Baldwin the Merciful's: Razor Coast (Inactive)

Game Master baldwin the merciful

"Talk to the first mate he is a native from the Razor Coast. Ply him with some quality rum, he tells a good story."

"Sir, when my duties are not with the operation of the ship, I would be glad to run drills with the men. Although I am most proficient with my glaive, I am proficient with many weapons. Perhaps Adriel could train them in swordplay, while I train them in mastering polearms. This way, they can keep foes at bay and when the enemy closes, fall back to short blades. I will train them however you request, though."

"I'm gonna name you in my Will...son." he laughs again.

I guess I don't understand completely. Thrune is the house that came out on top with the civil war, and after a search I see that General Vourne is the Imperial naval commander of Gemcrown Bay. The captain is saying those two authorities know some people don't want to be around while the rebel fighting it going on, and one of those people is on the ship? I don't see how it all connects.

Astrianna grins and follows his laugh with own as he finishes speaking. "Aye, Captain, I'd scrub those tubers until they shined so bright we could signal a ship with them." She gingerly takes the pipe, smiling. "I aim not to get in that situation." The half-elf takes a drag on the pipe, resisting the urge to cough as the sweet, acidic smoke burns her nose and attempts to ruin her composure in front of the captain.

Blowing the smoke out of her mouth, she sighs happily and hands the pipe back to the captain. "I don't smoke often- hard on the throat, but that was damn good. I doubt this is the first or last time, Captain, but you have greatly pleased a lady tonight. I'm happy to join your crew."

David looks at the captain thoughtfully.

"Begging your pardon, sir; if you want me to serve as the ship's surgeon, I am agreeable to it, of course," he says, attempting to get to the heart of the details.

"However, you mentioned a cut of the ship's transport for anyone who you take on; what percentage is that, specifically?"

"Meanwhile, if I am to the ship's surgeon formally I would like permission to make sure that the area used for the medical facilities is properly cleaned and stocked, if possible."

"Finally, you suggested that such a position would be aligned to an officer's position; if that is correct, what would those duties include - specifically," he adds.

The COT happen after the civil war. There was another uprising that evolved a power struggle. There were multiple levels of power struggle. The Drovenge family is the most prominent family in Westcrown and one of the most prominenet families in Cheliax. Two grandkids overthrew the the grandfather who was the leader of the council of thieves. That caused a splinter in the city politics. The grandkids were siblings: one human: Chammedy, one a tiefling a son (Eccardian) of the archdevil Mammon. In my game, the grandson died at the hands of the PCs. There was a secondary story arc where the PCs were successful in getting some freedom to Westcrown. Some of the old guard fled the city before the cheliax navy arrived. That is were the Thrune navy comes in.

In essence, some of the people that were on the losing end of the most recent power struggle, (or those that were unsure how things were going to come out,) have fled. Thrune has an interest in those people...Cheliax and Thrune is fiercely pious to Asomodeaus...not Mammon.

"An officer gets to dine..."he thumbs to the room next door, your surgical suite, with me and the other officers. He puffs away, "Officers get an extra share of spoils." he laughs, "your the hacksaw...just don't kill 'em like the last on did, and you'll do fine...clean all you want."

He opens chest filled with coin and gems. "The crew's cut on this transport is 3000 gold...I take it that suits your needs." He states, "All the officers and crew agreed to an equal share. Course there is the ship's portion."

I put the Privateer code in under the Campaign Thread for reference.

From the math, you realize some passengers paid significant amount of coin to be on board. Much more than the rate you paid.

Adriel listens intently to the offer.
I am NOT a sailor captain. I am a Bladedancer and a sellsword. As long as their is drink, stars, tales, a moving horizon and enough chances to test my skill I am in.

In a rush. Post more later

He opens chest filled with coin and gems. "The crew's cut on this transport is 3000 gold...I take it that suits your needs." He states, "All the officers and crew agreed to an equal share. Course there is the ship's portion."

David leans back and considers the information regarding the “Privateer Code”.

He looks at it, specifically noting the captain’s offer of 3,000 GP for the officers.

