For the Empire!

[Zid]

Pranyxa, one of the larger cities on the western coast of the Thalaskan continent is a sad sight. Perpetually foggy, and the once affluent harbour town has slowly decreased in influence as trade has declined. The once mighty basilicas that stretched upwards have fallen into disuse, and many houses are left uninhabited. It is to this place the Prince and his hounor guard have come. The streets are empty, and Colonel Urhart seems determined not to let anyone see the Prince and his followers as they travel in a covered carriage.

The rain pours down as the carriage finally stops. Sea air breezes into the window as the ragtag menagerie exits out onto the pier. Besides a few fishing boats, the sole ship in the harbour is the "Farrunner". The Prince´s escort have surrounded the harbour, letting no one in or out. Urhart sits on his charger, nodding to the Prince, perhaps apologetically. The Farrunner is a wreck- torn sails, large holes in the hull, seawater leaking into and out from the hull. Before the ships stands a small woman. Her skin is a greenish pale, and her clothes rotten. Some parts of her flesh has fallen off, revealing maggots and bone beneath. She bows, and some foul smelling water runs from her ribcage.

"Oh, milord. I am honoured to be sailing you. You look stunned- don´t be. The 'Farrunner', may not look much, but she once was the 'Dreamsailer'. What fills her sails are not wind, but the feelings of its crew. Sadly, all of us has since long lost our last feelings. I hope you have enough to fill the sails for our journey."

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask can scarcely even look at the miserable excuse for a ship as they approach, holding his head in his hands. This was awful. They might as well have just chopped his head off, at least then he wouldn't have to die in the cold blue expanse of the damn ocean. He had only just joined the group shortly before; finishing up some last minute business before he left.

He looks a little relieved when the grotesque woman informs them of the enchantment, though far from pleased with the situation. He hoped that the Prince would attempt the rallying of the crew that no doubt would be necessary to ensure they did not simply sink into the depths, rather than delegating the distasteful task to him.

[Blackfish]

Mara sniffs, unfamiliar with the scent of sea air. She takes several steps forward, looking around the docks, before she lays eyes on the Farrunner, when her jaw drops. After staring alternatively at their ship and what she desperately hopes isn't the captain, she manages to regain some composure. Hopefully the rest of the crew won't be as dead as the one in front of them. Hopefully this voyage will not take long.

She addresses the creature in front of her, not able to hide a grimace. "When you say that we will be throwing our 'feelings' against your ragged sails, what 'feelings' do you specifically mean?"

[Ganurath]

Kursala was quick to take up her human form upon seeing the condition of the vessel. She didn't think the weight lost would ammount to much, but the look of the ship's condition compelled her to ere with caution. Besides, the sails might get a boost from her irritation at being in a lesser form.

As Mara addressed the undead, Kursala looked toward the Prince expectingly, hoping that he had a more optimistic assessment of the vessel's condition. While it would take more than poor craftsmanship to arouse fear in her, anger at the insult and frustration with a needlessly difficult situation were abundant in her.

[Killerloop]

Vladimir made a smirk upon seeing the boat and the supposed "captain" of it. That was surely one of the reasons that made the prince choose him: considering his area of expertise he could supercharge all the undead on board, repair them and even create more from eventual... encounters.

He didn't say a word, instead he turned and looked at the prince waiting for him to speak.

[Aldrick]

Prince Sardan extended one of his well groomed hands to a nearby guard who helped him exit the carriage. As his feet hit the ground the stench of the place assaulted his senses. He brought a perfumed handkerchief to his nose that he had carefully tucked into his sleeve. Yes, he had anticipated this. They would send him to the most foul smelling place possible before shipping him away. It didn't matter, though. No. It was freedom. Freedom was worth the cost of having to endure such an insult.

His eyes fell upon the Farrunner and he forced his expression to remain indifferent. He barely heard the words of the so-called captain, however... he was too busy imagining the cursed vessel sinking the moment he made it beyond the veil. He then smiled. He couldn't help himself, really. It was amusing in a way – he had planned carefully for this mission. His eyes briefly fell upon Vladimir. The necromancer's usefulness may come in handy sooner than anticipated, but even if he failed there was still one more alternative. The veil must be crossed first before it could be utilized, however...

