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The sun on your back, the blues cloudless skies above and the screech of the seagulls as they wheel around, gives you cause for optimism, as always on a day like today. The notice board down at the docks is almost bare, as though the ships and their masters just want to enjoy the good weather and bathe in its beauty. You do see one notice that catches your eye, written in fresh glistening black ink
Captain Trueheart requires crew who can look after themselves and protect the ship and cargo. Well rewarded on return to Cortyn, round trip to Bloodcove, no questions asked. Come to the The Sleeping Lookout tavern and ask for me, Cap'n Trueheart.
Quite why you are attracted to this particular request for crew, is strange, perhaps Desna calls you. But you feel you must answer, you know you will be accepted and be leaving Cortyn tomorrow. How you know this, well you don't really know, maybe its just the smell of the brine on the air or just because its such a good day. Whatever, its time to chance your luck and leave Cortyn.
Lysandra reads Captain Trueheart's request for crew and thinks to herself..."I've certainly been in this port long enough, and I'm not quite sure if mother is still looking for me or not, so let's go see what this Captain Trueheart has to say."
Harry steps up to the doorway of the Cracked Copper tavern and visibly winces at the abundance of daylight evident outside; a pair of giggling barmaids wish him well on his travels, and he simply returns them a sidelong smirk and a knowing nod.
Hefting his gear over his massive shoulder he pushes out into the crowded street, having the immediate effect of making the street magically becoming less populated. With Thumper following at his heels he strides his way down to the docks.
"Well Thumper, this looks like our boat, but the question is..." Harry pauses to chomp on his cigar with a pensive look of deep thought, "how long you reckon before we get sick of eating fish?". Thumper looks back at harry quizzically in that way that only canines can.
Leylyn rips the post she found down and looks at it. This is it Gregori! This is the one we'll do! We can get out of this swap hole for a while and try out my abilities! She then tilts her head as if listening to someone. ...Kyahaha! Your probably right! A name like Bloodcove is ominous, but that’s half the fun! It's almost as ironic as this captains name! Heh Heh Heh... True heart, I'm sure! She then tilts her head again for a moment. You’re right, Fonkin won't be pleased...Hehe, and that’s precisely why we're not going to telling him! Come on! lets get going...
"Cayden Cailean...bless me on this journey." Jon mumbled as he downed the last of his ale. "And bless the captain's supply of grog."
"Say friend" he said to the bartender, "can you tell me where I might find Captain Trueheart?"
Charles carefully smooths down the feathers on his hawk's back as he regards the notice.
"What do you think, Theodric? We really must get out of town for a little while. Things have been utterly unbearable since brother's 'indiscretion'. I am tired of dodging people!
Some time on the open ocean, and a bit of adventure, could be just the thing to lift my spirits..."
Charles then ambles over to The Sleeping Lookout, and inquires about Captain Trueheart...
An attractive, young, red-haired woman walks into The Sleeping Lookout, and approaches the innkeeper just as a man asks about the whereabouts of Captain Trueheart.
"I'd be interested in seeing the good captain as well. And since I'm here, how about a Caydenbrew? The woman asks fishing a couple of coins from a small pouch at her belt.
Caydenbrew, huh? Jon says to the woman. I ordered my first too quickly...I didn't see that on the menu.
Please...allow me to buy the first round. he says as he quickly throws a few more coins on the bar.
"As long as you'll let me pick up the next round." The woman says, extending her hand in greeting.. "The name's Lysandra, Lysandra Eventide...and who might you be kind sir?"
Seeing as there is indeed a boat, and it doesn't appear to be actually filled with Pirates, Harry has satisfied himself that this work could indeed be a legitimate source of income and not just an attempt to dragoon the unsuspecting, and begins pushing back through the throng of longshoremen, merchants, and sailors and heads towards The Sleeping Lookout.
After stubbing out his cigar, Harry steps warily into the unfamiliar tavern and takes time to scan its inhabitants as his eyes adjust. Noting no particularly obvious threats, his attention is drawn to a slightly motley crew conversing at the bar.
