"Sandara huh." Sasha says and follows the redhead with her eyes for a while. An acolyte of the sea witch, intriguing, she had to speak to that one tonight, she thought as she resumed her work. "So, do you know anything about where Captain Harrigan is taking the Wormwood?" She asks Samms a bit later.
Deket, (OOC: Going to roll a persuasion check for you - 11) Will come back to post the response once I see the results on the die...
Grok looks at you with a consoling grin. "That'll be the Oil of Taggit. It's one of Scourge's favorites when it comes to grabbing people. Of course, when it comes to Scourge, he has quite a few favorite poisons and toxins. Nasty brute that one is."
She places the back of a hand gingerly against your forehead, feeling the clammy sweat on your brow. "Yeah, if I had to guess I would say you're allergic to Taggit nuts. I mean, the things are poisonous so I guess everyone is allergic to them kind of, but you have it worse than most. A good night's sleep tonight should set you right, but come in here a moment I might have something that could help."
Grok leads you to the cramped cabin in the back of the Galley that serves as the quartermaster's store. Taking a key from her pocket, she unlocks the fine hasp lock that holds the door secure. Inside is a room stacked to the rafters with numerous barrels, boxes and chests all placed in a secure but visually precarious looking manner. In the center of the room is a tall bar stool, the throne to Grok's kingdom apparently.
In one corner you see haphazardly dropped into a pile amongst other bits of armor a set of studded leather that was yours until last night. Sitting near by in a metal trunk that sits slightly ajar is your rapier next to a fine looking dagger and a warhammer that was obviously created by a master dwarvish weaponsmith. You also see a beautiful fiddle hanging up against the wall, that catches your eye just from its strangeness being here with all these implements of defense.
Grok reaches into a small chest stacked ontop of a barrel, apparently filled to the brim with various bottles and vials. "Let's see...here we go. You drink this down, and you should feel better pretty quickly. Can't be giving it away for free of course though. What do you say to 25 gold?"
DC 11 - Arcana check
You recognizing the runes on the label of the bottle identifying it as a potion of poison resistance.
Sasha, Samms snorts at the idea: "Oh yeah, absolutely. He told me during one of our close, intimate conversations." She retorts with heavy sarcasm.
"More likely than not we don't have a destination in mind yet, not til we find someone to plunder. Till then more of just a pleasure cruise, right? If Harrigan does have an actual destination in mind, like as not the only people on board that know it are his cabin maid Caulky or Peppery, the navigator and sailing master. But asking them would be like to asking the Capt'n himself. You go ahead and do that, and you'll be the one swimming for the Unseen Shore lass."
OOC: A couple of items of clarity that Sasha would know even if the player doesn't...
1) when Samms referred to Sandara being an acolyte of the sea-witch she was irreverantly referring to the Goddess Besmara, goddess of the sea, piracy, and strife, which Sandara is a cleric of. Arloch could also be referred to as an acolyte of the sea-witch. Although some clerics of Besmara might take offense to the term, so it is generally not said directly to them.
2) when she refers to "swimming for the Unseen Shore" it is a cultural aphorism from the Sodden Lands where she grew up, it means drowning in the ocean and "swimming to shore" in the after-life.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Arloch is curious as to who may be more truthful in their words. He says he will try and quickly bids them farewell at the first chance to roam.
Insight to see who is more truthful about the curse: 18
Arloch gives a quizzical look to Sandara, "Odd. You of course we're the first I had assumed. I wonder who our helpful buccaneer could be. I will surely take the chance to meet up with you tonight once I have found the others. You are completely right, friends in numbers. It was a pleasure to meet you at least." He bids her farewell also.
He spends the rest of his time searching out for the other kidnapped crewmen and introducing himself to as many as he can. In his water Common he mutters, "Well hello. I wish I came under better circumstances. My name is Arloch. I am a priest from under the oceans. I hope we can come to respect one another. Dinner is prepped for this evening if you would join. The other priest would wish to speak with us."
Arloch, Ambrose has the attitude of a drunk man that has seen too much pain and sorrow. To him the entire world is cursed to his grief. Meanwhile, Grok seems off put by the thought of curses, ghost stories, or anything unnaturally spectral or evil. They seem to be the kind of superstitious person that represses the possibility and there by the fear of their superstitions.
***
As the sun begins to lay down on the horizon the weather bell is rung to announce the end of the work day and beginning of night watches. The crew begins to gather around the main mast. Plugg appears with Scourge nearby. The rest of the officer's are not to be found, but sounds of revelry and exciting scents of roast pork waft from the officer's quarters at the fore of the ship, betraying their location. "Those of you that are new to our crew will not yet know about bloody hour. Any punishments that are due are doled out at the end of each day. Today, we have some business to attend to from yestereve. Master Scourge, if you will remove Jakes from the box please."
Scourge removes a key from a pouch at his belt and walks over the the metal box at the aft of the ship. Gingerly grasping the lock still hot from the direct sun, he removes the pad from its loop and the front of the box falls open. Scourge reaches in and pulls out a human in manacles, clearly exhausted and near death from dehydration after his day in the oven. The man is brought to stand before Plugg.
"Mr. Magpie, you were found stealing from the quartermasters store. Those items belong to all of us, but most importantly, they belong to the captain. And having stolen from the ship and her captain, the sentence is death. Do ye have anything to say fer yourself?"
