"Sorry about this captain," Marnir says as he stands to follow his officers. "That young lady has answers to some questions we have."
Marnir spots the girl trying to sneak out the back, and leaps over the benches towards her. "This way! She's trying to get out the back!" he calls, hoping to draw Kung and Markizio towards him.
"Stop there Caulky! We need to talk!" he roars over the rising noise in the bar. He lunges towards her, fury on his face.
Marnir spots the girl trying to sneak out the back, and leaps over the benches towards her. "This way! She's trying to get out the back!" he calls, hoping to draw Kung and Markizio towards him.
"Stop there Caulky! We need to talk!" he roars over the rising noise in the bar. He lunges towards her, fury on his face.
The magus looks back at the mayhem in the tavern and is glad to have an excuse to leave, "Right behind you captain!"
His eyes already lost the girl but he trusts his captain with his life and follows along.
----------
Not able to keep up with the other person, Jane decides to sneak around the crowd and get ready for an attack. Keeping the others in eyesight.
_____________
Caulky has just discovered the back door to the alehouse is kept locked when Kung drops in to say hello.
"I surrender! I surrender! Don't kill me." She squeaks.
While this is taking place Captain Jerrell cocks his head to one side, over the din of the brawl you hear a bell clanging outside. "Well, it's been an enchanting meeting." He smiles at Niobe, "But by the sounds of it thats the Militia on their way to beat everyone unconscious, and steal every coin they can. It might pay to take follow your friend and exit quickly." He suggests to Marnir
Markizio had not been a victim of Caulky but he understood the feeling of betrayal she left in his friends.
He stepped back and let the others question her but cautioned, "Whatever you do, make it quick because it looks like we'll have company soon."
He asked, "Do we bring her along to our ship for a late night chat?"
"Yes, let's go to Drake. Better questions there. Jane open lock? We go quick."
Marnir nods respectfully at Captain Jerrell. "Sounds like a good idea captain. We'll have that drink another day, eh?"
He turns to Kung and Markizio, who are guarding their guest near the door. "Aye, let's get her back to the Drake before someone comes and asks us questions we don't want to answer." His gaze moves to Caulky, and becomes sterner. "You're coming with us, my lady. Please don't try to escape. Kung here doesn't like it when his prisoners escape."
"Ah... yes!" says Niobe, slightly flustered. "We should go. Um, good fortune to you, Captain Jerrell."
Jane easily pops the simple lock on the back door to the alehouse. Captain Jerrell gives a friendly grin and saunters out with you, just at the front door bursts open and the Port peril Militia charges into the taproom, eyes gleaming with avarice.
"Not a bad idea Captain Saltvig." He smiles easily. "My ships the Salty flagon, just send me word when you feel like a good drink or ten?" He leans a little closer and looks more serious. "And maybe we can discuss a venture or two together? I'm nearly as new as you are to the Shackles, and reliable friends are even better than loot I've found."
He gives you a wave and strolls off into the evening.
"Not a bad idea Captain Saltvig." He smiles easily. "My ships the Salty flagon, just send me word when you feel like a good drink or ten?" He leans a little closer and looks more serious. "And maybe we can discuss a venture or two together? I'm nearly as new as you are to the Shackles, and reliable friends are even better than loot I've found."
He gives you a wave and strolls off into the evening.
Flush with excitement for both catching their prey and eluding the authorities, Markizio nods a farewell to the friendly captain, "You can count on it."
His mind wanders if it's this easy making friends here...
----------------
Nice, thanks!
Would you mind deleting the links no longer in use?
Nice, thanks!
Would you mind deleting the links no longer in use?
Caulky is unresisting as you march her back to your ship, it's easy to see she's very scared. She spills immediately when questioned. Making no effort to lie.
1. She wasn't there looking for you, she was trying to get more crew for Harrigan, when she saw you she immediately tried to get out before you saw her.
2. With the loss of crew when the Mans promise was taken Caulky lost her cushy job as Harrigans cabin girl and had to work as a deck hand and pirate. Something she's not fond of and she thought she could curry favor with Harrigan by reporting your survival. Something Harrigan is un aware of at the moment, though with your becoming recognised Free captains he soon will be.
3. Now you are Free captains Harrigan can't act directly against you in port, though at sea it would be different. You can be sure he will be gathering allies and resources to get his revenge.
4. Caulky has no great loyalty to Harrigan and quickly offers her services to you. Though it's obvious she'll desert you to moment it's convenient for her.
So, what are you doing with her?
As you are deciding the fate of Caulky a messenger delivers a letter to Captain Marnir Saltvig from Tessa Fairwind, Mistress of the city of Quent on Motaku Isle, inviting them to dinner at her townhouse in Port Peril the following evening.
You recognize the name of Tessa as captain of the sloop-of-war Luck of the Draw and one of the most powerful and popular pirate lords on the Pirate Council of the Shackles.
You also know the common rumor that Tessa is next in line for the Hurricane Crown—either by the acclaim of the Free Captains, or by taking it from Kerdak Bonefist herself.
Niobe returns to the ship and seems curious when the letter arrives. "You're getting really famous now, cap'n! Um... do you want me to keep in touch with Cap'n Jerrell? Stay friends in case he wants to join us for some ship hunting?"
Jane looks at a Culky and smiles. "Where is Harrigan'a ship now?
When it comes to knowledge of the world around him, Kung seems to have one area of expertise--Tidewater Rock and other pirate legends. Tessa Fairwind rings no bells; Kung moves on from the topic quickly, returning his attention to Caulky.
"You no good on our crew. You leave, Kung see it in eyes. Best you leave now. Maybe bring message to Harrigan." Turning to the others, Kung ponders. "What message we send? 'Ha ha' maybe good one!", he offers with a laugh.
Markizio stayed on the sidelines as the rest of the crew dealt with this girl. He was glad that she was not asked to join the Drake.
LATER
"Tessa... I know that name. She's captain of the sloop-of-war Luck of the Draw and one of the most powerful and popular pirate lords on the Pirate Council of the Shackles."
He shrugged, "I wonder what she wants with us but it sounds important. Do you think I should wear a more fancier blouse?"
He slapped Kung, "Big guy, you ought to dress up too. This sounds like an important dinner party."
"I'll be sure to look out for you, Captain. Reliable friends tend to lead to more loot, which is even better!" Marnir says with a smile as they slip out the back before the militia can stop them. "I didn't realise we'd get so famous so quickly," he replies to Niobe as they arrive back at the ship. "If you think you can keep him sweet, then do that. Don't do anything you don't want to though. And try not to hurt him if he gets too friendly."
Marnir is unsurprised by how quickly Caulky spills her guts, and his impression of her isn't improved by what she has to say. He nods along with Kung, agreeing with the big man's assessment. "You can go crawling back to Harrigan and you can tell him that the Drake and her crew aren't afraid of his bully tactics. We're not the helpless press-gang victims we once were, as you can see." He turns away from her to the approaching messenger, and calls back to Kung. "Bosun, please get the lady off my deck."
Marnir takes the folded letter from the young lad delivering it and slits the envelope open with his knife.
He quickly skims the letter, recognising the name at the bottom. "Looks like we'll be going out for dinner ladies and gents," Marnir grins. "Sounds like she's pretty big round here, first mate," he remarks at Markizio's information. Then with an expression of mock astonishment, he adds "You have even fancier blouses?"
Marnir's roar of laughter carries across the deck as he quickly scribbles and affirmative reply to Captain Fairwind and hands it to the messenger, tipping the lad a gold coin for his trouble.
At the comment about a fancy blouse, Niobe twists her fingertips together nervously and says, "Umm... do I need to get something different to wear?" She looks down at her plain white gown and shuffles her feet.
When you arrive at Tessa’s townhouse, her retainers show you into a windowed dining hall with a view overlooking Port Peril’s harbor. Tessa introduces herself and congratulates you on being named Free Captains.
She asks you what they know of the current political situation in the Shackles, and hints that Kerdak Bonefist’s hold over the fractious pirate lords is perhaps not as strong as it might appear. If her own possible
candidacy for the position is mentioned, Tessa explains just how reticent she is to become the next Hurricane King. Nevertheless, she recognizes that Bonefist’s days are likely numbered, and hints that the time is ripe for those with ambition to start gathering allies.
Tessa also mentions the recent whispers she’s been hearing about Cheliax’s designs on the Shackles. Cheliax’s hatred of the pirate isles is nothing new, of course, but lately the rumors have been hinting at another Chelish invasion, which, if successful, could result in the Shackles being annexed into the empire—a horrific outcome to any Free Captain, regardless of who wears the Hurricane Crown.
Tessa is convinced that there is some truth behind these rumors, but she needs solid proof to put before the Hurricane King and the Pirate Council to force them to take united action. However, she can’t investigate these rumors herself—she’s too well known for such subtle
work, and she needs to remain in Port Peril to maintain her influence over certain factions within the council.
Instead, Tessa requests that you investigate the rumors. As resourceful newcomers, independent of any pirate lord, they have the best chance of uncovering information.
Tessa offers you the chance to ally with her and join her fleet, though in truth, they will pretty much be left to their own devices. Indeed, Tessa doesn’t want it known that she is investigating these rumors, and her alliance with you should be kept quiet for now.
If you turn down Tessa’s offer to join her fleet, she isn’t surprised, but still asks that you investigate the rumors. She points out that if you agree, you will have her gratitude and friendship—a valuable commodity, for as Mistress of Quent and one of the principal lords on the Pirate Council, she possesses considerable influence.
This is also combined with a much more sultry smile for Marnir and the hint that perhaps they could work closely together on a number of things.
Jane shrugs. "It wouldn't hurt hurt to look around.
Markizio had convinced Kung that the peg-legged pirate looked good in fuchsia and he himself struck a vibrant chord with his pale pink shirt.
He thanked Tessa for the opportunity to join her fleet but delayed an answer which wasn't his to give.
He instead brought the officers together to discuss their next course of action, "We should be careful here. If we are seen to be taking sides against the Hurricane King it could go very bad for us>"
He added, "I suggest we quietly inquire about the politics of the situation before agreeing to any course of action. You would hope that tessa would understand this, right?"
Kung begrudgingly accepts Markizio's advice for his outfit. "Few-sha? It just one color. Markizio always look fancy in just one color. Pink look good on fancy man." He points to the patchwork cloak that he himself wears. "Kung like lots of colors. But if Markizio say just few-sha, Kung wear few-sha. Kung know Markizio not lead Kung wrong."
Kung, as is typical, digs into the meal with gusto, enjoying himself immensely, and drinking as much as is served (certainly more than would be his 'proper' share). He does his best to keep the shirt that Markizio picked out for him clean.
He seems to do a relatively good job at it, too.
When they huddle up to discuss the Mistress' offer, Kung quickly points out a potential conflict. "Kung see she eyes on Captain. Captain already have wife! No two wives. Or is okay as pirates? Kung don't want lose Rock. Rock hard enough to find first time."
"Maybe we need details. What mean if join fleet? Kung like sail at own design. She nicer than Harrigan, but still don't want follow other orders, not unless big benefit."
__________
Marnir makes sure to clean himself up a little before they make their way to Captain Fairwind's residence, taking a few grooming tips from the always impeccable Markizio to make as good a first impression as possible.
He listens carefully to Captain Fairwind's information, drinking reservedly from his flagon of ale. She is obviously well versed in the politics and who's-who of Port Peril. His expression becomes increasingly distressed as she divulges the rumours of Chelish designs on the Shackles, knowing what that would mean for their way of life.
"I'm sure I speak for my officers, and the officers of the ship's sworn to me, that we cannot allow Chelish involvement in the Shackles in any way. We'd be happy to investigate these rumours, but as for joining your fleet, I have to consult with the senior crew. What would you require of us? May we have a few minutes in private to discuss things?" Marnir asks.
For supper, Niobe doffs her armor and wears just her simple aquamarine gown, embroidered with patterns of undersea life. A necklace of soft, pinkish-white pearls adorns her neck and her slim circlet remains firmly fixed on her head, but her long hair remains free and unbound. She seems at first a bit overwhelmed by the fine service that Tessa puts on for dinner, but she quickly regains her composure and samples everything. Indeed, her feasting becomes something of a counterpoint to Kung's; each time the half-orc snags another dish, she likewise takes a piece and tries it as well. Though her reactions vary from delight to disgust, she shies away from nothing, often stopping to compare notes with Kung - "This one is really good!", "That's still hot!", "Ugh, it has the texture of a jellyfish!", and so on.
Once Tessa makes her pitch, Niobe becomes quiet and lets the experienced sailors discuss the matter.
Just to clear a few things up for you.
1. Tessa is actually sincere about not wanting to be Hurricane king. Her current position as master of Quent is more than enough responsibility for her. Adding the duties of the ruler of the Shackles isn't anything she wants.
2. Joining her fleet means you still do your own work, but are regarded as her followers. Given your ambitions, and how quickly you've risen she wasn't really expecting you to say yes. There are plenty of free captains around, gather more followers and form a big enough fleet you rise to be considered a pirate lord. Which means you have more say on the council and might get your own Island to rule.
3. Tessa isn't offering marriage, she's a beautiful, powerful woman whose affairs are legendary. You're not sure if she was serious about it or just throwing it in to sweeten her offer? :)
4. She is deadly serious about her concerns over Cheliax infiltrating the Shackles. If they are they are keeping a close eye on the council and her. So getting relative unknowns to investigate it for her is a smart move.
As you look to be agreeing to her request to investigate she adds this.
“I am convinced that Cheliax has spies and informants working in the Shackles, and I can think of only two places that might have some knowledge of these traitorous informers in our midst. The first is the House of Stolen Kisses in Quent, a temple of Calistria and one of the best information brokerages in the Shackles. Use this note to obtain an audience with the temple’s high priestess, Dindreann. The second is the Temple of the Hidden Name, a secret temple of Norgorber said to operate in the town of Beachcomber on Bag Island. If anyone knows of these spies, it would be the followers of the Reaper of Reputation. I have no contacts with the priests of that temple, so I hope you can convince them to reveal what they know.”
Tessa then unfurls several beautifully drawn, highly detailed nautical charts of the Shackles. These are charts of the fair winds, and Tessa points out the locations of Quent and Beachcomber to you on the
charts. She gives the charts to you, presenting them in an expertly crafted watertight case when you depart.
JOINING HER FLEET
Markizio looked at his captain for permission before speaking, "Miss Tessa, we really do appreciate the offer to join you but we just gained the status of Free captains and we would like to try it on for size if you know what I mean."
He added, "We'd like to ponder on your offer and decide at a later time if yo don't mind, once we got our feet wet in this Free Captains business."
MAP
Markizio's jaw dropped at the sight of the map; he liked maps and this was a gorgeous piece of art.
He nodded towards the woman, "I'm not sure how long we're staying here or where we are going next but it sounds like preventing Cheliax from invading is something everyone ought to care about."
He turned to his captain, "Perhaps we can angle our next trip to close to these places and stop by to see what we can find out?"
He looked at Tessa again, "Do we contact you if we find anything worth reporting?"
Marnir nods at Markizio, knowing that his first mate's thoughts on their independence align with his own.
"Aye, we'll do what we can to find out what people know about these Chelish informers. If any of them know anything, we'll find it out and we'll be sure to share it with you."
Marnir is as much in awe of the chart as Markizio, and graciously accepts the case. "This gift is very generous, Captain Fairwind. I hope to be able to return the favour some time soon," he says with a wicked smile.
Tessa leans forward and smiles back at you just as wickedly. "I'll await your return with eager anticipation my dear Captain."
Jane restocks her provisions for making cure spells and other potions that people can use.
As the group files out, Niobe puts a hand over her stomach and says, "Oof. I don't think I've eaten that much in... ever." Then she perks up and says, "Oh! That reminds me! Kung... here, take this. If you get tired out in the middle of a fight, bite into it, suck out the juices, and spit out the shell." She pulls from her bag a small orange sponge coated in wax and offers it to the half-orc.
Markizio was pleased, "That went well. So... Motaku Isle and Bag Island. What do we know about them to make a more informed decision..."
-------
Niobe makes a disgusted look and says, "If there are cultists of Norgorber, they should be rooted out anyway. Not good people."
Marnir takes his leave and begins making plans with the Drake's officers. "If we've got contacts within the Calistrians in Quent, then I think we should go there first. They might know more about the Norgorberites in Beachcomber," he suggests.
"Kung like this!" He exclaims in thanks to Niobe. "Like potion, but more fun to drink!" He stows the potion sponge carefully among his gear.
"Kung happy go either way. Fight Chelish always fun. Good to let them know that Shackles for Free Captains, not demon-slavers."
Four days out of Port Peril and it's been clear sailing, the weather is fine, with a strong breeze from the north east to keep the Unbound Drake dancing along nicely.
The new crew is fitting in, your officers are a tight, experienced outfit now, any problems are dealt with fast and efficiently.
Dahak's tooth is to your starboard when the watch gives the now familiar cry. "Sail sighted Captain! Starboard and coming straight for us."
As the other ship draws closer you can all make Knowledge local checks.
Nothing but trouble. Most other pirates gladly avoid the Sea Jackal, which is well-known throughout the Shackles for its gruesomely disfigured and fanatically sadistic crew.
Scuttlebutt has it that the ship’s captain, Kassim ibn Sayyir, was a prosperous Ketapeshi slaver who left his home port one day with a ship full of slaves and never returned. He resurfaced over a year later, having repurposed his ship as a raiding vessel and his former slaves as buccaneers. Worshipers of Lamashtu, the pirates aboard the Jackal are
known to practice elaborate forms of self-mutilation, and inflict the same upon their captives. Lamashtu’s blessings for the crew’s grisly perversions are evidenced by the yeth hound padding constantly at its captain’s side. Captain ibn Sayyir and his crew eagerly attack any
ship they encounter, demanding flesh-bound tributes to Lamashtu.
Markizio looked out at the sails approaching and blanched, "This bad. Bad. Bad."
He turned to the officers, "That's the Sea Jackal" he continued to explain what he knew about them.
His last four days had been too good and now they faced an enemy who didn't care much about plunder, they only cared about flesh for their perverted god.
Not a religious man himself, the magus said a prayer to Besmara.
"We need to attack from a distance and sink their ship. Let's not risk trying to capture it. Can we burn it down?"
Kung listens with growing horror when Markizio describes the Sea Jackal's tactics. When Markizio suggests a long-range strategy, the half-orc shows a little disappointment, but almost immediately comes around. "Kung like fight, but fancy-man right. Maybe not want this fight." He moves to the ship's bell, and starts ringing it loudly and insistently. "Red Mary! Jane! All hands, man weapons!"
Hearing the call for battle, Jane rushes up to the deck. Seeing what is coming and the speed of the, she knows that this is trouble. Jane loads up her crossbow with her slow burn arrows and starts to take aim.
Niobe takes a moment to cast spells as the ships start to close - barkskin for Kung again, longstrider on herself and then call lightning as she prepares to blast the enemy vessel once more with lances from the sky.
Marnir listens to Markizio tell of the Sea Jackal with increasing horror. Before he can react, Kung is calling the sailors to arms and having the weapons readied. Nodding in agreement, Marnir takes his place at the wheel, ready to keep the Drake away from the enemy ship for as long as possible.
He spends a few seconds fortifying himself with magic, preparing for the coming conflict. "Are we ready then everyone? Let's keep these bastards away from us as long as we can, and if we can sink them without having to risk boarding, then all the better."
Devotion to a mad Goddess and a love of mutilation might make you feared? It doesn't make you a sailor.. The Unbound Drake evades the Sea Jackals attempts to close with contemptuous ease.
Red Mary's weapon crews show the hours of relentless drill she hammers into them. First the sails are shredded with chain, then the wheel is destroyed with a catapult stone. Leaving the Sea Jackal wallowing helplessly as The Unbound Drake finishes her without pity.
As the cursed ship slips to it's final grave the sharks close in to feast.
Sheltered from surf and storm by large barrier islands, Quent is called the finest deepwater port in the Shackles by many sailors that either live or visit there.
Charismatic Tessa Fairwind is lord of the port and a major voice on the Pirate Council—only the Hurricane King himself can boast of more pirate
captains who answer his call.
Lady Tessa frequents Quent’s many dockside taverns when she is in port, such as the Lusty Mermaid, Fat Jessup’s, the Barnacle, Three Sailors
Smiling, the Drunken Boatswain, and Lilibeth’s Tavern and Hostel.
There she rubs shoulders with fellow pirates while her famous sloop-of-war Luck of the Draw is refitted or business keeps her ashore. She has an amazing way with sailors, charming some while simultaneously coercing
others.
All are flattered by her attention, and watching the pirate lord work a roomful of hardened sea dogs and turn them into infatuated lapdogs is a sight to behold.
The vast number of boarding houses and inns in Quent accommodate sailors whose ships dock here. Lilibeth’s and Three Sailors are the largest, followed by Mama Leroux’s and Haekle’s Dry Berth, and lavish manor homes in the bayside hills known as Spendthrift Ridge house well-heeled buccaneers who prefer to luxuriate in privacy.
Running right off the docks past the rows of warehouses is Blue Sky
Road, the main thoroughfare through town, lined with every manner of mercantile establishment one could ask for.
Unlike many outlaw ports, Quent has developed into a real city with a population of industrious landlubbers who make a fine living supporting the free-spending freebooters.
The sacred prostitutes of Calistria’s House of Stolen Kisses at the center of town are considered the best sources of information on the island, and can inform wayward travelers of many rumors and secrets, for a price.
Straight to work, or are you going to enjoy the pleasures of the port first?
As always, unless there is something more pressing, Jane will wander around town picking up information and sneaking in on some more shady meetings.
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Straight to work, or are you going to enjoy the pleasures of the port first?
Kung makes sure that the guard shifts are full while the Unbound Drake is at port, then debarks with the other officers. He wastes no time heading towards the temple of Calistria. "Markizio, you think Calistria priests like fancy dressed man or pudgy half-orc better? Just as happy take alms from both!"
Kung makes sure that the guard shifts are full while the Unbound Drake is at port, then debarks with the other officers. He wastes no time heading towards the temple of Calistria. "Markizio, you think Calistria priests like fancy dressed man or pudgy half-orc better? Just as happy take alms from both!"
Markizio slapped Kung back, "Yeah, you'll be fine in here. You're a successful pirate with some gold; what's not to like?"
Something kept Markizio uneasy around brothels, something that reminded him of his past and what he had to endure growing up.