Anyone who couldn't finish their chores care for a chance to make up for it tomorrow? I can do the work of two men!
Tap smiles at Belliott.
The man can't think if he doesn't say it out loud. Then he says what he was thinking as if we did not hear him thinking it!
Not I. Perhaps Owlbear?
Ha! I'll take on that challenge!
Kerruk shakes his head rather wanly.
you're on!
Ho ho! Perhaps a wager? 30 gold to the winner?
Butting Belliott out of the way I'll go right now against Jack
Tap sweeps empty mugs off a small table. We will just have to do it without the broken glass
Tap sets himself down, and holds up his arm.
Ah, my friend, gentle pirates are we. Well, to it then.
Jack sits down, and grips Taps rough hand. On three. One, two, three! Before Jack knows it, his arm has made a dent in the wooden table.
Ow! That hurt!
I do believe you owe me 30 gold X-eye! Tap grins.
Double or nothing?
Vigean watches with consternation, then hands his head after the punishments are doled out. His shoulders visibly slump as he turns from the mast and leaves the deck.
Rosie takes the time to roll out of her hammock and push Jack aside with a lopsided grin. Give it up while ya' can; those rope thin arms won' get ya' anywhere. She sets her arm up opposite Tap's. I'll take that bet...Jack can jes' pay me that share, after I win.
Not wanting to show off, Taptap was not prepared for what happened next.
From the ceiling, Tap sprinkles down those 30 gold back to Rosie and Jack.
Rosie grins as her thick arm slams Tap's hand down on the barrel top, cracking part of it. She gleefully collects up the coins and drops them into a pouch at her waist. Only thing better 'n takin' yer money Tap, is takin' yours and Jacks. She grins even wider, then leans in closer to Tap.
What's yer plan...can't fool me, I know you fella's been thinkin' about it. Not fer you fellas', I'd have been dead out there with those damned reefclaws...don't think yer goin' anywhere without me.
Not mine gold, but Jack's. And nooo, I'd not leave you Rosie dear. Who'd play the fiddle?
Tap grins, and conjures a ghostly hand which Tap grips and wrestles to the table.
Ha! my good mage hand, now you owe me!
The ghostly hand closes and turns and lifts from the table revealing a large pile of gold and silver.
Tap ogles thr pile comicly.
Double or nothing?
Jack guffaws loudly.
Rosie grins at the words, obviously well at ease. Fair 'nuff, get that wet noodle ya call an arm up here then.
In any case Rosie...no plans here. But tell me, is Scourge and the like treating you fair? Keeping you in thr officer's quarters and all.
oh Rose, you miss understood my jest. I would not challenge thee again...Tap rubs is arm.. but against my poor mage hand for false gold? Why not?
With that Tap dismisses his illusion.
Tap looks at Rosie seriously singing softly.
Oh come on Tap.
Jack sits down to take Tap's place.
Ow, now come on. Play fair.
Rosie, it looks like you've won Tap's gold again.
but alls i 'ad was that here fools gold.
Poor Rosie I hate to be suspicious of you. But first your were housed with the officers, then the first time you speak to me, you want to know if I am planning mutiny. Are you charmed, or do they hold some threat over you?
Tap lifts his gaze from Rosie.
Or am I just a suspicious little halfling?
...what do you think TackTack? Tap look at his monkey hopefully. Do you want to arm wrestle with me Tack?
But Tack was more interested in Rosie.
Jack rubs his fingers, and looks up at Rosie slyly. What's our plan? Why, to show our captain what fine pirates we be. No more, and no less.
Not waiting for her answer, Jack pulls out his dagger, and begins sharpening it. So, what was all that about up in the captain's cabin, with ol' Owlbear guarding the door?
Rosie snorts and leans to the side to spit in a quite unladylike way. Ain't so bad...those fools know they lay a hand on me an' they lose it. I figure they think I'm a trouble maker or something, else why keep me close. I'll be a good pirate...for now. Not much choice otherwise, I guess.
She turns to Jack. Owlbear's been Plugg's pet since I known him. Cap'n wasn't too keen on it, so Plugg didn't use 'im much. I figure that, now that he has is own ship, he's showin' us who's in charge. Poor owlbear's just too stupid to know a different way.
