"If you picked up any halflings keep 'em onboard, if you want 'em back in one piece."
Both of her thin, black eyebrows raise at the comment. "I'm assuming they do something awful to, or with, halflings." Nothing like some backwater culture to liven up a trip.
"Let's just say it's not a good place for them."
He focuses back on the nautical chart and traces a route that keeps the ship off the coast heading towards the Pearl Eyes. "200 miles on a good day staying more likely 230 to 250 miles pending the wind."
Is there some power structure there? Who's in charge? Guessing they will be helping us.
We have enough coffee? We're gonna need a lot, by the looks of it... He ruins his hand through his dark mane.
Astrianna laughs at Sorrin's comment, and pats her Haversack. "Never fear, I always have coffee on me. You really should get some sleep tonight though, you look like you've been tied to a rope and dragged through a coral reef."
"The Pearl Eye Atolls, or Pearl Eyes are also known as Bloodbane’s Knuckles, cause the pirate captain is rumored to bury scores of chests throughout the volcanic islands." He chuckles at Astri's reaction, "None's been found." He turns back to Sorrin, "Who's in charge? Thieves, pirates, murders, brothel owners, who ever runs the protection rackets." He shrugs seeing Sorrin does like the general answer, "Last I heard, now it could be old news cause things can be fluid, but Master Scuttler Khoren runs the docks themselves, Maurgafen the Smoke Monger controls most of the rest of the cargo pit, and Baruka Ball-Breaker runs a protection racket with the blessing of the other two. I'm sure there are others." He bites his lower lip then comments, "Dragonsmoke and Dreamfog are some of the favorite pasttimes."
"I caught a few hours of sleep with the unpacking but you," motioning to Sorrinm "and Ptahh look wiped out, no reason make yourself useless tomorrow. It will be all hands on deck if the weather is changing."
So... we're nice, we're nice, we're nice until, it's time not to be nice? Guess we can play it that way.
Yeah, whoever is up first... arrange for lots of coffee, maybe a runner or two for some of those new pastries for everyone, should leave a good tip. I'll be up on the poop deck, 'neath the stars and awaiting the dawn.
Astrianna does sit up at the the mention of treasure, but immediately slumps down again when Donovan says none has been found. Probably just a legend.
She laughs aloud at Baruka Ball-Breaker... What a name.
The mention of dragonsmoke and dreamfog being favorite pastimes certainly has her interest. Maybe I CAN make some money on this trip... good thing I didn't toss those bags of dragonsmoke into the swamp. Looks like I'll be doing some cargo hauling after all... in my haversack. She makes a comment to cover up the grin that had been creeping on to her face. "Sounds like a friendly enough place. As long as the proper palms are greased I doubt they will cause us much trouble. And if they do, well... we have sword-arms to spare."
She raises an eyebrow at Sorrin. "If you fall off the rigging tomorrow because you haven't slept for two days it will be your own fault... I'll be claiming a hammock, personally. Though if you're adamant about this I will loan you my coffee maker and some of my premium Mwangi blend."
Sorrin when you get to the decks you see there are dozen or so crew bunked down out there, but you are able to find position on the poop deck.
Meanwhile the Captain show the charts to Bri making sure she understand the initial navigation heading. After he is comfortable with the navigation, he announces, "If there is nothing else, I'll be in my cabin." He goes into the small captain quarters if there is nothing else.
Sorrin sleeps, his soul soaring the night sky... awaiting dawn and The Dawnflower.
Astrianna pretends like she is going to take some notes about their conversation in the war room, and waits for everyone to leave... When the coast is clear she walks over to the Captains door and knocks on it. "Captain, it's Astrianna. Could I speak with you? I've been thinking about what you said..."
If he agrees:
The bard looks a little uncomfortable for a moment as she chooses her words, and then just launches into it. "Earlier today you said my flippant attitude was my Achilles heel. Honestly, it pissed me off... for a moment. But then I realized you had no malice against me, there was no hate or judgement, just simple, blunt advice from someone that has experienced and seen far more than I. I don't take kindly to insults, as you may imagine, but in that moment you made me reflect on my actions, and I realized how much I respected you."
