The Shadow of Anvelis (PbP Game)

[Gerwulf]

And so it begins. I have selected the following characters for the game:
Corlen the Ranger played by Skyrar
Franklyn the Cleric played by Chrono
Zorbo the Druid played by Jioan
Drake the Sorcerer played by Lothmar
Garret the Thief played by TheCake
Vesk the Bard Played by CmdrI.HeartlyNoah.

Thank you all for your submissions; I had a hard time narrowing it down. Congratulations to those above, and to those who were not accepted; you may yet have a chance. Follow the story, if someone drops out there may yet be a place for your character in the world of Anvelis.

I would ask that everything posted here be considered In character. If you have a question feel free to PM me or post in the reactions thread. OOC posts if absolutely necessary can be done but designate the post OOC and place it behind a spoiler tag so we can skip over it while following the story. If you are not one of the people named above I would ask you not to comment in this thread. I will create another thread titled Reactions to The Shadow of Anvelis where comments are welcomed. It can be found here: http://www.erfworld.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=267 Thank you for your cooperation.

Without further adieu I present to you
The Shadow of Anvelis: Chapter 1 “The Fallen”

A cold ocean breeze blew in over the docks. A tall man with an intense look on his face scanned the docks, occasionally looking upward at the moon as if to judge some aspect of time. He seemed uneasy, fingering the bow at his side. It made the guards nervous, but he hadn’t done anything yet so they sat and watched. The man, after looking at the moon for the 30th time suddenly dropped to a knee and pulled his bow to his side; to the observant he was taking up a hunters pose, to the unobservant he was simply resting. Several peasants on their way home from the various taverns or brothels on the docks were wary of him, but could not give him too much distance because they were more wary of the gnome and his wolf companion standing across the walkway. The gnome stood staring at the moon a look of perplexed concentration on his face. His wolf looked at him curiously, aware of his master’s unease but unsure of the reason. The gnome could sense something, though he wouldn’t say it just yet. The breeze from the ocean was too cold, even for early spring. He couldn’t place it but he could tell that someone was messing with the natural order of things. So absorbed in the moon and the wind the gnome hardly noticed when the large Half-Orc nearly tripped over him. The Half-Orc scanned the docks, eyeing each person as if expecting them to suddenly walk up and speak to him. Excitement was on his face, and he lingered for a while on the well armored man standing at attention in front of the royal dock, almost pleading with him to be the one to approach. The human cleric however was dutifully stationary, taking in the whole scene. His holy symbol proudly displayed marking him a follower of Diamitriis, God of War. He had taken note of the nimble Halfling who had evaded capture earlier in the day and now sat quietly behind the freight boxes that had not yet been loaded into the warehouses. He did not know why the Halfling was fleeing the guards, but he knew he could not arrest him without cause. He also knew that his instructions were very explicit, wait at the dock until they arrived, do nothing else. His largest concern at the moment was the Human who had been so eager to take the next ship anywhere. The cleric eyed him with suspicion, a man so desperate to leave who simply gave up and sat not ten feet from the royal dock, eyeing the moon with anger and jealousy. It seemed like a convenient cover for a would be assassin, and he was on his guard if the man tried anything.

The rather calm scene was suddenly broken by a shrill cry from one of the dark alleys that surrounded the docks. An old woman staggered into the open, eyeing each of them. Her dark grey cloak draping heavily over the thin wooden cane she used for support. “DOOM!” she cried out, pointing her thin cane at the moon, “Can’t you see it? Don’t you see the blood that’s coming? Flee! For the love of Iao, flee this place and never return!” Her rant was cut short by the loud trumpet announcing the coming of a royal, and the clatter of hooves on cobblestone. Prince Tevin accompanied by a royal contingent of 30 guards rode towards the docks, and the cleric standing guard. Salutes and small words were exchanged as the prince and his men dismounted. Those closest to the old woman could hear her muttering “ohno, not the prince. What am I to do?” Prince Tevin looked at the old woman for a long time, “You seem familiar woman, come forward.” He said stepping through his guards. But she took a step back fear filling her eyes, she looked to the moon and then back to the prince and then she raised her cane and spoke words of arcane power. Draconic language, but different than that used for normal magic, her cane slammed into the ground and split it in two. Separating the docks from the rest of the town. Tevin’s guards surrounded him weapons pointed at the woman, but she continued to chant in the odd language, and a thin white light rose up from the ground through the crack. It rose quickly, trapping those who had been on the docks before they could flee. No sooner had the light risen above the buildings than another light, red in color sprang forth from the mountains far to the west. The red light slammed into the white light made by the woman and beads of sweat formed on her brow. For those closest to the wall of light intense heat caused them to back away. They all watched in horror as the red light expanded and moved across the town burning all in its path. Those on the other side of the shell were burned alive and the buildings reduced to ash in seconds. As the red light moved away the old woman collapsed to the ground, her protective white light fell as soon as she did and the heat from the red light caused all to fall back further towards the ocean. When the light faded from view and the temperature returned to normal Tevin ordered some of his men forward to search for any survivors. Before they could move however the land shook. Everything except for the section separated by the old woman shook violently and began to sink below the waves. In seconds the whole continent disappeared below the sea. Tevin stood shaking with fear and anger then turned to address the people still standing in horror on the small section of dock, “Everyone come aboard my ship. There is food for all of us, and we can search for a new home.” He turned and walked to the large galleon followed by his 30 guards…

