Mirk has joined the Halfshav.

Marina has joined the Redreef.

Victus has joined the Redreef.

Scylla has joined the Blackshore.

Aedric has joined the Blackshore.

Auda flips a coin and it lands on heads.

Auda has joined the Redreef.

Since the formal outbreak of the Mourning Isles civil war, House Redreef has dedicated a significant amount of resources to supporting their sea forts and early warning system. It's in the rocky shoals of one of these barrier islands that the the amassed forces of Redreef allies wait now, they've had forewarning that another sweep of Dagonite forces are on their way, and this one seems large enough to push past standard defenses and threaten to make land fall on Redreef Shores itself. If they manage to break past the fleet, House Redreef will be forced to fall into a defensive siege position. Ships ring the sea surrounding the forts, while a force of Eswynd soldiers is on the ground.

OOC: COMMANDERS ONE PER PLACE - Roll command + leadership or war or sailing at daunting

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash is successful.

Giorgio checks command and leadership at daunting. Giorgio is successful.

Medeia checks command and leadership at daunting. Medeia fails.

Ember has joined the Redreef.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla is successful.

Reve checks command and war at daunting. Reve is successful.

Nimue has joined the Redreef.

Mirk checks command and leadership at daunting. Critical Success! Mirk is spectacularly successful.

Ariella checks command and sailing at daunting. Ariella fails.

Marina checks command and sailing at daunting. Marina is successful.

Countess Ember Redreef is ready. She stands on the deck of the designated Redreef flagship -- which is to say, the ship that contains her sister Marina, the House Redreef fleet admiral and Minister of War. Naval maneuvers are Marina's game. Ember is as much present as a symbol as anything: she refuses to be the Countess who hides in her castle from threats. Wearing her gruesome horned-skull mask and holding her scythe, she's covered in a shadowmeld cloak that leaves her shapeless and wraith-like. She's not speaking, not moving, just -- there. Resolute. Ready.

"Avast!" Giorgio can be heard calling from aboard the deck of one of the Tremorus longships. "Hoist that sail! Ready the rowers! Swab that poop deck!" he calls out in a carrying voice from where he stands in the command position, his eyes cast out across the fleet that he has sailed from Tremorus all the way to fight alongside the Redreef warriors. His eyes narrow, gaze directed at Savio before he says, "Savio! I said swab!"

Ariella is taking command of the entire Igniseri fleet today, and it is... not going well so far. Miscommunications between the Red Bargain to the rest of their ships via flags have led to a rocky start, and the Captain is swearing loud enough for the entire bay to hear, apparently prepared to shout the distance if that's what it takes to get their navy back in formation. Fortunately, her thick Lycene accent likely makes everything but the occasional, "FUCK!" or fuck-adjacent word intelligible. Either way, they're near the back of the pack, though whether hanging back on purpose or necessity, it remains to be seen.

Kennex brought the bulk of their fleet, lateen sails trimmed close for maximum maneuverability, Wash has positioned those vessels in the vanguard, with three caravels in the rear. He's charted these currents and has alerted his crews to the most dangerous, both to ships and to aiding their enemies with a fast approach. Flags dip periodically between sailing vessels, each supported by a knot of five or six longships.

Jasher has joined the Blackshore.

There's the Darkwater fleet - and then there's the Mercy Ship that definitely sailed separately this time, and has itself /very clearly/ marked with Lagoma's sigil painted bright on the sail. Because Azova is not a commander or sailor or admiral, has obviously just paid whoever is leading those ships really well to hopefully not screw up. While she stays with the healers to do what she's much better at. And with the spouse who doesn't trust she won't find a way to get injured anyway, in tow. "I think we're obvious enough this time. Maybe we should paint the whole ship white, too. Or is that a bit much?"

Caspian stood on the railing of the ship, hanging by the rigging. the fleet amassed was vast, with some of the best naval minds Caspian knew! thankfully, Caspian was not in any form of leadership. his gazing was cut short as Giorgio was shouting orders! he lept to help his patron before calling out with a grin " my Lord, to much manual labor and you are likely to make Lord savio faint before the battle begins!" he gave a merry laugh, trying to cut the edge of tension in the air

Back on board a ship, where he arguably belongs, after the land campaign at Tresova, Ian's in a more solemn mood than he was the last time everyone was gathered together in these waters. He hangs onto a railing as the flagship swoops over the waves, keeping an eye on the horizon, picking out, with his gaze, the ships that Wash indicates.

Dame General Martinique Barlinnie (as much as she hates the title) is also on the Redreef flagship. She is ready to fall back to land if that becomes called for; the Fury of Redreef are readied on the beaches in case. But she cannot let herself be away from the front lines of the fight for her home, the fight she knew was coming. There are red lines of cuts along her hands already but this does not deter her from passing her knives from hand to hand, toying with them as she waits.

Prince Victus was at rest upon the deck of Redreef's flagship. Running a smooth whetstone along the edge of his greatsword as the traitors appear in the distance. His armor, the same as he'd worn in their first true skirmish with the rebels, had been freshly polished to a new shine. Plenty of work for something that would likely last mere moments when everything came together. But, so it was. He straightened to his full height, lugging the big sword over his shoulder. Helm secured over his head, he was ready, and shockingly at ease for what was to be a bloody fight.

Disinclined to let Redreef stand alone out here against the threat, Proscipi has sent longboats from Tremorus! Savio shares a longship with his brother (and potentially some other friends), anxious as he waits for the battle to begin, for the threats to make themselves apparent. Although he is indeed helping with sailing actions, being familiar with these Arakkoan craft and their prodigal sailors, Giorgio gets an eye roll for his antics. "A longship doesn't have a poopdeck, you absolute wet sock. Do you remember nothing I have taught you about sailing! So long you have sat about looking pretty instead!" Then Caspian is sort of accusing him of being the one who looks pretty, so, it's all very circular here at the Tremorus fleet.

Raja has joined the Redreef.

Eswynd is not one to forget their allies in time of need, resulting in the house having sent their best infantry to defend the beaches of Redreef Shores from Dagonites. Medeia has joined the deployment to ensure that medical needs are attended to should the Thraxian fleet need to fall back. The lady stands upon the shore in her armor, calling commands out to Prodigals - though her tone wavers, and mutters can be heard from the warriors about not being on ships.

Aedric Blackshore stands silent near the helm of New Hope's flagship, gauntlets tucked securely between ribcage and cuirass. The orders, for now, are simply to hold and brace for the initiation of hostilities. As their fleet's non-commissioned officers had already been briefed on the scope of their mission and objectives -- namely the defense of Redreef Shores -- no last minute commands or barking were at this time necessary.

Marina's shockingly, perhaps even disturbingly serious as she commands the flagship of the Redreef fleet. Not because of the intelligence of approaching enemies. Not because of concerns with the weather turning. Not even with the thought of unusually large sharks showing up. No, Marina's more concerned because the last time she was out on the sea to face this enemy down, once things got down to boarding actions and hand to hand combat, she was knocked unconscious and woke up two days later in the city with the mother of all headaches and not even the excuse of hard drink for it. And so she does cut a fine figure to match her sister. Not formless and eerie, her own uniform far too mundane in material and cut to be /spooky/. But Marina hasn't recited a dirty limerick in hours. Clearly, things are tense.

Richard stands, legs planted wide, on the Mercy Ship. He can't really thank any sea-legs so much as the caravel's wide deck for making the swell of the sea less notable, glancing at the fluttering sail, and across the rest of the fleet. He's sporting a new set of shining diamondplate armor, so shiny that it may not have been worn before. That or he's just a perfectionist Oathlander knight who has shined it obsessively; either is just as likely. He wears two hats, once again: a Knight of Solace, to protect the ship and its contents, until his skills as a Mercy become needed: it's why he's wearing gauntlets, where they'd logically hinder any attempts at healing. As he does a circuit around the ship, he stops near Azova and Reve, nodding his head to both. "It wouldn't have mattered, last time. Bloodlust took hold of the group that boarded us. This time..?" he shrugs. Either way, he's prepared.

Auda is aboard the Redreef flagship as well, leaning on a railing. She's at ease on ships, it seems, even if she's no great sailor-- and hasn't spent much time on them compared to.. probably even the more green sailors. She offers a lazy little salute to Victus, but she's mostly focused on the enemy fleet.

