JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession10

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

TonyC (#1239) tried to change the GM of this room, but did not enter a valid object.

TonyC (#1239) tried to change the GM of this room, but did not enter a valid object.

TonyC (#1239) utters a word of command. A glowing pointed hat appears in the middle of the room. It floats over to TonyC (#1239) and hovers overhead before fading out. This person is now your Game Master.

TonyC has made TonyC's local description A dashing pirate in red jacket and bandanna, with a monkey on his shoulder. Arrr.

TonyC (#1239) utters a word of command. A glowing pointed hat appears in the middle of the room. It floats over to Apollonian (#972) and hovers overhead before fading out. This person is now your Game Master.

Apollonian waves to tonyC

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Thanks for paying attention to my advocacy.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: No problem. You made some good points.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: David is late, but his question is valid. Exactly how much training time do we have?

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Eh? When was that brought up?

Apollonian is now locally named The Storyteller

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Just now. In David's email announcing he'll be late.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Check your mailbox.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Ah, right... checking e-mail.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Got it. For future reference, you can consider sailing time as 1/4 full training time for most traits (the only exception I can think of at the moment is Essence), and full time for Physical Attributes.

jetman has arrived.

jetman . o O ( Yo ho! )

jetman . o O ( Did something happen to the settings for names? )

Apollonian [to jetman]: Yo!

jetman . o O ( The local characters are Morgan, , and The Storyteller. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Yes. Someone else used the room for another game.

The Storyteller . o O ( I think someone cleaned up after us... )

TonyC has made TonyC's local name Monkey

jetman . o O ( After all this time?! )

jetman [to TonyC]: How do you do that again?

The Storyteller . o O ( @localname me as "name" )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Increasing Martial Arts (caste ability). Probably will also buy a charm if we have more than 4 days free.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

jetman has made jetman's local name Captain Kaizoku

The Storyteller . o O ( So, Captain, what are your plans for tonight's session? )

jetman [to Apollonian]: Did you get my email asking about available training time?

TonyC [to jetman]: What are we going to do tonight, Brain?

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, it depends... will the party learn about the two big events on the Current Events page when they get into Lookshy? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Beforehand, if they make the usual stops along the way. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Bad news travels fast. )

Monkey . o O ( Announcement: I will switch computer earlier than 11 p.m. EST. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, then the big, bold plan is going forward to support Lookshy's war effort, go north and disrupt the Realm fleet going to assault the Northmen, then bring the Northmen down to fight the Deathlord peril. This may take more than one session. And local conditions may determine what the Captain does to help out with the evacuation. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That will probably take up the next story arc, actually. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, so what do you want to do _this_ session? )

Monkey . o O ( Further announcement: Will be upgrading my computer, hopefully next week, if not, the week after that. After which there won't be any more switchings. Hopefully. If it all works out. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Two sessions then? :) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, lay the groundwork for the whole plan in Lookshy, generating goodwill with a donation of material or cash and/or a bold counterstroke, should a suitable target become available for a landing and merc raid, for example, or a Stormwind raid. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. That gives me something to actually work with. How do you plan on approaching Lookshy, then? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Run the cordon (don't want the avg sailor seeing all that money the ships have) and then go speak with Lord Rivers about introductions, since he should have some contacts, as well as sizing up the current military situation. )

Monkey . o O ( Kaizoku's (in)famous. He could have waltzed in and donate the money. It's not like they're going to refuse. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Sure, but you want to give it to the right people for maximum impression, and make sure it doesn't go down too many ratholes on the way to buying ships and men. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sounds like a major mission, then. Moving on that basis... )

Monkey . o O ( Is this one of that bureaucracy thing? Man, why do they always have to make things complicated? )

The Storyteller . o O ( CK: how is your teeny-tiny fleet set up? Have you named the ships at all? Who commands which ship? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But first, how much training time? Dissping Swallow takes 2 days and Solar Counterattack 4. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, sorry. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The yacht is the Stormhammer and the coaster is the Fortuitous Venture, with the Proreus commanding, while the Captain commands the yacht. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Surely you mean 4 and 8, unless you have a tutor you've been hiding from me.

The Storyteller . o O ( As I told Tony, each day of sailing counts as 1/4 day of training for everything except Essence and Physical attributes. A day of sailing is a full day of training for Physical Attributes. Also, of course, you can't train in anything that requires non-shipboard resources... I'm thinking mostly academic skills here. )

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB -- getting coffee. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Quick, figure out how much time we have, 'coz Monkey's head hurts from all this numbers and names.

jetman [to TonyC]: Whoops. I was lumping charms in with favored skills.

jetman [to TonyC]: Two days in that case, for non-pyhsical stuff.

The Storyteller . o O ( back )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... looking at the fleet, then: I take it the light implosion bow is mounted on the Stormhammer? Where are you keeping the marines? Any extra cargo taken on, like supplies and the like? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, the captain trains two days for Dipping Swallow Defense and has two more to go when docking, and increases his Performance just by speaking to the crew. )

Monkey trains for an Athletic charm for those two days and spending waaaay too much time watching Master Jaff's antics.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The bow deck mount has been cleverly crafted so the Bow can be stowed and the fittings covered. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Fair enough. Oh, I also raised CK's resources to 5. Until he makes a level 5 purchase, that's where he's at. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The marines are all on the Coaster, and enough food and water has been taken on for two more weeks. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. Was it all liquid cash the wagon had, or is another auction needed? )

The Storyteller . o O ( do you plan on keeping these ships for a while? )

Monkey . o O ( Say yes. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, even after a big one is secured. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, I'll type up little cheat sheets of them for myself, then. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Where do you want to begin? A day or two out of Lookshy? )

Monkey . o O ( We need a proper ship. None of this namby little boats. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That should do. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And yes, as soon as a good one can be found and acquired. )

Monkey . o O ( This is a good time to switch computer, as the focus will be on Captain for a while. Be right back. )

TonyC decides that saving the world takes priority over chatting and disappears.

The sunrise cannot be seen through the overarching clouds, but you can feel it through the changing swirl of Essence in the air. The water of the Yanaze laps gently at the hulls of the Stormhammer and the Fortuitous Venture, docked together at a riverside Guild trading post. Smoke from the breakfast fires drifts up from behind the walls of the post and the night watchmen head for their beds. You are two days sail from the mouth of the Yanaze, on the edge of Lookshy territory, and have heard little but bad news for the last week.

Captain Kaizoku asks many questions about the mood and likely future developments as he breaks his fast with the dawn, seeing where hope, if any, lays in this part of Creation's war against the Deathlords.

About half an hour after sunrise, a local merchant comes out, hawking hot food for breakfast and offering dire predictions of the future for free. His countenance is doleful, while his voice carries the smug tone of the lifelong pessimist.

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: I'm back.

The merchant says, "We'll see Lookshy burning too soon, I believe. They've pushed their luck against the Mask a bit far. You heard anything from the east, captain?"

Captain Kaizoku munches on a hot cross bun. "The currency of the Realm has been poorly spent in Great Fork. They tried to pass off bad goods in exchange for political favors. And a cavavan of a Deathlord was raided and entire wagon of treasure was carried off by pirates."

jetman [to TonyC]: WB.

The merchant nods sagely. "Aye, times are bad and getting worse. Lookshy's buying, begging, and borrowing every ship they can lay their hands on to rescue the Second from Celeren. Who'd've thought that Thorns would have its revenge so soon?" He spits a qat-laden gob of phlegm into the river. "Pah! I'll bet the old prince would rather be stewing over his loss than be a corpse in service to the Deathlord, though. 'Nother bun, captain?"

Captain Kaizoku says "Aye" and slips over the silver. "Some of the dead just can't stay quiet. How does the alliance between the nations hold? Will all continue to support Lookshy's effort, or will they play hedgehog?"

Monkey ponders what playing hedgehog could possibly means.

The merchant slips another wad of qat into his cheek, and ponders as he chews. "Well... they haven't much choice. Lookshy's the strong defense of the River Province. If it falls... let's just say I've got a friend on the Isle who could use a good factor, and I'll be intruding on his hospitality the minute I see flames beyond yonder walls." He puts the silver away and looks at his now-empty cart. "When their backs are agin' the wall, they'll pull through. They always have. Thankee much for your business captain, and a word of advice: Avoid any Lookshy vessels flying a flag with an orca crest on it if you want to keep your ships."

Captain Kaizoku nods at that. "Indeed, they must be hard up indeed. Things are always darkest before the dawn though, and I think a new dawn will be coming soon..." he remarks offhandedly.

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {10, 5, 7}.

The merchant looks you over a bit more closely. "Eh? Well... perhaps. Perhaps." He heads back up to the trading post, hauling his empty cart full of worries behind him.

