"There was someone by your locker, mate. Not sure who but someone was trying to pilfer your things. They ducked out when I got there but I think your locker is still unlocked. You should check it." It was a simple lie, something to alarm the man and gain a bit of his gratitude. Beket would flash the man just a small nod before going to join the others.
Medlar had not been seen befriending Scourge. As a matter of fact, he appears to be a bit of a loner, keeping to himself. He scowls when Beket relates his message, whether it is because Beket has dared to speak to him or because someone was rummaging around his things is hard to tell.
"Thanks," the old half-elf says and gets up to head below decks, presumably to check his stuff.
Observations:
Rosie Cusswell: though a halfling, she seems as strong as an ox. The only limitation she seems to have is her own bodyweight. Even then, if she can hook a foot on something she appears more capable than most any other pirate on board when it comes to hauling line or carrying gear.
Crimson Cogward: has been cozying up with Lonegan and Scourge.
Conchabar: has romantic interests toward Rosie. He is constantly around her, offering little trinkets though she has rebuffed him more than once. (For more info make a Sense Motive check)
Scrimshaw: has been retelling stories told by Vladimir or talking about how he likes them to others. An affable young man who was also whipped the same day Bleepos was.
That evening Sandarra comes by, "I hate the bloody hour. I guess it is necessary in some instances but Scourge gets too much enjoyment out of it. How is Bleepos? Anything I can do to help?"
Crow thanks Bleepos for the coins and tells him about the blade that Beket saw. "If we can get a few items snuck up to us, we'll be better situated for whatever the future may bring, eh?"
I may have to pay a visit to Grok as well. Never hurts to have the quartermaster friendly towards ya.
"Can't say I'm a fan of the bloody hour either," he says to Sandarra. "Scourge is a sadist. There's discipline and then there's cruelty. Bleepos'll be alright. He's a tough little bugger. But Scourge is out to get us all. It's obvious he wants to 'break us in.' He's gettin' on me last nerve."
Bessie says a prayer thanking Besmara for healing the goblin.
In response to Sandarra she smiles and offers a pointed We look after our friends, he has received the blessings of Besmara, friend Sandarra.
I don’t trust her. She seems friendly enough, but was missing when we got our morning welcome. She could be a spy...
As the evening wears on Bessiewitnesses another disaster ours interaction between Nasifi and Rosie reminding her of the fiddle. She approaches Nasifi and relays the fiddle information and asks Nasifi if she would like to go talk to Grok and see what it would take to get the fiddle back to give to the halfling.
@Vladimir: although rebuffing his advances, you are pretty sure Rosie kind of likes him, at least she seems to like the attention.
@Nasifi: Bansion did not take well to whatever you spoke to him about. As a matter of fact he seemed almost ready to go to blows with you. However, Grok was around and she gave him the evil eyes when he balled up his fist. He backed down, knowing Grok is tougher than she looks. Then Grok walked by Nasifi and winked, "We girls gotta stick together." She said as she went to join in a game of cards with some of the other pirates.
Beket's eyes widened as Bleepos shared the bounty of what he found; two whole silver pieces. While to many, Beket included, it was a pittance but it showed an important thing; the goblin understood loyalty.
"This creature is a cunning and dangerous one. Very good." Beket thought, a grin spreading across his face to match the goblin's malicious smile.
"You're an alright sort, Bleepos, don't let anyone tell you different" Gently, he'd pat his fellow swab on back ever so lightly. "You go and get your rest, friend. We'll see you in the morning."
Beket would come by the goblin's hammock, nudging the little green man awake with a grin. "You still have some of those things? I know Lonegan and the others are gunning for us and I could use that armor." The shield would be nice as well but he'd save that for one of the others. Once he had the armor, he'd put it on and only be mildly irritated at the awful smell it had within it.
