The Captain's Will (IC)

[Cuthalion]

The fate of the lands
And the doom of the earth
Has been placed
In your hands...

You have power,
Responsibility, and sense.
You shall use these to profit you,
And all the earth.

Do not err in judgement,
Though trials be fierce and dark,
For though the world grows dark and harsh,
You have for it's aid been sent.

From from the seas with wind whistling shrill,
To a comforting dock's berth,
You must obey and follow...
The Captain's Will.

You, the new recruits, are lined up on the ship, awaiting commands. A man with a purple scarf on his neck, yet otherwise simple sailor's garb, face scarred in many places, walks up onto the deck. He regards you with a cool eye.

You have been hired. You know the terms of the contract, and shall be expected to follow them. Any acts deemed transgression by the captain will earn, by royal order, five lashes. Any treachery, such as keeping treasure for yourself, is punishable by hanging. Understand this. I may be lenient on times, but the captain takes no cheek. You will address her as "Excellency", or get lashes.

His expression slides from stern to cheerful.

Let me introduce myself. I am the first mate aboard this ship, and you may call me "sir". Now, introduce yourselves. What are your names? Tell me two things about yourself. Do you have a pet? Something along those lines.

Link to the OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16036900#post16036900), where you can discuss things that are not in character. Hope you enjoy the ride.

[AdamSmasher]

Samuel stood at attention, his bow strapped over his shoulder. He was former Navy, he had heard this speech before. Everything revolved around lashes, lashes, lashes. These pig headed commanding officers were always too concerned with the perceived authority and respect they got from a bunch of men who hated their guts and frequently entertained the idea of throwing them overboard. Nevertheless, the Boss was the Boss. He payed the salary, he made the rules. Stay away from him and collect the dues. If he welched on the contract, hang him. Same as always.

"My name is Samuel Eckert. I'm the new lookout. I don't play cards for coin. I hate cats."

[Shepsquared]

Arkadi grinned, his special made suit easily fitting in among the various other sailors. He stood taller than most, his tail flicking restlessly as he looked at the others. His horn was mostly covered by his bandanna, but it was difficult to mistake the cutlass at his waist or the hummingbird that flittered around him for anything normal.

"I'm Arkadi, deckhand and rigger. Former street thief, former prisoner, former escape specialist, former merc and current whatever we are. Ask me now questions, I'll tell you no lies."

[hoverfrog]

Isaac Malumsuas

Isaac stood to attention. He was wearing a loose chain shirt over neat grey woollens and leather. Pale with dark, red hair and grey eyes like the still ocean he seemed to exude an aura of sadness. "Sir, good morning, Sir," he spoke crisply with a deep voice, "I am Isaac Malumsuas, scholar and merchant of the sea. If you need supplies or goods sold on land then I'm your man." He had decided to keep his skills with binding vestiges a secret for now but hinting at his magical abilities was necessary, "I have some minor magical talents that will aid the smooth running of the ship though I have a preference for working alone. My abilities are somewhat distracting. I cannot abide rats."

[Cuthalion]

The first mate looks around.
Weeelll, it doesn't seem like our other recruit it here yet. We'll have to talk to her about that. Anyway, bring your stuff down to the bunks, you have a locker, and the clerk'll assign it to you.
He gestures to the hobbit clerk, who's wearing a cap with a feater on it and a short cape.
Come with me.
He leads you down a flight of stairs and into a rather small room, considering the fact that twenty bunk beds are crammed in there.
You're on... let me see... He consults his notepad. Malumsuas- 17a! Arkadi- 2b! And- oh boy- Eckert, you get 20c. He points at the cot strapped to the top of the smallest bunkbed, at the very end. I pity you. Anyway, just dump your stuff there, make yourself feel at home, and then come up on deck. The captain would like to have a word with you.

[hoverfrog]

Isaac Malumsuas

Isaac took note of his bunk, 17a, bottom bunk. "Great, closer to the water." Everything he owned was in his haversack. It didn't take up much room so he kept it on, along with his armour and weapons.