Sandara, taking note of the group from her hammock, rolls out and makes her way over. Love the new accomodations, everyone? She rolls her eyes to indicate their confines, and her distaste. It's well known that Sandara's religion is devoted to Besmara and the sea, and she spent most evenings gazing out at the moonlit waters, perhaps in prayer.
Absolutely stunning abode, Sandara...but I'd see the stars I think.
'Tis less crowded, and a better built ship too. But the Prickless One, our captain, does not deserve her. I would follow you more gladly, Sandara.
Tap snorts. His monkey does the same.
be too early to talk about following and such.
Belliott, who hasn't heard much of the details of this talk, walks up to the group.
All done with arm wrestling before I get here? What are we talking about then. Plotting something?
Am I getting in a mess again?
Well, as far I know. No we are not.
Tap looks around seriously, But I suspect Capn Harrigan suspects we will. I am suspicious that they chose to keep us together, we who have shown defiance towatds officers of the wormwood. I do not know if they mean us ill, if they plot to do away with us one evening. Yes I am suspicious, and I fear the reach of the captain, even here.
Tap pauses.
Ignoring the wormwood and the captain, do we even know of the capabikitites are of the officers in charge on this boat?
Sandara offers Jack a grin and a wink, then shakes her head. Not I Jack, not really the captain type. But I can't think of a single person on these seas whom I'd like to follow less than Plugg. He's about the wits of a bilge pump...but probably blows more hot air.
She glances towards the ceiling, which would be the floor of the level above, as if she could see through it. At this time, many of the pirates were asleep...amazing how early bed time came when there was no rum to drink. Still awake were the present party, the Rahadoumi man with a permanent scowl, Conchobar, and the two men from the Man's Promise. They were all within earshot if they really strained to hear.
Rosie's eyes light up at the new challenger. C'mon then, big boy, lets see what you've got. Only thirty gold of Jack's money on the line. She puts her short but powerful arm up for challenge.
ahh, well, I guess so, Jack mumbles.
Jack grabs Rosie's hand, and ...
...and then realizes that Rosie was speaking to Big Belliot. Sheepishly, Jack stands up, and after a moment, sidles up to stand next to Sandara, and whispers:
And what chance would you give as things stand, to demote Mr. Pluggly? Who is with, and who 'gainst?
Tap guffaws loudly, to provide cover for Jack's query. Jack you rogue, It is neither that long, not that wrinkly.
Tap stands up and says loudly!
Let it be clear that we are proud sailor men and women TackTack screeches. and monkeykind.
Tap pauses to gather the attention of all within earshot and As we are in no present danger from wind or sea or foe! Why should we be holed away, without GROG or the evening's sea breeze?
Belliott immediately cramps up, and is demolished by Rosie in the armwrestling match
Yikes! I have to give it to you!
Yer damn right! If I had grog anything would be a breeze! I'm with YA. Where to little one?
Tap admires Rosie walloping the Big Belliott. I'm glad you are my friend Rosie dear.
Rosie is now richer than all of us swabs. I'm sure she'll oblige us to buy us a drink if we ever make it to port.
Several of the crewmembers raise their fists to cheer Tap, though they look at their appendages as if they wished they were clay mugs filled with rum. They watch the gathering with interest, though several cast wary glances at the deck above, where the officers no doubt strain to hear.
Sandara’s eyes narrow in thought as she scans the room. She leans in to Jack, and he catches the ever present smell of oiled leather and sea breeze…a scent that the attractive Sandara wore like an expensive perfume. Though more than half will now raise a cheer and toast your confidence…only half of that would actually raise a hand against Plugg and his minions. Plugg may seem like a screeching child, but he’s a powerful fighter, and more than one of these fellows have seen it. Some of his officers have specialized skills as well…and Scourge is the most devious of the lot. Since you….well, since you did what you did to him…I’d make sure to watch every shadow of every corner for that poisoned knife….it’s inevitable.
She winks. Don’t worry…I’ll be watching your behind for you…so there’s a good chance I’ll catch the killer in the act.
Day two above the Man’s Promise begins much as the first had – with tasks being doled out and punishments promised. The pirates seem to be at their tasks quicker today….something to be said for the lack of rum, you wager.
As the morning moves on, however, the discontent among many of the crew is nearly palpable. Though they go about their tasks with a professionalism that comes from a wealth of experience, morale is low and attitudes are high.
One of the rumors among the crew throughout the day is that the officers had a secret meeting last night…which is why Rosie was taking the crew’s money with her might instead of suffering the stench of Scourge and his cronies.
