Amen-set's excitement at the golden cat's presence was obvious and Rain chuckled inwardly as the girl proclaimed it a sign from the Great Father.
"Aye, the golden cat is indeed a harbinger of good fortune. And the cat is female. She understands Common but cannot speak it. I have no idea what her name is. Perhaps you can find out for us, Amen-set?"
It was sweet how happy the creature made Amen-set. Rain was tired -- it had been a long day and night and there was still work to be done.
"It will not be too long before we can aid the two crews with the cure. Praise the gods." Rain was glad to be back on the Lady and soon to be on their way, with a contingent of healthy sailors.
"Huh! If she understand our tongue, that is good - but I do not know her tongue, sadly, so if she does tell me her name, I will not understand her... " she says a with a frown, obviously distressed that she can not ask the cat it's proper name directly, clearly eager to learn about it.
She coos to the cat, and whispers softly to it, rubbing the bridge of its scalp gently.
She looks over at the pilot.
"I am pleased much that the cure is now with us! I do not relish a death by plague; that is not the death for the likes of us, eh sekhrey?"
"Battle or blood; not some foolish withering sickness - that is the only way for us to go - with glory and honor," she says with a bright smile at Rain, even as she happily continues to stroke the cat - if it lets her.
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Back at the ship, Variel makes sure that word is sent to both ships that they have the reagents for the cure but it will take time to prepare. In order to make sure the cure is completed successfully we have our three best healers working right now to brew enough of the elixer to cure everyone. It is of vital importance therefore that for the next four hours we do our utmost to clean the ship and maintain a watch on the area. We can not afford to find the cure only to be attacked and the cure ruined. Once it is made we will have those affected most heavily by the disease take the cure first followed by those who have not succumbed to the illness for they may still be carriers of it. This applies to all sailors alike, those on the Sanbalot and The Dread Lady. Our information says that this elixer will cure the disease but does not indicate how lone it will take before its effects are realized. I tell you this now so you do not be alarmed if you feel worse tomorrow than you feel today. Just know that we value your lives and work to protect you all just as you work to sail the ship. Now everyone to their stations.
Diplomacy to improve morale and sway those that think ill of us.
Back at the ship, Variel makes sure that word is sent to both ships that they have the reagents for the cure but it will take time to prepare. In order to make sure the cure is completed successfully we have our three best healers working right now to brew enough of the elixer to cure everyone. It is of vital importance therefore that for the next four hours we do our utmost to clean the ship and maintain a watch on the area. We can not afford to find the cure only to be attacked and the cure ruined. Once it is made we will have those affected most heavily by the disease take the cure first followed by those who have not succumbed to the illness for they may still be carriers of it. This applies to all sailors alike, those on the Sanbalot and The Dread Lady. Our information says that this elixer will cure the disease but does not indicate how lone it will take before its effects are realized. I tell you this now so you do not be alarmed if you feel worse tomorrow than you feel today. Just know that we value your lives and work to protect you all just as you work to sail the ship. Now everyone to their stations.
Diplomacy to improve morale and sway those that think ill of us. d20+8
Multiple people on the ship have collapsed from weakness although none are in any danger of dying. It will take four hours to make the brew.
** spoiler omitted **
Multiple people on the ship have collapsed from weakness although none are in any danger of dying. It will take four hours to make the brew.
"Even your lot," Dhaavan tells the crew of the Sabanlot. "We ain't gonna let ya rot away o' this sickness an' leave ya here or nuthin."
Adular will cast Lesser Restoration on whoever seems closest to dying. Probably the weaker folks like halflings. But he won't touch anyone who seems free of the plague.
"You knew the captain and crew wouldn't let ye down."
The leader of the Rahadoumi nods at the words from Variel and Dhaavan. We owe you our lives...though I am unsure if we would be in this situation had you not attacked us in the first place. Even so, we will assist you in bringing the ship to Bloodcove, where we will depart. We still have no interest in becoming pirates. He says the word with disdain but you can tell he is sincerely trying to be magnanimous and not offend you. [b]My men will stay under my command but I will report to a person of your choosing for the duration.
