Naderi, if today is our death, let it not be by falling.
Then I climb for as many of those as possible.
Climbing 1
Climbing 2
Climbing 3
Climbing 4
Climbing 5
Climbing 6
Climbing 7
Climbing 8
Climbing 9
Climbing 10
When Mithas does not move, and causes distracting smoke to issue from his hand, then next crack of the whip is not above or to the side, but directly at him.
The strike lands and stings cruelly, but is clearly meant to "motivate" you to climb the mast, not to overly damage you.
and with that Master Scourge is marked for death.
Cursing in a half dozen languages Mithas starts climbing.
Climb 1:
Climb 2:
Climb 3:
Climb 4:
Climb 5:
Climb 6:
Climb 7:
Climb 8:
Climb 9:
Climb 10:
Jericho and Octavia get off to very strong starts, Lazha and Mithas less so.
As Lazha tries an initial approach, she gets tangled in rigging and slowed considerably before making good progress for a bit, then getting tangled once more.
Mithas, stung by the lash of the whip and distracted while trying to figure out the best language for cursing his current situation, actually slips from his hold about thirteen feet off the deck, and manages to land with a spectacular crash back on the deck.
Jericho and Octavia are neck and neck on the way up the 60-foot high mast, but Jericho manages to just edge her out at the top of the mast, whereupon Mr. Plugg bellows out, "Congratulations, whoever you are, you'll join those in the crew at the rigging! Get back to the deck, all you lubbers!"
Mithas, grumbling all the while, gets to his feet and checks to make sure he didn't accidentally crush his familiar in the fall.
Mithas, grumbling all the while, gets to his feet and checks to make sure he didn't accidentally crush his familiar in the fall.
Octavia breathing hard, looks out over the open ocean to catch her breath.
She turns back to Jericho, Good race, What's your name? I'm Antonius.
Bluff Check:
Disguise Check:
She extends her hand with a friendly smile.
Perception:
Lazha climbs back down the rigging very slowly and carefully. She walks over to the disgruntled elf, who had just gotten to his feet.
You're Mithas, yes? That was quite the spectacular fall. Are you hurt?
Mithas looks up upon hearing his name.
"Yes, I am Mithas. Lazha right? I appreciate the concern, but I am fine. The fall hurt my pride more than anything, though that whip lash did sting. Hopefully, whatever absurdity they force us to do next does not prove more deadly."
Jericho shakes hand with Antonius (having no reason to suspect the disguise), using the opportunity of them being high above the others, hoping that they are not with ear-shot he mumbles briefly in a low voice: "I'm Jericho, glad to meet ya. You're not so bad yourself Antonius. And these bastards will pay for sure for this scullywaggin'..."
Slowly, and very carefully, he descends to the deck bellow.
Day 1 - Morning
"Fine work," Mr. Plugg sneers at Jericho when he reaches the deck, "You'll respond directly to me as you work the rigging. Get over with the riggers and await orders."
Somehow appearing both disgusted and hopeful at the same time, Mr. Plugg comes down from the sterncastle looks at each of you who stand at the base of the mainmast. "Gozreh's codpiece, what a sorry climber you are," he derides Mithas. "Be thankful Master Scourge found others along with you, or I'd have half a mind to use you for chum."
Mr. Plugg looks past Octavia, appearing to fall for her disguise, and comes to a stop before Lazha: "Too fine a dress for rigging work - might get tangled in the ropes! Too fine as well for swabs and holystones - maybe the galley would be best! Can you cook? Fishguts has us eating such slop, and it would be a fine change to have a womans touch handling the food for a change!"
"Well if Master Scourge wanted a climber, he should have kidnapped a monkey, not a wizard."
Aye sir. I've not cooked for so many, but I can cook. I'm also a healer -- when I have all my supplies.
Lazha could just imagine her father laughing at the thought of her in the galley. She'd mostly paid attention when he'd taught her how to cook, and she kept herself fed ever since she'd lived on her own. How hard could being a cook be?
Octavia Nods at Jericho in a friendly fashion after Mr. Plugg "Congratulates" him.
As Mr. Plugg takes more notice of the others and starts barking orders at the half-orc she thinks,
Well so far so good, I've managed to avoid to much attention for now. On my trip from Cheliax I saw a lot of men hard at work at a number of jobs but I never really gave them much attention. I wish I'd paid them a little more mind now.
Antonius stands boldly with his feet shoulder width apart, his arms crossed and his shoulders back waiting to see what his fate is. Octavia waits with some trepidation.
