| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
Jiro's feelings toward his twin brother make her envious for such a precious bond -- one that time and distance could not weaken.
"Your brotherly bond sounds strong and enduring, Jiro. I am an only child. My father died before I was born and my mother shortly after. I never knew either of them. I was raised by my father's parents -- my grandparents were kind to take me in and rear me as if I were their child. I am my grandfather's favourite - we are quite alike." There is a note of sadness at the admission of never knowing her parents but at the mention of her grandfather you get the sense that there is a loving, close bond between them.
"Is your brother working out at sea, too? Or has his path led him elsewhere?"
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
"In some ways, Hijiro is just like me - we look alike and have some of the same habits, sometimes we'd even say the same thing at the same time - but he was never drawn to water as I was, so I doubt he'd have gone to sea. I haven't seen him since I was twelve, so I have no idea what he's doing now. I assume he's still in Minkai, maybe even still at home with Mama and Papa. I.. I'm sorry you didn't know your parents, Rain-san. It is good you had such a close tie with your grandfather. But what is it like to have no siblings? Was it lonely? Who did you play with?"
"You said your family were sailors and craftsmen and ontra-something... Do you mind if I ask what that last word means exactly?" He blushes again, perhaps embarrassed at this lack of skill with the Common tongue. "And what crafts did they practice?" My family were hunters.. and rice farmers, though I myself never really learned either skill."
He muses silently for a moment. I hope Hijiro didn't end up a rice farmer like Papa... I doubt it would suit him.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro looks down at his hands for a moment, then back at Rain and smiles at her again, though he blushes while he smiles.
She is very beautiful and very nice, but I cannot say such to her directly. I hope she can sense how I feel. I know, I will play her a little tune from home for her to enjoy
He pulls out his harmonica again and plays a soft, short tune, and when he's done he gives Rain a little smile.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
The thud of my sea boots bang heavy on the stairs as I descend below decks. I make my way over to my locker and rummage in it for a moment. You may have noticed that a long strap hangs over my chest that had not been there before. Attached to it is a large pouch, like a satchel, which hangs on my hip under my frockcoat; which I now take off and hang from a nail jutting from a beam so that I can let the heavily drenched fabric drip dry rather then cling to my wet skin.
Grabbing a thick cloth from my locker, I towel off the water from my hair and face, stow the satchel in the locker, then remove my tunic, and towel off my chest as well, eager to dry off as I hang my shirt near the frock coat. I pull my boots aside and lay them by the locker, and hang my stockings by the frock coat, leaving only my trousers on and the towel wrapped around my neck and back for some warmth as my wet things dry off.
Being at sea has taught me that poor health is a terrible thing. A large group of people; constantly damp, constantly chilled, constantly clustered in tight quarters... If one person becomes ill, very quickly the entire crew can become ill. And after that, the entire crew can die.
Pausing a moment, I take out a small flask from the satchel in the locker and taste a mouthful of a whatever is in it, then after replacing the flask, I sit myself close to the others. I have also removed some small items from the satchel, as listen to Rain and Jiro talk, and you notice that I am holding a small pair of scissors and a small mirror.
I deftly trim up my beard. Then I pull out a small razor, watching myself in the mirror, and make sure to trim the rest of any stubble, keeping my hair as neat as possible. When that is done, I glance at myself quickly in the mirror, then wipe off any bits of hair with the towel, and return the shaving materials into the small wallet I had removed, and return that to the satchel in the locker.
Flinging the towel off and wring out any excess water, I wrap it around myself again and make myself as comfortable as possible as I listen to the conversations around me. As I listen, you notice that I am holding a small pipe and have filled the bowel and am smoking quietly, observing Rain and Jiro talking.
I glance at Jiro somewhat blandly at one of his comments, not saying anything a moment, only thinking.
”You were a powder monkey?” I interrupt, with somewhat surprised tone – though clearly it is muted.
”Ah, the elven? Yes – it's good practice to use a different language, eh? Besides – why should we waste time speaking with words that we don’t want everyone to understand; the less the rest of these yrch-spawn hear, the better,” I say, the elven profanity seeming somehow appropriate.
Pausing a moment, I turn to Rain.
”A powder monkey – that’s something, indeed,” I say somewhat impressed, speaking to them both, though clearly addressing Rain for the moment.
”I am of course familiar with them – but only abstractly,” I add.
”A powder monkey, Rain –some ships have a very specific task that needs very small people to get the job done easily. The Chelaxian ships often use Halfings, I have heard, for they are both small and nimble, and at least brave enough not to rattle easily; though some ships will use children for these things, but in either case, be it Halfling, dwarf, or child – the powder monkey is small and can crawl around easily, carrying things – like a little animal, hence “monkey”. Well – some ships have for their primary weapons large artillery called “cannon”. This is a device which uses “Black Powder” – the secret of its making generally closely guarded, for it is very powerful as a weapon,” I add, my eyes flicking quickly to Jiro, then back to Rain.
”Black powder, when ignited, causes powerful explosions. Now – if you were to place black powder within a contained area, leaving only a small opening – anything in that opening would be forced to explode outward with terrible speed and power. Cannon are large iron tubes, filled with black powder and generally heavy projectiles. When the powder is ignited, it will cause a powerful explosion that forces the projectile out at a great speed into an enemy target.”
”The projectile can be many things; a simple heavy iron ball is common, as it will be able to smash through the deck of a ship, even solid rock fortifications. However, there are also other methods of doing damage, including “chain shot”. Chain shot is two small iron balls linked together with a long iron chain, generally about three to five feet in length. When fired, the chain prevents the balls from scattering, and indeed causes them to spin with terrific force like a bolas – generally it is used against the masts of enemy ships, and it can slice through even heavy timbers like a knife through butter.”
”There are other types of ammunition as well,” I say pausing to exhale another puff of smoke ”For example, I have also seen what is called “Hot Shot”, which is when gobs of wet clay are placed in the iron tube, as well as a small bit of iron that have been superheated in a forge, or with magic. Then – when the shot is fired, generally at an enemy sail, the clay forces the superheated shot to cling to what it hits like glue or paste, and the superheated shot is hot enough that it will cause whatever it is touching to quickly catch on fire.”
I shrug a moment.
”Of course – such conventions are not often used, as many officers simply prefer spell casters instead of that – but then, magi often charge more coin on a ship then a simple gunner… For myself, I prefer using “grape shot” – which is a collection of shot the size of small grapes, stuffed into the cannon. Generally, such shot is best used in a swivel gun on the main deck. A good gunner will wait until the enemy is prepared to board – collected on the deck with grapples or planks to toss between ships – then they will turn the swivel gun on the enemy and fire it. The shot will not target one individual – but it will instead scatter en masse into the enemy, decimating them quickly even as they are clustered together in a tight group. This is better then a fireball spell, in my opinion, because the shot generally stops in the flesh of your enemy, only occasionally puncturing the deck in a few places perhaps. A fireball can cause the deck to burn, or the sails to burn – and very quickly damage ensues which can get out of hand, if you are trying to take a prize...” I add with a wave of my hand.