Aboard the North Wind, the caravel that serves as the flagship of the Halfshav navy, Mirk stands at the bow. There's a moment's uncertainty, as he mutters under his breath, "I'm shaman, not an admiral." But as the time for battle nears, he projects the confidence of a leader, sword at his belt and bow slung over his shoulder. He raises a hand to catch the captain's attention and calls out, "Signal the others. Make sure that we will be ready the moment that our enemy is sighted." He's not a sailor, so he leads this navy as he often does: By finding the most skilled and reliable people that he can and placing his absolute faith in them, trusting that they will reward his faith in turn. All the while he waits, quietly watching the horizon.

Everyone missteps every now and again and the Marquessa of House Igniseri is no stranger to such missteps. She's out on the deck, sword at the ready, waiting to see if the Dagonite ships show up. She watches as some of the fleet doesn't quite get the orders given to them by Ariella and frowns slightly, but makes no comment other than to say, "Keep alive and listen to orders!" She looks back to Ariella, giving her cousin a supportive look before turning her gaze back out to the seas and watching the horizon.

Reve is very busy aboard the Mercy ship, with a beaten old cloak, and a bundle of scraps that looks suspiciously bundled to look like a person. He has the cloak stretched out and is eyeing it, as if he could make the perfect silhouette reminiscent of - wait, is that supposed to be a flayed person? A certain Darkwater is bitter. He is also making a far better kite than artistic piece to show his enemies, for when Azova eyes him, it goes flying off into the water. He sighs, elaborately, and springs to his feet to take stock of the surroundings. "It is not too much," he says, scowl punctuating his expression. He eyes overboard at his project before spinning about and nodding in agreement to Richard. After a few moments of surveying the scene, he points at the distance, noting the placement of the others to the pair with him.

Raven is with the Kennex lot, kitted out for war and impatiently scanning the seascape from a ship. Cheeks sunkissed already from her brief time at sea and her green eyes showing a liveliness that rarely reveals itself on dryland.

Much as it pains her to be here fighting for her home on /foot/ rather than astride one of the stallions Redreef so generously allows her to indulge in, Nimue's on the Redreef flagship, posted just a few feet in front of the Countess with a brilliant red blade clutched perilously tight in gauntleted hands, and dark eyes narrowed intently in waiting.

Raja has made herself comfortable on the Redreef flagship. Mingling with the crew, she has leant her aid in the various chores that are required while sailing. Once they reach their destination, she makes her way to the railing, eyes looking out over the sea.

With forewarning, the loyalist houses of the Mourning Isles have sent out scouting parties to catch wind of the enemy fleet before it arrives. Their efforts are fruitful and the smaller ships come sailing back at the topmost speed that they can muster, crying out the alarm. It gives all assembled the precious moments they need to start moving their own fleets into position. It gives the people protecting the sea forts and supplies on land time to group, fortify and wait for the battle to begin. Their decisions now will lead to the saving of lives later.

In the distance, cresting the horizon are the fleets of House Nightcove, House Bloodbrook, and House Bleakshoal. Their forces are a match in numbers to what Redreef and her allies have fielded.

Jasher opts to sail aboard Blackshore's flagship with the baron and baroness of New Hope, foregoing the decision to sail aboard his own ship or with any forces sent by Thrax command. The prince stands beside the pair quietly, clad from chin to toes in a fortress of diamondplate. He is quiet and severe, a mien that fails to differ from what is expected of him, though it does lift every once and again when he engages in conversation with his hosts.

Mirk checks command and leadership at daunting. Mirk is successful.

Medeia checks command and leadership at daunting. Medeia fails.

Quenia checks command and leadership at daunting. Quenia marginally fails.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash fails.

Giorgio checks command and leadership at daunting. Giorgio is successful.

Reve checks command and war at daunting. Reve fails.

Mikani checks command and sailing at daunting. Mikani is successful.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla marginally fails.

Martinique checks command and war at daunting. Martinique is successful.

Medeia checks intellect and medicine at hard. Medeia is successful.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Richard checks intellect and medicine at hard. Botch! Richard fails completely.

Victus checks strength and huge wpn at hard. Botch! Victus fails completely.

Mikani checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Mikani fails.

Auda checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Auda is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique marginally fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher marginally fails.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio marginally fails.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian is successful.

Titus checks strength and medium wpn at hard. Titus fails.

Raven checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Raven fails.

Aedric checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Aedric is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Botch! Wash fails completely.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian fails.

Reve checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Reve is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia fails.

Ariella checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Critical Success! Ariella is spectacularly successful.

Giorgio checks dexterity and brawl at hard. Botch! Giorgio fails completely.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Scylla fails.

Raja checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Raja marginally fails.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mirk is successful.

Raven checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raven fails.

Ariella checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ariella is successful.

Victus checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Victus is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Wash is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is successful.

Auda checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Auda is successful.

Aedric checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aedric is marginally successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jasher marginally fails.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian is successful.

Titus checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Titus fails.

Ember checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ember fails.

Giorgio checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Giorgio is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk fails.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla marginally fails.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Martinique is spectacularly successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia fails.

Titus checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Titus is successful.

Raja checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raja marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Nimue checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Nimue marginally fails.

Nimue checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Nimue fails.

Titus checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Titus fails.

Titus has suffered a serious wound!

Titus checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Titus is successful.

Titus remains capable of fighting.

House Bloodbrook, lead by Lord Halloran Bloodbrook, ships are positioned at the flank of the fleet fielded by House Nightcove. Known for their swift ships, liberal use of Arvani fire, and ability to sail into tight spaces, it is a safe assumption that Bloodbrook is here to harry whatever targets that Nightcove points out to them. Once the loyalist ships are within sight, the Bloodbrook fleet begins to peel off and angle toward those ships belonging to Kennex and Igniseri.

Bleakshoal cuts in on Nightcove's other flank. It keeps level and even with Nightcove for longer than Bloodbrook, but as the fleets close it too begins to break off from its liege's ships, course set toward Tremorus, Halfshav, and Crovane. There's shouting that can be heard already from the decks of those ships, equal parts eager and orders, and soon enough the loud tones of battle shanties.

Mikani checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mikani is successful.

When the fighting starts, Ember's first move is to get clear. She seeks out higher ground on the deck, forgoing her usual tactic of 'taking the offense.' Perhaps she wants a better view of the battlefield rather than being lost in a crush of bodies. She uses her giant scythe to hockey-goon her way past a number of soldiers, but her luck runs out quickly, as a Nightcove sailor manages to rush in close enough to stick a dagger into her shoulder. Ember cries out, and uses the butt of her scythe to knock the sailor away -- then she reaches behind herself and pulls the blade out. "GgggAAAAAGH!"

It's just a bad turn of luck at the Igniseri ship. "Keep the flags moving, stick together, don't let enemy ships too close!" Quenia's yelling, completely missing that the ships led by Nightcove are headed their way, which in in turn means the fleet doesn't quite get the signal in time from Quenia. Soon enough they are being boarded, and she moves in to attack, missing the person who engages with her almost immediately. She does her best to parry and move out of the way, however she takes a hit to the arm which manages to get through a chink in her armor. She glowers at the woman attacking her, "So it's going to be like that eh?" Well. Duh. Obviously, but she still states it.

"What was that?" The question accompanies Azova's 'look' at Reve before he drops whatever he was flying into the water. "You're right, of course Lord Richard. It was bloodlust. But..." There comes the other fleet, with the clash of battle already beginning. "Alright, let's get the floating rings into the water for anyone who falls overboard to try and grab onto so we can haul them aboard. We stocked up on burn cream right? Just in case there's fire again. Did we forget anything? No, of course we didn't forget anything." Remembering the last battle, anxiety turns into babble. And the wait begins.

On shore, Medeia and the Eswynd warriors scramble to coordinate the defensive line that stands between the fleets and the Redreef holding proper. The sailors are more used to being on the offensive in such circumstances. The lady stalls in her orders, staring out at the Nightcove, Bloodbrook, and Bleakshoal ships.

