Quest SRQ: Danger from the Deep (Syliras+Zeltiva)

[Jason Alexander]

Jumping up from his cot at the sound of the loud crack in the surrounding air, the crack had been too loud for thunder as thunder had yet to wake him on this journey. Cursing as he looked around. Noticing his book that he had been reading before he had fallen asleep had been throw across the sleeping quarters when he jump out of bed. Walking over Jason bent over to pick it up when he heard it. A deep sound, it wasn’t thunder but the mage did not what it could be. It sounded almost as if it was laughter, as if the storm was mocking our fleet as it tried to make our lives miserable before the coming landing. Walking back to his cot, Jason placed his book deep within his bag that hung next to the makeshift bed and headed towards the ladder heading to the top deck.

As Jason climbed into the landing he looked around. The inner room of the top deck had normally been full of people trying to escape the wet and cold of the rain outside but it was surprisingly empty. Not remembering seeing anyone else asleep, the darker hair wizards headed towards the wheel room of the flagship. As he neared the door, pausing only to check if there was a conversation within. Hearing yelling voices Jason stopped to listen at what they argument was over before interrupting. Mumbles was the best he could hear, every other second he would here a clear word or two only the be drowned out into mumbles. As he reached for the handle he heard it “Turn and fight the beast. Help the others ships.” Confused he stopped reaching for the door and stepped back. If they were under attack, why had the alarmed been sounded? Turning from the door, Jason jog back across the room to the outer hatch. Opening it and stepping out into the storm as he pulled his hood up protect himself slightly from the rain.

Looking around at the fleet in the dim twilight that was the only light they had seen in the past two days due to the storm. Not noticing anything out of place, Jason was confused at the argument he had overheard. Then it dawned on him, two ships were missing on the right flank. As he turned to find someone to ask what was happening, he saw it happening. Something was coming out of the water at the ship on the end of the right flank. From this distance it was hard to tell exactly what it was but one thing was for sure. They were in trouble if they thing could destroy two ships full of knights and fellow magic users.

[Imass]

Nothing else mattered. Everything came down to the actions of brave men and stalwart warriors. The sounds of arms being drawn brought some sort of confidence to the ship.

Oooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

A long melancholic note could be heard from the second ship which was threshing oars away from the Monstrosity, trying to escape it's grasp. It blew the distress signal in vain, a desperate plea for help, a death cry. The creature began to chase through the rough waters. It moved at tremendous speeds and would catch up to the ship quickly.

Ser Imass turned to the men. Already assembled was Squire Ball the Pycon, Ser Markus Andres of Zeltiva, Squire Miro the Magician, Squire Wilson, Ser Thomthas, Ser Boldon Key, and several other sell swords. The other knights where still assembling down stairs. The motley crew took turns wailing curses and suggesting ideas. Ball spoke first suggesting the burning pitch. It seemed he wanted to launch himself at the Monster.

"Excellent idea Ball, but we rather keep you alive for more important duties. No one will doubt your honor Ball," Imass said grimly to his squire. The Akalak turned to the group and yelled, "Bring forth all the burning pitch! Load it into the heavy armament, the catapult!"

Several lesser men ran off to grab the burning pitch. The ship's captain yelled an order to the oarsmen, consulted his helmsman, then cried out to Ser Imass's location, "We turn to meet the sea monster at an angle. We cannot out run it, we can only try to live so that we might swim! That is the only hope! Take off the plate!"

Ser Imass agreed with his plea, but the Knights had duty to account for as well, "Aye! We must arm ourselves and try to lead the monstrosity away from the main fleet! We must sacrifice the ship and attempt to swim to safety! It is our sacred duty!"

"Very well," the Captain reluctantly agreed. He turned back to give commands to his sailors. The grizzled sea dog knew Laviu meant to swallow him up,so he faced his death with courage.

The Knight turned to everyone else, "Out with the plate as captain said! We mean to Iive not die! Full plate is a burden in water!"

Oooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuu... The horn blew again in folly. The was a low rumbling moan sound coming from the sea monster too. It sounded eerie and other worldly. It shook the skin of almost all on board!


The Knight said a few words. His voice rang loud and clear. He spoke from the heart, "Death awaits us, Men of the Syliran Knights and Zeltiva. Despite this we shall always look to the eastern sunrise, even in the darkest of hours," the Knight broke out into intense conviction in attempt to bolster the spirits of the group, "Pick up your heads and keep your chests out, for we die with honor this great night! We will go down fighting violently and with great respect! History will remember us! No one will deny our courage and valor! No one will deny us our honor! Bards will sing of this voyage! No one can say who we are and what we can or cannot do! We will fight with every last drop of courage in our veins, because we are no cravens! We will never surrender and fight with all our energy until our dying breath!"

Ser Imass affirmed in front of the whole ship that they meant to go down fighting. Now everyone understood what they must do. The groups last few minutes of life would be desperately fighting. If Laviku was merciful, he might save the lives if two or three who swam.

Squire Miro approached Imass personally after the short speech. He mentioned he had the ability to harness magic, specifically lightening. He did not know much about the phenomena, but he knew that the natural lightening hit only tall trees and poles.

"Your courage and honor are without reproach Squire Miro," Imass said while putting a hand over his squire, "We will strike the monster with ballista bolts. Use them as an aim for the lightening you conjure. If that doesn't work, then unleash the best magic to your knowledge to destroy it! Do you best Miro, and know that I got you back one hundred percent!"

Imass looked at Ball who was now out of the plate, "You too Ball, don't you dare die on me! We still have a lot to learn!"

Finally Imass came upon Markus and clasp hands once more, "I love you Ser Markus, as a true warrior brother and comrade. Let us fight side by side at our greatest hour!"

Oooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.... The second ship blew in vein. As the horrendous tentacles enveloped the fleeing vessel. The preparations were well underway, but everyone needed to stop when the much closer scone ship was delivered to Laviku.

Craaaasshhh!

The destruction of the second ship was so sudden and so impossibly violent, it sent a thrashing wave towards Imass's position on the third vessel. It was bigger than anything the Akalak had ever seen. Men needed to hold on to railings and rope lines not to fall. There was no time to talk, no time even to think, everyone waited. The captain yelled at the helmsman as they attempted to take on the wave.

The ship rocked up over forty-five degrees. Ser Imass held onto the rail as salt water slammed into his body. He closed his eyes and mouth and wrapped both arms around the loop. The Knight did not open his eyes until it felt that the ship as relatively level again. Luckily the Knight had removed his plate. Wearing only his padded armor with sword and Lakan at side with shield in hand. He clutched with gauntleted hands and armored shins and feet.

The ship finally settled and tentacles got close and closer. The six mounted ballistas were ready for fire. The catapult was loaded with burning pitch. In the next few minutes the monster would be on them.

Ser Imass stood up, immediately recovering from the rogue wave. He barked orders, "As soon as the main mass is in range launch the burning pitch in the catapult! Take care to light it and do not miss! Everyone is counting on you!"

Imass turned to the six mounted ballistas, "Shoot your weapons true and make them stick in places the burning pitch is afire!"

"The rest, is up to you Miro..."

The armaments where loosened on the monster.

[Trente]

Water rushed over the the ship's side as Trente's lungs desperately filled with air salty moist air, a challenging glare leveled on Laviku himself as the wall of godly strength came at him. The powerful god loved to challenge, and Trente had his doubt that this challenge was surmountable.

Still, the old belief that wisdom comes from wise friends, and strength from strong allies rang true. Hadrian barreled forward with the uncanny speed of a mage, with an almost painfully tight grip Trente was held against the rushing waves, feet struggling veinly to remain stationary against the icy darkness enveloping them. Matilis clung quite valiantly to Trente's chest, his warm body seemed so frail and defenseless as Laviku washed over them, and as the wave passed and the ship found itself straight against the title waves one more Trente pressed his eyes firmly together to expel the salty aftermath then with a shake of wet hair looked to Hadrian with a stern by entirely whole hearted nod of gratitude.