Crow rose with a whispered hiss. "Gozreh's codpiece! What is that smell?" He looked around a bit, following his nose as it were, until it settled in the direction of Beket. "Ah... I see." He looked around to make sure nobody was really paying attention and then cast a quick cantrip on Beket's "new" armor. The harsh scent of human waste was instantly replaced with what can only be described as the smell of a bar-maid's rag (a vaguely fermented smell with a touch of blood, sweat, and tears). "Now ya smell like home, mate," he said with a wide grin and low chuckle. He made his way over to Bleepos and similarly altered the smell of his other items... and Bleepos, just for good measure. "I'll take one of those maces off ye. Have a nice surprise for our disgruntled shipmates," he said with a smile.
Nasifi smiles at Grok in thanks and gives her a little wave as she moves on to her card game. She also rapidly puts some distance between herself and Arthur.
So I guess "why did you end up in The Shackles" isn't a good conversation starter...
With a second night of failing to make a connection to any of the other crew under her belt, Nasifi just goes to bed.
@Guillaume: nothing additional to Beket's search other than Medlar has locked up his footlocker.
The next morning jobs are divvied out yet again.
Vladimir: Upper Rigging Work: Work in the upper rigging, 50 feet up, requiring DC 10 Climb check x2, followed by a DC 10 Profession (sailor) or Dexterity check.
Beket: Swab the Decks: Backbreaking work mopping the decks and scrubbing them with sandstone blocks called holystones, requiring a DC 10 Strength or Constitution check. Failing either check results in the
PC being fatigued at the end of the shift.
Bleepos: Rat Catcher: Catching rats and other vermin belowdecks, requiring either a DC 10 Stealth check, Survival check, or Dexterity check to catch and kill enough rats, cockroaches, and beetles for a good day’s work.
Guillaume: Hauling Rope and Knot Work: Tying and untying knots in the ship’s ropes and moving heavy coils of rope from one part of the ship to another, requiring a DC 10 Profession (sailor) or Strength check. The PC must also make a DC 12 Fortitude check to avoid being fatigued at the end of the shift.
Bessie: Runner: Passing messages to the crew and officers of the Wormwood in all parts of the ship except officers’ cabins (areas A4 and A5), requiring a DC 10 Acrobatics check and DC 12 Fortitude check.
Failing the Constitution check results in the PC being fatigued at the end of the shift. A PC with the Run feat automatically succeeds at this task.
Nasifi: Fishing: Catching tonight’s supper using the ship’s nets. A DC 10 Profession (fisherman) or Survival check provides enough fish. A failed check results in a day in the bilges as punishment the following
day. However, the rub is Kroop is as drunk as can be and unable to do the cooking so Nasifi must do both. Therefore, she is at -4 to fish and cook.
Crow feels pretty confident in his climbing ability and his rope work is usually pretty good, so he takes the opportunity to try to develop a bit of rapport with one of the riggers. Since he's already in pretty good with Ratline, he chats with him a bit. But his focus is on Shortstone, the gnome. There's many on a ship who might not think much of the small folk, and that's their mistake. They're the ones who can move about unseen and unheard and are often the information brokers on a ship this size.
"You're Shortstone, right? Nice knot-work. You do any macrame? We could make scarves for the crew come winter. I'm sure Scourge would appreciate a whip cozy." He chuckles at his own joke, hoping to get the little feller to laugh along as well.
While running around trying to get everything done, Nasifi makes two stops. One is to give Grok the bottle of vintage Chelish wine she'd found.
"Thanks for last night Grok. Yep, we girls do have to stick together."
The other is to ask Fishguts about his head. "How you doing Ambrose? The drink can leave you with a nasty headache and sour gut. I could fix it for you if I had my medicine kit..."
Bessie spends the day delivering messages between crew and officers all across the ship. She will keep an eye out for Bleepos and make sure he is focused on hunting. Up and down the stairs, back forth. She can feel the burning in her legs by the afternoon. By the end of shift she is worn out.
On one her runs, she takes a quick moment to talk to Grok,
I sure miss hearing a favorite song of mine, called "Tin Cup Chalice"; love to hear it again but it needs a fiddle ta do it justice. I heard 'at 'ere is a fiddle here abouts. What would it take for someone to requisition such an item?
Beket is assigned to swabbing the decks again, Master Scourge almost grinning a smile that stretched the horizon as he gave the large man a bucket and mop. It was tireless work but it helped pass the time nonetheless and got him in closer to the man that he wanted to speak with.