The Storyteller . o O ( It's still early morning, and now the crew's well fed. What next? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is there a tailor outfit in town? One that could do 100 or so armbands in a hurry? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Cobalt blue with a golden circle, and long enough to be a headband as well. )

Monkey . o O ( What for? Practically every sailor will know how to sew. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's not so much a town as a Guild post -- feed, supply, water, etc. But you could pick up the cloth easily enough. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Brand recognition. And make it so for the cloth. )

Monkey . o O ( If you get them the cloth, the crew and very likely most of the mercenary can make their own armbands. No need for the tailor. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( True, true. They have idle hands at the moment. )

The Storyteller . o O ( After getting the cloth... head out? That only took about half an hour. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, and assign all free hands to make up the new band as a uniform marker. Best possible speed to Lookshy, with piracy tricks to evade any impresser vessles. )

The Storyteller . o O ( All right then. Make a pair of Wits + Sail rolls to avoid them pesky navy types. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Wits + Sail >>> {2, 2, 9, 2, 10, 10, 1, 5}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Wits + Sail >>> {10, 1, 9, 3, 9, 7, 4, 9}.

You easily dodge the few impressment vessels you see by taking the appearance of a pair of Guild vessels, and inconspiciously dock in the Lower City. Lookshy is much different than it was when you sailed out of it almost two months ago. Clearly it is a city in a state of readiness, even more so than it usually is -- the skyships above are on regular patrol, and there are signs of war everywhere you look. Your ships are assigned berths near the north end of the Lower City, in the shadow of the harbor wall. By the time you're securely tied up, it's near evening.

The Storyteller . o O ( What do you do for starters? )

Monkey says, "Captain, permission to disembark and be at liberty?"

Monkey . o O ( Everyone else probably thinking about the same.... )

Captain Kaizoku has the purser go listen in the bars for the latest news, the Proreus go and rally the crew that was to meet here and get them to the ship and fitted with armbands, posts the master at arms on security with White Soul Weeping and says "Denied Mr. Monkey. Take a treasure chest and come with me. We're going to see an old friend.

The Storyteller . o O ( Whoops, gotta go review my notes on Lord Rivers. )

Monkey says, "We are?"

Monkey says, "Aye aye, sir."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The mercs can disembark in shifts, but have to stay nearby. )

Monkey . o O ( Warn them not to get impressed. I mean, we paid for them already. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "We are Mister Monkey. It is time to give something back to the city..."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Everyone will know what the armbands mean soon... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Getting coffee -- be right back. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Back. Word of warning: Even though it's not the state religion, many in Lookshy do practice the Immaculate Faith. Be careful with flaunting your Solartude. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Even without flaunting it, everyone seems to notice anyway... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hey, you got bonus points for it... )

Monkey picks one of the treasure chests. Probably the lighter ones. (Keep in mind that Monkey is only average strength.)

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The extra effort will keep him from being too distracted, or trading it for magic beans. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the proreus is instructed to give each stay-behind sailor he brings in a 15 dinar cut of all the profits from up north. )

Monkey . o O ( Magic Beans! )

Monkey . o O ( But it'll be a novel way of getting into Yu-Shan! )

Monkey says, "Lead the way, Captain."

The Storyteller . o O ( Assuming you're heading towards Lord Rivers' mansion, you get there easily and quickly enough. )

Captain Kaizoku knocks on the door to the mansion. "I have business with your lord that cannot wait" he instructs the door servant.

Monkey takes his cue from the Captain and strolls in with the chest in front of him.

Monkey . o O ( If it can't wait, naturally we wouldn't let trivial matters like servants stopping us, no? )

Captain Kaizoku tugs at Monkey's ear to keep him from barging in.

The door servant recognizes you immediately and ushers you into the same waiting room you occupied before. He shuffles off at a good pace. A few moments later, he returns, and leads you upstairs to Lord Rivers' office. The merchant prince stands to greet you.

Monkey stumbles backward. "Ow. I thought you said it can't wait."

Captain Kaizoku gives a polite bow of equals. "My lord Rivers... I see you are well. Have the investments been lifting the tide of your profits?"

The office is as you remember it -- balcony, table, tapestries, etc. Lord Rivers was in the middle of a meal, and he invites you to join him over the stuffed pigeons and arborio rice with water vegetables.

Lord Rivers sits after you and pours you each a goblet of wine. "Yes, Captain Kaizoku, I've been doing rather well thanks to your advice. Indeed, surprisingly well -- it seems the gods smile upon my efforts this season.

He watches you carefully -- being sure to note Monkey's chest -- and sips his wine. "I dare not hope, but perhaps you have some more advice you would care to offer me in these troubled times?"

Captain Kaizoku takes the offered seat and meal, keeping Monkey right next to him, ready to step on his foot when he breaches etiquette too far. "House V'Neef may find it difficult to trade in Great Fork after a political mishap involving fraud... a canny merchant may find use in that. But that is not the reason I have come. The situation with the invasion seems grave."

Monkey looks at the Captain funny. Could it be that the Captain is making... a pun?

Lord Rivers slumps back in his chair. Suddenly, all his mortal years are evident on his face. "Aye. It is. It's only through your advice that my house stays solvent, and my youngest son is in the thick of it -- he is a sub-altern in the Third Field Force at the Marukani Redoubt." He swirls his wine in the goblet. "I do not expect to see him again."

An awkward silence falls over the table.

Captain Kaizoku steeples his fingers. "I have heard some of the many difficulties facing the region... My own naval assets are depleated at the moment, but I wish to contribute in whatever ways I can." He nods to Monkey to open the chest. "Perhaps you could direct me to the official in charge of acquiring men and ships so I may pass this along for the war effort?"

The Storyteller . o O ( How much in the chest? )

Monkey opens the chest.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How much did the wagons yeild from the caravan? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Call it two talents of silver. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 40,000 Dinars then. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Are you sure? That's almost all of your remaining wealth! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I thought we were at 80K before the raid... )

The Storyteller . o O ( 8,000 dinars to the jade talent, 1,600 to the silver talent... um, checking... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( You have 10,624 obols or 83,000 dinars at current Nexus exchange rates is what's on my sheet. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Again, before the raid. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, you're right. Okay, then... I think that'll be enough to drop your Resources to 4 -- we'll call it a Resources 5 purchase for bookkeeping purchases. But on with the story! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Crime pays, us anyway. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It should be worth it... thwarting a Deathlord and the Realm... Priceless. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and i'm going to assume that the money in the chest is in jade, not silver, because that much silver would be too heavy for Monkey to carry, at 1,250 pounds. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's about 4 talents of jade. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He needs to work his arm muscles, but yes, jade then. )

Lord Rivers stands up and looks at the chest. "Gods... you do live up to your reputation, don't you?" He sits down. "With that for a passport, I can certainly get you in touch with the right people. That reputation may be a bit of a stumbling block, but... well. Jade is very persuasive, especially in troubled times."

He pours himself another goblet of wine. "We can do nothing tonight, really... only urgent business can pass through to the Old City at this hour, and we'd likely be detained. Come here tomorrow and break your fast with me, and we will do what can be done."

Captain Kaizoku stands as well, as a sign of respect. "I indend to make them less troubled here, and more troubled elsewhere. Please take my percentage of the profits from earlier as my token of gratitude to you for this introduction. This is only a first step though... tell me what the rulers do not want filtering down to the winesinks."

The Storyteller . o O ( You know, CK should probably think about picking up some Bureaucracy Charms. )

Monkey . o O ( And Craft charms. And Performance Charms. And Presence Charms. And Medicine Charms. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Besides HPM? They all seem too specific... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, that is a presence one. )

Monkey . o O ( Moving on... )

Lord Rivers sits down again and leans over the table, speaking softly. "The Mask of Winters is far stronger than we ever guessed, and he seems to have some ally who threatens us from the sky. At any rate, the Sky Guard has taken heavy casualties trying to evacuate Celeren. Ah... Let me think. The Mask has at least two armies in the field -- one is besieging Celeren, or on its way to do so, and the second is besieging the Marukani Redoubt. Undead raiders comb the Marukani plains and hills, killing all that they can. Pirates -- the Floating Dead -- hinder trade and sailing from here to Thorns, though the navy has had some luck against them. There's talk of the Gray being called up, and that hasn't happened since 457."

Monkey's ears perk at the mention of the Floating Dead. He's intrigued.

He closes his eyes, thinking. "That's about all I know, and it mostly from my agents and factors in the Marukani lands. I'm a merchant, not a soldier, and so I know when not to listen. But still... word gets around, and I know where my reports are coming from -- and where they're not."

Captain Kaizoku lifts an eyebrow. "Floating Dead? That is something I have not heard word of before... what else have you heard of them? And no army can move without a corps of merchants supporting it... your information is quite valuable, my friend."

The merchant prince looks surprised. "You've not heard of the Floating Dead? Huh. They've been active for the last three years, on the stretch of sea between Lookshy and Harborhead. Everyone's suspected them of being tools of the Deathlords, but there was never any proof. Not that we need it now, of course. Aside from the fact that they are dead, and yet prey upon the living, no one knows anything about them. The Realm has tried to hunt them down, but has been unsuccessful as yet."

Monkey . o O ( The question becomes: is it worth it trying to built up a fleet by capturing ghost-ships? )

Captain Kaizoku waves his hand in front of his nose as if batting away an unpleasant odor. "The Realm's pirate hunters are severely lacking, of that you can be sure. It would take a pirate to catch one... or more. But tell me, would Lookshy and the other river nations trade bad land for good? I have a suspicion a fresh group would happily take and fight for a place to call their own, if they were offered..."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If they were ghost ships, the zombies would fall through the decks... )

Lord Rivers says, "Hmm. Land is the foundation of the state, it is said, and giving up land is always a touchy subject." He frowns. "However... the Marukani are desperate, and are suffering massacres. The shadowland of Thorns has grown further north. That land, and much north of it, is empty of the living now. I think they might be willing to give up what they no longer truly own to save themselves." He grins wryly. "Would not we all?"

