DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign (Social RP)

Game Master imimrtl

"Again, you see only in black and white, Flynn-san, but the world is one of shades of grey. You have no need to change what you are. You can be a doctor who serves aboard a pirate vessel. Fishguts is no less a cook and drunkard for serving aboard a pirate ship than he would be aboard a merchant vessel. Granted, we don't ask him to fight on our behalf, but I have no doubt if he's conscious and semi-sober, that he'd not stint using his knives to defend his life if he had to."

"That a bit more is expected of you because you are an officer in no way nullifies the fact that you are a doctor as well as a warrior. When we met you had no problem arming yourself with deadly weapons, so you were more than doctor then as well. No need to say you are now no longer a doctor in order to be someone who kills when necessary as well. If that were not the case, you'd be armed with less lethal weapons - like a sap perhaps? But such was not your choice from the start."

"Anyway, I have no qualms about being a pirate... whether we attack coastal towns or other vessels, life may be short, but it will be exciting and hopefully lucrative. If it turns out to be neither, then perhaps I will consider another line of work. But I've had my fill of serving on merchant ships that are simply prey to pirates. The payoff of serving on a pirate vessel is much better, or at least it has seemed to be so far."

"And as you wanted, some of our adventure was on land, finding abandoned, or even not-so-abandoned treasure on a lonely island. Perhaps there will be more such 'adventures' ahead of us... which should please you - wresting treasure from inhuman creatures, neh?"

"You would attack a town of innocent..." I splutter, then choke it down.

"Alright - it is as I said; but know that I do not have a problem with killing - rather, I have a problem with the dishonor attached to being so lowly... Even so, I shall be that sort if that is the will of the others..." I say politely.

"But as for this coastal nonsense - well; if you recall, I had looked for action last night, but the locals suggested wandering the mainland at night was a problem - but it is daylight - once the little sparring match with the gnome is complete, perhaps you can join me on a walk through the jungles? There may be something more exciting in this place beyond a simple game of ninepins; but something tells me that the most interesting thing we shall encounter this day is cold fruit and mediocre drinks..." I say with a sigh.

"Yet we shall see, I suppose," I add lifting my glass in a modest salute.

"But now I wish to hear Dhaavan's comments on the possibility of magical gear to hide our ship from scrying spells; what say you sir, can you craft such a thing?" I ask politely.

I know you're trying to help, but you said something along the lines of waiting for me to respond about crafting. I did read it the first time, but it's taking a while to get through everything, and I'm responding when I can, but I'm really bush right now.

If I miss something in game go ahead and PM me, cause sometimes I miss things, or toss me an OOC reminder, if I seem to have posted and don't include something important. But it's weird to have someone keep telling me something in character when I haven't had a chance to reply yet...

Dhaavan replies to Flynn's questioning regarding Crafting, with a curt sharpness, "I heard you, I was thinking... Hmmm, I can't think of anything at the moment, and couldn't make nothin so powerful wit' the supplies we got so we'll have to do a job anyway. So I'll look into it in the mean time."

"As far as your concepts of honor and choise in targets, you are entitled to your opinion and are free to voice it, but as a member of the crew, you gotta abide by the crew's decision. It's your responsibility to justify your involvement if you are to sail with us"

"I ain't gonna order ya what to think or feel, nore you gonna be forced to sail with us and take orders yea'd have ta refuse, but if yea agree ta sail then yea have ta stick by yer commitment." Dhaavan tells Flynn.

Seijiro nods at Dhaavan's reply. "Wise and true Dhaavan-san. Not that we want you to leave us, Flynn-san, just the opposite in fact, as you are a valued member of the crew and if you left, you'd be sorely missed. But I think Dhaavan has the right of it when he speaks. You're either committed to the ship, crew and mission or you're not."

basically, why they say no paladins in the game and seems to me I remember something from the players' intro to the module that characters should be down with being pirates and committing acts of piracy. Not that roleplaying some trepidation with it is a bad thing, but getting over it is a good thing too, lol

Seijiro takes a deep draught of weak spirits when he's done speaking and hands the glass with a little bit of liquid in the bottom to Tomo to see if he likes the smell and or taste of the stuff.

I ponder the words of Seijiro and Dhaavan – and my mind tacks course to recall many of my adventures with them thus far; not to mention many of my own difficulties with the crew.

”Gentlemen – I am a fairly educated man – but it seems that my education has strayed somewhat from the plans and policies which are needed to sail well with you all.”

I take a sip of my drink…

”You wish me to be a pirate; very well – I know how to do this, aye – but I have always felt it better to check my steps in that direction. You see, I felt that if I strayed onto that course, it would twist me, and let out parts of me that are unsavory - perhaps parts that would disturb the general sailors, not to mention yourselves.”

”I have considered killing and theft to be a bad thing – yet you seem to feel this is acceptable as it is the job of a pirate; and if we are to be pirates – I should look on it with no moral qualms.”

My eyes narrow as I ponder this for a moment.

”In truth – seeing men killed does not give me much pleasure – I do not like the screams of them; nor do I appreciate the stench of their bodies when they void their feces during the death throes. I hate also the corpses afterwards – when the maggots are churning in their soft pulpy eyes as they lay rotting on the beach…”

I grimace at the image, than continue.

”And when you kill a man – even if he our own age – he often forgets himself and his dignity and begs and pleads, sometimes calling out to his mother – sometimes his gods, sometimes even a lover – but seeing a man weeping as he begs for his mother as I stand over him and end his life… This is not savory to me.”

I glance at you both and shrug.

”My recourse seems to be to put such concerns aside and accept this as my Fate. Yet at the same time, I feel that if I do put such feelings aside I will not be as cordial – nor as genteel – with those who stand in front of us.”

”For example – pirates take booty as loot, eh? Very well – then why should we fear to take slaves? They are a valuable commodity – and worth quite a bit on the right market, even as a well-made rug is.”

”Of course, than there comes the various back-and-forth distinctions which I fail to understand – we are not evil men – just because we steal what is not ours and kill those who would stand in our way; that does not make us evil – somehow our actions are justifiable. I do not understand the difference, though.”

”Personally, it seems far more reasonable to me to call a spade a spade – pirates are evil as the actions of theft and murder are evil, and pirates do these things. Why be afraid to admit what we really are, and having admitted it, why be afraid to embrace it? Why not revel in it and be content in our actions? Yet if we are not evil – where is the line we must fear to tread?”

”But perhaps my difficulty is I think too much – I overanalyze too much – I ponder, I debate, I consider… perhaps I would be more happy to forget these things; to commend myself to a task and simply accept that destiny cheerfully.”

”It seems that you would be more pleased if I continued to sail with you, but simply amended my own personal beliefs somewhat… Or, if you prefer – if I maintained those beliefs, but I did not go on and on about them. Rather – I simply let go and enjoy the ride, as it were.”

”So, with wisdom comes the advantage of seeing my weaknesses and learning how to adjust them – how to amend them – and how to be more agreeable to the group.”

I shrug and look up the rest, smiling a bit as I do.

”Very well then, gentleman – I will, for all of our sakes – amend my attitudes somewhat. I am not sure what the result shall be, but I believe it will be far more… agreeable with what you prefer.”

”Please allow me to think on that decision for a while, and then I shall return back to you an appropriate response; in short – you will be treated to a look at the “new me”, as it were.”

”I only need some time to consider who that person shall be…” I add with a polite smile.

Seijiro watches Flynn as he talks, his eyes riveted and curious at the same time. He purses his lips slightly as Flynn ruminates on his potential role as a pirate, then takes his glass back from Tomo. He gives Flynn a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he does so, then cocks his head to one side.

"I don't think I'm evil because I embrace being a pirate, my friend. I don't believe it's necessary. You can steal without being evil. You can kill, without going out of your way to do so. And I'm not sure I'm good with taking and selling slaves myself, but if that's what our captain and officer's cadre decide to do, I won't protest vehemently. Of course I'm not against holding officers or nobles for ransom or something like that." He shrugs.

"Having come to such a decision as you've seemed to, I don't consider you evil either. Of course contemplation of deeds is not doing them, and so far the thinking is all you've done. Still, a bit of piracy doesn't make you evil by nature and perhaps you'll come to realize that too. I hope you can embrace the grey between the black and white in the fullness of time."

Been busy over the holidays so I haven't talked much and used the pins game as a ready excuse. Things have settled down now and I should be back to normal posting. Hope it's ok I am joining in now.

Finishing with his abysmal showing at the nine-pins game and loosing his money, Variel goes in search of Dhaavan for his turn. Finding them in the shade talking, Variel pauses for a moment before approaching. Hearing the last of Flynn's and Jiro's comments Variel makes his presence known without it trying to seem like he was listening in.

ah, there you all are. I have finished poorly and came to see where you disappeared to. I see that you three took the wise course of action and sat in the shade while I worked and toiled in the sun having fun. I couldn't help but over hear he last few words you three were exchanging. Perhaps I can explain my stance on the issues so that we as officers may come to some decision moving forward?

Variel waits a second for the three to nod that he can join them before continuing.

