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[Redcoat]

Date: 25th November 800 AE
Weather: Tropical Bliss
Mood: Wary

We have followed the Corsair raiding ships for two hours now, inside our submarine. This is a fine ship, despite what everyone else may think--sissies are all too damned claustrophobic--and I'm extremely thankful that Nero remembered the deal I had with him. It just goes to show that helping to stand up for the broken and bent can have its rewards after all! I'm just glad that nobody noticed the rocks we almost gashed into. I'll have to explain away those marks as some creative artwork, once we're on shore.

You never know where travelling will take you, and this is one of those times where I can truthfully say that I did not see this coming. It turns out that I can convince my companions to visit the Outpost after all; I did not believe this possible, but during one of the raids, they happened to steal a person very dear to Alec, one of the members of our party. It's a tragedy, really; but it's just as lucrative as it is terrible.

The Corsairs know things. Not that they could ever hope to find, or, Athe forbid, use the Shard, of course. They're in the dark as to its significance, as far as I know, and in any case there's no way that they have the expertise to get past its Guardian. They, however, know where the island is, which will save us plenty of searching--no sailor worth his hat stays in the Maw for very long. In any case, we have maps to steal; I believe I can sneak this in without arousing too much suspicion among my questmates. Who says we couldn't all lift some Aurum and equipment as well? Pirate rations are still rations, and you never know what they've stolen from some poor sap.

But back to heroism. Our goal must also be to save Ria and the other captives; this is a problem that I have been pondering constantly on my voyage here. There is not much more space on this boat, perhaps two people at most; the remaining captives would be stuck on the island. This is unacceptable. However, it is very possible that some captives know how to sail; arming them and taking a boat from the Corsair docks, whilst we slink away to our sub, is one idea I have been toying with. In the case of inexperienced captives, Takeshi, Sakura, or myself must help to sail the captive's boat, or perhaps Grimlain.

We shall have to be stealthy; the Corsairs could carve us to pieces in a standing fight. It is better to be dishonourable than dead, I suppose--serves the thuggish bastards right. Illusions and acrobatics shall come into the fray here; the first, myself and Alec are well versed in. I worry about our success, however; Alec shall have to be reigned in forcibly to prevent rash actions, for the good of our party and our mission. May the Gods smile upon us.

Right Makes Might, With Money On the Side,
Anikus Barrka

PS. Reminder. Do not speak of voyage close calls; second reef was missed this time and party must have high confidence in your sailing skills!

PPS. Land sighted! Sand bar hit, but not too late to dislodge...

PPPS. I shall return in five years' time to dredge this beach a proper landing zone for submarines. The same place twice!

PPPPS. Finally. On the actual beach this time! I think they'll forgive me for this one.

PPPPPS. Take sailing classes in Londivm. It appears as though they insist...

Anikus shut his journal, scoffing at the indolence of his companions, and withdrew his eyes from the periscope. He cleared his throat.

"You'll be happy to know that we are certifiably landed," he said with a mock bow. "Allow us to exit!"

He took the hatch up first. Fresh air flooded the submarine, but the scholar was too busy surveying the land around. They were on the opposite side of a gigantic port facility, in an unused, unmonitored corner of the island. It was a desolate place, devoid of even a single tree; before the submarine loomed a rock formation, crowned by a stone and, in some places, rusted metal wall. It appeared to be an old stronghold or fort, long in disrepair. What was most striking about its construction, however, was what sat atop that.

The bow of a ship stuck out the side of a timber tower, which seemed to be built entirely from the remains of shipwrecks--purposely created shipwrecks, based upon the char marks and battle damage. A large, tattered banner, bearing a white skull and crossbones upon a faded onyx background, was draped across one side of the malign construction.

Routes forward quickly presented themselves. They could hope to walk around the tower and sneak into the front door, deign to climb the tower, or search for a back entrance.

[Chef]

I knew he wasn't a sailor, Grimlain thought irritably to himself as he exited the submarine. I'm glad there weren't any reefs nearby or we would've smashed into them for sure! he sighed and breathed in the fresh air. I just can't wait for the return journey... He stepped onto the wet sand and surveyed the fort that Anikus seemed to be analyzing.  I have a feeling I won't like this mission, Grimlain thought again drearily. Stealth is not my strong point.  I would prefer a nice one on one battle with their leader to get on with it.  It's likely these brigands don't have a sense of honor like that, though, so my plan seems to be out of the question.

"I'll take the rear and make sure no one sneaks up on us," he said to them. "I am not known for taking light steps, and I for one do not want to jeopardize this mission for all of us just because of my....opinions on how to handle situations."