Captain Kaizoku swirls his wine in the glass before finishing it. "Who indeed? I thank you for your hospitality my lord, and will return on the morrow to move forward with my plans. This is an age that calls for bold strokes..." he remarks cryptically.

The doorman shows you out, leaving the merchant prince in contemplation of the morrow. Your walk back to the ships is undisturbed.

Captain Kaizoku along the way, says "Very good Monkey. Now, do you have any questions? Now is the time, not when we meet with the rulers of the city."

Monkey says, "I have so many questions I'm not even sure where to begin, Captain."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Try with the one that makes your brain hurt the most."

Monkey says, "Give me something simple, like stealing a Realm's warship. All this... politics.... Ow."

Monkey . o O ( Why are we giving these guys money? We worked so hard to get it and they weren't even asking for it. )

Monkey says, "Why are we giving these guys money? We worked so hard to get it and they weren't even asking for it."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Pay more attention Monkey... one day you may have to do things like this while I am elsewhere, Sun help us all. We will take a ship as soon as we can."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Then it is all the better a gift Monkey. I want them to do nothing for us afterwards."

Monkey says, "Eh?"

Captain Kaizoku says, "Yes, nothing. No interfering with our piracy of the Realm, no complaints about building pirate ships in their harbors or selling our goods, no problems with the horde of barbarians we'll be bringing to the region..."

Monkey says, "Oh. I see. Like giving Master Jaff spirits so he'll fall asleep sooner than later."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Yes, or to you Monkey. No carousing tonight either. This is not Realm territory, but they have people here, to be sure, and they will not appreciate my plan one bit, so be on your guard."

Monkey says, "Awwww."

Monkey . o O ( This is why buying those drunken master Resistance charms is a bad idea. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They don't make you any less drunk though, not the dodge one. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Calibration is coming soon, and you will likely be able to carouse then. But now, to bed with you."

The Storyteller . o O ( As regards those Bureaucracy Charms... as the Captain's fleet grows larger, it will develop a bureaucracy out of necessity. That's a few ships down the road, though. )

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB -- nature calls. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But the paper-pushers can be hung from the yardarm if they get too pushy! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmmm. Going north to where the Northmen are should only take a day or two via Stormwind Rider. I was thinking to sail up and disable Realm ships on the way, but maybe we should try to make the deal first and hunt pirates in the meantime. )

Monkey . o O ( FF to breakfast scene when ST comes back? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Barring night-time assassins. )

Monkey . o O ( The problem with going straight to the Northmen is credibility. If you and I come up out of nowhere and tell them that we've brokered a deal exchanging land with their services, their first reaction is incredulity. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( In which case it would be better to blow up their enemies on the way. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Back. So pick up more social Charms. )

Monkey . o O ( Right. Also note that the sight of a fleet or even just one heavily armed ship works wonders at impressing the other side. )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, so they won't actually be impressed. But at least you'll be a somebody as opposed to some castaway landlubber. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The best social charm for barbarians is probably "Drop the head of an enemy in the campfire" which doesn't require many XP. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Fast-forwarding to breakfast. Are you going to bring anyone aside from yourselves on this little official-tending jaunt? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I'm just tempted to go and tear into the Floating Dead as well. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Purser and Master at Arms and a handful of sailors as backup nearby to follow, but the greeting party will just be the captain and #1. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Just to break in with this: http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/10/12/bluesbrothers.chase.ap/index.html )

Monkey . o O ( The "drop head of enemy" charm might even net you some xp. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I miss satire... )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's unlikely you can bring backup in seperately. As Lord Rivers explains over breakfast, you need a pass to get past the inner rings of Lookshy. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Heh.

Monkey . o O ( They can wait at the gate. Anybody important has an entourage. Thus if you have an entourage, you must be important. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Exactly, in that case. )

Monkey . o O ( Unless it's hush hush. Then it's black coaches at midnight. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The sailors can carry the chest too. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmm. I'll bet I'll regret not buying the Terrifiying Apparition charm for now... it'd be handy in public speaking. )

Monkey carries Master Jaff on his right shoulder and both of them acts regal, with Master Jaff pulling off a better performance.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey is supposed to have an armband too. )

Both Monkey and Master Jaff wear an armband on their left arms.

After a quick but sumptuous breakfast, Lord Rivers accompanies you to the lift tubes that lead to the upper city. After an hour's wait -- the lifts are busy this morning with the business of war -- you ride the Shogunate-era machines up to the Port District. Here, Lord Rivers talks briefly with a junior officer, who hands him a small plaque.

Captain Kaizoku makes nothing but small talk during the breakfast.

Monkey presses his face to the windows of the lift tube to get a better view at everything.

Following Lord Rivers, you head further up into the city, until you come to a well-fortified gate of ancient, smooth material. The guard captain glances at the pass and waves you through with a curious glance. The performance is repeated at the next gate, and then you are in the Old City, gazing at the mighty architecture that has survived since the First Age and the Shogunate. Without pausing, Lord Rivers leads you to the Lookshy Manse, and petitions for an audience with the General Staff.

Captain Kaizoku shows approval at the remaining First Age structures, but doesn't look around like a rube.

Boondocks? Why yes, Monkey is from there. Why do you ask?

Monkey . o O ( Hello? )

You wait in a large hall, bustling with the military and civil affairs of the city. Most of the men and women rushing around, waiting, or talking seem disciplined and efficient, but there's an undercurrent of tension and -- perhaps -- anxiety. After about thirty minutes, Lord Rivers is allowed to speak privately with a bureaucrat. Thirty minutes later, you are ushered into an audience chamber to meet with Taimyo Maheka Roku, CO of the Stores Directorate.

The Storyteller . o O ( Sorry... flipping back and forth through Outcastes trying to locate names. I didn't really expect this blatant an approach. )

Captain Kaizoku sits calmly in the hall, putting down the reputation of both bloodthirsty pirates and power-mad Solars with his calm demeanor, placing his boot on Monkey's foot if he gets carried away.

Master Jaff bows. Monkey, on the other hand, is busy turning around to admire the audience chamber. The net effect is Master Jaff ends up bowing at a bookcase.

Captain Kaizoku gives a respectful bow of equals to Roku. "I suspect you are wondering why I am here... Feel free to indulge your curiosity first. Let us be up front with one another."

Master Jaff, having watched Captain Kaizoku too many times, gave a sharp "keee" and a quick twist of Monkey's ear.

The general is a Dragon-Blooded, probably Earth Aspect, dressed in simple, high-quality laminate armor with a reaper daiklave at his side. He's on the older side, perhaps nearing the end of his second century, and he has the bearing of a warrior. He is accompanied by a pair of aides, one of whom carries a tablet of paper and a pen.

Monkey whispers, "Ow. Alright, alright. Sheesh."

The taimyo bows in return. "Captain Kaizoku, noted pirate and Anathema. Why have you come to Lookshy?" He does not speak with malice, but in the voice of one who is simply stating the facts.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, I'm assuming you've got HPM active, right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, yes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( He's waiting for an answer, btw. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( working on it! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and Lord Rivers has vanished, for the moment. )

Captain Kaizoku returns that courtesy. "Lookshy and all of the Scavenger Lands are teetering on the brink of chaos. A weak Lookshy helps my enemies in the Realm, and the vile Deathlords. I wish to contribute my various talents to the war effort. Here are for of them, to start with." He nods to Monkey to bring the chest forward. "To aid the navy and shipbuilding, ideally."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can't blame him. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Nice pun! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Thanks. )

Monkey opens the chest and puts it in front of the general.

Taimyo Maheka raises his eyebrows but otherwise holds that poker face. His aides are not so stoic and are obviously startled. He says, "And what do you want in return for this contribution to our campaign?"

Captain Kaizoku replies coolly "Surprisingly little. Deathlords are the true Anathema, and I will not stand by as they do as they please." He leans forward slightly. "Your waters are unsafe. The Realm's pirate hunters can do little, and are motivated to do even less. The Leviathan does not swim, and is no threat to the Blessed Isle. I wish to create a privateer fleet and sweep the seas of the Floating Dead, to begin with."

The Storyteller . o O ( make a Charisma or Manipulation + Presence + HPM roll )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Cha + Pre + HPM >>> {7, 1, 9, 4, 8, 8, 9, 1, 4, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and you mean Juggernaut, right? MoW's crawling fortress-zombie? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( D'oh, yes. And it doesn't swim, does it? )

Monkey . o O ( Must be. )

Monkey . o O ( Not that we know of. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Nobody's found out either way. evil grin )

Monkey . o O ( Problem is, while I'm pretty sure it can't swim, I don't see anything stopping it from simply walking all the way from Thorns to Imperial Palace. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( There's always a bigger fish... )

Monkey . o O ( Anyway, the result of the roll? )

Maheka listens to the Captain, then turns to aide with the notepad and says, "Call a meeting of the General Staff for this afternoon." He turns back to you and says, "I cannot make this decision on my own, but I will arrange for you to speak with the Chumyo and the full General Staff. In the meantime, please avail yourself of our hospitality. Chuzei Anzai will see to your needs until your audience this afternoon.