Kerruk and Tap – DC14 Str check, DC12 con check to avoid fatigue
Jack – DC12 prof cook or Survival check to butcher a pig, then DC8 con check to avoid fatigue
Kerruk suppresses his anger at working the bilges again, knowing it is a waste of his skills - and very possibly meant to goad him into some folly - and sets to after his night's rest.
Although he manages not to tire himself out, he also doesn't keep up with the task.
eh Kerruk, couple of bilge rats we be
Tap's good mood seems to last the day and carry strength to his limbs. The less happy the crew, the better
Tap grabs Sandars. Let's determine who will stand with us if thi gs go badly aboard this ship. We will begin with Rosie.
Rosie dear, I fear an ill wind aboard this ship. Will ye stand with us if we are set upon?
Sandara’s offers her lopsided grin in response, the light of hope and anticipation in her eyes. She follows Tap to Rosie, who is easy to get a moment with alone since she’s a runner today. After Tap’s words, Sandara follows up. You know I’ve never been one to remain under the boots of Plugg and Scourge…and I know that you feel the same way, Rosie. Now’s our chance…without the Captain here to intervene, Plugg and his cronies are vulnerable.
Rosie nods thoughtfully, her eyes distant. Ya’ know…I’ve never been the type to take orders well…and no amount of whippin’ ‘ll ever take that outta’ me. I’m with you…and if I am, I’d bet Conchobar will be too. Damn fool is too worries about his hats and scarves most days, but he’ll follow me in whatever I do…whether I like it or not. Want me to talk to him?
Ah Rosie, we always did see eye to eye. Tap guffaws at his own bad joke. Tacktack hops over to Rosie and screeches his approval as well.
Well that is well then! I will speak to Conchbar this evening.
Jack suppresses a groan, and gets to work slaughtering another pig. Jack reaches in to the pen, and picks up the nearest squealer by the back legs. He carries it to the slaughtering table, grabbing a hammer to do the job. Jack strikes at the pig, but misses his mark and smashes its teeth. It yelps in pain and terror, and leaps from the table and into a boiling pot of oil, and comes out nice crispy bacon.
Jack laughs. He hasn't felt this good in many days. He goes on and seeks out Tilly for some friendly company, with a jug of a little southern wine saved from the kitchen.
Hi Ya Tilly. Come share a bit of something with me, and tell me a something.
After a pleasant, but mild chat with Tilly, Jack saves a few of the more measly looking crabs from the pot and takes them to Owlbear. Rosie tags along.
Hi Owlbear, I brought something for you.
Jack sits down the crabs, and watches, bemusedly, as Owlbear munches on them raw.
You know, they don't treat you right. Nor us either. A man ought'ta be able to go where he wants, say what he pleases. Especially a pirate. If ever I have the chance, I will help you.
Not feeling like he is quite getting through, Jack looks to Rosie for help...
Belliott successfully climbs up the mast however he draws a blank as he attempts to fix the sails despite his diligent work. While he doesn't mend the tear at least he isn't worn out. His mood sours as he realizes he will likely pay for his mistake.
Belliott is fascinated by Owlbear, and attempts to strike up a conversation
ey you big lug. I think we two are cut from the same cloth. Them crabs sure look tasty
Not that I've cut the cloth properly today
Well Jack, a cook you may make soon enough, but if you dont give up one of those clams to this monkey he is liable to tear your eyes out. Good luck slaughtering a pig then
Tilly enjoys an amiable conversation with Jack, laughing loud and often at his poor attempts at slaughter, while Kroop shakes his head, grinning in spite of the mishap. At the end of the conversation, you've a good feeling about Tilly...she's warmed up to you nicely.
Owlbear keeps his eyes locked on Jack's over the crabs as he tears into them. Though out on deck, his chain still keeps him tied to the mast back in Plugg's chambers. He looks at the attachment with weary eyes, then glances back up. Rosie attempts to add some humor and lighten the mood, but Owlbear is tense as always. He shies away from the big form of Belliott, perhaps seeing the big man as a threat.
During the day, whisperings of anger and mistrust plague the crew, and many complain about their treatment openly…if only not when Scourge or Plugg were nearby. The hard work has more of the crew not up to the task, and the promise of punishments and no rum to fill their bellies has the majority on edge, if not openly angry.