[Skyrar]

Corlen stood still for most of the time. Only when the mountains began shining in red, he moved, ducked behind some crates. Then came flames. Then came the madness. A shivering terror ran down his spine, as he watched the whole island just.. sink. Mother? Father? Cale? The words of the guard were distant jibberish.. All he could see was the sea - magnificient and beautiful it had been to him, not ten minutes ago! Now it had swallowed everything he had, everything he loved? That could not be true. Where there is no comprehension, there is no remorse, so all Corlen did was cowering behind the crates and staring at the sea. Speechless.

[TheCake]

Such a pity...So much gold wasted in that heat, well i suppose there's more on the ship and it's the only way out i guess I'll sneak onto the ship discreetly and if questioned about the reason why i was hiding behind those crates (Could you explain that to me by the way?) lie and say that they must be thinking of someone else

[Lothmar]

Trying to stay calm over his panic and anger as best he could he felt the eyes of those around him. As the woman ranted he lowered his gaze to normal levels and merely thought 'If you only knew; what do you think im trying to do here? Wait, what am I thinking? Why would she be talking to me, she's probably nothing more then another doomsayer. BAh, at least it draws some eyes and ears away from me.' However at the princes approach he rose from his dock post and took a knee, hand over hand atop his knee ready to show his credentials in hopes playing the nobility card might get him out of minor meticulous questioning for whatever his business was here.

The events to follow did not seem to draw his attention, until he heard Draconic. 'This is not a dialect I am familiar with. . .' He thought to himself in a curious manner trying to piece through the words as best he could. But the display thereafter was so awe inspiring he wanted to fall to his knees and weep for so many reasons. "Heh." He nearly chuckled for a moment. "Heh-heh..." The tears welled up in the corners of his eyes and he covered his mouth to muffle a small shout and then gave himself a minor smack to calm himself. Taking another two breaths he stood up and straightened out his clothing, pausing to flinch slightly at the heat though he was probably more protected from it then most due to his heritage he approached the elderly woman who had been left by the prince and his guards he thought oddly enough.

Kneeling in to check her condition he whispered in Draconic, "Come, come." In a calm hushed tone "We cannot stay, this is the least I can do for the one who saved me." He said completely assuming her innocence in the matter at that moment. *Diplomacy if needed to comfort and or convince*

~If she's conscious help her up and support her to the ship; If unconscious carry her along; if dead, carry her along.~

He watched the others around with careful glances ready to shoot give them a look that said 'This lady is in my protection' should they seem to have hostile intentions. *Intimidate if needed* After all, he needed a new master now anyway it would appear and was desperately seeking something to latch onto to preserve his fragile psyche after that.

[jioan]

Zorbo shook his head. Surely the whole continent couldn't be gone. I bet it was only the city and surrounding land. Only the gods have the kind of power to sink an entire world. He hadn't thought he had cared much for the city. It was too crowded and too large he had thought. The only reason he settled nearby was so he had somewhere to sell his wood carvings. Now that it wasn't there he realized he missed the city. The humans here didn't deserve this. Most of them had done nothing wrong and had been innocent, kind people. He looked for the frail elderly women who caused this and saw someone carrying her onto the ship. That's odd I thought the first thing the Prince would do would be to kill her. Still hanging onto the fact that most of the land was still intact he walked up onto the boat with Jagg and looked at the rest of the survivors. It was a strange grouping. The one who stood out the most was the half-orc who had almost tripped over him earlier. Well then again, maybe I stand out the most. Me and Jagg don't exactly fit in with these city-folk.

