(1055) Ganse:

---

(1055) GM: When last we left our intrepid heros, they were boarding a windship captained by none other than Captain Terevelos, bound for Kasir.
(1064) Laj: (Kasir or Kasmir?)
(1055) GM: (Kasir.)
(1064) Laj: (Digging through maps...)
** (1064) Laj clambers aboard the flying deathtrap. **
(1056) Merduk: (It's Kasmir. I'm pretty sure.)
(1064) Laj: "Stryx magnet."
(1055) GM: This ship is considerably larger than the Salinlein, but not as comfortable. Her Grace and Merduk's mount fit easily below.
(1055) GM: (The city of Kasmir is the capital of the country Kasmir, but there's another city named Kasir, slightly closer to Cymril.)
** (1064) Laj settles in as best he can. He checks on Her Grace before the windship leaves. **
(1055) GM: You have been sent by not only your own disturbing dreams, but the dreams of Azradamus as well. The day starts well, a warm spring day with a short lived morning dew. The two suns shine down brightly from a cloudless sky. The air is clear, and you imagine you can see clear to Aaman if you peer hard enough westward.
** (1064) Laj doesn't try, having seen altogether too much of Aaman recently. **
(1055) GM: Captain Terevelos takes the wheel himself, and the rest of the crew go about their duties, mostly rigging the sails in the upper winds.
(1055) GM: The sails billow on the morning winds, and the ship rocks gently as she picks up speed eastward.
** (1064) Laj keeps a wary eye open for wind demons, stryx, and other airborne hazards that could have him joining his ancestors. **
(1055) GM: Captain Terevelos notices you on deck, and motions for one of the officers to take the wheel.
(1055) GM: "A perfect day for sailing. Hardly any gusts, and the weather mage predicts good weather through at least tomorrow. I trust your accomodations are suitable?"
(1055) Captain Terevelos: (That was the captain, sorry.)
(1056) Merduk: "If it doesn't smell like dung, I'm happy to sleep there."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos chuckles at Merduk, then stops as though realizing it might not be a joke. **
(1064) Laj: "Better accommodations than the Halls of Penance. Thanks for picking us up."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos smirks at Laj. "Well, it's my duty after all. But it's my pleasure." **
(1056) Merduk: (assume Merdmira is with us?)
(1055) Captain Terevelos: (Yeah, she's below."
** (1064) Laj shrugs. "Rather not die painted white, hairless, and 'cleansed.'" **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Fortunate indeed to escape Aaman with your hair intact."
(1055) GM: As the day wears on, the rocking increases slightly. The galeon climbs higher and higher, seeking calmer air.
(1064) Laj: "Rather die exhausted in a harem, but will probably die horribly."
** (1064) Laj laughs. **
** (1055) Captain Terevelos laughs heartily at Merduk. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Wouldn't we all, lad! It's the sword that awaits the soldier, and them that think different are deluded."
(1056) Merduk: "My cousin said he wanted to die by being stepped on by an Ogront while making love. That is how he died actually. Without the making love part."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "A sad tale. Is that a common occurence where you're from?"
(1056) Merduk: "Dying? Yeah. My parents went just by standing in the wrong spot when an ogront dropped load."
(1064) Laj: "Apparently."
(1056) Merduk: "That's when my sister and I decided to leave"
** (1055) Captain Terevelos frowns. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "A wise decision, then. Remember much of Kasmir?"
(1056) Merduk: (Have we been to Kasmir?"
(1064) Laj: "There once was a Marukan jester. He was hanged as a mass-murderer because his audiences kept killing themselves."
(1064) Laj: (Nope.)
(1055) Captain Terevelos: (You probably had to travel through from Maruk.)
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Well, you won't be welcomed there much." He glances at Laj, "You not at all. I'd stay veiled at all times."
(1056) Merduk: "We drove through there. Don't remember much."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "It's best to keep to yourselves, avoid the Kasmirans except at the markets. They have a low opinion of the Yitek."
