House Boromar

Devlin's Orders

2007-12-17T10:36:00.000+08:00

The companions, led by the young halfling lady, began surveying the crashed ship. Devlin followed Mica through the wreckage, listening to her explain about the plague and the ship.

They were close to the ship's port when Rourke casually walked towards the Lyrandar Half Elf. "I suppose we better send word of the lady's safety to her father as soon as possible, Captain." the warmage whispered behind Devlin's ear.

Mica turned to the half elf and smiled. "So what do you think of this?"

"This is all very interesting My Lady," Devlin replied. "But I need to have you back in Sharn as soon as possible."

The halfling raised her eyebrows, as if she wasn't used to having someone give orders to her. Mica brushed a loose hair and gave the Lyrandar Captain a stern but calm face. "I still have work here."

"We must leave now," Devlin reiterated. "Your father is worried and wants you to come back."

Warmage Suspicions

2007-12-12T22:47:00.000+08:00

Rourke realizes that the language Tsukhasti uses is in halfling: “Lady Mika, young master, I have brought the representatives of your mighty parent, who is concerned about your well-being, as we all are.”

"..concerned about her well-being...as we all are...?" Rourke thought.

The warmage would have considered that a sign of loyalty were it not for the marks around Tsukhasti's face - he was clearly succumbing to the plague. Perhaps the bodyguard was concerend more about his own well-being and of leaving the village sooner than his mistress was. Perhaps. The warmage filed a mental note.

Mika's calm nature despite the circumstances only made the warmage suspicious of the halfling. And by her family's reputation, Rourke could only guess that Mika must be reluctant to leave for some other hidden reason.

For a moment he considered inquiring about the negotiations with the miners - Mika's original purpose or so they were told -but he thought better of it. The question might tip Mika to his suspicions.

He instead let his pace gradually slow behind Rothaide and Devlin as Mika toured them around the fallen ship.

A spot of color on the ground caught Rourke's eye.

"I suppose we better send word of the lady's safety to her father as soon as possible, Captain." Rourke almost whispered behind Devlin's ear.

As Devlin turned toward Mika to discuss this, Rourke turned his head around to survey the ship. He began to walk toward the purple patch of ground -seemingly more interestd in surveying the wreckage all the while. When he thought he wasn't being noticed, he carefully retrieved a vial from his spell pouch and took a sample of the purple substance, being careful not to even touch it.

Rourke had a hunch that the purple spice was somehow connected to the plague. But he knew he'd need the aid of his spells and time to figure it out.

The Crashed Ship

2007-11-30T11:20:00.001+08:00

After a few hours’ ride, the party finally arrives at their destination. They top a low ridge and see a wide plain spread out beneath them. Through this plain, a great trench has been carved by a crashed airship, and chunks of wooden debris litter the ground. The bulk of the airship rests intact at the end of this trench, and a number of humanoid figures are searching the remains.

The fatigued Chuck lets out a loud animal call to attract the attention of the humanoids and starts down the edge. Various figures around the crashed airship wave back. The Boromar Bodyguard leads the party to a tarp spread out at the base of a mound and is met by a young female halfling.

Chuck prostates himself before the halfling and say something in a non common language.

The halfling nods and replies in common. “Rise, Tsukahsti. You have performed well. Let me meet these brave individuals who have come far looking for a single lost halfling.”

The young halfling approaches the group and introduces herself as Mika Boromar.

“Both me and my father are appreciative of your efforts Lyrandar Captain.” Mika then points out the bulk of the crashed ship and says, “This Lhazzarite freighter seems to be the source of the plague threatening Greentarn. The airship must have spread the foul disease to the winds when it crashed here. I have spent the past few weeks examining it, and I can safely say that it is ground zero for the current epidemic ravaging his place.”

Mika then gives the party a grand tour of the crash site, walking beside them as they survey the wreckage.

“My theory is that the crew lost control of the downed ship but still managed to come in a very shallow approach angle.” Mika then turns to Devlin. “Had the pilot been more competent, it might have landed safely”

“We found a few bodies and buried them. In the days since we have been trying to gather more information about the plague. I have sent a messenger with a report of the downed ship to the Lyrandar Fleet but we haven’t heard back.”

As the party surveys the damaged craft, they notice six miners from the Temple Valley taking it apart. Mike notices this and provides and explanation.

“I’m waving salvage rights so the miners can keep parts of the ship so that some good can come out of it. I’m assuming it’s a smuggler’s vessel, has no registry or any other way to trace its point of origin.”

Onwards

2007-11-21T15:15:00.001+08:00

"So Lady Mika is safe in the Temple Valley?" Devlin repeated as he checked his steed, making sure the horse was okay.

Chuck unrolled the sleeves of his cloak, hiding the plague marks. "Yes," he replied. "We better get moving if we are to reach her in time."

The Lyrandar captain then looked around, checking to see if everyone in his team is ready and accounted for.

"We are all ready," Rothaide answered as she motioned over to Rourke. The warmage mounted his horse and waved at them.

"Okay," Devlin replied. "Let's go to the Temple Valley."

Hasty Introductions

2007-11-07T13:36:00.000+08:00

"Nice to meet you," Devlin replied as he shook Tsukahsti's hand. "Let me introduce you to my crew."

The Lyrandar captain waved his hand over the elf priestess's direction. "This is Rothaide, priestetss of the Hearth Mother."

Chuck gave the elf a respectful nod.

"I'd like to introduce you to Rourke," Devlin said. "But he's not around as of the moment. Probably doing some reconnaissance work."

Chuck nodded as he examined the unconscious thugs.

“You have to forgive Urfo.” Chuck informs the group in between coughs. “He and his and of thugs have been addicted to this new spice the natives are calling Tempest. It’s the effect of the craving which causes then to attack anyone who comes into Temple Valley.”

"So what can you tell me about Mika Boromar?" Devlin asks.

“The Lady Mika’s not here.” Reveals the Boromar bodyguard. “She’s sheltered at a ravine up north of Temple Valley. It’s less than a day’s walk from here near a crashed airship.”

“I’ve been sent here at Temple Valley to wait for you. I’ve been waiting for days now. I was expecting you to be here sooner. I didn’t expect the plague would be the one to greet me first.” Chuck rolled up the sleeve of his cloak to show the plague marks on them.

“We’ve always known the Lord Popora shall be sending someone. I just didn’t expect it would be you Mister Devlin. Don’t look so surprised. Your reputation precedes you rebel of the Lyrandar house.”

On a Rescue Mission

2007-10-31T14:53:00.000+08:00

The cloaked figure revealed his face, and Devlin saw a bald headed human. He would have been considered handsome if not for the plague crustings on his eyes and mouth. He looks up at the Lyrandar captain floating above him. "Well done, Lyrandar. I hope you're the help we've been waiting for."

Devlin watched the man suspiciously, wondering if it was a trick to lower his defenses. "Are these your men?" He asked pointing to the unconscious figures lying on the ground.

"As mush I seem to look like them, I’m afraid I am not. You must forgive these thugs," the man replied. "An addicted man would often lose his sense of morality, just to satisfy his needs."

The Lyrandar captain nodded, muttered a short incantation, and started to descend. He turned to his comrades and saw Rothaide tyring to calm their horses.

"We'll do what we can to help you," Devlin said to the sick man. He turned to Rothaide and said something in elvish. The priestess nodded and began to unpack her medical kit. "Rothaide will do her best to alleviate your sickness. But we are on an urgent mission."

"I know. You are looking for a young halfling woman, named Mika Boromar. I have been waiting for you and would lead you to her."

“I am known as Tsukahsti.” The man introduced himself. “You may call me Chuck.”

Friends and Foes alike

2007-10-29T06:21:00.000+08:00

Shortly after it was apparent that the excitement was over, and seeing the less hostile approach of the mysterious bald human. The mist dissipated into nothingness. She glared momentarily at him but felt nothing but good intentions.

Rothaide collected herself and moved behind the captain.

She made a quick survey of the grounds. She sees the bodies of the fallen. The summoned worm creature was still as if awaiting orders from its master which was nowhere to be seen. Unsure if they are dead, but sure of her own remorse, she wanted to go and attend to each one. For elves who are long lived, life holds a high regard even for their enemies. And killing a last resort.

"Captain. If I may .. " She whispered solemnly, barely audible, in elven. The ancient language which normally flowed and uplifted the spirits like music, sounded odd grim coming from Rothaide. Devlin immediately understood and nodded slightly with perhaps equal resolve. He is after all half elf. Through her strict adherance to her creed, the elven priestess, though the newest crew member of Devlin's crew, was predictable that way. " .. attend to their last rites".

Hoping that some may still yet be alive, she moved towards the nearest fallen. She passes by the bald human who eyed her with interest. Rothaide nods, but didn't speak a word, in acknowledgment.

Reaching the fallen, she finds out that though most were seriously injured and/or unconscious, none of them were dead. To these, she performed rudimentary first aid. The little she knew of it anyway.

But instead of the faces of the attackers, she saw the faces of the fallen crew members of the Eglantine. Their dead eyes were open and blank, staring coldly into space. Their bodies and limbs contorted as if in eternal pain. Rothaide spoke to them anyway. Begging them silently to leave her be.

I am innocent. She declared to them. She told herself. But even she herself did not sound convinced.

She cried openly while she performed her ministrations. Her eyes glimmered. Filled with tears of remorse and grief, it ran down her cheeks. The others eyed her in utter disbelief. She is crazed, they all thought. She stops short immediately after, realizing Rourke was missing.

Lyrandar Fury

2007-10-23T10:28:00.000+08:00

Hovering above the mist, Devlin could see faint shadows moving around. The thugs were struggling to find their way through Rothaide's spell. One of them was shouting orders, trying to organize his men and fight their way out of the mist. He also heard the horses crying out in terror.

"I should have asked Angela for more back up," the Lyrandar captain mumbled. These thugs were delaying their rescue mission. "There's only one way to end this."

Devlin opened his belt pouch and brought out some tallow, brimstone, and powdered iron. He quickly mixed the three elements in his palm, rubbing them fiercely while chanting some obscure arcane mantra.

The half-elf's hands began to crackle with blue electric light. The energy from the elements, augmented by Devlin's enchantment, continued to grow and form into a swirling ball of blue energy.

Devlin released his hand, shouted a trigger word, and raised his hands. A huge sphere of electricity was formed, crackling with power and fury. The Lyrandar Captain muttered another word and the sphere begins to descend into the mist and starts to burn away the concealing mists.

From the cleared area, Devlin finds the unconscious forms of both Urfo and one of his thug companions. The cloaked figure and the remaining thug are likewise there, momentarily frozen in surprise by the sudden appearance of the electric sphere. The Lyrandar captain then wills the ball towards the remaining thug who doesn't manage to avoid it. The sphere hits the remaining thug solidly on its chest which causes him to fall to the ground unconscious together with his other companions.

Seeing the thug fall, the remaining figure visibly relaxes yet still maintains his defensive stance. He removes his cloak from his head revealing a bald headed human with plague crustings on his eyes and mouth and looks up at the half-elf floating above him.

"Well done, Lyrandar." The man calls out; his voice coarse and weak. "I hope you're the help we've been waiting for."

Calls out

2007-10-23T09:52:00.000+08:00

rothaide was able to make it safely outside the mist. she clutched at her frock and her other stuff she brought with her - her spells components. boldrei's symbol dangled on a chain between her delicate fingers. the misty perimeter is not so wide, and yet she found her self catching for her breath. she was obviously not used to all the excitement. she is used to officiating ceremonies like weddings, baptisms, and the occassional last rites. but nothing like this. she should have guessed at the onset, being raided by gnolls, that it would just be the beginning.

she was not prepared for the plague. and she sure is not prepared for this. she stood and worried for her friends. unsure of what she can do as everything went silent inside. she also worried for the attackers. life is precious and death is final (as it exists in nature). she continues to be appalled that people take it so lightly. or so it seems. left with nothing, she tried to call out their names.

"mister rourke?"

"captain? are you there?!"

there is bound to be someone hurt. she tries to remember her training to give her any clues at to what the spidery marking were but her minimal knowledge in healing doesn't provide her with any clues.

* * *

rothaide's hand was raised to cover her light brown elven eyes, she was forced to squint. the afternoon sun was darting occassionally thru the mist at its edges. the center however was entirely obscured. rothaide waited in anticipation for anyone or anything that might make its way out of the mist. friend or foe. she backs up another step.

then as she was about to go in and help her crewmates, she felt something odd about her surroundings. a change beginning at the hairs at the back of her neck to the hairs (the tiny little stubs that she had being an elf) on her arms. they were standing on end. she could have imagine it. but she could have heard some form of chanting prior. and then just as suddenly, a luminous ball of lightning erupted from above her.

"great mother!" she gasped. intinctively she grabs hold of her symbol and pressed it against her chest.

and then looking beyond the ball, she felt instant relief as she sees the familiar visage of captain delvin floating ..

Mists and Cloaked Figures

2007-10-20T11:53:00.000+08:00

The mist concealed almost everything. The afternoon sunlight gaved it a shimmering effect which on better days would have been suffice for mundane amusement. It swirled about as it catches movement. It did not hide however the sounds the crew and the inflicted made as they find their bearings inside.

Caught by surprise at the appearance of the worm creature, Rothaide was completely appalled at what was happening. This is insanity. She cried out to herself. We did not come here to execute the sick. Her faith and creed resolute. But it worried her more at how the muscular man who attacked her appeared. What were those vile spider web marks on the man's veins. It was something she had not witnessed from the crew of the Eglantine.

She turns about instinctively straining to see past the cover of the mist even though fully aware that the divine magic obscured all sight. She picks up her frock and prepares to make a run for safety.

Rothaide made her way thru the obscuring mists. It was easy for her to do determine which way to move to so since she was the one who cast the spell. But knowing where to move and eventually get there were two different things. She carefully made her way thru the fog and managed to avoid the horses behind her.

A feral scream makes her look back thru the mist though as one of the thugs runs out of the mists and towards her with his club raised high in attack. Suddenly, an arm snakes out of the mists and pulls the man back into it. A second later, another scream erupts from one of the thugs, but this one was one of pain, thru the breaks in the mists the man can be seen clutching his head.

Still, another few seconds later a cloaked figure could be seen running up the ashworm’s body and towards the grappled thug. The new arrival manages to avoid the construct’s tail attack and get close to the rampaging thug.

“Enough of this foolishness, Urfo.”

Something suddenly flashes from the new arrival’s right hand and thrusts it into the raging thug’s head. A piercing scream erupts from the grappled man before he slumps unconscious on the ashworm’s grip.

The cloaked figure then jumped back to the ground and once more gets shrouded by the concealing mists.

* * *

In his sandform, Rourke managed to track the movement of everyone in the area. He sensed the half-elf suddenly leave the ground and move up into the air. He felt the footsteps of Rothaide as she ran away from their attackers. He knew where each of their attackers were and sensed as one of the thugs following after the elven cleric. Before he could do anything, he sensed the sudden presence of another person. Sudden, as if he wasn’t there one moment, and there the next. The trail of the pursuing thug passed by the newcomer and a second later Rourke could feel the body of the thug down on the ground. The warmage follow the movement of the newcomer as he rushed to and fro the battlefield and sensed the body of the thugs fall wherever he reached them.

* * *

From where Devlin was levitating he could see the whole battlefield though somewhat obscured by the mists, the occasional draft of the wind allowed him a good vantage point of the area. He saw Rothaide exit the mists on the southeast side of the mists. He was about to call on the elven cleric when he caught something on the other end of the mists. A cloaked figure jumped on the ashworm. From the higher point of view, Devlin could see the features of the new arrival – he appeared human, likewise showing signs of those afflicted by the plague but lacking the black veins, which were. That was all the half-elf captain managed to see before the obscuring mists once again swallowed the man.

On Higher Ground

2007-10-20T11:33:00.000+08:00

"Damn bandits," Devlin muttered as he struggled to get up. Somehow he had a feeling that this was an ambush, but he totally ignored his instincts. Now he and his crew were pushed out of their mounts and surrounded. Despite the thug's threats, the Lyrandar Captain maintained a calm facade, he had been through worse combat situations and fought more disgusting enemies during the Last War.

He was surveying his opponents when Rothaide spoke out. "Please. Mother Boldrei's love know no bound," the elf priestess pleaded as she held up the holy symbol the goddess. "We come for you, my child..."

Suddenly, strands of mists appeared out of nowhere, covering the priestess. The wispy strands of smoke stretched out thicker and longer, obscuring the whole area.

The bandits howled and cursed as the smoke enveloped them. Devlin stared at the one who greeted them, smiled as he stepped into the white mist.

"Rothaide must be trying to protect us," the half-elf muttered. "The bandits might not see us, but we're no good inside here as well."

Devlin wasn't sure if the priestess would be able to handle herself in combat. But he confident that Rourke would manage.

"Let's take a better view of this situation," Devlin thought to himself. He took out a piece of golden wire and began to mutter a familiar incantation. As he intoned the arcane syllables, he gently bent the wire into a cup shape with a long shank at one end.

Slowly, the Lyrandar captain began float upwards. He could hear the bandits shouting at each other, trying desperately to coordinate their attack from inside the mist. No one seemed to notice that he was gone.

As soon as Devlin completed his spell, he found himself standing in mid-air several feet above the mist. Looking down, he can see the elf priestess's cloud covering most of the land.

Warmage's Annoyance

2007-10-18T19:33:00.000+08:00

Rourke was annoyed at having been taken by surprise again by the new attackers.

He was likewise irked by Devlin's attempt to parley with people who were clearly being controlled by some other force.

"What is that half-elf playing at..." for a moment he thought that the staff Devlin held might have some eldritch power to sway their attackers - but whatever power it had - had failed.

He tried to quickly survey the situation when he heard Rothaide attempt to beseech the thugs with calls to reason.

"Eh? Rothaide as well?"

"Of all the addle - brained..."

