"I'm fine... but we don't have enough crabs yet, do we...or do these creatures count too? I have one of them, but it's hard to swim with it.
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Knowing Plugg and Scourge we had better bring full pots as well or we will get the lash for failing or duties. Regardless of the fact that we are bringing back crab legs the size of your arm.
Variel will start advising to get the remaining crabs needed. if those less able to swim due to damage or strength drain want to start heading back he will stay to gather the crab.
"My pot needs one more to be full, if you can get one."
I flex my arms tenderly – the damage from the poison has wounded me, and I feel somewhat worn out – my muscles aching badly.
”Aye – I’m somewhat worn; but I’ll live,” I growl, the pain wearing on me.
”Don’t think we should dawdle much, though; blood in the water can’t be a good thing – bound to attract attention, eh; and not the best type…”
I glance at these creatures, remembering my time as a youth fishing, my tacks course a moment.
”Lads – I recall that men will hunt hard for these things; the claws being worth something of note…” I add, pondering a moment.
”Meat aside – I recommend we bring ‘em all back to the bloody ship, as well as the crabs, if we can haul ‘em. Maybe we can jury-rig something to haul the whole bunch.”
I glance at Sko and also Dhaavan.
”Sko lad – you’re in good with the cook, eh? Well – maybe you can see if he’s able to use these things for eating; the captain may want something more “spicy” than just crab meat, eh?”
I glance to Dhaavan a moment.
”Here’s the thing, lad,” I say, looking at Dhaavan ”you’re in good with that orcish lass – Grok, eh? Well, if these claws be worth something, maybe she’ll pay some good coin for ‘em – if so, we may be able to take that coin and split it, and then start getting ourselves something more then this here hash to carry around on these little “dances”, eh? I mean – maybe something to heal up with after this kind of stuff happens.”
”Speaking of which; does anybody need to be healed up? I can maybe heal one person - if they need it...” I ask a bit wearily, looking from the crabs to the others who are treading water.
Dhaavan takes a full round to replace his dagger as his summons fade away.
He smiles and laughs in responce to Variel's concern. "Haaa ha! This, no worries mate, I'll be fine! Thanks tho. How are you? I was a little concerned with my spellcraft and not paying that much attention.". The young man is all smiles, even as blood slowly seeps from the cuts he received. "Maybe the crabs like blood, abd they'll be easier to find! Hopefully no sharks show up."
To flynn, Dhaavan says "Sure I can try to get some coin from Grok, but i'd guess these li'l beauties would be better served fresh and ol' Fishguts'll want a crack at em. But I'll see what I can do." Dhaavan gives Flynn a wink, cause he [I]knows what he can do, and is betting it'll count for a fair penny.
Well then, let's roll the dice!
Looks like Jack points out a crab, and Dhaavan is able to catch it and drop into one of the pots. So he's gotten three total. I know a couple got two each so we have at least 9 for sure and only need three more.
Securing her trident onto her back, her hands are free to finish the task of catching crabs for the Captain's dinner.
Having been blessedly spared the bites and poison of the Reefclaws, Rain dives into the water, swimming down and searching out more crabs to fill the pots.
Her swim and her ability prove equally strong and she catches another 3 crabs for the pot.
Turning to find the location of each of her mates, she treads water, her full crab pot held to her side.
"Do any of you require aid to swim back to the ship? I remember someone bringing along some rope, I think it was Valeros? If we tied the giant creatures together, they may be easier to pull along. But keep your eyes open for they may attract other predators seeking to claim our quarry."
"My pot's full now... and I have one of the creatures... maybe someone who doesn't have one can take the pot and I'll see if I can swim dragging the creature... Or if we have rope, that's another option. I didn't bring any along myself."
"I can take your pot, Jiro. My swim stroke is fair enough that I can manage dragging two crab pots."
Calling out to Valeros across the water, "Valeros, did you bring rope?" To any of the others, "Did any of you?"
"We hauled the crab pots out here fair enough by dragging - I don't see why we can't haul them back with a few crabs in them," I say, glancing around for any threat.
"Meanwhile - as for these other "beauties" - we can probably haul them back with some ease - one a piece..." I say, somewhat hesitantly, looking at Dhaavan.
"Lad - you talk fine - but you need healing; let me know now," I say, watching him.
"But if you don't want help - that's your choice, I reckon," I say with a shake of my head "I won't force it on you," I add, watching him oddly - seeing the blood seeping from his mouth.
