|
Post by xerxez on Apr 28, 2024 15:03:04 GMT -6
This is the Street of the Red Dancers in the terraced Undercity of Chame'el with a view of our heroes through the window of the tea house. If you were to walk from the door to the balcony wall you would be looking down upon the harbor inside the hollow mountain (for lack of a better term) and over the cliff walls you would behold distant mountains. You would also be able to take in the other terraced streets along the cliff walls and above you see the imposing walls of the Overcity looming down at you. You can see voluptuous Shirin'gayi and beyond her pedestal is a hidden garden full of trees, flowers, foliage and water spouts--the garden you would have noted in your interaction with the old woman at the idol's feet, it extends into a crevice with some wider space beyond. I hope this helps you to have a better idea
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:53:07 GMT -6
By the way, I should edit Amiyala's words about clans and non-citizens, I do remember reading some source material where clan members in good standing in other empires can join Tsolyani clans of a related profession and I presume they would receive citizenship upon such membership acceptance, so in that case, non-citizens can apply for clan membership.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:42:11 GMT -6
I have been remiss in updating XP and Character sheets, begging pardon, I will address that in the coming days if the world doesn't end first
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:32:56 GMT -6
Bálesh says "For me, this is a journey to see the world, and what my place could be in it. But I will never forget the people I have come with" Bak Suul the Shen gives a rumble of approval and sets a scaly hand on Balesh's shoulder that feels as though he had suddenly had a piece of iron set on him. "This scar I carry from your jungle cat brother will not let me forget them either!" he says. "So far you've seen the world, though the best part of it, Glorious Shen'yu, you have not. Someday little man you go with me there! You will be a guest of Bak Suul and my Egg Mothers and Fathers will not eat you, I promise. Now, though, we sail for the world's end...don't tell Gas Belly I said it, only because he's our guide there, but if there is an armpit of Te'kumel, I've heard it's the Ahoggya lands! I knew a sailor who went there once and he carried a special jelly to smear under his nose whenever he entered their common halls. And the whole land is a land of fierce beasts and no civilization at all...stick by me, though. This tea we drink again on the return voyage."
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:17:50 GMT -6
Sipping his tea, Mi'kímu settles into his seat and relaxes deeply. He nevertheless notices, over the rim of his cup, the furtive glance exchanged between Mohammad and the flutist. Ah well — in any case, now that Mistress Amiyala has spoken, he responds to her prompt. "For myself, Wise Sister, I seek first the well-being of my kinfolk. I hope to achieve this by deeds of courage — but also by acts of community and friendship. Such activities, I hope, will help cultivate a solid reputation for members of our tribe, and also someday earn me not only Imperial citizenship, but an honored place among 'the village of my peers', as we Nuroabite sailors say. "Beyond that, who can say? Tomorrow looms." The tea is perhaps the most delicious that Mi'kimu has ever sipped and he finds the Pe Choi tea room to be perhaps the most soothing and welcoming place he has yet visited in this strange new world so far from the jungles of Nuroab. Though he wonders how fare those who could not leave, he knows his brothers and sisters he speaks of need him here, and strangely, although his childhood was one of oneness with the forest, he feels content to leave that world behind, for in spite of himself and his "barbarian" upbringing, as these folk might see it, he has become somewhat awed, albeit often with alarm, in the ways of civilization. He remembers when he beheld the few scattered stone buildings of a Liv'yanu fortress and settlement on the coast back home and thought it the most impressive thing he'd ever seen out of the forest...now, having seen Jakalla and this astonishing port city, those memories seem to him like looking upon a tiny pile of rocks. AMIYALA : "Your words are fitly spoken, tus'mi'simu"...