The Journey Of The Iron Kelpie

" I take it your goddess's main talent is healing. A feeling like that doesn't exactly promote any particular reason for her to be a goddess of battle."

Well met madame Harold bows deeply  Harold Wiencrest at your service.   For me, it is a sharping of my senses, as if by tapping into my inner 'animal' I am able to borrow some of their strengths, the evasiveness of a mouse.....the sight of a hawk......the agility of a cat.....the strength of a bull.  As he speaks each of these animal names his features shift ever so slightly, his ears round out like a mouse and return to normal as his pupils enlarge like a bird of preys and then shift to seem feline as his body relaxes a bit and then his eyes return to normal as his shoulders widen slightly and his nose flares outward like a bull.   That is pretty much the extent of my shifting.  My mentor was able to completely change, but he wasn't able to bond with other creatures as I have with Flint. He points at the tiger sunning himself on the deck.  Turning back to the tiefling, but these psioninics  he says questioning his pronouciation  you mention sound very interesting, this is something I have never heard of before.

Ren shook his head on the inside.  Unequivocal love huh. What a joke. I guess this was why I was never able to use divine magic. Ren looked around. I spent all of half a second trying to remember the difference between Devil and Demons and suddenly we are crowded again.  As it turns out there was another shapeshifter around, this time a ... Druid? Hunter?  Harold's transformation was not as complete as Azariah's but still impressive. Ren too was curious about these psionics, they were a very new concept to him. It seemed like magic, but something just felt different watching it. 

Pezzack chuckles, sounding a bit like the call of a raven, cawcawcawcaw. "Oh, I don't know what a psionicist is... psionikist?... my abilities come from a connection with the natural world, altering myself to mimic the forms of different animals. Or I will, when my powers as a druid grow. For now about the best I can do is improve my eyesight like a hawks, which can be useful, though not very good for showing off." The raven-man rubs his hands together to warm them up. "It's a pleasure to meet you both, Harold and Azariah. Now, something I'm wondering is, who here is planning on exploring the new land we're headed towards?"

"I plan on exploring atleast some of the island. I'd rather like to know my surroundings. May even find some rare resource if i'm lucky."

Well now that is certainly a trick...  And a pair of druids it seems. Well now, suddenly this place was full of shapeshifters. But none were psionics, that was a bit disappointing. "A pleasure, Pezzack. Same to you Harold." He said, nodding to each of them in turn after releasing the birds claw, still looking at it oddly before turning his head to Prytania. "Think nothing of it. And as for what I feel when I change form...? Pain. That is it. It's not a comfortable experience to warp ones muscles as forcibly as I do. But it has dulled over the years, I do not even notice it now." He pulled a flask from his belt, uncapping it, the harsh smell of applejack hit all of them. The tiefling took a good gulp. "Of course I'm intent on exploring, I doubt anyone who's come here isn't."

Madella emerged from the deck with her raptor companion at her side. The tall blonde half elf didn't look too happy, and neither did Bitey the Raptor, because Madella had to put a muzzle on him to keep him from biting others. "Oh, good," Madella said to herself, blissfully unaware that talking to oneself is often considered a sign of insanity it seemed, as she tried to find a place that wasn't brimming over with people, "Not the only druid. Good. Good. The forests will be teeming with us, good."

Zordlon looks at raptor and can't believe what he sees "Is that an honest to goodness velociraptor? Do they even exist?"

"I as well will be exploring, it's a new world, it would be a waste not too."  Ren didn't realize that shifting using pcionics was so painful, however if that was how he wanted to fight, so be it.  Ren started to speak as he took a quick glance at the stairs, "Anyway what..."  Ren stops as he see's the .... large lizard come up the stairs. Ren quickly shakes his head, "How many times am I going to be surprised today." 

Will Treaty had just came up from taking care of his horse, Shoo, and now he was enjoying his time staring out into the ocean watching the waves crash against the hull of the ship and feeling the breeze of the ocean along his face.  He was thoroughly enjoying himself and looking forward to what they would find on this "new world" they were sailing too. ~Wonder what kind of fish I could catch out this deep in the ocean~ William thought as he stared longingly into the ocean depths.

Madella looks at Zordlon before looking down at her raptor. She then looked back at Zordlon, smiled and said, "It is! And who knows? As soon as I find a girl raptor for him there'll be a whole new strain of raptor." The half-elf seems quite optimistic about her plan.

Pezzack tips his wide-brimmed hat back on his head as he gets a look at the raptor. "Pretty exotic critter. Not that I'm surprised, for a mission like this. None of us know what we'll encounter, but we all know it'll be totally different than anything we've experienced before. I'm very excited to see this new land."

Zordlon watchs the raptor witha nervous expression "It won't bite without reason right?"