"Anyhow, you able to haul this back with us then," I say, wondering how easy it will be for Dhaavan to swim "there's no harm in asking for help, lad - we can all help each other," I add.
"I don't know how much rope we'll need," I say - glancing at the crab pots in front of us; looking at them for a moment.
"Maybe we can just lash them together - into one mass, and one of us could just drag it back, while the rest of us just drag back one of the reefclaws - those who can, eh?" I add.
I pull out from my pouch a length of cord - roughly 20 feet in length.
"I had it on me earlier for something I was working on..." I say with a terse voice "but in any case; this cord should be long enough to lash the crab pots together; then we can just have one of us haul them."
I heft the weight of one of the reeflaws in my arms.
"I can carry this - can some of you grab the other two - not to mention dragging the crab pots?" I add.
"I have one of the 'claws... I should be fine swimming with it, unburdened by the crabpot." True to his word, he starts swimming slowly toward the ship, dragging the reefclaw's body.
"I won't say no to healing if everyone else is alright," Dhaavan tells Flynn, "But I couldn't take one of the pots, nor the 'claws back even if i were at full strength." he adda appologetically. "But i can lend a hand pulling the cord with the pots lashed to it."
Dhaavan adds another one to the count, which, if we had 11 should bring us up to the 16 we need in total. Dhaavan could help pull the line of pots out to the ship.
You all make it back to the ship with the three Reefclaws and the full crab pots. The Captain watches the pots come aboard but when he spots the Reefclaws he gives a hearty laugh and says in his booming voice Reefclaws! Those monsters are such a delicacy. Well done lads! Well done indeed! He reaches into his pocket and pulls out 4 small vials of a golden colored liquid that he tosses to the group. His smile lasts only a minute before Plugg and Scourge come up and say Yes. Well done. Now get back to work!
Sko resumes man-shape. He's taken a few cuts but nothing he can't live with. "I can heal as well if it's needed," he says simply. He looks at the lashed pots and the Reefclaws and will assist where ever he thinks it will do the most good.
When Seijiro comes back on board, he shakes the water off himself like a dog would and seems refreshed and happy.
"Well those may come in handy!" Seijiro says as he gets back to his job. He works diligently the rest of the day, chatting with the others if there's time.
Between the end of shift and dinner, he runs down to his locker to get the rest of his gear.
|
|
Variel is about to open his mouth and thank the captain when his first words ring through his mind,
I have only one rule-don't speak to me. I like talk, bit I don't like your talk.
Shutting his mouth quickly, Variel simply nods his thanks to the captain. Grabbing one of the potions Variel will head downstairs to grab his pendant and stow the potion. While there he will double check the contents of the locker to make sure that no one has rifled through it while he was away.
Coming back up he was in time to here Pugg assign duties for the day. Hearing that one of the pigs down below broke some of the boards, Variel is sent to the kitchen to repair the damage.
Finding the kitchen a complete mess, he offers to help clean the area while doing the repair work. Sko, you want some help here? I can clean while you cook. I am to be repairing these boards the pigs broke. I am sure I can spare a few seconds now and then if you want providing Fishguts doesn't give me away of course.
While working, Variel plans to search the area for anything of note. To hide his intent, he will be 'cleaning' using prestidigitation.
Take ten on repairs while sneaking: success
Perception
Dhaavan heads below decks and himself dry and clean, putting on his Vest and Jacket, grabbing his hat before going back up top decks, checking that his dagger is properly loaded and concealed.
"Good call, us bringin' those bodies back" clapping Flynn on the back. "It'll be nice to have something for healing in case of emergency. It's no coin, but i figured that arguing with Harrigan was a bad idea, and those potions ain't exactly cheep, so were getting some good value there.
To Variel, Valeros, and Sko, Dhaavan says to each of them, [b]"Hey, thanks for comin' in and backing me up there. My pets didn't quite have things as well in hand as I would have hoped, and without you all i'd likely as not be even more sliced up there. So thanks."
Dhaavan finds a moment without others around to speak to Flynn
Wanting free reign to move about the decks, Dhaavan gets to work catching rats
Take 10 on stealth: 13 - PASS!
While ret-catching, Dhaavan makes it a point to run across Tate when the dwarf is out of the rigging.
