2. Skyway Robbery - Faces In The Dark

[Interovegas]

[Judy roll for Knowledge+Tactics: 1,2,3,3,4,5,0,0 Result: Success]

Judy reasons that these creatures hide in the shallow mud because they must be weak despite their bowling ball size.

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Aye, even though they look quite disgusting, these creatures shouldn't be too hard to deal with by themselves. There's a lot of them though, so ye best be careful!"

Judy attempts to fend of any incoming critters with Spark.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Vala's sword hand quavers. She knows she does not have it in her to fight these new foes on her own, yet still yearns for some way to be of use. [Imperial] "Miss...Judy? I saw thy brand of sorcery utilizes flame, mayhaps I could help produce some?"

[Interovegas]

[Orkan roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 1,7,8,9,10,10+MD:10 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Judy roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 2,4,4,6,8,8,9,10,10+MD:10 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Finch roll for Coordination+Dodge-1d: 1,5,5,5+ED:10 Result: Success]
[Agrina roll for Body+Fight: 3,4,4,8 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Eleven Mudlurkers roll for Attack: 1,2,3,3,4,4,4,6,7,8,8 Result: Success+2 Killing Damage to Torso]

The mages are quick to react with enchanted bolts. Orkan cooks one to death and Judy jolts one to a warm crisp with an electrifying slap. Finch manages to evade several of the leaping critters but their sheer numbers overwhelm him and two latch onto his back with their mandibles. Agrina comes in from the side and pops one their eyes with a messy stab.

[Eight Mudlurkers remain]

[Round 2: Declare Actions]

[Eight Mudlukrers attack Finch]

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Thank's for the offer, my dame, but ye should look out for yeself first."

Judy continues trying to electrocute the crabs.

[Interovegas]

Orkan attempts to fry another mudlurker.

[Dekaru]

Finch, practically dancing in the mud to avoid the creatures, yells out at everyone

[Ob-Lob]-"Stop playin like you're hittin' the frog and toad and bushwhack them already!"

[Interovegas]

[Finch roll for Coordination+Dodge: 2,3,4,4,6 Result: Success]
[Judy roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 2,2,6,7,7,7,8,9,9+MD:7 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Agrina roll for Body+Fight: 3,4,5,8 Result: Failure]
[Orkan roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 4,4,5,5,9,9+MD:9 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Eight Mudlurkers roll for Attack: 1,2,2,4,5,7,8,10 Result: Failure]

The back and forth attrition continues. Finch busts a move while his enchanting companions blast away more of the mudlurkers.

[Six Mudlurkers Remain]

In the round after, the mudlurkers are too scattered to focus all their attentions on Finch. Only two chase down the captain while the remainder futilely split their attentions up among the members of the group.

[Finch roll for Coordination+Dodge: 1,5,9,9,10+ED:10 Result: Success]
[Judy roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 2,2,2,4,4,6,7,7,7+MD:7 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Agrina roll for Body+Fight: 6,8,8,10 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Orkan roll for Knowledge+Sorcery: 2,3,4,6,8,10+MD:10 Result: Success+1 Kill]
[Two Mudlurkers roll for Attack: 5,5 Result: Failure]

Finch keeps away from the two pests while the others thin reduce the swarm's numbers further. Now, unfocused and few in number, the mudlurkers pose no further threat to the party. With sword and sorcery the party finishes off the critters. Curiously enough, the creatures don't retreat. They throw themselves uselessly at the group until every single one is slain.

[Encounter Ended]

As the group collects themselves they hear that same sizzling again and see thin plumes of smoke rising out of the mudlurker corpses.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Vala skirts about the scene lamely, feeling somewhat lost without her liege. Well, if she can't do what Andrea would do, why not something that Matyas might? She crouches down at one of the creatures and examines it more closely. If it seems safe to do so, she will cut it open with her sword.

[Interovegas]

Vala inspects one of the more intact remains. She isn't certain what she is looking for in creatures that live so close to the lightless jungle. The innards are blackened and so weak that run like a thick ooze.

