Sandara leans into Jim. He feels her breath on the side of his face. Intoxicating. Then Jim feels a pressure on his upper thigh. Looking down he sees Sandara has the business end of a ballista flintlock in a very sensitive place. Thanks for fending for me a few minutes ago, but let's just stay in the friends zone, 'k?
Sandara is no slouch, a worthy pirate. There are plenty of port whores in the Formiably Maid tonight for the 'hungry.'
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With that, Mr. Plugg blows the whistle again. The pirates fall silent. You all listen as the great captains confer.
Harrigan: My dear Captain O'Malley, We must not continue to do this, fighting at every port of call, wondering which of us is the greatest pirate, and which crew is the fiercest crew. We must decide once and for all!
Yes darling says Aurora, and she runs her gloved fingers through Harrigan's greasy hair. Let us have a race, then. A race of speed and treasure.
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The two captains agree upon the terms of the contest. Each will take their ship and, sailing from Port Peril on the 'morrow, will head for the distant and infamous Bonewrack Isle, which lies deep in the great Southern Sea. The journey must be completed within fifty days and, at the end, whoever has the greatest amount of gold wins the bet. With shaking of hands all round and much toasting, the deal is sealed.
You spend the night partying with the crew of the Witch's teet, sharing eachothers women and performing other haeinous pirate acts. Your journey is about to begin.
The best voyages begin with an unfurled sail...
Ghiv would say to no one in particular. He does however respond to Jim's speech.
A ship is a thing made of wood and iron. The sea, now that is truely worth traveling. The sea is a lady, fickle and deserving of respect.
It aint none of my business what either of you find attractive, I just don't want to catch either of you scallywags rubbing up against the gunwale or water barrels, savy?
Says bucket as he clasps both Ausk and James on the shoulders.
Now if you are confused on what a lady really is that Cap'n Aurora, she is a lady and then some
He says loudly, with a whistle through his teeth.
We can't sail on no empty stomachs mates... Ok, well actually we can, and probably will... but lets make our intestinal fortunes much better this evening.
With that Bucket pulls some coin purses from the groaning Teet pirates still rolling on the floor of the Formidable in pain.
Food and Rum all around...
announces bucket, then looking in the purse he groans and says
... Err... Umm.. Belay that order.. Bread and Ale for the first two up to the bar
That be some nice punchin Kaz, did you know that natives on some of these Damnible islands trade nicely for good teeth? The hard part here will be finding any good ones.
"The ship is a lady and the sea is a lady? A little lady on lady action then. Should be fun."
"The ship is a lady and the sea is a lady? A little lady on lady action then. Should be fun."
Bucket rolls his head back and laughs heartily at the Witt displayed by Calin.
Ghiv eyes the half-elf curiously
Indeed.
Ausk laughs heartily at the mention of lady on lady. "Well, I've never heard someone say that before, but I guess it fits. Although I don't think that'll win you any points with the ladies. May win you a gutting or a neutering, though, right, Sandara?"
Sandara smiles at Ausk and tucks her pistol back in her blouse (to Jim's releif I'm sure). I've always been with Ghiv. I think the sea is the lady. And the Islands her children. And it's those Islands, boys, that are going to make us rich!
He grins wider. "NOW someone is speakin' my language!"
"When's the next tide?" Looking about to make sure that no one from the other crew is in earshot he adds, "I wonder if the Captain would approve some creative... modifications to their ship?"
Next tide's at Five AM on the 'morrow. That's when both ships will sail off I recon. This is bound to be a cut-throat contest between Capt Harrigan and Lady O'Malley. I've you got an idea or two to make the Wormwood faster I doubt he'd be objectin'
Sandara pounds another 4 oz of rum. I'm thinkin' maybe i'll be off to bed, boys. She glances around at the brothle girls working the room. I'll leave you all, my new fiends, with a gift though. With a wink she tosses a bag full of silver pieces on the floor and hollars at the wormiest brothle girls in the place. Girls, get your filthy fannies over here! Tomorrow we set sail! I want my friends here to remember their last night on land...show them a good time!
