1. Skyway Robbery - Rise

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea laughs and waves a hand in a dismissive gesture at the compliment. [Imperial] "Too much, it is. I certainly hope to be as such, but our journey hath not even begun. As for titles, 'tis enough for now that I be named a fellow Sky Sailor among thee. But what of thee?" she asks of Aredfln. "Thou has been a great aid in showing me the ropes[literally], and must surely be an officer as well as a gentleman."

Vala inwardly sighs in relief at having escaped scrubbing duty while Matyas continues to stow their belongings belowdecks.

[Interovegas]

Aredfln responds to Andrea about himself

Aredfln brushes his necklength silver waves behind his ears and beams with glee at the invitation to discuss himself. He clears his throat and begins his tale.

Aredfln-[Imperial]:

"When a humble bard

Graced a ride along
With Cerau of Green River
Along came this song
 
From when the two roses bloomed
An ill fated romance
From worlds too different were they
At the palace they held their last dance
 
But then came me
With newborn glee
Broke down guarded hearts
And forced a new family to start
 
While the great father
Exiled my mother
My father lost hope
To this ship I did lope
 
Toss a smile to your Orphan
O’ Valley of Plenty
O’ Valley of Plenty
O’
 
Toss a smile to your Orphan
O’ Valley of Plenty"
 

-----

The crew bound to enact Edmond's orders. The front sails and steering fins are unfurled while the second smoke stack is started to fill the forward compartment of the primary Ozcrow (balloon).The compartments stretch out taught against the suspension rack and the tell tale creaking of ascent sounds out from prow to aft. The excitment amidst the crew is palpable. 

The Espiegel floats upward with grace guided by her 6 tethers. At twenty feet above the dock Edmond calls out the command to release the tethers. The ship and it's crew rise with increased speed and gains nearly one hundred feet in the first minute without anything snapping, a feat not thought possible a decade ago.

Minutes later the harbormaster and dockhands are like ants on the backdrop of Heluso. Verdant green hills and budding forests are visible for miles around the city. "Up" in the distance your path is clear: The empire.

-----

The Espiegel rides fast on favorable winds. The first few hours of the voyage are a rushed orientation but the crew acclimates specific workings of their new ship. There are not enough among the new recruits to operate the cannons as well as the steering sails. Orkan, Andrea and her retinue will be responsible for firing munitions if the need arises.

A faded green speck is spotted by one of the crew positioned by the prow. They send the notice down the line that a ship matching Tuwan's description is in sight.

Edmond takes the discovery to Finch personally and asks him "A viridian lumberbird travels Ia! Wha tha' commandeth o've tha windward loyals Cap-tane?"

[Dekaru]

Finch responds to his first mate "We ascend to avoid bein' spotted."

Finch will bark out orders and attempt to navigate the vessel towards their quarry

[Zwiche]

Following the Captain’s orders, Orkan quickly stows his swab. [Uldish] “Ve come for you!” he howls. “You Imperial fiends vill taste your blood and remember vhy ze Ulds are your end!” He moves to his cabin and prepares his armor for battle.

[Interovegas]

[Knowledge+Sailing Roll-1d roll for Finch: 5,7,8,9,10 Result: Fail]

The new crew earnestly set themselves to Captain Finch's orders. They cycle the rear fins and try their best to angle the studding masts to catch as much of the wind as possible. However, ropes slip and cycles are completed slowly. The Espiegel does not pick up the speed needed to close distance on its quarry for hours.

It is to their fortune that the situation of the terrain favors the party. A vessel fleeing to the empire in such a scenario typically ascends towards the border for shorter passage and a defensive position but the winds do not allow it.

The sun is well into it's waning phase when Edmond prompts Finch for further instruction:

Edmond-[Imperial]: "Cap-tane Fanch-ro-kuma. Wha ko-mand tha 'aff fer us in wan-in soon lit?"

[Dekaru]

Finch grabs hold of one of the ropes and stands on the side railing of the ship. He yells out at the crew in a hopefully inspiring speech

[Imperial]-"Right there is our quarry ye scalawags and they think themselves safe? Do you know why?! Because they think that some silver spooned Empress is enough to put fear in the hearts of free men and women! Those shit eaters be wondering what could make a man want to fight against their oh so great leaders? Well I dunno bout you but I'm gonna show them with my blade and pistol just what happens when you piss off a free man and have the balls to sail my air! Now fly me closer so I can hist them with my sword and any sod with heart enough to join me in staking their claim gets the first three rounds of drink on me!!!"

