Hunh. Got promoted by getting beat up? Yep. Not a crew I want to advance in . . ..
---
She had to have been set up. Too smart a cookie to steal something like that this far from shore. Too much time to lose it or get caught. I wonder who is running the misdirection tactics? Fipps ain't smart enough. Syl's evil enough, but I don't know if she's got the skills. Heck, I don't know who DOES have the skills.
---
An eye for failing to kill her man? This thug has GOT to go.
---
That stupid lout! She's small enough game we could probably run a rag to her for some water at night. They WANT her to survive, after all. They aren't going to let us that close to him. Him they want dead.
---
Interesting. Missed that connection. Glad she can keep her eye, but that thug is going to use the priest like an old sock. I wonder if his cabin girl will get jealous? More important, though, is how long is it gonna take for him to get bored with abusing her. Somehow, I think the lout will be freed first.
Working in the rigging through the day, Terry couldn't miss the storm gathering and closing on their position. He drops down out of the rigging as Seadreamer is on deck. "Storm gathering to starboard aft. Looks like it is going to try to catch us. Need to tell at least the Mate so that we have a chance if it does catch us. Could be bad."
---
When everyone is called back to the deck, Terry listens for direction, but is watching the clouds, trying to guess how bad this one will get, how long they'll have to fight it. He responds to the direction to climb with no hesitation, wondering when they'll get the instructions to stow the mainsail. Ship can't afford to lose the main mast, and the sails on the secondary mast can catch more than enough wind in a good storm to dance as required.
---
Barely hearing the "man overboard" cries from below, Terry looks down to see if the deckhands are responding or not, in time to see Joran leap off the ship. That man really does want to die violently. Crew's working to save them. Keep the ship upright and floating so that their efforts matter, ya stupid waste of flesh.
Between how beaten down the rum rations have taken him, and the distraction of the men overboard, Terry's work is far from sufficient.
Added 1 for the levelling I haven't done, yet.
I seem to remember that we can't get the Hostile ones any better anymore. Don't remember about unfriendlies . . .. Guess I have to keep trying with Shivikah.
And all the Riggers should be either Blue or Red, now, so, done with that group.
Effective Con of 8 out of 12, so -4 HP for the Storm scene.
Persistence must work, hunh?
Includes the +1 for not having levelled, yet.
OUCH! Hero Points? No, I don't think we're using them . . .. Anything for a reroll, here? Cause that's BAD. 10% chance of failure. And I found it.
-----During the 3 Days, with Terry------
Terry had not had much luck speaking with Shivikah, so when he approached her again the first evening after the bloody hour, she'd looked askance at him, waiting for him to put his foot in his mouth again. By the end of the evening, however, she'd found herself warming up to him a bit.
They spoke again during the next two nights and he got to know her some. She was a woman of few words, at first, and she still didn't like talking much about herself, but he did manage to get a little bit out of her over rum. She hailed from the Mwangii Expanse, where she spent several years as a slaver. Something happened -- a topic she has no interest in expanding upon --that led to her finding the job distasteful, and she left to seek other means to live by, eventually landing here.
------ During the Storm-------
--------
Jack makes it onto the deck, retching up sea water for a moment before accepting the water and warmth from Destinie. She hadn't had many chances to interact with him, but she realized how young he was -- couldn't be more than fifteen or so. "Thank you, I do not know how to repay you, but I swear that I shall," he said in his overly formal, accented voice. "I will be alright, we had better get back to helping."
At some point later, Jack found himself working near Joran, and raised his voice over the rain. "They say you jumped in after me. I do not think we have ever even spoken to one another. Why would you risk your life for me?"
--------------
When Cass pulled away from Scourge he reached out and grabbed her arm, halting her for a moment. "Did I do somethin' wrong, love? Tryin' to help you, I was."
--------------
The storm rages through the night, and into the next day.
The sun begins to cut through the clouds some time around noon, but there is no reprieve from the work. Sails are in need of repair, course corrections must be made, and an inventory undertaken of what was lost in the storm. Everyone is dragging, having eaten nothing but hard tack biscuit in the past twenty four hours.
Atia is dismissed to assist Kroop, who is awake, if equally tired, having been on deck helping during the chaos.
------
Dreamer overhears Plugg making his report to the Captain.
"Two hands lost, sir. No one saw them go over. The woman they called Badger, and that sullen fellow who wore the bandana."
"It could have gone much worse. Still...we're toeing the line with our numbers, and likely to lose more taking another ship."
