DM Fern's Skull & Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Evriani

Des let out a deep breath before answering. Rickety knows about Syl. He'll finished the job for us and even give us more guns, but we're likely not allowed here again. At least with Syl who still has a bounty on her head. She seems slightly more forgiving, but I'm locking my door tonight just to be safe,"

With all the drama going on, it only just occurred to her about the other potential crisis. "So who was on the Cheliax ship?"

"Another crew come for services. Capt. Pegsworthy. We've agreed that neither crew sees or knows anything, and that we'll peacefully coexist until the work on our ship is complete, and we can get out of their way. Seems nobody was available to wave them off when they arrived, or greet them, so they came on in to see if things were good, or not. We know they weren't, of course."

"Right... with the wasps and everything," Destinie nodded in agreement. "He isn't a fan of Harrigan, is he? I'm hoping most of the Free Captain's here aren't in case he might have one go after us."

"He said enough to suggest he's not a fan of Harrigan. Don't know if that was truth or convenient."

"In any case, it would be good to keep an eye on him in the meantime." She proceeded to head towards the kitchen where she sat down. "What do you think of the new recruits we got?"

He hesitates before answering but looks Des in the eyes as he does."I'm hopeful. Seems a few good hands and some simple fresh meat. I'm concerned about what portion of the team is only coming aboard so they can jump ship somewhere they think they'll like better. Any mass hiring like this includes some of those, after all. I'm more worried if any are spies for established Captains looking to reduce the up and coming competition. And, of course, I wish we had twice as many. Any of them display a skill or some knowledge that got your attention?"

"There's Thelma, who's been hanging out with Kroop a lot as of late. She's also a really good cook, so we have two great options for that. And Dixie..." She paused for the briefest of moments while thinking of how best to say it. "Turns out she's great at counseling. Gods knows we could use some of that."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"Doesn't sound like anyone I need to be worried about, at least...I take it they're not aggressive toward us at all?"

"Doesn't seem like it. At least not at the moment."

"Anyway, I was in the middle of finding a water tub." Lanni takes his leave and heads over to the counter where he left Veja. He nods at Des and Terry as he passes.

"Hey, Thelma. Any thoughts on finding a tub for water for the little one here?"

Lanni trails off as he reaches the bar, and cannot see Veja. Short as he is, he can't see past the counter, but he can hear. Thelma has already taken a big washbasin and had some of the local youth, including Cricket, fill the thing with water. Veja is curled inside it, splashing about a bit, having gotten a bit dry since arriving.

Atia sits at a table in the common area, breathing a sigh of relief as everything seems to settle down. She snags a drink and something to snack on from Thelma for both herself and Joran, gesturing for the barbarian to sit with her. "Well, this has all been eventful," Atia mutters to her lover, leaning against the big man while she watches the room.

Mateo went quiet for a bit as the two spoke together, his one remaining eye focused upon the man for a moment. There was no expression there but the rapier in his hand remained out and ready. The declaration was very clear there; step closer and get an opportunity to explain to whatever divinity you worship how you messed up so badly. Yet it never got there, Rickety rushing off after making his declaration. The swashbuckler seemed to relax, realizing that he would not need to kill every ally of Rickety's and create a slaughter. He liked quite a few folk here and it'd be a shame to murder them or be murdered by them.

"Ah, she's still feeling spiteful. Guess you weren't stabbed hard enough." Mateo muttered with a smile, confident thanks to how injured she was that she wouldn't knick him hard with a dagger. He would rise and turn, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I need to take care of some things. If anything happens to you, know that I'll burn this place down and salt the earth so that not even the jungle will want to claim it." The words were spoken softly and endearingly, his lips finding hers as he notioned for her to rest. He would sheath his blade, walking out of the room to the stairs until he could join the others.

"Eventful indeed, Atia, eventful indeed." He scanned the room for a moment, frowning slightly. "I'll be back." He had a man to speak to and Rickety didn't seem to be in the tavern right then.

Atia sits at a table in the common area, breathing a sigh of relief as everything seems to settle down. She snags a drink and something to snack on from Thelma for both herself and Joran, gesturing for the barbarian to sit with her. "Well, this has all been eventful," Atia mutters to her lover, leaning against the big man while she watches the room.

Placing an arm around her, "You ain't kidding about that, darlin'. This is the kind of 'eventful' a sword can't do anything about." Then cutting his focus toward the departing Mateo, "I wonder where he's going? He sounds like a man on a mission and not a good one either. Why do I have a bad feeling about that?"

Mateo would find Rickety overseeing the resumption of work on the ship, though mostly he was standing there, arms crossed, glowering. His workers sensed his mood and kept their distance, while working hard under his watchful glare. The old man did not acknowledge the swashbuckler's approach.

Seadreamer during this time, has been drifting around, and keeping an eye out.

When Lanni approaches to ask about the guns, he responds.

I know my thoughts are not like yours, but I am thinking that we could go with double the guns, as you didn't want the heavier throw weight.
But if he is offering to give us more, then lets take advantage of it

Lanni nods at Seadreamer. "It is certainly a bit of a tradeoff. But twice the number of guns would need twice the crew to man them. I'll defer to you on the matter. We'll just have to earn enough to justify the cost of shots that we miss with."

Aye, Lanni, there is that, but we can always recruit other crew as needed
Plus having them now, will save us the search for new guns later.
Shot is so much cheaper than the guns, but I agree it is expensive.

He pauses

But we don't have to use the extra guns, unless we absolutely need to

The man stands there with an angry scowl, arms crossed, exuding an aura of menace that keeps his workers out of his fiery range. Mateo moved up to stand beside the man, his hands resting on his belt as he looks over the Good Intentions. The team was working their very best, shifting and changing its appearance while maintaining the original ship's seaworthiness and speed. For a long moment, the two would simply coexist. Mateo was well-aware of the man's slowly growing ire beside him as he bounced on his heels, looking back at Rickety at long last.

"Thank you for not calling your men onto her and us. You are a consummate professional." Mateo was earnest in his thanks, his good eye returning to the men at work. Some of Pegworthy's crew passed nearby, talking amidst themselves. Clearing his throat, Mateo would speak. "I wish to repay your kindness with what you seek; closure."

"Now before you get carried away, I want you to know that I've verified nothing. I just can...sense these things. I am a man of violence because I enjoy the art of it. Syl...she learned to love it because it was how she survived. With that said, I feel I'm qualified to help explain it as you seem a logical man." Turning towards him, Mateo would continue. "First, I want you to think of the circumstances. You are Rickety, the most prominent and trusted squibber in the Shackles. Countless pirates turn to you to hide their ill-gotten goods. None would betray you because your connections and wealth are immense. You are a danger, not in battle, but in influence. Yet for some reason, my Dragon killed your son."

"The son of Rickety, one of the most powerful men in the Shackles without having a target on his back. This place must've been his personal kingdom, the prince to the king. Amidst the pirates, one could forget their place. One could believe that no harm could ever come to them because they were the prince. Who would strike down a prince?" Mateo said softly, shrugging. "What the prince wanted, the prince could take. Beloved by his father, his antics unseen, he would try to take something he should not...someone they should not."

"This woman is fearless, murderous, and I fell in love the moment she plunged a blade in between my ribs. Yet she feared this place. She feared you and it is not because you have a bounty on her head. Perhaps it was because you were a loving father who didn't know better." Mateo turned, his smile that he had worn throughout the conversation gone from his face. "If your son was still alive, I'd bleed the answers from him. I'd make him confess and I'd cut his throat in front of you so you'd have your damned closure. I was not there but I know what I feel; your son was a monster. He just met a more dangerous one. He deserves whatever fate Pharasma has for him."

"I don't care if you call off the bounty or not. In fact, I welcome it. They'll be skilled, dangerous, and I get to watch the ambition bleed from their eyes when they witness who they're dealing with. I will kill each and every one of them Rickety, every single one. And if for some strange reason should your people succeed, I will come here and I will collect my pound of flesh from you and those you care for. You do not scare me because I am in love." The straight-forward stare disappeared into a mirthful grin as he clapped the man's shoulder, nodding. "Now that that unruly business is done, I hope you have the answer you want and that you understand your choices here. I cannot wait to see the workmanship you and yours make! Have a good day."

Placing an arm around her, "You ain't kidding about that, darlin'. This is the kind of 'eventful' a sword can't do anything about." Then cutting his focus toward the departing Mateo, "I wonder where he's going? He sounds like a man on a mission and not a good one either. Why do I have a bad feeling about that?"

Atia nibbles her food and leans into Joran's embrace, glancing at Mateo's retreating form before replying, "Mateo won't do anything stupid," She says confidently, glancing up at the barbarian through thick, blonde lashes. "You just don't like the man very much," She teases, poking Joran's side with her index finger. "The sooner we get out of here and back to the sea, the better..."

Lanni orders some food and tells Thelma to say hi to Veja for him. Then makes his way over to a table near the others.

"The sooner we get out of here and back to the sea, the better..."

"Yeah, no doubt of that. Though after today, I won't have to worry about finding gray hairs for months."

As Mateo struts out, Terry hangs his head. Then he looks up at Des and says the obvious. "Only one reason I can think of for him to leave her bedside. He won't draw first, or it would have already happened. Won't keep him from provoking. I REALLY hope he doesn't. Hope? Wish. I expect to get that wish as much as any other . . .."

Atia nibbles her food and leans into Joran's embrace, glancing at Mateo's retreating form before replying, "Mateo won't do anything stupid," She says confidently, glancing up at the barbarian through thick, blonde lashes. "You just don't like the man very much," She teases, poking Joran's side with her index finger. "The sooner we get out of here and back to the sea, the better..."

Joran flinches a little as he finds her poke tickle a bit. Grinning, "Oh, well, he's alright. He's a nutter - which makes him and Syl perfect for each other - but he's alright. He's handy in a pinch if he's on your side in battle. I'd rather be with him than against him in that regard for sure." He winks, grinning wryly. "And I'm with you and Lanni on that last bit. I'm ready to get the heck out of here and back on the water. I don't like this uncomfortable feeling."

Des looks over at Mateo before returning his gaze to Terry. "We probably would have seen some blood on him too. Here's to hoping we can keep the peace until we leave," she winced.

Rickety says nothing during, or after, Mateo's speech. The swashbuckler can see the veins in the old man's temple flaring angrily, and Mateo doesn't doubt the man wants to deny his words, but to his credit, the old squibber keeps any argument to himself. He stares after Mateo wordlessly as the Devil takes his leave.

RP anything else you wish for this day, but I believe there was to be a meeting the following morning to sort out the Pegsworthy situation, so once you're ready to move to that...

The tap room of the Commons was cleared out the next morning, and a long table was set out. Along one side, there were seats for each of you. Along the other, seats for Pegsworthy and the officers he'd brought aboard. Rickety took a seat at the head of the table. The only other people present wereThelma, who was bustling about filling drinks and placing breakfast refreshments, little fruit tarts and pastries, in front of everyone, and Veja, who was curled up in his tub, still sleeping.

Can pick up right before the meeting starts, and you don't -have- to attend if you'd be off doing something else.

When Mateo returns back through the common room and up to his room, Lanni is relieved to see that he isn't covered in more blood - his own or anyone else's.

-----

The next morning he is a bit miffed at being shoo'ed out of the tavern before breakfast. He has to hold his morning seance in the alley nearby and on an empty stomach.

:∴:
"OK, well stay here for a bit. Who else?"

:∴:
"Interesting, but I don't think being a compulsive liar is going to help my negotiations later this morning."

:∴:
"Really? You know what, is that first one still here? I don't expect to be dealing with traps today, but I'm also in a bit of a hurry."

For everyone Trickster Seance Boon: Pick a skill, any skill. Get +1 bonus to it and count it as a class skill.

-----

When the meeting starts, Lanni goes and takes a seat at the table directly opposite Captain Pegsworthy. He nods politely to both Pegsworthy and Rickety and accepts breakfast with a grin from Thelma.

"Morning everyone. Good to see that we are all still in good health."

Having never been in a meeting like this before, he nibbles on his food and waits for Rickety to get the conversation going. He is a bit nervous, but is trying his best not to show it.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

The next morning, Atia takes some time to prepare her spells for the day before heading out to join the meeting with the other officers. The Chelish wizard is wearing newer clothes - tan pants tucked into knee-high leather boots with her usual light blue robes with gold threading and trim tied around her waist. The robes, while faded, look freshly washed and mended. Her long blonde hair hangs in loose waves over her shoulders.

The wizard sits near Lanni and Joran, glancing around the table silently as she has breakfast: a small fruit tart and hot tea sweetened with honey.

Des true to her word decided not to join in on her room... for precaution reasons. Instead, she decided to see if Dixie's room was available.
-----------------------
The next morning, she would make her way into the room. She wore a blue one-piece dress that flowed from her shoulder to her ankles with light materials that is more bearable for hot weather. Her hair has been tied together into knots as to keep it in check and make it slightly more formal. Not that it mattered much in the Shackles, but it felt like a good idea.

Mateo returns to find everyone staring at him, his eyebrow arching just a little bit in question before he gives a friendly wave and makes his way upstairs. His words were delivered and Rickety knew how things would play out however he wanted to play it. His dragon was resting and needed protection. Any would-be heroes would have the Devil to dance with. Throughout the day, Mateo would come downstairs for drinks, meals, and drinks. He would chat with those that wished to, especially the especially brave if foolish girl who had teased him earlier. Most of the time would be spent with Syl, washing her with a cloth, maintaining her weapons, patching her clothing, and teasing her relentlessly so she was motivated to rise from the bed and either stab him or kiss him. There was no mention of Rickety or what he discussed with the man and, if pressed, would only give a sly grin.

The next morning, was dressed far more subtle and reasonable. His ridiculous get-up had been saved and packed away, saved for a night that morale was low on the ship and he needed to showcase his mighty thighs again. His clothes were washed of the dirt and mended, holes stitched back together after being handed to the local seamstress. In his trademark hat and with his fancy yet subtle eyepatch, Mateo would come downstairs and sit at the table with his compatriots. He drinks a cup of coffee, freshly brewed, and savors how the warmth resonates through his body. His eye lingers on Rickety for only a moment before passing over towards Captain Pegsworthy. He tips his hat silently to the man, looking towards Lanni and waiting to hear what the negotiation would be.

Terry shows up to the table having already eaten at least something flaky, based on the crumbs on his shirt. He places a mug on the appropriate side of the table, but at the foot.

Before he sits, though, he turns and says simply "Captains."

Then he claims the matching chair and joins the awkward silence which seems to rule the morning.