Spelljamming across the Universe(5E)

[Zarrgon]

The Rock of Bral. Within the endless void of Wildspace, lies a cosmopolitan hub upon a still massive rock. This sprawling city within allows for almost any form of trade and meeting, as long as you stay low. Imports from through fantastic space have their way of ending up here, goods from all sorts of Crystal Spheres and demiplanes alike! Within the many markets, there are many strange and wonderful faces. One such is one you have met before!


The Rock of Bral is ruled by a merchant prince advised by three councils: the Council of the City representing the various neighborhoods, the Noble Council representing the landowners, and the Council of Captains representing all shipowners. These bodies do the majority of governing work, but the last word is still always held by the city's Prince. Still, there's little in the way of actual law on the Rock, with the citizenry mostly self-policing in all but the most serious of offenses. While a fairly open community for the most part, the Rock is still tightly managed in some key aspects, including availability of food and water and quality of air; being such a small community, they carefully balance and regulate their resources and needs of each in order to sustain themselves.



Each of you has your own histories and the start of a story....and each story has lead your character here: The Rock of Bral.

[RossN]

Talara

A slender young human woman walked through the maze like streets, her soft heeled boots, skirt and hooded cloak all black hued like the curls of her hair which only made the paleness of her skin and the emerald glint to her eyes more noticeable. She was attractive (at least if one's tastes ran to human which was not true of everyone on the Rock of Braal) but there was a certain air to her that spoke of ruthlessness, resourcefulness and craftiness. Those green eyes darting here and there along the bustling streets always seemed to be weighing the price of everything...

Talara was on the hunt. Not for beasts or for her fellow sapients, and not even for ways of increasing her beloved gold which normally occupied most of her otherwise rather empty mind but for information. Somewhere on the Rock of Bral were the clues that point her in the direction of an ivory ring that had once belonged to Zyphon the Magnificent. Stolen decades from the dragon's hoard by greedy and resourceful adventurers. The dragon wanted it back, though he had proved maddeningly enigmatic even by his standards as to what if anything the ring actually did, murmuring only that she would 'know it when she saw it'. For all Talara knew it could be a wholly mundane if beautiful piece of duty... or it could be powerful magic. Either way it was her job to recover it.

Taking a turn through a crowded and colourful and trying to fight off the instinctive distraction of a particularly wealthy looking merchant, species unknown, surrounded by all-brawn no-brain looking guards off a second, equally unknown species Talara entered the area around the docks. Normally her haunts were the markets and as refined a tavern as she could find but it often paid well to study the newcomers to the Rock, both the old spacefarers and the groundlings taking their first proper place into the universe. She could probably pick up some gossip here, perhaps even offer herself as a guide to a true newcomer for a certain fee. 'Let's see what we have here,' Talara murmured to herself.

[Xihirli]

Lesh was also searching the docks, for ships with low crews. During her life in the Astral Sea she had often been able to hire herself out as a translator - she only spoke three languages, but given a bit of time she could understand almost any language - for those who found artifacts and writing from long-dead cultures. When she spotted a face she knew, she crossed over to her.
"Talara." Lesh lifted a hand. "How are you? What are you doing out here?"

[RossN]

Talara

Talara's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Lesh and she strolled over to join the gensai wizard. 'Lesh! Good to see you my fiery friend. I'm doing what I usually do, trying to hunt down an item. This one is for...,' the human woman paused momentarily, recalling Lesh's views on dragons. 'A collector. A carved ivory ring of some sort.'

She gave a rueful half smile. 'As for how I am, well, I feel you need three things to make it through life: wits, beauty and gold. I am having a little difficulty with the third. What about you, how do you fare?'

[Xihirli]

Lesh looked out at the silvery sea before her. "I'm trying to find a boat to get me out there. There's got to be something that... well." Everyone who'd spoken with Lesh about her life had already heard that rant before, so she stopped. "I've never been on a spelljammer before. What's it like?"

[RossN]

Talara

Talara gave an amused smirk. 'You'd probably be better off asking a sailor or a merchant; I've spent more time in ports than on deck.'

Seeing the other woman's expression Talara dropped the standard sardonic tone and looked a bit more sympathetic, softer somehow. 'It has its moments, looking out there at the stars and moons and planets. Just the feel of the deck around you and the tang and glint of magic in the air and the feeling that you are heading somewere. That's Wildspace. Then you reach the Flow which is like...' she struggled to find the words. 'Imagine an artists paints all swirled together, except that instead of creating a dull coloured splodge each shade remains vibrant in the swirl. It is something.'

