After listening to what you have to say Plugg's expression lightens up, Oh? An attempted murder you say? And the captain is taking it rather personal? Well, I shall head there presently. Certainly don't want to get on his bad side, it's not conducive to remaining amongst the living if you do so. Thank you for informing me, Mr.Hank. You may attend other duties or ready yourself for the evening festivities, whatever it is that you do.
Later that night, as the day dies down and Harrigan has had enough music, Charlotte will retreat to a more secluded corner of the ship to finish mending her wounds.
With that done, she tries to seek down Temerith, seeing as he's one of the few members of their press-ganged lot she hasn't had much of a word with. He seemed to have some ideas for breaking free, she recalls, so perhaps he might be convinced to cooperate.
"Temerith, is it?" Charlotte asks as she approaches. [n]"I'd like to have a few words with you."[/b]
He heard the woman, Charlotte speak just after Xion vanished and turned around letting his eyes become windows to the Ocean's Lost so as to reinforce that Temerith was "busy"...
Make it quick singer, my time is valuable at least to me and I have no urge to waste it...
"Really? Would it kill him to be the least bit polite?"
"For someone press-ganged on a vicious pirate ship, you certainly seem willing to act like you own the place." Charlotte snarks, before getting to the point, speaking in Aquan and being careful not to be heard.
"Alright, look. I've seen you going about, talking to the crew here and there and just now. It's not too hard to tell you've got the same kind of ideas we do. I think we'd be stupid to split into factions just yet, and if your spirit calling as anything as useful as it is strange, I'm pretty sure you and I and the others could benefit from an alliance. We probably don't have the same end goals, but we can figure that part out when you-know-who isn't in the way. Now, are you willing to cooperate with the Markborn and me, or are you determined to be a lone wolf?"
"Very well then." Charlotte says in common as a particularly rough wave lightly shakes up the ship.
"May the ocean be kind to you when Harrigan sends to to the bottom of it."
In a huff, Charlotte turns heel and leaves, before seeking out Iggy, if anything her most trusted ally on the ship.
"Anything new?" she asks as she find him.
Iggy smiles, seeing the fiddler and chuckles.
"Besides people on the ship trying to kill you? Found that Plugg is quite afraid of Harrigan. And that there's a woman on board who would choose our side, once we prove to her we're strong enough. I'm going to give her a taste of that tonight, to see if we can sway her. What about you?"
"Well, for one, the possessed one is a lost cause," Charlotte declares, waving a finger around the side of her head in the proverbial "he's insane" gesture.
"Other than that, not too much, j'ai bien peur. That and I'm pretty sure that Syl nag is now terrified of me. Harrigan seemed ready to put her through the wringer, here's hoping we don't get a repeat performance like Magpie last night."
"If it does happen, all the more reason for people to join on our 'endeavor'. Doesn't surprise me the possessed is rattled in the head. Too much time relying on those things, if you ask me. Hopefully the new surgeon and I will get a chance to have a long chat with Syl. Never know what change the winds might bring. I mean, we saw what happened with the Magpie."
The Markborn lowers his voice. "Me personally? I have a feeling that possessed will get us all into a heap of trouble eventually. Or get himself in a carbon copy mess of Magpie. And I intend to get out of this present situation with as few a casualties as possible, with hopefully a good deal of allies. You had any luck with that part?"
Janus works on the limb but most of his day is ruined when he tries a pressure test and the leg cracks down the center. In his glee to finally be working on something he had tested it too soon and had wasted this day of work. Disgruntled he stalks back to Groks to requisition some more material to replace what he ruined.
"'fraid not. Seems I find all the crazies."
Temerith shook his head and went down into the depths of the ship as the sun finally winked out time to turn Ogruk into his slave in all but name...
He looked around for the "mighty and noble" warrior below decks.
The sun dips below the horizon again, another day upon the Wormwood over. The ship bustles with activity, pirates eager to forget a hard days work.
Iggy watches the sun dip low and then disappear, before he heads in search of Shivkah. Once he finds her, he chuckles, rolling his sleeves up.
"Well, ready to see if you're as tough a challenge as Fipps?"
Once she agrees to the challenge, he's going to hopefully give a better performance than the last time.
Charlotte will, like the previous day, seek out anyone who looks like they could use some music, and keep an open eye for any potential recruits to their side.
Before that, however, she seeks out a secluded corner for some quiet... reflection.
"So, Petite Soeur, see anything interesting today?"
