Corsair

The sun is beating down directly onto your head from the gaps in the rigging. This is your least favorite part of the day, when the sails cast no shadows across the deck and the heat is near unbearable both inside the cabin and out. The only person who is in the shade is the captain, who stands just within the doors to his cabin at the stern of the ship, barking orders to anyone who slows in their work. The quartermaster stands together with the helmswoman and the navigator on the quarterdeck above, looking displeased as they glower down at the captain doing their jobs. "Oi, you!" the captain suddenly shouts, jabbing a beefy finger in your direction with a scowl. "Are you looking at the clouds? I needed that sail reefed sometime yesterday." "Aye, sir," you shout back, busying yourself once more with your work. You can feel his eyes on you as you continue to coil lines around your arm, elbow to palm, and wonder if he's never seen someone of your kind before. You are, after all... [[...a human.->Human]] [[...an elf.->Elf]] [[...a kobald.->Kobold]]

A human. And those are rare here on the open sea, where orcs, tieflings, and dwarves tend to seek freedom from persecution on land by the elvish kingdoms. Still, where else would you go, without a family? Your bunkmate, a particularly small halfling named Pip, interrupts your work by appearing at your shoulder. "I'll do that," they say, taking the line from your arm. "Can you climb up the rigging and help reef the topsail?" They point across the horizon, adding, "that storm's going to be upon us fast, and we can't have it blowing us too far off course." "Sure, I'll get it," you say, reaching for the rigging to begin the climb. Pip pauses and glances at you uncertainly. "On second thought, are you dressed for it? I don't want you falling." Of course you are. You're ready for anything, in your... [[...embroidered waistcoat, long frock overcoat, leather brogues and feathered cap.->Human Hat]] [[...billowing blouse, corset, tiered skirt and tall boots.->Human Boots]] [[...linen shirt and trousers with bare hands and feet.->Human Barefoot]]

An elf. And those are rare here on the open sea, where orcs, tieflings, and dwarves tend to seek freedom from persecution on land by the elvish kingdoms. You're pretty unpopular among the crew; just last night, someone held an oil lamp to the end of your braid while you were sleeping and singed off a good chunk of your silvery hair. Still, where else would you go, without a family? Your bunkmate, a particularly small halfling named Pip, interrupts your work by appearing at your shoulder. "I'll do that," they say, taking the line from your arm. "Can you climb up the rigging and help reef the topsail?" They point across the horizon, adding, "that storm's going to be upon us fast, and we can't have it blowing us too far off course." "Sure, I'll get it," you say, reaching for the rigging to begin the climb. Pip pauses and glances at you uncertainly. "On second thought, are you dressed for it? I don't want you falling." Of course you are. You're ready for anything, in your... [[...embroidered waistcoat, long frock overcoat, leather brogues and feathered cap.->Elf Hat]] [[...billowing blouse, corset, tiered skirt and tall boots.->Elf Boots]] [[...linen shirt and trousers with bare hands and feet.->Elf Barefoot]]

A kobald. The lizardfolk aren't exactly rare here on the open sea, where droves of creatures such as orcs, tieflings, and dwarves will seek freedom from persecution by the elvish kingdoms, but you //are// particularly small for your kind. You get pushed around a lot by the larger crewmembers. The quartermaster is an enormous ice-blue dragonborn, and you're pretty sure she could bench-press you. Still, where else would you go, without a family? Your bunkmate, a particularly small halfling named Pip, interrupts your work by appearing at your shoulder. "I'll do that," they say, taking the line from your arm. "Can you climb up the rigging and help reef the topsail?" They point across the horizon, adding, "that storm's going to be upon us fast, and we can't have it blowing us too far off course." "Sure, I'll get it," you say, reaching for the rigging to begin the climb. Pip pauses and glances at you uncertainly. "On second thought, are you dressed for it? I don't want you falling." Of course you are. You're ready for anything, in your... [[...embroidered waistcoat, long frock overcoat, leather brogues and feathered cap.->Kobold Hat]] [[...billowing blouse, corset, tiered skirt and tall boots.->Kobold Boots]] [[...linen shirt and trousers with bare hands and feet.->Kobold Barefoot]]

