Chapter Three - The Voyage South
- Vardaen
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Re: Unrestrained Talk and Unreasonable Expectations
Daerith beams, during the shouts and cheers and attention given to him. "I could not have done it without this fine crew." He pats someone on the back, "A drink is in order."
Then when Avner points out the cliffs of Ruja he shakes his head, "Wrong again Avner, sorry, those are the cliff of Ruja, north of our gold by some many weeks. It is the last piece of land we shall see until we do reach the Isle of Dread, an easy mistake if you didn't have the map in front of you." He attempts, ever so slightly to sooth Avner's ego, he doesn't want the man causes even MORE trouble, but he's more than willing to let Berek humiliate the nobleman's son and personal takes great pleasure in that after what Avner did at Auxual.
Then when Avner points out the cliffs of Ruja he shakes his head, "Wrong again Avner, sorry, those are the cliff of Ruja, north of our gold by some many weeks. It is the last piece of land we shall see until we do reach the Isle of Dread, an easy mistake if you didn't have the map in front of you." He attempts, ever so slightly to sooth Avner's ego, he doesn't want the man causes even MORE trouble, but he's more than willing to let Berek humiliate the nobleman's son and personal takes great pleasure in that after what Avner did at Auxual.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
- Trogdor
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Storms on the Horizon
The passengers are disappointed when they learn that they're not at the Isle of Dread. But then thoughts of a celebration perk them up. Boredom is the worst enemy for them. And anything to break that up is welcome. Thankfully coconut liquor is just the thing for boredom.
As Berek disappears to get several hollowed out coconut shells that have been filled with the islands potent drink and then stoppered up again, Avner happily accepts the fig leaf that Daerith provides. "And easy mistake to make," he mutters. "Could have happened to anyone." He moves toward the stairs down. "I'm feeling a bit out of sorts," he adds. "I'm going to lie down for a while."
Shortly thereafter, Berek returns with the drink. And with Chanur's approval, an impromptu celebration begins. Kyle pulls out his mandolin, and begins playing, while Anya accompanies him. The music is good, certainly good enough for an amateur. But Anya's singing is something else altogether. Her voice is crystal clear and sounds as if it is made of gold. If she wanted to, Anya could clearly make a living with it. Soon others join in on the chorus, and a few people start dancing. And for a short time the people on the Sea Wyvern forget the weeks of sailing ahead of them.
By the next morning, however, things are back to normal, though the morale boost of the party remains. The crew is back to work and the passengers trying to while away yet another day at sea. A full week goes by like this until one clear and beautiful morning when Kalthan approaches Chanur.
"Begging your pardon, captain," he says. "But each morning of our trip I've cast a spell that lets me read how the weather will be in the next couple of days. So far there's been no trouble, so I haven't said anything. But that's no longer the case." A storm's brewing and it'll hit this spot sometime in the next two days. I can't tell if we're moving toward it or away from it. But you probably want to plan on us hitting some dirty weather in the next day or so.
As Berek disappears to get several hollowed out coconut shells that have been filled with the islands potent drink and then stoppered up again, Avner happily accepts the fig leaf that Daerith provides. "And easy mistake to make," he mutters. "Could have happened to anyone." He moves toward the stairs down. "I'm feeling a bit out of sorts," he adds. "I'm going to lie down for a while."
Shortly thereafter, Berek returns with the drink. And with Chanur's approval, an impromptu celebration begins. Kyle pulls out his mandolin, and begins playing, while Anya accompanies him. The music is good, certainly good enough for an amateur. But Anya's singing is something else altogether. Her voice is crystal clear and sounds as if it is made of gold. If she wanted to, Anya could clearly make a living with it. Soon others join in on the chorus, and a few people start dancing. And for a short time the people on the Sea Wyvern forget the weeks of sailing ahead of them.
By the next morning, however, things are back to normal, though the morale boost of the party remains. The crew is back to work and the passengers trying to while away yet another day at sea. A full week goes by like this until one clear and beautiful morning when Kalthan approaches Chanur.
"Begging your pardon, captain," he says. "But each morning of our trip I've cast a spell that lets me read how the weather will be in the next couple of days. So far there's been no trouble, so I haven't said anything. But that's no longer the case." A storm's brewing and it'll hit this spot sometime in the next two days. I can't tell if we're moving toward it or away from it. But you probably want to plan on us hitting some dirty weather in the next day or so.
