The Journey Of The Iron Kelpie

"... is this some kind of event?" The girl who called herself Prytania/Tania said.  As this point the initial surprise she brought to the deck had died down and people had started staring back at the two who were getting ready to wrestle.  "Yeah, you could say that. This kind swordsman issued a challenge to wrestle and this here tiefling accepted." Ren motioned to the two that were wrestling by pointing with his right hand. The two large humanoids started at each other.  "The rules are simple, grapple and throw the other contestant to the ground. Best out of three should suffice for now". As soon as Lyon finished speaking he got into a combat stance and prepared to move at a moments notice. It was at this point that a short man came up the stairs. If he had shown up a mere 20 seconds earlier many people would have taken notice of him, but at the moment this wrestling match was sucking everyone's attention away. He lifted his hand, "Heyo!". He said looking forward with an overly large grin on his face. Ren felt strange when he laid eyes on this man, his left shoulder where his left arm would be ached a little. "Well, I did hear that being at sea could open old wounds.", Ren muttered. He decided to make time to speak with this man, however at this moment he had a wrestling match to watch. 

Alizebeth looked to the people streaming out from below decks, heading topside. She rolled her shoulders in a light shrug, "You're...A large bird." She stared in amazement at Pezzak, her head canting slightly as she reached to one of the walls.  "Yes, that is indeed my pet flying about. I would ask of you, take care not to harm or startle her. She can be quite a handful at times, and I do not wish any harm to come to her." Her gaze was pulled by the other young woman running to and fro, an amused expression crossing her face as she went back and forth before finally heading top-side, dressed in armor. "It appears someone is in quite the hurry."

Azariah did much the same as Tord, dropping low and spreading his arms wide. There was a long moment of silence exchanged between the two of them. The two competitors eyeing one another over, waiting for the other to strike first, or sizing up how to go about said first strike. The first strike did eventually come though, and it came hard and brutally fast. Azariah stepped forwards. Grabbed his opponents hands, and swept out with his leg. Throwing him straight onto his back within seconds of the first bout beginning. He let out a wild bark of laughter as he threw his opponent down. "One to me..." He growled to his opponent, the coal skinned tiefling blocking the sun as he stood over him, before reaching out a hand and pulling his opponent back to his feet. He stepped back and reassumed his stance, Lyon did the same. Azariah struck first yet again, going to grab for Lyon's wrists, but Lyon managed to spin his arms, breaking the grapple before it truly began, grappling Azariah in return. He had Azariah's hands gripped firmly, and was pressing the big man down forcing himself over the tiefling to simply out weigh him. Things looked bad for the tiefling, but suddenly he reversed, sliding a foot back and using both it and his tail to push up as he twisted his wrists, forcing Lyon's into a position where he couldn't bring his strength to the fore. Getting back upright, the tiefling bullrushed into lyon, sending him back a step before yanking back with all the strength he had. Throwing Lyon off balance, the paladin was thrown face first to the ground. Azariah let out a pleased growl. before crouching, offering a hand to his opponent. "That was fun, you're strong Lyon. Very strong. Actually had me scared there...Mmmn... We should definitely do this again some time." Anyone watching would be able to see Azariah's tail wagging side to side gleefully.

"Quite entertaining."  Ren watched the fight take place. Azariah, the tiefling had won. Although Lyon hadn't manage to throw the tiefling, it was close. I didn't give the man enough credit, he is quite strong in his own right.  Those who were watching started lightly applauding. Applausing was hard for someone with Ren's... condition so just threw out a "good job" which probably wasn't heard.  Azariah was defiantly pleased by the outcome and defiantly enjoyed having a sparring partner. Looked like fast friends, or something of the sort. There would defiantly be more cheering if one of the participants wasn't a tiefling. Then again, Ren though, they had quite the diverse ship, from demons to elves and even half-birds... Ren wasn't really sure. Ren was surprised that everyone getting along as well as they were. 

Ao watched the tail swing side to side and stifled a laugh, his face brightening a bit amongst the chaos of meeting all these new people. "Maybe this won't be so bad after all."  He took a few steps to the side of the doorway before sitting on the deck, yawning and stretching his arms.