He silently reminded himself to get wiser friends. What was he doing here?

Now it was time for swearing. Grabbing the child by the nape of the shivering neck, likely more in fear than cold, the frigid shivers would not come for some time, or at all if they all perished. Drowning was faster than one might think, crushing more so. He pushed the child to the opening to the underbelly of the vessel and pitched their heads close as he stared straight into his child's eye which stormed as chaotically as the sea beyond the ship's sanctuary, cloudy and fearful. The same emotion shown through his father's showing iris.

"You listen you petching runt. I say stay." He then drew his face from the child's, released his almost bruising hold on the child's tender flesh. "Stay!" He let out loudly before bringing his leg up and slamming the bottom of his food into the child's side, sending him stumbling and sprawling down the stairs, with great luck not ending the child's existence right there. The boy collided into several armed and armored men barreling up the stairs, preparing for whatever futile battle may face them, most gentler with Trente's child than Trente as they moved past. Not a challenge in and of itself.

With seething rage Trente turned and shot a look of warning toward Hadrian, he wanted to convey that he held no desire to trade parenting tips with the ever philanthropist while they were all under life threatening siege by a giant creature, likely made by the Djed storm. He stepped from the doorway, letting the war men file on deck, just in time to watch Hadrian, still several yards away, sling some deathly magic upward with overt flourishes. There was hope, lightening fell, thunder rolled, and yet nothing seemed to happen, just a flash. The creature move on as if tapped lightly by the mage's fearsome assault.

Trente, along with the other men, and the mage himself were suddenly very still as testicles wrapped upward from the darkened sea toward it's second victim. Distress calls bellowed over the water, with breaks of not silence by whipping window painful rain and the dreadful groan of planking under strain of giant muscle.

Trente jogged forward to Hadrian's side and inquired loudly above the storm encompassing them. "How do we kill it?" Trente realized his belt was free of weapon. He had left it below. It seemed pointless at this stage, if lightening could not pierce the beast then what would a rapier achieve, over than an ornamental weight to pull him tot he bottom of the sea faster when the creature reached him.

Trente knew the answer already, they needed to run. A fleet of warriors and mages could indeed dismantle a creature of such epic proportions, but half the fleet could, and full of knights no doubt would stop to distract it long enough for the rest to flee. A plan to mutinize the captain, toss him to Laviky then insight chaos to allow them to run gleamed his mind, but as always, morality served as the glue of society, and this society had blades. If Trente mistepped and got caught...

He looked desperately to Hadrian, then dubiously to the rest of the crew. What would they do? Most took off, arming themselves, others began seeking larger weaponry upon the ship, loud shouts of debate broke out among the captain and several intimidatingly large men.

Trente's only advice was for Hadrian not to over exert himself, he had seen mages stretch themselves too thin before. But, the current situation demanded a more objective opinion. Die at the hands of your own magic, or in the tentacles of an overgrown octopus. Hadrian had the right to do as he wished.

[Hadrian]

Desperate times called for desperate measures; he was just glad that Matilis hadn't gone overboard. If the boy feared his father's displeasure, well, that was something they could only work on if he remained alive. But Trente's warning glare was unnecessary. All his thoughts were working toward the destruction of this watery foe. He didn't know the beast's makeup, its magical protections or physical ones, but clearly a bolt of lightning wasn't going to affect it. Perhaps the water dispersed the heat too quickly for it to do much damage, but... "If you can make it bleed," he said, "I can set its blood on fire." This was theoretical, of course, but he kept one hand clamped on a secure rope, and the other rose in a fist, Shield energies gathering, primed to disperse kinetic energy, so a blow from a tentacle would not crush them, and if it had magical attacks, well, his shield would only grow stronger for absorbing the energy. It began to spread like a knight's shield, only a faint shimmer visible as his speedy deployment created some excess energy that escaped in the form of light, but it was otherwise invisible. "Trente," he said, voice like a whipcrack. He beckoned him over. The closer he stood, the less energy it would take to shield the both of them. He might shield the entire ship, but that would take more time, and drain him to the point where he might not be able to make good on his promise to set the creature on fire from the inside.