[chrono]

Anybody who laid eyes upon the thirty-or-so years old cleric could not help but think that he is the one person on the dock in most dire need of a horse. It wasn't that he seemed burdened by his gear, on the contrary, he looked like a man who would feel most comfortable armed and clad in heavy armor. Still, there was something about him that felt over the top...
He was wearing a polished breastplate; a mace, dagger and a large sword hung from his belt; a large steel shield was loosely strapped on his back over his backpack which seemed bulging and rather heavy... But that wasn't all: he carried a bag in his left hand which was also full of what seemed heavy and possibly metal things. Although most were impossible to discern, at least four javelin tips were sticking out from inside the bag.

Before the whole burning-of-the-city incident, he was pretty uneasy as it felt rather odd to have such a strange mix of people (well... loosely 'people') around his meeting point at such a strange time. He was watching a few of them with suspicion until the old lady showed. He muttered something to himself, something starting with "Well wouldn't you know it..." which continued in a slightly annoyed yet rather calm mumble.

As the arcane forces clashed on the dock before his eyes he dropped his bag, drew his sword and did his best to stand before the calamity and Tevin. He briefly watched the flames in incomprehension, then approached Tevin as he spoke and said: "Lord, I am father Lorbel from the order of Diamitriis and I am supposed to...", he looked around wearily, "... help protect you on your mission. Have you any idea what is the meaning of all this?"

As a man tries to carry the old woman onto the boat, Franklyn steps toward him and says "Halt, what do you think you're doing?"

[Lothmar]

Drake eye's whom he assumes to be a guardsmen with slight contempt as he approaches him. 'Great, another soldier boy with something to prove to his lord in a time of crisis.' He pauses to steady the old woman and himself momentarily before replying. "I am helping a survivor aboard, I would prefer not to leave our savior to die." He pauses examining his stance pondering whether he will have to resort to trickery or not. "And before you start," He adds with a sigh. "It is only an assumption, if she were responsible the prince would have most likely had her killed when she went unconscious no? And out of everyone here, she seems to have a more tenuous grasp of the situation at hand and I for one would prefer not to leave the answers behind. Please, for now let us pass." He said looking into his eyes anger having left as he tried to demonstrate a sense of compassion.

"This is still the lords property however, I will follow his sovereign decree if it should come to that." He stated as if to imply he would not stand in his way should he wish to exact justice and sentence her accordingly. "Regardless, we have no idea if we are playing on borrowed time or not. All that remains could simply sink into the sea as well now that the warding's have failed." He added with a tone that implied the wardings were her own and vanished when she lost concentration upon. "Besides the lord demanded for 'everyone' to come aboard his ship; If we are playing with borrowed time, you may wish to help the other survivors aboard or help the ship cast off so it does not get sucked down into the ocean should it start to sink, instead of hassling the apparently last living member of house De'lah Draconia." He added flipping open his signet ring to prove his identity and hopefully his merit. "Now if you'd please excuse us," He said attempting to push past him and possibly take advantage of the mild confusion of the situation to continue onto the ship.

[Cmdr I. Heartly Noah]

Vesk walked away from Taman's shop, making his way idly along the docks, wondering if his contact was here... Vesk was wearing a loose sackcloth shirt that obscured his powerful frame, and leather breeches that clung to his thick legs. His black hair was pulled back in its customary ponytail, and he wore a broad brown hat. He had buckled his longsword around his waist and still had a couple coins jingling lightly in his purse, and had tucked his dagger in his right boot.

He had reached Taman's dock without spotting anyone who seemed to be waiting for him, despite their being a few people around. He strolled on, scanning the docks around him, and somehow missed the gnome right in front of him. He was half the height of the half-orc, and not even close to half his weight. If he took one more step, he'd likely have crushed the poor fellow.

Spinning off his front foot to avoid the gnome, Vesk raised his hands in apology, hoping to placate the little man. It was only then he saw the wolf, who he hoped would remain well-behaved. He took a few steps backwards before turning and continuing on down the docks. He was too short to have been the one who gave him the note. And even if he'd used a go-between, he'd have stopped him from walking away. Wouldn't he?

