarh, the dark wood forest that surrounded their countryside grew closer in front of them. The river snaked through the forest until it met with the Sea of Malice a few leagues to the south.
The black wood forest was a dark and foreboding place, well known to all in Vikarh for it's large number of predatory beasts and mysterious horrors.
It was said that every once in a while even a ship went missing when sailing along the river through the forest, never coming out the other side.

The river in the forest inspired Caraoc, who was happy to go at sea again.

"I see trees of green........ red eyes too
I see em watch..... to catch me and you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of doom..... clouds of bite
Fight blessed days....dark scared nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a shade bow.....so petty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see fiends eating hands.....sayin.. how die you do
They're really sayin......i loathe you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them growl
They'll bleed much more.....than I'll never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world"


Steering down the river.

OOC: I need not to quote, do I?
Lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/louis+arms ... 85347.html
Video with nice views of present-day Nagg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Aba0lVdE2c

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Equipment: staff, repeater handbow (20 clips), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: "Beastbane" Horn - Mount: Locke (ex Fiat's) - Gold: 433 - 2 months rations, sailing equipment
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion, Raiding
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Post by Nightcall »

Casaythe paid close attention as the four corsairs took him around the ship. From the deck to the cabins; the galley to the stores; a small armoury, and even a clink. “That’d come in useful if that damned Phalx tried any funny business whilst at sea”, he thought to himself, “or if there was any trouble from the crew.” The wood seemed firm, and the lower deck was water tight. Which was more than any sea farer could ask for. She was not as grand as the Willbreaker, he pined for his vessel with its oar galley, second wheel below deck, and enough bolt throwers to pepper even a battleship of Ulthuan before being swift enough to leave her sinking in a fog. Still, he would have to settle for this for now. It was more than he had this morning.

After the tour, the ships inspection began in earnest. From the tool kit that he had earlier purchased, Casaythe pulled out a small hammer. Tapping the main mast with it, he nodded in satisfaction as the sound of the wood indicated that it was not rotten or hollow. Having carried out similar checks with the fore and aft mast, he felt the ship would be more than able to pull the weight of a full wind in a set of sails without breaking her apart.

After a trip back to the market, the sails were collected and put up, whilst the ship was loaded for her voyage. Casaythe felt a ripple of excitement through his body at the cry of gulls and the sounds of rigging flapping against sail. Memories of looting, slaughter, and other acts of terror brought a wolfish grin to his narrow face, his grey eyes twinkling in mirth at some recollection as the last of the provisions were loaded aboard.

Finally the time came to choose a bunk. Tempted as he was to claim the captain’s cabin, he was careful. He knew the only one he could trust was Caraoc, and even then he wouldn’t put it past the old devil to stab him in the neck if it would save his skin. The new crew were to be tested; he suspected they just wanted a set of sails, and when out at sea, would not shrug off the opportunity to off him and his new mob. And of those, he knew very little. They were a sullen lot, and served that noble Blackthorn. He wouldn’t put it past any of them to do him in once their goal was accomplished. Accidents at sea were very common. It was going to be an interesting voyage.

Finally choosing a bunk with the others, Casaythe chose a hammock. It swung with the lean of the ship, and would be far more comfortable than a wooden bunk covered in straw. Besides, any funny business, and he could leap out either side, not be trapped against a dagger and a cabin wall.

With the tide turning, the time came to set sail. With a holler, the ropes were untied, and the ship was pulled by the river current to the east of the city, and past the battlefield. The sky was black with carrion birds come to fill their gullets on the meat of the fallen, and looking at the city from this angle, he realised how close Vikarh had come to falling. As they passed under the Trade Road, and past docked vessels, Casaythe saluted, yelling back at the sea dogs.

Soon the vessel was sailing down river through a vast forest. The trees’ branches hung over the riverbanks like clawing fingers, and now and again the odd howl or screech could be heard from deep within the woods. The current carried them onwards, although Casaythe remained on the top deck near the ship’s wheel, his crossbow loaded, as he kept his eyes peeled for signs of danger. The sound of singing broke the tension, Caraoc in high spirits to be back on a ship. Casaythe too shared the elation, but would only fully relaxed once they were on the open sea. He noticed that Phalx had made himself at home in the crows nest, and Casaythe hoped the bastard stayed there for the whole damn voyage.

