Astrianna is a bit surprised when Chell leaves. Someone is catty today. I guess she isn't going to tell me about the brig...
She looks to Sorrin and Ptahh. "What are your opinions?"
I'd rather address Chell's concerns before continuing. She brought this to the table and obviously put much thought into it.
Is thought such sophistry outside her wheelhouse or perhaps, just get comfort zone. Seemed a solid proposal.
Sorrin's concern does not diminish.
Chell, what's wrong?
Bri you lost the sail on the horizon, although Chell's eagle eyes and crowsnest pick it up, along with a second ship that is also nearly 5 miles off your starboard side. The sail set-up shows that the second ships is a small caravel class of ship.
Ship 1: 6 miles to the N/E between your bow/forecastle on the starboard side. You believe its a caravel but are unsure at this point.
Ship 2: 5 miles to the N/E off your starboard side. Small caravel class of ship.
Astrianna looks up to the crows nest as they call out the second ship 5 miles to starboard. She still can't make out any of the ships, but puts her hand to her chin. "The ocean is a busy place today. Keep an eye on them... Caravels are fast ships."
Chell turns and smiles at Sorrin. "Nothing of any real concern at this point. Now I suggest you gather the marines and get familiar with the ballistea. Just in case." She then goes back to familiarizing her trainees with healing techniques.
Then, why did you seem to get cross?
"Because I practically had to push you all onto the ship for this mission to Sharkjaw and only now is it important for some reason. Only now that it is the only thing to focus on does anyone care," she says clenching her fists in frustration. She sighs and shrugs soon after. "But since everyone is focused I should just be thankful for as long as it lasts."
Astrianna shrugs. "Well yes... other than hunting pirates going to Sharkjaw is the reason we launched. I was against it because this ship still needs some work done to it and we had to launch it on a mission we had to scramble to prepare for- not ideal. However, if we don't accomplish what we set out to do it will be a waste of time and resources. Though, technically, we purchased this ship and hired this crew for privateering."
"No ship can survive without a port. So it is in our best interest to do everything we can save it."
Privateering should be something we do along the way... an exercise in creativity. There seem to be some serious issues facing the Port Shaw and its citizenry, that need attending to.
For the record, I never had to be convinced to take on this... mission. If it can help, I'm for it. I like the idea you had Chell. Astrianna seemed to have done concerns, as did Embrianna.
He rubs his temples. Two ships. What's their disposition to each other? Traveling parallel, intercept? They're only about a mile or two apart...
"Exercise in creativity? Did I ever tell you I don't like your casual attitude about death? Privateering, while good for traders, ports, and nations, and us if we survive, involves killing and being killed. I understand how dangerous the sea is and that all the preparation in the world can't stop death when its coming for you but you could at least show some tact and sympathy, even if it is feigned. It would also improve moral if the men and women at least thought you cared."
Astrianna clears her throat. "The poop deck is not a place for a debate on the merits of ethics and morality... Please take it to the war room if you're inclined to have a disagreement."
She attempts to nip the scene in the bud before the crew catch wind that their bosses don't exactly get along very well sometimes.
She looks to Chell. "We're going to hold course for now. Those ships are going the same direction we are."
The half-elf looks to Sorrin. "A good question, Sorrin. Let's watch and see what they do. As Chell suggested, you and Ptahh should ensure the marines and the weapons are ready in case they're not friendly."
If you did mention it, I can't remember.
If you wish to see me as antagonistic, it is your right. But, if you consider for a moment that I am on your side on the subject of Sharkjaw and probably the closest to your viewpoint regarding the stratagem put forth ... It may help.
Squinting across the water, he pauses then turns back to the priestess. His smile difficult to decipher, but genuine.
As we're discussing matters in private... The well being of my fellow man and woman is of great importance to me. You may want to take up the conversation with others though.
I do come across as casual, cavalier perhaps. It's in how I was taught to deal with a depressing situation, to cope. The enormity of what we face is mind boggling, and that is only what we know. Doom and gloom isn't my thing.
"Its fine not to panic but I wouldn't make light of the sacrifice of three men." She says no more and has the stretcher bearers over some last minute drills before having them rest until they find out more about the situation.
I simply meant that Port Shaw's well being comes first, before privateering.
Looking up. Crow's nest! Are they working together?!
The ships don't close in on you. For all that you and the crew can tell they don't appear to have interest in you. The remainder of the afternoon passes by and your crew handles the sails and course well enough to make up some of the lost time. You've closed some distance to the lead the ship and you are nearly passing the second ship which is parallel and abeam.
Ship 1: 4.5 miles to the N/E between your bow/forecastle on the starboard side.
Ship 2: 4.5 miles to the E off your starboard side. Small caravel class of ship.
Astrianna keeps a close eye on the ships, wondering who they are, and their motives. Her mind wanders. I wonder what a vessel ran by goblins would be like. It would probably burn down within a week... no, a day.
"Well, the Rabid Weasel is a retrofitted merchant ship. She has a few balistae and is quite capable of some light ship to ship combat. She's a quick ship and a good coast runner. I'd estimate she's crewed by about twenty sailors plus a half-dozen officers, including Flynn. She's able to house another twenty to thirty marines. When I left her she had about twenty-one marines. I don't believe that the men that attacked the ship two nights ago were part of the crew when I left. I didn't recognize them.
Before I left, I did hear rumors of wanting to hook up with a pirate called Captain Dre. I've never seen him, but hear that he was a slaver... which would explain their attack on this merchant vessel. Now, Dre is supposed to be based out of Carcass, but that is to the south of Port Shaw. Why the Weasel would head north if they are looking to join up with Dre seems strange..."
Astrianna quirks a brow when Ptahh mentions Captain Dre. "I have heard of him... He's an infamous, cruel slaver working out of Carcass as you said. The fact that the Weasel is going to be working with him condemns the whole ship if you ask me."
She cups her chin with a hand in thought. "Why would they be heading north... maybe to pick up something for Dre? Or perhaps Dre is in the north right now? Who knows. But maybe we can find out. We have four sailors on this vessel that used to work for Captain Dre, they might know something." She gives Ptahh their names if he wishes to investigate. If not, the half-elf will ask them herself.
"I know nothing more than the name, Dre. Perhaps you would be better suited to ask the sailors any questions. Besides, I'd hate to get a little fired up listening to their answers and cause one of them to soil themselves," the half-or chuckles to himself a he turns and looks to the east trying to get a better look at the other ships.
Astrianna chuckles at the half-orc. "These sailors were press-ganged into serving Dre, escaped through a series of strange and fortunate events, and Sorrin offered them work aboard our vessel. It's a good story, you should ask Chell or Sorrin about it some time. But very well, I will ask them."
Later, when she's off duty, she will attempt to find one or more of the sailors to question.
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Ptahh looks out over the sea towards the ships and sighs loudly. Then turns his gaze toward the crow's nest. "Thought it would come to this... I don't particularly like heights... Might be smart not to stand below me..."
He walks off the pop deck and proceeds to climb up to the lookout. "Hoy! Coming up! Best not to give me a reason to want to be alone up here."
The crowsnest will hold two mediums sized people. Since the ship is not in any particular danger and you're in no rush to get to the top, I assume you'll take 10 to work your way to the top. You'll get there easy enough (your +9 climb check helps).
Ptahh can scan the horizon.
It had been three years since Ptahh had climbed up into a crow's nest. The last time was at the instance of Captain Haemlin. After Ptahh vomited all over the deck below, it was a decided by the crew that he shouldn't climb up there again.
You can do this... easy peasy... There you made it! That wasn't so bad. Wow, look at the clouds... Ptahh, stay focused...
Sorrin watches as the larger man climbs carefully up.
Now, I'm jealous! He grins broadly.
The half-orc feels like he just got out of bath, drenched in sweat from his fearful climb. Slowly, but surely he weaved his way to the top. Exhaling deeply as the lookout extends a hand. "Aye, Sir the two ships are there and there." I points.
Your eyes travel to the sky and the descending sun. Only about two hours of sun remaining.
The dinner bell rings and the crew hurries about excitedly, there is a buzz in the air that a "real" cookie is assisting Cookie. There's a bit of pushing and shoving as the men get their plates and tankard ready for something, anything, better than the slop they've had since shoving off.
There are sobs of joy on the deck as light crumbling butter milk biscuits that flakes in the savory rich beef and vegetable stew, the meal is accompanied by slices of lemon tart pie that melts in the mouth. To the crew's surprise each tankard of ale is accompanied with a lemon wedge, which makes the drink pop with a delicious citrus flavor.
Ptahh slowly climbs back down from the crow's nest...
...feeling much more confident. Actually, this Crow's Nest is kind of interesting. Kind of feels like flying.
"Well, we're running parallel to the Rabid Weasel. No doubt in my mind that is her. She doesn't look like she is being aggressive with the other ship, so it makes me wonder if they are sailing together. I don't think I've ever seen the other ship. If they are together and they turn on us, we could get flanked and would be in a world of hurt. When the sun goes down, we'll lose sight of them. We need to think tactically what they may do, and counter it.
My first thought is to keep running parallel for now... may be drift a little west widening the gap between us. Then, when the sun is completely set, turn hard to starboard, cutting 90 degrees east and correct on their bearing and come up behind them. If they do nothing, we'll be behind them come morning, but their lead will have grown. If they turn to pursue us, they'll likely pass us to our port and may never see us. If they turn to run, they'll likely pass us to our starboard and may never see us. Chell, anyway that you can create some clouds tonight, I fear a clear sky with the stars shining bright may give away our position."
Astrianna is quite interested in Ptahh's report. "It is the Weasel!" She exclaims, grinning. "A shame they might be working with that other ship, or we could take them... I wonder if that caravel is also working with Dre? In any case, I approve of your plan, as long as our Navigator approves. If we end up behind them there is no way they could set on us without alerting them. I hope they don't think our little maneuver is an aggressive one."
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After their talk, the half-elf heads down to the mess for some food and to talk to the sailors. To her surprise, the baked goods are fabulous! The stew is rich and hearty! She indulges with pure delight, and when finished she finds Fiosa. "Shelyn has blessed you with the art of cooking, Fiosa. You have done more for morale in a few hours than any of us could in days. As far as I'm concerned you can stay on this ship for as long as you like."
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She spends her off time speaking to the sailors and marines, getting to know names and faces, and gathering information. She specifically questions the ex-crewmembers of Dre, to ask if they heard of any plans the notorious Captain may have had in the Northern Razor. "There are rumors that the Rabid Weasel, the damned bastards that took Jard, is working for the dread Captain Dre... But they are headed North, instead of to Carcass, where Dre operates. Do you have any idea what they could be up to? Have you heard of a gathering to take place?"
"Well, now that we know for sure that it is the Weasel, what to you think the odds are of them having a hold full of Fiosa's former shipmates? For all the wreckage we saw, we didn't seen enough bodies. I bet they kept some for slaves, especially if they are now working with a slaver."
"I would agree with you, Bri. However, if the two ships are together, there isn't much we can do about it... other than die valiantly."
Helmsman, can you navigate so that were lined up? A straight line, with us on one end? Thus removing any tactical advantage.
The Rabid Weasel. It seemed too good to be true and too good an opportunity. Who knows when they would see the ship again. And they left just before the Baron so their discipline was probably on par with theirs. The crew would gain a significant boost in moral and experience as well.
But anything could happen in a fight. And it might be two on one. Bad odds. Their ship could be crippled and they had already lost time. But the other ship might be the Weasel's prey too. Maybe its best to let this play out?
"I can't give us cloud cover. I don't have that much experience yet. Fiosa, did they capture your crew or leave them to flounder in the storm?"
"If we get to within a little over 600 feet or so of the ship, I could try to center an ice storm right on their helm. Good luck steering a ship with that going on around you. Though it doesn't last very long, it should still be usefull."
Chell goes below deck to talk to the Fiosa and sees Astri talking with a couple sailors.
When asked about the treatment of her crew Fiosa will tell you. [b]"Hid in barrel, lots of screaming."