Melli draws her weapon and points at the old crew. "So, you lot, what'll it be? Whippings and misery under Plugg and Scourge, or a chance to have some say in where the ship goes, and whose command it goes there under? Because this is your chance to decide!" She notes that Scourge looks like he'd be a good fight to have, and with the others at her back, the abuse they suffered on the Wormwood looks to be close to its end.
Hearing MacLaren call him very stupid, Pluggs jaw drops, as his scalp turns red. About to yell an order, he notices Tempest moving forwards, mocking him. Blustering he turns as Veronica steps forward as well, his eyes widen as she calls him a fool holding a whip. Hearing the sound of a weapon leaving its scabbard, Plugg instictivly draws his own cutlass its basket hilt cast in the likeness of a grinning skull. Looking from Melli to the rest of the crew.
Seeing the officers draw their weapons, the eight new pirates and Master Scourge do the same. The crew, inflamed by Melli, start drawing blades, one calling out. "Give him the black spot." While another calls out, "I say we vote!" A third calling out, "We want rum!"
Ellie draws her rapier. "You know, Plugg, I've been wanting to do this since the day I was dragged onto the filthy Wormwood. You and your lickspittle, both," she adds, gesturing at Scourge. "And you've hated us since the beginning, not that I can fathom your monkey-faced logic. So do you want to give this a go? Then COME ON!" On her last words, the rapier in her hand and the weapons of many of the pirates glow faintly blue and thrum with magic.
His eyes widening as Ellie began to cast her spell, Plugg screamed Mutiny!"
average = 14.4
allies
/13=10.85
Average= 15.5
Enemies
/8= 12.13
average = 9
Knowing Plugg's temper, Ambrose wants to see this end as quickly as possible, hustling forward, he swings his frying pan at the nearest ex-Rahadoumi sailor. The frying pan handle slippery from bacon fat, the chubby chef almost drops his impromptu weapon.
Realizing that the crossbowman in the back are the greatest threat that he can reach, Conchobhar pulls out his short bow and quickly draws an arrow, firing at the ex-Rahadoumi sailor; his missile striking true.
Knowing her fellow halfling will want to focus on Plugg, Rosie quickly moves past her attacking the ex-Rahadoumi sailor that threatened Melli's flank. chopping at the man with her hand axe, her axe biting deep in his groin.
Seeing the confrontation turn violent, Sandara, began to cast instant armor.
Individual NPC’s
ex-Rahadoumi sailor
NPC allies
As soon as the two mice running Plugg's brain finally come to the realization of what is happening, Tempest is ready. True to form, she summons up her magic, blasting both him and Scourge, as well as one of their new Rahadoumi allies, with Color Spray. Unfortunately, one of her own allies manages to rush in before she gets the spell off, and is caught as well.
Melli leaps into action as the Color Spray fades, grabbing Plugg's jacket without waiting to see what the effect on the man will be. She swings on the length of it, using momentum to pop herself up and onto the man's shoulders. Once there, she hangs on with one arm around his neck while her sword hand keeps a firm grip on her rapier. "The view from up here is amazing! Is this what it's like to be tall?"
The realization of Ellie's short but effective speach starts to dawn on everyone as Tempest pulls a pinch of red, yellow, and blue powder from her pouch and blows it at Plugg and friends (Both his and hers). Melli seeing Tempest reach for her pouch freezes for a split second, then springs into action, climbing Pluggs coat.
As Rosie and the ex-Rahadoumi sailor fall to the ground, even with Melli clambering over him, Plugg is able to see the effect of Tempest spell. Swatting at the pesky little halfling he screams "Kill the Sylph witch!"
specified NPC’s
ex-Rahadoumi sailor
NPC allies
BBEg and Minion
As Plugg draws his weapon, so does Veronica. She starts casting along with Tempest and her blade takes on an icy gleam as she steps up and takes two quick slashes at Plugg before he has a chance to fight back.
"What's the matter, Plugg? Feeling a little cold? Might want to start getting used to it, in case you end up as fish feed"
Brother MacLaren swings his tankard at Plugg (standard), then draws his rapier (move).
