Pretty boy? I'd rather be hearing that from the women.
"Why certainly sir."
Before le GM
Be it above or below makes little difference to me.
He nods as he is assigned to the swabs and inwardly smiles.
I reckon this way I can get a better feel for the ship and crew then.
He listens in to Issac and Alabaster's conversation.
Fancies himself the captain minutes aboard eh? I guess some hombres just don't understand what pressganging is. I'll make sure his ego doesn't get him, or us, killed.
After the sorting is done he stands in with Edward.
"Dario Ezequela, wandering traveler and unlucky pressgang. Though I was running out of coin anyways so I cannot blame Lady Luck."
And in a whisper.
"Keep an eye on the silver haired hombre, I think he has ideas bigger than his shining mane can handle.
===
After le GM
Dario tries to figure out the man's name by listening in to the crew before heading down.
Rat catching is not where I expect to find enlightenment. Let's hope we make quick work of them.
Prior to the work, to Signor Dario.
"Well, seems lady luck skipped a day on us all.", as he shakes Dario's hand.
"I'll keep it in mind, but that goes for everybody here. A sudden shift in environment presses us all into caution for the moment. I've been a free man and don't plan on being a lackey to people merely because they wish so.", he says with a smirk on his face.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Rats. Ye want me ta catch rats. In tha bilges...Are we sapposed ta bring me ta ye inna bucket or somethin' when we be done?
He massages his ribs again, while wincing, and looks up to the sky.
Milady, I be hopin' this be another one o' yer trials, and the time I spent driftin' inna longboat was tha worst part o' it....
He starts off with the rest of the group muttering under his breath.
Rats... In tha bilges....Rats....
"Right. To the Riggin's with me." He makes his way up the ropes and begins to work.
"Ranak is my name. I'll see if I can find us some allies here. As soon as I know anything I'll make a report." Ranak says just loud enough for his press-ganged friends to hear.
With that, he heads down to the galley.
Edward spends the days hauling lines and working out knots from the long coils of rope only to make new ones later on. Despite being able to accomplish these rather simple tasks fairly well he lacks the stamina for such heavy labour and quickly tires himself out
As Dario passes by he tries to listen in on the conversation but the strong winds of the sea prevent him from catching anything of use. He spends the day with Alabaster and Jesal successfully hunting and capturing a large number of mice earning them a grudging grunt of approval from Master Scourge
Isaac spends his day swinging around the ships riggings completely at ease with his surroundings and easily accomplishing the simple task he has been given
As Ranak reaches the galley, he spies a large middle-aged man bustling around the dirty cooking area drinking from a half-filled bottle of rum. "Ah seems they've finally deemed it fit ta send me down an assistant, an one as ugly as meself at that. Well seeing as it be yer first day why don't you settle down and take a swig a the old bottle with me and trade stories eh lad?"
Edward had given a little too much enthusiasm, tiring himself out.
"I'm going to have to work on the stamina some time soon.
As far as i have seen them, the others seem to be fine, but who knows with this crew on board.
"Ranak's the name. I love to cook so they sent me here. If I may, I would like to know a bit more about the ship and crew. What can you tell me?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Well the ship be right an' proper I can tell ye tha'. S'been under the command of Harrigan fer as long as a' can remember. As fer the crew they're a right unpleasant lot most o' them, 'specially the group what toadies up ta' Plugg like Aretta an' Fipps. Some o' them aren't so bad though, 'hired' jus' like you they was. Should probably try Sandara an' Rosie fer a start ifn' ye be in the market fer a drinkin' buddy or two. Grok's also a right good sort soon as ye get to know her."
He lets out a loud laugh at that last part as he takes a long swig from the bottle before passing it to Ranak. Kroop looks down at the ground then, his initial good humour disappearing only to be replaced by a sad look in his eyes. He sighs deeply, checks the door with a quick glance, then looks you back in the eyes.
"I'll tell ya one more thing though... it's poison, this ship. Don’t let anyone hear you say it aloud though, 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. You think on tha' as you try an' find yer place here.”
Kroop grabs the bottle back from you, drinking deeply to drown out his feelings with the strong beverage.
