View source for Ex Marquess the Spot, part 2

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== Log Info ==
*Title: Ex Marquess the Spot, Part 2
*Emitter: Jinks
*Characters: Aimarra, Aryia, Jinks, Paenitia, Seyardu
*Place: Airstrip Alexandria, Airship Firmament
*Time: Saturday, December 18, 2021, 7:00 PM
*Summary: Morning, the adventurers awake. Ath-the-second arrives, explains the watches they will be taking, all except the mid-afternoon on. After he departs, the gnome lad arrives, and asks various questions, such as how best to kill a sith'makar. The Arvec Nar buttler, Vgya, comes looking for him, issuing dire warnings of what will happen if he is caught out of cabin. Paenitia hides the lad, goes for breakfast, and the day progresses, to noon, to evening, then into the night. Aryia is on watch when she notices something and raises the alarm. There are pirates off the starboard bow and five minutes out. Everyone gears up rapidly, Paenitia requiring assistance with her armour, and Ramirez's, which is provided by an old Mad Dog comrade. Aimarra takes to the top of the gasbag, Edinaz gets on the bow, and Paenitia and Ramirez launch - just as a War Wasp construct electrifies the area. The pirate ship is the 'Bring Pandemonium', and it's moving at ramming speed. Aryia teleports into the middle of the pirate boarders, then grabs the ship's wheel. Unable to be touched, overwhelming the pilot, the mul'niessa takes direct control of the ship and spirals it out. The Firmament's archers provide support, as does Aimarra, clearing the deck. Edinaz, floating mid air with an airwalk spell, and Pae on Rami, struggle with the War Wasps, taking injuries and damage from their venom. Seyardu keeps the flies alive while Aryia destroys the controls, sending the Pandemonium off into its namesake, and the archers clear up the wasps that were harrying the others.</div>

<pre>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  Appearing  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Aimarra      5'1"     128 Lb     Half-Elf          Female    Brown hair and eyes, breastplate, leathers, pointed ears.
Aryia        4'8"     110 Lb     Shadow Elf        Female    A heavily scarred mul with a resolved look about her.
Jinks        3'4"     39 Lb      Gnome             Male      A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry.
Paenitia     3'0"     34 Lb      Halfling          Female    A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery.
Seyardu      5'6"     150 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  As the GM  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Jinks        3'4"     39 Lb      Gnome             Male      A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=</pre>

Aryia's eyes dart around to follow the gnomish kid from her upside down on the hammock. After a moment, the mute finally rights herself. Lanterns squint as he vanishes, and her ears twitch as dulcet towns echo throughout the ship.

Her eyes widen slightly. Several dots in her head connect, and she's left resting on her backfoot after getting to her feet. "... hey... uh..."

She clears her throat, and snaps her fingers to get the group's attention. Grey, scarred hands gesture slowly, her making sure she those connections were solid and fit right with her gut. "... those kids..? I... I'm pretty sure they're J-I-N-K-S'. They look kind of like him. And... well... they kind act kind of like him too. Pretty... yes, pretty sure."

She takes a breath, and runs a hand down her face. "... right, so, now this job is doubly more important..." her other hand says gestures slowly. <Handspeech>

"Do I know this J-I-N-K-S?" Puzzlement wreaths Aimarra's crinkled brow, and had done since she had looked up from her bunk to watch the signing from Aryia. <handspeech>

Paenitia peers at the handsigns, interrupted in her efforts to get ready for bed. She nods, hat bobbing and grinning mask going up and down. She sounds tired, and frustrating is creeping into her voice. The only thing she understood were the letters. "Yes, they are gnomes like Jinks. They are all the gnomes."

Gnomes of gnoble descent, whose marquess mother was very adamant regarding her cousin's promises regarding the military escort, and her desire to avoid associating with his ilk.

All gnomes gnow of Jinks the Troubador? They are gnoing... going to the gnorth. North. He's from the north, they might. Her head swims with fatigue and wine and what might be an important detail to share, isn't.

Seyardu squints, and pulls her stew back to herself to continue eating. As long as there wasn't gnome in the stew in a literal sense, that was fine. 

"They did have the same dark eyes that Jinks has." Seyardu nods. "And kind of the same size as those I saw before. It is hard to tell, gnomish children are even smaller than regular children." 

"I am curious if he knew they were in town or not. If that is true Aryia, it would be quite mean to disappear to another contry without even stopping to visit. So I hope you are incorrect."

Aryia squints some at Paenitia before waving the Red Knight off to go to bed. She'll write it for her in the morning. "And the boy's hair is the same," she points out, getting back into her hammock. "I think the mother is making good on Jinks' bet about staying out of the city for a while. The lady is a... whatever bullshit title, it's twins, and they look similar. Rude? Maybe, I don't know. I think the mother is just wanting to keep them away from the man."

She looks up to Aimarra to answer her question. "He helped a lot and was mentioned in the Tribune. He's a good man, trying to right his wrongs."

She shakes her head, rolling into her hammock. "Regardless, let's get some rest and make sure they get where ever safely." A promise she makes to herself, as now this random job dealt with someone she knew. One of her friends. And she takes her friends' wellbeing quite seriously.<Handspeech>

"You think she is using keeping them safe as an excuse to keep him out of her life?" Seyardu asks, one brow raised. "I would say that is fairly stupid. Jinks may not be the best person, but he is not that bad, and the children would likely suffer for him not being around. Especially if all the influence they have is from one single noble who would treat others as beneath them. As much as Jinks' would say he works for gold, I doubt that is the entirety of it." 

"Yes, He is a good person." Seyardu agrees, then sighs. "I will stay up, just in case. I will see you when I am ready to rest Aryia. Something still has me on edge with the sudden changes."

The Red Knight nods, with a casual wave goodnight and heads to her hammock to begin the long process of getting out of her armour and into her nightclothes. Bertrand assists, as if he has done this many times, even it with a different suit of armour. He is very skilled at averting his eyes when some part of her is revealed.

The dark lucht's nightclothes are a full length sleeping shirt that hangs to her heels, a sleeping hood, complete with long tail and tassel, which stands above her head when she packs all of her hair into it. A veil, which doubles as a blind and fully obscuring her face. Gloves, which reach at least as far as her elbows, and loose sleeves that hang to her wrists. Her feet are bare.

Her shield and warhammer are placed for emergency grabbing, and her armour is hung in a way that makes it seem she is guarding herself. As she climbs into the hammock she makes a bird-like chirp, which is distantly answered by her hippogryph.

'Arrrrrr.' Ramirez says goodnight.

"Watch probably isn't a bad idea," Aimarra agrees, reclining in her own bunk. While the others have been talking, she's been laying weapons and armor aside, and now leaves her hood on over the hat and wraps herself up in her cloak, her cheeks still pink with cold.

Bells. It turns out even airmen on their airships enjoy their bells as much as the sailors on boats braving the seas and oceans of Ea. A bell to mark every half-hour. The airmen split watch shifts into four-hour intervals-- eight bells. Then they go about their other tasks. 
 
The mercenaries are given the first night to rest as a unit after the evening meal and then Ath-the-Second finds them at their assigned berths. The man is an oddity, seemingly incapable of eye-contact and constantly fussing with a mop of wavy black hair in need of a wash. He has the darker-skin of the horse lords but it's sallow and seems to be eternally slick with sweat. 
 
An elaborate, masterfully crafted sextent hangs from a heavy leather thong around his neck and an astrolabe of similar craftsmanship dangles from a chain about his wrist; he clutches this almost constantly in his hand. He has an open satchel hanging against his hip bursting with a pair of books and what must be a half-dozen fastidiously-rolled scrolls. 
 
