"Mm, good luck with that." Sasha mumbles back, but she stays by his side, ready to face the wrath of Captain Harrigan. (Ready to give Deket loyal help action with any social interactions.)
Vireil watches with interest. From the side, for now, waiting to see what happens. If it's keelhauling, she's not getting killed for that. If she feels she might make a difference, however, she might join. She did owe the man, and agreed with what was behind his actions. Calling the captain, however? That seemed a bit reckless. The captain made it clear on the first day: The only real rule on this ship is that all are forbidden from talking with him.
There is a moment of quiet as crew members clear away the path between Deket and the Captain's door. Only the sound of the waves murmuring against the hull of the ship can be heard.
With the sound not unlike a cannon blast the door is thrown open, banging against the wood of the cabin wall before rebounding into the axe that is the Captain's left hand. Barnabas Harrigan fills the doorway and glares across the deck. His eye stops on Deket for a moment, appraising him like a trader would weigh the value of livestock. There is an anger and hatred in that eye. Deket, you feel a strange nervous energy fill you, freezing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and your feet to the deck as you stand and watch.
The gaze then leaves Deket and finds Plugg standing at the railing of the foredeck. Barnabas steps out of the door and onto the deck, eye elevated so there is no mistaking who he is addressing
"What's this ruccus then?! A crew member calling for the captain. Mr Plugg, when I gave you the posting of First Officer you assured me that you were ready to manage a crew on the day to day. Where are yer assurances now boy? Less than a week to sea and hands are jumping to speak with me?"
A thin girl with pale skin and raven black hair glides through the doorway and peeks out from behind Harrigan. She has an arm tentatively placed on his back, but a mean-spirited smile lights her ruby lips as she sees Mr. Plugg being questioned by the captain. A matching red gemstone in her hairpiece that rests at her forward also gleams in what feels like sinister intent.
The officious attitude that you have grown accustomed to Plugg leading the crew with falls away into a much more self-depricating stature and tone.
"Apologies sir. These new hands that were brought on do not know their place yet. But I can show them still, I promise. A day in the box will teach this pond scum to follow the proper chain of command."
Barnabas returns his gaze to Deket. Again appraising him. Again there is a sense of a specific dollar value being placed on Deket's head.
"See that it do, or I'll stuff you in the box with him and you two can settle yer differences in the oven."
Barnabas turns to return to his cabin. The girl with him looks up at him with affection in her eyes as she turns to join him. The door begins to swing shut behind them.
Deket, now that Barnabas is no longer looking in your direction you feel whatever was holding you abate. As it disappears you are uncertain if it was just nervousness or something more magical in nature. Whatever it was you feel your tongue loosen and with a bit of quick mental math you are sure you could make it to the door before it closes firm again. You glance behind you and see Tate and Maheem approaching from either side, presumably to escort you to the box. (What do you want to do?)
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Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Deket takes a few steps towards the door before it shuts down hoping the dreaded captain hears him.
He feels his tongue still like dried wood but he somehow manages to speak.
"I am terribly sorry to disturb you Sir and I am well aware that I am speaking out of my place. And I will gladly take a day in the box but Sir, Maese Jack proved today his bravery by warning us of a thread that would have spread disease and rotten our food supplies... and he is unjustified being disciplined my captain. I beg you... show your new hands that their hard work and sacrifice for your ship is noticed and not punished. I am sure that they will work much better to meet your fair standards... Sir... "
Persuasion?
16
Will use that helpful bardic inspiration:
3
C'mon we need a good roll here...
Or perhaps not even a good roll will change his mind about poor Jack but I had to try ;)
It might create yet another timey wimey wibbly wobbly stuff, so if you allow it. Similarly to Deket, Grath is pissed about Jack's punishment. He find Deket's action a bit hot-headed but he had the guts and went for it, which Grath admired. That being said, Grath doesn't want Deket to suffer the full punishment, so after his appeal Grath wants to go and give him a help action.
"Captain. You did say you one rule. We all accepted it, to be frank I welcomed it. One simple rule. Efficient, no non-sense. Clearly you are a man of vision. And that you have to be if you want to run a ship as clean and tidy as this one. What we also understand, however, is that a ship needs a crew that carries out your vision and that keeps the ship sailing."maybe long introduction, but Grath was trying to somewhat defuse the situation. "So you can understand that when we- the deckhands, sea dogs, scum or whichever adjective Plugg or Scourge uses for us-, appeal for your audience we do it because we genuinely assume there is a concern regarding the ship's integrity- physical or otherwise."
