There are many good places in this system to upgrade and refit ships, as it is a popular haven in the sector. Any gear you might want can be found within a short trip to the other side of the planet or a nearby moon.
The Riptide is a boisterous and rowdy establishment, full of pirates and freebooters of all stripes, though most of the activity seems friendly enough. At some point in the night, you catch sight of “Caulky” Tarroon, Captain Barnabas Harrigan’s cabin girl on the Wormwood. She seems to be surreptitiously adding something to a few sailors’ drinks—an activity suspiciously similar to the way you were initially pressganged onto the Wormwood.
Before you can take any action, however, you are approached by Captain Pierce Jerrell, a charming rogue of a Free Captain with an eye patch and a winning smile. "Let me buy you a round of drinks," he says to you all with a smile.
Revennnnge...
He turns congenially to Captain Jerrell. "We are always amenable to a round of drinks. Let us share a bottle of rum in the classic stereotype of pirates." Francis says with a smile himself.
"Anything of interest that you might have for us?" he asks the newcomer.
"Oh, I simply wanted to meet the newest Free Captain and introduce myself. Get on your good side, you know."
Xerxes excuses himself and moves to intercept Caulky. However at the same time, one of the sailors who Caulky was attempting to poison notices that her drink was tampered with. She loudly proclaims that someone is trying to drug her, and throws her drink over her shoulder, square on the head of a rough-looking buccaneer. The bruiser stands up, roaring in rage, and throws a punch, which connects with yet another bystander, and the situation in the tavern soon devolves into an all-out barroom brawl.
Captain Pierce smirks and says, "Well, whatever Xerxes was after, you'd better hurry." With that, he casts haste on your party as he stands up to join in the fun.
2. Caulky and brawlers[/ooc]
”BACK-UP SINGERS!”, Karter summons Hartshorn, Grok and the bedraggled gnome, One-Eyed Tibbs, who all curtsy in from stage left.
"When I was just a lad looking for my true vocation-
My father said now son, this choice deserves deliberation-
Though you could be a doctor or perhaps a financier-
My boy why not consider a more challenging career!"
"Hey ho ho-
You'll cruise to foreign shores!
And you'll keep your mind and body sound-
By working out of doors!"
"True friendship and adventure are what we can't live without-"
"And when you're a professional piraaaaate-"
"That's what the job's about!"
Francis grabs a bottle of the table and takes a deep swig of the swill rum. "Blech. Well, looks like this is happening." he comments sourly.
He weaves his hands and coats himself in a protective magical aura.
"Let Xerxes do his job and the rest of us can handle ourselves. Try not to kill anyone." he says to Sh'yl.
Francis orders everyone to take care of the hubbub while Karter leaps up to join in the festivities.
Xerxes darts through the crowd to get to Caulky Tarroon, and studies her.
Happily Sh'yl try to get through !
Let pass the Force !
Xerxes and Sh'yl both push through the crowd to surround Caulky before she can get too far. "Damn!" Caulky moans as she draws a dagger and ducks to the side before stabbing at Xerxes in the hip.
The fight is starting to get out of hand though and several drunken brawlers try to include your crew whether you want it or not. One brute throws a chair at Karter:
Another tries to bash Xerxes in the head with heavy pitcher of ale.
And two others decide to surround Sh'yl and punch at the kasatha:
Pierce looks to the Captain. "Looks like a rowdy bunch tonight, eh? Haha!" He claps Karter on the back and bestows him with heroism. "Better fight your way out of this, buddy!"
Burn the flesh from their bones, send their minds into the the Abyss, choke them until this breath is their last...
Francis feels his inner self pushing closer to the forefront as the melee erupts around him. "ہلکا شادی سے پہلے اپنے خیالات آگے ڈرائنگ اور اپنے سپنوں درپیش، آپ کے دماغ کے خلاف گر کر تباہ. آپ کو ہڑپ اور آپ کو تباہ کرنے کے لئے اس دوبد لاؤ." he chants in his weird tongue as mist begins to rise from the floor to engulf most of the brawl.
Ignoring the bar brawlers, Xerxes focuses on Caulky, tumbling around her to flank with Sh'yl and foil any exit strategy.
Then he sticks his psyblade into the back of Harrigan's cabin girl.
