[IC] Distant star

[Markofkri]

Adykon looks at you as the sun sets and the air cools. "Son come inside I have things I wish to tell you. I have watched you grow and you have done well to learn from me. There are things that only experience may teach properly. I think it is time for your adventures to begin. In the morning I arranged a caravan to stop by you will take it to the city of Salems. To the north, a port where a ship awaits for you. Take it, with some coin and gems I now give you. You will travel further north where the air is cold. As the ship lands is when your tales will begin. Living hear will only soften you and I know your heart as my own. This door will always be open for you. When your adventures are done and you wish to return find a ship sail south and be at peace."

In the morning a caravan stops and gathers water. There are ten wagons driven by camel teams. Instead of wheels that would get stuck in the sand they have wide curved planks of wood. The covers are white and the dress is not unlike a gypsy. Fresh water is a rare gift. You deduce that your father must have history with this caravan. They wait for you.

[Aristocles]

Kos thanked his father and got ready. He dressed in his armor, having polished it the night before. After gathering his sword, dagger, some supplies, and the money his father had so generously provided him, he said his goodbyes to his father, stepmother, and his half-siblings. He traveled with the caravan for some time before speaking to the caravan master, a large green dracon with a face covered in pink scars. He turned to Kos when the young dracon drew near to him.

"So, what's your story? I trust my father knows this caravan?"

"Oh yes. He traveled with us a few times back when he was a mercenary. He was about your age when we first met. So, heading north?"

"Indeed I am. Taking a ship to some lands north of here. I may continue my adventures when I return to these lands, but it is good that I will see the world. Nice change of pace, if nothing else" Kos replied. "You still haven't told me much about yourself."

"Not much to tell. Got these scars fighting a drake alongside your father. I could have gotten them removed, but I chose to keep em. A sign of toughness, it is. That goes a long way towards winning respect in the caravan business. Lets people know you've been places."

[Markofkri]

The caravan headed off to the north as your father watch you disappear behind a dune. It would take a few days to reach the port. The night was full of caravan stories and bad food. You reached the Coast with little difficulty. The caravan leader saw you off and before you was the port of Salems. Here all manner of humanoid gathered most as ship hands trying to drink the last duty away. Crates and people were exchanging ships to new destinations. Here you would have to find the ship to take you to the starting point of the next destination.

[Aristocles]

Kosjurec booked passage on a ship, the Arcadius. He waited in a seaside tavern, and ordered a bit of food, some beef and onion soup. He had hoped it would be better than the slop he ate on the caravan. Sadly, he was disappointed. It had only been a few days and he already missed the steaks and fresh bread he regularly feasted on at home. It was just now that he realized how much he had taken that food for granted.

[Markofkri]

The ship was a galley class already laden with cargo and crew hands by the time you returned to board. There was no figurehead at the bow of the ship. The day wore on and it was told to you to expect the voyage to last the better part of a month. You were given a room for the money while others had crew quarters. The captain was a strange one with one eye and a few gold teeth Crossing the ocean was no easy task for even en experienced captain but the reputation was the captain had a secrete way to cross unopposed by the denizens of the deep. The sails were unfurrowed and the anchor was raised. The ship was larger then most measuring nearly 360ft from aft to bow. She was 60ft across. Hosting almost double the sail of those around her. Cargo was heavy laden some was even lashed to the deck. The water was higher then it should be coming up and over the mid point. There were thirty hands and the captain. The ship was no speed queen of the water the ship creaked as the captain spun the wheel turning her into the wind and away from shore.

soon the land was swallowed by the horizon and the sails had a full hold on the wind. The waves crashed into the keel and the weight of the cargo worked to keep her in the water despite the force of the wave. The ship hands were doing various curse wards then returning to their posts or chores. The captain at the helm keeping the ship ahead of the wind. The one good eye a narrow slit scanning the waters ahead.

[Aristocles]

(Nice picture, but that isn't a galley. Those would have oars. xD)

After a week and half of travel, the ship encountered a harsh storm. Kos rushed to the deck to help the crew stabilize the vessel, but soon, a greater threat emerged. Kos nearly fell when he felt the impact against the side of the ship, his bare feet sliding across the slick wood. Only his claws kept him from losing his balance as the rain and salty spray of the ocean splashed against his snout.

"Did something hit us?!" Kos shouted. Soon, the source of the collision made itself clear as a sea serpent rose from the depths.

[Markofkri]

The crew looked panicked. You were the only combatant on board. Everyone waited on your reaction to the new development.

[Aristocles]

(I am here. Sorry for the delay!)

The serpent lunged at the vessel, grabbing one of the sailors in his jaws, tearing the dracon in two. Kosjurec drew his sword and leapt at the beast, bringing the blade down on the monster's side. Wounded, the serpent sank back into the water, then rammed the boat again. The ship withstood the damage, but it would not take many more blows.

[Markofkri]

The crew cheered as your blade bit into the serpent. They looked on as you stood defiantly against the creature. when it struck the ship again they held on to deck for dear life.

[Aristocles]

Kos ran to the side of the ship, the rain still pouring down in sheets. He looked for any sight of the serpent. Finally, it poked its head just above the violent waters. Seeing his chance, Kos leapt down, his sword still in his grip. He landed on the creature's head, and locked himself into position using his legs. Grasping the greatsword with both hands, the dracon plunged the blade into the serpent's head, sending it through the creature's brain and out into its mouth. The sea serpent hacked and coughed a few times, sending blood into the turbulent sea before flopping over to its side, dead.

Kosjurec pulled his sword free from the serpent and swam to the side of the ship, where ropes had already been lowered for him to climb. Of course, he could already climb to some extent, given his claws and the rough side of the ship. The ropes were needed to help in this wet and slippery environment.

[Markofkri]

Back on board the crew cheered and thanked you for saving the ship. The captain even told you he was grateful for the fighting off of the serpent. Then he ordered a boat to be lowered over the side to begin repairs. The first mate said the damage was minor but they would need to dry dock to fully repair the hull. Captain scratched his head and smiled. "Could of been a lot worse. Get some tar on that side and nail some reinforcement to the weaker sections." The deck hands went to work.

[Aristocles]

"It was my pleasure, captain" Kos replied. He moved to help the rest of the crew, even in this downpour. A few hours later, the rain began to let up and a few hours after that, the damage was mitigated. Not fully repaired, but the ship was able to safely maneuver again.