Delben listens intently to Urlak's suggestions, embarrassed he was so quick to trust the Cheliax soldiers.
"I rather like the idea of the crew judging them, I say we make that happen."
Delben will help Urlak in gathering up the crew before they're ready to depart.
"Well men, it would seem we captured more than we were looking to during our raid, we managed to capture the hearts of our enemies! Despite slicing through them like chaff they were only impressed with our strength, and now they want to join us. I know we were fighting only moments ago, but as I'm sure you all know, we could use some able-bodied souls. The choice is yours men, accept these brave souls willing to abandon their honor and sail the free seas, or sail north with double shifts!"
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Whatever skill your character would use to impress, scare, assess, or convince them to join. For example, in the first round, someone could try to separate the ones who would try to mutiny, while another person could try to impress the ones who need a strong leader to convince them piracy is the way to go. Skill challenges are pretty free. Whatever your character would do is what you would roll. If the party has more successes than failures, then you succeed that round. Each skill encounter has a set number of rounds. If the party has more rounds won than lost, then you win the encounter.
Wanting to set the mood, and work on the dirge he promised the former captain of the Horned Trader, Delben will begin a dark, haunting tune directed torwards the soldiers to see who has the salt to sail on the Inauspicious Grin.
That, dinosaur I think it was called, looks dangerous. I don't know about the maintenance required for it. We could lose men and a decent chunk of supplies caring from it, but it sounds unwise to cross his buyer who might give us a hefty prize. It's a high-risk high-reward situation captain. If you feel the urge to gamble, then I support you captain.
One more issue sir. I don't have a good feeling about these Cheliax sailors. Yes, we are short on crew but these men have their loyalty drilled into their core since birth. It's one of the nation's few admirable traits. I'd be suspicious of any willing to convert if there is any.
Capt. This is my suggestion. if ye be willing to listen.
Looking at the crew and the hold where the beast is
There is a worse fear other then us on this ship sir. I say that we take the first mate and place him on this ship as acting captain for a bit and let us deliver that beast.
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we should let the finish this sail with us, and then sell them all of as slaves or let them go free men, but I wouldn't trust them for more then about a day sir.
Laurestine silently waits to see what the potentially new recruits will do. She keeps a sharp eye out for any who seem like they want to start a fight.
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The soldiers are happy with the arrangement of sailing to the next port, and making their own way from there. The sergeant approaches Delben and speaks.
I will make sure my men do their job to get us all to the next port. I worry though, if the pirate hunter they sent the message to catches up, we won't have the manpower to take them down. My suggestion, we leave a false lead. If we can throw them off long enough to get away, they'll not hunt us past that. Any ideas? And don't think we'll sell you out. Our lives were forfeit as soon as we lost. Cheliax holds a no mercy policy on pirates. Any survivors are assumed to join their pirate defeaters and are subject to execution. As it were, we are in the same boat as you. Literally.
His men nod grimly as he speaks, and start to separate into groups.
We'll help load up whatever you're taking from the Trader, and we need to be off as soon as possible.
"That seems to be an excellent suggestion Harvey, I say we split our crew in two, mixing them with our own sailors and sail both ships south to Freeport. We sell the Horned Trader and what cargo we don't want, and sell of the creature to Corlean Hanscombe. What do you think Nalgi? Can you handle this ship and a few of the soldiers for a week or two?"
"As for the pirate hunters, I doubt they could hunt two ships headed to the very port the Horned Trader was headed two in the first place."
Aye captain. If there's one thing I'm good at it's keeping sailors In line.
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Damn it boy's make sure that my weapons are in tip top shape over on both those ships, I do not want to be caught in a fire fight with out any ammo.
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two months worth of basic food (grains, wheat, barley, dried meats, nuts and the like)
barrels of water that would last about two weeks rationed
enough cannonballs and black powder for five ship battles. There are also four cannons on board. Four cannons were damaged beyond repair in Harvey's men's excellent volley.
There are five loot points worth of slaves
two loot points of standard trade goods (silks, ores, spices, and exotic lumber)
You also appraise the dinosaur at being worth around 10,000 gp to Hanscombe.