Issachar leans back against the rail.  He almost looks like a completely different person.  Where once he was black skinned and red eyed, he is now sun bronzed with dark hair and blue eyes.  His well worn, travel stained leathers look like they have seen hard use, but the bow hanging on his back looks almost new and the sword at his side looks sharp.   (OOC: I didn't like my first character concept and Clem let me change it.)

A bit after the blonde woman and her exotic reptile companion wander away from the stairs, a redheaded girl walks out from below deck, squinting and using a hand to shade her eyes, until she seems to remember the hat tied to her neck, and puts it firmly on her head. She stretches her back like a lazy cat and it pops loudly, making her let out a sigh of contentment. The girl then begins to look around, one hand in a walking stick as long as she is tall, while the other keeps a hold of her hat's brim. She takes in the sight of the people around her with a wide, friendly smile, and shuffles towards the group of people having a conversation. She stands next to the girl in the shiny armor, and waves her hand around in a salute, before returning it to secure her hat. "Good day, everyone. Or is it good afternoon?"

Well met madame  Harold bows courtly Harold Wiencrest at your service. Harold waits as each member introduces themselves to the newcomer. And who do we have the pleasure of meeting?

Zordlon nods at her in acknowledgement 

The redhead girl's smile brightens, and she performs a well-practiced curtsey, one that wouldn't be out of place in the court of a nobleman. Well met, everyone. My name is Zuryana Mnae, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. Please call me Zury, all my friends do"

Will was just taking in the sights on the deck of the ship watching his fellow travelers as they chatted among themselves and got to know each other. ~I might do that in a bit, but I should really go look after Shoo a bit~ he thought as he started to descend to where the horses where being kept on their long journey across the sea. Shoo made a whinny noise at Will when he saw him. Shoo had been a part of Will's life for a couple years now, since he was a little colt, and Will always took good care of him. Hey boy Will said Behaving yourself down here? Getting along with the other animals? Will asked Shoo as he looked around at a few other animals that were down here with Shoo. As Will continued talking to his horse he started to brush him and take care of him, he could be down here for a while if he got lost in taking care of his horse, the horse was a huge part of Will's life.

Issachar makes his way into the hold after slipping away from the altar.   Folks just don't understand humans worshiping a draconic deity.  As he takes the last step, he hears someone speaking quietly.  Looking over towards the horses, he sees the archer' "WIll?"   He thinks that is right.  He quietly walks towards him.  If there is anyone here who he might have something in common with, it should be a man who cares about his horse.  "Well met, archer.  It was good to stretch our strings against those foul goblins earlier, don't you think?"

Will, who was deep in concentration and just enjoying himself with Shoo didn't hear the individual come down into the hold of  the ship so when Issachar spoke Will jumped a bit bumping his head on the side of stall where Shoo was held. Can't just be sneaking up on me like that Issachar Will said as he turned towards where Issachar was standing. To make sure Issachar knew that he wasn't actually angry Will had a nice smile on his face as he turned and rubbed the spot on his head where he bumped it. It was a good time! Although I think you just made me do more damage to myself than they ever did to me, must not have been much of a challenge Will said as he chuckled a bit. What brings you down into the bowels of the ship?

Too many of our companions seem to need to prove themselves.  It is quiet down here.   Issachar moved carefully as he spoke, so as to not spook the horses.   I didn't really expect to find  anyone else down here.

I like to come down here a couple of times a day to make sure Shoo here is taken care of and it gives me a break from the hustle and bustle of the crew. Will noticed that Issachar was moving carefully around the horses and he liked that about the Tiefling, he didn't enjoy the company of people who didn't take into consideration the feeling of animals. Well if you were looking for a quiet area with not to many people this is probably one of the best places on the ship.

Daleira leans against the rail of the ship, shaking her head slightly as she looks around the deck. The small framed, short haired girl smiles to herself thinking that her shipmates all seem to be motivated and looking forward to the journey, but she realizes only time will tell. Having never been on a ship, Daleira is spending some time each day taking in the workings of the crew and the daily routine of the sailor's life.  She watches as a few of the others along for the journey make their way below decks, but Daleira knows that those like her, those that don't do well with the rocking motion of the ship are much better served to stay in the fresh sea air. She takes a deep breath and alertly scans the horizon, before turning back to observe the others on deck.

Many people had joined in and out of the conversation and Ren was speaking less as well. Finally he excused himself to go back below-deck. As he walked towards them he saw two groups of people talking. The first was a young redhead whom Ren had not met yet, the other was the hunter. The second group seemed comprised of a wilderness man and a magic-user from the looks of it.  New faces, I'll need to get to know these people eventually.  "It almost seems like this boat is getting more populated as people finish packing..." Ren murrmer's under his breath. 

