"A Waterdeep lad, ehh? The City of Splendors has a fine harbour, no doubtin' that. And as I said, we could use a few more experienced sailors in this crew of floatsam and tavern-dregs, but ye still ain't answered me question yet... what skills do ye 'ave makin' it worth me time and the Captain's coin to bring ye on?"
The clatter of horses' hooves on the wharf beside the ship raises some commotion, which causes First Mate Estrue to leave the interviewing Bosun's side. Stepping up to the aft-side rail, the Senior Officer smiles and calls down warmly in a strong voice, "Ahh, Captain! Welcome home, Sir. Yer girl and all her get 'ave been missing ye! We're almost ready to set sail. Druht - take those horses to Boomptin's and tell him to stable them till our return."
The First Mate nods at the Bosun and Dekket to continue their discussion without her and descends the aft-castle before marching towards the gang plank to welcome Captain Aundrey back aboard the Shore Shark.
"I am no stranger to the work of a sailor. I started as cabin boy and walk my way up to as the navigator's fist hand. I can climb to those sails and either repair or hoist them before a storm. I know how to read and write, and how to interpret the sea charts and look fo our position and track either at day or night. I know a thing or two when the swords are needed too.. " he smiles and taps his rapier.
"I am no stranger to the work of a sailor. I started as cabin boy and walk my way up to as the navigator's fist hand. I can climb to those sails and either repair or hoist them before a storm. I know how to read and write, and how to interpret the sea charts and look fo our position and track either at day or night. I know a thing or two when the swords are needed too.. " he smiles and taps his rapier.
Momentarily distracted by the sounds of boots on the Shark's gangway, Bosun Drannick looks back and grunts acknowledgement of Dekket's credentials, finally nodding as he says only somewhat begrudgingly, "Ohh, yer a 'learned' one, are ye? Probably won't come in handy where we're going, but ye never know. The rest sounds useful enough, I'll admit, though don't ye go killin' no one ye ain't told to... we had an incident recently and don't want the Shark to get a reputation fer villainy. Might hurt our bottom line... Ohh, and yeah, because we're the 'good guys'. Yeah... that too."
Giving the taller tiefling one last contemplative up-and-down, the Bosun finally spits in one calloused palm before extending the hand for Dekket to shake.
"Pay's 2 gold p/day, payable end of every month or by installment whenever we make landfall. We'll start ye out as a general deckhand on shift 2, but maybe look at puttin' ye in with Argrin's crew since that useless lump Nibs is now goin' to be spendin' most of 'is time in the galley. Welcome 'board, sailor. I'll bring the charter by fer ye to sign when I have the time. Captain will likely want to meet ye later as well.
Now lean to. There's still crates that need heavin' and Argrin should be o'er there by the ballistae or mangonel, or down below checkin' munitions."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
"Interesting, I never traveled into the mountains. Me people that took me in were seafaring gnomes, cute lil buggers. Ma and Pa always made sure that I knew that there was a larger world out there, but we traveled by boat." Virt laughs, "Da used to say to me, 'Yer big and blue, ye belong in the sea!' And I think he was right. But why, does one who comes from the mountains find his way onto a ship? Does the sea not frighten you?"
Virt will grab a plate of food and eat a piece before continuing, "No matter the reason I'm glad yer here, then, Vaken. There is a much larger world out there. Waiting fer us to explore, waiting fer us to uncover it's secrets."
Vaken laughs at the Virt's da's saying, "He does have a point, your da does." Taking a deep breath he continues, "I imagine if I had just walked up on the coast one day and laid eyes on the sea without warning, I would have been terrified. But after leaving my tribe I spent a few years with an acquaintance of our Skywatcher. She used to tell me such stories about the sea and it's creatures that when it was finally time to move on, I just had to come and experience it for myself. I still can't wait to see some of the animals she spoke about."
Nodding to Virt's plate, "How's the grub. My new assistant cooked this morning, did he do a good job?"
The tall, broad-shouldered form of Captain Aundrey emerges off the gangplank onto the Shark's deck to clasp arms in greeting with First Mate Estrue. Weapon Master Unne's imposing hide-clad form follows closely behind carrying two large wicker baskets, trailed by the ship's diminutive Quarter Master, Daegrin. The halfling officer is assisting an almost-as-short half-elven woman who is sporting clean bandages around her stomach and chest. Unne drops the baskets near the top of the gangplank but reaches down to pull something out before he marches across the deck to inspect the state of the ballistae and mangonel. Daegrin helps the injured sailor through the aftcabin door, apparently on their way to the infirmary.
The Captain is dressed as usual in a clean white shirt, well tailored leather pants (black, today) and a high-collared dark green leather vest. A passing gust of wind catches Aundrey's slightly disheveled blonde hair as he turns with his usual good-humoured smile to survey the busy deck and rigging. Nodding attentively as Estrue leans close to whisper something in his ear, the Captain addresses the First Mate but speaks in a loud enough voice for all nearby to hear,
"Well and good, First Mate. The repairs are done, we have a full complement of crew and you say that our recently returned stores and supplies are all but stowed? Excellent! Then make final preperations to sail... for we raise anchor as soon as the Shark is ready.
I have just returned from the Dubol's manor and she is eager for us to secure news of Captain Tulfer and the missing Wildyeast. The good Cove Warden is likewise eager for our departure... if for slightly different reasons. We have brought the injured sailor Syraine back aboard, though she'll be days yet in the infirmy due to her wounds, keeping company with a few of her fellows, from what you have just told me. So be it - for I can see and hear from the activity aboard how eager our crew is to depart and I share their sentiments!