Before he could finish his thought, he heard the cleric mutter a prayer as he was engulfed in a thick mist.

"Ah. Now this might be useful." Rourke thought as his form dissolved into sand and flowed away from the melee unnoticed by his attackers due to the concealing mist.

Rourke's sand form often fascinated him. It was like floating in a dark pool of warm water. Normally the dark wet void would cause the warmage to panic, but this form expanded his senses. Though now blind, he became completely aware of every creature around him in a wider radius - the better to survey the battlefield and strike.

********************
Meanwhile the giant Ashworm he conjured continued to attack, oblivious to the mists for it needed no eyes to see anyway. The large construct manages to grab the raging man and entangle him within its coils. The man however manages to struggle with inhuman strength preventing the summoned creature from squeezing him.

Roadside Rumble

2007-10-03T23:00:00.000+08:00

Devlin watched as the afflicted thug made an attack at one of his shipmates. Somehow the man sensed that Rothaide had the spice medicine to cure the plague. The veins on his sweating neck and hands were black, as if it were clogged with inky dark blood.

As the man drew his baton, Rourke instinctively traced a magical sigil, attempting to protect the elf matron from the thug's onslaught. A small dust storm began to form and swirl around the afflicted man, forming into a large desert python.

The Lyrandar captain watched as Rourke wove another sigil, closing the summoning spell and ordering the sand serpent to protect Rothaide. Despite the man's illness, he was able to evade the python's attack.

"Enough!" Devlin drew out the Staff of Gorlband and pointed its barbed tip at the man. The magical elven staff began to glow in an eerie sapphire light. "Cease this attack or face an even quicker death."

"Don’t be funny." The man snarled as he swayed his baton, keeping the desert python at bay. "I don't care if you kill me."

"The Lyrandar fleet has the spice," Devlin replied. "You can still make it to the outpost and get the cure from them."

The thug laughs upon hearing the Lyrandar Captain's offer. “I don’t need your medicinal spice half-elf! I know it’s on you. If you’re not going to give it, then I guess we just have to take it.”

The thug lets out a cry and the veins around his face start to pulse making them appear thicker and darker. More of the veins appear on the exposed skin of his arms and neck. He takes on a crazed look and attacks the dustform serpent with wild swings. As if powered by unnatural strength, his blows taking chunks out of the summoned construct.

At the same time, three figures jump from the rooftops of the buildings around them and bull rushes the riders off of their horses.

==========================

Rothaide's mind was racing. She stares in shock at what seemed the living dead. Like zombies craving for living flesh, they surrounded hastily the crew of ravenstorm. It brought back the horrors she witnessed at the Englantine. She understood their desperation. She tries to pacify them. Holding up both her hands, the symbol of the mother goddess dangling openly. It twinkled brightly as it catches the afternoon sun.

"Please ... my children!" She begged for calm. Her voice filled with complete understanding towards these poor folks who have had to deal with the plague first hand. Who have had to deal with death and the suffering. "I implore all of you .."

"Calm yourselves. The mother goddess and salvation is upon us. We have brought the cure. We have come for all of you." Her voice steady and clear. She glares affectionately at each one. Hoping that reason would get thru them.

You brought this upon us didnt you. DIDNT YOuu!! the captain of the Eglantine amidst the others of its crew surrounded Rothaide. Their cold voices reverberated in her mind.

"It is being redistributed as we speak .. " she holds out a hand to the nearest living dead. A sincere invitation for a peaceful resolution. "Please. Mother Boldrei's love know no bound. We come for you, my child .. ".

One of them responds but it was attacking. Realizing her naiveté. She falls back [ooc: Tumble?]. She didn't want to partake in adding more injury to these plague victims. It was the plague. It has taken over their minds and spirit where the Mother Goddess is not able to reach them. They do not know what their doing.

She studies her position. And memorized her path out of the melee. To prevent unnecessarily causing harm to/from the crew and the inflicted both, Rothaide fell back far enough to safely pray to the Mother. It was a simple prayer that renders the people in a small vicinity practically blind. Jets of mists appeared out of nowhere centered on the priestess. obscuring the whole area. [ooc: Cast obscuring mists)

Dustform Ashworm

2007-10-02T16:38:00.000+08:00

Rourke utters curse that quickly turns into the start of a spell as he recovers from the initial surprise of the attack.

As he intones the mystic words, Rourke's fingers slip from their reigns and move in a blur, tracing a glowing sigil that quickly fades in the air.

Dust and sand swirl in a cloud around Rothaide's attacker and quickly coalesce into a large serpentine mass covered in spiny armor plates.

The thug jumps aside and defensively swings his baton around allowing him to avoid being caught by the dustform ashworm that starts to form around him.

Life in Temple Valley

2007-09-30T14:17:00.000+08:00

True to Rothaide’s vision, Temple Valley was a collection of sprawling huts and tents. The dirt track roads and tarps were as accurate as the elven void disciple has described them to be. It was a little past noon when the party, clothed in travel gear and appearing to be travel worn - reached what seemed to be the merchant district of the valley.

The survivors of Temple Valley – those who chose to remain – are exhausted and in the grips of the plague. Most of them appear to be dragonshard miners too stubborn to leave. They are sprawled in the shade of doorways, watching the party with lean, hungry looks and white-encrusted eyes. Rothaide whimpers as seeing this reminds her of her crewmembers back in her old ship. Were they healthy, they might have been dangerous. Now, they don’t look like they have the energy to make trouble.

The group slowly makes its way along the road, keeping to and talking quietly among themselves as to which structure they should head to. It was then that a muscular man leaps from the shadow of a decrepit hut, his veins resembling horrible, black spider webs. His face is twisted in rage as he pulls on Rothaide’s leg.

“You!” he bellows, spittle flying from his snarling lips. “You have some! I can smell it on you! Give me the spice! Give it to me now!”

Not waiting for a reply, the huge man pulls a short baton out of his belt and lunges forward.

Gian: To Temple Valley

2007-09-30T14:16:00.000+08:00

The Ravenstorm eventually made its way away from the Resolute’s hangar. It was impressive to see the ship’s bulk overshadowed by that of the much bigger ship. As we pulled away, an escort of three smaller Lyrandar fighters followed at our aft. Each of the fighters were small enough to carry a two man crew but powerful enough to take down a ship as big as the Ravenstorm. They kept to a close position until all the ships were visible to anyone on the island. The lead fighter then fired a warning shot across the Ravenstorm’s prow – far enough to not do any damage but close enough to serve as a warning shot. The fighters then pulled away and made their way back towards their home ship. Captain Devlin explained that it was a way of the fleet saying they are giving permission for the ship to proceed but in the dragonmarked records, the ship was engaged and was able to evade pursuit.

Each of the crewmembers was at the bridge. Captain Devlin was at the wheel, commanding the elemental to take the ship towards the island below. He continuously consulted Coreen and Rothaide for directions. While Rourke and I were unloading the cargo, the girls were able to discern the direction we were to take. After hours of studying maps, we had a general direction to take and bring us to the place Mika Boromar was likely at. She spoke of the halfling being in a valley where a patchwork collection of run down houses served as shelter for miners and roads that were no more than dirt tracks encircling the buildings and a few colorful tarps to mark the different districts.

We flew overland, crossing cities, forests and plains. Though flying a great distance from the ground, the effects of the plague can clearly be seen from the ship. Barricades were placed around cities, no signs of moving transportation between them, cleansing fired burning diseased bodies inside and outside the city walls.

A few hours later we reached the outskirts of the Temple Valley. We circled around the area and failed to find any signs of the halfling’s crashed ship. It was then decided to check the valley itself.

The captain landed the Ravenstorm behind the tree line surrounding the valley. It seems sound that we didn’t take the ship into the valley as it might cause some unnecessary unrest with the populace. He then asked for the horses to be readied. By the time I got the four riding horses and a packhorse ready, the Captain, together with Rourke and Rothaide were ready to ride into the valley. Coreen and I have been instructed to stay and guard the ship.

Devlin: Farewell For Now

2007-08-28T11:01:00.000+08:00

Dawn was breaking when Devlin entered Angela's office. He saw the Lieutenant Commander seated on her table going thru various reports that were littering her desk. There was a plate of half eaten bread and fruits on top of her table.

"You haven't left for the island yet?" She asked as she continued to shift thru the various reports.

"I received a message from the Boromar Lord a few hours ago," Devlin replied as he picked a grape from Angela's plate. "Something that might interest you."

Angela lowered her stack of paper. "What does Popora want?"

"I told him about your willingness to help look for her daughter," Devlin answered as he ate the grape. "He is offering a small gift, as token of gratitude."

"What gift?"

"Several barrels of medicinal spices to help cure the sick," Devlin replied.

The Lieutenant Commander's eyes flared and Devlin quickly found her standing in front of him. "You mean to tell me you had medicine stored in your ship all this time?" She shouted at him.

Devlin pretended to stammer. "It is Popora's property, not mine. He wanted to use it as a bargaining chip with the Lyrandar fleet."

Angela backed off. "So the Boromar is offering medicine, in exchange for her daughter?"

"You know how crafty the old halfling is. Popora is willing to offer more, if the Lyrandar fleet is going to actively look for Mica," Devlin stated. "I'll have Gian unload the barrels to the Resolute's dock."

Angela took a couple of deep breaths. "So the halfling will give us more medicine if we help her look for Mica?"

"That's what he told me," Devlin replied. "I'll be leaving for the island in an hour. If you want more medicine, make sure you send some men to help us scout the other places."

Gian: Hitting the Books

2007-08-27T20:02:00.000+08:00

The Ravenstorm is not that big a ship so each available space it it must be essential to the function of the vessel and its crew. That's why there's the map room. Well, actually it's more of a library or reading room of sorts. Located near the observation deck, the room is filled with various maps of Eberron as of the other continents as well other books the crew members have gathered and added to the collection.

I begged off wheel duty for the day expecting there will be some trouble up ahead. So here I am, surrounded by various maps and books trying to search for something that could help us in our task. Ever since Routhaide took a trip thru the void, she’s been working with the Captain and me to figure out the exact location of the Boromar heir. The problem with searching thru the void is that distance and point of reference may not be the same as that of the real world. Still, the various visions that the elf disciple had have been helpful. We were able to narrow the location to that of a mining community, but as to which mining community it is we still dunno. It seems there are around a dozen mining communities in Greentarn.

That’s where my navigation duty comes in. Or at least, map duty. I’ve been trying to collect information of the communities to narrow our search pattern down. But even with all the books and maps we have in the ship’s library we can’t come up with any lead. Even with Coreen’s exceptional ability to mentally process numerical data, we’re still coming out with nothing. If we’re to find any answers I think they’re out there somewhere and not here in the ship or with the fleet but down on the island.

That’s giving some sense of dread though. During the Last War, I’ve seen cities being quarantined because of the diseases. The Karnns and their necromancers have a taste of using that as a tactic. It wasn’t pretty. Hundred of people trapped within walls and all of them trying to find an escape. A flying ship landing in the middle of a quarantined island is a a prime target for there. Hopefully, the Captain has some idea on how we’re to proceed.

Sometimes I don’t get Captain Devlin. I mean we have a cargo hold full of medicinal spice to serve as bargaining chip with the fleet and yet he tries to use diplomacy as a tool. I guess I can’t really blame him if he gets the desired result with just words as investment and still keep the spice for trade or sale later; ever the businessman.

Permission

2007-08-12T11:16:00.000+08:00

Angela shook her head, try hard to control her fuming temper. "I thought we agreed about this," she muttered. "You still want to go down there?"

Devlin kept quiet and waited as the lieutenant commander shimmered down. This has aways been their game, to quarrel and argue. She would get mad and he would shut up. Without any one to spar with her, Angela would be forced to relax and calm down.

"I got new information about Mica," Devlin finally answered. Angela took a deep breath, removed her gloves and dropped it on top of her office table. "She's in the island, but not in the city."

Angela leaned towards her desk and gave the Ravenstorm captain a fierce look. "Can you tell me where you got that information?"

"My quartermaster, Rothaide," Devlin replied. "She's a priestess of the hearth mother."

"You don't expect me to believe that Boldrei gives a damn about the princess of a criminal overlord?"

Devlin merely shrugged. "Hey, the Sovereigns work in mysterious ways."

Angela began to tap her fingers on the table. "I heard about this Rothaide," she stated. "Isn't she the one who killed off the entire crew of the Eglantine?"

"No," Devlin protested. "She's the ship's sole survivor."

Angela shook her head. "Devlin," she muttered with a hint of pity. "Why are you doing this to yourself?"

"What?"

"Associating with criminals and killers," Angela replied. "You could have stayed with the House and got a decent commission."

Devlin coolly answered. "I have my own ship and crew that is loyal to me."

Angela took another deep breath and sat in front of her table. "Very well," she answered. "I'll write up an official document, allowing you to go down to the island. You have one day to look for her. After that I’m sending a ship after you."

=============================

the reproach brought back the faces of the dead, those who died at the englantine. from the deep recesses of her mind, they revealed themselves once more to rothaide.

"how come you survived, and we all died?" her captain, a long time friend, bellowed.

"you brought this curse upon us didnt you!! DIDNT YOUuu!!!" the other crew members point at her. their voices echoed as like in deep cave. cold and grim.

the ghosts of her past were mocking her. there was cursing. a lot of it. when she got off the ship unscathed, people immediately blamed her. it has happened so fast. she couldn't explain her survival. nor what happened.

it took everything in her power not to retaliate at the insult. those were her friends back there who died. her eyes pleaded, but caught hold of herself another second. she eyed angela intensely without speaking another word. she was not about to dignify an obvious provocation.

News from Ground Zero

2007-08-06T09:37:00.000+08:00

“For the last time,” the woman in the projected illusion explains. She looks tired. The exhaustion is visible in her eyes even thro there is some white crust forming on the corner of it. The same white crust is evident on the corners of her mouth.

“There are no halflings in Regalport. I do not know where any halflings would be. I have enough problems with riots and dead in the street so if you have nothing for us, then just let us get back to our work.”

With that image suddenly vanishes leaving both Devlin and Angela in the silence of the communications room. It was the fourth outpost they have tried to call - the only one which responded.

It was Angela who spoke first. “I guess that confirms it. The Boromar is not in the city. You better just go Devlin. There’s no reason for me to allow you to go down there.”

=======

its been hours since they have arrived at the resolute. while the captain is negotiating with the lieutenant commander about allowing their crew access to the regalport, the anticipation of a decision alone is trying on rothaide's patience.

she places herself into the void yet again. she wears her cowl over her head as to hide her face and her eyes which turn luminous during a trance such as this. void sense. her disembodied being swims thru the ocean of faces for any sign of mica.

"hope has fled this place. there is nothing left but fear and grief. the halfling princess ::pause:: she is definitely on the island. she is outside of the city"

rothaide brings back the cowl and reveals her familiar elven features.

"you saw her?" the others asked,

looking back with contempt at having been spoken to in common. "not exactly. the void does not work that way." she responds in elven.

Oil and Water

2007-08-05T17:02:00.000+08:00

Devlin shifted his weight and stared intently at Angela. The woman accused her of being brash, but she hasn't changed much as well. Angela was still the same stubborn, stiff woman he made years ago. He knew this conversation would be the start of another long argument. Like the other debates they had when they were living together. No wonder things ended badly between them. They were like oil and water, a bad combination to begin with.

"I don't expect you to hand over Regalport," Devlin feigned a smile, trying to defuse the tension between them. "I just want to get into the island and look for the halfling."

Angela looked at him, trying to analyze the situation and second guess the Ravenstorm Captain.

"If you want, I can leave the Ravenstorm under your command," Devlin replied. "While my team go down and look for Mika."

The Lieutenant commander snorted. "Your floating junk?" she laughed jokingly. "I've got several faster and well-armed ships in my command."

Devlin smiled back. At least she's calming down, he thought. "The Ravenstorm might be outdated, but she's still a sturdy vessel. She can help ferry troops and supplies. Plus I'll be leaving Gian and Coreen in charge of the skyship."

Angela shook her and sighed. "So what are you planning to do once you're down there?"

"First thing's first," Devlin answered. "I need to contact a group of Dragonshard miners. They might have some idea as to where our halfling princess is hiding."

Captain Negotiations

2007-07-25T21:27:00.000+08:00

"I'm sorry to hear about your problems," Devlin replied to the Lieutenant Commander. He wanted to offer her some words of comfort, but then hesitated. "Let me help you."

Angela skeptically looked at the Ravenstorm captain, as if he was about to say something else. "I doubt there is much that you can do there."

Devlin took a couple of steps towards the woman. "What do you mean?" he asked. "I know we had our disagreements in the past. But we cannot let it cloud our judgement here in the present."

Angela gave him a stern look. "So what are you planning to do?" She quipped. "Send you down there and cause a couple more riots?"

"Just let me and my crew contact some people in the island," Devlin calmly suggested. "We'll use your communications equipment to contact the people down at Regalport."

The lieutenant commander gave out a short laugh. “You haven’t changed Devlin. You’re still that brash Devlin I use to know. Always jumping into situations he shouldn’t go into without care of who’s going into get into trouble.”

Angela then turns back into her no nonsense business stance. “I just can’t hand Regalport over to you and your crew. What assurance can you give me and the fleet that your presence here and whatever you’ll do will be good in containing the epidemic?”

Other Things To Worry About

2007-07-20T23:01:00.000+08:00

Angela raised an eyebrow at the mention of the name.

“Boromar?! What have you gotten yourself into this time Devlin? It things like this…” Angela abruptly caught herself and inhaled deeply to calm herself.

She then once more coolly looks back at the ship captain before speaking. “We received a request from a Popora Boromar, demanding we return over this Mika immediately. We checked with the authorities in Regalport, but there has been no contact with Mika since the plague broke out. We have posted a request with the local government, but they have other things to do than worry about a halfling merchant. Most likely she’s found someplace to lie low until this blows over.”

She then turns to look out the observation glass. “Another possibility, I have to admit though, is that Mika has fallen victim to the plague and is beyond he help of her family.”

