"A burial at sea seems appropriate but his family should be considered. I'll speak to the other marines to see if they know where his family can be found."
Astrianna shrugs at Sorrin. She is not being malicious, simply stating her view point. "I find it absurd because Hargrove, the Council, and the Dragoons are interested in creating and protecting economic gains. Rampaging weresharks are not good for business. Sure there are some in the ranks that take orders from elsewhere, but implicating the entire organization, especially the upper parts... we have no evidence. I also find your claims that the Council are involved with The Ring to be baseless. We've found one person bearing the Mark, and they were just a criminal, no connection to the Council. Again, no evidence. As for the Jawbone, I share your thoughts on the matter. It could be an artifact of great power. I need to speak to Jessica to see if her research has revealed anything on the matter."
She places her hands in her lap. "Which leads to another matter... We have seen evidence The Ring is hunting down the Clerics of Quell... but the sharks are clearly the work of Dajobas or its followers. Unless the two cults are working together... One targeting the priests the other spreading the disease... this is purely a coincidence. Calistria help us all if this was orchestrated."
The half-elf nods at Chell. "Yes... I agree. We should find Father Zalen first. I still caution telling the Commandant, but I can tell this weighs heavily on your conscious Chell. You should do what you feel is best, or ask Quell to guide you."
Astrianna smiles at the half-orc. His conviction was admirable. "Ah.. so we haven't made that serious of enemies yet, that's a relief. Well you certainly proved yourself capable of dealing with their malicious intentions. I will give you the 800 gold compensation to deliver to his family."
At the mention of burying Jard at Sea, she looks at the Captain. "How long will it take us to leave the bay and come back? Even with a hole in the mainsail and missing rigging, this ship is fast..."
She turns to the rest of them. "There is much to do today... and we have to prepare for tonight, but..." She glances back at the Captain. "We need to give Jard a proper burial if we're serious about running this ship."
I hope that you are right on the matter. Having to kill fewer people would be good.
Standing in the Wardroom/Officers’ Quarters (Area 3 on ship diagram), for the first time you begin to take in dimensions, practicality, and duality of the ship's space. Areas that are multi-purposed, cramped, yet beautifully designed and elegant in it's own seaworthy way.
You are standing in a large cabin within the sterncastle which serves both as the dining and meeting area for the Baron’s officers: On each side of the room, two racks fold down into beds. A table and four chairs stand in the middle of the room, and a cabinet beside the door on the aft bulkhead holds plates, cups, and utensils for meals. On the other side of the door is a bookshelf, which could hold the ship’s logs, navigational charts, and other nautical paraphernalia (it is now empty).
It begins dawn on you that you actually own a ship to be proud of. It may not be the-end-all-be-all but it is certainly a vessel to catch the attention of any sailor.
Ptahh nods to Astri, "Thanks.
"Captain Donovan, could you speak with the crew and find out about his last of kin. They respect you and have just met me... besides intimidation is my way and that wouldn't sit well at this time. Time permitting, I'd like to deliver their compensation."
Turning to the rest of the group. "If we are to find Zalen first, where was he last seen? When did he go missing? Seems lots of things have happened here in Port Shaw before I made port."
Seems lots of things have happened here in Port Shaw before I made port."
The Captain goes out and speaks to the crew and after a few minutes he returns. "No family to speak of. In such cases an donation to Quell's Chapterhouse is in order to protect the lives of other sailors. The crew mentioned burial at sea as being appropriate." He bites is lower lip. "If I could suggest that we secure the body at the chapterhouse, you make your donation, then when we put out to sea we can bring him along. I think there are ways to preserve the body for short periods." he looks to Chell for confirmation. "Moving the ship is problematic without crew. I would suggest that all else can wait while the five of you should work the city today hiring crew. Get the ship crew today and we can have the burial tomorrow and move her then. See how the Baron handles and give the crew a chance to work together. You'll have to work out with Boris the delayed move though." He then inquires. "What ever job you have this evening, can it be pushed back a day or two?"
