Chuckling, the old man nods..."Squib it, ya say. We don't beat around the bush here. We make our leaving off the money and trust of pirates...being coy don't get ya nowhere." He pauses to look at the ship. "2000gp and a little over a week to get all this done..."
Maera looks to Aramis, wondering on whether she thinks this is a fair enough deal or if he's trying to cheat them, and so stalls for some thinking time.
"Do you accept goods in lieu of coin?" she says, immediately adapting to the situation, and swapping to a language that doesn't mince words.
[b]"If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!:
To everyone, she announces, "Let's bring her in... and all ashore who's wants to be ashore."
Rickety nods and with that, the boat is moved ashore, and eventually brought into dry dock. This brought the entire crew to land.
As the group traveled, Rickety stayed on board to discuss a few details, "Alright, so...it's going to take," he pauses to think exactly how long as he looks at the ship...
"Seven days to get everything done. I could do a bit more than just a squib, if ya like and have the money. We could add smuggling compartments to the bulkheads...or any number of things, if ya have ideas what you would like...if ya got the money, we can get it done while we squib it." At that point he nods, "Stay at The Commons, it's free to all folks on the island. The food and beverage is not. And if ya want to purchase anything, well, we can work that out with the quartermaster I got, especially when we figure out exactly what ya payin with."
Seeing that the ship has been brought in to dock, Indrana watches to see who seems to be in charge. Once she sees Maera seeming to be the one giving the instructions, Hmmm, a woman seems to be in charge, I think I like this ship already.
For the present crew:
As you come ashore you are met by a tall, tanned man with a broad brimmed hat and salt encrusted long coat. He walks with easy confidence and his relaxed smile springs easily to his lips. He carries a pistol at his side with a pair of powder horns and a small metal rod on the other side.
Howdy, folks! He calls as he approaches. Might I ask which of you is in charge of this here ship?
Looking to Amos, "that sounds like a wise idea, why not." She walks up with Amos.
Aramis refuses to be intimidated by Rickety's men, but seems content to let Maera do the talking. She rolls her shoulders, accentuating the musket resting across them with casual ease, nodding at Maera when she looks to her for guidance.
"'Er name's Fury now," she says off-handedly as the crew comes ashore. Nodding to Maera, she makes her way down the dock, whistling an old shanty.
Those approaching see her clearly - a tallish Chelaxian woman, with short-cropped choppy black hair, dark eyes, and a sharp, pointy face. Her figure is boyish, having little bust to speak of and narrow hips, which her clothing - a loose shirt and sturdy breeches - does little to hide. Her well-worn boots thud solidly on the wood, heels and toes working in a staccato rhythm that falls in with her whistling, and a heavy leather coat - apparently a size too large - hangs about her narrow frame.
As she strides confidently, the coat shifts from side to side, revealing a rapier at one hip, a thick belt at her waist, and a well-made pistol hanging at the other side. These weapons don't seem to be her choice, however - the battered musket that sits across her shoulders may be beaten and worn, but the way she pats the stock from time to time suggests a familiarity one wouldn't want to cross.
When the man in the coat and hat approaches, she halts, ceasing her whistling but keeping a hand resting on the stock of her musket. "Tha'd be me, lad," she replies guardedly. "Rather, an honour me an' my friend 'ere share." She jerks her head at Maera, not letting her guard down for a moment.
Two captains? Very well then. Name's Amos Anders, and I heard there might be work to be found 'round here for them that's willing... He suddenly shifts in his attention. While he had been looking at her, he can't help but glance at the piece of beautiful strapped across this lady captain's back. And after we get that business sorted...he smoothly draws a pistol of his own. It is well made and custom work with metal reinforcements and a flintlock mechanism crafted into the head of a snarling monster. ...I'd like to have a word with you about a common interest. He smile is a little more than cordial now. His enthusiasm for the firearm craft lights something of a fire in his eye and brings a more knowing kind of smile to his face. It was rare to meet another gun wielder in these parts, so any opportunity to discuss the finer details of his passion was something to be cherished.
