
04-25-2011, 02:33 AM
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The Old Ship The ancient schooner stands tall in the dark water, although there is a definite list to the mast and sails that belie its age. After all these years hidden in or around the lake, the ship is in remarkably good condition, although the lower decks drip with water and something rather green and slimy. If not for the age and apparent solitude of the ship, it would appear the crew had just departed, even going so far to leave the gangplank lowered to provide access to the main deck.
The main deck is cluttered in a way no captain would approve. Bits of knotted rope, lank strands of the shredded sail, and abandoned cannon balls that seem to have taken root to the deck would have tripped up a sailor in bygone days. They are the only artifacts left of those hearty men now. A rope ladder twists uselessly in the rigging - wonder if the crow's nest can still be reached?
Just a few steps above the main deck, the steering wheel is knotted into place with a moldy length of rope. It's impossible to know where these sailors were headed, but they've been sailing in one direction for a very long time indeed. Propped against the railing behind the wheel is a marlinespike, a nasty pointed thing that was someone's weapon or tool... or both.
Beneath the quarterdeck, a gaping doorway leads to the captain's quarters. Decrepit maps, a rusted quadrant, and a compass sit on the captain's desk, but the most interesting artifact is probably the old tricorne hat propped against the chair. Wherever the man went, his head is bare. The bed and wardrobe in the corner could give you more clues about the man who lived here, but the best clue is the log book folded closed on the chair - Captain's Log for the Dead Wizard's Trove.
Below the main deck, you will find the hold and sailor's quarters. Kegs of powder are scattered with a few ancient gold coins, Galleons by the look of them, but there is no further indication as to what the ship once carried. Was the ship a merchant ship? Privateers? Or pirates? |