As it turns out, Fishguts managed to stash a single, small barrel of rum in the galley without Plugg learning about it. It won't last long, but he's optimistic about being able to resupply in Bloodcove, Port Peril or even Rickety's Squibs, if that's where the Man's Promise next makes port. As the crew begins passing around the rum, though, the unspoken question raised by Kroop hangs heavy in the air: where are we going next?
Chum has had all the rum rations he wants, so he demurs when it's offered. Having nothing specific to do at the moment, he walks to the side of the ship nearest the big storm - he always seems to know which side that is anymore - and stares out at the horizon.
I approach the three surviving members of Scourge's press gang where they sit, bound and gagged next to the new comer with my dagger drawn. Kneeling down and carefully reaching behind the well-muscled man, I untie his gag.
"Master Galshtun, it pains me that we have had to begin our time sailing together in this fashion. I assume that you were put into this situation under duress from the former first mate and his lackeys here, but I would hear your side of things."
As Grabber speaks, I stare Syl in the eyes and almost absent-mindedly run the point of my blade along the rigger's jawline.
After staring into the distance for a while, Chum comes back to where the others are. There is an odd clarity in his eyes as he looks at each of them in turn. "We need a captain. And a heading."
[ooc]Here's the proposal that I suggest to the players and Chum would share with the party, but lacks the confidence to do so before the victors. The crew (that wishes to) jointly owns this ship and jointly names a new captain to serve at the majority's whim. The crew names a new captain today to serve as such until we reach dock. At that time, we vote to see whether we retain that individual as captain or we relieve them of their duties in favor of a new candidate."[/b]
"I think that's a fine plan, Master Chum. I say we sail to Rickety's Squibs to rename the Promise and finish the mutiny Plugg started. From there, we can draft a charter and become the masters of our destinies."
Nodding, the half-elf turns to face the paladin. "That's a heading I think the crew would agree with." Spreading his hands wide, he asks,
"But who will be the captain until that charter is drawn up? And why will the crew follow him or her? I don't want to throw down one tyrant to empower another one. Don't mistake me: I have no interest in becoming a captain and would not expect any to follow me, anyway. I don't have the right touch."
Looking at the others, he says, "I'm of two minds on the matter and am curious what your thoughts are. I respect your opinions. I also think that if the four of us are in agreement, that will go a long way toward this ship being able to proceed without further time lost. I'm concerned that Harrigan's spellcaster will realize something is amiss with his prize and he will come looking for it before we are ready."
"... the four of us are in agreement..."
Evril's attention seems to be focused squarely on the the tip of his dagger as he uses it to tease the edges of the cloth gag in Syl's mouth.
Grabber watches the dagger with wide eyes. "I... uh... Master Plugg let me live, you know? I just thought... I owed him...?"
Grabber watches the dagger with wide eyes. "I... uh... Master Plugg let me live, you know? I just thought... I owed him...?"
"I am relieved to hear that, Master Galshtun, though I am sorry that you were put in that position to begin with. We'll be taking this ship to port, and would appreciate your help in getting there. Once we arrive, you are free follow destiny to where ever it takes you, as will anyone who took part in the liberation of the Man's Promise will get. No one will ever be kept against their will."
Returning my attention to Syl and her cohorts, I continue, "These three will have a chance to speak their piece before... well, I guess we need a captain before we can decide that."
I join the others after hearing Eleuterio's comment about crafting a new charter. "I don't give three keys what happens once we reach the Squibs. I'll be on the first reputable ship bound for Andoran, and hope to be back before I lose my commission. Hand the helm over to whoever wants it, and let's catch some wind."
I turn to the frightened man, lowering my dagger and offering a genuine smile as I untie his feet.
"I am relieved to hear that, Master Galshtun, though I am sorry that you were put in that position to begin with. We'll be taking this ship to port, and would appreciate your help in getting there. Once we arrive, you are free follow destiny to where ever it takes you, as will anyone who took part in the liberation of the Man's Promise will get. No one who values freedom will ever be kept against their will."
Returning my attention to Syl and her cohorts, I continue, "These three will have a chance to speak their piece before... well, I guess we need a captain before we can decide that."
Well, then. That appears to be our next order of business, does it not? I asked, a nervous twist occurring in my stomach. I was ever cognizant of my destiny as a feared and fierce pirate of the Shackles, but there was also the matter of prudence; allowing events to unfold as they will. One does not fight destiny, but one should not force destiny either.
I do believe that we have souls amongst our number who would no doubt be outstanding captains. Humility must be set aside and I would volunteer my name to be included in that list, but by no means do I seek to wrest that title for the mere grasping at power like Plugg or Scourge. No. I would mean to take this vessel to fortune and glory for all aboard her. I submit my desire to be captain to you fine fellows and the will of the Pirate Queen herself. Should I be found wanting, I would turn over the helm to Eleuterio, Sandara, or even the Owlbear if that be the will of the crew. But mark my words, I have every intention of following in the great wake of my father, and if I achieve half of the mighty deeds he did in his time, then we shall all have the adventure of our lives!