Having shaken hands with Dekket, Bosun Drannick goes over to likewise confer quietly with the Captain. After a brief exchange, the Shark's proud, young owner looks up towards the crows nest and then over at Dekket on the aftcastle and again says loudly,
"Another new hand you say, Bosun? Excellent. As usual, his dispensation is in your capable care. I have much to see too, but perhaps an introduction at dinner tonight. In addition to our new lookout, I would say that we are now well provisioned in more ways than one, though unfortunately our 'other' potential addition will not be joining us... but we will speak more on that at dinner also.
Ohh... one other 'little' thing. When we cast off, I want full sail and EVERY bit of speed we can muster on our way out of the harbour by way of Flathead Rock. That jackanapes Captain Rufulo of the Foamrunner is also striking out today and has wagered that his ship will beat ours out of the harbour with ease. In addition to giving this beauty her first taste of real freedom, I would VERY much like to prove Rufulo wrong. Let's have all hands at their stations or on deck for our maiden departure, and then break into complements once we've cleared the heads."
Captain Aundrey nods at the Bosun, gives the nearby rail a loving pat and then dissapears through the door that leads towards his cabin. First Mate Estrue now stands atop the aftcastle studying the choppy waves out in the bay from near the ships wheel. Bosun Drannick speaks with a few sailors on deck and then follows the Captain into the aft cabins. Both senior officers shout periodic orders to help ready the ship for imminent departure.
[OOC] Can each Player post something describing where their PC will be and what they'll be doing (with relevant skill checks) when the Shark raises anchor.
PCs moving about the ship can also make perception checks (or passives if no check is made) and read any of the relevant spoilers below:
Perception DC 12:
Beyond the ever present ships sounds of swinging ropes, whipping sails, creaking wood, pounding feet and the odd shouted order or confirmation, it's hard to make out much of anything amidst the organised chaos of the bustling crew. Weapon Master Unne's booming voice alone cuts through the noise, "Do NOT disgrace us today! The sea will have any who fall overboard and I will have any who fail in their duties... CLEAR?" The much-scarred Northman finally moves to stand at the ship's wheel and exchanges a single acknowledging nod with the nearby First Mate.
DC 14:
In addition to the common ship's sounds and Unne's booming voice, you catch sight of two longboats that were previously tied alongside the Shark. The boats are loaded with buckets, brushes, tarp and tools, as well as s couple of crewmen in each, including the Shark's new gnomish Carpenter Yentil. They're being rowed to a smaller pier nearby.
You also catch the puzzling scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and other enticing scents in the fluttering breeze. The aromas appear to be coming from the two large baskets near the gangplank. And was that the faint echo of barking coming from somewhere behind the aftcabins' door?
DC 16 or more:
Busy about your duties, you are swept up in the activity and noise of the working crew, which only helps you to notice what appears to be the sole stationary figure on the entire deck of the ship - a slight, grey cloaked, almost ephemeral figure standing near the Shark's bowsprit. Your attention is called away momentarilly... but when you look back, the small, still figure is no longer there.
For a moment, you think you see the figure loitering near the base of the gangplank, but then you recognise the familiar form of the Pirate's serving girl, Lorana, who is standing indecisively on the nearly empty wharf with a small paper bag in her hand.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Before they hoist anchor, Kestrell will bring some of his equipment topside and stand on the deck above the Navigation Room. Although he knows how to get out of the bay, he will check his compass, the wind, and take a few peeks through the telescope as the town fades away.
OOC: Perception: 7 Nature: 21 to get an idea for the winds and how that will effect their route.
While talking to Virt, Vaken hears the commotion and gets whiff of the spices. "Excuse me sir, I believe some supplies I asked for have arrived." Vaken makes his way back up on deck and finds Daegrin. "Quarter master sir, is that my spices I smell on the breeze?"
Ferris leans against the mast comfortably but pulls his coat tightly about him. The wind was picking up thanks to the upcoming weather that Ferris had seen. He idly looked down upon the crew and smirked at the large weapon master's warnings to whom he thought would be some of the warrior types aboard.
The small boats perplexed Ferris a little, if they were about to set sail in short order then why were some of the crew departing the boat? It could easily be explained of course had he been on decks but observing from such a height had a habit of rendering Ferris in 'No Context Theatre'. He continued to keep an eye on that situation regardless.
Kayleans from the rigging to hear the captain speak, then scrambles to the mainmast, where she prepares herself mentally for her next orders, aware that she may need to work doubly hard with the halflings in the infirmary. She pats the satchel at her waist. "Some mess we're in now, hey Rudd?" she says quietly, her shoulder-length mouse-brown hair matted with sweat. She looks down and makes note of the activity below, hoping she'll prove a fast study.
Seeing Lorana standing on the wharf sets Kay's heart aflutter, and she clambers down the rigging hastily, running across the deck, dodging the other crew at work. She slows her pace as she strides down the gangplank, scratching the back of her head. She looks at Lorana, her orange eyes wide and apologetic, "Er... good mornin' Lorana. 'Pologies f...for not makin' our rendezvous... Thought it'd be best if... if'n I stayed with the ship, giv'n all the trouble of late." She looks at the ground and twists the tip of her boot against the dock.
Momentarily distracted by the sounds of boots on the Shark's gangway, Bosun Drannick looks back and grunts acknowledgement of Dekket's credentials, finally nodding as he says only somewhat begrudgingly, "Ohh, yer a 'learned' one, are ye? Probably won't come in handy where we're going, but ye never know. The rest sounds useful enough, I'll admit, though don't ye go killin' no one ye ain't told to... we had an incident recently and don't want the Shark to get a reputation fer villainy. Might hurt our bottom line... Ohh, and yeah, because we're the 'good guys'. Yeah... that too."
