Shards of the West IC

[Wordplay]

Ioanis Secundis was a strong and healthy man when he departed Iver for the land of Soloma. King Taris I, self-styled rightful king of Iver, appointed Secundis his ambassador to that far off land. Only a few months later Secundis died at the age of 33 in the land of Soloma - apparently of apoplexy of the heart. King Taris sent a mission by sea, led by his trusted friend, Baron Isenvar Tarekkis. Their task, to install a new ambassador, Oreas Thurgood, and to return Secundis' body to the land of his forefathers.

After arriving in Soloma, the members of the mission were well treated, met with honours according their status, and invited to several feasts to welcome the new ambassador. In due course, it was time for departure. Some of the mission stayed behind to assist the new ambassador, whilst many of those who had left with Secundis prepared to return home with his body. After fond farewells were said, the company departed Soloma in their vessel - Winter's Fortune to begin the return to Iver.


That was seven days ago.


A number of travellers boarded the ship in Soloma, paying exorbitant sums of gold for the privilege. Who knows what desperation drove them? The crew and passengers were joined by a strange elf traveller from distant lands, a bard, down on his luck, a merchant, making a hasty departure amid ugly rumours, and a young student of magic, far from home. Ships making passage between Soloma and Iver - and it was likely that Winter's Fortune would be the last of the year.

The voyage has been dogged by misfortune. It began with everyone on edge: in Soloma there was a rumour that the feared Begalan pirate, Harrun 'Bloodgrin', had been sighted in local. Shortly after putting to sea, the usual trade winds have shifted, blowing offshore. This has slowed the passage. Dark clouds began to gather, signalling the onset of the winter storms...

There have been a spate of thefts on the ship. Food has been going missing. On a recent night's watch, one of the crew thinks that they say a dark figure aboard the ship, when none of the crew of passengers were about. The roughening weather has made many of the passengers seasick.

Meanwhile, the grim cargo sits secure in the hold: the large, ornate sarcophagus bearing the embalmed body of Ioannis Secundis.

[Wordplay]

For Deron
A crash of lightning lights up a stormy sky, the sound of battle ring out as weapons clash against armour. A blur of bodies - injured and dying, hands stretched out for help. A red flag flutters above a burning ship. Water covers Deron's face - he struggles to reach towards the light as the weight of his armour drags him down...

Deron wakes with a start, breathing heavily, covered in a cold sweat. Deron finds himself in his cabin, aboard the Winter's Fortune. The room is narrow - not much more than a narrow bunk and a sea chest. It's illuminated by a single lantern.

The smell of breakfast wafts in from the galley. Smells like salt pork again.

On the Deck
For Jego
Boarding the ship as a stowaway, you found a quiet hiding place - when the cargo hold was converted the shipwrights left a small nook. Jego holed up there - sneaking out at night to raid the store cupboard for a little food and water to sustain him.

Last night, one of the crew on watch caught sight of Jego. Unable to reach his hiding place, Jego managed to dodge out of sight, and hide in the sail locker... it's not bad for a temporary hiding place. Jego is bundled under a heavy canvas sail. It's stiflingly hot. The smell of breakfast cooking wafts up from the galley, sharpening Jego's hunger. You can hear the sound of the crew talking on deck. Surely it's only a matter of time before they find you.

For Johan
As dawn broke, the sailors set the sails - a hard, laborious job. The sails set, Johan works coiling lines. Captain Taro himself has the helm, and he stares, broodingly ahead at the horizon.

Working as a deckhand has been tough. At first Johan got under the sailors' feet, but gradually he learned what was expected of him, and began to fit in with the crew. Captain Taro middle aged - tough and grizzled, with a weather beaten hatchet face, and receding grey hair. The man is stern, and rarely utters praise - but fair. Johan's learned to recognise the small signs of approval the man gives for a job well done. Lately the Captain's taking Johan further into his confidence...

'Jeremiah Riggs is a simpleton, but he's no fool, and he's no drunk'.

Last night Riggs reported seeing a shadowy figure on deck - not one of the crew or passengers.

'Alseif. When you're finished with that, search the ship. The passengers will all be at breakfast. It's the perfect time. See if you can't find our stowaway'.

In the Galley

For Marrady
Since leaving Soloma, Marrady has been cooking three meals a day for the whole crew and passengers. Marrady's not a bad cook, but there's only so much a body can do with salt pork.

Still, with all the trouble making passage, the passengers are almost always keen to be entertained, to hear a song , or to be told of exotic places, or engaging stories.

The passengers consist of a debonair merchant, who boarded the ship in far too much of a hurry, a brooding paladin, champion of some obscure god, Baron Isenvar Takkis, a gim bearded man, with long dark hair and a solemn mannner, an elven woman on some sort of religious pilgrimage, the Squire Beleras, an earnest young man, Heumwell Caralnyin, a young mage returning home, Isembard Aegrifio, a former attache at the embassy, Martius Gellad, a gnomish man, friend of Ioanis Secundis and... Lady De Marellet-Tercius of Talleymaine, and her retinue. A plump human widow, she's had eyes only for Marrady since he boarded the ship.

There are also three guards, a tall blond half-elf with a winning smile, and easy charm, a burly dark haired human, and a hideously deformed dwarf, with a badly burned face, wearing a strange assortment of battered iron work.

Make a profession (cook) check please.

Many of the passengers are gathered before the morning meal.

For Taarie
Taarie is in the galley, ready for what breakfast the plump ship's cook will serve up. The food has been dismal - but perhaps there's only so much you can do with salt pork. It's a narrow room, lit by lanterns, and some light from a grating. There are narrow wooden benches and table.

The passengers consist of a debonair merchant by the name of Sigge, who boarded the ship in far too much of a hurry, a brooding paladin, champion of some obscure god, Baron Isenvar Takkis, a gim bearded man, with long dark hair and a sober mannner, the Squire Beleras, an earnest young man, a young mage returning home, a former attache at the embassy, Martius Gellad, a gnomish man, friend of Ioanis Secundis and... a rich widow and her retinue.

There are also three guards; Darius Fletch, a tall blond half-elf with a winning smile, and easy charm, a burly dark haired human, and Fardwar, a hideously deformed dwarf, with a badly burned face, wearing a strange assortment of battered iron work.

So far, only the mage, Sigge, Baron Takkis, Darius Fletch and Fadwar are assembled for breakfast.

For Fadwar
It's been a tough journey. There are two other guards still on the ship. The first is Darius Fletch, a tall blond Half-Elf, who rather fancies himself. That said, the man seems to know how to handle himself in a fight, and he's always happy to have a chat with Fadwar. The second is Merok Rav. A tough, burly human, who seems to have some combat experience. Merok has a grim sense of humour, but he's sometimes willing to share his rum with Fadwar.

The passengers consist of a penniless merchant, who boarded the ship under a cloud, a paladin by the name of Deron, who spends much of his time in prayer, Baron Isenvar Takkis, a gim bearded man, with long dark hair and a solemn mannner. Takkis is the one paying the guards' purses for the journey. There's an elven woman by the name of Taarie on some sort of religious pilgrimage, the Squire Beleras, an earnest young man, Heumwell Caralnyin, a young mage returning home, Isembard Aegrifio, a former attache at the embassy, Martius Gellad, a gnomish man, friend of Ioanis Secundis and Lady De Marellet-Tercius of Talleymaine, and her retinue. A plump human widow, she's been flirting with the ship's fat cook ever since he boarded the ship.

Fadwar's in the galley, ready for breakfast - smells like salt pork and lots of it. Apart from Fadwar only Taarie, Heumwell, the merchant, Darius and Baron Takkis are in the galley.

For Heumwell
When Heumwell boarded the ship, he found a scroll stuffed into his magic book. Attached was a note. It read 'Dear Heumwell - see if you can figure this out - a present from all your friends from Soloma. Despite casting Read Magic on it, Heumwell hasn't been able to work out what the scroll says or does...

The atmosphere on the ship seems tense. The passengers consist of a merchant called Sigge, who boarded the ship in Soloma, a brooding paladin named Deron, Baron Isenvar Takkis, a gim bearded man, with long dark hair and a solemn mannner, an elven woman on some sort of religious pilgrimage, an earnest Squire of some sort, various embassy staff, and Lady De Marellet-Tercius of Talleymaine, and her retinue - a plump, flirtatious, human widow.

There are also some guards, guarding the nobles.

Last night Heumwell wrestled with the mystery of the scroll, and the heaving of the ship. He slept fitfully, and has arrived at breakfast early. So far only the elven woman, two of the guards, Sigge and Baron Takkis are gathered. Smells like salt pork for breakfast again.

For Sigge
The crew are jittery. The dark figure sighted last night bothered many of them, but the Captain is a sensible, no nonsense sort of man.

The passengers consist of a paladin, named Deron Broadshield, Baron Isenvar Takkis, a gim bearded man, with long dark hair and a solemn mannner, Taarie Seleth, an elven woman on some sort of religious pilgrimage, the Squire Beleras, an earnest young man, Heumwell Caralnyin, a young mage returning home, Isembard Aegrifio, a former attache at the embassy, Martius Gellad, a gnomish man, friend of Ioanis Secundis and Lady De Marellet-Tercius of Talleymaine, and her retinue. The Lady is an amorous widow, with an eye on the ship's cook - a man named Farady, who's a much better singer than he is a cook.

There are also three guards, Fadwar Fardmek, a hideous dwarf who wears various pieces of ironwork, Darius Fletch, a handsome Half-Elf, and Merok - a tall human, and a bit of a shady character.

Sigge has turned up at the galley early for breakfast. The room is narrow, lit only by three small lanterns, and some light from a grating. There are long wooden benches and table. The smell of salt pork cooking wafts through. So far Taarie, Heumwell, Farady, Darius, and Baron Takkis are in the galley.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Aye, sir!" Johan replied briskly, the sound of his voice ringing across the deck. It wasn't his intention to be so loud, but his deep voice naturally boomed like that.

"But I don't care much for chasing shadows." Johan added as he finished coiling the last rope, softer this time, though it took some effort for him to muffle his voice. In truth though, Johan was eager to chase this "stow-away", he hadn't had something to track in weeks. What he really meant was that he didn't look forward to searching the cramped ship.

Johan was a giant of a man, with orc blood in his veins, although you could never tell at first glance. His large frame made it difficult to move about the tighter spaces of the Winter's Fortune where the sneak was most likely hiding. Plus, he didn't want to be scuffling around the lower decks when he could be relaxing up top with the wind flowing through his bushy, black beard.

"I suppose I'll get going. I'll root out the sneaky rat, just give me the morning and I'll do it! And then maybe a pint afterwards ... Or two, or perhaps three ...." Johan's sentence trailed off as he headed for the lowers decks. It would almost be breakfast time, which meant most, if not all, of the passengers would be gathering in the galley. Just another cramped space to navigate. I guess I'd better search the passenger quarters since they'll be stuffin' their mouths. He thought as he approached the stairs to the galley. He gave one short wave to Captain Taro as a sign of assurance, then headed below.

[Nibbsy]

"Alrighty, dear patrons!" Marrady spun to the desk, behind which were many hungry, ill tempered ship hands. "I have heard your complaints, and I have been working on getting some more variety into your meals. So I am happy to present to you; Pork pies, pork chops, sausage rolls, ham sandwiches, bacon and eggs, or for our more adventurous food lovers- Pork suprise."

Marrady always smiled. He had to. Some psychological block in his smothered mind prevented it. So as he placed onto the counter a wide array of what seemed to be the two dozen copies of the same slab of pig meat that everyone had been eating three times a day, he couldn't help but continue smiling proudly, as if he had actully done something right.
"Unfortunately we ran out of eggs, and therefore dough, four days ago."

You could almost hear the cymbals clashing as the punchline was delivered. With that, Marrady returned to his job, chucking slabs of salted meat onto peoples plates. The many grizzled, ill tempered seamen simultaneously, reluctantly decided not to use Marrady as bait to catch their next meal, and the breakfast line continued.

"Howdy, Taarie!" Marrady had made an effort to learn the named of every passenger aboard the ship, "Hope you like pork! How's the trip treating you?"Marrady smiled politely at the wizard first in line, forking him over a serving of bacon and eggs without eggs,.

[bross]

Sigge eats slowly not thinking about the taste of the food trying not to look at Baron Takkis and his retune to closely before looking looking back the food and glaring at the food before pushing it away slightly before pushing it away slightly "why did it have to be fall on a boat... " he mutters

[Nyarlthotep]

Taarie nodded at the chef as she responded briefly with only a "Good morning", not answering either of his questions. In her whole time aboard the ship, she hadn't said much more than brief greetings and short responses.

Taking the plate presented, she nodded again and went to sit at a table, across from where the wizard normally sat, who seemed to be the only person she had taken much interest in while aboard, speaking almost twice as much to him - Almost the same amount as a normal passenger might speak, but still not quite.

[Nibbsy]

Marrady gives Taarie a wave as she leaves, continuing to serve up yet more ever-loving pork as patrons pass by. He greets each one, making light, one sided conversation ranging from "Hey, how are you?" to "You get the medic to check out that rash? Could be scurvy. Can you get scury there?"

[Techmagss]

The paladin clutches his head, groaning. He'd had dreams much like that before, but not of that caliber, and the fact that he was on a boat was even more disturbing...
No. Don't let silly nightmares cloud one's vision.
Deron heaves himself up from the bed, murmuring a short prayer before getting himself dressed into normal clothing that he had packed in his sea chest and attempts to recall what people are on the ship.

[Scotty88]

"Well, well Jego you got greedy. They surely know that you're here on the ship now."

Jego thinks to himself as he sits in his hiding spot. He didn't to get much rest due to his new hiding spot. The spot he had wasn't the best but at least wasn't so hot... or so cramping. The smells of breakfast being made wasn't helping his hunger situation. He had to drop his stash to avoid being caught. His time as slave taught him that being sleepy and hungry is a good way do die fast. With no other options and his stomach starting to feel like its eating itself. Jego decides to take a gamble listening and looking out for guards

Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

[Omerta]

Ugh. More salt ham. I swear I will never eat pig again after this. "Quite splendidly, good chef! When we arrive back in the real world, you should consider cooking for the nobility. This is the finest dining I have had in... " Heumwell tries to remember how long he has been on this godsforsaken boat, and fails miserably. "At least a week!" Heumwell's smile exactly matches that of his portly server.