”Here comes the fro!”, Karter charges with the harpoon held flat as not to cause any lethal harm, ”CHARRGGEEE!”.
Francis starts to drain what little wisdom what the brawlers already had. Meanwhile Xerxes stabs into Caulky's side and Karter pushes through some of the crowd to try to catch up.
"Get a move on Sh'yl!" Francis commands to the Kasatha. "We ain't got all day!" he says with a boot to the bum.
Sh'yl was hit twice by the brawlers. He took the blow but his past experience endure him enough to be able to still stand.
He call for the Force to protect him drawing the power from himself.
Then he strike at Caulky with his bare hands
Caulky half-heartedly stabs at Sh'yl as the kasatha moves in but he quickly leaves her a bruised and bloody mess. She stumbles back as the fight slowly dies down around the tavern, with the mists having their mind-numbing effects on many of the patrons. "Stop! Yield! Damn it, what do you want from me?" she shouts through a bloody lip.
"You don't remember us? I believe you served us the same drinks a while back." Francis gloats as men falls to their knees in madness from the mists.
"Funny that we should find you here 'recruiting' for your master, so shortly after our appointment to Free Captains." the man chuckles as Sh'yl drags her to him.
"Tell me Captain Pierce. What would you do with a wretch such as her who drugged and enslaved you?" Francis asks as he contemplates her fate.
"May I suggest the airlock Capt?", Karter lays on the deadeye and goads, "Or keelhaul as Pudding suggests. Unless there's some compelling reason from Capt Pierce?".
"Course I remember you but what do you want? I'm just doing my job, after all. No hard feelings. Thought the boss might want to know you're here but you got to me first. What happens now?"
Piere looks back to Captain Francis. "Well I have no stake in this argument but I do not take kindly to people who cross me in any way. It would certainly send your old Captain Harrigan a message, I believe."
Unless we can have her betray Harrigan in some way to our benefit. Let's sever the head, then the limbs, I say, Capt'n. he telepathically says to Francis.
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Bill looks inward as he thinks on what to do.
Burn her body and send it to Harrigan!
He remembers that he would not be here now if not for her.
Dismember her and leave her in the alley!
He would not captain the Millenium Yak, nor their recently acquired, unnamed vessel.
Bury her to her throat in the ground and leave her for the space scorpions!
He would not know of his best mates: Xerxes, Sh'yl and Karter.
"Death is too swift, plus her tongue can carry a message to Harrigan that he needs to watch his back in every sector, otherwise it will be the last voyage he will ever make." Francis decides.
"Her tongue and her hands are her assets. Neither of those is an asset to me. Cleave her hands from her body and wrench her tongue from her mouth." Francis decides.
He scrawls on a piece of parchment as she screams in pain. "The yak is watching. -Truly yours, the New Free Captains"
He takes a severed hand, closes it around the parchment until rigor mortis sets in and ties it to her throat by a piece of string. "Take this to your Captain unless you wish to die here today." he states with vicious intent.
He takes her other hand and her tongue and tosses it into his mug of ale, leaving it for the pub to clean it up.
"Barkeep! Five bottles of your best rum!" he bellows as he looks to Xerxes, Karter, Sh'yl and Captain Pierce.
Xerxes gladly carries out the sentence himself, taking no pleasure in dealing pain but feeling a sense of vengeance at last starting to be quenched.
Or does this awaken my thirst for vengeance?
Sh'yl refuse to drink at this petty vengeance. So much cruelty was not for his taste.
He just vanish from the tavern for a bit of fresh air.
Once alone with Francis, Sh'yl said You're the Captain, so I will say nothing in front of the crew. But know this, the next time you will show so much cruelty towards a sentient creature, I will quit the boat.
space scorpions
Francis is saddened to hear Sh'yl words. "I cannot guarantee that I will not exact vengeance on our enemies. They have wronged us!" he says passionately. "However, I don't think that I was cruel. A few thousand gold can get her a Regenerate at a temple, while death might be a bit more permanent. Do you protest our methods? I thought Xerxes was quite quick and painless, as much as it may be, with the woman." he reasons as he tries to understand the Kasatha Jedi.
Cutting her tongues and hands wasn't cruel ! How could you think that ! Even if she had the money and the possibility de find someone able to cast such a powerfull spell she will be maimed for a long time and this, just for a petty vengeance !
