The cog belonging to Dio Seraceni called The Ospery cuts the waters heading west of the island of Ischia. The clouds overhead are thick and foreboding, and the wind is steadily rising and moving in an easterly direction. White caps cover the surface of the water, and The Osprey rises up and down on rough seas. Through the tumult, the voice of Dio can be heard, barking orders to the crew, while the golden haired first mate, Anne moves hither and thither, securing what must be secured and making sure each crew member is at their post and tending to their duties.

"Avast, scruvy sea dogs! Have you ever seen such a beautiful, welcoming sky leading on to the a rare and forgotten treasure?" Turning from his crew to the adventurers, Dio's voice rises above the winds and with a maniacal quality as he shouts, "A black pearl and vast wealth to the one who brings me the lost treasure of The Prophet's Will!" An Eurusi man standing beside the Marquis shakes his head, with a deeply worried expression hanging over his features like a death sentence. "You are heading to a dangerous place. Turn back now while there's still a chance," he says softly in heavily accented Arvani.

Dio checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Merek checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Into what has Scout Rowenova gotten Lord Ian Kennex and Sir Floppington? Well, they are about to find out. She certainly noticed that driven gleam in Dio's eyes. She certainly has an intense one, herself. She probably ate well enough for 3 people and still feels quite spry. Where does it all go? Who knows. Now on the cog ship, the young scout wolfishly grins about the mysterious treasure. "Tell me more, tell me more. Ah hah. Ah hah."

Rowenova checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Of course, as Nova tries singing, it is absolutely terrible. Make it stop?

There's a tragic sort of comedy in how bad Ian, a Kennex, is at keeping his feet on a ship, especially when the sea is rough. He keeps a hand on some kind of surface at all times, a rail or the sheets or a mast, and has fallen more than once. He seems to take this in stride, however. He seems unconcerned by Nova's singing, too, so tone deaf that he can't tell how bad it is. "What's down there?" He asks the Eurusi man with a skeptical expression. He's heard sailors talk about the mysterious dangers of the deep before.

Arcadia groans at Nova "Tell Arik to stop offering lessons." She herself is standing on the rail of the ship and holding the rope to stop from slipping. She looks out to the distance trying to see said danger.

Merek has decided to come with Dio to assist, because what better way to avoid Arx and war and all of humanity but upon the seas. Who ever had epiphanies upon the sea, it is unheard of. The man wears a dark attire, along with what looks like a light plate on his leather, in addition to the beltcape which he wears. There's a nod to Jamira, and as well to Dio.

Mikani smiles, she knows that look and that tone. The urge to find the treasure. Her eyes turn back to the ocean. Her first love really. Her hand moves to her belly and she murmurs something under her breath.

When Dio mentions turning back, Thea simply turns to the man and lifts her eyebrow,"I think you and I both know I will not, Marquis,"her gold-flecked green eyes amused before she turns back to the horizon. She's already familiar with the Osprey and it's crew, so she's quite comfortable at the moment.

It is only because Marquessa Arcadia actually addresses her that Nova now stops her mangled song. If it could even be called such! "Why? Is it because he trained me so well that I have outsang him? Or, something else?" She has most likely UNDERsang him. Of course, the boat rock which soon appends her last query ultimately causes a little stumbling for the Wolf Scout who ends up clap/gripping hard on the side railing to stay steady. Sir Floppington has four limbs, so he actually does well enough, this not being his first trip on a seafaring vessel!

Rowenova's enthusiasm seems to build the lurid light in Dio's eyes. He strides across the heaving deck to Rowenova, and says, "Aye, Lass - many give up their lives for some silver here or there - but how many have seen something truly beyond compare - something that even the greatest heroes and most storied people claimed to be a treasure, nothing less than a gift from the gods themselves?" Turning to his crew, he roars "Onward, salty rats of the sea! Before the sun sets, you will lay eyes on that which many would give up their lives to behold! Onward!"

The weather however, grows steadily worse, and the sea quickly becomes rough and wild: great blasts of salt water pour over the gunwales, and many of the crew are cast down upon the deck. One soul - a cabin boy of eighteen years, is cast into the air, and hangs onto a line of rigging for dear life. "Man overboard!" roars Dio, as a flash of desperation and concern moves over his features.

Dio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher. Dio rolled a critical!

Ian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Arcadia sways quite precariously over the edge of the boat with that swell, likely enough to cause most people some alarm, but none for the young Marquessa. Instead she grins at Rowenova, "Clearly. I will inform him if how his lessons have paid off and we should host a night of talent at the spirits." She looks to the man who just fell over and springs to action.

Arcadia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 16 higher.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Thea goes to reach for whomever goes overboard, but--her foot slips and she falls! Water is pouring every everywhere and Thea cant seem to get to her feet. For Gods sakes!

After raptly listening to Dio and Arcadia, Rowenova nearly answers, but then the tumultuous sea suddenly swells, and the Wolf Scout actually finds her sea legs. A perceptive person, she actually notices Arcadia's purpose and diverts away to reach out and grab hold of Thea's arm, if able to!

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 12 higher.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 29 higher.

Arcadia waits for the swell to come back up to the side of the boat and just as the wave goes to crash, she suddenly sweeps down and grabs the young man's arm and hauls him up and back onto the deck. She jumps off the rail and makes sure he's breathing. No big deal right?