After scanning the room he turned around and following the small man back on deck, "Isaac Malumsuas, reporting for duty, Sir" Until he knew what his duties were he wasn't planning on binding any vestiges to him. It would only take a minute and he thought he could slip away to the head or the bilge deck and not be missed for that long.

[AdamSmasher]

Samuel followed them down to the bunkroom. He wasn't happy about his cot, but he didn't say anything. He was almost eight inches taller than the allotted space, and weighed enough that he might just fall through and crush the man under him. He'd trade for a better one with one of the other crew members.

He spent a moment checking the bedding for fleas, finding several, and laid his sack, bound tight, on the center. He kept whatever he could on his person, but things like his bedroll, tarp, and winter clothes would stay here for now. He'd also need to carry a few packs of arrows up to the crows' nest later.

With nothing else to do, he returned to the deck. "Samuel Eckert reporting, sir."

[Shepsquared]

Arkadi raised an eyebrow at his bunk, before shrigging and returning to the deck.
"Arkadi Marruk, ready for duty."

[Cuthalion]

The first mate glares at you. Well, you took your sweet time. Anyway, the captain's waiting for you, just file into the cabin over there. He sighs. Oh, and remember. Don't. Cheek. Alex. I mean, the captain.

You arrive in the cabin, which is by all signs devoid of life. After a bit, you see signs of movement from the large, cozy hammock in the corner, and a slight female form appears out of its voluptuous depths. The captain has rather short-trimmed jet-black hair, with one pink streak on the left side. She is fairly young, and in very good shape, obviously having worked aboard the ship a good deal. A short black leather jacket is thrown over a white work shirt, with white trousers, emblazoned over the right pocket with the sign of two crossed feathers. No shoes grace her dainty but well-calloused feet. The captain looks at you slightly dazedly.
You're the new recruits? Welcome aboard.

[AdamSmasher]

The captain was a woman? He didn't sign up for this. And he was expected to hold his tongue and call her Excellency? To hell with lashes, he'd be lucky if he wasn't shot. Having a woman aboard was bad luck enough. Having one lead was insanity. There was a reason women weren't allowed in the Navy: they weren't cut out for this type of work. The Sea did strange things to their innards, he was pretty sure.

He needed to take a moment to collect his thoughts and pre-plan his words. "Samuel Eckert reporting, your excellency."

[hoverfrog]

Isaac Malumsuas

Isaac stood to attention without expression, "Thank you, Excellency." They'd receive orders soon enough and it was probably best if he didn't say anything to cause trouble. Eckert had the right idea, "Isaac Malumsuas reporting."

[Shepsquared]

Arkadi grinned upon seeing the reactions of the others to their captain. 'This will certainly be interesting.' he mused before speaking. "Arkadi Marruk, at your service ma'am."

[Cuthalion]

She glances around. Hrmph. Where's the other recruit? She was supposed to be here by now. We'll have to find another. Now, have any of you sailed before?

[AdamSmasher]

Samuel saluted. "Four years Navy, two years private contract, Excellency." And a grand total of fifteen minutes aboard a ship captained by a woman.

[hoverfrog]

"Two years with the Royal Navy as a marine, Excellency and the same in mercenary work aboard ships since then," Isaac knew that the job of a fighting man was hardly the work of a sailor but it was better experience than none at all.

[Shepsquared]

"Nope, no experience whatso-ever." Arkadi responded with a grin. "But I can do all sorts of other things, and I'm a quick learner."

[Cuthalion]

Where did you two work before? She glances at Arkadi. For now, you'll be the cook's assistant. Report to him. You can get the clerk to tell you where the kitchens are, and to answer any questions you may have whatsoever. He can even show you the ropes. They're in the hold.

[Shepsquared]

"Can do Captain" Arkadi responded, happily leaving the room and heading to the hold. "There a clerk in here? Because I'm supposed to be the new kitchen assistant."

