Well done my crew and thanks to Captain Isaac and his crew. Together we are more than we are apart, no? Diana complements the crew's teamwork and bravery. But we've lost one of our own. He will receive full honors even if we have no body to bury. And his family shall receive his wages.
As the ships had grown closer, Cook and his son had left the gap to fall upon the slain sea serpent with many sharpened knives and blades.
Working in unison, the creature is skinned and filleted. With a crow of triumph, Cook lurches up under the weight of the snake's enormous liver, shaking it in Isaac's direction with a wild grin on his face.
He takes some sail cloth and wraps the liver and a large piece of snake fillet with it. With some quick words to his son, he shoulders his prize and leaps uneven gap between ships to land once more on the deck of The Shrike.
"I'll get right on this, Cap'n. Gots to cook it when it's fresh!" he exclaims, heading immediately belowd ecks.
His son remains on The Cutthroat, portioning up the snake meat; some for immediate consumption, the rest to get salted down for another time. He then stays to cook up nice snake steaks for the crew of both ships.
In short order, Cook is calling for the senior crew to enjoy his delicacy! Indeed, all find it one of the best meals they've ever had, as Cook stands by proudly!
Isaac tucks into the meal. He's very impressed with it! Turning to Kroop, he says, "Mr. Kroop, this be a wond'rful meal. Ye be a wizard wit' food." When it comes to honoring the fallen crew member, Isaac helps with the preparations and the ceremony.
Edward is enjoying the special dinner.
"Compliments to the meal, Mr. Kroop. I hadn't eaten sea serpent before, but this is very good indeed."
After the crew of both ships are sated on sea snake delicacy or grilled snake steak, the journey begins anew!
Only a few fitful storms pass by to slow the passage of The Shrike and Cutthroat. The occasional sail is seen on the horizon, but most either continue on their way or turn immediately when they see two sails instead of one.
At last journey's end comes as the two ships ease into the harbor at Rickety's Squibs...a number of ships already there, being 'renewed'.
The man himself saunters down the dock as the The Shrike and Cutthroat settle in on each side of him. Looking up , he shouts, "What? Another one....yer bin busy! " he says.
Diana smiles down from the helm of the Cutthroat and replies Aye.
Isaac gives Rickety a big grin. "Ay'! We be hopin' ye wouldn't min' holdin' onto th' Cutthroat until we be ready to star' buildin' a fleet. Maybe ev'n be fixin' up th' Shrik', pleas'?"
Rickety makes his way down to the end of the dock, eyeing up The Cutthroat, "The Cutthroat ya say? Wreckers up North? " he asks, then carrying on without waiting for an answer, "Will ye be wantin' ta re-name 'er, then?"
He smiles up at Isaac, nodding "F'sure, Cap'n, we'll get th' Shrike ship shape! But....a fleet ya say? Don't let the 'cane King hear, he might'n get nervous! HA, HA!" he jests, waving at the Carpenter to join him , so they can discuss repairs to The Shrike
Edward will hit the taverns to spread more word of the crew's accomplishments, and boasting for the crowd to come see the giant sea serpent skull turned into a trophy.
Thereafter, he goes to browse curiosity shops, looking for an oddity Sandara might like.
Something Besmara related, or something practical, or maybe a badass set of jewelry/earrings.
Rickety makes his way down to the end of the dock, eyeing up The Cutthroat, "The Cutthroat ya say? Wreckers up North? " he asks, then carrying on without waiting for an answer, "Will ye be wantin' ta re-name 'er, then?"
Isaac turns to Rickety. "Well, we woul' be needin' som' tim' to figur' a nam'."
He smiles up at Isaac, nodding "F'sure, Cap'n, we'll get th' Shrike ship shape! But....a fleet ya say? Don't let the 'cane King hear, he might'n get nervous! HA, HA!" he jests, waving at the Carpenter to join him , so they can discuss repairs to The Shrike
Isaac chuckles. "Ay' ay', Mr. Rick'ty. Bu' we be a far lon' way from tha'. So ther' no need fer worries."
When he has the free time, Isaac goes off to see if there is something that Rosie would like.
As the senior crew disperse into the town, either seeking a prize for their sweetheart or spreading their latest exploits, the town of Rickety Splits welcomes them once again. Issac and Edward are particulary welcomed, considering they were with the crew that halted the drought that plagued the area.
Also, it's not often that a crew returns to Rickety's docks, the life of a pirate in the Shakles being what it was. But , here were the crew of The Shrike with a second ship for Rickety's boys to 'improve'.