The man identified as Jakes Magpie continues to be slumped, primarily supported by Scourge's firm grip around his arm. He mouth moves silently, the man does not appear to be aware of what is happening at all.
"Very well, with nothing to be said then justice will be metted out. Mr. Scourge, Jakes has an appointment with the keel if you will hasten him along."
OOC: Going to content warning this, after I wrote it I realized that it was kinda disturbing. So hiding it behind a spoiler for what I feel like is excessive gore.
Plugg turns and leaves, joining the rest of the officers in the cabin for meal. Scourge calls over two of the other crew members, the half-orc and the dwarf from earlier in the day, and they set about affixing a long section of rope leading to the forward of the ship around Jakes's wrists. Having done that, they lead him to the bow of the ship, and toss him over. At the rear, a group of three men begin heaving on a rope looped over a yardarm of the rear mast before dropping down over the aft of the ship, dragging the poor man along the bottom of the craft. It takes a good minute for them to drag their burden through the water and up onto the deck. There hanging from the yardarm is the eviscerated body of Jakes Magpie. The man hangs unresponsive, deep cuts from barnacles on the bottom of the ship seeping out the remainder of his life's blood. There are no cheers or jeers at this macbre sight. Just a solemn silence as the man is released from his bounds, verified to be dead, and the remains are thrown overboard to the sea below.
Master Scourge turns to the crew. "Let that be a lesson for all." He looks upon the newest crew members specifically. "Stealing from yer crew will not be tolerated. Stealin' from tha Capt'n results in death." He stands silently for a moment, the quiet punctuated by the crash of waves and the creaking of wood. The anger and rage that you have seen from Scourge throughout the day seems to have been sated for the moment. "There'll be no other punishments tonight. Though some of youse deserve it, having slacked on yer work today. Let it be a warning. Slack off again tomorrow and it will be bashes or even the lash. The night is yours. Go to." He turns and goes into the cabin with the rest of the officers.
OOC: Rest of the night post coming, but breaking it up because that bit was heavy.
As the crew is dismissed they gather towards the galley where Ambrose distributes hard-tack with the thin vegetable stew and shots of rum. The beginning of the meal is quiet and morose, but soon people begin to talk again and within 15 minutes or so there is again bustle and laughter, although it feels counterfeit and forced.
As crew members finish their meager repast, various forms of entertainment are started, a game of hog-lob, a few rounds of arm wrestling across some barrels in the mid-hold, closer to the galley a round of Heave seems about to get started. All three have not just participants, but other crew members around placing and taking bets. A few of the crew gather at the front of the foredeckto sing sea shantiesand talk with the sound of the waves around them.
OOC: Welcome to nighttime actions. After you finish your meal and the rum (see Rum Ration in the campaign notes, the rum is considered a drug) you can choose from any of the nighttime actions. If you decide to stay up late you can take up to 2 more night time actions, but must select the ones noted with an *. Keep in mind, if you stay up late you will need to make a con save to avoid additional points of exhaustion (DC 13 for 1 additional action, DC 16 for 2 additional actions). More OOC stuff in the PM.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Jonah accepts his rum, and nurses it carefully with the air of a man who has much experience with the drink. Each sip is measured and calculated, to ensure that it lasts as long as possible while still providing maximum inebriation. He is still sipping while most others are finished, savoring each drop of the foul stuff.
Constitution: 22
After he finishes his rum ration, now adequately tipsy, he pays more attention to the festivities. When the last song dies down, he begins his own. First quietly, to himself, then out loud, his deep baritone voice ringing loud, though perhaps not true.
The ship, it swayed, heave ho, heave ho, On the dark and stormy blue And I held tight to the Captain's might As he pulled up his trews "You haven't slept," heave ho, he said "In many suns and moons." "Oh, I will sleep, when we reach shore," "And pray we get there soon."
Performance roll for entertainment(let's go 25% chance): 5
The song starts out well enough, but unfortunately, Jonah's drink has numbed his common sense, and he attempts to sing the higher part in a full falsetto, his scratchy, broken voice giving it a sound akin to a dying cat.
CaAApptaiin, CaapptAaIin I will dO your choOOoOorrres I wI-
He abruptly breaks off after a particularly nasty squeak, devolving into a hacking fit. As the rest of the crew laughs, he stops for good, tipping the last drop of rum onto his tongue and returning to his scrimshaw.
Just as Jonah begins to walk off, he stops. He won't be bested by some damned song, and he won't be ridiculed by this damned crew. He turns around, cutting off the beginning of the next shanty with the last few lines of his song, his gravelly giving them powerful, chilling weight.
"Hush now, hush love, here's your gown." "There's the bed, lanterns down." "I'm begging you, please wake me up!" "In all my dreams I drown!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vireil watches with horror as Jakes gets his punishment, the stolen coins now heavy in her pouch. Sure, theft is always punished when discovered, but... death for just a handful of coins? She only hopes they did not belong to the captain, or else she'll have a better chance if she just jumps off to the sea.
Though not one to abstain from alcohol completely, Vireil does not find much pleasure in drinking either. She's seen many drunk men in her life, and those could be more monstrous than any other in Izilmagorti. However, when she's given the rum, the image of Jakes still lives in her mind, and she dares not refuse it. Drinking it all in one go, she then coughs a few times in instant regret, but the horrible liquid already burns her throat. Oh, how she despises alcohol.
Constitution save: 3.
