Dread Pirate

Dread Pirate: By Jonathan Tuggle //You watch as the Rivaldan Admiral, Gustov Emilia, prostrates himself on the deck of his own ship 'The Reliance' to lick your boot's toe. Sweet revenge for his causing you to be booted out of the navy, and subsequently be disowned by your family and banished from Rivald. You revel in the accomplishment. Your dream of finally creating a pirate fleet capable of dominating the shipping lanes and bringing Rivald to its knees has come to pass. You've made Rivald remember and fear the name, Merrin Verra...// "Captain, Captain Verra, ma'am..." As the senses of the world return to you, your greeted with the familiar sounds of shifting objects, creaking wood, and the sloshing of waves as they lap the ship's hull. A brief moment of disorientation passes, as you quickly recall your surroundings on the //Siren's Wake.// The small and only sloop ship that you command. Swinging in your hammock in the relatively tight Captain's Quarters, you nudge the bi-corne hat covering your face to take notice of your first mate, Aldrick 'Tattersail.' He holds out a lantern, the only source of light, and a testament to the late hour. [["What is it this time? Another cretin raiding the larder?" ->"What is it this time? Another cretin raiding the larder?"]] [["I swear, if another buffoon has been nipping the brandy, I'll throw him into the big drink myself."]]

"I wish that it were so simple, Merrin." His use of your first name is a sign of impropriety, but one that you've come to recognize as him being particularly concerned about something. You set your hat to the side and swing your feet over the edge of the hammock, lowering a bare foot to greet the slick deck and slow the swinging. [["Very well, Aldrick, I'm up. Speak true, what is it?"]] [["If you were any other than my first mate, I'd flog you for using my given name. Be quick with it, you know my temper when waking."]] [["What matter is of such important that you must pester me at this ungodly hour?"]]

"If you did, I'd be afeared for our profession, this lot could guzzle an ocean into a desert...But, no, I've learned your mind on how to solve that matter and would not have come to disturb you were that the issue at hand." Fearing that you might be awake for awhile, you sit up and stretch in your hammock to restore some vigor to your tired mind. At the end of your stretches, you arch your back to a satisfying pop only to notice Aldrick's eyes wander to the cut in your night-shirt. [["Careful, 'Tattersail,' or I may bestow the moniker of "Aldrick, One-Eyed" on you."]] [["Watch those peepers, 'Tattersail.' one could be forgiven for it being dark, but my 'eyes' are up here." ->"While I'm accustomed to the wandering attentions of men, Aldrick, I'd be extremely cross if you interrupted my rest for 'that.'"]]

"The crew is dissatisfied, you promised them the sea's bounty, but we've yet to glimpse another vessel let alone a gold piece for our troubles. I've overheard the men's minds and they are not favorable." You've heard this talk before on an Alquilan cutter, and before that on a Rivaldan frigate. Each time as a preamble to mutiny. [[Go for your saber tucked in the storage net above your hammock.]] [["You're to lead me to believe that they are to mutiny? After so few weeks?"]] [["Tell me all that you've overheard, I want names."]]

"As many times as I've heard that threat, you never carry out on it-" To watching you rise from the hammock, he quickly waves an arm and backs away from you. "I'm sorry, I forget myself, with our history it's easy to forget you're my captain and not just a friend." [[It's too late...or early for banter, Aldrick. What is it? ->"Very well, Aldrick, I'm up. Speak true, what is it?"]] [[You are a friend, Aldrick, but while aboard this vessel you are my first mate, nothing more. To that end, I believe your duties as first mate have brought you here to tell me something? ->"Very well, Aldrick, I'm up. Speak true, what is it?"]]

You rub the sleep from your eyes in your hammock and cast a surly squint in the direction of Aldrick and the offending light of his lantern. [[Well, spit it out! ->"Very well, Aldrick, I'm up. Speak true, what is it?"]]

To your threat, Aldrick jolts and drops the lantern. It smashes on the floor, and shards of glass careen in all directions. Your breath hitches as the wick ignites the spilled fuel to create a small fireball that briefly lights the whole of your quarters. Luckily, the decks were still slick from sea spray and nothing else catches. You sigh in relief as the dark of the night presses in on your quarters. A curse escapes your lips at what his foolishness could've wrought, your words drowned out by the coiling of waves and the string of apologies that escape him. [["You damnable fool! Fetch me my boots and let's rid us of your mess."]]

Aldrick startles at the revelation that you caught him peeping, and he takes to studying the decking of your quarters. Even through the lamp light, you can see the barest hue of red creeping up his collar. Whether through shame or embarassment, you do not know. "Of...Of course, I wouldn't dare to. I mean, I came here to tell you that the crew is dissatisfied." [["What do you mean, 'dissatisfied?'"]] [["If this be treachery, Aldrick, know that I won't spare even a 'friend.'"]]

"Easy, Captain, we need not worry yet. The men are merely griping. Homesick without the company of fresh coin to distract them. Trouble though this lot may be, they are not the sort to mutiny so quick. We've more fisherman then fighters on board, but we should figure out how to preceed before these nascent thoughts are carried to term." [["Raise the men and assemble them on deck. We will deal with this now."]]

You've risen and are busily fastening your saber to your waist. Aldrick nervously watches you move. He knows better then anyone what your capable of armed only with your temper and a sword. [[Inspect the blade and make a cursory slash through the air before reholstering it.->Go for your saber tucked in the storage net above your hammock.]]

"I have no names. I was hoping that you wouldn't overreact to this news. The men are merely homesick without the ease of fresh coin to lighten that burden-" To your blooshot glare he's quick to end that line of thought. He's dropped the lantern to his side, and even through the shadows you can tell that he's weighing the merits of rising your ire or betraying the men to your fury. "They want to go back to Prophet's Cove, there's been no talk of mutiny, but the men are done. Denying their collective wishes would be the surest route to causing one though. We could still get lucky on the way back..." Your grip tightens on the hilt of the saber, he hasn't given you names. "Fine... Jerren, Malford, Kizneck, Russo, Alceto, Ballard, 'Half-pint,' and so on. Happy? It'd be easier to name the ones not griping, but that'd leave you only with me." [["Raise the men and assemble them on deck. We will deal with this now."]]