The Prince removed the handkerchief from his nose, forcing himself to breathe the foul-smelling air and stench coming from the captain. His dark brown eyes remained calm and cool, his voice betraying no sense of concern about the ship or its crew. Indeed, the Prince seemed to act if it was entirely expected and normal. The smile remained.

"Indeed, captain. Indeed. The pleasure is mine to be sailing upon the Farrunner. You've sailed beyond Thalamur before, yes? I've been informed that you are uniquely capable of such a journey."

It was a lie, of course. He hadn't been told anything, but it is always best to act as if you know more than you really do and this was an obvious assumption. If the captain believes that he knows more than he really does, then there is a possibility that she'll slip up and reveal information that she shouldn't... something that he can use to his advantage.

Freedom was close at hand. Nothing was going to stop him now... holes in the ship be damned.

[00110111]

Teghul scowls at the whole decrepit affair. The cloaked goblin's face and features are obscured by a deep hooded cloak, but his gray tongue lolls visibly. As the Prince's bodyguard, he expected a royal sendoff with all the accompanying perks.

"This is ridiculous." He approaches the ship in a huff. "The crazy old bat will get the Prince killed." He kicks it. He clambers on board and stomps his feet as hard as he can. "And I'll be damned if that happens on my watch." He pauses introspectively for a moment. "Yeah, but at least I'll be damned filthy rich."

[Zid]

The captain looks at Mara. "Feelings? I have lost mine so long that I do not even remember their names. But I feel something in you, now..." She sniffs in the air, as if smelling the feelings of the mage before her. "Yes... Disdain. And some anger. Weak, yet exquisite."

She bows again before the Prince. "The Farrunner can sail to any place. But our memories has also been cast to the sails and scattered to the winds. Where we have been, I do not know, Milord."

"So, my Prince!" the colonel yells. "This is the time to leave. Safe journey!"

[Killerloop]

Vladimir didn't pay much attention to what the captain was saying, deeming it as stupid rambling. Intead he focused his mystical senses on the boat in the attempt do determine if something is.... wrong.

He spoke for the first time a second later:

"Your Highness, where are we going to start our mission? I suggest we start with getting this Dragonspear and solve the "riddle of the adder". Embarking on conquering kingdoms will put a lot of unwanted attention on us"

[Aldrick]

Prince Sardan waved his hand as if dismissing Vladimir's question. He half turned to some guards and gestures to the belongings tied down to the carriage. "Ensure that my belongings make it to the Farrunner safely. Take extra care of them." He then turned to Vladimir and gave him a half nod, and a look that said that he'd rather have such discussions later. He then gestured to a large wooden box amid several trunks as he spoke to Kursala, "Ensure that the box containing my most important valuables are taken down to my quarters personally."

As Sardan joined several others walking toward the ship he allowed his mind to drift in thought. He did his best to keep his emotions in check. There was no telling what effects the enchanted vessel could have on a man, and he was determined to make it to the other side of wherever they were going fully intact - both physically and emotionally. His eyes drifted toward the Captain and he smiled. No. It would serve no good to end up like that one. The enchantment is likely responsible for her condition. Keeping ones emotions in check will prove critical.

As he stepped upon the deck he spotted Teghul stomping his feet; his frustration evident to him. Sardan gestured to the goblin. "Secure the vessel. Check my quarters and ensure that they are safe; then check the quarters of Mara, Vladimir, and Valask. Afterward both Kursala and yourself can do a once-over of the rest of the ship." The Prince made sure to make eye contact with Teghul as he spoke and gave the goblin a slight nod as if passing along some unspoken message. The expression would be familiar to the goblin, one that says in unspoken words; 'This is your chance to snoop around. You might not get another chance.'

The Prince turned to the Captain before she could speak, "I'm rather certain that the Farrunner is completely secure. However, threats upon my life have required me to take precautions. Our arrival in Pranyxa is certain to have drawn unwanted attention. Colonel Urhart has done his best, but I am certain you understand the necessity of a security assessment before we leave port."

The Prince smiled at the Captain, he allowed himself to feel confident and at ease. Allow the bitch to get a whiff of that. His smile broadened as he casually changed the subject. "Dear Captain, it is unfortunate that you lack good memory. Mayhap you have a Captain's Log that you've kept over the years that could serve to remind you of your past journies. Regardless, I do hope you recall our destination, yes? I've been told this has been pre-arranged."

