[Actual Play] In Harm's Way: A Napoleonic Naval RPG - 1795

[flyingmice]

This is the actual play of one of my current campaigns, running In Harm's Way. The game sessions are being run over IRC. I am the GM, and the game designer. The players and their characters are:

Albert, a plasma physicist currently working in the aerospace industry. Albert is playing Midshipman Artie Wainwright, Surgeon's Mate Robert McDill, and Able Seaman Jack Mulberry.

Rachel is Albert's wife. She's attending college currently. Rachel is playing Midshipman Richard York, Marine Sargeant Edward Jones, and Powder Monkey Bobbie Cooper. Bobbie is very young, and female, though she pretends to be a boy.

-mice

[flyingmice]

Game Session 1

This is the introductory session, and fairly self explanatory. I don't expect much to get done, and I'm not surprised...

[Richard] Richard is called Dick by his family, or Dicky-boy by his older brother. Can't tell you what his friends call him as he hasn't any at the moment.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Anyway - your ship is the HMS Prospero
[InHarmsWay-GM] You are joining the ship at Port Royal Jamaica.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It's a Jackass Frigate - 600 tons, 22 guns
[Arty] OK, a low-class ship. But we don't rate better. And probably more action for midshipmen than a better vessel.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Exactly!
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's only two Lieutenants, so you'll have a lot of responsibilities.
[Arty] What are the Captain and the Lieutenants like, or should we learn that in role play?
[InHarmsWay-GM] You'll learn that in play.
[Arty] We have each one year of experience at sea, having joined up when war was declared. Have we been on this ship for the last year, or did we just get transferred on?
[InHarmsWay-GM] You just got transferred on.
[Richard] So we don't know the captain, the ship, or each other?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Right.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Richard - you came down with Yellow Jack, and are now recovered.
[Richard] Yellow Jack = malaria, right?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty - You were transferred out when your old ship was condemned and paid off.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yellow Jack is a similar disease, but not the same.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Also carried by mosquitos.
[Arty] So I was on an even WORSE ship.
[Richard] Oh. OK.
[Richard] Doubtless the source of my confusion.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Hehe!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Right
[InHarmsWay-GM] A Jackass Frigate - also called a Post Ship - is a very small frigate.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It has a quarterdeck, but it's about half the size of a large frigate like the Guerriere
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Prospero just dropped off a convoy at Port Royal. She's in need of 2 Middies, as one died in a fall, and the other was called back to England for a family emergency
[InHarmsWay-GM] You both arrive at the dock, with your sea chests, and are awaiting the Prospero's boat.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Describe yourselves.
[Arty] Arty is small for his age and thin. He has dark brown hair, cut fairly short, and fair skin. He has a typical West English accent.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Richard?
[Richard] Richard is tall and fairly thin but well nourished--some muscles though ectomorph. "Mouse"-colored hair, medium skin that's moderately tanned at the moment. Teeth not as good as they might be (his family had money for occasional indulgences in expensive sugar, and it shows.)
[Richard] Hair in a neat queue, but the forelock tends to come loose and blow about untidily.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You sit there under the tropical sun. There appears to be more water in the air than in the harbor
[Richard] Slightly protruberant teeth too, as if they were a bit too large for his mouth.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You see the boat skimming across the water under lugsails.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Richard is sunburnt, but Arty is surprisingly pale
Richard nods briefly at Arty, assuming him to be on a similar errand to himself.
Richard wipes forehead and replaces hat, sighing a little.
Arty stands in whatever shade he had find, feeling miserable.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The boat's sail comes down as it glides up to the dock
[Arty] [It never occurs to him to take off his jacket.]
[Richard] [Appearances must be maintained, even in the tropics--especially in the tropics.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] [Right! Can't have you going native!]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The cox turns the tiller in as the the lead oar loops a painter around a bollard. "Ahoy there!"
Richard waves hat in return.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "You the middies fer the Prospero?"
[Arty] "Yes, we are!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Then hop in lads. Kelly! Holmes! Get their chests!"
Richard hops in as instructed, only slightly clumsily.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Two burly seamen climb up onto the dock and pass your chests down to the boat.
[Arty] "Request permission to come aboard."
Richard looks slightly chagrined at forgetting protocol, but says nothing.
Richard does NOT mutter under his breath "Apple-polisher!", or at least not loud enough to be heard.
[InHarmsWay-GM] he looks you up and down and grins. "Do that at the barky, lad. I'm Hezekiah Olin, cox'n."
[Richard] "Pleasure, I'm sure."
Arty gets in the boat.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "The Looies'll be happy to see you!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] The lead oar casts off, and the sails are run up. The boat swings away from the dock and gathers speed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Which one o' you's senior?"
Arty looks at Richard. "I've been at sea for a year."
[Richard] "As have I. Joined up the month they declared war."
[Arty] "As did I."
Richard looks annoyed, then starts to smile. "I don't suppose you'd care to draw for it."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Olin looks amused.
[Arty] "I imagine it will be decided for us."
[Richard] "Fair enough."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You skim past a couple two deckers, and right under the stern of the Amphion frigate. You can see the captian looking out the great windows.
[Arty] "Is that our ship?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Olin looks up. "Ach, no, kad. "Tis the Amphion. Yonders the Barky!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He gestures to a tiny cockleshell beyond the Amphion.
[Richard] "Oh, Lord help us."
[Arty] "Oh!" [Looking somewhat dejected.]
Richard says brightly, "Well, this _will_ be an experience, won't it!"
Arty rolls his eyes.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Olin: "An ye dindna know the barky were a wee thing? She's a sweet sailor though!"
Arty smiles, feeling slightly better.
[Richard] "Good to know."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Olin: "She draws four foot less'n yon great tub too. Mite handy on a reef."
[Arty] "I guess there are quite a few reefs in these waters."
[Richard] "Lively, then, is she?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He steers the boat up alongside, and the lead oar catches hold of the mainchains with a boathook.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Olin: "Aye, sir. Quick as a bug an' spins like a top. You lads go on up an' we'll have your chests brought down t' the gunroom." He gestures to the side of the ship.
[Arty] [Is there any obvious way for us to get on. Can we reach to the deck?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He shouts up to the ship. "Let's have a whip there, boys!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's the accomodation ladder, like all ships. Strips of wood leading up to the port.
Arty looks to see if there are any officers in sight. If not, he starts to climb up.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You climb up and see a tall, imosing lieutenant at the top of the ladder.
Arty salutes "Midshipman Wainwright reporting for duty. Request permission to come aboard."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks like he's eaten a pickle. He's lanky and rangy.
Richard is following and has no hand free with which to salute, but repeats the same formula as Arty. "Permission to come aboard, sir, Midshipman York reporting, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Leftenant Crowe. Good to see you Wainwright. York. Get your things below and report to the captain."
[Arty] "Yes sir." Climbs on up.
[Richard] "Aye, aye, sir." and follows.
[InHarmsWay-GM] A seaman leads you below to the tiny gunroom. Two hammocks swing there in the stuffy hot darkness.
[Richard] "Where are the other middys sleeping, I wonder?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seaman: "Lor' bless me sar, but you'm be the onny middies."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He knuckles his forehead.
[Richard] "Ah. Thank you."
Richard looks at Arty, slightly alarmed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He departs into the gloom.
[Richard] "I guess that means heel-and-toe watches for us, then."
[Arty] "I imagine we will be kept busy."
[Richard] "My grand-dad would say it was good for the character. Less time to get into trouble."
[Arty] "Your grand-dad sounds rather like my father."
[Richard] "Still, I'd like to have had the chance, some time, to prove I wouldn't get into trouble if I weren't kept busy."
[Arty] "The devil's hands are idle playthings."
Richard snorts. "No doubt," in a tone heavy with sarcasm.
Richard stows his things neatly.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty finds a candle stub.
[Arty] "We probably should get along to report to the captain."
[Richard] "Ready if you are. Aren't you going to stow your things? We may be casting off soon."
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a knock on the door.
[Arty] "Yes." [Arty secures his chest and any other loose items.]
Arty opens the door.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a child outside - a young boy.
[Arty] "Yes?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Sir - Mr. C-r-rowe's c-c-omplements, and you was to get your little pimply arses to the Capum before he lays you o'er the gun, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks nervous upon delivering this speech.
[Richard] "Thank you for the message. Excellently delivered, too, don't you think, Mr. Wainwright? Really put the feeling of the original into it."
Richard gestures to the boy to lead the way.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He whips about and trots up a deck, then aft.
[Arty] "Lets go." [looking nervous]
Richard trots after the boy.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He stops at a door with marines on either side of it.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He tugs his forelock and looks at the door.
Arty trots up beside him.
[Arty] "We're here to see the captain."
[InHarmsWay-GM] One of the marines turns and knock on the door. "Two younkers t'see you sar!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] A deep voice rumbles from within. "Send them in, Smith!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] The marine opens the door, and gestures you in.
Arty steps in and salutes. "Midshipman Wainwright, reporting for duty, sir."
Richard belatedly follows and salutes as well.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You see a big burly man in a post captain's uniform, sitting at a desk with a pen in hand, reading glasses perched across his nose.
[Richard] "Midshipman York, reporting, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Good to see you," He rumbles,. "Wainwright, are you healthy enough to stand watches?"
[Arty] "Yes sir, quite well sir." [Looking pale.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He sets his glasses down. "Good, good." He stands up then, crouching under the beams.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "I run a taught ship, gentlemen, and expect you to do the same. There'll be no skylarking on watch, no lallygagging in your hammocks. I expect you clean, alert, and bright."
[Richard] "Aye, aye, sir."
[Arty] "Yes sir."
[Arty] "Are we to sail soon?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "I'll be keeping your pay, and putting you on an allowance. You'll get the remainder at the end of the year, to send home."
[Arty] "Yes sir, very good sir."
Richard nods and mumbles inaudibly.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "We have no space for a tutor, so you will have to learn as you go. Find someone to teach you."
Arty looks slightly puzzled, but nods.
[Richard] "Aye, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "I'll have no drunkeness nor lewdness. I can't abide such in young boys."
[Arty] "No sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll a die
Richard looks slightly astonished at the notion that either of them looks capable of debauchery. "Aye, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Percentile
RPGServ: -#IHW- [Roll for Richard [1d100]: 77]
RPGServ: -#IHW- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 7]
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Young, you are senior. You'll take Larboard watch with Mr. Joiner. Wainwright, you'll take the starbowlines under Mr. Crowe. We are at anchor here, so you needn't stand watches as yet."
[Richard] "Thank you, sir. Midshipman York, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He loks puzzled for a moment. "Yes, I know that!"
[Arty] "Yes sir."
[Richard] "Yes, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He makes a shooing gesture. "Get along now. I have work."
Arty salutes again, then heads out.
Richard salutes too, then leaves quickly.
Arty goes over to a nearby sailor. "Please direct me to Lieutenant Crowe."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You almost bump into the Bosun, He glares evilly at you both.
Arty steps back to avoid bumping him.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He's a hugely muscled man, built like an ape.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The men part before him like moses.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Are you trying to git yisself kilt?"
Richard replies, startled, "No, sir."
[Arty] "No sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Have a care then, sirs."
Richard attempts to rescue his dignity. "Yes. Indeed we will."
Arty looks around for the lieutenant Crowe.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He lays a hand the size of a duck on each of your shoulders. " I wouldn't want to have to make you kiss the gunner's daughter. You wouldn't like that, sirs."
[Richard] "No."
[Arty] "No sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He nods, then knuckles his forehead.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "what be you a-runnin' for?"
[Arty] "Reporting to Lieutenant Crowe."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Have a care, then! You wouldn't want to end up like poor Mr. Williams. Mr. Crowe be there." He nods to the Quarterdeck.
Arty nods and heads carefully toward Crowe.
Richard lingers a moment. "Mr. Williams?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] The bosun bends down to you, looming like a breaking wave. "Mr. Williams had a accident, he did. Fell from the main top an' broke his neck. Wouldn't want that sir."
Richard raises an eyebrow. "It sounds most unfortunate, truthfully. I will endeavor to use more caution than he."
Richard gently backs away, toward Crowe.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Sor!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe is looking at you as wou walk up, still looking like he's been sucking lemons.
Arty salutes "Sir, the captain says I am to stand watch under you, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He stares at you amoment. "You are looking a bit poorly, Mr. Wainwright. Are you up to full duty?"
[Arty] "Yes sir, quite ready."
[Richard] "Excuse me, sir; could you direct me where to find Leftenant Joiner?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Mr. Joiner is in his cabin, Mr. York. I doubt he'll be wanting company."
[Richard] "Ah. Thank you, sir."
Richard blushes a little and backs away.
[InHarmsWay-GM] he turns back to Arty. "I expect you have read Practical Seamanship? Principles of Elementary Spherical Trigonometry?"
Arty continues to stand nearby.
[Arty] "Uh, no sir. Not yet sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Then you had best start. Mr. Williams' books are in my cabin, in a blue bag on the shelf above my cot. Have the first chapter of each read by morning. We'll be weighing anchor at first light."
[Arty] "Yes sir."
Arty salutes and heads off, quickly but carefully.
[Arty] "I guess I've found my tutor, like it or not." [to self]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He turns back to Richard. "well?"
[Richard] "Thank you, sir. I'll be gone now, sir. Um....when will Mr. Joiner be at leisure, sir?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "I'd advise you to wake him no earlier than four bells, Mr. York. He gets... testy."
[Richard] "Ah. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. "
[Richard] [What time is it now?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He nods, his mouth puckered in a grimace.
[InHarmsWay-GM] [Two bells. In an hour.]
Arty heads down and looks for Crowe's quarters.
[Richard] For lack of anything better to do, Richard trails along.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He has a cabin off the wardroom, aft of the gunroom. You find the bag, exactly as he described it.
[Richard] "If you have trouble with the trigonometry, perhaps I can help you with some of that; I've been tutored extensively in my last berth."
[Arty] "I would be most grateful. I've never done any trig."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear snoring from the next cabin, and smell alchohol wafting out.
Richard nudges Arty. "You don't suppose that's Lt. Joiner's cabin, do you?"
[Arty] "It seems likely." Tiptoes by.
[Richard] "Apparently Lt. Crowe was not joking when he said that Joiner gets testy. My uncle had a groom who got.....testy."
[Arty] [Are the cabins marked in any way?]
[Richard] "Shall we start on those chapters? If you don't mind, I would like to have a look at the Practical Seamanship."
[InHarmsWay-GM] (No - by tradition, the first lieutenant has the aftermost cabin, the others go on from there.
[Arty] [I get the books from the bag. and head forward.]
Richard helps find a reasonably sheltered spot, out of the way of traffic, and settles in.

