Tears of Taija: The End!

[MDSnowman]

On account of Jade's player being extremely pregnant, Jade will be a NPC from here on out. Vai's player was at GenCon this week. Since Dugall was mind controlled I let his player control Vai for the course of this session.

<@AndyGM> When we last left our heroes they learned the truth of it all. Krauser, the lost Emperor, told them of his summoning of Taija, and Astoak, how one became a god over the corpse of the other, and how in doing so Taija had accidentally lengthened the lifespan of the world. He finally moved to give the Lance of Twilight to Dugall, but was stopped by Vai. At that moment Sakret's minions, Salem and Tombs appeared in an airship. They swooped in and Salem took control of Dugall. For some reason, perhaps his closeness to the lance, or the knowledge of his true self he changed into his darkest form ever, shadows seemingly alive cloaking a man now controlled entirely by Salem. At Salem's command Dugall lifted his hand and reached for the broken lance in Vai's hand.
<Matuzack> Matuzack quickly steps between Dugall and Vai. "Vai. Get the lance out of here."
<Dugall> Vai looked at Dugall, "Dugall, don't go through with this. If you do this, we'll do what we have to against you!" she said, holding the lance.
<Petra3> "Dugall! Snap out of it already!" Petra yelled, hoping some part of the Dugall they knew was listening.
<Makhpia> Makhpia stands rigidly still, as if waiting for the right moment to move.
<Dugall> Vai lunged back as the tendrils came at her and shot several blasts of eldritch energy, before being cornered and stumbling, dropping the lance. Dugall's shadow did not attack however, it merely batted aside Vai's attacks and as soon as the lance escaped her grasp his shadow slithered across the floor, picking it up, and placing it gently in Salem's hand.
<@AndyGM> Salem grinned. "That was simple. Destroy them all dear." Salem whispered into her gem.
<@AndyGM> Like the wind a figure blew into the ruins of the temple, dressed in dark armor, with a sword at his side he had deathly pale skin and short spiked blonde hair. He drew his sword with such speed that Petra could feel the air leave her lungs like he created a miniature vacuum with his raw speed. The blind girl managed to fight off the effect and hold her breath until the sensation passes.
<@AndyGM> Salem sprouts a pair of wings and begins to fly back up towards the Airship, holding her prizes, the Gem, and the Lance.
<Makhpia> Makhpia leaps forward at Hexblade, slashing at him with newly grown claws and moving past inhumanly fast.
<@AndyGM> Hexblade dodges the attack, and he does so with such speed that Makhpia's eyes couldn't even track the movement.
<@AndyGM> Jade focuses on Salem flying away and screams. "GET DOWN HERE YOU BITCH!" Jade abandons her human guise taking her demon form. She flies upward sending a rain of hellfire upwards trying to stop Salem, but barely singeing the retreating demoness.
<Dugall> Vai stood and took aim, knowing all their trouble went back to Salem. Breathing hard, she wondered if her faith could still hold with the truth, she uttered a prayer, a prayer for Taija's Invisible Hand to make itself known. And then she let the arrow fly
<@AndyGM> Salem's ascent stopped, and she slowly started being dragged downwards.
<Petra3> Focusing on the earth near Hexblade, Petra willed it to turn in hot magma and burst up from the ground to strike at this threat. [Magma Blast 12, indirect, Secondary Effect]
<@AndyGM> Once again Hexblade easily avoided the attack not getting so much and burned by the spraying magma.
<@AndyGM> Dugall fixed his gaze on Vai, vanished into his own shadow and reappeared right next to Vai. She didn't even see it when Dugall summoned a shadowy reflection of the Lance into his hand, and drove it into Vai's side. The shadowy spear shattered her magical force field, and then struck her side. turning the side of her dress to dust, and turning her skin jet black.
<Matuzack> "C'mon, Dugall. You want me, not her." Matuzack charged the shadowy figure and tapped into the frigidness that flowed within him. As he nears, the barbarian shifted the harpoon in his hands, bringing the flat of the blade to bear.
<@AndyGM> Dugall's shadow wrapped around him deflecting the blow easily.
<@AndyGM> Tombs grew a pair of decaying wings from his back and took to the air as well, without Vai totally in control he and Salem reached their airship above.
<Makhpia> Mak curses in orcish before moving back towards Dugall. (Holding standard action)
<@AndyGM> Jade glares up at the airship and grits her teeth. It's obvious she wants to follow Salem, but she cannot leave the group to die. She sees Makhpia getting ready to strike and does the same.
<Petra3> Sensing the shift in the battle, Petra willed the ground near Dugall to form into a giant fist and try to grasps him, to squeeze him hard and try to knock him out.
<@AndyGM> Dugall lifted off of the ground avoiding the stone fist landing on it gingerly. Dugall raised a hand, and his shadow lance vanished, only to turn into a dozens ribbons of pure shadow which lash out at Petra over and over again.
<@AndyGM> Petra's rock armor held up remarkably well, only cracking slightly under the onslaught of Dugall's shadowy attacks.
<Matuzack> "Gods damn it, Dugall! Snap out of it!" Matuzack roared, flashing the flat of his harpoon down.
<@AndyGM> Matuzack's Harpoon misses its mark, but leaves Dugall open for Makhpia and Jade.
<@AndyGM> Mak's claw dig into Dugall's side and at the same time Jade focuses, summoning her burning blue hellfire, sending a bolt of it directly into Dugall's side.
<@AndyGM> The combined attack throws Dugall off of balance causing him to stagger backwards in shock.
[22:13] <Makhpia> Makhpia jumps over Dugall, slashing at him as she goes over him before landing.
<@AndyGM> Mak drove her claw into his shoulder and wrenched him down into the ground slamming his face into Petra's stone fist shattering it violently.
***
<@AndyGM> Dugall, however, begins to pull himself off of the ground. His eyes go completely black and suddenly his shadow grows larger, encompassing the entire room, suddenly there was no sky, no walls, just six people on an endless plain of darkness. But in Dugall's mind he watched it all as an observer, chained to a floor overlooking it all, and behind him, on a large bronze throne, sat his other self in blood red breastplate gripping a black iron lance.
<Dugall> "You... you're what I once was. Sad, we meet again under these conditions."
<@AndyGM> "For you maybe, I am myself again, for the first time in ages. Until I can remove your entirely from my mind you will watch."
<Dugall> "Oh yeah? How is this you being you? What about Taija? We," he coughs, struggling with the chains, "I, you, whatever, have a lot to answer for. We can't let this happen."
<@AndyGM> "She betrayed me!" Astoak roared. "I'll murder these mortals, go to the North to help Sakret take my revenge and watch that bitch die!" More than a thousand years of rage were evident in his words.
<Dugall> "Don't you think she'll expect that? Revenge isn't worth taking anymore. Taija, she regretted what she did; she even became the sun for it. And, we're not dead, we've came so far. Do you really want to lose that?"
<@AndyGM> He furrowed his brow. "I do admit, growing up a child on this world, as you, was not without its charm, but you've seen with my eyes for centuries now. Can you honestly tell me that there's one thing worth saving here? Something that cannot be found elsewhere?"
<Dugall> "Yeah, I do, I wouldn't have gone all to that trouble to get that scroll if it wasn't worth getting for Jade. Mak, Petra, Mat, and Vai, they're all worth saving. 'Sides, I was also looking forward to when we get back having tea with her aunt. She and the faith holder Vai showed me that faith in Taija isn’t just smoke and mirrors."
<@AndyGM> He drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. "You say these things, but we both know that you're purposely avoiding growing close to any of them. They are dust, and you will live forever. In time even the faith in our sister would pass on."
<Dugall> "What "might" happen in the future no longer concerns me. Only what definitely will. And what's happening now, this very moment. things age, they get old, true. But that's life. I've been runnin' from it for a long time, true, but now it's time to turn around and face things."
<@AndyGM> Astoak looks down as, in the real world, Dugall appears to be on the verge of unleashing an attack that will kill everyone around him. "Where did you learn to show compassion?" He spat nearly mumbling.
<Dugall> Dugall tried to stand, he looked down, then back up at his counterpart, smiling.” I’m not sure; it's just kinda crept up on me, oddly enough. Somehow there's always been bits of it buried in there, from the time that I squirreled away those rebelling peasants to safety to handing over the resurrection scroll to Jade, to all those conversations I've had with my... friends, no family. They kinda thaw ya out of your numbness."
<Dugall> "But we gotta stop this, or we'll lose all that, all we've worked for."
<@AndyGM> "I cannot join you in this outlook on life. I have lived, caged, for too long. All I have now is my anger... it kept me sane, gave everything perspective. We cannot live together like that. So I propose a compromise."
<Dugall> "What did you have in mind?"
<@AndyGM> "Dugall and Astoak of the Twilight cease to exist. Instead we become one person, my power, or as much as your consciousness could control, and this outlook on life. You'll be happy to know, this deal will also make you immune to the Demoness' meddling."
<Dugall> "As long as I'm lucid enough to remain loyal to my compatriots, and make atonement for what I've-we've done, then I will agree."
<@AndyGM> "Then it is done." The chains around Dugall's wrists vanish and in the real world the shadow that had fallen over everyone retreated once again to Dugall engulfing him and when it cleared he knelt on the ground dressed in a fine black military uniform a long tattered black cape on his back. His face was calm, at peace.
<Matuzack> Matuzack coughed, a red mark around his throat marked where one of the tentacles had been only seconds ago. "Dugall? You in there?"
<@AndyGM> Jade stumbled forward and gripped her fist. "We should kill him... while we still have the chance. Salem will just do this again."
<Matuzack> "Wait." Matuzack said, putting a hand on Jade's shoulder. "In all our travels, have you ever seen him smile? Something has happened."
<Petra3> "Dugall, are you in control again?"
<Makhpia> "I'm more interested in knowing if we're going to die or not. Please let me know when that has been decided." Mak coughed out while on the ground.
<Dugall> He coughs a bit, before whispering something that looked like thank you. His eyes opened, looking fuller than before. "Dugall is dead, long live Dugall." He smirked.
<@AndyGM> Jade stopped seeing his eyes. She blinked in surprise.
<Matuzack> "I don't know what that means. Are you still the killing Dugall, or the friendly Dugall."
<Dugall> He stood, holding his rapier at his side, before saluting. "I am... both."
<Petra3> "Dugall made a joke, everyone duck and cover!" Petra said as she formed a wall in front of herself.
<Matuzack> "Well, you ain't put that pig sticker in me yet. So I'm assuming you're our Dugall." He held out his hand, helping the man to his feet.
<Petra3> "Wait, it is Dugall and yet not at the same time. Are you sure it is safe, Mat?"
<Dugall> "Thanks, but as much as you'd like me to do that to you, Mat, I'm gonna have to say no. But right now, we gotta get going. If I am to be a real knight, I've still got a long way to go. Still, thanks be to all of you for freeing me." he bows.
<Petra3> Petra lowers the stone wall and steps over towards Dugall. "You're back! But wait, we don't have to worry about you getting controlled again, do we?"
<Matuzack> Matuzack moved away and began lifting huge stones away from the unconscious dragon form.
<@AndyGM> Vai pulled herself up holding her side. "Okay, we're heading North, but what do you intend on doing once you get there Dugall?"
<Dugall> "Nope, Salem had her claws in Dugall and Astoak. Neither of them still exist. There is only I, both came together to become stronger..." he pauses and thinks, smirking again.
<@AndyGM> Emberia lies in the rubble having shielded the unconscious Krauser. She appears to have survived the barrage at least.
<Dugall> "Well, I was thinking, since I grew stronger from my lesser halves coming together, I will go with you, and together we will be stronger, strong enough to ream all of them a new one, anyway!"
<Makhpia> "I think I get what you’re saying." Mak is continuing to lie on the ground. "At least on the merging thing."
<Matuzack> As Matuzack threw a particularly large stone away, he called out. "Does that mean we can call you Assgall now?"
<Petra3> Petra moved over to Vai and began to patch her up. "Remind me never to get on Dugall's bad side."
<@AndyGM> Jade narrows her eyes. "Fine, but if you turn on us ever again I'll kill you and chain your corpse in a stone box thirty feet underground. Hell if I even think Salem still controls you I might do it anyway."
<@AndyGM> Vai smiles and thanks Petra for her healing.
<Dugall> "Naturally," he moved over to her and bowed his head, "if I turn on you, I'll be wearing bells for when you reduce me to a cinder. My apologies to you, and to you, Vai, and well- to the rest of you for the past. But it shouldn’t be a problem anymore."
<Petra3> "Okay, need to help out our hosts." Petra said as she moved over to heal Emberia and then Krauser.
<@AndyGM> Vai nods gently. "Let us go North, and stop this madness once and for all."