"The morning watch comes to an end. Soon. Then your watches begin. At least one on the deck at a time. Five of you, five watches. Forenoon watch, afternoon watch, first watch, middle watch, and back to morning watch." His shoulder rolls forward and he pushes a hand back through his hair, away from his face as he stops staring directly at the ground for a moment. His fingers are webbed and he doesn't have fingernails. Just smooth nubs at the end of each digit. 
 
"If you take on other tasks. Inform the first mate. Miss Taalkee. The engineer. Goblin." He reaches down into his bag and deliberate shifts the books forward, pulling free a spyglass and holding it forward. "Guard on watch has the spyglass. Hand off the spyglass when shift changes. Captain trusts you to set your own rotation." 
 
"Spare the marquess agitation. Ask before entering captain's quarters. Otherwise. Free roam of the ship." After someone tasks the spyglass he sets to distracting himself with rearranging the satchel.

_Military people. They're pretty much all the same,_ Aimarra mentally reflects, rolling out of bed and reaching into her pack. From this she pulls a soft underlayer of clothing, with a, "I understand. Who's got first watch? Aryia probably ought to take the middle watch." There's something to be said for being the one watching at night when one can see in the dark.

As she speaks, she's pulling on the underlayer of clothing, clearly meant for warmth beneath armor.

Aryia, after getting ready and all but mentally counting the bells in the back of her head, nods in agreement if Aimarra. It'd be best served for to do the the one at the dead of night. As much as she despised Taara, she did have the gifts from her. "I can help around the ship off duty," she comments, looking to the others. 

She also hands Paenitia a written piece of paper. It reads:

"Burn this when you're done reading it. Last night I was saying those kids are Jinks'. The woman must be making good on a deal he set out for her, so they're getting out of Alexandria. It's important we keep them safe."<Handspeech>

"I will not let their agitation get in the way if absolutely necessary, but I will respect that, otherwise. And I will see if the first mate needs any assistance with meals when I am off." Seyardu states as she pulls herself out of her hammock and pulls on her sleeves, dressing for the day in an instant, though more time is spent preparing her armor. "Aryia, you require less rest than I do. Would you be willing to keep watch with me for my shift?" They silverscale asks. "My eyesight is not the best, and a second opinion would be invaluable if necessary. And anything abnormal in color will not be of note to me."

Aryia gives a thumbs up to Seyardu.

Paenitia awakens with a yawn and a stretch, arching in her hammock, followed by a lightfoot padding off to use the facilities with a bundle under her arm. She returns, no bundle, with water splashes all over her clothing and starts to don armour. Padded leggings, gambesan, and so on.

She gets the note from Aryia, reads it, then tucks it into her grinning mask for burning a little later. Best not start fires below-decks.

"Ramirez, he can see in the dark. I do not so well. The afternoon watch or maybe the first watch. Friend dragon, you see in the dark, yes? What of Edinaz the half-oruch, he also see in the dark? The ones who cannot, the forenoon and afternoon make most sense."

The meeting with Ath ends and he leaves Edinaz holding the spyglass with a grunted nod to your feet. He shuffles off, muttering to himself, and it's hard not to think about the half-Oruch woman's observation made over supper the night before; the man might be 'moon-cursed.' 
 
The oruch takes his new tool of station and quits the soldier's berths for the deck wordlessly. Likely swinging past the mess for something to eat on his way. 
 
It's morning on the first full day of your voyage. The sky is grey and angry outside the porthole windows of the lower decks, the glass is streaked with cold moisture and fogging around the edges inside. It looks to be a cold and wet day on the deck.

"Hello!" Announces a small voice, quite near to the ground. The boy is back, face half-hidden under a cowl of a cloak to big for him. Again, the light seems to bend around him. He leans his head into few, small fingers holding the door frame, and peers into the room assigned to the mercenaries. 
 
"Is the paddlina with the neat armor here? She was telling me about her ugly face."

Not for the first time, Aimarra finds herself deeply grateful for the extra layers, her left hand entire covered by a glove that disappears into her sleeve, the right one with an archer's glove atop the matching one she wears for warmth. She seems to be quite inclined to bundle herself head to foot, and at first, she huddles in the bunkroom, but as the day wears on, eventually ventures out on deck. 

She looks up when the boy enters, and stares wordlessly at him.

Paenitia has finally geared up into her full plate, which will keep her warm only because she's going to burn a lot of energy moving around inside it. She adjusts the hat on her helm, largely locking it in place, and peers about in the crew quarters.

"Well, I go to the mess. I think to ask the Taalkee goblin what new things to learn on board there are, but I think the first is, do not wear the armour, and the second, is do not fall over." The knight was announcing randomly to her comrades when the boy enters.

"Aha, yes, I am here." She leans, waving at him, "Hola! I will not show you my ugly face, but have you eat the breakfast?"

Aryia blinks, her nodding with Paenitia and stepping with her, curious of what there was to be done on board before she needed to retire early for her double shift. Though, she blinks as the boy pops back in, her raising a brow, and a hand in greeting. She stands there a moment, taking in his face, the posture, the attire. Then, it clicks. She cant help but smile.
 
The things he was wearing look like gifts, things the boy could grow into.

What started as a search for for the elaborately-armored Lucht has been rerouted into open, wide-eyed staring as he considers the hired quartet. He does eventually remember his manners and closes his mouth, smiling an unguarded smile at the fantastic mercenary menagerie. 
 
"Yes, Vyga brought me breakfast very early. He doesn't like punishing me even when mother tells him to. But he tells me it's important to learn to follow the rules 'so you don't end up in the stocks with the cutpurses and brigands.'" He juts out his lower-jaw for the last part and does his best gruff, no-nonsense Arvek Nar voice. He leans back holding onto the door frame, craning his head back to look up and down the hall. His face vanishes for a moment before he leans back in, reaching one hand up to pull the hood back. 
 
"... they didn't realize I snuck out when they were at dinner with the too-tall captain, the greasy-gobber, and the brown bird-lady." The boy offers a smug smile and glances at Seyardu, blinking. "Master Randipanderdank says if you stab a lizard you go down and then up to get under the scales." His head tilts to one side. 
 
"Ooooh," the boy glances into the hall again before full-coming into the room and looking around. His boots are too-big, too, and he has a marked bounce to his step. "Have any of you ever fought a dragon?"

Paenitia is always grinning when her mask is on, but the lilt in her voice suggests her actual expression is close as she cheerfully faces the boy. "Aha, Vyga, he is the butler we meet. His advice is sound, follow the rules, yes."

Her helm turns with a squeak as she observes Seyardu, then a second squeak to look back at the gnomish lad, "You have the right of it."

"I have not fought the dragon. I have fight the Wyvern, it is much dragon-like." She makes a little t-rexing movement with her arms, "without the arms and the breath weapon, but with the deadly poison. Very deadly. Kills the donkey and the donkey-men."

Aimarra nods along with Paenitia at the mention of the wyvern, but seems more than pleased to allow Paenitia to do all the talking.

"Now, I understand a desire to explore, but you have to remember to be careful when doing so. Keep a trusted adult with you, in case anything might happen." Seyardu warns, but she does not do so in any aggressive way. Though the question does make her chuckle and shake her head. 

"That would be a waste of effort. Look at the dinosaurs in Am'shere, do they spend time doing such? No, they have sharp teeth. once you are through the scales, there is no need to pry upwards." 

"And no, I have not fought any dragons, either, but I was with Paenitia when the wyvern was fought. They are not to be taken lightly, but at least, most with metallic scales, like mine, can be spoken to and reasoned with."

Aryia raises a brow at the mention of scale piercing. "Master... who?" she asks with a hand towards those that could understand her, her lips mouthing the words as well. And then there was that question. Damn. Technically, she didn't fight a dragon. But it was close. She wobbles a hand in a 'so-so' manner. <Handspeech>

"Ooh... are you doing spells? Are you a wizard?" The little bastard hops further into the room, tilting his head at Aryia's gesturing hand. He tries to mimic the gesture but just ends up having fun with his hands. "Hm. I can do magic, you know?" 
 