The hour is late, but you've spared no time in properly dressing yourself while Aldrick assembles the men on the surface deck. Properly adorned in your black bi-corn hat, an old Aquilan naval coat made of dyed green wool with gold tassles and trim, and form fitting breeches, the whole of the outfit is set off with the saber you have fastened around your waste. No one could say that you don't look every bit the part of a captain, if not a pirate captain. You stroll out of your quarters onto the deck, a few torches spread amongst the rabble illuminate the forms of the fifty so men that you call your crew. They're in varying degrees of alertness and undress, much as you had been a short while ago. You wait for Aldrick to finish shoring them up, before bringing your thumb and index finger to your mouth and piercing the night with as sharp a whistle as you can muster. [["I've been made aware of your...'dissatisfaction.' Who among you is brave enough to lend credence to your thoughts by speaking them plainly to me?"]]

After fetching your boots, Aldrick scuttled out of your quarters to fetch another lantern. Now, the two of you huddle over the slick decking of your quarters to pick up shards of glass and lantern. A task that you had a mind to make him carry out himself, if not for the fear that he'd miss a few without your sharper vision. At least he had the good sense to look at everything but you. [["I assume you had a better reason for coming in here then to gawk at my feminine form and shatter lanterns?"]] [["Stop cowering like an admonished child. If we are to pass the witching hour scooping up glass, you might as well tell me why you came."]]

"Of course, I'm sorry, Captain. I fear I've already raised your ire, but the need that brought me here is of some concern. I just don't want the mood I put you in to affect how you take it." You stop picking up the shards to stare at the hunched over man. [["I swear to spare my actions from my foul mood."]]

"Yes, I do. I mean I did not come to... look upon... *Ahem* The crew is dissatisfied, you promised them the sea's bounty, but we've yet to glimpse another vessel let alone a gold piece for our troubles. I've overheard the men's minds and they are not favorable." You've heard this talk before on an Alquilan cutter, and before that on a Rivaldan frigate. Each time as a preamble to mutiny. [[Go for your saber tucked in the storage net above your hammock.]] [["You're to lead me to believe that they are to mutiny? After so few weeks?"]] [["Tell me all that you've overheard, I want names."]]

"I mean what I say, you promised the crew a hefty bounty, but we've yet to glimpse another vessel let alone a gold piece for our troubles. I've overheard the men's minds and they are not favorable." [["Do they mean to mutiny?" ->"And if I press? Will they mutiny?"]] [["Which men? To how many does this sentiment spread?" ->"Tell me all that you've overheard, I want names."]] [[*Sigh* "It has only been a few short weeks, were I a man, they would not be so quick to judge this trip a failure."]]

"I do not doubt it, Captain Verra, but should that day ever come I'd sooner flee then meet your wrath head on." [["Very well... Tell me of their 'disatisfactions.'" ->"Very well, Aldrick, I'm up. Speak true, what is it?"]]

"I do not think it matters to the crew that you are a woman, we've seen hide nor hair of any sails but our own since we entered the shipping lanes. The men simply believe there is no treasure to be had, and wish to return to Prophet's Cove where they can earn coin for their toils." [["Tell me all that you've overheard, I want names."]]

A passing moment of indesicion and muttering flits through the crowd before, Jerren 'Rockjaw,' a man sculpted from marble and bronzed by the sun pushes his way through. He stops halfway to you in deference and rings his hat in his hands. "Captain Verra, I crew'd with ya 'fore, I have no ills to say. But, t'as things stand, we wants to go back to our hearths and famlies. Youse promised us treasures, but there's not one to be had. Tis no mistake of the charts, but the shipping lanes are empty for this time o'year. There's a bad omen on these waters, and I thinks we should heads back before what's evers out here makes for us a watery grave too." There's a smattering of agreements and a few cheers for his poorly worded speech. [["Do you propose you know better the tempermant of the sea then I? So far the seas have been fair, if not bountiful. In fishing, like piracy, one tends to have a run of bad luck, but if we keep casting we're sure to..."]] [["Brave man, step forward, and hold out your hand to me..."]]

"O'course not, Captain. I only say that the seas be treacherous. If ships be avoiding the lanes, perhaps we should too? If we goes to port, maybe we'll find out why." Again, there's another smattering of agreements, this time a bit more. You've sailed enough to know that going against the wishes of the crew can be far more treacherous then the sea. If you push back now after sounding their opinions you're liable to be treading water before daybreak. [["Very well, Jerren. Hear this you slimy dogs! We set sail for Prophet's Cove at daybreak. Everyone but the watch, rack up!"]]

Jerren shakes as he closes the distance to you. Perhaps because he fears you, or perhaps because the reputation of pirate captains does more for your fearsome reputation then any of your actions could. It could also be because the hand resting on your saber has flicked the barest bit of the hilt up, and now the silver glint of your sword shines a brighter warning then a coiled serpant could conjure. [[Unsheath the sword and hit him with the blunt of the blade as a warning to what you could have done.]] [[Satisfied that your threat was heard, you remove your hand from your blade to procure a coin out of your coat pocket and place it in his outstretched hand.]]

Jerren recoils at the strike and wails in the darkness for a few moments until the light of the lanterns and assembled torches reveals him to be unmaimed. He looks to you on his knees cradling his hand. Fear and uncertainty about what you might do next etched into the lines of his sun kissed and worn face. [["I mean you no ill will either, Jerren, and as long as you lot remember not to cross me... You'll never have to find out how cruel I can be. We sail for Prohpet's Cove, all but the watch to their racks!"]] [[*Say nothing to Jerren* "All but the watch to their racks! We head for the Cove come the 'morrow."]]