”I have not seen many ships with cannon – again, many of the officers preferring magi to such weapons for ease, if not price. Of course, I was aboard a lorcha one summer that smuggled gear around the coast near Cheliax– and it was outfitted with some cannon, but only six – two on each flank amidship – and a bow and stern chaser.”
I glance at Jiro again, my eyes inscrutable – as if trying to read him.
”I have heard tell of Chelaxian man-o-war’s with sometimes up to 120 such cannon – 20 a deck, three decks tall, the cannon flanking both sides of the ship,” I say, my voice somewhat distant, as if pondering something ”Though I have never seen one in action personally… Of course, for safety a ship that size needs powder monkeys on them, for it has a tremendous amount of cannon, and a tremendous amount of black powder is needed to use such cannon. And of course, black powder, being able to explode with fire, is kept in the very center of the ship, safest from any enemy attacks, and very little of it is next to the cannons themselves. That way, an attack from an enemy vessel is less likely to ignite much black powder near the cannon on the outer sides of the ship, and not do too much damage from an errant explosion which could ignite such extra powder so close to the flanks of the ship.”
”Meanwhile,” I say, continuing to address Rain, guessing the elf may never have heard of such things, and would certainly wish to be educated in the ways of war, if she would ever see these things in action. Even so, now my gaze is now firmly fixed on Jiro, watching him very intently, though for what purpose, I do not say ”small wooden “tunnels” are made from the ammunition room to the various gun stations. A powder monkey is forced to grab sacks of the black powder, than crawl through the wooden tunnels to the gun ports – again, the smaller the tunnel, the better, and thus the smaller the “monkey” has to be – the small size is needed because it eliminates the chance for an errant fire spell, or explosion from enemy artillery in general, which could spread into the rest of the ship, and possibly to the ammunition room, and thus destroy the ship.”
I exhale another plume of tobacco and consider things a moment, rolling my shoulders a bit as I lean back onto a beam behind me, glad that the towel prevents any splinters from jutting into my naked skin.
Glancing aloft to where the water is dripping from the hatches, I ponder things a moment in silence. Then, I turn and look at Jiro again, addressing him directly now.
”I did not know that cannon, and indeed – black powder – was so common in your land. Clearly it was common enough that powder monkeys were used; which seems very surprising. Of course, I heard rumors that black powder was used in the east; the rumors indicated your people preferred it for signal rockets, and other more subtle assaults, such as smoke screens to obfuscate an attack, or stink bombs, which are made from heavy compressed sulfur and can cause an enemy to gag, vomit, or become nauseated while you advance and kill them swiftly, or prepare to flee or another type of attack while the enemy is helpless - of course, this type of attack offers no possible damage to the enemy ship or cargo… Unless of course the enemy is carrying something that would spoil from the use of so much of the sulfurous gas – such as spices, perfumes, and especially tea, which I know is very delicate, and spoils in such foul smoke.”
”It seems there is much to learn from each other, eh Jiro-san?” I add, watching him – curious to know what he will say next about how an easterner would have such experiences with cannon - and black powder in general.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
I turn to Rain – hearing her comments.
”Your grandfather sounds like a fine man, reminding me somewhat of my uncle. When we are free of this nonsense, perhaps you would take us to visit him, and we could learn to know him better, for I prefer the company of wise people – and if he favors you so much – surely he must be wise,” I add with a grin.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
I glance at Dhaavan a moment – while I wait until Rain responds, and consider his middling attempts to flounder up the rigging.
”Hey – Dhaavan – why didn’t you just wait for the rope, like before?” I asked him in the Common Tongue, a bit perplexed.
”If you had fallen – that is a long way to the deck… and worse, the sea around you. For I doubt much that you can swim well,” I add with a shake of my head.
”Which reminds me – the next time you are out on deck; do yourself and all of us a favor and use a bloody life-line, hey?” I say, somewhat emphatically.
”I don’t fancy having to drag your sodding arse the waters if you fall from the yardarm, or the rigging on another noble attempt to climb.”
Seeing his muted attempts to respond, I politely hold up my hand to forestall his inevitable praise and thanks for my modest efforts on his behalf when I hauled him up to work on the rigging like so much laundry.
”No, no - no need for any words – I understand completely; and of course, you’re absolutely welcome for any assistance. And naturally, I’ll continue to do what I can to aid you,” I add in a magnanimous voice.
You may have noticed that my way of speaking has become more relaxed, and certainly less formal than it was when you had met me, as if I am slowly changing by being among these people. I glance around at the others.
”That reminds me – and this really goes to any of you – it’s a bloody storm; and we’re stuck climbing the rigging – never mind walking on a pitching deck – the next time you’re aloft – use a bloody life line, eh? If you go over the side in this chop, no one may even see you slip off, and then very quickly you’ll be very dead, unless you’re able to swim.”
| Valeros Jaloksin |
| Male Gillman Oracle (Waves) 4; AC 14 (T 11, FF13) / HP: 34/34 / F +4, R +3, W +5 / Init: +1 / Percep: +0 |
|
Valeros simply stands on the swaying deck, letting his body soak in the cool relieving rain that blew against him. The storm could prove dangerous no doubt about it, but for now he was simply going to enjoy it.
At the order, Valeros began trying to climb the sodden ropes, which proved difficult with his leg. Whispering a quiet prayer to the sea, he moved up.
After some false starts and near drops, Valeros managed to make his way up to the top where he set about working on the rigging. Even with the storm raging around him, he was still able to focus on the work at hand.
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
The day is done and everyone was safe back by the bunks cleaning off from the day. Rain and Seijiro were talking so Variel decided to join in the conversation. Not wanting to interrupt, Variel sits quietly at first letting them talk. The only words he spoke was a polite greeting to both of them. It wasn't until Horatio spoke that Variel's ire is raised and he has to break his silence.
In elven mainly to Horatio: Do not presume that since you speak in a language that is uncommon to most that everyone does not understand you. Badger, who I introduced earlier, speaks elven and I assure you more of the crew does as well. If you are to cuss and swear best do so alone when others are not around you. As for these folks that your are cussing out, have you even given them a chance to talk to you or find out their story? Most of them have come around and are interesting people. I am sure Dhaavan would agree that if you give some a chance they will surprise you and are better people than you give them credit for. Intollerance of people you do not understand or know is the worst form of bigotry and presumption. Leaning back slightly, Variel's voice lowers just a bit, I took your quiet demeanor earlier as a sign that you thought before you spoke and chose your words carefully. Apparently i was wrong in my assessment and you were just waiting for allies to help protect you before you spoke. So just who are these people that you look down upon so vehemently? Why this set Variel off your not quite sure, must be something in his past.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro starts replying to Flynn in Elven and speaks softly, slowly and deliberately, struggling to get the words out correctly, though his accent is very heavy regardless.