Giving the taller tiefling one last contemplative up-and-down, the Bosun finally spits in one calloused palm before extending the hand for Dekket to shake.
"Pay's 2 gold p/day, payable end of every month or by installment whenever we make landfall. We'll start ye out as a general deckhand on shift 2, but maybe look at puttin' ye in with Argrin's crew since that useless lump Nibs is now goin' to be spendin' most of 'is time in the galley. Welcome 'board, sailor. I'll bring the charter by fer ye to sign when I have the time. Captain will likely want to meet ye later as well.
Now lean to. There's still crates that need heavin' and Argrin should be o'er there by the ballistae or mangonel, or down below checkin' munitions."
Dekket smiles and spits on his own hand before shaking Bosun's.
"Right away..." he says heading in the direction of the ballistae to look for Argrin.
He does linger a litlte bit thought when he sees the captain arriving and smiles with relieve when the capatin confirms his acceptance to the crew and the perspective to have dinner at Captain's quarters sounds good.
A'ro looks around moving and giving the necessary orders to his section of the ships crew and quickly trying to check the occasional knots. He smiles as the aromas hit his nose distracted for a second as the memories cross his head. It was almost time to set sail and as he took one last look at his crew he just moved towards the First Mate. He just looks at Estrue waving "I was wondering if you would want me to use some magic to gain speed leaving or later on today just to help us out."
Before they hoist anchor, Kestrell will bring some of his equipment topside and stand on the deck above the Navigation Room. Although he knows how to get out of the bay, he will check his compass, the wind, and take a few peeks through the telescope as the town fades away.
OOC: Perception: 7 Nature: 21 to get an idea for the winds and how that will effect their route.
Having studied the sadly small sample of local sea charts and maps in the navigation room, Kestrell takes the compass, sextant and other tools atop the aftcastle to work on his readings. The chips log the navigator keeps ready to track speed once the ship gets underway. Kestrell is mildly concerned that the spyglass was not with the other tools in the kit, but then he notices the nearby First Mate raise the short, brass tube to her eye. The only other sailor currently on the aftcastle is the ever-menacing figure of Unne, who's huge meaty hands clasp and unclasp the brass-banded handles of the ship's wheel.
Familiar with Rumbottom's harbour, Kestrell makes a quick study of the currents and winds, and cross-referencing those with his estimation of the Shark's speed, maneuverability and her planned destination, quickly comes up with what he believes would be the most expedient heading to take the ship out beyond the bay. Glancing over the aftcastle's 3' high portside rail, the Shark's officer notices the brightly coloured sails and crew shirts of the Foamrunner even as that ship also makes preperations to sail.
The First Mate doesn't take her eyes from the harbour but mutters barely loud enough for Kestrell to hear, "Navigator, the Captain was given a couple of baskets for ye on his way back to the ship... courtesy of Gretta from The Mill. Said she apologised for not makin' delivery last night. Apparently there's somethin' in there for ye by way of apology."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
While talking to Virt, Vaken hears the commotion and gets whiff of the spices. "Excuse me sir, I believe some supplies I asked for have arrived." Vaken makes his way back up on deck and finds Daegrin. "Quarter master sir, is that my spices I smell on the breeze?"
Vaken is about to head up on deck to find the Quarter Master when he notices Daegrin through the partially open galley door. The tiny, weasel-faced halfling man looks up and adjusts his spectacles at being addressed, before saying,
"Ehh, what? Ohh, yes, yes of course your spices are aboard ship, Cook Vaken. Everything you requested, and then some, from what that odd Horgoth fellow said. Down in the hold it is, though I doubt you'd smell them up here unless some oaf has broken a crate or torn a sack open... which they'd better not have!
Might be you smelled all of the delicious pastries and such that the town's baker gave to the Captain. Said they'd been purchased by the Navigator, strangely enough. Must have a sweet tooth, ehh?"
The swaying lanterns here below deck cast warm, almost hypnotic patterns of shadow and light across the large, currently empty lower deck. Footfalls and shouts from above barely carry down here through the Shark's solid timbre and expert construction.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
The First Mate doesn't take her eyes from the harbour but mutters barely loud enough for Kestrell to hear, "Navigator, the Captain was given a couple of baskets for ye on his way back to the ship... courtesy of Gretta from The Mill. Said she apologised for not makin' delivery last night. Apparently there's somethin' in there for ye by way of apology."
Hearing this, Kestrell smacks his forehead and thinks "Oh yeah!" Then runs over to check out the baskets.
Ferris leans against the mast comfortably but pulls his coat tightly about him. The wind was picking up thanks to the upcoming weather that Ferris had seen. He idly looked down upon the crew and smirked at the large weapon master's warnings to whom he thought would be some of the warrior types aboard.
The small boats perplexed Ferris a little, if they were about to set sail in short order then why were some of the crew departing the boat? It could easily be explained of course had he been on decks but observing from such a height had a habit of rendering Ferris in 'No Context Theatre'. He continued to keep an eye on that situation regardless.
(Passive Perception: 14)
With his sharp eyes and prominent vantage point, little goes on below that the watchful Ferris does not see. He spots the three ships officers atop the aftcastle preparing for departure; the Dwarven Bosun walking the maindeck issuing orders and admonishments for minor percieved lapses as he goes; a second dwarf, this one rotund almost to the point of roundess, stands atop the forecastle near the mangonel, pausing every now and again to yell something to sailors below who are making final checks on the ship's two ballistae.