I call it cruel yes...
Killing her will have been mercyful and more adequate to enact some sort of "justice". And it's easier to find someone able to cast a Raise Dead spell that one able to cast a Regenerate.
I followed you because I believe that despite your strange behaviour you are not a cruel man like our first captain. But If you do that again I will quit the crew because it's not in what I believe and as a Jedi Knight I can't be with someone doing evil or cruel things.
Caulky whimpers and pleads with Francis at first but it quickly turns to screams of pain as her tongue is cut out and cauterized, followed by the removal of her hands. She is sent stumbling back to Captain Harrigan and there is a noted avoidance of your table for the remainder of the evening. Except for Captain Pierce, that is, who seems to have a new-found respect for the youngest Free Captains of the sector. "Bold move, Captain Francis. I would be watching your back for that Captain Harrigan's revenge now. But as long as you know it is coming, it can not be unexpected."
Later that night after things have calmed down and the inn has started to empty, a messenger comes to deliver a letter. it is from Tessa Fairwind, Mistress of the city of Quent. Tales of your exploits have impressed her and she wishes to recruit you for a sensitive task. Pierce offers, "Ah, she is the captain of the Luck of the Draw. One of the most powerful and popular pirate lords of the Pirate Council. It's said she is next in line for the Nebula Crown after our current Nebula King Kerdak Bonefist. If she has a job for you, it would be in your best interest to take it and do it well."
"Captain Harrigan already desired our heads. We may have moved up his list, but he would want revenge either way. This way he knows that we won't be so easy to kill." Francis says with a chuckle.
At Pierce's suggestion, Francis calls forth the other Free Captains and his officers from the ship. "We have received a request from the soon-to-be Nebula Queen for a job. Free Captain Pierce recommends that we take it, but I want advisement from my crew. Thoughts?"
--Later with Sh'yl--
"So death is more acceptable to a Jedi than corporal punishment that leaves the punished with their legs to walk and their teeth to eat?" Francis asks Sh'yl, honestly confused.
"Haven't we killed, like, a lot of people, mostly for treasure and rare items? I mean we did invade that asteroid and steal their stuff..." Francis thinks back.
Xerxes reflects on what Sh'yl says.
It is true that there is no honor in mutilating a disarmed combatant. Unless it serves a greater purpose. I think this is what the Captain meant to do here.
Then answering to the Captain himself. We should hear what she has to say. After the message we've sent to Harrigan, we could use some allies, especially infamous ones.
When you arrive at Tessa's residence, her retainers show you to a windowed dining hall with a view overlooking the city's spaceport. "Greetings," the lovely woman says as she rises from a chair at the head of the table. "Congratulations on joining the ranks of the Free Captains. And I hear you are already making quite a reputation as a crew that should not be messed with."
"Please, let's sit and eat. Now, have you heard about the Empire's designs for this sector, which they consider nothing but rebel scum? Rumors have been hinting at another invasion. Regardless of who wears the Hurricane Crown, annexation could be horrific. Of course, these are just rumors. What we need is solid proof to put before the Hurricane King and the Council to force them to take united action against the Empire. As resourceful newcomers independent of any lord or overbearing agent, I thought you might be perfect for gathering such information. Of course, should the Crown fall to me some day this would assure you seats on the Council and even a place in my fleet, should that be amenable to you."
By removing her hands and tongues, you deny her a way of living, honest or not. I agree with corporal punishment when it gave a way of redemption or the possibility to amend her past ways. I think what you have ordered deny her this possibility.
Could I remember you the way we handled the crews ? We ask them to join us or to perish, until today it worked quite well. We don't have mutilated them to prove a point.
As for killed people for rare items, we did it, I agree. But they had weapons and a will to kill us in return. It was a fair fight and as far as know, we don't have killed innocent creature like non combatant females and youngs.
Killing is not being cruel sometimes it being mercyful
Free Captain Tessa, It's a pleasure and an Honor to meet you. Sh'yl said
Then wait to hear what she has to said and what will be Francis' reaction.