The Prince remains on deck speaking with the Captain as the others board the vessel.

The box that the Prince has ordered Kursala to personally secure is the Folding Boat. If anyone opens it (there is no lock on it) they'll find several changes of clothes for the Prince and other minor personal items. No one knows the true nature of the Folding Boat aside from the Prince.

[Ganurath]

Kursala nods, striding over to the box and carefully moving aside the luggage around it. She lifted the box carefully, testing the weight. It wasn't so heavy as to be a burden, but it might get in the way if violence broke out. So, a singular tentacle grew out from one of her hips to wrap around the box, holding it securely against her chest so that she could have both hands free. Not the most appropriate behavior in a social function, but launching the expedition was more of a practical event.

Overlooking the guards, she waits for them to collect the other elements of the Prince's luggage. Odds are the tentacle had put a wide variety of thoughts in their heads. Her thoughts were more focused on how to see to it that the box was secure in his room. "Sensative cargo brings up the rear. Let's get it all on board in one trip."

Humans and undead alike would be ignorant to the blind spot made by her command, as every unspoken exhalation for her was a whine of frequency too high for most intelligent races to hear, casting out for whatever threats there may be.

[00110111]

Teghul salutes rigidly. He rubs his hands together and cackles as his corporeal form turns to mist. He sinks through the deck into the hold underneath like a shark in territorial waters. Following a quick ethereal tour of the structure from end to end, he physically ransacks every nook and cranny within this loose approximation of a ship.

Ghost Step (ethereal) 2 rounds

Teghul searches the ship, taking 20 for a check total of 35.

[Zid]

The Prince and his companions board the ship, and several of the crew seem somehow... livened by the arrival of living creatures on board. The ship smells, badly, and the stench of rotting flesh is everywhere. The crew, about a dozen, barely sees the passengers.

Thengul looks threw the ship. Somehow, this decrepit piece of wood keeps afloat. No hidden rooms or passages that he can find.

Using magic to survey the boat only allows the user to sense a strong aura of necromancy. There is one large cabin, probably the captains. It is among the less rotten places, but the bed is a filthy mess of old blankets. The undead captain probably does not use it anymore. The only other place to sleep or the is the first deck below. The only good thing that can be said about it is that it is probably reasonably dry, as long as it does not rain.

The captain approaches you on the deck. "Your orders, Milord?"

[Aldrick]

The Prince is silent for several long moments as he gazes back into Pranyxa and beyond into Thalamur as a whole. His eyes grow with grim determination as heclenches his jaw. As the last belongings are brought onto the ship, he forces himself to display a relaxed expression as he turns to face the Captain.

"Once everything is secure set sail. Get us to the veil. Do not cross until I've given the order."

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask simply looks bored and tired. He sighs, hoping the journey ahead does not take too long. It would be too tempting to simply leap over the side of the boat rather than face this constant ignominious misery.

Bringing what meager things he could carry on board, he picks up a thick book he had brought, perhaps the dreadful thing would last him the journey. "The sooner we leave the sooner we return, I suppose."

[Ganurath]

Upon delivering the box to the Prince's quarters, Kursala shoos the guards out in short order. She didn't know whether they were coming with or not, and to be frank she didn't much care. Unless they were pursuing conquest first, anyone that the Black Crysanthymum would have assigned to them would all be either dead weight or security risks. That the ship's crew was undead did little to put her mind at ease.

Still, she needed to learn what her orders were. Tapping the last of the guards on the shoulder as she subsumed her tentacle back into her body, she took on a tone of authority suited to one of the Prince's favored warriors. "Inform the Prince that his belongs have been safely delivered, and that Kursala Beastskin is standing by for further orders. Also, that she's requesting permission to shift into her heavier form while aboard this... vessel."

[Killerloop]

Once Vladimir was satisfied by his "magical checking" of the vessel he just moved near the prince waiting for further commands.

He was keeping a careful eye on all the undead on board. Some were intelligent, some were just drones, all could the become slaves to his own power in a whim.

The necromancer smiled, aboard this vessel he was the King.

[Blackfish]

Mara hooks her single bag onto her belt and heads further into the ship, seeking out a place that looks reasonably clean and not severely rotted for her to work. As she leaves, she turns quickly to Prince Sardan.

"If you need me, Prince, I shall be preparing myself for our journey on the deck below."