[Pandaman]

It wasn't as bad as I thought!

[Unknown Soldier]

So, when are we back in the game?

[MDSnowman]

Game's Back in Session on August 24th at 9pm est.

[MDSnowman]

Act 4 Epilogue

Wind whipped around the crumbling tower. The biting cold of the North was pervasive; the old stone was covered in equal parts, dust, snow, and ice. Sitting on a tarnished silver throne was a distinctly feminine figure. Her body was cloaked on a long robe, the hood up. She drummed fingers on the arm of the chair looking out from the wide open room to a decaying city and the seemingly endless icy expanse beyond that. A figure in similarly dark armor, with a long black cape appeared besides her.

“I feel the air ship returning. I trust you return with good news Tombs.” She said in a calm voice, one almost as cold as the wind roaring violently around the pair.

“I have mistress. The Lance is in our possession and The Demon brings it with her as we speak.” Tombs responded.

“Summon your cultists then, we must begin our work. It will take quite a bit of time to prepare the ritual, and I want as many abominations in place as possible before then.” The woman said, standing from her throne and walking to the edge of the decaying tower, her violet eyes drawn to a large pit in the center of the ruined city.

“As for that, mistress Sakret, we have placed all but four abominations. The meddlers freed by the Dragons have three, and … the fourth, it cannot be found. The Ancients hid Void the devourer too well.” Tombs said lowering his head.

“Not surprising since Void is supposedly the most dangerous Abomination. I came here hoping to find it, fortunately the Ancients left other weapons behind to be used, yourself included.” She pulled back her hood revealing long hair so dark that it seemed purple in the harsh light of the day. “Eight abominations should be enough, when we destroy the sun they will seize the opportunity and sow chaos. We five harbingers will use that chaos to hasten the end of this age.”

“Mistress, what of the Dragons’ warriors? Surely Krauser has already told them where to find us. We cannot simply let them reach us and interrupt the ritual.” Tombs said, his voice showing an unusual hint of unease.

“No. We will not allow that to happen… have the witch Salem summon aide from down below, take command of her walking dead knight. We will place as many obstacles inside the city as we can. Holland will prevent them from reaching us as well… I’m sure he’s looking forward to a reunion with his little brother.” Sakret grinned, balling her delicate hand into a fist.

Act 5: Midnight Sun

coming August 24th at 9pm

[Pandaman]

Ohh! I can hardly wait!

[Unknown Soldier]

I'm going to mess up Holland's face.

[MDSnowman]

Remember everyone we start again tomorrow night!

I should be there on time, but I have a late visitation, so I might be late so don't run off, I'll be there.

[Pandaman]

I might be a few moments late tomorrow.

[MDSnowman]

