DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign
Game Master imimrtl

Seijiro takes a break from his song to give an answer to Variel's very Besmara-oriented haiku. He scowls a moment and then, looking directly at Variel, says:

"whitecaps on water
the sea rages under lightning's flare,
calm comes with the dawn"

After he finishes he shrugs a little, knowing it's not the best he's ever done, but it keeps with the theme Variel established.

When he's done, he goes back to playing his harmonica, softly though so as to not to discourage conversation. He sticks to Western tunes as he knows the tonal structure falls on western ears easier.

perform: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Rain listens as Flynn, Jiro and Variel speak exotic poetry and then Jiro picks up his harmonica and once again plays, this time a more familiar Western tune.

Rain closes her eyes and lets the music in, shutting out the various protests from her male press gang members.

Before realising it the poetry and music have a profound effect on her and she softly speaks the words which come unbidden,

"the moon with whisper
grants movement to the ocean,
join earth and water."

Looking to Seijiro,

"It is a pretty style of poetry, Jiro."

Seijiro gives Rain that little half-bow that he does while sitting and his eyes sparkle a smile while he continues to play. When the song is over, he pauses long enough to speak a little.

"Your poem was very pretty, Rain-san." In response he offers:

"Sunlight on wavelets
Reflections flash and sparkle
The sea wears diamonds."

Then he smiles at her again after a moment. "It is considered a high art in my country, and some lords and samurai are masters of it. Their poems are considered great treasures. I am no master, of course, but it is an enjoyable way to pass the time. Never have I seen it made a game of as we have done tonight. It has been very fun."

"These masters of poetry in your country, they weave such different poetry to the Elves. It leaves much to the imagination, like a story with hidden layers. I like your poem, it is a vivid image -- that of the sea wearing diamonds. The sun upon the water gives it new life, new light and expression." For a moment, she has a faraway expression on her fair face and then she recollects where she is and returns to the moment.

Rain in turn bows her head to Seijiro, a small warm smile caressing the corners of her lips.

"Do you sing, Jiro?"

Headed to bed. Catch you in my morning. Have a great day!

Valeros simply shrugs at Flynn's tirade before settling back into his hammock. You seem to think yourself clever, wrapping insults and slights around vague language and indirect comments. But so be it, you've said your piece and I mine. Have no worries, I'll leave you to your devices and all the happier to do so.

Also, I knew for sure I had Horatio's remaining gear from the trade with Grok, but I don't remember if anyone else had stuff they were waiting on. Valeros would have given that back by now, if you hadn't already accounted for it.

You said you had tossed the gear on the deck; I took my gear, and that was pretty much it. I figured everyone else who wanted their stuff would take it, too. If they hadn't already.

"You don't know what I think, bub; it's not really helpful to guess. What I said direct - and I'll keep it simple this time: when I asked for my gear before a fight to help a mate; you refused to give it me on the pretext that you had no time to do so - because you needed to stand by and help the very same guy that I wanted to help."

"I then went on to suggest that if you were going to keep the gear because you were so eager the help guy; that maybe afterwards when the guy really needed help, you might have offered him assistance, instead of wandering off."

I shrug.

"But that's the short answer. You say you wanted to help - but you didn't help at all. You spit on me - but you didn't help."

"Oh - and the only reason I opened my mouth about it at all? You flat out said that by me asking for the means to help someone before a fight, then again after the fight - that somehow suggests I'm calling you a "thief" or something," I say shaking my head.

"You know, I may talk like a basterd now - nasty tone and attitude, sure; but I would have helped if someone needed it after they got hurt, I even tried, though I didn't have nothing to offer except some advice. Hell - I would have helped anyone on board who needed it - I would have even helped you, and I have helped you in the past. But as for you? Hell - you just walked away from helping Sko."

"When I even mention this hash after the fact - and only after you said I called you "thief", which I didn't - somehow I'm the scumbag. Well, whatever."

"I guess that's just the way things are around here," I say, leaning back against the beam.

Well the tossing was mainly intended as an RP description with you but I just couldn't remember if other people were missing things. The amount of posts in the game thread is staggering (kudos to everyone on that by the way!) and I just wanted to make sure it wasn't lost in the shuffle. Long of the short of it, is everyone should have their gear back at this point.

True - and frankly - I'm not looking to fight anyone in game; I'm not looking to deal with in game issues. Personally, I'd rather everyone be friends. Hopefully that will get resolved soon. But I guess we'll just have to see.

Yeah it's going to be interesting seeing how this motly band comes together. It's funny as we're supposed to have a common enemy in Plugg/Scourge but so far the group has managed to focus on each other more. Granted this is NOT a request for the DM to make those two more unlikable to draw us together. ;-)

You could deliberately botch some will-saves and be supernaturally inclined to listen to everything I say for a few hours while I mediate. oncer I get my voice back, that is =P

Rather than continue on since it is apparent that Flynn has stopped even listening or responding to him anymore, Variel will slightly turn his back on him and focus on Sko. How do you fair this evening after the fight last night? That sure was some beating you gave and took. I'm sure that will make some people think twice before messing with you again..

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.

I let out a sigh as I watch Variel make it a point to turn his back on me.

”Oye – and as for your best pal the gillman? No – he meant me specific. His exact words were – ” 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? “ – Yeah, see, that was him talking about me calling him a thief, not Jiro.”

I glance at the beams above.