"Excuse my saying so, but as I see no peg legs or parrots I presume none of you is Captain Trueheart, but I'm guessing by the looks of you that we are all lookin to be in his or her employ...Harry's the name..."
The large man-mountain's hard chiseled features soften as he cracks a gentle and welcoming smile.
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The Sleeping Lookout tavern was crowded, as it always is down by the docks. Serving girls do their best to get the most from their patrons pockets, providing them with tankards of foaming ale, low cut blouses and a suggestive wink. In the crush around the tables, the girls receive both tips from the grateful sailors as well as hands grasping around their legs and buttocks, but with some innate skill the girls pass quickly through the crowds full tankards held high. The noise is incessant, occasional shouts can be heard above the din, either attracting a serving girl or greeting an old friend. In mid-afternoon, the place is a hive of activity and not yet a place of destruction, with fist fights and worse breaking out as the ale brings out the aggressive side of many of the men, whilst others would side down onto the floor and watch through a hazy gaze the world pass them by. Now with the smell of free flowing ale, the fragrance of the late lunchtime stew wafts occasionally through the bar.
To the side of the bar, are the stairs to the private rooms above. It is there you are headed, third door on the left where inside Captain Trueheart has decided to recruit some extra help, in the trip to Bloodcove. You enter.
Sitting behind the desk, with a serving girl sitting on his knee, whispering into his ear, is the man you came to see. He puts the girl to one side, patting her bottom tenderly as he does, he puts down the bottle of sweet smelling liquor on the table, and looks at you. The Captain, wears a bastardized version of the Chelexian Navy uniform, a grubby red jacket with broken buttons down the front. Underneath, what was once a white shirt but now gray, hangs loosely across his enormous chest. His long matted black hair, hangs loosely around a gappy grinning mouth. Putting his hands on the table he leans towards you, "So you want a job, I pay well and the ship needs some extra crew. In particular, I'm looking for some strong men, to come with me to pick up a delicate cargo in Bloodcove and bring it back here. Now, its highly likely that in picking up this cargo I will put some noses out of joint. Some of merchants might not look so kindly on me for transporting it. There are always competitors who want to stifle rival enterprises, so you will be called upon to provide a little protection as well. However, when we return here, the rewards will be worth your while. You will get a bonus when we safely dock here once more with the goods.
Now if you want the job or the money, then you must understand that this trade is highly confidential and therefore, if you don't ask any questions, I won't have to lie and neither will you." The captain laughs as he says this, before his eyes narrow and he looks at you pointedly. "So, are you looking for employment? I think the word you're looking for is 'yeah'." There are two choices, either to get out of Cortyn or stay and face whatever. You think about asking him for more information, but the look on his brown chiseled stoney face suggests that it's won't be a good idea. You get the idea the only words he wants to hear are 'yea' or 'nay'. You answer 'yea' quickly, its a job and there may be good money if all goes well.
The captain relaxes and sits back in his chair, he pours another glass of rum and passes the glass to you. The glasses toast the agreement, as the captain continues, "Here's to it then, come aboard tomorrow at noon, we sail at 3pm. Ask for the Green Serpent or for me, Captain Trueheart." with that, he downs his rum, smiles and rings a small bronze bell on the desk. With a wave of his hand he dismisses you as the young girl returns giggling, her bodice loose.
Trueheart is known to be honest, but sails close to the wind in more ways than one.
His crew get paid, some say handsomely, but all say they do get paid.
......
......
The next day at noon you go down to the docks and with your belongings, walk up the gangplank onto the Green Serpent. You see the Captain on the bridge issuing orders as large items are loaded into the hold, many barrels and chests are dropped into the hold by the wooden crane, ropes and rope netting. He looks over and sees you, "George, take the new crew down below and let them wait in the galley." A young boy, maybe only 12 years old, looks up at you, "This way, the Cap'n 'll see ya later, follow me." You follow him down below to the galley, which is deserted at present and the boy indicates for you to sit down round the table. "Stay here, the cap'n 'll be down soon to get you started. Have a drink whilst you wait.", with that the boy disappears on deck. As you sit there, more people are brought down as you were and told to wait for the Cap'n. Above and seemingly around you, you hear the final sounds of cargo being loaded and battened down, the sounds of ropes being moved.