Ian has moved a little ways up into the sheets, where he can get a stronger grip with his hands and rely on upper body strength to withstand the waves crashing over the deck. He watches the scramble to save Thea and the kid who has gone overboard, then casts his gaze out over the water.

Merek takes the railing to keep ahold of when the waters splash upon the cog, then he waits to watch and notices that people are dealing with protecting people. He nods a bit.

Thea finds herself looking like a drenched rat, gripping Nova's hand. Her eyes look up and she sighs relievedly,"Thank you!" Thea clambers to her feet and exhales,"That never happened,"her eyes already looking to see what's going on with the boy.

Arcadia sniggers and singsongs to Thea, "Totally saw it."

Anne walks by Thea with a smug grin; however, a blast of sea water nearly takes her off her feet, and she steadies herself, and without look back, moves to the forecastle, continuing to shout orders at the crew.

Mikani holds tight as the swell comes and as the kid goes over she moves to help drag the boy back on deck and haul him towards the aftercastle where he could be safe. Kneeling she moves to check on the lad and make sure he will be able to get to his feet.

After making sure Thea is finally stable, Nova lets go but stays close to her. "Quite welcome." says she before slowly migrating toward the young man as she shouts out with Northern projection, "Do you actually /know/ what The Prophet's Will looks like?"

"Aw Anne, I've missed you,"Thea coolly mentions as she walks off. "I do hope we can catch up with a drink soon. My treat." Turning to Arcadia, she sighs.

The waves are tumultuous, and those unused to sailing on rough seas will find themselves holding on for dear life as blasts of sea water assault the cog for feels like an eternity. In time, however the weather lets up a bit, and the wind falls to significantly.

With the immediate danger passed, Dio turns to Rowenova, drenched, but seemingly still in high spirits. "It took much to find out where the Prophet's Will found her final resting place. But, alas, you will be the first to see it in quite some time," he says ominously.

Mikani looks over at the Marquis, "Where did you hear about it? Is there a map?"

Anne tips her waterlogged hat to Thea, and says, "Aye, m'Lady. Could use a drink after this gods forsaken voyage. Tried talkin' the Marquis out of it, sayin' the Isle was a success as it was - but he's got a sickness for this cursed ship, he does."

Thea turns to Dio, asking,"How did it go down? And what -exactly- is down there?" She looks over to Anne and twitches her lips,"You should have known it wouldn't have worked."

Arcadia practically bounces with excitement at Dio's words " First to see it in some time?" With the swell under control, she jumps back up onto the rail and peers out to the distance "I love exploring old places." She looks to Rowenova "Though curses really suck." She frowns with a sudden sad memory and shakes her head before bouncing and climbing up a rope to try and see better.

Dio checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Dio shakes his head at Mikani, and then gestures to Jamira. With a glance toward Merek and Thea, he says to Mikani, "We rescued Messere Jamira from slavery on the Isle al'Aswaq, and in his infinite gratitude, he has told us exactly where to find The Prophet's Will." There is something a little bit frightening in Dio's tone, and Jamira simply nods to Mikani.

Ian looks up into the storm, pensive, then down at Dio. It's visible, the way the wheels are turning behind his eyes, but what he's thinking about is a lot harder to read in his flat expression.

Arcadia's words bring a grin to Dio's lips. "Aye, Love. But there's curse but poor sailing. We'll make it to the ship and back - but I hope you're a good swimmer."

Mikani says in Eurusi, "Messre Jamira that is very kind of you. I can understand that amount of gratitude."

Mikani says something in Eurusi to Jamira with a grin. "Well I look forward to seeing the sunken ship. They are so much fun to explore."

Thea looks over to Jamira briefly and smiles a moment. When Dio mentions the freeing, she just gets quiet and watches the stormy sea.

When the calm comes, Nova pulls off her wolf pelt which ultimately reveals her platinum hair in its long brade which is tied together with at least 22 pairs of varied ribbons of different colors and various ages. She shakes out the salt water from her wolfy pelt with a nod up toward Arcadia, "Aye, they sure do." says she with a little empathy for their shared nostalgia there. Back to Dio, "What did he say the treasure associated with The Prophet's Will, exactly? Is it the stereotypical chest, or something else?"

Just after noon, the ship comes before a rather bleak looking Cay of pale yellow sand, with some shrubs and various types of other tropical flora growing in its center. The sky still holds ominous clouds, but the wind seems much calmer than it had been. "This is place," says Jamira softly. "Drop anchor!" shouts Dio. "Drop anchor!" echos Anne.

"That's an excellent question, Lass," replies Dio to Rowenova. "I suspect it will be a locked chest, held in the Captain's Quarters - though it may be cleverly hidden."

When they eventually make it to the place, Merek nods a bit, while he looks along, towards the cay and to the skies, then he shifts a bit to begin to assist the sailors with their work as well.

After shaking out the salt water, Nova puts on her wolf pelt once more with the fastening straps left dangling down. For now. "Noted!" says she to Dio before she helps out with the anchor dropping, if let to do so.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Arcadia asks Dio as she moves out of the crew's way. She's not a sailor and won't pretend to be helpful here, "How much of the ship is underwater? How can you be certain it's the right ship? Who else knows of it's exisistance? Are there Shavs on the island? Any who protect the treasures?" She inhales after that and just waits for Dio to respond.

Thea checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Arcadia checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 42 higher.