[hoverfrog]

"Royal Navy, Excellency, a ship called the Princess Mishaan. I spent most of my time aboard waiting to get close to an enemy vessel. After I was mustered out I joined the Kilgarm Reavers, a mercenary group under Colonel Simeon Kilgarm. We were attached to Admiral Lord Belfront sweeping the Gurkish Sound for ships. After the Battle of Penkru, where I had the honour to serve with Captain Smythers the Gallant, the Reavers were disbanded and that brings me to here." Isaac watches the new ship's assistant go and wonders if the food he cooks will turn out to be at all edible. As a self confessed former thief he expects that there will soon be some scams involving the kitchen. The best food will go to those involved in them.

I'm making up these names and places. If you want me to replace them with the world background please let me know. If not feel free to steal them for later. How much of this game is sandbox anyway?

[AdamSmasher]

"Two years aboard the HRF White Dog and two years aboard the HRF Red Hawk, Excellency, then two years working for the Southern Coffee Corporation guarding their ships."

[Cuthalion]

She glares at the wall behind you. I meant to ask you where you worked on the ships. Anywhere specific you'd like to work or have special capabilities at?

Arkadi, muttering to himself as he walks down onto the deck, almost trips over a chicken, which squawks in dismay and flaps off to a more secluded area. Recovering his balance, he's accosted by the hobbit who he saw earlier. I happened to overhear that you are looking for the clerk? That would be me. If you are trying to find the cook, he is in the galley. The door is opposite the bunks.

[hoverfrog]

"Apologies Excellency, I misunderstood," Isaac wiped his eye that had started to run and cleared his throat, "I was quartermaster's assistant for a time, I worked the bilge pumps, I was a deck hand. Between fighting a mercenary soldier turns his hand to whatever tasks need doing." Beggars couldn't be choosers after all.

[AdamSmasher]

"Crows' Nest, Excellency. Sharp Eyes, tolerance for boredom, good vantage point for cover fire."

[Cuthalion]

Sighing, the captain settles herself back in the hammock. Well, you're in the crow's nest on lookout, then. If you want, you can go up and make friends with the sailor who's up there. He has plenty of experience and can probably tell good stories. You two are both on watch between four and eight in the evening. Alex nods at Isaac. Marmusas, is it? You can start by reporting to the first mate.

NOW GET OUT! I need rest here!

[Shepsquared]

"Thanks. I'll head over there then. I'm the cook's assistant now, apparently." Arkadi says, heading through the door and into the kitchen.
"Hello? Who's the head cook here?"

[hoverfrog]

"Yes, Excellency" Not that there was anything else to say. Isaac turned on his heel and exited the cabin promptly. He wiped his eyes and looked around for the first mate.

[Cuthalion]

The first mate is standing on the deck about halfway down the ship, muttering to himself as he looks at the sails.

---

Arkadi, as you enter the kitchen, a gnome glares at you from where he's peeling cucumbers on the other end of the room. I'm cook! What looking for?

[hoverfrog]

Isaac marched smartly up to the first mate and saluted, "The captain sent me to report to you, sir. I have watch duty between four and eight in the evening. Where should I work, sir?"

[AdamSmasher]

"Yes, Excellency." Samuel turned and exited the cabin at full speed. Before heading to the crows' nest, he stopped by his bunk to grab a few extra bundles of arrows. He would leave those in the nest for emergencies.

When he got to the mast, he grabbed a hold of the knotted rope and pulled himself up to the top. Seeing the other sailor there waiting, he nodded his head. "I'm Samuel. New Recruit. Got the four to eight shift."

[Cuthalion]

The sailor, a good-looking chap with black hair and a black jacket looks at you sadly, and drawls: You're a new recruit? Well, hello. Did you sign up to be here or did the captain send you up here?

---

He turns and looks at you with a blank look in his eyes. What should I call you, young chap? As for helping out, could you grab a stack of rope from the back of the kitchen? You can find it over there. He waves vaguely at the bunkroom. And while you're at it, ask Cookie for an apple. Come to think of it, if you really want, you can ask him for two, so you can have one too.

[AdamSmasher]

Samuel really hoped this guy wasn't a talker. Maybe he'd get to take his shifts alone once they were sure he knew the ropes. "Volunteered. It was my old post in the Navy."

[hoverfrog]

"Rope and apples, right away." Isaac heads to the galley to collect the items. On the way he wonders where he'll get the opportunity to find a moment alone. Summoning and binding a vestige was often difficult but more importantly he didn't want the crew to witness the process.

[Cuthalion]

In the galley, Arkadi is standing near the door and watching the cook peel cucumber with a vengeance. Cookie spins around and glares at you. What is now?!

---

Hm. He keeps staring at the horizon.

[AdamSmasher]

Perfect. He stepped in to the nest, laid his two bundles of arrows down, and turned to face the other direction. He might have even smiled.

[Cuthalion]

Nuthin' to stare at over there. Not at sea, though, so do whatever.

[hoverfrog]

"The first mate sent me for apples and rope. " Isaac wiped his eyes and stared at the cook.

[Cuthalion]

Rope back there-he jabs at the far corner with his knife-Apples hang basket over head-and points above where you're standing.

[hoverfrog]

"You're most kind," Isaac grabs some apples and heads back to collect the rope. When he reaches the rope store he looks around. If the room is private he finds a corner and pours out some water from his flask and begins the ritual to summon and bind Focalor.

The symbol takes a minute to draw out on the planks of the deck but slowly a single tear drops from the air and strikes the ground. Moments later a pair of weeping eyes appear followed by the form of a handsome human male. His face is twisted by grief and his naked body is cloaked in massive feathery wings. They shudder with each sob from the angelic being but Isaac draws the vestige into him, attempting to control the emotions and physical changes that come with it.

Binding check [roll0] DC20 for Focalor.

Oh dear. A bad pact. This will be fun.

Emerging from the rope room Isaac feels overwhelmed with sorrow. An aura of sadness literally extends to anyone nearby. Wiping his eyes again he takes a breath and rushes through the galley with his burden of rope. On deck he hands the apple to the first mate and steps back waiting orders. He doesn't trust himself to speak, knowing that his voice will certainly crack.

[Shepsquared]

"Work." Arkadi responds."Captain sent me to be your assistant."

[Cuthalion]

"You're most kind," Isaac grabs some apples and heads back to collect the rope. When he reaches the rope store he looks around. If the room is private he finds a corner and pours out some water from his flask and begins the ritual to summon and bind Focalor.

The symbol takes a minute to draw out on the planks of the deck but slowly a single tear drops from the air and strikes the ground. Moments later a pair of weeping eyes appear followed by the form of a handsome human male. His face is twisted by grief and his naked body is cloaked in massive feathery wings. They shudder with each sob from the angelic being but Isaac draws the vestige into him, attempting to control the emotions and physical changes that come with it.

Binding check [roll0] DC20 for Focalor.

Oh dear. A bad pact. This will be fun.


Emerging from the rope room Isaac feels overwhelmed with sorrow. An aura of sadness literally extends to anyone nearby. Wiping his eyes again he takes a breath and rushes through the galley with his burden of rope. On deck he hands the apple to the first mate and steps back waiting orders. He doesn't trust himself to speak, knowing that his voice will certainly crack.
Not familiar with Binder. What the just happened there?

What is with you? I'm... feeling... odd. Thanks for the apple, though. He gives it a sideways glance before he bites into it.

"Work." Arkadi responds."Captain sent me to be your assistant."
Ah. Who you? He tosses a bag of potatoes at you and flicks a knife past your head into the planks behind you.

[hoverfrog]

"I-I'm feeling a little...off. Do you have any duties where I could work alone?" He dabs at the tears falling from his eyes and looks out over the ocean. Such a lonely sea, so desolate and empty.

[Cuthalion]

"I-I'm feeling a little...off. Do you have any duties where I could work alone?" He dabs at the tears falling from his eyes and looks out over the ocean. Such a lonely sea, so desolate and empty.

Well, s-sure. There's the.. changing sheets. He wipes his eyes. In the bunk. Closet's on the r-right.

[hoverfrog]

Isaac mopes off to perform his duties, trying to stay away from the other crew. Every face he sees reminds him of someone left behind. Focalor's anguish keeps emerging, bringing a fresh wave of sobs to him.

