(Archive) Go go Gondor! 2/2 -- Sea Battle — The Red Book of Westmarch

Gondor Attacks! The Sea Battle

(Contributed by Khazamr, Lord of Seaward Tower and Dread Captain of the Raider Torath)

Middle-earth time is:

Daytime on Hevensday, Day 25 of February.

Raider Torath [Main Deck]

Crafted of a dark Caldurian hard wood, the long sleek deck of this vessel stands clear except that of the two masts and the ships armaments. Running along the port and starboard sides of this ship are covered archers slits every 10 feet, and two catapults on either side in the center of the deck. The bow deck, raised higher above the main deck, features two ballista on either side and a cattapult in the center. Two stairways lead up to the bow deck on either side of the ship with two doors inbetween, one leading to the ships armory and the other down to the crew quarters.

The aft deck, raised higher than the bow deck, is situated at the end of the ship and shows the same armorments at the bow. The giant wheel is mounted in the center of the deck to a large round trunk of wood springing from the deck with a small flat surface in front for maps and charts. Two stair cases lead up to the aft deck on either side and inbetween is a single door to the Captains Quarters.

Inbetween the two masts, on the main deck, is a large hatch leading below to the galley, the row ports, and the steerage. Lashed to the opposite side as the descending stairs are 3 longboats upside down ontop of each on the deck.

The Torath\'s mighty obsidian sails are unfurled.

Contents:

Vrael

Obvious exits:

DOwn leads to Lower Deck.

GangPlank leads to Bay of Umbar, West.

Bay of Belfalas

High, foamy white waves smack against the hull as you enter the Bay of Belfalas. A driving wind from the southwest makes the ship unwieldly but manageable. The great Anduin River to the east cuts deep into the continent while to the northeast the Blackroot and Ringlo Rivers merge to form the sheltered Bay of Edhellond. To the north lies the trading and refitting port city of Haerlond along the Cape of Andrast. The City of the Corsairs, greatest trading port of Middle-Earth lies to the southeast. The mighty, tumultuous waves of the open sea, the Belegaer, enter the bay from the northwest.

Obvious exits:

East, NorthEast, NorthWest, SouthEast, and North

A mighty day it is, in the borders between the waters of Gondor and Umbar, as the mighty Fleet of Seaward sails north to confront the greatest of challenges.

Ahead the whole Fleet sails the Raider Torath. Proudly she splits the watery surface on her way to battle.

The Captain of the Torath is standing in the bowsprit, clad in black, gazing ahead. Proudly he stands, as does his ship, as if they both were sensing something.

Far away, the horizon glitters as a straight line.

\"Prepare yourselves!\" calls a voice from below to where the Captain stands, near to the midsection of the ship, \"Soon you will get to taste the blood of Gondor once more!\" the voice continues. It is the voice of the First Mate, himself donned in a large blackened cloak, a large scimitar glinting lightly at his side as he watches the activities of the men with a keen eye.

The Captain starts to act in an unusual way. At first he merely shifts his weight from one foot to the other and then back again, but then he starts to pace back and forth. Indeed this causes confusion among the Corsairs. Then the Captain turns to face the men. Looking from the left to right, he nods. \"[Haradaic] A great army you are,\" he speaks, \"[Haradaic] And today shall be a great day for you.\"

The First Mate turns to look upon Khazamr as he speaks, though not adding any words of his own, simply glancing to those gathered about. A strange look forms within the contours of Vrael\'s face as a hand casually rubs the trace of a recent wound lightly, and at that he turns to face the sea, looking outward.

\"[Haradaic] Prepare yourselves well, Corsairs,\" the Captain speaks, \"[Haradaic] For this shall be the greatest of all challenges that any of us have confronted. But we shall triumph.\" Then the mask under the hood turns to Vrael. \"[Haradaic] First Mate...\" the voice speaks hollowly and the glove on the man\'s right side arises, making a motion that suggests Vrael to come closer, \"[Haradaic] We have a matter to discuss.\"

The constant wind that hurries across the deck of the raider catches the cloak of the First Mate and tosses it about playfully the man seems lost in thought until interrupted by the words of Khazamr, \"Aye Captain...\" at that he retrives his form and begins to move towards the bowsprit.

Vrael again lets a hand stray to one of his still healing wounds before responding, \"I will be find my lord...it is the crew that troubles me, we lost so many in tha raid and others are not yet well...\"

\"[Haradaic] More will be lost, Vrael,\" the hollow voice speaks as the black clad figure turns to face the bow again. \"[Haradaic] More will be lost, but we will see that they shall lose more.\" The black gloved hand on the Lord\'s left seeks the gilded hilt of his scimitar. The hand resting on the hilt, the Lord asks: \"[Haradaic] Would you like to have the honour of leading the attack, First Mate?\"

The First Mate takes his hand away from the wound and turns to glance over the ship and the Corsairs, \"I would be pleased with such an honor my lord...\" he pauses, turning back to the Captain, \"But what will you do?\"

\"[Haradaic] I...\" the Lord speaks, \"[Haradaic] I will board them as well.\" A hissing breath escapes the mask as it turns to face Vrael. The triangular eyehole glittering from the edge, the Lord nods. \"[Haradaic] We shall lead our men abreast, First Mate.\"

The strange look that had previously shown itself upon the face of the First Mate now subsides to give way to a rather pleasant one as he smiles and speaks, \"Ah, that would be great my lord...the Gondorians will tremble before our fleet!\"

The breath of the Lord hisses again. \"[Haradaic] Indeed they shall, Vrael.\" he speaks and turns his mask towards the horizon again, \"[Haradaic] Indeed.\" A brief silence follows, the men\'s black capes flapping quietly in the sea breeze. \"[Haradaic] Tell me, Vrael,\" the Lord speaks then, \"[Haradaic] What are you going to do first when you return home?\"

Vrael chuckles lightly as he turns and strains to look over the horizon to what lies beyond, \"Heal my lord...\" he then coughs lightly before letting himself speak once more, \"I guess I would visit my family...ever since the death of my younger brother...\" The First Mate pauses, then opts to discontinue his sentence without further explanation, simply looking out over the ship.

[From the Palangaer] The waves lap along the ships as the fleet of Gondor now makes its way south through the bay of Belfalas. Indilzar, now in his element laughs and sings a little shanty:

Oh ahoy! Oh ahoy! Vengeance will be MINE!

Umbar will burn and the seas will spill

Riven with blood!

He leaps down from the quarter deck and flashes a smile at his sailors.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar rubs his hands together as he grabs a telescope and peers out over the deck, \"At last! At last! At last!\" He laughs long throwing back his head, \"First Caldor shall fall, and that place shall be subdued, and thence Umbar! And thence my oath shall be achieved!\"

[From the Raider Torath] Ineed it is a beautiful afternoon in the waters between Gondor and Umbar as the two fleets sail towards eachother, as if on a path lead by their destinies, having no chance of not meeting. To battle they sail, on the other side the mighty Gondorian warships of the old design of the Sons of Numenor on the opposite, the Raiders of Umbar, their black sails visible far away, a Wall of Wood, sleek vessels flying under the colours of Umbar and Seaward.

The fast Raiders take effectively the southwest wind, speeding across the watery surface at a speed many times above that of the Gondorian vessels.

[From the Palangaer] The Fleet Captains Squire stands near as he laughs. And as he does Gabbard seems to have a smirk across his face...maybe that of enjoyment. \"The Haradhrim will go down,\" he says silently to himself.

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen turns from the railing as Indilzar breaks out in song, her eyes widening at the transformation of his face by the wide smile. Laughing softly at the words of his song, she grins and turns back to the sea. Tilting her chin, enjoying the smell of the sea air filling her senses and blowing her hair.