(Mi'kimu struggles to recall the word and remembers it refers to one as "You of Wide Journeying"). "In the Five Empires, such bonds are held as the highest duty and blessing. We Tsol'yani are not tribal, but we feel for our clan that same obligation and devotion. This regard you hold, and the courage you have shown, along with that of your friends and brothers, will never permit me again to regard the southern continent as land of barbarians, a customary opinion in our society. Citizenship is a worthy goal but for those of na'kome status, clanless, it amounts to little more than a right to travel the Empire freely and perhaps own property, where one has the wealth to do so, but life would be an unending struggle unless someday your people might find acceptance in a clan. No clan would ever take a non citizen, so one must attain that first. Aside from that and other qualifications, which amount mostly to manners and conduct and to some degree, successful endeavor, joining a clan is a matter of gold. Wealth is the lifeblood of any clan, however poor or rich, for by it the clan members are sustained. A clan will take care of you and yours from birth until death and you will find help, rest and succor anywhere there is a clan house or clan member. Lower clans are the most eager for new blood and it is relatively an inexpensive matter. Middle and middle higher clans require more gold and more qualifications. High clans and Imperial related clans are beyond access to all but the wealthiest and most lauded newcomers, while the clan of T'loktani, the Petal Throne line, is forever sealed and barred to all without. While rare, it is not unknown for na'kome foreigners to be awarded clan acceptance for meritorious deeds, though it requires an Imperial writ of sanction. But in any event, know that in most cases, religion plays an important role, and sometimes skills and profession, like your sailor skills. Most foreigners find a Temple in the Empire that most closely aligns with their spiritual understanding and become devoted to it. Tsolanyu clans do not room for beliefs that lie outside of Pavar's Pantheon, even if sympathetic to them. If I can help you and your people by any means, I will do so, for you have behaved with honor and you and Balesh, Mohammad, the others...they would be a credit to the Empire." KARUNAZ: Sipping his tea "All true. There are some differences among the Five Empires but most of what Mistress says holds true in all civilized lands. But don't forget (he grins at her)...Liv'yanu may not have the Petal Throne but it is also a great and noble realm. Though you don't speak a word of our tongue! Ha! I can imagine you Nuroabites causing a scene back home!"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 19:13:42 GMT -6
Mohammad smiles at the flutist. He waits for the others to take charge of the conversation. She appears quite pleased at Mohammad's smile and shifts upon her stool to begin a new song, seeming to face directly towards the priest, though her poise remains modest. Mohammad has a 92 Comeliness score and for fun I had rolled upon the reaction table and the results were quite good.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 19, 2024 20:33:29 GMT -6
Tethwan is no healer but he will spring to their side with his water skin and try to administer what aid he can.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 18, 2024 18:45:31 GMT -6
The Pe Choi turns with a fluid movement and flutter of limbs, moving towards you with as graceful a bow as its strange anatomy permits. He addresses you in Tsol'yani. "Honored ones, welcome to the tea house of H'kit, he who now attends you. I am honored to see you to your table." He leads you to a low table and all of you remain standing until Mistress Amiyala is seated upon the plush mats. All of you join her as Bak Suul hands lays 5 Kaitar in a cup he then covers, as is customary in this land. In his husky voice he says: "Worthy Master, fine tea we seek...and all the table spices you have." H'kit bows again and hurries away, leaving the cup of coins, knowing if good service is given more will be added. Soon you have all sat in customary silence for the first small cup of tea--its warmth and flavor seem enchanted as you begin to feel the rigors of the boat and the sea fall from your shoulders and the warm flute music flowing around you like a mist. MOHAMMAD takes notice of the flutist, who has noticed his striking handsomeness, it is evident. She blushes as he looks up at her but never fails a note. Soon the conversation begins. All are polite and allow the Mistress to speak first. MISTRESS AMIYALA: " Bak Suul, I am grateful for your hospitality. Tekar, I know of your fame. Your clan is held in honor as is your brave legion. Perhaps you have aspirations in the Military Party? When your service is done or even before would have you dreams of rising in more political means of serving the Petal Throne? And you Nuroabites--what is your hopes in the Empire? Do you dream of one day gaining admittance to a Clan, having first obtained Imperial citizenship, of course?"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 18, 2024 8:16:37 GMT -6
Tethwan watches in shock and horror mingled with rage at the smoking corpses of the two companions and the rolling head of the slain witch!