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi and Sakura climbed out of the submarine, Sakura taking in deep breaths of the fresher air while Takeshi walked up behind Anikus, slapping the latter on the back.

"Two things, scholar. I do so strongly advise that you get lessons in regards to helming a ship of any respect. Oh, and next time, I'll helm the ship we...borrow."

Takeshi walked off and looked up at the old base. It was a helter-skelter assortment of ships from every land, each looking in various states of disrepair.

:This place is a hive of scum and villainy, no doubt.:

Takeshi let his arms drop as Sakura came up behind him.

"Definitely not the most...well built of bases. But not the worst, or the most evil, I'd imagine."

"Indeed, Sakura. Come. We shouldn't hold the others up."

[Kamikaze_X]

The entire way to this island, Thalmir sat by the back. His hooded head was buried in his knees. There was a reason he was never on the sea... he hated it. His eyes were closed most of the time, as he didn't wish to get sick.. he thought it would help. His Claymore, bow with quiver and arrows, and all his gear sat in a bundle close to where he sat. The creaking of the submarine and the dull rush of the waves around him made the journey for him all the more unpleasurable, as well as the near misses of rocks and whatever else lay in the water that Anikus tried to cover up, god bless his soul.

Upon their "docking", Thalmir was the first to get up. He was anxious to get the hell out of that death ship and back into firm land. He knew there would be a trip back, and that was what he dreaded most, more so than the shard guardians or any other peril that lived in this strange land. As he climbed out from the hatch, he jumped onto land and kissed the ground. Looking up to the tower, then back at the submarine, he smirked and laughed a bit before running to catch up with the others.

[Phantom]

Alec got out of the ship and looked at the corsairs fortress. It was a crude assortment of wreckage... Alec didn't think he would have a problem sneaking in, he had gotten into tighter security areas. Alec knew he would have to be careful and not rush head long into things, it wouldn't be good... or safe. He needed to keep all his wits about him.

[Lyon]

Telchi checked and double-checked his swords to make sure that they were ready to be drawn out at a moment's notice. He turned to Anikus. "I'll take point. If we get into trouble, it's best that someone who knows how to deal with it is in the right position."

"No argument from me," muttered Kaethe. "I'll just hang out at the back with Grimmy." At the man's glare, she smiled innocently. "What, don't you like the nickname?"

[King Calamity]

Tri'tas stepped out and took a look at the structure.  "Good,"  he said, "very haphazardly built, probably lots of things to hide behind.  Now this is more my style, I just hope they have some decent swag, or at least some women who will lower their guard for their 'hero.'"  He turned to his allies, "Also, I'll have to object to Mr. Meathead taking point, or even coming with us, for that matter.  He's about as easy to hide as a mountain, and I don't want him jumping in, thinking he can win a fight against an army."  He peered at Alec, "we can't have anyone doing that, or that nice young girl will have no-one to rescue her."

[Phantom]

Alec glared at Tri'tas, "I am well aware of that... that thing back at the docks was shock. Now that I know she is alive I won't be so foolish... but I do agree, I don't think all of us should go into the base."

[Chef]

Lord, why do I have to put up with this? Grimlain thought as the girl made up her mind to take the back with him. Now I have two people to protect: myself and this girl.  I might as well be optimistic about this, though it seems quite impossible.  Grimlain sighed and frowned at Kaethe.

"If I had known that we'd all be receiving nicknames I would've steered clear of this group," He replied irritably. "Oh well.  I guess this is my fault for joining in the first place.  As long as you refrain from annoying me you can call me whatever you want."

Grimlain turned towards Alec.

"Yes, it would indeed be quite conspicuous for a long line of wary adventurers sneaking about," Grimlain commented. "I am, however, not a stealth expert.  Whatever you all decide is good enough for me."

[Redcoat]

Anikus intervened. "Grimlain, Kaethe, you'll be coming with us."

He wasn't used to taking command quite like this, but it was necessary. Kaethe's stealth skills would likely come in invaluable, and Grimlain was an awesome fighter. The party, also, needed to stick together; he didn't want to lose anyone on his watch, and more importantly on his conscience. Safety in numbers, after all.

"I suggest that we climb the tower. The doors would be watched," he told the party. "Perhaps we could break in."

Opportunities did present themselves in the form of open windows and other apertures. The wall itself looked like it could be climbed with the proper tools or magic... and Anikus had just the thing.

He pulled from his rucksack a grappling hook and rope.

