Twilight Academy - 2021-04-13 - A Lecture and Field Trip on Open Sea Adventures (log)

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Olaesta 13, 5121

by Leafiara Autumnwind, Event Planner of Twilight Hall and reporter of the TownCrier


Introduction

This was a lecture for Twilight Hall's monthly Twilight Academy event, in which various officers teach on various topics of interest to the adventurer populace.


Log

Everyone's Gathering

[Twilight Hall, Grounds]

The tall shadowy-grey walls of this fine fieldstone house are carved with intricate runic markings. The lush green lawn is home to several varieties of plants and flowers which border the walls, and young saplings cast long shadows in the moonlight. You also see a circular ebonwood cart with some stuff on it, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the Cyar disk, a rune-carved silver bell, a multi-hued marble arch, a heavy bronze plaque, a massive steel portcullis, an ornate and heavy solid oak door and the Twilight Hall sentry.

Also here: The Notorious Leafiara, Ambassador Malifren, Cyar

Cyar exclaims, "Ollo!"

Cyar says, "I'm excited to learn."

[Help] Leafiara: "Curious about Open Sea Adventures but don't know where to start? Drop on by Twilight Hall grounds for today's instructive course of Twilight Academy starting in 20 minutes!"

Cyar says, "I just got a boat and sank right off, so good timing."

Speaking to Cyar, Malifren asks, "That's how it's sposed to work, right? Or have I been doing it wrong?"

[TownCrier]-GSIV:Newsby: "[EVENT ON THE HIGH SEAS] Want to learn how to pursue Open Sea Adventures? Join Event Planner Leafiara on the 13th at 8pm for this month's Twilight Academy! Meet outside Twilight Hall house grounds, then step aboard the Fearless Phoenix's Song for a lesson on the high seas--first in theory, then in practice!"

[TownCrier]-GSIV:Alfryd: "if you've never tried Gemstone boats, you're missing out. It's the most fun new thing out of all the fun new things that have been released in the last few years"

Cyar says, "I'm sure your way is cheaper."

[TownCrier]-Leafiara: "Agreed!"

Leafiara admits, "I sunk my first four or five times out, but in my defense, I happened to catch some bad timing with storms."

[Towncrier] Luxelle: "I think you are right, Mister Alfryd, sailing is a great hunt!"

Cyar says, "That was my doom, couldn't read the map."

Malifren says, "Maps."

Malifren waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Cyar says, "Ahh."

Malifren asks, "Where is your sense of adventure?"

Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp, fighting with a Dreavening *and* Evlissa, apparently, but so be it."

Leafiara pleasantly exclaims, "Better chance at prizes for those who do come!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Malifren says, "At the end of the class we should sail everyone to Kraken Fall and then wish them good luck getting home."

Leafiara says, "In a man o' war, that would take... way too long."

Cyar asks, "How long in a scooner?"

Malifren asks, "A sloop?"

Malifren says, "Not long."

Leafiara musingly says, "Maybe about a third the time."

Leafiara says, "I think you could get there in something like 15 minutes or less if you just avoided all pirates on the way."

Cyar says, "Not bad."

Malifren says, "It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to get to Sol from there on a sloop."

Malifren says, "I definitely recommend flying a white flag though if trying to do that."

A paladin strides in, planting his black and crimson oriflamme before him and declares, "You are hereby invited by House Daingneach Onoir to their hunt. Meet us at a Wayside inn table. Hunting places to be determined by the group. We will be leaving about 8:30pm and loot will be divided afterwards." Performing an about face, he marches off.

Leafiara musingly asks, "Oh, hmm, yeah, I should probably send out our crier, huh?"

You are nearly scared half to death when a disembodied voice declares softly but urgently right in your ear, "Visit House Twilight for tonight's Affair, there will be refreshments, friends, and of course PRIZES!"

Rivienne just arrived.

Rivienne says, "Good evening."

Malifren says, "Evening."

Leafiara cheerfully greets, "Good evening!"

Antinomy just arrived.

Antinomy quietly asks, "I heard tell of some sort of... gathering?"

Speaking to Antinomy, Leafiara exclaims, "Tonight we have our monthly edition of Twilight Academy!"

Antinomy quietly asks, "I don't suppose any of you could tell me... more?"

Leafiara says, "Teaching on topics of interest each month."

Leafiara says, "Tonight's is about sailing."

Antinomy quietly says, "I see. Ah, yes, I think I did get... wind... of that, if you'll pardon the pun."

Antinomy quietly says, "I suppose I could hang about. Never hurts to learn something."

Leafiara admits, "I'm kind of curious how experienced or inexperienced most of our audience will be tonight."

Malifren says, "I know enough to be dangerous."

Rivienne says, "I'm completely inexperienced."

Leafiara says, "I've aimed it assuming people know basically nothing."

Cyar says, "Good asumption."

Leafiara relievedly says, "Oh, good, no need to throw away hours of written notes then."

Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Antinomy says, "Well, heretofore, I've been of the opinion that if Zelia meant for me to be at sea, I'd have been born with fins."

Antinomy quietly says, "That said... the world grows smaller. Learning how that's happening isn't a terrible idea."

Arbiter Velfi just arrived, striding along.

Velfi cheerfully says, "Evening."

Leafiara greets, "Good eve, good eve!"

Warm balmy air touches your face, its ethereal tendrils laced with the scent of fresh, vibrant flora and sweet rains. The combination of zephyr and aromas reminds you of Mist Harbor and you suddenly get a strong sense that something is happening there.

Leafiara says, "And there's our spoony competition."

A voice reaches your ears, chanting, "Spoooooooooon!"

Leafiara says, "If she didn't usually take about five minutes to spin, I'd be tempted to wait for stragglers from that."

Antinomy quietly says, "I'd had it in my head to go visit the spoon lady, but... eh. Never been much for.. stuff."

Vaikhen just arrived.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara greets, "Good evening!"

Leafiara dubiously asks, "Wait, don't you already know things about sailing?"

Vaikhen says, "Good evening to you, Lady Leafiara."

Vaikhen says, "I might know some things. But not ALL the things."

Speaking lightly to Vaikhen, Leafiara exclaims, "Well, hopefully I can deliver then!"

Antinomy whispers something to Leafiara.

[General] Leafiara cheerfully thinks, "If you're not busy with Dreaven nor Evlissa and want to learn about adventures on the open seas, drop on by Twilight Hall grounds in the Landing for a crash--I mean, uh, a *brief* course on sailing! Starting shortly."

Velfi cheerfully exclaims, "Help yourselves to refreshments from the cart before we begin, there's plenty to go around!"

Leafiara helps herself to a beautifully browned cookie.

Leafiara confidentially whispers aloud, "These cookies have bacon *and* chocolate. It's amazing."

[Help] Svardin: "Like how to jump overboard, when to shout ARRGH! and stuff."

[General] Dwi asks, "Will ye be fully Grounded afferwards?"

Vaikhen surprisedly says, "Ah, I haven't had this in forever."

[Help] Leafiara: "Oh yes!"

Vaikhen pours himself a flute of Turamzzyrian champagne.

[General] Leafiara cheekily thinks, "Maaaybe."

Speaking quietly to a circular ebonwood cart, Antinomy says, "No coffee. Setback."

Leafiara curiously asks, "So, while we're on the verge of getting started, is there anyone here who doesn't even have a ship at all?"

Antinomy raises her hand.

Leafiara relievedly says, "Whew."

Rivienne raises her hand.

Leafiara says, "Another hour of notes saved."

Vaikhen raises his hand.

Velfi raises his hand.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Antinomy says, "I'd have to spend the next year selling my body in Sol Haven to afford a ship, and that's with no upgrades."

Speaking tentatively to Velfi, Leafiara asks, "Hmm... if we head inside, stragglers won't be able to come find us, right?"

Antinomy quietly says, "I've heard what they cost."

Speaking cheerfully to Leafiara, Velfi says, "The auditorium is open to the public."

Leafiara musingly says, "Oh, hm."

Leafiara exclaims, "I guess we can head there then!"

Leafiara recites:

"Join up and we'll head to the auditorium!"


Types of Ships and How to Buy Them

[Twilight Hall, Auditorium]

Twin twilight blue carpets cascade down the aisles among tri-sectioned rows of cushioned, mahogany benches. Suspended above, a glass ceiling reflects and refracts starlight, sending it scattering to every corner of the room. At one end of the auditorium lies a crescent-shaped dais of silver-veined alabaster in an alcove flanked by three large marble columns, each housing scarlet owl sconces, which cast a warm glow. The banners of Twilight and the CHE hang in tandem from the translucent ceiling. You also see a painted owl carved podium, a massive steel portcullis, a shiny brass placard and an unmarked door.

Leafiara determinedly exclaims, "Alrighty! Feel free to help yourself to refreshments throughout as I make a big hullabaloo!"

Leafiara says, "Or something."

Antinomy quietly says, "Boat: a hole in the water, made of wood, into which one throws money."

[Prime]-GSIV:Velfi: "Come by Twilight Hall's Auditorium (18846) for Leafiara's talk on pirating and adventure and things of that nature!"

Leafiara eagerly greets, "Good evening to all! For those who don't know me, I'm the Event Planner Leafi and, on behalf of Twilight Hall, welcome to this month's edition of Twilight Academy, where we tackle teaching topics of intrigue and interest! This month I'll talk adventures on the open seas."

Leafiara cheekily says, "Hopefully none of you think that voyages on the water are safe and uneventful, because the wilderness of the ocean is in many ways even more dangerous than the wilderness of the land."

Leafiara grins mischievously.

Cyar adopts an agreeable expression.

Leafiara confidently continues, "But fear not! With the right know-how, you'll surely not drown in a watery grave out there!"

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.

Leafiara uncertainly adds, "Probably."

Vaikhen nods emphatically!

Velfi scratches at his beard.

Rivienne shifts her weight.

A paladin strides in, planting his black and crimson oriflamme before him and declares, "You are hereby invited by House Daingneach Onoir to their hunt. Meet us at a Wayside inn table. Hunting places to be determined by the group. We will be leaving about 8:30pm and loot will be divided afterwards." Performing an about face, he marches off.

Leafiara clears her throat.

Leafiara appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Antinomy quietly says, "All manner of competition."

Leafiara agrees with Antinomy.

Velfi begins chuckling at Antinomy!

Speaking cheerfully to Antinomy, Velfi says, "For us, it was a Tilamaires."

Voltung's cheeks darken with a deep carmine shade.

Leafiara begins, "We'll step out on my ship a little bit later tonight, while staying safely docked in port, since some things need to be seen on a field trip and not just described, but I'll start with the things we *can* review here in the auditorium. I'll mention this isn't a comprehensive discussion or we'd be here for three hours, but I'll touch on the most important basics as I see them."

Velfi appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Voltung nods at Antinomy.

Vaikhen grins at Velfi.

Velfi winks at Vaikhen.

Rivienne nods.

Cyar nods.

Leafiara acknowledges, "So the most basic question is how to even get access to a ship. You can either set sail with friends--ask around, as you might know ship owners you wouldn't expect--or buy your own ship near the docks of a port town near you. This includes the Landing, Solhaven, River's Rest, Kharam-Dzu, and Kraken's Fall."

Velfi nods sagely.

Vaikhen takes a bite of his owl-shaped cake.

Velfi cheerfully says, "Handy when the Glaesen Star decides not to run."

Velfi chuckles.

Leafiara helpfully elaborates, "Ships come in six sizes. From smallest to largest, they're: sloops holding a crew of up to 3, brigantines holding a crew of up to 5, carracks up to 8, galleons up to 12, frigates up to 14, and man o' wars up to 20. Normally these respectively cost 5 million, 25 million, 50, 200, 250, and 400 million silvers. Occasionally you might see opportunities to buy them with bloodscrip or other currencies, though. And who knows if maybe one day there'll be a raffle?"

Leafiara grins at Velfi.

Vaikhen's jaw drops.

Leafiara quickly interjects, "Oh, by the way, if I'm going too fast at any point, just let me know."

Leafiara chuckles.

Cyar smiles.

Vaikhen nods at Leafiara.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara admits, "Ships are one of those things where, for many people, they'd rather know a friend who owns one than spend the money themselves..."

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen chuckles.

[General] Ceallaighroe thinks, "How do I get into the house to listen to the lecture."

[General] Ceallaighroe thinks, "Twilight Hall house."

Leafiara says, "And let me break from my notes for a moment..."

[General] Velfi thinks, "Come to the rune-carved fieldstone house, then go through the portcullis."

Ceallaighroe just came through a massive steel portcullis.

Ceallaighroe smiles.

Leafiara asks, "Do we have anyone here who doesn't own a ship but is potentially interested in owning one in the future?"

Leafiara grins.

Antinomy shrugs.

Vaikhen raises his hand.

Ceallaighroe giggles.

Rivienne says, "Maybe."

Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Velfi gives a short little hum of surprise.

Rivienne says, "I need to learn more about them."

Leafiara musingly says, "Okay, good."

Ceallaighroe says, "Do I join a group."

Velfi hoots at Ceallaighroe.

Voltung quietly says, "There's always potential."

Speaking to Ceallaighroe, Malifren says, "Gather around Leafi."

Leafiara lightly says, "Just double checking so I don't bore people with information on how to buy ships if no one wants to buy ships."

Leafiara snickers.

Malifren nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara exclaims, "So let's get started on the buying process!"

Vaikhen nods enthusiastically at Leafiara!

Leafiara carefully notes, "If buying your own ship, most people will start with the smallest model, a sloop--in fact, more than that, many people *must* start with a sloop."

Velfi raises an eyebrow.

Leafiara explains, "You see, no ship builders want their hard work going to waste, so the bigger the ship you commission, the more you'll need to have first proved yourself. They'll build sloops for anybody, but if you aspire to own a bigger ship, then you'll need to develop a Reputation as a successful adventurer of the sea by hunting pirates, either as a captain of your own ship or the crew of others' ships."

Velfi nods sagely.

Velfi cheerfully says, "Makes sense."

Vaikhen rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Vaikhen interestedly says, "I had no idea."

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.


The Importance of Kraken's Fall: Ship Upgrades, Ship Roles, and Pirate Tasks

Leafiara frankly recommends, "If buying your own ship, I'd suggest doing so at the town of Kraken's Fall. You can reach there by paying 10,000 silvers for a voyage at a local dock--or pay the Chronomages 100,000 silvers to get there even faster."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Or use a REALMS BOOST from your daily login rewards."

Antinomy quietly asks, "Or sail with a friend?"

Speaking to Antinomy, Leafiara agrees, "Or that, yes."

Leafiara grins.

Vaikhen takes a drink from his Turamzzyrian champagne.

Leafiara says, "Like I said earlier, you can commission a ship in many port towns, so why in Kraken's Fall specifically? Well..."

Leafiara confides, "The people of Kraken's Fall specialize in oceanic endeavors. You can pay them to make cosmetic changes to your ship or improve your ship in more tangible ways: reinforcing the hull so you can survive more cannon fire from pirates, adding more cannons so you can take the fight to the pirates harder, building a larger cargo bin to hold supplies and store your pilfered treasure, or purchasing trained courier birds who can fetch pirate hunting tasks for you."

Malifren nods.

Malifren says, "I highly recommend getting a bird."

Malifren nods.

Leafiara pragmatically says, "The most important of these upgrades is the hull, especially if you're starting off with a sloop. A basic sloop will go down to only a handful of enemy cannon shots unless you stay very much on top of making repairs."

Leafiara agrees with Malifren.

Speaking cheerfully to Malifren, Leafiara says, "Getting to that one third."

Voltung quietly asks, "Do cannons only damage your ship, or the people aboard as well?"