Monkey . o O ( IIRC, someone mentioned that their GM decided to kill Leviathan and turn her into a Juggernaught-like ship, called, naturally, The Dreadnought. )

Captain Kaizoku inclines his head. "Of course" he says politely. "Thank you for your time." He rises and bows, then bows again less deeply to the Chuzei.

Captain Kaizoku looks over to see if Monkey is behaving himself.

Monkey is busy with a little tug-of-war with Master Jaff involving a lock of his hair.

Captain Kaizoku can think of at least six worse things Monkey could be doing. "Did you follow all of that?" he asks.

Chuzei Anzai bows back and escorts you out of the audience chamber onto a large balcony with a splendid view of the Inland Sea. (You can see your ships from here!) Food and drink is brought, and she makes careful small talk with you until the audience. (If you want to get more info out of her, make a Manipulation + Socialize roll, opposed by her Wits + Socialize.

Monkey says, "What? Oh, meet here later. And that guy there will be our servant until then?"

Monkey . o O ( Assume that I botched it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( HPM still in effect? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes. )

Captain Kaizoku corrects Monkey with "Our aide, Monkey. She is a ranking officer and deserves respect."

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Social fun >>> {2, 4, 9, 5, 3, 1}.

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {6, 5, 8, 1, 8}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How full or empty is the harbor of ships? )

Monkey turns to Anzai. "My apologies, Mistress."

The Storyteller . o O ( Pretty damn full, and very busy. There are very few warships to be seen, though -- mostly big-bellied cargo vessels. It's probably preparation for the evacuation of Celeren. )

Monkey says, "Hey, can we go see the warstrider arsenals? Think we have enough time, Anzai? Captain?"

The Captain and the lieutenant (equivalent rank) make idle chit-chat and mostly ignore Monkey. Lunch is light but filling, and the sun has barely passed the zenith when you are summoned for the audience with the General Staff.

Captain Kaizoku says, "I would wager that those are a military secret Monkey. Perhaps when we are working more closely with the fine people of Lookshy."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I wonder if there are any amphibious Warstriders, like Mer-types. )

Monkey was first out of the room when the summon is presented.

Captain Kaizoku strides forward and into the room confidently.

Monkey . o O ( Canonically, there is, but it's very rare, as they are Lunar aspected and most Lunars don't bother with striders. Basic strider design require the shape of the suit to match the shape of the wearer. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, so it'd need to swim conventionally, or with a paddlewheel on the stomach, were there such a unit for Solars. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Silly Captain. What you need is Feather Foot Style charm. Why swim when you can walk?

The audience chamber is a large one, clearly designed for larger meetings than this one. The General Staff appears to be composed of five Dragon-Blooded officers, including Taimyo Maheka, and is seated on a high bench. You are seated at a table in front of them. You recognize the central officer as the Chumyo, the executive officer of the Seventh Legion (Reinforced). The other officers are introduced as Taimyo Karal Linwei, Taimyo Karal Masako, and Taimyo Yan Tu Zeshin. Standing off to one side is a rather small man -- Admiral Sogrun of the Lookshy Navy.

The Storyteller . o O ( Sorry that took so long. Stupid names. )

A brief exchange of formalities, and then they get down to business.

Captain Kaizoku is equally brief with his formalities and settles into his seat crisply.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Charisma or Manipulation + Performance roll for the first impression. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha + perf >>> {9, 8, 2, 1, 7, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is there a Monkey penalty? :) )

Monkey stands behind and slightly off the side Captain Kaizoku.

The Storyteller . o O ( Not yet... )

Monkey . o O ( Not until I start swinging from the chandelier. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I just hope no one important ever asks why Monkey is the 1st officer. "He was the best Solar I could find..." )

Taimyo Maheka summarizes your earlier conversation, and then yields the floor to the General Staff as a whole. Taimyo Karal leads things off. "What, exactly, do you want to do, Captain Kaizoku? What are you planning?"

Monkey . o O ( Why is Monkey 1st officer? Because he'll make a much worse captain, that's why. )

Captain Kaizoku meets Karal's gaze levelly and then takes in all of the other council members. "I want what you want... to throw back Mask of Winters' incursion into civilized lands and prevent the Realm from gobbling up the Scavenger Lands. I plan to do that in every way I can. First, to burn every floating dead at sea to ashes" he says, finishing on a strong, passionate note.

Monkey . o O ( They are not going to buy that. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Keep talking? )

Monkey . o O ( No, I take it back. They simply won't understand it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, still talking. )

Captain Kaizoku continues "A weakened Lookshy helps only those who act against my cause, the Realm and the Deathlords. A strong Lookshy and free Scavenger Lands only hurts them. Conventional forces and conventional tactics are strained to the breaking point now. I will add unconventional forces and tactics. I will assemble a privateer group to finish the seaborne forces of the Mask, freeing the Navy to put its full efforts into the upcoming evacuation."

Monkey uses the time and tries to study the council member's faces and mannerisms. Who knows what kind of useful information can be gleaned that way. Not to mention the possibility of disguise or simply to recognize them on the street later.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, make a Per + Awareness roll )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa >>> {8, 2, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( That's enough to tell that a) Yan Tu Zeshin isn't too pleased by the entire proceedings, and b) Karal Linwei seems to be in support of you. )

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, make a Cha + Presence + HPM roll. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Cha + Presence + HPM >>> {8, 10, 10, 7, 2, 8, 3, 8, 9, 6}.

The captain's spiel has an effect on the officers of the Legion, and they convene in the far corner of the chamber. Make Per + Awareness rolls.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And we haven't even gotten to the radical part of the plan yet. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Per No Awareness >>> {9, 6, 9, 6}.

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa >>> {5, 10, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, yeah... tell 'em the radical part. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Let's show them some results first... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, okay. In any case... )

jetman [to TonyC]: Is there a greater pirate in this corner of Creation than the Captain? I know there are some canon guys west and south...

From the small circle of generals, you hear quiet but intense discussion and disagreement. No clear sentences, but fragments -- "Anathema!" "...on our side..." "...lesser of two evils..." "...damn pirates..." "...don't trust him..." "...distraction?" "It's heresy!" "Better the sun than the dead..."

TonyC [to jetman]: Well, there's possibly one....

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the Captain's never raided Lookshy traffic... )

jetman [to TonyC]: Whom?

TonyC [to jetman]: Although at the moment he's laying low.

TonyC laughs like a madman.

After a mere twenty minutes of discussion, the generals return. Tan Yu looks more than a little sullen, while Karal Linwei is a bit smug. The Chumyo speaks for all: "Very well. We will accept your help, and your gift, on the following terms:"

Captain Kaizoku tilts his head to listen, saying nothing yet.

Monkey . o O ( Well, now that you know better than asking that kind of questions.... There are canonically no big time piracy in the East, given the lack of open seas. The big scary bad canon thing, not counting the deathlords, is possibly Nexus's enforcer, known only as the Emissary. Given that he works for the Guild, and the Guild is Nexus, he's Law Enforcement. )

He enumerates the terms while an aide writes everything down with quick brush-strokes. "First, you and your crew are granted a general amnesty for all acts of piracy in Lookshy territories up to this date. Second, we will issue a letter of marque. This will authorize you to use our naval facilities, though you will have lesser priority than our own ships. Third, you will liason with the Seventh Legion Naval Forces under Admiral Sorgun at his discretion. Fourth, you are to confine your activities to Realm shipping and -- preferably -- those kingdoms and forces that support the Mask of Winters, including the Floating Dead. Fifth, you will report to the Admiral at every possible opportunity, providing intelligence on the movements of our enemies. Sixth, you and your officers are hereby declared under the protection of the Seventh Legion as concerns the Wyld Hunt. Seventh, you are authorized to refit immediately in Lookshy Harbor as needed. Eighth, you may call upon Lookshy naval forces to support you, at Admiral Sorgun's discretion." The Chumyo pauses as the aide finishes up with a few quick brushstrokes. "Are these terms acceptable, captain?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He doesn't leave Nexus though, does he? )

TonyC [to jetman]: He does. But rarely. Think a Marshall going out-of-state in pursuit of a criminal.

Captain Kaizoku nods with each term. "They are acceptable, but I must have a free hand in recruiting new crew and sailors."

Monkey . o O ( I'm not liking the third and fifth clauses. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Admiral wasn't too opposed, it seems, and sharing intelligence is logical... )

The Chumyo nods. "You may have as free a hand as you wish, though we will not tolerate any impressment or abductions of Lookshy's people."

Monkey . o O ( Also consider provisions for breaking the agreement amiably. Or at least legally amiably. )

Monkey . o O ( What sounds good today might not be good next year. And this agreement, as far as I can see, has no time limit. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh. Good point. I overlooked that, and they wouldn't. )

Captain Kaizoku replies "Of course not. Now, how long will the arrangement last? I do not wish to find my welcome gone overnight."

The Chumyo takes the paper the aide has made out and lays it down on a table. "If you agree, this agreement will hold for the duration of Lookshy's hostilities with the Mask of Winters, or until Calibration after next."