[Orsino]

Most excellent. I look forward to reading more. Hoorah for the Prospero!

[flyingmice]

Originally Posted by Orsino

Most excellent. I look forward to reading more. Hoorah for the Prospero!

Thank you, Orsino! I hope you enjoy the second session as well.

-mice

Game Session 2

[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - when we last left off, we were leaving Port Royal Jamaica, on our way to glory...
[Arty] Yes. Last time we were left with our homework.
[Richard] And I was waiting for it to be late enough in the day to wake Leftenant Lush.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It is time - Four bells.
Richard glances at Arty. "Maybe I should fetch him some hot grog before waking him?"
[Arty] "Sounds wise. But they don't normally trust one with another's rum ration."
[Richard] "True. Well, for this I could spare some of mine."
Richard heads toward the galley to beg the cook for some hot water and, if possible, sugar, ginger, cinnamon or some such furbelow.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The cook is an old one legged sailor named Norton
Richard addresses the cook courteously but not deferentially. "Excuse me. I wonder if I could trouble you for some hot water for the Leftenant? And perhaps a spoonful of something in it?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Norton: "Eh, sir? Speak a bit louder, I'm deaf a bit..."
[Richard] "A mug of hot water, please? And something to sweeten it a bit? I have to wake the Leftenant, and I'd as soon he were sweetened too."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Ah Fer Leftenant Joiner? He'll be wantin' ginger an' honey. Right away!"
[Richard] "Thank you so much. And, if I could trouble you to tell who to see about the rum ration?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He turns away and pours hot water in a mug, and stirs ginger and honey into it.
Richard glances at Arty. "That should help, I hope."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Norton: "That'd be Leftenant Crowe, lad!"
[Richard] "Ah. Well, I appreciate the help."
Richard takes the mug carefully and heads for Crowe.
Arty follows, but not too closely, and keeps aware.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe is on the quarterdeck, looking at his watch
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Yes, Mr. York?"
Richard approaches. "Good morning, sir. I wonder if I could trouble you for a bit of rum for Leftenant Joiner's breakfast cup?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] His face wrinkles in distate.
Richard adds hastily, "From my ration, of course. I wouldn't expect you to issue me his portion."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "I suppose... Mr. Quincy! See the lad gets a tot of rum!"
[Richard] "I _am_ sorry to trouble you."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "It's quite all right, Mr. York. I'm familiar with Mr. Joiner's morning routine."
Richard blushes a bit. "Thank you, sir. Most obliged."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Quincy:"'Ere ya go, lad! One tot in the cup! Careful now!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He pours.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Then corks the jug and returns it to the locker,
[Richard] "Thank you, Mr. Quincy."
Richard carries it carefully toward the lion's den.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Y'r welcome, lad!"
Arty trots behind.
[InHarmsWay-GM] As you come closer to the Leftenant's cabin, you hear a loud thump, then long, loud, and fluent cursing.
Richard taps gently on the door. "Lieutenant Joiner! Good morning, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "AAARRRGGGHHH! Quit that racket!"
Richard gingerly opens the door. "Good morning, sir. Your toddy, sir."
Richard holds the cup out tentatively.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Joiner is sprawled on the floor, one leg in his breeches, the other futiley trying to find the opening to the other leg...
Richard sets the cup down--out of mishap's reach--and reaches for Mr. Joiner's elbow.
[Richard] "Here, sir, allow me. Most unfortunate that the ship should be rolling so badly just now."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He's a big, florid, blond man, about six foot. His eyes are bleary and bloodshot as well as blue.
Richard assists him to rise and sit on the bunk.
[Arty] "Mr. York here is the new midshipman under your watch, sir."
Richard glares at Arty.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Must've been a rogue wave... I'm not... I'm... York?" He looks up blurrily.
Richard again proffers the cup. "Midshipman York reporting for duty, sir. Your morning cup, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "When'd you come aboard?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He takes the cup and greedily sucks it down.
[Richard] "Last night, sir. You had retired and I hoped it would be acceptable to report this morning. I am anxious to assume my new duties, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks less like something flung up by the sea and more human once he's had his cup.
Richard salutes smartly.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Ah! Yes! I'll be right on deck."
[Richard] "Aye, aye, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He sketches a salute and yawns hugely.
Richard retreats hurriedly.
Arty salutes and quickly leaves.
Richard glances at Arty, trying not to giggle too soon.
Richard says softly, "Well, that wasn't as bad as it might have been..."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear thumping and low muttering coming from the Leftenant's berth.
[Arty] "Good thinking or your part. Without that cup, it probably would not have gone so well."
[Richard] "Well, I've known a few who liked their nightcap before; they usually required a morning draft as well. Or if they've had to do without for quite some time; anyway, best to bring gifts if one must disturb the dragon."
[InHarmsWay-GM] As you reach the quarterdeck, Lt. Crowe looks at you. "Well, is he sentient?"
[Richard] "Err..yes, sir. The Leftenant will be on deck directly."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He purses his mouth and nods. "He's late."
[Richard] "Aye, sir. If you say so, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks at you sharply, then over to Arty. "Is that insubordination I hear?"
[Arty] "No sir, just trying to be both clear and respectful."
Richard wisely says nothing else.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He grunts sourly, and darts a wicked look at Richard. "It had better be, by God!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear feet climbing up the ladder, and a slightly crushed cocked hat appears above deack, followed by the florid face of Lt. Joiner.
[Arty] "Do you think you can help me with the trig? The seamanship is easy enough. But this other is way beyond me. Sine, consine, Napier's rules?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "What ho, James! I'm back from the dead."
[Richard] "Absolutely. And thank you for helping me extract my foot from my mouth."
[Arty] "I'll watch your back if you'll watch mine."
[Richard] "Clap hands and a bargain, then."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "And about time it is, Peter. You're near a half bell late!"
Arty shakes Richard's hand and nods to the bargin.
Richard tries to look alert and unconscious of any subtext, both at the same time.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner stretched to his full height after being confined beneath the deck beams.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Ahhhh! You'd have me prancing up on deck nakid then, James?"
Richard tries very hard to keep a straight face.
Arty looks elsewhere, pretending not be be listening to every word.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "I suspect you will come on deck on time one day, just to see me drop dead of the apoplexy!"
Richard points something imaginary on the horizon out to Arty.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He stomps below as Joiner chuckles.
Arty pretends to examine the imaginary object.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner (to self) "Ah, it's too easy to get your goat, James!" and shakes his head.
Arty goes below and retrieves the trig book and a slate and chalk.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You both feeel something looming above you.
Arty looks up warily.
[InHarmsWay-GM] As Ary turne, he sees Joiner taking out his telescope, looking where Richard had pointed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "What's out there, lads?"
[Richard] "Thought I saw a spout, sir, or maybe a small sail, but perhaps not. Arty didn't see it, so I must have been mistaken."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "And this is Arty, then?"
[Arty] "Yes sir. Midshipman Authur Wainwright, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Leftenant Peter Joiner, at your service, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "I suppose you're in that old ninny Crowe's watch?"
[Arty] "Pleased to meet you, sir."
[Arty] "Yes sir, I have Lt. Crowe's watch."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Hope you're a reader, then. James likes his books."
[Arty] "Yes sir, he has me studying hard."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He shakes his head. "Never held with book learnin' meself. Too much education dulls a man."
Arty nods politely.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Books don't teach you how to splice an' parcel a line, nor lead a pack o' howlin' seamen on a boardin' party."
[Arty] "No sir, I imagine not. Do you think that we will have occation to need a boarding party this voyage?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He laughs, loud and long, wiping tears from his eyes after. "Bless me, I'd surely wish it! 'Tis the only way for a man t' get noticed in this Navy."
Richard looks nervous.
[Arty] "Yes sir.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "I've been stuck more times than a seamstresses thumb m'self! How're you lads with them dirks?"
Arty salutes and then continues forward.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Mr. Wainright?"
[Richard] "Not too bad, sir, but nothing fancy."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He peers after Arty
[Arty] "Not too bad for someone my age, but I wouldn't care to be in a real fight until I'm considerable better."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "If you want a quiet place t' knack off - I mean study, might I suggest the mizzentop?"
[Arty] "Yes sir." Looking dubious.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "No one c'n tell if you're readin' or just restin your eyes. An' no foot traffic t' speak of!"
[Richard] "Any further orders for me, sir?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner: "Aye, Mr. York. Your battle station is the larboard Quarterdeck. Get aquainted wi' the men, and let 'em teach you how the carronades work."
[Richard] "Aye, aye, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] This continues for the next several days, as you cruise on and off Haiti.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe is a severe man, without a trace of humor.
Arty tried getting good at getting up to the mizzentop with a book.
Richard has helped out with the trig lessons and managed to get a little of his own rum ration from time to time.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He is very smart, however, and a fine mathematician. He's at his best when he's occupied with a problem, or teaching. Otherwise he's inclined to be a bit waspish.
Arty has shared his with Richard.
[Arty] He finds that Arty has a reasonable grasp of elementary algebra, but beyond that is quite ignorant, though clearly trying hard to learn.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Joiner is bluff, and good natured. He's a fine seaman, but poor at teaching. He has York up in the rigging with the topmen all day, letting them teach.
Richard has attempted to "get acquainted with the men", as ordered, mostly by hanging around and not pestering, but being ready to hand when something is needed, watching and listening.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He has a sly humor, and loves to bait Crowe. He is a bear if he doesn't get his cup in the morning though.
[Richard] That's where a goodly portion of Richard's rum ration has gone.
[Richard] "I don't know what I'll do when Cooky's honey and ginger--or his good will--runs out. Next time we land, I should try to obtain something for him to keep him sweet."
[InHarmsWay-GM] At the end of the week, you hear a cry of Sail Ho! from the main trestletrees.
Richard drops what he's doing and abandons his conversation to stare out at the horizon.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a fleck of white to starboard.
Arty looks up from his book.
Arty starts to climb down from the mizzintop.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe takes out his telescope and climbs the main chains to see better. "What do you make of her, Jack?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack (the lookout) She's a frog or me mum's a bleedin' archbishop!
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks around. "Mr. Wainwright! Get up to the trestletrees and give me a report!"
[Arty] "Aye, aye sir. May I use the 'scope sir?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He hands you a telescope.
Arty starts climbing, swiftly but warily. I am not used to climbing that high and it still scare me.
[Arty] When (if) I reach to top, I pull out the telescope and examine the ship.
[InHarmsWay-GM] When you get to the trestletrees - where the topmast meets the topgallant mast - Jack Goodner points out the sail. "Thereaway, sir!"
[Arty] [Can I make out any details?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] You are swinging in an arc of about forty feet diameter, sixty five feet off the deck.
[Arty] [My stomach is doing flip-flops.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] With your glass, you can see a small brig, not flying any flag, rounding Cap a Foux.
