Troubles in the North - RPLOG
Participants
Date
28/7/476
Log
Waiting at the docks, the white furred bear taps on his crest while he waits impatantly for people to show up. Behind him is a large, almost regal looking ship, but a close inspection would show that it is more for the moving of vast quantities of goods rather then passangers. He looks up toward the sun again, "If I don't get some help soon, not only will we be way behind, we might be too late all together." he says. He adjusts his overcoat and wipes his brow. "Hot here too.."
Shaytalis arrives promptly, looking up the ship from below. As she waves to some of the crew, she's shown the way aboard and approaches the bear. "Greetings. My name is Shaytalis, and I have come from the Freeswords. I understand you are in need of assistance?" She looks around, "What are your most pressing needs?"
Rixo shuffles towards the docks, still in armour, but her helmet is tucked under oner arm, revealing the smile on her face. "Hello there! I heard we had visitors from the north, so I just had to come and see. More than glad to lend a hand, as well, if it's something I can help with."
Angus walks briskly towards the Ursine, displaying the badge of the lightbringers easily visible on his chest. Walking up the bear he smiles, and gives a bow. "Angus Solacious of the lightbringers, at your service. I had heard that you are in need of assistance, how may I help?" Standing back up he smiles softly, his twin tails swaying underneath his cloak as his gaze turns to the ship behind the bear.
Not long after the others, Dio strolls into the docks and takes a heavy look at the ship before stopping and taking a position near Angus. Quite hot indeed for the coat wearing lion, though at least his fur was rather short. His mane could present a problem though... "Hello lad," he smiles, contributing to the bombardment of greetings upon the unfortunate bear. "Travelin' lion at yer service."
Rixo shuffles towards the docks, still in armour, but her helmet is tucked under oner arm, revealing the smile on her face. "Hello there! I heard we had visitors from the north, so I just had to come and see." She leans on one of the docking posts, the smile turning into a grin. "Though I never quite expected to run into family this far south! Good to see you!"
Looking to the beings coming up, he gives a nod to Shay, on to Angus, then one to Dio, "Yes, we need some help, up onto boat and-" he is cut off when he notices Rixo, "Cousin!? So this is where you have been! Hurry up, we are way behind this month in our shipments, and need help taking care of a blockade. I'll explain more on the way, you know how long a trip it can be." he says, and waits for everyone else to board first.
Shaytalis looks back to Rixo, then to the captain. She notes the ursine resemblence. Nodding to the captain, "Do you need assistance for the voyage, or simply help preparing to set sail?" She looks to the crew, "Do you need weapons tested? Are there any known problems that need to be addressed?"
Getting on a boat of a person they just met may bring about a few more questions before committing to such. But who cares about things like that when there's adventure on the seas? "Cousin?" Dio moves over to Rixo to get a better look over the pair. "Family at a time like this. Small world! We'll see what we can do to help. Though I'm curious as to where exactly ya came from." After making sure his coat and the like are in order with a few pats, the lion boards the ship and leans against side, staring out at the others.
Angus looks betwenn Rixo and then other bear. "Rixo, you never said you were a Hilrock." He gives Rixo a curious look, before he turns to look to Dio. "They are from Thera'dor, for the life of me I can't remember where that Is. But that's all I know." Chuckling he shrugs, before he turns back to the Bear. "Anyway I can assist."
Rixo chuckles at Dio and moves to climb aboard the boat. "Perhaps I'll tell you, later!" She gives a shrug to Angus. "You never asked. Going around flaunting my nobility is a good way to get mugged, you know."
The bear follows everyone up and starts giving out orders as Shay does the same. He laughs a bit but the crew respond well, chatting among themselves and getting the boat underway. It sails quite a bit away, and once out to sea, the bear welcomes people below deck, "Down there we will drink and discussions, I'll tell you what you all just got yourselves into."
