Tap's knawing greed quenches a bit with a thought. What proof do you have that you are a Sargavan ship?
Seeing things about to break bad, Rush wants to be ready with a spell. If they get their crossbows to fire, he is going to use the alter winds spell to hopefully blow the bolts off course
The Captain does indeed think on Tap's words. He licks his lips and looks to his side, at men that seem to not be as ready to fight as he'd thought. He clears his throat, and moves forward to be more clearly heard in the intervening space.
Look, how about we have a discussion, Cap'n ta' cap'n. Lets say I row on over in our jollyboat here and we can talk, real civilized like. What say you, good cap'n?
Yes, let's discuss.
The captain dips his head, then turns to speak quickly to one of his men - one of the few with any fight left in him. The man nods, then they captain drops the boat and makes his way to the Oncoming Storm. After coming aboard, he looks around, then nods to Tap.
Alright, cap'n...seems we've got a fine pickle 'ere. Tellin' ya the truth, may Besmara sink me tub tomorrow if I'm false...I'm a simple fisherman. You note that this is a curse not taken lightly...Besmara is not a forgiving patron. So...take some of my hold, and yer gettin' just that - fish. I dun' have but the coin ta' pay my men here, an' they're good men, with families at home. But... He leans in closer. We found somethin' There's a wreck down the coast - recent one. I hear 'ol Harrigan took a docked ship off 'a Rapier Bay. Dirty fightin' that - snuck up at night when no right pirate should be sailin' Harrigan took the ship's plunder and sunk it, but it's right near tha' coast there, jus' north a' town.
He shrugs. Ain't much me and my men can do with sunken treasure, but somethin' got caught in our nets. He turns, and motions to the deck of his ship, where the man he'd spoken to is removing a tarp. Underneath is what looks like a heavy ballista. Needs some work, but it could be fixed an' refitted to yer ship 'ere. Whaddya' think? Ya' let me keep me fish an' get back with me quota, take tha' ballista...I'll even draw ya' a map ta' the wreck if ya want.
Taptap looks curiously at the captain, letting his face transform from dangerous pirate to chummy old friend. Yes a Ballista. I see. Sunken treasure. Mighty generous, though..a friendly Captain like you would not be trying to lure us to a trap, now would ye? But forget about this a moment.
Tell me more about this protection for Sargavan ships, you claim to fall under.
( on the captain of the fishing boat.)
The captain's eyes widen at the implication. No, no...nothin' of the sort! It's jus' that I don' have much ta' bargain with but me livelihood, and that of me men. Yer welcome ta' come over and search the hold...all ye'll find is fish, some crabs, maybe some shrimp. Nothin' worth yer time. But, a buried treasure, now that's sumpthin!
See, Quent is a big city, and Miss Fairwind, well she's a just and fair ruler. She wants good things fer her people, and trade's the way ta' do it. I reckon we were pretty far from our coast, I'll give ya' that. But Quent has an agreement not ta' raid our ships 'er coast when we're workin' on getting goods ta' trade with her.
Rush feels that this is legit, though it does seem to imply that the Oncoming Storm is to adhere to Quent law.
So, you are a fishing boat from Saragava doing trade in Quent? Does Saragavan fish sell for so high a price in Quent that they'd come out so far? Seems more likely you've got a more valuable cargo buried under that load of stinking fish. Still..
Prove to our satisfaction that your trade is under the protection of the Hurricane King's compact with Saragava, and we'll let you on your way. We'll even pay fairly for your goods.
Jack speaks correctly. We will not violate Quent's pirate treaties, or those of the Shackles and its Pirate Council. And if you are as you say, we will take the map as a present, and negotiate with you to buy that heavy ballista. And we will even escort you into Quent. If you not be from Saragava, then.. Taptap let's his words drift off, the implication clear.
Rush leans over to captain Tap and whispers, What do you think about offering some of his crew a chance to be pirates? Not to negotiate with him, just to shout it out to them before we leave and see if any of them want to fill our ranks.
The Captain shakes his head, and mutters under his breath about pirates. I dun' have an official charter or nuthin', ye'd have ta' take it ta' Quent or Sargava and ask tha' trade officials for their rulin'. So's, not something I can prove right here on yer deck. Like I said, have a look at me' cargo if ye' like, an' do what ya' will.
You're pretty confident that this is just a fishing ship that was looking for a new area with less competition and more fish.
Suppose we be escorting you to Quent and ask fer a ruling? If they rule you be lying, do you suppose they will let you and your crew live?
