Fishing again! In this weather? Blasted Fishguts, Master Scourge and Mr. Plugg... Let them eat slugs and bilge rats! F&%$^!
Rhemus takes his orders from Fishguts without complaint, but his eyes are seething with rage...
He slips down into the small dingy and spends the morning catching a number of fish and turtles.
His catch is plentiful allowing him to sneak away to the Quartermaster's Store:
"Mornin' Quartermaster! Hope ye enjoyed the brandy last night. I was wondering how much ye'd trade me for this finely crafted dagger?"
He pulls out the masterwork dagger and shows it to Cut-Throat Grok, and tries to charm his way into a favorable deal:
Nivian turns to Sandman as she watches Rillum stomp off. He just attempted to be a mediator, a translator of sorts...maybe he had an idea of what just happened:
"It would seem he has an intensely short fuse. Just what was that about? He asks me who is not prey, fish fodder, and I tell him that we're going to be collecting many allies, only to have him stomp off in anger! Did he intend to murder half the ship despite his claims to the contrary? You are the only one I know who has insights into the workings of his mind, and while I'm not yet sure if that should scare me, I will have to depend on everybody in our group before this is over, so may as well ask: Do you have any idea what kind of lever just broke in his mind?"
Seriously, the Ratfolk almost fooled me into trusting him...I may be desparate but I'll have to be careful all the same...
"He made a deal before setting the terms. Again. Seems to be something he's prone to. He then asked who was special to you, and completely off limits to his schemes. You told him 'everyone.' He feels tricked. He really doesn't have anyone to blame but himself, but it is still up to us to fix the problem."
"You spoke of pets. I think that is a good analogy here. What would you do if you had an angry, dangerous pet? It hates cages, but follows directions well. Would you cage it against its wishes and hope it didn't turn on you, or would you set it to a task which would satisfy its anger?"
Fishing again! In this weather? Blasted Fishguts, Master Scourge and Mr. Plugg... Let them eat slugs and bilge rats! F&%$^!
Rhemus takes his orders from Fishguts without complaint, but his eyes are seething with rage...
[dice=Profession Fisherman + Guidance + Shop]1d20+2 +1 -2
He slips down into the small dingy and spends the morning catching a number of fish and turtles.
His catch is plentiful allowing him to sneak away to the Quartermaster's Store:
"Mornin' Quartermaster! Hope ye enjoyed the brandy last night. I was wondering how much ye'd trade me for this finely crafted dagger?"
He pulls out the masterwork dagger and shows it to Cut-Throat Grok, and tries to charm his way into a favorable deal:
[dice=Diplomacy + Enhanced Diplomacy + Guidance] 1d20+6 + 2 + 1
"I'd value the dagger at 375 gp in trade. I don't have 375 to pay out."
Sandman ignored the rain. He didn't seem cold, or uncomfortable. He was as implacable as always. He even hummed a Varisian sea chanty to keep time while he hauled the heavy, sodden ropes.
During the short lunch break Sandman slipped down to the Galley to knock on Grok's door. He found Rhemus already there.
"How about store credit? Trade instead of payout?" Sandman suggested to Grok.
"I'd value the dagger at 375 gp in trade. I don't have 375 to pay out."
Rhemus looks over at his confiscated studded leather, buckler, rapier and other miscellaneous gear that is in his backpack:
"All this is worth about 100 gp. What else do you have in the store for me to buy?"
He sifts through the items Grok has in the store looking for small, low weight and high value items: jewelry, precious stones, spices, etc.
Grok says "I got lots of stuff, watcha lookin for. Potions, scrolls, masterwork weapons, a really nice whip, some manacles, nothing really your size, oh wait, I's gots one small cutlass..."
"You spoke of pets. I think that is a good analogy here. What would you do if you had an angry, dangerous pet? It hates cages, but follows directions well. Would you cage it against its wishes and hope it didn't turn on you, or would you set it to a task which would satisfy its anger?"