His eyes cast about the chamber, wary of the invisible demon who granted such a power to this evil woman.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 17, 2024 14:18:12 GMT -6
Tethwan will try and bet a backstab in on the infernal hound.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 23:11:28 GMT -6
This music is somewhat like what the girl sounds upon her flute in the tea house...
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:43:29 GMT -6
The encounter with the old woman fresh in your mind, you take leave of her and walk to the end of the cliff street to the tea house.
There is a stone porch, arched windows glowing with lamp light from within, and the scent of spices and hot tea wafting out.
A flute softly begins inside.
As you enter, you see a half oval shaped room, with the flat side being the place from which you entered.
A beautiful young woman sits beside a hearth, playing her flute. Her melody is one of longing, melancholic but not wholly sad, like a remembered song of childhood.
Each note falls as a drop of rain in the forest..her skill is evident but is her song which immediately sets you at ease and rest, along with the pleasant aromas of the tea house.
There are six tables and a bar of sorts, with a door behind the bar on the left side of the room.
Small fires burn behind the bar upon which tea kettles steam.
Fresh mints, spice herbs and other plants hang from the ceiling.
Behind the bar is a Pe Choi... a graceful six limb being with motions as of a butterfly tending the steaming pots. It's chitinous black body gleams in the lamplight.
Only two tables (six chairs each) are occupied.
At one table sits a man in soldier's gear, alone and sipping his tea as a candle burns upon his table.
At another table sits an old man in robes, also enjoying his tea.
In a corner of the tea house, upon a perch, rests a beautiful green bird, its head tucked behind its wings as it grooms itself.
What do you say or do?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:26:02 GMT -6
The worthy warrior Balesh would most readily think of the goddess he was told of from childhood in Nuroab, Peka'laa, She From Whom the World Sprang in Fire.
She is, to your knowledge, associated with a certain volcano, and is said to be the wife of the Father of Storms. The Nuroabites held her in the highest esteem, for though she was an embodiment of fire, passion and fury, your shamans, such as Be'van, taught you that her fire and her ash brought life to the ground, and thus was born the jungle and the soil wherein what little agriculture your people know finds root. Thus she was also held to be a Mother Goddess.
But when you entered Jakalla and walked the Avenue of the Gods (The temple district), the statues you beheld there of Avanthe', Dlam'melish, Di'nalla and Hri'hyal struck you as being very like the figure and symbols of your volcano goddess.
What you have seen and heard since then has left you thinking that perhaps, though names may change, somehow, in the aspects and symbols of these other goddesses, there is the semblance of Peka'la... and in beholding this statue of Shirin'gaya, you cannot help but think of the volcano mother goddess. Impressed by this insight, Balesh donates a Kaitar As his coin sounds within the laver, the old woman looks up at him, smiling with approval. Balesh suddeny has a fleeting memory of the time he touched the orb in the Prince's tomb...and the strange visions that came from that, but they are gone as quickly as they came.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:15:02 GMT -6
Mi'kímu, suddenly aware of — what? the tingle of magic, the movement of Fate? — he nevertheless does his best to retain his composure. He places a five-kaitar piece among the other offerings. "Wise Mother, if only I had a piece of fruit for you! Please accept this." He hands the woman a cowrie shell from his necklace (a clever knot allows them to be twisted free without breaking the strand, the better to trade them or replace them with finer ones). "I value this shell above all coin or gem," she says. "A gift from the sea, sometimes given upon funereal mounds to procure safe passage for the dead to the Blessed Isles, sometimes used as dice in games of chance by those who seek fortune. I thank you, my son. The blessings of the Mother surely go with you..." She then bows her head and begins a song in the tongue of Tsolyani, a benediction of sorts. Amiyala is transfixed and has become quite serious. She fishes coins from her purse to lay in the laver but also sets therein the feather of the beautiful bird she was given by Tekar. She says nothing but bows to the woman and passes on.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 13, 2024 12:27:43 GMT -6
(Apologies for my lateness in replying)
Tethwan rushes again to the evil hound to take another stab at it as it attacks Torlak.