[Arty] [Any other details? Where is Cap a Foux?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Northern cape on Haiti.)
[Arty] [Haiti is in French possession at this time?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Yeas)
[InHarmsWay-GM] She's got small headsails, and an almost striaght bowsprit.
[InHarmsWay-GM] She's still hull down over the horizon, and she's riding under reefed topsails.
Arty climbs back down and reports what he has seen.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Ah! Straight bowsprit? I like the cut of her jib! She's a frog alright!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "My compliments to the captain, and ask him to join us on deck for a lovely sight."
[Arty] "Aye, aye sir."
Arty hurries to the Captain's cabin.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The marines look at you.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Sir?"
[Arty] "Reporting to the captain. A brig, possibly French, has been sighted."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Fom inside the cabin. "Mr. Wainright, you are obviously over-excited, but did Mr. Crowe tell tou to give his compliments?"
[Arty] "Sir, Lt. Crowe requests your presence on deck. We have sighted a brig, likely French."
[InHarmsWay-GM] From the cabin "I shall be up in a moment, Mr. Wainwright."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The larboard marine hists to Arty
[Arty] "Yes sir, I will inform Mr. Crowe."
[Arty] me whisper back to the marine "Yes?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Lad - y'r s'posed t' say "Mr. Crowe's complements" afore y' address the Capum. 'E's a stickler."
[Arty] "Oh."
[Arty] "And Mr. Crowe sends his compliments, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Starboard Marine: "Ach, Bennie! The lad's be kissin' th' gunner's daughter afore long!"
Arty salutes and hurries away.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Larboard Marine: "'E's too smart, 'arry! 'E'll be awright!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] When you get up on deck, the Brig has turned and is attempting to flee.
[InHarmsWay-GM] She's hull up now, from the deck.
[Arty] [Are her topsails still reefed?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] No, she's taken out her topsail reefs, and setting topgallants, though in this strong wind, they are reefed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe is gazing at the chase through his telescope.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He snaps it shut. "Seven hundred and forty-five pounds and five shillings."
Richard looks impressed at this accurate totting up of the spoils.
[Arty] [Where are they to us with respect to the wind?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] They are to leeward of the Prospero, which is why you've been sitting here, waiting.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Since you have the windward gage, they are at a distinct disadvantage.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Mr. Wainwright, heave the log if you will!"
[Arty] "Well Richard, it looks as though we shall see some action."
[Richard] "Indeed. Are you ready?"
[Arty] "Eager, but not in the least ready."
Richard smiles.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The bow smashes through the waves, flinging spume high, but the wind whips it away in a trice
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Captain comes on deck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "What's our speed James?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe looks to Arty.
[Arty] "Twelve knots, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Captain grins. "She can't be making more than eight. Seven or I'm a duck!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Indeed, the brig is far closer than it was a few minutes ago.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "You there! York! Go up to the charse gun and try a ranging shot!"
[Richard] "Aye, aye, sir"
Richard scampers as bidden.
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Albert - your seaman is there.)
Richard addresses the seaman. "Let's run out the gun. Not too heavy on the powder."
[Arty] "Trying for range, mister?"
[Richard] "Yes. Any suggestions?"
[Arty] "Watch and learn. Go fetch Mr. Harris."
[Arty] Mulburry starts getting the cannon ready with the others, but he isn't expret enough to try to aim at this distance without assistance.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The gun crew hauls the gun from the foremost port into the chase port as Richard runs for Mr. Harris.
Richard trots to find the gunner's mate, then hares back to the chase gun.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris is following.
[Richard] "Isn't that a little low? I know we have to loft it...."
Richard trails off and watches how it's done.
[Arty] "Is the elevation right, Mr. Harris?"
[Arty] [Mulberry speaking]
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Up a mite - an' ter starboard aboot twa mites."
[Arty] "Aye, sir." [Mulberry corrects the aim.]
Richard watches, chewing on a thumb.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris squints along the barrel. ""Thra wee bags, Moolburry! An' use a smooth ball."
[Arty] "Aye, sir. Bobby, get me three wee bags. hurry now!"
[Bobby] "Aye, sir!"
Bobby pelts off down the hatch and reappears momentarily, with the three bags plus another similar amount.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The men load the powder, shot and wadding.
[Arty] Mulberry loads the powder, then the shot after it is packed down.
[Arty] "Ready to fire, sir, on you call."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Bouse her oop, now! We fire on the oop rroll!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Wait, wait... FIRE!"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: Test shot 88
RPGServ: [Roll [1d100]: Test shot 88
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "'Twas awa t' looward!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: Sponge her oot, the run her oop! We'll take anoother shot on her!"
[Arty] [Mulberry tries to reposition the cannon appropriately.]
[Arty] [Clean out the barrel.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] "On th' oop roll! Ready! Wait... FIRE!"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: Test shot 82
RPGServ: [Roll [1d100]: Test shot 82
[Arty] [Add the other three bags, wad, and shot.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris shakes his head. "Damn, wha' piss pooor shootin'!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks at Richard. "Care t' have a try, me lad?"
[Arty] [Mulberry] "Again or wait 'till we close a bit?"
[Richard] Bobby scampers down the hatch for more powder.
Richard gulps. "Surely. A little to the starboard and up."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "By the time yon moonkey is back, twill be a braw bit clooser!"
[Arty] [Swab out the gun to get it ready.]
[Richard] Bobby is back with as much powder as he (she) can carry.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "Good lad!"
Richard watches to be sure the adjustment is made as ordered.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "Ready wi' th' crows, there! Heave her a wee bit t' starboard, an knock oot th' quoin aboot three taps."
[Arty] [Mulberry] "Aye, sir"
[InHarmsWay-GM] When it's ready, Harris says: ""Tis all yourn, lad. Whene'er you'r ready..."
Richard braces himself. "On the up roll! One....two....three...FIRE!"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Richard [1d100]: 21
[InHarmsWay-GM] LOL!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Your coor is 7 and you've been a middie for a year, right?
[Richard] [Yes]
[InHarmsWay-GM] That means it's 3 X COOR. 21! A Lucky Shot.
[Richard] [I will take all the Beginner's Luck I can get.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (If you hit the target number exactly, it's a Lucky Shot.)
[InHarmsWay-GM] roll again!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Richard [1d100]: 68
[Richard] [My luck has deserted me. Well, easy come, easy go.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The ship burts into a ball of flame! Pieces of wood and spars go flying up into the air, along with a few bodies!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris is staring forward, slack-jawed.
[Richard] "Damn! No prize money from that one!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks down at you and clutches his hat!
[InHarmsWay-GM] The pieces of the ship come spashing down around a temporary hole in the water.
[Arty] "Must have been carrying quite a load of powder!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] His mouth shuts in an audible snap. "Well, we willna be needin'; this chase agin'! Ye could hear tha' i' Port-au-Prince!"
[Richard] "Ah.....welll."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Bring her back t' her goonpoort, Moolburry!"
Richard cannot think of a single thing to say.
[Arty] "Aye, aye." [Mulberry and others move the gun back to its usual station.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He knuckles his forehead to Richard before trundling off.
Richard draws a deep breath. "Well, I'd best report back to the captain."
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Back on the quarterdeck)
Richard heads back to the quarterdeck, somewhat reluctantly.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Oh shit!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe "Oh My!"
[Richard] "Sir? Reporting range to French brig located, sir, perhaps a little too well."
Richard looks at Arty, hoping for some help, somewhere.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Captain's mouth quirks upward.
[Arty] "Did you do that?"
[Richard] "Uh...so it would appear."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe: "There's nothing to be laughing at, you cack-handed little..."
[Arty] "I think you might need to be a bit more of a slow learner, like myself."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Mr. Crowe!"
[Richard] "Sir! Not laughing, sir! I was only trying to range, sir, but....I guess I did."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe: "...young ...gentleman!"
Richard hisses at Arty: "This is really YOUR fault--studying all that spherical trignometry has me doing angles and trajectories in my sleep!"
Richard stands at attention again and tries to look as blank as possible.
Arty does likewise, just in case.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Mr. York! Damned fine shooting, if a bit overdone! Careful, or you'll make Mr. Harris jealous!"
[Richard] "Sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Next time just pretend you have trouble shooting the eyeballs out of a gnat so he can pretend to teach you, eh?"
[Richard] "Sir! Aye, aye, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe indicates you are dismissed with a wave of his hand.
Richard salutes smartly and disappears so fast he trips.
Richard goes straight for the side (out of line of sight of the quarterdeck) and heaves, then sits down on his heels, shaking.
Arty stays at his post on the quartedeck, but glances down to make sure Richard is OK.
Richard mutters to himself, "poor bastards never had a chance,"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain - in a Bellow: "Secure from stations! Pipe the watch below!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty - you notice the men are watching Richard with something like awe on their faces.
Richard gets up, shakes himself, and pulls himself together, then, in a fair imitation of a stroll, heads for the bow and gazes out over the sea.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe, as the Captain goes below: "Go along Wainwright - you are not needed now,"
[Arty] "Aye sir."
Arty heads over to Richard. "Are you alright?
[Richard] "Fine. Just splendid. Almost as well as those middies on that Frenchie must have been, an hour or so gone."
[Arty] "Oh, I see what you mean. Not exactly ......"
[Richard] "It was a target, see; it was new and exciting and maybe some prize money....and then, gone. Did you see those bodies fall?"
[Arty] "Not your choosing. Your luck. But a pretty strong draft."
Richard shrugs and gazes further out to sea. "I don't suppose there'd be any survivors, even if we drove straight for the wreckage."
[Arty] "I was expecting that we would go and try to salvage whatever might be floating and whoever might be alive, clinging to wreckage. But the captain just acted as though there was nothing there anymore worthy of notice."
[Richard] "I guess that's the way it is, here. Think we'll learn to do that?"
[Arty] "I'm sure we'll get tougher. But I don't know. I don't know."
[Arty] "Why not go down to the cook and get something to settle your stomach. I don't think you get any quarrel."
[Richard] "Thanks. But I think I'll wait a bit."
[Arty] [This is probably a good place to stop for the night.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Excellent place! And I couldn't have scripted a more dramatic start!
[Arty] [Any loose ends to tie up?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Not from me!
[InHarmsWay-GM] That was powerful, guys!
[Arty] Much more than I was expecting this soon.
[Richard] These games are full of surprises.
[Arty] Sailors a great believer's in people who bring good luck and others who bring bad luck. Richard will be a quandry.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty - take 5 notice points for saving Richard's hide from a spanking.
[Arty] Guess we'll head on now. Quite a game.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Richard... Richard gets 20 notice points.
[InHarmsWay-GM] For his rather dramatic gunnery.
[Richard] Notice points?
[Richard] But costly.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yes - you need to accumulate Notice to advance.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You got a tenth of what you need in a single day.
[Richard] Well, thank you, Arty; I didn't really want to kiss the gunner's daughter quite this soon; the lady is not my friend.
[Arty] OK. Next week then?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Next week! This was a great session!
[Arty] I though so too.

