GM WhtKnt's Open Water - A Skull & Shackles Adventure Path

Game Master WhtKnt

"I've been looking for a crew. If you'll have me, I'll be happy to join."

Dantes looks to the captain with a raised eyebrow, but a slight approving nod of the head.

"Welcome to crew of the Kiss of Vengeance," Chumtooth replies to Carmelia, giving her a nod. He turns then and looks at Navasi.

"Hey, if you're offering a ride, I'm in! I love being at sea, and things are getting a little hot around here for me anyway. I think I could even be of great benefit to you and your crew. I have skills."

A very scragly looking monkey jumps up on her shoulder. "Of course, this one will be joining me. Don't worry - he don't eat much, and makes a great lookout."

Chumtooth smirks at Navasi's vague reply. "If you want passage to Port Peril, you can pay as a passenger. If you want a share of our plunder, including this," he says pointing to the items taken from Giles, "you will join the crew. I will not press you, but you will not ride for free."

"I do like a man who knows how to strike a bargain. So it's settled then... part of the crew it is! This should be fun!"

”Welcome to the crew, then,” Chumtooth says. ”Here is as good a place as any to sell Giles’ gear. He might even buy it back from the shopkeeper we sell it to. We will split the coin, spend some or not, and be out to sea by morning.”

As Navasi is likewise invited to the crew, Hap slings across Carmelia's shoulders. He points towards the monkey on the gnome's shoulders and makes some gestures.

<He looks funny.>

Carmelia chuckles and responds verbally, though no one else can understand the odd series of sound that she makes. <Be nice, Hap. Might just be malnourished. Just because you get three square meals a day doesn't mean most animals do.>

As the group travels to the market, the shaman tries to get to know the group a bit more.
"I'm still curious about this puzzle. Most pirates I have met are more interested in plundering than chasing assassins and solving puzzles. Though of course an extracurricular diversion in port can be an enjoyable jaunt. So what are you all about?"

I'm not familiar with the rest of the AP, so I have very little idea of what all the party has been up to. Also hoping to start to get to know the other characters a tad while waiting for the plot to advance.

You can sell whatever Giles has that you do not desire, just let me know what you are selling and I will tell you the profits (generally speaking, a sale garners 60% of list price, except for potions and scrolls).

Is there further business in town?

To fill Navasi and Carmelia in...

The crew began by being Shanghaied to serve on a pirate vessel. They endured a lot of crap, but finally got the chance to avenge themselves on the man who made their lives miserable. When another ship was captured, the captain took his vessel and most of the crew and sailed in another direction, leaving the party under the "care" of the first mate. The party mutinied and after the mate was killed, they took the boat and had it refitted and rechristened.

They spent several months making a name for themselves by attacking ships and villages up and down the coast. Finally, having gained some notoriety, they took it upon themselves to take control of a small isolated keep on an island called Tidewater Rock. They also invaded a lair of sahuagin and found a lost treasure.

Most recently, they have been tasked with finding spies within the Shackles by one of the pirate lords (a considerably powerful one) and they have been following up on this assignment.

Awesome - thanks for the summary! I realized I never finished my feats and equipment, so am finishing that now. I might want the human bane crossbow, but can I "buy" it for the 60% the group will get for selling it?

I have no issue with that if the rest of the crew is okay with it.

As he leads the way back to the docks, Chumtooth addresses Carmelia's question. "We are following this trail as a favor to one of the Pirate Lords," Chumtooth replies. "Favors are hard currency among the Free Captains. We still hunt the waters of the Shackles, and take what we can when we can."

He continues until he reaches their ship's mooring. He turns and gestures to the ship. "This is the Kiss of Vengeance; taken with steel and blood." He makes his way up the gangplank, and onto the main deck. He stops in front of the Skull Rack, just outside the Captain's Cabin.

"Welcome to the crew. Prepare to cast off."

Connections to the Pirate Lords? These folks were more well-connected than Carmelia had anticipated. This could be interesting.

As Carmelia boards the Kiss of Vengeance and tastes the sea, she feels a rush of excitement. It would be good to return to the sea.
"I'll make myself useful. Repairs, rigging, navigation, steering, healing: whatever you need, I'll fit myself in."

The shaman waits for a moment for any formal orders. If none comes, then she begins walking around the ship to introduce herself to the other members of the crew and look for any tasks that need doing.