"Hmmmm, two captains, and both women, doubly unusual. I am Indrana and I would like to join your crew if you would have me." She offers her hand to Aramis, "I am not great at navigation, but I have some skill as a sailor and practice in the appraisal of items and negotiations."
Amos is brought back from thoughts of gunpowder and the things that fire it when Indrana speaks. Yes, first thing's first.
As for me, I am a humble protector of the land and independent trainer of animals. I am also a capable undersea scout and outrider. I also happen to be fluent in the language of things that go boom. The only thing better than having one of my specialty, is having two. He ends with a playful wink.
Maera files away the options that Rickety can provide for them for later, perhaps for discussion over dinner when they've a chance to go over the accounts, and have a better scope of what all they can afford. I bet Ma and Da never thought I'd put my schooling to use like this when they taught me sums. Although, the business side of things ain't all that different than haggling with fishmongers... She follows Aramis down the gangplank, Fury's third Captain weighing heavily on her mind.
Being immediately hailed on their approach she draws cautiously alongside the gunslinger, and sets up a stark contrast of personal appearance, but, as she raises her chin, it is clear she is no less proud. Slim, and slight, she seems almost delicate in comparison, her long black hair braided and pinned up. There's a rapier at her hip, belted by a beautiful white shawl with seed pearls, and a shortbow and quiver at her back, but neither seems terribly worn, and her clothing of black leggings, white chemise, and deep blue corset seems more suited for a bard than a pirate. And yet... there's a storm in the blue of her eyes, and a demeanor that this beauty is anything but brainless.
Whereas before she led business negotiations, here she is more inclined for Aramis to handle acquiring new crew, for she surely has a better idea of what and who they might need. "We are Captains three, actually," she finally answers, figuring that if they wish to sign on account with them they have a right to know all of it. "Our third has taken ill. Should.... should the worst happen, however, a new Fury is like to be voted upon from our current ranks. And yes," here she finally smiles to Indrana, measuring the other woman and wondering perhaps if its time to drop her own masquerade, "We are all women."
Three captains? Fascinating! That seals it. I'd like to see how this unique ship operates, if you accept me, that is.
The lovely tigerlike woman standing before Maera and Aramis is slim of figure, and carries herself with great dignity. She is wearing a green dress slit to her thighs with a plunging neckline covering her and showing the white fur of her neck and belly, her tail poking out now and then as it swishes back and forth. Her hands are fairly human like in appearance but have sharp looking claws on the tips and her eyes are slitted vertically like the feline she so resembles. Her hair is a brown fall to her waist, and she wears several copper bracelets and a necklace of fine gold with two silver rings on it around her neck.
She offers her hand to Maera as well as Aramis. She places her other hand against her chest and gives a slight bow "Indrana," she gestures to the two of them, "and you two are called?"
Diabolito, the saltbearded dwarf of the Shackles, shores up his leather pants, readjusts his axe, and heads off the ship as well, following behind the Captains. Once there is room, he makes his way out from behind the tall ladies, clearing his throat.
"Ain't jus' two, lass. There's more a' us on this floater than jus' the Cap'n's." The dwarf grins, his red beard and wild hair a striking foil to the sharp, mismatched teeth that part his lips during a misshapen smile. His leather armor seems battered, beaten, and sealed by what looks to be salt water, if the barnacle growth is any indication.
Turning just slightly, he stretches for an audible series of pops, as the movement reveals a necklace with a very large shark tooth squarely in front.
"Name's Diabolito." And that's all that comes out of the dwarf, as he fidgets just slightly.