You're sweating buckets in all those layers, but it's worth it to remind your crewmates of your superior status. Do they think just any human would own a coat like that? No, of course they wouldn't. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, wishing your leather soles bent more with the rigging. More than once, your shoes get caught on the ropes, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your shoes continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sweating right through your frock coat. Ew. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You humans are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Human Hat Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Human Hat Rush]] [[Parry!->Human Hat Parry]]

Impractical? Perhaps. But you do look hot. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, hooking the heels of your boots into the ropes. More than once, your shoes get caught on the rigging, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your heels continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sunburned on your neck and shoulders and sweating under your corset. But hey, at least you still look hot. From up here, you can see miles in every direction, and despite the time pressure of the incoming storm, you take a moment to admire the view. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails on the horizon, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You humans are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Human Boots Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Human Boots Rush]] [[Parry!->Human Boots Parry]]

Smart of you. You may not look like much, but therein lies your advantage. Besides, who would wear shoes while climbing around on a pirate ship? Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, your hands and feet curling effortlessly around the holds. You get there quickly enough that you allow yourself a moment to enjoy the view. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails on the horizon, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You humans are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Human Barefoot Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Human Barefoot Rush]] [[Parry!->Human Barefoot Parry]]

You're sweating buckets in all those layers, but it's worth it to remind your crewmates of your superior status. So is all the abuse you receive for not only being a highborn elf, but reminding them of it day in and day out. It's honestly a miracle that none of them have stabbed you in your sleep yet. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, wishing your leather soles bent more with the rigging. More than once, your shoes get caught on the ropes, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your shoes continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sweating right through your frock coat. Ew. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You elves really do ruin everything," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Elf Hat Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Elf Hat Rush]] [[Parry!->Elf Hat Parry]]

Impractical? Perhaps. But you do look hot. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, hooking the heels of your boots into the ropes. More than once, your shoes get caught on the rigging, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your heels continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sunburned on your neck and shoulders and sweating under your corset. But hey, at least you still look hot. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You elves really do ruin everything," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Elf Boots Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Elf Boots Rush]] [[Parry!->Elf Boots Parry]]

Smart of you. You may not look like much, but therein lies your advantage. Besides, who wants to wear shoes while climbing around on a pirate ship? Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, your hands and feet curling effortlessly around the holds. You get there quickly enough that you allow yourself a moment to enjoy the view. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You elves really do ruin everything," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Elf Barefoot Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Elf Barefoot Rush]] [[Parry!->Elf Barefoot Parry]]

You're sweating buckets in all those layers, but it's worth it to remind your crewmates of your superior status. Do they think just any kobold would own a coat like that? No, of course they wouldn't. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, wishing your leather soles bent more with the rigging. More than once, your shoes get caught on the ropes, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your shoes continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sweating right through your frock coat. Ew. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You kobolds are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Kobold Hat Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Kobold Hat Rush]] [[Parry!->Kobold Hat Parry]]

Impractical? Perhaps. But you do look hot. Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, hooking the heels of your boots into the ropes. More than once, your shoes get caught on the rigging, and you nearly fall. Also, probably not your best idea, climbing over the deck in a skirt. Someone below you whistles. It's hard to get your feet out of the rungs on the rigging, what with your heels continually getting caught, so by the time you reach the top of the mast, you're sunburned on your neck and shoulders and sweating under your corset. But hey, at least you still look hot. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You kobolds are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Kobold Boots Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Kobold Boots Rush]] [[Parry!->Kobold Boots Parry]]