Truly awful. Vireil decides she'll try to avoid it next time... if possible. Now, however, Vireil has another goal. She should get rid of the stolen money, or earn some so it won't be suspicious if anyone finds that she has any. Gambling is... a questionable way to do it, but the only one she has at the moment. She observes the scene. There's a drinking game, no thanks. The taste of the rum is still on her tongue. Arm wrestling... Vireil is many things, but she's not particularly strong. Throwing things? She can do that. She's good with throwing knives, how different can this be?
Vireil approaches the lobbers but stays a few feet away for a while, observing them. Maybe they'll tire, or perhaps lose enough money to be unable to continue. She does not want to compete against too many people, because the way it seems, there's only one winner, and they take all. After leaning on the railing for a few minutes, she steps forward and offers: "One throw, for gold pieces to enter. Winner takes all. Anyone up for the challenge?" She tries to sound calm and confident. Better if fewer people play, and if she makes a show of a practised thrower, maybe a few will stay out. Especially for this ante, which she considers high... she hopes the crew of this ship does as well. Inside, she's nervous and unconfident. She's a fine thrower, but not an amazing one. Her victory is far from assured here. She's also tired, and thinking back, perhaps going to sleep earlier was the better call. Maybe tomorrow. Well, if there's one good effect for drinking alcohol, it is that it allows people to be at ease, perhaps to sound calm as well?
Deception, advantage from the rum cancels out exhaustion: 6.
If everything goes smooth and the bet starts with no questions/problems, here's the throw roll: 22.
Jonah, 2d4 (7, cause I rolled well) crew members heard your shanty and were impressed with your bravery to come back and recover. For the next 24 hours you have advantage on charisma based checks with the following crew:
In particular Grok hurries after you as you walk away. "That was some fine impressive singing there laddie. A little shaky in the middle, but I appreciate a man that doesn't let that stop him from singing what's in 'is 'eart. I always love to hear a good song. You'll find me up there e'ry night most. Can't sing to fair myself after this little incident."She points to the old scar across her neck, looks to be a healed hanging. Not many people get to walk away from that. "If'n you have another song you want to share come on back, yeah?"
(Grok enjoyed your song. Her attitude to you has improve by one stage to Friendly.)
*** Ringer, as you softly hum your funeral dirge, you notice Aretta Bansion nearby. A single quiet tear trickles down her face as she watches Jakes go into the water for the final time. ***
Vireil, (going to use the rolls from the PM this time since they are not "potentially altered", stupid dice roller) As you challenge those around you to a throw there is a slight slur to your voice and people can tell that you are tired from your days efforts. Thinking they can take advantage of a drunk and tired woman, 3 people decide to put one of their coins against yours, Crimson "Cog" Cogward, Jack Scrimshaw, and Aretta Bansion.
Cog - 8+1 = 9 Jack - 8+2 = 10 Aretta - 3+2 = 5
None of them manage to have a good grasp on the greased ingot though, barely getting it to the mast pole at the center of the middle hold. Going last, your toss sends the ingot all the way to the end of the hold, resting near to the door into the galley where "Ratline" Rattsberger loses the game of Heave he is currently engaged in by sicking up all over the lump of metal.
Cog gives you a respectful nod as he places his gold piece in the palm of your hand. Aretta holds her piece up to you, but grips it firmly for a moment, glaring at you distrustingly...as if hesitant to release your winnings. "You wouldn't have found a way to cheat me would ya? You sent that grease ball more than triple my distance!" After a moment she let's go of the coin, but you have a feeling she will be watching any more gambling you will be doing closely.
(For winning your round of Hog Lob you are now 3 gold richer than you were at the beginning of the evening.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sasha quickly eats her less than delicious stew and unceremoniously drinks her rum. Con save: 9 As Jonah finishes his impressive performance she walks over and offers her hand. "That was a mighty fine singing voice you got yourself Mr." She starts, quickly eyeing the mans prosthetics. "The name is Sasha, Sasha Vakaris, you gave me a tough act to follow."She adds with a confident smile and takes the stage and starts telling her tale about when the infamous pirate ship The Furious Kraken, captained by the equally infamous Free Captain Blackstorm was hunted into the Eye of Abendego by chelish battleships, leaving Sasha as the sole survivor, saved by Besmara herself, she claims with fervor. Performance: 16 (Using a luck point to possibly improve the tale: 19 )
When Jakes slips into the water, Ringer will catch Aretta's eye, give her a dip of his beak and look away.
He eats his soup... not the easiest or cleanest meal for a kenku, and downs his rum.
CON: SAVE 18 (In game log)
He waits his turn with the crew singing and telling stories, before hopping up on a crate or barrel. He's taking a risk by mixing things up, but the lyrics should still resonate with his new cohort.
He starts out whistling a simple tune, then switches his vocalizing to be that of a plucked lute as he snaps in time, then layers in growling vocals that sound like crushed glass mixed with honey.
"Dead Love couldn't go no further Proud of and disgusted by her Push shove, a little bruised and battered Oh Lord I ain't coming home with you My life's a bit more colder Damned wife is what I told her Brass knife sinks into my shoulder Oh babe don't know what I'm gonna do"
He switches to a different voice for the chorus, all the while reproducing the instrumentation as best he can vocally, snapping and thumping out a beat with a clawed foot. If only he had his old lute, or even his drum, he'd be able to do a more faithful rendition.
PERCEPTION: CHECK 23 (Accidentally clicked Perception instead of Performance in the Campaign roller, but they have the same mod.))
He finishes the song with a return the the whistle, his hands and feet stilling as it fades into nothing.
Jonah takes Sasha's hand in his own wood-and-whalebone one. Sasha can feel the intricate texture of the scrimshaw that adorns his cold fingers as they wrap around her warm ones. Surprisingly, though his body is large and well-muscled, his grip is disappointingly lacking in strength.
"Jonah. Good to meet you."
He seems to mean it, despite the surly attitude he oft displays. He sits to watch her performance, and finds himself nodding along as she talks of slaughter and brutality on the high seas. This is how it is, to him. This is how it should be. But when she speaks of the magnanimity of Besmara, and the goddess' role in her rescue, his mood noticeably sours. By the time her tale ends he no longer sits watching, and can be found staring over the edge of the boat with that black look of his, hate creasing his face.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Sasha, Having passed the performance check, you gain the same benefit as Jonah. For the next 24 hours you will have advantage on Charisma based checks on any of the 7 crew members listed above.
As you finish your tale, several crew members whoop and applaud. Tam Tate stands up to silence them. "Tis nothin' but a ghost tale. I bet there never was a ship what named the Furious Kraken."
"Well, you would lose your gold on that bet my friend," Conchobhar responds. "I have heard tale of the Kraken before. Tis a known free ship, or should I say 'twas a known ship. Legend says her skipper gained his name for for sailing through a cursed storm of the Tempestarii. If anyone could have sailed into the Eye and survived 'twould have been Blackstorm. A shame to hear of the Shackles loss. We are lucky that such a fair lady survived to bring us the tale"
He tips his hat to you in support.
(Impressed with your story weaving, Conchobhar's attitude toward you has improved one stage from Unfriendly to Indifferent).
------
Ringer, as Conchobhar see you take the center place his face darkens. He stands to leave as you begin your song...but pauses as your performance begins. He listens from the outskirts of the gathered crew as you sing through your piece, a veritable one-person band. As you finish your song, Tilly Brackett jumps to her feet applauding loudly before noticing that no one else is being so effulgent in their praise. She sits back down blushing slightly. Meanwhile, Conchobhar turns to walk away. "Well, perhaps the raven isn't too bad after all if he can sing like that,"he mutters, mostly to himself.
Given your high performance check you also gain advantage on Charisma based checks with these seven crew members for the next 24 hours. In addition, Conchobhar's attitude toward you has returned to Unfriendly from Hostile and Tilly Bracket's attitude towards you has improved from Indifferent to Friendly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"Cheating? I don't think it's possible in this competition. Must be luck, or maybe the rum's effect." Vireil feels better, having won the contest, but decides to quit for the night, before she loses all she gained.
(Vireil would look/ask for her place to sleep and then go take a long rest, sleeping with her few left belongings close to her body.)
Arloch stirs the stew in his bowl and sighs. It was was alright. Nothing he would have made himself but it didn't seem there would be much of an option. He grits his teeth and winces after taking the shot of rum. He thought of just tossing it over his shoulder but decided against it after seeing that whole display with Jakes. Poor man.
Constitution: 6
After dinner, Arloch feels queazy after such a meal. It sure wasn't like the fish and veggies from home; or even close to some he's had on other ships. So not feeling very greedy or outgoing he settles on finding Ambrose.
When he does he tries to make small talk while offering to help him clean up for the night, "Need a hand Fishguts? I got 2 to spare. I was curious how long you've been the cook here. Did ya get wrangled into the Captain's employ like the rest of us?"
Deket couldn't eat the stew. The moment he smells it, its stomach reminds him that they weren't in the best terms at that moment.
He tried, though, knowing that he needed some food. When he had emptied half his plate he, mechanically tried to take a sip from his mug. The simply olor to the rum almost make him throw up again.
He left the plate and gave the rum to Arloch
"My stupid body can't take it tonight " he whispered, not wishing to interrupt the good storytelling that was taking place. " but it's a pity to waste it so, drink it to my health so I can share it with you tomorrow"
He then leaned against one wall while seeing Vireli win his game. He waited a little bit longer but his headache was killing him and decided that it was enough. Tomorrow will be a better day, hopefully and he quietly retired to one hammock to pass the night.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
At his compliment Sasha gives Conchobhar an appreciative smile and nod before turning her attention to Ringers remarkable one-person band performace. As Ringer finishes Sasha joins Tilly clapping her hands at the terrific singing/mimicing, clearly impressed with the resourceful kenku.
Perception: 11 Insight: 18
Sasha noticed Jonah leave during her performance and now seeks him out again as he is standing alone by the railing. "I hope you don't mind me joining you for a while Jonah." She starts softly as to not scare him. "So, was my tale not interesting enough for an old salt like yourself Jonah? I had hoped that a veteran of the Shackles would know the truth of what I told you, and I can assure you that I was on the Furious Kraken as these events came to pass." She says smiling, giving Jonah a curious but compassionate look.
Jonah doesn't look at Sasha, but does release a long sea after she speaks. He nods softly, still looking out and down. "Of that," he rumbles, "I have no doubt. Your tale was convincing, if not necessarily to my tastes. It's just... well, this 'Besmara' ain't been so kind to me." At that, he lifts his artificial hand, clenching it slowly, then returning it to the railing. He gives a rueful smile. "Maybe it's that I'm jealous. Maybe I'm just sick of hearing how great the goddess is. To me, any deity of the sea ain't worth one lick of my faith." He gives a bitter laugh."Perhaps that's why she don't like me much. Either way, I just don't see why you choose to follow her. She might have saved you, but if you attribute that to her actions, you might as well do the same for the thing that landed you in that situation. She brought your ships together, didn't she?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Sandara huh." Sasha says and follows the redhead with her eyes for a while. An acolyte of the sea witch, intriguing, she had to speak to that one tonight, she thought as she resumed her work. "So, do you know anything about where Captain Harrigan is taking the Wormwood?" She asks Samms a bit later.
Deket, (OOC: Going to roll a persuasion check for you - 11) Will come back to post the response once I see the results on the die...
Grok looks at you with a consoling grin. "That'll be the Oil of Taggit. It's one of Scourge's favorites when it comes to grabbing people. Of course, when it comes to Scourge, he has quite a few favorite poisons and toxins. Nasty brute that one is."
She places the back of a hand gingerly against your forehead, feeling the clammy sweat on your brow. "Yeah, if I had to guess I would say you're allergic to Taggit nuts. I mean, the things are poisonous so I guess everyone is allergic to them kind of, but you have it worse than most. A good night's sleep tonight should set you right, but come in here a moment I might have something that could help."
Grok leads you to the cramped cabin in the back of the Galley that serves as the quartermaster's store. Taking a key from her pocket, she unlocks the fine hasp lock that holds the door secure. Inside is a room stacked to the rafters with numerous barrels, boxes and chests all placed in a secure but visually precarious looking manner. In the center of the room is a tall bar stool, the throne to Grok's kingdom apparently.
In one corner you see haphazardly dropped into a pile amongst other bits of armor a set of studded leather that was yours until last night. Sitting near by in a metal trunk that sits slightly ajar is your rapier next to a fine looking dagger and a warhammer that was obviously created by a master dwarvish weaponsmith. You also see a beautiful fiddle hanging up against the wall, that catches your eye just from its strangeness being here with all these implements of defense.
Grok reaches into a small chest stacked ontop of a barrel, apparently filled to the brim with various bottles and vials. "Let's see...here we go. You drink this down, and you should feel better pretty quickly. Can't be giving it away for free of course though. What do you say to 25 gold?"
DC 11 - Arcana check
You recognizing the runes on the label of the bottle identifying it as a potion of poison resistance.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Sasha, Samms snorts at the idea: "Oh yeah, absolutely. He told me during one of our close, intimate conversations." She retorts with heavy sarcasm.
"More likely than not we don't have a destination in mind yet, not til we find someone to plunder. Till then more of just a pleasure cruise, right? If Harrigan does have an actual destination in mind, like as not the only people on board that know it are his cabin maid Caulky or Peppery, the navigator and sailing master. But asking them would be like to asking the Capt'n himself. You go ahead and do that, and you'll be the one swimming for the Unseen Shore lass."
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Arloch is curious as to who may be more truthful in their words. He says he will try and quickly bids them farewell at the first chance to roam.
Insight to see who is more truthful about the curse: 18
Arloch gives a quizzical look to Sandara, "Odd. You of course we're the first I had assumed. I wonder who our helpful buccaneer could be. I will surely take the chance to meet up with you tonight once I have found the others. You are completely right, friends in numbers. It was a pleasure to meet you at least." He bids her farewell also.
He spends the rest of his time searching out for the other kidnapped crewmen and introducing himself to as many as he can. In his water Common he mutters, "Well hello. I wish I came under better circumstances. My name is Arloch. I am a priest from under the oceans. I hope we can come to respect one another. Dinner is prepped for this evening if you would join. The other priest would wish to speak with us."
Arloch, Ambrose has the attitude of a drunk man that has seen too much pain and sorrow. To him the entire world is cursed to his grief. Meanwhile, Grok seems off put by the thought of curses, ghost stories, or anything unnaturally spectral or evil. They seem to be the kind of superstitious person that represses the possibility and there by the fear of their superstitions.
***
As the sun begins to lay down on the horizon the weather bell is rung to announce the end of the work day and beginning of night watches. The crew begins to gather around the main mast. Plugg appears with Scourge nearby. The rest of the officer's are not to be found, but sounds of revelry and exciting scents of roast pork waft from the officer's quarters at the fore of the ship, betraying their location. "Those of you that are new to our crew will not yet know about bloody hour. Any punishments that are due are doled out at the end of each day. Today, we have some business to attend to from yestereve. Master Scourge, if you will remove Jakes from the box please."
Scourge removes a key from a pouch at his belt and walks over the the metal box at the aft of the ship. Gingerly grasping the lock still hot from the direct sun, he removes the pad from its loop and the front of the box falls open. Scourge reaches in and pulls out a human in manacles, clearly exhausted and near death from dehydration after his day in the oven. The man is brought to stand before Plugg.
"Mr. Magpie, you were found stealing from the quartermasters store. Those items belong to all of us, but most importantly, they belong to the captain. And having stolen from the ship and her captain, the sentence is death. Do ye have anything to say fer yourself?"
The man identified as Jakes Magpie continues to be slumped, primarily supported by Scourge's firm grip around his arm. He mouth moves silently, the man does not appear to be aware of what is happening at all.
"Very well, with nothing to be said then justice will be metted out. Mr. Scourge, Jakes has an appointment with the keel if you will hasten him along."
OOC: Going to content warning this, after I wrote it I realized that it was kinda disturbing. So hiding it behind a spoiler for what I feel like is excessive gore.
Plugg turns and leaves, joining the rest of the officers in the cabin for meal. Scourge calls over two of the other crew members, the half-orc and the dwarf from earlier in the day, and they set about affixing a long section of rope leading to the forward of the ship around Jakes's wrists. Having done that, they lead him to the bow of the ship, and toss him over. At the rear, a group of three men begin heaving on a rope looped over a yardarm of the rear mast before dropping down over the aft of the ship, dragging the poor man along the bottom of the craft. It takes a good minute for them to drag their burden through the water and up onto the deck. There hanging from the yardarm is the eviscerated body of Jakes Magpie. The man hangs unresponsive, deep cuts from barnacles on the bottom of the ship seeping out the remainder of his life's blood. There are no cheers or jeers at this macbre sight. Just a solemn silence as the man is released from his bounds, verified to be dead, and the remains are thrown overboard to the sea below.
Master Scourge turns to the crew. "Let that be a lesson for all." He looks upon the newest crew members specifically. "Stealing from yer crew will not be tolerated. Stealin' from tha Capt'n results in death." He stands silently for a moment, the quiet punctuated by the crash of waves and the creaking of wood. The anger and rage that you have seen from Scourge throughout the day seems to have been sated for the moment. "There'll be no other punishments tonight. Though some of youse deserve it, having slacked on yer work today. Let it be a warning. Slack off again tomorrow and it will be bashes or even the lash. The night is yours. Go to." He turns and goes into the cabin with the rest of the officers.
OOC: Rest of the night post coming, but breaking it up because that bit was heavy.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
As the crew is dismissed they gather towards the galley where Ambrose distributes hard-tack with the thin vegetable stew and shots of rum. The beginning of the meal is quiet and morose, but soon people begin to talk again and within 15 minutes or so there is again bustle and laughter, although it feels counterfeit and forced.
As crew members finish their meager repast, various forms of entertainment are started, a game of hog-lob, a few rounds of arm wrestling across some barrels in the mid-hold, closer to the galley a round of Heave seems about to get started. All three have not just participants, but other crew members around placing and taking bets. A few of the crew gather at the front of the foredeck to sing sea shanties and talk with the sound of the waves around them.
OOC: Welcome to nighttime actions. After you finish your meal and the rum (see Rum Ration in the campaign notes, the rum is considered a drug) you can choose from any of the nighttime actions. If you decide to stay up late you can take up to 2 more night time actions, but must select the ones noted with an *. Keep in mind, if you stay up late you will need to make a con save to avoid additional points of exhaustion (DC 13 for 1 additional action, DC 16 for 2 additional actions). More OOC stuff in the PM.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Jonah accepts his rum, and nurses it carefully with the air of a man who has much experience with the drink. Each sip is measured and calculated, to ensure that it lasts as long as possible while still providing maximum inebriation. He is still sipping while most others are finished, savoring each drop of the foul stuff.
Constitution: 22
After he finishes his rum ration, now adequately tipsy, he pays more attention to the festivities. When the last song dies down, he begins his own. First quietly, to himself, then out loud, his deep baritone voice ringing loud, though perhaps not true.
The ship, it swayed, heave ho, heave ho,
On the dark and stormy blue
And I held tight to the Captain's might
As he pulled up his trews
"You haven't slept," heave ho, he said
"In many suns and moons."
"Oh, I will sleep, when we reach shore,"
"And pray we get there soon."
Performance roll for entertainment(let's go 25% chance): 5
The song starts out well enough, but unfortunately, Jonah's drink has numbed his common sense, and he attempts to sing the higher part in a full falsetto, his scratchy, broken voice giving it a sound akin to a dying cat.
CaAApptaiin, CaapptAaIin
I will dO your choOOoOorrres
I wI-
He abruptly breaks off after a particularly nasty squeak, devolving into a hacking fit. As the rest of the crew laughs, he stops for good, tipping the last drop of rum onto his tongue and returning to his scrimshaw.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
As the remains are lowered and tossed overboard, those nearest Ringer might hear a soft horn playing funeral dirge as the body hits the wave.
He will naturally gravitate towards the singing as night falls.
((Need to head out, will expand on stuff later.))
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
(Wait! Advantage!)
Redemption: 17
Just as Jonah begins to walk off, he stops. He won't be bested by some damned song, and he won't be ridiculed by this damned crew. He turns around, cutting off the beginning of the next shanty with the last few lines of his song, his gravelly giving them powerful, chilling weight.
"Hush now, hush love, here's your gown."
"There's the bed, lanterns down."
"I'm begging you, please wake me up!"
"In all my dreams I drown!"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Vireil watches with horror as Jakes gets his punishment, the stolen coins now heavy in her pouch. Sure, theft is always punished when discovered, but... death for just a handful of coins? She only hopes they did not belong to the captain, or else she'll have a better chance if she just jumps off to the sea.
Though not one to abstain from alcohol completely, Vireil does not find much pleasure in drinking either. She's seen many drunk men in her life, and those could be more monstrous than any other in Izilmagorti. However, when she's given the rum, the image of Jakes still lives in her mind, and she dares not refuse it. Drinking it all in one go, she then coughs a few times in instant regret, but the horrible liquid already burns her throat. Oh, how she despises alcohol.
Constitution save: 3.
Truly awful. Vireil decides she'll try to avoid it next time... if possible. Now, however, Vireil has another goal. She should get rid of the stolen money, or earn some so it won't be suspicious if anyone finds that she has any. Gambling is... a questionable way to do it, but the only one she has at the moment. She observes the scene. There's a drinking game, no thanks. The taste of the rum is still on her tongue. Arm wrestling... Vireil is many things, but she's not particularly strong. Throwing things? She can do that. She's good with throwing knives, how different can this be?
Vireil approaches the lobbers but stays a few feet away for a while, observing them. Maybe they'll tire, or perhaps lose enough money to be unable to continue. She does not want to compete against too many people, because the way it seems, there's only one winner, and they take all.
After leaning on the railing for a few minutes, she steps forward and offers: "One throw, for gold pieces to enter. Winner takes all. Anyone up for the challenge?" She tries to sound calm and confident. Better if fewer people play, and if she makes a show of a practised thrower, maybe a few will stay out. Especially for this ante, which she considers high... she hopes the crew of this ship does as well. Inside, she's nervous and unconfident. She's a fine thrower, but not an amazing one. Her victory is far from assured here. She's also tired, and thinking back, perhaps going to sleep earlier was the better call. Maybe tomorrow. Well, if there's one good effect for drinking alcohol, it is that it allows people to be at ease, perhaps to sound calm as well?
Deception, advantage from the rum cancels out exhaustion: 6.
If everything goes smooth and the bet starts with no questions/problems, here's the throw roll: 22.
Varielky
Jonah, 2d4 (7, cause I rolled well) crew members heard your shanty and were impressed with your bravery to come back and recover. For the next 24 hours you have advantage on charisma based checks with the following crew:
Grok Cut-Throat
Rosie Cusswell
Conchobhar Turlach Shortstone
Tilly Brackett
Shivikah
Tam "Narwhal" Tate
Jaundiced Jape
In particular Grok hurries after you as you walk away. "That was some fine impressive singing there laddie. A little shaky in the middle, but I appreciate a man that doesn't let that stop him from singing what's in 'is 'eart. I always love to hear a good song. You'll find me up there e'ry night most. Can't sing to fair myself after this little incident." She points to the old scar across her neck, looks to be a healed hanging. Not many people get to walk away from that. "If'n you have another song you want to share come on back, yeah?"
(Grok enjoyed your song. Her attitude to you has improve by one stage to Friendly.)
***
Ringer, as you softly hum your funeral dirge, you notice Aretta Bansion nearby. A single quiet tear trickles down her face as she watches Jakes go into the water for the final time.
***
Vireil, (going to use the rolls from the PM this time since they are not "potentially altered", stupid dice roller) As you challenge those around you to a throw there is a slight slur to your voice and people can tell that you are tired from your days efforts. Thinking they can take advantage of a drunk and tired woman, 3 people decide to put one of their coins against yours, Crimson "Cog" Cogward, Jack Scrimshaw, and Aretta Bansion.
Cog - 8+1 = 9
Jack - 8+2 = 10
Aretta - 3+2 = 5
None of them manage to have a good grasp on the greased ingot though, barely getting it to the mast pole at the center of the middle hold. Going last, your toss sends the ingot all the way to the end of the hold, resting near to the door into the galley where "Ratline" Rattsberger loses the game of Heave he is currently engaged in by sicking up all over the lump of metal.
Cog gives you a respectful nod as he places his gold piece in the palm of your hand. Aretta holds her piece up to you, but grips it firmly for a moment, glaring at you distrustingly...as if hesitant to release your winnings. "You wouldn't have found a way to cheat me would ya? You sent that grease ball more than triple my distance!" After a moment she let's go of the coin, but you have a feeling she will be watching any more gambling you will be doing closely.
(For winning your round of Hog Lob you are now 3 gold richer than you were at the beginning of the evening.)
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Sasha quickly eats her less than delicious stew and unceremoniously drinks her rum. Con save: 9
As Jonah finishes his impressive performance she walks over and offers her hand. "That was a mighty fine singing voice you got yourself Mr." She starts, quickly eyeing the mans prosthetics. "The name is Sasha, Sasha Vakaris, you gave me a tough act to follow." She adds with a confident smile and takes the stage and starts telling her tale about when the infamous pirate ship The Furious Kraken, captained by the equally infamous Free Captain Blackstorm was hunted into the Eye of Abendego by chelish battleships, leaving Sasha as the sole survivor, saved by Besmara herself, she claims with fervor. Performance: 16 (Using a luck point to possibly improve the tale: 19 )
When Jakes slips into the water, Ringer will catch Aretta's eye, give her a dip of his beak and look away.
He eats his soup... not the easiest or cleanest meal for a kenku, and downs his rum.
Proud of and disgusted by her
Push shove, a little bruised and battered
Oh Lord I ain't coming home with you
My life's a bit more colder
Damned wife is what I told her
Brass knife sinks into my shoulder
Oh babe don't know what I'm gonna do"
He finishes the song with a return the the whistle, his hands and feet stilling as it fades into nothing.
He give a bit of a bow and hops down.
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
Jonah takes Sasha's hand in his own wood-and-whalebone one. Sasha can feel the intricate texture of the scrimshaw that adorns his cold fingers as they wrap around her warm ones. Surprisingly, though his body is large and well-muscled, his grip is disappointingly lacking in strength.
"Jonah. Good to meet you."
He seems to mean it, despite the surly attitude he oft displays. He sits to watch her performance, and finds himself nodding along as she talks of slaughter and brutality on the high seas. This is how it is, to him. This is how it should be. But when she speaks of the magnanimity of Besmara, and the goddess' role in her rescue, his mood noticeably sours. By the time her tale ends he no longer sits watching, and can be found staring over the edge of the boat with that black look of his, hate creasing his face.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Sasha, Having passed the performance check, you gain the same benefit as Jonah. For the next 24 hours you will have advantage on Charisma based checks on any of the 7 crew members listed above.
As you finish your tale, several crew members whoop and applaud. Tam Tate stands up to silence them. "Tis nothin' but a ghost tale. I bet there never was a ship what named the Furious Kraken."
"Well, you would lose your gold on that bet my friend," Conchobhar responds. "I have heard tale of the Kraken before. Tis a known free ship, or should I say 'twas a known ship. Legend says her skipper gained his name for for sailing through a cursed storm of the Tempestarii. If anyone could have sailed into the Eye and survived 'twould have been Blackstorm. A shame to hear of the Shackles loss. We are lucky that such a fair lady survived to bring us the tale"
He tips his hat to you in support.
(Impressed with your story weaving, Conchobhar's attitude toward you has improved one stage from Unfriendly to Indifferent).
------
Ringer, as Conchobhar see you take the center place his face darkens. He stands to leave as you begin your song...but pauses as your performance begins. He listens from the outskirts of the gathered crew as you sing through your piece, a veritable one-person band. As you finish your song, Tilly Brackett jumps to her feet applauding loudly before noticing that no one else is being so effulgent in their praise. She sits back down blushing slightly. Meanwhile, Conchobhar turns to walk away. "Well, perhaps the raven isn't too bad after all if he can sing like that," he mutters, mostly to himself.
Given your high performance check you also gain advantage on Charisma based checks with these seven crew members for the next 24 hours. In addition, Conchobhar's attitude toward you has returned to Unfriendly from Hostile and Tilly Bracket's attitude towards you has improved from Indifferent to Friendly.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"Cheating? I don't think it's possible in this competition. Must be luck, or maybe the rum's effect." Vireil feels better, having won the contest, but decides to quit for the night, before she loses all she gained.
(Vireil would look/ask for her place to sleep and then go take a long rest, sleeping with her few left belongings close to her body.)
Varielky
Arloch stirs the stew in his bowl and sighs. It was was alright. Nothing he would have made himself but it didn't seem there would be much of an option. He grits his teeth and winces after taking the shot of rum. He thought of just tossing it over his shoulder but decided against it after seeing that whole display with Jakes. Poor man.
Constitution: 6
After dinner, Arloch feels queazy after such a meal. It sure wasn't like the fish and veggies from home; or even close to some he's had on other ships. So not feeling very greedy or outgoing he settles on finding Ambrose.
When he does he tries to make small talk while offering to help him clean up for the night, "Need a hand Fishguts? I got 2 to spare. I was curious how long you've been the cook here. Did ya get wrangled into the Captain's employ like the rest of us?"
Persuasion: 20
Deket couldn't eat the stew. The moment he smells it, its stomach reminds him that they weren't in the best terms at that moment.
He tried, though, knowing that he needed some food. When he had emptied half his plate he, mechanically tried to take a sip from his mug. The simply olor to the rum almost make him throw up again.
He left the plate and gave the rum to Arloch
"My stupid body can't take it tonight " he whispered, not wishing to interrupt the good storytelling that was taking place. " but it's a pity to waste it so, drink it to my health so I can share it with you tomorrow"
He then leaned against one wall while seeing Vireli win his game. He waited a little bit longer but his headache was killing him and decided that it was enough. Tomorrow will be a better day, hopefully and he quietly retired to one hammock to pass the night.
PbP Character: A few ;)
At his compliment Sasha gives Conchobhar an appreciative smile and nod before turning her attention to Ringers remarkable one-person band performace. As Ringer finishes Sasha joins Tilly clapping her hands at the terrific singing/mimicing, clearly impressed with the resourceful kenku.
Perception: 11 Insight: 18
Sasha noticed Jonah leave during her performance and now seeks him out again as he is standing alone by the railing. "I hope you don't mind me joining you for a while Jonah." She starts softly as to not scare him. "So, was my tale not interesting enough for an old salt like yourself Jonah? I had hoped that a veteran of the Shackles would know the truth of what I told you, and I can assure you that I was on the Furious Kraken as these events came to pass." She says smiling, giving Jonah a curious but compassionate look.
Jonah doesn't look at Sasha, but does release a long sea after she speaks. He nods softly, still looking out and down. "Of that," he rumbles, "I have no doubt. Your tale was convincing, if not necessarily to my tastes. It's just... well, this 'Besmara' ain't been so kind to me." At that, he lifts his artificial hand, clenching it slowly, then returning it to the railing. He gives a rueful smile. "Maybe it's that I'm jealous. Maybe I'm just sick of hearing how great the goddess is. To me, any deity of the sea ain't worth one lick of my faith." He gives a bitter laugh. "Perhaps that's why she don't like me much. Either way, I just don't see why you choose to follow her. She might have saved you, but if you attribute that to her actions, you might as well do the same for the thing that landed you in that situation. She brought your ships together, didn't she?"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."