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The brewing goes according to plan and the elixer itself takes on a reddish-golden color that you assume means it is ready. Small cups are passed out to every member of the crew, whether obviously infected or not, to make sure the illness is eradicated. The crew wants to celebrate but exhaustion is too much for most of them and they spend every spare moment in their bunks catching up on the sleep they have been denied.
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The golden cat gets a varied reception from the many peoples that make up your crew, some view the cat as a good omen, others as a bad omen, still more others just shrug their shoulders and take it in stride. Out of everyone, the several birds who are pets and companions of the crew take it the worst, especially when you see the golden cat eyeing them and obviously licking its chops. You get the strange impression though that the cat is not hungry but seems to be toying with the birds emotions.
The cat at times seems to behave just like a regular cat, but other times shows signs of incredible intelligence and cunning.
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While encouraging the crew to get their rest, Seijiro will play his harmonica a little to alleviate any exhaustion, so the crew may be tired, and need rest, they will not be suffering from fatigue.
Once the crew are all resting, he and Tomo will climb up the crow's nest and keep a watch until someone who has rested up can take his place and he can get his own rest.
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Variel runs the plan past everyone to make sure they all know and agree to his ideas and the attitudes of the Rhahadoumi currently. If alright with everyone Variel will have himself Jiro and Adular on the Sanbalot, while Rain, Flynn and Dhaavan run the Dread Lady.
Variel nods his understanding to the Rhahadoumi leader. Of course, I will appoint Dhaavan in charge of the Dread Lady, if he is willing, and I will oversee you myself. I will have Jiro as our pilot and Adular along as well. In three or four days time then you are free to go on your way when we arrive in port. If there are any other signs of sickness let myself know immediately. In the mneatime I suggest everyone rest now and recover for we sail on in the morning.
Variel will listen to Jiro play his harmonica and approach quietly. When there is a lull in the music, Jiro I know that you are wililng to take a watch, but I am going to need you refreshed and ready to go in the morning as I plan on you sailing the Sanbalot. I will take watch so you don't have to. is this alright with you or is your mind restless and unable to sleep? If so I will meditate and attempt sleep myself so I may be ready to pilot the ship in the morning and you can relieve me when you awake.
"I thought someone should be on watch though... but if you are willing... I will get some rest... I must admit, I could use it after the rowing and the climbing. Thanks, Variel-sama." He halts his climb and heads to the officer's quarters of the Sanbalot, assuming they've been cleaned.. but just to make sure, he first uses a couple of prestidigitation spells to ensure the quarters are very clean.
Once that is done, he gratefully crawls into a bunk and falls asleep almost immediately with the abandon of the very young, letting the cares of the past few days fade away almost immediately. Tomorrow would be another day, and stressful no doubt.
Having heard Variel's speech to the Rahadoumi sailors, Rain makes her way to Dhaavan's side. "Who will you have on watch this night? I must go to bed soon if I am to get some rest and pilot the Lady successfully on the morrow. It has been quite an eventful few days and the rowing and tall climb has seeped whatever energy I had remaining. If you are amiable, I would just check a few things at the helm and then go to the Captain's cabin, clean up and get some sleep. I await your order."
"Of course, take a rest whenever you need to," Dhaavan says with a smile, back to his usual chipper self now that the cure has been dispursed. "Good call on the watch, slipped my mind, I was so releaved. Thank you again for making that climb," he adds with releaf, and a glint his eyes, lightly placing a hand on her shoulder, then quickly getting about his business.
He finds a few crewmen, one with Fury's Wings, that aren't too over-extended and exhausted (able to keep their eyes open) asking, "Oye, we need a watch for the night, so I needja ta stay up a bit longer, with Jack, keep an eye out, and yea'll get the day off tomorrow, yeah?".
to get his crewmen to push on through the night.
