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Task
With the attention he and his new friends have been drawing lately, Valen figures that he should try to lay low for the time being and focus diligently on his job. Grabbing a mop and a block of sandstone, he goes to work scouring the decks. Soon, his muscles are aching from the efforts but he manages to keep up his strength, scrubbing away the deck's grime.
Task Ratcatcher
Rats again?! Where the heck do these things keep coming from? Valen grudgingly sets to work on his task, looking grimly at his fellow "recruits" as they try to fight off disease. Wishing he could help, he sighs and keeps at it, praying to Gozreh for their well being.
Fort Duration
Valen chokes down his rum ration, coughing and choking as it burns its way down. Ye gods, that was worse than ever! Perhaps...I need to take it easy... Waving to Owlbear and giving a forlorn glance to Kith and Riff, he finds a quiet corner below decks to check the condition of his arms and armor.
Task Hauling Rope
Valen awakes the next morning, washing his mouth out to get rid of what he thinks is crab after taste. Finding out his task for the day, he goes to it with vigor, hoping to keep his head down lest anything happens with Owlbear's conversation. Taking a quick water break, he smiles as he sees Antal bringing his gear to him. Listening to the halfling's words, he begins to secure on his gear, nodding slowly. "I figured as much. While I did not mean to draw attention, I figured having that brute on our side would be beneficial. How fair Rif and Kith? I can't imagine the horrors of that sweatbox." As he is working (and while talking to Antal), he is puffing and seriously out of breath. Maybe...I shouldn't have worked...so hard...Gonna kill myself...before the day is out...at this...rate...
Valen winces at Owlbear's volume and pats his on the shoulder. "Alright, my friend. I'll keep that in mind. Good night, Owlbear. And thanks for the snack." Suppressing a shudder, he takes a bite of the crab, trying not to lose his dinner. With that, Valen heads off to his bed and goes to sleep.
Valen grimaces at the prospect before him but steels his stomach as he gingerly picks up a crab. He tries to conceive how best to eat it. As he is contemplating, he turns to Owlbear. "Thanks for sharing, friend. So, Mr. Scourge isn't very nice, huh? What would you think of one of your friends was in charge instead of him? Would you like that better?"
Valen approaches the giant man, drinking his rum ration as he ambles over. Fort Save
Valen leans against the railing next to Owlbear, contemplating how live crabs might taste. "Evening, Owlbear. You feeling okay? Sorry Mr. Scourge made us fight. I would much rather have you as a friend than an enemy. Especially with that nasty right hook." Massaging his jaw, he runs his tongue across the missing teeth. Raising his grog to Owlbear, he smiles. [b]"A toast, to friends.[/dice]
Valen follows the commotion and hears the story spilling out, waiting to see what trouble the "fight" might bring. Although the story isn't entirely unbelievable, he holds a shread of hope it is just a ruse. Perception
Valen wipes the sweat from his eyes as he stops patrolling for rats, watching a particularly quick one escape out of sight. Grimacing slightly at Antal's pale face, he gives a small shrug as he keeps his voice low. "I haven't a clue. I saw Kith head down below earlier and I think I saw Riff and Ondir follow, but I can't be sure. My head is still swimming from that fight."
Valen puts on a smile with a sarcastic salute to Mister Plugg. "Aye aye, Sir..." Running his tongue along his teeth, he winces as he finds the empty pot and the cracked tooth. He feels Ondir lay his hands on Valen and lets out a slight moan of relief as he feels his wounds start to heal. "Oh, by Gozreh, that is better. Thank you. Everyone." He turns to each party member, giving a nod of acknowledgement. "But we best get back to work, or else things might get worse." Valen gives Owlbear a few friendly slaps on the back. "Good fight, Owlbear. You almost had me. We'll talk later, my large friend." Giving a final nod, he heads off to do his daily duties, stretching his arms to try and reduce the soreness from the fight. Task Rat Catcher Rat catching huh? Should be easy enough. At least they don't hit like Owlbear. Dex check Despite his soreness and his aching jaw, Valn still manages to keep up his speed to rid the ship of some of its miniature stowaways.
Valen puts down his fists and shakes his head. "No more beat, Owlbear. I accept your surrender. A battle well fought. Now you..." Valen steps forward in between Owlbear and the man who spit at him. "You leave my tall feathered friend here alone, or I'll challenge you next in the ring." He spits a mouthful of blood at the fellow's feet.
