Genuinely warmed to see the soft purple color accenting the Quartermaster's outfit, she barely hear's the negative response.
Grok, by Besmarra if that's you! I half forgot ol' Fishguts told me that he knew the soul that worked this station. Aboard these planks, I'll be cooking with the fiend. He sends his most hardy hellos. As for me, I think I'll be forgetin' the feel of dry land before that there outfit yer sportin'. It's nice to see a little flourish here and there. By the by, I'd have figured the cap'n would've sooner giv'n his loot to the Tritons below, but I still gotta go a fishin'. Obliged that ya held yer scorn for an innocent inquiry.
Encouraged by the natural amiability that Tieflings and Half-Orcs share, she tries her luck in asking for her leather.
I'll be working in the kitchen mostly as you right know. And not asking fer any of my pointy toys back, but if there's somethin' I can help ya with to pay for my leather I'd be most appreciative. I'd rather be cuttin' fillets of fish than Tiefling. I hear the latter has a rather sulpheric aftertaste.
"Looks like I'm behind in that competition as well eh? Don't worry, I'll catch up. Piracy's a risky business, shouldn't be too hard to find our moment. So me, you, and Blue... You know anything about the cat or the bat woman thing? I also noticed a group on the main deck who also seemed like new comers, maybe we can find more friends there too."
"Wonder if you can do an'thing fun with that tail, lad. Maybe you'll let me pet you sometime. You're working hard for someone who woke up hungover this very morn'. Come here, take a moment with us. Well? Wait too long and they'll 'ave you runnin' again. Come on!"
Nyk looked around frantically when he heard the woman speaking, certainly she couldn't be talking to him. His eyes found no one who seemed to be paying the woman any mind so he hesitantly walked over to her, his tail tucked firmly against his body and his ear flattened. When she brought up his tail his ears perked up and a happy smile lit up his face.
“Oh yeah! I totally can! Watch this!” he whispered excitedly to the woman then he stepped a little closer to Giffer, and while still facing Tilly, poked Giffer on her shoulder with his tail, then brought it back to his side quickly, and silently snickered.
"Totally cool right?"
Toni: Grok smiles at you again but shakes her head.
"Flatter me all you want, Toni, I'll not get whipped for given a new swab the Captains newly gathered gear on her first day! You'll be back though, you lot always come back. Now get out of my store, it's Bloody Hour soon and the Cap'n will be cross if anyone misses it."
Nyk:
Poor Giffer nearly jumps out of her skin and knocks her drink and the dice onto the floor when Nyk taps her opposite shoulder. She whips her head toward the open sea and stumbles from her seat frightened. She walks away quickly mumbling something about sea ghosts. Tilly also vacates her seat as she doubles over laughing.
"Oh lad, that was quite the sight! You're alright by me kid. Anyway, best get back to work. See you later." She winks and ruffles Nyks hair as she walks away, still chuckling.
Brine successfully does the work of two crew members and enjoys lifting his kilt with a fellow captive.Iryana shirks her duties to spy on Mr. Plugg while he sleeps and meets one of her many shipmates, Barefoot Samms Toppin.Nyk runs ragged to and fro but takes a break to pull a prank on an elderly gnomish woman and send her running scared. How rude!Tyr Works diligently, the decks have never been cleaner! He also plays the role of a sniveling lubber to save Jack Scrimshaws hide. Was it really an act? Toni manages to succesfully cook a meal alongside Fishguts, will it be good? Dinner is soon, so the crew will soon find out. Though unsuccessful and bartering for the retrieval of her own goods, it's only the first day.
As you wrap up your jobs for the day, the Wormwood clock (a macabre brass-and-copper clock depicting worms writhing through whale corpses) chimes over the open sea, alerting the crew that their shift is up. Everyone starts to gather on deck, the phrase 'Bloody Hour' is bandied about and it doesn't take long for the party to realize that this is when punishments are handed out for failure to comply with the demands of the Wormwood. Captain Harrigan stands outside his Cabin, silently.