[Dekaru]

Finch, the lower part of his coat thoroughly covered in dirt from his sick moves in the mud, wipes away any dirt on his face and sighs in relief.Wishing he had Barkov to warn of danger by this point, Finch gestures in the direction of the camp he says

[Imperial]-"Shall we continue?"

[Interovegas]

Soldiers pour into view and a thick musk follows after. They draw their bows and blades and point them at the party. A woman in breastplate and chain with an engraved heater shield and fine sword steps fowards (but certainly inferior to Finch's saber).

Unknown Woman-[Imperial]: "Announce thyselves!"

[Xenoe]

Seeing that the opposing party is human, with a chance to parley, as opposed to mindless monsters, Judy relaxes a bit and searches her memory for any hints pertaining to the nature of the reoccurring smoke emanating from the defeated monsters.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Vala frowns. Was it normal for their innards to look like this? Matyas might know. The man knew so many disparate, unconnected tidbits of information. They weren't much use in everyday living, but if she asked the right question he would happily begin putting them on display.

An idea springs to mind. Out of her knapsack she withdraws a small roll of blank canvas, a brush and colored vials, left over from when Andrea was dabbling in oil painting. To her disappointment all the vials have long since dried up. Quickly improvising, she dips the brush in the creature's innards and tries to use the liquid to create a rendition of its former owner:

Show Content

Mudlurker, by Vala Goodwyn

It's not much, but it'll be something to show and have a laugh about when she meets back up with Andrea. And Matyas, fate willing.

[Dekaru]

Finch raises his hands as the soldiers surround them. Looking at the leader out of the corner of his eye, having not budged a muscle, he responds to her demands

[Imperial]-"I be Captain Finchroscuma Kokadamurinsapantuheno, Confederate sky privateer. We be here ta offer services to General Marcutio. If ye need documentation check me coat pocket."

As Finch says this last sentence he points down with his hand still in the air.

[Interovegas]

Unknown Woman-[Imperial]: "No courier sent word of reinforcement. Certainly not of sword that only thirst for gold. Thou travel from yonder vessel thus I extend my trust. If thou revealed as brigand or spy thy head on mine spear shall I thrust. Mine calling is Captain Marcienne, keep near and leave thy fear. We doth return to camp."

[Dekaru]

Finch lowers his hands

[Imperial]-"Aye, a paroling vessel warned us against going directly to camp. With luck, both of us will be successful by the time we leave."

Finch gestures for the captain to lead the way and follows her

[Interovegas]

Finally, the party can rest easy. They are escorted to the camp (to the sights described in 2.1 Living on a Prayer) without further interference. On the way several soldiers comment among themselves that its strange for pirates to appear unannounced. Another chimes in mentioning that Ob Lob look for opportunity wherever and whenever they can.

Just past the entrance Marcienne addresses the group.

Marcienne-[Imperial]: "By the laws of military encampment no off duty or civilian souls shall bear arms with exception for occasion of defending the fortification."

Marcienne stares at Finch's saber (seen unsheathed when she arrived in the swamp).

Marcienne-[Imperial]: "The armory trove is guarded heavily in a camp of honorable Broadland soldiers. Have no concern for thy blade."

She approaches Finch, waiting for the blade, or a response. The other soldiers collect weapons from Vala, Agrina and the mages if they hold any.

[Dekaru]

Finch removes the blade from his hip and holds it out to the captain with one hand. When she takes it he then pulls his pistol, black powder, and bullet pouches and hands them to her on top of the saber. Next he draws a knife from his coat and places that on the stack. Thinking he's done, Finch says to her

[Imperial]-"Have the same rule on me shhh... oh wait."

Finch pulls his right foot up to his hands and draws out his last knife from the boot. Placing that on the pile he finishes his sentence

[Imperial]-"That's the last of em. As I was sayin', I have the same rule on my ship"

[Interovegas]

Marcienne is taken aback by the arsenal Finch produced from his person.

Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Tis best to prepare for all occasions."

She smirks at Finch.

[Living on a Prayer Converges]

[Dekaru]

Finch smirks back

[Imperial]-"I can only hope to be prepared at all time. Now scalawags, I suggest you lot also hand over yer weapons."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea strides over, reverting to her four legged form in the process. [Imperial, sort of] "Ah, Cap-tane Fanch! I see tha hast made it, slightly worse for wear."

[Imperial] "Milady!" Vala hands over her longsword and hurries over. "Though 'twas only a short time apart, I still hath missed thee."
Andrea simply says [Imperial] "Well miss no more, for we are reunited." Seeing how distraught Vala is, shes pulls her into an asphyxiating one armed embrace that is more hold than hug. Vala taps out and takes a moment to catch her breath. [Imperial] "What of Matyas?"
[Imperial] "He is being cared for, for now."

When Finch and the rest are done turning in their arms, she gives them a brief on the situation. [Imperial] "I have met with the camp's commander, one General Marcutio of Tymarin. From him I knowest that the aberrations which accost'd us in yonder wood are but a small part o' a great plague of beasts, mystically compelled to attack this outpost with no regard for life, be it human or even their own. On the sum of thirty-five pounds and Matyas' treatment he offers in exchange for our aid in this matter. What wouldst thou do?"

[Dekaru]

Finch looks Andrea and asks

[Imperial]-“No other information? No ominous tower or thrice damned cavern nearby? Surely the general has something to go off of?”

[Corenat Rovarnus]

[Imperial] "I couldst inquire though I doubt he knows. Though we do know the burning of these repels them," Andrea holds up a stick of still burning incense she nabbed from the tent in the hand she did not hug Vala with. [Imperial] "I possess some skill as a tracker, and Orkan his bird's-eye view, which bringeth this task within our reach."

[Dekaru]

Finch rubs his chin in contemplation over the events unfolding here. If the beasts being driven mad is being caused by sorcery it would make sense for the enchanter to be nearby the camp. Strangely there are no reports of any soldiers sensing powerful magics being weaved so perhaps the beasts are being driven mad by some chemical source, like the gas seeping from their wounds earlier. More than likely, it is a combination of the two as it is very coincidental these events occur around an encampment on Confederate borders. With luck, the cause is an enemy that can be manipulated to his own ends.

Finch nods at Andrea

[Imperial]-“Whatever may be the cause the beasts we killed likely came from the source. It best we follow and see if the cause make itself known.”

Addressing Agrina, Finch maintains his scowl at the cowardly woman.

[Imperial]-“I have very little use of cowards and even less coin for them. See to Matyas’ recovery and just maybe you’ll get paid. If he survives his wounds and his needs met you’ll even get a second chance to prove your worth. If not, ye be gettin’ marooned here.”

[Interovegas]

Agrina gives the captain a tired look.

Agrina-[Imperial]: "Aye captain..."

Agrina asks for directions to her comrades from a nearby soldier and then goes to Matyas.

---

A boy no older than fifteen in clean baggy pants down to his knees and little else approaches the group. He holds up a foot long package wrapped snugly in linen matching the material of his clothes.

Messenger Boy-[Imperial]: "Command from up high ta deliver this 'ere package to ya."

The boy scampers away as soon as one of the party retrieves the package. Inside the wrapping they uncover a bundle of twenty incense sticks. Judy estimates each one to burn two to three hours in the protection of a tent but only one in even the lightest breezes outside. She adds that the scent produced by each stick should be active out to two dozen and some paces.

