Hunter shares with the group what/who he saw.
Sapphire hangs off every one of Ambrose's words, not as a sycophant, but because they could save her life at some point. Knowing who to trust was probably the most important thing of all here.
She passes the cleaver to Ambrose, and stoops to pick up the vial. If he isn't interested or looking in her direction, she'll stash it in the sauerkraut so she can pick it up later. If it's something unsavory like poison then she doesn;t want to be caught with it, and if it's something else of value then it might pay to wait a short while before she picks it up, to make sure she's allowed to keep such things as she finds or earns. Ambrose's words about Jake also ring in her ears, she'll make doubly sure she's not caught if thieving she goes.
I appreciate the advice on who to avoid, I'll not want to be looking for trouble so heedin' your words I feels a good thing!
She studies the recipe and steps for making the fish soup so she can repeat it if necessary.
"That's quite the tale, but a good one none the less. Maybe the Pirate Queen has yet a greater purpose for you. Sounds like the tale of folk with a great destiny after all!
Aria chimes in a happy response to the fantastical tale. She didn't quite believe all of what they said, but it was something she could use to make a pirate's tale out of none the less. After all most of those tales were rather exaggerated themselves. After taking in a deep breath the Merfolk begins whistling a cheerful tune for the rest of the crew on deck. At the very least she was hoping to keep their spirits high enough that they didn't want to kill anyone.
I'm not going to die on this god forsaken boat if I can much help it. If I get a chance maybe later I can win some favor with the captain. Seems "Mr. Plugg" and me got off to a bit of a bad start so I'm not sure if I can get much with the likes of him.
The Wormwood sails well throughout the day with the wind constantly behind it. Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge oversaw that everyone on board carried out their duties. The skies remain clear and the horizon empty all day. Several minor course corrections are necessary to keep the course. Hunter is the one that passes such messages to the acting helmsman. As dusk arrives you hear others speak about the "Bloody Hour". A time just before dusk when punishments are meant to be carried out.
The anchor is weighed on a small outcropping of a reef several miles from a small island and everyone tired from the days work gathers on the main deck to witness. The Captain stands above on the poop deck watching but it is Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge that seem to be the ones overseeing the event. The quartermaster, a female Half-Orc is also present on the main deck below the Captain. Several crew hold ropes ready as Scourge instructs them to bring forward Rrruh. Three crewmen advance towards with Plugg right beside them. The crowd parts stepping back from Rrruh. "Three lashes for the Catfolk for his failure in the rigging today. If it weren't for us being so short on crew I'd have ya thrown overboard!" Plugg yells. He seems to relish this part of the day and holds his whip ready. With a dirty smirk he says, "Resist and it will be six lashes."
The tall catfolk tilted his head strangely curious and a bit confused for a moment, then his eyes widened and his ears lay back his tail lashing. He didn't sign on for this... then again it occurred to him he didn't sign on. He bared his teeth for a moment flexing his claws out then in... then he sighed and shrugged relaxing. He fixed his large green eyes on the deck though his tail continued to lash the whole while.
Reinald closes his eyes painfully at the mention of the lash. Yep its official I hate him. I will have to make a point to kill this bastard.
Sapphire winces as the lash dances across Rrruh's back.
There but for the grace of some fish go I she shakes her head, this is a poor position to find myself in, there must be an opportunity to improve things soon
Two of the men, Fipps and Jape grab Rrruh bu the shoulders and make him stand facing the main mast with his back to the rest of the crew. The other ties Rrruh to the main by his wrists.
Plugg walks around to look Rrruh in the face. "Not a good first day for you today, let's see about removing some of that back fur of yours." He walks back around and unfurls his whips giving it a few test cracks wondering if the catfolk will flinch.
The whip cracks against his back. Once, twice and then three times. Rrruh is untied and allowed to stand back with the rest of the crew again.
"Bring forward Jakes." Mr. Plugg calls next. Two other humans you do not recognize come up from below leading a dirty looking man ahead of them. They bring him to his knees in front of Plugg. He looks up at the Captain who nods back. "Jakes Magpie has been discovered to be a thief. Last night we found him in the quartermaster's store trying to make off with items that were not his. The captain has deemed the punishment for this to be as severe as the crime." He pauses for a few seconds to look at Jakes. "You will be keelhauled." Several gasps can be heard, perhaps yours among them but no one moves to intefere and Jakes is led to the port side of the ship and tied a rope. He is dropped into the water and a connecting rope on the other side of the ship is pulled by Plugg.
After a little over a minute later Jakes is pulled back onto the ship. He has been cut to shreds and lies still on the deck.