He adds, writing this on the paper, "Whichever comes first. The amnesty, of course, is permenant, but does not apply to any acts of piracy you commit after this date that are not sanctioned by this agreement."

Captain Kaizoku nods gravely and steps forward to look at the paper. "Of course." He takes up the quill and signs with a flourish.

The Storyteller . o O ( Brush. He takes up the brush. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Right. )

The Chumyo signs as well, then stamps the paper with an ornate jade block -- the Lookshy seal. "Welcome to the Legion's cause, Captain. Your aid will prove invaluable." He turns and signals to a pair of soldiers standing nearby, who take the chest of jade and vanish out the door with it. "Admiral Sogrun, will you hammer out the details with the Captain?"

Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, they didn't take a lot of time making the jade vanish. )

The Admiral nods sharply and says, "Aye, aye, sir. Captain, please accompany me down to the docks."

Captain Kaizoku says "Indeed. This will mark a new dawn for Lookshy's fortunes in the war" as he sizes up the admiral, walking along with him.

The Storyteller . o O ( You know of Admiral Sogrun by reputation. He's a powerful DB and possibly a genius when it comes to naval tactics, though he's hampered by the fact that Lookshy isn't really a naval power. Essentially, you know everything on page 80 of Savage Seas about him. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And his mood towards the Captain? )

Monkey stands still in the meeting room until he realizes that the Captain and the Admiral left the room. Grinning at the generals, he turns around and runs off to catch up with the Captain. Master Jaff waves goodbye to the general from his perch on Monkey's shoulder.

As you head down to the docks, the Admiral fills you in on the real status of the war. He seems a little uncomfortable shoreside, and as you walk out into the Lower City, the smell of salt sea air perks him up. His demeanor toward the captain is professional but reserved -- after all, he is an admiral and the captain's a pirate. Well, privateer now.

The state of the war is this: Lookshy has been dealt a severe defeat and is on the verge of two more.

Captain Kaizoku shows him onto the Stormhammer. "What is the disposition of the Floating Dead? Will they move against the evacuation?"

The Storyteller . o O ( brb )

Monkey . o O ( Okay. What's the plan for the rest of the night? )

Monkey . o O ( Move against the Floating Dead? )

Monkey . o O ( Help evacuate Celeren? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I want to hear what the worst point is and act there. )

Monkey . o O ( Somehow relieve the siege of Marukani Redoubt? )

Standing at the bow of the Stormhammer, the Admiral says, "The Floating Dead are a mystery. So far, they haven't attacked any strong fleets, but many of our support ships have vanished, as have some lone triremes and warships. We have been unable to catch them."

Monkey . o O ( Strategically, evacuate Celeren. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Now, what of these two imminent defeats?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Two small ships are a drop in the bucket... covering the evac in another way is a better option. )

Monkey . o O ( If the forces from Celeren can be evacuated, they can move to support the Marukani Redoubt. The only problem is if the forces besieging the Redoubt is strong enough that the Redoubt falls or the reinforcement can't reach them. If that is the case though, we still saved half. )

Monkey says, "Has the Juggernaut been seen?"

Monkey . o O ( who hasn't heard of the Juggernaut? )

He continues, moving on, "The evacuation of Celeren begins tomorrow -- we hope to get as much of the population out of the city before it's encircled. We think the Floating Dead will try to interfere, and hopefully, we can counter them with the bulk of the fleet." He looks out over the harbor. "The situation in Celeren is dire. The Second Field Force lost all its warstriders and much of its heavy equipment, and took almost 40 percent casualties in the retreat to the city. Juggernaut itself is dragging its way there. As of this morning, we estimate it will be at the city in under two weeks. And the Mask's mysterious ally is preventing the Sky Guard from helping."

Monkey . o O ( Anyway, that's the safe bet. We're betting the Redoubt is strong enough to hold out for quite a while. If we want to gamble though.... Go to the Redoubt, talk to the officers there, find out who the enemy general is, and try to take him out. )

Captain Kaizoku muses on that. "A ship crewed by the dead would have no fear of sinking... they could be moving beneath the water and rising up where not expected..." he speculates. "What is happening to the Sky Guard?"

Admiral Sogrun says, "At least, we assume the soulsteel skyships and fell beasts are not the Mask's own -- they bear a different emblem, a pair of black wings. None of the fliers have been captured, and divination has been ineffective. They have felled two Manta-class skyships and several Chariots, and are still contesting the sky over Celeren. None have appeared over the Marukani Redoubt, though."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Q-ship tactic the Realm uses could serve against the Floating Dead... )

He says, "The Redoubt is in no danger of falling, yet. But the army that besieges it holds down the Third Field Force and a good portion of the Foreign Legion. We think Juggernaut will move against it next. And Mask of Winters himself is guiding the corpse-fortress."

Captain Kaizoku says, "And the Realm's fleets? Are they taking advantage of all this distraction? I know they are moving to deal with the Northmen raiders."

He answers, "So far, the Realm has stayed out of things, though the Wood Fleet is conducting 'exercises' near Harborhead. Once we defeat Mask of Winters we will be at great risk from them. The Merchant Fleet continues its usual duties."

The Storyteller . o O ( I think that's everything. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It's a bit of a full plate. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Are there any small, fast ships available, or shall I take them from less worthy powers?"

The admiral says, "We have none to spare, if that's what you mean. However, some of the Mask's client kingdoms have been conducting raids along the Marukani coast using small ships, and the Wood Fleet has several trireme wolfpacks in the area as well."

Monkey . o O ( What's wrong with our triremes? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We don't have any, for starters. )

The Admiral says, "For purposes of communicating with the navy -- are you a sorcerer, by chance?"

Captain Kaizoku nods. "Those will do nicely. Are extra components available for Shogunate weapons? I am proficient in the Emerald Circle... do you have a device?"

The Admiral says, "The arsenal may be able to spare some small parts for more common weapons, such as implosion bows, essence cannons, and the like. In fact, I was wondering if you knew the spell Infallible Messenger."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Very good, as that is what I am deploying. I know of the spell, but have not located a suitable tome containing it. Would the Navy be in possession of one?""

The Admiral says, "I can arrange for a teacher, if you wish. It would be most useful, I think. Also, you may work with Shozei Teresu Kado, commander of the S.R.S's Orca Squadron. Since he is in port today, you should meet him."

The Storyteller . o O ( What next? )

Monkey . o O ( We raid the warstrider arsenal! )

Captain Kaizoku says, "By all means. I will also require the flags and trappings of a Lookshy merchant marine for my other ship... I fear it will be attacked by pirates very soon..."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Re-equip and re-arm, head for Celeren with the yacht shadowing the coaster, trying to draw the attention of any raider, then take it. )

The Admiral says, "That can be arranged quickly enough. Be sure you don't fly the Lookshy flag when attacking Realm ships -- the last thing we need is another front. Would you meet me for dinner at my flagship tonight? You can meet Shozei Teresu then, and we can arrange other things as needed."

Captain Kaizoku chuckles. "Oh, anyone who attacks when that flag is up will be an enemy already. I will gladly meet you tonight, and Teresu. Until then."

The Admiral says, "Until then," and leaves.

Captain Kaizoku calls in his officers and explains the situation, telling the carpenter and purser to get everything they need, and the Q-ship plan for the Proreus to breif the mercs on.

The Storyteller . o O ( What do you want to do between now and dinner -- which we can just describe, if you like, rather thna roleplay -- and what do you want the crew and the marines to do? By now, you've gathered all of your old crew plus about ten or fifteen new recruits. )

Monkey . o O ( We need to recruit. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How much room is left for more crew on the two ships? Granted, there will be three soon, barring horrible catastrophes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... )

Monkey . o O ( Be ambitious. Plan for four. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If it's a trireme, one is a good start. Smaller ships get sent back for the evac. )

The Storyteller . o O ( You're full now: 50 marines, full crews on both ships, plus an extra 15 sailors on the Stormhammer leaves about... 48 without space on the ships. )

Monkey . o O ( Ditch the marines. We need sailors. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Let's see... get the ships in shipshape, finish the corsair conversion to the Stormhammer, get a set of tattered sails to make the Fortune look storm-damaged. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Speaking of the marines, are you planning on converting them to full soldiers in you cause or just retaining them as mercenaries? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How would the former work? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Extended Cha + Performance rolls over a period of several weeks, basically. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Marines will be handy for taking a big ship. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, then that's what he'll do, inspiring them about the greatness of his cause. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, make the first roll. One per week. Every success converts a single marine to your cause. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha + Performance >>> {1, 1, 3, 7, 4, 9}.