Shaytalis nods as she shakes hands with some of the crew for doing such a good job, heading downstairs with the others, commenting to the captain, "You have a good crew. If you are in need of additional assistance, it must be a dangerous voyage you have planned."
"Hilrock? Sounds vaguely familiar... Perhaps cousin bear could give me a little rundown of the basics downstairs. 'fraid I don't know too much about Thera'dor." Dio begins walking around the ship, taking note of all the interesting crew members and the layout of the ship. "Hope we're not runnin' into anythin' violent now," he comments under his breath, heading bellow deck. "Though I can't argue against a good drink!"
Angus was at the railing as orders were given and the crew started to work, but when the Bear started heading below decks he follows. "What we just got ourselves into?" Those words usually meant nothing good, and the fox crosses his arms as he leans against the wall. "I'll pass up on the drinks for now, until we know what we are doing at least."
Rixo turns to head below deck. "Wouldn't turn down a drink, that's for sure." Her face, however, shows a bit of concern, now. "I'm a bit concerned that someone is trying to stop you with a blockade. You don't think it's Cliffside, is it?"
Angel was late! She tried following Angus around but now she was past late and he had gone off somewhere! After talking around for a while, she found out he had gone off on a boat, and, off in Griffon Form she went! Flying to the boat the moment her enhanced vision spots it. Landing on the deck she pants out her tiredness and gets quite a few looks from the crew.
Below deck the bear passes out drinks for all, Angus included, though there is no need to drink if one does not. He takes a seat, "It is those crocs cousin, you know, the ones who think they own the seas and everything that sails on them? They have blockaded our ports and made it near impossible to get ships out to sea, we got this one out in the middle of the night using the cover of fog, and just barely made it without being shot." The thumping of something on deck makes him look up, but, there is no screeming or such so he ignores it.
Shaytalis listen, asking "So they wish to control trade?" She thinks on that, "It would be in everyone else's best interest to allow for more supplies to travel about. We have people in need of food and other comodities. Making trade more expensive is not helpful." She nods, "I would like for both of your peoples to be able to trade. Is that what you wish for as well? Or do you wish for the waters to yourselves?"
Angus receives the drink without a word, and then gently puts it down as he looks up when a loud thump can be heard above deck. "I'm guessing that we aren't exactly just talking about one ship here if they are able to blockade all of your ports. Why not petition the good king and ask for naval support? I don't believe that who ever is doing this would be able to withstand an assault from two fronts."
Naturally, Dio heads straight for the free drinks. Almost as quickly as it was placed in front of him, the lion grabs and begins downing it with impressively large gulps and wiping the fur upon his face. "I'm sure these crocs have told ya some reason why they're blockadin' your ports. An' what are ya tradin' anyways? And what exactly did you want one ship o-" The bump causes him to pause, tilting his head in curiosity. Probably nothing, but he'd rather be outside for a bit anyways. "I'm gonna check out the deck real quick if ya don't mind. I should be back soon." Getting up from his seat and gulping down the rest of his drink, he walks back up the stairs and take a peek on the deck, seeing if he can find the source of the bump.
Rixo grumbles and makes quick work of her drink. "Damn things." She rubs a gauntleted hand over her face before gesturing to Angus. "He does have a point, though. I've been here helping out nobles and the community, and trying to work up a reputation. I'm sure we can work out something with the Good King. They can't get our supplies if we can't get our ships out, after all."
Angel comes down under deck to be with everyone else, looking around for Angus. She bumps into Dio, her eyes locking to him for a moment before heading on. Once she finds the room with the bar in it she darts in and takes her place by his side, "My Lord! Sorry I lost track of you. Is everything ok?" she seems very excited, but looks around as she awaits the answer. She waves a talon to everyone.
The bear seems a bit shocked to see a griffon come charging into his boat! "What is the meaning of this!?" He demands before settling and answering questions. "We were hoping to solve this without involving outside governments, we don't want to be owing expensive favors. And free trade among all means more goods and more crowns for everyone, trying to stop trade... well, that is never good for anyone really." He takes a drink of his loger, "As for why, all they say is that they own the seas and if we want to sail anything, we sail flying their flag, paying their fines, and under their rules." He says,
Shaytalis nods to the captain, looking to Angel as she gets a seat. She looks back to the captain, "I see. Extortion? That is rather dangerous. I understand why you don't wish to bring other governments in. That being said, it may be time to consider an alliance of likeminded powers to protect trade from military threats." She looks around, "Perhaps that wont be done today. What can be done today? Protection from possible attack by their war ships?"
"I do not believe there will be a need for expensive favors if this is negotiated right. From what you are saying they are violating the rights of free trade by saying they own the seas, which means that they are a threat to not just your nation. But to every nation, This isn't just about restablishing trade routes with Thera'dor, this is about a possible threat to every known trade route on the seas. Including those that Sweetwater ships frequent, I'm sure that the good king would realize this." Angus commented, giving Angel a smile when she pads in and patting her softly on the head.
Rixo nods again at Angus and leans on the table. "He's right. We don't need to ask for help, exactly. We just have to make them see that it is in their best interest to take care of it. For their own reasons, rather than for us. Then we won't owe them anything."
Dio also lock his eyes with Angel, though his are probably much more happy and friendlier. With his curiosity satisfied, he shrugs and heads back down bellow deck behind Angel and takes his seat, listening in on the conversation. "An so these crocs came out of the blue 'n' started a blockade because they felt like it? Though the way you've been phrasin' it, you aren't too big a fan of these crocs even before this incident." The lion pauses, looking towards the others as they speak and continues. "So, where exactly are ya takin' us? Surely not to do battle with a blockade with a single ship. Perhaps a nice cruise?"
Angel murrs softly to Angus as she is patted, but keeps just listening for now.
The bear slaps the table a moment, "We don't realy have the time for all that, and no, not with just one boat, just all of you. Your mission, if you accept, will be to infiltrate the adrmial's boat, and remove her, from there, we should be able to push them back with our fleet." He explains. As the boat continues northward though, the tempratures drop sharply, and, through the port hole... snow.
Shaytalis asks, "Kidnap the admiral? What will be the terms of release?"
Angus shrugs softly, continuing to give Angel some attention as he pets her head. "As you wish, but we will need a little more detail about their admirals boat. And how heavily guarded it is, considering it probably won't be easy to board. Also, lets talk about terrain. Will we have to worry about icebergs as well, how calm are the seas at this time of day, winds, the usual factors we will have to deal with."
The cold weather brings a shiver to the short-furred lion, causing him to wrap the coat around his body in an attempt to get warm. "Oh? Quite a dangerous plan right there... An' I can only imagine what wonderful things could happen if they manged to spot a few nobles durin' the mission. Foreign relations and all that." Rubbing up and down upon his arms, he mutters something under his breath. "Though it would be pretty fun I'm sure... What can you supply us with, in addition to the fox-kit's information?"
Rixo frowns at Dio's comment. "Ah, yes. I imagine it'd go quite poorly if they managed to capture me, but... I don't think that'll be a problem! We can deal with them, I'm sure. I'm not exactly built for stealth incursions, but I'm confident that we can take out the admiral. Maybe even take their boat, too... Could add it to our own!"
Angel shivers herself and just leans a bit more into Angus, "Stealth.. infiltrate. I don't think you quite get what he means by.. remove." She says, placing her head at Angus' shoulder.