"He does have a yak as first mate, no offense", Karter reminds the others on the captain's state of mind and apologizes to the bovine, "Now we can pretend that we all didn't vote him capt or we can go with it and call him Capt Cruel. As far as filling the pantry up with more meat, I think the cook's got that covered. I say we satisfy the crew's need for sport, justice, and extra help. -A fight in the air lock, loser gets a breath test.".
Karter drops his Ruby Bleels flask when he meets Tessa. And in his usual depraved manner works the conversation around to very friendly terms. "May I... show you my beast later? -I mean beef -I mean yak", adding, "It's very hairy. It really likes to be massaged." Karter shoos Hartshorn away for cramping his style.
At the words of pretending like he wasn't voted into power, Francis scowls. "That might be considered mutiny on other ships, Karter." he says dourly, letting Sh'yl finish.
Burn the idiot and send the Jedi through the airlock!
"Your devotion to your ideals is admirable. Next time, I shall beseech your wisdom on the matter of just punishment." Francis concludes and turns to leave for the meeting with the soon-to-be Queen. Something catches him for a second as he turns around. "For the record, the way that the crew is recruited is maintained and women are just as deadly as men. Just because your order recruits more men then women by far doesn't mean the latter won't slit your throat with a knife faster than you can down a shot of absinthe."
Happy to have said his piece, Francis turns and reaches the door. "Come men. We have a Queen to win over."
---
Francis scowls at Karter as he pipes up. "Quiet. You had your chance for a high-profile wife on the asteroid." he bellows as he chooses not to eat at the table.
Take the crown for yourself. Be at no one's whim.
In response to Tessa's offer, Francis responds. "I'm sure that something can be worked out..." Francis agrees as she speaks.
Once she is finished, he counters. "Tell me of this Crown and its implications. Additionally, and no offense meant, but we are new to the pirate game, why should we be so sure that it is to fall to you? Our new friend Pierce had the same notion..."
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"I'm on your side! I was merely pointing out that we all voted you capt and should follow your lead."
"Hey man, she was a sheet of paper with a mouth."
Xerxes listens to Tessa's words intently, narrowing his eyes.
Captain, I fear this one intends to use us as mere tools. Her offer is tempting, but that would also mean losing some of our hard-won freedom. the Protoss telepathically communicates to Francis.
"You saw the Nebula King's power. All the pirate lords report to him and anything the council may want to do could ultimately be vetoed by the Crown. A quaint system, I know. But with you on the Council and myself wearing the crown, we could do great things. Far better than working against me, no? I need not bore you with the political details of the Council, but suffice it to say I am the most qualified to take the Crown and anyone who claims qualification lacks the power to oppose me."
"Now, on to these rumors. I am convinced that the Empire has spies and informants working in this sector and I can think of only two places that might have some knowledge of these traitorous informers in our midst. The first is the House of Stolen Kisses in Quent, a brothel-temple that also serves as one of the best information brokerages in the sector. Use this note to obtain an audience with the temple's high priestess, Dindreann."
Tess hands you a small memory cube which no doubt contains encrypted transmissions.
"The second is the Temple of the Hidden Name, a secret temple of poisoners, thieves, and assassins said to operate in the town of Beachcomber on the planet of Bag. If anyone knows of these spies, it would be the followers of such dark ways. I have no contacts with the priests of that temple, so I hope you can convince them to reveal what they know."
Tessa then pulls out a small holographic device which displays several beautiful highly detailed star charts of the nearby systems where these places can be found. She points out the locations of Quent and Beachcomber and presents the charting device to you as a gift.
"I'll need to confer with my men, but I'm sure such a task should be relatively easy." Francis states to the woman as he looks at both devices in her hands.
"That being said, while it may be easy for us, it appears that it would be quite the task for you as using relatively unknown players keeps the information secret until your presentation to the Nebula King." Francis reasons aloud.
"Future seats on the Council sounds nice, but my crew is a bit more selfish. A single favor from you is surely not enough to appease them. Additionally, you have said that this information is key to prevent Empire annexation which would be horrendous for you as the successor to the Crown, ruling over a much smaller area with the Empire likely continuing their expansion after such a large success..."
"We will take the offer of a future favor from you, Miss Tessa, as well as a 100,000 gold pieces. 50,000 to be paid upfront and 50,000 to be paid upon the completion of the task." Francis counteroffers.
"Can't expect us to take on a mission so dangerous without a little upfront cash to outfit us properly." he says with a wink.
