Tales of Glory and Valour: the Seafarers Main RP Topic

Community Role Playing
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“I’d hardly call it all there are three people having a conversation. Which does not concern you at this time.” He ignored Mako’s second remark, hearing Karl’s query at that moment.

“That would just allow you time to escape if you turn out to be a threat.” Mariner stated darkly. “Or are you right now admitting to being a security risk?”

Reaching his hand past Alexis he pushed the door open just a little further to see within. Noting the crossbow, Mariner laughed. “You’re bold I’ll give you that, but what was your plan? Shoot Alexis just in time to be cut down by me?”

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“No, that wouldn’t be worth my time,” Karl replied. “Not unless you happen to be wishing for some fiery friends, who I believe you may have met before, to come visiting. Who was it who gave you an invitation to join this ship’s crew? Was it a person called Tharwyn? Or his associate Hethila?”
He gestured towards the group at the door.
“Evidently they chose a team well equipped for combat.”

“It was Hethila who sent me here, to join this ship. She also gave me reason to believe that there is danger in this voyage. Someone planning to risk a fleet, someone who is in the right position to set events on a razor’s edge.”

Again, he paused, looking directly at Mariner.
“Make no mistake, lest they find out you killed an innocent party. I’m sure they have means of learning what happens to me. At any rate, I don’t want to fight anyone yet.”
Karl unclipped a small metal box from the crossbow, and set the weapon on the floor.
“All I ask is for lodging, food, and work to do until the end of our voyage. Once that’s finished, you need not ask me to stay longer.”

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Sh-Shoot?!

That was just about it. The sword clicked as the base of the blade disengaged from its sheath. This fellow was backing himself into a very dangerous corner, with Mariner and Mako both in the hall, and, of course, Dolphus himself.

He better have the world’s best alibi for these actions or I’m going to ask he be keelhauled. I’m not sure if I would enjoy watching it, though.

…What.

No, it’s just fluff. Dolphus thought. Surely if Tharwin had sent him along as a latecomer, he would have provided some kind of evidence to this fact, and surely someone sent wouldn’t be so stupid as to completely forego proving himself, instead threatening the to-be captain of this vessel with his idiotic actions.

And surely someone sent by Tharwin or Hethila would be told about Mariner? Or at least how to act around the crew? Instead of whatever this nonsense is.

Hethila knows.

Or she’s suspicious. Dolphus’ mind raced. She can’t know. She couldn’t have found out. Maybe Tharwin is suspicious. Or maybe it’s disconnected? No. It has to be related. There’s no reason for them to send someone else after the fact. If this were the truth, they would’ve sent someone from the get go.

Whatever the case, this is bad. Maybe they found out a Dolphus Gorov back on shore. I knew I should’ve changed my first name. Why didn’t I change my first name too?

There was an audible snort, with Dolphus immediately tightening his throat afterwards. Oops. I guess that comment amused me a pinch too much. Well, same sentiment to you, pal.

There is no way Mariner would ever accept this ridiculous of a proposition. Dolphus’ jaw locked. He’ll smash him against the wall like a bug.

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Mariner visibly softened at the mention of Hethila. “Het sent you?” Some small amount of vulnerability peeking through his metaphorical armour.

He quickly closed it, remembering where he was. “If that’s true, she would never expect me to take you on your word. I trust you have proof?”

The threat of the Sunblessed was laughable at best, he was more than a match for some Birdmen. It was enough for him to attach his longsword to his belt again however, showing some measure of reduced hostility.

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Dolphus’ jaw almost dropped in disbelief.

Are you actually serious. THAT’S all it takes?? I can’t believe you’ve made it a stone’s throw from the shore without the prospect of missing your dear ‘Het’ weighing the ship down. Or maybe it’s significantly more buoyant when this klutz isn’t-

Dolphus nibbled on his tongue. No. Remember his vigil. Even if he doesn’t deserve better, you must give it to him anyway.

Which is why, even though Dolphus maintained a thorough sidelong glare at Mariner, he too slowly pressed his sword back into its sheath. He had never been the best when it came to following orders outside of his father’s, but…

Well nothing, he didn’t really have anything else to add. Hopefully he wasn’t making a mistake by ceding the moment to the well-armed stranger.

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“Oh yes,” Karl said, though his expression was rather bland as he thought back on his brief visit to the temple of the Sunblessed. “She gave me this.”
He opened his satchel and drew out a letter, rolled into a tight scroll.
“This letter should prove who I am, and my business here on your ship.”
He held the paper towards Mariner, his expression now one of annoyance.
“I really shouldn’t have to do this if we really were invited by the same person, you know. Some better planning should have been done…”

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Mariner takes the letter. Reading through it carefully. His expression unreadable. “Everything appears to be in order, welcome to the crew.”