[Chef]

Grimlain looked up the tower with a sick feeling in his gut.  He wasn't the best with heights.  In fact, he was deathly afraid of them.  Grimlain did not want to admit his cowardice so he would comply with whatever they would come up with to advance, though he might have to give up his lunch in the process.

"Is this truly the only way?" Grimlain asked with a little bit of hope in his voice.  "There has to be another way to get around this, right?"

[Vithar Megilaglar]

"Well, there is always the front door, Grimlain. But by heavens, Corsairs aren't the dumbest fools around. Better it is to climb the wall than to fight the whole group."

Sakura nodded her head after saying this, as though it were some profound wisdom. Takeshi, on the otherhand, walked up behind Anikus.

"Question, Anikus. Not that I...question your leadership...capabilities...But why is it that I get this odd feeling that everywhere you get the clever idea to go just happens to be a conveniently large slice of Hell?"

Takeshi looked at Anikus' back, waiting for an answer to the serious, albeit realistic, question.

[Lyon]

"Climbing the tower?" said Kaethe, brightening. "Oh, that sounds so much better than killing people. Besides, it's more humane." She seized the grappling hook from Anikus and threw it up with surprising strength. Giving it a sharp tug, she smiled in satisfaction. "Perfect. Well, let's be on our way!"

[Redcoat]

Anikus gawked at Kaethe's audacity for a moment, but shrugged. "Takeshi, Grimlain, you can take... point, I suppose, one would call it."

The hook had snagged on the top of the stone wall that formed the enclosure ground floor of the Corsair fort. It was secure, and so the party ascended, one by one, up the sturdy rope. They wound up standing on the top of a relatively dilapidated patch of roofing. They had to away from the rotten patches to avoid putting their feet through; the next grapple, however, led them to a high-up ledge, the former ram-bow of some sort of ship or another.

Anikus' eyes seemed to light up when he saw it; recognition came across his face. For a moment, he put his left hand to his heart and uttered a silent mantra. The ship had, down its bow--the only part of it that emerged from the wreck-tower--blue paint and some ornate gilding. Before continuing on, he looked across the deck of the former vessel.

"Everyone," he said in a hushed voice, "I recommend we drop in through here. There is a trap door we may use, and I hear no footsteps or chatter."

[Lyon]

"You go first," said Kaethe, pushing Telchi towards the trapdoor. He surveyed her with offended dignity.

"I planned to," he said, heading for the trapdoor. Lifting the heavy wood, he exposed a ladder. Although rickety-looking, it was strong enough to hold him as he cautiously made his way to the bottom. He drew his swords quietly and looked around, then beckoned to the others. "All clear."

[Chef]

Grimlain shakily went off the rope and to the trapdoor, thankful he was no longer hanging for his life.  If we have to do anything like that again I will be furious! he thought to himself drearily.  He drew his own sword silently out of it's sheath.  He followed Telchi down the ladder when they were clear to go and soon found himself in the interior of the place.  Grimlain stood by for the next orders as he surveyed the room they were in...

[Kamikaze_X]

Thalmir followed behind those of the group who were picked on taking point. His bow was in one hand, while the other lay close to his quiver. Looking at the others, he wondered if he was the best shot out of any of them. Of course.. elves do have natural talent for those types of things. He shrugged it off and headed up the rope and into the tower behind the others. As he came through the trapdoor, he continued on following the others.

[King Calamity]

Tri'tas dropped through the hole and looked in every direction he could think of.  He drew his scimitar and peered through a nearby doorway.  Seeing no-one, he relaxed.  "Alright, what now?"  he asked, looking around the room for something to steal.

[Redcoat]

OOC: Bleach--

Spoiler

Elves don't exist in Wyrmslayer. Well, they do, but as a human cultural group, not a subspecies .

---

The room was a storage facility, full to the brim with crates containing god-knows-what; nothing seemed valuable, and Anikus confirmed from a number of labels that they were in a storage area for materials, rather than riches.

It was dim inside, and the air was full of dust. A staircase led further down, into a longer, better-lit hallway; from the other end of the corridor emerged laughter and merriment, as though a great, incredibly rowdy celebration were going on. The party was, for now, alone.

"All right, everyone... they appear to be occupied at the moment, but let's search for those captives."

Anikus thought for a moment. He knew where the captives were, but how long could he lead the party along on a string to get to his prize? The maps were in the treasure hoard, which would be relatively out of the way. They'd need to break in without knowing about it for it to seem acceptable... and there had to be a way. They carried on.

[Phantom]

Alec fallowed the group keeping alert for danger and Ria. He was on edge and feeling a little jumpy. As they made their way through the trap door Alec stood to the side while everyone rummaged around. He was impatient, and wanted to get moving.