Ending up alongside Medlar again, mopping ahead of where the elf was working the holystone, Beket would speak up softly.
"You know, us swabs have to stick together right? A crew united can defeat anyone that the Captain puts us against. If you watch my back, I'll watch yours." It was a simple thing to ask but the meaning was much deeper than the words conveyed and he was sure the seasoned sailor knew it too. It likely was gossiped by the others of the "scuffle" down below between them and Master Scourge's favored sons. It was a question about which side he was on, if he could be counted upon.
Hauling rope is nothing new to a man who practically grew up on a boat, but the Shackles' heat is another matter. By shift's end, Guillaume is drenched in sweat, but all the ropes are right where they should be, knots tied just so.
When he gets a chance, Guillaume drops by the Quartermaster's shop. "I've not got much coin now, but would you mind if I took a look at your wares, ma'am?" Theblue man asks, when he reaches the half-orc's shop.
@Vladimir: "Aye, I am at that. And thank you for the complement." Conchobhar says, "But no, I don't do macrame. Perhaps you and the new cook's mate should get together and knit something together." he says before climbing away.
@Nasifi:
Kroop rolls over where he lays, "That's a good idea, I'll talk to her about that." Then he seems to just hold down a heave and then drops off to sleep.
"Thanks," Grok said to Nasifi, "I'll have to help you out more often." the quartermaster says.
Nasifi works hard. On a day when she just had the one task to handle she would have done well, but today she is too harried and juggling too many things. She comes up shy on fish so the fish stew is a bit thin. However, she makes up for it with some seasoned biscuits so chow goes over well. It may just be enough to keep her out of the bilges tomorrow.
@bessie: "That's a pretty good fiddle, it looks nice. I think it would probably fetch at least 30 gold. So, come up with the gold and we'll talk." Grok offers.
@Beket: "I watch my own back, stranger. Don't trust nobody to watch it fer me." Medlar, known as the badger replies.
Beket gave a small shrug at the man's response. "You're no shark friend, can't keep your eyes open all the time." Beket would leave the man alone at that point, focusing in on his work. There would be quite a few others to work on before he needed to try and earn Medlar's friendship.
@vladimir: Shortstone floats back around a little later, "I was a bit harsh in my retort earlier. Being press ganged can be disconcerting." he doesn't expand and heads off to continue work (unfriendly > disinterested).
@nasifi: just before the bloody hour Grok approaches with Nasifi's gear. "Ole Fishguts asked me to give you your stuff back to see if you could help his head. I didn't think you really needed it all but that wine was pretty good. Don't let anyone know I was so generous." She then hands over Nasifi's equipment before heading topside for the soon to occur bloody hour.
A lot more comfortable on the day job this time, Bleepos actually feasted on how easy it was for him to catch the vermin - and feasted on the caught vermin as well! The goblin felt this was finally a job he could do without a problem, and just feared the ship would end up running out of rats if they keep giving him the task.
Yet, he felt it was also a good opportunity to try to influence another crew mate, and on his chance he approached Barefoot Sammie to talk to her.
Howdy! - he greeted, making sure no one was seeing them. He knew some people would become immediately shy if they were seen talking to him - Another hard day, huh? Well, Bleepos still alive and Bleepos not anything as smart as you look, so you’re probably in a better position than little green Bleepos.
He put his hand on his back, pretending he was still in pain for the recent beatings. In truth, his colleagues had done a real great job bringing him back to health.
Look... Things happen on ship, bad things, but when we’re on a similar situation... No hard feelings. Even a little goblin like Bleepos might be useful. Resourceful. Can find things for friends.. And everybody could always use new friends, right? Bleepos for sure do!
@Bleepos: "You're an odd mate, Bleepos. Good rat catching." she says in response to the goblin. (indifferent > indifferent)
@Guillaume: taking time to visit the quartermaster (shopping, -2 to all checks) puts Guillaume behind on his tasks with the line. He makes up the difference but the hustle ends up wearing him out (fatigued).
