Karn recognized the beat up rapier anywhere, it was his reminder of his first mystical experience drawing upon his newfound faith, one that had saved his life. Taking the rapier, he worked to find a discreet way of hiding it until he could find a place to stash it. Intrigued by the woman, Karn asks, "So what do you feel safe telling a bunch of new recruits who are still learning the ropes of this particular ship? That and why all the interest in chatting with us to begin with when the rest of the crew seems happy enough to leave us be?" Karn phrases his question with genuine interest though this choice of words masked that interest with false distain. He was keen to make friends but not wanting to expose himself to the 'ears' that Louly mentioned. As he listens to what the woman has to say, he uses her answers to guage the woman who was so obviously interested in them.
Sense Motive:
Kehlysch sees the others from the tavern clustered together near the striking red-haired woman. The rest of the crew seems more interested in the half-orc woman with the cask.
He hangs back and watches, the crew, the group from the tavern, and the officers in turn.
Louly's face breaks into a wide grin as she recognizes her beat-up book! "My formulary!" she exclaims, barely remembering to drop her voice into a whisper at the last moment. "I think I can find somewhere to hide this, she assures Moon. "It'll be helpful if I can find some ingredients."
I wonder where he found it. And if my father's pistol's there too? I can't believe that's gone. I mean, if they took this, they wouldn't just leave that, so it's got to be somewhere on the boat. But I better hide this quickly -- I hope he's not setting me up to be caught with stolen goods, though he seems trustworthy.
Hearing Moon's comments to Gregor, she pipes up. "I found some things in the kitchen that could be used as weapons if we need be. A lot of them, actually. And if I can find ingredients, I can add some other surprises.
That evening, she'll hide the book after transcribing her formulae into any blank pages in the cookbook, which will make a perfect cover.
The woman smiles at the resulting cheer that the returned goods yield, and she dips her head slightly in acknowledgement.
She offers a wan smile, as if her memories pained her. Ahh…now that’s a tale. First, let me introduce myself; I’m Sandara Quinn, and I’m a devoted Cleric of the Pirate Queen, Besmara. She offers a firm handshake to each of you in greeting, then casts a quick glance over her shoulder. We’ve a few moments, I’d think; the officers will undoubtedly be getting into a game of the bones, and they rarely pay us heed when coins are on the line.
Where to begin…I grew up on the streets of Hell Harbor, working on the docks mostly, so I learned the ways of sailing by the age of twelve. One night, a storm came on when my father was at sea, fishing, and he was lost to it. I prayed to the Pirate Queen to send him back to me, and…well, she did. He showed up the next day, half-drowned, but still alive. Soon after that, I started to really worship the lady…even set up a small chapel on the docks.
Well, three weeks ago, my father passed. There was nothing more for me there with him gone. So, I took to the sea…but I only made it as far as Port Peril, where I fell victim to the press-gangs, as well.
Her eyes mist over slightly, presumably at the memory of her father. Then, obviously casting away the trappings of grief, she shrugs. Pah! I’m here now, and this here’s a pirate ship, so I guess it didn’t work out all that bad. I plan to make the best of it!
She looks at Karn and gives him a wink. Yer right to be wary, friend; this ship is dangerous…that is, the officers and their lackeys are, at least. She levels her glare at Scourge, malice glowing in her eyes. Let's just say that I've made some enemies already, and I know enough about protecting my own skin to make friends of the right people. I just won't do it at the expense of my soul.
As for what I can tell you; well - I've already a good handle on the layout of the ship, and I've heard more than enough conversation among the crew to know who's of like mind. Hells...I even was able to con that sword and book out of 'ol Gronk...and that ain't easy.
You find Sandara's words to be genuine, at least in her own eyes.
Another worshiper of the Pirate Queen? This is indeed a good sign. However, remember to be wary. Still not sure who I can trust. Karn listens to Sandara's story with interest and shakes the woman's hand when it is offered. "Pleasure to meet you. My name is Karn Lathern. Truth be told, I hail from Magnimar, but always felt a calling to the sea. How I ended up in Port Peril in an interesting story, and one that is suitable over drink. However, I'm a little wary of the choices available as the last time I had rum, I woke up from the resulting stupor aboard this ship."
Sandara winces in sympathy. Taggit oil, no doubt. They use it to put you out or keep you out, depending on...well, we all had our own experiences with their recruitment process. It's a shame; I may have just joined up, had I been given the chance.. She shrugs, as if her own personal abduction didn't matter, but her eyes show a flash of anger.
Bosun Moon gives Sandara a comforting squeeze on her shoulder as she tells the tale of losing her father. "There, there, lass, you's found a new family with us ye have."
There seems to be more ta that story, though now not be tha time to ask.
Seeing a chance to talk quietly while the officers are playing dice, Bosun Moon takes a quick tally of what the group knows of their shipmates, urging everyone in the group to give their input, even the quiet, odd looking fellow. Kehlysch is it?
At the peg-legged man's prompting, Kehlysch speaks softly. "If any of you need my assistance, I will give what aid I can. I have no reason to trust anyone else. We were all brought here under the same circumstances, and it seems our fates are entwined as a result."
