Well I suppose it's time for the evening meal....I hope.
Later on, and in private, Jack hands his gold to Tap and takes the proffered cutlass. A fine blade Tap! Take thou all and any from mine own loot as payment in part, if thou wouldst take it.
OK. I will take your dagger. I need one. Tap grins.
In a low voice.
Well Jack. Last night when I snooped on the officers I heard them discussing what they'd like to do with Sandara, if you know what I mean...but I've been unable to get real intelligence yet. I've also been unable to get into Longfarthing's lab, with no idea yet how to get in. Any ideas tonight for a night mission?
And my sheath thou wilt have, which thou canst keep hidden on thy arm beneath thy tunic.
No doubt Sandara can take care of herself, and she may already know of their intentions; but you may warn her, if you like; she may be grateful.
I am more concerned at what was meant by the crew being a temporary necessity. Thou shouldst have better idea than I in what direction this ship sails, but I would know? Where are we going, and for what purpose? See if thou canst find that out
OK. Yes that is concerning. Tonight I will see if I can spy on our fair leader. But for this, I'd like it if you Jack, Kerruk, and Arden were within ear shot, lest I get caught and need some diversion or rescue. But first, we should talk to Sandara and let her spread the word that the indentured crew is temporary until they get to port somewhere where they'll either sell us to slavers or throw us out for the fishes to eat. Tap whispers.
The day continues on as most, with the pirates doing their best to keep from Plugg’s cruel punishments while also maintaining their own freedoms, if any are to be had on the Wormwood. The day flows into evening, and the meal and rum rations start to make the crew forget the trials of the day. Oddly, there were no punishments, though there were a few pirates that were a bit lax in their daily tasks.
Just before the festivities of the evening fully commence, Mister Plugg steps down onto the main deck, wearing a knowing grin. Alright, ya’ swabs, gather round! Got some entertainment for ya’ tonight! We all know that bein’ at sea for as long as we are can be tough without somethin’ to pass the time. So, tonight..a fight! C’mon out here, Owlbear!
The big form of Owlbear climbs up the steps from the galley, his eyes blinking rapidly even in the low light of the setting sun. He stretches the massive, bunched muscles of his shoulders, and walks onto the deck to stand beside Mister Plugg. He looks neither happy or mad, merely resigned to his station in life, as Plugg continues.
Seein’ how we have some newcomers here, think it’s past time we showed ‘em how real pirates like to have some fun! We have here a bareknuckle fight; loser gets knocked out ‘er gives up…or dies, I guess. You, you, you, and you. He points at Taptap, Jack, Arden, and Kerruk. Pick which one of ya’ wants ta’ face ‘ol Owlbear here…don’ worry – he ain’t as tough as ‘e looks.
He tosses a heavy pouch on the deck. To make it interesting….a hundred gold fer the winner! A hush comes over the gathered pirates, as all eyes turn to the newest members of the crew.
Clever Kerruk muses. Crude, but clever. I wonder how much he knows? More than we'd like, I’m certain. Your time is coming, Plugg, no doubt.
Kerruk looks at his comrades, surprisingly composed.
Who then shall do this thing? he murmurs. I will do it if no other wishes. At least we will know - he smiles wryly - that no harm will come to Owlbear if I do so.
Mister Plugg! I could have a friendly pirate rumble with the Owlbear. Although I wonder. I hear ferocious stories of your skill in battle, and seeing you I can believe it.
Taptap pauses, and look intently at Owlbear.
But I wonder whether Owlbear might best you in a boxing match...unless you are not up for it.
Taptap grumbles a curse, and gets ready to box.
Plugg laughs his screeching laugh at Taptap’s jibe, and then he looks down at Owlbear with disdain. Many swabs like yerselves have tried and failed, half man. But, I like the spirit! Owlbear will enjoy spendin’ ‘is newfound fortune after he cleans the last barnacles off the side of the boat with her hide.
Scourge and a couple of the assorted lackeys about laugh with their first mate, and Plugg grins wickedly as Tap prepares himself. Any other bets, place ‘em now! A few of the officers bet amongst themselves, but none of the pirates friendly with the group will make any wager.
Owlbear, to his credit, does not look greedily at the pouch, nor does he laugh with the officers. He merely shrugs his shoulders in an attempt to loosen up, and advances upon his opponent.
Well Owlbear. This is not personal. We live through what we are given, or do not.
Tap turns to the crowd and holds up his arms. These.. Tap growls to the crowd are my bass cannons. One. Two.
Tap jumps back 5 feet.
Let the bass cannon, kick it.
Let the bass cannon, kick it.
Let the bass cannon, kick it. Let the...
Bass Cannon.
Owlbear's protruding brow furrows at Tap's words, but he wades in through them, wasting no time. He throws a heavy handed haymaker at his much smaller opponent. The blow lands solidly, sending Tap reeling.
ouch
Five seconds later.
Ouch.
I should have attacked first. Lesson learned.
Dizzy from Owlbear's stunning blow Taps fist reaches up to Owlbear's face, but stops an inch short.
Give up now, and I'll share the gold with you.
This is gonna hurt.
Tap puts up his best face.
to be beaten.
Now would be a nice time for Kerruk to charm Owlbear to pretend to get hurt and want to give up
Owlbear frown as Tap lands a solid jab His brow furrows as he considers his smaller opponent's words.
Seeming to find truth in Tap's words, the large man pauses.
Owlbear. Even if I win, I'll make sure to give you 10 gold to get some rum to ease the pain.
Tap pumps his right arm. Surges with his left!
I'm some mean stuff though Owlbear. But I sing pretty. Stand down...and I'll still call you friend. Peace through strength. Stand down... else..
Owlbear growls in frustration as Tap lands another blow. He squares his body and launches another wild swing.