"It seems the one in the sweat box managed to get out during the storm." The question went unasked. Did the captain wish Joran returned to the box for the rest of his sentence?
Harrigan sighed. "He's trouble. But we need men who'll work. Leave him for now. If he stirs anything up, use the cook as leverage, since that's clearly his weakness."
Plugg nodded. "We'll be hitting shipping lanes in a day or two. Do you want them equipped?"[b]
The captain nodded. [b]"Aye. Return their gear. They'll need to be in fighting shape. But remind them of the rules, and the penalties for breaking them."
Atia returns to the galley, dragging her feet, and sits heavily on one of the stools and looks at Kroop, heaving a sigh. "We should use the last of the fresh stuff," She mumbles, rubbing her face with her hands. "We're going to be stuck with dried goods after today. Might need to do some fishing or something later."
Atia assists Kroop, moving a little sluggishly, to get the first meal they've all had in almost an entire day going. Atia tries to add a little bit more flavor and interest to it, hopefully to boost some morale...with Kroop's approval, of course.
Seadreamer keeps near enough to Joran and does his best to keep an eye on him while the storm rages.
He will during the night head over and give him a hand when needed.
All the while working to keep the crew going.
In the morning, he reports back to the quarterdeck to see what the final disposition of Sharkbait is, then returns to pass on the news to Joran that he isn't going to be in the sweatbox anymore.
He gets the crew shift to cap up the water barrels that were brought up, and tidy the ropes and lines that were scattered about during the storm.
(AKA getting things ship shape again)
Destinie nodded in response before letting the boy go on his way... giving her the time to lean against the wall to recover. All that excitement gave way to fatigue from all the pulling she did that day. It was only when she finally had some rest that she found out not everyone returned...
---------------------------------
She sent a small prayer to Desna for the lives lost before she hauled herself back onto the deck. With as much work that was needed to do, she wanted to see if Sandara was around this time.
At some point later, Jack found himself working near Joran, and raised his voice over the rain. "They say you jumped in after me. I do not think we have ever even spoken to one another. Why would you risk your life for me?"
As Joran works, he pauses a moment and looks over at Jack when he speaks. Grinning tiredly at the young lad, "That's easy, friend, because you are a part of my... this crew." Nodding, he gives him a light pat on the arm and gets back to work.
------------------------------------------------------------------
As he's in the middle of tying off some rope, Joran turns and notices Seadreamer nearby. I need to ask him something, I think. Can't seem to remember what it was I was going to ask him though. Sooo very tired. Looking to the dwarf, things seem to get fuzzy and he hesitates on that next step. Something's not right. I don't feel right. The next thing he knows is he finds himself a little wobbly until, all of the sudden, he collapses face first like a felled tree upon the deck. Whatever little energy the barbarian had left... is now gone.
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Seeing that Shark Bait was about to collapse, Dreamer heads over in time to prevent him from smashing his face into the deck.
Damn man, are you ever heavy
He hoists him over his shoulder, as he takes Joran down to the galley.
He then leaves Joran slumped against the galley wall, near enough to the stoves that someone will wake him for the breakfast.
He then heads back to the deck by the mainmast and assists in keeping the wormwood afloat.
The dwarf can hear Joran mumble something but it's far too unintelligible to make out. He does nothing to aid the poor dwarf with carrying him except, maybe, in regards to giving him a sore back.
Atia watches Seadreamer drag the much larger man into the kitchen and points towards one of the areas they weren't actively using while cooking. "I'll look after him, Dreamer."
She lets Joran sleep for most of the afternoon and a little bit into the evening before kneeling down and gently shaking him awake, a bowl of the night's stew in her hand.
"Hey, you need to eat," She says softly, when she sees his eyes start to open. "Go slow so you don't get sick."
His eyes barely cracking open, "Hmmm? What's happening? Where am I? Atia?" He looks around, noticing he's in the galley. He exercises his eyes in an attempt to wake up before taking the bowl and eating... slowly as directed. "Thanks, Atia. Feels like it's been forever since I last ate. Man, my head is fuzzy. How long have I been asleep?"
"It's been a while since you've eaten," She says, raising an eyebrow and smiling softly. "Four days now? I lost sense of time during the storm. You've been asleep for most of the day. You collapsed after the storm calmed and 'Dreamer dragged you in." She takes a more comfortable sitting positing near him, facing him, and smiles. "When you're done eating, we need to talk."