Edwards effort's at the tavern's convinces 6 sailors to join up, in one of the shops he discovers a ceremonial dagger , consecrated to Besmara, that Sandara was sure to love. Issac likewise finds a fine silver tiara that he's sure would look just fine perched upon Rosie's brow.
Both shopkeepers refuse payment, a small token for lifting the drought when last they passed through.
After consultations, Rickety and the Carpenter come to an agreement on repairs and cost, Rickety hitching his thumbs in his belt and hollars to the senior crew, "So...watcha gonna call 'er . I'll mak'er nice an' pretty, but that name's gotta go."
Diana will talk up the crew's fame/infamy.
Edwards effort's at the tavern's convinces 6 sailors to join up, in one of the shops he discovers a ceremonial dagger , consecrated to Besmara, that Sandara was sure to love. Issac likewise finds a fine silver tiara that he's sure would look just fine perched upon Rosie's brow.
Both shopkeepers refuse payment, a small token for lifting the drought when last they passed through.
Isaac is shocked by the refusal of payment. But, he recovers and thanks the shopkeeper profusely. With that, he's off to find Rosie. When he finds her, he approaches, keeping the tiara hidden behind his back.
After consultations, Rickety and the Carpenter come to an agreement on repairs and cost, Rickety hitching his thumbs in his belt and hollars to the senior crew, "So...watcha gonna call 'er . I'll mak'er nice an' pretty, but that name's gotta go."
After consultations, Rickety and the Carpenter come to an agreement on repairs and cost, Rickety hitching his thumbs in his belt and hollars to the senior crew, "So...watcha gonna call 'er . I'll mak'er nice an' pretty, but that name's gotta go."
Isaac strokes his chin. He looks at his senior officers. "Do ye hav' any though's?"
Edward is pleasantly surprised at not a discount, but a free gift even.
"Much appreciated, shopkeep. I'm certain the one i get this for will equally so. Fortune to you with your business.", and he leaves.
Once back at the ship, Edward heads up to Sandara, and from behind covers her eyes with his hands.
"Surprise.", as she turns around proper, he holds up the dagger wrapped up in ocean blue cloth.
"I figured something practical might be to your liking."
Later at the matter of renaming the ship.
"The Moray? Ship's been baptized in sea serpent blood prior to arrival."
I was thinking "Serpent's Demise". Diana offers.
Isaac is shocked by the refusal of payment. But, he recovers and thanks the shopkeeper profusely. With that, he's off to find Rosie. When he finds her, he approaches, keeping the tiara hidden behind his back.
Isaac smiles at Rosie as he approaches, tiara behind his back. "Hello ther', lass. Ho' hav' ye been?"
Isaac scratches his chin as the names sit in his thoughts. "No offens', Edwar'. Bu' I be likin' th' soun' o' Serpen's Demis'."
Rosie looks up from where she'd been mending a sail, smiling, "Ah, Cappy! " she says, putting down the sail, standing to give Isaac a long kiss, "Didn't think we'd be back a Rickety's afore now, where we off to next?" she asked, holding Isaac loosely around his waist.
Sandara chuckles, turning about, "Yer supposed to be grabbing me somewhere else, Mr. Irmington," she says suggestively, before her eyes widen at the sight of the dagger.
"Where did ya find that, then?" she asked quietly, reaching out hesitantly.
Ol'Rickety scratches his beard furiously, nodding, "Moray...or Serpent's Demise...both strong names! Not an easy task! " he declares, then tugs his forelock and makes his departure.
Yer supposed to be grabbing me somewhere else, Mr. Irmington,"
He takes her by the shoulder to steal a kiss before answering.
"Correcting the first issue, then.
As for the gift, it was in something of an antiques and curiosities kind of shop. Are these extremely rare? Because you grew quite quiet just now."
Uh oh. Hopefully i haven't obtained some infamous piece here.
With a smile, Isaac says, "We still be havin' to fin' th' Brin' Banshee. So we be goin' to Ollo to fin' 'er form'r doctor. Bu' fer now, we be relaxin' whil' we be takin' car' o' th' ships. As fer now..." The Captain pulls out the tiara from behind his back. "...this be fer ye, lass."
Jaina stares listlessly out at the sea, not really tuned into the discussion.
Sandara holds the dagger in her hand and moving it in the light as she listens to Isaac's questions and returning the kiss.
She let's out a long breath, then says, "Rare! I reckon so. Mayhaps it goes way back. " she shakes her head, uncertain.