[Markus Andres]

Their plan simple as it was suicidal. For Markus it did not take long to admit that it was probably the best strategy to win the war, they might save the rest of the fleet and perhaps strike a fatal blow to the ungodly beast from below. Still, the concept of losing his life in a diversion... It did not suit him well. He looked at the men and women… and clay, that was on the ship. Brothers and sisters of arms. He could not have asked for better men to serve alongside. But as a symbol in the midst, gathering all the attention to himself as a true leader and a knight most worthy of admiration. He was zealous, but he was a true knight. Markus nudged the knight beside him and he had him help him get him out of the armour. He would drop to the bottom of the sea if he wore heavy armour and was thrown to the sea. Markus wasn’t certain why he even bothered getting the armour off. They expected to die, why remove the armour? Why wear it? - His mind responded immediately. He couldn’t argue with that. Even though he still it was a fool’s hope to actually swim all the way to Sahova. He soon stood wearing no armour. A shiver of fear and cold went through his body, but he did not notice it, for his mind was fixed upon Imass. The man standing heroically in front. His voice strong. Powerful. He did not lie and keep falsehoods from them. Nor did he pretend that they had a chance. Yet, Markus felt no fear. He did not cower from the battle ahead. His entire life had been shaped to fight for the knights. It was time to give that life meaning. To fulfil its purpose. The powerful words of Imass nipped the fear in the buds. Imass finished strong and Markus held nothing but admiration for his fellow knight. He felt pumped and ready for whatever fate Lhex had in store for him. ”Let us show this ungodly beast what the Syliran Knights are made of!” His sword flashed and raised into the air. ”FOR SYLIR! FOR THE WINDOAK! FOR SYLIRAS!” Markus lungs bellowed loudly as Imass finished his speech. He could not recall a day he had not been as proud to be a part of the knights. Markus sheathed his sword, it was not time to use it yet. But it had felt a hell of a lot good to raise it into the air. His hand grasped Imass’ and gave it a good shake. His eyes met with the powerful presence of the Akalak. ”Couldn’t ask for truer friend, let them sing of us for centuries.” He responded to the knight with a honest grin. Everything was hectic. Watching as another ship of the knights vanished beneath the waves. Causing a crash wave as huge as Markus had seen in his life. Markus immediate concern when seeing the wave was to try and find some place to hang on to, then he noticed that tiny squire of Imass. What had he called it? Ball? Odd a name for an odd a thing. Sort of fitted. That thing would be swept overboard without a doubt. Markus would grab the odd thing and hold it tight against his chest. ”Hang on tight.” Markus’ free arm would wrap around the railing. He survived the wave, but the battle against the creature itself, that was an entirely different matter. Still, with Imass by his side, odds were a lot better than without him.

[Miro]

So many things to take into account, the way Imass spoke. His brothers were powerless in this situation, all except for those who might hold control over the elements of reimancy. To go overboard, was it really going to happen? Miro could carry his brothers to safety if it came to that, but he feared the cost. All of his training and life's goals would come to a swift end if he was to save them all with his djed. It hardly mattered though, they were strong, they could just as easily carry him, they wouldn't die now. He could save them from this monster, it was all they needed. He had to, their lives depended on his skills.

"Brothers in magic, come to our aid! Imass, your arm will be desperately needed now as well. You must help protect me while I ready to cast." Miro dropped to one knee, bringing his head down and clasping his hands as if to pray. The wizard called his mind to clear, focusing against all of the hysteria around him. He could not afford to caught while off guard, but he wouldn't. He believed in his brothers to protect him. It took a moment for him to gain balance against the waves thrashing the boat around and the wind clashing against his bare skin, but slowly his body released its tension.