[From the Palangaer] Mablung stands upon the pitching deck of the Gondorian ship, his spear being used as a staff. Leaning heavily upon the spear, he gazes across the deck at Indilzar with a wry grin upon his face. Chuckling softly, the ranger turns his attention to the other members of the crew moving about the rigging and upon the deck, their footing sure and true.

[From the Palangaer] In the front of the mighty Palangaer, Findon stands, looking abscent at the far horizon while not finding anything else to work with... And then as the Lord Bragollach speaks he sighs and leans out a bit to the direction to where Indilzar looks... \"Well, that was about time\" he murmurs, his hand suddenly placed on the hilt to his sword...

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar suddenly spins on his heels and gives Aearwen a hug as the salt spray comes lurching up to splash his face, \"What a fine hour! Now Lady Aearwen, are you and your under you supplied with what you need?\"

\"[Haradaic] Gondorians!\" the watch up in the bird\'s nest cries. \"[Haradaic] They\'re coming!\"

Like wild fire, the cry spreads across the vast fleet of Seaward. \"[Haradaic] Gondorians!\" And at once the hundreds of men start to prepare themselves to the battle.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar motions to the mate, \"Signal the other ships, we should be able to take them unwares.\"

[From the Palangaer] The mate bows and going to the stern grabs a large mirror which he flashes using the light of the sun.

The First Mate turns at the cries of the crew and glares across the water to whatever it is that has been sighted, a hand straying slightly to the hilt of his curved blade to Khazamr he then turns, \"The time has arrived my lord!\"

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen throws back her head, laughing at delight at this unseen side of Indilzar, too shocked to hug him back, her fingers reach up and wipe a bit of sea spray from his chin, her laughter ringing out. Nodding her head in response to his questions, \"Yes, all of the healers are well prepared milord, heavily supplied, we await your command milord.\" Shaking her head, still unable to reconcile this laughing Indilzar with the one she has seen of past.

[From the Raider Torath] Like a vast wall of wood the fast Raiders sail in line, covering the horizon as far as a man\'s eye can reach. And they close in, fast, their course set straight at the Gondorians. The southwestern wind blows them to a great speed, a speed that is even accelerated by the hundreds of slaves working in the galleys of the vast fleet.

[From the Palangaer] \"Ahoy!\" cries a seaman from above, \"Corsairs!\"

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar sets his jaw and then cries to his fellows, \"There are very many, and they are fast flying alee.\" He takes his telescope and goes to the main deck, \"Findon! Mablung! You are to prepare the bowmen. Gabbard. The mate is busy on the rigging. Steer her South-by-southeast at the half mast, full alee. Double sharp lad, there are corsairs to kill.\"

\"[Haradaic] This is it, Vrael,\" the Captain speaks, his voice inhuman as usual, but now coldly serious. \"[Haradaic] May they give us Victory or give us Death.\" And with that, he turns around, to meet the looks of his Corsairs.

\"[Haradaic] Men!\" he cries, \"[Haradaic] Today we shall not Raid! Today we shall defend our land! Fight, men!\" Cheers are heard as he turns to Vrael again. \"[Haradaic] Spread the word to the other ships. I command a full scale attack. We shall ram them and board them. With our speed and agility, we shall win. The Torath shall ram the ship in their lead.\"

[From the Palangaer] Turn to fellow scouts and rangers, all men clad in green with bows of yew nearly their own height in length. To the bow and sides of the ship do they move, all with full quivers either at their side, or upon their back. Each bow is strung, and upon each string rests an arrow, the archers of Gondor are set, their gazes looking out toward the black sails of the enemy ships.

[From the Palangaer] As the order is given, Gabbard begins to steer the ship in the given direction. And as he does so he straightens the ship out to give it all the speed it needs, adjusting the sails as needed.

Vrael nods solemnly towards the words of the Captain before turning to face the rest of the crew, his scimitar held high as his voice carries to those ships nearby, \"Ramming speed! We will take out as many as we can before the boarding begins!\"

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar steps down as the Gondorian fleet sails out into a wide arc. As Gabbard touches the wheel the ship lurches and many men are thrown about. Indilzar yells up at Gabbard, \"Stop drinking and steer it squire! Easy on the rudder lest you learn about new ways of discipline at sea!\" Pulling himself up he says to Aearwen, \"Our best chance is to hope to board the vessels. This is difficult since they are faster than us so we shall need to entrap them.\" He points to the west, \"Notice how the far fleet is moving in that vast almost phalanx type position? It is our hope that it will drive the corsairs into us.\"

[From the Raider Torath] The Raiders increase their speed. The oars pointing from their sides start to move faster, and more sails are unfurled. The mighty waves collapse before the bows of the southron ships.

In the middle, clearly pointing out from the rest of the line, glides the mighty Torath, flying with full sails, taking course at the lead ship of the Gondorian fleet.

[From the Palangaer] As his Lord yells towards him, Gabbard slows the turn to a steady medium. Just enough to keep the men from falling about. \"Sorry, Lord. I shall judge better next time.\"

[From the Palangaer] A boy calls from the crow\'s nest, \"M\'lord Indilzar! I know that ship! It is the Torath and her captain is reknowned through the sea. Khazamr is his name, the Dread Captain we call him in Anfalas where he has taken many of our folk captived!\"

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen catches her balance as the ship lurches, laughing to herself as Indilzar yells up at Gabbard, she adds, \"No more drinking until after the battle, then you can have your belly full.\" Her eyes watching the black sails dancing in the breeze, excitement raising goosebumps on her skin. Turning as Indilzar speaks, she nods as her eyes look at the far fleet, \"I do hope they do not throw the burning torches onto the ships as they did in Pelargin.\", frowning as she recalls the corsairs cowardly actions.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar pounds his fist into the rails and mutters, \"The Dread Captain Khazamr! Blast! A foe to match me!\" He then calls to the others in a clear voice, \"When the ship is within shooting distance, you are to fire in vollies, \"Mablung. You are to call the shots.\"

[From the Palangaer] Gabbard says, \"I do not drink, m\'lady. I have not had a swallow of the liquer since I was squired!\" says Gabbard as he steers.\"

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar turns back to Gabbard, \"Steer the cursed ship Gabbard or I\'ll tie you into the riggings.\"

[From the Palangaer] As Mablung already deployed the archers, Findon moves to Mablungs side, hopefully finding some task to fullfill...

[From the Palangaer] \"Yes, Lord.\" says Gabbard as he returns to the wheel.

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen grins and replies to Gabbard, \"I do recall that you do not drink from our meal in Drover\'s, what seems to be an eternity ago. Tell you what Gabbard, if you would be so kind as to get us there without the taste of sea water in my mouth, I will buy your dinner.\" Watching as Captain Mablung and his archers prepare, knowing she should full well be under deck, but too interested to be anywhere but on deck.

[From the Palangaer] Mablung stands amoungst the archers, the only man within their ranks who does not wield a bow, instead a spear rests his his hand and a shield upon his arm. Nodding his head, though it is turned from the Lord Indilzar and his eyes focused upon the sails of black. Turning his gaze to Findon he smiles, \"Ware lad, once our arrows fly, ye can bet that arrows of the enemies own shall fly in return. Cursed southrons, they shall not see their shores again!\"

[From the Raider Torath] So fast the Haradrim sail, that the formation of their ships raises a small wave in front of it, moving aside as the vessels plow the field of water on their way to war. And they do not slow down a single knot as the line draws closer to the fleet of Gondor. Obviously they do not even intend to hider their speed as they draw inside the proper firing range of the ballistae.

The First Mate takes up his shield and steps down from the bowsprit, making his way swiftly towards the lower midsection of the ship, making ready the many Corsairs, \"Hold tight and prepare to board after we ram!\" He pauses and smiles broadly, \"That is if there be anything left!\"

[From the Palangaer] The lips of Indilzar quiver at the wake of the corsairs. His eyes widen as they draw near, he looks to Mablung, wondering when the signal shall be given.

