Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Gold running through our veins. (1x1x1)

Bender's eyes seemed to widen at the sudden ferocity of Flavio. he seemed such a distinguished creature, even for a Gnoll, but his true nature seemed to emerge right there."No! Flavio, lad! Don' touch 'im!" Bender cried out as he shuffled over to him. Taking decent steps only hurt him at this point. Dirk's damned dirks sure hit their mark."Ya want ta bite something, go chase th' other one!" The captain spoke as he used his mechanical hand to grab Flavio by his collar, only to release him should his eyes get set on the fleeing fool.

Though Stevie had missed, the distraction was enough for Norin to unload his dual pistols on the goon. Two bullets through the chest was enough for him to go down. The Dwarf had worked up a sweat. They managed to stand their ground very well against such an overpowering number of pirates."Gah... ah.... thanks, lass..." The Dwarf then noticed Hooke to be here as well."Ah, fer once it's a bloody damn pleasure ta see yer face, Hooke." He laughed, but Hooke wasn't so keen on joining in the festivities.

"Save it, Norin. How did you wastes of space get in a fight with Hubungu's crew?" Norin's eye seemed to widen."That was The Claw's people? Oh, crud. We've got a problem, cap'n!"

Bender pulled Flavio back in the nick of time, his jaws slammed shut but bit only the air right in front of Dirk's neck. The ferocity in his eyes subsided as Bender spoke to him although he did not seem to calm quite enough to wipe the thick greasy slobber from his muzzle.

The close call and pain had made Dirk faint... but at least he still had his throat. Flavio calmed down but he still gave a long dark stare at the man and only when Norin mentioned the name Hubungu did the gnolls snap out of it. "Problem? That is a weak word for this particular situation..." The gnoll grunted, not in his usual tone of voice.

Stevie noticed Flavio's strange behavior, but now wasn't the time to say anything about it. Instead, she found herself thankful that she managed to distract the man well enough so that Norin had the upper-hand. Of course, she was still very sensitive to death, and thankfully had yet to actually kill anyone as far as she (and her player) could remember.

But she'd seen it enough since she met Bender and went through the first little quest with him. Though when the name Hubungu was mentioned, she seemed completely confused. "What's so bad about this Hubungu fella?" she asked, approaching the rest of them. "The Claw?" she scoffed before continuing her remark, "Someone's not very creative."

She placed her gun back in her belt and folded her arms across her chest. Was she the only one not worried? Probably. She was also the only one who had no idea what or who they were talking about.

Bender Of Iron Will grabbed the fainted Dirk and carried him over his mechanical shoulder. He seemed amused by the notion a notorious pirate was here in Giantsport, looking for him most likely. He turned to Stevie as he walked out of the alleyway, the other pirates following him."The Claw's a bugger, 'right. Him's a pirate, 'ne with a huge fleet. Bugger ain't known fer bein' merciful either. Got 'imself quite the reputation, 'e does." Bender explained.

"Norin, Hooke, gather th' others. I'll show this Claw figure I ain't ta be messed with." The captain grumbled."Stevie 'n Flavio, yer with me." The Dwarf and Orc exchanged looks and then went on their way.

Once back on the docks, the sea was filled with a massive amount of ships! Big ships, small ships, gigantic ships! There were ships EVERYWHERE! Ubungu's fleet was a massive one indeed. But Bender didn't seem the least bit intimidated!

"UBUNGU!" He suddenly yelled, dropping Dirk's passed out body on the floor, kicking him a few times to wake him up."Yer after treasure, ain't ya!?" He yelled into the distance, towards a big boat he assumed was the flagship."Then come 'n get it yerself ya oversized furball! THIS is what happens to all o' yer goons ya send MY WAY!"

Next Bender drew his pistol from his belt, aiming it for the head Dirk and fired, sending a direct message to those who dared come close to Bender.

There was no way to tell if the various ships at the docks indeed belonged to the notorious pirate, although of course more than a few people looked when Bender just shouted out at them, and there was ruckus when the man then executed Dirk.

Flavio in the meantime kept to himself, which was somewhat unusual for the gnoll and he only cheered up, even if just a tad, when the thug was dead. “Hubungu isn’t better or worse than most other pirates, he’s only got a lot of crewmates...” The musketeer answered Stevie, even if it was a bit late by that point. “I used to be in his crew too, he doesn’t like deserters...”

Stevie was more than eager to get away from Hooke. The guy was a big ole sourpuss and did nothing but bring her mood down if ever she spoke to him (which is totally a thing she should worry about amid all this crazy Ubungu business), so when Bender invitied her to come along, she gladly did.

There was only a little anxiety welling up in her as they approached the docks. Her head turned toward Flavio when he tried to explain, too.

"Just a lot of crewmates? That doesn't sound as bad," she replied. She figured if there was a way to wittle them down should the need arise, then it'd be easier to take care of the rest, but classic Stevie was hoping to prevent conflict.