On the table in front of you, are 5 clay mugs and a brown jug. Filling each container is a hazy light brown liquid, the ship's beer. Enough to wet your lips, but tasting weak, cheap and something you can't quite make out, you'll have to get used to drinking it!
....
As you speak with the others gathered round, you hear the words 'Cast Away' and a slight movement and rocking sensation...
"So, this is the place Greg...Hahaha, yeah, it does look like a dump! Leylyn says as she enters through the door of the Sleeping Lookout.
She is a bit short for an elf and is even smaller than most humans, with brown hair that covers the left side of here face. She is wearing a yellow blouse, a simple leather vest, leather skirt and a pair of strong looking boots. Her most attention getting item, though is her somewhat cliché Witches hat. It is a bit big on her and it is tilted to the left side of her face. shes not too bad looking, aside from her absurd fashion sense.
Hmm... There is a human couple at the bar and a whole bunch of other nobodies. nobody looks very Cap'nny...You notice anything Greg? She apparently asks to the nobody particular. Kyahahaha! Great, where is this guy at..? She walks up to the bartender and hands him the flier she pulled. You know where this Trueheart cap'n (Heh) fellow is at? I'm here to meet him...Ohh, Hahaha... She chuckles as she looks around the bar. ...haha...I'll have a mug of whatever that loud guy in the back is havin, he sounds like he is having fun!
Leylyn makes her way into the ship, and gets seated with a whole bunch of other people. She takes a swig of grog and nearly spits it out. Gahahahaha! This stuff is terrible! Maybe this wasn't such a good idea Greg! Hahahaha! She then looks around at all of the other people. She chuckles at the fact that she is the tiniest one here. Then she sees the couple she saw at the bar again. Kyahahaha! Wow! Y-you two know this isn't a honeymoon retreat right? Hehe... she says as she rubs her hand over her right eye, as if to wipe away tears... Heh...Heh...Did you see the captain? This is soooo a pirate ship...Nahahaha!
Harry can't quite work out where his hangover ends and his initial sea queasiness starts but either way a mug of beer, cheap as it may be, appears to be the ideal solution.
Winding his mind painfully back through last evenings shennanigans, he vaguely recollects the faces of the assembled group in front of him.
"And a good afternoon to you all fine ladies and sirs, Harry, man about town, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Despite his imposing frame, hard looks, and gigantic axe, he does appear to be somewhat disarmingly friendly and easygoing; there is no malice in his eyes.
"You'll forgive my sayin so, but you dont all look like the hired hand type... perhaps a bit of an introduction whilst we await the good captains company? what about you miss?" he asks, looking at the redhead.
He would have asked the other girl, but she appears to be talking to a toad, and he isn't sure what to make of that.
The large Rottweiler at his feet has also noticed the toad, and is staring at it intently.
Sitting calmly at the table, slowly sipping a mug of the ship's grog, Charles raises an eyebrow at the well-muscled half-orc's introduction, before rising to give him a strong, firm handshake.
"My name is Beecroft, Charles Beecroft. I, too, usually like to spend my time about town, but I have a penchant for exploration, and know my way around a blade."
At that, he pats the hilt of the enormous, bejeweled sword strapped across his back, before continuing.
"Things have become a bit too... entertaining... for my taste recently, and I thought this trip would be a nice diversion."
"You'll forgive my sayin so, but you dont all look like the hired hand type... perhaps a bit of an introduction whilst we await the good captains company? what about you miss?" he asks, looking at the redhead.
The red-haired woman extends a hand in greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Harry. I'm Lysandra. No worries about me, I can handle myself just fine, been hanging out on ships practically since I could walk, and if you're talking about more martial activities...I can take care of myself too." Lysandra says, tapping the hilt of her rapier, and opening her coat to reveal a pistol.
Kyahahaha! Wow! Y-you two know this isn't a honeymoon retreat right? Hehe... she says as she rubs her hand over her right eye, as if to wipe away tears...
Lysandra turns her attention to Leylyn.