She paused, her natural streak of cynicism recovering and driving back some of softness. 'Still, I've no intention of voyaging to simply experience it. I'm out to rebuild my family fortune and my collection.'

[Xihirli]

Lesh nodded, smiling at the more idealistic moment from her fri... acquaintance, really. "Are you looking for a jammer to take you now?" she asked.

[Maggius]

Kain was standing dressed his working clothes with wrench near breached hull of small spelljammer and examining it carefully. Voices came from the nearest stone building - captain of this ship was arguing with workshop's owner about price. The damage was small, but Kain knew that the chief administrator will set a greedy price. Pirates become more active in last time - many ships needed to be repaired. Kain's working hours have just already ended. He took a pipe from his bag and ignited it. It should be another typical day in port of The Rock of Bral he thought. Some times ago he started to looking for a captain, who needed mechanic. This was a good place, but all his friends had already left. Falko - never spent many time in ports, he was always in travels. Griznarr - Kain had not seen him for a long time, he hoped that the elves did not kill him. Even Morgana had left this place - brilliant mechanic, many captains wanted to see her aboard their spelljammers. He smiled and thought, if this day would bring good luck? He felt that yes.

[Zarrgon]

A large humanoid tortoise humanoid (a tortle). His simply brown clothing matches his brown skin and shell. His whole shell lights up with glowing words saying in common: "help needed, inquire with me". As he walks along every so often a person walks up to him. They talk for a couple minutes, but the other person most often just shakes their head and walks away. The tortle just keeps walking along, his head hung low.

[Xihirli]

Lesh, intrigued, nodded to Talara and approached the Tortle. "Excuse me," she said.
"My name is Leshruf. What help are you looking for?"

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "Ah, yes, seaworthiness to you. I'm Roton Fairshell of the Sphere Shells Trading Company. And I have one beach of a problem. I'm a junior member and I was just given my first trade deal. I was given a ship, the StarWave, a very old squid ship. I sent it out to make a couple pick ups and come back here. They messaged in as soon as they entered the Sphere, but then they never made it here. A couple of days ago a passing ship reported seeing the Starwave adrift right along the crystal sphere edge. My company sent out a wreckboat, but nothing has been her from them.

So now it all falls on my shell. Find out what happened, to both my ship and the boat. Save any of the crew or employees that might still be alive. Save the cargo and ship if I can. Scuttle her if I must so she never drifts into a space lane.

But I have a feeling in my shell that something is wrong. I have a salvage crew all ready to go, but I'd feel a lot better if I could bring along a couple of Spacers, just in case there is trouble we can't handle.

I can't offer much, 25 gold coins......but if we can get the cargo and sell it, I can pay more with that and give you a share.

Sound like something you'd be interested in?"

[Xihirli]

Leshruf nodded. She needed to start building a reputation before she could get the better jobs and she knew that. "You can count on me. Where should we meet up?"

[RossN]

Talara

Talara's had followed Leshruf over, her expression curious. 'That sounds like an interesting job,' she all but purred, green eyes glinting at the mention of potential share of the cargo (how much could that be?) 'I believe you can count on me too. I specialise in recovering items, even if a whole jammer and her crew will be a first.'

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "Oh, two of you? By the Scared Seas, I thought I'd never find anyone.

Meet....well the Star Fountain Plaza works for me.

I just hope I can find some others, I was hoping to find a handfull."

[Xihirli]

Lesh simply nodded to the tortle. "Good luck."

[Maggius]

Cain walked towards the docks. Here was worthy pub where gathered sailors for resting and exchanging rumours. Best place to look for work. Or to look for trouble - too many scoundrels of all sorts gathered from different worlds made their deals here. Thinking, Kain was making his way through crowd, when he saw strange turtle. "help needed, inquire with me" was writen on his shell. Very interesting. Either he was desperate, or it was cunning fraud - this place could offer different situations. Well, maybe he really needs some help. Or can offer something interesting. 'Good day my friend. Can i help you?'

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell waks over to Cain.

Roton Fairshell "Why yes, maybe you can. I'm Roton Fairshell and I have one beach of a problem.

I'm a junior member and I was just given my first trade deal. I was given a ship, the StarWave, a very old squid ship. I sent it out to make a couple pick ups and come back here. They messaged in as soon as they entered the Sphere, but then they never made it here. A couple of days ago a passing ship reported seeing the Starwave adrift right along the crystal sphere edge. My company sent out a wreckboat, but nothing has been her from them.

So now it all falls on my shell. Find out what happened, to both my ship and the boat. Save any of the crew or employees that might still be alive. Save the cargo and ship if I can. Scuttle her if I must so she never drifts into a space lane.

