Chapter 9: A Primitive Sea

[Darren]

"It's the wording," Kal says, still sounding disappointed. "If they simply meant 'he', they could have used those words. But 'one-who-is-no-she' implies no trace of gender at all."

[Dave W.]

Sept 4, 2011 11:40:09 GMT -4 Darren said:

"It's the wording," Kal says, still sounding disappointed.  "If they simply meant 'he', they could have used those words.  But 'one-who-is-no-she' implies no trace of gender at all."

"I suppose that's fair enough, though it assumes they have the same understanding of he and she as you mammals do."

"But I am willing to go and open the crate."

Adamant turns again to Spindrift, "is there a way to verify the choice? If I step forward will they accept that?"

[Dave B.]

Seeing that things are not going to escalate towards violence, Shorak stows away his weapons. He steps up to stand next to Adamant. "Do they have some way for me to breath under water? If so, I would join Adamant. He might need my skills to open the box. If it could be easily broken open, I'm sure the Sahaugin would have figured that out by now."

[Jeff]

"If they simply meant 'he', they could have used those words. But 'one-who-is-no-she' implies no trace of gender at all."

"Do not be so certain," Anng says. "The translation is probably a bit imprecise. But yes, it only states it's no 'she.' That's all we can tell."

The helsman says a few things in the Sahuagin language. Hras'Ka looks over you all. "No seen from air," he rasps in broken Common. "No seen here."

Anng and Spindrift continue to speak with him in his language. Anng says, "The only way to tell is to go to this...box. If they bring the wrong person, they will have to come up again and get someone else."

Spindrift nods. "And he says there could be danger. Where the box settled on the sea bed is on the edge of Blue Fin territory, to a...graveyard of sorts. It may be best to go in numbers."

Hras'Ka hisses and slaps a foot on the deck. "Yssss...you must cummith us. Do below." The sahuagin nods his head and points at your group. "Us will summon Lrishasa'varash."

"Oh yes!" Sem says, then dips his head down, trying not to show his teeth with his excitement. "I've heard of this. The sea dev....the sahuagin have a way of bringing air-breathing visitors down into the depths, to their realm. A Sphere of Life, we'd call it (though they call it something more derogatory), which carries breathable air. 's basically a bubble that travels wherever it's guided, not necessarily up. So long as you stay with it, it keeps you breathing and even extends your ability to hold your breath. I think."

Spindrift looks to your party. "Will you go? Without the Captain to speak for us, this may be a lengthy, expensive negotiation. They do not plan on stopping us, but they will withdraw their assistance within Shargon's Teeth if we do not comply. Which leaves us to find another group to hire. The Blue Fins are the friendliest tribe we know, and the most equipped to defend against other clans. And the Blue Fins really do believe one of you is prophecied to open this box of theirs."

"Treshhure below," Hras'Ka says, trying to nod.

[Jeff]

"If it could be easily broken open, I'm sure the Sahaugin would have figured that out by now."

The sahuagin stares at Shorak, trying to follow what he's saying. Anng shakes his head. "They believe whatever the box contains is sacred to the Devourer. They will not simply try to smash open the box. They are treating it with reverence."

Sem chuckles. "Glad I won't be there when it turns out to contain women's undergarments. The sahuagin might get angry with the box-opener."

[Darren]

"It seems we have little choice," Kal says. "We've come this far, there seems little sense it turning back. So yes, we accept."

[Dave W.]

"I am glad several of us can go, I was going to ask how I would communicate with them if I were going alone."

"I am certainly in." Adamant makes a half-bow to Hras'Ka and nods.

Adamant turns to Condign with lightness inhis voice, "What do you say? Would you like to share this adventure."

[Brian]

Condign smiles. "Certainly," he says to Adamant. "But we should all go. Strength in numbers. Plus we do not know to whom the prophecy is referring. I would hate to leave the right person behind." Then he looks across the deck. "Though perhaps Syrdan should stay here with the elf-maiden. She may still need his protection."

He looks to the others. "What do you think? All of us?"

[Dave W.]

"Certainly, taking everyone would be best provided the sea people can provide 'bubbles' enough for all."

"I'm very excited," he adds leaning towards Condign, "I have never been to the bottom of a sea. We will look at things from the fish's perspective!"

[Brian]

Condign listens to Adamant, then grunts. "Most views from the bottom of the sea are permanent. I do not share your enthusiasm, my friend."

Indeed, Condign seems to be peering nervously at the water.

[Darren]

"It's a good thing warforged have no teeth," Kal says sullenly, "or the saghuin would have certainly attacked by now."

[Dave B.]

