Despite owning a whole ship, Fish had actually rarely taken Fish's Market out to sea. The brigantine mostly stayed docked in the harbor to serve as a tavern. The passive income and novelty of a ship bar served Fish well enough most of the time. However, recent reports of a sea dragon attacking ships had grabbed Fish's attention. That's a great haul if they can take it in, but also the attacks are hampering trade which makes running a business more difficult.

The crew of Fish's Market was busy getting the ship turned over and ready for sailing. Most of the crew running around seemed to be an animalfolk of some sort. They had seemed to pick up on Cyran's penchant for taking in people and their own history made Fish extra sensitive to the plight of animalfolk. Easy to adopt up humans and half-elves, but picking up other aviankin or catfolk was more difficult apparently.

Sevar walked across the top deck from stern to bow, stopping to occasionally check rigging or inspect a barrel. The cat had a keen eye for any single speck of dust that might be out of place. Meanwhile, Big Fella remained sat in his stool watching it all go down. He wasn't much for barking orders in his old age.

The captain of the ship was no where to be seen for the moment. Fish was up in the crow's nest looking out towards the horizon. A sea dragon was going to be an interesting hunt. 

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Dragged into the Sea
Participants: Two or more
Location: Luna Sea
Post Requirements: 8 posts per person, 250 words per post
Reward: +1 Mystical Archive Ticket, Choice of 1 Rare crafting material
Description: Dragons do as they please, and no matter how well protected one thinks they are, a dragon encounter is always a quick way to ruin the day. A large adult Sea Dragon has been spotted out on the open ocean, roaming around and attacking ships as they try to enter the inner sea around Sol City. The aquatic dragon has been causing all kinds of chaos and needs to be dealt with; however, its ability to both fly and swim has made it a slippery target. Head out to sea and handle this problem before it becomes to much to deal with.

Special Requirements: A ship is needed to venture out and fight the Dragon. This can be a personal ship or one you have purchased passage on (You do not need to own a personal ship to do the quest).

Standing at the bow of the ship looking over the sea looking for any signs of the sea dragon. the sea spray hitting his face the wind blowing through his hair. this was not the first time Sarne had been on a ship. he had been on some even as a child Sarne's brother Samuel was the sea Captain of the family and had taken over most if not all the ships under his family's trading business.

He was asked to go on this quest and Fish was a well ah Bird of some reputation. The rumors of him were some good and well, shady. But this mission was a dangerous one and one that could be life-ending. Sarne could hear the shop creek now and then the ship cutting through the waves the ships up and down motion. The sea was not calm but did not have hefty waves either. Not all adventures can handle the sea and get sick on the quests. Sarne was not one of them and felt fine at sea.

Sarne would look back at the crew now and then thinking of the training he would have to finish before getting his ship. Looking back out at sea Sarne's keen eye's ever so watchful. "Lord Sane, you do not have to be on the deck with us you could be by the wheelhouse with the first officer." One of the crewmen said as he checked some of the rigging. Sarne smiled not taking his eyes off the ocean. "I am not like most nobles you will find. I like it here at the Bow of the ship. Master Fish has my other favorite spot and he is your lord. He gets what he wants on his ship." replied Sarne making sure he was not in the way of the crewman.

Sarne saw a glint a something Sarne got closer to the railing on the port side of the ship. He stepped up on the edge of the molding of wood busting him up another 6 inches. Sarne could make you some debris out on the arisen. He looked up Fish was watching the starboard side. Sarne gave one last look and then whistled up to Fish. "Something on the Port side! Look like ship debris!" yelled Sarne alerting Fish and the crew.

"They." Big Fella's voice is low and gravely as he taps out his wooden pipe to start refilling with tobacco. "Cap'n ain't a he...nor a she fer that matter, just go fer Cap'n s'easier."

Fish's Market starts the slow lurch away from the docks as the sails unfurl. Thick canvases swell with the wind and the wood creaks now that it is in motion. Once they clear all of the normal dock obstacles, the crew settles down a bit. It was going to be a good bit before they got away from the city.

Big Fella takes a few short puffs to get the leaves burning before he could take a nice draw. The turtle looked quite satisfied now that he had his pipe going. Sevar waves the smoke away as he passes with a little huff, the cat clearly had a distaste for the smell.