But I have a feeling in my shell that something is wrong. I have a salvage crew all ready to go, but I'd feel a lot better if I could bring along a couple of Spacers, just in case there is trouble we can't handle.

I can't offer much, 25 gold coins......but if we can get the cargo and sell it, I can pay more with that and give you a share.

Sound like something you'd be interested in

[Maggius]

'It sounds dangerous - but, like everything in space. I have experience in space travel. I am interested. When will we start?'

[RossN]

Talara

'Well it seems as if you have gotten your wish,' Talara said to Lesh, a smile on her face. 'If we're lucky this could make our fortunes.'

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell looks over at the new voice.

Roton Fairshell "I would like to leave as soon as possible. First morning bell. "

[Xihirli]

Lesh nodded. "Best of luck to you, Talara."

[Maggius]

Kain Graccen
"Deal. I have enough time to prepare." He held out his hand for a handshake.
[roll0]

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

The short, slender half-elf woman wandered through the bustling streets, trying not to constantly stare at the wonders around her, but sometimes failing. She'd successfully escaped the wrath of her master by stowing away aboard what she had assumed was a ship docked in Waterdeep, fully expecting to end up in the Moonshae Isles, or Calimshan, or even Vilhon Reach. Never had she expected that she would end up here, at this city-among-the-stars. "At least the captain of that... spelljammer? was kind enough not to throw me overboard, or hand me over to whatever authorities run this place," she thought to herself. "But what shall I do now?" she mused.

For all it's wonder, this 'Rock of Bral' bore the common sights of any large cosmopolitan city, and Lily's home city of Waterdeep was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan in the Realms - she was sure that she could fit in here, given time. She momentarily wondered if she should assume her "other" personality, but a quick glance of the busy people hustling and bustling about the street dissuaded her of that notion. "The Lady Lilisendra shall have to remain in hiding for now," Lily thought. "This city is bound to have it's expenses, and I shall have to find other means to earn some coin."

Some moments later Lily spied some sort of tortoise-person with a "help needed" sign on it's shell, occasionally stopping to talk with people. Shouldering her pack and adjusting her weapons, she approached. "Excuse me, good... being, but might I enquire as to what manner of help you are seeking?" Lily smiled gently. "It might be that I can offer my services - for appropriate recompense, of course."

[Zarrgon]

Insight- Roton Fairshell is up front and honest


Roton Fairshell turns towards Lilly " I'm Roton Fairshell and I have one beach of a problem.

I'm a junior member and I was just given my first trade deal. I was given a ship, the StarWave, a very old squid ship. I sent it out to make a couple pick ups and come back here. They messaged in as soon as they entered the Sphere, but then they never made it here. A couple of days ago a passing ship reported seeing the Starwave adrift right along the crystal sphere edge. My company sent out a wreckboat, but nothing has been her from them.

So now it all falls on my shell. Find out what happened, to both my ship and the boat. Save any of the crew or employees that might still be alive. Save the cargo and ship if I can. Scuttle her if I must so she never drifts into a space lane.

But I have a feeling in my shell that something is wrong. I have a salvage crew all ready to go, but I'd feel a lot better if I could bring along a couple of Spacers, just in case there is trouble we can't handle.

I can't offer much, 25 gold coins......but if we can get the cargo and sell it, I can pay more with that and give you a share.

Sound like something you'd be interested in"

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily taps her chin in silent contemplation. "Trouble-shooting a salvage job," she thinks to herself. "I have no idea what a squid ship or crystal sphere is, but I'm sure I'll pick it up as I go."

"Well met, Roton Fairshell; I'm Lilisendra Ravenswood, but my friends call me Lily. That is indeed a beach of a problem you have there. I could perhaps be persuaded to assist... for 30 gold coins, half in advance, half on return; and naturally I shall require a signed contract bearing your company's seal granting me rights to an equal share of any salvage. What say you, do we have a deal?"

Persuasion if required: [roll0]

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "Well, understand this is not a salvage job....at least not yet. I have no idea why the ship is adrift, but I have hopes that we can save the ship and crew and bring them all back here to Bral safe and sound. And at worse I might need to scuttle, not salvage the ship.

And I'm offering a share of the ships cargo, if we can get it. That is why it would be best if we could bring back the whole ship and all it's cargo. So you under stand, I'm offering a part share of any cargo we can recover.

And 25 gold is my limit, i was not born with a shell made of gold you know. But I will pay all that gold up front.

All sound good to you?"