She scrapes away some of the filth of the rotting ship with her foot and takes a seat inside the ship, pulling a large tome from her haversack. She flips through the tome until she finds a certain passage and begins to chant in draconic, weaving an enchantment about herself. When the spell has been successfully completed, she finds another passage and repeats the process.

Casting:
False Life - Arcane, 2nd level spell
Opalescent Glare - Divine, 4th level spell (SpC)

From this point on Mara will do her best not to meet anyone's gaze for fear of causing them to panic. Even though she has the ability to control her gaze attack, she is not comfortable enough with it to leave such a thing to chance.

[Aldrick]

The Prince grimaced at the Captain's Quarters. Seeing as the Captain no longer required such a space (not to mention sleep) Sardan has decided to claim them for his personal use. He had no intention of actually SLEEPING on the cursed ship, no he was more than prepared to avoid such a dilemma, but now was not the time to set such plans into motion.

After arranging this things to suit his desires he stepped back on deck. He then reaffirmed his orders to the captain to not sail beyond the veil - to bring the ship to the edge - and remain there until he gives orders otherwise. Afterward, he takes a brief tour of the ship, calling everyone into his quarters to discuss the plans moving ahead.

Once everyone has arrived, he begins by addressing Kursala. "I received your request. Your natural abilities provide you with a large advantage, and I'd prefer it if such traits are only revealed when necessary."

The Prince is silent for a long moment, as if in thought before he continues, "I suspect that once we cross beyond the Veil that pirate activity shall be fairly high. The sea surrounding Thalamur has been left undefended for generations, and it would only be natural that such criminal activity should be increased. I would like it if both you and Thengul saw to it that the vessel was secure against an assault by such rabble. Let me know of what you require to accomplish this task."

Sardan then turns to Mara,Vladimir, and Valask. "I've given the Captain orders to stop short of passing through the Veil. We may or may not be returning back to Thalamur upon this vessel. It is my intent to see the Veil lowered. I'm willing to give a short amount of time to study it before passing through. I expect you three to work together on this task."

The Prince's gaze then falls upon Vladimir in particular, "I would like to know what you think you can accomplish with this crew. I also want to know the extent this ship can impact the health of the living if it is possible to discover."

Sardan walks into the center of the group before gesturing for the others to speak. "If anyone has anything to add or things they wish to discuss, say so now."

If I read the previous message correctly, the Captain's Quarters is abandoned. The Prince has decided to claim it as his quarters since it is the most dry place on the ship, and the fact that he has some things (such as paper) that he doesn't want get getting wet.

If the Captain has some objection to this, then it will come down to what is proper etiquette in Thalamur. Can the Prince claim someones personal property? I'm operating under the assumption that the Captain really wouldn't care much... mostly due to her current state.

Let me know if she gets angry.

[Ganurath]

Kursala wanted to point out that the only potential enemies present would likely have been briefed, but upon the mention of pirates she mentally conceeded the point. She couldn't plan for when an ambush would be, only for how she responded to it. Speaking of... She had made a point of broadening her study of historical battles when she received the assignment, a field that had already included conflicts with the surrounding pirates. Being prepared for anything was good, but being prepared for what was most probable was better.

Going to roll Knowledge (history) using the rules in Complete Warrior in order to see what Kursala knows about the tactics of the pirates surrounding Thalamur. Also, it seems I left aside the bonus skill points for being human when I statted Kursala. Any stipulation against her retroactively gaining ranks in Jump?

[roll0]

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask, glancing up from his book, nods. He may seem bored, but his mind was suddenly working. Using his natural telepathy, he speaks briefly to the Prince. His voice sounded like it was laced with honey when he spoke ordinarily, and he had perfected an even more pleasing accent through his years of practicing the art of speaking through his mind alone.
Lord; if we are assailed by enemies, sent by your opponents or not, I may be able to turn the situation to our advantage. Their leader under my thrall, for example? It would be most delicious to acquire a ship of our own this way. Mayhap even a fleet. Provided that their leader's will is not too strong, it could be done quite simply.

