*POOF!* The Brig is redecorated, as the GM catches up on her reading that puts information about the same area partly by chronology, partly by location, and partly by NPC who usually hangs out there. -Hurk!-
Sidhon, you suddenly notice that you are perched on a crate that is a foot deep in murky, putrid water. The area is infested with cobwebs.
The silent human is hanging from the wall by manacles, continuing to ignore you and everything else with a palpable vibration of disdain.
Atlatl had also been hanging by manacles, but somehow managed to get them off.
When he offers to remove Jakes bindings, the man growls. Shrugging Atlatl leaves him alone. Then he offers to untie you.
You had simply been bound, as they didn't want to spend the time in the fetid stench adjusting manacles for your small wrists.
~~Accept offer to untie you?~~
You hear yelping across the hold, and then cursing in a gutteral tongue. (Do you speak goblin?)
Atlatl goes to work on the locked barred door that separates the Brig from the rest of the Bilges (Yes! I inserted that. So? Wanna make sumthin' of it? I got a whole swarm of spiders where the first one came from.)Very soon the door is open.
At last! Zorg hit the sweet spot... above 17 for the spider, and below 19 (currently) for himself. Somehow he manages to stab the spider, and yet turn his head at the very last fraction of a second-- when the dagger point was between the spider's back and the tip of Zorg's nose.
Badly injured but still alive, the spider reconsiders its position.
Edit: And runs away!
Make a perception check.
When you thank and compliment him, the last of Fishguts' resolve crumbles and he confides to you sadly It’s poison, this ship, but don’t let anyone hear you say it aloud. The hull listens, see, and the cap’n hears it all.
Poison the Wormwood is, though, rotten to the core. You’ll not meet a
more nasty, sour piece of work than Cap’n Harrigan in all your days at sea, and his crew’s the same, ’specially the first mate, Mr. Plugg. Vicious little sod, he is. He’d take his own mother’s liver to the butcher to make pies with, he would. But they leave me alone, mostly. They know I can’t ’arm ’em. With that he takes another long pull from his flask and collapses sadly on his stool.
"C'mere bird"
Atlatl had also been hanging by manacles, but somehow managed to get them off.
When he offers to remove Jakes bindings, the man growls. Shrugging Atlatl leaves him alone. Then he offers to untie you.
You had simply been bound, as they didn't want to spend the time in the fetid stench adjusting manacles for your small wrists.
"Thanks - I greatly appreciate that. Mr. Friendly across the way seems to be reluctant. Is there a good reason for that?" Sidhon rubs the circulation back into his arms, and tries to assess how badly the lashing has actually damaged him.
Sidhon will take the untied ropes and tie them into a slip-on/slip-off set of bonds, leaving one side looped dangling from his left wrist.
"Who should I thank for bandaging me up? It appears to be a pretty competent job. Though I have to admit to not having broad experience with floggings."
You hear yelping across the hold, and then cursing in a gutteral tongue. (Do you speak goblin?)
Atlatl goes to work on the locked barred door that separates the Brig from the rest of the Bilges (Yes! I inserted that. So? Wanna make sumthin' of it? I got a whole swarm of spiders where the first one came from.)Very soon the door is open.
"Would you like some help with that? And what do you plan to do once the door is open?"
Zorg cautiously pokes around the bilge before returning to Master Scourge with his third dead rat, his dagger firmly held in one leathery paw.
Noonan didn't really expect this. He's a bit stunned at first and realizes that he just may have experienced the best day of his life:
New job
Co-workers like him
Free food (he expects)
Made a friend (Rosie)
And if that wasn't enough, he now has a pet!
Sure, it's bedraggled and appears half dead, but for some reason Noonan feels a strong bond with this ugly mess of a bird.
Noonan's face still conveys little to others; but inside he's a dancing little boy!
Best. day. EVER!
The sparkles of the dim light off the murky water continue to distract you. However, you do hear voices from the aft section.