Malifren says, "They can damage you if a ball hits where you are standing, definitely."

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "The shrapnel can hit people if you're within range of where enemy fire hits."

Leafiara nods in agreement.

Vaikhen nods once.

Voltung ponders.

Vaikhen takes a bite of his owl-shaped cake.

Voltung quietly asks, "Is there a spot on any boat to hide from cannons?"

Speaking cheekily to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Nope."

Voltung snorts!

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Voltung quietly says, "Thanks."

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara says, "With that said..."

Leafiara says, "The bigger the ship, the less likely it is the cannon fire will hit the specific area you're standing."

Malifren chuckles.

Rivienne nods.

Leafiara says, "But the bigger the ship, the more attractive it is for enemy pirates too, so you in turn will face down bigger enemy ships that might have more or faster cannons."

Leafiara flashes a quick grin.

Malifren asks, "You know where cannon balls can't hit?"

Malifren says, "On the enemy's ship."

Malifren nods.

Leafiara nods.

Voltung mutters cheaters.

Leafiara says, "Indeed! That's why boarding enemy pirate ships is great."

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.

Leafiara musingly says, "Well, part of it."

Vaikhen chuckles.

Leafiara says, "Anyway, back to my written notes..."

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara continues, "Now, my second big reason to start off in Kraken's Fall is ship roles. You can check in with the Office of Employment there and pay 10,000 silver to become a registered Boatswain, Captain, Cannoneer, Navigator, or Swashbuckler and start to learn the tricks of those trades! Your talents will need time to develop as you gain experience on the seas, but the benefits will be there. I'll say more about these roles when we step onto my ship."

Leafiara clarifies, "And you won't be able to declare a role in other towns, which means at very least your first voyage wouldn't help you develop these skills [if your first voyage was one of those other towns]."

Leafiara says, "So, one way or other, an aspiring ship captain will have to make a stop at Kraken's Fall at some point--and it might as well be at the beginning. That's my thought."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Malifren nods.

Vaikhen nods once.

Leafiara says, "Then the third reason is what Mali mentioned earlier, the courier birds."

Malifren says, "It's very hard not to be tied to Kraken's Fall without one."

Malifren nods.

Leafiara says, "Much like the Adventurer's Guild, Kraken's Fall can give out tasks to hunt down pirates."

Leafiara nods at Malifren.

Leafiara says, "On completion of these tasks, you can report back to them. While they won't pay you, you'll learn quite a bit and gain a better reputation with the ship builders."

Leafiara dubiously says, "But Kraken's Fall is a very isolated port, so that sounds like work."

Vaikhen grins.

Leafiara amiably exclaims, "Well, enter the courier bird, who can fetch tasks for you and report them back!"

Vaikhen raises his Turamzzyrian champagne in a toast!

Leafiara says, "It's like fetching bounties while never leaving your ship."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Vaikhen takes a drink from his Turamzzyrian champagne.

Leafiara says, "These pirate hunting tasks include either sinking enemy ships, killing specific numbers of pirates, or killing pirate captains."

Malifren exclaims, "Not sure if going to cover this, but for those new, the ship builders are very specific when it comes to task. If they ask you to sink a pirate ship, they will not accept you sinking a Krolvin pirate ship, or ethereal one. They are quite the sticklers!"


Types and Traits of Enemy Pirate Crews

Leafiara ominously says, "And let's talk about just what kinds of pirates are out there waiting to kill you."

Leafiara waggles her fingers mystically. Ooh...impressive.

Leafiara nods at Malifren.

Speaking amusedly to Malifren, Leafiara says, "Yep, that's literally next up."

Leafiara snickers.

Malifren nods.

Malifren says, "Sorry."

Leafiara explains, "Three types of pirate crews sail the seas: your everyday pirates, ethereal pirates, and the krolvin!"

Speaking quickly to Malifren, Leafiara says, "No, no, it's a good point to raise."

Leafiara nods emphatically!

Leafiara says, "Normal pirates can be thought of much like the bandits of the sea. Their tactics and talents are similar to bandits on the land, but are generally less dangerous since they're more brazen and don't initially attack from the shadows."

Leafiara amusedly says, "They just charge in a frontal assault like idiots, every single time..."

Leafiara snickers.

Malifren chuckles.

Vaikhen grins.

Malifren says, "Tell us how you really feel."

Leafiara says, "Ethereal pirates are noncorporeal undead who know a wide variety of maneuvers and magic. They shouldn't be underestimated! Even among those who can handily kill them, though, some ship captains of smaller vessels--and therefore smaller crews--choose to flee from ghost ships. That can be for any reason, like weapon blessings being unavailable or just because killing these fallen pirates can take quite some time."

Leafiara notes, "But members of the Order of Voln might be especially interested in hunting ethereal ships, so there is that."

Vaikhen rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Voltung mutters under his breath.

Leafiara says, "Krolvin pirates are the most dangerous, in my opinion. Not only do they have an even larger arsenal of skills than the ethereal pirates, but a handful of grizzled veterans will be aboard each krolvin ship. They're a cut above your typical krolvin and nothing short of death will slow them down, as they won't flinch or be stunned by even the hardest strike."

Malifren nods at Leafiara.

Malifren agrees with you.

Leafiara acknowledges, "And if you've sailed into Troubled Waters at any time to rescue captives of the krolvin, you'll be pretty familiar with their strength."

Rivienne frowns.

Malifren says, "They are very hard to hit with spells a lot of the time too."

Leafiara agrees with Malifren.

Speaking curiously to Malifren, Vaikhen asks, "Why is that?"

Leafiara says, "They're very talented with spellups, apparently."

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen gazes heavenward.

Malifren chuckles.

Malifren nods.

Vaikhen nods once.

Leafiara adds, "And that's not a joke, either."

Leafiara chuckles.

Malifren says, "They all went to see the invoker before setting sail."

Malifren snickers.

Leafiara says, "You'll be facing everything from Wall of Thorns to Wall of Force."

Vaikhen grins at Malifren.

Vaikhen incredulously says, "Wall of ... Oh my."

Leafiara says, "Now, earlier I mentioned that one of the pirate hunting tasks can be sinking a type of pirate ship."

Leafiara says, "As you might have guessed, it *is* possible to sink an enemy ship from afar with cannonballs while never fighting its crew directly."

Leafiara says, "However, you'll probably need at least one Cannoneer, Captain, or Swashbuckler aboard to do it, since they're more talented with cannon fire."

Malifren says, "That's no fun though."

Leafiara grins at Malifren.

Speaking amusedly to Malifren, Leafiara says, "Well, to each their own..."

Leafiara admits, "But yes, I prefer direct combat."

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara says, "Now, here's an important thing to note..."

Leafiara says, "No matter which type of enemy pirate crew you're up against, they're good at sussing out your own crew's relative power and will send their strongest against your strongest, and their weakest against your weakest."

Leafiara suggests, "So your crew can include members who have wildly varying talent and experience in battle, but if so, it might be best to split them up accordingly when enemy pirates board you."

Leafiara says, "And just to make sure this is clear, with an example..."

Leafiara says, "If your crew were Roblar and a fresh turnip farmer, and they split up onto different parts of the ship, Roblar would be fighting the toughest pirates the enemy has while the fresh turnip farmer would only be fighting the enemy's rookie trainees."

Vaikhen chuckles.

Cyar grins.

Leafiara winks.

Leafiara says, "So it's a bit safer than, say, dragging less experienced friends into warcamps."

Leafiara whistles tunelessly to herself.

Rivienne says, "That's nice to hear."

Leafiara nods emphatically at Rivienne!

Vaikhen slyly asks, "And very considerate of the pirates. Maritime law, perhaps?"

Rivienne chuckles.


Open Q&A Session

Recommended First Role

Leafiara pleasantly says, "Now, I think I've more or less covered the things I can cover in an auditorium... but before we head out to the docks for things that are best explained there, I'd like to open the floor to questions and answers."

Leafiara says, "And we can spin for door prizes after as well."

Leafiara grins.

Vaikhen raises his hand.

Leafiara points at Vaikhen.

Malifren says, "Something to keep in mind, when boarding, you should try to board the enemy ship instead of fighting on your own ship."

Vaikhen curiously asks, "You might cover this later, but do you recommend a particular role to begin with?"

Malifren says, "Otherwise, you may get fired upon by archers."

Leafiara nods at Malifren.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Malifren says, "I think that is probably a matter of opinion, personally, I would say Captain or Boatswain if you plan to go it alone."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Well... it sort of depends on your goals and how big a crew you intend to sail with."

Vaikhen nods at Malifren.

Vaikhen nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara says, "If you were alone, I'd say Boatswain or Navigator."

Leafiara says, "Boatswain so that you can keep up with repairs on your own."

Malifren nods.

Leafiara says, "Navigator so you can see the map in a storm, as I'll explain a little more later."

Malifren says, "I didn't find what I learned as Navigator to be as helpful as I would have liked."

Vaikhen ponders.


Number of Enemy Pirates

Voltung quietly asks, "Are the number of pirates on a boat standard?"

Speaking to Malifren, Leafiara says, "Well, there's also the matter of Navigators boarding enemy ships faster..."

Voltung quietly says, "Or do the numbers fluctuate."

Leafiara grins mischievously.

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "It varies, but the ship size will give you a general idea."

Malifren says, "When sailing a sloop you'll go against sloops or a size of ship bigger, and they only hold a certain amount each, give or take a few in either direction."

Leafiara says, "If you see an enemy sloop, I believe it's 10 to 20 pirates."

Voltung nods.

Leafiara says, "If you saw an enemy brigantine, more like 20 to 40."

Malifren says, "Bigger ships can't be bothered trying to take down ships not worth their time."

Leafiara nods at Malifren.

Voltung quietly asks, "If the turnip farmer died, in a different room than Roblar. would the turnip farmer's trainee targets, get promoted?"

Vaikhen takes a bite of his owl-shaped cake.

Leafiara says, "I believe the biggest you can encounter in a sloop is a galleon, and even then only in the most deadly of storms."

Leafiara says, "Which would be up to 60 pirates or so."

Vaikhen's face turns slightly pale.

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "They wouldn't."

Voltung winces.

Leafiara grins at Voltung.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.


What if You Die at Sea

Voltung quietly asks, "What happens if one of your crew perishes?"

Leafiara cocks her head at Voltung.

Voltung quietly says, "And you're not a priestly type."

Malifren says, "You dump the body in the ocean and hope no one tells the local town's law."

Voltung quietly says, "Do you have to transport their corpse back to town."

Voltung grins at Malifren.

Leafiara awkwardly asks, "Err... same as if they perish while hunting bandits?"

Leafiara chuckles.

Velfi begins chuckling at Malifren!

Vaikhen blinks at Malifren.

Leafiara suddenly says, "Oh, I get the question now."

Leafiara nods at Voltung.

Leafiara says, "Yes, you'll have to get them back to town."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Ethically questional Ambasadors aside."

Leafiara glances appraisingly at Malifren.

Leafiara smirks.

Malifren snickers.

Antinomy quietly says, "Apologies, but I must take my leave. Thank you for all the interesting information."

Voltung quietly says, "Ethically flexible."

Antinomy stands up.

Vaikhen grins from ear to ear.

Voltung nods emphatically!

Leafiara nods rhythmically at Antinomy.


Upsides and Downsides of Investing in a Sloop

Rivienne asks, "I know I'm getting way ahead of myself here, but what if I were to buy a sloop and invest a lot in improving it, is all my investment lost should it comes time to upgrade to a bigger ship?"

Antinomy just went through a massive steel portcullis.

Speaking to Rivienne, Leafiara says, "In a sense, yes, because there are no trade-ins."

Speaking to Rivienne, Vaikhen says, "Good question."

Speaking to Rivienne, Malifren says, "You would keep your ship and since sloops are the fastest, it would always be worth having for travel."

Leafiara says, "And what Mali said is why I said 'in a sense'."

Rivienne nods.

Vaikhen nods.

Leafiara says, "The good thing about a sloop is it'll always give you the most freedom to sail to Teras or other ports pretty quickly."

Leafiara grins.

Malifren says, "Also, best option generally, I would think, if you wanted to go alone."

Leafiara nods at Malifren.

Rivienne nods.

Leafiara says, "Right, as mentioned..."

Malifren says, "I say this now, but I bet Leafi sails that huge thing by herself all the time."

Vaikhen takes a drink from his Turamzzyrian champagne.

Leafiara says, "If you don't want to face gigantic enemy pirate crews, then take a small ship out to sea."

Velfi rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Vaikhen raises his hand.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "You're up next, but one sec..."


What if the Entire Crew Dies at Sea

Leafiara says, "I want to step back to this question about crew perishing."

Vaikhen nods.

Leafiara says, "Because the more important question is what if *all* of you die."

Leafiara flashes a quick grin.

Malifren nods.

Vaikhen chuckles.

Leafiara says, "If that happens, enemy pirates will sink your ship and ransom you to Kraken's Fall."

Vaikhen's face turns slightly pale.

Velfi says, "Rude."

Rivienne blinks.

Leafiara nods gravely.

Speaking to Velfi, Vaikhen says, "But definitely very pirate-like."

Velfi adopts an agreeable expression.

Leafiara agrees with Vaikhen.

Leafiara says, "Now, not all is lost..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Malifren says, "When done with that question, I have a question about that specifically, since it has been a while since I sank, I'm unsure of the specifics."

Leafiara says, "The people of Kraken's Fall will pay the ransom and charge you in debt, and their marine experts will be able to salvage your wreckage."

Leafiara adds, "For a free."

Leafiara stares off into space.

Leafiara coughs.

Leafiara corrects, "A fee, rather."

Leafiara snickers.

Velfi cheerfully asks, "A free announcement of the fee?"

Voltung quietly says, "I liked for a free more."

Leafiara agrees with Velfi.

Leafiara snickers at Voltung.

Vaikhen begins chuckling at Voltung!

Leafiara says, "It's also possible to have your ship sunk by cannon fire alone, while your crew still lives."

Voltung quietly asks, "How much does the ransom and boat salvage usually cost?"

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "It varies, but the bigger the ship, the higher the cost, and the more experienced the ransomed crew, the higher the cost."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara says, "Now, if your ship is sunk but you're still alive, one of two things can happen..."

Leafiara says, "Either pirates will find you and ransom you, same scenario as just described..."

House Sage Merikas just came through a massive steel portcullis.

Leafiara says, "Or slightly more benevolent sailors will find you and bring you in chains back to Kraken's Fall, then charge transport fees."

Velfi begins chuckling at Leafiara!

Leafiara wryly says, "So, you know, sort of the same thing if you squint."

Merikas clasps her hand over her mouth.

Vaikhen laughs!

Speaking cheerfully to Leafiara, Velfi asks, "Is there an option where I can just fight them off and swim away?"

Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Voltung says, "I didn't really have to squint very hard..."

Velfi dusts off his leather baldric.

Speaking thoughtfully to Velfi, Leafiara says, "Well, yes, but you'd have to be pretty close to port to outrun them."

Voltung quietly asks, "Can other boat captains, who I personally know also rescue you without paying penalties?"

Velfi glances at Leafiara and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Leafiara says, "So if your ship sinks and you're right next to the Landing, you can just swim back to town to avoid capture or 'rescue'."

Leafiara chuckles.

Speaking cheerfully to Leafiara, Velfi says, "I meant after my ship is sunk. I don't think I'm outswimming any boat even on my best day."

Speaking to Velfi, Leafiara explains, "Well, it's not like greedy pirates nor helpful sailors will find you immediately after your ship sinks."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Meaning can another player rescue me? Or it's only good npc, and bad npcs."

Leafiara explains, "So you do have some time to try to swim back to safety."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Only good or bad NPCs."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Velfi nods slowly at Leafiara.

Leafiara says, "But you can't exactly fight them from the ocean."

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara ruefully says, "I've tried."

Velfi squints at Leafiara.

Leafiara snaps her fingers.

Voltung snaps his fingers.

Malifren says, "I can picture that."

Malifren nods.

Speaking cheerfully to Leafiara, Velfi says, "I'm not sure I'll take that without trying it myself."

Velfi attempts to hum a merry little tune.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Velfi.

Voltung chuckles.

Voltung nods at Velfi.

Speaking amusedly to Velfi, Leafiara says, "Well, have at it and good luck sinking and surviving, I suppose."

Velfi grasps his jet chaplet firmly, whispering a prayer to Kai.

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara points at Vaikhen.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara exclaims, "Okay, you're next up!"

Vaikhen blushes a nice shade of light pink.

Vaikhen asks, "Honestly?"

Vaikhen sheepishly says, "I forgot my question." [he remembers it later]

Leafiara gazes heavenward.

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh, well, that's okay."

Leafiara exclaims, "Maybe it'll come back to you as we look at the docks and an actual ship!"

Leafiara nods encouragingly at Vaikhen.

Malifren says, "I had a question, if there is a moment."

Vaikhen hoots.

Leafiara says, "But first, let's spin for some prizes--"

Speaking curiously to Malifren, Leafiara asks, "Yes?"

Malifren asks, "I understand if sailing out of Kraken's you get ransomed back there, but what happens if you relocate to say Solhaven, would you still be ransomed back to Kraken's?"

Leafiara offhandedly whispers aloud, "Just remember, it's mean ol' Mali and not lovely Leafi who's delaying the prize-giving."

Vaikhen grins from ear to ear.

Velfi agrees with Leafiara.

Speaking uncertainly to Malifren, Leafiara says, "I *think* you're still ransomed back to Kraken's since it's the main hub of the shipbuilding community."

Malifren says, "K, thank you."

Vaikhen says, "Interesting."

Vaikhen nods.

Leafiara stresses, "Which is why I said earlier, upgrading your hull is really important if you're going out in a sloop."

Rivienne nods slowly.

Leafiara slowly says, "Those boats are not made for taking cannon fire unless you make some improvements."

Leafiara grins at Rivienne.

Leafiara exclaims, "Alright! Prize time!"

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.

Leafiara takes off a vaalin-swept illthorn leaf pin.

Voltung quietly asks, "The Hull, which can only be upgraded in Kraken?"

Voltung ducks his head.

Malifren nods at Voltung.

Leafiara nods in agreement at Voltung.

Merikas says, "We sank Jast's sloop at the dock once. Those things are barely seaworthy."

Voltung nods.

Leafiara says, "Any upgrade can only be made there."

Leafiara cackles at Merikas!

Velfi begins chuckling at Merikas!


Spinning for Prizes

Leafiara places her illthorn leaf pin flat on her palm and gives it a brisk spin. The illthorn leaf pin twirls around in a blur for a few seconds before coming to rest pointing directly at Leafiara. Leafiara wins!

Leafiara stares off into space.

Vaikhen laughs!

Speaking dubiously to her illthorn leaf pin, Leafiara says, "No, bad."

Velfi squints at Leafiara.

Leafiara snickers.

Rivienne grins at Leafiara.

Leafiara places her illthorn leaf pin flat on her palm and gives it a brisk spin. The illthorn leaf pin twirls around in a blur for a few seconds before coming to rest pointing directly at Vaikhen. Vaikhen wins!

Speaking to Merikas, Malifren says, "Hey now, I took you out and got you back safe a few times."

Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Vaikhen's jaw drops.

Voltung applauds Vaikhen.

Velfi turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Rivienne applauds Vaikhen.

Speaking to Malifren, Merikas says, "This is true."

Speaking cheerfully to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Velfi can help get you set up with a prize of your choice, we'll note this down."

Malifren turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Leafiara says, "Let's take one more..."

Leafiara places her illthorn leaf pin flat on her palm and gives it a brisk spin. The illthorn leaf pin twirls around in a blur for a few seconds before coming to rest pointing directly at Merikas. Merikas wins!

Speaking suspiciously to Merikas, Leafiara says, "Officers exempt."

Voltung chuckles.

Leafiara snickers.

Velfi nods sagely at Leafiara.

Leafiara places her illthorn leaf pin flat on her palm and gives it a brisk spin. The illthorn leaf pin twirls around in a blur for a few seconds before coming to rest pointing directly at Cyar. Cyar wins!

Leafiara turns to Cyar and cheers!

Vaikhen turns to Cyar and cheers!

Malifren turns to Cyar and cheers!

Rivienne applauds Cyar.

Cyar grins.

Merikas winks at Leafiara.

Merikas helps herself to an iced chocolate tart.

Velfi turns to Cyar and cheers!

Merikas takes a bite of her chocolate tart.

Merikas closes her eyes for a moment.

Leafiara says, "So, while the prize-giving gets set up and all..."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Afk shortly, apologies."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Okies!"

Voltung stands up.

Cyar says, "Thank you much."

Leafiara exclaims, "Let's move out to the docks for more hands-on experience!"

Vaikhen stands up.

Rivienne flashes a quick grin.

Leafiara says, "Join up if you haven't already."

Malifren stands up.

Leafiara grins.

Rivienne stands up.

Velfi stands up.

Vaikhen takes a drink from his Turamzzyrian champagne.

Vaikhen takes a drink from his Turamzzyrian champagne.

Vaikhen looks rather relaxed.

Vaikhen coughs.

Merikas says, "Oh um."

Vaikhen says, "I wasn't about to waste that."

Velfi chuckles.

Leafiara says, "And we'll stay docked for the moment, so don't worry--we're not sinking to the bottom of the ocean just yet."

Leafiara snickers.

Merikas says, "We should drop off the cart in the parlor."

Merikas says, "Don't ask me how I know."

Leafiara nods at Merikas.

Leafiara grins crookedly at Merikas.

Velfi cheerfully says, "As long as we're not getting on the boat with it."

Vaikhen grins at Merikas.

Leafiara amusedly says, "Okay, noted."

Velfi glances between Merikas and Leafiara.

Leafiara puts on a vaalin-swept illthorn leaf pin.

Malifren says, "Boats enjoy the taste of carts."

[drops off the cart, then heads to North Dock]


Dock Handler Retrieval, Weather Reports, and Storms

[Wehnimer's, North Dock]

The dock's planks are dull and weathered from the salt spray of many seasons. Northward beyond the massive sea gates, a flock of ice geese passes, silhouetted against the sky over the waters of Darkstone Bay. The hulk of a derelict coastal sailer is tethered to the end of the pier. You also see a wide ramp, some stacked piles of supplies, some huge wooden crates, a stack of empty crates, the murky waters of Darkstone Bay, a black imperial wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it, a portly portmaster and an elegant riverboat with a gaily beribboned mahogany gangplank.

Ceallaighroe, Merikas, Voltung, Vaikhen, Velfi, Rivienne, Malifren and Cyar followed.

Leafiara indicates a wide ramp as a possible option.

Leafiara informs, "Each port town--that would be the Landing, Solhaven, Kraken's Fall, River's Rest, and Kharam-Dzu--has a wide ramp like this one, which you'll be taking to reach the main docking area for ship owners."

Leafiara nods at the wide ramp.

Leafiara exclaims, "Recently installed in most cases!"

>go ramp

[North Dock, Catwalk]

Varnished with crushed black coral to give purchase, the oak and teak catwalk gleams in the ambient light. A glass and oak building and a teak and polished oak shop face one another on either side of the catwalk, each on several sturdy support posts sunk deep into the harbor. A wide ramp leads down and away from the catwalk, while to the south, a large docking structure with ample portage is visible. You also see a dock handler.

Leafiara says, "And here we see one of our dock handlers. You can ASK him various questions, but the most helpful things he does are RETRIEVE your ship from storage to prepare it for voyage or provide a WEATHER report."

Leafiara nods at Georgl.

Velfi rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Leafiara says, "As briefly touched on before..."

Leafiara exclaims, "Only experienced Navigators can make sense of the ship's map during a heavy storm, so if you don't have one aboard, you might get lost at sea if you sail into the wrong place!"

>ask hand about wea

The dock handler says, "Based on recent weather reports, here is what the ocean is lookin' like as of right now."

The Tenebrous Cauldron:

North Blue: Light winds with partial clouds

South Blue: Light winds with partial clouds

West Blue: Calm seas and blue skies

East Blue: Heavy winds and rain with dark skies

The Great Western Sea

Obsidian Trench: Calm seas and blue skies

Obsidian Sea: Light winds with partial clouds

Sea Of Lazuli: Light winds with partial clouds

Solhaven Bay: Light winds with partial clouds

South of Cobalt Depths: Calm seas and blue skies

Darkstone Bay: Heavy winds and rain with dark skies

Cobalt Depths: Light winds with partial clouds

Kestral Sea: Heavy winds and rain with dark skies

South of Sea of Lazuli: Light winds with partial clouds

South Kestral Sea: Light winds with partial clouds

Velfi cheerfully asks, "Can a ship be retrieved from another town, or only the one where it's docked?

Leafiara says, "So, right now, Darkstone Bay is one of those very stormy places."

Speaking to Velfi, Leafiara says, "Only where it's docked."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Velfi nods sagely.

Vaikhen concernedly asks, "Is it possible to wreck your ship by sailing into something?"

Rivienne grins at Vaikhen.

Speaking to Velfi, Leafiara says, "However, you can pay to have your ship transported here, but it'll take a while."

Leafiara says, "Half an hour and you'll be charged."

Leafiara chuckles.

Velfi wrinkles his nose.

Speaking helpfully to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Nope."

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen lets out a sigh of relief.

Malifren says, "Unless it's cannon fire you're sailing into."

Malifren grins.

Vaikhen coughs.

Leafiara says, "Now, the names of the seas described in the weather report might not be familiar to you..."

Cyar chuckles.

Vaikhen grins at Malifren.

Leafiara says, "They would come with experience, though obviously Darkstone Bay is the area near here and Solhaven Bay is near Solhaven."

Leafiara chuckles.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "The wiki page for Open Sea Adventures is the best place to see the map of the entire in-game traversible ocean."

Leafiara says, "Now, one thing I'll say about storms..."

Leafiara mischievously exclaims, "If you *do* have an experienced Navigator aboard, then sailing into the storms might be exactly what you want to do. Pirates feel most emboldened to come pursue you in heavy weather conditions, so if you want danger, go storm chasing!"

Georgl shrugs his shoulders.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at a dock handler.

Vaikhen blinks.

Leafiara confidentially says, "And that's why I'm a Navigator myself."

Vaikhen chuckles.

Rivienne says, "How curious, I suppose they think it gives them an advantage."

Speaking to Leafiara, Merikas says, "I would like my gold rings back please."

Leafiara nods in agreement at Rivienne.

Voltung grins at Merikas.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Merikas.

Vaikhen laughs!

Leafiara cackles!

Malifren chuckles.

Vaikhen says, "I admit, that took me a moment."

Leafiara laughingly says, "Okay, that one got me."

Leafiara starts chortling.

Vaikhen flashes a wide grin.

Leafiara agrees with Vaikhen.

Merikas winks.


One Role at a Time

Voltung quietly asks, "You can only declare one job role when setting sail correct, even though you have the experience to do other jobs?"

Leafiara says, "You should see my illicit Chronomage shirt..."

Leafiara clears her throat.

Leafiara nods in agreement at Voltung.

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Indeed so."

Voltung snaps his fingers.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara say, "Many people learn the roles one at a time, in some order."

Merikas looks thoughtfully at Leafiara.

Merikas whispers something to Leafiara.

Leafiara glances at Merikas bashfully, blushes, and mumbles a few words, plainly embarrassed.

Leafiara hurriedly exclaims, "Moving on to an actual ship!"

Vaikhen cocks his head.


All Aboard, Ship Tour

[North Dock, Drenched Thrak Pier]

Five distinct piers made of water-roughened oak and teak come together to create a large docking structure with ample room for portage. Cork and canvas bumpers pad each docking slip, and the soft sound of waves slapping against wooden support posts fills the air. A carved driftwood sign reads, "Drenched Thrak Pier - Slips 1-5." You also see a cherry red ash man o' war flying an emerald silk flag.

Leafiara hoots at the ash man o' war.

Merikas cackles!

Leafiara proudly exclaims, "Here she be, the Fearless Phoenix's Song!"

Leafiara says, "Take a LOOK."

Cyar nods.

>l man

You see a cherry red ash man o' war flying an emerald silk flag. Cresting the front of the man o' war is a silver-hued siren. Sprawling across the back of the man o' war it reads, "Fearless Phoenix's Song".

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Vaikhen exclaims, "Egads, a man o' war?!"

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Rivienne exclaims, "It's huge!"

Rivienne's jaw drops.

Leafiara nods briskly at Rivienne!

Vaikhen exclaims, "And expensive!"

Leafiara says, "Right now the gangplank isn't down, so only the ship's captain can take you on."

Leafiara says, "But if the gangplank were down, you could board it yourself."

Leafiara exclaims, "But let's board!"

>go man

A gold maoral gangplank suddenly protrudes from the side of the man o' war before slamming down.

You make your way up the maoral gangplank and aboard the ash man o' war.


Main Deck: Sails and Cannons

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches.

Leafiara says, "Here we have the main deck. Every ship has one of these. Here you can RAISE or LOWER the sail to respectively slow down or speed up the ship by controlling how much of the wind you catch."

Vaikhen gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Leafiara indicates the flyrsilk sail as a possible option.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is at half mast.

Leafiara exclaims, "Give it a shot if you'd like!"

Vaikhen fidgets.

Leafiara says, "And there are also of course the cannons..."

Leafiara indicates the imflass cannon as a possible option.

>l cann

You take a moment to glance over the cannons on the deck.

Cannon 1: Unloaded

Cannon 2: Unloaded

Cannon 3: Unloaded

Cannon 4: Unloaded

Cannon 5: Unloaded

Cannon 6: Unloaded

Leafiara says, "Taking a look at them shows they're all unloaded at the moment."

Rivienne grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Rivienne pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is fully raised.

Vaikhen gazes with interest at a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon.

Leafiara turns to Rivienne and cheers!

Rivienne gazes up into the heavens.

Leafiara says, "You'll need a cannonball to load them, so let's go take a look at those..."

Leafiara hoots.


Cargo Hold: Cannonballs, Planks, and Repairs

[Man O' War, Cargo Hold]

Ropes strung through staples in the deck hold kegs and barrels in place against the bulkhead, while shelves are stocked with sails, wood, and lines. Chests filled with supplies are stacked tightly leaving just enough space to maneuver between rows. Livestock pens are located beneath the ladder leading back up to the main deck. You also see a cargo bin, a pile of salvaged wood and a pile of cannon balls.

Leafiara says, "Down here is the cargo hold, which every ship also has. Here you can GET a BALL out of the pile of cannonballs, and take them back up above deck to load the cannons to get them ready to FIRE."

Leafiara indicates the cannon balls as a possible option.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I can see 6 cannons are unloaded, is that just for this room, or is that for the ship?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Just for that room."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "More on that shortly!"

Voltung chuckles.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Malifren clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

>l ball

You glance through the supplies and see the following:

Cannon Balls: 200/225

Leafiara says, "You can also look at the cannon balls to see there are 200 of them right now."

Leafiara encouragingly says, "Go ahead and get a ball if you'd like, just for fun! Hold on to them and we'll load the cannons shortly."

Leafiara searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Voltung searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Merikas recites a series of mystical phrases while raising her hands...

Merikas gestures.

A small circular container suddenly appears and floats rather serenely over to Merikas.

Rivienne searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Merikas put an iced chocolate tart in the fiery red Merikas disk.

Cyar searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Rivienne says, "Oh my."

Leafiara mentions, "By the way, there are 18 total cannons aboard."

Leafiara grins at Rivienne.

Merikas just closed the fiery red Merikas disk.

Vaikhen searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Malifren asks, "That all?"

Malifren snickers.

Leafiara nods gravely at Malifren.

Merikas searches through the cannon balls and manages to find an iron cannon ball.

Vaikhen incredulously says, "Eighteen cannons..."

Merikas raises her cannon ball skyward!

Leafiara casually says, "The other thing you can find here is repair supplies. Go ahead and ASSESS the area and you'll note that my ship is a little bit damaged from my most recent voyage! If you'd like to give repairs a try, you can GET a plank from the WOOD pile and use them to FIX up leaks."

Merikas says, "Ugh."

Merikas says, "These things are heavy."

Merikas just opened the fiery red Merikas disk.

Leafiara nods knowingly at Merikas.

Vaikhen begins chuckling at Merikas!

Merikas put an iron cannon ball in the fiery red Merikas disk.

Malifren takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

Vaikhen takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

Rivienne takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

Voltung takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

>assess

You take a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship. It appears to be heavily damaged.

[Health of your ship: 871/1200]

Vaikhen searches through the salvaged wood and manages to find a wooden plank.

Velfi glances at Leafiara and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "871 is the health of the overall ship, not this specific room, just to be clear."

Vaikhen says, "I'm not opposed to a bit of manual labor ..."

Vaikhen throws his wooden plank against the hull and begins to repair the damage.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "'heavily damaged' is the state of this room."

Velfi cheerfully says, "I'm not on the clock, this fella doesn't work for free."

Leafiara searches through the salvaged wood and manages to find a wooden plank.

Leafiara smirks at Velfi.

Leafiara throws her wooden plank against the hull and begins to repair the damage.

Leafiara nods approvingly.


Boatswains and Captains

Leafiara continues, "Those who take on the roles of Boatswains or Captains will eventually learn how to assess the entire ship for damage while standing in one place, but everyone else has to take things one step at a time, one area at a time to figure out where the leaks have sprung. Boatswains also make repairs faster than anyone by far, as well as gathering planks faster."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Does your own strength help with these tasks(cannonballs) or would a halfling be just as able?"

Vaikhen nods.

Rivienne says, "I'm afraid to drop this thing."

Velfi begins chuckling at Rivienne!

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "It's only based on your ship role, not race/profession/anything else."

Leafiara grins at Rivienne.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Voltung quietly says, "I think it's going to blow up within 10 minutes."

Voltung winces.

(OOC) Malifren's player whispers to the group, "As well as potentially not consuming the repair materials."

Rivienne stares at Voltung.

Leafiara says, "A single master Boatswain is as fast as--oh, let's say a crew of about seven others."

Leafiara chuckles.

Vaikhen asks, "Truly?"

Leafiara says, "You'll never sink with one of them aboard."

Leafiara nods at Vaikhen.

Leafiara says, "Unless they're sleeping."

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen ponders.

Vaikhen laughs!

Vaikhen asks, "As they are wont to do, or so I hear?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "It takes us 4 seconds to get a plank and 5 seconds to repair..."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "For a Boatswain it's 1 second each."

Malifren searches through the salvaged wood and manages to find a wooden plank.

Malifren throws his wooden plank against the hull and begins to repair the damage.

Malifren nods.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Then on top of that, they also repair for like 20 more health than non-Boatswains." to your group.

(OOC) Malifren's player whispers to the group, "1 second."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "So yeah, Boatswains... your ship'll never die unless you're just not paying attention." to your group.

(OOC) Vaikhen's player whispers to the group, "That seems incredibly useful."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Which is why it's a top recommended one for solo ship owners."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Can you have 2 people on a boat with the same role?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yes."

Malifren nods at Voltung.

Leafiara slowly says, "Alright, let's unload these heavy things."

Leafiara glances at a cannon ball in her hand.


Cannoneers, Captains, and Swashbucklers

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches.

Rivienne nods enthusiastically!

Leafiara cheerfully exclaims, "Go ahead and LOAD some CANNONs!"

Vaikhen carefully lifts his cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

Vaikhen hoots.

Merikas removes an iron cannon ball from in the fiery red Merikas disk.

Rivienne carefully lifts her cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

Leafiara carefully lifts her cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

Merikas carefully lifts her cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

Voltung carefully lifts his cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

Cyar carefully lifts his cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

>l cann

You take a moment to glance over the cannons on the deck.

Cannon 1: Loaded

Cannon 2: Loaded

Cannon 3: Loaded

Cannon 4: Loaded

Cannon 5: Loaded

Cannon 6: Loaded

Leafiara lets out a cheer!

Malifren chuckles.

Leafiara asks, "Does anyone still have a ball?"

Leafiara carefully surveys her surroundings.

Vaikhen shakes his head.

Rivienne says, "That's a satisfying sound."

Leafiara agrees with Rivienne.

Rivienne shakes her head.

Vaikhen nods at Rivienne.

Leafiara exclaims, "As you've no doubt noticed, picking these heavy cannonballs up and lugging them over here to load can take a while. Firing also takes a while!"

Leafiara says, "However, experienced enough Cannoneers can do all of these things in half the time. Experienced Captains can load reasonably quickly, but are still slow to gather or fire. Experienced Swashbucklers can fire reasonably quickly, but are still slow to gather or load."

Leafiara says, "And as mentioned earlier, Swashbucklers excel at avoiding flying shrapnel from *enemy* cannons."

Leafiara says, "So there are lots of considerations that go into choosing ship roles."

Vaikhen rubs his chin thoughtfully.

[Man O' War, Mid Deck]

Attached to a yard on a wooden mast, a bright white flyrsilk sail billows overhead casting shadows on the wide-planked deck. Ropes crisscross back and forth, the intricate arrangement reminiscent of a perfectly laid out spiders web. Smaller launch boats hang in cradles above both port and starboard sides raised above rows of cannons.

Leafiara says, "Here's the mid deck, with more cannons and another sail..."

[Man O' War, Forward Deck]

The shrouds rising up a wooden mast beyond the utmost a bright white flyrsilk sail pass a lookout post that appears minuscule from this vantage point. A length of sailcloth hangs over the railing, while several mops and buckets are pushed out of the way against the bulkhead. The complicated rigging is attached to elaborate belaying pins along the ships railing above some cannons.

Leafiara exclaims, "And likewise the forward deck, with more cannons and the last sail!"

Rivienne asks, "Can we see your ship bird?"

Leafiara says, "Sloops only have a main deck..."

Speaking cheerfully to Rivienne, Leafiara exclaims, "Yep, that's next up!"

Vaikhen beams!

Leafiara nods enthusiastically at Rivienne!


Why Carracks?

Vaikhen exclaims, "I remember my question!"

Speaking curiously to Vaikhen, Leafiara asks, "Oh?"

Malifren chuckles.

Vaikhen asks, "Carracks seem very popular - do you know why?"

Leafiara says, "Brigantines and carracks have two decks, while galleons, frigates, and man o' wars have three decks."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "The combination of prize and size."

Leafiara says, "The gap beween 50 million silver [for a carrack] and 200 million silver for a galleon is very large..."

Vaikhen says, "Ahh ... that makes sense."

Leafiara says, "And for many people, the carrack being able to hold a crew of 8 is perfect."

Malifren asks, "And 500 million for this ship, right?"

Leafiara says, "Whereas the brigantine's 5 or especially the sloop's 3 might be too small."

Speaking to Malifren, Leafiara says, "400 million, but I got it for bloodscrip."

Leafiara grins at Malifren.

Malifren nods.

Vaikhen says, "That's ... that's ... you killed a lot of things."

Merikas chuckles.

Vaikhen's face turns slightly pale.

Merikas says, "I'm not sure that's any better."

Leafiara says, "I'm a lot more free with spending bloodscrip than silver."

Merikas tinkers with Leafiara's appearance.

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara winks at Merikas.


Crow's Nest, Courier Birds, and Pirate Tasks

[Man O' War, Crow's Nest]

Near the top of the foremast, a basket has been mounted between the topgallant sail and the fore topsail which serves as the chief observation post onboard. Outfitted with a swivel-mounted spyglass on the brass railing, theres only room for one lookout. Rope ladders lead through a hatch in the floor back down to the main deck. You also see a circular thatch nest.

Leafiara exclaims, "Here we have one of the crow's nests!"

>l in nes

In the thatch nest:

Special [1]: a vibrant red parrot

Total items: 1

Leafiara indicates the thatch nest as a possible option.

Leafiara says, "And inside the nest is one of my courier birds."

Vaikhen gazes with interest at something in a circular thatch nest.

Vaikhen smiles warmly.

Rivienne smiles.

Leafiara exclaims, "You can GET the PARROT to fetch a task for you if you'd like!"

Malifren reaches out and touches something in a circular thatch nest.

Merikas asks, "Have you named them yet?"

Leafiara says, "I think only man o' wars have two crow's nests... with other ships it's one."

Leafiara rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Speaking to Merikas, Leafiara says, "Dwi did, Cracker and... well, Cracker."

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen laughs!

Merikas chuckles.

Leafiara admits, "I love Dwi anyway."

Rivienne grins.

Leafiara starts chortling.

Velfi chuckles.

Merikas asks, "Cracker 1 and Cracker 2?"

Merikas chuckles.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Does a parrot task work on the same timer as a bounty?"

Velfi cheerfully says, "Surprised she didn't name it Leben."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "It does in fact!"

Voltung nods at Velfi.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "You can have a pirate task and bounty at the same time, but..."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "If you're on a 15 minute cooldown to get another bounty, you're also on a 15 minute cooldown to get another pirate task."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "And vice versa."

Voltung ponders.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Do they both show up in the bounty window?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "They don't. You can see your pirate tasks with OSA TASK."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Speaking of which, the OSA verb will show you all kinds of info about Open Sea Adventures and is worth perusing."

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.


Mess Hall and Crew Quarters

[Man O' War, Mess Hall]

Sandwiched between a lapis blue zebrawood bench and the bulkhead, a lapis blue zebrawood table is littered with empty plates and overturned tankards. A copper-banded barrel full of water sits in one corner, a wooden ladle hanging from the rim. The smell of baking bread and roasting meats wafts in from the galley.

Leafiara says, "Down below deck again, here we have the mess hall."

Leafiara says, "If I remember right, it's everything carracks and up that have mess halls."

>l on tab

On the zebrawood table:

Food/Drink [5]: a wedge of smoky white cheese, a hunk of peppered beef jerky, a small orange, a salty rye cracker, a frosty mug of dark brown ale

Total items: 5

Merikas exclaims, "Hey!"

Leafiara exclaims, "Food aplenty!"

[something I forgot to mention: there are a few different Mess Hall food options at Kraken's Fall, so you choose the one you like most]

Leafiara indicates the zebrawood table as a possible option.

Merikas says, "Someone is the most notorious seadog this month."

Speaking curiously to Merikas, Leafiara asks, "Yes?"

Merikas tinkers with Leafiara's appearance.

Leafiara snickers.

Malifren says, "We now know where Meri is going to live."

Leafiara winks at Merikas.

Leafiara gazes heavenward.

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara helps herself to a wedge of smoky white cheese.

Leafiara gobbles down a big bite of her smoky white cheese.

[Man O' War, Social Room]

Not much more than a raised wooden platform, a small stage lined with brass lanterns welcomes the next bardic performer. Stools are lined up in front of a long bar crafted from polished teak, tapped barrels of ale and wine behind. A small tip jar sits at one end of the bar next to a music box plinking out a jaunty tune.

Leafiara says, "The social room. It's... well, a little barren, but fun enough, I suppose."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

[Man O' War, Crew Quarters]

Rows of bunks fitted with feather-stuffed mattresses fill the cabin, while hammocks of sailcloth crowd the spaces between. Hanging above a wash basin, a silvered glass mirror reflects the view from a small porthole. A calico kitten snores quietly in one of the top bunks, a tiny mouse curled up beneath its chin.

Leafiara says, "And the last of the below deck rooms is the crew quarters."

Leafiara exclaims, "The people at Kraken's Fall will redecorate and redesign crew quarters to your liking!"

Leafiara takes a bite of her smoky white cheese.


The Helm, Navigators, and Role Experience

[Man O' War, Helm]

The mizzenmast towers over a wooden capstan, its large wooden drum wound with thick hemp rope and ready to be turned. Some paces behind a vanilla-hued rosewood wheel, the pathway leading to a wooden door is impeded by a jumble of fishing nets and an overturned launch boat. A pair of fishing poles lean against a thick teak post on which hangs the recently polished ships bell.

Leafiara says, "Only two rooms left to cover..."

Leafiara flashes a quick grin.

Vaikhen says, "I'm still in awe of the size of this ship."

Vaikhen shakes his head.

Rivienne agrees with Vaikhen.

Merikas agrees with Vaikhen.

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Merikas says, "Has to be kinda annoying to repair."

Leafiara says, "Funny story..."

Leafiara reiterates, "So, like I said, I bought this for bloodscrip. It was during an auction."

Leafiara says, "The main person bidding against me was Lexbubba."

Voltung nods.

Leafiara says, "Later on, during one of my voyages, he came sailing with me and many others..."

Leafiara says, "And told me it was a good thing I outbid him, because the ship's too big and he was getting lost."

Vaikhen laughs!

Leafiara grins.

Rivienne chuckles.

Voltung snickers.

Merikas giggles.

Malifren chuckles.

Velfi chuckles.

Vaikhen slyly says, "Sounds like he was coming up with excuses, to me."

Vaikhen flashes a wide grin.

Leafiara amusedly says, "I will say, though, just a tip..."

Leafiara says, "Basically, there's just 'above deck' and 'below deck', each running a straight line west to east."

Leafiara ssay, "And the crow's nests and captain's quarters, sure, but... most of your time will be on deck."

Velfi nods in agreement at Vaikhen.

Leafiara exclaims, "Anyway, moving on!"

Leafiara grins.

Leafiara says, "Here we have the helm, which of course is another feature of every ship, large or small. Right now we're docked and the gangplank and anchor are down, though, so turning the wheel won't take us anywhere."

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the north.

Leafiara says, "But you can have a spin anyway if you'd like."

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the east.

Velfi smiles at Vaikhen.

Voltung ponders.

Vaikhen grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does his best to steer the ship to the south.

Rivienne says, "I can't resist."

Vaikhen grins.

Leafiara cackles!

Vaikhen nods at Rivienne.

Leafiara says, "The anchor is over here..."

Rivienne grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the west.

Leafiara indicates the wooden capstan as a possible option.

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push! Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

Voltung quietly asks, "Earlier we loaded the cannons. If we were a cannoneer, would have be able to learn anything while docked?"

Vaikhen beams happily at Velfi!

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Yes."

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Yes you would."

Leafiara grins at Voltung.

Velfi wiggles his ears at Vaikhen.

Voltung nods.

Voltung ponders.

Leafiara says, "Actually, let me clarify further..."

Voltung quietly asks, "Could we, have fired earlier?"

Leafiara says, "If you had *any* ship role, you would have learned from loading the cannons."

Voltung quietly asks, "If we happened to see Amos?" [Landing storyline NPC presumed to be a villain, leading the merchant group that cancelled elections]

Vaikhen blinks at Voltung.

Velfi nods in agreement at Cyar.

Vaikhen chuckles.

Speaking amusedly to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Nope, can only fire on enemy ships."

Cyar smiles.

Merikas snaps her fingers.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara says, "Likewise making repairs, you would have learned."

Cyar nods understandingly.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Talking here about role exp, which you can see in OSA ROLE."

Speaking to Leafiara, Merikas asks, "So we can't shell the Landing from your floating castle?"

Vaikhen laughs at Merikas!

Speaking despondently to Merikas, Leafiara says, "Nope, or I would have done it already."

Leafiara appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Rivienne chuckles.

Leafiara takes a bite of her smoky white cheese.

Leafiara snickers.

Rivienne says, "I'll definitely be back for that class."

Merikas says, "That's really rather unfortunate."

Vaikhen nods at Rivienne.

Cyar whispers to the group, "How many roles can you work on? Two?"

Leafiara says, "Anyway, to raise the anchor, one can PUSH the CAPSTAN."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "One at a time."

Cyar nods.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "But you can master all of them eventually if you want." [but can only have one active at a time]

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Doing a repair, steering the ship, or loading a cannon gives 2 exp."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Firing a cannon gives 3."

[and I forgot to say this, but sinking an enemy ship gives 10 if it's a sloop, 20 if it's a brigantine, 30 for a carrack, 40 for a galleon, 50 for a frigate, or 60 for a man o' war]

Voltung ponders.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Do any rooms count as a node?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yes, the captain's quarters, which are the last room we'll look at."

Leafiara says, "You can PUSH the CAPSTAN to raise the anchor."

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push!

Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push!

Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

(OOC) Malifren's player whispers to the group, "I thought steering and the like gave more for certain roles (like Navigator), wasn't that a change that was implemented or am I mistaken? I'm probably mistaken."

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and gives it one final push. The wooden capstan clicks audibly into a locking position as the anchor settles against the hull.

You can now DEPART on your voyage!

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Nope, experience is universal regardless of role."

Merikas lets out a cheer!

Merikas says, "This is the part where Jast and I sank."

Leafiara says, "And if the anchor is up..."

Vaikhen grins at Merikas.

Velfi begins chuckling at Merikas!

Leafiara says, "You can KICK the capstan to lower it again."

Leafiara draws back her foot and gives the wooden capstan a solid kick, releasing the anchor. The sound of chains clattering alongside the boat heralds the anchor crashing into the waters below.

Leafiara says, "Navigators are the fastest at turning the wheel, fastest at raising and lowering sails, fastest at raising the anchor, and can also steer your ship toward enemy ships faster so you can board them sooner instead of trading cannon fire from a distance for a while."

Merikas says, "Oh."

Leafiara exclaims, "Which I think concludes my lesson on ship roles, so onward to the last room, the Captain's Quarters!"

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.


Safe Room, Cannon Fire, Treasure, and Supplies

Merikas asks, "If you sink a enemy ship with cannonfire, is that good or bad?"

[Man O' War, Captain's Quarters]

At the head of a mint green willow table strewn with sea charts, a cherry throne draped with fine sea silk is afforded an uninterrupted view out of a glaes-paned window spanning the width of the stern to the seas beyond. A tattered map and a stack of logbooks lie on the freshly swept deck at the foot of a vanilla-hued cherry bed piled high with silken pillows. Pushed up against a hazelwood-paneled wall, A driftwood trunk packed with clothing and books sits open next to an ornate ivory and gold music stand. You also see a wooden waste bucket.

Speaking to Merikas, Leafiara says, "Well, if you needed to sink it for a task or didn't want to face those types of pirates, it's good."

Leafiara grins.

Speaking cheerfully to Merikas, Velfi says, "If it's only one or the other, surely it can't be bad, so..."

Vaikhen asks, "I assume any treasure sinks with it?"

Leafiara says, "Here we have the captain's quarters, another room that the people of Kraken's Fall can customize for you."

Vaikhen asks, "No ... magical, floating treasure boxes?"

Speaking musingly to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Well... sort of yes, sort of no."

Leafiara says, "A single salvage crate *might* float to the surface, if you sink the enemy ship with cannon fire."

Vaikhen ponders.

Leafiara says, "But if you were to board the enemy ship and conquer it, then you'd definitely get the salvage crate."

Merikas asks, "Could you explain the three types of crates?"

Malifren says, "And treasure from the pile."

Vaikhen nods enthusiastically at Merikas!

Leafiara says, "Well, I was going to save that for if anyone wanted to actually sail and destroy one pirate ship..."

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara amusedly says, "But okay, sure."

Merikas grins.

Leafiara says, "So, along with ships being divided into normal pirates, ethereal, and krolvin..."

Leafiara says, "Enemy ships, that is."

Leafiara says, "Along with that, there are also 'normal' ships, 'merchant' ships, and 'treasure' ships of each kind."

Velfi glances around the room.

Velfi asks, "Where do I have to go to sink Grimswarm ships?"

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Velfi.

Speaking confusedly to Velfi, Vaikhen asks, "Grimswarm ... ships?"

Speaking amusedly to Velfi, Leafiara says, "You know they prefer warcamps."

Leafiara snickers.

Velfi holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

Velfi says, "They're coming in from somewhere, and if krolvins can sail in such numbers then so can they."

Leafiara says, "Merchant ships have a little bit more treasure than normal ships, and treasure ships have a little bit more treasure than merchant ships."

Vaikhen grins at Velfi.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Basically, after you clear out an enemy pirate ship, there's a treasure pile to search."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Depending on the size of the enemy ship, the pile will have more boxes. Somewhat similar to a warcamp."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Locked boxes?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "If it was a normal ship, you'll get a junky-looking salvage crate. If it was a merchant ship, it'll be more like a silver-inset salvage crate."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "And a treasure ship, it'll be more like a gold-inset salvage crate." to your group.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yes, locked boxes, except for the salvage crates."

Velfi nods in agreement.

Voltung nods slowly.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Merchant ships also have +1 total boxes over normal ships, and treasure ships have +2 total boxes over normal ships. These are the locked boxes."

(OOC) Velfi's player whispers to the group, "I've seen them in the pool."

Voltung nods at Velfi.

Leafiara says, "Now... at the very bottom of the treasure pile is a salvage crate."

Leafiara says, "That one, you turn in to the dock handler we passed by earlier."

Voltung nods.

Leafiara says, "And he'll pass over an unlocked box with a promissory note from that town and maybe a gem or two or three."

Leafiara says, "If it was a higher quality salvage crate, you're more likely to also find a weapon or armor in the box he'll hand over."

Leafiara exclaims, "Salvage is valuable to these dock handlers!"

Leafiara says, "And the gems they pay you with will be specific to the area you're in."

Voltung quietly asks, "You had a stockpile of cannon balls onboard. Can we find or take some from enemy ships?"

Voltung peers quizzically at Leafiara.

Leafiara recommends, "So don't give salvage crates to dock handlers in Solhaven unless you want to get paid in heavy shells."

Leafiara snickers.

Speaking pleasedly to Voltung, Leafiara says, "Oh, good question, and we can indeed."

Leafiara cackles!

Leafiara says, "After clearing out enemy ships, you can go into *their* cargo hold and take a supply crate to bring back to your own ship."

Leafiara says, "And stock up your supplies."

Leafiara says, "That's for both cannonballs and also planks to make repairs with."

Leafiara says, "If you ever want to stay out on the ocean for hours at a time, it's pretty crucial."

Leafiara says, "Though you might be weighed down by boxes and have to return to port at some point."

Vaikhen curiously asks, "For a normal resupply, do you also speak to the dock handler?"

Malifren says, "The way I sail it's crucial after one encounter."

Malifren winks.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Malifren.

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen grins at Malifren.

Merikas asks, "Can you store treasure somewhere on your ship?"

Malifren nods at Merikas.

Merikas asks, "Cargo hold or something?"

Leafiara says, "Okay, three questions to take, so give me a sec."

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen chuckles.

Vaikhen exclaims, "We're excited to learn!"

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "When your ship is first retrieved by the dock handlers, you'll already have a supply of half your maximum capacity."

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Leafiara says, "So I can hold 225 cannonballs, so I'll start with 112."

Leafiara says, "*If* I felt the need to have full supplies, then yes, I could pay the handler a fee."

Velfi says, "Cheapskates."

Leafiara mischievously says, "But I'd rather just go raid enemy ships."

Velfi asks, "They couldn't give you the 113th?"

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara grins at Velfi.

Vaikhen flashes a wide grin.

Vaikhen says, "Rounding down ... the scoundrels."

Leafiara says, "It's definitely more important to have full supplies on a sloop."

Vaikhen shakes his head.

Velfi agrees with Vaikhen.

Leafiara says, "I believe the maximum capacity on those is 40..." [Wrong, past Leafi! Max sloop capacity is 70.]

Leafiara ponders.

Leafiara musingly says, "Well, we can check on that in a moment." [spoilers: we can't check, since I can only have one ship at the dock]

Speaking to Vaikhen, Velfi asks, "It makes sense if you're just buying a sloop, but for this?"

Malifren says, "I could pay this guy, or go murder an entire ship and steal their stuff...choices choices."

Velfi rolls his eyes.

Vaikhen agrees with Velfi.

Leafiara says, "Next question was about the cargo hold..."

Leafiara nods emphatically at Malifren!

Leafiara says, "Wait, no."

Vaikhen begins chuckling at Malifren!

Leafiara says, "First question was if there are any earth nodes on ships."

Leafiara says, "And the answer is yes, that would be the captain's quarters."

Leafiara points down.

Leafiara says, "So if you need somewhere to rest your mind a bit while in the middle of the ocean, you come here."

Leafiara says, "Every ship has a captain's quarters, even sloops."

Vaikhen checks his footing.

Leafiara says, "In addition, this room is... well, relatively safe."

Leafiara holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

Leafiara says, "Even if enemy pirates have boarded you, your weaker or injured crew members can hide away safely in here."

Leafiara says, "They might be hit by shrapnel from enemy cannon fire or enemy arrows... but the pirates won't charge in here directly."

Merikas says, "It's good to have a spot to protect the young."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I posted the map layouts of the boats on Twilight Discord if that helps any visual people like me."

Merikas tinkers with Malifren's appearance.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "I have absolutely no IC explanation of WHY they don't come in here, but hey, they don't."

Leafiara exclaims, "Okay, now for the cargo bin!"

[Man O' War, Cargo Hold]

Ropes strung through staples in the deck hold kegs and barrels in place against the bulkhead, while shelves are stocked with sails, wood, and lines. Chests filled with supplies are stacked tightly leaving just enough space to maneuver between rows. Livestock pens are located beneath the ladder leading back up to the main deck. You also see a cargo bin, a pile of salvaged wood and a pile of cannon balls.

Leafiara indicates the cargo bin as a possible option.

Merikas just tried to pull a cargo bin.

Leafiara says, "This is the cargo bin, where you can store boxes as you rack them up on your voyages."

Leafiara says, "The bigger the ship, the bigger the bin."

Leafiara says, "But even a sloop's bin can hold... oh, let's say about ten boxes, if you've upgraded it enough."

Merikas nods.

Leafiara says, "So far my record is seventeen boxes in this one."

Leafiara giggles.

[Something I forgot to note: while boxes or any other items are in the bin, they can't be taken by the janitor. This only lasts as long as your ship is either out at sea or docked, though. After docking, the ship will continue "existing" for two hours until being stored away.]

Fahlo raises his hand.

Merikas asks, "I assume that in port you can transfer the contents of the bin to the locksmith's pool for a notional fee?"

Leafiara says, "The cargo bin's capacity is based on weight rather than number of items, by the way."

Speaking ruefully to Merikas, Leafiara says, "Nope... have to take them over yourself."

Leafiara points at Fahlo.

Speaking to himself, Fahlo says, "Oh that answers my question."

Fahlo snaps his fingers.

Leafiara chuckles.

Vaikhen musingly says, "Wouldn't want to sink from sheer weight of loot ..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Fahlo exclaims, "Nevermind!"

Leafiara grins at Fahlo.

Fahlo grins sheepishly.

Malifren says, "Be really nice if the lazy handler could transfer those boxes."

Vaikhen nods at Malifren.

Leafiara says, "Okay, since I honestly don't remember what a sloop's capacity is, let's find out..."

Leafiara snickers.

[Wehnimer's, North Dock]

The dock's planks are dull and weathered from the salt spray of many seasons. Northward beyond the massive sea gates, a flock of ice geese passes, silhouetted against the sky over the waters of Darkstone Bay. The hulk of a derelict coastal sailer is tethered to the end of the pier. You also see a wide ramp, some stacked piles of supplies, some huge wooden crates, a stack of empty crates, the murky waters of Darkstone Bay, a black imperial wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it, a portly portmaster and an elegant riverboat with a gaily beribboned mahogany gangplank.

Leafiara amiably exclaims, "I'll be right back!"

[goes to get money to retrive a sloop, comes back]

>ask hand about retr sloop

Georgl exclaims, "What? You already have a ship docked at the North Dock, Drenched Thrak Pier!"

Leafiara says, "Oh... I can't pull a man o' war *and* a sloop out of storage at the same time."

Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.

Leafiara sheepishly says, "Well, never mind that question then."

Leafiara snickers.

Vaikhen grins.

Velfi turns to face Cyar.

Velfi offers Cyar a burnished steel bracer etched with tiny crescent moons.

Leafiara says, "But I do think a sloop stops at 40 cannonballs and planks." [Correction: starts at 40.]

Cyar accepts Velfi's steel bracer.

Leafiara turns to Cyar and cheers!

Velfi hoots.

Velfi turns to face Vaikhen.

Cyar smiles.

Velfi offers Vaikhen a deck of midnight blue cards embossed with a winking scarlet owl.

Cyar says, "My thanks Twilight."

Vaikhen accepts Velfi's midnight blue cards.

Merikas nods.

Velfi beams happily at Cyar!

Cyar taps a burnished steel bracer etched with tiny crescent moons, which is in his left hand.

Sweeping his arm outward, Vaikhen bows low in a grand fashion before Velfi.

Velfi hoots.

Vaikhen says, "This is fantastic, thank you all."

Cyar smiles.

Vaikhen smiles warmly.

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.


Out to Sea: Ship Flags and Boarding the Enemy

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches.

Leafiara say, "Alright! I believe that concludes the lecture, pretty much... any last questions are welcome, of course."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

A collection of dock workers can be heard shouting from nearby, "If you don't move this ship soon, we'll move it for you! You got about 3 minutes until we clear it out."

Leafiara says, "And if you'd like, we could sail and find a pirate--"

Leafiara stares off into space.

Rivienne smiles.

Leafiara amusedly says, "Okay, just a moment."

Voltung quietly says, "Oh, your supplies."

Rivienne exclaims, "I'd like that!"

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is at half mast.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is fully open.

Voltung quietly asks, "Do they get reset?"

[Man O' War, Mid Deck]

Attached to a yard on a wooden mast, a bright white flyrsilk sail billows overhead casting shadows on the wide-planked deck. Ropes crisscross back and forth, the intricate arrangement reminiscent of a perfectly laid out spiders web. Smaller launch boats hang in cradles above both port and starboard sides raised above rows of cannons.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is at half mast.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is fully open.

[Man O' War, Forward Deck]

The shrouds rising up a wooden mast beyond the utmost a bright white flyrsilk sail pass a lookout post that appears minuscule from this vantage point. A length of sailcloth hangs over the railing, while several mops and buckets are pushed out of the way against the bulkhead. The complicated rigging is attached to elaborate belaying pins along the ships railing above some cannons.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is at half mast.