"You speak of pets, of cages, and of anger. The question I see unanswered, is how well that pet follows the directions. A pet unable to be controlled, one would need to cage, regardless of it's wishes. Aside, I never told him everybody would be off limits to his schemes, I merely told him that there's lot of people who are not prey. If that is what he meant, he has a very peculiar way of wording things. I shall give him some time to cool off, then try and see if that really is why he would feel tricked."
_______________________________________________Next day
On the next day, Nivian is placed on repair duty together with Rillum...an excellent opportunity to try and clarify the situation.
Again, she works as well as she can, using Mending if it would seem reasonable. The rain, the storm, she enjoys greatly. Feeling the water on her skin makes her feel more alive.
(eventually -2 for sneaking near the store)
During the days work, she goes down into the hold, where Owlbear has to guard the storage. She will approach him, gently remind him she was here yesterday, and take a quick look at how well his wounds have healed, taking 10 on heal checks if necessary to re-dress bandages and the like.
After having had some time to think, she will approach Rillum during their work-shift:"Rillum, Sandmans says you feel cheated because you wanted to know who is special to me so that you would protect those. But as I heared it, you only asked me who is useful to me, so that you could try and hurt others. You are a smart...man, as you always proclaim, so I believed it would make sense for you to learn who our allies are, rather than just who we care about in a closer way. I took what you suggested to mean that you will not hurt those as long as they are useful to us, when we make landfall, rather focusing your revenge on those who could stop us. But if Sandman read you right, thats not what you cared about when we talked. Is that right? Or is there another reason you were so angry yesterday when you left?"
Grok says "I got lots of stuff, watcha lookin for. Potions, scrolls, masterwork weapons, a really nice whip, some manacles, nothing really your size, oh wait, I's gots one small cutlass..."
"I am looking for potions and let me see that whip and the cutlass..."
@Rhemus "I got potions of barkskin, cure light wounds, and haste. I also got a cutlass about your size and a very exotic, very exquisitely made whip. Very fine whip. Too big for you, but very valuable. Is good trade."
Later on during the day, you see Fipps and Tate get into a shoving match of sorts but it's hard to make out the details from your position.
Rillum wakes sore, but refreshed. He takes a few minutes before the day begins to refresh his extracts and laments that lack of time and need for secrecy prevents him, again, from re brewing his plague vial.
Tomorrow, yes tomorrow. And more melting, maybe freezing for later. . .
His fingers itched and his skin crawled from lack of access to his laboratory equipment. Still smarting from the late-night conversation with those he had felt might make good partners, he stalks past his fellow 'crew' and learns his tasks for the day.
The overcast skies did nothing to improve his mood. Rain, maybe storm. Hmm.
He sees the fish lady working nearby. Manipulator. More fool me to open, begin to trust. She fools me with healing gift early, then like all others. Rillum spits on the deck for no apparent reason. I must be more careful, more wary. Risks important, allies needed, but true trust too valuable. Still all want to take advantage, all.
The fish lady approaches and speaks.
"Rillum, Sandmans says you feel cheated because you wanted to know who is special to me so that you would protect those. But as I heared it, you only asked me who is useful to me, so that you could try and hurt others. You are a smart...man, as you always proclaim, so I believed it would make sense for you to learn who our allies are, rather than just who we care about in a closer way. I took what you suggested to mean that you will not hurt those as long as they are useful to us, when we make landfall, rather focusing your revenge on those who could stop us. But if Sandman read you right, thats not what you cared about when we talked. Is that right? Or is there another reason you were so angry yesterday when you left?"
He turns back, bewildered. "Of course not hurt who is useful. Why would that be part of deal, part of agreement? That is stupid, foolish, not needed. Do not need to remind me to not pee in water barrel or sheathe daggers in own gut. Deal was who was special, to leave untouched even if killing is needed. Killing useful prey early is like throwing good food overboard just to watch it dance on the water."
He considers, "My thoughts, beliefs were you didn't, don't think I can make such judgements, distinctions, decisions without your advice - permission," The last word comes out with a snarl. "Many, others(?) think this be cause I resemble beast, animal, vermin to your kind. But I know you are more than monkey or fish. I am more than a rat! It seems like you need to control, manipulate me for trust. That is why I am angry, why I left. We were making deal. I did not ask who were prey, cattle. I asked for your pretty plaything, ones you wanted to keep. I need freedom to act, to plot. If one is special to you, I will, can use another. We talk plots next, after. Deal first so we know common goals, interests."
