"Yep, no prob with the pirates Astri. The good news is that they didn't even kill the hostages like they was ordered to. Soren's still on board the Weasel now, seeing if anyone is interested in joining up with us."
I can head on back over now and let them head out on leave in shifts then. Can't be having them all go at once."
Unless anyone has anything to add, Bri will make her way back the Weasel and start organizing shore leave in shifts.
Astrianna nods to Bri about the hostages. "Ah good, I was speaking to Rex, the boarding mate, and he said he would be surprised if Norb went through the order. I'm glad he didn't. I offered Rex a job on the ship as well, he seems like a trustworthy fellow that just got mixed up with Flynn. Hopefully we don't end up with too many takers or the hold is going to turn into a village."
She nods at bri organizing leave before glancing over at the priest Chell is looking at. She leans in close to Bri. "Something is funny with the priest.. seems like he spontaneously died in the hold in the past hour, died of something I've never seen before. We need to keep this hushed... if anyone asks, Ptahh hit him too hard in the stomach and he died of internal injuries."
Before the harbormaster leaves-
Astrianna has one last question. "Not interested in slaves, but who's in charge of trading 'smoke around here?"
She is much more receptive to the offer to sell. "There's a good chance we'll sell the Weasel, you'll see us soon most likely." It's quite amazing how the attitude of the Master Scuttler has changed, she's glad she was able to calm him down despite the loss of some gold.
He raises an eyebrow, "You might find yerself goin' to the Dragon’s Den for that." Pretty face, privileged probably uses. He nods at the mention of seeing him later.
Sorrin when the offer to leave the ship is raised there are quite a few willing to disembark, including a couple of your own men. "We'll take our pay for the loot, and find a ship back ourselves." Two of your original crew rock back and forth, "Not reasonable to stay and fight Capt Dre...the Chaplain was scary...Sir."Not looking to fight Dre or anyone else... He's famous, infamous. I can respect that.
But, he chooses to come after any ship of mine and he can kiss my Qadiran arse. I'll make him legend.
Sorrin looks a little disappointed that original crew are considering abandoning ship. It's obvious he's taking it to heart.
She seemed... zealous. I'm sure she was concerned for everyone's well being, including the recently liberated passengers.
I'll talk to The Chaplain. She might need to hear it directly from you though. If any one or group of you wish to speak to her, I'll be there with you. If you want me to speak to her on your behalf, I can do that too.
Sorrin considers. A leader, an officer has just as much duty their team or crew as crew has to officer, if not more so.
I can't promise absolute safety... or guarantee her or any other officer's behavior. I was not Captain of the Baron. But, I can promise to counsel, guide and speak to the crew's concerns. Do my part to make it better. Never hesitate in voicing your concerns.
Sorrin's speech placates a few, "Arrrr, Arrrr...a voice." There are others that are bent of departing. Meanwhile the gunnery mate listens to Sorrin as he contemplates his course.
"It's good to hear the prisoners are all right," Chell comments as Bri joins them. "As for him," and she points tot he priest, "I am not sure what happened or how he was even casting at us. Cause of death wasn't suffocation and he ground his teeth so hard they are cracked and worn. I have never seen this before. Didn't someone on that ship say Flynn or someone was messing with the Dragonsmoke and trying to make it better? More addictive?"
Astrianna puts her hand to her chin and thinks for a moment. "I don't know of any narcotic that could do this either, but the Razor continues to surprise me with exotic drugs. Rex said Captain Dre is looking to take control of the Dreamfog trade from Butcher Jill and spicing it up. I assume Dreamfog is some kind of dragonsmoke-brainfog mixture that Dre has decided isn't potent enough. Who knows what he's doing to it though, alchemists get all kinds of crazy ideas with drugs that most of time just end up killing people outright."
Bri has her discussion with those on the Baron and observes the dead the dead priest, satisfied that there is little left to do on hte Baron she heads on back to the Rabid Weasel
Embrianna, how many days in port? What's their plan, we splitting up... How do we secure the ships?
Anyone parting ways, needs to see Astrianna over on The Baron. Anyone requesting shore leave, you can go... Taking turns, eight hour shifts, everyone sleeps on the ship.
Sorrin paces.