Captain Arkus had a halberd that appears to be magical in nature. So does his armor. His boots were magical as well.
The gunner, and his twin sister, had a magical musket and a magical pistol.
You also know a lot about Freeport. You know that anything can be bought or sold there, legal or not. It is a pirate port, but is ruled by merchants. Political games run rampant, as does the thieve's guild. Assassins are considered fair play, and finding a dead body in a alleyway is not surprising to anyone living there.
On the fourth morning, the lookout spies an island that isn't on the map, and you're sure of where you are after your course re-calculations. The island appears to be a huge mountain rising out of thick mist. As you get closer, you spy a fortress carved into the side, and is partially underwater. The face of the mountain is carved into an armmored man, holding his helmet at his side, and standing at attention.
You all have heard the rumors of the lost mountain, an ancient Azlantian fortress that was a watchtower for a great city. Very few pirates claim to have found it, and always had treasure to prove it, though none had ever claimed to make it very far in. Most of those making those claims were also lone survivors, or the men left watching the ship while others went in. Tales of mighty sea beasts roaming the halls, answering to a creature lording over them with great power, and hoarding great treasure have sent many a pirate looking for it. Most believed it was in the heart of the Shackles, but you are on the edge, which may explain why it is a legend, and not a landmark.
I have a bad feeling about this...
"And yet, think of what secrets and plunder one could find among these forgotten halls? Think of the horror and sorrow yet to be sung! I don't think it could hurt to at least check out the island, stretch out legs a bit...
Delben will yell across the two ships, the glint of adventure in his eye.
I'm not saying we shouldn't loot the heck out of it. I just feel it's going to be dangerous. Nonetheless, I will follow you into it's depths.
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Looking at it from where you are, the sides of the fortress are smooth, and featureless, save for a few windows a few hundred feet above sea level. The walls continue on underwater. It appears as though the fortress once sat much higher, but has been slowly sinking into the sea, making the main entrance deep underwater. You don't see any movement on the walls, nor a place to anchor the ship that is out of view on this side of the island. Strangely enough, there are crude ballista mounted in the crenellations of the fortress.
Sir, would you like me to take my sharks and scout underwater or wait until we get to the other side?
"An excellent idea. Perhaps there is a better way in through the sea."
While Nalgi is scouting Delben will organize the ships mooring off of the island.
Delben will also keep a sharp eye out for anyone living on this island using the spyglass.
...Although he is pretty distracted by dreams of adventure, occasionally beating on his drum distractedly.
Capt, I want that musket that that devil woman had for our sniper in the upper crows nest and I want our best shot there for the time being keeping an eye out for anything going on.
if I be that best shot, i'll personally make sure that this crew is protected just trust me to make my judgement calls
Knowing the lore and history of this place, it might be a good way to gain some more fame and glory, but I still say that we need to deliver this dinosaur to it's owner they said on the other ship that it is worth a lot of gold. Easy Gold is Easy Gold. we can always come back to this after we are done with that drop off. I think that is the sensible thing to do capt.
"while I do agree that the dinosaur is a high priority, I don't know if we will ever be able to find this island again. Surely taking two or three days to explore the island won't make much of an impact in our travel time."
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As the former slaves labor at their jobs aboard the Grin, Urlak watches with his usual crosses arms and foul expression. Over the course of the few days that the ship sails towards Freeport, he begins assigning tasks to three in particular, watching them the hardest. On the day the island is discovered, he approaches them.
You three. Be followin' me to tha officers.
When he turns, you see his back is full of scars, mostly from whips. He leads you to the officers deck where he waits patiently for them to acknowledge his presence.
Delben, Nalgi, Harvey, Urlak approaches you, three former slaves in tow. He waits for you to finish speaking, and then talks.
Cap'n Petch. I been watchin' these three. They aren't fer bein' regular slaves like tha rest. They be special, like you all. Tha way they move, and be workin' I peg em' fer warriors. I was just fer thinkin' you should know, because iff'n yer plannin' on goin' in that place, yer gunna need some people at yer back. And these ones, they ain't fer bein' backstabbers.