Dio checked command + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

As she helps lug the huge chain into the water below, she also notices the aquatic wildlife and shouts out, "Sharks below!"

(Nova)

Thea looking out into the water, Thea points out,"Hey. There seems to be a few sharks in the water. I'm assuming feeding..."and begins pointing.

Halfway up the sheets, Ian has an excellent view of the water, and he clearly sees the sharks too, based on the way he swears under his breath.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 5 lower.

Arcadia asks as she pulls her bow from her back, "If I make a shark bleed will thwy focus on that and then leave us alone?" Her arrow is drawn, someone should stop her if they know better.

The anchors are lowered as Dio and Anne shout their orders to the crew of about fifteen sailors. "Prepare the boats!" shouts Dio. And a pair of the smaller boats are set into the rope systems on the side of the Osprey. The Marquis takes a step toward Rowenova. "Dive fast, Lass. And if you want me to deliver a message to any of your loved ones in case you don't return, I swear to Gild I will deliver it."

Dio gets a double pronged fishing spear from a black canvas sailor's bag.

"I've seen sharks attack each other in a frenzy," replies Anne to Arcadia. "But then they're in a frenzy."

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

"They'll decide there's prey in the water if anything starts seriously bleeding in there," Ian says as he climbs back down to the deck. "I'd rather us not be in the water if they decide there's prey."

Thea eyes Dio and really wants to swat him. Instead she tells him,"She'll be fine." Looking at the schools of fish and sharks, Thea suggests,"They really may be feeding. Eating the smaller fish. See the schools? I cant tell what kind of sharks they are though..

Nova glances back to Dio after he tells her to go diving when they have their smaller boats and what not. "Uh... thanks?

Arcadia apparently listens to Ian, her bow put away. Instead, she just chucks a pebble she has into the water. "Aww. I was really hoping to taste shark on this trip."

Merek looks to the sailors while he begins to walk to them, then he motions, "Come on, let's get those sails off while we adjust the boats, get them into the water, make sure they will be unloading away from the wind!"

Mikani just shakes her head. The others said what she would have said about blood in the water with sharks. Instead she goes about helping Merek.

As the smaller boats are lowered into the water, old Hob hobbles over to Dio. "Boat are in the water, Marquis. Dio turns to those who've sailed from Arx. "Jamira says this is the place. The Prophet's Will should be just below us. It will be dark, and you may have to swim by touch. The rewards for success are great. Trust in the gods, and trust in each other." He paces on the deck. "When I see you breach the surface, my crew has orders to assist you onto the boats by any means necessary. If you die, your compensation will go to your family or next of kin."

Ian raises his eyebrows to Arcadia. "You still might. Those look like makos. It doesn't take much to set them off." Then he looks to Dio. "The rocks will make for faster diving. They'll take people down fast. The less moving you have to do while you're holding your breath, the longer you last." Once seated in a boat and preparing to row out, he takes a little packet of soft wax out of his pocket and starts warming it up in his hands.

Mikani laughs softly, "I hope I find some bells then ... Nakoa would love some bells."

Dio grins at Ian and nods. "I am very glad for your advice, Lord Ian, Sword of Stormward. The stones have been loaded onto the boats, and will be available to any who wish them." The crew stands near the ropes leading down into the boats, awaiting any who wish to board. The shark shapes move hungrily through the water, and the storm clouds continue to loom above.

Mikani gets into the boat and prepares herself for the dive as she waits for the others to get into the boat.

Arcadia jumps eagerly onto a boat. Her grin growing bigger by the second.

Merek maneuvers his way onto a boat, to settle into it with a nod to the people in thought, taking the time to wait.

Thea climbs into the boat, carefully. Yes. Shes diving. "Finn is going to Martino or Porter. They can fight over him if I get eaten by anything."

Nova strips down to matching articles of pristine aeterna: a belly shirt and short shorts, plus diamondplate gauntlets/stompers as well as weapons belt with all the corked vials of alchemical substances and a hunting knife there, too. What a weird outfit that is. She packs away her various effects in her Messenger Bag (save for the wolf pelt which she drapes down over the bag itself) before stashing away said bag into the ship cabin. Although she does not seem to have any actual scars, there are blue lines in various places like she has been arrow shot in her right arm and in her strong back MORE THAN ONE TIME (which must mean she really has the worst enemies), along with the faintest hints of what arrows splinters recently healed along her slender neck on its right side. She follows along after Mikani and climbs down into the boat proper. Meanwhile, Sir Flop looks down from the ship above with a soft whine. "It will be okay, Boy!"

Ian is, indeed, in a boat. He doesn't seem terribly concerned yet, but it's notable that he dug up the bracer he usually wears on his left forearm before heading out and put it on. As they're rowed out, he lowers his goggles over his eyes and seals them as best he can with the wax. He won't be able to take them off easily and they won't be perfectly water tight, but even once they fill with water (which they will eventually) they'll keep the sand and other sea junk out of his eyes. It's almost like he's done this before. "I'll make sure everyone knows you wanted Porter to have him," he says dryly to Thea.

Ian gets hardened leather vambraces from Oiled leather bag.

"He steals him all the time, it isnt my fault,"Thea defensively tells Ian. She checks herself and sighs. Shes a dumbass .today.

