Time to go mushroom hunting!
You can see that you could easily remove entirely or remove and replace certain wooden pieces of the dam to change the water flow. It seems to be an unintentional byproduct of the dam's creation, not a feature originally intended by the Charau-Ka.
Jack begins foraging for mushrooms and anything else he can find. He remembers that as a child he used to help his mother find mushrooms in the woods near the village in which he grew up. He also found that he hardly remembered anything she had taught him about the skill before she the sweating sickness had taken her. Nonetheless, he took his time, feeling more relaxed than he had in some time.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
While Jack carefully uncovered every last mushroom Tap's clumsy hands bruised their delicate tissue, ensuring premature rot would ensue.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Jack whistles a tune as he gathers the dangerous fungi, seeming in fine spirits. He even takes delight in being able to reprimand his own Captain for Tap's clumsy work with the mushrooms.
All told, quite the bounty is gathered, and Rush documents the various locations of the plants in addition to the surrounding landscape.
Well now. I think its time we got back to the shanty town and have us a few strong drinks... after we settle accounts and all that.
And then more quietly.
And I hope that our old Captain hasn't come in to port while we've been away.
If so, we will tell him that we were attacked at sea by a sea monster.
It is nothing but the truth.
Well, we'd better head back. And watch for more of those nasty snares!
As they begin the return walk, Rush looks back at the damn remorsefully.
Lady Vampire, what are the chances in your mind that Ricketty will want this damn removed before we head out? Captain, Jack, a more serious question. What now? We have our freedom. We have our ship.
What's next for us? I have no objection to piracy in a general sense.
But I am rather enjoying this life of adventure. Are there any other marvels in the area that you'd like to go and explore?
Rush, my friend and partner, this is a most excellent question to which I have given considerable thought. Clearly, we have our freedom and gold enough to depart the sea and set up ourselves nicely as a shop or tavern keep...But for myself, I am more ambitious for adventure and wealth. I am not opposed to piracy to get it either, at least from richly laden merchant ships. Tap smirked.
Let us go back and gather what we may of rumors and marvels of the local area. But we must also gather information about merchant trading routes, and which pirates have claimed which part of the sea as their own to hunt. For I know enough of the pirates of the Inner Sea to know that there is a political order, and we must navigate those waters very carefully.
That damned dam should have been undammed, damnit!
We cleared those buggers out, they can figure out how they'd like to deal with the damn. I'd hate to wash their village away to sea with a sudden deluge.
The group heads back towards Rickety's small village, secure in the knowledge that they've eliminated at least one threat out here in the wilds. The general mood of the area is good, the laborers and their families apparently unaware of the demonic simian cults that share their domain.
Winding through the dirt paths, some overgrown, that make up the small village, you find yourself in the boathouse, having told that Rickety himself is here, working on his favorite...paperwork. Rickety looks up as you enter his small, modest office. He stands quickly enough to whack his desk and nearly knock over a cracked glass that looked much like the bottom half of a rum bottle.
He rushes around the desk, which looks to be the re-purposed captain's table from a ship, and looks you up and down. Seeing perhaps that you're still mostly intact, he asks. Did ye' find whatever was makin' the naga crazy?
Rush stays in the back to let the captain talk, and after a few moments steps back outside through the open door. He keeps the door open, and stays close enough to listen in, but he prefers to be out in the wind whenever possible.
Ei well. There was a cult of simians that lived up stream. Big brutes. They built a dam, maybe they like swimming, up yonder, and collected some potent mushrooms for their devilish rituals. We found these scattered about their cave and near the water. Best we can guess, the Naga swam through some polluted waters, and went crazed. We wiped them out, by the way, the simians I mean, but we left the damn in place. We didn't want to wash one of your children away in a deluge. You'll need to send people up the river and decide how you'd like to deal with the damn.
Tap leans on the desk, content to be out of the hot sun. How's the repairs proceeding? I would like to go to sea again sooner than later.
Rickety nods, scratching his wrinkled chin. Alright, I'll get a detail up there to open it up...maybe only a bit at a time, wouldn't want any flooding like you say. Explains quite a bit though...the river's been down for a while now. Though we haven't had any rain, we can still usually rely on it to bring down some water from higher parts of the island.
So...make me a map, did ya? After getting Rush's scrawl, he nods. Not bad, not bad. Wish I could afford to get you fellas on the payroll for good, we'd get this whole island figured out. He shakes Tap's hand. A deal's a deal, five hunnerd off of the repairs, and fiver percent off of future dealings.
We've got one, maybe two days left of repairs. Hopefully it keeps quiet, and we'll even get it done early. Now, is there anything I can do for ya', or are ya' off to the tavern to kill some time?
