The 2nd Fleet: Journey to the Edge of the Known World — IC

[Namelessjake]

Armantine is able to pry the dead vines from the pair of sea chests at the foot of each bed, and get them open. One contains clothing and blankets, however the fabric is moth-eaten and moldy. The other chest contains more durable items though; a hammer and ten iron pitons, along with a hempen rope and a climbing harness and dagger boots.

Doran

Moving into the room, you are able to look out of the cabin's portlight, through which the vines had grown. Outside it appears that the vines had spiraled their way up the trunk of a tree close to the ship, before making their way along its branches and into the cabin - the closest part of the ship to the tree.

[ratwizard]

"Tools and gear, mostly," Armantine says aloud as she sprawls a few of the items out from the second chest. "Anything we can use now, let's bring. Otherwise the expedition can haul these back when they so choose."

Once everyone else is ready, she moves back into the hallway, taking the second door on the left.

[BartNL]

"Looks like the vines only got into this cabin. But let's keep our eyes open." Doran says as he prepares to head to the next room.

[Namelessjake]

Armantine and Doran try the next two doors, opening then to find another pair of cabins, however anything of use has either already been taken by the cabin's inhabitants or since been ruined by the passage of time, the humid coastal air, or the small avian and insectoid inhabitants of the isle shores of which the Wanderer rests upon. The next two cabins provide a similar sight, leaving only the quarters atop the broken staircase belonging to the captain, ship's officers, and expedition leaders.

[Scratcherclaw]

"If anyone would have records, surely it would be the captain and expedition leaders, yes?" Raj says, eyeing the ruined staircase at the end of the corridor. "It seems we may need to climb again, however."

 

[BartNL]

"Let's get up then, shall we." Doran says with a smile as he starts scaling the staircase.

Mechanics

[1d20+15]=10+15=25

[Namelessjake]

Doran hops between broken beams, ascending the staircase almost as if it was undamaged. The explorer reaches the top, disappearing out of view. 

Doran

Atop the staircase, you find yourself in what appears to be another mess hall. Although here the furnishings are much more grand and ornate than the simple wooden table and chairs you found in the crew's living quarters. Meant for the ship's captain and officers to wine and dine with the leaders of the expedition, this mess features a large mahogany table and intricate silverware. Although owing to the grounded ship's list, the heavy table has slid to one side of the room, scattering the tableware and crushing a number of the once plush velvet chairs that sat around the table at one time.

Against the port wall of the room, the dining table blocks the way to two more wooden doors, however three are still accessible' two opposite, to the ship's starboard, and one to the stern- presumably leading to the captain's quarters at the rear of the aftcastle.

[ratwizard]

Armantine follows after Doran, meeting his smile with one of her own.

Mechanics

Athletics: [1d20+8]=16+8=24

[Namelessjake]

Armantine follows after Doran, also making quick work of the tricky climb.

Armantine

Atop the staircase, joining Doran, you find yourself in what appears to be another mess hall. Although here the furnishings are much more grand and ornate than the simple wooden table and chairs you found in the crew's living quarters. Meant for the ship's captain and officers to wine and dine with the leaders of the expedition, this mess features a large mahogany table and intricate silverware. Although owing to the grounded ship's list, the heavy table has slid to one side of the room, scattering the tableware and crushing a number of the once plush velvet chairs that sat around the table at one time.

Against the port wall of the room, the dining table blocks the way to two more wooden doors, however three are still accessible' two opposite, to the ship's starboard, and one to the stern- presumably leading to the captain's quarters at the rear of the aftcastle.

[ratwizard]

Armantine hefts herself up the stairs, taking a look around the scattered mess hall. "Captain's quarters should be through there," she says, pointing off toward one of the doors. She reaches into her pack, untying her rope and casting it down the staircase toward the remainder of their party. "Here," the Sister offers with a smile. "I'll keep it steady. Use it if you need it."

[Scratcherclaw]

Right, nice and easy, Raj thinks to himself, attempting to climb the rope up the wrecked staircase.

Mechanics

Athletics: [1d20+3]=7+3=10

 

[BartNL]

Doran opens the nearest door opposite of the tables as the others make their way up.

[Chanchabruhh]

Eldrin will grab the rope and climb next "Appreciated Armantine"

Mechanics

[1d20+5]=9+5=14 Athletics on Rope Climb

[Namelessjake]

Raj and Eldrin make their way up the rope with no issues, the short climb relatively trivial in comparison to your ascend of the ship's outer hull an hour or two prior. They are shortly followed by Ko and Zemi, leaving only Heidi and Taliesin in the corridor below.

Raj & Eldrin

Atop the staircase, you find yourself in what appears to be another mess hall. Although here the furnishings are much more grand and ornate than the simple wooden table and chairs you found in the crew's living quarters. Meant for the ship's captain and officers to wine and dine with the leaders of the expedition, this mess features a large mahogany table and intricate silverware. Although owing to the grounded ship's list, the heavy table has slid to one side of the room, scattering the tableware and crushing a number of the once plush velvet chairs that sat around the table at one time.

Against the port wall of the room, the dining table blocks the way to two more wooden doors, however three are still accessible' two opposite, to the ship's starboard, and one to the stern- presumably leading to the captain's quarters at the rear of the aftcastle.

Doran

Opening the door, you find, as suspected, it leads to another cabin. Despite being bigger than those on the deck below, this cabin only contains one bed, a large fourposter the size of which raises several questions about the effort that would be involved in getting it aboard the ship. Although it appears that due to its size and weight, the bed has remained in place despite the ship running aground, preventing it from sliding and blocking the door.

Like the other rooms on the ship, much of the rest of the furniture inside has moved and it also appears most of the belongings have been removed. A half upturned wardrobe across the room, with its doors hanging open, does contain a fine dress made of purple and blue silks, while a large scroll of parchment lays curled on the floor at the foot of a knocked over wooden table near to the cabin's door.

[BartNL]

Doran picks up the scroll

[Namelessjake]

Doran

Picking up the scroll and unfurling it, you find it appears to be a map outlining the coastline to the North and the South of Port Amardovis. Scrawled on the map are various comments and details outlining the plan to drop the coloured buoys along the coast that ultimately guided the Second Fleet to the settlement.

Comparing the map to the one complied by the 2nd Fleet's limited exploration so far, it seems that the Wanderer sailed about 70 miles along the coast in both directions before ultimately ending up run around here on the beach.

Updated Map

[FinalTemplar]

"Well, onwards and upwards, right?" Taliesin says softly, and his mind wanders to other, better places. He quickly attempts to climb the rope, yet is unable to catch a proper grip. After a moment of embarrassment, his hands hurting slightly from his first feeble attempt, he attempts to climb once more, getting a firmer grip. He eventually makes it up to the top of the rope and sighs softly. "Ropes. Never was my best skill." He pants a bit, and sits down a few steps away.

Mechanics

Athletics/Climb: [1d20+2]=7+2=9.
Attempt 2, electric slide (same roll/bonus): [1d20+2]=16+2=18.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Any findings?" Raj shouts into the room where Doran had disappeared. There is a danger in treading alone. We know not if more vines lurk. Yet he's not screamed for his life, so surely he's fine.

 

[BartNL]

"Found a map of the area. It shows were the Wanderer sailed before stranding here. " Doran replies as he scans the room for other items of interest.

[Namelessjake]

Updated Map

[ratwizard]

"It seems odd they managed to explore such a length of the coast yet were stranded this close to final port." Armantine moves over to the large desk blocking the way to a pair of the doors. "Here, somebody help me lift this," she asks.

[Chanchabruhh]

Eldrin will nod
"Aye, ill help ya move the desk." Eldrin will say before grabbing the desk

[Namelessjake]

Taliesin

You manage to get half way up the rope when you lose your grip and are sent tumbling down the remains of the staircase, landing back on the deck below with a heavy thud. Picking yourself up, you try again, and this time manage to make the ascent and rejoin your companions in the officer's mess.

Atop the staircase, you find yourself in what appears to be another mess hall. Although here the furnishings are much more grand and ornate than the simple wooden table and chairs you found in the crew's living quarters. Meant for the ship's captain and officers to wine and dine with the leaders of the expedition, this mess features a large mahogany table and intricate silverware. Although owing to the grounded ship's list, the heavy table has slid to one side of the room, scattering the tableware and crushing a number of the once plush velvet chairs that sat around the table at one time.

Against the port wall of the room, the dining table blocks the way to two more wooden doors, however three are still accessible, two opposite, to the ship's starboard, and one to the stern - presumably leading to the captain's quarters at the rear of the aftcastle.

Mechanics

Take 4 points of fall damage.

New HP 42/57.

Working together, Armantine and Eldrin are able to push the heavy dining table to one side, clearing the way to the portside cabins.

[ratwizard]

"Many hands make light work," Armantine says with a wink at Eldrin, dusting her palms off.

She makes for the first portside cabin, opening the door carefully — halberd not far from her grip.

[Namelessjake]

Opening the door to the portside cabin, Armantine is greeted by a sight of destruction. Something appears to have smashed through the outer wall of the cabin, as well as the wall that separates the two cabins, creating one large space open to the elements. With the ship's list, much of the contents of both cabins appear to have slid out of the cabin, presumably on to the beach below, with only a few remaining pieces of furniture teetering on the edge, held in place by the few splintered wooden planks that remain of the wall.

[ratwizard]

OOC

What would I roll to try and determine what could have caused this damage? I'm wondering if it was wrecked on the rocks, or perhaps a creature attacked. Looking for organic debris from rocks, or claw marks, scales, etc. Perception, or nature?

[Namelessjake]

Armantine

Roll Perception

[Scratcherclaw]

"It seems as though every floor has a new hazard," Raj says, peering into the room behind Armantine. "Dust, rats, vines, and now this. Do watch your step though." He eyes the teetering furniture, knowing one wrong move could cause it to tumble down, and potentially awake another slumbering beast.

 

[ratwizard]

"It's an awful large hole in the side of the ship," Armantine says, peering about what remains of the cabins. I wonder... was this the result of a collision, or an attack from something awful?

Mechanics

Looking for any signs of running aground on rocks, or great beast attacks.

Perception: [1d20+6]=11+6=17

[FinalTemplar]

Taliesin slowly stands, brushing himself off as he takes in his surroundings. He carefully steps toward the stern of the ship and tries to open the door to what he thinks would be the captain's quarters.

[Chanchabruhh]

Eldrin will look closely at the damage to the ship and look around for any clues that could help figure out what happened

"Hm that looks like something big hit it either that be beast or by impact of something."

[Fialova]

Heidi continues to follow after the others, maintaining a safer distance with gun at the ready in case of any unforeseen dangers. "Perhaps they were attacked at sea, by a creature similar to the one faced at sea," Heidi suggests, at the sight of the hole in the side of the ship. This land is cursed with endless hostile creatures, it is no wonder the elves fled here so many centuries ago. 

[Namelessjake]

Taliesin

You try the door to what you assume are the captain's quarters, however you find it locked or otherwise barred.

Armantine

Surveying the scene before you, you are able to determine that this part of the ship is high above the water line, far from any rocks that might strike the ship - save for colliding with a cliff face. The damage appears to have come from the side, or from higher still, with some of the ceiling, or deck of the aft castle, also having been torn away in the carnage.

[ratwizard]

"Attacked would be my only guess, too," Armantine admits with discomfort in her voice. "This far above the water line could mean they ran against a cliff face, but I haven't seen any on this side of the coast."

Could something this dangerous come for us at the Port? The Sister grimaces, trying to dismiss the worry for now as she leaves the portside cabin. She checks one of the remaining doors that haven't been opened.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Perhaps one of those living islands is responsible. You all recall those, yes?" Raj posits, thinking back to the awe-inspiring leviathan the fleet had spotted on the seas. "If one breached with little warning, it may have been unavoidable."

[Namelessjake]

Armantine joins Taliesin at the last door to be opened, the one that presumably leads to the captain's cabin, however trying the door, like the elven scholar before her, she finds it locked or otherwise barred.

[ratwizard]

"There's either a sturdy lock or it's barred," Armantine reasons, turning to the others — Raj in particular. "I imagine there are methods before I apply brute force."

[Scratcherclaw]

"No lock can be that sturdy after months in these conditions," Raj considers, stepping up toward the final door. Kneeling down next to it, he attempts to finesse the lock open.

Mechanics

Thievery: [1d20+13]=9+13=22

 

[Namelessjake]

Raj fiddles with the lock for a moment, before the mechanism clicks into place and the Serranborn is able to gently push the door inward. It swings open to reveal the captain's quarters. Large glass windows let in sunlight, bathing the cabin in a warm glow. Another large four poster bed sits to your right, immaculately made, with not a sheet or pillow out of place despite the Wanderer running aground. Near the bed, against the wall, stands a tall reddish cedar wardrobe, locked shut with a simple padlock.

To your left, a large desk is covered with scrolls of parchment. A brass sextant sits atop a stack of thick leather bound logbooks. A fine coat, lays draped over one of the wooden chairs that sits near the desk. Styled similarly to the jackets belonging to the professional navies of Voreld, but lacking the official iconography of any nation.

[ratwizard]

"Well done," Sister Armantine praises Raj, stepping into the captain's quarters alongside him. Making for the desk, she begins checking through the logs and any used parchment for clues as to the Wanderer's last days.

[Namelessjake]

Armantine is joined by Zemi and Ilmoto as they pour through the writings atop the captain's desk. The scraps of parchment prove to be of little use, containing simple messages to be relayed to crew or rough calculations for navigation. However the logbooks turn out to be the vessel's complete history, spanning from its sea trials shortly after its construction was completed in Iron Eye Cove, to the crew abandoning the vessel after it ran aground here nearly one year later. The log books are of the standard design used by the Imardanian Navy, however they have been completed in Common. Every day's entry consists of a meticulous record of the Wanderer's heading and speed, along with a record of the weather and the day to day running of the ship.

The Captain's accounting of most uneventful days is relatively dry and matter of fact, however a number of entries stand out as more elaborate and larger in scope, covering more than just a standard day of the goings on at sea.

Armantine

You recall that the captain of the Wanderer was one Percil Leclerc, an ex-Imardanian Navy officer from a minor aristocratic family in Chevalle. Leclerc was a close friend of Archbishop Éloïse Raoult and was one of the only members of the First Fleet to be a member of the New Elysian Congregation.

---

6E 87Y, 16th of Francique

Our sea trials have concluded, with both the ship and the crew performing well. A few adjustments to the rigging need to be made, but we will soon make for Fort Sakura to join the other ships of the fleet and begin our voyage in earnest. -PL

6E 87Y, 7th of of Hansé

We left Fort Sakura at dawn this morning. The dwarvern contingent from Andor and the explorer's guild expedition are safely aboard. Our planned stops on the way the Groznid Bay and Crescent Bluff and Eagle Cliff. There are some troubled waters on our journey but from what I hear, the disease that is piracy has not festered here to the same extent as it has in the Forelle. -PL

6E 87Y, 9th of Antonie

We have laid anchor in Groznid Bay. For many a ship, this would have been an arduous and long voyage, but I imagine it will pale in comparison to what lies ahead. There is much work to be done, but I am hopeful we will be able to depart by month's end Goddess willing. -PL

6E 88Y, 12th of Natlyse

Today we embarked upon an historic voyage. The crew are well drilled, if they perform as well as they did on our voyage to Groznid Bay, I'm sure we will make The Crossing successfully. The winds are with us as we leave Voreld behind, a good omen to be sure. The Goddess will watch over us and lead us to the new home we seek, I am certain of it. - PL

6E 88Y, 5th of Leone

3 weeks asea now. Third officer Mugralo has taken ill and has been confined to bed by the ship's doctor. Placed on the Wanderer by Lord Amardovis himself, I fear too many of these dwarves may not be cut out for the voyage ahead, as I would surely not be suited to travelling through the tunnels of their mountains. I can only hope my fears are unfounded. -PL

6E 88Y, 14th of Leone

Mugralo is dead. We committed him to the deep at two bells. Two more of the crew are showing similar symptoms, but for now there is little to do but keep them separate from the rest of the men. The wind has turned today and we spent much of the day tacking against it. Hopefully this will not hinder our progress for too long. - PL

6E 88Y, 29th of Leone

Six weeks at sea and still no sight of land. It was to be expected but in all my years at sea it has never been so long since I laid eyes on land. The crew and our passengers have begun to grow restless. Two of the crew came to fisticuffs earlier over some perceived slight. I have ordered they spend the night in the brig before a public flogging tomorrow at noon. That should set an example going forward. -PL

6E 88Y, 14th of Beatrois

Praise the Goddess. We were hit by the mother of all storms last night. Any other vessel I have had under my command surely would have been taken under by such an onslaught. It is a testament to my old countrymen who designed this fine vessel that our only losses were three crew who were swept from the mizzenmast by the gales. -PL

6E 88Y 20th of Beatrois

Another storm has driven us South West the past two days. It does not feel good to be sailing the wrong direction but any serious damage to any ship would put the whole fleet in jeopardy this far from home. We are particularly vulnerable as some twenty men now have fallen to the sickness, with many more, I fear, on their way to the grave. -PL

6E 88Y, 30th of Beatrois

Today marks 10 weeks since we left Groznid Bay. Quellam must surely be close. As planned for, we have implemented stricter rationing, much to everyone's displeasure. I believe the last of the brined meat is to be served to the officers and higher ranking passengers tonight. -PL

6E 88Y, 7th of Julaire

Respite! A small island was sighted on the horizon this afternoon. With any luck we will be able to take on food and water and affect some of the more pressing repairs. If we are able it would do well to replace the spars on the foremast. I'm sure some time on land will do wonders for the afflicted too. -PL

6E 88Y, 8th of Julaire

The Goddess provides as we carry her light to a new world. This isle is a verdant bounty. Respite Isle the crews have been calling it. We have been able to restock our fresh water, and groups are currently out foraging for the strange fruits and hunting what game there is, if you can call it hunting. Many of the creatures here seem to have no fear of man. -PL

6E 88Y, 16th of Julaire

Underway once more and morale is high. The hold is stocked with barrels of fresh water and crates of the bitter fruits of Respite Isle. We even have several of the the Isle's birds that were caught alive. We must be close now, just a little bit further. -PL

6E 88Y, 28th of Julaire

Land! And not just a singular isle this time. We have made it. I can't wait to see the land the Goddess has granted us. -PL

6E 88Y, 29th of Julaire

This area is entirely unsuited to settlement, high cliffs and rocky terrain. None the less, Lord Amardovis the younger insisted on going ashore. Scared perhaps that someone else might beat him to the honour I wonder? Their landing party was a torrid display of woeful seamanship, but they did manage. The North shows promise, an island off the coast should provide a good harbour for the ships. All three are showing the wear and tear from the punishment we have put them through. -PL

6E 88Y, 1st of Scarlémie

The site of Port Amardovis has been chosen and we have begun ferrying supplies and people ashore. It will be some time before she rivals the cities of the Old World but, as fond as I am of this ship, some time on land is something I am eager for. -PL

6E 88Y, 16th of Scarlémie

To sea once more we go!I had hoped we would have time to fully repair everything, but the task of scouting the coast and laying the buoys for the 2nd Fleet has fallen to us. It will still be many months or even years before they might arrive, but the scouting is necessary and it would be negligent to pass up on the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak - especially with so much to be done. -PL

6E 88Y, 26th of Scarlémie

The buoys are laid out to the North and the coastline is charted. We have returned to Port Amardovis to restock and give the crew some time off the ship. I think most of us have seen enough sailing this past year to last us a decade or more. -PL

6E 88Y, 2nd of Fatelle

Groups of our hunters and scouts have been going missing. Two were found, their bodies torn to shreds. I hate to think what terrors might lurk in these forests. -PL

6E 88Y, 5th of Fatelle

Another missing man was found, three crude arrows plunged deep in his chest. We are not alone here. Perhaps not all the elves made the Crossing those centuries ago, some may still live here in a primitive state bereft of civilisation. Regardless that is not my concern, I must entrust it to the others for we leave on the morrow to sail South and lay the remaining buoys. -PL

6E 88Y, 10th of Fatelle

While ashore for provisions some of the men came across another group. Stood upright like us, and adorned in clothes of some kind, but scaled like a lizard. I am told diplomacy was attempted but the two groups came to blows. We lost two to their six, along with one captured. It is confined to the brig for now. It seems to have a language but it is not known to any of the crew. Hopefully some of the scholars back in Port Amardovis will have more luck. -PL

6E 88Y, 15th of Fatelle

We have returned to find Port Amardovis in disarray. I have yet to go ashore myself, but word is they were attacked from the sky. The flagship is gone, sunk or elsewhere I do not know, and the Spirit lies dashed on the rocks. Who or what the assailants were is still unclear. I will take our prisoner ashore first thing tomorrow morning and take charge of the situation. -PL

6E 88Y, 16th of Fatelle

This is an accursed land, plagued by unholy beasts. I fear that either the Goddess does not want us here or we have strayed out of her protection. A great winged beast appeared - it must have been the one to wreck the other ships. It has set after us while its flock have descended on Port Amardovis. I have put to sea with what crew I had, although we are in no shape to run. I have decided to ground the ship on the beach of the island off the main continent. Hopefully then it will leave the Wanderer alone to be reclaimed later, while we can make for the cover of the forest. -PL

6E 88Y, 17th of Fatelle

The plan worked. The Wanderer is heavily damaged but in salvageable condition. As I write this, the surviving crew are readying the small boats. We will take what essentials supplies we can carry and head back to Port Amardovis to regroup. I have never lost a ship under my command and I don't intend to start now. We will be back. -PL

[ratwizard]

Sister Armantine reads the log books with nauseous fascination. She grimaces as the story of her Archbishop's friend unravels into what must only be a grim end. Strayed from Her protection, she recants, the words of Captain Leclerc stamped into the pages of her mind.

Dizzy now, Armantine leans against the wall of the somehow pristine cabin, the danger of every moment and her myriad injuries catching up to her in sudden fashion. Have we brought ourselves to ruin, coming here? She imagines her family here — happy, healthy, free; escaped from the tyranny and lies of the Church — until the lizardmen and great beasts of the sky grow hungry. She imagines blood, and fury, and worse — failure.

The Sister takes a few deep breaths. Moment by moment, she is able to compartmentalize her worries, force her mind into the here and now. She steadies herself, lifting off from her lean against the wall.

"You should all read this," she manages, handing the last few logs of the Wanderer's captain to the others.

Mechanics

Wisdom Saving Throw: [1d20+4]=13+4=17