First I do not think any of us are evil in and of itself. What I do think is that our lives have lead up to this point so far and we are playing the hand that gods have dealt us. If that means we are pirates then so be it. Pirates rob, loot, kill, for sure, but they also, drink, play, cavort, have fun and live a life of excitement and grandeur. The question seems to be how are we to do the latter without the former? If you can tell me someway to live a life on the seas without needed to lift a blade while still reaping the riches that go along with it then I will listen. Until that happens, pirate, privateer, military and even merchant ships are all the same to me. What I mean is everything is relative. A privateer is a pirate that preys on select groups. A military crew on a vessel is a pirate during a war. They both prey on those weaker than themselves to further their own gains. The wealthy merchants who ply this area know the risks and take them gladly because of the money to be made. They are pirates as much as we are by taking from other businesses. Yet they are not 'labelled' as we are.

Why worry about what governments and business want from us when we can live free lives here. Sea is my life and it seems that no matter where I go or what I do I will be holding a blade. Why not do it for myself, so I and my friends can profit, instead of for others.

Turning to Flynn first and then Jiro. I am not looking for other ps to give up their humanity or become some demon of the seas. I am just not constrained as some others are. I still have a code of ethics and would want others to follow those ethics as well. Flynn, you mentioned before that you will not follow orders that you do not like. Well here are a couple of the ethics I have and see what you think of them.

First, as you can tell I believe in freedom. Thus, slavery will not be allowed, or press ganging people for that matter, while we are the officers on the ship. That is not to say that we will not take captives, but that they will not be sold into slavery. This then is my second thing on my moral compass, if you will. There is to be no killing of those surrendered, incapacitated, or otherwise of no threat to us. I do not not understand senseless killing. It is a waste of time, resources, and is pointless. All it does is create more enemies. Dd you not see how I treated the rhahadoumi after we captured them. It was not brutality, it was trying to make them subdued as to not worry about them. Now they are our crew mates and follow us. This goes for ships too. If we cld force them to surrender without taking a hot to them, so much the better for it. Safer for us and easier for them to carry on with their lives so we may pirate them again. it is quite apparent that Variel makes sure that he always says us, or officers and not captain around you guys. That is for the crew and not for the people who helped get him here and are his closest companions. Friends, not so much yet, but companions yes.

Does this help clear some issues up and make it easier for you to follow Flynn?

Turning to Jiro again, Anything left in that bottle or is your mo key going to get the rest while your captain goes with out? of course he does use the captain word occasionally, but that's more in jest.

"And all debating and philosophy aside, what say we find ourselves a stretch of coast what's got enough communities in it to keep us stocked and supplies that we ain't got to take ever'thin they got, just enough for us. Set up a protection scheme where anyone what messes with our turf has to deal with us? Dunno how coastline and seas are divided up here, but with enough of a reputation, we ken keep others away with our name alone." Dhaavan shrugs. "And who
needs to be known as a bunch of blood-thirsty savages anyway. Seems silly to aim to get known as a take no prisoners, leave no survivors kind of crew as enemies'll all fight to the last man if'n they think their dead anyway."
Whatever alignment we as a crew end up, we don't have to be CE ravagers and raiders. Rather stylish pirates occupying the swath between LG and CE. There's so much richness in the areas North-West of CN/NE where pirates can live.

Seijiro laughs and hands some of what he's drinking over to Variel with a broad wink. "Hope you don't mind sharing with a monkey. He didn't drink... much. It's a bit watered down, I'm sorry to say, as I've taken a dislike to strong drink since I lost my last berth for getting drunk and missing the tide."

He scratches idly along the edge of his haramaki and nods at Variel's words though. "Wise about not taking and selling slaves and I agree. I'm not good with that either. But captives for ransom or even turning some to join our crew sounds good to me. And not killing where it's not necessary agrees with me as well... I won't kill someone what's given up their arms and asked for mercy myself, so I'm glad we're in agreement there, Variel-san."

"Dhaavan-san, you have a good point. If we get a bad enough reputation, no one will ever surrender to us if they think they are dead regardless."

CN sounds about right... I think of Jack Sparrow as CN... but Seijiro is on the edge of NG... tending toward C a little, toward N a little, but still on the good side - but he's still very young. give him a little more time and he might edge over into a neighboring alignment like N or CG.

VAriel takes the drink from Jiro, As long as there is enough alcohol to kill your monkey's backwash, aye, I'll take a swig.

After Jiro and Dhaavan give their opinions, Aye think you guys have it covered. Enough of a bad rep that people don't want to mess with us, yet not out for blood thirsty carnage either. Glad to see we are on the same page. If your right Dhaavan, hopefully we can find a section that keeps us supplied, but they may be hard to come by around here.

Something else that we may need to look into is a place to hide and store our wealth. If we wish to be as lucrative as we can, a hold might be needed until we make it to a port somewhere. While we are looking for a section of coast to raid, we can find out if there are any 'haunted' places that will keep riffraff out and work as a base of operations.

"There's always that island where we ... uh... found our freedom... it's haunted enough for sure. Maybe we could convert that into a base? Or one like it, there are probably other little known islands around."

Been busy over the holidays so I haven't talked much and used the pins game as a ready excuse. Things have settled down now and I should be back to normal posting. Hope it's ok I am joining in now.

Finishing with his abysmal showing at the nine-pins game and loosing his money, Variel goes in search of Dhaavan for his turn. Finding them in the shade talking, Variel pauses for a moment before approaching. Hearing the last of Flynn's and Jiro's comments Variel makes his presence known without it trying to seem like he was listening in.

ah, there you all are. I have finished poorly and came to see where you disappeared to. I see that you three took the wise course of action and sat in the shade while I worked and toiled in the sun having fun. I couldn't help but over hear he last few words you three were exchanging. Perhaps I can explain my stance on the issues so that we as officers may come to some decision moving forward?

Variel waits a second for the three to nod that he can join them before continuing.

First I do not think any of us are evil in and of itself. What I do think is that our lives have lead up to this point so far and we are playing the hand that gods have dealt us. If that means we are pirates then so be it. Pirates rob, loot, kill, for sure, but they also, drink, play, cavort, have fun and live a life of excitement and grandeur. The question seems to be how are we to do the latter without the former? If you can tell me someway to live a life on the seas without needed to lift a blade while still reaping the riches that go along with it then I will listen. Until that happens, pirate, privateer, military and even merchant ships are all the same to me. What I mean is everything is relative. A privateer is a pirate that preys on select groups. A military crew on a vessel is a pirate during a war. They both prey on those weaker than themselves to further their own gains. The wealthy merchants who ply this area know the risks and take them gladly because of the...

To Variel

I sip my drink as I watch Variel, my eyebrows knitting together, pondering his words.

”It seems then that our issues are regarding the matter of semantics, then,” I say slowly, digesting his ideas.

”I have been raised under my mother’s guidance – she was a priestess; I never knew my father. Than – after she was killed for her faith – I was taken under the hand of my uncle – he was a different sort; but his beliefs on faith, though distant from his sister – my mother – they were aligned enough that certain concepts were taught to me.”

”For example – while it is true that a soldier and an assassin both will kill a person; I was taught that a soldier’s killing is through the orders of an honorable sort – be they a king, a noble, or through the auspices of the gods.”

I take another drink, thinking about that.

”Of course I have always considered the nuances of men serving a dishonorable king or noble; are they dishonorable for following their orders loyally? I do not know…”

I look at Variel and shrug helplessly.

”But those questions stray from the point, and are not worth my time,” I say waving my hand to disregard them.

”My point is that on such matters my mother, and my uncle also – they pressed onto me a certain set of standards. For example; soldiers do kill – yes; but they are not the same as assassins. Pirates and privateers also plunder and take ships and kill; yet in my education I was taught one sort was dishonorable and contemptible, and the other a hero of the seas and his own folk.”

”Further, I was taught that on the seas I may be called upon to do killing; but I must not seek it out happily. If it is a job that must be done – I should do it; if it is a job that I must do to protect those I care about – I must do it. But I should not revel in it; nor should I pursue it with relish.”

I take another drink, and decide to proceed on a slightly different course.

”One of my dreams as a young boy was to attack ships even as a pirate might attack ships; indeed, many boys dream of such things – but always when I shared those ideas they were frowned on by my uncle as lowly; and he suggested that such dreams would dishonor my mother’s memory,” I say with a frown.

”So I determined to marry my morals with my dreams; I pursued my studies as a doctor – I felt that would honor my mother’s memory and please her, even as it pleased my uncle.”

”But in my heart was the knowledge that with those skills I could sail on the seas with any company of men and do good works, or perhaps roguish ones that involved more daring?” I add with a dry grin.

”I would not be chosen for a company of men because of my desire to be a killer; or a thief; or some other sort – but because of knowledge in medicine and my skills as a surgeon. Further – to augment those skills; while I am fairly good with a blade, I pursued the more subtle means of the ways of black powder,” I say tapping my pistol.

”Yes, magic is far more potent on many levels – and it can do much damage as well. But always with black powder there is the hidden variable. If I pulled my pistols on a man; and he knew all those skills that I had to the full damage that I could do… in the end he may still hesitate – for if my pistol managed to pierce a lung; or if it managed to blast into his skull – in the end such damage would more than twice, thrice – nay – perhaps four times that damage that he calculated.”