[From the Palangaer] As the ship of Gondor moves towards that of the Southrons, it gains spead with every gust of wind. And as it moves the watters seem to part for the ship. Allowing it more speed with every second.

[From the Palangaer] Watching the enemy ships leap through the waves toward the Gondorian ships, Mablung shouts to his men, and at once arrows are loosed, the bolts fan out toward the enemy, even as the enemy speeds toward them. Arrows are pulled from quivers, and to the strings they go, and again a wave of arrows is launched.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar grasps the railings and his eyes narrow, \"May Manwe speed them to the delivery.\"

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen feels her pulse race as the enemy ships draw closer, moving to behind the archers, she watches as their arrows fly through the air, speaking to herself, \"Find your mark.....\" eyes narrowing as she can now see the Corsairs faces.

[From the Raider Torath] And with their ships, the Haradrim bring their howls of battle Cries in the tongue unknown to the men of Gondor, but still cried in the voice that cannot be mistaken. Rage it is, battle frenzy and thirst of blood.

And suddenly the afternoon turns into a hellish scene of fire raining from the heavens as the Gondorians launch their counterattack. Like a solid wave their arrows sweep over the fleet of Harad, setting many small fires all over the ships of the Corsairs. A few ships in the sides start to sway from the course, but still, as the wave of fire has swept across the Raiders, they do not hinder, but sail as fast as before.

And immediately after the arrows of Gondor no longer fly, the ballistae and catapults made in Harad strike back, with spears and stones and arrows of fire, aided by those of the Haradrim archers who still stand.

The return wave strikes the ships of Gondor.

[From the Palangaer] Suddenly, Indilzar yells, \"Get down!\"

[From the Palangaer] Gabbard dropping just enough to keep out of the rain of arrows, managest to hold onto the wheel. And as he does suprisingly he keeps a steady course...

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen drops to her knees behind the railing, turning to look back over the deck to see if any volley hit one of the men.

[From the Palangaer] Findon answers not for a moment, but his eyes narrow slightly, as his eyes are locked upon the other ship. \"That\" He says, pointing at the Torath with his sword arm \"Is something we\'ll have to remedy...\" With that he throws himself to the floor of the ship, a few feet from the railings, his shield lifted over his head and shoulders....

[From the Palangaer] Men fall and bows are dropped by the wounded. Mablung, shield held high and knees bent low curses as arrows hit the deck and the men. Arrows of fire are doused by pails of sand then the sand is brushed over blood which soaks the bow. The remaining archers no longer fire in unison, but fire as often as they can ready an arrow to their bow.

In the howl of chaos reaching across the water from fleet to fleet, the first of the horrible crashes can be heard, coming from the sides of the Gondorian arc formation. The ships of Harad, having kept their full speed, start crashing against the Privateers and Warships, ramming them with the Rams of steel pointing from the steel-reinforced bows of the Raiders. With horrible power they pierce the sides of the Gondorian ships, sending the men standing on the decks onto their faces.

The mid-section of the Haradrim fleet does not turn it sails straight on, towards the bottom of the circle.

The Flagship Torath, seems to have located the Palangaer, as she is headed straight at her at a killing course.

[From the Palangaer] The missles rock the ship and the mizzenmast is blown clean off. Several poor sailors, caught in the fire of death are no more, victims of the Dread Pirate Khazamr. Indilzar gets up and yells to Gabbard, \"Drive her into the ship! We have to be close to win this fight!\"

[From the Raider Torath] From The Torath, A single arrow strikes hard into the shield of the First Mate as he ducks to avoid the Gondorian attack, the metal edge of his assailant ceasing its motions only inches from the man\'s head, \"Stay ready Corsairs!\"

You shout \"We shall crush them, Corsairs! To day is equal in glory to the day when we won Umbar for ourselves!\"

[From the Palangaer] As Indilzar gives the order, Gabbard steadily steers the ship towards the Torath..now they are only a ways away. And as the ship somes towards her, it slams into the Torath. The shock vibrating both ships and knocking over many of the men.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar calls out, \"Draw out weapons!\"

[From the Palangaer] As the call is heard by Gabbard, he quickly takes his hammer from his back. And prepares himself for the blood that he shall spill.

[From the Palangaer] As men and arrows fall, Findon looks about where he know sit, crouched behind the railings... And he finds a stone... as The Mighty Palangaer rams into the Torath, Findon rise, turn, and throws his rock with deadly precision at the head of a Corshair... By the time the stone hit its target Findons sword, Gruith lies in its owners hands, ready to again shed the blood of Harad Corshairs....

[From the Palangaer] Aearwen crawls on her hands and knees to attend to the fallen archers, pulling one bag of medical supplies with her, she works diligently on the wounded. Turning and barking our orders to the other healers, \"Forget we are under attack at the moment, your job is to save the lives of these brave men.\" Pulling out bandages, salve and a canteen of water, she bends to cleanse a wound, turning to Baeden, \"Bring that other bag, it has the willow bark tea in it, follow along with me and dispense it as needed. I need your hands.\"

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar calls out to Aearwen, \"Do you have your dagger handy?\"

[From the Palangaer] Spear already in hand, Mablung moves toward the center of the deck. Archers fire their remaining arrows at a close range, their aim those men which cluster the decks of the Torath. Arrows spent, swords and spears are drawn by the green clad men. Mablung stumbles then falls to the deck as the two mighty ships meet and seem to struggle in vain attempts to occupy the same space upon the vast sea. Standing, Mablung glares at the man at the tiller, then stands fully as others about him regain their footing.

[From the Raider Torath] The Torath leads the Fleet of Seaward through the circle of Gondorians, and finds her target. As if sped by the Gods themselves, she adjusts her course and heads for the final ram...

The rower slaves work as if dying as they get beaten in the galley while the Corsairs on the deck try to hang on to something.

And then it happens

With a horrible crash, the Torath\'s motion halts and concentrates on the very tip of her ram, hurling it against and through the side of the ship of Gondor. To the starboard side of the Palangaer\'s bow the Torath hits, piercing her hull, sticking there, and allowing water to start rushing in.

After the shock of the crash, the Corsairs stand up onto their feet, howling terribly. While the slowest are still recovering, the first grapples are being thrown from the burning deck to another.

[From the Palangaer] Hearing Indilzar\'s voice in the din, Aearwen\'s rings out loudly, \"Yes, I have my dagger.\" Reaching to the strap on her right leg, she pulls out the ornate handled dagger and places it at her side, continuing to work to stauch the bleeding of the archer laying on the deck. When the worst of the bleeding has stopped, she yells for one of the male healers to take him below deck and get him stabilzed.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar now cries out to the crew, \"Plug the gaps and prepare to bale water. We took as good as we gave but the damage is manageable.\"

After the crash, the captain stands up in the bow with a grapple in his hand. \"First Mate!\" he yells, \"The moment has come! Let us lead our men to the greatest victory in the days of our history!\"\" And with that, he takes a step closer to Vrael, baring his weapon. He prepares to throw the grapple and swing himself to the Palangaer.

[From the Palangaer] Indilzar stands up and curses under his breath, \"Death and drek!\"

[From the Raider Torath] From The Torath, Vrael stumbles to his feet from the impact, \"Aye Captain, we shall win the day!\" and at that he charges forwards to the front of the ship, the curved blade of the Corsair rising high and shield held at ready as the First Mate hurries to the grapples that now join the two ships together.

The Palangaer

From the upper deck of the mighty Palangaer, you feel as if you are atop a mountain. The crash of the waves some twenty feet below causes no motion on the high upper deck. Visions of lands far away come to your mind as you gaze out across the great rolling sea.

