*The human of the trio wears a smile all the way. Commenting on the sights, the salty air and the slightly cloudy night sky. He lets Damian go before him out of curtesy. And after the three of them are on deck, he uses his staff to lean against while he waits for… whatever is next.*
“Hmm, I would assume so. Must be a bit tedious when storms come, though.” *He muses. Looking around the ship.* “I suppose I’ll get to experience it soon enough. Won’t I?” *This prospect excites him.*
“Must have been rather nice. Living next to the ocean like this.” *While musing, Ori fidgets with the amulet dangling from his neck. Its emblem looks religious.* “I come from a village far to the south of here. I wanted to see more before settling into my arcane studies.”
“In a way, but not exactly. I wasn’t born with magic. I was gifted this staff on my twenty-first birthday by my uncle. I’ve been working on getting batter with my new abilities. But I’m not so good yet. But no, I wouldn’t profess to being a Wizard.” *He seems a bit reluctant to speak more about it.*
Captain; "Below deck with the rest of the scum scrubbers, that's where you'll sleep. If you don't like it, the ocean floor might be more comfortable. Now, why are you standing around and not working?"
*Nodding at the captain’s orders, Ori looks around for something to do. Whist also continuing to speak to Valorie. Albeit a with some detectable anxiety.* “Well…” *He leans in to whisper to her.*
“I have a fixation on, ahem, on necromancy. And I’d like to learn as much as I can on the subject. More if I can.” *He steps back. Having gotten uncomfortable being in her personal space.*
*The human shakes his head.* “Not where I come from, unfortunately.” *Setting his staff out of the way, Ori glances about for anything that needs doing. At least what’s within his capabilities.*
Ori notices several tasks that need doing. Some crew members are hoisting ropes to secure the sails, and there’s a pile of cargo crates that need shifting further below deck. A few deckhands are scrubbing the ship's floor, and he also sees a lantern hanging precariously by a loose rope, swaying with the ship's movement.
*Recognising the danger, he ties up his hair with a bit of thin rope. Then starts walking over to the threatening lantern. Seeing to making sure it won’t cause any trouble.* “Hmm, let’s see…”
Ori approaches the swaying lantern cautiously, trying to assess the situation. He reaches out to examine the loose rope, but his fingers fumble with the knot, and he struggles to determine the best way to secure it. The ship rocks gently, and the lantern swings precariously, making it difficult for him to focus. After a few moments of unsuccessful fiddling, he steps back, realizing he may need a different approach or perhaps some assistance.
*Drawn from focus, the human turns around to greet this unknown person.* “Oh!” *He lights up. Holding out a hand.* “I’m Orimesh. I was recruited by Valorie. Are you part of… whoever we are?”
*His smile shifts slightly at their bickering.* “Um… yes, actually. This lantern is unsecured.” *He points to the light source. Swinging on its unreliable ropes.* “I was unable to fox the problem on my own. Would you mind helping, Emara?”(edited)
Emara joins Ori in examining the lantern, but her efforts are equally futile. She tugs at the rope, trying to tighten it, but only succeeds in making it looser. The lantern swings even more precariously now, threatening to fall and shatter on the deck. Emara throws her hands up in frustration, realizing she's not able to fix it either.
*Arms crossed in thought, Ori gets an idea.* “There’s a spell I have written down that might help. I’ve never casted it before, but it can’t be too hard. Right?”
*Making a confused face at Valorie as he passes her. Going for his staff. Pulling out a book form somewhere in his robes, Ori prepares himself.* “Whew… alright, Meshy, you can do this…” *He makes an attempt to cast Mage Hand.*
A spectral, floating hand appears at a point you choose within range. The hand lasts for the duration. The hand vanishes if it is ever more than 30 feet away from you or if you cast this spell again.
When you cast the spell, you can use the hand to manipulate an object, open an unlocked door or container, stow or retrieve an item from an open container, or pour the contents out of a vial.
As a Magic action on your later turns, you can control the hand thus again. As part of that action, you can move the hand up to 30 feet.
The hand can't attack, activate magic items, or carry more than 10 pounds.
