The discontent is generally smoothed over by the speeches. The issue of pay and shares is raised again.
After that you spend some time looking over the ship's layout.
1. Poop Deck
The poop deck occupies about one third of the Baron of the Tides overall length.
2. Waist Deck
This sizable weather deck is crowded and bustling. Here the ship’s boatswain drives his sailors to constantly improve their skills. There is plenty of room to tending the sails, making rope, or performing other maintenance duties.. During non-inclement weather the deck can double as a sleeping area.
Forward of the foremast, the whole deck can hold a large catapult or a springal.. There is a box is fastened to the deck on the starboard side of the mast and holds that can hold ammunition, but it is now empty. Clearly this ship has been stripped of some of its equipment.
3. Wardroom/Officers’ Quarters
This large cabin within the sterncastle 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).
The spaces beneath the ladders leading up to the forecastle deck (area 5) hold well-concealed smuggling compartments, accessible from area 3, which can be used to hide important materials or people if the Baron is ever boarded and searched (Perception DC 20).
4. Captain’s Stateroom
This narrow cabin holds a hammock, a water basin, and a small foldaway writing desk with a stool. Here, the Captain takes her rest and updates the ship’s log. While cramped and lacking any decorative flair, the room provides a bit of privacy.
5. Forecastle Deck
The forecastle deck is always a place at least one lookout, it can also double as an outside sleeping area.
6. Firing Deck
A ladder down from the waist deck (area 2) leads to this cramped compartment filled with four large ballistae. Racks on either side of the ship hold 16 bolts each (empty now), allowing the eight ballista crew members to fire up to eight shots from either side before having to reload from the bilge (area 9), which is reached through a door in the deck. A perfect location for the Master-at-Arms to direct the maintenance and firing of these weapons. Having a couple additional sailors around would assist assisting the siege weapon crews and retrieving more bolts from the bilge in times of conflict.
The ballistae are well oiled and bolts well maintained with some inspection you will notice that they can be easily disassembled if the ship is attempting to pass as a non-military vessel to assuage enemy suspicion. The equipment can be made to look like stacks of lumber, if necessary. (2 minutes per ballistae to disassemble, 4 minutes to assemble. Using a crew of three to do the work.)
7. Aft Crew Quarters and Galley
This compartment serves as sleeping quarters for several crew members (4-10), but is primarily used as the space where the cook prepares and serves meals and where crew members gather to socialize when not working or on watch.
8. Forward Crew Quarters and Stowage
The majority of the crew sleeps and stores their belongings in this space, which is hung with several hammocks and folding racks. Racks along the bulkhead also hold the crew’s weapons until combat is imminent.
9. Bilge
The lowest level of the ship, the bilge is the area below the firing deck, and is tightly packed and very dark. Somehow, the former crew managed to cram all of their vital supplies into this space and locate what they need when the time comes to retrieve it.
This area is now empty but you can see how mundane items intended to keep the ship afloat and its crew healthy could be safely and securely stored. Places for sail cloth, wood, glue, nails, tools, cleaning supplies, and similar materials were kept in the forward part of the ship, while food, water, wine, ale, and a few cases of spirits were designed to be stored aft.
The middle of the bilge, closest to its access stairs, contains racks of spare weapons, room for 80 extra ballista bolts, and crates to hold up to 16 extra stones or springal packs of ammunition.
The Baron’s lower smuggler’s compartment (see area 3) is also accessible from this portion of the ship. The narrow compartment runs beneath the deck along the keel, disguised as part of the ship’s hull. Here the crew can keep people or goods that they fear will be revealed on a routine search. A successful DC 20 Perception check reveals this compartment (a successful DC 20 Craft [ships] check grants a +4 bonus on this Perception check).
Once you've been through the ship Bri sets about on the task of mending sails and some of the damage done from it's previous battle(s). She works along with the crew which they take notice of. Sorrin is quick to pick up saw and hammer working along side the crew. They initially stay on board helping out.
The Captain will take 4 crew members and secure the supplies that were previously mentioned.
