Piper Bramblewine's page

When one of the halflings climbs up with a cup of sake, he gives him/her a bow and a soft "Thank you... that was a skillful climb and I am in awe that you did it with hot sake in your hand as well... Be careful on your way down!"

The Halfling seems surprised but genuinely pleased by the bow, and tips his hand to his forelock respectfully to Jiro.

"Thank ye, indeed, Chief," he says with a rough accent, but with sincere courtesy.

"Ye let me know if ye be needing anything else, or if'n ye got a hankering fer anything special fer eatin' near grub-time and I'll make sure it's seen to, no worries, savvy?" he adds with another tip to his forelock and a bright smile.

Rain, determined to keep her position and not permit the Wormwood to gain any ground and pass her, continued driving the ship forward through the gap.

As Horatio waits to hear what Dhaavan might have to say about Fiends in general, and Amen-set waits to hear the new sailors introduce themselves formally - Piper has come aloft bearing a bevy of hot beverages and some food for the men.

But before she can pass out the food to the sailors, Amen-set gives her a hard stare and then flicks her eyes at the helm until Piper - somewhat confused - realized what the girl is about and stifles an exasperated sigh and moves to the quarterdeck.

"Begging your pardon... um, your Ladyship?" Piper says, not entirely sure how she should formally address Rain in front of strangers, but nevertheless, she continues - "this is compliments of the young lass," she adds with a nod of her had at Amen-set.

She offers a tin flask held inside a leather wrap which would make sure anyone holding it would not burn their hands.

The flask can hang easily around a person's neck by a cord, and it is filled with herbal tea - heated to just the best temperature, and prepared the way Amen-set knows Rain likes her tea.

"It's damp, cold, wet and windy - this should heat you up proper," she adds with a grin, then turns her gaze to watch the wake of their ship slicing through the waves.

Then she turns to look at the other officers.

True to her word she's brought them options of heated, mulled wine; heated brandy and even a flask of sake, heated as was custom, which one of the Halflings carries up to Jiro.

There is also a platter the other Halflings are carrying that has rashers of broiled salt pork, boiled hardtack, and a plate with what looks like some limes cut up into thin slices so that everyone - including the newcomers - may have a bit of food with their drink, if they wish...

"Will there be anything else?" she says to anyone - including not just Rain, but any of the other officers as well...

As soon as I learn more, I'll take my next action :)

As the officers continue to discuss things and make plans, Piper comes striding up to them with the other two Halflings and tips her forelock to Horatio.

”Begging your pardon, chief, but she’ll be sound as a pound soon enough.”

Meanwhile, after doing all her work, she pulls out a small pipe and begins to load it with tobacco which is hanging from a bag dangling around her neck.

When she is done and the pipe lit, she leans back and tosses it to one of the Halflings, who catch it deftly and draws his own pipe out and prepares to share the smoke.

Not privy to discussions or comments of the officers, she is comfortable in simply doing her job – and for now that job is making sure this ship is ready to sail.

As that is on her mind, she stares up at the mast for a moment, and a frown is on her face.

”Oye!” she bellows to one of the sailors getting stuff together – ”strike those poxing colors! This ship’s now the gods damned property of a new company!”

”When that whoreson Harrigan, or any other motherless sod who hears some bleeding scalawag jawing about who we’ve become, then maybe hearing we got two ships under our flag’ll make him think twice!” she says, then lets blows out a stream of tobacco smoke and turns to look at the officers.

”Begging your pardon, chief, hope I didn’t overstep my bounds there, but I figured – well, at least while we sail her – I reckon it can’t hurt our reputation none to let folks know we’ve got the beginnings of a fleet,” she says with a wide grin.

Taking a tug on her pipe, she cocks her head.

”Speaking of which – if you’d like, I can make a new flag for this rig by the end of the day so that folk will know who we are.”

”Unless, of course, ye’re looking to keep false colors for a bit?” she asks the others with a curious expression.

The ship seems to be seaworthy and well taken care of. It is not nearly as fine as the Dread Lady but seems to be relatively fast with clean lines. You would guess this used to be a merchant vessel or something like that.

Piper comes on to the main deck with the two Halfling who do work on the gun crew following her. She is wiping some tar from her hands with a grubby rag and chewing on a tobacco quid.

"Well lads and lasses, she's as sound as a pound and her lines are tight as... well, you know," she says with a grin and turns to spit a stream of tobacco juice to the leeward.

"That said; what's the plan now?" she asks even as Horatio comes out from the aft cabin.

Rain will also assist Piper in repairing/constructing a new Wheel.

As Rain moves to work, Piper comes up from below. She has a bandanna tied over the kinky locks of her hair, a small wad of tobacco in her lip and a small set of tools dangling from her belt.

"Whelp - let's get this shindig started," she says to Rain as she comes to aid her.

Dhaavan, let us investigate the ships sunken below us first and then I say we head to Bag Island. That is closer and on the way to Quent. Perhaps we can figure out what we need there and head out after that. I dislike backtracking if we can help it.

Piper spits a stream of tobacco juice out of the corner of her mouth and turns to Variel.

"Sounds good, captain tight-pants," she says as she offers Variel a wink then takes out a rag and wipes the grime of her hands for a moment.

Amen-set moves from her place and speaks quietly and respectfully to Rain.

"Nebet-i, perhaps this will aid you?" she says offering Rain an object from her belt.

Rain - she offers you this.

Piper's eyes widen on the item Amen-set gave her.

"Ooh, shiny," she says with surprise as Amen-set rolls her eyes at Piper's exclamation.

Piper seems to ignore Amen-set's response and instead she turns and begins to work with Rain on the ship while she sings softly about some song about the sky and being free...

Craft Ships to repair the ship's wheel with a +2 from Rain's Aid check
1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 = 33

Craft Ships to repair the ships sails and rigging with a +2 from Rain's Aid Check
1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 = 31

Piper listens to Horatio’s questions for a moment as they walk.

”Well, the biggest group of our folk is in the Saltfish Camp,” she says with a bit of a scowl ”seeing as how those are the slave pens.”

”Meantime my folk are all over the place and it’s tricky to find a big group on account of the fact that whenever they get a decent thing going in a town, especially in this town, well, you Big Folk typically come in and muscle them out of their property and they got to start all over.”

”Still, if you’re looking to meet with someone who’ll give you the real details, I’d go to a lad called Father Ignalus. He’s the High Priest of Gozreh and you can find him at the Sea Wrack Chapel.”

She muses a little as the trio continues.

”If he won’t give you enough information, or rather; not the information you’re looking for, then I know a guy who’s over near the warehouses. He’s a merchant, does a lot of business. Rumor has it that one of the reasons he’s advanced so quickly is that he makes special deals with all the Halflings corsairs and brigadiers.”

”They say that all the Halfling captains take their prizes to him first and give him special rates, and that he gives them special rates, too. Kind of a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” operation and that’s why he’s doing so well so fast.”

She glances around to make sure that no one is listening, though it’s unlikely that anyone could hear her over all the hustle and bustle, and even if they did, what would it matter?

”A lot of our folk tend to get a lot of unique plunder from Cheliax, and most of our folk who captain ships tend to know those shipping lanes pretty good on account of growing up there. Anyhow, a lot of the lads and lasses tend to target Cheliax ships in particular, and that empire is pretty rich. Though, to be fair, Halfling captains aren’t picky with their targets, if you understand me?”

”They say that any of my folk who captain ships get back to Port Peril that most of their plunder is sold to this merchant direct first, even if they can get better prices other places, because; well, you know… There’s not too many folk interested in taking care of us, so we kind of have to support each other.”

She leans back a little and Horatio considers this.

”Now don’t mistake me; that’s only rumor, mind you. It could all be a lie or exaggeration made up by jealous folk who aren’t happy with how fast he's been growing. For all we know this lad may have just become a great merchant because he’s got the best prices on fish, or something like that. But then again…” she adds with a little shrug.

