-> 1 Hour Exhausted, 3 fatigued
Lex throws one gold piece overboard, thanking Besmara and praying she'd lead them to more loot.
Feeling a little more confident in his social skills thanks to the rum, Lex finds Jack Scrimshaw.
Boy, why'd the rats get to you so bad? Did ye not have any weapon to defend yerself with? Or have ye not any ability with a blade? I would be happy to shew ye how to wield a rapier or dagger or shoot a pistol if ye got one. Didn't learn nothing fancy with soldier arms on the Banshee's Bliss but I could shew ye a thing or two with simpler stuff.
After he's done talking to Jack, he will hobble to his hammock, telling Jack (if he is interested in learning) it would have to wait until tomorrow since he can barely stand.
Day 4: Evening Actions
You see a human woman off to one side, you notice she is generally in good spirits and that she doesn't seem to hang around those who attacked you earleir. You wader over and begin your conversation. You find out the woman's name is Tilly Bracket, a sailor who's lived in the shackles her entire life and is looking to make it rich as a pirate. She doesnt want the boring life of a merchant.
You find out she's more than happy to joke around with you and tells a few jokes herself. When it comes to your probing about discipline on the ship the mood changes a bit but she doesnt become unfriednly.
"Well as to yer question bought discipline Thea, I can call you Thea can't I? She asks before continuing.
"Well its not an uncommon practice at all. I mean the likes that sign up or get recruited on to a pirate ship aren't known to be the brightest nor the hardest working types out there, and I know yer a Besmaran but even a Besmaran's gotta face the facts some times, most pirates are rotten scoundrels who care little for the pirates code, who don't want to earn an honest living and many would soon stab ye as smile at ye so discipline has to be harsh. Same I hear as any navy out there."
She pauses only to take a drink.
"I mean it would be great if everyone just got on with their work but if'n scourge is tasked with make'n sure the ship runs smoothly and he finds a crewman slacking of or work'n poorly what's he to do? The lash gets the crew move'n. The threat of the lash is usually enough but what happens if'n he finds a crewman sitting around? Does he stay his hand? Nah course not, if'n he stays his hand he'd have half the crew sitting on their arse not working."
Life on board a ship is harsh, I'm not saying Plugg and Scourge aren't particularly nasty bastards but they are pirates after all and it seems to me the best pirates are those that can get the job done anyway they can.
You find the time to work on your brew. You manage to get another brew under way. It will take all night and should be ready by the morning but from the looks of it, and the taste, your pretty certain this batch will be more than enough to get on Grok's good side.
you find Conchobhar gambling and at the mention of Rosie he is more than willing to come along. You both find Rosie topside with her fiddle in hand playing a halfling jig and tapping her toe. She's happy to see you, but not so happy to see Conchobhar.
When you propose she plays a song she agrees but she says only for you, she says quite plainly that Conchobhar can listen but he better just listen and not let his hands wander or she'll take them off with her axe. Conchobhar agrees and says he learnt his lesson the first time.
It's quite clear they've had some dealings before you met them and from there attitude your aren't sure if Rosie is very receptive to Conchobhar's interest.
Lex you find Jack still nursing his hand. You propose to teach him and he doesn't take kindly to it. The small boy seems offended. "A can take care o ma self! I know how t' use blades just fine. If'n they had nah been hiding in the water and got me unawares I woulda killed em all. He says before he stomps off.
Avakor drinks the rum and eats the food he's offered, but the day has caught up to him. When he nearly passes out on deck, he staggers towards the stairway, stopping a moment to speak with Lex.
"Lex, I'm done for the day, so I'm heading below for some rest. I'll be in in my bunk if anyone needs me." Then he wanders below decks.
When he sees Marn working, he'll approach the dwarf for a moment, "Marn, I'll check tomorrow for those... fruits, right? You needed, fruits, and see if I can't get any for you."
He crawls into his hammock and drifts off to sleep.
Day 5: Morning, The ship is still heading South West.
You are each assigned your daily work, hauling rope, running notes, cooking food and tying knots here and there. The day seems normal enough and the weather pleasant. Plugg and scourge make their rounds, Scourge yells and cusses at some of you, Plugg just seems to ignore you, as if he has something else on his mind.
