Stoma knows that unless whatever is causing the rudder to be stuck, the ship will be stationary for a time. The ship listing this badly could only mean that something is pushing against it. One very big thing or several somethings.
Redo manages to get to his feet and with astounding strength wrenches the wheel back into position with everyone's aid.
Samms and Ratline gives Redo a look filled with relief.
Suny scrambles and soon sees a problem well two of them. Pushing against the rudder appears to be two more of the creatures, one of them is rubbing its hands and the other is braces against the ship as if trying to tip it over.
Sawib lands one hit but the other bounces off its scaly hide, the creature glances at Sawib and moves to rend him apart but is blind sided by both Maheem and Crimson.
"Get fire! Lotsa of Fire. Bring our resident wizard." Crimson pants as he spins past Sawib and leaps over a descending claw.
Sunny frowns as she leans over the stern rail and looks at the two very big problems for a moment...
Profession Sailor:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Then her large blue eyes light up as she traces the rope lines, rigging and sails. Quickly scampering to the nearest rat lines Sunny proceeds to climb.
Sunny's plan:
Okeys, basically trying to do a couple of things at once. First get a rope make sure it's part of the rigging holding up a main sail (Not necessarily 'The' main sail, but a good amount of canvas weight), put a loop in it and drop it over the Troll who's doing most of the work on the rudder.
Then, with the bugger lassoed, drop the sail onto the big tosser already on deck. Should give folks a round or two to have at it until it tears its way out of the canvas.
Meanwhile we'll have the second one swinging free and clear in the air for ranged people to have a good go at it.
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
Redo, seeing that the warriors on the deck are having a bit of a challenge, steps back away from the wheel for a moment, then points at the creature intoning "maksimaĺnaja mahičnaja strala" and causing two streaks of iridescent red light to streak from his finger and strike it in the flank, impaling themselves for a moment before falling away in a shower of magical sparks.
magic missile-CL+2, Arcane reservoir 3/4
magic missile:2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7
Redo jumps back and grabs the wheel once more with Stoma saying as he does, "I hope that helps to turn the tide!"
Redo's bolt of magic strikes painfully against the creature but it is Suny's action that may have just turned the tide.
A Similar creature rises in the air with a rope around its neck kicking and struggling to get itself free. A large canvas drops heavily onto the other one, entangling it in its sheets.
Perception DC 10:
So far the only ones in the combat are yourselves, Crimson and Maheem.
The latter two don't seem to be doing alot of damage either.
What's stranger is that the Captain and most of the officers are strangely detached from this fight. The captain is simply lounging at teh rails watching the crew and by extension you.
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
Seeing that the monster on deck is suitably discouraged, Redo focuses on maintaining the heading of the ship.
"Sawib! I can't leave my post. Someone needs to man the helm. I don't have any fire on hand either!" he shouts, frustrated.
"Try the cook fire below decks. That's the most likely spot that will have a fire. There will likely be grease around in the kitchen too...that should get you a makeshift torch." he yells down to the warrior as he braces the helm.
From her vantage point in the rigging Suny frowns before swinging and again working at the ropes to lower the danging critter down in front of the Captain (If possible)
The Captain starts laughing and gives a signal. A signal apparently the officers and more veterans of the crew understand as they reply with the same signal!
A Raised hand with the Thumb touching the middle of the palm, the pinky crossed over it, leaving three fingers in the air.
The Creatures grin and show the same signal as well while some of the crewman releases it from the rope.
A Command from the Captain stills all combat including the one still beneath the Sail's canvas.
"Hold! Cease and Desist!"
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
It takes Redo only the barest of moments to realize what has occurred.
That has to be the stupidest thing that I have seen in a long time...why would they waste the time trying to "initiate us"? Do they really think that I have any loyalty to anyone on the crew, especially after they press-ganged us? They cannot be trying to create esprit-de-corps..., he thinks, his eyes flinty.
Maheem and Crimson both looked equally shocked and outraged as they seem to come to a common conclusion as Redo.
Captain Barnabas gives Suny a wink as she helps other veteran crew get the rope of the not so struggling Creature, freeing it. It doesn't attack.
Soon with both creatures freed from their brief imprisonment, the thrid one clambers up to join them. Green scales adorn their rather slimy hide, repulsive to the eye but one cannot deny the cunning intelligence within their leader, a massive 9 ft tall muscle bound specimen. The other two are only 8ft and even then seems dwarfed besides him.
Captain Barnabas speaks up
"Well Done lads. Impressive showing. What do you think of my latest addition to my crew, Ssilan?" he speaks to the leader.
Ssilan snorts.
"Decent fighters." he looks at the canvas that the others are still rolling up.
"The one whose plan to do that is vicious and would do well with me." he grins at Captain Barnabas who grins back.
"Praise from you? Then I'm keeping that one." he replies.
Sense Motive DC 15:
It's obvious that Maheem and Crimson's eyes narrow at the creature's words. They're obviously not pleased at being so lightly dismissed.
Stoma was a bit awesome. .. he thinks so anyway.. except for the needing help with the wheel bit he doesn't seem that happy with the way he and indeed all that fought are dismissed
Ssilan laughs from the belly and returns the gesture, unfortunately sending Suny who isn't even half his weight flying!
Crimson and Maheem both give a curt nod as they exchange glances, in a single moment Sawib sees something asked and answered.
Turning on their heels, both walk off though in Crimson's case, he stalks off.
The Captain is in a good mood and it's obvious that the monstrous trio have being in service of some sort with the captain for some time. Gold is exchanged for a a few hundred pounds of fresh live catch and stored.
Everyone is given a night's off baring those on critical duty. Rum is distributed and soon the ship gradually tones down the revellery as sailors scatter to either their bunks or duties.
Stoma will find himself relieved that with the ship anchored and the rudder repaird. No one needs to be at the wheel tonight while Drak unfortunately has to be on lookout duty tonight. Unfortunately for him. The Whole night
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
Redo gathers his key and goes to his locker, checking the contents before relocking it for the night. He then takes the key, ties it round a long bit of twine and puts it safely around his neck and beneath his robes.
Now to find out more about this "ships mage"...Mr. Peppery? The ships sailing master I believe.
Redo quickly finds the man on his way back from the officer's mess and attempts to engage him.
"Good night Mr. Longfarthing. I heard below decks that you were a magi of some repute. I don't know if this is true or not, talk being what it is below decks. If it is not true then I will take my leave and will be sorry to have bothered you. If it is true however, I would like to talk to you about the arcane arts. I know that I am woefully ignorant of how the art might be best used at sea, and would be glad to have an experienced teacher, such as yourself to educate me." Redo says.
As Drak settles down for what seems to be a very long night for him, the party gets underway.
Suny and Stoma manage to find out that the trio are Ssilan and his apparent brothers are Sea Trolls. Great immense beasts with the ability to swim and regenerate from the worst of wounds apparently. Ssilan is unusuall is that unlinke most of his brutish kin, the Sea troll exibits an uncommon intelligence and has known Captain Barnabas for some time. The two have an alliance of sorts and are known to trade for food and weapons.
It also seems that most of the crew are usually given a final test to see if they are ready for ship fighting since Captain Barnabas only calls upon Ssilan when he wants to get the crew ready for ship to ship fighting.
Not only yourselves but there seems to be others considered as new.
Maheem, Crimson, Sandara, Conchobhar and yourselves are the names thrown out when considering as new recruits.
There also seems to be underlying friction between the sailors and its clear that there are already factions being formed though the party are considered wildcards as of now.
The sea trolls other than Ssilan do not speak common and deigns not to speak to any of of you other than to the ship officers.
Sawib is glanced at by Ssilan but nothing else as he focuses more on Maheem. Closer Observation shows that the blows from Maheem have not healed properly yet.
Redo finds his target and engages in some conversation but finds the man slightly on the technical side.
"I see so you wish to learn the arcane arts? I'm always happy to help out. Do you have a spell book? I could take a look at it and maybe let you copy some of my own to supplment your repetorie."
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
nightdeath wrote:
"I see so you wish to learn the arcane arts? I'm always happy to help out. Do you have a spell book? I could take a look at it and maybe let you copy some of my own to supplement your repetorie."
"Of course. I would be happy to show you the few spells that I know. I am certain that you already know most of them," Redo says pleasantly. He quickly fetches his spellbook from his chest and returns to the mage so they can discuss the various spells that they know.
Aasimar Monk 1 | HP 11/11 | Init +2 | AC 14 T 14 FF 12 | F +4 R +4 W +4
Sawib approaches Maheem, bowing to him in greeting.
"I appreciate being able to fight beside you today. I see there is much to learn about the denizens of these waters. Is there any assistance I can offer?"
Suny heads back to her well deserved rest though she finds a roughly written note.
Kitchen tomorrow at Dawn! Prepare buckets of Sea water and fish.
Kroop
Redo spends an interesting evening with the salty wizard as he soon finds the man is always attempting to find ways to create magic with nothing more then sea salt and salt water though he also describes hilarious incidents where the spells don't work as they should.
I'll need Spellcraft, Knowledge (Arcana) and Diplomacy from Redo.
Stoma joins Suny in slumberland and discovers that his hammock spells of fish guts..............................
Maheem glares at a distance away from Swib though he doesn't turn to face him.
Instead a low voice tinged with anger comes from him,
"In another day there'll be a fight. You're welcome to join in though the focus will be on the rest of your friends. Remember not to go for killing blows and if it proves too much, resigning means only a loss in prestige where a death means everything ends. Even though Prestige seems to mean nothing much here."
"Different? You have no idea. Before I was travelling to improve myself." his expression wistful for just the moment before once more assuming the same expressionless look.
"Now. I'm a pirate. At least I know that I'm the best fighter there is on board this ship. I still fight but my fists cries." He looks over the horizon.
"This ship despite its questionable rules is still better then others I have seen and the Captain is a better man than most. It still doesn't change the fact that to see another who practices the same art as me is here. I know that your friends will be tested and again this ship's tradition demands that I stay silent other then give small hints as I may. In time you too will be compelled to do so as this method ensures who you'd want to stand beside you in a fight. We did ours and passed." With that the man turns and strides off into his bunk.
Redo on the other hand soons finds sun in his face having spent the entire night with Peppery. The man's knowledge is astounding and the almost eagarness to trade spells amusing and refreshing on this ship. The man's spellbook is interesting to say the least. Crammed with cured leather, tattered parchments, a thin bronze tablet and dried fish skin, the spellbook or several of them are heavier than usual and carries a wide variety of spells.
Meaning to say you may copy any spell up to 3rd level, the man carries a lot of spells. Pay the normal cost though.
He does find that Peppery smells surprisingly of mint as he's used as his pillow. lol sorry for the lack of updates.
By this time, all of you should have paid a visit to Grok and received your key. This key is to your own locker with all of your belongings. Either an impressed crewmate tells you or those who know informs you. It also serves as notice that you are formally accepted as part of the crew.
Its being a week of plain sailing in fine weather and the ship has not sustained any damages. In fact with all the time put in because of their newest addition, Redo who proves himself adept at both ship repair work and the arts arcane. This in turn gains him the eye of both Quarne and Longfarthing who provides the Captain with excellent reviews on his performance.
This does not go unnoticed among the crew. Some with react with open friendly arms while others optfor a more discreet hostility.
Sawib on the other hand finds nothing has changed much for him except that Maheem does not treat him as coldly as he treats everyone else. In fact Sawib is treated the same way that Crimson is treated. Everyone else seems to be nothing more than the dirt embedded in the planks of the ship.
Drak finds himself in an unlikeley camradeire with the Riggers who seems that to a man all have a strong dislike of the First Mate and his Scourge. Drak also discovers that Samms and Ratline have a very morbid sense of humor and their main targets seemed to be Scourge. Teir combined skills of rogue like humor often finds the man with holes in his leggings, artfully cut if some may comment. Other times an occassional bellow of irrtation can be heard as he finds yet another gift in his quarters. All this time, the crew knows of the Duo's penchant for mischief but no one has ever proved or found anything. They are that good.
Meal times on the hip has improved for the better, be it Kroop's extended time being sober or his newest assistant, Suny. In fact Suny becomes the crew's darling as the food doesn' taste heavily on salt, alcoholic rum or spices. It has become practice for most of the crew to give way for Suny when she moves around the ship laden with freshly prepared fish, meat or potatoes. Even the Captain accords her the respect he sees her with. Kroop on the other hand is discovered to be a master chef though without Suny, its plain to see that alcohol rules his life.
As for Stoma, he makes an unlikely sight as it seems he's found himself in the company of a highly dangerous woman. 'Caulky' Tarroon, The Ship Captain's Cabin Girl. Captain Barnabas himself secretly ordered that Stoma teach the girl her letters and to discreetly act as her bodyguard. Stoma soon finds out why.
The girl is his daughter.
Stoma will approach a sailor that does not have negative feelings towards him that he knows of.
Excuse me but there seems to be an air of rising excitement about the crew, what happening?
Male Human Impressed Sailor 1 | hp:8/8 | AC 11/11 | F+2/R+1/W+2 | Init+1 Per+0 | Swim +2
Redo spends the day working along the side of the ship, the rope rig suspending him from the railing as he caulks and patches cracks in the seams of the ship. For hours, he is only aware of the slap of the waves, the smell of tar and the swing of his seat.
Covered in sticky tar and salt spray, he finally emerges onto the deck and senses the commotion among the crew. He intercepts the bouncing blonde elf as she flits across the deck.
"Sunny. Any idea what is going on?" he asks, tilting his head toward the small knot of sailors on the other side of the deck.
"Aye."Sandara replies, being the first friendly face Stoma finds on the ship.
"Seems like the Captain has given orders for the officers to start boarding drills. The repairs to the ship is done and the men are itching for a fight. I suren hope we have enough medical supplies....." she adds in the last doubtfully.
Suny finds her questions answered once she starts asking around.
"We starting boarding drills soon." "If you perform poorly, I hear that you'll be flogged." "Apparently Excellent Combat performance gets extra gold!!!!" "I hope I don't get hurt too badly....Have you ever being tarred?" "Crew member with the most kills, gets first choice of any treasure after the officers I hear."
when gathered with his crew mates "It seems these pirates are looking at doing some pirating, maybe taking a prize, which will mean fighting for our lives."