Plavet had stayed back in silence as the new, religious woman entered the stage known now as "Prytania... or Tania" for short. He watched the fight ensue with one cocked eyebrow, almost giggling to himself watching the two men wrestle. He kept his hands in his pockets, whispering something to himself in elvish as he watched the two engage in a sort of battle, smirking at them. Turning his gaze to the man that had recently entered topside. He thought to himself for a moment as he watched the man, before looking back to the group. He looked at the Tiefling, Azariah, before blurting out somewhat quickly; "You really  enjoy groping around with other men, huh?" he eyed the Tiefling  a half smile forming on his face as he finished after the last; "huh", before looking shifting his position to the young girl Prytania. He seemed to have pondered for a moment as he sort of scratched his head, eyeing the girl up and down, he shook his head as he began to speak something before immediately cutting himself off. Plavet thought briefly to himself; Calm down. Be nice, while he paused for a moment in some kind of absent mindedness. Finally he looked back to the man that only Ren had acknowledged.  Plavet began to move over to the apparently shy one with the black, albeit slight drab hooded vest that had recently walked up the stairs, clearing his throat a bit; "What is ya' name then, huh? Name's Plavet, good ta' meetcha'" He extended his hand in a thrusting and sudden manner to him. (Speaking to Bryon). 

Ao reeled back a little and bumped his head on the wood behind him when the man suddenly moved his hand forward.  Wincing and rubbing the back of his head, Ao extended his own hand cautiously in greeting. "Um.. Byron, yeah, my name is Byron.. uh sorry you caught me off guard a little.  Nice to meet you too." Stumbling over his own words, Ao looked down in complete embarrassment due to his clumsiness and awkward demeanor.  His face flushed a faint red.

Plavet gripped the awkward mans hand in a rather imposing, but friendly way, eyeing him with some intrigue the entire time.. He shook it roughly one... two times before letting go and allowing his hand to fall into his right pocket. He moved his hand around in his pocket in what seemed like a sort of nervous habit. He stood there for a brief moment in silence, before speaking up; "I see I caugh' ya' off gaur', what in the world has got ya' so jumpy? Nothing to be scared of me 'bout." He laughed somewhat loudly at the man in front of him in a similarly friendly way, followed by a deep breath inwards; "Well, tell me 'bout ya' self. I already sort of started off in the wrong foot over there-" He pointed at the group where the tiefling was recently wrestling with a human man, "-so I figure I'd star' 'ere, with ya'... what're you doin' aboar' thi'  fine  ship?"

"Flap that tongue some more Plavet. Watch me yank it out." The tiefling said, giving him a grin that revealed all too many sharp teeth. Though the tiefling was rapidly distracted from him, watching Ao effectively bumbling about. With a shrug. He walked back to Ren's side, looking to Lyon for him to join them. Weak men like Plavet, he had no interest in speaking to. Nor this bumbling Ao fellow unless he somehow proved himself worth the tieflings eye. "Thank you. He put up an impressive fight. Not many manage to get me on my heels." He said to Ren, showing that the tieflings ears must be as sharp as his teeth. Though his voice was calm, and genuinely complimentary to Lyon, respect clear.

Ao flexed his hand a few times after the man released the second rough shake.  There was a sudden muffled chattering noise for a moment before a young squirrel poked its head out of his hood, head darting around quickly in observance.  Ao reached into a small bag on his belt and gave a little cracker to the animal before resuming conversation with Plavet. "No worries, I'm a bit of a klutz.  I'm just looking to make a path of my own and be happy, not much else to it."  Ao gave a brief smile.  "What brought you to this vessel?" He looked past the man for a moment at the tiefling who spoke.  Sizing him up a bit before averting gaze again, giving his attention to the person conversing with him.

Prytania was feeling a lot better, only the man that greeted her seemed to have noticed her, or at least cared, and he was pretty friendly. With the fight, she forgot to ask him his name tho... Oh well, she'll ask later. Yes, she's definitively doing ok: She's gorgeous, she's charming, there's nothing she cannot do!: ( "Yea, maybe I'm just overcomplicating thin-")  A small man stopped in front of her and took a good look with... lust?,. (" Wow, is he just going to check me silently like that? ") After a while, annoyed, she opened her mouth to speak with the man, but before she could emit any sound, the man sighed in disapointment and left... Back to not ok... Not letting the events get the best of her, she pondered her options: Speak with the two sparring guys, go find the little pervert and face him, or jump headfirst to the sea... She's not in the mood right now to face the two muscleheads, (" although the tiefling sure doesn't look bad. If only he dressed better..." ) oh well, the other option was already speaking with one of the sneaky bystanders that seemed to not mix too well with the main group, she'll deal with him later. By this time the tiefling was approaching her (more like her new friend, but oh well), and he was telling the human to join them, so why not she'll try her charms... " Hi, congratulations on the fight, that last tail sweep sure got him by surprise!, but, he seems like a disciplined man, he'll learn from that, I'm sure next time it won't be that easy", < she winks as she taps Lyon's armor with her elbow >  "aanyway, name's Prytania and for what Ive seen, it seems that I'll be your cleric for this trip, if you ever need anything, just ask!" - she says as she offers her hand to them both