"Honeymoon retreat? Where in the Nine Hells did you get that idea? Is there something wrong with having a drink with a man that is interested in the same job we all sought?"
Turning to Charles, "Good to meet you, Charlie. A bit too entertaining, eh? Well nothing like a good long boat ride to calm things down."
"Ahhh Master Beecroft, a man of culture and refinement I see, always a pleasure to be in the company of a gentleman. The pleasure is all mine Miss Lysandra, and may I complement you on your fine tools of trade"
Harry goes back to nursing his beer whilst keeping half an eye on the elven woman.
During the introductions, a small monkey pokes it's head out of Lysandra's backpack and yawns while looking around.
"It's about time you woke up, lazy bones. Everyone, this is Jaali, don't worry, he doesn't bite unless I ask him to."
Harry points to the large Rottweiler he came in with "And this is Thumper, I'm not so sure I can give the same assurances..."
The big dog perks up at the mention of his name. Not seeing any treats forthcoming, he quietly drops back down on his haunches.
Lysandra turns her attention to Leylyn.
"Honeymoon retreat? Where in the Nine Hells did you get that idea? Is there something wrong with having a drink with a man that is interested in the same job we all sought?"
Hahahaha, She took offense to that greg! Hahaha! There is nothing wrong, its...its just funny!Hahaha... Don't worry mister... She turns to Jon. Its going to be a long voyage, you still might have a chance! Bahaha!
Seeing everyone introduce themselves and her pets, Leylyn stands up with an air as if she were about to introduce royalty. I am Lysandra, and this is Sir Gregori Skipalong the Third! She says as she points to her hat. Those with keen eyes notice a tiny little toad perched in the foliage of her hat. ...Hehe, but that is a mouthful, so you can just call him Greg! He is my spiritual teacher, and I hope you all will show him a tiny bit of respect! kahaaha...
After that she forces down another swig of grog and keeps her one visible eye on Harry, whom keeps staring at her...
EDIT Fixed the mistake with hthe quotes! Kept the mistake about her name sense Lysandra already pointed it out! ;P
Seeing everyone introduce themselves and her pets, Leylyn stands up with an air as if she were about to introduce royalty. I am Lysandra, and this is Sir Gregori Skipalong the Third! She says as she points to her hat. Those with keen eyes notice a tiny little toad perched in the foliage of her hat. ...Hehe, but that is a mouthful, so you can just call him Greg! He is my spiritual teacher, and I hope you all will show him a tiny bit of respect! kahaaha...
After that she forces down another swig of grog and keeps her one visible eye on Harry, whom keeps staring at her...
"No, no, no...I really didn't take any offense to your comment, more just setting the record straight. You might want to go easy on the grog, "Lysandra", some sailors may not be so reputable and may try and take advantage of a less than sober lass."
Lysandra stops and thinks for a moment...
"Are our names really the same, or is that the grog talking?"
"No, no, no...I really didn't take any offense to your comment, more just setting the record straight. You might want to go easy on the grog, "Lysandra", some sailors may not be so reputable and may try and take advantage of a less than sober lass."
Lysandra stops and thinks for a moment...
"Are our names really the same, or is that the grog talking?"
Hahaha That would serve me right! Don't worry, I may be small, but I can hold my liquor pretty good!
When questioned on names, she says...Kyahaha! What are you talking about? I'm Leylyn! How can she get our names mixed up Greg? Hahaha! She laughs oblivious to her previous mistake...
Pleased to meet you all. The name's Jon Former. May Cayden protect us on our journey....and perhaps improve this beer a bit." he finishes with a wry grin as he looks into his mug.
Replying to Leylyn I've no plans for marriage anytime soon...and a merchant ship is no place for a honeymoon anyway he chuckles.
Replying to Leylyn I've no plans for marriage anytime soon.
Lysandra fills a flagon with the poor quality beer.
"Now there's something I'll drink to...Here's to having no plans to marry anyone anytime soon."
Lysandra takes a big long drink of the grog, making a face of complete dissatisfaction as the flagon leaves her lips.
"Now there's something I'll drink to...Here's to having no plans to marry anyone anytime soon."