”Very well; those terms are acceptable,” he says with a neutral voice, though his lip twists in a bit of distaste at the persistent use of keelhauling for punishment, knowing most men died of such a punishment in any case.

”Do you have any other information or requests for any of us?” he asks, curious to know what the others intend to do, or what the captain plans on offering them.

”If there is no further business to discuss, I suppose I should report to the quartermaster and provide a detailed list of my – arcane talents?” he adds after a moment.

”As for the statement regarding the gold pieces – is that something that would be collected from the quartermaster directly, or is it something that will be noted via credit to be collected when we reach port?”

After he offers the question, he continues quickly – planning on getting everything out and in the open.

”After I’m done with that I intend to move to the quarters below and finish cleaning them and store my gear there – unless you would prefer that I store it somewhere else?” he adds.

He glances at the others, curious to know what their plans are.

Ah, I wasn't aware there was another conflict after the civil war. Makes a lot more sense now, and makes the likelyhood that the identity of the person in the cabins is the grandchild that was not killed by your PCs. Thanks, I think I understand now!

Astrianna's eyes widen as the captain reveals the chest full of gems and gold. " Three thousand? I see you are not a man to employ hyperbole when you spoke of the pay being good..."

While she is loathe to follow a strict code, Astrianna knows the necessity of such rules on a ship. In any case, forms of the privateer's rules are probably her favorite sets of laws in the world, and Captain Longplank and shown himself to be fair.

Adriel listens intently to the offer.

I am NOT a sailor captain. I am a Bladedancer and a sellsword. As long as their is drink, stars, tales, a moving horizon and enough chances to test my skill I am in.

As David listens to the others, he notes Adriel's comments, but says nothing, his eyes flicking between the magus and the captain.

However, he keeps his mouth shut at this time, preferring not to stir up any trouble by offering his opinions on the matter.

To make this run the capt, officers and crew all agreed to an even split of 3,000gp apiece. Any sailor knows this is rare. This run was not the norm.

"Coin or gem for this one payable when we are on our way after dropping the passengers off at the next port." He pours a glass of water for himself. "In Port Shaw (Razor Coast) credit can be set for future endeavors, I suspect we won't be coming back to Cheliax for a while."

"We are dropping passengers, getting supplies and running, no shore time. 12 hour turn around and all hands," he looks at Astri specifically, "We all will be on deck pitching in or inspiring the work...I suspect Thrune's eyes will be on us by then." It's a stern and dire warning.

He nods to Adriel. "You may not be a sailor, and i certainly don't want you in my rigging, but I've watched you haul bolts, crates and line today, so I know you'll work till your special talents are needed." he drinks and then puffs his pipe. "I'll make a sailor out of you by the crossings end.

"'bout your quarters, Bri should have explained that quarters are tight for this leg of the journey. Once we make port and drop off the load, you'll get cabins. By the way, Sawbones surgery room is my normal office and officer's mess." He dismisses you, "Make sure to have your rum rations it's good 6 year aged dark goslings from shackles."

"'bout your quarters, Bri should have explained that quarters are tight for this leg of the journey. Once we make port and drop off the load, you'll get cabins. By the way, Sawbones surgery room is my normal office and officer's mess."

David nods.

"Of course, Miss Embrianna did explain that the quarters are indeed, tight. That said - where would you like me to bunk in the meantime?" he says politely and waits for an answer before being dismissed so he knows where he'll stow his quit formally...

He dismisses you, "Make sure to have your rum rations it's good 6 year aged dark goslings from shackles."

He nods briskly.

"Sounds like an excellent vintage, sir," he says with a friendly smile.

"toss your gear either in the officer's mess for the time being or across the deck under the foredeck. It's a large bunk area...sleep in shifts in the bunkroom or on the deck if the weather permits." he shrugs, "Plenty of room below when we unload. Crew doesn't mind the tightness when the pay is what it is on this run." He pours himself some rum sniffs it deeply like a fine wine. "Natures milk...the spices, the cane sugar, molasses...look at it clink to the goblet's side." He drinks and smacks his lips. "We'll make the Arch of Aroden in 2 days time, and port Carentyn shortly thereafter."