He sighs and goes on again, looking at all the press-ganged for some clue as to who is listening with understanding of his words.
He looks between Flynn and Rain for their reactions to this admission, as superstitions among sailors are rampant,
"I... I didn't mean ta tell you my whole bloody story, just about my time working with the powder... You didn't need ta let me ramble on, that you didn't."
Seijiro blushes profusely and pulls his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them. He looks a little embarrassed.
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
Up on the rigging, Dhaavan nods at Flynn, and does manage to shoke out above the winds, "Ya say "ain't need fer words" alot." he gives the man a quizzical look. It's almost as if Flynn is trying to justify having multiple parts in a conversation because whomever he is speaking with cannot respond until he has finished saying all of what he intended to say. Like he's writing a letter or something, which strikes Dhaavan as an odd manner of speech.
While he needs catching more often than not, Dhaavan manages to swing along on his rope a few times to give Valeros a hand steadying himself in the rigging as the gillman slips. It's a odd comedy to watch them swing about in the stormy weather, trying to get up the rigging to the sails.
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
During the day for Valeros:
Plugg and Scourge are idiots. They expect people untrained in rigging to climb up here during a storm. That is a death sentence. Dhaavan needed help and I can't refrain from helping him who saved me from the rats.
Again Variel reaches out to grab ahold of a companion that would fall to the deck.
luckily his aim was true and his hold secure. Catching the man just before he lost his grip completely, Variel manages to right him and hold tight until Valeros gets his feet set. one good turn deserves another. Hopefully we can get you to the top safe. We'll worry about you getting down later. For now just follow where the others have gone and you'll get there in time. If you should happen to slip again, I'll keep an eye on you and Dhaavan.
Shouting up to Dhaavan and Valeros, You catch better than you climb, but you still need some work. Good thing I am keeping both your necks safe. Debts are paid after this, true?
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Looks at Variel for a moment as he lays into Flynn and says nothing, for or against either of them. He does seem surprised at Variel's outburst though and maybe a little embarrassed. He pulls tighter into himself, his arms pulling his legs up closer to his chest. He seems to lean away from Variel and Flynn both, and turns his gaze away from the altercation as if trying to distance himself from it.
Flynn might be a right bastard sometimes, but this isn't the time or place to be fighting among ourselves. We of the shanghaied sailors need to pull together as that might be our only way off this boat alive.
He turns his gaze to Rain as if seeking her aid, a pleading look in his liquid red-amber ayes.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
It's almost as if Flynn is trying to justify having multiple parts in a conversation because whomever he is speaking with cannot respond until he has finished saying all of what he intended to say. Like he's writing a letter or something, which strikes Dhaavan as an odd manner of speech.
I should offer my sincerest apologies now. What I have done is somewhat dishonest, in my opinion, as a gamer. I had not been “joking” with your character, instead I had been acting with information that I should not have.
Specifically, I looked at the post for “your eyes only” from the GM. I normally don’t do that, but I was curious. I observed that you were suffering from the spell Steal Voice.
Because you had the spell cast on you; because it is permanent unless dismissed by the caster; because I saw no evidence that the caster dismissed it – I merely assumed that you actually were formally under the restrictions of the spell.
I also assumed that you were forced to capitulate to the necessities of the spell; and couldn’t actually talk, or at the least – not easily, if at all.
With this knowledge I mind, I acted dishonestly in that I assumed you were unable to speak properly, and therefore wrote my posts to you with that in mind, but before you had the chance to RP it out. I wrote posts that suggested you had either lost your voice completely, or had a hard time speaking.
Whatever my assumptions were, they should have been based on your postings alone, and not on anything else, and RP’d appropriately.
Anyway, I apologize, it won’t happen again, and as of now I will refrain from doing that.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
It wasn't until Horatio spoke that Variel's ire is raised and he has to break his silence.
I give Variel a bemused look and shake my head, blowing another plume of smoke as I do.
”Whoa, mate – watch your tone; there’re ladies present, eh?” I say, in the Common Tongue.
”Meantime, I’m not presuming anything. I was having a conversation with this lass here, and also the lad about weapons; as you may know, as it seems you were listening in.”
I shrug.
”You know – it’s a funny thing about manners,” I add absently, to no one in particular.
”I got one lad who I ask for my gear my back; he told me to wait, I asked him later – he literally spits at me. Yeah – he curses, he spits – the same guy I tried to make sure got a fair shake in staying moist so his skin doesn’t dry out, never mind what may have happened to me. He spits on me, when I asked him again about my gear, which he was holding on to. Well, can’t be helped I guess.”
I glance over at Dhaavan.
”Meantime, I got another lad who I try to give a hand pulling up the rigging, making sure he doesn’t fall, and trying to be nice to as I can; and this ain’t the first time. And you know what? He’s got issues with me, too.”
”Then I have a conversation with this nice young lass here, and the nice lad from back east – and while we’re talking about different types of gear on ships – out of the clear blue you jump on my back and start to tell me what to say, and how to act. And if I didn’t know better, it seems that you even suggest that I’m some sort of two-faced basterd because I was trying to polite and quiet before, and now that I’m talking freely with those I thought were friends, suddenly this makes me some sort of lad conspiring in a plot?”
”You know what? Whatever," I say with a shake of my head.
"The only one I was hard with before was Jiro-san. I basically suggested he was thief to his face, and I was even nasty about it. Of course, that was pretty much the only person I treated that way - you now, acted like a basterd to. And now we're pleasant with each other, like mates. You remember when I gave him attitude, right? It was right after the thing in the bilges, with the rats?”
I scratch my beard a bit, taking another puff of smoke.
”You remember that little scuffle, eh? And afterwards, too - when I tried to heal you, did what I could, risking the lash to be late to make sure I could help you? No reason to do it, but I figured – eh, why not, we’re all on this ship together; we may as well act like mates.”
I shake my head.
”Tell you what; as it may make it easier on you – I’m going to put it all on the line straight and true. I’m going make it sure I got it right; because I’m a lad who wants to know what’s what. I don’t want to guess later – I reckon it would be better to know now.”
”This is what I think: I think that of the gang that was pressed on board that the lad Valeros’s got some issue with me. He’s rude, disrespectful – and he treats me like I’m some kind of filth not worth his time which he can treat like garbage,” I say, holding up my finger like the beginning of a checklist.
”Then I got Dhaavan – he’s a young lad I tried to help – seems he don’t like my help, and has some issues with me. Thinks I’m some kind of arse – and ignored my tries at being friendly and is happier to be mates with others because he seems to think because I don’t curse enough that makes me some sort of snob; so he calls me stuck up, and acts like he's got contempt for me, even after I tried to help him,” I add, holding up my next finger on the list of points.
”Then we got Rain – she’s a fine lass, and seems to got no bad troubles with anybody, except them that took her freedom. She likes my stories, she likes my guts, she knows I’m good in a fight, and hell, she even seems to like, as some may put it “My long-winded speeches”, which at is pretty decent of her to say, considering what others have said."