I see no reason to antagonize these people.
Dario will spend the evening on deck and then head to bed early unless intercepted by any character interested in talking.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Once you finish your work for the day you hear the ship bell rung and see the crew gathering on deck mumbling something about a 'bloody hour' and 'Magpie'. One you reach the sterncastle of the ship, you see Mr.Plugg and Master Scourge standing above the rest with another man shackled to the railing.
As they begin to speak, interrogating the prisoner, you quickly come to understand that he is the 'Magpie' that was being spoken about earlier. Jakes Magpie was caught for stealing from other crew members, ones affiliated with Plugg and Scourge, and was caught red-handed. As the interrogation comes to it's close, Jakes is sentenced to a keelhauling by the cruel shipmasters.
As the punishment begins, all of you notice the relish on Plugg's face as he inflicts this painfull and often deadly punishment as slowly as possible. When the body of Jakes reappears on the other side of the ship, it is barely recognizable as it has been sliced to pieces by the barnacles on the underside of the ship. Plugg lets it sit on the deck a few moments, a warning to all, before tossing the ruined remains of the body to the sharks.
As you descend for your meal, you are all issued a rum ration for the night before being given free rein for your time of leisure. When you reach the hold, you see the crew lounging around eating after a long days work and also spot a heated game of arm wrestling going on in one corner of the room.
Alabaster makes his way through the sailors in the room, looking for the cleric he heard a little about while he was working. When he finds her, he leans relaxedly against the wall near her and strikes up a conversation.
I be hearin' tell you be a cleric o' tha Lady... Mayhaps ye heard or not, but I be a priest o' tha waves as well. Me name be Alabaster. Alabaster Cain. It be refreshin' ta know there be another devout on board. Perhaps ye care ta talk? I find meself wonderin' why she be havin' me here, and after I be adrift fer weeks after tha Shinin' Skull was taken by the damned Chels... Seems like she be havin' some sorta plan fer me, and I gotta suffer for a while. Methinks it'd be a little easier ta bear, if I only had me holy symbol and cutlass wi' me though.... Given ta me by tha priest what trained me, and all I have left o' tha man.
He sighs and drinks his grog, looking morosely out over the sailors having fun.
So did ye get ta be here? Were ye volunteered in yer sleep as well?
Edward drinks the stuff, but a slight sign up an *ugh* shows.
This sure is the [i]best they can give us isn't it. It's been tampered with, i'm sure. The only thing this stuff is good for is for making one even drowsier.[/i]
Sandara looks up from her drink, giving Alabaster a cursory scan with her eyes before smiling broadly at the young man.
"I hadn't heard tell of another devout to the Pirate Goddess. It be good to know I'm no longer the only one aboard with a slight penchant for religious favour.
When she hears your questions she responds with a wry laugh before speaking up
"Aye it was the taggit oil for me as well. Never a good feeling for a young woman to wake up one morning wondering where she is, 'specially round these waters. As for your gear you might be in luck there, she says with a wink, seems I was able to recover my own gear by tricking Grock into thinking mine was blessed by Besmara herself and would curse her if she held on to it. Scared her right out of her mind, so much so I even managed to nab some of your own items too."
She rummages around her deep cleavage for a few moments before retrieving a holy symbol of Besmara and a spell component pouch from her generous bosom and handing them to Alabaster with a coy smile and a flick of her hair
"I do believe this is yours, and the pouch belongs to your greenish friend from the galley. Hope they come in handy." she says before walking off deeper into the ship
Alabaster returns her coy smile with one of his own.
Aye, I'll be rememberin' that, seems there might be a few other new "recruits" what be needin' a few o' their things back. I'll give Grok a talkin' later. Fer now I'm just happy there be someone like me on tha ship. One as graced by Besmara herself what with tha most beautiful looks I'm ever fer seein' in me life. Yer tha strikin' image of tha Lady o' Waves herself, I say.
In a sophisticated act that is as rare for Alabaster as a ship that can sail on land, he takes her hand and kisses it like a nobleman would. When he's done, he chuckles and leans back against the wall.