"Well, yea likin yer ink mate? nice piece o' work, I'd say." Dhaavan says approaching the dwarf. After giving him some time to respond, chatting about the ink, Dhaavan mentions "Hope we get a taste o' them Reefclaw what we pulled up tonight. Never gotten the chance to try em, but wit' so many we may get a bite. Ya ever had one before?"
Seijiro works at the ropes again today, easy work without requiring climbs. He keeps his head down and his thoughts to himself for now...
I'M the one who thought of bringing these creatures back with us, and Dhaavan goes thanking Flynn for it... I get no respect He shakes off the negative thoughts and gets back to work.
My face is pained – I suffered from the poison, as well as being crushed and slashed by the claws.
”Well lad – I didn’t know the reefclaws were a delicacy – per se – but I did know that their claws are often used as weapons, and hunted for that purpose. Lots of fishermen did work like that off of Sargava when I was younger; new a few mates that did it each summer during their spawning. But as for the meat itself? Well – I'm glad it was handy; truth to tell, I didn't know - as they had poison in them, and it'd take a damn good cook to get the poison out of the meat. But yeah - at the least I figured the claws themselves would be worth a piece,” I say a bit raggedly.
I cough a moment, still feeling weak.
”I’ve said it to none; though I mentioned it to Rain I believe – sorry; not really sure. The sun has got to me. Meantime – I can heal again with some aid – but if it’s all the same to you; I’d rather heal myself. I got a hunch I may need it by the end of the night; as that basterd Plugg and his dog have been making bloody “marks” in their books… But I’ll do what you can for you; if you need it.”
Feeling a bit weak – I call out to Rain in tired voice –
”Ahoy lass; you think you can give me a hand adjusting things in the rigging? I’d enjoy some company,” I say.
The comment seems fairly offhand and not very important, but I am intending to try to speak to Rain in private about something.
When she moves closer to give me her answer – I will speak softly to her in elven:
”Hey lass, you did damn good out there – had a lot of style to your fight, and I was damned impressed how you rallied the lads to finish those basterds off.”
”I’ve been looking for the chance to get off this scum bucket since we were taken here. But we’re a way out from the coast now – but maybe not too far off… I’d like to gauge or position, if we could. Hard to do without charts and a sextant – but maybe you can swing it?”
”Once we get a closer knowledge of our bearings, if we’re near enough to the coast; maybe one night we take that boat and slip out and run? It could work; eh?”
”I talked to Dhaavan on it – he’s interested. But I know you go the know-how to find our position better then I do; though I sure could help you – if you’re agreeable.”
”Anyhow – after what I saw today; I think we could do it – but try to not to spread the word too much, be cautious. If it gets out – things could get sticky,” I add with an obvious cough to try to muffle my voice as we work.
Sko will assist in the cooking. He'll take 10 if he can giving a result of 17.
"Hey, Fishgut," Sko begins. "Have you ever cooked these before? How do we deal with the poison?"
Feeling a bit weak – I call out to Rain in tired voice –
”Ahoy lass; you think you can give me a hand adjusting things in the rigging? I’d enjoy some company,” I say.
The comment seems fairly offhand and not very important, but I am intending to try to speak to Rain in private about something.
When she moves closer to give me her answer – I will speak softly to her in elven:
** spoiler omitted **...
"Should you be aloft after your tussle with the Reefclaws? If you feel light-headed or you are in pain, I would not suggest taking to the rigging, Flynn." There is genuine concern in Rain's voice and a touch of tiredness. The swim, the crab fishing and the fight, not to mention dragging the things back to the ship did drain her. But she was fortunate -- unlike some of the other she was not clawed or stung/poisoned by the creatures.
"I will join you on the rigging, but, if you need to get down, you tell me, alright? I would not see you fall and break your neck."
She climbed the ropes with relative ease, although somewhere in the middle she slowed before finding her feet again. After all that, the Captain wants us to carry on as though we have awoken fresh and just started our day. There is blue fire in her turquoise eyes.
Once she has climbed and situated herself securely among the ropes, she listens, ponders and then answers Flynn in quiet Elven,
"Do you trust Dhaavan? I must admit I do not know the small man very well, and he and I have had some strained moments." She waits until Flynn answers before continuing,
"I can climb a little higher and take a look. There may be landmarks or something of note I can recognise which will give me a better idea of our exact location at present. It is unfortunate none of the officers like us. It would be good if we could get into the Captain's chamber and read his navigational charts and know the plotted course. I will not breathe a word of this to anyone unless you ask it of me." A thought comes to mind, "Jiro is very good at this sneaking around business. Could he not try to get his small hands on the charts or even take a quick look?"