Plavet looked at him, and laughed heartily when the squirrel jumped out. He inspected it for a moment as it ate the cracker offered to it, before looking back to the man before him; "Well, I came 'ere fa' a na' life.-" He quickly hushes his voice;  "'Tween you n' me, I ran into a spot of trouble back home, figured I might as well start new. Maybe do something goo' for a change... like..." He trails off for a moment; "Like..." he shook his head rather quickly speaking up a bit louder; "Ah, just came 'ere to start a new life. I'll probably jus' hunt around." At that he tapped the bow slung around his back, before looking to where the man in front of him had set his gaze to. "Oh, that Tieflin' bastard? Ah, he ain't that bad, I think I mighta' made 'im angry with me messin' with him n' whatnot but I don't mean much by it. He's just ya' typical-" at this, Plavet changed his voice to that of a caveman; "Me like fight, blood and honor! Me like strong people!" reverting back to his normal voice; "kinda' guy. Pretty freaky lookin', but I ain' never been religious or nothin' so it don't bother me all that much." He paused for a brief moment before continuing on with; "Hey, I realized I neva' got ya' name. What shoul' I call ya?"

Azariah walked up to Ren, Lyon not too far behind. Azariah momentarily stopped to threaten someone, Ren didn't really notice since he was taking a quick look around the crowd, his eyes wandered back to the new guy who didn't seem to have good footing on a boat.  "Thank you. He put up an impressive fight. Not many manage to get me on my heels." Ren turned back to Azariah and Lyon, as Plavet approached the new guy.  Looking at Lyon, "That was a good showing you put up there. I guess I should not underestimate paladins like you." Out of the corner of his eye, Ren could tell the everyone on deck had seemingly broken up into a couple groups. "If you fight that well with brute strength, I'm interested in eventually seeing your skill with that blade." Ren nods at the Falcion nearby.  Ren turned back towards Azariah. "Well fought. I will say it is relieving to see no one getting devoured." 

Realizing "home" looks just like every other place he has left, Issachar decides to make his way forward.   "Perhaps the Cap'n has a spot o' the grog he'll share with a thirsty traveller", He thinks.  A swell almost causes him to lose his footing as he makes his way down to the main deck, but his sea legs are rounding into shape quickly.  A big smile breaks out on Issachar's face as he leans back on the Port railing, looking across the ship at the other tiefling.   "Abadar's balls, he's a big'un"  he thinks as he watches the interplay between his journey-mates.   "I bet he's got the pride to match his size, by the cut of that coat."

Grames suddenly bursts from the darkness of the lower deck, with a bottle of golden liquid in one hand. "Good news, everyone! I've managed to..." Only now does he see that the upper deck is not quite in order. "Hm. Maybe the alcohol can wait until things have calmed down. Maybe some bandages..." His mutterings become too low to hear as he slowly walks back to his lab.

Zordlon watched the fight with some interest ignoring the girl who fell onto the top deck and as the crowd dispersed around Zordlon watched the others banter quickly seeing to fade into the background as he normally does when being quite.

Lyon felt a huge smile widing along his lips. It had been quite a while since he had been able to sparr with someone else, as it had been a while since he left his town for this journey. It seems like this will turn out to be a really interesting adventure with much to be expected from these diffrent people from around the land. Heres to making new friends, firendly rivals, goals and much more in the comming time. Lyon accepts the Thieflings hand and appriciates the friendly gesture and good fight. "It  has truly been a while since i have had the chance to spar with an opponent such as yourself, i hope you will be generous enough to accept another sparring some other time. Maybe next time i will be able to earn your name as well" Says Lyon with a huge smile. Lyon accepts the outstreched hand of Prytania "Good Greetings to you miss. I go by the name of Lyon, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance" Lyon says while planting a kiss on the misses hand as his been learned to do, if she allows it. " And you are is truly right, he beat me with great fighting expertise. I only hope that i will be able to learn from this and win at some other time as he seems to be a truly though opponent. " Looking at Ren " Well, i can assure you Ren. If there are any of whom have evil or malevolent deeds you can be assured that i will do all that is in my might to stop from doing so" He says with a slight chuckle and a smile.

Zordlon silently makes his way over to lyon and taps his shoulder "maybe we could go for a bout one of these days."

Lyon streches out a hand towards the new stranger. "Greetings, my name is Lyon. I would be my pleasure to do so, mr......."?

Ao smiled again and rubbed the back of his head, "Byron would be the easiest thing to call me.  Oh and this is Uchi!"  He stroked the head of the hyper little creature.  The squirrel circled around his hand quickly and sat on it as Ao extended the arm towards Plavet slowly. "Hes friendly, and he has a good sense for people.  You can pet him if you'd like."

"Zordlon." Zordlon takes the mans hand and shakes it "Though if you ask me i wouldn't try to make the teifling angry."