Some of these Formidably Maids drop down squeeling trying to scoop up the money. Others wade on over through the pirate flesh crowd and plop themselves down on the laps of Bucket, Jim, Kav, Calin.
"I'm sure Capt Harrigan has trimmed the Wormwood as fast as it can be. I've more ideas about how to make the other ship slower."
To be honest, Jim’s a bit of a romantic.
He sees a ship as more than a tool to get thing done; he sees it as something special; like a samurai would see a sword, to him a ship is almost a magical thing that transcends the parts to be better than the whole.
Beyond that idea about a ship is a more pragmatic line of thinking the came from what his uncle once told him when he was younger and learning his ropes as a boy.
His uncle told him once - ”The first duty of a captain is to protect his ship; the second duty is to protect his crew. You must put the ship first, because a captain might still stay afloat if some of his crew perish; but he and every man aboard will die if he fails his ship and she sinks beneath the waves on the high seas.”
That’s been with him for a while, and he believes that ship’s need to be taken care of. If a captain takes good care of his ship, he believes that in a tight spot the ship may manage to perform seemingly impossible tasks and save the crew.
As for his comment about “fire” – he was merely suggesting that a person who behaves without passion; logical, calculating, and focused – even if they are good-intentioned they may end up alienating their own men and people may turn their back on them.
He’s merely suggesting that a love for the ship and the brotherhood that exists with the crew is a good thing; but to him he feels a harmony in life and a love for his surroundings. All of this is layered with his personal passions for life in general; of course he holds Ghiv in high respect as they've bled together already, but he wants to inspire people, to excite people, to inflame them with enthusiasm for life all around them.
James turns to Sandara a bit as he feels the weapon pressed against his manhood.
His eyes widen a bit at the action.
Thanks for fending for me a few minutes ago, but let's just stay in the friends zone, 'k?
He presses himself a bit harder against the weapon and looks at her.
”Wouldn’t have it any other way, lass,” he says with a grin, than pulls back from her easily and wanders off.
As he moves through the tavern, he hears Ghiv speak.
A ship is a thing made of wood and iron. The sea, now that is truely worth traveling. The sea is a lady, fickle and deserving of respect.
He nods appreciatively at the words.
”The sea’s damn fine, I’ll grant you that. But she’s not the same as a ship. As for the sea? Well, as for the sea... love her or hate her, she’s keeps rolling on. She’s bigger than our hates and fears and loves and dreams, though,” he says, his words drifting off as he thinks a moment, then shrugs with a grin.
”Anyhow, I reckon that you and I got different thinking on ships, though,” he says carelessly but without rancor and wanders off.
As he moves through the tavern, he overhears Calin talking.
"I'm sure Capt Harrigan has trimmed the Wormwood as fast as it can be. I've more ideas about how to make the other ship slower..."
He stops short and listens a bit to the wily half-elf.
”You know, I’ve learned a few things about patching up ships and working wood before; comes with the territory when you learn to saw,” he adds the last with a bit of a grimace.
”Anyhow, thing is – as we’re thinking on modifications and all… I’ve been on the Wormwood enough; but there’s something on it I missed and an easy fix; but never mind the race,” he says thoughtfully.
”You ever seen a Fighting Top? They’re like a raised deck about twenty feet off the main deck that holds about four or five lads elevated from the rest of the crew below.”
”You put a spellslinger or a sniper up there they can do some serious damage on an enemy boarding party while enjoying some really good cover,” he says a bit eagerly, the chance to talk about something he enjoyed on him.
”Anyhow, it’s just a thought,” he says with a grin.
He glances around at the lasses that are mingling and nudges Calin in the side.
"Looks like there's plenty for both of us, eh? And damn right easy on the eyes to boot," he says with a grin to the half-elf.
It aint none of my business what either of you find attractive, I just don't want to catch either of you scallywags rubbing up against the gunwale or water barrels, savy?