When you are ready to leave you'll need to make a STR 15 check, to open the hatch from underneath.
Zorg, Sidhon, and Atlatl: the voices you hear are each other...
Having not found anything of sufficient interest, Zorg attempts to muscle his way back up through the hatch.
After several attempts, he grunts with effort, sure he is close to opening the blasted thing.
Zorg begins cursing again in Goblin.
With a triumphant squeal, Zorg emerges from the bilges, hopping maniacally as if he had just won a knight's tournament. He returns to Master Scourge with the last dead rat, making sure that he doesn't instead accidentally deposit his familiar at his feet.
Before you leap out, lets give atlatl and sidhon a chance to hear the racket and respond...
'I wonder if anyone comes down to feed us, or check on us periodically? It could be bad if we're not where they expect us to be. Look how right I was about the whips being a bad sign.'
Sidhon wades through the bilge water to the now-open door. Sidhon winces inside and out, 'ow. ouch. stings! ick. ow.' Looking through the door, he sees Zorg straining at the hatch.
"Oy - hey, you - goblin." Muttering half to himself, "Drat, I didn't get his name this morning. Hey, what are you doing here? Is everyone still safe and well?"
'Oh - shiny. A bilge pump.' Contemplating the water up to his waist, 'I think maybe the bilge pump isn't working so well.'
Let's get out of this fetid sump...
(tried a formula that did not work)
edit: Crap....my hands slipped. Let me try that again:
(tried another formula that did not work)
edit2 : I have so much gunk on my hands I cant seem to perform my **strength check** (sigh)
(yet another formula that failed)
edit 3: wiping as much brig juice off his hands he settles in and tries the **Strength Check** again...
Str:
Most Excellent!!! Up and out I go....
Perception:
"I really can't recommend that. We're underway - there's no 'off the ship' to escape to. I haven't seen any indication of our position - we could be days from any port. And honestly, they're a lot bigger than me. They also don't appear to be reticent about killing us. Which is what I think they'll do if we're somewhere other than the brig."
"You can go get yourself killed. Me, I'm going to see what's wrong with the bilge pump. And be here and tied up when they come around. If you'd help me, I think we have a much better chance of living to the next port."
Eying the rat that Zorg has tied to his belt, "fix the bilge pump, and set some rat traps. rats are definitely a bad sign."
Zorg scoffs at the kobold's suggestion, speaking in surprisingly grammatical (though heavily accented) Common. "Pfft. Rat traps. I can catch them with my bare hands. This is my third one in the last half hour. And don't you order me around, lizard-boy." He gives Sidhon a mild shove.
Sidhon rolls with Zorg's shove. "mmm... last I checked you weren't supposed to be in the brig. Though considering you won't give your name, won't give news, and you're a belligerent little snot. Maybe Gilraen was right, and you're working with the kidnapping pirates. Either that, or maybe you're a spoiled pup - I've never found goblin reproduction worth studying."
Well, if folks can quickly do the following before they're off... I'll take us to the next story point and hold it there until y'all get back:
Gilraen and Noonan are good for now.
Everybody in the Bilges make 2 perception (more?) checks (dice)d20+perception bonus(/dice)
Sidhon, if you want to make a stab at the bilge pump, go ahead. Take a -5 for the lack of tools. You can take 10 (take 10 minutes and get a +10 to your roll) but you don't have time for taking 20.
DC 20 for making an improvement
DC 25 (natural 20 only) for a real repair.
Welcome Atlatl-- it looks like most people are going to be away for the weekend. If youre around and want to get in a little exploring this weekend, we can. Otherwise just make the perception checks and interact with the others a little.
"So what is with this bilge pump, is it making any sound or movement at all? And is there a hose or tube leading OUT?"
(Do I do a PERCEPTION check here?)