Day 1 - Morning
When Lazha answers in the affirmtive, Mr. Plugg waves a hand at one of Master Scourge's men, who comes forward to forcibly direct you to one of the nearest sets of stairs leading down. "Get 'em to Kroop, there's grub to assemble."
He glares at the two of you who remain, then turns to Master Scourge. "Get 'em to swabbing. THE REST OF YOU LOT!" He bellows out and the rest of those on deck look up at Mr Plugg. "Riggers, there's rope work needs doing. Swabs, mops and holystones, yer to swab the deck today! GET TO WORK!"
Octavia Takes up the holystone and Mops and stands there for a moment unsure of what to do our how to do it.
I've never used a mop in my entire life? How am I supposed to know what to do?
She looks around desperately for another member of the crew who's doing the same task and knows what they are doing.
Perception Check:
Strength Check to Swab the deck:
Jericho stands for a few seconds, wandering if "winning the rope race" was such a smart move. Although he spent better part of his life near the ships and the water, he had no idea what to do with the ropes, not to mention sails and rigging. Moving towards his designated area, he tried to observe what the other sailors were doing with the ropes, and then to copy their behaviour in the best possible way.
Being new "recruits", he knew that they will be watching them carefully the first few days, and they will be dealing punishment as a lesson as often as possible. He tried his best to avoid being at the other end of the Master Scourge whip, trying to catch the right opportunity just to survey his surrounding, and hopefully get to know the ship better.
Deciding that it might be better to keep his head down for the time being, Mithas goes about is work diligently. He does try to do so with the least amount of physical activity as possibly. Dipping into his magical bag of tricks, he uses copious castings of Prestidigitation to clean the deck. If the holystones weigh less then 5lbs, he uses Mage Hand to mentally direct its scrubbing.
If his magical manipulations prove unsuccessful, with profound disdain, he does the work with his precious, precious hands.
A shame Mr Plugg didn't take the hint about supplies, she would have really liked to have gotten those back.
Lazha follows the men downstairs, the weight of her situation finally settling on her. This is not the day she had expected. Likely as not, she'll be saying the same thing every day until she finds a way off this scow.
On her way down, she tries to get them talking.
What I don't understand, Lazha asks, looking down coyly. Is why ye'd need to press-gang with such fine sailors on board as ye-selves.
If there's one thing Lazha knows from her mother's stories, it's that while the Captain is the most important person on the ship, the second most important person is the cook. So once she's working in the galley, she wants to concentrate on getting to know the cook. To learn his hopes and dreams, so that someday she can help him unchain his heart. No matter where she is, there is always the Goddess' work to be done.
Wouldn't it be strange if that was why she'd been taken, to minister to this crew? But no, Naderi was subtle, but not devious. At least, not usually.
In addition, seeing the difficulty she is having, she offers direct aid to Mithas in the proper use of holystone and mop. Mithas, you are sure that without these pointers, even using magical assistance, you would have been quite fatigued at the end of the day.
The cramped and chaotic kitchen holds two wooden worktables, several wooden cupboards, and two small stoves against the port wall, as well as virtually every cooking utensil imaginable and a frightening array of meat cleavers. A score of chickens and three goats wander freely throughout the chamber. The stoves are lit, and large cauldrons bubble away atop them.
A short, yet heavyset, man stands at one of the worktables with a cleaver in one hand, a bottle of rum in the other, and a black chicken perched on his shoulder. He shakes his bleary eyes after a moment, then speaks in a thick Shackles-accent, "Well, what has Aretta Bansion brought me now? You'd be one of those picked up last night, and that means Plugg has done good as his word and given me a cooks mate. Good to have you. Name's Kroop, Ambrose if you will. Now, we need to get this stew together: please tell me you can fish, or at least pretend to know how. These are good waters for it, so shouldn't be hard. Think there are some nets in the main hold - go nab 'em and head up on deck, Plugg will let you out in the jollyboat to fish. Any questions?" He takes a long pull at the bottle while he waits.
Octavia's eyes go wide as Sandara offers up the box of paints and dyes. But she quickly tries to hide her excitement from Sandara and Mithas.
Thank you Octavia says trying to measure her tone. Much appreciated. That box there belongs to me I believe. I'd be happy to ah...yes we have an accord that is.
She looks at Mithas and back and Sandara and introduces herself to both of them I'm Antonius Extending her hand to both in turn and offering a friendly smile.
Bluff Check:
I've got to say I didn't expect to find myself in this situation when I woke up this morning. And I confess ignorance Sandara but what's going to happen to us? How does one go about getting off this...ah, out of this predicament?
Octavia strokes her moustache more to make sure its secure than anything else.
Mithas gives Sandara an appraising look, thanking her for her aid.