<AndyGM> Krauser and Emberia managed to get everyone sorted out and point them towards the best place to get a ride to the Bleak North. After a few weeks of travel the heroes find themselves at that location, the city of New Harpoon Point. A huge wooden Pallisade surrounds the city, mostly squat stone and wooden buildings inside of it. Outside of the Pallisade dozens of tents and huts look to have been erected recently.
<@Matuzack> "I guess we need a boat." He said, a grimace across his face.
<Makhpia> "I hate water." Mak groans.
<Petra3> "You think you hate it, more than a foot or so deep and I'm totally blind." Petra said with annoyance, hoping their trip over water would be short and fast.
<AndyGM> Jade sighs. "What is it with you mortals and Water? Hell doesn't have this much water."
<Makhpia> "I think that was Vira's feelings on water. It's sometimes hard to tell."
<AndyGM> "Cats don't like water, noted." Jade smirked.
<@Matuzack> "Hrm." Matuzack said, looking out over the tents. "These are Northerners. Shouldn't be here."
<@Matuzack> "You!" He called to the nearest male. "Where do you hail from?"
<AndyGM> The man, a barrell chested old man with a long beard. "Me? I'm from the Fjord Rat clan... well was anyhow."
<@Matuzack> "What do you mean?"
<AndyGM> "The King of Crows, he his clans, his witches, and the blasted Unbound he commands either killed or ran off the rest of my clan. Same's true of most of the folk here."
<@Matuzack> Matuzack let out a low growl. "Where does this "King of Crows call home?"
<AndyGM> "He always moves around with his army, rumors say he's going to take the ol' Icewrack Castle as the seat of his empire after he finishes with the Eastern clans."
<@Matuzack> He nodded once to the man before returning to the group "We must go. Now. Every second we wait is another one of my kind dead."
<Petra3> "How long a trip are we in for?"
<@Matuzack> "Three or four weeks, we need to cross the Rheic Sea to reach my lands."
<AndyGM> "Then I suggest we find a boat." Jade offered.
<Petra3> "3 or 4 weeks on traveling by boat. Great." Petra said, the thought of bobbing up and down without being able to see making her sick thinking about it.
<@Matuzack> "Great. Someone else do the talking. I'm.." he heaved a great sigh.
<AndyGM> "You're what?" Vai asked.
<@Matuzack> "Worried."
<AndyGM> "Let's head towards the docks then... I'd assume it'd be near the water." Jade nodded.
<Makhpia> "Makes sense." Mak shrugs.
<Petra3> "Off we go once more." Petra said as she started to follow the others towards the docks.
<@Matuzack> Matuzack walked toward the docks. With his very limited nautical knowledge, he picked what looked like the fastest boat. "Try that one."
<Sunny> Speaking of boats and water... Mira was lounging on a folding chair set out on the docks beside her ship, long legs stretched out with her feet propped on a nearby crate. And to save on time, we'll go with the short description: hot nautical babe with short black hair, great legs, and not much on besides boots and a captain's jacket.
<@Matuzack> "You. Across the Rhetic Sea. Put us in at Bleak Port in the East." He thumped down a large sack of jingling coins at the captain's feet.
<Sunny> Mira tipped her hat back, a brow lifting as she looked at the sack and a grin slowly moving to join it as her gaze roved up the hunk of meat thinking to give her orders. "But you didn't say please."
<@Matuzack> He growled out a "Please" through gritted teeth.
<Sunny> "Ah, I love a man with proper manners!" Cheeky grin. Feet dropped to the floor and she stood, snatching up the bag of coins and her chair. "Welcome aboard, mates." Canting her head for them to follow as she headed up the gangway and onto the ship.
<Petra3> Petra simply followed onto the ship, taking out the stupid cane Jade had gotten her a while ago, just in case.
<@Matuzack> Matuzack followed, his feet thudding dangerously hard against the wooden deck.
<AndyGM> Jade quirks a single red eyebrow at the captain.Reluctantly she followed.
<Makhpia> Mak steps out onto the gangway, grimaces, and continues moving with a balanced ease.
<AndyGM> Vai followed the others onto the boat.
<Sunny> The chair was handed off to a crewman, then she turned to get a proper look at the lot of them. "Hm, odd bunch aren't you? Ah well, it'll be about two weeks to Bleak Port. I'll be your captain, you may call me Mira. And what shall I be calling all of you?"
<Petra3> "I'm Petra Wagner."
<AndyGM> "Jade" An extremely attractive red headed woman in almost as revealing an outfit as the captain said.
<@Matuzack> "Matuzack." he offered over his shoulder. He then gave a double take, seeming to just notice the good looks of the Captain
<AndyGM> "Anis, or you may call me Vai." Said a slender woman with long white hair and bright blue eyes, with a bow over her shoulder.
<Makhpia> "Makhpia Vira." The athletic young Orc says calmly.
<Dugall> "Once upon a time you could've called me lord and master, another time you could have called me anything ya wished. Nowadays, I guess I go by the name of Dugall Usher, at your service," said the wiry pale man dressed in an old military uniform with a rapier at his side.
<Sunny> Makes a note to ask Jade about her tailor, before giving a sharp look to Matuzack. "Matuzack, did you say? Not a very common name." Lovely green eyes giving him a more careful once-over. Then she was all cheeky grins again and turning to Dugall, "I've but one lord and master. And you're not it, sorry luv. Now then! Just follow my first mate here to your cabins while we get underway. Hoist the anchor!" The last bit called out to the crewmen on deck.
<AndyGM> The crewmen became a flurry of action. And within minutes the anchor was taken from the sea, and the sails were unfurled. The ship was underway with surprising ease, heading North across the notoriously rough Rheic Sea.
<@Matuzack> A small basset hound creeped out from behind Vai and gave a sharp bark before bowling into Mira's leg, his tail wagging at super speed.
<AndyGM> Jade watched all the activity her eyebrow quirked the entire time.
<Petra3> A small fox-like animal suddenly darted from behind Petra and tackled Quix. "Lenya! You're so quiet most of the time I forgot you were there." Petra said with a grin.
<Lady_Vai> "A boat... why did it have to be a boat," she says as she nibbles on a piece of ginger
<Dugall> "Aye, no problem there. The whole 'lord and master' phase was so last century anyhow, same with the beggar phase. I've been a prince and a pauper, and neither of 'em suit me" Dugall said admiring the view. "ya gonna hold in there, Mak?" <Petra3> "At least the wood is good enough for me to see through, at least some." Petra said as she sat down on the deck, trying to get used to the movement.
<Makhpia> "Lenya, Quix. Don't get in the way you two." Mak calls out in orcish, the language she usually talks to the animals in. Turning to Dugall she responds in Common "Yes. Vira is just going to have to get used to it, arn't you Vira?" She chuckles.
<Sunny> Good timing, she had just come down from the rigging. "What's this?" Seeing the dog she laughed warmly and paused to crouch down beside him. "Hello pup! Good of you to wait 'til we're out of port to make introductions." And here she'd proceed to get to know Quix by engaging him in some playful rough housing.
<@Matuzack> "Quix. You traitor. You'll run after anything pretty." Mat lightly kicked at the hound before offering his hand to Mira. "Thank you for taking us on with such short notice. If there's anything we can do to speed the trip up, we are very capable."
<Dugall> "Reminds me about somebody else."
<Lady_Vai> Vai smiles as she contines to nibble on her ginger.
<Makhpia> "And who's that Dugall?" Mak asks, staring at him.
<Dugall> "Let's just say, like dog, like master." He winks
<Sunny> "Mm, I bet you are at that." Sly grin as she accepted his hand and stood back up again. Once again giving Mat a curious look before turning to Dugall. "Ah, so the pup's yours then is it?"
<Makhpia> Makhpia just starts laughing. "You know Dugall, I think I like the new sense of humor."
<Lady_Vai> "So how long will this trip take us," she asks
<Makhpia> "About two weeks Vai."
<Lady_Vai> "Oh goddess," she mutters and sighs
<Dugall> "It's a work in progress. And haha, good one," he turned to Mira, "I do have some history of that, but now I was actually referring to the big guy over there." he points to Mat,
<Petra3> "Quix is the big guy, Matuzack, dog. And the little kolda that has latched onto me and follows us around is Lenya. Although I guess I'm going to have to get her food and drink while on this trip. She normally just hunts for her own food." <Makhpia> "It's nice somebody else does some hunting other than me." Mak says, but with a grin to show that she's joking around.
<Petra3> "What is the weather like on the sea where we are traveling through? Ever get really rough?"
<Dugall> "You mean other than hunting people and demons and giants and other monsters?"
<AndyGM> "Point of order, we haven't run into any giants yet." Jade added.
<Sunny> "I suppose that means you'll be wanting belly rubs too?" Back to Mat again. "We've got some salted fish the animals aboard should be able to stomach, and the Rheic Sea is a harsh mistress... but good to those who know her well." Answering Petra's question. "We shouldn't run into too much trouble."
<Lady_Vai> "Famous last words. That is when we usually get to worst amount of trouble."
<Dugall> "Shhhhh... don't give the gods any more ideas!"
<AndyGM> "Well that's not exactly new for us." Jade quipped at Vai with a grin.
<Makhpia> "Well, Dugall, feel free to eat all those monsters, although I hear most people are squeamish about it." Mak leans over to view the water and sniffs. "Ughh, salty."
<Petra3> "Awww, I think we burned through all our bad luck for at least a few more weeks, after everything recently."
<Sunny> "Any trouble we run into won't be from the sea. At least, nothing my crew and I can't handle." Another of those cheeky grins offered up. "So then, what brings a ragtag lot such as yourselves to these waters?"
<@Matuzack> Matuzack eyed her before talking. "Have you heard anything about this King of Crows?"
<Sunny> "He's a vicious bastard out to conquer the Bleack North. Rumors peg him as one of the Unbound, fathered by a giant."
<Lady_Vai> She looks at Matuzack
<Makhpia> Makhpia's face turns grim after her saying that.
<@Matuzack> "We're here to kill him, route his army, and restore order while trying to keep his old girlfriend from killing the world." He points to Dugall.
<Makhpia> "While we're asking weird questions to our captain, ever hear of a daughter of twin rivers, by chance?"
<Dugall> "See, told ya I had some history of that. Oh, and I'm hoping to do some sightseeing for a wonderful summer home up here north." he shrugs, growing more serious, "it's a long story though."
<Sunny> "A daughter of twin rivers? Now there's a new one...hm." Perches prettily on a barrel as she dredges something up for that one. "Could be a reference to any number of old tales, really. Or just some brat got by two river spirits." She shrugged. "But tell me about this girlfriend of the King of Crows? That's this about world killing?"
<@Matuzack> "Nah." Matuzack waves her off. "His old girlfriend. Dugall."
<Dugall> "Yup. Tis true, sadly."
<Sunny> "Oh come now. How am I supposed to spread the gossip from port to port if you don't share your tales as well, hm?"
<Makhpia> "So who wants to recount that incredibly long tale?" Mak asks with a sigh.