He steps back and cups his hands together, squeezing his eyes shut tightly and making a little quiet grunting noise until he opens his hand and a little, soft-white phantom lantern dances up and into the air. "See! ... but almost all people can. Starresstarrvelys is the one who can -really- do magics." 
 
"Dinosaurs? Ams-Shere?" His head turns only to turn rapidly again. "Why-verns!?" He's forgotten the wizard mul'niessa and sidles over in between Paenitia and Seyardu. He opens his mouth to say more when there's the tell-tale clip of fine shoes on wooden planking. 
 
The cloaked gnome child goes deer-still before slowly turning his head. Then he crouches and scrabbles behind a footlock and bunk. 
 
The footfalls draw closer. In short order a stern-faced Arvek Nar blocks the doorway from the hall and silently turns to consider the room's occupants. 
 
A little white lantern bobs happily in front of Aryia.

Aryia? A wizard? That sounds... interesting. She briefly considers what it'd be like were she able to do insane things such as the few wizards she knows, but ends up shaking her head to clear that thought, as well as answer the boy. She tilts her chin up, pointing to her scarred throat. "- c-n't t-lk," she hisses and clicks, the sounds nearly drowned out by the droning of the ship.
 
The names and what have you strike interest in Aryia, but the language barrier is getting in the way.

Before she could reach for pen and paper, a newcomer approaches, and is peering in. She looks to them, the lantern, then back to them before simply raising a hand and turning to her pack to look for a blindfold for later to sleep. <Handspeech>

A long, gusty sigh at the entire routine is Aimarra's first response, but when the Arvek Nar blocks the door, she simply looks up. "May I help you?" Her tone is oh so neutral.

<pre>GAME: Paenitia rolls stealth: (13)+11: 24 (stealth synergy, hide the kid)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (9)+15: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+1: (14)+1: 15 (Vgya's Spot)</pre>

"Hola Master Vgya, I am go to the mess. Friend Aryia is showing off her the magic skills," Paenitia says, gesturing at the bobbing lantern. "She makes the light too."

The little knight adjusts her cape of peacock feathers over her shoulder with a flourish. In the dark of the below-decks, what might hide in her shadow. She squeezes by the Arvek Nar. Her voice is teasing, "Are you seek the girl or the boy? If I see them, I will tell you."

"Am'shere, yes, where I am from." Seyardu begins to explain to the child. "It is a dangerous place, which is why we are so large and armored." 

"But I would not speak too much without permission from your parent. While I would be happy to talk more, I would not wish to do so while attracting anger and punishment from your mother for you and my companions."

The fancy attendant makes note of the lamp and his lids lower further-- dubiously-- when Paenitia gives his name. He'd arrived shortly after Seyardu had finished speaking. "I do not recall us being introduced, miss." He closes his mouth and clears his throat with but a whisper of sound 
 
"Young master Antaunas has gone... exploring," the Arvek Nar rumbles, stepping back from the door and tugging down the front of his coat. Then he checks his cuffs and adjusts a crooked link. His seems vexed but only mildly so and considers the group with only mild distaste. "I have a the other end of this deck to explore then I am returning to the suite and locking the door behind me." 
 
The 'nar looks down the hall and raises his voice slightly, making sure it carries all the way into the bunkroom. "... and then the little master will have to explain to his mother why he is trapped outside when she returns from her sister's morning practice. And he is -not- inside attending to his Kulthian studies as expected."

He nods, shallowly, and continues on his way to stalk the remainder of this deck in search of the missing boy.

"I shall pass the message along, if I see the master Antaunas or hear the unexpected bump," Paenitia reassures, sounding amused and heading forwards to the mess, "Come apetite! We must eat the full sized meal today!"

She clanks onwards. Full plate is not swift, only sturdy.

Aryia merely glances up at the explanation, her just shrugging her shoulders as pulls out a raven black strip of cloth. A blindfold for when she had to sleep during the day. Her eyes were too sensitive.

She glances to where the boy was hiding as the butler leaves, and she softly sighs. The woman gets up to go with Paenitia to get breakfast.

"I will make sure to do so if I see them, sir." Seyardu nods. "And with that being said, if they would be locked out of their room at the moment, then if I encounter them, it would be much safer to stay with an Althean cleric, yes? Rather than waiting out in a hallway for the door to be opened." 

With that said and the arvek-nar leaving, Seyardu sighs and sits back down in her hammock. "I suppose I will stay here for the time being, then."

"Kulthian is the worst." Paenitia's cloak complains after the butler has gone. "Just because our family has a business making fancy magic-tech things I have to learn how dumb people who aren't even alive anymore talked. But we already have the money! We should get rid of all the dumb Kulthian books and just have fun spending the money." 
 
The cloak is bouncing as the boy speaks, looking for the exit, and he finally finds the edge of the proverbial curtain and steps out. "I-- SNFFFRT!" He sneezes, face bunching up as he flaps away an assaulting bit of down. "I want to hear more stories, please. But later... I should beat 'Vyga back." He waves at Aryia and Paenitia. "Good luck protecting the ship today!" 
 
And then he's dashing back the opposite direction. "Good-bye!" he stops to wave at Aimarra and Seyardu.

The Red Knight listens, and carefully thinks over what she's heard. "Ha, learn all the things, you do not know what might help."

Although she's sure learning Kulthian won't. That leads down a dark road and all the works there come with terrible costs, to self and others. Not something she wants to warn Antaunas off of just now. A suspicious matron marquess might put a dot or two together, and get upset. They've been asked not to.

"Okay! You will be safe! If there are the windows to your cabin, look out, Ramire and I will be fly around." Paenitia promises, and that one she's likely to keep. As is the one to tell Vyga if she sees his charge, so she's careful to not look at him. Sound, a pat on the head, isn't 'seeing'.

"Sneak carefully."

Aryia blinks. Kulthian was... yeah, she agreed. It was a pain in the ass to learn, and a headache. She still has trouble with it to this day. The only reason she didn't complain about it was because she was trying to impress someone.

She thumbs her nose, waves to the boy as he goes, and resumes heading for breakfast.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d100: (30): 30</pre>

"I would not say it is useless." Seyardu chuckles. "There are concepts within it that can not be explained with other natural languages. I learned mynsandral when I was young, for, some reason or other. I have yet to meet any elves that speak a dead form of their language, but I do not regret it. I learned a lot in the process aside from another language. But I have kept you long enough. Still, I think you should manage it." 

With that, and free from such concerns, the silverscale joins the others in heading for breakfast.

<pre>GAME: Aryia rolls perception: (12)+24: 36
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5</pre>

The rest of the day passes without much in the way of excitement. There's plenty of ship to explore, more crew to meet, and even a few less-important (but still quite wealthy) passengers to meet. 
 
There's an ancient gnomish fellow who sits inside his tiny booked room with the door open, calling out to anyone that passes in the hope of a moment's company. He's pleasant enough but long-winded and lonely. One is almost forced to walk backwards as they make their excuses before he strikes up the next beat of a trapping conversation. 
 
Also, a pair of young men, draped over one another at the railing briefly, on a return trip from their post-wedding vacation. Their fondness for one another is unabashed and they keep to themselves behind a closed door after they brave a break in the weather to watch the world speed past beneath the ship. 
 
The marquess and her ilk come out in full force to watch the sunset together. She kneels between her children with her arms around their shoulders, whispering and leaning her cheek against one and then the other. Even the boy, Antaunas, looks sullen and morose through this conversation. Once the sky has turned to purple-- long before Seyardu comes to take her watch (with Aryia's help)-- they've gone back to their room and vanished. 
 
It's later now. Aryia stands alone in the frigid winds at one corner of the deck. Three other crewman take up the other corners, each with their own, matching skyglass. The bell had just chimed, three sets of two, the six bells of the Middle Shift marking it 3 o'clock in the morning. 
 
