2. Skyway Robbery - Faces In The Dark

[Zwiche]

Orkan starts. He turns pale and speaks, really playing up his Uldish accent, [Imperial]-“I so sorry for embracement, Sir Generality. I new in Confederatness. Ve haff different law in Uldholm. I still learn dis law in Confederate. I so sorry. Vill not happen again.”

[Interovegas]

Marcutio waits for Finch's reply.

[Dekaru]

Finch sighs because he was actually looking forward to this meeting and what possibilities it would mean. Now he has to see that the more unsavory aspects of being captain are dealt with. Turning to Orkan, Finch looks at his quartermaster with stern disappointment.

[Imperial]-"Quartermaster, I suggest ye return ta ship. Yer punishment in fifteen lashes shall be dolled when I return."

Finch waits for Orkan to leave before turning back to the general

[Interovegas]

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "It is our desire to stage the lashing publicly. Those that cross the law must be demonstrated before the public."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea raises her eyebrows. Fifteen! For his dedication to discipline the captain continues to garner her respect and admiration, though it is most likely a one-sided affair.

[Zwiche]

Orkan turns his piteous eyes to the Captain, [Ob-Lob]-"Crikey, what a fahkin' cuntlobber this bloke is, 'ey? Dunna worry Cap'n, I'll take his fahkin' lashies. I've had fahkin' worse from harder men than he. Bloody fahkin' cobber."

He then bows his head before General Marcutio. [Imperial, with Uldish accent]-"Again, I so sorry. I hope to learn ze great rules Confederate. Ve must be friends, Confederate and Uld. I vill take ze vip."

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Aye, be public. Best both parties 'stand the cost of breaking the rules."

[Zwiche]

Orkan bows to both the Captain and the General before slowly marching out of the tent.

[Interovegas]

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "The matter is settled."

Marcutio snaps at the servant to bring warm beverages. Tea is laid in front of all present.

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "There was no foretelling of thy coming captain. We question thy impetus for journeying here."

[Xenoe]

Judy spends the morning recuperating, unknowingly avoiding an awkward situation at camp.

Bored out of her mind, she takes out a piece of colored rock from from her pockets.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Hey Henry, let's play guess the hand!"

Henry - [Dog]: "Nah."
But alas his voice only comes out as indistinguishable barks.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Awwww, I can see that yer super excited, now watch as I shuffle my hands behind my back."

Judy exchanges the rock a couple of times and puts out both hands in front of Henry. The doggy performs what sounds like a sigh, but with his tongue lolling out, it's pretty much impossible to distinguish from his usual pants.

Henry - [Dog]: "Ugggh, its so obvious."

As if resigned, Henry sticks out his paw lackadaisically and slaps the correct hand.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Quite amazing Henry, ye get it right every time! I don't know what else I can play with ye though, on this cramped ship."

Henry - [Dog]: "Why don't you just leave then?"

Judy - [Imperial]: "I sometimes wish I could understand what yer saying Henry, ye really seem to have yer life in order, and I strangely admire that. I sometimes don't even know what I'm doing anymore, and I wish I had someone who I could ask for advice."

The funny looking dog does his best impression of a human eye roll.

Henry - [Dog]: "You humans are just SOOO difficult."

[Dekaru]

Turning back to the general now that Orkan is gone

[Imperial]-"Simple really, privateer be my business and this be fronteer. Came tah offer services in exchange for coin. The Captain already mentioned yer problem. And me bein' Ob-Lob, well... wouldn't be a good Ob-Lob if I weren't creative in making money."

The last sentence he shrugs at and sips at the tea.

[Interovegas]

Marcutio eye's narrow.

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "Tis rare, a privateer peddling aid at the battlefield ... Yet thy peculiar designs art our fortune. Thy enchantress equine didst deliver mine offer to thee. What sayest thou?"

[Dekaru]

Meeting the mans gaze Finch sips at the tea some more.

[Imperial]-"Tis a rare privateer that carries enchanter from other land as well. I an ocker and there stranger tings than me around Halutio."

Setting the tea down and resting both his hands in his lap Finch answers the generals question

[Imperial]-"Me and crew can see about yer problem. Hopeful' yonder Imperials don't be thinkin' of sendin' spies to this camp. Would hate tah run inta one in the woods."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea pumps her fist. [Imperial] "Aye! I knew we could get along!"
Vala simply drinks her tea and looks around the tent for anything interesting, as this discussion does not involve her.

