LEGENDS OF HAWAIKI - Prologue

[Tonguez]

The Swimmers

The Hauru rock stood off shore at Waikea point, its edges worn smooth by generations of swimmers .who had used it as a diving platform. The sea on this side of the point was gentle and shallow with only a slight chop to the waves, unlike the opposite, exposed side of the point where the Surfing would occur later this day.
The crowds had made there way here, a short walk from the village proper, after the departure of the Lady Matava’ine. It was a joyous occasion with the assemblage singing and calling to one another as they moved, and then standing or sitting in cluster boasting of the prowess of their chosen champion.

The two Hautupu were here alongside the Chiefs party, and even a group of about 12 Menehune had come to enjoy the spectacle, Makea Takanui having gone across to greet the gnomish band when he arrived.

The champions stepped forward and a Tohunga came forward to bless them to Tangaroa, also ensuring that none was using the unfair advantage of magic to assist them. Amongst them was a tall and muscular man from the neighbouring Ruatai clan of Nukutere; a woman from Paumako to the southeast; three others from surrounding islands of Nukutea - Nukuhau, Pakoro and Aotona; and the Hiva barbarian distinctive with his three bar tattoo across the nose and shaved head with but two ponytails left to be twisted and shaped into points his wiry body tattooed with images of Shark and men and other geometric designs. Along with Tu-Ru, Tatiki and Lani this would make nine swimming today.

The mark was set, the swimmers stood tense along the line and with a sharp wooden clap the race began with swimmers running towards the water….

(ooc swim has begun – the swim will be three posts 1 out to the rock (this post), 2 the turn about the Rock, 3 back to shore. Respond as you see fit to these posts (swimmers of course, but spectators too) Swim checks DC 10 with highest check taking the lead, Improved Swim feat gives a +2 mod (I’ll also award modifiers for RP)

 

[Guest 11456]

OOG: I'm sorry. I've tried to keep up with what has been happening. But it seems that either I'm not understanding much of what is going on or maybe it is just supposed to be a jumble of words. When did we get to something other then the constant gibberish that was going on before. Not trying to make anyone mad, but it was an interesting beginning. So only those that were mentioned are supposed to be swimming?

 

[Tonguez]

"I'm sorry, uncle," Puna Tani says before Tineiafi can speak. "It's... the beasts. They taunt me. They tell me of... my father." The young shaman pauses with his head bowed. "Should I make apologies to Lady Matava'ine in person?"

(yep got to admit I too love MACs - its just the wide availability and need to be compatible with everyone else in town that makes PCs the easy option)

ic:
"No do not apologise to her directly" Tineiafi replies succinctly "she has placed the responsibility on me and is I who should apologise if such is required. The Lady is correct I should be paying more attention to your conduct and development of your gift.

That does not excuse your conduct now. The path of the Tanguru is difficult Puna Tani, you can not - must not - take it alone. That is the lesson your father learnt too late. The Beasts will taunt and cajoule, they will tempt and lead you astray. You must stay in control or..." he pauses inhaling deep as he remembers his brother

"you must learn discipline and control or you will fail!"

 

[Tonguez]

OOG: I'm sorry. I've tried to keep up with what has been happening. But it seems that either I'm not understanding much of what is going on or maybe it is just supposed to be a jumble of words. When did we get to something other then the constant gibberish that was going on before. Not trying to make anyone mad, but it was an interesting beginning. So only those that were mentioned are supposed to be swimming?

Nope others can swim too - join in and we'll go from there

also what have you not been understanding?

I've been attempting to set the scene as much as provide a forum for play - and its taken longer than I envisaged - and like I said initially I will be freeform responding to whatever you all as players provide. I promise the action and 'adventure' is about to begin

 

[Guest 11456]

The large O'Punga steps up with the others and places his large club on the beach in preparation for the start of the race. Tu-Ru watches as the others tense with anticipation. As the signal is given, he pauses to allow the others a bit of a head start. It would not be sportmanlike to not give them a head start. Then he too starts running toward the water. His large form bounding toward the surf. He passes a few before getting to the water. He bounds into the waves and then finally dives in. He begins with a breath stroke. His muscular body setting the constant and fast beat as he heads for the rock.

Swim roll: 13
Modifier: +11
Swim total: 24

OOG: I was pretty much confused during all of the openning sequence. Don't worry, I'll figure it out. It doesn't really matter, since my character wouldn't have been real interested in the goings on anyway.

 

[Seonaid]

Lani grins fiercely and assesses the competition. May the best swimmer win, she thinks to herself. She tunes out everything but the sea and her goal. So great is her concentration that she is aware of the signal and she jumps almost before it comes. The waves greet her with a welcome embrace, and she responds in kind, pulling the water behind her in strong, swift strokes.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Tatiki dove into the water and swam like the child of ocean that he is. His Grace and Power in the waves making him look more a fish than a man.

Swim skill Roll: 11+6= 17 Moving as a full round action.

Improved swimming allows me to move at 1/2 half my land move base for a move equivelant action or 3/4 for a full rounf action in the water.

 

[Tonguez]

A ripple of excitement moved through the crowd as the race began, a broad roar as supporters called the names of their chosen champion and the swimmers pounded down the beach and dove into the waves.

The water was cool velvet as it closed over the swimmers each one showing signs of being a skilled swimmer in their own right.

True to his boast hower the Hiva swimmer pulled ahead of the pack his arms carrying forward with strong and smooth strokes, indeed with the water glistening from his strong sunbrowned back he could justly claim kinship with the shark.

Tu-Ru was but a length behind and gaining with each powerful stroke of his arms, the other O'punga ashore hollered their support for their kinsman and offered a prayer to their Spirit-Patron Punga whose manifestations included the Stingray.

Tatiki and Lani came next almost parallel with the O'punga who was but a single stroke ahead of them. The Takanui cheers supported both swimmers as they approached the Hauru rock where they had swam on many occasions previous. Perhaps that would be an advantage, their familiarity with the rock allowing them to gain time at the turn about.

Following a half-length behind was the woman from Paumako, with the small contigent that she represented calling loudly from the shore. Paumako may have been but a small and poor atoll in comparison to Nukutere but the people where nonetheless proud. Behind her were the swimmers from Nukuhau and Aotona. The Ruatai Swimmer fell slightly behind them and the representative from Pakoro who had stumbled at the start and now trailed far behind the others

The Hau-ru rock loomed close ahead and the swimmers made read for the turn about and the return to shore. The few remaining fish flashed away to avoid the intruders and at the edge of the bay Mou leapt up and turned lending support to her friend Tatiki.

(Placings 1 Hiva 2 Tu-Ru 3 Tatiki 4 Lani 5 Paumako woman 6 Nukuhau 7 Aotona 8 Ruatai 9 Pakaro

stage 2 - turn about the rock DC 15 Swim checks please)

 

[Guest 11456]

Tu-Ru continues with a consistant pace as he nears the marker he tries to make the turn as quickly as he can. The large o'punga realizes that any errors at this point could cause him precious time. He tries to stay focused on the task at hand.

Swim roll: 14
Modifier: +11
Swim total: 25

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Tatiki swims as fast as he is able, he sees how close he is to the others and puts on the speed.
Swill roll 16=6=22


(BTW.. without Improved Swimming how are these people keeping pace with me? Magic? come to think of it... how is Tailspinner getting a +11 to his swim roll?)