"I wonts cross you'se, I swears it!" Satisified with his response you turn your gaze to the assembled men on the main deck. [["We sail for the cove come the 'morrow! Next I hear of waggling tongues behind someone will lose theirs. Everybody but the watch, rack up!"]]

You and your crew started the ardous journey back to Prophet's Cove the next day, and after a week of sailing and no targets to raid, your choice seems to have been the smart one to make. That is till the ninth day at noon. At the helm, discussing course with the ship's navigator Russo, you're roused by shouts of excitement first from the Crow's Nest and then followed by the crew. You've stopped what your doing to take in what's got them riled, only to see them crowding the fence rail on the starboard or right side of the ship. "There be ships! A lot of 'em!" You hear over the excitement. [[Grab the monocular from the navigator.]] [[Whistle to get the attention of the man in the nest.]] [["Take the helm, Russo. Steady as she goes."]]

"Thank youse, Captain." You turn from your position on the deck and head back to your quarters, but not before calling over your shoulder to the crew. [["Rack up you slimy dogs! Tommorow we sail for Prophet's Cove."]] [["We sail for the cove come the 'morrow! Next I time hear of you waggling tongues behind my back you can be assured that someone will lose theirs."]]

"I thanks you'se for the coins and the understandin's, but does tat means we will be's sailins for the cove?" [[*Smile* "We will, Jerrin, but hear this! If we find any vessel be it mercantile or maruader on our way back to port, we will raid it! Our heading is no excuse to laze about sea rats! Now rack up! We head for the cove in the 'morn."]]

Jerren's eyes are tightly shut as he'd expected to feel your blade. He flinches when you lay the cold piece in his hands, and it takes him a few seconds to work up the nerve to look. He turns the coin over a few times in his hand before looking at you through the wrinkled eyes of uncertainty. [["I don't punish honest words with good intent. Instead, I reward it."]] [["Commit to memory the feel of that cold piece of metal, gold for bravery, steel for treachery. And never mistake which I honor with which."]]

Aldrick dumps a collection of lantern shards into a tidy pile that had formed from your combined labors. No longer hunched, a measure of resolve and calm returned to the man from your assurances. "Tis no easy way to say it, but to say it. The men wish to return to Prophet's Cove. They are of a mind that our venture is doomed to failure." [["Because of me?"]] [["And if I press? Will they mutiny?"]]

Aldrick lays a hand on your shoulder, an attempt at comforting your insecurity about the men's opinion of you. "I think not. The men do not question your command. Only the fates. They're a superstitious lot, and the empty sea lanes have them a might spooked." [["And you? Do you wish to turn back? We've made no coin on this voyage. Word of our failure will get out, omens or not."]]

"We need not worry yet. The men are merely griping. Homesick without the company of fresh coin to distract them. Trouble though this lot may be, they are not the sort to mutiny so quick. We've more fisherman then fighters on board, but we should figure out how to preceed before these nascent thoughts are carried to term." [["Raise the men and assemble them on deck. We will deal with this now."]]

"As First Mate, I defer to you on such matters. My heart is with you, but my mind dwells on the men. We could still get lucky on our way back to Prophet's Cove." With the glass mostly cleaned up you stand to the relief of your aching knees and ponder your next move. [["Raise the men and assemble them on deck. We will deal with this now."]]

At the starboard or right rail of the quarter deck, you bring up the monocular to your eye. Through the magnifying lens you see a storm on the horizon. Beneath it's torrential rain and lightning strikes, you can just make out the forms of hundreds of ships locked in combat. Some are burning, others breaking up and sinking, and some slink away damaged but sea worthy. Yet, more hover at the periphery of the stormfront waiting to join the fray or merely to observe. Trying to parse out a way to use the battle to your advantage, you scan the edges of the battle until you find two favorable targets: a heavily damaged but well armed frigate seperated and alone far from the field of battle, and a lightly armed galleon with small cutter escorts. The frigate appears to you to be a 'Ship of the line,' a multidecked ship with more than a dozen guns on each side of its two gun decks. Were it in pristine condition it'd likely have five times as many men on it then your own. The galleon is a larger ship for transporting cargo. No doubt a better chance for reward from what it is carrying, but the cutter escorts themselves are warborne versions of your own ship. A little slower than yours no doubt, but with their extra guns and practiced drills they could easily flank you in an engagement if you're not careful. "What do you want to do, Captain?" You hear Tattersail call from the maindeck below. [["Fifteen degrees to starboard, we'll take a damaged frigate!"]] [["Thirty degrees to starboard, we'll fight for that galleon!"]]

Having got his attention he waves down at you, and you recognize the man as 'Half-Pint Harry.' He's not necessarily a dwarf, but he stands a good head shorter then the average man. His fiery temper matches only his red locks and savage brawling skills. "Captain! There be a mighty battle raging in that unnatural storm, best be sticking clear methinks!" [["I don't care what you think! Tell me true, is there a target of oppurtunity out there for us?"]] [["Blast it, man! I need details!"]]

Caught off guard by your uncharacteristic command, Russo regards you before chirping out an "Aye, aye." Aldrick ascends the steps to the quarter deck to join you, "Caution, Captain? I figured you'd be smartin for a fight about now. Should we not at least survey the offerings of the sea?" You watch him remove his tricorne cap and ring the edges of it in a show of nervous energy. [["That's what I aim to do, Aldrick. Skirting the battle will keep our profile low and allow us to make a move at the right moment."]] [["No reason to rush in headlong, Aldrick. At least not 'fore we know what's out there."]]