And then she sees it.

<pre>GAME: Aryia rolls profession/sailor: (13)+15: 28</pre>

Aryia is in her jacket and cloak, all bundled up and swinging her spyglass through the clouds. Idly looking, relaxed. But soon, she blinks, squinting.

Her brows raise high, and she gasps.

Whipping out a compass, she scribbles down a heading and description before tearing down the deck at breakneck speed. She slides to a halt, flailing her arms at a big red button with a glass cover. She smashes her fist through it, hitting the alarm as she sprints off to whoever has the deck at the present moment in time.
 
She shoves a note into their hands, eyes wide.

The note reads:

"Contact spotted. A ship with two ships flanking it! Intercept course, off the Port bow, 310 degrees."

She hastily adds to the note. 

"Maybe five minutes out!"

The bell sounds again, rapid and repeating. The crewman at the wheel is the half-Oruch, her eyes already wide before Aryia has run up the ramp. 
 
An engineer is already running up the tight spiral of stairs and crossing to the furnace, pulling on heavy gloves, throwing the latch, and heaving open the heavy door. 
 
The other three crewmen and watch begin running across the deck, pulling out everburning torches and setting them into sconces along the railing. 
 
There's a thumping in the cabin's quarters beneath Aryia on the poop as Oyenusi kicks out of bed.

At least Aimarra got most of a night's sleep? She'd shut down shortly after sunset to make the most of her own sleep time, and so snaps awake when the alarum goes off, fairly jumping out of bed and beginning to get into her armor. At least she'd slept in the underlayers, and her bow and sword are close to hand.

Paenitia awakens. Night surprise attacks are no stranger to her, but usually she's on the initiating side. It is a rude reversal that gets her rushing to put her armour on, which will be followed by a clanking charge to the animal storage to gear up Ramire and get him ready.

He's fussy with his barding. Hopefully the brushing she gave him before bed will have put him in a good mood.

"Bertrand, you awake? I need the help with Ramirez!" Paenitia calls. She could have used it getting herself geared up, but it's been a while since she ran with the Mad Dogs.

<pre>GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20: (3): 3</pre>

Seyardu was just getting into some restful sleep after her watch when the bells were ringing all around the ship. This causes the silver sith-makar to get further tangled into her sleeping hammock, which she wrestles with for several moments before the fabric is spun completely around, depositing the cleric onto the ground unceremoniously with a grunt. Sleeves are pulled on, and she rushes to the deck, pulling her armor out of her bag that is hanging next to her bunk as she goes. 

"What is this commotion about?" She asks, blinking and squinting and lookin around to see what was the matter. It seemed that the threat was not there, yet. "Aryia, I need help getting my armor on if you can."

Aryia leave the note with the half-oruch as she dashes off to help the crew get ready for contact. She does take a moment to herself though, closing her eyes. Takes a breath. In. 

She cracks her neck. Out.

The pugilist was going to take this job as seriously as she could. 

Get your people to a safe distance, the words echoed in her head.

She'll be certain to ensure that distance be maintained.

Edinaz snaps his eyes open, and starts drawing on his gear. It's a rush, but he's done this before. He actually looks more comfortable now than the rest of the journey.

Seyardu says, "I can't think of a time I've actually had time to prepare for a fight like this"

Captain Jelani Oyenusi, Esquire, exits his quarters as he dons his hat, climbing the stairs even as Aryia speeds past to help elsewhere. It takes him a moment to wrangle his cloak as he relieves the crewman at the wheel, listening as she reads off the note. He sends her off for the armory and she's jumping down the stairs from the poop in two hops, then turns in a half-circle and goes into the bowels of the ship just as rapidly. 
 
The gobber is in a state when she arrives, hopping to get her pants all the way up with jacket open and no shirt beneath. Her goggles are around her neck. The Khazad-- Kasdratin-- is at her side in a similar state of undress, pecking her on the cheek as he starts up one of the rope ladders. Apparently fraternization isn't forbidden on this ship. 
 
Of all the ship's crew, the navigator looks most-ready for the attack. He struggles up the stairs from below and then hustles up to stand next to the captain. He leans in close and unfurls a map, "-- beyond the Mythood! Less than a day out from Rosalia!" He shouts. The ship has been making good time. 
 
The others continue to scramble, the half-Oruch eventually returning from the armory with the veteran pair who'd served in the Merkabah Siege with Oyenusi. They drop three heavy trunks and throw them open, handing out blades, bludgeons, and bows to any takers. More men climb the rope ladders to hold the airbladder from above... 
 
The distant black sky flashes angrily, a localized electrical storm drawing closer.

<pre>GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/arcana: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Edinaz rolls knowledge/arcana: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Edinaz rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+1: 11
GAME: Aimarra casts Gravity Bow. Caster Level: 7 DC: 13
<OOC> Aryia uses Barkskin
GAME: Aryia spends ONE point of KI POOL.
GAME: Paenitia rolls knowledge/military theory: (10)+10: 20
GAME: Edinaz refreshes spells.
GAME: Aryia rolls knowledge/religion: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/religion: (5)+9: 14
GAME: Paenitia rolls knowledge/local: (12)+11: 23
GAME: Aimarra rolls knowledge/local: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Aryia rolls knowledge/local: (4)+2: 6</pre>

A smaller ship is likely to be more maneuverable. This ship's weakness will be the air bladder. But there are hands who've taken the top to (hopefully) protect it.

The approaching ship is the aerial version of a cutter; design to be small and fast. It grows steadily larger, looming ever-closer as it tears across the black sky. Details sort themselves out; two spiked, black aetheric engines mounted to a bulk back end have noxious, burning halos. The ship is painted black and haphazzard splashes of red and a tattered, long black flag flaps angrily from a backwards-leaning, decorative mast. Carved into the starboard bow is a jagged, broken sphere. 
 
Two mettalic wasps flank the boat, arcing with electricity that pulls out of and arcs into the black clouds as they pass. They're not entirely made of metal, however, and something wet and meaty is described whenever the light flashes. 
 
"Reos forged our bonds of friendship!" The captain calls, his voice powerful and bolstering in the face of the coming battle. "He makes strong our ship and sharp our weapons! Men and woman of Isobar--" the crew gives a wordless shout of answer-- "fight for those who have put their trust in us! Win and live the day for your families!" 
 
The crew cheers and readies their weapons.

There's pirates on the starboard bow, starboard bow, starboard bow, there's pirates on the starboard bow, guys! Aimarra dashes up the stairs, her armor, gloves, and cloak on, but hat left downstairs. If there is to be a fight, she won't be cold for long, and it might get in her way. Bow in hand, quiver on her hip, she looks - up, searching to see if she can readily scale the rigging for a better vantage point.

There's pirates on the starboard bow, starboard bow, starboard bow, there's pirates on the starboard bow, guys! Aimarra dashes up the stairs, her armor, gloves, and cloak on, but hat left downstairs. If there is to be a fight, she won't be cold for long, and it might get in her way. Bow in hand, quiver on her hip, she looks - up, searching to see if she can readily scale the rigging for a better vantage point, but before she climbs, she takes a moment to mutter a few words, and her bow briefly flashes a leaden gray, then fades.

Aryia's eyes widen as she sees the ship emerge. Her fists curl tight before she whirls around to those that could understand her. "Pirates" she signs quickly, and starts donning more cloth and gloves to deal with the chill in the air.
 
Her eyes settle on the captain as he rallies everyone. The cheers of high morale crash against her. She steadies her breathing, and feels the inner pools settle. She had the distinct feeling there was going to be a lot of leaping and jumping very, very soon. <Handspech>

<pre>GAME: Edinaz casts Shield. Caster Level: 8 DC: 13</pre>

Edinaz incants, raising wards to his left and faint magical glow across his eyes. He loosens both swords in their scabbards, and draws out a javelin.

