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As the boats draw closer, shapes can be seen on the far deck of the Man's Promise, gathering on the side closest to the approaching Wormwood. Another volley of bolts rips through them, and several stagger under the onslaught. Bolts from Dorin, Moon, and Louly skitter across the far deck ineffectually, though Kehlysch's bolt finds a home int he gathering crowd. Oddly, there is no return fire as the group of sailors gather on the deck across the open sea. As the boats draw closer, some pirates set down their crossbows and take up arms, many holding grappling hooks in their hands. Riaris Krine roars over the din. One more volley! Then, prepare to board!
The Wormwood is gaining quickly on the Man's Promise now, and the waters around churn with red blood. More than one body has fallen from the deck of the merchant ship, to a presumably quick death in the shark ridden waters below. The captain's voice bellows from the poop deck, where he stands still and quite apparently unconcerned about the crossbow fire pelting the Wormwood's deck. Keep firing! And...you do just that. Bolts fly out from Kehlysch, Moon, and Dorin, and each slams home into a target on the far ship. Two forms fall, one tumbling off of the deck and into the frothy sea. A third seems to stumble, but remains upright. Two bolts whistle out of the fog, both seeming to target Dorin, though the nature of the fog undoubtedly makes the shots mostly random. Each flies wide of its mark, though, leaving Dorin unscathed. Ravens' bolt is lost in the fog as Louly takes advantage of the railings small measure of protection.
Holy hell:)
As the ships close, cries sound out from each side, though the concealing mists hid much of what is happening on each. Frothy whitecaps shown on the now turbulent waters as the rocking Wormwood gains ground on the now slowing Man's Promise. The call comes out from Krine, though many had already taken it upon themselves to do so. Fire! Ravens acts immediately, but his shot flies high of its mark. Louly's bolt follows immediately after, slamming into a shadowy torso and flinging it overboard and into the frothy water. In short order, bright blossom of blood shows in the churning sea. As Kehlysch's spell takes effect, Moon fires a bolt of his own, and is rewarded with a grunt of pain from the Man's Promise. The snap of strings precedes a flurry of bolts from the far ship, as those within the mist fire seemingly at random upon the Wormwood. Two bolts skitter along the deck, but a third hits Kehlysch and another slams into Louly.
The time drags on as the distance closes with the smaller vessel, but it's mast grows closer with each passing moment. The pigs are slaughtered and thrown overboard in pieces, to leave a trial of bloody chum for the sharks to follow. A call comes out from Master Scourge. All hands on the main deck! If yer not in the riggin', then get ta tha' port side an' get yer hooks an' crossbows ready! Along the port side of the ship are set several crossbows with bolts and grappling hooks, like the one that Krine trained you with. As you near the Man's Promise, small projectiles...then two larger ones fly out from the smaller ship, only to pepper the water before the Wormwood. The two larger bolts from from ballistas mounted on the ship's sterncastle. Though not accurate at this range, they're intimidating enough to quiet some of the less seasoned sailors. Suddenly, banks of heavy mist envelop the enemy ship! Calls of confusion ring out from the Man's promise and, though some small missile fire continues, the shots are errant and ineffective. Outlines of forms can be seen on the sterncastle and the main deck as they continue to fire at you.
Kroop gives a small amount of assistance in getting the pigs out, but Kehlysch does most of the work in getting the pigs topside. Owlbear grunts his thanks and grins at the hatchet, slapping the head of it against his palm experimentally. He follows you topside, though Kroop remains behind. Once on the main deck, it's much as Kroop said. Scourge roars at you to cut the throats of the pigs and toss them overboard to draw in the sharks. Soon enough, the Wormwood closes to within half a mile of the ship...now quite obviously The Man's Promise, the ship from whence Ravens and Dorin had come. When the ships are within about half a mile of each other, the fierce Riaris Krine summons you to the poop deck. Nearby, the Captain himself is buckling on his armor and massive hunting knives. Krine snaps her fingers to gain your attention. The ship's wheel is on the aft deck, just below the sterncastle. You're going to grapple over, kill the guards on the sterncastle, take the wheel, and guard the ship's boats. Kill anyone who tries to get away on one of the boats. Don't move from the wheel until the fighting's done, or you'll have to answer to me. Oh yeah, as we get close, it's going to get foggy. Just stick to what I told ya' to do. Any questions?
Fishguts looks at the pair of them as if they were daft. Ain't been in a battle on a ship before, eh? Tha' pigs'll be slaughtered an' tossed o'erboard. Blood brings tha' sharks, an' tha' cap'n loves feedin' 'em with his enemies. He pops the latch on the small gate and swings open the pen door on its squeaky hinges. Hustle 'em on out and up to tha' main deck, now...ain't the time for lollyin' about.
Sandara nods at Dorin, and gives him a wink. Kinda' figured that. Well...I don't think that they'll be so happy to see the cap'n either. I don't doubt that we plan to throw their crew to the sharks and plunder their ship. She doesn't seem overly put off by the thought...she is a pirate, after all. [ooc]Yes, an unforseen bucking of the system by Moon...the module isn't really written for a player getting romantically involved with the scarred half-orc quartermaster. Talk about taking one for the team![/b]
The work on the main deck is frantic, but you're more than capable when thrust into your true professions. Those on the deck are tense, and a feeling of excitement charges those who watch the sail approaching, slowly but inexorably. As the sail approaches, Sandara and Rosie, the whipcord-muscled halfling, draw near to Dorin, Ravens, and Moon. Sandara grunts. What do you think their plan is? Is that the ship that you were on? Fishguts offers a blank look...then shakes away the surprise. Already?, he asks incredulously. Then, he shakes his head, screws up his face at Louly's odd wording, then looks to Kehlysch for explanation. Over there, behind Owlbear. Get 'em out of the pen and get 'em on deck...quick! Owlbear looks directly at Louly, and taps his chain with a foot as he cracks his knuckles. He seems to indicate his readiness to help, adding to it a stern look of reproach, as if to say "I can help; you shouldn't go anywhere without me." The pen is made of a loose gate system tied shut with a chain. There's straw and a feeding and water trough
As you gain the deck, you notice that it is massed with pirates darting this way and that, each tending to their own duties. The focus of all the hurry is immediately obvious...for a sail shows on the horizon. Master Scourge is in the center of the deck, just behind the main mast, directing those on deck as they go among their various tasks...in his own certain way. He gives you a stern look, then growls at the deck. Three a' ya on the riggin'; we need ta' tighten up and gain speed. Cooks mate, get the others an' get some pigs on deck! He growls again at your blank look. Pigs! Real pigs, damnit! And, quickly! Ravens and Dorin:
It's easy to discern, even from this distance, that the sail before you is that of The Man's Promise. You can see that everyone is on deck...the captain himself stands upon the poop deck, his gaze on the far sail, his thick, massive jaw set in determination, and a look in his eyes that looks a great deal like hunger. actions: Simple prof sailor or str check if you're working in the rigging, pulling lines. A DC25 handle animal check to get the pigs up on deck, unless you can come up with some other way.
Sandara makes no effort to hid her actions as she heals those who had received the lash...including Jape. The only one that she doesn't heal is Patch, as the diminuitive officer stays far away from everyone else. Jape stays with the group for the remainder of the night, keeping quiet, but making his new allegiance quite clear to those on the rest of the ship. The night proceeds with the usual gaming and drinking, the officers with a few devotees staying clear of you and your group. Though many fierce looks are bandied about, nothing physical comes out of it, and the night leads way into morning as tired sailors get their rest. Kehlysch:
Use your imagination with Sandara...I sure won't RP it with you;) A shout sounds out, disturbing the sleep of the resting crew. It takes a few moments to overcome the slumber and the soothing swaying of the ships' hammocks, but soon enough all come awake to realize that dawn has arrived. The call comes out from above, once again. A ship! A ship!
Jape's jaw ripples as he seems to chew his thoughts. After only a moment, he gives a solemn nod. Kehlysch: You don't sense anything about him that would indicate his faking it...he doesn't seem clever enough to do so
Grok seems to take well to Dorin, particularly after Moon's endorsement and a string of particularly bawdy jokes from the dwarf. Soon enough, she's laughing and knocking mugs with Dorin. Aye, I'll get yer hammer fer ye'; just keep it a bit outta' sight would ya'? Those that watch will remember just takin' it, and they'd be none too happy about me givin' it back. Give it a day er two an' they'll forget. Jape's expression softens at Kehlysch's words, and he shows an emotion that seems quite out of place on him - it looks like shame. His head lowered, the mute half-orc lifts a thick hand and offers it, as if in a truce. Louly:
You don't find any figurine in your gear; if they were trying to frame you, they didn't do it very well. Though all of the pirates ate their food...out of necessity...and more than a few chuckled at Louly's observation. Conchobar smiles, then raises his mug with a flourish. To tomorrow, then...and to a meal more suited for eating than for...tying to someone's leg to haul him to a dark, wet grave. He tosses a piece of his flour biscuit into the air, and it lands on the wooden planks with a thunk. Patch glances up at Moon, then turns and spits into the wind, her back to him. She says nothing, but offers a noncommittal grunt in response.
Mister Plugg sets to with his cat-o-nine tails, and Master Scourge uses his whip, each delighting in the bloody hour. Plugg takes Louly and Patch, and within moments red, bleeding welts cover the backs of each. Scourge slashes away at the men with his whip, making a show of it with each loud crack.
After the bloody hour, the officers disperse, and the rum is brought onto the main deck for rations. The evening's meal is a bit lazy...hard tack and some salted fish that had seen better days...no doubt due to Louly's having been posted elsewhere. Grok doles out the rum rations for the evening, then sets to fawning over Moon as if he'd been tortured for hours. The officers stick together as usual, save Patch, who skulks over to stand near the mainmast, by herself. Only a few moments after the rum is passed out, Jape stalks over to the group, a glare leveled at Kehlysch. Night time: Please see the campaign info tab for details on what you can do during the night. We can RP it as much as you like, but doing so of course extends the time before the next day. You can take a night time action to influence, among other things.
Mister Plugg nods his thanks to Ravens for the confirmation, then gets a quick nod of affirmation from Scourge. He glances at Jape, then Fipps, and he shows a scowl of distaste, or perhaps disappointment. The irritable first mate then shakes his head at Louly's claims. He nearly spits out his words as if they were poison. We'll not find an answer like this! No matter; fact remains that we lost work and lost time with the bilges. We'll sort out this mess, but for now, there's got ta' be some accountin' for the downtime. His voice rises, as if he were now addressing the entirety of the crowd...though his words were loud enough for the small main deck before. Pirate justice ain't pretty, but it's gotta' be done...Moon, Louly, Jape, and Patch...yer up for a lesson in it today! Jape's eyes widen, and he turns to level an accusing glare at Fipps. Patch eyes Plugg with surprise, and then her gaze shifts to Scourge, and shows pure hatred. Murmurs of surprise ripple through the crowd on the main deck; many have never seen an officer at the receiving end of Plugg's punishments. Scourge and Plugg both pull out there tools of punishment, their stances anxious as they wait for their victims to come forth. The main mast beckons; it had been empty during the bloody hour for too many days...
Master Scourge and Mister Plugg both look to the ugly dwarf and then nod severely, as if the crime was simply too terrible to bear. Those gathered on the deck all begin to talk at once, some looking about accusingly while others shake their heads at Narhwal, obviously doubting the claim. The half-orc female quartermaster - Grok makes her way to Moon's side, leaning close. Moon:
Don't test them...they'll kill you. Her eye's shine with concern over that thought. Fipps moves forward to point at Louly, his fat jowls flapping with his words. It's that b~@**! I seen her go down there...her an' that 'ol cur Moon! Mister Plugg follows the accusing finger to look at Louly. Is there truth to this, woman? Were you down below today?
Moon's words gain quite a few stifled chuckles among the gathered pirates, but Mister Plugg's expression remains unchanged. Fipps, for his part, sputters and growls but those wiser than he near him keep him from doing anything brash. Master Scourge smiles wickedly at Moon, an expression that carries with it the promise of revenge. Mister Plugg speaks up again. We're on a course, an' that course is the capn's own. Just do yer jobs and he'll keep us doin' what we do best - bein' pirates. His mood seems unchanged by Moon's words. A voice calls out from the gathered pirates - it's the deep baritone of "Narhwal", the hatchet-nosed dwarf who has seemed to be on quite good terms with Scourge, of late. It's ma' stuff's gone missin'! Old figure past down in ma' family...carved outta' strong wood an' plated with pure silver. The ugly dwarf looks around at the assembled, as if accusing each person for the missing figurine.
Thanks everyone for your patience! New post up!
The tension lessens slightly on the main deck as the crew falls back into its standard routines. Many, like Jack Scrimshaw, Rosie, Sandara, and the ever dashing gnomish bard Conchobhar draw over to give quiet greetings to Louly and Moon, seeming to have figured out that there was much more to the happenings below than what Scourge claimed. Others - those who have to this point spurned the efforts of Kehlysch, Moon, Louly, and the others, seem to form their own groups and give the others a wide berth. In time, Jape joins the crew on the main deck, and he immediately finds his way to the side of the floppy-jowled Fipps. Patch and the officers of the ship gather near the poop deck with Scourge, seeming to go through their daily plans. The day comes to a close as the bloody hour draws near. Though there had been no punishments for some time, a thick tension falls over the main deck as the sun falls low in the sky. Sure enough, Mister Plugg stalks down from the poop deck and walks towards the main mast, his officers, including Scourge, in tow. He calls out in his nasally voice, each word dripping with contempt. As many of you know, we've had a case of thievery on board our ship today, and such an action cannot be allowed. We will have to punish those found below, unless the one who committed the act come's forward! He scans the gathering for a moment, his gaze unwavering. Profession sailor or int DC15: You felt a slight pull at the end of the shift, and the rigging was adjusted accordingly, as if you were turning slightly. And...the sails have been set to full for the evening...the cap'n is trying to get somewhere quickly
Thanks to all for sticking with me, and sorry for the delay! I'm hoping to have a comprehensive new game post up over the next day or two, so that we can get moving forward. There are winds in the sails...winds of change...
Sorry guys; RL issues have kept me away for the last few days, and will for a few more. I'll be caught up soon, though.
Patch has little else to say, and seems to sulk in a rather un-pirately manner as Louly and Moon head topside. The tension on the main deck is palpable, as Scourge turns and sneers at Louly and Moon. He does little to hide his disdain, but finishes with a snort. Back ta' work then, everyone! There's still some ta' do bafore ya' get ta' yer rum rations, and many hands make light work. Set to it! Scourge, appearing no more angry than usual...which means he's nearly in a rage...drums his ringed fingers on the handle of his whip as he looks Louly up and down. He sneers again and, with a quick glance at Moon, turns from the pair and sets to his charges. Sandara smiles at Ravens. Makes sense, then...there's a good chance you can get them back, though you'll have to speak to the quartermaster as well. Grok no doubt has all of your goods in her stores. Kehlysch: Hard to read...they're a bit odd, though they seem genuine in their oddity.[/b]
Patch smiles with blood-stained teeth, then spits. Ain't so many on this boat, and yer a big girl. I'm sure ye' can figure it out without me helping' ye'. She snorts and looks away, quite obviously unwilling to talk.
She is quite human, but if she is a cleric, then her holy symbol is hidden. You do see a fine chain running down in a V from her neck to her chest, but whatever's at the end is buried under the considerable, lacy ruffles covering her bosom. Ravens:
She seems genuine, and doesn't appear to be guided by other motives...at least...no more so than any other pirate. Sandara nods at Ravens, though she pauses slightly at the mention of horses. I...I suppose I do, though I'd never given it much thought. There's very little room for them on most ships. How did you come about such a name? Her gaze turns to Dorin, and she smiles. If they took your weapons, then they see you as a threat - that's good. If they hadn't, you might not make it through the night. Cut-throat Grok keeps the weapons - she's the quartermaster, and her store is down those stairs...right next to the galley. She's quite the surly type usually, though she's taken a fancy to the peg-legged fellow, Moon, recently. She loves her rum, that's for certain...almost as much as she loves a tall tale.
Patch is no less surly when she awakens, though her anger is tempered by a bit of humility. She snorts at the thought of a truce. Ye' fools don' know what ya' got comin'. I ain't the one what wants ya outta' tha' way...just a good hand with a knife. I don' care whatcha do; but ya' better let us go topside, er I'll scream as loud as I can, then it'll be a week in the box for ya' at best. Jape grunts noncommittally, seeming to wait and see what happens. He glances aside at Patch, obviously allowing her the leadership role. Topside, Ben nods. Well, what're we going to do about it? We can't help if they're keepin' us up here. I got a mind to see if the sharks'd even eat a rotten old cur like Fipps. He cracks his knuckles ominously. On the main deck, the quite fetching flame-haired woman named Sandara steps near to Ravens and Dorin, her eyes darting back to Fipps every now and again. You two are aweful quiet so far...may be a good idea on this tub. The cap'n grill ya?