[Maggius]

Kain Graccen

After talking with the turtle, Cain thought it would be useful to find a crew that saw this Starwave - they can tell some additional infornation. Pirates, space creatures, anomalies - ships do not disappear on their own. And rumors can often tell a lot of interesting things. Cain noticed that the turtle talked with two women: human and fire gensai - obviously, they received the same offer as he. At first, he decided to talk with them. Cain came up and introduced himself. "Sorry to interrupt your conversation. My name is Kain Graccen. Did you also get an offer ftom that turtle?"

[RossN]

Talara

Talara nodded her head in greeting to Kain. 'Just so. I'm Talara and this is Leshruf. I know the wages don't sound much but a share of the cargo, now we're talking. Or are you more in it for the adventure?'

[Xihirli]

Leshruf inclined her head. "Tortle, not turtle. I'd recommend not calling him a turtle. Insensitive."

[Maggius]

Kain Graccen

Cain thought and after a brief delay said:"I not very interested in money, but for me - this case can offer something more than I have now. I always wanted something different than working in a repair shop. It's a good work, but not for me. And what about your?"

[Dexam]

Roton Fairshell "Well, understand this is not a salvage job....at least not yet. I have no idea why the ship is adrift, but I have hopes that we can save the ship and crew and bring them all back here to Bral safe and sound. And at worse I might need to scuttle, not salvage the ship.

And I'm offering a share of the ships cargo, if we can get it. That is why it would be best if we could bring back the whole ship and all it's cargo. So you under stand, I'm offering a part share of any cargo we can recover.

And 25 gold is my limit, i was not born with a shell made of gold you know. But I will pay all that gold up front.

All sound good to you?"

Lily contemplates Roton's reply for a moment, tapping her chin with one finger.

"Very well - I'm certainly okay with a 25 gold piece fee paid up front. However, if we encounter any trouble - pirates, scavengers, or what have you - I would expect an equal share of any additional gains from captured equipment and bounties, not only a share of recovered cargo. And I still expect a contract of employment outlining the terms discussed that bears the seal of your company; I'm certain that a skilled trader such as yourself recognises the value of such a document?" She smiles broadly at Roton. "If you find these terms agreeable, let me know the time and place of departure, and I'm sure to be there."

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "Well Keep What You Kill is the standard spacer tradition. Really all I care about is the crew, ship and cargo.

I can write you up a document, but only for myself. My company Sphere Shells Trading Company won't honor it. This is a private hire job."

[RossN]

Talara

Talara paused, obviously running Kain's question through he mind. 'I'm a collector. I collect and sell, or am commissioned to find and collect for others.' An amused smirk flickered across the young woman's face. 'I am glad you're not interested in money because I very much am. We should get along marvellously.'

[Maggius]

Kain Graccen

Kain turned his head to Leshruf. "My apologies, I rarely saw Tortles - they were not in Krynnspace. Apparently I have not enough experience in space travel." Then he turned to Talara. "Money is just a means. May be sometime i can start my own business or get my own ship. It’s all impossible to achieve if I will sit in this place."

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

"Interesting..." Lily thinks to herself.

To Roton, she replies, "Ah, it is good to know upfront that this is a private venture. While having the backing of a trading company would be preferable, I think that this worth the risk. Very well, I accept! From where and when do we depart? Also, would I be correct in assuming that I will not be the only one providing an escort for your recovery crew?"

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "I have got a hands full of other yes. All Spacers. I would like to leave as soon as possible. First morning bell. "

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

"First bell it is then," Lily says cheerfully. "At which berth? Also, as I'm relatively newly arrived to Bral, can you please recommend to me an inn so that I might rest up and enjoy a meal? Something pleasant, but nothing too up-market... I'm certain a canny trader such as yourself knows of a place that would suit someone like me."

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "Well, my inn of choice would be the Pearly Shell, but that is really a place for more of my kind. I hear good things about the Crossed Comets.

See to next day."

[Maggius]

Kain Graccen

Kain shook off ashes from his pipe. "So, glad to meet you. I think we got an interesting job, because, as I told to the tortle - ships do not disappear for no reason. I can suppose it was just pirates - in this case we will find only looted wreckage. Of course it could be something more interesting- one crew saw that ship, probably in good condition. Space time to time throws up unusual situations. See you next morning."

[Xihirli]

Leshruf nodded. "I'll see you both in the morning."

[RossN]

Talara

Talara smiled. 'Well here is to something interesting - and profitable! See you in the morn with whoever else our hard shelled friend has conjured up!'

[Zarrgon]

The night and early morning pass quickly, and soon enough it is two bells in the morning.

Star Fountain Plaza, a large stone plaza shaped like a star, with a star shaped fountain right in the middle, is easy to find as it's right by the docks and most dockside inns.

The only one in the plaza is Roton Fairshell, waiting.