As you look across the deck, you see that everything is kept in perfect order onboard. The first mate is standing next to the tall center mast waiting for his orders.

Contents:

Indilzar

Baeden

Mablung

Aearwen

Gabbard

Findon

A sailor salutes as Khazamr walks on board.

Vrael climbs to the upper deck of The Palangaer.

A sailor salutes as Vrael walks on board.

Sliding across the deck from the impact, Aearwen pauses for a moment as her eyes look to Indilzar, \"The damage is manageable?\" A shiver of fear slithering up her spine before she breaks free and remembers her duty.

Reaches for his sword and pulls it out carefully muttering to himself, \"I must needs to use a dagger on these ships.\"

As the southrons board the ship, Gabbard brings his hammer out in front of him. And as he does he knocks off a few of the grapples.

Findon draws forth his Longsword, Gruith, the sound of metal against the leather-covered metal sheath ringing through the air...

As one great black shadow the two, the Captain and the First Mate of the Torath, swing themselves onboard the Palangaer, their scimitars in their hands, their shields strapped. With a loud, shrill cry the Corsairs follow the example, dark skinned men beginning to pour over the rail onto the Palangaer. Nasty men they look, with their grimaces full of will to fight and thirst of blood as their scimitars seek for victory. Behind them, the mighty Torath heavily wretches with her ram still plunged inside the Palangaer, still tearing the hole bigger.

Mablung moves toward the bow as a hook grasps the railing, then more. The two ships are pulled together and held there within the grasps of the grapling hooks. Mablung snorts as the first of the enemy leap across as the decks roll with each collision of the mighty ships. Spear held out and shield high, the captain yells, \"Ware! They board!\"

The firelight glitters on the crimson blade as it moves swiftly in the air, guided by the black glove of Khazamr the Corsair Lord. Like a black spectre he is, in his black cape and hood, dodging, swinging, parrying, with skill and will that has seldom been unleashed against the sailors of Palangaer.

The first to meet the first mate, Findon grins slightly amused and bows ironically \"So, we meet again, honored First mate\" he says to Vrael. Findon backs a few steps to leave space for the first mate. \"You seem to have managed well...\" He says again, his sword lowered and his shield lifted, awaiting the move of his enemy...

Shouts go out through the ship for many of the Men thither are from Andrast and Anfalas, \"Tis the Dread Pirate Khazamr! Nooooo!!!\"

As if the night onto the sea, the First Mate with his darkened cloak and persona overwhelm those near to his position, striking down one unfortunate Gondorian in his way before coming across the figure of Findon, \"Ah yes, the wretched one who attacked me before...\" The Corsair lowers in stance, the scimitar pointed forwards and shield held slightly to the side, \"But where is your friend? I had hoped my blade would finish him off...but for now I will deal with ye instead!\" At that, the man lunges forwards and strikes down towards Findon\'s side.

Indilzar fingering his sword from the upper deck Indilzar says, \"So! That is the legendary corsair!\"

Aearwen eyes widen as the Corsairs board the Palangaer, Baeden standing in front of her, weapons drawn to protect her from harm. Clenching her fingers around the handle of her dagger, she watches their scimitars, remembering the feel of one slicing into her own skin.

The sun sinks in the sky and falls below the horizon. Nighttime takes over.

Gabbard lights his lantern.

Mablung lights his lantern.

A lifted shield easily blocks Vraels attack, and Findon push the corshairs sword to the side \"Im afraid ye missed him... he had other worms to

No intelligible shouts can be separated from the constant howl of the Corsairs as they clash against the Gondorian sailors on the deck. They fight everywhere between burning barrels, ropes and corpses, spreading death and terror in the twilight. Indeed the battle is a horrible sight, with flames dancing on the surface of the crimson water. It is sunset that casts that colour, along with the flames...

...And blood.

Aearwen lights her lantern.

A lifted shield easily blocks Vraels attack, and Findon push the corshairs sword to the side \"Im afraid ye missed him... He goes by the land\" With that he leaps forward, thrusting his sword at the belly of this Harad...

Findon lights his lantern.

Ra\'d has arrived.

Ra\'d climbs to the upper deck of The Palangaer.

The first mate salutes and says \"Welcome aboard.\"

Arali climbs to the upper deck of The Palangaer.

The first mate salutes and says \"Welcome aboard.\"

Aearwen lights her lantern.

Indilzar stands on the upper deck, looking at the invaders. His lips quiver as he sees the Dread Captain Khazamr come aboard his ship. He cries, \"Dread Captain! Get you gone!\"

The Corsair\'s own shield is brought forth to halt the strike from the Gondorian and yet only manages to redirect its power, the blade norrowly missing the side of the First Mate who snaps back swiftly in counter. With its metal red from the fires and from the blood that has already been spilled, the scimitar of Vrael lashes out heavily at Findon\'s shoulder.

Advancing with a mob of some eight Corsairs, the black clad Captain fight aggressively in the front line. \"Raid now, Raid now, Raid the Gondor!\" shouts a hollow, unnatural voice from behind the terrible iron mask. \"Burn, loot, and run before they sink!\"

In the center of the deck stands Mablung, spear moving quickly in thrust and parry as combat wages about him. The man before him falls, spear pushed through his chest, then pulled out again. Blood covers the man, both of his own and from those he has fought. Now alone, the ranger takes time to view the battle in the blazing light of fire and lantern.

Soon a second ship approaches the interlocked vessels. Her sails are midnight black, and aboard her are more bloodthirsty corsairs. They begin to board the immobile Palangaer, letting out a fearsome warcry as they join their comrades. Also coming aboard is a small figure in black. As she lands lightly onto the deck, she jerks her head back, throwing back her dark hood and smiles a wicked smile. Though injured, she does her best to add to the carnage.

Vrael furiously attacks Findon with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Not long after Arali, the form of Ra\'d leaps aboard the ship, scimitar at ready, Shield prepared, his gaze waiting for a target of opportunity to make itself available, prepared to defend blows untill he finds one.

Findon tries to dodge, obviously not fast enough though, and the dark curved blade bite into his shoulder... his lower jan can be seen tense a little, but no other reaction is seen... \"was that your best?\" The Man at arms say \"ill show you a god hit!\" and with that his sword is lifted high above his head a brought down swiftly, aiming at the shoulder of Vrael...

As the raiders come over, Gabbard picks a clear target that he can see. And as he moves towards it he brings his hammer high in the air. And on contact he brings it down with great force.

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer, but he misses by a handspan.

Arali slides the scimitar out of its sheath, eager for it to taste blood.

The Corsair quickly sidesteps the Gondorian\'s assault but this action puts him in a dangerous position for attack from others nearby. Fortunately, these do not come and the First Mate is left to retaliate against his foe, arcing his fell blade down low and then bringing its edge up to, perchance, slice deep into Findon\'s thigh.

Perhaps the movements of the Tribal were different then the Gondorian expected, Ra\'d turns his attention to the man with the hammer, a grin crests his features as he begins to swing his Scimitar in towards Gabbard, a blow towards the man\'s torso.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar, but Gabbard parries the attack with his Maul Hammer!

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

In the mid-section of the ship, the advance of the Corsairs halts. Even though another ship -the Deridain- joins the Torath, the Gondorians have now recovered from the initial shock of the ram and the terrifying attack of the Corsairs. Once they form up again, the Haradrim start to advance far slower. In the front line stands their black clad Lord, fighting against a sailor who is armed with a shortsword and no shield. There is little doubt about who is about to win. Still the brave man of Gondor does not back off.

Although he over threw himself, Gabbard comes up in time to slap the scimitar out of the way with the head of his hammer. And as he blocks the attack, he move a bit to the side then brings the hammer down towards the head of the corsair.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer and badly wounds him!