Miro reached deep into his body, into his soul, pulling out the latent djed stored for casting. He let out a dull roar, feeling the energy separating itself from his being, taking the form of res. An icy blue gas spilled from every pore in his body, flowing away in the winds like a thick blue smoke. The air around him began to fill with his aqua colored aura, tainting the winds around him. After a several moments of pouring away his djed he lost focus and halted, taking deep breaths and losing his balance.

A massive wave turned the boat on its side, causing Miro to fall and begin to slide across the deck. Miro quickly called his res to his aid, directing the streams to form under his feet and attracting itself to the drenched deck. He transmuted the res to ice, giving himself a foothold against the tipped deck. Just as quickly the ship tilted back, slamming the wizard hard against the floor. At least he was safe of going overboard, but what of the others? He quickly tapped his gnosis to melt the ice and climbed back to his feet. His body ached slightly, but it could do little to distract him. There was more still to do.

For now he would have enough res to command the elements around the boat. A store for defense if things turned bad. It was a heavy spell to start with, but he could stand to cast more when the real offense started. If only there were others capable of casting reimancy on board. All but earth had some use on the wild seas. Laviku and Zulrav gave them power, it was their job to issue control. The sails that guided whipped against the sails and the waves that rocked them about, reimancy offered control over these elements. Wind also offered a potential for offense, if his brothers could assist him.

"Reimancers of all manners, rally by me. We will need to take the ship in close to attack effectively. I must say though..." Miro hesitated, bringing his res to gather around him, caking to the ship around him in liquid form. He gathered a deep breath, speaking loud. "I can not proved both our offense and defense alone. If our ship is destroyed we may carry our brothers to safety. If any of you are of the elements of wind, you may guide the wind to our sails."

Miro stood tall, walking across the deck as the tentacles began to draw closer. No matter what would happen, it was up to him to carry out the attack. With our without the support of brothers, he would do it all. "Water reimancers, when in the sea your res can guide you swiftly through the water, and your brothers as well. Wind reimancers can control thrashing winds and guide our sails to carry us to safety. Earth reimancers can create and cast boulders. Lightning reimancers, prepare to attack the balistas once they land. Together we are strong, so please, make yourselves known and cast with all of your hearts!"

[Mirage]

Ship 6: Eridanus, Jason Alexander, Rayes

Those upon the flag ship could do nothing but watch... watch in horror as ship after ship was swallowed by the sea. Men upon the ship argued amongst each other, some saying to go to the ships aid, others to abandon them and continue on their path. What was the right path? What could be done? Well, the decision would fall upon the Captain's shoulders...

The Captain of this ship was a grizzled veteran known as Yeager, Captain Yeager. He had seen many battles, fought upon the sea a thousand times, and knew what a fickle mistress she could be. Now the man stood behind the wheel of his vessel, eyes locked upon the battle going on. To his left his first mate stared agape at the sight, his one eye wide as he watched the carnage.

"Captain," The man said, turning to Yeager, "What should we do? Should we turn back to assist?"

The Captain did not answer at first, instead his eyes continued to watch as the second ship began to go under. In truth he was at war with himself, caught in an inner struggle for what he knew he must do and what he wished to do, but then something from the boat about to be destroyed caught his eye. A series of flashes, lantern light used as a signal. Squinting his eyes against the darkness Yeager tried to interpret their meaning, and with a surprised sound the man raised a hand to his first mate, "Oy ye lazy bones, get yer arse to the nest! Grab that lantern signal."

The first mate blinked in surprise, "But Captain, the other shi--"

"Be you deaf boy!? Get the petching lantern! Signal to the ships upon the right flank to advance on the beast. We have a mission. We be going to the shores of those damned nuits."

Moving quickly the first mate grabbed up the lanter, leaping upon one of the many ropes tied to the deck that lead up to the crow's nest. Pausing, he looked back at Captain Yeager, "But... what about the last ship? They will be destroyed if we do not act."