[Killerloop]

Vladimir smirked:

"Your highness, the impact on the health of the living you say? Well, this ship is rotten and the crew is rotten. I'm not a medic or cleric but try to not get open wounds and, just in case, treat them immediately. A disease in the open sea can be very annoying"

"About the crew as long as they stay relatively near me they will fight with greater ferocity and skill, becuase I can imbue some of my powers into them.
Regarding that I was going to ask your permission to build some shrines to my patron, the Lord of the Eighth; with the proper spells this will further enhance the prowess of our crew, even when they aren't near me"

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask sighed. He already hated the ship. Hated the crew. Dreadful creatures. The undead were just so awful. So BORING. What was the fun in turning someone into a mindless creature like that? There wasn't any satisfaction in that power, all you had was a dull husk.

The worst were the people that were undead but still retained their mind. He didn't think he could take that. No more tasting food, feeling drugs, no proper emotions, nothing. He would rather die. He rolls himself a reed paper cigarette absent mindedly, filled with a minor soporific herb from one of the many pouches stowed about his person. Hopefully he'd be able to acquire some more when they arrived at this place.

A spark of magic lights the thin tube, as he waits to see if the Prince will reply to him.

[Aldrick]

The Prince seemed confident and in command, as if he were prepared for any eventuality. He appears to be listening silently as others speak, though in truth he was also communicating to Valask through the established telepathic link. Your plan is acceptable, Valask. It is also preferable to my own, but we cannot take any such action until we're beyond the Veil. This ship is likely the only vessel that can get us beyond that point... once we're beyond the Veil we could begin seeking out alternative means of transportation if we so desire.

As Vladimir finishes speaking Sardan nods slowly as if taking his words into consideration before he speaks. "Your point about the health of us all is well noted. However, my concern is something even deeper than some physical wound."

He gestures toward the door, clearly indicating the undead crew beyond it. "I suspect that the condition the crew find themselves in is a result of the ship itself. In other words, I believe that this ship drains living creatures of their emotions and desires, slowly turning them into undead. It is of great importance that you uncover whether or not my suspitions are true."

Sardan is silent for a moment, allowing the implications of his words to sink into the minds of all gathered. He then continues, "To your other points Kursala is being placed in charge of the defense of the vessel. If you have tactical concerns they should be brought up with her. As to your shrine, you may do as you desire within your own quarters. However, I do not suggest building anything that you can't quickly move within a few moments notice. Our stay on this vessel may be brief, pending what you uncover in your investigation of the ship."

The Prince then looks around to Mara, Kursala, and Thengul - seeking to discover whether or not they had anything they wanted to add, suggest, or question.

[Blackfish]

The Prince is silent for a long moment, as if in thought before he continues, "I suspect that once we cross beyond the Veil that pirate activity shall be fairly high. The sea surrounding Thalamur has been left undefended for generations, and it would only be natural that such criminal activity should be increased. I would like it if both you and Thengul saw to it that the vessel was secure against an assault by such rabble. Let me know of what you require to accomplish this task."

Sardan then turns to Mara,Vladimir, and Valask. "I've given the Captain orders to stop short of passing through the Veil. We may or may not be returning back to Thalamur upon this vessel. It is my intent to see the Veil lowered. I'm willing to give a short amount of time to study it before passing through. I expect you three to work together on this task."

Mara pulls an ornate tome from her haversack as the Prince talks and thumbs through it, pausing every now and then to study a page. As the Prince continues, she nods absently, giving at least a token impression that she is paying attention.

"Depending on what I can learn about the Veil from close study, we may have to settle for passing through or over it. If we're not lucky, it could take days of research and preparation to bring it down -- even for a limited time."

She snaps her tome closed and deposits it back into her haversack, straightening and now seemingly more focused on the Prince.

"And as for pirates, I will be able to sink any ship, or hinder any crew, that bothers us. Unless they are heavily warded, of course. In that case, we may have to settle for my turning a few of these rotting sailors into dragons."

[Aldrick]

Sardan smirks slightly at Mara. "There is no need for such overkill. A ship is too valuable to sink, and the crew of such a vessel - if they can't be made loyal to our cause, can still serve other purposes."

The Prince paused and gestured to the vessel on which everyone was standing. "For example, seeing as how this ship feeds on emotion capturing a handful of them and torturing them should provoke enough fear to sail us across the sea." A malevolent cruelty shown in his dark brown eyes as a cold ruthlessness touched his voice. "To be truthful, I considered taking a small handful of Colonel Urhart's men with me to serve such a purpose. I decided against it as that could have had unforeseeable consequences. However, there is no need to allow an opportunity to go to waste should one present itself."