The quartermaster’s store contains two tuns of rum (each holding about 105 gallons at the start of the journey) and six other containers. Grok shows the contents of most of the lockers to Guillaume.
1. Wooden Locker: Contains a random selection of mundane adventuring gear with a value of 10 gp or less.
2. Wooden Locker: Contains the PCs’ equipment, masterwork fiddle, a starknife, 3 flasks of acid, 6 flasks of alchemist’s fire, four sets of thieves tools, and a battered iron box containing six candles.
3. Wooden Chest: she does not open
4. Wooden Chest: Contains a masterwork light crossbow, three cutlasses, 31 daggers, three masterwork daggers, 43 masterwork darts, four saps, a masterwork sap, 120 arrows, 20 masterwork arrows, six +1 arrows, and 200 crossbow bolts
5. Wooden Trunk: states it has armor but does not open.
6. Metal Trunk: does not open.
Nasifi takes the kit and quickly stashes it away out of sight.
"Thank you Grok. Your secret's safe with me. I'll give you a dose as well when it's made. If you ever wake up to find last night's bottle biting back, just use it and it'll set you right."
Nasifi speaks quietly, but her voice carries genuine gratitude.
The bloody hour comes and goes without incident today. Grok sets up at the mainmast with the rum ration so everyone can get their ration and move off for evening activities.
During the evening festivities, Beket makes the rounds with his fellow sailors. There was little for him to get now out of exploring the place and he wasn't nearly quiet enough or skilled enough to begin trying to break into the other areas of the ship.
The large man drains the rum quickly and easily, feeling the burn down his throat from the uncut drink. Burping a little bit, he can feel nice and pleasant but still within control of himself.
He makes his way over to Grok, looking the intimidating half-orc over for a moment before he nods in respect to her.
"Back with my people, scars are shows of power, of respect. You didn't mean to get yours, I'm sure, but it shows a lot that you're still alive. I would like to hear the story, perhaps we can trade tales."
Crow doesn't mind the rum, but it's nowhere near enough to get him properly liquored up. Still, it beats a poke in the eye. "Cheers, lads!"
Without the distraction of a bloody "Bloodly Hour," he's able to focus more on entertainment this evening. "Oh, aye, I've got a fine story indeed," he says to Sandarra.
With a bit of rum lubricating his voice (and the audience), he breaks into a tale of Ulfen pirates that have kept the traditions of raiding and wenching alive in Broken Bay, the westernmost of the of the Linnorm kingdoms. This particular tale involves a bit of family history that lends a certain sincerity that seems to resonate with the crowd this evening. "It's not a land for the weak, mind ye. But a privateer can make a fine living if he or she's got the stones... or stole them from someone else!" He finishes with a hearty laugh.
Bessie is relieved when the bloody hour passes without incident. Running messages all day was tiring and the rum ration did little to ease her exhaustion. She had one last task for the day, and then it was off to her hammock.
She looked about for Crow, and once she spots him telling tales she will take two tankards filled with water, Ukuthuthukisa amanzi, and turn the water into an ale.
Ale, as promised, Dear Crow. It won't be the best, but it will do. She sets the two tankards down in between Crow and Sandarra, and takes her leave.
She then moves towards the prow of the ship and listens to the ocean, the winds in the sails, the creaks and groans of the ship's timbers. This is a good life, good mates and good ship even in spite of a few exceptions. Thank you Besmara for this day and all that has been given. We shall stay the course and prove ourselves worthy.
Bleepos survives another bloody hour - to his own disbelief - and is happy when, for the first time, he can enjoy the rum without being fatigued by the work day. The Goblin, yet, waits until most of the crew is down there having fun - distracted by the great stories of Oleg - and sneaks out to the quartermaster's store, in hopes of... Appropriating himself... Of something interesting.
Completely unfazed by the rum, Guillaume looks around and decides to talk to Barefoot Sammie. ”Nice to know I’m not the only one in this crew who isn’t fond of shoes.” he says, with a glance at her bare feet.
When Bessie brings the ale in, Crow's face breaks into a wide grin. "A thousand blessings on you, yer ancestors, and yer kin!" he hollers merrily. Despite her deprecation, he finds the ale quite palatable and a nice change of pace.