Shaking his head the bear quite agrees, "I want you to kill her, not kidnap her, this is a war." he says, then gets to answering more questions, "The Admiral is on the largest gun ship in our east most harbor. She communicates via air math to the other ships. It is heavily armed and guarded, which is why we need someone to infiltrate into it, instead of trying to just take it ourselves. There are no iceburgs this far south, but snow and ice could be an issue, the seas are mostly calm, we have that benefit, winds are strong however." He shakes his head, "We don't have much to help you with in equipment, we had to keep the ship light to get out of harbor," he looks to Rixo, "That is the plan cousin, rout out their leader, and take the rest in the confusion." Some sharp yelling, "Captain! We are coming within 100 nautical miles of the blockade." To which he yells back, "Slow to 5 knots and we will devise our plan." Then looks to all the soul gifted.
Shaytalis thinks, "I don't know enough about the history of your encounters. I'm willing to be convinced that they deserve to be killed. Can you, or anyone else, tell me more about this situation's background?"
Shaytalis looks to the captain and around to the others for input.
Angus turns to smile softly at Angel, and then ruffles her feathers. "It all depends really on how we want to board the ship, we could do it covertly under the guise of night. Use one of the life boats or something. Or if someone has access to water magic we could go under the waves, or use one of the lifeboats as a ploy. Tip it over, have someone act as if they are a shipwreck surviver.....Or, if we don't want to go with such stealth. Angel here could fly me, and possibly someone else over to the admiral's ship. They wouldn't be foolish enough to turn cannons on one of their own, and the others could use the confusion to their advantage and slip aboard."
Rixo takes a deep breath as she mulls it over. "A lifeboat might be best. I can't swim in this armour, and swimming would be a terrible idea, anyway. This water is cold, and you probably wouldn't last long in it. A lifeboat at night, however, can get close enough to allow us to board. Perhaps through the cannon ports, if they're big enough."
"So..." Dio leans almost dangerously far back in his chair, placing his feet upon the table and crossing his arms. "You picked up some random soul gifted, some of which 'appen to be nobles, take 'em on a cruise, an' expect us to kill a high rankin' admiral I barely even know about?" The lion chuckles and suddenly springs forward in his chair. "That's quite somethin' there, Cousin Bear... Though, I do like some of the fox-kit's ideas."
Angel nods along with most of the ideas, but otherwise keeps quiet. The bear however, is more vocal! "Look we need your help, these crocs have been a thorn in our sides for a long time now, since before Rixo left. The things they do, the people they hurt and kill. Pirates! All of them are nothing but pirates! They choke the trade, they shoot at our ships and the ships of other nations trying to trade with us. We trade with Sweetwater all the time, timber, ore, food, and the moment we need help... look, if we don't get help things are going to turn bad, and fast. Rixo can tell you we survive on trade, without it..." and he glaces away. "Our food stocks may last another month of this embargo on our shores."
Shaytalis nods, addressing the captain. "Understand that, were on on the croc's vessel, in much this same position, I would be asking the same questions for the sake of you and yours. I want to ensure that my sword is drawn against a true foe, whenever possible." She looks to Rixo, "Rixo, you have been a member of our community. You are also a cousin of the captain. I will trust your word on this. Do this admiral and his men deserve death?"
Angus turns to face the Captain and nods softly, his hand digging just a little to much into Angels feathers before his hand drops to his side. "Then we wait for the cover of nightfall. Weather the admiral lives or dies, none of it will matter if we can't board their ship."
"Yes, I do believe so." The panda rubs at her eyes for a moment. "The cold is not so great for growing a lot of crops. We need the trade to survive. If we don't end this blockade, many people, innocent people, will suffer and die." She looks towards Shaytalis, frowning. "Could you abide that?"
Dio taps his claw-tipped fingers on the table in a slow drumming motion. "So despite bein' such good tradin' partners with the crown and how much these 'pirates' have shot down other ships, they've refused any sort of interest? I'm sorry fer askin' so many accusin' questions, but ya gotta understand how a random person ya picked up off the docks may take in all this information..." The lion soon puts his gaze on Rixo and leans in. "Hmm, but even with all that said, I'd rather not 'ave people starve. If it all possible, perhaps we could capture this admiral instead? I know /personally/ you want 'er head on a pike, but we're the ones who shall have the bloody hands."