Ordinary fisherman, yes I believe you be. Traders from Sargava under Quent's protection? No. I understand a desperate man. The deal is this, now. The map. The ballista. A fifth of yer fish. In return, we escort you to Quent but opens no inquiries. Take it, or it will go badly.
The captain heaves a sigh, then shakes his head in frustration. Aye
The hold of the fishing ship is indeed, fish. It's a lot of fish...but...fish. Some grumbling can be heard about the stench when you haul it on board, but that you do.
The ballista is loaded onto the Oncoming Storm as well, and is indeed in parts and pieces. It will take some assembly to get it together.
Very good Captain, On to Quent then! You shan't be sorry for our services rendered. We'll slow to allow you to keep pace with us, and keep villains away from ye.
Tap then smiles generously. From one captain to another, I cordially invite you to supp with us this eve. We can talk of recent news and other tall tales of the shackled sea.
Taptap's smile bares a few too many teeth.
Our Captain is a pirate, but an honest one. We'll see you safely to port, as best as we can. Ever thought of taking up the profession? It took us longer than it ought to catch you up.
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The Captain agrees, grudgingly, his worried expression showing that he did not expect to make it through the night alive. Still, with little other choice, he and one of his men row over to the Oncoming Storm once again before darkness takes them. Both ships have dropped anchor at this point.
Once on deck, he shakes Tap's hand, and inclines his head to the man at his side. Vesgal Falkirk at yer service, cap'n. This 'ere's me son, Bemmie. E's on leave for now - a marine by trade. I been teachin' 'im tha' trade. Hope you don't mind him coming over.
The captain looks at Jack and gives a half-hearted smile. Naw, but appreciate ya' noticin'. I been sailin' all me life, and had ta' shake tha' tail of dozens a' pi....err, enterprising gentlemen like yerself.
He clears his throat. Err, after you, good cap'n.
Fishguts had thought it would be in poor taste to cook the fish that you had just stolen from him, so he had been out crabbing earlier, requesting that they move the ship closer to the coast in order to get a good haul. It made for quite good conversation food, what with having to crack the bones and suck out the juicy bits.
Vesgal soon is comfortable, convinced after the first few sips of rum. His son, Bemmie, continually eyes Jack's sword as if expecting to be run through at any time.
So, cap'n...I ain't hear a' The Oncoming Storm round these parts. Where ya' hail from?
Funny you should ask. We came straight out of the center of the maelstrom.
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I'll not be telling ye that anytime soon.
Taptap pauses to perform an exagerated act of rumination, then clear his throat. The Oncoming Storm...hails from the same origin as do all storms: The sea. For, on the sea we were born, and with the ever shifting tides, we are reborn each night and made anew, Besmara willing. Tap lets his eyes drift to the port window with a far away look.
Bemmie ma'lad. Do you like Jack's cutlass! It carries a fishy magic! But fear not, the fish will stay in his belt.
Do you like Sea Shantyies lad? Tap looks to the Captain. By some accounts, I am Singer of the Seas, and with this voice I can calm the seas, and make a sailor's tired limbs flow with renewed vigor. As is my wont, I sing to them each night, like a father to his children. Today, for your lad, I will perform a shanty about the fish of the sea, out of the Maelstrom, lad, Swirling Green indeed.
Tap stands upon the bench, with a lopsided grin.
Come all you ye sailormen, listen to me
I'll sing you a song of the fish in the sea,
and it's...
Out of Maelstrom, lad, Swirling Green indeed,
When the wind blows Rush 'ready Knows
Stormy weather, boys, we're all together, boys
Cap'n Tap and Monkey Tack, steady she goes.
Up jumps the eel with his slippery tail,
Climbs up aloft and reefs the topsail,
and it's...
Out of Maelstrom, lad, Swirling Green indeed,
When the wind blows Rush 'ready Knows
Stormy weather, boys, we're all together, boys
Cap'n Tap and Monkey Tack, steady she goes.
Up jumps the codfish with his chuckle-head,
He runs out up forward and throws out the lead!
and it's...
Out of Maelstrom, lad, Swirling Green indeed,
When the wind blows Rush 'ready Knows
Stormy weather, boys, we're all together, boys
Cap'n Tap and Monkey Tack, steady she goes.
Up jumps the whale... the largest of all,
'If you want any wind, well, I'll blow ye a squall!'
and it's...
