I grimace at the news. "We need to set up lookouts and prepare for the worst. I need all members of the crew to be armed. In fact, I think to make things safer we should take the fight to them. Who among the remaining crew are decent trackers?"
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I nod. "Very well." I motion for two crewmen to take Badger below and see that she is comfortable. I ask Samms and Syl to do it. I then turn to Quinn and gesture for her to follow me to my cabin. Once inside I turn to her. "Do you know what we are dealing with here?"
I approach Badger and Quinn quickly. "What's going on here. What happened?" I examine the arm. "Blast this is bad." I look over and Quinn, "Can she be healed?" Whatever answer she gives I move to where I can call out to the others present. "Listen up people! One of our own was just attacked by something and I need everyone to be on your guard! I want everyone in pairs until we sound the all clear! If you see something report back at Once!" I return. "Will she live. Can we get her stable enough to talk?"
I get a post? Sweet!
Sweet, I will keep an eye out.
I am done with college and am ready to get back into this. Has anything interesting happened at the ship?
May 8th I will begin posting RP once school is done.
Just letting you guys know I'm still trucking away at ship repairs. Havin fun with frogs I see.
I wave to the party as they head out. "Best of luck to you all. Be careful out there. I will keep an eye on things here." I return to help the boat workers. I look through the ship's stores for artisans tools for crafting Carpentry. Craft Carpentry:
The boatswan, first mate, and Captain can't ALL leave the crew. Those are all the leaders. At least one should stay behind to supervise and I volunteer because school is in its home stretch and I won't be able to post as much. P.S. I know Star Wars.not Star Trek
I nod to the group wishing to explore. Very well, I will stay with the rest of the crew and continue supervising the repairs."
I nod. "I agree. there is more to this island than is readily visible. Hu can you organize another team to salvage what you can from the village. I won't send more than one team out at a time so when you return, I would like Skulls to prepare another hunting party. Anyone not in a party is working on the ship. Cut down some nearby trees for lumber. I don't want to stay on this island another day longer than we have too."
I spend my time helping with the repairs on the ship and directing those who remain to help me. I gander at the figures off shore. Their presence is ever unnerving to me. I simply continue to work hard until the other teams return. I go out to meet them. "So, any good new?"
I look to Hu. "Ayaki, you thing you could take a team to that village over there. You seem the obvious choice for a spokesperson and diplomat. I don't want to make enemies while we are beached like this and perhaps they have supplies we need."
Running the ship ashore was a challenging procedure. After the ship is firmly "parked", I give Skulls the nod to get everyone in order. Once the crew is settled I come down from the helm and survey the damages. I step forward to address the crew. "Okay, this isn't a vacation. We have work to do to get this ship seaworthy again. I for one am not going to let the journey end here after finally obtaining freedom. I expect most of you feel the same." I scan the crew and look to the prisoners. "If you want to earn a place with and gain our trust, I expect you to give your best effort. If you do well and prove loyal, you may spend the rest of the voyage as part of the crew instead of in the bilge." I look back to the rest of the crew. "We start our main work tomorrow but for now, get some rest. Everyone. I need you all a one hundred percent so we can get back out to sea where we belong. That is all." I nod and step down to the other leaders in the group. I then look first to Nochewa. "It is good to rely on the land while we are here, not to waste resources meant for the sea and all. When you take your team out scavenging. Make notes of the landscapes, and the types of lumber to be found here and if there is even a chance this hunk of land has civilized life on it. Be sure to take note of any tribal life we should be aware of too. Also, catalog any dangerous creatures you find as well. Be safe." I turn to Skulls and Ayaki. Looking to Skulls first. "I don't trust the prisoners but I trust you. Keep an eye on them. For the time being they will be unarmed but carry additional weapons on your person should we need extra swords in a fray." I then look at Ayaki. "I will need to to find the skilled shipwrights among the crew and set them to work making repairs. With your bardic skills you can inspire competence correct? If you would do that for me and keep them in high spirits I would appreciate it."
Okay. Projects are done but I have back to back shifts today and tomorrow. I still cannot put out an effective post until tomorrow evening. I am sorry for holding things up like this.
I look grim as I survey the damage. I look to the crew shouting over the noise of the storm "Not much we can do with the ship on the water. With luck that piece of land ahead will have some timber we can use to repair the ship. I am taking us ashore. All hands brace yourselves. Jove, Ragnar, Nochewa! I need you to guide me in so I don't hit another reef!" I then do my best to bring the ship ashore. Profession sailor to steer the ship in with no further damage.
I sent the DM a PM with questions. I will post when I get a response. Sorry for the delay.
