Battle for the Cove

Captain Vandar, the notorious pirate commander, sailed his ship the Starbreeze into the isolated cove on the coast of Ember Shoals.

Captain Vandar as played by Robb Rodgers
Photo courtesy of Lea Anne Pitt

Suddenly there was a cry from the crow's nest.

"Ship ahoy!"

Vandar started in surprise. Why was another ship using his secret cove? He could not let that stand.

"Beat to quarters! Prepare for battle!"

The drummer beat the alarm. The crew primed, loaded, and ran out the guns. The ship bore down upon the interloper. Vandar could hear the alarm coming from the other ship. But they would be too late!

The Starbreeze sailed within range. "Fire!" called Vandar. A salvo burst from the mouths of the guns, raking the enemy ship.

"Prepare to board her!" commanded the captain. He wasn't going to waste time in a gunnery duel; he planned to take the battle to the foe. His ship surged forward, and rammed the enemy bow to bow. Grappling lines sailed across, drawing the ships close. Vandar's crew rushed forward, but the enemy had formed a shield wall. The crews hacked, slashed, pushed, and shoved, but neither side could make headway.

One of Starbreeze's crew released the lifeboat and brought it to the side of the enemy, Using it as a bridge, the rest of the crew could outflank the rival pirates. Now there was a two front battle going on. The crew pushed forward, determined to take the other ship. But suddenly the enemy broke through and rushed upon the deck of the Starbreeze. The situation was dire, but the crew fought valiantly and defeated the rush. Once again, a stalemate set in.

Vandar suddenly had an idea to break the stalemate. He sheathed his sword, grabbed a shield, and dove into the water. Using the wooden shield as a makeshift raft, Vandar made his way around to the enemy's stern. This diverted attention away from the main battle. With this distraction, the crew of the Starbreeze was able to rush forward and take the enemy ship, including their fine store of rum!

OOC Notes

• This is an account of the first scenario from yesterday's Amtgard Day. The theme of the day was Pirates and Pixies so we began with a boat battle.
• I took some artistic license for this account. The scenario wasn't about taking the ship; the objective was to steal the other side's rum. I just thought that a battle of conquest made a better story (and it makes more sense in conjunction with the other scenarios, which will be posted at a later time).
• The part of Captain Vandar was played by Orion in this scenario, although it was actually Robb who jumped into the "water" and "swam" around the ship. Robb would take over the role of Vandar in the later scenarios.