Rain inclined her head toward the acting Captain. Dhaavan seemed more like himself now than he did back on the longboat when they were in search of the bromeliad. "I bid you a good night, Dhaavan."
Rain makes her final checks before retiring to the Captain's quarters and locking the door behind her. Tiredness seeped through her muscles and bones, but she had one last task to do before she could find her bed and sleep. She did not want to go to bed dirty and in her wet clothes.
Retrieving the wooden bucket Variel kept in his cabin, Rain casts Create Water and fills it with fresh, clean water. Stripping off her clothes, Rain forages in her backpack for a wash cloth, soap and her spare shirt and trousers. The storm earlier in the night had helped, for it washed over her hair at the very least. She wiped over her body quickly, removing grime, sweat and any other filth. Rain squeezed out the water from her long hair and ran her fingers through the still damp strands so it would not knot. This would have to do until they were back in port and she could find a bathhouse and have a proper bath. Rinsing her old clothes in the bucket and wringing them out, Rain lays them atop the chair to dry. Drying her body with a spare blanket, Rain dons her clean, warm clothes then moves to the cot and lays down, feeling the natural sway of the ship. Thoughts move through her mind until darkness finally claims her and she sleeps deeply.
Horatio continues to move around the galley; prepping the plant into the thick tea which is needed.
He examines the various pots and kettles which hang in near rows over the metal stove which rests comfortably on its stubby iron legs.
His eyes sweep over the various cups and mugs on the wall and settle for a large teacup.
What’s the rate… what’s the rate… one to five… one to ten… one to twenty… careful, lad – a miscalculation on this could waste your entire venture…
He quickly washes his hands thoroughly, than he takes the petals of the plant and begins to shred them, depositing the blossoms into the cup. He takes another cup of the exact same size and fills it with water to the brim exactly, then dumps it into the pot. Then another, then another.
When the pot is filled with exactly twenty cups of water – each cup equal to exactly one cup for the petals; he looks on it and frowns.
Will that be enough?
Of course, there are plenty of petals left over to brew more tea; but the true issue of his vexing was the level of water itself to the petals. After all, as any good alchemist will tell you, when brewing potions - especially healing elixirs - the drink must not be too weak, or it will fail.
Yet if it is too strong – it may also have difficulties. The patient may become sick and vomit it out. There must be some consideration for the approximate size and body-weight of the people involved. And if his guesses were not successful than the victim of the plague will likely die!
Sweat beaded on his forehead unnoticed, and he did some quick mental calculations.
Right! So add into your bloody calculatations that as of now we have about five little people on the ships together… three Halflings and a gnome and a dwarf… their body weight and size is smaller; likely they’ll need a less potent dose; who knows, a stronger dose may make them overly sick… Damn! I wish I had remembered more on this process than simply making it into a tea; still, it’s a start…
He wets his lips, thinking a moment.
Right, so - first batch will be for man-sized creatures to test… I’ll make a slightly wearker dose for the little folk in a bit; not too weak – but weak enough that it will not make them sick… I hope.
And damn! From there I’ll also likely need to make an even weaker brew – for the few animals on the ship… after all, they have their gifts and equal right to life… But never mind that now; first the man-sized one…
He watches the water steam slowly, than slips out his small journal and notes the flower and the type; where it was found – the coordinates on where they discovered the estuary; the type of tree, the time of year it was in bloom; than he begins a quick sketch of the flower itself, so he will remember what it looks like specifically in the future.
As the water finally boils, he dumps the petals into it, and lets them seep.
He makes another note on the ratio of petals to water, leaving the results blank, until he tests it.
Leaning over the pot, he inhales the scent.
Not a bad smell; reminds me of honeysuckle in full bloom, with just a touch of sage…
He quickly makes a note of the smell in his journal, also. If, by chance, they needed to make it again, one of their company with a good nose might possibly find it by the scent alone.
He decides he will wait five minutes for the tea to brew. Perhaps that will be enough – perhaps not… but it is a start.