Caspian is busy looking around for this fabled poop deck that doesn't exist. so when the ships draw closer, he is a little of his readiness when the forces collide. as boarding actions start, arrows flying thick, Caspian rushes toward the thick of it, slipping past oncoming attacks "let's give them something to really be bleak about!!" he should spend less time shouting and more fighting as his attacks all go wide

As the ships start together, Ian, his expression slack and peaceful, begins moving, picking his place on the side. The distance closes, and Bloodrook forces on the opposing ship start to gather near where he is; Ashfont's ruby-encrusted hilt has, up until now, been a magnet for violence, and this still seems to be holding true. He draws his sword as the ships come together, rubies flashing blood red in the pale winter sunlight, and a moment later, Ashfont's pale diamondplate blade gleams a similar shade, in a mark of Ian's usual brutal efficiency. It's hard to be sure exactly what's happening in the chaos, at least from the outside, although some unlucky Bloodbrook, bleeding from the abdomen, is flung, screaming, into the sea. So there's that.

Raven's sword clears it's scabbaed and her gaze shifts towards Bloodbrook banners, her bottom lip worried between her teeth as she impatiently watches the distance close. Once Bloodbrook is close enough for her to make a reasonable guess where they will try to board she darts towards the railing on that side-so fast and eager you'd think someone called 'free rum!' not that she was eager to be the first in line for cutting down a bunch of prudish seditionists.

Wash's battle strategy is to control the high ground. The high ground being the capital ships, dromonds, cogs and caravels being used as firing platforms. To protect them, an escort of longships are assigned to each ship. The more versatile galleys are used as reinforcements to save a ship that seems overwhelmed. The strategy is sound, but there is nothing like live practice to throw off a crew's nerve. Kennex ships become separated from the bulk of the forces along with their staunch allies the Igniseri. As the fighting intensifies, boarding parties to start to find spots where their grapples and get them aboard the larger vessels without first defeating the lagging longships.

Second verse, same as the first. The Igniseri fleet fails to get into formation in time, and the Red Bargain is grappled and boarded by Bloodbrook sailors. Without her twin to distract her this time, all of her focus is immediately on her Marquessa-cousin, for whom several attackers go at once. She shoves Presunto, her trusty first mate, at the helm and draws Truestrike from her back, slicing through a pair of assailants like butter and nimbly dashing her way over to pull some attention off of Quenia. She isn't entirely successful, but fights viciously to defend her cousin while calling out to her men, "Break their hold! Throw their grapples!"

Giorgio is distracted for a moment by his brother's response regarding the lack of poop-decks upon longships and the fact that someone has pooped on the deck of the Tremorus ship they ride upon. There is no time to investigate, however, so he assumes Savio did it and begins to command the sailors aboard the ship and the Tremorus fleet sails out to meet those approaching ships. As the Bleakshoal ships angle toward them, Giorgio calls out and points toward them, "Contact imminent! Ready your blades! Brace for impact!" As one the Tremorus fleet turn to meet the Bleakshoal ships and move in to engage with the enemy vessels!

Mikani calls out orders to her Crovane crew. They start chanting Northern war chants and bang their shields with their axes as they close in. Mikani stands on the deck and holds her hands up. "Spirits of water and wind please be with us today. Rise up and press the usurpers back."

There are enemies. Martinique has daggers. She uses them. She doesn't kill as many as she might like, but in turn their attempts to strike back at her are like trying to strike at smoke. In particular she strikes away blows aimed at her Countess, as she simply won't allow that, and the growl she gives to the offenders is unlike her--usually Martinique's fury is fairly coldly murderous, but in this case she is actually angry.

The battle begins. As soon as the Blackshore flagship is within range of a rebel vessel, sailors and marines initiate boarding. Aedric voluntarily leads a contingent of these troops and, with a swift strike of his blade, cuts down a combatant the moment his boots connect with the deck.

As the forces clash, and it becomes apparent that no ships, from either side, appear to be veering towards the Mercy caravel, there might well be a haunted relief in Lord Richard's eyes. As Azova takes charge of the Mercy's operations, the Knight of Solace circles the deck still, alert for any devious actions. When none are forthcoming, he strips off his gauntlets and turns to weigh in with the Mercies -- difficult in his armor, but not the first time he's done so, so it's no excuse for why he fumbles the carrying of a writhing patient to a bed, hissing out a breath, trying to stop the bleeding and letting another Mercy gently but insistently push him aside to take over.

House Nightcove, led by Lord Waylan Nightcove engages with the arranged progressive forces. The ships have targets, focusing down on Houses Darkwater and Blackshore. But it's Lord Waylan's personal ship and contingent that lands at the rocky shoals, with troops swinging over the sides and rushing to engage with Eswynd's troops. Another draws alongside Baron Aedric's ship, chains swung out over the side with the intention to tangle them up and trap his ship. Darkwater is given a different treatment, a ring circling around them.

"House Bleakshoal wishes to do battle with House Halfshav. Obviously, they've never faced Northerners," Mirk calls out to Halfshav men. He raises a hand to signal the captain. "We engage." Then, with one smooth motion, he draws his own bow, drawing back an arrow, prepared to fire upon the enemies before them. Quieter, before the fighting starts, he says, "Spirits be with us." But once the battle begins, it's all shouting orders, focusing on the disposition of their fleet and less on the particulars of fighting, something that ends with an arrow grazing his ribs - he's still standing out at the front of the ship like a target.

Ships converge, orders are shouted, blood quickly begins to be spilled! Raja quickly seems to get lost within the throng of sailors all fighting for the dominance of the seas! Raja swings widely and fearlessly, however that is not enough! A blade find purchase in the Culler's side and she lets out a yelp of a sound, spinning around to face the one who DARED to draw blood. Panting and blood flowing from her side, Raja presses in closer.

Reve's battered cloak is lost at sea, and while the Darkwater is glancing in the direction it sailed he catches sight of the Halfshav ship in the distance. His eyes narrow and he rolls his shoulders, trying to dismiss sudden tension. "You know what it was," he says with a sidelong look to Azova and a little lift of his brows. Lifted brows turns into a wiggle before he is on the move, going to assist with labor for the float rings. While he works though, he constantly looks out toward the direction he last spied the North Wind in the distance.

Consumed as she is with trying to cover Ember, Nimue's completely blindsided by a sailor tackling her away and bowling her over, leaving her preoccupied with trying to shove the man off of her even as she's savagely struck in the gut by fists and knees.

Savio's ship closes with the enemy Bleakshoal ships, the fleet of Arakkoan sailors guided by Giorgio's instincts through tricky sailing. "Shit, I hate boarding action from a longship," he hisses, half to himself, though there's still time to yell at Giorgio, "Why didn't we bring a dromond?!" he knows why, but it still feels good to complain about it. "I think Halfshav's with us, let's do this," he notes to his companions. "Stay with me, Titus, it's on --" And it is, shaky start though it might be.

There was little to shout, each sailor and officer under Blackshore command knew the outlined objective, made aware that mistakes were costly. Scylla Blackshore stood firmly, armored digits wreathed about wrist with tumultuous gaze hardening as the silver limning sparked upon spotting the opposition. Shifting from Aedric's side, silent in her support, the Omen gives the command to prepare for enemy boarding in companion to Aedric's lead forward.

It was inevitable that they would avoid close range and it was the distraction of a grappling hook being tossed that left her open to an arrow's zinging slice. Gritting teeth together is Balefire drawn, readying herself for the first enemy wave.

Scylla wields Balefire, a diamondplate cutlass.

Auda bounces on the balls of her feet a little just before the battle starts, getting primed and ready. She actually kisses the flat of her dagger before leaping into the fray-- actually moving to stab the assailant that's taken Nimue to the deck. A quick stab into a sensitve part of the back, and hopefully Nimue will have an easier time!

Raja wields Serpent's Embrace.

Jasher draws his weapon with the intention to waylay boarders. The Nightcove marine he singles out from among many manages to evade the initial thrust of his blade, and use the prince's momentum against him. While he's mid-lunge, the combatant batters his left arm.

Jasher wields Wake's Edge, an alaricite longsword.

Wash isn't directly in the fighting. Ian and Raven do the bulk of that. Wash swings his cutlass over his head enthusiastically though, staying by his steersman's side to make sure the man is safe. Then he drops his cutlass. Stooping down to retrieve the weapon an arrow plunks into the mizzenmast right where he head was.

Titus is on the Tremorus ship with his friends it seems, the Southron watching the ships closing in. "At least we're not all on fire." Titus says with a bit of thanks in his decayed voice. As the Bleakshoal begins to make their way towards the ship he's on, he gives a rather encouraging pat to Caspian, Giorgio and of course Savio. "If you find yourself without pain and the songs of your ancestors singing out as Vellichor reads your chapter in His Story, don't be alarmed. You're already dead and you'll soon enjoy the feast! Until then, may you strike true to defend our allies."