The half-elf then pulls out a sheet of paper from the table and shows it to Devlin. “Here are the current reports. The population of Greentarn has been decimated. One out of ten people on the island are dead from the disease.”

“The fleet is up to its neck trying to enforce this quarantine. Just between you and me, without any help, I fear, this plague might spill over to the other islands. If that happens…” she trails off and couldn’t suppress a shudder even the warm sunlight bathing the room cannot prevent.

Working Around The Rules

2007-07-20T22:15:00.000+08:00

So you want to play it this way, Devlin thought as the Lieutenant Commander outrightly rejected his offer for assistance. Angela must be under a lot of strain and pressure from controlling the outbreak.

"What's the condition down there?" Devlin asked, changing the topic.

Angela shook her hand and sighed. She gazed over her aides and Devlin's companions. "I need to speak with Captain Devlin alone," Angela announced. "Leave us."

Rourke turned to Devlin, he wanted to ask the captain if it was a good idea.

"It's okay," Devlin assured his companions. "I'll be alright."

As soon as the last Lyrandar solider stepped out and closed the room, Angela dropped the papers she was reading on her desk.

"Why are you here, Devlin?"

Devlin cleared his throat and looked at his distant cousin, "I came to help manage the outbreak, and look for a friend of mine who's trapped down there."

Angela then gave him the look "And who might this friend be?"

"Mika Boromar," he replied. Then Devlin asked. "Have you heard anything about her whereabouts

The Stern Lieutenant Commander

2007-07-18T21:52:00.000+08:00

"We appreciate the offer to help but Lyrandar regulations specify that the quarantine must be maintaned. That means any ship that attemps to land will be shot at." Angela states as a matter of fact.

“We will gladly accept any information or supplies that you have and the Lyrandar fleet is more than capable of using any of those to help the people in Greentarn.”

The half-elf lieutenant commander then turns to Rothaide. “The fleet has their own procedures in dealing with those who are still free from the disease, those infected by it and those to have fallen because of it.” Angela turns sober for a minute before regaining her composure. “You are free to make use of the Resolute’s communications equipment to reach the officials in charge on Regalport if you want.”

Devlin's Reaction

2007-07-09T22:21:00.000+08:00

Devlin examined Angela Lyrandar as she made her announcement and warning. It had been years since he last saw her, but she still looked the same. Angela possessed a natural air of authority and command that is the envy of other Lyrandar captains. Her uniform looked crisp and clean, the sword and dagger on her belt were polished and gleaming.

"We are here to offer our services to the Lyrandar fleet," Devlin cordially announced. He knew from past experience that Angela was a rigid officer who followed the rules to the letter. That was one of the reasons why the two of them didn't hit it off.

"My crew is quite capable of dealing with such an outbreak," Devlin continued.

... ~~~ ...
"Nothing is certain." Rothaide followed with a gloom that took the somberness of the room to a whole new level. She eyed sternly the captain silently telling him that it was foolish to give these people false hopes. She continued to speak in elvish, oblivious if the others understood. "It is imperative that we establish how is it is spread. Or else it will continue to spread unabated."

She became silent. Nobody knows. The answers to these questions, even to the gods, are shrouded in mystery. Clinging to the symbol of the Mother Goddess (Boldrei). "We must rely on our own wits".

The Conference

2007-07-08T19:01:00.000+08:00

The observation deck’s doors open, and a red-haired half elf female in a Lyrandar military uniform enters.

“I am Lieutenant Commander Angela Krin d’ Lyrandar,” she says in a sharp, official tone. “Thanks you for putting up with the inconvenience, but the island of Greentarn is infected with a virulent plague. No one is allowed on or off. The Lyrandar Dragonmarked House must facilitate any business you have with the city of Regalport. However, I should warn you, in the wake of the plague much of the normal authority of the city has been undermined, and, of course, nothing can be exported until the plague is dealt with.”

... ~~~ ...
the introductions were done in haste. rothaide bowed with profound respect.

"where may ask do they put the victims. especially the dead" she spoke in pure elvish directly towards the commander. her voice soft sounded like praying. she was after all an accomplished elven bastard, she should be able to manage.

Waiting Room

2007-07-01T16:34:00.000+08:00

Orell and the two guards escort the Devlin together with Rourke and Rothaide through a few passages and into the Resolute’s observation dome giving them a view of the Ravenstorm and the island below. From this vantage point it they could see that no one has come aboard their ship. Gian was on deck keeping watch. There was no sign of Coreen which would probably say that she was probably on board guarding the cargo.

The Lyrandar officer leaves the group alone in the room as he excuses himself to go and get the Lieutenant Commander. He then instructs the two guards to stay outside the door.

The Ravenstorm crew kills time by looking out the observation windows and checking the various tables in the room most of which shows the extent of the Regalport blockade, including schedules of the Lyrandar fleet patrols.

... ~~~ ...
the initial excitement of the sights from the waiting room soon waned. the crew now went to their respective cliques, with the exception of rothaide who chose to distance herself from everyone. she watched the outside. deep in her thoughts.

"we should inform them about the pirates .." she turns to the others.

it was a welcome break from the quiet murmurs. everyone looked at her expectantly to say more. it was not clear if she was telling or asking. she then goes back to her reclusive self turning her back and watched the ravenstorm beyond.

"perhaps there is no need" the damaged done to the ravenstorm is apparent. and they would be asking about those sooner or later, she thought.

The Resolute

2007-06-27T21:37:00.000+08:00

Two skyships bearing the Lyrandar insignia position themselves on either side of the Ravenstorm and guide the ship towards Greentarn. The island below swells in the observation port, and broad bands of white clouds and rusty mountains are visible on its surface.

The ship’s heading to one side of the island, towards what looks like to be a huge skyship is floating around a city which can only be Regalport. The monstrous ship bristles with weapons and heavy armor plates cover all the sides making no doubt that the ship is a vehicle created for war.

The Ravenstorm is escorted and allows to finally docking beside the Resolute. A landing plank is extended for the Ravenstorm’s crew and a gray-uniformed half-elf flanked by two Lyrandar troopers waits near the deck. Along one wall of the deck stands a line of warforged, waiting for any command.

As soon as the crew steps on board the Resolute the uniformed officer approaches them.

“Captain Devlin. My name is Lieutenant Orrell Lockerbee d’ Lyrandar.” The half-elf identifies his self “I’m one of the fleet’s liaison officers and I’ve been asked to escort you to a briefing with the Lieutenant Commander.”

... ~~~ ...
at the upperdeck, there was an air of anticipation. rothaide revived and refreshed was also in high spirits. the coastal breeze, as they made their approach to the Resolute, pulled her hair upwards as it brushed against her slender neck. she pulled on her furry robes to keep warm. she stood at starboard and quietly watched. she wore her best uniform. best means her passed down hundred years old frock which if not for mundane magic would have disintegrated thru sheer age.

when they landed. they were escorted by regal looking Lyrandar troopers. their armor more ceremonial than functional she thought. rothaide positions herself way behind their contigent. she did in fact tuck her hair behind her ears to show her true heritage. she stood proud and was content to just sheepishly smile and wait for things to happen.

The Response

2007-06-27T21:32:00.000+08:00

The image of Angela Krin d' Lyrandar hovered like a spectre in the bridge. Devlin quickly moved to the Ravenstorm's projection sphere. It was a small area at the far left corner of the bridge, where the floor was covered in a series of circular runes.

As the half-elf captain stepped in to the circle. He muttered some incantation in elvish. The runes in the circle began to glow and crackle with eldritch power. Devlin was soon covered in an eerie blue light.

"Lieutenant Commander Angela Krin d' Lyrandar," Devlin announced as he continued to look at the woman's projection. "This is Captain Devlin d' Lyrandar of the skyship Ravenstorm. We have come to assist you in containing this outbreak."

Devlin waited for Angela's reaction. He wondered if she would be surprise to discover his image hovering in front of her office.

"Very well," the Lieutenant Commander replied stoically. "I will send a skyship to escort you to the Resolute."

She looked like the same Angela he meet and courted years ago. The woman still cut her brown hair in the same boyish manner, like most Lyrandar sailors. Her green eyes was just as fierce and penetrating as he remembered.

"Are we expecting a family reunion?" Gian asked as soon as Angela's image vanished.

"More like an inquisition," Devlin muttered. The runes quickly died out as soon as he stepped out of the projection circle. "And we better get ready."

Above Greentarn

2007-06-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

The brief stay in New Cyre for repairs may have cost the ship an hour of travel time but it allowed the ship to continue on at its requisite pace. It has been eleven days since the Ravenstorm has left Sharn and the waters of the Lhazaar Sea were everywhere to be seen.

It was just after dawn when Devlin appeared on the bridge. Gian was once more manning the wheel of air and water. The artificer’s dragonmark glowing and barely visible against the morning light.

“Greentarn should be appearing on the Ravenstorm’s port soon.” Gian reported to the shi's Captain.

Devlin nodded and looked toward the direction the human indicated.

“Regalport’s on the eartside of the island. We should be there within the hour.” Gian continued. “Any instructions on what we should do once we arrive at the city?”

Before Devlin could react, a hazy image of an illusion appeared in front of them accompanied by a static like noise. It took a couple of seconds before the image cleared up to reveal what looks like the upper half of a beautiful female half-elf, the Lyrandar insignia clearly visible on chest of her military uniform.

The image looked at Devlin’s direction yet seems to be unable to see the half-elven captain himself. Gian could have sworn that a look of shock appeared on Devlin's face for a second but the half-elf captain was able to quickly recover and looked straight into the sending.

It was then that the image of the half-elf woman spoke up “Attention, incoming freighter. This is Lieutenant Commander Angela Krin d’ Lyrandar of the Lyrandar Fleet dreadnaught Resolute. The island of Greentarn is under quarantine as per order of the Lhazaar Princes. No landings are permitted. You may change your heading, or else escort fighters will arrive to guide you to Resolute. Please respond.”

the void

2007-06-26T19:36:00.000+08:00

rothaide is blind. she could not see anything. she's falling. she grasps for anything to hold on to, but found nothing. she tries to remember what happened. how she found herself here, in this void. a place of nothingness. panicked. it felt like falling but there was no air pushing passed her. she was just "falling". she wasnt sure if she was going up or down. there was a sensation of movement. but in no particular direction. and worse she could not remember a thing except a distinct pain at the back of her head. fear has started to grip her. she must have fallen for many miles now. how could she ever go back up. she tried to focus her mind. only then did she remembers the mother goddess, boldrei. she presses her holy symbol to her chest. she started praying. light from one end begins with a point. it swallows the darkness. it quickly becomes larger until finally there was nothing but light.

she wakes up to find herself on the floor. her arm has stopped bleeding. she tried to stand up. pain shot up from her arm and behind her head. she falls back. she tried to administer first aid lying on her back. it was futile. everything now is coming back to her. the gnolls. the attack on their ship. the plaque that befell the city. and yet the urgency was gone. there were no more gnolls in sight. she called upon boldrei to restore her body.

later. she went thru the crew and administered first aid to each one that needed it. everyone was talking about what happened to them and how they heroically defended their station. and noone seemed to be concerned about the whereabouts of the gnolls. it was clear that they werent prepared for an attack. its highly likely the gnolls are going to retaliate. she thought. and its certain that ravenstorm should be better prepared for such an attack. she was going to call the attention of the captain. who appeared to be oblivous of the implications.

but first things first, she needs to reconnect with boldrei. inside her room, she lighted two incense candles. and began to meditate. she find herself yet again in the familiar void. but this time, it was with definite purpose and focus.

Second Thoughts

2007-06-26T15:32:00.000+08:00

The sun was setting when Gian entered the bridge. The young artificer looked worn and tired. He took off his glasses and began wiping it with his soiled shirt. "That was one crazy move you did," he told Devlin. "Don't ever do that again."

Devlin ignored the artificer's remark and continued looking over several worn maps on the table. "I got us out of that mess," he coolly answered. The half-elf spent the last hour making calculations, trying to figure out the shortest and fastest route to Regalport.

Gian approached the captain and stated, "we need to stop and make some repairs."

The Lyrandar half elf stared at the artificer in disbelief. "Stop?" He asked, raising his voice. "We have to get to Regalport before nightfall."

"The ship won't make it to Regalport in one piece," Gian answered back. "I know a place in New Cyre. I can fix the ship there in less than an hour."

Devlin took a deep breath and scratched his head. "Fine," he stated. "I'll alter course."

The artificer nodded and was about to leave. But then he hesitated.

"Anything else?" the captain asked.

Gain cleared his throat. "I'm having second thoughts about this mission," he stated. "I don't think this ship is safe for me."

"It's late for you to have these doubts, Gian."

The artificer nervously played with his glasses. "You said we'd be laying low," he replied. "That we'd stay discreet and keep a low profile."

"We're doing that," the captain answered.

"Doing business with a drug lord? Fighting sky raiders?" Gian replied. "What's being discreet about that?"

Devlin took a deep breath and began steering the wheel of air and water. "I don't think the raiders or the Boromars took notice of you."

"I don't want to be on the run again," Gian replied.

The half elf looked at the artificer and wondered how he could have survived being on his own for so many years. "Don't worry," Devlin assured him. "We'll be a lot more discreet from now on."

Bookkeeping

2007-06-25T21:14:00.000+08:00

Coreen continued scribbling on her ledger as she entered the bridge. She casually examined the melting wall of ice on the door, as well as
the charred wall beside it.

"I see Rourke threw one of his lightning bolts on the wall again," the bookkeeper replied nonchalantly.

"He was trying to attack the raiders," Devlin answered as he continued steering the wheel of air and water. It had been hours since he ordered his crew to do repairs on the Ravenstorm. The skyship was now far away from Sharn.

"I will charge the damages to the wall on Rourke's pay," Coreen stated as she continued writing on her book.

Devlin ignored the bookkeeper's comment. "Is the cargo safe and secured?"

"Don't worry," she answered. "They didn't touch it."

"How's Rothaide?" the captain asked. "I heard she took quite a beating."

The bookkeeper continued scribbling. "Lady Housekeeping has healed herself and the crew," Coreen remarked. "I think she's in the kitchen, baking brownies for everyone to eat."

The Lyrandar captain smiled. He was relieved that the crew and the cargo had survive the raider's attack. "So what are you listing in your ledger?" Devlin asked. "Everything is accounted for."

"Oh I'm not doing inventory right now," Coreen replied. "I'm adding the names of the Bomu clan to the list of enemies that we have. Their number 121."

Devlin shook his head and laughed.

"This is serious Devlin," Coreen retorted. "Those dog-people are dirty and disgusting. You should have killed them when you had the chance."

The half elf kept continued to smile as he steered the skyship.

Aftermath

2007-06-25T21:12:00.000+08:00

"Damn!" the Lyrandar Captain cursed. He was about to activate his wand when the two gnolls vanished.

"You should have killed them," Rourke replied as he took a deep breath.

"I want to capture them and ask some questions," Devlin countered.

"Same old Devlin," Rourke muttered as he fixed himself. "You hesitate, analyze things too much."

"This isn't the war, Rourke."

The young war wizard shook his head and walked towards the wall of ice. He stopped right where the two gnolls held their ground.

"So what do we do now?" he asked.

Devlin continued to maneuver the ship with the wheel of air and water. "Have Coreen do an inventory on the cargo and Rothaide fix the injuried," he muttered. "You and Gian start repairs on the ship."

Rourke gave the captain a brief nod and quietly left the bridge.

Skiff Combat: Round Four: Bomu Clan

2007-06-24T09:03:00.000+08:00

Borthast gripped the hilt of his word and looked like he was considering which of the two spellcasters to attack – the human which fired the lightning bolt at them or the half-elf which was now threatening them with the wand. He was half listening to the the half-elf's words and figuring outt he sincerity of what he's saying. The gnoll fighter finally decided and was about to take a step forwards and raise his weapon when he felt a hand on his thigh. Glancing back he saw Ashtaka slowly rising up from her prone position. The gnoll sorceress barked something to him in their native tongue. She sounded she would not last long.

The gnoll fighter listened to her and slowly lowered his weapon. The half-elf and the human visibly relaxed. It was then that Ashtaka voiced out a word and both gnolls suddenly vanished from the bridge.

*

Rothaide was pleased with how her plan with the spiders has worked. It was an old tactic and something that she has been used t doing. The cleric was in the middle of a command for her spiders when she felt something hard hit the back of her head. She turned around and can vaguely see two figured behind her before she fell once more of the floor of the cargo deck.

*

“She’ll be out for only a minute or so.” Borthast shouted as he stepped over the fallen elf. “Let’s go get the cargo.”

“No.” Ashtaka countered. She was leaning heavily on the cargo deck wall. “We don’t have the skiff. We’d have nowhere to place the load. I only have spell left.”

The gnoll fighter growled his defiance and looked threateningly at the elf. His sword posed dangerously on the prone body of the cleric.

“Just admit that we’ve lost Borthast.” The gnoll sorceress called, “We’ll have another time to get it. Another time for revenge. Just hurry and get Zzatht.”

Borthast looked at Ashtaka and saw that she could barely stay conscious. He headed towards where their trapped companion was and easily freed him from its arachnid prison. He walked back to the spellcaster and with another word vanished from the ship.

Skiff Combat: Round Four: Devlin

2007-06-20T14:58:00.001+08:00

Devlin watched as Rourke crashed into the bridge and effortlessly blasted the two gnolls with a magical lightning bolt. The half-elf remembered how his compatriot blasted a whole battalion of enemy soldiers during the Last War. He remembered how Rourke incinerated those warriors with his deadly electrical incantation.

The gnoll warrior too the brunt of the magical onslaught, his companion barely evaded the electrical sparks that slipped through.

Enough of this, Devlin thought to himself. He felt Coreen's heart pounding after she triumphantly freed the Ravenstorm from the grappling hooks. Thanks to the bookkeeper, they are now free from the sky-raiders' trap.