Can he try for a backstab attack?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:47:29 GMT -6
* I'm totally making this up. That is highly enjoyable to me and everyone is encouraged to do the same!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:36:03 GMT -6
Mi'kímu regards the lifelike statue with both admiration and recognition — might this be an aspect of Peka'lá, Nuroab goddess of lava who created the stepping stones among the whale roads?* There is no way to know, but he is pleased with the dulcet tones of the fountain, which remind him of nighttimes spent before the mast listening to the wind in the sails and the wash against the hull. "Greetings to you, Gentle Sister! We in fact hope only for joy this evening, thank you. I have no trinkets or flowers to spare, and I know not the custom here. But perhaps I can spare a few kaitars to purchase some of these handsome flowers, as a gift to the Great Mother?" * I'm totally making this up. The woman tilts her face upward, and Mi'kimu is stirred to feel a sudden recognition...he knows not how or why for a moment, but then he is reminded of an old woman he met in the Lower Market of Jakalla, an old woman to whom he proffered kind words and a juicy plum. He is deeply unsettled, though not necessarily afraid. He is half a sea away from where he, Balesh and the others met that woman when he was performing the request of Mistress Amiyala, which he so freely and joyfully offered, to take ward of Do'shi, the Ren'yu. He cannot be certain- her hair is darker, she seems fatter, but in her eyes twinkles that same light he recalled when an old woman in a Jakallan street warned him of the dangers that he and his friends face. She smiles and speaks: "Any gift you give will be accepted by the Goddess, son of the southern lands...and returned sevenfold. And her joy shall be upon you all!"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:26:26 GMT -6
What do we know of the Great Mother? The worthy warrior Balesh would most readily think of the goddess he was told of from childhood in Nuroab, Peka'laa, She From Whom the World Sprang in Fire.
She is, to your knowledge, associated with a certain volcano, and is said to be the wife of the Father of Storms. The Nuroabites held her in the highest esteem, for though she was an embodiment of fire, passion and fury, your shamans, such as Be'van, taught you that her fire and her ash brought life to the ground, and thus was born the jungle and the soil wherein what little agriculture your people know finds root. Thus she was also held to be a Mother Goddess.
But when you entered Jakalla and walked the Avenue of the Gods (The temple district), the statues you beheld there of Avanthe', Dlam'melish, Di'nalla and Hri'hyal struck you as being very like the figure and symbols of your volcano goddess.
What you have seen and heard since then has left you thinking that perhaps, though names may change, somehow, in the aspects and symbols of these other goddesses, there is the semblance of Peka'la... and in beholding this statue of Shirin'gaya, you cannot help but think of the volcano mother goddess.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 11, 2024 2:20:08 GMT -6
