On board the ship the Mother's Blessing captain is walking the bow, with a spyglass in hand calling out bodies. He yells down to Sargas, Astri, and Bri, "Much appreciated. You see Thalios?"
Search Posts
"We ship out in a couple hours...we're behind of schedule a bit, so we are making up time. The winds favor us." Thalios and Capt. Longplank take their leave.
Captain Longplank is shaking his head chucking at the argument. "Mr. Harbormaster...we will honor the agreed price and I apologize for my excited officer, he is overly enthusiastic at his recent promotion. Let's get that cargo aboard."
"Overseeing the ship repairs and discussing with Darius a business proposition."
Darius will be at a table talking with Captain Longplank when Astri and Bri arrive. The two gentleman appear to be in good spirits but each has a serious business look about them. "Good Morning."
"Take care of yourselves."
"Ain't going so well for him." The captain mutters.
the Captain will motion towards a couple betting agents that are located in the tavern, "Lesser fights limit are usually under 500 gold, it scales up and well."
"Well," He says in a hushed tone, "Port Shaw has it's web of intrigues. It could be a simple as merchant, one who thinks you are helping the dragoons and perhaps Falken owes cargo or monies to, or perhaps, someone who thinks you were helping Falken and orchestrated the breakout." He shakes his head. "Don't know now...too soon to tell, but you may want to look up Father Trafalgar for assistance, he has his ways or go to the Run Aground good people there." He gets ready to head in, "I'll ask around."
"We spent most of our day either securing the ship and repairs or at the fights. We heard Darius assisted the Dragoons and tried to apprehend Falken. Now, Falken's a pirate, he's given me chase once but never managed to board my ship." He slaps Henk on the back. 'He is greedy but he is not ruthless. I suspect, but have no evidence, that he didn't kill his crew someone or something dangerous such as benthic serpent could have down that." He pauses placing a hand on his chin. "I heard his trouble began a month ago," he looks up at the waning moon a few days past full, "he was having trouble with his ship and ran her aground after a witches-breath fog blew up, carrying his ship Nightslink, onto a reef down the coast from Shaw. He left his ship, with his crew, and full cargo holds as he went back for help in port. Came back, after single-handedly crewing a stolen sloop, he found the decks a wash with dried blood but the holds full. Then the dragoons set upon him, he killed a couple but got away for a few days."
"Praying is fine as long as it has no discernable effect on the opponent. I will warn you, they take it seriously the last guy caught cheating is still hanging on the wall." He finishes his port, "If you like we can walk together to the contest."
There can be brawls in the Broken Skull but they tend to be related to cheating, and spellcasting, patrons don't like to be cheated out of their coin. They can lose it fair and square but not cheated. 'I'm sure there are 'other' illegal things that happen in the tavern, but I steer clear."
The talk turns to the fights at the Broken Skull, the enthusiasm seems to be the highlight within the establishment. Apparently the big named house favorites are fighting this evening. the Captain goes on to tell you a little bit about the fights: "Rule One: Do not eat the scoop of mystery meat." This brings about a hardy laugh by his guests. "Rule Two: The Dragoon never, EVER, go inside." "Rule Three: Gambling is "suppose" he does a finger quote in the air, "to be illegal, by order of Commandant Boneduece. That simply means bet if you can but don't flaunt it outside." "Now here are the important things to remember. The fight rules are simple: one on one, no weapons or armor of any sort and no spellcasting.
"Any newcomer, has to fight a couple bouts to prove themselves before they can start working their way up the current favorites. Simply you can't fight for the 'Belt of Skulls' without proving yourself." "Money's good the better you fight. Henk here has fought two preliminaries this afternoon already and is set to fight in a couple hours." "Anyone making a challenge needs to do so an hour before hand, at least, the pay for the ham and eggers can be from 10 to 20 gold, if you keep it entertaining the house gives bonuses. if you best your opponent within 3 rounds the house pays a 50% bonus, if you entertain for the crowd they toss money but it needs to be awe inspiring." He goes on to tell you, "The prize for beating the local favorites range from 50 to 2000 gold."
All the crew would have been cashed out before leaving the ship.
"Aye not unusual at all. Dragoons have quite a few patrolling trying to keep merchants safe..." he pauses, "..at least when it motivates them. Some good Capts, some not so good in that regard."
The captain nods and stands, "Enjoy the rest of evening we'll be docking in Port Shaw at midday." He motions to the door.
The captain mentions just before you leave his cabin a few words of wisdom, "Port Shaw is filled with danger, excitement, and adventure. Plenty of each on depending on your pleasure." He blows out one massive smoke rings. "As a whole the people are racially intolerant towards the Tulitas...sort makes sense since the colonist stole the tribes land...or so they say. Guess that depends on your point of view though." He sighs. "I've seen many a wealthy men come to the Port full of hope and end up in gutter dead broke. then I've seen others thrive in the environment." "Couple folks of note, I'm not judging them and I've earned some good coin from them. Old man, Barrison Hargrove, sort of runs things. Pays well but is demanding." He coughs. "Gregory Bonedeuce, Commandant of Municipal Dragoons, Commander of Fort Stormshield. Basically leads the law enforcement he dangerous but if you get on his good side, life can be good. Loves to fiddle, damn good at it too. Oh, you'll know a dragoon by their blue uniforms." He shuffles a few papers then mentions, "Captain Bethany Razor is damn capable if you ever need ship...Quell's Whore runs fast, but she's expensive. Beautiful woman, wonderful smile if you can get one from her. Never quite the same since her husband died." He leaves it at that. "Then there's Captain Mongomery “If it floats, he can sail it.” He laughs, ' Pirates and smugglers all feared Montgomery, who seemed able to sniff them out of any fog or cove and track them across the Razor Sea. Captain Montgomery could harness a quartermaster’s belch and turn it into a 12-knot wind."He pauses, "Been in the drinks lately, so he tends to be the Bawd district or The Vintage his sloop."
The group knocks on the captain's door and a few moment's later he bellows, "Enter." there is thick cloud of cigar smoke lingering in the room on his desk you can see the stubs of two cigars and the captain has a freshly lit one between his teeth. He waves you forth. "Enter...enter be at ease." He points to the open cherry wood box that contains his cigars. "Have a smoke." He waits a few moments let those having a cigar take and light it. "You all have been resourceful and a terrific addition to the crew. The Mother's Blessing is in need of some dire repair when we dock...that'll take some time and I'm not sure how long I'll be there. I try not to stay too long." "I know you all are getting off but I've favor to ask as your last task on board." He pauses. "You see, Hatchet he had a saltwife (Amaya) and child in the outskirts and well the Code doesn't say anything about compensation for death but there is compensation for loss of limb. I'd like you all to deliver this bag of coin, 800 hundred gold, to the saltwife and his child." He motions to secured leather back and a sealed letter with the name and address on it.
the next day goes by uneventfully, there are a few sails in the horizon crossing paths but nothing to raise an alarm. "Just a normal crossing to the Razor." the captain boast during the next evening meal. "We'll be passing Witch's Teeth to Portside in come sunrise then we'll head on into Kai's Bay. We should make Port Shaw the following day," He pauses, "About midday." After a saluting toast to the crew he asks Adriel to gather the group in his cabin in an hour's time.
The captain yells to crew to get a sail over the side..."Sawbones, git on it. sounds like someone needs to get under water and wrap the sail or else it'll float away. This hole is under water." He looks at doctor. "I want a second team of pumpers swapping out here. Get the tar ready it points to others, get the repair planks ready. Casters get to work. The rest of you up and help Adriel with those sails." The ship wizard steps up to help with the mend spell. Nobody contradicts Adriel's response.
The captain examines the deck and begin explain that the beast you've described sounds like Olaus the Grey, a terrible and fierce sea dragon that prows the Razor Coast and beyond. Wise sailors always carry goat or sheep for sacrifice and apparently, it's tribute demand has risen. "Many creatures...some worse than Olaus demand tribute." As he talks there is call for the assistance below deck. "Excuse me." He hurries below.
The Capt and a few others make there way to the deck. "What's wrong?"
Before everyone retires the Captain approaches Darius, "Port Shaw is dangerous. Slavery is rampant. I abhor that horrid practice, to others it's acceptable, so Thalios is correct when he mentioned it depends on your point of view. The Tutila have been brutalized over the years that saddens me." He shakes his head. "Watch your back...to many questions will get you dead or pressganged or enslaved. You all have talent but there is always a bigger shark in the ocean." He pauses. "For every friend or ally make in Port Shaw, you will gain the eye of a potential enemy." He slaps your back and walks off.
"Henk tells me it was a...harrowing situation on the curse ship." He looks at each person making eye contact. "Sometimes strange things occur and when that happens, some unusual actions can take place, don't let what happened over [i]there[i] cloud your judgment on this ship. You are all good crew." He smiles at Thalios, 'I've had the pleasure of chatting with Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai, his family is quite infamous in these parts. I've decided to have him join my crew." With that the captain hands him one cutlass and one dagger. "Welcome aboard." Henk goes about and unwraps the bundle. "Did you pick up any interesting items from the ship." he sees the map on the table and he knows you carried a painting aboard (sort of hard to conceal that). You can see 7 daggers.
"The daggers are mundane, I just gave Thalios one. The armor, cutlass, one dagger, and the amulet are magical. Henk suggested, and I agree, that you should take your choice of these items."