Leafiara grabs a hold of the main line of the flyrsilk sail and unties it from the cleat. Holding the line in both hands Leafiara pulls with all her might until the flyrsilk sail is fully open.

Malifren says, "It's nice you can LOOK at the OCEAN from above deck."

Vaikhen nonchalantly says, "I may - or may not - absolutely, positively want to hunt some pirates."

Voltung coughs.

[Man O' War, Helm]

The mizzenmast towers over a wooden capstan, its large wooden drum wound with thick hemp rope and ready to be turned. Some paces behind a vanilla-hued rosewood wheel, the pathway leading to a wooden door is impeded by a jumble of fishing nets and an overturned launch boat. A pair of fishing poles lean against a thick teak post on which hangs the recently polished ships bell.

Obvious paths: east

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push!

Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

A collection of dock workers can be heard shouting from nearby, "If you don't move this ship soon, we'll move it for you! You got about 3 minutes until we clear it out."

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "They would." [if the dock workers cleared out the ship]

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push!

Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and gives it one final push. The wooden capstan clicks audibly into a locking position as the anchor settles against the hull.

Leafiara says, "Which is why I'm moving quick."

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and begins to push!

Using all her might she shoves the wooden capstan along for several rotations!

Leafiara leans her body against the wooden bars protruding from the sides of the wooden capstan and gives it one final push. The wooden capstan clicks audibly into a locking position as the anchor settles against the hull.

You can now DEPART on your voyage!

[Leafiara is about to DEPART on a voyage, prepare yourself!].

The ash man o' war starts to rock as it drifts out into the open sea...

[The Great Western Sea]

Dark, angry waves rise up, only to come pounding down into the ocean. Hard sheets of wind and rain torment the surface. Giant, black clouds swallow the skies above. Potential docking options include a lively port.

Open waters: north, northwest

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara amusedly exclaims, "Hopefully everyone has at least another six or eight minutes to spare!"

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.

Vaikhen asks, "Shall I load the cannons, then?"

Rivienne nods enthusiastically!

Leafiara exclaims, "So let me quickly go over some other things!"

Leafiara says, "You can check the SHIP FLAG."

Leafiara says, "Right now it's black, which signals to pirates that we're ready to battle."

Leafiara cackles!

Vaikhen says, "Oh ... oh my."

A sudden splash of glowing green waters rises skyward surrounding your ash man o' war. As the water falls an ethereal treasure frigate materializes next to your ship!

Leafiara says, "You could also--"

Leafiara surprisedly says, "Oh, look, pirates."

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship toward the treasure frigate.

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is a ways out!

Vaikhen says, "That ... that didn't take long."

Leafiara says, "Take a LOOK at the OCEAN to see."

Leafiara expertly navigates the waters with the rosewood wheel in her hands toward the treasure frigate!

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Don't suppose anyone is in their 60s."

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot barely makes it out of one of the cannons and falls into the water!

Malifren takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

Merikas says, "Hm."

Ambassador Malifren just went east.

Merikas says, "They missed."

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot flies just over the helm of your ash man o' war!

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is sailing closer!

Leafiara says, "When you spot an enemy pirate ship, you TURN the WHEEL toward the SHIP to start the approach."

(OOC) Vaikhen's player whispers to the group, "I will have to hide on my own."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yep, we'll split up when they get near."

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the bow, sending debris flying! A light hit!

Leafiara expertly navigates the waters with the rosewood wheel in her hands toward the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot flies just over the helm of your ash man o' war!


Trading Cannon Fire

Leafiara says, "Now, if you'd like..."

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches.

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot barely makes it out of one of the cannons and falls into the water!

Leafiara exclaims, "You can FIRE the CANNONs at them!"

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is out of boarding range!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A moderate hit!

Leafiara indicates the imflass cannon as a possible option.

Vaikhen lets out a cheer!

Vaikhen fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot is sent clear over the deck of the treasure frigate, missing everything!

Velfi says, "Just point me at who I'm killing."

Voltung fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A devastating hit!

Leafiara hoots.

Vaikhen exclaims, "Oh no!"

Malifren takes a moment to assess the structural integrity of this part of the ship.

Velfi dusts off the footman's hammer in his hand.

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A light hit!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the captain's quarters, sending shrapnel within! A light hit!

Vaikhen fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the bow, sending debris flying! A heavy hit!

Leafiara grins.

Rivienne fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just in front of the bow of the treasure frigate!

Malifren says, "I can't find the crew quarters." [he was repairing]

House Sage Merikas just went down.

Malifren snickers.

Voltung cackles!

Leafiara chuckles.

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot flies just in front of the bow of your ash man o' war!

Leafiara says, "And more cannonballs are just down below."

Leafiara nods emphatically!

Leafiara points down.

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A light hit!

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is out of boarding range!

[various fetching and loading of cannons]

Leafiara yells, "Another thing to cover, we can hear each other from anywhere on the ship when we yell!"

Vaikhen fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just in front of the bow of the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the main deck, sending debris flying! A light hit!

The impact of the cannon fire sends shrapnel into the surroundings!

Voltung manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

Merikas manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

... the shrapnel heads right at Rivienne!

... 10 points of damage!

Strike pierces thigh!

She is knocked to the ground!

Rivienne falls to the ground, writhing in agony!

... the shrapnel heads right at Vaikhen!

... 10 points of damage!

Strike pierces thigh!

He is knocked to the ground!

Cyar manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

Velfi manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

Leafiara manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

Leafiara gasps.

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the helm, sending debris flying! A light hit!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot lands short of your ash man o' war, sending a geyser of water upward!

Vaikhen raises his fist defiantly.

Leafiara grins.

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the crows nest! A moderate hit!

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is out of boarding range!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot narrowly grazes the aft of the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the main deck, sending debris flying! A light hit!

The impact of the cannon fire sends shrapnel into the surroundings!

... the shrapnel heads right at Voltung!

... 5 points of damage!

Minor puncture to the chest.

Voltung falls to the ground, writhing in agony!

Merikas manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

... the shrapnel heads right at Rivienne!

... 15 points of damage!

Loud *crack* as Rivienne's sternum breaks!

She is stunned!

Rivienne falls to the ground, writhing in agony!

... the shrapnel heads right at Vaikhen!

... 10 points of damage!

Nice puncture to the abdomen, just missed vital organs!

Vaikhen falls to the ground, writhing in agony!

... the shrapnel heads right at Cyar!

... 5 points of damage!

Minor puncture to the right leg.

... the shrapnel heads right at Velfi!

... 5 points of damage!

Minor puncture to the right leg.

Leafiara manages to stay low enough to avoid the shrapnel.

Voltung fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just over the helm of the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the bow, sending debris flying! A light hit!

Leafiara slowly says, "And this is where being a Swashbuckler would help."

Leafiara winks.

Rivienne smiles.

Leafiara snickers.

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just over the helm of the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot flies just over the helm of your ash man o' war!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the bow, sending debris flying! A light hit!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot lands almost against the hull of your ash man o' war, splashing water on the man o' war's deck!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot barely makes it out of the imflass cannon and falls into the water!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just over the helm of the treasure frigate!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot crashes into the crows nest! A light hit!

Leafiara lets loose a loud whoop of delight.

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is almost in boarding range!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the main deck, sending debris flying! A moderate hit!

Voltung quietly asks, "Are we trying to board?"

Leafiara yells, "Anyone need blessings, by the way?"

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A moderate hit!

Cyar takes a drink from his cherry vodka.

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara exclaims, "We are!"

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot barely makes it out of the imflass cannon and falls into the water!

Vaikhen carefully lifts his cannon ball and drops it into the tubular opening of a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon. With a loud *THUNK* you can hear the cannon ball hit the bottom.

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot narrowly grazes the aft of your ash man o' war!

Vaikhen fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A moderate hit!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot narrowly grazes the aft of the treasure frigate!

Leafiara cackles!

Vaikhen fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the captain's quarters, sending shrapnel within! A moderate hit!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot flies just in front of the bow of your ash man o' war!

Malifren throws his wooden plank against the floor beneath him and begins to repair the damage.

Malifren throws his wooden plank against the floor beneath him and begins to repair the damage.


Engaging the Enemy Ship

Leafiara yells, "They're getting close! Gather at the main deck and we'll split up from there!"

Leafiara calls upon the local spirits and directs them through the area...

Leafiara gestures.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy frigate. The frigate is almost in boarding range!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot is sent clear over the deck of your ash man o' war, missing everything!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot narrowly grazes the aft of your ash man o' war!

Cyar fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot crashes into the side of the ship, splintering the hull! A heavy hit!

Vaikhen yells, "Aye, captain! Or whatever we're supposed to say!"

Leafiara yells, "Sancted on the main deck so we can split up safely by experience!"

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot lands short of your ash man o' war, sending a geyser of water upward!

Leafiara yells, "Anyone need blessings?"

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot is sent clear over the deck of the treasure frigate, missing everything!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy treasure frigate!

The shot lands short of your ash man o' war, sending a geyser of water upward!

Merikas fires a hawk-mouthed imflass cannon at the treasure frigate!

The thundering of the cannon fire rattles your ash man o' war!

The shot flies just over the helm of the treasure frigate!

The sides of the treasure frigate collide against your ash man o' war! Several ropes with claw-shaped hooks on the end find purchase into the railing of your man o' war. Battle cries sound off as those on the frigate prepare to board!

Merikas stretches.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I'm only level 60."

Leafiara yells, "Here they be!"

Leafiara yells, "To board the enemy ship, we push the gangplank over from the main deck and cross!"

Leafiara yells, "But if you're not extremely trained, you'll want to split up to a different area!"

Leafiara yells, "Ten second warning!"

Merikas says, "Extremely trained."

Vaikhen asks, "Where shall I go, captain Leafiara?"

Leafiara grins.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Any area of the ship will do."

Leafiara nods emphatically at Vaikhen!

Vaikhen says, "I am ... extremely poorly trained."

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara asks, "Does anyone else need to split off before we move?"

Vaikhen exclaims, "Best of luck! I'll see you all afterwards!"

Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Velfi turns to Vaikhen and cheers!

Vaikhen just went down.

Merikas lets out a cheer!

Voltung quietly says, "I need to split."

Voltung ducks his head.

Velfi grins at Voltung.

Leafiara says, "Once on the enemy ship, you can LISTEN for how many enemies are aboard."

Leafiara nods at Voltung.

Speaking amiably to Voltung, Leafiara exclaims, "Okay, see you soon!"

Leafiara hoots.

Velfi cracks his knuckles!

Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.

Leafiara exclaims, "Moving!"

Leafiara roars!

[Enemy Ship, Main Deck]

A bronze bell rings out the half-hour of the watch beneath the sail fastened to mast towering overhead. Down a steep companionway, a pair of crewmen roll barrels into the cargo hold, while a cabin boy emerges from below juggling an armload of cannonballs to replenish the munitions alongside some cannons on deck. A section of rigging has snapped loose above some debris, the rope whipping back and forth in the constant breeze. You also see a gold maoral gangplank.

[combat]

>list

You listen carefully for any potential threats.

[Enemies Left: 63]

Leafiara says, "Sounds like another 63 of 'em."

[extensive combat, then a sanct to pause and heal and fix defense spells]

Leafiara says, "Meanwhile, might as well explain one last thing..."

Leafiara says, "Much like warcamps, if you move around on the enemy ship, they might spring out and ambush you."

Leafiara says, "So if you want to face as many pirates as quickly as possible, move around..."

Leafiara says, "Or just stay in one place and they'll come to you."

Leafiara says, "Either way."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Oh, and also like warcamps, more pirates will show up the larger your group is."

[extensive combat until we win]

Leafiara declares, "Victory!"

Rivienne exclaims, "That was so fun!"


Spoils of War

[Enemy Ship, Cargo Hold]

Steel-banded oak barrels are stacked one on top of the other and made fast against the bulkhead. Bags labeled coffee, tea, and flour are secured in place with web-like ropes, one of the bags torn open at one corner and spilling its fragrant black leaves to the salt-encrusted planks underfoot. A large driftwood chest is thrown open, the moonlight glinting off a handful of gold coins inside. You also see a supply crate.

Leafiara grins at Rivienne.

Velfi flashes a quick grin.

Leafiara says, "Here's the supply crate we can raid, as mentioned earlier."

Voltung quietly says, "Good times."

Leafiara indicates the supply crate as a possible option.

>l cra

You glance through the supplies and see the following:

Cannon Balls: 47

Wooden Planks: 39

Leafiara picks up a supply crate.

[Enemy Ship, Quarters]

Sunlight filters through a large, glass-paned window, illuminating a map spread out on a table in the center of the cabin. A logbook lies open on a bed near a chair piled with freshly laundered garments. Nautical charts are tacked to the oak-paneled walls, all scribbled with illegible handwriting, one drawn with a giant sea monster. You also see a treasure pile.

Leafiara exclaims, "And here's the treasure pile!"

Leafiara exclaims, "Have a SEARCH at it!"

Merikas searches around inside the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out a weathered fel trunk.

Velfi asks, "Is it like the warcamp box?"

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Does each person get a chance at the piles? Or just 1 per boat?"

Velfi cocks his head at Leafiara.

Merikas searches around inside the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out a simple thanot coffer.

Cyar searches around inside the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out an enruned modwir trunk.

Rivienne searches around inside the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out a sturdy haon strongbox.

Velfi searches around inside the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out a rotting haon box.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "It's X per boat instead of X per person."

Leafiara searches around in the treasure pile for a few moments and then pulls out a gold-inset salvage crate.

Leafiara hoots at the salvage crate.

Malifren says, "Fancy."

Leafiara exclaims, "Looks like we've cleared it out!"

Velfi hoots.

Malifren exclaims, "Let's burn it down!"

Leafiara says, "Now, you know what else is like a warcamp..."

Leafiara grins mischievously.

Voltung nods.

Leafiara nods enthusiastically at Malifren!

Velfi nods approvingly at Leafiara.

Leafiara yells, "RAZE it down!"

Leafiara grabs a nearby torch and set the treasure frigate aflame.

The treasure frigate starts to burn. Time to go!

Voltung quietly asks, "Do we have everyone?"

Voltung chuckles.

Rivienne says, "I wish I could just steal it."

Leafiara says, "Pretty sure."

Leafiara grins at Rivienne.

Velfi asks, "Vaikhen?"

Voltung quietly asks, "Where's Vaikhen?"

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[locate spell]

Leafiara says, "On our ship."

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches. You also see the Vaikhen disk.

The treasure frigate rapidly descends beneath the cold, dark waters.

You gain some experience!

You gain some fame!

You have earned some notoriety.

[You have succeded in your task sinking an Ethereal Pirate Ship.]

Leafiara lets out a cheer!

Voltung lets out a cheer!

Malifren hoots.

Vaikhen hoots.

Velfi hoots.

Rivienne beams!

Merikas says, "Well done all."

Vaikhen exclaims, "Well fought!"

Malifren says, "Who knew something in water was so flammable."

Voltung snorts!

Leafiara exclaims, "For great victory!"

Leafiara cackles at Malifren!

Voltung lets out a cheer!


Navigating the Seas

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the northwest.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading northwest at full speed.

Malifren says, "I mostly fixed it up."

Velfi flashes a quick grin.

Jagged bolts of lightning cross the sky.

A sudden shift in wind assaults your open sails, sending them flapping.

Leafiara says, "You can LOOK at the OCEAN to see where we are, or WATCH the OCEAN to regularly see where we are..."

