|
Cassius perks up at the sound of that. "I had heard of that place being mentioned earlier today. It would certainly be quite the feat if we could liberate it and find magic behind the place."
Back at the ship Cassius continues on with his explanation pulling out his new Wayfinder. "This is a Pathfinder Wayfinder that has been modified to specifically tune in on Cyclop ruins, ones that still contain treasure. I spoke with a man here in town and his research indicates that Tidewater Rock may have been built on such ruins."
He shrugged. "I'm not sure what we have in mind for our plans. But this Wayfinder will help us find our way no matter where we go."
Maera sighed heavily at Doc, and the healer woman's pronouncement. "If we want her to live, then we will have to leave her behind. I shall ensure Nissa's share, and effects are entrusted to Rickety. You can take what you need for your services in payment." She looks to Aramis. "Which brings to question: Who do we approach to raise up in her place? I would prefer maintaining our trinity, if at all possible."
Different their system might be, Maera liked it. It balanced out their individual weaknesses, and as three women it marked them as something singular amongst all the common gutter-trash that sailed the Shackles. Indrana was too new to the crew, and had yet to make her mark. Rati had shown herself a survivor, but she had not had time yet to prove her loyalty. "I suppose it's between Rosie, and Sandara, and personally, I'd favor the latter. She, too, survived that awful island, and she's popular with the crew.... serves as their voice. Whereas you are strong at war, and me at diplomacy, she's knowledgeable about the divine."
At the ship's council that evening, Maera will listen to all voices brought before them. Much of what Indrana says resonates with her; if the commons would simply surrender whenever they hoisted the colors it would save them a lot of effort, and they might be more willing to do so with the assurance that their life was theirs. Nothing made a man fight harder than death. And as far as Cassius and Amos's conditions, there are plenty of pirates that make their name with blind ruthlessness... she had no inclination to be one of them. It's not merely about the knife, it's also about when and how you use it.
"Thoughts, Whiskers?" she asks Diabolito. She knows he's expressed his opinions regarding slavery already, even if she doesn't agree with them. But would he be content with merchants and pirates? "I know a shark ain't a shark without blood, but better the canny predator than the brutal beast. Merchants ought to be able to afford protection, and if other pirates can't protect themselves they don't deserve the name. That seem fair?"
At Cassius's suggestion of lost buried treasure, she smiles slightly. "Keep us updated, please. I don't think anyone has qualms with ruin-delvin' and grave robbin'." Tidewater Rock, again. she notes, more and more curious about this place. Perhaps after they get a few ships under their belt...
Diabolito nods, smiling as his Captain seems to begin to understand the pirating ways.
"Aye, now you're thinkin' like a proper Cap'n." he strokes his beard. "We're not without heart and we're not another set of Scourge, Plug, and Harrigan. We are becomin' pirates, predators of the sea. We take what we need, we give quarter if'n we need, but we don't take more than necess'ry. That's Gozreh's way, and the way I see it. Sharks don't kill needlessly, and neither should we. Only a rare few deserve the slave route, in my book, and most of those are already dead by our own hands."
The dwarf smiles and then lets the others say what they will.
Aramis mutters a curse as her worries are confirmed. "A'right. We'll 'ave ta leave 'er 'ere," she sighs, dark eyes shadowed with worry. "We c'n check in on 'er nex' time we're in port.
"As fer tha Trinity..." She thinks this over for a moment, pacing the dock in her worn-down boots. "Ah'd 'ave ta agree on Sandy. She's a good woman, and 'avin one a' Bess' faithful in power'd be good fer tha crew."
At the council, Aramis is surprised by the attitudes of her crew, hearing everyone echo similar sentiments. Seems a life of piracy attracts decent folk, as well, she muses, absent-mindedly drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair, causing the parrot perched on her wrist to shuffle up her arm.
"Seems we're in agreement 'bout a few things, then,"she states, her tone strong and decisive. "Pirates we may be, but there's no need fer bein' unnecessarily cruel. We 'ad enough a' tha' back on tha Wormwood, and some a' us've 'ad it more so." She counts off on her fingers as she continues. "One, no needless slaughter. There's a diff'rence 'tween puttin' down those who resist us, an' killin' e'ry man, woman an' child we come across. Two, we take no slaves, an' those we find, we arrange fer, be it offerin' 'em work on Fury or takin' 'em someplace safe. Three, no raidin' common people. Merchants an' other pirates're fair game; those we've no quarrel with, less so. Sound 'bout reasonable?" she asks. "Reckon we c'n 'bide by tha'?
"As fer where next, I'm likin' th' sound a' Tidewater Rock," she grins, leaning forward with a twinkle in her dark eyes. "Nothin' like a challenge, an' if Cass' fancy compass is right, could be a lucrative venture."
"Oh, about the restrictions on merchant ships, there are two I would be happy to slaughter most of the crew of, Lauren's Fortune and Indrana's Luck, both were part of my inheritance and both stolen from me by people I thought I could trust. I am just as happy to end them both." She sounds very angry over those vessels but says no more about them.
Indrana gets out a piece of paper and starts taking notes as everyone discusses and agrees to what they will and won't do. Looking around at them all, "It would be wise to write a charter for our crew, a code of conduct and outline of punishments to ensure that all are treated fairly. I would put down what we have already talked about, but other things to work through would be a list of punishments for certain offenses, and rules on joining/leaving the crew and compensation for severe injuries. Once we have it ready, everyone on the crew should sign their agreement or get off before we leave port. Call them Ship's Articles, if you would like, I can draft up most of that based on what my family used aboard our merchant vessels and have it ready for your review by morning at the latest.
Amos takes out a rag and starts cleaning his gun. Have the captains decided what roles the rest of us will occupy aboard?
|
|
Listening to what everyone has spoken about Cassius can't help but nod.
"I can live by those rules, and I think a charter certainly is a good idea."
Cassius scratches a scar going down his neck while speaking. "I can't say I'm overly familiar with what sort of people ride the seas out here in the Shackles. But a Chel ship was once responsible for my capture, them and their summoned devils. I'd very much prefer that we don't involve ourselves in any of that sort of summoning or pacts."
"No sense in tempting the darkness, if you know what I mean."
An innocent tone in her voice, Iolana replies to Cassius comment, "But Cassius, thought that being dark was fun?"
"I would suggest that if we are to make these articles, we express in them that we will not attack common folk save in times of dire need and even then it will be merely to take only what we need. My goddess can be fickle at times and there may be times that our luck runs afoul of us. We do not need to be in a situation where our hands are tied by our own rules. Or simply issue them as guidelines to follow. We will attempt to be this sort of ship...but desperate times and such..." the redheaded cleric says with a shrug as she sips from a flask she purchased at The Commons. "Gotta be smart to make it on these rough waters."
"I think we have all had bad experiences, maybe not that bad I will admit, but bad none the less." Indrana looks at Sandara as she speaks, "Duly noted Sandara, and I will keep that in mind when drafting them."
Diabolito grins at the representative of the Pirate Queen, nodding at her comments. "This seems a place a guidelines, and no hard rules. And we need ta keep our options open, just in case. I'm with Sandara on this, Cap'n's. Even the tide can go against us, so best to 'ave some backup plan. Sorta 'mergency plans, as it were."
After this consensus they will approach the priestess of Besmara, and confide in her about Nissa's predicament. "I am sure you are aware of how poor Nissa's condition fares. If she is to recover at all she has to remain here. This will leave Fury bereft of one of its Captains..." she says frankly, with a glance to Aramis. "We are in agreement that we would like to endorse you to the crew tonight to take her place. Others can still put forth their name, but without your credentials and our support they will likely go nowhere. Do you consent to this nomination?"
"Quite frankly...I never understood why I wasn't included the first time. I helped quite a bit with the mutiny, so, yes, I absolutely accept. Besides...how better to get my Lady on your side," she says with a grin and a wink.
"That you did," she says ruefully, always willing to admit to say when she was wrong. "Mine and Nissa's egos clashing caused me to fail to recognize that at the time. I am glad I can fix that now." She smiles, continuing, "Assuming your election to Captaincy, you should nominate your replacement to Sailing Mistress. That only leaves the question of Master Gunner, and Fury's Navigator."
She pauses, looking at Aramis with a smirk and more than a little teasing lilt to her voice, not at all trying to hide it, not if the two flirt in public like that. Or least that looked like flirting to her. "You saw Master Anders in action. Does he know his way around his weapon enough for the job of Master Gunner?"
Back on the ship that evening, Maera smiles and nods slightly at Diabolitos' words, and then continues to listen to the talk wind itself into terms acceptable to all, as generally outlined by Aramis, and further refined by Sandara. "We are not without heart, and shall not be without heart, unless we find ourselves in times that merit it," she adds, knowing that ships that didn't make sure those who signed a Ship's Articles got paid their due were not ships that lasted long with its Captains. She looks to Indrana, stowing away her personal curiosity about the other woman's own grudge, and addresses business."Having written Articles would help avoid unnecessary complications. If you could draw them up based on the aforementioned terms that would be much appreciated. They can be reviewed and signed by all before we leave. I am sure Malak has his suggestions about appropriate punishments based on infractions, and will confer with you," she motions to their half-orc Master-At-Arms, who gruffly nodded.
Which brought them to Amos's question."Before the assigning of roles there is one finale bit of business to address. Fury began with three female Captains. While this is not set in stone... it is a tradition that sets us as a ship apart from the rest. One of our trinity has been ill, and, at Doc's recommendation, is only likely to recover in port. While she will be well cared for here, time and tide with not wait. With her being unfit to fulfill her duties, Aramis and I have would nominate, and pledged our personal support for Sandara Quinn, here, to take Nissa Alami's place. However, if there are any other names to throw into the ring, we would hear them before it is decided."
"'Ey, now. No need ta go gettin' cocky. Ye ain't cap'n yet," Aramis chuckles, grinning back at Sandara. She glances back at Maera before pursing her lips, resuming her pacing and readjusting the weight of her musket. "Well, we got Indrana helpin' out tha Quartermaster, an' tha' Cassius lad looks like 'e knows a thing or two 'bout findin' 'is way 'round. As fer Gunner-" She stops pacing, spinning on one bootheel to stare down at Maera, the bard's words and implications sinking in.
"Watch yer eyebrows there' Cap'n. Lift 'em any higher, they might not come down 'gain." She smirks, pacing again as she continues, "As fer that Anders fella, 'e looks like 'e knows 'is way 'round a few things, guns bein' one of 'em. An we ain't likely ta find anyone else as familiar with our choice a' weapons. If 'e knows as much 'bout 'eavy weaponry as 'e does 'is pistol, reckon 'e'd do us well. Also," she adds lifting one eyebrow slightly, "Ye'd do well not ta read too much into things tha' ain't there, y'hear? 'E's a good shot, and 'e'll do well on tha crew. Tha's all."
"Rawwwk! That's all!" Rotgut squawks in agreement, shuffling across Aramis' shoulders. The gunslinger chuckles, the smirk returning.
"Fer now, a' least."
Awful lot of rules being thrown around here, Aramis thinks, absent-mindedly brushing Rotgut's head away from her hair. "Much 's I hate ta leave one a' our own behind, we can't care fer Nissa 'ere. An' as Maera said, Ah'll nominate Sandy 'ere ta take 'er place. A trinity we were, an' a trinity we'll remain."
"Rawwwk! A trinity!" Rotgut squawks, ruffling his feathers before burying his head in one wing to preen himself.
"As you say, Captain," Maera says with a respectful nod, accepting the gentle chastisement though she can't seem to banish the grin from her lips. "Those appointments are agreeable, unless Sandara deems Indrana suitable for something greater. With that, I think we are ready for this evenin'."
"Seeing that there are no objections, I believe we can say that I will complete the trinity. Hopefully that means my lady will bless our travels a bit more than before," says the crimson haired cleric.
[b]"Indrana, once you finish those articles and they are approved..I think it would be best for you to replace me as sailmistress. If you need any help, I will gladly provide it...but I think you will do just fine."
The following day, The Fury sets sail for the first time.
Considering the ship's new crew and such, please set up a schedule for watch/crow's nest duty if you so desire. Otherwise, the story will progress.
After that is set, all should be good to go.
"Good. That just leaves our final appointments. Cassius, and Amos, you two seem well suited for Navigator and Master Gunner respectively. Provided you accept, o' course."
I do accept, captain. I'll get aboard and see to my duties immediately.
|
|
"Certainly, Captain." Cassius said holding a map in his hands. The route I have planned right now is for us to head south west until we clear the cove, where we will proceed due west until we reach the islands. We'll thread the islands going north, keeping an eye out for anything our compass might pick up or prey. Barring any surprises we'll then turn west again and we'll have the option to put in at Quent or Slipcove for extra stores, or prey on the shipping lanes there."
Nodding at the offer, "What, exactly, do I do as sail mistress? Must say it sounds good, but knowing the specifics is important."
"Well, you will work closely with our Navigator...often they are one in the same, but if you have someone with magic...it works all the better for them to be a sailing master or mistress. You are to ensure that are rigging is in good working order and at times help make sure that we have wind in our sails. Whether it be by magic, by reading the weather, or simply by helping adjust our course in order to keep the wind at our backs, that is what you do..." the newly appointed captain and former Sail Mistress responds. "Plus...you get the great title...Mistress Indrana."
Thinking it over, "Hmmm, I can do that, I studied some of it with papa when I was younger. I never learned much of navigation beyond the basics, but I can learn." She smiles a bit whickedly, "And the title 'Mistress Indrana' rather suits me." She has a very contented look, "I think I am going to like it here." Becoming more serious, "I am not good with the weather, but I can learn that too, and I will see if I can find a way to turn my magics to controlling the wind and weather as well as mending the sails as needed."
Amos does his rounds of the ship and is pleased to see that both light ballistas have been mounted at the bow, as is appropriate for a hunter.
After finishing, he approaches the captains with a report and a suggestion.
Captains, the weaponry looks good for the moment, but if we want to be a true predator, we need an element of surprise. If our prey can predict us, we will have no prey. I suggest we seek out a foundry and resources to produce gunpowder. From there, I can use my experience in weapons from Alkenstar to make cannon for our ship. They are much better than both catapult and ballista, especially in mass. What's better, very few ships in this region have them.
"Best we keep it that way," she remarks, having heard how highly Alkenstar prizes its alchemical secrets. "Whatever foundry we find should value discretion as well as our coin."
She nods approvingly at Cassius's choice of course, and wanders the deck, overseeing last minute preparations... checking that Rickety's new installations are working satisfactory.
"Sounds like it would make us a terror, Amos. However...we lack coin to make this work for the moment, so we need to make a few moves first." Sandara says with a grin.
The striker just grins at the Captain with Besmara's ear.
"Now we're talkin' my language!"
"Sounds like a plan, Cass," Aramis nods at the navigator's suggestion. Guess Tidewater isn't going anywhere, anyway. As the council draws to a close, she heads out to the deck, pulling on her coat and climbing into one of the shrouds. The sea wind smells of freedom; the ship, of power. It's closer than ever now, she thinks, leaning back and settling into the ropes like a hammock. So close...
Later, when Amos makes the rounds and approaches the captains, she nods in agreement with his suggestion. "Me pappy taught me ta make small amounts a' blackpowder, but fer tha' kind a' amount, we'd be lookin' a' more'n we can afford. Gotta say I like tha idea a' big guns, though." She grins.
"I agree, that sounds like an acceptable course of action. If you will excuse me, I have work to do." Indrana applies herself to her new task as Sail Mistress with fervor. It becomes increasingly obvious that she is not the catfolk woman she sometimes seems to be, though she doesn't outright say she is, she lets the crew believe what they want. Her attitude now is almost imperious and quite commanding with those she is supervising, as though she expects and deserves their obedience, thought she is careful not to go too far with it.
During the dregs of the night, The Fury is on it's first night out to sea when one of the four crew members on watch calls out loudly, a warning scream that is cut short.
Maera is on the forecastle when the call is made and sees three fish-like men with tridents tearing into one of the other men on watch.
Maera has first action
"Beat to quarters!" she hollers to the crow's nest for them to sound the alarm bell, using every bit of her bardic training to try and project her voice as loudly as possible. "Look alive, we're under attack by Sahuagin!"
There's only three of them, but that might not be for long. She needs to buy time.
Two of the creatures are initially able to be caught in the spell.
Both of the initial hits cause the creatures to get hit, but their strong swimming prevents them from being engulfed. As the orb moves over to the third, it scoops up the dead pirate.
The third fish man is able to see the orb well enough to step out of the way.
The pirate look-out on the aft castle jumps down and runs below deck at his captain's call.
The remaining two pirates rush the fish men, blades drawn.
The two tried to capitalize on the orb's assault. One fails miserably, nearly falling overboard in his rush to assault the creature.
The other manages to narrowly miss his target.
The three fish men converge on the flailing pirate, even the one that had dodged out of the way of the orb.
Apparently the new pirate has Besmara's blessing, as only one of the five attacks manages to land, several of them failing to come close to him, but because the fishmen had rushed him the way they had, one had left himself opened to his companion of the watch.
Which does manage to land, slicing into the scales rather deeply.
Maera is up. Everyone else roll perception, I'll take care of penalties!
Indrana, clearly, is awakened as the crew member hammers on the door to the officers' quarters.
Using a mental command to direct the orb to re-engage one of the fishmen, she will target the one that has not taken any damage with a Hideous Laughter.
Once again, the churning waters are not enough to strike the aquatic humanoid.
The creature who was creating a flank on the Captain's pirate drops to his back laughing hysterically.
The two pirates are flanking one of the fishes and attempt to filet him.
But apparently, the flailing of a nearby laughing fishman is enough to throw the two of them off, completely.
The creature continues it's gurgling laughter as the other two double team one of the pirates, still.
The first strike is enough to rip into the pirate, piercing his larynx before he falls, clutching his throat and bleeding profusely.
Round 1
Sandara hears the hammering and stands up, shaking her head. "Hells belles, what the hell is going on out there."
Walking over towards the door, she yells out. "Wake up, you scallywags, we have something to attend!"
Round 2
Sandara opens the door and rushes towards the sounds that she hears above.
Round 3
Having a quick response time, she rushes onto the deck and points towards the crew member who is gurgling and from a bit away, she prays...stopping the flow of blood, even if he doesn't get healed at all.
The dwarf rushes for the deck, grabbing his mace and rushing for the deck.
Round 1
Indrana springs awake at the sounds and smell of blood at the same time Sandra does and hurriedly follows her, slowing long enough to cast a spell and becoming encased with a skin tight layer of force energy as she goes.
Round 2
Follow out the door to the deck.
Round 3
Step onto the deck and then step to one side of the way up, then cast magic missile at one of the wounded Sahuagin.
Round 1
"Dammit, Rotgut! What bloody good're ye if ye can't get yer cap'n awake?" Aramis growls, roused from slumber by Sandara's voice. She rolls out of bed, still groggy, and shoots the parrot a glare. The bird, for his part, squawks loudly and shifts his feet as if impatient.
Gathering herself, the captain pulls her gun belt around her hips, her coat over her nightclothes, and her musket into her hands, before hurrying for the deck.
Round 2
Aramis continues on her way, muttering and cursing and generally being a bad influence on the parrot flapping wildly before her.
"Rawwwk! Look alive!"
Round 3
"Ye woke me from me sleep, ye're killin' me crew, an' ye don't 'ave tha decency ta die when ye should," Aramis calls, funneling blackpowder into her musket. "So let's see how those scales a' yers like this!" With those words, she opens fire on the creatures attacking her crew.
|
|
Round 1
"@%#$!" Cassius hissed as his slave honed reflexes sent him into panic mode. He ran out of the room pausing a moment to grab his cape and cutlass.
Round 2
Cassius sprints up the stairs yelling. "Make way! Trouble on the deck!"
Round 3
Cassius rushes the nearest Sahuagin and attempts to carve it open with his cutlass.
Round One
The dwarf falls out of his hammock onto his face, grumbling momentarily at the interruption before he realizes it's the call to arms. He grins and races towards deck, leaving his armor, but grabbing the mace.
Round Two
Arriving on deck, he laughs, as he sees watery creatures. "Ah! A fine night for supper to come on deck without having to be caught!"
Round Three
The dwarf lifts his eyes skyward for just a moment, raising the mace towards Gozreh's night air and then pointing it towards his enemies.
"Tonight, we feed, my new friend...
As Indrana rushes onto the deck, her spell is released and it rips through one of the standing fish-men, sending him to the ground with a thud.
Cassius and Aramis work in perfect tandem, her bullet tearing through the enemy as the swashbuckler closes and ends him...cutting his mouth opened so that the head of the large mouthed creature falls completely opened...grotesquely.
The laughing fishman looks about and coughs, then swallows. As he does, he begins to gurgle louder and looks like he is cough...sputter...and then his eyes fall lightless.
Sandara attempts to cast stabalize on each of the creatures, but only the first to fall, by way of magic missles, is sill alive at all!
Looking over the laugher, Sandara shakes her head, "He seems to have eaten poison...had it in his mouth the whole time..."