The Captain smiled through his tangled beard mattered with sea water, "The signal sent said they be fine. What I hear there be a fine young knight aboard rallying their troops. If any of them ships have a chance, it be theirs."

Nodding once the first made quickly made his way up the rope, positioning himself in the cows nest and began to signal to the other ships



Ship 6: Hadrin, Trente

Hadrin's blow hit the creature full, and for most it would look like nothing had happened, however, to the observant it might be noted that the creature did flinch ever so slightly. The boat rocked violently as the second ship was taken, great swells nocking all not steady upon their backsides as the creatures ungodly roar echoed from beneath the sea. The light of the beacons could now be seen flashing from nearly every ship, and the man in their own crow's nest held a lantern hight with what looked like a tried piece of leather used as a shutter for signaling.

"ALL HANDS, KEEP THE SHIP FORWARD! WE CONTINUE ON TO SAHOVA!"

The order rang out, loud and clear from the crow's nest. Shouts of anger and dispute broke out among the ships grew from those who wished to turn in fight, but a growl from the Captain, a man as wide as he was tall, stopped all arguments. It seemed the ship would get away during the carnage, flee the fighting while one of their own perished... However, not all was lost.

Ships 8-9 broke off from the formation on the right flank, moving as if to encircle the creature on its exposed side. Upon the decks men could be seen moving frantically, reading ballista positioned on deck and readying their ships for combat.

Though they were fleeing for now, all aboard this ship knew that their part in this struggle was soon to come. Perhaps those ships that had fallen to the beast were the lucky ones, for at least they did not face the unknown dangers of Sahova...

OOC :

Hello everyone! Ship 6 and Ship 4 and all the PC's on board are going to be split off from this thread soon. I will provide a link in this box as soon as the thread is up. Hold fast ye questers! The true danger is about to come!

Ship 3: Imass, Markus, Ball, Nira'lia, Miro

The ship hands responded to Imass' words, rallying and moving with renewed vigor and confidence. The knights who were higher in rank still looked to the man with respect, taking his words to heart and following them without question. The ship was fast at work, making preparations even as the 2nd ship began to sink beneath the waves. They had little time to prepare, so they had to make it count.

Three ballista were anchored on each side of the ship, and the knights who had retreated below deck quickly returned with the tar originally meant for use on Sahova. Moving quickly each of the heads of the Ballista was coated with the tar, men standing by to light them before they were fired. The Catapult was positioned near the center of the ship, and it took 5 men to angle it so that it was facing toward the beast. One of the 8 barrels of Tar was loaded into position, once more a man stood by ready to light it with the signal.

The boy Miro's call did not go unheard, for soon 10 men moved to his side, each equipped with light armor and a cloak that bore the symbol of the mage knights. One man stepped forward, a sense of authority about him. His hair was gray, his cheeks showed the many years he had served, and his voice rung out strong, "Great mage we, the Mage Knights of Syliras, have heard your call. We are at your disposal."

Among those mage knights two were masters, including the man in charge, there others experts and the rest were competent in their abilities. At Miro's words they would scatter, moving to their respective positions. Two of the competent users, along with one of the experts, moved to the center of the ship, res pouring from their bodies as they began to produce boulders and stones for use by the catapult and to be thrown at the beast. The rest of the competent users would command the winds to fill the sails as was needed. The remaining experts moved to stand with the other knights, to aid their comrades on the front lines.

Finally the two masters would take a position on either end of the ship, far enough away from the main force that their power would not disrupt their work. From them emitted a power, a great billowing of res, one gold, one silver, that surrounded their forms. They would equal Miro's in strength, and the lead Mage Knight's power was in fact stronger than Miro's. Both of them moved their res about them with practiced ease, and to anyone who did not understand the workings of reimancy it would look like great gold and silver storm clouds surrounded them, lighting crackled and burst from the edges from time to time.

