DM James: On the Tide Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:37:43 AM
Sailing into the atoll during a storm proved to be much easier than sailing out of it when the weather was calm. It took Rio and the crew of the Sea Witch 5 runs at the breakwater before she was confident they'd make it through. When they did the Sea Witch came up over the breakwater like a giant whale bursting from beneath the waves.
"Bring her 'round thirty degrees ter port!" Rio yelled from the bow as she looked through her looking glass. A moment later..."Ten more Stinky Joe!"
As the Sea witch rounded the atoll and took a more easterly course Rio approached the Luck Makers. "Rita is likely still looking fer us, but we are too far out. We get closer and we'll run the risk of gettin' in another scrap. Imma take us stright east fer two day and then make fer the Ice Gulf. Yer should be makin' plans though, the Evermist works at a man's mind. You've got two days ter git ready fer it. Fer now keep yer eyes peeled fer sandbars."
Rio didn't explain what exactly the Evermist was, but they could hear the crew talking about it. By midday they could see the mist on the distant horizon like a thin grey line that hugged the water.
"Joe, he attacked the Captin' last time." "I hear ole Hook even had to be tied up." "Strange thing that was, Hook's been through the mist half a dozen times already." "What about Eimer?" "Captain's girl? She jumped overboard two year ago. No one's seen 'er since." "Why we going this way?" "The rocks 'round the cape downs are deadly. Only fools and northmen sail that close to the downs." "Northmen?" "Yer know, thems thats from the north. Aisildur an the like." "Aisildur?" "Plant people." "oh" "Captain says the weather'll be mild ternight. Going to sail with the jib and keep 'er straight til mornin'" "Won't make much headway with that." "Yeah. But won't bust up on a sandbar if we hit it neither."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18. CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday March 7th, 2023 1:55:05 PM
Onesimos rides the stormy seas and tries to keep spirits up by telling uplifting stories. ”Clerics can create food, but to feed the whole crew, I would have many less spells for other protections.”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC22/ T12 / FF 20 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 4:07:54 PM
Isaac decides to tell Kord and Tykeas "I am from there worked as a guard for a few years before departing to Heranmar"
Day 5 Isaac is not a very good sailor so he just hopes the captain is alright and knows the way.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 4:28:09 PM
Khord is fascinated by the oncoming mist, he makes a show of pointing it out to Niko and holds a one sided conversation about how they are both very brave and that no misty waters will get to them. He spends some time working with Niko to reinforce his commands and works through some strategies if Rita decides to come for them again.
Saniainen Noapte (Holly) AC23, CMD 15, HP 20/20 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 11:09:05 PM
Sani has just been staying out of the way and trying to lend a hand when she can. She mislikes the mist, but has no means of countering it.
OOO: Hey friends. I'm going to retire Sani soon and play a druid instead-- I've never played a sorcerer before, and as it happens, I'm not too fond of the class. I'll work with the DMs to be minimally disruptive.
[edit from ACDM SteveK: Ensure you get Jerry’s permission first. ( Easy to get on one change). We track class changes so there isn’t a revolving door of PCs for one Player)]
Corym Morhice (Ben V) AC20 T15 F16 CMD20, HP 28/39 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 11:33:47 PM
Corym has been helping out as best he can with his weak frame, and overall just trying to make himself useful. It is becoming more apparent that Corym can't sit still for very long without getting antsy. He starts thinking about what he can do to prevent the mist from "messing" with his mind.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18. CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:06:28 AM
Onesimos includes in his stories that northmen are similar to southrons, a mix of good and evil. His own homeland is New Elenna, a kingdom built on a series of plateaus. He also has heard of the Alisidurians, where their priests worship a god called Ga’al. They preach that the races are inherently evil and the only way to save them is by taking away any free choice or thought.
”For the Mist, perhaps those who more easily succumb to suggestions and influence should stay below? I have prepared some magics to counter that type of effect, but only once or twice.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:22:54 AM
Snark listens to all this talk of the evermist and the way it messes with people's minds.
He speaks to the group, and especially to Corym. "OK, let's make sure that as we approach the mist we do our best to collectively cast Resistance on everyone, and renew it often since it don't last long. Also, spells like Protection from Evil or Hold Person may help. Khord, you may want to tie up Niko. If you like he can wear this collar. It has a magical bell that can be heard for a mile away. Not sure if it would matter, but be prepared to shove something in your ears if the effect is sonic. I really wish we knew more about this."