During the day, Rain will climb a little higher and take a better look out to sea.
My eyes widen a moment, then dull again.
”Aye lass – he could, maybe… but I think I asked him; and he fears the dangers overmuch – though I don’t blame him,” I say wearily.
”Apologies – I can’t seem to remember very much now, again – the heat, the poison, the fighting, it’s all very tiring and my head hurts quite a bit,” I continue in Common, now that we are in the rigging – speaking another language feeling like a bit of a strain.
”And you’re right – the rigging is not really to my taste; not safe – but even so, I just needed some clean air, and to be apart from the likes of the officers… and the chance to look out on the hope of new horizons.”
I ponder a moment.
”Well – we shall see what the rest of the day will bring us; eh?” I add.
Tate growls at you Dhaavan as you move up to him. You see him almost frothing with anger. You stay away from me Magi. I don't know how you sapped my will yesterday but I swear if you try anything like that again I will kill you, gods be damned if I won't. With that he spits at your feet and goes back to his tasks, glowering at you the whole while.
Fishguts smiles drunkenly as you bring the reefclaws into the galley. Ah now heres an ingredient I can work with! As he continues on rambling he finally gets around to butchering the carcass. You see here. he says while working on a claw. He points to a large purple sac near the point where the claws hinge, That there is the poison sac. If you make a few precise cuts like this, you can extract it without tainting the meat. He makes the cuts, working more like a surgeon than a cook on a pirate ship. For a moment you can actually believe he was a renowned chef. Tossing the sacs aside he continues butchering the meat and let's you work on the next one under his watchful eye.
The bell tolls to end the day and the crew gathers on deck for the bloody hour. A few others are marked for various punishments including several of Pluggs lackeys for minor occurrences who receive a few rope lashes. Sko is brought forth for failing to drink his rum ration the previous night and is given another two lashes of the cat for his trouble.
Lethal
Lethal
As Sko is untied, Horatio is called forward and tied to the main mast.
Scourge calls out the crime For insubordination and disrespect to a commanding officer on the high seas, Horatio Flynn is hereby sentenced to two lashes of the cat. Plugg moves up next to you and whispers in your ear. Talk to me like that again and I'll make sure you have an accident you won't return from. With that he pulls back and whips the barbed ends forward raking your back.
Lethal
Lethal
You are released from your bonds, blood welling down your back.
Fishguts come up on deck and says with a broad grin Dinner is served! This meal is fabulous and by far the best you have had since being on board. There is plenty to go around and even those that suffered punishments feel a bit better after the meal. It is pleasantly spicy but also cooked to perfection served on a warm flatbread that Fishguts cooked in a pan with oil. Altogether you feel some of the weariness of the last few days leave your limbs and can't help but grin a bit.
Variel Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Sko Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Dhaavan Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Horatio Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Rain Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Seijiro Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
Valeros Minor Addiction Save Charisma Bonus Fatigue Wis Damage
My eyes widen a moment, then dull again.
”Aye lass – he could, maybe… but I think I asked him; and he fears the dangers overmuch – though I don’t blame him,” I say wearily.
”Apologies – I can’t seem to remember very much now, again – the heat, the poison, the fighting, it’s all very tiring and my head hurts quite a bit,” I continue in Common, now that we are in the rigging – speaking another language feeling like a bit of a strain.
”And you’re right – the rigging is not really to my taste; not safe – but even so, I just needed some clean air, and to be apart from the likes of the officers… and the chance to look out on the hope of new horizons.”
I ponder a moment.
”Well – we shall see what the rest of the day will bring us; eh?” I add.
Climbing down to the lower rung where Flynn was holding on and working, Rain draws near to him but tries not to attract unnecessary attention.
"From what I could see from up there, I believe we have travelled a little further from the coast than yesterday. We're heading into open water, from the looks of it, perhaps 60-70 miles from the Slithering Coast. We are just on the outskirts of the Fever Sea and we'll probably reach the shipping lanes in a few days."
Rains stands mutely on deck, her eyes fixed on her two mates, as Sko and Flynn suffer the Bloody Hour. Her hands are balled tight by her sides as the cat cuts into each man's back and bloodies him anew. Gozreh, why do you not strike Plugg down where he stands?! Her mind is full of the anger she will not show on the outside.