This dwarf wouldn't look out of place living at the bottom of the sea... Amos thinks. He tips his hat to the dwarf Diabolito and says, Amos. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
The quartermaster at The Commons has these items:
Minor Items +1 leather armor, masterwork breastplate, +1 silver
guisarme, circlet of persuasion, wand of cure light wounds (29
charges); Medium Items +2 light wooden shield, potion of
fox’s cunning
"Maera," she says to Indrana, with a firm handgrip, and thoughtful look. If she can be so unafraid of her strange beauty perhaps it's time to embrace the monster in me as well... Still, years and years of learned habits are hard to shake. She still needs a little push.
Releasing Indrana's hand, she leans down briefly for her fingers to skim the salt waters of the dock beside them. As she rises back to standing it is as if the ocean has bleed back into her skin, pale blue flesh chasing the ivory up to her elbow. It is this uncamouflaged hand that she offers out to Amos. "Maera, the Mermaid," she repeats with a smirk. "I think we can find a place for you two."
"Aramis," the gunslinger says sharply, offering a bare hand to the newcomers, fingers stained with blackpowder and bearing small burn scars. "Aramis Elizabeth Mirian Steele. But I guess ye can call me Cap'n." She grins at the two newcomers, noticing Amos' eyes lingering on her musket. She swings the long firearm off her shoulders, holding it proudly like a fisherman with his trophy catch.
"Not quite so fine a piece o' work," she chuckles, "but it were me Pappy's, years ago. Saved the life o' a Shieldmarshal, or so 'e said. Got 'is gun in thanks, gave me 'is name, an' 'is gun passed ta me few years ago." She holds the gun across her shoulders again, elbows hooked over the barrel. "Coupla drinks an' I could tell ye tha tale," she chuckles. "Looks like we could find use fer a scout an' a quartermaster. What's say we find a bottle o' rum an' start negotiatin'?" She looks sidelong at Maera and adds, "An' per'aps find someone ta look after tha third Fury."
Taking each offered hand and shaking it, then bringing it to her cheek and rubbing against their hands, Indrana then replies, "Thank you for a place among you, I will not disappoint." When Maera makes her revelation, Indrana decides to make hers as well. She takes a moment before continuing greeting the dwarf the same way as the others, then continues, "In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a catfolk as you likely suspect. I am a tiefling, rakshasa born as best as I can tell. Never met the monster, nor do I plan to."
Amos also shakes the hands with a firm grip and confident eye contact. As the ladies proceed to reveal their natures he can't help stare just a little. Thank you, captain and captain for the place on your ship. And thank all three of you lovely ladies for lettin' me have the opportunity to get to know such exceptional individuals.
"Aye, Conchobhar could use a hand as Quartermaster, especially in making things smooth with Rickety. And if we keep finding gun users I suppose we'll have to see about gettin' a Master Gunner as well," she adds, pleased for Aramis' sake to find someone who understands her love of this strange weaponry like she does.
With Aramis' glance, Maera nods in strong agreement. "'ere, I'll take Doc and go see if we can find someone right now, if you don't mind gettin' to know these two a bit better. I'll meet up with you all shortly, maybe see about talking some locals to signing on as swabs or riggers." She says to Amos and Indrana apologetically, by way of explanation, "Got no stomach for spirits myself, and our third Captain's health... well, now that we're in port I'd rather not delay much longer."
With tactful smile and nods of temporary goodbye, Maera parts way from the group to begin asking around if there's anyone with a knowledge of medicine that can help them.
Amos tips his hat to the departing captain and turns to Artemis. So, captain, you wanted some rum? He motions down the dock and, assuming Artemis accepts, leads her to the Commons.
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Making his way up to the ship Cassius catches up to the conversation between the group. Waiting for a moment in the conversation to introduce himself Hi there, Cassius Rain. Much like my colleagues I am looking for a berth on a ship as well. he finished with a flourish of his Cape and indicated his cutlass. I like to think I'm a fair hand with a blade and quick on my feet. I also have some experience driving ships should it come to that too.
Maera is easily able to find someone to point her to a small cabin on the edge of the little 'town' and the old woman who answers the door is not happy about being interrupted...