Putting his left hand on the wheel of air and water, Devlin muttered a short incantation. The wheel glowed faint blue, and the storm elemental obeyed the Lyrandar captain's orders.

"Surrender now," Devlin announced in a deep commanding voice. "I have commanded my ship to leave for Regalport. Your friends won't be able to catch up."

The gnoll sorcerer muttered a curse and started to wave her hands.

Devlin flashed his wand towards the gnolls' direction. "Cease this attack," he ordered. "Or you'll be burnt to a crisp."

Skiff Combat: Round Four: Rourke

2007-06-19T21:48:00.000+08:00

Recovering from his being tossed, Rourke tumbled forward and generated a lightning bolt - Borthast taking the brunt of the attack and yet it is Ashtaka who staggers and falls on the Bridge's floor.

Seeing the Sorcerer drop, Rourke nods to the sand construct resembling a direbat. The bat opens it's maw as if to shriek as it rushes the remaining gnoll. It dives down from the roof of the bridge and attaches itself to the gnoll and inflicts a wicked wound on its shoulder.

Skiff Combat: Round Four: Pirates

2007-06-03T11:39:00.000+08:00

"Finally!” Dargo growled as he pulled off the last of the tanglefoot mixture off of him. Yeth was likewise wiping the stuff from her longsword. At first glance there were no visible crew members on the deck. The two humans have fled towards the bridge - on one of their soarsleds no less. The Bomu will not be happy about that.

Dargo was about to run towards the bridge when Yeth pulled his arm.

“What?!” Dargo barked but quickly grew silent when he looked to the direction that Yeth pointed at.

From the far side of the deck, they could barely see the human female cutting the last of the ropes holding the ship. They started to make a move towards her when the rope finally snapped causing the ship to continue on its course forward.

As if reading each other’s mind, both gnolls nodded at each other and quickly jumped over the railings of the deck, pushing on an amulet on their armor as they free fell down towards the city.

*

Zzatht had his orders. They were to get your hands on the boxes of spice and get out. Simple merchants they said. No one said anything about magic wielding elves. Better make do of the situation and get of out of here.

The skiff was on its way so Zzatht piled up as much spice as he could carry. With a stack of boxes of spice in his arms, the gnoll moved towards the crack in the ship’s hull when something suddenly stops him. A web of sorts suddenly catches his left arm and legs effectively pinning him to the wall near the hole. Thinking it was the elf witch again Zzatht dropped the boxes and quickly pulled out his sword. He looked back into the mist, squinting to see any sign of the elf. He however failed to notice the black widow spider lurking above him until it fell unto him and bit him on his back.

The bite in itself was bad. Blood now flowed freely from the wound. More so, the pirate felt the venom now entering into his system, robbing himself of his strength. He, however, managed to flip his sword and stab the spider. This caused the spider to fall off his back and unto the floor. He once more flipped his sword for a follow up stab when he noticed another one crawling out of the mists and towards him.

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Routhaide

2007-05-28T21:03:00.000+08:00

the floor under her gave way. she fell on her bum. she crawled her way towards one side. the mist, a useful charm, covered everything. carefully, she finds her balance by leaning on the wall behind her. she was still distinctly aware of the wound on her arm. it was still throbbing. her wits momentarily shaken. her mental discipline and years of training as a priestess of boldrei taught her to remain calm enough to cast, as quietly as possible behind the veil of the mist, another powerful enchantment. she opened a tiny box lodged in one of her hidden pockets. in them were two tiny creatures.

zzatht instinctively stabs in front of him, with no apparent target, to were rothaide was. the mist was thick and unrelenting. he was confused but a little glad that he doesnt have to deal with the pesky little elf no more.

"pointy ears afraid" he proudly muttered.

"pointy ears must have ran off with its tail between its legs". zzatht figured the elven creature was no match for a seasoned warrior such as he.

he decides to resume his post. he signals for the skiff to come back. he troubles himself with putting some of the boxes together so it would be easier to haul off. the enchanted grey white mist behind him, all forgotten.

giant spindly legs slowly walked out from the mist which swirled wildly as it lets go of its tight embrace, passed its edges. the thin and long appendages clung on the ceiling of the lower deck. it was black like shadow, it moved without sound like a feline in unison towards the unsuspecting gnoll, separating menacingly into two distinct forms just on top of him. flanking him from above. it was two black widows. transformed into giants (medium size) by boldrei's divine magic. rothaide peeks out of the mist, with only her face sticking out. she watches her creations do her bidding.

both widows moved outwards to the walls as it prepare to attack. one spider spun enormous yards of sticky goo down on the gnoll. it covered the whole expanse of the boxes, trapping the gnoll within. the goo instantly dries up into ornately patterned web blankets. the other spider leaps as it attempts to inject the great zzatht with one of nature's deadliest toxin.

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Coreen

2007-05-28T21:00:00.001+08:00

I looked around and noticed everyone was busy fighting everyone else. Most of the raiders are going to the bridge, Gian and Rourke are following after them. So far no one has noticed me. That's good. At least I'm doing my job. Not like Devlin and the others.

Luckily I managed to sneak through the battle, dodging blades and spells. There is one more rope attached to the ship. All I have to do is find it and cut the rope.

It took me a moment before I found the last rope. It was a few meters away from where I'm standing. I turned around, checking if anyone had noticed me. One of the raiders in the hoversled had taken the time to cut loose his entangled ally. It seems no one has noticed me.

Moving with cat-like grace, I silently (and discreetly) moved through the main deck. I reached the other side of the ship, my hands touching the rope that tied Ravenstorm to the docking tower.

I raised my dagger and began cutting the rope. It finally snaps and the ship jets forward as it was previously doing before getting trapped causing everyone on board to once more grab hold of something to steady themselves.

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Bomu Clan

2007-05-27T09:15:00.000+08:00

At first Borthast couldn’t understand what the half-elf was saying to him, common wasn’t primary language but he understood enough it to make out what he meant.

“Please restrain your companion." The half-elf asked of the Gnoll fighter.

Borthast looked back to where the sorcerer as lying prone and surrounded by a swarm of dust bats. Ashtaka has cast several spells which has caused the ship to be in danger. It does seem right that she be controlled.

The gnoll fighter sheathed his sword I his back and slowly moved into the swarm.

* * *

Even thru the swarm of bats, Ashtaka could recognize workings of a magical staff the half-elf captain was using. She wasn’t exactly sure what it would do and tried to warn her companion, but the swarm made it difficult for her.

There was a slight flash of bright light around Borthast and it was difficult for her to know what exactly happened. It didn’t take much to figure out that the gnoll fighter was caught in an enchantment when he was walking back towards her.

“This could be bad.” Ashtaka thought to herself. She was beginning to feel nauseated but she fought it back long enough to word out one spell.

She looked around to check f it worked. The swarms of bats were gone but more importantly Borthast was shaking his head and for a second looked like he didn’t know where he was.

* * *

Yeth was looking for another target but both humans have already fled the deck – with one of them stealing one of their soarsleds and using it to pull the other out from the tanglefoot mess.

Seeing the area clear at the moment from any of the other ship’s crew, Yeth quickly moved towards where Dargo was caught and started to cut her fellow pirate lose.

* * *

It was difficult to se anything in the obscuring mist the elf was able to cast. Even with his race’s innate darkvision, Zzatht couldn’t make out anything more than five feet from him. He stabbed his sward into the mist a couple of times before being convinced that the elf and her companion have fled somewhere else

He moved back towards the breach in the cargo bay wall and signaled the skiff back. The gnoll pirate then started to rearrange the boxes of spice so that it would be closer and easier to transfer.

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Gian

2007-05-20T20:11:00.001+08:00

Everyone was scrambling on the bridge. From the soarsled, Gian could Coreen she successfully cut one of the lines holding the ship. He could likewise see the gnolls trying to break free from the gluey tanglefoot bag substance. A couple feet away from them he could see Rourke likewise trying to struggle free from the same mess. It seems the warmage was unable to completely free himself but was able to fire off a summon spell of his own.

He wasn’t sure how Devlin was holding off against the two gnolls inside the bridge but the lightning bolt which blasted the side wall of the bridge did not look good.

“I need to even out the odds in there.” Gian thought to himself.

He maneuvered the sled and circled around towards the warmage.

“Give me your hand!” The artificer shouted as he grabbed hold of the warmage’s outstretched arm. Pulling hard and using the sled’s own velocity, he managed to pull free the warmage.

“We need to help Devlin at the bridge.” Gian said as he brought the sled towards the rear of the bridge where the wall was now splintered due to lightning blast.

“How’s your tumble skill?” the artificer asked as he threw the warmage towards the opening.

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Devlin

2007-05-20T20:00:00.000+08:00

Damn it! Devlin cursed silently as the two gnolls breached the wall of ice. The gnoll sorcerer summoned a bolt of lightning, shattering the ice. The magical lightning bounced across the bridge, striking Devlin on the back. Strangely the electric blast did little damage to the Lyrandar captain.

The gnoll warrior cursed and he continued hacking through the ice with his sword. Devlin took a couple of steps away from the helm, his hands reaching for the staff of Gorlband.

As soon as the half elf grabbed hold of his staff, the ship shook violently. Devlin held the staff, using it for support and leverage. The gnoll fighter was unaffected by the ship's sudden movement, he continued to hack through the wall. The gnoll sorcerer, however, slipped and was lying prone on the floor.

"Good work Corren," Devlin muttered. The bookkeeper succeeded in cutting one of the last remaining ropes that tied the Ravenstorm to the docking tower.

The gnoll raider howled in triumph as he emerged from the broken wall. He raised his sword and charged towards Devlin.

Thinking quickly, Devlin raised his staff towards the raider's direction and muttered an incantation in Elvish: "Rulers of Faerie dancing under the moons, festive hearts blossom from friend of friends"

The tip of staff began to slimmer in hues of gold and sapphire. "I am not your enemy," Devlin calmly addressed the entranced raider. "Please restrain your companion."

Skiff Combat: Round Three: Rourke

2007-05-15T23:14:00.000+08:00

"Damn it! You greedy little trinket!" Rourke thought at planar touchstone as he struggled with the strands of the unknown substance.

Rourke felt a humming in the back of his head that was the equivalent of the touchstone's laughing.

"I should throw you back in the desert."

The humming in his head intensified and "You would be useless without me in this fight warmage."

Rourke saw the bolt of lightning burst from behind the wall of ice conjured by Devin.

Rourke calmed himself and struggled to move forward to take a look . He could barely see Devlin and the gnolls thru the translucent sheet of ice.

A bit more focused, he fumbled for his spell components and once again intoned the words to summon a sand creature - this time a sand dire bat took form and instantly flew towards the bridge.

The large bat hit the wall of ice with enough force to crack it adn allow the swarm of sand bats to finally enter the bridge and gather around teh now prone gnoll sorcerer.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Routhaide

2007-05-07T22:35:00.000+08:00

this photo was taken from another site.

"boldrei!! aargh .. pain .. throbbing pain .. calm .. rothaide .. " she is talking herself thru. crimson liquid steadily flowed from the menacing gash inflicted by the gnoll. it is as deep as it looks. blood drenched. her lower arm was covered entirely with it. she tried to stop the ebb by covering the angry wound with her other hand. each throb caused her to step back. her thoughts were all about escaping this monster. (aww shit this is painful) she continues, but now feeling a bit faint from the loss of blood.

she made it far enough that its safe for her to cast a spell without much interferance. "spawn of the shadow, you will pay for this". in elven it sounded more like a cheeful psalm rather than a curse. and neither was she concerned if the gnoll understood what she had said. her mind was focused on escape...

"but for now ..". she retrieves a white grey pouch from beneath one of her hidden pockets using her good arm. she raises it above her head. and then, forcefully hurls it towards the gnolls feet. it didnt have to hit, but it seemed to have served its purpose. a thick white column of smoke springs forth from the pouch. it covered the gnoll in an instant. it obscured everything in sight. herself included.

confident that the obscuring mist would provide her cover, she moves towards the deck to escape when the ship suddenly lurches from under her and she suddenly finds herself prone on the cargo room floor.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Coreen

2007-05-07T22:25:00.000+08:00

I made it out the main deck, keeping myself away from the raiders' prying eyes. I looked around and witnessed the carnage around me. One of the gnolls struck Rothaide with its filthy sword. The other raiders have incapacitated Gian and Rourke. Good think they haven't seen me yet.

Slowly I slipped out into the battle field, moving away from the raiders and my shipmates. I was about to move to one of the railings when I heard a loud explosion at the bridge. Several pieces of ice struck my back. I could sense Devlin muttering a curse as one of the sorcerers destroyed the ice cage he created.

"Sorry boss," I muttered. "I'm too busy to help you out."

It took a moment before I found one of the grappling hooks still firmly attached to the railing. I looked around, making sure that no one was paying me any attention.

I quietly and discreetly made my way to the hook. Raising my dagger, I began to cut the rope. A couple of slashes later one of the ropes holding the ship snaps off causing the ship once more to wobble in place.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Gian

2007-05-06T12:08:00.000+08:00

Things are not going good for the team. Gian thought to himself as he tried to pull himself out of the tanglefoot compound. Gian, in his profession as an artificer, was familiar with the workings of the sticky substance. He knew that the substance instantly become tough and resilient upon exposure to air, essentially entangling anything it came into contact with. It would stay in that composition for a couple of minutes before it became brittle and one could easily escape. He, if he was to help his friends, however did not have that time. He made his body go loose when the substance started to envelope him and allowed him to avoid the majority of the spread and allow him to still move quite unhindered.

Gian could see that Rourke has likewise gotten himself trap in a tanglefoot mess on the deck. Both he and the warmage are now each at the mercy of a gnoll pirate. From what he could determine, Devlin cast a wall of ice on another pair of gnolls but effectively cut himself off from the rest of the crew and what looked like to be a swarm of Rourke’s sand bats. Hopefully, he can hold his own ground until we get out. Sovereigns know what’s happening to the women below deck.

First things first, I need to get out of this. A universal solvent would have been handy but the jar is downstairs in his lab below.

Gian looked around and saw the gnoll on the soarsled circle around towards him. He’s probably setting himself up for another shot or to move in to finish the job. Maybe I could use bluff myself out of this.

The artificer was able to turn his body so that he was partially covered by the railings and the other bits and pieces on the deck. This forced the gnoll to move closer that normal.

That’s it! Gian then pulled out a strip of paper with arcane marks from one of his many pouches and threw it towards the gnoll. It was an awkward throw but he only needed it to connect. The scroll flew true and hit the gnoll on one of its leg. It briefly flared blue much to the gnoll’s surprise. Blue sparks then rapidly spread and moved down a thin strand connected to the parchment and back down towards Gian.

There was another bright flare as the moving sparks hit the artificer, which was simultaneously echoed by another blue flare that enveloped the gnoll.

There was another bright flare as the moving sparks hit the artificer, which was simultaneously echoed by another blue flare that enveloped the gnoll.

A second later, Gian was maneuvering to keep the soarsled from hitting the gnoll pirate which was now surprised to see his self trapped on the deck in the tanglefoot mixture.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Bomu Clan

2007-05-05T13:45:00.000+08:00

Borthast tried to catch the half-elf before he completed the spell but a blast of cold with propelled him back towards Ashtaka. When he comes to, both of them were already enclosed in a hemisphere of ice. He takes a second to check the sturdiness of the wall with a free hand and it seems pretty solid to him.

“What are you waiting for? Bash us out of here!” Ahstaka shouts at the gnoll fighter.

The gnoll fighter gave his companion a low growl but proceeded to swing his sword at the wall of ice in front of him. He gave the wall two clean slashes; his bastard sword chipping away huge chunks of ice from the wall.

“This is getting us nowhere!” Ahstaka barks out as she pushes her companion aside. She then pulls out a bit of fur and a glass rod from one of her numerous pouches. The sorceress then angles herself to where she last saw the half-elf and then points the glass rod at the spot the fighter was hacking at before.

A powerful stroke of electrical energy erupts from the tip of the glass rod and hits the weakened spot in the wall of ice. The lightning bolt bursts thru the wall and into the room beyond.

“Let’s see if he can survive that!” Ahstaka gives out a hyena like laugh and pushes Borthast in front of her. They emerge from the now shattered ice hemisphere but are surprised to see them face to face with a slightly scorched Lyrandar captain.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Devlin

2007-05-05T10:59:00.000+08:00

Devlin struggled to turn the ship's wheel as the Ravenstorm tried to align itself. His sudden maneuvering must have severed some of the ropes that tied the ship to the docking towers.

I hope I didn't break the ship in two, Devlin thought as he regained his bearing. He looked outside the window, hoping to check the ship's condition. But then he noticed a couple of gnoll raiders rushing through the bridge.

"Damn raiders," Devlin muttered to himself as a brutish gnoll, adorned in a crude scale mail armor, stepped into the bridge weilding a large sword. The warrior was followed by another one of his companions, a green-robed gnoll with several pouches dangling over his belt.

"You're the one who turned the ship!" The gnoll warrior cursed. Judging from his gruff voice, it was the same warrior who demanded the Ravenstorm surrender under the Bomu clan. "Surrender now or die!"

Devlin was about to answer back when he noticed the protective wards he placed around the bridge started to waver and fade. The half elf glanced over the gnoll in heavy robes and noticed that dogman was holding a glass bead on his hands.

Minor globe, Devlin thought to himself. These weren't ordinary raiders. It would take an accomplished magician to cast a globe that wards of lesser magic. Somehow he had to even the odds.

Devlin released his hands from the wheels as if he was surrendering, but he quickly muttered a few arcane words.

The two gnolls charged at Devlin but they were suddenly held back by a powerful blast of cold artic wind. The gnoll warrior howled in frustration as a blanket of ice began to engulf them from all corners, trapping them inside a hemisphere of frozen ice.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Rourke

2007-04-28T18:54:00.000+08:00

Rourke saw the Gnoll spellcaster materialize in front of him.