And so defending they do, unsheathing the Flame in one hand as boarding planks begin to bridge as Bleakshoal are coming over the sides. Fearless, Titus lifts up his shield and begins to defend at the side of Savio as weapons clash. CLANG! One terrible slice though cuts right over his face nearly taking the head off as he ducks. Slow, but just enough to keep that head on. Crimson spills across gaunt pale flesh but still the Vaevici fights on with his companions. The movement of the fight shows a spiral pendant of wood slung on his neck.

Marina's focused on command, the strategic overview, and the general whirl of chaos... at least until the battlefield shifts and boarding begins once more. Until her sister cries out in rage and pain, and Marina leaves her faith for the humdrum details of maintaining fleet cohesion and the ship above water to the crew. Because her sister has been hurt, at the very least in dignity, and suddenly Nimue is on the deck being pummeled and stomped and that simply cannot be allowed. Marina strides from her position of command, her wickedly shaped axe swinging up almost casually. It's not like a sailor's all that different than a mast blown over in a storm. You just hit it with an axe until it falls under the waves, or at least splits into more manageable chunks.

Titus wields The Flame of Sangris.

Giorgio checks command and leadership at daunting. Giorgio fails.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash is successful.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Botch! Scylla fails completely.

Medeia checks command and leadership at daunting. Medeia fails.

Reve checks command and war at daunting. Reve fails.

Ariella checks command and sailing at daunting. Ariella fails.

Mikani checks command and sailing at daunting. Mikani is successful.

Marina checks command and sailing at daunting. Marina marginally fails.

Mirk checks command and leadership at daunting. Critical Success! Mirk is spectacularly successful.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Medeia checks intellect and medicine at hard. Botch! Medeia fails completely.

Richard checks intellect and medicine at hard. Richard is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Wash fails.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher marginally fails.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mirk fails.

Aedric checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Aedric is successful.

Ariella checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ariella is successful.

Titus checks strength and medium wpn at hard. Titus fails.

Raven checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Raven is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Scylla is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia fails.

Ember checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Ember is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique is successful.

Nimue checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Nimue is successful.

Auda checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Auda is successful.

Mikani checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Mikani fails.

Giorgio checks dexterity and brawl at hard. Giorgio is successful.

Victus checks strength and huge wpn at hard. Victus is successful.

Raja checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Raja is successful.

Marina checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Marina is successful.

Ariella checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ariella is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash marginally fails.

Ember checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ember is successful.

Victus checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Victus is successful.

Aedric checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aedric is successful.

Raven checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raven is successful.

Giorgio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Giorgio is successful.

Marina checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Marina fails.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jasher is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla fails.

Nimue checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Nimue fails.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is successful.

Raja checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raja is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique marginally fails.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia is successful.

Titus checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Titus is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk fails.

Auda checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Auda fails.

Mirk checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Mirk is successful.

Mirk remains capable of fighting.

Raven is focused on cutting the grapple lines as they find purchase- so focused that one she missed delivers a foe over the railing while her back is turned. She gives a sharp cuss as she's just turning and catches motion on her periphery, managing to evade a nasty cut by rocking back and then lurching forward with an ill-tempered sneer she retorts with a cut up under her foe's sword arm, pivoting swifting to then check the rest of the railing.

Where the Nightcove ships lands to disembark and harry the Eswynd ground forces defending the sea fort, the battle is stark and bloody. There are devastating losses to both sides and it becomes plainly apparent as the warriors of Eastcrest grind down the prodigal forces that a call for retreat may be necessary. Later, when this is said and done, people will speak of Lady Medeia's bravery against impossible odds and that despite her best attempts, she was but one woman. She saves life after life, but there are so many dead. The waters around the shoals are thick with bodies.

Blackshore is suffering devastating losses as well, and at this moment, Nightcove sailors have ensnared Baron Aedric's ship with chains. Some climb aboard, but most seem damn determined to pull on the mast and sails, destroying his ship while he and his people are aboard it.

Darkwater fares no better than the rest. But it seems, for a moment like there might be hope in sight. Re-enforcements arrive in the form of more vessels flying their colors. They're led by the flagship of Lord Baltus Darkwater. Except they don't break into the enemy line of Nightcove, they crash right into their own ships.

Mikani checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mikani marginally fails.

Battle is loud and bloody. As Bloodbrook splits their fleet to chase down both Kennex and the Igniseri ships, the sounds of boarding and the cries of battle ring in the cold sea air. As men attempt to board, other ships are attempting direct damage to their ships themselves. They haven't brought out the fire yet, but the faster and more maneuverable Bloodbrook ships loop out and take advantage of the gust of cold winter wind to begin ramming the Kennex and Igniseri ships, heedless of the fact that their own soldiers are boarding some of those ships and land in the icy sea just as well as Kennex and Igniseri soldiers do.

As Bleakshoal draws near, a new sound begins to cut through the chill wind, a rhythmic clashing and thumping that grows louder and louder. The soldiers lining the decks of the ships at the fore have begun beating their shields with their swords, or pounding the deck with the butts of their spears. It grows louder as it spreads from ship to ship, louder and louder until the whole of Bleakshoal's fleet seems to be beating out the same rhythm, their oars rising and falling with it as the thralls below deck begin rowing, intentionally or no, with the endless beat.

Tremorus receives the first impact as several of Bleakshoal's ships outright crash into them, while others draw alongside, and, screaming war cries and prayers to Mangata, Bleakshoal's troops swarm the decks. Crovane comes under attack only moments later, though they weather the clash better; soldiers exchange on both sides, turning the waters red all around. The war cries turn to true screams as death is had amongst Tremorus and Crovane.

And then Halfshav's fleet drives straight into Bleakshoal. The sound of snapping timber is audible as Bleakshoal's fleet is split, several already taking on water. Halfshav boards dozens of ships in less than a minute, and it appears that it is true, they are not used to fighting northern warriors. Not this day. But something stranger occurs. Several of the ships that have not yet been engaged seem to already be engaged in skirmishes on their decks.

As the Tremorus fleet makes contact with the Bleakshoal fleet, Giorgio calls out a few last commands that get lost in the roar of ships making contact, and the battle roars of both vessels. Giorgio surges forth along with the others, not trying to hide from the combat violence ensues, but remaining close to Caspian, Savio, and Titus. Were they to look his way, they would see the elder Ponetlaeus brother wearing gold-plated alaricite gauntlets with gemstones alternating with spikes across the knuckles. Giorgio's face is contorted in a mask of fury as he lashes out with his long arms, punching one soldier in the face, and then another, the sound of bones crunching able to be heard above the roar.

Caspian goes over the side, which is a fairly common occurrence for the man. but this time it's intentional! he leaps over with the crew, slashing his way into the nearest bleakshoal ship. blades slice through the air as he darts among the enemy sailors, crimson trails painting the deck behind him. with a loud laugh and a fey grin he calls out "guess you lot really are bleak, you don't seem happy to see us at all!" despite the progress made, Caspian slips back to not let himself get surrounded. that's when he sees the fights on the decks of the ships not engaged. "have we been betrayed?!"

As the longship escort ablates, Wash takes the helm, and commands the Candlelight personally, issuing orders and predicting with an uncanny intuition which angle the ramming ships will take. A longboat won't make much of an impact on the Candlelight's prow, so he plots the callous course through the fighting that goes right over smaller vessels. He'll bring the Candlelight to bear where Halloran can see it, hoping to draw the man into a one on one engagement.

Reve is doing what he can to help aboard the Mercy ship, but really he is just extra strength to lug around this and that. When he spies the reinforcements coming from Darkwater, he exhales a heavy breath of relief. Until, of course, they go crashing into the other vessels. Immediately his eyes narrow and he is springing from his spot to race across the ship. "Azova!" he calls, sharp and sudden, in pursuit of finding that particular redhead. All of the concern for everything else is dropped in an instant, and it is all about her.

While there is plenty to do, either in preparation or treating people who have already been hauled on board, Azova is often seen by the rail of the Mercy ship looking out over the water and the battle with an anxious expression as losses mount. Every time there's a splash in the water her jaw tightens, and each time she looks towards the Darkwater fleet there's worry. Until she sees her brother's ship start sailing in. Briefly, she leans over to grip the rail and maybe even wave when.. what the actual fuck? "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BALTUS? YOU STUPID, IDIOTIC, MORON OF A BUMBLEFUCK!! HOW DARE YOU! YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR DARKWATER!" Yes, that's right. She's screaming that all at the top of her lungs, from the Mercy ship, looking like she wants to leap overboard to go strangle her own brother. She starts frantically waving towards the remaining LOYAL Darkwater ships, to retreat.

As Titus fights alongside the Saffron companions, blood has coated his face as he battles against the boarding forces of the Bleakshoal. The grip of winter is thickening the crimson blood on his face now but as he cuts and rips into the enemy. As an enemy clashes with him, there's a scuffle on the deck as Titus slides backwards a little, but he lifts his shield again and blocks an axe wanting to take his head off. "You fight well!" He says in encouragement to his enemy who isn't able to dispatch the Vaevici. There's one bash of his clenched fist holding his sword to bluntly push the enemy backwards so he can keep at Savio's side.

"Press forwards. No matter their resistance, do not yield an inch that you've gained," Mirk calls out to the Halfshav forces - or at least, those on board his caravel. "Even if it kills us. They'll break." He grimaces at the words, spits out a mouthful of blood, and fires another arrow into the fray, clearly aiming for the commander of Bleakshoal's forces. Whether or not it flies true - and most likely it doesn't - it sends a message. He might not be boarding himself, but he's facing as much risk as many of his men. The skirmishes draw his attention, a thoughtful frown on his face, more genuine than the speeches. More of the strategist and scholar showing for a moment, and less of the assumed role of an inspiring leader. He calls out to the captain, "Pass on orders to the fleet. If Bleakshoal men surrender their ships and let a Halfshav take the helm, they're to be treated with all honors. Perhaps we can encourage some defectors from the ranks."

In the confused press of people around Ian, he steps out of the way of a strike, and almost casually runs a Bloodbrook sailor through, then wrestles the dying man around to serve as a human shield against two other incoming attackers. This pretty effectively deters one of them, but Ian maybe underestimated the willingness of House Bloodbrook to stab the shit out of their friends, and winds up getting stabbed THROUGH his meatshield. The combination of living armor and the normal kind of armor means that the wound probably isn't very bad, and Ian doesn't seem to have felt it as he forces the sailor he stabbed (and got stabbed through) over the side and lifts Ashfont to block a couple of other strikes coming his way. In the meantime, he's serving as a magnet for MOST of the Bloodbrook sailors engaging the ship that he's on, but not all.

There is blood. There is stabbing. It is a real fight, what Martinique loves the most, perhaps. Above alcohol, above sex, the feral grin she bears shows a joy in warfare that commands all other joys. Bodies land, and even though she takes some cuts in that process she doesn't seem to care--just a bit of blood. She turns towards the land, and can see the struggle going on there however, and there is a visible debate in her eyes to join that battle. She swivels back; her eyes fall to her Countess and her resolve firms; she cannot leave her side.

Being short gives Medeia some benefit in being able to slip behind taller warriors and get to those who need her help, but there are so many that need her help. With Nightcove having made ground, the lady's movements become more fearful. At one point, some might swear they heard her wondering aloud if Lord-Admiral Anders Nightcove had lied. Her eyes are wide as she surveys the carnage around her, eyeing gaps in the defense. "Pull together! Keep them from breaking through!"

Quenia has been shifting back and forth with Ariella in giving the orders, as sometimes her cousin is usually better off with things. She grimaces as Bloodbrook starts ramming into their ships. She exchanges a look with Ariella, as though trying to get her gauge of the situation. In the meantime, she's embroiled in a battle with the soldiers who have boarded the Bargain, doing her best to attack, parry and dodge. Her attacks are going far too wide, or are just bouncing off of armor, as her concern for the fleet seems to be getting the better of her, and she manages to stay out of the press of attack at this particular point.

The tides of the battle, it seemed, were slowly turning. Initially on the offensive, the Blackshore flagship now finds itself on the receiving end of a determined and vicious boarding. Yet not all hope seemed lost, and so the marines and sailors fight on -- Aedric amongst them, blade held half-sword to maximize effectiveness in close quarters. The barony, if anything, would always be remembered for its loyalty in the face of impossible odds and incredible adversity. The commands he gives are heard only by the soldiers nearest his vicinity, voice deafened at least in part by the drums of war.

"I don't -- know," Savio answers Caspian, a brief pause in his speech as the alaricite teeth of his bizarre weapon Enthrongle an unlucky Bleakshoal sailor. "Where are you talking about, are they fighting them or are we fighting us?" He is making an effort to stay close to Titus as the fighting bloodies the deck they're on, occasionally casting concerned glances toward the Vaevici lord. "One thing at a time. One THING -- oh, fuck your shield," that's to an enemy, inconvenient, "--at a time --"

Wash stays on the aft deck, above the fighting. Most of his military complement are archers, so Ian and Raven's heroics are crucial to keeping the deck clear for ordinary sailing operations. He becomes a primary target for the enemy's own archery once he takes the wheel however, and he does take a glancing blow to his chestpiece, which keeps the arrow from lodging in him. He swipes it free, ignoring the bloody tip.

Jasher battles fiercely to maintain control of the Blackshore flagship, though the chains that place her hull in a vice grip are sturdy, thick and cannot be easily dislodged or broken. Though he manages to maintain the upper hand in his one-on-one combat near the main mast of the ship, the clash of their blades echoing, though not loud enough to drown out the sound of wood snapping under exerted pressure. He raises his eyes to the mast for a moment to observe it swaying and the typically smooth, rounded side splintering as the enemy pulls hard on the lines at once, then begins to take very deliberate steps away from where it can be expected to fall - should they succeed in their aims.

Raven does her best to stop enemies from boarding and failing that-engaging those who's boots hit the deck of the ship. She is in battle as she is in sparring matches-always in constant motion and perhaps guilty of letting her attention be drawn too thin as she cuts down one foe and misses another-but allows her attention to seek Wash and Ian in the chaos even if only briefly.

Although Richard recognizes the Darkwater fleet's banners, his attention is elsewhere to begin with. His breath rattles, a long drawn out noise to ease whatever unsettled him, and then he's back into it, leaning to help haul up some poor sailor that ended up in the drink, helping him to cough up half of the waters of Redreef he inhaled. It's Azova's yelling, more than the noises of ships colliding that pulls his attention upwards. He glances from her, to Reve, then out to sea with a frown.

That foe that had stabbed her gets Raja's full attention now! In the moment, she laughs then leaps at the man, her blade slashing in crazy patterns across his form. She continues until he stops moving. However, the blood and thrill of baytle have invigorated Raja and she leaps at her next opponent, brandishing a cruel blade with malice mixed with glee on her expression.

The rattle of chains determined to tear the ship asunder gives Scylla a moment's pause as the sickening crack of the mast and tearing rend of sails grates against Scylla's already besieged senses. Attention doesn't go immediately to the Nightcove marine that managed to make it aboard, shifting instead to pinpoint one particular Baron to get his immediate location. It costs her as the Baroness missteps in the middle of a dodge, eating the brunt of the blow landed her way. Those loyal fighting at her side continue to batter those who seek to subdue those of Blackshore - it would not be something easily done.

More swearing from the Red Bargain! She's rammed from the side and Ariella nearly loses her footing, gritting her teeth and plunging truestrike right through a Bloodbrook assailant. And then twisting. And then ripping the blade back out and kicking the guy in the chest. That's the last of them aboard, and she turns to scamper up a mast to evaluate the rest of the fleet.

It's looking bad. Almost three quarters of their ships are in ruins, the bodies of their men bobbing in the water looking like flames in their Igniseri colors, and she freezes for a moment, looking like she got punched in the gut. Which she didn't because she's fast, but just like metaphorically speaking. "Retreat," she tries to say, but it comes out a hoarse whisper at first. Blinking her eyes swiftly, she clears her throat and screams up the mast, "Retreat! Signal retreat! Get the rest the FUCK out of here!" She jumps down, landing on the blood-slick deck with a THUMP as the flags do one thing right: signaling the Igniseri navy to get the hell out of here.

As expected, Victus' armor has already been tarnished by the bloodshed. His coat sporting a few new notches and covering several bruises beneath. Fortunately, he can count himself among those who remain standing. The bodies filling the waters, making Redreef's moniker seem so much more literal, draw his attention between the scuffling. It's a fool's errand to try and differentiate just how many loyalist souls are among the fallen compared to the traitors, yet, he can't help but take just a moment to try. It draws an irritated sigh from the High Lord as he refocuses his attention on the enemy, holding the intimidating Barathrum at his side. They weren't done just yet.