(OOC: I am no longer a Tiefling.  I didn't like the character, and Clem let me rebuild.  I'm just a man.) Makes sense.  My mules and pony are down here, too.  I like to keep an eye on them.   Issachar lifted his palm up towards the horse, giving him the opportunity to smell it, before slowly placing his hand on it's neck and giving it a pat.

You have multiple animals down here then Issachar? Will asked as he looked around and noticed that more people than usual were starting to gather where they kept all the animals.  Hello other travelers why don't you come and join in the small talk and scrub down some of the animals that we are bringing with us, I am sure they would love it Will said as he patted Shoo on the back and started to brush him again. 

Two Mules and a pony.  Just what I need to start my new life in the new land!   Issachar gestures to his stock.   The pony is mountain-bred and will keep up in the high passes, and the mules are trained to work in tandem pulling that wagon over there, he says, pointing to the rear of the hold.

Xarrack was nearby, checking on his horse, reviewing the contents of his cart and checking the lock on it's chest. The wagon itself was wooden, black and red, of Chelish make. He noted the others, and said "It seems we'll have adequate access to hauling animals. That will serve us well." The man himself was dressed in Chelish noble style, though he had left his hat and jacket upstairs, favoring a simple shirt, vest, and tie. He offered a white-gloved hand. "Xarrack Leroung. A pleasure."

Issachar takes the man's hand in a firm, confident grip.   Well met Xarrack.  Nice to meet another of the new settlers.  I hope you brought some "outside" clothes, though.  It's going to get real sticky after a few days in those.

As Ren was approaching the group another man got there first. Ren wasn't close enough to hear what was being said, but by the handshakes and smiles he could assumes these were the normal pleasantries that accompanied a greeting.  As he approached he noted that this new man seemed to be dressed more like a noble than the rest of the travelers. "Hello there, I've been going around meeting new people all day but it seems I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you lot yet. (Referring to WIll, Issachar and Xarrack) I go by Ren it is nice to meet you." Ren reaches out his right hand for a handshakce. 

"Shouldn't be at issue." he said. As he spoke, his horse's hair fluffed up and brushed itself, cleaning on it's own. "A trivial spell, to keep clothes clean and fresh. Another to mend tears. Explorer, scholar, builder or soldier?" he asked.

Issachar steps back quickly, then looks embarrassed when he understands this new man is a spellcaster.  He has little experience with such.   Once a soldier, now an explorer, I hope.  Possibly a bit of a builder, too?  I want to see this new land.  I hope it is as wild as the reports say.

"Interesting." he said. He seemed to have his attention divided, but continued to talk. "Do you mean to say that you hope it is very foreign, that it proves difficult to conquer, or that it is totally uninhabited?"

A flickering light in the corner may have brought Rusty to your attention already, but he now speaks up. "I expect a challenge, or I would not have come. I hope no harm comes to anyone but I know the realities of life." ... As if death was a good segue ever ... " Xarrack Leroung, I believe I heard we had a book maker on board, is it you? I will be happy to provide Pharasma's holy text so you can make copies any time at no charge. I believe we may have a number of converts with priestess Prytanna on the expidition." Ashamed seeing how he pushed himself into the conversation so bluntly..." I anger people if I talk to long, so I will leave you all. Good day" OOC I doubt you need it for crafting, and Rusty could be wrong about the converts.

The lights flicker as the ship sails through the choppy water. Garenth's form darts forward bringing his "blade" (a broken shaft from a spear) against the wooden plank training dummy he'd strung together. This goes on for an hour before Garenth finally steps back tossing the now splintered spear shaft to the ground near his stuff. Sweat running down his face he towels off and scratches the mane of his trusty mule Goliath. "Well old friend, this is where our new life begins. I can't wait til we make landfall, I think I'm going to make my way up to the deck and get some fresh air." With that Garenth walks up the wooden stairs and is greeted with a blast of salty air and the sound of gulls. "Yes indeed, I can't wait."

In a dark corner of the the ship Bakir sits jotting down a few things to remember for when they reach the island. Nothing more then a small candle lights the pages and his armor. "Well old friends its time to say good bye and put a mark on this new land" Bakir says under his breath then chuckles as he slams his book shut and gathers his things together.

Seraphina, while she enjoys ships, is eager to make landfall soon. She spent most of the trip hiding out but has decided that she probably should get to know her fellow passengers as they all will be exploring a new land soon. Or at least make herself seen and explore the ship,  after spending lots of time alone she is eager to make friends. 