- Vardaen
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Re: Storms on the Horizon
Daerith standing with the Captain hears the news and motions for Vanya and Areil to join them. "Ariel , we are going to need Vanya's special skills once more." The pilot quickly writes a note and hands it to the wizard, "We need to send this message to Lavina and the Nixie right away." The message clearly states -- "Divination detects storm brewing ahead. Be ready. - Daerith"
Last edited by Vardaen on Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:50 am, edited 2 times in total.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
- Trogdor
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Re: Storms on the Horizon
Ariel and Vanya are sent for, and the note is hastily carried across to the Nixie. This is no problem for the moment, as the weather is as nice as can be. But the sailors know that this is no guarantee. The weather is often nicest right before a big storm.
About a glass later, Vanya returns with a reply: "Our divinations confirm yours. Batten down and prepare for bad weather. Remember, if we get separated, proceed directly to Farshore without delay. We'll do the same. Take care and gods bless! -- Lavinia"
About a glass later, Vanya returns with a reply: "Our divinations confirm yours. Batten down and prepare for bad weather. Remember, if we get separated, proceed directly to Farshore without delay. We'll do the same. Take care and gods bless! -- Lavinia"
- Chanur
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Re: Storms on the Horizon
Chanur nods at Kalthan. "Having you on board has been most handy. It is a shame you will be staying at our destination. I will have the crew secure the ship and make ready for rough weather. Thank you again."
Chanur gives the orders to Amella and makes sure the Wyverns cabin is secure for heavy sea's.
Chanur gives the orders to Amella and makes sure the Wyverns cabin is secure for heavy sea's.
- Trogdor
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Storm at Sea
Forewarned about the coming storm, the crews of the Sea Wyvern and the Blue Nixie make what preparations they can. Storm canvas is sent to the yard arms, hatches are battened, and guide ropes are strung on deck. The passengers are warned to stay below decks, and in their cabins if they can. The crew knows this is not likely to be an issue since most of them will have no desire to do so.
Soon all possible preparations have been made, and it's time for the waiting game. The weather is delightful for the remainder of the day, on into evening. By the time most of the passengers go to sleep, they've just about convinced themselves that Kalthan was wrong and that nothing will trouble the ship. But by three bells in the morning watch, the rising wind and the choppier seas lay rest to any such hopes. By dawn, the ships are in a full-fledged storm, the first they've had to weather since setting out from Sasserine. Within an hour of the rain starting, the Nixie is totally lost from sight - not that the crew has much time to worry about that.
For over a full day the storm rages, and both captain and crew are worked hard, trimming the sails just so, keeping the ship going with the wind and into the oncoming waves. There's no real danger in this storm, they can tell, but that doesn't mean they don't have to be careful. Chanur rarely leaves the deck, save to get a quick bite to eat, and Amella is there near as often. Daerith does what he can to plot the ship's course by dead reckoning, and Fin deals with the inevitable injuries that come from working the ship hard. For the passengers the day-and-a-half of the storm is a misery; for the crew, it's a chance to come together and work as a team. By the time the wind and rain dies down the following afternoon, morale among the crew is high, even if that among the passengers is low. The one bright point among the passengers is that Avner remains in bed, green as a sahaugin, and almost as smelly, despite Quenge's attempts to clean up from his sea sickness.
By a point that Daerith estimates is about the beginning of the evening watch - for glasses and bells were dispensed with during the storm - the seas fall back to a gentle roll, the wind settles into a steady gust, and the clouds blow away to the west, revealing a setting sun and no sign of the Blue Nixie. Lookouts are mounted for the remainder of the day, but by nightfall, there is still no sister ship in sight. Dawn reveals a similarly empty sea, not surprising, since by now Daerith has been able to determine that they've been blown off course by the storm.
Chanur must now decide how to proceed. One thing is certain, however, Lavinia's orders are clear: If the two ships lose sight of each other, they are to proceed to Farshore independently.
Soon all possible preparations have been made, and it's time for the waiting game. The weather is delightful for the remainder of the day, on into evening. By the time most of the passengers go to sleep, they've just about convinced themselves that Kalthan was wrong and that nothing will trouble the ship. But by three bells in the morning watch, the rising wind and the choppier seas lay rest to any such hopes. By dawn, the ships are in a full-fledged storm, the first they've had to weather since setting out from Sasserine. Within an hour of the rain starting, the Nixie is totally lost from sight - not that the crew has much time to worry about that.
For over a full day the storm rages, and both captain and crew are worked hard, trimming the sails just so, keeping the ship going with the wind and into the oncoming waves. There's no real danger in this storm, they can tell, but that doesn't mean they don't have to be careful. Chanur rarely leaves the deck, save to get a quick bite to eat, and Amella is there near as often. Daerith does what he can to plot the ship's course by dead reckoning, and Fin deals with the inevitable injuries that come from working the ship hard. For the passengers the day-and-a-half of the storm is a misery; for the crew, it's a chance to come together and work as a team. By the time the wind and rain dies down the following afternoon, morale among the crew is high, even if that among the passengers is low. The one bright point among the passengers is that Avner remains in bed, green as a sahaugin, and almost as smelly, despite Quenge's attempts to clean up from his sea sickness.