In the ship's rigging, the veteran sailor spots an older man moving atop the mizzenmast with appreciable experience and purpose, while nearer the bow he sees a shirtless youth going about his work with the frantic pace of the young. Below the crows nest, Ferris makes out the form of the young, female sail monkey Kay that he spoke to and whom he'd heard whispers of amidst some of the crew, working with a singular determination to do the tasks of three... until two other forms climb up from below to assist. Kay drops out of sight as the lookout's attention shifts to the other two rigging rats - a svelte, leather clad woman who pauses to cast Ferris an appraising eye and a tall, tawny furred tabaxi with a strange net like contraption on her back who moves with natural ease across the spars and ropes.
Returning his attention to the longboats that had now reached the wharf, Ferris sees a number of sailors, including the gnome carpenter, carry some of the tools and materials from those boats along the pier and then back up onto the deck of the Shark. The lookout realises that these sailors must have either been finishing last minute repairs on the hull or, perhaps, making some final alteration. Nearly two score sailors can be seen moving below Ferris in an almost ant-like state of toil and preperation. Looking across from his new ship, Ferris sees a similar scene of building readiness on the twin mast, lanteen sailed Foamrunner. A thin, well dressed man in silks, satin and suede stands atop the neighbouring ship's forecastle. Doffing his wide-brimmed hat with a flourish, the man waves confidently in the Shore Shark's direction.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Kayleans from the rigging to hear the captain speak, then scrambles to the mainmast, where she prepares herself mentally for her next orders, aware that she may need to work doubly hard with the halflings in the infirmary. She pats the satchel at her waist. "Some mess we're in now, hey Rudd?" she says quietly, her shoulder-length mouse-brown hair matted with sweat. She looks down and makes note of the activity below, hoping she'll prove a fast study.
Having watched the more experienced Jart for a while from part way across the ship, Kay's efforts in the rigging are astute enough that she feels that she's done a passable job in the absence of the halfling twins. Still a little uncertain of what exactly is expected of her, the former street kid is relieved when the ever-bold Zaretta and another woman of unfamiliar appearance climb up from below. Morning sun shining from her baldpate, the leather clad islander climbs up and past Kay with only a grin and a sly wink, while the other sailor, who has yellow-tan splotched fur and a cat-like countenance pauses in her climb. With a nod towards the shapely behind ascending above them, the tall, long-limbed cat woman purrs at Kay,
"That one says you should go below, little one. Someone to see you, apparrrently."
Glancing down, Kay's breath catches in her throat when she thinks she spots a familiar thin, red-headed figure wrapped in a tattered shroud at the base of the foremast, but even as time seems to slow down around her for one infinite moment, a massive gust of wind tears through the ship's rigging, causing a nearby sail to block the waif's view. Almost as quickly, the wind pulls the sail back aside... and there is no sight of the mysterious figure that Kay thought she had seen. A single sliver of ice-coldness descends Kay's spine, sending goosebumps up along the young sailor's arms.
Seeing Lorana standing on the wharf sets Kay's heart aflutter, and she clambers down the rigging hastily, running across the deck, dodging the other crew at work. She slows her pace as she strides down the gangplank, scratching the back of her head. She looks at Lorana, her orange eyes wide and apologetic, "Er... good mornin' Lorana. 'Pologies f...for not makin' our rendezvous... Thought it'd be best if... if'n I stayed with the ship, giv'n all the trouble of late." She looks at the ground and twists the tip of her boot against the dock.
Scanning about for the familiar figure that she'd fleetingly glimpsed, Kay instead lays sight on a less imposing and far more welcoming figure. The previous moment of eery discomfort instantly forgotten, the lithe sail monkey all but drops from the rigging to hit the deck in sprint towards the starboard rail and gangplank.
Lorana's green eyes lift at Kay's approach, as the serving woman's hand that isn't holding a small brown paper bag reaches up to brush aside a stray yellow strand of hair. The petite half-elf smiles unreservedly at the sail monkey's murmured apology, but quickly interjects to say,
"It is a good mornin', Kay. Moreso now. And that's okay, about us not meetin' up last night, I mean. Though I would have loved to! Truth be told, Beril and I have been workin' doubly hard of late, tryin' to get enough coin to... well, you know. Besides, the thought of you getting chained up by Golm and the wardens still gives me nightmares and... I'd not want to EVER see that again.
I came to give you this. There's a fresh sandwhich in there for yourself and Vaken... and a little somethin' extra for the big fella. He was certainly owed it and you tell him that both Beril and I said so! And tell him to look out for himself out there, and... and I came to wish YOU luck on your voyage and your new life!"
With that the slightly older, slightly taller Lorana steps forward to push the paper bag into Kay's hands - hands that she holds tightly for several moments before stepping into the sail monkey for a long, fierce embrace that ends with a warm lingering kiss and a promising whisper... before the slightly teary eyed half-elf releases her hold and runs back along the wharf in the direction of the Pirate.
[OOC] Spoiler for Kay:
"It'll take us weeks to save what we need to leave. Be strong out there and I'll be here when you return, Kay. Don't you leave me waiting again!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
A'ro looks around moving and giving the necessary orders to his section of the ships crew and quickly trying to check the occasional knots. He smiles as the aromas hit his nose distracted for a second as the memories cross his head. It was almost time to set sail and as he took one last look at his crew he just moved towards the First Mate. He just looks at Estrue waving "I was wondering if you would want me to use some magic to gain speed leaving or later on today just to help us out."