Nasifi feels her rum more that evening than she has in the last few. It's been a long and hectic day for her though. Now that she has her alchemy kit back she figures tomorrow won't be any slower. She makes a night of it before long and heads to her hammock.
Besides, she hasn't had much luck mingling with the upside crew. She's decided she will have to give hog lob a go sometime, but with only a couple of silvers to her name, she isn't going to risk them on a new game just yet.
@beket: "At some point big man," Grok says, "But not tonight, I'm listening to the other half-orc."
@vladimir: Vladimir spins an amazing story and captivates most of the sailors on board.
@bleepos: which container do you wish to check?
1. Wooden Locker: simple lock
2. Wooden Locker: simple lock
3. Wooden Chest: broken lock
4. Wooden Chest: average lock
5. Wooden Trunk: good lock
6. Metal Trunk: good lock
Bleepos sees the broken lock and gets in too much of a hurry. He throws off the lock and flings open the lid after a cursory look about the hinges and such. Suddenly he realizes he did not check well enough. As the lid opens an arrow discharges. He dodges and just barely keeps the arrow from taking him in the throat. As it is, it cuts a nice deep line across his trap between his neck and left shoulder.
The chest contains 3 potions, a well made climber’s kit, a disguise kit, 4 flasks of water with the silhouette of a butterfly on each, a magnifying glass, a set of manacles, and two tanglefoot bags
Bleepos collects what he can. The goblin closes back the chest, cleans up the best he can (as to pretend no one has been there) and leaves quickly, back to bed. He tries to hide the equipment well, in some conspicuous place he can find - like a loose plank or something of the sort. He will take his time to hide everything, and communicate to his companions on the first opportunity (so they can get whatever they can use, identify the potions, etc.). Before going to sleep, he searches for Bessie to hopefully mend his (new) “medals” (the damage the trap did on him!).
Bessie wakes up to the patting of a goblin hand on her face, although momentarily confused, she quickly sees the bloody gouge.
I am glad you came to me, little one, here...Amanxeba alula.
Bessie listens to the goblin's tale and makes mental notes. She then offers a big smile, You did good my little friend, Besmara would be as proud of you as I am! Now - back to bed.
@Guillaume: "It's better for gripping the deck in my opinion. I assume you go barefooted for the same reason." She says in response. Small talk continues for a few moments more and then she moves off (indifferent > indifferent).
Everyone sacks out at some point. The next morning, everyone is awakened by an energetic Pluck, who has made it down into the lower deck.
"Pancakes, pancakes, awwwkkk!" the bird cries, "Pancakes, who's the boss around here? Huh!? Huh!? Pancakes! Awwkk!"
Everyone drags themselves up out of their hammocks and make their way topside, the ugly bird berating everyone who walks by. Scrimshaw and Tibbs were designated for the bilge yesterday afternoon so they set to opening the trap door leading down.
The crew gathers on the main deck. Mr Plugg walks about the poop deck.
Master Scourge calls out, "All hands on deck or accounted for!"
Mr Plugg starts to speak then Scrimshaw comes busting up onto the main deck.
"There's somethin' in the bilge! A lot of somethin's. One of em growled at me and Tibbs got bit on the foot. But we gotta do somethin' before they come up after us!" Scrimshaw says obviously shaken.
Mr Plugg scowls at the young man, then looking down at the crew he points to the left hand side where the newcomers to the crew stand, "You six, clear out them bilges. Master Scourge, assign them all the bilges. Once they get it cleared of 'monsters' they can pump her out as well."
"Aye, Mr Plugg," Scourge responds before turning to the crew members, "Get goin', deal with what's there and pump her out too. Cook's mate, once it's clear you head to the kitchen."
Nasifi and friends moves into the bowels of the ship. At the lower deck they pause to discuss how they want proceed. Tibbs sits near the foremast.
"Well there's a fine good mornin' to ya," Crow says, his eyes still a bit bleary from sleep. "Now, how do we think 'monsters' got in to the bilge?" he asks the others. "Are these accidental or purposeful?"