Merek checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

When she finally joins everyone else, it is quite clear that the Wolf Scout without her protective leathers not only has aeterna/diamondplate effects but also iridescite items and her old wedding ring on a neck chain which still has protective properties if somewhat annoying to her. She happily accepts whatever Ian might offer them.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Ian takes his boots off only just before sliding into the water, breathing in and out fast as he does so. Hyperventilation. He really HAS done this before. As the sun hits his skin, the hints of rough scars on his left arm are visible. He's had a close encounter with a shark before, as well. He takes a deep breath and then, with a large rock in hand, sinks to the bottom.

Ian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 14 higher.

Thea checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 5 higher.

Ian checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 5 higher.

Arcadia checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 1 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Mikani checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 6 higher.

Arcadia grabs one of the rocks, her boots and socks removed and takes a deep breath and jumps with the biggest splash she cab make and sinks to the bottom with her new rock.

After Ian's demonstration, Nova quickly prepares her respiratory mechanics before ultimately launching herself right over the short edge of the small boat and sinking down to the depths below.

Of course, Nova totally mimicks Ian, and is bringing along a big rock, too,

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 45, rolling 5 lower.

Dio GM Roll checked dex(5) + brawl(4) at difficulty 30, rolling 16 higher.

Mikani has done a lot of diving in her day. She gets herself ready and jumps off the boat with the rock and allows it to help her sink into the waters. Happily she passes by the sharks and notices the large ship in the distance. Inwardly she smiles to herself as she continues to hold to the rock and let it pull her down.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Paying close attention to Ian, Thea grabs a large rock. She's calm and not all panicky. Leaping off the side of the boat, you quickly feel yourself sinking into the oceans depths, past the sharks. Eventually you notice a a sunken vessel way bigger than the Osprey.

55 inflicted and Merek is harmed for moderate damage.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Seeing something down below, Rowenova starts directing her swimming action to ultimately aim for where a captain's quarters might have been. Or she hopes so.

Ian sinks through the water, almost motionless with the occasional two-legged kick to give him a little more speed. As the ship takes shape below him, he takes advantage of the high vantage point to give it a good, long look.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 43 higher.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Thea checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Arcadia checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Merek lifts up while he places the helmet of his to the side, beginning to dive. Then he's spinning about into the water, towards the wreckage of the ship. When he does, a mako begins to come to him, and while he's maneuvering away, it takes a nice bite of his leg, blood splashing from it into the water. He begins trying to swing his blade into it while he maneuvers for entry into the ship.

Arcadia sinks pretty fast. She is tiny and carrying a big rock. Getting to the bottom of the wreck, she wastes no time and instantly swims through the enterance to the main cabins. She holds onto her rock for now.

Merek checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 45, rolling 3 lower.

Ian has a singular swimming style, tuned, like almost everything he does, to compensate for his weak legs with upper body strength. He swims almost like a dolphin, in a full body motion that starts in his upper chest and moves in a wave down, so that the kick at the end is almost an afterthought. It's a swimming style that also doesn't need him to use his arms much. He moves along the ship from the outside rather than go straight in.

@emit Right after Arcadia, Rowenova merrily spins herself like a hand drill down into the main cabins, too, before slowing down and hugging closer her big rock. She lifts up her cobalt sights and scans around with paced actions to not end up completely expending her submerged energies.

Mikani swims along the hull of the ship. Mika having dove often knows how to swim and not exert too much energy. Finding a porthole she gains access to the ship and swims inside to have a look.

Arcadia checked strength + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Thea swims with the grace if a woman with long limbs and daily running. Finding a porthole, she manages to squeeze in with her rock to look around. Inwardly, she may be smiling.

Rowenova checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 35, rolling 0 higher.

Ian checked intellect + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 23 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 35, rolling 9 lower.

Arcadia grabs a piece of wood and pries the door. She pries and pulls and yanks until the door comes free. She gives a silent shout if surprise as an eel comes gliding out. Her first instinct is to try and punch it in the nose. Not the wisest of moves as it turns it's eyes on her and opens it's creepy beak mouth.

Arcadia checked composure + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Quickly reacting, Nova reaches out and deftly backhands the beek mouth of that moray eel who tries biting Arcadia. With a bloody lip, it puckers up its lower one before wiggling away to somewhere else to slowly soak its new wound in a salt bath.

Ian swims along the hull, getting a good look at the ship with the air of someone who is confident he's got all the lung capacity in the world, and plenty of time to do this right. Then he slips through the porthole after Mikani and switches to mostly pulling himself along, aided by the occasional kick, through the narrow halls beneath the deck.

Arcadia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Mikani continues swimming through the ship. Even as it gets darker she feels along to know what she's coming across.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 16 lower.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 2 higher.

Dio GM Roll checked dex(5) + brawl(4) at difficulty 30, rolling 16 higher.

Thea swims in through the porthole, it-it's dark. Well this cant end well.

Merek checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 45, rolling 10 higher.

Arcadia shifts a touch, her lungs a little less full than before. Stupid surprise eels. She mentally slaps herself and forces herself deeper into the ship.

Thea checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 11 lower.

Ian touches Mikani's shoulder briefly to make sure she knows he's there, and then follows her into the dark. He's still for a moment after passing out of the light, just feeling the way the water moves against him like it's some kind of blindsense. Which it apparently is.

Nova looks worried for the Stahl Marquessa, but she deftly moves after her, her sinking rock left behind since she let go to face slap that sudden eel a moment ago.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 17 higher.