Faengrim follows his captain onboard the ship. When the order is given, he starts barking orders at the crew, including Navasi and Carmelia. "Ok. Time to see if there's any value to you." He is no more rude to them than he is to the rest of the crew and watches them closely as they perform tasks to make sure they can actually sail.

Once their skill is determined, probably hours after leaving port, he'll come to them. "From what I've seen of you, you might be better overseen by Dantes. Report to the Ship's Wizard." He looks with disapproval to Navasi, "Maybe he can find some use for you." Faengrim then moves off to yell at a group of slackers.

As Faengrim begins barking orders, Carmelia gets to work proving her sea legs. Hap clambers around alongside her, helping out where he can.

Craft (ships) Hap's aid, DC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Craft (ships) + aid: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20

Profession (sailor) Hap's aid, DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Navasi looks at Faengrim incredulously, but then shrugs as he stalks off. Ship's wizard sounds better than swabbin' decks, that's for sure.

"Aye, aye, cap't. Er... I mean sub-captain? First mate? How do you fancy I call you?"

Barely waiting for an answer, she then asks the next closest crew member, "Where might I find this Dante?"

From here, the trail leads to the Jasperleaf Apothecary in Port Peril. Getting to Port Peril is easy enough, but finding the apothecary will require a Diplomacy check to gather information.

"Set course for Port Peril," Chumtooth orders the helmsman. "Have the lookout keep an eye out for likely prizes crossing our path."

Barely waiting for an answer, she then asks the next closest crew member, "Where might I find this Dante?"

The stout dwarf steps forward. "I am Dantes Goldforge, the captain's quartermaster. For the most part, you'll be trusted to pitch in when and where you are best able. However, you will also be responsible for learning the ropes as quartermaster, should I be unable or unavailable to do so at any point for any reason. If you are ready, we can begin." Dantes will show Navasi where things are stored and how, how to estimate supply needs, and the ledgers.

"Excellent! Nice to meet you, Mr. Goldforge. I am ready, willing and able!"

Navasi does her best to learn the ropes. But she does ask a lot of questions.

In her off time, she wanders about the deck of the ship, also watching the crew in their duties to learn as much as she can about each crew member and their jobs. She also tries to pick up any information anyone may have on the destination, Port Peril.

Diplomacy, Gather Info, Take 10: 10 + 14 = 24

Port Peril: Port Peril is the largest port in the Shackles and its de facto capital. It is situated on the mainland, rather than on one of the outlying islands, on the edge of the Terwa Uplands and overlooking Jeopardy Bay. The city is protected by walls and the stronghold of Fort Hazard. All manner of vices can be found in its twisting streets, and its busy markets thrive on the sale of stolen goods. Rumor has it that the plunder from decades of piracy is hidden in sea caves beneath the city.

Despite being the capital of the Shackles Pirates, merchant ships sometimes dock here to trade. Those flying the flags of Inner Sea region nations are not welcome and gain no protection, but unaligned vessels are permitted to dock.

The city is ruled by Captain Kerdak Bonefist, the Hurricane King, lord of the Shackles Pirates. During his frequent absences, the affairs of the city are jointly overseen by Sabas Odabio, harbourmaster Tsojmin Kreidoros and master merchant Pherias Jakar.

"It's been a while since I've been to the mainland," Carmelia says idly to Navasi as they learn their new tasks aboard the ship under Dantes' watchful eye. As the two newest members of the crew, and especially since the gnome seems relatively green to working life aboard a ship, she takes to literally showing her the ropes. Different knots for different purposes, how to avoid getting yourself or someone else killed with the wrong ones, and other tips and tricks to ensure that Navasi proves herself useful on the open seas.

"I hope you don't mind my noticing. You're picking things up quickly enough, but you're new to this. What's bringing you along? You said things were...hot in Drenchport." Carmelia smirks, wincing slightly. "And I don't think you meant the weather."

"No, no - not the weather," she says with a wink. "But the weather wasn't so good either. Let's just say that I gave some men exactly what I promised, but they didn't agree with my interpretation of the instructions. People should learn to think through what they say before entering into an agreement..."

"I appreciate the knowledge on these knots. I never realized you could get so creative with a rope."

"Oh there are plenty more ways to be creative with rope," Carmelia says, "Especially with intransigent people like the ones you were dealing with."