”That fear of the unknown variable has led many men to back down from a fight when I simply reached for a pistol. They do not know what I can do – and they are not willing to attempt to find out; which is one reason among many that I chose this weapon.”

I continue to think a moment – pondering the ideas.

”Now I shall tell you this; I am not in favor of killing, nor do I believe that a man who kills as a soldier, or one who kills as an assassin is judged the same for the act of killing, aye – but your… conditions regarding how we conduct ourselves; they seem to me to be – shall we say – fairly honorable.”

I rub my chin for a moment, considering Variel.

”I shall therefore make an accord with you – if you will accept it, though I doubt it will be a problem… Take your conditions – put them on paper; codify them with an honorable contract – with terms of division of plunder, loot, possible funerary rites and whatever else you feel necessary, but mainly add on to such a document how you feel it would be for us to conduct ourselves with folk we encounter – such as your ideas about not butchering men who surrendered, and also – not dealing in the traffic of slaves, and the all rest that you have just stated.”

I nod, getting excited about the idea.

”When I see such terms so demarked on paper via a contract my heart would be eased as much as it may be if I was called on to join a military company and had to fight and kill; or if I was called on to act as a militia against bandits, and so forth,” I add, speaking loudly, but almost mainly to myself, so that I release from my mind any stresses.

If you put these terms you mentioned on paper formally; along with any other terms you are willing to make, and perhaps allow amendments by the rest of us, if we have reasonable suggestions – then I will feel no qualms morally, ethically, or legally, once I see the terms and agree to them legally. Indeed, I will have committed myself to – depending on how you phrase such a document, of course – an honorable contract with an honorable person.”

I reach into my pocket and remove my hip flask, pouring a small shot of fine brandy into my cup and the cup in front of you.

”If you do that, sir – you will have solved all of my problems and I will serve with you with more enthusiasm than you have seen thus far; also – I feel it would ease all of our own thoughts, once we know exactly what we are signing on to, as it were.”

I look you, a gleam of pleasure in my eye.

”So, mister Nightstorm – will you accept that arrangement and put your words onto paper – in a contract for all to know its measure? If so; I offer you this drink – let us toast such an agreement, if you are willing?” I add with a smile.

Huzzah! This has been plaguing me for months how to reconcile my character’s backstory with a more roguish type of pirates than I guessed this crew was going to be. Variel – if you can put those terms on a formal “Contract” regarding what we shall do; regarding the issues such as slavery, killing those who surrendered – basically everything you just said – and possibly accept some amendments (in case other people have ideas, too; like how we divide plunder and what we do for sick and weak folk) – then I’m totally down with “Signing it” and leaving all of this stress behind us. Whoo Hoo! Very pleased indeed!

FYI – the brandy is good – not fancy, but fairly decent quality. What makes it handy is that brandy isn’t common here, and its clearly something from home, and therefore special to my guy.

"And all debating and philosophy aside, what say we find ourselves a stretch of coast what's got enough communities in it to keep us stocked and supplies that we ain't got to take ever'thin they got, just enough for us. Set up a protection scheme where anyone what messes with our turf has to deal with us? Dunno how coastline and seas are divided up here, but with enough of a reputation, we ken keep others away with our name alone." Dhaavan shrugs. "And who

needs to be known as a bunch of blood-thirsty savages anyway. Seems silly to aim to get known as a take no prisoners, leave no survivors kind of crew as enemies'll all fight to the last man if'n they think their dead anyway."
Whatever alignment we as a crew end up, we don't have to be CE ravagers and raiders. Rather stylish pirates occupying the swath between LG and CE. There's so much richness in the areas North-West of CN/NE where pirates can live.

To Dhaavan

I glance at Dhaavan for a moment, considering his words.

”I agree with you, mister Dhaavan – but if mister Variel is willing to formally add such nuances into a contract – I would happily sign it and agree with the formal decisions of the company.”

I ponder his comment a moment.

”Yet you do raise a particular question…”

”While I am not above taking the loot of an enemy – nor am I above even pirating a ship, as the majority of the folk that sails these seas know full well the level of piracy – in short, if they would sail these waters they are likely either a pirate, or the type that expects pirates… but in any case, my point –“

”Attacking a coastal town or village is not to my taste – it smacks of cruelty and ruthlessness. They are likely fisher folk or perhaps peasants – why should our needs supersede their families?”

”Still, there may be times when we need supplies and cannot pay and are forced to take their own food so we can live.”

”Now, let us not get bogged down in further semantic arguments now – if mister Nightstorm prepares such a contract; I am hoping such debates will be left behind.”

”Instead, I shall draw your attention to practical matters…”

”If we arrive in a town we may get what we wish through intimidation and threats – and that does help us quickly – but in the long run? I fear that it will fail.”

”Consider, if you will – another option?”

”What if we are forced to come into the town and demand food and drink for our men? Shall we allow our men to have their way with the wives and daughters of the fishmongers and shopkeepers? Shall they drink and become quarrelsome and assault the local vendors? Shall we take from their shrines and shops gold for our own? I doubt highly that agrees with any the desires of our secret hearts.”

”What if we needed wealth for a purpose, and instead met with the town’s leader; and informed him we would take such wealth – but return it later?”

”He may doubt us, but seeing that he has no choice – grudgingly accept our terms while believes that we are foul folk and he shall never see us again, eh?”

”If we return later and repay his kindness with the wealth returned, and even some other gear that we did not need – we shall have made an ally.”

I take out my pipe and light it, my face taking on a look that says I am prepared to “get down to business”, as it were.

”It may be a minor town with nothing of note there – and it may not. But if we return the loot we ransacked later; and if our men conduct themselves decently with the townsfolk – we may have made an ally who will help us in the long run.”

”Should we return a third time; the village may welcome us with free drinks. Or perhaps they will offer us clues to a new quest or adventure – knowing we shall be grateful for such advice. Perhaps, too, they shall offer us goods and gear for sale cheaper than the average price – as we are now friendly.”

”And if we are on the run from any enemy – it is likely they shall be willing to aid us in hiding rumors of our location, if they are not hard pressed, as opposed to giving away our locations for a few gold pieces.”

”Consider this Rickety Squibbs fellow – he has charged us a price for his services. What if we, in turn, did him a favor? What if we assisted him somehow with some project, or showed compassion with his people, or saved the life of one of his own lads? Would he not thank us for it? And how so if not with free drink, or free food – or perhaps some other generous morsel – perhaps a discount on his costs; or an extra lad or two to sail with us. Something like that, eh?”

”So, if I was in complete command, I should say that sacking towns and attacking villagers is not something I would prefer. Rather – sailing into ports, attempting to do fair business with the locals and making allies, secret alliances, and hidden partnerships – if we are to survive out here with one ship – this is the best way to do it.”

”So that every port we sail to – in time – will know our measure, and welcome our patronage. Not because we can kill them; but because we choose to treat them better than the other pirate scum… er… the other folk who sail these waters,” I add.

”What say you, mister Dhaavan? If we do not sack towns we may not earn much; at least – not for a while – but we instead cultivate alliances with locals. I feel such alliances will – in time – be more powerful than the loot we can gather in one day.”

Good times – I’m kind of the mind that the sort of pirate I would prefer to play is more like Robin Hood. You know – rob and attack those rich noble types with all the loot and give some of the money to those who need it; keeping a bulk of it for ourselves, even as we aid small/local villages will do better for our "Reputation" in the long run, I am hoping.

In fact, it reminds me a lot about what I read regarding John Dillinger. Supposedly he went his entire career of robbing banks and was never convicted for a murder (there was only some debate about him possibly killing one man – a police officer, but there was insufficient evidence). They say the reason he avoided capture so long was because – since he never killed people, just robbed banks – he was considered more of an outlaw/hero instead of a villain. I even heard once that when he was robbing a bank someone offered him their wallet; assuming that Dillinger would take that, too and he said “I’m not robbing you – I’m robbing the bank.”

Point is – he was the reason they had to make the FBI – just to get him and his gang; because the locals kept covering up his existence and hiding him from authorities because they loved him.

So I’m not only down for the idea of sacking a town – but from a completely logical standpoint – it makes a lot of sense to me for us to try to play out a more "Robin Hood/Dillinger" sort of way. That way we have the local towns “on our side”. I think that will mean more help in the long run.

Damn! I just re-read your post and on second reading, I think that’s what you were suggesting all along, but I am not sure. If you were suggesting that, cool; if not - well, now you know where I stand. Anyhow, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page, though.

Seijiro laughs and hands some of what he's drinking over to Variel with a broad wink. "Hope you don't mind sharing with a monkey. He didn't drink... much. It's a bit watered down, I'm sorry to say, as I've taken a dislike to strong drink since I lost my last berth for getting drunk and missing the tide."

He scratches idly along the edge of his haramaki and nods at Variel's words though. "Wise about not taking and selling slaves and I agree. I'm not good with that either. But captives for ransom or even turning some to join our crew sounds good to me. And not killing where it's not necessary agrees with me as well... I won't kill someone what's given up their arms and asked for mercy myself, so I'm glad we're in agreement there, Variel-san."