OOC: Perception check 16 rolled in chat
"Yes, Master of Sail... yes, I would. Captain's orders - we're to give the Shark her head and put everythin' we've got behind her. If you've got tricks to play, now's the time to play'em. Pass the word to your team topside - on the Captain's word, let out reefs and make full sail. We're looking to run before the wind!"
Stepping past Unne and the ship's wheel to look down on the deck below, the First Mate calls out in a strong, clear voice devoid of hesitation and demanding of obedience,
"Bosun - bring up the gangplank, raise anchor and prepare to cast off. Officers at the ready! All hands on deck and at station!"
The Bosun immediately shouts out in an equally loud and demanding voice,'
"You 'eard the First Mate. Get to it you motherless seal-pups! All hands on deck and at station. Senior Sailors - eyes up and at the ready! That peacock over there wants a race, and our Captain wants to win! And by the *****queen's barnacled arse, that means that we WILL win, understood!?!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Kayalmost falls backwards as Lorana leans into her for a kiss, Lorana's embrace keeping her from tipping off the pier. She watches Lorana run off and out of sight and remains frozen in place until Drannick's command startles her from her reverie. A broad smile affixed to her face, she practically skips up the gangplank yelling, "Vaken! Vaken?!! 've got a gift for ye, courtesy of the ladies from th'Pirate!" She takes her sandwich and tucks it into one of her many belt pouches, as she searches for her goliath friend.
Dekket smiles and spits on his own hand before shaking Bosun's.
"Right away..." he says heading in the direction of the ballistae to look for Argrin.
He does linger a litlte bit thought when he sees the captain arriving and smiles with relieve when the capatin confirms his acceptance to the crew and the perspective to have dinner at Captain's quarters sounds good.
( Perception: 8 )
It takes Dekket a little while to find the right dwarf, bumping first into a continuously cursing, heavily tattooed dwarvish woman with a bulging muscles, before meeting a vest wearing arctic dwarf with a walrus tooth necklace and huge handlebar mustache who points Dekket in the direction of the forecastle upon which the tiefling deckhand finds an exceedingly rotund dwarf making adjustments on the mangonel with some kind of strange metal tool.
Looking up from his work at the approaching tiefling's enquiry, the obese dwarven engineer says, "Aye, I'm Argrin. Ye been assigned to me crew, 'ave ye? We'll, technically, it's Unne's crew, wat with him bein' Weapons Master an' all, but he's agreed to leave the maintenance and preperations of the Sharks arsenal to me... so maybe the big unit isn't as dumb as he seems, eh? Anyway, wat ye say yer name was?
Till we're out past the heads, ye can either stand 'ere with me or go man one of the ballistae with the others... take yer pick. Ohh, and if ye see the Ships Mage, Virt 'is name is, tell 'im I'd like a word."
Argrin goes back to making whatever adjustment he was making on the mangonel.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
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"I am no stranger to the work of a sailor. I started as cabin boy and walk my way up to as the navigator's fist hand. I can climb to those sails and either repair or hoist them before a storm. I know how to read and write, and how to interpret the sea charts and look fo our position and track either at day or night. I know a thing or two when the swords are needed too.. " he smiles and taps his rapier.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Momentarily distracted by the sounds of boots on the Shark's gangway, Bosun Drannick looks back and grunts acknowledgement of Dekket's credentials, finally nodding as he says only somewhat begrudgingly, "Ohh, yer a 'learned' one, are ye? Probably won't come in handy where we're going, but ye never know. The rest sounds useful enough, I'll admit, though don't ye go killin' no one ye ain't told to... we had an incident recently and don't want the Shark to get a reputation fer villainy. Might hurt our bottom line... Ohh, and yeah, because we're the 'good guys'. Yeah... that too."
Giving the taller tiefling one last contemplative up-and-down, the Bosun finally spits in one calloused palm before extending the hand for Dekket to shake.
"Pay's 2 gold p/day, payable end of every month or by installment whenever we make landfall. We'll start ye out as a general deckhand on shift 2, but maybe look at puttin' ye in with Argrin's crew since that useless lump Nibs is now goin' to be spendin' most of 'is time in the galley. Welcome 'board, sailor. I'll bring the charter by fer ye to sign when I have the time. Captain will likely want to meet ye later as well.
Now lean to. There's still crates that need heavin' and Argrin should be o'er there by the ballistae or mangonel, or down below checkin' munitions."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Vaken laughs at the Virt's da's saying, "He does have a point, your da does." Taking a deep breath he continues, "I imagine if I had just walked up on the coast one day and laid eyes on the sea without warning, I would have been terrified. But after leaving my tribe I spent a few years with an acquaintance of our Skywatcher. She used to tell me such stories about the sea and it's creatures that when it was finally time to move on, I just had to come and experience it for myself. I still can't wait to see some of the animals she spoke about."
Nodding to Virt's plate, "How's the grub. My new assistant cooked this morning, did he do a good job?"
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
The tall, broad-shouldered form of Captain Aundrey emerges off the gangplank onto the Shark's deck to clasp arms in greeting with First Mate Estrue. Weapon Master Unne's imposing hide-clad form follows closely behind carrying two large wicker baskets, trailed by the ship's diminutive Quarter Master, Daegrin. The halfling officer is assisting an almost-as-short half-elven woman who is sporting clean bandages around her stomach and chest. Unne drops the baskets near the top of the gangplank but reaches down to pull something out before he marches across the deck to inspect the state of the ballistae and mangonel. Daegrin helps the injured sailor through the aftcabin door, apparently on their way to the infirmary.
The Captain is dressed as usual in a clean white shirt, well tailored leather pants (black, today) and a high-collared dark green leather vest. A passing gust of wind catches Aundrey's slightly disheveled blonde hair as he turns with his usual good-humoured smile to survey the busy deck and rigging. Nodding attentively as Estrue leans close to whisper something in his ear, the Captain addresses the First Mate but speaks in a loud enough voice for all nearby to hear,
"Well and good, First Mate. The repairs are done, we have a full complement of crew and you say that our recently returned stores and supplies are all but stowed? Excellent! Then make final preperations to sail... for we raise anchor as soon as the Shark is ready.
I have just returned from the Dubol's manor and she is eager for us to secure news of Captain Tulfer and the missing Wildyeast. The good Cove Warden is likewise eager for our departure... if for slightly different reasons. We have brought the injured sailor Syraine back aboard, though she'll be days yet in the infirmy due to her wounds, keeping company with a few of her fellows, from what you have just told me. So be it - for I can see and hear from the activity aboard how eager our crew is to depart and I share their sentiments!
Having shaken hands with Dekket, Bosun Drannick goes over to likewise confer quietly with the Captain. After a brief exchange, the Shark's proud, young owner looks up towards the crows nest and then over at Dekket on the aftcastle and again says loudly,
"Another new hand you say, Bosun? Excellent. As usual, his dispensation is in your capable care. I have much to see too, but perhaps an introduction at dinner tonight. In addition to our new lookout, I would say that we are now well provisioned in more ways than one, though unfortunately our 'other' potential addition will not be joining us... but we will speak more on that at dinner also.
Ohh... one other 'little' thing. When we cast off, I want full sail and EVERY bit of speed we can muster on our way out of the harbour by way of Flathead Rock. That jackanapes Captain Rufulo of the Foamrunner is also striking out today and has wagered that his ship will beat ours out of the harbour with ease. In addition to giving this beauty her first taste of real freedom, I would VERY much like to prove Rufulo wrong. Let's have all hands at their stations or on deck for our maiden departure, and then break into complements once we've cleared the heads."
Captain Aundrey nods at the Bosun, gives the nearby rail a loving pat and then dissapears through the door that leads towards his cabin. First Mate Estrue now stands atop the aftcastle studying the choppy waves out in the bay from near the ships wheel. Bosun Drannick speaks with a few sailors on deck and then follows the Captain into the aft cabins. Both senior officers shout periodic orders to help ready the ship for imminent departure.
[OOC] Can each Player post something describing where their PC will be and what they'll be doing (with relevant skill checks) when the Shark raises anchor.
PCs moving about the ship can also make perception checks (or passives if no check is made) and read any of the relevant spoilers below:
Perception DC 12:
Beyond the ever present ships sounds of swinging ropes, whipping sails, creaking wood, pounding feet and the odd shouted order or confirmation, it's hard to make out much of anything amidst the organised chaos of the bustling crew. Weapon Master Unne's booming voice alone cuts through the noise, "Do NOT disgrace us today! The sea will have any who fall overboard and I will have any who fail in their duties... CLEAR?" The much-scarred Northman finally moves to stand at the ship's wheel and exchanges a single acknowledging nod with the nearby First Mate.
DC 14:
In addition to the common ship's sounds and Unne's booming voice, you catch sight of two longboats that were previously tied alongside the Shark. The boats are loaded with buckets, brushes, tarp and tools, as well as s couple of crewmen in each, including the Shark's new gnomish Carpenter Yentil. They're being rowed to a smaller pier nearby.
You also catch the puzzling scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and other enticing scents in the fluttering breeze. The aromas appear to be coming from the two large baskets near the gangplank. And was that the faint echo of barking coming from somewhere behind the aftcabins' door?
DC 16 or more:
Busy about your duties, you are swept up in the activity and noise of the working crew, which only helps you to notice what appears to be the sole stationary figure on the entire deck of the ship - a slight, grey cloaked, almost ephemeral figure standing near the Shark's bowsprit. Your attention is called away momentarilly... but when you look back, the small, still figure is no longer there.
For a moment, you think you see the figure loitering near the base of the gangplank, but then you recognise the familiar form of the Pirate's serving girl, Lorana, who is standing indecisively on the nearly empty wharf with a small paper bag in her hand.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Before they hoist anchor, Kestrell will bring some of his equipment topside and stand on the deck above the Navigation Room. Although he knows how to get out of the bay, he will check his compass, the wind, and take a few peeks through the telescope as the town fades away.
OOC:
Perception: 7
Nature: 21 to get an idea for the winds and how that will effect their route.
While talking to Virt, Vaken hears the commotion and gets whiff of the spices. "Excuse me sir, I believe some supplies I asked for have arrived." Vaken makes his way back up on deck and finds Daegrin. "Quarter master sir, is that my spices I smell on the breeze?"
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Ferris leans against the mast comfortably but pulls his coat tightly about him. The wind was picking up thanks to the upcoming weather that Ferris had seen. He idly looked down upon the crew and smirked at the large weapon master's warnings to whom he thought would be some of the warrior types aboard.
The small boats perplexed Ferris a little, if they were about to set sail in short order then why were some of the crew departing the boat? It could easily be explained of course had he been on decks but observing from such a height had a habit of rendering Ferris in 'No Context Theatre'. He continued to keep an eye on that situation regardless.
(Passive Perception: 14)
Kay leans from the rigging to hear the captain speak, then scrambles to the mainmast, where she prepares herself mentally for her next orders, aware that she may need to work doubly hard with the halflings in the infirmary. She pats the satchel at her waist. "Some mess we're in now, hey Rudd?" she says quietly, her shoulder-length mouse-brown hair matted with sweat. She looks down and makes note of the activity below, hoping she'll prove a fast study.
perception : 22
~♡~
Seeing Lorana standing on the wharf sets Kay's heart aflutter, and she clambers down the rigging hastily, running across the deck, dodging the other crew at work. She slows her pace as she strides down the gangplank, scratching the back of her head. She looks at Lorana, her orange eyes wide and apologetic, "Er... good mornin' Lorana. 'Pologies f...for not makin' our rendezvous... Thought it'd be best if... if'n I stayed with the ship, giv'n all the trouble of late." She looks at the ground and twists the tip of her boot against the dock.
persuasion : 15
~♡~
Dekket smiles and spits on his own hand before shaking Bosun's.
"Right away..." he says heading in the direction of the ballistae to look for Argrin.
He does linger a litlte bit thought when he sees the captain arriving and smiles with relieve when the capatin confirms his acceptance to the crew and the perspective to have dinner at Captain's quarters sounds good.
( Perception: 10 )
PbP Character: A few ;)
A'ro looks around moving and giving the necessary orders to his section of the ships crew and quickly trying to check the occasional knots. He smiles as the aromas hit his nose distracted for a second as the memories cross his head. It was almost time to set sail and as he took one last look at his crew he just moved towards the First Mate. He just looks at Estrue waving "I was wondering if you would want me to use some magic to gain speed leaving or later on today just to help us out."
OOC: Perception check 16 rolled in chat
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Having studied the sadly small sample of local sea charts and maps in the navigation room, Kestrell takes the compass, sextant and other tools atop the aftcastle to work on his readings. The chips log the navigator keeps ready to track speed once the ship gets underway. Kestrell is mildly concerned that the spyglass was not with the other tools in the kit, but then he notices the nearby First Mate raise the short, brass tube to her eye. The only other sailor currently on the aftcastle is the ever-menacing figure of Unne, who's huge meaty hands clasp and unclasp the brass-banded handles of the ship's wheel.
Familiar with Rumbottom's harbour, Kestrell makes a quick study of the currents and winds, and cross-referencing those with his estimation of the Shark's speed, maneuverability and her planned destination, quickly comes up with what he believes would be the most expedient heading to take the ship out beyond the bay. Glancing over the aftcastle's 3' high portside rail, the Shark's officer notices the brightly coloured sails and crew shirts of the Foamrunner even as that ship also makes preperations to sail.
The First Mate doesn't take her eyes from the harbour but mutters barely loud enough for Kestrell to hear, "Navigator, the Captain was given a couple of baskets for ye on his way back to the ship... courtesy of Gretta from The Mill. Said she apologised for not makin' delivery last night. Apparently there's somethin' in there for ye by way of apology."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Vaken is about to head up on deck to find the Quarter Master when he notices Daegrin through the partially open galley door. The tiny, weasel-faced halfling man looks up and adjusts his spectacles at being addressed, before saying,
"Ehh, what? Ohh, yes, yes of course your spices are aboard ship, Cook Vaken. Everything you requested, and then some, from what that odd Horgoth fellow said. Down in the hold it is, though I doubt you'd smell them up here unless some oaf has broken a crate or torn a sack open... which they'd better not have!
Might be you smelled all of the delicious pastries and such that the town's baker gave to the Captain. Said they'd been purchased by the Navigator, strangely enough. Must have a sweet tooth, ehh?"
The swaying lanterns here below deck cast warm, almost hypnotic patterns of shadow and light across the large, currently empty lower deck. Footfalls and shouts from above barely carry down here through the Shark's solid timbre and expert construction.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Hearing this, Kestrell smacks his forehead and thinks "Oh yeah!" Then runs over to check out the baskets.
With his sharp eyes and prominent vantage point, little goes on below that the watchful Ferris does not see. He spots the three ships officers atop the aftcastle preparing for departure; the Dwarven Bosun walking the maindeck issuing orders and admonishments for minor percieved lapses as he goes; a second dwarf, this one rotund almost to the point of roundess, stands atop the forecastle near the mangonel, pausing every now and again to yell something to sailors below who are making final checks on the ship's two ballistae.
In the ship's rigging, the veteran sailor spots an older man moving atop the mizzenmast with appreciable experience and purpose, while nearer the bow he sees a shirtless youth going about his work with the frantic pace of the young. Below the crows nest, Ferris makes out the form of the young, female sail monkey Kay that he spoke to and whom he'd heard whispers of amidst some of the crew, working with a singular determination to do the tasks of three... until two other forms climb up from below to assist. Kay drops out of sight as the lookout's attention shifts to the other two rigging rats - a svelte, leather clad woman who pauses to cast Ferris an appraising eye and a tall, tawny furred tabaxi with a strange net like contraption on her back who moves with natural ease across the spars and ropes.
Returning his attention to the longboats that had now reached the wharf, Ferris sees a number of sailors, including the gnome carpenter, carry some of the tools and materials from those boats along the pier and then back up onto the deck of the Shark. The lookout realises that these sailors must have either been finishing last minute repairs on the hull or, perhaps, making some final alteration. Nearly two score sailors can be seen moving below Ferris in an almost ant-like state of toil and preperation. Looking across from his new ship, Ferris sees a similar scene of building readiness on the twin mast, lanteen sailed Foamrunner. A thin, well dressed man in silks, satin and suede stands atop the neighbouring ship's forecastle. Doffing his wide-brimmed hat with a flourish, the man waves confidently in the Shore Shark's direction.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
With a smirk Ferris cups his hands and yels down to the decks, "Best be getting a move on if you want to beat that ship."