You notice that the captain, who comes on deck only to go to the bridge a few times each day spends a lot of time talking to the mysterious woman Peppery Longfarthing and not as much talking to Plugg other than to give orders here and their. You determine that this is starting to grate on the first mate and he seems to be getting frustrated that he's not included in these longer conversations.
Aldon sighs in exasperation, "Try to impress the guy and get him on our side and he keeps getting offended. I think I may have to leave him alone for a bit." Aldon turns back to Rosie, "That was a lovely song, my lady, best I have ever heard, and I can tell you that I have heard some great musicians. Where'd you learn to play the fiddle like that?"
Aldon awakes from his night and cradles his head from the headache, What I wouldn't give for some coffee. He gets up from his bunk and proceeds on deck to begin his day.
Aldon will spend his night after the long day of working on the ship with Rosie. Listening to her talk and to her playing the fiddle. If he sees Shortstone, he will apologize for the previous night, but won't engage him, he will just continue to spend time with his new found friend and compatriots.
G'day, Lady Grok. I recently acquired some gold and would like to browse yer wares. I'm sure we can strike a deal we'll both be happy with.
Having noticed that Aldon didn't seem to have much luck with Conchobhar, maybe she should try making friends with him. So after downing her rum and dinner that night, Thea will go up to him and start up a conversation.
"Hiya, Conchobhar was it? My name's Almathea, sorry if I didn't you name just right. I'm still learning everyone's name. That's one of the hardest parts of starting over on a new ship you know. Having to get to know a whole nother crew of people. Well, I guess you know how I ended up on board, but how about you?"
After bloodyhour Plugg, Scourge and several other pirates lead the hulking brute in rags, Owlbear, up on deck. The deck goes quite.
"This here is Owlbear and he does one thing and one thing only, fight! And I'm in the need of some proper entertainment tonight." Yells Plugg as he pulls out a large black bag. "This here is a purse with 100 Gold coins and this goes to the man or woman how thinks they can best Owlbear in a fight. Tonight I'll leave it up to you lot," He points at the PCs "Our latest volunteers to the sweat trade. Let one o' yer number take the challenge or i'll choose one of you as I fancy. This is fists and fists only and not to the death just to a bloody pulp, so which one o' you will volunteer?"
After a long day of cooking, either with a sober Fishguts or no help at all, Avakor surveys the ship and sees Tilly with a small group of pirates, laughing and carousing. He walks over to the group and sits down, attempting to join in on the merriment, but his focus on Tilly is obvious, and he likely comes off as trying too hard. His "winning" smile isn't so winning today.
i believe I'm the natural choice for hand to hand combat among the five of us, friends. I and Lady Almathea here are the strongest of the group, but I have the finesse to hit my opponent. I will fight this Owlbear.
After a hard day's work Marn downed his rum and snuck off to his locker. During the day he had met Grok to tell her that the moonshine was ready and he'd get it from his locker later that evening.
That evening he handed Grok the moonshine, [b]"Here you go. I've got more coming, but I'd like to know how you think I can improve it."[/ooc]
When Plugg speaks Marn rolls his eyes. A fistfight with that thing? Right. If only he had some time.
Aldon slaps Lex on the back, "I'm not the man for this fight, so I'm glad you volunteered!"
"Good luck to ya Lex. I'll heal ya up afterwards if ya need it."
Day 5: Action Results
Aldon your conversation with Rosie goes well, you’ve found a friend for certain. She regales you about several fights she had as a youngster in port peril and how she broke a drunken pirate captain’s nose at the age of fifteen in an argument in the market.
When you see Chonchobhar he isn’t terribly upset about last night. ”Conchobhar is simply to much for that little damsel to handle, Conchobhar will no doubt woe her yet, how can one resist Conchobhar, eh my firend? Hmm..nevermind I seem to see another beauty coming this way, excuse.” Conchobhar wanders over to Almathea and they begin to talk.
Grok seems to enjoy the taste and tells you your welcome to shop there any time. She says she is also willing to give you a small loan for gambling if you need it in the future.
The Gnome is dressed in purple clothes with frills and lace and has a wide brimmed foppish hat, also in purple with a white feather. He has a small thin moustache and a roguish smile.