When Flynn is released from the mast, Rain moves to the men, and drawing nearer to Flynn she whispers by his ear, "Are you alright, Flynn? I cannot heal you myself, but I can try to help if you need it. Tell me what I can do for you..." Remembering Sko had suffered also, she addresses him, "Are your injuries bad, Sko? Are you able to heal yourself?"
She will wait to hear their respective replies and when the rum is handed out, Rain will attempt to discreetly dispose of the rum -- she will not drink it, even if it means she will be punished if caught by one of the officers.
She carefully scans the deck and then pours the rum out and moves to fix two plates of food -- one for her and one for Flynn. He needed to keep up his energy -- to help him heal.
Rain sits quietly and eats her food ... and keeps an eye on Flynn and his new injuries. Sko was hardier in her eyes and seemed to heal and bounce back quickly. So, her concern lay with Flynn, her friend and ally. Sko she did not know as well -- they barely exchanged more than a few words since taken on the Wormwood, and this disturbed her. I will need to remedy this soon. The longer we are strangers, the lot of us, the longer we remain estranged and divided.
In hushed Elven she warns the doctor,
Rain stood by the railing, her eyes closed listening to the ocean, letting the cool breeze waft over her flushed face (her anger was still simmering beneath the surface).
Her hands clutched at the wood and she looked up and the stars, took a breath and began a song her grandmother used to sing when she was a young elf. The song was melodic and haunting and Rain attempted to do justice to the Common-tongue lyric with her inexperienced singing voice.
She kept to the melody, letting the song breathe as she breathed. She did a fair job but would not earn grand accolades for her performance. But she hoped some of the crew enjoyed the song enough and it brought a little comfort and ease to her press gang mates, especially the injured ones.
The bell tolls to end the day and the crew gathers on deck for the bloody hour. A few others are marked for various punishments including several of Pluggs lackeys for minor occurrences who receive a few rope lashes. Sko is brought forth for failing to drink his rum ration the previous night and is given another two lashes of the cat for his trouble.
1d4+2 Lethal
1d4+2 LethalAs Sko is untied, Horatio is called forward and tied to the main mast.
Scourge calls out the crime For insubordination and disrespect to a commanding officer on the high seas, Horatio Flynn is hereby sentenced to two lashes of the cat. Plugg moves up next to you and whispers in your ear. Talk to me like that again and I'll make sure you have an accident you won't return from. With that he pulls back and whips the barbed ends forward raking your back.
1d4+2 Lethal
1d4+2 LethalYou are released from your bonds, blood welling down your back.
Fishguts come up on deck and says with a broad grin Dinner is served! This meal is fabulous and by far the best you have had since being on board. There is plenty to go around and even those that suffered punishments feel a bit better after the meal. It is pleasantly spicy but also cooked to perfection served on a warm flatbread that Fishguts cooked in a pan with oil. Altogether you feel some of the weariness of the last few days leave your limbs and can't help but grin a bit.
** spoiler omitted **...
My eyes widen a moment, then dull again.
”Aye lass – he could, maybe… but I think I asked him; and he fears the dangers overmuch – though I don’t blame him,” I say wearily.
”Apologies – I can’t seem to remember very much now, again – the heat, the poison, the fighting, it’s all very tiring and my head hurts quite a bit,” I continue in Common, now that we are in the rigging – speaking another language feeling like a bit of a strain.
”And you’re right – the rigging is not really to my taste; not safe – but even so, I just needed some clean air, and to be apart from the likes of the officers… and the chance to look out on the hope of new horizons.”
I ponder a moment.
”Well – we shall see what the rest of the day will bring us; eh?” I add.
Climbing down to the lower rung where Flynn was holding on and working, Rain draws near to him but tries not to attract unnecessary attention.
** spoiler omitted **
I consider Rain’s words a moment; as I continue to work on the rigging, thinking what that means for us.
”Well; it’s unlikely that piss-poor excuse of a rowboat would ever make it to the mainland at such distance. And – if you’re correct and we’re heading into shipping lanes…” I wince involuntarily.
”Well, lass – you’ve been below. We have nothing there; no gear of note, nothing to trade – and I doubt highly we’re planning on picking up cargo… that is to say… picking up cargo honestly… Chances are that if we’re hitting the lanes we’ll be making attacks on ships and attempting to pirate the goods,” I continue, but still in Common, my head still hurting.