While slightly disappointed that they will not have the ability to spend their money at the next port, the pay is too good to complain. Sighing, the bard nods at the captain when he speaks of the 12 hour turn around. "Aye sir. When the time comes, I'm a good on the tender, especially at dusk or dawn, thanks to my father."

Darius beams at the sheer amount of coin presented. "Captain, for that kind of pay, I'd take a stab at whoever you say."

"Do you have polearms for me to train your crew with?" he asks. [b]"I doubt you have any large quantities of glaives, if any at all, but perhaps harpoons or spears?"

"toss your gear either in the officer's mess for the time being or across the deck under the foredeck. It's a large bunk area...sleep in shifts in the bunkroom or on the deck if the weather permits." he shrugs.

David shrugs.

"Very good, sir," he says.

He intends to store his kit in the officer's mess, as that's where the general acting "medical bay" currently is.

He watches the captain drink the rum.

"Natures milk...the spices, the cane sugar, molasses...look at it clink to the goblet's side."

He watches the captain drink it.

"If you were to mix rum with coconut milk, lime juice and effervescent water it is not as strong, but it is certainly a refreshing twist to it," he says casually as the gnome clearly enjoys his beverages.

A sudden thought occurs to him.

"Are we permitted to cook our own meals?" he asks curiously.

"I learned something of cooking when I was doing work with some Halfling resistance fighters; I enjoy it, actually," he says with a nod.

"Long sticks are hard in the close confines of ship. We do have a few harpoons and long spears though." he waves, "Either the first mate, Malta Todd, or the quartermaster, Henk.

I have an NPC Tab under the campaign info tab. It has the import crew you've met.

The bell for dinner is rung.

The bell for dinner is rung.

David looks up at the sound of the bell.

"Ah! Chow time - I guess I can worry about cooking later, and talking to the quartermaster afterwards," he says.

He slings his kit over his shoulder and bends down and formally signs off on the Privateer Charter.

Once he is done he prepares to head out to grab his food, then pauses.

"I suppose we move to the Officer's Mess next door?" he says.

He looks up at the others.

"You guys ready for dinner?" he asks the others, his eyes turning to Darius and Embrianna specifically as - so far - they've been the most receptive to any of his attempts at friendship.

Pausing a moment, he looks over at Astrianna, Sath and Adriel.

"Um - so are you guys coming to dinner, too?" he asks them politely, curious to know what they'll say.

Looking at Hawkins, he smirks and says, "Well, I figure that we are eating with the crew, seeing as we aren't officers like you." He gives the man a playful wink and says, "I'll see you around the ship, doc."

I am under the understanding that none of the rest of us were made officers.

Will wait to see who is eating where before starting conversations, though Dirk might lower himself to eat with the rest of us. :P

Looking at Hawkins, he smirks and says, "Well, I figure that we are eating with the crew, seeing as we aren't officers like you." He gives the man a playful wink and says, "I'll see you around the ship, doc."

David looks at Darius with surprise.

"Oh! But I thought that - well; weren't you and mister Mistleaf supposed to be something like an acting Midshipman, or at least a Warrant Officer, given that you're training the sailors?" he says with confusion.

He glances at Embrianna and Astrianna -

"And surely miss Sparacello is now the acting, um... Morale Officer?" he says, not sure if that is a formal position, but assumes it is possible.

He looks at Embrianna.

"And in any case weren't those who had magical abilities to receive special consideration?" he adds.

"The good miss Embrianna is at least a skilled medic, even as I am," he adds, not discussing her specific magical abilities until she decides to volunteer them herself.

He looks at the room somewhat helplessly.

"Wasn't anyone else interested in a more senior position on the ship?" he asks the group.

He looks at his companions, not sure if he's allowed to eat with them or not at this point, then sighs and looks at the captain.

"Begging your pardon, sir - but I request permission to eat dinner with my companions, if that is permitted for tonight?"