(1064) Laj: "Agreed. A greedy lot, Kasmirans."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos laughs. "But so do most people." **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Greedy is a compliment. Be prepared to spend triple at their markets, when they'll sell to you at all. I'll be there for a week, and I'll help you if I can. But after I leave, you'll be on your own."
(1056) Merduk: "Marukans aren't exactly popular either."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "No, but the Kasmirans have long memories, and a lot of violated tombs. Marukans are tolerated much easier."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Have your mounts traveled by windship before?"
(1056) Merduk: "Probably not."
(1064) Laj: "Never."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Well, don't feed them as much, until they get their ship legs. Plenty of water, though."
(1064) Laj: "I'll talk with the Djaffir. Perhaps they can assist us."
(1056) Merduk: "Mine was pretty old when I got him. I don't know what he did before I found him."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "The Djaffir may help you, but they won't be cheap either."
(1056) Merduk: "I wonder if they'll trade for luck charms."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos laughs. "Perhaps. But don't bet on it. The soldiers are superstitious, but the merchants seldom are." **
** (1056) Merduk , by way of explanation, adds "My sister makes them. She's very talented." **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "The Kasmirans are a funny lot, you may have some luck there."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Anyway, you should see to your mounts."
** (1064) Laj nods and checks on Her Grace. **
(1055) GM: Her Grace greets Laj with a miserable snort.
(1055) GM: She's obviously got an upset stomach from the rocking. Merduk's mount hasn't fared much better.
** (1056) Merduk is okay with this. As long as the elderly thing is still alive. **
(1055) GM: After gulping what seems like an endless amount of water, Her Grace seems to have recovered somewhat.
** (1064) Laj pats his mount reassuringly. He makes certain that she has water, but no food. **
(1064) Laj: And Laj cleans up any messes.
(1055) GM: (And messes there be!)
(1055) GM: The stable does indeed smell like dung, and you're glad you don't have to sleep there. Several Equus are also there, but they seem much more accustomed to windship flight.
(1064) Laj: After all, it's only polite.
(1056) Merduk: (Wow. There was dung and I wasn't involved. Weird.)
(1055) GM: (What the heck was your mount's name, Merduk?)
(1064) Laj: (Dung da dung dung!)
(1064) Laj: (Unlucky.)
(1055) GM: (Heh!)
(1056) Merduk: (It didn't really have one. Apart from me calling it "You Bastard" for a period.)
(1055) GM: (So much for completeness!)
(1055) GM: The day wears on, the crew barely even looks at you, the landscape sliding slowly by. As afternoon approaches, some clouds appear in the eastern sky.
(1055) GM: But the winds remain steady, and the rocking eases a bit.
(1064) Laj: (Why call it anything if it won't answer or obey?)
(1055) GM: (Heh! True enough!)
(1055) GM: By nightfall, most of the crew seems a little nervous, obviously not looking forward to Kasmir.
** (1064) Laj stays close to the railing and ropes himself to it during the journey. **
(1056) Merduk: Merduk goes below decks to hang out with his sister for a bit.
(1055) GM: The stars shine beautifully through the clouds, and the air gets brisk.
(1055) Merdmira: "Well, brother, we there yet?"
** (1055) Merdmira looks up from the table, where various tools and scattered bits of lead and leather strips lay in disarray. It looks like several luck charms are in the making. **
(1056) Merduk: "Almost, I think."
(1055) Merdmira: "Good. Sky's no place for a Marukan. Especially not me."
(1056) Merduk: "The captain said something about the Kasmirans being overly skeptical, but you might find a market with the soldier crowd."
(1055) Merdmira: "Figures. Folk ready to die will grasp at anything."
(1055) Merdmira: "Damn Kasmirans too tight-pursed anyway."
(1064) Laj: "Agreed."
(1064) Laj: "Unhealthy for my kind."
(1055) Merdmira: "Whyzat?"
(1064) Laj: "Kasmirans don't like to be robbed--alive or dead. They don't like Yitek."
(1055) Merdmira: "Oh. Guess it never bothered folk like us anyway. Death is just a nice nap from the curse."