I daressay, between tha two of us, we mighten be able ta keep our fellow recruitments alive fer tha trip, see?
For now she merely nods in acknowledgement to his last comment as she walks away and adds
"Perhaps, perhaps not. There be many an injury to be gained aboard this ship if one isn't careful"
but you can tell she will remember your cute face and golden locks well, hopefully well enough for another talk one of these days
Alabaster shakes his head at the cleric, thinking Well, mayhaps this won't be such a difficult voyage afterall.... before spying the one known as Grok across the room. He sidles in between sailors having their fun before taking up the same stance next to her.
Ahoy there, Lady Grok! I don't think we been meetin' yet. Me name be Alabaster Cain. I needed ta speak wit ye fer a couple a' things... I be need in' ta know of we be havin' any pistols on board? When Besmara sent me at me mentor fer trainin', she blessed me what tha ability ta use a pistol and cutlass wit me magic, and as weapons in her name ta boot. I'm not fer askin' ye ta give anything ta me that mighten get ye in trouble, but if we're ta be fighten, I'm fer needin' one. The second thing be, as I'm bein' a priest o' tha Lady, some of me and me friend's things were taken that didn't need takin'... Now like I was fer sayin', I'm not askin fer our weapons and all fer now, but tha things we be needin' fer our magic and to stay alive on here is all. We both know tha' Lady can be as fickle as a sea storm, and I'm not fer wantin' ta be on a pirate ship what has earned her ire, see? And I'm fer thinkin' that takin' tha belongings of a priest in her name, and those of his friends, and bein' tha things what those people need fer bein' good pirates, that just mighten be what makes her angry.... So all I'm fer askin' is maybe return some of the things what that ye can that be helpin' us and won't be gettin' yerself in trouble wit Scourge an' Plug? Iffen yer fer bein so kind, I'll make sure meself and me friends are fer keepin' it quiet an' between us all, see?
Isaac finishes his job and heads back to the deck. Seeing the execution of Jakes Magpie, the silver haired man removes his hat in salute. Receiving his meal and grog, he eats. He decides not to drink due to being on an unknown ship.
He walks around the ship. His eye catches a young woman that he's seen during one of his rope swings. He decides to make his way over. "And hello to you, fair lass. From what the lads on the Riggin's told me, you're a priest of the Lady, right? A pleasure to meet you. I'm Isaac Silvermane, Soon-to-Be Captain of a fine ship. Not this one, mind you. I would like a... better ship. Though, I can't seem to be a fine captain of a fine ship without me affects."
[ooc]I'll post my second action when the results are posted.
Dario carries on with his stated actions, then heads belowdecks. He would rather wait a day or two to get the gist of life aboard the wormwood before making critical decisions.
From randomly chatting with her beforehand you can tell she is an avid drinker and a fan of expensive or rare alcohol. It is also apparent that she is fairly laid back in the evenings and shows a significant love for music and entertainment. You also see a flash of fear enter her eyes as you mention Besmara, confirming what Sandara said about her fear of being cursed.
In answer to your more important questions, Grok interrupts her chugging of strong drink long enough to glance in your direction before proceeding to quaff the rest of her rum. She then turns her full attention to, staring you square in the eyes the glint of a challenge glinting in hers.
"If it be pistols yer searching for I do indeed have a brace in my possesion, lifted "em from a few Chelians I did. You'd need the coin to purchase such rare weapons though, they don't come cheap those.
I don't know about given ya back yer things just yet, but ya might be able ta convince me if ye've got a good song hiding down yer throat or a drink in yer pocket?"
The pirate priestess turns away from watching the game of arm wrestling to take a look at the tall man in front of her
"Tall, lean and silver-haired. From a cursory glance you must be a Silvermane correct. I have heard stories of your ancestors and yet here I see you, a simple rigger press-ganged aboard a Free Captain's ship. Not quite living up to the family name I see?"
She lets out a loud laugh after teasing Isaac, apparently finding the whole situation very funny. After having had her fun she answers Isaac's initial comment
"A mighty wise idea that taking another ship but not for the reasons you might think. Believe it or not, Harrigan is feared upon these waters and I would not encourage you to face off toe to toe with that man if you value yer life.