Astrianna lays out the issue of pay to the crew. "In regards to pay we'll be following the Privateers Code with wahes until further notice. All hauls will allow for 50 shares for the ship; 5 shares for Mates and high-ranking officers (PCS); 2 shares for lower-ranking officers (NPCS); 1 Share for the crew. Actions, above and beyond, shall be favorably rewarded. Of course, this is in addition to your normal daily wages, which is determined by experience and skillsets."
"I think the assassin's may have known something about the sharks... I found something on one of them."
"What do you mean?" she asks curiously.
Agree.
When you arrive at the Chapterhouse you find that Father Zalen is indeed back and in the company of an immaculately dressed woman, who is wearing a stunning yellow fascinator and a stylish dress. She is adorned with quite a few babbles on her long delicate fingers, wrists, and neck. She is laughing at something Zalen has mentioned, when she fans herself.
Astrianna eyes up the woman as the enter the Chapter house. I keep seeing people I feel I should know, but don't... She looks over at Chell and snickers before whispering. "Father Zalen was certainly "missing", huh... Two silver says I can tell you where he was. Who is she anyway?" The half-elf lets the priestess lead the situation, she's had enough responsibility for one day.
Thank Quell he's here. But who is that? Nevermind, more important matters right now.
Chell directs Ptahh on where to put the body before approaching Zalen and his guest. She waits as patiently as she can for a break in the conversation, or making one by clearing her throat, before speaking with polite sincerity. "Sorry to interrupt. My name is Chell Silves, a cleric of Quell and here at the Chapterhouse. I need to speak to Father Zalen for moment about something of importance if you don't mind."
The elegant lay's green eyes scan the newcomers, she bats her long lashes flirtatiously. Then causally lays one hand on Father Zalen's forearm waiting to be introduced.
Oh Zalen, let me not keep you from your...young...assistant's company any further. It was treat to see you and shares memories, She waves her fan vigorously as she blushes.
Zalen a bit startled at first by the intrusion regains his manners and formally introduces his guest to the party, "Lady Jalia Ramires, this Chell Silves, a priestess and a god-send that Quell sent to the Chapterhouse. Her comrade, Lady Astrianna Sparacello, and I'm sorry I do not know you." He smiles widely at the half-orc. He then looks at Chell. "Is everything alright?"
As he works... Sorrin finds one of the Bonegnaw rescued Tulita, informs him of the Hungermire episode and asks after the best way to meet with Elder Nakuaka and Mokoli Ali'i.
He seeks counsel.
Astrianna's eyebrows raise a bit when the name is mentioned. She looks over at Chell. Jalia Ramires? Isn't she the Wave Rider that was missing that Chell wanted to look for? Well, that was easy.
The bard gives Jalia a small curtsey. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Ramires." She gestures to the half-orc. "This is Ptahh, our new sword. Torgue decided to retire and start a brewery- Cayden Cailen protect our guts."
Astrianna keeps an eye on Jalia. She knows her type intimately, and makes sure the lady doesn't pull any fast ones... or, better yet, there may be something she can learn from the older woman.
"What do you mean?" she asks curiously.
"I found this on one of the assassins." Ptahh hands a small scrap of paper to Chell. Looking at it, the cleric sees a single word, "Fish's"
Ptahh smiles at her. "Do you think they may have some information regarding cursed fishes or sharks?"
Why do I get the feeling she is hissing at me. "Jalia," Chell says trying to place the name but falling short. "I am sorry. The name rings a bell but for the life of me I can't remember it. You must be doing well since I believe I saw you at The Gullet. Costs and arm and a leg just to get in the door. I am sure my companions can keep you company though Miss Ramires. I need to speak with Zalen privately about matters of the Order."[b]
Once they are in a private environment she answers his previous question. [b]"No," she says simply and gravely. "Sorry to add more to your already stifling work load but we have a grave issue. Last night Jin approached me about two boys bitten by sharks. I treated them but saw the something else. They were infected with Lycanthropy."
Before he can process the that she continues through quickly. "I also spoke with Lester yesterday. He mentioned an increase in shark activity in the harbor. I thought the two not a coincidence and decided to follow up on it. I prepared Detect Disease. In one hour of scanning I found 6 other cases and all but one are beyond help. I don't know if they are agents of Dojobas or unwitting allies bitten at some point over the last few days. Either way, the full moon is days away. I already warned the crew of our ship, um we bought the Baron by the way, to stay away form them and have any that have been bitten come to us."