"Meanwhile...I can refit the stores for supplies. I'm surprised they left the ballista on board since they took the hammocks and most other things not nailed down. Let me have 500 gold and I should be able to get most of the basic items and two weeks of rations."
When Sorrin brings up the Jawbone and the other Tulita gods she sighs and shakes her head. "Sorrin, that is a lot of "if's" and "maybe's". We can't rely on or plan around that."
When Ptahh speaks she seems to look at him for the first time. It said a lot for his character to not be intimidated by the situation. He only joined them yesterday and in one day had been exposed to everything wrong with this place, either through them or through the port itself. His own problems followed him here but owned up to them. And he was still here rather than hoping on a ship and leaving. That took strength beyond the physical. "Thank You."
When the conversations die down a little she thinks over the options and groans in annoyance. "I wish I had left more flexibility in spells today. I could actually ask Quell for advice. But it seems we are on our own for now."
"So here's what I see needs to be done. I think Astrianna, Ptahh, and myself should go the Chapterhouse to ask about Zalen. I can inform him of the situation if he is there...and if not we can start looking for information on his whereabouts. Ptahh can carry Jard for us. Sorrin should talk to the Tulita, ones he trusts to keep quiet and see what they can do. And Embrianna, as the best sailor after Donovan, can help with repairs and making the ship ready to sail. And all of us can look for crew if there is time."
Jenkie. We need to find Jenkie, first. Then at some point... some of us need sleep.
With all due respect, Ifs and buts are all we've got, Chaplain.
Astrianna mostly agrees with the Captain's plan, but she's reluctant to not go after Thul tonight. She hands him a bag with 500gp to cover the costs of supplies and misc goods. "Thank you captain, The help is appreciated. We have far more on our late than realized. "
Before the group adjorns the Captain will emphasize the need for all of the owner/officers to go up and speak to the crew and pay their respect to the dead man: Jard. "Don't put off paying your respects to marine Jard in front of the crew. Let the crew know something, it doesn't need to be all of it, of what you want from them and the intentions."
Jenkie. We need to find Jenkie, first. Then at some point... some of us need sleep.
With all due respect, Ifs and buts are all we've got, Chaplain.
"With all due respect," she starts at Sorrin. "it isn't. Unless you don't believe my diagnosis or my magic this is the situation. We have days to do something or a lot of people are going to die. We might have to postpone our trip into the sewers depending on how important this Jawbone is. But didn't the Tulita steal it back? Thul seems far less important if that is the case. And even after this has been stopped we have to worry about keeping people away from the water. We have to find the were-sharks infecting people. They are out there mixed in with the normal sharks and probably controlling them somehow. We have to root out their hiding spots and stop them. Now lets go see to Jard and the crew or, as the captain said, we won't have one when we need it."
Chell looks around the room to see if anyone has more input. If there isn't then she heads out the door to say a few words of prayer and prepare the body to move to the Chapterhouse. A small donation will allow them to cast Gentle Repose and keep the body in good condition until such time they can give him an appropriate burial.
Also, "Um. Sorry. Who can we send to find Jenkie? Rowland maybe?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
I believe in the sharks, both the infestation and the curse. We saw evidence of that your first night with us. Your additional findings are quite valid... and confirm certain rumors.
The "ifs and buts" are in how to deal with the situation and what the best course of action is. I'm in, following your lead. But I'd be much more comfortable knowing Jenkie is alright.
After some consideration. And, just to be clear. Are my opinions welcome? I don't mind that you dismiss them, but I'd rather voice them. This curse thing seems to be closest to you, so run with it.
And everyone should probably contribute to the Baron, maybe 500gp each for now. Captain might be spending too much time being frugal. We want the best for our crew. Can a ballista be fitted with a harpoon?
I good gods. Everything. Everything I say. Everything anyone says he has to question. "We don't know what the Tulita can do or if they will even help. If Zalen isn't missing, he will. That I am sure we can count on. But we need all the help we can get. So ask them. I think it is worth it to see if there are other options. Because, considering what we have to work with right now, I am not confident we can stop this. I am just saying we can only move forward with what we know not what we don't."