Jesal lingers in the galley in the evening, making noises about needing to clean up and hopefully Kroop either leaves or passes out drunk.
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You head down the stairs on the way to Grok's to pick up some more materials for your... prosthetic. Along the way, you spot a man sitting in the floor, cutting his arm with a dagger, muttering feverishly to himself and twitching every few seconds. He seems very familiar...
The man looks at you with crazed eyes and speaks in an anxious manner, Y...you! It's you: you, you, YOU! The Dark One said you would come to me! He came to me after your glorious display, your act of devotion at the keelhauling, and showed me wonderful, horrible things, horribly wonderful, wonderfully horrible! He told me you would come and you came, YOU CAME! We're so happy, we are! What is your bidding, master? The Jack Scrimshaw will serve you faithfully, yes, yes it shall mighty one!
You head down the stairs in search of Ogruk. You spot a crazed looking man talking to the one known as Janus.
You see Ogruk about thirty feet from where you know stand, close to the Quartermaster's room.
Shivkah holds out her hand, palm facing you, Hold on there, Iggy, what are you betting?
You spot a little Gnome lady, well on in her years, with white hair and an eyepatch sitting downtrodden by the ship's railing, staring through the spaces between the boards at the moonlight reflecting off of the benighted water.
You search the galley thoroughly as Kroop heads up top to bring out the evening meal. You find several knives sharp enough to perhaps use as a weapon, several toxic fish glands belonging to deadly creatures such as the Shackles Spikefish , several extremely hot spices which could possibly be thrown in the eyes of an attacker, a half-drank bottle of expensive Captain Kraken's Black Seas Rum, and a few pieces of gold stuffed in a dirty sock . As you attune your eyes to arcane energies, you spot a glowing object underneath a veritable mountain of filthy pots. You take it out and see that it is a spoon that radiates faint creation magic .
Iggy smirks. "Let's bet favor for favor. Unless you're afraid? Wasn't it you that said you only can respect strength, in one way shape or form? Well, let's see if the reputation of the Markborn has been earned yet."
Jesal notes the poison and recalling the sea urchins from the previous night,.gets an idea.
First,.though, he grabs the two most.combat worthy.knives and instead of hiding them, decides to wear them on a belt along with a spatula and the.magic.spoon. if.there is an apron around, even better.
He grabs the gold coins and heads out,.looking for Janis if the doc hasn't hit the sack yet.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Also grab the run and stick it in his spell component satchel.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Having spent a fair amount of the day writing, Variziel decides to make his way back out onto the deck and find out if another game of Dead Man's Hand is being played.
The half-elf walks up and nods. "Mind if I take a seat?" He quickly moves into the game and starts working his own magic...
talk to that Janus later...Ogruk currently is my focus...
he allowed his mind to come into contact with Ogruks and then he "spoke".
The problem you face mighty and noble Ogruk is that this ship is under crewed...severely. As such any deaths and especially deaths of officers like Scourge will be viewed with great suspicion. However that only applies on this ship, in a battle with say another ship anything could happen to Scourge like a boarding pike being rammed up his up ass... Something worrying has occurred however, just before I made my way below decks the spirits spoke to me of Scourge and his cowardly plots. The craven scum has planted a thought in Harrigan's mind, the captain now thinks or will soon be thinking that you are a threat to him. This would normally be no cause for concern seeing as you at least not yet pose no threat to our dear captain, unfortunately this ain't normal. Ye see Harrigan is deep in his cups, drinking a bottle practically ever three hours. Worse while in port Harrigan scorned and insulted a great harrower who now has cursed his mind and is slowly ruining it, in a week Harrigna will be completely mad. He might even sail us into the Eye of Abengo...
I put the L in Liar, bluff check
"Cutting mindlessly won't help. It won't replace what you have lost and it only distracts for as long as you can keep it up. You really should talk to someone."
Favor for a favor? Fine. Let's see if you live up to the legend. Shivkah closes her open palm and comes at you, though she appears somewhat hesitant...
Enabling you to find an opening in her approach; you pin her to the floor within seconds. Ok, so you have some skill, Iggy. Good thing this wasn't official or I would never hear the end of it from Ratline. You win for this match, so I believe I owe you a favor. Listen, perhaps I was was not generous in my estimation of you. I propose an alliance of mutual benefit. You agree, yes?