"Dimension door...?" He thought incredulously.

"These aren't your run off the mill thugs, and this one might be more dangerous than the rest."

Rourke went through the options in his mind. If he attacked now, he would
lose the cloak of magical energy that kept him invisible - his biggest advantage. And yet, if he chose to summon another creature, he stands to even the odds for they were outnumbered at the moment. However, there would be no telling what counter measure the Gnoll spellcaster had up its sleeve.

Each of his crew mates had their hands full with gnolls. Devlin's maneuver
though risky lowered the number of attackers -- but they were still at a disadvantage and Gian was struggling to free himself from some entangling substance.

Rouke suddenly felt a warm sensation in his pocket as the gold and turquoise winged idol from Xendrik in his pocket awoke.

"Take the spellcaster...take its power...take it's life." A voice spoke from the deepest recesses of the Warmage's subconscious.

If the warmage had been visible, one would witness his mouth go slack and eyes glaze over as another presence took hold of him.

A ripple in the air like heat distortion formed where Rourke stood. The ripple quickly coalesced into Rourke's form as two rays of crimson fire flew from his hands.

Rourke came to his senses and realized he had just fired off a spell that made him visible. Time seemed to slow as Rourke witnessed the two rays of crimson energy leap from his outstretched hand and reach toward its target.

"$#!T - I have to make this count." with that thought, Rourke realized in that moment that one of the rays were off its mark. His mind told him to adjust his wrist slamming the bolt toward its target. Rourke felt the connection of magical energy between him and his foe and "pulled" transferring a bundle of the Gnoll spellcaster's arcane energy into himself.

* * *

Both fiery bolts fly true towards its target but abruptly fades as it hits some sort of barrier that for a few seconds flare into translucency revealing a ten foot globe centered on the gnoll spellcaster.

Ashtaka, lets out a laughs, the sound sounding like that of a hyena, she turns around and faces the now visible warmage.

* * *

From the deck, previously and prone, Yeth managed to crawl and find a hiding place until she can make sense of what is happening. From where she is hiding she manages to see Dargo hit and remove one of the humans out of the fight.

The gnoll warrior is then startled when a red haired human appears on the deck not far from her and casts a spell at Ashtaka. She shot one of arrows at the red haired but did not do so until after the human was able to release his spell at Ashtaka. She did manage to hit the human at his back and manages to likewise entangle him with one of her special arrows.

Skiff Combat: Round Two: Pirates

2007-04-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

[Click on the photo to get a better view of round 2] The pirates are simply common scum used by the Bomu clan as shock troops and physical labor but that doesn’t mean they are incapable in combat. Armed with Bomu provided equipment, they might even be more than a match. Cornered in a fight, they might turn out to be deadly.

The simple board and take mission that were promised by the Bomu have not gone according to plan. The crew of the ship fought back and has already cost them most of their group. The remaining gnolls in the employ of the Bomu clan to were beginning to feel cornered.

* * *

The ship suddenly turned from under Dargo. It was only luck that allowed him to mentally command the soarsled on time before the ship crashed into him. He gave a low growl as he saw two of the humans fall, chances are they weren’t able to maneuver on time and collided with the ship. Typical. He cleared the bulk of the ship and finally appeared in time to see one of the crew members cast a spell on another of the human causing the latter’s soarsled to fall.

While distracted, Dargo pulled out one of the arrows provided by the Bomu clan and aimed. The human has just turned to head to the helm and was surprised to see Dargo just appear from the ship’s aft railing. Dargo’s arrow squarely hits the human causing some sort of compound to encase the target effectively entangling him in place.

* * *

First it was bats made of sand, now it’s just two females. Zzatht was beginning to think things are beginning to look good. One of the reasons he joined the Bomu clan was that he always wanted a fight. The dilemma for him now is to choose whom to attack first between the two females in front of him – a young human armed with a dagger and an elf who seemed to have cast the spell on his companion.

He opted for the elf. Zzatht dropped his bow and pulled out his longsword as he charged the elf. Taken by surprise, Rothaide can only yelp is surprise as the gnoll’s slashes and catches her in the left shoulder.

Skiff Combat: Round One: Rothaide

2007-04-19T07:34:00.000+08:00

panting, she barely made it in time to get a hold on the balustrade that lines the corridor leading upstairs. the ship shoves her and the rest of the ship in what seemed to be in every direction. something was pulling on the ship. she figured. she clung anxiously. each quickened step, a struggle to get to the deck and not fall on her face.

when she finally made it to the cargo bay on her way to the deck, she was startled to see two of the pirates standing just a few meters near her and threatening the ship's bookkeeper coreen. her annoyance of this little aggression however took control. she stood her ground. she plainly and calmly declared

"begone! you fiends .." (heavily accented) [cast command: flee].

normally she will only speak in elven. and that she expects everyone to use elven when speaking to her. this has caused for people of other races to have natural dislike towards her. she was very proud of her heritage. but in this case she thought she is forced to make an exception. the pirates didn’t seem to be very bright. and so with the lack of practice of the common tongue. her command came out a little off, shrill, and comical. not as dignified as she would have hoped.

with not a weapon nor armor, and only the palm of her hand facing the creatures, she waved the creatures to flee her presence. her magic moves over to the attackers and tries to take hold of their minds.

the human looks at rothaide and immediately turns back and jumps into the skiff, effectively bringing the swarm with him and leaving the gnoll behind which doesn't look happy being outnumbered

Skiff Combat: Round One: Coreen

2007-04-17T09:40:00.000+08:00

Damn the Boromars! Damn the Sovereign Hosts! I should have known this would happen. Devlin and the others should have listened to me when I told them the Boromars were trouble. But no one would listen to me. Now we're being boarded by filthy and disgusting gnolls. I haven't seen such brutes ever since the war ended.

It's a good thing I'm below the deck, making sure the supplies are secured, when the gnolls made their grand entrance. Let them harass the boys. I just hope they don't break anything in the fight.

I took a peek from one of the windows and saw the a couple of grappling hooks tied to the ship. Apparently these raiders had the Ravenstorm tied to the docking tower.

So what do I do? Hide under the stairs and wait till Devlin and the others beat the gnolls to a pulp? Or help free the ship?

Suddenly the entire ship shook violently and began to tilt to the left. I grabbed the base of the stairs and struggled to maintain my balance. I heard the sounds of wood twisting and snapping.

Those raiders are destroying the ship!

I must find a way to free the Ravenstorm from those grappling hooks! Good thing I carry a spare dagger on my boots. All I need to do is sneak out into the main deck and cut the ropes.

That's the wall of the cargo hold splits open and a gnoll and a human pirate jumps into the hold followed by a swarm of sand bats - probably Rourke's doing. They see me and give me a toothy canine grin as they raise their bows towards me. While all I have is my spare dagger.

Ooh! I’m getting Devlin for this!

Skiff Combat: Round One: Gian

2007-04-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

Gian already had his hand in one of the numerous pockets of his coat and in the process of deciding how to deal with the pirates when the ship suddenly shook vigorously. With his free hand, he was able to grab hold of the railings of the ship just before the ship started to tilt towards its left side.

Part of his brain was worried of whether gravity might take hold of him and cause him to fall off the ship while at the same time a part of him was already concerned on what the maveuver would do to the already damaged ship.

Darn Devlin! Gian cursed silently as he felt his stomach start to toss within him as the ship continued it’s roll. I think I’m going to be sick!

The ship gave a final shudder as it finally righted itself and allowed Gian to stand up once more. 'should have taken the helm! Crazy Lyrandar pilot!

The artificer quickly looked around to assess the situation as well as the ship’s status when one of the human pirates on a soarsled flies into view from the ship’s underside. The pirate notices the blond human and quickly takes aim with his bow.

Somewhat annoyed by the intrusion, Gian hurriedly intones the words of a spell waves points towards the pirate’s sled. The pitate pulls his bow but fails to lose the arrow as the soarsled loses its capability to float and plummets down towards the city below, taking its rider with it.

Gian glances as the falling pirate once, pushes up his glasses and turns to make his way towards the ship's helm. Now to find Devlin before he really destroys the ship!

Skiff Combat: Round One: Devlin

2007-04-13T22:47:00.000+08:00

Devlin watches as the raiders board his ship. A couple of gnolls are already on the main deck, armed with bows and magical incantations.

"Attention crew of this elemental ship." One of the gnoll shouts in heavily accented common. "You are under attack by the illustrious Bomu clan of warriors! We're here to take your cargo. Cooperate and no one gets hurt."

The Bomu clan? Devlin wonders. Why would the Bomu clan choose to board a vessel so near the docking towers? These pirates are either desperate or they are working for someone. Someone who wants to get a hold of the Boromar merchandise.

Devlin quickly examined the grappling hooks Gian told him. These hooks were holding the Ravenstorm in place. There were four other pirates on soarsleds hovering over the ship.

"Damn raiders!" Devlin muttered as he quickly reaches for the helm. "Coreen should have hired a couple of extra hands."

The war wizard firmly grasped the ship's wheel of wind and water and turned it to the left. "Let's hope the ship doesn't break or Gian will kill me."

The Ravenstorm immediately responded.

It shook briefly and began to tilt to the left side. Devlin continued to hold the wheel as the crew and the raiders fumbled, trying to get their bearings. The skyship continued to tilt to the left, until Devlin lost sight of the pirates riding the soarsleds.

The snapping sounds of wood and rope were heard from a distance.

* * *

The Ravenstorm manages to stay together. Under the strain of the tilting ship, two of the four grappling lines become taut and finally snap allowing the Ravenstorm to roll to the left. The sudden maneuver catches most of the pirates off guard.

Two of the humanson soarsleds fail to avoid the airship as it rolls away and gets rammed by the larger vehicle. Both pirates get knock off their sleds and their unconscious bodies drop towards the ground.

The other two pirates on soarsleds manage to avoid the tilting of the ship but effectively lose sight of their targets.

* * *
As the air ship makes its roll, most of everyone on ship is taken by surprise by the sudden movement. On deck, both Gian and Rourke successfully grab unto the railings and riggings on the ship and are able to steady themselves.

Two of the gnolls on the deck are not to lucky, they slide off and fall prone on the deck. Both gnolls lose hold of their bows which falls off the ship. One of the prone gnolls manages to grab hold of the ship’s rigging slowing his drop. The other gnoll is not so lucky and follows its bow off the ship.

The gnoll leader, however, manages to grab on to the ship’s ballista and steadies himself. Angered by the unexpected escape of the ship from their trap, the gnoll makes a run towards the ship’s helm in hopes of taking control of the ship.

On the skiff, from the aft of the Ravenstorm, the gnoll sorcerer commands one of his bodyguards to bring the skiff back and near the airship. He then manages to get out of the sand bat swarm just enough for it to cast a spell causing him to vanish from the skiff and appear on the Ravenstorm's deck, just beside the gnoll leader who has reached the door leading to the ship's helm.

Skiff Combat: Round One: Rourke

2007-04-11T21:35:00.000+08:00

"umph...she's kinda heavy for a girl..." Rourke said. He had instinctively tried to lift Rothaide to her feet.

"Allow me." Gian said as he easily lifted the cleric over his shoulder.

"I suppose we'll have to store err hide her for the moment...?" Gian asked rhetorically.

"She's our cleric! - We'll need..." Rourke protested.

"She unconcious and they're just gnolls on soarsleds." Gian retorted.

"Who are tryng to board a ship of this size? - They're being overly confident." Rourke reasoned out loud.

"Gnolls. Not very smart." Gian said with a grin.

"Oh...right." Rourke conceded.

Rourke had already been fumbling around his pockets.

"Still we can't be too careful." Rourke said as he pulled out an ornately carved bar of wood.

Rourke traced the arcane symbols on the schema and his figure began to dim and fade into transparency before completely disappearing.

"I'll keep incognito ‘til I'm more sure what we're dealing with, if you don't mind." Rourke's voice came from thin air.

"After you..." Rourke directed at Gian.

* * *

Though invisible, Rourke carefully made his way along the ship’s deck. The booming sound from the side of the ship caught his attention. Looking at the port side of the ship, he finds a small skiff floating just below the Ravenstorm and maneuvering towards a large crack at the cargo area.

From the ship’s railing, the warmage can make out the occupants of the skiff – a human and two gnolls. The human and one of the gnolls were likewise armed with long bows. The second gnoll was unarmored and Rourke easily identified spell component pouches on him and the scroll he presumably used.

It is this that Rourke concentrated his attention on. A few moments later, a small swarm of bats made of dust appear on the skiff and immediately attack the spellcaster, as well as the gnoll guard; eliciting surprised shouts from both gnolls.

The commotion causes the other raiders to turn towards the direction of the skiff.

Sixth Sense

2007-04-04T22:46:00.000+08:00

it was all sudden, one moment she was enjoying a sip of tea and now they’ve been boarded. the crew, who were mostly men, immediately assumed to quickly lead her downstairs to the galley, to her secluded room at the bottom of the ship. presumably for her own protection. It was prevalent in maritime societies. men think women were weaker and must be protected. there are definite perks to this kind of arrangement. but the bad side to it is, they also think women cant protect themselves. she didnt mind the machismo. she's used to it.

holding down on her pendant with boldrei's symbol of a lighted hearth inscribed on it she reserved a short moment of prayer.

"gnolls." she told herself. she was gifted with an almost infinite sense of her environment, even places beyond her line of sight. including the deck. she sees the infiltrators board the ship. There was no doubt that she was needed as she sees more of the infernal creatures arrive. she hurried and made it upstairs even before the door relocked themselves with a sound thump.

upstairs. she hid herself behind the opening, the deck in front her. she carefully memorizes the general positions of each subject. she sees many of the infiltrators were carrying projectile weapons. she prepares to cast wall of wind to protect the crew.

"mother boldrei protect us"

Grappled!

2007-03-29T21:46:00.000+08:00

Without further ado, the Ravenstorm lifts off from Precarious and heads up into the sky. At the helm, Devlin navigates the ship from the Docks at the lower side of Sharn and maneuvers it towards the higher towers. Both Rourke and Rothaide are at the ship's galley, each drinking a cup of coffee - the late night air of the City of Tower a bit too cold for their taste - each lost in his own thoughts.

Suddenly, Rothaide gasps. Rourke looks up from the other side of the table that the elf's eyes have turned white and almost silver appearance. Rourke has known Rothaide long enough to know that this is a sign that the Void Disciple is experiencing one of her visions.

“Roth?” Rourke silently asks, wary that he might disturb the elf causing her to lose her vision.

“Steady yourself.” Rothaide whispers as she grabs hold of the large table in front of her.

The warmage quickly follows the warning and does the same. Rourke has barely taken hold of the table when the ship suddenly gives a hard lurch causing the cutlery and coffee mugs to fly off in various directions and spilling their contents on both.

The ship suddenly becomes still, Rourke realizes they’ve come to a dead stop. He takes a moment to check on Rothaide. The elf is now standing beside the table but still lost in her void trance.

The sound of footsteps causes the red haired human to check at the galley’s entrance. From there, the figure of Gian appears.

“Are you two alright?” The artificer asks as he surveys the room. “We’re…

“… under attack” Rothaide finishes the human’s sentence before losing consciousness as her trance ends.

* * *

Both Gian and Rourke, after making sure that Rothaide is safe and secure in the Galley, quickly make to the forecastle deck. They arrive almost at the same time both Devlin and Coreen appear from the helm.

From where they’re standing, Rourke can easily make out two of the four grappling hooks that Gian had told him while they were at the Galley. They looked like they were tied to the towers around the ship and held the ship in place. But it was not the hooks which caught his attention. Three gnolls where on the forecastle deck; Two were in leather armor and had long bows which were trained on the people at the helm and at the forecastle entrance. The third one was in partial metal armor and wielded a bastard sword in one hand. It is this third gnoll that addresses the crew of the Ravenstorm.

“Attention crew of this elemental ship.” The gnoll states in heavily accented common. “You are under attack by the illustrious Bomu clan of warriors! We’re here to take you’re cargo. Cooperate and no one gets hurt.”

As if to emphasize his point, one gnoll and three humans on floating soarsleds - crystal platforms capable of flying within the boundaries of the city – aim more longbows at the crew members.

From the side of the ship, a cracking sound can be heard and the ship buckles once again.

Pre-launch Compliactions

2007-03-28T21:29:00.000+08:00

Devlin and Corren stood at the deck of the Ravenstorm, the bookkeeper had just informed the half-elf that all the Boromar merchandise had been loaded and secured.

"You should have asked Popora to pay us five thousand in advance," Corren purred as she followed Devlin's gaze down at the docks. She saw the tiny form of Zonnos confidently striding out like he owned the port. "You know this just covers our payables and debts," the bookkeeper said as she pretentiously waved goodbye at the halfling lord. "We still need to stock up on our supplies."

"I know you can stretch the leftover money for a few days," the wizard replied as he brought out a scroll from his handbag. "You're good at it."

"I'm a bookkeeper, not a miracle worker," Corren quipped. She then noticed the scroll on Devlin's hands. "Please tell me you got a loan from the Kundarak bank."

"No," Devlin answered. He unfurled the scroll and handed it to the bookkeeper. "Something else."

Corren quickly scanned through the contents of the document. "Angela Krin d'Lyrandar?" She muttered as soon as she reached the end of the scroll.

"That's what the scroll said," the wizard muttered as Correen handed the parchment back to him.

"Angela your cousin?" Corren asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "The same Angela who was supposed to be your wife..."

"She's not my cousin," Devlin quickly defended. "She's a very very distant cousin."

"This is the same girl whom the House Lyrandar elders arranged for you up to marry?" Corren asked, trying to hide her smile. "To protect and strengthen the Lyrandar bloodline."

"It wasn't meant to be," the wizard angrily retorted.

The bookkeeper crossed her arms and leaned over the ship's railing. "Are we going to have problems going in and out of Regalport?"

Devlin scratched his chin. "That'll depend on how I deal with Angela."