Rhemus chuckles at Aerel's question:
** spoiler omitted **
Aerel nods his understanding,
"Yes, as you say, stupid to kill useful..."prey". Which is why I thought you wanted to learn who is useful. You need no reminder to not pee in the water you drink...but I believe it may be useful to learn which water barrel is ours, and which is the officers. I took your suggestion as a request to learn about those in the crew that could proof useful."
Nivian breaks off talking while someone elses passes the place they work at, then continues when they are alone again: "I have never been in much of a position to give permissions to others, nor am I willing to endure partnership with people who lack sensible judgement of their own. Nothing good comes of that. The only thing I cherish about rules is that it establishes a baseline that everybody agrees to. Many people working together will have many different moral values, goals. Agreeing on a rule together means one less thing to worry about, as long as people stay true to their agreement regarding the rule. And if they fail to do so, there's a way for the others to punish them without having to argue about how severe the punishment should be. It is not about control or manipulation, not at all. It's about having one less thing on my mind to worry about, so I have more freedom to focus on more important stuff without having to watch my back
Waiting for a moment to see if Rillum could better understand her appreciation of basic rules...not hoping for agreement, but merely understanding, she then goes on:"I still believe you should learn who in the crew will be helpful and who won't. As you say, there should be no direction needed to tell you not to go out of your way to hurt those...but still you must first learn who is on our side...as for people special to me...people that I would feel personally offended about if something were to happen to them, there's Sandara, who was the original provider of your thieves tools, by the way...and Syl, who provided me with valuable information about the plans of our opposition at personal risk."
Rillum sighs. I see, I understand. Something wrong with her, deficient in some way. Head injury perhaps. Saying rules makes her feel better. Is shame she cannot understand saying rules does not change behavior, change goals. For one so old, so like child.
"Of course, you must have rules to feel safe, secure. Like ants we will all be working toward common purpose, and so smart you are. You must tell me, Rillum, who is helpful and who is his enemy. I am too small to see these things for myself. Please do tell. Then tell of rules Rillum will follow and punishments he will accept when his is bad, naughty. I will say yes and you will feel safe near me."
It is sad Fish Lady needs such crutches. She lived, was raised in such sheltered, safe world. Is sad when she learns rules do not mean safe. Was wrong to be angry, she does not know better. Still her healings and singings are useful. Strange partnership with one so ignorant, so simple, but possible.
Rhemus looks at the whip to see if they are truly finely crafted:
Just what IS wrong with this rat. Yesterday he stomps off angry, now he acts like an indentured servant? He's not taking anything I say seriously- He is mocking me, even, trying to play me for a fool.
"If you don't understand that rules give safety, why is it that you cling to your agreements? Why not just make the medicines for Sandman and trust that he will pay what they are worth? If there is no rules, why would he be bound to pay the agreed sum anyway? And I have not seen you mingle with anybody in the crew, yet, so please, do tell me what makes you think you can see who among them will stand with us, and who against us, when the time comes? It is not that you are too small, it is that you are too blind. Because I can assure you if it was that easy to see, the ships officers would have had a word with them already. Please, do go ahead and explain what makes you so much better than them in reading a person. Because surely you fail in reading me, if you mock me when I come to try and understand you, and help you understand me. But Rules are pointless to you, and by extension, any agreement you make is worthless, too, if you don't care about the rules involved. I will feel safe near you not for any empty words you give, but as long as I know I am useful to you. Because nothing else is of value to you, it seems, and you look out only for yourself. Do you have any insults left to throw my way before I return to my work? Then get it over with now so you don't have to seek me out later just to mock me more."
