After few moments, a bell gets rung and the door to the backroom opens. The first to emerge is the large figure of Fist Scarsguard owner of this establishment, following closely by the Captain and then harder to see the strange gnome with the high collar. Mr Fist raises his large hand to quiet the room which has immediate effect.
” Tonight, i give you Captain Naraan Well-Breaker, of the ship known as Gallows Dancer. He is here to offer quite the opportunity for those will the stomach for adventure and long voyages. Give him your ear and may fortune be yours.”
Mr Fist moves off to take his seat as the Captain take seat at the center table. “ Ahoy ye fine gentlemen. I am looking to take on some crew for the voyage to Calimsport in the Kingdom of Calimshan. A place few northerners have ever laid eyes on. There will be plunder on thee way, and as fortune has it, also a regular wage as we have guest aboard that will provide 2gp per day afloat for officers and officers-mates and 1gp to regular crew on top of the shares for other operations along the way. Rare to have such an expedition. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity. I will have the Bosun read the articles for consideration and the lovely Lagazara will inspect and appoint as she sees fit.”
As he finishes the Minotaur unravels a scroll with one hand in a quick snapping motion while his harpoon flag pole sits solidly in position. In a deep, bellowing voice that nobody in the tavern has trouble hearing he begins to read the articles that will bind the crew to the Captain and the ship for the duration of the expedition.
“ 1) The fund of all payments under the articles is the stock of what is gotten by the expedition, following the same law as other pirates, that is, No prey, no pay. Excepting the per diem provided by the Passenger as agreed and stated
2) Compensation is provided the Captain for the use of his ship, and the salary of the carpenter, or shipwright, who mended, careened, and rigged the vessel (the latter usually about 150 pieces of gold. A sum for provisions and victuals is specified, usually 200 pieces of gold. A salary and compensation is specified for the surgeon and his medicine chest, usually 250 pieces of gold. This voyage, these costs will be born by the passenger.
3) A standard compensation is provided for maimed and mutilated buccaneers. "Thus they order for the loss of a right arm six hundred pieces of gold. For the loss of a left arm five hundred pieces of gold; for a right leg five hundred pieces of gold ; for the left leg four hundred pieces of gold ; for an eye one hundred pieces of gold; for a finger of the hand the same reward as for the eye.
4) Shares of booty are provided as follows: "the Captain, or chief Commander, is allotted five shares to what the ordinary seamen have ; the first Mate 3 shares. Officers draw 2 shares, also officers mate ( officers in training) shall be granted 1 1/2 shares. After whom they draw equal parts from the highest even to the lowest mariner, the boys not being omitted. For even these draw half a share, by reason that, when they happen to take a better vessel than their own, it is the duty of the boys to set fire to the ship or boat wherein they are, and then retire to the prize which they have taken."
5) "In the prizes they take, it is severely prohibited to every one to usurp anything, in particular to themselves. ... Yea, they make a solemn oath to each other not to abscond, or conceal the least thing they find amongst the prey. If afterwards any one is found unfaithful, who has contravened the said oath, immediately he is separated and turned out of the society, by way of death.
6) the Captain’s order be the law, violating the law exacts severe punishment. By signing ye agree to follow the orders without fail. Your word is your bond and your bond is your life “
The words sounds strange coming from the Minotaur’s mouth. They are so clearly spoken there is little chance for a lack of understanding. The Bosun hands the scroll to the captain who lays it out across the table, bottom facing outwards. The is a clear area for signatures. Which have the Captains and all the officers and crew already aboard and space for five more. 3 officers mate positions and two standard crew.
The Captain will say, “ If the contents sound agreeable to your ears and you wish to embark, step forward to be measured and sign”
Lagazara steps in front of the table to inspect the applicants.
Throgg didn’t understand most of the Minotaurs words, but he understood the words gold, booty, and a spot open on a ship. He really really wanted to be back out on the sea.
Standing up he approaches the table.
”Throgg ready to join crew. Throgg good at sailing and fighting. You want Throgg very much, Throgg better than 3 men. Give Throgg gold, give Throgg adventure, Throgg be with you lots of time.”
One of the barmaids is quick to bring the fancy looking Tabaxi a tankard of rum and answers his question.