Corren sighed and patted the wizard's shoulders. "Then we'll have to go there and talk to her," she answered. "You ready to go?"

Devlin looked at his assistant and nodded. "Let's go finish this job."

A Final Meeting

2007-03-26T21:30:00.000+08:00

The loading of the containers continue well into the night. Devlin, Coreen and Gian oversee the transfers. As workers run through a final check, a skiff lands near the landing bay and Zonnos and a pair of his shifters disembark.

Without even being invited, the young Boromar lord and his followers board the Ravenstorm. They casually watch the loading the last of the cargo before they head towards Devlin.

“Lord Boromar. Is there anything I could do for you?” Devlin cordially greets and asks the halfling.

“I wanted to wish you good luck on your mission and tell you that I have no hard feelings.” Zonnos gives a wide smile. “I know that you are going into a dangerous situation, and I want you to know you have the support of our entire clan.”

“However,” says the Boromar lord, “Even if you fail to find my sister, or – Sovereigns forbid – you find her too late to help, you will still have an ally in our clan.”

Zonnos gives Devlin a friendly wink. “I trust I am clear in this matter?”

The Mika ir' Boromar Scroll

2007-03-25T11:18:00.000+08:00

Mika is the second child of Popora ir’Boromar. An illustration of her shows a young, bright-eyes halfling with greening eyes and yellowish blonde hair. Popora has entrusted particular missions to Mika, as much as he has to Zonnos. Although Zonnos is expected to take control of Popora’s holdings once Popora steps down, Mika figures prominently in her father’s plans as well. He hopes Mika will add a subtler touch to her older sibling’s decisions. Mika’s interests include foreign cultures, history, and magic, all of which would serve her well in such a rle.

Mika was on the Principalities for two weeks before the plague broke out. She was negotiating with a collective of dragonshard miners for 1% of their yearly haul in exchange for transport to Sharn on Popora’s ships. The notes on the Principalities geology come from Mika’s reports back to her parent and sibling.

Once the plague broke out, all contact with the Principalities ceased, resuming sporadically only with the arrival of the Lyrandar forces. Popora’s aides have contacted the Lyrandar Dragonmarked house but have received no response concerning any halfling on the city. A quoted section of the report uses the phrase “… more important things to do than play nanny to some missing halfling.”

Mika last reported in from Regalport just before the plague. A couple of Boromar halfling bodyguards accompanied her.

The Lyrandar Fleet Scroll

2007-03-25T11:17:00.001+08:00

Officials of the Dragonmarked Houses contacted the Lyrandar fleet to secure the area until a sufficient response could be mounted. In response, the fleet has assigned the airships Resolute to patrol the area. Nothing gets on and off the city without the Lyrandar fleet’s permission, and so far the only things that it allows are protected Lyrandar and Medani forces. In addition to the Resolute, the fleet employs a dozen stormships to help maintain the blockade.

The contact at the Lyrandar fleet is Angela Krin d’Lyrandar. A note describes her as a frustrating, officious bureaucrat.

The Plague Scroll

2007-03-25T11:16:00.000+08:00

The plague appeared three weeks ago and quickly swept the Principalities. It is assumed to be airborne, and those affected are seriously weakened. The symptoms of the plague include fever, dehydration (resulting in crusting about the mouth and eyes), general weakness, and the thickening of the fingers and tongue. Repeated exposures can kill and individual.

The first indication of the plague occurred when a cruise ship from Regalport showed up in Valenar, its crew too weak to land. The ship was boarded and impounded. The Lyrandar fleet was sent to keep a lid on the Principalities as healing supplies were prepared to help those trapped in the city. Several ships, mostly pirates, fled Regalport before the blockade was fully in place, but for the past two weeks nothing has arrived or left the Seadragon Principalities.

The origin of the plague is unknown to those on Regalport.

The Regalport Scroll

2007-03-25T11:08:00.000+08:00

The Lhazaar Principalities is a nation of factions that vie for supremacy. Its population is primarily human, with strong gnome, half-elf and changeling presence.

Dozens of princes control land and ships in the Principalities. Ryger ir’Wynarn is the best known, since he represented the Principalities at he thronehold discussions. Ryger seeks to unite the Principalities into a true nation, but has met with strong resistance from the other lords. Prince Ryger’s flagship, Dragoneye, makes it home port at Regalport.

The Seadragon principality Is typically regarded as a backwater corner of the continent. Its population trades in local animal products and minng for Eberron dragonshards though. Being far from the main land though, the Principalities have become a common meeting place for smugglers and other scoundrels. The local government is tolerant as long as it gets its cut and one of the local folks gets killed.

Aside from Prince Ryger’s Seadragons, other groups include vicious pirates of the Cloudreavers, the mercenary Diresharks, the changeling Gray Tide, the Bloodsails of Farlnen, the half-elf Wind Whisperers and the well-intentioned Heavenly Fleet.

After the Meeting

2007-03-25T10:31:00.000+08:00

Following the reception by Popora, Vago once more greets the group outside the audience chamber, the warforged Herald at his side. The halfling then hands over four scrolls to Devlin. “Information on Regalport … information on Popora’s youngest child … information on the disease itself … information the Lyrandar blockade. We’ll be loading the medical herbs and spices this afternoon. You can take off by day’s end, or tomorrow at the latest.”

Vago and Herald then lead the group out back to the landing bay where the airskiff is. From there the group is shuttled back to the Lyrandar docking tower.

Upon landing, Vago lowers the ramp. He then produces a pouch at his side. “Oh one last thing. You’re going to need your medicine,” he says, a slight smile spreading across his face. “It doesn’t have a pleasant taste.”

The halfling hands over the pouch to Rothaide, which the elf hesitantly takes. “There are ten vials of vaccine. Those are for you and your crew, as well as for negotiations with the local population. I suggest, however, that you save at least two doses for Mika.”

Coreen meets Vago and Herald on the deck while Devlin proceeds to the ship’s helm. Gian and Rourke, on the other hand, prepare the ship to leave the docking tower. Rothaide, meanwhile, heads for the medical room to take care of the vaccines.

Under Devlin’s direction the ship carefully makes its way towards Precarious to where the Boromar warehouses are located. Once the Ravenstorm arrives, and has carefully secured itself floating under the magical lifts and cranes, Vago signals the warehouse laborers to start loading the containers of herbs and spice unto the Ravenstorm.

The Wrestling Match

2007-03-23T23:21:00.000+08:00

“It is a simple fight. No weapons are allowed. First one who gets wounded loses.” Zonnos states much to the other shifters’ cheer.

The shifter named Tamara lets out a howl in the hopes of intimidating her opponent. Gian ignores the attempt and calmly removes his coat and gives it to Herald, leaving him unarmored in a sleeveless white shirt. He then takes on a defensive stance opposite his opponent.

Unfettered, Tamara likewise assumes on her own attack posture, at the same time her body seems to change – seemingly growing to almost seven feet tall, her skin taking on a tougher appearance and fingers transforming to claws.

“First to get wounded loses.” The shifter repeats as she looks at her claws and shows them off to her opponent. Shouts of approval erupt from where the others shifters are.

Gian simply gives a small nod and pushes back his eye glasses.

Angered by the simple gesture the shifter pounces at the smaller human; her two claws leading the charge attack.

The artificer simply sidesteps the initial attack, and dodges with expertise the second claw.

Infuriated at not being able to connect, Tamara renews her attack, changing her tactics by getting closer. A short jump takes the shifter closer to her opponent. A raking claw of her right hand to Gian’s face causes the human to step a bit to the left to avoid it. The movement saves him from the attack but puts her into the path of the second claw which rakes towards the artificer’s midsection.

::dragonmark::

A dark blue light flares out from Gian’s arm and elaborate skin patterns appear on it just before the attack connects with flesh. The shifter’s claws bounce off harmlessly as if blocked by some sort of invisible field of force.

At that time, a gasp is heard from one of the Aereni elves.

“The Mark of the Sentinel.” Popora laughs as pleased by the revelation. “Impressive Master Lyrandar. You didn’t tell us that your bodyguard is a member of the House of Dennith.”

Taking advantage of the distraction, Gian punches at Tamara’s midsection. Taken by surprise, the blow connects but to no effect as it fails to penetrate the toughened shifter hide.

The shifters at Zonnos’ mat lets out a howl while Tamara conceitedly yells with them.

Gian raises an eyebrow and nods in understanding as if he just got an answer to some mental computation he’s been doing and goes back to his defensive stance.

::smite::

Tamara howls back and once more pounces on the human. Gian on the other hand simply thrusts out his hand towards his opponent’s chest. The two combatants finally connect for a second neither one makes a move.

::wraithstrike::

The shifters claws targeting her opponent’s face but stops just inches before reaching her target. The human however had his fingers extended and buried deep up to the palm into the shifter’s right shoulder – human flesh penetrating shifter.

The audience chamber is silent until the first drop of blood falls on the floor. It is only then that Popora gives out a hearty laugh.

“I guess I win!” The older halfling lord calls out to his offspring. “I’ll be collecting soon Zonnos, my child.”

The younger halfling bows to his father and leads the Shifters outside the chamber to take their wounded to be taken care of by the Arenai elves.

“But for now I think we have a business deal to finish.” Popora turns back to Devlin and his crew. "Captain Lyrandar, bring back my child."

Fight Conditions

2007-03-23T23:08:00.000+08:00

Devlin studied the menacing shifter, ignoring the brute's attempt to intimidate him. He shifted his gaze towards Zonnos. The young Borormar lord was itching for a fight, his eyes gleamed with excitement and pleasure. He threw a mocking smirk back that the war wizard.

"Wrestling?"

A familiar voice echoed across the chamber. The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.

"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellslinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.

Devlin smirked as the stranger began to casually walk into the dimly lit audience chamber. He was smoking a stick of Black pit Blend, exhaling a veil of smoke towards the menacing shifter.

"Rourke," Devlin said to himself. "Always late."

The stranger's steps filled the audience chamber with the scuff of soft leather boots. Rothaide whispered a soft prayer of mercy in elvish.

"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate." He went on as he walked and stopped in front of the dais beside Devlin.

Vago waves the guards off and addresses everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar." Vago chimed in before his master's curiosity could turn to annoyance.

"At your service." Tim quipped.

"Where have you been?" Devlin muttered to his former war compatriot.

"Got tied back at Precarious," the warmage whispered back. "Good thing Corren told me where you guys are."

"Excuse me," Zonnos interrupted the two war veterans. "I thought we were in the middle of a wrestling challenge."

Devlin and Rourke turned towards the young halfling Lord. "Normally we prefer to settle things without the use of violence and force," the half elf wizard replied. "But we can make an exception in your case."

Zonnos gave mocking smile as he signaled the shifter to step into the center of the chamber. "Go choose your fighter," he said to Devlin.

Devlin gazed over Gian and nodded his head.

“Be careful but likewise be quick.” The wizards mentally instructed the artificer.

“I will.” The young artificer nodded back.

"I guess I will be wrestling her." Gian thought back to Rourke and walked to face the challenger.

Zonnos stands up and lifts his goblet as acceptance and thereafter addresses the combatants.

“It’s a simple fight. No weapons are allowed. First one who gets wounded loses.” Zonnos states much to the other shifters’ cheer.

“So it’s Tamara against the one called Gian. No aid shall come from anyone else. “ The young halfling lord adds as he looks directly at the half-elf captain; causing the latter to step back and away from the artificer.

Enter: Rourke

2007-03-23T23:07:00.000+08:00

"Wrestling?"

The word hung in the air as everyone turned to face the speaker.

"That's hardly a challenge fit for a spellflinger." The stranger continued as he tilted his head and blew smoke into the air.

Being nearer to the new comer, a couple of shifters at Zonnos’ mat moved to shield their halfling companion, taking on defensive stances and seemingly ready to pounce if the new arrival made any questionable moves.

The stranger began to casually walk into the dimly lit audience chamber parting the veil of smoke he'd just exhaled. His steps filled the audience chamber with the scuff of soft leather boots as he trailed wisps of smoke from a finely rolled stick of Black pit Blend.

"Now if it were 'who could burn the most shifters where they currently stand...with a gesture'-- that would be more appropriate." He went on as he walked and stopped in front of the dais beside Devlin.

From the main mat, the Aerendi elves likewise move to cover the older halfling while a handful of halfling guards move towards the front of the mat.

Vago waves the guards off and addresses everyone in the room. "This must be Timothy O'Rourke, a warmage of Karnnath. Another companion of the Captain d’Lyandar." Vago chimed in before his master's curiosity could turn to annoyance.

"At your service." Tim quipped

The guards and elves then return to their usual positions but more alert than they normally were.

"And my talents are far more...elaborate than mere wrestling - As I'm sure the wise Popora Boromar already knows." He continued as he bowed his head low - all the while mentally rolling his eyes skyward.

"I must humbly request you spare your son and his...entourage this harsh lesson." He said keeping his head low.

He then turned to let his gaze fall on the shifter and marked her with piercing eyes.

From within Rourke's mind came Gian's voice: "You're drunk again, aren't you?"

"Hey, you wrestle him." Rourke thought back.

A Penny for your Thoughts

2007-03-22T21:03:00.000+08:00

Gian was wary of Popora ‘ir Boromar. From his past dealings with Saidan 'ir Boromar, he knew that one had to be very careful when dealing with any member of this halfling clan.

The young artificer allowed Devlin to do all the talking, so he sat there together with the half-elf and Rothaide in the middle of the audience chamber, and kept calm and simply watched and listened. He could still feel the copper piece in his pocket and knew that the infusions he placed on it earllier were still functioning as he had intended.

When he noticed Devlin’s eyes turning towards him, Gian opened his mind just enough to receive the half-elf’s thoughts.

“What are the Shifters up to?” The half-elf asked via the telepathic bond provided by the magic of the infusion.

“It’s hard to say. Talenta is a roundabout language,” Gian replied as he pretended to adjust his eyeglasses and stared back at the half-elf. “But basically, as far as I can tell, they’re just throwing insults at us and mimicking your conversation with Popora. Do you want to hear the details?”

Devlin gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head in disapproval.

Gian continued to watch and listen to the Shifters make fun of their group. Suddenly he hears the younger halfling warn his Shifter companions

“Heads up, Captain. Something’s about to happen.” Gian warned Devlin.

It’s then that Zonnos gives out a loud burp and addresses his father. The two halflings exchange words and finally come into a betting agreement.

“I take your bet, my child.” Popora tells his child before facing Devlin and his crew. ”Guests, is there one among you to prove young Zonnos incorrect? Does anyone care to wrestle a Shifter?”

“Wrestle, Captain?” Gian mentally asked Devlin; at the same time the artificer was already taking inventory of the resources available to him

Weighing the Odds

2007-03-21T10:39:00.000+08:00

Devlin listened to Lord Popora's request. The old halfling seemed open and candid about his intentions. But part of him is still wary of the Boromar Lord. He quickly gazed over his companions, watching their reactions.

Rothaide was frowning at the news of the plague in Regalport. Her smooth delicate hand nervously held the goblet of ale. The elf was probably reminded of her misfortune back at her old ship.

Gian who was listening and watching the Shifters noticed Devlin's eyes turning towards him. The young artificer pretended to adjust his eyeglass, and stared back at the half-elf.

Devlin cleared his throat and looked back at the halfling. "What kind of spice do you want us to deliver?"

Lord Popora beamed an oily smile. "Nothing illegal," he answered. "Five barrels of House Jorasco medicinal herbs and spices, for the afflicted people of Regalport."

"Sounds simple enough," Zonnos interrupted. Popora's eldest son was now lying comfortably on the mattress, toying with his goblet.

"If it's that simple, why come to me?" Devlin asked.

The old halfling stared at his eldest son, signaling him to behave himself. But Zonnos appeared oblivious to his father's reprimand. "You are a wizard and member of House Lyrandar," Lord Popora explained. "It will be easy for you to go in and out of the blockade."

"My relation with Lyrandar is strained," Devlin answered. "But I think I can still pull some strings."

"Then it is settled," Lord Popora replied.

"Not yet," Devlin interrupted. "There is still a matter of our fee."

"How does five thousand gold pieces sound?" Popora offered. "Two thousand five hundred upfront and the rest of the payment upon completion of the mission."

Devlin keeps silent for a moment. His brow creased and his finger tapping on his chin seemingly doing some mental computations.

“Let’s go for seven thousand.” The half-elf countered. “With an additional three thousand gold pieces if we rescue your child Mika.”

Popora gives out a throaty laugh. ”You are a real businessman Devlin d’Lyrandar. Let’s settle on seven thousand and five hundred gold pieces then. Three thousand now and the rest WHEN you deliver Mika back.”

Before Devlin could answer his agreement a loud burp from Zonnos is heard from his place at the mat at the right side of the room. Having captured everyone’s attention the younger halfling stands up and faces his father.

“Blessed progenitor, look at these runts and weaklings before you. They could not fight their way past a razorclaw hatchling; much less survive to find Mika. Let me send my Shifters to rescue my treasured sibling.”

Popora gives a low, long blink, as if considering the matter, then replies, “No, I believe there is a greater chance of success if I send them.”

Zonnos stifles a chortle and says, “The least of my Shifters can take any one of their number.”

Again, Popora speaks out before anyone can answer. “I take your bet, my child. Guests, is there one among you to prove young Zonnos incorrect? Does anyone care to wrestle a Shifter?”

As he speaks, the Shifter that carried the ale barrels into the room stands up to its full six feet tall stance and makes threatening gestures at Devlin and his crew.

The Heart of the Matter

2007-03-16T22:11:00.001+08:00

Devlin took a small step towards the old halfling. His right hand raising Staff of Gorlband towards Lord Popora, his left hand touching his chest -- a typical salute of war-wizards in the Sharn army.

"Lord Boromar," Devlin greeted with a low, respectful tone.

The old halfling shifted his weight on the mat. "This is not the barracks," Lord Popora replied, signaling one of his servants. "Spare me the formalities, wizard."