[flyingmice]

And now we move on to session three. The stars tonight - and next session - are Arty, Bobby the powder monkey, and Jack Mulberry, the sailor.

-clash

[InHarmsWay-GM] Let's see - last time out, Mr. York had demonstrated his amazing prowess with the chase gun, to the financial ruin of all.
[Arty] OK. We've been good little boys, persuing our duties. What happens to us today.
[Arty] I'm assuming its a new day.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Prospero sails around Cap a Foux and enters the channel between Tortuga and Haiti that night.
[InHarmsWay-GM] At first light, the cry "Sail Ho!" rings out from the fore trestletrees.
Arty rushes to see, pulling out a spyglass.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The grey light before dawn reveals a fat merchantman coasting down the channel under reefed topsails.
[Arty] Can we make out the nationality?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe: "You there! York! Stay away from the damned guns!"
Richard jumps. "Aye, aye, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] No flag flying, but she's either French or Spanish, here off the coast of Haiti
[Arty] Has France conquered Spain yet?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Light along there and give my respects to the captain, and tell him there's a big schooner off the Larboard bow."
[InHarmsWay-GM] No - Spain is an ally.
[Arty] "Yes sir"
Arty heads toward the captain's cabin.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "York - see if you can make out her nationality. From the top, lad!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] The captian answers the knock in a deep growl. "Enter!"
Richard scrambles up the mast obediently.
[InHarmsWay-GM] (That'll require a Sail skill check, Richard.)
[Arty] "A message for the captain."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Come in, then Mr Wainwright!"
[Arty] "Lieutenant Crowe's regards and complements sir. We have spotted a vessel under sail.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Richard [1d100]: 94]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The captain is shaving in his robe in front of the mirror. "Can you make her origin, Lad?" He looks at you in the mirror.
[Arty] "Not known yet sir. It's being checked."
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 37] - sailor
RPGServ: [Roll [1d100]: 37] - sailor
[InHarmsWay-GM] Sailor: Whispered "Hissst! Mr. York - tha' be a frenchie. Look to yon heads'ls!"
Richard stares at the sail, still not quite sure of what he is supposed to be looking for.
[Richard] "Yes, I see now; thank you."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Very well. Give my respects to Mr. Crowe and tell him I'll be up shortly."
Richard clambers back down and addresses Crowe. "Seems to be a French vessel, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Excellent. Set out stun's'ls, aloft and alow! In this feeble breeze she's be a sitting goose!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He chuckles evilly.
[Arty] [And yet the other ship has topsails reefed?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Yeas)
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Merchantmen ofted did so at night, to avoid runnung into things.)
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr Crowe: "Hands out of the pockets, Mr York!"
Richard whips his offending hands out of the pockets in question. "Aye, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] As you get closer, you can see the crewmen on the ship lazily stumbling up on deck, still not seeming to see the Prospero.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Suddenly there is a blur of activity on her decks - the men start swarming up the shrouds as the ship heels over to starboard.
[Richard] "I believe they noticed us, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Quite! Where is that confounded boy! Sleeping in the cable tier?"
[Arty] [Has the captain dismissed me?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Oh, yes! Sorry! When he says "tell so and so" that means on the instant! Sorry!
[Arty] "Sir, the captain sends his respects and says that he will be up shortly."
[Arty] "Yes sir, you seemed busy sir."
[Arty] "Sorry sir. It won't happen again."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Very well, Mr. Wainwright. Go up to the chase and see if you can put a ball across her bow."
[Arty] "Yes sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Mr York - you are not to help in any way!"
Richard mutters out of the side of his mouth, "Just ask me if you need any help aiming true."
[Richard] "Aye, sir! I mean, no sir!"
Arty heads forward again. Hunts up the gunner or his mate if either is on deck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Harris is coming up.
[Arty] "Mr. Harris, Lt. Crowe says I am to try my hand this time. I will to be just a bit poorer shot than Richard."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "Shoot straight, lad! No need to' spread her crost the channel..."
[Richard] [Ha, ha.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He grins and follows you to the chase guns, telling off a gun crew to load.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "You there! Monkey! Get four wee cartridges, an' hoostle on back!"
Bobby trots double-quick to obey and reappears momentarily.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "I recommend twa cartridges, soor!"
[Arty] "Uhh, yes. Takes two of the cartridges and hands them to the sailor loading."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Make a gunnery check with a -20 bonus - you aren't trying to hit her...
[Arty] Two
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 23]
[Arty] My COORD is 9.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "Aye! Excellent shot, soor! That'll afright the puir froggies!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] (With a minus 20, you rolled a 3)
[InHarmsWay-GM] The French indeed let fly the sheets and drift to a stop.
[Arty] [Did it strike the ship, or just come close?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (it nailed right in front of the forefoot - never touched the ship.)
[Richard] "Very nice, Arty!"
Arty grins.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Captain comes up the companionway. "Mr. Crowe? How is our chase?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr Crowe: "Mr. Wainwright put a shot across her forefoot, prettty as you please, an' she's struck, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Excellent! Have Mr. Wainwright detail a crew and take her."
Richard tries not to appear too envious.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Aye, Sir! Mr. York - your friend is about to get his first command! Run along and tell him to take the cutter and a prize crew over to her."
[Richard] "Aye, sir."
Richard hurries up to Arty. "Compliments, and you are to take a cutter and prize crew over to her. Well done!"
[Arty] "Uhh. Mr. Harris, any suggestions on the proper makeup for such a party. Sailors and marines?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Harris: "Aye soor! Take eight seamen an' a couple o' marines. Yon frenchies are no' the mooost belicoose soort!"
Arty goes over to Jack Mulberry and asks him to get a party of eight men. He then goes over to the Marine sergent.
[Arty] "I should take a couple of your men with me."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The ship heaves to as the cutter is readied for the journey.
[Edward] "Aye, sir." The sergeant signals to a couple of marines standing by.
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Jenkins and Kennedy)
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jenkins: "Aye, Sargeant?"
[Arty] "We're taking a prize crew over. You're with us."
[InHarmsWay-GM] They salute, and follow you over to the side where they help lowering the cutter.
[Edward] "Prize crew. You two are on detail. Mr. Wainwright is in command."
Edward carefully does not spell out that the men are to be as much help to the new midshipman as possible; they know their business.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The men pile down into the cutter, and as soon as Arty clambers down, they start off.
Arty trots back over to Lieutenant Crow. "Any special order sir. Follow the ship, or take her somewhere specifically?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Mr. Crowe: "Follow the ship, and stay away from the shoals. We can't have you getting lost on your way to Jamaica, now, can we?"
Arty makes sure he is armed with a cutlass.
[Arty] "No sir. Very good sir."
Arty heads back to the cutter.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Take a pistol, Mr. Wainwright! Have you ever used one?"
[Arty] "No sir. I have not."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He takes one from the arms lockerand hands it to Arty.
Arty takes it and tucks it in his trousers.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Have one of the marines show you how to load and prime it, and don't fire it unless you've got it planted in a frenchies belly."
[Arty] "Yes sir. Will do."
[InHarmsWay-GM] His eyes flick over to the schooner. "Off with you, now."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The boat crew pulls over to the schooner
[InHarmsWay-GM] Kennedy (To Arty at the tiller): "An' y'musta done this a dozen times, sir!"
Arty has had one of the marines show him how to load the pistol on the way over.
[Arty] "Quite." Laughs.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jenkins shows you, and hands it back, half cocked. "Ye gots to pull back on the hammer now, to fire her, sir! Careful ye don't forget!"
[Arty] "I'll try to remember."
[Arty] "I think I have good reason to remember."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Kennedy: "Sure an' the young sir has done this afore, James!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] The lead stroke hooks onto the mainchains and calls back "Set sir!"
[Arty] "OK." Looks around somewhat at a loss.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The men look at you.
[Arty] "We board."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Lead Stroke: "Aye sor! Arfer you, sor!"
[Arty] "Right."
Arty attempts to climb aboard.
[InHarmsWay-GM] make a climb check - or AGY X 3
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 48]
[Arty] Fail.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Your foot slips and you go waist deep in the swell.
RPGServ: [Roll [1d100]: 51]
[InHarmsWay-GM] A sailor grabs you and boosts you up.
Arty tries to grab hold of something.
Arty tries again to climb aboard.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "'Ang on 'ere, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] you have a -20 with the sailor's help
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 61]
[Arty] Still screw it up.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You lose a shoe into the waves. The sailor pushes you up and over the gunnel.
[Arty] I unceremoniously crawl on board.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The sailors and marines clamber up after you.
[Arty] "Donez-vous cette vessel avec L'Angleterre?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] A man steps forward - less greasy than the others. "Je me rends, m'sieur!"
[Arty] "Oui." Me nods.
[Arty] "Est-ce que vous parlez Anglais?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Parlez-vous le Francais, m'seur, ou L'Anglais?"
[Arty] "I speak little French. If you speak English, that would be preferable."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Je me parle l'Anglais, oui!"
[Richard] [It's a good thing they sent Arty and not me, I'm telling you.]
[Arty] [Now when we capture a Spanish ship ......]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Master: "Ah, m'sier! I am le Maitre, Jaques Donnant. This is the vessel Allemande. Have you une accident?" He says, eyeing your dripping breeches.
[Arty] "Mr. Jenkins, please collect any weapons."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jenkins: "Aye, sir!" he trundles off with Kennedy.
[Arty] "Nothing important." Trying vainly to look unridiculous.
[Arty] Hands a British Jack to one of the sailors. "Run this up."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Aye aye, sor!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He takes the jack and runs it up the mizzen.
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Rachel - you'd be playing your sailor now.)
[Arty] "Missour Dennant. If you and your crew are cooperative, I will endeavor to make this situation as comfortable for you as possible, under the circumstances."
[Arty] (She has a marine sergent and a powder monkey. Someone else?)
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant: "Oui, mon petit capitaine! Les matelots they will be most accomodating."
[Richard] [The sergeant sent his men, he didn't go himself.]
[Arty] "Very good."
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Ah! Her powder monkey came aboard, then. You'll need someone to fetch and carry.)
[Richard] [Powder monkeys excel at those tasks.]
[Arty] "Jenkins, Kennedy, please see that the French crew is kept confined below in a manner comfortable to the extent security allows."
[Arty] "Mr. Mulberry, please take the helm."
[Arty] [Mulberry] "Aye sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Kennedy: "An' we'll be shoven the froggies in the hold, then, sir?"
[Arty] "Do you have something you might suggest instead?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jenkins: "They're just frogs, sir. Ye could clap 'em in the cutter wivout oars, and tow the crapauds, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant: "M'sieur! I mus' protest!"
[Arty] "They have been well-behaved. That should be noted."
[Arty] "Yes, Monsier Donnant?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Kennedy nods. "In the hold then. Come along now, my dear frogs!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He glowers. "M'sier, we have done no'sing to desairve such treatment!"
[Arty] "Do you have a suggestion, or just complaints."