The Preparations were made, but were they enough? The beast had since sunk beneath the waters, and an erie calm fell over the sea as the only sound that could be heard was the falling of rain. Then the ship would rock violently, tilitng to one side and then the next, before growing still once more... Then from beneath the boat a single, large tentacle would rise from the waters, as wide as 1/4 of the ship, reaching impossibly high over head, higher than the mast. From the other side another tentacle rose, moving to rap about the mast this time, great drops of salty water falling upon those below.

At Imass' word the ballista's would fire, the pitch light afire by a tourch just before release. Sailing forward all but one missed and fell to the see, but the one that sailed true landed itself upon the raised tentacle, imbedding itself into the beasts hide. A grown would echoed from below the boat, but the attack seemed to be little more than a nuisance for a creature of this size. Then a shout echoed from the older mage knight, and he and the other mater rallied their strength, sending forth a burst of lighting that would make the hairs of every man on board stand on end slamming into rod. The sound of cracking lighting was almost deafening, but more than that the Lagool's groan rose to such a pitch that it shook the boat. The tentacle was quickly pulled back under the lapping waves, but quickly another returned to take its place, beginning to wrap around the body of the ship as the other wrapped around the mast.

With a mighty yell the knights of Syliras would rush forward, striking at the tentacle that laid across the ship in an effort to dislodge it.

OOC :

The battle has begun! Good luck questers and may you all survive! The 3rd tentacle that is wrapping the ship is laying across the deck near the bow of the boat. You still have 7 barrels of pitch left, and the catapult has not been used. Good luck!

[Ball]

OOCPosting because no one else has yet against the Lagool.

Ball saw the tentacle wrapping itself around the ship, it was rocking the tremendous wooden structure, threatening to crack it in half and sink the poor ship down to the bottom of the sea. The Pycon knew there wasn't much he could do by himself, but everyone else was just standing there, watching as the sorcerers took action and then first tentacle went under the water's murky surface. Regardless though, the Pycon sprung into action, propelling himself across the deck as it heaved to and fro, both from the choppy waters and the monster's massive grip on the poor thing.

Ball, being what he was, didn't understand the danger in it's fullness, he just wanted the damn ship to stop rocking! It was making him sick to his poor stomach, or at least his nexus, and he wanted that to not get any worse. Once he was within reaching distance of the creature he made a ballsy attempt to go and attack or distract the beast, being as small as he was, the Pycon probably wasn't very effective in his maneuvering, the poor clay being tried his best to grapple with the creature's tentacle, wrapping himself the skinniest part he could, which means he was slug moving his way up the beast's ever pulsing tentacle to get to the tip where he then coated it with his being.

Once in place the Pycon did something he saw his furry companion under deck to before with Imass, that required teeth... and a mouth. So the Pycon went quick to forming a round hole in the bottom said of his now flattened being and then created sharp pointy clay teeth that he immediately sank into the Lagool's tentacle tip. Latching on as hard as he possibly could before releasing and moving himself over slightly to a side and repeating the process, moving constantly and resinking his clay teeth into place.

[Markus Andres]