”You just can't have rats in your house, we're the exterminators.”
Tessa pauses unexpectedly, drumming her fingers on the table. Clearly she had not anticipated such a move. "70,000 gold and that's as high as I'll go. 30,000 now and 40,000 when I get the information. Let it not be said that I am ungenerous. I will have my accountant transfer the wealth to your hold immediately. I need not remind you that no one should know where this money came from or our plan will be foiled. Be on your way." She stands up from the table and exits the room without giving further chance of negotiation and several guards come to escort you back to the dock where waits the Millenium Yak.
Following Tessa’s lead, you journey to the lively spaceport of Quent, making your way to the House of Stolen Kisses, both a holy temple and a brothel. When you present Tessa’s note, scantily clad acolytes escort them through sensually decorated corridors to the chambers of the temple’s high priestess, Dindreann. Dindreann, clad in a black-and yellow robe low-cut across the chest, greets you and offers seating and refreshments. "So, what service may I render to associates of my dearest friend Tessa?"
"You are most gracious. My crew will be ready in three days time. It has been a few months since they have seen port." he says with a bow and a flourish toward Free Captain Tessa.
---
Once back at the Millenium Yak, Francis calls the council of officers to the holodeck, imitating a conference table on a beach in Fiji. He feels the warm wind against his face and the sand in his toes.
Mmm... I can enjoy this. the disembodied voice in his mind utters, completely out of character.
"Alright, we have three days. All funds will be given to officers to distribute to their charges. This is their money, not money for upgrades to the ship. 10% of the total profits will go to upgrade the Yak..." Francis starts.
"Mooo..." says Pudding happily.
"No, not you Pudding." the Captain says as he rolls his eyes. "... and 10% of the profits go into the crew's payroll. Officers get 10%; Enlisted get 5% of the profits. The rest of the crew's share goes to our newest Silurian enlisted to split amongst themselves."
"Kroop, you need to restock the larders. Sandara, restock medpacks and stims. Maheem, you are free to do as you please, but please escort me to the Rig Station to get a new setup for our future crew. Ratsberger, Toppin and Tibbs, get any necessary upgrades from the funds. Send the receipts to Xerxes." he issues out to the officers.
"Finally, spread the word amongst the crew that we are looking to hire a trained smith and a trained arcanist to keep our ship and gear in the best shape possible. If we have anyone on board interested in the position, either through training or if they have the skills, come directly to me. Make sure the check with the Silurians as well."
"Dismissed, except for the captaincy." Francis says with authority as everyone leaves except the Free Captains, the First Mate and Maheem, Francis' bodyguard.
"While we are here in port, keep an eye out for artisans. If we can get one or both on board, then we will save some coin and can have stuff made to spec." he tells everyone. "I trust your judgment, this includes you as well Maheem. Also, having one engineer bothers me. If we lose Ratsberger in a fire fight, then our ship might be in trouble. Get an apprentice of some sort for me either out of the existing crew or from one of the local shops in town."
"That's it, I believe. Oh, one last thing, congratulate Sh'yl on his new position as chaplain for the ship. We will be putting in a Force chapel holodeck of the wilderness while we are here."
---
After the meeting, Francis will take Maheem down to Tony's Rig and Pizza. He orders a few slices of pepperoni for himself as the cashier runs to get Big Tony.
A hefty dwarf waddles over to the table and sits down as Francis wipes his mouth of grease. "You're Tony, yes? You make a good pie, but that's now why I'm here. I need a set of upgrades on my ship and I think you're the man to do it. I got three days and I need a full installation for arcane crafting and smithing as well as increased bulkhead space for bunks and deep freeze storage and a small Force chapel holodeck for our newly appointed chaplain. What's your estimate on it?"
Tony slides a plate with a slice of pizza across the counter to Francis. His eyebrows raise at the demands. "Well, let's see, none of that is too hard but it takes time, you know. For a normal job? 2000 gold and 10 days. To get it done in three days? 3000 gold. And you know I don't cheat, that's a fair price I'd give any of my friends. We'll be working all day and night to get it done but we can do it."
