MunaZaldrizoti 5766 Share Posted June 29, 2023 Spoiler The docks of Portoregne came alive that sunny afternoon of 63 BA, with the sound of sails unfurling and heavy footfalls upon the deck of the Armada’s largest ship. The vessel, considered the flagship of the Royal Fleet, had yet to be named and its maiden voyage was to prove quite the momentous occasion. For in the saint’s days previous, the Princess of Monterosa had urged the Lord Admiral, Dante DeNurem, to take up a substantial bounty for the benefit of the kingdom’s coffers. It seemed simple enough, to slay a troublesome siren who had seemingly been blocking trade between the southern ports of Aevos. But the underlying reason that compelled the Balianese to partake in this quest was their young princess’ desire for adventure, to seek out this creature which had slowly become part of her people’s folklore. They departed in the early morning, as the sun began to rise over the horizon. A crew of fifteen had prepared themselves for the bounty hunt that included King Adrian himself, his heir Johanna, the Princess Royal, and his sister-in-law Princess Regina Rostampur. The Lord Admiral was in attendance as well, with a contingent of Armada recruits and lieutenants. Rounding off the adventuring party were nobles of the realm, members of Houses de Lyons and Kervallen alongside the King’s own cousin, Lord Albert Novellen of the Petra. Sitting lazily upon the deck, a final but unofficial member of the maritime crew, was the Crown Princess’ loyal companion, the panda Tobias. It took only a few hours for the ship, helmed by King Adrian, to reach the source of all this region’s sailing woes. A deteriorated shipwreck lay in wait for them, seemingly resting upon the ocean floor. How long it had been sunken, none could say or know. Smaller boats were deployed to inspect the wreckage, yielding the name ‘The Catherine’, painted upon the hull in faded lettering. For all those who paid witness, it was an eerie sign, almost a reminder that even this grand boat had been torn asunder by some powerful force. As they made their return with their findings, the women on the Balianese ship began to hear a faint melody, whispering to them upon the breeze. The song bid them return home, that their troubles with the sea were a pittance compared to the comfort of Portoregne and their seaside kingdom. A jolt would rouse them from this temporary doubt, a fish clung onto the deck. In its puckered lips was borne a slimy stone, plucked up by Princess Johanna. Upon its smoothed surfaced was carved letters, legible by any who could read: ‘L E A V E . P L E A S E.’ The crew had seemingly found the siren’s lair, but unwisely sent out their lesser boats once more to confront the Siren herself. Led by the Princess Royal and Regina Rostampur, they came upon that wreckage once more. The sea life around them began to stir, watching them like birds of carrion might look upon a fresh corpse. And then, that song came again, loud in the ears of the two Princesses and the King’s daughter, who had slipped onto one of those dinghies as well. Whilst the Princess of Monterosa seemed not overcome by the siren’s call, her elder aunts began to change. “Pushhimpushhimpushhim” Growing angry, they turned their frustrations upon their accompanying guards, who they blamed for this pointless voyage. Princess Elena let out a huff, lunging towards Recruit Legends, who had been sent as Princess Johanna’s protector. The pair tumbled into the sea as further members of their party arrived. Alas, the trap had been laid and set, ready to ensnare the Balianese company within its watery grasp. A muscled shark began to ram itself into one of their boats, whilst a beaked squid clamored upon the dingy of Sir Albert to entangle both him and the Crown Princess, whom he had taken over protecting. Jellyfish and minnow engulfed their miniscule armada, rocking them in an effort to cast them down into the depths below. Though they struggled to fend off this onslaught, the party was able to finally perceive what was truly going on. It was too late before the crew realized that Princess Elena had lost her struggle, now sinking half-conscious towards the rotted hull of the shipwreck. King Adrian, the Lord Admiral, and her husband Lord Robyn de Lyons swiftly dove down to rescue her. Watching her father vanish into the darkness of the sea, the Crown Princess cried out in fear for him. Princess Elena caught sight of their otherworldly opponent, but she felt oddly calm. The siren’s song called to her, beckoning her deeper and closer. Outstretched was the princess’ hand, the mermaid offering a tempting kiss. BUT THEN, the Admiral did leap upon that creature, seeing her himself with vision unclouded. She was indeed half-woman, half fish. Her skin was scaled and blueish in tone, eyes large and glowing. Her hair were tentacles, like that of an octopus, and her nails were sharp like jagged teeth. It was, indeed, the Siren of the Shoals. Their undersea battle ensued, but the creature’s prowess in her own environment overwhelmed even the brave Captain DeNurem. Opening her maw wide, she launched her torrential song at him, sending him astray and sinking towards the ocean floor. The King swam after her, seeking to end this battle and claim his prize. From above, Princess Johanna dove down too, a blade grasped in her hand. Her training with Sir Albert had emboldened her and she sought to defend her father…but the Siren had other intentions for the child. The Admiral previously had wounded her, ichor billowing out into the waters from an open wound in her scaly chest. It’s golden eyes set upon the heir, pressing a crying song into her mind. “Savemesavemesavemesaveme” Johanna’s grey gaze glazed over, entranced by this creature of myth and legend. As her aunt Regina swam to entangle the Siren herself, the Princess sent a sluggish kick towards the Rhenyari woman, knocking her away. But it was too late. King Adrian surged towards the wicked sea creature, sword thrusting outward. As the Siren of the Shoals turned her head, preparing another screeching melody, that blade did pierce through her open maw and into her throat. Haste was made in pulling the Princess Royal and Lord Admiral to the surface, the King himself dragging up the limp corpse of the deadly siren. Clinging to the wreckage, the Balianese had only moments to dwell on what had just occurred. With much effort and exhaustion did the party cobble those dinghies together and sail back to the main vessel. It was dusk by the time the ship sailed back into the port of Portoregne, each sailor brooding upon the ordeal. But their bounty had been completed, now all there was left to do was collect that reward and all it entailed. Before departing the galleon, the Princess Royal spoke up in a weary tone. “Frate…I think we have a name for your ship.” 'THE SIREN’S KISS' Spoiler HUGE thank you to @Xarklyfor such an engaging and fun bounty event! I'm sure we'll be coming back for seconds before too long ;^) Screenshots by @frankdh & @Legends00 Spoiler 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legends00 11 Share Posted June 29, 2023 T'was a fun adventure. I thank all for the opportunity 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaslaw 272 Share Posted June 29, 2023 "Never fuckin again..." *Mumbled the absolutely disapointed Haenseni Armigrad as he shakes his head at the shere sight of the post about the voyage which made him remeber why he hated the sea. Onec more off to find the person that made the dame cannon which couldnt last a SINGLE shot before breaking. Yes, he was going to find that man. And he was going to woop they ass.* 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LazyBacon220 314 Share Posted June 29, 2023 Edwyn Kervallen unwrapped the bandages around his ankle tenderly. The small, fragile boy winced as his fingers brushed up against wounds left behind by a shark, sent by the Siren of the Shoals. Standing up, he went over towards his two dogs, rescued from the vile sewers of Portoregne. "I'm never getting bit by a shark again" he spoke towards the smaller of the two, a pug. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roguechaotic 263 Share Posted June 29, 2023 Wyn Shakes his head hearing about how his grand son got made a snack of by a shark for a moment, disappointed but knew he'd have to speed up the training now...the boy was growing into a man all too fast 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orphvius 434 Share Posted June 29, 2023 A witch of the wood marvels at the impressive breath holding skills these tenacious sailors possessed.. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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