”Anyhow, Father Ignalus will give you some pretty good information about this place and our people, but if you’re looking for something a little more… unique, I’d try stopping by this merchant guy, too.”

”I suppose if we order Sandara to watch them and prevent anyone from leaving the ship that could work. But why go through all that? I mean, who cares if they wander about in the town?” he asks her, curious for more information.

Piper watches Horatio’s smoke ring drift up for a moment, chewing that over, then turns back to Horatio.

”Now, don’t mistake me, Chief,” she says with an innocent voice.

”But the way I figure it; you got enough lads to sail this ship; but not as much as you could have to do the job as good as you might like to in a pinch,’ she says slowly.

”You let them get into town with plenty of stern drink and the chance to cut loose, well, you may not see half of them come back. Between bar-fights and cutpurses and footpads and so on… Not to mention them that will try to put a drug in your drink and then have you wake up aboard their own ship as a prisoner,” she says, giving Horatio a long look as the doctor winces at this reminder.

”Then when you’re good to sail you’re missing some lads, like as not; and the way I see it, that’s not a good way to start your next voyage; being short-handed and so on,” she adds as she finishes her pipe and knocks the ash out of the bowl.

”And I’ll tell you something else; you’ve been doing pretty good for yourself during these little expeditions, and by that I mean the whole crew on our ship. In other words, you beat plenty of tough odds and tougher chiefs and got plenty of loot to show for it.”

”You really want one of your lads meandering through town, getting a little more to drink than they should be and then deciding to blab to everyone in the "Pirate Capital", as it were, that you’re the biggest “up-and-coming” crew out there and you got plenty of loot on your ship and how every man-jack of you's got gold and jewels in your pockets as they wander the streets to boot?” she adds.

”I already heard one of them other lads saying that the crew’s likely to exaggerate tales a piece. I mean, just saying, Chief; next thing you know you got some big-mouth scalawag deciding to tell everyone under the sun about how your folk defeated the biggest undersea threat this side of the Kraken and your ship’s filled to the bilges with loot!”

”Hate to say it, Chief; you and your boys are good, but you ain’t that good. You tell everyone in that town what you’ve been up to and, well, like as not you’ll be hit hard by some rogues or corsairs as soon as you’ve left the town and are on the open sea; assuming that they don’t try to pilfer some stuff while we’re docked."

"If you got folk coming for you to take what you got, well... maybe you could beat any of those folk who decide that you’re easy pickings, and maybe you can’t,” she adds with a somewhat doleful glance at the ship in the harbor.

”Anyhow, like I said – if it were me, I’d keep them benched while in town. Safer for everybody that way, but of course, I ain’t the one giving the orders, more’s the pity,” she adds with a small grin.

The following stuff is composed of the few notes I received about Piper after she joined us. The rest of it is just hunches.

Piper looks up at Horatio striding toward her and pauses in her work to observe him.

”Afternoon, Chief,” she says cheerily to Horatio, pausing to take a long drink from a cup of cold tea sitting nearby.

”What can I do for you this fine day?” she asks him with a cheery smile.

”So it seems that our next port of call is a place called Port Peril. When we get there we’ll be meeting with the Hurricane King and trying to figure out why he’s got us there.”

”I got to admit; most of time has been back home in Sargava and I don’t really know much about this “Port Peril” as I’d like to.’

”You got any ideas or thoughts on the matter? Anything that you could tell me to maybe help me out?” he asks her.

She nods at him and takes a tea kettle and pours some more cold tea into her cup and drinks it in a gulp, pausing to offer him a drink, if he’s willing.

Then she wipes off her hands and leans back, thinking a moment.

”Well, Port Peril’s the capital of this place; and by "this place" I mean, of course, "The Shackles"... and it's a pretty powerful town, so at least I know that much,” she says with a wry grin ”But from what I hear, this town ain’t exactly peaches and cream, if you understand me, sir?”

”They’re a rough lot there; that’s where the “boss pirate” makes his berth, though I don’t think he lives in the town proper; if you understand me? As for that boss, I seem to recall that his name was “Kerdak Bonefist”. The call him a “King” though I don’t reckon I know why, but anyhow, that’s his title,” she adds then leans back, getting comfortable.

Horatio smiles tightly, but it seems clear that her slow unraveling of news is somewhat dull to him; besides, so far he hasn’t really heard any details that he didn’t already know.

She fishes around in her pack for a bit, then finds a pipe and draws it out and begins to fill it with some tobacco. Naturally, she offers him some, and Horatio – recalling the courtesy of Halflings when it came to matters of the “Small Table” accepts her tobacco politely and fills his own pipe.

Getting more comfortable she takes a long draw from the pipe and sighs almost contentedly.

”Yep, there’s some rough customers there, that’s for sure; but I reckon it’ll be interesting to spend some time there,” she adds with a little nod.

”After all, this port has a good amount of my people; and I reckon that those people are good people, excepting the one’s that aren’t, of course,” she continues with a somewhat slow relish.

Horatio draws a taste from the pipe and looks at her, cocking his eye.

”Ah! Of course, by ‘my people’ I mean folk like me! You know, Halfling folk,” she says with a nod.

”Port Peril’s got a big host of Halflings there; biggest settlement in The Shackles,” she adds.

Tugging on her Pipe for a moment, she regards him thoughtfully.

”You know, lot of my folk were taken as slaves by those ninnyhammers from Cheliax,” she continues, her language still courteous enough for “small talk at the table” though there is a steely glint in her eyes at the recollection of the slavers from the north and Empire of Cheliax as well.

”Those folk that have escaped from slavery tend to head to Port Peril, from what I hear.”

”That being the case, we may end up running into some decent lads and lasses there, which I suspect would be a fine change of pace, no offense to the present company, of course,” she ads with a bright grin.

’But who knows what will happen there?” she adds, brightening a bit.

”Like as not, when we get there I’ll probably be benched with the rest of the sailing folk, at least, I hope you keep them benched when you get there,” she adds, staring at him with a knowing expression.

”Just saying, if it were me then I’d likely say to my mates – Lads, you’re all stuck aboard this here ship until we get back! Won’t be gone long, but no one’s permitted to leave until we’ve returned. You know, something like that,” she adds, continuing to stare at him.

Ret-con With Piper

Ret-con with Dhaavan

Piper will move to aid Horatio. She's going to try Craft: Carpentry to assess the ship (I just re-read the GM's post and realized I can do that). Okay, with that in mind, here goes:

Craft: Carpentry
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

EDIT: Cool! If both rolls stacked we'd be in business. As it is, that's still pretty good times.

In conjunction with his search, he will cast a quick detect magic as he scans the cabin.

"Ahem, begging your pardon Mister Seijiro?" says a brisk yet tentative voice from the doorway.

It is Piper.

"The chief wants you to know that he and the chaplain are working as best they can on your dad."

"They reckon that things are going okay, but in the meantime, they asked me to brew up some hot tea; the chief said he reckoned it might help you a bit, you know... a hot beverage being good when you're stressed," she adds awkwardly.

"Anyhow, I'll keep the pot hot for you, if you want some, and I'll fetch it up for your dad, so if when he wakes up he'll have something to drink that's a bit homey," she adds.

Seeing that you're likely stressed about what's going on, she shrugs a bit helplessly.

"Anyhow, the thing is - well... don't worry... they'll have your dad tip-top soon enough and everything will be okay," she adds trying to cheer you up then salutes and leaves you to your duties.

[Dice=Jack Perception]1d20+13

We'll see how Jack reacts
** spoiler omitted **

Piper will approach the quarterdeck and look up to the officers standing on it.

”Ahoy the quarterdeck!”

”Permission to come up?” she asks.

If she is given permission, she will come up. If not, she will call out.

”Begging your pardon, but the Chief wants to see the ship’s manifest,” she says with a brisk salute.