'Ruaaaaah!'

"I sorry Ramirez, that too tight! Do not be so eager, we are not ready. Bertrand, set the saddle yes?" Paenitia is scrambling with straps, adjusting the kit of her hippogryph. She's thrown open the top hatch, and the wind whistles as they they fly through the night sky. Faster, work faster.

A glimpse of what they face has her calling out to her comrades, "We are the large luxury ship, vulnerable in the gas bag. There are crew up top, yes? To defend? They are the 'Bring Pandemonium', Gunahkarite pirates that maraud and pillage. They have no qualms of contract. Are impossible to control."

"This right Paenitia?" Bertrand asks.

"Ye...yes, tighten the belly band to the third hole."

'Ruaaaaaaah.'

"Yes Ramirez, we will be in the fight soon." She's scrambling.

<pre>GAME: Seyardu casts Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20
GAME: Seyardu casts Air Walk. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
GAME: Seyardu casts Air Walk. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
GAME: Edinaz casts See Invisibility. Caster Level: 8 DC: 14
GAME: Seyardu casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 11 DC: 17 (on Aryia)
GAME: Aimarra rolls athletics: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Edinaz rolls reflex: (11)+5: 16
GAME: Paenitia rolls reflex+1: (17)+6+1: 24
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+9: (4)+9: 13 (Ramirez Reflex)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (18)+3: 21
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (16)+3: 19
GAME: Jinks rolls 6d6: (25): 25
GAME: Wasp damaged you for 12 points. 63 HP remaining.
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (2): 2</pre>

The buzzing, mechanical wasp crackles violently as its wings blur in the black sky. It draws closer but pulls up short of the deck, wings and stinger all meeting in a three-point sprearhead that sends an arc of electricity exploding onto the deck. Those at the bow are shocked-- and noble Ramirez takes the worst of it!

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (15)+15: 30
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7GAME: Edinaz rolls fort: (6)+8: 14
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (3): 3
<OOC> Edinaz has DR1/- (yay) and ow :)
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+17: (15)+17: 32
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+6: (7)+6: 13</pre>

His javelin rattles on the ground as Edinaz leaves, drawing swords as runs across the air at the wasp. He trusts his ward to defe-- crunch, he gets hit coming in and shakes it off, sword scoring the carapace with a ring like a bell.

<pre><OOC> Aryia says, "so yeah, Daylight centered on aryia, 60' radius"
<OOC> Aryia says, "trying to get in the midst of the boarding crew to mess up their formation"
<OOC> Aryia says, "allies in 60' radius get +2 against fear (from aspect)"
GAME: Aryia spends ONE point of KI POOL.</pre>

Blast! The initial breach hits against the bow of the ship, Aryia grabbing onto a wall as she looks out into the night. That ship was close. That ship was...

... Oh Violet was so going to kill her for this.

With a moment to psyche herself up, the green jacketed pugilist sprints towards port-bow. Faded after images start trail behind her as she gets a foot on the railing.
 
And leaps across.
 
The clouds part briefly as the mute tugs on that light. And around her, she lights up like a flare in the sky in brilliant silvery moonlight, the scant moon illuminating her. Faint silver lines trace around her eyes and down her face.

She clears the distance, and lands in the midst of a boarding party.

She swivels around, fists raised, illuminating all of them. A couple in black chain shirts and spiked pauldrons. Human, oruch and inbetween. About two less than ten rabble rousers under their command, and a crimson-black robed figured helming the whole operation. She steps over chain sprawled about the deck, low fires in cauldrons keeping the light low in their wrought iron cages.

Man, this was a stupid idea. Hopefully it the unexpectedness throws them off.

<pre>GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+4: (11)+11+4: 26
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3: aliased to 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3: aliased to 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3: aliased to 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4</pre>

Holding a cold iron lance while wearing adamantine armour with a guantlet resting on mithril barding during a thunderstorm invites disaster. It also does when lightning wasps are flying around, and stinging.

"Ahhhh!" 'Ruaaaazzzzzzzzzzzht!'

Paenitia lights up with arcs, that terminate unpleasantly in bold Ramirez. Both are zapped, he gets the worst of it, possibly of the whole crew. The mighty stallion makes a pained noise, and some of his tailfeathers are smoking and on fire.

Bertrand chose a lucky moment to pick up the wooden lance.

"We are... just the moment," the Red Knight gasps. Bertrand helps into the saddle. "NOW!"

Paenitia and Ramirez explode out of the animal hold, with an animal roar and a spirited challenge, "Hola the Airship! Bring Pandemonium? I meet the challenge, you will fight only me."

They wing towards it, swaying in the air for the little knight to lean with her lance and spear the second wasp approaching the ship. The point pierces the carapace as they fly on by.

<pre><OOC> Jinks says, "It will full attack Ramirez!"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (16)+15: 31
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Paenitia says, "YES RAMIREZ!"
GAME: Paenitia rolls ride+6: (10)+8+6: 24 (+6 to counter ACP)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Wasp damaged your companion for 8 points. 19 HP remaining.</pre>

The second of the wasps was barreling towards the ship already working up the electrical charge to send another blast into the deck-- or perhaps the air bladder above. The piercing attack from the paladina's lance sends it spiraling out of control in a chaotic thrusting of mandibles, claws, and stinger. Only one claw finds purchase; a good thing as Ramirez is already singed and bloodied from the battle.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (7)+12: 19 (Maruader2 attack)
<OOC> Jinks says, "The crewmen all move to line up shots at the wasp in melee with Edi.
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (5): 5
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (2): 2
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (6): 6
<OOC> Jinks says, "Three land hits and do some additional damage to the critter."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14 (vs AC29)
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. The driver is flabbergasted by the teleporting ninja-drow and almost loses the ship. It only moves half-speed."
<OOC> Jinks says, "The boarding party is going to spread out around her and 3 will assist,"
<OOC> Jinks says, "the other four will attack (three of those four should have a +2 from assists)"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Assist rolls just need AC10"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19 (Assist, vs AC10)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (19)+8: 27 (Assist, vs AC10)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26 (Assist, vs AC10)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8+2: (17)+8+2: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8+2: (12)+8+2: 22
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8+2: (15)+8+2: 25
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19</pre>

The Firmament's Caravan's crew rallies as battle is joined, eight airmen taking there bows as they move across platform and deck to line up a volley at the closest of attackers. A few of the arrows hit, damaging the oddly-fleshy construct. 
 
The captain calls down to Taalkee and the gobber, in turn, calls out orders to her engineers. One throws coal while the other pours in an odd, sparkling substance. There's a hissing whine and the flames of the furnace turn from orange to red to blue to purple and the glow spills out further onto the deck. 
 
The second mate is motioning with his hands, scooping through the air to suggest a maneuver. 
 
The attacking vessel seems to a short hiccup of chaos, their momentum arrested when the boarders are boarded. The engines cough and sputter, as if the confusion of the crew afflicts the very mechanisms of the magic-infused technology. 
 
The grim roustabouts turn, shout, and fall in on the mul'niessa, trying their best to batter the pugilist as she dodges, ducks, dips, dives, and dodges!

<pre><OOC> Aimarra says, "Very well. I can see the black-robed dude at the helm from my spot on the blimp?"
<OOC> Aimarra says, "Deadly Aim, shoot once at black-robed dude. This is a gauging shot."
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1-2: (1)+11+-2: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Aimarra says, "Stay where I am."</pre>

Surveying the battle below, Aimarra has picked another target. She draws back her bow, taking careful aim at the black-robed figure that seems to be at the helm - 

A sudden gust of wind throws her aim and her form, the arrow flying harmlessly off and the string lashing nastily against her left arm, an impact that staggers her for a moment and leaves her scrambling for balance atop the blimp.