"I like the idea of as many of us as possible going. I can check the chest or crate to see if it will be easy to open or not. If the Sahaugin don't feel that I am the one to open it, that doesn't mean I can't unlock it for the chosen one"

[Ken]

"Oddly, walking through narrow cave passages and fissures never bothered me," says Belarin, "but the thought of several hundred feet of water between me and the open air is a little, um, worrisome. Still, I will of course go, as long as Kal promises not to use up all the air in the bubble."

[Joe]

Streko clears his throat.

"Not to rain on anyone's party, but as the issue with prophecy is one that should be as precise as possible...might I suggest a ritual that will take much of the confusion and guessing out of this situation? It will only take ten minutes from the time I begin the ritual until I can understand their language and, Olladra willing, speak it back to them. I do believe the time spent would be worth any mistakes an assumption might create."
____________________________________________________

If all agree, Streko will begin the COMPREHEND LANGUAGES ritual.

[Dave W.]

Sept 5, 2011 1:25:15 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko clears his throat.

"Not to rain on anyone's party, but as the issue with prophecy is one that should be as precise as possible...might I suggest a ritual that will take much of the confusion and guessing out of this situation? It will only take ten minutes from the time I begin the ritual until I can understand their language and, Olladra willing, speak it back to them. I do believe the time spent would be worth any mistakes an assumption might create."

"I have long been in favor of precision, Master Streko. And it would be helpful to be able to talk directly."

[Darren]

Kal fights, once again, to suppress a smile. "Of course, Streko. Well done."

[Jeff]

Once it is clear that you've conceded to this venture, half of the sahuagin drop off into the sea. Hras'Ka pays little attention to your words right now, turning away to lope back to the bow of the ship, rasping out some more words in his language. He doesn't seem to know about or care about Streko's idea.

But Spindrift looks to you. "If you wish to perform a ritual," he says, looking at Streko. "Then now is certainly the time. Hras'Ka said they are preparing the...Lrishasa'varash. A ritual of their own. So do what you must now. Ready yourself, leave whatever gear behind you do not think you need, or would risk beneath the waves."

Lerrhana approaches you all—Syrdan beside her, a watchful guardian, his white garb still spattered with rust-colored blood stains and the grime of the voyage.

"Before you go beneath the waves, I wish to say something. When we reach the city, I will take my leave of your company and draw Krez away from you all—if he even chooses to pursue me. Thanks to...Histra ir'Serell"—she glances briefly, uncomfortably, at the necromancer—"I am no longer going to become like him. But I am his enemy, and have been for some time, and he may wish to strike me down before I recover my full strength. That is my fight, not yours.

"So when we reach Stormreach, I will do whatever I can in my power to aid you, draw the vampire away." She smiles eerily. "I may even have my own resources there to distract him."

[Darren]

Kal breathes a sigh of relief at Lehranna's words. "We wish you well, Lehranna. If we can be of service to you again, please let us know." With a sideways glance at Histra, Kal leans a little closer and lowers his voice, "She wasn't the only one responsible for your rescue, you know...."

With a wink at the elf, Kal moves off to Spindrift. Stopping in front of the warforged, Kal holds out his sharrash. "I wonder if you might store this for me. It is of incredible value to me and would be near impossible to replace." Looking down, Kal sees Tangat at his feet. "I suppose I will ask you to keep an eye on this one, too. I think that under the sea is not the best place for him." Kal scratches Tangat's head soothingly. "He will be sore at being left behind. He takes that kind of thing personally."

[Brian]

Condign looks at his broadsword. To go into a potentially dangerous situation without it ? He shakes his head. No, he will not be parted from it. His shield, which he had left in his room, will stay on the ship. It would be of minimal use with the dense water restricting its movement. He also notes the crooked, black rod snugged into his belt. He still isn't completely sure what it does, but perhaps he will get his chance under the sea.

At the thought of so much sea over his head, pressing down on him, the tiefling blanches again. This will truly be a trial he hopes to one day relate his brethren. If he can get them to believe him.

Looking at Spindrift, he says, "I will be taking my weapons. So I suppose I am ready."

_________________________

My post was modified based on Jeff question about Condign's shield.

[Dave W.]

"Lerrhana," the tall warforged begins, "you should not feel any need to protect us. We have all made choices that brought us here and we have means of our own." Adamant pauses to study the elf woman, "But I see you are determined so I will thank you for this."

"May your ancestors guide your travels and aid you in doing good works."

[Darren]

Kal goes below and quickly stows the rest of his pack, taking only his Rekkenmark longsword, Skyfang, and the various daggers tucked about the straps on his leg with him. Hopefully, no one under the sea will be asking for identification papers, he thinks.

