Jammers:Turn 4, Chapter 7 Summary pt 2

The Ongoing adventures of my Spelljammer PBEM game.

Here's the Jammers web address:

http://jammers.s5.com/

Comments, questions always welcome:)

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

IC:
[continued from part 1]

Finally, around 10 am  35 days after entering the sphere, the Isle of
Dread is spotted...

Just as described in the Log it's a small, oddly shaped planet,
rectangular and rather flat, perhaps 300 miles long and 200 or so
miles across. It's about 20 miles thick, and the bottom half does
appear to be completely covered in water. The top side has several
land masses but little can be made out about them through the large
number of white clouds skimming across surface of the world.

Kain flips open his rucksack and gathers a quill, ink and his
sketchbook from within.  He stares at the planet, trying to get as
accurate a rendition as he can through the cloud cover.

Freneth makes his way over, and watches Kain sketch out the grounds
below. He does little to interrupt the young man, but he nods in
satisfaction as the picture is made. He makes one comment about a
particular section which helps tighten it up slightly, but otherwise
stays out of Kain's work.

"There she is," says Billy. "And the Isle of Dread is on it. Or is it
the Isle of D-R-E-D? That's an interesting coincidence... Isn't it?"
ask Billy of no one in particular.

Coming up with his leather armor in hand Ferric says, "Well, looks
like its time to suit up and do our thing."  Smiling he asks,
"Argonui, have you any final bits of advice before we march boldly
off to meet our fate?"

"I'll stick in oar in if I feel like, but seems like I've done my
part. You're all here now, right? I found you the Island of Dread."
He grins.

"What do you mean, Argi? Is the whole planet the Isle of Dre(a)d or
is the Isle of Dre(a)d somewhere on the planet," Billy asks.

"Judging from that log you folks pinched, I'd say it's the name of
the whole planet." Argonui answers, smiling. "Of course, the
Thri-kreen didn't name it in the Lyric, and if the Cold Ones named it
that. Most likely Blackjammer's name for it, passed on by the
Cutlass. They both seem to be rather dramatic, you know."

Pulling his hauberberk over his head Ferric says, "Your age must be
catching up with you. I suppose we'll have to leave a feeble oldster
like yourself on the ship with Vais while we go retrieve the cutlass.
Does anyone else want avoid the planet and 'defend the ship'?"

Raken raises an eyebrow. "Let's see... I could go down to the planet,
risk being eaten by overgrown lizards with teeth bigger than swords
and claws that are worse, have to avoid potentially hostile natives,
trudge through a sweltering jungle, and enter a death-trap of a
dungeon all for a sword we're going to destroy...or stay here nice
and safe aboard the ship?"  He then smiles "on the OTHER hand, I get
to explore a new world, possibly use my skills to befriend said
overgrown lizards to eat our competitors instead of us, discover
ancient relics in a forgotten temple, and in general make enough
discoveries to make me an instant celebrity in my church. Decisions,
decisions..."

He laughs. "My abilities are definitely best served down on the
planet. You would be hard-pressed to keep me from going down there."

Billy looks up at Raken with an absolutely straight face. "You mean,
Raken, that druids are comfortable in _nature_? That seems _very_
strange..." Billy heads down to his bunk to get his gear before Raken
can take a swipe at him.

"Hah, exactly what are a few little lizards?" asks Ferric with
obvious bravado.  "With the proper spices and sauce I'm sure they'd
make a fine kabob over a campfire."

Raken shoots Ferric an evil smile.  "Of course, you realize that
those 'little lizards' probably think the same of you, except without
the campfire..."

Kain unlaces his jerkin of studded leather, slipping it over his head
and tightening down the fastenings.  He checks the two small flaps
covering his shoulderblades, and, seemingly satisfied, slings his
crossbow over one shoulder, and his rucksack over the other.

"I just hope..erm..none of them can fly," Kain laughs. "Oh, was there
any mention of flying lizards in that... ahhh.. book you bought
Raken?" he asks.

Raken replies "several, actually. They appear somewhat like wyverns,
except smaller and without the tail. Though I do recall a passage in
the book that mentions rumors of some as big as dragons having been
discovered, but I don't think we'll have to worry much about them."

"Did the log not mention some sort of flying creature?" says Freneth.

Kain scratches his jaw and nods. "I think you're.. mmm.. right
Freneth," he nods. "Now that you mentioned it, wasn't it near the..
hrm.. end of the log on the Isle."