He asks Captina Rio and the crew to elaborate on what this means in case there's anything he missed. He also asks of putting plugs in your ears would help. He'll wax some wads of cloth and pass them out for anyone interested.
At some point, Snark will approach Captain Rio. "Beggin yer pardon Cap'n, but I overheard that this mist mighta' claimed yer girlfriend, and I wanted you to know I'm sorry for yer loss."
He will start casting Resistance on several people as we enter the mist, hoping others do the same. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: none
Teddy and Gore'Thum (Mark Bradley subbing for Mitch) Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:52:08 PM
Teddy nervously runs through his spells in his head. Mystery mist is pretty unsettling for the little guy.
Gore'Thum is stoic as usual. "Stay steady Teddy. Rely on your abilities. You're much stronger than you think."
DM James: Midday Wednesday March 8th, 2023 5:15:49 PM Benni talked about clerical spells. Issac admitted he was from Hook City and worked there as a guard. Khord pointed out the mist in the distance to Niko and had a conversation about how brave they would be. Sani was helpful as she could be. DMJames: Holly has permision and is working with MarkB and Carl on her new design. Corym started to worry about the mist. Benni talked about the Aisildurans, New Elenna, and Ga'al. He recommends those suseptable to suggestion and influence stay below deck. Snark asked the captain and crew about the mist and made plans. Teddy and Gore Thum make plans.
The afternoon arrived and the weather was as Rio had predicted, mild with a strong wind out of the north. As the ship leaned over in the wind it surged forward towards the ever present mist in the distance. When Snark asked about the exact nature of the mist, the captain answered.
"Works at yer mid, it does, some people see things, some see enemies where friends are, and others are overcome with fear. Yes, Eimer was a strong one, but each trip through the mist is dangerous in it's own right. It's a might confusing to the mind it is. We try to tie up those that have a weak mind. Joe is one, Wandering Ken be another, we'll tie 'em off at the rail as we get closer, but still a day and a half out."
Teddy and Gore'Thum (Mark Bradley subbing for Mitch) Wednesday March 8th, 2023 6:08:23 PM
Since there is nothing for Teddy and Gore'Thum to do or react to, I guess they just wait for us to get incrementally closer to this mist.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 6:10:14 PM
Since there is nothing for Snark to do or react to, I guess he just lights his pipe as he waits for us to get incrementally closer to this mist.
Corym Morhice (Ben V) AC20 T15 F16 CMD20, HP 28/39 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 6:26:46 PM
Corym nods at Snarks recommendation, getting ready to cast resistance on himself once they get closer to the mist. He sits down next to Snark, not saying anything but just pulling out his spellbook and going through it, hm'ing and ha'ing.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 7:34:27 PM
Khord heeds the captains words, planning to do his best to resist. He gladly accepts the collar that Snark offered. "This should help keep Niko secure, I'll return it once we reach the other side of the mist."
He spends the afternoon showing off to the crew with his lasso, snatching bottles and sacks from the deck and twirling it around himself in a dizzying display of fine cord.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC22/ T12 / FF 20 d20+10=22 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:23:41 PM
Isaac asks the other crew members about the mist and their reactions to it. Diplomacy :22
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:24:26 PM
Tykeas watches for a few minutes as Khord displays his lasso skills. During one bout of expertise, Tykeas almost accidently fingers out his sling and launches a stone to intercept a bottle still in the grasps of the lasso. He watches slightly amused as the shipmen seemed surprised at the addition to the lasso display.
sling one real high Khord he calls out prepping for the launch. The mists huh? Heard of them once but wasn't able to get much knowledge bout them. Seems that the swamps have something of the same effect from time to time on travelers.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18. CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday March 9th, 2023 12:22:28 AM
Onesimos gets an idea. ”So, what we have is a mist that affects the mind, and we need to fortify ourselves and the crew. I do not like callously using our cargo, but maybe this once. When you get sight of the Mist, Captain, we will get a mug of Spirit Woad Beer for everyone on board. The effects last a day, better than any spell I can cast, and just a little bit of preparedness may save a life.”