“Evidently, your inclusion was an unplanned necessity. If I had to guess, a necessity that came up after we’d passed out of contact range.” Mariner looks at him with head tilted. “You will be employed as a General Labourer, given your lack of naval experience. You will rove the ship and provide assistance where necessary.”

He thought for a moment. “Dolphus, please show Karl to an empty cabin. Then show him where the food is.”

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Dolphus’ hand returned to the hilt of his sword. There is no way this buffoon actually has a letter verifying anything. He’s just using this to buy a few precious seconds to attack, or magic somewhere else on this ship.

His body tensed, leaning forward involuntarily. I’ll catch him right in his lying throat. I’ll get him before he even gets beyond the doorframe, and then-

Then-

HUH??

Dolphus froze, staring directly ahead, his eyes wide with astonishment. But that- That doesn’t- How did- He’s not- HUH??

It took a moment for Dolphus’ mental faculties to piece themselves back together. Evidently trying to process how this set of circumstances could possibly have gone in the direction of Mariner agreeing with the newcomer was a bit too much information to take in at once, and his head was beginning to throb again.

I can’t believe this. It’s simply impossible. Utterly and wholly inconceivable in every capacity. I must’ve fallen unconscious somehow and this is playing out in a dumb dream instead. Maybe he knocked me out or something.

It’s real.

Dolphus dragged himself up from his leaning position, the cane returning to its normal place. Disappointment doesn’t come from dreams.

“If you’re ready.” Dolphus tried his best not to seem bitterly cold, but the truth of his being completely divorced from the very idea of trusting this fellow shone through brilliantly. I hope he tries to attack me so I can off him and be done with it.

@N01inparticular @Rukah

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“Many thanks,” Karl said. He turned towards the others and said, “I apologize for the disruption. This is my first time arriving by magic, so I’m not exactly settled yet.”
He picked up the crossbow and the magazine of darts, and put them in their respective holsters in his belt. He then stood up, and stretched.
“Thank you for letting me join,” he said. Turning to Dolphus, “Lead the way, sir.”

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“It’s at least something happening.” Mako muttered, then speaking to Dolphus. “Don’t try
to kill him, will you?” He asked him, before turning to Mariner. “Sir, I believe I must make an apology.” Mako says.
@Ghid @Winterstorm345

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I knew it.

I KNEW IT.

Everywhere he turned, magic reared its ugly, mystical head. Dolphus had no issue with the religious institutions, but magic was always something different. Unique. And without a doubt utterly repulsive.

Believe me pal, I don’t have a choice.

With hos brow as flat and uncaring as ever, Dolphus turned about and briskly walked towards the room furthest from the current conversation. Something nagged at the back of his head that one of these rooms was Nico’s, and he was likely still inside.

Perhaps if I put him next door, I can convince Nico to kill him during the night.

It took all of Dolphus’ willpower to not unload on Mako, his neck tightening in response to him speaking. You’ll be needing a lot more than cosmetic bandages when I’m through with you, pal.

The conveniently available room was right at the entrance to the hall, and a good way from Alexis’. Was it the furthest one away? Maybe, maybe not. Dolphus didn’t know. The only thing that mattered at the moment was that it was away from Mako.

Pushing the door open with his cane, Dolphus gestured for the short fellow to go inside, and after straightening did a violent double-take aimed at the room next door.

I just put him next to my cabin.

He opened his mouth and then closed it, deciding that a request for one of his crossbow bolts so he could cut his own throat open might be taken seriously.

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“What for?” Mariner said shortly. Turning his head towards him slightly. As he does there’s a slight scraping sound. Like the material of his armour grinding together. Of note, had anyone been paying attention this was a new sound. It hadn’t happened prior to this occurrence.

He inwardly cursed his restless night. Realizing he’d need a nap before too long. In the meantime he left his head just angled enough to keep both Mako and Alexis in his peripheral vision.

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“For my questioning last night.” Mako said, matter of factly.
“I had made a mistake. And I wish to fix that mistake, sir.” He continued,
“But on top of that I want to tell you something else.”

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Mariner nods in way of accepting the apology. “It is forgiven.”

“What would that be?” Mariner spoke as politely as he could. Trying not to appear rude. He rolled his shoulders slightly, drawing another grinding noise. He quickly stopped. Looking slightly embarrassed about the matter.

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Makos eyes bored into Mariner.
“Sir, I worship the God of The Sea. And last night, I received a message through telepathy. A message stating that the god had disappeared. Do you what to make of anything of that?”

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Before Mariner could answer, a sailor ran down the stairs. “Sir!” They called, “Three of Ghalwyn’s ships escorting us, they’re in a pincer formation. Storm brewing due east of us.” Then noting the obvious tensions in the hall decided to turn heel and walk away.

Mariner closed his eyes trying to figure out which issue to deal with first. “The God of the Sea.” He began. “Is…” His words were suddenly cut off as the entire ship shuddered with an impact. The pitch of the ship increasing alarmingly.

