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Act 1 - The Inlet


prophane

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image.png.eaebbbfbc72ae281755dbecfb888d3bb.pngA month ago, Drængr Thar set out on another one of his great voyages. However, upon his return home, his ship was beset by a wrathful storm. The storm’s fury was so great, it splintered his longboat’s mast and drowned several of the crew.

Pushed far off course, Drængr and the survivors finally found shelter in a northern inlet, dozens of miles away from the nearest friendly settlement. Badly wounded, Drængr feared that his begotten treasures would not make it home to his family, so he sent two hearty men, Svend and Agnar, running down the coast to find aid. 

Eventually, one of Drængr Thar’s scouts finally made it home. Svend, the lone survivor, pleaded for the town to send a boat to rescue Drængr. Promised by the appeal of treasure and the favors that might be bestowed by a great war leader, a small band sails north to find the hidden inlet where Drængr Thar awaits.

 

one fortnight later....

image.png.b24e63fc20356a09bac5c0df28df08a9.pngThe Dagger cuts through the icy waves like a reaver's axe through, well, through most anything. The ship, small boat, really, makes its way along the rocky and wooded coastline, the young ranger, Svend, at the prow leading the way. Young Haldor, the son of the Jarl has joined the voyage, hopeful to make a name for himself as the rescuer of Drængr Thar. Drængr's oldest friend, the drunken and unpredictable Æsbiorn the Bear, who often seems more concerned with how much wine he has remaining that finding his friend stomps around the deck intimidating anyone he can find. The rest of the band is made up of a motley crew of individuals. Reginleif the Unscarred, a fearless and renowned shieldmaiden turned quiet fisher but now looking to get back into the action. Yngvildr the Outcast, a shunned mariner trying to reestablish herself after spending a decade captured by the southern enemies. Valthjofr God-Marked, a peculiar and uncanny mystic, full of riddles and ill omens. Falki the Red, the great and generous craftsman of the port. Finally, there is Ozemur the Skald, eagerly watching everyone and everything, chronicling the epic journey.image.png.642094b1afd496e5c34c297cfb509032.png

Finally, after two days of sailing, Svend calls out for everyone to be on the lookout. "The inlet is near, but its entrance is narrow and difficult to see," he says. It is clear that the young sailor is trying to put on a brave face, but his ashen face and trembling hands show that he is uneasy.

The lone howl of a distant and unseen wolf can be heard echoing over the coastline. Svend shudders at the sound of it.


OOC

All 8 characters are on board The Dagger. Please feel free to jump in here and start us off with some roleplay as the rescue party approaches Drængr Thar's last known location.

One character needs to be at the steering oar to "drive the boat," the rest are along for the ride, though at any point, they may be asked to help with the oars. Most navigation of the boat will require DEX rolls, though the occasional INT or even STR roll might be called for. Everyone on the boat has the skill to steer it properly. Svend is providing directions, Young Haldor is standing on a bench looking regal, and Aesbiorn is looking for more wine, so it will have to be one of the PCs... just go for it!

Currently the wind is favorable.

Edited by prophane (see edit history)
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Ozemur the Skald

Armor Class 14HP: 15/15 | Abilities | Saving Throws |Weapons | Skills & Abilities |Spells | Encounters | Items |Money

image.png.2cfeb15fb0a614bca7433aeb525061d0.png


Most of the, sadly uneventful, journey Ozemur spent in his usual travelling role - weather forecaster. With the help on deck, of course, and occasional storytelling - ballads sounded especially epic under the stars, accompanied by the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the boat's hull.

Today started no different from the others. The skald was struggling with the beginning of the new saga and did not get far. He was sitting near the prow of The Dagger, eyes fixed on the horizon while fingers idly plucked at the strings of his lyre.

"Listen, brave souls, to the tale that unfolds before us, a saga in the making! The valiant hearts, united by the bonds of honour and kinship, sail forth to retrieve the great hero from the clutches of the treacherous sea."

The beginning was traditional enough and yet needed some work (later). For now, Ozemur was observing the eclectic group aboard the vessel trying to place each future hero into the story. For some of them it was easy enough. He cleared his throat and sang: "Svend, our guide through these perilous waters, leads us to the hidden inlet where Drængr Thar awaits. Young Haldor, heir to the Jarl, seeks glory in the rescue of a renowned raider."
Others proved more challenging. "Æsbiorn the Bear, fueled by the spirits within, searches for wine amidst the waves of pure water." Ozemur sighed and put the lyre away. If he was meant to write that ballad, he would have to do it some other day. Svend's call could not come at a better time!