[MDSnowman]

<@AndyGM> When we last left our heroes they were sailing across the Rheic Sea on the ship of the lovely pirate calling herself Mira. When she asked the group what their story was she got the story alright... all of it.
<Matuzack> "So now we go North, to free my people and put and end to those who would destroy the world."
<@AndyGM> "Afterwards I propose a drunken orgy." Jade added. "I think we've earned it."
<Petra3> Petra blushes at hearing this. "Uhm, I think afterwards I would like to go home to be with my mom and help the city grow."
<Makhpia> "Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. There still are some important pieces of the prophecy left, plus the whole freeing of the people thing to deal with."
<Sunny> "After that epic I think I'm going to need to join you in that orgy... It'll make for fine telling in faraway ports, though!" A cheery laugh and she draped an arm over Petra's shoulders. "Aw, what's the matter lass, no bonny lad to dream of on the lonely nights on the trail?"
<@AndyGM> Vai covers her mouth to stiffle a snicker at that.
<Petra3> "I've never even dated, raised in a mining camp where most of the guys were like big brothers to me. At least til over a year ago."
<@AndyGM> "Apparently people on this continent have hang ups about under aged sex." Jade shrugged.
<Matuzack> "Well, the best way to make a village bigger is on your back," he said, taking a long drink of rum.
<Dugall> "Well, said orgy will likely attract many newcomers to it, anyway."
<Petra3> Petra smacks Mat upside the head.
<Sunny> "And a year is plenty enough time to meet many a charming fellow. I tell you what..." Her expression turning very impish. "I give you the pick of my crew, hm? They're all fine lads, and would be glad for the favor of a sweet young thing."
<Petra3> "Uhm, bad past experiences. No thanks." Petra said as she sat down on the deck and burried her face between her arms.
<@AndyGM> "What about you captain Mira? We’ve told you our story what's yours?" Jade asked a single red brow quirked.
<Sunny> "Nothing nearly so long-winded, that much I can say." Chuckling she left Petra alone to lean against the side rail. "I follow in my family's trade. Both of my parents are captains of their own waters, and I have claimed these seas as my own in the fine tradition of such things."
<Matuzack> "And where do you call home?"
<Sunny> "You're already here, luv." Playful wink.
<Matuzack> "Born to the water then? No land to call your home?"
<Sunny> "What's the difference, truly? The Rheic is my homeland, this ship my home. The people who travel these waters are my people, we have our laws, traditions and culture, do we not?"
<Matuzack> Matuzack shrugged. "I was just trying to figure out how far our kids would have to travel to see their grandparents."
<@AndyGM> Vai groans. "Pardon, did I groan out loud?"
<Makhpia> Mak just rolls her eyes.
<Petra3> "Mat, one of these days, you are going to use a line like that on the wrong woman and end up in serious trouble."
<@AndyGM> "I know I've had to surpress the urge to break his arm a few times." Jade added.
<Matuzack> Matuzack laughted as though nothing were funnier.
<Dugall> "I am curious, if your people stay to theit own territories, how do they meet?"
<Sunny> "Keep it up and you'll not have to worry about your children at all..." Mira purred, toying with a dagger that had definitely been hiding down the front of her shirt a moment ago.
<Sunny> "Whose people?" Turning instead to Dugall, dagger going back into its proper place as a booby trap.
<Dugall> "The one of you and your ancestors," he says offhandedly as he gazes into the water, "you mentioned the ships of your parents stick mostly to their own territory. So how do you come into contact with each other?"
<Sunny> "Much the same way a motley band as yourself came together, I'd imagine. Things happen to force a person out of their normal way, which typically sends them stumbling into the way of someone else."
<Matuzack> "It was prison for us. Hopefully it's something better for you."
<Dugall> "Heh," he smiles, "When people in danger of being blown apart, it's when people get together. Ironic."
<Sunny> "I'm fairly certain my mum was attempting to pillage my da's ship somewhere along the border between them. Or so they like to tell it, anyhow." Cheeky grin. "She always was the more dominant one between them."
<Dugall> "Heh, Know how that one goes. Still got the wounds to prove it."
<Makhpia> Mak starts pacing on the deck restlessly, sniffing the air occasionally.
<@AndyGM> The sun begins going down on the horizon as they ship moves ever northward.
<Matuzack> "Matuzack moves toward the bow of the ship, watching the sun drop down over the horizon. He pulls out a smooth stone and begins sharpening his harpoon.
<Makhpia> "I'm a bit tired. Where were are chambers again?" Mak says cheerfully.
<@AndyGM> "I think they're below decks Mak." Vai offers.
<Makhpia> "I'm going to, umm, head there now. Good night." Mak offers as she heads towards the hatch down.
<Dugall> "Are you going to be okay, Petra? A bad memory brought up earlier?" Dugall asked Petra as the others were retiring.
<Petra3> "Yeah, I'll be okay. Just guys tend to see me as helpless because I'm blind. One of the new guards at the mines after the accident and my dad's death tried to force himself on me. Then a guard at the 3rd Special Operations Legion. Both times I freaked out and lashed out with my power over the earth. Wondering if I can find a guy who will treat me as an equal, who doesn't see me as a little sister or is Matuzack."
<Lady_Vai> "Well, I dont see you as a little sister," Vai said as she smiles
<Dugall> "Sorry that happened, but you got to keep trying, no? You don't want to become an empty husk. Been there, done that. Not worth it. Don't think anybody here thinks you're weighing us down though."
<Petra3> "Yeah, but I wouldn't want to date any of you." Petra says while sticking her tongue out. "All of you are like family to me."
<@AndyGM> "I could find a nice young man with a good personality and blind him for you." Jade grinned.
<Lady_Vai> She is floating there, away from the ship in order not to get sick. "Awww. You are cute but not my type anyway. Get a few more years under your belt and talk to me then."
<Lady_Vai> She snickers at Jade with a smile
<Dugall> He nods, "Of course. But the point is, if and when we all part ways, you gotta keep looking to make other friends and family. Can't say for certain, but the outlook might be good for you meeting someone considering your involvement with the new village."
<Matuzack> "If it makes you feel any better, kid, I think Holt had a thing for you."
<Petra3> "I'll try my best." Petra says with a smile, then blushes some at what Mat said.
<@AndyGM> "Fair warning... Holt likely won't let me blind him for a chance to court you Petra."
<Petra3> "I don't care if the guy is blind or not. Just that he treats me as an equal."
<Sunny> "And I did offer the pick of my crew." returning from... having gone off to give some captain-ish orders, or something. "But then, you might be better with this Holt fellow."
<Dugall> "See, there ya go, Petra. Already a potential match!"
<@AndyGM> "point out whoever you like, I can make them feel mind numbing lust. It might help..." Jade added.
<Lady_Vai> She hmmms as she things about what Jade has said
<Sunny> Mira looks at Jade with newfound appreciation. "Oh can you now, really? That is a trick I'd certainly enjoy having under my belt!"
<Matuzack> "I think you've already got that under your.. Ooomph" Matuzack said as an elbow from Jade caught his stomach.
<@AndyGM> "Before you ask I never used that trick on matuzack, he just naturally thinks with his stomach and other lower organs." Jade remarked rubbing her elbow.
<Lady_Vai> "Poor man. Keeps it up and well will have to get him fixed."
<Sunny> Laughing delightedly "Oh I like this lass. Don't suppose you've a mind for sailing once this quest of yours is come to an end? And I'd offer to leash him down in the hold, but I expect he'd rather like that."
<@AndyGM> Jade grinned, and without warning created a spark of soft pink fire on her finger tip, and flicked it at Mira.
<Sunny> Mira's legs suddenly impersonate limp noodles and she winds up clutching onto Mat for deal life, a choked little gasp escaping as eyes go wide and dilated. "Ho boy..." Panting softly. "That... was cheating..."
<@AndyGM> Jade shrugged. "It's a gift."
<Lady_Vai> She hides her laugh and ahems.
<Matuzack> Matuzack holds her up against her own quaking. "Uhh.. You're.. hurting my arm." Matuzack said, eyeing Mira.
<Sunny> Well doesn't that just figure... the moment he finally does actually get a woman breathless and quaking in his arms, and all he can think to do is complain about a little discomfort. Mira blinked up at him while waiting for the pink fuzzies to dissipate, her face all flushed and lips parted in that oh so sexy, kissable way. "...What?"
<Matuzack> "Nevermind." he said as a small rivulet of blood went down his arm. "You okay?"
<@AndyGM> "Petra, if you weren't blind... I'd cover your eyes right now. " Jade giggled.
<Petra3> "Jade, what did you do to Mira and why is in Mat's arms?" Petra ask, curious as to what was going on.
<Lady_Vai> She just shakes her head and smiles. "But then he does that and saves himself a gelding."
<Dugall> "Ya know, for some reason I think that Mat is unusued to receiving advances he didn't pay for with coin beforehand."
<Sunny> "Huh? Oh! Oh satyr's balls, I'm sorry!" Hastily removes herself from him, blushing bright red and giving Jade an evil look. "Really, I'm normally much better at restraint... here, I'll go fetch some bandages." ... and a fresh pair of underwear... Mira hastily flees the scene.
<@AndyGM> "Well you see Petra, sometimes a guy likes a girl, and a dem... er magically inclined lady, is forced to watch human mating patterns, gets bored and applies a little magical aid. I'll tell you the rest when you're older." Jade grins. <Lady_Vai> "I dont know Jade. I kinda prefer the origonal way."
<Matuzack> "At least the whores don't try to destroy the world in revenge." Mat said. He looked down at the marks in his arm and back to the group. "Girls more than she seems."
<Dugall> Dugall eyes him, "One time mistake. One that I intend to rectify."
<@AndyGM> "I'm inclined to agree with Mat on this one. Didn't anyone else think it was strange that this woman weighed anchor and took us North without so much as an afternoon of waiting. Something is up here."
<Dugall> "Come to think of it, she's been awfully evasive."
<Lady_Vai> "You had the perfect time to ask her questions too Maktuzak."
<@AndyGM> "I'm not saying she'll eat our faces, but my demon senses are tingling."
<Dugall> "So what should we do? Keep an eye on her?"
<Petra3> "Well, we could try asking her if she has any reasons for taking us on she hasn't revealed yet."
<Dugall> "The direct approach, eh? Hmm..."
<Matuzack> "I'll try to talk to her. Since, you know, it's the perfect time." He smirked and walked after Mira.
<@AndyGM> "Play nice, Mat if you can get close to her try not to screw it up by being yourself. I doubt she'll try anything while we're on the open sea so we have time to figure out what the score is."
<Sunny> Aaand cue her return! With a roll of bandages and some salve for the gouge she left in his arm. "Here we are. Now roll up that sleeve and lets clean up the mess I've made of you." Glance around. "The score of what?"
<@AndyGM> "We have a running game about how often Matuzack can make bad jokes before someone hits him. The high score at the moment is three." Jade lied.
<Matuzack> "But you're new. I'm hoping for five. I'm feeling a bit.. Uhh.." Matuzack looked over his shoulder to Jade and shrugged. "Sea sick? Can we do this inside the ship somewhere?"
<Sunny> "And we'll count that as number one." Faint shrug and she gestured the way to the ladder leading below decks. "Step into my parlor, then..."
<Dugall> Once they were out of earshot, Dugall just smirked, "...Said the spider to the fly."
<@AndyGM> "Trying anything with us on this boat is suicide. Matuzack burps too hard and this place is a floating coffin. This is safer than the stuff we normally do." Jade shrugged.
<Dugall> "Oh, I know, but when you get a good line like that, you have to take it."
<Matuzack> Matuzack stepped down the ladder and waited for Mira to follow, assisting her down the steps.
<Sunny> Assisting a ship's captain down the steps of her own ship? That's... quaint. "Chivalry? Now there's an antiquated art not seen in these parts. Doesn't match your mouth much though, does it?" Cheeky grin and she headed to the end of the short corridor, into the captain's quarters. Which actually had enough space for two people to move around in.
<Matuzack> "We've been facing certain death for the past few months, constantly moving from one place to another. Having people at that place try to kill us, then moving somewhere else for more people to kill. If they groan. Or if they hit me, it's time they're not thinking of how shitty their life is at the moment."
<Sunny> "Well you and your companions are as safe as you're likely to get while aboard this ship. So off with the shirt and lets see what we can do about the damage that fiendish nymph made me do to you, hm?"