”Then we got Sko – who’s generally stuck apart from me – but he seems friendly with everyone – so there’s no problem there.”
”Then we got Jiro-san – who gets a little nervous around me, because I was harsh on him a few days ago – but he’s smart, and he knows that once I let the matter drop – I’m not going to push it again. I’ll be fair – and treat him like a mate if he does the same for me; because that’s just the kind of lad I am.”
”Then we got you,” I say ”I don’t barely talk to you much, but it seems you got issue with me. It seems you forget I try helping you, it seems you think I’m some kind of bum that’s beneath your contempt,” I add with a breezy voice without malice or rancor.
”Well – that’s that for me, then. Now I know where things stand a bit better – at least with the crew that came on with me. One guy I try helping stay healthy in the bilges when his skin cracks; he spits at me if I ask him something more then once. One guy I try to stick up for because I figure he’s some kid who I probably got bullied and needs help getting up the rigging; he condescends to me. And now one guy I risked the lash over to help after getting hit by rats – and sits there and talks to me like I’m nothing but a boatload of pig dung.”
I yawn and stretch.
”Whatever. You don’t like me – you think I’m an arse – you want to treat me like I’m a bum, or spit on me – or whatever. That’s your business – I don’t really care at this point; but at least I know where things stand a bit better. So – cheers!”
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
Looks at Variel for a moment as he lays into Flynn and says nothing, for or against either of them. He does seem surprised at Variel's outburst though and maybe a little embarrassed. He pulls tighter into himself, his arms pulling his legs up closer to his chest. He seems to lean away from Variel and Flynn both, and turns his gaze away from the altercation as if trying to distance himself from it.
Flynn might be a right bastard sometimes, but this isn't the time or place to be fighting among ourselves. We of the shanghaied sailors need to pull together as that might be our only way off this boat alive.
He turns his gaze to Rain as if seeking her aid, a pleading look in his liquid red-amber ayes.
I look at Jiro and grin.
”Nah – you got me wrong. I like hearing your story – it’s interesting to me. Learning is more valuable then gold and jewels, eh?”
”Meantime – keep practicing the elven – it’s a good habit to practice new languages. If you don’t keep in practice, they slip away from you,” I say stretching.
”Now, the reason I was curious on powder monkey’s is you don’t see many that know the secrets of Black Powder around these parts. Oh, don’t mistake me – you do see them; but they aren’t as frequent as magic users.”
”It’s funny – if magic hadn’t been around, where would we have gone with our technology, eh? I mean to say – without the Spells of Mass Destruction that a wizard can use – one man with nigh unstoppable power; strong enough to take on the gods, and even become one, if the histories are correct – where would be if we didn’t have magic? Would we have made weapons that could do that? Somehow I doubt it. Imagine – a sword that can reverse time, or mace that can command undead armies – ridiculous!” I scoff.
”Anyway, you don’t need to be afraid of me. You don’t need to like me either, though. If you want, you can call me an arse or spit on me – or whatever your pleasure is. I don’t really care at this point.”
”Of course – if you do that – then no doubt you’ll miss out on some fine poetry competitions, though,” I add with a sardonic wink.
Pausing, I consider something.
” - Woe to injured minds – ”
” - Injured minds weep fecund tears – ”
” - Without minds; hearts die – ”
”A trifle perhaps, but I am no great poet, and the company here does not inspire me to lighter subjects.”
I turn and glance at Rain – speaking now to her and Jiro.
”What about you, lady – will you add a word to the poem for Jiro-san, or concoct one of your own? And you yourself, Jiro-san – what verse will you offer? Will they be in elven, or in the common tongue, or your own tongue, then translated for us? In any case, I am open for hearing something nicer; and no more sleights, nasty words, or foul comments,” I say pleasantly.
| Valeros Jaloksin |
| Male Gillman Oracle (Waves) 4; AC 14 (T 11, FF13) / HP: 34/34 / F +4, R +3, W +5 / Init: +1 / Percep: +0 |
|
Valeros laughs at Flynn's words, sitting forward in his hammock. One might wonder if everyone seems to have a problem with a person whether the fault lies with everyone else or with the individual. As for me, I'll tell it plain to you. For all your talk of crew and loyalty and manners, it seems to me that the only thing you care about is yourself and the rest of us are but a means to an end. Yes I took issue with you because rather than support your supposed companion as he was fighting the brute, you were more concerned with retrieving your possessions. I ask you to wait until we know the man's fate and you act as if I mean to refuse to give you your gear back. You call a man thief and you act surprised when he shows offense? If you're that naive then you're a danger to everyone around you and it's a wonder you've survived this long.
So think what you will of me but don't try and act like you're somehow more "noble" than the rest of us. Men don't end up in Port Peril because they were succeeding in life. You're no better than anyone else on this ship and it's best you start to remember that.
| Sko |
| Human Druid (Shark shaman) 2, Barbarian (Beast Totem) 1/AC: 13/HP: 30/F +7, R +0, W +6/Init. +0/Per. +7 |
|
Sko listened to Rain and Seijiro's conversation (the parts that weren't Elven) with interest. He was particularly interested in Rain's simile of music to the ocean. Not being musically inclined he hadn't thought of it that way before and it gives him pause for thought.
He pays no attention to the bickering but, after a while, the back and forth Elvish causes him to speak out. "Enough already," he says with some exasperation and turns to Rain and Variel. "Will one of you please, as time allows, teach me the elvish tongue. I fear I'll go out of my mind if you don't."
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro opens his mouth to speak and then closes it again. Thinks carefully about any response before he opens it again, speaking softly, in Elven again.
He pauses a moment after Valeros speaks and lowers his head slightly. He speaks some truth, I'll give him that... we are all in the same boat. Flynn would like to think himself our leader and he's not got the temperament to be a good leader. He does need to see he's on a par with the rest of us.
Finally he turns to Flynn and Rain and speaks softly:
[b]"hatsu shigure"
"saru mo komino wo"
"hoshige nari"
Then he smiles engagingly, his eyes crinkling as he does so, then he chuckles...and translates his poem.
"the first cold shower"
"even the monkey seems to want"
"a little coat of straw"
After he translates the poem into Common, he blushes and nods to Sko. "I understand how you feel. I may not be the best teacher, since the language is still strange on my tongue as well, but I would be glad to help you learn Elven if you wish."