As he finishes, Laurastine perks up, and stands straight from where she was leaning on the deck rail. As she does so, a ring on her index fingers flows brightly for just a second, and her eyes focus on a faraway point, like she's thinking extremely hard. Suddenly, she snaps back and speaks.
Well, it seems Hanscombe wants me to spill the beans. Oh well. Delben, it's no accident you arrived here. I purposefully altered your calculations per Hanscombes request. See, he has agents on almost every trading ship in the shackles, and neither the Grin or the Trader were any different. As soon as you mutinied on the Grin, he knew because I was his agent, there to keep the Smiling Bastard in line and make sure he took certain payments where they were supposed to go. As as soon as you took the tiefling's ship, he knew. I believe you killed his agent on there though. We never know who each other are, but I haven't seen any rings of sending like I have. Either way, Hanscombe wants you here because he wants something from that place, and he believes you are strong enough to get it. He's a collector, if you haven't noticed, of rarities and the like. A small metal chest, with four locks on the front. On the sides are embossings of ships circling a hurricane. After you get it, you are to personally deliver it to him. He wants to meet the lot of you to discuss... Business. Any other riches you find in there are yours to keep.
She looks over the people Urlak brought up.
Hmmm... Sunny, Noro Kasuri, and Alistair. I saw your reports in the logs. If Petch wants, I'll have the gear you were captured with brought up to you. Petch, Urlak is right. Those three are... Special. Warriors and all that. Whatever. Just get the chest. I'm supposed to go run the Trader until we get to Freeport. Don't worry though, the payment for the dinosaur will be yours. The laws of the sea are honored.
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Each day Noro works she seems to realize she went from one form of slavery to another. still each day she watches her Hla-orc overseer. sizing him up, looking for weaknesses.
she has fought ones like him in the past, they were tough and they hit hard, but they are usually not very versitile on a fight.
Each day she watches him, learning about him. Waiting for the opputune moment.
but what's this? a rather unforseen turn of events. being brought before the captain.
she remains silent, she already had somewhat of a dislike of her overseer, but this action puts him a whole new perspective.
When the mention of her name (in particular her last name) she gives a menacing glare to the one that spoke it. her manacles being the only thing keeping her fist from making a close relationship to that person's mouth.
still she remains a silent waiting to see what this lot has in store for her.
The small gnome will fix his flat eyes on the three slaves Ulrak brought forth, and when Laurestine reveals her true allegiance his expression remains unreadable. Delben will stay silent for a moment, his oversized dull blue overcoat blowing about in the wind. Finally, after a time the pirate captain will speak up, with a hard edge to his words.
"It would seem this Hanscombe's reach is almost impossibly long, I had originally assumed you were manipulating my coordinates to find a relic of your people's past. This island and what lies within intrigue me, but make no mistake Laurestine, we are here because we want to be, and we will delve into this place for our own sakes, not those of you or your master. If I come across this chest your master is interested in I might deign to bring it forth, because I want to, not because I am some lap dog leaping on command. Business is business, but if you or he attempts to manipulate this crew again it will not matter how much power or influence he wields."
Delben's tone never wavers, there is no hint of anger or malice in his words, only a cold finality. Turning back to three unusual slaves Delben will say,
"I have need of some company to join me in the half-sunken halls of this island, I'm afraid First Mate Nalgi's sharks aren't much for conversation and I become unusually talkative slogging through ancient keeps. I trust my Bosun Ulrak's judgment, and he tells me you three may have what it takes to survive what are undoubtedly ancient dangers within this place. The rewards, if rumors serve, are great, and the story will be richer still. But, as I am sure you are beginning to learn, I value choice. Freedom is the one flag a pirate sails higher than any other, and you have served my ship admirably despite how you may have found your way to it. So I present you three with the choice to join myself and several of my officers in looting this island clean and prove to us your worth, or to stay on the ship. What say you?"
The tanned Elf maid stands where she, Noro and Alistair have been led. Her large blue eyes watch the people who transferred ownership of the ship, absently she shifts her weight to stand on one foot -The other tucked against the leg's knee.
Currently wearing naught but a couple of old canvas shirts tied about herself the blond mopped Elf simply waits and watches. She turns a glance to the large Orc,
"I dun't think ye got yer appellation right. I in't any 'Warrior'." She explains, then looks back at those assembled as 'Leaders' and smiles.
