Pirates on the sea

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A long while had passes since the crew of the Crimson Machete had last visited the port of Daltooth. But she had returned with plunder on board and needing to re-arm and gather new crew and supplies.

"Mr Havistock! Moor us fer our sailing be done fer now. The port be much in need of our presence."

In saying such the Captain Rick Houndtooth watches the pier come alongside. It was great to be back.

 

Jake yelled orders at the crew. The bosun was a ruggedly handsome man who enjoyed his petty tyranny. He joyfully cursed and insulted those under his command. He respected the Captain and even liked him as well as feared him.

The crew jumped to their tasks and the ship moored smoothly to the pier and Jake checked to be sure all was proper and shipshape. A few minor repairs were needed but he foresaw no problems. The voyage had been a long one and he looked forward to time ashore but not too long for his true love was the sea and adventure.

 

As the crew were tieing the ship up to the pier Rick called them all together.

"Well we be here at last. I be goin' ashore to visit the Rotten Monkey inn. There I might be able to aquire more crew for those fallen and the barman is an old.... aquaintance. Maybe he'll know of any... piratey type interests. Ye can come ashore but come in set times. We still need guards and need plenty of sailors here. So like I said come ashore in yer alloted time. Until we be leavin' enjoy."

With those words he sets for the gangplank, with thoughts of the inn firmly in mind.

 

Striding off the gangplank Rick walks into town. He enjoys the smells of the packed area, but not as nice as the... lofty aroma... of a cramped ship of salty pirates. He wants this to be just a short visit to pick up new crew, nasty if possible, and maybe a new job idea. Wondering, he finally strides into the Rotten Monkey. Ahh, if there was a den of... filth even more filthy than this, he would like to know, he'd like to go there. Waklking over to the barman he bellows, "Crusty Pete ya billge billy ya! It be a long time me old friend. How be yer bar? Still filthy it seems!"

 

"So Crusty Pete, what say you to givin' me some fine rum? And some info for a salty scoundrel like me? I been gone fer a long time, are there any... rich cutters 'ere?"

" Last I saw you Rick was a few years back. I heard you were onto a rich picking. You must have done well, been away for so long."

"Aye, that I 'ave."

"well, there is talk of a rich trade convoy, not that i'm sure. All we get is drunk sailors with loose tongues. But it was a gold shipment from the new world, hah, the sailor wouldn't stop talking. He was into the drink heavy that night!"

"Thanks Pete, be there any... loose sailors about? I'm in need of... less than reputable scum, heh, as always."

 

Finishing up the last of the repairs Jake heads up to the Rotten Monkey. He sees the Captain talking to the bartender but just quietly gets a rum and settles in a corner looking the place over.

What he sees is dirt. Dirt on the floor, on the tables, dirt on the patrons. Some passed out and others looking like they'll pass out any minute.

Jake is a peculiar pirate. He doesn't mind getting dirty but he likes clean. Dirt can hide flaws. He likes a clean ship where he can see see little problems before they get to be big problems.

He's glad that getting the crew is the Captain's job. Finishing his drink he slips out the door and heads out to find some needed supplies. Extra canvas, nails that sort of thing. He doesn't intend to get caught short if they get in a rough sea fight.

 

"Well Rick, there are some rather unscrupulous customers in here. I suggest you get to know them. That convoy needs....... protection, of sorts." He laughs and Rick chuckles.
"Aye, i'll be doin' that fer sure. I need to loaden me cargo hold plenty."

Walking over to some customers, Rick notices and old friend. "Greybeard by me dyin' eyes nay lie! I not seen thee fer a long time! Last I be seein', ye be sailin' away with Ninefingers."

 

Jake goes around to different suppliers and orders the things he needs. Taking some of the smaller items with him he arranges for the rest to be delivered to the ship.

He heads back to the ship and checks to see that things are ship shape and then lets some of the remaining crew go on shore leave. He remains on deck to take charge of the supplies as they are brought to the ship.