(Part 1) Aboard the Grey Gull

[Balgin Stondraeg]

As the sun rises on the city of Medhera, the seagulls circle the docks, their cries haunting the hung over dockhands as they set about their early morning work. Occassionaly some crate or package is dropped or nudged out of place, coarse language is heard, and then the men get back to work, too sensitive at this time of the morning to argue or cause a scene.

Moored at the docks is the good ship, the Grey Gull, a small and theoreticaly seaworthy merchant ship, bobbing in the mouth of the Dassinda river that serves as part of the city's harbour. Some lanterns glimmer aboard as clearly the crew have been working since a little before dawn.

The ship itself is old, as is evident by it's design, those familiar with ocean going vessels would reckon it's anything from new. A single mast rises above the deck and the ship itself is small and stocky, a solid craft designed to survive the journey, however long it takes. Whoever this captain Ableford is, he's loved and cherished this craft as it seems to be in a good state of repair (although recently there has been some neglect, as if the cash did not stretch to the expenses required).

Our intrepid adventurers eventualy begin to arrive at the docks to find an eight man rowing boat (manned by four middle aged sailors, clearly veterans of the waves) waiting to ferry them over to the good ship, the Grey Gull, itself.

[Keeper]

As Raul arrives at the dock with Ivor he wants to have a quick look around to see if he can see the Merry Maid of Elkia just to get an idea of what she looks like, in case he needs to find her again.

[Fabian]

Alarian tries to conceal his impatience to be on the sea (a novel experience for him) and tries to jolly the others along, saying faux-merrily "So, the Grey Gull awaits! Let's not keep the old sea-bird waiting!" He turns to Raul and asks him, "Is there something wrong, friend Raul, you seem distracted?"

[Mr Teufel]

Kiaphas strides along the dock, pausing at the rowboat. He takes a great deap breath with evident pleasure. He extends his arms and bows his head.

"I entrust myself to your tides, SeaFather. May your forces make us stronger while guiding us to our goals," he intones.

Then he turns abruptly to his new companions, a fierce grin parting his beard.

"Beautiful day for it!" And he steps aboard the boat.

[Keeper]

"I just like boats and ships.  Magnificent creations, aren't they?  I like to know what they're called and try and remember their shapes and outlines, so I can recognise them if I see them again.  Isn't it amazing when you see a ship, then see her again, say, three months later to wonder about how far and where she has travelled since you last saw her?"

[Fabian]

"I have no real experience of the sea, but I can see how it must fascinate those who have grown up with her. And now we place ourselves in the Seafather's hands. I for one am glad we have a friend of his on board. I hope Kiaphas is in good standing with his god."

[Alex]

"Oh dear. Is it just me or does it look a little rough today? I knew we should've taken the time to find an apothecary or something. Are you sure it was today? Maybe we could wait until the sea calms down somewhat."

Ivor keeps up a near constant stream of worried muttering, playing over every eventuality in his head (the more outlandish, the better) as he steps gingerly into the boat, clinging on to his backpack for dear life, and fervently wishing that he'd spent the time coming up with some sort of emergency-man-overboard-life-preserving-shark-repelling-anti-drowning-contraption.

Once on board, he's planning to find a secure little place inside where he can work on his spellbook some more.

[Custom_Hobby]

Aurum is standing on the edge of the dock looking out at the water. Before he heads to the ship he checks that all of his weapons are at the ready.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Alarian, Ivor, Raoul and Kiaphas get into the boat and are rowed gradualy across the bay to the Grey Gull. On the way Raoul certainly catches sight of the Merry Maid of Elkia, a substantialy larger and considerably more seedy looking vessel. It is younger by a good few years and in a worse state of repair. It's deckhands look like men of ill repute and it's figurehead is positively scandalous.

Meanwhile Naedath stands on the docks with the others.

Since it is a brand new day dawning I'd like to see prepared spell lists for Ivor and Rod please.

[Keeper]

Indicating the Merry Maid of Elkia's prow to Ivor, "If you'd been sick on her, Ivor, she'd have made you pay double!"

[Mr Teufel]

Druids need spell-lists too.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Druids need spell-lists too.

Well you can do me one too then :).

[Balgin Stondraeg]

The rowing boat pulls in to the side of the Grey Gull and a rope ladder is lowered. The companions are escorted up it to meet Captain Varran Ableford (there's a picture of him in the player handouts thread), a man reaching his middle years who's clothes show signs of occassional repair. His slowly droopin face is framed by brown hair and he eyes the newcomers calmly.

"Well gentlemen, welcome aboard," he says without any hint of pretention, "make yourselves comfortable, your mates will be here soon enough." And surely the rowing boat has turned around and is making it's way back for the others.

[Mr Teufel]

My spell list is posted in the OOC thread.

[Rod the Worm]

Aurum is standing on the edge of the dock looking out at the water. Before he heads to the ship he checks that all of his weapons are at the ready.

Rogan smiles before speaking in Dwarven. 
"Easy, brother.  I doubt the captain is planning on jumping us as soon as we board, and by the looks of how you've changed, that'd be a bad idea."

He switches back into Tradespeak as the boat comes closer. 
"Leave the heavy ones until last, yes?" he shouts gruffly.  There's no hostility in his tone though.

"Ugly language..." he mutters under his breath to Aurum in Dwarven before they get close enough to shore to have a chance of overhearing.