The way Rillum had reacted when she seeked him out filled her with anger, and while talking, that anger was amplifying itself. The ratfolk seemed reasonable enough, in the first days, but these last experiences? He must be mad, dangerous, or both. Best he not learn who our allies are...Nivian inmediately regreted telling him about Sandara and Syl...well, she would have to keep an extra close eye on both of them, and if something was to happen to either of them, and it was likely the rat had his paws in it...
"Ah, now who stomps off. I try yesterday to understand you, get you to see my point. You fail, then insult. I get angry, more angry than needed, I admit. My failing. You do not understand my need to be free of rules, to feel safe. You need rules to feel safe. You seem to think rules will be followed if stated. Dangerous attitude. These rules you cherish do nothing. You still must watch back. I try to find common ground, no artificial, fake, lying rules. Goals in common, actions in concert. I give you rules to make you fairy tale safe. You are mad, angry, as furious as I last night. Now you know how, why I am angry last night. Same DAMN reasons!"
Rillum stands and drops his tools to stare at Nivian.
"We start with respect. I respect your ability, skills to know, make friends. By addition, just now, you admit you think I cannot discern, identify enemies or allies. I do not say you cannot. I say, my judgement is strong, I am as smart as you. I trust and bring honesty in talks, plots. You claim me liar; you claim me false because I do not sooth your feelings. Nothing you have seen have I done false with you, yet such uncontrollable fear. Always insisting 'rules good! Rules needed! Cherish rules! Love them!' This is you not me. Words, words, words. Watch actions. Help free monkey, I give out fiddle, I give you back spices, though I risk fetching, take arrow to gut for your and my things."
He slumps down, "But actions mean nothing to you. You condemn, because our talkings, meanings are twisted. Because I will not worship your rules. You have no respect for me, nothing different. Why I expect, always, something different is my foolishness, my weakness. We should have common cause, but you will not accept me on my terms, but I must believe, act as you wish me to act for you to 'feel safe.' Partnerships, allies are not made this way. We both feel unsafe now. You clutch in bed fearful of my spices. I know that when the whip is grasped in your hand it will be used on me. My hope that other will take up the scourge before you."
"Rillum Jimmings...i have no idea what life you lead, what experiences you had made until now. I have led a long life, and let me assure you, many of my experiences were not good. I believe I suffered enough to last one of your kind a lifetime. One thing I learned during that time, is that people are more reluctant to do something if they agreed beforehand not to do it. I have been on a ship twice were woman were goods. There were no rules against rape, and the men did as they pleased. I was on a ship with no rules about murder, and after a bounty was taken and the crew got drunk on rum, the slaughter started and we barely made it back to a port with the crew diminished. Rape happens regardless, murder happens regardless of rules...I know they don't keep me safe. But they help me in that I don't have to expect these things to happen all the time. You may know your allies. You may treat them well. You may not betray your allies. But not everybody is that way. And in my experience, there is always someone willing to take advantage of you if you don't try and stop them. I have no illusions about rules stopping bad things from happening...but I have learned that they can well lower the amount of incidents...you may have learned different things in your life, made different experiences, and have a different opinion, but I want you to understand that my preference for rules comes from who I am, not from a love of control or an illusion of safety."
Nivian picks up Rillums tools and offers them to him:
"You are right that we started with respect. And I would welcome we keep that respect. Yet I do stand by what I said, even if your judgement is strong as you say...even I do not know what other allies we may have among the crew, from Sandmans or Baltzar's or Rhemus activities. If it was that easy to see, no mutiny would ever stand a chance. This was not meant with disrespect, merely as a truth, I am sorry if I used harsh words to say it. You are also right, I fear you. I lived a long time because I tended to be cautious. You, Rillum, are dangerous. You may not be dangerous to me, not now, but you are dangerous all the same. As the last day has shown, I may not understand you as well as I thought, nor you me. So I am afraid, because while you did nothing wrong, nothing to betray me, I cannot know it will always be so. I would be stupid to assume that. I also fear the Elf with his mask, because I cannot read him, have no idea what he thinks and what drives his actions. I also fear Sandman, whom I often saw late at night, wandering like a puppet. He seems to carry a curse, or worse. I fear Rhemus, who nimbly dispatched Owlbear, who defeated you. Would he decide to take my head, could I stop him? I do not fear Baltzar, for she is a priestess and will honor her code, and we freed her Monkey who seems very smart for an animal...fear, it is important. It may be all to present and one may start seeing ghosts. But the longer you life, the more often you see people die because they feared not when they should, and almost never see someone die because they feared too much. So yes, I fear you, Rillum Jimmings, and that is a compliment to your skills."