"I'll take the oar." Ozemur stood up in one fluid motion, full of desire for some action. He clapped Svend on the shoulder. "Fear not, brave Svend, for fate is on our side or it very much should be." Ozemur's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he looked back at others. "Guide us to the hidden inlet and we'll do the rest!"

 


OOC Ozemur's Dex is not the best on the boat. I'll do it gladly nevertheless, but can wait with rolls if someone wants to step in instead.

Edited by Dixi (see edit history)
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HP 14/14 | AC 15 | Save vs. D12 W13 P14 B15 S16 | Skills | Move 40' | Attacks


Yngvildr sat near the back of the boat, the oar within reach if needed. She'd lost herself in the waves and shorelines. As Svend made the call to be alert, the young woman listened.

As the skald began to go through his song, Yngvildr simply rolled her eyes. Song and drink was nice but not something she felt was needed at the moment. She wondered how much help Ozemur and Æsbiorn would truly be. Her eyes lingered on them until the storyteller stood and made his way to the oar.

"Don't worry, I have the oar," she said to Ozemur softly. She was a mariner--or used to be. She wanted to think she had more knowledge than her peers but the last decade had seen fit to set her back. In truth any one here could do her job. She tried not to dwell on it.

The song rubbed Yngvildr wrong. Was she even going to be in it? Did she deserve to be? Again her eyes wandered to the shorelines.

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 image.pngFálki the Red: Fighter, Smith, Shipwright

AC 14Heavy mailHP: 19/19 | MV 30' | AbilitiesSTR 17 +2
INT 12 +0
WIS 10 +0
DEX 11 +0
CON 14 +1
CHA 12 +0
| Saving ThrowsDeath & Poison 12
Wands 13
Paralysis or Petrification 14
Breath Attacks 15
Spells, Rods, Staves 16
|AttacksLong Axe (Specialization): +3 Atk 1d8+3 Dmg (slow, 2H)

Hand Axe:
Melee: +2 Atk 1d6+2 Dmg
Thrown +0 Atk Range (0-10'; 11-20'; 21-30') 1d6 Dmg

Bow: +0 Atk 1d6 Dmg Range (5-50'; 51'-100'; 101'-150')
| Skills & AbilitiesOpen Doors 4:6

Languages: Norse & Broken English
| Equipmentbackpack
sleeping furs
tinderbox
torch x1
waterskin
rations (x2 days)

armory and carpentry kit.

8.00 gp (G.SC)


IC Here:

Falki the Red, known for his flaming auburn hair; his great physical strength; and his ship building skills; kept his eyes ever moving. The pattern of the clouds; the quality of the light; the wind and wind shadows on the water's surface; the color of the water. Whilst most shores were fairly steep-to, the currents ran strongly along the coast and in-and-out through the narrow inlets. He secretly feared a maelstrom

He had taken it upon himself to navigate and helm the Dagger: he'd had a hand in her building. She was a good vessel and he knew her qualities through the water and how she sailed under sail and oar. The crew was keeping good time to the oars - he wanted them fully manned in case of any sudden currents or wind shifts. The former mariner and English captive, Yngvildr, currently held the starboard side steering oar (see link below). He gestured to her to set the course he desired though, of course, they relied on Svend to find and guide them to the place they sought.

He was as anxious as the rest of the crew to find Drængr Thar and the remainder of his party. Their longboat had been a proud ship: Falki wanted to succor her perhaps as much as the famous leader; explorer; and plunderer. He'd made certain to pack supplies for a thorough repair before they had set out ... though there had been 'not a minute to lose.'

The sudden howl of a wolf cut through Ozemur's recital: the lone cry sent a shiver through the big man's body.

Did that seem natural? he exclaimed ... not realizing, at first, that he'd spoken his fears aloud.

Svend! he called out. Had you heard such a ... a ... wolf before. Either before or after the storm?

 

 

 


OOC Here:

https://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/en/professions/education/all-about-the-viking-ship/the-hull-of-the-ship/rudder-and-tackle/ It was fascinating to learn that a sternpost rudder was a later medieval development.