After making fun of the poor food (surely no fault of the cook's that there is only pork), Heumwell meanders back towards his customary seat. Shortly thereafter his... friend? Associate? How does one classify someone you have only known a week and mostly make polite conversation with? Taarie sat down across from him.

Heumwell does an awkward small head nod and equally small wave, while trying to not make a face at the continued taste of oversalted salty meat.

[Hattish Thing]

Fadwar had been sleeping quite well, despite his dislike of the sea. However it was good work, this guard business. Not pleasant work, no. But work nonetheless. He'd been going about the countryside for quite a few months now, doing whatever odd jobs he could do. Nabbing pets from trees, chopping trees down, guiding the occasional small caravan from place to place. Other times, he'd spend lonely nights hiding in makeshift tents from the chilling rain, living on crumbs of moldy bread.

Life had been much easier before, during his time in the small village where he was born. Boring, but easier. Anyway, he shakes his disfigured head, casting unpleasant memories away. What was that smell? Pork of course. Delicious pork... He never understood why the crew complained about the food. It wasnt terribly good meat, but it was better than nothing. He turns his patchwork helmet to the side, covering as much of his burn as possible before heading over to eat.

He'll sit down at a nearby table before looking over the food in front of him. He'll nod to the other guards silently, before movingin to eat the meal in front of him. Soon his less-then-perfect teeth areenjoying gnashing and tearing at the meal. As he swallows the third huge bite, he looks over to the cook and speaks, food falling from his mouth. Mmm... Thish ish good. Naht paerfect, nah, but good. Reminds mah ah home. Good merning be the wey.
The dwarf had quite the accent.

[Nyarlthotep]

Taarie returned the nod and let a few moments pass as she ate a bit of meat silently, listening to the others speak and waiting for something of particular interest to her come up.

[Wordplay]

In the Galley
The crew begin to file in, and the rest of the passengers too. The Baron is joined by Aegrifio and Martius, the little gnome clambering awkwardly onto the over-sized bench. Lady De Marellet-Tercius sweeps in, accompanied by her two maidservants, and her page, just before Farrady enters with the food.

She smiles girlishly as Farrady announces the menu.

She giggles. Oh, Farrady, I wouldn't mind eating pork forever with such a cook to serve.

Some of the sailors seem to be trying to hide sniggers.

Squire Beleras shuffles in awkwardly, and takes his food with a grateful smile. He eats with a real appetite. As Marrady serves him, Lady De Marellet-Tercius attempts to pinch him playfully.

Darius Fletch greets Marrady with a warm smile as he serves him. 'You're a ray of sunshine as ever, Farrady'.

One of the crew blushes slightly as Farrady asks after his rash.

'I thought I told ye tha' in confidence...' he whispers hotly.

One of the sailors, a swarthy human woman with red hair, leans over to Sigge and mutters ' 'Scuse, me. Are you gonna finish that?'. She points at his breakfast.

As Fadwar chews, Darius whispers quietly to Fadwar.

'I don't think you've ever mentioned your home before Fadwar - fond memories?'

Everyone's assembled for breakfast now, except for the paladin Deron, Merok, one of the guards, the Captain, and one of the sailors - a burly man named Johan.

Those in the galley may make a listen check, or a spot check.

For Deron
You may make a Knowledge (Religion) check if you wish.

Deron remembers that the mission is led by Baron Isenvar Takkis. He's accompanied by Isembard Aegrifio, a former attache at the embassy, Martius Gellad, a gnomish man, friend of Ioanis Secundis and Squire Beleras, an earnest young man.

The other passengers consist of an elven woman named Taarie on some sort of religious pilgrimage, Heumwell Caralnyin, a young mage returning home to Iver, Lady De Marellet-Tercius of Talleymaine, and her three servants, and Sigge, some kind of merchant - or so he claims.

There are also ten crew, including a plump entertainer working passage as a cook, and three guards providing security. The guards seem to be led by a charismatic, blond Half-Elf named Darius - he seems like a decent sort. His colleagues are Merok - an evil looking human man, and Fadwar - a hideously disfigured dwarf, who seems to wear odds and ends of kitchen ironmongery as weapons.

For Jego
Jego peers out cautiously from the sail locker, raising the lid the barest crack, and peeking through. It looks like there's only one person on deck - the Captain, who's manning the helm. He seems pre-occupied.

It looks as though everyone else is at breakfast...

Jego can hear the sounds of the sea slapping against the hull, the strain of the sails against the wind...and the Captain muttering to himself quietly.

'Don't like it at all...even if it works, who's ta say he'll honour his side of the deal? Man's the most vicious cove in the Western Sea. Too much could go wrong'.

The sail locker is visible from the helm, but if Jego raises the lid carefully and crouched down, he might just be able to reach the grating in front of the sail locker and get belowdecks without being seen...or he could stay put, wait for another opportunity, and perhaps hear a little more of the Captain's muttering.

(Move silently check please if Jego wishes to try and make it belowdecks without being noticed).

For Johan
It takes a second for Johan's eyes to adjust as he heads below deck.

As Johan heads toward the prow, he spots Merok - one of the guards, one of the guards hired to protect the nobles. Merok's a burly human, probably in his late twenties. He keeps to himself, but alludes to a background as a soldier.

Surely everyone should be at breakfast now?

As Johan watches him, Merok darts into one of the passenger's cabins. He doesn't seem to have seen Johan...

[bross]

Sigge shrugs and passes her the plate S'all yours don't think I can manage solid food right now

[TheFamilarRaven]

Well that's a rat if I havn't seen one. Johan thought as Merok entered the room. Besides, it smelled like that fool cook Marrady was actually making something half-way decent this morning, if he's not at breakfast then he's up to something! Well, he won't get away from me!

Johan strode over to the doorway Merok and just passed through. He stood right under the doorway, arms folded across his chest and bellowed.

"Well now, what we got here Merok? Looks like you're sneaking around! I know you like keeping to yourself, but breakfast's ready, and it doesn't smell too bad today!"

[Wordplay]

In the galley
The woman pulls Sigge's bowl over, and starts polishing off his breakfast.

'Mmpf, mmph, much obliged'. she mutters as she chews.

'Amanda, by the way. So, talk around here is yer some kind of merchant?'

'Didn't see any cargo come aboard with ye though? What's yer story?'.

For Johan
Merok turns, a smiles - an unpleasant leer.

'Would ye mind keepin' ye voice down?'

'Looks like ye aren't at breakfast either. If I were a bettin' man, I'd wager ye an' me had the same idea. Food going missin', and some beggar spotted on deck last night? I know ye sailors are superstitious lot, but I don't think that was some sea sprite up on deck las' night. Doesn't take a scholar to work out we've got a stowaway abroad'.

'With everyone at breakfast, if he's going to move, it's going to be now'.

Merok grins mirthlessly.

'And with that swine responsible for the downward spiral of the quality of the food, I'm keen to give the swine some payback. Care to join me?'

[TheFamilarRaven]

"My voice is like my strength! It can't get any weaker than it is now!" Johan responded, raising his right arm in order to pat his bulging bicep.

"And the 'swine' you refer to may be a bad cook, but he's not a bad man. He wouldn't deserve whatever scheme you got planned for him." He began to frown.

"Besides, I've no time for games. I'm on captain's orders to find whatever man or creature be lurking on board without consent. Now, you're either here looking for the stow-away, skip out on breakfast, or looking to cause trouble. And I have to say, none of those be the proper thing to be doing right now, so get yourself to the galley, or I'll drag you to the captain!" Johan's voice grew darker, more serious.


[roll0]

[bross]

He pauses for a second and then opens his mouth to speak I ah... you ever get a person who doesn't take no for a answer? Well... this Lady Oylle also happened to be influential in the city and did not like that I was not changing my mind. I was just really out of luck that this particular day I was trying to trade a massive load of pork... fresh from the local towns I was going to supply it to the chefs... he shrugs taking a drink of water One word from the Lady and that was out of the question, I couldn't afford to salt it or smoke it let alone get a berth or a cart to get it out of the city. I ended up selling the whole load to a shifty provisioner who was going to pretend he stole it or something. Didn't give it much thought until the third day what he had done with it. he grimaces looking at the pork.

[Wordplay]

For Johan
Merok stares back at Johan, defiant, for a brief moment.

'...If it were any other man aboard...'

Merok looks away and heads past Johan.

'I bear the cook no ill will. I know he's doin' his best. It's the stowaway I blame for stealing the good food'.

'Well, I'll leave him to you if it means so much to you. Do what you will with him'.

Merok spits onto the deck.

'Why should I care?'

The man heads to the galley.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Hmph" Johan snorted as Merok passed. More like Marrady ruined the good food. A stow-away won't be picky 'bout what he eats. Johan smirked a little, only briefly, before returning to the task at hand. Merok had provided no useful information to his search, probably Johan's fault, being so confrontational. But he had no time to dawdle on such thoughts, and he proceeded to search the empty cabins, working his way through the ship's lower decks.


[roll0]

[Wordplay]

In the Galley
Amanda chuckles.

'No wonder you didn't fancy the pork'.

'I'm sorry to hear about your troubles'.

'You a sole trader, or with some guild?'.

'Aye, I've had a few that needed telling no a bit firmly - as in with a shovel. Course that was when I was younger...'

'What was so bad about this Lady Ollyle? If you don't mind my askin'? Most men I know aren't too fussy about that kind of thing'.

Just then, Merok slinks into the galley - a foul expression on his face. He takes a seat, pulls a bowl towards him, and begins eating without a word.

There's something in Heumwell's eye - it's really painful.

Heumwell, the mage, seems to have something in his eye - he rubs it. One of the sailors seems really uncomfortable - he keeps shifting around on his seat. Squire Beleras is staring at one of Lady de Marellet-Tercius' maids when he thinks that no-one's looking. Aegrifio looks like he's not slept well. Baron Takkis is chatting merrily enough, but he looks a little tense - the skin around his eyes is a little tight. The sailor Amanda looks like her arm was once broken, then not re-set quite straight. Only three people haven't come to breakfast yet - the Captain, Deron Broadshield the paladin, and one of the sailors - a giant of a man. Sigge thinks that his name is Johan.



For Johan
Johan hunts high and low through each room, he checks the cargo, pokes around the great wooden sarcophagus holding the body of the dead ambassador, and goes through the storerooms, but there's no sign of the stowaway. As Johan goes through the cabins, he opens one of the doors to find Deron sitting there quietly praying.

The paladin is almost as big as Johan, with short brown hair and blue eyes. He looks up as Johan opens the door...

Deron
No-one knows what dreams truly are. Some say that they are just fragments of memory of the events of the past day, others that they are fantasies illuminating the dreamer's innermost thoughts. Yet many believe that at least sometimes dreams are visions sent by the gods to the faithful... Deron has heard of Pelor sending visions to his faithful, but never experienced it himself.

As Deron sits in quiet prayer, the door opens. A big sailor stands in the doorway, tall and burly, with long, unkempt black hair, and brown skin. Deron thinks that his name is Johan...

[Techmagss]

The paladin sharply reaches for his crossbow as the door opens, but he lays it back when he sees it is a fellow human, one he believes he's seen before, yet he can't quite put a finger on it.. He gets back up, using the bed as a support. Ah. Hello. he says, fairly quiet as to respect the peace of any still asleep in their cabins.

[bross]

I'm with the Purple Iris, and as for her... Well its complicated. She ah wasent interested in marrying anytime soon and I do in theory have a station to uphold... Even if it could have made me a lot of money to forget my pride. Besides her taste in drinks was awful he grimaces again

[Nibbsy]

Marrady simply couldn't converse with everyone, much to everyone's delight. He spared enthusiastic greetings and responses before the line whisked them away.

Pretty soon, everyone had received their allotment of pig meat, Marrady waved to the last person, and finally served himself a portion of pork suprise. He pulled up a chair beside the serving counter, and began eating breakfast alone.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Aye, and good morning to you." Johan replied in his usual booming voice, although there was a hint of sarcasm.

"A bit jumpy today?" He raised one of his bushy black a eyebrows, eyeing the crossbow. He continued.

"Look, I wasn't intending to interrupt your sleep, although you seem plenty awake to me. What are you doing on the floor like? Don't you know everyone's gathered in the galley? Well, everyone not on duty I s'pose"

[Techmagss]

The paladin lets out a brief sigh, before gathering himself. I was praying before I headed to the galley, you see..
The paladin took his mace from a chest and strapped it on his back, bowing his head respectfully to the large man.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Just a minute" Johan intercepted the man at the door, slowly, as not to seem aggressive.

"Your wouldn't happen to have seen anything suspicious since last night have you?" The giant's voice become closer to a whisper, not much, but you could sense the effort.

"You might have heard the rumors of a 'shadowy figure' running amok through the ship, it's my job to find the rat, so anything you could do to help would be appreciated. Hell, I might buy you a drink if you know anything that helps me find" He grinned slightly reveling the small tusks that betrayed his orcish heritage.

[Scotty88]

"Well that works well I just might can make it back. But his self conversation is interesting. If this ship is to have hardships ahead I would like to know if its going to be sink or swim. Besides my stomach will reveal my location anyways."

Jego takes a moment to take a deep breath and rub his arrowhead in between his index finger and thumb. Before making his move he says.

"If the worst is to come to me.. oh well so be it."

Move silently: [roll0]

[Hattish Thing]

As Fadwar chews and swallows the stretchy pork, Darius will be able to see the full extent of Fadwar's burns. They aren't simply on one side of his face, they're absolutely everywhere. His cheeks are charred and gaunt, many layers of scar tissue replacing what was once thick blubbery dwarf cheek. His nose is fairly gnarled, but that might just be from birth. He's suprisingly hairy for a burn victim, although his big crimson beard doesn't grow in certain patches. His left eyebrow and forehead are completely hairless, his skin droopy and melted there.

