[Arsenal] ------------- John Barleycorn Must Die ------------- * Sylvia must remember to tally XP... got bad habit of *not* doing such [Arsenal] it's still the first night, after Captain Drake's announcement * Sylvia sit and catch up on old times with Capt Drake * Neil sighs as he sits upon the quiet, deserted beach, running his fingers through the sand, drawing runes unconsciously. * Sylvia remembers pops talking about retiring and leaving the Rage with family hehehe [Arsenal] Syl: and "family" in this case means one person: you. *nod* ;) and she said she'd take care of the old badger [Arsenal] feel free to RP amongst yourselves for a bit. I gotta go AFK for a few... damn RL intruding at the exact wrong time... (Likewise. I'm a bit busy right now. ^^;) * Veshengo isn't anywhere to be found. Is this new? I hope not. *** Duras_Frostbeard (JediKnight@AC92CFE2.ipt.aol.com) has joined #highseas * Duras_Frostbeard 4' dwarf siting with a few other dwarves enjoying being surrounded by 3 ladies Hello, Duras... "Aye lassies! The battle was long and hard one! But let me tell ya, it was a great work out! And makes a dwarf crave lovings afterward!" * Curuar makes his way over to Bourne. "Master Bourne, I find I have reservation about this plan of Captain Drake's. That vault's better protected than any king's keep that I've heard of." "High risk, high reward, Curuar. I'm willing to chance it." "if you say so, sir." The red headed elf smiled as she toyed with his braids. A human brunette giggled as she played with his beard, causing the beads in the braids to tinkle slightly. The other lady was a 1/2 elf with short black hair. She refilled the dwarf's drink "I'm not quite sure that I am, however." says Neil, stepping resignedly back into the tavern and taking a seat next to Bourne "I hesitated about being a privateer, since it was after all piracy. But under Ritaegno's laws -- the only one I care about -- we're legal. This... well, it's different. But I've no kind words for Redwater's madness. I'm willing to see what I can gain from their bigotry." "If Drake will listen to reason, I'd have much to add to his plan. Long reconnaissance, subterfuge if we can manage it. These would go a long way toward making the job easier." "There's a difference between being against bigotry and running into a meat grinder." * Bourne shrugs. "Hence my proposal of subterfuge." * Monika nurses an ale at the bar, lost in thought... * Neil waves his arm towards the rabble. "You think a host of drunken pirates with a fleet of ships, including one airship, are going to listen to one man wanting to be sneaky?" "I suppose... do you think the captains would allow us a look at any charts or maps they have for this?" "The most they'll let you do is drop a fog over the place." "They'll listen to their captains, Neil. If we can convince them..." * Neil snickers. "We?" "Suit yourself." "you think the Captain's going to listen to an idea that *I* propose?" "Methinks it's high time you give up the ale as well." . o O (I do wonder what Captain Drake's angle is on this. On one hand, the prizes promise to be enormous. On the other hand, one has to live to spend it.) "Besides, there's more to subterfuge than tactics. A Redwater guard at a bar... a blackjack... a bribe... a turncoat. Many ways to open a door without ramming it." "Like burning it to ash?" * Neil smirks. "Or finding an entrance that isn't the door?" "Like paying a man to leave it unlocked. Though not quite so straightforward." "...WINK." "And burning THAT to ask?" ^ash * Bourne sighs. "This is another reason I'm leaning toward taking this job. Subtlety is lost on you lot." * Duras_Frostbeard chuckled at the girls' playing with his hair and beard. "Ahhh lassies, reminds me of the good old days. But this will be a bust to remember! Jewels galore!" * Bourne sets down the rest of his victuals and looks around for Drake. "Look here, I hate Redwater more than any of you, I've got viable reason to at that." Drake's sitting with me at a table Busy? "But I do know that they know their own well enough. Scraggin' zealots tend to know when you're not as zealful." he's chatting with me * Bourne eyes Drake with Syl, decides it can wait a while if we have a few days yet. [Arsenal] back... is the bar still in one piece? * Curuar finds a place to sit and think about this Maybe :) as a matter of fact, Neil was talking about burning the doors to ash. ;) The brunette chuckles some more and begins to nuzzle and coo the dwarf ((Not THOSE doors)) "More ale for me and me ladies!" he belows out * Neil regards the dwarf briefly, then says quietly to the group. "And I thought VESH was obnoxious." [Arsenal] Duras: your ale is brought over. * Sylvia asks how the seas been with pop "Thank you!" He takes a long swig and smiles widely, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Now what shall we do now, me lassies?" He *wiggles* his black furry eyebrows * Curuar decides to speak to the cap'n as soon as possible about getting a look at anything he can pass on to the crew * Monika eyes Neil briefly. . o O (Pot, meet kettle) [Arsenal] "Well, it's been one rough encounter after the next. Like I said, Angel, I'm getting old." "Well I don't think you're getting old, but you know yourself better than anybody. I've missed you so..." Her eyes mist up slightly as she smiles warmly * Monika wonders when Jeffrey's getting back. The red headed elf rolled her eyes and mumbled something about 'typical sex drive of yours...' [Arsenal] Mon: you see him just entering the tavern, more than just a little blitzed. Duras nearly chokes on his ale. "Well, you should know!" He called out as he was rewarded with a loud sounding *thwap* [Arsenal] Up near the bar, a fight between some half-orc raiders and the gnome air pirates A growl is heard as it gets