The thought of a nice mug of rum highly appeals to Astrianna at the moment. Prudence takes over, however, and decides to have her ration after the night's performance- after all, first impressions are everything.

As they are dismissed, the bard takes her leave of the captains quarters and moves onto the main deck. She looks out over the rolling sea, staring off into the distance for several moments. Her mind wanders to a time long past, when she used to make small, crude toy boats and send them floating in the harbor. What's the difference, a ship in the ocean or a toy in the harbor?

The dinner bell snaps her out of the momentary existential crisis, and she goes to sample the ship's "cuisine". Maybe it will actually be good, everything else on this ship has been so far.

"Lad, I'm more than willing to act in an officer position. But that call is entirely up to the captain."

Like I said, I believe only Hawkins was made an officer. I may be wrong, though.

Astrianna laughs softly at Hawkins, shaking her head. "Like Darius said, Hawkins, the rest of us aren't officers. I just know I'm not potato scrubber. Maybe once this run is done the captain might invite us to dinner, but I have the feeling you may have some high-ranking guests, if they want to eat with the captain."

That was my understanding too, Darius. Which I'm perfectly fine with if that's the case.

"Lad, I'm more than willing to act in an officer position. But that call is entirely up to the captain."

David turns to Darius with surprise on his face, then shakes his head and chuckles a little.

"Fair enough," he says.

Darius walks up between Embrianna and Astrianna, extending his elbows, offering each of them an arm, and says, "My ladies, it would be an honor of all honors to accompany you goddesses to dinner. Perhaps we can finally have that opportunity to get to know each other I promised you before the day's conflict."

"Like Darius said, Hawkins, the rest of us aren't officers. I just know I'm not potato scrubber. Maybe once this run is done the captain might invite us to dinner, but I have the feeling you may have some high-ranking guests, if they want to eat with the captain."

He looks at her thoughtfully.

"I guess that's possible," he says slowly, then shrugs.

"Well, I hope you enjoy your dinner, then," he says to her.

Astrianna slips her arm into the crook of Darius's elbow, putting some sway into her step. "An excellent offer, Darius. Your goddess demands some tribute later, however, in the form of a shoulder massage. My bow arm had been lax until this afternoon and it's quite sore."

"Darling, that isn't tribute, that is a pleasure," he says as he gives her arm a gentle squeeze between his bicep and forearm.

Will wait to see who is eating where before starting conversations, though Dirk might lower himself to eat with the rest of us. :P

Well, I did ask the captain for that, but I'm getting the vibe that for now it seems that the others are suggesting that I don't eat with you guys for some reason. Bad luck, I guess.

As the others leave the cabin, he nods at Darius and then glances at Embrianna.

Actually, ooc I'd like to have you join us and RP some. But in character it makes more sense for you to eat with the rest of the officers. Might even get you some inside information. If you'd rather join us then by all means do so!

Actually, ooc I'd like to have you join us and RP some. But in character it makes more sense for you to eat with the rest of the officers. Might even get you some inside information. If you'd rather join us then by all means do so!

Well I'm torn here, too. I figured I could try to get some information from the officers, too - but at the same time, it doesn't afford me much ability to RP with you guys. Plus I got to be up for work in the next 6 hours because I got to be up for work at 5:00 AM and after that I got to go to the second job right after it, so I probably will be gone until tomorrow evening and miss quite a bit of RP.

For now I'm going to see what the GM plans as it's likely he'll be on the boards tomorrow when I'm gone at work - so he can pick where I eat as an NPC until we get things figured out when I get home, I guess.

Astrianna raises an eyebrow when she hears the foreign sounds of Aquan, before quickly putting a confused expression, as if she doesn't understand the language. Miss Emmy? My, those two are getting friendly. He's even started the cutesy third-person thing... If they keep using Aquan for their cutesy talk, they're just asking for some eavesdropping... She doesn't know about the snake, of course...

The half-elf chuckles at the man on her arm. "Oh Darius, I bet all of the women you've met love that line."