"Dhaavan-san, you have a good point. If we get a bad enough reputation, no one will ever surrender to us if they think they are dead regardless."

CN sounds about right... I think of Jack Sparrow as CN... but Seijiro is on the edge of NG... tending toward C a little, toward N a little, but still on the good side - but he's still very young. give him a little more time and he might edge over into a neighboring alignment like N or CG.

To Seijiro

I look at Seijiro and grin.

”I have never had qualms about ransom. After all – it makes the most sense to me; both legally and ethically.”

”Firstly – it demands that we keep people alive and in good condition, rather than killing them outright. I have no issue with that,” I say with a wink.

”Secondly – there is only one sort of person that can be ransomed: a wealthy person."

"Clearly you do not ransom a fisherman or a farmer for it is not even worth it to keep them alive with the food you must give them as you wait for the coin that is coming."

"But if we take a prisoner and we make their overly wealthy parent pay money to get them back alive and safe – well… I do not have qualms on taking excess gold from a wealthy person who – likely as not – earned their wealth with dishonest means. Nay – let them pay us for the cost of keeping who they care for alive.”

”And that, of course, if the last and most legally sound point – if we are given the choice between killing someone outright and instead keeping them alive; feeding them; healing them; and the cost of the transportation back to their homeland and family – not to mention the inevitable financial burden it levies on when we are not able to do business… it is only natural that the families and friends of this person pay us for our services. And if we elect to charge a modest interest for this fee… well; if they find that distasteful – then they could have allowed their comrade to die.”

”Of course,” I add after moment ”these feelings apply only to the very wealthy. I would not see us attempt to squeeze someone in hard times simply to see their only child returned; I would not wish to take a farmer’s last copper piece so he can get his child back… for if he gets his child back, it does neither of them any good if they starve soon after the reunion,” I add contemplatively.

”Still,” I say brightening again ”If we decide to take a lad or lass for ransom, I have no doubt such ransom will be squeezed only from wealthy sorts; nobles, well-off merchants, that sort of thing – provided we do not attempt to squeeze the last copper from a starving farmer to get his only daughter back – I am content and quite comfortable with the idea of ransoming an individual,” I say, blowing a smoke ring toward Tomo-chan.

To All

I listen to both Seijiro and Variel, considering their words.

”Aye indeed – a base of operations to careen our ships – to store our gold and supplies; and perhaps to house some trusted companions… this would be a good thing,” I muse thoughtfully.

”For myself, I would take it further, if we can.”

I glance around, and beckon everyone in a bit closer to share my thoughts.

”I would – for us – have more than just a simple cache to hide our gear. I would have a small port; safely guarded, to fix our ship. But I would have more than that…”

”What if we brought folk there – no; not slaves – but trusty lads with some skill in farming, fishing, and crafting?”

”What if they were on that island – guarding our supplies, but better – if they remained there to work on private projects?”

”So, for example – if we had a need to craft a new rudder – yes; we could purchase one; or we could have it commissioned by our own folk. They could build it for us at cost, eh?”

”We would not have to worry about paying them extra; as our chief method of payment would be to protect them, and to bring them supplies and gear for the work they did.”

”In short – we could found a small place that was loyal to us first; trustworthy to us first; and could compile skills there that we could use – but do not have the time to pursue. For example – a temple aligned to the god of the ship’s cleric when the priest and his acolytes take the time to craft us items for our healers to use?”

”A smith to craft us special weapons, as another example, eh? Or a harbor to create such things to help our ship? Why trust to the good graces of an existing town with their own variables we do not know – why not plan ahead and forge our own private haven or community?”

I lean back a little – considering them.

”I do not know the best place to set up such a haven – but I would happily do so; if we could. I would plan ahead – so that we can continue to do what we wish on the seas – but also, so that we had a place that was trusty on land.”

Right – so; I don’t know if we can do this. As most “campaign books” are a bit more linear than “sandbox” – this may not be the way we are supposed to go; I honestly don’t know.

But depending on the GM – if he was agreeable, my secret dream here would be to found our own little secret “pirate cove” as it were; our own village which we would protect an monitor.

Doing that would be extremely easy – we could actually set up our own little township using the “Kingmaker Rules” (if anyone else has played them – I am guessing at least a few of you have had some experience in that campaign world) for founding a town/community.

Once we did that, we kind of let the town "do it's thing" while we do our thing - every now and then we'd come back to see how it was doing and see how it was growing; just to see how things are proceeding.

I know that it may not marry well with the game’s plots and build, but than again, it may. Even so, I would love to have our own little pirate cove we build from scratch. Now, that’s just me. I know that my ideas aren’t the group’s ideas but I think that could be cool if we could make our own pirate cove/base from scratch.

So my question to you all is; if the GM said “I’ll allow it, if the group is interested; because it’s easy enough to set up” – would anyone else like to try that? Have our own private pirate cove we design ourselves? Not an entire nation, or a kingdom – just use the rules for making a town with our “officers” acting as the town “council” (with different roles/titles – but basically the same functions).

I only ask because I really like the idea of making a town from scratch – and I dabbled in a Kingmaker Game once before. It was fun, but I really thought building a town from scratch was cool when I played it (creating all the council members; building the community, planning the development of the town, that kind of thing). Anyhow, I thought it was cool than, and I think it would be cool now.

Also, having such a town would take a heck of a lot of heat off us regarding things like having us be forced to take feats to make specialty goods; and frees up feats for things to be more fun; rather than necessary but “functional” at best (like “Craft Wand”, for example).

Anyway – that’s just a suggestion. What do you guys think?

You all very well may find a base of operations that you can call your own...perhaps sometime in the near future *wink* *wink* But we won't be using the Kingmaker rules to do it. It will work out though if you all are able to get done what needs to be done. It won't be easy but the rewards will be good if you manage it.

You all very well may find a base of operations that you can call your own...perhaps sometime in the near future *wink* *wink* But we won't be using the Kingmaker rules to do it. It will work out though if you all are able to get done what needs to be done. It won't be easy but the rewards will be good if you manage it.

What? No building our own village from scratch? Curses... Oh well; that's cool. I'm excited to discover more about this "mysterious village"; if only we had heard this tip "in game" from a possible ally, or perhaps a newly hired crew-member... Just suggesting that it would be nice to do some social RP with the GM at some point; sort of fun creative back and forth.

Speaking of fun back-and-forth between players and the GM - Brett says "Hi!" ;)

Maybe I can just give you guys the entire plot of all the books lol...how would that be? ;-)

A couple of things you mention don't quite sit right with me Flynn. First I don't have a problem with stating our position to the crew, but having it on paper leaves no wiggle room. I want someone who follows us without being forced by a contract. Now, if you want something from me for yourself that is acceptable if it placates your fears.

Second, I don't think we plan on intimidating every port of call and village we stop at. Some will be like Rickety here where we do business, others for raids and supplies, and other for selling off loot. Your talk of borrowing from villages to repay them later sounds quite frankly stupid. We take what we need when we need it but not to the point that it prevents them from regrouping so we can raid them later. Now if we had loot to sell to further our supplies then there is no reason to raid the village.

Third, a haven that you suggest sounds like a wonder, but how are we to make sure that they are absolutely loyal to us and no others? Explain how that may happen and I will take it more to heart.

A couple of things you mention don't quite sit right with me Flynn. First I don't have a problem with stating our position to the crew, but having it on paper leaves no wiggle room. I want someone who follows us without being forced by a contract. Now, if you want something from me for yourself that is acceptable if it placates your fears.

Second, I don't think we plan on intimidating every port of call and village we stop at. Some will be like Rickety here where we do business, others for raids and supplies, and other for selling off loot. Your talk of borrowing from villages to repay them later sounds quite frankly stupid. We take what we need when we need it but not to the point that it prevents them from regrouping so we can raid them later. Now if we had loot to sell to further our supplies then there is no reason to raid the village.

Third, a haven that you suggest sounds like a wonder, but how are we to make sure that they are absolutely loyal to us and no others? Explain how that may happen and I will take it more to heart.

Right - so I had a response - but the thing is; are you sure that's what you're saying to me? I mean, I've been trying to reconcile a way to play my character concept and play with people who want to be more "piraty" than I had figured when this game was pitched to me and I made my character. It looked like you came up with a great strategy - I agreed with it - but now that I agree, you seem to suggest that's now a bad plan; that is to say - your own strategy was a bad plan? Is that really what's going on?

Anyhow, before I post an "in character" answer - I just want to know if that was really your intention. I mean, I just want to make sure I am understanding you clearly before I put up my response. Maybe I'm misreading your comments; that's happened before. Anyhow, I was hoping I was just misreading things and maybe you can help explain it to me before I answer in character, so I don't make any mistakes. Thank you for your help in this matter.

While I'm at it; Seijiro - thank you for the comment before via the rule/suggestion about playing a pirate.

I should respond by saying that when this game was started and I was invited to play, I had a different understanding on how things would work in game, and about the players in the game. It was actually explained to me as if we were the crew in "Firefly" - I modeled my character the "Doctor" largely on the concept of Simon Tamm from Firely - combined with Captain Blood; because that was the type of game I thought we were playing and the type of players I thought were going to play as well.

