Young Writers Society

Just a quick question for when the pirates show up. What level is the technology at?
Are we still shooting arrows at each other all the time or is it close to 14th century with rudimentary guns and cannon?

This is all going to be pre-gunpowder. So when the pirate show up, combat will involve arrows, magic, and close-quarter combat.

The temptation right now is to just have them get on the ship and immediately fight someone. What I would like instead is for us to set up a routine for the ship. For Pelleas and Harold, that might be training below decks. For Astrid, it might mean target practice. For Aqua, it might mean fishing in his dragon form. For Sept, it might mean using magic to kick up a breeze. For Sarah, it might mean studying maps.

These activities provide an opportunity to show off the characters individually, as well as give them an opportunity to interact with one another. Another activity could be standing watch. I encourage you all to be creative.

I'll have Aqua catch some whoppers of fish for the crew. I don't know much about deep-sea fishin', but I might have him snag a swordfish every once in a while.

I like the idea of setting up a normal routine! I think Astrid is more likely to stand watch than practice shooting as she'd want to reserve arrows, them being out at sea and not having an unlimited number. She's a bit prideful though so she might waste one or two, just to show her skills.

And she'll certainly keep up with her sword practice when not on watch

Good idea! Sarah can study maps and walk around, picking up tricks from all the crew. Incidentally, who should be posting now? This is one SB that I am determined shall not stagnate.

There is no set posting order. Post if you like. Get the ship going!

Rydia: I envisioned Astrid firing at a target on deck, like a straw target, not out at sea, so that arrows could be recovered very easily.

When it comes to Sept, he might accidentally summon a gale more than a breeze. In case this hasn't been mentioned, Septimus can't really control the output of his magic, and the more he uses it in a limited amount of time, the less he can use it afterwards.

So he'll probably alternate between keeping an eye out for the ship's conditions and trying to control/limit his magic.

Oh, great idea Griff! In that case, archery practice here I come

Posted! Rydia, the effects of that little cube are entirely up to you.

Okay, cool! I'm gonna post as well

Posted! There is a good opening for Septimus here, I think.

I'll post ASAP.

Grif and Cam, should the post involve you as well? Or shall Sept and Sarah just go out and watch Astrid train?

I could also actually have the pirates attack, or hint at an attack...

Ideas are welcome. I'm somewhat brain-dead at the moment.

I should give another round of routine posts before letting the pirates attack. Perhaps let us go watch Pell and Harold as well, and visit Hag with the updates on the route.

Looks to me that nobody's noticed that Aqua caught some swordfish for the crew to have as food.

Sorry! We can have a lunch-scene later in the day where we can give him full credit. Anyone like to handle that? Do you want to work it into your post, Ita?