|
Post by xerxez on Jan 20, 2024 22:09:50 GMT -6
The first four days are uneventful as you sail towards your mysterious destination.
The wind is good and weather fine.
The fifth day out you skirt the reef riddled waters of Msu'tmel Bay hugging the shore of Thay'uri Isle.
It is a calm calm day and you are all excited at the prospect of passing over the underwater ruins of Engs'van Hla Ganga within the week--several tales were bandied on the deck under the light of the moons and the Nuroabites are intrigued by the recounting of Tek and Amiyala of how that Isle and that ruin were the cradle of the true heartbeat of the civilization of the Empire of the Glorious Petal Throne in language, religion and the arts.
Upon the morning of the 5th day you hear a chitter from the H'laka scout, S'zr.
A fluttering dot appears upon the sky, drawing ever nearer.
Soon, all of you recognize a dazzling sight-- a Kh'eshcal! That name in T'solyani means The Plumed Bird.
These birds are valuable and precious throughout the Five Empires for their glorious plumage, oft found woven into capes or used to adorn the crests of soldier helmets.
They are quite intelligent for birds and can learn a few phrases and words and are often kept as pets by middle and upper status folk, though in their jungle homes they are tamed by even hovel dwelling folk and greatly beloved.
This one appears blown to sea by an ill wind and is about to light upon the Nyari, though wary of all of you.
It lands upon the decks near your company while the crew is resting --
It is worth much in Kaitars whether for feathers or tamed.
A murmur goes up to try and capture it! Surely it would perish out here above the sea.
GM NOTE: PC's have a chance to catch the Plumed Bird! If you have a dexterity of 49 or lower, roll 1d6. If your DEX is 50 -75, roll 2 d6. If your DEX is 76 or higher, roll 3d6.
I will roll a matching d6 or number of d6 (depending on your count) and anyone who matches my rolls will be diced among to see who can catch the Kh'eschal.
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Jan 21, 2024 3:06:30 GMT -6
Mi'kímu has been studying the weird S'su blade and trying to square it with his fighting style. He has also found his spirit reinvigorated by the journey at sea, and begins to compose song-poems on the subject — but in Tsolyáni, the better to practice the language and explore its nuances. (Being illiterate, Mi'kímu composes these poems in his head, and sings them quietly to himself on night watch in order to remember them.)
While composing a song about pelicans (he has one diving for the kill tattooed on his back — a story for another day) and admiring the dawn over the sea, he hears the strange chatter from the H'laka scout, and spots the Kh'eshcal bird.
Mi'kímu lunges to capture the bird! [OOC: With DEX 96 I rolled 3d6 for ... 1, 5, 6.]
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Jan 21, 2024 9:58:07 GMT -6
Tekar, in spite his usual reserved and quiet nature, has been near the bow of the ship, watching for the ruins with an eager eye. Perhaps he will catch a glimpse of a statue or temple raised in honor of HIS LORD. When the Kh'eshcal alights on the deck, rather than try to grasp at the creature, he looks about for a net or some sort of rope that could entangle its wings! (Depending on your ruling of such object being available xerxez, I will either toss the item, or barring that, I will aim for the wings to foul and grab at one. Let me know your ruling, please, and then I will roll my 3d6 (DEX of 86).)