All the same though, I understand your desire for retrieving your own effects. Your friend over there, the priest, thought along the same lines as you and came to me earlier. I gave him what little of your gear I could retrieve before he moved off to speak with Grok. Who knows, if your friend is silver tongued as he was with me he may retrieve his gear yet."
Alabaster smiles back at her, the gleam in his eyes matching her challenging stare.
Aye, I can be gettin' ye some fine drink inna few days, and some singin' now ta boot! Wouldn't be a pirate worth me salt what I didn't know a song or two!
With that, he jumps up onto a table, downs his grog in one gulp, tosses the mug into a corner, and starts belting out a song.
We be sailors of tha' blue, searchin' fer some riches,
And iffen it's you tha' we be spottin'
Better get some prayers wit yer wishes!
Fer we're tha chosen of tha queen, tha lady of tha sea,
And when we be hoistin' tha sails
Ye best be hoistin' yers an' flee!
Ye be knowin what's ta happen' if ye ain't provin' tha quicker
Cause we already drew our cutlasses
An' we're ta cut yer throats with a snicker!
We're ta take all ye got, and leave nothin' back
Except maybe a soul or two
ta tell tha ports of our attack!
Isaac smiles at the good natured cleric. "No offense is takin'. Even the great Silvermanes had to start somewhere. After all, rumor has it that when Sebastian started his career in piracy, he started with relearning the basics of a ship." At her advice about Harrigan, Isaac nods. "Aye. The fact that Harrigan's a Free Captain makes things more dire. Thank ye for the advice."
At her mention of Alabaster, he smiles. "Alabaster? Aye, he's a good lad. A bit wet behind the ears; but a good lad nonetheless. I'll talk to him later, then."
But Isaac didn't drink his rum ration.
Grok roars with laughter and glee at the young priest's song, clearly entertained despite the man's lack of experience at singing shanties.
"Ahaha, that was a mighty fine song my friend. Come sit with me some more, let us share stories and drink this night and see if we can't get a little closer to ya gettin' yer gear back hahaha!
As Isaac tries to subtly tip his mug of Rum on the floor as he walks away from Sandara, Fipps spots him and shouts out for all to hear
"OY! THIS LILLY LIVERED EXCUSE FER A SAILOR'S POURIN' 'IS GROG ON DA FLOOR!
The shouting immediately attracts the attention of Mr.Plugg who was walking by at the same moment. He approaches Isaac, a psychotic grin spreading on his face.
"And what do we give those who waste the good grog we offer up on this ship?!", he asks drawing his cat
"TWO LASHES O' THE CAT!" the whole crew answers back in a thundering roar
Once the show is over the crew returns to their goings on and Plugg returns to patrolling the ship, confident he'd taught Isaac an important lesson aboard the Wormwood. Sandara quickly rushes to Isaac's side to inspect him. She speaks in a soft voice so that none hear
"Seems as though Plugg isn't in top form today, he barely caused a few welts" with that she waves her hand, healing the painful stripes "If ever you or your friends need a little patching up don't hesitate to come ask fer a little o' the Mistress' divine favour
Alabaster will spend the rest of the evening jovially chatting with Grok, and drinking. When Isaac gets his beating, he starts to rise, clutching his holy symbol, but thinks better of it and sits back down.
Damn, I didn't have time to prepare any spells this morning, I'll have to patch him up tomorrow...
The looks on his face is a mixture of anger and sadness for his new friend, but when Sandara rushes to Isaac's side, Alabaster heaves out a sigh of relief and turns back to Grok, continuing on with their talking and drinking.
Isaac grits his teeth at each of the lashes. At Sandara's healing touch, Isaac breathes a sigh of relief. He whispers, "I thank ye. I enjoy a good drink. Just don't trust these drinks, eh?" He smiles a coy smile. "I'm sure that I'll be returning to your embrace more often if this keeps up." He stretches out. He turns to Sandara and says, "Once again, thank ye. I'm sure I'll be seeing ye around, savvy?" He takes off his hat, bows in flourish, and kisses her knuckles.