Madam, if you can provide me with my tome, you would have my gratitude. Now, if you could manage to filch my components pouch, we'd be running this ship before the week is out."
He takes Antonius' hand in greeting. "Mithas"
"Sandara, I take it that this is no ordinary sloop. The unsavoury nature of its captain, leads me to believe that this vessel might be used for nefarious purposes. Am I wrong?"
Lazha rolls her eyes, but keeps silent. Not where I was going, flat-tooth. But think what you like. At least there are other women aboard -- Lazhza had worried she might be the only one.
The galley was a lot more disorganized than Lazha remembered from The Maw, though she'd never been on more than a day-voyage, either.
Aye sir -- Ambrose. I'm Lazha. and I can certainly pretend to fish. So nets, hold. Plugg, deck, jollyboat. Catch what I can and bring it down here for stew. Right?
Lazha takes a breath, then plows on.
How many are we cooking for, how much should I catch? And, and, and...Sorry, this is all just a bit overwhelming. How long have you been doing this, anyway?
After talking with Kroop, she follows his instructions for fishing. Hopefully it really will be as easy as that.
Survival check:
With nothing special happening, Jericho manages to keep a low profile all throughout the day. He works as instructed, biding his time, hoping to get his bearings before deciding on his next course of action.
“It's poison, this ship, but don't let anyone hear you say it aloud. The hull listens, see, and the cap'n hears it all. Poison the Wormwood is, though, rotten to the core. You'll not meet a more nasty, sour piece of work than Cap'n Harrigan in all your days at sea, and his crew's the same, 'specially the first mate, Mr. Plugg. Vicious little sod, he is. He'd take his own mother's liver to the butcher to make pies with, he would. But they leave me alone, mostly. They know I can't 'arm 'em.” He takes another pull of the rum, his eyes bleary. "Yer fishin' fer a score and a half. Catch as many as you can, it canno hurt to have too many. Ye'll get the hang o' it. Asmodeus knows ye'll be doing it plenty."
You successfully find the nets, get the boat out (with assistance), and catch a good number of fish. Kroop seems very pleased, and between pulls of liquor begins deftly cleaning and gutting the catch, showing you how in the process, but mostly directing you to throw the cut up chunks into the bubbling pots.
- Barefoot Samms Toppin
- “Ratline” Rattsberger
- Maheem
- Slippery Syl Lonegan
- Tam “Narwhal” Tate
- Conchobhar Turlach Shortstone
You are all summoned to the deck at the end of the day by the evening bell. Sandara looks at Octavia and Mithas and shakes her head. "Bloody hour. Get ready for a spectacle." She turns and heads up toward the deck.
Mithas turns to Sandara,
"Dare I ask what makes it so bloody."
He also takes a moment to try and get a head count of the crew assembled on deck.
Piracy? I've never even thrust a real sword, only ever in practice for the stage.
She follows Sandara to the deck but continues to think
I have no future at home in Cheliax and no real future in Sargava, it was only a place to escape to. Well I sure have escaped
Octavia laughs out loud, but quickly stifles it.
As she and the crew assemble she looks first for her other two companions to see how they fared with their tasks. Nodding a greeting to Jericho if she sees him. If she can see the other half-orc she'll try and stand next to her to see if she cant get an opportunity to introduce herself.
As she moves about the deck she lets her eyes scan the crew for those other four sailors who stood out to her when she was brought from below deck. She wants to try and get an impression of who they are.
At the sound of the evening bell, Lazha goes back up on deck, smelling of fish. She looks around for the others from the Formidably Maid. It seemed clear that on a ship like the Wormwood you needed allies to survive. Anyone here already would have started building loyalties that Lazha couldn't even guess. With Mithas and the others, it would still be mostly about survival.
Perception check:
@Mithas - Sandara gives you a pained look, then motions for you to follow and stay close. "It's the time when punishments are handed out. Get ready for a taste of pirate justice."
Octavia sees the other half-orc walking up on the deck and she makes her way over to her unable to pick out any other familiar faces.
She introduces herself as Antonius a human swordsman from Cheliax.
She extends her hand and tries to give a firm manly handshake.
Mind if I ask you your name madame? I've met our other two "recruits" She points over her shoulder at Mithas.
Suddenly smelling the scent of fish wafting of Lazha she scrunches up her nose. Ah! She covers her nose sorry I ah... I guess I'll have to get used to the smell of fish if we're going to be stuck here for some time.
She sure is tall, I guess being a quarter blood means I didnt inherit every orcish trait.
You and me both. Thirty mouths to feed means a lot of fish to catch and clean. I hope I can get a bath tonight -- but I doubt it.