DM James: Evening and Night Thursday March 9th, 2023 8:59:09 AM
The crew had spotted several sandbars as the ship got closer to the coast and island chain of the northern cape. Each time one was spotted the captain called out a course change and they sailed passed it. The crew seemed worried as well and started talking about the mist more freely. They referred to it as the Evermist and were certain that demons and monsters hid within it in spite of the knowledge that whatever was there worked at ones mind.
At dinner when Benni suggested the Woad Beer all eyes turned to the captain. Her usually serious expression softened as she stood and addressed everyone. "Ralphus did put an emergency clause in the contract, but it's only for one cask...enough fer us all. But the decision to use it isn't mine, it's the Luck Makers here. If they agree, we'll open one tomorrow before we enter the mist."
To everyone it seemed the decision had been made or was nearly so, so the mood lightened as the crewmen grabbed a plate and went about deck to eat in small groups and still keep watch.
"It was dreadful luck about Rita. Her old man's been dead for years by his own hand if the rumors be true, but since you lot sent his dead carcass to the depths it's you she blames. Always said she was a sheet short of a full sail. She has Hook now, so he's likely healed her up."
On deck the crew continued to talk. "Ever had Woad Beer?" "What's it like?" "Turns you green?" "No, but makes you lucky." "We'll be needin' it without Hook." "Happened to me last year." "What?" "Saw me mum grow big teeth and try ter eat me." "Oy!"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday March 9th, 2023 4:10:49 PM
Khord has some fun with Tykeas, launching some bottles for him to shatter with his sling stones. "Nice shot my friend, it is always good to have a marksman at ones back when the chips are down."
That evening, he listens to the Captain talk about cracking a cask of Woad Beer, strictly to protect us from the effects of the Evermist mind you, and enthusiastically votes for the idea with the other Luck Makers. Turning to Niko, he says. "What's that boy, you vote for the Woad Beer too. Well I will tell them in case we need a tie breaking vote. Don't rightly know what kind of voting rights dogs have at sea, but I for one think you deserve representation."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+11=30 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+18=34 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 4:21:00 PM
Snark says, "Good thinking on the woad beer there Benni."
To Rita he says, "So Cap'n, this mind effect from the mist - would you say in instills fear or confusion in the mind? Or does it create illusions that ain't there? I ask, 'cause being near Isaac gives you some courage against fear, but I'm not sure it'll help against other stuff."
(Trying to sus out if this is a will save sort of thing, and if the paladin's Aura of Courage will help. Knowledge Arcana 30, Knowledge Nature19, Spellcraft 34)
Teddy and Gore'Thum (Mark Bradley subbing for Mitch) Thursday March 9th, 2023 4:46:50 PM
Teddy asks, "Do, you think this might be some sort of curse? I can remove a curse, like I did on you Captain. Maybe I can use a Suggestion or put someone to sleep if they seem confused.
Later, he tentatively says to Gore'Thum, "I'm worried that you may not have a good defense against this mist. I ... I think it might be best to tie you up with the others as we go though."
Gore'Thum begins to protest, "Now see here, I am not to be tied up, I..."
Teddy cuts him off. He has a hard edge to his voice even as tears start to well up in his eye."NO! I can't lose you Gore'Thum. I just can't. I know I'm used to listening to you on things, and I have much to learn from you. But you're going to listen to me this time. This is important. I need to make sure you are safe!"
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC22/ T12 / FF 20 Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:19:28 PM
Isaac pipes up with "Snark is telling the truth about my courage my powers embolden those near me against fear and I myself am immune to the panic from fear. I can also dispell the fear from those who are shaken but the more potent fears are out of my reach."
Corym Morhice (Ben V) AC20 T15 F16 CMD20, HP 28/39 Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:54:55 PM
Corym stays out of the conversation, happy to do whatever the rest of the Luck Makers decide.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18. CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday March 10th, 2023 12:23:44 AM
Onesimos listens and plans form. ”Thats right Isaac is a good presence to have nearby. So how is this for a plan? We will give all Luck Makers, officers, and crew a drink of Spirit Woad Beer. Then, with the Mist, Issac, Tykeas, and Khord. stays on the back of the Sea Witch near the wheel for his Paladin presence and blessing spells if needed. Teddy with Snark stays near the bow because he is both more versitile and both are faster than I. And I with Sani and Corym will stay near the main mast. Would Niko and GoreThum be willing to stay with the beer? It will both protect them and the beer.”
He really hopes that is enough planning. On to braving the Mist!
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