Smiling back at her, "Four days? Wow. No wonder my stomach is screaming at me." As he finishes the last of his stew, he sets the bowl down and looks over at her, taking a deep breath and finding himself a little nervous about this conversation, figuring he knows where this is going ... and deservedly so.
She sent a small prayer to Desna for the lives lost before she hauled herself back onto the deck. With as much work that was needed to do, she wanted to see if Sandara was around this time.
By the time all had settled and work was done, Des went to find Sandara. She found the red head looking out at the horizon, her stare a hundred miles away, lost in thought.
Atia grins at Joran and begins to tell him about what happened, admonishing him for his reckless behavior, all number of things. They talk well into the night before parting ways to their respective hammocks and going to sleep for the night, exhausted from the stress of the storm and the last several days of tension.
The oracle took the time to walk up slowly to sit right next to the cleric, as if trying to see if she could spot what was in the horizon.
"It's kinda crazy we only just went through a crazy storm just now," she commented. "And that we lost a couple people too."
The oracle took the time to walk up slowly to sit right next to the cleric, as if trying to see if she could spot what was in the horizon.
"It's kinda crazy we only just went through a crazy storm just now," she commented. "And that we lost a couple people too."
"Sent by Besmara herself, far as I'm concerned. I'm just glad he didn't drag me back, after..." she trailed off, seeming not to care, at that moment, about the loss of crew.
"Sent by Besmara herself, far as I'm concerned. I'm just glad he didn't drag me back, after..." she trailed off, seeming not to care, at that moment, about the loss of crew.The oracle took the time to walk up slowly to sit right next to the cleric, as if trying to see if she could spot what was in the horizon.
"It's kinda crazy we only just went through a crazy storm just now," she commented. "And that we lost a couple people too."
Sensing what she might be talking about, Des used her right hand to grab Sandara's left, rubbing her thumb on the top as to massage it. "Let's think of the future then. We made it this far and we'll find our way out of this mess. Together, with our friends."
She used the other hand to help put the redheads hair back into a better position.
Sandara tensed for a moment but seemed to consciously make herself relax under Des's touch. "Aye," she forced a small smile. "I don't plan on leaving your side again. Long as I can help it." She tipped her head forward, resting her forehead against Des's. "I don't want to be alone." she confessed quietly.
Destinie check generated placed both her hands of Sandara's hips as she rocked from side to side. "I'm not going anywhere." she replied softly. "I know what we did a few days ago was a spur-in-the-moment, but I want to stick with you. We can take it as slow as you'd like to... until you're at ease again."
Dreamer goes to the quartermaster to pass on the word from the captain.
He then stops by the galley.
Hows things here ? Indicating Sharkbait
Dreamer goes to the quartermaster to pass on the word from the captain.
He then stops by the galley.
Hows things here ? Indicating Sharkbait
Atia smiles warmly at Seadreamer from the floor of the galley where she sits with Sharkbait. They had just been spending their precious free time talking about things Joran had missed while trapped in the sweat box, asking each other questions about themselves in an effort to get to know each other, and all manner of other things.
"As you can see," She says, gesturing dramatically at Joran, "He's much better after some sleep and food. How are things on your end, Officer?" She puts emphasis on the last word, a little teasingly. The promotion made her wary of the dwarf, but he had thus far seemed disinclined to revel in the misery the other officers brought upon the crew. A good sign.
Things could be better; but we are afloat still.
He pauses.
Look, I didn't want the promotion, but it is what I got. I will do what I can to shield the crew from the other ones.
He shakes his head ruefully as he looks around.
I still think this ship needs a management change.
Destinie check generated placed both her hands of Sandara's hips as she rocked from side to side. "I'm not going anywhere." she replied softly. "I know what we did a few days ago was a spur-in-the-moment, but I want to stick with you. We can take it as slow as you'd like to... until you're at ease again."
Sandara nodded and took Des's hand, both heading below to get some rest. With a bit of effort, she managed to climb into Des's hammock with her, sleeping beside her throughout the night.
-------------The Following Morning, Aboard the Wormwood-----------------
The morning dawns, and a chorus of groans filled the crew quarters as sore individuals pulled themselves from slumber and dragged themselves on deck.
Work began, as it always does. A week aboard the ship has felt like a month, and you fall into your routines.
Terry is given lookout duty this day -- an important job, and a demanding one from the perspective of keeping one's attention honed on a boring, featureless horizon, but a thankfully easy one, physically.
As he mulls over recent events, the absolute garbage that seems to run the ship, and his newfound friendship with the reticent Shivikah, Terry's eyes land upon a small blip and he uses the spyglass to look closer.
There, far to the west, is a ship. A merchant vessel from the looks of it, three-masted, a bit larger than the Wormwood but built for storage, not speed, flying Rahadoumi colors.
--------------Aboard the Man's Promise --------------------------
Lanni and Mateo were belowdecks when the call went up -- a pirate vessel had been spotted in the distance.
A merchant vessel from Rahadoumi sailing under Captain Talod Marwan, The Man's Promise was not run as the Wormwood was. Captain Marwan was strict but fair, and he ran a tight ship. His crew, a motley collection of individuals from many backgrounds, were quick to action as they made ready to try and outrun the distant vessel.
Things could be better; but we are afloat still.
He pauses.
Look, I didn't want the promotion, but it is what I got. I will do what I can to shield the crew from the other ones.He shakes his head ruefully as he looks around.
I still think this ship needs a management change.
"Ah, Dreamer, I don't fault you for your new status. I'm only teasing. I've seen nothing but care for the crew from you," she says, smiling appreciatively.
"And believe me, I agree with you on the management." She thinks of Syl, of Scourge, of Harrigan, of their myriad tormenters - and how lovely it would be to see their bodies floating away in the waves.
Spirit Type: Hierophant
Seance Boon: +2 healing to each target of instant healing spells directly cast.
Spirit Bonus: +1 to Wisdom checks, Wisdom-based skill checks, and Will saves.
Influence: 1
Penalty: none
Taboo: none
Lesser Power: Divine spells
Spell Slots:
level 1: 2
Spells Gained: Stabilize, Cure Light Wounds
Down in the kitchens, Lanni is helping wash dishes after breakfast. No one gets a completely free pass, but being the ship's cleric kept him from being assigned the more difficult jobs. He isn't a cleric, but he didn't let that stop him from applying for the position anyway. A quick purchase of a symbol of Desna from a second hand booth and some help from his friends on the other side, and he can play the part well enough.
Lanni hears the call of a pirate ship sighted and the commotion that follows. He quickly finishes up the batch of dishes that he is working on and heads out of the kitchen. He swings by his bunk and grabs his armor and small blade just in case. :⁂: "Well, I'm also not going to just stand around and let pirates stab me." :⁂: "Of course outrunning them would be better. But can you whistle up a stronger wind for just us? Pirate ships aren't known for being slow."
On the way to the upper deck he meets Allende, one of the more senior deck hands who is also headed that way and follows him into the sunshine. "What should I be doing?"
The night ended with little more than Destinie stroking Sandara's shoulder before she was sure the other woman asleep. Only then did she let Darkness fall upon her eyes as well...
--------------------------------
The next day, she pretended to sleep in until everyone else was away. She then tried to get out of her hammock again. Key word was try, as having another person had it harder than she thought. She stumbled off, but was ready to start her day again. At least she made sure Sandy got out without much trouble.
"How were your dreams this time? she asked.
Cass is remaking her harrow deck in the image of the one she dreamed of on the third night with an astral appearance and depicting her new and old friends.
On the way to the upper deck he meets Allende, one of the more senior deck hands who is also headed that way and follows him into the sunshine. "What should I be doing?"
Allende was a big human man with darkly tanned skin, and he looked down at Lanni gravely. "Praying, little friend. The Promise isn't built for speed. If their holds are empty, they will be upon us before long. Desna send they will be the merciful sort."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"How were your dreams this time? she asked.
Sandara took a deep breath but put on a smile for her. "I'd rather not dwell on them. The waking was rather nice, though." She gave a wink, a little bit of her usual self peeking through. "C'mon. I really don't want to give them a reason to notice us."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cass is remaking her harrow deck in the image of the one she dreamed of on the third night with an astral appearance and depicting her new and old friends.
So focused is Cass on her deck, she doesn't notice Scourge approaching until his shadow falls across her workspace. "Playing with your little cards?" he asked patronizingly. "Well! 'At looks just like the little cook girl. I knew you were talented, love. Making one of me, next?"
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"Praying, little friend. The Promise isn't built for speed."
Lanni looks out over the water at the barely visible smudge on the horizon. "Praying. Of course." :⁂: "And staying out of the way."
"And then - trying to keep people alive."
Things could be better; but we are afloat still.
He pauses.
Look, I didn't want the promotion, but it is what I got. I will do what I can to shield the crew from the other ones.He shakes his head ruefully as he looks around.