On the rear upper deck, next to the corsair on the wheel. Keeping a look out for danger.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
Stats: WS4, S4, T5, D3, I4

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Post by Kinslayer »


Nightshade glided effortlessly along the River Spite, heading south into the forests in the direction of the Sea of Malice beyond. The six Corsairs could handle the ship well enough on their own, indeed a crew of just five could do so, and a crew of four could manage if they had to, but it would be a chore. As such, the other four mercenaries found themselves somewhat surplus to requirements, Phalx deciding to hide away on his own in the crows nest, Elysian going below decks to practise his magic. The girls were down there too, having picked a bunk together they now found themselves waiting to find something they could do to help. Up above, Caraoc steered the ship and got a feel for it's movements within the water. At speed, she would be an agile craft, but her turns had to be gentle rather than sharp to keep her from tilting too far to one side. Casaythe oversaw this and all the other happenings on the decks, standing beside Caraoc as he assumed the position of Captain, but let Karith do most of the commanding of his own Corsairs.

Below decks, Elysian poured Chamon energy into the uncrafted metal he had purchased and watched as it began to glow, having made sure to wet the deck under his feet to prevent a fire breaking out. Once he was happy with the temperature and consistency of the metal, he began to work it with his hammers. The clash of metal on metal began to ring under the decks, and what had moments before been a graceful ship slipping through the water suddenly sounded like a floating blacksmiths workshop. Vryala and Karonath emerged from the bunk room to investigate, and watched from a safe distance as Elysian beat the metal down into a flat square, ready to be beaten into shape as a spear point. It would take some time to finish the item, and Elysian had stopped momentarily to rest his arms when one of the other Corsairs, the one he thought was named Nagathi, leaned his head in from above.
"Keep it down, blacksmith. We're just about to enter the forest. It would pay well to travel in silence from this point until we reach the sea."

As if in answer to his words, the light that filtered into the ship behind Nagathi through the hatch he had opened suddenly went out, as a dark shadow engulfed the ship.



They all headed up onto the deck to get a look at the forest as they sailed into it. Most of the trees still had their leaves, for the Naggaroth pines did not shed them for the winter, creating a wall of dark shadow on either side of the river. Fortunately for them, the river was some sixty feet wide at this point and Caraoc had the sense to steer them straight down the middle of it. Where the river would narrow, that was where they had to be extra careful. As it was, Phalx kept a sharp eye on their surroundings just in case, being about the same height as the top of the trees. The Shade could see something large rustling in the trees way off to the east, and saw flocks of birds take flight in it's wake as it moved. Fortunately it wasn't heading their way, so Phalx continued to look around. Every now and then he heard the shrill cry of a harpy or the deep roar of a Nauglir, and other bestial sounds which he had never heard any creature utter before. Those on the deck could hear the closest noises too, and shuddered in anticipation as the sky darkened even above the forest, and the noises seemed to become more frequent. Within an hour, darkness had fallen and the ship was only guided by the light of the stars. It was going to be a long night.

Still uneasy on the ship, none of the mercenaries were tired enough to find sleep as the night wore on into it's second hour. The Corsairs were all far too exited and busy to want to begin organising shifts yet, and all of them were aware of the danger that could lurk in the narrow stretches of the river they had recently entered. The crew assured them they were nearly at the sea, but kept them on their feet by reminding them that it was now the most dangerous point in the river they were sailing along. Several minutes later, Phalx barked out a warning from the crows nest and they looked up and saw him as a silhouette, pointing down the river to one side. Well, what is it! Caraoc cursed in his mind, annoyed that their lookout did not know the raiders' code, the hand signals and sounds all Corsairs knew and understood, and could use to communicate when in danger or across ships. Phalx was sliding down the ladder from the crows nest now, and hopped onto the deck beside them a moment later.
"Hydra! Up ahead, on the left! I saw it drinking at the riverside."
Khaine be damned," gasped Karith, "How far?

Phalx didn't need to answer. A loud roar suddenly echoed through the trees as the huge reptilian monster snarled at them from a small clearing on the riverside only fifty yards further downstream.

Five serpentine heads turned to regard the oncoming ship, and the best then stood up where it had been laying in wait, it's spined back rising up into the air almost as tall as the ships' mast.

It hadn't been drinking, they realised, but had been waiting in ambush.

It was hunting.
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Calisson
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Post by Calisson »

The night had fallen. Caraoc was busy trying to guess where to steer the ship.
Reefs were highly unlikely so close to the mouth of the river, but shoal waters were posing a real danger to halt the ship suddenly.
The river was predictable however, its deep side being always on the outside of the circle it was following. When the river was narrow, it was necessarily deep. Only when the river went straight and wide was there a risk.
On the other hand, steering the ship at night forced Caraoc to remain most of the time close to one of the banks, where there could have been a danger coming from land.

With the occasional help from Phalx, the navigation went on smoothly.
Untill...

Phalx had seen something. What was it, by Hekarti's tits?
The Shade landed on the deck and warned: "Hydra!"