[Xihirli]

Leshruf approached Tortle early in the morning, her spellbook tucked under her arm. "Good morning, Master Fairshell."

[Maggius]

Kain

After woke up Kain began to pack his backpack. Wrenches, hammers, wire, gears - that all must be attentively packed. He donned his leather armor, shabby after numerous uses, take heavy metal wand, and opened door his small room. Early morning, but work at the port was in full swing. Kain greeted the familiar workers and headed for the Star Fountain Plaza. Roton Fairshell was already here. "Peaceful morning, doesn't it?" - Kain greeted tortle - "Looks like i am the first."

[Maggius]

Kain

Suddenly he noticed Leshruf. "Good morning - Sorry, I didn’t notice you"

[RossN]

Talara

Talara arrived next at the plaza, her green eyes seeming to sparkle in the early morning light - or perhaps it was the thrill of adventure that cut through her normally sardonic persona.

'Good morning all,' she greeted the others and smiled. 'A fine day for adventure, discovery and profit.'

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily spent a night at the recommended Crosses Comets inn that was both comforting and likewise slightly disappointing in its similarity to the dozens of other inns she'd frequented.

She arrived the next morning at the Star Fountain Plaza carrying what was now all her worldly possessions - She hadn't been able to carry all that much when she'd been forced to flee Waterdeep. Lily spied Roton Fairshell and a small gathering of what must be the other "spacers" hired for this mission. She approached slowly, giving herself time to evaluate the others, while they evaluate her in turn: a young half-elf woman dressed in a dark coloured hooded cloak, under which can be seen quality leather armour that has clearly seen at least some use. A thin-bladed rapier in a fine scabbard, a quiver of arrows, and an un-strung and holstered shortbow ride on her hips. A number of small pouches are carried on her belt and a bandoleer across her chest. Her auburn hair is tied back in a single thick braid.

"Good morning all," she says cheerfully, a genuine smile lightning up her sky blue eyes and pale freckle-dusted face. "Lilisendra Ravenswood, at your service; though as we are to be working together, you can call me Lily. To whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

[Xihirli]

"Leshruf... ah, Lesh. I'm a translator by trade for now, but seem to be expanding." Lesh bowed respectfully to the half-elf, the fire Genasi's flaming hair bobbing at the motion.

[RossN]

Talara

Talara stepped forward forward, a dark haired, pale young human woman. She wore soft, heeled boots, skirt and a hooded cloak, all darkly coloured and like the half-elf enigmatic pouches hung from her belt while the handle of a curved dagger and the surface of a leather jerkin were just visible beneath her cloak. She was not classically beautiful but she was attractive and probably knew. Large green eyes studied the newcomer and Talara's lips twisted into a amused but friendly smile.

'A pleasure Lily,' she said, offering the other woman her hand (pale, clean and with green nailpolish on her fingernails.) 'I am Talara... a collector of sorts. Information, salvage, gold. The usual and I know a little magic.'

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell nods.

Lastly a dwarf in a long robe that looks like it's made of metallic gold walks over.

Zerric Wealthshield "Greetings and well met all. I be Zerric Wealthshield, a Divine Trader of Vergadain."

Roton Fairshell "Ok, that is everyone. This way."


Roton Fairshell leads the way down to Dock 25, to a large wooden turtle shaped ship.

https://www.oocities.org/timessquare/6597/ShipYard/sjcv/turtle-ship-battle-boat-sv-c.gif

Much of the turtle ships lower hull is a massive pool of water, with rooms suspended above the pool(in the shell part) in a wooden framework.

Roton Fairshell "This is our captain, Kwawa Coralhelm" pointing to a tortle in a bright white sailors outfit.

Kwawa Coralhelm gives a slight nod and wave. "We are all ready to get going and cast off, as soon as you and the Spacers get onboard."

[Xihirli]

Lesh looked around, trying to see if there was a Spelljammer to actually pilot the ship.

[Maggius]

Kain

Kain took several attentive glances on the ship - it would be good to know on what vessel he would fly. Then he nodded to captain. "Greetings captain." Then he turned to Roton Fairshell. "Are we waiting for someone else?"

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "This is everyone. We are ready to go."

Kwawa Coralhelm "I'm not waiting. Me and the Puck here get a little rocky if were in land too long."

Roton Fairshell, Kwawa Coralhelm and Zerric Wealthshield all walk along the boarding ramp in to the turtle shaped ship.




The "Spelljammer" is the ship: The Turtle Ship Puck. A ship pilot is called, a pilot.


Once Lesh boards the ship, the pilot can be found in the 'turtle head' of the ship.