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
To Flynn in common but audible to those nearby, You're right, I don't like your attitude. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt since you were gracious enough to help when we found those rats. I didn't let the fact that I didn't know you that well or have the chance to talk to you much bother me since we were working in different areas and I was focused more upon those around me than someone farther off. As we were both following our own course of action, I saw nothing wrong with that. However, If what Valeros says is true, that you were more concerned about your gear than a fellow press ganged individual that strikes me as selfish indeed. Further, if someone insults my friends in any language that is offensive to me. I hold my friends dear as that is all I have. I have not had the luxury of close friends much. Those that I do have I would die for if necessary such is the strength of those friendships. That does not mean that I would die for anyone here, but that I still strongly appreciate the relationships that have been made so far. If you think that this is an attack upon you for expressing myself and my concerns to you then so be it. It was originally meant as a warning that people are around and will over hear you. As far as my observation of your character, it seems that you only speak thus to those in secret. Since you are speaking thus now, when surrounded by everyone else leads me to believe that you are now secure in your situation.
Variel shrugs his shoulders, Perhaps it is the other way around. You are insecure and thus feel you need to defend every action that you have made. It matters little to me either way. Just so we are clear though, who again are you referring to when you say yrch-spawn. I do not take insults to friends and companions lightly.
I hope i didn't offend your delicate sensibilities. Now if you wish to be civil, without the vulgarities expressed towards some of my fellow companions, we can continue discussing and listening to Jiro's story. It is interesting to hear tales from other places. In common though so others can share In the delight.
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
Sko: I would be glad to teach you the language. In fact it might've good to have multiple teachers to learn the different dialects and intracacies of the language.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Even though Variel's words were not directed at him, Seijiro speaks softly if briefly:
"My apologies, Variel-san, for speaking in Elven. He agreed to help me with my speaking and understanding of the language, which is all still a little new to me and I'm not very good at it yet. I will endeavor to speak in Common so all can understand... when we are all gathered together that is." He bows slightly toward Variel first, and then the others sitting around the group, especially Sko.
"So sorry to you all for my own selfishness."
| Sko |
| Human Druid (Shark shaman) 2, Barbarian (Beast Totem) 1/AC: 13/HP: 30/F +7, R +0, W +6/Init. +0/Per. +7 |
|
Sko looks at Seijiro a moment. "You seem to apologize alot. That's not a criticism but I'm not used to such soft-mannered speech. In any case there's no need for to apologize to me. In fact, it would grow tiresome if you continued to do so. If my life ever becomes so grand that a stray conversation demands an apology, I'll slap myself back awake."
To Rain and Variel, "I appreciate that."
Sko then slips back to his own musings on the ocean.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
"So sor..." he cuts off in the middle of what he realizes is an apology for apologizing and blushes profusely. "In my country it is considered rude not to apologize when one has done a wrong to another. I spoke in Elven when not all present could understand it, and that was wrong. I had no reason to hide my words from the rest of you." He hangs his head a little and sighs.
Then he lifts his head, his mop of red hair flinging back and he smiles again. Still he speaks softly, so hopefully his words will not carry beyond the group. "Can we all make up and be friends now that we've aired our grievances and such? I think it would be good if we could all be on better terms. We are all in the same boat so to speak, and we have common enemies. It stands to reason we should stand in common against them, without falling apart between those events." He trails off at the end a little...
I may have said too much. I'm not sure we're ready to all be friendly like.
| Valeros Jaloksin |
| Male Gillman Oracle (Waves) 4; AC 14 (T 11, FF13) / HP: 34/34 / F +4, R +3, W +5 / Init: +1 / Percep: +0 |
|
Valeros can't help but chuckle at the soft-spoken man's words. Friends are a commodity worth more than their weight in gold, especially in a situation like this. As such it isn't something that can simply be traded on a whim. Still you and yours and he looks around at most of the group, haven't done me any more wrong than the next man which is saying something given our present company. Maybe we can one day be true friends but I'll settle for compatriots on a troubling voyage if nothing else.
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
"Ahem*hack... 's got ya inna tizzy?" Dhaavan rasps. "Missed wha'got Variel goin, 'n' wa' he said back." He takes a breath, wincing in pain as he speaks. Got to find a way ta get this cured.
After a moment he continues, "Flynn, ya make harsh 'clusions and say'm in no uncertain terms, like guessin I's Cheliax'n talkin like ya knew me w'out ev'n askn'. Took it poor, but'm past it. 'Preciated yer help, up top, b'was hard ta talk'n was just making a joke wicha. 'm sorry, 'bout it. Got no quarrel wicha."
After yet another brief coffing fit, Dhaavan looks at Sejiro. "Like yer idea, Jiros'n. 'sa small boat 'n all."
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
Looking to her companions who do not understand her native tongue, she bows her head slightly and apologises in Common. "I do not mean to show disrespect when I speak my own tongue. I do so because it is easier and at times gives me a sense of privacy. I will try and speak in the Common tongue as much as possible to not exclude anyone. And for those who would learn Elven, I am willing to teach it in our downtime."
Turning her attention to Variel and to a lesser extent Dhaavan, "I do not possess each of your talents for small talk and socialising. I have made a few friendships onboard the Wormwood, but for the most part I have simply kept my head down and worked. If I make a mistake and say anything against any folk you have acquainted yourselves with and even liked, my apology. We should not be fighting like this, where the crew can hear us, see us divisive. Our characters are different and as such we must understand that there will be a period of adjustment as we learn about each other. I see a harmonious working relationship at the least and possibly more enduring friendships in the future, if we survive this, and learn to work together."
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
"I.. I'm sorry you didn't know your parents, Rain-san. It is good you had such a close tie with your grandfather. But what is it like to have no siblings? Was it lonely? Who did you play with?"
"You said your family were sailors and craftsmen and ontra-something... Do you mind if I ask what that last word means exactly?" He blushes again, perhaps embarrassed at this lack of skill with the Common tongue. "And what crafts did they practice?" My family were hunters.. and rice farmers, though I myself never really learned either skill."
"Jiro, now back to your questions. My apologies for my attention was diverted momentarily with other issues." She mulls over his question regarding loneliness and her family's business.
"I knew no other way than being an only child and I understood it, even as I watched others on the island, working and playing beside their siblings. It was not lonely for I was kept busy with lessons and work and I had friends on the island, mostly human children, but I age differently to them and so that can prove to be an obstacle. Yet, it allowed me to not be as restrictive in whom I spent company with. In other words, I never learned the arrogance of my race for it made no practical sense on an island where diversity existed. My grandparents taught me to value a person on who they are, their character and intention/word, not their race."
Rain grows silent, a little self-conscious of this much disclosure. Yet understood it was a necessary part of bridging estrangement.
"My family are business people and are in trade to some degree. They have skills which they utilise and provide services to those with coin enough to pay them (or they trade goods). My grandmother is very adept at crafting sails and she taught me the skill. We are mostly fishermen and sell our fish to the local market or in stalls down by the docks." She gives Jiro a small smile.
"Hunters? What creatures did your family hunt?"
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
He pulls out his harmonica again and plays a soft, short tune, and when he's done he gives Rain a little smile.
The music was once more lovely and soothing, until the males of her group decided to argue among themselves. She remembered she had not thanked Jiro for his tune.
"Jiro, earlier you played me a short tune and I wanted to thank you for it. It has been while since I have been granted a gift and your music is a generous offering in these hard circumstances."