That was one of the largest land creatures. Not large enough to destroy the ship, but certainly able to damage it to the point of making the journey impossible without heavy repairs.
The river was too narrow to allow the ship to take a wide range, and it was probably shallow enough for the beast to just walk to them, its many heads above water level.
A U-turn was a complex maneuvre already during the day in the open sea, here at night in a river, that was out of question.

First thing was to warn everyone.
Caraoc had his "Beastbane" Horn. It would certainly help to muster all hands on deck.
Would it frighten the beast as it did with rats? There was only one way to know.

<inspiration>
"Tooooooooooot!"

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Caraoc the scald pilot - WS3 S4 T3 D5 I5 - A saga or it didn't happen!
Equipment: staff, repeater handbow (20 clips), Sea Dragon Cloak,
Inventory: "Beastbane" Horn - Mount: Locke (ex Fiat's) - Gold: 433 - 2 months rations, sailing equipment
Skills: Power of Azyr (2), Evasion, Raiding
Class: Mage (Astromancer)
Winds never stop blowing, Oceans are borderless. Get a ship and a crew, so the World will be ours! Today the World, tomorrow Nagg! {--|oBrotherhood of the Coast!o|--}
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Drainial
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Post by Drainial »

Smith work was certainly tricky, already Elysian doubted that this first attempt would provide the finished article. Aside from the skills involved the hammer was heavy and Elysian was not an especially muscular elf. He was determined to go on with his work until one of the corsairs stuck his head down the hatch and told him to pack it up. Elysian's first instinct was to tell him to piss off but this was the corsair's realm, not his own. With reluctance Elysian stopped hammering resolving to pick up again when they were at sea. For now he went out on deck with the others and it was not long before they were presented with terrible news

"I knew no good would come of leaving the city," the thief muttered to himself. He had seen hydra's before, one had been in a parade organised by the Drach a quarter of the century ago. He had also come face to face with what he considered more than his fair share of terrible beasties during the invasion of Vikrah. These facts did not make him feel ready to face a wild Hydra in its own territory however.

"As my mother always said, never tangle with anything with more teeth than the whole ships crew. I think she would agree that the ability to breathe fire adds yet more disincentive." Nonsense of course, but that was hardly the point
"If we can cause distraction enough can you sailors put this thing astern of us?"

He did not wait for a response, to fight the hydra was folly, even Karonath and Phalx had to see that. A distraction was called for else their sails would soon be ablaze.

'Now what would make a hydra turn away from its prey?' he thought
'A mate, a rival, more food?' he didn't know what a female hydra's mating call might sound like, if indeed the one down river was a male or this was the right season. A rival might be more like it and perhaps Caroac's horn would do the trick. It was thruming with beast energy but that might come in handy here. A subtle touch of Ulgu might do the trick. A change of tone, pitch and direction and the hydra would be distracted for just long enough to get away. If nothing else it would do more good than his little handbow.

Try and twist the sound of Caroac's horn into one similar to the one given by the hydra but coming from somewhere deeper into the trees.
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Raneth
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Post by Raneth »

Dammit, V thought, that's one beast I wasn't going to regret forgetting about. Well at least there are no stinking Asur this time around. It came to her that most of the ships traversing the river Spite would be prepared for such an encounter. She tapped on Kirian's shoulder.

Mind pointing me to the nearest Reaper, good sailor? If this beast has something to say I want us to at least answer in kind...

Man the guns!
Vryala Naïlo - WS5 / S5 / T5 / D5 / I4

Equipment: bastard sword of Speed, shield of Defence, repeater (20/20), spear, mace, dagger, Armour of Night, SDC, whip, blowpipe (9/12)
Inventory: amulet of Strength, grapple, grenade x0, smoke x11, map, mage hand, sleep oil x8, cure balms x20, Yori's balms x1, winter gear, old kit, lion mask
Mount: Dark Steed (Blanky), barding, talisman of Protection
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Class: Warrior
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Nightcall
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Post by Nightcall »

'We can't fight that thing!' Casaythe yelled, thinking his crossbow was now just about as useful as a child's catapult. The river was carrying them downstream towards the waiting monster. He had to think fast.

If they dropped anchor and waited, it might go away. But then, could hydras swim? They needed speed.

The corsair licked a finger and held it aloft. A crisp breeze. The current was steady but not fast.

'Caraoc, what we need is the push of a mighty wave behind us, or a gale's wind in our sails. Just for a short while... to get us past that grisly bastard. Can you manage it?' he asked, desperately.

Hoping Caraoc can come up with some weather magic to speed the ship past the hydra and away from its jaws.
Casaythe Blackstorm - Warrior (Corsair) - Group 22
Skills: Awareness, Endurance
Equipment: Short Sword, Glaive, Medium Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Repeater Crossbow, clip of bolts [11/20], 405 gold, Talisman of Darkness, Tool Kit, 2 months' rations
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