In his his head he began to count to three hundred, slowly and with even counts. He knew that there was exactly three hundred counts to a five minute period. Learning the basics of music, he could keep the count even as his thoughts multitasked.
As he waits, he delicately picks up some of the blossoms and examines them; he has a hunch and wants to see it through.
”Milani be praised,” he said with a grin of delight.
As usual, blossoms with bright colors and fresh smells have, near their center, small clusters of seeds. This particular plant was removed by the roots; that means it was not a blossom from the tree itself, but instead, it was like a “parasite” oraganism which grew from a source – like a mushroom.
That means that – with luck – we can grow a few of these very plants on the ship itself and have a supply of them if we ever run into this bloody plague again.
He knew that Piper was already working to cultivate a small herb garden for fresh spices and other things – the Halfling being very particular on fresh spices for her cooking; but a secondary garden for small fresh plants used in potions or elixirs could be an asset to the ship as a whole.
He made a quick note to mention it to the others next morning.
When the count reached three hundred; he took a cloth and held it around the metal handle and removed the pot from the heat and let it cool.
He smelled again the strong smell of the honeysuckle in the small galley; and it seemed not only wholesome, but he felt a modest sense of vigor return to his weary limbs, as if the smell alone was rejuvenating him.
After a few minutes, when he judge it to be cool enough, he poured half a teacup of the drink to test it.
He judged that the pot itself had enough for twenty-nine more such doses. But the plant could also produce another three pots; if needed, and this was all depending on the ratio he had already prepared for the blossom to water – which may not even need to be so strong.
Even so, at his present calculations they should have enough of the tea, or elixir for roughly one hundred and twenty man-sized creatures. More than enough!
Still, he eyed the plant critically, and hoped that he could at least salvage some of it to attempt to grow a small amount for the ships stores – as needed.
Right – keep that in mind. But another thing; when you get to Bloodcove, take either Dhaavan or Adular – or someone knowledge about potions and healing and bring them to an apocothery shop, or an herbalist; or a druid; alchemist; temple… or whatever the hell they have in Bloodcove – and get every note you can about that plant!
Can the petals be stored as “dried” – like dried herbs? If so – how long do they last. Does such an elixir need to be made fresh; or can we save this elixir indefinitely, in clean and sealed mugs, so we have it again if we need it?
If it is something that is bought and sold – what is the going price for this cure in an open market, too? It could be worth something… a person will pay anything if they are dying and you have the only cure for their illness, eh?
He thought about that for a moment; the wealth inherinent to using such a cure over the head of a dying man – extorting him for all his gold with the promise for his only chance for life in your hands!
But than he thought about folk like Piper and Amen-set; and Rosie or Risa, Shivikah, Jak and all the rest of them – never mind his fellow officer-ownwers of their ship… he thought of them collapsing to the deck, death in their face as the clutched desperately for life, too weak to even taste their food or drink.
No, it is reasonable to sell the cure for a few coins for our troubles – but I will not advocate extorting men for a cure to such a death! A few gold alone for the cost of the journey, perhaps – but even than; I would rather give it away than watch men die that way simply so I could take their wealth in plenty.
He lets out a deep sigh as he reaches for the cup, testing to see if it is cool enough to drink without burning him.
Besides – he thinks with a somewhat disgusted frown, realizing the small flaw to that method of extorting gold, even if his heart had not already been moved – the only men who would have enough gold to pay the coin you would look for are rich. And rich men would simply pay a priest for the magical cure, negating the entire venture.
Goodly sailors, shopkeepers; families – they will have no such wealth to pay a priest for the cure, and they will need the cure the most. If there is a way to help them, you can not keep it from such folk simply to make a few extra coin… to see them suffer so… that is not the way a sailor is meant to die, or a child…
Holding the cup, he judges it is cool enough to drink, and lifts it to his lips to taste.
Aye – even so; than what of that notion you thought on earlier, when the plague first bit your flesh and was discovered? Will you move forward with your plan, than, or abandon it completely?