I look out at the ship. "Ah #$%#!" I struggle with the helm trying my best to avoid a colission. "Lifelines! Check your Lifelines!" I attempt to avoid the reef. Profession Sailor:
Hey everyone. I was hoping I could ask a favor of you guys. I have a game on my phone called ”Deity Wars” Sort of a virtual card game. It normally doesn’t cost money to play but to really get good cards, you have the option to spend money to do so. There are other ways to get good cards though. One way is through invitation coupons. I get those every time a new player puts in my referral code.
I take a deep breath as Hu heals me. "Thank you." I take a second to look back before issuing orders. "Okay if everyone is okay then lets get back to work. We are still battling the sea at the moment. " As I head back to work I pass by Ragnar and pat him on the shoulder. "I ain't afraid to bleed with you" I return to work. Profession Sailor:
I focus my attack on the monster in front of me. Attack: For:
I draw my shortsword and move in to do battle. "I just got this ship and I am letting nothing take it from me! En Guarde!"
If I can reach them. Attack: For: For an Additional:
----At Skulls---- After hearing Skulls proposal to change the ships name I consider for a moment. "You are right. Not only would the name be recognized by Harrigan, but also the Rahamoudi navy as well. I will consider a new name. Probably best to think of something differed from the original. I will put out a suggestion box for it." ----The Next Day---- I do a quick check of the crew and then announce the ship will be taking a new name. I then set up a suggestion box outside of the cabin. When Jove states that there is an incoming storm I nod. "Glad I have you around." I step forward. "Listen up everyone! Chances are likely we will be having a storm coming in. I need everyone to get prepared. Make sure everything bellow and above is secured. I want lifelines at the ready and I want the sails to be ready to be closed up as soon as the order is given. There will be no swab work today. The decks will be clean enough after the storm. I want all hands working on ensuring that we sustain as little damage as possible. Board up any windows and check for weak spots in the hull to make sure they are reinforced. Boatswain get the sailors on it." After I am done I too set about making the ship ready to take whatever pounding the sea attempts. Profession Sailor:
Profession
I gather the hammock the stocked chest head out on deck and look for Skulls. Once I find him I address him. "Tell the crew to get some rest. Tomorrow we make for the Squibbs. From my local knowledge I know how to get there and we need supply and more crew. From there I plan to gather information on shipping lanes and other profitable leads, outfit the ship proper, and have a number of good sailors." I head down bellow deck. "All sailors get to rest. Tomorrow we head for port." I find Rosie and Jove. "Everything put away? There wasn't much in the Captain's. Just this stuff. As nice as it is, it better serves to supply our ship so we will sell it in port as well. I plan to use the money to outfit us to tackle other ships. Maybe even allow some of the crew to get a few nice weapons and such. Gotta spend money to make money right." I look to Jove. "I have our heading. Tomorrow we make for the Squibbs and I need you to make sure we will have good conditions and direction to get there. Okay?" I head back up deck to the captain's cabin and retire for the evening. I will attempt to wake early the next day.
I don't mind distributing items on a need to use basis. As you have said, those potions may end up being needed at some point. That is why they are with the quartermaster in the armory. If a ship is sighted, we can distribute items to be used in the battle for now. The money system should only come up if we ever have the opportunity to sell. I don't know the value of the whistle but I don't mind if Hu takes it, seems appropriate. I am torn on where to take the ship. First instinct is to take the ship to port peril. I was really hoping to find something in Plugg's belongings that might hint at other places to go but I didn't find any. I will need to check Plugg's destination. Is there anything I know about where Plugg was going? I need to look up the name of the place because Gan was able to use profession sailor to figure out where Plugg was taking the ship before.
I look over the stuff and take some notes. "I'm going to be taking at least one of the pistols and all of the ammunition for now. I will be sure and tally that out of my share of the profits. I will calculate the inherent value of all this stuff before we reach port and will dole it out then. For now, this stuff ins't serving anyone and I will need time to ascertain it's worth." I look around. "Okay! First, Ragnar, I'd like you to fetch Bugbear and a few others and haul or prisoners down and lock them in the bilges." I then look to Rosie and Jove. "I'd like you two to get some of the other members to haul all this loot down to Rosie's new office and begin cataloging in to get the total value. Hu you can go with them, you might be able to get an accurate measure of what these things are worth. I am going to search Plugg's cabin for anything else to add to the mix and join you later." I look at skulls. " Get a man to make sure our Anchor is holding us in place and then make sure to address any issues that come up in the meantime. When I am finished in the captain's cabin I will I expect you to take charge while I am down with Rosie. I will join you on deck once I am finished. Sound good?" I then look at the crew again. "Those of you tasked with moving loot and prisoners can retire when your finished. Get some rest because tomorrow we will need to get this thing moving to port. That is all for now." I quickly check Plugg for any keys and then make my way to the captain's cabin. Once inside I begin a thorough inspection of everything. I am looking mostly for logbooks and charts, in particular I am looking for Plugg's logbook or a journal of some sort. I will also take into account anything else of value and prepare it to be delivered to the ship's stores to be put with the rest of the loot but I don't yet bother to identify anything.
