Maddened, Baolus tries to finish the captain, but his attacks are terribly aimed...
Thoroughly enjoying himself, Sven continued to leave devastation in his wake. He stepped over the body of the second marine he killed and went for the third. The nice thing about commanding the chill of the ocean depths was that it froze and shattered bodies. Much less messy that way. Sort of. Frozen body parts were certainly messy, but at least it froze the blood as well and that made the cleanup far easier.
Kehlysch focuses his attention on the wounded marine fighting Baolus .
"Ya uln orr'eor lw'nath n'gha uaaah!”
Madiya continues firing at whoever is still standing.
With Tamesis's magically-enhanced aim, she is able to take down the marine with a single shot. Baolus swings twice at the captain, missing both times. Kehlysch wastes no time, however, finishing the job.
Sven, meanwhile, finishes his swath of destruction by flattening the final marine.
Madiya has no target to fire upon.
As the battle settles, the last remaining skirmishes finish up. The battle was apparently devastating, with the Apsis Consortium crew having fought to the death rather than surrender, in most circumstances. There are prisoners taken, but far fewer than past captures.
Searching the ship, 3 points of plunder can be found, made up of armor and weapons. The ship carries 1 each light ballista and light catapult.
”Haha! Blood and ice!” Sven roared as he strode across the deck of the captured ship. ”Come on lads, this ship isn’t going to loot itself. Strip the bodies and toss them overboard. Get a move on!”
While the others saw to recruiting, he supervised the plundering. If they wanted him to kill anyone they knew where to find him.
"You don't have a lot of options," Kehlysch says to the remaining crew. "Joining our crew must surely seem preferable to..." he pauses and kicks a piece of frozen meat across the deck towards the feet of the prisoners. "We have much slower, more painful means of killing you, too. Rest assured, we're not particularly interested in housing and feeding anyone who's not working for us."
Tamesis gives her usual speech, offering the survivors a chance to serve under her banner, in exchange for their lives. Based on the previous conversations with her officers, she makes a point to mention that the obligation lasts only until the next port, at which time they would be free to depart.
As usual, Madiya gets to work on the siege engines, quickly disassembling them and bringing them aboard the Challenger, then reassembling them on the ship. Rearranging the weapons currently onboard, she positions the catapult at the stern and the ballista on one of the broadsides.
Baolus helps Madiya in disassembling the ballistae and then helps Sven in looting the ship.
When looting the bodies, Baolus pays close attention to any amulet, charm, fetish or whatever that they might have been carrying for good luck.
Baolus helps Madiya in disassembling the ballistae and then helps Sven in looting the ship.
When looting the bodies, Baolus pays close attention to any amulet, charm, fetish or whatever that they might have been carrying for good luck.
Thanks to the efforts of Sven and Kehlysch, the entirety of the captured crew agrees to join the pirates.
Baolus finds few trinkets on the bodies of the fallen, and even fewer that might be considered good luck. There are a few religious idols, mostly dedicated to archfiends or other vile entities. He is still able to pick up a couple of items, though.
"What will we do with the lugger, Captain, tow her or scuttle her?" Kehlysch asks Tamesis.
Tamesis gives a smile as the captured crew joins hers. She gives the combined crew the night to celebrate, though asks some of more experienced crew to keep an eye on the new members (to avoid any treachery).
To Kel's question, she shrugs, "Sail it. We have the crew, now, to be able to sail both ships with ease. We'll need to repair her sails, of course, but that's easier than a rudder. So we'll bring it with us. If nothing else, it will give us a better show of force when we arrive at the Rock."
Baolus picks whatever good luck charms he had found, but leaves the idols behind, specially those connected to any vile entity. He ties the charms together and put them around his neck. Noticing Sven looking weirdly at him, he shrugs and asks: "What? There is no such thing as 'too much luck'..."
"Do you still want the siege engines moved from the lugger to the Challenger, then?" he asks in reply, nodding his head towards Madiya and Baolus in the process of disassembling the catapult. "An unarmed vessel isn't very imposing in these waters."
"We should go like last time - one ship for shoot, one ship for board. Small boat not need weapons."
Tamesis thinks for a moment, "No, Kel has a point. We have more crew, now. They may not be as skilled as you are, Madiya, but being able to launch attacks from both vessels isn't a bad idea. Maybe leave one ballista or catapult on the lugger?"
Madiya nods. "I will do. Make sure some trained crew go with." She points out some of the sailors who she's been working with.
"Will do. In the meantime, Kel, I would have a word with you in my cabin. The rest of you are invited, as well, if you want."
She turns and heads to her cabin, having a seat at the small table. Once Kel and anyone else who wants to participate are in and the doors are closed, she produces the deep platinum pendant and places it on the table, "Sandara retrieved this from the burning ship. You said that it posed some threat to this ship and crew. I was dismissive, admittedly, but I want to give you a chance to explain. What, exactly, is the nature of the threat posed by this piece of metal?"
She keeps her tone even, and her mirrored eyes reveal nothing, but the slight twitch in her tail betrays that she is not off-guard.
It's ours! Take it! Take it back! screams the Bulge into his brain.
Kehlysch takes a deep, steadying breath and goes rigid, tensing the muscles in his arms and shoulders. He also turns his gaze away, not looking directly at the necklace.
"That metal is dangerous the way a rabid dog's bite is dangerous, the way that arsenic is dangerous. No. It is not magical, but magic isn't the only dangerous thing in this world." He catches Tamesis' eye to make his point, but does not glance at the necklace.
"The metal is called Deep Platinum. The metal is tainted by the strange substances seeping from the boiling fissures in the deepest trenches of the ocean."
I've said all this before. I hope she's listening this time.
Take it. Take it from her. She is not worthy of it. the Bulge urges.
"In case you haven't noticed, I am a Gillman. My people were enslaved for thousands of years by ancient and evil creatures called Aboleth. The Aboleth bred us to be susceptible to their power, easier to control. They also made us more susceptible to certain elements in their domain, and Deep Platinum is one of them. The metal causes a desire for more or the metal in someone affected by it. The desire grows to an obsession the more one is exposed to it. Mind you, this effect isn't limited to Gillmen, anyone can be affected, but we are more likely to succumb to it. If you leave that necklace on the ship, I will know it, sense it, and I will probably start looking for it. Other members of the crew will start to do so, also. Eventually, fights will break out over it. Someone will try to kill someone for it, then someone will try to kill them and so on."
His hands begin to shake like a rum-addicted sailor denied his cups.
"Keeping it is dangerous, for me, for you, for the entire crew."
He takes another deep, shuddering breath and says, slowly:
"Please. Throw it overboard."
Tamesis listens to the plea, implacable. She allows a slight smirk at the remark about his species, but refrains from making a snyde remark.
You're a gillman? You don't say? It's not like you have demonstrated an ability so swim and breathe water or, you know, look like a fish. Let me let you in on a secret: I'm a tiefling!
"So you believe it will be dangerous over the long term. And at the moment, the clearest and most present danger...comes from you. Is that about right?"
She sighs and relaxes somewhat, "I'm not going to throw it overboard, Kel. It's loot. It's money. If you want to discard it, you can buy out everyone else's cut, and do what you will with it. Otherwise, it will remain onboard until we reach the next port, where it will be sold. Until then, you'll be piloting our newest catch, out there. Hopefully the distance between the ships will help to curb any gnawing desires. And if it doesn't, you won't have to look for the pendant."
She makes point of locking eyes with Kel as she picks up the pendant and places it around her own neck, every move deliberate and measured. Her voice takes on a cold, warning tone, "You know exactly where it is, and exactly what you would face if you try to take it."
She relaxes back in her seat, and allows her voice to go calm and even warm, "I trust you, Kel. I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We will be sure to get this thing sold off at first opportunity, and then it won't be our problem anymore."
Kehlysch gives a slight shrug and shake of his head.
"I hope you're right, Captain," Kehlysch replies in a tone of resignation. "My piloting the prize ship will keep me away from the necklace, but you'd better hope that it doesn't call out to anyone still on the Challenger. I've seen you in a fight, and I don't doubt your ability to defend yourself. But how long can you go without sleep? Who are you going to trust to watch your back? How do you know they won't develop a yearning for it? For that matter, are you so confident in your own strength of will that wearing it against your skin doesn't concern you? How do you know your choice to put it on isn't it taking hold of you?"
Tamesis shrugs, "I don't, for sure. I'm making an educated assumption. So far, I haven't felt any particular attraction to it, aside from its monetary value. Even now, I don't really want to have it on. It's heavy and cumbersome. Not really my style. Maybe my Daemon blood helps shield me from it. Or maybe it's just taking longer to exert any kind of control. I can't say.
"What I can say is that putting this on offers a layer of protection that we wouldn't have otherwise. If putting myself at risk protects the crew, then I am willing to shoulder that."
"If there's nothing else, then, I'll report to the helm of the lugger," Kehlysch replies.
Maybe it's just me...just us. Maybe that gods-foresaken metal just gets to me...to us.
She is going to keep it! She wants it for herself! the Bulge screams into his brain.
The crew does indulge in Tamesis's offer to celbrate and welcome the new members into their ranks. While it takes some time to warm up, the Apsis sailors seem to unclench once the alcohol starts flowing.
Come the morning, work begins on repairing the sails and rigging of the lugger. With the help of new members familiar with the ship's design and the large number of hands able to work, the repairs are done quickly, and the ships are able to sail on. Once crews and officers are split up, the ships get underway, back towards their destination of the Rock.
Sven was in good spirits that day. He had killed many a marine, had drunk a large amount of alcohol, and once again was captaining a ship. That is, until it could be sold.
Once upon the open seas, Sven gathered the new crew members. There, he gave them an introductory speech. Explaining who he was, and the captain they served under. He spoke of how they broke free from the lash, of their conquering Whalebone Pilk, and of the profits gained. Wearing his drakeskin armor, he certainly did look like someone who had come into possession of a fair bit of coin. And through it all he emphasized that each man here was free. That those who followed would be rewarded with far more gold and rum than what they would ever earn as a merchant’s Sailor. And those who wished to leave were always free to do so at any port they stopped in. Though why would any wish to, when doing so would mean turning their back on gold and glory?
Tammy assigns Sven, Kehlysch, and Buhayra to the lugger, along with the crew that Madiya pointed out to man the ballista. Once the ships are separated and back on the open sea, she removes the pendant and places it in a belt pouch. Her point has been made, no need to risk anything further.
Kehlysch feels more relaxed at the helm of the lugger, away from the temptation of the Deep Platinum.
He spends most of his time consulting his charts and making necessary adjustments for wind speed and direction.
When the others are sent away in the captured ship, Baolus approaches Tamesis in private.
"Hey Red, I mean cap', if ye want, I can store this shit somewhere in the kitchen... no one will look there, specially now that you openly shown you have it with you. There is a jar of rancid fish oil that I'd be really surprised anyone would dare to look inside."
Over the next couple of days, the ships move westward. To the north, the slithering coast begins to make appearances, coming closer and closer with each day.
At one point, Fishguts approaches Tamesis on deck, "Cap'n, if I c'n 'ave a word. We're gettin' close t' th' coast, now. There's boud t' be a few fishin' villages along this stretch. Wouldn' be a bad idea t' stop off an' stock up on supplies. Fresh fruit, n' the such. Or, y'know, the villages ain't likely to be tha' well defended. Migh' be a good way t' pick up some extra loot."
A wry smile stretches over his face, "I've known some pirates t' do both, y'know? Land and trade durin' th' day, 'en swing back at night an' take 'em by surprise."
"It's up t' you, cap'n, as always, but as a point of fact, swe could use some fresh supplies..."
Tamesis thinks for a moment about Baolus' request. On the one hand, Kel did warn her about humans being susceptible to the metal's draw, and one worries that her quartermaster may already be afflicted. That said, there's only one person on the ship capable of picking the locks on her doors, and even Tamesis has to admit that if he wanted her dead, she would be nigh powerless to stop him.
Besides, he makes a good point.
She discreetly unties the belt pouch and hands it off to him, "Keep it secret. Keep it safe."
She also listens to Kroop's plea about needing supplies, wrapped up in words of plunder and glory. She smirks as he finishes, giving him a dry look, "Trying to manipulate me, Mr Kroop? Fine. Advise the lookout to alert us of the next village they see. We'll stop off for supplies, do some recon, see if it's worth raiding. And in the future, Fishguts, just tell me what you need. The theatrics are unnecessary."
When Tamesis agrees with his suggestion and hands the amulet, Baolus takes his dagger from his belt and uses it to take the thing, making sure not to touch it, carrying it as if it was the most dangerous, or cursed, thing in the whole world. He then moved towards the trapdoor that still connected the captain's quarters with his own cabin.
Once in the galleys, he does as he said, and put the thing inside the jar.
Fishguts smiles sheepishly and returns to the galley. It doesn't take long for the lookout to call out a village. The ships change course and begin to sail in to the settlement. The village is small, and does not hold a dock large enough to handle the Challenger, though there is a sandy beach the larger ship can safely land on.
As the ship's approach, the village's defenders can be seen loosely assembling, just in case the visit turns into a raid.
”So c’pn. We doing this peacefully or we slaughtering the lot? I’m good either way.”
Kehlysch pulls the smaller lugger up to the dock, making no overtly aggressive moves.
"Keep your weapons sheathed. We only attack on Captain's orders," he tells his small crew. "This may merely be a supply stop, so don't get all worked up for a fight."
As they approach the beach, Tamesis addresses the crew, reminding them that this is not shore leave, nor is it a raid. She reminds them that this is only a supply stop, and they should remain on duty and ready to sail once the ships are resupplied. She then designates a few trusted members of the crew to scout the town during their brief visit, to see if it is worth returning after dusk to pillage.
Once landed, she speaks with Sven and Kel, "Resupply. If there's anything of value, we'll return later to take it. For now, best behavior."
Sven smiled, pleased with the orders. ”Aye she.”
"Will do, Captain," Kehlysch replies. He then turns to his crew and says, "We are re-supplying. Get water and provisions onboard as they are provided."
Cog elects to have the majority of the crew stay aboard the 2 ships, in order to avoid any trouble. A few members of the crew petition to be allowed to go ashore, and are granted permission, but the majority stay aboard and prepare to set sail.
As the members of the crew going ashore disembark, a group of guards approach. The leader identifies himself as the captain of the local defenders, and requests the identity of the sailors, as well as their intent. Once satisfied that the pirates mean them no harm, they allow the group unrestricted passage to the village itself.
Fishing Village
N village
Corruption –1; Crime –6; Economy –1; Law +2; Lore +1;
Society +1
Qualities insular, superstitious
Danger +0
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government autocracy
Population 65 humans
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 500 gp; Purchase Limit 2,500 gp; Spellcasting 1st
Minor Items: Cat Burglar's Boots; Scroll of Unwelcome Halo; Scroll of Enemy's Heart; Potion of Barkskin +2; +2 Light Steel Shield
Medium Items: +2 Shadow Breastplate
Major Items —
The ship is resupplied fairly quickly and without incident. The scouts report that the village might be able to be looted to the tune of 1-2 points of plunder, though an additional 1 point could be gained by taking villagers and selling them as slaves.
While making their rounds through the fishing village, Sven took the time to gather a crowd. He made a show of turning himself into a water and air elemental. Of covering his hands and hammer with ice and electricity, and letting excited children touch his drake-skin armor. And finally, bragging about their exploits in ridding the waters of Whalebone Pilk. He was in a good mood, and felt the need to show off, even if it was to such a small settlement.
”This shall I | with oaths now swear,
Swear by the sacred | whom so hear,
That nought is here | from Thjothmar's son
That man or woman | may call false.
With undead warriors | Pilk came,
Now of all his men | doth none remain;
For Thou hast murdered my brothers | and mail-clad men,
Thou hast murdered those | the men of Tamesis.
Sailors comes not, | Pirates I greet not,
No longer I see | my brothers loved;
Our sorrow would we | avenge with the sword,
Now myself for my woes | I shall payment win.
To the quiver Tamesis reached | To arrows so bright,
And forth she brought | the flashing points:
"Behold, ye warriors, | well am I armed
With sin by my blood’s | sacred boiling."
Mid weapons and armor | did sit with rum
In the war-hall drink, | except for her watchmen,
For Pilk we waited, | if forth he should go,
With their ringing spears | we would fight the Deathknell.
Baomus slew seven | with sword so keen,
And an eighth Kehlysch flung | in the water cold;
A hero should fight | with his foemen thus,
As Madiya strove | in captain’s behalf.
Then Tamesis spake forth, | the lord of the waves:
"Here have I the heart | of Pilk the craven,
Unlike to the heart | of Sven the valiant,
For it trembles still | as it rings from his hammer;
Then Tamesis laughed | when we cut out the heart
Of the unliving bell-hammerer; | tears we had not.
For in the depths of the waters | the death-bell shall glitter,
And not shine in the lands | where the living gather."
After looking around a bit, Tamesis has Baolus retrieve the necklace for her and proceeds to sell it. From there, she oversees the resupply of the ships. She does her best to stay away from the populace, knowing full well her appearance likely makes them uncomfortable.
"That's quite the tale,"states a half-orc with a toothy grin to Sven. "Me name is Urgan Legsnapper and I've been providing some healing and magical services to the village but I'm looking to set sail again. Would you have room on ye ship?"