Session 2: Soul of Winter

The captain nods in agreement when Agna points out that this is her ship. "Indeed" she starts, looking into the horizon "It is our duty to see what is going on and if needed, rescue any cargo that may have been lost" He watchman laughs as she mentions "rescuing the cargo". She turns to both of you with a mischievous smile. "Well, would you be up for a little adventure? It might be worth the little delay"

Captain Harkin is thrilled. It's not like you are really looking forward to it, but you didn't say no, and that's all she needed to not hear! She starts barking orders to change direction and prepare for a salvage operation. She mostly disregards your worries but, after awhile, she takes a moment to reassure you. "Doesn't worry lads, winter is already here. You are not going to miss it!" She gives you a childish smile as she goes off to make sure all the crew is ready.

It takes you most of the night for the other ship to come in insight. As dawn breaks, you start to notice the details of the looming, shattered hulk. The crew immediately starts to whisper about the extensive damage. "Horrible storm. Tidal wave. Disrespected the Gods. Aliens" all sort of theories are put forward to explain the damage. As you listen to the crew, it becomes clear to you that even the fact that the ship is afloat is surprising.

Whatever hit the ship was strong enough to carry off the masts, sails, and rigging. Its figurehead, once a majestic angel in flight, has be hacked and disfigured into a deformed horror. The vessel list noticeable to port, evidence that the stabilizing ballast has shifted, thought the incline doesn't appear severe enough to make moving on the deck hazardous. The ship rides-low in the water, implying that the bilge and possibly the lowest deck are flooded. It looks like the Soul of the Winter might sink during the next tenday or so.

Once the preparations for the salvage have begun, captain Harkin approaches you again. "Given the state of the ship..." she points to the heavily damaged Soul of Winter "... we'll be sending out a small scouting party to quickly sweep the deck, check the structural stability, and find out if there are any survivors." She points at some of the two sailors reading a rowboat to launch. "I can't order a full boarding before guaranteeing the safety of my crew".

Having heard Izuhn's comment she smiles and adds. "If you'd like the full experience, be my guest."

Fizel smiles at Agna's question. "Well, we can't have that cargo ship just sink without helping now can we?"

It becomes clear to you that motivation is interpreted in a different way on the high seas as the captain is pleased with your answer, despite your lack of conviction. In no time, the sailors bring you ropes and grappling hooks and show you one of the ferries for you to board.

Once it is all ready, you are lowered to the sea and taken to the derelict. The sailors rowing stop to check for ways in and notice that there are no portholes or any other large opening. They point up and let you know that you will have to scale the algae-slick hull to the main deck of the quarter deck.

You manage to climb the slippery surface of the ship's hull with no problem, despite the initial doubts. You make it up to the main deck, where you witness the damage to the structure first hand. The upper decks slope gently down towards the ship's port side and all that remains of the ship's masts are short wooden stumps. However, the double doors leading to the cabins fore and aft appear intact, as does the metal grate in the deck that offers access to the lower decks. Aside from the rhythmic creak of the ship's badly weathered timbers, all seems quiet at a first glance. You look up and see the Captain's party jumping into the quarterdeck. She quickly signals to let you know that all looks ok there.