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
Rain had listened to Flynn explain the mechanics of ships and related subjects as she found males are oft to do. She listens quietly, absorbing as much of the information as she can, the parts that interest her the most or seem relevant. She nods as Flynn speaks for it is rude not to acknowledge someone's words.
When Jiro relates his story about surviving a wreck and seems worried about the disclosure. She quickly adds, "Superstitions have their time and place. Over the long years I have discovered it is better to save a life than leave it to die for worry over bad luck incurred for such a compassionate deed."
"And Jiro, you did not ramble on. I enjoy hearing stories and learning more about each and everyone of you."
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
"the first cold shower"
"even the monkey seems to want"
"a little coat of straw"After he translates the poem into Common, he blushes and nods to Sko. "I understand how you feel. I may not be the best teacher, since the language is still strange on my tongue as well, but I would be glad to help you learn Elven if you wish."
I pause a moment – considering.
”Not bad, not bad, I’ll give you that,” I say nodding to Jiro.
”However – I might say:
”Straw coats may look nice”
”But when winter bites the flesh”
”All yearn for more fire”
”But it was nice – I liked it,” I say, taking another pull from my pipe.
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
She had heard Valeros speak more than a few words these days aboard the Wormwood. There certainly seemed a recurring animosity between Flynn and Valeros, for whatever reason. Both seemed strong willed and perhaps that seemed to get in the way. Perhaps in time, they will work it out between them, for it cannot be done by anyone else, she muses privately, nit wanting to add to the general edginess of the group.
Turning back to Variel, she speaks softly, reassuringly, "I do not believe Flynn was deliberately trying to insult with his obscenity, but they were not my words and I cannot attest to the fact. Can you give him the benefit of the doubt, Variel? I realise there are people here who speak our tongue and it may prove distasteful to hear such a description. Yet, I feel they have heard and seen far worse onboard this vessel and perhaps they can forgive a momentary slur. Perhaps." Rain gently nods her head. She had heard far worse in her years sailing from island to island with her grandfather. If one were to take umbrage with each insult, it would prove mighty dangerous and possibly deadly in the Shackles.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro bites his lip and winces slightly as if a little afraid to give Rain an answer to her question about hunting, but finally he manages a little smile and glances over at her as he answers. "Mostly they hunted very small game...rabbits, birds and the like. Other than rice, that is what we lived on." He licks his lips hungrily and shrugs. "What I wouldn't do for some rabbit right now... " he muses softly.
He turns to Flynn and nods, thinks a long moment before replying.
"Fire is beautiful
As it dances back and forth
But not when it kills."
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
Cog's less than verbose method in talking seems appealing to Dhaavan at the moment, considering his current condition.
Diplomacy check to influence Cog
While milling about below decks, Dhaavan runs across Cog. "Oye. Tough dealin' with storm like this. Specially 'n'top o'my voice goin. Guess I annoyed Peppery. Ya been here 'wile. There a way t'get off her bad'side, maybe get'er ta' gim'me voice back?" he swallows hard, and shrugs.
While talking Dhaavan'll ask, "S'how'd ya get'n the Wormwood anyway. 's it been like since ya started sailin wit'er?" Dhaavan takes an interest in cog, but without asking to man invasive questions, aside from trying to get some more information 'about Peppery, to figure out what tact to take with her
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
"Ahem*hack... 's got ya inna tizzy?" Dhaavan rasps. "Missed wha'got Variel goin, 'n' wa' he said back." He takes a breath, wincing in pain as he speaks. Got to find a way ta get this cured.
After a moment he continues, "Flynn, ya make harsh 'clusions and say'm in no uncertain terms, like guessin I's Cheliax'n talkin like ya knew me w'out ev'n askn'. Took it poor, but'm past it. 'Preciated yer help, up top, b'was hard ta talk'n was just making a joke wicha. 'm sorry, 'bout it. Got no quarrel wicha."
After yet another brief coffing fit, Dhaavan looks at Sejiro. "Like yer idea, Jiros'n. 'sa small boat 'n all."
I shrug a little as I glance at Dhaavan, listening to his comments.
”Thanks, then – like I said earlier, I only thought you were from Cheliax cause I thought I heard someone at the bar say it. My mistake about that – but I’m glad we’re decent on it. Like I said – I don’t got no problem’s being your mate; I was figuring that you had the problem with me. I got no problem with being anyone’s mate, unless they got problem’s with me first.”
”But whatever. The ship’s a fair size – good enough, at least. People don’t like me, that’s okay – I don’t have to be liked by everyone. They want to give me abuse, I’ll just give ‘em a wider berth. After all – unless they decide to draw blood, what’s the point, eh? They can go their way, I can go my way; no worries.”
"Meantime," I say looking him over "You ought to get out of the wet clothes - if you got a spare pair. Sounds like you're coming down with a cough. You need to keep yourself dry and warm - the rain ain't going to do you much good. If you get sick - if you catch a chill - it could turn feverish, eh? Then next time you're out there if you're feverish you could take a fall that's bad; maybe go into the chop - never mind the fact that we all could pick up what sickness you got, too."
I glance over his face a moment.
"While I'm at it - keep that beard o' yours trimmed down - at least respectable. You don't want lice crawling in it - or at all - that's not healthy either. Don't worry - I can give you something for the chin whiskers - but staying fit is a priority. You get one sick lad on the ship - then we either all get sick or the lad gets booted over the side to make sure the rest of the crew stays healthy, likely as not."
"Anyhow - just a suggestion."
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
"Fire is beautiful
As it dances back and forth
But not when it kills."
I laugh at Jiro's response, my mirth genuine at his cleverness. Then, thinking a moment -
"Without death's chill dance -"
"- we'd never lust for life's fire!"
"Death's Yin to Life's Yang"
I turn to Rain, enjoying the verbal sparring with Jiro and wanting to expand the circle a bit -
"Come on lass - you know the style, I'll be bound! Toss in a verse to blend thoughts with poetry, and show us the passion in your heart as it pours forth from those coral colored lips, eh? I say with a grin and sly wink.
| Sko |
| Human Druid (Shark shaman) 2, Barbarian (Beast Totem) 1/AC: 13/HP: 30/F +7, R +0, W +6/Init. +0/Per. +7 |
|
Without addressing anyone in particular, "A band is stronger than a lone individual but too much comraderie can draw attention as much as too much animosity. Still, I'm certainly not averse to working together for mutual benefit."
"As for friendship, I'm afraid the notion is a little foreign to me. The last people that I knew that I would have called true friends were when I was young and all are now dead; killed by the Red Mantis long ago. Frequently I saw it happen and most of the time I couldn't tell you why. It became too dangerous and painful to have friends so you learned to view people as never anything more than an acquaintance. I can't remember what real friendship felt like and now I have a hard time even wrapping my head around the concept."