A smirk crosses the big mans face as he clearly contemplates a snappy comment, but he decides to hold it back and continues sipping his beer.
"Well Jon, happy to have you on board, and if you do put in a prayer about the beer, put a comment in for me too if you could be so kind...I'm not the religious type, but reckon it can't hurt"
"Now there's something I'll drink to...Here's to having no plans to marry anyone anytime soon."A smirk crosses the big mans face as he clearly contemplates a snappy comment, but he decides to hold it back and continues sipping his beer.
"Well Jon, happy to have you on board, and if you do put in a prayer about the beer, put a comment in for me too if you could be so kind...I'm not the religious type, but reckon it can't hurt"
Aye...I'll put in a comment for the journey, so consider yourself included. Jon says as he raises his mug and nods to his comrades.
Aye...I'll put in a comment for the journey, so consider yourself included. Jon says as he raises his mug and nods to his comrades."Now there's something I'll drink to...Here's to having no plans to marry anyone anytime soon."A smirk crosses the big mans face as he clearly contemplates a snappy comment, but he decides to hold it back and continues sipping his beer.
"Well Jon, happy to have you on board, and if you do put in a prayer about the beer, put a comment in for me too if you could be so kind...I'm not the religious type, but reckon it can't hurt"
Yes! Pray for better beer! Kahaha! This stuff is so bad, that it has got to be sacrilegious for you! Anyway, I doubt this is a merchant ship. You all saw the cap'n right? No merchant ship owner looks like that, Hahaha, he probably a smuggler or something.
As long as he 'smuggles' the right sum of gold to me at the end, and in a timely manner, he can call himself whatever he likes.
I'll would wager, however, that at some point this bit o' work might get a bit bloody, so may be worth our time understandin' what 'friends' the good Cap'n might be planning on entertaining...
Harry looks the two women over, and as he does, his eyes take a slightly darker tone.
...and I'm noting that if ladies as fetching as yourselves have lasted this long below decks without your skirts all being in a crumpled pile above decks, then you probably aren't surrounded by Pirates, if you take my meaning.
I'll would wager, however, that at some point this bit o' work might get a bit bloody, so may be worth our time understandin' what 'friends' the good Cap'n might be planning on entertaining...
Hoho! That's why I'm here! She says with an overabundance of confidence. If I can turn the tide with my abilities in battle to make sure that we're not the bloody ones, that I've accomplished one of my goals. I really don't want to know who we're bringing what to. For all I know, were bringing candy to orphans...Kyahahaha! That gives me a disturbingly funny visual of the captain passing out candy by the handfuls! Ha...ha...ha! Leylyn tries feebly to stifle her laughter...
I'll would wager, however, that at some point this bit o' work might get a bit bloody, so may be worth our time understandin' what 'friends' the good Cap'n might be planning on entertaining...Hoho! That's why I'm here! She says with an overabundance of confidence. If I can turn the tide with my abilities in battle to make sure that we're not the bloody ones, that I've accomplished one of my goals. I really don't want to know who we're bringing what to. For all I know, were bringing candy to orphans...Kyahahaha! That gives me a disturbingly funny visual of the captain passing out candy by the handfuls! Ha...ha...ha! Leylyn tries feebly to stifle her laughter...
Agreed...probably best to keep our ears wide open and not ask too many questions until after we hear what the captain has to say.
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The sound of footsteps heralds the return of what you assume is the cabin boy. The boy, his red hair and freckles, smiling at you speaks, "The Captain says you can come above now and he'll have words with you. I'm George by the way, I 'elp the Cap'n run the ship, doin' all those things tha Cap'n just ain't got time to do. Nothing gets done around here without me knowin or doin' it meself." he says proudly puffing out his young chest. He leads you up onto the deck.