Sidhon pokes around the bilge pump, checking intakes, outflow connections, and seals on the pump itself. "Say," he says to Atlatl, "can you keep your finger right <here> for a moment or two?" He fiddles and adjusts a bit, clearing some glop out of an intake tube, and
"Ah - looks like the polarity was inverted on the intake manifold. That'll hold for a bit. I really need to reseat the pump seals and cylinders, but I'd need some tools for that." Sidhon grumbles a bit as he knocks a bit of encrusted slime from the pump mechanism. "Care to take one side of the handles, and 'man the bilge pumps'?"
As Sidhon and Atlatl work the pump handles, the pump wheezes and spurts, but begins to effectively lower the water level, if only slightly.
As Sidhon toils boringly away at the pump, his gaze also wanders the bilges, looking for materials for some basic rat-traps. 'boxes and crates; there's planking, nails, maybe some hinges. Still got some rope... hrmmm...'
"So where you from? And what can I call you? My name's Sidhon, and I'm new around here."
Standing and looking around for a second, realizing I might be better trying to find an ally, or at least someone to take some arrows for me, I think better of it and duck back into the bilge. Splashing down in the murky gop..
"Ugggh! What IS that under my feet?!?"
PERCEPTION:
PERCEPTION:
(walking off into a corner to collect himself because he realized ALL of his actions (posts) thus far have been out of sequence with the other captives and ...well...the storyline. Such the life of a Ninja. Ever the outsider. "it is at this very moment, I vow (silently to myself) to try to stay on the same timeline as the others...unless I develop some quantum perks!!)
"I greet you Sidhon. I am born Atlatlatlatlatlatlatla but my cellmates call me Atlatl. My settlement and birthright is from the East, but I was recently aboard a plundered ship and taken captive"
Whisper to Sidhon "well done with the pump so far, they are not the perfect tools for 'fixing things' but I have a set of lock picks that I was able to hide. If they can be of use to you, you need but ask"
Alright, onward ho!
Zorg: You indicated you were leaving to give your third rat to Scourge. Your perception checks were too distracted to find anything in the bilges. However, the distraction also did save you from stabbing yourself in the nose. So... yay!
Atlatl: Your better perception check found you a "tanglefoot bag".
Sidhon: Your perception checks found you 2 (still functional somehow)tindertwigs, and a vial of holy water.
Repairing the Bilge Pump:
I did more looking around at craft checks, and even for repairs they are in "day" and "week" increments. Trying to do it faster gives +10 against you, not for you.
But since I already gave you the numbers to roll, and you rolled decently, and you have atlatl helping, and you have atlatl's lockpicks (not ideal but helpful); we'll say after a few hours that you got a significant temporary improvement on the pump. The whining sound changes to a more efficient chugging noise, and by the time the next thing happens the water is down 4 inches.
Rat trap parts: You found some mesh, some twine, and a spring that might be useful.
So you hear heavy footsteps headed toward the hatch. Atlatl, you know that this is the "special" time of day when Scourge and Plugg like to give their inspirational talks to the crew.
Sidhon hisses (he's good at that) to Atlatl, "Should we be back in the other room - maybe chained up?" Without really waiting for a reply, Sidhon moves as quickly as he can back to the brig, slides on his already-prepared 'bonds', and waits for Atlatl so Sidhon can close his shackles again.
Briefly, Sidhon looks at Jake and says, "So Jake, how's it hangin'? I'm planning to play along, to try and live to fight another day. Can you help all of us out by swallowing your pride for a few days?"
"Fantastic! I just found a TANGLEFOOT BAG, I think I can use it to distract and/or slow down Scourge & Plugg. There are enough of us, unshackled, to take a stand, I can hide in the shadows and spring out and toss the TANGLEFOOT BAG, then we all pitch in to tear these low lifes some new breathing holes "
Walking over to Jakes Magpie who is still looking despondent.
"Jake, if we want to escape, now is the time, but it is going to take all of us, will you stand with me and fight?"
Standing up gloriously (faint trumpets seem to blare in the distance) and spinning around to face the other prisoners...
