Talk:Wavedancer

Wavedancer Arrival/Departure in Solhaven (March of 2005)

[Solhaven, South Market Pier]
No shops of any merit are open this far along the pier, although it was clearly built with room for more.  In the absence of merchants, townsfolk appear to be using the end of the pier as a place to relax and simply look out over the Bay.  You also see the Wavedancer, a gangplank, and the Celebration Barge.
Obvious paths: east

The five masts of this immense sailing vessel bloom with pristine white sails.  Rows of triangular pennants climb down the masts toward the stern, and the twinkling light of night-time lanterns cast a soft light off each deck.  "Wavedancer" is painted proudly toward the bow, leading the eye to the large and intricate figurehead depicting Niima.  Currently, the lantern held aloft by the graceful Arkati is shining its beacon ahead of the ship.

.

The authoritative commands of a captain calling instructions to a crew drifts across the open water, indicating the nearing of a vessel.

The faint outline of a five-masted vessel, enormous in size, can barely be discerned in the faint moonlight of the early evening.

As the sailing vessel nears the South Market Pier, the name "Wavedancer" can be made out along the bow.  The tiny figures of sailors can be seen traversing the cross-beams along the masts, adjusting the sails as the ship nears port.

A passing sailor pauses and admires the graceful curves of the Wavedancer as it makes final preparations to come alongside the South Market Pier.  "I've only but heard of that fine ship, and she is quite a beauty, eh? I'd take a billet aboard that lovely thing any day."

Several sailors lash wide ropes to the posts along the pier, each one rising along the planking of the enormous vessel that has put to.  Far above, the gangplank is readied to be lowered to the pier for the lucky ticket-holders to board.

From far above, a gravelly call of "Heave-ho!" is heard, and the gangplank swings over the side of the Wavedancer, its far end landing on the pier with a *THUD*.  Sailors who have completed their anchoring tasks set about securing the gangplank to the pier for stable boarding by the passengers.

Groups of dark clothed humanoids slip quietly up a small ramp towards the stern of the ship carrying crates and boxes.

..much later..

From aboard the ship, the heavy tolling of a brass bell can be heard, its deep bass notes ringing out a total of five times.  A passing sailor remarks to his companion, "Ah, 'bout time to board. No shore leave for us this time!"

Four echoing bass notes ring from aboard the Wavedancer, and the ship's sailors begin to busy themselves with preparations for departure.

The ship's bell tolls three deep bass notes.  A ship's officer posted at the base of the gangplank begins to shoo passengers aboard, trying not to interrupt family farewells while still indicating the urgency of their boarding.

As two echoing tollings of the ship's brass bell sweep through the area, the sailors around the moorings begin to unwind the heavy ropes securing the Wavedancer to the pier.

As a single, deep tolling of the ship's bell rings out, the ship's officer at the base of the gangplank calls out, "All aboard!" A few straggling passengers hurry up the gangplank as the officer turns to follow them.

Several crisply dressed sailors unwind the gangplank's anchoring so that it may be easily pulled aboard the ship.  When it is completely free, one of them rings a small bell, whose tinny notes ring clearly through the night air.  After just a few moments, the gangplank rises from the pier, as it is pulled aboard the Wavedancer.

Far above, you can see passengers waving happily from the main deck of the Wavedancer, as final preparations for sailing are completed.  Small children race along the side of the ship, shouting good-byes and their own version of sailing commands to the sailors above.

From out of the corner of your eye, you see a fishing boat sailing at a good speed right up to the Wavedancer.  Just as you turn to look, it collides with the massive ship with a loud *THUNK*!  Before you can calculate the disaster this must be, a sailor leans over the side of the Wavedancer, providing direction to the fishing boat beneath him.  The fishing boat must be providing the Wavedancer with controlled power to move itself from port safely!

The ship sways more violently from side-to-side as it begins to maneuver away from the dock.  A few of the previously happy passengers begin to look a little green.

Although the ship has now moved a whole length away from the dock, you can still here the cries of the Captain as his officers giving orders to manage the sails as the ship completes its maneuvers.

As the Wavedancer sails out to sea, the fishing boat moves away, having completed its duties to its massive relative.  The five-masted sailing vessel seems calmer in the waters as its journey continues.

a small parchment brochure

This is (was) a physical item in game from the April 2005 Wavedancer run. WINTERDAWN (talk) 00:21, 28 June 2021 (CDT)

[this part is in bold] Southron Wastes [end bold]
During the course of cruise, the Wavedancer will pass by the tip of the Southron Wastes.  While the ship will not stop, the owner of the Wavedancer has contracted a mage that has created a transport between this mysterious region and the ship.  Passengers should be explicitly aware that the Wastes are a dangerous place, and they should not venture into the area unless they can defend themselves.  The Wavedancer will take no responsibility for injury or deaths that happen there.

Once the ship is underway, the transporation to the Wastes will be available on the portside of the ship.


[this part is in bold] Special Guest [end bold]
The Wavedancer has taken on a special guest, as a favor to a friend of the Captain, who will be staying for the duration of the cruise.  The special guest will also perform a blessing ceremony on Restday around approximately 21:00 elven time.  Passengers are encouraged to speak with the guest to see if they can provide any assistance.

Passengers can find the guest at the stern portion of the main deck.


[this part is in bold] **Pirate and Slaver Territory Warning** [end bold]
On Feastday around approximately 21:00 elven time, the Wavedancer will be crossing into known pirate and slaver territory.  The Captain and crew ask that passengers be alert during this time, and to notify any crewmen of strange activity.

Messaging

With one final flash, the port magics of Ta'Nalfein release the Wavedancer from their grip. The dark, steep walls of the elven city and the brilliant sails of its magnificent port fall behind to starboard as the Wavedancer strikes out toward the open ocean.