[Interovegas]

Marcutio-[Imperial]: "The mad beasts may give fright to Imperial pathfinders. Still, some of their rank may be cursed with courage."

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Lets hope none are so bold."

Finch takes his leave of the tent and sets his mind to the unfortunate task immediately before him. When he returns to the Espiegel it is immediately apparent he is not his usual jovial self. Whether or not the crew know of Orkans punishment and the cause of it Finch simply gives a single order to Edmond.

[Imperial]-"Tie quartermaster Ornvinge to whipping post in camp; if he has not flown away, that is."

Edmond being Orkans immediate superior is put to the task of binding Orkan to the whipping post in camp. Finch gives him the chance to remove his shirt to prevent the clothing from becoming ruined. The entire time the procession occurs Finch watches with what is becoming more and more a trademark scowl but does his best to hide his eyes beneath the brim of his hat. Gripped tight in Finches left hand is the long piece of leather that will be the instrument of pain this morning. When both offending parties are bound to their posts and all parties made to watch are present Finch straightens his chin and speaks the lines he had been practicing in his head until this moment.

[Imperial]-"'Ere we have a reminder of what happens tah those who fraternize and play when at warh. As captain of the Espiegel I like tah think my law is fair but there be costs for followin' the rules. When not aboard the Espiegel every scalawag is expected tah follow the laws of port, an' here we have one who has seen fit to break those laws. As such, the punishment of fifteen lashes shall be dolled out to the offenda's."

Finch turns to Edmond and hands him the lash.

[Imperial]-"First Mate, it be yer duty tah deal punishment to Quartermaster Ornivald. Fifteen lashes, no more no less."

Finch turns to the general/captain and nods to them, waiting for their speech to the soldiers and the go ahead for the lashing to begin.

[Zwiche]

Orkan grunts and shudders under the lash. His wings quiver as feathers fall, sticking in the mud beneath his knees. Even with his shirt removed, the dripping blood from the many cuts soak into his breeches and undergarments. His back is aflame, and he only barely is able to remain conscious until the final blow.

[Interovegas]

Many of the crew wince at each powerful lash. The woman breaks down into wailing sobs after the 3rd lash. Edmond berates Orkan with every crack, as is tradition for such public punishments.

Edmond-[Imperial]: "Tha ast volee doggo! Salakin tha dasirae fro foolish ebree nair!"

Edmond-[Imperial]: "Sod tha a-meh withen tha squine!"

The sergeant assaulting the woman yells out similar insults. When the show is over the crew is ordered back to the Espiegel and the soldiers being forced to watch disperse to their duties. Marcutio gives a nod to the group but walks off with Marcienne back to command.

[Orkan takes 3 Killing Damage to Left Wing.]
[Orkan takes 3 Killing Damage to Right Wing.]
[Orkan takes 3 Shock Damage to Torso.]

[Zwiche]

Orkan limps his way back to the Espegiel, his every step squelching in the mud infesting this camp. His nose wrinkles as he has to push his way through the mess of humanity. His eyes stay low, refusing to look up at the beautiful sky. By the time he reaches the ship, his legs are almost ready to give out.

[Imperial]-“Doctor!” he calls out. “I verily need thy mending digits. I fear I am wounded, scarred by mine own hubris. Thy faithful companion hast flown too close to the sun once more.”

[Dekaru]

As they return to the vessel Finch speaks to Edmond

[Imperial]-"Make sure he gets rest. He be in no condition to perform duties for our time here."

[Interovegas]

Edmond-[Imperial]: "Burruh cap-tane Fanch! na rittalettasetta saylmen lathe adder paunchshremen!"

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Ah, sheesh, what happened to ye? Ye look like a plucked chicken!"

Judy sees the bloodied up Orkan and hurries over the help him down.

Judy - [Imperial]: "And do we even have a doctor aboard this ship? I haven't seen anyone of such disposition in my time here."

[Dekaru]

Finch stops dead in his tracts and glares at the man

[Imperial]-"The man's punishment has been met by the lash. His punishment is over and he is to rest until capable of flight once more."

[Interovegas]

Edmond nods and resumes his shipboard duties.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea's breath quickens during the lashing, and she almost cries out(at the horrendous cruelty of it all, one could only presume), but manages to hold her tongue.
When it is over she accompanies Orkan to the ship, surveying his injuries.
[Imperial] "Thou gavest quite a good showing, wingspeaker. Not a scream out of thee, and still conscious too, haha!" She moves as if to slap him on the back in congratulations but stops just short of contact, chuckling. "Take pride, for sturdier men have broken 'fore fifteen."