"You know, I don't know what to do here. When I tried being polite, I got insulted for being "uppity". When I tried being hard, not soft - I got insulted for being "rude". When I ask for my gear to help a mate, that means I'm calling people thieves. Hell - even when I have a private conversations with some mates, I get interrupted and jumped on for what I say privately to them."

I rub my forehead with frustration; the stress getting to me.

"Personally, I don't feel like fighting with anyone here - I'd rather just stay alive then fight those who would be mates to me."

"But you can't win for losing, you know? Being soft doesn't work - being hard doesn't work - being polite doesn't work - even avoiding people outright doesn't work."

"So I'll just ask you point blank and direct: what the hell do you want me to do? You tell me what you prefer; what can I do to make you happy - and whatever it is, I'll do it, eh? You want me to be chatty with you, I will. You want me to say nothing to you - I can do that. You want me to avoid you completely and pretend you aren't there - well, at this point that's your call to make."

"Or, if you rather - we can call it even and move the hell on, because I'm just bloody tired of the crap from the gillman, and I don't need it from anyone else. So whatever you want from me, it's fine. You just tell me what your preference is; letting it drop and move on, or do you want to keep finding some other issues with me to insult me on. When you make up your mind and let me know - we can move on from there: be it mates to each other, or just ignoring each other."

"So either way - if you want to let it go and be mates; fine. If you want to keep picking at whatever I say or do - then no worries, I'll just go back to giving you a wide berth. Though personally, that's not my preference, you know? But as I'm tired of getting heat - from now on I'll just avoid any who got issue with me; then they won't have to worry about whatever it is I do that rankles them."

"Anyhow - it's your call - whatever you want; just let me know."

Sko grins briefly at Variel, "I feel much better than I did yesterday. To be frank, Owlbear had the fight won had he not quailed when he did. At that point, I was seeing multiple Owlbears and could barely stand up straight. Given how Owlbear seems to be treated though I suppose I can understand a quick turnaround from confrontation to timidity."

"I've always thought of myself as strong and fit but Owlbear's strength was immense. It's shameful that a man of his power is used for petty theatrics."

"Which reminds me, I owe you and Rain a bit of thanks. I can't believe I didn't notice Owlbear's blindness. It's so obvious looking back. No doubt the result of Plugg's "playfulness". That man will come to a bad end. Prey can only pretend to be predator for so long; it will catch up with him."

After a brief pause he turns to Rain and Seijiro. "I can see how you form your poetry but I have no gift for it. I learned that when I visited a temple of Shelyn in Quent. Still, it's nice to hear you put water and the ocean into your works. Most think of it as nothing more than something a boat floats on."

Seijiro sighs a little as Flynn goes off on another rant. He mutters something under his breath in Minkaian and leans a little closer to Rain with another sigh.

To Sko he smiles and nods. "I understand how you feel, I have no real gift for poetry either, I merely stumble through it, not like the true masters in Minkai. But I thank you for your kind words." He smiles again, a mercurial smile that seems to come and go in a flash, especially tonight when moods have been going from dark to light in sudden changes.

"You say you've been to Quent. Did you visit The House there? What was it like?" He seems genuinely fascinated with the idea of Sko having been there.

Sko: To tell you the truth, I was watching in case Plugg or Scourge decided to make someone else fight the victor. After that first hit he landed on you I thought you were done for good. It was by pure luck that i even realized he had a weakness. It was fate that we both saw it and you knew what each of us meant by our actions. I am glad it payed off for you, but I would have kept the money. Hopefully the weather calms and you can rest and recover tonight as well. I am sure that those two will find new insidious ways of torturing us tomorrow...even if the storm is still raging.

I turn away from Variel, then. It seems I have my answer.

I glance back at Rain.

I pause, listening for a moment to Sko and Jiro talking, the speak to Rain directly.

Still not turning around but responding to Flynn, Perhaps, we should end this conversation as it is going nowhere. Until civility enters this conversation I am done with you.

Turning towards Jiro and Rain as they continue the talk of poetry, Jiro you sell yourself short. Those lyrics flow well from which is saying much as it is not even in your native tongue. Give yourself some credit and take pride in yourself and your abilities. Having confidence can lead you well. Just be careful to not always follow where it takes you.

He hears Flynn address Rain, and then launch into a low voiced recitation of a long poem in Elven. Though he listens for a bit, he loses track of the words quickly, picking out a phrase here or there, and enjoying the cadence, but losing the whole of the meaning. He quickly turns his attention to the elf addressing him.

Seijiro chuckles and smiles at Variel and muses to himself for a moment, then answers, "Thanks! I do have pride in my abilities, but most of them are unwelcome in some circles, so I mostly keep them to myself. But I will heed your words for they are wise ones for sure!"

His smile broadens, then he changes tack. "You speak little of yourself, Variel. If it's not too forward to ask, where do you come from? And how did the sea call to you?"

No not forward at all Jiro. I speak little of myself as my past is neither glamorous or exciting. I was raised in the Shackles but know not where I am from. You see I was orphaned when I was still very little. So little that I do not remember anything before the orphanage. I do not have any family that I know of. Sisters, brothers, mother, father, grandparents...they do not exist for me. All I had were the three friends that I made growing up in the orphanage.