Wether he takes the tools or not, Nivian sits back down.
"Actions mean something to me. But actions don't speak to me about intent. A man trying to charm a woman? Treating her to a fine meal? Bringing her flowers? Singing to her? His actions may say he loves her...his intent, however, may be much more basic. People often use actions to mask their intents, to mislead us on those things left unspoken. There is many good liers out there, who will look into your eyes and tell you absolutely trustworthy whatever they think you should hear. But everybody out there is a good actor. That's society. Even if not in words, we lie to each other in actions all the time. I can always read peoples actions, or try to do so...but I only get a chance to read their intent if they speak it. So when someone refuses to talk, it could always be that person is not a good lier, only a good actor...and uses his actions to pretend, while hiding his intent. On the other hand, if someone gladly talks, but refuses to act, then they are useless, but much less dangerous. That is why I like words so much. It is not that I don't value the actions. We should not feel unsafe. Yet unsafe we will remain, for now, and maybe for the best. We should not try and force each other to understand, rather learn to see why we think how we do. I clutch in bed fearful of many things, your spices among them. And I will dream of the day when I wield the whip, and can prove to you that I would not use it just to change you."
"One thing I learned during that time, is that people are more reluctant to do something if they agreed beforehand not to do it. I have been on a ship twice were woman were goods. There were no rules against rape, and the men did as they pleased. I was on a ship with no rules about murder, and after a bounty was taken and the crew got drunk on rum, the slaughter started and we barely made it back to a port with the crew diminished. Rape happens regardless, murder happens regardless of rules...I know they don't keep me safe. But they help me in that I don't have to expect these things to happen all the time. You may know your allies. You may treat them well. You may not betray your allies. But not everybody is that way. And in my experience, there is always someone willing to take advantage of you if you don't try and stop them. I have no illusions about rules stopping bad things from happening...but I have learned that they can well lower the amount of incidents...you may have learned different things in your life, made different experiences, and have a different opinion, but I want you to understand that my preference for rules comes from who I am, not from a love of control or an illusion of safety."
"And my experience is rules only help those with power, never me. Are followed only by those who must, enforced by lash. Your experience with rules as protection, not mine. Even so, I understand you love, makes you feel safe. Please do not mention again to me. Don't like thoughts of them, will only make me mad irritate. If you wish, want to make me angry, begin by telling of glories of rules and fit, just punishments. First of my buttons, levers."
Nivian picks up Rillums tools and offers them to him, and he takes them as a gesture of good faith.
"You are right that we started with respect. And I would welcome we keep that respect. Yet I do stand by what I said, even if your judgement is strong as you say...even I do not know what other allies we may have among the crew, from Sandmans or Baltzar's or Rhemus activities. If it was that easy to see, no mutiny would ever stand a chance. This was not meant with disrespect, merely as a truth, I am sorry if I used harsh words to say it."
"Next and second, advice unasked for is irksome, annoying. It implies one does not know, is not smart" He raises his paw to stop the objection, "Yes first was misunderstanding. You list allies because you think I want, ask. But then you repeat and repeat to make me understand how much I need your wisdom, your insight. When I say I don't need, stop. I will stop listening anyway and you sound like mothers and sisters nagging from shore. It is now high-pitched whine in ear, less than useless."
"For fear, good. Fear all, but just to be wary, be careful. Do not use fear to chase away good partners, allies as you do with me. And priestess, fear her too. Five days are not enough for fear to die. My experience and unasked advice to you."
"Finally, I try actions to make you see. I try honest words, angry words, sad words, sarcastic words, and now just tired words to make you see I will not cut throat in sleep. I have no others. If you think I still cut, wear collar at bed, only way to be sure."