Devlin grinned. "I try to be courteous to all my clients, and would-be clients."

One of the elves knelt to the halfling's side, pouring him a goblet of wine, her painted face looking as if some spirit hovering over the old halfling lord. Lord Boromar stared at the half elf and his companions, examining them closely like a lion sizing up his prey.

"I was expecting one wizard," Lord Popora said as he took the goblet. "Who are these other people?"

Before Devlin could explain, Vago quickly answered his master. "These are the wizard Devlin d’ Lyrandar’s compatriots. The elf is Rothaide Lareine, a priestess of the hearth mother. While the human is his bodyguard, Gian."

The patriarch of the Boromar clan muttered something that sounded like a curse. "I asked for one wizard and you brought me a circus show?" This elicited a burst of laughter from the shifters and halfling on the other mat.

Devlin thought the old halfling would throw his goblet at Vago and punish him for disobeying his orders. But Lord Popora quickly regained his composure.

"You can get good help these days," the old halfling muttered as he shook his head. "Let's just talk business." Gesturing for the group to take their seats in the matt in the center of the room.

As the three take their seats, two of the female Aerenal elves move towards them to offer Goblets of the halfling drink, Tal. It is during this time that the door behind them opens as the shifter from earlier moves quietly into the room with a barrel of ale under each of its arms and heads for the mat in the right.

Waiting for the group to be settled down, the old Boromar starts. “The city of Regalport in the Lhazaar Principalities is beset by a deadly disease and has been quarantined by the Lyrandar Dragonmark House. No one gets in or out of the city without their permission. I have business interests on Regalport. I know you deal with delivering spell components for your wizard’s guilds. I want you to deliver a load of House Jorasco spice to help the people on that city. Are you willing to do this for me?”

Seeing Devlin’s look of mulling the idea over, the halfling lord takes that as a sort of acceptance and continues.

“Of course,” Popora says, “Were it something as simple as delivering spice, I would hire any tug captain to do it. There is another matter at Regalport I need addressed.

“I have two children. Zonnos here is my eldest.” He motions towards the other Halfling on the mat on the right, who belts out a belch as the shifters hoot. “My youngest child, Mika, is on Regalport on clan business. Since the quarantine was imposed and the blockade put in place, there has been no word from her. The Dragonmarked House has been less forthcoming with information, and it is not interested in the problems of a concerned parent. I want you to head to Regalport and find Mika. She is young . . . and impulsive. I worry for her well-being. Can I trust you to this delicate matter?”

The Audience Chamber

2007-03-14T21:39:00.000+08:00

Gian puts himself between the shifter and Devlin and Rothaide causing the shifter to bump into him instead. The shifter growls at Gian who in turn meets the shifter’s stare. After a tense moment, the shifter turns and strides off towards the corridor.

Vago looks at the group with a raised eyebrow and leads the way past the doors. The group enters a large and dimly lit chamber which noticeably looks like the insides of a Talenta halfling tent. The large richly furnished room divides into three separate areas of colorful weaved floor mats. One of the mats is directly ahead, and one is to either side. Each mat is placed on a die, raised dais.

An old halfling with graying hair and wide, alert eyes occupies the mat directly ahead. The platform is festooned with rich tapestries and silk pillows. Three female Aerenal elves dressed in stylish robes stand nearby. Two halflings guards flank the mat.

The mat to the right is occupied by a built Halfling, younger than the one ahead of the group. He seems muss less alert and is smoking from sort of contraption. He shares the dais with three large shifters, who are laughing and joking with one another.

The mat to the left is empty and lacks even pillows or other Talenta accoutrements.

Behind the group, Vago states, “His most mighty and powerful lord, his most wise and generous master, his most understanding and thoughtful leader, Popora ir’Boromar.”

At this, the occupants of the room look up as if expecting someone from the group to say something.

A Ride to the Little Plains

2007-03-11T20:37:00.000+08:00

The group of Devlin, Rothaide and Gian made their way towards the dock area of Precarious. They eventually arrive without much encounter at a landing bay where they find a newly landed skycoach. Pairs of human laborers are moving crates off the vessel and stowing others aboard. Standing in front of the skycoach is a jade green warforged and a sleek, youthful looking halfling. The Halfling continues t o bark orders as the crew loads and offloads the ship. The warforged approaches you.

“You are here.” The warforged greets the group and introduces them to Vago, the Halfling overseeing the loading.

Vago seems alert and aware of his surroundings. He regards the group with a sharp glance.

“Get them aboard. Lord Popora expects us.” Vago shouts to the warforged. He obviously has a brusque and officious manner, and he seems loath to waste any words on the heroes.

The group looks at one another but when Devlin nods his consent; both Rothaide and Gian follow both the half-elf and the warforged aboard the skiff. They make themselves comfortable and wait for the skycoach to be filled. Devlin tries to make small talk with the halfling but is largely concentrated on the task at hand and proves to be capable, competent and focused on his task.

As soon as the cargo – mostly exotic foodstuff – are loaded and stowed, the ship takes off and heads to another potion of the City of Sharn.

* * *

The skycoach soars off from Lower Dura and into that of the Middle Menthis Plateau ward. It flies over the plateau, navigating between towers until it finally starts its landing towards the Little Plains.

To a visitor of the ward, the towers at Little plains appear inside out: instead of open central spaces surrounded by buildings attached to the outside of a tower, streets run around the outside of towers, giving access to very low doorways leading to cave like interiors. Halflings seem to negotiate these outside ledges with ease, and so do the dinosaurs many of them ride. It is into one of these outside ledges that the skycoach makes its way to and eventually lands.

Once the skycoach finally lands and the boarding doors open, Vago leads the group off the ship and instructs them to follow. Devlin, Rothaide and Gian follow the halfling off and Herald brings up the rear. As soon as they clear the skycoach, there is a flurry of motion as several halfling laborers start unloading the cargo.

“You should be honored that you are meeting with Lord Popora ir’ Boromar wishes to speak with you.” Vago states as he leads the group down a hallway that brings them deeper into the tower. “Among the Boromars, Popora’s name is legendary.”

Vago abruptly stops and looks up at the three taller humans as if sizing them up “I believe Lord Popora has almost supernatural instincts and have long ago learned not to second-guess his decisions.”

He then again turns his back and leads the group again down another corridor.

Rothaide turns and whispers to Gian. “What was that all about?”

Gian stares at the halfling’s retreating form and whispers back to his elven companion. “I’m not sure but I think we’ve just been insulted.”

Devlin shushes the two and quickens is pace to catch up with the halfling. They continue to make their way down several corridors. They pass corridors that are finely furnished with doorways carved from rare woods and art objects from different places enshrined in small, tastefully lit alcoves.

They eventually reach a large set of dark wood doors and Vago motions the group onwards… However, the door opens before the halfling can turn the latch and a huge, broad shouldered shifter storms through.

A Little Research

2007-03-10T11:55:00.000+08:00

The skydocks of Precarious lean out into the air high above the Dagger River. Vast mystical cranes and magic lifts uses levitation and the power of Syrania to haul loads of cargo and people to and from the waterfront districts of Cliffside. An army of laborers transports good between the docks and the warehouses in the district – both the massive storage towers and the smaller warehouses. While sailors generally find entertainment in Cliffside, Precarious houses a variety of crafts and services. Mills and workhouses make immediate use of the raw materials brought up from the Dagger River, while a few dingy tavern, gambling dens, and dreamlily dealers provide the workers a chance to leave their cares – and their silvers – behind.

The Edge is one of these taverns located in the district. At this hour of early evening, there are only a few patrons within the establishment. Most of them are already half drunk that they don’t pay heed when a clocked figure silently makes its way towards the back of the room. Even in the dim light of the tavern, she could easily spot the two men who have been patiently waiting for her.

“Sorry it took me a while before I found the place.” Rothaide offered her apology as she sat beside Gian while still trying to hide herself under the shadows of her cloak.

“It’s no problem.” Devlin told her. “We haven’t been here for long. So what have you found out?”

“Is it safe to talk here?” Rothaide asked as she suspiciously looked around the room.

“It’s fine.” Gian tapped on a copper piece in the middle of the table. “I’ve infused it so that anyone a couple of feet from it would only hear mindless babble.”

“Ok, then.” Rothaide said, obviously more relaxed. “The priests at the Pavilion of the Host couldn’t offer much information regarding our new business partner. But I did acquire some from the halflings at the healing houses of Jorasco. You’ll be happy to note that he does not deal in slaves, poison or more deadly drugs. Popora does however deal with medicinal spices, which he consider relatively harmless and very profitable.”

“So basically you’re saying we’re dealing with a drug lord.” Devlin concludes to which the elf nods her assent.

“From what I’ve gathered at the various guilds, he’s a drug lord that can be trusted though.” Devlin shares.

“Our Lord Popora has build part of his reputation on his ability to be trusted. He keeps his word, once given. He supposedly lives up to the letter and the spirit of an agreement.

“He has been known to engage in altruistic acts that on the surface, at least benefits others. “Devlin continues. “Such actions are usually considered as a sign of weakness amongst the Boromars, but he has always turned whatever he does to an eventual profit.”

Both Rothaide and Gian had looks of people contemplating the pros and cons of the situation they were to enter into.

“What do we know of him personally?” Devlin turns towards the human artificer.

“He’s quite old.” Gian starts. “In his 120 years. He has survived several takeover attempts and skirmishes launched by rival organizations as well as in Clan conflicts. Each time, the opposing group was crushed utterly. He has no rivals – only competitors.”

Rothaide let out a short gasp of surprise.

“He employs a vast network of operatives but frequently hires outside his organization, either to give him deniability or to test business associates who want to deal with him long-term. Another halfling named Vago takes care of most of his dirty work.

“Popora entrusts parts of his business to his two offspring, Zonnos and Mika. Zonnos is smug and sedentary, like most other Boromars. Although he seems at times more interested in food and revelry rather than in ensuring the future of the family business. If you ask me, this behavior could be a ruse to throw off spies and competitors.

“Mika, on the other hand, seems to have Popora’s instincts for profitable business opportunities and pursues them with a zest that at times seems unbecoming of a Boromar.”

The table then turns silent as Devlin processes all the information. Rothaide watches her Captain of any signs that would hint her of what the latter is thinking while Gian leans back on his chair and watches the rest of the room.

After a few minutes, Devlin stands up and states “Well, we don’t want to keep our new business associates waiting do we?”

The three companions, head out towards the door. Gian taking time only to pause to pick up his copper piece on the tavern table and placing a couple of silver pieces as payment in its place.

Dealing with Loss

2007-03-09T23:08:00.000+08:00

her eyes reached as far as her eyes can see. the world below appeared mostly flat and dead, except for a skein of geese and other migratory birds drifting south west as fall continues to set in. she was seeing ghosts of the past. often happy ones. and resigns to the futility of living at all. it seemed all meaningless. and pointless. she wakes up to the crackling of the storm elemental. it had more spirit she thought, compared to the one held at the églantine. the églantine was rothaide's former home. it was a cruise ship. and she was its resident priestess.

it had just been several weeks before the awful incident where the plaque overwhelmed the crew. save her. and now she is hastily employed by devlin. a half elf wizard who owns the ravenstorm. her new home.

inside her chambers, she lights up two incense and set them apart in front of her. one on her left and the other on her right. she sits in the lotus position and begins to meditate and pray for souls departed. she misses her old friends terribly. she was both glad to be alive and disoriented for having survived. she is having pangs of guilt over it. why was she spared? she contemplates and offers her woes to boldrei.

her meditations are interrupted by a soft knocking at her door. it is the one called gian, beckoning her to join on an errand that the captain needs. the ghosts of the past would have to wait.

Looking for Work

2007-03-09T22:52:00.000+08:00

"Boromar?" Coreen muttered in disbelief. "I don't like this."

Devlin scratched his chin and looked at the jade-colored warforged. "Why would Lord Popora be interested in me?"

Coreen shook her head. "I don't want to deal with the Boromar Clan."

Ignoring the bookkeeper's ramblings, Gian turned the captain and asked, "Have you done business with Lord Popora before?"

"I try not to," Devlin muttered. "The Boomers deals with a lot of illegal stuff. I mostly keep to trading with wizards. He turned to Herald and added, "No offense to your lord."

"None taken," the warforged replied.

“I’ve heard of Lord Popora.” Devlin continued, “He’s one of the Boomers of Sharn, though not one of the Clan elders, he’s still quite powerful. He runs a vast network of legal and quasi-legal operations. Primarily dealing deals with smugglers.

“Individuals who have done work for Popora or his representatives say that Popora dealt fairly with them, honored their agreements, and paid on time.”

"At least he is willing to pay for your time and company," Gian commented.

Coreen looked at the young man and snorted. "Oh what do you know?" She muttered. "The Boomers are trouble."

"But it wouldn't hurt to pay the Lord a visit," Devlin replied. "With our funds severely depleted, we need to get some work."

"That is correct," the warforged answered.

"This is wrong," Coreen warned. "Lord Popora is vicious. He has a battalion of house wizards ready to kill you if you ever go against him."

"That's pretty much an exaggeration," Herald corrected. "He only has three house wizards."

"That I know," Coreen retorted. "And very malicious elven house wizards at that."

The captain fixed his coat. "Alright," he answered. "I'll go meet Lord Popora."

The warforged gave a brief nod. "I will be waiting for you in the docks at two hours time," he said as Gian led him out of the skyship.

"Hope you come back in one piece," Coreen commented.

"Don't worry," Devlin replied as he tightened his grip on his staff. "I have a feeling we'll be employed very soon. Besides I won’t be facing Lord Popora alone and unarmed."

“Gian,” Devlin turns back to the artificer “I would need you to check up on your old contacts and see what you can come up regarding this Lord Popora. I’m specifically looking for how his organization works.”

Gian took on a grim look as if the prospect of heading down to the city was not something he was looking forward to but eventually nodded back.

“Likewise, go get Rothaide from the galley.” Devlin added, “Tell her to do the same with the temples and with the Halflings at House Jorasco. Remind her to be discreet about her inquiries. I’ll meet you guys in exactly two hours at the Edge at Precarious.”

"Got it." Gian nodded back once more and headed down to the ship’s galley to look for the ship’s elven cleric.

“Where will you be?” Coreen asked.

“I’ll be checking out my own contacts.” Devlin stated as he walked off once more towards the Lyrandar tower and the city of Sharn.

Little Green Man

2007-03-06T23:11:00.000+08:00

Gian was standing on top of the Ravenstorm’s sterncastle currently overseeing the repairs on one of the four binding struts that support the ship’s elemental ring when he heard a pair of arguing voices coming from within the Lyrandar docking tower. From the sound, it was fairly obvious that both the ship’s captain and the ship’s bookkeeper have arrived and that both their missions to the city did not go as they had expected it would be.

“I hate to tell you this Devlin, but I told you we couldn’t trust the guild to provide us with any job!” Corren nagged his half-elf companion as she walked beside him, wagging her finger accusingly to his face.

“It’s not my fault the guild doesn’t have any job it can offer us for now.” Devlin ran his hand thru his now unruly hair as he exasperatedly answered. “Besides, it’s not as if your own contacts came up with something that could help our situation!”

Corren looked like she was about to say something but quickly got the look of someone who was at lost for words in what to say and simply stomped off towards the ship’s stairs heading for the crew cabins.

Taking his cue from the break in the conversation below, Gian took the chance to swing down from where he was and gracefully landed on the main deck between the new arrivals.

“If you two are done fighting; I think there’s someone who has been waiting for your return and that you should meet.” Gian stated as he led the others, who were still a bit surprised, towards the ship’s forecastle where a jade green warforged was standing by the ship’s rail and watching the city below.

At the sound of the group’s approach, the warforged looks up and moves towards them. Other than it’s color it is obvious that the warforged is unlike many of it’s kind – having a shorter, leaner and more refined version – something not suited for a regular warforged. It stands about a meter from the group and makes a polite reproduction of a cough.

“Excuse me, but I am looking for a particular individual, a certain Captain Devlin Sain d’Lyrandar.” Noting the looks of both humans turning towards the half-elf, the warforged continues its speech but now focuses its attention towards the Captain.

“I am Herald, a loyal servant of Popora ir’Boromar. Lord Popora desires a meeting to discuss a matter both of great urgency and extreme delicacy. The Lord requests you attend an audience with him and is willing to compensate well for both your time and attention.”

Off to the Wizard's Guild

2007-03-05T21:48:00.000+08:00

It took Devlin a couple of hours before he finished his rounds -- inspecting every nook of the skyship, delegating the tasks among crew members, and checking the ship's magical power source. Devlin kept a mental note of all the things he saw, from the leaking pipes beneath the mess hall to the dwindling food supply in the pantry.

Corren was right, Devlin thought as he entered his quarters. We need to get a job soon or this ship will fall apart.

"That's what I've been telling you since last week," Corren said as she followed the wizard into the room. "Our budget has been stretched real thin."

Devlin walked to the window and gazed into the city's sea-side market. "I'll be visiting the wizard's guild in an hour," he replied. "Hopefully the old geezers there would give us some work."

Corren gently shook her head. "Are you sure about that? Remember the last time they sent us to deliver one of their packages?"

"It wasn't that bad," the half elf answered, smiling.

"Not bad?" Corren repeated in a mocking tone. She drew out a small notebook and started flipping through the pages. "That two headed demon injured two sailors and obliterated our canon. We spent almost two thousand fixing the damages, not to mention the five hundred silver we used for spell components to bind the demon back to its box."

"But we still got paid in the end," Devlin said as he walked towards his closet. He saw the young bookkeeper's face flushing red as she recalled the gruesome incident.

"Barely enough to cover our damages," Corren checked her notes.

"That's why I have to go visit the wizards," Devlin replied as he brought out his coat and cape. "They're the only ones who can afford us."

"That's because we've been blacklisted everywhere else," Corren muttered to herself.