All semblance of this ever happening flew out the window when the pistol was brought up, aimed at Dirk's head, and promptly fired. She was still so squishy inside! The Halfling quickly covered her eyes and tried her damnedest not to spazz out. It was probably more the fact he was shot in the head than the fact he died that caused her to react that way. Trying not to be an embarrassment, she let her arms fall and crossed them over her chest, eyes squinting into a forced glare that looked... Well, honestly a bit hilarious. Like a teary-eyed kid glaring and sulking because they didn't get what they want.

It didn't take long after Bender's rampage on Dirk that more and more goons appeared, wearing the same flamboyant outfits. It was clear just how many crewmembers this Hubungu character had. The docks were swarmed. Those who didn't run away from the gunfire came towards it. And soon the little group was outnumbered twelve to one.

But they were not alone. It didn't take long before Hooke and Norin returned with those loyal to Bender Of Iron Will. Ambras with his long black cowl, Solst, hissing fire and Red saying no word joined the group soon after, their weaponry raised for the sea of foes."Told you the ships were suspicious." Ambras hissed towards Bender, who was slowly realizing resisting these pirates would mean his death. Why didn't he just run instead of pull off this show? They could've gone far inland! But no. Bender's insane pride was hurt, and he thought this would fix it.

"Right now I could care less 'bout yer suspicions, lad. 'N even less 'bout yer loyalties, Flavio. But even we can't handle this 'mount o' basterds. I think we may've lost this one, lads."

Flavio growled as he looked around, he seemed especially uneasy at all what was happening. "You... we lost the moment we set foot in this harbor I believe.." He looked at Bender. "If they want the map, perhaps we should give it? You said you had no idea what to do with it... did you not?"

The flamboyant pirates did not attack just yet, they in fact did seem to respond to what Flavio was saying. Not quite lowering their blades, but clearly looking from the gnoll to Bender to see what his reaction would be.

Dirk's death seemed to irritate them, but none of them seemed struck with grief. Perhaps he wasn't as popular among he men as he had hoped.

Steve's heart sank when she saw just how outnumbered they really were. A long sigh came from her as she gawked. The Halfling knew for a fact that yes, they had lost. But what was this about a map?

She shook her head. "Wait, maybe jus' give 'em a fake one or somethin'?" Steve was clearly grasping at straws here, trying her damnedest to figure something out that could bite the other crew in the bum sometime down the line.

((Replied just in case! .))

((we'd love to continue!!))

Bender gritted his teeth. How did this old fart even survive to this age when he never really thinks his plans through?"No, lass. I know men like 'Ubungu. 'E'll realize it's a fluke 'n come find me again. With such a large fleet o' ships he'll find me again 'n again. 'N damn me to hell if I give that basterd the real deal! The map's mine! I'm the 'ne who's been collectin' the fragments! I'm th' one who's risked 'is hide fer it! The Claw don't deserve it on a bloody silver platter!" He yelled as his response.

"It matters little what you decide, captain. I've witnessed you come out of much worse situations. You have my loyalty." Solst spoke in Elvish, still refusing to learn the common tongue, even though he knew it. Ambras understood and nodded."Aye, and mine. I was getting pretty sick of being on land anyway. I don't trust these bartenders one bit." He spoke. The rest of the crew nodded."Just don' get us killed, cap'n." Norin found it necessary to add.

"Alright, ya mongrels." Bender said after a short while, stepping forward and throwing his weapons on the floor."I'll come quietly with ya. But only if ya take us to yer cap'n 'n promise me me crew'll be unharmed. I'll parlay with 'im. We've a great deal ta discuss."

"Very well then." One of the enemy pirates said, a weedy fellow who seemed the senior of the group that now threatened them. He lowered his cutlass but did not sheath it as he approached, the green tint to his skin and vaguely tusk-like teeth marked the fellow a half-orc, if one of the more human-esque ones. "We'll lead you to our captain..."

Flavio seemed uneasy, it was not unreasonable for him to be so of course as he was just as mixed up in this as Bender and his crew were. For a moment the gnoll seemed content to stay behind but one of the pirate's prodding him in the side with the butt of a sword got him moving as well.

Steve sighed and looked at those big feet of hers. "So what then, Cap'n?" She asked. Though soon, her question was answered. She became uneasy as well, mainly because she wasn't sure what to expect. She was a fairly inexperienced crew member as far as dealing with pirates went.

Steve didn't throw her pistol down, but would put it up I'd she hasn't already. If they got going, she'd probably have to follow. Didn't want to, but on the other hand she wanted to be there and be loyal. Ugh! This was crazy.

((On phone! May have errors!))

Hooke snarled at the Half-Orc goon. Mongrelbreeds were disgusting to him."Ugh, fantastic. Another day, another life threatening situation. Thanks a bunch, Captain." The old Orc grumbled angrily as he too was forced to drop his weaponry among the rest of the crew. Everyone just followed foot.

Soon they were taken in a little dhingy, ready to get transported to one of the main ships. The sea was rowdy today and the small vessel had to break through the waves in order to reach it. During all this, Bender kept quiet. It didn't matter how much Hooke accused him or how Ambras might urge Bender to make a plan, the captain said nothing. He simply waited, looking stern showing no emotion.