”Ah, but with new people comes new pockets to empty of their coin in games of chance, and less likely that the old disgruntled opponents can find Conchobhar and try to get their money back.” He says with a sly grin. ”Conchobhar came aboard same as you, except in a sack, very unfit for a man such as he, but one must make the most of ones situation, no? Now you seem quite the beauty tell Conchobahr about you, the other Halfling woman, she is not so interested in Conchobhar so perhaps his attention should be placed...elsewhere?” He says with a huge grin and a wink at you.
Unfortunately Tilly doesn’t seem so interested in talking with you, she seems more interested in telling rowdy jokes.
You are indeed caught by Scourge and he is furious. He promises you a lashing tomorrow evening because he’s busy with something tonight.
Grok is more than willing to sell but she is not very inclined to just let anyone wander her store room and look in lockers. She tells you you’ll need to tell her what yer looking for because she isn’t going to let you snoop.
Owlbear is let off his chain and sensing that he is going to get to fight begins to pound his fist against his open palm with a toothy grin. The pirates around the main deck begin to cheer or jeer and the mood of the crew is very boisterous and loud in aticipation of the coming fight.
"Better not be over too fast"
"Smash em to bits Owlbear."
"Doesn't matter who they choose 5 gold on owlbear."
"Five, I'll go fifteen!
As you make your choice and lucky Lex is singled out as the combatant the betting begins in earnest all around the deck, mostly in favour of Owlbear. Conchobhar is giving 2:1 Odds for Owlbear and is willing to go 5:1 on Lex though he doesn't have many takers.
Lex is pushed into the makeshift ring of pirates. The crowd begins to cheer even louder.
Aldon slides over to Conchobhar, he hands him ten gold, "Give me ten on Lex, should help you cover the spread"
Thea heads over to Conchobhar as well and hands him five gold. "I'll put five on Lex."
Put 'em up! Lex says to Owlbear, with perhaps a little too much bravado as he takes up a fighting stance...
You are able to notice that Owlbear is very slow to respond on his left side because he appears to be blind or nearly blind on that side. You figure that if you tried to stick to that side you could make it difficult for him to hit you.
You get the jump on Owlbear and come out swinging.
Lex steps to Owlbear's left side and throws a punch Owlbear's way.
Thea cheers Lex on as he throws the first punch.
Lex gets off to a good start it seems, he moves nimbly to the left and punches Owlbear hard in the kidneys. It seems to have very little effect however, Owlbear seems un-fazed by it but does seem flustered that you are on his left.
He throws a wild haymaker at your head.
his heavy blow goes wildly over your head.
Encouraged by the missed blow to him, Lex punches again.
This time Lex your punch doesnt even seem to slow him down at all, it bounces of his hard muscle with no effect.
He swings hard again with his other fist with a hefty hook.
The swing is even faster and harder than the last but it also swings wide and goes over your head.
Lex thanks Besmara for pointing out the blindness on his left side as another blow goes over his head, and prays for sure aim when he throws another punch.
Lex hits but has a tough time getting passed the beasts muscle. He still inflicts damage but Owlbear seems no worse for wear.
With a grunt and a roar Owlbear wings again.
The meaty fist comes flying square at Lex's face...
Lex dodges the blow, and counters with another fist of Besmaran fury.
There is a gasp from the crowd as the certain blow is narrowly dodged by Lex and followed up with another punch to Owlbear's rips.
This time Owlbear grunts a little at the blow, the small hits beginning to cause him so discomfort as well as frustration.
Another miss by Owlbear brings some frustrated yells from the crowd, their sure bet not appearing to be so certain.
Encouraged by his lack--for now--of being beaten to a bloody pulp and his several good hits on Owlbear, Lex smiles and continues his quest to fell the hulking man before he gets felled. Lex continues fighting in Owlbear's blind spot and goes for another hit.
Aldon slaps Conchobhar on the back with a laugh, "Should have given my boy there worse odds!"
Owlbear groans as Lex dances like a butterfly and lands another sting like a bee. At the furious onslaught of small punches Owlbear falls back away from Lex with a cry. The crowd begins to boo.