Unlike in the previous battle, Arali hangs back, her movements more careful. Indeed, the young woman seems not totally recovered from whatever injuries she may have sustained. With her scimitar in her left hand, she helps her comrades doubleteam opponents when then seem in trouble, dishonorably striking Gondorians from behind when she can. As yet another goes down, she sweeps her gaze about,s earching for her next target.

With a crack the large hammer impacts on the Corsair\'s metal shirt, causing a healthy amount of damage to the Tribal as the force of the blow, and the aarmor is compressed against the undershirt, and his flesh. No sound comes from the man\'s lips, though his mouth opens as if to yelp. He brings his weapon in to chop a more powerfull attack at the Gondorian.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Mablung watches the black clad lord fight at the front of the line. Blocking a sword thurst with the haft of his spear, the ranger forces his foe back then strikes him down. Clear of battle, Mablung moves toward the dark lord his spear held he moves toward the man, there can be no doubt that he means to strike.

Mablung has \"passed\" on his turn to attack.

Despite the brave heart of the Gondorian slowing the Captain of the Haradrim down, his skill cannot save him from what is to come. Grasping his arm, dropping his shortsword, he collapses to the deck, close to a burning corpse still howding a bow. He whimpers as the black shadow passes over him, the black boot crushing his leg on the way.

The Captain of the Torath is moving slowly yet steadily towards the aft of the ship, with only a single destination in his mind clearly he is going for the Captain.

Then the Black Corsair notices a ranger with a spear on his right. The triangular eyehole of his mask parely moves past the man as he absently waves the crimson blade at the man\'s direction, still moving towards the aft himself.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung parries your attack with his shield!

As the sword swings towards his torso, Gabbard is barely wounded, yet the armor on his belly has been thrust open, and a small scratch lies there. A bright red liquid comes forth from it, and as he bleeds a bit he brings the hammer down towards the skull of the man.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer, but he misses by a mile.

Findon hops up on a barrel, thereby avoiding The First mates attack... He grins grimly and he lift his sword \"Meet thy doom underdog!\" he says as he jumps down from the barrel, his sword aimed at the head of Vrael, by distracted he becomes as he sees the Harad woman striking down his friends and brothers, and the attack is slightly misdirected, but it still sweeps through the thin air against same target...

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword, but Vrael parries the attack with his shield!

Taking advantage of the cramped quarters of the ship, bodies everywhere, and rigging and mast not far above, Ra\'d has little trouble keeping out of the way of the clumsy Hammer, his shield arm still a bit limp from the shock of the hammer\'s impact, though his sword-arm comes in for another chop at Gabbard\'s arm.

Her attention landing on Findon and the first mate of the Torath, Arali moves in that direction, stepping over dead and half-dead bodies and dodging swinging blades from friend and foe alike. As she nears Findon, she lets out a fierce cry and attempts to slash him from the side.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

Arali attacks Findon with her Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Mablung bringing his shield out to his side, he blocks the light swing of the Haradrim sea lord. Stepping forward, he moves to block the man from reaching the stern. \"Curse you southron, do ye always walk past a foe with as little care, to leave yout back open?\" Swinging his spear in an arc, he strikes trying to connect the tip of his spear with the mans side.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he misses!

Noting the stance and position of his attacker, the First Mate deftly riases his shield to parry the strike the sheer force of it sending the Corsair back in his steps, though he soon recovers and opens his mouth to speak, but stops as his eyes spy Arali. For a moment, Vrael does nothing, but soon he steps forward to attack, only to find his way blocked. The Gondorian in his way is dealt with swiftly and the blade of the First Mate grows ever darker in its crimson tint.

A black shadow, hard to fix eyes on, is Khazamr, as he quickly slips aside from the spear\'s path. The studs of his armour glitter briefly, at least a foot awat from the spear that now thrusts only his cape. With a hollow grunt or a growl, he takes a step to Mablung\'s direction, swinging his scimitar diagonally, aiming at the Ranger\'s shoulder, neck or head.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung dodges your attack.

Aearwen shakes her head as she looks at the wounded men on the deck, getting over the shock of the corsairs boarding the ship, she moves to treat the men nearest to her. Turning to Baeden, \"Pull the wounded closer and those with the least amount of injury, have them taken below deck.\" Growling deep in her throat as she kicks over a dead corsair to get to a gondorian.

As the sword comes at him, Gabbard lets out a muffled groan, as the sword digs deap into the already split open armor. And now a bright red liquid runs from it in a hurry. As he lets loose the moan, he does a slight spin and brings the hammer around towards the chest of the man, using his hips as leverage.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer and severely wounds him!

Mablung steps back away from the captains blade, easily avoiding the swing and letting the blade pass before him. Using the reach of his spear, he thrusts straight out at the mans chest. Moving with the forward motion of his blade, Mablung puts his wieght into the thrust.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and you parry his attack with your Scimitar!

Another powerfull crack of the hammer impacts the metal plates of the Desert man\'s chest, causing the armor to dig bloody gashes in his chest, and quite possibly cracking a rib or two, a growl issues from the desert man, his scimitar being brought up in a heavy chop towards the shoulder of Gabbard.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Again the agiity of his foe\'s body distracts Mablung. The Dread Captain slips quickly to his side and strikes his scimitar at the spear\'s pole, blocking it to the side. On the same move, he lets the weapon continue its swing, turning the direction at Mablung\'s weapon arm.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung dodges your attack.

Having put almost his full power behind the blow at the first mate, Findons face becomes remarcably pale as the womans scimitar bites into his side. His longsword, Gruith, is lifted over his shield as he slash with it, not caring where to hit....

Findon attacks Arali with his Longsword and badly wounds her!

Even as the fighting waxes furious Men labour in the breeches of hull by the Captain\'s order, sealing and caulking it. Around them men with daggers and bows guard the work.

Mablung twists to the side, dipping his shoulder and avoiding the blade again as it comes at his arm and shoulder. Bringing his spear around he swings it like a club at the dread captains head. Even as his spear comes around, Mablung keeps his feet moving in attempts to keep a sturdy footing upon the pitching deck.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he misses!

As the sword comes down to the shoulder of Gabbard, it is clear that only bad training has done this, or a terrible blow maybe? The sword turns to its side a bit and hits with the flat edge just barely touching the Squire. And as he is scratched by the sword he continues to bleed from the fierce slasher across the belly. Yet after he does the spinning attack, he pulls the hammer back, and then raises it high above his head. After a split second he brings it down with a great force. This time his will aiming for the skull of the man.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer, but Ra\'d parries the attack with his shield!

Arali attempts to jump back to avoid the blow, conspicuously no shield is in her free hand to block the blow. But she is not quick enough and the blade cuts through her chain mail, sending her reeling back and grimacing in pain. \"Vrael, take him!,\" she cries, unable to join the fight immediately.

The Corsair captain\'s knees bend with elegance as the spear hushes over his head. His breath hissing hollowly, he puffs and takes a long pace towards Mablung, trying to cut the Ranger\'s waist.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung dodges your attack.

With his path now clear, Vrael moves his form back to where Findon now battles Arali and upon seeing the horrid Gondorian man strike the woman greatly, his face grows in anger and in a flash his blade is let loose towards Findon\'s neck, \"I will see you die this day!\" he hisses as his full force is placed behind the blow.

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

And the injured shield arm manages to somehow raise the Shield in time to parry the descending hammer, forcing the man to his knees under the force, but causing little other damage to the man\'s body. In his injured state, he gives a weakend attack with his scimitar towards his opponent, the fury slightly drained from the man as he makes an attack.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar, but he misses by a handspan.