Btw, not trying to presume 'leadership' of the Party here, just figured narratively that as a shipwright he'd make the natural authority aboard ship as far as her being effectively sailed. Falki wouldn't be the best for making DEX rolls, so control of the tiller might best fall to our DEX characters, Reginleif; Yngvildr; and Svend. Ozemur would seem to be the natural Party Face.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Vedast (see edit history)
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Reginleif the Unscarred

Armor Class 14Leather Armor (AC 12)
Shield (AC +1)
HP: 14/14 | AbilitiesSTR 12 +0
INT 20 +0
WIS 13 +1
DEX 15 +1
CON 11 +0
CHA 9 +8
| Saving ThrowsDeath & Poison 12
Wands 13
Paralysis or Petrification 14
Breath Attacks 15
Spells, Rods, Staves 16
|AttacksBroad Sword 1d8; Melee

Short Speear 1d6; Brace, Melee, Missile +2 1d6+1 DMG (5'-20'/ 21’–40’ / 41’–60’)
| Skills & AbilitiesOpen Doors 2:6

+1 to magical staves

Languages: Norse & Broken English
| FeaturesSpecialization in Short Spear | Atk Bonus+0 Attack Bonus

+0 Melee To-Hit + DMG mod

+2 Ranged To-Hit Mod
 
| WealthGP: 5
SP:
CP:
EP:
PP:

"Speech."/Thought.

image.png.a1acddc6a5be35dfa8065cd4d2152d7e.png


 

That dawn Reignleif sat checking the grip bindings on her spear, fastening, and refastening it. The word came in so suddenly she still didn’t fully feel prepared. Truthfully, she was fidgeting, mind focused entirely on Drængr Thar being missing and trying to hold her worries in. She made a little show of making sure her bindings on her spear were tight, the weight and alignment right. She had a charm attached near the top of the binding that dangled down. She finished rummaging with the bindings and took a moment to gently take it into her hands and appreciate the charm.

The charm was a small Nordic cross with intricate artistic decoration. A gift from Reignleif’s husband. Something for her to have for him to join her whenever apart. In this way he too could be a part of her glory. Looking at it a familiar refrain played out in her head. The realization that there’s no escaping the impact Drængr Thar has had on her life.

He was as good a friend as he was a warrior. The implications of him going missing weren’t sitting right with her. Drængr Thar? The man’s a legend. He’d lead me to many great battles, find glory with him and prove ourselves worthy of entry to Valhalla! And the celebrations after… they would be just as song worthy! I owe him so much of my happiness and shared memories.

Reignleif eventually came back from her daydreams as they progressed up the coast. With word they were nearing their destination Reignleif took an oar of her own beside Yngvildr. Noticing her dark mood and wayward glances towards Ozemur, Reignleif decided to interject. “I don’t recall the music man being given authority over Svend! Have a sit, Skald. We can piece together verses more naturally later once we actually do something. You’re better served rowing and thinking about the importance of the task ahead of us in the meantime. Come sit in front of me. This way I can prod you when you start to try and romanticize Æsbiorn’s gas passings or some such!” She let's out a hearty chuckle at Ozemur's expense to take the bite off her words and tries to catch Yngvildr’s eye and winks at her in hopes it gets her to feel less separate from the party.

“I shouldn’t be too harsh. You’re my favorite Skald afterall. You sing that one song about Thor the dwarf punter so well! That seems like good music to row by, ye-“ She cuts herself off at the distant howling.

Troubling to be sure, but Reignleif isn’t so sure Falki’s superstitions are founded. “Fret not, Falki. Wolves are dangerous to be sure, but there are ways of placating the beasts. What fighter doesn’t bear the soul of a wolf?” The timing is interesting, though. Wolves don’t often howl this early in the day…

Reignleif resumes her rowing and awaits word from Svend on when to put her back into angling the ship toward the inlet they seek.

 


OOC good stuff here, folks! Going play Reignleif as a caring big sister type unafraid to bust her loved one's chops. Just feels right for a warrior like her.

Edited by Spacesong (see edit history)
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Valthjofr.png.9a2e94f38ad617fb5941c662afbf5a01.pngValthjofr God-Marked


HP 11/11 | AC 12 | Save vs. D11 W12 P14 B16 S15 | Skills | Move 30' | Attacks


Valthjofr has been rolling her sacred runed bones on the floor of the boat, utterly preoccupied with staring at them, sometimes turning them, sometimes leaving them as they were thrown and squinting at them from different angles. She murmurs to herself as she does so, sometimes nodding in understanding, other times frowning in confusion. Frequently she gazes to the cliff-side that the boat sails besides, brow tinged with obvious worry.