Rush pokes his head around the door frame to be heard clearly, Is there anything else interesting to be seen on the island? Any old ruins, mysterious caves, or natural wonders worth our time?
Jack grunts. Not before some ale.
He thinks about how poorly their crew performed against the simians. Seems to me that we could use another crew member good with a blade.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sunyata hasn't said a word, silently listening.
Aside from feeling banged up and in dire need of an hour on a cushion, she plops down in a relaxed welcoming spot of brush and pulls out some anchjur and wads it in the side of her mouth. She sighs and just unwinds for a few minutes.
That fight was worse than my mum's Sunday morning breath. she thinks to herself, and wishes she had some dreeesi herb.
Ohhh that be nice right now...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hmmm...well, not really sure, to be honest. The lake was the closest landmark to us. We've sent some of our guys out before, deeper into the island, but...well, they never came back. Hard ta' tell these days, we're pirates by heart ya know. Could be they found something better - more coin, an easier job, or maybe they didn't make it.
He shakes his head. Nah, I'd not want ya' wasting your lives fer nothin. Sides, we keep going like this and I'll be working for free. He looks at Jack. Well, while I don't have someone for ya', I can tell ya' that ma' boys here are all free men. Ya' find someone at the tavern who wants to join up, and ya' have my blessing.
He looks to Sunyata. Gonna' be about time for ya' to take a shift at the watchtower, you up for it?
Yup! She'll be right for it. I'll be in the alhouse meeting and greeting.
He looks to Sunyata. Gonna' be about time for ya' to take a shift at the watchtower, you up for it?
Sunyata shrugs and pulls out her ale jug.
Goin' .. I'm Goin'..
The inn is nearly full, no doubt a few workers spending their time off shift as well as they can. Several look up at your arrival, and you even recognize one of them from the episode with the naga.
Captain and crew, welcome back! Have a nice walk?
Rush will follow the captain's lead and assist him in his endeavors.
Jack looked around the tavern, and grunted with disappointment. How he had thought it a proper watering hole the first time round must have been too much drink; in any case, Jack was in a sour mood. The heat, the flies, and the stink of the camp made him wish he had more simians to poke at with his sword.
Jack ordered a drink, then another, and then, he pulled out his blade and began to clean it. Not really proper behavior, but as he drank, his mood became ever darker, until, all at once, he jumped up to commit a dazzling display of martial finesse, terrorizing everyone in his vicinity, who clumsily dodged his whirling blade.
Tap snorts, buys the bottle, and pours Jack a drink.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Rush, ever wary after his time on the haunted island, leaves to return to their ship, The Oncoming Storm.
At Jack's display, many of the onlookers are quite obviously frightened, and they shy back from the man, not wanting to get into the range of that whirring blade. As such, not many have the will to approach Tap and Jack in their element. Perhaps the only one not cowed is the maid - a burly woman who looks like she could give cut-throat Grok a run for her money. Eyeing Jack, she leans in to Tap.
Hear there's 'nother ship comin' in for refittin? S'tha talk about the town 'ere...rare we have two at once.
Back at the Oncoming Storm, the huge man, Belliott, runs down the gangplank. It seems that he has the crew...exercising. Some are swatting with wooden slats on their backs, others are pushing or pulling barrels, and some are doing pull-ups in the rigging. They appear utterly...miserable. Belliott snaps off a quick salute more suited for the military.
Reporting, sir!
At that, Tap perks up and suddenly become interested. A ship eh. Any colors? Who sails her? A ship name?
Rush gives Belliott a side eye as he continues walking towards the ship. No need for that, Mr. Belliott. Just wanted to get back aboard, feel the breeze off the ocean again. Then, seeming to come to an idea, he turns to face the much bigger man. Mr. Belliott, have you or the crew heard anything of interest about the island? Any rumors of particular note?
Suddenly self-conscious, Jack sheathes his sword, and grabs a bottle, of whatever, and goes down to see how Belliot and the rest of the crew were doing. What he sees puts a big smile on his face.
Jack spends all day among the folk of the small settlement, showcasing his talents and general bravado. Its obvious to all that the swashbuckler is a cut above in his swordplay and his confidence. By the end of the day, whispers of the fiery first mate and his enigmatic captain travel through the people, and many begin to wonder just how potent this Oncoming Storm could be.
The woman leans in to speak in a hushed tone, though no one else is near. Strix is what they call it, I hear. Get this...they say it's a Chelish galleon!
Belliott nods and sets his big body to "at ease." He's obviously taking his role very seriously. Well...yeah...from what I hear there's a new ship due in...may even arrive tonight.