I waited with anticipation. What say you?
"I say you're on the list. Is there another that would join him?"
"Is there another that would join him?"
"What about you, Master Reis? You want a shot at recovering your family's nautical legacy, or are you going to master your destiny some other when?"
Eleuterio thinks hard upon Cooper's words. "Take Master de Poisson's speech and reverse its course, and you have my reasons for wishing captaincy. I grew up hearing the name of 'Rumrunner' Reis, and thought him to be the sort of pirate my esteemed colleague wishes to be. As I grew older, I learned the truth about him - a truth many of you know. 'Rumrunner' was a black and evil man, and it was because of his legacy I took a paladin's vows. I wanted to cleanse the sea of the scum that choked its trade routes, and sought a privateer's license. Those dreams were shattered the moment I walked into Port Peril and woke up aboard the Wormwood. I have to believe that the Inheritor put me aboard that ship so I might be able to perform her work here. If you sail under my flag, I would seek to use our ship to hunt the worst offenders of the name 'pirate,' starting with that black-hearted bastard Harrigan. I realize many of you did not expect to work with a holy warrior - I know I certainly didn't expect any of this - but I think there will be plenty of profit in taking down the worst of the worst. Make no mistake, there would be rules and regulations, and there would be curtailing of the worst excesses of the pirate's code, but you would not just be sailing for coin - you'd be sailing for a cause as well. If you just seek gold enough to pay for your time in port with a full flagon of cheap ale and nights with some flea-infested jenny, then sail with Artevious. If, however, you want a different sort of reward, one that will reward you both here and in the Boneyard, then sail under my flag."
"I have no desire to be captain. Anyone else? Master Cooper?"
"I have no desire to be captain. Anyone else? Master Cooper?"
"Claiming the helm implies a level of permanence that I don't intend to reach, Master Seaborn. It should go to someone with such aspirations."
The crew listens to Artevious' and Eleuterio's speeches with consideration. There is a certain amount of skepticism in their expressions at Artevious' mention of his father's deeds, although Cogward grins broadly and nods with great enthusiasm. On the other hand, though, they look noticeably unthrilled with Eleuterio's talk of curtailing excess, and the idea of hunting Harrigan seems to strike most as both inviting and suicidal.
Ahem.
Eyebrow raised, half-smile on his lips, Chum tries to gauge which way the wind blows among the crew.
The truth is, both would-be captains speak the force of conviction and the power of their personal charisma; in the end, however, it is the nature of those convictions that settles them. One by one, the members of the crew step forward and offer their hands to Artevious. Cogward is the first to do so, unsurprisingly, while Badger Medlar waits until it is clear which way the wind is blowing before she steps up, and is the last to do so. (Grabber, in case anyone was wondering, was not the first, but was in the first half.) Everyone looks to Eleuterio to see how he will respond to this.
Eleuterio nods as the crew places their backing to Artevious. "As you wish," he says. He looks to the pistoleer, his face inscrutable. "Congratulations, Captain de Poisson. You have a ship and a bearing. I can swear I will follow your orders until we reach Rickety's Squibs, but I will have to think on what course lies for me beyond that."
Chum walks over to Eleuterio to shake his hand. "I would serve under either of you. I'm hope you stay on after the Squibs."
He nods over at Artevious among the crew and gives him a small smile.
Climbing up by the wheel, he looks toward the storm once more, listening.
Eleuterio nods as the crew places their backing to Artevious ... He looks to the pistoleer, his face inscrutable.
I clap the paladin on the back as he steps away from the throng surrounding the newly-minted captain.
"No worries, sir! Everyone knows it's the First Mate that really gets things done at sea, yeah?
"Ahoy, Captain!" I shout. "Are we ready to get this crate moving? And what are we to do with our prisoners, aye?
A wistful smile comes to Eleuterio's face as he shakes Chum's hand. "Thank you, Master Chum. Whatever my decision, I am glad for the opportunity to have met you." He gives a soft chuckle at Cooper's words, but it's clear that they only cause a few more wrinkles to appear upon the paladin's brow, rather their intended purpose.
"Aye, Captain, what shall we do with Plugg's friends?"
Destiny's time had come. I was named captain, and I had a crew. Though I wished to savor the moment, and bask in the wonderment of achieving this long-sought goal, I had to act. And my first decision to make as captain, it appeared, would be deciding the fate of three captive enemies.
Right, then. I walked over and picked up Plugg's cat o' nine tails, then stood over Aretta, Jape and Syl. After looking at them for a moment with a stern gaze while twisting the lash in my hands, I turned and hurled the cat into the sea. Mr. Reis, would you see about fashioning a brig below decks and make sure they're secured within? Ask Owlbear to guard them once they're locked up. If they behave, we'll turn them loose at the Squibs.