He turns back to his work for the day.
"I wished not to speak of glory, only to help you understand me. Not only you have buttons and levers, Rillum. I have never listed allies, only intended doing so, but neither will I push that knowledge on you. So you can prove just how good your insight is, how far your smartness carries. If you see it as nagging advice, then none of that I shall push on you. I'll keep my counsel, and you do yours. I never said I trusted the priestess, only that she does not inspire fear in me as some of you others do. You say I don't understand you, I would ask you don't assume to understand me either, before we have come far enough together to make it so mutually. Because until then, all those words carry little meaning if they are just said to appease, to please, rather than expressing one's own feelings. That is true for both my words, and yours. These words are like the rain on the ocean around us. Let us wait until we wander through the desert, and see how much more valuable they become, how much more meaning they carry. And I fear a desert will be ahead of us before this is over."
Nivian returns to her work as well.
Baltzar actually seems to enjoy the weather as she goes about her work, but not for long as she quickly starts to get fatigued.
Rhemus looks at the whip to see if they are truly finely crafted:
[dice=Sneak to Cast Detect Magic]1d20+8
Technically the whip is neither masterwork nor magical. It is simply...unique. I am then assuming then you are trading the mw dagger for your gear as well as a potion of barkskin.
Technically the whip is neither masterwork nor magical. It is simply...unique. I am then assuming then you are trading the mw dagger for your gear as well as a potion of barkskin.
Rhemus turns the whip over in his hands and comments:
"It is a beautiful piece, yet not a weapon I can use. I would trade the dagger for my gear and a potion."
He picks up the items he wants.
When Sandman enters the store, Rhemus nods in his direction. He steps aside allowing Sandman to speak with Grok.
Rhemus returns to the galley carrying all his gear and helps Fishguts prepare the evening meal.
After a shower he dresses in his armor for the evening activities, straps his rapier to his belt and hangs the light crossbow across his back. Finally fully armored Rhemus for the first time feels a bit more in control and at ease with his current circumstances.
Grok agrees to the trade with Rhemus.
She turns to look at Sandman "What, is everyone shirking their duties today? Must be the rain. Anyway, what can I do you for?"
When Rhemus was done he stepped up to Grok's door and replied "Storm's coming. I figured it might be my last chance to come down here until it passes. Do you still have my satchel? It is a large belt bag with a skull on the front."
"Of course. Like anyone wants to buy your crazy stuff."
"That's kinda what I was hoping you'd say."
Sandman set two of the heavy maces they'd found in the bilge on the counter.
"These you probably can sell. My stuff will just sit here collecting dust. How about a straight trade?"
"I'll tell you want, I'll take the maces, and you give your stuff back, but you've got a tab with me, 50 gp. take it or leave it." Grok replies to Sandman.
Rosie and Sandara both do what they can to help out Baltzar who's mind seems to be on something else.
Both Baltzar and Sandman receive warnings from Mr. Plugg for not performing their duties well enough. He promises that next time either of you slack off, you'll keep the lash company during the bloody hour.
Rillum, you can see and smell the storm coming, the next few days are probably going to be pretty rough, weather wise.
Niviain, Owlbear is sleeping when you go to check on him but he seems to be healing quite well. The offered assistance had definitely increased his ability to recover from the previous day's torment.
Sandman nodded to Grok. "Fine. Thank you."
He put his wide belt on with his medicine pouch hanging down the center. Checked the contents and hefted the massive carved totem-pole ram that Grok had leaned in the corner of her shop. He took it down to his bunk and hung one of it's handles on a hook to keep it upright. The weapon was far too big to be carried around normally.
Later, when told off by Plugg, Sandman said nothing, simply nodding stoically at the end of the First Mate's rant.
Which brings us to the end of the work day and the ringing of the dinner bell. There is no business to conduct during the Bloody hour. Rum rations are passed out as normal, and fish is on the menu tonight.
Aerel scurries down the mast at the end of his shift, making straight for the ship's stores and the quartermaster. Upon arriving, he states,
When the Rum ration is handed out, Nivian waits for an opportune moment to place it in a waterskin.