Monkey . o O ( The marines can only stay in the coaster. Meanwhile, the yacht is the bait. Now, if the yacht stays anywhere within quick reach of the coaster, this means that any pirate will notice the coaster. If they think they can handle it, they'll go for the coaster, meaning the yacht did not make bait. If they don't think they can handle it, they go away. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The coaster is slower than the yacht, and looks like it's stuffed with goods. The faster yacht's also smaller and not worth the trouble. )

Monkey . o O ( I figured you wanted the yacht as bait, lure a pirate into attacking the yacht, defeat the pirates, signal the coaster, who then rendezvous and send a prize crew. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The reverse, in essence. )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, differing assumption then. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The coaster's a tempting target. As it's boarded, the mercs boil up and the yacht sweeps in, shooting on the way and boards the offending ship. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The yacht's a fighting ship on its own, as well. )

Monkey . o O ( It works. I suggest you stay in the coaster and Monkey in the Yacht. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey has to be on the yacht... he's the official gunner for the Implosion Bow. )

Monkey . o O ( White Soul Weeping... probably in the coaster. )

Monkey . o O ( Woohoo! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you want to do this tonight, or finish up the prep work and start next session with Real Pirate Action (tm)? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( This is just a warm-up for Real Pirate Action, so tonight if possible. More ships will make grand things possible from the outset next time. )

Monkey . o O ( How long do you think this will take? I don't see this taking long. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( if piracy is as bad as they say, not long to attract one... hopefully a Floating Dead to learn their secrets, but a Triremem would be good too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Give me a minute to work out the hapless pirates, and tell me what you're going to do in Lookshy before setting out. )

Monkey . o O ( Captain Kaizoku ultimately decides, but I think recruiting more people is a good idea. Note that we don't have to actually take them with us, but having crew ready when we do get a third ship would be handy. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The things mentioned above, armbands for all sailors and mercs, dinner with the Admiral... )

Monkey goes shopping for firedust, maybe a walkaway charm, offers prayer and sacrifices at Sunipa's temple, and tries to catch sight of those two local Lookshy gods.

Monkey also invests in Magic Beans, should anyone offers them.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With 48 sailors on the beach, we've enough to crew at least two more ships. Best to start with a loyal crew. The captain will be recruiting in the far North soon too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Armbands are a piece of cake. Dinner with the admiral is aboard the First Age heavy warship _Dragon of Indomitable Victory_. Turns out that Orca Squadron is like some kind of seaborne spec ops group specializing in "naval blitzkrieg," and Shozei Teresu is (basically) Hikaru Sulu in _The Undiscovered Country._ Dashing, charming, skilled, and valorous. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Orca Squadron will be leading the charge against any naval forces interfering with the evacuation. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Are they all in First Age ships? Does the Captain know the trick about their helms? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, Orca squadron is actually only 6 ships -- two converted large yachts, four fast patrol ships -- that are armed to the teeth and manned by crack troops. Their missions are ones where the ships have to be capable but expendable. As for the captain knowing the trick -- I doubt it, though he probably has inklings. )

Captain Kaizoku remarks that he'd like to inspect the _Dragon_ at greater length when time permits.

Captain Kaizoku asks Teresu about anything he's seen and heard about the Floating Dead.

The captain's remark is politely countered in a non-comittal fashion. (I mean, they don't trust you that much.) Teresu's pretty forthcoming -- he fought the Floating Dead once before, several months ago, and was able to capture a ship. Problem was, everyone aboard was dead, even after they stopped moving, and to be on the safe side, he scuttle it. This was south of Thorns.

Captain Kaizoku returns the polite counter with an equally polite hint that it may have secrets long buried in it. What kind of ship did the Dead have?

The Storyteller . o O ( It was an ancient blue-water merchant that moved with uncanny speed but rather poor maneuverability -- he crippled it by punching a hole in the stern with his ship's implosion bows. )

Captain Kaizoku remarks "I have some theories about that... we will see if they bear fruit soon enough."

Monkey . o O ( Push. I've a feeling that both of you are waiting for the other. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Assuming that preparations take a couple of days... it's the 18th of Descending Wood when you raise anchor and head out. )

Monkey . o O ( Woo hoo. Strength Increasing Exercise, yay! )

The Storyteller . o O ( That doesn't give you enough time to learn a spell, though... but any other training you want to do ere then? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Completing the Dipping Swallow Defense (2 days left). )

The Storyteller . o O ( So: What does your fleet look like now? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, the Fortune goes first, looking battered and running the Lookshy flag, the Stormhammer following at a distance. )

The Storyteller . o O ( how much of a distance? Visual, i.e. over a mile? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

Monkey tries to see how big of a circle Stormhammer can make around the Fortune.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey's on the Stormhammer, with the Kubrentes in naval control. WSW and the captain are on the Fortune. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Are the marines in either ship, or back at Lookshy? )

Monkey . o O ( How many sailors did Kaizoku assigns to Monkey? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The marines are stuffed in the Fortune's hold, impersonating valuable cargo. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. And full-or-better crews on each ship, right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Full house on the yacht too... 15 surplus above the four full crew. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you have Savage Seas handy? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. )

Monkey spends most of the time on Stormhammer's crow's nest. Or what Monkey calls the crow's nest, which is basically just the top of the mast.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Going from the Naval Combat system (page 90), your crews are Blooded -- 1 extra die -- in all three areas. )

Monkey is on the lookout! Pirates beware!

On 1d10, you rolled 8.

Not more than two days out of Lookshy, heading southwest, you encounter pirates. Or they encounter you. It's all a matter of perspective.

The Storyteller . o O ( Whoever's acting as the lookout on each ship needs to make a Perception + Awareness roll. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Humans, or zombies? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Make the roll to find out. )

Monkey has busy fending off an inquisitive seagull.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on fortune lookout >>> {7, 6, 1, 2, 2, 4}.

Monkey says, "Shooo! My hair is not nesting material, you brute!"

On board the Fortune, near about noon, the lookout cries "Sails to port! Three ships!"

Captain Kaizoku calls out "'Battle' stations" and has the crew start looking frantic and moving on an 'escape' course that will lead it in boarding range of one of the pirate ships.

The Storyteller . o O ( Here's the setup at the beginning of combat: The Stormhammer and the Fortune are 100 successes apart. The pirates are 60 successes from the Fortune. The pirates are a squadron of client kingdom raiders: two triremes and a blue water merchant. )

Monkey . o O ( Unless the pirates are camouflaged in some way, someone on Stormhammer is bound to see the ships. It might even be Monkey himself. The question is, when? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Probably pretty quickly, actually. I'm going to say second long turn. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Fortune will try to "flee" and head in the direction of a trireme, keeping it between the other ships. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So, for this first turn: CK, make a roll of Wits + Sail + 1 at difficulty 3 to close the distance without looking like you're _trying_ to close the distance. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Does the Piracy specialty count? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Certainly! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, they make their rolls: )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on piracy >>> {5, 5, 1, 10, 7, 3, 4, 9, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Wait a sec... the movement rules have no mention of a ship's speed. WTF? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: IIRC, speed is bonus dice.

Monkey . o O ( Basically, the faster ship gets bonus dice to their Wits + Sail roll. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That makes sense -- it just doesn't seem to be mentioned explicitly. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Bah. Add your speed to your roll as bonus dice. So do they. And then subtract Maneuverability. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, p. 91. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, I see it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( In that case, the Fortune gets no speed bonus dice, since there's a pair of triremes on the other side. )

You rolled 7 dice on something >>> {1, 8, 8, 2, 8, 9, 10}.

You rolled 7 dice on something >>> {2, 5, 3, 2, 9, 4, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( The triremes begin edging closer under oars. The blue-water ship also begins to close, albeit slower. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Currently at 53 successes distance. Roll again, for the next long turn. )

Captain Kaizoku has the sailors panic and fire a few arrows that fall far short of the other ship.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on piracy action >>> {7, 9, 7, 10, 1, 10, 9, 8, 10}.

You rolled 7 dice on something >>> {4, 2, 2, 4, 1, 3, 2}.

You rolled 7 dice on something >>> {8, 9, 1, 6, 7, 7, 2}.

Monkey . o O ( Q: What is the distance between the triremes and Fortune? Actually, screw that. Too complex. Just tell me when I get close enough to start firing. )

Monkey . o O ( I roll? )

The Storyteller . o O ( About 70 successes right now, and you've spotted them. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( the increment range on the Bow is 1000 yards, so 3000 max... )

Monkey says, "Ships ahead!"

The Storyteller . o O ( Range Long -- Naval combat range, yo! )

Monkey says, "Kubernetes, bring her about! We're charging in! Wooooo!"

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, make the Kubernetes' roll at -2 because of the multiple opponents. (I'm assuming you guys are ignoring the blue-water merchant for now.) )

Kerrigan calls out "Man your guns then!" as she sails like the devil.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. )

Monkey jumps off his perch and lands on top of the implosion bow. Unveiling the covering, he aims the gun at the nearest pirate ship, closing one eye in concentration.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It's only there to pick up the loot. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 11 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {3, 7, 1, 9, 10, 9, 5, 4, 5, 8, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( You're out of range for the bow yet -- you'll have to wait unitl you're at under 30 successes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Third turn: Captain, make Wits + Sail +1 (blooded) - 3 (Maneuverability) - 2 (two opposing ships) )

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {10, 2, 6, 3, 8}.