Off he goes. "Take this morning for instance. A member of the crew was attacked by things that we have not seen before, and I dare say those things should have not been on the first place. The man in question was maimed and mangled severely. It was lucky he had enough blood left in him to report the event. However, instead of having him taken care of- meaning stopping the bleeding-, he was ordered to go back on his own to an almost certain death. I am not exaggerating, I was a member of the party that cleaned up the mess down there. It was not a one-person task and definitely not a kid's."
"He is an able person, good at what he does and does what he is told very proficiently. I should know, he reported back to his duties to finish canvassing and cleaning the area with me within a few short hours. My thesis is this: can we afford to lose such a person or two, or three from the ship, because someone is too preoccupied to investigate? Captain, I'm a man of facts and figures, you are the man of clear judgement and character..." he stops there, trying to keep the monologue open ended, and trying to keep the tone leveled, so he doesn't present an argument that he might need to defend later. Only facts. "Way to throw Scourge and Plugg under the ship. So, what will it be? Keelhauling, or simple drowning?" thought to himself as the adrenaline started to leave his system.
Barnabas freezes halfway back to his seat as a crew member stands at his cabin door...and then another shortly behind. As you look in you see a cabin that is richly decorated. Its walls are covered with intricate carvings depicting krakens devouring whales. A quartet of portholes allow light to drift in, and a dining table sits against the aft bulkhead with a chest at its feet. A mattress is rolled up and set to the side, the table apparently doubling as a bed when the time comes. Two rich carpets flank the bed covering the wood planks and almost making you forget you are on a ship. (Description of the Captain's Quarters has been added to the Campaign Notes).
Several of the officers that you have seen in passing around the ship sit at the table enjoying dinner, or at least they were before the two of you entered. Now they have stopped and stare at you, aghast and silent.
Harrigan slowly turns on his heel. You thought you saw anger in his eye before...but that was a slow burning fire the fire of a night's camp long after bed, kindling and sparking as it burns low. Now new logs have been placed on the fire and it has been stoked into an inferno.
"You...Dare...Stand at the Precipice to my Cabin. You...Dare...speak when not spoken to. ONE RULE. IT WAS CLEAR. YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, YOU TAKE IT TO PLUGG. IF HE IS TOO INCOMPETENT TO RESOLVE IT THEN HE WILL BRING IT TO ME HIMSELF. THIS SHIP HAS CHAIN OF COMMAND AND YOU WILL RESPECT IT. NOW GET OUT. PEPPERY, WOULD YOU BE SO KIND AS TO CLOSE THE DOOR BEFORE THESE GENTLEMEN DO SOMETHING THEY WILL NOT LIVE TO REGRET?!"
A woman with auburn hair and a flat nose raises a hand and a gust of wind blows from port to starboard through the cabin. It catches the door that was standing ajar and slams it shut in your face. A moment later, a bit of electricity sparks across the knob. As you stand there a moment considering that predicament you suddenly find your duo has become a trio, as a fuming Mr. Plugg is standing behind the two of you, nearly apoplectic. He grabs each of your arms and drags you away from the cabin door. As he does so he whispers in unconcealed rage.
"You two haven't just put yourselves in the drink, but you have endangered my life as well now. And for that I will not forgive you. Don't talk to the captain. How hard of a rule is that to follow. I swear sea cucumbers have more brains than either of you."He pushes Deket into the waiting arms of Tam and Maheem, while continuing to drag Grath behind him. His voice raises from the whisper now.
"Mr Scourge, another man has been added to Bloody hour today. Please ensure that this swine knows where to direct his concerns in the future. I want him chained to the mast throughout the day tomorrow. No one is to tend to his wounds. Let the salt breeze be his ointment. The other will stay in the box tonight and through the day tomorrow. After that he can receive his lashes. Make sure they don't die...but lash them until they can't take more."
Scourge nods, that sadistic grin once again sprouting on his face. It is so rare that he is allowed to take someone to the brink. He turns and finds Sandara, standing in the crowd. "Miss Quinn, I will have need of your skills to make this lesson stick. Come here please."
She hesitantly steps forward, drawn reluctantly closer the the greasy man. "I will whip this man until he falls unconscious. When he does, you will heal his wounds so that I may start again. This will continue until you are no longer able to heal him. Do you understand?"
"Please, Sir...what if someone else is hurt later this evening. I wo..."
"Do you understand Miss Quinn?"
She stares into Grath's face. Her eyes welling with reluctant tears. *I'm sorry* she mouths to him. She then lets her gaze fall. "Yes sir, I understand."
"Good"
Scourge turns to Grath to begin his work.
Unless someone interrupts, Scourge proceeds to whip Grath to unconciousnesses and then pauses to allow Sandara to heal him 6 times. At the 7th time into unconciousness Sandara is out of spell slots, so instead she casts spare the dying on Grath and informs Scourge that she can heal no more.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Deket releases Mr. Plugg's grasp on his arm but he stands tall in front of him and says in low voice, fill with anger. Only Grath and him can hear him.