[Arty] "I will not have you on deck interfering with the operation of this vessel."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He stares at you for a second. "Oui, mon capitaine." He turns and follows the others into the hold.
Arty glances around to read the expressions on the faces of the sailors and marines.
[InHarmsWay-GM] They are all busy getting the sheets tied down. The Marines are herding the prisoners. They look cheerful enough.
[Arty] "When ready, take her around and follow the Prospero. Stay well clear of shallows."
[InHarmsWay-GM] A shout from Crowe: "Mr Wainwright! Are you quite alright?"
[Arty] "Yes sir. Everything under control sir. Any instructions?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Crowe: "Stay dry! And follow the ship!""
[Arty] "Yes sir."
[Arty] [Keenly aware of his soaked trousers.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (The schooner is answering the helm, Mulberry)
Arty uncocks the pistol and checks to see if it is still operable.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The powder is still dry.
[Arty] Mulberry: "Underway sir."
Arty puts it back in his trousers.
[Arty] "On to Jamaica."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Prospero wears back down towards Cap a Foux.
[Arty] The French sloop follows.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Night finds you in the Golfe de la Gonave, under the gentlest of breezes.
[Arty] Continue as safely and leisurely as feasible.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Make an ENDX5 check
[Arty] #roll 1d100 #ihw
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 48]
[Arty] Fail for endurance. But I do have an Alert skill.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Did you make that?
[Arty] For +1, I think not.
[Arty] Do I fall asleeep.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You nod off on deck.
[Arty] Zzzzzzzzzzzz. When I wake has my throat been cut?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby - A fog rolls in about four bells. You are having increasing difficulty seeing the lanterns of the Prosspero
[InHarmsWay-GM] You haven't seen Mr. Wainwright for an hour or so.
Bobby grows somewhat nervous and starts to hunt around for Mr. Wainwright.
Bobby stumbles over him and apologizes profusely.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You find him in a coil of rope, sleeping like a baby
[Bobby] "Very sorry, sir--very sorry indeed--but a fog has come up--and I don't seem to see the Prospero, just so."
[Arty] "Uhh, yes. Very good."
Bobby is now known as Bobby
Arty goes over to whoever is now at the helm.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's no-one at the helm.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Make an alert check to spot.
[Arty] "Oh, no."
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 54]
[Arty] Fail.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Argh! No luck today!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby? You can use END X 3 if you don't have Alert.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 15]
[Bobby] "Something is out there, sir! See just there? Headed for the taffrail?"
Arty pulls out the spyglass and tries to see what it might be.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There is a smear of something dark and sticky along the taffrail.
Bobby grabs a lantern but does not light it as yet--doesn't want to destroy what night vision there is.
[Bobby] "Sir? Something is here--something a bit messy."
[Bobby] [OK. Have we met the Creature from the Black Lagoon?]
[InHarmsWay-GM]
[Arty] "Come with me." [To Bobby] Heads to the stern.
Bobby trots behind obediently, with unlit lantern and flint.
[Arty] What do we find.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It smells like a smear of blood across the taffrail
[InHarmsWay-GM] When Arty strides to the bell to ring the alarm, he sees two figures silently struggling on deck
[Arty] "Bobby, light the lantern!"
Arty pull his cutlass and moves forward.
[Arty] Toward the commotion, not ship's forward.
[InHarmsWay-GM] They have hands clsped around each other's throats and are rolling around.
Bobby lights the lantern and holds it high, casting as much light as possible on the combatants.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack Mulberry is underneath a frenchman, fighting for his life.
[Arty] "Halt!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear a shot ring out, somewhere foreward
Arty stabs the frenchman.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 10]
[Arty] Should I roll effectiveness.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hit! Roll quality!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 27]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Were you using your dirk, or the cutlass?
[Arty] Cutlass.
[InHarmsWay-GM] That's 43, one wound
[Arty] Mulberry continues to fight.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack's face is turnng purple.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby?
Bobby hooks the lantern firmly on the nearest high point and launches himself at the Frenchman, with much bravery and very little sense.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - roll ro hit - use 3 X STR
Bobby tries unsuccessfully to grab him round the throat, then gouges his thumb for the eyeball.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 16]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Got him
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll Quality!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 95]
[InHarmsWay-GM] OW!! He screams in a choked way, and collapses to the side.
Bobby is wiping vitreous humor off his hand and tries again to throttle the man.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He's stunned
[Bobby] {Oh.]
[Bobby] "Are ye all right, sir?" (to Mulberry)
[Arty] "Yes, sir, now."
[Arty] Mulberry pulls out a marlinspike and tack the man's hand to the deck.
Bobby tries not to vomit- between the squashed eyeball and the casual spiking, (s)he's had enough for one night.
[Arty] "I was at the helm and was attacked."
Bobby hunts up some rope and starts tying the Frenchman's other appendages tightly.
[Arty] "Bobby, tie him well and stand guard."
[Arty] "Mr. Mulberry, with me."
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a muted splash up ahead.
[Arty] Head forward and to see.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear - whispered - "Alons-y, mes amis! Pour ke Patrie!"
[Arty] Gives the bell another alarm ring on the way.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There is a chorus of soft grunts
[Arty] Pulls his pistol. "Le premier homme est mort."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Up ahead, Arty sees two men, one holding a musket, the other a cutlass, crouching and creeping along the deck.
Bobby finishes tying and runs for a couple of muskets.
[Bobby] [Why haven't the marines responded to the alarm bell?]
Arty tries to get close, preparing to shoot just out of sword range.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The one holding the musket freezes. "Oui? Le vaisseau c'est notre!"
[Arty] Thinking better of it. "Mr Mulberry, any good with a pistol?'
[InHarmsWay-GM] Another voice: "Les Marinier c'est fini, mon ami!"
[Arty] Mulberry nods yes and takes the offered gun.
Arty draws his cutlass.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "LES ANGLAIS!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll for initiative
[Arty] For Arty
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 49]
[Arty] For Mulberry
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 43]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 20]
Bobby mutters some basic English, and runs back toward Mulberry and Arty, still lugging the muskets.
[On his way, Bobby sees someone searching the pockets of two marines collaped across the deck on the other side.]
[Bobby] "Ho! You there--stop that!"
Bobby is busy trying to load one musket while keeping foot on the other.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 47] - them
RPGServ: [Roll [1d100]: 47] - them
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby goes first
Bobby frantically raises the musket and takes aim at the pilfering figure.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The hunched figure snarls - "Fils de putain!"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 2]
[InHarmsWay-GM] He draws a blade
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bam!
[InHarmsWay-GM] he lurches back!
Bobby aimed for the chest.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll for quality!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 25]
[InHarmsWay-GM] That's 55, with a bonus for distance. He slams backward and lies twitching on the deck
Bobby starts reloading as fast as possible.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He slowly rolls over and crawls to his feet.
Bobby finishes reloading and carefully approaches, taking aim again.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Now Jack
[Arty] Mulberry closes then fires at the man with the musket.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Go for it!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 21]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Hit!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll Quality
[Arty] Mulberry has a +2 in firearms.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 67]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The musket holder staggers back, hits the rail, and flips over with a splash
[Arty] Jack move forward to recover the musket.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The other rushes Artie, screaming "Avant!"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 86] - cutlasss
[InHarmsWay-GM] He slashes at Arty, who dodges nimbly
Arty has his cutlass out in an attempt to defend himself.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 69]
[Arty] Misses.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He gets his blade up high enough to parry the strike. He laughs nastily, reeking of garlic.
[InHarmsWay-GM] initiatives
[Arty] Arty
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 21]
[Arty] Jack
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 100]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 78]
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - forgot to ask last time. Anyone moving their inits?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Oh! And forgot to do Bobby's enemy last turn
[Arty] I will take a 20 point penalty on inititive and give it to chance to hit. For both characters.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - that's 41 for Arty and 120 for Jack
[Bobby] No change
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 48] - them
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty first
[Arty] Stab the man.
[InHarmsWay-GM] go!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 16]
[Arty] Hit. Rolling quality.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Nailed him under his guard!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 73]
[InHarmsWay-GM] That's 88! You slash him across the abdomen and he falls to his knees, then onto his face in a widening pool of blood
[InHarmsWay-GM] The man Bobby is facing suddenly flips a spinning silver flash at her.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 2] - throwing knife
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby is hit!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 61] - throwing knife damage
[InHarmsWay-GM] The knife slams into her shoulder, twisting her around with a snap.
[InHarmsWay-GM] That's 76 points
[InHarmsWay-GM] Now Bobby
Bobby doesn't bother to get up, just aims the musket at the man from where she is and fires point blank at the body again.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 13]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 50]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The man slams back, whaking against the stantion as a great fountain of blood erupts from where his chest was
[InHarmsWay-GM] He slumps down and doesn't move
Bobby approaches cautiously, but when he doesn't move, she picks up the other musket and heads for the rest of the donnybrook.
[Bobby] [I need to wrap it up soon.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] We can call it now - it'll be a while.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Right now is a good place.
[Arty] [So do I. If this fight is likely to continue for a while, we should stop now.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - called.
[Arty] OK. Much more violence than I expected. The French were not so cowardly as believed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You've taken 3 french sailors out. There are six more, plus M. Donnant
[Arty] Are any of our men responding to the call, or are they all dead?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby is a kick ass fighter!
[Arty] Indeed.
[InHarmsWay-GM] No-one is answering - you may be all that are left alive.
[Bobby] [Dumb luck.]
[Bobby] [I also want to know how they got out of lockup?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (You will hopefully find that out next week. )
[InHarmsWay-GM] BTW - I am using Mook rules for the French and the sailors.
[Arty] I have no idea what that means.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It's an optional rule - the character's designated mooks (Non-PCs) do down if you get at least 75 points of quality against them. If you don't they take a wound. 3 wounds and they are down.
[Arty] It sounds pretty grim for us. We are outnumbered and only one adult.
[Bobby] Yeah, but we have HEART.
[Bobby] Besides, we're English, and it is well known that even the ordinary British sailor was worth three or four Frenchies. Well known in England, anyway.
[InHarmsWay-GM] LOL!
[InHarmsWay-GM] That is so true - and literally with the mook rules!
[Arty] Was Arty foolish to secure them below?
[InHarmsWay-GM] No - that would be standard procedure.
[Arty] We just should have brought more marines.
[Bobby] 20/20 hindsight. Thus we learn--if we survive.
[Arty] Wild game! Need to say goodnight now. In two weeks?
[InHarmsWay-GM] You are 14 years old. You will make mistakes.
[InHarmsWay-GM] In two weeks!