I was incorrect on both counts, however, but this is the character I have made. I can't "remake" the character this late in the game and honestly, I don't really want to. I'm willing to modify his personality a lot to fit in with the group better, but there is only so much I can do; which is why I was excited at the chance to meet you all half-way. But whether or not that happens remains to be seen. Anyway, I hope you all have a good New Year!

Basically thinking that a code of ethics is in order just don't want them written down for all the crew. If that is what you want IC to resolve everything though Variel will do it.

Well, to be frank - having a "Code of Ethics" makes things a lot easier for my character. As to why you would wish to sail with people who don't know what your ethics are, and may choose to go against those ethics and do something against what you are interested in - I have no idea why that might be. If you don't want our crew to butcher people who have surrendered, it seems reasonable to tell them that when they sign on. But more than that I guess we can resolve "in game".

I just want to know if you are standing by your original comment - or if it was going to be modified. It didn't come off as very friendly, but before I responded to it in character, I was hoping maybe I misread it, or you were going to possibly amend it.

Anyway, if you aren't going to amend it, well - I can deal with it, but my response is based on what my character would say to your statements. That's why I was hoping to figure this out out of character, before I respond in character. But how you play your character is up to you, of course. I guess I'll find out what happens and know how I need to respond when I come home from work.

Which comment are you talking about in particular so I can explain it?

I still plan on informing the crew what my position is just not have it on paper.

Seijiro looks between Flynn and Variel and sighs softly. "I don't understand all this talk of contracts and signed documents. I have never heard of such a thing between officers and men aboard a ship or between officers and other officers. At sea, a man's word is his bond. It's a matter of honor, and without honor what does a man have, neh?"

He looks between the two men again pointedly, "Flynn-san, by asking for a written contract of what's been spelled out verbally, it seems that you are implying that Variel-san has no honor. I hope that's not what you intended"

He shrugs, "As for myself, your word is good enough for me, Variel-san. But then, I guess I am an easy-going sort of fellow, more-so than Flynn-san, here. It never seemed to me that you would condone truly evil acts, and your direct statements here confirm that. I don't need to see it in writing. Besides, if your word is not binding enough, what good does a piece of paper do? It's not like some lord or legal body is going to adjudicate such a dispute among scalawags and pirates."

We can have a code of ethics without writing hamurabi's code. The problem with a written law is loop-holes and strictures.

If a crewman acts in violation of our desire not to be monsters by letting a child get a weapon and convincing the youth to attack him so he can use lethal force to defend himself against the kid and kill them, they haven't violated the coded that you don't murder children. The crewman defended himself from a frontal attack. We as a party can't really deal with having a massive codex, but having poorly formed rules written in broad generalisms leaves too much room to debate semantics.

And what value would a code have if the officers can ignore them? If we were in a situation where we broke one of our carefully crafted laws in the spirit the code, what can we do?

I also don't really care to debate the laws, but dhaavan will have to if we have a code so he can pursue his own goals. So instead of arguing that we need to write them down and fight and get us all stirred up, slowing the pace of things, Let's instead focus on developing our personal code as a crew so we have a mission statement for the crew, and put effort into finding common ground

Hmmm… rather than use the discussion thread, or a PM – I just used a spoiler and a general post. It’s all out of game – but I’m trying to explain things, and as I’m the odd man out here, I just want to know what’s going on with that in mind.

So here’s the other thing – I’m playing a character. It’s not me – it’s how this character would act in relation to given circumstances. The fun/challenge for me is to craft how I would act given the circumstances presented to me.

Right now the circumstances in front of me is that I’m at a table; I got two guys telling me that I need to act more like a pirate – but not like a monster, and they’ve been trying really hard to get me to see the difference, but I keep having trouble.

Than – out of the blue – one of you comes over and says “Look; let me help you – this is what I’m talking about” – and he gives me a list of what we will and won’t do.

Now at this point I’m fracking ecstatic – because I didn’t think of it myself, but now it solves all my problems in and out of game. I say so – in and out of game.

As soon as the words are out of my mouth – it’s a problem.

Now I got the same people saying “Whoa – we want you to have a code that we all follow – we’re going to spell it out clearly – but then, when you are happy and say that’s great and you’ll drink to it – then we’re going to tell you that’s a problem because you want to have it on paper. And we all know that pirates don’t have strange codes when they sign their names in blood in the light of a full moon – or whatever. That’s not what pirates do…” which is pretty confusing, because that’s exactly what pirates did.

Meantime, on a more basic level I got one guy telling me that my ideas of being charitable and returning goods that we rob from helpless villagers is “stupid”; which I find pretty insulting – and I got another guy who tells me he has no issue with being a thief but he also says “pirates” don’t have contracts because “our word is our bond” and that pirates have “honor”; which really confuses me as I can’t understand how pirates and thieves – which are noted for their dishonest ways, could be seen as honorable (never mind the old saw about “honor among thieves” – even thieves guilds had codes and guild laws).

Dhaavan - your point is fair; but my guy can't respond to it in game, but I might say "If we have a few codes - like; no slavery - what would you do if I took a slave as an "officer" and said "screw that code". Would that be an issue? What would happen? You know - that sort of thing."

So now I’m my guy – and I just heard all this. It’s a hot day – I’m bored, the weather sucks, it’s sticky – there’s nothing to do – and I got people who won’t even let me agree with them.

So I got to ask myself how my character would react to all that.

It’s a tough call; because with all of it going down, I also have to keep in the back of my mind that if I said something like “Nice sailing with you; you guys are driving me nuts” – I’m done with the game.

If I say “You know, it feels like you guys are trying to get a rise out of me by intentionally pushing my buttons – fine; let’s dance” – then we fight and I die – because it’s not a good plan to have inter-party conflict when death is on the line. The GM doesn’t like it; and I got a hunch that all the natural 20’s in the world won’t matter if I have that fight.

So I really don’t know what to do. I like the game, I like my character, I want to play because for the most part the game is fun, and I generally like gaming with you guys; though this has been a massive headache. Meantime, GM says I can’t make a new guy and I don’t want to make a new guy; but it seems like any time my character opens his mouth around you guys it’s a problem – even when I agree with you guys it’s a problem.

So basically, at this point – this is me just asking you all what your advice is on how to proceed here. If I play my character after what you all said, realistically there will be issues at this point and I’m tired of issues. And if I don’t play my character, than I may as well not have a character.

So what do you recommend? What’s your advice at this point? I honestly don’t know what to do.

Anyway – sorry for the “Rant” – but I just wanted to say that and get it off my chest. I don’t know what to do. And it’s driving me nuts.

Well, remember, Seijiro comes from another culture where honor is really important, even among thieves. And he's only served until now on merchant ships where he never had or needed a contract. For that matter, really, what do any of us really know about 'traditional' pirate practices.... nothing, as none of us has been a real pirate before now. We are novices at this, Seijiro is just stating his limited experience.

Well, remember, Seijiro comes from another culture where honor is really important, even among thieves. And he's only served until now on merchant ships where he never had or needed a contract. For that matter, really, what do any of us really know about 'traditional' pirate practices.... nothing, as none of us has been a real pirate before now. We are novices at this, Seijiro is just stating his limited experience.

Fair enough - my own experiences with pirates from my backstory came from when pirates attacked friends and family; legends I've heard from friends, and whatever I read at the academy. In short - bad experiences - and the good stuff felt like romanticized high seas adventure - so I'm trying to marry both worlds; the bad stuff with the romantic adventures.

For me a contract is a literal business arrangement when the terms are set and agreed on in advance. Having the contract on "paper" only means we can have a reference to those terms later, if we forget them.

Honor is also important to my guy, too. Someone suggesting that he had no honor - someone suggesting that I have no honor won't make me very happy, either.

That's why I'm trying to figure out the best way to resolve this "in game" without it being an issue.

To further make it a mess I'm already feeling pretty trapped here because when I make any comment at all - like "Hey guys - we are going to go fight Plugg - think of all that loot we'll get - what are you going to do with it mates?" - in a fairly normal "pirate way" while doing some social RP I'm told - ..those that want more are never satisfied by our de facto pirate captain and I'm also told "There are more important things than money." by our pirate/rogue.

And the thing is, that's when I try to get excited about having loot like a normal pirate might via Social RP like a pirate; it seems like whatever I try to suggest or get excited about is an issue.

Now I got Variel telling me we're going to do things; just not certain things.

I listen to his suggestions and I say that's great - put it on paper, I'll sign it - let's have a drink!

Then, as soon as I say that - he says "It doesn't sit right with him." and you come in to back him up.

So again - from an "in game" perspective I got a guy who has been butting heads with me since the beginning pretty much insult me by passing on the drink and calling my ideas of being charitable "stupid" - and I got you backing him up.

So my point is - how can we resolve this issue peaceably and move forward. I don't know how - and that's why I'm asking for advice.

Anyway, I'll act in character soon in response - I just wanted to hear some suggestions as I really don't know how to respond; at least - I don't know how to respond in a way that can move things forward happily, and I'm hoping for suggestions on how to do that.