Orimesh, with a determined look on his face, focuses on his spellcasting. He mutters the incantation, a slight tremor in his voice betraying his unfamiliarity with the spell. He gestures with his staff, and with a soft pop, a spectral, translucent hand appears in the air before him. It seems a bit shaky and undefined, but it's there! He manages to cast Mage Hand successfully, despite his initial nervousness.
Now, Orimesh can use his newfound magical hand to try and secure that troublesome lantern.
*Biting back his urge to squeal and jump around in celebration, he tries to maintain focus. Commanding the arcane hand to aid Emara.* “Alright… I’ll try and help this way, while you do what you can.”
Emara, with her usual lack of grace, reaches out to grab the lantern. However, her clumsy fingers graze the rope, and the lantern detaches completely, falling and shattering on the wooden deck. The oil inside splatters, igniting a small fire that quickly spreads to a nearby pile of crates. The flames flicker and dance, casting an eerie glow on the ship as they begin to consume the cargo.
04:08
As the flames erupt from the shattered lantern and ignite the nearby cargo, panic erupts among the crew. Shouts and frantic orders fill the air as sailors scramble to extinguish the blaze. The ship rocks violently as crew members rush about, their heavy boots pounding on the wooden deck. Amidst the chaos, Ori and Emara stumble back from the spreading fire, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. The acrid smell of smoke stings their nostrils, and the intense heat forces them to shield their faces.
*Gasping from shock, the human tries to direct himself and Emara further back. To safely. But also to buy time in hopes of maybe having a spell that can help.*(edited)
Valorie turns to run, but the flames have already spread across the deck, blocking her path. She stumbles back, the intense heat licking at her heels. She frantically searches for an escape route, but the fire has trapped her against the railing.
Damian, with his keen eyes, quickly surveys the chaotic scene. He notices a large, sturdy crate nearby, untouched by the flames. It looks heavy, but manageable. He also spots a coil of thick rope hanging on a hook, and a bucket filled with seawater that a crew member abandoned in the rush.
Damian, with a swift and decisive move, grabs the heavy bucket filled with seawater. He swings it towards Valorie, splashing the water in a wide arc around her. The seawater creates a temporary barrier, dampening the flames and allowing Valorie a brief respite from the searing heat.
As Damian clears a path for Valorie, the flames, fueled by the spilled oil and unattended cargo, continue to spread across the deck. The fire rages, its tendrils reaching further into the ship's heart. The main mast, already weakened, groans ominously under the assault of the inferno.
Since Damian focused the water to help valorie, rather than the source, the fire continues to spread, engulfing more of the ship and sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky. The heat intensifies, forcing the remaining crew members to abandon their efforts and retreat to safety. The ship's mast, weakened by the flames, cracks and topples onto the deck with a thunderous crash. The once-proud vessel is now consumed by a raging inferno, its fate sealed as the fire rages uncontrollably.
As the mast topples towards the party, Orimesh, with surprising agility, leaps out of the way, narrowly avoiding the falling timber. The mast crashes onto the deck, sending splinters and sparks flying. Damian, however, isn't so lucky. He gets pinned under a blazing beam, the searing heat and crushing weight trapping him beneath the inferno. Valorie, in her panic, gets tangled in a coil of rope, her escape route blocked by the chaos. Emara, with a burst of adrenaline, manages to slip through a gap in the falling debris, but a shower of burning embers singes her hair and clothes as she dives for cover.
Valorie scrambles frantically, her fingers working quickly to untangle the ropes that bind her. With a final tug, she breaks free, leaping away from the collapsing mast just as it crashes onto the deck.
Damian, with a grunt, throws his shoulder against the heavy beam, but it doesn't budge. The flames lick at his exposed skin, and the smoke stings his eyes, blurring his vision. He tries again, but the beam remains firmly lodged, trapping him beneath its fiery weight.