I am suggesting a party fund that I will manage. I will tally the value of all the items we find and show what the final value would be and then divide it by the crew to show the financial limitations on how much wealth each character would have if we simply sold everything. Here is an example to show how this would work: A party of three players finds a +1 Magic longsword, a +1 Breast Plate, and a Ring of Protection +1 Values:
Split it between 3 players they would all get 953gp and some change each. Now wait! One of the players wants the sword. Normally, if he is given the sword, he may not be given a cut of the money. The remaining money to be divided is 1675gp which, even if only divided by two, the other two players only get 837gp instead of the 953, while the third player technically gets 1185gp in the sword. By no way is that a fair split. Now, the pool would be 2860. This would normally be divided among the three players but what "party fund" is, is an extra division of the loot. So instead of dividing 2860 by three you divide it by one extra, four. This measures out like this: Player 1: 715gp
Now, this is only the collected value and distribution of the items BEFORE they are sold. Now say the player wants the sword. He must "buy" it. The Sword sells for 1185 so that is how much money me must forgo to get it. So first he gives up his 715gp claim to get the sword but he must still make up the difference of 470gp he still owes. He then borrows the 470 from the party fund to get the sword. He is now in debt to the party fund by 470gp and must pay that amount back before he can borrow again. Though he gets his sword, everyone else still gets their 715 and so the layout looks like this now: Player 1: 715gp
Now lets say the group gets 2000gp worth of loot and no one keeps any items. Now distribute by four again and this is what the layout looks like: Player 1: 1215gp
Party fund can also be used to make "group" purchases such as buying a wand of cure light wounds which would be used by everyone and thus would come right out of party fund. Given the Ship and crew setup of this campaign, I feel this system works really well and I would be willing to keep track of it all. I will post possible distributions here on the OOC thread once we figure out what items we found. How does everyone feel about me doing this? Oh and the important question to the DM is, should we include ALL crew members when distributing loot or are they getting paid another way?
I eye Noche'wa looking at the mast for a moment and listen to his words. "How about you start things up there. See how you like it and if you enjoy it, you can be our lookout." I turn and regard the loot. "Hmm. I believe we should pool resources in the quartermaster's stores. We will distribute items as needed but I plan to put together a "Crew fund" Everyone will receive individual pay but when we come across items, we sell them as a whole and then distribute the monetary wealth evenly. I myself won't take more than anyone else. If someone wish to keep an item of use, you can pay what the ship would make off of the item if we were to sell it. For example, a ring of protection costs 2000gp, sell back it is likely worth 1000gp. If someone wants the ring, they are getting 1000gp in a sense. Therefore, they will need to compensate by either paying 1000gp or going into debt for a time. This way nothing is unbalanced in distribution. I want nothing less than fair distribution. If this is unagreeable then we might as well sell ALL items then distribute the gold profits among the crew."
Okay, here's a low down on a few of the ships jobs and what they entail according to my research....which was a lot of fun BTW Okay, The captain's role aboard a ship is purely a leadership one. He calls the shots and decides where the ship goes, what the crew does. Simply put, all he is the highest level of command, and the man responsible if things go seriously wrong. Captain commonly doubles as helmsman taking charge of the wheel. First mate is the captain's right hand and ensures that the orders are carried out to the crew and does more of the busy work running around the ship giving the captains orders. If the captain is not on the ship, it is commonly the first mate that is in charge. Boatswain. Often referred to as like a third mate. Gives orders to the lower decks. Mainly deals with the crew directly making sure they get their jobs done and are well fitted to their roles. Boatswain is technically the role that gives the crew their daily work routine and monitors all work detail. A supervisor of sorts, or a manager. Quartermaster is in charge of stores and supplies. Similar to someone who works for a businesses accounting departments. All the assets are the responsibility of the quartermaster. That's just a few things. So if Hu is Boatswain, she'd be the one cracking the whip, figure of speech, She'd assign duties to the crew and ensure that the work is done to par. Skulls gets to ensure my orders get carried out. Also, Nochewa, do you want to be lookout? Gan is Considering giving it to Conchobhar. Any advice on how to settle this?
I here out Jove and nod. "True. Conchobhar, I am going to have to make a hard choice here. I like you and I appreciate your desire to contribute. I am going to have to pass on you for Quartermaster." I look at Roise. "Do you mind trying the position of Quartermaster?" If Rosie accepts/or declines, I turn to the others. "Typically, a rigger is assigned to lookout with it being a different Rigger each day. The suggestion I am hearing is that we designate an individual solely to the role. It's a new concept to me but we'll give it a try and see how it goes." I scan the crew.
