3 days out from Endvane on the return trip of our heroes' first voyage, the White Devil trailed behind the Boar's Bones tethered by a series of silk ropes. The riggings of both ships had been damaged in their battle a few days earlier, so speed was a luxury the two ships did not have. Still, those with salt in their blood knew land would be peeking over the horizon soon.
Mr. Forks was spotted around mid day edging along the tether. He came aboard and walked into the front cabin, motioning for James, Paolo, Jack, Pants, Kraetos, and Ozzy to follow. With the door firmly latched, Forks faced his six former crewmen and cleared his throat.
"We have options to discuss. First off, let's assume that our ships will be parting ways past Endvane this landing. We've recently been attacked by pirates. They were damaged and fled. We found your ship adrift and less lucky in regards to said pirates. Both ships damaged, we chose to link up for safety's sake, right? Sad that their cargo was liberated along with the souls of all but five crewmen. Either way, we'll be making another circuit to Lunderton before the winds shift, so we must be on our way. Besides, the longer we stay still, the bigger chance of the Briggand returning to haunt our legal business. We don't wish to be anywhere near that ship should Acuna's eyes turn back upon us.
"Second, there is money to cover. Our ship needs new sails. We need an anchor. And we have cargo yet to sell. If'n you'd be with us for shares of fruits' profits, you'll be waiting til we're done with accounting. Now, If'n you'd be willing to settle before mooring, we can talk now.
"you served to Lunderton, and while you didn't have need to know what we shipped, you stood the watch. We made 300 gold and paid out 50 for berthing. There were 1300 on cargo to J'bunga, 30 for berthing and 30 for protection. That's 1490 up to now, makin' shares about 15 gold apiece. 25% for the captain, 10% to me and again to Morello. Sixteen crew get a share each, that's 61%.
"There ye are lads, and the cap'n says I can buy ye off how I choose. I say 45 gold apiece to
the six of ye. Three shares. The Boar's Bones shall cede claim of the cargo bereft White Devil to her crew. If you'd stay til Endvane, we would cover docking fees as expense. We would ask for your efforts in making the Devil as low impact on the Bones' reputation there as possible, and you'd be honorbound to shepherd the cargo to sale if ye'd have a share of it.
"Well, what say ye?"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
While Ahomana didn’t catch every word the skulking little kobold said, he did gather the intimation that he would receive 9 hands of gold for his service aboard the Short Man’s ship. For all intensive purposes, a reasonable sum that would feed him for quite some time.
However, he was certain that the white devil with the silver tongue (and his companion with the constantly wagging one) would object and insist on more.
Ahomana furrowed his brow, grunted, and waited for the covetous pale skins to make their inevitable appeals.
(The DM allowed me to take an out-of-continuity five minutes to resolve a quick question/dispute about the cargo on-board the White Devil. I open the chest below deck and flipped it so all the gold spilled on the floor - getting a guess at the amount in the contents. This was done so that we can resolve as much as possible of this topic online. So Monday can be more oriented toward our action. Plus I discovered that there were a couple of magic items in the chest.)
"My dear Forks... I think you are forgetting to add in the booty from below the deck of the White Devil. My guess is that was in excess of 1000 gold and some items of interest. Surely these things should be included in the payment. Or does Barleycorn assume to alter the terms of our initial arrangement. I argue this not for myself, to do so would be uncouth. But as the duly elected and agreed upon Captain of your now-companion crew aboard the White Devil, it is my responsibility, nay, my duty to see my crew treated in a fair and equitable fashion."
Ozzy squats down beside the kobold, and looks him in the eye.
"For certain you know me as a fair man of character and genuine care for my friends. Again, not a penny more do I ask for myself from the crew shares. Barleycorn and I have some other accounts to settle, but that is neither hither nor thither in our current negotiations. Did the five gathered here not serve with dignity and honor? Was the captain so displeased with the sacrifices and hard work these valiant men did aboard what they believed to be on honest vessel? Are they not deemed worthy to receive their just compensation for services agreed upon and rendered?"
Ozzy gently places his hand over Forks hand. And gestures with his free hand to the other men gathered around. Takes a good long look at them and turns back to Forks.
"These are some of the finest men in all the land... I find it a privilege to be surrounded by them . And you too, friend Forks, are a stand-up individual. Your small stature belies your enormous mental capacity and heart. I know you, and I know you realize this is unfair. These men and myself wish to depart on honest terms. Let us recalculate this departing arrangement, but..."
Ozzy stands back up a walks over to the other five in the room.
"I say we follow you in to port. It was indeed part of our original agreement when we all signed on. But I completely expect that when we arrive, we will receive a true and equitable share of the spoils. I know that you good Forks were not trying to short us in the gold share, it must have been an accounting oversight. It can happen, especially after such a stressful voyage. What say ye men? For your opinions are always welcomed, considered and judged with clear reason by by your new captain."
Post a Comment