Speaking cheerfully in Guildspeak to Voltung, Velfi says something you don't understand.

Speaking in Guildspeak to Velfi, Rivienne says something you don't understand.

Cyar whispers to the group, "What do you use beside the map for navigation?"

Velfi grins at Rivienne.

Vaikhen says, "Apparently, not even the social room is sacred to ghost pirates."

Vaikhen shakes his head.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "WATCH OCEAN will output each move of the ship to your Familiar window." [whereas LOOK OCEAN will show just the room you're in]

Speaking cheerfully in Guildspeak to Rivienne, Velfi says something you don't understand.

Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.

[Man O' War, Captain's Quarters]

At the head of a mint green willow table strewn with sea charts, a cherry throne draped with fine sea silk is afforded an uninterrupted view out of a glaes-paned window spanning the width of the stern to the seas beyond. A tattered map and a stack of logbooks lie on the freshly swept deck at the foot of a vanilla-hued cherry bed piled high with silken pillows. Pushed up against a hazelwood-paneled wall, A driftwood trunk packed with clothing and books sits open next to an ornate ivory and gold music stand. You also see a wooden waste bucket.

Also here: Ambassador Malifren, Arbiter Velfi, Rivienne, House Sage Merikas, Voltung, Cyar, Vaikhen

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading northwest at full speed.

>l map

Scribbled at the top of the map is the name, "Darkstone Bay."

-----------------------------------------------
|       /     |  /  \  |  /  \  |  /  \  |  / |
| -  O  -  -  O  -  -  O  -  -  O  -  -  O  - |
|    |  \  /  |  \  /  |  \  /  |  \  /  |  \ |
| \  |  /  \  |  /  \  |  /  \  |  /  \  |  / |
|    O  -  -  O  -  -  O  -  -  O  -  -  O  - |
|                \     |     /     \     |    |
|                                             |
|                      X                      |
|                                             |
|                      |     \     /     |    |
|                      O  -  -  O  -  -  O    |
|                                  \     |    |
|                                     \  |    |
|                                        P    |
|                                             |
-----------------------------------------------

X Your Ship

O Nearby Ocean

P Nearby Port

There is a line drawn West to the name, "Cobalt Depths."

Cyar nods.

Leafiara says, "Now, ordinarily I'd tell you to look at the map in here, but..."

Velfi tickles Voltung into laughing.

Leafiara says, "We're in the middle of a heavy storm."

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara says, "So the map only makes sense to experienced enough Navigators right now." [everyone else is seeing a message something like "You can't make sense of the map in current weather conditions!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Malifren says, "Your timing is impeccable tonight."

Leafiara grins at Malifren.

Leafiara snickers.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading northwest at full speed.

Leafiara says, "When I first bought my sloop, it was storming then too."

Leafiara says, "I sunk three or four times in a row, with no idea where I was going."

Leafiara starts chortling.

Cyar nods.

Malifren says, "That was tons of fun though, thank you."

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading northwest at full speed.

Leafiara says, "But just wait a few moments and I'll demonstrate something..."

Leafiara grins at Malifren.

Rivienne says, "It was, this could be addicting."

Leafiara says, "Right now we're bearing due northwest..."

Leafiara nods emphatically at Rivienne!

Velfi flashes a quick grin.

Cyar nods.

Leafiara says, "But the ship's about to stop."

Vaikhen quietly says, "Due northwest ..."

Vaikhen ponders.

Leafiara says, "Without me touching the wheel or anchor, as we hit a dead end."

Malifren says, "I like my little sloop, it's just enough to handle alone or with a friend or two."

Aimless, the ash man o' war rocks idly in the ocean waters.

Leafiara nods.

Leafiara grins at Malifren.

>l ocean

[The Great Western Sea]

Dark, angry waves rise up, only to come pounding down into the ocean. Hard sheets of wind and rain torment the surface. Giant, black clouds swallow the skies above.

Open waters: northeast, east, southeast, south, west

Leafiara says, "Again, you can look at the ocean to see... we couldn't go any further northwest."

Leafiara says, "So even without being able to read the map, you can see that."

Velfi says, "I think I'm gonna have to buy a couple sloops after this."

Rivienne nods.

Leafiara says, "But the ocean is very large, so you'll still probably get lost in a storm."

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the southeast.

Leafiara says, "Unless you're a Navigator or have one."

Vaikhen smiles broadly.

A sudden shift in wind assaults your open sails, sending them flapping.

Vaikhen says, "Well, if anyone needs a novice cleric aboard, you know where to find me. I can handle small blessings, perhaps some cleaning."

Leafiara amusedly says, "It really is impeccable timing, a storm on a first journey out for some of you."

Vaikhen nods sagely.

Leafiara starts chortling.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading southeast at full speed.

Rivienne smiles.

Leafiara says, "That wind sending the sails flapping could have lowered or raised them in unexpected ways."

Leafiara mischievously says, "Also, we could get hit by wind or lightning, never know."

Leafiara cackles!

Vaikhen gazes up into the heavens.

Vaikhen gazes up into the sky.

Velfi chuckles.

Cyar nods.

Leafiara snickers.

Merikas says, "Well."

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading southeast at full speed.

>consider

With a keen eye you take a look out at the horizon and see dark, angry clouds with howling wind! It's a storm alright!

Rivienne laughs!

Merikas says, "We can send up a flare and see if we get rescued."

Leafiara says, "Oh, you can also CONSIDER the weather to check the general conditions."

Leafiara flashes a quick grin.

With a keen eye Vaikhen takes a look out at the horizon.

Motes of silvery light sparkle across Velfi's skin, twinkling like stars, as he prepares a spell...

Velfi gestures.

A flare leaves Velfi's hand and shoots up into the sky where it hangs for a few moments before exploding into a shower of silver and indigo sparks. The sheer brightness of the image before you lingers in your sight for several seconds after the explosion can no longer be seen.

With a keen eye Cyar takes a look out at the horizon.

Vaikhen's face turns slightly pale.

Velfi flashes a quick grin at Merikas.

With a keen eye Rivienne takes a look out at the horizon.

Leafiara whistles tunelessly to herself.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading southeast at full speed.

Voltung quietly asks, "Does where you're cruising on the map change what kind of pirates you might find?"

Vaikhen says, "I feel this was all planned - part of the lecture to prove why navigator is the best role."

Speaking to Voltung, Leafiara says, "You know, you'd think so, but it doesn't seem like it."

Voltung grins.

Merikas grins at Vaikhen.

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Speaking cheerfully to Vaikhen, Velfi says, "With Leafi, you never know."

Voltung ponders.

Leafiara says, "A lot of people expect to find more krolvin near River's Rest, but nope.."

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading southeast at full speed.

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship to the north.

Vaikhen grins from ear to ear.

Speaking cheerfully to Vaikhen, Velfi exclaims, "Even I don't!"

Leafiara says, "Let's find one more pirate ship and then head back to port."

Leafiara grins.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading north at full speed.

Leafiara says, "At least, I hope we will."

Vaikhen says, "Oh no. The captain has tasted victory and now there's no stopping."

Voltung grins.

Leafiara says, "Sometimes the pirates approach quickly, other times slowly."

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen winks at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "You can also look at OSA INFO for your stats."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "How many pirates killed, your notoriety and reputation, ships sunk..."

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading north at full speed.

Malifren says, "You can, also, raise a white, black or neutral flag to indicate to pirates you are looking for a fight or not."

Leafiara grins.

Malifren nods.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "10 pirates, 90 notoriety."

Voltung raises his fist defiantly.

Leafiara hoots.

A distant thudding of the drums of war act as a harbinger for a krolvin battle-marred man o' war ripping through the ocean toward your ash man o' war!

Merikas turns to Voltung and cheers!

Leafiara lets out a cheer!

Voltung quietly says, "Oh lord."

Malifren asks, "If that wasn't mentioned, not sure if I missed it or not?"

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship toward the battle-marred man o' war.

Leafiara greedily says, "Oh, now that's more like it."

Vaikhen says, "Oh boy."

Speaking to Malifren, Leafiara says, "I briefly mentioned flags."

Leafiara expertly navigates the waters with the rosewood wheel in her hands toward the battle-marred man o' war!

Rivienne says, "Now that will give you a chill."

Leafiara admits, "Very briefly."

Malifren nods.

Your ash man o' war cuts through the ocean toward the enemy man o' war. The man o' war is a ways out!

Vaikhen says, "I might not ... might not be able to handle this one."

Leafiara says, "Enemy man o' war, we'll see 90 to 120 pirates."

Leafiara expertly navigates the waters with the rosewood wheel in her hands toward the battle-marred man o' war!

Malifren waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Leafiara expertly navigates the waters with the rosewood wheel in her hands toward the battle-marred man o' war!

Leafiara cackles!

A sudden booming of cannon fire erupts from the enemy battle-marred man o' war!

The shot crashes into the crows nest! A light hit!

Malifren says, "Two minutes instead of one then."

[skipping 1500 lines of combat]

Leafiara says, "I think I glossed over this a bit, but unlike warcamps, one advantage here is also that even other nearby ships can't come in and interrupt your hunts."

[skipping 2000 lines of combat]

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "I forget who asked the question earlier about why carracks (fourth largest ship) are popular, but I'll just note that we have more people in this room than a brigantine (second smallest ship) could hold, so we're spawning enemies faster than a max crew brigantine could."

[500 lines of combat]

Velfi cheerfully says, "That's a lot of goodies." [loot lying around]

[200 lines of combat]

Leafiara says, "Krolvin are the most dangerous but also the richest."

[Enemy Ship, Main Deck]

Across some debris, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a sail billows from a mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches. You also see a rune staff, a katar, a short sword, a crystal amulet, a sturdy brass chest, a ball and chain, a tower shield, a flamberge, a tower shield, a plain modwir chest, a composite bow, a rune staff, a long bow, a crystal amulet, an iced chocolate muffin, a flail, a short sword, a long bow, a wooden shield, a solid moonstone cube, a badly damaged tanik box, a large shield, a broadsword, a rune staff, a silver wand, an engraved mithril chest, a reinforced shield, a silver wand, a battered mithril box, a plain mithril coffer, an iron wand, a drake greataxe, a threadbare chambray robe, a smooth bone wand, an enruned steel strongbox, a rotting fel strongbox, a sturdy haon box, a n'ayanad crystal, the fiery red Merikas disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk and a gold maoral gangplank.

Also here: Arbiter Velfi, Cyar, House Sage Merikas, Rivienne, Ambassador Malifren, The Notorious Leafiara

[combat]

Merikas says, "All that loot from decades of invading Teras."


Stray Enemies

[combat; we kill the krolvin captain, which is always the last enemy to appear, but LISTEN shows there's still a straggler surviving krolvin somewhere]

>list

You listen carefully for any potential threats.

[Enemies Left: 1]

[we go searching for it...]

You hear Malifren yell from the cargo hold, "Got 'em!"

[Enemy Ship, Cargo Hold]

Ropes strung through staples in the deck hold kegs and barrels in place against the bulkhead, while shelves are stocked with sails, wood, and lines. Chests filled with supplies are stacked tightly leaving just enough space to maneuver between rows. Livestock pens are located beneath the ladder leading back up to the main deck. You also see a battle-scarred hulking krolvin warden that appears dead and a supply crate.

Also here: Ambassador Malifren

>list

You listen carefully for any potential threats.

[Enemies Left: 1]

[...but it turns out there's another straggler enemy somewhere, so we go looking for that]

[Enemy Ship, Forward Deck]

The shrouds rising up a mast beyond the utmost a sail pass a lookout post that appears minuscule from this vantage point. A length of sailcloth hangs over the railing, while several mops and buckets are pushed out of the way against the bulkhead. The complicated rigging is attached to elaborate belaying pins along the ships railing above some cannons. You also see a hulking krolvin warlord.

[we kill this one too, but...]

>list

You listen carefully for any potential threats.

[Enemies Left: 1]

Leafiara marvels, "STILL one more."

Leafiara mutters, "Sneaky ones."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Oddities of spawning mechanics, heh." [I actually have no idea how it works, but my best guess is that enemies can temporarily despawn for some reason]

[Man O' War, Main Deck]

Across a gold maoral gangplank, the main deck stretches out in both directions, from the bow to the stern of this massive warship, the wide oak planks gleaming in the moonlight a bright white flyrsilk sail billows from a wooden mast above the entrance to the cargo hold below, while a crows nest can be spotted high above. The bulkheads are lined with cannons facing ports fitted with wooden hatches. You also see a puny krolvin page.

Cyar raises his voice in rhythmic song, commanding the aid of the elements.

Cyar skillfully weaves another verse into his harmony, directing the sound of his voice at a puny krolvin page.

CS: +496 - TD: +41 + CvA: +20 + d100: +56 == +531

Warding failed!

The puny krolvin page slams to the ground, dead as a salmon bear snack.

A puny krolvin page reels under the force of the sonic vibrations!

Sound waves disrupt for 294 damage!

Leafiara snickers.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Oh man, I love it."

Voltung snorts!

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "I've never seen a super low level krolvin pirate."

Velfi chuckles.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, ""Puny krolvin page," I love it :D."

Rivienne giggles.

Cyar grins.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Leafiara snickers.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I'm not THAT puny."

Malifren says, "Poor guy, never stood a chance."

Malifren says, "Was just trying to hide and survive."

Leafiara yells, "Enemy ship cleared out!"


Ship Names

Leafiara says, "Alrighty! We'll head back to port, but hopefully everyone's had a lot of fun."

Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Velfi nods in agreement.

Rivienne nods enthusiastically!

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Voltung turns to Leafiara and cheers!

Cyar nods at Leafiara.

Leafiara grins.

Malifren nods.

Vaikhen nods enthusiastically!

Malifren turns to Leafiara and cheers!

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading south at full speed.

Speaking to Leafiara, Cyar says, "Much."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara asks, "Were you the one who asked about carracks earlier?"

Leafiara chuckles.

Cyar smiles.

Merikas asks, "What'd you say the name of the boat was?"

Vaikhen nods at Leafiara.

Merikas asks, "The pink sea pheasant?"

Malifren nods at Merikas.

Rivienne giggles.

Leafiara says, "Just want to note that our crew size right now is exactly the max size of a carrack."

Leafiara chuckles.

Malifren says, "Seems accurate."

Speaking amusedly to Merikas, Leafiara says, "The Fearless Phoenix's Song."

Leafiara snickers.

Cyar nods.

The ash man o' war cuts through the ocean, heading south at full speed.

Leafiara says, "Oh, I should mention, though..."

Merikas says, "Right, that was it."

Merikas nods.

Vaikhen begins chuckling at Merikas!

Leafiara says, "Usually, the ship builders will pick a name for you."

Cyar nods.

Leafiara says, "You might or might not like it, and it costs 100,000 silvers for them to make a new one."

Leafiara says, "Which you *also* might not like."

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara cheekily says, "So, uh, good luck."

Rivienne says, "Wow."

Leafiara chuckles.

The rosewood wheel slowly turns off course.

Aimless, the ash man o' war rocks idly in the ocean waters.

Rivienne says, "I want to get a job as a ship namer."

Leafiara says, "My sloop is The Vast Incarnadine Voyager."

Vaikhen says, "One day, when I save up enough money, I could be captain of the Haphazard Periwinkle Slug."

Malifren says, "Been there, spent the fortune, good thing their ship building skills are better than their naming skills."

Leafiara grin at Riviennes.

Leafiara nods in agreement at Vaikhen.

Leafiara nods in agreement at Malifren.

Velfi chuckles.

Leafiara says, "I kind of wish I'd went with their third name choice."

Leafiara says, "I think it was..."

Leafiara ponders.

Leafiara says, "The Grand Plum Dragon or something like that." [I went back and checked and it was even better: The Eminent Plum Dragon]

Leafiara starts chortling.

Malifren chuckles.

Malifren says, "That's amazing."

Velfi nods sagely at Leafiara.

Voltung nods.

Leafiara nods rhythmically at Malifren.

Vaikhen grins from ear to ear.

Cyar says, "O thats a nice one."

Rivienne says, "I kinda like it."

Leafiara says, "It was their third choice, so I didn't know how good or bad it was."

Voltung quietly says, "Sometimes it's great fun to just accept the title ya get and own it."

Leafiara says, "If I'd known, I would have kept it."

Leafiara says, "Instead of blowing another 800k."

Leafiara snickers.

Leafiara grabs hold of the rosewood wheel and does her best to steer the ship toward the lively port.

Cyar blinks.

Cyar nods.

The waves violently thrash from side to side as an angry wind attacks the sea.


Salvage Crates

Leafiara says, "Okay, one last thing, let's turn in these salvage crates to build your reputation and notoriety up a little."

Leafiara grins.

Leafiara exclaims, "As we arrive back home!"

Vaikhen hoots.

Velfi taps his crimson owl on its tiny head and it emits a loud hoot!

The ash man o' war drifts steadily toward the lively port. Shouts are heard from the piers nearby directing the man o' war to North Dock, Drenched Thrak Pier. As the ash man o' war sails toward the designated pier, a pair of workers swing aboard from a nearby platform. They race about the deck to lower the anchor and raise the sails. After finishing the job they salute sharply and race off.

[North Dock, Catwalk]

Varnished with crushed black coral to give purchase, the oak and teak catwalk gleams in the ambient light. A glass and oak building and a teak and polished oak shop face one another on either side of the catwalk, each on several sturdy support posts sunk deep into the harbor. A wide ramp leads down and away from the catwalk, while to the south, a large docking structure with ample portage is visible. You also see the Fahlo disk and a dock handler.

Also here: Fahlo who is kneeling

[I have no idea what the third person messaging on turning in salvage crates looks like, so just doing it first-person here]

>give hand

Are you sure you wish to give your salvage crate to a dock handler? Your crew must be present to get credit for the turn in.

[Please repeat this command within 30 seconds to confirm.]

>give hand

The dock handler nods at you as he grabs your crate. He says, "Well, you got an average crate here." The dock handler hands you a battered box in return.

You have earned some notoriety.

Leafiara opens a battered box.

>l in my box

In the battered box:

Gems [2]: an uncut diamond (2)

Special [1]: a Wehnimer's promissory note

Voltung ponders.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I got rep and notoriety for you turning in a box?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yes, because it's 'our' box."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Our crew."

Voltung lets out a cheer!

Vaikhen smiles at Voltung.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Well that's a delightful suprise."

Speaking cheerfully to Leafiara, Velfi says, "Thanks for the lecture and adventure, Captain."

>give hand

Are you sure you wish to give your salvage crate to a dock handler? Your crew must be present to get credit for the turn in.

>give hand

The dock handler nods at you as he grabs your crate. He says, "Well, you got an amazing crate here." The dock handler hands you a orase coffer in return.

You have earned some notoriety.

Leafiara chuckles.

Leafiara opens a orase coffer.

Leafiara turns to Velfi and cheers!

>l in my cof

In the orase coffer:

Weapons [1]: an ora dart

Gems [2]: an uncut diamond, a black opal

Special [1]: a Wehnimer's promissory note

Total items: 4


Parting Questions

[skipping like 700 lines of splitting loot and depositing silvers; we're actually still in the middle of it here, but cutting out lots of stuff as people say farewells since at this point it's been two and a half hours]

Cyar says, "Thanks again Twilight."

Vaikhen grins at Malifren.

Leafiara beams happily at Cyar!

Cyar gives Leafiara a friendly hug.

Rivienne says, "Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your ship with us."

Velfi cheerfully exclaims, "Thanks for coming to the Twilight Academy talk everyone!"

Velfi cheerfully exclaims, "And thanks again to the wonderful Leafiara for hosting it!"

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "That was fantastic and greatly appreciated."

Leafiara exclaims, "And thank you all for coming!"

Vaikhen exclaims, "That was wonderful, thank you Lady Leafiara!"

Rivienne exclaims, "Thanks again!"

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "I hope more people are able to attend."

Leafiara says, "We'll try to get regular Twilight pirating expeditions going." [note: just the sailing part, not so much the lecture, heh]

Leafiara grins.

Leafiara says, "Whew."

[Town Square, West]

Here in the midst of the town stretches the cobblestoned main bazaar, its lamplit lanes abuzz with traders and vendors hawking their wares at any hour of the day or night. Groups of citizens, discussing the day's events or preparing for nighttime hunts, gather around the doors of the merchants whose shops border the square. The gilded but peeling stone facade of the First Elanith Bank dominates this side of the square. You also see the fiery red Merikas disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the Vaikhen disk, a large red-ridged lobster, a segmented cracked lobster leg and a flagon of Ice Drake rum.

Also here: Arbiter Velfi, Voltung, House Sage Merikas, Vaikhen, The Notorious Leafiara

Vaikhen hoots at Leafiara.


More on Treasure Piles

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Can anyone in the party search the pile? Or did they need to do damage aboard the enemy vessel?"

Leafiara grins.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Anyone can search the pile."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Even if they hit nothing the whole time, heh."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "That's one of the ways it's different from warcamps."

Velfi nods sagely.

(OOC) Velfi's player whispers to the group, "Warcamp boxes are based on kills per person."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Yep, this one is based on enemy ship size."

Voltung nods at Velfi.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "So one person could just keep searching the pile and take all the loot, if no one else bothered."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Vaikhen's player whispers to the group, "No kidding, I learned a ton of things I didn't know from this lecture / voyage / adventure."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Would help if a f2p was on a boat, it's a waste for me to search piles."

[Wehnimer's, Winter St.]

A few shoppers, traders and local residents walk along this avenue, chatting in the night air or heading home. On the west side of the road is the grocer's shop, where provisions, from the humblest sack of flour to the rarest varieties of Gnollish mushrooms, can be bought. You also see a tall black bulwark tower.

Velfi, Voltung, Merikas and Vaikhen followed.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Loot sharing is definitely the hardest part of OSA for group hunting, especially with the high volume of boxes."

Leafiara chuckles.

Velfi nods in agreement.

(OOC) Velfi's player whispers to the group, "I can see that being an issue."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "And especially especially if you run into krolvin ships."


Size Matters

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "The ship you can encounter is based on your ship right? A sloop can't fight a man o war?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "According to ;foreach, I apparently have 11 boxes on me from that one voyage where we only fought two ships."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "And I took nothing from the piles. lol."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "That's correct."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "In clear weather or moderate weather, sloops can only run into as big as brigantines."


Loot Quality

(OOC) Velfi's player whispers to the group, "Do the pirate boxes have decent loot, or are they usually pretty meh like warcamp boxes?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "In a storm like we were in, a sloop *could* run into a carrack or galleon."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "But I've never run into a carrack or galleon on a sloop more than once in like... 200 ships."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Boxes from the treasure pile or dropped from krolvin?"

(OOC) Velfi's player whispers to the group, "Either?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Krolvin boxes are pretty darn good."

Velfi chuckles.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Treasure pile boxes are..."

Leafiara rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Seaward Gutstorm just stumbled in, flailing his arms wildly while trying to right himself!

Leafiara holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

Gutstorm leans on Leafiara, giving her a companionable grin.

Velfi nods sagely.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "They're better than warcamp boxes."

Leafiara grins at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wucha all doonin?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "They're not great. But hey, runestaves and such to sell off."

Vaikhen blinks at Gutstorm.

Speaking cheerfully to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Just got back from sailing."

Leafiara chuckles.

Gutstorm grunts and nods.

Leafiara says, "Ran a lesson on sailing."

Leafiara says, "Then everyone wanted to actually sail."

Leafiara chuckles.

Vaikhen nonchalantly says, "Sailing ... and pillaging ... and fighting ..."

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Now to decide who gets a boat, my f2p empath who loves bandits vs my paid wizard who hates bandits."

Leafiara nods emphatically at Vaikhen!

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Shoun fun!"


(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Ha."

Leafiara grins at Gutstorm.

Vaikhen grins at Voltung.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Well, remember... unlike bandits, these don't start off in hiding."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me deshint nagitator."

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "You can just 410/909 them immediately."

Gutstorm holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "We only saw ethereal and krolvin pirates tonight, but it's basically the same."

(Vaikhen attempts to be deciphering drunken accent.)

Vaikhen says, "Oh, a decent navigator."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "*same thing in the sense of the enemies just rushing at you headfirst."

Gutstorm grunts at Vaikhen happily, grinning.

Leafiara grins at Gutstorm.

Vaikhen nods at Gutstorm.

Leafiara opines, "Navigators are the best!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dot what me shaid."

Leafiara exclaims, "Board those enemy ships!"

Leafiara throws her head back and howls!

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Rammin shpeed!"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaikhen asks, "So you navigate ... directly into the enemy ship?"

Leafiara says, "I do like Swashbucklers too, though. You saw how much damage some of that shrapnel was doing to our group before we even boarded."

Leafiara chuckles.

Vaikhen smiles broadly.

Gutstorm nods enthusiastically at Vaikhen!

Speaking approvingly to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "That's the only way to do it."

Leafiara cackles!

Vaikhen laughs!

Voltung ponders.


Enemy Numbers and Spawn Rates

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "Were our cannon rounds affecting the health of the enemy pirates?"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Not the health, but the number of them." [or so I hear, anyway]

Voltung nods at Leafiara.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me sho fash, dey canninsh mish mosha time."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Shooting the enemy ship up can kill off a few of them before you board." [...or so I hear, anyway]

Leafiara grins at Gutstorm.

Vaikhen squints at Gutstorm.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Like doddin raindropsh."

Gutstorm leans to his left slightly.

Gutstorm leans to his right slightly.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "When going solo, it can be helpful to send a lot of cannon fire their way."

Vaikhen exclaims, "Cannish ... mish ... oh. Cannons miss!"

Vaikhen nods once.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "We spawned enemies quick because there were a lot of us, but on a sloop with a max crew of 3... ehhh."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "It can take a while to wipe out even an enemy sloop if you're just 1 or 2 people, because they in turn will spawn 1 or 2 enemies at once."

Speaking concernedly to Gutstorm, Vaikhen asks, "Are you ... going to be okay?"

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Um, me fink sho."

Gutstorm works his fingers under his dancing flame crown and scratches his head.

Gutstorm grunts happily, grinning.

(OOC) Voltung's player whispers to the group, "My room was steady at 2 enemies most of the time." [he was split off, while the "main" group of six was seeing 5-8 enemies at once]

Vaikhen lets out a sigh of relief for Gutstorm.

Leafiara nods at Voltung.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "IMO, the clear best 'threshold' ships are sloop, carrack, frigate, and man o' war."

Gutstorm removes an overstuffed snow white polar bear with deep blue eyes from in his traveller's cloak.

Gutstorm hugs his snow white bear tenderly.

A little bear's voice growls, "I certainly love snuggling with you, Gutstorm."

Gutstorm grunts happily, grinning.

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Unless you really, really, really can't afford a carrack but CAN afford a brigantine, or can't afford a frigate but CAN afford a galleon, I'd never recommend brigs or galleons to anyone, heh."

Vaikhen laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Leafiara snickers.


Parting Comments

Leafiara musingly says, "Alright, back to the parlor where the food is."

Leafiara hoots.

[Twilight Hall, Warble's Parlor]

The west end of the great hall opens up into a bright, airy parlor. As you step into the room, your eyes are immediately drawn to an ancient elven harp set up on a small dais. A plush snowcat rug covers the floor in front of a white marble fireplace, and white cushions made of the softest Arachnian silk lie scattered about the room, inviting you to relax and enjoy yourself. A spiral staircase in one corner leads both upstairs and downstairs. You also see a circular ebonwood cart with some stuff on it, a basket of sticks, a white krodera door and a low bar with some stuff on it.

Obvious exits: east, up, down

[skipping over various casual banter]


Finding Ships to Sail On

Leafiara says, "Anyway, if you've enjoyed sailing, some people to look out for are..."

[General] Salti asks, "Anyone sailing tonight?"

Leafiara says, "Archales, Jaysehn, and me, off the top of my head."

Leafiara says, "Or just ask around if anyone's sailing and needs more crew members."

Leafiara says, "But Archales and Jaysehn usually put out word when they're sailing, and invite along whoever wants to come until their ships fill up."

Leafiara says, "They both have carracks."

Leafiara says, "Gutstorm might go sailing with you too, but I... *think* he only has a sloop? Not really sure."

Leafiara says, "But he'd know people who have ships too."

Vaikhen asks, "Does he ... does he sober up before he sails?"

Speaking cheerfully to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Nope."

Leafiara flashes a quick grin.

You notice a vein pulsing in Vaikhen's forehead.

Speaking cheerfully to Vaikhen, Velfi says, "I'm sure he misses the land bits most of the time at least."

[more casual banter]

[General] Ycelacie thinks, "Leaving from Solhaven on a small ship, to search for pirate treasure! Can fit one more if anyone is interested."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh, see, Ycelacie's calling for crew on her sloop right as we speak."

Leafiara says, "Just listen to thoughts and people do invite, and you'll get to know who."

Voltung quietly says, "Peggyanne also looks for crews."

Leafiara says, "Ooh, yes, definitely Peggy."

Speaking to Voltung, Vaikhen says, "Ah, that's right. I've heard the name."

Voltung quietly says, "She's around 50 trainings so that's not a bad boat crew for the less advanced of us."

Leafiara says, "I think often the Drakes Vanguard sails on Feastdays at their usual time." [8:30]

Leafiara says, "With me if I'm available, or if I'm not available then they split up on other ships."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaikhen asks, "Are you a member?"

Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara admits, "Nope."

Vaikhen asks, "Honorary?"

Leafiara says, "But I still love a giant pirate party."

Leafiara happily says, "Our record crew size is sixteen so far."

Leafiara mischievously says, "Now that one was wild."

Merikas asks, "And the max on a man of war is 20?"

Leafiara nods at Merikas.

Leafiara says, "I'll be honest, I'd make more money if I sailed out there myself [due to not splitting loot]. But there's no substitute for standing with fifteen people firing cannons or killing pirates."

Leafiara says, "So every once in a while is great."

Voltung quietly says, "That was great fun on the first ship where we just blasted cannons for a while."

Voltung quietly says, "I don't want to keep ya longer though. Thank you again."

Leafiara says, "One day, one day we'll figure out how many cannonballs it actually takes to sink an enemy man o' war."

Speaking to Leafiara, Merikas says, "Three."

Speaking to Merikas, Vaikhen asks, "Three?"

Voltung quietly says, "That is quite the owly answer."

Merikas says, "An owl told me that once."

Leafiara says, "I'm just glad we did run into big ships tonight."

Leafiara says, "Gets a little embarrassing on these group hunts when we're sailing around in a man o' war and a dinky sloop comes up to try and challenge us."

Leafiara says, "And we wipe out its whole crew in two seconds."

Vaikhen says, "That's ... wow. I feel bad."

Vaikhen exclaims, "A speck of dust sighted on the horizon, captain! Fire everything!"

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Alrighty, I'd better go find some actual real life dinner."

(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "Glad to have you all aboard!"

Vaikhen says, "Thank you again for the great time."

Leafiara cheerfully wishes, "Have a great eve all!"