He pauses, not drinking yet – considering that.
I do not know… I suppose, as I am in doubt, I would pray over such matters… though I think that the gods will not answer.
No, you fool; they will answer you – but not in some mighty spiritual avatar which shall burst into this bloody cabin with a simple “yes” or “no” to satisfy your needs for something dramatic! Instead, they shall answer you in a way that is consistent with this entire venture, if you but think on that a moment.
He holds the cup and frowns, not sure at that last thought.
Fool! This mission brought you together as a proper crew – that was its purpose; so you said before and at great length, eh? Well than – if you are truly to be bound to the needs of your crew and are supposed to consider their opinions, bring the matter to their attention when next you meet.
If you look for an answer from the gods, no doubt the gods will speak through your fellow mates to your heart, and you will have the answer to your plans revealed to you than.
He nods, considering that and content with the answer.
Of course – all of this assumes you haven’t bollixed the bloody potion to begin with and aren’t drinking a brew strong enough to make you vomit it out; nor too weak that your body is still infected and the host disease that fougth the cure and won is now stronger than ever. In which case, you’ll be dead in the morning, as well as half your mates!
He laughs a bit grimly at the idea.
No – the gods will not have sent such a cure to fail now. I will put my faith in their plan; I will drink now and be confident in the results, and I shall place my trust in them henceforth, and not trouble so much over these incidental issues…
He nods to himself, lifts the cup and drinks the tea.
Than he lits his journal, prepared to record what resuls he finds from the drink; if any – and while he waits, he prays the cure will come.
The cure is ready by dawn and is dispersed among both crews by the end of breakfast. A great sigh of relief seems to wash over the ships that the sudden death has been averted. Many thanks are given and salutes are common as you all walk by.
After the cure has been formally prepared, but even as it is being passed out, Horatio considers his plan, and the possibilities that it would bring.
When he gets the chance, he will ask to speak to the other officers, and offer the suggestion – wondering what they will say…
”The plague is finished now; for we have a cure. But even with this cure elements of it still linger and we are even now trying to purge the ships wholly of the disease.”
”I wonder, than, before we take such bold actions if it would be possible to attempt to harness this agent?”
He pauses, letting the others consider this option.
”There has been some talk of approaching and attempting to take this place called “Tide Water Rock”. It is rumored to be a difficult journey and the place we would go is well guarded and well protected.”
”If elements of this plague were introduced into the fortress itself; the soldiers who are guarding the place would grow infected and quickly become very weak.”
”I am not asking that we murder the populace with a plague – but we have the cure with us now. The plague itself takes several days to wear down a person.”
”If the men who guard this place got the plague today, for example, it could take days before they die, though they do grow weaker each day. And each day the became weaker and were greatly weakened, we could sail into the port with little resistance and easily defeat those who would fight.”
”But it may not even come to blows; because if we let them know we have the cure – if they surrender – than it is possible that they may gladly throw down their arms simply for the chance to get the cure.”
He frowns a bit.
”I know this may seem a bit unorthodox – and possibly even sinister; but consider – if we do not have to fight these folk blade to blade – we need not kill them, and they will not have to kill our own folk. So, in a way, it will save lives… and consider the Rahadoum sailors; though they despised us – when we gave them the cure, they were won over with greater ease.”
”Perhaps the same can be said at this place, too?”
”Still,” he says musing ”I know not all of you agree with my methods. In this case I thought it would better to offer the possibility; but I will agree to whatever decision you make.”
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When Flynn talks about using the plague against others, Variel considers the option carefully before responding. It is unorthodox yes. Personally I would prefer to eliminate the disease completely to prevent it from affecting the crew again. I am not wise or learned enough to know if those that were sick can fall sick again or what the time frame this potion protects us from. It is for this reason i would see the entire disease eradicated.
As for using it against others, we don't know what our reception will be when we arrive at The Rock. We know the history of the place and Dhaavan's silvered tongue may gain us better support and allies then threats of illness. I will listen to the others input though before I make up my mind though because I do see the advantage even if I don't agree with the methods.