Jape steps away slowly, his face a picture of distrust. With a grunt and a last glance at Patch, he sets back to his actual work, though he dies so tentatively, as if expecting to be attacked ant any time.
On the main deck, Scourge seems to take note of the oozing sarcasm in Kehlysch's voice, and he scowls in obvious dislike. His voice is loud enough to address the whole crew as he responds. Yer gear is find; we're keepin' it safe. We're all pirates here, sure, and we coulda' stolen from ya' anytime, but ain't a strong pirate band that steals from within. Jes' get back ta' work, and let us do our own jobs! His words, or perhaps simply his tone, seem to set the others back into motion and most set back to their work. Fipps steps back into place, blocking the stairs down, a smug smile on his face.
Master Scourge looks at you and shakes his head slowly. Fipps is actin' on me orders, ya lout! I was ta' supervise tha' search below, till it were found that I'd be needed up 'ere. Got my best on tha' job down there, an' we'll get to the bottom of it. Now...seein' as yer sure anxious ta' get down there; anythin' I should know? At this point, some of the crew, obviously concerned for their own goods, begin to cast accusatory glares at their crewmen...particularly at the new charges. In the bilges, the patchwork on Patch works quite well - her breathing becomes even and deep, and the blood flow is staunched. She'll have a massive scar on her shoulder and running down her back, but with magical treatment, she may have full range of motion one day again. Jape watches as you look through Patch's belongings, but he makes no further moves to make any trouble. Patch, not surprisingly, has very little on her person - no doubt she keeps most of her belongings in one of the lockers in the cabins. Of course...she does have a key that seems the type to fit a locker on her person. She also has, among some mundane items, 17 gold pieces and a small moonstone set in a braided hemp necklace.
Jape looks down at his ally, who is currently bleeding out on the floor, then looks at the various weapons arrayed against him. With a grunt, he drops his dagger and raises his hand, taking a few tentative steps backwards.
Fipps snarls at the insult, and his gaze takes in the quickly growing crowd around him. He appears on the verge of some sort of action, but a voice cuts through the din. What's this, then? Why is everyone standing' and gawkin'! Master Scourge forces his way through the gathered crew, his eyes on Kehlysch and Fipps. What's goin' on here?
Fipps moves his bulk aside, moving faster than his vast bulk would seem to allow. He shifts aside, his hands coming up as if to ward off some force. Ho' now, lil' man! Ya' best not get too up on yerself 'ere, cause I been told ta' keep people out however I needs to. He rolls the fingers of one fat fist, and they crack loudly. Now, ye can back up, or we can do this tha' 'ard way.
Patch screams out in pain as the axe bites into her small shoulder, digging deep. She stumbles, then her legs wobble and she collapses into a heap, her breathing shallow and gurgling.
Initiatives: Patch - 22
Moon - 18 Louly - 10 Jape - 3
Glad you picked the right NorCal team:)
Kehlysch: Could I get a touch attack, pretty please?
Awesome, small world! I grew up in Greensburg, PA before moving down to Baltimore.
Thanks all - and sorry 'bout your Pats, Mott. If it's any consolation, I'm a Steelers' fan at heart, and only wanted the birds to win so that my 5-yr old could see more fireworks from our neighbors. Alas...he must have blown his wad last week, for he didn't blow up a thing. Cheap bastard.
Louly:
Sorry! It was a whopping 3 damage - 12 cum.
Fipps snorts, seeming to gain back some of his bluster. Don't think they'd tell a dull one like 'ol Fipps that, now do ya? All I know is - I been told ta' guard the way down, so's here I am guardin' it. Perception DC5 for anyone on deck: Scourge is still on the main deck, raining down insults and commands on his charges.
Update up! Go Ravens! The team, not the swab...though I guess I'd cheer for him too.
Ravens performs his job with quiet effectiveness, not seeming to draw the ire or the gratitude of any on the main deck. The other pirates keep mostly to themselves, sticking to their tasks as the whip-tongues Scourge oversees them. Dorin works the ropes with such a professional expertise that he has enough time to wander close to the stairs down, seeming quite disinterested as he tries to hear what is transpiring between Fipps and the sailor. It seems that the exotic looking man from the crow's nest is trying to move Fipps from the way down, and the fat pirate is blocking the way.
Fipps blanches at your tone, and takes an involuntary step back. He looks from side to side, as if scanning for help, then gulps visibly and shakes his head. Sorry, chum...Master Scourge's orders. Seems we've a no good thief on board! Routine scan a' tha' quarters. He says the last loud enough for most on the main deck to hear, as if he had gained momentum through his quite limited speech. Sense Motive DC17:
He seems to be either holding back or not telling the entire truth.
Louly's, and then Moon's blows slam into Patch, and the little halfling grits her teeth in pain. She spits blood, but still holds her dagger tightly, then calls out to Jape. Don't listen to 'em! The man said finish 'em, so let's finish 'em! With that, she slashes at Louly two more times, the first cutting high and away as her foot slips in her own blood. The second, however, scores a deep gash on Louly's leg, drawing blood. Jape snarls and rushes at Moon, dropping his dagger and trying to wrap his hands around Moon's neck. The blood on his hands make them too slick, though, and his hands slip free before he is able to drag the smaller man into his deadly embrace.
initiative:
Patch - 22
Moon - 18 Louly - 10 Jape - 3
Mister Plugg directs you onto the Main Deck, where the other pirates on board are working at their various tasks. The big man named Fipps stands in front of the stairs leading down below, his hands crossed as if to bar entry. Plugg sneers as he watches his charges work, then he shakes the head. Bunch 'a louts...hope you two'll prove more capable. Ta' start; Dorin - yer working repairs, sewing sails and splicing rope. Ravens - yer a swab, if I ever seen one; grab a holystone and get to it.
Patch hisses in pain as Moon's axe scores a long line of red across her back. She moves to adjust to her new foe, only to be greeted by the splash effect from Louly's bomb. She's not quick enough to get out of the way, and takes the full effect of the weapon, then cries out in pain, clutching her burnt arms into her body. Jape is far too slow to avoid Louly's attack, and the bomb splashes over his back, leaving him a steaming, smoking ruin. Still, the stubborn lummox moves to swing at Moon's side with his dagger. Moon's axe handle comes back just in time for a deflection, and the dagger misses its mark. Patch shakes off the attacks and crouches, then springs at Louly in a blindingly fast movement, swiping her dagger back and forth in blurring strikes. Louly avoids the first, but the second cuts through to skin, drawing blood from her upper arm down to her opposite hip.
Fipps moves over to block your way, but doesn't put his hands on your person. He stands with a stern look and arms folded over his ample belly. Ho' there now, ya' swab! Got a routine inspection goin' on down thar'. Got word of a bit a' stealin', an' we're bound ta' find out who done it. Anythin' ya' wanna' tell me? He leans in close, as if doing so would provide you a feeling of safety and comfort in which you could spill your guts to him.
Sorry all - my youngest is teething, so I've been too darn tired to post. I'll be out of zombie mode here shortly, and post here at work
The captain grins widely, his eyes twinkling with greed. My thanks to you; I'm thinking you fellas' will fit in just fine. Now get outta' here; get some more grub if yer of a mind, then get to work. Mister Plugg here will show you what needs doin. He seems to dismiss you both at that, and Mister Plugg moves forward to escort you out. The captain leans back in his chair, fingers steepled, lost in thought.
Patch lithely steps away from her work and around the ladder to advance towards Louly. She expertly draws out a dagger, even giving it a little flourish to display her obvious familiarity with the weapon. She closes the distance with uncanny speed, slashing horizontally in a blur of movement. Pain blossoms just under Louly's clavicle, where a thin line of red begins to ooze.
Initiative:
Patch - 22
Moon - 18 Louly - 10 Jape - 3
As you watch and wait, Fipps stands, looking more and more like he's standing guard. Any who approach him are turned away.
Captain Harrigan seems to follow your stories with keep interest, particularly when you speak of your time on the ship. He grunts at the last, and nods. I'm thinkin' this is the ship for you, then. Whether it's runnin' from your past or looking for some gold in your future, then you're among the right bunch of scallywags. He offers Ravens a look of disdain, as if magical talent didn't quite match up in his book. I'll want you to have a talk with our sorcerer, Peppery; she may have use of you. He glances at your thin bones before turning to Dorin. I'm sure you'll do fine in the rigging, least till there's some killin' to be done. Now... He rests his massive forearms on the table and leans forward. Tell me what you know about the Man's Promise, and where she's headed.