"Was hoping for less, but under the circumstances, I can understand the time crunch." Francis says as he drops a bag of pre-counted coin on the table. "Here's 1,500 gold pieces. The rest will come when you've completed the job. Keep me apprised of any... unforeseen developments." he says with a wink as he takes his last slice to go.
With that, Francis and Maheem shake hands with Tony before leaving. "While you are out on your personal life, keep an eye out for anyone interested in a Silurian spacecraft. Hoping to get 12,000 for it. We could keep it as a back up, but I doubt we will need to. I'm sure the crew would like a bit more coin in their pockets, but having a Silurian attack ship at the ready would be useful... Thoughts, Maheem?"
Maheem grunts. "Two ships provides a tactical advantage. But there is more honor in fighting alone and still defeating the enemy even against the odds."
"You are correct. We shall sell it." Francis declares.
---
Francis spends the three days recruiting and finding a buyer for the Silurian craft. He hefts the space dollars in his hand as he thumbs through the bills. "Thanks Tony. Always good to pawn off a battle craft like that when we don't need it." Francis comments as he stuffs the cash in his pack. He grabs another slice of pizza on the way out as he hops on the comms to Kroop and Sandara.
Sandara asked around in her temple and found a dwarven craftsman who was looking for work. This holy man of the 'Verse can arguably craft any divine gear that the Free Captains might need. His name: Sledge Antilles. His specialty: Spacesledges, but he can craft almost any weapon or armor to your specs.
Kroop, while gathering ingredients for his famous Mystery Space Stew, heard of a street magician that uses custom-built cybernetics laced with arcane magicks to perform acts of daring and possibly something of the more criminal kind. Kroop found him as the man was fleeing from Harrigan's men. Word on the street is that he lifted a few bags of coin from the new officers who took Plugg and Scourge's places. He needs off this area as fast as possible if he doesn't want to meet an airlock. His name: William "Bill" Crusher. His specialty: Illusion and Enchantment cybernetics.
Finally, Rattsberger has found a useful silurian amongst the lot to aid him in his engineering ways: Ss'reedo.
When he meets them, Francis looks them over and tells them plainly. "You lot will make the standard rate of an Enlisted Member of my crew and you can mark up any crafted gear by 25% of your costs to make up for the pay. Any questions?" he asks.
Once the ship is ready, Francis calls to the crew back and they head to the spaceport of Quent in place of Free Captain Tessa. "We need information, verifiable and discrete of course, of any pro-Empire affiliates within the Crown's ranks."
Sh'yl thanks Francis for creating a chapel in the ship for him.
Even if he is a zealous follower of the Force, his kindness make him believe in harmony. So despite his believes, he asks Sandara to share with him the chapel.
Then he gathered the crew and said.
Fellow pirates, friends and believers I welcome you in our new chapel.
I know not all of you share my believes, even if the Force is in all of Us. But I hope you all share my view that piracy is not the same word as killer nor evil.
We can be Pirates And be civil and kind. Giving a merciful death to those you don't want to become pirate. Accepting surrender to those who demands it. Willing to accept ransom for the price of liberty of our prisonner with a fair price.
I will heal with equal ability, ennemies and friends, believer and non believer. All who come here will find only support, not judgment.
We are now the crew of a Free Captain Hail to Francis, Hail to Our Captain !
Following Tessa’s lead, you journey to the lively spaceport of Quent, making your way to the House of Stolen Kisses, both a holy temple and a brothel. When you present Tessa’s note, scantily clad acolytes escort them through sensually decorated corridors to the chambers of the temple’s high priestess, Dindreann. Dindreann, clad in a black-and yellow robe low-cut across the chest, greets you and offers seating and refreshments. "So, what service may I render to associates of my dearest friend Tessa?"
Francis bows to the woman. "We need information, verifiable and discrete of course, of any pro-Empire affiliates within the Crown's ranks." the Free Captain states to the woman. "I'm sure that there will be some price, but we are here to pay it. What would you need in return? Gold? Retrieval of some object?"
Take her prisoner and flay the information from her!
A sparkle of light dances on the walls as Karter strolls in wearing a mirrorball vest and new gear, shiny and chrome, ”WHAT'S happening now!”, gives Hartshorn a high five, ”Hail Capt! And our new church”. He lifts his eye patch to get a full view, "Nnniiiice!
"Ready to draw anchor! So what's next on the list?"