Inside Karl’s cabin a broad crossbow head punched through the hull, wedging itself 3 inches into the room. The bolt, clearly a ship to ship weapon, was massive just the section poking through the hull as large as Dolphus’ head.

The lookout looked on in shock as the Northern Fleet vessel at the starboard side loosed one of it’s deck mounted bows straight at the ship. Thankfully the fact they weren’t sinking means it struck above trim. She spun to stare at their lookout. Who was already holding up a misfire signal.

Suspicious to say the least she thought. Why would they already have the signal ready unless it was intentional

Veiled threats and a hastily disguised attack aside, nothing to harm from calling General Quarters. She sounded the bell twice, letting each ring clear. Careful to not seem aggressive. There was still 2 other ships surrounding them, desperate to make the Caelin’s Hand appear the aggressor.

Mariner disentangled himself from the splintered remnants of a door, thankfully an empty cabin. Listening to the bell ring out. “Clear the deck for action.” He said calling out clearly.

Tharos sat up, blue blood streaming from his face. He’d been holding the cat when the ship got hit. All of the sudden in a flash of claws the cat was nowhere to be seen. Hearing the bells ring out, he jumped to his feet, hurrying towards the ladder. Knowing he’d need to get to his deck soon, he forgot to put up his hood in his haste. Revealing his inhumanly pale skin, his oddly sharp features and pointed ears. His wild hair hid his other secret however. So that was safe for now.

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Mako’s stomach lurched as the boat dipped. His head was full of alarm.
He nearly slipped as the floor moved down. He rushed upwards towards the deck.

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Great. Dolphus spent just enough time to glare at the messenger before taking the two bottles out of his pocket and entering his cabin, stuffing them under his pillow. Hopefully they’ll be safe there before I go climbing up and down the ladders again.

As Mariner became involved with answering Mako, Dolphus walked out of his door to check and see if the odious newcomer was finished with his machinations of-

Thrown slightly back and then significantly forward, Dolphus found himself about to impact the wall on the opposite side. Without thinking, his folded wing arm turned to take the hit, so as to prevent damage to his already concussed head.

It smarted. Hard. But Dolphus bit his lip and gripped his cane until the reaction passed, promising himself that he’d wash the wounds as thoroughly as he could with the new bottle of medicine until it was gone. Thankfully it was only the one segment to worry about, but that one stung like… Well, like how I hate magic, I suppose.

Sliding his cane back into his cabin, Dolphus used the wall to prop himself back on his feet, and gripping the handle of his sword, turned to look at Mariner. The movements of the rocking ship were difficult to adjust to, but he’d force himself to do whatever was necessary.

Alexis, too, caught his eye. He’d force himself to do just about anything for her. Maybe even… Nah. I doubt even she could convince me to not hate magic. She probably hates it too, now that I think about it. She would, wouldn’t she?

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From down in the cargo bay, Rook couldn’t quite make out the sailor’s message besides its tone, but the lurch of the ship that nearly brought him to his knees was certainly cause for concern. Following behind Tharos he ascended the ladder, albeit with all the grace of a siegefish.
What in- where- middle of my breakfast didn’t it… beard crumbs
BELLS
Oncoming ship. Ships?
Once on the cabin deck he locked eyes with Mariner, then briefly surveyed the visible damage to the boat.
“Any injured?” He muttered, perhaps inaudibly to some of those in his vicinity. At the same time he started for the upper deck with determined rapidity.

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The deck was controlled Chaos, everywhere sailors made ready for battle. Packs and spare food barrels were tucked away, crews ran up from below with ammunition, the Ballistae were strung.

Tharos observed all from his from the Caelin’s deck. Inside he mentally prepared himself for battle. Drawing on his reserves of power, he began to flex his fingers.

Mariner strode up onto deck, taking in the scene. He drew his longsword, stalking the deck as he looked at the Northern Ships. He abruptly stopped as he saw the ship on the port side winding up their Ballistae.

“BRACE” he yelled as he leaned against the mast, but the shots went low. So they seemed at least, the shots plunged into the water, right as a mass of tentacles burst towards the sky.

One of the tentacles reached down plucking a sailor off the deck. Dragging them below the waves.

More shots loosed, the chaos took on a quality beyond control as the giant squid set upon the ship.

Tharos’ eyes widen and he instinctively looses a whiplash of flame at the nearest tentacle. It recoiled in pain, moving away from the front of the ship.

“CUT THEM, CUT THEM!” Mariner called running towards the starboard side. He gripped his sword with both hands, delivering a vicious slash, before going to dart to the next one. Not even pausing to check the damage as he went.

Further away, the Northern ships pulled away, trying to escape the wrath of the Thauin. Loosing shots into the squid from a safe distance.

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