It seems as if she is changing the subject. "Yesterday I had the pleasure of encountering Captain Bethany Razor." Her eyebrows raise a bit. "By Shelyn, I have never seen a more admirable and commanding woman in my life. And her crew- they nearly worship her. Captain Razor's word is law on her ship, and her sailors are respectful, skilled, enjoyable company... I could go on, but I think you understand."
She gets on with it. "Do you think I could be like her someday?" The bard blurts out. "Be the Captain of a well-oiled, legendary ship? What does it take to be Bethany Razor? I'm an actor by trade- I can be nearly anybody. But... I don't think I could imitate her. I wouldn't fool anyone. I don't think I could imitate you either. There is something about a person that can successfully command a ship, a real leader of men and women..."
Astrianna looks behind her. "The thought of being directly responsible for the lives and livelihoods of all these people makes me nauseous. The thought makes me feel as if I have a shackle around my waist, and I would be forced to drag them wherever I go. The responsibility... How do you do it? What do I need to do if I wanted to be Captain?"
"I think you are a captain worthy of praise. And that's close to Quell's word I imagine," she says giving Donovan a sincere smile. Its a good thing Jenkie was there. Hate to see what would have happened if he wasn't there. Hope he shows up tomorrow.
For a moment the usual panic at the time frame threatened to well up. But with a sigh of exhaustion, it all went away. She was too tired to get worked up over it. It was too much work to worry about things you can't change. Her energy was best put to use on how to make the best of it. "Three days? Knowing our luck that means 10 plus 2 pirate attacks and a ghost ship. We should probably use the ship funds for some more feather tokens. Fans are cheap and can either calm the wind or help if it dies. They last a good long while too. I'll also talk to Zalen about getting a better description when we get Jard tomorrow morning."
As for the location, the corruption, the chaos, the moral degradation. That she kind of expected that and at the same time was apprehensive. Port Shaw sounded picturesque by comparison. And Carcass was even worse. She should practice being tough.
Before heading to bed herself she tended to the various sick and sobering that were still awake or having trouble. She offers what remedial cures she can, usually just water for hydration, or actual healing for those that were not in top form or, Quell forbid, picked a fight at the bar. Then she finds a spot with the other women.
On the way she notices a bucket and considers it for a second. She fills it with water and looks at her reflection. Plain, innocent, weak. The kind of person that would get torn to pieces in a moment in a place like Sharkjaw. She tries scowling, angry, haughty and several other hard-looking faces. She tried a few lines too. "What are you looking at?" "Got a problem?" "Ha. I've faced an undead druid that spit wasps from his eyes. You scare as much as tuna scares a shark." But it is no use. She feels no conviction in the words, no force behind them. She doubted they fool a drunk. None of them suited her. And if she couldn't fake it, the people of Sharkjaw Docks would probably not take her seriously or try to take of advantage of her. Worse yet, it might hamper her mission there. Maybe it was best to leave that to the others. Maybe she should just stay on the ship.
The capt and Astri talk in his small cabin.
The wardroom quickly converts to the officers sleeping quarters.
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).
The utility of the space rings home life on a ship, it's key is to be multifunctional in it's use of space, items and talents,
"Anyone of you have the ability to be a Captain. My comment about your flippant attitude concerns your complex personality. You're skilled but you don't use it for others, you're self-centered and a crew can sense that. You are a person they want to drink with but would be hesitant to risk their lives for. You're an actor and a crew knows that. Your mannerism makes you the life of the crowd or party that is clearly not Captain Razor. She can say nothing and command the room." He pauses a second. "Embrianna has that ability." He shrugs. "I'm just a washed up drunken Captain though my opinion matters little. Like I said each of you have the ability, whether or not you use it is your choice. It's never too late to shape your future, Sorrin has shown me that."
Astrianna considers the Captain's words for a few moments. Is it all so hollow? I thought people loved me because they looked up to me, listened to me because I know what I'm talking about. Are they simply interested in my good looks and charm? If everyone has the capacity to become Captain...
"I see." She mutters, looking up at the ceiling of the cabin for a moment. "So it's a matter of presence and intent. Perhaps everyone has their own style of leadership." The half-elf is silent for a few moments.If I pay more attention to the crew... prove my worth... perhaps then they'll respect me as a commander of men. Put the crew and ship first, and they'll surely appreciate it.
She looks back at the Captain. "I may not have the capacity to become Bethany Razor, at least not overnight, but... I know can find my own way. I'll try to put the crew and ship first in my thoughts." Feed them honey with one hand, discipline and protect with the other. I can do that.
Astrianna chuckles and shakes her head at Donovan's self-defeating talk. "If you were washed up, you've dragged yourself back up onto the beach. We all know there's no finer Captain in all the Razor, and we're blessed to have you here. You're the only one Chell would hear reason from when she wanted to leave tonight, and trust me, that takes a lot of respect."
Her hand slips from the door frame and she makes to leave. "Thank you Captain, I appreciate your counsel. It was enlightening."
She goes to find a hammock and lies down, staring at the darkwood above her head for a few moments and contemplating how to win over the crew. It doesn't take long for the tired bard to pass out.
Ptahh, exhausted form the previous night's activities, says little to the group as they set up the officer's quarters. As he stows his gear and removes his armor, he turns around and speaks, "I've been a part of a crew before. They look for confidence and decisiveness in a Captain or any leader for that matter. A quick, decent decision will be respected. No decision, while you debate in circles trying to be perfect, won't be respected. It looks weak. I'm getting some sleep tonight. Don't wake me unless all hell breaks lose.".
With that, he lays down and falls instantly asleep.
One bourbon, one scotch and one beer is all I need.
Bri knows that Donovan got in a bunch a supplies earlier that day, but she will check with him to make sure that they have enough laid in for 3 to 5 days out at sea.
Sorrin awoke enjoying coffee and a pastry, bacon and eggs. He addressed the crew, laying down some ground rules, slavery, drugs, privateering not being piracy and the semblance of impropriety.
He was walking along the horizontal beam of the main sail when the woman went over board. He knew her, he felt. It was a Tulita that called it... and saw the fin, approaching in the water.
Sorrin, with not but tan britches, white shirt and scimitar dove into the water after her. She went under and he followed. Swimming was easy, effortless.
There was enough light beneath the surface to see the behemoth, nearly as big as the ship. Its jaws open, a black background against which he could see the women, who nearly glowed against the darkness of the beast's inside.
It swallowed them whole, then. The darkness complete, the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Hope, slipping away. The enormity of it all threatning to crush his very soul. Giving in to the long night after a good fight. No shame in it.
But, two tiny motes of light caught his attention in the black. Drew him deeper into the unknown, into the bone chilling cold. The foreboding, heavy upon him, he still sought them out through the darkness.
They were the woman's eyes burning with the fires of... hell?
"Why did you bring me here?"
No, it was clear now. They shone with the golden light of promise, hope... Dawn.
"You have always been here, child." The Dawnflower.
Drawing his blade, it burned with the light in her eyes as he... gutted the darkness, tearing it open from within.
As he shed the carcass of the black behemoth, a shrill high-pitched cry from above. The Osprey.
Sorrin blinked awake on the upper rear deck... to the smell of fresh coffee. There was work to be done.
Captain Donavan wakes by 5:00 and nudges Ptahh as he walks through the officers' quarters. "time to get the cookie in the galley and get this lot up."
A triangle is rung at 5:30 am, signalling mealtime, which consists of soggy oats, hard tack, and weak watery coffee. The cookie looks frazzled as the crew look disheveled this early in the morning. They look at the slop and mumble.
Astrianna groans as someone shakes her awake, and she stretches in her hammock. Uuugggh. I forgot about this part... Damn ship schedules.
Groggily, she grasps a post and maneuvers out of the hanging bed and nearly tumbles to the floor. Jumping up from the near miss she shakes her head. Running her hands through her raven hair, she fluffs it out before retrieving a brush and smoothing it. Containing her locks in a bun on her head, she remembers to ask Chell for her hat back...
Boots, armor, gloves, weapons, she is ready to go!... to the kitchen for some coffee.
Sitting down with the rest of the crew Astrianna stares at the soggy oats for several long moments. We are getting a new cook when we finish this trip. A quick cast of Prestidigitation makes her oats taste like cinnamon, which at least makes it more enjoyable.
The coffee however, is unacceptable quality and not nearly strong enough. How am I supposed to get anything done this morning without decent coffee? I could go sneak into the crow's nest and brew some up there myself... Wait, no. I can't just run off like that anymore. I need to get involved.
She approaches the Captain and nearly gets through a sentence without yawning. "Captain, what are my duti- fuwwwwaahh." The bard politely covers her mouth during the yawn. "Sorry, what needs to be done aboard the ship? That I can do. To help everyone."
Stunning eloquence.
After her nap and her breakfast, Bri will go look over the maps of the area and where they are going. She wants to help to make sure they don't get off course by accident.
Bri has also gotten back into her old sailors clothing and is going about barefoot. The only proper way to be shod aboard a ship in her opinion.
to Astri and Ptahh. "Jard's body needs to be brought back onboard." The Captain's eyes focused on the cumulonimbus clouds on the morning horizon.
"Not you navigator (Bri), you get ready for sailing, Jenkie's not back I need you at the helm."
"First Mate (Sorrin), get the crew fed and and those with experience ready with sails." He looks over the motley crew. "Mainsail and headsail only...I want three in each of those rigging locations, then get me 6 men on the decks for each of those rigging's working the sail cloth as it raises. Keep the landlovers away. Once underway we'll get more sails up."
He motions to Chell, "Chaplain...you have a maiden blessing ready?" He points to the looming clouds. "We'll need it, make it good."
He paces the poop deck with Bri. 'Stay close."
Astrianna nods and motions for Ptahh to follow her. "Aye aye Captain."
She hustles off the docks with the half-orc, making for the Chapterhouse in the glow of the new dawn. "We should inquire about Jenkie and Roland while we're there."
"Aye Captain."
Bri gets ready as best she can for sailing and doesn't stray far from Donovan.
I hope Jenkie makes it back before we set sail. Keeping my fingers crosses he didn't get knocked into the water with the sharks during that quake.
The Captain's eyes scan the docks searching. "Haven't sailed without him in long time."
"It would cast a pall over out maiden voyage of this ship to go with him."
Bothered by her mistress's unease, Emmy perks her little head up to help scan the docks for any sight Jenkies hurrying to catch them. And the water for any sight of fins and bodies....
"Will he be alright staying here in port if he doesn't catch us before we set off?"
"Gonna have to be, he has the Vintage and he had coin."
"The ship and the coin should be enough to tide him over until we return then. And surely he could go to the Chapterhouse too if he needed any help."
Bri will try to steer Donovan near the Galley. "Even though is tasted bit like the results of some taking a piss after eating a few coffee beans and then drinking water, how about we try to grab a fresh a cup anyway? The morning's sea mist is rather chilly and we could use another cup of something warm."
If they make it to the Galley, Bri will try to freshen up the coffee.
Is he shaking because he needs a drink or is just worried or cold? Best warn the others just in case he turns back to the bottle.....
Though she wasn't the first to awaken she shoots out of the hammock when she hears Astrianna get up. The constant state of worry she had been in the last few days made her a light sleeper. Not even the familiar rock of a ship could relieve all the stress. She got up and made ready for the day, dressing, donning armor, praying, and then a meal.
Whatever sleep still remained in her was washed away by the awful meal. They really should have spent a little extra for a decent cook. But they were pressed for time and resources. Hindsight is always perfect.
Just after Astri leaves the vessel Chell runs to the railing and calls after her. "Remember to ask Father Zalen for a name or description of the healer."
After that she thinks on a blessing but realizes they forgot something. They never discussed a name. Are they keeping the old one or something new? For now since it still said Baron of the Tides on the side they would have to go with that and possibly name it later.
"Note...you can't overpay for proper cookie, eh throws the remnant of the weak coffee overboard. You sure the hell pay for underpaying though." The two of you can see a few people grumbling about the food already. "Some one should tell the cook it's ok to actually use fresh beans and plenty of them."
When they get down to the galley the frazzled cook is wiping the soggy oats off his face, the result of someone being upset with the food. Everyone calms down and straightens up when the Captain and Navigator arrive.
With Bri 'fixing' a new pot of coffee the Captain drinks. Average. Quell helps us, I hope her navigation is better than her coffee. He smiles weakly. He snatches up a few whole beans and drops them in his cup.
Astrianna gives Chell an affirmative hand signal as she walks down the dock with Ptahh.
-------
When they reach the Chapterhouse Astrianna attempts to locate Father Zalen while Ptahh collects the body of Jard. "Good morning, Father. We're about to cast off, be back in four or so days. Have you seen or heard from Roland lately? Also, Chell asked me to ask you for the name of the healer at Sharkjaw."
Why am I always carrying the heavy stuff?
Ptahh reaches down gently and lifts the body of Jard, noting that the corpse is already much more ridged than the previous day. Ugh.... strating to get a harsh aroma as well.
"His name is Alyi'ensi Windborn. He is elven in heritage. Fair sailing may your journey be fruitful and arrival be timely."
"Thank you, Father Zalen. May you and your Chapterhouse stay safe in these troubling times."
Ptahh turns to leave carrying Jard's body. I'm beginning to sound too much like these women.
The Captain watches Ptahh lugging the stiff corpse and Astri double timing it down the dock. "Chaplain if you would be so kind as to say a few words." He looks at the half-orc then over to Chaplain. He takes off his bicorne hat and hold it in front of him. Glancing upward at the sky.
A dream... coffee was better, too.
Listen up!
Crew assemble! Landsmen, sailors, engineers, sort yourselves out! Three groups, and by experience. It was a voice he didn't use often, loud, forceful.
You get to know each other as you work! People that were with us from the beginning will lead the teams. There will be no preference given for race, religion or sex. Recognition comes with good work, smart work... TEAM work.
From time to time we will switch it up, no moaning and groaning. Ever. You want to suggest something while working, talk to your team leader, if it's an emergency and you cannot find your team leader, come to an officer.
He walks the lines. Nodding his head, shaking his head, straighten shoulders, tapping guts, raising chins.
We represent each other, you represent me and the other officers and we represent you. Carry your selves with dignity and competence. Take pride, but do not be proud! Understood?
You, you, you... Take turns, pick men and women, you know the drill. Mainsail and headsail only...I want three in each of those rigging locations, then get me 6 men on the decks for each of those rigging's working the sail cloth as it raises.
He waits for nods, but not too long.
You! Landsmen, marines, below deck... Clean up, organize gear, tie down supplies, no surprises. Take a sailor or two not picked.
Engineers, inspect ballistas... Organize ammunition. Make damned certain they are functional. We're not looking for a fight, but we're not backing down either! Anyone not certain what they should be doing, see me.
He let's a second go by, still holding their gazes.
Where are my manners, I'm Sorrin... your First Mate on this pleasure cruise. And I'm promise to be your best friend or darkest nightmare. The good news is, you get to choose.
Now, MOVE!
The Captain stands there stern faced. He sips some coffee and watches the order getting relayed. "First Mate after the invocation, I want the lines cast and pushed off within a minute. No delay." You will know that will take several (6) crewman to pull up the lines, and push off with poles. There are dock-hands with poles, employed by the harbormaster that would help with the lines and push away.
He turns to Bri and says barely above a whisper, "Set a course Southeast...take that course for 60 minutes then tack south to a heading 85 degrees. I want the Port eyes thinking we are making for the lighthouse, you know the one we pasted it going to get that gnoll skum. You set the course."
As Ptahh and Astrianna reach the foot of the gangplank, Ptahh straightens up and Hillary, "Ptahh Spyritwalker and Astrianna, along with Jard the Brave, now deceased, requesting permission to come aboard!"
"Permission Granted...Mates. Three cheers for Jard the Brave!"
Once Astri gets aboard and makes her way to the Poop deck, he asks, You ever pilot or man a helm before windsinger? How about set a course on a chart? It's be mighty handy to have a second set of eyes on the charts or hands on the wheel." He waits for an answer. "Perhaps some inspirational song to help the crew with their initial tasks setting sail."
Regarding casting off...
Sorrin instinctively glances to see if Jenkie is approaching, Yes Sir, Captain!
Listen up! After the Chaplain says a few words, we depart! Chaplain done, lines cast, push off! Do you hear me?!
Sorrin moves from team to team checking their work, asking about technique, teaching and learning. He makes sure no one is being singled out for race or sex. He makes a point to acknowledge the non-humans and females.
Below deck he checks on the landsmen, marines and veterans.
When Ptahh is aboard and available he briefs him, so he's aware of the teams, tasks and standing orders to cast off.
Sorrin commandeers the two sailors not on teams, nor below deck. Let's check the lines, make sure they're neat, tidy. When I give the word, cast lines, push off. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Got it?