Her little octopus meanders up from his own attempts at helping around the ship, giving Navasi a wide berth before clambering up to rest around Carmelia's neck.
"So one of these anywhere-is-better-than-here deals, it sounds like. I've been to Port Peril once or twice, but not enough to really be able to say I know the place. It will be interesting."

"What will be interesting is if you don't get that knot right." Faengrim interjects harshly. He then shows the shark-like teeth that are his racial birthright. "But Port Peril is always a good time. Just don't go getting into trouble without your crew close by."

Carmelia looks up at Faengrim and smiles in return, showing a second row of sharp, jagged teeth of her own.
"Duly noted."

Chumtooth spends most of the journey to Port Peril on the quarterdeck, near the ship's wheel. "The back-trail is long, and growing cold," he mutters to no one in particular. "This hunt had better yield meat."

"What kind of meat are you looking for?" Hope it isn't gnome!

"It is a...phrase, saying of my people, the Kuru," Chumtooth replies. "Meat is the prize, the reward at the end of the hunt."

"Ah, of course. Let us hope we are rewarded for our efforts here."

"Yes. Let's hope that Port Peril brings us to the end of our chase."

Back at Port Peril, everyone please give me a Diplomacy check to find the Apothecary.

(Is this a Must Ask Nicely moment, or is an Intimidation permissible?)

Faengrim is gruff and intimidating, but he does know how to carouse and wench.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Navasi is curious as ever, and talks to everyone who responds to her charm.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

You can Intimidate, if you prefer.

Carmelia disembarks and watches as her new companions scatter off to seek information, presumably for a couple of hours. (1d4?) People could be loose-lipped given the right price, but Carmelia had never put much stock in peoples' memories. Nor much practice in sorting through them in person. No, when Carmelia had needed information in the past, she went directly to the source.

The sea witch cracks her neck and wanders towards the nearest tavern where it looks like she won't be immediately murdered or keel over from drinking whatever swill they're serving. She scans the area around for a chip of a brick, leans against an alley wall, and tells Hap to keep a lookout. With that and a few esoteric hand gestures, her eyes go white and she is transported.

She first turns her attention to the most important matters at hand: the apothecary and Giles' poison-hawking benefactor.
Gather Information, Jasperleaf Apothecary: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Gather Information, Zarskia Galembar: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

The apothecary seems relatively easy to find some information on, but Zarskia herself is a bit more elusive.

Then, ever curious, she seeks information about the three names they found on Giles' list: his victims, and especially what their movements in this city might have been, or at least why they were marked for death.
Gather Information, Haddon Pike: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Gather Information, Roweena Kellet: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Gather Information, Corlan: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Finally, unless there were important bits of information to follow up from either of her first five investigations, she seeks further information on the names that Navasi mentioned during their trip. Friends, foes, involved in the current plot, or just people in power to be tip-toed around?
Gather Information, Sabas Odabio: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Gather Information, Harbourmaster Tsojmin Kreidoros: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 
Gather Information, Master Merchant Pherias Jakar: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The whole process takes under a minute. But the images and voices and all the sensations are...a lot. As she comes out of her trance, she stumbles a bit, and then walks into the tavern to begin jotting down some notes over a drink. Got to get it all out.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

If it helps, Knowledge (local) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Diplomacy 1d20+0

If it helps, Knowledge (local) 1d20+11

Not sure much will help that Displomacy! You probably accidentally started some false rumors!

If Navasi finds the location of the Apothecary, she goes and watches it for a bit to get a sense of who is coming and going.

Chumtooth decides to distract any curious inquiries into his crew’s investigations by making himself visible and vocal. He waits at a dockside tavern, bragging about the exploits of the Kiss of Vengeance and telling the stories of each shrunken head adorning his belt.

Intimidation, Boasting: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Okay, between everyone (except Dantes, sorry), you can learn the following:

* “You can find the place on the corner of Fiddler’s Lane and Anchor Way.”
* “Zarskia Galembar runs the apothecary; she bought the old mansion and set up shop about three years ago. It’s been closed the last couple of times I’ve gone past.”
* “The apothecary employs a number of ex-pirates as guards and sells more than just poultices and medicinal remedies. They say you can buy poison and other contraband goods there as well.”
* “The shop has been closed to the public recently, but I hear you can still get in if you know the right people.”
* “Zarskia’s been selling her poisons for bargain prices recently; you should get a good price if she’s still got any left.”
* “Just bang on the door and say you want to 'buy three jugs of terrap sap' and they’ll let you in.”
* Haddon Pike was known as a beachcomber, fisherman, and occasional smuggler.
* Roweena was a harbor quartermaster in the employ of Arronax Endymion, lord of Hell Harbor and a former admiral in the Chelish navy.
* Corlan was a tengu smuggler.
* All that you learn about the others is that they are not to be trifled with and are probably not directly involved in the plot.

