You make your way back to the dry dock and to the ship. Once you arrive, you see that Rush already had Belliott get the men ready for the fight, and the big man stands at attention, raising his adopted salute in greeting at the Captain's arrival.
Just as you arrive, you can see that a peg-legged man and eight buccaneers are climbing on to the docks from where they left their boat. the man stumps forward, eyeing The Oncoming Storm with keen interest as he goes. So wrapped up is he in inspecting the hull that one of his fellows has to nudge him and point up to the gathered forces on the ship. Immediately, the peg-legged fellow stops, and he and his men form a defensive semi-circle on the dock, some drawing weapons.
Seeing the newly landed fellows warily draw weapons and encircle the peg-legged man, Tap tries a less forceful tactic. She's a lady for sure. She cuts beautifully through the sea. Don't mind us, now. We were just inspecting our gear before again to sea. Tap climbs down from the deck into the sand. I am captain Taptap. If you be looking for 'ol Rickety, you'll find him, at the big hut with a glass of rum, most like. My man Jack, will show you the way.
Tap turns to Jack nods, then leans n to whisper to Jack. Make nice with them. You know I am no man with great words, at least if not put to song.
Tap rolls his eyes a Jack, who has been in a foul mood since returning from the jungle (probably got bit by a bot fly). Turning to Rush Why don't you go with them
Aye aye, Captain.Rush will stump back down to the ground and approach the other group. This way fellows. The buildings are cramped, the jungle is hot, and the ale is swill. But the locals are decent and Ricketty is fair. Imagine you're all here for the same reason we are. Rush gesture's with his free hand towards the Chelish ship still out in the bay as he leads the group (presuming they follow) towards Ricketty's shack. Recent grab? How's she sail?
The sailors take a hesitant step back, though they keep their captain within their protective circle as they do. They seem ready to fight if needed, and more than willing to fight for their captain...not a press-ganged crew, were you to guess, or just one that has been effectively cowed.
The captain, however, pats his hands in the air to gain calm, and take a few steps towards Tap, his peg leg thumping on the wooden dock. He looks Captain Taptap up and down, then offers his hand. Pegsworthy, Captain Merrill Pegsworthy. That there is my galleon, Strix. He looks appraisingly at Rush, then nods. Guess we are, at that. Ain't that a Rahadoumi ship? Funny, just heard that one of them was taken recently by a pretty well known Cap'n...know anything about that?
Ah well now. Not sure too many people have heard of Captain Taptap
These are dangerous waters for the Rahadoumi.
Aye. You remember hearing that story? Jack? Captain Taptap? Something ridiculous about a trio of ponies, wasn't it?
Captain Pegsworthy nods slowly, a slight smile dulling the edge of his fierce gaze. Well...too bad; I'd heard that the captain - Barnabas Harrigan, lost that ship soon after to an unruly crew. If I meet that crew some day, I'd sure like to buy them a round or two. Anything that makes that slimy bastard Harrigan seethe puts a smile on my face.
Tell ya' what, since yer ship is already here at dock and in process, my men and I will leave you to it. We can wait out at anchor until you're all set.
He gives the group a nod, then takes a few careful steps back before turning on his peg to begin walking away.
And what do you have against an honest pirate like Barnabas Harrigan!?
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Show them the balls Jack!
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Show them the balls Jack!
Sunyata's skin glimmers like crystals embedded in her skin, translucent and rainbow-like. She stays stonefaced, at times appears as if she were a statue, or had supreme control of her facial micro expressions. Her mood was often inscrutable. She simply gazes very directly at whatever is drawing her attention.
She fixes her sight on Taptap. And suddenly as if the expression on her face wanted to crack with laughter she coughs brusquely and recomposes her poised self. She takes a swig from a small bottle tucked in her long coat.
You forget Captain. I returned the empty sacks to good Master Scourge.
Pegsworthy narrows his eyes at you, as if weighing the truth of your question. Seeing the exchange after, he seems to ascertain the truth of it, and he nods. Guessing you've met him then...an dog without honor. He and I will come to terms some day. And you? I'd imagine you've got quite the target on your back now, if that ship did indeed come from Harrigan at one point.
Taptap looks at the man intently before looking out at the sea with a wistful look.
The sea is a treacherous lover. I suspect Master Scourge is at the bottom of the sea along with his ill-fated vessel. Ain't no one heard different here.