Having watched the more experienced Jart for a while from part way across the ship, Kay's efforts in the rigging are astute enough that she feels that she's done a passable job in the absence of the halfling twins. Still a little uncertain of what exactly is expected of her, the former street kid is relieved when the ever-bold Zaretta and another woman of unfamiliar appearance climb up from below. Morning sun shining from her baldpate, the leather clad islander climbs up and past Kay with only a grin and a sly wink, while the other sailor, who has yellow-tan splotched fur and a cat-like countenance pauses in her climb. With a nod towards the shapely behind ascending above them, the tall, long-limbed cat woman purrs at Kay,
"That one says you should go below, little one. Someone to see you, apparrrently."
Glancing down, Kay's breath catches in her throat when she thinks she spots a familiar thin, red-headed figure wrapped in a tattered shroud at the base of the foremast, but even as time seems to slow down around her for one infinite moment, a massive gust of wind tears through the ship's rigging, causing a nearby sail to block the waif's view. Almost as quickly, the wind pulls the sail back aside... and there is no sight of the mysterious figure that Kay thought she had seen. A single sliver of ice-coldness descends Kay's spine, sending goosebumps up along the young sailor's arms.
Scanning about for the familiar figure that she'd fleetingly glimpsed, Kay instead lays sight on a less imposing and far more welcoming figure. The previous moment of eery discomfort instantly forgotten, the lithe sail monkey all but drops from the rigging to hit the deck in sprint towards the starboard rail and gangplank.
Lorana's green eyes lift at Kay's approach, as the serving woman's hand that isn't holding a small brown paper bag reaches up to brush aside a stray yellow strand of hair. The petite half-elf smiles unreservedly at the sail monkey's murmured apology, but quickly interjects to say,
"It is a good mornin', Kay. Moreso now. And that's okay, about us not meetin' up last night, I mean. Though I would have loved to! Truth be told, Beril and I have been workin' doubly hard of late, tryin' to get enough coin to... well, you know. Besides, the thought of you getting chained up by Golm and the wardens still gives me nightmares and... I'd not want to EVER see that again.
I came to give you this. There's a fresh sandwhich in there for yourself and Vaken... and a little somethin' extra for the big fella. He was certainly owed it and you tell him that both Beril and I said so! And tell him to look out for himself out there, and... and I came to wish YOU luck on your voyage and your new life!"
With that the slightly older, slightly taller Lorana steps forward to push the paper bag into Kay's hands - hands that she holds tightly for several moments before stepping into the sail monkey for a long, fierce embrace that ends with a warm lingering kiss and a promising whisper... before the slightly teary eyed half-elf releases her hold and runs back along the wharf in the direction of the Pirate.
[OOC] Spoiler for Kay:
"It'll take us weeks to save what we need to leave. Be strong out there and I'll be here when you return, Kay. Don't you leave me waiting again!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
"Yes, Master of Sail... yes, I would. Captain's orders - we're to give the Shark her head and put everythin' we've got behind her. If you've got tricks to play, now's the time to play'em. Pass the word to your team topside - on the Captain's word, let out reefs and make full sail. We're looking to run before the wind!"
Stepping past Unne and the ship's wheel to look down on the deck below, the First Mate calls out in a strong, clear voice devoid of hesitation and demanding of obedience,
"Bosun - bring up the gangplank, raise anchor and prepare to cast off. Officers at the ready! All hands on deck and at station!"
The Bosun immediately shouts out in an equally loud and demanding voice,'
"You 'eard the First Mate. Get to it you motherless seal-pups! All hands on deck and at station. Senior Sailors - eyes up and at the ready! That peacock over there wants a race, and our Captain wants to win! And by the *****queen's barnacled arse, that means that we WILL win, understood!?!"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Kay almost falls backwards as Lorana leans into her for a kiss, Lorana's embrace keeping her from tipping off the pier. She watches Lorana run off and out of sight and remains frozen in place until Drannick's command startles her from her reverie. A broad smile affixed to her face, she practically skips up the gangplank yelling, "Vaken! Vaken?!! 've got a gift for ye, courtesy of the ladies from th'Pirate!" She takes her sandwich and tucks it into one of her many belt pouches, as she searches for her goliath friend.
~♡~
It takes Dekket a little while to find the right dwarf, bumping first into a continuously cursing, heavily tattooed dwarvish woman with a bulging muscles, before meeting a vest wearing arctic dwarf with a walrus tooth necklace and huge handlebar mustache who points Dekket in the direction of the forecastle upon which the tiefling deckhand finds an exceedingly rotund dwarf making adjustments on the mangonel with some kind of strange metal tool.
Looking up from his work at the approaching tiefling's enquiry, the obese dwarven engineer says, "Aye, I'm Argrin. Ye been assigned to me crew, 'ave ye? We'll, technically, it's Unne's crew, wat with him bein' Weapons Master an' all, but he's agreed to leave the maintenance and preperations of the Sharks arsenal to me... so maybe the big unit isn't as dumb as he seems, eh? Anyway, wat ye say yer name was?
Till we're out past the heads, ye can either stand 'ere with me or go man one of the ballistae with the others... take yer pick. Ohh, and if ye see the Ships Mage, Virt 'is name is, tell 'im I'd like a word."
Argrin goes back to making whatever adjustment he was making on the mangonel.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea