"That's right. And I might get to thank Achaekek for letting get a bit of revenge in the end." she replied darkly... only to return to her winning smile. "Anyways, I see you've got some loot in the bilge." she eyed the pocket. She then proceeded to give 5 gp to Cnut. "Go wild with the entertainment and don't be shy in asking other helpful people to lend you somevmoney to have some fun. I'll go and see if I can convince 'em Pai's too sick to take tonight's rations."
The burly man quickly turned his gaze at the small goblin woman and slowly put his knife down. "You don't fear me. Interesting." He stood up to reveal his tall frame as he towered over the cleric. He looked at her for what felt like an eternity before he spoke.
"I don't care much for earthly desires. I only mean to serve the Lady of Graves and follow her orders. You are a cleric of Lamashtu yet you have shown more compassion and bravery than Scourge has ever shown me."
The man returned to his bench and made room for a spot for Mambo to sit at. "Tell me more about your upbringing. I'm curious to learn more about you."
The woman happily takes the extra ration. "Nice! More for me then." The woman takes the ration and downs it in one gulp. She slams the cup down and gives a slight burp before she gives out a toothy grin. "Don't know why people are so up in arms 'bout the drink. I've tasted stronger stuff in piss water." She then extended a hand to shake. "Call me Tilly and I'll handle you lot's rations if ye can't handle 'em."
Cutthroat Grok is the one handling the rum rations in a bucket and the woman shakes her head. 'fraid that's all we got. Fishnets Kroop is great at many things, but alcohol ain't one of 'em. Gods I could use some a good drink round here," she sighed before pouring her own ration and gulped it down, sitting next to the cook.
Full of grog and confidence, Cnut approaches Grok ”Thanksh letting us use our weaponsh on those ratsh, but howshabout I get my armor back too? I mean, I can make my own weaponsh anyway. *hiccup*”
When the half-orc replied what he heard, Sandara scrunched up as she winced. "What can I say? I have high standards with relationship." She then decided to come clean. "It happened on my first day. Scourge offered to go light on me for... favors. Said Aretta had the same privileges," she shuddered. "I slapped him and blew him off. The very next morning he send his gang on me and left me knocked out. After that no one really wanted to talk to me. Not everyone's willing to side against the boatswain. 'Cept maybe Rosie but she's nuts," she smirked.
"Anyways, ye seem nice and all, but I wasn't sure if you'd risk the wrath of Scourge and Plugg. That takes bravery, but I saw that with both you and Chisomo."
”Apologies if that came out as too nosy” - Reknar lifted his hands - ”Not my business at all. But if you ever feel like paying some of those beatings back, or rubbing it further to Scourge by making him mad jealous, just let me know” - he added with a chuckle.
”Not sure if I would call myself ‘nice’ - he added with a shrug - ”But I already told you that once, so no point in repeating it. But I do get pissed when others try to push people around though, and that has gotten me in trouble a couple of times” - the half-orc paused - ”Bravery… Yeah… Some of my lads used to say ‘The sarg. can hold his lunch even if a band of bloodthirsty orcs come charging in the dead of night’. I used to laugh at it but hey, maybe they were right. Bravery - I like the sound of that”
Grok once again looks unimpressed with Cnut's plea to retrieve his old equipment, but Arkhan's insistence got her to relent. "I guess I do owe ya for handlin' the rats quickly." With a shrug, she went back and handed the barbarian his equipment back.
"Hey now, you're already with kindred spirits in that department," she laughed. "I'm just more willing to let Besmara take me along the ride. One moment, she helped my dad survive a storm and the next he dies of a random disease. It was sad an all, but I don't think I would have left Hell Harbor if he hadn't. And it's all led me to here with you. Funny how things work you in the end."
Sandara's grin turned mischievious as laid a hand on Reknar's shoulder. "Would you really wanna rub it like that? You're not that bad yourself, but Scourge won't that lightly. And I figured you had other people in mind. Not that we can do much in the ship to begin with."
”I…” - Reknar hesitated for a split second as Sandara placed her hand on his shoulder, but then smiled again - ”If you mean the blonde one with the half-crazed smile, I’ll admit she is a looker but that’s it. I tend to look unfavorably upon ladies who attempt to ambush me, and try to get me beaten up” - the half-orc chuckled - ”Or at least I tend to look unfavorably upon it most of the time…” - he finished with a wink.
”And why the heck not rub it like that?” - he grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze - ”You only live once anyway. Like you said, we are here today, but only the Gods know what will happen tomorrow” - the smile was gone as he fiddled again with the small wooden dragon figurine around his neck - ”I have also seen it happen around me, too many times to count” - but then quickly returned - ”And if I am not that bad - thank you for that by the way - you don’t stand to lose much, right?” - he turned to return up top - ”The offer is on the table Miss Sandara Firehair. Feel free to take it or not - I won’t be going anywhere soon anyway, unless someone throws me overboard” - he laughed, then left.
Mambo engages Cogward in some light theological debate, "Lamashtu very nice. She cares for her own family, teaches caring for own family. This crew now Mambo's family, but maybe not all." She eyes Scourge and Plugg and the holy symbol on her face flickers with baleful light for a moment.
She talks about her tribe and how she carefully placed all her tribe mate's children in the baby pit so they wouldn't hurt themselves too much. How they feasted on Binny mushrooms and the slugs that clung to their fruiting bodies.
Cogward was interested in how Mama Mambo felt the Demon Mother protected the little goblin and her family. He wasn't convinced that the Demon Queen is superior, but he was at least interested in her customs. In return, he talked about Pharasma's customs and festivals. In the end, the two agreed to disagree on that matter.
Scourge and especially Plugg looked on in jealousy. It seemed like neither person were expecting the goblin to hit it off with such a man.
Pai Song is successful in her Bluff and was able to get away with avoiding the rum rations.
It was the day of a new day as the crew got up and returned to the top of the deck. While the others made their way up the stairs, Sandara pulled Reknar away into a corner, placing him against the wall.
"I've thought about what you said last night... about whether or not to go for it. I sat on it while I prayed to the Pirate Queen for guidance. And in the end I figured... she wouldn't give a damn 'bout what's allowed or not. She takes what she wants when she want to." She moved up to place their bodies close together as their faces were inches from each other. "And I'll follow her example. We likely can't do much for long in the here and now... but I'm game if you are. With no strings attached," she grinned seductively.
Once everyone was on deck Plugg and Scourge dismissively selected the tasks for the day. The weather is currently cloudy and the waters felt choppier than usual.
Swabbers
Riggers
Cook's mate
Unfortunately for Mama Mambo, Kroop was once again too drunk to be useful help.
Reknar was about to throw a punch when he realized it was Sandara pulling him aside. Standing there against the wall, was…. A strangely pleasant sensation. The half-orc realized he hadn’t been this ‘close’ to a woman in years, of course not counting some half drunken girls at this or that rundown tavern. He wasn’t used to not being in control, and even less used to letting his guard down - it all felt like a huge risk, but the attraction to that red haired woman was impossible to deny.
”I like this Pirate Queen of yours already” - he smiled when their faces came close, savoring that intimate, close moment for a few seconds. Then he embraced Sandara in a strong grip, and kissed her - ”I’m game. No strings attached” - he winked back at her, still standing close.
”Look up if you miss me during the day!” - Reknar chuckled, and moved up top.
—————
Once on deck, Reknar took note of the weather as he climbed all the way up the rigs.
—————
”Have you learned the lesson the other day?” - Reknar growled at the woman when he passed her by in the rigs - ”Do you know now on which side you need to stand? Or is another lesson in order? And what the heck is your name again?”
Djir is back at work wrestling with the ropes again... as he does, he spends the day chatting with and getting to know the "middle aged 1/2 elf woman" who's also working on the ropes...
vs DC 10
1 rank +3 Trained +1 wis +1 guidance (from Cevanna)
vs DC 10
+2 con
1 rank +3trained +1 Cha +1 guidance
Chisomo does a desultory job of catching rats, slipping away to get the last piece of her gear back from Grok.
Cnut deploys his claws and makes short work of the climbing
Today the rope work goes easy for Cnut, so he uses his spare time to people-watch.
"I'll be seeing ya when I can, lover boy." She grinned.
In the commotion, no one seemed to have noticed the display of love.
The weather appears to be stable for now, but it's very likely that the weather will take a turn for the worse in the next day.
The blonde woman giggled at the 'threat' then slowly turned towards him with a slasher smile. [B]"You're just lucky you had the brawler woman to protect ya. But I'm open for you to try and teach me a lesson." In an instant she had him by the shirt and pulled him close. "I'd love[i/] to see how [i]you fare, if you dare." Her face fell into a frown as she roughly pushed him aisde before continuing her own work.
Samms came by to check on him afterwards. "You won't have much luck charming Slippty Syl," she shook her head. "I heard she went to the Shackles to avoid the gallows for killing a man... or three."
The ropes prove to be a true menace to Djir. Some of the ropes have been uncoiled but not the amount that was needed.
The half-elf with the bandana looked down at the ratfolk with skepticism. "Haven't had much luck trusting ratfolk in the Shackles."
"Get off ya f!@#ing high horse Badger." Rosie chimed in. "You're no angel yourself siding with Scourge. Yeah he's shifty, but he got my violin back."
"And I got extra booze from him." Tilly added. "He's good in my book."
Badger looked back over to Djir before sighing. "I'll see how ya fare out here. I feel a storm comin' 'round soon. Lets see if you landlubbers can survive that first."
Grok is happy to be rid of the last of her equipment. Chisomo noticed a new scab on her left arm.
There wasn't much to see in the middle hold, but you do see Scourge and Aretta coming up from the lower hold hastily putting sorting their clothes back in place. You could take a good guess as to what the two have been doing down there.
The ropes prove to be a true menace to Djir. Some of the ropes have been uncoiled but not the amount that was needed.
The half-elf with the bandana looked down at the ratfolk with skepticism. "Haven't had much luck trusting ratfolk in the Shackles."
"Get off ya f@$&ing high horse Badger." Rosie chimed in. "You're no angel yourself siding with Scourge. Yeah he's shifty, but he got my violin back."
"And I got extra booze from him." Tilly added. "He's good in my book."
Badger looked back over to Djir before sighing. "I'll see how ya fare out here. I feel a storm comin' 'round soon. Lets see if you landlubbers can survive that first."
"Fair enough Badger, fair enough. Of course you can't trust me, I'm the trickiest rat around. But the sea will test us all, Scourge included. We will see how it all falls out..."
Samms came by to check on him afterwards. "You won't have much luck charming Slippty Syl," she shook her head. "I heard she went to the Shackles to avoid the gallows for killing a man... or three."
”Damn…” - Reknar nodded at Samms - ”She ain’t all there, is she?” - he added - ”You are probably right - and I wasn’t even trying to charm her…”
decks and scrubbing them with sandstone blocks
called holystones, requiring a DC 10 Strength or
Constitution check. Failing either check results in the
PC being fatigued at the end of the shift.
What the bloody f!*$ all is this shit! Do I need to f+$+ing cast a spell at that asshat with the eye patch, or something!
The sour 1/2 orc begins mopping and scrubbing the decks with a sandstone block that he grips in frustration.
Mambo doesn't need Kroops help. She's beginning to to think he's her sous-chef, and a lousy one at that. She manages to reel in enough tuna to prep for the evening's dinner.
Pai Song is able to do an adequate job with repairs when she managed to put effort into it.
In the end, the success rate of many of the sailors varied wildly over time, all of which would be addressed in Bloody Hour.
Everyone lined up for Plugg and Scourge to deal out the punishments. Scourge eyed Chisomo and Djir with menacing glee before stating his case. "It comes as no surprise as I discovered the rodent messing with the ropes again. Seems clear ta me he hadn't learned his lesson last time..."
"That's where you're wrong." Giffer huffed as she was the last one in line holding an unknotted, looped pile of rope. "Here's the last of the ropes, all ready for the next day."
Scourge's mouth is agape in shock. "Weren't you s'pposed ta be running?"
The gnome shyly twirled her foot. "It looked like he needed help, so I helped him."
Plugg turned his gaze at Giffer, then back at Djir. "The work is done so I don't see how Djir should be punished for it. But you are to work at your assigned tasks from now on! Come to think of it, you were slow on the messages... Scourge. Make sure this does not happen again."
Scourge growled and bashed the hilt of the whip onto Giffer's head, causing her to yelp in pain. He then turned his attention to Chisomo. "As for you..." He pointed his finger at the monk. "Rats sure enjoyed your care, 'cause I've been seein' 'em all over the ship. Ya call yourself a warrior? I know you've been sneaking out. I just need to catch ya in the act." His henchmen all gave him odd looks. Like it or not, no one could say truthfully that Chisomo had been in the quartermaster's store.
"Must I remind you that I need substantial evidence to prove that?" He grimaced back at Scourge. "Nevertheless I find your performance today after your more successful outing in the bilge to be disturbing... Scourge you may take her to the mast. Three lashes."
Scourge has his goons take Chisomo to the mast as he delivered his punishment onto the monk.
Once the deed was done, she was released and left to her own devices. Scourge stopped to talk to Reknar. "Told ya there's nothing ye can't do to protect her..." He walked by and pushed by the half-orc's shoulder as he left.
With punishment over, it was time for the night. Mama Mambo's meal was once again well received by the crowd. Before the rum rations were delivered, Plugg emerged from a hallway leading a massive man with feathers on his skin.
"Discipline above all else is the most important aspect when sailing on a ship. Without it, tasks are not done, people sit idly and everything devolves into chaos. Some of you more than others seem keen on eschewing this lesson, so I will let you indulge in a bit of sport to satisfy your base needs. This is Owlbear Hartshorn." The man did not reply at all and remained standing. "This is the person you will face should you decided you did not want to follow orders. Think you can defeat him? I will allow one of you to take him on. No weapons, only your fists. Think of it as... what you would call a bet."
Djir takes one look at Owlbear Hartshorn and decides the only way he's going to get in a fight with that brute is if he has to... Thinking quickly, he heads over to Sandara and asks quietly "Is there anybody on board who runs a book?", and even more quietly "I owe Giffer a good turn, anything you know she'd like?"
Runs a book : organizes and keeps track of bets. Usually someone trustworthy; they hold both parties stakes and payout to the winner (after taking a cut for their trouble, mind you).
While waiting for answers (and for some fool to volunteer to fight the big man bare knuckles), Djir will swig his rum ration happily:
vs dc 5
+2 con +1 Trait +1 guidance (from Cevanne)
Chisomo manages to keep from swaying on her feet, but she's all too aware that she's not in tip top shape to break someone like Owlbear.
Trying not to limp, she makes her way over to Sandara. "Any chance I could get you to patch me up before I do something foolish? There's a message that needs sending here."
Once the deed was done, she was released and left to her own devices. Scourge stopped to talk to Reknar. "Told ya there's nothing ye can't do to protect her..." He walked by and pushed by the half-orc's shoulder as he left.
Reknar stood strong against Scourge's push - "The girl does not need my protection" - he snarled - "If you have any doubts, just ask your goons"
------
Reknar cracked his knuckles, and was about to step forward toward the large man, but when he heard Chisomo's words he decided to wait.