"We know where the place is, and know the secret words. It is possible this is a trap for those who ask too many questions, so we should move with caution. Nevertheless, we should move. Let us visit Zarskia," Chumtooth says to his officers.

Faengrim is ready. "Aye aye, Captain!

Carmelia is ready as ever, as she adds in her pieces of reconnaissance, but pauses before they all rush in.
"Well is it 'two pounds of powdered thileu bark' or 'three jugs of terrap sap'? One of those could be the right password, and the other a trap."

Dantes waves for Navasi to follow him, and he heads below. He introduces her to an older sailor who is down in the kitchen. "Ambrose Kroop, this is Navasi. She'll be helping me with supplies and inventory. In addition to preparing good food for the crew, Kroop has been a wealth of information for me as well." Navasi may notice that Dantes' demeanor around Kroop changes. His cold, calculating eyes soften, and a genuine fondness shows on his face. While he is telling Kroop about what happened and that they are setting off again, the dwarf also busies himself getting ingredients out for whatever Kroop is working on. When Dantes picks up a knife and starts helping clean and cut potatoes, he smiles and shrugs at Navasi, sort of to say you can head back up if you want...

"If the assassin wanted to strike at us, now that he is safely away, a false pass-word would be the way to do so," Chumtooth says, considering. "But, it is also possible the phrases mean different things: the first could be for assassins looking for contracts. The second might be for purchasing poisons or other illegal things."

Carmelia shrugs. "I suppose so."

She clacks the tips of her fingers together and looks at her new captain. "So are we taking prisoners, killing everyone, or trying to be surreptitious?" In truth, she was ready for any of those options.

"Prisoners can be questioned."

On the ship...
Navasi watches Dante with a wry smile. Interesting dynamic between these two... I will need to dig deeper when we are back on the ship!

She helps getting ingredients as anyone shouts out what is needed, but refrains from cutting.

-----

back on land...
"Sometimes, the dead can also be questioned," Navasi says with a grin. "But it is often easier to question them before the life runs out."

Faengrim looks down at Navasi and nods appreciatively. "You might be useful after all."

Carmelia raises an eyebrow in response to the gnome's statement. "Fair enough. I'll try to avoid killing."

She checks her equipment to be sure that she's prepared and then prepares to approach the apothecary with the crew.

And the bar is open for pre-game rping.

The one known to the Others as Chumtooth enters the long house where drink is made and served.

It is early in the evening, and quiet. He approaches the Other behind the long, high table and speaks.

"Give this one the drink you call, ayy-uhl." Chumtooth growls, as he slaps a silver coin down on the tabletop.

"When the cup is empty, give this one more."

He drives the point of his harpoon into the floorboard beside him.

Cadj enters the house a few minutes later. His close fitting casual clothes, his short hair, the ring to his left ear, everything in him shows the basic sailor.
His body is tanned and fit, his hands calloused. His eyes are hard, and he doesn't smile while he sits at a table, waiting patiently to be served by a waitress.

He looks to the harpoon planted in the floorboard with slight interest, seeming to calculate his worth in his head.

The lyrical sound of a sea shanty can be heard from outside the bar, growing in volume before it's performer can be seen. The elf has an easy smile on his face and his head wrapped in a colorful bandana, to go along with the rest of his attire.

"In Riddleport there lived a maid.
Mark well now what I say!
In Riddleport there lived a maid,
And she was mistress of her trade.
I'll go no more a-ro-o-vin'
With you, fair maid.

A-rovin', a-rovin'. Since roving's been my ru-i-in.
I'll go no more a-ro-o-vin' with you, fair maid."

He taps a nearby table with his hands and spins on the heels of his boots at the end of that verse, gesturing to the barkeep and grabbing a pitcher of ale for himself, pouring it into a mug and quenching his thirst beore continuing to sing another verse.