"No. You lash me as many times as you want or as many as your dog can handle but you leave him out of this. " he says refereing to Grath "You do this or I swear by my fiendish father that I will scream the captain's name so loud that he will drown me but I will take you with me. And guess who are going to be welcome in hell?"Deket's eyes flashes in red for a brief moment.
Plugg softens the slightest bit, but is ultimately unperturbed by your threat. "Look lad, your friend put his gizzard in the fire when he spoke to the Captain. Now Captain has to see him be punished or I might as well throw meself overboard and swim back to Port Peril. You threatenin me with death if I do punish him just means that I am damned if I does and damned if I doesn't. I'll make sure nobody dies. So shut your craw and take yer medicine or I'll throw you overboard and say the Sea Witch came to take you fer yer insolence."
He nods to Scourge as he leads you towards the box. "Remember Scourge. Don't let 'im die."
Fools. No other word can describe what she's just seen. The fact they'll be left alive after all this should be credited as dumb luck. Altruistic folk didn't fare well, from her experience. Maybe it's different where the others came from, and maybe it is ulteriorly different on this ship too. For now, however, Vireil is convinced the two are nothing but fools or masochists. Still, the punishment was much too cruel for her to watch. The captain was not someone she wanted to deal with, and Plugg was clearly put in a difficult spot - whether he wished for it or not. Scourage, however? That one was clearly just enjoying it all. If she can't find a way off this boat, she should at least make life on it bearable, and Scourage was clearly not going to be part of that. She needs a plan, though, if she doesn't want to be Keelhauled.
As Captain Harrigan glared across the deck Sasha froze up, trying to stop Deket but it was too late. She watched in horror as Grath too started mouthing off. In the end she just shook her head slowly at it all. This was not good, not good at all, they would all be needed for that opportune moment, hopefully in a fighting condition, and those sitting in the sweatbox would not be of much help. This was bad, bad for all of them.
The tiefling growls low but he knows when the game is lost... he mumbles to Grath "Sorry friend"
"What for? I an idiot. I went along with it, I thought he was going to address us before I open my mouth. I was wrong." replies to Deket. "Back home, in the academy's library- I'm a scholar you see- I've found this folk lore, where a man angered his Deity to such a degree that the Deity had him tied to a pole and commanded eagles to eat his liver once a day. Overnight his liver would regrow and the punishment went on for days. Gruesome, gruesome folk lore, but looking at the bright side I only get whipped for days. Probably going to hurt just as much, though."
She stares into Grath's face. Her eyes welling with reluctant tears. *I'm sorry* she mouths to him. She then lets her gaze fall. "Yes sir, I understand."
"Appreciate your help Sandara" mouths Grath as a reply.
looks like a quorum of players has accepted Grath's punishment...so we are going to move forward with it. This will be a whole lot of posting and then editing to make sure I put the cure wounds in in the right spots so Grath doesn't die.
Scourge sets to his terrible work. Jack watches on bravely, knowing that Grath is accepting this punishment in part because of him.
The First Lashing
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 6
Attack: 24 Damage: 9
There are three lashes, 2 striking true, before Grath falls into unconciousness. With a gruff nod Scourge steps away while Sandara rushes in with her holy symbol, pouring healing magic into his body.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 8
A rush of cold energy like being plunged into an ocean of frigid water rushes through Grath's body as he gasps back to conciousness. Sandara has barely backed away before Scourge begins to lay into him again.
The Second Lashing:
Attack: 19 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 6
This time only two additional stripes causes Grath to fall slack against the chains, before Sandara again brings him back to the land of wakefulness.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 3
The Third Lashing:
Attack: 8 Damage: 4
Attack: 8 Damage: 4
Attack: 8 Damage: 3
The third set takes an additional 3 lashes to cause the goliath to lose consciousness again, but Scourge is obviously enjoying the play...He hesitates a moment before backing away this time...fighting an urge to continue to lay into the unconscious figure.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 4
The Fourth Lashing
At this point even the most blood thirsty of the crew have lost their enjoyment in the sport. Many have stepped away to the railing, or even gone below decks...something that is typically not allowed during Bloody Hour. Jack Scrimshaw continues to maintain his vigil though, watching bravely although flinching at the crack of each stripe.