The screech startled him, out of place in the night like breaking glass in a library. The old woman's portents were confused and disorienting... they didn't mean anything to him, but it was certainly strange. Surely she couldn't... Though this was how many of the old tales started, with soothsayers and oracles and portents and prophecies...

The trumpet blast, likewise, was highly unusual, and the crowd of guards escorting a royal at midnight was surely strange. Vesk cursed himself for being dressed so simply, but cleared to the side of the street, lowering his head. He recognized Prince Tevin; they'd never met, but the prince had come through a governmental building once while Vesk was there.

When the old woman approached the Prince and raised her cane, Vesk instinctively reached for his sword - he was too far away, and if a score and a half of guards couldn't handle the woman, he had no chance.

However, the words she spoke now he heard clearly, and understood their weight. The Draconic she spoke was ancient, and was an old magic. She invoked the gods as a shaman of old might, and the swirling energies she commanded spoke volumes about her power. Vesk still wasn't clear if she considered the Prince a threat- but when the very ground below them split, with Prince and guards on their side, he decided she didn't. He couldn't understand what she was protecting them from, but no amount of foreknowledge could have prepared him for what was to come.

The greatest city in civilization, thrown at once into terrible flame, just the other side of this magi's awesome barrier. Just down the docks, where he had been only moments before, all was reduced to ash and cinders. The Sauced Crab, Taman's place - everything was gone. The people he had just seen, people just like him, were dead because they weren't in the right place at the right time. The gnomes he'd helped that morning, the angry dwarf, Magistrate Benne and Swail- Gods, everyone he knew, everyone he'd ever known - they were all gone. It was like the whole world was snuffed out in an instant.

Prince Tevin was ushering the few of them left onto his ship - there was nowhere else to go anyway. He saw the dead looks in the eyes of some of the guards, a look he was sure he mirrored. Where could they go? There was no land out there. A few deserted islands, perhaps, but who's to say they weren't also reduced to cinders? It was like this was the end times. Every doomsayer and prophet in the world would be exclaiming their rightness if they weren't all dead.

Vesk's mind swirled. Too many thoughts. The note, stuffed in his pouch - did the man who gave it to him, or the man who sent him, survive? Were they here now? If so, why save him? Did he really just survive based on sheer luck? Was this all that was left of humanity? If they were going to have to repopulate the planet, there weren't enough women. Gods, the women. Vesk wasn't sure surviving was something to be thankful for.

[Gerwulf]

Tevin paused as Franklyn stepped in the way of Drake, he listened as Drake chastised the cleric and thought for a moment before speaking. “Father Lorbel, let them on. She is of no threat to us in her current state, and I too would like some answers.” He paused here and then spoke almost inaudibly, “if there are any.” He proceeded to the deck of the galleon before giving his next order, “Men, gather the survivors. I want everyone still breathing onboard this ship. We sail when all are aboard.” The guards turned and began ushering the survivors onboard, a few ran to those still frozen in terror and attempted to forcefully pull them aboard. One man pulled away from the guards, “they’re all gone” he cried. “I need to see… I need to…” He screamed and ran towards what used to be the town, as he reached the crack where earth now met water he paused only a moment before jumping in. But no sooner had he crossed the threshold of where the old woman’s barrier once stood than he too burst into flame. The body was ash and bone before it hit the water. Tevin looked to the old woman now lying on the deck; he watched her shallow breath for a moment before turning his attention to the stunned guard standing at the edge where the old man had died. “The barrier is still up, we don’t have much time. Everyone aboard now. Raise the sails, and ready the ramp.”
Zorbo the gnome and his wolf companion headed up the ramp followed by Vesk the half-orc. Garret Underhill the small Halfling followed closely using the large half-orc to hide him from the cleric. Once onboard they would all be safe. A few last stragglers clamored aboard as two guards moved to the last one standing on the docks. “Quickly young hunter, we must board the ship. We will have time to reflect on the meaning and magnitude of this once aboard.” They placed a hand on each of Corlen’s sturdy shoulders, preparing to pull him aboard if he did not start towards the ship himself.