"Aye, Captain. Outside that nasty storm there be a damaged frigate fifteen degrees to starboard, and a galleon with a few cutter escorts thirty degrees to starboard." You nod to the man and make your decision about what to go for. [["Fifteen degrees to starboard, we'll take a damaged frigate!"]] [["Thirty degrees to starboard, we'll fight for that galleon!"]]

The men ready themselves in a flurry. Arming themselves with blunderbusses and cutlasses. The master gunner, Kizneck 'Fire-Brand,' shouts orders to his crew to wheel out barrels of powder for the maindeck's six pound guns. You survey the crew's orchestrated chaos before Aldrick ascends the quarterdecks steps, "Finally, a reason for these sea dogs to exist. If I may, Captain, what're we playing at? You don't expect us to take a frigate head on do you?" Six decks high, the frigate has at least three gundecks below the maindeck. It towers over your own ship, but as luck would have it, today that mighty warship is beaten and bruised. [["That's exactly what I plan to do, we'll come at them hard and fast. They're already wounded, a few volleys and well placed shots will have them hoist the white flag in no time. No need to be fancy."]]

The men ready themselves in a flurry. Arming themselves with blunderbusses and cutlasses. The master gunner, Kizneck 'Fire-Brand,' shouts orders to his crew to wheel out barrels of powder for the maindeck's six pound guns. You survey the crew's orchestrated chaos before Aldrick ascends the quarterdecks steps, "Finally, a reason for these sea dogs to exist. If I may, Captain, what're we playing at? We don't aim to fight off three cutters and take that galleon by force alone, do we?" [["No, we'll scatter the escorts first. Separating the galleon will make this payday easy. I'll need you to call up your talent and mastery of the wind. Shatter their sails and we'll wait for them to drift apart."]] [["We'll get the escorts to give chase. Once they do, we'll drop the 'Sigil of Ice' off the stern and lose them in the reulting fog. The galleon will be easy pickings after that." ->"No, if you're worried about the approach we could use the sigil to create a fog around us."]]

Having got your hands on the spyglass. At the starboard rail of the quarter deck, you bring up the monocular to your eye. Through the magnifying lens you see a storm on the horizon. Beneath it's torrential rain and lightning strikes, you can just make out the forms of hundreds of ships locked in combat. Some are burning, others breaking up and sinking, and some slink away damaged but sea worthy. Yet, more hover at the periphery of the stormfront waiting to join the fray or merely to observe. Trying to parse out a way to use the battle to your advantage, you scan the edges of the battle until you find two favorable targets: a heavily damaged but well armed frigate seperated and alone far from the field of battle, and a lightly armed galleon with small cutter escorts. "What do you want to do, Captain?" You hear Tattersail call from the maindeck below. [["Fifteen degrees to starboard, we'll take a damaged frigate!"]] [["Thirty degrees to starboard, we'll fight for that galleon!"]]

"If I may, Captain," Aldrick says, having removed his tricorne hat and taken to ringing the edges of it in a nervous display of defiance. To your nod he continues, "A frigate is a fiersome ship, why not use some of our abilities to take it?" [["Since it's your suggestion, I'll let you do the work. Wait till we draw close, and then use your mastery of the wind to blow them off the top deck. Boarding should be easy after that."]]

"We'll need to get close for my talent to be effective, but with three of them serving as an escort to the galleon, you can expect that they'll see us coming. Should we perhaps use one of the fake flags?" You remember that you keep a few flags from various nations in the hold for just such an occasion. [["No, if you're worried about the approach we could use the sigil to create a fog around us."]]

The men of the //Siren's Wake// have made good time preparing for the quickly approaching task of assaulting a frigate. Spooled up grappling hooks lie at the ready on both sides of the main deck. Kizneck and his gun crew stand ready with powder and ball at the three six-pound guns on each side. Jerren and two dozen men sit in two small row boats, waiting to be lowered at the right time so that they can row over and board. As luck would have it, the frigate is mostly perpindicular to you and doesn't seem to have spotted you yet. It's attention divided between the battle and attending their wounded you assume. Still, it's a sight to see. Two gundecks and two masts, and if you're counting the gunholes right, at least forty guns between the two sides. It makes your sloop seem meek in comparison. You can just make out it's ensign at this distance, it flys a green and golden flag, the figurehead of a winged woman merged with a harp at it's center. A Rivaldan frigate then. More's the pity to your old nation for crossing you. [["Launch the boats! We'll go hard to port and sling a few shots at their rear to cover their approach!"]] [["Bring us alongside! I want Aldrick to sweep 'em off their feet!"]]

The men cut the lines and you hear the squeaking of pullies as the small boats plummet to the sea with a crash. Almost immediately after they're down, you steer the helm to the left to bring the guns in line with the frigate's rear. Time slows down as Kizneck waits for the oppurtune moment, too early and the boarding party might be noticed, too late and you'll find yourself broadside of the frigate's guns with every second no doubt drawing nearer to being noticed. "Fire!" You hear Kizneck call, followed closely by a rapport of three cannons going off. You watch the balls glide through the air towards their target, one goes high and clears the quarterdeck, another too short as it skips across the water before sinking, and the last one hits the frigate square in the galley. You watch as splinters fly high even from this angle on the maindeck where the first shot landed, and the shattering of the galley windows can be heard from all the way on your vessel. Soon shouting joins the mix of noise. You've raised the alarm. [["Hard to starboard! Ready the winds, Aldrick! We've only one shot at this!"]]

You draw alongside the ship, and a call of alarm sounds. It's too late, however, as Aldrick makes a show of blowing through his lips. Your men know what comes next, as do you, and all brace themselves. For a moment, as always, nothing seems to happen. That is till you hear the rush of wind, a gale to rival even the strongest typhoon sweeps across the seas churning up waves behind you and crashes over both ships. The //Siren// and the offending frigate both rock hard from the unexpected force that sweeps over your decks. You watch as a few poor fools are blown overboard by the gust, and a few more go over from the violent tilt. [["Drop the row boats! No need for cover! Their deck is cleared!"]] [["Kizneck, the guns!"]] [["Grapples! We reel them in!"]]

You draw alongside the ship, and a call of alarm sounds. It's too late however, as Aldrick makes a show of blowing through his lips. Your men know what comes next, as do you, and all brace themselves. For a moment, as always, nothing seems to happen. That is till you hear the rush of wind, a gale to rival even the strongest typhoon sweeps across the seas churning up waves behind you and crashes over both ships. The //Siren// and the offending frigate both rock hard from the unexpected force that sweeps over your decks. You watch as a few poor fools are blown overboard by the gust, and a few more go over from the violent tilt. [["Kizneck, the guns!"]] [["Grapples! We reel them in!"]]

After the violent swinging ceases, the men in the two row boats cut the line. The sounds of a line releasing and squeaking pullies greets your ears as they disappear over the sides in descent. A few moments later you hear the tell tale splash of them hitting the water, and the plunk of several oars against the hull to push them towards the side of the other vessel. [["Volley!"]] [["You over there! Surrender your vessel!"]] [["Grapples! We reel them in!"]]

Kizneck shouts another call for fire, and a three shot cannon salvo hits them in the middeck. [["Now, volley!"]] [["Grapples! Reel 'em in!"]]

Several men throw grappels haphazrdly up to the frigate's deck. Most miss on their first toss, but soon there's enough for your crew, and you begin to hear chants of "Heave, ho." As the two ships come together, several of your crew use the ladders to ascend the ships sides, and a brief din of battle greets you before you hears shouts of surrender. [[Board their vessel.]]

The remaining few hands onboard ready their blunderbusses and unleash a smattering of fire at the few sailors in view of your lower ship. Cries and the slumping of once animate figures greet you. "We surrender, we surrender to you," you hear a few souls shout as the din of battles fades. [["Throw your arms overboard! Or this slaughter will continue!"]] [["Throw over a boarding net for my crew and we can talk terms!"]]

"Aye, we do, we do! Stop this, we are in no shape to fight!" [["Throw your arms overboard! Or this slaughter will continue!"]] [["Throw over a boarding net for my crew and we can talk terms!"]]

The remaining few hands onboard ready their blunderbusses and unleash a smattering of fire at the few sailors in view of your lower ship. Cries and the slumping of once animate figures greet you. "We surrender, we surrender to you," you hear a few souls shot as the din of battles fades. [["Throw your arms overboard! Or this slaughter will continue!"]] [["Throw over a boarding net for my crew and we can talk terms!"]]

The men on deck run to pick up the prepared grappels, and swing them wildly over to the frigate's rails. Most don't find purchase on the first try, but with the boarding party already using the ladders to ascend to the deck it'll only add to the frigate's panic. "We yield! We surrender! Show mercy!" You hear cried over the din as you barely make out the form of Jerren body check a sailor. [[Board their vessel.]]

You hold up a closed fist to your crew, a signal to hold fire and to steady their nerves. A minute passes and the first of the men appear arms heavy with swords and guns that they dump into the sea. "Satisfied?" you hear one call down to you. By this point, your crew's already on their ladders and making to board. No sounds of a fight greet you and you allow yourself to believe that they were honest in their surrender. [[Board their vessel.]]

"Aye, we will," you hear called out, and you wait giving a signal to your crew to steady their nerves. After a minute passes a younger officer and a few sailors toss down the net to your deck. [[Board their vessel.]]

You walk along the deck of the ship surveying the damage of both the frigate's fight with you, and whatever battle they had been into prior. Bodies are strewn about the ship, and your crew has carralled the survivors around the main mast. You hadn't seen it from your approach, but the starboard side of the vessel is in splinters. Part of the maindeck is sagging, and a hole has opened up that let's you see down into the middecks. It's no wonder they weren't willing to put up more of a fight. "Pardon, your dreadness, but what is to happen to us?" A boy of early twenties in lieutenant dress hazards to ask. [["You and your men are free to take the life boats. All I want is your ship."]] [["You'll be made to pilot this craft for me, I need bodies."]] [["I hadn't thought about it, but I suppose walking the plank will do nicely."]]

"I see. However, if I could entreat upon you to draw closer to the battle, we would have a much easier time of crossing the sea to our comrades." You sense no disception in the boy, just an earnest request to take it easy on him and the injured number under his newfound command. You hadn't found them, but you assume there's a few dead command staff nearabouts on the ship. [["Very well, those of you still able bodied will help us set sail, and when we are close enough for rowing you will disembark peaceably with your wounded."]] [["No, you will set out from here. Sparing you is more mercy then I typically show. You'd do well to depart now before I change my mind."]]

"You mean to impress us? No offense your dread ladyship, but-" Your crew aboard the frigate howls in laughter at the young man's use of the term lady towards you. At the penetrating glare you shoot them they're quick to find it less amusing. "We serve Rivald, that coat you wear matches our colors. Surely, you know many of us would rather die then betray our home to become pirates..." [["Hey, Jerren? What do you think should be down with this lot?"]]

After setting the ships to sail, you made the men walk the plank off their own ship. In the distance you can hear the splashing and frantic cries for you to come back for them, but you sail on with your prize. However, your men's mood has soured and you're not able to even enjoy the fancy Captain's Quarters you find yourself in. You wanted Aldrick to visit and celebrate with you, but after seeing you drown vulnerable men he has kept his distance. You've won a mighty warship, but at the cost of your crews respect. [["Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]]

You ignored their pleas and forced the men onto the rowboats. A few of your crew watch as they struggle against the punishing waves. Injured and tired their prospects of making it to a friendly ship are low, but they are out of your hands and in fate's now. It'd be a good idea to find something onboard to distract your men from the mariners fates. It's time to take a look around your new ship. [[Inspect the hold.]] [[Inspect the brig.]] [[Inspect the Captain's Quarters.]]

There was hardly enough bodies between your two crews, but a few extra Rivaldan sailors helped you get the now listing frigate underway. It was slow going, and you had to lower your pirate flag when drawing closer to the battle, but you let them disembark halfway from where you found them and wished them well. Now with the Rivaldan crew gone and the frigate and the Siren set on a course for Prophet's Cove, you have a moment to rest and take stock of your prize. It's time to tour the ship! [[Inspect the hold.]] [[Inspect the brig.]] [[Inspect the Captain's Quarters.]]

The hold doesn't have much you wouldn't expect. Provisions, weapons, and a few niceties from the Rivaldan home land. You could sell a lot of it for profit, but the true prize seems to be the ship. [[Inspect the brig.]] [[Inspect the Captain's Quarters.]] [[Assemble your men.]]

In the brig you find a flag officer in a cell with a few deck hands. "I'll be, a pirate. Never thought I'd be glad to see one, but we were punished for insubordination. Bastard was trying to kill us by playing hero in the battle. Let us out and we'll help as we can." [[Let the prisoners out and add them to your crew.]] [[Leave them in there. Mutineers deserve to rot.]] [[Inspect the hold.]] [[Inspect the Captain's Quarters.]] [[Assemble your men.]]

The Captain's Quarters of the frigate are a mess, but there's great potential in it. Unlike your own, these quarters are spacious and luxurious. It holds an actual bed rather than a hammock, a fine oak desk, and a capsized armoire. As you sit at the desk and ponder how your reputation will grow, your foot kicks a small chest tucked underneath. You open it to reveal a small heaping amount of gold coins. [[Set it on the table with the intent to divide it with your crew.]] [[Tuck it back underneath to keep for safekeeping.]] [[Inspect the brig.]] [[Inspect the hold.]] [[Assemble your men.]]

Jerren crosses the deck to you when you ask him. He knits his brows and he works his mouth behind closed lips as if trying to parcel out some divine wisdom. "I thinks that fates been kind to us this day. We's should return the favors less fate's favor run out. I says let them go." His words lift the spirits of the subjugated men. The rest of your crew who have watched the exchange also seem to express his sentiments. [["Take the lifeboats, tell your countrymen of the mercy of Merrin Verra." ->"You and your men are free to take the life boats. All I want is your ship."]]

For now the two ships are joined and tied off by grapples so that they remain close to eachother and become more managable for your skeleton crew of two ships. You stand with a leg propped up on the port or left most railing of the frigate, so that your crew can see you from both ships. You use two fingers to whistle and gain their attention. [["You did good in that fight. Now the matter of payment. All valuables will be hocked at port and each man will take his share of the profit."]] [["Booty is first come, first serve. Nobody is to touch the Captain's Quarter's. That's my share."]]

You've added the prisoners to your crew and they go a good way to making up for your lacking numbers to properly sail two ships. [[Assemble your men.]]

You leave the mutineers to rot, perhaps you'll let them go when you get to the cove, or perhaps you'll let them become decorations for the brig. Either way, that's a problem for later. For now... [[Assemble your men.]]

You carry the box of coins outside of your new quarters. Intent to hand it out at the end of your speech. [[Assemble your men.]]

A captain is entitled to her reward, and as this is a captain's quarters it's only right that these should be your spoils. You'll count your hual later, but for now... [[Assemble your men.]]

You get a good laugh of watching your crew scrabble over eachother, and though no one mans the helm of the //Siren//, you're far enough away from the battle now that it doesn't matter if you veer off course. With the Captain's Quarters claimed you sit back and relax as your crew quarrels over the spoils, ready to intervene should it get too bloody. In the spectacle of looting, you toy with the idea of being called Admiral Verra. [[Press on to the Cove.]]

No man has bad blood for coin, but you do see a few dissapointed looks from the greedier among the lot. However, by making this move you ensure that no man among your crew can begrudge you for not sharing. In time, you're sure that word will get around that you divide the spoils evenly. Something you expect will recruit new crewmembers for your newly minted flagship. As you sail, watching the horizon where you know the Cove is in the distance, you can't but entertain the idea of being called Admiral Verra... [[Press on to the Cove.]]

"I thought you were saving that? Nevermind, I think it's an excellent choice to cover our approach with the 'Sigil of Ice.'" You're content to stand on the top deck and steer the boat towards the upcoming party of four ships. You turn your eyes away from them as you watch Aldrick tie off the sigil with thick gloves and drop it off the stern into the water. You're not sure of the artifacts origins, but within its glass orb stirs a brilliant white storm and it is more than cold to the touch. A member of your crew got drunk enough to touch it with bare hands once. The poor fool lost his mind and screamed about it 'burning' him. You kept it in your cabin after that and became pleasantly suprised to find that it kept the room cool in the heat of summer. It's not exactly the way the sigil was supposed to be used, but quickly a cold fog rises up from the water encasing your ship. Only after it covered the ship did you realize how bad of an idea it was. You've covered your approach, but now you can't see anything. [["Aldrick! Take it out, we're sailing blind!]] [["Aldrick! I can't see. Lady luck will have to guide my hand!"]]

"Aye, Merrin!" You watch in nervous apprehension as Aldrick and a few men heave the line tied to sigil out as fast as possible. You hear the glass orb smack against the hull as it leaves the water and wait to see if the fog begins to lessen, or worse... if the sigil has fractured. Thankfully that doesn't appear to be the case. After a minute, the fog thins out enough to let you see once again into open waters. As luck would have it, you've come out of the fog right behind the four ships. You're close enough to make out the details of the flags. A double headed white and gold eagle clutching a trident dances on a blue field with gold tassles. These are ships from Alquila. A rising island empire to the west of the continent, and masters of the open ocean. The cutters are larger versions of the sloop your on. Only two or three decks high, but armed with bigger guns then your own. The galleon towers over all the ships present, five decks tall, but without anything but tiny one pound swivable cannons on the maindeck. [["We're close enough, Aldrick! Live up to your name!"]] [["Quick to port! Hard left! Kizneck put a volley on their tail and we'll lose them in the fog!"]]