From a steel box near where he stands, Mr. Scourge and Mr. Plugg pull out a human male, he seems to have been locked in this box for the better part of the day at least. Sweating and delirious, he cries softly while asking the questions put forth to him.
Mr. Scourge cracks his whip, "Jakes Magpie, do you admit to stealin' from the quarter masters store? To breaking in and trying to keep the Cap'ns own booty fer yourself?" Jakes nods subtly at first until Scrouge cracks his whip again.
Plugg wheezes as he announces Jakes' punishment. "Keelhaul."
The pirate crew silences and Jakes is tied up to a long rope and dropped over the starboard side. Plugg and Scourge stand on the portside and pull the rope at a moderate pace, dragging Jakes along the underside of the ship.
It only takes a little over a minute, but what comes up over the port side of the ship is just a shredded mass of skin and bone that is quickly thrown over the side to feed the sharks.
Dinner is delicious, but quiet. Only the Officers and a few crew members seem able to enjoy themselves at first, but by the end a casual sense of leisure has set over the Wormwood and after clean up the crew sets back in to their routine. There are crew members telling stories, arm wrestling, and playing hog lob (a game to see who can throw an object the farthest) and Heave (an aptly named drinking game). Some are gambling and others shuffle off to bed, tired from their days work.
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And so we begin the night phase of Day 1 aboard the Wormwood. Similar to the day time activities, there is now a post in the campaign tab full of night time activities. You may each choose one activity before going to bed for the night. You can also choose to take up to 2 more actions to scout the ship during midnight and early morning at DC 10 and DC 14 skill checks to avoid being fatigued during the next work day. (Brine because you worked two jobs today those checks would be DC 14 and DC 18). I can tell you what the pirate entertainments are if you choose that route.
Your options now include the Influence option for either Day or Night Phases. Each crew member starts off either hostile, or indifferent to the party. You may make attempts to influence them, through Diplomacy or, for some NPC's, accomplishing tasks. A helpful or friendly NPC can assist with daily work checks or provide information about the Wormwood. As with any job, gaining friends can sometimes be the difference between failure and success. You've met a handful of crew already, and will meet even more in the coming days on board, how you interact with them is up to you.
Tyr tries to influence Jack.
"Close call today, glad I could help. How long have you been on the ship?"
Sneaking will require a roll to not get caught regardless, and also a Con 10 check since you've taken your action for the night and would néed to stay up late to sneak.
Also, you may talk to each other but since your actions may take you to different areas of the ship the conversation would have to be while Jakes was getting Keelhauled, or Dinner, both of which have you surrounded by the rest of the crew at least until everyone has chosen their night time action and knows how close they are to the rest of the party.
And before I forget to mention this, a party member may not try to influence the same NPC more than once in a 24 hour time period.
Tyr:Jake looks up from where he is sitting, listening to his fellow pirates tell stories on the poop deck (A3) and holds a finger up to his lips. He waves Tyr over to a vacant spot next to him, but won't speak until the story is over.
The story, told by an older half elf woman with her greying hair shaven into stripes along her skull, seems to pertain to a past crew member who would often bet with other crew members but once made the mistake of betting with Captain Hannigan, and even worse, beat him. The story ends with the orator pointing to a cage hanging above the poop deck with a corpse still in it, long dead. Harmark Gruff was his name, and his ugly parrot Pluck still sits above the cage waiting for his master to wake.
In the dim lantern light it's hard to see the faces of the other listeners, even with Tyrs inherited elven eyesight. However the man on his opposite side, a thick brutish looking man, punches him lightly on the shoulder as the story come to a close.
"Classic pirate tale! Love 'em, exactly why I signed up for this crew!" Now that he's taking to Tyr the half elf recognizes the human as one of the other fresh looking recruits from earlier in the day.
Jake also leans in from the other end, "Yeah thanks again for saving me. What do you think of then wormwood so far?"
As Tyr enjoys his new popularity the pirates also start clamoring for the next story teller to step up.