Out of Maelstrom, lad, Swirling Green indeed,
When the wind blows Rush 'ready Knows
Stormy weather, boys, we're all together, boys
Cap'n Tap and Monkey Tack, steady she goes.
Tap grins. See now lad? Men of the sea, through and through. And Jack's cutlass really does blow.
Tap looks the lad over.
As it happens. We needs a cabin boy to run errands about the ship. Now I won't strip ye from your father, you'd be no use to me then, and I've already put his crew under my protection, and I won't be breakin' my word. But there it stands. An offer for riches and adventure, a life of more than fish and fish guts, our galley cook excepted.
Now Cap'n, you are worrying that I am offering your son a dishonest life of roguery, but you being the first ship I've encountered in my current enterprise, I'm not wedded to an evil course. Tis hard times, and other men would have killed you and your son. We are making our way, and will happen upon a code of honor, and a set of business propositions, mission statements, I believe they've been called.
Tap pours more rum into the Captain's glass, then into the lad's glass.
While you are contemplating missing your son, tell me, best you can, besides Sargava, which merchants, sail their ships into the Shackles, and where are the primary shipping lanes?
Before nightfall comes, Rush gives over the helm and goes to inspect the ballista. He wants to try and figure out if he can fix it.
Rush sits quietly at the table, eating and listening, engaging in small talk, but not really steering the conversation anywhere. He's simply trying to put their guests at ease.
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After Tap's jovial nature and rousing song, Captain Vesgal seems to be quite at ease. He tenses when his son is offered a position, but only slightly so. He does not try to influence his son, though Bemmie looks to him after the proposal. Clearing his throat, Bemmie looks back up to the pirate captain. Well, sorry me...lord...but I don't feel that the piratin' life is quite for me. Got a girl I'm sweet on at home, and after my term, I have a local guard post that's bound ta' keep me by home and startin' a family. He obviously thinks this may be an affront, for he quickly adds...That is, if that's okay with yer...um pirate-ship.
Captain Vesgal furrows his brow, considering this odd type of piracy. He cannot refute the claim, especially as the looming form of Belliott stands in one corner of the captain's cabin, prepared to crush masts or chew coral. I can't say that's a bad type of arrangement, me cap'n. I can say that the major lane runs between Motaku Isle and the mainland, as ships make the run north and south runnin' to Port Peril. An' Port Peril - well Jeopardy Bay is always choked with ships of all types. Aside from that, there are southern lanes, though not well traveled to the south of Motaku. Shark Island has some trade - good fishin' out there, but it's a long trip from the mainland. If yer lookin' fer loose ships, that may be a good place ta' keep a low profile, if'n ya' know what I mean.
Motaku itself, though....Quent here is crowded, as ye'll soon see. Not a place ta' keep a low profile. Place filled with rumors, too...we sailors hear all of 'em, but it doesn't scare us away, right lad? He slams his son on the back and guffaws as Bemmie chokes a bit on his rum.
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Sunyata keeps herself assigned to the duties that stay close to the conversations of others, studying the newcomers, she tries to get a sense of their origins, who's from where, figure out their motives, she quietly triangulates her attention on that which most burns her from the inside... The thought that never lets her sleep well, that creeps under every glance that she meets... Where are you?
She follows the conversation of her (now) mates, and learns to feel the mood of the ship, like the waters of the tides themselves, people's interactions flow and chop in rhythms. Sometimes good sometimes rough, Sunyata also observes where the points of tensions and harmony flow between the newcomers and the crew. For example, the older guy that just got on with this newcomer group, he's alright with the cook and the guys from the the squibbing crews. He helps, he doesn't complain, he's a contributor. But on the other hand, his scrawny companion is totally unnerving and wimpy to the guys who work on the ropes who are physically very fit. They don't like him at all. He feels too different and they're threatened of putting their life in the hands of a scrawny puny looking companion. She served on her shift with the kitchen help, and delivered a refill of ale to the brothers from the ropes crew talking about how you couldn't pay them to put their life on the line for the scrawny turd. She wasn't a wench, and yet the function of ale service proved useful to eavesdrop (and inevitable when serving).
Sunyata starts to shop among the many conversations, making herself of use, serving in some fashion to help get necessary daily tasks done while she also used the duties to listen in and gather information. As an easy travel companion she stays rather unobtrusive as a daily practice, and doesn't initiate contact with others, yet does not shy from contact when addressed and engages her companions in a simple, sometimes awkward, but honest and frank style.