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
Dhaavan chokes out a strangled laugh at that suggestion. He strokes the barely existent hair on his chin, and says, "haven't shaved once, 'n'ain't room f'r lice in'is. B'thanks."
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
| Rain Taneththir |
| F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 4, Inquisitor 1/AC 17/ HP 39/39 F+7 R+6 W+5 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ Init +2/+4, Perc. +10/+12 |
|
In response to both Flynn and Jiro reciting poetry, Rain looks a little out of place.
"I have not tried my hand at such exotic poetry, Flynn. I do not know if I am capable; I am certainly no poet or minstrel", a blush creeping upon her white skin.
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro considers a while and then smiles... "I'm no poet either and not what would be considered educated in the west. But haiku is an both an art AND a craft, so perhaps you can think of it as craft if that would help you make one."
Though he replies to Flynn, he is watching Rain, hoping she will join in the 'game'.
"yin yang state of mind
dark needs light and light needs dark
opposites attract"
After he speaks his poem, again he blushes and looks away, back at Flynn and manages a weak smile.
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
She had heard Valeros speak more than a few words these days aboard the Wormwood. There certainly seemed a recurring animosity between Flynn and Valeros, for whatever reason. Both seemed strong willed and perhaps that seemed to get in the way. Perhaps in time, they will work it out between them, for it cannot be done by anyone else, she muses privately, nit wanting to add to the general edginess of the group.
Turning back to Variel, she speaks softly, reassuringly, "I do not believe Flynn was deliberately trying to insult with his obscenity, but they were not my words and I cannot attest to the fact. Can you give him the benefit of the doubt, Variel? I realise there are people here who speak our tongue and it may prove distasteful to hear such a description. Yet, I feel they have heard and seen far worse onboard this vessel and perhaps they can forgive a momentary slur. Perhaps." Rain gently nods her head. She had heard far worse in her years sailing from island to island with her grandfather. If one were to take umbrage with each insult, it would prove mighty dangerous and possibly deadly in the Shackles.
I hope for all of our sakes that you are right. Perhaps it would help if I clarify my statement earlier. I only meant a warning about others being able to understand you while speaking in our native tongue. The slur may be slight, but you never know which straw will break the back. It only takes one additional drop of Rain to sink a ship. Unnecessary slurs cause only harm. It seems that people were getting free and not paying attention to what was being said with others around.
What I said about companions and friends still holds true though. Flynn is now outraged that I would stick up for companions more than I would stick up for him. In act he wishes me to warch my tongue in front of the lady when the language is coming from his mouth. I am still waiting for him to explain who it is he has a problem with and why. He has not done so and has grouped everyone else into a mold of his own making. That is dangerous in a siuation such as this.
As you said yourself, some people do not have ta gift with words or a way with people. I was blessed that I can interact somewhat well with others. However, you don't need to be gifted with words to know that insults and slurs will get you no where. Rosie on the other hand swears all the time but does not limit the language to only people she may not like. There is a difference in cussing and cursing at someone.
Perhaps we can get beyond this and come to some form of agreement. As it is, I have no trouble with anyone but Flynn and that is even fixable with understanding.
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
Without addressing anyone in particular, "A band is stronger than a lone individual but too much comraderie can draw attention as much as too much animosity. Still, I'm certainly not averse to working together for mutual benefit."
"As for friendship, I'm afraid the notion is a little foreign to me. The last people that I knew that I would have called true friends were when I was young and all are now dead; killed by the Red Mantis long ago. Frequently I saw it happen and most of the time I couldn't tell you why. It became too dangerous and painful to have friends so you learned to view people as never anything more than an acquaintance. I can't remember what real friendship felt like and now I have a hard time even wrapping my head around the concept."
Perhaps friendship is too strong of a term then for you. Comaraderie or shipmates work better for you instead? Like I said, I wouldn't consider anyone here a al friend yet, but companions surely. Perhaps if, sorry, when we get off this ship we may be able to make those bonds a bit stronger. Until then, we will just have to settle for trying to keep each other alive. Sound fair to you. Or better yet, you just keep cooking food the way you have been and I will see what I can do to help you out. Next time I am running orders I will stop by and help with the cleaning. Will be in and out though.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
rather than support your supposed companion as he was fighting the brute, you were more concerned with retrieving your possessions. I ask you to wait until we know the man's fate and you act as if I mean to refuse to give you your gear back. You call a man thief and you act surprised when he shows offense? If you're that naive then you're a danger to everyone around you and it's a wonder you've survived this long.[/b]
You're no better than anyone else on this ship and it's best you start to remember that.
I look at the gillman, my eyes widening in actual surprise at his words, staggered by his suggestion.
”Wow, I got to say – that was really amazing.”
”I especially like the way you make yourself seem humble while handing out insults like they're some kind of “facts”. That’s actually kind of impressive to me.”
”So, let’s walk it through your way, then, eh?”
”If I take the facts as you lay ‘em out – we got one of our mates that is going toe to toe with another lad; who, by the way, I actually think is a good guy, and not, as you call him a “brute”, just because he’s simple in the head.”
I turn, saying it at the same volume, but a little more to myself.
”Hell – guy like that’s probably been getting abused and mocked with names that like all his life – which I don’t happen to like, because I don’t like seeing folks like that get stepped on. Treating folks with simple minds bad is like treating a child bad – they don’t know they’re getting it bad half the time – and they can’t do much about it when they realize it anyway...”
Rousing myself from that comment, I continue.
”But anyhow – it looks there’s going to be a fight for sure; these two have to go at it for some reason, and if it goes bad, there could be real trouble for everyone who decides to step in and lend a hand.”
”So – in your efforts to… what did you say? Oh yeah - ”Support my supposed companion” - good times! Well, what you decided to do was that right before the fight, when a mate is maybe going to stepped on, and things could get ugly – the best plan of action you could take is to prevent his backup from having anything useful which could help out the situation, eh?”
”I mean, because that was a really great idea, right? You know – if we had to jump in to save our mate, we should do it with no gear whatsoever – we'd just wade in there with our smiles, right?” I say with a shake of my head.
”But anyhow – yeah; right before things got ugly, you figured you’d hold on to the gear so that no one would be able to get it or use it to do what they could to help out. Because, you know – being the smart guy that you are – you wanted to help out, and you figured that was the best way to do it, you know – keeping people from getting gear that could be useful?”
I nod a little, considering this. Then shake my head, dismissing this outlandish possibility.
”Nah – that’s pretty stupid. You probably didn’t think that; not really. Hell, maybe you didn’t know what you were carrying? Maybe you didn’t know what you had on you? Maybe it wasn’t the plan to keep something that could aid a mate in a fight – but instead it was just the fact you didn’t bother to look at what you were carrying, or ask me what I wanted to get? I mean – you know, whatever – you figured ”Hmm… there’s a fight going down, suddenly one of the guys is hot to get something fast – No, damn it! We got better things to do then pass out gear right before a fight." Gods, I love it!”