I then began the task of making sure everyone else had their orders. Mr. Cooper! Your time in the bilges has come to an end. Mess around down there again and we'll have words, you and I. I believe you have some skill at carpentry, yes? Please assist Mr. Reis in making sure our brig is stout and secure.
Mr. Seaborn! The helm, if you please. I'll get you a course and heading forthwith! I just need to see to what charts our former captain left us. Oh, and could you fish out that cat o' nine tails? It might be worth something to sell.
I beckoned Miss Quinn to me and took her hand. I gave her a playful smile.Alas, Sandara, prudence dictates that I not fraternize with the crew. Such is the heavy burden of the captaincy. I finished with a bow and kiss on her hand. Please see that the corpses receive a fitting Besmaran send-off, so they don't come back to attempt ghostly vengeance upon us. Oh, and check Plugg for anything valuable.
I knew the rest of the crew, and knew well their skills and strengths. I had our riggers rigging, and swabs swabbing, and before long they had the Man's Promise under sail and ready to go. I gave Chum our heading after plotting the course to the Slithering Coast and returned to the deck.
As the anchor was raised and the sails caught the wind, I extolled the crew. Look sharp! Trim the lines and straighten the jib! We're making way to Rickety Squibs at best speed!
Chum looks at the new captain, eyebrows raised. "Aye, captain." Pointing at a trio of crew members, the quiet man says, "You three. We are going fishing. You two man the hoist, and you come with me in the little boat. We will need to maneuver."
Fortunately for Chum - not to mention Artevious' sense of drama - the mostly-leather cat sinks slowly in the water, so quick work from the half-elf and his companions is enough to reclaim the lost weapon. By the time the four of the return in the jolly, the crew is ready to go; it turns out that there's little need for actual carpentry work in fashioning a brig, since the cargo deck of the Man's Promise includes a secure section, currently empty, whose door is locked with a well-made lock. (The key was originally in possession of one of the officers of the Man's Promise, and was given to Plugg after it was claimed in the battle's aftermath. The ship's keys are on Plugg's body when it is searched.) Three hammocks strung from the walls are enough to turn the bare storeroom into a serviceable brig, at least for the short time the trip to Rickety's Squibs should take.
It is Sandara who produces the key ring, as part of her search of Plugg's body. In addition to the keys, she finds a potion, three enchanted crossbow bolts, his cutlass, a light crossbow with 10 bolts, an amulet, a set of bracers, a leather drinking cup, and a stash of 100 sp and 200 gp. She announces that the potion (obviously), the enchanted bolts, the cutlass, the amulet and the bracers are all magical. In addition, she says that the manacles you found on him before are magical as well.
"I can take a look at the enchanted items if you wish. I am far from an expert on such matters, but I have a little training."
"TURN THEM LOOSE!?" I bellow, incredulous. "Have you taken further leave of your senses, Captain? These three bilge rats have been after our hides since we were bundled aboard, and you want to give them another chance? Leu," I continue, turning again to the paladin. "Syl and Tate tried to GUT you. Tate got what he had coming, but are you really ok with letting her walk?"
Drawing my rapier, I approach the three prisoners where they sit bound together on the deck. I sneer as I run the tip of my blade along Syl's collar. "If you really think they don't deserve to dangle from the yardarms, set them loose in one of the jollies and let the sea decide."
Eleuterio is about to yell for the Andoran to stand down, but he suddenly remembers whose allegiance the pirates have chosen. He was not in charge here, Captain de Poisson is. Still, he couldn't remain silent either.
"Master Cooper makes a very good point," the paladin says, leaving his cutlass still buried in Plugg's chest and claiming the man's blade for his own. He begins advancing to the three remaining members of Plugg's Quartet. "Had the tables been turned, there wouldn't even be any conversation - we'd be sporting a second smile across our throats and thrown into the brine for the fish to feed on our bodies. So the question is why we should spare your lives." He levels the full weight of his gaze to Slippery Syl. "After we fought in the bilges, I asked you a question. I asked you to think about your allegiances, and whether you could do better. I gave you a chance - all of you a chance - to change the course you were heading. But here you are, kneeling in the blood-soaked timbers of the Promise, waiting for someone else to decide what to do with you. I'm going to give you the chance Plugg would have squandered. Convince me that redemption is not beyond you, and, assuming that Captain de Poisson agrees, we will let you depart at Rickety's Squibs. Fail to convince me, or spurn my offer, and then your necks will stretch. The choice is yours."
Chum, uncomfortable with the scene playing out on the deck and unsure whether he cared about the outcome one way or the other, moves to the ship's helm and familiarizes himself with the wheel. He watches the drama play out from there.