An involuntary shudder went through Markus’ spine as the blasted tentacle came out of the ocean. Such nasty things. Another shudder. Markus braced himself for another impact for when that nasty thing touched the ship. He saw the ballistas get launched and to his surprise and horror, somehow, those clumsy, incompetent fools manning the ballistas had managed to miss with all but one of their shots. How in the name of Sylir did they manage to do that? Forget about missing the broad side of a barn. Markus sent a very dark glare at the men manning the ballistas. Had they not been knights or at the very least, allies, he might have considered putting them on the catapult for their failure. Might actually hit their target then. ”Imass, defend the mages! Without them we are lost!” Markus yelled as he left the others in direction of the nearest ballistas. Those blasted fools. But his rage would not last as a sliver of hope appeared. For he had barely turned his back, before the mage knights let out a lightning strike so awe inspiring that Markus was certain, that even the abomination Rhysol was shivering from fear in Ravok. The tentacle retreated and Markus covered his ears. Good. He wondered if they had beat it back… But that was a naive hope and he knew that. No. It couldn’t be that simple. The other ships could have done that. - As his pessimism dictated, new tentacles shot out and Markus cursed under his breath and resumed his march to the ballistas. He would give a hand with reloading them if it was needed. But mainly he was there for one reason. Looking big and pissed off. So they might actually listen to what he had to say. ”Get those ballistas reloaded, men! Aim your bolts at whatever the petch the mages are hitting! Make the thing bleed!” He paused for a brief moment before he realized what had caused him to be so angry. ”But make sure you hit your petching mark! I will personally flog the lot of you if you miss again, especially from this range!” Markus had not the time to ponder his own very sea-worthy choice of words. They had been spoken in anger, not seriousness, but hopefully the men would calm their nerves and actually take time to aim their bolts. Incompetent. Just like the lot of superior ranking knights. Not stepping up. Letting an unranked knight as Imass take the lead through their inaction. If they got out of their alive, Markus would give his full support for Imass being promoted. But at the moment his mind was more preoccupied with actually getting through it alive. That meant those crew manning the siege weapons had to do their petching job. ”If that ungodly thing pops its ugly face out of the water, aim for that and make it suffer for the lives it has taken today!” His voice was backed by a fierce determination to make it through this alive and with his honour intact. Assuming it even has a face The last order was directed mostly at the catapult crew. He sincerely hoped that the men, manning the catapult would be disciplined and intelligent enough not to fire at the tentacles wrapping around the ship. But he would understand their desperation and fear. He felt it himself. They had all witnessed the demise of the previous two ships. He looked at the brave men and women fighting the tentacles. He wanted to join them, but everything was a mess down there. Not enough room for all of them to fight it. So he stayed put. Using his hopeful large body to present a clear threat to the men manning the ballistas to follow orders and actually aim their shots and not abandon their posts and try to swim for safety.

[Nira'lia]

Nira’lia wore an expression of grimness and worry. She watched as the Knights around her dropped their plates. The steel hit the deck loudly, and she could not help but wonder why so many of them had chosen to wear armor while traversing through the sea. Perhaps it had been a choice to display who they were despite their location. In the distance, she could see that a few of the leading ships were sailing away. They had no desire to stay and fight. She knew that her Ethaefal companion was on the furthest boat, but instead of feeling anger for what could be misinterpreted as cowardice, she hoped they would get to safety. At least they had the chance to escape. “For Sylir!” The Konti found herself cheering with the Knights. She had only been recently introduced to Sylir’s name, but she was amidst his followers. Nira’lia wanted to believe that Sylir would aid them. The mages seemed to be rallying as well. She could hear them coordinating their attacks. A familiar face, the boy named Miro, appeared to be leading it. ‘…Laviku will not leave me as well. I know it,’ she told herself over and over. This was her father’s domain! He saw everything that happened in his seas. She was adamant that he would protect her, his child. She just wished that everyone else on the ship would realize that. They needed Laviku’s mercy most of all. He could thwart this monstrous creature in a second if he wished to do so. “My father, please help us all…” Suddenly, the ship rocked violently and she gave a shriek as she held on for dear life. Water spilled over the decks and she could feel its icy temperature. In panic, she looked around once more. How many of these men knew how to swim? There was a moment of silence, and the feeling of horror was imminent in the air. They all knew it was coming. Then there it was, a long, massive tentacle sprung up from the side of the ship. It raised itself, its shadow looming over the heads of those on board. There seemed to be a few petrified ones, who in those few short moments could do nothing but gape in terror. Finally, the men started their attacks. Nira’lia was situated near the tentacle that was wrapped around the mast. Just like the others, she expected that it wanted to break the mast. The Konti mimicked the Knights and rushed forward as well. She grasped her Suvai with her two hands and furiously swung at the tentacle. It skin was very tough and was difficult to pierce, but she continued to strike at the exact same place with all her strength.