[flyingmice]

Here's the latest game, we're caught up now. this session finishes off the situation we left poor Arty. Bobby, and Jack in last time. From now on, the update's will be coming no faster than once a week, as they're played.

-mice

[Arty] We were in the middle of a fight when we broke last time.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yep! Bobby had taken out 2 Frenchmen, and Arty and Jack had taken out one.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There are at most 6 left, plus M. Donnant.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You know the two marines are dead, but you don't know where the rest of the sailors are.
[InHarmsWay-GM] It's night, and foggy. You've lost touch with the frigate.
[Arty] Arty has rung the ships bell twice. With no response the assumption is they are tied up or dead.
[InHarmsWay-GM] No one is steering, but there's no wind to speak of.
[Richard] Have we any sort of lantern-beacon?
[InHarmsWay-GM] The sails flap idly.
[Arty] Bobby picked one up. He hung it from a support before getting in the firefight last time.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a lantern near the tiller, and a dim light for the binnacle.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Right - Bobby took the lantern from aft,
[InHarmsWay-GM] The fog is thick.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You don't see or hear the Frigate.
Richard is now known as Bobby
[Arty] Our more immediate concern is that we are not yet in control of the ship. More nasty Frenchmen out there.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby - you bring the musket down from your shoulder, which aches from the recoil
Bobby fumbles with the kerchief, trying to check the bleeding.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty and Jack - you have heard 2 musket shots - one during the fight, one just after.
Arty and Jack look around as best we can for anyone else.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You find Bobby, looking a bit wobbly, trying to staunch a wound in his shoulder.
Bobby reaches for the lantern and turns up the wick, holding the lantern higher to see around (and to keep from outlining her own head in case of a shot.)
[InHarmsWay-GM] staunch
[Arty] Jack crudely tries to bandage the wound.
[Arty] Jack: "He's lost a lot of blood."
Bobby says stoutly, "Not so much, sir."
[Arty] Jack works to reload the fired musket and pistol. There is also a still-loaded musket that he is carrying.
Arty takes the pistol from Jack and does the reloading.
[Bobby] "Where to next, sirs?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear whispering from aft.
[Arty] "We have to account for the others. Who else is still on the ship, fiend and foe."
[Arty] "We should make our way forward to the Forecastle."
[Arty] Jack put an arm around Bobby and helps him up.
Bobby obediently stands and stumbles forward, as quietly as possible.
Arty also gathers the knife that was used to stab Bobby and stuffs it in Bobby's belt.
[Bobby] "Thank 'ee, sir."
[Arty] "Know how to shoot a gun? Oh, yes. It seems you do."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You work your way forward to the companionway to the fo'castle
[Arty] "Here take this as well."
Arty hands Bobby the pistol.
Bobby looks uncertain, but accepts it and tucks it into (her) belt, which is beginning to sag.
[Arty] We head forward carefully.
[InHarmsWay-GM] You see a shadowy figure crouched in the companionway
[Arty] Jack aims a musket at the figure. "English or French?"
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 16] notice
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll for initiative
[InHarmsWay-GM] He saw you too.
[Arty] Rolling for Arty
RPGServ: -#IHW- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 6]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Going to move that 6?
[Arty] Taking my usual 20 point initiative penalties and bonuses for to hit.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - 26 then
[Arty] Rolling for Jack.
RPGServ: -#IHW- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 72]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 74]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Going to move either of those?
[Arty] Same change for Jack. None for Bobby.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 72] init
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty, Frenchie, Bobby, and Jack
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty!
[InHarmsWay-GM] As Jack says "English or French?" the figure whispers "Qui va la?"
Arty pulls his cutlass and stabs the man.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 84]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Missed
[Arty] Rats again.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The figure springs aside and brings a tomahawk down on Arty
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 56]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Just missed - by 1.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty's hat is knocked off.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Merde!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby?
Bobby levels the pistol at the midsection of the figure and pulls the trigger.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 90]
[Bobby] The pistol misfires, knocking Bobby over backwards.
[Arty] [Either that, or Bobby forgot to cock it.]
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Hehe!)
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack?
[Arty] Jack fires the musket.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 75]
[Arty] We're the gang who can't shoot straight.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Succor, mes amis! Allons-y!" shouts the frog in the fog. The powder must be damp...
[Arty] Next round?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Reroll inits!
[Arty] Roll for Arty
[Arty] Usual movement for both my characters.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 51]
[InHarmsWay-GM] That's 71
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 98]
[Arty] Roll for Jack
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 92]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby going to move her init?
[Arty] Nope.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 16] - init
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Frenchman whoops and swings the boarding axe (tomahawk) at Jack as he tries to reload.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 94] - swing
[InHarmsWay-GM] He misses horribly, twisting entirely around
[InHarmsWay-GM] "A moi, mes amis! Vite!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty?
[Arty] Again with the cutlass.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 2]
[Arty] Yeah. Rolling damage.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 99]
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Aiiieee!" he fals to Arty's feet. sobbing softly
[Arty] Is he dead?
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear bare feet pattering along the deck from aft
[InHarmsWay-GM] No, but he's stunned.
[Arty] "Finish him Bobby."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby and Jack can get one free shot as the Frenchmen come up through the fog.
Bobby neatly sticks the knife in at the side of the throat, slicing up under the ear, and steps backward out of the blood as the man falls.
Bobby reloads and fires in the general direction of the noise.
[Arty] Jack fires also.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Go ahead.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 52]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 38]
[Arty] Jack has Firearms +2. Does that hit?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yes - as does Bobby's
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 79]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 52]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The man Bobby hit spins, slips, and goes over the rail.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The man Jack hit stumbles and slides across the deak, leaving a trail of blood.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He tries and fails to get up.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He moans piteously.
Bobby gulps and looks a little sick, but does not lose it.
[Arty] Do we have time to reload, or is it a melee from here on?
[InHarmsWay-GM] There is silence.
[InHarmsWay-GM] No one is moving except the feebly twitching man Jack hit.
[Arty] "Reload."
[Bobby] "Aye, sir."
[Arty] Jack picks up the tomahawk and tucks it in his belf before reloading.
[Arty] We each now have a gun and an edged weapon.
Bobby reloads carefully, then cleans the knife on the dead or dying Frenchman's clothing and tucks it neatly back into the belt.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There is a thumping from the hatchway below.
[Arty] Can we get to the hatch without going though others?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yes. It's battened down
[Arty] "Cover this. I'm going to open it. It may be friend or foe."
Arty unfastens the hatch and opens it carefully.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty whips off the batten cord and lifts the hatchway.
Bobby has taken the other musket and holds it levelly, standing to the side so Arty is not in her line of fire.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He sees the face of Seth Greenway
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "Lor'! It's Mr. Wainwright, boys!"
[Arty] "Up everyone. The French are trying to take back the ship."
[InHarmsWay-GM] You hear muffled huzzahs from below.
Bobby stands further back and swings around to cover the other direction, in case anyone is thinking about creeping up.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth "Dick an' Dumb Will are tied up below. Just a mo'"
[InHarmsWay-GM] He ducks back into the fo'castle
[InHarmsWay-GM] A minute later, the three seamen are standing on deck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] They stare around at the frogs on the deck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick Knowles: "Be that all of 'em, zur?"
[Arty] "I think not. We need to sweep the vessel carefully"
[Arty] "Who here's good with a gun?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dumb Will Howland raises his hand and nods.
[Arty] Jack hands Dumb Will one of the muskets.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dumb Will takes it and checks the priming, nods.
[Arty] "I'll take that now, son."
[Arty] Jack reaches for the pistol from Bobby.
Bobby hands it to him. "It's loaded, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick: "'Ave ye gots a blade zur?"
[Arty] "Good. You're a fine boy, you are!"
[Bobby] "Thank you, sir."
Bobby fetches more cutlasses from the fo'castle.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth searches the frechmen and hands Dick a knife.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick tucks it in his belt and takes a cutlass.
[Arty] We collect any additional available weapons.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Oh! One more knfe on the other frog.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth hands it to Arty.
Arty takes it.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "Dumb Will did for one when they come for us, sir. They pitched him overboard."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick: "We'um heard the plash, zur!"
[Arty] "Fasten down all hatches forward and let us then move aft, securing all hatches. Once the deck is clear we can search below."
[Bobby] "Did you see him drown? One of ours came over the side, I think."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "Will broke his neck, like." he makes a twisting motion. "He were dead already."
[Arty] "Yes, we should check the side of the ship as we go. Spread out in a line across the ship and we will move aft together."
[Bobby] "Good." [to Arty] "Aye, sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] The others knuckle their foreheads and spread out
[Arty] We carefully move aft, securing all hatches.
[InHarmsWay-GM] As you get abaft the mainmast, you hear soft spashing from astern.
[Arty] "Check the side, we don't want anyone going around us."
Bobby moves to obey.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Aye, zur!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] roll observe, Alert, or END checks
[Arty] Alert check for Arty. Alert+1
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 73]
[Arty] Alert check for Jack. Alert+1
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 90]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Nope and nope
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby?
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 1]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Ha!
Bobby touches Arty on the arm. "Two sentries, sir, just by the aft companionway. Guns.", she says softly.
Arty passes the message along and tell the others to do the same.
[Arty] "Fire when you see them clearly enough to take good aim."
Bobby no longer has a gun, so stays clear of the line of fire.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 24] - Sentry alert 1
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 96] - Sentry alert 2
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack gets the drop on the left hand sentry. As does Seth.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The right hand sentry hears something and drops to the deack.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack - go!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 80]
[Arty] Miss.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 79] - for Dumb Will
[InHarmsWay-GM] miss
[InHarmsWay-GM] Roll init!
[Arty] "Charge!"
[Arty] Taking usual penalty and bonus for Jack and Arty.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 10] Arty
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty has 30
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 19] Jack
[InHarmsWay-GM] 39 for Jack
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby?
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 11]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Any move?
[Bobby] No
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 26] - for sailors
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 24] - for M. Crapauds
[InHarmsWay-GM] wow! Everyone went fast!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby!
Bobby rushes at the sentry, knife at the ready, with much bravery and very little sense.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 83]
[Bobby] [At the worst, I can distract him so someone more competent can dispatch him at their leisure.]
[Bobby] [Did I trip over him or my own feet?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby slips on the wet deck, sliding to the left.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Left Frog - at Dumb Will
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 99] - shoot
[InHarmsWay-GM] He panicks, as he forgot to prime the gun
[InHarmsWay-GM] Right Froggy, at Jack
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 96] - shoot
[InHarmsWay-GM] The shot goes over Jack's head
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dumb Will shoots at the Left Frog again
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 67] - shoot
[InHarmsWay-GM] miss
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick hacks at the right frog with his cutlass
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 83] - swing
[InHarmsWay-GM] he misses badly
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth throws a knife at the left sentry
[Bobby] [Someone more competent? Anyone? Anyone?]
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 52] - throw
[InHarmsWay-GM] hit!
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for InHarmsWay-GM [1d100]: 57] - quelle domage!
[InHarmsWay-GM] he takes a wound as the knife hits his thigh
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty!
[Arty] Arty slashes at the right sentry.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 57]
[Arty] A hit, with his bonus.
[Arty] Rolling damage.
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Yes!)