When Sarne yells out, the first mate and bosun turn to look as do a few other crewman. Driftwood and shattered barrels bob up and down in the water along with a corpse or two. Victims of the sea dragon or an inept ship?

"We are a few hours travel away from the last sighting of the dragon," Sevar straightened out his coat, the catfolk's tone very professional but curt. "The Captain has said we will not be doing salvage this trip, the focus is on the dragon....Two crew on each side of the ship to keep watch. The creature can come up from any angle, eyes need to be on the sea and sky."

Sarne started walking to the wheelhouse on the ship. seeing. Nordic Walked up to Sarne "Captain, they assigned me duty I must attend to them," said Nordic with a grin. Nordic is 70 years old and powerfully built is muscular and fit Dwarf. He can be intimidating when he needs to be. His red-brown hair and hazel eyes. The tan skin shows the work that Nordic has done above ground and He is good-looking for a Dwarf. He was dressed in Black adventuring clothing with a black cloak.

"Do not call me Captain here it is disrespectful to the ship's Captain. Lord Sarne will do, Nordic," replied Sarne in a corrective tone. Nordic gave a nod in compliance. and walked off. Sarne walked up the short stairway and stood next to the first officer. Sevar was one of the Catfolk. He was very professional but always to the point. his clothing strait-laced and everything in the right place.

"Mr. Sevar, I apologize if I overstepped. I was not bereft there were no salvage operations. I was not looking for salvage I was looking for salvage I was looking for survivors." said Sarne folding his hands behind his back his tone was professional but of a leader.

As the ship traveled the crew worked as a well-drilled team. Sarne was impressed with this ship. The sky darkened some becoming grey the wind was still with them and picking up some and it seemed the ocean too. Sarne just stayed by the wheelhouse hoping to glean some training from listening to the first officer. Sarne wanted to learn more about commanding a ship and he would use this time to hope to learn something.

"A message for the whole crew, some of the refuse the Captain has hired gets antsy when they see things like that, anything to give them two solars to rub together." Sevar looks to the crew of mostly animal folk who avoid his gaze.

"S'why most of'em think yer a prick." Big Fella chortles as smoke curls out of his mouth from the pipe.

Sevar rolls his eyes and continues along the top deck of the ship, their gaze as sharp as their claws. The turtle pays him no mind as he hops down off the barrel and stretches his old limbs. Everything popped and creaked as he did, an older gentleman but for him that just made kicking someone's butt even funnier.

"Don't mind'em, yer never gonna get on his good side, don't even think the fuzzball has one." Either Fish's decision to hire two people with such wildly different backgrounds and personalities was a stroke of captaining genius or a powderkeg waiting to explode.

Getting Fish's opinion on the ship was going to be hard though as they rarely came down from the crow's nest. It was named for them specifically after all. The little crow props on leg on the edge of the siding as a prop for their musket rifle, back against the wall for support. Every so often there were a few clicking noises from the crow's nest, a sort of code Fish had developed since signing wasn't exactly efficient.

Anytime there was clicking, Sevar or Big Fella would stop and listen before translating the commands. The sea was like glass as they hit the open waters, the wake from their ship the only thing rippling the water. Curious....usually the ocean should be active. Was the sea dragon close? It could scare everything away leaving the ocean calm.

Another series of clicks, a pause, then Sevar speaks, "Adjust course northwest due 5 degrees." The helmsman nods and begins to make the adjustment.

Sarne was not bothered by Sevar and it showed not being phased by anything well anyone said. Sarne knew his place. He has been a leader most of his life and it showed in his mannerisms. Yes, the first officer was to run the ship, not order Sarne around. Sevar would find that out if Sevar pushed Sarne too much. Sarne was still professional in everything he did and the way he acted. "Do not worry about Sevar. I am not bothered by him. I will let him do his job," replied Sarne with an air of confidence and authority.

Sarne looked out across the sea and the crew was right something was not right. the water to still the wind calmed it was like the ocean was asleep here and if anyone knows the ocean it never rested. Sarne knew this and he was told this over and over by the captains he had met growing up. [1] Sarne walked to a better vantage point being able to see more of the ship and ocean. He could feel something Was the sea dragon close? He asked himself. Another thought came to Sarne as he looked out to the ocean how do you even hurt a dragon? they are one of the most powerful things in Charon.