I can create all the fresh water I need, but I'd still need soap and privacy, and I bet there's little of either to be found.
Glad to meet you Antonius. I'm Lazha. I do...end of life counseling. Lazha smiles broadly, showing her tusks. How has it been on the decks today?
Antonius reminded Lazha of her father -- handsome, with delicate features. And it's always good to know a swordsman.
Day 1 - Dusk
All hands are summoned to the mainmast, where Master Scourge and Mr. Plugg have a young man secured with tight bonds about his wrists and ankles and a gag in his mouth that prevents more than grunts and whimpers. The other crew members have a mixture of discomfort and veiled glee on their faces when the captain himself steps forward at the helm and bellows out, "And what have we this bloody hour, Mr. Plugg?"
"One Jakes Magpie," Mr. Plugg calls back, "Guilty of pilfering from stores secured by the quartermaster, now to be out to the keel." A devilish grin crosses Master Scourge's gaunt features, obviously relishing the moment.
"Then put him to it, Mr. Plugg!" the captain calls back, to the raucous calls of a few crew members and the careful silence of the rest at attention. Those of you who worked with Sandara today see that she appears wearily resigned to this event, and clutches at a carved piece of ebony, and appears to be mouthing an series of words while she watches the gruesome spectacle unfold.
Though he struggles, Jakes Magpie is clearly too weak to resist overmuch, and in short time goes over the fore of the ship with a splash. Plugg and Scourge walk along the rails, each with a length of rope in hand and a sinister grin on their faces, before they reach the stern and haul out the bloody mess that was once Jakes Magpie and depositing the bloody mass at the starboard rail to observe their handiwork. The captain gives a hearty laugh, echoed by his officers, Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge, and a few others obviously relishing the violence.
Mithas watches the scene unfold with some distaste, but does nothing. He leans over and gives Sandara a sly wink.
"Now I wonder what he was accused of stealing from the quartermaster?"
Before she has time to respond to Lazha's question the crew is summoned.
Octavia tries desperately to hide her disgust, she's never seen a dead body before and to see one so bloody nearly upsets her stomach, the rank odour of fish wafting off Lazha doesn't help her stomach.
Mustering a stern face she turns to Lazha, Well there's one poor soul who could have used your counsel.
Mithas watches the scene unfold with some distaste, but does nothing. He leans over and gives Sandara a sly wink.
"Now I wonder what he was accused of stealing from the quartermaster?"
Sandara shakes her head, sadly. "No, i stole nothing from Grok. I simply convinced her that keeping my possessions - and a couple other items - would result in a curse from Besmara."
Antonius' words echo in Lazha's head, and before the thought has clearly formed in her head, she has stepped forward, and is walking briskly towards Magpie's dead body.
Don't talk to the captain, don't talk to the captain, don't talk to the captain...
Mr Plugg, sir? Is it permitted to pray over the body and commit his soul to the deep?
Jakes Magpie, today you have freely chosen death by stealing from the stores of the good ship Wormwood. Go and meet your death with your eyes and heart open.
Lazha casts Stabilize on Jakes.
As you are taken into Naderi's cold, sweet embrace, be not afraid. Naderi has taken you to her bosom -- you are not alone. As she takes your breath with her deep kisses, remember that you are forever safe in her arms.
Lazha casts Remove Fear on Jakes.
Rejoice, Jakes Magpie. Today is the day you lay down your burdens. Swim to the goddess with a clear mind and joyful heart.
If Lazha has time, and Jakes remains in range (even over the side) she will positive channel twice.
Afterwards, Lazha walks back to Antonius, and says, Thank you for reminding me of my duty.
Octavia is surprised and frightened as Lazha freely and boldy steps out and strides forward, but she feels an admiration for this woman. This woman has boldness where Octavia would be timid.
Am I timid due to my upbrining or because I did not inherit boldness and courage from my fathter
Seeing Lazha's courage Octavia realizes that's something of her orcish heritiage she wants to explore.
She nods at the larger woman as she thanks her.
Looking slightly befuddled, Jericho watches the scene unravelling in front of him without a sound. He felt deep disgust at one moment, not so much at the sight of Jakes broken body (he was used to seeing effects of violence on other people's bodies, sometimes even on his own), but at the reaction of Captain and his officers. They were laughing, and Jericho has met that sort before. Maniacs, wild dogs who needed to be put down as soon as possible, lest they bring chaos and destruction everywhere around them.
Noticing Lazha's unusual, not to say bold, reaction, he thought - And you shall be put down!
