Flynn’s Log –
It is a pleasant evening, and I am enjoying an impromptu celebration at a local tavern - the "Formidably Maid". This celebration seems as good a chance as any to enjoy my graduation. I have received my Surgeon’s Papers and am now able and licensed to practice medicine. However, in all my time during my studies at the academy – as well as my work with my uncle – there was very little occasion to lose oneself in such merriment.
I confess that is stirring to hear the music and singing – but I feel somewhat of an outsider to these occasions, and do not know what my course I should take. Should I lose myself in their ways – or disdain them completely? I confess, neither course of action recommends itself. Perhaps in time I shall find other diversions that do – but I do not see any now that draw my attention or excite me, except if I am to walk the delicate line between the two paths.
Meanwhile, I shall write more when – and if – work recommends itself to me. I suspect that in the morning my situation will be new, fresh – and completely different, and look forward to what a new dawn will bring me.
Personal Log
Erastus, 29th - 4712
As of now I have been pressed aboard a ship. The name of the vessel – as I can deduce so far, is The Wormood. Her commanding officer is one Captain Barnabas Harrigan. One of his officers, a boson I would guess, named Mister Plugg, has been given the task of ordering us about and generally attempting to intimidate us. I do not understand such foolishness – there is no reason for that action – we are, after all – at sea. There is no reason for the abuse, for we cannot escape and have no where to go if we resist.
There also seems to be some other man legging it about – a human with a lash called ”Master Scourge” – I do not know his rank, but he seems more competent than this Mister Plugg. However – that is a minor issue, as I can see it – based on what I have seen of the crew in general.
This lack of professionalism is staggering to me. I have known for many years that the Imperial Navy of Cheliax uses press gangs to increase their naval power – and my studies at the academy indicate many nations and kingdoms engage in such activity. Even in honorable and good countries such action is not considered slavery (a wage, food and supplies are provided; meager - but provided). Such decision are, at best, a necessary evil, as the royal navies do not always have enough men to make their levies for the ships to protect their home waters. This crude form of a “draft” is not well liked, but generally tolerated by the citizens of the respective nations which employ this tactic.
Even so – I cannot imagine even the Imperial Navy of Cheliax running such a poor operation as what I have been witness too. The crew is poorly dressed – the ship in poor condition – the gear is not stored with any sense of order or structure. Ultimately, this lack of simple discipline is a failing on a vessel. It allows idleness, sloth and – ultimately – weakness. It is no wonder that this vessel is in short supply of crew, than, if the lackadaisical attitude is used by the captain and his officers. For myself, I believe that it will lead his crew – and ultimately his ship – to disaster.
This information is valuable, however – I shall have to docket it for further use.
Meanwhile – the ship is a three-masted Carrack. She’s roughly 30 feet to beam, and roughly 90 feet from stem to stern. She may be something of quality, if she was made to be in better condition – but for now, she’s as ragged as her captain and the mates I have seen.
So far I have met others that – like me – have been pressed aboard. They include, as I see it – the following: an elf named “Rain” who is skilled as a pilot and warrior; a young boy named “Dhaavan” who has some skill as a wizard or sorcerer; a person called a kitsune from another culture on the far side of the world, he identified himself as “Jiro”; there was another elf named “Variel” who I believe to be a mere sailor; a man named “Sko” – but I do not know his talents, he does not seem very skilled as a sailor, based on his talk at the tavern, I suspect he may be a priest. The last man I have not truly met or spoken to – he has a peg-leg; but I do not know much about him, including how he managed to scale the rigging with only one leg. I shall do my best to learn more in time…
Hopefully this information will be useful to me later and may facilitate my eventual escape, for I confess that I do not relish my current position aboard this ship.
Personal Log – addendum –
For the first day of my duties I was assigned to a singularilly dangerous individual named “Cog”. Cog is a human who elected to sign on with the captain of this vessel. He is interested in following the captain into battle, it seems – and I gather he likes combat less for reward than for the sake of bloodsport.
I do not believe Cog would willingly go against the captain – unless it was demonstrated that another potential captain was superior in combat or leading men. However, what is the protocol for fighting against a commanding officer, to go against him, to disobey and become a "mutineer" – is this acceptable, even in such circumstances?
That question recalls to mind an old lesson that I learned during a lecture on military tactics while at the academy.
Our instructor for this course was a hard-core Imperial Navy man, retired, of course. For him; the ship’s captain was a god – and the First Officer was his Prophet. No word could be spoken against the captain – and the idea of mutiny or rebelling against the captain was, to him – unforgivable. During one such lecture he was discussing the idea of mutiny against a captain – and compared it to open rebellion against a noble lord.
During this specific case he was speaking mainly to a young student in the classroom that he frequently abused, more so then the rest of us. This student's family had come into money relatively recently – for his father had actually staged a coup against the lord of their province and overthrew him in a bloody revolt. The student always smarted under that knowledge, feeling that he had to constantly justify himself, and his honor, for his father’s actions – and the instructor seemed to feel it was necessary to insist that the student should have to justify himself on a fairly frequent basis.
During the speech, and the open abuse, the student remained stoic, as usual – even when our instructor rallied against such acts of “open treason”, “rebellion” and “mutiny” – saying there was never any excuse for those things - ever - and anyone who committed such an action had no honor!
It was at this point that his baiting seemed to have worked, for the student finally railed back at our instructor – saying such statements were unfair. Some rebellion could be acceptable, and he mentioned his own father. He claimed that there were special circumstances in his father’s case to go against their lord, and that such black and white definitions of "right and wrong" without all the facts was unjust. The student went on to say that, especially in his father’s case – there were, as he called them, “Strong Mitigating Circumstances” which should excuse the rebellion of his father, at least in that particular case.
Naturally, the instructor – his determination to both adhere to the law and also keep the student in his place – made his own harsh riposte by responding that there is never a "Mitigating Circumstance" that could ever allow the excusing of rebellion or mutiny against a liege lord or captain. After this statement, the instructor paused to see how the student would respond.
The student merely stared hard at our instructor for a time – then said, slowly and deliberately – ”There is one mitigating circumstance which may excuse rebellion against lord or captain: victory.”
At this time, the instructor looked shocked for a moment, than laughed long and loud – the first time we had seen him display such mirth. After his laughter, he finally responded by saying ”Yes – that is true – victory – this is, indeed, the one mitigating circumstance which may excuse rebellion or mutiny against your lord or captain.”
From that point on the student received no greater amount of abuse than the instructor gave to any of us, for I think the courage and rightness of what the student said impressed our instructor.
Even so – I shall never forget that superb and absolute lesson: being victorious – winning – this is the one factor which excuses anything. If you win – you are free to do what you wish to the loser, for you have triumphed and the loser can not stop you from now determining his fate. The loser has lost, he has failed. Indeed, it is stupid to fail – unforgivable – and in a game in which life and death are the stakes – than the loser deserves the fate which is dictated by the victor.
As for myself? For now I am now an apparent slave to this captain, who seems to hold both my fate and life in his hands. I suffer under his abuse, and his lackey’s ineptitude – and it appears this captain has triumphed over me, and I deserve this fate; at least – for now. But; I do not say the game is over – rather, as the elven folk have been known to say –
For now I shall gather information, I shall study the situation, and prepare myself for all possibilities. Then, when the time presents itself, I shall play the game through – and we shall both see where the dice shall land. But for now, there is little more I can do but watch, listen, and prepare.
So - games to you, “Captain”.
During the day I observed that the man named Plugg was aided and abetted by some miscellaneous thugs who seemed loyal to him. I saw and marked them – there names were, as I observed: Jaundiced Jape and also Fipps Chumlet.
When the times for a reckoning – I shall have to remember them in particular.
Erastus, 30th - 4712
On the way to what passes for breakfast on this vessel, my companions and I were accosted by several toughs. Most of them connected to Plugg's support crew.
They included: Narwhal Tate, Slippery Sy, Arreta Bansion, Fipps Chumlett, Jaundiced Jape, and Maheem. I had already noticed Jape and Chumlet earlier - now I am sure of their culpability in this matter.
I do not know how the combat shall fare - no doubt, if I survive, I shall make a note of it via an addendum. Even so - I fear that if we are successful in defeating every man-jack of them; what then? Likely - if we triumph - we'll only be flogged for some foolishness by Plugg. And if we fail, than we've suffered another injustice from them. Well - if I am to be beaten either way, I shall at least go down swinging!
Personal Log –
Arodus 1st – 4712
Naturally Plugg's lackeys were bested. Meanwhile, I have done what I could to be on "good terms" with as many of the crew mates as possible; spending any free time I had to become friendly and behave cheerfully around them. When the time for trouble starts, I would do what I can to make sure I have as many allies on my side as possible.
At the least I have become allies with all of the members of the recently pressed individuals; well - at least on good enough terms that I trust they will not knife me in the back! And in such times as this, what more can I hope for?
In any event, this morning I was on the way to do my assigned duties. However, just before these chores started, I was called down to the bilges for some sort of scuffle. Apparently, there was an issue with rats down there.
While completely unsurprised at any potential nonsense for amusement, gathering us to head down and investigate a “rat problem” seemed like an obvious method of securing us in the bilges for some special punishment. However, logic suggested this was unlikely as it would mean that we would be unable to deal with our the very same work we had been pressed into submission for. Therefore, I suspected something else.
Stopping by my bunk, I grabbed my kit and some weapons - which I had managed to cajole from the quartermaster - one "Grok", a female half-orc. Then, leaving behind my gunsmithing kit and other basic provisions, I hurried on quickly. I determined that if I was going to deal some hard knocks – I would at least be armed. Quickly I and my new companions (in this case I refer specifically to the "pressed men") advanced into the depths of the bilges.
As they say - "Here’s where the fun begins!"
Personal Log –
Arodus 3rd – 4712
The event with the man called Owlbear was one that disgusted me. The poor simpleton – that he suffers their abuse rankles me greatly. And after watching him being hurt, and hurting a companion - I do not feel that an action this evening would be worthwhile – except perhaps to offer some succor to my allies.
Of course – how can I call my allies true? Among the pressed gang we have lads who are to be looked on as trustworthy – perhaps. Yet beyond them are others who I would just assume slit their throat; aye, and readily throw them over the side.
For now I shall bend my mind on the task of those things which gave me succor while at academy; the calming of the mind – the recollection of such studies which become me best from my youth.
I bend my mind now from the tasks regarding such trivium as scrubbing decks and manipulating rigging – and think rather to the histories of our own nation. So close to the Infidel Nation Empire of Cheliax that our own people have yet retained many of their customs, even as we sit so close to the nation of the Heretics.
Yet a wise man may know that even a heretic may be good – if he is met divorced from his heresy. Further – a wise man does not fear where knowledge may come – but only where that knowledge is used; and how.
Therefore, I have spent my time watching that actions of the sorcerer who heralds from the Infidel peoples; though he denies it… I have been watching him, and observing him - studying his arts; and bent my mind to his own language – so that I may now speak it better and with no chance of detection from the enemy. I have watched, too, his motions – and kept my eye trained thusly on him – and I believe that the powers that he utilizes – the harmonics of his voice; the pitch of his tone; the motions of his hands – they do tap in to a powerful force within the natural planes.
Further – I have seen the black-hearted member of the press gang – this “Valeros” – who is foul-tempered; he posses some modest healing powers – but none from the gods, by his own admission. Well then – if this is in truth the facts – why should not use this potential as well?
Before this journey – what was I? A healer of the damaged flesh – with some skill besides in trimming broken vessels and repairing damaged ships. Why – therefore – if such power exists in the realm of the supernatural – should I not employ it? And if I do so – if I employ such powers – what skills would I take to my side to aid those who I would call friends?
Surely the first of those tasks would be the advantage of seeing in the darkness – I have already witnessed this power used by others – why should I, a human, who cannot see well in darkness – why should I not utilize this power for my own? If there is a way to use magic for light – I shall recall what I have seen around me, and bend it thusly to my will. And for it also I should make certain that my own skills are best used – I should have aid to my talents as a carpenter in Mending such gear around me; I should have the Hand of a Mage to reach out and draw to my own grasp all gear or goods that may aid me while working so diligently on the deck of a ship. To keep my eyes focused, I must also remember what skills I possess in being able to Detect even the very presence of Magic – and therefore be better armed to use and learn from it.
Aye – and then; to heal men in combat? A fair thing – right and true; I must use this talent better. To Cure Wounds – even Light ones – this is an excellent talent. And with powder and shot being as rare in this world as it is – to make sure my Ammunition is ever Abundant – even through sorcery – this is a task I shall not shirk from.
Indeed, then – all of these things; and more – are bent to my will with thanks from observing those about me. Perhaps, over evening meal – I shall thank the boy-sorcerer from what I learned from him in the foul tongue of his homeland. I like it not – for it tastes black to even speak it – even so; it is the language I must use with him if he and I would speak in private conference, for none but he and I may know it.
For now, though – I shall do what I can to aid my companions – including this Owlbear. I do not like seeing innocents tortured – though I am having less compunction about torturing the guilty… Perhaps that may happen; and one day my surgeon’s tools shall find another use… But I would hope that they do not turn to this foul thing; for to even think it becomes me less as a man.
Ah, me – the hour is late – and now I must turn to bed.
Arodus 7th
I have lately conversed with the elf Rain – she has told me of a dream that she has had recently, which I believe happened on the 6th of the month. This dream is about the villain Plugg – in which she sees him becoming weaker and weaker at the presence of a strange new ship on the horizon. Meanwhile – this is the second day of a storm that has been blowing quite hard for almost two days.
I am not clear if this dream Rain had is prophetic or not – but I do know that the dream is likely to have occurred on a fairly auspicious day – the 6th of Arodus is considered the day in which servants of Iomedae take their Crusader’s Oath. I am not sure if this is coincidence – or not. But it does not strike me as so.
When it comes to the powers of the gods – I am never entirely sure of anything. However, what is clear to me is that this is something that bears closer examination. I will do what I can to follow this up; but I know that for now I am inspired to follow this information closer.
Personal Log – Addendum
During my musings on the crew, my mind has tacked back to the nature of this foul-tempered creature – this “gillman” called Valeros.
I recall that while in the water, he seemed to have decided to jump in after me – but he did not come to help – at least, it seemed as if he merely was treading water for a time. If it had not been for the presence of Sko – things may have gone differently. However, luckily – that was not an issue. I was able to grab Rosie – and swim back to the ship with her – Sko aiding me somewhat, though for a moment I assumed he was a dolphin by his actions. By the time I realized that his form was in fact a shark – I deduced that it could not be an ordinary shark; but something else.
Even so – as I sit here I consider now all I recall on gillmen in general, and am cross-referencing it with the facts on this particular scum who is with us.
They were made as slaves for the foul creatures called ”aboleth”. It is said that these gillmen folk are bound to their masters, and even though they act as if their mind is free and they make their choices on their own – it is generally believed that these folk are used as tools or pawns of their dark masters.
For all his foul ways – is this merely a taste of what is to come? Will he become darker still? Based on the mundane lore I have gathered, I fear it may be so.
It is said “It is not wise to tempt a shark – and never in his home waters.” Very good – I shall have to adhere to this principle, and make sure that I do not fail to continue to observe these issues closely.
I have recently hired on a new apprentice. She is a Halfling named Piper.
Here is a sampling of her writing...
Ahoy, chief - it's me, Piper, just writing to say "Oye!"
Chorus
Well, I’ve a whale of tale to tell you lads –
- a whale of a tale, it’s true!
From the bloody swords, and the ships I love; the sea beneath and the sun above
A whale of a tale and it’s all true; I swear by my tattoo!
We were all a’ drinking – when we tangled with a press gang;
We woke on their ship – and right away things weren’t the same
They beat us hard, too – then they figured we were tame!
But they were fools
- as you will hear;
And for their fate I’ll shed no tear,
– cause we cut their throats from ear to ear!
Chorus Repeats
Now we had a ship, lads – and we sailed her off to this here port
It ain’t a palace – but we sure as hell ain’t the kingly sort
But food and drink, now – well for me that’ll serve for a royal court!
For the grub was great;
– and the drink was strong;
We wined and dined and sang our songs
– well you know the score, now sing along!
Chorus Repeats
We’re on the sea now – where’s the port we’re headed too?
Who cares for that lads – if loot is split twixt me and you
You know it is, mates – for we’re all for one here in this crew!
From the captain there,
– to the swabs below
For fame and loot; come on, let’s go
– now grab that rope and “All sails, Ho!
Chorus Repeats
Shining and bright is the sword of Milani
By her bright fury the slaves would be free
She sunders the bonds of the chains of injustice
A friend of true freedom, to you and to me
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
By the red rose that blooms from the stones in the pavement
As the blood of the slavers feed it with their gore
She loosens the bondage imposed by all tyrants
And carries the heroes to Victory’s Shore
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
We swear to avenge all those who were slaves once
We’ll not be at rest until slavery’s dead
Our vengeance shall fall on those who enslave us
Till rivers of blood shall spill from their heads!
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
A time beyond time, our sweet recollections
When all lived as free; each equal to all
So sweet is the thought of such lovely affections;
Yet revenge on a tyrant is sweetest of all!
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
While riding the waters of the oceans around us
No man is our master; no tyrant our lord
We’re able to sail unshackled in waters
And kill who’d enslave us with Her bloody sword!
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
The bond that is greatest is flesh on the spirit
Your soul cannot rise to the heavens above.
In dying for freedom your soul will gain wings than,
And rise to your goddess Milani’s love
Hey, hell – Milani is coming
Hey, hell – Her fury you’ll see
Hey, hell – you best start a’running
For the Lady of Freedom will set captives free!
We left Blood Cove to sail for Tidewater Rock on Arodus 21st.
NOTE: Dhaavan was reincarnated on the 13th of the month - that same night there was no moon in the sky; completely dark and black.
We left that adventure and sailed back to "The Rock" and arrived there on the 16th.
We stayed on The Rock for 2 days when we were asked to go with the Grandfather of Rain to visit the Pirate King.
We left with Rain's Grandfather to visit the Pirate King on the date of 18th.
It took us 2 days to reach Little Oppera - a modest sized town with plenty of loot to acquire. We should be at Little Oppera on the 20th.
Our next port of call is the home of the Pirate King - Port Peril.