The crew learns she has a daily religious kata in her martial arts. She will not interrupt for any reason and always makes her request for a time in the deck that doesn't require her on duty. Others have their diversion times, she carves out a small space to carry out a daily meditative martial sequence. She has been willing to share her meditative practice and a few sailors join her to learn some basic breathing movements.
Looking for JUICY nuggets GM, Sunyata doesn't really care about the small talk unless it provides her with actionable leads to her search - theoretically she is developing an intelligence research investigative side in which she is driven to get to know the ship's crew personally in the process, entering an informal spy role, yet she is so obvious with her sparkly skin, she might make a very unlikely spy.
Those are the best kinds of spy. Ones so obvious that no one would believe that they could be a spy.
Well, girl...taken a likin' to it, now have ye? I was afraid all that time on land got those legs a' yers too straight and stiff. He shows a genuine smile, then leans down to speak more quietly. I hear ya' been askin' about a Captian Redsail, eh? What did ya' want to know about that one? I heard of 'im, sure...
Tis normal for a lad to think of a sweetheart at this age. No worries, we will not be chaining you up to our oars, yer heading for a prison of yer own making soon enough. Ha!
Well, Captain, let us bid good night, as we have many leagues yet to sail to Quent.
Captain Vesgal nods, and returns to his ship soon after, his son in tow. The pair seem happy enough, full of drink and good food, and seem to have taken to the Oncoming Storm and its rowdy officers a bit. You set the normal watch and prepare for sleep, but Fishguts has a bit to say before the night ends. He gathers the officers together for a quick conference.
Now, sir...there's a few items I been meanin' to talk to ya 'bout...an now is past time. With us headin' into the second largest ports in the Shackles on the morrow, we're gonna' need a story we can stick to. First...I had these made up...
He presents some papers that show a probationary charter as furnished by the Pirate council. The papers were no doubt originally given to Plugg in case he was stopped in taking the Man's Promise to Port Peril. The papers indicate that this is a newly taken ship and under a probationary period before official charter approval. It has been expertly altered to indicate the christened ship "The Oncoming Storm."
Now, these should be good 'nuff ta' keep us within' our legal rights ta be there in Quent when we arrive. But...here's a problem. Yer names...sandy seas...all our names I guess. If we go about throwin' our given names out, well it won't take much fer Harrigan ta' find us. And, then he'll have the whole legal rights of the Pirate council in his corner.
Now, here's what'll happen tomorrow. When we arrive in the Bay, one of the dockmaster's ships will be patrollin'. It'll come and ask fer our papers and reason for bein' in Quent. If we pass muster, then we'll get a pretty yella' flag ta' tie to our mast. That means we're cleared ta' anchor in the bay or in their drydocks if we wanna' pay a fee.
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The next day dawns, and Rush announces clear weather and fine sailing, with a steady westerly wind. By midday, you come into view of the large, sheltered bay of Quent, and the grand settlement beyond. There several dozen ships here, some coming and going and others anchored. All bear the yellow flag, save for a handful of blue flags, which show the ships of the Quent Dockmaster. They're quite well armed and manned, and as soon as you enter the harbor, one begins to track your way.
Well, Tap, Rush'll be Hanz, and you'll be Franz. Kroop, we'll call you Sharky, and I'll be ... Alfred. Harrigan shouldn't know Sunyata.
I guess we'll have to forgo adding infamy to our name here in Quent. Just get in, sell our cargo, maybe do a little shopping and wenching, and then out, eh? It might be worth visiting the shops for some improvements to our gear. I guess I'll go count my gold pieces now.
Kroop seems to pause at the new name, then shrugs. Better'n Fishguts I reckon.
Rush looks askance at Jack. Hanz, huh? Very well. I have nothing to fear from Harrigan, but you should all remember that I shouldn't be mentioned to any Chelaxians.
Well, Captain Sharky, what should your mates Hanz, Franz, and Alfred get to doing while we wait for Sunyata?
Well, girl...taken a likin' to it, now have ye? I was afraid all that time on land got those legs a' yers too straight and stiff. He shows a genuine smile, then leans down to speak more quietly. I hear ya' been askin' about a Captian Redsail, eh? What did ya' want to know about that one? I heard of 'im, sure...
Sunyata sighs softly. Staring out.
It can be breathtaking... The power, the flow, the rage of the sea... The ultimate teacher and owner of life and death
She lets a long pause before continuing, letting the oceans lull with the soft swooshing of eaves against the hull...
aye... he's such a legendary bastard,... s'pose most have heard something...what have ye heard of 'im?