*Covered in soot, Ori rushes over.* “Hold on!” *He then, using his staff, wedges its slender end between the beam and the deck. He’s aiming to provide leverage for escape.*
Orimesh, using his staff as a lever, manages to lift the burning beam just enough for Damian to slip free. Valorie, unfortunately, is not much help, her efforts proving futile against the heavy timber. Emara, with surprising strength, shoves the beam aside, allowing Damian to roll away from the flames. The three adventurers, now reunited, stand amidst the wreckage of the burning ship, the flames licking at their heels as the vessel sinks slowly into the sea.
Valorie, Ori, Damian, and Emara leap from the sinking ship, scrambling onto the safety of the dock. As they catch their breath, a towering figure emerges from the shadows, his face contorted in rage. It's the ship's captain, his eyes blazing with fury as he surveys the burning wreckage of his vessel.
"You worthless scum!" he roars, his voice booming across the docks. "Look what you've done! My ship, my livelihood, gone up in flames because of your incompetence!"
He strides towards them, his heavy boots pounding on the wooden planks. His imposing frame and thunderous voice make him an intimidating presence, and the adventurers cower under his wrath.
"You'll pay for this," he snarls, his face inches from theirs. "Every last copper. Twenty-five thousand gold. That's the price of my ship, and you'll work it off if it's the last thing you do!"
His words hang heavy in the air, a crushing debt settling over the party. The fire may be extinguished, but the captain's fury burns hotter than ever, a threat that hangs over their heads as they face the consequences of their actions.
The captain, his anger still simmering, glares down at Valorie. "An accident?" he scoffs. "My ship is at the bottom of the harbor because of your 'accident'!"
He pauses, his expression hardening. "But," he continues, "I'm a businessman, not a heartless tyrant. I understand that things happen."
He takes a deep breath, composing himself. "The debt stands," he declares. "Twenty-five thousand gold. But I'm willing to give you a chance to pay it off."
He looks at each of them in turn. "I have contacts in Ravenhold," he says. "Dangerous work, but it pays well. If you're interested, I can arrange for you to take on some jobs. It'll be a long and difficult road, but it's your chance to clear your debt and prove yourselves."
He turns away, his gaze fixed on the smoldering wreckage of his ship. "Think it over," he says. "It's your only option."
The captain claps his hands together, drawing their attention. "Enough bickering," he says, his voice firm but not unkind. "You're all in this together now, and you'll need to work together if you want to clear your debt."
He addresses Valorie's question. "The work is varied," he explains. "Bounty hunting, yes, but also escorting merchants, guarding valuable cargo, and dealing with troublesome creatures. Anything that requires a bit of muscle and a touch of magic."
He turns to Ori. "And yes," he says, "you're all responsible for the damage, regardless of who struck the match. But I appreciate your willingness to take responsibility."
He pauses, considering their situation. "Your first task," he announces, "is to deal with a goblin infestation in the nearby mines. The miners are losing valuable ore, and the local lord is offering a handsome reward for their extermination. It should put a good dent in your debt."
He hands them a map and a writ from the local lord. "Here are the details," he says. "The mines are a day's journey from here. Be careful, those goblins are more cunning than they look."
He looks at them expectantly. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he asks. "Get going. And try not to cause any more damage."
*He grimaces at the burns.* “My stars… ahem. Hold still.” *He holds up his staff. One hand held up in the direction of the amethyst crystal fixed to the top. Chanting quietly. It seems this fellow knows some healing magic.*
*Emara isn’t the only one who’s quiet. Ori sits nearby. Reading and rereading his notes. Hoping by studying them again he’ll be able to get better at casting his spells.*
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling docks, the weary adventurers decide to seek respite from the day's tumultuous events. They make their way towards the Adventurer's Hall, a haven for those who brave the perils of the world.
The Hall is a warm and inviting space, filled with the chatter of adventurers sharing tales of their exploits. The party finds a quiet corner to settle in, their bodies aching and minds weary. Valorie nurses her bruised pride, Damian tends to his burns, Emara pores over the map, and Orimesh diligently studies his spellbook, determined to improve his magical abilities.
As the night deepens, the adventurers finally succumb to exhaustion, their dreams filled with visions of goblin-infested mines and burning ships. They sleep soundly, their bodies and minds recovering from the day's trials, preparing for the challenges that await them in the depths of the earth.
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