Arcadia checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

45 inflicted and Merek is unharmed.

Swimming with her hands in front out, Thea feels around. Touching--is that a.. ! No...Just some garbage. Moving along, she runs her fingers along what seems to be some bunks, barrels...Nothing at all useful.

Mikani nods as she feels Ian's hand. She can't see but her hands do tell her some stories. There are bunks. Barrels. Other bits of rot. Nothing feels valuable. She feels for another bit of area to swim into after she's satisfied that this room has nothing to offer.

Merek leans back while he lifts his free leg, then he swings his blade into the shark, slicing into it. Then he pulls his leg free, blood free flowing into the water, while he begins to think to himself. He then takes a vial he keeps of liquid in his belts, letting that into the water, the scent not nice probably for mako sharks. Then he's maneuvering to find a way into the boat to follow up with the party!

In the inky blackness of the room, it's hard to tell exactly what Ian is doing, but he doesn't emerge right away.

Arcadia swims, her fingertips brushing over the steps as it leads her down further into the ship. She decides to head for the second door, the captain's quarters most likely.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 6 higher.

Ian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 27 higher.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Arcadia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

After having spot two entrances, Nova also picks the Captain's Quarters, too. Though, she offers out to take care of this new door if let to.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 51 higher.

Ian emerges from the dark room the way he came in, into the light that streaks through the porthole. It's a good thing his swimming style doesn't so much require the use of his hands, because he's carrying something. Something with heft to it.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Arcadia checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 35 higher.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 14 higher.

Ian then turns RIGHT around and goes back into the dark, leaving the chest where it is.

Rowenova checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 27 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Arcadia checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 2 higher.

Arcadia tugs at Nova's shirt and between the two of them they manage to open up the door. It's dark and Arcadia recklessly presses in, only to bump into something. Something quite human like and solid....

Merek begins swimming into the hold of the ship, while he looks around with his alchemist goggles, nodding a bit then maneuvering towards the place people are while he looks about.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Mikani swims further into the hold.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Ian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 7 higher.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 2 lower.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 5 lower.

Thea checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 2 lower.

After she and Arcadia bust into the Captain's Quarters, Nova can feel that hilarious shirt (which is barely anything) being lightly tugged. In any other situation than this, it would be pretty funny, but she stays focused and pushes aside the skeletal figure as if it were merely cobwebs, doing so with a diamondplate gauntlet. Eventually, they both feel around and finally find something there, under the Captain's bed. Then, Nova strategically attempts to grab chunks of the floor boards under the discovered box, pulling out the rotting wood from the chest bolts until they are all four finally freed.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 11 lower.

Ian is gone for a short time, before re-emerging into the twilight of the light coming through the porthole, key in hand. Grabbing onto a wall, he half kicks/half pulls himself back over to the chest and hovers above it as he prepares to open it. Assuming the lock still works.

Arcadia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 8 lower.

10 inflicted and Arcadia is harmed for minor damage.

Mikani checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Deciding theres nothing else here, Thea pushes off and swims elsewhere. Hopefully. Because it's still dark. She kicks her legs and starts to search around the ship main hold. At least, she thinks that's where she is.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Merek looks like he has the will to keep on in the water, while he begins to come upon people, nodding a bit. He looks to the place, then he's shifting his gloved hands to pull on wooden panels, to see if he can find any access to a place which hasn't been flooded in fully perhaps. That's his next focus.

Arcadia checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Glancing over toward Arcadia, Nova leaves behind the discovered box within the captain's quarters and instead turns with one arm reaching out in a hooking attempt to mayhaps nab Arcadia, who deftly dodges her. She does not try again, though, instead pointing to her own mouth with a questioning look. Much worry in those cobalt eyes!

Mikani signals to Merek and Thea where she thinks more of the treasure could be. Without waiting she dives to where the next room is.

Merek nods a bit to Mikani, then he begins to make his way to follow along to look for treasure!

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 9 lower.

Ian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

10 inflicted and Merek is harmed for minor damage.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 10 higher.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 8 lower.

Arcadia is panicking! There's no air in those lungs. She can barely see Nova and her offer, but still pushes Nova away and points to the chest. Get the chest Nova! Do it! Cady on the otherhand has dropped the stone and frantically kicking away, up to the surface. Up to air!

Arcadia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 6 lower.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

10 inflicted and Arcadia is harmed for minor damage.

Ian remains where he is, fiddling and fussing at the lock of the chest, trying to get it open.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Merek looks along with Mikani, until they find a chest together, then he thinks about it. He winces, trying his best to focus, then he places both hands to the side of that, nodding to see if the woman might take the next side.

Mikani helps Merek pull a large chest free from the ship. She makes a signal that they should take it to the surface before opening it.

Arcadia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 2 lower.

Seeing such pointing as a direct order, Nova backs off and worriedly searches the skeletal figure for a potential key or signet ring or some other thing it might bear down here, or any other hidey hole. After that, either way, she tests out the freight weight of the Captain's chest.

Rowenova checked perception + investigation at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Arcadia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 23 lower.

10 inflicted and Arcadia is harmed for minor damage.

Arcadia struggles as she finds that the door she opened has collapsed. She opens her mouth without thinking and another bubble of air is out. shit. Think Arcadia! Think! She starts to squirm through the planks of wood, inching her way through. Just as she is about to wiggle free, that damn eel is back and looking at her like she's going to be a yummy meal soon.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 0 higher.