Sandara smiles at Moon in thanks, then abruptly eases her way out from under his hand, to show her strength. She obviously wants to be seen as a strong woman, and her momentary weakness has her slightly off of her game. She gives Kehlysch a lingering look as he approaches, as if she were trying to scour the skin from him and see underneath. Well spoken...I think that all of our fates are entwined, some for good and some for ill. There are others on this ship that would stand by us, and they'd be staunch allies, as well. But...well, I'm no leader...and you folks may be just that. You'll need to draw those others to your...our side if we've even a chance at avoiding sharing the same face as poor...foolish Jakes.
She casts a glance about the ship, then turns back to the group. We may not have any more time; the longer we stand here together, the more we some like we're conspiring. Before I go to share a story or two with the others, I'm sure I could answer a question, if you have one. We'll probably not have another chance to speak at length until tomorrow evening.
Kehlysch nods, then moves away from the group. He feigns interest in the arm wrestling matches, but watches for an opportune moment to slip away for his necessary errand.
That evening Bosun Moon works to gain a better understanding of their shipmates. During the horrible event of the keel hauling, three people caught his eye, he approaches the first of those, the halfling lady, in a genuine attempt at friendship.
"Aye m'lady, twas a terrible thing this day it was, no man be deserving that fate for a little stealin'. Did ye know tha lad? I's suppose ye were press ganged aboard like our lot, awful business this kidnappin' be."
"We have tah be careful. Thers ah reason the Cap'n hears everthin." Leaning in closer "She may be sniffing out trouble among the new crew members."
"Well, for now anything you can tell us about the officers will be good. Nothing dangerous mind you, just anything that we can use to get on whatever good side that they might have and avoid getting the lash." With his fatigue catching up with him, Karn doesn't ask many questions outside of that. Additionally, we wasn't willing to ask more until he was certain that the woman could be trusted.
Sandara Grimaces. I wish that I could tell you something good. Here are the ones that I know, and what they do. First there's Mister Plugg of course, a nastier little sadist you'll never see. He's the first mate. Master Scourge is nearly as bad; he's the botswain and man-at-arms...I think he's taken a bit of a disliking to you. There's Fishguts, the cook; he's a harmless one, if a bit unpolished. Cut-Throat Grok is the half-orc woman that brought up the rum...she's the quartermaster, and whatever you need on this ship, she can get it. She's more than a little superstitious, which is how I got your items there...I told her they were cursed. A few others are Peppery Longfarthing, the ships sailing master...she's quite a sorceror from what I hear. Riaris Krine is the master gunner; she's a hateful one. The ship's surgeon is the Stitchman...that's all I know about him. There are a few cronies of Scourge in the gunner's mate and botswain's mate, and the captain has a cabin girl named "Caulky"
She stops a moment, as if done, then adds. Ah...also, there's that wild pet of Plugg's. They all him Owlbear...Owlbear Hartshorn. I'm not sure what he does, but I've seen more than one pirate fall to him at Plugg's instruction.
As you near, you can see that this man is dressed only in a loin cloth and a collar, though he wears a belt pouch. You think, at first, that he has a cloak, but as your eyes adjust, you realize that it's white feathers, stuck to him with dried tar. The man is a physical specimen, crafted of thick, tanned muscles. His eyes show a dim interest as you near, but they light up at the sign of food.
He replies with a loud grunt, but tears into the food with animalistic efficiency. He makes odd, growling sounds as he eats.
As you head down to the crew berths, you pass the stung hammocks of Master Scourge and a few of his cronies. They huddle together in speech and then laugh loudly several times...it's apparent that you're the subject in a fine jest.
Surprised by the volume of the halfling, Bosun Moon both notes it as a good thing in that she may be a potential ally against Harrigan and his crew, but he also worries that it will attract unwanted attention at this time.
"Bosun Moon be my name, 'though not much of a bosun I's be these days," he finishes with a chuckle. "I's won't keep ye bothered Rosie, but knows ye be welcome to share a mug o' rum with me whens ye feel like chattin'."
With a parting grin, the Moon plunks away, heading to his hammock for some sleep before the next day's tasks.
Kehlysch calls upon his strange abilities, and projects his voice towards the lantern bearer, and whispers in a slow, deep, menacing tone in the Aklo tongue, "Beware, ignorant one, for your curiousity will bring the wrath of the Depths upon you."
To the hells wit the lot of 'em Ben thinks to himself. Your times ah comin.
"Hello. Are you OK?" Louly asks, a little at a loss for what to say to the feral man.
Even my manners weren't that bad when my dad found me! ... I don't think.
Karn ignores the men as he moves to his hammock, , and attempts to get some sleep so that he would be fresh tomorrow for his tasks.
Kehlysch waits a few more minutes to make certain that the watchman doesn't return, then he slowly eases himself out of the water and makes his way back on deck, quickly puts on his robe and ties the sash.
He looks around to make sure no one is looking his direction, then makes his way down to the crew quarters, trying not to be too conspicuous.