I still think this ship needs a management change."Ah, Dreamer, I don't fault you for your new status. I'm only teasing. I've seen nothing but care for the crew from you," she says, smiling appreciatively.
"And believe me, I agree with you on the management." She thinks of Syl, of Scourge, of Harrigan, of their myriad tormenters - and how lovely it would be to see their bodies floating away in the waves.
He waves his hand at Sharkbait
This lout He says with a grin didn't understand me when I sad that he should give syl a bath in the storm. We lost two, and it could have been threeWith that, he makes his way around the crew deck and onto the weather deck just checking on everyone and everything.
The Current Day
Atia wakes up groggily, still feeling some aches and pains from her exertions during the storm. Thankfully, the night before, they had received all their gear from before they were press-ganged, and Atia pulls on her gear with relish, feeling a tad more protected with her little bit of armor, robes, and waterproof spellbook back (the most important thing, her in her opinion). She didn’t think about what the sudden return of their items implied.
Since their relationship had been so publicly put on display thanks to Syl’s machinations, Atia no longer really cared if people saw her little signs of affection towards Joran. She still thought keeping it subtle would be the wisest course, but felt that it couldn’t hurt, before they headed up to the deck for their assignments for the day, to approach him and squeeze his hand affectionately and murmur "good mornings" before they headed up.
— Later, while handing out the biscuits
Atia will approach Jack with the biscuits, offering him one with a small smile on her face. ”How’re you feeling today?” She asks with genuine interest.
— Later, while handing out the biscuits
Atia will approach Jack with the biscuits, offering him one with a small smile on her face. ”How’re you feeling today?” She asks with genuine interest.
The young man bowed his head respectfully and took the food. "Humbled, Miss Atia. I did not expect to be saved...let alone for someone to leap into the sea after me." His gaze remained on the deck. "I cannot express how relieved I am he was not lost in the attempt. I owe him, and many of you, my life. And I will not forget it."
The young man bowed his head respectfully and took the food. "Humbled, Miss Atia. I did not expect to be saved...let alone for someone to leap into the sea after me." His gaze remained on the deck. "I cannot express how relieved I am he was not lost in the attempt. I owe him, and many of you, my life. And I will not forget it."
Atia smiles gently at the timid young man, matching her diction to his. "I'm relieved that we were able to save both of you, Jack. You're part of the crew, and your loss would have been felt deeply. Now, I've heard you're also from Cheliax, like me. Where from?"
"I'm glad you're doing okay." Destinie arrived just in time to hear at least a bit of the conversation, also giving Atia a wave as well.
"You had us scared there for a bit."
To Atia, she couldn't hid a bit of concern on her face. "How's Joran doing?"
Mateo had been running the ropes when the bell had been run and the call of pirates was made. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he peered off into the distance and could make out the image of a dark ship giving chase to them. Hashem, the first friend he had made on this ship, came and clasped him by the shoulder with a grim but wide smile.
"It seems that we will see if all that talk was just for show, eh?" The Rahadoumi man was taller and more muscular than the man he stood beside, bald and dark-skinned while the one-eyed fellow was just shy of five feet and ten inches, pale-skinned that had been kissed by the sun, with dark brown hair that flowed down to his neck and a trimmed, well-kept beard. Looking over his left shoulder with his remaining good eye, Mateo would smirk softly.
"I won't fail the captain or crew. You though, Hashem, better be careful." His remaining blue eye winked for a moment, getting a laugh from the man. There was a use for levity when pirates were coming; the kind that frequented the Shackles were a diverse lot. Some had honor, sparing the crew and taking plunder. Others were brutal, cutting everyone but one man down to leave a tale for the next crew to come across.
Rushing downstairs with the others, Mateo quickly grabbed the rest of his equipment and prepared himself. A few potions on his hip, his buckler snapped to place upon his forearm, and his armor cinched tightly and securely. Looking down at the beautifully crafted rapier he had, one whose hilt showcased the condemned falling to the pits of Hell for their sins, he would strap it to his side, put his knife underneath his shoulder cape, and sling his crossbow over his shoulder before placing the quiver of bolts on the small of his back.
Moving back to the deck, he came across Lanni and Allende talking to one another. The end of their conversation was picked up as the confident man walked towards them.
"We'll give our prayers where we can and sharpen our blades, won't we Allende? You stay near the back Lanni, I'll protect you as best as I can." The Chelaxian gave a nod to the strange little gnome but weren't most of his kind a little off-the-wall anyways? It mattered little now, not with a dark ship with ill intentions catching the wind and closing the distance. It was time to fight or die and Mateo Nikas did not survive the threat of House Henderthane just to die on some merchant ship!