"And, unfortunately I made a forward payment like Torgue did towards an item I think could help, just not this situation."
”My advice is just guidance take it for what it is worth you are the owners. You can decide your own priority of business. Try to do multiple things in day, or you can spend time knocking out a task at a time. A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. I seriously doubt this ship will be going anywhere if you don’t spend quality time recruiting. Have you ever tried to lasso cats before because that is what getting the right crew can be like. Since none of you have yet claimed the title of Captain, there will be lots of questions from men possibly looking to join the crew. If you’re on the ship with them who do they follow? They will want to know about you as owners and officers. Men are going to want to know why you haven’t stepped up to be Captain…are you competent…have you been an officer on ship before. What happens if I die, why follow you? Why not elect one of their own as Captain, if I die? What about your code what’t the split? You trust that to one person handle, who has 1/5 ownership interest, at this point? The better question is why would potential crew trust someone who is only 1/5th owner and has not been named Captain? There will be a lot of questions about this ship, they will ask questions about the Baron and expect answers.” he shakes his head.
"I understand there are larger things at stake but if you focus on a few small steps first, soon you’ve walked a mile. You need proof. How many days have you been here in the Port Shaw 7 maybe 10 days for some, how much have you accomplished in that time? Five days may seem like it’s in your face, but a lot can change in 5-days. ”
He steeples his fingers in front of him. Smiles with the offer of additional coin. ”At sea you can never have too many supplies and there is perpetual leak of resources.” He sniffles a bit. ”I’ll take four crew with me and gather supplies, we’ll look for Jenkie. If we don’t have luck, then perhaps you’ll hear word when you recruit or do what ever tasks you plan for the day.”
Why would he have been headed for The Skull?
Sorrin doles out another 500gp, from the ship fund.
Why would he have been headed for The Skull?
Sorrin doles out another 500gp, from the ship fund.
"Same reason others go to the Skull, I suppose."
Chell gathers her composure and leads the others out of the officer's, but not before Astri and Sorrin check out the rest of room. Poking inside the small room at the rear of officer's room they find the following:
This narrow cabin holds a hammock, a water basin, and a small foldaway writing desk with a stool. Here, the Captain takes his rest and updates the ship’s log. While cramped and lacking any decorative flair, the room provides a bit of privacy.
After a few minutes of rummaging around and making sure everyone has seen this part of their ship the group decides to head to the waist deck and pay their respects to the fallen man: Jard.
Chell presides over a brief blessing of body while 41 eyes focus on the owners actions.
She stops, staring at the body. "Assassins? What about...no nevermind. We have something more important to consider." She looks around at all the crew decides it best not to tell everyone yet. "Sorry for the breach in protocol but I've had a hell of a night and gotten some bad news." She looks at the body again. "Worse news. All the officers in the captain's cabin now," she says with as much authority as she can muster. She hopes that will be hint enough for
After Chell's brief prayer one of the crew members speaks up, "Well...what's the bad news?" There are quite a few murmurs amongst the crew after the question is voiced.
Another man yells out, 'Ye said yer night were worser th'n than his. How so?"
Two others stomp bare feet on the deck. "Yeah..Yeah...whatcha hidin' from us?"
Once the ship is checked, I'll carry Jard's body and go with Chell. I Wouldn't be good with recruiting a crew anyway.
Astrianna is quite impressed with the brilliant design of the ship. She is momentarily distracted by the multi-purpose furniture and shelves. This ship was clearly designed by a master. Every bit of space is engineered for maximum usefulness and minimum bulk.
After some consideration. And, just to be clear. Are my opinions welcome? I don't mind that you dismiss them, but I'd rather voice them. This curse thing seems to be closest to you, so run with it.
And everyone should probably contribute to the Baron, maybe 500gp each for now. Captain might be spending too much time being frugal. We want the best for our crew. Can a ballista be fitted with a harpoon?