Jape snorts at the gesture, and turns his hulking form to advance upon Moon, pulling his dagger as he moves. At the same time, Patch turns from her work and moves to skirt around the ladder up, stepping towards Louly. Sense motive DC10:
This interaction seems too coreographed to be spontaneous.
Ben nods from where he's tying off some lines, and he slips down deftly. On the main deck, it's largely business as usual... Perception or Sense motive DC12: You notice that Fipps takes up a stance in front of the stairs leading down below - it's as if he's guarding the way down.
Update up; note that I didn't use spoilers - I feel we're all good enough not to metagame, and thought you'd enjoy reading the interactions of others. I'll still put specific information in spoilers, but I'll keep the main storylines open for viewing, if that's okay with everyone.
Fipps snorts at you, then turns in a brusque manner and escorts you up two flights of stairs and onto the main deck. Then, he knocks at the captain's door, and waits for a few seconds before the young first mate, Mister Plugg opens the door and ushers you in with a sneer. Plugg is severe and stern, with a shaved pate but a long tail of brown hair coming from the back of his head and a matching one from his chin. His bare, muscled chest shows under a fine long sleeved coat, and the skull-shaped hilt of a sword and the leather handle of a cat-o-nine-tails show at his belt. He stands aside and steps in place behind you as you're shown to a seat across a heavy wooden table from the captain. The captain is a broad, muscular man of what looks to be Garundi descent. He also has a shaven head, and sports a long, dark beard bound with gold rings, and an eye patch. The captain leans back in his seat to a loud, creaking sound, and speaks in a hearty baritone. Welcome, then, aboard the Wormwood, and thanks for volunteering to join my crew. I'm Captain Barnabas Harrigan, and this is Mister Plugg, my first mate. A few quick rules before we talk about yourselves. First - ain't no killing aboard my ship...do it and it'll be a keelhaulin' for you. Second - after today, don't talk to me...I like talk, but I don't like your talk. Follow those rules and we'll get along fine. Now...tell me how you got aboard that little raft we found you on.
Jape does as Jape usually does, and keeps silent. Patch smirks and rolls her eyes. Mister Plugg thought ye'd need someone down here who knew the ship, and dumb Jape here's strong as an ox. You sense nothing from Patch save a desire to get the work done and be done with you. Obviously sensing that's description enough, Patch sets to work, motioning every now and again for something to be moved, mucked out, or repaired in some other disgusting manner. The work is hard and filthy, but you both excel, showing the strength of muscles grown used to such tasks. Several minutes into it, Jape leans over and nudges Patch, pointing at moon. Patch looks over as if she'd just been made aware of something. Hey, Moon! Quite a bit of work ye're leavin' on for the rest of us, doncha' think? If I need Jape here ta' do it for ye, then ye're not worth the spit on me hands! Jape starts over towards Moon, a stern look of reproach on his ugly face.
For the most part, it's peaceful topside, save for the standard verbal assault of Master Scourge. There's something in his commands today - a sense of urgency or excitement perhaps, and the other pirates jump at his words a bit more quickly than usual. You see Fipps lead the two newcomers into the captain's cabin, then he returns to the main deck. Soon, Fipps is speaking to Gregor, and the two are jesting as if they're old friends. Bendrauss looks up from the rigging at you and frowns in concern.
Ravens and Dorin: Sorry for the confusion, but you're not being ordered into the bilges; Fipps is waiting for you to clean up so that you can go and see the captain for questioning.
Fipps grunts. Ye can clean up in the lower hold, where the crew berths are. Ye'll get a locker an' a hammock, if the cap'n doesn't decide ye should feed tha' sharks, that is.
Fipps leads the pair down to said hold, where sixteen pillars support the deck above. This spacious hold is adorned with many hammocks tied only on one side, presumably to be strung up when needed. Several footlockers line the walls, nearly half of them open and empty. The forward section of this hold has two hammocks strung between the foremast and the stairs leading up to the middle hold. After Fipps shows the newcomers a basin and some greasy rags with which to clean up, he opens a trap door in the floor and shows Louly and Moon inside. Two figures are already there, working the pumps - Jaundiced Jape, the half-orc mute, and Patch Patchsalt, the female gnome boatswain's mate. They motion you down, and point at the pumps. Ye'll be cleanin' 'em out as we work...time ta' get this tub light and quick.
Perception DC12 Moon and Louly:
You can see hidden weapons among the pair - daggers discretely concealed in their belts. In the crow's nest, Kehlysch keeps his eyes on the happenings on the main deck. It's obvious that Mister Plugg is upset about something; he shrieks out orders to the crew - mostly instructions to shore up the deck for speed, battle, or both. Perception DC15: You cann see Peppery on the main deck; she makes several trips from her laboratory to the captain's cabin, each time toting a small but full sack.
Sorry Louly; ninja'd your post. Hope everyone had a good holiday!
Fishguts nods his ugly head, then seems to change his mind and shakes it from side to side. Too bad for them...if that's a merchant vessel you left out there, then the captain will want to know everything about it. If ya' left on bad terms, then that'll only look better for ya. He turns to nod at Louly and Moon. These folk'll be the first ta' tell ya' that our trip ta' now 'as some at each others' throats; the captain will no doubt wanna' do some fine piratin' ta' bring us all together. The head cook nods to Louly, as if indicating that he'd said enough, and he steps back into the kitchen to make himself busy. only a few long moments of peace were allowed, before the heavy footfalls of Fipps thud on the stairs. The fat, balding human steps up to the group with an air of authority. Owlbear lets out a low growl, and Fipps visibly redirects around him. Hope ya' 'ad enough ta' eat, cause the Cap'n wants ta' see ya'. C'mon up. He turns to Louly. Ya' can clean up, then Master Scourge says ye've got work in the bilges ta' get to. Been ignored too long, 'e says. The fat man looks to be quite pleased with himself at the proclamation.
Master Scourge seems to be satisfied with the exchange, and his smug grin follows the group as they make their way down to the kitchen and the quartermaster's quarters. The two brutes - Fipps and Jape follow the group down, then hand over the newcomers' weapons to the quartermaster - a fierce looking half-orc woman named Grok. It's quite obvious that Grok is on quite friendly...perhaps more than friendly terms with the man named Moon, but she eyes the two newcomers with suspicion as she locks up their goods. Fishguts watches on with an almost fatherly sense smile of pride as Louly works up a quick meal that is basic but satisfying, though Ravens and Dorin are so near to starved that just about anything would be satisfying in their bellies. The thickly-muscled, dark skinned brute named Owlbear nods deeply from where he sits, chained to the main mast. Fishguts and Grok gather around as the pair set to their feast, and Fishguts speaks up. Ye've no doubt quite the tale ta' tell...adrift in a small craft like that. The cap'n'll no doubt draw it outta' ya', so be ready for 'im ta' summon ya' after ye've eaten. Now...isn't my business, and each man's past is his own, but is there somethin' we're needin' ta' know about how ya' ended up aboard that lil' boat?
Scourge stops Ravens with an outstretched hand, and the two large men beside him tense. It seems that pack of yours is full enough to share, no? Sure if we're ta' share food with ye, then ye can donate ta' our cause, right? He squares off against Ravens, and the captain on the poop deck above snorts - though it could be either in derision or amusement. The two burly fellows beside him hold their saps at the ready. Scourge smiles. I'm afraid I have ta' insist. Handin' over yer weapons means ya' won't kill my crew. We'll hold yer goods...nothin''ll happen ta' them, till ya' prove that ye can work for yer food. Otherwise, I'd be short the food, an' saddled with yer dead weight...understand? The captain watches the scene unfold, and his eyes drift to the other newcomer - the dwarf, his brow furrowed in anger.
Scourge smiles at the transaction as a half-orc named Jape reaches forward to take the weapons. Appearing to gain momentum, Scourge motions for Louly and Ravens to stop, and turns his gaze to Dorin. In short order, new friends...but I have ta' tell ya' that there's payment for food on a ship like ours. Everyone has ta' pull their weight ya' see - our captain won't take ta' idle hands. Scourge points up to the poop deck, and a large, thickly muscled man with a braided beard, balding head, and eyepatch looks down upon the main deck with a predatory gaze. He makes no move to intervene, but shows obvious interest in the newcomers. Scourge continues. So...seein' as how you're hungry, and we have food...I'm sure we can work something out. Perhaps those packs a' yers...as a gesture of good faith. Why don't ya' give us those for a time, and ye can have all a' tha' food yer bellies can hold?
Here it is: http://paizo.com/campaigns/DMCarbidesThroughACrackedMirrorTheDarkRoad/discu ssion&page=last
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