"I'm glad you're doing okay." Destinie arrived just in time to hear at least a bit of the conversation, also giving Atia a wave as well.
"You had us scared there for a bit."
To Atia, she couldn't hid a bit of concern on her face. "How's Joran doing?"
Atia waves at Destinie as she approaches, nodding along with her statements to Jack.
"Joran's much better after some sleep and food," She says, smiling widely. "What about Sandara? She alright?"
"I'm glad you're doing okay." Destinie arrived just in time to hear at least a bit of the conversation, also giving Atia a wave as well.
"You had us scared there for a bit."
To Atia, she couldn't hid a bit of concern on her face. "How's Joran doing?"
Atia waves at Destinie as she approaches, nodding along with her statements to Jack.
"Joran's much better after some sleep and food," She says, smiling widely. "What about Sandara? She alright?"
"She's getting better... but she still feels antsy by any unexpected touches... and I don't blame her after... what he did to her," she replied sadly.
"She couldn't sleep by herself last night."
Dreamer goes to the quartermaster to pass on the word from the captain.
He then stops by the galley.
How's things here? Indicating Sharkbait
Atia smiles warmly at Seadreamer from the floor of the galley where she sits with Sharkbait. They had just been spending their precious free time talking about things Joran had missed while trapped in the sweat box, asking each other questions about themselves in an effort to get to know each other, and all manner of other things.
"As you can see," She says, gesturing dramatically at Joran, "He's much better after some sleep and food. How are things on your end, Officer?" She puts emphasis on the last word, a little teasingly. The promotion made her wary of the dwarf, but he had thus far seemed disinclined to revel in the misery the other officers brought upon the crew. A good sign.
Nodding and giving a smile, "Much better, 'Dreamer. Thanks for asking."
Things could be better; but we are afloat still.
He pauses.
Look, I didn't want the promotion, but it is what I got. I will do what I can to shield the crew from the other ones.He shakes his head ruefully as he looks around.
I still think this ship needs a management change.
"And believe me, I agree with you on the management." She thinks of Syl, of Scourge, of Harrigan, of their myriad tormenters - and how lovely it would be to see their bodies floating away in the waves.
Looking over at Atia as she responds, he turns and nods to the dwarf. "You'll get no argument from me on that one, buddy."
He waves his hand at Sharkbait
This lout He says with a grin didn't understand me when I sad that he should give syl a bath in the storm. We lost two, and it could have been three
"It's not my fault!" the barbarian responds in his defense.
Atia smiles gently at the timid young man, matching her diction to his. "I'm relieved that we were able to save both of you, Jack. You're part of the crew, and your loss would have been felt deeply. Now, I've heard you're also from Cheliax, like me. Where from?"
"Ah, I believe you may have misheard," Jack said with a small smile. "My former master was Chelaxian. I originally hail from Ustalav. I was very young when my family left, but from my understanding, the Wormwood is a safer place than my homeland would have been."
"I'm glad you're doing okay." Destinie arrived just in time to hear at least a bit of the conversation, also giving Atia a wave as well.
"You had us scared there for a bit."
Jack bowed politely to Des. "My apologies for causing you to worry, and my gratitude for the rescue, Miss Destinie."
Atia smiles gently at the timid young man, matching her diction to his. "I'm relieved that we were able to save both of you, Jack. You're part of the crew, and your loss would have been felt deeply. Now, I've heard you're also from Cheliax, like me. Where from?""Ah, I believe you may have misheard," Jack said with a small smile. "My former master was Chelaxian. I originally hail from Ustalav. I was very young when my family left, but from my understanding, the Wormwood is a safer place than my homeland would have been."
Atia blushes slightly and nods--her family had several like Jack back home. "You're not wrong. I was in the upper echelon and still find this ship easier to live on."
"She's getting better... but she still feels antsy by any unexpected touches... and I don't blame her after... what he did to her," she replied sadly.
"She couldn't sleep by herself last night."
Atia cringes a little, reaching out to squeeze Destinie's arm comfortingly. "Awful." She heaves a sigh and smiles at both of them, giving a small wave. "I need to be off on the rounds. Stay safe, you two."
As Terry learns a little of Shivikah's past, his heart skips a beat or so. Slaver? Well, I get why she doesn't want to talk about it. I can only imagine the kind of damage that work can do to someone. All he says about it to her is "I get it well enough not to push. I can't imagine how bad it would have to have been for this to be better, though. Nobody deserves this. So, assuming we can get off this boat, where do you want to go?" He tries to find a happier topic to keep from letting her past kill the night for anyone.