Astrianna waves a hand dismissively. "Of course your opinions are welcome. Just because we don't agree doesn't mean you aren't entitled to voice what you're thinking. You have a tendency to think outside the crate and consider options the rest of us have not. Even if we don't agree with your ideas, all it takes is one time you think of something the rest of us would never have considered for your opinions to be worth it."
She will also contribute 500 gp to the ship fund. It's apparent they're going to need it."I will speak to Boris today and see if I can simply rent this spot the Baron is currently in. It's going to be expensive, but it's a good spot in the middle of town. He'll be more inclined to take coin rather than try and do me another favor. I had to convince him to give me that slip by the Barnacle."
Since none of you have yet claimed the title of Captain, there will be lots of questions from men possibly looking to join the crew. If you’re on the ship with them who do they follow? They will want to know about you as owners and officers. Men are going to want to know why you haven’t stepped up to be Captain…are you competent…have you been an officer on ship before. What happens if I die, why follow you? Why not elect one of their own as Captain, if I die..
Astrianna puts her hand to her mouth for a moment in thought before responding. "Honestly, Captain Donovan. I feel none of us are fit to be Captain at this point. We're all sailors but we have had limited experience actually leading crew on a ship. While we are the owners, we know you have the most experience and know what is best for us and the crew. Give us some time to adjust to all of this, and maybe one of us will have the courage to take the lives of these men and women into our hands." She chuckles at the mention of him dying. "I once witnessed you kick a lacedon square in its slavering jaw as it climbed up a dock... Pharmasa has no plans for you soon, I'm certain of it."
Astrianna's lips line as she feels the 41 eyes probing for answers to questions. A delicate situation. She turns her head to the priestess. "Chell, would you like me to speak to them, or would you prefer to handle this?"
As Ptahh waits for his turn to talk to the crew, a thousand thoughts race through his mind. He is clearly distracted... and distraught.
What could I have done better last night? Should I have anticipated an attack from the Weasel? Will they be back? Have they paid more assassins? I lost a man on my watch; I'll make it up to them.
You have a hunch that there is a lot of unease on the ship. You are concerned that you will lose crew, it's easier to walk away from a docked ship then one at sea. Being attacked in port apparently is a big deal.
Chell stands before the congregation as tall and confident as she can. After the last few days she at least getting better at pretending to be confident. "First I'd like to apologize for not being here for the attack and for Jard. Maybe if I had, things would be different, but we can't possibly know. For that I am sorry. We'll take him to the Chapterhouse until the ship is ready for a burial at sea, which is what I here is what he would have wanted."
"As to what happened, I was asked for help in treating two boys bitten by sharks last night. It is not in my nature or my faith to say no. I treated them and they should be fine but the sharks concern me. I am sure you have all realized their activity has been odd, unnatural even. What concerned me the most was that the boys' wounds were diseased. It is however," she says projecting over the mumbling. "life-threatening. I don't need every sailor nipped by a guppy to show up to me or the Chapterhouse or any other healer claiming they were dying. Something like this happened a few days ago when we found some sailors stranded on a Dory. They were diseased as well by an imp disguised as a cat. This might be similar, it might not. But I need you to take it seriously. If you or anyone you know was bitten by a shark recently you should go to the Chapterhouse. I believe I am the only to see this so I am heading there to tell them of the situation. Give us some time to organize and we'll have at look everyone. And for gods sake stay out of the damn water." She ended a little jovially, hoping the combination of humor and serious concern would not induce a panic but also make them serious about the sharks and wounds from them. It was a narrow line to tread. Nothing was a lie, just a half-truth, but if victims showed up of their own free will it would make things a lot easier.
Maybe this would also serve a good distraction from the attack.
Read Astri's sense motive but you are confident that several crew members are planning to depart. You've dealt with enough people with your ministry to understand that sailors and people in general are superstitious. This transfer could be looked at as cursed being attacked in port. Thankfully Sorrin and Ptahh were present on the two ships.
The crew seems to hang on the Chaplain's every word. Then one speaks up, "I thought it was a cat...I didn't know, seriously." Several eyes fall the crew member and chuckle.
Astrianna looks over the crew as Chell gives her speech. Some of them are looking jumpy... They might be leaving ship.
She nods while Chell is speaking, impressed that the priestess was able to convey, in part, the gravity of the situation while not sparking a full-fledged panic. While rumors would certainly be spreading, they couldn't be too bad if they just repeated Chell's words. At worst they would stretch the truth and make it sound like the sharks are spreading some kind of disease.
The bard chuckles at her joke and claps her hands together lightly at the end of the priestess' speech. "Well said, Chell." Sighing lightly, she stands next to Chell and gives her on impromptu speech.
"I am what many would call an adventurer, and I have been for several years. Last year I ventured through the Verduran forest..." She raps her boot on the sleek darkwood hull. "...The same forest this magical darkwood surely originated, in fact. I was hired to track down the source of a disease stranger than this one. I can promise you- Every disease, no matter how esoteric, has its cure if one looks hard enough. We intend to look very hard and will protect both all of you and as many others as we can from this contagion."
She clears her throat. "I started out on a ship like many of you, though unlike many my first sailing job involved repeatedly running the blockade at the Arch of Aroden to make a deliveries of heavily taxed Keleshite spices that some folks simply didn't want to pay an arm and leg for... We trusted one another with our lives, and swore if we were ever caught we'd either all get away together or all go down together." A grin spreads across her face. "We were never caught, so we never had to worry about it."
The half-elf continues, her small gestures accentuating her speech. "My point is, I have always worked with and looked out for others on a small team." She spreads her hands over the crew. "This is not a small group... but we need to consider all of you, our crew, part of the team as well, if you are going to entrust us with your lives and livelihood. Some of you may have heard we are intend to use this wonderful vessel for privateering, and this is true. If we are going to hunt pirates and slavers on the high seas we are going to need three things."
"Firstly, an ally on the waves, perhaps even a mentor. Privateering is not a popular profession in Shaw, and those that attempt it find their prey to be fierce. Last night Embrianna and I went to the Quell's Whore to meet with the crew and begin the foundation of an alliance. Captain Razor is the great privateer operating out of Shaw, some say the greatest living privateer there is. Our aim was to begin the foundation of joint operations with her and her legendary crew." She turns to the body of Jard with a frown. "I am sorry I was not there to put an arrow between the eyes of Jard's assaulter, or to apply some magic to his wounds, I truly am. My eyes were firmly fixed on future endeavors, and it took the death of a man to make me realize my oversight. I will not let it happen again, and if possible, I will see Jard's assaulter pay for what he has done three times over- personally."
"My attention will now be shifted to that of the second, most important aspect of what we need to be successful- all of you, a loyal and hardworking crew. We are serious about making a name for this ship, and it will not be with our actions alone, but with the help of EVERYONE here. You know what we are capable of, and have heard of our exploits in Shaw this past week alone. But we need your help in making this ship a success. Stay with us, and by working together we can ALL ascend into legends. I promise you- our deeds will become tavern tales one day, and you will all be part of it. I promise you your coffers will swell with the captured coin of rogues and scoundrels. I promise you... we will look after you just as we look after each other, because you are part of our team now."
Catching her breath for a moment, Astrianna smiles. "And the third matter to become great privateers? Why, a fast and fabulous vessel of course." She spreads her arms wide. "We already have that! Feast your eyes on this beauty, crew! It's ours!"
There's murmur during and after the Chaplain and the bard's speeches. A few folks speak up and ask, "What disease the people have...like the the crouch itch?"
A landsman nudges his buddy. "What's a Arch of Aroden?"
The crowd seems slightly less jumpy now that they ahve been addressed and Jard has has been spoken over.
The all important question floats in the air, "What's d'shares cut if we risk our necks capturin' pirates?"
Astrianna leaves the question of the disease to Chell. The bard could easily half-lie about it and tell them it makes people crazy, but she figures the priestess wouldn't appreciate it.
"No, not unless you f&&& the shark," she says to hide here nervousness at answering. She couldn't lie to save her life, and didn't want to, but the truth...would cause more harm than good. "We need to look further into it so all I can say is its dangerous but curable under the right circumstances. Circumstances you aren't likely to find any where but in the care of healer." She hopes that is enough. She really needed to get to the Chapterhouse.
There is a lot of chuckling with Chell's answer. Some jokes about certain members habits. It generally lifts their spirits a bit.
Chell hustles towards the Chapterhouse in need of answers and maybe a little guidance. Her pace, while quick, is nothing more than a casual stroll for the large, long-legged half-orc, even with his burden. "Thank you, by the way," she says to him, referring to a number of things. But mostly for sticking around and even agreeing to help. "Oh. Your bleeding. Here." She noticed as he walked that a stain was growing slightly larger on his side from the fight last night. It must have opened up with the effort of carrying the body.
Piece of junk wand.
There.
At the Chapterhouse she asks for them to hold onto the body for the day and asks if Zalen had returned.
Ptahh steps forward and takes a long look at each and every face standing on the deck of the Baron. He paces the deck in front of the men and nods at several them approvingly... finally he stops at the marine that fought the assassins last night alongside Jard. He leans in, "You fought bravely. I won't forget."
He strides back towards the officers, then turns again to addres sthe men.
"FLYNN!"
"That is the cowards name that sent those assassins last night. Flynn the Mouse. Put a dagger through his own's Captain's back aboard the Rabid Weasel, he did. And I found the dagger in Flynn's own locker." Visably angry, Ptahh paces for a moment to let the rage subside.
"They came for me last night... and that man," he says pointing at one of the marines and showing his fangs in a broad grin. "And Jard... would have none of it! They took on four men to prevent them from boarding the Dragon's Tail! They took up arms to protect me. Two of the fools made it past them and confronted me... never to step again on dry land while amongst the living. But one of them, took Jard's life."
"I will never forget that night on the Dragon's Tail. Where our marines stood with honor. And bravery to protect one of the crew that they had not known but for an hour."
Ptahh points again to the marines and draws his falchion.
"I will not forget their bravery. I will not forget Jard. And I will do for them... and for all of you... what they did for me... and what they will do for you... and what I will do for you... Ptahh rams the falchion into the deck of the ship, leaving it balanced on its point.
Heaving in a rage, Ptahh leans on the sword for a moment before beginning again in a softer voice, "We will make our fortune on this ship... and we will strike fear in the hearts of pirates and brigands of these waters as we hunt them down... and one day we will find the Rabid Weasel... and we shall avenge our brother, Jard. We will find Flynn, and I will cleave his head from his body...
"These are our marines. They will protect you and I will protect you. And I am Ptahh."
The Half-orc pulls his falchion from the deck and sheaths the blade.
Chell hustles towards the Chapterhouse in need of answers and maybe a little guidance. Her pace, while quick, is nothing more than a casual stroll for the large, long-legged half-orc, even with his burden. "Thank you, by the way," she says to him, referring to a number of things. But mostly for sticking around and even agreeing to help. "Oh. Your bleeding. Here." She noticed as he walked that a stain was growing slightly larger on his side from the fight last night. It must have opened up with the effort of carrying the body.
"oh.. thanks. I had forgotten about my wounds from last night... I get a little worked up at times." Ptahh stammers. He hadn't spoken directly with the cleric before now... at least he didn't remember ever talking with her.
"I think the assassin's may have known something about the sharks... I found something on one of them."
Ptahh's pep talk gets quite a few boots, sandals and bare feet stomping on the deck. Others hoot and holler about Flynn's skull's future.
Sorrin's been working, unarmored and in black soft boots, tan pants, somewhat loose white lace-up shirt.
Astrianna's eyebrows raise at Ptahh's speech, its fire and passion making her glad the half-orc is on their side. Though she certainly doesn't approve of the falchion rammed into the deck, it is forgivable.
She leans over to Emrbianna. "Where did you find this guy? I like him."
"At the tavern while you were talking behind the curtain. And I do too. Half-orcs are pretty fun in general."
"We should go to that tavern for crew more often."