The Capt and Henk come into the officers mess. Henk is carrying a bundle wrapped in leather cloth. "Well met...well met, I asked the cookie to bring up rum rations for you all, and I have asked Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai, to join us." He clears his throat and the cookie puts a small dark wood cast of rum on the table. Another sailor places an assortment of fresh fruit, bread, cured meat and cheeses there. "Help yourselves." The Captain waits as everyone grabs a small plate and fills a tankard of rum. Thalios is happy to comply.
The sound of the Sea Bear's haul breaching stops the rejoicing as the Capt orders to push off and get under sail. Once the Mother's Blessing is safely clear he yells: "Hip...Hip Hooray." His eyes go to each member including Thalios then orders:"Get yourselves cleaned up and warm meal, then we'll meet in the officers mess in two hours."
The captain doesn't acknowledge Astri's question rather he maintains his focus on the Sea Bear, the sea, and the Mother's Blessing. He orders the First Mate to get a third crew ready for repulsing boarders. This order is promptly complied with. The remaining crew is busy working the rigging, sails, and controlling the ship as she drops sails in preparation for boarding.
Let's circle her once a come about on her starboard side. Get two boarding planks ready." He looks up at his sails.
"Drop sails to a quarter, prepare to come about." The captain orders, he paces the ship's aft and he is speaking to Henk in a lower voice. Henk begins to walk down the stairs, "Adri'l...Song Bird you've with me prepare t' board." He spits. "Darius you lead Bri, Sath, and Sawbones in a second team." He sneers, "Light gear, we move quick t' see if there's are any souls on board. We 'elp who we can." he eyes Sawbones and Sath. Astri: the only thing you know about the Sea Bear is it was it's latest captain was an old sea trader by the name of Mortimer Cray, who knew is experienced and knowledgeable of Cheliax region and he was known to trade in the Razor. Fierce-some totems can have religious purposes in many cultures, especially older one and with some primitive natives. They are also used to scare away unwanted threats and it could be a figure head of sort to keep pirates away. At least from this distance and without the ability to really study the totem features.
Sath informs the Captain about her predictions regarding the weather for the next 12 hours and asks if there are any other duties that he requires of her? The Captain hears the weather predictions and announces, "Our Chaplain as divine good weather for the next 12 hours at least! He has foreseen a blessed departure." The crew gives a huge "Whoop!" call.
The captain glances over the entire crew. "We had a profitable run." There is huge roar of enthusiasm. "Everyone gets a pint of mead with supper, but we need to be on our toes. As you now know, there were some sick people on board and I handled it quickly and efficiently." He pauses, "Do not over look the fact that My decision saved your lives." He lets that sink in. "I secured necessary supplies in case anyone else shows signs of sickness. Let it be known: if you fail to report any sickness before we arrive at the Razor...I will have you tossed overboard for jeopardizing the health of this vessel." He lets this soak deep into everyone's bones. "As some of you may know, we had the few departures in port namely two officers and couple crew. We managed to pick up six able body sailors in Westcrown. Three of those crew members are now officers aboard the ship: Sawbones Hawkins is the ship's surgeon. If you are ill get your arse to him." He looks over and says, 'We've been testing our luck lately running without a Chaplain and Sath "Eyes" Saltblood, who rumor has it was born from the sea, has agreed to take over those duties." He looks at Sath as if saying Oh, yes...you've agreed if you like it or not. There are a few slaps on Sath's back. "Finally, some of you may think that the departure of Haas Rhunti, Combat Mate, is a loss. He was liked but I'm promoting Darius Rotarion to Combat Mate. he fought skilfully and has proven himself a deadly adversary. He will assume Rhunti's duties and that is going to include some different fighting techniques. Darius you bunk with Sawbones now." There is some clapping and chatter about how Darius fought with the polearm. He turns to Sath. "Chaplain the First Mate will get you square on your cabin after you lead this ship in blessing for safe voyage." he bows his head.
As Darius speaks the muster bell is rung signaling all crew on deck. The Captain is standing there with his hands behind his back looking over the crew. He waits but it is clear he is timing his crew's response to muster.
When the crowd leaves he shakes his head pours himself a goblet of apple wine which he sips. He thinks about the situation. I need to fill the Chaplain duties...Sath Salblood possesses some divine gifts. that could lift the spirits, but she or he,... He shrugs confused like. She's a bit soft spoken until riled up. She certainly doesn't appreciate the the Songbird." He sighs. I need morale up and a blessing to the sea." The elf is arrogant...a leader men will follow but his head is bigger than his shoulders. I just can't risk it - yet. He drinks another gulp of wine then stands up and makes his way to the forecastle.
Well...they act like children, not potential officers, glad I didn't speak first. I'll have to think harder on that issue.
The ship pushes off shortly after the crew gets back on board. "Raise the Main Sail." About hour out of port you all are requested to come to the captain's quarters where he gets a quick assessment of what happened in town. He states to organize a cleaning crew to scrub the ship down. "Big with the officer's mess then get in that hold." Before leaving his cabin he gives you each your share of gold ($3,000), "Well done."