Flynn, the lack of accepting the drink was by no means a slight but rather not having time to post as much as I would like and negating a few details.

Variel still has a problem with stuff being written down in a contract that can have a myriad of loop holes in it. Rather a word of mouth contract where we can figure out the details and are each scenario as it comes up seems more realistic to me. Now I did say that Flynn needs to have something between him and Variel, I would make that work somehow. This I believe is where the honor among the officers comes in to play. I was hoping that this arrangement would work for you, but I don't know now if it will.

As far as the 'stupid' comment, that was an IC assessment of why would we bother to return goods that we have already taken and give back more than what we took in the first place. That screams of merchant and business man rather than pirate to me. Yes it is true that we are making up the pirate code and how we are acting as we go, but why we would do such an action is beyond me IC. If there is a seaside village then there will be one of three scenarios as far as I can see it. They are too small to bother with and do not have much for resources, they are too large and heavily defended to raid, or a very few will be the perfect size that we can get in raid them and get off safely. Those ripe for the picking are meant, by their inability to protect themselves, to be raided. We are still pirates, just not blood-thirsty no-honor-among-thieves pirates.

I apologize OOC if the stupid comment bothered you. It was not directed at you but at Flynn by Variel not myself.

The whole loot business was both an IC and OOC attempt to use our loot in the best possible way. Reading the rules it would not have made sense to sell the loot as the port is so small and we had the money to purchase everything up to 2500gp anyways. Also, Ambrose and Sandara mentioned that. Need to not be 'prey' and this seemed like a good use for it.
When Variel made the comment about those that have want more, remember that he just found a piece of his life hopefully in the words of Shanxia. He was and still is more concerned about that than momentary wealth. Yes, money will help in his journey but it is not the end all that Variel is looking for.

Hope this clarifies some things for you and if there is more questions please ask. I am not the best at typing thoughts and background into my posts due to time constraints but will try to explain more if you ask later.

Flynn, the lack of accepting the drink was by no means a slight but rather not having time to post as much as I would like and negating a few details.

Variel still has a problem with stuff being written down in a contract that can have a myriad of loop holes in it. Rather a word of mouth contract where we can figure out the details and are each scenario as it comes up seems more realistic to me. Now I did say that Flynn needs to have something between him and Variel, I would make that work somehow. This I believe is where the honor among the officers comes in to play. I was hoping that this arrangement would work for you, but I don't know now if it will.

As far as the 'stupid' comment, that was an IC assessment of why would we bother to return goods that we have already taken and give back more than what we took in the first place. That screams of merchant and business man rather than pirate to me. Yes it is true that we are making up the pirate code and how we are acting as we go, but why we would do such an action is beyond me IC. If there is a seaside village then there will be one of three scenarios as far as I can see it. They are too small to bother with and do not have much for resources, they are too large and heavily defended to raid, or a very few will be the perfect size that we can get in raid them and get off safely. Those ripe for the picking are meant, by their inability to protect themselves, to be raided. We are still pirates, just not blood-thirsty no-honor-among-thieves pirates.

I apologize OOC if the stupid comment bothered you. It was not directed at you but at Flynn by Variel not myself.

The whole loot business was both an IC and OOC attempt to use our loot in the best possible way. Reading the rules it would not have made sense to sell the loot as the port is so small and we had the money to purchase everything up to 2500gp anyways. Also, Ambrose and Sandara mentioned that. Need to not be 'prey' and this seemed like a good use for it.
When Variel made the comment about...

Fair enough and I do thank you for your words.

However, my issue was how to resolve it "in character". The thing is - we're all adults here, we all want to have fun; and I don't think your words were meant to be insulting to me personally. But my main problem is that I'm caught in a tight spot with my character.

The fact is, he's not really meant to be much of a "true pirate". Like I said before, when I made him - I actually thought this was a fairly liberal world with a lot of free range and the chance to do things openly. I figured once we have our own ship; we could do anything we want; be it pirate, smuggler, explorer, tomb raider or whatever.

I only say that because I feel now that the character I made - while he would be useful for a global/world-wide adventure when we sail our ships into new and exciting places (via his knowledge and bardic skills, for example) he feels completely "wrong" for this game. He's not "piraty" enough; I feel like that how I play - while it was fun and cool for me; is actually causing issues in the game. It's not how the game is "meant" to be played. I am not playing in accordance to the designs of the boxed set so that's bogging it down for everyone.

For example - while I may go along with pirating other ships; I can't accept the idea of attacking a village. I could easily do it if I was playing another character - I played a Muul Gladiator once who would have easily fit in; I played a Halfling gunslinger who would have fit in; I played a kobold Oracle who followed the JuJu mysteries - he would have fit in, too - though his Jamaican/Caribbean accent was a bit tricky to understand...

But this guy was meant to be played like the guy from Firefly. I literally made him to that point; one of my best friends for the past 10 years - we worked on characters concepts together and talked about that. She is no longer playing the game, however; and meanwhile I feel like my guy is kind of a waste with this group as the build hasn't "meshed" with you guys.

I am not sure what to do regarding the playing.

Meantime, I am clear that your comments were from Variel to Flynn. But if I played Flynn's personality; at this point he'd probably respond in an ugly way because in character, that would have pissed me off a lot - I'm educated, I've been nothing but polite - you can say you don't agree with my idea; but if you call it stupid - or if you call me stupid - Flynn is pissed off enough to get mean; but I don't want to be that way.

But what can I do? Like I said before - if I don't play in character, why have a character? If I don't play how I was designed via the backstory - why bother playing an RPG? I could just sit here and play a video game.

I made the character via a concept and I am trying to play through it - but it's damn hard to do. I don't know how to reconcile it. I appreciate your feedback - but as of this point I honestly don't know how to play this out without there being bloodshed.

Anyway - I don't know what to do at this point, short of compromising my character completely (in which case, I may as well have a new character) or leaving the crew via these differences - or something; or anything. I don't know.

Anyway, that's where I am - I am not really upset with what is going on in real life - but my character is between a rock and a hard place and I don't know how to "play it out" without compromising the integrity of the character. If I say in character "eh, whatever" - than there is no point to playing the character. So I don't know what to do at this time.

I'll figure something out, I suppose. But for now - I can't figure out anything.

I understand what you mean about making a character concept and wanting to play it through. There is a factor of integrity involved, and I get that to some extent.

But when it comes down to it, it is just a character - a series of stats on paper, that represent an imaginary literary concept. But it is of a concept of, in this case, a human being in fantasy world. Humans can change, and are the ultimate in adaptability (hence why they can have ANY class as their favored class). There's no reason why Flynn can't change over time, and there HAS been some time, albeit short, and plenty of opportunity for him to have an epiphany or simply go through some soul-searching changes. No reason for him to become the diametric opposite of what he is, simply for him to adapt to the game world and the module a little bit more.

It seems to me the options are that we all change our characters and the GM alter the module to suit your character, or your character go through some changes to suit the path as written. The latter seems much more logical imho, especially since I don't see Immortal changing the adventure path and the scenarios to suit your character's idiosyncrasies. Having come to the realization that you built a character who only fits a narrow niche of possibilities, it seems to me that the only logical course is for you to modify your concept a little rather than trying to reconcile your concept to the world as written.

You speak of character integrity, but characters can change, in fact that is often the intent of a good piece of fiction - that characters grow and change, learn from their experiences. I'm not saying you should say 'eh, whatever' to what has happened, simply not be quite so rigid in your thinking about your concept... let the character broaden his horizons some with a little writer's literary license about the original concept, combined with character growth. Having seen your ability to write, it seems to me that you have the ability to do some judicious editing along with establishing some good reasons for your character to grow into the role. All of this without going completely over the edge into insane CE, of course :)

You are obviously very skilled at creating a character and writing him. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think you're up to the task of making/letting your character mesh with the game if you really try. So far, I just kind of chalked up all your ic and ooc chatter about these conflicts as you working all this out, but it seems you have hit a stall in your process. Don't let it stop you! Push through it, as the game has been a hoot so far, and Immortal is doing a wonderful job of running it. As you said, figure something out!

First, thank you for your kind words about my writing, and your observations about what my character can do in terms of development, I appreciate them.

As to solving this? Well, like I said - I thought I had it.

In a "perfect world" scenario - Variel would have given me some terms via a contract. I would read them, if I had any really horrible issues with it, I would have said so - and we'd have worked something out.

Naturally, as the game progressed - Variel and the rest of you would have likely deviated from the contract from time to time.

However, the beauty of my assumption was (I thought) - "Of course they'll deviate, and I'll say to myself - Well, that's rum luck I guess, it seems I signed on to a somewhat dishonest and unsavory bunch - but I made my bed, now I have to lay in it as I gave my word."

Effectively, provided you all didn't go to some crazy length via ultra-evil; I'd probably have done quite well. In fact, I assumed you guys would almost certainly stray from many of the core clauses from time to time, as you are all more "piraty".

And again - I assumed that whatever contract you wrote up would only be loose guidelines to give me a convenient "in" to solving the issue; but the only person who would really feel a sense of binding to the deal would be me.

Sadly, that didn't happen. Which is why I hoped the situation could be amended. It hasn't been - so now I have to deal with it.