Valen unclenches his legs, glad he still has everything intact. Wracking his brain, he keeps moving as best he can while his head spins. Constantly moving to the left, he darts in with a left hook to Owlbear's ribs. Attack
Finally glad to make some contact, Valen shifts his weight back and forth, hopefully avoiding any more contact with his flesh. Acrobatics Maybe I am overthinking the ruses...Worth a shot. Valen lets his eyes grow wide as he stares behind Owlbear. "What in the frozen hells is that? Bluff
Breathing a mental sigh of relief, Valen manages to deflect the brute's fist enough to avoid taking a solid hit. Come on, Valen, think. You have to divert his attention. Attack
Valen curses as his hit swings way wide, hoping he can dodge the brute this time around Acrobatics "Hey, Owlbear, I heard Plugg thaying he only put you up to fight me, a puny elf, cause you couldn't handle a real warrior. I wouldn't take that crap from him..." Bluff
Valen reels backwards, his head swimming from the blow. By Gozreh, one more strike like that and my head may split open. Gotta...keep...it...together... Summoning up every last reservoir of strength, Valen manages to stay standing as he wipes the back of his hand across his mouth to clear away the blood. Growling, he spits out another mouthful of blood and moves in. Acrobatics
Still feeling wobbily from the last hit, Valen raises his arms up to go on the defensive. Maybe the man can be distracted... Nicely thruck Owlbear. The toof is yourth, as a trophy. Thay, did you thee the pretty lady ofer there?" I fink she winked at you. He gestures behind the big lug. Bluff
Valen's eyes widen as he sees the monster club land in the battlefield. Time seems to slow down as a flurry of action comes about. He sees Ondir getting closer to Plugg. Riffelan showing off her...wow...Shaking away the distraction, he turns his head back to Owlbear, his eyes catching a glimpse of Kithranna moving for the club. Focus, Valen, focus. One brute at a time. Acrobatics for round 4
Losing his focus on dodging from all the distractions, Valen never the less tries to keep at it. Attack
Emboldened by his hit, Valen smiles a little and continues to circle around. He keeps an eye on the surrounding crowd, wondering if someone will intervene to assure his defeat. He shakes his head to clear the notion and focus back on the hulking brute. Can't afford to daydream Valen. One punch from this guy could be disastrous for you. Bobbing and weaving, he goes in for another jab. Acrobatics Attack
Sense Motive Watching the clumsy oaf swing at him, Valen decides to rely on his dodging to keep him out of harm's way, rather than going on the defensive. Acrobatics Bobbing back and forth and keeping in Owlbear's blind spot, he moves in for another strike Attack
Valen stands his ground against the enormous man, blinking back tears as his eyes water from Owlbear's breath. "Forgive me, my large feathered friend." Valen quickly drops back into a fighting stance. Initiative Acrobatics Wanting to gauge his opponent Valen goes slightly on the defensive as he darts out a quick jab.
Attack
Perception
Valen sizes up the beast of a man, noticing him favoring his right side and moving somewhat clumsily. Hm, it would be a mistake to underestimate such an intimidating foe, but perhaps I could use his handicaps to my advantage. A shame I can't use my preferred weapons. He turns to his new compatriots with a small smile. "I'd like to take a shot at the lad, if none of you object."
Fort Save
Valen follows behind Antal topside, getting his rum ration. Drinking it down, he didn't know if he was getting used to the slop or if he was in a better mood but he felt much better after drinking it. Better not make this a habit, I might end up like Ambrose. Drinking it slower, he takes in the scene, dreading the coming of bloody hour.
During a lull in his work, Valen stops to get some water and food, slipping off to the kitchen to meet with Antal. Taking in the strange scene with the snoring Ambrose and the free chicken, he shakes his head in wonder and regards the halfing. "So I heard what happened in the bilges and I'm sorry to say I couldn't participate in the fun. Next time, however, you lot can count on me. I may not dream of the pirate life like some of you but I realize if I have any chance of getting out of this free and alive, its with the lot of you." Valen extends his hand to Antal.