(^_^)
With Lurastine's reveal Nalgi's grip on his trident tightens and he tilts his head slightly in Delben' s direction. After Delben's speech Nlagi relaxes a bit but starts to fiercely observe the three newcomers.
Sunny blushes, waves her hands dismissively and finishes off by poking her tongue out at him. :P
"Psss-sht!" She exclaims before breaking into a giggle, "Ye's makin' stuff up!"
(^_^)
"Well feel free to remain behind if you aren't confident in your abilities, though I believe Ulrak's assessment to be accurate. What of the rest of you?"
She waves a finger at the Gnome, "Here, I said I weren't a fighter. I din't never say I weren't useless."
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Let me go a round or two with Ulrak there, I'll show you what kind of fighter I am. been pershuading othersh for the Sczarni for yearsh
Noro tries to hide her lisp as best she can but it still shows through.
she gives a glare to any the think to laugh. an obvious sore spot with her.
She rubs her wrists still bruised from the manacles
Any flag of freedom is a flag I would be glad to sail under. Greetings Captain Delben. I am Alistar Sinclair. I will not bore the lot of you with how I came to be on this ship. I have a variety of skills that I put in your service. I have a friend who is still a slave last seen in Cheliax. I one day wish to see him free with his family. It seems Besmara has chosen me to champion her. She has blessed me with powers of a holy man. I do not judge others, but I do hold to a code. This day I'm happy to call the rest of you brothers and sisters. May Besmara keep us free and our cups never empty.
I am an educated man Captain. What do we know of this island fortress? Perhaps I can be of assistance.
Alistar will stare off to the island a few moments rounds.
Besmara has given me insight to this place
Delben will smile slightly when the tanned elf rises to his bait. He'll take in the female human's bravado with a grain of salt,
obviously still chaffing from her stint in slavery...
"There will be no need for that miss, I am quite confident you two could beat the stuffing out of one another. Though I am curious how you would fare in yonder fortress, you have not answered my proposal."
The Captain will stare flatly at Alistar for some time after his introduction. Finally, he'll say,
"A holy man...
Of Besmara...
Besmara the Pirate Queen?
Are you sure?
I have sailed these seas for years, and I have never met someone who claimed to have been chosen by her. You must be lucky indeed... or unlucky. But it is a pleasure to have one so enthusiastic aboard, welcome to the crew Alistar. I must admit, all I know of the island and it's fortress are a scant few rumors and stories, any illumination you could shed would be much appreciated."
That is indeed interesting. I too am a man of a code and I respect that you have values but do not push them onto others. I know of Divine champions such as you claim to be but one of your sponsor is quite unusual.
"There will be no need for that miss, I am quite confident you two could beat the stuffing out of one another. Though I am curious how you would fare in yonder fortress, you have not answered my proposal."
Sunny skips over to the railing now that the vista has been pointed out to her,
"Ooo! A island!" She breathes excitedly.
"I dun't think it be a place where m' kin would be at...' She says solemnly after garnering the place's appearance.
Nalgi glances at Delben
Told you I had a bad feeling about this
Believe me, I'm as surprised as you. I never thought myslef to be holy. Just a man of principle. It seems as I came to the seas I found a natural knack and home there. Besmara took notice as I fought some pirates as they took our merchant chip. I killed their captain and yet they spared me. I then was sold into slavery and found my way back to the sea. She then came to me in visions and spoke with me of her blessing. I no not my purpose other than to serve her and serve my crew.
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Urlak smiles at Noro when she makes her comment.
Wefight when the cap'n tells us to fight, an' we die when says too.
After that he remains silent, watching the events unfold.
Urlak smiles at Noro when she makes her comment.
We fight when the cap'n tells us to fight, an' we die when says too. After that he remains silent, watching the events unfold.
Sunny glances over a shoulder,
"Not ta' get off'n tha' wrong foot...But I dun't plan on dyin' now, soon nor fer any one, thank'e muchly." She interjects.
"So...these A-slanty folks? Who know whut about 'em?" She asks, indicating the island to which they are now headed (Moored?)