"I met her walkin' near th' 'Gate
Mark well now what I say!
I met her walkin' near th' 'Gate
An' said "Good day, this mus' be fate!"
But I'll go no more a-ro-o-vin'
With you, fair maid.

A-rovin', a-rovin'. Since roving's been my ru-i-in.
I'll go no more a-ro-o-vin' with you, fair maid."

An elf now.... and a singing one, too.

Cadj doesn't seemed impressed or amused by the singer's talent- or enthousiasm.
He watches the burly man with his harpoon.
Then the elf.
Then something seems at last to amuse him.
He lets a cruel smile briefly show on his lips.
He mumbles to himself.

it may be an interesting evening, after all.

Chumtooth listens to the thorn-eared Other's song, and deciding that it lacks a primal element, attempts to accompany him by drumming his fist on the bar top.

Performance, Percussion (untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Not finding the rhythm, he nevertheless persists, trying to fit his inconsistent beats to the melody.

He turns his oily black eyes towards the red-haired Other, draws back his lips into a shark-toothed smile, and nods.

"Come! Sing! Drink! Drum! It is a good night for hunting!"

As long as you pay the drinks and i'm not the prey.. why shouldn't i join such a mirthful company?

Cadj rises from his seat and comes close to the bar, careful to let the Elf between him and the man with the hungry shark smile

A young human sailor enters the bar with a care free pace, though a bit wobbly as he still has his sea legs. He looks to the bar maid for a drink then takes a seat at the bar near her path and facing the common room so he can engage in good humored flirting with her as she goes about her routines.

The first you are aware of Chumbeard's presence is a heavy knock repeating outside the bar. The sound is of two peg legs making their way steadily across the wooden porch. A scarred dwarf with fiery red hair enters and makes his way to the bar. His one good eye surveys the room, and his one good hand gestures the barman over with the universal "drinky-drinky" gesture. His other hand terminats in a savage hook.
"Barkeep, two ales. One for me and one for Besmara."

Cadj's cold eyes look up and down (or, more precisely "down and downer") the dwarf and his appendages, thinking

*why am I not surprised he follows Besmara's path? Not a guy you can make fun of...But i guess i could have done better with these pegs and the hook.*

Chumbeard notices Cadj eyeing his prosthetics and smiles, "Aye, they ain't pretty, but they get the job done." He pours the second ale reverently onto the floor before quaffing his own.

"Did the Short, Bearded One's ship land on a Kuru Island? Chumtooth gives much honor to one who has lived after so much flesh has been taken."

He looks around the room and bellows.

"The Short, Bearded One has refused to die! Honor to the warrior's spirit!"

He raises his mug a drinks a toast to the dwarf.

I recognize you have gone through some hard times. At least you had a surgeon to help you.

"Make no mistake, it were the Pirate Queen that saw me back aboard safe." Chumbeard intones gravely.

Humorlessly, he retorts

Believe me, i do my best to avoid mistakes.

A man in the some brown clothes walks in. He has an untamed black beard, and carries with him a saw, and a small healing kit. As he walks in he notices the dwarf who is missing quite a few limbs. He walks over with a small gleam in his eye.

"Hello Sir. I'm have decided to come here for a moment to celebrate the impending return of the Blue Maiden, and I couldn't help but notice you have peg legs, and a hook hand. Would you mind if I examined them?"

As he speaks he looks at all the others in the room.

"Will this one take the Short Bearded One's other hand?" Chumtooth asks, in a tone too flat to interpret as either sarcasm or sincerity.

He watches the newcomer warily from the corner of his eye.

"I hope not! I'm a healer by trade, and taking away limbs should only happen when it is needed. I just wanted to see what other people have done to help out, and see if I can learn anything, or make their work better."

"Wit' eyes like dat you should be in the crow's nest,"Chumbeard growls at the recent arrival.

"Well it is quite obvious, and you aren't going to any great lengths to hide them, but thank you for the compliment anyways Sir....?"

While the bearded ones have a small talk, Cadj glances at the most recent arrival's tools of the trade with an apreciative look.. a saw, an healing kit, and probably other instruments that can be used either to heal or to harm, depending of your whim.

I'm quite sure that if he tries to get the dwarf only good hand, the "Short bearded one" will apply some definitive chirurgy, by removing the "Tall bearded one" head. Besides, a hook in a crotch can do some definitive damage too.