Taptap shrugs. Besides, what free sailor does not have a target on their back by that vile beast, Harrigan?
Rush looks back and forth from the interested parties, and tries another sally of friendship.
He sticks his thumb out over his shoulder, pointing behind him and saying.
So, there was mention of the tavern. Anyone still interested?
Pegsworthy follows Tap's gaze, then turns back with a noncommittal grunt. He brightens at Rush's cheer, and even finally offers a grin. His men visibly relax at the comfortable smile, and Pegsworthy nods. Seems that a drink or two are in order; lead the way good sir.
Taptap leaves a few order with his crew, then walks with Rush. He offers the captain a drink, motioning to the droopy eyed serving girl.
Quite the galleon you sailed in here. Tap quickly holds up a hand. If you don't want to say where you got it, just mumble in your beer and I'll nod, but if you care to share, I'd love a tale.
Pegsworthy grins and nods. Well, as you no doubt noticed, it ain't a run of the mill ship. The Strix there is a war galleon, of Chelish make. That thing is outfitted for battle, and I knew there was no way we could take it outright...at least not with just one ship. I used one of my other ships - the Drale, and had it fitted as a merchant ship on the outside. Usually it lures in pirates who see easy prey. This time, the Strix figured they were escorting a merchant through dangerous pirate lands. I had some of my best men in the bilges, and when my other two ships came up behind, they rushed out and onto the deck of the Strix. It was so fast, I'm not sure the Chelish even knew we were pirates until we had them tied up.
He takes a heavy swig, then grimaces, shrugs, and drinks again. Had worse. Looking into the amber depths of the mug, he asks. And you, good captain? How did you come by that sleek Rhadoumi runner?
Well. I'll be straight with you, because I none care who knows it. One fine night, I left my hammock to go get a bit of evening air, when I heard the captain growl at his lieutenant to leave his cutlass in his belt. Being of shorter stature, they did not see me lurking in the shadows aside a barrel and net. I was about to head back, not wanting to tangle with the prickly captain, when I heard him bark at his lieutenant. [b]Don't ya worry yer scurvy hide. Them crew is just needed until we reach port, and then Tap runs a finger across his neck. I saw it myself...so I sneaked back below, and...well I am a free man, and I'll be that way until I die, or die trying...so I raised the crew. Tap grimaces..He leans towards Pegsworthy. [i]THis might ot be the wisest thing.. Scourge is a rat bastard, mean as shit. Jack cutting 'im down, was a service. As far as Captain Harrigan, he is an evil man, no doubt, but any right-headed man would avoid making him his enemy. I'd have him think that we sank in a storm.
Aye! The crew picked Captain Tap as our leader then and there. Saved our lives, preserved our freedom, and finds us treasure! Here's to Captain Tap! Rush raises his mug in the air, looking around and encouraging everyone to join him. And to Jack, the man who finished that right mangy git called Scourge!
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Jack nods his head, acknowledging Tap and Rush's praise. I don't think him a fool. No. But we will do what we will do, and he'll do too, and hopefully we can pay all our debts owed without all sinking to the bottom of the sea, by Besmara's bloody bosom! No, I call it a profitable opportunity, for all around. You too Captain Pegsworthy. Petty blood feuds are for honor-stuffed landlubbers, though I pity he who double-crosses me: we are in business, and I intend to become rich, and make my partners rich too.
Pegsworthy narrows his eyes as if he sensed something foul, then merely shrugs. Sounds like quite the mutiny, indeed - and none are more deserving than that that foul Harrigan. He raises his mug to toast, then takes a deep drink, wiping his mouth after with a sleeve.
Tell ya' what - that ship a' yers looks like it should be done, er...maybe late tomorrow. Dunno if ye've heard or not, but it's commonly good luck for a free captain to christen it for you. I'd be happy to do the service, if ye'll give me the honor.
Jack's looks sharply at the captain with suspicion.
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Tap squints at the man. On matters of luck and fair fortune, I often defer to my officer, Rush Weather-Wise. Rush, what do you say?
Tap seems to sense nothing from the captain, though that could be tempered by the strong drink. Jack senses only good will. Perhaps he sees the Oncoming Storm a potential ally - not unheard of in the Shackles, though often these alliances are tenuous at best amid the greedy isles.
Jack relaxes, and even smiles. He is evidently pleased with the offer.
A generous offer Captain. Let me buy you another drink. We've been up to our ears in Charau-ka here; bit of a problem that ol' Rickety was having upstream. What news? Does peace stand between the pirate lords and the Hurricane King? Has news of our affairs traveled far already? It seems to me that you know a bit more than you've told.
Apparently Rush has headed off to get us some more to fill our mugs. Yes. Suunds wonderful, Captain.
Rush re-enters the tavern. Sorry if I missed anything Cap'n. Since we left that big damn alone up-stream, I felt the need to drain a smaller one.
The remainder of the day passes without mishap, and the officers of both ships enjoy more than their fair share of drinks. Captain Pegsworthy tells them the news of the Shackles, though much is already known.
The free captains have much on their hands, with business in the shackles being generally good. Skirmishes in the drenched communities of the Sodden Lands have brought about the need for weapons and goods to travel via ship from Sargava. One wonders why'd they even try, but a pirate never doubts the fates. So, plunder is good, but there are many pirates vying for it.
Battle among pirate captains has been high, though your good friend Harrigan has been fairly quiet. There have been inquiries about your ship, of course, but the vile pirate has made sure they're uttered in back alleys. Competition will continue to get more fierce as they come closer to the Free Captain's Regatta, which looms ever closer.
He even shares a tidbit - a small old castle called "Tidewater Rock" on a remote island south of Motaku Isle. Should one be able to secure it, it would be a nice base from which to attack the local shipping lanes. Woulda' taken it myself, if not for the rumors of it being haunted...wives tales, but the men have their superstitions, and I like a happy crew.
The next day, you find the squibbing of the Oncoming Storm to be complete. Rickety holds a ceremony to rechristen the ship, and Captain Pegsworthy meets you at the dock. He holds a bottle of Sargavan wine up, then smashes it on the hull, as he offers a toast. Good fortune and sure sail await what one can crack the Tidewater Rock.
Pegsworthy and Rickety come over after the Oncoming Storm has its chocks removed and is rolled into the water. It's new sleek lines show a fast ship - one hopefully worthy of the name. Pegsworthy shakes hands, then departs after a few quick words. I'll be here for a spell, should you need anything. After that, I'm bound for the south and open seas for the isles northeast of Motaku for some sport.
Rickety has more than a farewell on his mind though. He grins fondly. Been more than a pleasure to have ya' 'ere boys, but s'matter a' business to tend to...
Base refitting - 2000GP
broad rudder - 500gp; (+1 sailor checks)
Silk sails - 1500gp; (+1 bonus opposed sailing checks; waterborne speed is increased by 10%.)
This island was later settled by Pirates who had a falling out with the Pirate Council. They set about flouting the treaty that the council has with Sargava, and soon the Pirate Council laid the blame for all and any pirate misbehavior against Sargavan vessels on the Firegrass island buccaneers. Made the scapegoats of every Sargavan complaint, these Pirate captains adopted a flag with a white goat's head on a black field, declared the Firegrass Isle the "Last Bastion of Freedom" and also name their settlement Goatshead.
You ask about this settlement, and Fishguts nods his head knowingly, more than prepared to offer some, in his opinion, valued advice. If yer lookin' to unload some goods, the best options would be the neutral ports of Bloodcove and Senghor, or the Sargavan port of Crown's End. Bein' that we have more valued goods than plunder right now, could be that Goatshead may be able to buy some items.
Course, a good pirate knows that some villages are good for raidin', just as good or better than ships at times. If it's plunder yer seekin', then Goatshead may be just small enough to hit, if we do it hard and fast.
Cross the roads, dot the purse. Thanks Fishguts.
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Sunyata throws in some squibbing shifts for a few extra coins for ale.
She studies the newly arrived and tries to summarize everything she's heard and seen about them, she assesses what opportunities might be concrete for her. The last run in with those charuka showed her she's not ready to take HIM on.
Looking for opportunities to get close to HIM, it's all she can think about... She goes to the tavern to drink to take the edge off burning fire of her obsessive replay of her scenario of revenge.
Sunyata studies everyone and goes hunting for an opportunity or intel.
You strike out to the west from Rickety's Squibs, following the coast but tracking out far enough to be in open waters. As you do, the crew begins to fall into their roles; though it's a new situation, these men and women are pirates through and through, and the work is familiar. Sandara takes over the duties of Quartermaster, and quickly proves to be quite good and keeping tally and paying close attention to every item in and out of the hold.
Belliott roars about on the deck, flinging orders about as if he'd been born to it, though often he comes to one of his higher officers to ask if he'd "done right, boss?" Kerruk sets up shop knitting rigging and sails, and gathers his supplies together to tend to those who suffer wounds during their shift.
All in all, the crew sets to it well, and make good headway throughout the day. By late afternoon, the ship has made it past a southern-jutting piece of land sheltering Rickety's, and comes into view of Firegrass Isle.
Tap looks north along the Shackles coast.
Unfurl those sails. We sail up, hugging the mainland's coast towards Port Peril, which is a fair distance away to the north. We have room in the hold for plunder and treasure, so we will be on the look out for plundering opportunities. We will pass bye whatever misadventures belong with the pirates at Goatshead, I'm not that eager to go back to land yet, having missed the sea and being sick of the jungle. Do I have an aye aye?
In the meantime, I think we should make a concerted effort to learn about which pirates sails where, which routes trade ships sail, and whether there are pirate territories we have to respect or else face an unwanted turf battle with a powerful pirate lord.
Aye aye, Captain Tap
The Oncoming Storm rushes to the north, plowing through the waves under the beating sun.
The rest of the day passes without mishap, and the crew sets to their typical evening of drinking, gambling, and carousing.
Under my command, all pirates get a daily ration of rum. 'Tis a hard life we live, and a pirate's only lover may be 'r rum. If you do not care for rum, I do not care for you. Drink up.
Piratical punishments will be dealt for murder & theft, being drunk 'cept when I's says you can be a drunk, for trading yer rum ration, and for not drinking your rum ration when I give it to you. AS yer captain, it is my duty to make sure you kiss your lover each evening, so drink her deeply. If I later choose to withhold rum rations, you may be assured that I did so to please my pirate's future financial prosperity. Gold is a better mistress than rum.
Laziness will not be tolerated, but for these transgressions, I will not mete out punishments: Your shipmates will. Laziness is theft committed not just against me, but against your fellow pirate, for we are hard working pirates looking to line our pockets with gold.
If you have a complaint against me, bring it to one of my officers. We will fix it, or fix you, but I aim to please my pirate's prosperity. Prosperity means gold and fortunes. Not my pirates tired muscles nor their itchy crotches. Unless it be for reasons of lice and fleas.
We will run a clean ship and a clean crew. That means each of you will have one saltwater bath per fortnight...you will each keep three sets of clothes...two for work on this ship, and one finer set that we will later provide, a uniform for when we need to appear as respectable and high class pirates...along with this uniform, all men shall grow mustaches...for every man who sees you needs to know from which crew you belong...and thus come to fear and respect you. Each pirate will also eat what it placed before him as meal ration, yes fruits too...for you need to be strong and healthy, or you be no use to us.
If anyone now has a disagreement with this, let them be heard now...and we will make a decision. Taptap idly pets his monkey.
Sunyata nods and answers TapTap raising a hand... Ble....hsinfmbduf my nokitnshu. All aboard the srubly rush need mohbs .. and then falls over hitting the ground with a loud thud.
After a few moments she comes to but doesn't seem to coordinate too well. Her eyes are glossy and red. Her skin is more sparkly than usual. She is clammy to the touch. She gesticulates somewhat jerkily, uncoordinatedly loses her balance from an almost sitting position, and passes out. After a few moments, she is snoring.
Her rum flask and a little box falls out her coat pocket onto the ground.
Because Sunyata, is . a. good. pirate.
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Rush sighs and motions a request for Belliott to go and drag her up the gang plank. He then moves towards the center mast with the cat-o'-nine-tails in his hand. Hanging it from a hook, he says to the crew. As the good captain said, laziness from the crew is to be punished the crew. Any member of the crew can request use of the scourge to do so, from any of the officers. Killing the person you're trying to punish is the same as murder and you'll answer to the captain. Punishing them to the point where they can't work means you take on their duties as well as your own. I encourage you to be inventive. Rush walks back up to the captain, saying in a more subdued voice. Fine weather ahead for sailing, Captain. And a warning, not that you'll likely need it. I'm still technically contracted by the Chelish navy. If they find that out, somehow, they'll try to hang me. Rush smiles at the joke of a pirate getting hung for contract breaking as he moves towards the charts.
The crew raises a rousing cheer at Tap's proclamation, and more than one slap heavy hands on a fellow's back to celebrate what is shaping up to be quite a fine group with which to sail the seas. Their good spirits last well through the night, and they even take it upon themselves to bring a proposed list of watch duties to Rush to review. The list seems reasonable, and none seem to be shirking at all
Belliott shakes his huge head with a laugh and scoops up Sunyatta. He sweeps up her belongings and gives them a furrowed-brow stare before tucking them back into her pouch. There now...been on the land too long fer the rum we drink...ye'll get it soon, s'pecially with tha spirit of a pirate in ya.
The good will of the night before rolls into the next day, and the Oncoming Storm makes great time as it turns to the northwest. You pass in between Firegrass Isle and the mainland, and suddenly find yourself in a much more dense area.
The day once again proceeds without mishap, and by day's end, the Oncoming Storm has passed Ngozu and is nearly through the ring of small islands that surrounds the shipping lane headed north along the coast.
Sunyata awakens with a raging headache... She immediately reaches for her inner pocket and feels her belongings there and sighs with relief. She cleans up and makes her way to the deck. She squints to the horizon, orients herself looking around at who's working, and looks for where she needs to report.
Jack looks at Rush strangely.
Who is going to submit to another's whip and whim, just like that? And who is going to whip a crew mate, if the other could just take the whip to return the lashes? No, we'd better hold tightly to that whip, else we'll be wracked by disorder and resurrection.
Aye, Big Belliot will be holdin' that whip until its needed. We'll not be having the crew using it to settle scores.
Later, Jack, Rush, Sunyata, Belliot, and the other officers gather to meet.
Friends, I've had a change of heart. For the longest time all I wished was to escape back to my former life. But now I see that there is no going back. So then, let us become wealthy pirates.
Rum. Let us water the rum ration. Captn I know what you have demanded, but I'd rather invest in our crew than send them to the grave.
I'm fine with the crew using the whip, 'specially now that its already been said. But we must always maintain control. Have the crew draw lots to administer the whip, and let no more lashes be administered than is approved by the officers. Better, set up court, with an officer as judge, especially if its to be a keel haulin'
Belliott crosses his big arms over his chest and furrows his brow in thought - never his strong suit. He grunts and screws up his face in confusion. Water the rum...you mean so we can keep 'em somewhat awares? Guess yer right, never seen a drunk man fight too well...some can't even find their masts when they need ta' take care a' business.
So's...we keep 'em sober, and let 'em keep their own justice?
Kerruk nods, the Garundi's eyes narrowed. Dis is wise, from the officer's side a' things. But, if the crew finds out...
Kerruk had grown darker of late, and his strange experiments with some of the more...turbulent water spirits had drawn quite a bit of fear from the common crew.
Tap glares at Jack. Publicly counteracting Tap's order undermined his authority and the authority of the other officers, a dangerous proposition on a pirate ship.
Friend Jack, the rum will NOT be watered, unless I says it is to be watered. Clear?
Turning to the matter of laziness. Laziness will be punishable by the crew, because I do not want to be bothered with complaints of sloth. However, the policy needs clarification. Laziness will be punishable, only after a majority vote by the relevant work shift, which is to be witnessed by one of the officers: Jack, Rush, or by Fishguts, who will submit the report to me for documentation into our logs. Is this clear?
Fishguts nods quickly, leaving no doubt to his agreement. Cap'n, now that we're on the subjects of movin' forward, we may need a good plan 'er story fer when we reach Port Peril. So's ya' know, here's what I know about the place...been there once er twice.
So, it sits on the mainland an' has a harbor with deep cliffs about it. Unlike Rickety's, the Port has quite a ground force, and uses it ta' press inland with prospectin' teams collectin' lumber, spices, and such. We'd have ta' dock in Crescent Harbor by decree, where the ship'll get inspected by the harbormaster.
The Port is ruled over by the Pirate Lord hisself, Kerdak Bonefist. He runs the place from his fortress home Lucrehold when he's there, but there's a good chance he's out on the seas piratin'....never gave that up. Bonefist knows Harrigan....that I know...many in Port Peril will, so we gotta' have a plan if we're ta' risk it there.