Mablung steps back away from the blade again, \"Curse you, stand still and take your due!\" As the words leave his mouth, the ranger thrusts his spear at the mans chest, again using his extended reach to his advantage.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he misses!

Jumping back just in time, Gabbard avoids the attack of the man by a long shot. And as he moves out of the way, he brings the hammer back down towards the head of the man.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer, but Ra\'d parries the attack with his Scimitar!

Aearwen moves a bit closer to the fighting, checking on fallen men and assisting them their and then seeing that they get transported below to the healers set up there. Wiping the sweat from her brow, her eyes look up in time to see Ra\'d miss Gabbard and she grins. Cutting her eyes to Mablung and his opponent for a heartbeat before she attends to the man at her feet.

A chuckle is heard from the throat of Findon the same moment as Vraels scimitar hits his shoulder \"You weakminded, pathetic dog! What know ye of death?! Today you will have a lesson...\" And with that Findon slash at the First Mate again...

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword and badly wounds him!

*Clang* Ra\'d\'s scimitar dances up and knocks the Hammer aside, perhaps a second wind is forming for this Desert man, his scimitar lashing out once more as he steps in, the curved blade aimed at the gut of his opponent.

Ra\'d attacks Gabbard with his Scimitar, but he misses by a handspan.

However, as his reach is far longer than that of Khazamr\'s, Mablung is not fast enough to thrust the spear through his opponent\'s body before the black cape moves aside again. This time the black Corsair puffs aloud through the broad spikes of his mask as his scimitar arcs in a quick arc, diagonally towards Mablung\'s chest.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung dodges your attack.

Spinning to the side, Gabbard doesnt even see the attack, and there for cannot be hit by it. As he spins he brings the hammer back around, this time to crush a few ribs on the mans side.

Gabbard attacks Ra\'d with his Maul Hammer and fatally wounds him!

Arali clutches her side and the blood that wells up from underneath. Emitting a soft growl as bloodlust and fury grip her, she steels herself and strikes low as Findon is dodging Vrael\'s blow, aiming for his legs.

Arali attacks Findon with her Scimitar, but Findon parries the attack with his Longsword!

And like a Golfball, R\'ad is sent flying.. unfortunately for the desert man he hasn\'t made it far from the side of the ship, his ribs almost pulped from the blow, sword falling from his grasp, hitting the water with a spash, which is shortly followed by another, larger splash as the metal clad desert nomad hits the ocean.

Mablung leaps to the side and forward, avoiding the diagonal cut of the scimitar. Stepping toward the man, he holds his spear out in front of him and just pushes it forward with his momentum as he moves toward the man, the spear held high towards the captains chest.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and you parry his attack with your Scimitar!

Vrael quickly brings in his own blade to block the attack from Findon, but misjudges the other man\'s motinos, causing the long blade of the Gondorian to slice deep into the leather armour that resides beneath his cloak and in its place there spews a thin trail of blood, \"Argh!\" Nothing else does the Corsair say, stumbling back before raising his scimitar and aiming again for the neck, hoping that perhaps Arali\'s own blow will make the opportunity he desires.

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Baeden looks at Aearwen. \"I am going to help the Captain out, Lady Aearwen. If you do not mind.\" He slips his axe from his belt and advances toward the battle between Mablung and Khazamr. THen he reaches the pair he prepares to jump intot he frey.

While Khazamr parries Mablung\'s attack, he is already on the move, stepping closer to the man. After parrying the spear away, he brings the scimitar down, trying to slice from down to up.

You attack Mablung with your Scimitar...

Mablung dodges your attack.

Mablung following his thrust, Mablung moves to the side of the man and just barely avoids the downward slice of the blade. Cursing again under his breath at the close call, Mablung brings the butt of his spear around and aims at the captain\'s head again as he uses the spear as a staff.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

Baeden moves to Khazamr\'s flank as he brings his axe up ready to attack. His shield his poised to recieve and attack as he moves in for the attack. His hand clenches on the haft of his axe as he swings his axe towards the leg of Khazamr.

On her knees, blood dripping from her fingers as she examines a wound, Aearwen nods to Baeden, \"Go help him, I will be fine\", her troubled eyes in direct contrast to her words. Glancing up in time to see Vrael attack Findon and the blood spill from the scimitar wound. Turning her attention back to the soldier at her feet, her blood soaked gown wetting her legs as she kneels beside him.

As the hammer knocks the man off into the ocean, Gabbard says,\"Damn Corsairs. Always wanting trouble them.\" He then look about for another target. As he does he keeps the hammer up high enough to keep him from unseen attack.

Baeden attacks you with his Axe!...

...and he misses!

A thud is heard as the butt of Mablung\'s spear hits Khazamr\'s brow, on the right, worse side of his head. A thin line of red flows down immediately across the solid side of the black Mask. Stumbling backwards, the Corsair Captain is about to fall. Catching his balance in the last possible moment, he manages somehow to dodge the blow of Baeden. Both surprised and dazzled, the Corsair Lord stumbles back.

You forego your chance to attack.

Baeden glances at you.

Moving forward, Mablung presses his attack as the corsair stumbles backwards. Bringing his spear again, he sweeps at the captain\'s feet in an attempt to trip the man in his stumbling.

Findon turns fast as the wind to parry Aralis attack at him... But even as Aralis and Findons blades clang together, biting into his shoulderblades, and by the share power, Findon is pushed forward a step, and fourth from the wound comes blood, bright red... \"For that you will pay!\" he says... in that he thrust his sword at the throuat of his enemy...

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he misses!

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword, but Vrael parries the attack with his Scimitar!

The seas boil with blood, battle, fire and war and wind like none other stirs through the waters.

Baeden presses his attack as well. His axe raised on high as he attempts to swing his large axe at the side of Khazamr. His shield ready from an attack that might come his way. \"Good hit, Sir!\" He grins broady as he launches his attack at the enemy.

Baeden attacks you with his Axe!...

...and you block his attack with your shield!

All around the three ships rages one of the greatest of sea battles ever fought on these waters. Burning ships, burning parts of ships, and the red glow of the fire all around colours the surface of the water bright red, and the air is full of dark clouds of smoke as the bold vessels of both Gondor and Harad go down. A continuous howl of battle rages all around the scene, almost covering the noise of steel beating steel.

Another wince of pain cross Arali\'s dark features, just the force of her and Findon\'s blades striking causing her discomfort. She takes a step back, tiring already and gasping for breath. For a moment, her eyes glance about and her gaze falls upon Aerwen. She looks almost as if about to attack the woman, but then something holds her back. She returns her attention to Findon and Vrael.

There is luck along in Khazamr\'s defence for as he stumbles through the chaos of the battle, Mablung\'s spear does not reach his feet that stand firmly on the ground. Once Baeden swings his axe at the Captain\'s chest, his lack of concentration results only in a blow to the Dread Captain\'s shield. Blood dropping from his black iron mask, the Corsair captain swings his scimitar at Baeden, attempting to cleave the man\'s skull.

You attack Baeden with your Scimitar...

Your attack against Baeden mildly wounds him!

\"Ah, you seem to have lost some of yer skill from the last fight...\" The Corsair chuckles and muses as his scimitar glances away the weapon of Findon, causing only harm to the chill sea air about the combatants. The First Mate brings his shield in closer as he thrusts hhimself with great force at the man before him, the blade aiming now for a strike upon Findon\'s torso.

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Mablung stepping away from the two men as they fight, Mablung thrusts is spear lightly at the dread captains head again, hoping to knock the man from the battle. His eyes keep moving to Baeden, a mix of wonder and concern as the man moves into the battle.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

Baeden winces slightly as the scimitar glances off his metal helm. He presses his shield towards the Corsair\'s shield and tries to snap his axe on the sword of of Khazamr.

Baeden attacks you with his Axe!...

...and he misses!