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {4, 10, 7, 5, 2}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Captain Sailing >>> {5, 8, 3, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Kubernetes rolls Wits + Sail -4 )

Monkey . o O ( Specialty: chases. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I have an utterly mad plan for taking a ship if one starts to get away, if Monkey, the captain and WSW can battle a whole ship alone. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Should I roll that, or did you just do it? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And the specialty counts, and one of you guys needs to roll it. )

Monkey . o O ( Well, Monkey can't fight a naval battle against a properly armed ship. On the other hand, once he's on the said ship, that's another matter. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {8, 4, 6, 6, 9, 6, 7, 5, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Stormwind Rider can catch any ship afloat... )

The Storyteller . o O ( End of turn 3: Relative distances. Triremes to Fortune 37 successes. Triremes to Stormhammer 61 successes. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmmm, must find out if Light Implosion Bow can act as AA. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No reason it can't. )

The Storyteller . o O ( make the rolls again, same modifiers. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( with its area of effect, it's like flak. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {2, 9, 1, 1, 10, 5, 1, 8, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Captain Sailing >>> {10, 1, 1, 8}.

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {1, 7, 10, 3, 6}.

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {9, 2, 4, 6, 6}.

Monkey . o O ( Realistically, the issue of how and when it's primed is critical. Luckily, this is Exalted. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Whatever. You're firing bolts of nasty Essence that explode into spheres of mysterious damaging shockwaves. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Stormwind Boarder plan could have also be a drive-by, with Monkey firing the Essence Cannon at the rudder beforehand... )

Monkey . o O ( Like I said. Luckily, this is Exalted. )

Monkey . o O ( Essence Cannon will not work this time. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Turn 4 summary: Fortune to Triremes 34, Stormhammer to Triremes 59. (They're trying to keep their distance from the Stormhammer) )

The Storyteller . o O ( roll again for turn 5 )

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {10, 1, 5, 3, 5}.

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {8, 3, 9, 5, 2}.

Monkey . o O ( Reason: Monkey doesn't like the Cannon, and as such only attunes to it when it was going to be used. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Captain Sailing >>> {3, 5, 3, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {9, 4, 1, 2, 6, 1, 10, 7, 5}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, is the captain using that wind spell? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No, not this time... we want to be boarded, after all, and the Essence will be needed for... well, you'll see. )

The Storyteller . o O ( okay. Turn 5 summary: Fortune to Triremes 32, Stormhammer to Triremes 57. The blue-water merchant is about 40 away from the triremes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll for turn 6. )

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {3, 7, 10, 8, 5}.

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {7, 4, 9, 1, 8}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {7, 10, 6, 8, 3, 3, 8, 9, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Captain Sailing >>> {10, 7, 10, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Nice. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Woo! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any more information on the pirates from this closer range? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And should I make a Tactial roll? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Turn 6 summary: Fortune to Triremes: 22 (Long range). Stormhammer to Triremes: 54 (very long range). You can see crewmen on the triremes preparing sailcutters for launch -- it looks like they'll try to flank you, with a trireme on either side. And yes, make a tactical roll. )

Monkey . o O ( They're zombies! )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Tactical >>> {7, 2, 5, 2, 5, 1}.

Monkey . o O ( And they want to eat our brains! Braaaains! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Wish I could switch the last two rolls... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll for turn 7 )

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {8, 2, 9, 9, 4}.

You rolled 5 dice on Trireme sailing >>> {4, 10, 3, 10, 2}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Captain Sailing >>> {8, 6, 1, 10}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan Sailing >>> {9, 4, 3, 4, 8, 8, 4, 5, 5}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Aha! Range summary: Fortune to Triremes 16 (Long range). Stormhammer to Triremes: 51. The triremes are firing their sailcutters. (Flips through the rulebook) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Is the Fortune going to respond in any fashion? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( More scattered arrow fire, just to make it look convincing. And it has a set of storm-tattered sails up already. )

You rolled 4 dice on Sailcutter attack >>> {1, 7, 2, 3}.

You rolled 4 dice on Sailcutter attack >>> {6, 8, 4, 5}.

Monkey . o O ( Ramming speed! )

As the flashing oars draw the triremes closer to the Fortune, the sailcutters forward of each galley's mast release their bolts with sharp *thunks* of leather against leather. The sharpened chains between each pair of bolts slices through the air toward the rigging of the Fortune.

Captain Kaizoku leads the aboveboard crew in increasing panic.

You rolled 7 dice on damage first sailcutter >>> {1, 8, 7, 4, 2, 7, 1}.

You rolled 7 dice on damage second sailcutter >>> {5, 3, 3, 3, 2, 9, 5}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Wait, forgot soak. Phoo. )

You rolled 5 dice on damage >>> {7, 4, 3, 1, 8}.

You rolled 5 dice on damage >>> {7, 7, 5, 8, 6}.

The Storyteller . o O ( second combat phase of the turn. )

The Storyteller . o O ( wash, rinse, and repeat )

You rolled 4 dice on sailcutter attack >>> {1, 1, 10, 8}.

You rolled 4 dice on sailcutter attack >>> {3, 1, 8, 8}.

You rolled 7 dice on rigging damage >>> {9, 4, 1, 5, 6, 6, 6}.

You rolled 6 dice on rigging damage >>> {2, 4, 3, 1, 1, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( 3rd and last phase of this turn, more of the same. )

You rolled 4 dice on sailcutter attack >>> {9, 9, 10, 2}.

You rolled 4 dice on sailcutter attack >>> {4, 6, 3, 3}.

You rolled 8 dice on rigging damage >>> {6, 1, 1, 5, 5, 1, 3, 8}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How close together are the two triremes to each other? )

Though badly damaged, the Fortune's rigging holds together.

The Storyteller . o O ( About 150 feet, and staggered a bit -- one's about 50 feet behind the other. )

Monkey grins, "C'mon, Kerrigan, a five year old in a rowboat could move faster than this. If you don't move, the Captain will finish the show before we even get to do anything!"

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll movement for turn 8, unless the Captain has something in mind. )

Captain Kaizoku has the crew try to "fix" the rigging and then drop the sail completely.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, okay. Sail drops, so you cannot move this turn -- or any turns in the near future. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Obsidian Butterflies down the middle would tear all the oars to shreds if they were closer, but that trick's not needed now. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, the Kubernetes should roll. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan >>> {8, 7, 8, 10, 5, 4, 7, 3, 9}.

You rolled 5 dice on trireme sailing >>> {8, 9, 9, 10, 8}.

You rolled 5 dice on trireme sailing >>> {8, 5, 5, 1, 2}.

Monkey . o O ( Ehm, shouldn't you put up the Jolly Rogers now? I mean, tradition is tradition. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Not for pirate hunters! )

Monkey . o O ( At least the Unconquered Sun banner then. )

Monkey . o O ( You got to earn that infamy, Captain. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Range summary: Fortune to Triremes 10, Stormhammer to Triremes 44. Triremes are readying corvii to board with. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( As soon as the company comes abord, we'll do the proper introductions. )

Captain Kaizoku stomps on the deck three times hard to alert the marines and WSW belowdecks that it is nearly time

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, the boarding parties on both triremes readies arrows. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll for turn 9 movement )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any powerful individuals in evidence? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Kerrigan >>> {10, 2, 8, 9, 7, 4, 10, 9, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and add the Stormhammer's speed bonus -- 4 dice. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Speed >>> {2, 2, 4, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Didn't help )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, no powerful-looking folks. )

You rolled 5 dice on triremes closing >>> {1, 1, 2, 7, 4}.

You rolled 5 dice on triremes closing >>> {2, 2, 2, 6, 4}.

The Triremes loose a volley of arrow fire and then back oars as they drop the spiked plans for boarding.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 25 marines per Trireme, so it's an even fight with our 50 mercs, but we have the power of the Sun and two superhuman fighters. )

One corvus embeds itself in the starboard forecastle. The other one lands portside amidships.

The Storyteller . o O ( okay, beginning of a boardying action. Captain, what's your plan? )

The Storyteller . o O ( I'm assuming WSW is in charge of one scale and you've got the other one, right? )

Monkey . o O ( Well, you count as 25 men, and White Soul Weeping counts as 5. Add the 50 marines, that's 80. Why, Captain, that isn't sporting at all! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Exactly, and each scale heads to one ramp. The bridge crew hangs back for now. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, but then we have to fight the crew and the rowers, or convince them to join or die, so it's fair enough for bad people. )

You can see the "Oh, shit" looks on the faces of the boarding parties as the marines and White Soul Weeping boil out of the hold, but the press of pirates allows no retreat.

Captain Kaizoku spends a mote to light up his anima and give them a little more to think about, pulling out his Daiklave to reflect more of the Sun's power at them.

Monkey says, "Awww, Kerrigan, they already started!"

The Storyteller . o O ( Your marines add +1 to your attack roll. Start by rolling Initiative: Wits + Perception for this. )

Monkey says, "Anyway, keep going. Aim for the blue-water ship. We'll strafe the triremes when we pass them, if Captain hasn't already finished by then."

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Init >>> {9, 10, 8, 4, 5, 8, 3}.

On 1d10+5, you rolled 13.