---
Hard to get better than that!
As the crew continues to fight the storm, with reduced manning as everyone tries to save the kid and lout both, Terry's experience is put on full display as he works to keep the ship upright and facing into the surf. Not that anyone has the time to notice his efforts, as they are all trying to do the same. Or pull people out of the water, and near certain death in a storm like this one.
When the storm passes, and the crew is working harder to stay awake than run the ship, Terry looks to Samms. "Think they're smart enough to furl sails and let us rest, before somebody has an accident? No? Me either, really. But I can dream." Like everyone else, he stumbles through the rest of the day.
That night, as tired as he is, he seeks out Sandra. "I think I understand the why, but I can't understand choosing to give him that much control over you. I know Des'll be more help than I probably can, but if there's anything I can do for you . . .. Well, I want to help. He almost shrugs as he ducks his head down between his shoulders, obviously uncomfortable to approach and uncertain how to say what he's trying to, or maybe if he really even should.
He nods to the other ladies but moves to retreat before things become more uncomfortable. If they could.
He leaves the drowned rats alone that night.
---
As the gear is passed out in preparation for finding a target, Terry holds his sap in hand for a few moments, looking at Fipps and Syl, while they aren't looking at him of course, before finishing putting his things about his person. He leaves most of his gear in his chest. If they find a target, there should be rotations for fully arming once they get closer, and things like armor, swords, and bows don't do well while climbing in the rigging.
---
The next morning, Terry seeks out the drowned rats. Finding Jorne proves easier, as he's so hard to miss. The first sentence comes out in a serious tone, but the tone changes to mocking almost immediately. "I saw what you did. I'm sorry, but I don't care how long you had been in that box, a swim in a storm like that really is NOT the way to stretch back out and loosen those muscles." Once he's padded the emotional content a smidge, his returns to a more direct statement. "Glad to have someone on board willing to risk themselves for the weaker. And not just because I'm so much smaller!"
Using getting the rigger biscuits as cover, he manages to find Jack. "Next storm, lad, tie a line, okay? While there might be a few we would like to lose, you're not one of them. I want to meet your grandchildren someday, Jack. Maybe even their children!"
Later, as he sits in the nest, Terry tries to work a conversation with Ratline about the kinds of ships he's been on before. He's laughing at one of Ratline's comments about trading down to a schooner for better pay when he notes a flat white dot over a shadow. He turns and looks hard at it through the 'glass, trying to make out what he sees for certain. "" As he calls out, he uses his left arm to point in the direction of the ship, extending it out over the nest to be visible to those below.
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"I get it well enough not to push. I can't imagine how bad it would have to have been for this to be better, though. Nobody deserves this. So, assuming we can get off this boat, where do you want to go?" He tries to find a happier topic to keep from letting her past kill the night for anyone.
"'Nother ship, I suppose. Nowhere on land to go, so may as well keep sailing." She looked around surreptitiously to be sure they weren't overheard. "Preferably not with this Captain."
Terry looks to Samms. "Think they're smart enough to furl sails and let us rest, before somebody has an accident? No? Me either, really. But I can dream."
Samms smirked, the strain clear in her voice. "Damn shame a wave didn't come along and sweep the lot of the bastards off the deck. Wormwood could use a deep cleaning."
That night, as tired as he is, he seeks out Sandra. "I think I understand the why, but I can't understand choosing to give him that much control over you. I know Des'll be more help than I probably can, but if there's anything I can do for you . . .. Well, I want to help. He almost shrugs as he ducks his head down between his shoulders, obviously uncomfortable to approach and uncertain how to say what he's trying to, or maybe if he really even should.
Sandara looked Terry to Des and back again. With a wry look, she answered him. "If we're being honest, I thought he'd take my eye. I'm...not sure which would have been worse." She nodded her thanks. "I appreciate the sentiment. Just promise me one thing." She lowered her voice. "That if the time comes to do something about him, I get to be a part of it."
Using getting the rigger biscuits as cover, he manages to find Jack. "Next storm, lad, tie a line, okay? While there might be a few we would like to lose, you're not one of them. I want to meet your grandchildren someday, Jack. Maybe even their children!"
Jack blushed a bit. "Everyone is heaping me with so much concern. I am afraid I am not very good at accepting such an outpouring. But thank you. I will heed your advice."