Says bucket as he clasps both Ausk and James on the shoulders.
James suddenly turns from Calin and glances over at The Black with a wide grin.
”Don’t worry on that ‘count, mate,” he says.
Now if you are confused on what a lady really is that Cap'n Aurora, she is a lady and then some
He says loudly, with a whistle through his teeth.
Jim rubs his chin thoughtfully and glances from The Black to the retreating form of Captain Aurora.
”I reckon that you may have a point there,” he says slowly, his eyes searching through the smoky room for the retreating captain, than his eyes tack back to The Black and he shrugs with a dry grin.
As the night progresses Jim will dance with a few lasses and pinch a few behinds, but doesn’t seem very interested in dallying with one, even before he heads out.
But as the night draws to a close he sacks out comfortably but alone...
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You all wake up the next day heads pounding. You slog your way to the docks where the Wormwood and the Witch's Teet are moored side by side. Sandara Quinn is with you, she's your new pal. You see that both ships have only skeleton crews. No wonder they hired you. As you approach the Wormwood you are met with the leering face of Mr. Plugg, the bullying and sadistic first mate.
Ah, fresh meat! Climb aboard ya' Skallywags! And get ready for your first day a'floatin with Capt Harrigan's mighty crew. I'm Mr. Plugg and I'll teach you the ropes. But first, hand over your belongings, weapons and treasure. They belong to the Captain now!
Then something happens that you did not expect...
B'lay that order says Aurora O'Malley. She's calling to you from the Quarter Deck of the Witch's Teet. I'm offering you all positions of equal rank aboard my own ship here. You will KEEP your belongings, gold and treasure. And I will pay you each 20gp if you step aboard and push off with me right now!
Capt Harrigan watches, his arms crossed, from the quarter deck of his own ship.
Ix turns back to Mr. Plugg "Given our past with the captain I'm sure you can on his behalf better that offer."
Bucket has enjoyed the last couple of days with this new found group. He never really jelled with the Wormwood group but he thinks there is alot of potential in a few of the guys he has been with lately. James, Kaz, Ghiv, Ausk, Calin, Ix Chal.
I think I would rather throw in with Cap'n Aurora, would love you all to come with me He informs his new friends. Bucket has always known he wasn't the most charismatic man around but his use if intimidation has served him well. He would hate to have to intimidate them into joining him. Nobody really likes to hang out with him after he gives the the ol angry stink eye.
And you would be welcome aboard, Mr Black. That is your name isn't it? And Master Ix, the honorable mister Plug *witch's teet crew giggles* may find a way to make you an offer of more gold, but not of more adventure.
"Mr Plugg I'm sure the Captain would like us to be at our best if there were any opportunity of plunder. For some of us that just means opening the lockers but others of us require an hour or more preparation each morning. In fact my case I do not think I would be safe to be around without some preparation each morning."
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A runner boy comes down from the Wormwood and whisper's in Plug's ear. Plug: Captain Harrigan has agreed that you may keep your weapons and armor. But any gold you have must be turned over to the war chest for the purposes of winning this competition. So you will have access to your alchemical gear, Ix, what say you??
O'Malley winks at Ix. I've got a good Albric onboard the Teet aswell
Ix smiles at his new found power, no one had ever bargained for him before, almost no one had even accepted him. He nods up to Mr Plugg seeming satisfied. He turns to Lady O'Malley "We have history with Captain Harrigan, we know where we stand. Unless you have something more to say we'll decide quickly."
Turning to his companions he lowers his voice "Can't say I care where I go, but I'd like to stick together with the rest of you as I trust you more than either of the captains. I suggest we all pull out a coin, copper for Harrigan, silver for O'Malley and reveal them at the same time and go with the majority."
Calin shrugs, "How are we to know who's the better captain? Which ship is in better shape?"
The sea does not concern itself with the boat which sails upon it. Which of these captains will give us the best course? And the best chance at true power..
Ghiv says with a gleam in his eye.