"Why does everybody assume I'm trying to take away his other hand? I'm just asking to look at the quality of the work done before, and see if I could do better."

Stephan sighs.

"Nevermind, I think I'll find someone more willing to celebrate today."

Stephan walks over to Alwen.

"Do you mind if I sit here? With the way people have been acting I don't want to offend you by sitting down without permission."

Those near the door the thump of boots on the stoop just before the doors swing open. A tallish Taldan man, by the look of his gear , appears in the doorway. Ahhh a sailor tavern, well a pirate tavern, poorer drink more honest company well honest in their duplicity it’s the one that hide behind societies civilities that are trying to hide there duplicity. He takes a couple of steps in and survey's the room casually in manner warily if you see his brown eyes. Elf huh, some sort of pointy toothed guy . . . and the worlds unluckiest dwarf. He removes his hat, as if manners require it. Old habits die hard. His hat stowed under his arm he pulls his gloves free and stashes them in his broad sash.

He makes his way to the bar as he closes into an open space he chuckles and makes eye contact with the bar tender, "No no no this can't be right." he begins playfully. "Unsavory sailors, elves, no maids at all, that pungent mix of brine, and vomit . . . " He pauses cheekishly. "This is clearly not the 'House Keepers Guild.' I thought for sure with the name." He sees the bartenders unbemused look and figures not the first time someone made that joke. "No worries keeps I gots shinies if you have drink, something stiff but will last a few sips." He settles the matter of coin with the dwarf and regards the room again.

"Did a boatload of schoolmarms just upend in the harbor?" Chumbeard bellows disgustedly.

Chumtooth watches the newly arrived Other size-up everyone in the room.

"Many words this one speaks have no meaning. What is howzkipperz gilled?"

Already really? Reinald looks toward the dwarf smirking, ”That’s why you’re here right the schoolmarms. Yes there is a whole boat load that turned up. A bunch of uptight middle aged ones too. Any schoolmarm I ever met was hankering for a solid rodgering. You have thrice the wood as any could muster here. No doubt you would prove popular.”

He takes a pull off his drink. Oh boy He looks to the more savage patron. Where do I start. This one needs more than a house keeper. He thinks a moment trying to find something to say. ”Howzkippers Gilled, or Gilled Howzkippers, it’s a type of catfish.” He goes back to his drink and relaxes his posture a little though keeps alert.

"And after you met 'em they was still hankerin' i'd wager." Chumbeard grins at the kuru, "This blowhard is usin' so many 20 gold piece words, i bet he has a bellyfull o' coin. Why not take a look?"

Reinald looks at the bar a moment. ”Bartender. Another round for this brave dwarf and his pointy toothed friend.” He thumps down a few coins on the bar. He turns toward the dwarf and smiles. ”I have heard of the bravery of dwarves. Tonight I would drink to it. No legs, one hand, blind in your good eye by the look of it. Yet you would still brave the hazard with a sailor who wants nothing more than a drink and news of any boats hiring. I say Huzzah to that. “ He lifts his glass in toast and drains what is left of his drink.

"Do ye want me to close the other eye to make it more fair for ye?"

Oliver watches the newcomer and others' banter with amusement.

Welcome! Nice to see a fellow fisherman who spends his days plying the waters for Gilled Howzkippers. How were they biting for you? I brought in enough to buy you a drink. Join me here at the bar. The kind bar maid will be by soon enough. She is much nicer to look at than the rest of this lot.

Stephan looks at Reinald with something approaching respect.

"Hey friend ignore the dwarf he's just sad that you have both of your legs."

"This one is finding more large mouths without teeth here than on the sea."

He momentarily reaches for the shaft of his harpoon, and grasps it for a moment, then let's it go. He turns to the others, bearing his stained, pointed teeth with a wicked sideways grin.

"More fat and soft meat, as well."

Reinald lets the dwarf have the last word. Moves down the bar to enjoy the offered drink. He nods slightly at the admonishment to ignore the dwarf. He greets the man who offered, "Thank you Reinald Malcoms."

"Why am I not suprised those two are bellyin' up?" Chumbeard mutters to himself. "Let 'em braid each other's beards with ribbons and..." the rest is lost in the quaffing of ale.