(Evening Action) The rain has lifted Nivians spirits. Also, she had light work, and as such is quite willing to perform again, tonight, and sing for the crew.
(First Night Action) Later in the evening, she checks on Owlbear again, checking if healing is progressing well, and trying to learn from Sandmans techniques.
+2(if perform bonus)
(Second Night Action) Even later, as usual meanwhile, Nivian tries to find and keep Syl company, talking about all kinds of things with the woman who finally warmed up to her a bit.
+2(if perform bonus)
(Tired tomorrow?)
Nope, feeling fine.
Rillum spends the first part of his evening in the bilge, re-crafting his plague vial, then considering how well last night went, wisely slips into his bunk for sleep. He assumes that if any plotters want his participation, they will come to him.
The next few days are likely to be hard; a storm is coming.
Rhemus chats briefly with each of the sailors as he pours the rum ration, making small talk about the weather and the impending storm. He tries to discover if anyone knows where the Wormwood is heading and what preparations are being made to weather the storm.
He will later ask Rosie to help him meet and befriend other crew members. Together they approach the other male halfling, Ratline Rattsberger:
"Evenin' Rattsberger. You like the food tonight? I have been adding some halfing flavoring to remind me of home... Where are you from and how did you happen to end up on this ship?"
He will continue to make small talk and engage with the rigger, using Rosie's help to influence his attitude:
Baltzar will continue to talk to Sandara about Besmara and such.
Then just in case,
On a less busy moment after her performance, Nivian finds Rhemus
"After leaving Port Peril, Captain Harrigan took the Wormwood
north across Jeopardy Bay, then steered southwest, passing
to the east of Dahak’s Teeth on the fourth day...and getting nearer to Motaku."
Sandman saw Giffer and Tilly sitting together and speaking, and approached them both. "Good evening Miss Giffer, Miss Tilly. I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. With the storm coming, we don't want anyone at less than their best."
He gave Tilly a small smile. "I apologize if I unnerved you the other day. I am not nearly as fearsome as some would say. I return what I receive, so to speak."
Once the ladies had gone to bed, Sandman waited, carving into his recovered totem with the knife Rhemus had given him from the galley. Once everyone was asleep he supply glanced in both Fipps' direction and pushed his influence into his dreams.
Then, once his false thoughts had taken hold he hung his totem on the lantern hook above his cot once more and walked out to the prow to pull on his mask and wait for the storm.
Aerel scurries down the mast at the end of his shift, making straight for the ship's stores and the quartermaster. Upon arriving, he states, ** spoiler omitted **
"Hahaha, that's a good one. Any club would do in a fight. You want your stuff back, you pay or barter like anyone else. And just in case you get any ideas, stealing on this ship may end up getting you keelhauled."
When the Rum ration is handed out, Nivian waits for an opportune moment to place it in a waterskin.
[dice=Sleigh of Hand to secretly store Rum Ration]1d20+3(Evening Action) The rain has lifted Nivians spirits. Also, she had light work, and as such is quite willing to perform again, tonight, and sing for the crew.
[dice=Perform(Sing)]1d20+7+1(First Night Action) Later in the evening, she checks on Owlbear again, checking if healing is progressing well, and trying to learn from Sandmans techniques.
[dice=Influence Owlbear]1d20+2+1+1+2(if perform bonus)
[dice=Healing]1d20+1+1
(Second Night Action) Even later, as usual meanwhile, Nivian tries to find and keep Syl company, talking about all kinds of things with the woman who finally warmed up to her a bit.
[dice=Influence Syl]1d20+2+1+1+2(if perform bonus)(Tired tomorrow?)
[dice=Constitution]1d20+1 Nope, feeling fine.
You can waken Owlbear if you choose, but he is sleeping peacefully.
You have no issue sneaking your rum ration into the waterskin.
You change some of the soaked through bandages on Owlbear and he smiles at you. He even makes a silly face in attempt to make you laugh.
Syl actually seems happy to see you and shares some of her more personal stories with you, some good, some bad, but you can tell she is starting to trust you, a little.