Rosie's eyes light up as the piece of jewelry is offered to her, "What the f+@$, cappy! It's right gorgeous!" she exclaims, taking the offered tiara and placing it on her head. Performing a clumsy pirouette, she asks "How does it look?"
The Carpenter and Rickety figure out a plan to repair The Shrike's hull in a few days. As the days pass, the crew does all of the usual ship-business , plus they have the added advantage of time in town to let loose and spread the tales of the exploits of The Shrike.
After repairs, The Shrike is lowered back into the water, and The Carpenter declares "She's shipshape, Cap'n! We can make for deep water at yer command!"
Rickety leans against a post on the pier, "We'll keep workin' on The Serpent's Demise....you won't recognize her!"
Isaac looks at The Silver Shrike in pride as she's lowered into shallows. He turns to Rickety and sticks out his hand for a handshake. "Ye be a gent. Mr. Rickey. Ye be worth tha' ship's weigh' in gold."
If this thing is rare, Edward digs through tales, rumors and stories he might have heard, in relation to such a dagger.
"If that is so, Isaac, maybe his name would be Rickey-ching.", Edward adds with a faint smile.
Isaac gives a chuckle at Edward's joke. "Mayhaps, Edward. Bu' he be earnin' tha' nam', indeed."
You know that the priests and priestesses of Besmara traditionaly venture to Besmara's Throne at least once in their life and visit the temple there. Perhaps, she should bring this old dagger there to find out where it came from.
Old Rickety returns Isaac's handshake, the look in his eye reflecting the high regard he held for the crew of The Shrike.
He stands on the dock , watching as the ship, he and his men had re-made, makes it's way out of the sheltered cove and into the deeper waters. His arm raises one last time as The Shrike passes the headland and out of view.
Onboard, sails full of wind and the newly repaired hull cutting through the swell, the Carpenter appears at Isaac's side, just having inspected the repairs below, "She's holding just fine, Cap'n, just be 'voidin' any o'those reefs now!" he says good-naturedly, then ventures off to help with the operation of the ship.
Headed due west, The Shrike heads back to the Shackles, course laid in for the port of Ollo, in search of the former physician of the lost ship The Brine Banshee!
The voyage is uneventful, favored by fair winds and skies, and soon The Shrike hove into the harbor of the town of Ollo. All have heard of Ollo's nasty reputation, caution is advised.
The town of Ollo is one of the largest settlements in the Shackles. It is ruled by the cruel pirate Avimar Sorrinash, one of the members of the Pirate Council.
Ollo is on Shark Island, and is plagued by raids from the sahuagin who live in the sea near the island. These raids are carried out with Sorrinash's permission, and the people of Ollo live in daily fear of a sahuagin attack.
Earlier, Edward tells Sandara about what he's heard about such daggers.
Current time:
Isaac has clearly heard of Ollo and its reputation, as well as the actions of its ruler. The Captain gathers his crew around him, officers and regular staff. "Gath'r roun', ev'ryon'! Now Ollo be on' o' th' larges' settl'men's in the Shackl's. Howev'r, we all be needin' watch ourselv's an' be on our bes' behaviors. This town be run by Avimar Sorr'nash, on' o' th' Pirat' Council itself. He be allowin' attac's an' raids on it by th' sahuagin tha' be livin' near th' isl'. So ye can be imaginin' ho' fearful th' peopl' be. So be on yer guar' an' no causin' troubl'. We don't be needin' mor' sahuagin troubl'."
Some might say that such a leader what lets sahuagin raid their people is not fit ta lead. Diana comments as she twirls Zul's trident head in her hand.
Isaac nods. "Ay'. It is a sign tha' th' lead'r be unfit. Howev'r, he be on th' Pirat' Council. He be havin' a lot o' pow'r an' status. Whil' I be a Free Cap'n, I cannot be givin' ye all som' protection agains' 'im. Mayhaps, iff'n we can, we can fin' som' way to help."
"...sounds like someone who could use a good punch in the mouth." Jaina flexes her knuckles and cracks her neck.
"Could go for a good brawl right about now, myself."
As The Shrike gently bumps up against the dock, the sailors notice how quiet it is in Ollo. The usual noises of the dock area are muted, the expected shouts and curses of the stevedore and their bosses almost non-existant!
Cook waddles up to Isaac, "Our stores 'r just fine, Cap'n, no need for me to go ashore!"