(1055) Merdmira: "Nothin to steal anyway, except shovels and dung."
** (1055) Merdmira sighs. "I hope I never ride in a windship again." **
(1064) Laj: "Kasmirans value everything." Laj shrugs.
(1056) Merduk: "I like the windship. It's relaxing. I mean sure we could crash and die, but we could die anywhere."
(1055) Merdmira: "Scuttlebutt says there's a lot of Thralls there. Kasmirans bein paranoid and all. Maybe they'll buy some luck charms. Nobody needs luck more than a Kasmiran's guard."
(1056) Merduk: "Nah, I've heard that Thralls don't trust magic. They are into practical stuff, like swords and shields."
** (1055) Merdmira looks disappointed. **
(1055) Merdmira: "Well there's bound to be someone there that feels down on their luck."
(1064) Laj: "So long as they don't kill me on sight."
(1055) Merdmira: (Observation rolls...)
(1056) Merduk: (What did you give us Observation at? +4?)
(1055) GM: (Yep)
(1056) Merduk: (I observe!!!) [1d20+4] -> [18,4] = (22)
(1055) GM: (ye gods!)
(1056) Merduk: (I am one with the universe!)
(1055) GM: (A brief shaft of moonlight shines on Merduk through a crack...)
(1064) Laj: [1d20+7] -> [8,7] = (15)
(1064) Laj: (I'm lagging. Weird.)
(1055) GM: You both notice the ship turn slightly downwards. Merduk knows it's a 4 degree downturn, and the wind has shifted slightly.
(1056) Merduk: (Does it seem natural, or jerky? Do I get that they meant to do it?)
(1055) GM: (It seems smooth enough, but it's unusual. with that angle, it's losing altitude.)
(1055) GM: (I mean losing considerable altitude.)
(1055) GM: Another shift, a little sharper downturn.
(1064) Laj: "Crashing."
(1064) Laj: "Figures."
** (1056) Merduk sighs gloomily. "darn it. We're doomed." **
(1055) GM: (What do you do?)
(1064) Laj: (That depends. Are we belowdecks or on deck?)
** (1056) Merduk runs up to the deck to see what's happening. To see if the crew is concerned.) **
(1055) GM: (You're below with Merdmira, Laj.)
** (1064) Laj goes up on deck as quickly as possible, bringing his scimitar with him. **
(1056) Merduk: (Darn it, Ganse. This is your revenge for letting you fall from the collapsing Kringlegard tower.)
(1055) GM: The crew scurries about. Captain Terevelos is on the wheel, looking concerned.
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Look sharp, lads, and reef that foresail!"
(1055) GM: The aeromancer is at the front of the ship, waving his arms in a magical manner.
(1064) Laj: (Lol.)
** (1064) Laj looks for some railing to tie himself to. **
(1055) GM: (Ha! The mainmast looks pretty solid, Laj!)
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "You there, get tied down. Rough weather ahead, at the least!"
** (1056) Merduk borrows some of Laj's rope to get tied. **
** No match found
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Never trust an aeromancer to forecast the weather!"
(1055) GM: The crew laughs at the captain's joke.
(1056) Merduk: "Marukans make the best weather forecasters. They always predict bad weather. So you are either prepared, or pleasantly surprised."
** (1064) Laj ties himself at the waist to the mast. He hands a free end to Merduk. **
(1064) Laj: "May live after all."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "We saw lights ahead, and the wind shifted. Could be rough weather, or maybe something else."
(1064) Laj: "Storm demon? Should have brought the crossbow."
(1055) GM: You peer in the distance eastward. Dimly, you can see a green light, dancing like a ship on big waves.
(1056) Merduk: "Pirates?"
(1064) Laj: "May find out."
(1055) GM: A bright bolt of lightning splits the night sky, and the following thunderclap echoes from the ground below.
** (1064) Laj looks around the windship to see if it has any armaments. **
(1055) GM: (The ship has two forward ballistae, and one facing rearward. Each can swivel to the sides)
(1055) GM: A screech pierces the silence that followed the thunderclap, and the crew hit the deck.
(1064) Laj: "Bad."
** (1064) Laj ducks and draws his scimitar, as if it will do any good. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Wind demons! Archers, man your posts!"
** (1056) Merduk has his longsword out. **
(1056) Merduk: (hehe. For a second, that was your name.)
** (1064) Laj congratulates himself on his newfound psychic powers. **
(1055) GM: Two men man each ballista, and several others face east with arrows nocked.
** (1055) Captain Terevelos turns the ship southward, and the ballistae swivel to face east. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Keep a sharp eye, men, they're hard to see at night."
(1055) GM: The aeromancer appears to be readying something.
(1055) GM: The air crackles with a second lightning bolt, this time originating from the aeromancer. The bolt finds its way through the darkness to a birdlike shape, which continues to glow translucently.
(1055) GM: (Initiative rolls)
(1056) Merduk: (remind me. Dex x2, right?)
(1064) Laj: [1d20+0] -> [14,0] = (14)
(1055) GM: (Speed x 2)
(1056) Merduk: (Ah, right.) [1d20+2] -> [11,2] = (13)
(1055) GM: (Wind Demon: [1d20 + 2] -> [2,2] = (4))
(1055) GM: (Heh, more unlucky than a Marukan!)
(1056) Merduk: (W00t! Slow-ass wind demons!)
(1055) GM: (Crew: [1d20 + 2] -> [13,2] = (15))
(1055) GM: The archers take aim and let fly, as the ballistae fire.
(1064) Laj: (Fast crew.)
(1056) Merduk: (Ah, we can relax! The crew can finish him off.)
(1055) GM: (Ballista 1: [1d20+2] -> [4,2] = (6))
(1055) GM: (Ballista 2: [1d20+2] -> [5,2] = (7))
(1055) GM: (Ballista 3: [1d20+2] -> [4,2] = (6))
(1055) GM: (Yeah, the crew will finish him off!)
(1055) GM: The ballista bolts barely glance off the demon.
(1056) Merduk: (Crap. They're like imperial storm troopers.)
(1055) GM: (Archers: [1d20+2] -> [16,2] = (18))
(1055) GM: Arrows pelt the wind demon. From its screeches, you gather they hit their mark.
(1064) Laj: "Good."
(1055) GM: Thanks to the aeromancer, you can see the demon glowing faintly.
(1055) GM: (Your turn, Laj)
(1064) Laj: (Is he in reach?)
(1055) GM: (Not sword reach, he's about 20 yards off the port side.)
(1055) GM: (Rather too close for the ballistae.)
(1056) Merduk: (Well, I will have to wait for it to actually attack. I don't have any ranged weapons.)
(1064) Laj: Anything around that I can throw?
(1055) GM: (You could throw Merduk and hope his bad luck rubs off)
(1056) Merduk: (Darn it. If we were on the ground we could at least huck rocks at it.)
(1064) Laj: (Laj doesn't either, at least not on him.)
(1055) GM: (You both hold your actions, then?)
** (1064) Laj waits. **
(1056) Merduk: (Yep. Staying on the defensive. If the crew picks him off, fine. If not, I'm ready.)
(1055) GM: The demon swoops down on the ship, On closer inspection, it seems to be a thing of swirling air, and it's hard to believe it could be a living thing. It attacks the aeromancer: 1d20+7
(1055) GM: (dangit. [1d20+7] -> [10,7] = (17))
(1055) GM: The demons grasps the aeromancer, who screams horribly as he's carried over the side. You each get an attack as it passes.
(1056) Merduk: (Makes sense, the swirling air demon attacks the aeromancer. Smart move, really.)
(1055) GM: (The aeromancer was the first thing that hit it.)
(1055) GM: (Attacks?)
(1055) GM: (tumbleweeds roll past...)
(1064) Laj: (Laj first?)
(1064) Laj: (lagging?)
(1056) Merduk: (Laj beat me for initiative. So I go after him)
(1055) GM: (Go, Laj...)