"Ambush?"
"Atlatl, I think you're right as an overarching goal. Your courage and enthusiasm can overthrow mountains. But I think instead we need to be the small stream wearing away the buttresses of the mountain. We must get ourselves access to the other crew. We must gain information and allies. I asked Jake, and I'll ask you. Please work for our release, and to live to fight another day."
Sidhon thinks desperately to himself, 'I agree the management around here seems like bad news - aside from the basic piratic 'recruiting' methods. But these guys - Atlatl and Jake - are going to get themselves killed for no good reason. Seems they'd both be useful in ousting the current leadership, but sheesh - how to keep them from getting themselves summarily executed in the meantime?'
"But...I heard....footsteps! It did not seem like time for anything else. How is that bilge pump working? Has it revealed and openings or weaknesses in the walls or floor of the bilge?"
Perception:
Perception:
You do not see any openings out of this part of the ship. The pump pushes water up one (or two?) decks and out thru a series of fist sized pipes.
Through the lowered water you see (but may not have time to collect) about 5 gp worth of coins.
The hatch swings open with a bang, and 6 pirates swarm down the steps.
~~~
Zorg-- Scourge gives you an odd look. Eager one, aintcha? Yer a strange one. But keep following orders and might be ye'll last here a day or two. Yalla remains still and goes unnoticed.
Sandara and Conchobhar come up, chattering a bit until they see Scourge, at which point they get completely silent. Sandara swaggers up and deposits a bag at his feet. 3 rats each from me and the gnome, as... requested, Sir. Her voice is dry as the desert.
Whaddaya 'pect me to do with 'em? Take 'em down to Fishguts for the stew! Then be back for the Bloody Hour! You! he points at Zorg Go with 'em. Mind yer all back here fer the Bloody Hour!
They don't say anything until you're all out of Scourge's earshot. Conchobar opines in a melifluous accent (I'm thinking Antonio Banderas). Surely he did not mean this? Rats? for our stew?
He mighta been joking. Who can tell with that one? Me, I'm just gonna throw the damned things overboard.
And what do you suppose he means by this "Bloody Hour?"
~~~
Noonan-- as you are exploring the main deck, the hideous clock begins to chime. This noise seems to be a signal for everyone to gather on the main deck. (The ship’s clock, a macabre brass-and-copper object depicting worms writhing through whale corpses, hangs from the mainmast above the whipping post.)
Rosie shoves past you wrinkling her nose at the parrot. I see you brought yer hideous child along. Looks just like ya!
~~~
Gilraen-- When you get to the main deck you hear the chime sound as well. Everyone's jostling. Some are joking. All look glad the the work day is over. Mr. Plugg stands by the mainmast and Scourge approaches him. Everyone settles down expectantly, some even eagerly. It reminds you a little of some temples who require everyone to gather for prayer before offering dinner. You suspect that this may be a little different...
You do see Sandara, who is back to the main deck now, and she gives you a tight smile.
Thinking a meal might be near, Noonan closely follows Rosie.
(previously)
Zorg scowls at Sidhon. "Orders from another slave, and now insults? Oh, this'll be fun." It's really not clear what he's referring to. [b]"And I don't recall even being asked for my name. Zorg." With one last unpleasant look at the kobold, he scampers back up to Scourge with his 3rd rat.
***
Zorg smiles up at Scourge and nods enthusiastically at his response and directive. He follows Sandara and Conchobhar to Fishguts (dreaming about delicious rat stew!), and then returns to the main deck when the chiming of the clock.
Oh, if there is ANY soap (physical component) in the galley, Gilraen will cast on Clean in the galley (not on herself) just before she heads to the deck.
If Gilraen can manage to sidle over to Sandara, she’ll do so – but not if it appears it will attract attention.
If she gets there, she whispers: I never got to thank you for your assistance earlier. It was very appreciated. My name is Gilraen.