There up on the main deck, half the sails are drawn, white canvass blowing out, as they picks up the breeze, it moves at a slow pace towards the entracne to the harbour. The ship has a single large mast, and an enormous boon, rope and tackle lie in neat piles on the deck. On the bridge is the beaming face of Captain Trueheart surveying his domain. Next to him on the bridge is a large muscle bound man, bare chested and hardy, his torso covered in a multicolour of tattoos, a red dragon entwined up his left arm. The man holds the wooden wheel, almost lovingly and gently he turns it to change course slightly, aiming the vessel to exit the port and set out into the expanse of blue sea spreading to the horizen, past the protective sea walls reaching out into the sea from the port.
On the forecastle, a thin pallid looking man barks out orders to three other men, as the sing a sea shanty, in time to their pulling on the rope. Even from this distance, the man in the black clothes, with the authority has a dangerous looking face, narrowed eyes under thin whispy gray hair. The Captain, his white teeth showing as he smiles, shouts to the man in black, "Dreavin, good work, we'll be away soon." He turns to the helmsman, "He's a good first mate that one, keeps the men in tow. But no-one will be a better helmsman than you, eh Runther." He captain laughs, as he sees you on deck. "Ahh, George, you've bought our new guests or should I say new crew up. Greetings men, glad you could all make it and get on board. We'll be making sailors of you yet. Ha ha ha. I'll be giving you your orders, but most of the time Dreavin over there will give you instuction and duties. He's the first mate here, and you'll do well to heed his advice, he's not one to take fools gladly, be warned though, his cat is very viscous. Have you enjoyed the fine hospitality, all who join a ship deserve a good welcome, it up to them to keep that welcome warm, but you are men of the world, you know what I mean. Anyway, its best to get underway with those who know there way about the vessel, saves time and unnecessary injury."
From the midships you see what looks like a canvas stir, but it is in fact a large round man in ill fiiting clothes, the white shirt barely extends around his huge belly that wobbles as he get to his feet. He waddles across the deck towards the Captain and you, his gray trousers showing blood and brown on their front, as does his shirt, presumably he has wiped his pudgy blooded hands across clothes many times, blood and brown stained grease. "Cap'n looks like all the stores an food are stored an' secured. You gonna let me have one o' these to 'help me wi' me chores?" Looking down at him, Trueheart replies, "Joseph, they've only just surfaced, but you can have one of them for sure, you know I always let the bosum and cook have his help, you know I do, so get back to it and I'll send you someone in a minute."
The cap'n calls you up to the bridge, you gather round in a semi circle, standing relaxed as he looks at each and every one of you, almost as a military inspection. Taking in the strengths and weaknesses of each of the crew members. "OK, so any of you sailed as crew on a sloop before?" he starts to ask each of you questions. He starts by looking at Lysandra, his eyes almost undress her as he smiles. "Lysandra, I need an assistant to help me on this journey, perhaps you would be so kind, it will make it the most pleasant of journeys. And you Leylyn can help Joeseph, do as he commands and your life on this ship will pass without mishap. The rest of you will do as I and Dreavin command, but remeber at all times all of you are hired to protect me and this ship from any unfortunate encounters with pirates or others on the journey to Bloodcove."
Seeing the pets, "Oh and just one other thing, as for your pets, either keep them below or out of sight, this ain't no cruise. That dog, had best keep away from the ship's cat too, I don't want to see him up here on deck. I've seen tooo many accidents happen with pets on ships to want more on board than is absolutely necessary." Jon, standing next to Harry, nudges him and points towards the front of the ship, where a ginger cat sleeps in the sun on the bowsprit.
Indeed Capn; Thumper can stay below decks, I have no desire to see him overboard chasing a seagull or something else daft, and nor a desire to compensate you for the eating of a cat.
With regards to being on a ship before, well only so long as it took me to collect a debt or two, and only so long as it was safely tied to a wharf...
Harry allows himself a slight chuckle...
...oh and perhaps, Sir, when time permits, we could have a yarn around what fellows might be looking to make too many enquiries into your deliveries?
Charles greets George's enthusiasm with a warm, if slightly condescending, smile, and happily follows him up onto deck.
He acknowledges the Captain formally, and notes:
"Well, whilst I am not a sailor by trade, I have spent a fair amount of time on ships over the years, and have picked up some familiarity with them. I am certainly not afraid of work!"
When the subject of pets is brought up, Charles brows knit, and he looks pensive.