***
He continues to walk the ship, probably seeing some of the crew laughing at him while his back is turned. His eye catches a young woman who he's seen plenty of times working the Riggings. He approaches. "Ahoy. I've heard quite a few people say your name is Barefoot Samms Toppin, right? A pleasure to be workin' with ye. Isaac Silvermane, at your service." He looks back at Plugg. "No doubt, you've seen tha' bit o' nasty business wit' him, eh? Very embarrassin' on me part."
"Dis one no' be drinking da rum on accounta dis one's religion. Only eat n drink da natural things," Salt waves off the rum ration, adding to the guy behind him in line, "Unlessin ya be giving it to dis salty lad?"
Salt will also approach Grok for his nighttime action, "Ya bein da quartermaster, no? Dis one be looking for some of his 'tings. Ya mighten be seein em, most have da seaweed on 'em. Could be using me holy symbol mostly and me pouch of sacred herbs that Shimye be expectin burned dis night. Ya give dis outta luck sailor a break?"
Sandara blushes ever so slightly at the gentlemanly gesture and and the somewhat suggestive words before mumbling a farewell and going to bed for the night
Samms nods at Isaac's comment about the whipping, some form of compassion forming in her eyes.
"Aye nasty it was. Plugg glories in the act of hurting others and reducin' 'em to nothing more than crying wrecks afraid of their own shadows. Best way to avoid 'is attention is to do what we all do, drink up! That or at least avoid sticking out like a sore thumb when your pouring good grog all over the floor.
The name's Samantha by the way, but ye can call me Samms if thats yer fancy. What can I do for you on this fine night beside state the obvious and wound your already wounded pride?
she says that last part with a good natured smile and a small laugh, clearly interested in building some kind of friendship with Isaac
Edward was feeling still pretty much awake. He noticed Sandara's attention to Isaac though.
There's a beauty if i've seen one these last couple of months. Edward, you've got work to do.
When the crowd is gone or going he walks casually to her, "accidentally" bumping into her. If she was carrying something he'll kneel down to get it for her and "stare in awe of her beauty" as he gives it back.
"So sorry milady. Pardon me, it's been a while since i've set foot on a ship. Thank you for taking care of my friend back there, much appreciated. My name is Edward, from Riddleport. May i inquire your name and how you came to be on this ship?"
After her responses he'd do the following:
"I am but a humble musician, allow me to thank you for your time and make it up to you."
He conjures up a decorated lute and starts singing on a low tone, so as not to draw attention.
El song
"Lady Sandara was her name,
merely her looks should earn her fame.
A surprise to any humble lad,
being pressed onto this boat is now not so bad.
Gifted with a healing touch,
save for the heart injuries hurt not so much.
In light she did so stand,
allow this humble bard to kiss her hand...."
*Kiss the hand*
"Maybe we'll see eachother again.", he bows and leaves.
Isaac laughs. "Well, I guess I have to be careful now, don't I? I jus' have a bi' o' penchan' drinkin' a drink given to me by the one who be kidnappin' me, eh?"
At her question, Isaac smiles good-naturedly. "Very well, Samms. I jus' be going around the ship, talkin' and makin' nice, eh? We need friends an' allies. And, if I'm a pitchin' to be a Captain, then I'm a needin' a crew. So, tell me. How did one such as yourself come into the service of this lout?"
Isaac turns his head to see Edward laying on the charms to Sandara. He chuckles. "Seems the lad is more charming than I, eh Samms? Guess I'll have to be keepin' an eye on him."
To the poor Mwangi's dismay, Kroop shoves the rum ration into his possession all the same saying each and every sailor aboard the ship gets his fair share and thats that.
As he approaches Grok and Alabaster who are drinking and laughing together he is invited to take a seat with them all
"Well if it ain't another one after 'is precious booty. Well I'll cut you a deal matey, hand me that there mug of rum, tell me a good story and we'll see what builds up from there eh?"