Personally I would prefer to eliminate the disease completely to prevent it from affecting the crew again. I am not wise or learned enough to know if those that were sick can fall sick again or what the time frame this potion protects us from. It is for this reason i would see the entire disease eradicated.
"I have to say I'm not comfortable with using the plague as a weapon, even with the intent to cure afterwards. But that's just me, and I don't make the decisions alone. I will defer to the majority, of course."
"Pass on using the plague as a weapon, mates. If word gets out that we try such tactics, we'll be treated as a plague ship in every port, which means we'll not be welcome in any."
"I have to say I'm not comfortable with using the plague as a weapon, even with the intent to cure afterwards. But that's just me, and I don't make the decisions alone. I will defer to the majority, of course."
"I do not wish to argue with you Seijiro - but why would does using a plague make you more uncomfortable than - say - using steel, or iron, or magic?"
"Please understand - I am merely curious to know the answer to what about this strategy specifically makes you uncomfortable?" he says; now less worried about the issue of the plague itself, but now more concerned about the fact that - if he need act as a member of a true "crew" - that he learns the personal prejudices and nuances of the others quickly.
Horatio takes a long drink at this point.
Talking at length can be very thirsty work.
"Pass on using the plague as a weapon, mates. If word gets out that we try such tactics, we'll be treated as a plague ship in every port, which means we'll not be welcome in any."
Horatio gives Adular an appraising look for a moment.
"Perhaps your suggestion holds merit, yet I think it would be no more foul than sailing with undead sailors; which does not trouble me overmuch, of course. And in any case, all such concerns can easily be amended with 'false colors' - I would think. But, as we seem to be eager for a reputation for notoriety and infamy as well; wouldn't that tactic be the surest passport to these things?"
"Besides," he adds with a dull voice "We wear the symbol of the un-dead woven into our heraldry; and there are those among us who call forth creatures from the Inferno to aid us..."
He sighs.
"I have seen clear evidence of what creatures from the Inferno can do to folk; their very presence stinks of evil to me - and, if I were more bold, I would hack off that which offends me."
He brightens a bit.
"Luckily, I am not so bold - and so I shall hack nothing off. But this was merely a suggestion, of course," he adds politely.
"Like Adular says, I don't like the idea of gaining the reputation of being a plague ship. But it seems like a cowardly and craven way of trying to win a fight, rather than strength or skill at arms or even magic." Seijiro shrugs. "Using plague lacks any sense of honor."
"That there is a worry. That kind o thing would certainly be a problem. Reputation is a powerful thing, and clearly a fickel mistress as much as our Lady Bessmara, if not more so." Dhaavann thinks on this for a few moments
"Flynn lad, there's spreading terror so ships surrender quick, and then there's spreading too much so you never get to weigh anchor EVER...an a skeletal crew so we don't end up taking months extra to get to a port is a wee bit different from plague becoming a regular part of our arsenal. Sides, if ye don't mind, speaking as one of the main healers on the ship, I don't think we can control it easily, and one slip it goes wild again. The skeletal crew wouldn't turn on our crewmates, the plague, if things go wrong, just might," Adular shakes his head, "Let's make sure its truly gone from the ship."
"Like Adular says, I don't like the idea of gaining the reputation of being a plague ship. But it seems like a cowardly and craven way of trying to win a fight, rather than strength or skill at arms or even magic." Seijiro shrugs. "Using plague lacks any sense of honor."
Horatio looks at Seijiro for a long moment.
He takes a cheroot from his pouch and lights it calmly and continues to watch the kitsune.
He considers the words for a long moment.
”You have no issues with magic, but you do with tactics?” he asks softly.
”Seijiro – this was my idea; I suggested it, for I believe that protecting the lives of our men is highly important to the crew; despite methods which you do not care for.”
”Yet you not only discount its merit for tactical purposes – but you suggest that my idea has no honor; and you suggest using science – as opposed to a spell – is cowardly and craven?”