Gilas awakes from her slumber and is anxious to find new treasures to sell to the highest bidder and checks her items 

The Iron Kelpie pulled into a small dock that the Benefactor had created on an earlier journey to the Island.  He had left some workers aboard the island to set up a few basic structures in anticipation to the arrival of first colonists.   The Captain called out for the passengers to gather their things.  It's quite a trek to the main settlement.  I'd say at least 5 miles inland but the path is clear enough.  Just stay on it and ye can't get lost.  Luckybeard waved to the passengers in a mannor as to shoo them off off to grab their things.   One more thing .. take one of me potions from that crate there on your way off the boat.  Ye can choose a potion to heal, or a flask of fire ..  Once the passengers unloaded, the Kelpie would return to other parts to claim new passengers for the new world. NOTE - This concludes WEEK 0 and all players from week 0 have disembarked and are headed inland.  Continue with adventure thread  First Days NOTE - Anyone Joining WEEK 1 may post below.  You are the NEW passengers of the Iron Kelpie.

The small mountain of armour and weapons made her way up the gangplank to the top deck. She quietly handed over her fare and began exploring the ship looking for the quietest place to travel in.

Hood up, Charles traversed the gangplank, pack tucked under his left arm. As soon as his feet planted upon the gently undulating deck of the Iron Kelpie, he inhaled a deep breath of sea air. "Feels like home!" he boomed. The smile on his face was evident as he made his across the deck to find somewhere to settle for the journey.

Kellen boards the boat quietly, looking back to his home city longingly. as he starts to feel the light rocking of the ship he make his way below-decks and quickly stores his things.

"You three are going to the island, right? Heard any good rumors about it?" The very blue man continued talking as he secured his bag and rolled into a hammock. "I'm Radid, by the way. I talked to some of the crew, and all they could tell me about was the outpost where they dock. Hey, maybe we can go exploring together once we get there."

Charles tucks his bag next to the nearby beam and tests a hammock. "That might be a good idea. Of course, we have to make it through this two weeks on the ship without hating each other by the end," he adds with a laugh before jumping back off the hammock. "I think I'm going to go up on deck and breathe in some clean, salty, open sea air! Much better than being cramped down here below."

Kellen speaks without looking up from his paperwork, "I don't think hating each other is the main concern, You seem like fine folk to me. I haven't spoken to any of the crew besides the captain, and he told me a bit about the outpost. Sounds like they need some help building up the town. There's supposedly some scouting groups already going out onto the island. I plan on staying near the town at least long enough to get a place for myself." He shuffles the papers together and places them all neatly in a folder. Standing up from his place among the crates,  "but for now, we need to get across the ocean. Ill be working up on deck."

The Iron Kelpie pulled into a small dock that the Benefactor had created on an earlier journey to the Island. He had left some workers aboard the island to set up a few basic structures in anticipation to the arrival of first colonists. The Captain called out for the passengers to gather their things. It's quite a trek to the main settlement. I'd say at least 5 miles inland but the path is clear enough. Just stay on it and ye can't get lost. Luckybeard waved to the passengers in a mannor as to shoo them off off to grab their things. One more thing .. take one of me potions from that crate there on your way off the boat. Ye can choose a potion to heal, or a flask of fire .. Once the passengers unloaded, the Kelpie would return to other parts to claim new passengers for the new world. NOTE - This concludes WEEK 2 and all players from week 2 have disembarked and are headed inland. Continue with adventure thread First Days NOTE - Anyone Joining WEEK 3 may post below. You are the NEW passengers of the Iron Kelpie.

Andy Darkmagic stood at the bow, hoping beyond hope the ship would disembark quickly, before his father realized he was missing. He did feel slightly sorry for Melony, but he did tell his father he would not be getting married. Melony was pretty enough, for a deformed orc, but settling down and having strange looking children with odd women was not the future Andy Darkmagic was destined for. The wind picked up, blowing the volumonous red cloak behind him. He placed his hand on his large brimmed red hat, to prevent it from blowing away in the wind and prayed to whatever gods were listening that they would be merciful and just let him leave without the drama his father would drum up if if discovered.

Kyros stands at the rigging, hodling on to the ropes, glancing at the horizon. Wondering and muttering to himself, what the future will hold, if his family will truly be alright there. Somewhat unfamiliar with the sea air and the lack of birds keeps he keeps fidgeting around, anxious for this journey to end and his new life to begin. A life where his looks wouldn't be frowned upon, where his wife wouldn't be the laughing stock of the village, simply because she looked past his face and into his heart. A life where he could roam the lands, free from the trappings of civilization, helping those that need it. A land where the innermost pull in his heart to go into pristine forests and ancient plains can be satisfied, yet he could return back to their home, grateful for her company. Lost in thought, he snaps back when one of the sailors ambles past. Muttering a quiet apology to the man, he walks around the ship. Let this journey be over soon...