Sarne clasped his hand behind his back and stood resolute as an example to the crew. Sarne had not gotten to talk to Fish much yet other than a quick conversation when Sarne volunteered to come abroad to help with this task given to Fish. Sarne was asked to go with Fish by some mutual friends and Sarne did. Sarne was close to his goal and no dragon was going to stop him from that.

[1] Intuitive Bloodhound

"So's long as you do yers." Big Fella toddles off to the back deck to check on the cannons at the back of the boat. He could see Fish scuttling down the rigging. Lil fella must've spotted something.

The aviankin wasn't really sold on the idea of taking Sarne on board as their crew ran on the trust in each other. Everyone has a whole and place in the order of the ship, sure, but they all also knew each other well and trusted them. They didn't know Sarne hence why most let him and his follows pass without a look.

Fish also wasn't entirely sold on the story Sarne gave, they really didn't have many of the same connections which made Fish suspicious. You can untangle yourself from a life of crime all you want, but that doesn't mean some people still see you as a target. The difference know was that Fish was no longer facing most threats alone. If Sarne and company tried anything, it wouldn't be long before the crew has them overboard. So, Fish figured the risk would be worth it. Mom and Dad said they had to learn to trust after all.

The bird scampers over to Big Fella, climbing up his shell to perch on the edge. They make handsigns in the periphery of his vision.

"Pull in the sails."

"What fer?"

"If we slow down enough, the dragon may take us for a slower merchant ship."

"Make ourselves to be bait then?"

"With the barrels and flame cannons we can hit it as it tries to surface."

"And if it comes from above?"

"Fish has a plan for that."

Big Fella smirks and turns to march towards mid-deck, "DROP THE BARRELS AND GET READY FOR A LIGHT SHOW"

A chorus of agreement rings out from the crew as everyone gets to work setting up for Fish's plan.

Nordic got to work with the crew He was not one to just stand around as he helped lift the barrels he had no idea what was in them but they were heavy. but nothing he could not handle. Nordic was the only one of his subordinates He had brought with Sarne. Nordic was the one that got them on this pursuit. Nordic was the one with the more let's say shady background. Sarne overlooks a lot of those types of dealings. Sarne learned early on that having some deep connection in the dark corners of society was normal for a noble in his position.

Sarne was aware of Fish's reputation and was not worried about it much but having him as a connection could have its benefits for both Sarne and Fish. That is what Sarne hoped. Sarne knew that his reputation of being a goody good was the known reputation out there. Fish had not seen Sarne's dark side and the people he executed who betrayed his family. No trial no bringing them to the King's court no permission. Just hunted them down and killed them.

Sarne watched the crew work doing his best to stay out of the way. Sarne stepped in a couple of times to help and all he got was dirty looks. Like he was in the way. It only took a couple of times before he got the hint. Sarne just walked over to Fish.

"Captain Fish, Your crew is incredible they are a testament to you and your leadership," remarked Sarne his tone from one leader to another leader looking at Fish. "I know you don't think much of me being here but I will help any way I can," said Sarne with honesty. "So what is the plan? and where do I fit into it, Captain fish?" asked Sarne now looking out across the ship and watching the crew.

For a moment, it might feel like Sarne is being ignored as Fish's attention is fully taken by the flame cannon. They quickly pop their head back up after covering the oil tank. Fish climbs back to the top of Big Fella's shell to get eye level with Sarne. Much easier to talk when you're not forcing someone to stoop over and look down at you.

"Fight the dragon. Fish and the crew do not need much help fighting the dragon. More hands to fight are what is needed. Fish's mom and dad don't want Fish to be a pirate, so most of Fish's crew has little combat experience. They can man a ship, but the dragon is likely to be too quick and large for the cannons to deal any lethal damage unless we are lucky."

"An' the cap'n ain't keen on luck." Big Fella nods. Fish has been using sign language the entire time, but if Sarne looked like he didn't understand then Big Fella would translate. "Fer now it's just waitin until-"

A bell started to ring out on the deck. The turtlefolk lumbered towards the front of the deck while Fish hopped off to climb back to their roost. Just ahead there was a swell in the water, a massive fin cutting through like a knife through butter.

"Until that."

It breaks through the water and is immediately met with the cacophony of cannon fire. The hunter cannons at the front find their mark, it is hard to miss after all, but seem to just skate off the scales. This thing was tough and now it was mad. Good, just how Fish wanted it.