As they meet up with Tibbs, he asks, "Ho, there. What did you see down thar? I'd like a bit of information if I can before I go into a fight." He also asks how bad his foot is and whether or not he needs healing. A gesture like that can go along way to gainin' a fella's favor.
Bessie moves towards Tibbs, Let me see 'at. She grabs Tibbs by the ankle, before he can protest, firm but gentle. What bit you?
She looks at the bite, looking for signs of disease from the creature or the dirty bilge water.Get me some clean water, lets wash 'is out, and a I need a bone saw....
After a long enough pause for Tibbs to turn a shade of white, she flashes him a smile and winks, No worries mate; I won't need a saw.
You're in good hands. Besmara will look after you. ...but no matter what, it won't seem so bad now!
Bessie looks to the guys, See if we can get some weapons, I don't want to face wha'ever got 'ese two chewed up without a rapier.
Bleepos looks at the gnome with curiosity. He wanted an opportunity to tell his mates about the new "acquired" property for them, but didn't feel anything comfortable with Tibbs around.
Hi! - he finally said to the gnome, approaching with his small red eyes as his left ear shook involuntarily - We take care of you. Help you. You tell Bleepos and friends about bitey-bitey!
The goblin tried to sound as friendly as possible - who knows, never a bad opportunity to find new allies. Yet, he smiled slowly, and his mouth showed a lot more teeth than it'd be naturally acceptable.
If it's rat or roach or anything crunchy or pink-fleshed moving, Bleepos calls dibs to eat it! - he finally completed, looking at the others a lot more excited than he should - If it doesn't eat Bleepos first!
"Thank ya, ma'am. That stings a bushel but I'm sure it'll be better." Tibbs says. "I'd swear it was a lion but that doesn't seem possible. Prob'ly just seemed bigger cause I was scared. I mean you don't expect somethin' to come bitin' at ya down there other than the occasional bilge spider. Anyway, it was furry, red eyes and it growled. I thought I heard something like a squeak or a pig squeal."
Bessie seems to think the bite does seem to be an oversized rodent bite, though she's never seen a rat that large before.
Pluck's tauntings are annoyed, a malacious grin appearing on his face as he imagines the pleasure he'd get from watching his own bird come down and eat the little bastard. "Mine's a lot bigger, captain." Beket imagines for a moment, getting assembled up on deck for roll call. Beket's eyes flicker upwards, catching sight of that big bird that has been waiting patiently for the sign to strike. "Not yet, my furious wind, not yet..."
Orders were about to be given when the two swabs that had gone down into the bilge erupted up on deck proclaiming that there was some kind of monster down below. "A monster? Why, Bleepos is up here with us." Beket murmurs out to his comrades, grinning down at the fierce and dangerous goblin. With the rest of the crew assigned to the bilge, he'd make his way down to the lower deck before listening to his comrades.
"Let me see that bite." Beket would murmur, leaning in with Bessie and looking over the man's injured leg. He would study the indentations and try to figure out what it was.
"Looks like a rodent. Shouldn't be any trouble." Beket would say with a shrug, pulling out his club once more. "I will use my magic once more to assist us. No need to go gentle on vermin." Beket murmured, his eyes turning towards Vladimir. "I don't think they're there for a reason, Crow. They may have just been feeding on refuse and now...are hungry."
[b]"I am sure that you will have quite the snack, Bleepos. Now, shall we go down?" Beket would wait to see if the others would have anything else to do or to say before taking the lead down into the bilge. His eyes scanned the dark corners, looking for whatever beast had hurt Tibbs.
Crow slides the small mace out and follows Beket down into the darkness. Although he can see fine in the dark, he whispers a few arcane syllables causing lights to appear ahead of them.
A disgruntled Nasifi starts for the bilge. Once out of hearing range of anyone else, she grumbles to the others "believe it or not I actually had some plans of my own for today. I doubt any of it's going to happen now though."
Bleepos follow Vladimir and Beket to the bilges. The goblin eyes are quite used to the dark - in fact, they probably even prefer it - and they're quick to start dancing around searching for the "rodent monsters".