"Helping you was the most fun I had all day. Annoyed that sea snake, and helped out a fellow crew member, can't ask for more than that. Ship's alright, you seen one pirate ship, you've seen 'em all. Can't wait to be back on the helm though."
Looks over at the other newcomer and extends a hand.
"Name's Tyr, How did your lot come to luxuriate on this leaky raft?"
As the pirates clamor for another storyteller, Iryana shrugs and slips into the spot vacated by the half-elf woman, settling down comfortably and tucking her bare feet under her. Might as well have some fun tonight, and maybe make a few friends while she's at it.
"Now that was a tale! Classic, to be sure, and well-told at that. But as many sea yarns as you lot have listened to, night after night on a rolling ship..."
Iryana leans forward and winks conspiratorially, her armband gleaming in the light from the lanterns.
"How many have you heard that take place under that ship, in the sea herself?"
Brine The monk awkwardly shuffles over to Sandra who is enjoying herself near some of the more physical games the pirates are playing. As he tries to get her attention, he fails for a few minutes, she's heavily involved in making bets on the outcome of the arm wrestling and drinking often from her own rum ration for the day.
When she does finally notice the dwarf she raises an eyebrow and tilts her head. "I don't think we've properly met! I'm Sandra, you're one of the new crew right? Bit of an odd group thy hauled you on board with."
Her head whips around as one of the wrestlers looses. "Serves you right for bettin' against me last night ya lubber!" she shouts over the cheering and jeering of the rest of the crew gathered in the area.
Tyr: Jack laughs as he realizes Tyr is not new to ship life and cracks a smile. "This if my first ship, so I can't say I know if you're right, but I'll take your word for it. Been sailing for long?"
Jack listens for an answer but Tyr can tell his interest has been sparked by the Undine and the story she's offering to tell.
The other companion however is quick to talk. "Name's Cogward, Crimson Cogward to some, but I ain't too fond of that name. I volunteered to join! Heard Cap'n Hannigan looking for crew a few ports back, must have only been three or four days ago! Always enjoy life on ships though. The officers on this one are a bit rough, but I seen worse. Just gotta know who to trade favors with and who to leave alone, still working that part out."
Iryana:
Moose:
Nyk carefully concealed his giddiness at the reaction he got from the drunken gnome. Once she had made her retreat, only then did he allow his glee to come forth in fits of laughter. It was the best he had felt since waking up on this ship. He beamed at the human who called him alright and pat him on the head. His tail was swishing in delight as he watched her walk off to continue her duties, despite feeling exhausted he was able to finish off his work day with a smile and a bounce in his step.
That joy from earlier was quickly diminished when the 'Bloody Hour' was upon them. His ears flattened to his head, his tail curling around his body as if to shelter him from the harshness this punishment was. He knew pirates could be cold and ruthless, but he didn't quite understand how much so until they threw the man overboard to let the sea ravish him.
He swallowed thickly to keep his own sickness at bay. He wasn't so sure how keen he was to remain on the wormwood. But he would need to bide his time, take in all the facts before he made his final decision. With that in mind when it was time to dine he looked around until he spotted the familiar female. He approached her and to hopefully lighten her mood reached around her to poke her opposite shoulder with his tail.
Giving a shy smile he asked "May I join you?"
His tail betrayed his nervousness of being turned away, of all the people on this ship she was the only one he felt he could talk to and possibly get the answers he desired.
"I hope you don't mind, you were just the first crew member who didn't treat me with such disdain. I don't know how you can stand to remain here when such cruel acts take place. So much for my grand adventure to manhood."
Taken aback by the keelhaul's efficiency and the wanton handling of Jakes "misdeed", Toni tries to assume a debonair demeanor. She turns to another gaping sailor.
Rather be blasted ere a cannon to be certain. A rather more pleasant way to meet oblivion than being filleted by the thing that kept ya from drowning. Certain humor in it though...
As the sun started to dip below the horizon, she felt a need to find distraction from the day's event. Not rushing to the drink like her boss, but having another vice of her own, she sauntered over to where lots were being cast. She stole a glance at the players and sized up one that was betting the most foolishly.
Avast, you shark! Can you manage a space for another player? Won't trouble you more than your company tonight. To herself: "And your money"
So the game the pirates play on board follows these rules:
One crew member collects gold pieces or items of value from each person playing the game.
Everyone else rolls 2 dice (2d20) and looks at their result. The house rolls a 3rd d20, but before they roll, the player must make their prediction on the outcome from the following options:
In between- you believe the houses d20 roll is be between the two numbers you rolled previously, a successful prediction gets your bet back plus half
Outside- You believe the house will roll a number that does not fit between your two rolls, a successful prediction gets your bet back plus half
Greater- you think the house will roll a number greater than the sum of both of your rolls, a successful prediction gets you 2x your bet
Less - you think the house will roll a number less than the sum of your rolls, a successful prediction gets you 2x your bet
Finally, if the house rolls a number exactly twice as large as the sum of your rolls, you get half the current pot. Any money not won back at the end of the night is kept by the crew member who played the house, if the house goes bankrupt, the crew member playing the house must pay back what's owed within two weeks or cut off a finger.
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Alright, so I've responded to Tyr and Brine, you two can post your reactions to those responses whenever/if you'd like. Though you failed your influence checks you can still ask any relevant questions or just roleplay out the remainder of the night.
I'll have a response to Nyk and Iryana later today, and once Toni makes her gambling rolls or chooses another action I'll recap the night phase and we can move onto the next day.
Eyeing the gold in the pot gets her mind off the day's cruelties.
I don't well have much gold as ye scamps are aware, but I do have a shiny vile of holy water. It'd fetch a nice price back on land, but let's say it'll do fine at 25 gold pieces. Places the vile in the pot
Well, here goes nothing! Spins the dice out onto the table
Blow me down! Looks like I'll be betting Greater tonight. What'd ya have House?
:
"Uh, well, looks like the new lubber gets 50 gold pieces! Or your holy water back plus 25, however you'd like it lass. Too bad the rest of you didn't have such luck!"
As the game come to a close the crew member playing the house scoops up a significant number of items or gold pieces and stuffs them into his pocket.
He's a very handsome gnome, in a very garish outfit, complete with eye patch and a large purple hat with a feather sticking out of it. After collecting his winnings he walks up to Toni and bows lows, flourishing with his hat.
"My dear, you are as lucky as you are beautiful! I've never shared a hammock with a pair of wings but there's space enough for them, I'm sure!" He winks with his one good eye as he rises and smiles.
"I am Lord Conchobar Turlach Shortstone, newly pressed crew member of the Wormwood and prolific gambler, lover of fine wine and women, and more than adequate at everything I attempt. I hope to see more of your fine frame, enjoy your winnings lovely." He clicks his heels and about faces, walking away counting the money he's received as many a greedy eye watch him pass.
: The Udine woman spins a tale that many on the crew have heard in some form or another, but she quickly finds that pirates care very little about a retelling as long as the telling is good. The listen with more attention than they seem to give anything else on board. The ribald jokes go over well, causing waves of laughter, and the adventurous bits are quickly drowned out by the audience sharing similar stories from their own lives. When she finishes the crew give a round of applause as they get up and head toward the lower deck for a nights rest.
The nights first story teller, the older half-elven, pats Iryana on the back. "Fine work new girl, but best be off to bed. Don't want to be too tired to work in the morning. We've set hammocks up for you newbies, just take whatever ones are open. I'm Badger by the way."
She pats Iryana on the back one more time and heads off to bed.
: Tilly looks up with a smile and a laugh. "You want me to help you discover manhood eh? I only met you this morning boy!" She laughs again and pulls Nyk onto the seat next to her. She's clearly drunk, as is Giffer who is once again her drinking companion. She drapes one arm across the young mans shoulders and pulls him in close. "Rum lad, rum is how you handle everythin' on board. Workin' too hard? Rum. Someone gets a keelin'? Rum. Just scored some booty? Rum!" She picks up her mug and drains it then steals another from a nearby pirate who is already passed out. "Drink up! And stick with me kid. I don't know about turning you into a man, but I can show you around the ship and keep your head on your shoulders!"
Giffer watches the interaction with a big toothy smile as she drinks heavily of her own rum ration.
"Cat boy wants to be a man? Cut the tail off! Oh that would hurt! Glad I don't have a tail, do I Tilly?" She seems significantly more coherent than she did earlier in the day. As the night passes Tilly offers advice on how to survive the riggers of life on board the ship eventually she passes out on deck and Nyk is left to follow the rest of the sober, or at least not completely drunk, pirates toward the hammocks for a good nights rest.
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Brine stumbles into the red-headed Sandra Quin but hardly gets a word in while she bets on the arm wrestling. Maybe he'll have better luck making friends tomorrow? Iryana spins a story to a rapt audience. She doesn't make any particular mark on the crew but it's still the first night, at least she's shown potential. Pirates love a good story after all!Nyk Approaches Tilly to ask about his manhood, maybe he'll be more careful with his wording from now on, but for now he's earned himself a new friend! Toni tries her hand at gambling and lady luck is still at her side. Not only does she receive a handful of shiny gold pieces but the glint in Conchobars eye suggests she has a new admirer as well!Tyr Continues to build camaraderie with Jack Scrimshaw but the younger man is, as usual, over come with an intense desire to luxuriate, Cogward however seems keen on making a new friend, at least for now.
As the activities wind down, the crew take to the hammocks on the lower deck and sleep through the night, the officers above keep watch to make sure no one steals anything or that no ship moves in to attack in the dead of night.
Anyone who does not have a rank in Profession (Sailor), please give me a fortitude check on your next post.
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As the bell tolls to signify the start of the work day, the pirate crew groggily gets up to head to their assigned officers, ready to receive their tasks for the day as breakfast is handed out.
As the party makes their way out of the hold the discover a barricade of sorts, in the form of four pirates, blocking the stairs with their arms crossed, sneers on their faces.
One of them, a human female with large ears poking our from her hair laughs before addressing the party.
"Mr. Scourge don't much like you lot, eh? Better hurry 'long, don't wanna be late fer or ya get the lash!" She however makes no move to let the party pass. The woman beside her, a scrawny human woman covered in scars with wild eyes cackles loudly. "Bugs and lizards feed on your eyes!"
Go ahead, try to get past us half-elf. No one has eve beat Fipps Chummet in a fair fight!" Fipps, a large fat man with a shaven head pushes Tyr back while the short halforc behind him raises his fists and spreads his feet, clearly ready for a fight.
None of the pirates are armed, the seem to be ready to fight with nothing but their fists.
The Map has been updated. As a reminder: everyone can post just once per round. You don't need to post in initiative order, I will sort things out once everyone has posted. If you would like to give me contingencies such as "Brine attacks the pirate " feel free, otherwise I'll assume a contingent action and you can tell me if you would like to keep it. Please move your token according to your actions, if you can not, please let me know.
Leave your flavor text in the standard black font, but recap your turn in ooc format. Ex: Nyk moves closer to the dragon. , once in reach he stabs with his rapier.
Pirate Fight Round 1
"Trying to make us late so we catch a flogging? No matter, if it is a test of skill you wish for, I shall oblige!"
Brine straightens from the slight slump he has been maintaining since waking beneath the cot. He takes a deep breath and he appears calmer, perhaps even centered. With no warning he reaches for the pirate directly in front of him, and attempts to engage them in a grapple.
Tyr moves up next to his new companion, draws his knife, and attacks the opponent Brine just grappled. If he cannot get to that pirate by his turn he attacks the one he can get to prioritizing helping Brine.
This was not the way he wanted his morning to go. After yesterdays events he had hoped to find some redeeming qualities to remain on the wormwood but it would seem that some of the crew were just as twisted as their captain. But still he had seen some good in the crew, like Tilly and Giffer, they all couldn't be that bad.
Nyk puts his hands up, taking a step back,, in a non threatening manner as he looks the pirates over.