The shocked 'Captain Plugg's' eyes widen as Veronica attacks, her first strike of the cutlass slashing him as well as making his blood as cold as the northern seas, with her second attack his eyes dim, realizing his imminent failure was at hand. To make matters worse, the drunkard of a cooks mate, hits him with a beer mug.
The ex-Rahadoumi sailor react to the situation. Hearing the order to 'kill the witch' The ones on the upper deck target Tempest, only one striking true. After they fire, they drop there crossbows, moving towards the stairs. When the sailors on the steps see that the crossbowman had failed to strike true, the ex-Rahadoumi sailor steps off the stairs, causing Ambrose to take a swing at him with his frying pan. The sailor reeling from the blow, still thrusts his shortsword at Tempest, slashing her on her arm. The ex-Rahadoumi sailor, slashes at Amborse, cutting the fat cook on his shoulder. The ex-Rahadoumi sailor, on the opposite side rush into action as well, the furthest sailor slashing at Shivikah drawing blood while the other, giving an evil grin, squatting down draws his shortsword across Rosie's throat, smiling as she bleeds out.
Watching his friend die, Ratline moves forward, crying out, "You all die for that!" As he slashes the throat of the downed ex-Rahadoumi sailor. but the hardy sailor seems to still be breathing. Jaundice Jape, seeing a chance to get back at Plugg steps forward and swings his cutlass at the embattled Plugg, the mute giggling as he slashes Pluggs arm. While Tilly slashes at the ex-Rahadoumi sailor nearest her, the others surge forward, waiving their cutlasses.
Realizing the Sailor he'd attacked could now harm Mac, Ambrose swings at him again with the frying pan, staggering him. While Conchobhar continues shooting at the ex-Rahadoumi sailor whom he'd already wounded once, winging him a second time. While Sandara begins a spell to summon allies.
Mr Plugg, his eyes almost glazed over from the realization that he's probably drawing his last breath, swings his cutlass at the cause of todays trouble. Mac, but to no avail. While Master Scourge, realizing Plugg was in all sorts of trouble, thrusts his punching dagger at Melli, who was practically sitting upon Plugg's head, but he too misses his target.
specified NPC’s
ex-Rahadoumi sailor
NPC allies
Brother MacLaren's face hardens as a Rahadoumi sailor kills the unconscious halfling.
He takes his rage out on Plugg for now, stabbing with the rapier and following up with a roundhouse with the mug.
As Scourge takes a swipe at her with his punching dagger, Melli takes the opportunity to move quickly from atop Plugg and jumps, landing under Scourge's feet.
Once she's there, she turns and takes a thrust at the man she just jumped from, hoping to catch him off-guard.
Making solid contact with both his weapons, Plugg goes down like a sack of potatoes. As the 'Captain' goes down, the ex-Rahadoumi sailor makes an obscene gesture at the Cook's Mate, who he'd just had a drink with a few hours before.
Melli easy landing on her feet near his head. Scooting underfoot of Scourge, she thrust her rapier into the sailor Ambrose staggered.
specified NPC’s
ex-Rahadoumi sailor
NPC allies
"GET THEM!" Ellie shouts. "And watch Melli around the back!" she adds, as much a distraction for the enemy pirates as tactical advice for her allies.
Veronica glares at the man who took Rosie's life and raises her cutlass in his direction, and then sweeps it, encompassing the whole Rahadoumi crew.
"You had every chance to just stand aside and not get involved in this. And yet you decided to protect these two bastards with more fight then you showed when we boarded this ship. Very well. We spared your life, but it's yours to throw away as you see fit. We won't make the same mistake twice."
She raises her arm as she looks back at the rest of the crew and brings it down in the direction of the Rahadoumi.
"Kill them all! For Rosie!"
Taking a step over the man Melli just took down, Veronica takes a furious slash at Scourge, discharging the rest of her Frostibite spell at him, while trying to follow up with a different spell. Her anger at Rosie's death makes it difficult for her to focus however.
"Don't worry Scourge, you'll be joining Plugg soon enough!"
"Kill them all, but keep THAT one alive!" Tempest shouts, pointing at the one that killed Rosie, "A quick death is too good for him!"
Returning her focus to the actual threat still alive, she reaches an arm out, throwing an arc of lightning at Scourge.
