A Warlock Alone, Island Empire solo game

[J. Alexander]

The Prize

"I do not know Lieutiant, but there is only one way to find out....we will reduce the sail of the Retribution but still maintain headway with the prize in tow...I just do not think it is wise to linger in this area......and wish to put space bewteen us...." Michael says.

 

[Scotley]

"Aye aye Captain, if the recent holder of that scooner show up we aren't going to be much good in a fight pulling that load. Very wise to clear out even in the dark." The retribution sails on even more slowly making perhaps a knot more than the tides here. The hours of darkness wear on and everyone is tired. One man who foolishly gets himself caught between rail and tow line looses an arm about two hours before first light. Nac'Losin stabilizes him and he will live, but she has not the power to restore his arm. Only a few ships lights are seen at a distance in the night. None seem to be moving toward or parallel to the Retribution, though each time lights are spotted nerves get taunt. By the time Grumbar is serving up breakfast it is a weary crew that eats with little talk. The wind improves about eight and the speed picks up, but the extra wind means more swells and the Retribution, built low as she is gets perilously close to having her decks swamped when the weight of the scooner pulls her stern into the swell.

 

[J. Alexander]

To Tergere

"Let her have a little more rope gentlemen to lossen her pull on us" Michael call out in response to the immediate danger...."master Willum, do you perhaps know a calming song to help ease our passage"

 

[Scotley]

Willum

"I do know a couple of course. I can set about teaching the men. It may take most of the way back to Tregere to get it right, but it seems a good idea to try." He sets about the teaching and that seems to help take the men's minds off the danger. Even if the singing is pretty bad. Adding some length to the line seems to ease the strain and the ride on the Retribution improves, but it makes controlling the scooner harder and if the wind changes it will make proper tacking tougher.

 

[J. Alexander]

The Prize

The Retribution will continue it's course and when time permits, Michael will order the crew to start resting by divisions. Asking Grumbar to join him on the deck, Michael will ask the cook to prepare lots of coffees' and or hot tea's etc...anything to help relax the crew...When darkness comes the ship's laterns will be lit and positioned so as to give as much light as possible about the two ships and the space bewteen.

 

[Scotley]

To Tregere

The Retribution stuggles its way through the day and the men continue their hard work and singing practice. The burden of serving both ships is wearing on them. With some encouragement the Ogres pitch in and their strength helps a lot, but they are clumsy and have little useful skill to offer. As darkness fall and the lanterns are lit Michael calculates they can make Tregere in three more days and nights or maybe sometime on the fourth day if the weather holds.

 

[J. Alexander]

The Prize

10th day of Sunstime

Having survived the night, Michael will hold a brief assembly with the coming of monring..he will tell the men of his apprecition of their hard work and the great effort they are putting forth and that it will be required for a few more days..."Gentlemen, we will reach Tergere in four days where we will rest and take on temporary help to sail the hulks back from Mermaids Rest. Upon our return with the hulks to Terger we shall have a few days rest perhaps as long as a week b efore we set sail North..this period will be done as a way to say than you for you hard work and service these last two weeks. Additionaly during this rest period we shall allocate a portion of your shares for you to enjoy your stay at home"

 

[Scotley]

Assembly

Despite their fatigue the men cheer the Captain's announcement.

 

[J. Alexander]

The Prize

Michael will check the ship and the tow lines to make sure all is right with the ship but as he truly knows little about sailing he will leave the ship more or less in Guiesspies charge letting him gain the feel for command. He will then send a ship's boat to get a report from Lt. Mangrum. Finally he will speak with Lt. Impariell....when the toad officer get to him, Michael will say "Lt. Impariell you like Captain Mangrum are at a crossroads.....and we need your decesion. As you know we have purchased two hulks which we are going to refit. One is a fast schooner the other a barge. The schooner is yours should you wish it when it is finished in 6 months or so....until then your decsion is this....You can either stay and oversee the refit or you can continue north with us gaining more experience and famialrity with our new found company and recruiting a ships crew from the various ports. These recruits would be posted to your division and would transfer in mass to your ship when you assume command. The drawback is this...while you are training your crew and forming a team you would remain as second officer while i promot Lt. Guiseppe to the postion of first officer allowing him to his crew for this ship.

 

[Scotley]

The Retribution seems little worse for wear. Some of the lines may need replacing, but all seems in order to your eye.

Imparell listens to what you have to say and then asks, "You plan to take the Tregerans you have aboard now north with you?"