"What is the point in all this? We have done nothing wrong to you, we're all on the same side. And I don't know about you but I am pretty sure Keelhauling goes both ways. So let's do the logical thing and all get our butts in gear and get up on deck before we all face the consequences."
"Don't worry, kid, Peg-leg here and I'll make this quick.
Iryana rolls her eyes at the blustering pirates attempting to block their way. A smile twitches on her lips as Brine and the half-elf move into action and she sets her feet against the rough wood of the deck. Locking eyes with the pirate in front of her, she feints to the right and then dives between him and Brine's pirate drawing her dagger from her calf sheath as rolls. She comes up on the other side of Brine's pirate.
This time Nyk turns his gaze to both his companions and the pirates.
"This is neither the time nor place for this. What do you think the captain will do once we show up late? You heard him when we were first brought here. All who disobey face keelhauling. I am sure that also includes you as well." Nyk said turning to glance at the pirates.
Nyk turned back to his companions"I know we were brought here against our will, but now is not the time to start picking fights against unarmed pirates. I am rather fond of my fur where it is thanks. If you let us go I am sure we can work something out."Nyk said turning back to the pirates once more.
Nyk tries a little diplomacy before things get out of hand. Though his words of wisdom don't seem to stop most of the pirates in their current path, the screaming women and the half-orc do seem a little nervous when the cat mentions keelhauling. The big eared woman lowers her fists.
PiratesBig ears lowers her fists and takes a step backwards.Fips steps up and takes a swing at Brine with his bare hands but fails to hit the wily dwarf.
The screaming woman attempts a swing at the dwarf as well.
When he hand makes contact with Brine's barbed vest the woman goes completely mental and starts screaming even louder.
Finally the half orc steps up and makes an attack on Toni, specifically avoiding Nyktan.
Tyr pulls out dis dagger and attempts to stab Fips , as his knife slides into the mans gut cries of alarm sound from both the pirates that are fighting and the ones on the stairs watching. "What the hell?", "You stabbed him!?", "Oh my god did he draw a knife!?", "Well this should be fun! Anyone taking bets?"
Iryana draws her own dagger and deftly rolls between her opponent and takes up a flanking position. Despite her impressive agility, you all notice that none of the pirates even attempts to stop her. Fips is still shocked by his new wound and the others seem to have lost their will to fight.
Toni - Delay
Brine takes advantage of Fips' lowered defenses to pull him into a grapple, dealing additional damage to the mans open wound.
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You may post your round 2 actions now.
I know between the holidays and other obligations the next month or so may be a bit hectic for everyone. I'll leave the time window for response pretty open. I'll move things along when I think it's necessary so the game doesn't stagnate and fall apart, but just respond when you can, no rush.
Red -
Blue - 5 damage
Green -
Pink -
Tyr -
Iryana -
Nyk -
Brine - 3 Non-lethal Damage
Toni - 4 Non-lethal Damage
Tyr wipes off his knife and sheaths it putting his hands up in a non-threatening manner. "Start a fight but can't take a pin prick? He'll live, so long as he doesn't try that again on any of us. Can we get to work now? Ship won't sail itself." Tyr will wait a couple seconds to make sure nothing happens he has to react to. Assuming that's the case he moves to report for duty, but does his best to watch his back and that of the rest of the group.
"There really is no need for this display of power. We just want to get on with our work in peace. Violence isn't always the smartest answer."
Nyk then moved to start heading to the stairs hoping that the pirates saw reason and would let them pass with not much fuss. He paused in front of Fips and looked to his wound.
"You should really get that looked at. Would you allow me to take you to Sandra?" He asked Fips before turning his attention to the rest
"We should really pretend that this didn't happen so that we all could live another day. What do you all think?"
Iryana shrugs, sheaths her dagger, and leans against the wall by the bottom of the stairs, waiting to see how Tyr and Nyk's comments play out.
Brine, taking his cues from the others, releases Fips and stands.
"I think our point has been made. No need for further convincing, is there?"
He stands with his back straight and hands at his sides. He looks ready to do more convincing if need be.