Seijiro - you are mostly correct. It is only a character concept. But in point of fact - if I was playing more "piraty" and less "social RP" - I would have built the character completely different. I wouldn't have wasted my time with giving him so high a charisma, for example, among other things.

As for the GM - I know him quite well; no - he will not change the game to suit any one player's needs, no matter who they are - in this he is very neutral and I respect that neutrality, as it is a good quality in a game master.

I can figure out something, I suppose - but I don't know what to do yet. I guess we'll find out soon...

I couldn't really respond in character because i didn't have time, as I said before. I just wanted a comment put out there before anything was said that couldn't be taken back to make things harder to deal with.

"Here's the thing mate, a contract is a dangerous thing," Dhaavan tells Flynn and Variel. "It's an agreement where words can be twisted and manipulated, and the letter of the law is all what may matter. I tell yea this cause I seen it happen, and me own mum tol' me some about it afore I left 'em. Binding up an agreement into words ain't necessarily a sign o' trust."

"Even so, I'd figure we best try ta accommodate when ever'one's in less ill humor and it's a more appropriate setting, yeah?" Dhaavan suggests to the group motioning to the folks around on the docks and gesturing to indicate the miserable heat.

"Now if yea'll excuse me, I got a game to loose" Dhaavan chuckles as he starts his turn at nine-pins, eventually scoring a 25. woohoo!

We can simply have the conversation in the ship of an evening. Some night over the course of the week. Cause this really isn't the place for it on the docks.

At the appropriate time and place when the officers are gathered, Dhaavan asks, "So Flynn, what points yea want in this contract o' yers? And the rest o' yea, what are yer stipulations and limitations? Now a simple list what's easy to digest'll make things a lot quicker."

I couldn't really respond in character because i didn't have time, as I said before. I just wanted a comment put out there before anything was said that couldn't be taken back to make things harder to deal with.

"Here's the thing mate, a contract is a dangerous thing," Dhaavan tells Flynn and Variel. "It's an agreement where words can be twisted and manipulated, and the letter of the law is all what may matter. I tell yea this cause I seen it happen, and me own mum tol' me some about it afore I left 'em. Binding up an agreement into words ain't necessarily a sign o' trust."

"Even so, I'd figure we best try ta accommodate when ever'one's in less ill humor and it's a more appropriate setting, yeah?" Dhaavan suggests to the group motioning to the folks around on the docks and gesturing to indicate the miserable heat.

"Now if yea'll excuse me, I got a game to loose" Dhaavan chuckles as he starts his turn at nine-pins, eventually scoring a 25. woohoo!

We can simply have the conversation in the ship of an evening. Some night over the course of the week. Cause this really isn't the place for it on the docks.

I agree the docks aren't a good place for this - but if you recall, we were having this conversation in the tavern over breakfast... At least an hour before nine pins and the rest of the day.

Don't worry - I have something in mind - I will get back to you soon when I have the details hammered out...

actually the conversation was on the docks, we were sitting apart from the dockworkers and chatting while the nine-pins games were going on, before the sparring session between Variel and Barzazal.

Actually that is incorrect.

I did not go to play nine-pins. I stayed to have a comfortable breakfast. You were playing ninepins, you left the game to come back to talk to us when I was speaking to Dhaavan.

That is why I was continuing to eat my breakfast throughout the conversation and it was why I was continuing to order drinks during the conversation, and sitting at a table, and in a chair - and why Variel came over to me at the table and took a seat at the table and you yourself left the game to come over to us.

That's where I was, in any case - I never went over to play nine pins. I remained to talk to Dhaavan and the rest of you guys came back.

Unless the place was an outdoor cafe next to the docks - my entire gaming session and all those details would have made no sense; because there would be no way for me to be sitting at a table, ordering more drinks, eating my meal of biscuits and tea and other drinks and offering people chairs at my table for them to sit down - if we were at the docks watching a game.

However, I may have been off on the timing; I had the conversation with Dhaavan about an hour before the nine pins game - at least that was my intention when we started. If you came over while playing that means that the conversation somehow moved forward into the game you were playing. But over breakfast was when me and Dhaavan started the ret-con; and then everyone else came over. So the timing may have been off; but the location wasn't.

Anyway, that's where I was sitting during the conversation.

And I was playing nine-pins, as was variel. So flynn was the only onethinking he was not on the docks. Not that it matters cause this discussion should happen in actual private where we woundn't ordering drinks. Hence Dhaavan moving it.

Lots of confusion but whatever. =]

Well Dhaavan, I agree, there is a lot of confusion with PbP – especially during a ret-con action. It seems we all had assumptions on where we were and what we were doing. But they only matter to me in that they effect what I wrote and what I am about to do in the following. At this point, it no longer matters to me that much where I was; though I do appreciate your comment.

I should add that I’m sorry for the delay – I had to get some details taken care of with Rain and also, I needed to figure out how to have this conversation written without having an actual fight. I have to admit, it was a bit tricky for me.

Meanwhile, taking the advice of several people I crafted the answer to your comments with this one post, rather than multiple ones. It was hard to come up with a good way to do it "in character" - and also, I decided to use this chance to satisfy the fact that my character hasn't been as much of a "pirate" before now.

While this answer was not highest in my choices, I am at least happy that it satisfy's my character's integrity - it avoids bloodshed "in game" - and it will mean that my character will act more like a somewhat "textbook" version of a pirate - rather than the type I have been playing, which will hopefully work better for the group.

So – without further ado; my response to your comments:

My eyes widen in surprise at Variel’s comments, then narrow.

I reach for my drink and take it back from him; pouring it back into the hip flask.

My eyes flick to Seijiro a moment, as I hear his defense of Variel and his comments about my ideas.

My gaze turns back to the elf.

”Mister Nightstorm – you just set terms for what this crew will do; no slavery, mercy for those who surrender; and a host of other things. And after you said that, I said I loved your idea. I even said if you put it on paper to make everything clear for me so I know what I’m going to be doing, then all the stress I have with this crew just goes away. Everything is fine; and we can actually begin to move forward and get stuff done as a team.”

”But then you tell me you will not do that; because somehow creating a set of guidelines or boundaries for what we will do on a ship is not acceptable to you? That telling everyone who serves with you that following a set of rules that you want them to follow somehow don’t “sit right” with you?”

”What the hell does that mean, eh? You just had the idea on what limitations and boundaries you want, and now you don’t want them made clear to those who sail with you?”

I down my drink hard, my eyes turning to grind against Seijiro for a moment at his comment.

”Oh – and by the way – it was not “fear” that dissuaded my heart from being a pirate – it was over a matter of honor; just because I like to have a record of what the “do’s” and “don’ts” are on a ship doesn’t mean I have no poxing honor – wakarimasu ka?” I add with a growl at the implications.

I turn back to Variel.

”Meantime, I don’t really care for the fact that you suggest my ideas are “stupid.” That’s just damn right rude, and I don’t like it.”

”And while I’m at it – I also didn’t like your cavalier suggestion that we charge into someone’s home and attack innocent villagers and rob them of their food and belongings for our personal needs without even treating them fairly after our butchery and theft – but I didn’t have the poxing bad manners to suggest a person would be “stupid” for coming up with that idea, did I? No – because I’m not some son of a whore who insults people by telling them their ideas are bloody stupid instead of just disagreeing but at least having some poxing good manners and decent words instead of naught but bloody-ass insults,” I add with a hot gleam in my eyes.

I pour another drink, and down it hard; slamming the mug on the table and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.

”So let me lay it on the line for you mister Nightstorm - and anyone else who wants to listen in, and I’ll be as blunt as I can be because I don’t want the others to say I’m gods damned “ranting” or unclear…”

”You had me! You gods damned had me! Hell, I was ready to join with you to the nine – gun’s blazing and eager to serve in whatever poxing, sodding, whores’ cleft of a buggered idea you all may have come up with from now until the Nine Gates opened. And why? Because somehow in some gods damned inexplicable way – you managed to discover the one thing that could make me want to sail with you and do it so that makes me feel like my honor is vindicated and that I can do what you all wish to do – and things go perfect all around.”

”But as soon as I agree with your own gods damned idea, you burn me down like I’m some kind of dung-filled maggot hole!”

I continue to stare; my eyes hard.

”So here’s the bloody-ass thing; and I’ll say it again – put the gods damned “terms” on paper on what we do; and what we don’t do – draw up a sodding contract on those poxing terms and I’ll read it and sign it, if I agree with it. When – and if you can do that, you’ll have a mate who can fight, who can kill and who’s got no qualms in obeying illegal or immoral orders if he signed a bloody contract on it! Oh, and just so everyone is clear – I’m talking about myself here because it's just my own bloody belief system and not any of the rest of yours, eh? You do what you all want to do with your own honor and I don't give a monkey's scrotum on that issue no more because your beliefs and mine ain't marrying square, and that's just how it's going to be - period."

"And a pox on anyone who’s got an issue with my personal beliefs and honor. If anyone's got some issue with my code or values; I don’t give a gods damn anymore.”

My eyes are burning with a dark light – either the alcohol or anger, you are not sure.

I rise from the chair and stand up and begin to walk off - then I stop and turn back, the insult to my intelligence - among other things - seeming to grate heavily on me.

”Oh, one more bloody thing – from now on you can try showing me a little bit of gods damned decent manners; or so help me gods I will put a bullet in your bloody brainpan. You savvy, mate?”

At this point I turn on my heel and head off to find Miss Tanethir; I have no interest in nine pins, and as of now, I need to mingle with some different company, at least until I can calm down.

Well that escalated quickly... Ok, maybe not IRL, but In-game this hasn't been a particularly long span of time.

So now, we have a timeline that goes as such: No idea how the timeline is going to go here, but we'll assume that the sparring match takes place a while after the game of nine-pins where folk have some time to cool their jets, I guess?

Immortal Hand of God, any comments?

Dhaavan turns to Variel as Flynn storms off, and says, "Well, Cap'n, yea want I should go after 'im, an' get 'im to cool off some? 'e may yet be a use on the boat if'n he'd cool off, and i may yet have a way ta work that out, if yer offer ta write up sommat for him still stands. Jest don't start the match afore I get back"
I'm just trying to justify Flynn being around for the fight. But at this point I'm bloody confused about just about everything relating to these events and how to resolve the conflicting timelines and realities. But I'll at least try to open the door for it.

Well that escalated quickly... Ok, maybe not IRL, but In-game this hasn't been a particularly long span of time.

So now, we have a timeline that goes as such: No idea how the timeline is going to go here, but we'll assume that the sparring match takes place a while after the game of nine-pins where folk have some time to cool their jets, I guess?

Immortal Hand of God, any comments?

Dhaavan turns to Variel as Flynn storms off, and says, "Well, Cap'n, yea want I should go after 'im, an' get 'im to cool off some? 'e may yet be a use on the boat if'n he'd cool off, and i may yet have a way ta work that out, if yer offer ta write up sommat for him still stands. Jest don't start the match afore I get back"
I'm just trying to justify Flynn being around for the fight. But at this point I'm bloody confused about just about everything relating to these events and how to resolve the conflicting timelines and realities. But I'll at least try to open the door for it.

It seems the confusion was that after I ate, I picked up a package and gave it to Seijiro when he was getting a drink by the game of nine-pins.

I assumed the ret-con conversation on this page would have happened before I left to get the package for Tomo; that is - during breakfast and everyone thought it was while we were having drinks at the game. But the point is, between the time when we wake up and "midday" this happened I guess. Hopefully worrying about the time frame won't matter much.

My assumption on when the conversation would have happened was the confusion, it seems. But in any case, as the sparring match happened at "midday" - it is reasonable to assume that enough time happened between this conversation and the sparring match to keep things in sync with the game.

Though I admit it is fairly confusing; hopefully there is no issue at this time and can put all of this behind us. Thanks for your patience with this.

Kay. So the conversation happened in the morning and there's still time to have it make sense for Flynn to show back up...

Seijiro sighs and shrugs as Flynn walks off... turning to Variel he speaks softly. "So you offer to put it in writing for him and when you say it's for him only and not for the rest of the crew, he throws a fit and says you changed your mind, which you never seemed to do to me anyway. Now he wants it in writing and isn't concerned about the rest of the crew. It all seems like a lot of assumptions being made and misunderstandings. Do I understand things about right, or is my common just not good enough to keep up with things?"

He speaks quietly in Minkaian as he contemplates his own shortcomings... "Kare wa sono kuchi de, kare no hahaoya ni kisu o s@~$e imasu ka?" then grows quiet and remains sitting.

"Regardless, I hope we can resolve all this soon. It's making me a little crazy."

...as the waves roll, these are the pirates of our lives...

I turn back to Variel.

”Meantime, I don’t really care for the fact that you suggest my ideas are “stupid.” That’s just damn right rude, and I don’t like it.”

”And while I’m at it – I also didn’t like your cavalier suggestion that we charge into someone’s home and attack innocent villagers and rob them of their food and belongings for our personal needs without even treating them fairly after our butchery and theft – but I didn’t have the poxing bad manners to suggest a person would be “stupid” for coming up with that idea, did I? No – because I’m not some son of a whore who insults people by telling them their ideas are bloody stupid instead of just disagreeing but at least having some poxing good manners and decent words instead of naught but bloody-ass insults,” I add with a hot gleam in my eyes.

Flynn isn't the only one who has fire in his eyes. As Flynn speaks Variel gets redder in the face until it seems like he is about to explode. With a mighty effort, Variel slams his mouth shut and refuses to be baited into yet another verbal sparring match with Flynn. Variel waits until Flynn is done talking and leaves before he lets himself answer both Jiro and Dhaavan.

Aye Jiro, I thought I made it plain that we could have a contract between us, Flynn and myself. It was the crew involvement that concerned me. I plan on making it apparent what is expected of the cw and how they are to treat people we encounter on the seas and in port. Apparently not clear enough for Flynn.

Turning then to Dhaavan's request to go after Flynn. By all means go after him but let him cool first. When you do tell him that the offer between him and myself for a contract still stands. I will write a contract up for him, as from his captain to an officer. Let him know one other thing though. At this Variel's face reddens and his hand clenches his cutlass. If he ever slights the mother I never knew, underhanded or not, he will not have time to pull his pistol before I ram my sword through his belly. It will not be a quick death for him but one of pain and agony. His suffering would not last long enough. If he makes note of this and apologizes then I will forget this incident this one time.
I trust you to deliver this message in the best way you now how. He responds better to you than me and will listen to you.

Rain had been wandering quietly on her own for some time. Heavy thoughts had been pressing on her since they had returned to land. She had deliberately separated herself from her crew mates, seeking peace and quiet to resolve her quandary. After quietly reflecting, she had resolved to stay onboard the ship and assist her mates, offer them the wisdom of her knowledge of The Shackles. Not under the rule of a Captain, though she had no misgivings with Variel's position or ability. She would offer counsel, service and alike but on her own terms. This was important to her. Her experiences to date had not been altogether positive and she would find her way in this world under her own authority. She would extend Captain Variel due respect and consideration, but she would decide her path and destiny. This she would have to discuss with Variel, of course, once she found him. But for now she was seeking out Flynn or Jiro in hopes they would understand her decision and offer their own respective counsel.

I enter the tavern again - the heat of the day still annoying, and I wander over to the bar inside and see Rain.

"Afternoon, miss Taneththir, so you give any more thought to coming along with us at this point, or no?" I ask her with a wave as I slide into a chair next to her.

At this time I shall await her pleasure, curious to know what she has to say directly...

Rain's eyes roam over the doctor's familiar form striding toward her and then taking a seat beside her. She smiles at him, noting his expression and then his question. In soft-spoken voice she replies, trying to maintain a semblance of privacy,

"I have come to a decision, Flynn. I will travel with you all but not as a crewman but as an independent seafarer. The idea that another has authority over my own will and life does not sit right with me at present. My experiences with Plugg and his dogs and Captain Harrigan have left me with a rather jaded view of authority. I am not saying Variel will follow in their lead - nay. I just cannot bring myself to take orders and abide by them definitively. I would aid as an ally but not as an indentured sailor."

Rain looks into Flynn's eyes, awaiting his verdict on what she has disclosed to him.

"I have not spoken to Variel about this matter as yet. I have not seen him since this morning. So, please do not speak to him before I do. It must come from my lips. He deserves to hear it from me. And then I will await his decision."

I nod at her words.

"No worries, lass. I won't tell him nothing about your plans. But I got to admit, I sure as hell like the idea," I say rubbing my chin.

"Hell, I like it enough to give it go myself, but we'll see on that count when the time comes later, I reckon," I add with a grin.

Cool - now I'm switching back to the other thread as it seems most of the social RP is there - but I'll be back here later just to check in. But probably not until later tonight, as I got to work than the garage. See you soon!

After the confrontation with Flynn, Variel spent the remainder of the afternoon contemplating how to bring him into the fold. His ideals of saving innocents and never hurting them sounded noble but reality was that innocents were hurt all the time. Besides, if they were to never harm an innocent then they had no reason commandeering the ship in the first place, let alone plan on using her to sail the seas and pirate her waters. No there would have to be some compromise but how. Having Flynn sign a contract to the captain of the ship was a start, but what to put in writing that was concrete enough for Flynn, yet allowed room for maneuvering if necessary. Looking for peace and quiet, Variel heads to Rickety and asks for the use of his office for the next couple of hours. The morning passes slowly as Variel looks out of the window in the office. The air is stuffy and the heat oppressive. Trying to relieve the tension, Variel casts a few cantrips to cool the air directly around him. The task is in vain however as the heat overpowers the minor spells.

Finally finished with the contract, Variel searches out Dhaavan so he can look at it before it is presented to Flynn…

Once Dhaavan has looked at the contract and made the necessary changes, it was nearly time for dinner. Variel grabs a light meal of bread cheese and ale. Not quite sure how to approach Flynn, Variel sits at a table by himself watching the crowd. Seeing Rain, Flynn, and Jiro talking, Variel nods his head in their direction to acknowledge he saw them. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation with the business he has with Flynn, Variel sites quietly and listens to Jiro’s music fill the area.