[MDSnowman]

Interlude #33

Matuzack raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he began unlatching the breastplate armor strapped across his chest. It landed on the wooden floor with a loud thunk and revealed his chest, criss crossed and pockmarked with scars. He stretched and propped his arm up on a table for her to suture.

"Nice scars." Spoken with a bit of a smirk, though she sounded more like she approved rather than finding them 'sexy'. She set the roll of bandages down and leaned over to get a good look at his arm. "Hm, looks like they won't be needing stitches, so lets just get it wrapped aye?" Sitting down at the table she got to work, deft hands winding the bandages around his arm.

"Usually when someone breaks my skin they do it with steel. But you did it with your bare hands. How?"

"Don't brawl much with women, do you?" She glanced up from his arm to smirk again, reaching up with one hand to drag long nails lightly along the outline of his jaw in a playful caress. "It's a bit of a vanity that happens to come in handy now and then. There." Finishing her ministrations with a pat to his bicep. "All patched up."

He shook his head, "Nails don't do it by themselves. There has to be something behind it. You took us on without many questions asked and now we've seen your not what you're putting on. It's suspicious.”

"Suspicious, me? The captain of a mercenary vessel, what possible secrets could I be hiding?" Laughing warmly as she stood and went to put away the leftover med supplies. "To answer you, yes. I have things I keep hidden. But my crew is trustworthy and more than capable of handling anything a ragtag bunch of adventurers might attempt. So why should I be rude to potential clients by greeting them with suspicion? And beside..." She sauntered back over to him and slid onto his lap, nails trailing over his exposed chest. "I thought we might get to know each other a little better, first..." Purring the words.

Somewhere in a deep corner of his mind, part of Matuzack screamed that there was something wrong with this. What was it Nasir said? A Woman and a Sword are the two most certain ways to destroy a man. However, the part screaming to the rest that this could be a trap was was beaten and killed by the rest of his brain. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her even closer. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

"Oh, I can think of several ways to go about it..." Encouraged by his response she leaned in, lightly nipping at his earlobe as she murmured, "Why, we could take all night, if all goes well."

Matuzack lifted her into the air and over to her private bunk. He began pulling off the heavy metal armor again and paused. "I shouldn't.."

"You're right." Moving onto her knees on the bunk, those deft hands replacing his at the buckles of his armor as she grinned wickedly. "It's more fun if I do." And then her mouth was on his skin again, kissing and nipping at those scars of his. Seems she found them appealing after all...

Matuzack began ripping at her clothing, pulling her close. He kissed her deeply, and blew out the oil lamp.

[Unknown Soldier]

Not my best RPing. Pretty suck, actually. It's like now that Mat has it, he doesn't know what to do with it.

[MDSnowman]

<@AndyGM> When we last left our heroes Matuzack had gone below decks with the mysterious Captain Mira in order to determine her true motives and identity. The sounds that filled the boat for the next couple of hours hinted that things may have not gone according to plan. The next morning the noises had subsided and the group was enjoying a hearty breakfast of bread and rum.
<Matuzack> Matuzack sat on an upside down bucket alternating between the bread and run. He looked quite pleased with himself.
<@AndyGM> Jade was not eating, instead leaning against the boat's railing with her arms crossed over her chest and a light scowl on her face.
<Sunny> And oranges! Mustn't forget one's citrus fruits, to ensure against anyone getting a nasty case of scurvy. Awful stuff, that. Mira was sitting nearby, humming a typically bawdy sailor's ditty as she peeled an orange.
<Petra3> Petra looks grumpy with her hair a mess and simply takes bites out of the bread. She tried to put the noises she had heard out of her mind, without success.
<Makhpia> Makhpia looks out over the railing at the ocean. She's almost covered head to toe with clothing, her hands gloved, her cloak's hood up and her face covered as well. She hasn't touched her food.
<Matuzack> "What's everyone look so damn glum for?" Matuzack asked.
<@AndyGM> "I'm contemplating how to set you on fire and not destroy the boat at the same time." Jade grumbled.
<@AndyGM> "I'm silently praying to Taija that I can forget what I heard last night." Vai added.
<Sunny> "The winds are favoring us, today. We'll make excellent time if it keeps up at this clip." Mira called over one of her men, giving some manner of instructions to the man that result in knowledgeable stuff being done with the sails to capitalize on the winds... Hearing Mat's question and Jade's reply she choked back a laugh. "I thank you for taking my ship into consideration."
<Petra3> "One, rocking boat and being out on the water. Two, didn't sleep well thanks to the noises." Petra said, turning her face in the direction of Mat and trying to scowl at him.
<Dugall> Dugall pondered for a moment at Jade's reactions, but didn't respond, just watching the conversation.
<Matuzack> "You, uh. Could hear that?"
<@AndyGM> Jade looked back at Makhpia. "Mak, does your prophecy say anything about what happened last night? Because I'm pretty sure that's a sign of the end of the world."
<Petra3> "Whales a mile from here could hear it!"
<@AndyGM> Vai winced and nodded at Matuzack.
<Makhpia> "No, nothing about that..." Mak's voice trails off, sounding strained.
<Matuzack> "Hrm." He turned back out to look over the ocean, and smiled proudly.
<Sunny> Mira of course was perfectly aware, and perfectly unashamed of being heard. Hey, it was her ship after all. "Orange, anyone?" Offering slices all around.
<@AndyGM> "I sometimes forget that mortals are never taught how to seduce information out of people." Jade sighed.
<Petra3> "Yes, please. Anything to help settle my stomach." Petra said to Mira.
<Makhpia> Makhpia just shakes her head.
<@AndyGM> "Yes, please." Vai says softly.
<Sunny> "Oh, don't be too hard on the man. He did make a fair effort of it." Impish smirk as she handed over half the fruit to Petra, and the other half to Vai. She then snatched up another fruit from the barrel and began peeling again.
<@AndyGM> "How fair?" jade asked and then looked to Matuzack. "What's her last name Matuzack?" She quirked a red eyebrow.
<Petra3> Petra bit into the fruit and savoured the taste, as if it was the most incredible thing in the world to her.
<Matuzack> "Same as yours" Matuzack responded before biting into an orange slice and making eye contact with Jade. For all his posed confidence, he was confused as hell. "When do we reach our port?" he asked Mira in an attempt to change the subject.
<@AndyGM> Jade flat-out glared at Matuzack, he's seldom seen her this pissed off.
<Sunny> "I'll ask my navigator." No way in hades was she letting him use her as an escape from his friends! She liked the lug, but bros before hoes, man. Plus, angry demon? Yea... Mira beat a hasty retreat, giving them all some space to talk some more about her behind her back.
<@AndyGM> "By all the bloody demon princes Matuzack, I wanted you to pump her for information, not pump her!!" Jade yelled as soon as Mira was out of earshot.
<Matuzack> "Then you shouldn't be flicking your Gods damned rutting ray at her before I do the questioning. But I did find out a few things. She ain't human. Girl has claws like metal and weights at least a ton." He grumbled, tearing off a bite of bread and chewing in frustration.
<Petra3> "The noise was bad enough, but did you have to put that mental image in my mind, Jade." Petra said as she winced at hearing it said out loud.
<@AndyGM> Jade's eye twitched, a nearby seagull spontaneous combusted and Jade went below decks, slamming as many doors as she could on the way down.
<Dugall> Dugall paused for a moment, before asking Mat, "What else did you find out?"
<Makhpia> "Angry." Mak comments. She then rubs her throat.
<Matuzack> Matuzack shrugged. "She seems on the up-and-up, other than wanting a tumble with me. But I think she knows more than she's letting on. And what the hell is her problem?" he gestures at the smoking seagull.
<Petra3> "You slept with another woman, that is her problem, you idiot." Petra said, getting annoyed at how clueless Mat was being right now.
<Dugall> "Well, besides you not getting the information she wanted, seems like she may have a bit of jealousy."
<Makhpia> Mak just turns back and starts looking out over the ocean.
<@AndyGM> "Thank you Dugall." Vai added. "Yes! Of course she's jealous Mat." She rubbed her forehead.
<Sunny> Mira was on her way back to the group when she heard the bit about Jade being jealous of him sleeping with another woman... and promptly turns right back around again, heading straight into the demon's den by following after Jade instead.
<@AndyGM> "Name me one woman who's thought your antics were cute Mat?" Vai asked.
<Matuzack> "Why?! I've been after Red since before we left Gehenna. She's never shown any damned interest in me other than teasing. Now, a woman does seem to like the way I act and I get hell for it. Besides, doesn't she have some lost love anyway?"
<@AndyGM> "Did they not have women where you were from?" Vai asked.
<@AndyGM> "Goddess knows how long her lover has been dead. That teasing was likely the closest she's had to a relationship since then, so when you go and sleep with someone else she's bound to be a bit upset." Vai explained rubbing her temple, feeling a headache coming on.
<Matuzack> "Yeah. If they want a tumble, they say 'Hey, let's have a tumble.' If they like you, you know it. There's none of this dancing around that your lot does."
<@AndyGM> Vai shakes her head and eats her orange, she'll need a megadose of vitamans if she's to get through this conversation with her sanity intact.
----------------------------------------
<@AndyGM> It was easy to follow Jade, a crew full of sailors don't tend to miss a shapely redhead in leather.
<Sunny> But one would hope they'd know how to avoid an obviously pissed off one... Mira tracked the angry demon to... wherever it was she'd run off to. "Might I join you for a spell?"
<@AndyGM> Jade sat on a crate in the cargo hold and nodded to Mira. "It's your ship."
<Sunny> "Aye, but even a ship's captain can be known to have manners now and again." She found a nearby crate and sat down as well. "It's not my policy to sleep in another woman's bed. Had I known, I'd have left him alone."
<@AndyGM> "It's not like that..." Jade frowned. "The musclehead had been hitting on me since we first met... but I'm trying to ressurect my former love, John." He paused a bit. "But... Mat, there was something between us, and I kept myself from acting on it. It doesn't mean I didn't feel it all the same..." She brushed some hair from her face. "By all rights I shouldn't be upset, but I am."
<Sunny> "Hm, that is a muddled situation, isn't it?" Mira nodded. "I don't have one, by the way." A faint grin forming. "He didn't get a last name from me because I don't have one."
<@AndyGM> "Listen, from a strictly professional stand point I'm impressed how little he got from you, but you're still hiding something from us. Generally that's not too big a deal, but being able to cut up Matuzack with a little grab makes me nervous, we've been on the wrong end of a few double crosses, or I would have just let you have your bleeding secrets."
<Sunny> She chewed it over for a few moments, clearly debating how she wanted to respond. "I received word from my father some time ago, instructing me to look for a man by the name of Matuzak, and to stay close to him and ensure he reached his destination." Mira glanced over to Jade. "I'm not human, but I'm no threat to you, either. On that you've my solemn word."
<@AndyGM> Jade examines her closely for several long moments before giving her a nod. "I believe you."
<Sunny> "Good. Now come here?" Impish grin returning again as she gestured for the other woman to scoot closer.
<@AndyGM> Jade quirked a single red brow and scooted closer.
<Sunny> She reached out and tugged the demon close enough for her to dive in and give Jade a huge hickey on the neck.
-------------------------------------
<@AndyGM> Jade eventually returned her to the top decks, having changed her outfit to a long red leather dress slit up the sight with matching cloak, with lots of white fur trim, nicely covering her neck. She sat down and reached for an orange. She mumbled to Matuzack without looking at him. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."
<Sunny> Mira emerges as well... looking deliciously rumpled and in disarray. Also goes for an orange, since she hadn't actually eaten one yet, and sits down to once again peel and hum a dirty sailor's ditty.
<Matuzack> "Vai says you may have a thing for me and that I'm a big dumb ape who doesn't deserve... Well, I kind of last her there, but I think I agree."
<Makhpia> Mak turns to the arriving women, and watches the interaction silently.
<Petra3> "Good to hear you say that, Mat. I was on the verge of hitting you with a boulder if something didn't sink in."
<Sunny> "No boulders, please. I don't think my ship would survive the impact."
<@AndyGM> "I never made a move for you, so I shouldn't have any say in who you sleep with. I just haven't enjoyed a man's company, in any sense really, since John died. I like traveling with you... so I got a little attached." Jade bites her orange and stares down at it, revealing a bit of the Mira shaped hickey on her neck.
<Lady_Vai> "Where would you get the boulder anyway, way out here?" she mutters to herself
<Sunny> Takes a moment to admire the fact that she managed to make a hickey in the shape of a self portrait.
<Petra3> "Rip it up from the sea floor. I'm sure I can do that." Petra said with a goofy grin, knowing she probably couldn't without being able to properly sense the sea floor.
<Matuzack> Matuzack puts an arm around Jade and pulls her close. He gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Ah Red. She's good, ain't she?" He points at her hickey.
<Lady_Vai> She quietly sighes to herself and smiles weakly. She stares at Matuzack and then at Mira and then to Jade.
<@AndyGM> Jade grumbles. "We're even... let's just drop it."
<Sunny> "Mm, and to answer your question, Matty... it'll be about a week and a half to get to port." Little grin as she nibbled a slice of orange.
----------------------------------
<@AndyGM> Ten days later Mira's ship sailed smoothly into port in the coastal town of Ravensdeep, a town on the edge of the Ice Raven clan lands. Though it's well passed dinner at the time the summer sun hangs in the air as though it were still noon, lighting the area brilliantly. Huge evergreen trees line the coast in every direction, rocky cliffs mark the shoreline except for the safe port of Ravensdeep.
<Matuzack> Matuzack practically lept from the boat as it pulled into harbor. His lungs filled with the cool, crisp air of the North. "I'm home!" he called out to no one in particular.
<Lady_Vai> "Ugh. I will never get used to it being light out for most of the day."
<@AndyGM> "Isn't Taija a sun goddess? You should be loving this." Jade smirked.
<Petra3> Petra ran to the gangplank and off the ship as soon as possible, hugging the ground once ashore. "Land, sweet land. How I've missed you."
<Makhpia> Makhpia walks lazily off the boat, wrapped up in her cloak.
<Dugall> Dugall cups his hands over his eyes and looks around, stepping off of the boat.
<Sunny> Mira watches the lot of them from the top of the gangplank, laughing lightly at their enthusiasm. "Not a sailor amongst you, what a pity."
<Lady_Vai> "I am sure she will forgive me if I too like the night."
<Lady_Vai> She wraps up warm in her winter clothing
<@AndyGM> Jade got off the boat shaking her head.
<Petra3> "Kind of hard to be a sailor when you are blind and can only "see" through the ground and other earth materials. Plus having a strong link to earth itself."
<Sunny> She has a few final words with her first mate, then heads down the gangplank as well, a travel pack slung over one shoulder. "Aye, true enough. Though you'd think one of these others would have been able to manage it, no?"
<@AndyGM> "I control hellfire... being on a floating piece of wood is not my idea of a good time."
<Matuzack> "Where do you think you're going?" Matuzack asked, pointing to the sack over her shoulder.
<@AndyGM> "She's coming with us. She and I have an understanding." Jade said simply.
<Dugall> "Got no trouble with the sea, blazing sun's not too good for my eyes though, be in a dark prison for a few hundred years will do that to ya."
<Sunny> "As the lady said." Winking to Mat. "I've a yen to torment you a little longer, mate."
<Matuzack> "You know what we're going up against." Mat said plainly.
<Sunny> "All the more reason why you want me coming along."
<Makhpia> Mak sniffs at the air and looks around.
<Makhpia> "Hmm. Food nearby" Mak says plainly.
<Matuzack> Matuzack nods. "Then we should move into town and gather what information we can. Somewhere out there is my half brother. We need to find him and kill him."
<@AndyGM> "Mmmm warm food and fratricide, it feels like home already." Jade grinned.
<Lady_Vai> She skews her face at Jade. "It is a pity we have to kill him," she says. "Too bad he can not be made to see the light."
<Matuzack> Matuzack smiles. "Vai, you're in my land now. We don't believe in Taija, we believe in The Five. Pull your Taija our in the wrong place and we're in a fight."
<Dugall> "Well, we know relatively little about him or what he's up to. That probably should be our first objective. Finding out more about him and what he's up to should be our first goal, rather."
<Lady_Vai> "Have I mention Taija?" she said
<Matuzack> "When you talk about seeing the light, you mean Taija. Don't split hair; I'm just trying to help. But yes, our first goal is to collect some information."
<Petra3> "No, our first goal is to get a warm meal into each of us so we have the energy to collect information." Petra said with a pout of her lips.
<Dugall> "So you know this area the best, where should we go first? For both purposes." He said, turning to Mat.
<Sunny> "Alright then, to the taverns. No better place to start gathering gossip than one where men go to loosen their tongues."
<Matuzack> "And you can get something to eat while we're there." Mat said to Petra with a nod.
<Makhpia> "Then shall we go?"
<Petra3> "Good, off to the taverns!" Petra says as she raises a hand and points in a random direction.
<Dugall> "I think you're pointing at the boat..."
<Petra3> "I'm blind, give me a break."