Mi'kimu stares, blinking, at the disembarkation of his Ahoggyá ship-mates. [Internal screaming.] He has no idea if their presence will be accepted anywhere in this city, or what trouble they might get the party into, should they join us in our pastimes. Aside to Fi'ru: "I do not wish to offend these Ahoggyá. You seem to have some knowledge of their ... appetites. I would prefer they do not join the rest of the party for the evening, and if your compost-heap satisfies them, I approve." Fi'ru grins and nods. "I do not believe it is easy to offend them, Master," he replies. Mi'kimu notes Fi'ru seems to have a way with the Ahoggya and they seem delighted at his suggestion. The three of them stump off while the party gathers..Mistress Amiyala, Do'shi, Bak Suul, Tekar and the Nuroabites. F'sal's Pygmy Folk companions (three, to recall) politely decline the tea house and wish to visit a trader in the Undercity whom they know. Thus the cool sea night embraces you all as you leave the vessel and walk upon land again, climbing ornate wide stone stairs and landings past terraced gardens, vendors, open air eateries and everywhere the watchful eyes of the harbor watchmen. Laughter and small chatter is heard all around, and from somewhere a song from an open window. Fi'ru seems a bit removed from the gaiety of the group as he looks upon streets he has not trodden since childhood, climbing flights of steps which twist this way and that into colonnaded porches that serveas entrances to homes and places of business, most now shuttered. "Here is the street, Masters," he says. "The Pe Choi tea house is at the end, against the sea cliff...see its lanterns shining by the door?" But as you all pass on your eyes are drawn to an idol of the goddess, Shirin'gayi. A rather tall statue, carved so well it seems that her supple form is about to begin a dance--she is not a thin goddess, but a full figured beauty with long carven hair and delicate feet upon a pedestal whereon is a great stone laver in which have been laid flowers, trinkets, Kaitars, and scraps of rolled paper. Planters with flowers and vines are at her sides, and a fountain runs nearby, its watery music seeming in perfect time with the distant waves. Beside the laver a hooded figures sits, head down. You must pass the idol to reach the teahouse--as your party approaches, the seated one's head rises a bit, and from the hood comes the voice of an aged woman. "Greetings, noble ones," she says. "May this night bring you only joy. Has anyone a gift for the Great Mother?"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 4, 2024 18:32:44 GMT -6
At Mi'kimu's instruction, Fi'ru departs to do just that.
This leads to a rather awkward moment...Gasbelly and his two fellow Ahoggya warriors appear and clamber around you...
They smell of the ship's hold and of raw fish, the remains of which glisten upon their wooly manes.
"Food run? And the Shen is buying?" says Gas Belly. "Let's go.."
They began stumping about in eagerness and even the most considerate among you realize they might bring little grace or comport to a tea house.
Fi'ru fidgets a bit.
He leans in to whisper to Mi'kimu.
"Master, I have little experience with these Ahoggya folk...however, I do know of an alley where food waste is deposited for composting for the gardens. I could inform them of it..or they could join us, if you wish it."
Gas Belly looks at the party with glittering eyes.
Do'shi cautiously and at respectful distance sniffs at the great hairy quadrupeds...
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 4, 2024 17:22:29 GMT -6
Tethwan, seeing his companions are engaging the evil sorceress, rushes towards the crimson dog with his silver dagger, intent upon dispatching her guardian.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 3, 2024 2:21:02 GMT -6
I have quite forgotten about our other Salarv'yani...Mi'kimu's loyal friend Fi'ru1
Fi'ru was not present at the boarding of the pirate ship but he stands nearby this conference.
"I can guide you to H'kit's teahouse, Master. I'm all too familiar with this harbor...and I'm sick of this boat. I'm no sailor like you and Balesh."