Shrugging, Freneth says, "I don't remember. This one likes stories,
so listened."

As the talk of giant flying reptiles continues, Oquid pales a bit.
She moves closer to Dhebun and asks quietly, "We're not about to do
something foolish, are we?"

Dhebun meets Oquid's anxious gaze with a reassuring smile. "Perhaps
Oquid, perhaps. Still, whether foolish or bold, we have chosen our
path, and my heart foretells that we must see this to its end. Yet
this much I promise you. I shall stand by you, and should any seek to
do you harm they shall have to deal first with the son of Ghim!"  He
places his hand upon her shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Oquid smiles timidly. "I know you will, but I don't want you or
anyone else here getting hurt. You and Leera and everyone are my only
family since O...." She stops and wipes a tear from her eye.  "I
don't want to lose you, too, Dhebun." She leans over and kisses the
top of the grizzled dwarf's head.

Dhebun clears his throat, "Yes, well... you needn't worry lass, I've
certainly no intentions of getting hurt."  Quietly he continues.
"And... I know you miss your brother, I shall forever regret that we
could not save him, but you have a new family now."  The dwarf
hesitates, as if he had more to say, but then bites his lip and falls
silent.

Freneth, who has been pouring sweat as the ship traversed the overly
warm sphere, says, "If it is deemed wise, this one will stay aboard.
However, I would like a chance to stretch my legs off ship, even, "
he says, looking down upon the odd world below, "in such a strange
place as this. He takes a large drink from a big cup of water that
has been with him since the heat began.

"He didn't mean it, Freneth," Sekeht says. "You come along with us.
We'll need all our warriors when we go up against those giant
lizards."

Looking at the planet Ives boomes out "Wonder if I'll be able to fit
in tunnels we run across what!  No matter I'm sure either in or out
of the temple I'll get a chance to fight some of these 'dinosaurs'."

"Hoom, speaking of size issues, does anyone mind if I take the potion
of growth onto the planet?" Nilaroo asks the group.

No one seems to mind.

Holland says, "We know that there is some sort of steam gyser in the
temple, so priests prepare your spells accordingly.  We will need
protections against the heat."

Allagan replies, "I will pray for such spells."

Raken also replies, "I have access to such spells as well."

Holland turns to Talus, "It might be wise to send in a scout first as
well. Would you be willing to check things out?"

Talus says, "Sure.  It will give me a chance to try out my new ring.
I wouldn't mind some priestly fire protection though."

"Allow this one to volunteer as well," interjects Freneth. "This was
my duty among my people." Looking about for a moment, he continues,
"This one doubts very much that it is much different."

Talus says, "I plan on flying while invisible to scout the temple.
Maybe I should go alone."

"The master's wish," agrees Freneth. "If you think you would do best
alone, this one can find other duties."

"I think that's a good idea," Sekeht offers. "There'll be less noise
that way, and Kain can keep in touch with him through his mind
powers."

Raken shrugs, "you realize, of course, most beasts hunt by their
nose, not their ears. Do not rely on a quiet footfall alone to hide
yourself from these lizards of thunder."

Allagan replies, "When the time comes I can give you some
protection." Allagan asks Raken and Talus, "Can you cast spells of
silence?  I don't know if you would want such a spell cast on you
because of the wide radius but it would at least keep you quiet."

Raken shrugs again, "Silence will only hinder us, not help. Some
beasts can sniff out prey a mile away or more.  Best to be able to
hear them coming and prepare accordingly, rather than be caught
unawares."

Freneth nods his agreement, addling, "It is best to approach from
down wind of those you hunt, but because we don't hunt anything,
there is another method, used by a few of the predators from my home.
They at times, immerse themselves in the dung of those they wish to
not attract the attention of. They then smell much more like those
they hunt, and can approach more closely without setting them to
flee."

Vais says, from the back and loudly enough to be heard but acting as
if he didn't mean to be, "Gracious Gods, Argonui, they haven't even
landed yet and they expect to just jump right in. How are they
planning to find the temple?"

Argonui, standing by Vais and acting as if he's only talking to Vais,
though he is also speaking loudly enough to be heard, "I've no idea,
my metallic 'mellon'. I told them I could find the planet, but it is
pretty large... maybe they know something we don't?"

Italapate pretends to talk to whomever is next to him, but is loud
enough to be heard. "Hmmph. That was subtle. Thank the spirits Vais
is around to second guess our every action...."