”But hey, that reminds me – how exactly did your assisting work in general? I mean, you know, after the fight, right? Because you didn’t do anything during the fight, but I figured that at least afterwards you’d pull out the big guns and really pitch in.”
”I mean, hey – I went over to Sko myself, and I told him I’d do what I could to help – but I really didn’t have anything I could give him then – hell; not all the bandages and smelling salts in the world would be doing much good to heal him after that beating. All I had to offer him was advice that maybe he could use his earnings to win some friendship with some of the harder lads on board. Not much, just advice, I guess - but I didn't have much to offer him.”
”But then, what’s the difference, right? Sko didn’t need me to help him, he had something better, right? Sko had one of his mates ready to step up and assist him and heal his wounds right up – you know, with some sort of magical healing powers. Sko just needed to lay back and let the good times roll.”
”And hell – assisting a guy with healing after the fight would have been damn useful; I mean, Sko could barely up straight on his own bloody feet; he was all talking slurred and so on, right? Like maybe he got hit too hard in the head? And maybe getting some help would have been pretty useful to a guy who just got knocked around so hard – and you were pretty excited to help him, right? And you can heal people, right? And he needing healing, right?”
I nod a little.
”So how’d that go, by the way? You know – when you healed him right up after the fight? I mean – being that you were so hot to “assist” everyone before the fight, and during the fight – how’d that turn out when he needed help afterwards? Sure, handing out gear before a fight could have been useful – but you didn’t do that, though. And even though you didn’t do that – healing a mate who got his head busted up would have been useful – but you didn’t do that neither, did you? But you at least asked him how he was doing, right? I mean - if you didn't want to heal him, you at least gave him a once over, checked him out, made sure he was okay, right? You know - being that you wanted to help.”
I smack the palm of my hand to my forehead.
”Oh, wait a second, that didn't happen, did it? Nah – after the big fight, your major plan was to go and scurry downstairs and get all comfy – and then sack out for the night. You know – because you figure, what – “Why the hell not? Why shouldn’t I just sleep it off – what with all that moral support I’ve offered, and everything else”, right?”
I glance at the beams above me.
”You know – I didn’t say nothing like that before. I figured it won’t matter, anyway, you’re not going to listen. The most I just said was you spit at me when I asked for my gear back; and I reckoned that in the future you work on your side of the deck – I’ll stick to mine; no worries.”
I shrug.
”But then you got go and get nasty with all that garbage about how I called you “thief”."
"Well, bub, I never did call you that, nor did I even figure it – even with the fight going on aloft with you holding on to my gear and refusing to hand it over. Hell, why should I reckon you were a thief, eh? You had the gear, I could get it any time – how is that stealing if you had it and will give it back a little later. I know it, you know it – and I got a feeling you knew I wasn’t calling you a thief, neither.”
”But even still, you got your garters in a bunch about something, though – and I don't believe for a moment you're stupid enough to think I called you a thief, when it was clear I didn't. No way - you're nasty, but you're not stupid. So it’s got to be something else, right? You couldn’t be seriously figuring I was calling you a thief – because that’d be pretty stupid, and I just don't see it.”
”On the other hand - if you were stupid enough to think I was calling you a thief, that means you’d probably be stupid enough to refuse to give me the gear before a fight might get ugly – and you did refuse to. 'Course, it would seem to suggest that you were also too stupid to give it up without forcing me to give you some explanation on why I wanted it when we didn’t have time for that hash. And, of course, only a really stupid person would be hot to help someone in a fight - but then refuse to aid them after the fight, when they really needed the help.”
I shake my head again at this line of thinking.
"But like I said - I don't figure you on being stupid."
”But after going over all the facts again, now I’m starting to think that maybe you had some either reason for keeping the gear from me right before a mate got into tango with a whole world of pain. Maybe it was the same thing that prompted you not to heal that mate after the fight, eh?”
I pull another tug at my pipe.
”See, I just can’t figure out what that reason would be, though. Of course – I guess it could be anything.”
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
Joining in the poetry recital,
"By Besmara's will,
It matters not, light or dark,
We are all hers now..."
"Wind and rain and storm,
Until Her fury abates,
on throughout the night..."
"We may never see,
The light of the morning day.
Besmara guide us."
|
Variel Nightstorm
|
| Male Elf Magus 5 (AC: 17,14,13; HP: 36; Saves 5,4,4; Init +3, perc +2) |
|
Taken aback by Flynn's words and tone again, Variel leans forward, a whispers quietly hoping the change of voice will sink in the guy's head. I think he was talking about you calling Jiro the thief earlier, not you calling Valeros a thief. And for your information, you wouldn't even have your stuff if someone wasn't willing to share what someone else had in trade to get it back. Next time know the whole story first before you start making assumptions. It does no one any good.
| Dhaavan |
| Human Infernal Tattooed Sorcerer 5 (AC: 14 / HP: 27 / F +2 R +3 W +4 / Init. +2 / Perc. +6/+8)(Jack's Perc: +13/+15) |
|
Dhaavan takes a few steps forward and leans in toward Flynn, croaking "At ain't 'ow ya make friends. Y'ain't gotta be so combative." The young man gives Flynn a sort of shrug, implying that he's not trying to tell the man what to do, but definately suggesting that FLynn should know better than to be so accusatory and abrasive if he has any interest in maintaining alliances.
| Seijiro |
| M kitsune rogue (pirate)/3; bard(sea singer)/2 AC17 (T 16, FF 11); HP30/43; saves F +2, R +11, W +4; bab: 3; melee 3(+8), ranged +8; CMB 3, CMD 19; speed 30; init +5; perc +8(10) |
|
Seijiro sighs as Flynn rants and curls back into himself as he is wont to do when there is confrontation going on. He pulls out his harmonica and plays a couple of notes then launches into a standard western shanty, one that all the sailors in the room should recognize. He plays softly enough that conversation can still go on, but it is enough to distract himself from the tone and words alike.
| Horatio Flynn |
| Male Human Gunslinger (Buccaneer), Bard 3 (Archaeologist) - (AC 18 / HP 42 / F +6, R + 8, W +5 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +10) |
|
Seijiro sighs as Flynn rants and curls back into himself as he is wont to do when there is confrontation going on. He pulls out his harmonica and plays a couple of notes then launches into a standard western shanty, one that all the sailors in the room should recognize. He plays softly enough that conversation can still go on, but it is enough to distract himself from the tone and words alike.
”Buck up Jiro – I said my piece,” I say with a grunt.
”I’m not going to ruminate on this any more,” I add.
”Dark words - like leaves - fall”
”Then they dry and fade – vanished”
”But Spring brings blossoms.”
I clap him on the shoulder.
”It’s alright, lad – I know who my friends are – who I can trust, and who it is simply better to avoid. I won’t stir the pot anymore – so don’t fret. Instead, I’ll just give any that have issues with me a wide berth is all.”
I glance at Rain.
”I need to make more poetry for you lass – the blush suits you well,” I say with a grin.