”He wants to know specifically what magical artillery we got while in port; he also wants to know what specific magic improvements we got to the ship; and of course, he wants to know what alchemical weapons were purchased in town with the ship’s loot so he can prep the gun crews on what’s what.”

She thinks a moment.

”Also, he wants the healing folk to know he’s starting on growing some basic medicinal herbs in the new herb garden; so there’s that.”

She waits for a copy of the ship’s new gear.

When she has it, she salutes again.

”Thankee kindly; meantime, begging your pardon, but any of you gents know where the cook be? I got a message for him next,” she says politely.

Reply to Piper on Day Two

As Piper hands over the package, Rain gratefully accepts it.

"Firstly, I thank you for working on the Lady's wheel. You and Sandara did a fine job in repairing it. And whatever is in this package, I appreciate you completing it. You and Amen-set both have my gratitude."

Rain wonders at what could have been commissioned by Amen-set. She opens the package and inside is a small cloak, emblazoned with the Lady's heraldry and soft silk and leather cat boots. Rain softly laughs and wonders if Neko would wear such articles. There was only way one to find out.

Moving with purpose to the Captain's quarters where the golden cat was lounging in her hammock, Rain enters and moves slowly toward Neko. She places the small cloak and boots by the cat and steps back a little. "Neko, this is a gift made for you by Amen-set and Piper. If you choose to wear them on certain, special occasions, they would be most happy. The cloak is in the colours of The Dread Lady as we consider you one of us for as long as you desire to be."

Piper brightens considerably under the praise and shuffles her feat a bit.

"My thanks, pilot-major," she says, tipping her forelock again.

"Still, don't see what type of cat would be dashing around with boots and a cloak - but if he agrees to it, I ain't one to protest... though, if I may be so bold? If he agrees - that puss will need a new hat to go with his boots..." she adds, then nods again and goes about her business, whistling along to Seijiro's sea shanty.

Rain stands by the hammock housing the golden cat and continues to gently stroke the soft, thick fur. The purring was a positive sign, much better than the initial hissing. Rain understood they each had their own territory in the cabin now. What would Variel say when he returns to his cabin to discover the cat has taken up residence? Rain almost laughed out aloud, even though she was weary from the long day and night.

Rain pours water into a bowl and washes her face and other grime as best as she can. She removes her armour and weapons and places them to the side of the cot. Lifting the blanket, she lays down and watches Neko for a moment or two through sleep-clouded eyes. The voice she heard was a surprise, but then again Rain did not know if it was just her imagination after the day she had. In a light, quiet voice before drifting off, Rain adds, "You have a beautiful voice, Neko."

Sometime during day two

As Rain goes about her business, she is approached by a very reluctant and somewhat uncomfortable Piper.

She looks a bit embarrassed, but when you have a moment, she tips her forelock and shuffles her feet a bit in front of you.

”Uh, begging your pardon, pilot-major,” she says a bit awkwardly ”but, uh – I was asked to give you this by… Blast, what did she call it? Oh yeah! Your “sennet” said to give you this when I got the bloody thing done; she sent me the message on it private like, and I been working on it on the sly. But anyhow, it’s done now,” she adds briskly.

Then she hands you a bundled package, coughs a bit, than goes back to her duties.

FYI – Piper would have worked on the wheel when you are sleeping or no on duty.

Piper is making a Craft Check via someone’s PM request –
1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15

Piper will use “Craft Carpentry” on day one to repair the ship. She is using Masterwork Carpenter tools which gives her a +2 bonus to “Craft Carpentry”.

Via House Rules for Accelerated Crafting I am going to have her add +10 and again for +10 to make this even harder; but hopefully faster.

She will need to make a “Craft Carpentry” against a DC of 30 to repair a total of 30 points in one day. It will take 30 gold pieces of gold to repair to repair 30 points of damage.

Anyway, here is her Craft: Carpentry roll to repair the damage done with the +2 Bonus to her Masterwork Tools.
1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 = 31

If necessary, Horatio will attempt to “aid” her.

Horatio’s “Aid Check” via Craft; Carpentry and “Masterwork Tools”.
1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

Edit: In this case, Horatio's "aid check" should be redundant - but he will offer her aid for flavor.

Variel, I have lost the link for the ship stats. How much more points need to be repaired at this time?

oh crap, he's gonna be sick again isn't he... ADULAR!!! REMOVE DISEASE STAT!!!

Dhaavan lets himself crack a smile at Variel's request, "I was already planning on bunking in the Officer's quarters Cap'n. no worries there. Just need the quarters during the day while Jiro's sleepin' and others 'ave the helm."

"I did pretty well with the loot, but sadly managed ta deal with one o' the most shrewd fellas I know. Had to convince him he was takin th' shirt of my back ta get an average cut." he says shaking his head with a sigh.

"Well, I'll be ta bed so i can work in the mornin' and we'll hash everthin' out tomorrow."

As an after-thought, Dhaavan adds, "Horatio did say ta take my word as his this mornin," with a smile. "But really it ain't a pressing matter, just when ya get a chance I'd appreciate yer handiwork."

Arodus 22nd

"Huh, now isnt' that interesting." Jack wriggles up out of Dhaavan's collar and flits off after a few strange words from Dhaavan. "What sort of fellow is this gent? Guess I must have missed Flynn as I was settin up shop in the Cap'n's quarters."

Not going to worry too much about timing or things, for my own sanity's sake. We'll say Rain finds Dhaavan after Flynn's gone below decks, and making ready to leave, there is a lot of running around, so Jiro's the only officer that saw Flynn com on board, and eventually everyone is on the ship and Rain Approaches Dhaavan

** spoiler omitted **

Did much editing

Arodus 22nd

I’m guessing that the ship sailed for a while than everyone went to sleep. Than we woke up and went about our business the next day. This response to Dhaavan is therefore set for the next day, at mid-morning. If other stuff was supposed to go down during the night before – I apologize.

However, Piper would have answered Dhaavan the next morning and not tonight, as it is rather late and she is still sleeping and Jacks' statement didn't make the seem very urgent.

Anyhow Dhaavan, here is the response :)

Seijiro thanks Piper for the gift, his eyes rimmed with tears, which he blinks back, blushing, and tucks the small piece of silk away to give to Tomo later. He stands by the railing looking out over the lights of Bloodcove for some time, waiting to see if Variel will call an officer's meeting or not.

Piper seems a bit embarrassed by your reaction, not sure how to react.

”Oh, well – I’m glad you liked it,” she says, folding her hands behind her back and shuffling her feet a bit.

”I thought you may be thinking it was a bit too forward and all… but, um, anyway… well, you know – I really monkey’s – and Tomo is really cute, and I thought he’d like it, and I thought you wouldn’t mind, so… well… you know,” she adds awkwardly.

”Anyhow… I know you’re from out of town, as it were… but where I grew up we had a custom between pals… um, you know – we’d like to get comfy and have cakes and tea.”

”Anyhow, I don’t know much about your folk – but, uh – do you like drinking tea where you come from? I got some fried pies with diced pineapple and some shredded coconut on it; and the chief got me a tea set, so I can make tea... I can get you cup, if you want one, that is... and some pies, too, if you like fried pies?” the Halfling asks shyly.

mostly the appearance of the ninjas made Seijiro a little homesick, as it made him think of Minkai, and therefore of his family (not that they are ninjas or anything). It was no big deal, just saying. He's a little sad is all.

Seeing you on the ship, Piper will approach you shyly and offer you a small package.

Bowing a deep bow and addressing the halfling,Camm says,"My dear, I am sure that your creations are of the utmost quality. It is readily obvious a great deal of care is taken in your work."

Turning back to Horatio he says, "I traveled fairly light as usual. I will acquire what I need as we go. My arms,armor, Cyclone's needs are all I really came with."

Hearing Camm’s compliment, Piper beams.

Hearing that he has only the gear on his back, her eyes go wide.

”Why, that’s terrible,” she says in surprise.