"What are you bothering me for, young sea thing..." the seemingly very intuitive woman says with a raises brow, half glaring on the companions.
Looking at Aramis as Maera walks away with Doc and the injured captain, "So, someone named Conchobar was mentioned and that he could use my help, should I go speak with him now captain, and if so, could you point him out to me?"
Aramis raises an eyebrow as Indrana rubs her hand against her cheek, but doesn't comment on it - holding her tongue for once. "Well, nothin' exceptional 'bout me," she laughs. "Just yer average Chelax'n lass, through an' through. A course, 'ow many c'n say they're cap'ns?"
When Maera takes her leave, she gives a solemn nod, pulling her aside and adding in a low tone, "Ye take care out there, lass. An' good luck - Ah'd rather not be electin' a new Fury jus' yet." With that, she claps the mermaid on the shoulder, sending her on her way.
Turning back to Amos, she grins, the solemnity vanishing in a flash of white teeth. "A'right, lad, ye're talkin' sense. Indrana, come an' drink - ye'll meet Conchobhar soon enough. E'll be a nice surprise, 'e will." As she talks, she follows Amos to the Commons, not stopping when Cassius approaches - instead spinning him around mid-stride and motioning for him to follow. "C'mon, Cass, ye c'n drink with us. Cap'n Steele's in a mood fer drink, an' ain't naught'll hold 'er back!"
A fairly tall and definitely overweight man wearing glasses comes up to the group and briefly talks to Maera. He then turns to the others and bows politely. "Sorry to drag the Captain away, and apologies for not attending the introductions." the tall, overweight man in a small pair of glasses says as he comes up to the group. "Evan Williams at your service, although most just call me 'Doc'. I'm the ship's doctor. Hopefully I'll be able to get proper introductions later that don't involve any of you on my table!" he says with a grin.
With that he wanders off with Maera in search of a healer for Nissa.
While the woman had begun addressing Maera, Doc interjected, not wanting to waste any time. "Beggin' your pardon Miss, and yours as well Captain, but Captain Maera and I were told you might be able help us with our friend. She fell ill about a half a week ago and I'm afraid despite my best efforts she's at a point where I'm not sure I can do anything further for her. We were wondering if you could have a look at her."
Looking at the round fellow, she smiles and licks her lips, "So ye have a bit o' a touch fer healin' boy? Good, that means it might be a challenge fer me!" She practically cackles. "Bring her ta me, I'll see if'n there be anythin' I can do!" The woman then props her door open so they can come in once they get Nissa and she moves into her little home and gets to work on a few things.
Sitting and enjoying her drink, Indiana listens to Cassius, "Yes, do tell, it would be good to know about the vessel and crew we are joining."
Maera beams at relieved smile at Doc's well-handled entreaty to this mysterious healer woman, and steps outside to speak with the child she bribed with a coin to serve as their messenger for the day. "Run back to the ship that's bein' squibbed. Ask for a fearsome man, name of Malak, and for him to bring her."
Perhaps five minutes pass, as Maera and Doc take whatever orders the woman gives them, and Malak arrives carrying their ill Captain, almost effortlessly in his strong arms. "Right over 'ere, nice and gentle," she says, to which Malak follows, and she half wonders if their Master of Arms had grow rather fond of the tempestuous Vudrani.
"You'll be well compensated for your assistance," she assures the woman, and mentally apologizing for taking just such a payment out of Nissa's shares of the plunder. You can rage at me later - You can't spend it if you're dead, lass.
Diabolito grins.
"Aye, quite a good story, really. But let's talk over proper rum." The bearded drui chuckles, looking to his fellow sailors.
"We still need ta dump that demon rum."
The old woman looks over Nissa and circles her slowly. [b]"This girl 'as been tainted. I can fix it, it will just take time! Leave tha girl ta me and I'll see what can be done." Then woman begins to put her hand on Nissa's forehead, then moves about the cabin, shooing Malak out of her way. Then she looks at the three of them and shakes her head. "OUT! I'm BUSY!"