After her reaction to the violence of the ex-Rahadoumi sailor, Veronica steps over the sailor, attacking Scourge with the same vicious spell she attacked his master with, the results very much the same. While Tempest's anger at the other ex-Rahadoumi sailor throws her magical, completely self-generated spell having no need for component pouch, off ever so slightly.
Realizing the person who'd promised them revenge against the 'Caydenites' was dead, and all they had to look forward to was death at the hands of religious zealots, the improptu leader of the Rahadoumi, calls out. "Better oblivion than a slow death at the hands of these 'god lovers' boys." He then turns and dives over the gunwale, followed by the other two near him. Both Ratline and Shivikah slashing at them as they attempt to escape. Both striking true, but not enough to bring them down.
While on the other side, they also attempt to dive overboard, preferring a quick death at sea to dying at the hands of pirates. As they move, Ambrose and Tilly both lash out, neither making contact. As they dive in the water, swimming away from the boat. Some of the crew watch the Rahadoumi swim away, yelling out threats. Though most of the crew turn their direction to the aft of the deck, towards the cause of their frustrations.
Ratline again stabs at the ex-Rahadoumi sailor, this time smiling, as the sailor breaths his last. Jaundice Jape, caught up in the moment lifts his cutlass and chops at the unconcious Plugg, removing the head of the man who would be Captain. Tam rushes forward and thrusts his cutlass in the sailor Abrose had downed, piercing the mans heart. Seeing their opportunity Syl and Tilly rush forward, remembering all the times Scourge and made them feel less, chopping at him with their cutlasses. Though Syl misses, Tilly makes good contact, drawing blood from Scourges arm.
Scourge, not willing to admit defeat, considered Melli his first and foremost problem. Again thrusting the punching dagger at her, he jabs the tip into her shoulder. She can feel the poison from the blade seeping into her bloodstream.
Seeing that the sailor he'd attack was dead, Ambrose turns his skillet on Scourge, swinging at him with all his strength. Missing badly, he's lucky not to have hit Melli. Ratline not wanting to hit any of his companions lowered his bow. While Sandara coming to the conclusion that things were nearing the end, stopped casting her spell; but moved forward to help heal whoever was in need.
specified NPC’s
ex-Rahadoumi sailor
NPC allies
"You're all alone now, Scourge!" Tempest nearly cackles as the sailors flee to their deaths, "Make it easy on yourself and just surrender!"
Not giving him a chance to actually follow her suggestion, though, she lashes out at him again.
"No, we cannot give him quarter," says MacLaren. "To the death!"
MacLaren strikes again with sword and flagon, though inaccurately.
"Didn't offer him quarter, just said he should stop fighting the inevitable."
"I'm not gonna give him that choice. Scourge, your pitiful life ends now."
Looking Scourge straight in the eye, Veronica leads with a brutal cut at the man's ugly head. Somehow, she feels as if there's something or someone guiding her hand, and it hits for devastating effect. But she quickly follows it with a reckless casting of her spell, knowing she'll lack the focus to do it defensively, leaving herself open before completing it with another strike.
Melli feels the poison, but doesn't think it's too bad of a dose just yet. It stings, but it's not causing her any weakness. Still, something to be aware of for future fighting with Scourge. Still, it's not like there's any space to dodge his stabs.
Instead, she goes with stabbing the man, a rough motion in the crowded deck.
"You've lost, Scourge!" Ellie shouts triumphantly across the deck.
Knowing he's defeated, Scourge's eyes light up a little as he looks towards Tempest and her offer of clemency, though the small lightning bolt from her hand burning the ends of his hair as it courses through him causes him doubt. As he begins to feint, the last thing he sees is Veronica as she declares his life 'ends now' chopping through his bandana into his scalp. As the dead 'Second in Command' falls at Melli's feet, Ellie's voice can be heard above the din, "You've Lost Scourge!" A cheer goes up from the crew, as they lift cutlasses and knives, they've been delivered from Scourge's abuse by our intrepid adventurers.