[Cuthalion]

In a cabinet next to Bunk 13, he finds a cabinet. Crammed disorderly into it are wrinkled, stained pieces of cloth that seem to be destined for a life of crumpled loneliness in the closet, alternated by harsh treatment on the beds. And by the looks of it, some were used for... other things.

[DigoDragon]

Rava steps forward onto the deck. He sniffs the air around him, though he's not sure what he's sniffing for exactly. At least... not yet. He approaches the nearest crew member for directions.

"Excuse me, I've been hired on as a healer for this ship. Could you point me in the right direction of who I should report to?"

[Cuthalion]

The short, blond elf with the turban sizes him up. Well, the Duchess, that is, our Cap'n, she's over in tha cabin. Ya might want to go talk to tha first mate. He's over thar... moping?

[DigoDragon]

"Thank you," Rava says before he turns toward the first mate. The scruffy cleric walks over to the man moping the deck, trying to avoid the area still freshly cleaned.

"Excuse me," Rave begins, "I have been hired on for this journey, and as such a journey will no doubt soon commence, I am reporting for duty. My services as a healer, giver of blessings, and warm body for manual ship labor are at your disposal."

[Cuthalion]

Moping

verb
gerund or present participle: moping
1.
be dejected and apathetic.
"no use moping—things could be worse"
synonyms: brood, sulk, be miserable, be despondent, pine, eat one's heart out, fret, grieve;

Mopping
mop
mäp/Submit
verb
gerund or present participle: mopping
1.
clean or soak up (something) by wiping.
"he was mopping his plate with a piece of bread"
synonyms: wash, clean, wipe, swab

The first mate spins around and looks at you. There you are; you're late. Do you have any maritime experience?

[DigoDragon]

The first mate spins around and looks at you. There you are; you're late. Do you have any maritime experience?

(D'oh! What's funny was that I originally thought to do a moping/mopping joke. Wish I did, I would have caught that mistake!)

"I've had many a merry time on several experiences," Rava replies with a smile. "But yes, I have scrubbed decks and tied more than a few knots over the last six months. My skills are admittedly basic, but a healer's hands are never idle."

[Cuthalion]

Healer, eh? Well, why don't you go ask the clerk first where your bunk is and then what you should do.

[DigoDragon]

"Alright, I'll do just that," Rava replies. "Which way is the clerk? Downstairs perhaps?" He tries to anticipate the direction and inches along the deck.

[Cuthalion]

He glances about. It would seem so. You could check the bunkroom or the kitchen, but he's probably in the study.

[DigoDragon]

Rava nods and turns for the bunkroom. He doesn't bother to hide that look of 'I'm new here and slightly lost' from his face as he walks in. "I am looking for the clerk, if he be here," the healer states. "I will need a bunk assignment and thought to try the most obvious place first."

[Cuthalion]

There is only one person inside the room, who's bending over and pulling somewhat mangled sheets out of a small cabinet on one side of the room. Might he be the clerk?

[hoverfrog]

Listen check [roll0]
"Sniff," Isaac looks up as someone enters the store room. Tears streak his face and leave tracks in the dust that has accumulated there from his sorting. He quickly wipes his eyes with an old sheet, "Who are you? What do you want?" A wave of sorrow emanates from him as he steps closer.

You emit an aura of depression and anguish that overtakes even the strongest-willed creatures. Every adjacent creature is overcome with grief, which manifests as a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks, for as long as it remains adjacent to you.

[DigoDragon]

"Ah, well... Rava Samedi," he answers in a softer tone. He clears his throat awkwardly, sobering his usual upbeat mood. "I've been hired on as the ship's healer. Sorry, just... wanted to get my bunk assignment."

[hoverfrog]

"You...you need to find the clerk. He was on deck about a half hour ago. Short fellow, a halfling, wearing a cap with a feather in." Isaac tries to smile but it come out as a kind of grimace, "Excuse me, I have to sort these sheets."

[DigoDragon]

Rava nods. "Right, I'll um... I'll go look. Sorry to have bothered you." He leaves the room and searches for the study next, keeping the description of the clerk in mind. He starts to feel confident again and feels he will have better luck here.