[Zwiche]

Following the speech, Orkan walks over to the Captain. [Ob-Lob]”Oi, Cap’n, these mates are taking us for a tosser! What if I take a wee little lele over there and pop down a zappy? Just to slow the fuckers down a bit?”

[Dekaru]

Finch nods at Orkan and says "Set their sails alight if you can. A swift strike and turn back to us."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea is enraptured, first by Aredfln's impassioned singing, and then by the Espiegel's take off, as Vala and Matyas also peer out from the railing in wonderment.

-----

As the other ship is sighted and preparations made, Matyas sidles over to Andrea and mutters [Uldish]"Now vould be a good time to tell zem."
She replies in kind.[hmmmmm] "Oh! I nearly forgot in all zis excitement, I did. Gud catch, Matyas."
Andrea nods and addresses the Captain and crew while taking off her boots. [Imperial] "Lest you think me deceitful later, I will tell ye now that this be not my true form, but merely one of convenience. I am in fact an Equine sorceress, having sworn the true oath of steed and rider. Do not be alarmed as I reveal myself, as this process is the norm. Behold-"

[Walk on Two Legs deactivated]

She lets out a long exhalation, relaxing in a fashion oddly akin to a portly man at the beach letting his gut hang out. Her legs split into two thinner pairs, the toes on each foot all melding together into a single hoof. Over the course of seconds her rear end seems to rapidly grow new mass directly outwards behind her, taking one pair with it to form hind legs. Her skirt's unusual construction becomes clear as it unfolds to accommodate her new form, her upper half now several inches taller atop the body of a chestnut horse complete with a flaxen tail swinging softly in the breeze.

[Dekaru]

Finch is utterly flabbergasted by how may freaks are on his ship and simply responds to her transformation with a quick quip

[Imperial]-"I don't need to start bringing hay on this ship do I?"

[Zwiche]

Orkan trips as he sees the transformation, falling off the edge of the ship. As he falls, he takes a moment to clear his head, before snapping his wings open and pulling back up level with the ship. [Imperial]-“I pray for our ship, and I hope thou all shalt pray for my mission as well. I shall set their wings aflame and return triumphant!”

He then turns and begins flying towards the distant speck.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea snorts. [Imperial] "Hah! Nay, though I must admit my appetites have been more inclined to vegetation since my transition."

[Dekaru]

Still hanging onto the ropes Finch leans back to make sure Orkan didn't fall all the way down to the ground after tripping overboard

[Imperial]-"I don't suppose you can gallop across the air and rein in our quarry?"

[Interovegas]

Aredfln is struck silent at Andrea's transformation. He has no idea what to make of the revelation.

Edmond-[Imperial]: "IaIaIaIa~! Cap-tane 'ath bringin us ken-aight un steed un  owen."

Edmond laughs loudly and has to gather himself as continues.

Edmond-[Imperial]: "Ta be hoomorously goo' tha I fav 'orses."

The rest of the crew are as shocked as Aredfln but their reactions are tempered by the physical strain of their various tasks.

-----

Orkan flies ahead of the Espiegel. The target ship is still plainly visible in the evening light. From half a mile a way Orkan can make out their quarry is a Sky Ship of similar size to their own. Two pairs of studding masts gird the hull in an X-wing setup and an exaggerated keel sail rises off the aft like a spoiler. Orkan closes the distance coming from above, as flying black spot whos identity is concealed to any who may have already spotted him on his approach. With a quick swerve across the the topside of the ozcrow he estimates four cannons kept to each side for balance and what appears to be a harpooning ballista.

He decides where to place his bolts. He draws on the arcane energies around him and takes the time to spew forth two terrifying rays of lightning that set the sails ablaze.

[Knowledge+Sorcery roll for Orkan for Greater Lightning Stroke: 4,6,7,7,9,10 Result: Success - 2+2+1 Killing Damage]
[Knowledge+Sorcery roll for Orkan for Greater Lightning Stroke: 7,8,9,9,9,10 Result: Success - 3+2+1 Killing Damage]

Moments after he finishes his assault a thin mass of smoke shoots off the deck and slices through him in an instant.

[Orkan suffers Area 2 Killing Damage]

A few of the sailors manage to scramble to their bows and fire off three shots in the time it takes Orkan to fire. Only one arrow finds it mark.

[Orkan suffers 2 Shock + 1 Killing Damage to his torso]

[Zwiche]

Orkan shudders and falls. Better to accept free fall than get hit by that again! After he’s fallen far enough away (perhaps a kilometer?) he unfurls his wings and pulls out of the dive. Trailing drops of blood, he tests his savaged body and laboriously flaps back to the Espegiel. A successful mission, but at what cost?

[Interovegas]

Orkan flies against the wind. He arrives back at the Espiegel as the sky dims from grey-blue-green to dark of night. He's breathing heavily, exhausted by his flight up a kilometer and against the wind. His long day of exertion has drained his reserves and he will need to rest before he can perform at his full potential again.

The enemy ship slowed down tremendously. Thanks to Orkan the Espiegel is able to close the distance in an hour. The moon is halfway to its fullest and the target is plodding along but the Espiegel has speed, and thus maneuvrability on his side now.

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“Captain, my Captain, thy faithful servant hath returned. He hath wrought great vengeance and furious anger upon those who oppose thee. We may track them by the flames of their suffering. But I fear I must rest, for I am shorn by foul magicks. They boast a powerful mage, wicked and cruel. Yet despite my pain, I am willing to follow thee into the very gates of hell.”

[Dekaru]

Finch points at the vessel and then to Orkan

[Imperial]-"See that scalawags? Our quarry is within grasp thanks to this man who makes his own fortune."

Leaping from edge of the boat Finch lands next to Orkan and offers him some support to lean on. Raising his pistol in the air he continues

[Imperial]-"Rest now, Orkan. Ye have left the Imperials floundering in air. We wait for dark and approach them from below. Get yer rest now for tanight we plunderin' and killin' silver spooned chienne!"

Whether the crew hoorah's or not Finch approaches his first mate and tells him to get the crew armed and necessary ropes ready for climbing

[Interovegas]

Captain Finch and Andrea keep a careful eye on their quarry through the middle of the night. The unnamed green vessel continues to drift forwards without any repairs to the incinerated sails. Just before midnight the signs of a fire on the ship, vast billowing plumes of smoke, flow up and behind from all sides of the vessel. After several minutes the billowing stops, but the silhouette of the enemy airship has been distorted. The "thing" is entirely unclear but approximately the same size and moving ever northward at its crippled rate.

[Dekaru]

Finch squints his eyes at the change in events and, leaning over the ship railing, inquires to Andrea

[Imperial]-"What manner of magics be they up to? Concealing themselves or enchantin' the vessel to prepare for assault it seems."

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“Captain, if it is thy wish, I shall ready my weary wings and bring a line, a bridge for our brave warriors to cross. I fear my broken body cannot contribute much more.”

[Dekaru]

Finch turns his attention from the quiet equestrian knight to Orkan

[Imperial]-"Nay, my feathered man. Our approach will be from below so we may be difficult to see. Once close we shoot and from below so we may ascend through in holes in their hull from the Espiegels guns. I expect once on board they shall surrender."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

[Imperial] "I say both. Methinks their sorcery conceals a trap to be sprung 'pon our inevitable boarding of the sky-vessel. Thou would do well to be wary of who goes first as they will bear the full brunt of whatever attack the foe hath prepared. Have we anything to use as decoys? If not then I shall volunteer as the vanguard."

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Lest one of ye know how to conjure a pincushion or conjure a gust o' wind it may be a bloody fight. The guest aboard has yet to name our target on that there vessel. I be thinking it's whoever working magic."

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“Perhaps our erstwhile companion could lend us some privy knowledge to aid our endeavor. Forsooth, twould be well if I had known of the mage gracing their soon to be bloody decks.”

[Dekaru]

Finch will go see Tuwan about the matters at hand. If he is asleep Finch kicks whatever he is sleeping on to wake him up

[Imperial]-"The target of your vendetta is in our sight and their sails have been lit ablaze. It's time you tell me who our quarry is and who the mage in their mist."

(Plan is still approach from below, shoot holes in them, and see how successful we are to maneuver either to climb in from below or rise up and board from the front or back of the ship (whichever isn't in canon facing). That or we'll get our balloon shot and crash and die)

[Interovegas]

Finch finds Tuwan slumped partway onto the flow and faintly breathing. He gives the unconscious fellow a nudge to gain his attentions. Tuwan opens his eyes slowly and his face twists with pain but he does not let loose any groans of agony. He falters as he tries to prop himself backup. He rebuffs any effort Finch makes to assist him. When Tuwan finally gains an upright position he softly responds to Finch's inquiry.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "I profess the total secrets of their betrayal are lost to me. T'was early in that dance of steel that I was tossed from the edge of mine pride and shame. T'were there an enchanter I didst not know of it. I shudder at thy words tho, dear Captain. Thou doth imply a smoke sculptor reside in that den of cowardice. Mine uncle didst once regale me of the horrors of the smoke sculptor on the field of battle. Precious uncle would whisper of ramparts and seige towers conjured in the midst of conflict."

Tuwan pauses to reposition himself and look Finch dead in the eye.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "I implore you Captain. These Imperial villains cannot be permitted return to their fel domain."

Tuwan draws his knife and struggles to his feet.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "My fate was apparent to me, but if you needeth mine heart to beat still to give continued cause to thy pursuit then I shall not falter. I offer thee mineself o' spirit of fortune."

He untucks his shirt. He grunts out:

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "I ... am of Mazzenmorte. Dedication without equal."

Tuwan brings his knife down into his side and stares Finch straight in the eyes. Then, he retrieves his steel from his flesh and visibly shakes as he remains standing.

[Zwiche]

Orkan cannot believe his eyes. Horse-women, wounded men stabbing themselves. What has driven them to work with such madmen. [Ob-Lob] “Crikey, Cap’n, he’s gone stickin’ hisself with a big knoife?! What kind of crazy cunt are we workin with here? Why we followin this cookoo?”

[Dekaru]

Finch shrugs and responds to the strange warriors offer

[Imperial]-"Haven't the slightest notion what that meanin'. Was wonderin' who we are to capture but I won't turn my nose at an offer of help. If'n you have no single target of your ire then mayhaps we shoot their balloon and send them to death in the forest below (up?)"

[Interovegas]

Tuwan falls down to one knee as his vital fluids seeps from his wound.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "Hobounen ... hair as pecan and deceitful hide marked of heritage both east and west. Can ... any soul ... tend to mine ... wound within?"

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Anyone able to tend to this wounded soul?"

[Interovegas]

One of the crew comes at the captain's call for healing. They do what they can with the bandages and scarcity of medicine on the Espiegel. They report back to Finch that Tuwan's desperate self inflicted wound may have lessened the overstimulation of sanguinous fluid in his body. That with some luck he may live, but there is no world in which Tuwan participates in the upcoming combat and survives.

[Dekaru]

Finch has no idea what the man has done but the hour is nigh and Finch emerges from his cabin to shout orders

[Imperial]-"It's time scalawags! Get this vessel moving"

[Interovegas]

The crew maneuver the Espiegel closer to their quarry according to Finch's plan. Their approach is tense but ultimately conflict free. As they near the back of the ship the party can properly inspect the black form masking the vessel. The barrier is a hazy translucent hemi sphere reminscent of tinted glass, throughout it countless blackened veins weave a web.

The Espiegel turns his side towards the barrier with both cannons readied for firing.

Finch calls out a call for surrender.

A moment of quiet passes until a woman breaks the silence in Ob Lob calling out at the top of her lungs.

Uknown Woman-[Ob-Lob]: "We dun wann scrap mate. Canu tikka momen to feel da easy breezey mann? Dun ack lik dere be nuttin u wann. 'Ow bou we give ya a liddle gif ya? Crikey wut bou two 'undred pieces ya dingo?"

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea is quite impressed by Tuwan's clever idea to staunch his bleeding. [Imperial] "Were I as brave as you, ser. I suppose we may be ample chance to show that soon. Vala! 'Tis arming time."
Vala retrieves her equipment from belowdecks and helps Andrea into boiled leather armor specially fitted to her hybrid form, an iron cap atop her head, and war lance and shield.

[Imperial] "I mislike this, Captain. The foe continues to cower behind that smoke of shroud. What did yon woman say?"

[Dekaru]

Finch, happy to see that this may be resolved without conflict, ignores Andreas question shouts back at the women through the wall of smoke.

[Ob-Lob]-"If'n this wasn't a strenuous situation I'd ask you what the Johny Dory is. Givin ye be cooee I give ya bastards the opportunity to produce one Hoboune and if ya do we'll do a Harry and mahalo to you."

Finch will also have attempted to use Whiff of Blood prior to this exchange.

[Interovegas]

Unknown woman-[Ob-Lob]: "Fuck me dead, Hobounen be bit ova mongrel but wha you be wannin im for?"