Eventually she puts the bones away in a leather pouch and rises to her middling height, staring at the sky as she breathes in to speak in a loud, commanding voice. "Hear me, fellows! I am an old jarl, and I have words to say." She points to the cliffs that are now receding into the distance behind the boat. "An ill omen," she explains gravely. "Just as a climb up that cliff would be treacherous, difficult, and uncertain, so too will our journey. But we must not despair! The Gods themselves have their eyes upon us, and they expect great things. Watch your actions on this voyage. Be swift but be certain. We must not disappoint them."

With that said, she nods to her nearest companion and relieves them of the oar, rowing in silence.

 

Edited by Morphling (see edit history)
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Reginleif the Unscarred

Armor Class 14Leather Armor (AC 12)
Shield (AC +1)
HP: 14/14 | AbilitiesSTR 12 +0
INT 20 +0
WIS 13 +1
DEX 15 +1
CON 11 +0
CHA 9 +8
| Saving ThrowsDeath & Poison 12
Wands 13
Paralysis or Petrification 14
Breath Attacks 15
Spells, Rods, Staves 16
|AttacksBroad Sword 1d8; Melee

Short Speear 1d6; Brace, Melee, Missile +2 1d6+1 DMG (5'-20'/ 21’–40’ / 41’–60’)
| Skills & AbilitiesOpen Doors 2:6

+1 to magical staves

Languages: Norse & Broken English
| FeaturesSpecialization in Short Spear | Atk Bonus+0 Attack Bonus

+0 Melee To-Hit + DMG mod

+2 Ranged To-Hit Mod
 
| WealthGP: 5
SP:
CP:
EP:
PP:

"Speech."/Thought.

image.png.a1acddc6a5be35dfa8065cd4d2152d7e.png


Reignleif smiles at Valthjor's tidings from the heavens. "You hear that, Svend? God's are watching! How much further do we have now? I say we really put our whole body into getting us there. Mustn't let them be disappointed by inaction!" Reginleif nudges Yngvildr "Let's show these men why the maiden's of battle are so storied, shall we? HEEEAAAAAAVE!!!" With a mighty row Reginleif attempts to propel the ship forward a bit faster. "Drængr Thar has done so much for everyone here, we owe it to him to step it up!" Noticing the Jarl's son standing and watching the rest of us work. "The least you could do is bang a drum for us to row in time to. This is only befitting of a leader."

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image.png.0d17ee2fe6067d10a52921fb39a0eaf4.pngHearing the wolf, Aesbiorn howls back then takes a large swig from his wineskin. "I will make a fine scarf from you, wolf!" he yells into the rushing wind!

Svend then calls out, "There, there it is!" he calls, pointing to an unbroken stretch of rocky coastline. There is clearly no inlet there, just rocks and trees. Then suddenly, everyone sees the opening. A narrow breach in the rocks leads inland, to a well protected cove.

image.png.6ed683689a241e47d35f3b5cb78389fa.pngWith a glare in Reginleaf's direction, Young Haldor calls out too, "There it is, I see it, bring the ship around, pull the rudder hard, tuck the sail. All on oars!"

The Bear growls but takes his place on the bench with everyone else.

Svend calls out meekly, "Be light on the rudder, it is a narrow inlet with a cut to the right. The Dagger is smaller than Draengr's ship, though, should be ok."


OOC

Whoever is on the steering oar, Yngvildr, I believe, should make a DEX roll. Just roll d20 less than her DEX. If anyone else wants to assist, you may make a STR roll to really put your back into rowing, a STR success will give the helmswoman +1 on her check. I'd also allow one person who isn't rowing to make an INT roll to shout out good instructions, though that may make Haldor feel like you're going over his head as "leader" of the group. of course, feel free to continue the general RP action!

feel free to add some dice to these most recent posts or just throw up another,!

Edited by prophane (see edit history)
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Reginleif the Unscarred

Armor Class 14HP: 14/14 | Abilities | Saving Throws |Attacks | Skills & Abilities | Features | Atk Bonus | Wealth & Items

"Speech."/Thought.

 


"Alright, you win Falki. I'll bring it down to a mere... heeeaaave." She says resigned while giving her friend a smug grin. Roll

image.png

Edited by Spacesong
Formatting (see edit history)
Name
Roll
14
1d20 14
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Valthjofr.png.9a2e94f38ad617fb5941c662afbf5a01.pngValthjofr God-Marked


HP 11/11 | AC 12 | Save vs. D11 W12 P14 B16 S15 | Skills | Move 30' | Attacks


Valthjofr clenches the oar with all the might her slight frame can offer, gritting her teeth.

