After listening to the others, "I'm in agreement with Kehlysch, they might be better as allies but if they attempt any trickery, I'd not be opposed to us claiming the rock."
"I'll be brewing some healing potions just in case."
Over a decade ago, “Iron Bert” Smythee went to sea with his small fleet in a feud with Free Captain Carola Antiochus and was never seen again. Word came back that Antiochus had lured Smythee into the edges of the Eye of Abendego and ambushed him with the help of a previously unknown ally—one Barnabas Harrigan—and that Smythee’s fleet was cut to pieces between the enemy fleets. Though Captain Smythee managed to sink Antiochus’s Pergador, he was last seen on the deck of the crippled and sinking Vale at the mercy of the Eye’s hurricane winds.
Captain Harrigan claimed the remainder of Antiochus’s fleet and took control of several of Smythee’s undefended castles. He made an attempt to take the Tidewater Rock as well, only to discover that Smythee’s able widow had taken charge of its defenses. She managed to fend off his attack with such alacrity that Harrigan decided to leave the widow to rot in her tower.
”A word. Y’see, about the rock...” Sven recounted the tale above. ”The ones who hold the rock? They’re likely loyal to Cpt Smythee, and they probably hold a grudge against Harrigan. Just like us. If I’m right about this then we have a common enemy. I’m much more willing to trust someone with a reason to fight with us. So what I’m saying is, let’s test this out. If I’m right about their loyalties and grudges, then I see no reason we can’t work together. And if they show any sign of looking to betray us? We kill the lot of them.”
"Actually, Kehlysch, the Rock has changed hands several times. Do ye remember Captain Magna Stormeyes, the one that became Hurricane Queen before she was gutted? So, she built the Rock over 200 years ago. Since she died, it was passed from captain to captain until it became less of a strategic place after the rebellion in Sargava." He smiles. "As ye can see, ye could not be more wrong... it is impossible for me to recall all o' them, but be sure that all sort of tactics were employed."
"The last one to hold the Rock, as well as a couple other castles on nearby islands, was Captain "Iron Bert" Smythee, but over a decade ago he sailed against Captain Carola Antiochus... words tell she lured him to the edge o' the Eye and with the help o' Captain Bloody-Harrigan his fleet was cut to pieces. Captain Harrigan then took control o' the remaining of Carola's fleet, since she sank in the fight, and many o' Bert's unprotected castles, but he was repelled by Bert's widow."
"As far as I know, she still holds the Rock... considering our own feud with Harrigan, she might want to ally with us, but I still believe being friends doesn't count as cracking the rock for fortune purposes..."
Kehlysch shrugs at Baolus’ retort. ”It doesn’t sound like ‘Cracking the Rock’ has been all that lucky, then,” he replies. ”If we manage to take it, we’ll need a better plan to defend and hold it than he or any of those other ‘lucky captains’ thought of.”
After listening to the debate for a while, Madiya pipes up: "Fate never decided by old tales of fortune. If will of gods is change, then defenders will attack us. If not, we can try ally. We prepare for both. And...they not need be ally forever."
"Changing hands a few times in two-HUNDRED years is hardly a sign of there being a flaw in the keep's defenses. I'm not sure how long gillmen live, but we have to remember that in terms of human lifespan, two centuries is actually a very long time. If anything, the fact that a fleet-less group was able to hold it against Harrigan speaks to its strength."
Clearly outvoted, Tamesis relents on her drive to slaughter the lot, "Alright, fine. We will go in with intentions of peace, but keep your guard up. Be prepared to annihilate them, if their intentions are on ambush."
Once the time comes near, Baolus is deposited on the front step in front of the door. Once the others retreat to the designated distance, the door is unbarred and opened, and Baolus is spirited inside. The door is closed and barred again behind him. A gruff, older man in armor and 2 younger guards thoroughly search Baolus and remove all his possessions, including his scarf and any jewelry, leaving him with only his basic clothing.
The men escort Baolus up 2 floors. He gets a brief glimpse of a kitchen before he is locked in a room full of barrels of water. Outside the door, Baolus can hear the older man ordering a guard to stand watch over the door. He is also explicitly clear that if the alarm is raised, the guard is to enter the room and kill Baolus on the spot.
After a few minutes, the door is re-opened, and the rest of the group is beckoned to approach. As they disembark, the gruff older man introduces himself as Sergeant Royster McCleagh, the head of the keep's defenses and Master at Arms. He advises that the pirates are free to keep their weapons and armor, but that the castle defenders will be keeping theirs, as well.
He and 2 more guards lead the group up a tight stairwell to a small banquet room. A long oaken table that can seat up to 10 fills this room, over which hangs a heavy iron chandelier. An arrow slit alcove serves as a sideboard and generally holds a tapped keg of ale for meal times and off-duty guards. A wide window—the only true window in the castle—overlooks the picturesque harbor and admits a soft southerly breeze, but has sturdy oak shutters that can be barred from within.
The lady who spoke earlier from the battlements is already seated at the head of the table when the group enters, though she stands to greet them as they enter, "Welcome. I am Lady Agasta Smyhtee. Please, have a seat."
”A pleasure. I apologize if my manners are rough. My people are not known for courtly manners. So I’ll be blunt.”
The ulfen warrior walked up confidently, and pulled a seat out for his captain.
”As we come here with one of our men captive, I hope that you see our intentions are peaceful. I will cut to the chase. We’ve a grudge against Captain Harrigan. From what we’ve heard, you do too. We also know that you are still known for your loyalty to ole’ Iron Bert. So we ask that you join us. C’pn Tamesis here is looking to fill our sagas. We’ve already killed one of Harrigan’s lieutenants, taken one of his ships, and recently put Whalebone Pilk to his final rest. What we need, though, is a safe harbor. A place we can dock, and be secure. This tower is perfect for that. So...we offer you vengeance and a place in glory. And in return you join our cause. A good deal, ja? If you agree, we can work out the details.”
"We are very good at what we do," Kehlysch adds, bowing politely.
"I've only been with the crew a short time but they seem to be a capable bunch," states Urgan.
When his scarf is removed, Baolus sighs and complains. "Be sure to take good care o' that scarf... it has sentimental values." Once he is thrown unceremoniously into the room with the water barrels, he complains once more. "Hey! Is that the famous hospitality from the Rock? Ya know, I'd appreciate some food and drink as well... and just to let ya know, it is not the wisest move to lock someone with all yar water... I might drink some of it, and then I'll need to piss..."
When the older man tells the guard to kill him if anything goes wrong, Baolus can't hold himself. "Ha, ya can try..." Meanwhile, he looked around for any sort of secret door, an improvised weapon he could use, and analyzed the door's lock.
Tamesis sits quietly and allows the others to speak, content to sit back and smirk, allowing for the illusion of power and control it creates.
Baolus can hear the activity outside the door as the dinner is taken up to the others. Once the commotion dies down, the lock turns and the guard enters, bringing with him some hard tack and water. The guard says nothing, but watches Baolus closely. Once the food and water is delivered, the guard leaves and re-locks the door.
Lady Agasta smiles at Sven, and listens implacably to the others as they speak up in turn. She turns to face Tamesis, searching the tiefling's face for a few moments, but doesn't betray any reaction. Once the pirates re done with their overtures, she speaks, keeping her eyes fixed on Tamesis, "Your people don't mince words, do they Captain? It has been my experience, though, that business should come after the meal,rather than before."
She nods to an elderly man standing nearby as Sergeant McCleagh takes a free seat. Four other guards take standing positions in the corners of the room. The elderly man leaves the room, only to return a few moments later, accompanied by an equally aged woman, and presents a feast of boiled crab, butter-simmered sturgeon, goat cheese, and hard bread, washed down with copious amounts of ale and rum. During the meal, Lady Agasta makes small talk, even answers any questions the group has about the history of Tidewater Rock, the loss of her husband, or about herself in general. She deftly avoids revealing any tactical information about the Rock or it's defenses, though.
Once the meal is done, and the plates are being cleared away, she smiles again at Tamesis, "Ok, Captain. Down to business. Your people speak of alliance. I am inclined to agree that one would be mutually beneficial, but you will understand if I require some assurances. So, I propose this: A marriage, under Shackles law." Her eyes shift to Sven as she speaks, and a wry smirk tugs at the corners of her mouth.
Her gaze remains on Sven, "One year, certain. Though the future can be determined at a later date. In addition, I have some items to offer as a dowry. What do you say?"
She wants an alliance sealed by a temporary marriage. If the Captain and Sven agree. Kehlysch muses.
Kill them. Take the fort. Her man-at-arms wants her for himself. He will betray you all. the Bulge urges with a sense of certitude.
Sven’s eyebrows rose in surprise. He was, of course, flattered. But at the same time he thought of Grok. He had given her his father’s flint and steel. He certainly liked her. Really liked her. Enough not to join Baolus in port revelry. But would he even see her again? She was still on Captain Harrigan’s ship. And to challenge such a fearsome man they would need allies and resources. Like this tower. He also had the impression that refusing could well lead to his temperamental captain deciding to kill everyone. That, and it *had* been a long time...all of these thoughts warred in his mind. To buy time he asked what a marriage was under shackles law.
Nodding, he smiled at her. His mind almost made. A year wasn’t too long, afterall. Practicality, base desires and love for a half-orc he barely knew warred inside of him. He looked over at the captain to see if she would say anything.
Madiya hasn't said much, but she has been keeping a close watch on their hosts - all of them. Once the Lady makes her offer, she clearly notices the Sergeant's reaction. She keeps it to herself for now, but makes sure to keep an eye on him.
Urgan quietly watches the conversations.
Tamesis makes some small talk, during the meal, but does her best to refrain from engaging too much and offending anyone. She knows all too well how easily she can inadvertently bruise egos and make enemies without meaning to. As much as she would prefer to roll through the tower in a wave of death and blood, her friends voted to remain peaceful, and she isn't about to betray that.
When they lady makes her proposal, with clear eyes for Sven, Tammy can't help but smile and chuckle, just a bit. She makes a mental note of the sergeant's reaction, but leaves him be, for now. Instead she looks to Sven and quirks an eyebrow, "Looks like you have eyes for my First Mate, for this marriage, or am I mistaken? I would say that the proposal seems to be in the best interests of all involved. But I'm not about to volunteer my man for a marriage he's not interested in, even one of convenience. If he refuses, are you open to being wed to another of my crew? Or myself?"
Without waiting for a reply, she address Sven, "And what say you? Is this something you would agree to."
Again, without waiting for a reply, she returns to addressing the lady, "You have my approval for this deal, if we can come to an agreement on a spouse."
Lady Agasta allows herself a small smile, almost blushing, "I'll admit, I would prefer someone tall and muscular. But a marriage under Shackles law requires no....consummation. It doesn't even require the two partners to like each other, much less develop romance. I have no issue joining with any member of your crew."
Sven took a deep breath. After a very long pause he said ”Grok. She is still held by Captain Harrigan. It would be...dishonorable, to be with anyone but her. I’ve no problem with a shackles marriage with you. If I wasn’t bound I’d have no problem with more.” He gave her a smile that showed that he was sorely tempted. ”But a man without loyalty is not a man. So I agree to the terms, but will have to keep faith until I know her fate. Agreeable?”
He felt immediate regret, and at the same time relief, upon making his decision. Sven was many things. Occasionally a braggart. Very often needlessly violent. Sometimes to the point of cruelty. Merciless in the pursuit of gold and fame. But, he was without a doubt, honorable. I his own peculiar way. He had his own code that he abided by, and he couldn’t bring himself to break it.
"Sounds like we have an accord, then?"
Lady Agasta nods, though there is a flicker of regret on her face, "Indeed, we do. In that case, I do believe we should welcome the new masters of the Rock. Sergeant, if you would be so kind as to relase the hostage, we can retire for the evening. Unfortunately, as it stands, we do not have any available beds. So you will need to return to your ship, unless you are sleeping on the floor or the roof. In the morning, I will provide you with your dowry."
Royster motions to 1 of the guards, who moves down to the kitchen and releases Baolus. He is also given back all of the confiscated gear.
"Lady Agasta, thank you for the meal. While we are here if ye or anyone in your service need medical attention let me know."
Urgan then makes his way back to the ship.
Ugan informs Sven, makes he back to the ship, "ye best be watching out for that sergent fellow. He didn't seem kind on the announcement of ye wedding."
Once released, Baolus meets the others at the table and tries to eat something before going back to the ship. "Look at all ya had been eating... and for me: water and hard tack!"
Sven slapped Urgan on the back. ”Ha! Really? Well good thing I didn’t sleep with her then, eh? Seems like the gods rewarded me, for once. Good on you for looking out for me.” Then, seeing Baolus, he grinned. ”Oh? Way to brag. You got tack, and all we had was...” at which point he began to list the feast’s bounty in excruciating detail.
"Urgan's probably right to advise caution, even without a consummation. Her man might be just as jealous of your new title, Lord Sven." Kehlysch remarks quietly.
Sven stopped his gloating, and turned around with a serious look on his face. ”-...you’re right. You know. Why not take him with us? We leave someone we trust as Castellan of this place, and we take the sergeant with us. Once he is out of the tower we can keep an eye on him. Kill two halflings with one stone. We can also put some of our sailors in there and take some of the men from the tower. Ensure that neither party here can do a coup too easily.”
"A hostage swap, huh? You think the Captain'll agree?" Kehlysch whispers back.
"Oh, all you noticed too? I think Sven have good idea. But we not see any halflings..." Madiya trails off in slight confusion.
Once the officers make it back to the ship, and share the good news with their crew, they are able to celebrate (if any of them, aside from Baolus, still have room in their bellies for libations), but they are also able to sleep peacefully, in a protected harbor that is their own.
The next morning, Buhaya approaches the group. She offers her services as caretaker/representative at the rock, in a more permanent role. If needed, though, she is also happy to captain the lugger back to port to sell it and await the Sunset Challenger to come and pick her up. Whatever the group needs.
All told, the group's next move is their own. The seas are theirs to sail and plunder, as they see fit...
”Ah, life is good. No? But the sea calls. So c’pn. Back to pillaging the seas? Or are you in the mood to raid a village?” Sven asked, with a grin.
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Tamesis frowns at the suggestion of taking McCleagh with them, "We could, but it's dangerous. Even if we do it in good faith, and that's not a given, it's dangerous out there. He could get legitimately killed in battle by an enemy, and Agasta might just up and break off our arrangement for it."
She takes a moment, her face brightening (or darkening, depending on how you want to look at it) as the circumstances of that dawn on her, "In which case, we would just take the tower by force and kill them all, like I wanted to in the first place."
She nods suddenly, the smile on her face providing no warmth or merriment, "I love this plan! Let's do it!"
Tamesis has Buhayra stay in the tower, for now. She keeps the lugger anchored in the cove, for now, until she can decide what to do with it. To Sven, she nods, and provides a true smile, "Aye, life is good. I want to try out that farglass, if I'm honest. See if it's all it's cracked up to be. Besides, we probably should stay at least a couple of days, get the locals used to our presence. I am of a mind to kick the lady out of her bedchambers and claim them. Maybe she can share the sergeant's bed. That would certainly make him happy..."
"What about that breastplate? Certainly one of you close-fighting types wouldn't mind having armor that lets you walk on water?" Kehlysch says, nodding at the armor.
In a bad mood for celebrations or anything else, Baolus confines himself in the galley and only emerges when he has a very nice meal, just for himself.
"Aye, we should have the sergeant with us. Best keep him close so he doesn't stir up trouble at the Rock."
"I was thinking of brewing up some stuff that makes you swim and climb better for a few minutes but only if not too heavily armored or weighed down too much. Would anyone be interested?"
Madiya lights up at Urgan's offer, knowing how much she struggles in the water compared to the other officers. "Sounds like thing I can use."
Tamesis takes up the farglass and begins searching the horizon for ships to attack.
In spite of the Rock's strategic location, the horizon is disappointingly empty for two days. On the third day you spot some sails on the horizon! It's coming from the north on a fairly strong wind.
Urgan provides Madiya with a potion of monkey fish.
”Prepare the ship. I’ll go check this out.” As Sven said it, his form shimmered until he had turned into an air elemental. Once transformed, he took off towards the ship to see whether this was prey or not.
The day is cloudy and the flight ceiling is rather low, but that doesn't hinder the form-fluid first mate in the least and even provides some handy cover for scouting. Ship does, in fact, appear to be prey, but not an easy mark. She's Chelish and every inch as big as the Challenger if not a little bigger and Sven can clearly spot several heavily armed marines on deck. She's also armed with a catapult on the aft and the fore. The name Dowager Queen is painted across the aft.
Sven returned with the news. ”A real fight! One that we may or may not win. Seems like fun, but might not be profitable. Especially if we beat each other up so bad that we don’t have the crew left. So, c’pn...what say you?”
"All hands to the Challenger! We have a target!"
Tamesis has preparations started before Sven even returns, and gives him a flat stare as he reports and asks such a foolish question, "Sven, in the time that you have known me, I feel you should at least know the answer to that question by now."
Once preparations are complete, she has Kel take the wheel and take the ship out on its first strike from their new stronghold.
During the last two days, Baolus takes advantage of the time in land to properly exercise, running as much as he can and lifting some weight to maintain his shape.
Once Sven announces the presence of potential profit, Baolus reveals to be anxious about boarding and fighting once more.
Kehlysch checks the harbor depth, relative to the tide, then makes preparations to steer the Challenger out into the open sea.
Sven grinned. ”Ha! That I do. But your command nonetheless. Let’s go feed the deep.” He immediately got to work, overseeing the men for the pursuit.