”You’ll need a proper kit to get things done, that’s for sure… but hey; don’t worry – we got some gear you can borrow.”

Rummaging around she pulls out a large pack which and holds it up to show him.

Careful examination reveals that it is a decent pack with some good odds and ends inside. Contents. Strapped to the top is a bedroll and a 50 foot cord of rope.

”It’s not much, but you can have it when you’re with us on board and you need to walk off and go stomping around, er – if you need something, that is,” she says with a little smile.

”You probably won’t need to haul it around – but I’m surprised you don’t have something like that on you now. Well; anyhow – it’s here now. If you’d like, I’ll stitch your name on it, or something like that. Um, it’s no bother, really… so… how do you spell it? I mean, your name, that is...” she asks, curiously.

She looks quizzically at Horatio for a moment

”So... who is Cyclone?” she asks, her eyes darting between Horatio and Camm.

I think that if we run a short raid it might give a chance to spread my wings a little, ;)

"Well my friend,I am sure that I will be able to get something out of this even if it is to best you in kills, hahaha. So. Where are these tall men of fierce disposition and midnight skin holding their unwilling parcels and how long till we leave?"

Piper pushes the goggles up over her forward a bit to see the man in front of her better. Her eyes widen as they roam over him for a bit, and she whistles tonelessly.

Older than Horatio, he seemed rather cocky and somewhat arrogant.

Cocky and arrogant? Hmm… not too shabby… she thinks with a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she appraises him.

Noticing that Horatio has done a rather poor job at introducing her, she takes a moment to speak her piece formally.

”Bramblewine’s the name; Piper Bramblewine,” she adds, than suddenly realized that Horatio had already mentioned her first name.

”Oh yeah; well… anyway… the thing is; I make stuff. Lots of stuff – fun stuff, helpful stuff, you know… but anyhow, it’s pretty good… stuff,” she ends a bit lamely.

Oh – did you say “stuff” enough? Smooth Piper, real smooth! Way to impress a guy!

She reaches into her pouch and removes a small scrap of paper and rolls up a crude cigarette, lighting it on the wick of a nearby candle, and takes a long draw from it, hoping that the smoke will cover her awkwardness a bit and waits for a response.

"I think mechanical beings of any kind might be just as distressing to Rain... and I'm not too comfortable with them either, to be honest. Let's just stick to basics, like ship repairs and construction, for the time being, neh?"

Seijiro's little smile, marred slightly with a scowl as well, brightens and he does a backroll to a handstand...

"When you dismount, try this... see how I hold my elbows and do a flip out of the handstand. It looks more impressive - more 'ta-da' and less 'whoa', if you catch my meaning."

[dice=acrobatics]1d20+16

"Let me know if I can help you train your skills more in this... I'd be glad to help."

Piper claps her hands merrily.

"Okay, sounds good," she adds with a salute.

"So no talking about building neat things for the ship with the pilot, or you neither! Gotcha!" she nods with a wink.

"Anyhow, thanks for the tip about the, er, tumbling," she adds, concentrating on Seijiro's hands and arms, studying them carefully.

She looks up with a beaming grin.

"I like more Ta Da than Whoa!, too," she says with a laugh.

Hearing Flynn's morning greeting, Rain turns in his direction and dips her head, acknowledging him with "Good morning, Flynn. I hope you slept well." Turning her gaze to the silent, smoking Piper, she offers, "Good morning to you, Piper", not expecting an answer but offering a branch to the halfling.

Rain lifts her cup, blowing gently across the lip and then sips on her hot tea.

Hearing Rain’s “good morning” Piper looks a bit startled.

Seeing the elf, her eyes widen.

”Oh – and good morning to you, too, miss Taneththir!’” she says, hopping up and bowing a bit.

An audible sigh comes from next to her and Horatio leans over and gives her a private word in her ear.

”Oh, I mean – hello Rain, how are you doing today? I hope you slept pretty good, too,” she adds, then smiles.

After seeing you with your tea, she frowns a bit, then smiles at an idea.

”Hey! Um – would you like to come join us for breakfast? It's pretty good, I made it myself. We’re having some pan-fried pork, which I glazed with some diced pineapple and sugar from some sugar cane. I got some coffee, too – it’s pretty strong, but I sweetened it with fresh coconut milk; and also I made some biscuits,” she adds proudly, showing off her food and waving you over eagerly.

Piper brightens considerably at this talk and flashes you both a winning smile.

”Whew! Thank you so much,” she laughs.

”I mean, I didn’t mean to upset anybody, I just like making things, and sometimes I go on and on about them – I’ll say something to the elf girl when I see her next, I don’t anyone to be unhappy.”

She purses her lips in a curious frown.

”But just so I know – you reckon it was the idea of inventions that bugged her, or was it maybe the thought of machines having souls – like a life form that bugged her?”

”Not trying to start anything,” she says hastily, holding up her hands in protest ”I just want to know what not to say in the future, you know, so we all are pals.”

”Like, I know she doesn’t like clockwork people-types, which is sad, because I think they’re neat, but I won’t talk about that if riles her – but what if we had – for example – a clockwork bird?” she says, her eyes wide with excitement.

”I mean, not a normal sized bird either – but a bird that can fold up on the ship, real small, and then we can make it big enough to unfold and ride on? We could use it as a scout for islands, or maybe even to fly over bad guys and shoot things at them – or we could even use it to go pick up a wounded lad that got washed overboard.”

Her eyes are dancing now, and she rolls over a bit and stands on her hands, doing a handstand while continuing to talk, her blond braid draping down behind her head.

”That could be really great; we could send a scout team on a big clockwork bird – and maybe, if we made it right – we could even make a ship that had wings too; but that’s pretty tricky I bet… but a metal bird we store in the ship, big enough to ride on into a fight or scouting… I don’t think that would be worse than a metal arm or leg – but I don’t want to say nothing if it will upset folks,” she says hastily again.

She stats walking around on her hands, balancing precariously as she does so.

”Thank you both for saying what you did – that was mighty nice of you,” she pauses, sticking her tongue as she concentrates a moment on not falling – then, catching herself, she collapses but rolls into a heap and hops up.

”Whoa! Oh, I mean – Ta Da!,” she adds with a wide grin.

”So – um, do you guys think she may be okay with that plan? And anyhow – what do you think? I won’t even try making it if it will make people mad, but at least it sounds like a neat idea, right?” she adds, eager to know what you think.

Dhaavan – actually the image is a bit complicated. The goddess I chose for her was a minor one on the Pathfinder Wikipedia site. It didn’t really have a holy symbol – per se – and I wanted Piper to have at least a holy symbol on her. So actually, I said she had a “toe ring” – since Halflings don’t wear shoes, and you could see a brass ring on her right middle toe with a symbol on it. The “symbol” was a holy symbol of her goddess. With no real image to use, I found an image on the internet that I liked which fit the goddess pretty well. So the image I showed before would actually be a symbol on a ring, like “signet ring” or something. It’s not actually a construct, or even model of a construct, as I was fairly limited to resources.

Actually – she doesn’t have hardly any gear, but I did give her out of pocket money to buy things. The GM made the entire character; stats, skills, feats and personality, but is letting me play her. So it’s been tricky for me to “find her voice” because the personality he gave me to use was supposed to be a bit more abrasive and matter of fact.

Tolkien suggests that a the real “coming of age” for a hobbit is 33; as Halflings are hobbits, and this chick is 28 – I figured she’d be more of a teenager, coupled with the inventor gnome personality types from “Dragonlanc” (if you’re familiar with them); but it’s tricky, as I’m still “finding the voice” and I didn’t make the character. I was hoping to make her fun-loving, free spirited, very friendly and a little silly. I hope that’s coming off that way, but it’s not too easy.

The short answer about the image – I am updating her profile to add the image there. But I will also include the image here: Holy Symbol.

Piper will enter the room. Her face is neutral and she says nothing, but avoids the gaze of the others. She sits by Horatio and has some coffee mixed with coconut milk. She is eating a thick slab of bread lathered in butter, and slices of pan-fried wild pig fresh killed from the jungles.

When she is done, she’ll take out a pipe and smoke it quietly, but says nothing to anyone.

Meanwhile, out on the dock...

Seijiro scowls at Piper and heaves a sigh in her direction, clearly disturbed by her outburst.

He sighs again and shrugs.

"I guess what I mean to say is that you need to learn to curb your tongue when speaking to your officers... and I know you are Flynn's assistant and answerable to him, but once we are on the Dread Lady, you are subject to some extent to all the officers aboard the ship and need to learn to show some respect to your betters."

"I'm not saying there's anything wrong with crafting, nor with having pride in your training and abilities. But you need to learn simply to speak with greater discretion. And before you get angry with me, just simply don't. I'm not your enemy... nor yet your friend either. We have just met. But if you don't learn to hold your tongue a bit, especially where people's deeply held religious beliefs are concerned, you will not be making a lot of friends. I'm trying to be your friend here, by speaking to you frankly and strongly about this."

Sure...

Piper’s eyes widen, than lose any sense of emotion and she gently places Tomo down and slowly stands up, looking Seijiro.

"Why would use use the word “betters” with me? I don’t get that; because that means you think you’re better than me. But how can you say that without knowing me? When you say things like that it just sounds mean and that like you're trying to put me down.”

She now looks sad.

”When I came over here I really was pretty excited to come – the chief told me so many neat stories about you all that I felt like I knew you already. And when I get over here I got him,’ she says pointing to Dhaavan ”mating hateful speech about my size; and when you’re a Halfling I promise you you’ve heard every single racist insult about being “cutesy” or “adorable” or “teeny” or whatever. But I didn’t say anything about racist comments, though it did make me uncomfortable; being teased because of my size or race never makes me feel happy."

"But other than the chief speaking up for me, I saw right away that it didn’t bother any of you that I hear such things.”

”But I didn’t care, Halflings always hear racist stuff about their size. So I just tried to show you guys I was excited to sail with you and come up with neat ideas to help you. I got those ideas from reading about my goddess. But as soon as those ideas come out of my mouth, I hear words like “heresy” for my religious beliefs.”

She looks at Seijiro with a neutral expression.

”I liked you a lot from the stories I heard, I liked you when I met you – but I don’t think I like you as much any more. You use words like “betters’ – which means that you must think I’m “worser” – and I don’t think that’s fair, because I don’t think you don’t know me well enough to say that.”

”You tell me that my religious beliefs make you feel some kind of pity for me. Well, for me they don’t do anything but make me feel wonder in the world that surrounds me and give me a profound sense of my goddess's existence in everything I see around me – but you feel sad for me because of my beliefs? That means you're looking down on my beliefs, and I don't think that's very nice.”

”I won’t get angry with you, though. I’m a Halfling and we learned a long time ago not to show anger with folks who tease us or look down on us, because then they stop teasing and start hurting outright. So no – I won’t be angry,” she says sadly.

”I came over here to introduce myself because I was excited to meet you all; and because I wanted to meet you; and because I wanted to be friends with you guys. I didn’t come over here to be teased because of my size, or told my religion was heresy, or told that my beliefs were somehow worthy of pity or sorrow when they make me feel happy.”

”I didn’t want to be told that people figured they were better than me when they didn’t even know me, and I didn’t want people to dislike me,” she adds, her eyes downcast and sadness on her face.

”Anyhow, I’m sorry for upsetting you all, that wasn’t my plan at all. I just wanted to introduce myself and try to be friends. That was pretty much it.”

Seijiro watches Rain rise and walk back to the taproom with mixed emotions.

She seems disappointed somehow... Though I can't put my finger on it exactly, something is troubling her. I hope it all turns out alright.

He observes her as she walks for her entire trip back to the tavern before turning back to the others again.

She IS pretty and has a beautiful gait to match her face. He sighs softly. If only she had a tail!

Ret-con with Seijiro and Dhaavan

Piper watches Horatio stalk off after Rain, her brow knitting in some frustration.

”Is mister Flynn always like that around your pilot, or is he just having a bad day,” she queries with a somewhat confused voice.

Than, realizing that it is only Tomo-chan, Seijiro, and Dhaavan, she relaxes a bit, and decides to be more “open” with her thoughts.

”Gods – that was kind of harsh. I mean, so I like to build things instead of being all “prayerful”, you know?” she says in a somewhat defensive manner, yet not accusing anyone specifically.

”I mean – who cares about gods and magic, I say. Sure, they’re nice and all, don’t get me wrong guys, but the gods gave us our brain to make stuff to help us, so we don’t always have to go crying to them for help, am I right?”

She barrels on without waiting for an answer.

”I mean, the way I see it the entire living world is made up of things we can use to make stuff with, but that’s on account that the gods made it that way; you know, giving things so many handy uses instead of just being pretty.”

”Like trees? Yeah, they’re nice to look at, of course! But you can also make things with them, like boards, houses, ships, hospitals, libraries… lots of stuff.”

She thinks a moment, her eyes getting distant as she tries putting things in perspective.

”So like, the way I see it, the world isn’t just some weird esoteric spiritual image for us to observe and say “Ooh…. Ahhh…. Ohhhh” or whatever, right? I mean, as far as I can see it, the world is more a whole conglomeration of bits and pieces all put together, and we can take those pieces and reassemble them into great stuff to help us, and to honor the gods, too.’

”In other words – our world isn’t just a “life tree” or whatever that means; it’s more about the collection of materials we can put together so we can honor the gods with our brains, right?"

Her eyes light up in sudden clarity.

”Yeah, totally! The world is all about materials and we’re living in it right now.”

She turns a sly glance to you all, her eyes narrowing as if to say – Is there any doubt in your mind?

She pauses, as if relishing her next comment just before uttering it.

”So gods above, you grand Immortal beings who may be listening in; I figure it best for me to say it to you above all: as a crafter and someone who worships a goddess that says that crafting is all around me, and that even the world itself is made of materials for me to craft your praises with that, in short... We are living in a material world… and I? I am a material girl!”

Variel seemed pretty keen on keeping that hat for himself... hope he's willing to relinquish it to whoever is at the helm at least from time to time. Though I'm sure Rain doesn't need it, it sure would help.

"That's a good idea, Flynn-san, for Dhaavan and myself to find us friends and contacts in the towns we visit peacefully. How about it Dhaavan-san? Sound good to you, too? We can meet folks and maybe you can win them over. I might even be able to find us a few contacts that aren't so... well... I guess you'd say 'easy' to ferret out. We'll have to see how it goes." Seijiro gives Dhaavan a broad wink and a wicked grin.

Towns often have collectives of those who live and work outside the law. I can probably meet some of these folks and we can possibly trade with them for some items that might not be available in the open markets. Or sell goods through them that the open market won't bear.

”Um – if you need any backup or anything – um, you know, help to carry things and all that, let me know, I’ll be happy to help out,” Piper adds, in an overly casual voice, speaking to Seijiro, yet not actually looking at him directly.

"I for one, plan to enjoy the pitch of the deck and the fine salt spray and smell, and not worry too much in my down time. Worry turns your fur... hair... white early in life. I don't want to end up old before my time, yanno. Though it's said kitsune with white coats are the most magical and wise of spirit folk, I suspect I'll never be one of them."

He laughs merrily. "Although I should aspire to be wiser, it's not in my nature to worry about it too much."

”Well I think you’re pretty wise enough and any one of these kitsune things that can’t see that that you’re smart is just plain dumb,” Piper volunteers stoutly, then blushes a bit and goes back to playing with Tomo-chan.

Other than paying a lot of attention to Tomo-chan while at the same time working very hard to seem as if she’s not paying any attention to Seijiro; Piper seems fairly unobservant of anything going on around her.