Vala sighs. [Imperial] "No, it seems we hath none, a serious lacking. We must needs take on someone skilled in healing arts when next we make port."

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "A ship with no doctor? That's a recipe for disaster! Although rudimentary and lacking in severe cases, I have some basic knowledge in the healing arts, if you'd let me, I can try my best to alleviate your pain..."

Judy attempts to relieve the damage to Orkan's torso with whatever tools are available in the ship's medicine chamber.

[Dekaru]

Finch approaches Andrea

[Imperial]-"Knight, daylight be wastin' and I care not to dwell on the depressing affairs that just happen'. You said last night you could help find the potential cause of the beasts ferocity? We should leave as soon as you ready."

[Interovegas]

[Judy roll for Knowledge+Healing: 1,1,1,6,6,9 Result: Success+3 Shock Damage from Torso removed]

Judy works her skills with proper tools this time and soothes the lesser lacerations.

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Ah, there you are, but yer wings, they're very badly bruised, we need to wait a bit for the humors to balance themselves out before applying outside care."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Vala looks on, impressed. [Imperial] "Huh... milady, perhaps thou could learn a bit from Judy! That way-"
[Imperial] "Not now Vala, I must converse with Captain Finch." Andrea turns back to said Captain. "I was counting on Orkan's assistance in this endeavor, but our strategy remains the same without him. We will first see where elementary tracking takes us. I am ready if thou art."

Andrea descends the airship and asks Marcienne or another of the sergeants to show her where the last known beast attack took place.

[Interovegas]

Andrea gets reports from one of the sergeants that the attacks are so frequent the camp has had to forego hunting. The frequency of the attacks is unsurprisingly greatest near the jungle (this is a fringe jungle and not the entrance to the lightless jungle proper).

[Corenat Rovarnus]

[The Imperial March]
"Well, this should be easy then." Andrea goes down to the camp and then trots out to the fringe jungle, making sure to pick up her and Vala's weapons.

---

"Milady, if I may resume our earlier talk?" Vala speaks up along the way.
"Prithee go ahead."
"Whilst thine body is quite vigorous day in and out-"
"Please, Vala, don't give these gentlemen the wrong idea."
"Eehh?! No, I wasn't-" Vala turns her eyes up and takes a deep breath as the redness leaves her cheeks. This teasing happens too often for her to remain flustered for long.
"Ugh, I shalt cut straight to the heart: Thou needs to learn something of the healing and physicking arts, to dress our wounds when no proper maester may be found. Lest we become beholden to another such as we are now..." she trails off to look expectantly at Andrea, inwardly questioning her decision to give her mistress an imperative.

"Mine calling is to knighthood, not that of a physician," Andrea declares. Vala looks down and starts to apologize, but Andrea cuts her off.
"No, I understand thy concern. But 'twould be a long and uncertain venture. Our transiency precludes finding an instructor, for one."
"Miss Judy can show thou the basics! I saw her treat-"
"Easy, easy. Thou has shown thy resolve enough. Very well, I will try my best."
"Truly?" Vala looks at her with incredulity.
"Aye, if I can count on thee to do the same."
"Yes!" Vala does a small jump in triumph. "Ah, another matter. I wish to resume the regimen of Power Most Extreme."
Now it is Andrea's turn to be incredulous. "Ho? What brought this on?"
"There's nothing like being helpless in battle to motivate a girl to become stronger."
The horsewoman lets out a hearty laugh. "That's the spirit! We shall make a knight of thee yet."

As they continue, Andrea ruminates on advancing her healing skill. After all, there are many benefits to increasing the amount of injuries one can afford to take...

---

Once they arrive at one of the attack sites, Andrea will examine where the beasts' tracks came from and begin following them backwards, paying attention to their number and then the spacing between each footprint that was made before they came into contact with Confederate soldiers."The beasts did not need to move full speed before fighting," she explains, "If the prints be'est farther apart it means they ran the entire distance, which may indicate their lair is nearby."

[Zwiche]

Orkan pushes himself off his stomach. He’s not going to let a few lashes stop him from continuing the mission. He stumbles out of his cabin and makes his way to the Captain, thankful the spring weather stops the need for heavy coats. [Imperial]-“Captain, I hear thy expedition shall leave. I would join thee. My back may be broken but my spirits remain high. I would not desert my post in our moment of triumph.”

[Dekaru]

Finch, shocked by Orkans determination, looks the man up and down to see how well he can stand.

