SunsetGossip

Creation Timestamp: 07 Aug 2005 - 03:06

Description/Traits

Riding shotgun on the sunset, stare it in the eye,
rocking on my heels out to the west.
Funny how the whole world, historically,
feels the urge to chase the sun to rest.
We may not be coming back.
--Jethro Tull, "Raising Steam"[1]

It is sunset[1], on KBear's ship[1]. One of the crewmen[n] pauses to watch the sky and talk to another nearby sailor[n]. "Funny colors, bad sign. Hey, is it true that we're after the SilverCaptain? Because my granny told me that he never gives anything up without a soul in payment." He sneezes, and scratches at the red rash that some of the crew are developing[1].

-- AdrienneTraxler 06 00 -- 07 Aug 2005 - 03:05:28

Jorm [1, introduction] passes the two as they speak quietly, checking his lines as he passes. "Striped eel for supper tonight. Just about the last we'll see for a while-- already the seas are turning, the isles are spreading out." More quietly he adds, "Don't you have nets to mend? I know my cousin will be by shortly, and the bites have made him irritable[1]."

-- ScottMartin 02 00 -- 08 Aug 2005 - 15:45:48

Jorm's companion takes the hint and retreats down below [1], but Argassa does not show. The clouds are ropes, twisted red and black in the sunset, and the wind grows heavy [1]: the ship's masts [1] creak under the strain. Once the swells reach a size that start to make even an old salt like Jorm [1] nervous, KBear bursts from the hatch amidships [1]. KBear strides to the prow, the wind whipping his topknot [1] and kimono [1]. He studies the clouds and the sea. "Prepare yourselves, crew!" he shouts. "We cannot evade this storm." [1]

-- JamieFristrom 08 00 -- 09 Aug 2005 - 03:08:10

Jorm pulls in his fishing lines and rolls them out of the way[1], so that they won't tangle while everyone's fighting the storm. Alert to the storm, he starts pulling on the rigging lines and getting the sail under control.

(I'm drawing on Jorm's name, and his old salt trait for 2 dice to beat the storm.)

-- ScottMartin 01 00 -- 11 Aug 2005 - 15:36:11

The ship[1, control] lists from side to side and heaves violently in the waves [1], but she's made of good stong seasoned wood [1] which was blessed with a spirit of strength by Hadiya [1] The banner of the five blessed stars, flying high overhead, inspires the crew that all is not lost [1]. KBear [1,control] stands fearlessly on the rear deck guidiing his experienced crew with a sure voice [1]

Taking control of the ship since Adrienne is not responding. I'm drawing on 'strong seasoned wood, blessed with a spirit of strengh, the inspirational banner, and KBear's traits of Heroic sailor, experienced crew, one extra for KBear's number five, so 6 dice to beat the storm

-- TrevisMartin 07 00 -- 12 Aug 2005 - 07:57:53

The banner of the blessed inspires the crew; even as the storm grows violent, Jorm is inspired. He dashes from prow to stern, lending a hand where it's needed. Fortunately, the storm sweeps few barrels[1] and none of the crew[1] overboard. The chickens are riled (and waterlogged), the fresh water casks[n] are largely intact; the storm leaves an fatigued crew in its wake. The energy of the storm got Jorm through the worst, but he's exhausted[n] from the battle with the sea.

-- ScottMartin 02 08 -- 12 Aug 2005 - 15:29:10

The ship, for its part, is none the worse for wear.[1] As the sea calms the crew seems cheerful to set to their tasks.[1] KBear speaks, "Thank the stars for our safe passage! A good omen. We will catch our adversary yet, and the five blessed stars will protect us! Tonight we will celebrate and thank the stars for thier favor[1].

-- TrevisMartin 03 15 -- 15 Aug 2005 - 17:33:01

A cheer goes up from the crew, but Argassa is conspicuously silent, [1,control] glaring at the captain with his deep set eyes.[1] He catches the eyes of a few fellow sailors, and nods towards belowdecks.

It is twilight, and the ship continues on its course, carving twin lines through the now-placid sea.

Argassa and his entourage [1] gather at Argassa's berth in the starboard crew quarters. [1] One of their number, a man with leathery skin [1], checks the hall outside and nods to Argassa that it's all clear.

"The five blessed stars my arse," Argassa says. "Our idiot captain sailed us right into that storm. If we don't do something soon he'll lead us to a watery grave."

The man with leathery skin responds, "We are too few. If we act now, we will be outnumbered."

Argassa nods. "We must poison KBear's crew against him. Spread the word: it was KBear's fault the storm found us." Argassa spits. "Good omen indeed."

His entourage nod agreement. The word will be spread.[1]

-- JamieFristrom 06 09 -- 17 Aug 2005 - 03:31:40

Those above decks, enjoying their extra ration of rum, drink to their fearless leader.[1] "Huzzah!" [1]

-- ChristopherWeeks 01 00 -- 17 Aug 2005 - 11:49:13

As the days pass, Argassa's rumors work to subvert the crew. It's not a trivial task, since some of them are excited by the adventure[1] and others are swayed by the importance of KBear's mission[1].