louder, the burly dwarf leaps out of his chair and dives for the fiesty red head. Causing the elf to squeak slightly as she is knocked to the floor. A hearty laugh is heard as the dwarf chuckles from the floor * Neil looks to Bourne. "So, what's your plan?" [Arsenal] +breaks out Elf - "Why you good for nuthing scruffy looking...!" * Duras_Frostbeard stops her from speaking as he commences to kissing the elf hard and passionately once done, the two are out of breath. Elf flushed and Duras chuckling deeply, voice obviously hoarse due to the passion [Arsenal] A gnome goes flying past the table the crew is sitting at; another lands on the dwarf. * Duras_Frostbeard growls as he pushes the gnome off and growls out a few choice words in gnomish "I like gnomes. Perhaps they'll let me fly with them." "Plan? Hard to say, yet. I need more information. That's the first step of the plan." "I wasn't -that bad-... was I?" * Sylvia *blushes* at the scene of the dwarf and his elf 'lady' (upon seeing Jeffrey's state of inebriation) [Arsenal] Mon: a few of his shipmates are with him I unobtrusively listen in * Duras_Frostbeard roars loudly enough to be heard throughout the tavern. "Nobody messes with me when I'm moving!!!" "Especially no big nosed short stop!" [Arsenal] Mon: Jeff's bragging about you. Seems his shipmates have been feeding him firewater since you two went at it hmmmm [Arsenal] Duras: the gnome gets up, and runs back toward the bar, over and under tables. He and three other gnomes catch a half-orc in a flying tackle. * Duras_Frostbeard eyes the elf below him, "You ok, sweetums?" His beefy hand trails her cheek gently. The green eyes of the elf sparkle * Neil rises. "Rowdy bastards too." "I think I'll be going before I start lighting everything on fire." "Let's just hope they don't bring out the hot stuff." "Oops. Too late." * Neil makes his way out of the rising barfight-filled tavern "You know...I did miss this. When I was younger and traveling with you...how I have forgotten all this amazes me." She chuckles [Arsenal] one corner: "An evil unlike anything you have ever witnessed shall engulf the planet." "Oh no, we have fights in here all the time." (sylv said to Drake) [Arsenal] Drake stands up. "Excuse me for a moment, Angel. This fight is annoying me. Keegis, Duras, a hand?" * Duras_Frostbeard smiles lovingly at the elf and kisses her passionately one more time before getting up and assisting her up. The Brunette chuckles even more as she sips her ale. The black hair lady shakes her head and has a look of envy upon her face. It is obvious that the red head is Duras' fav * Duras_Frostbeard *snorts* and glances at the ladies, "Duty calls, be right back loves!" He starts over to Drake * Sylvia *nods* * Neil sighs, leaning against the wall just outside the door of the tavern brb Al has to use the tele "Uh, oh." *scrambles to find himself a defensible postion away from the fight. "Everybody, cover your heads." [Arsenal] ('k...) brb Dumbass has to call in sick from work "I tell you Curuar, if we pull this off and I get rich, I never want to see another damn barfight in my life." * Monika lets her hand drift to the hilt of her rapier... "I don't mind barfights, sir. It's when Keegis starts into it that I worry." *** Sylvia (JediKnight@AC92CFE2.ipt.aol.com) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] *** Duras_Frostbeard (JediKnight@AC92CFE2.ipt.aol.com) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] [Arsenal] The mere sight of Drake, Duras, and Keegis coming towards the fight is enough to defuse it somewhat. A few punches later, with Keegis actually picking on people her own size (the gnomes), and the fight has left the combattants. * Bourne seizes an opportunity and comes up to Drake as the fight winds down. "Excuse me, Captain Drake. Do you have a moment?" [Arsenal] "Aye, lad. What's on yer mind?" * Monika smiles and wanders over to Bourne and Drake * Neil steps back in after the fight is brought down, joining Bourne's side. "Some friends and I were discussing your proposal. Being men of a rather reflective nature, at least for privateers, we were wondering if you might vouchsafe a few more details and possibly hear some comments." [Arsenal] "Well, what did ye have in mind?" * Curuar joins Bourne "Defenses at the target, plan of attack, estimate of size of the prize, and if possible a chance to engage in any maneuvers that might give the fleet an easier time of it." "With the respectability granted that you likely already have a plan, sir, we were thinking that perhaps you might make some revisions to it with our assistance if you had an all out attack in mind." *** Duras_Frostbeard (kynstar@AC929152.ipt.aol.com) has joined #highseas re Duras *** Mode change [+o Duras_Frostbeard] on #highseas by Arsenal *** Sylvia (JediKnight@AC929152.ipt.aol.com) has joined #highseas re Kat re Sylvia *** Mode change [+o Sylvia] on #highseas by Arsenal * Duras_Frostbeard *wiggles* his eyebrows and heads back to the awaiting ladies (if fight be over) * Sylvia shakes her head at the rukus oO Yep sure did miss all this chaos...Oo [Arsenal] yep, fight's over The brunette and black haired lady squeals as they rush him. He grabs the two ladies waist and chuckles loudly. The red head just shakes her head and sits back down at the table (Back.) * Neil waits quietly and patiently for Drake to reply. * Duras_Frostbeard retakes his seat and the ladies commence cooing and messing with his hair and beard. "Soooo ladies, another round before we head upstairs?" he says huskily The red head glared at the dwarf. "Just remember, this girl does *not* share the bed with the others. Uno on uno only." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but her eyes twinkled saying something else [Arsenal] "Well, I've estimated that the prize is easily worth several billion gold; split that among the nine crews, and you can see how much each share would be. We'll be facing a strong defense, naturally. With your ship's cannon, we'll be able to pelt them from the sea with cannonballs, while the longboat comes in from the other side to land ground troops. The gnomes will hover from above, and take potshots of their own with whatever is on board that flying contraption, which will hopefully confuse the Redwater fanatics enough for the rest of the ships to come in from around the island." ((take potshots of the..cuts off)) [Arsenal] "The gnomes will hover from above, and take potshots of their own with whatever is on board that flying contraption, which will hopefully confuse the Redwater fanatics enough for the rest of the ships to come in from around the island." "Bourne here's in control of the weather." [Arsenal] "A weather wizard? Interesting. And useful." "We'd like to suggest that we lay a fog over the area, so thick you can cut it." sure * Sylvia listens in as she is taken back by the quantity of gold ( ooc: fog? then how can you see to attack? juz curious ) "But there might be rocks or reefs to gash the hulls of the unwary." "Sorry, Neil. I didn't get the chance to tell you I can't do that." * Neil shrugs. "What do you suggest then bourne?" "I'd like to know more about the defenses on the island. What manpower? How much cannon? Anything esoteric?" "If we had the fog we could sail in slow and we won't have to waste any gunpowder. Every man to a cutlass, take them by surprise, but ah well." "Not to mention the edifice itself." * Duras_Frostbeard grumbles under his breath. "Fine... I'll play with them first and leave the rest of the eve and morn with you, love. Sound good?" thought the other two pouted, they didn't seem to mind to much that the dwarf would be more with the red head than them Elf - "Fine...I'll meet you later then." she casually leans over and kisses the dwarf's cheek gently and heads out the front entrance. Any man who even stares at her for more than a second gets an evil stare (from the elf that is) [Arsenal] "We're lucky, in that Redwater doesn't have cannon the way Marach, Ritaegno, and Rinkasae do. But they have adapted some catapults to fire something explosive." [Arsenal] "I witnessed a battery of ten catapults there." "What about sea-going assets, Captain Drake?" * Sylvia *whistles* "Wow... I guess catapults would work instead... though aim wouldn't be as long " [Arsenal] "We can be assured of a small squadron of warships protecting the area. However, as they are relying on secrecy rather than manpower to protect the place, I doubt more than four ships." "Catapults. Hmm. Not too bad." "Why don't you send some men to take these ships for our own before they even realize what hit them?" "They'd be hard pressed if their own ships were turned against them, or better yet burned down in the harbor." [Arsenal] Drake waves Duras over. * Duras_Frostbeard finishes up the drink and gently takes the ladies waists and head toward the stairs. "Drake! Don't stay up to late now! Gotta catch up on your beauty sleep you old man you!" he belows as he nods to him good night * Veshengo walks over to the table and sits down with a grin. "So, what are you talking about now?" * Duras_Frostbeard sees the wave "Hold for me lassies." heads over to the table "Respectfully, captain, shouldn't we make certain of that estimate of their naval defenses? I've heard many a tale of aggressors destroyed because of an assumption of the defender's forces." "A strong wind would drive those ships back against their own harbor and bear us in as well." "Don't ya be getting upset on the age remark, now. I'm double if not nearly triple your age!" he chuckles as he nods a greeting to the others around the table "I agree with Curuar, too. If we could get a small party on the island unnoticed, one that could reconnoiter, we couldsave ourself much grief later." * Sylvia chuckles at the dwarf [Arsenal] "This young man has an interesting proposition for dealing with the enemy's ships." He turns to Neil. "What was it again?" BURN THEM! BURM 'EM ALL!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! :) * Duras_Frostbeard eyes Neil as he crosses his arms over his barrel chest. Curiosity on his face * Duras_Frostbeard absently chews on one edge of his mustache "Get in at night, burn them down in the harbor" * Veshengo whistles. "Nice strategy. I'm up for taking a shot at it." "If you'd be able to get a small crew of saboteurs in, we could do a lot more damage. If successful enough they'd be crippled before the fleet even arrived." [Arsenal] "And are you volunteering, young man?" * Duras_Frostbeard *snorts* slightly, "Under the cover of darkness is a good plan, one done many a times by pirates. It could work...if they don't expect it." "He *likes* to burn." "Such a task i suicidal. Naturally I'd like to be the first volunteer." ^is [Arsenal] Drake bursts out laughing. * Duras_Frostbeard joins in "Sounds like me..." "I wonder about that flaming stuff they have, too. If the saboteur crew could soak that, it might just be wet tar." * Sylvia *shakes* her head at Neil & the dwarf * Curuar looks over at Bourbe. "Are we sure his resurrection cured his insanity?" * Veshengo chuckles. "Suicide is one thing. Getting in and out without being noticed is another." * Neil shrugs. "We have at our disposal an airship. If we drop in under heavy cloud cover.." * Monika shoots a knowing glance at Sylvia. "Resurection doesn't cure ailments, just brings you back to life." "Of course, we'd need to slow our fall somehow." "But, then again, that's just one way in." [Arsenal] "You could always just swim in." "Why not a strike from two fronts? Air and sea." "Swimming is an option. I'm not adverse to it, either." * Neil looks to Drake. "I..I can't swim too well." "I would volunteer for a sea approach. I've proven to not do very well with... air attacks." "Ack...swimming...now there's a concept." [Arsenal] *snicker* * Curuar absently rubs his chest "How about we satiate both sides of this argument and jump from the airship into the water?" "Say... Neil, can you fire a catapult? +" * Veshengo snerks at the Air Attacks comment. "Come to think of it, who generally operates out ballista?" s/out/our/ [Arsenal] you could always launch Keegis. ;) "That's be me." "I AM the gunnery chief." "What if we took the air drop option... and used one of those catapults to drop their own fire on their ships in the harbor?" "Ballistas are nice...love them." "Also signalling the fleet to begin the attack." [Arsenal] he better, his ship has about 10 of them. "And then destroy all the catapaults.." "Hmm... though we'd promptly be assailed by the guards." "How tall's the building, Captain Drake? If it's no more than a few stories, we could grapple off and make a run for the beach where our land forces are coming." "Ummm been a while since I've done a good land battle. Could use the stretching of the legs and arms. Let alone my ax needs a bleedin' again." "They'd be somewhat busy trying to put the fires out." "We could send in some of the human crewmen from out ships to take the place of some of the guards on the wall?" *to Curuar* "Huh?" -out +our * Neil looks to Cururar. "We'd have to have those guards replaced early, and that'd be noticed." "I myself trust in the fleet enough to know that they'd get there in time to bail us out." [Arsenal] "You boys sound like you'd be willing to pull off this crazy stunt. You think you're up to it?" "Let's not get carried away with enthusiasm, here. We really should keep it simple." "Hey. No fair that you boys get to have all the fun!" * Neil smirks. "I wouldn't have dreamt the damned thing up if I wasn't, sir." "You can come if you want, dear. In fact, I'd very much like a few volunteers from our ship." "On the suggestion of my associate Bourne here." "Why, Bourne, was that a proposition?" * Sylvia chuckled at Monika's question "Let's make sure we know what we're planning here. A small party drops from the airship at night under cover of cloud. The party seizes a catapult and some of the fire, and attacks the ships in the harbor below. This signals the fleet to attack. The saboteur party destroys what catapults they can before rappelling out and dashing for the safer numbers of the land attack." * Duras_Frostbeard eyed Monika with a new *light* "I'd much rather get on board the ships, but it's pretty bedamned unlikely that they'll fire at their own harbor." "The land attack itself makes for the building and fights the guards until the loot is seized." "Question. What's the building like? Will we need a ram to break down the door? Do you know anything about the inner defenses?" "Bourne, with a strong wind set inland, any fires set will quickly spread." [Arsenal] "I know of its stone outer wall, about 20 feet tall. Not sure what magical defenses it'll have yet. * Monika looks at the dwarf. "I would advise against any ideas in that vein. You look like you have plenty as it is." "Well, Redwater would hardly have much in the way of magical defenses, neh?" "I'm not sure where their theology draws the line...." [Arsenal] "They've got their own magic-wielding clerics, and their thrice-damnable paladins..." * Duras_Frostbeard *wiggles* his eyebrows, "They always say more the merrier!" his black eyes shimmer "First thing's first sir, you may wish to call the Gnomish Captain over to see if he can lend us passage on his ship. It's a lot to ask of him." * Sylvia nearly chokes on Monika's and Duras' exchange "Please don't take this the wrong way, Mr... ?" [Arsenal] "I would, but Keegis put him down for the count." "Heh. That's the Keegis we all know and fear." "Also, bourne, no doubt that if we took control of one of the ships we'd present a more mobile target than if we were on a wall." * Duras_Frostbeard bows then stands up straighter, "Duras Frostbeard be my name. And fear not lassie, I understand and no hard feelings. Though if you're ever curious..." he trails off grinning widely. "Plus we can ram the other ships from there, and if all the catapaults were turned inward by redwater soldiers, and their defenses and attention were turned into their own harbor.." "It'd save us the time it takes to turn one of the damned things, the manpower, and it'd be one hell of a distraction." "Thank you for understanding, and I assure you that, should I ever feel the need to get, as they say, freaky that way, you'll be the first one I call." * Sylvia attempts to not stare with her mouth agape, she quickly grabs her drink and hides behind the glass [Arsenal] "Cool those hormones, Duras." His attention shifts back to the group. "The rest of the fleet will have the job of taking out any Redwater ships currently at sea." "Which would require a great deal more fighting to take control of the ship at first, I think. We want to manage with the least fighting possible. If some of their ships are afire and others are dealing with our own fleet manned with a crew just large enough to harrass them while the while blows strong against them, we can focus our manpower on the land assault we'll need to break in." "The LEAST fighting possible?" "Captain, it comes to my mind that if we can take the Churchers' ships by stealth, we may be able to allow us inside their defenses before they know we have their ships." * Duras_Frostbeard *nods* at Monika, "Then I would be honored." Fixing to say something else, but stops at Drake's words. Scrowling somewhat he nods "There's going to be a lot of fighting when those ships light up, Bourne. We can either be mobile or on a fixed wall." "Of course. Why have it any other way? The more damage we can do before coming to blows, the greater advantage we'll have." "Bourne, is OUR ship fully manned under cover of night?" "When it's IN HARBOR?" "Oh, you mean us? Of course we have to get away from the catapults after we've handled them to our wishes. I was suggesting we run for our own land assault, not one of their ships." "If we take a ship, say, drop in the water nearby it, take it by stealth, we'll have a bedamned ship out." "We always have some crew on board, Neil. And a watch. Not to mention they'd already be raised once they saw you firing at their ships." "I'm not suggesting WE light the thing on fire, I'm suggesting we make THEM light it on fire." "Master Bourne, a moment in private if you would?" "Ah. See, I'd rather us light it on fire, then hightail it out of where we were before theguards get there. Also takes a ship out, and risks our skin less." "They won't rouse full defensesif they think us simply trying to commandeer a ship." * Duras_Frostbeard listens as he draws up a chair and sits in it stradling it and leaning against the back of the seat "We can take all three with my plan, sir." "And turn their cannons inside." * Neil smirks. [Arsenal] Drake stands up. "I'll let you folks work out the details of your little mission. I'm headed to bed." * Bourne says patiently, "Redwater doesn't have cannon, remember?" * Sylvia stands up and hugs him goodnight "Sleep well." * Veshengo waves. "See ya Capt." "We set the sail of the ship we overtake aflame after the other ships begin firing on us. The guard won't know which ship started the combat." "But what if they've taken some from ships they've captured?" * Duras_Frostbeard eyes Sylvia "Hmmm" [Arsenal] he hugs her back, "You too, Angel." "Sleep well, Captain Drake." "That means their ships are weaponed primarily with ballistae marines. Easy to sink, hard to take intact." +and "Rest well cap'n, thanks fer hearing us out." "Thankee, sir." "Good night." "Bourne. Know how many fireballs I can throw in a day?" "Nope." "How many ships are there?" [Arsenal] (more, by the time you get there. ;) "Four, he said. About." "I 'kin toss three, sir." * Veshengo hmmms... "Oh, that is something to consider too. As they don't permit druids in their ranks, their ships are most likely to be much weaker to, say... fire, than most others. They won't have the magic protections required to keep them from going up in flames." "And one can sink a ship?" "If thrown correctly." "If the mainmast is cracked, the ship'll be immobilized." "What if we could sink theur ships in their berths and make off with their ballistas before they can dredge the remains?" [Arsenal] row row row your boat... ;) "Now that'd be interesting and an asset if ya could pull that one off lad." "If I can get on the inside of the ship, there's plenty wood there too." "How fast do you think they can dredge the remains?" "Curuar, that's going to require more men than we currently have." "Er... Neil. Don't we use chainshot foir that same putpose?" "Somehow I question that. Plus I don't like the idea of starting out by engaging in combat. Look." He leans forward. "I raise a wind strong toward the land. Not only is it at our fleet's backs, it keeps them in the harbor." -t +r [Arsenal] hurricane-strength wind? "They can row, but they lose the speed advantage." "That they do Monika, that they do." "What say ye let me toss my fireballs from the wall we're on then?" "How far can you throw a fireball? " "A small party uses, then sabotages their catapults, then gets the hell out of the building and runs for the land attack. Our fleet harasses the crews of the ships well enough to contain them and keep them from adding their strength to the landsmen, while the bulk of our strength takes the prize. That's my plan." "600 feet or thereabouts, sir." * Curuar gets a nasty idea. "Be right back. I need to go talk to those gnomes." "Oh, definitely. The more damage to their ships(and maybe crew), the better." [Arsenal] Cur: Keegis did a number on them. They won't wake up until tomorrow. * Veshengo grins. "Ya called me sir. I'm movin' up in the world." "Well Bourne, if I can get the crazy Dwarf bastard here to come with me in a rowboat, we can burn these ships down to cinders one by one while the rest of you concentrate on the catapaults." Gotta be a few left standing.... I hope. "Anyways, considering the length of the wall to the ships, do you think you'll be able ta hit them?" GM: Yeah, I can manage hurricane force. I should really only need gale force, though. [Arsenal] Cur: none. [Arsenal] what Keegis didn't take out, the half-orcs did * Neil looks to Veshengo. "That's why we either row or swim." "Two parties, then?" "If I'm able to toss a fireball in a porthole, ANYTHING, to the insides of the ship.." * Curuar returns after seeing no gnomes standing * Duras_Frostbeard eyes Neil a little miffed about being called bastard but doesn't say anything about that. "Rowboat, eh?" "One air dropping to sabotage the catapults, the other messing with their ships? * Neil looks to Duras. "Unless you like to swim, sir. I'm sure as hell I don't." "Master Bourne, we can use Neils suggestin, but we won't throw fire." "Eh? Why not?" "Thought you were sayin' earlier to throw from the wall." He shrugs. * Duras_Frostbeard *chuckles* "Nope not even on a sunny day. Rowboat sounds good...as long as me ax can fit in it." His eyes twinkle * Neil looks to Cururar. "Fire seems fairly ideal considering the strong wind fueling it." * Neil looks to Duras. "All you'd have to do sir is keep me alive." "What manner of winds and vapors can be conjured to steal the breath from an enemy? And what admixtures might those gnomes have to do the same?" * Sylvia retakes her seat and sips on her drink * Duras_Frostbeard eyes Neil critically for the first time, "Oh? Looks easy enough." You talkin' alchemy? "You talkin' alchemy?" yep "My crew couldn't do it." "Sounds... iffy." "I suppose I am. We could weaken them significantly before committing any forces." "I've heard of spells that will foul and poison the air but... they're really not my thing. Dangerous. Dark." "If I'm able to shoot inside the ships, the smoke could choke them on its own." * Duras_Frostbeard eyed Neil. "Crew couldn't do it?" * Sylvia pales considerably at Neil's remark "I've died three times." * Veshengo eyes Neil, then regards Duras, pointing at Neil. "I'd like to say right now that I don't report to him." * Duras_Frostbeard pats Neil on the back. "Well laddie, only three times?" [Arsenal] "Died three times? Sounds like a personal problem." [Arsenal] ;) * Neil grins. "More in store, I'm sure." *snrk* *LOL* "Anyhow, we dont even have to board the damned ships if they have poertholes." ^portholes "So let's review. We're talking about two parties. One approaches by sea and sets fire in the ships before waiting to meet the sea attack. The second drops from the air and sabotages the catapults before fleeing to meet the land attack. " "Well laddie, if ya stick near me ya might. I love a glorious battle!" "A well tossed fireball can set each aflame from the inside." "Hmm. Timing." "Bourne, I'd suggest that we all drop in from the air, then split up." "Air borne?" Duras scowls at that "If they see the fleet coming, they'll rouse the ships and set out. When they do, I'll ratchet up the wind. The fireballs will do the most damage then, while they're stuck there and full of men." bloody hell screwed up on that one hehehe "The air drop would have to go first. That way the sea approach could cover and augment them if they reqire it." "That works out better Bourne." "Air borne?" Duras scowls at that hehe Air Bourne? ;) "You'll have to clear a hole in the watch for a rower to slip in." "With this going on, attention will be down in the harbor. The air team drops in and takes out catapults. The land attack begins and the air team goes to join them while the sea team makes its way to our men from the ships." "The sea attack cleans up the ships and keeps those men there while the land forces take the building. What do you say? ( ooc: hehe ) +" "I think it might work." "I'd like to be on the air assault. It sounds rather challenging, I'd say." "Sounds rather feasable and allows for me to burn down three ships." "With our cannons, our ships won't need many men. That'll let us concentrate manpower on the land assault. Good." * Veshengo smiles. "I like it. I really like it." * Duras_Frostbeard still scowling about "Row boat sounds better.." he mumbles [Arsenal] You're assuming the gnomes'll let you on board "Allright then." He leans back. we'll pitch it to Drake and the captains in the morning. Especially the gnome captain. +" "I'll talk to Keegis tomorrow about convincing the gnomes to go along with this." * Duras_Frostbeard smiles "Well my boys and the Steel will help out in any way. A good fight will do wonders to ones' health. What I keep telling Drake!" "There's only one thing I'm worried about." "Other than we'll probably die? " "Mm?" "If we manage to pull this off, how will I explain the sudden turn of fortune to Mother?" "You don't?" "With ten thousand gold." "Vilhelmo will see us through, fear not!" "Maybe so for you. But Mother has very definite ideas about piracy." * Sylvia stops in mid sip at the mention of 'mother' and smiles sadly. She turns to Monika. "So going to do it by air then?" "Send Duras in, he'll turn her." * Neil grins * Veshengo smirks. "I suppose I'd have somethin' to tell you if I still knew of my family." * Duras_Frostbeard *chuckles* good heartedly * Monika nods. "I should hope my intent was clear from what I said. Are you willing to come with me?" * Curuar knows his mother thinks poorly of inter-racial gettings-it-on, but then, remember that he's a Half-Elf. "Um...I guess. I'm not a fighter really. But I could come along in case folks need healing. I have some water based spells." * Neil looks to Sylvia. "You should row in with us." "I'll definitely be takign the air team. If it goes at all." * Duras_Frostbeard eyes light up at the prospect of Sylvia joining them * Sylvia looks down at her hands. "Whatever you all decide." * Monika whispers to Duras, "I would think that Captain Drake would not take the cuckolding of his daughter well, if at all." * Veshengo shrugs. "Airdrop probably for me. But I can swim too, so I can go wherever." * Duras_Frostbeard *chuckles* and whispers back, getting somewhat close to her. (scent of wood and soap - yep actually a clean dwarf! hehe) "Ahhh true lassie, but she is a fine to look upon. But you're right. Drake prob skin me alive and shave me bald." "One would think the shaving would happen before the flaying." "Well. Shall we wait until morning, then allow me to speak to the gnomes?" "Capital idea." "That might be the best thing, as there is gnome one to speak to about it now." * Duras_Frostbeard still whispering, "Not if he has that one item of his yet... nasty lil thing it is too. Quite painful lil tool." *blinkblink* "It was a slip! I didn't mean to... please don't hit me." *snrk* * Neil rises. * Monika sighs. "He who would pun would pick a pocket, or so my father said." * Sylvia shakes her head and chuckles under her breath "I'd love to borrow one of your women for the night if this plan goes through Duras. A sober man needs *some* enjoyment." "Well me maties! I've got two vixens a waiting and another for later! See you all in the morn? Or rather whenever I arise." He eyes Monika and bows "Good night lady dear." "As for tonight, I'm going back to the ship." "And a pleasant evening to you too, dwarf." * Duras_Frostbeard then eyes Neil. "Well me hearty, you'll have to ask them yourself. Though I wouldn't ask the elf." his eyes twinkled * Neil does so, turning on a heel and walking back to the ship. "Didn't have it in mind. We red heads never get along well with one another." "I can attest to that." * Duras_Frostbeard *chuckles* * Veshengo snerks. "See ya." [Arsenal] so, plans are made, you go to bed, wake up the next day... and the gnomes are nowhere to be seen today. Bourne, you said you wanted to explore the island these next few days before you launch? "Good night, mates." * Neil asks someone where the gnomes went. * Bourne tries to find Drake first to pitch the plan. * Curuar joins Bourne on his explorations [Arsenal] Drake's on board his ship. * Sylvia doesn't arise until nearly noon * Bourne would head there pretty soon, yes. * Sylvia stayed up watching the stars :) * Veshengo stayed up doing who knows what. :P * Veshengo doesn't seem to care, though. * Curuar doesn't need much rest, anyway. So nyah! * Duras_Frostbeard don't arise until late afternoon as well and eventually returns to the Tavern with just the elf in tow this time * Monika wakes up around noon "Ho, Duras! Where are the other members of your harem, pray tell?" "Why? Looking to join?" :) * Monika OOCly @pimpslaps Cu for that remark. "Heya Duras. Sleep well?" "Moreso, where's the gnomes?" * Veshengo grins. "Hey M'lady," he says to Monika and nods to Veshengo "Ahh they'll be around later, seconds for them sometimes a little tiring." He *winks* "Ah." The elf punches Duras in the arm and walks away with a disgusted look upon her face. She goes to the bar and orders a drink * Bourne pitches the plan, then heads off to explore the island. If Drake expresses reservations about whether the gnomes will let us do much, I'll leave the diplomacy for when I next see one. "As for my sleep...well as well as expected." he chuckles * Sylvia has a late brunch and sips on her ale * Monika has what Sylvia is having * Duras_Frostbeard eyes Neil and points up [Arsenal] Drake expresses a lot of doubt that the gnomes will let you on board their airship. Something about "things that boggle the human mind" * Neil looks "The sky is the limit." [Arsenal] Neil: The gnomes are in the rafters. * Duras_Frostbeard chuckles once Neil spots them * Neil sttempts to get up in the rafters. ^attempts [Arsenal] Neil: how? [Arsenal] it's a good 8 feet up. * Duras_Frostbeard gets some grub as well and is joined by elfy lady ((By putting a chair on top of a table. [Arsenal] Neil: balance check roll 1d20+2 !roll 1d20+2 d20+2 * Prozac throws the bones for Neil (d20+2) and gets 21. The two begin to discuss things in elven, once in a while Duras switches to dwarven and obviously teases the elf because halfway thru the meal she ends up pouring her drink on the dwarf and laughs [Arsenal] okay, it's slightly wobbly, but you retain your balance. [Arsenal] the elf retorts in dwarven as she dumps her drink on the dwarf [Arsenal] ;) * Neil grabs a rafter and hoists himself awkwardly up into them, yet gracefully. "Why you fiesty wench!" Duras then proceeds to splash his drink on the elf which in turns causes her to sputter angrily [Arsenal] "Careful, Big'un. You heavy." "Sorry to be intruding in on you folk, but I've a proposition to make. It'll give you all a damned good chance to be the heroes of this raid." [Arsenal] "Say what?" "Scruffy looking, mangy no good..." the elf calls out. "Who you calling scruffy lookin' you firebreathing..." Duras starts out but is caught offguard by the *thwap* "Just what I said. Pirate heroes gain a bigger slice of the pie and more repute to boot, so you may wish to hear me out." "Smooth." "Not that the lot of you aren't fearsome enough as-is." * Duras_Frostbeard growls loudly, "Why you redheaded vixen!" and once more he dives at the elf and knocks her on to the floor. "My vixen and you know it!" Duras says as he looks down from on top of the elf who in turns chuckles [Arsenal] "Get to the point." The gnomes will all be played by Vander Took? "Get off me you oxy moron!" she says playfully. Which he does and helps her up once more and takes her in his arms and plants a long kiss upon her lips "Cap'n Drake has agreed to let us throw a wrench in their machine. In order to do so, however, we'll need passage on yours." * Sylvia watches the exchange between the elf and dwarf with amusement while finishing up her meal * Sylvia turns to Monika, "Makes you wonder if they love each other..." she chuckles as the scene reminds her of her mother and father "Feed me dwarf, I'm famished." the elf said as she looked down at the dwarf, her green eyes sparkling. "Your wish is my command, m'lady." Duras bows slightly and puts his hand around her waist and the two go and sit and order lunch [Arsenal] "No. Can't do it. Won't do it. Trade secrets." -hand +arm [Arsenal] Depending on the sizes involved, his hand may fit around her waist. ;) "You expect a lot of us dm-witted pirates to figure out these trade secrets? If you won't put such a silly idea past us, those of us riding along will have nmo problem being blindfolded until we reach our destination." ( ooc: true that is true... hehe ) ^no [Arsenal] hmm... [Arsenal] Neil: Cha check? "If you end up seeing another flying ship as a result of this incident, I'll let each one of your crew tattoo whatever they wish onto my face." Cha or diplomacy? [Arsenal] make it diplomacy d20+12 * Prozac throws the bones for Neil (d20+12) and gets 13. ((*facepalms)) ((Can I in any way in hell reroll that?" )) [Arsenal] "No. Now get down." [Arsenal] (make another appeal) "Look, your involvement in this is crucial. You can save the lives of hundreds of these men." d20+12 * Prozac throws the bones for Neil (d20+12) and gets 