On 1d10+5, you rolled 13.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10 and got 6.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10 and got 9.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+7 and got 13.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm.... everyone's going on the same init count, it looks like. CK goes first, followed by WSW, and then the port and starboard boarding parties. Who's fighting who, anyway? )

TonyC will make some tea and critique the battle from the sidelines. Be cool.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( WSW at port, the captain at starboard. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Roll attack, which is Wits + Presence +1 die for Blooded. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and you can use Charms. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Which kinds? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Attack? Presence? )

The Storyteller . o O ( If you do use something like Excellent Strike, add another 3 dice. Page 96. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( So be it! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah, Wits + Presence... shrug )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 11 dice on Attack >>> {9, 5, 7, 5, 9, 10, 5, 3, 3, 6, 2}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's with Excellent Strike )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Three motes for it? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sure. )

The Storyteller . o O ( They defend... )

You rolled 4 dice on something >>> {7, 1, 1, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( 2 successes left, so roll damage: Charisma + 2 (extra successes) + 4L (weapon bonus) minus 5 soak, minimum 3 dice to roll. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on damage >>> {3, 4, 8, 7}.

Led by the Captain's flashing golden blade, the Raiton's Hatchlings repel boarders and drive them back across the corvus. The pirates still have a little fight left, though.

The Storyteller . o O ( WSW's turn. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you want to handle him, or shall I? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on WSW attack >>> {2, 3, 9, 6, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I got him. )

You rolled 4 dice on boarder defense >>> {7, 6, 7, 1}.

The Storyteller . o O ( That's enough to hold things at a standstill on the port side. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And now it's the Captain's turn again, since the pirates wasted their action on defense. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 11 dice on Attack >>> {10, 8, 6, 8, 10, 9, 8, 4, 8, 2, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku continues the charge up the ramp!

You rolled 4 dice on boarder defense >>> {5, 3, 6, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, so much for them. Roll damage: Cha + 10 + 4L - 5. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 12 dice on damage >>> {7, 8, 10, 9, 3, 9, 1, 10, 7, 4, 8, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They've gone from enemy to chum! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Pretty much. You wipe out the boarders to a man, along with a fair portion of the starboard trireme's crew. Meanwhile, on the port side... )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on WSW attack >>> {8, 1, 6, 5, 10}.

You rolled 4 dice on boarding party defense >>> {10, 10, 5, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Again, the boarders hold firm against WSW's onslaught. Third and final combat phase of this turn, CK's go. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can he attack the ones on WSW's side? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 11 dice on Attack >>> {10, 7, 3, 2, 3, 1, 4, 8, 9, 8, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku leaps overhead, over the throbbing throng of marines to attack!

You rolled 3 dice on boarder defense >>> {3, 10, 1}.

The Storyteller . o O ( roll damage Cha + 3L )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Damage >>> {5, 2, 5, 4, 7, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( The port boarders begin retreating up the ramp as White Soul Weeping follow his captain in the charge. The water is turned red with blood, and you can see the fins of sharks beginning long slow curves around the battle. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll it for WSW. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on WSW attack >>> {9, 7, 2, 4, 9}.

You rolled 2 dice on boarder defense >>> {7, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( roll his damage: Cha, min 2 dice. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on WSW damage >>> {3, 8, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( That last push is enough to do it, and the few remaining pirates throw down their weapons and cry for mercy. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, and it's time for the next turn. Roll for the kubernetes' movement. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With speed bonus? )

Monkey . o O ( Should be. )

The Storyteller . o O ( yup. Are you pursuing the blue-water merchant, which is now trying to get the hell away? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 15 dice on Kerrigan sailing >>> {7, 5, 2, 8, 9, 2, 7, 1, 10, 10, 10, 6, 7, 8, 1}.

Monkey waves at Fortune when he passes it by.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How close is the Stormhammer as it passes? )

You rolled 1 dice on something >>> {3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Long range -- say, around 300 yards. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Combat on the Fortune and the triremes is essentially over. Range summary: Stormhammer to merchant: 28 successes. (Long range) )

Monkey remembers the bit about flags and goes "Ooops." He then goes back into the cabin to get the Captain's banner. A short while later, he comes out with the banner in hand and with several quick hops, settles at the mast where he ties it to the mast.

The Storyteller . o O ( The reaction among the surviving pirates is immediate and gratifying -- they all blanch in terror. Your reputation precedes you. )

Monkey then fires a shot near the blue-water ship, purposely missing.

Captain Kaizoku boards both ships and makes it clear that they're under new management now, and can embrace the Sun for jade and glory or join their comrades with the sharkes.

Monkey . o O ( Ooo, ye old spelling. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( These are the Sharkes of Creation, much more dangerous than any mere shark. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, that's not much of a choice, is it? The living members of the crew immediately swear to follow the Captain to their dying day. "Living" is important, because a cursory examination of the triremes reveals that they've been equipped with zombie rowers. You have about 20 prisoners from the triremes. )

Monkey directs Kerrigan to close within shouting distance.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, do you shout for the merchant to heave to, or just trust they'll get the message eventually... )

Monkey . o O ( My term is slightly different, actually, bearing in mind _my_ tactical situation. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... I guess we can skip forward to the next long turn -- roll it for the Kubernetes. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 15 dice on Kerrigan sailing >>> {9, 10, 10, 5, 5, 3, 7, 5, 8, 1, 1, 5, 7, 9, 2}.

Captain Kaizoku will want to have words with the zombie supervisor, and throw all but a couple of secured sample zombies to feed the sharks.

Monkey says, "Ahoy there! Under the terms of the letters of marque from Lookshy, ah damnation, who gives a rat's ass. Alright, those who wants to flee can take the longships!"

The Storyteller . o O ( the Stormhammer is now within shouting, if not boarding, distance of the merchant. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Longboats? )

Monkey . o O ( Yes. I'm not Monkey. My nautical terms are not up to par. )

Monkey says, "On the other hand, any funny business, and well, I got this implosion bow and you don't. You want to try to swim, you're welcome."

The Storyteller . o O ( We'll be meeting longships later in the campaign. :) Anyway, just about all the crew of the merchant ship take you up on that kind offer and abandon ship in unseemly haste. The merchant ship wallows in the swell, without hand on helm. )

Monkey boards the merchant-ship and inspects it while waiting for the Fortune to rig new sails.

Monkey has three sailors to accompany him.

Captain Kaizoku has that process done fairly quickly, considering the preperations of the good sail and the fakery of the battle damage.

Monkey . o O ( Anything unusual? A kidnapped princess, a rigged keg of firedust, the missing Mantle of Brigid, or perhaps a treasure map detailing the location of a first age naval depot? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, I believe we're essentially done for the night... The merchant ship carries mostly stores and supplies, no loot. It's a standard blue-water merchant, page 56 of Savage Seas. It requires a minimum crew of 6. The triremes are manned by full rowing crews of zombies, which are controlled by means of a special drum in each ship. Each one is armed with a pair of ballistae and a sailcutter. Finally, you've got 20 prisoners or new recruits, depending on how you look at them. )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, we sail back then. Actually, do we sail back to Lookshy or do we go straight to Celeren? )

Monkey . o O ( Evacuation attempt starts yesterday. )

jetman has reconnected.

TonyC [to jetman]: Ah. What did you miss?

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Disconnect. Last saw Monkey asking about anything unusual )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, we sail back then. Actually, do we sail back to Lookshy or do we go straight to Celeren? )

Monkey . o O ( Evacuation attempt starts yesterday. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And, of course, parceling out the experience: 3 base + 2 mission + 2 getting a new ship (or three, finally!) + 5 for the story award. 12 total. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Celeren, and we'll send a ship to ferry more crew up to Lookshy from there. )

The Storyteller . o O ( any questions for next session at the moment? )

Monkey . o O ( You want to keep or destroy the zombies? )

Monkey . o O ( Wheee, xp galore! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Do the living crew have any zombie related info? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( and some sample zombies stay, the rest feed the sharks. )

Monkey . o O ( I don't have any, although I bemoan the lack of kidnapped princess, rigged keg of firedust, Mantle of Brigid, and treasure map. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, not really. You slaughtered the captains, who were the only ones with any real info. )

Monkey . o O ( Ship's log. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Mentions that they picked up zombies at Thorns a couple of months ago as per a treaty between their kingdom and Mask of Winters. )

Monkey . o O ( Suggestion for housekeeping. Send one of the trireme back home. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That was my thought as well, since it's not an ideal troop transport. )

Monkey . o O ( The prisoners can row that trireme. A few sailors to keep an eye on them, etc. Then turn the prisoners over to Lookshy. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( a Trireme has 200 rowers... we'll be strictly sails, and that only needs 5 people. )

The Storyteller . o O ( you'll need a minimum of 35 for rowing. OTOH, you only need 5 for sailing... )

The Storyteller . o O ( When did I say when the evacuation would begin? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmmm... I'll consider the logistics of min rowers for ramming for the future. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Tony said the previous day. )

Monkey . o O ( One of the officers when we were still in Lookshy said "Tomorrow". We've been out in sea two days since then. Ergo, it started yesterday. )

Monkey . o O ( I'm assuming that this means the cargo ships and their escorts left Lookshy yesterday and will take some time to reach Celeren. If we hurry, and the weather cooperates, we can rendezvous in time. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The weather always cooperates with the spell... )

Monkey . o O ( 'xactly. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. I think I meant that the ships gathered in Lookshy began heading south yesterday. )

The Storyteller . o O ( In any case, I'm pooped. Let's continue the discussion over e-mail. See you guys later. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Night.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK! Thanks for the game! Nite! )

@quit

• • • Disconnected ***