The dhingy moored at the bottom of the main ship and a rope ladder was thrown down, Flavio had gotten more and more nervous as they approached the ship and if the rest began to climb he first seemed set on staying behind and only reluctantly followed.

They found the deck covered with pirates, although neatly flanking the wall so the main deck was clear, ready for the captain to greet them once they were all up. The gleam of crossbow bolts pointed at them from sharpshooters in the masts discouraged any aggression.

Steve bit her lip and sought to hide the pistol since she didn't get reprimanded for keeping it. Because she was small they didn't see her our something? Sometimes being what she was could be quite great! She wasn't nearly as intimidating as Hooke or Bender, and could easily hide behind one of their legs.

But now they were on the dhingy, and Steve had a bad feeling running about in her gut.

Bender climbed up the ladder. The boat ride seemed to take forever, but finally they reached the ship. It was large alright. Larger than the Moneymaker was. No doubt underneath the deck it was crawling with more of Hubungu's minions. Despite the crossbows pointed at them, Bender remained calm and even started laughing mockingly."I'm but 'n old man 'n yer all actin' as if I could break yer necks with just a blink o' me eye. I ain't sure if yer all daft 'r if I ought to be grateful fer me reputation." It didn't seem to occur to the captain the crew might be more afraid of his own entourage rather than the loud old man.

Nobody seemed to have patted down Stevie. Was she even noticed by these people? If things were to go wrong, she might just be their last hope. Bender stepped forward while the crew stayed back."'Ubungu! Show yerself ya scaredy cat! Ya were lookin' fer me, 'n now ya have me. Come out 'n claim yer trophy!" Bender yelled at the captain's quarters.

The door of the captain's cabin opened as a slender powerful cat person strode through. The person was dressed in fine clothes like the rest and a fine black with red captain's coat draped over her shoulders. The fur on her face was a creme-yellow with a few spots on fluffy cheeks and two black tears running down her eyes that gave her a startling resemblance to a cheetah. "You won't see Ubungu old man." the lady captain hissed as she bared her teeth slightly. "You'll have to do with me, Captain Surabi, once first mate of the great and majestic Ubungu, now captain of an entire fleet under his name."

When she was finished introducing herself she locked eyes with Flavio which caused the edges of her mouth to rise, showing off her fangs and hissing intensely, the gnoll in the meantime tried to position himself somewhat behind Bender and his crew, whatever the case she did not respond to him yet.

"Well then..." She said as she turned to the old captain again. "We would've claimed your map, we would claim it right now. But you want to parlay? Yes?" She leaned against the mast and waved a hand. "Parlay, what do you have to offer?"

The ride was awkward for Steve. The entire time, she contemplated which awful death she may face, or of she'd watch the crew get brought down first. She want entirely sure which one she'd prefer, as both options are terrible. She'd express her discomfort by groaning or whimpering every now and again, but they were so quiet they likely why unnoticed.

When they arrived and Bennett stepped forward, she would naturally stay back. She cringed, though, thinking now would be when the arrows were fired. Luckily enough, they weren't. The feline woman was eyed skeptically, ideas floating through her head on whether or not she should try to be charming and boyish to try to win her over, but she remembered that the woman was a pirate and may not take very well to that.

Another thought occurred to her: if Surabi was pet, would she purr and knead at whatever's in front of her? This thought brought a little whispery snicker from Steve's throat.

((On mobile again))

((I know it's an autocorrect thing, but I can't help but laugh at wondering if Bender would still have the impact he has today if his name was 'Bennett'.))

Bender crossed his arms and didn't exactly look happy that it wasn't Hubungu that showed his face."I would've only complied ta 'Ubungu, Flintblade. This wasn't part o' the deal." The captain said angrily. He knew this Surabi character by reputation. Supposedly she could stab a man quicker than a bullet would pierce through a body. Not exactly nice company.

"Cap'n, this 's obviously a trap!" Norin cried out to his captain. Bender looked over his shoulder back at his worried first mate."If 't was they'd've shot 's by now. No, lad, these people're interested 'n what this ol' fart has ta say." He turned back to Surabi, fumbling in his pockets and slowly walking over to her, reavling the map, which looked like nothing more but a mess of inscribed clay.

"Ya want the map ta fetch for yer master? 'Ere it is. Ye'd be lucky if ya'd ever make sense o' it. It took me ages ta figure 't out. But yer master ain't a patient feller, is he?" He threw the clay mess in front of Surabi's feet. A map in three dimensions and in such an odd shape would be difficult enough to figure out for the most intelligent mage, let alone a pirate. Though Stevie, having been part in collecting the fragments, might notice that the map had missing parts. It was incomplete.

"Here's what I offer ya. I've got this bloody map etched in me 'ead. I know the way, lass. I know the way ta riches beyond yer wildest dreams. Riches a ancient dragon used ta collect, 'n trust me 't never 'ad enough. All I ask 'n return is that ya buggers leave me 'n me crew 'lone fer the rest o' our lives. 'N I want a promise that me crew's safe 't all times. Does that sound like 'n agreeable plate o' terms ta present to yer master, lass?"