And when can we set sail? this small town may be too small for the both of us.
Who's the captain of the Chelish galleon, Strix? That is quite a prize..I wonder if there will be trouble.
The woman sniffs and shrugs. Dunno...fer both that is...yer ship still has a bit I'd imagine; never seen one done this quick. As fer the captain of the galleon, dunno that either. I'm guess, good cap'n...that we'll soon find out. She lets out a hearty guffaw and swats Jack on the back amicably with a far too manly hock of a hand.
It took a bit to get through the fog of his ale, but then the obvious came to him.
Well obviously it is not a Chelish Navy captain. They ain't the usual customers of a joint like this.
Leaning over to Rush, Tap whispers I just want to know if it be Captain Harrigan. Have we a spy glass onboard?
Rush's face runs a gamut of emotions at Belliot's news. First surprise, then concern, then a wicked idea. Good Master Belliott, this may be better than we thought. When that ship arrives, I want you and the stronger members exercising on the deck. Make sure not to tire yourselves out, but make sure the other ship can see you, if you please. I need to speak to the Cap'n about this.
After that, Rush moves as quickly as his wooden leg allows back to the bar where he left Jack and TapTap. Pushing through the door, slightly out of breath, he scans the room until he finds the Cap'n in a corner, and tries to catch Jack's attention to join them from the table top he's currently on. He arrives just as Tap asks him the question, making him wonder if Tap even realized that he had left some minutes ago. I don't know about a spy glass, none that I've seen. Might be able to trade off those silver ingots for one though. Rush pauses, taking in the room. I take it you've heard about the other ship? I don't think we're ready for something like a new armada or anything, but I do see a chance to gain some new crew members. What do you think Cap'n? Bit of a recruitment drive? Get some more expierenced hands to hauul ropes aboard the Oncoming Storm?
eh. Smart thinking Rush. But we will know better what to do once we know who captain's her. If it is one of Harrigan's, we will need to step carefully to avoid notice. I donna fancy that fight..not yet. Still the idea has merit. Tap pauses, reflecting.
It'll hard to go un-noticed Captain. This is hardly a metropolis.
Tap waves Jack's comment away as it was besides the point.
Belliott snaps too, and grins widely at the prospect. More than one groan can be heard behind the big man as Rush spins to thump away.
You recall that Rickety had directed Sunyata away to take a shift at the watchtower. You had seen the tower on the way in - it's on the south end of the island, and will undoubtedly have some way to view the newcomer.
Sunyata may be a bit lonely out. There. Let's go.see.
Aye Cap'n. I bet that tower catches a nice breeze as well.
I imagine that there will be a spyglass in the tower, or that Sunyata will know where to get one. Perhaps we'll catch sight of this ship, to better prepare ourselves for its arrival.
The watchtower, also called Godwin's Watch, is little more than a covered platform elevated 60 feet atop wooden poles and accessed by a crude stair. Only the covered platform rises above the ridgeline of the headland, obscured from sight by the jungle canopy above. From here, you have a good view of all points to the south towards the sea and to the north into Rickety's harbor.
Sunyata stands herein, having noticed you as you advanced upon the narrow winding trail from town. She does indeed have a spyglass, and it affords you a good view of the new ship. The ship is indeed a Chelish galleon, but flies no visible flag. There's a crew, some with Chelish uniforms, but most in simple garb. A more urgent concern, though, is that a group seems to be boarding the ship's tender, which is a significant boat that looks to hold around a dozen. They seem to mean to pay a visit.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Rush begins moving back down the trail at "top speed", With your pardon Cap'n. It just struck me the possibility that these folks aren't here to have their ship re-outfitted at all. I think I'll see to the crew, make sure they're prepared, just in case. He calls all of this back to anyone staying at the lookout as he uses his spear as a walking stick to propel him along the path. And maybe it's time to ask the Lady Vampire if she wants a new job.
Presuming he can reach the ship before the Chelish boat does, Rush will stump his way up the gang plank, before stopping to pant for breath, hands on his knees as he gulps for air. Good..... good Master Belliott....... (panting) Change of plans.... (panting) Get the crew..... (panting) Get the crew ready to fight.... (panting) Whew. Finally catching his breath, he stands up straight. Get the crew ready, just in case. They're not bringing their ship in and I don't want any surprises. Keep most of the crew below decks, out of sight. Any on deck is to look occupied with the usual actions of caring for the ship. Captain should be along shortly to give further instructions.
Belliott looks thrilled at this new prospect. He grins like a madman as he sets about the crew, threatening them with a toss over the railing should they not ready arms fast enough.
Rush will wait on board the ship for Captain Tap.