Smart of you. You may not look like much, but therein lies your advantage. Besides, what self-respecting kobold would wear shoes? Pip can't stop you, so you begin to climb the rigging to the topmost sail on the mainmast, the claws on your hands and feet curling effortlessly around the holds. You get there quickly enough that you allow yourself a moment to enjoy the view. From up here, you can see miles in every direction. The sky and the ocean haze together on the horizon into a beautiful palette of blues. You turn to admire the emptiness of the skyline in all directions, and are soon halted by the sight of black sails in the distance, heading towards you in the shadow of the oncoming storm. The ship is practically flying on the gale winds towards you, and you see the dark blot of canvas grow larger and larger as it begins to outpace the rolling clouds. This...is bad. You look to the crow's nest, where Ivan, your barrelman, is supposed to be stationed. You expect him not to be there, since he didn't call out an alarm at the sight of the incoming ship, but he's standing in the barrel above you with a furious look in his beady black eyes. Ivan is an aarakocra with black feathered wings in place of arms, which he snaps open so quickly you almost fall backward off the boom. As he flaps to hover above you, you see a rusted knife clutched in one of his talons. "Well, there goes our element of surprise. You kobolds are really such a nuisance," he hisses, and swipes at you viciously with the blade. [[Dodge!->Kobold Barefoot Dodge]] [[Rush him!->Kobold Barefoot Rush]] [[Parry!->Kobold Barefoot Parry]]

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head. Sadly, humans are not exactly made for balancing on high beams, and you're also wearing high heeled boots. No sooner have you leaned over than you feel your stomach drop, and you grasp at nothing with a scream. Your hand closes around the air and you begin to fall, seeing the deck rush up at you sickeningly. The fear and adrenaline combine, and the moment you hit the ground, you're entirely numb, then unconscious. It's a good thing your ship's healer knows spells to fix broken bones. It's not such a good thing that you're unable to warn your crew about the incoming warship. By the time someone else notices the sail on the horizon, it's too late. The ship rakes you with a broadside before even presenting a target. You have no time, no defenses, and no plan. By the time you awaken, you're locked into a half-submerged room below the deck, and the water is moving up your shoulders. You try the door. It's barred. The room fills with water as you wonder what might have happened if you had fought differently. You suppose there's no use now. [[You have died. ->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your blouse and digs into your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with disdain and indifference. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The human is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The human does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight."

You dodge. Your feet find purchase on the beam you you pinwheel your arms, and save you from falling the hundred feet back down to the deck. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The elf lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

You rush him. There's no time to think about what you're doing, or that he's much bigger than you, or that you're trying to balance on a thin wooden beam dozens of feet in the air. You throw yourself at the bird, and he flaps out of the way, leaving you to grab at the air. Thankfully, your feet find purchase on the wood beneath you, and you catch yourself just before you fall. Best not to try that again, in case you're not so lucky next time. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The human lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your shirt and digs into your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with mixed disdain and indifference. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The human is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The human does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight." [[End of Book 1->Beginning]]

You dodge. Your feet find purchase on the beam, and your claws save you from falling the hundred feet back down to the deck. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The elf lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

You rush him. There's no time to think about what you're doing, or that he's much bigger than you, or that you're trying to balance on a thin wooden beam dozens of feet in the air. You throw yourself at the bird, and he flaps out of the way, leaving you to grab at the air. Thankfully, your feet find purchase on the wood beneath you, and you catch yourself just before you fall. Best not to try that again, in case you're not so lucky next time. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The lizard lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your shirt and digs into the scales of your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with mixed disdain and indifference. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The lizard is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The kobold does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight." [[End of Book 1->Beginning]]

You dodge. Your feet find purchase on the beam, and your elven reflexes save you from falling the hundred feet back down to the deck. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The elf lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

You rush him. There's no time to think about what you're doing, or that he's much bigger than you, or that you're trying to balance on a thin wooden beam dozens of feet in the air. You throw yourself at the bird, and he flaps out of the way, leaving you to grab at the air. Thankfully, your feet find purchase on the wood beneath you, and you catch yourself just before you fall. Best not to try that again, in case you're not so lucky next time. You don't have a weapon. You don't have anywhere to hide. There's only one option left: you turn and run off the end of the beam, and dive off the side of the ship towards the water. The sea is freezing, but you pop back up immediately and see the faces of your crewmates on the rail, Pip among them, brandishing a line. "Nice landing," they say, tossing you the rope. You scramble back over the side of the ship, shivering, and allow the sunlight to dry you for a moment before gasping, "there's a sail on the horizon. We need to ready for battle. Our barrelman has betrayed us." "The elf lies," snarles an orc crewmate from somewhere to your left. "No," Pip says, "look!" The crew follows their finger to the horizon, where the shape of an enormous bird is flying toward the storm, in the direction of a fast-approaching ship. "All hands on deck!" shouts the quartermaster as the captain stands stunned. "To battle stations!" "In a storm?" the captain croaks, his eyes enormous. "Come hell or high water," Pip says to you, handing you a knife, "let's not go down without a fight." You nod, tucking the dagger into your waistband. At least you'll have the chance to fight together in the face of death. In the distance, the ship approaches. [[End of Book 1.->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your shirt and digs into your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with mixed disdain and indifference. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The lizard is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The kobold does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight." [[End of Book 1->Beginning]]