"HARD TO PORT, GET IT BROAD SIDE!" Sevar yells out over the crew as he runs back to take the helm himself. From up top Fish takes aim and holds their shot steady waiting for the perfect spot.

This was the second time in Sarne's life He had ever seen a dragon up close. The last time he could do almost nothing to a dragon. Now was not sure if anything had changed. On land maybe he could do something but on water? For the first time in a long time, Sarne felt weak. In the face of a dragon, how is a man supposed to feel?

[1]Sarne the presents of the Dragon made Sarne change. Celestial power triggered a change in Sarne's physical appearance. Sarne's blond hair turned to silver color. It shines like metal. Sarne's eyes change to a piercing gold. It just seems brighter around him. [2]His Sword started to crackle Celestial power as energy ran over the blade.

[3] An aura of energy begins to radiate from Sarne, filling Crew with hope and strength. Sarne begins to inspire those around Him. Filling them with the will to continue going. Anyone standing in Sarne's immediate area feels their strength grow. Sarne was a beacon of strength and fear melted away.

Sarne moved to the side of the ship that the Dragon was on. looking for any weakness he could find anything Srane could do would probably just make it mad. Sarne thought about if fire would do something to the Dragon. contemplating this Sarne knew what he wanted to do but would wait and build more power up. With that in mind, sarne would wait to see what Fish had planned and would work off of that.

[1] Holy Avenger
[2] Paladin's Blade
[3] Inspiring Presence
For the next three posts any ally affected by this spell, including you, will deal double damage with their physical attacks. (does not affect spells)

The sea dragon ducked back below the water as the ship attempted its turn. Big Fella and some crew helped heave an explosive barrel over the size of the ship. It hits the water as the sea dragon re-emerges, its body scraping against the side of the ship. Fish's Market lurchs to the right from the force of the beast. Thankfully the hull is reinforced, but it can't take many hits like that.

Their plan had worked though, "ITS ON THE HOOK CAP'N" Big Fella calls up as the spray of water rains down on the deck.

Inside the maw of the dragon is the explosive barrel. Fish shifts in the crows nest to find the barrel. They make a scraping noise like a match being struck as the fuse of the barrel is lit.[1] It hisses for a moment before exploding in the dragon's mouth.

Smoke curls around its head as it remains motionless for a moment. The dragon comes out from the smoke and slams its upper body onto the top deck. The right side of its face is scarred and burned, but the dragon looks more than ready to fight as it roars out at the crew. Big Fella and Sevar are among the first to respond and start swiping at the dragon. If they can corral it to go over the cannons, they can really hurt this thing.

As the officers charge in Fish takes aim from the crow's nest. The rifle is held tight to their shoulder as they inhale and hold their breath. Hold for just a moment and fire when the shot is right.

---

1. Create Spark

The dragon its body grinding against the side of the ship. The ship sways to the right from the force of the beast pushing the ship. Sarne stayed on his feet thankful for his training as a knight and being on ships throughout his life. Sarne knew this was why he was there.

The fire barrel they put over the side exploded as smoke and fire erupted from the dragon's mouth. Sarne started to wonder why he was there to fight this thing. his sword ready he moved to the side of the ship just to move back

The dragon comes out from the smoke and slams its upper body onto the deck. The right side of the dragon's face is scarred and burned. The dragon looks more than ready to fight as it roars out at the crew. Sarne moves forward again pointing his sword at the dragon's eye. [1] A burst of light crackling energy erupted from the sword hitting the dragon. The eye burst into flame as embers rose from it burning like a ray from the sun itself hit the dragon. passing through the dragon and out the other side and dissipating into the sea mist. Sarne's sword started to crackle with energy again.

The Dragon roared in pain and anger thrashing around violently. Nordic tried to get in close but with no luck he was hit as the dragon thrashed around he went flying and hit the rail of the ship Luckily for him he did not go overboard just got tangled up in some ropes.

The dragon was starting to cause a lot of damage to the ship as broken wood and ropes flew with every movement. It was starting to get tangled up with the ship as it wanted to pull back into the water.


[1] Paladin's Blade beam of pure light, Holy Avenger

The dragon inhaled sharply an breathed out a deluge of sea water, like a tidal hitting the deck of the ship at point blank range. Everyone on the deck had to hold on hope that their grip would outlast the flood. Fish takes the shot now aiming for the inside of the dragon's mouth as it would be much more vulnerable.