[Imperial]-"You need rest, Orkan. If ye determined tah continue then then bring Judy as well. If ye collapse from exhaustion she be needed."

[Xenoe]

Judy, impressed by the Stormtongue's burning determination, nods.

Judy - [Imperial]: "The damage of the lashing seemed miraculously limited to the winged ser's two feathered appendages, I don't reckon it would prevent him from functioning as an ordinary grounded human. I'll come along as well as I may prove useful, it'd be a shame if anyone injured themselves and there was nobody there to treat them."

Judy gather's a bag full of medical supplies so she doesn't end up having to use ripped cloth like earlier, and also adds in a box of tinder for fire starting purposes.

At Judy's heels Henry barks enthusiastically a couple of times.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Ye want to come along too friend?"

Henry furiously wags his tail while nodding his head.

Henry - [Dog]: "Anything to get me out of this cramped smelly place!"

[Interovegas]

[Andrea roll for Sense+Scrutinize: 1,4,8,9 Result: HueHueHue]

Andrea examines tracks from an attack two days ago near the edge of the jungle. Based on swirls in the mud she confidently concludes there is a fresh path that should lead them to the another clue. The party follows behind their designated tracker deep into the treecover. The splendor of untouched nature is on full display. The trees rise as high sixty paces and they split into several dozen exposed roots that leave a cavernous space beneath that is most suitable for a creature's den or even a human camp. Meaty colorful winged insects lazily wander from weed to weed. This land appears untouched by the recent passing of winter. The group pauses briefly at a small stream to quench their thirst and give Andrea time to be even more confident about her tracking. The next phase of the journey dives into the darker heart of jungle. Here there is no alternative to torchlight even in the middle of the day. After an hour more of wandering the dark, Orkan and the are others are certain Andrea has led them to nowhere, and are thus lost in the jungle.

[Xenoe]

Judy, holding up her torch, examines the nearby surroundings with a limited skepticism.

Judy - [Imperial]: "I may not be an expert on these things, but there's reason to believe that we aren't quite where we should be. I haven't seen a single monstrous creature, only these incessant insects buzzing near my ears... What say you buddy?" The last statement directed at Henry.

Henry - [Dog]: "At least the air is fresh!"

Judy - [Imperial]: "See? Even my hound agrees with me."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea's initial confidence has by now faded into a low sense of frustration. These woods are much different from those she hunted through on the border. [Imperial] "Is that so?" she says through clenched teeth. "Why not let him lead the way then."

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"'Mayhaps it would be easier with a fresh kill. Could lure a crazed beast out, kill it, and follow where it came from."

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Aye, calm down my dame, I didn't mean it as blame. At the time yer guess was as good as any, but now that we're clearly lost, I think we should work on finding our way back. If we kill here in the deep light-less jungles, who knows what we might attract?"

Judy looks around between her allies.

Judy - [Imperial]: "Does anyone remember the way back?"

[Interovegas]

While the party rests a wasp the length of a finger flies up and stings Finch in the back of the neck. It persists its attack on him until he squashes it dead.

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Are ye alright captain?"

[Dekaru]

Finch rubs his neck where the bug stung him

[Imperial]-“Aye, though this isn’t.”

He rubs his hand covered in some big guts on his pants to wipe the gore away. As he does so it dawns on him.

[Imperial]-“Where did it come from? We go in the that direction.”

[Interovegas]

Finch is unsure of the cretin's origin, but the sting at his neck is swelling quickly and burning hot.

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-“I take a guess none be carrying poultice for stings”

[Interovegas]

Vala catches the color of the insect's innards, blackened much like the beasts from last night.

[Xenoe]

Judy - [Imperial]: "Hold on captain, let me get yer wound for you. Can someone start a bonfire for me? I might need one."

Judy attempts to treat Finch's bug bite.

[Dekaru]

Finch hands a torch to someone to hold for Judy

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Vala [Imperial] "It's humors art all black, much like the ones in the mud that attacked us earlier. They are definitely of the same sorcerous origin."
She takes the torch and turns to Andrea. "Milady, Miss Judy hath need of the fire for her enchanting." Andrea nods. [Imperial] "Then we will build one."
They gather kindling and hack off branches to fuel the fire, while looking and listening for more of the large wasps. Vala holds the torch to the gathered pile and sets it ablaze.

[Xenoe]

Judy performs her funky hand signs to wreath everyone present in an armor of smoke after the bonfire is ablaze.