Ian emerges from the ship and casts his gaze along the ship, looking for something. Whatever it was looking for, he's distracted by the sight of Arcadia. With a graceful arc, he launches himself around and swims with powerful full body strokes over to where she is. He's intent, but his eyes are calm, the serenity he only seems to exhibit when he's putting his life at risk.

Ian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 17 higher.

After speedily checking the Captain's corpse, Nova sweeps up a fallen key in one hand then quickly grabs the side handle of the unbolted chest and determinedly heads back up toward the submerged deck of this sunken ship. She looks out for any possible sing of Cady's whereabouts now, too, before crouching down then pushing off and swimming up toward the surface above.

Ian checked strength + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 30 higher.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 1 lower.

5 inflicted and Merek is harmed for minor damage.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 15 lower.

Mikani pulls the chest to the surface with Merek. Mikani swims with strong kicks trying to get to the surface quickly.

Merek checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Mikani checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 2 higher.

Mikani swims higher and higher with the chest. As she breaks through the surface of the water she takes a breath of air and signals to Dio's crew. At least they avoided the sharks.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 14 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 58 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Ian checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Arcadia checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 4 higher.

Merek swims his way up with Mikani, and assists carrying the chest. He does take it slow, and when he's back above water, he inhales lightly, making pretty sure he manages the best he can, then nods while he begins to get onto the ship with the woman. And treasure!

Ian breaks the surface, hanging on to Arcadia and drawing her with him. He takes an enormous breath when he makes it up, but even so, he sounds a little breathless when he calls up to the boat. "Help her in."

Dio's crew is swift to respond, and Etio reaches over the side of the boat to help Arcadia get safely inside.

Arcadia breathes in deep and long, her breath coming in long ragged gasps. Her sodden body flops onto the boards of the boat.

Seeing Ian helping Cady, Nova moves up at a high rate of swimming speed, and suddenly breaks the surface above with a sudden gasp (and several more) for necessary air. Swimming closer to the second small safety boat, Nova patiently awaits Cady's care before she grunts low and hefts up the Captain's chest onto the small boat beside the Stahlben Marquessa. Though, Nova still keeps the associated key, which she tucks deep into the boot piece of her diamondplate stompers. Hanging on to the boat's side, she just dangles, half submerged. Apparently, she is not shark bait right now. Maybe she just has that predatory aire which they rather not deal with right now? Who knows. She certainly watches Arcadia for a few moments before picking out a new rock. If there are any party members who still need potential assistance, like maybe Thea, Nova swims out to helpfully land her on a small boat, too.

Ian takes a minute or two to let his blood re-oxygenate so that the weakness that comes with a long dive has the time to pass. Then he pulls himself into the boat. "There's at least one more chest down there. I need a few minutes, but I think I can go down and attach a rope to it so it can be pulled up."

Mikani has been in the boat for a bit, "I can help you with it." Mika offers to Ian with a grin. "I love being in the water."

Dio glances down with a wild anticipation from the deck of The Osprey when the adventurers reach the surface. The blood from Merek's leg, causes a few makos to bump the small boat, but the sailors begins to row towards The Osprey, as the crew prepares the rope cables, to hoist all back to on deck.

Ian shakes his head to Mikani. "It's just tying a rope to a chest. I can handle it."

Ian checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 8 higher.

Arcadia finally moves and sits, her wet hair dangling into her owlish blue eyes. She sees the chest and grins at Nova "Good work." She hauls herself over to the chest and has a good look at it.

Mikani smiles. "Then it should be a quick job." She says as she readies for the next dive.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

After making sure all stray cats have been properly herded into safety boats, the wolfy scout finally climbs into a safety boat, herself. "Thank you." Quite pleased with the cabin victory, she simultaneously focuses on the smol treasure they pulled up, too. "I actually found a chest key down there."

Rowenova drops a moldering chest.

Rowenova says in Northlands shav, "No idea if it is the right fit, though!"

Arcadia says in Northlands shav, "You should try it. See if it fits." she looks towards the bigger boat, "Especially before that pirate gets his hands on it."

Arcadia and Rowenova speak in the guttural northlands shav as they look over the chest Rowenova hauled to the surface. A brief look to the bigger boat and a sudden urging to Nova about it.

In the safety boat with the rowing sailors, Nova and Cady shav talk amongst one another before quickly unbuckling her diamondplate stompers and then pulling out the Captain's key. She then deftly tries said key in the locking mechanism.

Dio's crew is immediately surrounding the chests brought up by Rowenova, Merek and Mikani, glancing at each other with greedy smiles.

Ian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + alchemy at difficulty 20, rolling 21 higher.

Ian's head bobs to the surface a short time later, and he signals to the crew that they can pull the chest up. He doesn't get out of the water until he's sure Mikani is safely out of it. There are still sharks, after all, and there's blood in the water now.

Merek looks to the one that he and Mikani brought up, while he looks to the Starswallow, nodding a bit with a little ajusting of his scarf, water falling from the fireweave. Then he's finding a place in the cog to switch into his next set of things to wear. He begins wrapping up his leg.

Mikani follows Ian down and helps him make short work of getting the chest prepared. She swims up with him and gets out of the water quickly and pulls herself up by the rigging.