Prince Sardan turned away from the group and folded his hands behind his back. "Regarding the Veil... you misunderstood. I do not intend to have you to lower it immediately. No. I would prefer to leave it in tact until we return. I simply wish some information on it... some potential weakness that we could use to lower it at a later date. When we return to Thalamur we will not be coming alone, and we will have more than a single ship. If the Farrunner is the only vessel that can pass the Veil then I am certain you understand the complications this creates for us in the future."

[Blackfish]

Sardan smirks slightly at Mara. "There is no need for such overkill. A ship is too valuable to sink, and the crew of such a vessel - if they can't be made loyal to our cause, can still serve other purposes."

The Prince paused and gestured to the vessel on which everyone was standing. "For example, seeing as how this ship feeds on emotion capturing a handful of them and torturing them should provoke enough fear to sail us across the sea." A malevolent cruelty shown in his dark brown eyes as a cold ruthlessness touched his voice. "To be truthful, I considered taking a small handful of Colonel Urhart's men with me to serve such a purpose. I decided against it as that could have had unforeseeable consequences. However, there is no need to allow an opportunity to go to waste should one present itself."

Prince Sardan turned away from the group and folded his hands behind his back. "Regarding the Veil... you misunderstood. I do not intend to have you to lower it immediately. No. I would prefer to leave it in tact until we return. I simply wish some information on it... some potential weakness that we could use to lower it at a later date. When we return to Thalamur we will not be coming alone, and we will have more than a single ship. If the Farrunner is the only vessel that can pass the Veil then I am certain you understand the complications this creates for us in the future."

Mara sighs and cracks her knuckles, beginning to show signs of boredom, though they've barely just boarded the ship. "Very well, just know that any pirates we encounter won't afford us the same leniency. If we truly must torture our way to the Veil, I'm sure I could summon various demons to harm, but I very well may be able to take us directly to shore as soon as we pass the Veil and I have time to scry."

[00110111]

Various crashes and bangs echo up from below decks, accompanying goblish curses of the vilest sort. This continues for nearly twenty minutes until Teghul emerges, covered in sludge. He smells about the same, though.

"Sheets. That is all."

Teghul pauses as glances linger in his direction.

"What?" he demands. "Why are we not moving? Captain, you want I should motivate the crew?" He cracks his knuckles.

[Zid]

The ship slowly glides out from the harbour, leaving the troops guarding the Prince behind. The veil that blocks Thalamur from the rest of the world is far ahead yet, not within sight for hours, or perhaps days of sailing. The Farrunner slowly limps on, even though good winds would have any sailing ship in good speed. The rain continues, but at least the winds make the stench of the ship more bearable, and Valask finds that he is somewhat less bored and actually feels a bit high-spirited.

A few hours later, and Thalamur can no longer be seen. The rain still falls, and the wind is good. It is Teghul who sees them first. Several small specks on the horizon behind them, slowly growing larger

@Kursala: The pirates of Thalamur mostly use galleys, trying to catch sailing ships when the winds are bad. There are very few pirates in these waters, the fleet prescense is too strong

[Aldrick]

When shouts go out that something has been spotted behind them on the horizon, the Prince exits his quarters. He forces himself to remain calm and as emotionless as possible, knowing full well that the ship is prepared to feed upon him.

Stepping on deck he looks toward where Teghul is standing looking toward the horizon. He reaches into his pocket and removes a spyglass, and looks toward the three specks. He then passes the spyglass to Teghul instructing him to look as well.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask, rolling a cigarette between his teeth, rubs his chin thoughtfully. He'd had a few stalks of devilweed earlier, and was still feeling the pleasant soft effects, so was inordinately calm despite the worrying appearance of ships on waters that should be deserted. With a few concealed gestures, he mumbles the words to a spell, regardless.


Casting Clairvoyance, 800 feet towards the pursuers.

[Killerloop]

Vladimir was busy trying to supercharge one of the undead sailors using only his touch when something appeared on the horizon.

The necromancer turned towards his companions and uttered a single word, carefully spoken:

"Problems?"

[00110111]

"What are they, Captain?" Teghul queries, as he peers through the proffered spyglass. "Should we fight or outrun them?"

He passes the tool around for others to see.

