Search Posts
"I talked with a sailor that pulled a mostly dead seawife from the drink. She spoke of a sea priestess taken captive by the Sahaugan, the same one people figure that had stopped in Plumetown on her own investigations." The Groom will go on to mention the region where this occurred and the increase in Sahaugan attacks of late.
"It was good timing on my part. I found a lead in my inquiries, right before Jim and lads arrived in port. T'was a fine reunion that ruffled some feathers. But was only 'half' the trouble we usually find." He leaves it cryptic until they are in the office and drinks are poured.
"Aye. Seems a good place. And beats just sitting here drinking with Dunny." He tosses one of his jugs Dunny's way. "There you go Dunny-boy. Just let Ol' Peg-Leg we was by."
"I am going to get some rum and pay my respects to Pegleg at the Shrine. Hopefully catch up on the scuttlebutt in port. But we should plan to make best use of our 'together' time when the Captain is on board for her shift iff'n we need something big taken care of."
"Well, despite the leaks, we made good time, so I doubt anyone got here before us. So Finn won't be working on the full knowledge of current events. Its possible he has been feeling the squeeze if the Aspis is expanding in Freeport, and may have more on his plate than worrying where ever Half-Wits got himself off to and shanked. But then again, if that was Finn's operation in Plumetown and not Halfhitch and Grackle off on their own, then I figure a few days before we are called in to explain...if we are lucky."
That sucks. Here I was hoping 2017 had to be better than last year. Hope you land on your feet.
"Her being Captain and all is probably for the best here in town. Jimmers flying his flag would likely have drawn more of the Aspis attention. Your exploits down south have not gone unnoticed. Although, drawing them out more, might be a good thing, now that I have some backup again."
the Groom will set Besmara's Brand upon each body heading over the rail, hoping it will confuse those in the Afterlife as to where the sons/daughters of b~!!~es should be sent. With the ship getting underway, the Groom will perform some sea water Surges to wash the majority of the blood off the deck in into the scuppers.
Kaul - Beware what you wish for. This came to mind.
Sorry you had to ask twice. PM sent. Looking forward to it.
the Groom will help with the healing, sending a cold splash of reinvigorating sea water into Jenkie's face before closing his wound with a wet swipe of his hand. Any others he will tend to before sending them to their tasks of getting to ship underway.
I am definitely ready to leave 2016 in my wake.
the Groom steps up to the rear stairs muttering a prayer for pain. Bête de Nuit dangling in his hand begins to drip glowing green drops on the deck. In a quick motion he whips his club about sending congealed jellyfish phosphorescence flying toward the halfling above him, burning on contact.
And to all a good night!
the Groom drops the crossbow with a heavy thud and tightens his grip on his club. He smiles at those closing in on him, "Just think boys, that crossbow weighs more than you do. Just how much is this going to hurt?" He swings like knocking a ball off a post.
the Groom goes to the steps and descends to the lower deck, drawing forth Bête de nuit to knock some heads. Calmly walking towards them he cuts loose with a tirade of violence and violation against the intruders, their family members, and their pets.
the Groom, hearing the cries, steps up to the rail. Seeing Dingus swarmed by Halflings he fires down into the lower deck with his Crossbow. He calls down Besmara's Wrath on those that would board a ship carrying his brand.
"I just need to remind them on occasion who they are really sailing for. Having a pretty lass under the 'hat' should help set the mood." the Groom goes to retrieve his gear from the tavern. When he returns he lays his hand upon the hull of the ship, setting his Brand upon the wood. Once he stows his sea bag he heads to the deck. Pulling a gold coin from his pocket, he throws it into the sea. To those giving him questioning looks, "Priming the pump. Besmara don't look for much from you lot, except respect. To her AND your fellow shipmates. Give her what's due and she gives her favor, such as leads to treasures and becalming winds for fat merchants. But if all you to do is take, she can take in return. All I lost was a finger for my sins, I heard your last Captain had her brain sucked out after abandoning part of her crew." the Groom finishes by spitting over the rail. He turns and sets off to report to the Captain.
the Groom steps forward to address the Captain, "Not so shorthanded. I'll add my mark to the ship's ledger, if'n you want to make the trip to Freeport a bit easier. I've sailed with a few of your crew already... the Groom turns to look back at the crew before turning back and thumbing towardsJim over his shoulder."ummm...Jim or Dibbits could vouch for me. I wield a few magics given from the Pirate Queen herself, that can make up for any the Grackle had hidden in his feathers. And these, my personal ballista and nail-studded club, are itching for any boarding actions."
the Groom pulls out a rag and sets to polishing his oversized crossbow, occasionally raising an eyebrow at the theatrics or muttering an observation to himself as he works. "Fightin' and Treasure. At least they got their priorities straight." and "Sort of know where a treasure is, but the crew ain't goin' to like it, and the Sahuagin are goin' to like it even less." That sets him to his watery chuckle that grows to a hacking cough.
While Jim has the whole crew's attention, the Groom will position himself to keep a weather-eye on the landward approaches to the boat, making sure they are not interrupted unexpectedly.
the Groom will offer a hand to carry and or scuttle, but leaves his friends to settle the ledger with their boat and crew.
"There is still the matter of the Sahaugin and the Priestess. 'Cept it ain't a bedtime story. Your new lot might not appreciate a rescue with little chance of loot except the gold shark teeth we knock out. Maybe your share can get something smaller and more nimble in the shoals, crewed by us and those we call friends, and we run the 'hat' up the flag pole and salute it as our captain."
Those are pretty kick-ass. Well done. I love that the Groom's dead-talking skull made it.
"Huh. I didn't think we were really gonna give it to him. I thought it was to lure Chuckles to the boat, like. Then we settle things without Siren interference." the Groom gives the group a sideways eye as if seeing them for the first time that day, "I guess I have been on my own too long lately. I just ain't getting a good reading on y'all at all...except Chaos...you guys reek of it."
"You blokes were sailing with that idiot? I think I finally got a sailfull of what you all have been going on about. I thought we were looking for two men, not one man and a feathered rat." Looking out the door while waiting for Dibbetts, "Well, we pissed in her grog. Where do we want to wait for the response?" The boat? First thing we do is sand the name off her." Heading back into the daylight, "I am partial to the Queen's Regard or an old term Garundi term, Bête de Nuit or the Night Beast."
I am familiar with the stress that can build from having to perform on these boards when your life is less than stellar. I hope we can be a sounding board and support network for you. It does make a difference.
the Groom not entirely sure he is up on the troupe's dealing since their reunion is willing to let Jim take the lead here. He starts backing out after Jim keeping the weapon on the Grackle. "Magpie is a feckin' sissy name anyway. Ain't fit for my Queen's fleet, except maybe to shuttle the male harlots about for those with that carnal taste."
the Groom keeps the bow aimed at the Tengu, "Been wondering if'n he'd bleed black or red. If he gives me the excuse, I'll find out quick enough.
"He did't go down easy. I wonder if he's part way to being her next rock idol."
At Dibbet's warning the Groom heads toward the courtyard, crossbow ready, to see about cutting off the alarm.
"Silence or I put a bolt through your sandwich-hole."
"The boy ain't done nothing wrong 'cept his dining attire. I say sap 'im. If he cries, I will help silence him from here." the Groom hefts the crossbow to take a bead on the sandwich muncher.
It is quite massive and blocky though. It looks to be two-stories high and featureless on the sides and back. There aren't even any windows. The roof is a mansard style with red ceramic tiles. The front however, although a flat, windowless expanse bar the great double doors, is covered in intricate carvings of coast and jungle. "I think we knock, Knock, or Lop. Dingus' way has an element of surprise if we don't want to parley."
the Groom turns to Dibbits and Dingus, "Should I tell them I got magics for that?" When they approach the front door, the Groom will lay a wet hand upon their heads and cast Protection form Evil on each. "Is this what you have been up to while I was gone?"
The Groom straightens up and points at the front doors. "One of thems was overly drunk. They walked in the front door like they were invited. Somehow I get sense we are the ones really being invited. "
Crossbow in hand, the Groom scans the road and its margins to see if two wayward sailors came this way.
the Groom continues once they are on their way and away from the rest of the crew. "But if the trail leads out of town, there are no brothels, exclusive or otherwise, outside of town. Kinda defeats the purpose, having a bunch of drunken sailors tripping through the jungle looking for your place. But what IS out of town is the small isolated inlet where we fought the Motley Man and his stitched raft of corpses and made off with the Siren's payoff after smashing her statue-bearers. She seems the kind to bear a grudge."
"By the sounds of things, it is both your mates are adrift, despite how you feel about one. Aye, let's rattle the Birdhouse and move on from there."
"Popinjay. Hinson. Sounds like visits to the brothels and bars. Beats scrubbing barnacles. the Groom turns to Kaul and his axe. "Come along and look useful about those loose ends...and bring your hook-handed friend."
At the mention of treasure, the Groom's eyes subtly shift back and forth as if to see what he might have overlooked. "Aye, we didn't end up crossing blades with him last time. That almost makes him a friend for this group. But that also don't mean I trust him."
"And there I was just talkin' bout them knowing their duty and a few take a runner...or is misplacin' crew a common thing with this lot."
"Thanks for the words, mates. Its alright, I don't needs their respect...yet. I just need to know that they know their duty and save their respect for the sea."
"I'd keep a few of those cigars of yours handy. She might just take them for giving you your old weapons back. Let's just say the quicker she doesn't have weapons in her hands the better, but you know her, the forgiving type." He gives his fingers a waggle with their prominent gap of digits. "Hur-"
the Groom catches the sorcerer with a splash, "Good to see you too Ding. Watch the tears, I just had the coat washed." Turning to Jim and Dibbets, "Some things still lingering I see.
A voice dripping in threat and also sarcasm sounds out, "Sort of the same humors my Mistress was in over that side-talking nut of yours."
the Groom eyes the boat with a stern eye but smiles that creepy smile of his, "Not bad...she lists left, but that seems to be the regular state o'this crew...I like the crossbows...kind a big I guess." He turns back to Jim, "If you'll have this waterlogged sinner, I am sure I can help steer our Queen's favor our way. Do you have a job in mind on the boat that needs filling?" He gives his oversized crossbow a ratcheting reload, "Morale Officer maybe? He surrenders into a wet laughing cough, but then gets serious, "Thinking on your Taldan roots, what about Marine Commander, for I assume we will be angling for boarding actions? the Groom gives his oversized coat and shrug, "...that or Chaplin...I'm easy."
"Jimmers, or Cap'n is proper now I hear." the Groom gives his hat brim a tug but then reaches out to shake his friend's hand. "Freeport politics did get unbearable. Apsis agents and money started to make things uncomfortable. Even worse they seemed to take an interest in me, but I get the sense that wasn't about what I was up to but more about who I know, present company included if'n I understood the rumors." "So for fresh air, I have taken up the trail of Lady Lorilei, the Gozerite Councilwoman that went missing this direction. Last seen in Plumetown and now said to be prisoner of the Sea Devils and possibly Nagas. So things not really looking up, short of stumbl'n upon you lot o'course." |