[Xihirli]

Lesh nodded to the pilot and found seating for herself. "I'm ready."

[RossN]

Talara

Talara greeted Zerric and Captain Kwawa Coralhelm before walking up and looking around. The young human woman glanced down at the pool thoughtfully, her lips quirking in amusement. 'Well, I guess fire is one danger we don't have to worry about. I don't know about the rest of you but I'm off to find my room.'

Disappearing deeper into the turtle shaped vessel she started her explorations.

[Zarrgon]

The Puck moves away from the Rock of Bral for a time. Then once the Rock can no longer be seen aft of the ship, the ships speed increases.

Roton Fairshell "We have six days of hard travel ahead of us."

Unless anyone wants to take any actions, we can just skip six days ahead....

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily's eyes widened at the sight of the turtle ship - now this was more like what she was expecting from an adventure amongst the stars. Lily politely greets the captain, complimenting him (her?) on such a fine looking vessel, before hurrying aboard, eager to explore.

[Zarrgon]

Kwawa Coralhelm is a male tortle. All the ships crew members are male tortles.


The Puck is a turtle ship just under 150 feet long (Keel Length) and about 110 feet wide (Beam Length). Configured as a cargo ship most of the interior is empty. The pool takes up most of the bottom of the ship, with only a narrow walk way all around. The shell is mostly ropes, rigging and cargo nets and between them are small hanging rooms.

The pilot sits in the top half of the turtle head, where they can look out the crystal eyes. The turtle head opens wide as a cargo ramp as does the turtle tail. Tubes, normally closed can also connect to the pool: When set down in the water water can flow in the head and flow out the tail.

The ship has no weapons.

[RossN]

Talara

Talara spent the trip exploring the ship, intrigued by what she found. It wasn't her first time on a ship but it had been a while and she'd never travelled with Tortle's before. She also took the time to chat with her companions.

'Anyone any tales of derring do in their travels?' she asked the others, settling down among the hammocks.

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell looks over at Talara

Roton Fairshell "I've never done anything. I'm a sand circler, a tortle that plays it safe. I never left the safety of the nest, just gone around in circles, metaphorically.

This ship, this trade, was going to be my first big time, walking the surf. And looks what happens."

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily explores the ship, but even on a large ship that is something that can keep one entertained for only so long. She also spends some time observing the strange "space" through with the vessel travels, at first with wonder and amazement, but even that holds her fascination for a few days before it becomes commonplace. She also keeps herself busy each day, doing some exercises to keep fit and limber, and practicing with her rapier and dagger.

While exploring the ship, Lily occasionally asks a few surreptitious questions about the operation of the vessel and the nature of space itself, trying to fill the gaps in her knowledge of such things, while trying to not appear too ignorant.

During the rest periods, she lays in her hammock, talking with her new compatriots. "No real tales of derring-do," she replies to Talara, "Just a few little adventures here and there." She goes on to explain that she is the daughter of a minor noble family in her native Waterdeep, who fled an arranged marriage to a life of adventure and ended up on the Rock of Bral purely by accident. "What about you? Are you a Bral native, or a traveller like me?"

"What can you tell us about this squid ship we're going to rescue?" she asks Roton. "Is it a similar size to the Puck? How many crew does it have? What cargo was it carrying - if that's okay to ask?"

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell looks over at Lily Ravenswood.


Roton Fairshell "The squid ship is smaller, but not by too much. It's a bit long with the tentacles in front. She has a crew of twenty one. A lot of her cargo was sparkling water...two of the ships tentacles are hollow and can pump water into holds of the ship. She also has several loads of salt and sand and sea shells. According to their last sending. "

[Maggius]

Kain

"My parents own a trading company on Krynn, located near from the mountain - the home of the tinker gnomes." Kain joined to talking. "They have long history of spacefaring. Well, may be someday i can start my own business among the crystal spheres. Rock of Bral became my home in the last two years after the end of the war, but staying in the port too long is not for me. But it will be not honest if I say that that this two years in serenity was not good to me - war was a harsh place. A few months would be enough for me - two years was too much" He smiled.

[RossN]

Talara

'My parents are of Krynnish descent but I am from the Rock of Bral,' Talara explained, sitting down, smoothing her skirt and making herself comfortable. 'My father was a rich merchant but let's just say he was too honest for his own good so I've had to live on my wits and charm. Fortunately qualities I have in abundance. Oh and a little help from a dragon I had a run in with. I wouldn't say i'm a really seasoned traveller but I have been out and about in wild space - even on a squid ship like Roton describes. My father had one as part of his fleet.'

She glanced over at the Tortle. 'Are sand, water and sea shells worth a lot?'

[Xihirli]

Lesh also decided to join in the bonding.
"I hail from Abeir. A dreadful plane, tyrannically ruled by dragons." She spat.
"The planet was built for my people's creators, the Dawn Titans, or Primordials. But the dragons overthrew them and enslaved the rest of us."

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell nods Of course, sand, water and sea shells have worth. It's why I sent a ship out for them in the first place. The water has the least worth, but people will pay for good water. It's a matter of taste. Salt, sand and sea shells all have their worth too. It's a good haul of cargo.

I just hope the crew is all right."

[RossN]

Talara

Talara bit her lip when Lesh mentioned dragons. Probably not the best time to harp on the fact that her own patron was dragon...

'Don't worry we'll see everyone and everything is safe and secure,' she reassured the Tortle, patting him on the shell. She wasn't a sentimental woman but she did have a certain sympathy for lost or marooned crews.

[Zarrgon]

Kwawa Coralhelm "We are in circle of the ship.

It's adrift with no active air shell. We don't see anyone on deck, and the ship looks intact.

The ship has not responded to hails, both messages and flags."


Roton Fairshell nods "Ok, this is it. We got the skiff ready to go over. As soon as you have checked out the ship and it's safe, signal us. See you on the Beach"

Roton Fairshell leads you to a small flat bottomed wooden skiff in the "turtle mouth".

[RossN]

Talara

With a glance at the others to see if they were ready Talara took her seat in the skiff.

[Maggius]

Kain

Cain stepped onto the deck, equipped with his numerous tools, armor and magical wand. "It is very suspicious." He began to look carefully on the ship, examining it's itcondition. "We are ready. Let's start work"

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily joins the others in the skiff, making certain that she has pack and pouches accessible, that her bow is strung and taut, and that she can draw her rapier and daggers smoothly if necessary.

"The ship has no air shell?" Lily looks questioningly at the others "That's not a good sign, is it? What does it mean for us?"
She tries to hide her nervousness.

[Xihirli]

Lesh sat down. That meant, she assumed, that they’d have to hold their breaths. But she didn’t actually know, so she held her tongue.

[Zarrgon]

Zerric Wealthshield takes a seat in the back of the skiff without a word.


Skiff "Is that everyone? Ready for departure?" asks a voice coming from the skiff.

[Maggius]

Kain

Kain turned to Lily Ravenswood. "We can use air shell of our ship - it radius will be enough for creating atmosphere on other ship. We don't need to hold our breath.". Then he took a final glance at his equipment - checking if all was at right places. After brief delay Kain nodded to Zerric Wealthshield. "Onward"

[Zarrgon]

Roton Fairshell "We can't risk getting close or extending our air shell. The ship still has air, it's just going to be a bit stale. At least a days worth is left, but you should not be that long."

Skiff "Departing"

The skiff slowly makes it's way across the space and moves over to float just next to the deck of the squid ship. The deck is clear of any people and does not have any major damage. The ship is old, so there is a lot of wrapped and broken wood all over the ship, but it's still mostly intact.

There is a closed hatch to the bow hold, the door to the two level above deck cabins and the bridge, and a main stairwell in the middle that leads down into the main hold.

[Xihirli]

Lesh gulped, looking at the ship. To be sure, she took another look for anything moving. "Hello!?" She called. "Is anybody still there?"

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily pulls a small steel ball bearing from a pouch and tosses it to the deck of the squid ship, watching to see what happens.

"I suggest we try the bridge and the cabins. The holds can wait - we should try and find any surviving crew first." She eyes the deck warily. "That looks like it's seen better days. I'm probably the lightest, so maybe I should go first?"

If there's no objections, and no reaction to Lesh calling out, she carefully climbs from the skiff to ship. Holding tightly to anything secure, Lily treads lightly and carefully, testing the integrity of the deck, while keeping eyes and ears open for any signs of movement.

[RossN]

Talara

Talara raised an eyebrow at Lily's claim of being the lightest but bit her tongue on any sharp comment, instead waiting for the other woman to reach the deck before starting after her. 'At least if the crew are Tortles she is probably more resilient than she looks.'

[Zarrgon]

Lesh's call echos over the deck and fades away normally.

When the small steel ball bearing hits the deck....things on the deck start to move. Two empty water barrels and one full water barrel all roll together. Followed quickly by several baying pins, lengths of rope, several torn bits of white sail, six small wooden buckets, eleven tin spoons, five wooden hammers, four iron saws, and two cutlasses. The 'pile' forms and moves right towards the side of the ship where the skiff is.....