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 21, 2024 20:05:30 GMT -6
Mi'kímu has been studying the weird S'su blade and trying to square it with his fighting style. He has also found his spirit reinvigorated by the journey at sea, and begins to compose song-poems on the subject — but in Tsolyáni, the better to practice the language and explore its nuances. (Being illiterate, Mi'kímu composes these poems in his head, and sings them quietly to himself on night watch in order to remember them.) While composing a song about pelicans (he has one diving for the kill tattooed on his back — a story for another day) and admiring the dawn over the sea, he hears the strange chatter from the H'laka scout, and spots the Kh'eshcal bird. Mi'kímu lunges to capture the bird! [OOC: With DEX 96 I rolled 3d6 for ... 1, 5, 6.] Against this roll I rolled 3d6 and Mi'kimu got two matching die, a 5 and a 6! I will have to roll for the others and dice against any ties!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 21, 2024 20:08:48 GMT -6
Tekar, in spite his usual reserved and quiet nature, has been near the bow of the ship, watching for the ruins with an eager eye. Perhaps he will catch a glimpse of a statue or temple raised in honor of HIS LORD. When the Kh'eshcal alights on the deck, rather than try to grasp at the creature, he looks about for a net or some sort of rope that could entangle its wings! (Depending on your ruling of such object being available xerxez, I will either toss the item, or barring that, I will aim for the wings to foul and grab at one. Let me know your ruling, please, and then I will roll my 3d6 (DEX of 86).) There are such items about but it will still come to a contest of dexterity and the dice! The bird is somewhat tired from its journey and reluctant to fly away from the ship but is still lively enough to flutter about and make small flights upon the deck rather like a chicken
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 21, 2024 20:09:59 GMT -6
I will be able to post tomorrow but after that will be on a three day radio silence due to a family trip. Just wanted to let everyone know!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 21, 2024 20:37:41 GMT -6
Mi'kímu has been studying the weird S'su blade and trying to square it with his fighting style. He has also found his spirit reinvigorated by the journey at sea, and begins to compose song-poems on the subject — but in Tsolyáni, the better to practice the language and explore its nuances. (Being illiterate, Mi'kímu composes these poems in his head, and sings them quietly to himself on night watch in order to remember them.) While composing a song about pelicans (he has one diving for the kill tattooed on his back — a story for another day) and admiring the dawn over the sea, he hears the strange chatter from the H'laka scout, and spots the Kh'eshcal bird. Mi'kímu lunges to capture the bird! [OOC: With DEX 96 I rolled 3d6 for ... 1, 5, 6.] Interested to read Mi'kimu's compositions, which seem to entertain Do'shi the ren'yu who sits at these times and quietly listened to the singing which his keen ears have overheard.
As for the dagger, Mi'kimu was impressed. It is a blade of iron, not hardened Chlen hide. It has a medium length handle comprised of nodules carved into bone and lacquered gray. While made for a three digit hand (there are grooves for these), the nodular design permits human usage quite easily. Upon examination, Mi'kimu discovered that at the base of the handle on it's back is a round shape about the size of a small grape which he discovers is a plug that with some prying can be dislodged, opening a small hole. Upon closer examination of the blade he also discovered that there is a small bored aperture about an inch up the wide base of the serrated dagger--he guessed it to be a dagger which can filled with poison, though thankfully, in his handling, it is empty of such contents at this time. Finally, upon the iron blade at it's base on one side is a weird, squiggly inscription, like some character from an alien script...
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Jan 22, 2024 8:27:49 GMT -6
The first four days are uneventful as you sail towards your mysterious destination. GM NOTE: PC's have a chance to catch the Plumed Bird! If you have a dexterity of 49 or lower, roll 1d6. If your DEX is 50 -75, roll 2 d6. If your DEX is 76 or higher, roll 3d6.
I will roll a matching d6 or number of d6 (depending on your count) and anyone who matches my rolls will be diced among to see who can catch the Kh'eschal.Balesh, Dex 97, rolls 5, 1, 6
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 22, 2024 21:34:27 GMT -6
The first four days are uneventful as you sail towards your mysterious destination. GM NOTE: PC's have a chance to catch the Plumed Bird! If you have a dexterity of 49 or lower, roll 1d6. If your DEX is 50 -75, roll 2 d6. If your DEX is 76 or higher, roll 3d6.
I will roll a matching d6 or number of d6 (depending on your count) and anyone who matches my rolls will be diced among to see who can catch the Kh'eschal.Balesh, Dex 97, rolls 5, 1, 6 Balesh also gets two matching numbers, 1 & 6, Will give the others a chance to roll.