He continues to watch the kitsune for a moment.
”I do not think I understand your meaning very well, sir. Would you care to elaborate on your point – specifically regarding “honor” and cowardice?” he asks with a very quiet voice.
"If so - I suggest you apologize; that is not very courteous."
"If I misunderstood your meaning, I apologize of course; but that is why I asked - because I do not understand what you meant," he says with a calm and polite voice.
Horatio glances at Dhaavan.
”Good sir – you are a sorcerer, are you not? Surely you are aware that some of your own kindred spirits posses a bloodline steeped in Pestilence, yes?” he asks the sorcerer somewhat rhetorically.
”Yet it seems that they have a strange duality in their existence – specifically; they can use plagues and afflictions to combat evil; even as some alchemists can produce bombs which carry plagues… yet they are certainly limited by their the very nature of their blood, if their bloodline itself is by nature "evil".”
He pauses to take a drink.
”Your pardon, sir – I hoped we could have an open and friendly discussion about tactics used to help us in the coming battles ahead.”
"It was merely a prelude to a discussion on tactics, and that was all I had hoped for - nothing else."
He shrugs.
”Perhaps those hopes were not meant to be,” he adds with a polite nod to Dhaavan.
As you set sail in the morning down the river, the banks shrouded in the morning fogs that cling to rivers the world over. The fog burns away quickly in the blazing sun and before long you are only a few turns away from the mouth of the river and the ocean beyond. At which point though, Ratline up in the crows nest calls down I see masts and rigging captain in one of the coves up ahead. A ship...and it looks big!
As you set sail in the morning down the river, the banks shrouded in the morning fogs that cling to rivers the world over. The fog burns away quickly in the blazing sun and before long you are only a few turns away from the mouth of the river and the ocean beyond. At which point though, Ratline up in the crows nest calls down I see masts and rigging captain in one of the coves up ahead. A ship...and it looks big!
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Hearing the call go up from the crow's nest Variel runs to the helm of the Sanbalot. Jiro your sight is better than mine. What say you to running up and telling me what you can make of the other ship. I will hold the Sanbalot here. Also signal to Rain to hold until we know more of what we are approaching. What type of ship is it? Is the ship anchored in the cove, adrift, signs of life on deck? If it is anchored, what are the odds of boarding it before it gets underway.
The worry of the disease gone, Variel's blood rushes with the thought of another ship to plunder and take...
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Variel looks to the officers to see their readiness. He himself is ready to go and trust that the rhahadoumi will not resist their efforts. Signaling to the other ship to halt as well, Variel has Jiro pull up next so they can talk. There is a ship in the cove ahead. That is all we could tell. We need a recon group to advance to find out more about the size and capabilities of the ship. Jiro I know you are stealthy and Dhaavan has his magic capabilities to support both of you. Would you be willing to scout ahead while Flynn prepares the ballista and we ready the crew of The Dread Lady for possible more plunder and another captured ship.
Horatio hears of the massive size of this ship and is annoyed that no further details are available, and that he cannot even see this ship.
Horatio - desiring action as well as answers - will move to the edge of the ship and prepare to dive in.
Rain adeptly manoeuvres the ship so it remains hidden by the tree coverage and holds the Lady steady, waiting on further instruction from Variel.
"Flynn, we can speak of honor and tactics later... The captain has need of me. Variel-sama, hai, I will scout for you. However, if we can see them, it's likely they can see us as well, and will likely be scouting our presence, too."
"Flynn, we can speak of honor and tactics later... The captain has need of me. Variel-sama, hai, I will scout for you. However, if we can see them, it's likely they can see us as well, and will likely be scouting our presence, too."
Seeing that Variel has moved close enough to hail them and speak, he abandons his earlier decision to simply leap over the gunwhale and dive over the side and swim to the bay to scout out the enemy ship.
He turns a quick glance at Variel, and moves closer, so the elf can hear him better.
