Tuesday, January 4th, 402 (6:50 p.m.) [11]:
[After sitting down to dinner]
“I want to thank you again for rescuing me,” Melisana replies, “And for offering to take me safely home again. I’m sure if we can just reach a larger coastal town or city I’ll be able to hire a coach to take me back, and I can draw a reward under my father’s name for you from whatever local bank we find there. I have to admit I’ll be glad to see home again; I’m not nearly the adventurous sort that you all seem to be!”
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 (5:13 a.m.) [12]:
[As Caleb and Ydoran wake up]
Caleb coughs a bit and then answers Ydoran. “You had a nasty spill down a vertical shaft that was behind the bookcase,” he explains, still lying on his back and looking up at the ceiling due to the pain of sitting up or moving excessively. “You broke some bones, both forearms I think Reldmun said. We descended after you, and at the bottom we found some rooms and tunnels carved out, but before we could explore Keestake lost his mind, triggering a trap that closed off the shaft and attacking us. We subdued him and tied him up, but shortly after that he triggered another trap and brought the ceiling in on us – at least I think that’s what happened. I passed out then, and that’s all I know. How we ended up here I have no idea.” He sighs a bit, the speech he’s given having worn him out for the moment.
[I’m assuming since Reldmun invites the others to Brightwater during dinner, that this is the dinner preceding Caleb and Ydoran’s awakening (I think that’s the only one that’s passed since they obtained food). Assuming he extends the invitation to them sometime during the next day…] Caleb smiles and tries to sit up when the invitation is proffered. “I would love that,” he exclaims, “I could use some help finding employment – people like me aren’t always treated as well as they could be*. What does your father do for a living, if you don’t mind my asking? I don’t remember if you mentioned it before. Did you say he was a doctor as well?”
4:05 p.m.:
[As the party discusses what should be done with the island]
“It doesn’t look like there’s anything interesting there anyway,” Caleb comments, making a rare appearance on deck as he pokes his head through the trap door leading to the hold. “It doesn’t look to be worth the effort to reach it. I say we move on, too.”
6:22 p.m.:
About an hour and a half after the island has passed out of sight behind the ship, with the Sun in the early stages of setting, Konishi once again alerts the party to something visible on the horizon, a few miles off. There’s enough light to establish that it’s a ship of sorts, but it’s difficult to gauge its size or its purpose due to the distance. It lies almost directly in the ship’s intended path, and it will be difficult to veer far enough out of the way to escape detection by those on the other ship (if they haven’t been spotted already) while still keeping their (hopefully) westerly route. It will effectively have to either reverse direction or complete a 90 degree turn as soon as possible, then return to the original direction once out of sight again, but both of these manoeuvres are challenging for an inexperienced sailor and risk damaging the ship. What will the party do here?
[Sorry for wrapping up quickly here but it’s getting late and I want to send this out sooner than later!]
J
* Brightwater, for the most part, is tolerant of other common races (elves, half-elves, dwarves, half-orcs, etc.), relatively speaking.
Two Ships in the Night
Tuesday, January 4th, 402 (6:50 p.m.) [11]:
[After sitting down to dinner]
Quinn starts at the title of ‘adventurer’ when Melisana speaks it out. But the young rogue settles quickly with the thought and nods approvingly. “Well met, Melisana. You are a strong and fearless woman, and it has been a privilege to know you. I hope to visit you and your people one day. But, of course,” Quinn raises his cup in a toast, “under better circumstances.”
With a quick wink, Quinn will direct his attention to the others at the table, listening as they speak.
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 4:05 p.m.:
“No offense,” Quinn speaks up, “but we’ve probably got a long way to go on a small boat, and we have very little skill in piloting the boat; navigating it, too. I don’t think it makes much sense for us to risk running up against rocks, or somehow grounding ourselves on another island. I say we do our best to make our heading to Brightwater,” Quinn throws his arms wide in amusement, “provided we can even figure out which direction to go, and then make all speed before we experience the terrors of the sea.”
6:22 p.m.:
Quinn moves to stand by Konishi, looking out to where his friend points. Provided he can make the ship out, he pats Konishi on the arm. “Thank you again, my friend. Your eyes are just as strong as your arms. You’re doubly gifted.”