Shaytalis shakes her head, "No, I could not." She looks to Dio, "I would prefer to capture the admiral as well. A dead man can be replaced. A live one may deal. Capturing him could allow for us to form a treaty. Killing him might simply open the doors for another upstart--wounded as they may be." Looking to the captain, "Capturing the admiral would be a more dangerous task, but potentially far greater in its reward for your people. Do you believe we are capable of this? You know their defenses better than I."
Angel just lays against Angus and listens some more, pondering how best to help, "I could fly someone in, this is true.. but we'd be seen, I like the boat idea." she says before going quiet again, ready to offer any aid she could though. THe bear shakes his head, "Killed would be best, but captured would work in a pinch." he says, "As for... their definces, they have a lot of artilary on thier boats, so, trying to out fight them isn't a good idea, also, on ship there are guards a lot of them of course, and the ships crew. The best option would be to enter undetected, you all have given good ideas so far. So, to wait till night fall..." he says, "Stop the ship! We wait for night!" he shouts out. And so... they wait.
Angus takes a seat next to Angel as he waits. "Most of the crew on the ship will probably be below decks when we board. We could probably block the door which would buy us some time, but then we would have to still take care of the guards. Not only that, but the artillery of the other ships if they do decide to fire upon their own."
Rixo looks down at herself and folds her arms. "Well, we'll see how it goes. Capture or dead. Either way, we're going to try to end this. Hopefully my equipment won't make too much noise, eh?"
"If I'm takin' on the ship, I won't be aimin' to kill the admiral," Dio nods, placing his feet upon the table and crossing his legs. How uncouth! "But we'll cross that bridge once we get there. Consider me /on board/, lad!" Deadly puns as they await in the night. "Do you know what this admiral looks like? A physical description would help quite a bit."
Night comes and fortunately moonless. The crew had got a lifeboat ready, and some deep fog rolls in. "Perfect" says the captain looking around. "They won't notice a thing." he says, but with the sun gone, the chill gets ever worse. "Come now ladies and gents, lets get this going." he says and takes everyone up to the lifeboat. "All in and get ready." he says, but first, he passes to Rixo a piece of paper, "Your griffon friend and I came up with an idea. This has some Fire Math on it, if you get in trouble hold it to any small source of fire, then throw it into the air or out a port hole. She'll come flying." he says and Angel just nods.
Shaytalis goes on deck to lie under the stars a bit, enjoying the moonless night
Angus just could not stop his eat from chattering! "Damn it's cold!" He comments in a loud whisper, shaking his limps to try and bring warmth back into them. "You know...this is one of the few times I'm glad I'm about to throw myself into combat...just to stay warm." Muttering softly he rubs at his arms and slinks into the boat, his twin tails curling around his lap in an effort to help him stay warn.
Rixo accepts the paper with a nod. "Noted. Thank you. Hopefully we won't need it, but if we do... Good to have." She folds the paper and slips it into one of her gauntlets before pulling her helmet on. She steps up to Angus and claps him on the back. "You'll be fine! If I had known we were coming up here ahead of time, I'd have warned you! I don't have much to offer you, as it is, though." As she settles into the lifeboat, she glances around the darkness. "At least my armour blends, well enough!"
Quite cold indeed! The lion shivers and shakes as he moves his way into the boat, sitting just beside Angus. "Ya could say that again, fox-kit." While combat would warm them up quite a bit, he hoped the mission wouldn't dissolve into a large melee. He looks towards Angus and thinks for a moment. There was a way to help keep warm in these kind of situations... The lion's arms descend around the fox and attempt to pull him into a warmth sharing hug! That is, if he accepts. Brotherly love.
The boat loaded and everyone seemingly ready the life boat is lowered into the water, "Just row in a straight line and you'll get to her ship, don't go left, don't go right, directly over." he says and then, "Good luck.. we are depending on you all." he finishes and turns back to the ship.