Looking out at the town, the bright mid-day sun shining down, some townsfolk can be seen hurrying along on errands, ignoring each other in their haste. Quite the difference from the usual Shackles town the crew of The Shrike is used to.
Jaina will accompany whoever takes the lead in searching for the doctor.
Isaac scratches his chin at the sight. He turns to his senior officers. "Som'thin' be not righ' her'. It be too quie'. Chang' o' plans. All cre' shall stay on th' Shrik'. Senior offic'rs wit' me. We be goin' fer th' doctor."
Well, since we are such a charming lot I say we talk with the locals so busy on the street to get a feel for what is happening. Easy enough to do before we enter town proper.
As The Shrike's senior crew leave the docks, they can see that Ollo is a prosperous town, all the buildings are well maintained, the cobblestones in good repair. It's the furtive nature of the townsfolk that sets it apart. Any business out in the open is conducted quickly, with none of the loud and boisterous negotiation that is typical of the people of the Shackles.
A few townsfolk see the pirates walking towards them and scurry away. Those that cannot leave, the vendors watch with pinched faces as the crew of The Shrike approach.
Diana will speak to one of the vendors in a quiet tone. [b]Tell me friend, why are things so quiet here? Why are people hesitant to greet strangers? We are looking for some one a Doctor. Do you think you could do us a favor and help with that?[/dice]
The vendor, selling incongruously colorful scarfs, looks at the approaching pirates with a mix of fear and avarice.
When Diana speaks, he relaxes somewhat, "Quiet? Yes, quiet. Well you see , M'Lords, " he begins, then startles as the howl of a wolf pierces the quiet of the town. The howl is immediately repeated by a chorus of howls in answer. The cacophony is somewhat distant, to the north of town, but the effect on the vendor and other visible townsfolk is stark and immediate.
His face pale and voice shaky, he stutters, "Pay that no mind, now. 'Tis his Lordship and his crew , stretching their legs, they are." . He attempts a sickly smile, which falters as he leans in and quietly says, "By the gods, they turn into wolves and hunt those that live out in the country, and sometimes us here in town! " he blurts, then realizing what he'd said straightens, nervously adjusting some of the the scarves on display.
Looking up at Diana, he asks, "A doctor you say. We have a few, do you have a name, M'Lord?"
Isaac tenses as the wolves begin to howl. He's shocked upon hearing that the wolves are Sorrinash and his crew. "Iff'n they be comin' her' to hun', then we may be on a tim' limi'." He turns to the vendor. "Unfortunat'ly, we don' hav' a nam'. Bu' we do kno' wher' they us'd to be station'd. Th' Brin' Banshee. Do ye be knowin' th' doctor from tha' ship? We wer' bein' tol' tha' they wer' in Ollo."
The vendor looks at Isaac, frowning a bit, "Nev'r 'erd 'o that ship, but one of our doc's sailed a bit. That'd be ol' Haneilius Fitch. His shop's over yonder on Tidewater St, you can't miss it, biggest house there, painted green." he says, pointing down a nearby street.
He looks expectantly at Isaac and the others, again nervously re-arranging his scarves.
No more howls pierce the air, making all wonder who or what might have attracted the Pirate Lord's attention.
Diana chooses a random scarf and pays the man his asking price without haggling. Thank you for your help. Its good to have a friend in this place.
"Turning into wolves?
Aw man, are they werewolves or the like, but whenever they want to?"
Edward shakes his head.
"Well, hopefully shapeshifting magic only, i don't much fancy turning all hungry and hairy every so often."
Isaac nods at Edward. "Ay'. I'd rath'r not be becomin' a wer'wolf."
I've a few silver crossbow bolts. Would not mind picking up a score more. If the leadership of this town are really weres I wonder if such things are even available? She looks to the merchant, arching an eyebrow.
Isaac strokes his chin. "Mayhaps... the' woul'n' be a bad idea. Gettin' equipp'd wit' silv'r weapons."
The vendor raises his eyes at the mention of silver'd weapons, shaking his head, "Not 'ere, sirs! That metals' get's taken right quick. They give us a fair deal in copper pennies or gold doubloons , but naught's allowed to gather up the silv'r! " he says , all in a rush, before realizing what he'd said, and shutting his mouth loudly.
Diana looks a little worried. Wish I had gotten me a Mithril morning star...
Isaac frowns. "Hmm... Tha' don't be bodin' well. We may need to be fas' wit' our business her'. Who kno's if or when th' wolv's will com' her' to feed on th' floc'."