[Zid]

With spells and spyglasses, it is easy to see the black and red sails of the ships of the Black Crysanthemum. At least five ships can be seen, each larger than the Farrunner. Above the ships, a few black specks can be seen, surely combat trained drakes with riders. Two of the ships have large catapults in the prow, bet they are still too far away to be able to shoot. They are considerably faster than the Farrunner, and will be uncomfortably close in at least an hour.

[00110111]

"Take me there, and I will return with a second ship for the Prince." Teghul issues an ambitious challenge to the whole crew.

[Ganurath]

After taking her turn with the spyglass, Kursala holds it out for whoever would take it. Thalamur's navy fought like wolves, like hunters. If they were going to attack immediately, the goblin had the right concept... But the wrong scale. Still, immediate attack wasn't a given yet. "You never struck me as the diplomat, Teghul. Unless you think they're hostile, in which case taking you there would involve being bombarded by catapults and bombed by drakes. I recommend we keep our distance as best we can, at least until we have a plan."

[Rettu Skcollob]

Valask dismisses the spell with a gesture. He stretches, yawning. "I suppose I could fly someone there... Perhaps under invisibility. But the fact is;" The young man leans against the rail, and exhales a cloud of sickly sweet, scented purple smoke. "If those ships reach us, we will be sunk."

[Killerloop]

You see Vladimir make a few gestures and energy flows around him, only to disappear in an istant. He is clearly renewing his infernal invocations.

"Alas, there is nothing we can do about that. Their ships are faster than us, and even if we match speed with them certainly we can't outrun the dragons."

"My tactical advice is to keep sailing, at the first sign of hostility we should actually turn and sail towards them at full speed. Then proceed to get to the dragons, seize them and rain death on the ships below. I hope at least one of you can fly, because I can on my own power and I could use a hand or two up there"

He turned towards the prince and made a slight bow

"As its only natural, the decision is up to you my Prince" grinned the necrowarlock.

[Aldrick]

Despite his best efforts Sardan's heart began to pound in his chest as he spotted the black and red sails which marked the ships as loyal to the Black Chrysanthemum. The Drakes didn't escape his notice either.

As the spyglass was passed around the Prince remained silent. He didn't trust himself to speak, not yet - he masked his fear with an expression of consideration. He hoped he looked determined and confident. I won't go back. They won't stop me. No matter what it takes.

In place of confidence, he decided the next best thing was determination. Prince Sardan drew in a deep breath and swallowed. He turned away from the others without responding, in search for the Captain nearby.

"I trust you were not expecting the Black Chrysanthemum, Captain." His voice sounded icy, almost accusatory. Still, the Prince was pleased to hear himself successfully hide his fear. "No! Don't speak. I don't care. You are to ignore my previous order. You are to take us to the Veil as fast as you can and cross it immediately without delay. You are to do everything in your power to avoid those ships no matter the cost to yourself or your crew. You will get us to the other side - and you will do so now."

The Prince abandoned the notion that he could escape this ship. If he was to die, then he'll die on the other side of the Veil. They won't take me back. I AM FREE! I will return, and make them grovel before me in the dirt like worms before I murder their children, mutilate their wives, and burn their homes. In the end I'll rip their souls from their worthless bodies and force their useless husks to serve me for all eternity. THAT will be the BEGINNING of their punishment.

Sardan allowed the anger to flow into him. He embraced it. His dark eyes were alight with a fiery passion, standing in stark contrast to the Captain. He embraced that passion as he moved to stand before his companions and crew.

"We cannot stand against them. They out number us, but we have one thing they do not... the Farrunner." The Prince drew himself up to his full height, feeling a surge of confidence as he spoke.

"They are bound by the wind and sea. They are coming to stop us from escaping." The Prince raised his hand against all objections. "No. They are coming to stop us, but we can escape them."

His dark brown eyes were full of determination as he looked at his companions. "The Farrunner is pushed forward by emotion. If we embrace that emotion we will move faster - faster than them - they won't be able to catch us. Their ships may not be able to cross the Veil."

He glanced sideways to the Captain and then back at his companions. "The Black Chrysanthemum does not mean to see us leave Thalamur alive. They will not put my chance at success at risk, no - it is far better to ensure our deaths than merely hope for the best."

"Each of you will draw upon your emotions. Remember every indignity that you've faced in your lives. Draw upon your hatred. Draw upon your rage. Draw upon your ambition. Force yourself to re-live every loss and every sorrow." The Prince's voice was one of command - this clearly wasn't a request - it was an order.