21. ((Better, I suppose)) want me to roll? ;) [Arsenal] "What do we care about the lives of these men? We want just our share of the loot." "Doesn't it occur to you that you'll get MORE of your share?" Suggest that *they* form the airdrop party. [Arsenal] "You're too big for our ship!" [Arsenal] "No room for you!" "Then if you can spare any of your crew that ARE small enough for the ship, they can do the job just as well if not better than we!" [Arsenal] "No can spare crew, either." "What can you possibly stand to lose?" And what *do* they intend to contribute? * Neil crosses his arms. [Arsenal] "Only fifteen of us, all have job on board ship during battle." "Does your ship have room for cargo?" [Arsenal] He keeps silent "Your men won't be in any danger if you let us take out the one thing that can shoot you from the sky." [Arsenal] " ... How many we talking? "Four at most." [Arsenal] He thinks this over. "How you get down from ship?" "They jump." [Arsenal] "From how high?" "From as high as possible to survive a fall into the water and survive." "If you'd allow them rope, the ship can be even higher." "And did I mention, we need to survive. " :) [Arsenal] "No. You better off rowing from other ship." "Your ship will have sufficient cloud cover." [Arsenal] He shakes his head. "No. You better off rowing from other ship." "If we fail, and your ship goes down, tis all on you, sir." * Neil shrugs, and hops down from the rafters. [Arsenal] balace check again? d20+2 * Prozac throws the bones for Neil (d20+2) and gets 13. [Arsenal] the chair comes out from under you as you go to get down ((He jumped down, didnt use the chair.)) [Arsenal] okay, your landing ain't too hot, and you fall onto your rump * Neil sighs, rising and dusting himself off, leaving the tavern. "I hope you land in the water better than you do on the ground." "I hope these damned useless gnomes end up getting blown into a tornado." * Neil grumbles, making way for Drake's ship. * Sylvia finishes her drink. "So Monika what'ch'ya wanna do?" * Bourne wanders around up on the cone, thinking. "Well, would you good people object to having a woman on board?" [Arsenal] B: you find a cave about halfway up. about 15 feet across. * Curuar joins Bourne in his explorations of the island * Bourne sniffs. Anything smell dead? Like an animal/monster made a meal here? ((If bourne leaves in sight of Neil, Neil willt ag along too)) (to the gnomes) [Arsenal] Neil: he does. Neil: I left earlier that morning, after talking to Drake. Depends on when your conversation with the gnomes was. [Arsenal] (trust me, I've got Plans[tm] for this cave... I'd prefer as much of the party there as possible. ;) Well, it's Bourne and Curuar so far [Arsenal] Mon: "No room, sorry." * Neil walks aside Bourne in the cave, letting him know that the conversation with the gnomes didn't go so well." "What I'm curious about is how exactly they plan to be useful at all in that bedamned sky-whale." "Well, I pray that your lack of room doesn't keep you out of action." "Well... that means we'll still have to face the catapults. We can think about neutralizing them. Your party will still be good to go, though." * Monika takes Sylvia and follows Neil. [Arsenal] "It won't. We have plans." * Sylvia follows as she looks over her shoulder up at the gnomes * Curuar keeps a watch over Bourne, an arrow on his bowstring If nothing smells particularly dead in the cave, Bourne will explore curiously. "I hope they get shot down, to be honest." "For once, we agree on something, Neil." "Let's not be vindictive. Presumably they can contribute something to the attack. Drop rocks or something. Slingmen can be quite useful, as any halfling will tell you." * Veshengo shrugs. "Maybe." "A flaming whatever-the-hell that thing is will be a good projectile too." "Well if it's any reconcilation (sp) my father thought the idea was good, Neil" "Then your father should have given them the task and not I, an officer with no rank." * Curuar moves forward towards the cave, keeping an eye open for anything that might lurk inside [Arsenal] The mouth of the cave, while not smelling like death, is still a pretty grotesque scene, once you look around. Three complete and stikingly lifelike stone statues, and parts of other statues, litter the cave not far in. "Do you get the feeling that this might have been a basilisk lair at one time?" "Leomond tells tales of monsters that could turn men to stone." "And me without a mirror." "You want to go in there...?" "I thought women always had a mirror about them." * Sylvia smiles. "I have a small one.." * Veshengo smirks. "I left mine aboard ship." "A regrettable oversight, to be sure." * Curuar checks the statues to see if there are any telltales that would show it was carved -it +they "You know, basilisks are often set to guard some sort of treasure.." [Arsenal] Cur: none * Sylvia *shudders* slightly, "I got a bad feeling about this..." How far can we see down this cave? [Arsenal] Mon: It veers to the left a little ways down. "Well, I can't see in the dark.." * Sylvia rummages through one of her pouches. "I do have it with me, miracles of miracles." [Arsenal] left and down ( ooc: Lift up the staff and say *Shirak* ) *** Curuar (pirch@ip68-224-24-70.lv.lv.cox.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] Not much of us can, can we? *** UpLink (pirch@ip68-224-24-70.lv.lv.cox.net) has joined #highseas re *** UpLink is now known as Curuar [Arsenal] and... why not leave it here for tonight, as a cliffhanger? Sure. What'd I miss? [Arsenal] Cur: what'd you see last? Checking the statues 'k So leave off at the cave mouth for tonight? sure. [Arsenal] yeah... *** Curuar is now known as UpLink * Duras_Frostbeard finishes up lunch and heads offto chat with Drake [Arsenal] ------------ rock and roll ---------