<pre>GAME: Seyardu casts Righteous Might. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20</pre>

There was all sorts of commotion on the ship, sailors running two and fro, and a rapidly approaching storm cloud on the horizon. 

"Those insects are constructs, powered by lightning." She shouts while pulling on her armor, assisted by the mul'niessa. With that squared away, the cleric bursts into a barrage of chanting, dashing around the ship to reach a few of her mercenary companions. Bestowing divine strength and limited flight on Aryia, the same flight on Edinaz, among a few other wards, one of which caused large wings to sprout from their back. 

She did not expect lightning powered constructs to blast the deck with lightning, however. 

"Either they pay lip service to Gunakhar, the Maddened Wyrm, or are followers." She adds when the boat is closer. 

With combat breaking out in full, the cleric dashes around the edge of the deck to meet them, holding on to her holy symbol. The silver makari grows in size, towering over the group, their polearm braced over the edge of the ship, in case any attempted to board.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (16)+12: 28 (Maruader1 attack)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
<OOC> Jinks says, "Another hit but the crewman is still going OK. Gonna do a quick EoR pose."</pre>
 
The second leader of the boarding party notes the futility of trying to throw a weapon into the press as his men close in on the elf. Oruch-blooded, he roars and looks back at the helmsman, pointing one arm at the Firmament as he cries "MEET THE DAMN SHIP!" His other hand snatches out a javelin and throws it across the empty space, the point tearing over the shoulder of the crewman holding the bow between Edinaz and Seyardu. 
 
The arrested motion was only a momentary setback. Surprised or no the Pandemonium will close the gap and blood will be spilt soon.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL) (WarWasp1 Full attack on Edi)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (12)+15: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (7)+15: 22
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (13)+15: 28
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Edinaz rolls fort: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (4): 4</pre>

The creature buzzes, glassy-black eyes betraying a malevolence one does not expect to find in a construct. The bite misses but a claw finds home. The second claw proves a feint as the stinger pierces the oruch-blooded man a second time to pump additional chilling venom into his veins.

Stringy, slimy flesh reaches out from its middle-sections and begins to knit some of the dings in its armored hide.

<pre>GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+13: (5)+13: 18 (Full attack on the bastard wasp )
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+8: (15)+8: 23
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+7: (7)+7: 14
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Edinaz rolls fort: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (2): 2</pre>

Edinaz fights back, sword flicking out to thrust -- but he bites on the feint and suffers for it. One time, the point digs into a shoulder-joint for a moment.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+10: (17)+10: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+10: (17)+10: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+10: (16)+10: 26
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18
GAME: Aryia rolls strength+2: (18)+3+2: 23
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+4: (9)+4: 13
<OOC> Aryia says, "I am assuming direct control"
<OOC> Aryia YANK</pre>

Aryia steadies herself as the wave of confusion washes over the boarding party. She takes a breath in. And a rain of steel tries to carve at her. They all felt slow. But not really. There were nicks and scrapes and tiny cuts. But the pain didn't make her falter. She evades some, twirls out of others, deflects a couple and just takes one without flinching.

The man shouting to advance springs another stupid, stupid idea into her head.

The moonlit mul'neissa pivots forward and ducks under some more swings, feeling their bite, but not draw nothing. She gets to the controls, hopping up and reaching over. Her head comes down, bashing it into the pilot to disorient them briefly as she grabs the controls. They struggle back and forth, but Seyardu's blessing makes the mute win out, and she pushes it /hard/ to the side.

Violet's so going to kill her.

<pre>GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3: (5)+11: 16
GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3-5: (19)+11+-5: 25
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3: aliased to 1d6+2: (5)+2: 7</pre>

"Aryia! Punch the engines. The ship will fall, you will take them all." Paenitia calls, angling to guide Ramirez into a dive.

The Pandemonium has to magitech engines holding it up, solid, glowing works of artifice. If she tilts at it with her lance, she might smash the wind machine; combined with the mul'niessa's efforts, it will go down.

Or... Aryia could grab the ship's wheel and send it barreling off in another direction.

Yes... that was the better plan. "Ramirez! Attack!"

She stabs, and stabs, and her wounded mount squawks with fury and flashes talons. His beak misses, but one rips the carapace.

The construct wasp is injured, but not enough to fall. It buzzes, bites, claws, claws and stings. None pierce the beautiful boy's armour. Mithril was the right choice. Yes.

'Ruaaaah!' We fight! Yes!

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18 (WarWasp2 full attack against Ramirez)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (7)+15: 22
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. He's gonna step into that gap and try tripping with his chain. (not knowing how silly this is)"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+16: (9)+16: 25
<OOC> Jinks says, "More arrows at Edi's buddy!" (Firmament)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (6): 6
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (5): 5
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (3): 3
GAME: Aryia rolls reflex: (14)+13: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18 (Pandemonium)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (13)+3: 16
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (6)+3: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (7)+3: 10
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+9: (17)+9: 26
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (5)+12: 17
<OOC> Jinks says, "The Pandemonium (aptly named) tilts to a 45-degree angle and performs a maneuver
<OOC> Jinks says, "Two of the boarders fall but everyone else manages to keep their feet."</pre>

Any trepidation at the oncoming ship seems dashed when its charge slows. The Isobari crew cheer and send a second volley with a handful more arrows piercing into the wicked wasp harrying the poisoned mercenary. 
 
Then the sounds of battle change. It's quiet at first, almost something you can miss, but the bardsong finds its voice and carries out over the deck of the Firmament's Caravan. It isn't the most powerful sound but there's a familiarity to its effect. And there she is, crouched at the top of the stairs and looking terrified but resolute; the gnomish girl finds her voice. 
 
:: ''"Dark night is dawning, after all.'' 
:: ''"Strengthless but standing, after all..."'' 
 
The Pandemonium seeks to cement its right to the name. The ship kicks over, tilting dangerous as the wheel is cranked violently. There's an assembled cry and the men and women aboard are forced to just concentrate on keeping their feet. 
 
The robed figure's hood falls back, foxlike and feral with bloodied teeth and thick, hanging ropes of spittle. She releases her grip on the wheel and takes a quick step back, blinking out of sight.

<pre><OOC> Aimarra says, "All right! Let's help Aryia out by firing on those around her."
<OOC> Aimarra says, "Deadly Aim, Favored Enemy, do one shot at a time."
<OOC> Jinks says, "+1 to hit and damage for bardic performance"
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1-2+4: (5)+11+1+-2+4: 19
GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d6+3+4+1+4: (3)+3+4+1+4: 15
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1-2+4-5: (10)+11+1+-2+4+-5: 19
GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d6+3+4+1+4: (6)+3+4+1+4: 18</pre>

This time, Aimarra has her act together, and she shifts target - the mul could use a hand down there! Two well-placed arrows rain out of the sky with deadly effect, burying themselves deep into one of the humans surrounding Aryia.

<pre><OOC> Seyardu says, "moving to -5,6 and -5,7, off the deck with flight. That'll threaten the wasp and one person on the boat at -9,7"
<OOC> Seyardu says, "and I'm going to use my action to channel energy"
<OOC> Seyardu says, "selective channel to ignore the wasp near edinaz and up to two other injured looking enemies"
GAME: Seyardu rolls 6d6: (25): 25
GAME: Seyardu damaged Paenitia for -25 points. 75 HP remaining.
GAME: Seyardu damaged Ramirez for -25 points. 44 HP remaining.</pre>

With the fighting breaking out in earnest, there are too many places to be at once. But with Aryia- 

Aryia somehow managing to turn the boat around. Seyardu elects to take the space in case they manage to get it back on ramming trajectory. One hand on their holy symbol that is held aloft a moment, sending a wave of healing magics across the combatants, filling brave Ramirez with newfound strength, and closing the worst of his wounds. She keeps up with the movement, brandishing their billhook in front of them, attempting to ward off the cultists.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+11: (3)+11: 14 (Maauder1 on loud gnome girl)</pre>

The towering oruch-blooded marauder snarls his frustrations as he holds onto the low railing of the cutter, glaring back at the press of bodies around the helm and shaking his head. He freezes, turning, and notices the small form of the gnomish girl crouched in the stairwell. 
 
"Paydirt," he growls, hefting a javelin and heaving it. The weapon buries itself into the wooden frame around the stair's descent, vibrating with the force of the throw. "CACKING BALLS FUCK!" The man complains.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18 (WarWasp1 on Edinaz)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (11)+15: 26
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
<OOC> Edinaz says, "Full attack the wasp once more, this time attacking longsword only."
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+15: (12)+15: 27
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Edinaz rolls fort: (16)+8: 24</pre>

Edinaz shifts tactics as he slows down, fighting the lethargy from the poison. He holds the shortsword back, parrying attacks from the wasp, cutting when he cut. As it turns out, when he can is right after he's caught by a leg, and he gashes the leg as it withdraws.

<pre>GAME: Aryia spends ONE use of FAERIE FIRE.
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (16)+8: 24
<OOC> Jinks says, "You'll outline her. Go ahead and pose it. She hasn't moved since she stepped."</pre>

Aryia hops over chain as it tries to ensnare her, the mute hanging onto the controls as the ship pivots wide. She squints as the fox-like being vanishes. A memory of her sister describing how to push the shadows away from someone plays in her mind. The silver lines on her visage grow brighter, and she stills.

The elf dodges a strike, and the moonlight around her brightens, bursting behind the helm and outlining a figure in a similar hue. 

It took a while, but I finally figured it out, sister.

<pre>GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+1: (14)+11+1: 26 (+1 hit/damage for Starr's song)
GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+1-5: (9)+11+1+-5: 16
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (6)+8+1: 15
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (13)+8+1: 22
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (1)+8+1: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d6+2+1: (4)+2+1: 7
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d6+2+1: (3)+2+1: 6
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d6+2+1: (2)+2+1: 5
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d4+4+1: (1)+4+1: 6
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18 (WarWasp2 on Ramirez)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (8)+15: 23
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (10)+15: 25
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (9)+15: 24</pre>

It's a mid-air peacock fight!

Not really. There's only one peacock, and he is half-horse. He battles a horse-sized wasp, which is something even if it's not a horse-fly.

His rider has a lance, that's almost a stinger.

Thrust. Snap! Slash! Thrust. Slash.

Rider and mount present a fearsome offense, mirrored by the wasp, which has almost as many slashy, stabbys, to trade back.

It comes out worse for wear.

"The great thanks for the healing, Friend Dragon!" Paenitia calls out.

'RuaaaAHH!' Ramirez is very grateful also. Yes.

<pre><OOC> Jinks says, "Ramirez and Pae can take an AoO on the marauder as he moves on the deck."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12+2: (19)+12+2: 33
GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+1: (3)+11+1: 15 (AOO vs Maurader)
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (8)+8+1: 17
GAME: Paenitia rolls ride+6: (5)+8+6: 19
GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4+4+2d6: (6)+4+(9): 19
GAME: Maurader2 damaged Ramirez for 19 points. 25 HP remaining.</pre>

The marauder finally sees an opportunity stolen from he and his crew when their ship was hijacked (the nerve of some people!). He dashes low across the deck of his ship to avoid claw and lance before whipping out his barbed chain and tearing a hunk of flesh away from Ramirez.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21 (Firmament archers)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 3d6: (9): 9</pre>

"Focus you attentions! Get one of the fliers down!" Captain Oyenusi is pointing as his men continue to send volleys towards Edinaz's dance partner. The gnomish girl continues to sing but she's crouched even lower in the stairwell now, taking a step back from view.

<pre><OOC> Jinks says, "The raider ship is going to go 60' south since no one is at the helm. Aryia will get some friends."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (6)+8: 14
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11</pre>

The raider's ship has no one at the helm and rockets past the Firmament beyond its stern. The raider themselves stand and close in on Aryia and continue to press their attacks, looking for an opening.

<pre>GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1-2: (18)+11+1+-2: 28
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1-2-5: (12)+11+1+-2+-5: 17
GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d8+3+1+4: (1)+3+1+4: 9</pre>

The girl. The wasp. The raider's ship. Aryia. So many targets, so few arrows. The capitain's order filters through, and Aimarra turns to obey, knowing she'd better do so, and turns an arrow on the wasp. The aim is true, for at the first one, but skittering off of flesh rather than sinking too deep.

<pre><OOC> Seyardu says, "Quick channel to heal leaves me with 3 charges left, using action to whack the wasp on Edinaz, power attack"
GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20+5+8+2+1-1: (1)+5+8+2+1+-1: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Seyardu rolls 6d6: (26): 26
GAME: Seyardu damaged Paenitia for -26 points. 75 HP remaining.
GAME: Seyardu damaged Ramirez for -26 points. 51 HP remaining.</pre>

Seyardu's attention is torn in three directions now. There is Edinaz, who is looking increasingly sluggish in the air, and ramirez, who is being struck again, and badly at that. Not to mention the small gnome who was being targeted by one on the enemy craft. 

She manages to do one thing decently at least. The holy symbol directed at the hippogryph and their rider, healing others as well, but when she twists to strike at the wasp harrying Edinaz, a claw gets stuck in the rigging, sending the swing sailing wide over one of its wings.

<pre><OOC> Jinks says, "No action for Maruader1 this round."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18 (WarWasp1 on Edi)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (19)+15: 34
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (4)+15: 19
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (12)+15: 27
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Edinaz rolls fort: (17)+8: 25
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+14: (13)+14: 27 (full attack with both weapons this time)
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+9: (5)+9: 14
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+13: (15)+13: 28
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d6+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d6+7: (6)+7: 13
<OOC> Jinks says, "It claws and stings you and then you destroy the construct and it spirals down, down, down. Pose, plx!"</pre>

Edinaz keeps fighting in the sky, slowing down, but fighting off that feeling. He parries a couple of strikes with the help of his wards, driving his sword off of its faceplate in return. Then, they come together, metal limbs ripping at Edin, stinger lodging briefly in his leg, as his arm pistons twice in quick succession, stabbing into the heart of the wasp-construct. There's a sizzle, and sparks, and metal pieces fall out of the wasp. Then? Then, Edin pulls away as the wasp drops down away from him, wings pulling it into a tight death spiral. "Witness," he whispers, as is only proper.
 
<pre>GAME: Aryia rolls weapon0+1: (13)+15+1: 29
GAME: Aryia rolls weapon0+1: (12)+15+1: 28
GAME: Aryia rolls weapon0+1-5: (14)+15+1+-5: 25
GAME: Aryia rolls weapon0+1: (20)+15+1: 36 (THREAT)
GAME: Aryia spends ONE point of KI POOL.
GAME: Aryia rolls damage0+3: aliased to 2d6+3+3: (7)+3+3: 13
GAME: Aryia rolls damage0+3: aliased to 2d6+3+3: (9)+3+3: 15
GAME: Aryia rolls damage0+3: aliased to 2d6+3+3: (9)+3+3: 15
GAME: Aryia rolls damage0+3: aliased to 2d6+3+3: (10)+3+3: 16
<OOC> Aryia says, "first is full damage, rest have hardness applied"</pre>

Aryia watches as the vector of the ship turns away from her charge. She turns to face the pirates, her bright eyes honing in on the controls. She ducks low, shouldering one out of the way as her blows land not on flesh. But on a wheel. First punch bust it into spider web fractures, the rest cracking the frame. One final haymaker shatters the wheel off, the post wide. 

She smirks triumphantly, the lines on her visage twisting to accommodate. "Later, fuckers," she crudely signs, bringing her fists up for one last bout. <Handspeech>

<pre>GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+1: (11)+11+1: 23
GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+1-5: (17)+11+1+-5: 24
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (17)+8+1: 26
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (18)+8+1: 27
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+1: (12)+8+1: 21
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d6+2+1: (3)+2+1: 6
GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d6+2+1: (2)+2+1: 5
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d6+1+1: (4)+4+1: 9
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d4+4+1: (3)+4+1: 8
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d4+4+1: (2)+4+1: 7</pre>

Ramirez is suffering the stings and slashes of outrageous fortune, feeling the cuts, flagging in the air. The divine energy of silverscale floods him, and he is like a beast renewed.

'RUAAAAH!' Snap! Slash! Rip!

The wasp's carapace is scarred with great rents, cracking it. Weaknesses that Paenitia exploits, stabbing her lance in, and deep.

The internal ichor of the wasp stains the point. It's looking bad. Victory is near.

Until it counters, faceplate mandibles snapping, which miss, but the serrated claws and the stinger sink home.

Ramirez is not looking so good, once more, and feeling even sicker.

<pre>GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (5)+15: 20 (WarWasp2 on Ramirez)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (11)+15: 26
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (14)+15: 29
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+15: (16)+15: 31
GAME: Paenitia rolls ride+6: (8)+8+6: 22 (vs DC 26)
GAME: Paenitia rolls ride+6: (2)+8+6: 16 (vs DC 29)
GAME: Paenitia rolls ride+6: (3)+8+6: 17 (vs DC 31)
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8: (6)+8: 14 (Ramirez Fort Save)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: WarWasp2 damaged Ramirez for 15 points. 36 HP remaining.
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (4): 4 (4 Dex damage to Ramirez)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9 (Firmament Archers)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6-2: (5)+6+-2: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6-2: (20)+6+-2: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6-2: (12)+6+-2: 16
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6-2: (7)+6+-2: 11
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (4): 4
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26 (Pandemonium's Turn, 60' Move south)
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20</pre>

The bardsong is done. Other ship is careening off into the night with Aryia on it. One wasp remains.

The airrows continue to rain down from up above the blim, placed with deadly accuracy but none truly finding a deep sink. Until now. One sinks home, sening the other wasp careening into the skies below.

There's a startled cry from the girl as the bardsong ends. Then the sharp crack of a firm slap finding a tiny cheek. Maybe it's lost in the din but by the time anyone thinks to look the stairwell is empty and the gnome girl is gone. 
 
Unaware of the events below him the captain calls for the archers to press on. The men and women cheer as the Pandemonium falls into sloppy retreat and loose another set of arrows. This target is further away and the pull on the bows are not the strongest. They crew on the top of the bladder have to arc their shots-- and one is lucky enough to find the meat of the construct. The four below all fire wide. 
 
The mixed bag of dirty, angry marauders continue to swing and shove at Aryia. They manage all manner of curses and crude promises in both the trade tongue and Yrch-speak. She keeps them at bay, still.

<pre>GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1-2: (18)+11+-2: 27 (vs Paenitia's WarWasp2)
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1-2: (10)+11+-2: 19
GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d8+4+3: (5)+4+3: 12
<OOC> Jinks says, "kersplat"</pre>

Aimarra aims at the second wasp, draws her bow, and knocks it out of the sky with a well placed arrow as if it were nothing.

Aryia gives a salute, turns, and runs off the ship. Moonlight illuminates the Firmament as faded after images of a mul'neissa woman rapidly approach, soaring through the air with her arms flailing. She lands hard on the deck, rolls with it, then pops back up. 

She dusts her jacket off and snaps a thumbs up. "Good job everyone!" she signs quickly, grinning as the silver lines on her face slowly ebb and flow. "Who ever was singing helped a lot." <Handspeech>

Edinaz limps back to the deck of the ship, picking up his javelin and leaning on it as a walking stick. He pants, wincing and pale.

"I am Tarien's little joke." Paenitia mutters despondently under her breath, as an arrow takes out the distraction that had tied her up all combat. Sure. She 'softened it up', but Ramirez was on the verge of falling out of the sky on many occasions and likely would have without the silverscale's dilligent healing.

Her clever plan, easily surpassed by Aryia's solo action.

It's discouraging enough to make her doubt her entire approach. If arrows were going to do it, they were the safer option, much smarter than going toe to foe and challenging an airship.

'ruaaaaaaaah', Ramirez moans, making a hiccup and then an unpleasant whinny. His flying becomes clumsy, he's slow to respond to her. The poison is working its way into him. They need to land so she can do something about that.

"Friend dragon, do you have the poison neutralize?" She calls, passing the giant sith'makar as they glide towards the bow of the boat.

<pre><OOC> Jinks says, "Edi made his saves. Neutralize Ramirez!"
GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) (Heal check?)
<OOC> Jinks says, "Pae, for some reason Seyardu is trying to strangle your beautiful peacock."
GAME: Seyardu casts Neutralize Poison. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
GAME: Seyardu casts Heal. Caster Level: 11 DC: 21</pre>

Seeing the two wasps crumbling and falling into the unknown, And Aryia returning, Seyardu breathes a sigh of relief as she drops back to the deck, shrinking shortly after. "That was incredibly risky, Aryia. We did not know how dangerous those raiders were." She states to the Mul'niessa. "But, thank you for heading them off. If they reached the deck, I believe one of Jinks' children was close by." 

She looks to Edinaz, but seeing their condition not worsening, she instead turns to Ramirez. 

"Thank you for heading off the beasts, the both of you." she says, reaching a hand out to Ramirez. But, her hand can not tell what is blood, and what is the blood red plumage of the beast as she attempts to chant a spell, and is left with little to show for her efforts. 

The cleric sighs, and reaches out again.  "Celestial Mother, mend Paenitia's brave steed, who stood firm to protect the innocent on this boat from our foes, and their knight atop them."  She prays.  <Draconic>

Ramirez feels surprisingly great, as if he was never injured in the first place! Even his sluggishness from the poison vanishes, and all his wounds are mended fully. This is how things should be.

Aryia rubs her neck, then signs to Seyardu. "I had to. I couldn't let them near those kids. Not after what he's done for me. Us."

She smiles some at seeing Rameriez come hale and whole, the moonlight brightening the ship slowly fading out. The lines on her face, too, vanish. <Handspeech>

A cheer goes up across the ship, unrestrained and jubilant as the enemy force is repelled. Casualties are minor and not a single member of the crew was slain. The purser, Rhiaww, arrives with healing kit and sees to the two who took the initial lightning attack-- but thanks to the sith-makar Hearthguard they've only frizzy hair and singed clothing to show for it. 
 
The captain leaves Ath at the helm and Kasdratin joins the strange, mutant man and physically takes the wheel. Oyenusi meets with Taalkee and they begin to walk the ship, looking to make sure no damage was done. 
 
There's no sign of the girl who'd appeared briefly on the stairs. The rest of the passengers had the sense to stay below for the duration of the fight.

'Ruaaah!' Ramirez is feeling much better. He nuzzles his beak against Seyardu's horns, lightly chewing on one

"Great thanks, friend dragon, Mother Althea's grace was much needed." Paenitia says, happy but weary.

"The sister sing is as much the goodsong as him. Comrades," she inhales, her breath hissing through the mask, "I need to get below, give him the brushing."

Yes, that sounds like a plan that can't go wrong.

{{LineSkulls|300px}}

==Combatty==

''Map''
<br>https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mrc6bjs0io3

<pre> ===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
 ---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
     25   WarWasp1         1  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  >> 24   Edinaz           1   <<
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     21   Aryia            6  Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)               
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     19   Paenitia         1  Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)               
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     17   WarWasp2            
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     16   Marauder2           
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     15   Firmament           
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     14   Pandemonium         
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     11   Aimarra          4  Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)               
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     10   Seyardu          1  Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)               
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     7    Marauder1           
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ==============================================================================</pre>