[Ken]

Belarin, who hadn't been wearing his backpack or carrying identification papers (forged or otherwise) during most of these seafaring days, walks over to Histra and says quietly, "I suspect I'll be quite wet when I return. Please have many dry towels ready for me." He smiles, and then he continues in a more serious tone, "In my backpack is a scroll case, made of bone -- don't get excited, I know that look -- with silver caps. It's important to me. Should I become too waterlogged to come back here, Histra, please promise me that you'll do what you can to return it, unopened, to the fey court in the Whisperwood. It's one of those nagging family obligations we have to deal with. Thank you." He looks at her intently. "I will, of course, see you soon."

[Jeff]

Streko immediately sets about his ritual, pulling out the precise amounts of alchemical reagents. Sem Darlesh looks on and nods appreciatively.

Kal:

With a sideways glance at Histra, Kal leans a little closer and lowers his voice, "She wasn't the only one responsible for your rescue, you know...."

Lerrhana reddens. "I know this, Lord d'Deneith. My apologies for not finishing. I already intend to repay you the best that I am able."

Spindrift accepts Kal's sharash. "I will guard this, and your canine companion, as well."

Tangat already begins to issue a soft growl at Kal, resenting being left behind. Kal's seen Tangat swim before—it's adorable, but out of place on a trip like this.

Adamant:

"May your ancestors guide your travels and aid you in doing good works."

Lerrhana bows her head at the warforged's words. "It is too soon for that, good Adamant. First may your ancestors guide your travels...below." This is the first hint of good humor Adamant's heard from Lerrhana since meeting her. It's also refreshing to the warforged to be addressed by a woman directly and with affection, however mild. Histra has remained cold to him.

Belarin:

"In my backpack is a scroll case, made of bone -- don't get excited, I know that look -- with silver caps. It's important to me. Should I become too waterlogged to come back here, Histra, please promise me that you'll do what you can to return it, unopened, to the fey court in the Whisperwood. It's one of those nagging family obligations we have to deal with. Thank you." He looks at her intently. "I will, of course, see you soon."

Histra frowns. "Should I come?" she asks him with genuine interest. She looks slightly anxious. It's not quite fear that the warlock sees in her eyes, just uncertainty of purpose.

"No," Spindrift says suddenly, directly to Histra. "The sahuagin are a strictly patriarchal society. That their prophecy expressedly forbids a 'she' is consistent with their attitude. They would not want you there, Lady ir'Serell."

Histra shrugs distinerestly, then looks squarely at Belarin and leans toward him. She doesn't quite grab him or display public affection, but she places one hand on his arm. "You are going to return, Malizia, alive," she says, and it almost sounds like a threat. "I do not need to remind you the vengeance I will bring against you should you deny me the killing stroke." Her haunting smile returns to her lips. It fades as she adds, "A watery grave is not one I would choose for you."

Then she nods. "I will find this scroll case. In turn...bring me back something interesting. Something I would like."

Wasting no time, Hras'Ka and the other the sahuagin all leap over the rail and splash into the sea. Several minutes later, the water near the starboard bow begins to churn. Then a supernatural crater of air begins to take shape in the water.

Starg walks over the rail, fascinated by the sahuagins' ritual. He murmurs to himself, "This Sphere of Life sounds interesting...displaced air beneath water....though I do wonder how long it will last." Sem dashed over, too, just as entranced. When he sees Condign come back up, ready with his weapons, he smiles up at him. "Will that tail help you or hinder you?"

Larest looks toward your group. "Good luck below," he says, sounding genuine. He pulls from his pocket the same ring he gave to Kal last time, to create a telepathic bond. This time he offers it to Belarin, throwing a brief, daring glance at Kal as he does. "Should you need to communicate with us at an...inopportune time."

No sooner does Streko complete his ritual, the crater of air suddenly drops down below the surface of the water, a large bubble of air descending!

Anng shakes his head. "Aye, you'd better hurry. They're not patient! May the Host be with you...jump!"

It doesn't appear the sahuagin have given you any special instructions or expectations.

[Brian]

Sem:

When he sees Condign come back up, ready with his weapons, he smiles up at him. "Will that tail help you or hinder you?"

Condign looks down at the gnome. "I do not know. But I can do nothing about it. I am quite attached to it."

Then he approaches the rail. He hesitates, his hand rubbing nervously at his horn. When he sees the others descend, he shakes his head, grimaces, and heads overboard.

[Dave W.]

Sept 5, 2011 23:46:47 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Adamant:
Lerrhana bows her head at the warforged's words. "It is too soon for that, good Adamant. First may your ancestors guide your travels...below." This is the first hint of good humor Adamant's heard from Lerrhana since meeting her.