Noticing that Owlbear doesn't spear to see well out of his right eye, and not clever enough to bluff it, Tap moves in and fakes to the left but jabs hard with his right.
Owlbear grunts again as Tap's fist slams home. He shakes his head, seemingly surprised at the power of the much smaller fellow. He steps close and swings an unkilled uppercut, his powerful shoulders bearing the weight of the blow. The action puts him off target and Tap is easily able to slip aside.
Owlbear! A mighty fellow thou art! But, verily, I've seen Tap knock down a man twice as big as thee. The Mumbler we call him now, for he now has no teeth.
Sit thyself down, and call it quits. We will drink with thee.
bass cannon bass cannon....
Tap moves in low, too low and misses Owlbear. But at the last moment, Tap twists to Owlbear's right.
Owlbear hammers down with a meaty fist at Taptap's darting form. Though the blow is true in his perception, his poor sight and distracted mind doesn't follow Tap's movements well enough, and the blow merely parts the air.
After the miss Owlbear glances at Jack, as if considering his words.
Plugg's voice also screeches out. Come on, ya' half-wit! Hit the lil' swab!
Tap feeling funny aims wrong, but again slips to the right side of Owlbear.
I'll land one eventually.
Arden attempts to step forward, concern for her friend breaking the usual stoic mask of her face, "Tap, let me take your place," she says as he circles near.
Thanks Arden, but I think I've got this one.
Owlbear swats at Taptap with a backhand, attempting to catch him moving from side to sidr, but again his smaller opponents movements make his attack hit only air.
Bass Hammer. Bass Hammer.
TapTap, went in low again and lifted up with an uppercut to the chin, just catching the lumbering OwlBear, landing, then twisting again to Owlbear's right..
Poor Fellow...He won't hit me again, I think.
Owlbear grunts noncommitally as he turns and launches an overhand right at Tap's darting form.
phew that was close
Tap is only barely able to slip this attack, Owlbear's swing rustling his tunic as it whistles by.
Let the bass cannon kick it.
Tap barely ducking under Owlbear's swing only to pound his fist into Owlbear's gut.
Owlbear grunts again, and this time he clutches his side in pain. Chest heaving, he stumbles backwards, his fists guarding broken ribs and no longer poised to strike. He winces as he eyes Taptap, pain evident in his eyes.
Plugg, seeing this, screeches out his dispeasure. You worthless beast! I should have left you with your whore of a mother like the rest of your brood! Fight, you imbecile!
Owlbear looks at Plugg, his eyes full of hate. He pauses, not attacking.
Tap examines Owlbear's face.
Tap moves to Owlbears right blind side, once again
Just in case
Plugg. I'll finish it. Tap says distastefully.
Tap moves in quickly with a a seemingly powerful uppercut designed to miss, masking his casting of the sleep spell on Owlbear.
Hope I fooled them...and saved Owlbear some pain.
Jack watches surprised at Tap's sudden ferocity, as Tap bursts forward with fearsome swiftness, and lands an uppercut under Owlbear's chin.
Something seems... weird. Did I just see Tap miss? Then why does Owlbear seem so stunned? But no, I must have imagined it.
Jack sighs, relieved that he didn't bet against his friend Tap.
Plugg looks on in obvious distaste as his champion is in trouble. Tap's attack sails wide, and Owlbear blinks quickly in confusion, not understanding what odd feeling just tried to take over his mind. He looks about at the gathered pirates accusingly, but doesn't attack Taptap back.
Tap look aghast at his miss.
How could Owlbear still stand?!! Tap declares loudly.
Tap suddenly points to Kerruk's Osprey flying above.
A sign!!! Surely I cannot hit my friend Owlbear any longer else anger the spirits of the sea and sky!
Tap fishes through the sea of pirates until he finds Grok.
Isn't that so Grok!?!!
No gold is worth that. I stand down...else we might find ourselves at the bottom of the sea as supernatural punishment..
Grok appears just as confused as everyone else at the abrupt end to the fight. She looks to the skies, but backs away from Taptap, as if not wanted to be associated with any coming discipline.
Plugg cuts short the performance. He stalks into the improvised ring and picks up his offered gold. He tosses the pouch up and down as he eyes the combatants. Ain't a win, then...a draw, and that means that this stays with me. Guess there ain't a swab here interested in gold...a sad pirate lot then.
He sneers at Owlbear. Some fighter you are...like a bumbling fool. Git back to yer cage, dog!
The look that Owlbear levels at the First Mate is pure venom, but the big man stands upright with a wince and begins to walk to the stairs down.
The rest a' ya! Show's over.
From the poop deck, the Captain looks on, his massive arms crossed over his chest.
baa! I'm not in any more trouble that I would have been had I won the fight from that lot
"Are you okay?" Arden says, leaving the throng to check on TapTap. "Next time, leaving the fighting to me!" She glares at Plugg, "I hope next time gives me the opportunity to beat that one's face in..."
He hit me hard, that's for sure. But once I figured out that Owlbear doesn't see well out of one eye I was able to avoid his blows fairly well. I didn't want to hurt him, I even tried to cast a sleep spell on him, but he resisted it somehow. I'm more hardy than I look, and pretty quick on my feet...Still thanks for the offer. As for the gold well. I doubt Plugg would have let me keep it anyway.
Tap frowns.
I'll want to see Owlbear tonight. Try to explain myself.
The gathering disperses and gets back to their typical evening festivities. Owlbear leaves the main deck with his shoulders hunched and one arm clutching an undoubtedly broken rib. The officers cast hateful glares at Tap, especially Scourge, whose bearded face offers seems to always be set in a sneer.
Well played, Tap. But I fear we've worsened our case with the officers - although perhaps that's to our advantage?