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Jan 24, 2024 16:50:01 GMT -6
Tekar, in spite his usual reserved and quiet nature, has been near the bow of the ship, watching for the ruins with an eager eye. Perhaps he will catch a glimpse of a statue or temple raised in honor of HIS LORD. When the Kh'eshcal alights on the deck, rather than try to grasp at the creature, he looks about for a net or some sort of rope that could entangle its wings! (Depending on your ruling of such object being available xerxez, I will either toss the item, or barring that, I will aim for the wings to foul and grab at one. Let me know your ruling, please, and then I will roll my 3d6 (DEX of 86).) There are such items about but it will still come to a contest of dexterity and the dice! The bird is somewhat tired from its journey and reluctant to fly away from the ship but is still lively enough to flutter about and make small flights upon the deck rather like a chicken If using such items will increase my odds, then I will do so! My rolls: 3d6 for a DEX of 86: 5,3,2
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 27, 2024 19:41:22 GMT -6
There are such items about but it will still come to a contest of dexterity and the dice! The bird is somewhat tired from its journey and reluctant to fly away from the ship but is still lively enough to flutter about and make small flights upon the deck rather like a chicken If using such items will increase my odds, then I will do so! My rolls: 3d6 for a DEX of 86: 5,3,2 I originally rolled only a 2 as a matching number on my own 3d6 roll, I gave you one reroll of a die for the use of implements, and got a 5 so you are 2 up, matching Mi'kimu. I will dice for this contest among you, Balesh and Mi'kimu.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 27, 2024 20:56:55 GMT -6
As the Nyari lists upon the waves, Mi'kimu, Balesh and Tek all seek to corral the beautiful but shaken Plumed Bird. It moves this way and that, fluttering about the deck pathetically but still with some elusiveness. Mi'kimu and Balesh both almost grasp it, footsteps stumping along the deck planks, but in the end Tek, the Flame Soldier, catches it by snatching up a net nearby and tossing it upon the frightened bird. The captain and F'sal were watching. CAPTAIN: "Well done. That one is a fine specimen. The unique feathers alone might fetch 800 Kaitar. It is said there is a color in its plumage for every temple. Subdued as it is, it might bring as much or more as a pet. I have a cage in the hold. Trainers of these birds may be found in most sizeable towns, though not without a fair amount of compensation. With patience, you could even win its loyalty without a trainer. But a trainer can teach it many tricks and useful tasks. " This is how the dice fell- if I were good at math a better formula might have been devised but as it was it came down to a d8 roll. 1-2, it would have been Balesh who caught the bird. 3-5, Mi'kimu, 6-8, Tek. I rolled a 7,so Tek captured the exquisite bird. What he does with it is at this point up to Chicagowiz. I didn't hear from dtspurrier so I did not dice for him but there are plenty of these birds on Tekumel if someone really wants one!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 27, 2024 21:03:22 GMT -6
P.S. Hunting expeditions for them are a noble past time and an art and science in and of itself.
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Jan 28, 2024 8:53:09 GMT -6
Is it possible to retrieve 3 feathers without harming the creature?
If so, I will indeed retrieve three, then as F'sal suggests. One, I will present to Amiyala as a token of respect and gratitude.
I will take it below to the cage. Part of my day now will be to tend to its needs. I will see if F'sal has any books that might give me ideas on how to construct straps to keep it from flying, but allow it some movement so that it doesn't have to remain caged. I will also ensure that all see that it has my full attention, even going so far as to sleep near it, should any decide to try to relieve it of plumage!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 28, 2024 20:20:47 GMT -6
Is it possible to retrieve 3 feathers without harming the creature? If so, I will indeed retrieve three, then as F'sal suggests. One, I will present to Amiyala as a token of respect and gratitude. I will take it below to the cage. Part of my day now will be to tend to its needs. I will see if F'sal has any books that might give me ideas on how to construct straps to keep it from flying, but allow it some movement so that it doesn't have to remain caged. I will also ensure that all see that it has my full attention, even going so far as to sleep near it, should any decide to try to relieve it of plumage! It can be done but not without distress to the bird, unless one is about to come out. I roll a d4 to see how many may be in such a state- and roll a 1, so one feather may be withdrawn without pain and distress to the Plumed Bird. You may take more but it will cause the bird pain and perhaps damage its skin. Believe it or not I found an online random color generator. dice.virtuworld.net/colors/The feather in question is black! But a lovely gleaming black, with many possible uses in an arrangement. Amiyala is honored by your gesture, and bows. "Thank you, Flame Warrior. As a child I had one of these birds in the clanhouse-- it sang and also spoke. It died of age, for it had been my father's bird. This feather shall remind of little Di'kiro." F'sal is unsure of any means of wing straps, but the Captain tells Tek that that cages are only temporary for these birds and after training they may be be permitted a perch instead. He arranges to have the cage set in your berthing space.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 28, 2024 20:28:01 GMT -6
I will update further tomorrow-- I have had an ordeal for a couple of days which today flipped like a coin leaving a happy ending to the matter but it wrung me out for a minute. Ive walked/biked 30 miles in two days and part of that was on a mountain road in early morning hours where mountain lions and bear are sometimes about. Pushing a bike uphill on a steep road in forest land at 3 AM and hearing something moving in the brush that stops when you stop and resumes when you resume is not a fun commute but my car is back after a tow and I don't have to do that now!