@Gilraen: With a little searching you were able to find soap. How long does the cleaning cantrip take?
Sandara gives you a lopsided smile. Ain't no thang. Us new kids gotta stick together, yah? I get the feelin' crew gets et up pretty quick round here. Else why the hurry to recruit anything that'll fit in a bag, eh? Names Sandara, by the by. At the sound of the clock: Uh oh, the way they is laughin' don't bode no good.
~~~
@The Bilge Boys: If you wanna do anything other than come along cooperatively, I'll give ya til tomorrow. Elsewise I'm pushing on.
Sidhon, Jake, maybe we should say we will "join" at least to stop the incessant beatings. I don't mind the floggings, but it is the beatings that are growing tiresome. Once we get topside as 'part of the crew', we can size up the situation from up there and find our opportunity. What say you"
Looking around one 'last' time to see if the water level receding has revealed something...
Perception:
"y'know Atlatl, that just might work." It is amazing how large reptilian eyes can convey wonderment without revealing the degree of sincerity behind them.
@ Gilraen: Ah, I see. It's a 3rd-party spell. S'alright. A 10x10x10 cubic area was cleaned of dirt and grease and chicken feathers and goat poop. Unfortunately the galley is still a mad clutter, but perhaps less likely to invite food poisoning.
~~~~
@ Atlatl and Sidhon: None too gently, the two of you and Jakes are "escorted" to the main deck by 10 well-armed crewmen.
Atlatl, looking more closely you see even more coins beneath the murky water. There won't be time now to collect them.
If you both want to keep the items you've found, make a sleight of hand check to hide them on your person. (No, Sidhon, you still can't hide a spiked chain grappling hook on your person... maybe at higher levels.)
Alternatively, you could stash them and come back for them later.
~~~~
Once everyone has gathered on the main deck, Mr. Plugg surveys the gathering for dramatic effect. The captain is nowhere in sight, apparently true to his word about not interacting with the likes of you. Plugg cracks his cat for silence and gets it. Alright, ye dogs, stand and be counted. Who has earned his feed t'day? And who will feed the fishes? Maheen, how fares the mizzenmast?
A swarthy rigger steps forward, one that Noonan and Rosie worked with today. His tone is respectful as he replies. It's ship shape, sir. We'll need t' get a new spar next port, but she'll hold 'til then.
And what of our new recruits?
As y'know sir, that fellow Cog took a tumble this mornin'. Won't be able ta work 'til the morrow. Maheen gestures for Noonan and Rosie to step forward. He starts to speak when Pluck squawks Are YOU lucky at dice?
Suddenly, Plugg's face darkens ominously. You dare bring that, that... thing down here?
-squawk- Lucky at Dice! He's Lucky! Lucky as Harmak Gruft! -squawk!-
The tension builds as Plugg glowers at the bird, then finally registering what Pluck said, he bursts into laughter. You may just have that right. Lucky as Harmak Gruft indeed! Following his lead the whole crew bursts into laughter.
Once everyone quiets down, the intense Maheen resumes his recitation. The landlubbers did well 'nough I suppose. The big one is strong, and the half woman is nimble.
Noonan-- you notice Rosie next to you getting ready to shower Maheen with epithets.
(insert action here if you wish)
Plugg looks almost disappointed that the riggers performed satisfactorily today. Fine, fine, you get to eat. Now Master Scourge, tell me about the swabs.
Master Scourge's face twists into something even the most charitable could not call a smile. I set the swabs to cleanin' the ship o' vermin t'day, Mister Plugg. They all met their quota-- even the weird short ones. He points to Zorg, Sandara, and Conchobhar. He too, looks disappointed.
And what of the new cook's mate, Fishguts? calls out Plugg. Fishguts? Fishguts? Blast ye man, can ye not wait to drink until after we've et? Scourge points at Gilraen, and Plugg glowers at her fiercely. Could ya not keep him sober 'til sunset at least?