”We can load those alchemical shots with the flames on both our forward ballista and our port ballista. If we need to attack, we could aim for their sails and cripple their movement – leaving them dead in the water for us to attack them at range; even as a secondary group moves in from the jungles to hit them,” he says to the elf.
He rubs his chin, considering.
”Her men may be in the jungles foraging for supplies and the ship could be undermanned and easily taken… or her presences so close to the coast may mean she is damaged. The rains last night were bad in the jungles – in the sea they may have been worse; she may have sprung a leak and is in need of repair – hence her proximity to land.”
”So yes, as of now, we may be able to take her – possibly; but perhaps not, for we have not seen her weapons, nor do we know her disposition as a ship.”
”I suggest that perhaps if Dhaavan does advance to scout - if he is willing - he may be able to convince them to trade with us – we may be able to offer them supplies and possibly help if they are willing to offer us payment in return.”
”As of now, our crew is not at its best and this ship may be too powerful for us… And even if we fight and win, how will we have enough men to return to Bloodcove?”
”And if we fight and lose…”
He shakes his head.
”I do not always prefer diplomacy; my trade deals in lead and steel,” he adds patting his weapons.
”But if we can avoid a fight, a loss of life, and do business with a possible or potential ally - well, it may be a wiser course… but I do not know... what do you think?” he asks even as he watches the tree line for threats.
"You asked for my opinion, and I gave it. THen you required that I give you reasons why i didn't like the idea. I said nothing to impugn your own honor or bravery. If you wanted people only to agree with you, you should have worded your question differently. I thought by now we knew each other well enough to be honest with each other, but if not, I'm sorry for that. I don't feel like I offered you any personal insult at all, I merely disagreed with an idea you put forth. If that requires an apology every time we disagree on something, we have greater problems do deal with. However if you require an apology so that we may be able to work together, then I beg your pardon for any insult you inferred. None was intended."
Seijiro gives a slight bow, sighs and shakes his head sadly, and simply walks away.
** spoiler omitted **
Horatio stands and bows also to Seijiro.
”As I said, I may have been mistaken in my assumptions on your meaning. That is why I had asked for clarification,” he responds politely.
”I did not know fully what you meant, and I have been overwrought.”
”Please, accept my own apology; I did not mean to offend you by assuming your conversation on tactics was anything more – but the sickness has effected my mood,” he says, disturbed that his mood was still effected.
”The reason I asked on your opinions regarding tactics was – mainly – after this whole business with using undead to sail the ship – there seemed to be some division with us on the nature and decency of such an action,” he continues, trying to explain.
”We all have our own understanding of the world as a whole – I do not wish to give offense to any of my company in the future by accident, and I fear that may happen, if I do not know more about their personal beliefs.”
He pauses, looking from Seijrio to the others.
”Right now I observe many of you are uncomfortable with things like animated corpses or using plagues to strike our enemy. I had thought both tactics useful and sound, in their own way. Indeed, I have even read thesis papers on how undead can be used to great benefit to the living by providing power to town with mundane means; such as powering a turntable to draw water from a well like a mill.”
”But I do not wish to offend; and I do not know what vexes the others, and I would know that better for the future,” he adds.
”I know many magi and priests can cause diseases in battle, I had not thought this was worse than using electricity, or fire, or cold to slay an enemy… if my assumptions are wrong – please; tell me. I do not wish to cause issues in the future, I will keep such thoughts in my reckoning for strategies yet to come.”
He turns back to Seijiro.
”The gods do not wish us to argue with each other; they wish us to be as one – as fist to grip the sword to strike at what purpose they may have for us, I think.”
”I do not wish to insult you, nor do I wish to offend you – even by accident. This is why I asked to know your mind better on such things – that is all.”
”We are all weary now, and there is much to do – but if you would share more of your feelings and thoughts with me in the future, I promise to take them into consideration so that so that no such misunderstandings will occur later, if I can help it,” he adds with a sincere and a polite tone giving Seijiro a small but friendly smile.