It seems that Variel is about to say more when he changes suddenly. Variel gets more withdrawn and seems to almost speak to himself. It is almost a curse to be born an elf. Do y know how hard it is to grow up with someone only to watch them mature faster than you and leave. Twice that has happened with my friends. Peter was first. He arrived at the orphanage 10 years after me. In the time it took him to develop, he went from a childhood friend to living his own life and eventually dying in a storm 20 years later. His entire lifespan was gone by the time i was able to even mature into pre-adolescence. At this Variel remains silent for some time in quiet contemplation.

have to go, sick child will finish when i can tomorrow. Have a good night/day wherever you are.

sorry to hear about the little one... see you tomorrow

Seijiro listens raptly to Variel's account, brief though it is. "Sad to hear that you have known family. But I guess for you it's not so much sad as simple fact, since you've known no other. It's good you had friends growing up. I knew elves lived a long time, but I hadn't realized you matured slower when young as well. That must have been hard to lose your friends, see them come and go while you were still yet considered a child. I'm sorry about your friend Peter, but perhaps tonight is not a time to talk of dying in storms, eh?" He gives Variel a little wink and nods toward the hull and the hell going on outside.

"It must have at least have been interesting to be raised in the Shackles, always near the sea and sailors... " He lets his last comment trail off, an open invitation to hear more of Variel's tale without prying.

Sko frowns at mention of The House. "Yes, I've been there," he replies to Seijiro, "many times in fact but never did I partake."

"I lived in Quent for a few years after my old mentor, Grumal, left without a word. I was inspired by his faith, erratic though it was, and spent a great deal of time at the temples and other such "holy" places. The most I ever felt for any deity was ambivalence. Many I felt to be quite, well...stupid. And yes, the Whore Goddess of The House of Stolen Kisses fits the latter. I have never seen such mean-spirited pettiness as I saw there. If that's what's considered holy then Plugg must be a saint."

Turning to Variel, "I thought I was done for as well. And you're right, I've no doubt Plugg has more unpleasantness in mind for us. Apart from his wounded pride, losing a hundred gold couldn't have been pleasant, even for an officer. Unfortunately, I fear I have incurred an even more dangerous enemy than Plugg by overplaying my hand on an idea I had. It seemed clever at the time."

At Jiro's comment about being raised in the Shackles as being interesting, Sko gives a coughing grunt which may, or may not have, been a snort though he says nothing.

Sko frowns at mention of The House. "Yes, I've been there," he replies to Seijiro, "many times in fact but never did I partake."

"I lived in Quent for a few years after my old mentor, Grumal, left without a word. I was inspired by his faith, erratic though it was, and spent a great deal of time at the temples and other such "holy" places. The most I ever felt for any deity was ambivalence. Many I felt to be quite, well...stupid. And yes, the Whore Goddess of The House of Stolen Kisses fits the latter. I have never seen such mean-spirited pettiness as I saw there. If that's what's considered holy then Plugg must be a saint."

Turning to Variel, "I thought I was done for as well. And you're right, I've no doubt Plugg has more unpleasantness in mind for us. Apart from his wounded pride, losing a hundred gold couldn't have been pleasant, even for an officer. Unfortunately, I fear I have incurred an even more dangerous enemy than Plugg by overplaying my hand on an idea I had. It seemed clever at the time."

At Jiro's comment about being raised in the Shackles as being interesting, Sko gives a coughing grunt which may, or may not have, been a snort though he says nothing.

"What was your idea?" I ask absently, curious to know what Sko's plan was.

Seijiro brightens when Sko says he's been to The House, and then looks a bit crestfallen when he says he didn't 'partake.' "Pettiness? mean-spirited? Awww... I was hoping you'd have some tales of excitement about the place. I've heard so much about it. Perhaps not all of it was true, neh? Tales DO have a way of growing in the retelling, don't they?" Still he looks thoughtful and bites his lip, lets out a long sigh.

He glances over at Rain, hoping she is paying too much attention to Flynn's poem to notice his curiosity about The House, then he blushes, whether she noticed or not.

He looks back to Sko and blinks a few times as he contemplates the druid's words. Ambivalence... this means not for or against, right? Which I can understand... but to think them stupid? By Hei Feng's beard! Isn't that a dangerous attitude to take?" He looks around in all directions, mostly up, as if expecting trouble from the gods themselves for even discussing the topic. When nothing happens, he chuckles nervously.

”Begging your pardon,” I say to Jiro, my voice and tone fairly mellow, personally curious toward the tack of this conversation ”I don't mean to interrupt, but I reckon I agree with you on that point.”

”Hell, at the least the gods are powerful – and they have a tendency to pay attention to what’s going on at least most of the planes – certainly this one. But I reckon that whether you like them, or hate them, or don’t even care about them, well – if they feel disrespected by a person, they may take a personal interest in paying that person back. Then again, they may not – but why take the chance?” I add, now glancing over at Sko.

”And also, if you don'd me asking, why do you think the gods are stupid?” I say, speaking to him directly now.

”I mean to say – what about them specifically strikes you as stupid? No disrespect meant; I’m just curious about it is all, seeing as you’ve had your own journeys and such, and they’re a lot different then mine. But anyway – I’m just wondering what about the gods in particular makes you seem to dislike them, though I could be wrong - but it seems that way." I add, in a fairly open tone, as I continue to smoke my pipe.

You detect no edge, no sarcasm in voice, only genuine curiosity – in this I’m curious to know what another’s opinion about divine beings that are known to co-mingle with mortals.

Sko: Dhaavan sets a hand on Sko's shoulder, "D'worry Sko. Think w'r'out Peppry's 'ttention. 'Pologized f'r us'n so, she more miffed w'me th'n you r'now" his words are forced, and in light of his comments, his difficulty speaking is likely due to Peppery's annoyance with him.

I turn away from Variel, then. It seems I have my answer.

I glance back at Rain.

** spoiler omitted **

I pause, listening for a moment to Sko and Jiro talking, then speak to Rain directly.

** spoiler omitted **...

In the Common tongue lest she offend others, she pats Flynn's arm tentatively before withdrawing her hand and reassures him with her words, "Your company is fine enough and you need not apologise to me. You do not offend me."

After having listened to his recital, in her native tongue no less, tears formed in her turquoise eyes, making them glisten and shimmer like water itself.

"Your words were both a lovely, moving tribute and an eloquent melancholy. I was overcome with emotion. I grew up without a mother and I never once saw her face." Rain's voice drifts into a raw softness and she grows reflective.

"Which reminds me, I owe you and Rain a bit of thanks. I can't believe I didn't notice Owlbear's blindness. It's so obvious looking back. No doubt the result of Plugg's "playfulness". That man will come to a bad end. Prey can only pretend to be predator for so long; it will catch up with him."

After a brief pause he turns to Rain and Seijiro. "I can see how you form your poetry but I have no gift for it. I learned that when I visited a temple of Shelyn in Quent. Still, it's nice to hear you put water and the ocean into your works. Most think of it as nothing more than something a boat floats on."

"You were not given much time to react to going up against Owlbear, let alone gauge his strengths and weaknesses, so I do not fault you. You are welcome, Sko. It is good that the outcome was in your favour. I hope Plugg does not take out his ire on the unfortunate Owlbear." There is a checked ferocity in the way she pronounces the First Mate's name. Then in a much lowered voice, "Only the gods know of Plugg's fate but I have a feeling it will be a rather gruesome one."

Returning to more pleasant subjects,

"I have read poetry, heard it spoken by those with a gift for it. I have not been struck to put words to parchment, so I must admit I was simply overtaken with the beauty of the music and creativity tonight and thus inspired. It is a pretty art form, is it not? And, I cannot help but speak of the ocean and the skies, for they are a part of me as much as I am a part of them."

As soon as she gains the attention of all her press-gang mates, Rain will share with them the dream she had the night before. She will do so in a discreet manner, none too sure she wants any of the crew to overhear her.

"I had a strange dream last night and I am not adept at interpreting hidden messages, am no seer as far as I know. I dreamt of the Wormwood and then another sailing vessel, unknown to me by name. I was onboard one and then the other and so was Plugg. When Plugg was aboard the unfamiliar ship he seemed different, diminished, less intimidating then he is currently on the Wormwood. It has me wondering at the meaning. The gods can work in mysterious ways, as they say. Are any of you perchance good with interpreting messages? Is it some kind of augury? A thing to sustain our spirits in the toughest of times?"

I scratch my chin a moment as I consider her words.

”Well – it is also often said that sometimes dreams are only dreams. Even still – if you believe this augers something of things to come; well – have you had such dreams before? They say many sailors are blessed, or cursed, with “second sight”, as it were.”

”Is that true for you? I mean to say, have you had such visions before? If not, perhaps it is only a simple dream. However – if there is more then that to it – well, I am no expert in dissembling such a potential omen myself, though I could guess.”

”Perhaps the ship is one we shall encounter in the future; in which Plugg will be weakened. Perhaps the ship represents our combined strength – a united vessel of power, though that seems somewhat unlikely – which may weaken him; perhaps the second ship represents a force of nature or the actions of a god, or goddess, and it is by their power that he is weakened.”

I shrug.

”You never know in these situations – but in any case, there are always possibilities. Again, the best information to know is if you have had such dreams before. If not – I would say do not trouble overmuch on it. But if so… if you have the "second sight" - then we'd do well to pay attention to such visions.”

I lapse into silence, considering the possibilities, curious what someone more knowledgeable in such dreams and visions may say; and curious to know if the lass has had such dreams before – or if this is merely a one time occurrence.

Sko notices Jiro blush when he looks at Rain, misinterprets it, and says, "Ha! Don't worry, Jiro. Though many of the Holy Prostitutes of Calistria were elven, I can assure you that Lady Rain is nothing like them."

Will respond to Jiro and Horatio later. Not a fast typist and I just don't have the time right now.

Seijiro blushes even stronger when Sko speaks about elven prostitutes and that Rain isn't like them. "Oh, I never would have said.. or even thought... such a thing." He covers his face with his hands for a moment and then finally peers out from between his fingers at Sko... Eventually, he brings his hands down and the blush fades a little.

"I've heard of the place is all, stories and such and I've never been there... I was just... curious." He trails off with a quiet "never mind... "

He turns to Rain, his eyes open wide and with wonder. "Prophetic dreams are frequent among my people, though I've never been so blessed myself. All I ever dream of is the sea, though I guess that could be considered prophetic, too." He pauses a long moment then continues after cogitating a bit. "Perhaps your dream means that off this vessel, without the captain and other officers and all his cronies to bolster his power, he will be less formidable to face up to."

He whispers very softly so that only the shanghaied crewmembers gathered around can hear, "I'd surely like a chance to repay him for the beatings and the cruelty he dishes out."

Still speaking very softly, Seijiro goes on a bit. "I have a question for you all. I know some of you have been working hard to make friends on this accursed boat, which is admirable. I wish I was better at doing so myself. I've tried a few times, but not sure how well I might have done... Might have done more harm than good, I'm afraid. But I was thinking it might be good to pool what we know... so we all know who's friendly to one or more of us already and who isn't. Like we know Sandara seems ta be friendly enough to us.. and Rosie too, Not really sure about the rest. Except for Scourge and Plugg's toadies, we know who they are and what side they're on. But what about the rest. Mebbe we could you know, if we all knew who knows who and how, we can work on those who aren't too friendly with us yet. And maybe..." he looks pointedly between Flynn, Variel, Valeros and even Sko, "forge some closer bonds among ourselves as well."

He bites his lip as if afraid he might have said too much and pulls in on himself a little, waiting for some... any... kind of response from the others.

My face is poised in the same bored expression, as if I’m completely unconcerned and unaware of what Jiro is hinting at. I answer him – but my voice is quiet, and I hardly move my lips.

”Listen – I got no beef with the majority of the low-end lads like us, pal – but as for that – that… Ugluk u bagronk sha pushdug Plugg-glob bubhosh skai,” I mutter, my words suddenly lapsing into Orcish profanity a moment.

”Yeah – I got issues with him and his mates. But I didn’t reckon on that they got the brains enough between 'em to know the elf lingo – sure, maybe orc; yeah – maybe… But I figured any race that knows the elf tongue ain’t likely enough to give you a “knife in the dark”, you know what I mean?”

My eyes flick over the others down in the hold.

”You want to know who I’m cursing on? Same folk as I was cursing on before – them that stole our freedom – I’m cursing on them that give us the lash – I cursed on ‘em in elf lingo, ‘cause I figured the only lads that know that tongue be trusties, and wouldn’t give much of a damn on me mouthing off on them that stole our freedom, eh?”

”What – you think I’m cursing on a lad who get’s the lash like us? Or cursing on them that might be a mate? Come on..." I say with a little shake of my head.

"Besides, we’re down here, and they’re up there – but I reckoned the elf tongue be more prudent – as you never know who may listen, eh?”

”Except now I don’t care so much anymore on that,” I mutter to myself.

I press another wad of leaf into the bowl of my pipe and light it again, a second bowl of smoke seems somewhat excessive, especially when tobacco is not a easily accessed commodity to me, even so – I light it and continue to smoke.

”But getting some together that’s worth having around – who’s worth being mates with… Now, if you want to follow up on this line o’ thinking; then I reckon you’re ichi-ban in my books, Jiro-sama,” I add with a ghost of a smile.

”But – let’s do it smart-like, eh?”

I glance around, my face still neutral, but leaning in quiet so only those directly next to me can hear me.

”We’ve all been doing a little fishing for trusties on this tub, eh? But how many of them are really decent sorts? How many of them might stick by you in a fight? And most important, maybe – how many o’ them been pressed like us, and don’t mind that the hand that wields the lash be severed at the wrist?”

My eyes flit through the shadows – now heavily obfuscated by the smoke from my pipe – the thick plumes covering the majority of my face and features, and anyone near me from casual observation… even like a fog cloud might.

”You talk on mates like that holbyt lass Rosie – or the one called Sandra, eh? Well and good then – I don’t know neither of well myself; how they handy in a fight? What can they do – can you trust ‘em in a tight spot, and how happy are they here?”

”Listen – I’m alright myself – nothing special I reckon – but I got a few tricks. But I reckon we gotta know what we got in the pot before we ante up, eh?”

I glance around the hold - not certain who may be listening, preferring we spoke in elven as I had gambled that only a few of the crew may know that language, and even less likely the lads allied to Plugg. But the die was cast - so I kept up the query in common.

Even while I'm talking I'm also watching - curious to know which crew members in the hold may be paying attention this conversation - if necessary - I will roll a perception. But for now I'm gambling that the arguments preceding this have done enough to encourage disinterest from the rest of the crew in our back and forth.

”So, Jiro-san – what do you know about them that’s on board? Anything handy? Meantime – if you want to keep talking in the common tongue so everyone can listen in – as opposed to the elf lingo – that’s well and good; but talk soft – keep your voice low – don’t move your lips too much, and lean in a little."

At this point I can also roll a "bluff" check to see if the arguments did the job of boring the others in the hold to not paying attention to this part of the conversation.

”I want to know our assets before we go after our liabilities… When we know more on what we got – then we go after what stands in our way with a little better aim for our ammunition, eh?” I say softly to anyone close enough to hear my muted voice.

Seijiro sighs softly and replies in a quiet voice, just loud enough for their small group to hear, but not loud enough to carry through the hold. "Speaking elven might be prudent, but not all of us speak it, and to be honest, I have barely learned it and would have trouble understanding you, so Common is fine."

He does loft a brow at Flynn's use of the Minkaian terms, since the other obviously doesn't speak his tongue and gets a look of shocked surprise at the use of the honorific -sama. "I'm no lord, Flynn-san, please, no need to honor me so."

His voice goes even lower and he shrugs as he replies to Flynn's question about Rosie and Sandara. "Not sure how far we can trust anyone on this ship actually, just mentioned them as they seemed friendly... but I know some of you all have talked to others and might have some idea of their proclivities."

"You make good points, Flynn-san, but you take a long time to get to them. Sometimes I have trouble following you." Seijiro smiles at Flynn to show he's not trying to insult him. He shrugs.

"Sure, I can talk a lot, I guess. But what the hell? It seems we got naught to do but chores and chatting - and I prefer chatting to chores, eh?"

"And I'm a fast study on lingo - faster then others, maybe... maybe it's the schooling, I don't know, I guess I got a knack for it."

"But your lingo? A few years back I met a lad who hauled cargo with us a for two weeks out of Rahadoum - he said he was from back east; seems like he may have grown up around your turf, as it were - don't remember his name, but he called himself wako - if that word means anything to you... Picked up a few words from him on eastern talk, though not much... Odd guy, he was - lot of bloody tattoo's on him - like our buddy Dhaavan's ink; only more so - but the queerest part was that he was missing his little finger on his left hand... I thought that was a bloody strange wound - wonder how a guy could get a wound like that? I say with a little shrug, giving Jiro a suddenly appraising eye after my last comment, as if gauging his reaction to what I just said.

"Well, anyhow - let's hash out what we do know, eh?"

"As for the elven language - I speak it, so does Rain - you know it enough - clearly the other elf Variel knows it - and I think Dhaavan - that's enough to get started... but we can do common a bit since I'm not too sure about the rest..."

"You're mates with this Rosie lass, eh? Well - what can she bring to the table? She a spellslinger or just a mercenary? Hell, I hear tell that Halfling folk be good with knives - you know - hit the right spot and make 'em bleed..." I say, miming a quick thrust to the kidneys; with a twist.

"But maybe that's not her style? Maybe she's got other tricks up her sleeve?"

"Also - who else can we call on? That little gnome fop - with the eyepatch? He any good with a blade? Seems like it - but I don't know..."

"You seem to got that talent o' knife work; so does Rain... Sko can tango hard enough with his fists, we all saw that... but from what I saw - we're all about on par with steel... with a few minor exceptions..."

"But blades aside - my trouble's the sorcery angle, eh? It's too big of a variable to plan for, as I see it... You run into a magi and the next thing you know they turn your belly inside out or trap your soul in some sort of crystal then toss it in the drink..." I say with a dark shudder.

"So - who do we know that can back us with magic - and who do we know that can fight it?" I say in the same hushed voice, speaking as quietly as possible.

"I mean - other then the usual..." I say with a glance at Dhaavan - but saying nothing overt.

"Remember though - we're not trying to do anything hot... yet... but I want to know where things stand, when they go down - savvy Jiro-san?" I say, glancing around.

"I... tried talking to the gnome, but got nowhere really. He seemed a bit put off by me.. I'm hoping someone else had better luck with him, though he seems a bit self-absorbed, so not so sure how good he'd be in a scrape if it came down to it."

"To be honest, I'm not too sure of anyone outside our group. As for us, we fought well enough together against the rats in the bilges, so I know we can work together when we need to. It just seems out of combat, we've got our issues." He sighs and looks around the group, some pointedly with their backs to others... and he whispers softly under his breath in Minkaian. "Daremoga jibun no puraido o sutete, karera no ōkina warui jiga o norikoeru yō ni suru hitsuyō ga arimasu."

As for a reaction to the mention of a member of a proto-yakuza clan, Seijiro shows no outward reaction to it.

"As for me, I've got no magic talents except making little lights... nothing to speak of really. I've seen at least one of us slip off alone for an hour or so in the morning like a caster might, but that's no sure indication of any kind of magic really. I've known many who merely like some time to meditate on their own with nothing to do with magic. If someone doesn't want to reveal an ability, that's his choice. I can understand his desire to keep his talents to himself on this boat." He pointedly keeps his eyes down and doesn't look at anyone directly as he says this... looking up finally only at Flynn.

"As to not trying anything... yet... perhaps we'll get our chance if Rain's dream comes to pass. I hope it was more than 'just a dream.' Prophecy is a great gift, perhaps she has it."

"Huh! As you say so, mate...All I can say to that is a pox on this voyage so far - and them that took us be baka, too," I say with a little shrug.

"As for the dream? Well, maybe it will be helpful - but then again, they say the gods help those who help themselves, eh? But until Rain gives us some more details - we ain't got much to go on. Could be a one time thing - or she may got the second sight... I don't know... Until I do - I'd rather prepare myself for what may be out there."

"Alright - other then the one-eyed lad - you see any other lads or lasses here that may be friendly-like?" I ask softly.

"Well - never mind all that. Let's get down to the brass tacks - as it were... What can we for each other in a pinch. I saw a few sword strokes - most of them went awry - but then again... maybe folks got some talents they don't speak much on. If so - I'd rather know before hand, rather then afterwards."

"How about you? You got any special talents for anything handy?" I ask somewhat absently - although I don't press the issue - waiting instead from a response from Jiro - or anyone else who may have something to offer.

Seijiro shrugs and blushes slightly. "What talents I have rarely come in handy for fighting or anything like that. Like I said... I can make little lights. That's about it." He bites his lip and shrugs again.

I can't possibly see how changing to my normal form would be useful to this group at all, and the less they know about that the better... at least for now. If we ever get off this bucket, then they can know.

"I'm good at little tricks like this" and he pulls a single silver coin out of his pouch and rolls it across the backs of his knuckles, then makes it disappear and reappear again.

sleight-of-hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"Not good for much in a pinch, but it is fun to entertain children with." He shrugs again, slips the coin back into his pouch.

”Don’t sell yourself short, boss – making something disappear “in a pinch” can be damn useful. Especially if that something is more then a coin, eh?” I say with a knowing nod.

”Meantime, I’ve seen you work the rigging; I’m guessing you got the “good hands”, as they say, right? Well, if that’s true – then you got some untapped potential, I’d say- question is: how do you go about tapping it next time we get into trouble with those louts?”

”Yeah, I’m alright with a blade – you’ve already seen me use it – nothing fancy, sad but true. Even so – I’m still good with it. But like you I got my own thoughts on what could be useful, and I want to know more from everyone else who’s interested in this little caper – namely, getting away from the hand that wields the lash – or removing the hand outright, if you know what I’m saying?” I add, glancing around quickly, making sure that no one hears me except those few who are very close to me.

”For now I want to know about the rest of these swabs – when push comes to shove, I want to know where everyone stands, and if they stand with me – what we all got. I also want to know a bit more on that vision thing that Rain had…”

”My uncle sailed with a hunchbacked dwarf for a while – little basterd was vicious and hell of a good killer – never saw one so handy. But better then that he was a damn good sailor. He was from Varisia originally – and was generally hated and distrusted by most of the folk around him on account of his visions... Anyhow, everyone knew he had the Second Sight – and my uncle said he never had a vision that didn’t come true – but generally it came with the price of blood…” I say, making a somewhat superstitious warding sign, as if nervous by even mentioning such dark things.

I glance around, somewhat embarrassed at my nervousness, then continue.

”Anyway – whenever he saw visions, it always had to deal with death – someone would die, and he’d know it before it happened, and how it would happen. One of the elves with him called the “Crow” – because even though dwarves and ravens are generally on good terms; yeah – not so much with crows – and this elf said that his folk already figured that crows were harbingers of death; just like the dwarf lad.”

I glance over at Rain.

”Hoping nothing that grim on your account lass; but if you do see death – I wouldn’t mind if it was someone that had it coming, eh? Still – I don’t know enough about what you see, how much you see it – and the power of these dreams. But I’d like to know more, if you wouldn’t mind sharing…” I add, curious to know what aid this vision may bring.

After all – magic is a resource that often expands beyond logic or strategy because of its tremendous potential power. If we had access to such visions, it could be very helpful in determining our next course of action…

I lean back, then – and wait for Rain to enlighten us – or perhaps someone else to share about the crew members that they have befriended – how trustworthy are they – what talents they have – and how loyal to Plugg and his scum they really are…

Taking another pull from my pipe I get comfortable and wait for answers.

No not forward at all Jiro. I speak little of myself as my past is neither glamorous or exciting. I was raised in the Shackles but know not where I am from. You see I was orphaned when I was still very little. So little that I do not remember anything before the orphanage. I do not have any family that I know of. Sisters, brothers, mother, father, grandparents...they do not exist for me. All I had were the three friends that I made growing up in the orphanage.

It seems that Variel is about to say more when he changes suddenly. Variel gets more withdrawn and seems to almost speak to himself. It is almost a curse to be born an elf. Do y know how hard it is to grow up with someone only to watch them mature faster than you and leave. Twice that has happened with my friends. Peter was first. He arrived at the orphanage 10 years after me. In the time it took him to develop, he went from a childhood friend to living his own life and eventually dying in a storm 20 years later. His entire lifespan was gone by the time i was able to even mature into pre-adolescence. At this Variel remains silent for some time in quiet contemplation.

Rain had listened quietly as Variel disclosed small details of his childhood and lonely years in the orphanage. She understood the nature of Elven aging, had seen children on Tempest Cay grow up, leave and die. However, she never once considered it a curse but it could be mistaken for one, when life seemed to move differently for her kind.

She watches, obviously not the one to whom Variel is sharing his story and not feeling as though she had a right to interrupt or add to the conversation between Jiro and Variel. She observed the Elven male's withdrawn posture and her impulse was to comfort, yet she did not know how Variel would take such a gesture so she sat, gently nodding her head.

I glance over at Rain.

”Hoping nothing that grim on your account lass; but if you do see death – I wouldn’t mind if it was someone that had it coming, eh? Still – I don’t know enough about what you see, how much you see it – and the power of these dreams. But I’d like to know more, if you wouldn’t mind sharing…” I add, curious to know what aid this vision may bring.

After all – magic is a resource that often expands beyond logic or strategy because of its tremendous potential power. If we had access to such visions, it could be very helpful in determining our next course of action…

I lean back, then – and wait for Rain to enlighten us – or perhaps someone else to share about the crew members that they have befriended – how trustworthy are they – what talents they have – and how loyal to Plugg and his scum they really are…

Taking another pull from my pipe I get comfortable and wait for answers.

"As I mentioned, Flynn, I do not believe I possess a second sight. I found the dream perplexing but I also recollect I had been privately communing with Gozreh before bed, there by the rails, and I am supposing the gods' answered me through dream? To give me hope? I am unsure. I have no further detail to give on the dream for that was all that was shown to me. I have excluded no finer detail." Rain pauses, looking from person to person, her voice still low for she does not trust the crew as some of her companions' seem to do.

In a low murmur, she continues,

"I have befriended only two: both riggers, Ratline and Barefoot Samms. Ratline in particular has been most helpful to me for our interaction has been greater. After his bashing two nights ago, I doubt he has affection for Plugg, Scourge or the other cronies. I am leaning toward trusting both riggers."

”Right – so the dream is likely from Gozreh, then? Hmm… You ever had dealings with Him before – I mean, you ever do prayers to Him – seek His guidance in general? It sounds like you reckon He picked you special for some reason – and I’m curious to know why. Why a god would single out a mortal – who knows – but he seems to have for some reason…”

”They say Gozrah’s mates with Erastil and Desna – and they kind of worship some odd variant of Gozrah in some of he Mwangi tribes… But the Mwangi tribal thing don’t sit right on why’d you get the vision…”

I ponder a moment.

”Rain - you ever heard tell of the Storm Kindlers? Just curious, is all…” I say, my voice still low, glancing around after mentioning the last question.

Waiting for Rain to continue – I push on.

”Anyhow – these lads you mentioned? Both riggers – you didn’t see what they’re handy with – I mean to say… You reckon they’re just sailors who can handle a knife or a cutlass – or do you think maybe that got another set of tricks up their sleeves,” I say with a quick nod at Dhaavan – clearly alluding to magical powers.

”If you don’t know yet – maybe during the next morning we should kind of find out. You know – go to all of them that we consider trusties – and try to rustle up some news on what skills they have, and how they can help out in a fight.”

”Now I’m not telling anyone what to do – but if you’ve got a few lads on your side that might be inclined to pitch in and lend a hand in a tight spot – then the best thing for it, as I see it – is to find out where their strengths and weaknesses are.”

”That lass Rosie – now, does anyone know if can she hit a sweet spot with her knife? Or does she prefer slinging spells with her curse words? Rain - the two riggers you talked about – are they just lads that know how to use steel – or can they do other tricks, like maybe healing a downed mate – or calling out some sort of power in a fight… Sure, sure – none of us may know that yet about them that we’ve persuaded to be friendly with – but I reckon that if we take a day or so to ask and rustle up that news – well; it can’t hurt to know where we stand. And most important – what else is there for us to do? We know the ship well enough – and of the rest of these lads; they’re either for us – or hate us so much it won’t matter trying.”

”Anyhow – that’s how I see it. Anyone got any other ideas?” I say glancing around.

”And Rain – something tells my gut that if Gozreh is stepping up to give you dreams, keep your eyes wide open for any news about Storm Kindlers – that feels like too much of a coincidence for my liking – you know? If you got any more questions on it, I’ll let you know what I know… Just so long as we keep things quiet-like.”

While Dhaavan is talking to Cog, Jack Thrush is flitting around chirping and listening to the conversations going on between the other members of the crew, flitting between them, listening in to everything they're saying, at least the parts in Common. ANd paying atention to the other crew-members looking for eavesdroppers.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
To make sure that nobody is going to catch our arguments. If they do, Jack lands on FLynn's shoulder and pekcs and chirps at him.

Late in the evening, After having talked to Cog, not sure how long that'd take or if he even wants to talk to me, although with a 24 diplomacy check to influence and having him at indifferent already, he should be friendly Dhaavan speaks to the others about his fellow press-ganged folk.

Practicing his new language he says in Aquan, to Flynn and Rain, as the words flow easier and hurt his throat less.

Seijiro scowls slightly and chatters in Minkaian for a moment, obviously directed at Dhaavan. Though his voice is pitched low enough for only those around him to hear his words, he knows none of them understand him. "Dono yō ni sh*tsurei! Watashi wa, wareware wa wareware ga subete rikai sh*te ikenai, sh*ta de hanasu mochiite okonawa reta to omotta.

When he's done with his very short rant, he grows quiet again, looking directly at Dhaavan.

To Jack - if needed -

"Subsisto vestri oppugno - ego mos non causa perturbo!"

And back to Common

"Does that sit well with you, then? Does anyone got a better plan on what we can do in the meantime?" I ask.

Seijiro barks out a short laugh and shakes his head. "Does what sit well with us? Most of us didn't understand what was said or what 'plan' you speak of."

I turn to Jiro -

"Aquan-go o hanashimasu ka?" I say, turning casually to Jiro.

If I'm not mistaken in my guess - I quickly translate Dhaavan's comments in Elven for his benefit - then I ask that he keeps his voice quiet...

Seijiro scowls slightly and chatters in Minkaian ...When he's done with his very short rant, he grows quiet again, looking directly at Dhaavan.

Seeing Sejiro's glare, Dhaavan asks, Wha's wrong? D'I do something?" He is confused and entirely unsure of what Sejiro said and why he is annoyed with Dhaavan.

He also whispers quietly to Jiro, "Says ask what'r mates c'n'do." while pointing at Flynn, and trying to minimize his words.

Seijiro wrote:

Seijiro scowls slightly and chatters in Minkaian ...When he's done with his very short rant, he grows quiet again, looking directly at Dhaavan.

Seeing Sejiro's glare, Dhaavan asks, Wha's wrong? D'I do something?" He is confused and entirely unsure of what Sejiro said and why he is annoyed with Dhaavan.

He also whispers quietly to Jiro, "Says ask what'r mates c'n'do." while pointing at Flynn, and trying to minimize his words.

I look at Dhaavan and roll my eyes.

"Verus," I say in Infernal "tamen vos operor non narro lacuna ut is agnosco."

"Try another tongue, eh?" I add in common.

Seijiro pulls in on himself again... shrugs... says sullenly, "Just saying it's rude to speak in tongues not all can understand when we are all gathered together like this. I thought we discussed that and agreed to all use Common." He mutters something under his breath (in Common) about being locked up in the hold like cargo.

"So sorry to lose my temper, I just don't like being locked up like this. It's making me a little on edge. But it IS a little rude."