"Would it be acceptable for me to bring Theodric, that is, my falcon, up for a small amount of time each day so that he can stretch his wings and possibly do a little hunting?"
Charles himself has not directly angered anyone, but his elder brother has, and so by extension, the entire Beecroft family is considered to be 'fair game' in certain circles.
Essentially, an attempt was made to 'arrange' for the Beecroft family to have a monopoly on a particularly lucrative trade route by sabotaging The Windspinner, the flagship of the Verdegreen Trading House, captained by one Julius Wainright. Doing so would have given the Beecroft family sufficient leverage to wrest control of one of the Corentyn Council seats away from the Methecan family, giving them a substantial amount of influence in the city.
Thus, the Methecan family, the Verdegreen Trading House, and Captain Julius Wainright all have an axe to grind...
Perception:
Lysandra raises an eyebrow to the Captain's less than subtle suggestion.
"An what, pray tell, assistance would the good captain require of me? I am a capable sailor, I suspect I've spent a greater fraction of my life aboard ships than the majority of your crew."
A slight frown crosses Lysandra's face at the mention of the captain's policy on "pets".
"Captain, Jaali here won't be any problem." She says, scratching the chin of her familiar, as the small monkey sits on the bard's shoulder. "He almost never leaves my shoulder, of my pack. Surely the captain wouldn't mind if Jaali stays with me." She says with a smile and twirl of her long red hair.
Diplomacy:
"OK, so any of you sailed as crew on a sloop before?" he starts to ask each of you questions.
Aye Captain. Jon answers, I served on my father's boat for several years as a young man. His boat was not as magnificent as yours, but I think I can manage.
"OK, so any of you sailed as crew on a sloop before?" he starts to ask each of you questions.Aye Captain. Jon answers, I served on my father's boat for several years as a young man. His boat was not as magnificent as yours, but I think I can manage.
Your going to have me help with the food...? Heh...Heh...Heh... Leylyn laughs eerily. Ok, Sounds fun! Ohh, and Gregory is not a pet, He is my spiritual companion and friend! However I shall respect your request... She takes her hat off, careful to keep the left side of her face concealed as it has been, and the toad hops from the hat, onto her head. She then covers the toad with her hat. Hahaha, Problem solved! Okay, Joeseph was it? What do you need me to do?
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You all see a rowing boat at the dockside, just setting off from the quay. The rowers in the boat are all dressed in the uniform of the city guard. At the back of the boat are three men standing up, you see that one wears a cloak in the colours of the Vendegreen Trading House, whilst the other is dressed in nobles clothes, a third is dressed in the uniform of an officer of the city guard. The men standing appear to be gesticulating at the Green Serpent and urging the rowers to start pulling and propel the craft after the ship.
On the dockside is a carriage, carrying the standard of noble house of Methecan, well to do merchants and nobles in the city port of Coretyn.
Meanwhile the captain watches Lysandra and with a wink says "I'm sure your monkey will be less trouble than I'll have with you on this trip." he sneers and laughs. "I'm sure we'll find something to keep you and your friend busy. If you're as good as your word, then perhaps you can help me with the navigation as we make our way to Bloodcove."
If you're as good as your word, then perhaps you can help me with the navigation as we make our way to Bloodcove."
"It would be my pleasure, captain, but it looks like we have a bit of business to attend to first." Lysandra says, pointing to the rowboat heading this direction, as her hand glides over to rapier.
Seems like you may have forgotten a passenger or two sir...
Harry points out to the rowboat
...reckon they'll be catching up?
Spotting the figures attempting to approach the ship, Charles sighs.
Great. Just what I needed...
He then turns to the Captain.
"Captain, I trust that we do actually have everyone on board who is meant to be, and that we are ready to go? If so, now would be an excellent time to make for the open ocean, before we get slowed down by an... unfavorable wind..."
Well...it seems that this might get rough a little sooner than I thought.
Hearing that his comrades have alerted the captain, Jon looks around at the crew to judge their reaction to the situation.
Spotting the figures attempting to approach the ship, Charles sighs.
Great. Just what I needed...