Plavet looked at Bryon laughing lightly. He extended his hand and began to scratch the little thing for a bit, before finally retracting it. He looked to the man now named Bryon and began to speak: "Its bee' good talking'... But I thin'  I need to catch some sleep... Getting tired and all these waves getting' me a bit I'll... But I'll see ya' round' right?" With that, he gave a brief wave as he headed off to the nearest staircase down. (Ooc: I'll be back Monday, probably won't play on weekends for the most part.)

Though the tiefling was dreadfully underdressed. On closer inspection, it was easy to tell that he had spent a lot on what he did wear. His jacket and pants alike were beautifully tailored, and made of the kind of materials usually reserved for nobles. Just those two articles of clothing would have cost a small fortune. He watched the woman silently as she approached, thumbs hooked around the lips of his pockets. She sure talks a lot... A priest huh? Interesting... Takes a lot of discipline to make your way in the world under the eyes of a god, especially as strictly as a priest must.  "Azariah Jericho, it's my pleasure." He replied, his bored expression turning to a faintly amused grin, as his hand took hers. Shaking it gently and politely, as if he feared breaking her. She could just make out black tribal tattoos on the tieflings dark skin. Catching sight of a second tiefling emerged from below deck, Azariah's eyes opened a little more, and he gave a swift upwards nod in recognition of the other tiefling, before looking back to his companions. He let out a laugh at Ren's comment, a barking harsh thing. "You do realise I didn't mean literally devouring them, yes?" "And I'd love to Lyon, a good brawl is the best way to start a morning. Or evening." He chuckled softly, brushing back some of his long blue hair from his face. Which was surprisingly clean, it looked as if he shampooed it daily. "It's Azariah, by the way."

"It's also a great way to get injured. Perhaps next time don't do it somewhere you might fall into the sea below deck for instance."

After having played the tough girl a bit, Prytania offered to shake hands with the strongmen, she held it open and stiff, expecting his huge hands to wrap hers lik- (" What is he do- did he just... I... ") she saw in slow-motion how the paladin grabbed her hand delicately and planted a perfectly executed kiss on it. Granted that it was a courtesy kiss, she was shocked nonetheless. Not because she found him especially attractive, but because noone ever kissed her hand like THAT, and certainly didn't expect it from anyone in this ship!... " Uh...  Pleased to meet you, Lyon!" - she responded by sheer instinct, before blinking out of her shock-  I'm absoutely certain that you will ". Soon after, she turned to face the winner: There he stood smiling proudly, yet not arogantly. "A priest huh? Interesting... Takes a lot of discipline to make your way in the world under the eyes of a god, especially as strictly as a priest must. Azariah Jericho, it's my pleasure." -said the tiefling That phrase hit really hard on her. " You have no idea... " - Mindblock-, The metaphorical punch from the giant had knocked her sensless. Her face paled a few tones as she felt her burden opressing her more and more, and got lost in her thoughts for a minute -(" Wake up, this is going to kill you girl... ") In the meantime, Azariah was paciently waiting her response, but she looked even more lost than usual. (" Weird, funny little girl, she seems to be losing the battle inside her... I'll leave her alone a bit ") -Thougth Azariah. He decided not to risk anything, he grabbed her hand as softly and humanly tiefingly possible, and turned to speak with the guys while she recovered. Shortly after, Prytania did recover: she found herself with her hand on her pocket, strongly grabbing her god's symbol. She noticed that a fourth member had officialy joined the group, displacing her a bit out, one of the lurky-types. Curiously, they are like the muscleheads were supposed to be... (" what IS this ship! " ) . She saw him around before, cockily provoking the muscleheads, luckily for him, they didn't seem to be bothered at all. She squeezed between Ren and Zordlon and intervened a bit in the chit-chat: " Sorry, I just needed some air, anyhow guys, what brings you out here? "

Ren had been talking with Azariah and Lyon when the elf in the corner finally decided to join them. "maybe we could go for a bout one of these days." Hmm Ren thought it strange that such a sneaky person would openly say such a thing, but he didn't question it. Ren learned that this man's name was Zordlon. He exchanged a few words with Azariah and Lyon first.  "It's also a great way to get injured. Perhaps next time don't do it somewhere you might fall into the sea below deck for instance." Though Ren wasn't really scared of either of them falling overboard it wouldn't be polite to keep quite. "Well greetings .. elf. My name is Ren. Nice to meet you."  Red reached slowly reached his hand out, but right at that second the young girl Tania barreled in.   "Sorry, I just needed some air, anyhow guys, what brings you out here?"  Ren turned and looked at Tania, waiting for a second or two to pass to see if she realized her timing was off, not that Ren minded of course. "Well hello there, Tania I am Ren. I don't think we got properly introduced." They were a bit close, and she was on his left side so it would be hard for someone with no left arm to shake hands naturally. Instead he placed his hand on his chest and made a small bow.  "What have I been telling everyone? I've been traveling, and the island looks like a nice place to go." 