Even so; we’re nearly 30 feet above the deck, and not speaking very loudly – I doubt anyone can hear us; and even if they did, what would that matter? We’re not saying anything dangerous.
”I’m not keen on that, to be honest,” I mutter darkly.
”Pirating is a hanging offense in Sargava – rightly so. And Cheliax as well –but I don’t fault those devil-worshipers for that punishment, though. With so much of our strength dependent on sea power; a captain needs to feel safe from villains on the waters,” I add with an ironic glance at Plugg – than shake my head, sigh, then continue.
”Without harsh laws to protect the ships – than things would be dangerous. Now, I don’t mind the idea of attacking an enemy ship; taking her goods as payment for my work and sweat and toil – and disposing of my enemies with a just reward for that action. But I’d rather be attacking my enemies – for example; Chelaix herself – or even better; other scum on these waters and hopefully bring them to heel,” I add.
”But truth to tell – I’m not overly keen on attacking ships near my home. There’s many a good lad or lass that ply’s the waters there – what if; gods forbid, we’re ordered to attack a ship and on board I find a fellow countryman – or old friend; and am forced to fight him or kill him simply to satisfy the sloth or greed of those who command here?” I add, tightening the rigging a bit, my eyes straining under the noon sun.
”I’d have a hard pressed conscience on that matter – it’d make me feel like hell, to be fair, and I hope it won't come to that. Personally, I'd rather kill every man jack on board who made us suffer on this fool mission... at least; well - maybe... I don't know. Perhaps I'm being overly emotional,” I add, my mind tacking back to a more logical course.
I continue to work in silence; thinking a bit.
”But you know, lass – I may be going on this the wrong way.”
At this point I lower my voice a bit, speaking more for Rain and somewhat more cautiously – making sure that none of the other general crew can hear this – though I intend to share my thoughts with my comrades as soon as possible.
”Did you mark the way the captain treated us? Fair and somewhat decent-like when we returned. Now – I hate him for having us pressed, aye – but, to be fair, that isn’t so uncommon. Royal navies have had pressed gangs for years to fill ranks on royal ships; it’s a common practice, and generally the law – when you can’t get men to protect your nation sometimes you have to use direct and harsh methods to “draft” sailors aboard who may forget their duties to king and country.”
”Now, I may be more willing to accept that abuse – if it was an actual officer from my nation – or something like that. But this? It riled me for some time. But did you mark the captain here?” I add, glancing below.
”Yes, he’s been harsh with us, aye – but no more than any captain has been with a crew. In fact – if I were to count him as an actual naval captain with rank and title; he’s not acted any worse then them for discipline – except that I think this nonsense with the rum is straight stupidity. But see – he rewarded us for our actions – and he did it in a way that was clear that perhaps, if we work hard – we may be treated well.”
”Now, I have no illusions about “swaying him to my side”; on a ship a captain is master and god – rightly so; or he’d be arguing with his crew and in a pinch could be killed by his men directly, or through their own stupid arguments, instead of having his orders obeyed when it counts.”
”But on the other hand – if I was to start treating him like an actual “royal officer” – like from Sargava; instead of just a pirate – we may see better results. Did you mark, for example, that many of the lads carry arms openly? He doesn’t mind – unless there is violence – then there’s the lash. He seems to be a hard man, but doing the job of any captain.”
I look below, squinting somewhat as I scan the work; cinching another knot, and checking the halyards as I think.
”I think our real issue is Plugg. For a while I thought he was merely a bosun – but the rumor is that he’s more – the First Officer. Can you imagine?” I say with a frustrated shake of my head, but I quickly plow on to my point.
”A man like Plugg beats others because, despite his strength, he feels weak inside. He needs to beat others to feel strong, and that means he’s insecure. Now, insecure men are men who do whatever they can to belay that insecurity – and that includes grabbing more and more power… lording it over others, and showing how great they are…”
”I think that’s why Plugg is the real issue, not necessarily the captain – especially after the reward for the crabs… I think that Plugg will be the one to watch; and if he is first officer, he’ll be the one that will be the largest threat.”
”So, from now on I think I’m going to be playing a little more respectful with the officers – especially around the captain – but mark this Plugg fellow. Sooner or later I think he’ll chafe too much under the command of another, and he may do something against it. He may rally his lads for a potential mutiny against his captain – because I think his own insecurities will prompt it… If that happens; if he tries to take command – and the captain knows us as trusty to him… well; I think if that happens I’d rather have the captain on my side, as opposed to against him.”
