Astrianna's thin eyebrows nearly shoot up into the stratosphere when Chell says that massive shark is the chosen one of Dajobas and the source of the weresharks. "Are you serious?" She says in a hushed voice. "Well Captain Ahab, we'll have to do our research if we want to kill that thing. Hopefully the healer here knows what to do."
She looks at the supply pit ahead. Ah, my kind of place. I hope I can sell this dragonsmoke I've been holding on to. And those gold teeth. They've been floating around in my haversack for too long.
Astrianna chuckles at Donovan. "I don't have anything strong enough for a nip, but you should take a ration of rum in the mess with the crew when we're settled in. I'll tell Fiosa to keep an eye on you."
Astrianna offers forgiveness to the priest and other crew that surrendered in exchange for cooperation and information. They can go free at Sharkjaw with the shirts on their backs; since they chose to surrender they can keep their lives.
Astri and Chell would learn the following form the crew you have on board, along with Rex.
Capt Flynn mutinied and killed the previous Captain about a week ago. This came after Capt Flynn had a chance encounter with Capt Dre in another cargo pit roughly three weeks ago. Capt Flynn, Lars, and Ja, the navigator, were the ring leaders. They talked about joining Capt Dre fleet and running the Dragon Smoke and the new Dreamfog drugs.
Third Mate, Rex would add: "Capt. Dre is lookin' to take control of Dreamfog trade from Butcher Jill, something 'bout adding a kick to the dragonsmoke mixture. Not a user meself, don't know much 'bout the stuff." He spits on the deck. "The gagged priest, Vern Fain, uses...and seems like he has the shakes now. Must be comin' off the high."
The priest's demeanor has changed significantly since his capture and over the last hour and half. He has turned ashen and is beading with sweat, his eyes show fear, rage, and confusion. It looks like he's wasted away since he's come aboard. The priest himself is gagged, if you recall.
Rex will tell you, "I don't think gunnery mate, Norb, actually follow'd through wit the command,...it was suppose t'be a planned bluff, in case things ev'r went bad."He pauses for a long time, "I didn't think it was wise t'attack this close to Sharkjaw...it's against the rules. Bad mojo gets those ships, captains and officers banned from the port and sister cargo pits, when word travels." He nods approvingly at the offer to go free.
She laughs when Rex mentions not following through with killing the prisoners. "I think you bluffed the wrong people.." She thumbs towards Chell. "I've never seen such rage from our priestess when she heard those screams. If those prisoners are still alive Sorrin will probably let Norb and his crew live."
She asks a few questions about Dre. "What do you know about Dre's ship? Seems a beast. Any other pirates working with him right now? You know what his next move is against the Butcher Jill?"
Exhaling slowly, she shrugs. "You don't seem so bad, Rex. Shame you got mixed up with Flynn and the rest. We'll be letting you and your crew go regardless of course, but if you're interested in a privateering job on board the Baron I'll discuss the matter with my colleagues. Hate for you to get press-ganged by Dre when he comes into Sharkjaw."
Astrianna inspects the priest's holy symbol to determine his deity.
"Kept him gagged so he couldn't get invoke any prayers... You can never be too careful with spellcasters. It looks like it was a good thing or he'd be freaking out and yelling right now. Coming down on the hard narcs is... not pleasant."
He shrugs when the comment of following the wrong crowd, "Me granpappy use to say two kinds of luck Rex: those that always drop the milk wit the lid on and those that always drop it wit the lid off. I always been a ld off kinda guy."
He rubs his chin on his shoulder since his hands are bound. "Promise of easy money is a great demon." He ponders the question about Capt Dre, "He's got a brigantine, but he's put some coin into it, catapult and ballista, fast sails you know. Fierce crew...ruthless, never met 'im meself, but sea stories tell of deeds. Like the time, he swam and boarded the Virgin Mermaid and slit the Captain, navigator and surgeon's throat for fun. Course she surrendered her treasure." He lets that sink in for a moment. "Don't know 'bout Butcher Jill just that Capt Dre and some gnoll was involved in. They talk'd about 'im having other follow'rs since he's a pirate lord but they didn't much talk 'bout that to me." His eyes widen a bit at the potential job offer. "Don't know...whatcha paying."