Finding all his gear when he goes to turn in, Joran is shocked. I wonder what this is all about? Why would they give me MY gear back? Strange. Lifting his greatsword, he admires it a moment, smiling. Man, it is good to have you back, old friend.
-----------------------------------------------------
The next morning, Joran rises and feels much livelier. Although still a bit sore from yesterday's events, he finds it much more bearable than being stuck in a box. Putting on his armor, grabbing his dagger, of which he now has three, and his greatsword, he sheathes them before moving topside and leaving the rest of his gear behind.
The next morning, Terry seeks out the drowned rats. Finding Joran proves easier, as he's so hard to miss. The first sentence comes out in a serious tone, but the tone changes to mocking almost immediately. "I saw what you did. I'm sorry, but I don't care how long you had been in that box, a swim in a storm like that really is NOT the way to stretch back out and loosen those muscles." Once he's padded the emotional content a smidge, his returns to a more direct statement. "Glad to have someone on board willing to risk themselves for the weaker. And not just because I'm so much smaller!"
Shrugging and giving a grin, "Hey, they're part of the crew. That's enough for me." He nods, giving a wink as he moves along.
I've got to find Syl. I've got to make amends. She's not gonna care but I do.
Joran makes it a point to search out Syl. Once he's managed to finally spot her, "Hey, Syl, you got a minute? I'd like to talk to you if that's okay."
"We'll give our prayers where we can and sharpen our blades, won't we Allende? You stay near the back Lanni, I'll protect you as best as I can.
Lanni looks up at the overly confident man with a grin. "Yeah, sounds good. And I'll try to keep you standing while you do it."
Hearing Terry's call Seadreamer walks over to Plugg.
Shall i get the hands aloft to shake out all sails
Syl looks at Joran with a gaze that could freeze lava. "Interesting," she said coldly. "I'd like to gut you like a fish and feed you to your lover. If that's okay." She stalks away.
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When Terry calls out that a ship has been sighted, the officers fly into motion. Plugg nods to Dreamer, and orders are called out as the ship is turned about, and before long, the Wormwood is in pursuit of the distant vessel.
Sea chases are a strange mix of feelings akin to being in an army with battle looming nigh. Violence is certain, and looms ever closer, but the waiting goes on and on.
Hours pass as the Wormwood slowly gains on the merchant ship. The day passes surprisingly similarly to a normal day, once the course is set. The only difference it the ship on the horizon, growing ever closer.
When there is perhaps and hour or less remaining before the ships come into range for a fight, Captain Harrigan sends the order to the galley. Slaughter half a dozen of the pigs -- slit their throats and drag them overboard. Attract sharks to the scene, to deal with any who leap overboard in an attempt to escape.
When the ships are only half a mile apart, Plugg summons the crew onto the main deck and gives out assignments. All hands are expected to fight in the attack. He assigns the lot of you to Dreamer's team, and gives you your orders.
“The ship’s wheel is on the aft deck, just below the sterncastle. You’re going to grapple over, kill the guards on the sterncastle, take the wheel, and guard the ship’s boats. Kill anyone who tries to get away on one of the boats. Don’t move from the wheel until the fighting’s done, or you’ll have to answer to me. As we get close, it’s going to get foggy. Just stick to what I told you to do.”
"That's the spirit, little buddy." Mateo says with a wide grin as he returns back to running rope up and down the deck, doing what he can to help the ship escape their pursuers. Luck was not on their side though; the pirate ship sat high in the water and was quickly gaining on them. Hours passed and the black dot on the horizon began to manifest as well-staffed ship armed to the teeth with pirates. Escape was going to be impossible and battle was going to come inevitably.
"Captain!" Mateo shouted from the deck as the sailors and guards prepared for the unavoidable conflict. "Your orders? Where do you want us?" This was partly why he had been brought on after needing a quick exit from Cheliax. The captain had saved his life, whether he knew it or not, and Mateo was not one to let debts be unpaid.
Lanni leans over the railing and looks back towards the other ship - now much more than just a smudge on the horizon.
"Well, what do you think?" :⁂ ‼ ⁉: Lanni makes a wry face. "Gee, thanks for the confidence. I might still have the time to replace you, you know." He looks back at the other ship. "But I'm certain I am going to need the healing spells."
:⁂: "Thank you, my friend."
At about 1/2 hour before we catch them Seadreamer looks at the party.
Well, time to get ready. Go grab your weapons and armour
With that he heads below to get himself set up.
He then gets a couple of hands to grab a long plank. And set it by the midship rail.