(interact here if you wish)
Now what of the transfers from the Sea Sprite, Master Scourge? Both Plugg and Scourge light up as Jakes and Atlatl (and Sidhon by virtue of proximity) are dragged forward.
So what do you say, after hearing tales of how yer worthy shipmates earned their keep? Are ye ready to be a member of our most honorable crew? Or are ye going to decline our 'ospitality once again?
"Yes Sir!" says Sidhon firmly. Sidhon also prepares to kick Atlatl fiercely if he starts to say anything else.
If it's a rhetorical question and he moves on immediately, Gilraen will keep quiet. If he looks like he wants an answer, she'll answer.
I'm sorry, sir - he was at it while I was fishing and pretty far gone when I returned.
Zorg beams at what apparently passes for praise on this ship, seemingly unhurt by being called weird and short.
...Before going topside, trying to keep the items he found:
Once topside and put before Scouge & Plugg...
Atlatl swiftly breaks the grip of the crew members holding him, then ducks down low to avoid a flurry of blows and rolls (like a ninja) to a position behind Scourge, removes Scourge's sharp knife from his belt and slices his throat, then hucks the knife into Pluggs awaiting Liver...
Shaking his head, Atlatl clears this daydream from his head, and the ringing in his ears, looks up at Master Scourge and clearly states. "Yes Sir"
Noonan's heart rate sped up a bit when Plugg got upset about the bird, but thoughts of eating now occupy 98% of his brain capacity.
The remaining 2% recognizes that Rosie's tongue might get her killed. However, he doesn't really know her and isn't willing to step out of line with this good thing he's got goin'...especially with food on the way.
Atlatl, hopes the glorious DM understands that his last roll (the 21)was for SLEIGHT OF HAND.
Sidhon, you successfully stash the tindertwigs and the vial of holy water on the bilge pump.
Atlatl, you successfully stash your tools and the tanglefoot bag on your person somewhere.
~~~
At Gilreaen's response Plugg leans in and glowers at her. I'll take that lame 'scuse only once. If he's not sober 'til chow tomorrow, well, lets just say we'll have us some Fishguts-guts stew. Get it, Fishgutses guts? -Har!-
~~~
When Plugg is addressing the riggers, Rosie gets a lucky stomp on her foot by Ratline (the other halfling rigger). Those close enough will hear him hiss, Better half a woman, than a whole dead one! Save that temper for when it can do ya some good. Tightening her lips, she says nothing.
~~~
After hearing Sidhon and Atlatl's acceptances, Plugg gives a grim smile. Excellent! I knew you'd see reason. Maheen, wouldja get Ms. Longfarthing, and tell 'er we need 'er up top? Scourge still glares at Sidhon from behind Plugg's back. You may get the impression that Scourge has not moved on from the perceived slights of this morning.
Plugg moves on to stand in front of Jakes who has not said a word, well, ever. And how 'bout you, Mr. Magpie? You gonna be reasonable like yer friends? For the first time all day Jakes' vision seems to clear. He looks around at all his former ship mates from the Sea Sprite, including Atlatl, and then he smiles directly at Plugg and spits right in his eye.
Pluggs face darkens with rage, and then lightens with a smile of his own. I was kinda hopin' you'd say that. He wipes his face and surveys the crew. Whaddaya think mates? Should we give 'im another day to think it over? Eatin' our food and takin' our generosity, without workin' a lick?
Almost to a man the crew begins to stomp and shout Keel! Keel! Keel! Keel! Atlatl, you've seen this in recent days, and it won't be pretty. Jakes' hands are bound and then hooked to a 20' tether. That tether is fastened in turn to a strong rope that runs horizontally below midship. A weight is fastened to his feet, and then Jakes is tossed overboard.
Those of you familiar with ships will know that the Wormwood is moving at a fast clip, and the bottom is likely to be covered with sharp barnacles. Jakes will be battered against them repeatedly with strong force, while not being able to breathe. A strong man might survive it for 30 seconds or a minute at most. Jakes is left under for 3 minutes.