She lets him think on it before offering more on the subject. "I am...hesitant to tell the Commandant for fear he will overreact or...do nothing. Both cases are unacceptable. But with Jalamar and Noeliss gone, I know of no one that can heal these men. It takes great power to remove the curse. And if we don't do something Port Shaw is in great danger. I fear that one or both gods have ill plans for the full moon. It is the perfect cover if a bunch of newly formed were-sharks go on a rampage. All I can think to do is identify who is infected and prepare a safe place for the change. A sturdy prison with silvered cuffs and food to satisfy the primal instinct. After the night is over we can probably send them home without them any the wiser. But if the sharks remain they can try again every month, taking more victims. And I hate to suggest it but we might have to kill all the sharks in port. That would drive the were-sharks hidden among them infecting people away. Then maybe we can follow some to a hide out. They have to have base nearby. I don't know though. I was hoping for some advice."
After the long winded explanation, both are likely to be sitting and dreading the coming storm.
"Father." Ptahh says as he formally acknowledges the man's station with a bow of his head. Turning to Jalia, he stammers for a moment, "Umm... Ma'am... Miss... uh, sorry."
"What do you mean?" she asks curiously."I found this on one of the assassins." Ptahh hands a small scrap of paper to Chell. Looking at it, the cleric sees a single word, "Fish's"
Ptahh smiles at her. "Do you think they may have some information regarding cursed fishes or sharks?"
"Fish's? Isn't that like a bait shop?" she asks handing the note to Astrianna. "I can't make heads or tails of it. And unless they were local thugs I can't imagine what men that just got here would know of the situation."
Astrianna chuckles as Chell runs off with Father Zalen. She looks over to Jalia. "Forgive Chell's excitement, she has a lot on her mind. Please, stay and chat for a moment. Chell may not remember your name, but I do. The priestess actually mentioned you by name a few days ago when we were discussing the former Wave Riders, though she seems to have forgotten doing so."
"Fish's? Isn't that like a bait shop?" she asks handing the note to Astrianna. "I can't make heads or tails of it. And unless they were local thugs I can't imagine what men that just got here would know of the situation."
Astrianna takes the note and looks at it for a moment, clicking her tongue. "Yes.. I've seen one of these notes before... Back when we tried to stop that shipment of Dragonsmoke a while back. The goons there had notes with Fish's on it. I suspect it to mean Old Fish Supplies, which is in the Tide district. In fact, it's up the street directly north of where the Baron is docked right now." She hands back the note. "I don't know what you might find there, Ptahh, but I'll go with you if you're trying to track down Flynn."
With Astri mentioning the Wave Riders Jalia Ramires gives a quick smirk. 'Yes that seemed like ages ago, another lifetime actually." Her tone disinterested in the topic. Exchanging pleasantries, "So what brings you to the chapterhouse? Young Ms. Silves seems a bit.." biting her lower lip and making a tsk tsk sound, "...oh dear, what is the word I'm looking for...disheveled. I suppose she doesn't play games of chance much...she'd loose all her coin to house." She fans herself a bit more than asks, "So Ptahh their new sword. Where did they find you at, I don't recall seeing you around the city before." Him no...he's new, she on the other hand, I have seen.
Astrianna chuckles as Chell runs off with Father Zalen. She looks over to Jalia. "Forgive Chell's excitement, she has a lot on her mind. Please, stay and chat for a moment. Chell may not remember your name, but I do. The priestess actually mentioned you by name a few days ago when we were discussing the former Wave Riders, though she seems to have forgotten doing so."
Ptahh takes the note back and slips it into his belt pouch.
A couple of the sailors chit-chat telling stories and asking questions of you. "Damn fine work...so you just wiggle your fingers and say a few words and this stitch themselves up...all new like that?" She takes a laddle of water. "Mighty useful thing t'have. So 'eard that your the navigat'r, you any good?" His question is not meant as an insult, he just trying to figure life out on the ship.