"You want more? Let me see what I can do..." Louly gingerly steps forward to take the bowl, wondering if she'll be able to find something to fill it with in the kitchen.
"Oh, um, thank you, but htat's OK. I already ate. ... Er, why are you tied to the mast down here?"
Kehlysch settles into his hammock, and tries to settle his thoughts in his head. He lets the rocking of the ship soothe him to sleep.
It so happens that sleep during their second night aboard the Wormwood is done in a bit more comfort, as the hammocks provide a gentle swaying that's akin to the rocking of a newborn babe. Still, when the bell tolls to make the way topside, you roll out of the swaying hammock with a backward glance of longing.
Before you can mount the stairs to head topside, you come face to face with a half a dozen of your shipmates. Though you don't know any of them by name, they seem to know you, and they look to have ill intentions. One steps forward slightly, poking a finger in the direction of Bendrauss. G'mornin'! Why doncha' lie back down fer a bit...no sense a' gettin' ta' tha' deck too early, now. Wouldn' wantcha ta' miss out on any rest...ya' landlubbers seem ta' need so muchavit.
The men don't appear to be armed, but they each appear agitated, and they're quite effectively blocking the stairs to the top. You're fairly certain that there would be punishment if you aren't on deck by second bell.
"Actually, I can't speak for my friends here, but I feel pretty well rested. Now if you gents would be so kind, the captain won't be too happy if he hears that you were not letting us go about our duties." Karn stays pleasant and smiles. Even though he was still worn out from yesterday with his arms still a little stiff. Deep down though, he just really wanted the sailors to go about their business and let them get their work done. Preparing himself for anything that might happen, he began to think of a special prayer. Should he have to use it, it would save them a lot of effort now though it would reveal is talent to those he would prefer didn't know.
Diplomacy:
Kehlysch gives the men the dead-eyed stare of a circling shark.
"As Old Mag used to say, 'don't go stick'n yer hand in a barrel o' fish 'til yer sure they ain't eels.' Are you sure of the barrel you have just reached into?"
Make way or sick bay, b'fore I'm havin to cut your guts out and wear them around like a lucky charm. Ben says giving the men an angry glare.
"To Hell with ye swabs,", Bosun Moon barks at the agitated lubbers, "the Moon don't be answerin' to the likes of ye scallywags! Not waiting for the slow dance of intimidation, he charges forward and throws a haymaker at the one that stepped forward and spoke, hoping to catch him by surprise with the abruptness of his assault. At the least, he makes it clear that he won't take guff from these scurvy dogs who aren't officers on the Wormwood.
"Get outta ours way ye bilge monkeys, 'fore I be puttin' me peg leg in yer teeth!"
Seeing Moon leap toward one of the men, Louly looks around to see if there's anything she can throw, such as a belaying pin or small cask, if a fight does break out.
Here we go, Karn thinks as he sees Bosun lash out from the corner of his eye.
Intiative:
The speaker grins at Karn's attempt to diffuse the situation, but the ensuing bravado of the others forces him into a fit of anger. He motions to a man at his side, who pulls his own dagger. He seems to be the only one who has one as the others move forward with open hands. The dagger-wielder squares off with Bendrauss. I'll jus' love watchin' 'em keelhaul ya' fer this...after I cut ya' a bit, that is
Moon's strike, though an incredible surprise, is off target, and the speaker has no difficulty in slipping it and lining up for his own.
Yer gonna wish you'er dead matey. Ben yells and heads into the fray.
Louly steps back, grabbing one of the empty footlockers in the area, and heaves it -- with incredibly impressive accuracy! -- at one of the pirates' head. "Yeaah!" she lets out a primal scream of excitement as her blood starts to flow.
|
Seeing Moon's punch go wide, Gregor moves in next to him to try to get a read on the speaker. He attempts to get a read on the situation to see if these men mean to "rough us up" or kill us.
Gregor can't quite suss it out, but he notices one of the others draw a dagger of his own, so Gregor decides to keep his. Cut off the head & the body will wither and die.
Gregor's blade slashes out, cutting a wide gash in the chest of one of the pirates. Though not deep enough to kill, it was a bleeder, and the man was soon drenched in red.
The pirates move in, attacking with pummeling fists and, in one case, a flashing blade. Two men attack the bold Bosun Moon, one, wincing terribly from the cut that Gregor gave him, throws a rather wild hook that Moon ducks under. But, he comes up out of his crouch and into a stiff jab from the second man.
The man with the dagger slashes at Bendrauss, and he is too caught up defending against a second man to see the blade coming. It opens a wicked gash on his upper arm, even as the second pirate lands a heavy cross that cracks against Bendrauss's jaw.
The last pirate moves forward to pummel Karn's belly with an iron fist, eliciting an "oof" of pain and surprise.
Louly's improvisational projectile slams into the man who had just socked Moon, and he rocks back as the chest's lid snaps on impact. Blood flows from his nose as he turns a leering, toothless grin at his female assailant.
As the thugs rush in, Kehlysch makes a quick move to Joseph left , then whispers something in a strange tongue as he places a hand on the back of Bendrauss' shoulder .
Ben retaliates with an elbow.