[Dekaru]

[Ob-Lob]-"Crikey you tellin' me the bloke actually exists? Half expected the bastard to be nothin' but smoko. Not me who wants the honu but a man willin' to pay me to go walkabout. What yer name anyway who know the seafarer tongue. 'Ought know a pretty ripsnorter who smart enough to parlay."

Finch will attempt to Eerie to see if he senses any shenanigan spells being cast

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea fidgets impatiently. [Uldish] "Matyas!" she whispers. "Do you know vat are zey saying?"
The man shakes his balding head. [Uldish] "Never learned sea-people's tongue. Apologeez, lady."

[Interovegas]

Unknown woman-[Ob-Lob]: "I go beh Krashagrashara 'n I tink you be Finchroskuma if meh knowin of de sea above be right. Lissen na if dere be a mann tellin ya some story den ya be takin for a fool. Ye we might be doin bit of black market exchanging but iz jus regular business ya? So 'ou bou it. Take ma offerin an' pau?"

[Dekaru]

[Ob-Lob]-"Aye I be Finchroscuma. Unless ye be producin' the bastard by name of Hoboune there we ain't gonna be cobber for very long"

[Interovegas]

Krashagrashara-[Ob-Lob]: "Ill lehim tell it as he tells it."

A different voice:

Unknown man-[Imperial]: "Thou state I be'est thine quarry. By mine own admission I be'est a man of scarce morals. Yet I doth bear suspicion thou pursue me not for transgressions against thy worldly possessions. If a man of medium hair claiming the title of Mazzenmorte I beg thee rid thyselves of his poison. He means to assume mine family lineage by virtue of likeness. His plot was unwound when I fashioned an escape to this vessel!"

[Dekaru]

[Ob-Lob]-"Put a sock in it and stand in the light. I'll let the man judge ye himself."

[Interovegas]

Krashagrashara-[Ob-Lob]: "Yous wann the pant pissin noble ye 'ave ta giv us good pay. We knap im if we wann n' get least ... five undred pieces ransom I reckon."

[Dekaru]

Finch turns towards Tuwaan and gestures towards the ship.

[Imperial]-"They claim one Hoboune be on their vessel and offer to hand the sod over for five hundred pieces. If ye want the man unbroken this be as good an opportunity as will come."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea goes to speak to Tuwan. [Imperial] "He accuseth thee of attempting to assume his lineage. How dost thou plead?"

[Interovegas]

Tuwan teeters on the verge of unconsciousness but has the strength to make a clear expression of disappointment.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "Black comedy! For the very coin by which mine vengeance may be bought be'est stolen by my one true hate. I beg of thee honored captain! They keep much treasure locked deep in their ships belly. Vanquish this dragon and his treasure shall compensate thee aplenty!"

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea shakes her head. [Imperial] "Earlier thou profess'd ignorance of the quarry, yet yon other fellow hast given us a clear idea of who thou might be. Now I must see for myself."

She hands her lance and shield back to Vala and walks up to the edge nearest the lumberbird. [Imperial] "Prithee Hobounen, thou art the smoke sculptor, aye? If thou art an honest man and we hath no just reason to apprehend thee, then lower thy veil of smoke that we may converse face to face."

[Dekaru]

Finch mutters under his breath

[Ob-Lob]-"A right Buckley's chance that one. They'd be banana benders to give us so easy access"

[Interovegas]

Hobounen/Tuwan

Hobounen-[Imperial]: "I pray, hold for but a few precious minutes!"

The waning of the moon marks the passage of time. Nearly fifteen minutes during which Hobounen repeatedly asks for additional patience. Finally there is a shift in the smokemass. Three window sized slivers are cut out of the barrier and faint torches are lit from their aft to give just enough illumination to discern the appearance of a man and woman standing by the railing.

The woman is clearly paler than standard Helusans. Almost certainly a reddish or paler brown of Ob-Lob or Truil heritage. Her hair is covered by a traditional Ob-Lob captain hat with upward bent side brims. Her face is particularly round and her features complement one another. A button nose with large eyes and long lashes. Most likely there's another lineage mixed in her history somewhere.

The man is the spitting image of Tuwan. His hair is at least foot longer and tied behind his head. By all means he looks to be Tuwan's twin.

Hobounen-[Imperial]: "Doth mine lochs and face convince thee? Again, I implore thee rid thyself of that snake!"