[MDSnowman]

<@AndyGM> When we last left our heroes they had finally arrived in the Bleak North in a nearly deserted port town, filled with large log buildings. Though it was summer there was still a crisp coldness in the air, it's easy to imagine that further North it would grow even colder, despite the constant sunlight.
<Matuzack> Matuzack pointed at the bar ahead. "There. We'll see what we can learn there."
<Petra3> "Food, now." Petra said in an annoyed tone, waiting to follow Jade into the bar.
<@AndyGM> The bar was a single large, long log building, the cracks sealed with mud dried to the consistency of rock. Inside the place appeared to be one large room, with the bar at the far end, a huge fire pit in the middle, and several large benches paired with tables throughout the room. The room was sparsely filled, with only a few old men, a bar tender, and a bar maid carrying a few steins to the few paying customers. Jade wrinkled her nose. "Seems very lively in here."
<Sunny> Is already on her way to the place, which presumably she knows as it's a bar in a port town on the shores of her sea. "Wait until the end of the day, when the menfolk return from a day's work." Chuckling as she slid her arm into Jade's and headed to the bar.
<Matuzack> Matuzack across the room to the bar, tossing a few coins on the top. "We need food, drink, and news."
<Petra3> Petra simply followed the others inside, hoping for a good meal.
<@AndyGM> The barkeep, a slightly portly middle aged man with thinning black hair frowned looking up at Matuzack. "Depends, do you have coin? And Who sent you?"
<Matuzack> Matuzack pointed to the coins he just placed on the bar. "That should be enough. No one sent us. We just came in by ship."
<Dugall> Dugall walks in and looks around for a good place to sit, before flagging down the maid for a hard drink of whatever they had.
<Makhpia> Makhpia follows in warily, following the others.
<@AndyGM> The Barkeep plonked down a large stein, a large plate of meat, presumably boar, and glared at matuzack. "Ya can buy food, but I ain't selling tales to any of The Crow's lackies."
<Dugall> "The who?"
<Sunny> Mira snorted. "I'm lackey to no man - especially him." Grabs the stein and sniffs it, then takes a swig.
<Matuzack> "Crow? That the Unbound that's been killing and enslaving the tribes up here?"
<@AndyGM> "Aye, the King of Crows, conqurered half the North, rumor is he'll be here in a couple of weeks. Lookin' at you I'd say yer unbound too, and the only unbound left work for The King, he's killed all the others." The old man growled.
<Petra3> Petra smells the meat and doesn't care what it is at this point, taking a big piece and ripping into it.
<Matuzack> "Then you should tell me what you know. I plan to kill this man for what he has done."
<@AndyGM> "Who the hell are you? Everybody able to lift an axe has tried, what makes you different?"
<Sunny> "He's still alive is a good place to start."
<@AndyGM> "So, am I. I did it by being a coward and too old to fight." He poured himself a glass and downed it quickly.
<Matuzack> "I'm Matuzack of the Ice Ravens . I have defeated ghouls. I have slain Abominations and Fallen alike. I have fought beside with dragons and walk with gods, demons, scions and sorcerers. This 'King of Crows' will know defeat at my hands, as the many before him."
<Makhpia> "That's pretty good for an introduction." Makhpia comments as she chomps on a piece of meat.
<Matuzack> "Thanks." Matuzack adds over his shoulder.
<@AndyGM> "Wait, yer that Unbound that got exiled for failing to kill the Dragon Silver Squall. They say he let ya live... The Squall ain't never spared anyone." The old man went wide eyed.
<Dugall> "You got defeated by a dragon named Squall? Lke a hatchling?"
<@AndyGM> "Shut yer mouth foreigner, The Silver Squall is the biggest meanest dragon in the North!"
<Matuzack> "That.." Matuzack pauses, shame passing over his face for a moment. "That is me. And no, Dugall, The Squall is the oldest dragon known to exist in my land. We've killed the others."
<Sunny> "Silver Squall's a legend - and no hatchling." Mira's expression goes abruptly flat as she takes her tankard and finds a seat by the fire.
<Makhpia> "I've found that legends usually have more truth to them than you would think." Mak comments.
<Dugall> "Heh, fair enough," he takes a swig, "so I wonder what a rematch would be like. I bet you'd have a good shot of taking him down this time, Mat."
<@AndyGM> "They say all the warriors are gathering a day's march North. They don't have much of a chance of beatening back the King of Crows, but if yer looking to die a hero, that's the place to go."
<Matuzack> Matuzack shook his head. "Doubtful. I was young and foolish my first time. Now, I have the experience to know I'm no match." Matuzack nodded and tipped the bar tender. He took his food and went to sit near Mira, offering her a drink of his ale.
<Dugall> "Are there many warriors left going there to fight him and his army?"
<@AndyGM> "Last I heard there were a few hundred, mostly berserkers, exiles, and warriors whose tribes have already been wiped out. The news up North say they can't even pick a leader, they're too busy fighting one another." The Tender pours himself another drink.
<Sunny> She shakes her head, raising her own drink to show she has one already. "Sounds like they could use someone to pull them into line..."
<Matuzack> "This wouldn't be the first rag-tag group we've trained."
<Dugall> "Heh, knowing our luck uniting them will take doing an impossible and outlandish task, like making that dragon cry uncle." He smirked.
<Sunny> "Good luck with that..." Muttered into her tankard, before she takes another swig.
<Makhpia> "We shouldn't get to far ahead of ourselves. Worry about the problems of the now, rather than ones that could simply never come to be."
<@AndyGM> "So impossible dragon killing, or wrangling a group of guys who all want to be in charge. Sounds delightful." Jade shakes her head.
<Matuzack> "Right now, we should eat and rest. Tomorrow we'll head to the camp and get our bearings."
<Dugall> "Heehee, I've seen the things that can never be, but fair enough. Might as well enjoy ourselves while we can and take things as they come," he took another deep drink.
<Makhpia> Makhpia shrugs "Well, I thought the line sounded good. All mysterious and everything." Makhpia jokes as she swigs.
***
<@AndyGM> The next day the group departed the port town and headed North. It didn't take too long to find what they sought. An impromptu tent city sat at the edge of a large forest. The sounds of all manner of comotions could be heard from inside. Laughter, fighting, singing, and a half dozen unintelligable noises all vaguely human in origin.
<Matuzack> "My people." Matuzack said spreading his arms.
<Dugall> "Hmm, seems like they're quite vocal in making more of themselves. Nice."
<Sunny> "I can't wait to see how you convince this lot of that fact." Spoken to Mat with a half grin.
<Matuzack> "Yeah.." Mat said. "We need to talk around first. See who's who."
<@AndyGM> As the group drew closer a tall slender man in leather armor strolled out of a tent adjusting his pants. A man of medium height, in leather and plate composite armor, with short dark hair looked at the tent and growled. "You bastard you sh*t in my tent again!" The Tall man just laughed and walked away only to be tackled to the ground by the shorter man who began savagely beating the other man.
<Sunny> Mira gestures to the two men quarreling, that grin a full blown one now as she looked at Mat. "Your people, I believe you said?"
<Makhpia> "Yes Matuzack, I can just sense the comraderie all over here." Makhpia says dryly, then in orcish "Uniting these people is going to be difficult."
<Dugall> "Uh, Mat, I'll follow your lead if this isn't the norm, we should do something here."
<@AndyGM> That was just one of a hundred "interesting" things happening in camp. There we drinking contests, fist fights, the odd man carrying a woman to his tent, and of course there was the simply horrific community outhouse.
<Matuzack> "Man sh*t in the others tent. Deserves a good beating."
<@AndyGM> The shorter man drew an old looking battle axe, the beating was going to end.
<Matuzack> "Eh, hell." Matuzack gave the shorter man a swift kick.
<Sunny> "The problem I'm seeing is that this wasn't the first time, so clearly - oh for the love of Davey Jones." Mira grabs the taller one and starts hauling him out of range.
<@AndyGM> The man fell over on his side and quickly rose to his feet. He quickly drew a second axe. "What's your bloody problem you son of a Blood Witch?!?"
<Matuzack> "Who is your enemy?" Matuzack said, pointing to the man with the tip of his harpoon.
<@AndyGM> "Right now it's the Eastern Forest scum pointing a harpoon at me, tomorrow it'll be the next person to cross me. When the Crow gets here it'll be him." The man growled.
<Makhpia> Makhpia steps up next to Matuzack, watching the axe wielding man intently but saying nothing. This was Matuzack's move.
<Sunny> Meanwhile Mira maintains a hold on the tall guy, just to keep him from sticking his ass where it didn't belong...again.
<Matuzack> "Wrong." Matuzack says simply. "Today your enemy is the Crow. Yesterday your enemy was the Crow. Tomorrow, the same. Every man injured is one less you have to fight with."
<@AndyGM> The tall man is too busy bleeding to cause any trouble. The shorter man spits. "I wouldn't be here if the Crow hadn't killed all the other warriors in my tribe. Ain't no man here fit to lead one of the Raiders of Fenrir."
<Dugall> Dugall just kept one eye on Mat and the axe wielder, and another one on the rest of the camp, in the off chance some other bloodthirsty fool felt like throwing himself into the mix.
<Matuzack> Matuzack shook his head, letting the tip of his harpoon drop. Had he really been this ignorant only a few years ago? "What is your name?"
<@AndyGM> "Ragnar, Wolf Brother of the Raiders of Fenrir." He stood proudly.
<Sunny> Realizing that the guy in her arms wasn't doing anything other than bleeding, she sets to work trying to patch him up instead. "Anybody want to give a hand?"
<Matuzack> "Ragnar, is anyone scouting the Crow? How long until he reaches this line?"
<Petra3> Petra went over and began to help patch the guy up. "
<@AndyGM> "Some of the people coming in from the West ducked his army. We likely have about a month before he reaches our camp."
<Matuzack> "That gives me time.." he said quietly.
<Sunny> "Not a whole hell of a lot, by the looks of this mess." Referring to the entire camp, not just the bleeder she and Petra are helping.
<@AndyGM> The bleeder's nose returns to its original position and his bleeding stops as Petra applies her magical healing powers.
<Matuzack> Matuzack nodded at Mira's comment. "We should divide up and take inventory of what we have. With the exception of Mira, this isn't anything new. Jade, you come with me. I want to see who's the closest thing to a leader we have. Ladies," he pointed to Mira, Petra and Vai, "If you blast the first person to get frisky you won't have to deal with any more."
<@AndyGM> Jade folded her arms over her chest and listened.
<Petra3> "Trust me, they try and get frisky with me and they will need medical help after I'm done with them."
<Lady_Vai> She just smiles
<Matuzack> "Good girl." He tussled her hair. He nodded to Jade and walked into the the cluster of tents.
<@AndyGM> Jade followed Matuzack looking back at the group.
<Sunny> "If I did that, Matty, you'd have been tossed over the side of my ship on the first day at sea." Grinning again she stood and followed Mat and Jade.
<Matuzack> Matuzack turned around after a few minutes of walking. "Jade.. Uh. Mira? Jade and I have this. The others need you more."
<@AndyGM> Jade quirked a brow. "We're not going to meet and greet are we Mat?"
<Makhpia> Makhpia sighs and looks to the others. "So, where do we begin?"
<Dugall> Dugall looked around for a good place to start if they were to divide up.
<@AndyGM> The camp was chaotically put together, it's hard to pick any one place.
<Petra3> "How about the largest group nearby?"
<Dugall> "Might be reasonable. but let's start with who else is going with who."
<Dugall> "If we're breaking off into teams."
<Sunny> "I'm not so sure you do, actually. You've a plan for when you find this almost-a-leader?" Crosses her arms and waits for his answer.
<Petra3> "Vai and me shouldn't have a problem as a team." Petra said with a grin.
<Lady_Vai> "If you wish."
<Dugall> Dugall nods, "Okay. Mak, you wanna go with me then or stick on your own?"
<Petra3> "Well, you are the better talker between us. Much more experienced with choosing the right words."
<Makhpia> "We should stay in pairs. Just in case. We'll be a pair then." she says with smile.
<Dugall> "All right, always good to have another to watch my back, and vice versa. Looks like Jade and Mat were gonna take center. I can take left or right, doesn't matter."
<Lady_Vai> "Come with us Mira, we wont bite," she says as she draws an arrow and puts it in her bow. Just to be ready.
<Makhpia> "We'll take left, unless you have any objections Vai, Petra?"
<Petra3> "No objections here."
<Lady_Vai> She watches them go and then turns to walk with Petra.
<Matuzack> Matuzack grits his teeth. "Fine, come along then. I'll fill you both in when we get out of this camp."
<Dugall> "All right, we'll go left, and you'll go right. Let's move on then, Mak."