The First Mate turns towards, Seijiro.
"Rigger, what is your name?" he barks out.
"Seijiro, sir," he replies quickly, looking at Mister Plugg with a discerning eye, trying to measure the man's mettle without appearing too forward.
"What sort of fool name is that?", he asks. "Since you're so keen on climbing, go back up to the nest and keep a lookout and the gods help you if anything get past your eyes. Move!"
Seijiro climbs back up the mainmast. If you wanted me in the crow's nest, why didn't you just have me stay up in the crow's nest? What a d*ckhead!
He has some trouble climbing up the second time. Maybe it is the scornful eye of Master Plugg that has unnerved him a little... He tries again...
Once he makes it up to the crow's nest, Seijiro relaxes a little and keeps watch as best he can, though in truth it's not hard work... there's not much else to do up in the nest alone.
Still, despite not much else to do, he manages to be distracted for part of the day, watching the other sailors at work in the riggings and down below on deck, having a chance, too, to watch the interplay of the officers, if only at a distance.
"Useless fool of a boy!" he snarls. "At the 'Bloody Hour' tonight, it'll be three lashes from Master Scourge's whip for you! Thank your gods that the ship didn't get damaged or it'd been a dozen with the cat." As quickly as his anger erupted, it's gone again.
"You can be the entertainment before the main event tonight.", he says cryptically before dismissing the crew.
Seijiro scowls at this... Five years I've been working on board ships and never felt more than the bare touch of a lash til now... He cringes slightly at the idea, and finishes his day's work, hoping, but doubting, that Master Plugg might forget by day's end. Entertainment? This is entertainment? And what is a main event? Maybe I don't really wanna know.
"A'righ, so yer 'ere, we'll start yer duties. We be huntin' fer sea turtles today, lass. Cap'n 'Arrigan's favorite an' a special request. Hope ye know how ta use 'arpoons." He walks over to the wall and starts gathering a pair of harpoons, nets, and treble hooks. "What's yer name, lass?" he asks with curiosity.
"Me name's Allysen, and I've handled a harpoon before. Jus' hope the oar to me head las' night didn't scramble me brains too badly."
Allysen Makes her way to the quartermaster's in between bouts of spearing turtles for soup. She first takes a measure of the Quartermaster before looking to see if there's any of her gear behind the person.
"'Ello, I'm looking fer something besides seawater and rum to cook some turtles in. Cook on the ship I was on in me first days sailing had a recipe I'd like to introduce Mister Kroop to."
The half-orc gives Allysen a strange look.
"An' why ye comin' here ta find somethin' fer the evenin' meal? 'Less ye want to cook it in alchemist's fire!", she shakes her head. "Ol' 'Fishguts' must be deep in the bottle ta send ye here for food. Yer new here, pup. I just dole out the rations. Ye want ta buy somethin', here's the place, ye want ta find ingredients, look around the galley!"
As Jasmine finishes up her day's tasks she passes Allysen, a boyish looking figure, who turns into the quartermaster's shop. When she receives a feint cry in her head. Startled she stops, Floatsam is that you? Sensing sadness. A geniune smile returns to her face, the first one all day.
With this new hope, Jasmine slows up and stops. Taking time to look around the area. I wonder if I can get that new cookie to help keep an eye out for Floatsam.
sends message of renewed joy. Trying to get a connection to the place where Floatsam is located.
Jasmine barely has time to look around and start thinking about what she's going to do next when the ever present Master Scourge notices her and walks over.
"What're ye doin', here, wench? I sent ye with a missive fer master gunner Krine.", he stops and sneers as he starts to play with his whip. "Maybe ye be wantin' t'entertain the crew by feelin' me lash come the 'Bloody Hour'.", he chuckles menacingly and looks the elf over. "'Less ye had a taste fer somethin' else, poppet?", he leers suggestively, speaking softly enough that only Jasmine can hear.
Looking up at Master Scourge, hatred barely contained underneath the surface of her soft elven skin, Master Scourge, sir, I just delivered the missive that is where I am coming from. Master gunner was in the Quartermaster shop.'explains the runner.
Choosing to ingore for the time being the whispered comment. Don't need to get in the bilges yet with that scum.
"Er, right, right. I'll be off then. Sorry fer the trouble."
The sound of Master Scourge's voice makes her heart skip a beat, but she continues on to the galley to continue working.
After finishing his work in the bilges, Amerdan approaches the man in manacles to see if he's alright.
Heal check to examine his condition:
Jasmine squeezes by Master Scourge then heads towards the main deck her first "Bloody Hour." Wonder what they meant about main event to follow? Looking around for other "newbie's," excluding Seijiro. She is leary of guilt by association right now, this ruthless crew. After his punishment, he should be an ally against Scourge. Revenge can be sooooooo bitter sweet, if done properly Her face is deadpanned showing no emotion.
Well, at least Flotsam is onboard. I will try to find him a bit later. Certianly, he can't be that bad off, right?
She will look around for Amerdan and Allysen. potential allies Always trying to look busy.