By a point that Daerith estimates is about the beginning of the evening watch - for glasses and bells were dispensed with during the storm - the seas fall back to a gentle roll, the wind settles into a steady gust, and the clouds blow away to the west, revealing a setting sun and no sign of the Blue Nixie. Lookouts are mounted for the remainder of the day, but by nightfall, there is still no sister ship in sight. Dawn reveals a similarly empty sea, not surprising, since by now Daerith has been able to determine that they've been blown off course by the storm.
Chanur must now decide how to proceed. One thing is certain, however, Lavinia's orders are clear: If the two ships lose sight of each other, they are to proceed to Farshore independently.
- Vardaen
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Re: Storm at Sea
Throughout the storm Daerith is seem walking and working fully equipped and ready to be thrown overboard. This is his first real deep sea voyage and he's not about to get tossed overboard without his various potions and magical gear. He ends various Unseen Servants into the rigging during the storm, so not as to risk the crew on dangerous tasks, like when a rope snaps up on one of the high masts.
When finally the ship comes clear of the storm he does his best to plot the ship back on course, or to simply locate their position. "We are off course Captain. No doubt about it." He hopes that Vanya can do some scouting from the air for the Nixie and he holds out hope that it is around. He doesn't even consider for a moment that the ship has had other trouble; it is the Wyvern that is off course not the Nixie.
"We should attempt to steer back on course, south by southwest until we find the Isle of Dread's northern fingers." He produces the charts and point out where he thinks the ship is now.
When finally the ship comes clear of the storm he does his best to plot the ship back on course, or to simply locate their position. "We are off course Captain. No doubt about it." He hopes that Vanya can do some scouting from the air for the Nixie and he holds out hope that it is around. He doesn't even consider for a moment that the ship has had other trouble; it is the Wyvern that is off course not the Nixie.
"We should attempt to steer back on course, south by southwest until we find the Isle of Dread's northern fingers." He produces the charts and point out where he thinks the ship is now.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
- Chanur
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Re: Storm at Sea
Chanur breathes a sigh of relief that the storm is over, but is concerned that they may be off course. Chanur paces the deck while Daerith takes fixes and ultimately confirms what the Captain feared.
"Can you tell how far off course we are? I want you to continue getting fixes until we are sure of where we are. In the mean time I will adjust the ships heading to south by southwest. Do you have any magic to communicate with the Nixie by?"
Chanur makes the course correction trusting his navigator to fix his mistake.
"Can you tell how far off course we are? I want you to continue getting fixes until we are sure of where we are. In the mean time I will adjust the ships heading to south by southwest. Do you have any magic to communicate with the Nixie by?"
Chanur makes the course correction trusting his navigator to fix his mistake.
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Re: Storm at Sea
Thankful they're out of the worst of it, Wavedancer leaves the charting to the experts and he makes himself busy helping the rest of the crew pick up above and below decks and begin working on any repairs that are necessary.
Who's the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?
- Trogdor
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A Convoy No More
Daerith begins the process of fixing the ship's location as best he can, and plotting a course back to their original path across the Valhoun Ocean. Unfortunately neither he nor anyone else on board has means, magical or otherwise, to contact the Blue Nixie. Those on the Sea Wyvern must simply hope and pray that their compatriots are okay. Vanya is sent aloft to look for a sign on the Wyvern's sister ship. But while the height allows a farther horizon, the haze is enough of a limiting factor that there is no sign of the Nixie.
Soon Daerith has the new course plotted: south by southeast, and a half east. In time this brings the Wyvern back to where it should be, though still with no sign of the Nixie. However, as all the seamen know, this is not surprising. Without a specific rendezvous point - difficult on the open sea - it's entirely possible you could be sailing the same path without ever seeing each other once. And with the possibility that the Nixie was also blown off course, the chances of seeing her before the ships arrive at Farshore seems slimmer and slimmer as each day passes.
Soon Daerith has the new course plotted: south by southeast, and a half east. In time this brings the Wyvern back to where it should be, though still with no sign of the Nixie. However, as all the seamen know, this is not surprising. Without a specific rendezvous point - difficult on the open sea - it's entirely possible you could be sailing the same path without ever seeing each other once. And with the possibility that the Nixie was also blown off course, the chances of seeing her before the ships arrive at Farshore seems slimmer and slimmer as each day passes.