When they pull him up again, the remains are barely recognizable as a man. It is just a lump of flayed, bloody meat.
~~~
Please tell me *Your* reactions. If you are trying to hide your reaction, give me a bluff roll. DC 15-decent bluff, DC 20- perfect bluff. (dice)d20+your bluff bonus(/dice)
If you would like to read the sincere reactions of the other crewmembers, give me a sense motive check DC 15- general read, DC 20- solid read, DC 25- no nuance escapes you. (dice)d20+your sense motive bonus (/dice).
~~~
I'll pause briefly here for your reactions, but yes, Noonan, food is coming soon.
Sidhon attempts to mask his reaction to the horrific execution. He watches Atlatl intently, prepared to react to any sudden and ill-considered actions.
It's clear that Zorg is showing interest in what's happening with Jakes. He's a bit surprised by the brutality by it, and perhaps filing it away for future reference should he be considering direct insubordination, but he does not turn away. However, neither does he seem to be enjoying the show as much as one might expect a goblin to.
He makes no attempt to alter/manipulate his expression.
Atlatl uses the distraction of the spectacle to have an unfazed look around, sizing up the guards and crew members, weapons, access to keys, doors, health of the crew, scanning the skyline for land masses, etc. He does not want Scourge & Plugg to see him "doing visual recon". Atlatl fakes a "GASP" to appease his captors....for now.
Bluff:
Gilraen tries to somewhat mask her incredible horror at what she is witnessing. She doesn't want to show no reaction, lest a game "let's see what it takes to up Gilraen" emerges. On the other hand, she doesn't want to appear entirely weak.
Bluff
Sense Motive
She also was interested in seeing how others reacted, but it took all her focus to keep her expression (and stomach) in check.
Noonan figures that guy chose to die the moment he spit in Plugg's face (seemed like a silly thing to do).
He doesn't understand how the body got so pulpy and is mildly confused about it. Overall, however, Noonan is pleased with the acceptance of his pet and has begun to wonder what to call it...and what kind of food it will eat.
Sidhon looks horrified. Zorg looks surprised. Atlatl looks desperate to escape. Gilraen shows just the right amount of dismay. Noonan looks distracted.
Plugg looks self-satisfied. Scourge looks gleeful. None of you picked up much about the other crew, except that there seemed to be a general enthusiasm for the keelhauling. Some of the crew members may have been faking to go along, but you were too shocked and/or indifferent to figure out which.
~~~
Atlatl:
Roll a "Sense Motive" check to know more about the crews reactions.
Roll a "perception" check (regular, not traps) to notice weaponry.
You see islands in the far distance, but you probably know that the Shackles is a chain of islands, so that doesn't tell you much. (You could make a Knowledge Geography check, but only if you put points in it. Knowledge, Profession, and Craft checks can only be made by people who've studied that topic. Most of the rest you can try, even without training.)
~~~
Plugg and Scourge are congratualating each other on a job well done. Didja see the blue one? I swear he turned green.
The big blue one, or the little blue one?
Nah, the big 'un. He was positively green around the gills. Green around the gills, get it? -Har-
That's a good 'un. Green around the gills. You sher picked up a boatload o' freaks this time, Scourge.
Yeh, I reckon so. Mostly midjits too.
What? Was there a half-price sale at the circus or sumthin'?
Wouldn'ta paid coin for this lot. Mebbe the freaks just excaped from the circus right afore I found 'em.
Yeh, hardly a one worth gettin' yer willy wet on, 'cept the cleric there.
And that one, the cook's mate. She's easy on the eyes, too.
Yeh, 'cept there's sumthin' weird about her tho'
The ears? You could jist cut those right off then pretend yer with a real human woman.
(insert reaction here?)