A combined assortment of ships breaks through the ranks of the fighting, charging through with a malicious glee that has them smashing even some of their allies. It's a contingent that's broken away from the Darkwater traitors, rather than attacking their own people, they have deemed fit to direct fully their focus onto Countess Ember's personal vassal.

Chains fly free, cruel hooks seeking to dig into the deck of her ship and those of her companions around her. Planks come down, will they board? Or will she throw them to the sea?

Ember fights. The Crimson Countess is bleeding from a wound to her shoulder, a ragged tear in her shadowmeld cloak right above where the gouge sits. "MARINA!" Ember cries, having sought out the high ground (and just now used it to slam a Nightcove sailor over the edge of the boat and into the water). "WE'RE LOSING SHIPS -- THEY'RE MOVING TO BOARD--!" Ember swings her scythe to knock aside another fighter. Left unsaid to her twin is: 'Pull some miracle out of your ass, I command you.'

Halloran Bloodbrook is many, many things. He has been called ruthless. Bloodthirsty. Even a bit sadistic. But what he was never been called is a fool. So, when Wash makes himself and his big, shiny caravel a target, Halloran gladly accepts the invitation. He doesn't direct his ships to ram the Candlelight, nor do they approach in order to try to board to satisfy Wash's desire for one-on-one combat. Instead, the ships stop at a slight distance, circling once side of the Candlelight. Within a matter of moments, barrels of sticky black pitch go flying through the air to plonk against the sides of the caravel, coating it in pitch. Then come the fire archers. Before long, Candlelight has more than earned her name.

Just as Bloodbrook starts to begin a fresh round of ramming to Igniseri ships, Ariella sounds the retreat. The Bloodbrook ships back off and circle around to throw in with the contingent attacking Kennex ships. Those poor sods that had boarded the Igniseri boats either quickly surrender or jump off the side of the ship, taking their chances with the cold over the Lycenes.

As soon as Auda and Marina give her breathing room, Nimue /explodes/ to her feet. Somewhere amidst the buzzing din of last-minute information, someone mentioned poison on her blade. At the time, she filed it away-- vaguely; there were more important things to worry about, and a sword is ultimately a sword, right? /Now/, however, even as she's wrapped in a blaring red veil that overrides giving any care to the wounds accumulating across her body-- even as surges through interlopers towards boarding planks in a storm of steel-- she remembers keenly: they only need to be /so/ wounded. /So/ slashed-- and in turn, she can bring death to that many more traitors, moving through them like a scything plague.

Wash won't lose the Candlelight for nothing. He has boasted many times that she is the fastest caravel in the sea, as soon as he sees Halloran's intent he turns to ram the Bloodbrook flagship and bring about a boarding action. They brought the heat, let's see if they can stand the flame.

Auda actually sprints for the railing, dropping down near where one of the chains appears to be aimed. She tucks herself low, ready to attack the first foes that dare brave the flagship. Of course, that does open her up for.. quite a lot of pain and suffering.

"Round up those that stay aboard, fellas!" Quenia calls out to those of the Bloodbrook. "We'll show them the comforts of the hold and of Igniseri hospitality." It might not be all that comfortable at the moment, down in the dark hold. And while she's not angry, this is the cost of war, there's a certain calculation in her eyes as she calls out to the crew and makes her wishes known. Once that order is given though, her eyes turn toward the many, many Igniseri ships that are sinking or have been pushed over from the ramming efforts. She swallows and looks to Ariella. "It was the right call." But that doesn't mean it doesn't pain her as her gaze goes off to the Kennex ship that's now set on fire. She gasps a bit as she sees Wash maneuvering the ship to try to ram the Bloodbrooks.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash is successful.

Giorgio checks command and leadership at daunting. Giorgio is successful.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla is successful.

Medeia checks command and leadership at daunting. Medeia fails.

Mikani checks command and sailing at daunting. Mikani marginally fails.

Marina checks command and sailing at daunting. Botch! Marina fails completely.

Mirk checks command and leadership at daunting. Mirk is successful.

Mirk checks perception at daunting. Mirk fails.

Giorgio checks perception at daunting. Giorgio fails.

Ian checks perception at daunting. Ian fails.

Medeia checks perception at daunting. Medeia fails.

Martinique checks perception at daunting. Martinique is successful.

Auda checks perception at daunting. Botch! Auda fails completely.

Victus checks perception at daunting. Victus fails.

Titus checks perception at daunting. Titus marginally fails.

Raven checks perception at daunting. Raven fails.

Aedric checks perception at daunting. Aedric fails.

Scylla checks perception at daunting. Scylla is successful.

Jasher checks perception at daunting. Jasher fails.

Nimue checks perception at daunting. Nimue marginally fails.

Raja checks perception at daunting. Raja marginally fails.

Caspian checks perception at daunting. Caspian fails.

Marina checks perception at daunting. Marina marginally fails.

Ember checks perception at daunting. Ember is successful.

Azova checks perception at daunting. Botch! Azova fails completely.

Savio checks perception at daunting. Savio fails.

Reve checks perception at daunting. Reve fails.

Wash checks perception at daunting. Wash fails.

Richard checks perception at daunting. Richard fails.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Richard checks intellect and medicine at hard. Richard fails.

Medeia checks intellect and medicine at hard. Medeia is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mirk fails.

Giorgio checks dexterity and brawl at hard. Botch! Giorgio fails completely.

Ember checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Ember is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian is successful.

Aedric checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Aedric fails.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Wash marginally fails.

Raja checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Raja fails.

Raven checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Raven is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Scylla is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Botch! Jasher fails completely.

Titus checks strength and medium wpn at hard. Titus is successful.

Marina checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Critical Success! Marina is spectacularly successful.

Victus checks strength and huge wpn at hard. Victus fails.

Nimue checks strength and medium wpn at hard. Nimue is successful.

Giorgio checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Giorgio is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash is successful.

Aedric checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aedric is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Jasher is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk fails.

Titus checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Titus fails.

Ember checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ember marginally fails.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla is successful.

Victus checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Victus is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian marginally fails.

Raja checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raja is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Raven checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Raven fails.

Nimue checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Nimue is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is successful.

Marina checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Marina is successful.

Mirk checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Mirk is successful.

Mirk remains capable of fighting.

Titus checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Titus fails.

Titus has suffered a serious wound!

Titus checks 'unconsciousness save' at daunting. Titus fails.

Titus is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Auda checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Auda fails.

Auda checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Auda fails.

Auda checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Auda fails.

Auda has suffered a serious wound!

Auda checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Auda is successful.

Auda remains capable of fighting.

Mikani has left the Crovane.

Chains wrap around the mast of Ember's ship, and they tuck. Tightly. While her sailors work to free the ship, she catches the sight of hooks swinging the side from the other direction. It's a feat accomplished not only be herself, but NOT-Lady Martinique. The pair are able to over, pushing, hacking, stabbing, slashing and ending anyone else who attempts to get on board through this sneaky counter-measure.

Despite grievous losses, House Blackshore remains in the fight. It could be worse, so much worse. They're pulling free of the snarl that they're in and it's Scylla that spots a Bloodbrook sailor clambering aboard with a bottle of Thraxian fire clutched in his hands. She gives him a hearty kick to the head before he can board them and set their ship ablaze.

From the deck of his ship, Lord Baltus Darkwater calls to his retreating sister Lady Azova, "I AM DEFENDING THE HONOR OF OUR HOSUE THAT HAS FALLEN. WHAT ARE YOU DOING, SISTER?" The /dis/loyal Darkwaters continue to fight whoever they have entangled, but the rest of the LOYAL Darkwaters begin to pull away.

The Eswynd forces on the land strip are decimated and now, Lord Waylan Nightcove advances on Lady Medeia. "Kill the rest, take Lady Eswynd."

Caravels make big targets and hard to ram targets, but what they don't do well is turn with any sort of agility, especially in pitched battle. House Bloodbrook, pointedly NOT in caravels, can see the caravel signaling a turn and mimic the motion, though much more agilely, deliberately to turn out of range. Some of the ships are more suucessful than others, but Halloran Bloodbrook seems to see them as acceptable losses, particularly since the Candlelight is too busy moving into ramming position to move to prevent the lobbing of more barrels, this time many onto the deck, and another wave of fire arrows. As it rams the Bloodbrook ships, those ships' sails begin to catch fire, but Bloodbrook moves to quarantine those ships to burn away from the bulk of their fleet.