"Oh, that'd be Conchobhar Shortstone, the gnome you've seen in rigging," Sandara replied. "Even played professionally till Harrigan had in beat and forced him to work here. All in all, he's more of a landlubber than you lot, but ended up asking out nearly every woman out on his first day... including me. A real womanizer that one."
She kept her voice down for the second part. "You might be able to win her over if you brought her a book. She likes to read."
Sandara grinned and pulled out her symbol as she began to channel.
The monk felt all of her pain from the whipping cease as she felt like herself.
"Go show 'em who's boss," she winked.
The rum barely even phases Cnut tonight. When 'Owlbear' is led out Cnut is torn. Hardly sport to beat an idiot. I've seen ogres with more intelligence than that one. But even so, someone should put that name to the test. As he rises from the bench, the change takes hold, and a man with the head and arms of a bear steps forward. "Bear hands suits me just fine." he rumbles. "You might even say it's my specialty." he says, lifting his russet-furred, claw-tipped arms as he stares down Hartshorn, a glint in his eye and toothy grin on his bear's snout.
Chisomo rolls her eyes at Cnut's tipsy bravado. Doesn't even care enough to keep a clear head for the fight.
"You going to be able to win this fight without killing the man? If so, go ahead, I'll take the winner. Vice-Versa's fine by me too."
"There will be no killing! Need I remind you of the punishment for that?" Plugg growled, turning away from Cnut before setting his eyes on Chisomo. "You there. Perhaps you can impress me more than your performance earlier tonight. Or do you want to know what may happen if you continue to fail at your duties..."
"Now hold on a sec." Everyone turned to see that it was the foppish gnome Conchobhar who interrupted. "As much as I'd enjoy the lovely lass in action," He winked at Chisomo. You need to put some skin in the game."
Plugg's face twisted into a grimace. "Of course. Money seems to be the only motivation you all can agree with. Very well." Plugg reached into his pocket and held out a small bag and tossed it on the ground "100 gp if you can beat Owlbear."
The room suddenly erupts as everyone pulled out their own money to place bets on who would win the coming bout. All of which was managed by Conchobhar besides the 100 Plugg offered himself. Sandara pulled up to Chisomo with a grin. "I've got 20 gp on you. People say I'm bad luck but I know you can pull it around." With a couple pats on the back she made her way with the other crowds.
Everyone interested made their way up to the top deck and formed a circle around Chisomo and Owlbear. It was clear that Scourge's goons were rooting for Owlbear to take her down while the allies they've made so far side with the Osirioni woman.
Owlbear roars in anticipation as he exploded in sheer speed to land a haymaker at Chisomo.
Owlbear lands a solid hit at the chest, sending her reeling back into the crowd. Given that it was Scourge's side, they showed no remorse and pushed her back into the fray. Some of her friends were looking more nervous and even Sandara's smile was looking a bit more faded. Yet she now had some time to notice something about her opponent.
Reknar gave twenty gold of his own at Conchobhar - "On the girl" - then he orbited close to Sandara, bumping playfully into her as he found a spot to watch the fight.
He saw the possible advantage, but did not say anything. It would be up to Chisomo if she wanted to take advantage of Owlbear's disability or not - he would not rob her of the choice.
However....
"Come on girl! You've got this! One-two, one-two! Fall into the rhythm!" - he shouted words of encouragement.
vs dc 10
1 rank +3trained +1 wis +2 racial +1 guidance (Cevanne)
Djir is not a rat of scruples (unlike Reknar); he spots Owlbear's weakness (and guesses that Chisomo will too), and moves to abuse it. He circles the fight to a spot where he faces the setting sun, pulling a dagger as he goes, and then tries to reflect the last light of the sun into Owlbears good eye...
1 rank +3 Trained +3 Dex -1 fatigue +1 guidance (Cevanne)
1 rank +3 trained+3 dex +4 size- 1 fatigued
Arkhan downs his rum ration. The 1/2 orc grins wickedly at Bloody Hour.
The Bleeding Storm would be f&@!ing bloody hour every hour.
The Druid chuckles.
Once the betting starts for the fight club (that everyone seems to be talking about!), Arkhan finds a cozy spot to watch (and perhaps, have some fun).
|
Pai Song tries to avoid the rum ration again, casually lifting the rum through the air into Conchobars cup with her magic as she thinks nobody looks.
She notices nothing about Owlbear though and just shrugs her shoulders as the fight begins.
Too bad i don't have any money. I would bet on Chisomo any day!
Arkhan pushes, bullies, snarls his way through the thong to get close to the monk.
Stay to the idiots Left. Looks like he has a lazy eye.
The Storm Druid then grins.
How are you in fog?
Mambo stays clear of the shenanigans, quietly ditching her drink and heading to her hammock early.
Cnut shrugs as he returns to his normal form. "Suit yourself. I call next round though."
The northerner nods to himself as he watches Hartshorn fight. Left side. I'll have to remember that.
Reknar continues watching the fight.
I see it, Arkhan.
Chisomo has no particular interest in mercy towards Owlbear. He was fast enough to land a hit, good for him, but no reason to allow him any more.
She circles to his blind spot, hammering his kidney as she begins to wear him down.
Reknar took note of the fact Chisomo was making use of Owlbear's bad eye - "I guess that's it then" - he nodded.
There was much happening in the ensuing brawl. While everyone saw through Owlbear's weakness, only Arkhan relayed her the information needed to exploit it if she didn't already know by now. That elicited some grumbling from Scourge's side as they sought to prevent any other sort of help.
Reknar came very close to hiding his intentions, but Syl had a keen enough eye to see what he's going on. "He's helping her with magic! Stop him!" Both her and Fipp moved to grab him each by his arms to keep him still.
"Do that again and you'll be getting 3 lashes!" Plugg snapped at him.
Of course that proved to be just the distraction Djir needed to bring out his own help and everyone was none the wiser of the crafty ratfolk.
Back in the fight, Chisomo recovered and went to work on his body, with both hits landing solidly. While it wasn't enough to stun him, the brute did reel back in pain. There was a clear fear in his eyes that this woman was stronger than he thought. Sandara, Tilly and Rosie cheered on as the tide began to turn in their favor. At that point, a club thrown to the ground. The crowd turned to Scourge who shrugged as he sneered.
"If your side won't play fair, why should we?"
Owlbear gained a renewal of confidence with a weapon at hand and charged at the woman... right when light flashed on his good eye, courtesy of Djir. His swing was easily dodged by the monk, which brought out more cheers from her side.
Djir continues to play with his knife, subtly flashing the sunset into Owlbear's good eye...
1 rank +3 Trained +3 Dex -1 fatigue
1 rank +3 trained+3 dex +4 size- 1 fatigued +1 guidance (Cevanne)
Chisomo shrugs as Owlbear catches the club, darting forward to slap it off to the side to open his guard, and strike where he was weakest.
Reknar came very close to hiding his intentions, but Syl had a keen enough eye to see what he's going on. "He's helping her with magic! Stop him!" Both her and Fipp moved to grab him each by his arms to keep him still.
"Do that again and you'll be getting 3 lashes!" Plugg snapped at him.
”Got it!” - Reknar growled - ”Now hands off” - he added to those grabbing him - ”Nice to see you have made your choices” - he finished with a whisper to Syl - ”I will be there when you regret them”
Both hits connect as Owlbear is pummeled under her blows. He falls to the ground and loses his grip of his club. Scourge is livid as he shouts at the man. "Get up you stupid lug! Keep fighting!" Owlbear shakes his head as he placed a hand over his head to protect himself. It's almost as if he's on the verge of tears.
Plugg growled and turned his head towards Chisomo. "What are you waiting for? Finish the job."