A cloud comes into his dark eyes but he shakes it off.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 3, 2024 1:49:44 GMT -6
Well, on this occasion, Mi'kimu is overwhelmed by the sights of this strange city and its wondrous architecture, being so close to the sea and offering so many stunning vistas. Instead of drinking himself into another drunken punch-up (as much as he now admires the Shen), this evening he determines to drink hot tea under the moons and wander the city-ways with any of his companions who would join him. In addition to the rest of the party, he prompts the Ren'yu, Do'shi, to join him, with Wise Sister's permission. "I believe you saved our lives back on that pirates' ship, small furry one! And you suffered a grave wound to boot! Your loyalty shall not go unpaid, la! If tonight you feel up to joining us, you shall eat to your heart's content of the victuals this city has to offer — the better to nurse you back to health!" Do'shi 's tongue falls out and he begins breathing heavily and becoming animate as if restless and eager to join Mi'kimu and Balesh. Amiyala laughs. "It seems our Ren'yu finds your suggestion quite appealing," she says. " Especially the mention of victuals. Might I also join your party? I could find some posh inn where they would affect ingratiation to honor a Tsolyani land owner, but I think I would rather wear my hood and become but a nameless sea farer and enjoy your company, tribal princes!" Bak Suul claps Balesh upon his shoulder. "I'm with you, Balesh..." he growls, giving a sidelong slitted lizard eye towards the Nuroabite. "Mi'kimu needs looking after. It's any Shen's guess what mischief he might sniff out like a Ren'yu. And I agree our Loyal Follower deserves reward and succor, so our night's enjoyment shall spring from the purse of Bak Suul, and no argument." F'sal grins. "When a Shen opens his coin purse, you know you've made a friend. I have some business to attend in the Upper City, so I cannot joinyou, apologies. You will find things in the Undercity of the harbor more lax than back in Jakalla...foreigners are free to wander, though our soldiers are every bit as quick to deal with trouble makers as any who serve your Tsolyani Emperor. No one without citizenship in our own Empire or good documentation from another is permitted into the Upper City, so take care not offend any officials should you meet them. A coin in the palm is a balm to smooth all irritation. And if its tea you are wanting, on the Third Street of the Red Dancers, that is, on the third level up from the harbor, there is a wonderful tea house run by a Pe'Choi named H'kit. Two other of The Listeners live and work there as well and they brew a tea from the leaves of a plant in the Pan Chakas which soothes body and soul and brings pleasant dreams to the sleeper." He looks at Bak Suul. "A Shen in a Pe Choi tea house..." he says, and permits himself a short chuckle. "Take care with your tail." Bak Suul growls, perhaps insincerely.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 1, 2024 13:24:38 GMT -6
Only a day later you have reached Point Hri'chaku and sail around its tip to land in the port city of Chame'el in the nation of Salar'vya. I am guessing it is pronounced CHOM AY EL...The smoke of the city's many temples can be seen rising heavward, and soon you see the mighty spires and domes of the metropolis, the sea peppered with many vessels going to and from the harbor gates. These gates are in the center of a great cliff which rises from the waters and appears to be split in two, allowing vessels to enter into a harbor you can tell right away must be vast. Chame'el in its own way is nearly as impressive as Jakalla...as you draw near you can see walls and parapets on the cliffs. Each parapet is adorned with massive black obelisk, and the walls carved with the largest friezes you have ever seen by skilled artisans of old. However upon closer view you realize that they depict ghastly horned, tusked and long fanged demon faces devouring men and ships. Amiyala is mesmerized and somewhat shocked at the sight. "Strange, it is," she says, pulling her hair from her face against the sea wind."I would think to see such a sight upon the walls of one of your Liv'yani cities, Karunaz, seeming more befitting of the Shadow Gods." Karunaz smiles. "The Stone Demons of Chame'el are an ancient ward against the Sea Peoples, Mistress. And those obelisks are held by legend to be great conduits of magical energy capable of blasting a great vessel into splinters." To your amazement, you pass through the gates and find a bizarre layout of a city that looks like the inside of a tower with no roof, with many porticos and arches surrounding circular docks and each successive level of the "tower" holding streets, shops, and myriad stairways that rise in labyrinthine patterns higher and higher to take one to the upper city. The stone work is of varying ages and colors and is decorated everywhere with statues of the gods, and terraced gardens of plants which can endure the sea spray are throughout it all. Summary: After paying fees and necessary bribes, the Nyari's captain alerts them about your special prisoners and you learn they are to be taken by soldiers to a fort further up the coast where a particularly nasty prison is situated. There is a standing reward for them in fact. After some period of misery in forgotten chambers of stone they will suffer a very public and unpleasant death in Tsatsa'yagga.
F'sal announces the crew of the N'yari will be permitted one night of liberty.
How does each character choose to pass the night in the Port City, whether aboard the ship or about Chame'el?