That's fine on how you want to run it. As for the roles, I deferred to the Wormwood's crew list DM Faol had provided and simply repeated this. I will need to review the list and figure out what each role entails. I won't be able to do that until tomorrow evening as I will be working back to back shifts :( @Hu I'm am sorry I made such a stink about things earlier but I am glad we worked it out. Thanks for understanding.
I lean forward and look at Hu. "Please understand we revolted against the pirates code today when we took out Plugg and his lackeys. While I appreciate your advice and your insitance of the pirates code, I should inform you that it WAS this code that caused such misery and we WOULD have another mutiny if I were to follow it again. We need adjustments for this to work out for everyone. The crew has confided in me because we have sailed and suffered together for weeks now. That is why they sprang me from the bilges. I won't ask you to stay. But I cannot give you First Mate. I will consider Boatswain though." I look at Rosie. "Sorry girl but I just don't think your quite suited for the job. Is there another job you think you could handle?"
I look at Skulls. "If no one else is going to step forward then I guess you are the choice for first mate. The crew knows you well enough and as long as there are no complaints then I guess it's settled." I look at Skulls closely. "Remember, I regard First mate as equally as important as being captain. I'm counting on you so don't let me down. Oh, and I notice while on the Wormwood, Plugg himself wasn't treated well by Harrigan. It seem to frustrate him a lot. I don't want that rift between us. If you have anything to say, grievances of any kind. Come to me in the captain's cabin and we'll discuss it. I don't want to lose your trust or friendship and I want you to do your best." I then look to the rest of the crew. "For the time being those of you without an immediate role are to work as riggers and swabs for the time being until we reach port. Once we get to port there will be shore leave for everyone. During that time I will be recruiting more sailors the supplement our needs as well as getting this ship outfitted properly. We can't conquer enemies and pillage correctly without the right outfitting. Would be very successful at that." I stand up. "We are branded men and women. Pirating is all that is left for us but I say, if this is what we must do to survive, then let's do it with pride and dedication. Let us strive to be the best damn pirates on the sea."
I want to apologize Hu if I didn't handle this well. It was not my intention to come off as harsh and while there were some things that may have upset me, I have since let it go. I play Gan very intimately and I decide his course based on in game interactions. Two pieces of advice that would help Hu and Gan's relationship first: Don't bring up the Wormwood, Plugg, or Harrigan. You missed out on a lot of RP. Seven months of it to be exact and Hu has not seen how the previous ship functioned. Every time you bring up the Wormwood, you talk as though I am doomed to be overthrown by you or the crew. That makes my character uneasy and uncomfortable even having Hu on the ship. While I don't expect you to mutiny, I am not Gan, and Gan feels threatened. So offer advice but don't refer to a ship or a crew your character hasn't experienced. Second: Don't be so condescending with your suggestions or advice. You come of as sounding very "superior" or in the right when you do. I'm not sure it is intentional or not, but it gives the feel as though you are still unwilling to relinquish authority and you talk in a manner as though everyone else is wrong. Try and give your advice and input in a way that actually sounds as though your trying to help and not trying to out do me. Those are really the only two issues I can find as far as RP interactions go. Also, I am not asking for you to change your character completely, I am asking that you just adjust a bit so we can coexist. Also, It is not fair that only I get to voice my complaints, you should also be allowed to do so. That said, is there any behavior of Gan's that is diretly conflicting with Hu? If I need to make some minor adjustments to my character as well or explain where he's coming from, please let me know. I always value outside opinions and take everything into consideration. Doesn't mean I will out right agree, but I will definitely look into it. On that note, is there anything I have done with Gan that is bothering new players that I should look into adjusting. Please speak up. I want us to enjoy playing together and I definitely don't want to make this unpleasant for anyone. Since I have been selected captain, your OOC opinions matter more now than ever.