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Jan 28, 2024 20:46:07 GMT -6
I will update further tomorrow-- I have had an ordeal for a couple of days which today flipped like a coin leaving a happy ending to the matter but it wrung me out for a minute. Ive walked/biked 30 miles in two days and part of that was on a mountain road in early morning hours where mountain lions and bear are sometimes about. Pushing a bike uphill on a steep road in forest land at 3 AM and hearing something moving in the brush that stops when you stop and resumes when you resume is not a fun commute but my car is back after a tow and I don't have to do that now! Wow! That's quite a story! Glad it had a good ending. Critters don't usually mess with humans, even predators, unless provoked or you come too close to something of theirs. Glad you didn't find out what was going on!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Jan 31, 2024 18:50:44 GMT -6
I have provided a map of your voyage thus far…The encounter with the Plumed Bird took place upon day five as the Nyari began its sea path along Tha’yuri Isle, keeping the shore close in sight since Msu’mtel Bay is not safe at all…along the swampy lands of the La’yoda lie not only the homelands of the wicked and mad race of the Swamp Frogs but fetid gardens wherein grow the strange purple flowers that are the Food of the Old Ones and those weird creatures sometimes mount voyages to harvest there. (Point A is where Tekar captured the bird.) On Day 10 is when you pass the famed Isle of Ganga…you can clearly see its shores. F’SAL: “And there it is…the Mother’s Lap where sat the ancient Priestkings. That is where true civilization began and spread to the mainland savages, brought by scroll and sword. But there too the priest Pavar first contacted the Gods of Stability…or rather, they contacted him, and delivered the Truth of the Gods, which all of the Temples now dispense to Te’kumel. But glory was devoured by destruction…for cast your eyes over the prow.” It is a clear enough day to allow all of you to see, deep below the waves, shadows of the ruins of H’la Ganga—you behold its peaks and spires, and soon, you even spot fingers of stone that rise from the water and discern that they are no natural rock formations but buildings of such construction and perhaps enchantment that they yet defy the ravages of time and sea change… You pass the night in the berthing spaces and some of you dream of ancient Priestkings and a glorious island kingdom. Dreams are scattered as a crewman comes down to awaken you all and bid you come to deck. As you stir from slumber and go top side, you find a thin blue light of beginning of dawn, almost still night, and find the captain and F’sal standing on the starboard side of the ship. You soon see what they are looking at…drifting upon calm waves is a black ship. In the pale gloom you can see its sails hang in tatters and no lanterns adorn its decks. (Point B on the Map)F’sal turns to you all. F’SAL: “A derelict, we think, swept in from the Deeps and fated to crash somewhere near Msumetl Bay or upon Ganga Isle. Our Captain is curious and considers assembling a boarding party….if anyone should volunteer.”
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Jan 31, 2024 21:16:20 GMT -6
Mi'kímu is intrigued.
"Many ships have I helped conquer at sea — but none adrift, and of such dire aspect, and empty of all crew.
"I would prefer to take this ship in open combat, where the test puts man against man. But my bones tell me, should we board it, we will face some weirder foe — so I would take with me my shield, my axe, and this strange S'su blade."