The sigil continues to produce fog as you glide through the water to where you believe the escorts and galleon are, but after several minutes stretch on you begin to wonder if you've somehow passed them. Finally, taking the sigil out and making your way out of the fog you find that the ships are nowhere to be seen. With nothing but a column of fog behind you they're as good as gone. You trusted your instincts, but lost the prize in doing so. [[Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]]

You watch your crew brace themselves. They know what is to come, as do you. Aldrick leans over the starboard rail cupping his hands around his mouth and makes a show of blowing till he is red in the face. At first nothing happens, but your eyes are on the fog behind you waiting for it. You hear a few cannon shots and splashes as the Alquilan ships take their first ranging shots, but you can already hear it. The roar of the wind sweeps down across the water churning up waves. You watch as the column of fog behind you is blown apart as the gail force winds continue to pick up force on their way towards you. Your masts and sails were specifically taliored to withstand this, and as your ship rocks to the roar of the wind, all you have to worry is about holding on. Through windswept vision you watch as Tattersail's storm batters the mast and sails of the cutters and galleon. Only the mast of one cutter goes down, but all the sails of the Alquilan ships are in ruins by the time the wind lets up. You doubt at this range that many were swept overboard, but that wasn't the point this time. You watch Aldrick get dragged away from the rails by Jerren and another man, he's always hard of breath for a few hours after using his talent. [["Take us out of range, we'll wait for them to drift apart and then pick off the galleon."]]

The Siren swings wide to the left and Kizneck yells, "Fire!" However, with the momentum of the turn your shots go wild. Though hitting the cutters was never your main objective. The escorts give pursuit and follow your ship back into the fog. Through the cover of the dense fog you can make out the position of the three ships by their sounding bells and shouts to eachother. If you had to guess they're maintaining tight spacing with eachother about one hundred yards behind your ship. You might be able to slip out through the fog or deal with them for good. [["Load the sigil into the aft cannon, Kizneck."]] [["Bring us around, will slip by them and take the galleon 'fore they realise their mistake." ->"You're right. Why do anything fancy when we can drift by them in the fog."]]

You absently drag the tip of a dagger under your nail to clean out a bit of dirt. There's not much to be done while you wait for their formation to drift far enough apart to take the galleon on its own. "Captain, they're a few thousand yards apart. Might want to go in now, those cutter crews are working hard to fix their sails," your man in the crow's nest calls down to you. [["Very well, Russo you have the helm. We're going in on that galleon now."]] [["Not yet, ten more minutes and they'll be truly to far out of range to help."]]

You didn't have to worry about preparing the row boats, as this galleon doesn't appear to have even a single cannon battery on it. As such, a boarding party would unnecessarily divide your forces. Dead in the water and divided from their escorts the crew of the galleon gave up without a fight. "What...should be done...with the crew..." An out of breath Aldrick weazes out. [["Toss 'em in the drink."]] [["Put 'em in the lifeboats and let them row back to their friends."]]

"Captain! The cutter's are launching their boats." Grabbing the monocle you survey the scene to see that the Alquilan cutters have launched a dozen row boats full to the brim with boarding parties. Each of them rowing as fast as they can towards the galleon. With Aldrick still recovering and the crew having relaxed during the lull it would take several minutes to get underway and set sail for the galleon. You've lost your window to take the galleon with the forces you have. [[Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]] Double-click this passage to edit it.

"Captain, I means no disrespects, but the fates don't take kindly to treatin' surrendered men like this. They didn' fight. We throws them overboards now and we're liable to meet our doom 'fore we make it home," Jerren says to you. Standing on the main deck of the galleon you regard Jerren while thinking on what to do. [["Fuck the fates, if you don't follow my orders you'll go in too."]] [["Aye, we'll listen to the fates wishes this time, I'm in a mood to inspect this ship's loot. Wouldn't want to spoil the spoils with desperate screams."]]

Reluctantly, Jerren and several of your crew push the galleon's crew over one man at a time. You can tell from their horrified expressions at the men's drowning cries that this has deeply affected them. You don't care, as you hope in time that this experience will harden them to the less savory tasks that are necessary for pirates to commit to be successful. [[Inspect the galleon's hold for treasure.]]

Letting the crew go worked in your favor, as you were supervising the galleon's crew getting into the lifeboats you spotted row boats that had been launched by the cutters. Thinking fast you directed your navigator, Russo, to set sail with the galleon attached by the grappling hooks. //The Siren's Wake// acted as a tugboat to pull the larger galleon, and the rowing of the boarding parties wasn't fast enough to catch up to the two ships at sail. To your suprise and elation, you discover that the galleon was a treasury ship containing several holds full of gold bullion. You figure that the ship was meant to pay the salary of much of the Aquilan fleet. Their loss, however, is your gain, as with this score, you and your crew have become some of the wealthiest pirates in the world. You sale to Prophet's Cove, the wealth of a small kingdom in your hold and the future as bright as the reflection off the waves of the nine seas. [[Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]]

To your suprise and elation, you discover that the galleon was a treasury ship containing several holds full of gold bullion. You figure that the ship was meant to pay the salary of much of the Aquilan fleet. Their loss, however, is your gain, as with this score, you and your crew have become some of the wealthiest pirates in the world. However, on your return trip to Prophet's Cove, your ship was attacked by a sea monster. In a desperate attempt to appease the beast, your crew threw you overboard as a sacrifice, believing that its appearance could only be divine justice handed down by the fates for your actions towards the men of the galleon. So ended Merrin Verra, pirate captain, who met her fate while being dragged down to the mirky depths by some tenctacled monster after just coming into the wealth of a small kingdom. In the years and months to come your name would become synonymous with failure and death. Young and old pirates alike will spin the cautionary tale over pints of ale, as a warning to what manner of fate a cruel captain can expect. [[Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]]

Dread Pirate: By Jonathan Tuggle Midnight, somewhere in the middle of the Emerald Sea, a single sloop ship rises and falls with the languid breaths of the ocean. The light of the waning moon etches out the features of the ship from amidst the backdrop of the night. Whipping off the main and only mast is an ink black flag, with the depiction of a bleeding red heart at the center of two crossed white swords. The dread sigil of Merrin Verra, pirate captain and "Siren of the High Seas." [[Begin the adventure.]]