I'm sorry Hu, but I wasn't sure how to approach you about this without offending you. First of all, Me and Four Skulls, I believe Jove as well, started this campaign out back in July and have since then developed our characters and have become very aquianted with the crew of the Wormwood. I am not sure about how much you the player knows of what has all taken place, but a lot has happened. I started out with First mate in mind or at least Master Gunner. Story didn't let me. In fact, the way the whole slave thing shaped my character into going for the role of captain. It wasn't my first choice, it just became the most obvious once we got here. Or so I felt. Now, the problem is your character, Hu, assumes too much, considering what Gan, my character, has endured and suffered through, he sees her ignorance as an insult. Also, Gan is avoiding the pirates code because it was that code that led to this mutiny in the first place. Now, Hu is beginning to remind Gan more and more of Plugg. She sounds like his sister practically. I understand you built your character for the prospects of being captain but that isn't a role that is handed to you just because you are built for it. It, to me anyways, is an important "character" role. The character who has been through the most, has left the biggest impact and impression on the crew, should be the one who gets that job. Now Hu just keeps fighting for the position even after the choice was made. Even you the player seem unwilling to accept the outcome. I played along at first because it was fun to do but now that it is over, I cannot help but get the impression that you are still bitter about it. Forgive me if this impression was incorrect. The crew has no idea who you are. You haven't been through the friend making phase of this campaign. And you have made many inaccurate assumptions, you have barged in like it makes sense for an outsider and former prisoner to be a captain of a crew that doesn't know anything about you. The part that got me upset is you constantly belittling Gan, putting down his decisions, insulting his wisdom and intelligence he acquired through gameplay, and even say it is mechanical skills that matter and not the roleplay at all. This is what got under my skin. I want to have fun playing this game. The last six to seven months were brutal and tedious for both my character AND me. I was ready to enjoy what I had seen evolve. Now you are making things difficult again. Here are the IC implications of your actions and words.
Second. You seem to be unwilling to give up ANY degree of authority. I was willing to compramise and try and encourage you to be first mate but again you act as thought it was you god given right without my suggestion and still bring up you'd rather be captain Thirdly, you keep disagreeing with my rules. I was named captain. I'm sorry you joined with the hopes of becoming such and it didn't work out. I didn't complain about having to do the electing thing because I thought it would be fair.
Now, I am doing EVERYTHING from Gan's perspective. That is why I always post in first person. After much interaction with Hu, Gan now sees her as a threat. A potential mutineer that he cannot persuade otherwise since she is so dead set on being in charge. At this point, Gan no longer wants her on the ship. The issue I am struggling with as a player, is trying to find a logical reason to keep Hu around. To the character Gan, she is dangerous, too out spoken and if Gan wants any hope of cohesion among the crew and longevity as captain, he is going to have to get rid of her. So, before I post in IC, how should we handle this. I am not sure what to do. My character was trying to give her a chance to fit in but she won't take it without being too vocal. Is there any compromise where these two characters can get along, even come to trust one another? Or at least Coexist without incident? Please let's talk this out in OOC before we push on. I really want this game to be fun again, for both of us, and I'm finding it just uncomfortable all around. Again, I hope none of that offended you. I tried my hardest not to come off harsh and the tone wasn't meant to be. I'm just trying to reason.
I raise my eyebrow at Hu's assumption of being first mate and then let out a soft chuckle as Skulls speaks."You've never had an issue with being blunt and to the point my friend." I clap my hands together. "Well well, Now we have two folks vying for the position of first mate." I look around. "Anyone else want to step up. The first mate is a very prestigious role after all and I dare say it is AS important, if not more important than the role of a captain. The first mate needs to not only be someone I trust but someone you trust as well." I then lean against a post or wall, whichever is nearest. "This should be interesting. Another debate." I look at the pirates gathered. "Well come on, any of you lot want the job you have to step up to the plate. I won't be the only one deciding this after all." I look at the two prospects. I gaze from one to the other. I let my sights settle on Hu first. "I have to say I trust Skulls more than I trust you. I have only just met you and you've done nothing less than belittle me since. It is clear you are displeased with my kind of experience or gaining this position but on the other hand, you bring a lot of necessary skills to the table." I look at Skulls. "I've known you since day one at sea. I feel like we've connected but I must know, do you have what it takes to handle the responsibilities of being first mate?" I then look to the rest of the crew. "And what of you? You all have been awful quiet this whole time. Who do you think I should take as first mate? I'd like to here your thoughts on the matter as well. You'll not only be taking orders from me but from one of them as well." I look back and forth. "Well, what say you? Any of you want to step up or pick one of them."
I take a deep breath and look at Hu. "We are all prone to mistakes. Harrigan made a mistake in selecting Plugg as his first mate and not treating his crew right. Plugg made the mistake of assuming he could control us by force. I made a mistake when I didn't fully gauge my foes strength before I acted." I point at Hu. "Apparently you made some mistake that landed you in this ships bilges." I look to the others. "We all make mistakes, constantly point out the past is pointless. Those mistakes only hold weight if they were learned from. I have learned. This bickering on qualifications is getting us nowhere." I look again at Hu. "Miss Hu I will be taking the pirates code under extreme consideration. I understand the purpose behind those rules but you have to understand, they aren't a set in stone law. I appreciate the starting point though and thank you for the advice." I look to Jove with a smile. "If no one else speaks for your position choice then I will let you have it." I hold up my hook. "Do you best, I won't accept less than 100%" I then listen to Noche'wa. "As Hu has pointed out, a ship needs some form of order to function. Without some rules in place the ship would sink itself. So I will make the rules available to all soon enough but a simple version is, Work hard, don't kill or fight among yourselves, no stealing, and don't do anything to endanger the ship or its crew. That should be simple enough until I can get a formal layout. We need to get on track and find a destination." I hear out Jove's suggestion for the Rahamoudi. "Throw them a rope and let's bring them back aboard. I would like to know what fate they wish. Members of the crew or to be left at a port." I then look to Ragnar. "I could use your strength. If you wish to be master of arms and can handle the job then I would allow it if no one more qualified shows up. I also plan to fight alongside you in the battles to come. I want to see your skills up close and personal." I address the rest of the crew. "Is there anyone else who wants one of the roles I mentioned."
I smile at Hu. "Yes, One." I turn to the crew. "The pirates code is a good source of guidelines unless you all would rather these be the solid rules. That is the question. Do you want to add my rules to the so called code, or do you simply want to be a band of pirates. If the code is what you want I WILL enforce it. I only offered an alternative for those of your not seeking to be aboard another Wormwood. I leave the choice to you." I look at Hu. "I am not a born Pirate, I am a sailor. I have no qualms with pirating, being bloodthirsty, or even ruthless and cruel. However, if I am to Captain a ship then I am to do so on my own terms. I realize my style will differ from yours but that is how I will captain my crew. I want a force of strong loyal men. Not the common bands of degenerates you find on most pirate ships. Also, if you are going to serve me, then I would ask more respect from you when making suggestions."
I nod with a smile. I then give Ayaki a respectful bow. I then turn to the crew. ”Thank you all for your support. Now, our orders of business will be a few rules and then what to do with the remaining prisoners, then I will assign jobs. Once those are settled we will make for a port and supply.” I pace for a moment then address the people. ”Okay here is how things will work for now. First of all, once people have their roles on the ship assigned, they must be carried out with your best efforts. Slackers WILL forfeit pay, or good meals. I don’t believe in beating people, repeat offenders will be dropped off at the nearest port.” I then hold up my hand. ”Now, I don’t believe in beating people but when violence is involved, violence will be the punishment. There will be a vote on how to handle murderers on this ship. Anyone who murders, the minimum punishment will be a branding and dumped at a law abiding port on their own. The ultimate punishment will be death if the crew decides it is deserved. Now, fights can be sanctioned. If there is a dispute between two crew mates, it can be brought to either myself or the first mate, we can then set up a sanctioned bout. The rest of the crew can watch, bet, cheer, jeer, and otherwise be entertained by the event. And thus the two crewmates can settle their dispute. Any unsanctioned fights will be met with a day in the bilges or lashings.” I start to pace some more. ”Now, stealing on a ship is the highest crime on the seas next to murder. The punishment for stealing belongings from other members will not only be made to return the belonging but forfeit one of their own belongings of equal value. If you steal consumable resources from the ships stores, you forfeit meals equal to the amount of resources stolen.” I straighten up. ”Now, again, Murder is the only crime that will have death as a punishment. Repeat offenders of the other crimes will be disposed at the next port. Those are the rules. I will take any suggestions under consideration and if I like a suggestion, I will implement it.” I then gesture to the prisoners. ”Now! We have disposed of Plugg and Scourge. What about the rest of them? I will take votes and ideas on how to deal with them. My plan would be to make them work as swabs and riggers until we arrive at port and then get rid of them from there. If the rest of you collectively have a different solution then I will consider it but in my opinion, we need this ship to be properly crewed until we reach port.” I then pull out my journal. ”Now, crew assignments. We are going to spend the evening assigning. We need a First Mate, a Bosun/master of arms, quartermaster, sailing master, master gunner, a surgeon/healer, a lead shipwright, a gunner’s mate, a boatswans mate, and I’d like to have a cabin boy/girl. Now, Show of hands, who wants the role of first mate?” As I ask the last question I do take a glance at Ayaki.
I nod. "A fair question and a surprising response from my rival here. I am sorry to say my base knowledge is lacking a good deal. I know what I know through experience but little in regards to books, honestly I wasn't sure pirates cared so much about literacy and expansive knowledges. It was one of those skills I had hoped the crew would help with." I clear my throat. "However, the question is in regards to riches and wealth. I do know how to spot an opportunity and act quickly and decisively. I also have recently learned how to better gauge a foe and plan accordingly. Hitting trade ships is a simple enough answer my my plans would involve scouts when we are in ports. I will have my own code to implement and a part of that code is rewarding those among us who acquire profitable information. I want a large selection of resources and will accept plans and valuable targets and or places to go after. If any of these prove fruitful, the initial presenter would be rewarded handsomely. Hitting trade lines is a nice way to get some standard vessels. However, when we are in a port, I am going to inquire, as should everyone else, about local legends, big ticket trade ships, and any other useful or profitable finds." I gesture to the crew. "I need a strong crew to help me as much as I plan to help you. I have a lot of weaknesses still and as far as I can tell, no one here," I gesture to Hu as well, "No one here is without shortcomings and are going to have to draw upon the skills and talents of the crew to make up for. For example, knowledge. I myself am limited but I know there are those among you who could provide me will useful intel. What I do with that information is what truly decides my value as a leader. Making a plan with the resources I am given is my strength and I have learned well from past mistakes and there have been many. I am a survivor, I am an opportunist, I am becoming a tactician, and I WILL be a leader." I gesture to the ship. "We need an organized crew as well as a strong crew but I do not plan on handing out roles to just anyone. Only to those who can best fulfill the role. If I am settled as captain the first order of business would be to lay out the rules. We are free men but that doesn't mean we get to do as we please without boundaries. If the boundaries I set disagree with your notion of "freedom", then you are "free" to depart at the next port with some reasonable compensation. I won't make unfair rules. Know that any rules I put into play are for both the benefit of the ship and of it's crew and I won't make rules that are a burden on you. Crew morale is just as important as the shape of the ship. A happy crew is a strong crew, is a loyal crew, is a motivated crew, is a fearless and terrifying crew. My goal is that none of you think of the work aboard this ship as slave work or that at any point you'd feel like a slave. We are a ship of free men. Rules are only there so we can be efficient and happy free men." I then gesture to the captain's cabin. "My job is captain. I decide where the ship will go and what the crew will be doing. Those decisions are what will make or break me as a good captain. Those are the decisions that matter most. The destination of the ship and the activities and well being of the crew. Additional roles will be battle leading and problem solving. Those I can do well also." I gesture once again to the crew. "After a few major rules, our next order of business will be your roles on the ship. For some of you I can already see what you would be best at. However, I plan to give each of you a fair chance at the role you wish to have on this ship. The most important part of working is doing what you want to do, but also doing what you were meant to do. Doing what you are best at. I will consider skills over friendship. Though I am familiar with most of you, and friends with most of you, I will not take that into consideration when deciding your roles. I have the final say in what you do but I will make sure it is something you are at least willing to do. I will not force any of you into a role you don't want or wont be happy with. Some of the lesser roles can be traded to keep them from getting too mundane or menial. No job will be looked down upon. Though many of you may see swab work as slave work, it is essential to the well being of the vessel and I expect it to be filled. I will have the first mate post a daily job board where sailors will be able to select their role for the day. This is likely to be among swabs and riggers only. Officer jobs wont change much. Those of you here now will have first pick of the roles. We will then head to the port Plugg was going and acquire more willing crew from there as well as everything we need to supply this vessel properly. I will have you go around town and gather any and all useful information to be presented to me. In the meantime I plan to study Plugg's records if he has any. If he has nothing worth looking at, I too will be joining you in gathering information." I hold out my arms. "This is everything I have to offer. I can only say I am a man with experience and ambition. I know what I want and I need you to help me get it. Ultimately, we can all share in the wealth of the fruits we bare. We will be rich and famous. We may even come to be quite the legend for later generations. Fair treatment and a tight ship, decisive actions and informed decisions. I can also take responsibility for my shortcomings and own up to my mistakes and errors and learn from them. I can only get better than I am now. Please, lend me your trust, lend me your strengths, lend me your support, and together we will rule the seas!"
I'm having fun with it. It is helping me develop Gan even better. I've even prepared a large chunk of text should Gan be elected captain. Again, I kind of assumed going for captain would be easy. It really fits my backstory, personality, and what has transpired since the day we woke up as slaves. I've even got the whole "Captain Hook" concept mix with some Barbosa too. I have a pet monkey. Could have called it Jack. Again. This whole competition for captain is really helping me flush out the character.
Me either and I was wondering the same thing. Figured he'd have something to say about my petition for captainship since he's technically been with Gan since the beginning.
I smile and straighten up. "Okay, I can roll with this." I turn to address Noche. "First of all, I never said I "deserve" to be captain. I am asking to be captain in a very pompous and grandiose manner thank you very much." I then turn to address those gathered. "Secondly, I have announced my skills but if I need to elaborate then I will. I was formally a prisoner, before that I was a rigger on the Wormwood, before that I was a slave and before that, I was a first mate's assistant for seven years of my youth." I straighten up. "I am not going to stand here and roll out a list of qualifications. I will tell you my capabilities and what I'd need if and when I am captain. First of all, I am a marksman and a gunsmith. I fight with pistols. Now for more conventional skills. I am a sailor, have been for years, I am very good when it comes to working on ships and spending time at sea. I climb fast and swim fast. I too can hold my breath for quite some time. However, every sailor should be able to do what I can as far as skills go. When it boils down to it, nothing all that impressive." I take a deep breath. Clearly I am going to say some things that may deter some from selecting me if skills are what they are looking for. "The "skills" needed to bring us through fire an death are of a more personal nature. I have learned a good deal about RUNNING a ship from a first mate for seven years. I have never done it. I know the ins and outs of how a ship works, the jobs necessary to keep a ship in order. I have faced bloody combat in many environments that didn't favor me and survived. I understand what a crew needs, I understand the politics of the sea. My trade skills that Noche is seeking won't make me a better captain. I am no better than any of you in that regard. My skills are meaningless to being a captain. All I have that I believe differs from any other candidate are principles, resolve, commitment, critical thinking, organization, planning, and most importantly, leading. These are the skills I put forward for you to judge. The other skills a captain needs are to be supplied by the crew. That is why I need a crew. To acquire any skills I lack. There is truly nothing about me that says I am a spectacular commander other than my ambition for greatness, wealth, and power. If you do not believe my "skills" are up to par, then make your choice." I cross my arms and wait for my rival to speak or the crew to come to a decision. I an standing with confidence that I have said everything I need too.
I smile at Ragnar. "Thats good. You have a better understanding than I first thought. I do not rely on my pistol. It is my preferred weapon but I have fought many battles without it. If you say you can be my sword then you have set the example of supplementing my short comings. I am not a great warrior but I will fight when and where necessary. We will pillage and plunder. There will be blood and I will be involved. But a fight here would prove nothing. The crew will decide who they want to follow. So, if no fight takes place and a captain is chosen by "civilized" means, will you serve your captain and crew loyally or would you wish to depart at the next available port and seek a captain you are looking for?" I look Ragnar in the eye as I ask my question.
I hold my hand up to Jove. "Settle down Jove. Your point is made. This man clearly has deep rooted views." I look at Ragnar sternly. "Why are you at sea? You are a warrior of the sword but is that all you can do? If I become captain and you wish to serve, I will need you to be a sailor, not a warrior. The sea is a stronger foe than any man we will face. Pirates are the ultimate outlaws. The ultimate warriors of the sea. They are also sailors. Also, in battle, they don't fight fair. There is no honor or glory like a battlefield. We will all have to fight at times but the battles are fought without rules, without honor. Weather by gun, sword, spell or dirty trick, the man still alive is the winner no matter what he did to get it. I don't need a sword to prove my strength. If you want a warrior leader and to be a warrior, then we can drop you off at the next port. I need strong sailors, not honorable warriors. What say you? Do you have what it takes to be a pirate beyond swinging a sword really hard? Can I use you as a sailor?"
I seem amused at Ragnar's proposal. Why does it always come to muscle and battle. This really gets old and bothersome. Extremely impractical." I take the cutlass from Ragnar and look to the crew. "Is this the kind of captain we want? Another Plugg? Another Harrgian? A leader who can only lead by his ability to kill and beat an opponent? The mark of a good leader should be his ability to lead soundly. It is the job of the followers to make up for the leader's shortcoming and every leader has them. If I must prove my strength, then most of you know I already have. I had to venture to the bilges and slay giant rats with no armor and only a dagger. I fought the largest man on the ship with my bare hands and beat him even after he tried to use a weapon to beat me. When Plugg sent Felix to the bilges unarmed to be killed by his lackeys, it was I who led a rescue to save him. Our small team fought and killed the two men and risked our own lives to do so. On this very ship when we were fighting the enemy crew, I took a bold move and attack the strongest man on both ships and afterwards, stood face to face with him and lost my hand. I am NOT afraid to bleed for this crew if I have to, but we are not a bunch of barbarians and a skirmish of this nature would prove nothing. The strongest arm could still be nothing more than a witless brute no more fit to run this crew than a dog off the streets." I throw the sword to the ground. "I do not need to prove my strength. All former members of the wormwood know this and any new members to the crew should consider the ties the members of this crew have with one another. There is already a bond between me and most of you. However, if it is a barbarian you want for a leader, I suggest you vote this man." I gesture to Ragnar. "He could cleave anyone on this ship in two, myself included. If we are going to decide this by strength then were better off with his lead." I take a deep breath. "If you want a real leader, one you know and trust, who has the skills to sail a ship, one who HAS proven his strength and resolve, then, my friends, trust in me, believe me when I say that I will be the best captain you have ever known. That is my promise to you. And should I ever fail you, I offer my fate to the crew." I stand waiting a response.
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