Island Empire - A Warlock Alone Part2

Scotley · May 7, 2012

Opening the seal causes a loud audible chime to sound. This seems to be a magical indication that the letter has not been tampered with. At the sounding the seal does split into two pieces unfortunately.

Inside is written:

For Captain Michaela Stormwarden by my order on this date Empress Xenida Waveborne.

Captain, reports of your exploits and entanglements have reached us from several quarters. We would speak with you personally on these matters as they pertain to the safety and security of the Empire. As a citizen of the Empire I require you to make best speed to Floating Palace for a personal audience. Find enclosed a schedule of projected locations. Please present this letter at the Palace and you will be assigned an appointment. The Empire may well be on the brink of war and we would know exactly what has led to this situation. You appear to have been a focal point of the events leading up to this current crisis. Make haste Captain.

The letter is signed by one of the ranking secretaries of the Empress' personal staff.

J. Alexander · May 8, 2012

having received the summons, and the ships food pantries and armory fully stocked..michael will send forth the order...We sail on the morning tide to the first port withing sailing time on the schedule

Scotley · May 17, 2012

OOC: Sorry for the delays been busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest of late.

The ship sails without incident. The work was done in haste but well by expert hands and the ship handles better than ever. The bottom is smooth and the ships virtually leaps from wave to wave across the water. The Imperial fleet is well down into the Wheelands and it will take about 5 days to catch them.

OOC: roll a d20

J. Alexander · Jun 16, 2012

Michale will use the time bewteen to once again drill the troops but will keep it more fun...than serious..

17 is the die roll

Scotley · Jun 18, 2012

The first day out is marked by good speed and fine performances by the crew. The changes to the ship have changed the way she handle a bit require the master of sails to make some adjustments, but soon she is making as good or better speed than ever.

Giuseppe reports that rumors are spreading like wildfire among the crew. News that the ship is going to the Imperial Floating Palace has leaked to them and now they are adding to the story. Some say that Micheal is in fact a little known prince of the Imperial house or even the old Emperor's bastard son. None can believe your entanglements in matters of such weight could happen to an ordinary fellow.

J. Alexander · Jun 19, 2012

Michael will not comment either way but rather will return to his custom of sitting on the quarter deck in his chair and writing desk taking tea etc while the ship sails on. He will make time to contact Pada Losi and have him do two things...one buy up to 15 hulks that can be repaired..mainly small swift schooners like the retribution originally was..and to start quuietly buying as much farm land, swamp land etc...on Terger.

Scotley · Jun 20, 2012

As you sail further south the amphibians among the crew become more active and happy. They are clearly are enjoying being away from the cold of the north. Even Michael finds his time on the quarter deck more pleasing. Though rain is predicted for tomorrow. Today is very nice.

Given the value of wood, even hulks don't come cheap, but he'll see what he can find. He has had his eye on a couple.

There is land to be had, but only a small percentage of land is marketable. The vast bulk is in noble holdings and the crown has right of first refusal on all sales. The current Empress is still trying to establish her power and one way she has been doing that is picking up any available noble lands and passing it on to supporters.

OOC: Another d20?

J. Alexander · Jun 21, 2012

16

Michael will have Pandar concertrate on lands adjoining the 35000 acres of swapland / marginal land he acqquired with the two small islands in the center of the swamp...dragons tears or something...

Scotley · Jun 23, 2012

Another day passes uneventfully with the ship making good speed and the crew drills going smoothly. Grumbar's refilling of the stores has resulted in a table sat with fresh fruits, vegetables and meats each day. The wine cellar seems to have benefited from a few days in the capital as well. If the quality of the food and drink continues so, Micheal may well need to let his belt out a notch.

Chandar and Mangram report that the ship is at 88% of the complement you had when you sailed for Icewatch owing to losses and wounds that prevent a return to full active duty. While the numbers are lower both men agree that the ship is as capable as it was then if not more so given the refits and that all the men are now vetrans and know the ship and their duties well.

J. Alexander · Jun 26, 2012

That is great news gentlemen, you have done you jobs very well. As per our discussion long ago, you may now start selecting 30 men each to start forming the core of your own ships crews. You will also need to recruit heavily for your crews at our next few ports of call to flesh them out as will I. We sail north again in summer, that will be your individual ships shake down cruise and upon our return then you will begin trading from Terger making normal commercial runs.

Other than that Michael will wait and rest with the crew