For on the morrow you set sail for your mysterious destination.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 30, 2024 11:54:52 GMT -6
MOhammad asks, " so why were you prisoners on the ship. ? Rolling for reaction I got an 02 for Mohammad--even modified for existing hostility at being captured and watching their ship burn, that's still a very good roll and Hi'june feels some inclination to reply.HI'JUNE: "I never was a prisoner on my ship, only on yours! We had food, drink, treasure and a lass we took from those insufferable Liv'yani. Had they dropped sail and let us take what we wanted from their vessel they would have their miserable lives still. I don't fear to tell you...its the High Ride for us, Southlander."
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 29, 2024 13:18:52 GMT -6
Tethwan likewise draws his silver dagger and follows his companions into the chamber...
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 27, 2024 15:30:57 GMT -6
MOhammad will check their medical condition and make sure they are fed. He will then like to question them What does the Priest pf Qon ask them?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 27, 2024 13:37:54 GMT -6
This is the plan undertaken. Safely bound and under sword point Hi'june and a few of his crew are set free from stasis, along with the blighted sailor who was carried below. Mi'kimu finds the Eye quite easy to use. Those at the table laugh at first, right where they had left off before their long pause; the laughter turns into sputtering and then cries of alarm, as though you were all ghosts materializing instantly before them. Their expressions are like as one caught rising from the privy after having failed to latch the door. "By the Poison Paps of the Black Mother!" bellows Hi'june. "What is this!?" He falls silent, as do you all, as a hideous croaking moan rises from the sea ravaged pirate. Hi'june and his men look in horror with the rest of you at the man as he writhes in agony upon the floor, emitting more muffled sounds which you realize are intended to be screams from a decayed throat and lungs which will no longer permit screaming. His agony is cut short as Bak Suul's iron tail lashes from behind him like a serpent and sends the man off to the Isles of the Dead with a fatal blow. "No point in taking this one," the Shen growls. Loading the remaining crew to be delivered to the N'yari, Tekar begins to set the innards of the ship alight, seeming to take grim satisfaction in the act. The tattered sails are the last thing to be lit as you all escape. Once back, the Captain, F'sal, the crew and your party all watch as the pitch and timbers begin to burn. Somewhere there are explosions--oil kegs perhaps missed in the search. As the deck begins to become an inferno even as it drifts away, to your amazement, a figure appears! It looks like an old man, perhaps in priestly garb. He stands at the railing, lifting his hands to the sky and screaming maniacally as the flames take him. Somehow, you missed him in the search. But a few of you notice Tekar the Flame Warrior of the Legion of Red Devastation watching the ship...and the man...become a conflagration, soon to be extinguished by the Deeps. He is smiling faintly...and for those who notice, you wonder if Tekar did indeed "miss" the mad priest during the search... As you now resume course to Salarvya to make port and deliver your prisoners, during two days that takes, is there anything anyone wishes to do concerning the prisoners?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 26, 2024 10:46:52 GMT -6
I misunderstood Mi'kimu's original intent--at this point its really up to your party, free them or kill them or haul them as cargo in suspended animation.
I didn't mean for the encounter to delay our main quest so much, I guess I mishandled a random encounter a bit.
I had kind of hoped the sea voyage might be like a mini-Odyssey jaunt but I have not pulled off Homer here Probably time to hit FF and get to the Ahoggya lands.
I have reached out to see if we still the party roster remains active.
If you want to sink the Bismark and send em' to a watery grave, they are murderous scum, so its as you will!
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Mar 24, 2024 17:42:54 GMT -6
Mi'kimu regards the ravaged face of the pirate. "He'll have a terrible shock if we free him, what with his eyes gone, and the skin of his face tearing away. If we do decide to free him, I suggest we drag him below into the galley, tie him up like the others, and free as many of them as we can with one charge. By my count there are eight of them all told." He muses for a moment. "Hmm — now that I think on it, maybe we needn't revive this entire crew. Perhaps we should only revive the captain and a few others, and bring the others back to the Nayari, frozen as they are. Otherwise we'll have to feed them, haha! We can revive them later, as long as I don't drop the Eye overboard. "What say we?"
|
|