Rhemus chats briefly with each of the sailors as he pours the rum ration, making small talk about the weather and the impending storm. He tries to discover if anyone knows where the Wormwood is heading and what preparations are being made to weather the storm.
[dice=Diplomacy + Enhanced Diplomacy: Gather Information]1d20+6 + 2
He will later ask Rosie to help him meet and befriend other crew members. Together they approach the other male halfling, Ratline Rattsberger:
"Evenin' Rattsberger. You like the food tonight? I have been adding some halfing flavoring to remind me of home... Where are you from and how did you happen to end up on this ship?"
He will continue to make small talk and engage with the rigger, using Rosie's help to influence his attitude:
[dice=Diplomacy + Enhanced Diplomacy + Rosie' help]1d20+6 + 2 + 2
Rattsberger seems to be in a welcoming mood, moreso to Rosie than to yourself, but he's open and friendly. "You guys seem to be working out well so far. It's hard to tell if new faces will last, given the way they're volunteered and all. And I can't complain about the cooking. We haven't eaten this good in ages...well since my time before the Wormwood. Fishguts can't seem to cook water right."
You also learn that the Wormwood currently sits to the east of Motaku, but the destination is unknown, usually only the officers know that information.
Baltzar will continue to talk to Sandara about Besmara and such.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+2
Then just in case,
[dice=Religion]1d20+9
Sandman saw Giffer and Tilly sitting together and speaking, and approached them both. "Good evening Miss Giffer, Miss Tilly. I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. With the storm coming, we don't want anyone at less than their best."
He gave Tilly a small smile. "I apologize if I unnerved you the other day. I am not nearly as fearsome as some would say. I return what I receive, so to speak."
[dice=Diplomacy: Giffer, guidance]1d20+3+1
[dice=Diplomacy: Tilly, guidance, aid from giffer]1d20+3+1+2
[dice=Con check, endurance]1d20+4+4
Once the ladies had gone to bed, Sandman waited, carving into his recovered totem with the knife Rhemus had given him from the galley. Once everyone was asleep he supply glanced in both Fipps' direction and pushed his influence into his dreams.
Then, once his false thoughts had taken hold he hung his totem on the lantern hook above his cot once more and walked out to the prow to pull on his mask and wait for the storm.
Fipps again dreams about his altercations with Tate, but has not yet been motivated to violence quite yet.
Baltzar will continue to talk to Sandara about Besmara and such.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+2
Then just in case,
[dice=Religion]1d20+9
Ah, okay cool then yeah I'm interested in her thoughts on Besmara, how the other pirates treat her as a priest of Besmara, and overall what she thinks of them all (especially the officers and their worst cronies I should avoid) since she's been here longer than I have.
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Sandara would mostly discuss Besmara's beliefs with you and warn you away from the officers. They're not to be trusted or trifled with. Fishguts isn't a bad person, but is a terrible cook. Grok takes her job seriously, when she's not drunk. Scourge and Plugg are just bullies aiming to pick on anyone and everyone. The captain is rarely seen and keeps his plans a secret even from most of his officers. Most of the pirates aren't religious enough to care about Besmara, except Grok. She is terribly fearful of upsetting the pirate goddess. The rest say a quick prayer but that's about the extent of their practice.
As the morning of the seventh day begins, the rain still falls, and it falls harder than it had been. The wind picks up making working in the rigging even more dangerous.
Special Occasion
Look Out
Repairs
Rat Catcher
Rat Catcher
Runner
Catching rats, that sucks...
Repair Duty, again. This time, alone, without others. Well, at least Nivian got to enjoy the rain, working above deck. The riggers did seem like they were having a hard time, though. Nivian looks in the rigging if she can see the strange elf, but is unable to find him. Likely that meant he had duty in the crows nest, looking out.
As if he could see any better in this storm for being an elf. Humans are weird. I do wonder how well that Maheen guy can climb, though.
I should try to bond with more woman...if the male crew indeed wants to turn a future captured ship into a "pleasure cruise", then females will be natural allies
"You been in many storms yet? I'd say this one will get worse yet..."