"Hello Prytania it's good to have a priestess on board where we're going we may need the help from the gods. Soeaking of which which god or goddess do you worship again?"  

Ao pulled out a piece of lumpy charcoal soap and started breaking it down.  His ear turned towards the group, eavesdropping in on conversations. "What do you think Uchi?  Good people?" He smiled down at his pet, nuzzling his nose on the top of the squirrels head.

Rusty climbs up the stairs to the ship's deck and walks to the railing, noticing the group but making no effort to join in. His armor was left below decks, but he seems ready for anything with his shield on his back and a sword on his side. He is quite and seems to enjoy the breeze.

"Don't lecture me Ren, I know what I'm about." The tiefling said in a soft voice, rumbling like a rock down a hill as his tail gave a quick lash to the side.  Meanwhile, he seemed largely more interested in Tania, inspecting her at her odd reaction. His deep red eyes watching her hand lance into her pocket to grab at her holy symbol. Odd one... The tiefling let out a soft hmph as he crossed his arms over his chest, looking thoughtful "No. I suppose I don't... So... As interesting as all our reasons for coming are. I'm curious about something else. What do we all bring to the table? As much as we're pretending this will be easy, all of us are settlers in a new world. What do you all bring to a fight, and out of one?"

Ren shrugged. "Azariah's got a point, I doubt this island is going to full of fun loving animals that welcome us. It would be wise to know the strengths of styles of those we depend on."  His hand slowly falls to his blade, "Swordplay is something I've been training in all my life. I bring my skills as a swordsman into a fight." Tilting his head to his left to motion to his arm, "Though I am not be as strong as I once was, I have no trouble charging into a fight. I'm at my strongest when fighting re-actively."  "Though you may all already know me as the 'one-armed swordsman' I'm also a Doctor, I've tried to find ways to contribute to this society without this sword. In this world the gods can grant miracles in the form of healing powers. However they do not grant me this power. I turned to knowledge and science. I hope the power of modern medicines and surgery proves useful to at least one of you, in or out of combat."  Ren looks at Tania and bows his head slightly to show respect. "I do look forward to working with a divine healer."  Looking back at the others, Ren motions that he is done speaking.  "So what about all of you?" 

Talathal scratched away at the parchment in the book, his feet propped up in the crows nest of the ship. He was relatively comfortable, which was better than most could say on a swaying ship in the middle of the ocean. He squinted up towards the sun, a hand coming up to shade his eyes before closing up the book and stowing it away. Notes for later, after all. He took a hold of the edge, swinging his legs over before nimbly making his way down. Damn horse'll be having a fit, especially after the scuffles down there. A couple of meat-heads having a groin measuring contest, a clumsy woman in new armor, and a feth-load of rats. "Interesting day at least." He dropped lightly down onto the deck, meandering his way around to make for the bowels of the ship.

Ao looked at Ren and then up at the sky, scratching his chin a little bit.  "Um... well.  I think you're all a little weird; but, you seem like mostly good people." He looked back down and took a moment to scan each person, smiling at some and frowning at others.  Uchi the squirrel scampered across the deck and rapidly made his way up to the crows nest, running around it hyperactively.

The tiefling abruptly shifted the conversation from motivations to utilitarism, and everyone started to talk about their skills. No one seemed to recognize Pharasma's symbol tho, even while looking at the symbol with curiosity... The tall elf even asked about it. No surprise, these guys didn't seem like the religious type (" good, maybe I can subtly introduce him to them... "). Ren on the other hand, seemed like a deeply religious person, or at least inclined to be so, he just seemed frustrated, if only she could show him a fraction of his love... Mardev is not big in physically healing people, but he is good at healing their souls  ("He's too old, but  maybe he can be trained... ") Prytania's closed her eyes for a second while she mumbled a prayer, mentally focusing on the holy symbol in her pocket. Her blue eyes were shining with a different light, there was now determination in them, as well as in her words. [OOC If anyone has spellcraft, you can notice she cast Guidance on herself] "What do I bring to the team? Well, I'm clearly not as skilled or strong in swordfights as you guys look, that's for sure, but my goddess provides for that. I may be just an initiate, but in defending her, her will moves me, her zeal guides my hands, her love makes me face death without fear, her blessings make me achieve incredible feats. I still have a lot to learn, but that means that I can grow that much more in power, if you provide at least a meager portion of what she gives me, you can at the very least count on my loyalty. Just don't make me choose between you or my goddess"  - As she pronounced the last words, her eyes and voice turned to her normal state.  Hopefully the small demonstration of power will incline them a bit more into religion. " well, If you guys want to learn more about Pharasma, please visit me at my room, I'm making a makeshift chapel for the trip, you're all invited " -she said with an achievement smile in her face, as she made an inviting gesture for the rest to talk.