[ooc]Variziel, You take a seat at a gambling table, spotting the familiar faces of Sandara's friend Jacques and Sylus, who cracks a grin as he notices you, Ah, Variziel, back again? There's only me and Jacques playing tonight, but you're welcome to join us boy. I decided against dear old dad's advice and am putting up some gold. That Kalistrade stuff gets a bit boring at times. So far, the pot's up to 24 gold between Jacques and I. What's your line of credit, boy?
Scrimshaw's frame twitches and he cocks his head at an unnatural angle, apparently confused, But... but I'm talking to you! Who should I talk to? Only you understand, only YOU! You see it, you feel it, you KNOW! Why would I speak to the others great one, when you know the answer?
"Oh, you know, the usual. That crazy lady from last night tried to attack me but I scared her off. Thanks for the warning about Scourge, I'll keep an eye out."
Charlotte approaches the gnome. Unless the latter gives any signs of not wanted to be bothered, Charlotte sits down next to her.
"Bonsoir," she greets her fellow pirate. "You looks like you could use someone to talk to. Mind if I sit here?"
"I know only the questions my boy, only Zon-Kuthon himself knows all the answers. His teaching is pain and his wisdom purest pleasure. How now have you come to know his touch? How now has your mind been broken so that I may make it whole in his divine shadow."
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Variziel grins to Sylus as well and sets his gold--seven pieces--onto the table. "And if that's not enough, I'll risk a favor," he says, fingering the card up his sleeve.
Iggy just smiles momentarily, as the pinning is done in moments. "Oh? Is Ratline a bit crazy in that aspect? I'm definitely listening. What sort of alliance did you have in mind? I can definitely appreciate some mutual benefit."
He pauses to let the large woman speak her part.
The elderly Gnome lady gasps loudly as you near her and turns around, appearing startled for a moment. She seems to calm down as you greet her, speaking to you in an somewhat hoarse-sounding old voice, You scared me there, girl! I thought you were Scourge for a moment. I don't mind if you sit here, I was just sitting here looking out on the beautiful waves thinking about things. I do that a lot, Miss...?
[ooc]Janus, But... but... you don't know? He said you knew, said you KNEW! I saw his face in your blood, heard his voice! Then, when I slept, he showed me many, many things. Things about you, things about some of those that came aboard with you, things of torn bleeding flesh, and black tears running from ivory faces. How can you say my mind is broken? MADNESS! I have been shown the truth about things, see them as they are, how they really are in this cold world. The only constant is pain, pain, PAIN! Every day more of it, filling you up and hollowing you out, until that's all there is! Don't you see?! I'm not broken, I see! Yes, the Scrimshaw SEES! But Jack doesn't want to, not anymore, so he lets the Scrimshaw out! But you can make us one, right? The Jack and the Scrimshaw? Make the pain mean something, make the two voices one, make us laugh until we feel the laughter reverberating off the walls of our emptiness! You can do that for us, yes?
"My apologies. Charlotte DeGivre, and you are?"
Charlotte sits down next to the gnome, looking out at the ocean.
"The ocean is certainly good at helping people think. I can certainly share that feeling. Have you had some issues with Scourge?"
Sylus looks at the gold pieces you lay down, Only seven gold? Nah, a favor will suffice. Let's see how the cards fall boys!
As you draw your cards, you try to slip a card or two. Sylus and Jacques appear to notice you. Ah, so you're trying to cheat are ye? Hahaha! Here I had figured ye were too meek to try such a thing, Variziel! I applaud yer initiative and yer love of gold, but with my own gold on the line, I'd respectfully ask ye put those extra cards back and play fair. Sylus appears more amused than angry, but Jacques seems rather angry, staring coldly at you with his green eyes and speaking in a low tone, A cheater? How very... dissappointing of you Variziel. Where's your honor? Sylus laughs heartily and turns to speak to Jacques, He just cheated at cards, Jacques, not killed yer mother. Get over yerself, ye aren't a Galtan anymore. Yer in the Shackles and we pirates... well, we like to stack the odds in our favor. Jacques' angry look fades somewhat, A fair point, but I still don't like it. It's so very pedestrian, so very base. It's a peasant's way of playing. Sylus violently swats at the air between him and Jacques with a hand motion, Get the Hells over yerself and play yer d@mn cards, Jacques, yer holding the game up!
Shivkah's beautiful but stern face cracks a faint smile, Well, first I'd ask if you were planning on staying on top of me before we discuss alliances. Seems a rather odd way to converse, does it not?
Iggy smirks and gets up, extending a hand.
"I've heard of stranger negotiation strategies, but I see your point."
He extends a hand to Shivkah and helps her up. "So, what is this alliance you speak of?"