[Xihirli]

Lesh gulped and cast Mage Armor, covering her body in a thin layer of hard, purple flames. "I'm ready," she said.

[Maggius]

Kain

What is the nine hells is going on? Kain quickly pulled out his metal magic wand from holster in one hand and shield in other - he started to cast False Life on himself. "Spread out - take cover." - everything can happen in space and caution should be on first place. Then he started to look on that suddenly apeared creature, trying to remenber if he had seen anything like that in his previous journeys in space.

I'm trying to understand what it creature is. I have Arcana, History and Nature skills - is anything suitable?

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

Lily immediately halts her attempt to disembark from the skiff the moment the objects on deck start moving.

"What the?! Back away! Back away!" She takes a step back and unlimbers her bow; nocking an arrow to the string and aiming at the... thing. "Someone please tell me this is normal, or I start shooting!"

[Zarrgon]

5E nicely did away with the metagame know everything knowledge rolls.

Still, an Arcana check might help you under stand the magic of a creature you see

And History, could give you some historical knowledge of a creature.

Nature would naturally tell you something about living natural creatures.....but this is obviously not a natural anything.


The pile moves forward.


Roll Dex checks for this combat.

Junkpile: [roll0]

[Maggius]

Kain
[roll0]
If I can do both checks:
Arcana: [roll1]
History: [roll2]

If I can't i choose History.
If I managed to cast False Life then:
Temporary hit points: [roll3]
-----
Necromancy
Level: 1
Casting time: 1 Action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a small amount of alcohol or distilled spirits)
Duration: 1 hour
Bolstering yourself with a necromantic facsimile of life, you gain 1d4 + 4 temporary hit points for the duration.
At higher level
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you gain 5 additional temporary hit points for each slot level above 1st.
-----

[Xihirli]

Lesh gulped, her hand running through her component pouch.

[roll0]

[Dexam]

Lily takes aim at the approaching creature.

[roll0]

[RossN]

Talara

Talara's first instinctive thought when she saw the rumble and collection of junk was whether anything worth something was in there. That might have accounted for her slow reaction time as it took a second for her to realise the danger she was in.

OOC:
Initiate roll in the OC thread.

[Maggius]

Kain

After few moments he remembered tales of the undead living on the lost ships. Undead, similar to construct. Any negotiations is useless. Without further doubts he aimed his magical wand and cast Fire Bolt.

Attack: [roll0], Damage: [roll1]

Fire Bolt
Evocation
Level: Cantrip
Casting time: 1 Action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
You hurl a mote of fire at a creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 fire damage. A flammable object hit by this spell ignites if it isn’t being worn or carried.
At higher level
This spell’s damage increases by 1d10 when you reach 5th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 17th level (4d10).

[Maggius]

Kain

All damage: 8 + [roll0]

[Zarrgon]

Kain's firebolt hits, burns some of the wooden part of the junk, and sets some of the junk on fire.

The junk whils around a bit and shoots a stream of nails, broken glass, and now burning splinters of wood at Kain.

Attack-[roll1d20+5]/roll]

Damage- [roll0]


Lily is up to attack next.

[Dexam]

Lily Ravenswood

"That's all the convincing I need!"

Lily fires her bow at the thing then crouches down, using the edge of the skiff as cover while she draws another arrow from her quiver.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Xihirli]

Lesh gulped, but hurled a mote of fire from her hands toward the junk warrior.

[roll0]; [roll1] FEAR MY CANTRIP

[RossN]

Talara

Shaking off her shock Talara narrowed her eyes and gestured at the junkpile, the words of magic the dragon had taught her spilling from her lips. She extended her right hand and as she ended her spell a crackle of blue-white energy streaked towards the junk pile.

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Zarrgon]

The arrow lands solidly in the side of one of the barrels that make up the creature.

The flash of blue white energy sparks off all the metal

And the firebolt further burns the already burnt and burning wooden items making up the creature.

Though it's now a mass of more broken, damaged and burnt and burning junk...it is still holding itself together....


Round 2

[Maggius]

Kain

Kain rised his shield, but huge mix of burnind wood and metal trash hit his armor. Fortunately casted spell reduced damage - unfortunately it magic energy expired. Looking around, he began to seek cover. Barrels on the deck was good enough - he decised to use them as a cover. Then he aimed again and fired another shot.

Attack: [roll0], Damage: [roll1]

Fire Bolt
Evocation
Level: Cantrip
Casting time: 1 Action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
You hurl a mote of fire at a creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 fire damage. A flammable object hit by this spell ignites if it isn’t being worn or carried.
At higher level
This spell’s damage increases by 1d10 when you reach 5th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 17th level (4d10).