CH1: Falling in the Deep End

[Mysticsage]

"Help me sit up," Veritas asked as Armand spoke only to freeze mid movement. "-THREE DAYS!"

His face went nearly as pail as he slumped back into bed shocked at the realization. He ran his free hand over his body as if to check for open wounds even though he knew there was nothing there. You notice as he runs his hand over his face for the first time that something seems slightly off about his nose, it would be unsurprising if he smacked it when the ship crashed. Its hard to tell exactly what's different without looking closer, but your subconscious caught something.

"We owe these people a lot if they took care of us for three days. If they're stuck here like we are then I don't know how I feel about pulling them into our problems," Raynolt said as he stood with a grown, checking himself over and stepping gingerly on each foot before looking satisfied. The movement pulling you away from Veritas for a moment, before the younger half elf made about getting out of bed for the second time.

"I'm with Ray, I don't wish to be a burden. It's already my fault that I got you in this mess, all because I wanted to prove something to my father-" his head hung low as he swung himself out of the makeshift cot refusing to look you in the eyes.

"Just for the record," Raynolt cut in, "I never said we shouldn't use these people in order to survive. They've been here long enough to build homes. It would be beyond stupid not to learn about the island and what it takes to keep living here. It's probably best that we focus on the basics till we are sure that we are in top form regardless."

It is clear that this pair is still a fair bit shaken about almost drowning at sea, even if all told things could have gone far worse for the three of you. The pair continue to glance between you and the strange surroundings of the building that you are in as the half orc sits on the other side of his ward as you do, sandwiching Veritas in the middle.

"I'm glad no one died," he finally whispered.

[Schnizzer]

Perception on Veritas and Raynolt

Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

[Mysticsage]

Perception 19

As you look over the pair in detail, as they gather their thoughts, you notice some details about the pair that hadn't been apparent before. Although the fact that you didn't notice some of these things up to this point may be odd but not outlandish.

For instance, as you look at Veritas you notice that his torn clothing reveals that he is a fair bit more muscular then his reedy stature led you to believe. You now can see that he has a clear swimmer's build. You also only notice now a light line of a scar across the bridge of the half elf's nose. It was in clear relief due to the bruising, but it was clearly too well healed to be new from the crash. Last but not least, a small metal hope with an onyx band caught your eye on one of his ears that it is hard to say that he was wearing before.

Raynolt on the other hand, caught your attention for the complete opposite reason. Raynolt had been rough and rugged since the moment you met him, but now as you look at the man, many of his scars, while still present, seem less red and noticeable outside of a handful. You also notice that one scar that threatened one of his eyes before was nothing more then a light line now.

To add to the strangeness, as he sat down on the cot on the other side of his ward you can feel the structure sagging noticeably under his weight, an odd occurrence for someone for someone asleep for days to pack on pounds. Though he still looked as for as ever. The last thing that caught your eye was a small matching earring as the younger half elf.

[Schnizzer]

Armand anxiously rubbed the back of his neck again for a moment then sighed. "Listen, it isn't your fault. And no one died. And we aren't in a position we can't come back from. If anything I probably could have been more forthcoming about Valerie Renard. This isn't some professional competition for glory and recognition. This is very... personal." He gets quiet for a moment before looking up at both of his companions with a somber look. "She had my father killed to steal his life's work. She tried to have us killed to stop us from reaching this island. She'll kill anyone who gets in her way. But we have an advantage that she doesn't," Armand then smiles wide as he walks up to the other two and claps them on their backs. "The reason she is trying to take us out is because she knows we're better. Now get some clothes on and come with me outside. We need to see what's left of our ship."

[Schnizzer]

Diplomacy:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9

[Mysticsage]

It seems like your attempt to raise the spirits of the two boys, especially with Veritas, had little affect to change their moods, but at least it didn't seem like it made anything actively worse. As you slam into the pair's back however the sting seems to get them both out of their stupors.

"Armand is right-" Veritas sighed, "We can't just sit here forever. We'll get ourselves ready and meet you outside."



Within a few short minutes the three of you had gathered outside in the island sun in what remained of your adventuring gear, and what few rags were required to hold the rest together. You lack weapons, defenses, shelter, food, safety, and prospects. But at least you have your lives, warm sun at your backs and a chance to write your own destiny. You three have made it this far, there is no turning back now.

"Well it seems like the three of you are in good spirits. I'm glad to see you three up and about!" Mira said as she had come to check on you.

"It's rare that people end up surviving the barrier storm together, so its good to see every now and again when it happens. So what's next for you three?"