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head. Fortunately, elves have an excellent innate sense of balance. Unfortunately, you're also wearing high heeled boots. No sooner have you leaned over than you feel your heel slip and your stomach drop, and you grasp at nothing with a scream. Your hand closes around the air and you begin to fall, seeing the deck rush up at you sickeningly. The fear and adrenaline combine, and the moment you hit the ground, you're entirely numb, then unconscious. It's a good thing your ship's healer knows spells to fix broken bones. It's not such a good thing that you're unable to warn your crew about the incoming warship. By the time someone else notices the sail on the horizon, it's too late. The ship rakes you with a broadside before even presenting a target. You have no time, no defenses, and no plan. By the time you awaken, you're locked into a half-submerged room below the deck, and the water is moving up your shoulders. You try the door. It's barred. The room fills with water as you wonder what might have happened if you had fought differently. You suppose there's no use now. [[You have died. ->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your blouse and digs into your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with mixed disdain and outright hatred. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The elf is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The elf does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight."

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head. Sadly, kobolds are not exactly made for balancing on high beams, and you're also wearing high heeled boots. No sooner have you leaned over than you feel your stomach drop, and you grasp at nothing with a scream. Your hand closes around the air and you begin to fall, seeing the deck rush up at you sickeningly. The fear and adrenaline combine, and the moment you hit the ground, you're entirely numb, then unconscious. It's a good thing your ship's healer knows spells to fix broken bones. It's not such a good thing that you're unable to warn your crew about the incoming warship. By the time someone else notices the sail on the horizon, it's too late. The ship rakes you with a broadside before even presenting a target. You have no time, no defenses, and no plan. By the time you awaken, you're locked into a half-submerged room below the deck, and the water is moving up your shoulders. You try the door. It's barred. The room fills with water as you wonder what might have happened if you had fought differently. You suppose there's no use now. [[You have died. ->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife cuts right through your blouse and digs into the scales of your forearm. The pain is enough to send you reeling, and your heel slips on the thin beam you're standing on, sending you tumbling over the side of the ship. As you fall, you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for what you hope is an instantaneous death when you hit the deck, but the pain never comes. Instead, you're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your wound and in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. When you break the surface, several faces are peering over the edge of the ship's guardrail, watching you with mixed disdain and indifference. All, that is, except for Pip, whose face shows relief when your head emerges from the water. "Nice landing," they say, throwing you a line. You grab it and haul yourself out of the water while still cradling your wounded arm. Once you're close enough to the crew, you shout, "there's a sail on the horizon! Our barrelman has betrayed us!" Pip's face blanches. "In a storm?" they ask, as murmurs begin to spread throughout the crew. You've been a target for many of the pirate ships in this quadrant, especially following your recent heist at Waterdeep. The captain had been bragging far too much about his riches to be left alone by the other black flags in these waters If this ship was approaching you, there was no chance of them being friendlies. "The lizard is lying, surely," says an orc from the railing. "The kobold does not lie!" another crewmate cries, pointing into the sky. "Look!" Surely enough, Ivan the barrelman is flapping away from your ship, heading in the direction of the black-sailed ship making its way out of the storm. "We have been betrayed," Pip says gravely as they help you over the railing onto the deck and begin to wrap your wound. "Someone alert the captain. We will need all hands on deck to fight." [[End of Book 1->Beginning]]

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head, slicing off the feather in your hat. "I'll send you a bill for that," you say drily, taking a step back along the boom. Ivan makes a strange laughing noise with his beak and lunges for you again, this time managing to catch you off balance. You fall backward, the weight of your coat pulling you down, and squeeze your eyes shut as you prepare for the impact of the deck, but it never comes. Instead, you splash down into the icy water and continue to sink like a stone, weighed down by your layers of heavy cotton and wool, unable to kick with your leather shoes filling with water. The sunlight gets farther and farther away as you strugle and fail to kick to the surface, feeling your lungs burn for air and your muscles eke out the last of their strength. You're sinking too fast for anyone to dive in and save you, even though you can think of a few people who might. You change your mind. You wish you'd landed on the deck and died surrounded by your crew. At least that way, you wouldn't be sinking to your death, approaching your last moments all alone. [[You have died.->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife digs into the sleeve of your coat, stopped by the thickness of the fabric and the scales on your forearm. You don't have a weapon to fight with, so you do the only thing you can to escape: you turn on your heel and dive off the side of the ship, aiming for the open water below. You feel your beautiful hat fly off as you fall, but it's the least of your worries right now. You're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. Instead, you continue to sink like a stone, weighed down by your layers of heavy cotton and wool, unable to kick with your leather shoes filling with water. The sunlight gets farther and farther away as you strugle and fail to kick to the surface, feeling your lungs burn for air and your muscles eke out the last of their strength. You're sinking too fast for anyone to dive in and save you, not that a single one of them would. You change your mind. You wish you'd landed on the deck and died surrounded by your crew. At least that way, you wouldn't be sinking to your death, spending your last moments all alone. [[You have died.->Beginning]]

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head, slicing off the feather in your hat. "I'll send you a bill for that," you say drily, taking a step back along the boom. Ivan makes a strange laughing noise with his beak and lunges for you again, this time managing to catch you off balance. You fall backward, the weight of your coat pulling you down, and squeeze your eyes shut as you prepare for the impact of the deck, but it never comes. Instead, you splash down into the icy water and continue to sink like a stone, weighed down by your layers of heavy cotton and wool, unable to kick with your leather shoes filling with water. The sunlight gets farther and farther away as you strugle and fail to kick to the surface, feeling your lungs burn for air and your muscles eke out the last of their strength. You're sinking too fast for anyone to dive in and save you, even though you can think of a few people who might. You change your mind. You wish you'd landed on the deck and died surrounded by your crew. At least that way, you wouldn't be sinking to your death, spending your last moments all alone. [[You have died. ->Beginning]]

Parry? With what? You throw up your arms to protect your face, and the knife digs into the sleeve of your coat, stopped by the thickness of the fabric. You don't have a weapon to fight with, so you do the only thing you can to escape: you turn on your heel and dive off the side of the ship, aiming for the open water below. You feel your beautiful hat fly off as you fall, but it's the least of your worries right now. You're shocked with cold as you plummet over the side of the ship and into the water, the salt burning in your eyes as you fight to swim towards the sunlight. Instead, you continue to sink like a stone, weighed down by your layers of heavy cotton and wool, unable to kick with your leather shoes filling with water. The sunlight gets farther and farther away as you strugle and fail to kick to the surface, feeling your lungs burn for air and your muscles eke out the last of their strength. You're sinking too fast for anyone to dive in and save you, not that a single one of them would. You change your mind. You wish you'd landed on the deck and died surrounded by your crew. At least that way, you wouldn't be sinking to your death, spending your last moments all alone. [[You have died.->Beginning]]

You dodge, and the knife cuts through the air inches above your head, slicing off the feather in your hat. "I'll send you a bill for that," you say drily, taking a step back along the boom. Ivan makes a strange laughing noise with his beak and lunges for you again, this time managing to catch you off balance. You fall backward, the weight of your coat pulling you down, and squeeze your eyes shut as you prepare for the impact of the deck, but it never comes. Instead, you splash down into the icy water and continue to sink like a stone, weighed down by your layers of heavy cotton and wool, unable to kick with your leather shoes filling with water. The sunlight gets farther and farther away as you strugle and fail to kick to the surface, feeling your lungs burn for air and your muscles eke out the last of their strength. You're sinking too fast for anyone to dive in and save you, not that a single one of them would. You change your mind. You wish you'd landed on the deck and died surrounded by your crew. At least that way, you wouldn't be sinking to your death, spending your last moments all alone. [[You have died.->Beginning]]