Butchy looks at Des and says, Oh, is just beasts what the cap'n don't want out or to have passengers know about. But don't you worry. They is locked up and not gonna do nuthin to ya
You can tell he's not being totally above-board with you, Des, but he does mean that there are "beasts" below deck and that he doesn't think you need to worry about it.
On deck, Tamerand can be seen having a rather heated discussion with the Captain, and Flint, the Doctor/Carpenter
victor perks up in interest
"the pirate queen you say. please, do tell me more about her"
Hezala raises an eyebrow, and looks around Not here. Maybe later tho. I don't trust some of the passengers, and I'd rather not have the crew getting suspicious of me if anything goes wrong. Grindylow and monsters are definitely not the most dangerous threat in these waters. if you catch my meaning... Pirates are pretty feared by the nautically inclined.
He don't want worries. Them rich folk on the ship ain't bein happy if'n they know who they was sleeping over. Ship is plenty safe. No worry little Drow Butchy tells you with a smile, good at following orders. But maybe if he were just chatting with assistants while working he may let more slip.
On Deck
you seem to have missed most of the argument, unless it got out of hand Really Fast.
Burrial at sea in just FINE and proper! And i don't want a damn corpse rotting for aweek on my ship! the captain shouts at an irate Tamerand.
The noble replies with quiet venom My man died protecting your ship. A ship, if i may remind you, you claimed was the safest in the Sea of Storms! Yet you get one of your passangers killed by a damn Goblin Squid! You have no right -
I'm the Captain of this ship. My word's Law. As far as you're concerned I. Am. Your. God. and I will be till you get off my boat. Teh captain's skin almost seems to ripple as he becomes more agitated, and his voice turns more raspy and slurs ever so slightly.
Hah! right. Do you know who I am! Do you know the influence i wield? Do you know what lands and holdings I control? I am NOT a man to be trifled with, Blackears. Tamerand replies, almost hissing at the Captain.
This deck is te only thing that matters, and I'm the one that tells you when to get off, either at port or NOW The men fume, totally unaware of anyone that's approached.
Pyre watches the exchange with interest. He wants to see how these men handle themselves. If things get out of hand he will try to intervene.
finds himself wandering aimlessly below deck, Nekare` trailing close behind, considering his options and discovers he's once again in the stock hold and blindly staring at Lela at her labor.
Nekare` breaks him from his trance by whining briefly before galloping forward and barking to greet the handler and playfully jumps up and collides with the surprised human, knocking her off her feet and licking her face.
Nekare`! Heel, now!
The wolf whines like a spoiled child told she can't have a fifth cookie, but returns and falls in line.
Goandai apologizes for Nekare`'s outburst by assisting her for the remainder of the day.
Eventually he asks her as casually as he can if she knows anything more about the drow crew aboard.
The ratfolk nods and heads top deck, just in time to watch the argument.
He leans over to one of the nicer looking crewmen and asks
"why is the noble so adamant about keeping the bodies of his men on the ship?"
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Seeing Butchy is not going to give up any information readily, Des heads up to deck to catch the tail end of the confrontation.
Please, dear sir, be at ease. Their must be a happy medium for whatever your quarrel stems from. If we are to make it to sweet land again, cooler heads must prevail! Now what seems to be the problem?
Victor
The crewman shrugs, no idea. Nubbin wrong wit a burial at sea? But he bein real insitant. Wants ta keep the corpse.
Those seeing the argument,
I will not have my people tossed overboard. the noble days again.
Horus, the doctor retorts We can't keep a rooting body on the ship for a week till we make port! That's how disease and sickness spread! You're putting the whole crew at risk.
They continue to bicker as both refuse to give ground. Horus can't do anything to preserve the body, But Tamerand doesn't want to loose it
Lela suffers a moment of surprise, and there is a hint of fear as the wolf knocks her down, which dissolves into laughter as Nekare licks her face tickling the woman. She brushes herself off and stands. It's fine, I was just a little surprised is all. Not meet such a friendly wolf.
Lela shrugs, I don't much know em. But they ain't like Tavian. Heels the others make the first mate seem friendly. the first mate is not friendly. Not by any stretch of the imagination. They keep to themselves, and keep the ship moving at night. But I don't much trust em, dangerous sort, not the kind to run an honest merchant ship, but what do I know.
Victor shrugs and yells out
"EXCUSE ME GOOD SIR, WHY ARE YOU SO INSISTENT ON KEEPING THE CORPSES OF YOUR DEAD PEOPLE? "
Thoyoitu heads below deck as planned to pry open the grate.
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Tamerand, I know these men were your. But. You must see the danger in leaving rotting bodies on board. Think of your own safety and wealth if not the other passengers and crew. Please understand... Maybe we can prep the bodies, wrap them up in a paddle boat and drag them behind the Wyr’enshaad.
Des turns to the crew, Does anyone know any mundane methods of preserving these bodies.
Des turns to the Capt. and speaks in undercommon.
and therein lies the problem, Lela, they aren't honest traders. I mislike meddling in others' affairs, regardless of who they are, but some things I can't ignore. Did you know that there is secret hold carrying a cargo of slaves on board?
Thoyoitu
Please roll a stealth check for sneaking below deck to unlock the grate.
Tamerand turns fast and glares into open air above Victor's heat about to shout... then after a moments pause he looks down and speaks if a forced calm, "That is my business. But it is imperative that I bring this man's body back to my homeland. He was a valuable member of my company and court and it is imperative to my business that I return home with him, even just his body. He pauses and adds I am of course willing to pay handsomely for this service
Horus considers the Dingy idea, Well that could work. The body wouldn't be in great shape by the time we returned, and could be lost at sea should a storm arise. There may be some other steps that we could take, for the right price Horus adds, glancing at the captain, But worst case, we tow the corpse. I'll accept that. How bout you Master Elsterson?
I'll allow that... And I'd be willing to consider whatever extra considerations you may be making. Let us discuss the pricing.
Slaves? I guess that wouldn’t surprise me. But Butchy told me not to worry, said we were safe, and whatever we got locked up there wasn’t getting out, like it was dangerous. Lots of ships keep slaves for transport, no reason to lie to me about it… Lela is confused about what’s back there, as simple slaves shouldn’t be something dangerous, or worth fearing. Maybe there is more to it?
Pyre walks up to those talking about the dead. "We could wrap them in cloth with salt. That should help perserve them for a week." Pyre taps his chin, "I've also heard of a spell that some clerics can to to stop decay. However, I'm not sure that we have one on board."
I suspect that there is more to it; the one I spoke to deliberately held back information, which is why I'm still debating what to do. right now I just hope none of the others i've told are planning anything rash...
Speaking of doing something reckless???
Pardon me, master tengu, but might I ask what you are doing, prying up boards in the deck? one of the human passengers asks. You've seen him with Tamerand, but he is not up top arguing for whatever reason.
Busted by a random person
Pyre, and those up top:
we may be able to look into whether or not we've a scroll. Any of you can identify a scroll? Horus ash's the group at large.
Victor's ears perk up at the idea no cutting the boat.
Mr desula, cutting the boat of our distinguished guest would be bad for business. Tsk tsk tsk." Victor chuckles after that.
Victor coughs and turns to tammerand.
"good sir, you do know decay works fast on the body and turns it into a mess in a matter of days.I can perserve the body.or so I think. We're surrounded by salt water.and salt is by far, the greatest preservative of all don't ypu think so? I propose that the bodies be brought down to my lodgings where I shall attempt to preserve them as best I can, although I can't say this chap will retain his good looks.and perhaps the captain will be more willing to keep the bodies on board when they're properly preserved.what do you say? Keep the bodies looking shriveled and safe on board? or leave them to rot and return a slopping mess . I'll be willing to work out the kinks in plan if you don't feel so good about certain parts of it." victor bombards tammerand with a grand proposal
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"But that does sound like a rather sound idea gentlemen. Would you let the good Doctor Victor do some preparative processes on these poor souls Tammerand?"
Goandai heads up to the galley for a meal and and requests an ample amount extra to take with him, promising Butchy that he'd spend the next several days hunting tortoises in return.
Des
You are unable to decipher the scrolls, but with the read magic cantip, you will be able to read all the scrolls if you prepare it tomorrow.
Indeed, you may attempt to preserve the body, Tamerand agrees. And if his Lord Captaincy requires, I will allow him to be towed, once preserved. Payment will be remanded for services rendered, of course.
As you take the body below, Horus follows saying, never had much use for embalming or at sea, but I'd be interested to study your techniques.
Goandi
Butchy is quite pleased at the prospect of tortous, and gives you plenty of extra food.
Victor claps his hands in realisation.
"oh mr tamerand! Do you have any special requests? Because I'm afraid I'll have to remove most the organs in the body."
Turning to Horus he continues
" well I'll be using an ancient technique. The rats back in my warren certainly had a good mind for diseases. I'll need salt and a collection of small opaque waterproof containers. Like I said doctor, and you should know this, the death spoil too easily."
returns to the area where the hatch to slave hold is with his hamper full of food and waits for a discrete moment when the room is empty to pull it up
"Well, Mister, this board was loose, and it was unbalancing the cannons. I meant to get to it yesterday, but didn't have time, so I came back to fix it. It looks like it's rotted, so I'll need to replace it. Would you mind running to grab me a plank of wood, please? I'll finish looking around to make sure nothing else will interfere with the ship weapons."
coming upon the scene Goandai tries to deflect the passanger without actually lying and addresses the tengu
there you are. care for a meal, it's well past time?
"Oh, yes, I suppose it is. This gentleman was just about to fetch me something I need to repair the floor. Shall we eat now, my friend?"
The haughty man appears rather insulted that you would suggest that HE of all beople do something as menial as fetch planks. Hmm, Perhaps i shall alert one of the crew that you requite materials for your work, the man says, looking down his nose at you. Then his nostrils flare as Goandi approaches. Well, I must be off he notes wishing to be anywhere but here.
He man leaves and you are able to open the trapdoor with no further incident.
"Thanks for the save, pal. You open up the grate, and I'll try my best to make this wood look rotted, just in case we need to." But realizing that he can't rot wood in just a few minutes, he simply smacks it around to break it.
perhaps you shouldn't do that since it will only alert the night crew that someone's been tampering with their cargo. What are you doing here, anyway; I really am surprised to find you here.
"I believe it was my idea to break in and let loose the creatures, right? Well, that's what I'm here for..."
and I won't stop you, I'm just not sure how good of an idea it is. when I spoke to the hob down there he wouldn't tell me everything. I'm wondering if he'll be a bit more forthcoming with a full belly. let me try before you release them, please, and then do as you wish
"Very well. What's that food for, anyhow? I can stay here and watch the creatures, make sure they don't do anything bad. And also stop anyone from seeing that I broke this board..."
it's for them, maybe he opens the hatch and calls down
victor chuckles
"not quite. still don't have don't have those jars."
Victor
You are able to get some clay pots from the kitchens, the contents shuffled around, to Butchy's mild chagrin. A woman you've seen speaking with Goandi in the lower decks carries them to you.
Thoyoitu and Goandi
You hear a reply in a high pitch voice, Oyeyou, watchusayin? Ge'talkin'in sommatwhat theressofus know ah? Then, an identical voice says Shaddup Tickle. Akey, what we gots ta go for some grub?
Yea can ask them is fine. Tho yea can hear what some o'em right idiots. the Hob rasps out.
We sailors, not great friends of the Wyr’enshaad, so when Il'zavaan's drow caught us in the dark, well, they ambushed us, and took us captive. The Hob says with a shrug.
He's being slightly evasive, about what they did to be at odds with the Captain, suggesting that they are merchants, but you're not entirely convinced.
The captives are generally silent, some sleeping, and only the squeaky high-pitched voice interrupts the Hob who grimaces every time he's called "Akey". There's a handful of Southerners with pitch black skin in a corner huddled together taking turns looking over at you, a couple people out cold in another corner, a few smaller than average humanoids whispering, and two figures in heavy blankets sit at the far end of the hold, not looking at you.
So, my mates ain't doin so hot, and that plate yea got there is mighty appetizing. We smell The Butcher's cookin all day long but only get cold leftovers. What I gotta do ta get my people fed Hob? Ta get a little mercy" he asks turning to Thoyoitu as well.
Victor gets to work on the bodies,first slicing the corpse down the stomach, removing the organs and seperating them accordingly. He places the organs inside the containers sealing them tight.he turns back to the mostly hollow corpses.
"we're gonna need more salt."
Really? Is there anything else you need? she asks slightly exasperated and, not particularly wishing to have to come back in, the stench of death coming from the body. Huh. Maybe some oils and herbs? Help with the smell some. she offers, this time trying to be helpful.
"well herbs would work I suppose . I'll have whatever your strongest one is. Don't let the smell get to you. I assure you it isn't any better off for me."
Victor fumbles around with his scalpel, trying hard not to be too awkward.
"so I've seen you around with goandi. And I'm afraid I don't know your role or your name....."
Victor smiles sheepishly
meanwhile, he gestures for the last speaker to come forward and starts passing down pieces of brisket. just for you and yours, none for him just yet
Eh, name's Lela. I keep the animals for Butchy, and work in the stock room. I met Nekare and the hob, Goandi, cause they had to get Butchy's say-so for not keeping her kenneled below decks. she tells you, also somewhat awkward.
"ahhh I see.i thank you for your help Lela." victor bows in gratitude.
Don't play with me... The hobgoblin growls. I will get out here an' I--
The hobgoblin stops short when there is a shuffling behind him. Enough, a female voice literally growles. One of the cloaked figures rises and walks over to the grate. Ya wantha thruth? she asks. She sounds as if she cannot hear her own voice, and when she approaches, you see she slurs her speech through a mouth full of fangs. thome uf uth are pirateth, jutht ath ith tha captain uf thith thip. Tho only one uf uth ith a thlaver.
Pleath, open your mindth to me tho we may thpeak like thivilithed people. Goandi and Thoyoitu, please make will saves. You can choose to fail them at her request.