There is a loud bang and then impact into the dragon's cheek causing it to roar back and end its breath attack.[1] In a rage the dragon swipes at the mast, cracking and splintering the wood with ease. The force sends Fish out of the crow's nest, but they don't seem too bothered by it. They anticipated this already and had a plan ready.

On the way down, Fish shoulders the musket and draws out their pistol.[2] They take aim and fire again into the front of the dragon. The second bullet lodges in between the chest scales of the dragon, slowing its movements.[3]

The aviankin is plucked from the air by Sevar who held his arms out and tracked the bird, "Don't make a habit of this captain."

Fish gives a few clicks in response and Sevar just rolls his eyes. The first mate rushes back into combat while Fish works on reloading their pistol. Time to work on really slowing this thing down. If the others could buy Fish enough time, then they would be able to buy them the time to actually get a killshot in.

---

1. Piercing Shot
2. Quick Draw
3. Deep Impact

[1] bracing himself for the onslot of water coming At Sarne. The impact of the water as his shield cut threw the water. The water flowed to either side of Sarne like a river. Sarne slid a few inches only. Sarne had to try to keep the Dragon's attention on him. [2] Sarne braced himself for the charge we were about to do something some might find foolish. With the Celestial Presence still flowing. Sarne coated himself in a shield of divine protection. He could absorb the damage as energy and then release that energy from their body in a burst that could damage the dragon and help those around him.

There was a loud thundering noise when the dragon impacted the mast, smashing and splintering the wood easily. Sarne saw that Fish took the hit to the mast gracefully and the first officer was there to catch Fish.

[3] With that Sarne charged the dragon's head it was a flash of movement Sung was moving at a blinding speed his movements fluid and quick Sarne smashed into the dragon's snout with incredible force with his shield. That hit would normally kill a man. The dragon retaliated with a swipe of its head back. It knocked Sarne back a few feet only and the spikes of the shield cut the nose of the Dragon two scales cracked from the impact earlier. The light covering Sarne seems to fade.

There was a bright almost blinding flash of light. Like the sun exploding the wave of light shot out from Srarne washing over the crew and Dragon. The crew's injuries heald as the light passed them. The Dragon was not so lucky as the light washed over the Dragon and burned it with the Celestial power of the sun. Its scales blacked the Dargon's face in flame. Now all it would take is another good attack. To possibly kill the Dragon or make it retreat.


[1] Immovable Bastian
[2] Divinities Blessing
[3] Rushing Charge

With a growl the Sea Dragon does dive back into the water, its massive silhouette disappearing into the murky depths. Big Fella starts throwing down ladders for those who did get knocked off.

"Go's an' help pull folk up and back onto the deck." Big Fella motions his head to Sarne and Nordic before trudging over to find Fish. "Drake's takin a dip captain."

Fish's head snaps up at the news. Not entirely what they expected, though it makes sense. The dragon has a lot more mobility in the water than they do. Time to improvise. Fish hops to their feet and tucks their pistol away.

"Let Fish know when it coming back up." They sign to the turtle before they scuttle below deck and disappear from sight.

Big Fella and Sevar share a look before the cat speaks up, "Crew brace again, captain has a plan and you know what that means."

There is a tired groan from the crew, many already exhausted from the chaos of handling a dragon. Big Fell stomps to the side of the ship to watch the waters. Now the sea is roiling around them, a far cry from the clear glass before. The next few moments seem to take days to pass before the water bubbles underneath the boat, burbling around each side.

"Err....CAP'N" Big Fella shouts towards the entrance to the lower deck.

There is a half second pause before the sea swells at the back of the ship.[1] The strange tide pushes the ship out of the way of the dragon, just in time for it to miss biting the ship in half. Fish suddenly appears back topside[2] in a blink with their gun drawn. Another loud bang is heard as Fish double taps the triggers to fire both barrels at once. As the bullets pierce into the dragon, it suddenly starts to seize and slow down.[3]

The head of the dragon crashes onto the deck again, but this time it is temporarily unable to move. Big Fella charges to wrap his arms around the mouth and hold it in place. Now was the time to kill it if anyone felt so inclined.

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1. Sea Caller
2. Blink Cape
3. God-Killer Poison