After the first try, Nova finds out the Captain's key does not work out in the locking mechanism on the moldering chest. Peeking down into it, though, there is some build up from the salty sea. She glances down to her vial/weapons belt and quickly pulls a couple tubes. With her shiny teeth, she pulls out each cork with practiced ease (as if she might do something similar to booze bottles) before spitting aside said stoppers which will no longer be needed anymore. They plunk lightly into the ocean water. Then, she quickly mixes those two chemical substances before swiftly pouring the combined compound into the upward-facing lock (after a 90-degree tilt of the whole chest, itself). Another try of the Captain's key, and there is a rusty crunch! But, it all works! The locking mechanism frees up, and Nova quickly rights the little chest and flips open the lid top.

a moldering chest is now unlocked.

Arcadia stands up suddenly and does the very squeaky squirmish girl thing. "Eeek! A crab!" She flings her arms around like a crazy person and pushes back against a crew member and knocks them into the water. Totally on accident of course!

Rowenova gets Cerdic's Windrose - a sapphire and gold pendant necklace from a moldering chest.

For someone who just risked so much to get the treasure out of the sunken ship, Ian shows a shocking disinterest for what's in the chest. Mostly because he's focused on putting his boots on -- his feet without them are odd and shriveled. The way he's sitting, however, at least partially obscures what Nova is doing from someone viewing from the direction of the ship, and that's no accident.

One of the crew pushed by Arcadia falls into the water, though she's an experienced seamen, and moves to pop back into the boat in an instant with a cold stair in her black eyes. Etio turns to Arcadia with a cutlass in his hand. "Careful now, m'Lady." The woman who was pushed glances up towards Dio, who shakes his head, and the rest of the crew begins to pull the boats up toward the deck.

Mikani looks at the other chests left. She pulls out her axe and gets ready to open the chests by cutting the locks off them.

Arcadia smiles a ridiculously saccharine smile to the crew,"My apologies. I've never seen a crab before." She curls a lock of her sopping hair around her finger "I am ever so sorry."

Nova quickly dons the fancy necklace and stands up. When Etio turns to Cady with a cutlass, she reaches out and actually attempts to bat aside the drawn weapon. "Put that away now."

When Mikani smashes the lock of the remaining chest, a pile of Eurusi silver coins can be seen under the rotted wood.

As chaos erupts around him, Ian takes a sudden and intense interest in the necklace. Nova is wearing the necklace now, so the upshot is that he's staring VERY INTENTLY at her chest. Very few people can stare intently for an uncomfortable stretch of time like Ian can, and boy is he doing it right now.

Merek looks to the necklace, then when Mikani is opening up the chest, he looks to the Eurusi silver, while he takes a moment to pick up a few pieces, then he spins one about, and nods, "This one," he says.

Mikani goes to open the second chest she helped to bring up.

Ian clamors onto the ship, wiping at a bloody nose while he does so. Too much time holding his breath might have given him a nosebleed. He hands Mikani the key to open the other chest.

Arcadia checked charm + seduction at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

Assuming homeboy puts his sword away, since Ian would probably chop him up, Rowenova happily displays the fancy jewelry with her shoulders back and chest up in that belly shirt and even gives an exaggerated wink to Ian who probably fails to actually see it, since he was more interested in anything but her facial expression. Lame joke! She lets out a little laugh, then looks up (with keen peripheral vision, of course) to ultimately progress to the next level: the Osprey deck.... lest someone still has their cutlass out. Then, they might have more issues.

Mikani tries the key on the chest.

Mikani opens the chest and finds ..... silverware. "Whoa .... I think we could set a very large table with this ...." Mika says approvingly.

Ian looks up at the person who still has their cutlass drawn. His expression is weary, and he just shakes his head, before once again wiping at his dripping nose. Let's not go there, shall we?

Arcadia gives the smallest of pouts to the woman and then thanks Dio for rescuing her from the scary crab. She's not all that subtle in her flirtations with the Marquis. "Could you please make them put down their swords?"

Dio checked command + intimidation at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

When Rowenova wears the necklace, and bats at Etio's cutlass, the ship stops, and begins to sway on the side of the Osprey. In addition to the fifteen crew, at least twenty Seraceni archers come to the gunwall of the cog, arrows knocked, but not drawn. Dio raises his hand, as if to ordering them to stand down. "Please do not raise your hand against my crew, Scout Rowenova," comes the voice of the Count of the March of Ischia. He smiles at Arcadia and says, to the crew, in stark contrast to his previous tone, "Sheathe your weapons!" The crew immediately follows his orders. His dark eyes shift to Rowenova, and Dio says, "Now, Lass, I expect you to keep your end of the bargain." The ship continues to dangle above the water, and the wind begins to rise again.

Arcadia pauses Nova from giving over the necklace to Dio, "What will you give her in return? She risked her life for that, as did the others. What is so special and why do you need it?" She keeps her tone light, but there is certainly some steel underneath.

Nova grunts lowly about their Captain's reprimand then motions upward with an upturned palm of her left hand, "On up for the meet up!"

Merek begins to lean back in the boat while it moves up a little, wrapping what looks like gauze on his leg after he uses an antiseptic scented vial. He then looks up to Dio, and back to Nova and Arcadia, taking a cigarillo from the spare pack which he lights, then he looks to Starswallow.

Ian carefully gets to his feet, his eyes moving constantly, taking in Dio, the crew, details snapping into focus. He's gone serene again.