[Xenoe]

Judy attempts to identify the material that the incense is made out of, to glean more clues as to the nature of the monsters.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

[It's all Imperial]
“Capital! I was wondering where we might get more of these. I find the scent rather pleasant, see for thyself.”
Andrea waves the lit stick at Vala, who leans away. “No need, I can already smell it from here. ”
“What dost thou think?”
Vala sighs and relents her opinion. “It’s…. all right. A tad distracting. You said they serve as a beast repellant?”
“Aye.”
“We ought distribute them evenly among us, in the event we are split again.” she counts up the sticks and starts handing them out. “Since Agrina won’t be joining us that makes four apiece. Or five, if yon stormtongue has no need?”

Regardless of the incense distribution, Andrea will ask Marcienne where the last beast attack occurred.

[Zwiche]

Orkan shakes himself out of his reverie. He was lost in memories, recalling past lovers and other conquests. Truly that would be a sweet alternative to these muddy, monster-infested plains.

[Imperial]-“As thee speaks, so dost the truth flow from thy lips. I need not thy censers, for the winds of my passage would disperse the vapors unto an ethereal cloud, lacking in strength.”

[Interovegas]

Judy wields some expertise on burning concoctions for her magical arts but no alchemical skills. She hasn't the faintest what the incense is made from.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea- [Imperial]: "Ah, Captain Finch, dost thy vessel yet remain out yonder? This camp hath a skydock for landing."

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“If it is thy wish, O captain my captain, I would take to the air and join the clouds on my quest to return to our ship, that we might bring her home to our new nest. Is it thy will?”

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Aye, if there be space at yonder docks fly to the Espiegel and have the vessel moved here. Been wishing me had me hound Barokov as we moved through those woods."

[Interovegas]

The party inquires about instructions for docking. They are given the go ahead to use the Skydocks. They (whoever chooses to do so) muck back through the mud with the warding fumes of the burning incense back to the Espiegel. Back at aboard the ship Finch is greeted an eager Barkov as well as his beloved officers Edmond and Aredfln.

Edmond-[Ob-Lob]: "Tha briggit frosh taizing cap-tane? Tha ereninow joyin us."

[Dekaru]

Finch musters a smile at his first mate despite the immense pain he causes him. Kneeling down to scratch Barkov behind the ears he responds to the man

[Ob-Lob]-"We may be a few sandwiches short of a picnic but it ain't no dogs breakfast either."

Addressing Andrea

[Imperial]-"When ye be ready lead the way. It best we rest tonight and begin the hunt tomorrow. Judy be needin' the opportunity besides."

[Xenoe]

Finally reunited with her canine friend after not so short journey in the mud, Judy embraces Henry and starts frazzling his fur.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Dawwww! Henry, ye glad to see me again? It's only been a day but I do miss ye!"

It's unknown if dogs are capable of making human facial expressions, but for a moment there, it's almost as if Henry rolled his eyes before reaching out his paw and batting away Judy's feeling hands.

Judy fishes out some jerky to feed her friend, before seeking out the Captain, Henry silently padding behind her.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Aye, Captain Finch, I got something I wish to discuss with ye in private, could ye spare a moment of yer time?"

[Zwiche]

Orkan nods in agreement. Assuming the conversation is ended, he prowls off in search of a warm bunk.

[Dekaru]

Finch by this time has retired to his cabin aboard the docked Espiegel. When Judy enters he is reading from an unassuming book.

[Imperial-"What is it ye wish ta speak on?"

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Aye, Captain, this privateer business as been quite different from how I imagined it, I've never reckoned that we'd be fighting monstrous creatures instead of other human beings.

Now its not that I'm going to be backing out or anything at this point, but I think there's something that we should be transparent about going forward, as it might result in dangerous discord otherwise.

I suppose ye've had yer suspicions about me during yesterday's skirmishes, and I'll just admit that I am indeed an enchanter who employs the art of smoke. Whether ye've heard of us or not, I can tell ye that most of us are not with the Confederates.

I am, however, a free agent so to speak. My goal is vengeance against one such noble of the Western Marches, and so I believe our goals coincide to a certain degree, and I can remain a helpful hand to ye, until my goal is met. This would be an arrangement to both of our benefits, wouldn't ye say my good Captain?"