Attack: 7 Damage: 3
Attack: 10 Damage: 4
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Another three lashes and Grath again goes slack against his chains. Sandara steps forward again with her holy symbol, but Scourge begins to raise his whip for a fourth lash...She gasps, snapping him out of his meditative reverie and he nods, stepping back again. She rests her hand on Grath's forehead as she channels her magics into him...the strain of casting is begining to show on her tired face.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 9
The Fifth Lashing
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Attack: 17 Damage: 5
Attack: 7 Damage: 3
It takes another three cracks of the whip to render Grath unconcious, but this time in part because Scourge is getting so lost in the reverie of his actions...he is beginning to swing wildly. Again he very nearly does not stop before laying another lash into the Goliath.
Cure Wounds @ Level 2: 12
Sandara looks even more tired now. She looks at Scourge as she stumbles away from Grath. "I only have one more left I think..."
The Sixth Lashing
By now most of the crew have abandoned the deck, heading down into the mid-deck to await food being served. Remaining behind are Jack Scrimshaw, Sandara Quinn, Tam Tate, Maheem, Syl Lonegan, and any of the party members that decide to stay. A single tear has begun to trace down Jack's face as he continues to watch the larger brother figure take stripes for him.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Attack: 23 Damage: 6
Two more lashes, and Grath falls slack again...Sandara rushes in to heal him, but Scourge does not abate his whipping this time. She barely has time to put the magic into Grath's body before the licks continue to fall.
Cure Wounds @ Level 2: 9
The Seventh Lashing
Attack: 8 Damage: 3
Attack: 20 Damage: 3
Attack: 19 Damage: 3
After three lashes, the last cutting particularly deeply in Grath's left shoulder blade, exposing the white of bone before it is consumed by the red of blood, Grath again falls into unconciousness. Sandara rushes forward to check on him. "I told you I was spent Scourge. No more. I have no magic left to heal him."
"Out of the way girl!"
Lost in some kind of fit of sasistic glee, Scourge sends the whip biting into Grath's back one last time, causing the unconcious body to twitch.
You suffer 2 failed death saving throws.
In desperation, Sandara presses her holy symbol into Grath's chest, casting Spare the Dying to prevent him from leaving the mortal coil.
At the same moment in a howl of rage, Jack Scrimshaw launches himself at Scourge...despite his small size the surprise and ferociousness of the attack sends Scourge to the deck, the whip flying from his hand. Tam and Maheem rush forward to remove a raving Jack from Scourge's chest...but at the same time give him a hard look.
"Ye should be done now Master Scourge. 'member ye Plugg said no killin'. "
(Jack Scrimshaw's attitude towards you has improved to Loyal. This as of yet undiscovered attitude level is the same as Helpful except it cannot be reduced or changed through social interaction checks by players or NPCs. In addition, Jack's attitude towards the rest of the party has improved to Helpful, because any friend of yours is a friend of his.)
Grath, you are unconscious for 1 hour. You wake up 1 hour later in the darkness of night still chained to the mast with an awareness that Scourge very nearly killed you. You have 1 hitpoint.
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Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
As the captain rages, Jonah stands still, letting out a near-silent sigh as the punishment is announced. He should have known the price that he was going to have to pay. And yet, he tried anyway. To try and stop the unstoppable, to attempt to fight back against that which cannot be fought, to continue idiotically on, despite the obvious impossibility of his task... Jonah could see some of himself in that.
And so, though Jonah steps not forward in their defense, neither does he turn his back on them. All throughout the bloody hour, Jonah stands before Grath. Even as the blood flying from Scourge's reddened whip flecks his face. Even as the boards of the deck run red, the dark liquid flowing around Jonah's boots, staining them as it congeals. Even when Scourge raises his whip, tearing into the raw flesh of Grath's unconscious body, still light and tender from its recent reconstitution by Sandara's magic. Even as Jack launches an attack on Scourge in Grath's defense. He doesn't budge, neither to help nor to turn away from Grath. Even after Jack is hauled away, Scourge stalks off, and Sandara drags her heels belowdecks, Jonah remains.
When finally they all leave, Jonah kneels beside Grath's near-corpse, making sure that he hasn't yet passed away and doesn't plan to in the future. For a moment, he raises his prosthetic hand, and the scrimshaw that adorns it begins to glow with power, but then he hesitates. After a moment, he drops his hand. Jonah will let him sleep, for now. He's endured too much of the waking world. Instead, the grizzled man stands back, takes a piece of scrap wood that remains from his endeavors belowdecks, and begins to carve.
When Grath finally wakes, Jonah is still there. He sits a few meters away, still carving as he stares at the chained Goliath, never once breaking his gaze.
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"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
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"Mm, good luck with that." Sasha mumbles back, but she stays by his side, ready to face the wrath of Captain Harrigan.
(Ready to give Deket loyal help action with any social interactions.)
"Yer a fool lad. A brave one, but a fool.", Ringer growls at Deket.
((Bardic Inspiration))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Vireil watches with interest. From the side, for now, waiting to see what happens. If it's keelhauling, she's not getting killed for that. If she feels she might make a difference, however, she might join. She did owe the man, and agreed with what was behind his actions. Calling the captain, however? That seemed a bit reckless. The captain made it clear on the first day: The only real rule on this ship is that all are forbidden from talking with him.
Varielky
Jonah merely shakes his head slowly and stands still, hands hanging by his side.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
There is a moment of quiet as crew members clear away the path between Deket and the Captain's door. Only the sound of the waves murmuring against the hull of the ship can be heard.
With the sound not unlike a cannon blast the door is thrown open, banging against the wood of the cabin wall before rebounding into the axe that is the Captain's left hand. Barnabas Harrigan fills the doorway and glares across the deck. His eye stops on Deket for a moment, appraising him like a trader would weigh the value of livestock. There is an anger and hatred in that eye. Deket, you feel a strange nervous energy fill you, freezing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and your feet to the deck as you stand and watch.
The gaze then leaves Deket and finds Plugg standing at the railing of the foredeck. Barnabas steps out of the door and onto the deck, eye elevated so there is no mistaking who he is addressing
"What's this ruccus then?! A crew member calling for the captain. Mr Plugg, when I gave you the posting of First Officer you assured me that you were ready to manage a crew on the day to day. Where are yer assurances now boy? Less than a week to sea and hands are jumping to speak with me?"
A thin girl with pale skin and raven black hair glides through the doorway and peeks out from behind Harrigan. She has an arm tentatively placed on his back, but a mean-spirited smile lights her ruby lips as she sees Mr. Plugg being questioned by the captain. A matching red gemstone in her hairpiece that rests at her forward also gleams in what feels like sinister intent.
The officious attitude that you have grown accustomed to Plugg leading the crew with falls away into a much more self-depricating stature and tone.
"Apologies sir. These new hands that were brought on do not know their place yet. But I can show them still, I promise. A day in the box will teach this pond scum to follow the proper chain of command."
Barnabas returns his gaze to Deket. Again appraising him. Again there is a sense of a specific dollar value being placed on Deket's head.
"See that it do, or I'll stuff you in the box with him and you two can settle yer differences in the oven."
Barnabas turns to return to his cabin. The girl with him looks up at him with affection in her eyes as she turns to join him. The door begins to swing shut behind them.
Deket, now that Barnabas is no longer looking in your direction you feel whatever was holding you abate. As it disappears you are uncertain if it was just nervousness or something more magical in nature. Whatever it was you feel your tongue loosen and with a bit of quick mental math you are sure you could make it to the door before it closes firm again. You glance behind you and see Tate and Maheem approaching from either side, presumably to escort you to the box. (What do you want to do?)
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Deket takes a few steps towards the door before it shuts down hoping the dreaded captain hears him.
He feels his tongue still like dried wood but he somehow manages to speak.
"I am terribly sorry to disturb you Sir and I am well aware that I am speaking out of my place. And I will gladly take a day in the box but Sir, Maese Jack proved today his bravery by warning us of a thread that would have spread disease and rotten our food supplies... and he is unjustified being disciplined my captain. I beg you... show your new hands that their hard work and sacrifice for your ship is noticed and not punished. I am sure that they will work much better to meet your fair standards... Sir... "
Persuasion?
16
Will use that helpful bardic inspiration:
3
C'mon we need a good roll here...
Or perhaps not even a good roll will change his mind about poor Jack but I had to try ;)
PbP Character: A few ;)
It might create yet another timey wimey wibbly wobbly stuff, so if you allow it. Similarly to Deket, Grath is pissed about Jack's punishment. He find Deket's action a bit hot-headed but he had the guts and went for it, which Grath admired. That being said, Grath doesn't want Deket to suffer the full punishment, so after his appeal Grath wants to go and give him a help action.
"Captain. You did say you one rule. We all accepted it, to be frank I welcomed it. One simple rule. Efficient, no non-sense. Clearly you are a man of vision. And that you have to be if you want to run a ship as clean and tidy as this one. What we also understand, however, is that a ship needs a crew that carries out your vision and that keeps the ship sailing." maybe long introduction, but Grath was trying to somewhat defuse the situation. "So you can understand that when we- the deckhands, sea dogs, scum or whichever adjective Plugg or Scourge uses for us-, appeal for your audience we do it because we genuinely assume there is a concern regarding the ship's integrity- physical or otherwise."
Off he goes. "Take this morning for instance. A member of the crew was attacked by things that we have not seen before, and I dare say those things should have not been on the first place. The man in question was maimed and mangled severely. It was lucky he had enough blood left in him to report the event. However, instead of having him taken care of- meaning stopping the bleeding-, he was ordered to go back on his own to an almost certain death. I am not exaggerating, I was a member of the party that cleaned up the mess down there. It was not a one-person task and definitely not a kid's."
"He is an able person, good at what he does and does what he is told very proficiently. I should know, he reported back to his duties to finish canvassing and cleaning the area with me within a few short hours. My thesis is this: can we afford to lose such a person or two, or three from the ship, because someone is too preoccupied to investigate? Captain, I'm a man of facts and figures, you are the man of clear judgement and character..." he stops there, trying to keep the monologue open ended, and trying to keep the tone leveled, so he doesn't present an argument that he might need to defend later. Only facts. "Way to throw Scourge and Plugg under the ship. So, what will it be? Keelhauling, or simple drowning?" thought to himself as the adrenaline started to leave his system.
Barnabas freezes halfway back to his seat as a crew member stands at his cabin door...and then another shortly behind. As you look in you see a cabin that is richly decorated. Its walls are covered with intricate carvings depicting krakens devouring whales. A quartet of portholes allow light to drift in, and a dining table sits against the aft bulkhead with a chest at its feet. A mattress is rolled up and set to the side, the table apparently doubling as a bed when the time comes. Two rich carpets flank the bed covering the wood planks and almost making you forget you are on a ship. (Description of the Captain's Quarters has been added to the Campaign Notes).
Several of the officers that you have seen in passing around the ship sit at the table enjoying dinner, or at least they were before the two of you entered. Now they have stopped and stare at you, aghast and silent.
Harrigan slowly turns on his heel. You thought you saw anger in his eye before...but that was a slow burning fire the fire of a night's camp long after bed, kindling and sparking as it burns low. Now new logs have been placed on the fire and it has been stoked into an inferno.
"You...Dare...Stand at the Precipice to my Cabin. You...Dare...speak when not spoken to. ONE RULE. IT WAS CLEAR. YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, YOU TAKE IT TO PLUGG. IF HE IS TOO INCOMPETENT TO RESOLVE IT THEN HE WILL BRING IT TO ME HIMSELF. THIS SHIP HAS CHAIN OF COMMAND AND YOU WILL RESPECT IT. NOW GET OUT. PEPPERY, WOULD YOU BE SO KIND AS TO CLOSE THE DOOR BEFORE THESE GENTLEMEN DO SOMETHING THEY WILL NOT LIVE TO REGRET?!"
A woman with auburn hair and a flat nose raises a hand and a gust of wind blows from port to starboard through the cabin. It catches the door that was standing ajar and slams it shut in your face. A moment later, a bit of electricity sparks across the knob. As you stand there a moment considering that predicament you suddenly find your duo has become a trio, as a fuming Mr. Plugg is standing behind the two of you, nearly apoplectic. He grabs each of your arms and drags you away from the cabin door. As he does so he whispers in unconcealed rage.
"You two haven't just put yourselves in the drink, but you have endangered my life as well now. And for that I will not forgive you. Don't talk to the captain. How hard of a rule is that to follow. I swear sea cucumbers have more brains than either of you." He pushes Deket into the waiting arms of Tam and Maheem, while continuing to drag Grath behind him. His voice raises from the whisper now.
"Mr Scourge, another man has been added to Bloody hour today. Please ensure that this swine knows where to direct his concerns in the future. I want him chained to the mast throughout the day tomorrow. No one is to tend to his wounds. Let the salt breeze be his ointment. The other will stay in the box tonight and through the day tomorrow. After that he can receive his lashes. Make sure they don't die...but lash them until they can't take more."
Scourge nods, that sadistic grin once again sprouting on his face. It is so rare that he is allowed to take someone to the brink. He turns and finds Sandara, standing in the crowd. "Miss Quinn, I will have need of your skills to make this lesson stick. Come here please."
She hesitantly steps forward, drawn reluctantly closer the the greasy man. "I will whip this man until he falls unconscious. When he does, you will heal his wounds so that I may start again. This will continue until you are no longer able to heal him. Do you understand?"
"Please, Sir...what if someone else is hurt later this evening. I wo..."
"Do you understand Miss Quinn?"
She stares into Grath's face. Her eyes welling with reluctant tears. *I'm sorry* she mouths to him. She then lets her gaze fall. "Yes sir, I understand."
"Good"
Scourge turns to Grath to begin his work.
Unless someone interrupts, Scourge proceeds to whip Grath to unconciousnesses and then pauses to allow Sandara to heal him 6 times. At the 7th time into unconciousness Sandara is out of spell slots, so instead she casts spare the dying on Grath and informs Scourge that she can heal no more.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Deket releases Mr. Plugg's grasp on his arm but he stands tall in front of him and says in low voice, fill with anger. Only Grath and him can hear him.
"No. You lash me as many times as you want or as many as your dog can handle but you leave him out of this. " he says refereing to Grath "You do this or I swear by my fiendish father that I will scream the captain's name so loud that he will drown me but I will take you with me. And guess who are going to be welcome in hell?" Deket's eyes flashes in red for a brief moment.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Deket, make an intimidation check for me.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Intimidation: 8
C'mon dice be gentle... I need a nat 20 now.. ;)
Edit: psshhh stupid dice XDD
PbP Character: A few ;)
Ringer shakes his avian head.
Crazy people. The fates have saddled him with crazy people.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Plugg softens the slightest bit, but is ultimately unperturbed by your threat. "Look lad, your friend put his gizzard in the fire when he spoke to the Captain. Now Captain has to see him be punished or I might as well throw meself overboard and swim back to Port Peril. You threatenin me with death if I do punish him just means that I am damned if I does and damned if I doesn't. I'll make sure nobody dies. So shut your craw and take yer medicine or I'll throw you overboard and say the Sea Witch came to take you fer yer insolence."
He nods to Scourge as he leads you towards the box. "Remember Scourge. Don't let 'im die."
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
The tiefling growls low but he knows when the game is lost... he mumbles to Grath "Sorry friend"
Before their punishment starts, dragged by Tam and Maheem, he makes sure to look at poor lad Jack and winks him an eye.
"You did great today lad! Don't worry about these gentlemen we are going to have just a little bit of fun..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Fools. No other word can describe what she's just seen. The fact they'll be left alive after all this should be credited as dumb luck. Altruistic folk didn't fare well, from her experience. Maybe it's different where the others came from, and maybe it is ulteriorly different on this ship too. For now, however, Vireil is convinced the two are nothing but fools or masochists. Still, the punishment was much too cruel for her to watch. The captain was not someone she wanted to deal with, and Plugg was clearly put in a difficult spot - whether he wished for it or not. Scourage, however? That one was clearly just enjoying it all. If she can't find a way off this boat, she should at least make life on it bearable, and Scourage was clearly not going to be part of that. She needs a plan, though, if she doesn't want to be Keelhauled.
Varielky
As Captain Harrigan glared across the deck Sasha froze up, trying to stop Deket but it was too late. She watched in horror as Grath too started mouthing off. In the end she just shook her head slowly at it all. This was not good, not good at all, they would all be needed for that opportune moment, hopefully in a fighting condition, and those sitting in the sweatbox would not be of much help. This was bad, bad for all of them.
"What for? I an idiot. I went along with it, I thought he was going to address us before I open my mouth. I was wrong." replies to Deket. "Back home, in the academy's library- I'm a scholar you see- I've found this folk lore, where a man angered his Deity to such a degree that the Deity had him tied to a pole and commanded eagles to eat his liver once a day. Overnight his liver would regrow and the punishment went on for days. Gruesome, gruesome folk lore, but looking at the bright side I only get whipped for days. Probably going to hurt just as much, though."
"Appreciate your help Sandara" mouths Grath as a reply.
looks like a quorum of players has accepted Grath's punishment...so we are going to move forward with it. This will be a whole lot of posting and then editing to make sure I put the cure wounds in in the right spots so Grath doesn't die.
Scourge sets to his terrible work. Jack watches on bravely, knowing that Grath is accepting this punishment in part because of him.
The First Lashing
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 6
Attack: 24 Damage: 9
There are three lashes, 2 striking true, before Grath falls into unconciousness. With a gruff nod Scourge steps away while Sandara rushes in with her holy symbol, pouring healing magic into his body.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 8
A rush of cold energy like being plunged into an ocean of frigid water rushes through Grath's body as he gasps back to conciousness. Sandara has barely backed away before Scourge begins to lay into him again.
The Second Lashing:
Attack: 19 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 6
This time only two additional stripes causes Grath to fall slack against the chains, before Sandara again brings him back to the land of wakefulness.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 3
The Third Lashing:
Attack: 8 Damage: 4
Attack: 8 Damage: 4
Attack: 8 Damage: 3
The third set takes an additional 3 lashes to cause the goliath to lose consciousness again, but Scourge is obviously enjoying the play...He hesitates a moment before backing away this time...fighting an urge to continue to lay into the unconscious figure.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 4
The Fourth Lashing
At this point even the most blood thirsty of the crew have lost their enjoyment in the sport. Many have stepped away to the railing, or even gone below decks...something that is typically not allowed during Bloody Hour. Jack Scrimshaw continues to maintain his vigil though, watching bravely although flinching at the crack of each stripe.
Attack: 7 Damage: 3
Attack: 10 Damage: 4
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Another three lashes and Grath again goes slack against his chains. Sandara steps forward again with her holy symbol, but Scourge begins to raise his whip for a fourth lash...She gasps, snapping him out of his meditative reverie and he nods, stepping back again. She rests her hand on Grath's forehead as she channels her magics into him...the strain of casting is begining to show on her tired face.
Cure Wounds @ Level 1: 9
The Fifth Lashing
Attack: 21 Damage: 5
Attack: 17 Damage: 5
Attack: 7 Damage: 3
It takes another three cracks of the whip to render Grath unconcious, but this time in part because Scourge is getting so lost in the reverie of his actions...he is beginning to swing wildly. Again he very nearly does not stop before laying another lash into the Goliath.
Cure Wounds @ Level 2: 12
Sandara looks even more tired now. She looks at Scourge as she stumbles away from Grath. "I only have one more left I think..."
The Sixth Lashing
By now most of the crew have abandoned the deck, heading down into the mid-deck to await food being served. Remaining behind are Jack Scrimshaw, Sandara Quinn, Tam Tate, Maheem, Syl Lonegan, and any of the party members that decide to stay. A single tear has begun to trace down Jack's face as he continues to watch the larger brother figure take stripes for him.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Attack: 23 Damage: 6
Two more lashes, and Grath falls slack again...Sandara rushes in to heal him, but Scourge does not abate his whipping this time. She barely has time to put the magic into Grath's body before the licks continue to fall.
Cure Wounds @ Level 2: 9
The Seventh Lashing
Attack: 8 Damage: 3
Attack: 20 Damage: 3
Attack: 19 Damage: 3
After three lashes, the last cutting particularly deeply in Grath's left shoulder blade, exposing the white of bone before it is consumed by the red of blood, Grath again falls into unconciousness. Sandara rushes forward to check on him. "I told you I was spent Scourge. No more. I have no magic left to heal him."
"Out of the way girl!"
Lost in some kind of fit of sasistic glee, Scourge sends the whip biting into Grath's back one last time, causing the unconcious body to twitch.
You suffer 2 failed death saving throws.
In desperation, Sandara presses her holy symbol into Grath's chest, casting Spare the Dying to prevent him from leaving the mortal coil.
At the same moment in a howl of rage, Jack Scrimshaw launches himself at Scourge...despite his small size the surprise and ferociousness of the attack sends Scourge to the deck, the whip flying from his hand. Tam and Maheem rush forward to remove a raving Jack from Scourge's chest...but at the same time give him a hard look.
"Ye should be done now Master Scourge. 'member ye Plugg said no killin'. "
(Jack Scrimshaw's attitude towards you has improved to Loyal. This as of yet undiscovered attitude level is the same as Helpful except it cannot be reduced or changed through social interaction checks by players or NPCs. In addition, Jack's attitude towards the rest of the party has improved to Helpful, because any friend of yours is a friend of his.)
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Grath, you are unconscious for 1 hour. You wake up 1 hour later in the darkness of night still chained to the mast with an awareness that Scourge very nearly killed you. You have 1 hitpoint.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
As the captain rages, Jonah stands still, letting out a near-silent sigh as the punishment is announced. He should have known the price that he was going to have to pay. And yet, he tried anyway. To try and stop the unstoppable, to attempt to fight back against that which cannot be fought, to continue idiotically on, despite the obvious impossibility of his task... Jonah could see some of himself in that.
And so, though Jonah steps not forward in their defense, neither does he turn his back on them. All throughout the bloody hour, Jonah stands before Grath. Even as the blood flying from Scourge's reddened whip flecks his face. Even as the boards of the deck run red, the dark liquid flowing around Jonah's boots, staining them as it congeals. Even when Scourge raises his whip, tearing into the raw flesh of Grath's unconscious body, still light and tender from its recent reconstitution by Sandara's magic. Even as Jack launches an attack on Scourge in Grath's defense. He doesn't budge, neither to help nor to turn away from Grath. Even after Jack is hauled away, Scourge stalks off, and Sandara drags her heels belowdecks, Jonah remains.
When finally they all leave, Jonah kneels beside Grath's near-corpse, making sure that he hasn't yet passed away and doesn't plan to in the future. For a moment, he raises his prosthetic hand, and the scrimshaw that adorns it begins to glow with power, but then he hesitates. After a moment, he drops his hand. Jonah will let him sleep, for now. He's endured too much of the waking world. Instead, the grizzled man stands back, takes a piece of scrap wood that remains from his endeavors belowdecks, and begins to carve.
When Grath finally wakes, Jonah is still there. He sits a few meters away, still carving as he stares at the chained Goliath, never once breaking his gaze.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."