As things calm down, Sandara's voice could be heard, "We've won, but not without our own losses. If you're wounded gather around, through Besmara's strength I can heal you." As those who are wounded, gather about, she channels energy. Afterwards she moves to Rosie's body. While Fipps and Tam grab the bodies of the dead Rahadoumi sailors and toss them overboard, taunting the others as the blood in the water begins to draw sharks.
Brother MacLaren moves to Rosie's body and says a prayer.
He conjures some ale and pours a drop on her lips. "May you go swiftly to Cayden's feasting halls, if you'll have him."
He fumes silently. This didn't have to happen. A terrible miscalculation.
He knows who he blames.
No time to dwell on that now.
The priest stands and turns.
"Plugg is dead! Scourge is dead! The ship is ours!
I nominate Ellie Dewblossom, daughter of Captain Alter Dewblossom, for Captain. We all fight better under her, we have seen that. She knows her way around a ship. And I think her heart is good."
Brother MacLaren is perfectly willing to let Ambrose Kroop stay on as Cook if he wishes, or he can take the job. If Kroop wants to remain Cook, then MacLaren could be Quartermaster perhaps.
Tempest joins in the cheering along with the crew, though does cast a discerning eye over the bodies of Plugg and Scourge during the revelry.
After Sandara's healing pulse, Tempest clears her throat to gather the crew's attention, "The ship is ours, and with it, endless possibilities. We will need to hold a funeral for Rosie, of course. In the mean time, though, the ship needs a new Captain. Are there any here who thinks to claim the role? Let us decide this civilly, unlike our previous pretenders."
"I always wanted to be captain of a ship." Melli stares off for a bit, then comes back to the conversation. "No, I won't be throwing my bandana in the ring today. I'd be happy to take the role of master at arms or boatswain. There's punishment, and then there's torture, and either of those jobs'd be better in my hands than Scourge and Plugg's. I'll hold my vote until I hear who the candidates for captain are, though."
"Me?" Several things occur to Ellie all at once. Being captain of a ship has always been her dream, of course-- captain of the Tempest. That's long gone now, of course, and this would be the next best thing. But then... this would be a pirate ship, and she a pirate captain. And a crew expecting her to steer them toward other people's riches. Is that a life she wants?
Better a pirate captain than a pirate swab. Or should she turn it down in favor of some lesser office? "I... I..." She looks at the others. Tempest is every inch a pirate witch, but seems to have little interest in the post. Mac, seeing her bona fides for what they are, apparently thinks she should take it. Melli hasn't weighed in but isn't a contender herself. Veronica-- what does Veronica think?
Seeing her wiping the blood off her cutlass, Ellie could've believed Veronica was the Scourge of the Seas already. Her spellsword attacks were devastating, and she does know how to sail. Surely she wants the job herself.
"I... ye... I mean... want... to be considered," she finally stumbles out.
Tempests detect magic:
Scourge: potion of blur, potion of cure light wounds,
Plugg: potion of cure moderate wounds, screaming bolts(3), Shackles of compliance. tidewater cutlass (Remeber all 'magical items' are Masterwork, the + 1 to attack and damage will come with the ABP)
other items from combat:
Master Scourge: leather armor, punching dagger, masterwork handaxe carved with notches for kills, shortbow with 12 arrows in leather quiver with a buttoned shutter to protect them from the elements, whip, boatswain’s call, corked dark green bottle containing 8 doses of oil of taggit, six gold teeth worth 5 gp each, hefty waxed coat with many hidden pockets, leather snuff box with a diamond stud worth 100 gp containing 1 dose of dark reaver powder, silver wedding ring worth 25 gp, 14 pp, 29 gp
Mr. Plugg: masterwork cat-o’-nine-tails*, light crossbow with 10 bolts, leather drinking cup, betting stash of 100 sp and 200 gp. a set of keys (one each for all the locks on board)
Rahadoumi Sailors: 2 studded leather, 5 heavy crossbow with 40 bolts, 2 short sword,
As you all are talking and Tempest is studying the bodies of your dead officers, You hear a banging on the door behind them and the voice of Owlbear calling out. "Hey! Food! Owlbear Hungry!"
Chucking at the hungry oaf, Ambrose announces, "I'll goes below decks an' rustle up some grub, be back up in a jiffy." He looks at each of you, then adds, "You all figures out tha next cap'ain and officers, yeah."
Ellie's reply surpises Veronica for a brief moment, but she quickly smiles at her before stepping forward towards the group.
I figured she'd be asking us to let her leave, and go back to her old life when this was over. So she's considering sticking with us?
"I'd like to be considered as well. But there's one thing I have to tell you all before you decide." She gives a slight nod to Tempest, then takes her ornate cutlass and in its black scabbard from her belt and presents it to her companions before continuing. "I told you piracy was sort of a family business to me, but it goes a bit deeper than that. A century ago, my great-grandmother sailed these seas as a Free Captain. Her name? Lara Blackblade. You've at least heard Tempest's account of one of her greatest feats, and you saw how her legend lives on to this day from how the rest of the crew reacted."
"I purposely never brought it up because I wanted you all to judge me on my actions alone. Respect has to be earned - it's not something that just gets handed down to you. But her name does allow me to serve as a figurehead for the crew."
She smiles back at Ellie before continuing.
"Ellie's the best sailor I've seen, however. She'd make a fine captain as well, and I'd be proud to serve under her if that's what you all decide."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"But her name does allow me to serve as a figurehead for the crew."
"Now that's a lousy job. Terrible quarters, saltwater up your nose all day, and let's not even talk about what happens if we ram someone."
Brother MacLaren looks out over the bow of the ship to check if there actually is a figurehead.
"Well, then, my vote'll be for Veronica for the reputation, earned or not. Ellie or Tempest can actually steer the Man's Promise. And speaking of that name, can't we do better than that?"
"I'll take on the role of boatswain, then. Someone has to make sure the crew's pulling its weight."
"Two candidates, both with solid reasoning to take the spot. Hmmm." Tempest furrows her brow in thought for a moment, "You could always just wed each other. Brother MacLaren, you can preside over weddings, no? No one would bat an eyelash at a married couple co-captaining a ship..."
Ellie feels a slight blush rise to her cheeks at Tempest's joke. "No need for that," she says. As they tally up the votes and realize there's yet no clear winner, she finds her heart hoping for a different outcome than she thought it would-- and she decides on the spot to make it happen.
"I rescind my nomination!" she says before anyone else might decide things differently. "I'm a sailor. Veronica is a pirate. She should be our captain."
Tempest shrugs at Ellie's concession, "Being honest, I would have voted for her, if that suggestion went south. Just from my history with her family. But, you're my friend, and I know how much you wanted to take after your dad. Was trying not to take that away..." She trails off, but nods solemnly, "Ready to make the announcement?"
"Thank you, Ellie. But you've been a pretty good pirate yourself. And like I said, the best sailor I've ever seen."
"I know this isn't really the life you wanted, but if you're willing to stay with us, I'd love to have you as first mate - there's no one I would trust more to keep this ship running."
She nods at Tempest's question and moves forward towards the rest of the crew, her family's sword in hand.
"Everyone! I thank you all for trusting us with such an important decision. From this day forward, you sail under me, Veronica Blackblade!" She holds her family sword above her head for all to see. "Like Lara Blackblade before me, I vow to lead you all to untold glory and riches! Together, we will achieve feats even greater than hers! Tonight we mourn for Rosie, and we celebrate our new beginnings. Tomorrow, we take the Shackles for ourselves!"
"I never got to have my fight with Rosie... Melli looks at her feet.
Then, after Veronica's speech, she straightens up and takes Plugg's cat-o'-nine-tails from the pile of loot."I'll be the new boatswain on the Man's Promise, at least until we come up with a better name. I don't think we'll be doing bloody hour anymore, unless Captain Blackblade wants to keep the tradition going, but discipline's called for sometimes, I know from a dozen tavern brawls. We'll lock this up for now, somewhere it can't get overused. In the meantime, mourn and celebrate, as the captain says, because we're undercrewed and have to get this tub working tomorrow!"
Just as the announcement was made and the crew started to cheer, some tossing their hats in the air others waiving their cutlasses, Ambrose came on deck carrying the stew he and Mac had been preparing. Appearing behind him was Jack carrying a small barrel under one arm and a basket with cups, mugs and spoons in the other. Banging on the iron caldron with his large spoon Ambrose shouted, "You heard tha' Cap'ain, Tonights we's celebratin'. 'Elp yerselve's ta tha stew an' 'ave a cup o' rum! You's swabs earned it!" Gesturing for Jack to set the basket on a pile of rope, he sat he stew one side and the small cask of decent rum the other.
As he crew moved towards the food and drink, he moved towards the captain, nodding his approval. Looking from Veronica to Ellie to Melli, "Cap'ain, first mate an' boatswain, 'at's a good start, yeah." He looked at Mac then Tempest, "You's two's were as much a part o' 'is," He nods towards the crew, "They's'l expect you's blokes ta be officers too. I recon I's'l stay tha cook if'n you's'l 'ave me." He nods towards Jack, "An' Scrimshaw 'air'll makes a fine cabin boy if'n you's'l 'ave 'im." His brow narrows, and he looks at each of the new officers. "You's'l need ta make tha rules soon, an stick to's 'em. Not today, an maybe not tomorrow, but 'ese swabs be a rough bunch so's soon."
About that time everyone hears Owlbear bellowing from inside the captain's cabin, pounding on the door. "Owlbear Hungry!" Hearing the large oaf bellowing Ambrose gestures that direction, "I reckon someone aughts ta let tha big guy out ta eat, yeah?"
Tempest wrinkles her nose in disgust at the sight of the rum, "As soon as we get to a port, we're replacing that poison with something that's actually potable."
She does flip through Plugg's keys to find the one that open's the door to Veronica's new cabin, "I guess it's ship mage for me. I can also help with navigation, owing to my sense for the weather. Ah, here it is." She opens the door and heads inside to release Owlbear, once and for all.
Veronica nods at Tempest's comment about the rum. "Definitely, I won't keep poisoning the crew with that stuff. Me and Mac can try to clean some of it for now with our magic, until we make port."
Turning to Mac, she adds with a smile "Mac, you're the expert here, I'll be counting on you to pick something decent when we reach a port, and to make sure the crew have their daily drinks, but keep healthy and sober enough to do their tasks come morning. I can think of no one better suited for the role. Call it Master of Drinks, I guess."
He looked at Mac then Tempest, "You's two's were as much a part o' 'is,"
"Aw, shucks, it weren't nothing.
All I did was defy Plugg, insult him to his face, dodge his attacks, and take him down with a few hits. Anyone could have done that."MacLaren cracks a broad grin. He is rather proud of his contributions, but he knows Plugg would not have fallen so easily without Veronica's strikes.
MacLaren takes a sip of the rum. "This cask is the decent stuff. Praise Cayden! Not the poison. It was for the officers on the Wormwood but I say it is for the whole crew now!
I'd be happy to be Quartermaster until we can get Grok off of the Wormwood and onto this ship."
He goes and frees Owlbear to join the celebration.
Chuckling at Mac's response, Ambrose smiled, "Well's it's a sight more than any o' 'ese other lubbers did," He looks quickly to towards Tempest, "you 'an yer's I mean."
Hearing the ladies question the quality of the rum he frowns until Mac sip some, smiling at the Caydenite's comment, he gestures towards the cask, "You's ladies cut's me ta tha quick, 'at rum is from me own stash, gift from Grok as we was leaving."
After Tempest finds Pluggs keys she and Mac head into the 'Captains Quarters' to free owlbear. As they open the door the giant of the man is standing there, just within arms reach of the door, chained by the neck to the mast running through the room, he moans loudly "Foooood" Like the big lug hadn't eaten in weeks. ONce Tempest finds the key and releases him, he give her a big hug and then hugs Mac as well, quickly heading out to get in line for the stew Mac had made earlier that day.
As Owlbear leaves the two adventurers get a quick glance at the cabin: The rear wall of this luxurious (by pirate ship standards) cabin holds four gilt-framed windows that rise the full height of the chamber. The cabin contains a luxurious hammock, a dining table and chairs, and a few chests and bookshelves. A trap door opens directly into the cook’s cabin below (area B11). The two doors opening onto the main deck and the trap door are locked with good locks. The windows do not open. hospitality’s hammock
Off to each side the room are Captain’s Storage: These small storerooms do not have doors, but are separated by sliding walls than can also be removed and made into a folding table. The starboard compartment contains a small writing desk and a couple of chests. One of the chests is locked with a good lock and fitted with an electricity arc trap which the key disengages; this chest holds Mr. Plugg’s share of the booty from the Man’s Promise,
As Tempest and Mac explore the captain's cabins, Ambrose turns to Veronica and asks, "So's what might be tha plan now?" He looks at the ship and back to her. "You knows, not only will tha Rahadoumi be lookin' fer 'is ship, but cap'ain Harrigan will be as well, yeah."
"Good point. We don't want to be an easy target for Harrigan when he realizes what's happened." Melli thinks for a bit. "We could leave the Shackles. That'd get us away from him. But the plunder and booty is here. What are our options for not looking like a ship he's captured?"
"Sorry about the rum, Kroop, but you can't blame us for being careful after that dreadful stuff we were given"
At the cook's question about her plans, she takes a moment to gather her thoughts.
"I figure our top priority right now has to be on recruitment. We have a pretty small crew for this ship right now, and I'd rather not push the crew hard for more time than we need."
"That said, I'd rather not go around the ports recruiting people for "The Man's Promise". We should have a bit of time before Harrigan or the Rahadoumi realise it's missing, but word would get around fast if we did that. We should definitely try to get it changed first. Plus, what kind of name is "The Man's Promise", anyway?"
"You've been at this for some time, Kroop. Do you have any idea where we could have that job done quickly?"
Ambrose nods to Veronica and smiles a gap tooth smile. "It's alrighty Cap'ain. We's all make mistakes." He pauses thinking about her question.
Hearing the conversation, Sandara wandered over, leaning in answering Melli in part, "It's not just the Shackles hon, it's anywhere. The Rahadoumi don't like it when us 'religious types' steal something from them." She gestures towards the front bow. "And this ship has a Rahadoumi silhouette down to the waterline. We need to get it Squibbed" Realizing the term may not be apparent. "Altered, change it's features, takes a professional." She pauses, looking at Ambrose. "Rickety's?"
Chuckling at the idea Ambrose chimes in. "Rickety Squibs, is prob'ly tha closest." He looks at the Captain still concerned. "An 'at alone won't be enough ta get ya in the shackles proper. Anyone's piratin' wit out's a charter'll be easy prey ta any legit Cap'ain, not jus' Harrigan. You's sail inta tha Shackles wit out a charter yer beggin' ta be right backs where ya started er worse, yeah." His smile widens. 'S a good thing ole Rickety isn't in tha Shackles, yeah."
"Also depends on how long our supplies will last, cap'n. Mac, have you seen what's in this ship's hold? How much water and food do we have?"
"Also depends on how long our supplies will last, cap'n. Mac, have you seen what's in this ship's hold? How much water and food do we have?"
"I would say we have enough to get to Rickety Squibs.
We could stretch it more with some fishing if we have to. But that task I will delegate from now on."
He glowers for a moment, and says with mock menace, "We all know what happened to the last person who tried to order me to fish."
"So let's avoid any such unpleasantness and we can have those who actually enjoy it or are good at it take on that task."
Brother MacLaren gets to work removing the weapons, armor, and gear from Plugg and Scourge.
"You won't need those where you are going."
Rosie's gear he leaves with her as a sign of respect.
"Sandara, will you help me with this? Let's get some spare sailcloth."
He wraps the bodies in the canvas, places some iron in the canvas for weight (such as lengths of chain, or a couple of heavy weapons such as morningstars) and then ties them with rope.
With the help of Sandara, he lifts each body relatively respectfully to the rail and tips them over.
"We commit this body to the deep. May Pharasma judge them fairly." It's a most useful prayer. Plugg and Scourge should get what they deserve, and Rosie should get what she deserves.
"We commit this body to the deep. May Pharasma judge them fairly." There is no need for mockery, but neither do their names need to be mentioned. They were sailors and pirates who died at sea.
"Rosie Cusswell. Cussed well and fought better. May she fight and drink and cuss and fight forevermore. We commit her body to the deep, and may Pharasma judge her fairly."