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 2]
[Arty] But hardly worthwhile.
[InHarmsWay-GM] A wound on the right sentry too.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The cutlass opens a shallow slash across his chest
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack!
[Arty] Jack attacks the left sentry with the tomahawk. He has Blade+1 and Mellee +1
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 54]
[InHarmsWay-GM] hit!
[Arty] Rolling damage
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 48]
[InHarmsWay-GM] The setry does down, blubbering and coughing as the tomahawk bites into his neck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] the other sentry drops his musket. "Je me rends! Je me rends!"
[Arty] "He's surrendering. Tie him up."
Bobby snatches up a rope and begins to bind the disarmed sentry.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "Ays sir! What about this 'un?" He points to Jack's prey, who is still coughing.
[Arty] Jack helps with the tying as well.
[Arty] "Him too."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth whips a rope about the wounded frenchman.
Arty grabs the two muskets and any power and ball.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "You ain't goin' t' see Paree fer a while, Monseer Crapaud!:
[Arty] "Secure the companionway. I don't want any more coming up."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick: "Wut about th' master, Monseer Dunnant?"
[Arty] Is he one of the two we captured?
[InHarmsWay-GM] (No - counting the one Dumb Will killed in the forecastle, that's all the French seamen. M. Donnant has not showed.)
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dumb Will points down the companionway
Arty yells down the companionway. "Donnant, all your men are dead or taken. Come out now with your hands empty and I may let you live!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] (In French?)
[Arty] No, in English.
[Arty] He spoke English earlier, right?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant: "I think not, M. l'Aspirant! Au contraire! You weel t'row down your arms an' surrendair!"
[Bobby] "Like hell we will!"
Bobby looks startled at her own presumption.
[Arty] How many hatches are there leading below?
[InHarmsWay-GM] From Below: "Mr Wainwright, sir! He's got a pistol pointed at me 'ead! If'n ye hurry, ye can take 'm! Don't worrit about me!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "That's Andrew Howell, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's the one to the hold, the one to the forecastle, and the one to the aft cabins.
[Arty] We are at the passage to the aft cabins?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yes
[Arty] No other entrance.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Just forward of the binnacle and the tiller.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Well, the french got out of the hold somehow...
[Arty] Ahh!.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's also a small window either side of the master's cabin.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Called a "badge"
[Arty] Big enough for a man, or just a boy?
[InHarmsWay-GM] Not a man. A boy might get through.
[Arty] "Bobby, willing to try to get through that window?"
[Bobby] "Aye, sir. Carrying anything besides me knife, sir?"
Arty hands him the loaded pistol.
[Arty] "You don't need to try to hurt him, just distract him. Then we can go after him. I'm also sending men in through the hold."
Arty sends Jack and Dumb Will in through the hold. He asks Seth to lower Bobby in through the window. The others he keeps with him.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The "others" is Dick..
[Arty] OK. Send Jack alone into the hold.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: "Here ye go, lad" as he ties a line around Bobby's waist and chest. "Ye'll be safe an' snug wi' me! Brave lad!"
[Arty] "We have a bit of a stalemate it seems, M. Donnant. If you shoot our man, you die. Be sure."
Arty has Jack and Dumb Will to keep there muskets at the ready to fire into the companionway.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant: "I am sure, mon ami. I know you English are fools."
Bobby scrambles in as nimbly and quietly as possible, resolving to be tortured dead before making a sound after being called "brave lad".
[Arty] Jack carries a musket and the tomahawk below with him.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth pays the line out smoothly as you drop to the badge.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The window is slightly ajar, and you can wiggle in without much trouble, though Arty would have had a struggle.
Bobby gently drops into the master's cabin, hoping that she is not immediately visible, and looks for the Frenchman, bringing up her pistol.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The Frenchman is at the front of the cabin, talking up through the opened cabin door.
Bobby steps up as close as she dares behind him and takes careful aim at the middle of his back.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant: "Will you surrender, M. l'Aspirante?"
[Arty] "No. The situation is stalemate. You dare not fire or you are dead for certain."
[InHarmsWay-GM] She sees Andy Howell, tied up on a chair. Donnant is holding a cocked pistol to his head.
[Bobby] [Have I got a clear shot?]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Yes - No need for initiative.
[InHarmsWay-GM] And you have a +30 for distance and his back being turned.
Bobby fires directly at the middle of Donnant's back.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 18]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Nailed!
[Meanwhile in PM, Jack has snuck through the disguised trap door in the wall of the hold and into the mate's cabin, next to the Master's]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Jack?
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Bobby [1d100]: 47]
[Arty] When he hears the other shot, Jack fires.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 50]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Hit!
[Arty] A hit.
[Arty] Damage.
RPGServ: -#ihw- [Roll for Arty [1d100]: 17]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Donnant stumbles forward and them pitches back, dead before he hits the floor.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Blood is sprayed everywhere
[Bobby] Immediately after firing, Bobby launches herself toward them. Frantically, she starts slashing at Andy Howell's bindings.
[Bobby] "He's dead! The Frenchy's dead, sir!"
[Arty] Jack races forward and tomahawks the Frenchman in the head, just to be sure.
Arty throws open the companionway hatch.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He doesn't flinch.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Andy: "The boy an' Jack nailed 'im sir! I be fine!"
Bobby quickly frisks the body for any other weapons.
[Arty] Jack unties Howell.
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's another pistol in his belt, and a small holdout pistol in his coat pocket.
Bobby pockets the holdout and fetches the other along to Arty.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth and Dumb Will grin at Arty. "Well done sir!"
[Arty] "That should be all, but seach the rest of the ship carefully, just to be sure. No one alone right now."
[Arty] "Jack. Take the tiller."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Will salutes.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth "Aye sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Andy comes up, rubbing his wrists. "Thankee, sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Andy: "The boy were very brave, sir!"
[Arty] "Yes, Bobby has proven to be the greatest man of us all today."
Bobby mumbles something and becomes very busy cleaning weaponry, not catching anyone's eye just now.
[Arty] "Anyone know how to dress a wound?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth claps her on the back as he heads forward.
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Good job, lad!"
[Bobby] "Thank 'ee, sir. But the others was braver."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Andy: "An' thankee kindly, Jack! 'Twas mightily appreciated!"
[Arty] Jack heads up to see if he can keep us from hitting any reefs.
[Arty] Asks one of other to do soundings.
[InHarmsWay-GM] They report back. "That's it sir! Two marines forrud an' a parcel o' frogs, but none o' ourn."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Dick handles the lead. "Forty fathom sir!"
[InHarmsWay-GM] (Two dead marines)
[Arty] "Keep any of the Frenchies still alive tied up on deak. All four limbs tied."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Seth: Aye sir!"
Bobby fetches more rope so the men can tie the prisoners.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK - I'll wrap up then
[Arty] Any more loose ends we need to tie up before we quit?
[InHarmsWay-GM] When dawn comes, you see the frigate about 3 miles to windward, they soon come alongside.
[Arty] They can see the bodies stacked on the deck.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain (Through the bullhorn: "Any trouble, Mr. Wainwright? Do you need assistance?"
[Arty] "We have had some difficulties. All currently under control. We do need medical assistance."
[Arty] "There was a breakout of the prisoners. We have lost good men."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Heave to! We'll semd over some men and the doctor!"
[Arty] "Please ask the Captain if I should be relieved."
Bobby looks at him, puzzled.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Pardon Mr. Wainright? You seem to be doing well! Continue! I'll want your report of course."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: Come aboard and report, Mr. Wainwright!"
[Arty] "Mr. Cooper has been injured and needs medical assistance. And there are dead to be buried."
[Arty] "Yes sir. Who will take command?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain "I'm sending Mr. York!"
[Arty] "Yes sir."
Bobby is now known as Richard
[InHarmsWay-GM] The cutter comes across with Richard at the tiller. The men swarm up the entry port.
Richard is also puzzled. "You don't mean me to relieve him, sir, do you? He isn't wounded, and he seems to have held the ship."
[Arty] "The ship is yours, Mr. York."
Arty gets into the cutter after Richard gets out.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain (to Richard) "Until he makes his report, Mr. York."
[Richard] "Aye, sir."
Richard takes the cutter across and salutes Arty smartly.
[Richard] "York, reporting, sir!"
Arty salutes back and gets int the cutter and heads back to report to the Captain.
[InHarmsWay-GM] The sentries do not look at you as you knock on the cabin door.
Richard starts organizing the "burial" party--shrouds for the dead with a cannonball tied to each pair of feet.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Enter!"
[Arty] "Midshipman Wainwright reporting sir."
[Arty] "Sir, I regret to inform you that I have failed in my duties."
[Arty] "I failed to assure that the French crew were properly under control, leading to revolt and the death of several good men."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "well, Mr. Wainwright - let me make the decisions. Report. What happened?"
[Arty] "I ordered the Marines to secure the French in the hold. They escaped via a non-obviious passage into the cabins. From there there killed the Marines and nearly took the ship."
[Arty] "Only with much fighting were the French subdued."
[InHarmsWay-GM] He looks at you and nods. "This is war, Mr. Wainwright, sometimes good men die. You exercised proper precautions. I would have done the same. You came out on top, which is the only thing that counts. Well done. Go and resume your command, and you can keep Mr. York for watches."
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Dismissed!"
Arty looks stunned.
[Arty] "Nothing more, sir?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Go. Mr. York is probably dying of curiosity. How did your men handle themselves?"
[Arty] "Most excellently sir. Particularly Bobby Cooper. He was responsible for taking out more Frenchmen than any of the rest of us. And he saved Mr. Howell's life. Mr. Mulberry also showed great courage and fortitude."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Cooper? The little powder monkey?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] His eyebrows rise
[Arty] "Yes sir. Quite a surprise."
[Arty] "I think he has the making of a very fine seaman."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Captain: "Give them all a well done from me, particularly Cooper and Mulberry. Tell them I will have my eye on them."
[Arty] "I have sent him down to the Surgeon. He was injured in the fight."
[Arty] "Yes sir. Anything else sir?"
[InHarmsWay-GM] "Dismissed! Well done, Mr. Wainwright!"
[Arty] "Yes sir."
[InHarmsWay-GM] Take 20 points of Notice
Arty salutes and leaves.
Arty grabs the rail after leaving and takes a few minutes to steady his nerves before going below to check on Bobby Cooper.
Mr. McDill is below with Bobby.
[McDill] "Okay son. Let's have that shirt off."
[InHarmsWay-GM] (oh, oh!)
[McDill] McDill starts to remove Bobby's shirt.
Bobby clutches it tightly. "That's all right, sir, I'm just fine."
Bobby struggles out of McDill's grasp.
[Bobby] [Was I hit in the shoulder or the arm??]
[InHarmsWay-GM] Shoulder
[McDill] "Good grief. Were you raised by Puritans? At least loosen it enough for me to get a look at that shoulder.
Bobby stops struggling and sullenly drops the shirt back from the shoulder, holding tightly to the rest of it.
[Bobby] [She probably doesn't have enough to really worry about, at her age and with poor nutrition, but habits die hard.]
[McDill] "Looks like you should be all right once we get that cleaned up. Here, drink this. A good swig now."
[InHarmsWay-GM] There's a gash across Bobby's left shoulder, fairly deep. There's a wad of sailcloth soaked with blood on it
McDill hands Bobby a bottle of ticture of laudenum.
Bobby wrinkles her nose at the bitter stuff, but obediently takes a small swallow.
McDill cleans the wound with wine, then sews it shut.
Bobby has a trembling chin by the time he is done, but has not cried out.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty comes into the sick bay.
McDill has others hold him/her steady.
[Arty] "How is he doing, Mr. McDill."
[McDill] "I think he'll be fine. Just have to be careful the wound doesn't fester. I should rest for a few days, and take care for no climbing of lifting for a few weeks."
[Arty] "Very good."
[Arty] "Bobby, the Captain has taken note of your fine showing. He told me to let you know he had his eye on you."
[Bobby] "Oh, sir, I did nothing but what you told me. Please, the Captain should know the rights of it."
[Arty] "I think he knows it pretty well. Once the other sailors are back on board, everyone will hear the story from many viewpoints, I expect."
Bobby subsides, looking more sulky than ever.
[Arty] "Do as Mr. McDilll says. If anyone tries to give you duties, tell them to speak with him."
[Bobby] "The other monkeys won't like it, sir, not if they think I've put on airs."
[Arty] "They won't when they see your scar."
[Bobby] "Very kind, I'm sure, sir."
Bobby escapes the surgeon's cabin as quickly as possible.
[Arty] We should stop here.
[InHarmsWay-GM] OK! Excelent job, guys!
[InHarmsWay-GM] I love Bobby!
[Arty] So do I.
[Bobby] This was a lively game. I was almost sure those Frenchies were going to get us, and then we'd be in trouble.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Arty came into his own too. He was in complete control at the end.
[Bobby] Absolutely. Got quite a few Notice points, too--he can't think he's failed much now.
[InHarmsWay-GM] He did very well - you all did!
[Arty] Arty was figuring he was going to be drummed out. Or at least flogged severely.
[InHarmsWay-GM] Bobby will get the reward of all those who show competence and bravery...
[Arty] An early death?
[InHarmsWay-GM] LOL!
[InHarmsWay-GM] No - more responsibility...
[Bobby] Probably from wound infection. Or lead poisoning.
[InHarmsWay-GM] LOL!
[InHarmsWay-GM] Good night! Excellent, taut game!
[Arty] Good night. Great game. Until next week.
[InHarmsWay-GM> Next week!