Drinks are strong and music is scarce. The food is simple but good, certainly not up to Kroop's best of meals, but better than anything he makes when he is drunk...which he is now. At this point, the tavern is full of people, probably two dozen or so from the town are there eating and drinking. The town itself is not large, but it is very clear that the taproom at The Commons is the place to be after dark.
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When he gets a moment, Cassius will try to find the old sailor he originally arrived into town looking for, hoping to get more information about the cyclop ruins he was researching. Otherwise he will hang around with the party, making a point to stay sober throughout the night substituting the drink for strong and sweet coffee.
Indrana drinks and enjoys herself with her new crew, though she does not drink too much, she wants to stay mostly sober since she doesn't really know these people she has joined yet.
Amos drinks more than most, but his iron liver gained by growing up in a place where the water isn't safe keeps him pleasantly buzzed instead of drunk. Whenever he can he engages Artemis on her knowledge of firearms and tends toward her company even when not speaking of things that go boom.
Knowing the hovering would just make them a hindrance, Maera and Doc get out of the woman's way, and the three rejoin Aramis at the Commons. "We found someone for her... things may not be so dire, now, Bess willin," she mentions quietly to her sister-Captain after a natural break in conversation. Then, the undine signals for food and a glass, to provide her own drink, and interjects again with a smile when she realizes that Aramis is in the middle of telling their tale to the new crewmates.
"Oh, are we tellin' our story? Somethin' like that ought to be shared with this whole, rude lot 'ere. No sense in modesty, not with a shot like that."
The serving girl comes with her glass, and with a short word of thanks to her, Maera raises her glass, and her voice to the Commons at large. "A toast here to my fellow Captain, blessed by Bessie. She shot that slug of a man with a slug of her own, right between the eyes, and took both his life and his ship. May that notch on your musket be the first of many, and proof that no man should every cross a Fury."
Doc sat down with the others and dug out a small pot from his pack. He then ordered a shot of whiskey and asked the bartender to fill the pot with boiling water. "It's been too long! The food may not match Kroop's cooking, but getting a chance to have some hot tea is worth it." he said while helping himself to a chunk of bread and some stew. When the pot arrived, he pulled out a small pouch and put some tea leaves into it, letting it sit for a few moments. When it was ready he filled his mug with the tea and dumped the shot of whiskey in.
At Maera's suggestion he raised his mug and "A toast to the Captains and the Fury! And to the Fury's crew, both old and new!" He downed a good portion of his mug in one go and called to the waitress for another shot before leaning back to relax.
"It's good to finally get a chance to kick back! How long's it been since that night in Port Peril? I must admit I've lost count, but it seems like a lifetime ago already!"
"Well, mah friend, it WAS a lifetime ago. We're a buncha pirates now, lad." The dwarf grins as he pats the arm of their sawbones. He gets a mug of beer started in one hand.
"But ya see, we've done more than take out a'man. We've slaughtered an island worth a' walkin' dead and grindylows." The dwarf grins wider, showing off his teeth. "There was also a giant insect that was almost as tall as tha table was long. Tore it stem to stern and turned it ta a nice reminda' of why folks should stand with us and not against."
As she drinks, Aramis tells the tale of how the captains and crew began their journal press-ganged, eventually leading to where they are today. She takes note to mention the sorry fate of Ossok (raising a mug to his memory with a heavy sigh), the cruelty of the bastard who'd drugged them, and the various misadventures the group had had (including praising Diabolity for his success in giving up the demon rum). She takes breaks from the story every now and then and between drinks to compare weapons with Amos, answering questions and asking a few of her own, pointing out the flaws on her musket with an odd pride.
When Maera enters and delivers the good news, she breathes a sigh of relief, real emotion showing in her eyes for a moment, beneath the blustery facade. "Tha's good news indeed, lass," she says in a low voice, helping herself to a forkful of the food on Maera's plate. "She there now?"