"Hummf," Adamant gives his bass laugh releasing tension he wasn't aware he carried, "Well, I suppose that does sound a bit final. Does 'We will see you in an hour' sound better?"

Without waiting for a reply, the warforged carefully climbs the railing, glances up to the sun and makes a silent prayer then jumps over the side.

--------------------------
Adamant still is shieldless. He's also not taking his backpack. All he needs is his sword.

[Darren]

Kal notes Larest's choice for the ring. As he walks past the two men, he says casually, "Good luck with that, Belarin. He's a boring conversationalist." As he reaches the rail, Kal grins, but it quickly turns into a grimace as he looks at the water. "Here goes nothing," he says, lifting himself over the edge and then dropping off the side of the ship.

[Dave B.]

Shorak hesitates only long enough to speak to Spindrift. "Watch over Morsha. I will return to see her well again." He turns towards the side of the ship and leaps high over the rail to dive gracefully into the ocean.

Shorak has been going around mostly gearless. He has his weapons, picks and other combat gear. Other misc. traveling gear is stowed in the cabin.

[Ken]

Sept 5, 2011 23:46:47 GMT -4 Jeff said:

She doesn't quite grab him or display public affection, but she places one hand on his arm. "You are going to return, Malizia, alive," she says, and it almost sounds like a threat. "I do not need to remind you the vengeance I will bring against you should you deny me the killing stroke." Her haunting smile returns to her lips. It fades as she adds, "A watery grave is not one I would choose for you."

Then she nods. "I will find this scroll case. In turn...bring me back something interesting. Something I would like."

"It shall be done," says Belarin with a theatrically deep voice. He places one hand briefly over hers, then he turns toward the railing.

Spotting Lerrhana, he bows and says with sincerity and warmth, "It was a honor to throw you over my shoulder, warrior. I pity the fiend who challenges you in a fair fight."

Kal notes Larest's choice for the ring. As he walks past the two men, he says casually, "Good luck with that, Belarin. He's a boring conversationalist."

Belarin smiles, shrugs, and says to Larest, "Well, he is the foremost expert on that topic, Professor. Thank you for this."

He puts on the ring and, with a flourish of his cloak, leaps over the railing.

[Joe]

Streko grimaces. "I should have listened to the fish speak under water. I might have understood them better. Bah!"

He tightens the flap over his handy haversack. "I've never taken you underwater before, but I would feel much worse without your presence. So..."

The Halfling goes over to the edge of the deck and stands on the railing. He turns back to Spindrift.

"May the Devourer get bored and release us soon. More importantly, my the Host protect you and yours while we are gone. Which, Olladra willing, won't be for long."

Streko then turns back to the see. bends his knees and leaps for the center of where he hopes the air bubble is (or was), once more hopeing his haversack doesn't drag him down or, worse, fall away from him and disappear into the depths.

[Jeff]

Spindrift offers Streko a salute.

As each of you hits the water, you get one last glimpse of the Merrow Down and then plunge beneath the waves. Cold saltwater washes in around your ears and stings your eyes as you work to see through it to find the descending bubble of air. Except Adamant. His eyes are fine, and he has no ears though he can hear perfectly well.

Wetness aside, it's the sound that makes entering the sea so alien. The surge of bubbles and your own thrashing limbs are loud, but as you work to swim downward (no quick task) other sounds begin to creep in on you—distant creaks and groans (wood? the ship?) and other, less identifiable sounds.

Panic at having no air to breath almost sets in (except for Adamant)...and then you reach the bubble of air, one by one. And when you enter it, you find gravity acts normally inside it so you immediately fall to the other side, splash again as you hit the water, and tread water at the bottom, your legs sticking out from the lowest point. It's a strange sensation, but you greedily breath in the still-fresh air.

The bubble appears to be twenty feet in diameter, and with six of you it forces you all to crowd together at the bottom of it. Once you take stock of yourselves and each other, you realize how strange this experience is!

And now you can see through the edge of the bubble as if through a perfect pane of glass. No fewer than a dozen sahuagin are swimming around you, flowing gracefully, spines and tails weaving back and forth, trident points foreward or backward for less resistance.

You see Hras'Ka in the lead; he is no larger than his fellows, but there are brighter patterns in his scales—you wonder if that's nature's work or something he's somehow earned. You also see another notable sahuagin, this one wearing a crosswork of woven seaweed and shells, and a profusion of bones and teeth. This one periodically looks your way; instead of a trident, he holds a curved staff of bone. A shaman or mage, perhaps. You have the feeling he's the one who controls the Sphere of Life.

The bubble keeps descending, and the brightness of the surface is growing further away.