Now you have taken control of the Man's Promise (new name pending), Captain Harrigan is sure to be unwilling to part from his prize so easily. To evade him, and having no safe harbour of your own yet, you head towards Rickety’s Squibs, a small coastal village with a skilled ship refitter used by many pirates by the name of Rickety Hake. This village is also a 'neutral' harbour for all, though mostly used by pirates. There is sure to be a number of shipless buccaneers that be in need of a crew. With a new ship and a full crew, the waters of the shackles are yours for the taking.
Of course, you aren't the only predators. There are plenty of other pirates that would see you as easy pickings. If you can raise your Fame and Infamy enough, other pirates will think twice before attacking you. There is also the Free Captains, a group of the most ruthless and successful pirates. Being accepted into their ranks is the goal of every upstart buccaneer with a dream of commanding the shackles. As a Free Captain you would be almost untouched by other pirates. Subject only to the mysterious and powerful Hurricane King. One no pirate dares cross.
You have found the headland that hides Rickety's Squibs. A wooden watchtower stands upon the promontory of the headland, carefully concealed among the trees to provide a clandestine view of the seas. Rounding the tall headland reveals a hidden cove at the mouth of a wide jungle river, its sluggish brown waters staining the waters of the blue sea like an ugly bruise. A series of docks has been built upon this estuary, with buildings concealed beneath the overhanging limbs of the jungle beyond.
As you sail past the headland, flag of yellow and red is raied above the the tower on the promontory, and an answering flag of blue is hoisted upon a yardarm at the docks ahead. A number of humanoid figures emerge from the shaded buildings and gather on a pier. A small, single-masted longboat soon sets out from the boathouse on the estuary to meet the Man’s Promise,
and its crew hails you, asking you to drop anchor so they can come aboard and discuss terms.
"Captain?" Fipps asks your response the the longboat.
The tavern this day is full of patrons, few locals, most of whom are otherwise employed. Serving wenches are constantly bustling about refilling mugs and bringing food. Most customers are sailors or pirates, waiting until a ship comes in that they can get a ride out on or join the crew of. There are a couple ships docked here at the moment, their crews on shore leave.
Perhaps you're having a late breakfast or an early lunch, as many other also are. Games of chance fill the tables around you, the sound of gambling and the occasional fight when luck doesn't go a sailor's way fill the air. Several burly guards break up any fighting and throw both parties out. Someone is the street calls out that a new ship has been spotted. A few head towards the docks to see the new ship. Most don't seem to care, happy to wait for the ship to dock and its captain to seek out recruits.
If her duties permit, the druidess is on the deck when we approach. She eyes the flags then turns to Rosanne.
"Parlay? I believe that's the term? Orders?" The flame-haired elf asks, turning to her captain and first mate.
The young "ginger" stands watching at the dock as the ship docks after carefully walking to the docks. He squints, frowns, and seems to be looking at the ship in the distance as if it is a puzzle he is trying to figure out. His hands seemed charred and burned with the skin barely holding together as he cradles the mug he clipped out of the tavern and takes a sip.
A wooden holy symbol of Besmara seems to be the only jewelry this man is wearing in a port filled with people gaudily adorned. He is wearing a breastplate that seems recently crafted and allows more freedom of movement than the standard issue.
After carefully stepping onto the water's surface and walking 50 feet towards the ship in the distance, Warren carefully counted the deckhands on the ship in the distance working the main deck and up in the sails he smiles. He walks back to the dock and takes a big swig of his mug.
"Maybe we can pick up some crew when we get to Rickety's? Will you pressgang them, or convince them to join?" Earthsong asks.
"As for the name...this is your ship Captain, what will you name her?"
"Like I said", Tobias explained, this time with a little more irritation in his voice, "The last option is going to be pressgang."
"Luckily, The Captain can be very convincing", the godling continued with a more light, upbeat tone.
"As for a name..., inspiration is elusive."
Tobias blinks. "Maybe The Elusive Inspiration, hmm. Got a nice shine to it."
As you sail past the headland, flag of yellow and red is raied above the the tower on the promontory, and an answering flag of blue is hoisted upon a yardarm at the docks ahead. A number of humanoid figures emerge from the shaded buildings and gather on a pier. A small, single-masted longboat soon sets out from the boathouse on the estuary to meet the Man’s Promise,
and its crew hails you, asking you to drop anchor so they can come aboard and discuss terms."Captain?" Fipps asks your response the the longboat.
"Put out the gangplank, Mr. Fipps. Let us greet out new guests. We have much to discuss."
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Meals made with red meat were few and far between for Ardym. When he did find a dockside place who served it, Ardym always made a point to try it. It was like a reward for coming back to land. Most of the time. This particular meal which had been plopped before him screamed “Throw yourself into the ocean and never return!”
I gotta find a way off this rock. Ardym thought to himself just as someone began calling about a new ship’s arrival. “C’mon, Monkey,” Ardym rapped his knuckles on the table and stood up. “Monkey. Let’s go,” he added, a little more stern the second time.
Monkey sniffed at the bowl of brown stew and hopped onto Ardym’s shoulder. She started chattering away at the offending meal, stringing together dozens of simian swears.
Avoiding some of the rowdier patrons, Ardym grabbed his belongings and headed outside to get a look at the new arrival.
Ship in the harbor! Ship in the harbor, the parrot, Silent Rob, squawked trying to get Maurine’s attention.
”I know you crazy parrot. Everyone has been talking about it for the last bell,” Maurine pointed out to the excited avian. ”We wait, sure as the tide, the Captain of that vessel will be coming in for some crew,” she reassured the bird.
Nevertheless, she still stood up trying to get a glimpse of the ship through the tavern’s windows. ”I don’t recognize the cut of her jib,” Maurine noted before she returned to her seat and her cooling meal.
Warren tosses an ellipsoid stone which begins to orbit around his head and performs a one minute ritual of some sort. He whispers a short question to the skies and nods as if answered.
He then smiles as he addresses the landing party when it arrives ”I think I am destined to be on that ship.” in a convincing, matter of fact tone.
"Captain, I was thinking of names for your ship. Perhaps the Chaos Queen? The Red Wind?" Earthsong muses as the ship comes to port.
Tobias nods. "Both good names to be sure, particularily with our latest 'addition' to the ship. I was thinking The Elusive Inspiration."
The Captain lets the name linger in the air for inspection by the druid.
"That sounds like something a minstrel would come up with," Earthsong teases. "It's your ship, but I would think you'd want to name her so that she strikes fear into others on the seas. Unless you want them to think we're a ship full of bards?" She laughs.
"Hmmm. How about the Blood price?" Is Rosanne's gory suggestion. Not completely serious. "Or The Dancing devil if you want something more stylish."
The man that greets you from the longboat is a short, stoop-backed old man with a leathery, weather-worn face; watery blue eyes; and a halo of frizzy white hair. He climbs aboard along with a half-dozen lightly armed sailors. "Hmm, another customer come for the services of old Rickety Hake are ye?" He is continuously looking around, inspecting the ship. After a few minutes of looking her over he speaks again.
Rickety Hake
"Well, give me a week, perhaps less and I'll have her looking her best and not a soul in the shackles will recognise her. See that dry-dock over there the the north? Follow my longboat and we'll get her docked. I'll start tomorrow. For now, enjoy the town. Don't cause trouble. There's an Inn in the Commons but space might be tight. Unusually busy on account of that storm recently. Quite a few ships needing repairs. Food's also a mite more expensive than usual due to the drought we've been having."
"The Blood Price does sound stylish. And given who you are, Toby, a hidden meaning." Earthsong suggests.
The elf woman frowns at the mention of drought. "My magic is nowhere near strong enough to handle that. One day, perhaps. I can create water at need, but I can't water a town on my own."
She turns to the captain. "We should see the inn at least. See if there are rooms available...or sailors, for that matter." The druidess does glance towards the changeling at the word 'rooms'.
Between The druid and the sorcerer, both make compelling arguments.
"Thank you, Mr. Hake. Your reputation for quality work proceeds you. The Blood Price is in capable hands."
Turning to Earthsong as the crew departs, Captain Tobias Wraithborn nods. "Hopefully the fare offered is decent enough for the outrageous prices we will likely be charged."
"The only way to find out is to go see." She shrugs. "I hope more for crew who aren't complete cutthroats. If the food is horrible...I'll go hunting."
Ardym held one hand up over his eyes. “I don’t recognize this one, do you?” He asked Monkey. Monkey, in her infinite wisdom, squeaked out a few nonsense sounds then yanked on one of Ardym’s ears.
“Keep it up, and I’ll toss you in the surf,” Ardym said with a wave of his hand at the monkey. But he never took his eyes from the mystery ship. An unknown ship could be a safe way out of Rickety’s Squibs but it could also bring danger from any number of sources on the seas.
Ardym leaned against a stack of crab traps and settled in to watch what sort of crew this new ship brought with her.
The druidess walks down the plank and pauses at the bottom, looking around with some interest. She sniffs the air a bit, head turning, as if tracking a smell. "Not much garbage in the harbor at least. Coming Captain, Rosanne?" Earthsong asks, waiting.
Warren cups his hand over his pipe as he gets it lit in a very slight breeze. After the pipe is alit, Warren begin to puff thoughtfully on the dockside. As the undine stood by the crab trap, Warren approached and nodded.
"Ship seems to be a little light on crew -- may be hiring."
He moves his pipe to his left hand to stick out his right hand to the Undine and he smiles with a mischievous wink. "Warren -- blackened but not burned". His hand looks paper thin and blackened like burnt paper. He looks him up and down approvingly: "I guess we are both ready to sail."
"Indeed Captain. You will not be disappointed." Rickety Hake and his men return to the longboat and guide you over to the drydock where teams of workers and oxen await. A large number of thick ropes are secured to the ship and the oxen slowly pull her up the wooden ramp. Once secured in place the workers scramble to erect wooden scaffolding which will allow them access to all points of the ship and its hull.
A full inspection to ascertain how much work it would take to squib her was then done. After an hour Rickety Hake returned to speak to Tobias. "I can refit your ship. Cost will be 2,000 gold. We'll get her done within a week. Hopefully the owner you took her from had a full chest?"
During this time the rest of the crew has headed into the village. There is a market and shops to by most general goods and items.
A full inspection to ascertain how much work it would take to squib her was then done. After an hour Rickety Hake returned to speak to Tobias. "I can refit your ship. Cost will be 2,000 gold. We'll get her done within a week. Hopefully the owner you took her from had a full chest?"
Tobias just smiles a winning smile as he walks into town. "Besmara! I don't know if there's anything worth 2000 gold pieces on The Blood Price. This could get dicey." The aasimar captain said in hushed tones to the druid and sorceress.
"I can help, I hope. We do have most of the haul from the grindylow lair, but if I'm left alone for a few days I can make some potions and then we can sell them." Earthsong suggests. "I can do that with minimal resources on your part so long as I don't make too many each day. I'll just need to forage a bit and set up in the kitchens."
Rosanne follows along with Earthsong, looking around curiously. "We've got the loot from the Grindlow's Captain. More than enough there to cover costs. Worth spending the loot to be a bit safer from that bastard Harrigan!" She whispers back to Toby.
She thinks a bit, "Make sure you flash some of it about as well. Nothing draws crew like some good loot!"
.
After introductions with the undine, Warren approaches and watches as Rickety Hake talks about repairs and costs. He casually walks up to the man and whispers to him in a friendly voice after a quick communion with Besmara, his manner is subdued and charming. Cast Enhanced Diplomacy cantrip
"Aye, I can see the direct tactic, go for a healthy profit right away. But the long game, that would be to offer a discount so the captain knows he can come to you for refit and resupply many times over. It should be a number that is equitable for both parties, say 10%. With the potential to include work done with prizes captured, the long term gains would be so much more than 200gp!"
Maurine waited patiently for the officers of the new ship to arrive, This is a good sign. They haven’t rushed here to get wasted. Always look after the ship and crew first. Maybe, at last I find my way out of this stinking port.”
... Warren approached and nodded.
"Ship seems to be a little light on crew -- may be hiring."
He moves his pipe to his left hand to stick out his right hand to the Undine and he smiles with a mischievous wink. "Warren -- blackened but not burned". His hand looks paper thin and blackened like burnt paper. He looks him up and down approvingly: "I guess we are both ready to sail."
Ardym nodded at the man's assessment of the ship. "True," he dragged the word along for a few seconds, "though a person might need to be a little sunkissed to roll the dice on an unknown ship."
He shifted his weight and clasped Warren's hand, "Ardym. Er, wet but not soggy?" He muttered before realizing to what Warren was referring.
"Good winds to you, Warren," he added as the man left to speak with Rickety.
Monkey tugged on Ardym's hair and hopped a couple of times on his should.
"Yes! I see who he's talking to. Let's head back inside. I'll even order you a little cup," he added as he started back toward the tavern.
"Soonest started, soonest finished. Let's see about food and rooms while the Blood Price is in drydock. Share a room with me?" Earthsong asks Rosanne, her smile almost shy and yet tinged with mischief.
"Of course." Rosanne smiles back, looking around to see what the state of prospective crewmembers was?
While still looking around warily Rosanne seems more relaxed and open when with Earthsong.
Noticing that Rosanna is looking at the people around, as well as noticing Rosanne's demeanor, the druidess makes a point of looking at any newcomers to point out to Toby.
Rosanne follows along with Earthsong, looking around curiously. "We've got the loot from the Grindlow's Captain. More than enough there to cover costs. Worth spending the loot to be a bit safer from that bastard Harrigan!" She whispers back to Toby.
"Thank you, Rosanne. That puts my mind at ease, for the moment", Captain Tobias whispers back with gratitude.
The young aasimar captain makes his way into the tavern. He's tall and handsome man with a sun-tanned complexion and sun-bleached blonde long blond hair under a fancy pirate hat.
He wears and bandolier over well-worn cuirass armor and has two rapiers, one of masterwork quality; and a dagger on his weapon belt.
"Barkeep, one very tall and very cool drink, my good sir", The new captain smiles with delight.
Ahh, that must be the Captain of the newly arrived ship, Maurine thought as the tall blonde pirate made his way to the bar.
She intercepted him at the bar as he ordered his cool drink. ”Let me get that drink for you.” She said as she produce coin from her purse.
The large building that serves and houses guests to the village is called The Commons. It has accomodations, a taproom, small market and functioning chowhall that served the entire settlement. The shade of the jungle canopy here is welcome, as the heat is merciless and many of the trees are wilted with browning leaves that show the effects of an extended drought.
Many current guests belong to one of the 3 ships currently at the dock being repaired, though several more are currently shipless and may be open to joining a new crew.
Fipps Chumlett
Conchobhar Turlach Shortstone
Ambrose "Fishguts" Kroop
Sandara Quinn
Rosie Cusswell
Crimson “Cog” Cogward
Tilly Brackett
Shivikah
Tam “Narwhal”
The druidess enters the taproom with interest and sees people in various games and stages of drunkenness. "I want to try something for fun, Rosanne. Back me up would you?" She murmurs to her companion. There's a look of mischief there that might be worrisome....
She goes over to the bartender. "My friend," the elf glances at Rosanne with a look, "and I need a room for ourselves, a bottle of something more palatable than rum too. I've coin to spend after a good run with Captain Wraithborn and want to celebrate...privately. I hope we'll find some new crew soon for him. His ship is getting work done but he wants the Blood Price back to sea earning him riches as soon as possible. Him, and his crew of course." The druidess lays it on thick, perhaps attempting to portray some pirate from a play?
She intercepted him at the bar as he ordered his cool drink. ”Let me get that drink for you.” She said as she produce coin from her purse.
The tall blonde captain smiles broadly and give the female pirate and her parrot a courtly bow. "Why thank you miss. How are you on this fine day? Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Tobias Wraithborn, Captain of The Blood Price."
The door swung closed behind Ardym as he reentered the tavern. He gave his eyes a moment and stepped to the side so as to not block the door for anyone else. Ardym realized that someone was addressing the room.
…I am Captain Tobias Wraithborn, Captain of The Blood Price."
So that’s the Captain? he thought.
Adrym slipped into an empty stool at the bar, his table having been overrun by a game of dice. He ordered a pint he had no intention of finishing and shot glass of ale for Monkey then turned to face Wraithborn.
“The Blood Price? Why does everyone always name their ships something so spooky?” Ardym asked an unconscious fellow in the seat next to him. He cocked his head to one said in contemplation, “You never hear of ships having names like ‘The Bamboo Thicket,’ ‘The Evasive Innovation.’ or ‘Agnes.’” Ardym took a sip from his mug, more for punctuation than actual thirst, and added “What brings The Blood Price into Rickety’s?”
The tall blonde captain smiles broadly and give the female pirate and her parrot a courtly bow. "Why thank you miss. How are you on this fine day? Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Tobias Wraithborn, Captain of The Blood Price."
Maurine gave a slight nod and crooked smile back at the Captain, ”Pleasure to meet you Captain Wraithborn. Most call me Lady Maurine Pain but Maurine is acceptable.” She hesitated for a moment as she looked the handsome man over and came right to the point, ”Would ye be looking for some crew?”
”I ve got experience,” she adde trying to keep the desperation out of her plea.
"I am", Captain Tobias confessed. "I'm looking for a willing crew, some who can follow the orders of a true Besmaran. A crew who will be treated fairly for a good days work."
”I can live with that,” the lass agreed. ”And loot? How do ye be dividing the shares?”
"Equally", Captain Tobias nodded. "With the exception of deck officers have an additional share. With a dedicated share to The Blood Price for upkeep."
”Sounds fair. If ye be willing I’d like to join up as one of ye deck officers,” she offered. Over the next few minutes Maurine goes on to relate her experience as a ship’s officer.
When she is done the pirate extended her hand to seal the deal, ”What say ye Captain?”
Warren smiles when the captain mentions Besmara and replies:
"I believe I escaped drowning by the aid of the Queen herself. I do not know if you have room for a chaplain, but I can also heal with the help of Besmara herself. I would encourage you to save a share for the Queen, for being infused with her favor yields unimaginable rewards."
Warren appears to go into a short reverie, and his eyes take on a fanatical light.
"My eyes can pierce the fog and see the future. I can even start as a lookout if the officer ranks are full."
"A moment my dear." Rosanne murmurs in Earthsong's ear. "Looks like we have some crew to check out first. This bunch look like they want to be officers so we'd better give them a proper look."
Earthsong's face isn't quite as red as her hair at the words 'my dear', but she does blush adorably. The red even goes well with the normal grime.
"You're right. Looks as though Toby has found some prospects. I'd hoped to get some new crew as well since many have left. We need more to sail the ship, I can see that."
Ardym listened in on the conversation between the Captain, the two who came ashore with him, and the other two prospective crewmates. “They seem honest” he said to Monkey, “well, honest enough.” In response, Monkey downed her little glass of ale and climbed- a tad slower than usual - up Ardym’s arm to perch on his shoulders.
“If you’re accepting officer roles, I’d be interested in latching my barnacle onto your ship,” he said while approaching the group. “I can't say that I'm one of Besmara's faithful, anymore than any other sailor that is. But I’ve got a decent amount of sailing experience, I’m decent enough at following the stars. And I can hold my own against any unwanted boarding parties. Not saying I’d only sign up as an officer but, to be honest, it’s much more appealing than swabbing the deck all day.”
The druidess decides to step in to support her new captain. "The crew will need someone to keep discipline, to drill them for combat too." She says as Ardym speaks up. "A chaplain wouldn't hurt either, given our situation." She turns to Warren as she speaks that part, then finally to Maurine. "We're short in a variety of areas, honestly."
When she is done the pirate extended her hand to seal the deal, ”What say ye Captain?”
Welcome aboard The Blood Price, Lady Payne", Tobias grins, shaking the pirate's hand confidently.
"I believe I escaped drowning by the aid of the Queen herself. I do not know if you have room for a chaplain, but I can also heal with the help of Besmara herself. I would encourage you to save a share for the Queen, for being infused with her favor yields unimaginable rewards."
"My eyes can pierce the fog and see the future. I can even start as a lookout if the officer ranks are full."
"Good advice. We have a cleric of Besmara on board, but an additional voice of The Pirate Queen would be helpful. I look forward to your service." Captain Tobias nods.
Wow. I've never met one of Mother's sighted before. This must mean good news, right?“If you’re accepting officer roles, I’d be interested in latching my barnacle onto your ship,” he said while approaching the group. “I can't say that I'm one of Besmara's faithful, anymore than any other sailor that is. But I’ve got a decent amount of sailing experience, I’m decent enough at following the stars. And I can hold my own against any unwanted boarding parties. Not saying I’d only sign up as an officer but, to be honest, it’s much more appealing than swabbing the deck all day.”
"You're one of the undine, I think? Correct? The seawater literally in your veins. Well, you can find a place upon The Blood Price", Captain Tobias nodded. "Hope your good with being a part of a boarding party, too."