He then turns to the Captain.
"Captain, I trust that we do actually have everyone on board who is meant to be, and that we are ready to go? If so, now would be an excellent time to make for the open ocean, before we get slowed down by an... unfavorable wind..."
If they get close enough, I can try to give them an unfavorable wind Leylyn says, looking over the rail at the figures.
I think that even if they arrive it will just be more unfavourable winds... blowing over their gums. I reckon if they can all fit on one boat, then they didn't bring enough men
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Captain Trueheart looks quizzicly at Charles, as the penny drops and he recognizes the man's intimation, "Well, seems like we should be making the most of the wind we have then, it would be a pity if we were caught by these 'unfavourable winds'." As he nods at Charles, he shouts orders to his crew, "OK men, let's leave NOW! tighten the sails, let's catch the wind and be outta here." Pointing at Jon and Harry he orders "You two, get down there and help the boys hoist the sails and full."
The Captain decides to play Charles verbal game, "Charles, you might find your presence is required working in the hold, where we have a container that needs closing up. You do that, whilst we concentrate on making the most of the winds." He shouts to Joseph, who despite his size, waddles nimbly over to the Captain, who whispers in his ear. "Charles, follow Joseph he'll help you below decks find the container."
The captain smiles at the fuss being made, enjoying every minute of it, and saying to those remaining. "I'm sure if the guard catch us, we'll just be delayed, so we'll see if we cann't just make up at little time now." He laughs. "Get busy to help, but remember no weapons, I do have to trade here you know."
The Green Serpent continues its slow way towards the port exit, and the rowing boat struggles to get off to a quick start, as he rowers struggle to get into a rhythm as each of the rowers seems to be unable to synchronise themselves together as a cohesive unit. Oars entering the water at different times, splashing into the water, but making little progress.
Strength Checks
Crew 1
Crew 2
Crew 3
Chase
Green Serpent
Rowing boat
"Of course. I will see what I can do to 'secure' it."
With a nod to the Captain, Charles quickly follows Joseph below deck...
"Righto Cap'n!"
Harry looks at how the crew carries out their tasking before diving in and doing his part to 'wrestle the Green Serpent'
"prefer to be wrestling wenches!"
Jon moves quickly to the sails. He mutters a quick prayer and an incantation and feels a rush of power go through his body .
He takes hold of the ropes and gives a mighty pull.
The sails rise and catch the wind taking them out of harbor.
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Joseph takes you below into the galley, he moves a barrel against the wall and takes out three screws. A secret door to a small cupboard opens, just enough room for one man. Joseph looks at you, "The Captain thinks you didn't want those city guard to find you. You can last an hour or so in here, it should keep you hidden." Joseph waves his hand towards you in a gesture, 'After you'
Strength Checks (Round 2 of chase - Jon casts, Harry watches)
Crew 1
Crew 2
Crew 3
Chase
Green Serpent
Rowing boat
Strength Checks (Round 3 of chase - Jon and Harry help)
Crew 1
Crew 2
Crew 3
Chase
Green Serpent
Rowing boat
The guards in the rowing boat, get into their stride, as the officer gets them to use their oars in unison, "In...Out...In..Out" bellows across the water. The rowing boat suddenly puts on a burst of speed and starts to rapidly catch up the Green Serpent. The sails of the Green Serpent slowly make their way up the mast as they try and catch the wind. Jon and Harry join the crew as they raise the sail, as they pull and join in the chorus of "Heave...Ho...Heave...Ho" the sails start to ascend with a significant increase in speed.
Captain Trueheart, looks out towards the exit from the port, studiously ignoring the rowing boat behind. "Good work boys, the open sea beckons."
I hope my trust is not misplaced, but really, what choice do I have?
With a curt nod, he squeezes into the revealed secret chamber...
Jon glances back to see how close the boat is. He laughs as the adrenaline rushes through him. They're gaining! he thinks.
C'mon Harry! Put your back into it!
I'm going to pay for this tomorrow. Too much grog before we left...
Lysandra looks around at all of the ordered chaos aboard the ship, and turns to Captain Trueheart.
"Orders Captain?"