** spoiler omitted **
Mr. Plugg does not hear your initial request, and the scattered jeering of the pirates overshadows your first words and spell,
However, it has somewhat diminished by the second set of words, which are easily perceived by nearly all on deck, including Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge, who each fix you with a malevolent eye. the captain calls out from the helm, "Try to interfere with ships justice, eh, Naderite? Maybe a stripe or two will help you know - there be no peace in a watery grave! Master Scourge, three lashes before the mast to remind the lady o' her place!" Jakes' corpse is shoved through a gap in the rail, and it lands with a splash in the ocean, well outside the range of Lazha's healing, before rough hands grab her from each side to lead her to the mast and the binding ropes there. Master Scourge begins to uncoil his whip and take up position.
The first set of hands, belonging to a big Rahadoumi with a masterful scowl, easily grab hold and drag you up to the mast. The second set, belonging to a sticky dwarf, have less initial success, but then moves to help the Rahadoumi secure you with rope to the mast.
Octavia watches this unfold, with an increasing rage and anger as they drag Lazha to the mast, the injustice of it all, the violence, the bloodthirsty nature of the pirates.
She looks around feeling helpless and abandoned and it makes her want to scream at the top of her lungs!!!
Octavia begins to war with herself her Orcish blood agaisnt her human upbrining.
CALM, calm, calm...remember what your mother taught you to control your orc blood, (no let it out!) you are not an orc (you are!!), you are a lady, you are not an animal you are a human (ha!). What would a human do, what would a noble woman do? (pathetic)...but they may discover your a woman, they may discover your identity, (Get over yourself Octavia, do something!)
Mustering courage she doesn't know she has Octavia steps forward.
Please, Please Wait! We are new here, she made no effort to offend and had no intention of disrupting your just punishment, only to do her duty to her god. Surley she can be forgiven this one mistake?
So much for going unnoticed. This is going to end so badly for you...
Mithas winces at the captain's pronouncement, having tasted the whip the day before, but does not interfere.
Jericho was firmly fixed on not to react - it was obvious that these people are sadists of the worst kind, and he met a lot of those in his previous days. He knew that they respected only force, and sometimes not even that. And they were not in a position of force, obviously. He knew that if he shows just one ounce of what they considered defiance, he will be the next on the mast.
Yet, after the brave act of half-orc woman, and when Antonius spoke up, he simply could not stand aside. He stepped forward next to Antonius, and added, not looking at the Captain, trying not to defy him:
"I know you hate our words so I will be brief. Orc-woman did not know that she was not allowed to do that. She will learn, and she, along with all of us, will learn to obey your orders Captain. Now, if the punishment must be dealt, then punish me instead her. But I say to those who would take up the whip - If you do it, I will kill you!"
His eyes piercing other sailors, his gaze a mix of defiance and challenge Jericho stands resolute.
Lazha did not resist as rough hands grabbed her and dragged her to the mast.
I guess I earned that, she thought. Naderi sure can be a harsh mistress.
Lazha steeled herself for the whip. Mother had lashed her once, when she was a mouthy twelve year-old. One stripe, just so she'd know. She'd never needed another.
Then she heard Antonius stand up for her. And Jericho. Such bravery! She'd never expected anyone to defend her.
Lazha looked over her shoulder at them and tried to catch their eyes. Thank you, she mouthed.
Captain, sir. I submit to whatever justice you decide. On board the Wormwood, your word is law.
Well, one thing's for sure. No matter what happens next, we're all marked now.
Mithas says a brief prayer for the very brave and very stupid Jericho.
As Master Scourge readies the lash, he takes but a moment to rear back and attempt to bludgeon Octavia with a sap, calling out, "Learn yer place and shut it!" however, his swing goes wide, but rather than try again, he merely turns to his task.
When Jericho steps up to speak, Master Scourge turns, listens, then laughs for a moment before turning back to ready the lash. In the meantime, Mr. Plugg has marched up to Jericho, brandishing a cutlass and a cat-o-nine-tails. The Captain's bellowing laughter rings out across the deck while the rest of the crew is deadly silent. Harriman calls out, "Kill us? Ha! My boy, ye have no inklin' of the world of hurt in store for you. Mr. Plugg, a day in the box for this one should cool his temper. As for the other," gesturing at Octavia, "A day working the Bilges will suffice." A small pack of sailors approach Jericho and surround him, with Mr. Plugg leading them.
Master Scourge lines up to lash out at Lazha while another crew member steps forward to expose Lazha's back. Scourge rears up and snaps forth three quick and well practiced strokes.
Each lands easily on the helpless Lazha, and she soon slips into unconsciousness.