Edited by Morphling (see edit history)
Name
Strength 11
20
1d20 20
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HP 14/14 | AC 15 | Save vs. D12 W13 P14 B15 S16 | Skills | Move 40' | Attacks


Unsure quite what to think of all the sudden attention from Reginleif, Yngvildr looked away awkwardly. It was hard to face her--she'd always seen her like some kind of aunt. Those dark ten years in Anngol held no love for a Viking... She wasn't sure how to open herself back up to that love. And so, young Yngvildr stared elsewhere, unperturbed even by the wolf's chant. Instead, she smiled.

When Reg called out for a heave, the ex-mariner was ready at the rudder. She got into less trouble when there was a path to be followed.

Name
That dexterous action vs 16!
16
1d20 16
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image.png.eaebbbfbc72ae281755dbecfb888d3bb.png

As The Dagger threads the needle through the narrow inlet, one of the oars catches a submerged rock, causing it to bend then break. The shock of the breaking oar sends Valthjofr into the air and right over the side of the boat. She splashes into the cold water as a string of curses escapes her mouth!

image.png.fc75c08b35d3e240db96a6db1b5cfe68.png"Overboard!" shouts Svend from the front of the boat. He quickly runs to the back, watching for the witch to surface.

Haldor looks confused and starts moving this way then that, possibly looking for something.

Aesbiorn laughs and takes another swig from his seemingly ever-full wineskin. "Did you see her fly? She went up and over like that! Ha!" He says as he banks his oar handle down.

As Yngvildr tries to bring The Dagger to a stop, the boat lurches and a loud scraping and cracking sound can be heard as it, too, hits some unseen rocks below the water line. Everyone is jostled, but the boat keeps moving and no one falls over.

 


OOC

 

so Yigvildr's roll was right on, but two failed STR rolls and one successful one makes the boating roll a FAIL over all!

 

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Valthjofr.png.9a2e94f38ad617fb5941c662afbf5a01.pngValthjofr God-Marked


HP 11/11 | AC 12 | Save vs. D11 W12 P14 B16 S15 | Skills | Move 30' | Attacks


Valthjofr flies through the air with an indignant howl and lands in the water with a tremendous splash. For a worrying moment, there is no sign of her and then she bursts through the choppy waves, gasping and flailing. She is not a strong swimmer.

Edited by Morphling (see edit history)
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Ozemur the Skald

Armor Class 14HP: 15/15 | Abilities | Saving Throws |Weapons | Skills & Abilities | Encounters | Items |Money

image.png.2cfeb15fb0a614bca7433aeb525061d0.png


Ozemur pretty much ignored Reginleif's rumblings, being used to them throughout the journey, but heeded Haldor's call "to oars". Usually, for obvious reasons, he preferred the one that was giving the best view of the whole crew, but right now he wished he had a few copies of him sitting in several points and observing everything at once - the true journey finally began.

Valthjofr's gloomy prediction frightened the skald no more than the howl of the distant wolves (he was with Aesbiorn on that one, the wolf's tail or two would make a fine collar for a skikkja). Ozemur tried to remember the words of the prophecy, though, playing a bit with the sentences to better fit into the future story. The contemplation had to wait, however, as the opening was finally in full view.

"See, Svend, fate does favour us," (young man still looked as if he could use some encouragement) "just a little push..."

The sudden splash interrupted Ozemur's pep talk.

"...Ah, but it seems Valthjofr has taken fate into her own hands, or rather, into the cold embrace of the waves," Ozemur declared with a wry grin, his voice rising above the chaos.

The skald swiftly moved to the side of the boat, peering over the edge to catch a glimpse of Valthjofr as she surfaced, sputtering and thrashing amidst the waves. He did not consider himself the greatest swimmer on the sea, but as they say "To navigate the sea, one must know its depths" or something like this. Being the creature of the moment, Ozemur made a bold decision. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he swiftly removed his tunic, revealing a lean, tattooed torso.

"Sometimes, my friends, a helping hand is not enough. Let us embrace the spirit of the moment!" Ozemur proclaimed, leaping overboard and landing in the frigid waves with a resounding splash. The skald surfaced beside Valthjofr still grinning, shook off some water and offered her a hand.

 


OOC Not sure what I am supposed to roll here (if at all). Just in case, I will add a straight Str and Dex rolls.

Name
Str:
11
1d20 11
Dex:
15
1d20 15
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