Angel walks over to Shay, still a griffon and lays next to her, trying to stay warm herself. "Wh.. why didn't you g.gg.go with them?" she asks.
Shaytalis looks up to Angel, "Are we preparing to leave? The captain said we were camping out for the night."
Shaytalis gets up and dusts herself off, "Where are the others located?"
A one-hundred and twenty pound fox, shivering violently. And Dio thinks he will actually put up a fight when he is hugged? Angus flails his arms for a bit as Dio grabs him, finally breaking free after a few minutes. "Thanks Dio, but lets just stick to rowing for now." He comments, giving the Lion a smile before he grabs one of the oars and starts rowing.
Regretfully, Dio lets Angus loose from his grasp. But he was such a source of warmth... "I gotcha lad, let's get to rowin'." He searches around for an oar and picks one up before dipping the paddle portion into the water. "Wait a minute," he pauses, looking around once more. "Aren't we missin' someone?"
Rixo holds up a hand and takes a head count. "Hold on for a moment. I think we're missing someone. We're going to need all of the people we can get for this." She looks back towards the boat and pulls her helmet on, nodding at Dio. At least it wasn't just her that noticed it.
Shaytalis catches up with the others and gets on the boat
Angel continues to wait as the boat pulls away. It doesn't take too long for everyone to meet up with the Admrial's ship, fortunately unseen. The boat is quite large, and there doesn't seem to be an easy way up from this side of things, nothing but planks of wood, no ladder.
Angus switches his soul gem as they row closer, deciding that stealth would be better at the moment then to strong arm. He looks up at the seamless wall of wood before him, and frowns. "....anyone have rope?" He asks softly, turning to look at the others as he shivers underneath his cloak. Hoping that the spray from the water doesn't render his musket into a useless tool, but somehow knowing that he should probably avoid using it.
Rixo turns, slowly, to rifle through her bag. "Yes, I have rope. I don't have fancy flying magic at this time, so I've learned to keep it on me. Hard to get around without it, sometimes." She pulls up a coil of thick rope, offering it to Angus. "Think we can enter through a cannon port? It'd probably be more discrete than just showing up on deck."
Dio looks around for some rope, finding none and shrugging his shoulders. Maybe it's time to blast of- But wait, the panda has some rope! What good luck. "Sounds good lass," he whispers, trying to set his sights upon a nearby cannon port if any happened to be open at the time. "But if we can't find any openings, there's a couple other methods we can try... Could be dang- Well, the mere fact we're 'ere is quite dangerous... If anythin', we could use a nice scout to peek over before we all come hoppin' in."
Shaytalis says, "I can attempt to calm the winds, to ease our approach. Would this be helpful? It would not be a powerful affect, but it might be enough to help avoid detection."
The ship rocks there, waiting to be boarded, but the longer they wait, the more likely the group in the lifeboat will be discovered! The winds shift a bit, bring more chilled air to everyone.
Angus looks up at the ship, shivering because of the wind. "dammit." He mutters softly as he takes the offered rope. "No time, they could discover us at any moment." Sighing to himself he takes flight, fighting against the wind and his own cloak as he moves to the nearest cannon port. Grabbing hold of it with one hand he wraps the rope around the other, poking his head in to look around to see if anyone was near his location.
Dio watches Angus take flight and heaves a sigh of relief when the winds seem to calm down a bit, making the cold just a bit more bearable. With the rope now in place, he flies towards it and takes hold, looking at the fox for some sort of signal.
Rixo stands in the boat, carefully, checking her equipment to make sure she has everything that she'll need. "Hopefully most of the crew will be asleep. The crow's nest will hopefully be a non-issue. Anyone who stays up all night in the outside like this is probably drunk out of their senses, if they're even there."
Shaytalis says, "I'm not certain if I can climb the rope up to the ship. I can attempt to.. I am not particularly experienced with this."