[flyingmice]

In answer to a PM question, and because it seems to be confusing, the name of the system we are running is "In Harm's Way: A Napoleonic Naval Roleplaying Game," which is specifically designed to run Hornblower/Aubrey/Lewrie/etc. naval fiction. It's not a pirate RPG, nor is it designed to run privateers, just Naval gaming of the specific era. The game covers the English, American, and French navies.

It would be easy to adapt to non-naval military of the era, like Sharpe, and with a bit more effort to the present day or SF military. The central game mechanic - not the task resolution - is that career advancement is by Notice and Influence. Notice is gained during play for throwing yourself - and leading your men - into harm's way. Notice is given by your superiors. Interest is gained during chargen, and is an abstraction of the political connections of your family. You pay for Interest at the expense of IQ and Luck.

You have to gain enough Notice that when added to your Interest it comes to a threshold value - 200 for Middies, 400 for Lieutenants, and 600 for Commanders. The more spectacular your deeds, the more Notice you gain, and the faster you rise in rank. If you screw the pooch, your officer can give negative Notice, which sets you back. Thus the gung ho attitude and the fear of messing up.

The other question concerned the fact that both players play three characters. This is the standard mode of operation for the game. It allows the officers to be detatched while giving the other players involvement.

Happy to answer any other questions.

-mice

[Feste]

Bravo and huzzah for IRC gaming!

[flyingmice]

Yes - I love IRC gaming almost as much as I love F-2-F gaming. There are some things it is just better for - immersing in character for one - and other things it is less well suited for - like fast play. I've been running IRC games for years now, and I really enjoy it - especially the logs!

-mice

[flyingmice]

Tonight the spotlight will shine on Midshipman Richard York and Surgeon Robert McDill.

I'm psyching myself up for the game, so bear with me.

-mice