Aldrick who had set the 'Sigil of Ice' to the side retrieves it and presents the wrapped up orb to Kizneck. "Ya sure 'bout this, Captain? This thing breaks in the cannon tube and we could all be turned into ice sculptures..." [["I'm willing to take that risk to deal with these escorts."]] [["You're right. Why do anything fancy when we can drift by them in the fog."]]

"On your head then, Captain. You heard her you powder monkeys, load the aft gun. Take care not to touch that thing with your bare hands." You watch the gun crew gingerly load the aft cannon with the sigil. After packing it and the powder Kizneck looks to you to give the order this time. [["Fire!"]]

Turning the ship around and using the sound of the bells of the cutters. You stealthily glide through the water and the fog on your way back to the undefended galleon. When you escape the fog the galleon is in much the same position as it had been before. Immediately, it's bells ring out to let it's escorts know what has happened. You'll have to act fast if you're plan is going to pay off. [["No time for gimmicks, boys! We're going into board now!]]

The last thing you hear is a resounding crack as if someone smashed the largest pane of glass in the world. You watch in horror as the gun crew is turned immediately into ice sculptures around the gun and ice spreads out across the deck. You had too little time to react before a burst of icy wind hits you as well. It's too late to escape as the unnatural cold begins to work its way into your joints. All you can do now is watch through glassy eyes as the ice on deck races towards you. Some gambles don't appear to pay off. [[Try again? ->Begin the adventure.]]

In a turn of luck, the crew of the galleon attempts to flee from your ship. Further seperating it from its escorts in the fog. However, the heavier ship is no match for your small sloop's speed, and you overtake it within a few minutes. Your crew using grappels quickly reel in the ship and board. No sounds or sights of fighting greet you. Perhaps, because the crew of the galleon expects their escorts to come to their rescue. "What should be down with the crew?" Aldrick asks with urgency. No doubt quick to be on your way before the escorts catch up. [["Toss 'em in the drink."]] [["Put 'em in the lifeboats and let them row back to their friends."]]

You begrudingly set a small pouch of coins on the bartop. //The Salty Spray// is the one damn inn in Prophet's Cove and they make you pay through the nose for a good time. While opening up a tab for your crew's drinks isn't expected from a captain, it is a small down payment towards their continued loyalty. The bartender nods a wordless understanding to you, and you use a barstool to climb up onto the bartop. Turning, the bartender hands you a mug to toast with. From upon high you survey the interior of the inn, besides your crew, quite a few locals of the cove have come upon hearing the local gossip about your excursion. The place is packed. Now's the time to toast your crew and sing a sweet siren song to those thinking of joining up. "Congratulations on gettin' yer landlegs back you salty, swindling sea devils!" You've got most of your crew's attention with that, but to no surprise you see Kizneck and Jerren all attention on their cards out at a back table with a few locals. Those two never learn not to gamble away their winnings. "To my purse strings distress... I've opened up a small tab for you lot to drink and celebrate our succesful raid and capture of that frigate. I'm proud to call you my crew, that's all. Free drinks till the tab runs out!" As you figured, the cheers and commotion grow as your crew scrambles in a mad dash to get the most out of your tab from the bartender. "That was nice of you, Merrin," Aldrick says as he helps you down from the now crowded bartop with the accompanying overwhelmed bartender. "You sound surpised. Also, I see we're back on a first name basis." "Just till the next time we set sail, and then it's back to captain or... admiral now. Promise. So, you thought of a name for our new ship?" Aldrick asks. "//The Rivaldan's Folly.//" To Aldrick's brief squint and scowl you merely sigh. "Okay, I haven't given it much thought, but I've got time to think of something before we set sail again. Come on, let's get a drink." [[Start over? ->Begin the adventure.]]

You watch from the back corner of the //The Salty Spray// as your men spend their share of the riches on drinks and loose women. "Not going to join in on the fun?" Aldrick asks, as he walks up to your table carrying two pints. "Might be a man brave or liquored up enough to share a bed with your dreadness." You nod your thanks at the offered beer, but do little more then take a small sip of the foam. "Har har, Aldrick. No, I'll have my fun, but for now I'm letting others have theirs." "Well, don't take too long to spend some coin. Never know what tommorow's winds will bring." Aldrick says. "Sagely wisdom doesn't suit you, Aldrick. Besides, I already know what I'm going to spend the galleon's treasure on." "Oh? Do tell. You going to buy your way back into the good graces of Rivald? Taking the Alquilan galleon might just win you some browny points too." Aldrick says. "Not quite. I'm going to take the galleon and its treasure to the shipmasters of Free Port. I'll commission as many new ships as I can and create a pirate fleet." Aldrick's gaze on you loses focus as he pictures the monster you're about to create. "I thought you'd moved past getting revenge. We're set up for life here, Merrin. Why waste it on making others suffer for past transgressions?" He asked. "I don't expect you to understand, Aldrick. But, there's no sweetness in this life for me, not till I see Admiral Gustov turned into chum before my eyes."