Vais laughs, "I agree, the spirits were kind to place me here!" His
tinny voice continues, "I was just pointing out, it's a large planet,
and I don't think we can assume that it will be easy to just drop
down and enter this temple. Some searching will be in order. Before
deciding on marching order in the temple, perhaps we should descend
and get a real look at the planet?"

"That makes sense, Vais," says Billy. "Let's see, the planet seems to
be about 300 miles long and 200 miles wide making it..." Billy counts
off on his fingers. "60,000 square miles! If each of us explores one
square mile per day it would take us..." Once again, Billy counts on
his fingers. "About 3000 days!! That's almost ten years!" Billy puts
his hands on his hips and looks sternly at Holland. "I didn't expect
us to be away _that_ long, Holland, so you better know where this
temple is found!"

Holland turns to Vais and replies, "We are going to head to the
village, replenish our food stores and get directions to the temple,
just as Rory did before us, maybe we can also persuade the villagers
not to give directions to our competitors..  At that point we will
head to the island and at that point is when we would need to scout
things out before rushing in."

Vais says, rather cheekily, "Okay... though it certainly did not
sound like that earlier. But you're the captain."

Talus adds, "That is what I thought Holland meant."

Billy makes a sour face. "From what I'd heard, I would like to avoid
the natives as much as possible..." Billy scratches his chin. "So
which of the many, many islands, islets, atolls or sand bars is the
temple on anyways?"

Holland replies, "We'll head for the village, they will be able to
give us better directions; Ferric, take us in."

Raken muses "Of course, that assumes the natives are willing to help
us at all.  With our luck, they'll decide that we look rather tasty
and roast us on spits.  Or even that they're remotely humanoid. Did
the log mention a race of any sort?"

Holland replies, "Rory's logbook said that the villagers viewed them
as Gods; maybe from arriving on a flying ship. Hopefully we get the
same response, especially with our more exotic members."

"Rrr, I just hope Rory didn't do anything to make them change their
minds," Grigree adds.

Holland responds, "From the entries in the logbook the Cutlass was
having fun ordering the villagers around but that is the only sign of
abuse, listed in the logbook."

Grigree nods.

Raken responds, "Let us hope that is ALL he did...lest we discover a
land where outlanders such as ourselves are regarded as devils
instead of gods.

"Cold Ones," replies Freneth, almost instantly. He then looks
sheepish, and continues in an apologetic tone, "The other story, the
Locust one, said that it was controlled by Cold Ones, or Fish."

Raken nods. "I remember that, too. Fish folk are strange and
dangerous, and a world of ocean would suit them well. I wonder if
we'll find something very ancient down there, something that best be
left slumbering."  He rubs his hands in anticipation, and gives a
whimsical wink "of course, we'll HAVE to wake it up, for the interest
of research, of course..."

Freneth's brow arc's curiously as he gives Raken a strange look, but he says
nothing.

Raken laughs at Freneth's response. "I am only jesting, Freneth. Of
course we must leave ancient beings slumbering.  Unfortunately, with
our luck, it is more likely than not that we will kick over a few
hornet nests and get stung.  Though... I find all of this...
exciting."

Freneth grins in response to Raken's obvious excitment, "Then we must
watch where we place our feet then."

As the conversation on deck continues, Leera calls up through the
speaking tube (through which she's heard bits and pieces of
conversation), "We can't see anything through that cloud layer. I'm
going to take us down through that thin-looking patch. Ferric, handle
the sailhands."

Leera then begins to drop the ship toward the planet surface,
spinning and turning to orient the hull toward the surface.

--------------

The air envelope dissipates and the gravity shifts as the ship enters
the atmosphere. The air is cool, this high up, and a light breeze
blowing across the deck and through the hatches sweeps the stench of
months of space travel from the ship. For a moment everyone on deck
just breathes, amazed that they had forgotten the smell of fresh air.

As the ship continues to descend towards the cloud cover, however, it
is suddenly caught in a massive windstorm that appears from nowhere!
The sails flap and tear at their lines, threatening to heel the ship
over and only the largest, heaviest crew members are not in danger of
being blown off of the ship by the sudden, high speed winds...

Holland frantically grasps at ropes tied to the rail to anchor
himself, "Hold on!" he yells to his fellow shipmates.

Raken grabs hold of the base of the center ballista and hangs on. He
closes his eyes.

Italapate grabs for the nearest line.