[Skyrar]

Corlen didn't respond, nor did he struggle, as the two men heaved him up and dragged him towards the ship. Trauma, shock... all these words are mild compared to what you feel, when some mysterious Force chooses to dump your home continent into the ocean. "I will never find the Ambigush deer now." was the only idiotic thought circling his brain.They led him onboard, and placed him somewhere safe, where he would not get in the way of the boarding crew. Here he sat, near the rail, his back against a pile of rope, the bow placed right before him. All he could do was stare at his bow and think of the chance to shoot his prey, now forever lost in the ocean. He didn't pity it much, but the thought was the most comfortable at hand. Not like... other thoughts threatening to invade his empty feelings. His figure hunched a bit, the 18 year old Ranger crossed his arms as if he were suddenly cold, and continued to stare at the planks.

[TheCake]

I shall quickly look over the ship and in the commotion slip away to the storerooms if appreended pretend that I'm lost and looking for the Mess hall/whatever it's supposed to be called or the sleeping quarters

[jioan]

Zorbo stood on the ship staring into the void of what was only a few minutes ago an enormous city. He then glanced at the fragile woman who had predicted the event. Prince Tevin... well I guess he's a King now, had recognized her. Had he known of this disaster? Probably not, but she knew and didn't want to tell him. Zorbo remembered how she had had gotten worried and became quiet when Tevin showed up. That's rather odd. You'd think someone trying to spread news of an imminent disaster would want to go to the highest of authority. Then again it wasn't necessarily him that she feared; it could have been him remembering her that she feared. Either way there's quite a mystery going on here.

There was a much more sudden situation at hand right now, of course. How do we survive. Zorbo estimated that the food and fresh water stored on the galleon could only last them a few months. What would happen by then if they hadn't found land. Surely the red light hadn't sunk everything. After all we survived didn't we? Some powerful arcane guild must have had magical barriers equal to or more powerful than that a mad woman could produce. Then Zorbo thought back to the incident. Unless it was the staff that made the shield. Perhaps the staff she used increased her abilities.

He sighed, shook his head and dismissed his ravings for what they were. Theories that had little or no support from reliable evidence. He glanced again at the old lady. When she was able to speak again everyone would get their answers... hopefully.

[Cmdr I. Heartly Noah]

After watching the man commit suicide, Vesk became worried. If the old woman was still actively protecting them, they were far from safe. Would they even be safe at sea? Or would the old woman die in a day or two, and they'd all be instantly fried? It happened so quickly, you may not even know you're dead.

In that strange way his mind was working during this... whatever this was, a tiny thought popped into Vesk's brain.

I've never been to sea before...

(TheCake, you mean the Galley)

[Lothmar]

With the princes permission he continued past the guard and onto the boat with the old woman. If there wasnt enough room for both of them to get a room he was at least attempting to get her one or at least a relatively secluded place where she could rest in peace.

((Sorry brain fried, ))

[chrono]

As Tevin spoke, Franklyn stared at the body of the old lady as if Drake wasn't there at all. He hesitated momentarily and for a split second a concerned look passed across his face.
"As you wish, lord. With Diamitriis' blessing I will attend to her wounds once we're all aboard the ship.", he looked up at Drake's face then glanced around, "As well as to anybody else who requires healing."
There probably wouldn't be that much one could do - it seemed most were either incinerated or relatively unharmed - anybody seriously affected by the scorching heat would probably die long before proper care could be administered.
Franklyn helped usher the survivors on the ship while trying not to lose Tevin from his sight. Finally, he picked up his bag, got on board and looked back at the flames. He stared for a few seconds, though to him it felt like an eternity. Franklyn gave a long sigh and shook his head.

Franklyn will try to get a hold of what medical supplies may be on the ship and then look around for where Drake took the old lady.
(OOC: heal check to assess general condition)

[Gerwulf]

As the last of the civilians was dragged aboard the gangplank was raised and the ship sailed out of harbor. Tevin stood on deck watching as the remains of the world he once knew faded in the distance. The destructive flames which had consumed the city also produced a fierce easterly wind, and Tevin estimated their speed at 25 knots. Franklyn busied himself tending to the various cuts and bruises people had gained in the scramble aboard the ship before heading into the sleeping quarters to find Drake and the old woman. Most of the other survivors either sat on deck still watching in disbelief as their home, or rather the ocean where their home used to be, faded in the distance. Garret the small Halfling took advantage of the lack of focus and made his way below deck to the galley. A large woman sat near a barrel of peeled potatoes, skinning a few others and placing them in the barrel as well. She seemed unaware of the destruction the rest had witnessed moments ago. She didn’t notice the Halfling at first, but he didn’t notice the pile of wet rags until too late. The woman looked up as Garret tried to regain his balance. “What are you doing here? This is a military ship.” She stood and held her paring knife in front of her, “You need to leave now.”