[Dekaru]

Finch squints to try and focus on what Judy is saying. He understands maybe half of what the woman says and is why Finch prefers to speak in shorter sentences with Imperial.

[Imperial]-"Ye another enchanter on the Espiegel then? As long as ya obey the code yer fine 'ere. Prove yerself useful and ye may be an officer."

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "I'm glad to see that ye'd be a practical man. Alright, g'day to ye then, that's all I had to say."

Judy smiles and returns to the hold. Afterwards she asks the quarter master for some tinder.

[Dekaru]

Finch shakes his head at the strange woman as she leaves and goes back to his book before sleeping

[Corenat Rovarnus]

[Imperial] "I'd forgotten Judy hath a dog as well," Andrea grumbles, "To wish for brighter days..."
"That may be, but should we not return to the Espiegel by now?" Vala inquires as they walk through the camp.
"I should like to stretch out mine legs this night, resting under the open sky with grass beneath mine hooves. Though we have yet to find a suitable clearing."
"We art Sky Sailors now, remember? Part of the ship, part of the crew." Vala chants, but in truth she just would rather not sleep on the ground.
"A compelling point! If the others can still sleep in such a small space, then so shall I!" And so, they return to the ship.

[Interovegas]

[Orkan roll for Charm+Fascinate-1d: 3,3,6,10+ED:10 Result: Success]

Orkan lurks about the camp in search of pleasure in the form of a warm body. His first several attempts are rebuffed by apprehension about violating no-fraternization rules. In the latest hours of the night Orkan persuades a woman coming off guard shift that with everyone else already asleep no one would know of any illict transgressions.

[22.2.343]

The dim blue green light reflected off the distant ocean mark the beginning of a new day. Orkan wakes up to a horrified woman throwing sheets on him and shooing him out the back of the supply tent they stole away to.

The remainder of the party wake up to Aredfln's gentle nudging (and door knocking). The meal of the morning is lamb and potato stew. The food is deeply satisfying and surely more than the soldiers below are receiving but the taste of the lamb has obviously begun to turn. There is a quiet remark passed between two crew members after eating about having to switch to dried food stuffs in a few days.

A messenger comes to the Espiegel with summons for the captain at the 'mid morning'.

(Who, if any, are accompanying the captain?)

[Dekaru]

Obviously Finch accompanies himself to the summons (oh and he bring Barkov)

[Xenoe]

Judy stays behind and treats her own wounds that she sustained the day before.

[Zwiche]

Orkan, refreshed and rejuvenated after his long night, will certainly join the captain.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea and Vala will accompany their cap-tane.

[Interovegas]

Finch goes to the command tent with Orkan and Andrea in tow.

Finch pulls back the tent flap and sees Marcutio and Marcienne seated at a wide low circular table. Marcutio smiles as the trio fully enter the command tent. Marcienne remains stoic.

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "Morning tidings to thee captain. Thou voyage her-"

Marcutio loses his smile when he sees Orkan, pauses, and lets out a long sigh.

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "I had hoped the matter be discussed after the issues of greatest import. Yet, since the winged enchanter present be ..."

Marcienne scowls.

Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Such behav-"

Marcutio interrupts by swiftly raising his hand. Without turning to face her he says.

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "Sister still thyself. As for thee captain, thou mayest have surmised thy enchanter did willingly participate in acts forbidden in military encampment. He and a guard of our own did embrace each other in intense degree and severity. I was of impression that such acts art violation of sailors' laws as well. Punishment must be had, be'eth by our hand or thine. The method of such violations be'eth public lashing. No less than ten strong strikes across the back. At end of our discussion, we wouldst have thy enchanter and our woman lashed together as public warning and reminder for the camp."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea gasps. [Imperial] "Orkan! How couldst thou! General Marcutio, I had no knowledge of this violation, and I would never endorse it under these circumstances. If you'll permit me, I shall deliver the lashes myself. Unless Captain Finch desires the, er, privilege himself," she says with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm.