[Arsenal] ----------------- John Wayne Bobbit Memorial Line ----------------- You're logging, right? [Arsenal] yes (Ah shoot, gotta eat. Back in a flash.) * Bourne stands low in the rope ladder for the rigging of the forward mast near the port rail, feeling the wind whip by his hair and breathing deep. [Arsenal] It's a nice, clear day out as the _Rajni Natesa_, a four-gun one- ballista sailing ship, pulls into the docks of Freehold. Clearly visible in other docks are warships and longships, none of which are flying any nation's colors at the moment. Your ship is currently flying the colors of Caer Ritaegno. * Monika stands at the bow, using a rope to steady herself, with one foot resting on top of the bowspirit, letting the wind blow through her hair. * Curuar stands by to cast and secure the mooring lines as we pull in * Paradigm stands near the door belowdecks, a slight smirk upon his lips as the ship pulls into harbor. He grins to his raven, who seems to roll its eyes [Arsenal] The nearly full main moon is visible low on the horizon, and the third moon is in a half-visible phase at the moment. Pelor's glowing chariot is approaching the horizon. [Arsenal] "Steady as she goes, mate!" the captain calls to the lad currently steering. After what seems like hours, but is only about 15 minutes, the ship comes to rest in a small dock, and the colors are lowered. * Bourne looks about at the warships. "Busy day for the soldiers." "Lots and lots of boats, Noopsy!" The Raven nods in reply. * Bourne nervously eyes the streets. Busy? [Arsenal] Bourne: the deck hand near you chuckles. "And they'll be wanting to get their hands on our cargo, sir, if they knew what we were carrying." The streets, from what you can tell, are about as busy as a slow day can be. "Don't worry yourself, Bourne! The navy men are all getting screwed, blued, and tattooed by now!" * Curuar goes about his duties until the captain gives the word for shore leave Yeah. What *are* we carrying? [Arsenal] black powder and other assorted goods from a few Marach ships you'd boarded. Boarded? Are we a privateer? [Arsenal] they fired the first shot. Were they, then? ARR! 'Tis always pirate time! :) [Arsenal] yes, you're privateeers in Caer Ritaegno's employ, but the Marach ship got the drop on you first. Okay. Thanks. Good to know what we're doing out here. So we're blackhawks [Arsenal] The captain makes the assignments... half the crew is denied shore leave for repairs and cargo unloading duties, but you are all granted shore leave. * Curuar retrieves his boots, a shirt, and his weapons * Monika laughs, girds on her rapier, and runs her fingers through her hair to get the worst of the tangles out. * Curuar meets the other at the foot of the gangwat gangway * Bourne ponders his staff, almost decides against it, but goes to pick it up, and comes up to Curuar. "Join you on shore?" "Certainly, Master Bourne." * Bourne chuckles. "Just Bourne on land." * Paradigm jumps a fairly long distance onto the docks instead of taking the ramp, soft boots clunking onto the worn wood, feet in another place before the boards even creak "I was born in a much smaller country town." He looks around. "It'll be good to have a familiar face for the evening." * Monika alights from the fo'c's'l and saunters over to the quarterdeck [Arsenal] Freehold is almost a stereotypical pirate haven nestled into a fertile river delta in the vast desert expanse. Having been settled by raider clans, it still has that wild and lawless feel to it. "As you say, sir." "Well, let's go see what kind of trouble a few boys and a girl can get into, hmmm?" * Veshengo sort of 'appears' from behind one of the masts. "Going off without me, are ya?" He grins. * Paradigm pulls his jug up to his lips, taking a long draw. He taps his foot impatiently as the rest of the group makes its way down. "I'm hoping they don't make me burn down another tavern." [Arsenal] Taverns and shops that sell things that would be illegal in more civilized areas are commonplace, and the local brothel has no real affiliation with the temples of Akanksha (the sex goddess). "... ah yes. Familiar faces. Ever so much better." * Veshengo walks calmly off the ship. "Hey, if the ale stinks, why leave such an establishment standing?" He grins. [Arsenal] and... feel free to RP amongst yourselves for a bit... real life calls again... hopefully the last time tonight... * Curuar rolls his eyes at Paradigm's comment. *aside to Bourne* "Sir, I hope you know some spells that'll douse a fire quick. Dolros there has a habit of this." * Bourne eyes his money pouch, inside his shirt. Counts a bit. "Well, I'm up for something that used to moo and never saw the inside of a jerker. You all?" "Last time they made fun of Ferdinand and he certainly didn't appreciate it." "No need to go that far, Veshengo. Usually it's enough to wreck the still, or should one desire a less-refined approach, voiding all over the barley. * Bourne leans over to Curuar. "A couple, yes." * Paradigm looks to Bourne. "So you're wanting to drink some milk then?" "Good." * Veshengo shrugs. "No fun if you do it that way." "Capital idea, Bourne!" "Steak, man. Steak. Four legs, hooves, illegal in china shops? I want something better than jerky." * Monika turns to Veshengo. "Look at it this way, it's less destructive, and tends to improve the flavor of the resulting brew." "That's what you'd want to think, anyways. Heck, I'm in." "OH! Well yes then! But where are you supposing they find cows amid all this sand lad, hmmm?" "Still, I remember the last time I picked the restaurant. That maitre'd will never want to see my face again. You guys look for one more suited to your tastes, I'll be happy if it serves that." "I recall there being rather good tavern nearby that serves a good stew and pasties." "Lead on." "Tavern! Pub! Yes! Aye!" "What are you waiting for, then?" "I wager they bring the bullocks in by ships... and let's go, then!" * Curuar leads the way. "It's the Three Moons Colliding, ... I think. It's owned by an Elf and I think he never gave the signmaker a better translation." * Veshengo follows along, idly commenting. "Figures, doesn't it?" * Paradigm huffs, and nods. "Tavern's fine by me." * Monika follows along * Paradigm does the same, a spring in his step *** Sleepmancer (Segev@r01cej.desktop.umr.edu) has joined #Highseas "One thing. Whatever you do, keep an eye open for a Halfling with an eye patch and one leg." "Why?" "Because they're rare as hen's teeth, I'd wager... but anything else?" "Nothing more than the usual warnings, I'd wager." "I'd wager." "Anythin' you don't wager on?" "A one legged racehorse." . o O (Ooh. come to think of it, I wonder if we'll find a card game in there.) "She has this thing about percieved slights. She once left two Half- Orcs and a Dwarf missing their front teeth." "If she touches me, I burn her." . o O (SHE?) "*snicker*" * Veshengo chuckles. "Nothin's scarrier than an irate woman." "Except for an irate OBESE woman." "Hells hath no fury, and all that..." "I'll grant you that." * Monika OOCly groans as her player is apparently being called upon to make Their Lordships popcorn. (Microwave?) * Monika OOCly nods. (Then get going!) "I would, but the point is moot as one of them got up." "So let me see if I understand you clearly: You're talking about an one-eyed, peg-legged, obese, irate, halfling woman?!" "Not obese, nor irate, presumably, if one behaves in a gentlemanly fashion." * Veshengo laughs. "So, how much of that did you make up?" "No. Keegis is nothing even approaching fat. And she's a rather good conversationalist. Just becareful about comments on Halflings and her missing leg." "Now that sounds like a tale I'd like to hear..." [Arsenal] back * Veshengo smirks. "What missing leg?" * Bourne looks for the sign, curious as to what it will look like. "Here we are." * Curuar goes through the door. * Paradigm does the same, walking casually to the bar. . o O (Hmm. I suppose that might happen every decade or so.) He goes in. * Monika follows the gathering. =herring.sandwich.net:@#Highseas= Arsenal invited Dicesuke into channel #Highseas. *** Dicesuke (akodomakot@ip68-13-175-200.om.om.cox.net) has joined #Highseas * Veshengo walks into the bar. * Bourne pulls out some good gold and drops it on the nearest server's plate. "Steak, dearie. Juicy, and lots of it." "I'll have what he's having, only not so much of it." * Paradigm orders a steak as well. Well done. * Curuar goes with the flow. Steak, ale, and an order of spiced fried potatoes [Arsenal] The bar is, as can be expected out here, made from stone on the outside, and done nicely in a good pirate theme on the inside. The wooden planking on the walls hides the stonework rather well. * Bourne sits down with his friends and checks to see if there's a dice or a card game going, for later. * Veshengo hops into a seat and orders whatever the special is, paying more attention to his surroundings. [Arsenal] the place is lit through mirrors reflecting candlelight, and the clientele is clearly of very mixed heritage... it's rare to see orcs, half-orcs, elves, dwarves, and humans sharing the room with the occasional minotaur, bugbear, and even more exotic monster race. . o O (Nice.) * Curuar looks around to see if Keegis is visible. [Arsenal] Card games are all over the place; some serving wenches are leaning over some players' shoulders. . o O (Good gracious, what's that thing? Oh... whatever it is, it seems to eat off a plate. We're probably okay...) . o O (Bourne took 5 guineas off me at dice on the way up here... Whatever game he's at is going to have a handful...) [Arsenal] C: no obese, irate, peglegged halfling wenches tonight. Keegis isn't obese. * Paradigm commences drinking. * Veshengo pulls out a silver coin and starts having it 'walk' up and down his knuckles. * Monika has an ale with her medium rare cow slab, nursing it as the afternoon goes by. * Paradigm sips his rum occassionally as he chews into his charred steak, showing an odd amount of table manners for a place like this whilst doing so * Curuar tells those still at the table what he knows bout Keegis while enjoying his meal. [Arsenal] the "cow" in this case isn't "cow", but "camel". "Anyone else notice that this beef tastes like camel?" * Bourne pokes it. . o O (It'll do.) *scarfs* * Veshengo deftly eats his steak as he still plays with the coin on his other. "So, why you looking for this person?" "From all accounts I've heard, she made her way as a fighter out west. She made quite a name for herself as the only Halfling to wield a Dwarven Great- ax." * Monika manages to control her reaction to the camel meat as she says, "He's probably looking for what most sailors who come into port look for." * Veshengo whistles. "Impressive." * Paradigm looks to Monika. "Elderly women?" [Arsenal] not sure if that's even possible, but impressive. Hey, the Took could ride a horse. ;^) [Arsenal] and DnD halflings are no longer hobbits Ah. * Monika shoots an imploring look to the heavens. "Ah, Pair-a-dimes, you're hopeless..." "'Least you don't have to share a bunk." (It's possible. Get a halfling the 'Monkey Grip' feat and they can do it. If he's instead speaking of a Dwarven War-axe, then they can do it just by getting the exotic weapon profeciency.) "Hopelessly handsome, my dear, hopelessly handsome." "She came east and went sailing. On her last voyage, her ship ran afoul of a dragon turtle. Stories claim she helped kill it, which is how she lost her leg." "Always is that way, isn't it." * Bourne whistles. "Now that impresses me. The surviving part, that is." "Aye!" * Monika raises her tankard in salute. "The eye patch is just an affectation, but anyone who say it out loud... she isn't standing behind me is she?" "Yes, she is." * Veshengo flips the coin and catches it between his fingers. "Who isn't standing behind you." [Arsenal] A pair of drunken orcs come up to where Monika is sitting. "Care f'r a dance, lass?" one asks. Note that there is no music playing, except maybe between these guys' ears. Orcs? Not half-orcs? * Paradigm flutters his eyes at the orcs. "I'll dance with you." "Well, I would, except that there seems to be no music playing right now." [Arsenal] orcs * Veshengo chuckles. "I'm not bailin' you out of this one." Hee. * Curuar looks at the Orcs. Doesn't recognize them "Yeah, I want to see him dance with you." *pointing at Paradigm* * Curuar hasn't been jumped by screaming Halfling vengence yet, so he'll assume that means Keegis isn't here. "I'm a right-well dancer too." "Aye, that he is." [Arsenal] The one speaking looks you over. "What? No music? Bull! There's music here, ya jus' ain't listenin'!" He roughly pulls her into a standing position, but the other orc eyes Paradigm. * Bourne grabs his staff and jams it under the orc's chin. "The lady. Said. No." (Not attacking yet, threatening.) * Veshengo gets up. "I really think you should let go of her, unless you want another crack down the middle of your head." * Monika backs away. "Really, I make it a policy not to dance with men with huge underbites. Especially those who try to manhandle me." * Paradigm rises. "You want to let her go." "Uh, Bourne. You might not want to do that." (No Jedi-mind trick for you.) "As for the music, I'm afraid the only bandsmen that are playing your particular tune are sitting right between your ears." * Bourne unobtrusively wedges the other end of the staff onto the corner between the bench and the wall, if that's possible. [Arsenal] The orcs look at the group, calculate the odds of them succeeding verses the odds of doing something stupid, and.... "So, if you don't mind... Bugger off." * Bourne picks his staff back up, in the hopes of defusing some tension. [Arsenal] ...go ahead anyway. The one starts to reach back to hit Bourne... roll init. 1d20 + 1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Monika (1d20 + 1) and gets 12. d20+4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d20+4) and gets 16. 1d20+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Paradigm (1d20+2) and gets 19. (No spaces in the dice rolls.) [Arsenal] ah, good old fashioned barroom brawl 1d20 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Curuar (1d20) and gets 13. What shall I roll? :^) [Arsenal] B: 3d6 3d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Bourne (3d6) and gets 8. [Arsenal] 1d20-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Arsenal (1d20-1) and gets 17. ewww 1d20+3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Curuar (1d20+3) and gets 9. Forgot the Dex Mod Right, my feat for 6th lvl just got narrowed down to Improved Initiative and Combat Reflexes. [Arsenal] Cur: go with the 13 and add your dex... 16? 'k Ars: I got the bonus wrong, I really go on 14. [Arsenal] Mon: 'k (I know I'm going to get mobility so I can go into Dervish. ^_^) [Arsenal] Cur, Vesh: what're your Dex attributes? 17 (I got an 18 in dex.) [Arsenal] brawl goes Paradigm, Orcs, Veshengo, Curuar, Monika, and Bourne Makes sense. I'm sitting down, I'm gonna have to rectify that. :^) [Arsenal] Par: you're up * Paradigm begins chanting, eyes glowing. He suddenly thrusts out his left hand as a pool of grease forms underfoot of the orcs (grease spell, centered on orcs and behind them)) [Arsenal] 1d20+5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Arsenal (1d20+5) and gets 11. ((DC is 15)) And "Duel of the Fates" cues up in my music list. %^) (Eeeevolution.) I have the Daffy Duck Rhapsody playing here In the strict Darwinian sense. [Arsenal] 1d20+4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Arsenal (1d20+4) and gets 21. [Arsenal] The nearest orc tries to swing at Paradigm, but misses by an inch. They remain standing on the grease spot, however. [Arsenal] The orc in the back pushes his partner on the grease, sending him flying towards the group... [Arsenal] 1d20+5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Arsenal (1d20+5) and gets 9. [Arsenal] ...and he hits table instead. So we have one orc on the table, one falling backwards on the grease. [Arsenal] Vesh is up * Veshengo smiles and draws his rapier in a flurish, striking at the orc on the table. "Bad move, as usual."(Is that orc denied his dex bonus?) [Arsenal] (yes) (Oh dear.) d20+9 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d20+9) and gets 14. (Geeze Dicey. Hate me much?) [Arsenal] (but do you really want to use a rapier against an unarmed orc?) (Eh... Point taken.) (Can I retcon it, or just go with that?) [Arsenal] (either/or) * Veshengo smiles and turns to the orc, striking at the orc on the table with a swift smack to the back of the head. "Bad move, as usual." [Arsenal] (he'd be denied a dex bonus if he had one...) [Arsenal] damage? [Arsenal] (subdual unarmed, right?) (Uh... Unarmed is 1d4 subdual, right?) [Arsenal] yes d4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d4) and gets 3. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (2d6) and gets 8. (11.) (Oh, 13. Forgot to add strength. ^^;) [Arsenal] my bad.. just looked it up... 1d3+str d3+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d3+2) and gets 3. (Okay, 11 damage.) [Arsenal] Cur's up * Curuar backs away from the brawl [Arsenal] (wuss) (Wuss.) [Arsenal] Monika's up, then [Arsenal] and dont' forget there's a grease spot on the floor; put it to good use * Monika pushes the orc on the table back over the grease spot to land on his compatriot. (Is that stupid orc still concious?) [Arsenal] yes (Stupid.) [Arsenal] strike roll to hit the other orc? [Arsenal] (oh, for what it's worth, I give extra XP for style) (Noted.) straight BAB on this? or straight melee bonus, begging your pardon? [Arsenal] technically, it is a ranged attack if you're trying to hit the other orc very well... 1d20 + 7 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Monika (1d20 + 7) and gets 17. (Monika: No space.) (Dicey won't add your bonus if you have a space there.) [Arsenal] *wham* [Arsenal] the orcs slam into each other, and slide off the rear end of the grease, falling on their asses. [Arsenal] Bourne's up "Hahahahaha!" "You just fell on your asses!" [Arsenal] (coins around you exchange hands, and even the minotaur in the corner seems to be smiling) Question: if I just stood up and flipped the table over, would it fall on the orcs or short of them? "You're falling down drunk, boys. Go up to your rooms and sleep it off!" [Arsenal] fall short Bleh. Okay. * Veshengo laughs. "Come now, this isn't fun. You can do better than that, can't ya?" "You lads had better sleep it off. Or you could get dunked." Create Water, a couple of gallons right above their heads. [Arsenal] roll it How far away are they? [Arsenal] 20 ft, tops 3d6+4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Bourne (3d6+4) and gets 14. Pass. [Arsenal] *kersplash* (Note in the chan: +n is actually bad in GURPS: that was a range penalty.) "Dry kindling burns better." "By the way, 50 gold on ourselves!" "We don't need to burn this couple of drunkards." [Arsenal] the orcs are soaked, but still conscious. [Arsenal] Paradigm's up * Paradigm laughs maniacally, taking a 5 foot step back from agression range, then tossing a lesser fire orb at them "Dammit!" [Arsenal] roll to strike, ranged touch attack. And are you targeting one or both? both "Oh, hells." Now you see my wisdom? :) (Can I interrupt his casting?) [Arsenal] you're close enough for an AoO. * Paradigm winds up an underhanded toss, throwing out five tiny balls of fire (Taking it, then.) d20+9 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d20+9) and gets 15. ((And it's a hit.)) d3+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d3+2) and gets 3. ((Concentration check ars?)) 2d6 [Arsenal] yes * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (2d6) and gets 7. (10) ((DC?)) (That'd be... 10 + damage delt, so 20.) 1d20+11 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Paradigm (1d20+11) and gets 25. [Arsenal] roll for the attack ((one attack or two seperate?)) [Arsenal] one "No fire in the tavern! Espically not since what happened last time." 1d20+5 [Arsenal] they have the same AC * Dicesuke throws the bones for Paradigm (1d20+5) and gets 11. [Arsenal] the fire orbs fizzle when the reach the orcs... fire and water don't mix, after all "If you wouldn't hit me while I'm casting, I wouldn't catch anything on fire!" "Sure, like last time, mmmhmmm." "Do it again and I throw a fireball at the most flammable thing I see!" * Veshengo grins. "Next time, I won't be using my fists." "Besides, flame-kissed orc smells WORSE than orc by itself!" "Then I'll make sure to catch YOU on fire too." "I'm to be having a word with the captain about you." [Arsenal] the orcs struggle to get on their feet, and fall over a few times... "Have as many words as you want. I don't want you blowing this place up, and I don't want you killing these orcs, no matter how much they deserve it. Did they draw a blade on you?" [Arsenal] Vesh is up, unless you're too busy arguing with yourselves to pay the orcs any attention. * Bourne sighs and gets up. "Paradigm, get a hold of yourself. I *had* wanted to get in on a card game tonight." "I don't give a good google of a damn. They wouldn't dance with me." * Veshengo shrugs and run-jumps over to where the Orcs are, taking a strike at the one he hit earlier with a swift kick when he lands. "Geeze, I'll dance with ya. Just don't go around killing people on a whim." (Uh, need me to make a... jump check, and probably either a balance check or a reflex save, and an unarmed attack, right?) ((Reflex save)) [Arsenal] (just the balance and unarmed attack... looking at your jump bonus, you'll clear the grease no problem) (Woot!) d20+14 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d20+14) and gets 26. d20+9 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Veshengo (d20+9) and gets 20. [Arsenal] and that's one orc sawing wood... [Arsenal] Cur, you're up (Do you want me to roll damage, or is he just down for the count?) What I had in mind won't work now. * Curuar sits back down at the table [Arsenal] (he was at 1 subdual hp... any damage done would knock him out) (Hehe, yeah, he's KOed.) [Arsenal] the other one is still standing He is? [Arsenal] Monika? [Arsenal] (yes, he is...) (By the way, using my dodge bonus vs the standing orc.) Thought they both went down [Arsenal] well, standing in a staggering, orcish way) [Arsenal] Cur: earlier. Note that they spent their action standing up 'k They'd been trying to get up while Veshengo was handling Paradigm. ((Yep)) * Monika rests her right hand on her sword hilt while holding her tankard with her left. "So, you give up, or are you thirsty for more?" [Arsenal] Bourne? * Bourne walks over to within staff-reach of the standing Orc and waits for an answer to Monika's query. [Arsenal] Paradigm? * Paradigm takes a 5 ft step away from EVERYONE's Aggression range, and casts flare on the healthier orc. [Arsenal] 1d20+5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Arsenal (1d20+5) and gets 11. "Shiny!" He shouts, his eyes flaring to that one orc and that one orc alone, carrying a minor cantrip of magic in them as he does so. *whisper* "This I put up with at night. Do you know how many shirts of mine have had holes burned in them when he thought someone was in our cabin?" [Arsenal] the orc blinks a few times, takes a step, steps on the grease, and falls face-first onto the floor, snoring... [Arsenal] less than a minute later, the grease disappears, as does the water. And the other orc? Eh? My water's permanent. :^) [Arsenal] (ah... my bad) (Actually, the DnD water is permanent too.) [Arsenal] Mon: that *was* the other orc * Paradigm looks to Bourne. "Water conducts electricity. Remember this." * Veshengo cracks his knuckles. "Geeze, couldn't even put up a decent fist fight. Oh well." * Paradigm looks to Veshengo. "And YOU. A minor globe of fire is far from harmful enough to set a tavern aflame, nor is it enough to kill anything larger than a rabbit." * Bourne looks down at the unconscious orcs. "Actually, magically pure water contains insufficient dopes, though this is being questioned by research into essence..." he shakes his head. "Never mind." * Veshengo walks back and puts up three fingers. "Yeah, but you were shooting three, and they were already injured from the previous hijinks." * Bourne looks over at the staff. How are they taking all this? "I'll be taking my leave now, as well as yours away. Noopsy, fly off and report this insolence to the captain." * Monika shakes her head. "Apparently, you don't." She tosses off the last swig of her ale. "Staff" meaning the tavern's staff, not my wooden one. :^) [Arsenal] A bruiser of a half-orc comes over to toss the offending orcs out of the establishment, then things return to normal. (note: this was said to the orcs) * Paradigm looks around for any property damage that may have been done. [Arsenal] just a wet floor... that table is pretty sturdy, and no chairs were broken. * Bourne is glad things seem to be accepted, relaxes a bit. * Paradigm casts prestidigitation to clean the floor up * Monika picks her chair up off the floor and sits down. "If the clientele gets any rougher, I daresay I might have to start carrying a belaying pin on shore as well as on the ship." * Bourne walks over to a card game. "Well, now that the unpleasantness is over... fancy a new player, gentlemen?" * Veshengo puts a couple gold coins on the counter to cover for any real damages, which really shouldn't be anything. * Monika sits down to watch Bourne at work. [Arsenal] "Take a seat." * Curuar sits quietly and drinks his ale "Three of them wouldn't kill them either.. The most that would have hit one of them would have been two, and two would kill the hardiest of rabbits, but orcs?" [Arsenal] (actually, yes) What's the size of the stakes? Copper or silver? "Yes." "In fact, I'm sure you could toast a few rabbits with those things." "I'm an officer, the commanding officer for battle, at that. You need to think about that next time you decide to throw your fist at me." [Arsenal] minimum bet 2 silver. "Sure, next time I'll use a dagger." [Arsenal] B: A serving wench comes over, and leans against you. "Care for a drink, honey? Or some company on the game?" * Bourne fishes for silver in his money pouch, finds about 10gp worth and puts that on the table. "Veshengo. Paradigm." * Curuar stays out of Vesh's and Par's argument "Next time I'll burn you alive, you idiot." "Please, Paradigm, settle down. Pyromania is fine for the open ocean, but disastrous for shore leave." * Bourne looks up at the wench. "A decent wine if you've got it, a small beer if you don't." "And stabbing your own bedamned shipmates is disastrous either way." [Arsenal] The minotaur in the corner keeps eyeing the party * Curuar almost chokes on his ale when Bourne says 'small' beer, glances around the room for any sign of Keegis * Veshengo shrugs. "Yeah, whatever. And if you didn't notice, I didn't stab you, unless I suddenly have blades coming out of my hands." [Arsenal] Bourne: the game is poker, seven card stud, and for the first few hands you're dealt less than a pair. * Monika edges closer to Bourne. "Hey, don't look, but beef's apparently back on the menu." "You did, however, threaten to, whilst I myself never claimed desire to burn this place down." "The road to hell is littered with good intentions." "Excuse me a moment, fellows." He puts his cards down and turns. "Will you two quit carping and just finish your meals? Neither of you wants to damage the other." He turns back. "You can ponder your own while you're in the brig." [Arsenal] B: your beer arrives during the second hand. * Monika turns around to where Para and Vesh are arguing. "Surely anyone with a grain of sense in their heads would know how quickly a fire aboard ship can spread!" * Paradigm grins to Monika "Yes! Fire!" In the game, I fold pretty quickly in each of the first few hands. Does deal rotate? [Arsenal] no. house dealer "Sometimes I wonder how you got that position. Still, they'd be stupid to put me in the brig." He finishes with his meal, placing five silver down to cover it. * Monika turns back to Bourne as the small beer arrives. *whispered* "The minotaur in the corner's been eyeing us ever since we got here." Then after three of those, I eye his technique for signs of cheating. "I got the position because I'm aware of my own capabilities and I can sink a ship by force of will." "Can YOU do that?" [Arsenal] B: your fourth hand, you manage to pull off a flush. . o O (Yes I can, you idiot.) "Poke the Natesa when we walk back to it a few hundred times with your dagger." "Apparently restraint isn't one of them. And if I can is up to you." "See if she sinks." *whisper to Monika* "What do you think? Looks like he wants something, or just the ruckus we've been causing?" * Veshengo grins. "Who said I'd use a dagger on a ship?" . o O (Anyone can. Material Components: Drill or axe, Casting Time: Dependent on strength and fervor of caster.) * Curuar wwatches the room from the table (Exactly.) * Paradigm shrugs. "Who said I was a pyromaniac?" "Everybody." "The entire ship. And then some." "Nonono, that's Ferdinand that does all the fire tossing." * Monika whispers back to Bourne, "He wants something. I'll go talk to 'im." "Allright. I'll be here." [Arsenal] Cur: you notice the minotaur in the corner. He's well-dressed, for being a walking two-legged bull. 3d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Bourne (3d6) and gets 10. *triples his ante* "And if you *did* hit them, I'd hate to think the rest of the crowd would get involved." * Monika looks around the card table. "Excuse me, lads, but I need to see someone about the privy purse." [Arsenal] B: Pair of twos, but nothing anyone else has indicates that they have anything better. * Paradigm drums his fingers at the base of the table. "Ooh, that'd be fun." [Arsenal] and your pair is showing, btw * Monika saunters over in the general direction of the minotaur. Oh, that kind of poker. *doubles what he has out* "Well, may be a profitable night after all, eh what?" "A round for Veshengo, a man capable of some wit! (Even if it is only a little.)" * Veshengo rolls his eyes. "Well well, so you do have a sense of humor. Not a very good one, but it's there." [Arsenal] the minotaur smiles at Monika. a few other players fold, but the dealer matches and raises by three gold "Just don't punch me again and bygones'll be, unless you don't want them to." * Bourne sees it and watches the dealer's hands, with particular attention on his sleeves. "I'd be just as much a mutineer if I were to burn you to death, so I'm guessing we're both equally capable, regardless of rank, no?" "Call." "Hey, I got no problem. Whatever you want to do in the nine hells is fine with me. Just don't try throwing fire around in taverns anymore. At least take them out on the street where it's easier to conceal the evidence." Bourne frowns. Nobody says the damn M-word, on shore or off. [Arsenal] the dealer's hands are out in the open... and he has a three of a kind, one of which was showing. * Veshengo idly drinks something he ordered earlier. "I'll just throw lightning instead." * Paradigm winks. * Veshengo chuckles. "You do that." * Bourne laughs good-naturedly at the loss, keeps playing as he waits for Monika to get back. (If I keep losing, 10gp's my limit for the night.) * Paradigm finishes his charred steak off, rising with a grin, walking off to the bar. [Arsenal] B: it goes on like that for a bit... you'll win a minor hand, but lose most of it. The dealer *might* be cheating, but it wasn't through replacement of cards. It was more like he knew what cards you had. * Bourne takes his glasses off and polishes them. By chance, do I see the wench still standing behind me? [Arsenal] B: she's been there through most of the hands, offering you drinks the entire time. * Curuar swings his eyes over to the game and watches the wenches as the players get their cards. [Arsenal] drinks and other favors * Monika nods back at the minotaur and goes to the ladies' room... * Bourne actually hasn't touched his drink since he started playing, and the other favors made him blush at first but are starting to get on his nerves. * Veshengo idly makes his way over to the card game, watching a couple hands. [Arsenal] Cur: spot check, please? "Actually, hon, I changed my mind. Could you find me a really nice wine? Go pick up something from the rack and see if it's one I like." 1d20 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Curuar (1d20) and gets 20. [Arsenal] She heads on over, and starts looking through things. You win that hand. HOODYHOO! [Arsenal] ... sweet . o O (...yeah. She seemed like such a nice girl (considering her profession), too...) [Arsenal] (and your wis bonus and your racial spot bonus gives you what?) * Bourne glances over past the minotaur, casually looking for Monika. Then back to the cards. * Curuar swirls the last of his ale around the bottom of his mugs, then goes over to the game. "Bourne, do you have a minute?" [Arsenal] B: she brings you over a bottle. "Ten gold," she says, letting you read the label. It's a good year, if a somewhat poor quality brand. [Arsenal] (hard to get the really good stuff here) * Monika finishes relieving herself and heads back toward the group, stopping in the minotaur's general vicinity (say, arm's length or so) * Bourne looks at Curuar. "Eh? Sure." He collects his coins, tosses a silver to the dealer. "And for your friend, too," he says, a little louder, and hands one to the wench. "I'll pass on the wine, dear. Gotta talk to my friend." * Bourne heads over to Curuar. (Total losses? Oh, and for the food earlier.) [Arsenal] Mon: the minotaur subtly waves you over. [Arsenal] B: total losses: 10 gp. Food: 5 sp * Bourne marks it off. * Veshengo raises an eyebrow. The Minotaur has his attention all right, as is shown by him walking over to the larger humanoid. [Arsenal] (for the record, I rarely make you mark off the nickel and dime silver and copper payouts) * Curuar waits until we're back ot the table to talk, waving for a refill on his ale. [Arsenal] (assume ales and whatnot are refilled as needed/requested... Paradigm spends about 30gp in booze tonight alone) *quietly, before the mug gets refilled* "They have a nice set up here. The girls are using gestures." * Monika walks over to the minotaur and sits down next to him. "So," she asks, "what's on your mind besides me?" *same volume* "Heh. I suspected something like it. I was going to be finicky about the wine for a while and see if she got the hint. Pisses me off a little, but..." he shrugs. "We can't prove it." "Want me to distract your 'luck' for a couple hands?" [Arsenal] The minotaur speaks softly, in a very refined accent reminiscent of those sported by the nobility in the human kingdoms on the coast. "Please tell your captain that I would like to have a word with him, here, over a matter of urgent importance." "Might look weird if I suddenly went back to the table. We'll try later, if I still want my money back that bad. She is kind of cute." He nods in the direction of the corner. "I'm more interested in what's going on over there." "Very well... do you have some kind of token?" "Right. I'll keep my eyes open." * Veshengo smirks and takes a seat. "Still, I wonder when this place started doing that. Keegis never allowed tht kind of thing before." That catches my attention. "I was wondering... and you haven't seen her tonight, either?" "Not a hair. I was expecting her run right up our backs during the brawl." "Hmm. Maybe we could ask to speak to the manager about the gambling 'arrangements' here. And if it's not her, they might know where she is." [Arsenal] He hands you a signet ring. It has a very complex symbol on it, and it's sized for his fingers--far too large for your hand. "Tell him Haroun sent you." * Monika nods. "Very well." * Monika puts the signet ring in a safe place and goes over to find Bourne. "Sounds like a good idea." * Monika finds Bourne and Curuar. * Bourne gets an idea and smiles in a certain cunning sort of way. * Veshengo shrugs. He regards the Minotaur. "At least you didn't give it to pyro-boy back there." "I wonder whether she'd be upset if I laid a whole ten gold without so much as turning over my cards to look at them?" [Arsenal] The minotaur snorts derisively. *whispered to Bourne* "I must be heading back to the ship... something's come up." He shakes his head. "Ah well." *looks up at Monika* "What news?" "Should we join you?" * Curuar hands Bourne 10GP. "That's something I'd pay to see." * Monika whispers some more. "You can come with, if you like. The minotaur needs to speak with the captain." * Veshengo gets up and joins the rest. * Paradigm does the same, stumblingly. [Arsenal] Paradigm: your bird returns about now "With the captain? Yeah. I'll join you on the way back." "Ah, hello then, Noopsy." * Bourne hands the 10gp back to Curuar. "We'll try it if we get a chance. Monika and I need to head back to the ship for an errand. We'll be returning." * Monika heads off toward the exit, her arm draped around Bourne's shoulders. [Arsenal] "Captain's pissed. Captain's pissed. SKRAWK! Whee-woo!" * Paradigm grins * Veshengo shrugs. "Let's get going then, shall we?" * Bourne ever so politely suffers the pretty lady leaning on him. ;^) * Curuar stands and follows the group out * Monika says "Don't get any ideas" in a voice for Bourne's ears alone. "You know me, dear. I wouldn't dream of it." Bourne sounds scandalized that she thought he would. * Bourne looks back at the tavern. "Shouldn't be too long, fellows. Don't stop enjoying yourselves on our account." * Paradigm feeds his raven some peanuts. * Paradigm shrugs, stumbling past them both en route to the ship [Arsenal] it doesn't take you long to get back to the ship. * Bourne looks for the captain. [Arsenal] The captain is on deck as you come up the gangplank. He points to Paradigm and to Vashengo. "Both of you. In my office." [Arsenal] "NOW." *whispers to Monika* "Paradigm shouldn't have said the M-word..." * Veshengo nods and walks to the captain's office. * Paradigm grins, stumbles into the capn's office. * Bourne waits outside. (Shall we open another channel?) [Arsenal] the captain shakes his head, and turns to the rest of you. "You're back early." [Arsenal] (nah...) "Something came up." *looks over to Bourne and Monika* "We need to see you after you get done with those two. Something may have come up." Bourne nods to Monika. "She has the details." "Sir." [Arsenal] He nods. "Come into my office when I send those two out." "Yes sir." * Monika waits by the office door... this should be good, but the minotaur's message is more important than cleaning up our fire control chief's messes. [Arsenal] The captain's office isn't spacious, but he does make the most use out of it. It also doubles as his quarters. He enters, closes the door, and locks it behind him. "Now then. Your bird was kind enough to relay the entire incident to me. I just have one question for you, Paradope. WHAT THE BLOODY, BLOODY, BLOODY 'ELL WERE YOU THINKIN'?!" (Fskin heck.) * Bourne blinks. "I wonder if any of those candle mirrors were in the right places for dealers to see... Curuar, do you remember those there when you were there before?" "I threw three little tiny orbs of fire at them, whilst they were soaked in water, which had NO chance of becoming raging fires, and Vesshie here decides he should punch me for it." "Know them three inch fireballs I toss around?" "Alcohol plus any fire equals an instant fire." "They were soaked in water." "AND Bourne was sitting right there with MORE water ready." "No. I only saw that the lucks were making discreete hand movements whenever a card was turned or dealt." [Arsenal] "You used a combat spell, in a tavern, against two unarmed drunken orcs. Does the term 'CONDUCT UNBECOMING OF AN OFFICER' mean anything to you?" "And there is that too." [Arsenal] the captain turns to Vesh. "Shut up, please." "Yes sar, sarry sar." [Arsenal] it is *not* a request. "You're right." * Veshengo shrugs. * Bourne hears the captain yell that at Paradigm, winces. "He'll be bloody chaos to sleep three feet from tonight." "I wouldn'tve sent Noopsy over if there wasn't a sign of trouble sar. I was wrong on my part, but I'm fer thinking that he was the wronger one to threaten to stab me." [Arsenal] "Quiet." "And yes, the mirrored candles have always been a feature. The owner liked the effect to the ambiance enough that he replaced all the usualy torch sconces with them." * Paradigm nods calmly. * Monika smiles... then again, this mess was not too difficult to clean up. :) "Okay. We probably don't have to worry about those, then, just the lucks." He stretches. "Ah well. It'll be a miracle if I get it back, anyway." [Arsenal] "Both of you are denied shore leave for the rest of our stay here. Furthermore, Mr. DeRouen, you are relieved of your rank until you show me you've earned it again. You're sleeping in the general quarters for the rest of the voyage. Tomorrow morning, you will both report to Lieutenant Charboneaux for repair detail. DISMISSED." [Arsenal] (note that he was relieved of rank, not position aboard ship) * Paradigm nods, and rises * Veshengo walks out. "Sure thing, Captain." * Monika waits for the two to walk out * Paradigm steps out, taking another large swig of his rum, stumbling drunkenly to the general quarters "I'd better go make sure the dolros makes it to his bunk." * Monika then walks into the office, with Bourne in tow. * Curuar gets along to Paradigm and lends an arm to the dtaggering drunk * Paradigm cancels his path to the general quarters and veers starboard, puking off and on the side of the ship * Bourne steps in, briefly salutes. "Sir." He waits for Monika. "Oh..aye..that was a good one." Goodbye gratings, hello scuppers. * Paradigm salutes his puke on its way down *snrk* [Arsenal] P: when you finally notice where you were aiming... you pegged the first mate on the head. Ooops. When he wakes up I wonder if he'll remember he's been temporarily demoted. ;^) don't worry, the XO won't let him forget. * Paradigm pulls away from the deck before the XO looks up * Veshengo chuckles and stops next to Bourne. "Hey, Bourne, you're lucky. Parad's sleepin' with the rest o' us for a while." * Curuar decides not to get involved after all and walks in the opposite direction from Par * Paradigm sniggers * Monika is already in the office. "Poor bastich. That was yer fault Leomond." [Arsenal] "Have a seat, please." Now that he's gotten Paradigm out of his system, he's calmer. "What was that business you had mentioned?" * Paradigm breaks out into a pompous, crisp tone. "No SAH! That have been YE!" * Paradigm reverts back into his normal voice. "No, Leomond, it was clearly YOU." * Paradigm breaks out into a pompous, crisp tone once again. "No SAH! Ye pooked all o'er 'im!" * Bourne waits for Monika to answer the captain. * Curuar makes himself scarce. better he not be found standing about when the the XO gets here to see who's on deck and in a state for verbal diahrea diarrhea * Paradigm slumps down into a state of near-coma (Did Bourne just ignore me?) Oh, I missed it. I'm sorry. [Arsenal] (waiting on Monika to speak up) * Bourne looks over at Veshengo and lights up. "Really? Hot damn!" * Veshengo grins. "Don't worry. We can keep him in-line if he tries to go psycho again." [Arsenal] think we lost Monika to a PTO? Dunno "Sir, when we arrived at our destination, we found a minotaur by the name of Haroun. He said he needed to speak with you on a matter of urgent importance." * Monika produces the minotaur's signet ring. [Arsenal] "Haroun?" He takes the ring. "Where did he say, and when." "As soon as possible, at the Three Moons Colliding." [Arsenal] He stiffens up a bit. "I'll take care of this from here. And forget you ever heard that name." * Monika nods, knowing that order's impossible to obey. "Aye aye." [Arsenal] "Anything else to report?" "...sir? I'm really worried about you leaving the ship alone in a town like this. Shouldn't some of us accompany you?" [Arsenal] "I will not be alone." "That is all, other than the matter of Paradigm, which is already settled." "Yes sir." [Arsenal] "Find Lt. Charboneaux and Dr. Marazin, and have them meet me at the gangplank. Dismissed." He stands up, and starts loading his flintlock pistol. * Bourne heads out. * Monika follows Bourne out. * Veshengo is waiting outside the door. "Interesting course of action." "You find Dr. Marzin. I'll look for Mate Charboneaux.... what's that smell?" *addressed to Monika* * Paradigm is visibly passed out on deck. His raven sits calmly on his shoulder "Smells like dinner didn't agree with somebody." * Monika turns to go below. "I'll try the surgery. * Bourne suddenly blanches. . o O (Good gracious. If the captain, the mate, *and* the doctor leave the ship...) * Veshengo raises an eyebrow. "Geeze man, what's up with ya?" . o O (...I'll be in command.) [Arsenal] there's a splash from near the cargo area, along with a string of curses. "Ha'all dammit! When I find whoever puked on me..." "Our top officers are all heading out on something secret and requiring weaponry. I'm not thrilled with this." "Ah, there's Mister Charboneaux now." * Bourne heads over to the rail above that sound. "Mr. Charboneaux, sir? Captain wants to see you immediately in his quarters." "Oh, I know that. Why, do ya look sick, then?" * Monika goes below to find the doctor. "On the gangplank, rather. Sorry, sir." [Arsenal] you hear cursing in several languages. "Be right there." [Arsenal] Monika: the good doctor is asleep. [Arsenal] and on one of the recovery bunks. * Bourne turns around. *to Veshengo* "Nothing major. Do me a favor and haul Paradigm there into a hammock belowdecks." . o O (I have to think a minute.) "Sure, but ya owe me." * Monika attempts to shake the doctor awake * Veshengo helps Paradigm down below decks. "Doctor? [Arsenal] The doctor wakes enough. "What is it? Someone get stabbed or shot?" GM: did the ship have any scheduled stay, or were we here for stocking up and then sailing off whenever we were ready, or something else? "NO..n..no! I don't need the tank! I don..zzzzz" "No, but the captain wants to see you at the gangplank on the double, and the first mate got puked on." "Yeah, you need the tank all right. And next time, you're drinkin' the weak stuff." [Arsenal] there for stocking up, general repairs, unloading cargo, and off again. . o O (If I leave, then Paradigm's in comman- no. I have to stay on board.) [Arsenal] That gets the doctor's attention. "I'll be right there. He say why?" . o O (Non-officers, then. Veshengo's been looking stable. Monika and Curuar already know something's up, too. I'll send them.) "He'll tell you more when you arrive. You didn't hear this from me, but you'll be going ashore to see old friends." [Arsenal] He nods, and starts getting dressed. * Monika heads back to the main deck. * Curuar is at the aft section of the ship, looking out over the ocean (Heh. Veshengo's been stable the entire time. :P) * Monika rechecks the fittings on her mithril shirt while she waits. * Bourne touches Monika on the shoulder, whispers. "Arm yourself quietly. Be on deck in five minutes." * Bourne looks around, spots Curuar in the aft, goes and tells him the same thing. * Monika pulls her rapier out about an inch to show Bourne she's got her main gear ready, and rechecks her boot knife. "I'll be right along, sir." * Bourne goes to see if Veshengo's back from hefting Paradigm into the sack. * Veshengo comes back above deacks after getting Paradigm set. * Curuar heads below-decks to get his studded leather "Geeze, what a psycho..." Or as she likes to refer to it, her sole concession to superstition. [Arsenal] *heh* *to Veshengo* "If you have any arms or armor, get them ready. Be on deck in five minutes, after the captain and the other two have left." * Curuar gets back up on deck after he's fitted and looks for Bourne * Veshengo nods and gets below decks, gearing himself up. Which basically meant he put a mithril shirt on and that's it. * Bourne waits until the captain, mate, and doctor leave. * Paradigm shifts, propping himself up on his elbows and eyeing Veshengo curiously. * Monika waits on deck with Veshengo "What the devil are ye doing?" He came up with that name just so he could say "Paradigm shifts", didn't he? ;) ((Lol, nah, didnt notice till ya mentioned it)) * Veshengo smirks. "Goin' out for a bit of practice. Gotta keep the family tradition alive." His eye sparkles slightly as he says that and walks off. Does this mean we need to change the paradigm? probably just his loincloth. "Practice?" * Paradigm grumbles, falling out of bed and stumbling after Veshengo. * Veshengo puts Paradigm back in his bed. "Duh, practice. Why the hell do you think I'm so good at what I do?" The captain, first mate, and doctor leave the ship -- it's a Star Trek away mission! [Arsenal] the three of them come up to the deck. The captain hands the other two pistols, and the doctor has his musket out. [Arsenal] *heh* no redshirts going to get killed, though * Bourne looks up at the sky, mutters quietly. "Moons nearing quadrants... gonna be quiet tides tomorrow." He looks over at the captain. "Any word when we may expeect you back, sir?" -e * Paradigm doesn't allow Veshengo to put him back in bed. His eyes are bloodshot, he's walking with a swagger, but the liquor itself was thrust violently from his system. [Arsenal] "We'll only be a few hours. Sunrise at the latest." "Very good, sir." "I'm aware I was demoted and little else over our incident. Heedless I've got agressions too." "What would you have us do, sir? [Arsenal] the three then leave. "You're also intoxicated to all hell." "As soon as Veshengo gets here." "In case you haven't noticed, I'm constantly intoxicated to all hell." [Arsenal] alcohol system blood content 0.2%? :) "I'm still in charge of the gunnery WHEN I'm drunk. Now, since when do PIRATES have to be sober?" * Veshengo shrugs. "Whatever. See ya." He dashes around a corner and attempts to hide himself before Paradigm can see him. * Curuar also has his longbow with him * Paradigm grumbles and goes updeck. Not many places one can go on a boat. * Bourne sees that puking has cleared Paradigm's head enough to run around, sighs and addresses the other three. [Arsenal] Vash: Para staggers right on past you. "The captain, first mate, and doctor have all just left the ship, armed. I'm not letting half our command staff wander off on personal business of violence in a freebooter city. Follow them back to the Three Moons, and anywhere else they go. Stay quietly outside. If things get loud, use your judgment as to whether to assist. If they come back to the ship, do the same. Understand?" * Paradigm nods. "Aye aye." "Aye, sir." [Arsenal] and... all good for leaving it here for now, and picking up next week? "We shall be the souls of discretion." * Monika OOCly nods. * Bourne turns to Paradigm. "*You're* not invited. This requires subtlety. And furthermore, we two are the last excuse for commanders on this boat." Sure. * Veshengo is right behind Paradigm. Funny, Paradigm never noticed him. He grins and nods. "Sure thing." "So what do you suppose I DO DO? I'm clearly not asleep." GM: Yeah, here's good. [Arsenal] (reply to Paradigm, and I'll put in the closing tag Sounds good to me (Closing sounds good.) "They'll never notice I was gone." ^_^ "You and I are staying here and waiting for word from the goings-on tonight. If something happens, we need commanders, not a boat full of officerless crew. Or do you propose to leave the decision-making to the cook? I want to go, too. But we're staying here." [Arsenal] ------------------ CHOP! AIEEE!------------------