Seijiro is just trying to lay low and stay out of sight, hoping that out-of-sight is as good as out-of-mind, though he doubts that will hold true in this case. I can't believe I sucked that badly at such a simple job... got distracted on the climb, got distracted on watch... too many new people and things on this ship to watch all at once. But that's what I get for being cocky and over-confident. I'll have ta be more careful in the future. Last thing I wanna do is attract attention, good or bad.
He keeps to himself, not trying to make friends just yet, sure the others won't want to associate with him under the circumstances... but he does note the movements of the other three who were conscripted with him. They might prove ta be potential allies in the future. If we're ever gonna get offa this bucket in one piece, we might hafta work together... maybe get some o' the rest o' the crew ta join us.
"Er, right, right. I'll be off then. Sorry fer the trouble."
The sound of Master Scourge's voice makes her heart skip a beat, but she continues on to the galley to continue working.
"Good work, lass!", the master cook exclaims at the end of Allysen's day as he wipes his hands off on his dirty apron. "Yer a far cry bet'r than me las' cook's mate, Allysen. Keep 'er up an' ye'll keep ou'a trouble." he grins happily and pulls out a fresh orange from one of the crates, tossing it to her. "Dun get used ta that, but y'earned a bi' o' somethin' nice today. Be 'ere bright n' earlie t'morrah."
After finishing his work in the bilges, Amerdan approaches the man in manacles to see if he's alright.
Heal check to examine his condition: 1d20+6
"Come ta see Magpie hang, ye gutless fishsuckin' cur?!", he rages, "Ye tell that pissant Scourge tha' I'll see 'im in the Styx! Ye won't be a keelhaulin' me, tha' I promise ye, by Besmara!"
The man's eyes are bloodshot and one is so red that Amerdan doubts he can even see out of it.
Looking up at Master Scourge, hatred barely contained underneath the surface of her soft elven skin, Master Scourge, sir, I just delivered the missive that is where I am coming from. Master gunner was in the Quartermaster shop.'explains the runner.
Choosing to ingore for the time being the whispered comment. Don't need to get in the bilges yet with that scum.
The boatswain laughs heartily.
"Aye, wench. F'sure I'll find the master gunner in the armory 'f I jest walk in.", he leers at her again. "Ye'll feel the kiss o' me lash yet, an' I look forward to it."
Jasmine can sense the greasy feeling of his eyes fixed on her as she walks off.
The ship's clock lets out a gong, signifying an end to the work day and the start of the sailor's free time. Dusk, the 'Bloody Hour', is minutes away. Not only is Seijiro expected at the mainmast, but there's been rumours of a keelhauling for Jake Magpie after he allegedly tried to knife Mister Plugg when he was accused of stealing from the quartermaster's stores...
Doing her best to contain the sicking feeling within her stomach, the swelling rush of repulsiveness that she feels towards the bo'sun. Her thoughts turn to planning the swine's perfect death one that would surely involve, methodically, sizzingly layers of his flesh. Hearing the blistering crackle of his blood boil out of his skin from, then the sweet sound of his eyeballs popping like corn. Remembering her pappa disclipine lessons.
She does not respond to the wretched human.
[dice=Perception to find Amerdan and Allysen]1d20+0
After a few moments a woman crowned with a mane of fiery red locks and has the air of someone not to be crossed steps beside Jasmine. Yet the smile lines at the corners of her eyes and the easy way she holds herself hint at a lighter side. She dresses to accentuate her figure, and her whole appearance speaks of the sea, from the seagull feather in her tricorne hat to the sailor tattoos on her arms and the clay pipe thrust into the corner of her mouth.
The woman takes a puff from her pipe and pulls a book out of her bag, stealthfully passing it to the elf. It's Jasmine's spellbook.
"Evenin', sailor.", she says. "We have a few things ta talk 'bout, but after the Hour's done and those poor lads get their punishments.", she grimaces in disgust. "Don't worry, I'll find ye and yer unlucky friends."
She grins, winks and tips her hat jauntily at the elf before sauntering off.
Too shocked to even utter a word of thanks before the fiery redhead sauntered off. Hmmmmm, definately a friend,... or a devious enemy, but hey, it's a good gift.. She tucks the book underneath her robe.
Turning her attention to the mainmast. Looking over the crowd, taking in the faces, the grouping of people. Which individuals gather together, or appear to dislike one another.
"Thank ye. Don't worry about me slippin'. I be a hard worker, pretty much raised on the decks."
Allysen takes a knife from one of the counters and peels the orange. She gives half of it to Kroop with a smile. The orange tastes sweet and juicy after having the aftertaste of rum in her mouth all day.
Seijiro finds his way to the deck, but keeps to the crowd, not eagerly presenting himself at the mainmast. He sulks a bit, not looking forward to the evening. Never been lashed before. I know it'll hurt... having fur might help buffer the blows, but I've got to stay in human form or they might treat me even worse.
He mutters to himself a little in Minkaian and shakes his head slightly as he melds into the crowd, spends a little time listening in on varied bits of conversation among the crew if he can. Might as well listen up, maybe learn who else has cause to hate Plugg and Scourge. I dun like those two
"Thank ye. Don't worry about me slippin'. I be a hard worker, pretty much raised on the decks."
Allysen takes a knife from one of the counters and peels the orange. She gives half of it to Kroop with a smile. The orange tastes sweet and juicy after having the aftertaste of rum in her mouth all day.
He nods to her in thanks.
"Ye run off 'n 'njoy th'evenin'. Plenty o' work fer ya on the 'morrow. 'Sides, I 'as an ol friend visitin' ta share a bottle or two o' rum."
He starts to wave her out. "G'on lass, away with ye!" he says as he ambles on over to his room, humming an old sea shanty.
Turning her attention to the mainmast. Looking over the crowd, taking in the faces, the grouping of people. Which individuals gather together, or appear to dislike one another.
[dice=perception roll looking at crowd]1d20+2
Seijiro finds his way to the deck, but keeps to the crowd, not eagerly presenting himself at the mainmast. He sulks a bit, not looking forward to the evening. Never been lashed before. I know it'll hurt... having fur might help buffer the blows, but I've got to stay in human form or they might treat me even worse.
He mutters to himself a little in Minkaian and shakes his head slightly as he melds into the crowd, spends a little time listening in on varied bits of conversation among the crew if he can. Might as well listen up, maybe learn who else has cause to hate Plugg and Scourge. I dun like those two
Seijiro passes a young, red-haired woman wearing a tricorn hat and smoking a pipe who puts a hand on his shoulder.
"A minute if ye please, sailor.", she grasps his hand and he feels something metal and familiar pressed into his palm. "Yer fate 'tis far better than the poor sod who'll take the stage after ye, have courage an' take the lash. Don't give 'em any reason to use the cat.", she winks at him in a friendly manner. "An' when yer done with yer punishment, come say 'hello' an' we'll talk."
She takes a few puffs from her pipe and walks into the crowd. It's then that Seijiro realizes that she handed him one of his daggers.
Jasmine turns her attention toward the Mainmast but not before she locks each of the scallywags in her memory. Definately, keep an eye on that lot.
While still blended in with the crowd, Seijiro attempts to slip the dagger under his shirt and into his haramaki. He makes note of the lady without spending too much time studying her, so as not to attract attention to the little exchange.
He skulks around the edges of the crowd, eying Plugg & Scourge and their six toadies. Finally he comes closer, not wanting to give them reason to increase the punishment in any way, but still not actually presenting himself to them either... Just close enough to be considered 'there'.
Nice lady... I'll have to get ta know her better, for sure. Is she on my side, or just has her own agenda? I guess I'll find out in the fullness of time.
Amerdan stumbles back, reaching for the wall behind him as the man named Magpie spits his words at him. Eyes widened, Amerdan RUNS out of there, barely hearing the rest of Magpie's words as he refuses to look behind him. The Stormspeaker is rarely frightened, but something about that man chilled him to the bone.
"Aye sir."
Allysen nods her head in appreciation. She was taking a liking to the old grubby cook. She'd have to make sure she got some recipes out of him later.
She hurriedly finishes her half of the orange and heads up to the deck. She could feel the tension in the air. Something about how some of the crew members were buddies with Scourge and Plugg made her uneasy.
Have the look of snitches and hugs and the scent of brown-nosers. definitely need to avoid that lot.
Dusk comes upon the deck of the Wormwood and the crew speaks in whispers as Mister Plugg comes up to the mainmast.
"Seijiro!", he calls out in a commanding tone. "To the mainmast, now!" He motions for Master Scourge to come towards him.
Amerdan looks around at the crew on board with shifty eyes, tugging at his garments, trying in vain to conceal the smell of filth.
Seijiro sighs and heads toward the mainmast, not exactly hurrying towards his fate, but not quite slow enough to require encouragement from Mr Plugg's bully boys. He moves up and stands before Mr. Plugg with a resigned look. "Aye, sir," he says morosely.
Master Scourge grabs Seijiro roughly and pulls the kitsune's shirt over his head before tying his hands to the ropes hanging from the mainmast.
"For dereliction of duty, three lashes!", barks out Mister Plugg.
Master Scourge grins sadistically and swings his whip once, twice, three times in quick succession.
.
The pain is so intense that by the third lash, Seijiro passes out. Mister Plugg grins smugly as Master Scourge unties the unconscious kitsune and lets him fall unceremoniously to the ground.
"A virgin to the lash! An' I was so gentle. Soft, this one is.", Master Scourge exclaims to much laughter from his toadies.
Jasmine having seen her share of lashes does not flitch. She knows not to look away from the punishment or else risk facing a similar fate. Yeh, I think he will be a valuable ally.
One of the sycophants drags off Seijiro's unconscious form and leaves him on the starboard side of the main deck as another two make their way down to the holds.
Seijiro swoons after the second lash , already hanging limp, his only thought to hang onto his human form. When the third lash strikes, he falls limp when everything goes black. Totally unaware of being cut loose, he lies insensate on the deck, unheeding of the laughter.
Amerdan walks up beside Jasmine. Still looking ahead at the Tien man being taken away he says, "For your assistance earlier, thank you." His voice is solemn and detached, his face fixed forward, never looking directly at her.