(1064) Laj: [1d20+8] -> [15,8] = (23) scimitar
(1055) GM: (Yeouch! Nice hit!)
** (1064) Laj swings at the demon. **
(1055) GM: (23 - 7 is still a solid hit, what's the scimitar's DR?)
(1056) Merduk: (Teh d3m0n 3xpl0d35!)
(1064) Laj: 8
(1055) GM: (Merduk loses XP...)
(1055) GM: Laj lands a solid blow, the blade dragging through the air as if it were thick. There's no blood, but it turns to avoid the pain as best it can.
(1055) GM: (Merduk, your turn)
(1064) Laj: (Does he let go of the aeromancer?)
(1055) GM: (No, not yet...)
** (1056) Merduk attack the demon with the longsword. [1d20+12] -> [18,12] = (30) **
(1056) Merduk: (*blink blink*)
(1055) GM: (The world is surely coming to an end. A Marukan has great luck.)
(1064) Laj: (Whoa.)
(1056) Merduk: (The demons defends, subtracting 256, 311 from the roll. You botch.)
(1055) GM: (30 - 7 is still a critical hit, you describe the effect, Merduk)
(1056) Merduk: (The sword whiffs through the air creature, cutting though an especially thick and smoky part. The demon doesn't seem to like this.)
(1064) Laj: "Rope! Rope for the wizard!"
(1055) GM: The wind demon screeches in mortal agony from Merduk's swipe. Unfortunately for the aeromancer, inertia carries him over the side of the ship.
(1055) GM: Several crewmembers throw ropes over the side: [1d20+2] -> [19,2] = (21)
(1055) GM: The aeromancer grabs at it: [1d20 +2] -> [15,2] = (17)
(1055) GM: And grabs hold!
(1055) GM: (A miraculous night!)
(1055) GM: The demon swoops back around, it seems really angry now, and you have a feeling who it's going to attack.
** (1064) Laj rushes to help and finds himself anchored to the mast. **
(1064) Laj: "Merduk, he's returning!"
** (1056) Merduk prepares to defend. **
(1055) GM: The archers (who aren't helping to pull up the aeromage) fire again: [1d20+2] -> [12,2] = (14)
(1055) GM: Some of the arrows find their mark, but the beast makes no sound this time.
(1055) GM: The demon dives at Merduk.
** (1064) Laj tries to help his friend. **
(1055) GM: (You get to attack at the same time, both of you.)
(1055) GM: Demon: [1d20+7] -> [6,7] = (13)
(1064) Laj: [1d20+8] -> [16,8] = (24) scimitar
(1056) Merduk: [1d20+12] -> [16,12] = (28) Attack!
(1055) GM: (*gasp* Did you hack the dicebot, Merduk?)
(1064) Laj: (Kick tail, drink ale.)
(1055) GM: (Another critical hit! And the demon's hit isn't enough to hit you!)
(1055) GM: Laj's scimitar slices through the thick air again.
(1055) GM: (Merduk, describe your fatal blow.)
** (1064) Laj is feeling pretty he-man for being a sneaky weasel by trade. **
** (1056) Merduk shoves his sword into the swirling creature. It shrieks, and bursts apart, bathing us all in foul wind.) **
(1055) GM: (Nice!)
(1056) Merduk: (Don't demons leave behind gemstones when they die?)
(1055) GM: (Sometimes.)
(1056) Merduk: (I was multitasking. A girl I am seeing called me during the combat.)
(1055) GM: (What would a luck roll be? Try Intelligence - 7)
(1055) GM: (That's Int x 2, Merduk)
(1056) Merduk: (Luck roll? That's a new one! Would a Marukan get a penalty?)
(1056) Merduk: [1d20] -> [4] = (4)
(1055) GM: No gemstones tinkle to the deck.
(1056) Merduk: (Yep, when it comes to Luck rolls, the natural Marukanness reasserts itself.)
(1055) GM: The crew hauls up the gasping aeromancer.
(1056) Merduk: (I think they all have gemstones. It's like their heart or something. But I think I probably wacked it over the side with my sword when I killed it.)