She has killed many foes on their decks, but more remain. Martinique turns to look over the decks, over the shore. "Lady Marina--we must fall back." She states. She stabs another dude offhandedly in the process of stating this, but her calm remains--until she spots the men swarming the Eswynd fleet and trying to take Medeia. "NO!" She lunges for the rail, but as athletic as she might be, she can't fly. Instead, she'll sink down next to Auda who is somehow still conscious and breath heavily to control herself.

Auda shifts to peek from her totally stealthy ambush spot, and catches eyes full of fire-on-water glare. She's pretty much blinded, flailing her dagger at a perceived threat and then.. getting stabbed for her trouble. She's definitely not looking good. There's blood. Lots of it.

Martinique to Auda: "Oh stop it, it's just some blood."

Titus continues fighting alongside the Saffrons and what a fight on the ship it is. There's burning ships in the distance that can be seen, but Titus focuses right here, right now. A rather very large Bleakshoal warrior causes some havoc on the deck and they charge right at Titus and Savio, wielding a trident and a boarding axe which is thrown and slams into the Vaevici's shield lifted just in the nick of time! But as the Bleakshoal warrior rushes, they close the distance and there's a crunch as the trident pierces into Titus and pins him to one of the masts. There's a cheer of victory by the Bleakshoal thinking they've killed the Warmonger, but Titus grips the Flame and with it, lops the head right off of his opponent as it rolls to the ground and the body falls with a wild spray of blood coating the pinned Warmonger. Titus watches his friends shout for glory and honour, and he grabs the spiral wooden totem on his neck snapping it off to hold tight. "You make your ancestors proud. Be the best of the Compact to..them." He says in a decayed voice to Caspian, Giorgio and Savio as blood bubbles in his throat. The crimson eyes stay open a little more as he smiles grimly, a choked word saying "My Kh...." Titus seems more like the Scarecrow of Sangris right now as he slumps pinned to the mast.

Ember fights, and fights, and fights. And then the bleak realization hits: she can keep fighting, and die, and Redreef dies with her (or, worse, gets taken over by one of the cousins she doesn't like very much, as opposed to the cousins that she likes). Or she can...

"RETREAT!" Ember screams, so forcefully that her voice pretty much goes hoarse on the spot. "CALL THE RETREAT! RETREAT!" Ember isn't going to stop herself from taking out a few enemies on the way. "BREAK THE LINES, GET THE CHAINS OUT!" Ember hates this. She hates this so much. But she knows that this fight is about more than just her.

There is no flammables aboard the Candlelight. It would take a braver man than Wash to load his ship down with flammables and then sail into battle. The name is not intended to be taken as a literal suggestion. With the wind being insufficient to overtake the Bloodbrook flagship, Wash uses his flaming vessel as a weapon, it may not be good for sailing much longer, but if Bloodbrook is any sign, enemy ships will give it a wide berth. Needing a landing spot and a purpose, Wash finds both. He signals for the Kennex forces to close in on him and using the massive caravel as afireship points it at the landing ships Nightcove has shielded. Once the course is laid in, he'll abandon ship with the rest of his crew and hopefully make it safely back to the body of the Kennex fleet. Once there, he'll signal the general retreat.

Reve catches sight of Azova (probably led by the shouting) and snares her at the shoulder, trying to pull her back from the railing of the Mercy ship and stop the attention calling - though he is too late given the return shouts. Reve cannot use words initially, so he just glares a glare that has everything to do with high emotions, fear chief amongst them. He catches sight of Richard yonder and spits out, "She has actual Darkwater blood! If they board us, she gets hidden!" Because, at the end of the day, he views her as a target and needs to convey this. Reve lifts a hand, clearing spittle from his lips, and then starts to try to find a flag to signal the Darkwater forces to retreat in reinforcement of Azova's initial call. "Hopefully... give chase..." he mutters to himself, prowling back and forth. This prowl never strays far from Azova.

With all that is going on around him, Jasher struggles to maintain clear focus on any single enemy combatant he faces. The mast is splintered but not yet fallen, the threat continuously looming over his head in every possible sense. He misses his attack, but manages to step aside just in time for the return strike to glance off the smooth surface of his diamondplate pauldron. Voices raise above the din of battle, calling for a retreat. And yet the baron and baroness do not show any hint of following suit; their forces still engage the enemy without balking. It suits him just fine. He fights on.

Marina's lost in the less strategic and more... tactical side of battle. Yes, tactical. Or, really, tactile given the way she's feeling the haft of Wavebreaker shudder as she buries the head into sailor after sailor. But she's got the presence of mind to fix almost gleaming, crazed eyes on Martinique as she calls out and nods solemnly, spinning around and beginning to bellow orders to disengage and retreat.

There's a brief moment where she almost pauses in shouting orders but Martinique does /not/ try to fly, or leap off the ship and swim after their foes, and so she's free to focus on ensuring their losses aren't compounded any further.

In the end, when Reve pulls her back from the rail Azova just looks utterly stricken. "My own brother." She knows what she has to do, what it's going to be a duty to do, and just looks at her husband with a bleak expression when he suggests she's going to be a target. Hey, screaming sibling match! In the middle of battle! Did she just snarl and try to escape to run back towards the rail again? Yes, yes she did. She is known for having a wee bit of a temper, despite her otherwise helpful demeanor. "NOT FOR LONG, YOU TRAITOR!! YOU HAVE NO HONOR." Yep, she's gonna have to be hauled back again. But once she is, she turns sharply on her heel to subsume herself in her job.

Medeia is... Bold but not stupid. When the reality of the situation sinks in, she straightens her back and dips her chin to Waylan. "My lord, I surrender peacefully." Her trident and stiletto are held out in a way that is non-threatening. Whomever takes them from her is instructed, "Do make sure those are returned to me in good condition." Then, the Eswynd lady is accommodating in her capture - in the hopes of not being tied up or smacked around. Fear is plain upon her face, har hands tremble. But she will not let the Nightcoves see her cry.

Nimue's markedly /less/ bothered by the premise of pulling back from certain defeat, for all that being winnowed down eats at her. As soon as Ember makes the call, she snaps her attention towards hefting and hauling hooks from the ship and punting any remaining borders overboard.

Giorgio presses on into the fray along side his brother, Caspian, and Titus. Blood is splattered across his face and armor, but a sudden rocking of the ship causes his jeweled gauntlet to miss in a punch thrown toward one of the Blackshoal warriors, forcing Giorgio to leap back to keep from getting slashed open with that sword. As Titus is pinned with that trident to the mast of their ship, Giorgio lets out a yell of outrage and presses with a rage that is quite different from the normal disposition of the Merchant Prince of Tremorus. "FUCK YOU!" he screams in the face of one Blackshoal. PUNCH. "FUCK YOU!" he screams at a second, PUNCH! "FUCK YOU!" is roared at a third.. PUNCH!!

A well-timed swing from the nearest rebel marine forces Aedric on the defensive. He successfully parries the blow, but in the process is forced to forsake his footing. The momentary loss of balance costs him the opportunity to execute a brutal riposte. Amidst the sounds of screaming and steel clashing against steel, a familiar voice orders their retreat. "Put them to the sword. Delay Nightcove's advance. Buy Redreef time," the elder Blackshore asserts coldly, though his command is heard by few. New Hope's numbers have already significantly thinned.

Raja has left the Redreef.

Savio observes his brother out there punching armored combatants -- guys, he is punching them -- and there is a brief pause in his own flow of fighting to just yell "GIORGIO WHAT THE FUCK," at him, Throngler and free hand spread in a 'what?!' gesture. Then he pauses, stopped, stuck, stricken, as he realizes -- this is what it's like to watch a Pontelaeus being an idiot. This is what it's like to watch HIM. It's an out of body experience. He owes so many apologies to Haakon? "Fuck my life," Savio says, in the reverent tones of an epipany, then snaps out of it before someone on the Bleakshoal deck can disembowel him and upset Orland.