Looking to the rest of the crew, Quinn speaks his mind. “I think the first thing we need is a story. If the people on that ship take any interest in us at all, we’re better off, in my opinion, not telling them we’re a rag-tag group of ex-slaves trying to figure out how to get to Brightwater. We need to appear confident, sure of our place on the boat, and sure of where we’re going. If we come across as weak in any way, we’ll arouse suspicion. More, we have no idea how populated with slave-traders these waters are. We also have no idea if these waters were the ones we crested to land on Bride’s island. So we can’t appear as slaves, or even talk in such a manner as to appear as slaves. We have to adjust to whatever we encounter — play pretend, like you did when you were kids!
“If they’re pirates, act rough and friendly to their cause. Blend. If they’re royals, be mannersome and speak respectfully. If they’re slavers…” Quinn stumbles over his thoughts, a troubled look creases his face. “If they’re slavers, mimic them and appeal to their prejudices. The point is, do what you have to do to give the appearance of friendliness. Anything less and we could be dead in the water. Street smarts can work on the water, too.
“What do the rest of you say?”
~Kane
Konishi nods his head in approval of Quinn’s suggestion and will continue steering the boat in the same direction unless the rest of the party disagrees.
Drew
[Added for a player named Rob who predated the website]
Raj returns the cloak to Reldmun after it has served its purpose in allowing his clothes to dry. He is feeling so very grateful and amazed at the generosity and kindness shown by this band of slave ship survivors. Having heard the stories of the others, Raj opens up and shares the following to anyone who inquires or seems interested in his own background:
“The portion of my story which leads me to here seems a good place to start. For the last while I have been living amongst the forest about a day outside of Blackwater Cape by foot. I have lived alone like this for many years now. Every now and again I uproot myself to live someplace new. This way of life challenges me, but I like that. Recently however, I had been feeling the desire for a little more excitement and social interaction. I decided a good place to fill this desire would likely be Brightwater, the large city I had only ever heard stories about. So, I ventured into Blackwater Cape to gather some information and supplies to prepare for a trip. I was not that familiar with Blackwater Cape either, but I did find a local merchant with which to talk and trade some of my hides. When I was all set, I decided I would first make a detour to the canal before locating the suggested Elder road toward Brightwater. This turned out to be a bad decision because at the canal I stumbled upon a camp of rowdy pirates who had, for whatever reason, come onto shore. Usually I am not so careless and oblivious, but the men spotted me before I could slip away back behind the tree line. I think you can piece together the rest of my unfortunate story. I am thinking these are likely the same thugs that captured Melisana”.
Raj’s nerves are finally settling as he sips on some of the spirits and munches on some of the other tasty barrel treasures. After seeing how interwoven this Bride spirit has been in this short but interesting story, Raj makes a mental note to find out more about Bridesmas when the opportunity arises.
Given that it was his original plan, before any of this other mess, Raj joins in on the growing support to make Brightwater the party’s intended destination. Raj also agrees with Quinn that we should do our best to avoid the nearby island.
After hearing word that there is another ship on the horizon, Raj also moves to get a better look. He nods in agreement with each of Quinn’s points and proposes that “maybe as many of us as possible should be up here on deck to exaggerate our numbers, to be alert, and to be ready to respond.
-Rob
“I agree with you, Raj,” Quinn smiles at the newcomer. “Our numbers on deck could influence their response to us, give them some pause if they mean us harm. I do wonder what everyone else thinks of having Melisana visible, though?
“On the one hand, the could see a female on our ship as a bad omen to them, so they might leave us alone. On the other hand, they might see her as a useful toy, if you know what I mean. I think that, for now, having Melisana down below is the safer consideration for her, for all of us.”
Quinn pauses to take a read of his companions. “Still, if we make friendly with the other ship and then reveal Melisana, she could still end up in trouble, depending on their particular view of things.
“I’m not one for superstition. I think it’s all horseshit. But I am for protecting Melisana and the rest of us. So my suggestion is that Melisana go below decks and do her best to make herself look like a man, somehow.”
Turning to Melisana, “I’m sorry, friend. I don’t mean to put pressure on you, but I think we all know the ridiculous stories of women on ships bringing bad luck, or being an ill omen. If anything, you’ve been a boon to all of us, and I want you to know that here and now. But we don’t know what we’re about to encounter, and I think taking the least amount of chances in such a vulnerable situation is probably wise policy. I don’t have any place to order anything, but I’m asking you, as a friend, to at least consider what I’m saying — for you, for all of us.”
Quinn smiles sympathetically at his friend, and awaits her response and the response of the others.
~Kane
[Added for a player named Rob who predated the website]
Raj has a quick look around the ship for something to wield. He would feel more comfortable even if all he can find is a broom stick. “Is everyone else empty handed?”
“I have a mace,” Quinn responds to Raj, “though I would feel more at home with a dagger or two, to be honest. Do we even have any daggers?”
Quinn will start to look about through any available belongings that have not already been claimed.
“I have weak arms,” Quinn admits to Raj, embarrassed at the fact. “So having a top-heavy weapon like this is more likely to tire me out than help me defend myself.
“So, here,” Quinn offers the mace to Raj. “Chances are good that you’re a far sight stronger than I am. Probably more capable at fighting, too. I’d do better with a big stick, like a quarter-staff, or a belaying hook, or something along those lines. In any case, I’ve done alright in the past getting myself out of trouble by talking my way out of it. Don’t know if that’ll work this time around, but the least I can do is try, if it comes to that.”
~Kane
[Added for a player named Rob who predated the website]
Raj accepts the mace. “I myself would feel more comfortable with a bow, so it seems we both need to settle. Thank you Quinn!
Raj seeks a position on deck where he can be ready with the mace but also keep it concealed. No need to excite an unnecessary reaction out of those that approach by having weapons drawn.
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 (5:13 a.m.) [12]:
After listening intently to the explanation offered by Caleb, the young student falls into silent reflection, not wanting to put any more strain on his stout companion.
When questioned regarding Waterdeep, the usually reticent student will flash a look of gratitude and explain that it will be his pleasure to accompany the group to the city, but that he doesn’t expect to stay in their company long once they reach their destination, as he’ll have to go where his studies and research take him.
6:00 p.m.:
After a long period of rest, Ydoran will step out of bed and test his balance and ability to put weight back onto on his legs again. Assuming that he’s been sufficiently healed, the brilliant eyed academic carefully dons his hooded alb and secures his pole arm, rope, wand, and the rest of his gear and makes his way from the hold up onto deck, cautiously at first, so as to not further strain the newly healed muscle and bone. Once he’s reached the deck, he’ll take stock of his surroundings and quietly enjoy the fresh air.
6:22 p.m.:
From the periphery of the group, Ydoran voices his concern. “I don’t suppose we have any cannon on board? You don’t have to stop or reverse course, but let’s try to keep a minimum safe distance from that ship.” With that, Ydoran will search the deck for any items that could be used as a magnifying glass to look for any identifying features on the newly spotted sails. If he’s unable to do so, he’ll have to rely on his eyesight and the eyesight of his companions to look for any special identifying features on the sails, or elsewhere.
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 (6:22 p.m.) [12]:
To the discussion taking place between Quinn and Raj, Ydoran will
reluctantly add “That sounds fine, but I say that we first aim to keep
a safe minimum distance so that, if successful in this, it won’t ever
have to come to diplomatic means.”
With that, Ydoran falls silent again.
“Well met, Ydoran,” Quinn smiles as his friend joins the conversation. “I guess I was just assuming that because we seem to be on an intercepting course with the other ship that being nearer than comfortable is inevitable. But I think you’re right that we could keep a minimum safe distance. That would help improve our chances of avoiding potentially hostile situations.”
~Kane
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 (6:22 p.m.) [12]:
With a polite nod to his colleague, Ydoran explains. “You can imagine
that if we wanted to maintain the present distance between us and a
stationary ship that’s directly in our path, we would chart a course
that would look like a semi-circle around it. If the ship begins to
pursue us, the path will get more complicated, as I’m sure you can
well imagine, but I propose this as a first precaution.”
Quinn nods his understanding of Ydoran’s words. “That’s kind of the same strategy to use when getting around city guards: give a wide berth, but not so wide you can’t keep an eye on them yourself. If they start to pursue you, that’s when the path through the streets and alleys get complicated and winding.
“I like your thinking.” Quinn looks to Konishi [this is an assumption that Konishi is at the helm at present]. “Ydoran’s suggestion is a good one. Unless there are any objections, I think we should make for an arching course around the other ship. What do the rest of you say?”
~Kane
[Added for a player named Rob who predated the website]
“I agree, everything within our ability should be done to maintain the distance. This includes your ability to safely guide this ship Konishi” Raj contributes.
“You have done a fine job so far”
Wednesday, January 5th, 402 (6:22 p.m.) [12]:
“Additionally, we could come to a full stop, even perhaps backtrack a
little, and wait for dark before executing the minimum safe distance
manoeuvre…” Ydoran ruminates aloud.
I saw this ship come sailing in…
When Ydoran apologizes to Reldmun, the doctor gives a friendly smile and says, “Nothing to apologize for friend, a bunch of strangers thrown into a life or death situation is beyond stressful. I’m just glad you’re mending well, even better than I’d expected in fact. Your bones should hopefully heal as good as new within a month as long as you take it easy. To be honest I’m more concerned with any potential muscle or ligament damage as it’s possible for those to become very stiff and you could lose some mobility. However, with the right exercises we’ll ensure that doesn’t happen!”
When Melisana thanks the group for her rescue, the doctor responds kindly with, “I’d like to think we all rescued each other.” And not just from the island, but from myself the doctor silently muses. It’s been a long time since I’ve just been able to be myself around anyone other than my father.
Later, when the conversation turns to his father and the offer of a place to stay, Reldmun smiles and says, “My father, was until his retirement a year ago, a captain of the guards in Waterdeep, in fact for the last ten years of his career he had been head of all the city guards for all Waterdeep. The family business is textiles but my father remained a silent partner and let his brothers and my cousins run the day to day efforts. For a while he even had an academy for teaching various combat techniques and we all lived there, but after my mother’s passing he eventually closed the school and uses the extra room as almost a boarding house. People pay what they can, either with coin, chores and even sometimes with simple good deeds.”
[If asked about his mother, Reldmun offers a small side smile and advises that it was with some raised eyebrows that the young nurse of just past twenty married his father, a man of forty. For two decades they lived happily together and raised him, to the age of fifteen, when tragedy struck and she died while trying to deliver Reldmun’s little sister. Both now rest under a large oak tree in the local churchyard.]
“There’s always room, sometimes it’s a little cozy, but it’s home. My father turned one of the classrooms into a library, while he’s a man who knows his weapons he loves his books more.”
Reldmun thanks Raj for the return of his cloak and when the man is done his story he offers, “I was taken near Blackwater Cape too, talk about bad timing for all of us.”
After Quinn offers his advice on having a good story if they should end up having to talk to those on the other ship, Reldmun gives the other man a friendly pat on the shoulder and offers, “Well thought, well said.”
To Raj’s suggestion of having more people on deck he says, “I agree, it will make us look like less of a target if that’s their intentions.”
When the suggestion of Melisana hiding below or disguising herself as a man comes up, the doctor remains silent and will consent to whatever the young lady decides.
When Quinn and Raj discuss weapons, the doctor addresses the latter politely and says, “Raj if you’d like you can use this crossbow I’ve been using and I could wield the mace.”
If the other man declines, Reldmun nods politely.
The doctor will agree with his companions suggestion to try to keep distance and determine as much as possible about the approaching ship.
S
[Added for a player named Rob who predated the website]
Raj accepts the offer from Reldmun to swap weapons, he feels more capable through the exchange and hopes the feeling is mutual.
The doctor nods his thanks to Raj, and adds, “I’d never used a crossbow before, only a bow, but was surprised at the increased accuracy. When my father used to take me hunting I never hit my target with a regular bow, perhaps it’s because this weapon holds the bolt in place…”
After trailing off for a bit he adds, “Hopefully we don’t have to use these weapons at all.”
Despite what he says the doctor feels a brief odd excitement about the possibility of combat; he pushes these thoughts away and focuses on the task at hand. I got lucky in combat on the island, but still it did come in handy knowing how to defend myself… As he strains his eyes to view any markings on the ship he nearly swears aloud. I should’ve spent time studying that spell book I found; that could’ve come in handy right about now.
S
Konishi will steer the boat away from the other one, in the semi-circle course talked about, assuming everyone is OK with that? Also, when Reldmun mentions his father was a captain of the guards it peaks Konishi’s interest, “Maybe we can find someone to help us get trained better in combat?” he says to Reldmun. “It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, just never found the right person for the task” Konishi will continue steering the boat, anxiously awaiting a response from Reldmun.
Drew
In response to Konishi’s query, the doctor jovially replies, “Indeed my friend, in fact my father has taught many people in combat. I know he would be pleased to teach those of us who would be interested; should his schedule permit that is. In the past I’ve regretfully declined his offers thinking I would have no need to learn how to fight, however recent events have taught me differently! When we return we’ll ask him.”
Reldmun is both pleased and surprised on how many of the group have decided to head to Brightwater. The young man cannot wait to return home to see his father and to show the elder Puddingstone* his new outlook on life.
S
*Reldmun’s last name.