Words of magic snaps Rusty out of his calm state. Hand on sword he turns...and sees a young woman talking. Unaware of what was cast he watches for unusual behavior, but finds him self calmed and  listening. No longer tense or expecting a fight he approaches the group. Speaking up for the first time:  Priestess, I am Viggo Stigsson Rustbeard. I have failed to understand Pharasma's teaching but have also never met one of her priests. I am happy to have you as our spiritual guide.  Realizing he justspoke out loud. Rusty falters.  Oh, um.perhaps we could talk later. looking at everyone, nice to meet all of you. pausing..hoping someone else takes any attention away from him so he can leave.

Zordlon glances at this viggo but his main attention remains on Prytania " Next time you make a speech perhaps don't bother with whatever magic that was."

The small man from earlier that Ren had taken note of spoke up, "Um... well. I think you're all a little weird; but, you seem like mostly good people." It was quite enough that Ren was sure some of the people there would probably think we was talking to someone else. After Ren had finished speaking, Prytania decided it was her turn next. Her eyes closed, as she clasped her hands together and started a prayer. Her eyes shining, she was casting a spell. Instinctively Ren was on guard, he took a step back and his hand fell to the pommel of his katana. However, he forced himself to calm down afterwards. It was unlikely that this would be a hostile spell given the company, but nonetheless Ren disliked people casting spells around him randomly.  Tania's voiced seemed to change a little as she talked. She spoke of her goddess Pharasma and her powers. Though this was obviously a display of her goddess's power, Ren was unsure what to make of it. The content of her speech was a bit unsettling.  Pharasma? Ren tried searching through his memory to remember who this god was, but didn't come up with anything. He did know that the same didn't give him a warm feeling.  At this time the elf (Zordlon) spoke up. "Next time you make a speech perhaps don't bother with whatever magic that was." Ren looked at Zordlon curiously, "I would not underestimate the powers of magic, especially when you cant identify it. For an elf, you don't seem very cautious around magic."  Ren thought it likely she just cast some kind of channeling spell to get the effects of her speech, but but had no way to confirm it. 

Waking from his nap, Harold stood and stretched, getting some of the kinks out.  Flint seemed content to stay where he was, enjoying the sun, so Harold patted his head, " You stay here you lazy old cat."   Glad to have had some time to himself (napping on a tiger has that effect), Harold decided it was probably time to introduce himself to a few of the others.  Smoothing out his clothes, Harold makes his way to the group standing out on the deck, oblivious to the conversation they are having.  " Greetings gentlemen, and lady" he gives a courtly bow with a flourish   "the names Harold Wiencrest and it is truly my pleasure to make all of your acquaintances.  I saw several of you step up to combat the hoard of rats which plagued us earlier and I was glad to see so many brave souls aboard.  This bodes well for our adventures to come."  

Zordlon looks at Ren "You may be right about being cautious but i know you can only use so much magic everyday and if something else happens -like with those rats- I would rather have the magical backup not used on something so frivolous, and besides I trust we wouldn't be attacking each other." Zordlon looks over at Azariah "Well at least not without permission."

Quite a speech there from the priestly girl. He watched her. Using magic to make herself seem more impressive, more confident. Hmph. Well if she had no choice but to rely on such things then that made those her strength. Not her own voice. That was how she was.  "Well hope that Pharasma guides your hand well. We will need it in this new world." Turning to Ren, he nodded. "I'm not sure how much we will need a doctor with a priest around." Well at least he was honest. "But your expertise with diseases and poisons may well trump hers. You say you are a surgeon, are you a barber too?" He asked, sounding somewhat hopeful.  "I myself, my strength is purely my own, I fight with my fists, and a magic that I've yet to see replicated beyond my teachers disciples and my father. As for what I can offer outside of battle. I'm a well trained huntsman and fisherman, though I make my way primarily as a carpenter." "This magic, comes from within, not without. It is the power of the mind to warp the flesh." He closed his eyes.  The tattoos across his form glowed bright blue as a dark red aura buffeted around him. "S̶͈̘̦̗͔e̪̕v̢͉̱e̷̖̺̥n͈̲̫̟͕ͅ ̥̺̳̰W̱̼͈̫͚o̩̻̼͉̰ͅͅl̸̟v̹̞͚e̖s̭̳̙͕̕ ͍̟͍̞c̮̲h͞a͇̝̜͎͕ͅs͇̺̠̭̠̹̰͜i̧̘̪n̝̭̳g҉̟̼ ̖͇̜̳̱͓͔F̛͕o͍ù̻̮r̳̬̱̫̣̠͉t̷̫̦͇̰̣ͅe͔̥̯e̳̗̘̬n̵͙͈̞̘̻ ̱D̺̬e͍̟͍̠̪̠e҉̼̼r̸̠̥̦̻͓͉ͅ ͍͈͚͕͔̬̱b̴̻ȩn̷e̠̩̻̹͞ạ̷̫̜͖̳t͖̱͚̳̲̫͙h͍͍̻͚ ͈t҉̹͉͔h̩̗̞̖e̯ ͎Ţ̖̟͈͉̗ͅw̼̖̬e͕̣̗͓̲ͅͅn̵̦ţy̦̠͔̮̞͙̳ ̩͚̪̬Ǫ͓̫̟̤̱n̤̞͚̪̦̝͚͘e͚͎̘͍̣ ̲R̗̺͓e̯̻̼̘̺͖̱ḓ̲̖̙̳ ͖̰̲̀M̸͈̞̦o̷̭͚o͈̤̘͓͖n̙͙̜̲ś̬̙̙̮̠̖.̙̞̘̥̼͢ ̢͈̜̼̬̜͎M̴̘e͕͘n̬ͅt͙̬a̢̳̮̳̣̱̖̹l̘͞ ̝̙̯̖͖̲ͅF͇̝̫̬̗i̥̮l̢t͖̠̭̰͍͎̘͜e̞͕͈r̳̜̕ ͍͈̖̻̹͔͙r̜̮͝e͚ṃ̧̲̖̙̻o̥̲̱̰̹͡v̲͓e̵̦d̤͎͡.̨ W̱̝o͕̣̯̘l̦̫f͔͇ ̹H͕ơ̱̹͈w̘̥̜͠l͉̰̮̪̹͡ ͕͍̞f̮̞͖a̬ng̸̰̪̪̫̼̼̳,͓͍͖ ̝͓̪̯̖c̦̘͟o̤͔̭̦͎me̷̮ ̝͎̰f̱͕̺̞̳̜͠o̞̳r͈̣̰̗t͓̤̺̫̩̻͚h̛͕̗̤.̩̼͕̞̞͖̺" He opened his eyes, they were yellow, and looked more akin to a wolves now, than his previous dark red orbs. He grinned, and his head warped, grew, ballooned. His neck grew longer, whilst his head grew thinner, his nose and mouth combined, his ears grew and stretched back, his hair shortened, and overtook his entire head, becoming a light blue fur that covered the top half of his head like a hood, the rest black fur just like his skin. His horns still rose over that, but beyond that, his head was gone, and had been replaced by that of a wolf.

Her speech seemed to work as intended with Azariah, he seemed satisfied with the response, but she noticed that her little trick had pretty much had everyone else unnerved: Just the vision of magic made them snap instantly into combat mode, but they more or less calmed themselves when they saw no harm done.(" Why must I be so impulsive... ") A new face approached the group, while he sheated his sword and actually greeted Prytania very humbly, before excusing himself out of the conversation -  who would had said it! . Before he left, she thanked his comment with her head while Zordlon openly complained about the spell. Another voice started talking in the back, but her mind was now focused on her most serious concern: Ren He was really startled, and that look he gave her... She tired to calm him as much as she could. Prytania extended her hand halfways to Ren, head looking down, while saying: " I'm sorry Ren... Guys, I just intended to prove that I'm not as useless as I feel you think I am. I shouldn't ha-" Then it happened. It seems that Azariah fights to win in every single conflict that emerges. From the tiefling's tatoos, a surge of magic bolted through the air, and soon his whole body was engulfed in a fiery aura while his faced slowly became that of a wolf. It was so sudden and unexpected that Prytania couldn't identify the nature of it, she balanced her weight backwards, to gain some distance. The vision was truly terrifying. (" Is this what Ren felt with me? "). Well, that escalated quickly. 

Prytania walked up to Ren and apologized humbly. "Do not apologize, it was a small thing you did. It is my fault for over-reacting. Just let me know ahead of time when you are going to use magic next time."  Azariah started his own speech. When the transformation happened, Ren had been taken aback, as had everyone else. However, Ren's surprise was most likely different from the surprise the others were feeling, it was not one of fear or danger. It took Ren only a moment to realize he was mistaking what he was witnessing for something else. Nevertheless Ren was unsettled. "Well, wolves are much scarier than foxes after-all." Ren mutted quietly. Everyone's attention was focused on the Azariah. "Hmm, Azariah, is this who you really are, or do you prefer being a half demon." Ren taunted the terrifying figure in front of him.

"Devil. Ren. I am half- Devil, Never call me one of those crazed animals again."  Azariah snarled, shaping the worlds with difficulty with his new found muzzle. Drool falling as the dog head fought to construct the words. Apparently not recognising the irony of a slavering wolf head saying that. He shook his head like a dog. and as he did, the blue fur grew longer and waved side to side around his head, forming once again into Azariah's waist length blue hair. By the time he was done, he brushed his hair to the side, and was once more 'human', or at least as close to human as the Tiefling ever got. "It is not my true form no. It is a power I spent months refining. These tattoos help me control my powers, they act as a focus. Still though, I cannot maintain that state for more than a minute right now. My father told me that travel, and forcing myself into situations that will push me to my limit will help me devlop new, stronger powers." His gaze, eyes still yellow like a wolves, indicating that he could turn his head back at a whim, turned to Prytania. "You are not useless, Prytania. I never thought that. A priest is a powerful companion to have at ones side. To gain a gods trust and to leech upon their strength is a path few can stride upon. I welcome your aid in the new world. The others might fear it but that's simply to fear a power they don't control. You do."

The tengu nature priest stretched his limbs above his head. He needed to get up and move around, keep his body from getting rusty. Besides, he wanted to get a look at some of the other colonists. No doubt most of them will be focusing on building and businesses, but some would be there for the same reason as Pezzack, to explore a new and uncharted land. Pezzack was a few inches below five feet, with a light, birdlike frame. The color of his skin couldn't be seen on account of being covered in black feathers like a crow. He was dressed head to toe in leather, with a waterproof poncho over a jacket, vest, leather pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. A large wooden shield is strapped to his back, and an exotic-looking short sword is strapped to his hip. Pezzack came up on the deck as Azariah underwent his transformation. Once he had resumed his normal form again, Pezzack gave a polite clap. "That's a pretty impressive trick, I have much training to go before I will learn to alter my form like that." He stuck out his hand. "I'm Pezzack, explorer and mapmaker. What's your handle?

Zordlon seems less unsettled by the transformation as Azariahs speech about this only being a small dose of his potential power "If this is just your power to a small extint what else could you possibly do turn completely into some sort of wolf demon?"

Realizing his blunder, Harold takes a step back and watches the rest of the conversation and the display of magic unfold.   I must remember I am not in my father's house any longer , he thinks to himself.   Impressed by the tiefling's display, Harold approaches along with Pezzack.   Gentlemen, he says with a nod. That was quiet the interesting display sir Azariah.  I myself can only manage a partial transformation. With that he takes a moment to concentrate and his nose extends a little and becomes slightly wolfish.  He takes in a deep breath.   Hrmm...did someone bring a donkey on board?  He shakes his head slightly and it returns to normal.   But enough with theatrics, what brings you aboard the Iron Kelpie?

Azariah stared at Pezzack for a good few moments. he'd never encountered a tengu before. Even as the creature held his arm out to him, he stared at it, as if it were something he'd never encountered. Finally, after a few moments of contemplation, he took its hand, and gave it a firm shake. Though gentle, as if he was afraid to break the bird. "Azariah. You say you can alter your form? Are you a psionicist as well?" He looked over the birds shoulder to Zordlon, and let out a bark of a laugh. "One can hope, though again. I will bite the next person who calls me a demon." He stared at Harold as he made his own transformation. "Another psionicist? Ren here has impressed upon me that it's polite to give your own name, before asking others questions, stranger."

More of a naturalist, I can channel my inner animal.  But again with my bad manners, the name is Harold, the cat over there he points towards a tiger lazing on the deck  is Flint.  We are hoping for a fresh start, outside the influence of...well, nevermind my woes, they are not all that interesting.  I find that despite my city raising I am ever more comfortable out of doors and I look forward to this new frontier to explore and new friends to make along the way.

Azariah's transformation clearly didn't go unnoticed, and most of the ship's adventurers came interested to join the group. Most surprisingly, a lot of them actually were or claimed to be shapeshifters of some kind. Even though the tiefling failed to recognize the source of her power, she kinda appreciated his compliment, he doesn't seem the kind of guy that compliments lightly. " Thanks Azariah, I really appreciate the compliment, but I have a question for you; Tell me, and this goes for every shapeshifter: What do you feel when you use your power? " -said as she looked one by one at all the shapeshifters- " You see, for me, when my goddess blesses me with her magic, what I feel is simply unequivocal love. So big and strong that doesn't leave place for conflicts of struggles of power. I couldn't concieve betraying or stealing anything for her. Whatever I give, she gives back tenfold" -While ending at Ren with a smile on her face. " Oh, since we are a lot of new faces around here, name's Prytania, pleased to meet you"