[Cuthalion]

As you walk out of the room you hear some shouting coming from the door on the opposite wall. coming down the hall, and opening the study door, you see that the clerk is there.

He spins around. Oh, you are the new recruit? Welcome.

[DigoDragon]

Rava bows slightly. "Thank you. I hope I'm not interrupting your lung exercises. I've met a few members of the crew and this seems like quite the busy ship."

[Cuthalion]

Oh no, that was not me. I think it is likely that the cook, well, lost his head again. I cannot think why, as I have ordered the crew not to disturb him in the mornings.

[DigoDragon]

"Ah, well if he happens to lose his head again, I'll be happy to help him find it in the afternoon," Rava says thoughtfully. "But I digress. I believe I should be assigned a bunk and put to work?"

[Cuthalion]

That will do. He points up the hall out of the door. The bunkroom is on your right, first door. Then report to the first mate.

[DigoDragon]

"Thank you," Rava says. He heads over to the bunk room and locates an empty bed to drop is items.

[Cuthalion]

The clerk sits back down and picks up a sheet of paper.

Oh da-

He leaps up and runs after you. I must have misunderstood you, he splutters. Your bunk is the one over there. He points over to Samuel's bunk - 20b. The one you put your stuff on is... Tom's. Tom does not appreciate that sort of thing.

[DigoDragon]

"Oh okay then," he says as he move over to the correct bunk. "Wouldn't want to cause a fuss. Alright, then all that is left is to find a work assignment."

[Cuthalion]

He walks over to another cupboard and pulls out a few things. Take care of this mop, they do not grow on trees. Do not dent this bucket. And if I catch you messing around with this soap, it is over the edge for you. The fastest way to the hold is down the ladder in the far corner of the kitchen, and water can be found in the ocean. He sighs. If you need me I will be back in the office, doing... paperwork.

As he walks out the door, the first mate sounds a horn, and the sailors aboard the deck cast off the ropes securing the ship. The sail is unfurled with a snap, and the ship lurches out of the harbor.

[hoverfrog]

As the ship lurches into motion Isaac wobbles slightly. He leaves his sorting for later and climbs up to the desk to watch the port disappear behind them. "It's good to be back at sea." His eyes almost stop watering and there's a ghost of a smile on his face. In moments his features crumple into sorrow again. He leaves the crew to their work to return back to the small storage area until he's called again.

[DigoDragon]

Rava makes his way back up to the deck with the bucket to fetch some water. He pays a little extra attention to holding rungs and rails as the ship is now in motion.

[Cuthalion]

Rava makes his way back up to the deck with the bucket to fetch some water. He pays a little extra attention to holding rungs and rails as the ship is now in motion.

A gust of icy wind blows across the deck, and up ahead of the ship is a sailboat that seems to be having much difficulty coming back in to the port. Several men are running around and look like they're trying to do something to the sail. The wind carries shouts towards you, and sends a chicken skidding across the deck.

Suddenly there is a loud thud, and the ship trembles powerfully.

Roll Balance checks, Rava and Isaac.

[hoverfrog]

Balance [roll0]
Isaac staggers as the ship is struck, perhaps this was the end and the sea would take him?

[DigoDragon]

Sorry I'm late to the party. Long story.

Balanace check: [roll0]


Rava flails a bit trying to keep balance from the sudden lurch.

[Cuthalion]

You both reach the deck safely, just as the captain bursts out of her cabin.

You! Mongooselus or whatever it was! Get down to the hold and check for leaks. The rest of you, stay ready for any action.

When you get into the hold, there do not appear to be any holes in the side of the ship. The crates seem to be knocked about a bit, and a barrel of water was knocked open.

[hoverfrog]

"Yes, captain." Isaac heads below deck as commanded muttering to himself, "Mongooselus, that'll stick. I'll have the whole crew calling me mongoose by day's end and putting snake bits in my food." He hauls the water barrel back upright and rushes back on deck.

"No obvious damage, captain. Some crate have fallen. I should strap them down."

[Cuthalion]

That's... good, I suppose. Does anyone know what struck us?