You notice some of the sailors chat you up. Others, less experienced, will ask you some question on how to do things. when one finally asks, "Yous th'nk we git much fight'n? Webe goin' after the Rabid Weasel, sir?
With Astri mentioning the Wave Riders Jalia Ramires gives a quick smirk. 'Yes that seemed like ages ago, another lifetime actually." Her tone disinterested in the topic. Exchanging pleasantries, "So what brings you to the chapterhouse? Young Ms. Silves seems a bit.." biting her lower lip and making a tsk tsk sound, "...oh dear, what is the word I'm looking for...disheveled. I suppose she doesn't play games of chance much...she'd loose all her coin to house." She fans herself a bit more than asks, "So Ptahh their new sword. Where did they find you at, I don't recall seeing you around the city before." Him no...he's new, she on the other hand, I have seen.
Astrianna grins when she hears the explicative from the other room, and clears her throat. The bard is not surprised Jalia does not want to discuss her time with the Wave Riders. They all took some coercing. While Astrianna is interested in it from a historical perspective, it's not her current focus. "Yes, Chell usually has ten thousand new worries a day, but only twenty-four hours to deal with them all before the new ones come along."
She looks over her shoulder at the wrapped body laying outside. "Tragedy, unfortunately. One of the marines serving aboard our vessel Baron of the Tides was killed in action valiantly defending our holdings from thugs last night. " The half-elf sighs. "No next of kin, so we're making a donation to the church in his honor and preserving him until he can be properly buried at sea."
Her focus returns to the woman. "You and Father Zalen seem close, making a social visit...? I could see you being a patron of the church, as well, Quell knows they need it." She gestures at the dilapidated door frame they walked through to get here.
"Yep, this is the easiest way for me to do it, though I could also do it the more traditional way with needle and thread. As for navigator, yes and decent enough. I try not to boast much while on ship though, I always feel that just invites bad luck."
Father Zalen listens closely to Chell, nodding on occasion. "I actually cured three cases myself. Mostly little bites, clearly meant to infect not kill. I've been gathering up all the wolfsbane that I can get." He frowns a bit as he contemplates the information. "Two of the victims mentioned it was a black shark that bit them. Did the boys say anything about the shark. But I hear the attacks have happened up and down the coast. Hunting the black shark down would help."
"We still have time, a lot can be accomplished in five days, I'm waiting on word from Sharkjaw Docks, I heard they have healer down there who has some experience with shapechangers."
You notice some of the sailors chat you up. Others, less experienced, will ask you some question on how to do things. when one finally asks, "Yous th'nk we git much fight'n? Webe goin' after the Rabid Weasel, sir?
I don't know if we're going out to hunt her down, in the open sea. We'll inquire on her routes and schedules, take her on on our terms. If we encounter her on the open sea, so be it.
Idea isn't to risk more lives needlessly. Life is precious, that's why it hurts that Jard is gone. We don't expect sailors to board enemy vessels, just marines. And if at all under my power, no one has to. I'll take the scurvy bastards out myself.
Sorrin wonders of the man is satisfied.
We get our share of fighting, sea or land... usually for a good cause. Saved some folks from Bonegnaw, a gnoll slaver and drug dealer. Dealt with some druid or shaman in the Hungermire, was kidnapping folks from plantations and trying to sacrifice them.
My uncle used to say... Bad people do bad things and all it takes for the wicked to triumph is that good men do nothing.
She smiles innocently, Father Zalen and I,...well his family and I go way back. I ran into him yesterday, he was trying to find two thugs that have been just plain awful to the locals lately...stealing and everything." She flaunts her hands around and moves theatrically. "Well," she signs. "he didn't find them, but he had terrific company." She winks shamelessly.
"Yep, this is the easiest way for me to do it, though I could also do it the more traditional way with needle and thread. As for navigator, yes and decent enough. I try not to boast much while on ship though, I always feel that just invites bad luck."
He makes a protective sign when she mentions "invites bad luck." "Well if you navigate half as good as you mend, we'll be in good hands."
Obviously uncomfortable, Ptahh looks around the Chapterhouse trying to avoid both of the ladies' eyes.
Astrianna is quite interested in these thugs she is speaking about. "Oh? Are they part of a gang? The Nightslinks, or the Salty Dogs, or...? There are many here in Shaw."
The bard chuckles at her comment. "Good. Zalen works hard, he should relax now and then."
She watches the theatrical movements of her hands, and tilts her head inquisitively. When Xander was liquored up he said one of the former Wave Riders fell to thievery... I knew all the others he mentioned, so by process of elimination it must be Jalia. I should watch her hands.
A smile blooms on the bard's face. "Have you had any training in the arts? The way you gesture reminds me of the theatre. I received training at the famous Rhapsodic College in Cassomer, myself. I wish Shaw had a love for the Stage as much as they love the fiddle."
Emerald eyes glance to Ptahh, noting his uncomfortable motions. "You weren't so shy on deck an hour prior, Ptahh, something bothering you?"
Lifting items
-msw dagger lifted
-potion form bandoleer
PCLW
Jalia quickly fans herself, stumbling into the half-orc before catching her balance using Astri's arm. That's the one Nightslinks. I do need to be excusing myself...I have an appointment." She smiles and turns to Astri. "the theater of life, my dear, the theater of life. I hope to see you real soon." She turns to AStri. "Is it true that the Commandant is putting out to sea soon?" she open her bag and pulls out an parasol.
slipping items into her bag.
On the way out of the Chapterhouse Jalia will say a brief prayer at the alter and stop by the collection plate, depositing a msw dagger, to help the poor.
Atrianna raises a a hand to catch the falling woman, but Jalia had already caught on to her arm. "By Calistria's grace... careful. Fan any harder and you could move a becalmed frigate." She does chuckle about the theater of life. "Many learn their trade there, but it can be a harsh teacher."
The half-elf nods as she mentions the Nightslinks. Zalen must be after Basel and Branard. I'll have to ask him if he has discovered anything. She looks a little taken by surprise when asked if the Commandant is leaving port. "Is he? I hadn't heard. For what reason?" She momentarily eyes the parasol. I should get one of those... I have been getting far too much sun lately. Maybe Ptahh would carry it for me? Hmm...
"Farewell, Jalia, I have the feeling our paths will cross again." Astrianna notes how stuffy it is in the chapterhouse thanks to Jalia's fanning, and begins to put her hair up. While fixing her hair she notes the dagger placed in the collection pan, and raises an eyebrow. An odd donation.
-Posted with Wayfinder
After Jalia leaves, Ptahh turns to Astri, "No, nothing wrong. I'm just, um... more comfortable on a ship and um... with... with the fellas. I don't know how to act around your sort."
He fidgets with his gear, then looks to the collection pan. "my dagger! Did she..?"
Father Zalen listens closely to Chell, nodding on occasion. "I actually cured three cases myself. Mostly little bites, clearly meant to infect not kill. I've been gathering up all the wolfsbane that I can get." He frowns a bit as he contemplates the information. "Two of the victims mentioned it was a black shark that bit them. Did the boys say anything about the shark. But I hear the attacks have happened up and down the coast. Hunting the black shark down would help."
"We still have time, a lot can be accomplished in five days, I'm waiting on word from Sharkjaw Docks, I heard they have healer down there who has some experience with shapechangers."
"I noticed the foresight. I used some yesterday. I don't remember if they said anything about a black shark but I plan to go back and make sure they are okay. I'll ask then. And that gives us an objective. But what about those infected? Can this healer in Sharkjow help? Or the Tulita perhaps?"
Chell since you've in the Razor Coast for a while you would know about the small Sharkjaw Docks, less than 1500 people mostly human and some elves. You recall that Sharkjaw Docks was named for a massive set of fake megalodon jaws hanging from the end of the longest pier, and it is a “typical” cargo pit, if such a term is even relevant for the rough and-ready supply communities that dot the coasts of the Razor Sea.
"I hope the healer can help and for the Tulita they are wise. Their gods are the old gods and their magic once was strong. As he saying this the chapterhouse shakes and dust from the cracks fills the air, he stumbles but falls on his arse. "W..w..wh...what the..."
Chell falls on the ground as the earth moves under her feet.