Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-17114085-20180414200018/@comment-17114085-20180506204535

(To be fair you never specified what kind of ballista the Malaia had, so I had no idea what kind of power they're packing. Also, the bolt did pierce the hill, it just didn't shoot straight through it, aka it is stuck on the rowboat's hull which is why it is taking on little water as the bolt shaft is blocking most of the hole.)

By now the three rowboats were a good distance between each other and were leaving Malaia' ballista's range of fire. Unless it chased them, the rowboats would get away. The exception to this was the rowboat they they already hit, it had slowed down considerably now that it was taking on water. Still, the damaged rowboat was still attempting an escape, it was just going at half the speed of the others.

(Considering a max range of about 450 m, the rowboats would get out of its range with a speed of 7 km/h rowing in about 4 minutes if the Malaia is not directly chasing them.)

"Here I am, you fuckers." Zakhim muttered. He was on the balcony that overlooked the entrance of his estate. In his hand was a loaded crossbow. He fired at the first pirate that entered his manor, aiming at the man's chest.

"My men can be assembled within a few minutes. Head to the courtyard of my palace and they will be there shortly with mounts." Mamireh said.

Deros scowled. "This boy is your captain?" He looked over at Shav. "This must be some kind of joke."

"Aye, he is a boy. He's inexperienced and rather immature, but he has heart. He reminds me of a young Salyms, the man that made me into the pirate I am today. Brash and reckless, but fearless and determined." Shav explained. "I served his father for 20 years as his First Mate and I feel confident when I say that he has what it takes to be a great captain."

"Oh stop, I'm turning all red." Lhotun jested.

Deros walked up to Lhotun and looked him in the eyes. "Why do you want to be a pirate, kid? What is it that drives you?"

Lhotun returned the stare. "I want to be free, free to do whatever I want whenever I want. I want to feel the wind in my hair and the salt on my skin. I want to see sail with no laws or guards to stand in my way, to seek adventure and danger the likes of which I've always dreamed of....and I want to be rich by the end of it all. That's what drives me."

Deros retreated a step and looked Lhotun over once more, then turned to Shav. "There may be hope for him yet."

"So is that a yes?" Lhotun asked. "Will you join my crew?"

"It has been decades since I've sailed the seas, but that feeling has been with me ever since. Like you, the sea calls to me. I've dreamed of returning to it one day....I'll sail with you, Captain Lhotun." Deros said. He turned towards the secret passage. "Come, help me with my things."