~~~
Were *my* ears just burning, Plugg? Were you just talking about forcing yourself on a human woman? A petite human woman in velvet robes approaches, and the hair on your arms stands on end from the power she radiates. You get the feeling she's been listening, and waiting to time her entrance.
N-no, Ms. Longfarthing. I mean yes, but we were just having fun is all. Scaring the new recruits into line.
I see. She gives a cold smile, and glances to Jakes' corpse. Well it looks to me like you've had enough of that kind of fun. And if you feel that just ain't so, well it's best you come try your fun with me, first. Harrigan needs a full working crew, and even with the barnacles ye've managed to scrape outta the ports we're still 10 shy. We need 'em to work, and pregnant women don't work. Women with babies don't work. And if they won't work, then we're all shark food-- starting with you. Do I make myself clear?
Y-yes, Ms. Longfarthing.
Good. Now...She inspects Atlatl. ... is this the one I've been reading myself blind for?
Yes Ma'am. Yes it is. That there's an Undine.
Fascinating. I've never seen one afore. I'm so glad you've decided to join our happy crew. She gives another of her icy smiles. Have you heard of a ring of water-breathing? It allows us mere humans to breathe underwater indefinitely. Well, I've made you a present. A welcome-aboard present of sorts. She nods to some crewmen who hold Atlatl still. Then she places an aptly-named choker around his neck. You hear it "snick" magically shut, and then there's no seam. It a solid iron band around his neck.
This is very similar except the complete opposite. This choker makes it so that you cannot breathe in water. In fact, even if you're only 75% submerged in water you still won't be able to breathe-- not air, not water, not anything. But a short breathing spell will go off at first. It will last about 10 minutes and then you will suffocate unless you get out of the water. Ingenious, isn't it? I'm quite proud of it. Now it doesn't have to be like this forever. You could be quite useful to us. Prove your loyalty and you might even be made an officer-- and the collar will come off. But until then, we just want some guarantees, you understand.
Now don't all stand there gaping like beached fish. Your stew is getting cold. Ta!
Just then Pluck hops down to nibble at Jakes' eyes. Pluckin' Lucky! Lucky as Harmak Gruft! -squawk!-
~~~
When the show is clearly over, Plugg dismisses everyone to chow (is it called chow on a ship?)
~~~
At this point you are free to engage in Nighttime actions (as listed in campaign info.) Search the ship, talk to the crew, sleep, gamble, sing sea chanties, etc...
After this point the action won't be so rigidly forced in a particular direction by me. My job until now has been to get you on the ship, keep you on the ship, introduce you to the ship and some of the crew, and make sure you hate Plugg and Scourge. Mission accomplished?
From this point on, I will give you jobs and events on board ship... but you have more choice in what you do and who you interact with.
So pick a nighttime action and off we go.
After dinner, once people start taking to their bunks, Zorg stirs and begins to explore the nearest part of the ship that he has yet to investigate.
Sidhon will keep an eye out for Gilraen (who may be serving). When he sees her free, he will create an opportunity to sit with her for some part of the meal.
He says, very quietly, "You were at the bar, and in the cell when we woke up here. At the bar, you were kind to the barmaid. I'm hoping that was an indicator. This ship's officers are viscious, cruel, and evil. They will kill us before long - and laugh at our mangled corpses. Can we agree to share any information or plans to seek alternatives to being ground into chopped liver for these folks' amusement? Do you know if anyone else has such an imperative?"
Sidhon's going to turn in early - pretty much as soon as he can follow and emulate anyone who's not a newcomer. Sidhon keeps his eyes open for anyone who looks to be involved in repairs (splashes of tar, tool belt, etc.) and mark them for later reference.
In the bunkroom, Sidhon will ask Atlatl if he can take a look at the gill device. Not to fiddle with quite yet, but just to inspect and report.
During the night, Sidhon may notice Zorg's comings and goings - they will interest him, though Sidhon is a) tired, and b) unwilling to take chances that night.