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Feb 1, 2024 7:14:24 GMT -6
Bálesh says "I do not like the look of this ship at all. It has surely been cursed by the gods to be in such a shape. But let none say that Bálesh is a coward. I will be in the forefront of any expedition you wish to lead"
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Feb 2, 2024 21:49:26 GMT -6
Without word, Tekar joins the party that will board the strange ship. He will wear his armor and bring his weapons.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Feb 3, 2024 21:15:18 GMT -6
Hello and please excuse my tardiness in posting.The boarding party, as it comes to be, is quickly established to be the Nuroabites, Tekar, Karunaz the Livyani, Amiyala the Aridani her companion Doshi, Bak Suul the Shen and Gas Belly the Ahoggya, 13 in all. dtspurrier has not posted but I am assuming he would wish to go along...Two dinghy are prepared. As the light grows, you are all able to see the ship has been through a storm and survived it. It looks like a small attack frigate but the decks are eerily empty from your vantage point. The Captain of the N'yari stations crew members with bows and arrows and sends the H'laka scout to do flyover-- it returns to report the deck appears wholly abandoned, though only recently. With naught to do but make good on your pledges the party gets into the dinghy boats and are lowered into the sea. The Nuroabites and the Shen man oars--the sea is fairly calm but rolling and sprays its salty mist upon all of you, soaking you in your armor. As you close the gap the H'laka flies over and fastens a rope ladder upon the port side, dropping it down to the boats along with ropes to secure the vessels to it. Soon you all quietly gain the decks...the H'laka pulls a javelin from behind it's back but does not venture from the rail. The boat is perhaps 100' in length and some 35' wide-- there is a forecastle deck, as well as an aft deck built upon the structure which leads below-decks-- this structure is about 8' high, having stairs on either side which ascend to the aft deck. A steering wheel-well is mounted just behind the main mast, with a second mast behind it. There are two ballista turrets, one forward and one aft. The top house has a door which swings open and closed with the rolling of the ship....
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Feb 3, 2024 22:47:03 GMT -6
Mi'kimu looks about. Are there any signs of a battle? Is the wheel tied in place, or just loose?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Feb 4, 2024 5:35:23 GMT -6
There appear no signs of battle.
The wheel is not tied.
The two giant crossbow stations are of the sort which can pivot directionally.
The sails appear shredded by massive gale winds.
Mooring lines are piled in coils.
There is no sound but the creaking of the ship, swinging tackle and the incessantly rapping door on the top house.
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Feb 4, 2024 17:54:17 GMT -6
Bálesh says "I suggest putting two people to crew each ballista in case those sales were torn by some sort of flying monster instead of wind. If someone can light a torch behind me, I will enter that door." He suits actions to words, drawing his axe and starting aft (or fore, not sure where the swinging door is)
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Feb 4, 2024 21:03:57 GMT -6
Bálesh says "I suggest putting two people to crew each ballista in case those sales were torn by some sort of flying monster instead of wind. If someone can light a torch behind me, I will enter that door." He suits actions to words, drawing his axe and starting aft (or fore, not sure where the swinging door is) Sorry, the swinging door is not shown but its at the top of steps leading down into the lower decks. Also, though I drew the steps shown from above, there is actually a normal doorway and the steps are sheltered under the structure.Karunaz nods at the words of Balesh. Gas Belly takes the forward turret and and turns the crank to engage the heavy cross bow and loads a great bolt. The Livyani moves to man the aft weapon. "Have a care," he says. "Doshi is best to sound alarm if you find any crew below and we will be down in a flash." I assume a companion lights a couple of torches and hands one to Balesh.Coming to the door, Amiyala draws a long iron dagger from her belt and throws it into the deck, its hilt now holding the door open. As Balesh comes to the stair and thrusts his torch into the darkness, he is startled to see a man in ragged sea clothes (pirate like) on the stair, a long sword in his right hand, one foot poised upon the stair as though stealthily gaining the upper steps. To the horror of the Nuroabite, there are only empty shriveled black holes where the man's eyes should be, his skin is withered and sea blasted, and his mouth is open in a silent scream.
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Feb 5, 2024 23:37:27 GMT -6
Mi'kimu, having (let us assume) lit a few torches and distributed them, staggers back from the doorway as the apparition stumbles forth!
He raises his axe in his free hand, but hesitates to strike — could this shell of a man still be living?
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Feb 6, 2024 7:16:16 GMT -6
Bálesh steps back a few steps, hoping this walking corpse will enter onto the deck so it can be attacked from all sides
|
|
|
Post by chicagowiz on Feb 6, 2024 7:48:39 GMT -6
"HOLD THE DOOR! DON'T LOOK INTO ITS EYES!" I call out! "THOSE NOT NEAR THE DOOR, LOOK FOR HATCHES OR HOLDS IN THE DECK! GUARD THEM!"
I will step forward to push this thing back with blows and possibly shut the door, while focusing on the legs and NOT THE EYES!
"Mi'kimu! Balesh! Step forward! We choke them here! If more are below, we are doomed if they flood the deck!"
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Feb 6, 2024 16:04:02 GMT -6
Balesh decides to listen to the more experienced warrior, and steps back up to the doorway to attack. He tries to look down at its mid-section if possible
|
|