Luckily, his eyes sustained little damage. It's a fairly gruesome sight, hence the large ramshackle helmet. It was one of the reasons the bitter dwarf didn't often socialize. No one wants to talk to someone resembling more candlewax than human being. Right now, the dwarven mercenary was too distracted by delicious beef to hide much of his head. As Darius speaks, Fadwar frowns, his teeth grinding over a tough slab of pork before replying gloomily.

Small town. Fairlah lonelah. Never enjoyed tha' laef. Ah wash ah blacksmith. Proud dwarven trahdahtion and ahl tha'. Me mum always pounded tha' into mah 'ead. The importance ah trahdahtion. Heritage. All tha. I... left a while ago. Haven't retarned. Don't matter now though anahway, don't it... Damn, that's an accent.

[Techmagss]

I can't say I have, no.. I could have a look round if required, and I can detect his alignment if you wish.
The paladin nods respectfully, before saying:Could you please.. Move?

[TheFamilarRaven]

"I don't mean to trouble so much, and I won't ask you to do something that's not yours to worry. But if you sense rat anywhere, just let me know." Johan stepped aside to let Deron pass.

"Enjoy your breakfast, it didn't smell all that bad as I was walking through the galley. Now I best let you go, lest I let your meal go cold." Johan grinned.

He stayed behind after Deron left, stroking his beard in thought. He had searched the ship, from head to toe, but no sign of the stow-away. His only options seemed to search again, or speak to the one witness. He decided that Riggs wasn't going anywhere. An after a brief moment, went back to searching the ship, thoroughly this time. This stow-away was proving a challenge, so Johan would meet that challenge in kind.


Take 20
-If Johan still finds no sign of his quarry, he will meet with Riggs


[roll0]

[Wordplay]

For Jego
Jego slips out quietly from the sail locker, and onto the deck. There's a slight knock as he closes the lid... Jego waits, heart in mouth, breath held, for a moment, but the Captain doesn't seem to have noticed.

Crouching low, he's hidden from the Captain's gaze by the sail locker. If he crawls forward, he should be able to make it down the hatch - from there it's a short scurry to his hiding place, in a small dead space above one of the cabins...

For Johan
Johan searches every cabin, but without success. After he finishes, Johan pauses in the gangway to think for a moment. Something bothers him...

He checks one cabin either side again - it confirms his suspicions. When the cabin partitions were put in the workers must have left a small dead space above the last aftward cabin on the starboard side.

In the Galley (including Deron)
Deron Broadshield, sweeps into the galley. Now everyone's accounted for, except for one of the crew and the Captain. That makes sense - someone needs to man the helm and keep watch.


For Marrady
Everyone seems to be enjoying the meal well as could be expected, or at least eating it without too much grumbling.

The young Squire is staring at one of Lady de Marellet Tericus' maids when he thinks that no-one is looking. Marrady thinks the girl's name is Anthea. Taarie seems a little bored. Perhaps she could do with some cheering up. Baron Takkis is in fine form, chatting merrily.

For Heumwell
You feel a sensation of tedium and restlessness...with a start you realise the sensation is not your own...

For Taarie
You overhear Darius mutter to Fadwar: 'Can you meet me after breakfast, alone? Something's off - best say no more'.

Baron Takkis says something to Aegrifio. You just catch the end of it...'...let the Captain and me worry about that. If it does come to that, stay in your cabin and there shouldn't be any trouble'.

Amanda chuckles at Sigge.

'Aye, not liking a fine spirit's a deal breaker in many a match I hear!'

She leans in.

'In all seriousness, I've a friend I should introduce ye to. A broker back in Ballen's Bight. I know he's had some trouble moving Begalan coffee into the hinterlands - could use a guild with some muscle'.

Darius listens to Fadwar's story carefully.

'Well, their loss is our gain. I'm glad to have you aboard, covering our backs'.

Darius leans in and whispers.

For Fadwar
If Darius is repulsed by Fadwar's burns, he doesn't show it.

'Can you meet me after breakfast, alone? Something's off - best say no more'.

As the company are eating, a little weasel pops out of Heumwell's pocket, scurries up his robe, and down his sleeve, onto the table. One of Lady de Marellet Tercius' maids is sitting next to Heumwell, and lets out a shriek at the fight of the weasel.

Squire Beleras leaps up, and reaches for the weasel, but in his haste to rise he knocks over the bench he's sitting on with Merok. The big human falls backwards, and cracks his head. The Squire sprawls on the table, and the weasel runs straight towards Lady de Marellet Tercius...

For Heumwell
It's Rory! He must have stowed away in your pocket. The little weasel is terrified.

[Nibbsy]

Marrady wolfed down his serving of pork suprise. He hated pork, so wanted to get it down quickly before it would go back up. Putting down the fork after his plate was cleaned, he let out a tremendous belch, groaning to himself over the taste.

After finishing, and while most others were still eating, Marrady stood up from his chair and walked to the center of the room, clearing his voice before loudly announcing his departure.
"Alright, everyone. I hope you enjoyed breakfast, I will be back here later to serve you lunch. But until then, I'll be up on the deck for your entertainment. I accept requests, and remember that I don't actually get paid for this, and I want to continue to afford food."
Marrady gave a little bow before briskly strolling towards the door.

[bross]

Sigge smilles a little at Amanda The hinterlands eh? You might have just saved me becoming a beggar- he pauses at the shriek frowning slightly what fey's this...

[Techmagss]

Deron enters the galley, a large mace strapped on his back. He bows his head before entering and taking his allocated seat- if there is none, he takes the nearest free space after taking his food. He murmurs a short prayer before eating.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Sneaky rats, always find the smallest places to hide. Johan chuckled. After searching the entire ship more or less twice, he was certain he had at least found the stow-away's hiding place. He began to search for a way into the dead space, perhaps a loose plank or hole that has been missed by the carpenters.

Take 20

[Wordplay]

For Johan
Johan needs to pull a chair out from one of the cabins to get up to inspect the space, which creates a bit of a puzzle as to how a stowaway might have got up there. Tapping on the panels, he's sure that it's hollow behind.

Johan moves his hands over several planks in turn, before he finds three that are loose, and can be prized off with little effort. There's a strong smell. The cavity is dark, so Johan has to lift a lantern to look inside.

There's a space about 5ft by 5ft by 3ft. It looks cramped - a piece of sacking and blanket have been pulled together to make a crude bed. There's rubbish in the corner - looks like ham bones, egg shells, and similar bits of waste.

Apart from that, there's nothing. Clearly someone was here - but they're not now.

[Scotty88]

" I really should learn to be more subtle, but none the less he's completely into his thoughts. Could his voyage really be that dangerous?"

Listen: [roll0]

[Wordplay]

For Jego
'...don't care what any Baron says...Bloodgrin ain't known fer takin' prisoners' the Captain mutters, then falls silent.

A short while later he begins to hum a tune quietly - it's not one that Jego's heard before.

[Nibbsy]

Marrady leaves the Galley, loudly announcing his departure, and walks out onto the deck.

Marrady steps out onto the open deck, taking in a deep breath as the clear ocean air washed away the sickly scent of pork.
"Ah, the wide open sea!" Marrady began to soliloquise, "There's adventure in the air, salt in my lungs, and a song in my heart!"

Marrady looked around the deck as he strolled through, politely greeting any deckhands he happened to spot.
Pulling his accordion from his back, Marrady stretches out a few random notes, humming to himself. He sits upon a crate by the boats edge, and begins to play. No known tune. Just a little ditty off the top of his head.

"From port to port, the beast, she sails.
Come wave, or sirens, she must not fail.
For all those men who do attend.
Their livelihood, and lives depend."

Perform: [roll0]

[Wordplay]

For Jego
Before Jego can sneak below, he hears the sound of someone coming towards the hatch and up the steps...

Make a hide check, or reveal yourself.

For Marrady
Everyone seems a little distracted by the ongoing furore over the weasel as Marrady makes his announcement.

Marrady doesn't pass any crewmen as he steps out onto the deck. Emerging into the sun it takes a second for Marrady's eyes to adjust to the change in the light.

It seems that the only person on deck is the Captain, who's manning the helm. He glowers at Marrady for a moment, but says nothing as the bard starts to sing.

You may make a spot check.

[Nibbsy]

Marrady continues his song, looking around the deck absently for a potential audience.

Spot check [roll0]

[Scotty88]

"Someone would come interrupt this tune. Never heard it before. Whelp... since my carelessness got me spotted. Now is a good time to be revealed. Might as well keep listening."

Jego moves revealing area near the sail locker. Awaiting for his impending capture.

"Whelp at least I left Soloma." He chuckles.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Well damn, I knew I was chasing a rat, but I never thought he might actually be one!" Johan muttered jokingly. The space was cramped, too cramped for Johan's tastes. Unless the captain had rented this space out, Johan was fairly sure he had discovered the stow-away's little nest. Johan began to lower himself down. He replaced the planks he had moved to get in the wall, making sure to place them exactly as they were. When he was satisfied with his work, Johan returned the chair and lantern, stopping briefly to ponder the lamp post after he had returned the light.

"Heh" Johan chuckled. "Looks like I've been too long without the dark, I'd all but forgotten I can see in it!"

After the items were returned, Johan elected to return to the captain, after all, he now knew where to find the stow-away, eventually at least, and it would be easier to do so the more crew members were on alert to the location. Johan headed back to the top deck, and moved towards the helm.

[Nyarlthotep]

Taarie will continue paying particular attention to Baron Takkis and Aegrifio's conversation while trying to look uninterested
Taarie continues eating her meal, only casting cursory glances upwards. Her ears seem to be perked, though it's hard to tell when elves always look like that.

[Hattish Thing]

The burnt dwarf was growing tired of the music, and the blathering drone of conversation was getting to him. He'd been drinking the night before, and so he had a small hangover.

Fadwar had quite a lot of those. :smalltongue:

He takes a final chew out of his pork slab before slowly rising, adjusting his armor with a quick shuffle. He nods towards Darius and begins to walk away, a mighty belch erupting from his thick dwarven lips before he follows his friend. Once they're a little farther, he grumbles and speaks. Now, wot be tha mattah yer stressin' yerself over?

[Wordplay]

On Deck
For Marrady, Jego and Johan
As Jego steps around from the sail locker, there's no reaction for a moment.

Marrady notices an unfamiliar human pop up from behind the sail locker...

The next moment the Captain shouts;

'There he is! Quick, grab him!'

Johan's already heading up the gangway as he hears the Captain's shout. Arriving on deck, he sees a strange human - he smells bad - not unlike the space the stowaway was hiding in.

He appears to be making no effort to escape - he's just standing there.

Jego can see a plump man wearing a hat, and playing an accordion, the Captain. As he turns, a towering brute of a man emerges from the hatchway in front of Jego.


The Galley (Deron, Taarie, Heumwell and Sigge)
Rather than making an effort to restore order, Darius and Fadwar leave the galley. Perhaps sensibly as it turns out.

Just as Squire Beleras is about to lay hands on the weasel, Merok grabs the back of his shirt. He pulls the man up by the front of his collar, and draws him close.

'Be more careful, you clumsy oaf!'

He throws the Squire onto the table, upsetting Taarie's bowl, and knocking its contents all over her.

The weasel, apparently panicked, heads straight towards the second of Lady Marallet de Tercius' maids, evoking a startled yelp, as he attempts to hide in her clothing.

One of the sailors tries to help, only to earn a slap from the maid.

Everyone in the galley hears a shout from the main deck.

'There he is! Quick, grab him!'

Half the sailors rise, and run for the deck. Amanda turns to Sigge -

'Hold that thought...' and rushes off in the direction of the deck.

Meanwhile, Aegrifio, Baron Tarekkis, and Martius Gellad the gnome, cease their conversation. Aegrifio and Baron Tarekkis start to move towards Merok and Beleras, whilst Martius goes to the aid of the sailor, who's still trying to help with the weasel, and enduring a flurry of blows from the maid.

Beleras pops back up, and aims a blow at Merok, who ducks. The Squire's blow hits a sailor on the back of a head.

For Heumwell
You sense Rory's panic has given way to excitement.

For Fadwar
Leaving the cabin, Darius draws Fadwar aside, astern to one of the storerooms. He gestures for Fadwar to enter, and then closes the door behind them. Coils of tarred rope hang from hooks, and various boxes of tools fill the shelves from ceiling to floor.

'Thank you for joining me Fadwar. Something's wrong. The Captain's really off - not at all like he was on the voyage out. He seems depressed - almost as if he thinks something terrible's going to happen. Baron Tarekkis has been acting a little strangely too, ever since we recovered Secundis' body. At first, I thought it was grief...but then...'

Darius looks worried. He lowers his voice.

'I overheard shouting the other day. It was coming from Tarekkis' cabin. I just caught the end of it...it was the Captain. He said '...and if you're wrong ye'll damn us all t' the bottom o' the sea, or worse'. Then he stormed out of Tarekkis' cabin. When he saw me, the Captain's face went white as a sheet. I'm sure that the Captain and the Baron know something that the rest of us don't. The Captain's worried half to death about it, but dare not share the information - probably on the Baron's orders'.

'I feel certain that something bad is going to happen, and soon. When it does, I want to be ready. I say first priority is to keep ourselves alive, second priority, passengers and crew, third priority - make sure we get paid. I don't know what the Baron and the Captain have planned, but frankly, if the Baron's doing something to put this ship at risk, that's not what I signed on for'.

'When it goes down, I need to know that you'll be at my back, and ready to strike out alone, if we have to. I've already talked to Merok. He feels the same way'.

Darius takes a deep breath.

'So? What do you say Fadwar. Can I count on you?'

[Scotty88]

"Ha Ha there's no need for grabbing my good captain I surrender. Besides, you just shouted out my presence so I'm vastly outnumbered here. The guy coming out of the hatchway is at least four men in one. But I must say that was a good tune you had earlier." As he raises his hands.

Directing his sights to the man in the hat, Jego says "Hey you with that strange contraption, keep the music going. Its quite entertaining..... more so than his." As he points to the captain.

"But before you all haul me off... Anyone here got any ale to spare? Its going to be a long day for me." Breaking into laughter.

[Omerta]

Heumwell gives a great sigh. "Rory, if you are not back here by the count of three, there will be some dire repercussions. Remember the cage? One... Two..."

Heumwell sends a large amount of displeasure, anger, and embarrassment through his bond with the wily weasel.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"I'd have a few pints by now if you hadn't been given me the run around this morning!" Johan's voice resumed its boisterous sound as he called out to the strange man who smelled of the cramped space. "Aye, with all the trouble I've had finding your nest, rat, I'd say you owe me a few drinks!" He grinned and began walking towards the strange man.

He stopped half way and turned towards Captain Taro. "Captain, he doesn't seem all so bad. Not so shadowy a figure at all, I'd say. What's your call?" Johan shrugged as he asked, raising both of his big eyebrows, waiting for a response.

[Scotty88]

Jego has a slight smirk on his face. Although he has caused trouble. It was good to see at least one still in a good mood. One was all he needed. "Shadowy??? Far from it. Just a man who had next to no life in Soloma. But that seems fair big man. Say big man irst chance I get if ever, the ales would be on the shadow rat or as my mama would call me Jego."

[Wordplay]

On Deck
Four crew pour on to the deck behind Johan. Captain Taro relinquishes the helm to one of them.

'Marrady, much as I enjoy yer playin' hold off fer a moment if ye please, while we question this cove'.

'Alright, Johan, bring him here, an' let me take a look at him'.

The Captain draws up. He has a receding grey hair, and a weather beaten hatchet face. He looks closely at Jego, staring intently into his eyes. He looks suspicious.

'Alright boy, what're ye doing aboard me ship?'

Anyone on deck may make a spot check, DC 20.

In the Galley

For Heumwell
Rory seems to get the point, but he's having a little trouble extricating himself.

Lady de Marallet Tercius starts to take charge.

'Really Dorothea, hold still'.

The Lady manages to get ahold of the weasel.

'There, poor thing's probably frightened out of its...'

Terrified, the weasel gives the Lady a sharp nip.

She cries out, and drops the weasel, which makes a beeline straight for Heumwell.

[bross]

Sigge leans more against the table internally debating his next move but deciding to focus on observing people as the weasel confusion continues

[Scotty88]

"Easy good captain I'm not here to cause trouble... Uhhhh well not the raid your ship trouble. I'm simply trying to leave Soloma. Not such a jolly life there. Didn't choose your ship as a target just the first ship I saw. But I understand its your ship... So your final word is my judgement really." Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Hattish Thing]

The large dwarf nods at his friend before rising from the table, savoring his last chunk of salted pork. That was wonderful meat, truly. Though he'd been in the mood for mutton. He rises from the table with a great belch before moving away, granting those behind him a comical site. Those watching Fadwar stride away with get an unfprtunately good few of the overweight dwarf's thick, blubbery, garment clad rear end, the robust dwarven buttocks swaying up and down as he walks away. They were almost mesmerizing. :smalleek: Fadwar had always been a big dwarf, but he began overeating long ago, as a kind of activity to stand resolute through the depressing realities of his past.

Probably not the best idea to bring up the stout dwarf's eating habits, however. The dwarf had a short temper, and the last person to insult his weight ended up getting sat on. Ahh, fond memories for Fadwar. Fond memories indeed. It's agood thing he left the table before the weasel business began... he had little tolerance for small animals, and had never tried roast weasel before.... Anyway, as he enters the storeroom he looks about, spotting for some kind of cider or drink. He was absolutely dying of thirst! Seeing none among the piles of rope, he leans against the wall and listens.

He'll begin speaking afterward. Ahhg... That's nah wat I wantahd ta hear, friend. There's been nuffin but gloom and doom and whiny paeple thish 'ole trip. Mebbe it was a bad decision to sign abard thish blashted ship... Dwarves on boats, hah! Wot kind of dwarf sits arand ahn boats! Ehh... it hashn't been too bad though. Naht yet at least.... if ye thank tha the baron be hidin' things, per'aps we ought tah go talk tah 'im directly? Sitting here whispering in closetsh will solve nuffin.

[Omerta]

Heumwell grabs Rory and hangs on perhaps a bit tighter than required. The mischievous weasel squeaks a bit in protest at the rough handling. "My apologies for the animal. He knows he isn't supposed to be out of my room. Won't happen again." Heumwell then attempts to exit the galley and place the weasel in its new home in a small cage.

[Wordplay]

For Heumwell
Heumwell returns to his cabin - sensing a wave of regret from his poor familiar Rory.

Opening the door, the room shows signs of having been roughly searched whilst he was out - several things seem to have been moved slightly since breakfast.

The note from the mages guild is still in its place.

For Fadwar
Darius is a little taken aback.

'I...had not considered that. He's a powerful man, and he could cause trouble for us...that said, it might work. Alright, let's do it. But let's try to get him alone with us. I don't think he'll be willing to speak in front of the crew, and I think he'll brush us off if Aegrifio or Martius are there'.

'I'll have a word with Merok - see if he can't get them out of the way for a bit. In the meantime, keep your eyes open my friend'.

Darius opens the door of the cupboard.

'Looks like there's some commotion on deck'.

The Half-elf tenses.

'This might be it...'

In the Galley - Deron, Sigge & Taarie
The weasel recovered, and its master departed, attention turns to the brawl brewing.

The sailor, struck from behind, turned and saw Merok - and jumped to the conclusion that he was his attacker. The sailor ploughs into Merok. Falling back, he knocks another bowl of pork surprise over Taarie. (Reflex save please).

The battle-hardened human twists, and punches the sailor in the face. Another sailor comes to his friend's aid, and for a brief moment, Beleras and Merok find themselves fighting back to back.

'Enough!'

Lord Tarekkis issues the command. Martius puts a hand on the Squire's sleeve, and Aegrifio has drawn a blade, which he points at the sailors. Tarekkis speaks in a calm, level tone. He doesn't raise his voice, but everyone can hear it.

'Merok - you're employed to protect the passengers not assault them. Your future employment may well depend on any recommendation I make. Do you understand?'.

'Yes m'Lord'. The mercenary bows his head, subservient.

'Squire Beleras, at all times your conduct reflects on your Lord, just as his reflects on you. When you strike a blow, it is as your Lord struck it. Do you think your actions reflect well on your Lord'.

The Squire takes a knee.

'No my Lord. Forgive me, I am ashamed'.

Lord Tarekkis' eyes smoulder for a moment. He turns to the sailors.

'I know your Captain would not approve of these actions. I am not responsible for you. I suggest, however, that you go and make yourselves useful'.

The two sailors bow, and depart.

Lord Tarekkis turns back to Merok and Beleras.

'As for you two. Go upstairs and scrub the deck, until you are fit for civilised company once more'.

He turns to Deron.

'Master Broadshield, I would be indebted to you if you could supervise their pennance'.

Lady de Marrellet Tercius and her maids depart.

On the deck - Johan, Jego & Marrady
Marrady and Jego may still make spot checks.

The Captain smiles.

'Oh aye? What were ye fleein' in Soloma may I ask? Got some girlie pregnant? I have ta tell ye, we sailors are family men, an' don't take kindly ta that kind o' 'philandering''.

The Captain winks at Johan, and turns to one of the other sailors.

'I dunno, fella stows away, eats all our grub, then has the nerve ta say he didn't even choose our ship, fer any o' its fine amenities - just took it for convenience'.

'What did they do with stowaways on your last ship Hugh?'

'Threw 'em to the sharks Cap'n'.

'Oh, aye? I was thinkin' o' cuttin' him up an' servin' him up in the galley - make a change from the pork. What do you think Tom?'

'I reckon keel haul the beggar - it's a while since the hull's been scraped fer barnacles'.

The sailors chuckle merrily.

Jego's Sense Motive
They seem in deadly earnest. This might be your last chance to plead for your life.

[Scotty88]

Hearing the word family Jego slightly looks away from the captain. He often thought of what they were doing. Despite what happened between Reina and Zacio and the incident with his father. He still misses them. He looks back at the captain.

"It's good that sailors are family men. Especially those from Soloma. You have a life there once you go back. Or you could get sold to a slaver because of some family dispute like me but that's neither here or there. I could catch fish in these waters to replace what I took.... maybe... once I learn these waters. And with all the slave work, beatings, fights and scraping to live. A girlie was a mere dream. "

Spot: [roll0]

[Hattish Thing]

Fadwar rolls his eyes before replying, clearly not taking these warnings of the baron's power seriously. If tha git ish putting ush in dangah, it's our righ' to get ourselvesh out af aht. I'm naht goin' to end up a' tha bottom of tha shea because shome arse-breathed fop wit some yeasty old title decided to play wit other paeple's livesh. Beshidesh.... power? Power means nuffin 'ere. We're on some oderous plank floating about a shea chock fulla clumpish blighters that'd be 'appy to steal our shtuff and leave us far dead. Here, only steel means anyfin. Th' people with the big ****ing swords come out on top 'ere.

So, if it does come out that th' good baron's been deliberately placing ush in 'arms way, it's not like he'll be allowed ta continue...

He chuckles darkly for a tad, a rare moment of cruelty showing on his leathery face before he sighs and speaks again. But hopefully nuffin's going on, an' yer jus' paranoid. Wouldn't that be funneh? That all along it wash jusht shome mishunderstanding?

Ehhh? Commotion ya say? Let'sh shee... He'll grip the large homemade weapon at his back before moving his way to the deck. Once he arrives, he'll shout out loud and attempt to intimidate the people there into silence. Well wot in tha 'ells ish going on up 'ere, ehh?! Even though the dwarf doesn't have the charisma to be truly terrifying, he'll definitely draw peoples attention, for he'd practiced his 'scary voice' many times.

[roll0]

[TheFamilarRaven]

o
At the sound of a the new voice bellowing out behind him, Johan turned his head over his shoulder, with a big, inquisitive frown, more comical than serious, with his bushy eyebrows arched high, and his arms folded across his chest. He recognized the dwarf, as a fact there was no way Johan could ever mistake that dwarf for anyone else.

"Well." Johan calmly began, not turning his gaze from the newcomer. "This here be the captain of this fine vessel." Johan gestured towards captain Taro, an older man, with receding gray hair, and a weathered face. "We here are the crew" Johan motioned to the crowd gathered on the deck. "That there fool, who plays a racket better than he can cook is Marrady. And this man." Johan paused and nodded his head towards the slim figure, with shoulder length black hair. ]"This man is Jego, a stow-away, and he owes me some ale."[/COLOR] Johan smiled and turned towards the captain.

"Captain, ain't my place to say, but I don't believe the rat needs to be flayed alive. Aye, true enough, he snuck aboard without payin' both coin or respect. But he had the honor to come out and say it, and he seems willing to pay off the debt he owes. To you, and to the ship."

[Wordplay]

On the deck: Fadwar, Marrady, Jego and Johan
Fadwar and Darius arrive on deck... Jego sees a tall, blond haired man with fine features, and a fat dwarf - his face badly disfigured by burns.

Fadwar's voice...doesn't get much of a reaction. Probably came out a bit squeakier than he intended.

The Captain and the crew have stopped laughing.

'Alright, Johan, we won't gull the boy anymore'.

'Aye, slavery was it? Show me yer wrists boy'.

The Captain prepares to examine them.

'How long did ye say ye were a slave? Who owned you?'

'Ye say ye wish ta work yer passage. What can ye do? Have ye any experience of ships, sailing, cooking, or the like?'

[Scotty88]

Jego keeps his composure despite the dwarf's outburst although he wanted to laugh so bad. He turns to Johan. "Forget the few pints big man. I owe you a barrel of ale. Spoke good of me even though my shenanigans. 'preicate it." Looking back at the captain [color=brown] "I give it about nine years. As far as names I really didn't care for them. It didn't matter to me." He then slowly and cautiously unties his head cloth to reveal a scar. It went across his forehead and was discolored from his brown skin. "Overseers was savage when it came to swinging whips." As he turns his wrists over to the captain. "And I hate to say capt, my experience is laughable with ships. But I'm sure I can help with something. Even if its the worse task on the ship. Work means nothing to an escaped slave. I was a hunter before the nine years. Which means nothing on a ship... unless you have nets." Shrugging his shoulders

[Wordplay]

On the Deck - Jego, Johan, Marrady and Fadwar
'A hunter. Just my luck. Can ye at least handle a weapon if ye need to?'

'Unusual for an overseer to beat a slave on the face. Careless - might have taken an eye'.

'Still, clear ye were a slave or prisoner for some time - no mistakin' those shackle scars'.

'Alright, ye're aboard our ship, now, and Twelve now, we're Iveri men, and have no love for slavery'.

'Ye can work the rest of yer passage, an' we'll put ye ashore in Strackport. Though I'm sure we'll be the losers on the deal'.

'Master Johan, you've spoken for the man, so he's under your supervision. Show him the ropes, an' make sure he doesn't get underfoot'.

'The rest of you, get back to work'.

The Captain flips a copper coin to Marrady.

'A sea shanty to set the pace, if ye please, Master Marrady'.

The Captain turns back to Jego.

'D'ye have a name?'

[Hattish Thing]

Fadwar grumbles, a bit embarrassed. His voice had cracked right at the wrong moment. Shame too, all that practice making stern faces in the mirror for nothing! He dies gather whats going on eventually though. He'd never liked stowaways. Lazy people who didn't work for passage. Like parasites. Even if this specific stowaway was an ex-slave, Fadwar felt no pity for the man with the whiplash scar.

He makes this quite clear. Wait, wot? We're lettin' thish brigand... Thish lazy ol' 'obnob shtay abard thish ship? He can't even 'help wit that work! It'sh his own damn fault he got caught, and I don't think 'e ought tah be allowed abard. What if he's shome maerdarar? Shome killer? Or a thief? Those shackle scarsh coulda come from anyfin. It's mah job to protect thish crew, and I don't think letting thish lazy leech abard ish a good idea...