The disembarking is slow. The Captain has the harbor master come aboard and he declares his passengers and pays the hefty harbor-age fee. They talk and talk, then one of the scribes leaves to go back down the dock where he talks to a few merchants. to the experienced eye of sailor you know the captain has asked the harbormaster for a quick turn around time and to use the harbormasters "preferred" merchants. This type of deal tends to have customs go a bit quicker due to special business arrangement that may exist on the docks. The harbormaster clears the small group to exist the ship for your task. he hands the captain a note that he gives to Astri to show to the Hellknights. It is basically permission to pass. Subsequently the passengers are all lined up, papers check and double checked, then each person has to be checked by the Hellknight to ensure they are not slaves, illegals, and whatnot. The captain sighs heavy, hoping each passenger passes without incident. He further hope that the passenger manifest that he provided is not seriously or the passengers questioned too hard on their voyage. DM:
The Captain is in his room when Astri finds him. He chuckles in a dismissive manner, "Not pleasant is an understatement...damn right an arse." He mumbles but adds. "He and his companion are exceptionally deadly, can't get them off my ship quick enough." He ties a large coin sack. "You will find it necessary to deal with the unscrupulous when in this line of work." He shakes his head. "When we dock I need you and your group go to this address." he hands you a piece of paper. "See if the woman there, Hielica, can see you medical supplies. Take this it's 3000 gold" He stands up and moves to the door, "I'll pay Lord Ghivel's price for healing this ship." "Don't waste time, you have 3 hours, I figure someone will blab to the port authorities that we were a sick ship."
The Captain tells Dirk before the night ends, "I want you and your crew to walk each deck at 4 bells. Listen for coughing...have the Bri put them to sleep and get them up to the officer's mess." He pauses. "We have two exceptionally dangerous and talented people on the lower deck in far aft cabins, leave them be." He lets that sink in. "I'm pretty certain the lady would make short work of your entire group." Eventually he shrugs, "She paid very well, besides her companion has offered some expensive assistance with dealing with this disease."
"It's in Cheliax, so Asomodeus is The religion. It's a bustling large city built of nine forts. Heavy military presence. Prior to the Everwar, when Imperial Cheliax finally established a foothold on Garund (South continent), those forts previously repelled all attempts by the Garundi nations from pushing onto Avistan (North continent) via the Arch of Aroden."
The captain shakes off the request, 'Nay...not today. Men have long work ahead to make port and plenty of scrubbing, rest will be precious. Get yours." He chews the rest of his cigar and just swallows the stub, you thought there was still an orange ember at the tip.
"We need this ship scrubbed...now, and then again when we disembark the passengers in port. You two each get two teams of 5 people to this job done." He lights a cigar his first relaxing moment all day. "You have a list of medical supplies you need in port? I'm going to send some a couple of folks out to get a cleric brought aboard to tend to the crew." He pauses, "The turn around needs to be quick...hours quick."
"Sawbones and Sath can I see you both on the quarterdeck?"
"Can you inspire some work o better skills?" he comments to Astri. He continues with everyone else. "We need the officer's mess disinfected and scrubbed. If you're not on the rigging, get this ship s!+*! and span clean folks." It's not an order to one person but an order to all. Then to the his Henk."Quartermaster, I need you to lead a crew of 5 to the hold...get it scrubbed. Bring saps, just in case."
The captain goes to the rowboat boat and tosses in a hefty purse. "May Besmara guide and bless you."
The captain yells, "When that rowboat is in the water I want all sails up...get that damn rigging set full and tack hard to get the wind. The wind should be turning to broad reach (with) soon. I want distance at to make port before morning." Time's of the essence before we have more sick people.
The captain understands the elf's concerns and nods. "Listen up all crew on the main deck cloths over your faces...now! Till that rowboat is lowered. Only four men on the lifeboat lines all others get on a quarterdeck. The Captain himself does not place a handkerchief over his face.
Pinching the bridge of his nose he asks, "How tense and did it spread to the next deck of the ship?" His eyes shift to the crew; he observes a few suspicious eyes gaze from the rowboat to the quarter deck.
The captain is concerned that there are four additional passengers. "Aye Sawbones if you have enough of that concoction to make them comfortable give it to them." He frowns. "Makes sure they are hydrated, then help Adriel and Bri get them in the rowboat that is going to get lowered." He clearly doesn't like the decision. "I'll have more food and water put in the boat while you tend to them." Seeing the concerned look on your face. "Some decisions are tough to make but I have many other souls on board that I'm responsible for." He turns to the pilot, "Hard 15 degrees starboard, tack for wind, lower the starboard rowboat.
Addressing Dirk. "Where are they?" He is clearly perplexed.
|