"My apologies if you consider it a simple brazen pass, my dear. I was simply speaking the truth. And any man that would say otherwise...well, let's just say I'd be a bit concerned about their personal preferences."

The bard shakes her head. "Darius, I was teasing you. Don't have to be so serious all the time..." She says with a smile.

"And who says I was being serious about it not being a brazen pass?" he retorts with a grin and a wink.

While everyone else seemed happy to be a mere deck hand, the elf was keen to sought the best position possible.

I am not wholly familiar with Naval ranks Captain, but I did receive my Training from an Eldritch Knight from Lastwall. A position as Trainer and battle leader, in addition to the Arcane Artillery I order would usually be a Leuitenant or Warrant Officer at minimum. Is that equivalent to what you are proposing? As a Sellsword I know the value of a Battlemage, and you'll be hard pressed to find one who can use a blade as well as I. If no officer position is available I would be happy to serve as a typical Sellsword and guard only, at the standard rate, however once we hit port I would disembark with the other paying passengers. There is alot of coin in Adventuring for one such as I and any extended contract to retain my services warrent's a role commensurate to my abilities.
Diplomacy+any mod from the fight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Surgeon and Chaplain were the only "officer positions" currently open. The rest are crew. You're new to a ship.

As far as dining "right now" the ship is crowded most folks eat on the deck, hold, or lower deck.

"Until we drop the passenger you can eat where you want or dine with us." The captain is clearly preoccupied with other matters now and he waves you all away. "I have two dinner guests this evening." He grins.

He sighs and turns to the battlemage, "I was looking forward to having you on the ship, but if you must depart with the other paying passengers at the next port, so be it. The crew will appreciate having a few more gold in their pocket." Clearly referring to the forfeiture of the 3000 gp.

After listening to the offer and retrieving his gold and potion, Sath advises the captain that he was in for the full voyage to the Razor's Coast.

"It's been too long since I've been to sea and test my sea legs" he says, "and anyways, this looks to be quite the adventure for a poor sailor and nature worshipper such as myself. I can help with the ship duties, give aid in healing, and have some combat versatility- I also be a fair hand at fishing and keeping direction, if these skills be of help to you..."

Before the dismissal

"So you're a nature worshipper? Which god or goddess?" His interest peaked as he looks at Sath.

"And who says I was being serious about it not being a brazen pass?" he retorts with a grin and a wink.

The bard chortles, shaking her head again. "Stick to being charming, Darius, your comedy routine needs some work."

She goes with the man and Embri to retrieve their allotted ration, convincing them to eat out on the deck- the mess hall is surely stuffed. "You two should join me in a bit of fun tonight. I plan on hosting some One-and-Thirty and Hazard games as well as getting completely knackered on rum and wine before my duties begin tomorrow."

He sighs and turns to the battlemage, "I was looking forward to having you on the ship, but if you must depart with the other paying passengers at the next port, so be it. The crew will appreciate having a few more gold in their pocket." Clearly referring to the forfeiture of the 3000 gp.

The elf bows respectfully, Very well Captain, then unless circumstances change, consider me a paying customer and Sellsword. Keep the 125 I paid for passage. I will work should require at a sailors wage only and if we are attacked again, we can sort a coin rate per kill when the time comes. Anyspell casting services will be at the standard rates.

He holds out a hand to shake on it.

Regarding the previous perception checks.

The captain - not accustomed to the tone - states, "You did well in battle but should we find ourselves in difficulty again on this voyage stay below deck...your services will not be needed." His tone implies the conversation is over.

"You two should join me in a bit of fun tonight. I plan on hosting some One-and-Thirty and Hazard games as well as getting completely knackered on rum and wine before my duties begin tomorrow."

"But of course. The prospect sounds magnificent."

Once they obtain their dinner ration, Darius finds their group an open spot on deck to have their meal. He gestures for the ladies to have seats first before joining them.

The meal is porridge and hard bread it's nothing spectacular, but it's food. The rum is the best part of the meal. You hear the some of the crew mention that the food is usually better but given the amount of passengers on the boat and low provision this is all that could be mustered. They shrug and grumble.