Variziel stiffens for a moment as Sylus comments on his cheating, then relaxes as he laughs about it. "That's fine, friend. Though without that trick, I fear I'm not much good at gambling," he chuckles. Turning to Jacques, Variziel bows his head a little. "I'm sorry to have offended. It is dishonorable, certainly, but it seems honor has little place here, and honor doesn't do you much good if you're dead, does it?" The half-elf gives a small smile. "I was taught to use honor in private duels, and to gain whatever advantage you can in actual combat. It seems to me I've left the practice room behind, back in the Formidably Maid."
"Ahh," Variziel groans as he lays his hand down on the table. "Not much good at this without the trick up my sleeve." He shakes his head, though he's still smiling. Hopefully this goes well...
"You do not understand my boy, but I will help you to see. The pain only hollows if you allow it to. Embrace it, see it for the joy it is. Pain and pleasure are not sides of a coin but part of a whole that is experience. Embrace that experience and come through the other side transformed. Become one with the pain my friend, and it will no longer hurt you. Become one with yourself, you have had the strength all along."
Ogruk's brows furrow, I dunno about dat harrower junk, but Scourge's got to go. Yoo got a plan?
Who doesn't? He's the coldest, most sadistic person I have ever seen and from someone native to the Shackles, that says a lot. He always finds excuses to give us small folk the lash, more so than you tall folk. No use talking about it, can't change anything on this ship. None but the dead ever escape this ship.[/ooc]
Shivkah takes your hand and pulls herself to her feet, [b]As have I, but that's only for those with the dispositions for it. As for the alliance I speak of, I am in contact with a few people who are... shall we say... displeased with the way this ship is run. We plan on getting off this ship as soon as possible, when an adequate opportunity presents itself. We number only five, so an outright mutiny is not an option. You've met Fipps already, but I don't believe you have met the rest of us. I can arrange a meeting for you tomorrow, as a few of them are occupied with... other matters tonight. I believe we could all benefit one another. Tell me, out of the rest of the newcomers is there any who share your plans, Iggy?
A smirk cracks Sylus's face, It appears I win! Perhaps some of dad's blessings as one of the Prophets wore off on me. Seems I nearly always when when I put my OWN money up! Maybe I should do it more often, ye know? Seems funny, but we're 1 for 1 now, Variziel. It was a good game fellas, but I'm about to get another drink!
[/ooc]You now owe Sylus a favor. Funny how that works, right?[/ooc]
That... that makes SENSE! We'll go think on this some more in the bilge. The saltwater washing over the cuts could help us understand, yes? If you will grant us leave, mighty one, the Jack and the Scrimshaw will head to the bilge immediately!
"I'd think you may be talking a little quickly about nothing changing. Have you met Mister Hank just yet? He was one of the latest bunch of press-gangers with me and a few more, and he's already up and on the rise as an officer. A much appropriate one, I dare say. At any rate, I can only agree about Scourge, he's struck me as a very unpleasant character. What about the captain? Might you have any thoughts about him? Have you been on this ship for long?"
That's quite a unique alliance you're suggesting, and one I'm quite interested in. I have indeed met Fipps, and I think he's definitely the sort that I can see finding the current leadership a bit lacking. Now you see why I'm keeping my eyes out and keeping those folks out of the attention of the Cap'n. I'd like to meet the rest of these folks. So far, I see the fiddling woman Charlotte, the Mwangi who's helping the cook, that 'swordsman' Variel, and that creep Janus, all as folks interested in working towards that goal. The arcane man Temerith...I'm not so convinced that he won't try and take the lead on such an endeavor too early, and without the necessary support."
Variziel nods with a grin. "Sounds fair, friend. Mind if I join you?"
The captain is mad Ogruk, we both know a whipping was the best punishment for the last man keelhauled... There simply ain't enough of a crew to do keelhauling unless it's outright dangerous to the ship, loosing even one man puts us at a severe disadvantage in a boarding. This ship could easily host three times it's current crew and still be roomy, the merchants are supposed to be the ones will almost no crew not us... Do you think we will honestly survive a battle with Chelexian galley if one wanders up on the horizon? As for killing Scourge it's simple, although we got to time it correctly. The problem is this if Scourge dies on this here ship everyone's suspicion is going to be aroused...
As Temerith spoke he let a full toothy grin spread across his face (the shark grin). However if Scourge dies below decks on another ship by our hand everyone is going to assume that Scourge died in combat...