"The wizards won't turn their back on one of their own," Devlin said as he put on his coat. It was a fancy white suit with a couple of dangling medals pinned in front of the chest pockets. "And you've worked for a few of them before, right."

Corren rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me."

"We're the best in what we do," Devlin continued. "Those guild masters know that we're the fastest and most reliable ship to deliver their spell components and research materials."

"Well at least let me try to ask the other guilds," Corren muttered as she stuffed her notebook back on her pocket. "I still know a couple of smugglers working in the docks."

Devlin drew out the Staff of Gorlband from the closet and started polishing the oaken wood with his cape. "Okay, you can go check on your friends," he said. "But I want you back before sunset."

"Okay," Corren smiled as she helped the half elf fix his cape. "But who will be left here?"

"Let Gian watch over the ship," Devlin replied as he fixed his hair. He turned to the young girl and asked, "do I look like a dashing skyship captain?"

Corren shook her head. "It's not me your trying to convince. Good luck with the wizards."

Docking procedures

2007-03-04T23:05:00.000+08:00

Because of its airship docking tower, Sharn is also known as the gateway to Xen’drik. Built on the Central Plateau, Lyrandar Tower is one of the tallest structures in the city. It measures 2,000 feet in diameter at the bottom and 650 feet in diameter at the top.

The top floor of the tower houses the airship dockingport — one of the busiest centers of activity in Sharn. The tower is the first sight that most visitors see upon arriving in the city, and it is often the only place visited by people here on business or just passing through.

Lyrandar Tower offers a wide array of services to the travelers who pass through it. Just about any product the city has to offer is also available here, though at prices ten to fifteen percent higher than elsewhere in the city. But most travelers are willing to spend the extra money for the convenience of having everything they need sohandy. Most travelers that is... and yet...

* * *

“Captain!” Corren cried out as she stomped back unto the main deck of the Ravenstorm. She paid no heed to the various crewmembers greeting and passing her from the tower’s docking as she headed straight towards her goal which was the half-elf standing in the middle of the ship's deck.

”I’ve talked with the dock officer and we are cleared to stay for the next two days. It took me a great deal of convincing but I was able to lower the docking fees to something we can actually afford, but we’re running for funds Devlin. The fare of those passengers we have is simply not enough. We need to find a job soon!”

The half-elf wizard ignored his bookkeeper's plea as he proceeded to finish checking the docking procedures done by his crew who mostly were now off and heading down towards the city of Sharn for some badly needed rest and recuperation. Most of them were with him for quite sometime now and were adept with taking care of his ship but it didn’t hurt just to make sure everything was fine. He took a minute to take note note of the dim glow of the elemental ring had; indicating that the elemental of the ship has been suppressed. Once satisfied with the inspection, it was only then that Devlin d’Lyrandar faced the petite lass beside him.

“This is Sharn, Corren.” Devlin answered as he strode toward the ship’s helm. “We’ll find something.”

“Well it better be sooner. We’re running low on funds and I still have a long list of supplies that we need to purchase.” Corren answered as she followed her Captain.

They arrived at the helm where a tall human was in the process of making final adjustments on the ship’s controls.

“Raven has been suppressed, Captain.” Gian reported as turned towards the new arrivals, the glow of his Mark of Storm fading as he removed his hands from the dark wood of the ship’s wheel of air and water - the source of the ship’s control over the ship’s elemental.

Devlin nodded his acknowledgement as he continued to inspect the controls at he helm.

“Most of the crew has reported that they’re taking their R&R but we’ve got a skeleton crew on board just in case. We need, however, to make some repairs on the binding struts. The one in the aft section is sort of wobbling.” Gian stated as he made way for Devlin.

“And how much is that going to cost us?” Corren asked the taller human who was clearly intimidated despite their difference in size.

“Ummm…” Gian faltered and pushed back his spectacles. “Not much, we can always improvise.”

“DEVLIN!” Corren shouted to her captain who visibly winced at the sound. “We need to find a job now!”

Mika Boromar

2007-03-04T22:41:00.000+08:00

Boromar heiress

Chuck

2007-03-04T22:25:00.000+08:00

"Chuck"

Boromar Bodyguard

Coreen and Gian

2007-03-04T19:15:00.000+08:00

Corren Syndrel
"5th level Human Expert"

This petite and slender human girl with long flowing dark hair and deep blue eyes serves as the Ravenstorm's bookkeeper and Devlin's personal assistant. She wears loose, simple garments and keeps a serious face whenever she does her bookkeeping. She's likewise in charge of all the ship's schedules and logistics keeping the ship's captain to deal with the ship's other functions.

Gian
5th level Human Artificer +

Mild mannered and bespectacled, this human male has only joined the crew of the Ravenstorm for less than a year. He serves as the ship's artificer as well as the ship's reserve pilot.

The Ravenstorm

2007-03-04T18:24:00.000+08:00

Devlin Sain d'Lyrandar's ship is a heavily modified Lyrandar airship. A rich explorer named Derrend Montis commissioned the creation of the ship and used it as his personal transport. Wanting a vessel that was both well armed and inconspicous, Derrend went to great lengths to increase the ship's combat capabilities without concealing any outward sign of its modifications. While in his care, the ship was named Ravenstorm. The ship was used as an exploration vessel until Derred died, at which time it was sold to the Sharn military. The ship was used during the Last War as a military vessel. It was then discovered in the wreckage of Cyre where it was then recovered, repaired, and sold to Devlin Lyrandar.

The ship isn't pretty, but it packs a punch. Under its scarred, dented hull are sereval modifications both mundane and magical. Primarily to these is the binding of an intelligent yet fickle minded storm elemental (fondly called by the ship's pilot as Raven)into the ship's matrix instead of an air elemental. The ship has been upgraded to allow the storm elemental to discharge it's bolt of lightning once per minute as instructed by the ship's pilot.

The Ravenstorm: Colossal vehicle; Airworthiness +8; Shiphandling –2; Speed Fly 120 ft. (average), Overall AC –1 Hull sections 1,000 (crash 250 sections); Section hp 80 (hardness 10); Section AC 5; Ram 12d6; SA thunder and lightning, storm ring; SQ resistance to electricity and sonic 10, air mastery, hover; Space 90 ft. by 300 ft.; Height 50 ft. (storm ring has 110-ft. diameter); Watch 20; Complement 150; Cargo 30 tons; Cost 92,000 gp.
Airmastery: Airborne creatures take a -1 penalty on atatck and damage rolls against the Ravenstorm.
Thunder and Lightning: Once per minute, the Ravenstorm's pilot can as a full-round action, direct the storm ring's elemental to emit a blast of thunder coupled with a bolt of lightning. The thunder deals 8d6 sonic damage to all creatures within 60 feet of the ship. A Fortitude DC 24 save halves this damage. The lightning is a 120-foot-long line that deals 16d6 electricity damage. A Reflex DC 24 save halves this damage.
Hover: Despite its maneuverability rating, an airship can hover and has no minimum speed required to maintain air travel. It cannot turn in place, however.
Ring: The Ravenstorm uses a storm elemental elemental. It deals 3d6 sonic and electricity damage to any creature or object passing it.
Aura: Strong conjuration, CL 15th.
Construction: Bind Elemental, greater planar binding, 46,000 gp, 3,680 XP, 92 days.
Price: 92,000 gp.

Devlin Sain d'Lyrandar

2007-03-04T17:56:00.001+08:00

Male Half-elf 5th Level Wizard / 4th Level Elemental Savant (Air)
Neutral Good
Member of House Lyrandar

Str 10 Dex 14 Con 14
Int 18 Wis 10 Cha 12

HP 46 AC 17
Int +2 Speed 30

Fort +5 Ref +5 Will +6
Melee +4 Range +6

Feats: Energy Substitution, Least Dragonmarked, Lesser Dragonmarked, Combat Casting, Spell Penetration, Spell Mastery, Scribe Scroll, Summon Familiar

Languages: Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Auran

Dragonmarked abilities: fog cloud x1/day, wind's favor x1/day

Familiar: Cat

Skills: Alchemy +8 (4 + 4), Appraise +8 (4 + 4), Balance +8 (4 + 4), Bluff +4 (2 + 2), Concentration +14 (12 + 2), Diplomacy +6 (2 + 2 + 2), Gather Info +6 (2 + 2 + 2), Knowledge (Geography) +8 (4 + 4), Knowledge (Arcana) +12 (8 + 4), Profession – Sailor +8 (8 + 0), Knowledge (Planes) +12 (8 + 4), Spellcraft +16 (12+4), Move Silently +4 (0 + 2 + 2), Listen +1 (0 + 0 + 1), Search +5 (0 + 4 + 1), Spot +1 (0 + 0 + 1)

Special Abilities: Air Elemental Transition (Allied Energy - Electricity), Immune to magical sleep effects, darkvision 60', Resistance to electricity 10, Elemental Focus (Save DC versus electricity spells are +1), Elemental Penetration +1

Racial Abilities: Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects, Low-Light Vision (can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination), +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks, +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.

Spells Memorized: 5-5-4-3-1
I -- Hand of Blue Flame x2 (Burning Hands with Electrical energy substitution), True Strike, Feather Fall, Grease
II -- Fog Cloud, Levitate, Sphere of Blue Flame x2 (Flaming Sphere with Electrical energy substitution), Dimension Leap
III -- Dispel Magic, Lightning Bolt, Stinking Cloud
IV -- Stoneskin, Ice Storm, Wall of Ice
V -- Cloudkill

Magic items: Bracers of defense +3, Staff of Gorlband, Bavesh's Wand of Blue Flame, Silver Dagger x2, Bag of holding (type A), Sharn's Medal of Valor

Spellbooks: Tome of the Blue Flame, Gorlband's Journal, War Wizard's Manual I, Frendula Codex

Spells in Spellbook:
I - True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Grease, Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Charm Person, Identify, Feather fall, Shocking Grasp
II - Flaming Sphere, Locate Object, Levitate, Dimension Leap, Mirror Image, Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind
III - Dispel Magic, Lightning Bolt, Stinking Cloud, Sleet Storm, Wind Wall, Gaseous Form
IV - Polymorph, Stoneskin, Defenestrating Sphere, Solid Fog, Ice Storm, Wall of Ice
V - Storm Touch, Cone of Cold, Cloudkill

Rothaide Lareine

2007-03-03T20:53:00.000+08:00

Rothaide Lareine

Female Elf Cleric 7/Void Disciple 2
Neutral Good

Str 10 Dex 12 Con 13
Int 10 Wis 20 Cha 10

HP 43 AC 11 (10)
Int +1 Speed 30

Fort +6(+7) Ref +3(+4) Will +6(+11)
Melee +6 Range +7

Feats: Heighten Spell, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration,Combat-Casting, Armor Proficiency (heavy), Armor Proficiency (light), Armor Proficiency (medium), Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Spell Penetration.

Languages: Common, Elven.

Cleric Abilities: Turn undead

Elf Abilities: Immunity to sleep spells, +2 save bonus vs Enchantment spells, Low-light vision, Proficient with long sword, rapier, proficient with most bows

Skills: Listen +7, Search +2, Spot +7, Concentration +13, Spellcraft +12

Equipment: Backpack, Healer's Kit, Silver Holy Symbol of Boldrei, Spell Component pouch, Periapt of Wisdom +4, Cleric's vestments (Black Kimono), Wand of Magic Missiles (9th), Cape of mountebank

* * *

A strange and deadly illness has befallen the crew of the Eglantine (a cruise ship). Rothaide survived, and only because Lapérousse (a barge ship), came in time and was able to bring her safely aboard and save her. She was the on board priest assigned to do religious ceremonies (mostly marriage ceremonies), councilling, some diplomatic engagements, medical responsibilities and even sometimes food preparation, The cruise ship spends months sometimes to a year out at sea or in space that sometimes people develop some mental disorders. And it is Rothaide's job to fix them. Unfortunately, the kind of illness that befell the Englantine was beyond her capabilities to fix, so she quarantined herself at the ship's medic bay until she was rescued. From inside the medic bay, she was able to contact a distant discple of the void and arrange a rescue. A few days more she could have died as well. People blamed her for the mysterious malady which befell the Eglantine, having survived the ordeal. And she was constantly met with suspicous stares. Afraid that the situation might get worse, that it might turn into an uncontrollable mob out to burn her at the stake, she took employment a couple of months later. She was forced to find refuge under the employment to another notorious ship called the Ravenstorm captained by Devlin Lyrandar who doesnt seem to mind Rothaide's past.

Timothy O'Rourke

2007-03-03T09:10:00.000+08:00

Timothy O'Rourke
Male Human Factotum 1/Spellthief 1/warmage 3/Sand Shaper 2/Unseen Seer2
True Neutral

Str 8 Dex 14 Con 10
Int 18 Wis 8 Cha 16

HP 28 AC 20(15)
Int +3 Speed 30

Fort +1(+3) Ref +6(+8) Will +9(+11)
Melee +2 Range +6

Feats: Touchstone, Able Learner, Practiced Spellcaster, Master Spellthief, Versatile Spellcaster, Silent spell.

Langages:Common, Goblin, Elven, Draconic, Dwarven, Halfling.

Skills: Balance +10, Bluff +8, Concentration +11, Decipher Script +7, Diplomacy +11, Heal +1, Intimidate +10, knowledge(arcanna) +9, Knowledge(Nature) +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Search +12, Sense Motive +3, Spellcraft +17, Spot +7, Survival +3, Tumble +8, Use Magic Device +8

Equipment: Headband of Intellect +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Ring of Protection +1, Slippers of Spider Climbing, Rod of Sudden Empower, Minor Schema: Invisibility, Gloves of Dexterity (+2), Chain Shirt +1, dagger(masterwork silver), crossbow,light, bolts 3 cases (30pcs), Vest of Resistance +2, Stone Figurine (req. Touchstone)

The Boromar Clan

2007-02-27T20:59:00.000+08:00

The Boromar Clan is the most powerful criminal organization in Sharn. From a humble start as a gang of smugglers and thieves, the Boromars have risen to become one of the most influential forces in the city. They have a stranglehold on the smuggling trade and own the majority of gambling halls in the city. Most of the fences and thieves in Sharn either work directly for the Boromars or pay tribute in exchange for independence. This clan controls a vast network of extortion, blackmail, and graft that extends from the slums of Lower Dura to the heights of Skyway, with its headquarters in the halfling district of Little Plains (in Middle Menthis).

Their influence reaches far beyond the criminal underworld. The early Boromar patriarchs invested wisely over the centuries, so that today the Boromars are one of the Sixty families of Sharn. The Boromar Clan owns many of the warehouses in Precarious and Cogsedge. It owns taverns and inns throughout the city and has a considerable interest in the shipping trade. A Boromar heir sits on the city council of Sharn, and the current patriarch is a member of the Gold Concord of the Aurum.

Sharn, The City of Towers

2007-02-27T20:51:00.000+08:00

Sharn, the largest city on the continent of Khorvaire and one of the defining locations of the nation of Breland, looms atop an inhospitable outcropping of rock near the mouth of the Dagger River. The City of Towers rises high into the cloud-filled sky, growing upward within the limited space available on a plateau bounded on the west and south by the Dagger River and its eastern tributary, the Hilt. To the north and east, steep cliffs define the city's boundaries, while deep chasms formed by volcanic action cut the plateau into five distinct regions: Dura on the west, Tavick's Landing on the east, Northedge to the north, and the Central Plateau and Menthis Plateau in the center. Along the Dagger River at the western edge of the city, the neighborhood of Cliffside is built upon and into the steep riverside cliffs. Above the highest towers, the neighborhood of Skyway floats over the city. The city also extends underground, into sewers and long-forgotten ruins, and deeper to the furnaces and foundries of the Cogs.

Sharn sits within a manifest zone linked to Syrania, the Azure Sky. This manifest zone enhances magic related to flying and levitation, which makes many of Sharn's magical wonders possible. The vast majority of the magic items used within the city to facilitate flight only function because of the manifest zone, and work less well or not at all beyond its boundaries.

Most of Sharn's neighborhoods are vertically stratified. For example, while Menthis Plateau is known as a center of entertainment, the type and quality of entertainment available varies among the different levels of the towers. The upper levels (usually referred to as "Upper Menthis") offer high art in the forms of opera, theater, and symphony, as well as housing Morgrave University and a thriving community of writers and other artists. The middle levels ("Middle Menthis") house a thriving theater district with more affordable shows, a large number of professional minstrels, acrobats, and similar entertainers, and a year-round circus complete with animals. The lower levels ("Lower Menthis") contain a very different sort of theater district marked by burlesque shows, a red light district, and a great number of taverns for cheap and bawdy entertainment.

The Last War

2007-02-27T20:46:00.000+08:00

The most recent significant event in Eberron is an event called the Last War, so-called because the people of Khorvaire believed that after the war was over everybody would grow tired of war. It refers to a series of conflicts in Khorvaire over 102 years that began with a dispute over the throne of the Kingdom of Galifar and the ruling of the Five Nations.

Two years prior to the end of the Last War, the nation of Cyre was destroyed in an incident known as the Day of Mourning. This event helped expedite the end of the Last War. Now, the region that was once Cyre is referred to as the Mournland and is the home of living spells, preserved dead bodies, and a militant sect of warforged led by one called the Lord of Blades whose avowed goal is the total domination of the continent by the warforged at the expense of all "flesh and blood" humanoids. Those in the Mournland do not heal naturally, and magical healing has no effect. For all these reasons, few people enter the region.

The Last War officially has ended two years prior to the start of the common Eberron campaign, with the Treaty of Thronehold, as each of the Five Nations and most of the nations that broke off during the war officially became independent...

In SJ2k7, it's still a couple more years before that.

A Threat of Epidemic Proportions

2007-02-23T23:50:00.000+08:00

A virulent plague sweeps over the city of Regalport, forcing the Lyrandar Dragonmarked House to quarantine the stricken area with a citywide blockade. A mission of mercy and a desperate search lead heroes to the Talenta Plains, where they discover an even greater scourge spreading throughout the continent.