He was silent for a moment as his eyes met each of his companions. "If you cannot move yourself to emotion from your past, then envision the future. Envision what will happen if the Black Chrysanthemum captures us - it is better for us to die than to allow that to happen. Let the fear of that thought move you."

The Prince's voice became lower, almost a growl, his eyes burning with a threatening determination. "...and if that fear will not move you, then know that I'll find something that will."

At last, his voice grew even lower, barely above a whisper, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "The Chrysanthemum will not stop me!"

He retrieves his spyglass and pushes past the others, lifting it to his eye. As does this he gives one final order, "If the Drakes get close attempt to capture their riders alive. They will help fuel this vessel with their suffering."

Hopefully I understood how the ship and crew works... :smallwink:

[Ganurath]

It was hard not to get worked up when the Prince made one of his rousing speeches, and those were generally reserved for the civilians. To be actually subject to one, though, gave it a whole new scale. All of her life had been an accumulation toward the next conflict, a strict tempering of her inner beast... But her indulgence in Tiger Fang was letting her slip that leash, and the Prince's orders all but removed it.

She roared. It was a roar of triumph, of a predator having made a fresh kill, a roar so empassioned it superceded the Prince's previous order to hide her hybrid form. Black fur bristled, ears grew back, a nose all but turned inside out, teeth sharped, and a black uniform decorated in gold and violet swelled with the body of the warrior as her primal challenge echoed for all to hear.

"Conquest and glory await beyond the veil!" The warblade gripped her sword, drawing it in salute to Prince Sardan. "I haven't trained all my life for policing actions and parade formations. Let us be rid of these pests!"

[Killerloop]

Vladimir rejoiced at the speech of the prince, very inspiring.

No, the Black Chrysanthemum would not take him alive... theorically he wasn't exactly 100% alive but still, not even this way they would be able to touch him

He considered his options: in a ship full of undead maybe not even the combined strength of his companions could stand him. A preemptive attack, all his party killed, turning back to the Black Chrysanthemum and getting rewards. His eyes flashed with crimson emotions.

But no, that would be an horrible and dangerous betrayal and he is no traitor. He will follow the Prince in this and after, when time will come to destroy the Black Chrysanthemum once and for all.

That would be beneficial to him in a lot of ways, not to mention that the practice necromancy too...

Vladimir crossed his arms and closed his eyes beginning to think about everything he did in his life and a smile crossed his lips.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Sorry! I totally forgot to come back and post here.


Casting his mind back, Valask searches for the most potent memory he can conjure. Immediately he turns back to his youth, a time that from since, his debauchery had decreased, surprisingly. He remembers the first time he took the essence of the Thalassian swamp toad. A creature renowned for it's venomous slime, there were those who cultivated the creatures, for in small doses, it's extract would send the user on a journey of the mind like no other.

He remembered seeing such sights in the sky that he wept openly for joy, of drinking wine and thinking it the ambrosia of the Gods. He had lain with a serving girl, thinking her a Goddess in his delirium. He remembered awakening in the middle of the night, terrified, imagining his body was covered in foul roaches which spoke in tongues of dark power.

Even thinking about the experience made him shiver in nostalgic emotion. He breathes deeply; conjuring feelings he would normally restrain.

[Blackfish]

Mara reaches into her haversack and pulls forth one of her tomes. She leafs through it and then addresses the assembled group. "It looks like I have a fair amount of magic that could help us in this situation. For instance, when they get closer and their drakes come for us, I can help us meet them in the sky, negating their advantage. If for some reason they don't make use of their drakes, we may even be able to best them." She drops the tome back into her haversack, giving a quick glance to a vial of black liquid resting amongst her possessions. Yes, she would definitely have to make sure it wasn't some sort of beacon or trap.

Having worked out a rough plan for how to approach the battle, Mara closes her eyes. Slowly, she relaxes both her body and her mind, letting her self-control fade away and replacing it with her memories, with her plans, and with her belief in her cause, a cause that will be all but lost if the Black Chrysanthemum take their ship.

[00110111]

"Oh really?" Teghul scoffs in silence. "You trust our lives to the sea witch's words?"

Grumbling, he descends belowdecks with continued sounds of crashing, swearing, and general mayhem.