[Omerta]

Hmm. Someone made a mess in here. So much for private quarters. Heumwell checks to make sure nothing has been actually taken or broken. I can either storm out of here and make a scene in front of the captain and whoever happens to be with him and look like a whiny child, or I can wait and find a quiet moment to ask what's going on. Yeah, that second option is definitely the winner. After a fairly exhaustive search, Heumwell noticed Rorys Time-Out cage had a new dent near the door.

Search check: [roll0]
(for anything missing, damaged, or just anal-retentive mage wasting time)

Heumwell then grabbed his spellbook and went out to the deck to study it while getting some fresher air in a (hopefully) out of the way place.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Captain, I believe he mentioned his name to be Jego, least he claimed his mother would call him by that." Johan chimed in for the stow-away. He had aquired some sympathy for the man after hearing about his circumstances.

"And if your worried he'll try something murderous out here, dwarf. You'll be welcome to keep an eye him." Johan turned to the dwarf with a broad grin. "That'll just make my new job of looking out for him that much easier!" Johan finished with a big shrug. "Besides, there ain't nothing on this ship the rat can't help with. When I came aboard this crew, there was nothing I knew of working the decks, aye. But, Jego here looks strong enough, and he can learn just like I did." Johan patted Jego's right shoulder with his massive hand. And turned towards the captain. "I'll start'm working right away, captain." He gave a salute to the captain before leading Jego off.

"Come on, Jego, best start now. Don't slack and keep up the pace, listen to what I teach you and what the helmsmen, that'll be whoever is behind that wheel, says." Johan took Jego to the mast of the ship, and close to the many different ropes knotted around it.

"And don't forget, I missed breakfast on account of you, and I'm a bit grumpy because of it. So don't doze off, else I might get mad. And bad things happen when I mad." Johan's voice became harder, in contrast to the boisterous tone it held moments ago. He was serious, as Johan would get when he set his mind to things. He was given the task of watching over the newcomer, and to teach him the ropes. So Johan starting by telling Jego all the names of the lines and when and how to pull them.

[Nibbsy]

Marrady caught the coin as it flew towards him, quickly pocketing it. "Aye aye, ser. A maritime tune to raise spirits coming right up."

He stopped his current tuneless playing, pausing for a moment to think up a good song. He snapped his fingers, grinning, and began to play again.

"Have ye heard the Sirens song
Beauty, danger, in the night~"
...And so on

[Scotty88]

At the captains words Jego has a gleeful smile on his face. His new life was getting better. As He ties his cloth back onto his head. "My good captain you have my thanks for the mercy you didn't have to give. Like my mentor once told me. "If a person shows you mercy. Forever remember his name and face. Return the good deed however you can." While grasping his arrowhead. "Overseers love their gold and hate to lose it in a bet." Saluting the captain after seeing Johan actions thinking it must be done out of respect before turning away.

Before he walks with Johan to the mast, he looks at dwarf. His face went from gleeful to annoyed. He didn't want to start any trouble being that the captain gave him board. But the dwarfs words bothered him. "Aye crispy man I'm surprise that you didn't say that squeaky voice. Or you finally got the mouse trap off your nads. If I'm that lazy feel free to pass any of your watch duties but I'll prolly call you lazy and do it." With a slight smirk on his face.

"Sure enough big man J, I seen a lot when people get mad and its never good for me in the end." before focusing on the words and actions of Johan

[Hattish Thing]

Fadwar grumbles loudly at the stowaway, clearly thinking very negatively towards the man. He spits out a few sour replies to Jego. Crishpy? I'm half burnt off and ahm shtill more off ah mahn thanh ye! Wot, and yer naht lazeh? Yer a dawned stowaway!

Bah. If the captain wantsh to let shome lunatic abard, It'sh not mah place to kick ye off. But I'll keep mah eye on ye, ya pig-faced lowlife. He snarls out at Jego before speaking Captain again. Shee? Thish little **** 'as no respect either. Thish ish not a good decision!

[Wordplay]

On the Deck (For Marrady, Fadwar, Jego, Johan and Heumwell)
The Captain speaks to Fadwar.

'Oh aye? It's not a question of lettin' him aboard. The beggar's aboard already. While he's aboard, he may as well start pulling his weight. What would you have me do? Toss him over the side?'

Heumwell arrives on deck to find the sailors beginning to get to work, preparing to change over the sails, whilst Marrady sings a shanty to help them keep time.

There's a strange man Heunwell hasn't met before amongst the sailors, but it looks like there might be some room to sit out of the way in the cockpit.

Jego and Johan, please make a strength check.

Anyone on deck who hasn't made a spot check, may make a spot check.

In the Galley (Taarie, Deron and Sigge)
The fracas broken up, Beleras and Merok head up to the deck.

Martius follows them - possibly to check on them. Aegrifio departs a moment later.

The remaining sailors finish up, and put their dishes away in silence, before heading up to the deck.

Soon only Taarie, Deron, Sigge and Baron Tarekkis are left.

The Baron sighs slightly.

He turns to Taarie. 'I apologise for their behaviour'.

He offers Taarie a clean napkin.

He turns to Sigge.

'A word of warning - I'd be careful about that story of yours. The Lady in question has powerful friends, and her influence extends far beyond Soloma'.

[bross]

Of course she does my Lord he smirks a little Its just more important to see if those friends are close by. Besides if I make it too hard to find me she'll make a even bigger fuss and that might upset my grandfather and his interests. No better she loses interest in me in a way that saves face his smirk turns into a bitter expression as he shakes his head

[Nibbsy]

Spot Check [roll0]

[Wordplay]

In the Galley
Baron Tarekkis frowns. 'If you're sure - though personally, I think you're playing with fire'.

'Well, good day to you all'.

The Baron departs, leaving the galley.

The Captain arrives a few moments later.

'Good morn. Thought I'd be by myself at this hour'.

The Captain digs up a bowl of tepid pork surprise.

Caught a stowaway this morn, as it happens'. he says conversationally.

'Food thefts should stop now. Put the beggar to work'.

The Captain munches away...then stops. He stares distantly into his food...

Any in the galley may sense motive DC15 and DC20.

On the Deck
All's hustle and bustle as the sailors prepare to change tack.

The Captain stares out at sea for a moment, as if distracted by something...

Johan may sense motive.

'I'm goin' below fer breakfast. Jack, ye have the helm. Hope you searats left some fer me'.

Darius mutters to Fadwar.

'Seems there's no business for us here after all...'

Darius peers into the distance...

'Huh...for a moment I thought I saw...' he blinks.

'It's nothing. Shall we speak to the Baron?'

[Omerta]

Heumwell sits down in a spot with no ropes anywhere near it (Ropes being vital for how ships work.) and nothing above his head (For things above heads usually have ropes attached.), this happens to be in the general area of the wheel (The cockpit? I learned a nautical term!). He then opens up his spellbook and proceeds to peruse his small selection of simple spells. He gets distracted frequently by things nearby, but that was the entire point of coming on deck.

Spot check: [roll0]
e: Yep. Definitely distracted by things nearby. Called it.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Strength check

[roll0]


Sense motive

[roll1]

[Wordplay]

For Johan
You've known the Captain for a few weeks now, and he seems out of sorts - like something's bothering him...

[Scotty88]

[roll0]

[]

[Hattish Thing]

With a grumble and a sour face, Fadwar replies to his Captain. Ehh.... Well, ah suppose yer righ'. I still don't trust 'im though, sho I suggest we make shure the beggarboy don't be shtealing anyfin else. It's my job to protect theshe people, and I will go about me dutiesh ash heartlessly as me job demandsh. But, I shuppose ye know best, Captain. I reshpect yer decision. He sighs deeply before glaring at the stowaway for the last time. And ash fer ye.... If I catch ye wit yer grubby 'ands anywhere near a passenger'sh cabin, you'll loshe the 'ands. I'm shure it'd be for the good of everythin' anyway. One less brigand about pickin' 'onest peoples pocketsh. He turns his back to Jego and walks away before leaning against the railing beside his friend, Darius. He looks out to see and frowns, thinking things over. The boy was a stowaway, yes, but he didn't deserve death. His stern words should be more than enough to ensure that nothing goes missing though. At least, he hoped it would. He didn't know how he'd actually react to anything involving hand chopping. It sounded thoroughly unpleasant.... Might be a bit more of an empty threat. Oh well. As he looks out to sea he speaks to Darius. I'm going a tad shtir-crazy, methinksh. The shooner we get back to land, the better...

Search Check: [roll0]

[Wordplay]

For Johan and Jego
Johan takes his place hauling the sails, and he shows Jego what to do. Jego acquits himself well enough, and before long the sails are reset. The crew rests as they wait for the next tack. The coastline is visible on the horizon, a tawny blur.

[Nyarlthotep]

"Is that so?" Taarie asked the Captain, taking the newer napkin. "Do you find stowaways often?"

[bross]

Sigge gets up from his lazy position moving toward the deck bracing against the wall at regular intervals before ascending the stairs to the deck and walking up to the bow leaning against the railing looking a little less uncomfortable in the sea air then down below [roll0]

[Wordplay]

Johan and Jego work with the crew hoisting the sails. Johan shows Jego what to do, and he manages just fine, without getting in Johan' s way.

Heumwell finally gets settled down to read in peace and quiet.

The sailors ask Marrady for a few of their favourites, and offer a few coppers in exchange.

Nothing seems amiss...

'Sometimes'. the Captain replies to Taarie.

'Haven' t had one myself in a few years. But with food going missing and a stranger spotted, weren't much else it could be'.

The Captain frowns.

'Escaped slave, which is what you'd figure for the passage from Soloma. Poor wretch looked like they'd used him cruel'...

The Captain's hands begin to shake. Taarie (and Deron if he's still there) may make a Sense Motive check.

[Techmagss]

[roll0]

Deron just about finishes up and gets ready to leave for the deck when he notices the Captain.

[Wordplay]

In the Galley

For Taarie
The Captain's tone is carefully casual, and his talk seemingly idle. Looking into the man's eyes, Taarie can see that it's a mask. The man is hiding it well, but he's deeply worried - and trying to hide it.

For Deron
The Captain seems tired, and a little world weary. Probably disgusted at the evil of those who would traffic in slaves.

The Captain smiles, and continues.

'Well, we'll put the lad ashore anyhow, and make sure he earns his keep'.

'Did I miss anythin' at breakfast?'

The Captain does a slight double take as he looks up at Taarie.

'Are you alright miss? You've got a little something, here, here and well...' the Captain gestures all over.

On the Deck
Sigge arrives on deck to find the sailors finishing changing tack, Marrady keeping them in time with a jaunty sea shanty, and Heumwell reading quietly out of the way. A new face is mixed in with the sailors - it seems that the outsize Johan is showing him what to do. Amanda is busy with the others.

The Lady de Marrallet Tercius appears on deck, shading herself with a parasol, and accompanied by her two maids. Her page boy is nowhere to be seen. She sits near to Marrady.

'Oh, Marrady, please play the ballad of Aetha and Araneus - it's my favourite'.

She bats her eyelashes at the bard.

The Squire Beleras and the human guard Merok have come up on deck. They retrieve soap, two scrubbing brushes, then start to scrub an unoccupied piece of deck. The two get on their hands and knees and start to scrub sullenly. The Squire makes a point of scrubbing faster than Merok, so Merok increases his pace. Soon it becomes a furious competition.

Meanwhile, Dorothea, one of the maids, sidles up to Sigge.

'I hope you will pardon my boldness. I hear you travel as a merchant. You must be quite used to these exotic locales. I daresay this sort of business seems routine after a while, but it's all very new to me'.

'Do you have any interesting stories?'

Squire Beleras stops for a second, looking daggers at Sigge.

Merok takes advantage of the distraction to hiss something at Heumwell.

'This is all your blasted beast's fault. Watch your back, wizard'.

As the sailors finish changing the sailors over for the new tack, the helmsman calls out.

'I need a sounding for depth, and a lookout up top to watch for shoals'.

OoC: To act as lookout, make a Climb check DC10, and a Spot check at +5. To take a sounding make a Use Rope check, DC10.

Fadwar
Darius leads the way to Tarekkis' cabin. He knocks on the door. An imperious voice answers from within.

'Enter'.

The Baron is sitting at a desk, poring over a map. Aegrifio is leaning over the desk, looking at it. The two turn to look at Darius and Fadwar.

'Yes, what is it?'

Darius takes a breath.

'Sir, there have been a number of unexplained occurrences aboard the ship. At first we thought perhaps it could be pinned on the stowaway, but the stowaway would have no interest in slowing the passage. On top of that, the Captain has been acting very strangely'.

Darius takes a breath.

'Sir, you hired us to protect your retinue, the ship, the passengers, and of course, the earthly remains of the dear departed ambassador. If there's something you're not telling us, some risk that you haven't shared with us, then I can't guarantee that we can fulfill our mission'.

The Baron stares back impassively, but Aegrifio looks a little concerned.

[bross]

Your boldness is easily pardoned he turns his face her you say as much but I'm hardly as seasoned as you'd assume, at least not at sea. I learned that with my father sailing into Ballen’s Bight from Strackport, we had acquired a Berth and were shipping Ginger. I spent half the trip sea sick and the other half doing manual labor to work my way while the old man laughed telling me the reason he wasent working was that I needed to "build character" and to "toughen up from my mothers soft living fantasy" he smirks bitterly From there we acquired a cart from the iris's hall there. From there we went to Scryvale, Have you ever been near Hanate lands?

[Nibbsy]

Marrady grins, tipping his hat to the fa-...fair lady. "Ofcourse. Anything for a fan, my dear."
Ever the fan of attention, doubly so if coming from females, Marrady stopped his current shanty prematurely, and began tuning his accordion for the ballad, in as much anyone can tune an accordion. Though he did not reciprocate any romantic feelings for The Lady, you couldn't tell. Marrady was one for showmanship, and you have to work with what you got. And so he responded to the fluttering of lashes with a roguish wink and grin, and began playing the ballad at the behest of The Lady.

Playing, continuing the singing of the fine tale, Marrady's attention drifted to across the deck and to the galley, singing on impulse as his mind attended other matters. A few happenings on the ship had rather taken his interest if only for curiosity, or maybe future story possibilities. The stowaway and the elven passenger seemed interesting folk on this matter.

[Omerta]

Heumwell is extremely surprised at this reaction. The last he knew, the two fellows scrubbing the deck were helping each other off the ground in the galley. Heumwell speaks in a decidedly louder than necessary voice: "While I do regret what has happened, I don't think I am in any way responsible for your current situation." Heumwell then lowers his voice to match Merok's conspiratorial tone. "Also, threatening wizards has ended poorly for a great many people. I surely hope you won't be among that number." Heumwell then remembers that Rory bit the fat woman with the layers of pomp. "If you will excuse me sir, I do believe I owe the Lady an apology." Heumwell seems extraordinarily cheery, considering he just had his life threatened. He then gets up and walks over to Lady Prissydress (I really must remember to catch these people's names...) and awaits an ending to the "music" she seems to be enjoying.

Intimidate roll in case you want it: [roll0]

[Nyarlthotep]

Taarie absently looks herself over, before putting the new napkin to use. "Yes, apologies. I'm quite fine, there was simply a- It's no matter. Who is this stowaway?"

[TheFamilarRaven]

Upon hearing the word, Johan tied the rope he held off. "That'll be me then!" Johan shouted to the helmsmen, he then turned to Jego. "I'll be headin' up the rigging to keep an eye out for danger. Best part of working this vessel, I'd say. There's nothing like feeling the wind running wild around you. Feels like freedom." Johan added with a grin. "Aye, if you feel like coming up, don't be scared to do so. Just follow my step, and hold on to something, lest you fall overboard!" Johan turned and grabbed hold of the rigging, hoisting himself up to gaze out at the ocean.

[Scotty88]

Ship work wasn't as bad as Jego thought. He was actually having fun just like his hunting days. Just hearing a lot of words that he didn't know. But he was sure he would learn them. He follows Johan up the rigging. "I think I'll join you here. Seeing a lot of things I never saw before. Quite pleasant on the eyes. As stares out into ocean, he begins to wonder about what kind of fish living in this waters. He looks to Johan. Aye Big man J, Do you know if there are any nets around? I'm wondering if I can catch something for the cook. Pretty sure fellas and ladies would like something different. I know I would." breaking into a slight chuckle

[Wordplay]

On deck
For Jego
Climbing the rigging is more difficult than it looks, and Jego is struggling to make progress. Just as he's starting to get the hang of it, something catches his eye on the horizon, which stops him still.

There's a ship with a blood red sail, far astern. At the moment, it's not much more than a dot, but it's visibly getting bigger. It must be moving at speed.

Turning ahead, Jego can also see a patch of sea a little lighter than the rest, 5 degrees off the right hand side of the ship.

For Johan
Johan starts up the rigging a bit too vigorously, and tweaks a muscle. He reaches the crow's nest, but can't concentrate on looking. He rubs the arm a little. Hopefully he hasn't pulled a muscle...

For Heumwell
'I'll bear that in mind'.

Merok mutters back, his tone even.

The sailors groan as Marrady stops his shanty, and shifts to the ballad. A few song requests for ribald tunes are shouted.

Lady Marrellet de Tercius ignores this, the slightly matronly lady is fixed on Marrady as he plays. When the bard offers a roguish wink, she feigns a blush. She seems to be enjoying the performance greatly, and doesn't notice Heumwell's approach...

Squire Beleras continues to swab the deck... the suds are getting dangerously close to Sigge.

Anthea turns her eyes from Sigge, modestly.

'No, I'm afraid this is my first trip abroad'.

She smiles.

'Well, unless you count the journey from my parents' estate to take up my position with my Lady'.

'My Lady has promised...depending on when we reach port, and when the winter snows set in...that I might accompany her to the Capital'.

She sighs wistfully.

'Oh, what a sight it must be! The balls, the splendour of the Court, all the comings and goings of the Kingdom's potentates... Have you ever seen Adlervale on your travels?'

In the Galley
The Captain seems grateful for the distraction. 'Oh, some man. Human, I think. As I said, claims he was held as a slave. For seven years. Think he's stretchin' it out a bit, but I reckon he's telling the truth about being a slave. Checked his wrists - shackle scars sure enough'.

'Don't seem like he'll be much use, but I've put him to work anyhow. Well mannered enough. Rat don't seem to have much in the way of skills, but we'll see'.

The Captain begins to eat some of the breakfast, without much enthusiasm.

'That dwarf didn't want him aboard, but what are we s'posed to do? Put him over the side? Can't say I like stowaways, but I'm no murderer...' The Captain's voice trails off for a moment.

'Well, leastways, I think he said his name was Jego or something'.

[bross]

Sigge leans more against the railing turning his eyes back out to sea Twice he replied in a quieter tone then before Once when I was much younger and still trying to figure out what I'd do for my mother. Back then I was even going to try my hand at being a writer . The second time I was passing through and saw much more greed and vice then before, mind you I was just another merchant and less innocent then when I was fifteen

[Scotty88]

"Dammit... Dammit.." Jego says as he struggles to steady himself. He finally manages to steady off and looks out to the sea. "Blue, blue and blue... Well cept' this slightly less blue patch. The sea is odd maybe big man J...." When a glimpse of red caught his eye and broke his original thoughts. "But red sails is way more odd. Odd enough for a bloodgrinnish type figure to call himself." He makes his way to the top to Johan. "Say big man J.... it's kinda odd you say it feels like freedom up here. If that is what you call freedom you have an odd sense of it my friend. What you think that ship thinks of it?" Pointing in the direction of the ship.

[Nyarlthotep]

"Oh? Wonder what the dwarf might have against him, I see no reason to toss anyone overboard either." Taarie said, shrugging.

[Wordplay]

On Deck
The former stowaway has shimmied up the rigging pretty quickly. Standing in the crow's nest, he appears to catch sight of something. He's pointing astern, and seems to be trying to draw Johan's attention to it.

For Johan
Following Jego's gesture you squint, and just catch sight of a distant object on the horizon. You can see a medium xebec with red sails. You have heard rumours that Harrun 'Bloodgrin' commands just such a ship...

For Fadwar
Baron Tarekkis blinks owlishly.

'I assure you that I have told you everything relevant to your task. You are being well paid, are you not? Lord of Light forfend that you should be called upon to defend the passengers or the earthly remains of Ambassador Secundis with your bodies'.

The Baron glances over Fadwar and Darius for a second...

'But should you be called upon, I ask for nothing more than your best effort. As for the Captain's behaviour, I am sure it is just anxiety over seeing the mission with which we have been entrusted safely discharged. I order you to inquire no further into this, as it will likely only upset the Captain more'.

'Well, gentlemen, is there anything else?'

You may make a Sense Motive check.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"I say freedom cause there is no place on the ship where the wind runs so wild than up here in the nest!" Johan responded to Jego's question. "But that ship ..." He frowned as he lowered the hand that was shading his eyes. "I reckon they would think that freedom needs to be earned by blood and coin." Johan moved his large body so that he was leaning out over the the crow's nest, and called out to the helmsmen. "Jack! Look to the horizon, we've got crimson company!"

"Oh." Johan turned back to Jego and grinned "You've got good eyes to see that far, I knew you'd be good for something! But I hope you can fight, cause them over there have minds set on slashing some steel."

[Nibbsy]

As Marrady's ballad draws to a close, he stands up on the crate he is standing on, irresponsibly close to the ships edge. He bows to the lady, and to the begrudgingly applauding crew who were hoping for more tales about sea monsters than sappy love songs.
"Thank you, thank you. But perhaps that was enough." He grinned cockily, soaking up the modest praise. His fingers absently played along the Accordion once finished, giving the ship some atmospheric background music.

"So then, may I ask a question to the still free passengers here? What brings you all on this voyage? Any tales that I might repackage as my own?"

[Nibbsy]

Ok, for some reason this is just not working, I'll try it in another post.

[roll0]


edit: FINALLY

[Wordplay]

On deck
Jack follows the direction of Jego's finger, and squints at the horizon...several sailors join him.

A mounting expression of horror appears on Jack's face as he makes it out.

'Pirates! PIRATES!'

'All hands make ready, someone fetch the Captain!'

Below decks
You hear a sound from above, a cry of 'Pirates'.

For Fadwar
Before Darius can reply, you hear a distant call - 'Pirates'.

The Baron turns to Darius and Fadwar, face grim.

'Well gentlemen, it appears our mettle is to be put to the test'.

'I suggest you help get the passengers to their cabins - then prepare to guard the ambassador's sarcophagus - your orders are to protect it'.

[bross]

Sigge groans I was rather hoping to be the one merchant without a story about how he was attacked by pirates... before turning to Dorothea Now I hope you'll pardon me but some rather rude scoundrels are about to make this decidedly less pleasant I hope would not be to bold in suggesting that you and your mistress seek refuge below decks before walking toward the mast.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Well, at least we'll be ready. Johan frowned, as he turned his gaze back to the approaching ship. The thought that some of his fellow sailors might not see the end of this battle crossed Johan's mind. Johan was all for a good fight. That never bothered Johan. But killing. That was something he was not fond of.

"I suppose we'd better get down there. They're goin' to help defending the deck from those bastards. Talk to Jack down there, see what you need to do. I need to fetch some things!" Johan shouted to Jego as he climbed down the rigging.

[Omerta]

Well then. This will get exciting. And I don't mean that in a good way. Heumwell wanders distractedly over to be behind the mast.

[Nyarlthotep]

Taarie places her hand on the sword at her side instinctively. Her bow was in her quarters, and she wasn't sure if she'd have time to grab it. Instead, she looked to the Captain as if waiting for direction.

[Techmagss]

Hearing the cry of 'Pirates!', Deron rushes into his cabin, grabbing a Heavy Crossbow and a large amount of bolts. He also grabs his greatsword, leaving the mace and his heavy armour behind, instead favouring some light gear (OOC: Take away my AC for this.) He then rushes up to deck.
Ready and waiting.
He also takes cover behind something, such as a barrel, loading his Crossbow.
I will take no pleasure in killing these men.

[Wordplay]

For Taarie
At the shout of pirates, the Captain closes his eyes with a look of resignation and despair. He doesn't move until one of the crew rushes into the galley.

'Captain, didn't you hear? Pirates dead astern, coming up fast! We think it's Bloodgrin sir'.

Only then does the Captain rise.

'Alright'. he heads towards the hatch for the deck.

The crewman turns to Taarie.

'Pardon me, miss, but word has it that you're favoured of the gods. If it be so, we could use your help greatly miss'.

For Fadwar
Darius looks as if he's about to say something, but thinks better of it. He turns with a snarl.

'Remember what I said Fadwar. Come, let's see what manner of rats we're up against'.

Darius stalks up to the deck.

The sailors start to panic. Several dash below decks to fetch weapons. Jack rushes off to fetch the Captain.

'Dammit, you fools, stay at your posts! We may still outrun them!' cries out Amanda.

Merok chuckles at Deron's comment.

'Aye, I fear you're right'.

Squire Beleras runs belowdecks to fetch his weapons. Merok throws down his scrubbing brush, spits, and checks his weapons.

Dorothea and Althea squeal, and Lady de Marrellet Tercius spends a little time getting them under control and to their quarters.

Dorothea casts a glance back at Sigge, her face pale and afraid.

The Captain appears on deck. He looks like death.

'Alright, sheets in boys an' girls. New boy! Stay up top an' keep an' eye out fer reefs! We'll keep close to the shallows, an' try an' outrun them!'

The guard Darius arrives on deck. Looking at the pirate ship, he lets out a stream of words - judging from the tone, it's purely invective.

For Elvish speakers
Elvish is normally a very formal and polite language. It takes skill to swear in it as fluently as Darius is doing now. He's even made up some effective curses of his own, building on existing vocabulary and grammar.

Lady de Marrellet Tercius returns to the deck. She approaches Marrady.

'Marrady - please be careful. Don't do anything rash. Please remember, the girls and I will likely be fine - we're too valuable to harm. But I worry about what they might do to you - please try and stay out of their way'.

Merok laughs harshly.

'What's he gonna do? Cook for them? I pity the poor dogs'.

The Captain pushes the crew and the vessel hard. With Jego up top, they are able to skirt the shoals and shallows. Yet hour by hour as the day wears on, the blood red sail looms larger astern.

Baron Tarekkis appears on deck.

'When they board - everyone, offer no resistance. It'll be safer that way. Let them take whatever they want - except for Secundis' body. You guards must protect that at all costs'.

'My Lord, surely you don't mean over the lives of the passengers and sailors?' shouts Darius.

'You heard me man'.

At this command, Squire Beleras looks like he's been force-fed poison.

'My Lord...forgive me, but there are ladies aboard...'

'Who will be much safer without any reckless heroics'.

A sailor calls out to Heumwell.

'Hey, you're a mage, right?'

He looks around for his fellow sailors.

'Maybe we can hold 'em off!'

He looks back at Heumwell.

'When they get really close, you can throw a fireball at their ship right?'

[Omerta]

"That is far beyond my power, sir. I am a mere apprentice!" Heumwell refrains from adding that he would never stoop to casting such a crude conveyance of magical power.

Heumwell mutters to himself: "Surely the Lord there is mistaken. The body of some dead guy, more important than all of us living people?"

Sense Motive (on Baron Tarekkis): [roll0]
e: Yes he definitely has a motive for saying things.

[Wordplay]

The sailor doesn't appear to be convinced by Heumwell.

'Well, what about summoning a sea serpent to destroy their ship?'

'Or opening a magical gate to transport us away?'

'Stow it you fool - there are limits ta what mages can do. Don't you think if he could do any of that he'd have done it already?'

'Aye, mages only do that kind of thing in bard's tales!'

The pirate ship looms closer. The sail is blood red. It's possible to see men on deck getting ready for a boarding action - but they're not quite in bow range yet.

Baron Tarekkis walks up to Deron.

'I know it goes against the grain - but the best chance we have of keeping everyone alive - especially the sailors'.

'Hopefully they'll just take what we have, and maybe take some of us for ransom'.

[Techmagss]

Sense Motive on Baron Tarekkis.
[roll0]

...I must disagree. While our mission is important, the welfare of others is greater.

Diplomacy on Baron Tarekkis, to dissuade him from the current course of action.
[roll1]

[Nibbsy]

Marrady holds onto the rigging, standing atop a crate as he stares off at the approaching pirate vessel, his cape billowing majestically. He then hops down from the crates, turning to Lady Marrelet.
"Don't you worry, my lady. We're all going to survive this. Or most of us atleast." Marrady draws his rapier from it's sheath, holding it ready, and leaves the Lady to approach the captain.

Reaching the captain, he announces himself. [COLOR="#FF0000"]"Captain! We need a plan quickly. We can't outrun them without ditching our cargo. I think we may have to turn to get the first strike on them."[/C

[Omerta]

Heumwell approaches the captain behind Marrady. "Sir, while I can't dissuade them from attacking us, I can insure that their ship turns into a torch if someone is able to hit a small area with a flaming arrow. The only problem is, they have to get to within grappling distance for me to cast my spell."

[Wordplay]

The Baron frowns... and whispers to Deron.

For Deron, or accessible on a Listen check (DC 15)
'I'm going to take you into my confidence. Use your sense for a moment. Our ambassador dies - at a young age, and in seemingly good health. The assumption must be that he was assassinated, presumably by poison. Many of the Court are already pushing for military action on that basis'.

'But what if Secundis wasn't poisoned? What if it was just a quirk of fate that struck him down? That could be proven, or disproven by the body. Why do you think that this mission was dispatched with such haste? The King would rather not start a war over a mischance. It is imperative that we get the ambassador's body back to Adlerdale and the King's physicians. Secundis' corpse could cause a war - or prevent one'.

'How many innocents would perish if it came to war? If there's the slightest chance to avoid it, then I'm willing to sacrifice the lives of all aboard this ship, including my own to take it. Sometimes the needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the few'.

For Deron
You get the sense that the Baron is keeping something from you.

Lady Marrellet de Tercius gives Marrady a swift peck on the cheek, then hurries belowdecks.

The Captain looks back at Marrady, face grey, expression grim.

'Twelve bless ye fer a game 'un cook, we couldn't outrun 'em even if we jettied all the cargo. Ye've heard our orders - the Baron doesn't wish fer us ta fight'.

Then Heumwell offers his suggestion... the Captain looks uncomfortable.

'Well - the Baron thinks that if we offer no trouble they'll leave us alone - I'm not so sure...but I'm pretty sure if we set fire ta their ship they'll be out fer blood'.

The Captain frowns.

'I can't help you, but if you want to fight them, I'm not going to stop you'.

Anyone may sense motive on the Captain.

[Techmagss]

Deron uses Detect Evil on the Baron.
Then, he says;

Who would have the motive to commit such a thing, though?
Unless, maybe..

Are we not considering these pirates are going to attack us as soon as we lay down arms? These types of criminals are like that- they could kill us when we surrender. In my opinion, I would rather not take that risk. However, it is up to the highest ranking official.
He goes quiet, loading up his crossbow.

[bross]

Sigge climbs into the rigging the nausea showing on his face and turns to face the approaching ship trying to pick out the captain as he strings his bow and knocks a arrow settling his footholds into the rigging

[Nibbsy]

Marrady thinks for a while before nodding his head sharply.
"Alright, let me just try one thing. I'll send a message to the pirates captain." Marrady narrows his eyes in some indication that he is thinking very hard, before running over to the rear of the ship, closer to the pirates. Looking out, he tries to identify a leader figure, probably with a large hat and sword.

[roll0]

Upon identifying whomever he believes to be the captain, Marrady closes his eyes and begins whispering, sending a message to the captain.

"Attention, approaching ship. This is a fair warning. This ship contains no noteworthy amounts of gold, treasure, or anything of value you would not find in an average inn. It does however, contain many fairly skilled adventurers, fighters, healers, spell casters, and so forth...There are women and cowards upon this ship, and we would rather see no bloodshed of innocents today. If you continue your attack, innocent people shall die. Many guilty people shall also die, mainly you. So to summarise: We are not carrying any treasure. We don't want to fight. We will kill you if you do."

Diplomacy check [roll1]

[Wordplay]

For Deron
The Baron doesn't register as evil.

The Baron whispers to Deron
'To murder the ambassador? Or provoke a war? There are always fools who would counsel war'.

'As for killing the ambassador...I have my suspicions...'

'There is a risk that they kill us even if we surrender - however, if we fight they will offer no quarter. I think it best to surrender. We are worth quite a bit to them as ransom. I would have you not fight, Sir Broadshield. Please heed my counsel'.

Meanwhile Sigge climbs into the rigging and gets a reasonable view of the pirate ship's deck.

For Sigge
There are about twenty men and women on the deck, several are involved in the sailing, but all are armed. A mass of them appear to be preparing to board.

There are two working the tiller, one of whom is wearing a large plumed hat, the other is dressed much more simply.

A huge burly man appears to be giving the boarders some kind of talk. He's bald, and a giant of a man, brandishing a giant axe.

Looking over, Sigge can see the pirates also have people in their rigging. A moustachioed lookout grins and waves at Sigge. In his other hand he appears to be winding the mechanism on a crossbow...

The range is about 200ft, but closing fast.

[bross]

Sigge pulls the arrow taunt firing at the less fanciful dressed of the tiller men

[Techmagss]

Not to alarm you, but it appears a fight had already started.
Deron looks up, nodding towards the archer.
He seems to have provoked them. Be ready.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"Aye now, what've I missed? We havn't thrown the bastards to the deeps yet, have we?" Johan's boisterous voice bellowed across the decks. He was coming back from bellow decks, only now he was armed, with a greatsword in hand and javelins on his back. He gazed around deck, seeing the tense looks on the crew.

"What's this? You go into battle looking like that and you're bound to slip up. So come now, I hear the Reaper's not that bad! So don't you fret over dying!" Johan was obviously trying to cheer the men up. He wasn't sure if it would work. Johan had learned that the sailors had a different view on life and death. But he had to do something, no one should be so grim when fighting for one's life.

[Wordplay]

The crossbow bolt sails across the gulf, and catches the unarmoured sailor in the arm. He lets out a yelp.

For Sigge
You may roll for damage. In this thread is fine, but OC's good too.

Edit: Johan's fellow sailors don't seem too enthused by his pep talk.

'Who said anything about dying?'

'He doesn't think we have a chance...'

'Oh gods...'

The pirate ship has closed to about 50 feet.

Everyone can see a knot of armed men and women standing on deck, preparing to board. A tall, well built human man stands at the forefront. His head is shaven, and he wears two leather baldrics across his bare chest. He calls out in Varic, his voice heavily accented.

'Heel to, and offer no resistance, and your lives will be spared!'

He shouts again.

'If you continue to resist, we will offer no quarter!'

[Nyarlthotep]

The priestess was now returning from her quarters where she had retrieved a shortbow, now slung on her back. "No one will be dying today, I assure you." She spoke to the sailors who she overheard on her return.

[Wordplay]

The pirate by the helm seems to be badly wounded. He turns pale. Quickly, he is ushered away from the helm and belowdecks.

The sailors look slightly heartened at Taarie's words... though some appear to still be wavering.

The pirate ship has closed to about 20ft. Some of the sailors quail as they see the boarding party assembled. The men and women brandish numerous weapons, some wear leather armour, others have mixed and matched various pieces of equipment. They look fierce and determined. The huge human man leading the party calls out.

'Throw down your weapons and you will be spared!'

Those intending to fight, please roll initiative.

[bross]

[roll0]

Sigge prepares to fire again

[Omerta]

Heumwell steps out from his hiding place behind the mast and moves to exactly 5 feet from the rail with no visible weapon. Although the fact that he is in clothing highly unusual for a sea voyage will probably give him away.

Initiative: [roll0]

e:
"I sure hope someone with a flaming arrow is ready to shoot..."

[Nibbsy]

Marrady walks back from his position at the edge of the ship, clutching his Accordion like a safety blanket, his rapier back in it's sheath. Awkwardly looking between the crew and the invading pirates, he swallows hard. Marrady begins slowly tapping the keys to the Accordion, starting to play a seaworthy melody, frowning throughout.

Marrady attempts to use Fascinate on the invading pirates.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Johan stepped closer to the edge of the ship, slowly tightening the grip on his sword. He stood tall, head held high, the wind blowing his wild mane to one side, but he said nothing. From behind his bushy eyebrows came a fierce glare directed at the big pirate.


Initiative: [roll0]

Readied Action (if possible): Attack the first pirate that dares come in reach of my greatsword :smalltongue:

[Wordplay]

Harrun 'Bloodgrin' is known to be a ruthless and merciless pirate, hailing from the lands of the Begalan Hanate. He emerged around five years ago, and in that time has raided up and down the western coast of the Terillian peninsula. The ship bearing down on you no is no doubt, the infamous Red Hawk - which Bloodgrin is said to have bought with the proceeds of his first year's raiding. 3 years ago Bloodgrin co-operated with two other pirate Captains to raid a village in Iver. The survivors were either ransomed back to their families or sold into slavery.

Bloodgrin is known to be gracious to prisoners, but has treated any who try to escape him with ruthless savagery. He has been known to make use of thumbscrews, impalement, roasting and flaying to sailors aboard ships that he has taken. That said, it's rumoured that his treatment of his own crew is fair, and that they're very loyal to him.

Surviving captives have described a short, slight man, with tremendous charisma.

[Wordplay]

Initiative Order
Marrady [21]
Pirate 1 [19] (ranged)
Merok [18]
Sigge [17]
Pirate 2 [13] (ranged)
Pirate 3 [13] (ranged)
Deron [12]
Johan [11]
Darius [11]
Heumwell [10]
Pirate 4 [8]
Pirate 5 [7] (ranged)
Pirate 6 [6]
Beleras [5]
Pirate 7 [4]
Pirate 8 [3]
Pirate 9 [2]
Pirate 10 [1]


The pirate ship closes within range, and the crew prepare heavy grappling hooks. Just as the ship comes alongside Marrady begins to sing ... and as he does something strange happens. Almost all of the pirates on deck seem distracted - they stop what they're doing, and turn their gaze to Marrady...

Merok takes advantage of the opportunity.

'Glad ta see you sing better than you cook'.

The mercenary hurls a throwing knife at one of the pirates aboard the ship.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

His aim is true, and he strikes a female pirate with dark-hair. The pirate shakes her head, as if suddenly coming to. She curses furiously at the sight of the throwing knife. She no longer appears absorbed in the music.

It's Sigge's turn...

[bross]

Sigge lines up his next shot [roll0] aiming at Pirate one

[Wordplay]

Sigge's shot falls short, and to the left.

Many of the pirates still seem to be awestruck by Marrady's song.

Deron, Johan and Heumwell may now take their turns.

(Darius is holding his action).

[TheFamilarRaven]

What in Hell kind of magic is that fool cook using? Johan thought as the pirates became stupefied by Marrady's song. Ah well, if'n they can't get it together, then they won't be much of a fight! Leaves the tougher ones to me! The warrior had found a silver lining.

Johan called out, or rather, he roared out at the pirates. "If any of you bastards think you can board this ship with me on guard, then your welcome to try your might against mine!" Johan's fierce stare scanned over the band of marauders, before finally locking on to their leader.



Still has a readied action to attack the first pirate that boards.

[Omerta]

Heumwell shouts, "I hope someone has a fire arrow ready and can hit the broad side of a barn!" and then casts Grease, hoping to get its 10-foot area underneath as many pirates as possible while still splashing the near railing.

[Wordplay]

The leader of the boarding party doesn't return Johan's stare - it seems that he's still distracted by Marrady's singing. His eyes have a slightly glazed expression.

Heumwell's aim is true, and the deck of the pirate ship, as well as the railings, are covered in a slippery magical grease.

Two of the pirates stumble and fall...

Unfortunately, the sudden appearance of the grease seems to cause several of the pirates to shake off their fascination with Marrady's song...

[Techmagss]

Deron remains in cover, preparing to attack as his comrades have been. He looks around for something wood nearby he can burn with something else in order to throw it at the pirates. He keeps his head down


Gonna smack the first Pirate that comes into range with my Greatsword.

[Wordplay]

You can see various folds of canvas, wooden crates and lengths of rope to hand. All of these look fairly flammable, but you cannot see any source of ignition.

The pirate that Merok tagged with his throwing knife takes aim with her shortbow.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

The arrow catches him in the upper arm, just where his armour fails to cover him. He grunts.

'Ah, Reaver take you searat!'

Squire Beleras stands alongside Johan, shortsword drawn - he appears to be making ready to cut any grapples attached.

Two of the pirates roused by the grease attack take aim with grappling hooks.

[roll2]
[roll3]

One of the pirates manages to knock the pirate next to him over. The other's aim is true. It bites into the wood of the railing and holds fast. His crewmates cheer the successful throw, and prepare to start hauling on the rope.

Darius, the elven mercenary guard, drops to the deck, reaches into his pack, and draws a torch, and a flint. Striking the flint expertly on his rapier, he's able to ignite the torch.

'Quickly, someone throw it!' The elf holds the torch out to any who wish to take it.

The rest of the pirates are still fascinated by Marrady's song.

Round 2 begins.
Marrady [21]
Pirate 1 [19] (ranged)
Merok [18]
Sigge [17]
Pirate 2 [13] (ranged)
Pirate 3 [13] (ranged)
Deron [12]
Johan [11]
Darius [11]
Heumwell [10]
Pirate 4 [8] (on fire)
Pirate 5 [7] (ranged)
Pirate 6 [6] (on fire)
Beleras [5]
Pirate 7 [4] On grapple
Pirate 8 [3]
Pirate 9 [2]
Pirate 10 [1] (on fire)

Red = hostile
Blue = Friendly NPC

[Nibbsy]

During all the commotion, Marrady continues his song, enthralled in it as much as the pirates. The song drew to a close, leaving Marrady freezing on the final note, now unsure how to deal with the sea-baring murderers. He looked at the grease. He looked at the torch. He looked at the pirates who were even now realising that now was not the time for music.

"I got it!" Marrady shouted, grabbing the lit torch from Darius' hand. Winding up, and with an unmanly grunt, he flung it towards the grease on the pirates ship.

[roll0]

[Wordplay]

The torch flies across the gap, spinning end over end. It bounces end down on the railing...and lands on the pirate ship, setting the grease from Heumwell's spell aflame. Two of the grease covered pirates manage to get out of the way in time, but three are caught as the flames lick over them.

Any remaining befuddlement from Marrady's song is quickly shaken off. Several of the pirates are scrambling to put out the flames. The pirates manning the sails and helm look like they want to intervene, but hold their position, and hold their course.

A pirate up in the rigging fires his crossbow at Johan.

Attack
Damage [roll1]

The bolt strikes true, catching Johan in the arm.

Merok laughs harshly as the pirates catch alight.

'That's our cook! I like my pirates like I like my steak - well done!'

Merok aims another throwing knife at the pirate working the grapple.

Attack [1d20+3
Damage [roll2]

But the arrow caught in his arm spoils his aim, and the knife clatters off the pirate ship deck.

It's Sigge's turn

[Wordplay]

Sorry for the double post. Made to fix Merok's attack roll. [roll0]

[bross]

Sigge pulls back his bow taunt again and fires at the pirate at the helm [roll0]

[roll1]

[Wordplay]

Sigge's shot seems sure to fall short, but a sudden breeze lofts it to its target. The helmsmen is unarmoured, and the bolt strikes true.

The helmsman cries out, and turns white, but he stays at his post.

Two pirates armed with short bows appear torn between putting out the fire and helping with the grapples...

but in the end settle for letting off a couple of shots, the first aimed at Sigge, the second at Squire Beleras.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

The shots are hopelessly wide...

Deron, Johan and Heumwell may take their turn.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Johan flinched as the bolt logged into his arm. But he gritted through the pain as he yelled across the gap. "You call yourselves pirates? Why, I've seen milk maids with truer aim!" The warrior spirit within Johan began to boil over. His brief grimace of pain turned into a grin. His eyes a light with fire. "Ya ought to make like this rope!" Johan swung his blade over the railing, detaching the grapple. "Cut your losses, and make your way back to your coddling mothers - before we send you all to the Reaper!"

[Omerta]

"Well then. That worked out well." Heumwell then casts his eyes about seeing some other way he can be useful. Sudden insight flashes and Heumwell casts Ghost Sound, mimicking the sound of a ship scraping against an underwater reef. Centered as close to the pirate helmsman's head as he can. The feeling obviously can't be duplicated, but hopefully the chaos of battle and the arrow sticking out of him will make him panic for a fraction of a second and steer away.

[Techmagss]

Deron takes a crossbow off his back and emerges from his cover, firing at the pirate that shot Johan.


[roll0]
Damage [roll1]

He then gets back into cover.

[Wordplay]

The grappling rope is sliced through cleanly. The pirate who threw it curses loudly.

A strange sound fills the air... but it doesn't seem to bother the enemy helmsman, who keeps his course true.

Deron's shot catches the crossbow wielding pirate in the chest. He grunts as it hits him... it looks like a solid blow.

Three of the pirates scream, rolling to try and put out the fire.

Pirate 4 [roll0]
Pirate 6 [roll1]
Pirate 10 [roll2]

Their companions reluctantly turn to help them.

Pirate 5 [roll3]
Pirate 7 [roll4]
Pirate 8 [roll5]
Pirate 9 [roll6]

They are successful in putting out the pirates on fire, but the ship continues to burn.

Squire Beleras stands by the railing, ready to cut any grapples.

Darius unlimbers a shortbow, and takes aim at the helmsman.

[roll7]
Damage [roll8]

The shot takes the helmsman through the eye. He stops dead, his mouth open, and wordlessly he falls to the deck.

[Wordplay]

Round 3 begins...
Marrady [21]
Pirate 1 [19] (ranged)
Merok [18]
Sigge [17]
Pirate 2 [13] (ranged)
Pirate 3 [13] (ranged)
Deron [12]
Johan [11]
Darius [11]
Heumwell [10]
Pirate 4 [8] singed
Pirate 5 [7] (ranged)
Pirate 6 [6] singed
Beleras [5]
Pirate 7 [4]
Pirate 8 [3]
Pirate 9 [2]
Pirate 10 [1] singed

Red = hostile
Blue = Friendly NPC

The pirate ship starts to drift off course. Up in the rigging, the pirate with the crossbow shouts for someone to take the helm.

[Techmagss]

Deron peeks out of his cover and notices the pirate that was struck true by his bolt. He nods, preparing to reload.


Just in case I'm wrong and I do get a crit:
[roll0]
[roll1]
OR 8x2=16 damage

[Nibbsy]

Marrady beams with glee at his successful attack. Then beams a little bit less after the screams of people burning alive finally sets in.

He backs away a little more from the ship edge, readying his sling. Spinning it, he aims for pirate#6.

[Wordplay]

Just as one of the pirates finally beats out the flames with the help of one of his friends, Marrady's slingshot cracks him across the side of his chest, and he calls out in pain, but stays standing.

The pirate with the crossbow doesn't seem too badly injured. He takes aim and fires off a shot at Marrady, possibly pegging him as the greatest threat.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

The shot misfires...

Merok takes aim at the pirate that Marrady just hit.

Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

The thrown dagger catches the man in the back, and stays sticking there. He drops to his knees, and looks pretty shaken, but stays up.

Merok chuckles.

It's Sigge's turn next.

[bross]

Sigge lines up his next shot at the pirate with the crossbow


[roll0]


In case I hit
[roll1]

[Wordplay]

Sigge's hit is on target, but the shot doesn't seem to do anything to the pirate with the crossbow - Sigge may make a spot check, DC 15.

Meanwhile, the two pirates with short bows take aim at Deron and Merok.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Whether it's a well aimed shot, or a lucky deflection is hard to tell, but pirate's arrow goes through a gap in Deron's armour, and penetrates deeply. Deron drops to the deck, unconscious.

Merok winces as the shot catches him in the upper shoulder of his good arm.

'I...I think that's me done for this one'.

Johan, Heumwell and Deron may take their turns.

[Wordplay]

Crit confirm [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Looking closely, Sigge realises from the way that the shot glanced off that crossbowman is probably wearing armour under his shirt.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Thrice damned brigands!" Johan exclaimed as the arrows sunk into Deron and Merok. He then rushed across the deck to help his ally.

[Wordplay]

As the shaft strikes home, everything suddenly seems to slow down. The colours start to drain from the scene, blue sea, orange flames, red blood...all fades to grey.

Falling prone, Deron feels so very cold...

Then a warmth fills his body. It starts from his chest and spreads to the tips of Deron's toes. Deron feels incredibly at peace. It feels like there's someone watching over him, just out of sight.

'Your faith is strong, Deron Broadshield'.

Then Deron feels a sensation of floating, as though his whole body is being lifted up.

Deron awakes to see the face of Johan, the sailor, looking down at him. The half-orc looks concerned.

Deron's wound is bad, but Johan does the best he can do. He breaks off some of the shaft, and attempts to staunch the bleeding. Truly, the paladin's god must favour him - it seems as though he'll live.

Heumwell's up.

[Wordplay]

Heumwell pops up at the railing, mutters several arcane words, and gestures.

His hands emit a dazzling fan of light in every colour of the rainbow. The spell catches two of the pirates. They slump to the deck.

At the sight, the crew of the Winter's Fortune give a cheer. The pirates look a little concerned.

Spell cast, Heumwell ducks behind a mast.

Darius, seeing Johan attending Deron, hastens to Merok's side. He pulls out the arrows, then draws a vial from his belt pouch and forces the contents down Merok's throat.

Heal [roll0]

Two of the pirates turn to putting out the fire aboard the ship, whilst another takes a shot at Squire Beleras.

Pirate 4 Fire-fighting [roll1]
Pirate 5 Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]
Pirate 6 Fire-fighting [roll4]

The pirates fighting the fire don't seem to be having much luck, and the flames continue to spread. The shot fired by the pirate bounces straight off Squire Beleras' chestplate.

For his part, Squire Beleras remains standing by the railing, ready to cut any grapples.

Ready action, cut grapple.

Two pirates throw grapples.

Pirate 9 [roll5]
Pirate 10 [roll6]

One of the pirates whirls the grapple around his head, lets go at the wrong time, and somehow manages to hit himself on the back of the head with the grapple. The second pirate has more luck, the throw is good, and the grapple secure, but Squire Beleras manages to sever the rope before the pirates can make any use of it.

At this point the pirates have several wounded, they've had two helmsmen carted off, and several of them have been set on fire. For a moment they look like they might be wavering, then they redouble their efforts, determined to take their prize. A fresh pirate rushes from manning the sails to take the helm.

Round 4 begins..
Marrady [21]
Pirate 1 [19] (ranged) (wounded)
Merok [18]
Sigge [17]
Pirate 2 [13] (ranged) (wounded)
Pirate 3 [13] (ranged)
Deron [12]
Johan [11]
Darius [11]
Heumwell [10]
Pirate 4 [8] singed
Pirate 5 [7] (ranged)
Pirate 6 [6] singed (badly wounded)
Beleras [5]
Pirate 7 [4] (unconscious, stunned, blinded)
Pirate 8 [3] (unconscious, stunned, blinded)
Pirate 9 [2]
Pirate 10 [1] singed

Red = hostile
Blue = Friendly NPC

[Nibbsy]

Marrady steps back forward towards the ships edge, his sling rearmed with a small pebble, and himself recovering from the whole 'pirates burning to death' thing. Attempting to make himself look as imposing as possible, mostly done by puffing up his cape, hiding his meek features in shadow, and stepping away from his accordions hiding place, he speaks in an uncharacteristically booming, authoritative voice. Speech therapy was clearly worth it.

"Give it up, you scum!" he yells to the pirates. "Your ship is engulfed in flame, your crew have all either been rendered unfit or started off that way, and I dare say that our patience is at it's end. You have seen the power of our magic! So run, lick your wounds, and maybe we won't be able to catch you!"


Intimidate check: [roll0]

[Wordplay]

Two of the pirates laugh at Marrady's threats, but a few actually look a little demoralized.

The pirate with the crossbow climbs down from the rigging and hurls a grappling hook.

[roll0]

The pirate curses as his throw misses.

'Xavier, Ishfan, Farid, deal with the fire, everyone else on grapples'.

Merok's wounds are starting to close.

'Owe you one Darius'.

The surly human aims at the pirate with the crossbow, flinging another of his throwing knives.

Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

The throw's on target, but there's a sharp <clink> as the knife connects. The first pirate doesn't flinch away, a contemptuous smile on his face.

Sigge's up.

[bross]

[roll0] fired at pirate three

[Wordplay]

The shot whistles over the pirate's head, just a shade too high.

Pirates 2 and 3 cease taking potshots at the crew, and try their luck with the grapples.

Pirate 2 [roll0]
Pirate 3 [roll1]

Somehow both grapples fall short...

Deron, Johan and Heumwell may take their actions.

[TheFamilarRaven]

"I'm going to borrow this, friend!" Johan exclaimed once he saw Deron was stable. He snatched up the knight's loaded crossbow and fired away at the pirates.


Move action to pick up Deron's crossbow, standard action to attack Pirate #2.

Attack Roll [roll0]
Crit Confirmation [roll1]

Damage [roll2]
plus [roll3] (if critical)

[Wordplay]

The bolt catches the pirate girl in the chest, punching through her armour. She collapses to the deck, unconscious.

[Wordplay]

Darius picks his bow back up again and fires at pirate 6.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

but in his haste to take the shot, he sacrifices his aim...

The remaining pirates hurl grapples across the divide.

Pirate 4 [roll2]
Pirate 5 [roll3]
Pirate 6 [roll4]
Pirate 9 [roll5]
Pirate 10 [roll6]

All of the shots land, and the grapples are secure. Squire Beleas manages to sever one of the lines, but 4 remain.

Marrady [21]
Pirate 1 [19] (ranged) (wounded)
Merok [18]
Sigge [17]
Pirate 2 [13]
Pirate 3 [13] (ranged)
Deron [12]
Johan [11]
Darius [11]
Heumwell [10]
Pirate 4 [8] singed
Pirate 5 [7] (ranged)
Pirate 6 [6] singed (badly wounded)
Beleras [5]
Pirate 7 [4] (unconscious, stunned, blinded)
Pirate 8 [3] (unconscious, stunned, blinded)
Pirate 9 [2]
Pirate 10 [1] singed

Red = hostile
Blue = Friendly NPC

[Nibbsy]

Trying to do what little he can against these bastards, Marrady twirls his sling above his head, launching a rock towards the most immediate threat he sees (Pirate 1)

[roll0]

[roll1]

[Wordplay]

The shot hits true, cracking the pirate right across the forehead, and giving him a nasty cut. He curses loudly.

The pirate grabs the nearest grapple and attempts to haul the ships together. He seems to be calling on his companions to help him.

strength check [roll0]

Timing his pull with the pitch of the waves, the pirate manages to close the gap substantially.

Merok draws yet another dagger from his belt, and begins sawing through one of the grapples. After a few seconds, it gives. Three grapples remain.

Sigge's up. (characters may take a sense motive as a full round action DC 15).

[bross]

sigge lines up his next shot

[roll0] at the pirate leading the grapple pulling

[Wordplay]

Sigge's shot catches the pirate in the chest.

OoC: roll for damage.

The next pirate moves to help his fellow. He seizes the rope in his hands, and heaves.

[roll0]

With the two pirates pulling together the gap narrows further.

Deron, Heumwell and Johan are up.

[TheFamilarRaven]

Aye, get your pathetic hides over here quickly! So i can send you back to whatever scum pit you crawled out of! Johan roared, as the boats came closer together. He then readied a shot in Deron's crossbow and let fly a bolt towards the pirates.


Move actions, load crossbow.

Standard action, attack pirate #1

Attack: [roll0]
Crit confirm: [roll1]

damage: [roll2]
if crit, plus [roll3]


Edit: Wow, could the dice roller be any more mean to me? :smalltongue: