"Hey, he's doing as much as you are, Patch. Let's just get this done and then we can all be away from each other and this stench!"
Ravens clears his throat to speak and rubs his hands through his hair.
"I'm Ravens. I'm a birdmaster...I, uh, made a mistake. I stole a horse...not a normal horse, but a hero horse, you see? A smart and noble steed, she was. We called her 'Luck the HeroHorse', we did." Ravens smiles to show just how special the horse was. "Well, the horse didn't belong to me, but I just had to have it...I think we were connected. Well, the guy who owned the horse go really mad. Mad mad. Mad mad mad. Really mad."
Ravens pauses to catch his breath.
"So he was chasing from Brevoy, right? And all the way down to Qadira, then across to Rahadoum, then, I think I lost him on the Rahadoum freight I was on. However, when this one here," Ravens points to the dwarf, "when he went off on his own, I decided to follow him just in case. I figure that they isn't anyone that can track over the open water. I don't even know where I was going. So here I am."
Ravens smiles.
"I can work some on the boat. I know some sailing things. And I can read and write magic, if you need that sort of thing."
Kehlysch meets Bendrauss' concerned look.
"He's playing Fipps...that has to be it...I'll have a talk with him tonight," he says, trying to reassure the big man, but he cannot mask the apprehension in his voice.
Me pappy was Ragnar "da'Bold", Free Captain of d'Shackles fer years. I learnt me thievin' ways and sailin' skills from 'im. Mayhap ya heard of 'im?
Anyways, I took berth on a three-masted Rahadoumi merchant vessel name o' 'Man's Promise" headin' to Port peril fer trade. I was plannin' to land on with a right piratin' vessel like yer own in port, but me heritage caught up with me. The whench o'a captain heard of me pappy, and when she found me snoopin' around her wares, she be suspectin' me to make a move either on or after the trip. The thought had crossed me mind. She threw me in the brig, but I escaped and this fella here jumped aboard durin' me escape.
I am just lookin' fer a chance to sail fer some fine booty. I be thinkin' this might be such a chance, no?
Moon, proud of his best work ever in the bilges, scowls at the criticism from Patch. Turning on the advancing Jape, Moon cracks his knuckles and puts a hand to his weapon. "I've done the best work a man can do here, back off you lout or I'll cut you a second smile."
Captain Harrigan seems to follow your stories with keep interest, particularly when you speak of your time on the ship. He grunts at the last, and nods. I'm thinkin' this is the ship for you, then. Whether it's runnin' from your past or looking for some gold in your future, then you're among the right bunch of scallywags. He offers Ravens a look of disdain, as if magical talent didn't quite match up in his book. I'll want you to have a talk with our sorcerer, Peppery; she may have use of you. He glances at your thin bones before turning to Dorin. I'm sure you'll do fine in the rigging, least till there's some killin' to be done.
Now... He rests his massive forearms on the table and leans forward. Tell me what you know about the Man's Promise, and where she's headed.
Jape snorts at the gesture, and turns his hulking form to advance upon Moon, pulling his dagger as he moves. At the same time, Patch turns from her work and moves to skirt around the ladder up, stepping towards Louly.
Ben nods from where he's tying off some lines, and he slips down deftly. On the main deck, it's largely business as usual...
"What is that sack of gristle up to... Kehlysch mutters.
Dorin nods at the Captain.
Aye, Cap'n. The Man's Promise a 3-masted ship, 'bout 100+ feet long and a'third as wide, o'fairly good make. It be a Rahadoumi merchant vessel, manned by 'bout 20 Rahadoumi sailors and one officer - a whench o'a cap'n. The ship was sailin' through the Fever Sea, northwest t'Shackles and Port Peril for trade. That be the sum of me learnin' on the vessel. Ne'er got t'see the wares a'board afore the Cap'n got a sniff o'me past and threw me in the brig, but she was loaded down.
Ravens nods along with Dorin's story, adding little.
The captain grins widely, his eyes twinkling with greed. My thanks to you; I'm thinking you fellas' will fit in just fine. Now get outta' here; get some more grub if yer of a mind, then get to work. Mister Plugg here will show you what needs doin.
He seems to dismiss you both at that, and Mister Plugg moves forward to escort you out. The captain leans back in his chair, fingers steepled, lost in thought.
Patch lithely steps away from her work and around the ladder to advance towards Louly. She expertly draws out a dagger, even giving it a little flourish to display her obvious familiarity with the weapon. She closes the distance with uncanny speed, slashing horizontally in a blur of movement. Pain blossoms just under Louly's clavicle, where a thin line of red begins to ooze.
Moon - 18
Louly - 10
Jape - 3
As you watch and wait, Fipps stands, looking more and more like he's standing guard. Any who approach him are turned away.
Moon plunks toward Jape, drawing his axe in the process, then turns sharply to hack at Patch.
"Call it off, or we'll pump out yer hacked bits with the bilge water!
Ravens smiles and thanks the captain has he leaves.
"Oh boy, more food time. Then we can get to work, eh Mister Plugg?" Ravens asks.
"What will you have me do, Mister Plugg?"
"Ben, I think Fipps and his thugs are up to something."
Kehlysch climbs down from the crow's nest at a careful and deliberate pace, and approaches the fat bully. He mutters words of power under his breath .
He moves as if to pass Fipps and go below decks.
AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1
CMD 13
HP 16/20
Bombs 1/4
Effects:
"You b+#&!!" Louly cries. "Scourge isn't going to be happy when you get blood all over his bilges!"
She steps back and pulls out a bomb, tossing it behind the halfling so both her foes get caught in the blast.
To hit:
4 splash damage / Reflex save DC 14 for half
Mister Plugg directs you onto the Main Deck, where the other pirates on board are working at their various tasks. The big man named Fipps stands in front of the stairs leading down below, his hands crossed as if to bar entry.
Plugg sneers as he watches his charges work, then he shakes the head. Bunch 'a louts...hope you two'll prove more capable. Ta' start; Dorin - yer working repairs, sewing sails and splicing rope. Ravens - yer a swab, if I ever seen one; grab a holystone and get to it.
Patch hisses in pain as Moon's axe scores a long line of red across her back. She moves to adjust to her new foe, only to be greeted by the splash effect from Louly's bomb. She's not quick enough to get out of the way, and takes the full effect of the weapon, then cries out in pain, clutching her burnt arms into her body.
Jape is far too slow to avoid Louly's attack, and the bomb splashes over his back, leaving him a steaming, smoking ruin. Still, the stubborn lummox moves to swing at Moon's side with his dagger. Moon's axe handle comes back just in time for a deflection, and the dagger misses its mark.
Patch shakes off the attacks and crouches, then springs at Louly in a blindingly fast movement, swiping her dagger back and forth in blurring strikes. Louly avoids the first, but the second cuts through to skin, drawing blood from her upper arm down to her opposite hip.
Fipps moves over to block your way, but doesn't put his hands on your person. He stands with a stern look and arms folded over his ample belly. Ho' there now, ya' swab! Got a routine inspection goin' on down thar'. Got word of a bit a' stealin', an' we're bound ta' find out who done it. Anythin' ya' wanna' tell me? He leans in close, as if doing so would provide you a feeling of safety and comfort in which you could spill your guts to him.
Moon shifts behind Patch, trying to create flanking with Louly and avoid being flanked himself.
"Give it up, Patch, captain will Keel Haul you for killing us, sure as the tides!"
Moon swipes again with his axe, not waiting for Patch to consider the request.
AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1
CMD 13
HP 9/20
Bombs 1/4
Effects:
Wincing at the pain, Louly tries to edge around Patch, putting the treacherous halfing between herself and Moon. Pulling a club, she swipes at her foe, trying to keep the woman's attention on herself instead of Moon.
"What should we tell the captain happened to them after we dispose of their bodies, Moon?" she asks, hoping to give their enemies some second thoughts, though she's still not sure if they're actually trying to kill her or just rough her up.
Move: Five foot step to try to edge around Patch
Standard: Club, with flanking (-2 if I couldn't get flanking):
Damage:
Dorin sets to work on the sails and rope with fervor.
Profession (Sailor)
Dorin can't help but notice that the one they call Fipps is preventing a sailor from getting below where he saw the others earlier.
Hmmm...wonder what is up there?
Kehlysch speaks to Fipps with quiet, cold menace.
"Move Fipps, or I will move you."
With a wicked grin, Moon answers Louly, "We'll tell the captain they shirked off and split, leaving us to do the work. There won't be any bodies after we pump out their hacked bits with the bilge water."
Dorin moves closer to Fipps and the sailor speaking with him to try and learn what they are discussing.
Perception:
Ravens accepts the holystone in his hands as if confused about why he has one.
"Oh yeah, a 'swab'! I can totally do this," Ravens says with confidence.
Con check...swabbin'!
Yep, Ravens will swab like he's never swabbed before!
Ravens will keep his head down on his first day at work, eager to make a good impression, only occasionally looking around for Sir Bregan, more out of force of habit than actual fear.
Moon watches as Patch stands motionless, almost frozen in time, clearly she is considering his offer at peace.
"Come on Patch, there's no need for us to be spilling each other's blood, we know you're being put up to this. Put the weapon away and let's make a truce."
Ravens performs his job with quiet effectiveness, not seeming to draw the ire or the gratitude of any on the main deck. The other pirates keep mostly to themselves, sticking to their tasks as the whip-tongues Scourge oversees them.
Dorin works the ropes with such a professional expertise that he has enough time to wander close to the stairs down, seeming quite disinterested as he tries to hear what is transpiring between Fipps and the sailor.
It seems that the exotic looking man from the crow's nest is trying to move Fipps from the way down, and the fat pirate is blocking the way.
Fipps blanches at your tone, and takes an involuntary step back. He looks from side to side, as if scanning for help, then gulps visibly and shakes his head.
Sorry, chum...Master Scourge's orders. Seems we've a no good thief on board! Routine scan a' tha' quarters.
He says the last loud enough for most on the main deck to hear, as if he had gained momentum through his quite limited speech.
Louly's, and then Moon's blows slam into Patch, and the little halfling grits her teeth in pain. She spits blood, but still holds her dagger tightly, then calls out to Jape. Don't listen to 'em! The man said finish 'em, so let's finish 'em!
With that, she slashes at Louly two more times, the first cutting high and away as her foot slips in her own blood. The second, however, scores a deep gash on Louly's leg, drawing blood.
Jape snarls and rushes at Moon, dropping his dagger and trying to wrap his hands around Moon's neck. The blood on his hands make them too slick, though, and his hands slip free before he is able to drag the smaller man into his deadly embrace.
Moon - 18
Louly - 10
Jape - 3
"So tell me. What was stolen, and from whom? When did this...theft...occur?"
Kehlysch glances around and tries to make an accounting of who's on deck, looking for Scourge in particular.
Moon again shifts behind Patch, trying to create flanking with Louly.
Fipps snorts, seeming to gain back some of his bluster. Don't think they'd tell a dull one like 'ol Fipps that, now do ya? All I know is - I been told ta' guard the way down, so's here I am guardin' it.
Ravens continues his hard work, unsure about ship protocol and trying to keep a good first impression.
Perception:
Dorin gets a little closer to Fipps and the strange looking sailor, as he continues to do roapwork and keep his eyes on Scourge.
"Enough of your lies, Fipps! Scourge is right there, in plain sight! Now, move!"
Kehlysch makes a sweeping motion with his arm, releasing the as he shoves.
AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1
CMD 13
HP 12/20
Bombs 1/4
Effects:
Louly winces at the new cut, her wounds starting to get the better of her. She was hoping she'd be able to finish this without killing her foes -- that could just make things worse -- but if it's kill or be killed, then damn the consequences. She'll worry about them later.
"Who wants us dead, Patch? We'll make sure to give your body to him when this is over."
The Mwangi woman swings wildly at the halfling, serving more effectively as a distraction to leave her open for Moon than an actual combatant. She curses again as the hafling easily ducks under her club.
Ravens works.
I want to whistle. Is whistling allowed?
Ravens ponders deep thoughts as he works. Very very deep thoughts.
Maybe just a little whistling?
Fipps moves his bulk aside, moving faster than his vast bulk would seem to allow. He shifts aside, his hands coming up as if to ward off some force. Ho' now, lil' man! Ya' best not get too up on yerself 'ere, cause I been told ta' keep people out however I needs to. He rolls the fingers of one fat fist, and they crack loudly. Now, ye can back up, or we can do this tha' 'ard way.
Patch screams out in pain as the axe bites into her small shoulder, digging deep. She stumbles, then her legs wobble and she collapses into a heap, her breathing shallow and gurgling.
Moon - 18
Louly - 10
Jape - 3
"Quit Jape!" Moon yells at the big man, "Or you'll end up like her! Now lay down yer weapon!"
Moon does his best to look intimidating, a chipped tooth snarl framing the bloody axe he raises for a strike towards the flabby man.
Louly sees the halfling collapse and shifts her gaze to Jape. "It's up to you. Swear you won't stand against us ever again, and we'll save your friend. Otherwise, it's now two of us against one and we'll leave you both for the fishes."
"You, the hard way? Ha! You're sack of tallow and gristle. Take a swing, or get out of my way, dough-ball."
Jape looks down at his ally, who is currently bleeding out on the floor, then looks at the various weapons arrayed against him. With a grunt, he drops his dagger and raises his hand, taking a few tentative steps backwards.
Fipps snarls at the insult, and his gaze takes in the quickly growing crowd around him. He appears on the verge of some sort of action, but a voice cuts through the din. What's this, then? Why is everyone standing' and gawkin'! Master Scourge forces his way through the gathered crew, his eyes on Kehlysch and Fipps. What's goin' on here?
"Well, sir, Fipps has been blocking me from going belowdecks, on the premise that you were below, searching the berths for stolen items. Since you are clearly not below, nor have you been below, as everyone here has plainly seen, it is quite obvious that Mr. Fipps is lying in order to conceal something happening below. Are you not curious, sir, as to what is happening that would motivate him to do so?"
Kehlysch makes no attempt to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
"Keep your eye on him, Moon," Louly says, as she leans down to tend to the halfling, binding her wounds with strips ripped from the woman's own clothing. "This should keep her alive, at least."
Once finished, she'll wave Moon over. "Make sure I did it right?" she says out loud, whispering to her companion, "You might want to check, see if she has anything on her that indicates who sent them after us. Or anything else she could cut herself on again."
Standing up, she'll drink her prepared healing extract, keeping her eye on Jape.
Moon kneels down and checks on Patch, both to find any hidden objects and to see if Louly's healing work has stabilized the lass.
"Good work Louly, she'll live yet."
Moon turns a shrewd glare on Jape, "Look here, Jape, if it's ever my decision I'll grant you freedom and a hand full of gold coins to tide you over at port 'til another ship hires you. There's no need for us to be killing each other over someone else's agenda."
Master Scourge looks at you and shakes his head slowly. Fipps is actin' on me orders, ya lout! I was ta' supervise tha' search below, till it were found that I'd be needed up 'ere. Got my best on tha' job down there, an' we'll get to the bottom of it. Now...seein' as yer sure anxious ta' get down there; anythin' I should know?
At this point, some of the crew, obviously concerned for their own goods, begin to cast accusatory glares at their crewmen...particularly at the new charges.
In the bilges, the patchwork on Patch works quite well - her breathing becomes even and deep, and the blood flow is staunched. She'll have a massive scar on her shoulder and running down her back, but with magical treatment, she may have full range of motion one day again.
Jape watches as you look through Patch's belongings, but he makes no further moves to make any trouble. Patch, not surprisingly, has very little on her person - no doubt she keeps most of her belongings in one of the lockers in the cabins. Of course...she does have a key that seems the type to fit a locker on her person. She also has, among some mundane items, 17 gold pieces and a small moonstone set in a braided hemp necklace.
"Well, it's a shame that rat attacked us while we were cleaning the bilges. Next time you'll have to try not to be so clumsy and hit her when you try to kill it, Jape. Right? Now I don't think the rest of the bilges will clean themselves."
"What would I know, sir, since I have been up here, in plain sight of everyone on deck? I suppose it doesn't matter, sir, since your best are investigating the matter. My sincerest apologies to good Mr. Fipps, who was just following your orders, sir. If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll return to my post now, sir."
Kehlysch looks around at the rest of the crew on deck, making eye contact with those that are friendly or abivalent.
"You all trust our good bosun, don't you shipmates? Clearly, he has things well in hand, and no doubt, all of your possessions are exactly where he says they should be."
Curse you, fickle dice roller! :-p
"Look here, Jape, she can keep all her coins and her pretty little necklace, we ain't thieves" proclaims the rogue. "Now, as Louly says, get to workin', Patch has the afternoon off and you've the work of two to do."
Moon glares at the big man, waiting for him to go back to work.