(1055) GM: The aeromancer appears to be in shock, he just sits on the deck breathing deeply, not really aware of his surroundings. Captain Terevelos orders him taken below.
(1064) Laj: "Bad luck. But not terrible luck. At least the aeromancer survived."
** (1056) Merduk attempts to calm his mind mystically. Influence [1d20+5] -> [11,5] = (16) **
(1064) Laj: "Anyone want to kill us who is friendly with demons?"
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "I can see how you survived Aaman. Your swords were most helpful."
(1056) Merduk: (Attempting to calm the aeromancer's mind, I mean.)
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "They are rare, but not that rare."
(1055) GM: As he's being taken below, a look of calm comes over the aeromancer's face.
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "It could be a chance occurence, but I don't know for sure."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos claps Merduk on the back. "You certainly can handle a sword. Probably the best Marukan I've ever seen." **
** (1056) Merduk shrugs and mutters a thanks. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "And you're no slouch either, Laj. Good job, both of you."
(1064) Laj: "Other choice is dinner." Laj shrugs and sheathes his blade.
** (1055) Captain Terevelos addresses the crew. "That was well done, but we were lucky. You men have let city life make you sloppy. I want drills first thing tomorrow." **
(1064) Laj: "Better at other things, but the other things require me to be good with this." He pats the hilt.
(1055) Captain Terevelos: (the crew grumble.)
** (1055) Merdmira pokes her head above the deck, barely. "What's all the damn noise?" **
(1056) Merduk: "Hey, sis. You missed all the fun."
** (1055) Merdmira snorts roughly. **
** (1056) Merduk feels a little ashamed for outshining his sister. He sort of looks up to her. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "You're a witch, yes? Can you look at a crewmember for me?"
(1056) Merduk: (Is he talking to Merdmira?)
** (1055) Merdmira nods her assent, and let's Captain Terevelos lead her back below decks. **
** (1064) Laj unties himself and follows, his natural suspicions making him curious and apprehensive at the same time. **
(1055) GM: The crew resume positions about the deck, an officer takes the wheel and orders the sails back to full.
** (1055) Merdmira cracks a couple of bones over the stricken aeromancer, and mutters an incantation. **
(1055) Merdmira: [1d20 + 5] -> [20,5] = (25)
(1056) Merduk: (w00t! Go, big sister!)
(1055) Merdmira: "He'll be fine after a good night's sleep. Maybe he'll have an eye for a certain Marukan maiden!"
** (1055) Merdmira cackles. **
** (1055) Captain Terevelos looks rather doubtful at Merdmira's remark. **
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "All right, clear out, let him rest, men."
(1064) Laj: "Good thing he caught the rope."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "A miracle, by any count. Enough to make one believe in the Magister."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Are either of you injured?"
(1056) Merduk: "Nah, I'm okay."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Laj?"
(1064) Laj: "Unharmed."
(1064) Laj: "Should have brought the crossbow with me, though."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Good. Minimal casualties. Can you fire a bow?"
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Either of you? We have spares, and plenty of arrows."
(1064) Laj: "Moderately well. Crossbow is preferable."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "Get yourself a bow and a quiver from the armory, then. Good strategy to wear an enemy down from a distance, if you can."
(1064) Laj: "Forgot. Won't next time."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "That goes for you too, Merduk. Can you shoot a bow?"
** (1064) Laj retrieves and loads his crossbow. **
** (1064) Laj also grabs a bow. Why not? **
(1056) Merduk: "Not really."
(1055) Captain Terevelos: "More's the pity. Now, get yourselves some rest. I'm not so sure about our clear weather forecast tomorrow."
** (1055) Captain Terevelos walks towards the rear of the ship, to his cabin. **
** (1064) Laj stakes out a portion of deck, sticks a dozen arrows point first into the planks next to him, settles himself on his blanket, and sleeps with his crossbow in hand. **
(1055) GM: The crew look at Laj curiously, but then ignore him.
** (1056) Merduk finds a place to crash, and does so. **