-- AdrienneTraxler 02 00 -- 26 Aug 2005 - 02:30:58

Jorm is concerned as the tension rises. He speaks quietly to Argassa, saying, "We're in the great deep, low on supplies[1], and far from any isle[1]. If you wait until we make landfall for water next, you'll not be consigning yourself to a death of thirst above Yob's plains. (So far, not supporting any side.)

-- ScottMartin 02 00 -- 26 Aug 2005 - 15:33:44

Argassa and the conspiritors [1, comp takeover] method of persuasion is subtle. [1] A casual mention here and there of the story of Argassa's brother being lost, with a group of other men in a storm similar to the one they had just survived seems to take root for some of the crew [1] "After all" the conpirators poisoned tongues say ".KBear is well known as an expert navagator, someone of his skill can avoid such things."

-- TrevisMartin 03 00 -- 03 Sep 2005 - 04:22:13

Grumblings build among the crew as the insidious roumers do their work.[1] The Men grow sullen and dangerous. [1] Except for a very few, the crew turns against their heroic commander.[1] KBear, obsessed with his quest, seems not to notice the change. [1]

One night, when the sea is a mirror reflecting the silver stars, KBear stands on the deck contemplating the deeps. [1] He hears a noise, and turning finds himself surrounded by his grim faced men [1]. Argassa steps from the darkness.

"Your fate is come, my captain," says Argassa. "The Fish God calls for you and it is time you began your journey. We here want nothing more of your foolishness. We are turning for home and hearth. So is my brother avenged."

Several of the burlier of the crew move to sieze KBear [1]

-- TrevisMartin 07 14 -- 10 Sep 2005 - 18:53:41

KBear[1, control] says, "This is most unrighteous. Which one of you will take up the ClayUrn? Who will tell my sister what has happened?" He looks around at the crew.

-- AdrienneTraxler 01 02 -- 11 Sep 2005 - 00:42:37

"Unirighteous? This from a man who would sacrifice his men for his own vanity. Worry not about the Urn we will bring it back with the sad tale of your demise. I will tell our preistess of your brave and noble sacrifice on our behalf. I will not sully her memory of you with the truth of your nature." Argassa Spits. Now into the sea with you! "

Argassa motions to the men [1] "By the three holy spears I charge you to cast him into the sea!" he roars.

Complication! KBear is the target. Stakes are if the crew pitches KBear overboard. I'm drawing 1 for the crew being poisoned against KBear 1 for them being strong tough men. I'll pay 1 for Argassa's leadership, Draw 1 for his hatred of KBear and 1 for Argassa's name and 1 for argassas number 3 for a total of 6 coins.

-- TrevisMartin 02 00 -- 11 Sep 2005 - 03:50:58

"Guys, don't let this sharpener of unpleasant sticks lead you astray. We're far from land, and our stomachs are empty. Without an expert runner of the whale-roads like myself, you'll all be feeding Yob before Argassa can say 'bummer, man'." KBear faces them squarely, arms folded across his chest, larger than life and seemingly unworried.

Then he adds, "Besides, sis might not believe you, and she has a really big hammer.[1] Think about it."

-- AdrienneTraxler 01 00 -- 12 Sep 2005 - 00:47:11

Jorm rouses from his bench and sees the cluster men knotted about the Captain. Dragging tired bones into the chilled air, he stumbles on the crowd as Argassa's pronoucement is made. "Cousin," he says with a weak and hacking cough, "we are joined in a venture. Let us make landfall; my strength is too slight to survive wandering the seas." (I'm drawing on Jorm, exhausted, and Cousin of Argassa for 3 dice on KBear's side)

-- ScottMartin 00 00 -- 12 Sep 2005 - 16:06:00

At KBear's speech and Jorm's appeal, the crew hesitates again[1]. KBear says, "Think of our past sailings! When our hearts are strong in a voyage, we return home with full nets and perfect tans. When we are not in the groove, we go hungry. Cast your eyes on the waves and think of the righteousness of the mission, and you will know that our luck cannot fail us."

As he finishes, five fish[1] leap from the water and splash back down[1], shining silver in the moonlight. Several sailors are clearly impressed by the omen.[1] From the prow of the ship, a sailor cries "Lights! I see lights on the horizon!"[1]

-- AdrienneTraxler 05 09 -- 15 Sep 2005 - 16:42:46

Jorm shrugs at Argassa and staggers tiredly toward his bench and supplies. There'll be Yob to appease over this, he knows.

-- ScottMartin 00 03 -- 15 Sep 2005 - 20:38:52

Argassa stands amazed. "Curse the faithlessness of sailors" he grumbles under his breath. "This thing is not ended between us KBear, The gods will yet smile upon me and my cause."

-- TrevisMartin 00 06 -- 15 Sep 2005 - 22:34:09

-- AdrienneTraxler 00 06

-- ScottMartin 00 06

-- JamieFristrom 00 06

-- TrevisMartin 00 06

-- ChristopherWeeks 00 05

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Importance

Current Weight Multiplier (Tenets Only) = x356