He is having success in his own bloody battles, blood running in rivulets down the wood and alaricite of his weapon, steelsilk splattered with another man's blood as he connects, trying to keep an eye on -- "No! TITUS!" Oh, it looks so bad. It looks so bad. He looks -- gone. He looks gone. Stories are full of heroic moments of rushing to a friend's side, but this is not a story, not while Savio as to keep fighting. And he does. "I'll bring you back," he promises what he thinks is Titus's corpse, barely above a whisper. Almost like the Warmonger's voice, itself. "I'll bring you home. I'll bring you home."

Richard's jaw is set as he glances towards Reve, catching the man's words. It earns him a nod, and a gruff clearing of throat: "If it comes to that, we'll repel them, just as we did the last time." His gaze goes to Azova, her furious response to her brother. "My lady. We've pulled some more from the water. Your lord husband can keep an eye on your brother while you work."

Ian can see the fire starting to spread through the Kennex ships, and this is probably why his fighting style is starting to lose its efficient finesse in favor of good old fashioned bloody Thrax brutality. Some poor guy has his faced caved in from a punch from Ian's alaricite-clad left hand, while he holds a couple of people off with Ashfont, and a headbutt stuns someone else long enough for them to be thrown over the side. Someone's guts are spilling all over the deck, whoever it was is either trampled or in the drink. He's not really trying to kill or even seriously injure the Bloodbrook forces; he doesn't have to. Everyone who gets dumped overboard stands a fair chance of getting dumped straight into their own damned fire. With offense taking priority over defense, just trying to bloody Bloodbrook's nose enough to make it count, he's probably taken a few hits, but the nice thing about black clothing is that you look like a total badass. The OTHER nice thing is that you've got to really be bleeding before anyone's going to see it.

Victus holds the back of his neck as their ships pull away. Breathing heavy but steadily, and gripping his sword by its midway point. His gauntlets keep him from getting any unfortunate, high level papercuts. With Ember calling for the retreat, Victus gives her a single nod. Praise for her choice, but not spoken aloud. It wasn't going to get over the shouting, the clash of steel, and whatever the hell was burning on the horizon too.

"HOLD THE LINE!" This is called out as Scylla regroups with what remains of the fighting force alongside her aboard the hamstrung vessel, a response as Ember's voice calls out for retreat and chaos erupts elsewhere. There is a moment where the Blackshore Baroness makes sure to keep a momentary, steadying eye on all the ships who retreat, letting a shaky breath exhale, "BLACKSHORE WE FIGHT ON!" There is a brief moment where gaze rests on Jasher, giving a nod. Aedric's position is located briefly, marking his position before attention once more diverts to the daunting task of allowing Redreef forces to fall back.

"Make sure those knots are bound tight," Quenia calls to the Igniseri crew on the Red Bargain, and to any nearby ship that might have been boarded. "These Bloodbrook folk have families," she says of those who surrendered. "And while they're morals are rather questionable, what with wanting to essentially keep people chained and all, we're going to treat them better they they aught to be treated." She's keeping keen watch on how the captives are being treated, while also watching with abject horror at how the Compact forces are coming apart at the seams. "Mangata please grant them as safe a return as possible," she offers up a prayer for the Compact forces, her hands going to her stomach and holding it, as though the devastation hurts her to the core.

Raven is still working feverishly to clear the decks and then she belatedly noticed the fire, "Oh sh-!!!!" Her eyes go wide around as she takes stock of the Candlelight's plight, "Ooooh,fuckfuckfuck!!" And then she's driven back in her distaction, given a nasty cut and swiftly dispatching the cad who'd made her bleed. Pausing to catch her breath she takes note of Wash's signal...and then his course. She scurries towards the helm, "Ah! Captain! What the fu-..." She pauses and her eyes widen, "Nooo. Surely we're not..." Her eyes are almost freakishly, doll-like wide, "Are we really?!" Her comically wide eyes swing to Ian, her free hand pressing against a freely bleeding wound. She looks somewhere between impressed and more than a little Concerned.

Caspian is tearing into a group of bleakshoal when the cries of Titus and the cheers of the bleakshoal draw his eye. "Titus no!" he is too far to reach but that doesn't stop Caspian from trying, slicing through sailors to try and clear out the area around Titus.. alive or dead.

Raja has joined the Redreef.

"I am. Once the deck is clear, you and Ian row for the fleet. I'll catch up to you." Wash promises Raven. "She has one last promise to keep."

Titus has left the Tremorous.

Raven eyes Wash, "I am /not/ leaving you behind, my lord. That is NOT happening."

As Wash aims his burning ship toward the Nightcove line, Halloran Bloodbrook watches aboard his own ship. His lips curve into a thin smile and he gives the order for several of the Bloodbrook ships to sacrifice themselves in the attempt to ram the Candlelight off course and keep it from intercepting the Nightcove fleet as they harry Redreef into retreat.

Queniaian

Mirk watches his allies begin to retreat, and a hint of uncertainty touches his face for a moment. He's bleeding, he's injured, though he's covered the worst of the wounds with fireweave to make it hard for any of his soldiers to tell. "We cover our allies' retreat," he calls out. "No one left behind. Not Halfshav, not our allies. If that means we are in the thick of the fighting until the very last moment, then so be it."

Amongst Tremorus, Halfshav, and Bleakshoal, all is pure chaos. With Crovane pulling back, the Bleakshoal ships turn on the remainder, pounding Tremorus's forces in particular even as they try to recover from Halfshav's devastating and unforeseen success. Bleakshoal's fleet remains sundered mostly in two, even though it is trying to pull back together, and this allows for Halfshav to continue to make gains even as the rest of the battle goes poorly. Mirk's attempted shot at who he thinks might be commanding Bleakshoal's fleets goes wide, but apparently not unnoticed, as several archers fire in return. The commander raises a sword and points toward Mirk's ship. "Kill these damned northerners!" he practically howls. "And take as many of those southern shavs as possible! We'll need fresh oar cre--" There's an explosion of sudden violence behind him, and he turns. There are people swarming up from below, furious screams, as thralls, many of them still partially shackled, begin beating the Bleakshoal flagship's soldiers and crew with anything at hand; chains, mop handles, even parts of an oar itself. The soldiers turn their weapons on their own thralls, and bodies drop to the deck while blood sprays.

The rebelling thralls start to draw back, but then one of the thralls manages to beat one of the soldiers down and gets his hands on a weapon. He cuts two other soldiers down, and now the thralls have those weapons too. There's a surge, and the Bleakshoal commander realizes, too late, that there's not enough men left on his ship to hold it. He goes down screaming under at least half a dozen vengeful blades.The flagship is not alone. As the loyalist forces begin to retreat, two of the ships that appeared to be under attack break away from Bleakshoal's confused and floudering forces. Arrows are fired, and one starts taking on water, but it's not enough to slow them. They sail directly for Halfshav, oared by armed and wildly elated thralls who begin shouting at Halfshav as soon as they're within hearing range, flying makeshift white flags made of tunics drenched in blood.

Raja has left the Redreef.

"Any Bleakshoal man who flies a flag of surrender is to be taken under our banner and treated like one of our own," Mirk shouts out to his men, a small smile on his lips at the sight of the thralls, as if genuinely touched by what he's seeing. "Any surviving ships are to be treated like our own, and their crews are our crews. Understood?"

Caspian is to busy cheering at the thralls from the side of the ship to notice the state of the rest of the fleet. his face is a picture of elation and pride.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash is successful.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla fails.

Mirk checks command and leadership at daunting. Mirk is successful.

Giorgio checks command and leadership at daunting. Botch! Giorgio fails completely.

It's a bloody battle, but that's how these things go sometimes. Despite the best of leadership, despite precautions taken and fortifications enforced, sometimes it just doesn't go well. The combined forces of Nightcove, Bleakshoal, Bloodbrook, and one quarter of Darkwater's forces lead a terrible assault on Redreef's line of defenses.

House Redreef calls for the retreat, and all that are remaining turn their ships for an escape. All except House Halfshav and House Blackshore, and House Proscipi. And also, Wash. The Blackshore ships are sunken, destroyed, with Aedric, Scylla, and Jasher managing to narrowly avoid being captured by Nightcove sailors. What's left of the fleet from Tremorous will take the Blackshores aboard as they escape. And not to be forgotten, is Lord Wash. Whose ship is on fire, and sets more ships on fire before he's done. His ship is a loss, and he's nearly a loss too. But one the recently rebelled thralls scoops him from the water.

Bloody, injured, and broken. The defenders will rush to Redreef Shores and begin the next stage, the siege of Redreef Shores.