When the undine raises her toast, she laughs and drinks to it, before responding with one of her own. "An' a toast ta the Mermaid, fer keepin' a loose cannon like meself from shootin' 'im sooner!" she laughs, clearly in good spirits. As she drinks, she hooks chairs out for the sawbones and the devilfish as they arrive.
"Been an excitin' time, fer sure," she sighs happily, well into her fourth (fifth?) mug. "An' it looks like there'll be many more."
The night goes on and many people buy Aramis rounds, talking up her shot as Maera called it. It seemed that many people seemed to care about the tale and it seemed to raise the credibility of the crew.
During the night, each of The Fury's crew makes their way into the taproom and joins in the debauchery. The new crew meets the old. Conchobar and Rosie each play tunes (though Rosie's is not very good, it is still enjoyable).
Cog drinks...a lot.
The party goes late into the night, but eventually dies down.
The following day, the group is left be and all of the workers are out working on the ship. The lot of them are left to do as they wish during the day and once again the party begins to build around sunset.
During the day, Cog and Rati spend a good bit of time training the crew in fighting techniques. Conch and Rosie talk about music, though Rosie occasionally joins in the fighting training.
Cassius is told that his contact has not returned yet.
An update on Nissa reveals that she was getting close to turning into a ghast, but the woman seems very confident that she has put this off, but it will be a long recovery and as such, she wishes to keep an eye on the young Vudrani Magi.
The little shark man just smirks, holding his own with the heavy drinkers and even attempting to keep up with Cog. Thankfully, the imbibing of alcohol goes much better than on the ship and the dwarf simply wakes up with an easily cured hangover.
Diabolito talks to the others about searching for new crew, but while he waits for everyone to wake up from drunken stupors, he goes for a bit of a morning swim as part of his preparations.
Amos wakes with the sun and goes about scrubbing miniscule specks of rust from his pistol before dressing and heading down to the Commons for some breakfast.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The next day Doc decided to see if he couldn't round up some help for him on the ship. He was hoping, perhaps, to find an apprentice, as well as a couple folks who could aid in repairs and odd jobs on the boat. He went out of his way to talk up the stories Maera had been telling and the unique situation the ship was in to try and gin up interest.
After checking in on Nissa, Maera will begin the day haggling over the details with Rickety regarding their ship, and proposes the trade of the magical harpoon they took from the Grindylow Queen for both the squibbing and any improvements they might want (and can afford).
With business done, and after a short meal, she'll wander down to watch the progress being done on their ship. Her ship. The thought is so strange, and at the same time, exciting. She can't say that this is the path her dear adoptive parents would have wanted for her, but it seems to be in her blood, regardless. And speaking of her blood...
Maera pulls off her boots, and sits dockside, putting her webbed feet into the water. Soon as salt hits flesh her skin fades to blue, and she focuses on it, trying to learn how to not unconsciously hide it. A couple of hoots and whistles from the docks makes her smile, and seeking to raise her own renown, she spends a good bit of time entertaining the workers with her voice, and songs of her own deeds as 'the Merry (or Murderous) Mermaid' who rescues sailors from drowning, and has sworn to drown the Captain that was fool enough to have crossed her.
Waking up for a new day, Indrana makes her way downstairs for breakfast. She keeps an eye out for her new shipmates and waves them over
Maera's songs really get the crowd hooting an hollaring. If it had not been for that and Conchobar helping out with a few kind words, Doc doesn't believe that they would have succeed on getting any new crew, but before the night was out...
Five people had asked about joining the crew. One halfling and four humans. Two of them have worked with Rickety and know a good bit about working on ships, hence their attraction to join the crew when Doc was talking.
Day 2 (Moving on, if you wish)
Amos spends the day as he normally does. He wanders about the island on his horse and waits for something to draw his attention.