Besmara is the holy symbol.
The half-orc walks over and kneels beside the cargo hatch leading below deck, "I know you can hear me... and I know you can see that we're anchored at Sharkjaw. My dispute was with Flynn and now he's paid his price in blood. Norb has a debt to pay as well for following Flynn's order to kill all those innocent people. Open up, hand over Norb and I will allow you to leave this ship today with your life in your hands... or you can keep this hatch closed and I will becoming through it with my sword in sixty seconds to kill any pirate I see below deck. The choice is yours. One, two, three..."
Ptahh begins to count as he stands up and draws his falchion from its scabbard. Can't be fighting when that skiff gets here... I hope these pirates are as disloyal to Norb as they were to Captain Haemlin.
Bri sighs. I'd rather turn everyone over to some proper authorities, but that is unlikely to happen here. I suppose the best we can do is get those in charge and punish them ourselves.
"You people had best make up your minds. Without any hostages left down there with you, I have no problem at all about casting another of those stinking clouds down there with you. With no where to get away from it, it will likely be quite horrible."
Ptahh, anyone thinks to get by you... An arrow through the eye for their troubles.
Living prisoners would take the edge off, but once a gutless lackey always a gutless lackey, I hear.
You gotta Jenkie down there? That could help your cause...
...assuming, he's alive.
There are muffled murmuring sounds coming from below deck, when one voice answers above all others, his voice has a singsong quality to it. Ptahh you do recognize it belonging to that mate, Norb. He was a recent addition to the crew, so you don't know him well although you never had a run in with him. "You say a blood debt is owed...what great crime did I commit?" He listens to the female voice, "Aye that be terrible, but I'm sure Ptahh's mentioned there's a deck below and well...alchemy fire is so dangerous on wooden ships." his voice is smooth as silk, many similarities to Astri's tongue. "What will it take for all of us to be set free from this hold, no sentence on our head, and no fear of future retribution from you?
Forty-five seconds!
Your Mates are still alive, on the Baron!
On Weasel:
"Smell that?"
It smells like smoke.
"See I can appreciate a good count down but rational people talk. Oh, by the way, fire in the harbor is not a good welcoming. But I digress, I'm simply asking what will it take for everyone...myself included, to walk away from this alive and on cordial terms? I've a responsibility to my men and the passengers. Are you men, who honor a deal."
On the Weasel:
"But this ship is a prize that will fetch a pretty platinum, money to pay shares, money your crew expects to drink an whore with. You've got squat off the top deck the good stuff is down here, of course, if we give up our passengers we'd expect to keep our personal gear, but there is plenty of plunder down here." He pauses and sighs. "Ptahh will tell you, sometimes the crew and officers don't make the decisions. We follow orders...if you've ever been on ship you'd know that missy. But I did not follow the Captain's last order...yet."
I could give a rat's arse about the ship, but this idiot is threatening prisoners...
Break it in, Ptahh. Time's up. Sorrin nods, draws a scimitar.
On the Baron:
When you arrive in the harbor you can see the Rabid Weasel has dropped anchor and there is long boat approaching it. There is second ship that dropped anchor and several of the crew are pointing towards the Weasel.
"Drop sail!" The captain yells as you drift towards the open dock slip. There is several armed men on the dock, others appear to be gathering, taking orders from commanders. Shyte this isn't going to be good.
"Shame, so be it.'
"Hold up Soren. You in there, let your hostages speak so that we know you are not just bluffing. Let us first verify that they are indeed still alive before we discuss any terms."
Weasel:
A few moments later a voice calls up..."Hullo, I'm Veni I was seaman on the Mist of the Sea, he's telling the truth he didn't kill us...but they've nothing to live for. They've rigged this whole ship."