Whether it was from whatever he had eaten the previous night, the exertion from yesterday's toils, or trying to adapt to a pirate life, Valen found himself bedridden that early morning. Hoping to no one noticed him missing, he finally arose and headed out to the deck. Hearing rumors about bilge rats and new recruits, he worriedly hurried towards the bilges and stopped short to see Riff laying into Plugg. Well, looks like I missed some fun. Trying to remain out of Plugg's sight, he gestured to get Antal's attention and shrugged. -Sorry- Today's Task
Keeping an eye on the outcome of Riff's speech, Valen starts repairs as close to the action as he can. Better work hard and catch up with them later. Wouldn't want to be the target at bloody hour
Alright, so I am back from vacation and you guys just finished the combat so wherever Tim wants to reintroduce me back into the campaign will work.
Valen awakes the next day, his muscles stiff from chasing and crawling after rats. Grumbling to himself, he heads up to the deck to perform his day's duty. Task for the Day: Man the Bilges Sighing, Valen heads back down the stairs, stopping by his room to ditch his shirt. No sense in getting my shirt ruined. He arrives at his work location and starts working diligently, grunting and straining with the effort, making small talk with some of the other mates. Strength check
Oh, so everyone knows, I leave for my trip this Saturday so my last post will be either Thursday or Friday. I won't be back in town until October 1st or 2nd, so have fun without me. Not like my skills are in high demand right now :-P
Valen snorts and shows his back with the lash scars on it briefly before turning to Ondir. "How the hell do you think I like it? As for future plans...haven't the foggiest. Might jump ship, might not. Depends on the situation presented. And no offense, but anyone interested in this kind of life may not be good for my health, as you can see. So excuse me if I am a little wary about throwing in with another pirate." With a dismissive wave, Valen turns and heads down to his bunk to decompress and sleep.
Con Dmg
Valen continues staring out at the sea. "Name's Valen Riptide. And no, I didn't want this life. I was minding my own business at the pier, watching the ocean, and somebody knocked me out. Next thing I remember is waking up here. So forgive me if I am not excited by this 'sweet trade'."
After downing his rum and finishing his dinner, Valen listens briefly to Riff's song before heading out to the prow of the ship. Finding a comfortable spot to lean against, he just stands stares out to the dark horizon.
Valen rolls his eyes at Riff's threat and her demeanor towards Antal. Might be a tart, but a violent one at that. Best watch out for this one. Shaking the thought aside, he turns to Antal. "Actually, yes. I saw you talking to our fine quartermaster and see that you have been getting along well with her...at least better than I have. I was hoping to offer a deal to you. Help me get back my gear as well as yours and I'll owe you. Gold, hard labor, favors, whatever you think might be fair. We can obviously discuss the particulars if you are interested." Con check Valen shudders as he gulps down the foul liquid, longing for some actual decent alcohol. He counts his lucky stars that he hasn't become dependent on the drink and thinks a small prayer to Gozreh.
Valen looks Riffelan up and down with a smirk, still keeping his eye out for Antal. "Aye, could have been far worse, if your back is any testament. And while I appreciate the fine offer, there are two problems. One, got no gold, hence the scowl. And two, I tend not to sleep with women I don't know, especially those making the rounds. Wouldn't want to catch something." He throws a wink back at her.
Valen sighs at his pitiful attempt at diplomacy. Put me in a ring, I'm fine. Here, I'm as charming as a rock. He scowls as he listens to Antal managing to gain some ground with Grok. Hm, maybe I should ask him to help me out... Valen walks a little ways away from the stores and leans against a nearby wall, waiting for Antal to pass his way.
Valen seeks out Grok again, determined to retrieve his gear. "Listen, my good lady, it seems I got on your bad side. The way I look at it, getting my gear to me would be a benefit to all. With a net and trident, I could catch some fresh fish for everyone to enjoy. Also, seeing as I am on pest control today, catching rats and keeping them out of the ship's stores and your goods would be much easier with my gear as well He flashes a grin at her, hoping a personal incentive might win her over. Diplomacy check Rat catching
Valen scowls as he moves off from Grok, getting his dinner and rum ration. He chokes down his dinner, trying to make sure as little as possible touches his tongue. He slogs back the rum, hoping the alcohol will dull the pain from his wounds. Heaving a sigh, he starts to shuffle off to his quarters to recover from his punishment. Fort check
Valen winced and gritted his teeth as the whip cracked across him, fighting the urge to yell in pain and give Scourge the satisfaction. After glaring daggers at Scourge's back, he limped off to find Grok. We are not finished Scourge. Not by a long shot. Before long, I will net you like the gutless bottom feeder you are and spit you on my trident. "So I hear you are the lady to talk to about acquiring some gear. Looking for my armor, trident, and net, at the very least. If you could help me out, I'd appreciate it."
Diplomacy check
Dex check Valen curses as he struggles with the ropes, hoping no superior can see his shoddy work. As he works, he scans across the crew, seeing what everyone else is doing and looking for the quartermaster to see if he can get his hands on his equipment, or some suitable replacement.
Valen looks down at the dwarf smirking. He crosses his arms defiantly and says "While I always welcome a good scrap, I doubt any of us want to feel the whip between our shoulder blades. So how about shoving off?"
Perception
Fort save Valen swigs back the grog without batting an eye, the familiar warm feeling of alcohol sliding down his throat. He stares off into the ocean with he finishes up his fish stew, remembering to save some grog to wash the stew down next time. Giving a few nods to his fellow crewmen, he heads down to his bunk to mull over his current situation and get some well needed rest.
Sense Motive Valen paled slightly as he watched the grisly execution carried out. Shaking his head slightly, he looked out to the ocean horizon, sighing. Such a waste of life. I need to get out of here soon. Or get rid of these monstrous employers.
Valen listens to the proceedings with a stone face, although he is horrified beneath that exterior. How barbaric! Note to self: don't steal. He continues to watch the poor fellow be condemned, wishing there was something he could do to help. He leans close to whisper to Kithranna. "Didn't they mention that they didn't want to lose crew as they were understaffed? You would think the punishment would be less severe for something so minor..."
Valen heaves one more piece of equipment aside as he hears the cheer rallying around the ship. Bloody hour? What in Gozreh is that? Probably nothing good. Running a hand through his damp hair, he moves off to join the rest of the crew to join in the spectacle. Spotting the half-elf again, he leans over to give him a quick nudge. "What the hell is bloody hour?"
Valen grunts as he heaves a particular heavy amount of ropes. "The silent type huh? *Grunt* Well, I don't blame you, friend. You have had a very trying first day. I am sorry for your 'payment' in being defiant." He heaves the load he is carrying aside, starting to move off to another section. "But remember, you are not the only one who doesn't want to be here."
Valen nudges the half-elf lightly and flashes a quick smile as he starts to go to work. "Guess us pointy-ears gotta stick together. Name's Valen." Strength check
Constitution check
Valen looks over the other recruits as he slowly moves off to find Mr Scourge.
Hmm, woman is cute. Not sure if I want to test her friendliness though. Two holy symbols though? Perhaps one belongs to one of our other recruits. I think the halfling lass could break me in half, best give that one a wide berth. The scarred one could be a potential ally, though I'm not sure what god he worships. Best to play cautious until I find out. And the gnome...I have no idea what to make of that. He chuckles lightly to himself as he goes to receive his assignment, flashing a quick smile and directing a nod to the redhead.
Valen nods in greeting to Antal. "Valen Riptide. Good to meet you." He is about to say more but at the halfling woman's words, straightens up and forces his attention back to Plugg. Hm, she does have a point. Better play the good pirate for now.
Heaving a sigh, Valen scrambles back down the rigging. He notes the undine moving to the injured half-elf. Healer, perhaps? Something to remember. Rolling his shoulders, he ambles over casually to the halfling, feigning a "job well done" to throw off suspicions. As he approaches, he drops to his haunches to bring himself to the short fellow's height, dropping his voice. "So tell me, Halfling, any idea what's going on? All I remember is a good crack to the head and waking up here. You seem to be more capable than the most of these 'volunteers' so I figure you might know more than them."
Valen grimaced as he saw the half-elf take a severe lashing. Realizing that being defiant could end up with him being beaten, or worse, he decided to play along for now. If I can get assigned to the crow's nest, that will give me time to plan and get a good bearing of the ship's going-ons. "Aye sir!!!" Shouldering a few of the recruits aside, he vaulted for the rigging and started to scramble up.
He spotted out of the corner of his eye the undine who had doused him earlier, and the undine was beating him! Damn! |