Oliver stands to great Reinald. Pleased to meet you Reinald. Oliver Tressilian. This is quite a crowd and only seems to be getting more interesting/amusing. Then settles back into his comfortable bar stool.

Stephan looks at Oliver, and can't seem to find a beard on him. He chuckles as he responds to the dwarf.

"Dwarf, it seems like you need to get your eyes checked. I don't see a beard on Oliver."

Bah, I wasn't reading who posted what closely enough.

an eye patch and a cloudy eye. Getting dressed is worth celebrating ;) I am guessing we should move on if it was a matter getting ninjed

That's because you're not patient enough. Wait a few days, and i'm sure Oliver may grow a beard too. Or maybe you could cut some of your own beard and sew it on Oliver's face, surge?

"Carve your name on the ever-changing sea with a saber of terror and triumph. Fight for plunder, fame, and glory, and earn your place among the legends of the sea.” recites Chumbeard, tankard lifted to noone in particular.

Stephan smiles at the dwarf's toast. He raises his glass towards the barkeep, and adds a little bit more to it.

"And if you fail to become great then you can always open up a tavern!"

Reinald lifts his glass at the dwarf's toast, "I will definately drink to that." he follows drinking heartily.

Ninja'd

He cuts his hearty drink short and chuckles at the follow up comment.

Oliver slowly stands from his bar stool and carefully puts his drink down on the bar. He then solemnly recites

"I fight not for glory or fame,
For they are momentary.
I fight for those who can't.
I fight for Justice."

Then with a smirk: Nah, that is all b$%~*%#+. I fight the loot! You are in the wrong town if you claim otherwise.

He then takes a long drink.

Reinald listens and chuckles. I want treasure as much as the next man . . . but surely there is something worth fighting for . . . somewhere. Looking around at the incredible lack of women in the bar. "Loot and glory will have to do, I was in it for the chics . . . but clearly that must be another tavern."

Chumtooth listens to the Others speak as they raise their cups and drink.

"These things, 'Loot' and 'Glory' are things of great value to Others? What are these things?"

Oliver says to Reinald: "I do stand corrected. A lady is certainly worth fighting for... though fighting is usually unnecessary if you are discrete. I would also fight for my life and my mates too. But from what I have seen in my few years, if glory has any value, it is just that extra glint it puts in the eyes of the maidens.

I understand though that you have seen maybe twice as many years as I, so perhaps you have found more to fight for."

Oliver addresses the common room in general:

"Enough of this serious talk. Who has had a good adventure they can tell us about? I will buy the room a round if it is a good story. It doesn't even need to be true."

Stephan thinks for a moment, and begins to speak.

"Well I know this tale of a mermaid, and a sailor. This isn't your average tale though, the mermaid was actually a witch, and the sailor a cleric of goodness, and purity. When they met on some rocks in the middle of a storm the mermaid saved the man, and brought him back to her lair. She had seen him from afar, and wanted to make him hers.

He wasn't so happy about that idea because she was an evil witch, and so she went about trying to corrupt this cleric. She tried for twelve days, and twelve nights before on the thirteenth day he cracked. He swore that he would commit the evilest act he knew before sunset to prove himself. The mermaid smiled, and gave him a magic rope, dagger, and vial. The vial contained a sleeping potion that no-one could resist. The dagger would kill you with just a nick, or scratch. The rope was enchanted, so that after it had bound someone it would never let go until they were dead. The cleric picked up these tools, and told her he would be back with a proper sacrifice soon.

He left for almost the entire day. The mermaid was starting to get worried when he arrived at the entrance to the cave. He showed her a bottle of fine wine that he had lifted off of his victim, and he wanted to share it with her. She accepted, and took a long drink. When she woke next, she was bound with her own rope on an altar next to another man. She saw that the cleric was standing there with the knife. He smiled at her, and told her that the evilest thing he could imagine would be to kill everything, and everyone.

He killed both the witch, and the man that night before leaving in the morning to keep killing. They say that if you see a lone cleric who asks to share your fire, and offers you wine, then you should kill him before he kills you."

Stephan lets the tale sit for a moment trying to see who liked it, and who didn't.

"And this is why you should be careful with what you wish for."

I wish for another drink. Is that careful enough for ya?Truth is, if a cleric of a good deity want to share my fire, I'd be more than happy to put him into the flames and send his soul to Asmodeus. Yeah, I could definitively drink to that.