Your crew and the those of the Weasel's pace around nervously as threats of annihilation are given."Sirs...launch approaching." There is long pause. One of the Weasel's crew pipes up, "Sirs you may want t'kill 'em...kill us, but those men in that boat will know something's up...you'd be blacklisted in this port and soon others as word spread." He swallows hard. "Bad 'nough Capt ordered an attack near the coast...that's wrong and illegal, but to kill 'ere is death sentence to all on both boats. Won't be tolerated cuz it goes against the principles of a cargo pit. I'll soon 'nough git the Kiss from that shark back there, least I live."
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Astrianna chuckles when she sees the Jolly Roger Holy Symbol. "A priest of Besmara? You're a rare one. I can certainly relate to the teachings of the Pirate Queen, but Quell has shown us far too many blessings to ignore. I should end you- Dre will certainly pick you up, seeing how he has What You Need. But you surrendered, and even pirates need some guidelines on the sea, eh? We'll toss you out to roam Sharkjaw for a hit soon enough." A mean streak in her brain makes her grin momentarily as she considers terrifying the man with some illusions- the priest is probably already seeing plenty in his crazed state. However, she figures Chell wouldn't appreciate it and returns her attention to Rex.
Placing her hands on her hips, she paces the deck. "Sorrin and Ptahh like to be in the thick of it when we get into a scrap- they want to be on the enemy vessel, reaping the harvest." She makes a motion with her hands that imitates a scythe cutting wheat. "We could use a repelling mate which will free them to cross the boards, or if you've got experience on the ballista, a Gunnery mate so they don't have to be below deck. Your pay will be getting your belongings back, a mate's share of any of our next plunders, and an officer's salary. If you trust any of these crew with you, they can join our marines as well, as part of your squad." My, I'm so generous. Astrianna the Fair? The Fair Songbird? I should think of a new moniker.
She briefly inspects her nails while letting the offer sink in, the beautiful paint job she received at Molly's is disappointingly melted and warped from the lightning bolt she took. Astrianna clicks her tongue at the manicure disaster. "Of course, I will have to clear this with my group, but we like to pick up talent. Think about it." The half-elf chuckles, briefly considering asking if he knows how to bake. Then it hits her. The Songbird of Fairness!
Astrianna sniffs as she sees the armed men gathering on the dock, and cooly walks over to the edge of the ship as they pull into the slip. "Ahoy, Sharkjaw! Baron of the Tides, looking for a safe harbor. What do we owe this flattering welcome party?" She says coyly, leaning over the edge.
Riding high on their incredible victory she briefly imagines showing them what happened to Flynn, the real perpetrator of all this, by tossing his head into the harbor. The theatrics nearly make her giggle, but she knows that this is no play and she needs to smooth over this entire incident, not put on a show.
Wanting to deal with the quick, Bri speaks up. "Since you didn't kill the hostages like we thought you did, you may have a redeeming quality or two left. You may unlock the door when you are ready and go fetch your personal gear and take turns taking the boat to the port. I would like you to agree to tell the truth that it was your Captain that set upon us this close to port in case anyone asks."
"Anything else to discuss?"
On the Weasel:
Norb responds, "Now that sounds reasonable, but are you the Captain? Can you make the deal and I certainly need to hear it from Ptahh and the other terrifying officer." He stops, "I'm sure there are thoughts of killing me, but remember who disobeyed the Captain's order and all these mouths will talk if you do. Reputations, good or bad, will be made."
That's Captain, to you... Sorrin ibn Sabbah. The Weasel is under my command. I'm fair and reasonable. To a point. You're plan, your leverage is the ship. Let the people go. Good will, it gets you your life. There's that.
But. You're not the only one willing to die. So that tact won't fly. Release the... passengers.
First Mate, Ptahh. Sheathe your blade, as I will mine.
I'd offer you a job, if your story pans out.
"Captain Sorrin ibn Sabbah,' the gunnery mate repeats slowly enunciating each syllable, "I'm gunnery mate, Norb H'belk, and would seek permission to surrender my ballista and evacuate the passengers and my team from these stuffy quarters, provided Ptahh agrees." As cooler heads begin to calm the emotion of the moment.
On the Baron:
"That's a might fine off'r, and I'd like to accept. Know my way around a deck, and I'd b'a fool not to accept it, so I'll consider it. Norb be good with siege weapons, if he still lives and a few of the trustier souls can be found."
Ptahh had been nothing but reasonable and even tempered. Flynn's end was punishment. Ptahh's issue with you and the men under your command below deck was in the killing of the prisoners.
I'm sure, if he sees them alive there will be satisfaction for him, an easing of tension and redemption for you, at least in my eyes. It starts with the release of the prisoners. I urge you to make haste.
"Aye, if I see ALL of them alive, we have a deal. And your life will be spared."
The bolt slides open at the hatch, this is followed closely by the hold lock being released. Both access points are opened. "Everyone is coming out...'preciate it if you'd clear a little room for us."
Make way, weapons down... Get blankets, water.
Sorrin is the first to offer the captives a hand up and out of the lower deck.
Besmara? Course it is. Pirate god that plunders the the divine. Chell stays quite busy trying to keep people alive, or at least those that will take to her ministrations, without the help of other healers. The cleric certainly wasn't in any condition to help. In fact, he should probably be one of her patients considering the withdrawal he was going through. His poor decisions and attacks on her friends...colleagues...was warring with her gentle nature. She wanted to help but she rationalized that he just needed to wait it out. Bound and gagged would prevent him from hurting himself. So that is how he stayed. When Astrianna brings forth a summary of what the other mate said she has conditions.
"Flynn was the only one I was really concerned about but that one has been laid to rest. Very literally," she said remembering the damage Ptahh did to him. "I am all for second chances and we need more men but its going to hurt morale. That and I'd like to check their sincerity. I have a spell so they can only say the truth. With Embri's and Ptahh's help we could probably make sure it works. THen we can be sure of their involvement or lack their of."
You remind me of someone Norb, someone mercurial. I'm sure you're a man of many talents, perhaps some training in the arts. I can appreciate that, though I have none myself.
He pauses.
Such a boring world if we were all the same. So, to be plain... You can vanish into thin air, run, fly or even swim away. And you could have affected the earlier screaming, the voice of Veni or perhaps the smell of smoke. These possibilities are not lost on me, on us.
But, I'm doing my best to take you on your word. Relationships based on lies just aren't healthy, and never work. I have plans, Norb. They include some thinking, a lot of doing. It's going to be hard work. But, I hear it pays well if you can follow the rules. Care for the crew, defend the ship... give up a life of crime.
Privateering, profiteering, yes... Slavery, drugs, theft and murder, no...
Keep in mind, we didn't come for Flynn. He came for us... Back at Port Shaw, he sent assassins. We lost one of our own, family. But, they were put down. On the open sea, he would throw thr lives of his crew away to come at us. He'll have eternity to reconsider. We take care of our own.
If we don't sell this ship, first order of business is changing its name. Mongoose, ferret, even... but, Weasel?
Norb to Sorrin and others:
"Yeah, not the best name for a ship, I'll concede that point." He smirks. "I've done much not to be proud of, but not killing those passengers does not fall in that category." The half-elf pulls out two cigars and hands one over to Sorrin while he takes the other one for himself. He clicks his fingers together and spark appears and he lights tobacco. "It's a parlor trick, flame and smoke, but it can be useful." He has an elven curved blade at his side and he has a simple light blue tunic covering a chain shirt.
"We will likely be selling the Weasel. We need to concentrate on repairing and crewing up one ship at a time. I don't know that we have the time or resources to spend on both of them right now."
Norb to Sorrin and others:
"Yeah, not the best name for a ship, I'll concede that point."
The launch pulls up closer to the Rabid Weasel and a balding short man goes in a triad, "How dare you bring battle within our navigational waters! You lousy louse. You should be banned...where is the CAPTAIN of the ship!"
Embrianna, you're probably right. But, let's keep an open mind. Norb, I can offer a temporary position, until we sort things out with the other two and the rest of our team.
Turning to the liberated.
Alright, who among you can be useful in a ship... This or another? Unless you want to be left here, Sharkjaw. It's a cargo pit, everything traded... Product, people and principle.
On the dock:
"Who is the Captain of this vessel?" There is long pause. "You are aware that it is against the rules to engage in combat in a cargo pit's navigational waters! Not only did you engage another ship, you brought the black near our shores forcing other 'legal' vessels to retreat back into our harbor, disrupting trade." The dockmaster shouts. It is clear his anger is deep. "Tell me, no convince me, why I should not ban this vessel from this port.... FOREVER!"
"I'm Captain Donovan and this here is Astrianna Sparacello, I'm sure she has an explanation that will make you blush." He chuckles to himself. "Now it's showtime."
Rabid Weasel
Sorrin ibn Sabbah, sir. We bring no battle, for the very reason that we do not wish to... be banned.
Dre was aggressive, you can take it up with him. Now as to fees... Welcome aboard if you wish.
By harassing us, even as we ever so clearly made our way to Sharkjaw... I was aghast. Desecrating the sanctity of this place.
Astrianna looks over to Captain Donovan and gives her thanks when he passes over the negotiation to her. She chuckles when he mentions it's showtime... F$@~ it. They're going to remember this one.
She pulls a trustworthy veteran aside and tells him to go take Flynn's head off his body, and bring it to her. "You're the first one for shore leave if you bring me Flynn's head."
Turning her attention to the men assorted at the deck, she nonchalantly leans over the railing and begins her account of the events. "Yesterday we came upon a broken ship, its sailors captured to be sold into slavery and the ship left for dead in the oncoming storm by the Rabid Weasel. The only survivor gave us the brutal recount themselves. After weathering the storm ourselves as we made our way to Sharkjaw, at approximately 6 bells this morning the sun crested over the Pearl Eye Atolls, and we saw Sharkjaw in the distance some 4 miles out... And there was the Weasel, bearing down on us, ready to make us their next mark under no provocation of our own. They must have heard our loosening coin purses, intended for your port."
At this point she had stalled enough that the veteran would be back with Flynn's head. She takes it and keeps it under the railing, out of sight for dramatic effect. "Their sorcerers blasted us with lightning and they opened fire with their ballista, but were not going to cow us. We crossed the boards, traded blows and blood, but in the end, we were victorious. Meanwhile Captain Dre saw an opportunity to pick our bones and raised the Black against us... But he was too slow." Astrianna points to the Weasel with her free hand. "The Weasel belongs to us now and is crewed by our men. We have multiple witnesses, surrendered crew from the Weasel, including officers, that are willing to back up our story. We were not the aggressors in this matter and they will repeat my story to you. Now, you may ask, what happened to Flynn the Mouse, the true perpetrator in this affair?"
Astrianna holds up Flynn's hour-dead head, a few bits of ichor dripping off his bloody neck stump. The bard dangles the proof over side of the ship. "His transgressions have been thoroughly punished." She lets go of Flynn's greasy hair, and it plummets into the sea with a plop. Her hand goes back to nonchalantly rest on the railing.
Rabid Weasel
Sorrin ibn Sabbah, sir. We bring no battle, for the very reason that we do not wish to... be banned.
Dre was aggressive, you can take it up with him. Now as to fees... Welcome aboard if you wish.
By harassing us, even as we ever so clearly made our way to Sharkjaw... I was aghast. Desecrating the sanctity of this place.
"Sir, the Captain of this ship at the time of its attack upon us is currently dead. I think his body is over on our ship. This vessel attacked us sir, under its former Captain's orders and we were just defending ourselves. As to why we brought this ship to port rather than just continueing to sail away on our own vessel. You see, during the battle we found out that there were survivors of the last ship attacked being held aboard and we wanted to see them safely back land after their traumatic experience at sea."