After searching for several minutes Franklyn found Drake and the old woman. He looked her over carefully and discovered that she was not physically injured, simply exhausted, though at her age that could be a problem. Her breathing was shallow and irregular and she was still sweating despite being removed from the heat.

As the small slice of land from the docks faded into the distance Tevin turned slowly and viewed the ragged survivors, pain and compassion written on his face. He surveyed them for several minutes before speaking. “I’ll need every able-bodied man woman or child who can wield a weapon to assemble on deck in 30 minutes. We’ve not enough people to defend this ship properly if some one,” he paused as if gathering his thoughts, “or something, decides that we look like a good target.” Then he walked slowly to the captain’s quarters, and closed the door behind him.

[Skyrar]

The voice of the prince breaks Corlens apathy. Slowly over the next thirty minutes, if undisturbed, he will get up, get together and try to keep a calm face in spite of what happened. Remaining in the back and waiting on whatever his "duty" on this vessel might be. Defend? "How do I defend a ship from red lightning?" Until then, he tries to banish his obvious problems with the situation to a deeper level of conciousness. Perhaps look around to get a view of the situation. He, too, has never been on a ship for longer than 2 hours.

[jioan]

Zorbo sighed and in thirty minutes moved towards the center of the deck where many people were already standing. Jagg followed him but clawed at the deck nervously. Zorbo ruffled his neck fur attempting to comfort him except he needed reassurance himself. Neither of them were comfortable being around so many people in such a confined area. Tevin doesn't know what he's doing. He's treating us like he's still prince. Technically he is, but prince of what? His country was destroyed and I was never a citizen of Dunemore anyway. The only thing keeping him currently in power are those guards of his. Zorbo knew from his experience that with superior military power you have the power to control others. He may have the advantage but he better be fair because mutiny with a group who were forced on a ship is very likely. I wouldn't be surprised if someone on this ship dies within the next week.

[chrono]

As the ship slices through the waves with unusual speed Franklyn grabs a hold of the nearest door to steady himself and doesn't let go for a couple of minutes. This... this infernal rocking may turn out to be a bigger curse than the waves, Franklyn's mind blurs as he tries to regain control of his senses. Finally he takes a deep breath, lets go and with a slightly pale face goes to treat the injured. As he previously thought there was little need for extensive care as most of the injuries could be bandaged up pretty easily and left to nature to sort out. After making sure that the survivors are properly taken care of for the moment, Franklyn renews his search for the old lady and her protector. After a bit of wandering around, he stumbles upon them.

"Now lad, his highness wishes this woman alive so I'm here to make sure she survives and hopefully recovers to tell us what all this is about." As he speaks, Franklyn takes a hold of the woman's hand and checks her vital signs. "May Diamitriis bless our endeavors", he says, almost out of habit as he continues to examine her breathing, temperature, then limbs and head for injuries.

OOC: Is the staff in sight?
Also, how big is the room they're staying in and what else is in there (especially, how many beds)?

[Lothmar]

Drake wasnt too handy in these situations and while intelligent in wise he lacked experience healing anyone so all he had managed to do was find her a comfortable place to rest. He had also used a small bowl he was able to procure into which he had poured a bit of water from his own waterskin which he was useing to soak a rag as the cleric entered and began a dialogue with him.

He smiles slightly as he stands and passes the man the stool he had been using as he attempts to properly balance himself long enough to make it to the nearby wall. Thankfully he had joined a few trade voyages with his father in his younger years and though he was far from a qualified seaman he was at least a capable passenger. "It almost sounds like you're accuseing me of not wishing her well being," He adds with a chuckle "Old timer." He adds in reply to 'lad' knowing full well he probably meant no disrespect.

He eventually sighs when he hears the princes comment. "Guess that's us, though proficiency is not a substitute for skill in my case I suppose." He added rolling his right shoulder after placing his left hand on it. "Suppose it'll save us some time later, names Drake in case you didnt hear me earlier." He adds motioning his hand as if gesturing him to respond.

~After introductions and monitoring his work on the old woman he eventually makes his way up to the deck when the time comes~