Sandara is at first unsure about how to react to the humble musician but is left simply breathless and red cheeked after his soft manner and romantic song. As he walks away, Edward hears a barely audible sigh as Sandara stares after him clearly wooed by his dazzling display
Samms laughs as she sees Sandara's reaction to Edward
"Seems your friend there has a silver tongue and magic hands to boot. Sandara's all a quiver in her boots, wouldn' be surprised to see her faint from dehydration"
After sharing a good laugh with Isaac she proceeds to answer his less savoury question.
"Well my story isn't much different from yours really. I used to make my living from fishing the waters near Slipcove. One day the Wormwood pulled into port to restock and for the crew to unwind after many days at sea. I was out drinking with some of the men and ended up on the ship for a pretty wild night.... They left port the next day, with me still aboard as a new rigger."
Isaac listens to Samms, nodding. "Tis a shame. Anyways, glad to have met you, Samms. I'll be seein' you in the 'morrow." He leaves and heads below deck to sleep. He mutters, "I'll be regretting staying up."
Alabaster drinks and laughs most of the night away with Grok, genuinely enjoying sharing stories from his time on The Shining Skull, and of his constant failed attempts to run away from Drenchport. When Salt sits down, he welcomes him with a clap on the shoulder and a raucous grin. When the night is finally over and everyone heads to bed, he stops by Ranak and discreetly slides the spell component pouch into his hand.
I can probly be getin' a lot more o' our stuff back than this, if ye can get me a bottle of good booze fer Cut Throat Grok. Fer now, this an' me holy symbol was all Sandara could shake outta 'er. I figger what with ye bein' tha cook's assistant an' all, ye mighten' be able ta get some wi' out bein seen, see?
At some point, either by stopping by their sleeping places or by catching them on the way to bed, he relays the message:
Tha' cleric Sandara be a friendly sort, an' I be workin on Grok, tha' quartermaster ta' get as much o' our gear back as I can be gettin'. Iffen ye be needin' any o' ye smaller, easy hidin' stuff, be tellin' me an' I'll be tryin' ta get it from 'er fer ye.
After he speaks to everyone in the group, he goes to bed himself, dreading the next day's work and his inevitable hangover.
At the end of the eventful day, Ranak joins the others for rum. "Well, it seems that most of the crew were pressed into service here. Harrigan looks like he is feared, rightfully so too. We need to bide our time on this one. Wait till the time is right. We know that potential allies are among us, so let's build our strength. The gods willing, our chance will come."
After a brief period, Ranak heads to bed for much needed rest
-Posted with Wayfinder
As the night passes on Grok ends up returning Jesal's holy symbol and component pouch without complaints due to her drunken state. The lively mood starts dying down as more and more people wander off to their bunks and eventually the ship becomes silent.
The crew is woken up the next morning. Most of you feel better for the rest but Isaac is still feeling the effects of his late night carousing around the ship. As you all get up and begin heading up the stairs you are stopped in your tracks by Aretta Bastion, Fipps Chumlett, Jaundiced Jape and Slippery Syl Lonegan. Syl moves towards the clearly fatigues Isaac, shoving him in the chest
"Wha's the matter there Silvermane, in a hurry are ye?"
5
10
7
3
9
2
8
4
6
1
Initiative order is
1. Dario
2. Alabaster
3. Slippery Syl (crew)
4. Edward
5. Aretta Bastion (crew)
6. Jesal
7. Jaundiced Jape (crew)
8. Isaac
9. Ranak
10. Fipps Chumlet (crew)
You see Dario, you did well to get sleep. For it seems there are some here that have no intention of giving you an easy time. Hombres, you chose the wrong man to challenge to a fistfight.
"Excuse me hombre, that's my silver haired amigo you're shoving there."
Having the initiative the enemies are flat footed I believe, not having had any actions quite yet.
He goes up to the closest, which would be Syl I reckon and grins.
"Only I push the unicorn man" he says as he lets loose a lightning quick punch to the face.
No sense killing the man, let us hope my fist transcends physical wounds and shatters his arrogance.
EDIT
As his fist connects he has an epiphany.
This hombre's face is very soft for a man...
He stares.
I have just punched a woman I believe. I shall have to make amends later tonight.