Allagan strains against the winds as he ties down the lines, "Help me
with the lines!!"

Sekeht grabs the main mast, holding his body close to it in the
buffeting wind. With his left hand, he holds Tamit to his chest,
within the folds of his shirt.

As the winds blast the ship, Freneth is obviously caught off guard as
he screams, being flung about by the angry winds.  He slides several
feet across the deck, before managing to catch onto something, mere
feet from flying into the skies above the Isle. He starts crawling
back to the middle of the ship, keeping low, his eyes wide.

Grigree drops his elbows to his side as the wind begins to gust. This
leaves enough slack in his glide flaps to keep them from catching the
wind. The hadozee drops flat to the deck and makes his way over to
help the halfling.

Nilaroo runs towards Freneth, his low center of gravity keeping him
stable on the deck. The grom stretches his arm out and deftly snags
the halfling, pulling him in to safety. Nilaroo then runs with
Freneth towards the well to get the halfling below decks.

Billy holds onto the the railing and onto Italapate to steady
himself. After making sure that Pate is safe Billy concentrates and
doubles in size, measuring over 7 feet tall. He walks over to the
rigging and mans the ropes.

Ferric yells into the speaker tube, "Get us back up out of
atmosphere." then leaps from his station.  Shouting he yells for
Ives, Nilaroo, and Grigree to get on the lines as he grabs a rope
with each arm and holds them taut.

With Freneth stored safely out of the wind, Nilaroo begins pulling
the rigging under control.

The rigging is got under control and the sails turned so that the the
ship no longer threatens to capsize in mid-air.

Leera begins to rocket the ship upward. She stops when the ship
clears the winds.

Amazingly, no one was thrown over-board by the winds. The NIGHTWIND
hovers, perhaps 18,000 feet above the planet's surface.

Billy ties off the last rope and shrinks back down to his normal size.

Holland releases his death-grip and says, "Vais, take a note; always
tie everything down and be prepared for the worse when entering an
atmosphere."

Vais cocks his head at Holland and says, drily, "You mean you folks
might forget again?"

Holland asks Argonui, "Are winds like that typical of the planet's atmosphere?"

Argonui straightens his clothing as he unwinds from the line he had
clung to during the winds. "Like many planets there is a band of
extremely high winds in the upper atmosphere."

Walking back up to the speaker tube Ferric yells down to Leera,
"Didn't think a planet this small would have winds like that. Give us
a few minutes to furl the sails and lash everything down."  Ferric
then helps with the furling of the sails and other preparations to
secure the ship.

After everything is secure Ferric says, "Nilaroo, Grigree, Ives and
myself will handle things up here. The rest of you had best tie
yourselves down or head below until we pass through the higher
atmosphere."

Grigree bobs his head up and down in affirmative. He cuts of a short
length of rope and loops it around his waist to keep his gliding
flaps from unfurling in a heavy wind.

"I'm staying on deck also," Billy says. "I've been in worse storms
than this little breeze... You need all the experienced sail hands on
deck if we are to encounter any more of these gusts."

Sekeht goes below to secure Tamit in his bunk, then returns topside.
"The winds may be part of a localized storm," he  says. "We might be
able to avoid it by trying to move the ship over a different part of
the surface before we descend."

Giving one last look around to make sure everyone is ready and
nothing as missed Ferric gives Leera the okay to start the descent
again.

Once Ferric signals that all preparations have been made, Leera calls
up and asks Holland to come down to the helmroom.

Once he arrives, she tells him, "I wanted another helmsman here in
case something goes wrong as we pass through those winds. Take the
helm if you need to."

She then calls up the tube "Hang on, everyone."

Leera begins to drop the ship through the atmosphere, losing altitude
at the maximum safe speed.

This time the ship manages to pass through the wind stream with less
danger and trouble, being properly prepared this time. The wind only
lasts for about five minutes, and then the ship has dropped below it.
Another few anxious minutes passing through the cool grey clouds, and
then the NIGHTWIND is beneath the cloud cover looking down on the
green and brown islands of the Isle of Dread...

Date/Time: 10:45 am, 5th day of the 11th Month, 5049 OC
--
"We sleep safely in our beds, only because rough men stand guard in
the night, ready to visit violence upon those who would do us harm."
H.G. Wells.

Paul Westermeyer,  westermeyer.3@???.edu
Phd Candidate, History, Ohio State University
Instructor, Humanities, Columbus State Community College