Okay, crew. Let's just make sure we're clear on one thing here. We go in, fence our cargo, and get out. No ruckus. No fuss. No attention.
He pauses, brow furrowed, then says, more softly. What's he to you...friend, family?
The ship nears, and comes alongside. It takes up a position to your starboard side, its bow and two large ballista pointed your way. A large catapult decorates the stern. When it nears, a tall human in fine links of armor with a green cloak waves from near one of the ballista. Ho there, may we come aboard?
As soon as they started approaching, Rush would have looked the captain's direction. Unless told or signed to do the opposite, Rush would have immediately turned into the wind in order to slow down and let the other ship approach. And then turn to present the flank of the ship for easy boarding. Trying to show a COMPLETE lack of aggression.
Of course, captain.
Jack knows only a little beyond what Kroop told him; if they are okay with the papers created, then you'll get the flag, otherwise you'll be turned away. Whether or not the opposite captain can be bribed depends upon that captain...but most stay within their procedures.
Jack does recall that Tessa Fairwind is one of the more friendly and honest pirate captains.
The captain nods his thanks, and he and a small contingent of four men row over and board. He holds out his hand to Jack when he arrives, showing open friendliness. Well met, sir, are you the captain of this fine ship? I just need to see your charter or merchant bills, and make a quick note of your business here in Quent, then you can be on your way.
No, sir. The captain will be up shortly, but I have our papers here.
Jack pulls out large and thick leather bound envelope, and hands it to the captain.
The captain nods, then his eyes linger on Jack. I see. And what, sir, is your business here in Quent, and for how long can we expect you to visit?
Yelling down from the wheel, Rush tries to aide the situation. "Hey! Don't forget to ask about a carpenter or something, too! Remember!? They said we could find one here!
Only long enough to make a little trade, and to resupply our ship. We're contracted to pick up cargo over in Port Peril after this.
Jack looks up at Rush.
And find a carpenter, I guess, to fix up a thing or two.
The captain nods again as he sorts through the papers. He motions for a few of his men, who walk along the deck taking a quick look around. Excellent, excellent. It says here you have a provisional charter and it seems its in order. You don't mind if my men have a quick look around do you? Free Captain Fairwind won't take your trade and you'll be allowed to pass through, but there are to be no transactions involving slaves in Quent. Do you have any on board?
He doesn't look up at Jack, but glances aside at Captain Vesgal's fishing tub. Hmmm...he with you? He seems to be tagging alongside and matching your speed.
Indeed, they've taken a liking to us, like ticks on a dog. We offered them safe passage through these waters in exchange for some of their fine fish. I don't vouch for them, except to say as far as I know they're fishermen, and smell like fishermen too.
Slaves? No. Neither crew nor cargo. Captain's rules, and that suits me fine.
Feel free, look around. If you see anything you like, maybe we can come to an agreement. In the meantime, can I get you refreshment? Coconut beer, or perhaps a red wine out of Ipfsa.
The captain looks over the fishing ship and nods slowly, seemingly thinking about that scenario. Interesting...they're quite far our for a Sargavan fishing ship. I'll have to ask them about that. He seems more preoccupied with that, and doesn't respond to the offer.
He hands the papers back to Jack as his men return from their survey, nodding their heads...an ambiguous action to you, but apparently that means you do not have slaves.
The smile returns to the captain's face, as he shakes Jack's hand. Fair enough, you're good to go. Please tie off this yellow flat to your mast so that you can be identified. Should it blow off, you can get another at the Dockmaster's office for a fee. You can anchor in the harbor, but keep tight to that line. He points out a line of ships gathered several hundred feet out. Then, you're free to visit our fine city. Keep safe and out of trouble and you'll be fine. And, if you have any questions, the Dockmaster's office can always point you in the right direction.
He peers up at Rush, and nods. If you're looking for a carpenter, many merchants along Blue Sky Road can help. But, if you're looking for one that will travel with you, well... He leans in towards Jack and his voice lowers. He even looks as if he may be blushing. ...I hear that the prostitutes at Calistria's House of Stolen Kisses is the best source of information in Quent.
Unless someone says otherwise, Rush is going to get in line for the docks.
And why is he telling us that?
Thank you Captain.
Jack hands the flag to a crew member, and directs him to tie it on the mast. If it comes off, the fee will be out of your wages, with interest.
As soon as the dockmaster disembarks, take us along the line.
And then in a lower voice, Let's not park next to someone we know, heh?
Do I recognize any of the docked ships?