Jakes has taken about 24 points of damage from the punishment and drowned as well.
Master Scourge has two of the crew dump his body over the side and fed to the sharks. Hoping that this lesson won't have to be learnt again the captain and his officers leave to go have dinner as the rest of the crew head towards the galley to collect theirs.
As suspected, more proof Plugg is a sadist.
Sapphire will go along with the rest of the crew to get her food, and will try to sit with Reinald if possible, otherwise she'll just try to avoid any of the people Ambrose mentioned earlier in the day.
How went your first day then? Can't have been as bad as the catfolk's...
Reinald grimaces at the spectacle.
He thought he had blacked out for a moment there, the pain was much worse than he had imagined it would be. The books and stories he had read had not been like this at all. Well it had said things like this but always brushed over them.
He watched in pure horror at how much enjoyment that plugg fellow seemed to enjoy this sort of thing. His ears flattened and in pain or not his teeth bared for a moment as his tail lashed. He would keep a wary eye on that one. One thing was for sure, the happy go lucky feline learned a very important lession that day... hate.
He followed along with the others for the food quite obviously not as chipper as he was in the morning. Though he did offer a smile for the merwoman. "Hello miss, I an Rrruh, honored to have met you." he said with a formal bow, his left hand in a fist with his right hand over it, in front of his chest. he bowed forward at the waist deeply his large eyes never leaving her.
Reinald smiles to see Sapphire looking for a perch for dinner and makes room for her.
"Indeed how is life making this . . . mess. No offense." He takes a bite. "Did you learn anything about the ship? I met a disagreeable halfling thief by the missing fingers. Not much else."
"you have to forgive me I forgot to introduce myself in the nest. My name is Reinald Malcoms."
Hunter just does what he is told. If they ask him to kill someone he does it, if they ask him to mop the floor, he does it. RRR, a true pirate obeys his master, or at least tries to overthrow him.
Also perception for the DC 15
Hunter does exactly this and share what he knows.
"Chained and tied to the mast you say. Sounds like all sorts of folk run afoul of this crew. Alls the more to have those to stand by you in a pinch." He looks across the table toward Hunter, Sapphire, and Rrruh in turn. "We are easy targets being new. Even a friendly crew will give a new mate a hard time this bunch seems severe. Knowledge, allies and time serve us best I think."
But he would make a good ally to get back our stuff, eh?
"I suppose he could . . . if he is guarding our things. Which he may or may not. We might get him to look the other way but that is a risky if especially if we don't know he is guarding our things."
I'm told that 'our things' are now the property of the captain, locked away in the quartermaster's store. It may be worth at least trying to convince Cut-Throat Grok to return our gear
She doesn't look particularly thrilled with the idea.
Any ally is good, even if they don't have our gear. They can help us retrieve it one way or another.
Edit:Barbarian not make plans, barbarian let others make plans, lie and attack whenever told. Barbarian know how to fight, barbarian not charismatic, but he is a little smart.
"Pursuing one goal does not mean ignore an other. That is true, . . ." He looks toward the hobgoblin. "What do we call you? Barbarian or is there another name." After he learns the name he continues, "This fellow might be made an ally your right." He thinks a moment, turning to Sapphire "Chances are this woman Grok is used to people trying to cozy up to her.The real question is does it work and what happens if it don't." He pauses taking a drink as his eyes take in others outside their conversation placement of officers, are there ease droppers, after the subtle pause he continues. " Seeing what I saw today the big goal should be surviving. Getting our stuff back, and what might follow seems secondary. Captors are most wary when the first take a prisoner. Let time take the edge of their watch. They need us as sailors they won't start killin us unless we give them cause. Best thing we can do is learn. Learn what life is like here, who hates who, who likes good lay, who likes the rum, who is a fool, whose got the secret."
Okay, so whatcha all need me to do, just tell me what to do and I'll do it. Mop the deck? Let others do the talking? Kill off all the pirates? Search for hidden treasure? Flirt with cut-throat Grok, assuming that is a female, it sounds like a female name? Pickpocket the key?
Name is Hunter by the way.
Aria stares in horror as the Catfolk is flayed and then another man is brutally murdered. She'd heard some stories of such things, but she'd yet to see such a gruesome scene with her own two eyes. Seeing it now she knew it would be more then a little burdensome. As the crew called for their meal the girl only followed suit due to her extreme hunger from a hard days work. Any other day and she would have lost her appetite.
Making her way down to the galley she got her humble meal and looked around to find a good place to sit. There were a few people she had in mind, but when she spotted the group that had all been in the brig with her she decided to make her way over there. Carefully finding a seat at the table's end so she could rest on her tail fin rather then a bench Aria bore her way into the ongoing conversation.
"Oi! What's this about picking pockets? I don't mean to be a spoilsport, but judging on what the captain said I don't think that would be much of a good idea."
As you eat and discuss your situation together one of the other crew approaches you. She wears a tricorne hat with a seagull feather in it. Her fiery red hair falls over her shoulders merging into the tattoos that cover both her arms down to her wrists. She had been one of those swabbing the decks today with Alyat. "Hi, I'm Sandara. Tough day." she gives a sympathetic look towards Rrruh. "Bad luck up there. I was taken just 1 day before you. It might seem tough but there is a way to survive."
The dark furred cat was quiet, though he ate his meal near the merfolk bard. He was brooding. This... this wasn't like the stories at all He thought to himself. His tail still lashing a bit as his whiskers twitched. The man.. the one called Reinard began and the feline folk found himself nodding along.
Yes yes, friend Reinard you make much sense... bide time watch your prey... and then pounce. He said bareing his teeth for a moment. it was obvious that he at least held a bit of a grudge about something.
When the redheaded woman came over to offer her sympathy the feline for a moment flicked his ears back... then the raised up and he tilted his head. Pirate ships is not fathers fishing boat. Lesson learned." he said flatly his tail stilling.
"I am called Rrruh. He said politely inclining his head to the woman.
"I know it's difficult to trust anyone but I hoped us being in the same boat helps." She stops to think of the words she just used then smiles awkwardly. "Situation, I mean. Being press ganged and all. I managed to recover a couple things from the quartermaster for you." She holds a finger to her lips, then whispers. "I'll give them to you after. Meet me in the lower hold." She stays with you to finish eating. Once the other crewmembers have had their fill Fishguts hands out the rum rations. Half a pint is mandatory drinking for every one of the crew. Refusing to drink will incur a punishment of six lashes the next day.
Afterwards some of the crew go to bed early, fatigued from todays work. Some gather into group to play a drinking game called heave, others go up on deck to play Hog Lob, others brag a barrel and make a show of arm wrestling. Various bets are made as to who might win each of the games.
The short gnome Rrruh knows as Conchobar Shortstone begins to perform for the crew by singing a variety of sailors tunes. "He was taken the same day as I was." Sandara remarks.
Rrruh, that was well done, don't let them see you feel pain she nods approvingly to the catfolk.
As Aria comes over, Sapphire makes room, but doesn't engage her in conversation yet, as she seems intent on talking to the barbarian.
When the tricorne-hat wearing redhead appears, Sapphire is surprised but cautiously pleased at her words
Well met Sandara, I'm Sapphire. So were you taken at Port Peril or before?
Sapphire downs her grog with distaste
It was good of you to get some of our things back, how did you manage it?
"It was at port peril. Scourge and his men drugged me and the next minute I woke up here. Getting stuck here wasn't my plan when I left home after my father passed. But you have to make the best of whichever wind Besmara sees fit to give you. How did you come to leave your people? It's not hard to tell you aren't from port peril."
In the lower hold Sandara waits for you near the foremast. "I wasn't able to convince Grok to give me much. But I could tell there are a few things you need more than others." She gives several items to whoever claims to own it.
Alyat's: Mask, Spell Component Pouch
Aria: Spell Component Pouch
Sapphire: Spellbook
"Grok seems to be a bit superstitious. I convinced her my things were blessed by Besmara."
Rrruh tired and upset as he was went down below to meet with the red haired woman, he was not surprised when she had none of his things, it was no matter of course, he didn't expect them there the way his luck was holding. He didn't like not being armed though. He sighed and hung about below decks in the cargo hold for a bit though his dark fur helping him to slip into shadows...
Sapphire is reticent when Sandara asks about her past, simply saying
I've lived there in Port Peril a few years now, but no I wasn't born there
Sapphire is stunned when Sandara reveals her spellbook, she swoops in and grabs it with a speed and grace previously hidden till now. She spends a tense few moments checking it, and finding eveything in order smiles at the the red-head.
I can't thank you enough, that was kind of you she ventures, genuinely pleased.
and thanks for the tip on talking to Grok, though I'm not sure I'd get away with the same story!
She stands silently for a moment, before venturing
earlier you asked after my people and I avoided the question as I didn't know you, but this she eagerly indicates the spellbook she's clutching to her chest goes quite some way to addressing that. Truth is I don't know what happened to the place I grew up, I wanted to take to sea to start my journey to find out, this is somewhat a departure from where I thought I would be a week or so ago! So I guess we both have that in common
She smiles.
Hunter drinks then goes to bed.
Sandara addresses Rrruh when he sees none of his items have been returned. "I'm sorry I was not able to return any weapons. But perhaps there is something else I can do for you if you will allow me. Take off your shirt."
She checks to make sure no one else of the crew is watching then asks him to turn around. "Besmara has blessed me with certain. Gifts. In exchange for spreading her name." Her touch seems warm and any pain that you felt melts away, your wounds from the whip gone as if they were never there.
Sandara smiles and nods at Sapphire, "I hope that you find your answers."
Hunter sleeps soundly in any spare hammock of his choosing in the lower hold.
The catfolks eyes widen and he smiles very broadly (still lots of teeth)
Friend Sandara is too kind yes yes, I will have to find a way to repay the aide.
Reinald smiles at Rrruh's words. As Sandara approaches he grows wary. I wonder do they send a spy.
He separates from the others as they make their way nonchalantly below deck he takes a separate route and joins them below. "Thank you Sandara. I am Reinald Malcoms I am sure these will help."
Reinald mentions as the rendevous wraps, "I am heading back up to the main deck see what our new crewmates do in the evening."
He makes his way topside and finds a spot where he can casually observe things. Chit chatting as appropriate.
Reinald shares a story to entertain the crew. Something about how enjoying time with the captain's daughter earns you time with the "captain's daughter."
They don't think it's terrible, neither does anyone seem to laugh or enjoy Reinald's rendering of the tale.
Rrruh sneaks around the lower hold after the others leave. Though there is almost no cargo down here he does manage to find several items of trade goods . There are a couple of the crew already down here sleeping in the hammocks but no one seems to notice your movements. Along the walls near the hammocks are lockboxes. Several have keys in them but are empty. You could use one by taking its key if you wanted to store something in it. Each member of the crew keeps his key on him. A trap door just behind the mainmast opens onto the bilges below.
With a certain amount of sastisfaction that he as recovered something back from those that took from him, the feline fellow will stow his items and take a key, finding an open hammock to rest in.
Sapphire will watch the entertainment but not participate in any of the games tonight. She gets to know the ins and outs of all the rules for gambling, games and the like before trying her own hand another evening.
Later she'll go down to the hold to find a hammock. Seeing the lockboxes she'll be very relieved, and place her spellbook in one, taking the key and hanging it around her neck. She then turns in, hoping to get a good night's sleep in preparation for whatever tasks she'll need to do.
Aria greets Sandara with yet another forced smile.
"It's a pleasure Sandara. I'm Aria and it's nice to meet someone who seems to have some manners about them."
After her greeting the Merfolk takes a look at the rum put in front of her. It was a bit heavy for her taste, but she wouldn't turn down a heavy dose of alcohol. Especially after such a long day.
"I will head down after I entertain the crew for awhile."
Aria responds to Sandara's offer kindly before giving a slightly more genuine smile this time around. She wasn't sure if she could trust this woman, but at the very least it would be nice to get some of her things back. She wasn't one to turn down another kindness.
Taking in a deep breath she made her way around the tables looking for a spot that would give her slightly better acoustics. She doubted any of the pirates here would be able to enjoy any Aquan opera, but surely they'd enjoy a song of a pirate's tale. Tapping a mug against the table she aroused some attention from the room before letting out her voice.
"Aye! How about a bit of music to go with the rum!"
Aria sings the song of Jack Nine Fingers. A song about a greedy pirate who drank too much rum ended up accidentally cutting off one of his own fingers. A cautionary tale, but a fun song none the less.
Aria quietly makes her way down to the lower hold. Not wanting to disturb anyone other then the people she was supposed to meet up with. Looking about, it doesn't take her long to find Sandara.
"Greetings! I didn't keep you waiting too long did I? I got a bit caught up with the rest of the crew."
Those who had stayed in the main hold to arm wrestle, drink and listen to songs and stories are almost totally quiet when Aria tells her tale about Jack.
"It's fine. I wasn't able to get much but I hope this is useful." Sandara gives Aria her spell Component Pouch.
While Aria sings the tale of Jack 9 fingers he comments, "A singer named Aria . . . someone wanted their guppy to be a singer. I met a lad named Cadence in the naval academy we tried to make him play the drums . . . he did not like the idea. Too bad he was a rotten sailor"
"It's surely better then having nothing at all. Thank you Sandara."
Aria gives thanks to Sandara before taking the pouch. She wasn't sure if she would need to cast anything, but it would come in handy if she ever had to.
"I obviously don't have much of anything at the moment, but is there anything I can do thank you?"