Consider this a hostile, if not enemy port. Speaks as little add possible about crew, ships and escapades. If you just feel like getting drunk, we can provision some barrels, casks, bottles. We need food and water.
This is a den of iniquity, rife with slavers, drug dealers, thieves and cutthroats. Your shore leave may be more dangerous than our time at sea.
Sorrin seems concerned.
"Soren, those on the Baron said leave for today at least should be okay. Damage to the Baron is still be assessed so we don't know for sure how long we will be in port, though we'd like to get moving as soon as we can of course."
"Aye, Aye...and Arrrrrr." the roar comes from the men set to go on shore leave. Sorrin looks nervously at his flock. Be careful. as the jolly launches to go to the docks.
The Weasel's gunnery mate, Norb, approaches Bri and Sorrin before the next launch, "When you leaving port? I'll have my answer to you after I have a few tankards and talk to boarding mate, Rex, and the priest." He looks up at the rigging then continues, "You selling her?" Referring to the Weasel.
Bri, Sorrin, and Ptahh you know the Rabid Weasel and the Baron are similar length but the Weasel is larger with an extra usable deck. The Baron is lighter and more maneuverable (+1 rating), slightly faster (+2 dex) if you get her completely rigged, and better wood quality (darkwood). The Baron has a true crowsnest, the Weasel's is more of platform that was gerryrigged. The Weasel has 3 more light catapults and more useable space and cabins.
Capt Donovan gathers Chell and Astri to officer quarters. "Men will talk about what happened out there today, the growing reputation which can be a boon or it can be doom. The thing that concerns me is the dead priest, someone will talk about him." He stuffs his pipe and lights it, taking a puff. "I wouldn't dottle here, find who we came for, try to sell the ship and it's cargo, and lets be off...sooner rather than later." He looks down at the charts and his log, "the full moon's approaching and we don't have time to spare." He states starkly.
Bri responds to Norb. "Likely not until morning at the earliest. Perhaps later than that if repairs take a while. It looks like we will be selling the Weasel. We'll just to find a buyer willing to give a decent price. We just can't crew two ships right now."
The are notions of scarcity and abundance. People speak and operate under those precepts.
They will keep repeating themselves, reinforcing a fallacy. There was no point arguing, in their minds the battle was already lost.
Sorrin remained silent.
Astrianna sighs and nods at Donovan. "His death is strange... I agree we should get out of here as quickly as possible before we start finding questions at our gangplank."
She turns to the others. "We should sell the Weasel and her cargo off immediately so we don't have to worry about taking care of it. The harbormaster was interested in buying... he's going to be a tough sell but I can probably get him to buy it for a decent price considering the damage. He might buy the cargo as well." Then we should find this healer and pray to Whale he knows what we can do about all this."
Norb, offer stands whether we keep the ship or not. Or do you want to buy her? If you don't use her for slaving, drugs, theiving or murder, I can buy part interest and help you with up front costs.
Carve your own destiny. You seem a decent man, make a good captain if you stay cool and lead with your heart. If I can help in any way, let me know.
Sorrin clasps hands with Gunnery Mate Norb. His smile comes easy, as all genuine ones do.
Norb chuckles, "Want and ability are two different beasts. I have neither the capital nor the ability to Captain her. I'm a simple gunnery mate." He raises his chin at the offer to help with the up front costs. "Appreciate it though." He rubs his chin and exhales. "If you sell her, think about taking that pump and get a ballista and mount for your foredeck. Maybe the crew that's onboard can dismantle those items and move them to the Baron"
Self aware and offering sound advice. You're gonna break my heart if you don't accept the job. Thanks.
Sorrin turns to bark orders. Best keep them busy.
All hands, figure how to remove that pump and the swiveling ballista, without damage.
Talking to the captain: "It seems like some complication with the Brainfog. We could tell them that. It would keep our own away from it." That will be what she tells people when they ask anyway. "So who is going to the Broke Orc? That is where the harbormaster's assistant said our healer might be."
Astrianna is busy chipping off busted nail paint with a file as she speaks. "Fair enough, tell them all it was the Brainfog that did the priest in. As for what we do, depends on what we want to accomplish first. The harbormaster clearly wants the Weasel, so we can sell it now or after we go to the Broke Orc. I also have some shopping to do, and we have a lot of plunder to sell. It may be best to see if our healer is at the Tavern first, then we can check later again if they're not."
When that launch gets back, I want all extra supplies and equipment transfered to The Baron. Sail cloth, spar, ropes, weapons...
If we decide to keep her, we can bring them back. Start staging for transfer.
Those staying on board Weasel will begin to transfer supplies and items over to the Baron. Norb takes the time to leave on the next launch he will be meeting up with Rex in town, thanking Quell for their good fortune and to mull over the job offers.
Captain Donovan stays aboard the Baron to oversee it's crew and the transfers of goods and to inspect the "new recruits and organize anyone wanting passage."
Unless he hears from the others that he should leave The Rabid Weasel or gets the strong impression it's safe to do so, Sorrin stays aboard. Securing the asset and protecting crew, a precious asset themselves against attack.
Unless he hears from the others that he should leave The Rabid Weasel or gets the strong impression it's safe to do so, Sorrin stays aboard. Securing the asset and protecting crew, a precious asset themselves against attack.
If Sorrin is fine with staying on board and in charge for now, Bri will ask if there is anything else he can think of to try to buy here for the Baron and then she will try to catch Astri on the Baron or in the town. She really wants to make sure the Baron has two complete sets of sails, including for the mast we haven't been having a sail on.
There was one extra sail cloth in the Weasel's hold which can be used for your rigging that was missing. If you start to strip sails from the Weasel's set-up it will effect what you can sell the ship for. the buyer will want a ship with sails.
Bri finds Astri and Chell as they are departing the Baron and heading into town.
The two mates from the Weasel (Rex and Norb) get together on the docks and chat by the jolly. They help Captain Donovan drop the Baron's longboat into the water, then they go up to have a few quick words with the Captain. He motions towards Sorrin. The two men nod then get in the longboat and row back to the Weasel. "Captain thought you'd need another longboat to help with the transfer. Besides, I figured no need having anyone screw up my ballista, they can be temperamental." Norb smiles. 'You said something about supplying us the rum?"
Ptahh turns to Sorrin. "Sounds like the ladies are heading into town. I do not like the look of this place... smells of theives and slavers. I'm going to join them and make sure no one seeks to harm them.
Ptahh boards one of the jollys headed to take the crew to the docks. Finding Chell, Astrianna and Brianna, "Thought I'd join you in town... to keep an eye on your back.
Sorrin offers a hand as Norb and Rex board. He clasps forearms with Ptahh. Sorry I can't be with you. Take care of yourself and them. Keep them grounded.
Oh. And have The Baron send over some rum.
Turning back to Norb And Rex, Welcome aboard. Hadn't expected to see you so soon... Any help is appreciated. Food, rum will be provided.
I won't take this as accepting an offer of employment. We can talk or not, up to you.
Astrianna heads for the Broke Orc with Chell and Embrianna. She nods to Ptahh joining the group. "We're grateful for the eyes, and the strong arm." He's very good for carrying things.
On the way to the tavern Astrianna keeps an eye out for the Dragon's Den, so she can visit it later.
"We will have to get some of the goods delivered to the ship though. That many sails would be too heavy for us all to carry. Perhaps a crate or two of some fresh fruit. Also, did anyone ask that Fiosa if she is going to stay on with us as a cook for a while?"
"Well she can't get off here. She is stuck until we get to the next port at least."
"Well she sure isn't going to get off here. Apparently halflings get a special rate at the slave market, so I've been told, so she'd probably get snatched if she left the ship. As for supplies we'll get them when we sell off our booty."
The cargo pit smells of smoke and too many citizens crammed into too small a space—with not enough bath-houses. The gloom of smoky haze makes gives everything a eery glow, while the air has a heavy tar taste to it. There’s the constant soft whispering of voices in the distance, sometimes punctuated by a drunken laugh or broken sob. The brightest lights are on the docks themselves where lookouts watch over ships in port, and in the taverns near the docks where those lookouts lose their money as soon as they’re off duty. A particularly nasty pub sits tucked away in a narrow alley, guarded by three burly half-orcs. A broken tusk hangs over the doorway...
Astrianna nonchalantly walks through the streets, glancing this way and that. Reminds me of the Cassomir slums. Maybe a bit more smoke.
She looks at the broken tusk above the tavern door and the burly half-orcs, and decides this must be the place. Chell said we're looking for an elf? ...here?
The half-elf shows the guards no fear as they stroll up. "This the Broke Orc?" It's more of a rhetorical question, it's clear they're interested in entering.
One points to the broken tusk and grunts in broken common to girl's question, "Smart." He grins with both of yellow stained tusk. The three half-orcs puff their chests a bit when they notice Ptahh, the hilts of their falchions look well used. He steps away from the door to let the group enter.
Rex and Norb listen to Sorrin yell his orders and provide some instruction on the offloading of cargo. They seem to approve they grab two of their former crew and two others to give them a hand with the ballista. Some tools are brought over as directed and they get to work dismantling the foredeck ballista. They rub off some of the smoky char from Bri's fireball. They makes sure all the bolts are gathered from each deck. An hour later the siege weapon is dismantled, 30-minutes later the damaged components are repaired, then it takes another hour to get it safely over to the Baron. They stop after each task and indulge in a bit of rum. They chat with Sorrin as he comes by, explaining each aspect of what they are doing.
Sorrin is grateful for the instruction to the crew and the periodic interaction. Along with the work, it all makes the time go faster.
I guess the priest decided to part ways?
More importantly, what's on the horizon for the two of you? Sure, you may or may not join the crew of The Baron... But, I speak of the future, dreams and destiny. Are you two from The Razor?
"Been on a ship most me life, no real home." Rex responds. "I'm think'n of stayin'...Mate, Astri, mentioned needing someone to help repel boarders. That you and Ptahh would be ideally be leading the charge across the planks." He shakes his head a the priest question. "Yeah, the priest parted ways."
Norb wipes the sweat from his forehead, "Corentyn in Cheliax, but been sailing most my life."
Sorrin claps Rex's shoulder lightly. Sure, leave us to do the hard work! Not surprising you got the idea from Astrianna. Sorrin grins widely.
Truth be told, I'd like to forget about the planks myself and just leap over!
Need to fashion a ramp of some sort, up to the railing. Just secure a board, really.
He seems to think on something... Qadira, myself if you hadn't guessed. Landed in Port Shaw, while back.
Where is the priest off to?
Rex looks a bit puzzled that Sorrin hasn't been told about the priest, but seeing that he was there when it occurred he leans in real quiet when the crew is away, "Died, dreamfog withdraw or something, but it happened real quick like. they have 'im in the hold."
Puffer-fish. That is what she liked to call men that did that, puff out to look more intimidating. She didn't say it to their face, that would be mean, but she did think they looked silly. Puffer-fish were adorable, not intimidating. Once inside she sticks close to the others while asking about for their elf. Or she assumed it was an elf. Zalen only gave her a name.
Astrianna chuckles at the guard's comment and moves inside with the group. She doesn't expect any trouble given Ptahh with them.
Entering the bar the bard doesn't inhale too deeply- she anticipates the smell of spilled bear, smoke, and vomit. Emerald eyes scan the dim room for elves.
Sorrin makes the sign of a horn or cresent in the air. I hadn't heard, apologies. Drugs... they seem to be the cause of many a problem.
It's bad news. So many ways to make a living, even gain wealth. Why choose to do so by destroying lives? Corrupting souls...
The Broken Orc is nearly full at this early afternoon hour, the air is thick with stale beer and whiskey, burnt meat, and a sickly sweet sauce. It's a loud pub, sailors drinking and telling tall-tales and sellswords bragging of their deeds. The group wedges themselves up to the bar, "Whatcha drink'n." The snout nosed one tusked bartender growls. He taps the scarred wooded bar with his thick finger a clear indication he needs to see coin for service.
"Anything that doesn't taste like this place smells," she thinks. "Do you have wine?" she asks. "I have the coin. I am also looking for someone, a healer I believe, by the name of Alyi'ensi Windborn."
Astri you do see someone who looks vaguely familiar, like someone you've seen in passing but can't put the face and location together, he is talking to another man in a dark corner booth.