Rain stares at Piper, wondering at the boldness exhibited by her, especially to those who were her superiors in rank. Her eyes mirror a moving ocean and her mouth remains closed for some time, as Jiro's and Flynn's words filter into her consciousness.

Observing Piper's forlorn expression and body language, Rain once again wonders at the halfling. It would seem Piper's bark was worse than her bite. Or so it seemed, as Rain did not know Piper at all.

In order to maintain an effective working relationship, she attempts to reconcile the issue,

"Piper, you speak your mind too readily for an apprentice. Yet, you are entitled to believe in a god of your choosing and this Brigh is important to you, I can see it. Yet, to someone such as I, who reveres nature and whose venerated gods would be appalled by such talk of mechanical beings, I cannot sit easy with talk of such foul creations. I am not angry at you but angered by the deeds you and the other two there, gesturing to Flynn and Dhaavan, would undertake simply to what? To feel powerful? Is that not akin to god-like? I am not here to debate religious philosophy with any of you. I simply suggest that some ideas are impractical in the world and should not be discussed so lightly and with so little regard to consequence. There is no bad blood between us. I am simply unaccustomed to talk of animated mechanical beings nor have knowledge that such things could exist in this world. Are you satisfied now? Come, desist in your solitary state and listen as we discuss our next sea journey." Rain places a gentle smile on her face to induce the flighty apprentice to join them once again. Gods protect us. Flynn has no control over this lass. Nor does he seem to want to guide her, so she may better fit in and understand.

They’re not “foul”! They’re nice, and my creations are very nice, too…

Her eyes soften a bit, than she sighs.

”Okay,” she mutters a little sullenly.

She looks at Rain and smiles a little and reaches over to scratch Tomo-chan’s head and gives Rain a "thumbs up" sign to show there are no hard feelings.

Hearing Seijiro's words, Piper sits down on the dock, a sad look on her face and she hugs her knees to her chest, saying nothing.

Her fingers absently trace the little ridges over the symbol on her toe ring, and she seems very uncomfortable.

While it is clear that her opinions on her faith are certainly important to her, equally likely is that she is working very hard to fit in with everyone and now feels like she's just upset everyone.

Noticing Jiro's look and scowl, her own hands curling and uncurling in her lap, she finally gives voice to her uneasiness, "No more talk of creating mindless, soulless beings. Such talk is for heretics and those who would see themselves elevated as gods. Be careful Dhaavan in what you seek. Your words go beyond nature itself and there will be ramifications." Rain takes a breath and continues, looking mainly to Dhaavan, Flynn and Piper, "You tinker with the world even though you do not understand it whole. I am appreciative of skill such as crafting a ship, sails, healing/protective potions, musical instruments and alike. But to speak of creating metal beings which move and fight without will or soul? I cannot in good conscience condone such an act. I will not." Rain's eyes are afire with shades of blue and green. Her voice, although even, has a dangerous edge. Gazing from eye to eye, "There are more important things to discuss -- factors we must consider before we sail. This talk is wasteful. Let us get back to the business at hand." Her tone is commanding even though she has no legitimate authority in this group. She extends Jiro an apologetic look for she has not included him in her rebuke and hopes he has not been offended by her words.

Piper looks aghast at Rain’s comments, and her mouth opens in shock.

"Begging your pardon, miss, but you’re way wrong on clockwork beings!” she says, somewhat hotly.

”I claim Brigh as my patron! She's the goddess I worship, she is. Her avatar is a clockwork being. And so what’s wrong with that? She picks gets to pick her avatar, and she’s got a right as a goddess to pick that if she wants.”

”And Brigh...well, the legends I hear go that she was first just a clockwork type... maybe a clockwork golem, but no one really knows... But anyway, it was only through discovering her humanity by deeds and actions that extending beyond her structure was she able to find the essence of her soul, and through that quest, she became divine.”

Piper’s eyes are somewhat beseeching toward Rain and especially Jiro – it’s clear she is making her new comrades very angry, and they seem to be accusing her of heresy, and she doesn’t believe that is fair, nor does she believe that it is helping her case to be able to fit in.

”She may not be as big or powerful as Erastil or Desna, or whoever elves worship, but well... I mean, everyone has a right to their opinion, and Brigh is my goddess and she is a clockwork type... and she isn’t evil, and it doesn’t make me a heretic because my goddess gained a soul through her own decisions to do good, even though she may have been made from a “non-living” body and it doesn't make me bad to want to invent things to act like her, any more than if someone was who was making a beautiful fire was somehow being a heretic to Serenrae,” Piper adds, sounding a bit choked up.

”And as for the idea that a clockwork type would do bad stuff and be mindless? That’s not fair, either! I mean, they’re only supposed to do what the people tell them to do who make them. If we ordered them to wound the enemy, not kill them... well, they could be made to do that… or tie the enemy up somehow, or maybe trap them instead of killing them…” she adds, looking at all of you with genuine hurt on her face.

She clears her throat a bit hoarsely, and kicks a pebble into the water near the docks.

”Brigh is my goddess, and I’m not a heretic, and it’s not fair that just because folks don’t know about my faith or my goddess they'd accuse me of being that,” she mutters almost to herself, her eyes very upset and a little misty.

"Ah Jiro, you are too kind to me by far. Thank you for your regard. Perhaps once we have set sail, I shall find time for a song or two", Rain bestows a gracious smile at the kitsune.

Upon hearing Piper speak of her deft hands and no musical ability, Rain addresses her question. "What do I like to do apart from singing? Let me see," tapping the corner of her mouth with her fingertips, "I enjoy watching and studying the stars, the occasional dance, bestowing a glare toward Flynn and his tango, I enjoy reading and good storytelling. So much can be learned from the old stories passed down the generations." Rain smiles gently. "What do you like to do, Piper, apart from tinker away on your various projects?"

”Me? Well – let’s see…” Piper responds thoughtfully.

”I like to build stuff – that much you know. But anybody can build things – I like to build neat things; clever things, as it were.”

”Like the music box; which you saw? I like building things like, but, uh… well, I can do things like that, I can make them perfect and exact – time and again – but as for the knowing on how to come up with it from scratch?” she shakes her head sadly.

”I got no real wit on imagining things from scratch. Still,” she adds brightening ”If someone gives me the bloody charts or blueprints – pre-drafted, I can build you exactly what you want, nearly every time. And that’s a fun thing, too.”

”What else, what else… Ah – of course, I like to cook! I’m not a great cook mind you, but I’m pretty handy in the kitchen. And better than cooking I like to eat – but who doesn’t like to eat? So many snacks, and afternoon tea; dinner, luncheon’s, supper, breakfast – hell, second breakfast… gotta love a good breakfast.”

”You know, back home I used to enjoy those the most; we’d all meet and have a great meal to start the day… one of the family’s even made a club just to meet and eat a great breakfast. Hah! Imagine that – a kind of breakfast club, as it were – I think it was the Hughes family which started it, but I’m not certain…” she adds furrowing her brow, then grinning.

”I like to read, I love it actually. I read lots, and I have a pretty good head for numbers and math, because you got to learn numbers if you’re planning on designing a ship; you know – the calculations and so on,” she adds with a somewhat serious nod.

”I like to dance myself, too – but nothing too fancy. I like a jig, and a reel, and sometimes I’ll do a hornpipe just for fun… “

Seeing your look at Horatio, her eyes widen a bit.

”Huh! Am I missing something here? You two dance a lot or something, or is that some inside joke I don’t get yet?” she adds, stressing the “yet” – as if to suggest she feels confident in her ability to be one the team very soon.

Piper turns a somewhat frustrated look to Horatio.

”Thank you about the definitions, chief – but, uh – I was kind of asking mister… er, Seijiro-san for the meaning, savvy?” she says dryly, giving Horatio a somewhat annoyed look which Horatio doesn’t seem to notice.

Turning back to Rain, Piper shakes her head and gives her a nod to say Is he always like that? then grins a bit.

”Well, miss Rain, I don’t really know about hearing you sing, as I don’t think I have. I don’t really have the music talent, neither, but most of my skills are in my hands,” she adds stretching out her fingers and wiggling them delicately.

”Anyhow, I like to build things. Other than singing once and awhile – what else do you like to do?” she adds politely, curious to know what Rain will say.

"And I guess you got the music bug, Seijiro-san - and seem pretty handy with the little guys," she says, giving a nod to Tomo.

"How about you? Do you have any other interests?" she asks eagerly.

For all those on the dock, Seijiro pulls out his harmonica and plays softly the same tune that Piper's music box was playing a moment ago. Then, after a few bars, he stops and flashes Rain a smile.

"I think you have the right of it, Rain-san... I guess we all have to learn and grow in our new jobs. Confidence, eh? I will try to show it, though inside, I have many doubts. Thank you, friend."

He blushes a little as he speaks, then smiles again, turning to extend his grin to Flynn and Piper as well.

Then he offers a fig from the sack at his waist to Piper. "Would you like to feed Tomo-chan?"

”Hells, yeah!” Piper says enthusiastically.

”So now, what exactly do I feed him? I mean, that's a fig, do monkey's like figs, or is that just a special treat? And if not figs, what does he like… well, what kinds of snacks does a monkey actually normally eat, or are figs the normal?" she adds tentatively, reaching a shy hand to stroke Tomo-chan on his head, then squeals with real delight at his soft fur under her fingers, clapping with pleasure.

”And look; he’s wearing little monkey-sized armor! That’s outstanding!” she says with a short bark of laughter.

Glancing at Seijiro, she adds ”Right – so, uh - “san” means “mister” and “chan” means “misses”, is that how it translates?” she asks, pulling out a small journal from the pouch and a stub of lead to jot down notes with.

"That's a very fine device you have there, Piper... does it play other tunes, or just that one? Seijiro listens to it, memorizing the tune, so he can play it later on his harmonica. "It's very fine, but I have this," and he pulls out his small instrument. It plays any tune I wish and is almost as small, it's all I need, but thank you for offering. Perhaps we can play a duet together though. That might be fun." He flashes Piper a wide smile.

Flynn, can you do me a favor please. It's hard enough to read your posts written in the first person - can you at least write Piper's in 3rd person so we can distinguish them more easily from Horatio's. If everyone wrote in 1st person, from every point of view being 1st person, it would be impossible to read the boards.... thanks

”No mister Seijiro, I’m sorry – it only plays the one song,” Piper says with a somewhat downcast voice.

”The central peg here,” she says indicating the round knob with the small prongs sticking from it ”see, as the crank turns, each one of these pieces will pluck at one of the metal pins to create the music.”

’I suppose,” she says somewhat thoughtfully ”I could craft another type of central peg to play a different song… But I’m no musician.”

Her eyes brighten as she looks at you.

”But it seems that you are, though. Tell you what; as we know that each one of this metal bars correspond with a note in music, if you can craft me a tune on paper that has the notes, I may be able to create another similar knob with the extending pegs which stick outwards so that – as you turn the crank – you’ll be able to draw out a new tune,” she adds helpfully.

Then, as if somewhat embarrassed that she's only talking to you, she quickly turns away and glances at the helmsmen for your ship.

”Tell me ma’am,” she adds, turning a glance to Rain ”what did you think of the song? I’m always interested in the opinions of a different audience, and they say that elves have a good ear for music, too.”

”I mean, did you like the tune?”

”Nice to meet you, too mister Seijiro,” I say politely.

”And a fine afternoon to you; crewmember Tomo!” I add with a friendly wave.

”So, you’re quartermaster, eh? That’s fantastic!”

”That means you’ll have a pretty good understanding of all the gear on board, which is pretty handy.”

I glance at Rain and Seijiro.

”I couldn’t help but overhear your last comment about steering ships and I want to say if folks don’t pay attention to you, well… that’s just their lost! You seem like a fine chap, although we’ve just met, but my intuition tells me that anyone who has a monkey for a friend must be pretty nice.”

”Hey, check this out,” I add and pull out a tiny little box from my pouch.

The box is only about two inches cubed, but there is a tiny handle on it.

I spin the handle slowly and little metal pegs plink against thin metal bars. As it turns, you hear a tune play softly from the box – it sounds a little something like this.

”Pretty neat, huh?” I say a shy smile.

”If you like, maybe I can craft one for you?” I add, blushing a bit at the strange lad with the red hair.

Totally ignored, though no less present than anyone else, Seijiro just watches the introductions silently, then slips outside.

Once outside, he walks down by the docks and sits on the end of the dock, legs dangling over the side, and quietly plays his harmonica for his own enjoyment.

Watching the blue-haired elf slip out the door, following the young lad, my eyes narrow.

”Hey chief – come on, let’s go,” I say briskly to Horatio.

I glance at Dhaavan –

”Number one – come,” I say with a suddenly deep but cultured accent.

Then, leading at least Horatio after me I stride purposefully out the door, down to the docks, and up to the young man who had just left the tavern.

”Yo red! What’s the deal, eh? You sit there hiding in the dark then suddenly disappear?”

I plant my hands on my hips and stare at the young lad, not really paying attention to anyone else, including Horatio (assuming he comes).

”Now listen – you’re the only one of these folks who’s about my size – and I reckon we need to stay together,” I say with a stern but friendly smile.

”The name’s Piper Bramblewine; chief apprentice to mister Horatio Flynn.”

I stick out my hand and eagerly shake yours.

”Now, that said I wanted to also… MONKEYYYY,” I suddenly squeal at the site of the monkey that is near you.

”Oh, sorry – I just, well… I like monkey’s is all,” I say somewhat sheepishly.

”So – what’s your name, red – and what’s the monkey’s name? Is he yours, or – is he a she? Oh – and what do you do on the ship? Anything exciting?” I ask quickly, my tone clipped and somewhat abrupt – but it is nevertheless completely polite and friendly.

I consider Horatio’s suggestion, and let the possibilities flitter through my mind…

A "clockwork hand" that is more powerful then a real one; even strong enough to crush steel? And crafted with wits, not magic? And able to give back power to a lad who lost his hand in battle or bad luck...

Hmmm… I wonder what that would look like…

After I consider it, I nod at Horatio and Dhaavan, my eyes narrowing and I give them both a wicked grin.

”Groovy!”

Then I wait to hear what everyone has to say on the matter.

Response to Rain –

I notice her look, and take a gulp of my drink, wiping my hand over my mouth and grin.

”Why that? Here – let me show you,” I say, and lift up my leg to hold the foot somewhat closer.

At this distance you can see that the curly hair on my feet is a tawny gold, and the ring definitely looks like brass, on close inspection.

The symbol on it, as you’re close enough to see, it is not really an etching, but more of a carving.

The image looks like: this.

”That’s a mere nothing, of course,” I say with a somewhat humble tone.

”It’s dedicated to my patron – good ol’ Brigh. Ever heard of her?”

It’s not a major deity – fairly minor actually. However, I will happily explain all details on her, but to sum up – just click the link :)

I take another gulp of the drink.

”Yeah – she’s a right one, she is – no one even knows if she was a goddess all along, or just became one after some sort of quest..."

"Some say she gained some sort of fake intelligence and became "self-aware", which kind of made her a goddess when she figured out who she was… like that was her quest..."

"Of course, why'd a construct become a "goddess" as opposed to a god or an "it", know one knows that neither."

"As for me? Well, I reckon she’d be “goddess” as opposed to "god" or an “it” because if she makes others like her, why – that’d mean she’d be kind of like a mother to all her little construct follower-types. Oh – and also folks like me,” I say giving Rain a merry grin.

----

To Dhaavan

My eyes flick over to Horatio at this, and my hand drops unconsciously to the hilt of my dagger as he slides his face in so close.

Sucking on the tobacco quid a moment, I spit deftly into the spittoon before answering him, conscious of the fact that magic users often have hidden powers.

”Well…” I say very slowly and deliberately ”I was looking hard at you to see if you had some kind of spell book, or maybe some kind of signet ring or sign of nobility on you to mark you as a noble sort.”

I step back a bit, considering you a moment.

”See, the way I figure it, you’re pretty sure of yourself for a lad who’s got no muscle – so either you’re used to telling folks how it is because you were raised a noble’s son – or you got some extra firepower that I can’t see on you.”

”So I figured you for a magic user – now I’m fair certain of it,” I add with a somewhat contemptuous tone.

Dhaavan, you’re not sure – but it sounds as if she seems to have little regard for magic, but her contempt, if that's what it is, is not for you personally. Though of course a more direct question would get a better answer ;)

Ah! So he’s the first mate of this ship, no wonder he acts like he’s top cheese… Very interesting. I wonder how he got the job? Well, I’ll find out soon enough, I reckon.

When I hear you muttering about crafting magical supplies, my eyes take an interested light.

”Really… you, uh, you craft magical gear, eh? Do you, um… do you know how to make constructs and such?” I ask, my tone now suddenly much more respectful, and almost hungry at the possibilities that you might be able to share...

Horatio Flynn wrote:

Seeing Rain first, I’ll approach her with Piper.

”Greetings, Rain – this is miss Piper Bramblewine – she has consented to become my apprentice and will be bringing with her a good series of skills to assist us on our journeys,” I say somewhat expansively.

”She is a skilled crafted of many things; and a very talented carpenter as well. I’m sure her services will be helpful,” I add.

Rain stands mute for a short time, critically taking in the carriage and general impression of Piper Bramblewine, the halfling apprentice.

She moves forward and nods her head in respect. "Carpentry is a mighty fine skill, Piper. That you have the abundant craftsmanship ability will be advantageous to us. Welcome to the Dread Lady. I am helmsman of the ship. I am certain we will have opportunity to converse during our voyage." Rain smiles warmly at the new recruit.

"Why thankee kindly, ma'am," I answer with a polite smile.

"I look forward to it, that's for sure."

I watch the others, my eyes resting on Horatio, who seems to be ordering some drinks.

"And how about the rest? Who else is on this little adventure?" I ask in somewhat jovial mood and help myself with one of the drinks Horatio brings over to the table for us, my gaze turning to Dhaavan now, curious what he has to say.

Not sure who else in the bar at this time. Just let me know, and I'll go from there as soon as I get home from work.

Rain watches discreetly from her vantage point, noting the female halfling (from the looks of her) conversing with Flynn. Curious if it is the recruit Flynn has alluded to in conversation, Rain takes note of her. Interesting. I was not expecting the recruit to be female. It seems the Dread Lady will be carrying another female. I am glad the crew are a not superstitious lot. Rain chuckles inwardly.

I give my new master a sidelong glance, curious to know what he will be planning on teaching me as his apprentice.

Gods, but he does go on with all the words, doesn’t he?

I heft my kit a bit with the weight and rest it more comfortably over my shoulder. The bulk of the gear is tied into a tight bundle which is inside my bedroll like a large blanket. The entire rig is now currently tied to my pike, which rests over my shoulder like a staff to hold my luggage.

I have a dagger in my belt and another strapped to my forearm. My hair is currently pulled back into a longish braid, and I’m wearing a bright red scarf over my sandy locks, tied tight behind my head.

I give a glance at the lithe elf with the dark blue hair, and take in her features a moment.

”Right! Name’s Piper, damn good to meet you,” I say, offering my hand to Rain is a brusque business-like way.

Hmm… good grip on her; look at those muscles, too. She’s seen action and isn’t some elven lass that sits in a tree all day reading poetry. Nay, not her!

Her hands are too rough to be soaking in elven perfume, and her muscles are too hard for needlepoint. And you see that gear on her? Hell, she’s seen battle, by Brigh’s bits and pieces!

Hmm… Wonder if she’s the ship’s bosun? Nay, she's the helmsman, she said... interesting. Makes sense, though. Elves are handy in the wild, they say, and they also love the stars, so I've heard. So I'd wager she can read the signs in the wild and guide herself on the open seas just by looking at the stars above...

I glance around the room and my eyes rest on the young man with somewhat charming smile.

”And what’s your name, lad?” I ask, eager to know who everyone is, and where they stand on the ship.

I see that his face is youthful and that I don’t notice much in the way of weapons. Further, his clothing is not rich or stylish.

Yet he carries himself with a tremendous amount of confidence and self-assurance. You hear how he talked to the elf? She’s not someone to tease much, I reckon, but he does so, and talks to her ith familiarity.

Maybe they’ve known each other a good while… or maybe he trusts his skills too much?

But what are those skills? I don’t see any real weapons on him, and he’s got less muscle tone on him than I do, by the gods!

My eyes search him for a moment, seeing if he has any spellbooks on him, or other similar gear.

Okay, I'm doing a Perception Check to “Search” the man called Dhaavan for any signs of spellbooks. I’m not covering my intentions here – I’m staring obviously, as if I’m trying to study him and figure out who he is so I’ll “Take 10” on this search for a total of: 16.

He’s not dressed like some lad born with a silver spoon in his mouth – and no real weapons; but he talks like he’s confident in himself… Now, it’s a sure thing that kind of confidence likely comes from power. So; if it’s not weapons or title, I’ll wager afternoon tea that’s some kind of magic user…

I glance around after meeting both Rain and Dhaavan.

”Good meeting you both,” I say, rolling my shoulders a bit and plunking myself into the nearest chair.

”So, if you don’t mind me asking – what exactly do you all do on the ship we’re going to be sailing?” I say as I stretch my legs and wiggle my toes, glancing at the human lad and the elven lass with the blue hair.

As I wiggle my toes you will probably notice on my left foot I have a toe ring – you cannot be sure, but it looks like brass, and there is symbol carved on it, but it is very faint.

As I wait for an answer, I glance at the window, gauging the sun’s position and trying to guess the time.

”Yo, chief,” I say turning to Horatio ”when’re we sailing? Also – where do you want me to stow my gear?” I ask, curious to know who the people are, and what our next move will be…

Horatio, during the day a small figure walks up to you and says

Oye! Are you the man they call Horatio Flynn? Assuming you respond in the affirmative he says The names Piper, Piper Bramblewine. I hear tell yer looking for someone skilled in carpentry and crafting and the like? If so then I'm yer lass. I been working for Rickety for 5 years and can handle myself around a ship as well.

Piper is a female halfling with almost white blonde hair that she keeps tied back in a multitude of thin braids. She has a tattoo of a dolphin on her right cheek and carries herself with grace. She is articulate and polite but doesn't suffer fools very lightly and has a somewhat acerbic tongue.

** spoiler omitted **...

My eyes flick over this somewhat foppish human.

Huh! He talks enough! But what the hell, eh?

If he's true to his word than it's a sure thing that the coin is good and it’ll get me out of here and give me a chance to see some new sights and maybe have the chance to learn of new talents in the arts of crafting, Brigh be praised!

I nod once after his longish speech.

”Righto, then chief – we’ve got a bloody accord,” I say with a nod and reach out my hand to shake his.

”Thanks for the deal – I’ll get my kit together, and if you’ve got that coin you promised, I’ll be picking up a few things easy, then,” I say with a brisk nod.

I fit a wad of some leaf to my mouth and enjoy the tang of the tobacco quid in my lip as I examine his gear.

”You got a lot of weapons on you, chief – you do a lot of killing on that there ship of yours, or is that more for show?”

”Nah – skip it,” I add hastily, not really eager to hear a long drawn out story on his supposed “exploits”.

”You going to introduce me to the rest of the gang, or you plan on keeping me a surprise?” I add, curious to meet the others.

Ahoy, chief - it's me, Piper, just writing to say "Oye!"