"Many risked their lives for that - some of which I'd wager you encountered still inhabiting that ship," replies Dio to Arcadia. "But I'm a man of my word. You all have more than earned your reward. As for what I'll do with that treasure, I've got grand plans, Love." At Rowenova's words, he grins a bit, and nods to the crew on deck, who begin to hoist the ships again to the deck.

Arcadia is skeptical, it shows on her features. She clearly does not trust him. "And what are those? What plans?" She jerks her thumb at Nova, "For being in a molded and warped chest it's survived well and I mean, it was bolted to the ground. What haven't you told us?"

The crew begins to disembark once they've reached the deck, and with a wave from Dio, the archers ascend to the fore and aftercastles, attentive, but by no means threatening. The Marquis and Anne wait for the adventurers, however, and even Jamira is seemingly fixed with anticipation for a close look at the great treasure of the Prophet's Will.

Still wearing the impressive necklace, Nova back pats Cady then briefly hugs her before letting go then taking initiative to climb aboard unless otherwise harassed. Of course, she is not wearing much, a rare sight, but that will soon change in a little while. She happily displays her barely-clad chest... er, that windrose compass for the random gawkers. Even doing the superhero pose, because this is just too good not to. After cheesing up her silly antics, she finally approaches Dio. "Please, at least promise you will not give it back to the Prophet, right? You will keep it and... well, hopefully /use/ it for the greater good of The Compact, yes?" Afteverybody here gets their 'eye full', Nova finally lifts the beautiful treasure from her slender neck.

"It's probably some kind of magic compass," Ian says to Arcadia in his flat voice. "I've seen one like it before. He'll follow it to some kind of trouble. The same kind of trouble that got this ship sunk."

Merek looks perplexed about the whole conversation, while he nods a bit idly, then he finds a place to settle in and wait about. He came here to relax away from Arx, he has little interest in the trinket besides to keep his journal full of curious information. He looks to the cay, perhaps considering drawing the place.

Arcadia looks across to Ian and nods thankful for some sort of answer. Her lips are compressed even if she wanted to giggle at Nova, she won't. She's more worried about the pirate lord.

"I can't give you a history of this artifact," replies Dio to Arcadia. "But I intend to see that the Explorers have an opportunity to look it over if they wish. A man like has no vast ulterior motives, Love. I'm not a mage, a seraph or a herald. I'm a pirate. I love treasure and adventure, and to get this necklace, I've had both. "This," he says, taking in the eyefull that Rowenova offers most greedily, "is the very essence of life to me." He laughs - and his whole crew joins him - when Nova mentions returning to the Prophet. "Lass, may the gods aid you in killing me where I stand if I /ever/ gave anything to that cur except my life in everlasting defiance! To the Abyss with the Prophet!" shouts Dio, and all the Seraceni crew raise their voices to join him. Merek recognizes more than a few among Dio's crew who had been formerly Eurusi slaves.

Nova lifts off the lovely compass from her own self and just holds it while hearing out Dio, then smiles brightly. Ultimately satisfied, she soon attempts to help string the same necklace about the manly neck of that pirate lord, if let to. "Good!"

Ian despite an apparent certainty that Dio's going to get himself killed chasing pots of gold, Ian shows no concern for the pirate lord. He retrieves his shirt from wherever he left it and pulls it on.

Arcadia pulls a face at the greedy look at Nova's chest, ugh. Instead, she snaps her gaze to Dio's face. "I look forward to when it comes on display. I will make certain Lou keeps me informed."

Dio bows his head before Rowenova. "You have honored your part of the bargain - and come through a sunken ship amid some of the most dangerous waters of the Southern Sea. Let us get you what you deserve," says Dio. He waves a hand, and his crew steps forward, with a subtle but persistent pressure for those bearing the chests of Eursui coins and fine silverware to lay out what's been found. In addition, Anne nods to several crew members who return with silver in two large chests. But to Rowenova herself, Dio holds out a black pearl of the Saffron Chain. "Thank you, Scout Rowenova," he says with a wild delight in his eyes, as his fingers pass over the necklace she brought back from the sea.

Merek smiles a bit, perhaps glad to see the Eurusi slaves up to something new in freedom. He then makes his way to the cabins for crew and passengers, "I will find a nap, then make the crew some food for our trip back."

With a little fussing, Nova makes sure that the Windrose Compass is set up with OCD precision upon Dio. After, she takes off her diamondplate gauntlets before graciously accepting the black pearl. "Thank you, Marquis Seraceni. It was a fun time. If you ever find out the whole story, I would love to hear out what it is. One day."

Dio smiles warmly at Rowenova as she adjusts the pendant just so. "Perhaps we will sail in search of the answers together," he says. After sharing a good deal of wealth around the crew, many are in a jubilant mood and begin to drink; however the wind, causes Dio's dark eyes to narrow. "Pull anchor!" he calls to the crew - issuing orders gain with the help of his first mate. It seems that, in spite of the success of the journey, the voyage back will be wet and precarious as the voyage there.

Dio drops Cerdic's Windrose - a sapphire and gold pendant necklace.

Nova warmly reciprocates with a similar smile. "I would like that very much." Then, the Wolf Scout heads back to pick up her wicked stompers as well as get better dressed, too.

Rowenova puts a pair of skintight aeterna shorts with silk bows on the hems in Messenger Bag.

Rowenova puts a glimmering aeterna belly shirt with dragonfly embroidery in Messenger Bag.