SESSION #01 : Pirates!

[istainion]

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 02

 

"With the information and map at hand, we were assigned to the docks to where the Stormbringer ship, the captain and its crew awaited us. After having made ourselves comfortable at the ship, we set sail. The days and nights have been passing, with not much event ongoing ... However, that changed . . .

 

Unsuspecting of what would come, I managed to get into a conversation with a nearby sailor, who looked like he was preparing the canon. My curiosity led me into being taught of how it works, and this kind man was fairly patient with me. I followed his instructions accordingly and with great success, I have been taught how to reload it. The crew member seemed impressed with me, astonished even when he uttered the words that my efforts and work could easily replace many of their crew members in number. He said that my efforts would normally require what takes approximately five men to do. Another person like me would be enough to operate one of these canons. I find it fascinating, but equally surprising. Have I truly done such a great job? Well, it was fun! I shall keep this in mind for when it comes in handy! - I thought to myself.

 

The weather gradually took a turn for the worse. First, the rain started, but it became much stronger. A tough wind increased the already tense atmosphere among the crew, of reasons I was uncertain. They seemed very fixated on the canons as if to expect an incoming force of offense. I had not a chance to ask, when the heavy rain chased me to the lower deck for cover.

 

There, I did take my chance to approach another sailor for questioning. They seem to be of the avoidant sort when it comes to the answer, but when I combined just the correct words, this particular man seems to ease up. Enough to speak of the issue, but warned me not to speak of it to others. It seems like the current location is known for its many pirates and their tendency to attack. Which chances vary with each travel. 

 

Today ... It is one of those days.

 

Just after I managed to pass the message to the lizardfolk man of my group about the pirate concern, the bell from upstairs sounded. The commanding tone of the captain was heard through the heavy rain that brought more distance to our ears to hear. Pirates have been signaled. All hands are to be on deck to take their position.

 

With haste, I rushed up the stairs among the many sailors and the members of my own group. Each taking a position, myself included. After all, I was taught how to reload the canon. Luckily, these men allowed my assistance. Together, we awaited the signal of Captain Alistar.

 

With a swift turn of the ship, we managed to avoid the first canon attack of the opposing ship, and returned the favor with a perfectly aimed shot at their mast. With the mast of the pirate ship collapsing, the enemy struggled to near us, and that was for the better. Multiple shots were aimed on each side as the pirates neared us. Arrow shots were aimed from our side to weaken the offense and a bolt of fire. None managed to halt the enemy's advancement much, but their attacks were forced to delay.

 

Unfortunately, the pirates seemed eager to strike, when they forced to set foot on our ship and initiate battle. With a warding spell around me, I swore myself to protect those around me. Unfortunate as I was, I could not halt the attacks neither deaths of those who stood closest to our opponent. Lives were lost on each side, leaving traces on the ship, and for some to land in the water.

 

Violent shaking came from the sea below, caused by an unknown source. The ship was rocking and forced many of us to fall on our knees for balance. To seek eagerly for something to hold onto and stay far from the edge of the ship. The battle resumed, and put each the warriors at disadvantage. With the following numbers decreasing, our unknown source caused more instability to come. The pirates, who lost many of their men made an attempt to flee, but it was useless when an unknown beast emerged from the waters below and took the form of a draconic creature.

 

The attacks were halted, and a command sounded. "Do not shoot under any circumstance! It is Aremag, he is friendly!" Alistar thundered. Our actions have turned idle as each of us watched the situation unfold. The pirate ship had taken a hold of the enemy's ship and pulled it down to the depth of the sea.

 

The sea became calm again, until Aremag returned to the surface to speak in an odd language. Draconic. None, but Jasper is familiar with its tongue, and he enriched us with a translation. The sea creature demanded treasure. Not an unknown trait of dragon kind. The hunger for gold and their tendency to collect. Today, no different.

 

All passengers on the ship put their gold together to be granted passage, but our first collection did not satisfy the creature. Another round was forced to collect more gold until we obtained a total of four hundred and thirty gold pieces. A heavy treasure to carry, but it was what it took to be granted passage. 

 

I decided not to give away all I had, regardless of the generous offerings that have been made. Gold may just be what grants us a shelter for the night, or food to eat from when we arrive. And while this creature suffers from its greed, I cannot make yet another sacrifice to toughen our survival chances. Tale of Wonder, he counts on us, even now.

 

Aremag returned to the depths after receiving the treasure in exchange for our safe arrival at the coast of Chult to Port Nyanzaru. Here, we must seek for prince merchant Wakanga O'tamu and make mention of the lady who sent us here. This man has an unusual title, I wonder if it holds special meaning. One of royalty or a man of high function?"