“ why yes, the Captain is in deliberations with Mr Fist and some strange gnome. He should be out shirtless to begin the Proceedings. Tis’ a strange looking ship with a scary reputation. I think a fella like you will have an easy go at a position “ she says with a wink.
The tabaxi’s glance triangulates the barmaid’s curves. “I have an easy go at most positions…,” he replies, returning the wink before moving closer to the center of the room. The captain should be returning, ‘shirtless’? Interesting… As for ‘strange looking ship with a scary reputation,’ that could be to my advantage. Hmmmm… the kobold can play…
When the captain emerges, the tabaxi listens with interest. He cares little about the exoticism of the described voyage, or in the specifics of the pay. Money… has its advantages at times, but he could always find some lying about. His eye wanders back to the barmaid as the articles are read, although his ears turn and point directly to the minotaur. He files the information away in his mind like the words to a song. Then his glance circles to the attractive woman called Lagazara. He decides that his fate depends on good relations with both her and the minotaur. Make a show of attention and compliance to the bosun. The woman? Keep a careful, careful watch upon her every move. Let her think her beauty sways you but for the love of catnip do not touch…
Ah! The long-armed bugbear has stepped forward, even more impatient than I. The tabaxi steps forward as well.
“Eclipse Faraway," his bright tenor rings out. "Officer’s Mate. Swordsman, sailor, speaker, salesman. At your service…” He salutes the captain and bows crisply and gracefully to Lagazara... the perfect show of self-possessed deference, before assuming an at-ease position and a flat expression. He is ready to pick up a pen and sign, if he has already passed whatever test he faces.
Throgg didn’t understand most of the Minotaurs words, but he understood the words gold, booty, and a spot open on a ship. He really really wanted to be back out on the sea.
Standing up he approaches the table.
”Throgg ready to join crew. Throgg good at sailing and fighting. You want Throgg very much, Throgg better than 3 men. Give Throgg gold, give Throgg adventure, Throgg be with you lots of time.”
As Throgg moves to the front of the line, Lagazara gives him a good inspection. Notes his healthy body, strong physique. Doesnt seem overly intellectual but a good fit for the ship.
She declares, “ this Throgg would be a good fit for the Rigger’s Mate position at 2gp per day.” And then has Throgg mark an x for his name on the scroll if he can’t write it, before moving to the next candidate.
the next couple of scallywags were given general crew positions except for one particularly scrawny fellow. He was an ancient looking human man who was more bones than skin. At one time he might have been a great crewman, but those days are over and he was denied.
One of the barmaids is quick to bring the fancy looking Tabaxi a tankard of rum and answers his question.
“ why yes, the Captain is in deliberations with Mr Fist and some strange gnome. He should be out shirtless to begin the Proceedings. Tis’ a strange looking ship with a scary reputation. I think a fella like you will have an easy go at a position “ she says with a wink.
The tabaxi’s glance triangulates the barmaid’s curves. “I have an easy go at most positions…,” he replies, returning the wink before moving closer to the center of the room. The captain should be returning, ‘shirtless’? Interesting… As for ‘strange looking ship with a scary reputation,’ that could be to my advantage. Hmmmm… the kobold can play…
When the captain emerges, the tabaxi listens with interest. He cares little about the exoticism of the described voyage, or in the specifics of the pay. Money… has its advantages at times, but he could always find some lying about. His eye wanders back to the barmaid as the articles are read, although his ears turn and point directly to the minotaur. He files the information away in his mind like the words to a song. Then his glance circles to the attractive woman called Lagazara. He decides that his fate depends on good relations with both her and the minotaur. Make a show of attention and compliance to the bosun. The woman? Keep a careful, careful watch upon her every move. Let her think her beauty sways you but for the love of catnip do not touch…
Ah! The long-armed bugbear has stepped forward, even more impatient than I. The tabaxi steps forward as well.
“Eclipse Faraway," his bright tenor rings out. "Officer’s Mate. Swordsman, sailor, speaker, salesman. At your service…” He salutes the captain and bows crisply and gracefully to Lagazara... the perfect show of self-possessed deference, before assuming an at-ease position and a flat expression. He is ready to pick up a pen and sign, if he has already passed whatever test he faces.
Lagazara gives Eclipse an extra hard scrutiny. She note his fine dress and quality equipment and his fancy use of language. Not your typical sailor, but likely a boon to the ship in different ports of call. “ Mr Faraway would make a perfect complement to the Bosun as Bosun’s-mate. 2gp per day.” She says as she offers you the pen for your signature.
A few more regular crewmen are selected and a whole lot of folks rejected. One tried to get belligerent causing the Bosun to bring down a mighty fist to the back of his head, ending the fellows night instantly. Mr Fist’s men dragged him out back and dumped him in the alley.
next up was the red lizardfolk man, Zerk. He had a difficult time disguising his googly eyes for Lagazara, whom he met earlier in the day. A thing she did not fail to notice. she looks him over, tests his muscles, has him do a few dexterity tests and asks him a lot of in depth questions. All of which he passed without issue.
” the one will do well as ship’s cook. 2gp per diem” she says with a grin. She knows he was angling for quartermaster’s-mate….
Zerk takes the pen and sign’s his name without hesitation. “ Yes Maam, will be the best cook to ever sail on the Gallows Dancer” he says, hiding his disappointment at not working more closely with the beautiful Yuan-ti woman.
soon the recruitment was done. All new crew were ordered to report to the ship 5am sharp and the festivities were begun. Kel began playing the tunes louder and with a higher tempo and everyone had a great time. Thagal joined up with Kel at a break to give him the rundown and that as part of the bargain struck for the expedition. Kel would play aboard the ship at night along with other tasks that may be required.
the night of merriment passed quickly and the morning came even faster. All the new crew and old crew were assembled on board the Gallows dancer’s main deck. The fog was thick, Captain Naraan introduced the Bosun to give preliminary instructions before stepping back into his cabin. “ I am Hotep, the Captain’s fist and overseer of the Gallows Dancer. Each of you will receive this amulet as a sign you belong to the ship and as a signing bonus. Keep it on you at all times. Anyone caught without it will be thrown overboard, excepting the paid guests. Once your tour is done , if you decide to leave the ship under positive circumstances, the amulet will be deactivated and can be kept or sold at your discretion. Now head to your stations to be briefed and trained on your tasks, we prepare to sail on the hour.” His deep voice again impresses with its clarity and you all move to your stations.
Thagal and Kel Muscale are already aboard in their guests cabin. They stayed aboard overnight. It is a small room, but they are small people so not an inconvenience at all. The vulture Goermond sits on a special perch, his eyes ever watching it seems. Kel notices it has a sort of greenish tint to it that is not apparent at further distance. The beds are thin, feathered mattresses with linen sheets and blue wool blankets. They were instructed to stay in the cabin until the ship was underway in krder to keep them out of the way of the sailors performing their tasks.
Zerk was guided to the galley by Johnson whom told him the fate of the previous cook while on the way. Johnson sure loved to tell the stories. Apparently, the previous cook was terrible. So bad in fact, he caused a stomach ailment that afflicted 1/2 the crew. He found his way overboard in the night, never to be seen again. The crew speculate his is causing a stomach discomfort in some poor sea monsters belly. The story doesnt make Zerk feel food about his prospects. He has never cooked a thing in his life and only watched the goblin cook on the orc ship once or twice…but, he would figure it out and impress the snake-goddess Lagazara. The galley was actually quite roomy for a ship and is located in the forecastle. The chimney for the stove poked out through the forecastle deck, which would be handy for crew during cold spell to warm their hands by. Johnson showed him where the food stores were kept in the hold and told him to keep accurate account for every last piece, the quartermaster keeps tight records. In the galley, luckily there were “cook books” basically notes from several previous ship’s cooks. Some more detailed than others, even ratings for the crews response to the meals. Zerk quickly separated the most recent looking notes, supposing they were from the failed recently passed cook. He didn’t want to accidentally make what he did..he soent the next hour’s organizing the kitchen the way he felt would be more efficient, and prepared for the first meal he would ever cook…
“ Mr Faraway would make a perfect complement to the Bosun as Bosun’s-mate. 2gp per day.” She says as she offers you the pen for your signature.
“Thank you Miss!,” Eclipse states in response to Lagarza, satisfied with her decision, then turns to the Minotaur, and nods deferentially at his new victim — er — master. The tabaxi takes the pen in nimble fingers and signs with a subtle flourish. Making way for the next in line, he finds himself locking eyes for a moment with the older man who was turned away. The tabaxi shrugs with a slight smile, as if it could not be more obvious why he was selected and others, not…
After the assembly, Bosun Hotep takes Eclipse on. Tour of the ship. Top to bottom while explaining the duties. The primary responsibility of the bosun is to maintain the ship’s readiness to sail and fight at all times. It is more than just managing crew discipline. He tells you that you will learn carpentry skills long with some basic smithing to conduct repairs underway. You can tell he knows the ship like the back of his hand as he shows where prior repairs were completed and he discusses future upgrades in the works. He will give you a run down of the ships standing orders, including the prohibition of non-crew below decks, with exception of paid passengers. He says he will provide you will a copy of the ship’s laws and the prescribed punishments for infractions in the near future, but that currently his job was to learn the ship as we prepare to make way when the fog lifts. He will then leave you to explore on your own for an hour with instructions to return to main deck in an hour.
Basic ship map ( still working on a more detailed one)
Throgg gets introduced to his mentor on the ship, Master Rigger Yintoris, a golden haired Firbolg standing 7’8”. He welcomes Throgg and guides him to the main mast. “ nice to meet you Mr Throgg, i see you are strong and hardy. Perfect for the job. All you need to do if follow my directions and you too can one day become a master rigger. Really, its one of the most important jobs. No sails, no sailing ship.” He tell you as he begins to literally show you the ropes. Where to tie off the main sheets, how and when t raise or lower the boom. He will stand next to Throgg as he demonstrates his skill with the ropes and knots that he would have learned on his previous voyages. He would only correct major mistakes and let Throgg do what Throggs does. “ Very good. Lets begin preparing the other masts for launch, we will be leaving soon.”
The knots and ropes come easily to Throgg, his dexterous hands easily controlling the knots. This was a good crew and put him in a good spot. Sails were something he could do. Up is go, down is stop, knots to keep sails from flying away. Even the complexity of the rope and pulley system was made clear and plain once explained to him. Ready to prove himself worthy to stay in the boat, Throgg became engrossed in his work, checking each mast, sail, and knot many times over.
‘…The amulet will be deactivated…,’ Hotep had said. Meaning, it is currently active… doing exactly what?, Eclipse wondered. Finding out would be a priority, but for later.
for the present, the tabaxi takes his new role by the horns — he smirks at the thought as Hotep’s actual horns flair above him — and follows the bosun’s instructions attentively. He’s used to knowing the layout of a place, especially, hiding places, so he creates a mental map of the ship quickly and with ease.
Eclipse begins — to his surprise — to feel respect for the bosun, who has had full opportunity to lord over Eclipse in every way but has instead shown deep knowledge, conveyed with a sense of honor.
When Hotep takes his leave, Eclipse makes full use of the hour before departure to acquaint himself with the ship’s construction and also, the other crew persons.
“That’s a tidy knot Mr Throgg!,” he calls to the bugbear who seems engrossed in his new duties.
While checking out the ship and crewmates Eclipse will spot Lagazara…or what looks closely like Lagazra but has some distinctive differences. This woman has no legs but a long serpents lower body. They are clearly related in some way. This woman moves quicker than expected and meets the tabaxi mid ship.
” Welcome to the crew, I am SSinmana ships Navigator. I am glad to see Hotep finally get some competent help. Itsss a big ship for one man to monitor.”
“Ah thank you for noticing Eclipse!” Puffing up his chest in pride, Throgg beams at him. “I think this a special ship and we will be able to do lots of fun adventures. I hope there is no mutiny like last time I had friends. I had no friends after that.”
“Ah thank you for noticing Eclipse!” Puffing up his chest in pride, Throgg beams at him. “I think this a special ship and we will be able to do lots of fun adventures. I hope there is no mutiny like last time I had friends. I had no friends after that.”
“No friends?,” Eclipse asks. “I cannot imagine such loneliness.” A lie. Eclipse has known exactly such loneliness after fleeing from House Prentiss. “Join me for our evening meal if our schedules allow. I’d like to hear the story of this mutiny.” And, the tabaxi wants the hairy sailor in his corner if and when there is conflict onboard…
While checking out the ship and crewmates Eclipse will spot Lagazara…or what looks closely like Lagazra but has some distinctive differences. This woman has no legs but a long serpents lower body. They are clearly related in some way. This woman moves quicker than expected and meets the tabaxi mid ship.
” Welcome to the crew, I am SSinmana ships Navigator. I am glad to see Hotep finally get some competent help. Itsss a big ship for one man to monitor.”
“Thank you,” Eclipse says, “and it’s a big ship to navigate too, I imagine,” he fumbles. Are they were-snakes? How could a snake-woman be related to a lizard person. Isn’t the biology different? The tabaxi knows nothing of yuan-ti and finds the slithering form to be nightmarish. Some primal part of him imagines his body held in place by the twisting coils as his head is slowly engulfed by a gaping, sabre-toothed maw. One eye twitches above his relaxed smile as he attempts to settle his curiosity.
”Erm, you… look so familiar. Have we… met before?”
After a bit the young kobold would make his way to where the others had gathered, he wore simple attire and carried his lute strapped to his back, he would look up at the others. "H-hello!" He squeaked.
Kel makes his way around the ship trying to introduce himself to everyone he met as they were busy about preparing the boat to launch. Most of the crewmen took at least a moment from their toil to acknowledge him, some making snide remarks in jest and others seemed genuinely glad that a real bard would be sailing with them. Soon though the massive Bosun would usher Kel back towards the cabin he shared with Thagal and admonished him to stay within until they were safely at full sail.
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After few moments, a bell gets rung and the door to the backroom opens. The first to emerge is the large figure of Fist Scarsguard owner of this establishment, following closely by the Captain and then harder to see the strange gnome with the high collar. Mr Fist raises his large hand to quiet the room which has immediate effect.
” Tonight, i give you Captain Naraan Well-Breaker, of the ship known as Gallows Dancer. He is here to offer quite the opportunity for those will the stomach for adventure and long voyages. Give him your ear and may fortune be yours.”
Mr Fist moves off to take his seat as the Captain take seat at the center table. “ Ahoy ye fine gentlemen. I am looking to take on some crew for the voyage to Calimsport in the Kingdom of Calimshan. A place few northerners have ever laid eyes on. There will be plunder on thee way, and as fortune has it, also a regular wage as we have guest aboard that will provide 2gp per day afloat for officers and officers-mates and 1gp to regular crew on top of the shares for other operations along the way. Rare to have such an expedition. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity. I will have the Bosun read the articles for consideration and the lovely Lagazara will inspect and appoint as she sees fit.”
As he finishes the Minotaur unravels a scroll with one hand in a quick snapping motion while his harpoon flag pole sits solidly in position. In a deep, bellowing voice that nobody in the tavern has trouble hearing he begins to read the articles that will bind the crew to the Captain and the ship for the duration of the expedition.
“ 1) The fund of all payments under the articles is the stock of what is gotten by the expedition, following the same law as other pirates, that is, No prey, no pay. Excepting the per diem provided by the Passenger as agreed and stated
2) Compensation is provided the Captain for the use of his ship, and the salary of the carpenter, or shipwright, who mended, careened, and rigged the vessel (the latter usually about 150 pieces of gold. A sum for provisions and victuals is specified, usually 200 pieces of gold. A salary and compensation is specified for the surgeon and his medicine chest, usually 250 pieces of gold. This voyage, these costs will be born by the passenger.
3) A standard compensation is provided for maimed and mutilated buccaneers. "Thus they order for the loss of a right arm six hundred pieces of gold. For the loss of a left arm five hundred pieces of gold; for a right leg five hundred pieces of gold ; for the left leg four hundred pieces of gold ; for an eye one hundred pieces of gold; for a finger of the hand the same reward as for the eye.
4) Shares of booty are provided as follows: "the Captain, or chief Commander, is allotted five shares to what the ordinary seamen have ; the first Mate 3 shares. Officers draw 2 shares, also officers mate ( officers in training) shall be granted 1 1/2 shares. After whom they draw equal parts from the highest even to the lowest mariner, the boys not being omitted. For even these draw half a share, by reason that, when they happen to take a better vessel than their own, it is the duty of the boys to set fire to the ship or boat wherein they are, and then retire to the prize which they have taken."
5) "In the prizes they take, it is severely prohibited to every one to usurp anything, in particular to themselves. ... Yea, they make a solemn oath to each other not to abscond, or conceal the least thing they find amongst the prey. If afterwards any one is found unfaithful, who has contravened the said oath, immediately he is separated and turned out of the society, by way of death.
6) the Captain’s order be the law, violating the law exacts severe punishment. By signing ye agree to follow the orders without fail. Your word is your bond and your bond is your life “
The words sounds strange coming from the Minotaur’s mouth. They are so clearly spoken there is little chance for a lack of understanding. The Bosun hands the scroll to the captain who lays it out across the table, bottom facing outwards. The is a clear area for signatures. Which have the Captains and all the officers and crew already aboard and space for five more. 3 officers mate positions and two standard crew.
The Captain will say, “ If the contents sound agreeable to your ears and you wish to embark, step forward to be measured and sign”
Lagazara steps in front of the table to inspect the applicants.
Throgg didn’t understand most of the Minotaurs words, but he understood the words gold, booty, and a spot open on a ship. He really really wanted to be back out on the sea.
Standing up he approaches the table.
”Throgg ready to join crew. Throgg good at sailing and fighting. You want Throgg very much, Throgg better than 3 men. Give Throgg gold, give Throgg adventure, Throgg be with you lots of time.”
The tabaxi’s glance triangulates the barmaid’s curves. “I have an easy go at most positions…,” he replies, returning the wink before moving closer to the center of the room. The captain should be returning, ‘shirtless’? Interesting… As for ‘strange looking ship with a scary reputation,’ that could be to my advantage. Hmmmm… the kobold can play…
When the captain emerges, the tabaxi listens with interest. He cares little about the exoticism of the described voyage, or in the specifics of the pay. Money… has its advantages at times, but he could always find some lying about. His eye wanders back to the barmaid as the articles are read, although his ears turn and point directly to the minotaur. He files the information away in his mind like the words to a song. Then his glance circles to the attractive woman called Lagazara. He decides that his fate depends on good relations with both her and the minotaur. Make a show of attention and compliance to the bosun. The woman? Keep a careful, careful watch upon her every move. Let her think her beauty sways you but for the love of catnip do not touch…
Ah! The long-armed bugbear has stepped forward, even more impatient than I. The tabaxi steps forward as well.
“Eclipse Faraway," his bright tenor rings out. "Officer’s Mate. Swordsman, sailor, speaker, salesman. At your service…” He salutes the captain and bows crisply and gracefully to Lagazara... the perfect show of self-possessed deference, before assuming an at-ease position and a flat expression. He is ready to pick up a pen and sign, if he has already passed whatever test he faces.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
As Throgg moves to the front of the line, Lagazara gives him a good inspection. Notes his healthy body, strong physique. Doesnt seem overly intellectual but a good fit for the ship.
She declares, “ this Throgg would be a good fit for the Rigger’s Mate position at 2gp per day.” And then has Throgg mark an x for his name on the scroll if he can’t write it, before moving to the next candidate.
the next couple of scallywags were given general crew positions except for one particularly scrawny fellow. He was an ancient looking human man who was more bones than skin. At one time he might have been a great crewman, but those days are over and he was denied.
Lagazara gives Eclipse an extra hard scrutiny. She note his fine dress and quality equipment and his fancy use of language. Not your typical sailor, but likely a boon to the ship in different ports of call.
“ Mr Faraway would make a perfect complement to the Bosun as Bosun’s-mate. 2gp per day.” She says as she offers you the pen for your signature.
A few more regular crewmen are selected and a whole lot of folks rejected. One tried to get belligerent causing the Bosun to bring down a mighty fist to the back of his head, ending the fellows night instantly. Mr Fist’s men dragged him out back and dumped him in the alley.
next up was the red lizardfolk man, Zerk. He had a difficult time disguising his googly eyes for Lagazara, whom he met earlier in the day. A thing she did not fail to notice. she looks him over, tests his muscles, has him do a few dexterity tests and asks him a lot of in depth questions. All of which he passed without issue.
” the one will do well as ship’s cook. 2gp per diem” she says with a grin. She knows he was angling for quartermaster’s-mate….
Zerk takes the pen and sign’s his name without hesitation. “ Yes Maam, will be the best cook to ever sail on the Gallows Dancer” he says, hiding his disappointment at not working more closely with the beautiful Yuan-ti woman.
soon the recruitment was done. All new crew were ordered to report to the ship 5am sharp and the festivities were begun. Kel began playing the tunes louder and with a higher tempo and everyone had a great time. Thagal joined up with Kel at a break to give him the rundown and that as part of the bargain struck for the expedition. Kel would play aboard the ship at night along with other tasks that may be required.
the night of merriment passed quickly and the morning came even faster. All the new crew and old crew were assembled on board the Gallows dancer’s main deck. The fog was thick, Captain Naraan introduced the Bosun to give preliminary instructions before stepping back into his cabin.
“ I am Hotep, the Captain’s fist and overseer of the Gallows Dancer. Each of you will receive this amulet as a sign you belong to the ship and as a signing bonus. Keep it on you at all times. Anyone caught without it will be thrown overboard, excepting the paid guests. Once your tour is done , if you decide to leave the ship under positive circumstances, the amulet will be deactivated and can be kept or sold at your discretion. Now head to your stations to be briefed and trained on your tasks, we prepare to sail on the hour.” His deep voice again impresses with its clarity and you all move to your stations.
the amulet you are given:
Thagal and Kel Muscale are already aboard in their guests cabin. They stayed aboard overnight. It is a small room, but they are small people so not an inconvenience at all. The vulture Goermond sits on a special perch, his eyes ever watching it seems. Kel notices it has a sort of greenish tint to it that is not apparent at further distance. The beds are thin, feathered mattresses with linen sheets and blue wool blankets. They were instructed to stay in the cabin until the ship was underway in krder to keep them out of the way of the sailors performing their tasks.
Zerk was guided to the galley by Johnson whom told him the fate of the previous cook while on the way. Johnson sure loved to tell the stories. Apparently, the previous cook was terrible. So bad in fact, he caused a stomach ailment that afflicted 1/2 the crew. He found his way overboard in the night, never to be seen again. The crew speculate his is causing a stomach discomfort in some poor sea monsters belly. The story doesnt make Zerk feel food about his prospects. He has never cooked a thing in his life and only watched the goblin cook on the orc ship once or twice…but, he would figure it out and impress the snake-goddess Lagazara.
The galley was actually quite roomy for a ship and is located in the forecastle. The chimney for the stove poked out through the forecastle deck, which would be handy for crew during cold spell to warm their hands by. Johnson showed him where the food stores were kept in the hold and told him to keep accurate account for every last piece, the quartermaster keeps tight records. In the galley, luckily there were “cook books” basically notes from several previous ship’s cooks. Some more detailed than others, even ratings for the crews response to the meals. Zerk quickly separated the most recent looking notes, supposing they were from the failed recently passed cook. He didn’t want to accidentally make what he did..he soent the next hour’s organizing the kitchen the way he felt would be more efficient, and prepared for the first meal he would ever cook…
“Thank you Miss!,” Eclipse states in response to Lagarza, satisfied with her decision, then turns to the Minotaur, and nods deferentially at his new victim — er — master. The tabaxi takes the pen in nimble fingers and signs with a subtle flourish. Making way for the next in line, he finds himself locking eyes for a moment with the older man who was turned away. The tabaxi shrugs with a slight smile, as if it could not be more obvious why he was selected and others, not…
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
After the assembly, Bosun Hotep takes Eclipse on. Tour of the ship. Top to bottom while explaining the duties. The primary responsibility of the bosun is to maintain the ship’s readiness to sail and fight at all times. It is more than just managing crew discipline. He tells you that you will learn carpentry skills long with some basic smithing to conduct repairs underway. You can tell he knows the ship like the back of his hand as he shows where prior repairs were completed and he discusses future upgrades in the works. He will give you a run down of the ships standing orders, including the prohibition of non-crew below decks, with exception of paid passengers. He says he will provide you will a copy of the ship’s laws and the prescribed punishments for infractions in the near future, but that currently his job was to learn the ship as we prepare to make way when the fog lifts. He will then leave you to explore on your own for an hour with instructions to return to main deck in an hour.
Basic ship map ( still working on a more detailed one)
Throgg gets introduced to his mentor on the ship, Master Rigger Yintoris, a golden haired Firbolg standing 7’8”. He welcomes Throgg and guides him to the main mast.
“ nice to meet you Mr Throgg, i see you are strong and hardy. Perfect for the job. All you need to do if follow my directions and you too can one day become a master rigger. Really, its one of the most important jobs. No sails, no sailing ship.” He tell you as he begins to literally show you the ropes. Where to tie off the main sheets, how and when t raise or lower the boom. He will stand next to Throgg as he demonstrates his skill with the ropes and knots that he would have learned on his previous voyages. He would only correct major mistakes and let Throgg do what Throggs does. “ Very good. Lets begin preparing the other masts for launch, we will be leaving soon.”
The knots and ropes come easily to Throgg, his dexterous hands easily controlling the knots. This was a good crew and put him in a good spot. Sails were something he could do. Up is go, down is stop, knots to keep sails from flying away. Even the complexity of the rope and pulley system was made clear and plain once explained to him. Ready to prove himself worthy to stay in the boat, Throgg became engrossed in his work, checking each mast, sail, and knot many times over.
‘…The amulet will be deactivated…,’ Hotep had said. Meaning, it is currently active… doing exactly what?, Eclipse wondered. Finding out would be a priority, but for later.
for the present, the tabaxi takes his new role by the horns — he smirks at the thought as Hotep’s actual horns flair above him — and follows the bosun’s instructions attentively. He’s used to knowing the layout of a place, especially, hiding places, so he creates a mental map of the ship quickly and with ease.
Eclipse begins — to his surprise — to feel respect for the bosun, who has had full opportunity to lord over Eclipse in every way but has instead shown deep knowledge, conveyed with a sense of honor.
When Hotep takes his leave, Eclipse makes full use of the hour before departure to acquaint himself with the ship’s construction and also, the other crew persons.
“That’s a tidy knot Mr Throgg!,” he calls to the bugbear who seems engrossed in his new duties.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
While checking out the ship and crewmates Eclipse will spot Lagazara…or what looks closely like Lagazra but has some distinctive differences. This woman has no legs but a long serpents lower body. They are clearly related in some way. This woman moves quicker than expected and meets the tabaxi mid ship.
” Welcome to the crew, I am SSinmana ships Navigator. I am glad to see Hotep finally get some competent help. Itsss a big ship for one man to monitor.”
“Ah thank you for noticing Eclipse!” Puffing up his chest in pride, Throgg beams at him. “I think this a special ship and we will be able to do lots of fun adventures. I hope there is no mutiny like last time I had friends. I had no friends after that.”
“No friends?,” Eclipse asks. “I cannot imagine such loneliness.” A lie. Eclipse has known exactly such loneliness after fleeing from House Prentiss. “Join me for our evening meal if our schedules allow. I’d like to hear the story of this mutiny.” And, the tabaxi wants the hairy sailor in his corner if and when there is conflict onboard…
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
“Thank you,” Eclipse says, “and it’s a big ship to navigate too, I imagine,” he fumbles. Are they were-snakes? How could a snake-woman be related to a lizard person. Isn’t the biology different? The tabaxi knows nothing of yuan-ti and finds the slithering form to be nightmarish. Some primal part of him imagines his body held in place by the twisting coils as his head is slowly engulfed by a gaping, sabre-toothed maw. One eye twitches above his relaxed smile as he attempts to settle his curiosity.
”Erm, you… look so familiar. Have we… met before?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
After a bit the young kobold would make his way to where the others had gathered, he wore simple attire and carried his lute strapped to his back, he would look up at the others. "H-hello!" He squeaked.
Kel makes his way around the ship trying to introduce himself to everyone he met as they were busy about preparing the boat to launch. Most of the crewmen took at least a moment from their toil to acknowledge him, some making snide remarks in jest and others seemed genuinely glad that a real bard would be sailing with them. Soon though the massive Bosun would usher Kel back towards the cabin he shared with Thagal and admonished him to stay within until they were safely at full sail.