Then a wind suddenly picks up from the sea, strangely the sea grows calm and for those that can espy the order of battle, things bode well for Gondor. The fleet of the corsairs is being driven by wind and fierceswords and daggers and rains of arrows.

Glancing up in time to see Arali\'s eyes fall upon her, Aearwen locks eyes with the woman, her chin tilting up in defiance, daring the evil creature to come near her. Breathing a sigh of relief as Arali\'s attention is then turned to Findon and Vrael, Aearwen gets another man ready for transport to below deck. Her fingers reaching to make sure her dagger is close at hand, reassuring herself that she at least has some mode of weapon.

As he is too concentrated in dodging Baeden\'s blows, Khazamr notices Mablung\'s attack too late. He only bends backwards, and manages to get his shoulder to the spear\'s path instead of his face. Letting out a hollow gasp, he waves his scimitar at Baeden in order to gain some room, obviously no longer interested in advancing.

You attack Baeden with your Scimitar...

Your attack against Baeden moderately wounds him!

Out of the corner of one eye, Arali sees her Lord and Captain take a fierce hit. She sucks in a breath and without thinking, lunges towards Baeden, aiming to slash him in the back while he is distracted.

Arali attacks Baeden with her Scimitar, but she misses by an arm\'s length.

The sound of steel and flesh sound not loudly, but loud enough as Vraels scimitar hits Findons chest. Findon is driven back yet a step, but he strikes back, this time hewing at Vraels neck, but he doesnt put so much power behind the strike...

Mablung is forced further away from the battle as Baeden is hit, then moves in and strikes again at the corsair captain. Cursing, he tried to move to get within striking range of the captain.

Mablung has \"passed\" on his turn to attack.

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Baeden groans in pain as the scimitar slashes across his chest. He takes a step backand tries to moves to his advantage again. He strikes out with his axe and attempts to hook it downa nd then thrust the tip into the chest of the meanacing Captain.

Baeden attacks you with his Axe!...

...and he misses!

Baeden glances at you.

The Dread Captain takes a step back although he hits his opponent. He still swings at the man, still also paying attention to Mablung\'s moves.

You attack Baeden with your Scimitar...

Your attack against Baeden lightly wounds him!

Vrael arches his head back as he spies the attack and barely avoids taking the blade straight to his neck, \"Ah, you are weakened...prepare to meet my blade Gondorian fiend!\" At that the First Mate brings his scimitar high and, with what force he still has left, brings it down hard towards Findon\'s head, leaving himself wide open for any attack from those close by.

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Arali cries out, trying to draw Baeden away from her Lord, \"Fight me! Are you going to let an injured girl defeat you?\" Hoping her taunts work, blood oozing from her injured side, she takes another swipe at the man.

Mablung watches the battle and still works his way around, trying to make his way closer to get a clear shot at the man. Striking out lightly, he pushes the tip of his spear toward the dread captain again, almost reaching over Baeden\'s shoulder.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he misses!

Aearwen glances at you.

Indilzar from the upper deck Indilzar cries, \"That is it mates! Drive them into the sea!\"

As the lord speaks the men finish their repairs on the ship, the last of the water baled. Now Indilzar taking a stout group of ten bowmen from the upper deck launch arrows into the Raider.

Findon moves to the side, but not faste enough though... Vraels scimitar hits his shoulder, once again, and this time Findons face become clearly pale... With a slight strain he lift his sword and say \"No... as you will see soon...\" and with that, his sword falls, directed at the shoulder of the corshair...

Arali attacks Baeden with her Scimitar, but Baeden parries the attack with his shield!

Findon attacks Vrael with his Longsword, but Vrael parries the attack with his shield!

Baeden groans as the scimitar slashes his arm on his shield side. He did not notice the attack of the female corsair and manages to dodge her second attack with his shield in the way. He back from his attack of the corsair captain and bring his axe ot bear on Arali. He sweeps his axe down low to try to injure her legs to prevent her retreat.

Baeden attacks Arali with his Axe and terribly wounds her!

\"[Haradaic] Arali!\" cries a hollow, inhuman voice, \"[Haradaic] What are you...\" And with that, the Corsair Lord takes a step closer at Baeden, fearlessly, taking an angry swing at the man, obviously intending to harm the man far more than ever before. By getting so close, he attempts to get the Gondorian warrior away from the young Haradrim woman.

You attack Baeden with your Scimitar...

Your attack against Baeden moderately wounds him!

Mablung leaps at the corsair captain as he fully engages Baeden. \"Told ye once cursed southron, don\'t turn thee back when there is a foe there!\" Swining his spear in an arc, he sweeps at the mans legs in an attempt to break his leg, or at least fall the man.

Mablung attacks you with his Spear!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

Seeing his foe now in a weakened state and his attacks becomming increasingly futile, the First Mate smiles and eases of in his stance, \"Even if I must leave before I see you die, I will make sure it will happen...\" Vrael shifts his weight to his right foot and brings it forward to give momentum to his next strike, which goes strong towards Findon\'s torso.

Vrael attacks Findon with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Arali hits the deck, blood oozing from her leg and spilling onto the planks, mixing with the blood of others, both Haradrim and Gondorian. Waves of pain racing through, fighting to hang onto to consciousness, she hastily ties a tourniquet and struggles to her feet. She forces herself to stumble towards the Torath, knowing she can no longer fight.

Baeden grunts as the scimitar slashes across his shoulder. His shield tries to parry the blade up high as his swing his heavy at at the midsection of the hardrim Captain. He scowls at him. \"Die you vermen!\"

Baeden attacks you with his Axe!... ...and he hits! Ouch!

Defeated, you drop Khazamr\'s Shield to the ground...

Defeated, you drop Khazamr\'s Scimitar to the ground...

You are critically wounded, and will die soon without a +HEAL\'er.

As he sees the sword hit Findon, Gabbard makes his way toward Vrael. Hammer high, he tends on making the skull of the Corsair an ooze. As he brings the hammer high, he brings it down towards the head of the first mate.

Gabbard attacks Vrael with his Maul Hammer and severely wounds him!

As she sees Khazamr fall, Arali lets out a scream of agony of her, \"Noooo!,\" tears coming to her eyes, she makes a move, as if attempting to rejoin the battle. This is sheer madness though, and the girl collapses to the ground. A fellow corsair scoops her up as the corsairs begin to flee back to their ship.

As Vraels scimitar is thrust through his leather armor, Findonis pushed back and end up sitting with his back at one of the barrels, his shield and sword held i weak arms... He looks up at Gabbard whom saved him from certain death, but before saying anything, he coughs, and blood comes through his lips, clouring his blue livery red... Findons shield slip of his arm and he says weakly \"Healer!\"

An animal cry of pain fills the air as the Gondorian warrior\'s axe sinks deep into the Khazamr the Corsair Lord\'s gut, making the man bend over, and then fall to the ground, his metallic mask touching the burning deck first. With a cling, he falls, his black cape following right after him, setting down more slower, covering the body.

Blood spills to the deck from under him, staining his clothes, staining the surface of the Gondorian wood, as the man tries to turn to his side, but cannot. Only one word is heard spoken by the terrible voice. \"Arali...\" it speaks, \"Arali...\" And with that, the black glove to the left of the collapsed body arises, crawls under the cest, to touch something. And then Khazamr sighs, one last time.

\"Arali...\"

Vrael moves slightly as he stands from Findon, content with the damage done so far and prepares for yet another strike to fell the man...but then, a horrific *crack* rings out into the air as the hammer of Gabbard comes crashing down hard onto the First Mate\'s shield arm, sending the shield instantly to the ground and breaking the arm in many places. A loud scream of pain is cried forth by the Corsair as he turns to face Gabbard, \"You shall pay for that...\" But before any actions are taken, Vrael glances about at the state of the battle and immediately calls out into the air, \"Retreat! Quickly, back to the ship!\" He then attempts to dart away from his opponents himself, not knowing the state of the Captain as of yet.