Well I ain't no sailor. I'm here to knock gold teeth outand winks to BucketI ain't joinin the army here. You lads do as you wish I'm throwin in with Capt O'Mally there. Kaz walks onto a ship for the first time in his life despite being born in port Perril.
Ix Chal reaches into his belt pouch then puts his hand closed in front of him.
Ghiv flips a coin and shows it.
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Votes so far:
O'Malley - Bucket, Kaz, Ghiv
Harrigan - none one yet
Calin, both ships are in fine shape. Each is a 16 gun man-of-war, two batteries of 6 guns on each side, 2 a'forward, and 2 aft. Each has 3 decks and 3 masts, about 100ft long and 30 ft wide. Fine seaboats. The Wormwood is has a prow shaped like a sea dragon and the Teet has a prow carved with the form of a mermaid.
The big one eyes orcish singer strokes his short beard and shakes his head. "Sorry, Mr. Plugg, Cap'n Harrigan. The lady is far and above a more attractive option. So we'll be takin' our place with the lady on this one."
The six of you and your new friend Sandara Quinn step aboard your new vessel, the Witch's Teet. Happy sailing, Captain Harrigan! We will see you at Bonewrack Isle in 50 days! Aurora waves to her opponent, then she tosses her head back and laughs heartily. All hands, make sail!!!
The Witch's Teet plys deftly away from Port Peril and into Jeopordy Bay. The Wormwood cuts quietly through the water beside you. The salty sea air fills your nose and the sound of gulls following the galleons can be heard in the sky. It is a beautiful day.
Ghiv watches the waves underneath him and quells the urge to frolic beneath the waves. He feels the power of the Sea and breathes it in deeply.
Well you boys have fun. Wake me when there's somethin ta fight. I'll be in the what's a call it. Where the beds are.
Ol' one eyed Ausk climbs a bit up the rigging, smiling as he watches the ship move away from land. "Salt spray in the face. Ain't nothin' in the world better, lads and lasses."
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The Wormwood begins to turn away from you, sailing on it's own course. As it does you all look out and see JIM standing there on the quarterdeck with Capt Harrigan!! He waves goodbye to you. You wonder why he chose to part ways with you all, but you also suspect you will see his scurvy arse again somewhere in the Shackles...
There be nothing like setting sail me lads, but thar be no sleepin Kaz. We be needing all hands, lubbars or not to keep one step ahead o the sea. We'll make a sailor out of you yet mate!
This be my first time with any Cat Folk Ix. I have alot to learn on this trip. Just know that any jokes of cat nature are purely incidental and not for offendin. bucket says with a wink to Ix Chal
Ausk, maybe you should sing out a dirge for our rivals on the Wormwood.
He considers Buckets word.
Humph. Well I guess I can turn that wheel thingy up there. That looks easy enough.
Bucket addresses Captain Aurora I am no stranger to the riggings and I know my way around the helm well enough. I consider myself a decent enough pilot under pressure. But wherever you need me I'll put my back into it there but maybe you should let me work with and teach Kaz along the way
O'Malley smiles at Bucket, and then hollars at Kaz as he's headed for the wheel...
Not so fast sailor! I need you on the starboard gun battery. Go below and have them fire some volleys. My crew should respond well enough to your orders. Your job is to get them ready for pirating!!
And Kaz, I said starboard battery! That's the RIGHT side-o-the ship. If you puffed off the port side right now you might sink our dear friend Capt Harrigan She points at the Wormwood which is just now sailing away at the edge of cannon range:)
As for the rest of you:
- Calin - Navigator, find the charts in my cabin.
- Ghiv - Helms-man, take the wheel
- Ix - Crows lookout, get your furry kitty butt up there!
- Bucket - Fisherman / Cook, catch and fix me something good!
- Ausk - Marine training, you will find them below deck!
Let's get to work!
Ghiv grabs the wheel and feels the sea surging beneath the ship. He feels pleased by this and enjoys the sensation of the pulsing waves beneath his feet and under his hands.