”It may be that Plugg could best him in a fight – maybe… but if it comes that close, I’d rather have the captain win than Plugg. So from now on – as we’re far from land; I think I’m going to be more respectful around the captain and his officers; but I won’t mind much if it becomes clear that if Plugg sees that respect to the captain – if he does, he’ll likely be more annoyed that the captain “gets all the respect” and he gets none. And if he is – it may push him to do something hasty – and if that happens; we may have an advantage we can actually use, as well as taking care of a bully, and scum,” I add with a flat voice, then spit turn my head and spit; to clear the foulness from my mind at the actions of the first officer.
Rains stands mutely on deck, her eyes fixed on her two mates, as Sko and Flynn suffer the Bloody Hour. Her hands are balled tight by her sides as the cat cuts into each man's back and bloodies him anew. Gozreh, why do you not strike Plugg down where he stands?! Her mind is full of the anger she will not show on the outside.
When Flynn is released from the mast, Rain moves to the men, and drawing nearer to Flynn she whispers by his ear, "Are you alright, Flynn? I cannot heal you myself, but I can try to help if you need it. Tell me what I can do for you..." Remembering Sko had suffered also, she addresses him, "Are your injuries bad, Sko? Are you able to heal yourself?"
She will wait to hear their respective replies and when the rum is handed out, Rain will attempt to discreetly dispose of the rum -- she will not drink it, even if it means she will be punished if caught by one of the officers.
[dice=Stealth to dispose of rum]1d20+7+1
She carefully scans the deck and then pours the rum out and moves to fix two plates of food -- one for her and one for Flynn. He needed to keep up his energy -- to help him heal.
Rain sits quietly and eats her food ... and keeps an eye on Flynn and his new injuries. Sko was hardier in her eyes and seemed to heal and bounce back quickly. So, her concern lay with Flynn, her friend and ally. Sko she did not know as well -- they barely exchanged more than a few words since taken on the Wormwood, and this disturbed her. I will need to remedy this soon. The longer we are strangers, the lot of us, the longer we remain estranged and divided.
In hushed Elven she warns the doctor,
** spoiler omitted **
Not wishing to provoke anything, I down the rum, and seat myself on the deck.
I speak softly to her, and in elven - so as not to be hear or understood - though my words are fairly quick.
”Nay worries on that count, lass. I don’t intend to do anything to rile Plugg. The only plan I have is to be nice to the captain and let Plugg know that’s where my respect is truly going. That’s enough to get him less secure. For now, I’ve been bitter to all, and he knows all the officers see me as a problem. If I’m decent to all the other officers, though show Plugg no overt disrespect, I think his own insecurities will gnaw on him until he is undone and decides to do something foolish, like try to take over. If the captain sees as us mates - he may win that fight against Plugg, if not - he may lose. But if it comes to a choice; you know who I'd rather win than lose, eh?”
I enjoy the meal with Rain for a time; saying little. Than, I get up, stretch a bit, and stagger somewhat to the hatch below.
”Well lass, thanks for the food and the company. But as for now, I'm done in… I’m just going below and sleep heavy, I think - hell, I need it. And in the morning I’ll do what I can to attend to my wounds, if I can - but I’m hoping the sleep will do me well in any case,” I say with a somewhat pained smile and wave to the others.
During the preparation of the food, Sko will take the poisonous sacs. He doesn't care if Fishgut sees this. He'll store them in a small box if he can find one but, if not, will wrap them up carefully and store them away gingerly.
To Rain (softly): "He really put his arm into those but I'll be fine; I still have some healing left."
Sko eats with relish sitting with the others. When he's done, he gets up and stretches luxuriously (despite the pain this causes to his back). He slowly reaches down to grab his rum ration and pours it overboard. "There's been no acknowledgement yet," he says as he does this. He sits back down with the others. No specific night action.
Valeros watches as the crew receives their lashes. He knew Plugg and Scourge needed to be put down if for no other reason than their mismanagement of the crew but he knew it was neither the time nor the place to do so.
Slipping his rum over the side discreetly he walked up to Sko as the food was being handed out. You look like you could use some aid. Would you permit me to see to your wounds? His voice is firm and calm but Valeros can't help but see the features of the shark in the man even as he stood there in his normal state.