As Arali is carried unwillingly away from the ship, she screams out, \"Khazamr!!\" Then she passes out from blood loss, tears wetting her cheeks.

Aearwen hears Findon\'s cry for a healer and turns to the assistant working with her, \"Finish up here\". Grabbing the bag of supplies, she rushes to Findon\'s side, totally unaware of anything but the bleeding man. Helping him slip off his armour as he leans against the barrel, Aearwen offers him a sip of willow bark tea from the canteen, her words soft, \"Drink as much as you can to deaden the pain Findon.\" Her eyes raking his body, looking at the massive amount of blood loss. Holding the canteen with one hand, she reaches in the bag for a clean cloth, pressing it to the largest wound, holding it firmly.

A cry calls out first from Mablung, then taken up by others \"Their Captain has fallen! Force the rest back!\" The men of Gondor then with another surge of strenght press their attacks in an attempt at forcing the southrons back to their ship. Mablung again calls out, \"Cut the ropes that bind the ships!\"

Arali has left.

Arali walks up the gangplank and boards The Torath.

Vrael tries to flee from Gabbard, but he fails!

Ra\'d has left.

Ra\'d walks up the gangplank and boards The Torath.

As he tries to run away, Gabbard brings the hammer down once again towards the skull of the human. And as he does he puts a force unknown behind it.

Gabbard attacks Vrael with his Maul Hammer and moderately wounds him!

As the hammer hits, Gabbard simply turns and walks over the the healers. He needs some attention.

Gabbard takes off a suit of the finest studded leather armor. He then quickly folds it and puts it in his pack.

Gabbard takes off a helmet of the finest studded leather. He then quickly puts it away in his pack.

Zanna has arrived.

Gabbard has left.

Gabbard climbs aboard the The Palangaer.

A sailor salutes as Gabbard walks on board.

Vrael takes a strong hit on the head and nearly falls to the ground from the impact, and yet he somehow manages to carry his tattered from off the ship and collapses once onboard. A few Corsairs have pulled the bloodied body of the Captain onboard soon after so as to not let the Gondorians defile his virtuous form and soon the ship is pushed away.

Her own wounds aside, one of the corsairs pauses in her escape, searching the faces of those fallen for one she might know.

Mablung gazes over the rail of the Gondorian ship and wipes the sweat from his pale face. \"Cursed Southrons.\" is all that he mutters as the haradrim ship starts floats away from the Gondorian. \"Finish any of the cursed ones that move! We have forced them from this ship this day!\"

The Torath

Raider Torath [Main Deck]

The Torath\'s mighty obsidian sails are unfurled.

Contents:

Ra\'d

Arali

Obvious exits:

DOwn leads to Lower Deck.

GangPlank leads to Bay of Belfalas.

Zanna ducks a blow, and leaps from the ship to scurry to her own.

Vrael has left.

Vrael walks onto the main deck.

Zanna limps on board and looks around her with a grimace. \"Oy, the lot of ye.... I\'ve some things here wit\' me... is there anyone hurtin badly here?\" she calls, waiting expectantly for an answer.

[From the Palangaer] As Findon takes a small sip from the canteen, it can clearly be seen that there are several wounds on his shoulders, both of them, and now, when his shield lie on the ground it can be seen that he also has a cut on the side. He takes another sip, but all of that wich he drinks is spilled out on the deck as he starts to cough again. More blood he coughs up, and he leans forward, still coughing. As he does so one can see a big wound there...

[From the Raider Torath] Slowly the red glare of the fires all around the horizon start to die down, and the black smoke begins to settle down as one thick, low cloud of black gas. The water is full of parts of wood and corpses, floating objects and blood. The remaining ships of Seaward disengage from the Gondorian fleet, and turn to head home. It is the opposite wind, but they manage to slip away from the Gondorians by furling their sails and making the slaves row harder.

It is the end of the battle.

Both sides have faced severe losses, but indeed it is the Gondorian fleet that has ended up being victorious. The fleet of Seaward, beaten and battered, limps away, the remaining ships gliding into the darkness as a memory of the greatness that it once had.

The corsair force breaks into confusion as their captain falls. As the officers struggle to maintain an orderly retreat, a futile mission, some of the fortunate wounded are carried on board. Cries and wails go up as the men see that their captain is one of the fallen, his wounds life-threatening. Arali shifts into consciousness again, joining the moans and wails with her own soft moan, \"Khazamr,\" she whispers, eyes searching for the body of her Lord.

[From the Palangaer] After doing as Captain Mablung ordered, Baeden boards the ship carrying a wounded Gondorian. He places him down below deck and then comes back to Aearwen. He grins sheepishly. \"I am sorry, Ma\'am it looks like I could do some help. Is there anything else I can do to help you?\" His slips off his shield as is shows a couple wounds on his shield arm.

As though prompted by the unheard whisper, Zanna\'s head whirls around. \"And where is Lord Khazamr? Why do I not hear him thundering about?\"

Zanna glances at you.

Arali forces herself to a sitting position, her usually dark face sickeningly pale, \"He is dying woman! If you have any skill whatsoever, save him...do your best,\" she pleads, half-desperate and half-mad with rage.

In the starboard side of the Torath, a group of three corsairs are bent over a body of a fallen man. In silence they sit, as if all the world would suddenly have been forgotten by them. In the middle of them, lays Black Khazamr, Lord of the Corsairs, motionless, with his fair shield and scimitar set onto his chest.

Zanna does not hesitate further, but seeks out where the Lord has been layed out - elbowing her way in amongst the three who crouch over him and dumping her satchel\'s contents on the deck next to him. In silence, she quickly regards his wounds, and begins to try and stop the flow of blood from the worst, tearing off pieces of his own cloak to assist her.

Zanna attempts to treat your wounds...

Though half-dead herself, Arali makes another futile attempt to move towards the healer woman and aid her. She cries in pain, tossing her head back and clenching her teeth. The girl is going nowhere. So instead, she tosses her healing pouches feebly towards the woman, \"Use these..they will help...\"

Zanna snatches up the tossed bag with a grateful yip, pulling its contents out and still frantically applying bandages to the Lord\'s wounds. Quietly, she begins to mutter to herself.

Arali gasping in short, painful breaths, Arali falls silent as she watches the woman work in the darkness. No longer crying, she does her best to compose herself, rarely showing such emotion in front of others.

Zanna\'s mutterings become louder, and those in close enough proximity to her to hear them take up the forming chant - a prayer to the Eye. She continues to work, pausing only briefly to wipe sweat from her brow. At long last, she sits back and sighs deeply. \"Now, we wait and see... I have done what I can.\"

Arali closes her eyes, her lips forming her own silent prayer...to the Eye, to the Heroes, to whatever Gondorian deities she knows of, and to any and all spiritual forces out there. She even makes up a few.

In silence lays Khazamr the Corsair, with his good scimitar and shield on his chest, his right hand set onto the dragon-hilt. His left hand is still clutching something that is hanging in a silver chain on his neck.

The Corsairs around look at Zanna with respect in their eyes. They nod at her as she finishes her part.

Zanna returns the looks of the corsairs gathered about, shoving the unused supplies back into the bag. As she stands, she places her fists on her hips and looks up at them with her jaw jutting forward stubbornly. \"Well? Wha\' you lookin at? Keep praying for \'im!\" With that, she stalks off to the next person to catch her attention - Arali.

to wipe sweat from her brow. At long last, she sits back and sighs deeply. \"Now, we wait and see... I have done what I can.\"

The Corsairs around look at Zanna with respect in their eyes. They nod at her as she finishes her part.