Plugg, seeing Owlbear run yells to him and tosses the brutes club into the ring. Owlbear grabs the club from the ground.
Conchobhar shrugs and sighs.
Aldon yells foul, "Oh come on, this was supposed to be a fist fight! No weapons in a fist fight! BOOOOOOOOOO! BOOOOOOOOO!"
Aldon continues to booo as he moves behind Lex, ready to support him in case more cheating becomes apparent.
Almathea frowns as she sees Owlbear grab up the club. "Hey, the fights supposed to be fists only!" Thea follows up behind Aldon as he makes his way over to Lex.
"Fists only for your friend here, I never said anything about Owlbear!" smirks plugg.
You notice that Plugg is keeping an eye on you and watching for any interference of your own.
Aldon resists the urge to take out his rifle and shot Plugg between the eyes. "Come on Lex, beat up that brute! So these p###-ants that we aren't afraid of a little challenge!"
As she follows after Aldon, Thea moves right up behind him holding onto the back of his jerkin for a moment as her other hand holds onto her holy symbol as she whispers: "Besmara please place your blessing upon Lex during this fight."
As Thea tries to cast her spell, Lex whispers back, It'll be worse for me--and you all--in the end if you use magic to help me.
Speaking to the crowd in a clear voice now, Lex says I'll be fine guys, just be ready to heal Owlbear when he goes down!
Lex says a prayer for himself as he attacks the now armed Owlbear...
Plugg's perception check
Almathea you are able to cast bless without Plugg seeing you. Lex you feel invigorated and any fear you may have had seems to melt away.
Owlbear picks up the club only to have you rush in and hit him with a blow to the neck.
He cries out and swings wildly with the club.
It doesn't even come close to hitting him.
Lex continues to punch Owlbear, hoping to down him before his club made contact with Lex's squishy elven body.
The blow hits owlbear in the mouth and he begins to bleed. He swings wildly again and again his attack misses.
First blood! Just say the word, friend, and I will accept your surrender, Lex says as he throws his next punch.
Owlbear moans and stumbles to one knee for just a moment, using his club to rise up he swings with all his might for what may be his final attempt to hit Lex.
Too tired and beaten Owlbear cant even come close to hitting Lex.
Well, ye can't say he don't have guts!
Lex throws one more punch at the hulking man.
With one final blow to his head you knock Owlbear out, his heavy limp body falls to the deck with a thump and he lays their unconscious.
For a second there is silence and then most of the crew starts to cheer.
Plugg is visibly upset and stalks off to the officers cabin after he tosses Lex the purse full of Gold.
Conchobhar willingly pays Aldon and Almathea with a smile noting that he made more tonight on the other "suckers" than he had to pay you out. He lets you know that Fipps is especially angry because he's out 50 Gold. All he had he had bet on Owlbear.
Crew men all about come up to Lex and congratulate him. Afterwards the party continues, most of the crew it seems were very happy with the evenings entertainment.
As your fifth day on the Wormwood comes to a close and the sun sets you each head off to bed after you are done partying on deck.
Thea cheers and gives Lex a congratulatory hug. "That was great. Guess we had nothing to worry about even when that club was tossed in, He just couldn't touch ya."
After that, Thea goes over to the gnome to collect her winnings with a smile.
Day 6 goes by without incident, the ship continues on its heading South west.
Day 7
You notice that you are passing an island called Matoku. You figure you should be clear of the shackles soon and into the open ocean within a day, two at most.
The morning bell tolls and you each head up on deck to a bright red sky. Several of the crew are grumbling and don't look to happy to see the brialliant red of the sky.
Avakor, as you sit down for your morning biscuit you feel terribly ill and you have a fever.
Dex DMG:
Con DMD:
The crew goes about their daily work. It's about noon when the clouds which have slowly been building begin to let loose and it begins to rain heavily.
Aldon you are on rope work which you are able to handle with ease on the deck, up in the rigging you can make out Conchobhar, syl and Narwhal having a hell of a time up there today. the rest of you are unaffected by the heavy rains as well and are able to go about your work without too much interference. Avakor, the rain and the wind however don't make your day very pleasant, luckily Fishguts is sober so he doesn't require much of your help today.