Friday January 23rd, Year of our Lord, 1671 — Port de Basse Terre

We find ourselves in fine mood for a voyage today, bound south east across the waves for Barbados and Bridgetown. Our hold is packed with Cocoa Beans and the voyage promises a swift and simple one. It has been too long since men sailed the sea and as my confrère Philippe le Rogue told me it is best to wet their moods with a quick turn before taking on a longer voyage...

---

Jean Lefanu still considered himself young at twenty five but he was quite old enough to have gained some traits that left others scratching their heads. Many a sailor dressed as impressively as they could afford so his insistence on a certain style was not so strange in of itself. Much more peculiar was the fact that he disdained the garish rings, tattoos and other paraphernalia common to his peers and instead favoured the attire of a foppish young court rake (or as close as he could afford, which alas was not much.)

It did make getting dressed time consuming but one had an image to maintain.

Currently Jean lived in Basse Terre, that port of exquisite tropical Guadeloupe. He had a nice if small house with a view of the blue sea that he paid a old crone who was a sorceress with a sweeping room to keep clean. This morning as he departed his abode he tugged his frock coat a little tighter - it may have been the Indies but January was January and he could feel a breeze blowing at his almost womanishly long fair hair and flickering the long red feather in his hat. God willing it promised fair winds!

It was a nice house but home was the fine sloop Enchantresse. A slender, handsome ship, fleet of sail and fast as a dolphin. As Jean elegantly boarded the vessel (waving away the grubby hand of the boatswain) he shared a grin with his First Mate M. Lavigne.

Bernard Lavigne was everything Captain Lefanu was not. While Lefanu was almost fanatically clean, well dressed and so fair of complexion and fine of feature a persistent rumour held he was actually a woman pretending to be a man (an insult that had led to more than one duel) the First Mate was very masculine, very hairy, very tough and seemed to be a magnet for every flea in the West Indies. He gambled excessively (so did Lefanu of course but at more gentlemanly tables), drank anything that came in a bottle and had fathered a whole tribe of children across a league of wives and mistresses.

Still as Jean well knew there was no better man to have at your side in a fight or facing a storm.

"Bienvenue, Monsieur Lavigne, how fairs the cargo?" Jean said as walked across the deck.

"Well secured Mon Capitaine," Bernard replied, his own grin revealing big yellowing teeth. "Both cargos."

Jean raised an elegant eyebrow. "I assure you Monsieur Lavigne the log mentions only the Cocoa and a gentlemen does not lie."

"Of course Mon Capitaine."

Both men knew that the hold did indeed contain Cocoa Beans... and hidden beneath them Unlicensed Naval Flags. A gentleman did not lie but he was free to omit details that might embarrass himself or others.

---

OOC: Some help with French would be nice though I'm just using it for flavour - I am alas monolingual! :)

I've bought a crate of Cocoa Beans (2gp) and Unlicensed Naval Flags (3gp, do these go under 'contraband'?) and the Enchantresse is Setting Sail for Bridgetown.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

OOC:

Very nice start! And very well written!

As a matter of game mechanics, I want to remind you that having done your port action, you could also pay 2 gold to get a Rumour to solve. You could also buy ship modifications, or buy weapons before setting sail.

I also had a question about what sort of special talent Jean had? I'm trying to provide your character with an in-game ability that will give you an advantage in certain situations.

The one I had in mind, for example:

"LeFanu may receive an extra rumour, and choose which one to pursue. This skill also applies whenever a benefit might be received when completing a mission/or feat."

Another might be you can draw an extra cargo in French ports and sell a certain commidity at +1 gold, or...

Force an NPC to re-roll a successful scouting check, thus passing them by unseen.

Let me know.

OOC: Thanks, glad you liked it!

I think will go rumour hunting before setting off then - I'll write up an IC post this evening.

For special talents the first idea you had spunds both fun and flavourful!

Excellent, I have added the talent on your ship's info so that it's easily accessible (and I won't forget). :D

I've deducted 2 gp from your ship stats and you can now choose one of the following rumours:

"





Note that completing either would get you 1XP and a Benefit, on top of the benefit you might get from the rumour.

Choose one, and then you can RP finding it out.

Before departing Captain Jean Lefanu made one last stop at Marcel's tavern, a favourite haunt of the rogues and ruffians that visited Port de Basse Terre. Grizzled old Marcel himself was a sailor had lost a leg to a cannonball but gained a beautiful Mestizo wife in an adventurous few years before discovering that he much preferred having dry land under his feet. His establishment was not

Marcel served overpriced wine fit only for dogs or Englishmen so Jean took a bottle of better but still overpriced rum sat in on a game of cards in the dark tavern. Monsieur Dupont, the thin and Roman nosed ship's surgeon of the Pluton was playing today and he was one of the most reliable sources of information in the Indies. Today's gossip took another bottle of Jamaican rum and a promise of introduction to Jean's acquaintance Senhorita da Silva (a charming and vivacious young lady of Lisbon making a name and a small fortune for herself among the gentlemen of Port de Basse Terre.)

"Apparently the galleon Esmeralda suffered a mutiny," Dupont said over a bad hand. "The slaves overthrew the crew and threw them to the sharks."

"I feel sorry for the sharks. I doubt slavers taste very nice. Certainly I've never met one I felt comfortable shaking hands," Jean said, eyes momentarily flicking to his own hand (of cards.)

"Yes I don't care for slavers myself. As a profession it seems to attract the lice of humanity. Still the Spanish would pay handsomely for their galleon back - unless you preferred the ship itself."

"A tempting idea," Jean replied and went on to win the hand - though given what he had paid for the rum Monsieur Dupont was still comfortably ahead.

"Which one?" Monsieur Dupont asked, a sly look passing across his face.

Jean answered with an easy smile. "I still have to find the ship first Albert. I'll see how it goes."

"Try the waters off Trinidad my friend," Monsieur Dupont called out as Jean departed for the Enchantresse.

Trinidad? Well that made it easy, Captain Lefanu reflected. First on their original voyage to Bridgetown and selling the cargo. Then for Trinidadian waters and perhaps a battle...

“If you’re thinking of taking her on, you should invest in a swivel gun to cut down some of the prisoners crewing her,” Monsieur Dupont said just as Jean crossed the threshold, heading back to the ship. “I hear the shipwright has one for sale for three gold, if you need to even the odds in….” If Dupont had said anything more, the hubbub from the street scattered it to the wind.

"Thank you Mon Ami," Jean called back.

After a moment's hesitation he decided to follow the surgeon's advice even though it would clear him out completely - any fortune not gained through blood required some risk!

From the Enchantress he fetched Armel, the red haired Breton who was the sloop's carpenter and who would know better than the captain how to fit a swivel gun.

Predictably a lot of the arcane conversations about shipbuilding went in one ear and out the other for Jean but as he watched the two men talk with enthusiasm he got the feeling he was getting a good deal.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

The swivel gun was soon installed and paid for, and Jean gave Monsieur Lavigne the go ahead for taking the Enchanteresse out to sea.

“Bosun, retrieve her lines, and push off…!” The crew answered happily with their Oui Monsieur, and the ship’s lines were retrieved and stowed away so as to not clutter the deck when it came time to hoist the sails. The sun might be setting, but Jean felt like the adventure was just beginning.

“Up top gallants, and easy as she goes helmsman!” he shouted and soon the crew answered: “Haut hisse, haut…. Hisse…. Hissé haut..!” The top sails unfurled and caught the wind, sending the ship lurching forward like a horse out of the gates at the races. Ah, and how the Enchanteresse loves to race, thought her captain fondly as they set sail.

It was at moments like this with the wind carrying and the surf champing at the hull and the creak of timber and canvas and rope that Captain Lefanu felt he might have been luckier than his detested half-brother in his Normandy chateau. The bluest of blood was in his veins and he would never not be proud of it but there was something about the sea and command of a fine fast ship that awoke deep passions within.

He stood a moment on the deck, filling his lungs with the salt sea and looking up at the first stars appearing in a sky turned purple by setting sun.

Well a good start and confident crew, what more could be asked for?

"Monsieur Lavigne, a moment s'il vous plaît," Jean said to the First Mate as he led the way to the cramped but clean and well furnished captain's cabin. The windows at the back of the cabin on the stern of the sloop showed Port de Basse Terre slowly fading into the distance.

"Aye Mon Capitaine," Monsieur Lavigne said. He was a large man, certainly more so than his captain and tended to make the cabin seem even smaller, though Jean was used to that by now. Indeed he poured his second a portion of rum and one for himself.

"Santé," he said clinking his glass against Lavigne's. "As you know we are bound for Bridgetown. What you don't yet know is that after that we'll be on the hunt for the galleon Esmeralda. She was seized by the slaves carrying her and is now in the waters off Trinidad or so I hear."

Bernard Lavigine rubbed his chin, scratching at his rough beard. "A sloop against a galleon? A hard fight. That's what that pretty new gun is for right?"

"It is and you'll be training the men to use it. I'll wait until after Bridgetown before I tell them," Jean said, a sly look on his handsome face. "They'll be in a good mood after we've slipped in our contraband and feel all the more confident about taking on the world. Well Monsieur Lavigne here is to adventure, renown and Spanish gold!"

Captain Lefanu drained his own glass and after Monsieur Lavigne departed Jean spent time studying his charts until night had draped her starry cloak all around the ship and he departed for bed and dreams of the future...

Saturday, January 24th, year of our Lord 1671 - Bridgetown Sea Zone

The Enchanteresse speeds through the night like a shooting star over dark waves and cloudless skies, her captain resting contentedly in his cabin as the 1st Watch changes over to the Mid Watch at midnight. Shortly after the 1st bell of the day, the 1st mate knocks on the cabin door.

"Désolé de vous déranger, monsieur, mais on a besoin de vous..." came the familiar voice as he carefully opened the cabin door. "We've sighted Bridgetown, but the mouth of the harbour is a tricky one, we might need your careful hand on the wheel."

"Surely, the Enchanteresse isn't as fat bottomed as a brig, Monsieur Lavigne?" Jean knew full well that his sloop could manoeuvre her way in and out of Bridgetown without any trouble, it was those clumsier ships that needed a hand.

"Habituellement, non," the mate admitted, "mais... it is night time, and I'll be scanning ahead to make sure we don't hit the shoals."

Captain Lefanu nodded. "Très bien alors. I shall be there presently Monsieur Lavigne."

Jean swiftly donned his coat and slashed cold water on his cheeks to make sure he was awake. Then he pulled on his boots and made his way out to the Enchantresse's quarter deck and the wheel. There was a rueful smile on his face; he'd forgotten quite how swift his beauty of a ship was and for once it worked against him. A slower vessel would have sighted Bridgetown in the early morning light.

Well the moon and the stars would have to suffice - with his own skill of course. Taking the wheel Jean made ready to guide the vessel safely into harbour as the First Mate kept watch.

"Mon dieu! Another ship," Lavigne said, "heading for the harbour mouth..! Someone's in a hurry to leave Bridgetown mon ami!" He started shouting orders and the Enchanteresse changed course, Jean nimbly steering her back to deeper waters, clearing the harbour mouth as another ship, slightly bigger than the Enchanteresse headed for the harbour exit her sailors shouting and tackling her sails. French and Spanish reached the Lefanu's ears. It seemed the ship had a spaniard ordering French crewmen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

"Monsieur Lavigne mark her name as we pass her," Jean ordered, his hands thigh on the wheel as he turned to give the oncoming ship way.

Part of him was tempted to order an attack at once but cool headedness won - however suspicious it was the vessel was racing out of harbour at night as if all the hounds of Hell chased her there was a chance it was an innocent explanation...

"Ehh, it's hard to tell in the night like this, mon Capitaine," Bernard said as he pressed the spy glass to his eye.

OOC: Roll me a Scouting Roll (2 dice) please.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:58, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

Captain Lefanu didn't reply, his mind and hands intent on keeping his ship from hitting a submerged rock - that would be an inglorious finish to his career!

---

OOC: 21:15, Today: Secret Roll: Jean Lefanu rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4,5.  Scouting.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

The other vessel rushed out of Bridgetown's harbour, having only slowed down enough to avoid a collision that would have never come. The Enchanteresse had daftly changed directions, manoeuvring quickly and skilfully, commencing a tack as her crew adjusted the sails, veering her away the very moment when her master noticed that the vessel was coming towards the very same and only entrance to the harbour.

"Ahh! The moon gave me just a mere moment, but I believe I made out the Merry Widow, monsieur," said the 1st mate as the Merry Widow veered south, leaving the Enchanteresse in her wake... "We could pursue, but they're heading towards Trinidad. They'll be impossible to find," added Lavigne.

"Well done Monsieur Levigne," Captain Lefanu replied. "No we shall let her go but remember the name well. I suspect we haven't see the last of 'La Veuve joyeuse'."


Despite his initial anger at the other ship - was their master a drunk or a fool? - Jean could not help but be amused at the name. The Merry Widow! There was a story there.

"We'll make for the harbour Monsieur Levigne. Monsieur MacGann," Jean called out to the Second Mate, a wiry Scotsman with scant love for the English. "Go inspect the cargo... both cargos."

Jean found the last remnants of his anger dissipating, a vulpine smile forming on his lips. He might have planned this to be a quick, uneventful voyage but obviously God had other plans and it was a hard man who didn't thrill to a bit of excitement.

His hands at the wheel and calling out commands to his crew the master of the Enchantresse steered her into Bridgetown harbour.

Despite the lateness of the hour, the Enchanteresse's crew found the port bustling with activity. Granted it was a subdued affair, not at all like the bustle during the day, but trade, apparently, didn't stop between the hours of 5pm and 8am.

"Oh, excellent..." exclaimed the older man as he considered the flags, "these will fetch a pretty sum!" He dropped a purse full of coin into Jean's hands. "I appreciate the discretion... ehh, and I can give you three gold for the crate of cocoa beans. Shall I take it off your hands, or would you rather do some shoppin' of your own?"

OOC: Added 10 gold to your coffers and took away the flags.

Saturday January 24th, Year of our Lord, 1671 — Bridetown

After a swift voyage with fortunate winds we have made harbour at Bridgetown on the fair isle of Barbados with a cargo of cocoa beans. Making port in the dreaming hours was more exciting than it might have been due to a near collision with the Merry Widow. A vessel I suspect we shall see again!

---

Having written the near miss with the ill mastered flute in the Enchantresse's log Captain Lefanu had been happy to welcome the British merchant aboard to see both the hidden and the overt cargo. Though Jean was still a little tired he had washed, shaved and changed into clean coat, shirt and breaches. He could hardly wander around port looking like a wastrel!

"Ah, I believe we can do business mon ami," he told the older gentleman, offering his hand to shake. "The cocoa is yours with the flags and I look forward to trading with you again."

Captain Lefanu was thinking ahead to possibility of buying a cargo of rum if he could source it - Mardi Gras was coming soon! - and perhaps also see if they were useful, specialist men (or women) about the town who could bring their skills to the Enchantresse. Jean would hesitate to employ an English sailor with his French crew but Irish and Scots were a different story.

The other man nodded and pocketed the coin. "I'll have my men bring it to shore," he said as he took out a ledger from his pocket, marking down the cocoa beans and the price he paid for it. He quickly licked his thumb to help him flip through the pages, and then turned the book over to Jean.

"As you see, I have a fair bit of spices, rum and textiles for sale," he said, "you might want to consider those..." he said pointing into his book.

[Private to Jean Lefanu: The trader has marked a few contraband for your consideration next to some of the cargo he has for sale:


1 crate of Rum, 2gp, or Embargoed Goods to be smuggled into Basse Terre, 3gp
1 crate of rum, 2gp
1 crate of spices 1 gp, or Confidential documents to be delivered to a contact in Caracas, 3gp,
1 crate of spice, 1 gp
1 crate of spice, 1gp
1 crate of textiles, 3pg

You now have 13 gold]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Fri 04 Feb 2022.

Captain Lefanu raised an eyebrow at some of the man's stock. "Ah... I see you are a most enterprising fellow Monsieur. I believe I shall take two crates of your finest rum."

He looked at the trader thoughtfully. Older and with a certain respectability but definitely a glint of shrewdness in his gray-blue eyes.  "You seem a man who knows much Monsieur...?"

"Greene, Monsieur Capataine."

Jean smiled and shook his hand. "Well Monsieur Greene, I shall have to deal with you again."

Taking his leave of the merchant Jean climbed back up the ladder onto the deck and hailed his First Mate. Bernard Lavigne had been dozing against the mast - like Jean he had a busy night - but with a yawn he woke up, stretching limbs and scratching his breeches in a most undignified fashion.

"Monsieur Lavigne I intend to explore the town. I assume you can keep the men out of trouble for a couple of hours?"

The First Mate grinned, exposing those yellow incisors of his. "Oui mon capitaine."

If past form was any indication Lavigne was probably already planning the first of the dice games he thought Captain Lefanu didn't know about. Captain Lefanu very much did know but as long as no one lost enough money it became a problem he preteded he didn't. Asking a sailor not to gamble was like asking a weevil not to burrow into a ship's biscuit.

Strolling into the port with the early morning light Jean went in search of men (and women) with special talents.

An hour later and Captain Jean Lefanu was back. He had not found exactly what he wanted but Bridgetown had other resources worth investigating.

As he strode up the gangplank onto the deck of the Enchantresse it was easy to see who had won and lost at the First Mate's 'secret' dice games. Lambert and Old Henri were glaring daggers at Bernard Lavigne and Young Henri, both of whom had the lack of refinement to be smug about their victories. Well so long as they didn't try to bludgeon each other over the head while they slept (and Jean trusted his sailors more than that) they'd have a chance to win it back - the First Mate never could resist a roll of the bones even when his purse was full.

Captain Lefanu fetched Monsieur Lavigne and Monsieur Armel the carpenter and strode over to a trader by the shipwrights specialising in armaments for the careful (or paranoid) mariner.

"L'Enchantresse is the fastest and fairest vessel in these waters gentlemen, but speed can only do so much. What we need are some arms to help us in close quarters."

Eventually he settled on a heavy iron grappling hook with a strong hemp rope thick as a man's arm and a barrel of grapeshot.

"Rien de plus dangereux mon capitaine?" said Monsieur Lavigne, his thick and wild eyebrows raising in surprise. "What if we have to sink an enemy ship?"

"Then something will have gone badly wrong," Captain Lefanu replied, lightly drumming his fingers on the seal keg of grapeshot. "If we face a galleon bent on our destruction we rely on escape and our ship's speed not turn it into a duel of cannons we can't win. If we chose the fight or it is forced upon us we board and try and take their ship with sword and pistol."

Bernard nodded and started directing the Monsieur Armel's assistants; no one touched the Enchanteresse without him watching them like a hawk, and making sure it was done just so. Gambler he might have been, Lavigne didn't take chances when it came to the ship.

An hour or so later, Mr. Armel came by with an invoice, which Lavigne verified and initialled, then passed on to the invoice to the ship's purser. The older man, lifted his spectacles as he read the items and their cost, then annotated his records and provided Monsieur Armel with the owed amount of coin. "Nice doing business with you, Capatin," Armel said as he and his aids disembarked, "and safe travels."

As the day wore on a Bridgetown bustled into life Jean Lefanu returned to his cabin aboard the Enchantresse. The First and Second Mates found themselves summoned to see their captain.

"Ah Monsieur Lavigne. Monsieur MacGann, I have been pleased with the crew's performance so far and have decided to allow them a night on the town to relax before we sale tomorrow." Jean elegantly pushed a velvet purse across his desk to the two men. It clinked lightly as it moved, full as it was of coins stamped with the regal profile of le Roi Soleil.

"I assume you can find taverns for the men and las maison de tolérance for the men after more than just drink. Let them have a good a time so long as they don't get out of hand; if any sailor mine gets in trouble before the magistrate they can swim back to Basse Terre because the Enchantresse leaves with the tide in the morning."

Leaning back in his chair Jean surveyed the tall, dirty looking Frenchman and the wiry, fiery haired Scot that were his senior officers. Good men both for all their flaws and part of Jean Lefanu would have liked nothing better to join them. Alas, a gentleman captain had to keep a certain distance from his crew and more to the point his purse did not stretch to the more sophisticated tastes of a man like Captain Lefanu.

"Oui monsieur," Bernard Lavigne replied as Ian MacGann picked up the purse of gold. The First Mate grinned exposing those big yellow teeth and looking more brutish than ever. Aye, but a likeable brute for all that.

---

After the two left Jean Lefanu stretched and leaned back on his chair. He had intended to spend the evening reading - on a boat where the number of men who could read could be counted on a clumsy butcher's hand the Captain boasted an unfathomably large library of half a dozen books. Jean's favoured author was the great Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac but he must have been more exhausted than he knew for only a few chapters in he dosed off and was only awoken in the early hours by a knock on his cabin door.

Lavigne and MacGann sidled inside. Even in the grey morning light filtering through the cabin's rear windows Jean could see Monsieur McGann sported an impressive black eye and bloody nose. Both men looked sheepish.

"What happened?" the captain asked after a moment. "Did you get into a fight with the English and should I expect the magistrate and his guards to be hammering on the door?"

"Ne t’inquiète pas capitaine," Bernard said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. The big man's tone and expression were apologetic but there was a hint of amusement there. "No one wanted trouble so no one said a thing."

"Aye I gave the cur a hiding he won't be forgetting," said MacGann pugnaciously. "Second Mate on Maid of Hexham if you please!"

Captain Lefanu rose from his chair, expression darkening. His Scottish Second Mate was a good sailor but his dislike of the English was proverbial. "You got into a fight with an English sailor Monsieur MacGann?"

"Ach no! A Scot, even if he was from MacDee Clan," MacGann said. Captain Lefanu looked at his Second Mate in fascination. He'd pronounced 'McDee' with far greater hatred than Jean had ever heard him say 'Sassanach'.

"Different Scottish Clans hate each other," Bernard Lavigne explained.

"I'm beginning to understand," Jean said thinking of his own half-brother. No more bitter blood than between family! "You and this MacDee fought and since he's not going to embarrass himself going to the magistrate because he lost you're safe?"

"Aye captain."

Having been forced to flee France himself over an ill-tempered duel Jean could hardly be too angry about that. Still a warning was needed. "Well don't do it again Monsieur MacGann or you will be the one who earns a hiding as you put it. You might have won but I see he left you with a few memories."

Lavigine gave a husky laugh: "Oh no, no monsieur! The black eye and the bloody nose came from the doxy MacGann and McDee were fighting over. After MacGann beat up McDee the local girl punched MacGann hard in the face and knocked him cold. She had taken a liking to MacDee it seems."

MacGann glared at the First Mate but didn't say a word.

With a heroic effort Captain Lefanu managed to keep himself from laughing. Instead with a stern expression and tone he said: "I see. It seems you have learned your lesson Monsieur MacGann so I won't discipline you this time. I would also advise you Monsieur Lavigne not to mention this story to the rest of the men. We have order to keep aboard this ship. Now attend to your duties; I want to set sail later this morning."

Only after the two had sheepishly departed did Jean allow himself a proper laugh. The mental image of the hot headed, expert brawler Ian MacGann knocked cold by a punch from a common harlot was one he'd think of for a long time to come...

Soon the ship's bell was rung to announce the forenoon watch with the quaint four double dings that Lefanu had long associated with the passage of time on a ship. The bosuns would have prepped the galley stove during the middle watch so that the cook and galley staff could get up during the morning watch (which started at the ungodly hour of four in the morning), so that breakfast could be served and ready by six and eight in the morning. Like it or not, the crew needed feeding and as one part of the crew was busy working, the rest of the crew were roused around 6 am so that they could break their fast and replace the watch with a full stomach.

The early hours were always a busy time on a ship, but the crew seemed happy when the Captain exited his cabin to survey the day. Wafts of sea air brought the fresh scent of coffee, pancakes, and bacon.

Sunday January 25th, Year of our Lord, 1671 — Bridgetown

There is a fine salt tang to the air and the seas look fair. As we ride at anchor in Bridgetown's harbour I find myself changing my mind half a dozen times. Our hold is full of fine rum for the Governor's table and I confess the thought of attending Mardi Gras appeals to me, as does the gold I suspect I would gain.

Yet, the ghost of the captured Spanish galleon Esmeralda winks at me from the horizon. A hard fight there but a prize worth winning and Spanish favour... or a Spanish ship! Will she still be afloat next week? The week after?

Time is passing and I must make a decision. Where to turn L'Enchantresse's prow?

---

Having written his log and eaten his own breakfast Captain Lefanu left his cabin, exquisitely dressed as always, to enjoy the open air and be seen out and about by his crew. Coffee, bacon, pancakes and a ship of his own? What more ask to wake up to?

As they worked on the mainsail a few of the crew were singing shanties. They had all the talent for song of the average donkey but their Captain couldn't fault their enthusiasm and listened to them sing on for a moment.

After breakfast and a quick Roman Catholic religious service on deck - it was after all Sunday - Jean made one last inspection of the vessel, exchanging brief words with the crew. He was pleased to see morale was good and even Monsieur MacGann's black eye was not quite so awful looking in full daylight.

With one last wistful look to the South-West he turned to Bernard Lavignine. "Let us set sail. We're bound due West Monsieur Lavigne and on to Petite Goave," he smiled. "We have a party to attend."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

"Oui, mon capitaine," Bernard said as he motioned for the crew to set sail.

OOC: the rumour is yours to investitage, it will not go away without you deciding it would leave. Since you finished your port call and had an extra action, I imagine you don't mind finishing in the sea just outside of Bridgetown?

Satisfied Jean glanced back at Bridgedown, well lit in the rose and gold of an early morning and watched as the houses and ships masts of the English port began to recede from the Enchantresse. A pleasant enough place, and he was glad of the wily trader he had met - there was a useful fellow!

---

OOC: Ah, okay thanks. And yes finishing in the sea just outside Bridgetown is fine! :)

Ooc: I will need a scouting roll from you dear sir. :D

OOC:
00:05, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,2.  Scouting.

Sorry, I meant to make that a secret roll but forgot to tick the box!

No worries, I don’t have everything I need to make the update I wanted, but I will need that roll for it.

Monday, February 9th, year of our Lord 1671 -- Seas Near Bridgetown

The Enchanteresse glides through the Bridgetown's waters during the early morning, the skies are clear, Bridgetown Port safely behind them. Monsieur Lavigne is at the helm, double checking the ship's heading. "Mon Capitaine, sailing due West with your permission."

"Excellent Monsieur Lavigne. Hold us steady west past our home port and for the open sea. We make straight for Petite Goave."

Jean was feeling pensive. Earlier he had overheard the carpenter's mate gossiping like a fishwife to the cook. Apparently tavern rumours had it someone was planning to raid Havana soon and there could be war... Tricky times!

Jean had never sailed under Spanish colours but he had heard they paid well. Tempting... Very tempting.

He watched the foam on the green sea as his sloop glided through the waves.

The Enchanteresse glides into the early morning seas, raising Martinique and capturing the glimpse of a sail in the distance, rounding Martinique's southern most tip. There's a murmur that crosses the crew, reaching Monsieur Lavigne who looks slightly concerned. "Mon Capitaine," he said, "Galleon sighted. She's not flying anyone's colours..."

[Private to Jean Lefanu: OOC: the result of your Scouting roll; you've raised the Empress of the Waves. Will let you RP next steps.]

In reply to Davy Jones (msg # 34):

[Private to Jean Lefanu: FYI -

The Empress of the Waves doesn't change directions, but hoists the French ensign and lowers it again. Are you familiar with the term dipping the ensign?]

"Mon Dieu..." Captain Jean Lefanu said under his breath as the call came out exactly who they must be facing. "There are only two galleons I know of not under colours Monsieur Lavigne and that isn't the Esmeralda. That is an English ship or it was. The Empress of the Waves. The pirate Joseph Bruce Nicholson."

For a long moment he simply watched the other ship, then said coolly. "Monsieur Lavigne dip our flag in return but keep our current course west. Monsieur MacGann check the cannon just in case they change their mind and steer our way."

What was the English pirate planning?

[Private to Davy Jones: I looked it up! ;)]

One of the deckhands ran towards the ship's ensign, and swiftly lowered and raised her again, as ordered. The tension across the crew was palpable as the Galleon loomed menacingly westward. Lefanu knew that he had been spotted, there was no reason for the Nicholson to dip his ensign -- a French ensign no less -- if he hadn't seen the Enchanteresse's own nationality; add to that that the ship hadn't changed course, and had no plans to from what he could see in his spy glass.

Next to Nicholson, a young woman in breaches and tricorn hat beamed as she noticed the Enchanteresse returning their salute. Nicholson's crew, however, remained calm and at the ready, that is until Lefanu noticed a member of his crew -- presumably his first mate -- who until then had been spying the Enchanteresse through his own spyglass, announced that Lefanu was watching. Nicholson responded with respectful nod of his head as his ship passed by a safe distance away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:03, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

Captain Lefanu tipped his feathered hat to the extraordinary couple he had seen through his spyglass. The woman especially (English Officer's sister surely?) cut a striking figure.

"Steady as she goes Monsieur Lavigne," he said to his First Mate. "They aren't coming after us - and we are certainly not going after them, a purse of gold for Nicholson's head or no!"

The French captain could only count his blessings. Though he had faith in his crew and he'd bet anything on the Enchantresse's speed and maneuverability the English pirates heavily outgunned and outnumbered his gallant sloop. No, let the Royal Navy deal with a leviathan like that!

After watching the Empress of the Waves head away Jean walked back across the deck to take a turn at the wheel himself. Time to press on!

Lavigne seemed as relieved as the rest of the crew and he kept a careful watch on the Empress until her sails were out of sight. "If all goes well," he finally said, "I believe we'll raise Petite Goave by morning, just in time for Mardi Gras, God willing. Do you think our encounter with Nicholson bodes ill, sir?"

Jean looked thoughtful, considering his reply. "Perhaps, but not in the way I expected. Nicholson choose not attack us, either because he thought we'd put up too much of a fight or because he didn't want a French bounty on his head. The fact that he's here though makes me think that the waters are going to become crowded with warships very soon - and then where will we be?"

He looked thoughtful. "There is still a prize on that Anglais, Monsieur Kidd. He may be an easier target for the Enchantresse. Or of course there is the Esmeralda out there somewhere. I'll consider our options once we reach Petite Goave." A smile played on his face, some of the tension leaving it. "Ah just think of it Monsieur Lavigne! A properly French celebration."

“I’m sure you’ll be the talk of the celebrations, mon capitaine,” said Lavigne. “You already dress the part, and I believe Monsieur le Marquis will be very pleased with the rum you will bring. You’ll have his ear in no time..! And we’ll be toasting to your health while you’re away.” At that point he noticed the sails weren’t taking the wind properly, so ordered the crewmen to pull on the main sail to ensure it was’t fagging in the wind.

Captain Lefanu smiled slightly at the compliment, though only said a brisk "keep her steady Monsieur Lavigne". Confidently leaving the First Mate to see to the rigging he retired to cool darkness of the cabin to update the ship's log.

---

Monday, February 9th, year of our Lord 1671 -- Seas Near Bridgetown

L'Enchantresse remains in open waters, plying her way towards Petit Goave. Today we had a memorable sighting of the Empress of the Waves and her infamous captain. Our vessels passed each other in the distance and raised a salute atop our masts.

I confess my surprise. I thought when we saw that great galleon we were done for unless we could escape on a lucky wind. Yet Nicholson chose not to attack. I can't help but wonder how he will act should we cross paths on the seas again? Mon Dieu let me not find out too soon!

On to Petit Goave, though as much I am looking forward to the celebrations and a purse of gold I hunger for news even more. Is war coming?

The Enchanteresse makes fine time, soon passing and leaving Basse Terre in its wake.

By noon you feel the ship change headings, presumably the ship had reached the seas near Petite Goave. Though you knew that it is too early to see land yet so far south of the Haitian coast, unfortunately the crew spotted something else which is causing a commotion on deck. Curious, you make your way to assess the situation personally...

From the chatter between the crew, they had sighted sails, but you quickly find Lavigne with his spy glass at his eyes.


OOC: Scouting roll again, please. :D

OOC: 03:22, Today: Secret Roll: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 2,4.  Scouting

Uh oh...

If it's any consolation, I don't think it truly matters at present. The crew noticed a French frigate intercept another vessel, but they are now out of site. Your last move technically brings you within Petit Goave waters, but you lack the extra action to get into port, and not knowing where the French have headed, you cannot interfere for good or ill in the outcome.

So, unless you are spotted yourself... you should be ok to sail on your first turn. If two players make it to port roughly at the same time, I'm going to have to get creative... so expect a good natured race to the finish.

Jean lowers the spyglass slowly.

"We are too far off Monsieur Lavigne. Whatever is going on over there is in their hands - and God's. Keep a steady course for Petit Goave."

Though he tries to conceal any worries as strides across the deck Captain Lefanu had a suspicion he and the Enchantresse had been bystanders to something significant...

---

OOC: Well that sounds terribly reassuring! :)

Tuesday, February 10th, year of our Lord 1671 - Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Ball - link to a message in this game

[Private to Jean Lefanu: Just figuring out what Kitty's next move will be, and if we'll need you to race.

Available for purchase in Petit Goave


1 crate cocoa beans, 3gp
1 crate rum, 2gp
1 crate rum, 2gp
1 crate tobacco, 3gp
1 crate bananas, 2gp or stolen jewelery to be smuggled to Trinidad
1 crate bananas

Long guns available as ship mods, allows to shoot before sea combat starts]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

>The Enchantresse cut across the blue waters towards the port of Petite Goave, her white buildings set against rising green hills. Even as Captain Lefanu was dreaming of a successful voyage and the celebrations to come with those crates of rum he realised there was a commotion amongst the crew on deck.

They had spotted a familiar sail.

Looking through his spyglass Jean hissed in disbelief. The Merry Widow! From the trim of her sails it was clear she was making all speed for Petite Goave, which almost certainly meant she too had a hold full of rum for Mardi Gras.

"Monsieur Lavinge, Monsieur MacGann all hands on deck and work the sails - I don't want to be beaten by a flute!"

"Oui Mon Capitaine!"

Jean took the wheel himself, trying to steer the sloop to catch the wind, but there was no disguising the intent of the 'enemy', nor what Jean was forced to concede their skillful seamanship. As he watched the flute grew closer, her sails billowing in the favourable winds.

He was looking at the Merry Widow through his spyglass and saw a red-yellow flash and explosion of grey smoke moments before he heard the whistle of shot through the air. Seconds later and some of the chain shot actually struck the Enchantresse's main sail, tearing holes the size of apples in the white cloth.

Captain Lefanu had once known a bearded sailor of Flanders named Haddoque who could electrify the air with his creative swearing. Lefanu was not in that league but he still muttered a few ungentlemanly words beneath his breath before uttering orders to his crew to work the sails.

The strange 'duel' in which neither ship wanted to wound the other too much continued. A little shot was exchanged, always at the sails but there was far more in the way of threats and jeers as the hard worked crews tried their best to steal the wind from the opposition. Finally a last lucky shot from the Enchantresse's starboard cannon struck the Merry Widow's foresail and the flute began to slip behind.

As the sloop raced towards Petite Goave harbour and the crew cheered Captain Lefanu stood at the stern and raised his plumed hat towards the opposition. "A superb try Madame," he said and added too quietly for the crew to overhear: "and far too close a run for my liking!"

---

Pulling into harbour Captain Lefanu all but jumped off his ship in a race to find the  Governor's man and hand over the rum!

“Oh! What is this!? Ohhhh…. Very very good indeed, monsieur! Son excellence will be very happy indeed,” said the older man in a peruque and coat tails, “well, the sommelier will certainly breathe easier at the very least!” The gentleman took down Lefanu’s information, provided him with fifteen Louis d’or and a formal invitation to the festivities.


[Private to Jean Lefanu: Ooc, have given you 1xp, 15gp, and need to pick a benefit/rumours for you to investigate. I will be able to do this likely tomorrow, or Monday.]

"Thank you Monsieur, it is a pleasure doing business with you."

Jean  happily accepted the gold and the invitation and ordered Monsieur Lavigne to oversee unloading, then retired to his cabin to bathe, shave and chose a suitable outfit for the ball.

Just a note that you have 1 more action after your port action before I forget.

OOC: Jean will see about getting those long guns fitted.

The shipwright nodded, and signalled his aids to install the long guns on the Enchanteresse. "Bien sur, monsieur! Êtes-vous certain? It will be difficult to retrofit another ship with them as they will be fitted for this ship. I do know someone in Saint John that might be able to transfer the long guns to another vessel though, so not all is lost."

I will deduct 3 gold for the modification if you're still interested.

OOC: everything else alright?

"Ah... well, thank you for telling me," Captain Lefanu said. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Still I am pirate hunting so I need every advantage; fit those guns on L'Enchantresse Monsieur."

---

Jean had returned to his ship with a face like thunder after his humiliation at the ball. With most of the crew themselves enjoying festivities with the locals the Captain merely gave a clipped nod at the night watch (very surprised to see him back so early) and retreated to his cabin to sulk and eventually sleep off the brandy.

They'd weigh anchor in the morning.

You soon get word from Lavigne that the guns have been installed, and that he saw no point in staying at Petit Goave. "Do you wish to leave now, monsieur? We could use the time to get ahead of the competition while everyone is busy drinking and dancing."

Before you can answer, the officer of the watch reports that a messenger has come from the Governor's mansion. He hands Lavigne a note, who hands it over politely to you:

Letter from the Marquis des Marais
Capitaine,
Please accept my sincerest thanks for your help in making my
Mardi Gras festivities a success. My guests spoke very highly
of the vintage you brought us, and it pleases me to no end
when my guests enjoy themselves.
I was somewhat perplexed at your hasty departure, so I hope
that this finds you before you set sail. I can only imagine
that duty has come knocking for you to us leave so hastily. I
have attached a small letter to allow you safe 'diplomatic'
passage under my seal, which I hope will save you any trouble
with any military commander in the Caribbean.
As always: fair winds.
Veuillez accepter, monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments
les meilleurs,
Claude Henri Louis Clément des Marais

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Fri 04 Mar 2022.

"Très bon Monsieur Lavigne." Jean said, gazing sadly at the distant mansion from which the faint sounds of music and laughter carried through the evening air. With a sigh he turned back to the Mardi Gras celebrations and addressed his first mate. "Ready to raise sail. We make for Trinidad."

At that moment the messenger arrived with the letter. Taking it, and giving the man a polite "merci Monsieur" in return Captain Lefanu scanned the contents, nodded to himself, slipped the letter into the pocket of his coat then returned to his cabin to begin charting a course across open seas to Trinidad.

Wednesday, February 11th, year of our Lord 1671 - Ash Wednesday

The Enchanteresse sets sail, leaving the rich French aristocratic elite's music and laughter behind her as she journeyed into a dark Caribbean seas with only the stars to guide her, for indeed even the moon had almost disappeared, leaving but a sliver of silver in the night sky as thin as a rounded sail.

"Ever notice that the moon is nearly always dark le mercredi des cendres, mon capitaine?" asked Lavigne as he breathed in the cool night air. He was transfixed before the sea of stars above them as the crew of the 1st watch were replaced by the middle watch crew. Sensing his captain's mood and hoping to tease some information out of him, Lavigne continued: "I shall be giving up grog durant le carême, what about you?"

"Qui Monsieur Lavigne," Jean agreed. He didn't quite smile but he nodded. "I shall set aside my wines and brandies before Easter. It is good for the soul - and the head!"

Jean glanced up at the blanket of stars overhead, sparkling like the diamonds in La Marquise des Marais's earrings. The cool air was working it's magic, peeling away at the fumes of too much drink and the heat of embarrassment that clung to him like kelp to an anchor. He regretted not trying to laugh it off and danced with the governor's wife, for she was lovely indeed... but it was passed now, and he tried to turn his thoughts to other things.

Unfortunately 'other things' seemed to be the lovely Madam Chatelain, who danced through his mind unbidden. Between them the two beauties, one fair and French the other dark and English seemed have colonised the inside of his head, leaving very little room for intelligent thought.

Captain Lefanu shook his head, trying to clear it and lightly tapped his foot on the deck of the Enchantresse. This was the only lady he should be thinking about for the moment, keeping her in fighting trim in the hunt for the Esmeralda.

Lefanu knew well enough that if Lavigne was sacrificing his grog, that perhaps he wasn't sacrificing other spirits. As if on cue, the first mate frowned at the list of drinks that Lefanu would be abandoning, so he quickly changed the subject: "I think it's a good thing we left when we did, I think that woman's new ship could spell trouble for us indeed... for all we know she's hunting us now..."  he glanced warily back at Petite Goave's lights in the distance. It would take a look-out quite a good eye to notice a sail in this darkness.

Captain Lefanu looked at his first mate, his expression startled. "New ship? Madam Chatelain has departed the Merry Widow?"

"Ehh.. oui monsieur," Lavigne said looking rattled. "I'm told she squeezed nearly every penny she had, including the Widow in order to do it. Friend of mine at the docks said as much."

"Sacre Bleu...," Captain Lefanu shook his head in disbelief. "Well another reason to avoid her I suppose. Keep a steady lookout Monsieur Lavigne, we can't take chances."

He kept watch himself for a while yet, lest a galleon's sails appear too quick on the horizon.

OOC: I know you're heading towards Trinidad, but just wondering what your course will be for the next move:

Petit Goave --> Caribbean Sea --> Caracas or Basse Terre?

OOC: Through the Caracas zone I think - I'm not quite ready to fight a pirate frigate!

Should be a quick turn then! Excellent, we'll have you finish your move in the Caracas sea zone, which means next turn Trinidad Sea Zone - Port Action (and possibly back to sea).
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:04, Wed 09 Mar 2022.

Thursday, February 12th, year of our Lord 1671

Your mate’s fears that the Sirensong might take the opportunity to hunt you down never materialised, leaving the Enchanteresse to sail all night, and arriving in the seas near Caracas near sunrise. Lavigne gently raps at your cabin door, asking for permission to continue Eastward towards Trinidad…

Thursday, February 12th, year of our Lord 1671

L'Enchantresse is making a brisk pace through blue waters as we make for fair Trinidad. Our quarry is the Esmeralda. I admit part of my soul sympathises with the rebels who took her for I have never met a slave trader who wasn't vermin. Still the Spaniards will pay a bounty for their galleon back...

---

"Aye Monsieur Lavigne keep our course for Trinadad and have the crow's nest on lookout for a sail. That galleon is out here somewgere, I can feel it in my marrow."

Captain Lefanu had deliberately avoided all talk of war and striven to remain an independent mariner but he wondered if a Spanish port would welcome a French flagged ship for much longer. Returning the Esmeralda would perhaps keep his options open...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

“Oui monsieur,” said Lavigne, noting the Captain’s worried brow. “If it helps, Captitaine, I don’t think the slaves will put up much of a fight. The Enchanteresse is far more nimble, even if she can’t match her cannon wise. I know how hard a Galleon is to manoeuvre and those slaves don’t have the experience needed to keep her. ”

With that he orders the wheelman to stir a course due East, heading into Trinidad’s territorial waters.


OOC: will need a scouting check from you to see if you can spot her.

OOC: 17:08, Today: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4,2.  Scouting

Dang...

Investigating rumours, sometimes leads to disappointment. As the men scout ahead for any signs of a Slave Galleon acting weirdly; be it trouble sailing, or the signs of a rowdy, undisciplined crew, it soon becomes evident that the Slaver might not have been in distressed as previously rumoured.

“Mon Capitaine,” said Lavigne after the sun passes its highest point in the sky, “perhaps it would be best to land in Trinidad?”

"Qui, make for port Monsieur," Captain Lefanu says, smarting from his failure and trying to hide it. At least they might learn more this way.

Empty handed, the Enchanteresse makes landfall in Trinidad where the smell of tobacco and rum waft through the port amidst the spicy creole foods cooking during the noon hour. Lefanu had half expected to see a Spanish frigate in port, but no such warship was docked or anchored at the harbour. Perhaps it was called away north, called in to fight the pirates in the area, or to investigate the rumours that Nicholson had indeed tied his lot with the French. If war was coming, Lefanu couldn’t tell how or why it would start in Trinidad.

Several merchants were peddling their wares near the busy dockyard. “Tobacco! Get your tobacco! 1 gold piece a crate, best tobacco in the Caribbean!” Cried one such merchant, a rotund, red-faced man.

Lefanu is about to approach the merchant when a Spanish official comes running down the docks, “Praise the lord, señor! I have need of a swift vessel to bring tidings to Havana...”



OOC:

1 gp for a crate of Tobacco Or 3gp Embargoed goods for Nassau
3gp for a barrel of Rum Or 3 gp Weapons for St. Maartens
3gp for a crate of Bananas Or 3gp to bring a family of Ductch Fugitives back to St. Maartens
1 gp for a crate of Tobacco
3gp for a crate of Textiles
1 gp for a crate of Tobacco



"Drums of War"
Earn: 15gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty & Influence Check
Location: Trinidad

Enemies of Spain are plotting an attack on
Havana. Claim this mission and inform the
governor of Havana by taking a port action
there. This completes the mission. Spain
immediately goes to war with a random nation.

Jean looked at the letter and it's bearer unhappily, suspecting the doom they brought. "Alas Monsieur I have other business in these waters abd shall not be sailining west soon."

The official seemed perplexed, then panicked. "But señor, I just drafted a report of the upmost importance. A Spanish Merchant was just raided north of here, and it witnessed the destruction of the Esparenza! The French just sank Admiral Valasco's ship!" He suddenly looked at Lefanu, realizing that he was also French, and his panic turned into something more sinister. "You are one of them! ¡This is war tú Francés cerdo!"

The official stormed off, bellicose and angry, but powerless at present.

Appalled, Captain Lefanu sat down heavily on a crate. It was worse than he feared! The gallant Valasco dead at French hands!

For a long moment he sat sadly watching the ebb and flow of the docks, the ships coming and going. Then he got up, dusted off his coat and headed back to his ship.

"Prepare to cast off soon Monsieur Lavigne. It seems war is coming very soon... there is nothing more we can do here."

Before he did give the orxdr to set sail Jean did buy a crate of rum... And discretely meet with the Van Dyke family in the backroom one of the dockfront taverns. There with their conversations drowned out by the rattle of dice, the clatter of mugs andvthe shanties of sailors he could negotiate in peace with the Dutch patriarch.

"I admit I dread this coming war Monsieur Van Dyke," he told the husband. "And I do not hate the Spanish... nevertheless I have sympathy with the plight of yourself, your wife and daughters. I shall smuggle you to St Maartens, if not in comfort than at least in speed."

As he offered his hand to Van Dyke Jean smiled ruefully. He could scarcely imagine the look on his old late mentor's face. Aiding the hated Dutch indeed! Still there was money to be made and it felt rather more romantic than chasing down ex-slaves...

The startling prettiness of Van Dyke's eldest daughter had also struck him, though Captain Lefanu, recalling his embarrassment at Mardi Gras and his Lenten vow resolved to play the perfect gentleman.

OOC: Just of note, that Contraband don't use up your cargo holds per say. You can have your holds full, and have equal amount of contraband +1. This might be especially important given your lack of holds for now.

In your case, you can have 2 holds full, 3 contraband.

Did you want to obtain another rumour?


Missions and Rumours are a quick way to get XP, selling contraband gives you .5XP per contraband.

While we're on the subject: NPC Captains will likely scout for you the minute you have contraband, Pirates will likely scout for you if you have gold or cargo aboard.

I forgot to mention that Trinidad's shiprights can fit out the Enchanteresse with an extra hold for 3gp

OOC: Ah in that case I'll take a crate of textiles to go with the rum.

I will search for a rumour (at the same tavern Jean clandestinely met with the Dutch refugee family), but won't take on a new hold just yet - I want to save some gold and in-character Jean wants to leave port quickly!

Ok, soooo:

You start with 15 gp
- 3gp for gold (12 gp)
- 3gp for Textiles (9gp)
- 3gp for food to keep a family of fugitives on board (6gp)
- 3gp for two rumours (3gp)

---

"Thank you so much Captain, my family and I appreciate your discretion," the head of the Van Dyke family said. He was a tall man with wisps of greying hair that flopped over his ears and over his bushy eyebrows which accentuated the clearest blue eyes you have ever seen. Van Dyke shook Lefanu's hand, then turned to follow a bosun as he escorted his family below deck.

Van Dyke hesitated a fraction longer: "It might be of interest to you that there's very likely an illegal distillery very near Trinidad." He shrugged, and explained that one heard things when hiding from the authorities, and wishing to be of service to someone who had gone out of their way to help him.

"Now that is very interesting," said Lavigne. "Far more interesting than the rumour I heard about a shipwrecked frigate that might be salvageable near bridgetown."

---

Illicit Distillery

You have heard that a rum distillery is
working out of a small cove near Trinidad.

Requires: Scouting Action in Trinidad SZ
Sea Zone

If successful, you find the secret operation. Either:

A) Inform the local authorities for 10gp; or,
B) Make a deal with the distillery operators,
   From Now on, when you buy at least 1 "sugar" or "rum"
   in Trinidad, get your choice of 1 rum or sugar for free.




The White Lady

Years ago a Frigate called the White Lady
struck a reef near Bridgetown.

Requires: Scouting action in Bridgetown SZ

If successful, you find and may claim the Frigate.

All locations are destroyed, except for the hull
which has received 2 points of damage. You may bring
"crew" from your current ship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Wed 16 Mar 2022.

Captain Lefanu looked intrigued by both these rumours. Thoughtfully he poured a portion of brandy for Van Dyke (who was after all his guest) while keeping water for himself.

"C’est très intéressant gentlemen. Unfortunately with war looming I doubt we can guarantee a return to Trinadad in the near future. Therefore I'll find this distllery straight away and inform the Spanish, then make for St Maartens. Thank you Monsieur Van Dyke."

He turned to his first mate. "I won't forget the White Lady however Monsieur Lavigne. We'll search for her after our voyage to St Maartens."

"Bah," said Van Dyke as he took the brandy, raising his glass towards Lefanu in thanks. "The great nations are always vying for control in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the world. The papers are always quick to mention war because it sells, but the wars are usually short lived. I think I've lived through 6 wars within two years..!" He laughed and swallowed his brandy.

"I think Master Van Dyke is right, Captain," said Lavigne at the mention of the White Lady, "we'd end up saving very little money in salvaging a wreck. We'd have to repair the ship from top to bottom. We'd end up paying 26gp for a ship we could buy for 30gp in Curaçao, but free rum..? We could take advantage of the rum demand in Basse Terre. What's 10gold, when you could make a clean 6 gold on one barrel?"

Despite his troubles Jean couldn't help but laugh at that. "I never knew a gruff Breton seadog and a Dutch merchant would make such a negoting team! Very well gentlemen you have convinced me - we'll strike a deal with the rum distillers."

Friday, February 13th, year of our Lord 1671

"In that case, sir... I will have the crew cast off immediately," Lavigne said as he got off the chaise, leaving you and Mr. Van Dyke in your stateroom.

I will need a scouting roll from you.

OOC:

16:32, Today: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 2,4.  Scouting.

Oof... :(

I'll give it to you anyway.

OOC: Much appreciated! :)

As Lavigne went to rouse the crew into action Captain Lefanu played a hand of cards and swapped stories with Van Dyke. He'd taken a liking to the canny Dutch merchant and it was refreshing as it was rare to speak to another educated gentleman.

Van Dyke's plump and matronly wife and michevious younger daughter Juliana seemed very pleasant people too, though Jean's conversation with them had been limited. Van Dyke's strikingly pretty eighteen year old daughter Christina on the other hand tended to draw one's attention and Jean suspected several of the crew were already half in love with the girl - the captain included!

Room had been found to give the Van Dyke's a little privacy on the voyage. Not much room alas but what the Enchantresse lacked in size she made up for in speed.

---

It was not a cove Captain Lefanu would have looked at twice had Van Dyke not made him aware of it - a guano stained rocky entrance to a surprisingly sandy hidden bay and a row of crude buildings. The inhabitants scattered at the approach of the Enchantresse's ship's boat but once it became clear that Jean and his crew were neither marauders nor (worse!) Spanish authorities negotiations could begin to make a deal for this excellent rum.

OOC: Created an NPC for you called Gomez (for when you're in Trinidad).

Women and children fled, leaving a dark-haired hispanic man in his mid-30s behind. The man quickly reached for a long iron rod, ready to defend himself and his family. "Do not come any further, señor...!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

Jean Lefanu held up his hands in a gesture of peace - both to convince the rumrunner and his own crew not to anything stupid with a cutlass or flintlick pistol.

"Peace Monsieur, peace! I am not your enemy but simply a merchant and mariner looking to do business. I am told by a friend that ypu and your family make the finest rum in the West Indies."

Gomez relaxed a little, "You are here to barter, when you could easily report me to the officials in Trinidad for gold? Now that you have found me, others will too. I cannot stay here." The man looked tired suddenly, the smells of spices and wood smoke reaching you as the wind turned. "How did you find us? The fire?"

For a moment Jean considered mentioning Van Dyke on the off chance it would relax the distiller.

No, mon ami Monsieur Van Dyke is in trouble enough already. I won't risk his life or his family further. Besides it would be gauche to drop names!

The French captain smiled reassuringly and gave an elegant bow. "Do not worry I have my sources and you are safe from the authorities. indeed I rather think they will be preoccupied for some time by more serious matters!"

Jean turned and gestured at the sleek dark blue shadow of the sloop just visible beyond the cove, her white furled and the tiny black dots of the crew moving on deck.

"I am Captain Lefanu of L'Enchantresse Monsieur, and as I have said I am interested in your rum. Perhaps not yet - my holds are full - but the next time I am Trinadad. Unless you plan to drink it all yourself?" Jean joked.

Gomez seemed to relax when it was obvious you would keep his location secret. "My family and I thank you for keeping this out of the authorities ears, capitan," Gomez said, his hands pressed together in gratitude. "If ever you come to Trinidad, you can find me at the port. I will discount you an entire barrel of rum for as long as I am in business. I will try... to... be more careful so that I cannot be seen from the seas."

[Private to Jean Lefanu: You also get another benefit for getting 1XP


SKILLED SCOUTING

You may use this after failing a Scouting
Roll, you automatically get 1 success.

Usable only once.

]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:29, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Jean smiled in gratitude of his own. "Merci Monsieur, that is a splendid offer. Rest assured your rum will soon be enjoyed throughout the West Indies. I would also advise you not to worry too much about being spotted. A pirate has sunk the Esperanza and there is talk of war. However excellent your rum sir I think they will be a little too busy to bother you!"

Turning Jean gave a hand signal to his Second Mate, the wiry red haired Scotsman MacGann, beckoning him forward across the white sands. McGann was glowery but then that was his habitual expression and he carried a bottle in his hand which he handed to Jean who in turn handed it to Gomez.

"A bottle of port straight from Portugal Monsieur," Captain Lefanu said. "A gift to you and your family to show goodwill and my intention to return. I had intended to drink it to celebrate something but... ah that is no longer possible so I wish you to have it."

It was true enough. Captain Lefanu had promised himself the port after taking the Esmeralda but with that prospect vanished better to use it here.

Friday, February 13th, year of our Lord 1671

Gomez puts his hands together in what you take to be a thankful gesture, “Thank you señor. You are too kind.” He takes the offered bottle and waves happily as you return to your ship and set sail.

Very satisfied Jean bid adieu to Gomez and had the ship's boat rowed back across to the waiting Enchantresse.

Later he had dinner with his guests in his cabin. Truth be told the 'stateroom' of the sloop was a trifle crowded with five but it was as always clean and tasteful, all the maps and charts and books carefully tidied away to allow Monsieur Van Dyke, his wife, their daughters Christina and Juliana and of course the Captain himself to dine.

The food was relatively fresh having just been bought in Trinidad and the conversation was erudite and pleasant, even if Jean had to make an effort not to stare too long at the eighteen year old Christine with auburn hair, intelligent blue eyes, a ready smile and delightful face.

"With poor Valasco dead there are probably no Spanish ships who'll stop us," Captain Lefanu told his guests as everyone enjoyed their roast lamb. "That leaves French and Dutch captains before we reach Saint Maartens which is our next port of call. Don't worry though Monsieur and Madam, the Enchantresse can outrun most ships in these waters."

He raised his mug (of water; the other adults had brandy and the daughters milk) in toast: "To a safe voyage."

By way of Bridgeport or Basse Terre?

ooc: Basse Terre - a shorter sail!

Did you check the map? Just giving you a chance to make an adjustment before we set things in stone.

OOC: Ah yes, I see Captain Benjamin Hornigold might be close at hand a sloop against a frigate seems risky! The Enchantresse will make by way of Bridgeport then!

Saturday, February 14th, year of our Lord 1671

The Enchanteresse sails through the night, and the dutch family takes its leave just after the first watch. Leaving the Captain to his machinations, when a strong gale rocks the ship from it’s usual calm glide across the Caribbean. Pretty soon, Lavigne comes in confirming Lefanu’s suspicions: “La pression barométrique est tombée drastiquement, Monsieur. I’m afraid the seas will be getting uglier with every hour… At least we’re already very close to Saint Maartens,” he added under his breath, before turning back to take care of the watch.

Captain Lefanu smiles ruefully. "At least we can rest easy no other ship would be foolish enough to be out in this, no Monsieur Lavigne? Well prepare the crew for a rough sail, I'll take the wheel myself."

Lavigne exited and Jean put on his coat and hat, carefully fixing them in the mirror just so - he certainly did not want to cause a panic showing up in slovenly fashion!

To think only minutes ago his main worry had been arranging a revendous with Christine without her father observing. The blonde Dutch minx had been batting her eyes in his direction all evening... Well it was perhaps for the best. Jean had taken a real liking to Van Dyke and it seemed poor form to be nibbling his eldest daughter's ear behind his back.

It soon became evident that the gales would force Lefanu’s hands. He didn’t think he’d actually make it to St. Maartens and make it to port safely. Several options were open to him however. He could continue sailing towards port St. John where tea was in high demand, and where it was said the shipwrights were gods who could refit a new ship with your old ship’s upgrades. Or he could turn west towards Basse Terre, do a port call in his adoptive home town, or turn around immediate and sail into George Town where he narrowly escaped a head on collision with Kitty Chatelain’s ship as she dashed out of port like a banshee on the tide.

He could also maintain the cap to St Maartens, but that would involve making his own luck, and he knew how fickle God could be when anyone tempted him with a small ship in the middle of a storm.

OOC: you don’t quite have enough moves to St. Maartens, you’d fall short of port and risk damage to your ship. If you do, you can roll seamanship and pray for two successes. :D

After driving himself to distraction studying the charts in an effort to divine a safe route Jean surrendered to inevitable. He summoned Monsieur Van Dyke to his cabin and poured the Dutchman a glass of brandy.

"I am sorry Monsieur but the sea and sky are against us and it is a foolish sailor who rolls the dice against God. We must make for a safer port until the seas are with us again."

The Captain rolled out the chart on his cramped desk, using a bottle to anchor the edges of the parchment. "Here,  Basse Terre. I'd avoided going that route before because word is the buccaneer Captain Hornigold sails those waters but even pirates can't sail storms without risks. We'll wait out the gale well there. I know the place well, even have a home there though the Enchantresse is my true home. I think we can find a market for some of our rum." Jean smiled ruefully. "I suppose at least it will give you and your family a chance to stretch your land legs."

“I’m sure the ladies will be pleased to hit the town come morning, Captain,” said Van Dyke senior as he considered the map. “I can always get some business done while I am there too. Come to think of it, a friend of mine inquired about our banking services not long before news of Valasco’s ship sinking left us stranded in Trinidad. He must have had a chance to make arrangements by now, and I can tend to him personally.”

"Très bien," Jean said, relaxing back into his chair and looking at Joost with considerable respect. For a respectable merchant and banker the man was better than most pirates at staying cool and thinking on his feet. "You are an enterprising man Monsieur!"

Shaking his head in amusement he continued. "I doubt we'll be in port more than a day or two at most but I'll send along a man if you need a bodyguard. James MacGann, my Second Mate. He's Scottish and a grumbler to the bone but he's honest as a sailor can be and a Protestant like you Dutch. I'll chaperone your ladies myself to make sure they come to no harm."

They'd need a chaperone alright. While Madam Van Dyke was simply a pleasant and plump Calvinist wife Julianna was as excitable as any twelve year old girl could be and eighteen year old Christina, though savvier than her baby sister was a true beauty who'd attract many a wandering eye. Jean expected he'd have a full afternoon ahead of him.

“Splendid! I can have a carefree business meeting while you show the girls the local textile shops..! Christina needs a new dress if we’re to show her off to proper society. Excellent!” The older man downed his brandy, and headed towards the door. “I’ll be sure to have them ready before breakfast, monsieur.”

Jean fought off a laugh. The man spoke as if they were visiting Amsterdam rather than a French colony full of rogues and n'er do wells. Still one had to admire his spirit!

"Well said mon ami, and good luck with your business meetings."

As it happened Jean Lefanu did know some of the finer tailors in Basse Terre. Besides his out multitude of hats, pantaloons and brocaded coats he had on an occasion or two purchased a dress for a lady admirer (he also knew the perfumers for the same reason.) There was a one very fine dressmaker in the town who would be sure to outfit the Van Dyke girls.

There was also the matter of the rum to deal with, as he said to Bernard Lavigne a few moments later when he stepped out on deck to take the wheel. "In a way it is a blessing in disguise; we can get more for the rum in Basse Terre than in St. Maartens."

“Tout à fait, monsieur,” said Lavigne between orders. The man had been listening to the discussions, and knew enough to change the ship’s heading and had the crew working hard to ensure they all reached Basse Terre before the storm finally hits. The Enchanteresse eventually glides into port, finally safe from the dangers that await on the seas as the gales grew stronger, and the oceans more perilous. The trick to luck, Lefanu thought, was to not tempt it overly much. It had been rotten luck that gale, but had it not blown westerly, the pirates might still be blocking the trade in the French waters.


Available for trade:


1 crate of Sugar cane, 3gp
1 crate of Bananas, 2gp
1 crate of Bananas, 2gp
1 crate of Spices, 3gp
1 crate of Lumber, 2gp
1 crate of Lumber, 2gp

No offers from the shipwrights other than armaments.

Captain Lefanu had not expected to be back 'home' so soon but there was a certain sense he got from Basse Terre. Many of the same old faces peppering the quays and the same old buildings tumbling uphill from the harbour. Old mariners swore the sea breeze itself was different in each port; Jean's nose was not normally so acute outside of telling a good wine but perhaps, just perhaps there was something to it.

While Joost Van Dyke readied his family Jean stole ashore to quickly sell his cargo of rum and buy one of sugar cane. After this business with the Van Dyke clan and St. Maartens was done the Enchantresse would be heading west for San Juan - and Captain Kidd.

Shortly after breakfast, Mr. van Dyke waved back happily as he descended the gangplank down to the docks, and headed eastwards into the town's banking district like he knew exactly what he was up to. He had the time to disappear behind the turn of the street when a gaggle of damsels made their way up the deck in their dresses with their parasols; "Ohh! Daar ben je kapitein!" said Mrs. Van Dyke with a flutter of her fan in greeting. She turned around and fussed over her two daughters whom everyone had stopped to admire. "Genoeg gezeurd, lieverds, we hebben onze manieren om aan te denken, ja?" She adjusted her eldest daughter's shawl and her youngest's hat, and motioned them forward with a wave of her fan.

Lefanu got the very distinct impression that she knew how to snap someone's fingers with it, just as much as she was at making her intentions known with it. Just then, one of the men's stares lingered a bit too long on her eldest, and he was graced with the snap of her displeasure on his arm, before he was shooshed away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Sun 24 Apr 2022.

Amused and a little disturbed by the force of that fan Jean led the trio down the gangplank of the Enchantresse. As they assembled on the quays he waved at Bernard Lavigne to signal the First Mate was in charge of the ship, then moved west along the street towards the street where the best shops clustered together like a feuding family.

The storm seemed to have mostly bypassed the town but there were still puddles everywhere in the dips between the cobbles and Juliana Van Dyke seemed to have an uncanny knack for walking straight through them. After the third such occasion Captain Lefanu began to realise this was no accident and the twelve year old was deliberately doing it to get her mother to buy her some new shoes.

Truly the ways of women were strange and cunning.

Christina on the other hand was elegance personified and mercifully she spoke French so Captain Lefanu didn't have to rely on his extremely limited Dutch or switch to Spanish (which he knew well but seemed insensitive dealing with a party of Dutch refugees fleeing Spanish authority...)

Eventually the small party arrived at a narrow but tastefully decorated building with a green painted door and a carved wooden sign bearing the legend: 'Monsieur Dreyfuss, couturier.'

"This is our first stop," Jean told the Van Dyke women, smiling at them as he reached up and  knocked on the door. "You will not find a better dressmaker west of Paris."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:02, Mon 25 Apr 2022.

Mother Van Dyke cooed at the Dreyfuss sign, and then waved her daughters into the shop with a ‘bedankt’ and a nod to you.

Pretty soon the ladies were looking at fabrics, dresses and accessories, and dear Moniseur Dreyfuss was assaulted by questions in dutch; which thankfully, he was proficient at. The couturier contended with the Mother and the daughters gracefully, even if most of the dutch was lost to you. The daughters weren’t allowed very far from their mother’s gaze, and it was a good hour before the intensity of it all started to wind down. You’ve seen Dreyfuss busy before, but never had he left out so much fabric. Hopefully the van Dykes were as generous purse-wise as they were with good looks…
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:02, Tue 26 Apr 2022.

Jean eventually found himself sitting down and dozing off. While he was a fashion horse himself waiting around while other people tried on dresses for an hour while chattering in Dutch was not the most scintillating of scenarios.

As events seemed to be reaching their conclusion he jolted awake in the small wooden chair in the corner of the room. "Thank you Monsieur Dreyfuss, excellent work," he told the dressmaker as let final negotiations proceed.

Lefanu woke up to the giggles and sidelong glances of the younger van Dyke girls as their mother paid a dishelvled-looking Mr. Dreyfuss, who seemed happy at the purse that the woman slid over in his direction. “Ahh, arme kapitein ziet er hongerig uit! Misschien moeten we een hapje gaan eten, moeder?” inquired the eldest as she gave you a look over her new fan.

Dreyfus looked up, “Il y a un excellent café et chocolaterie a deux portes, Monsieur,” he suggested. “It overlooks the beautiful bay and beach, where Mrs. Van Dyke can relax and watch over the girls as they walk up and down the beach. You might find the sea a bit high, but the clouds seem to be dispersing. It will be beautiful.”

"Vous avez l’air équisite Mademoiselle Van Dyke," Captain Lefanu gallantly informed Christina, even though he had not understood a word she had just said. Mercifully Dreyfus intervened.

"Ah an excellent suggestion. Thank you Monsieur Dreyfus. Ladies, shall you accompany me?" he opened the door to the mother and stepped out onto the street. From here it was a relatively short stroll towards the chocolate factory and if the sky was not quite summery at least the ran proper had vanished.

It was a strange experience acting as chaperone to three ladies such as these he reflected as he offered a hand to Mrs Van Dyke to negotiate a deeper puddle, especially given his usual company were gruff, semi-literate sailors. Not a bad experience really but certainly different. For a moment Jean could almost imagine he was in Europe enjoying the refined life his illegitimacy had denied him. Almost...

A few moments later and they reached the café with Jean performing the ordering from the proprietor. Juliana seemed particularly delighted, with her chocolate smiling from ear to ear and delivering an incomprehensible thank you in Dutch. Christina, clearly a young woman well aware of her beauty, nibbled at hers and Jean suddenly felt rather flush and averted his gaze towards the grey-blue waters of the sea.

Now that business was over, the Van Dyke women seemed to be more open and friendly. The mother thanked Lefanu for his help and accepted his help when he offered his hand to steady her. The seas were higher than he would have liked them; the waves still dangerous though considerably less so than the previous night as he navigated the Enchanteresse to safety. Meanwhile, the younger Van Dyke sisters seemed cheerful and carefree... not noticing the cool bite in the westerly winds.

Eventually the ladies all sat down at one of the café's tables, the eldest daughter beaming radiantly at their chaperone, which earned as click of Madam Van Dyke's tongue when she noticed. Lefanu gathered that she asked Christina to stop gawking at the captain, because the young woman's cheeks turned a shade of red in her embarrassment. Her gaze, while more subdued still managed to linger on the captain from time to time.

Not very long after, Mr. Van Dyke entered.

"Ahh! there are my girls!" he said giving a chaste peck on each of their cheeks and took he wife's hand and gallantly kissed it. If Christina had been embarrassed earlier, the mother seemed to still show some of her girlish looks and shooed away Joost's affections with a giggle of her own. "My business is all done, and we can be off whenever the tides allow it."

Jean felt his cheeks flush at Christina's attention, and was unbelievably thankful when Joost van Dyke materialised to rescue him. Even if did mean having to watch the two van Dyke parents cooing at each other!

"Excellent!" Captain Lefanu said, getting to his feet. "The seas are rough right now but you can see the worst has passed."

It only been a day but he found he was longing to get back to the sea.

"In that case, let us not waste another moment," Joost said as he bowed to his wife and offered his arm. He then turned to the girls and spoke in a soft fatherly tone: "Kom mee meiden, laten we onze kapitein niet laten wachten." The girls quickly got up and curtsied to you and then followed their parents out the door.

Sunday, February 15th, year of our Lord 1671

As the Echanteresse readies to leave port, there is a resounding cannonade coming from the South as a Spanish Man'o'war descends on Basse Terre. From the West comes le Marquis des Marais' flag ship, La Perle is on an intercept course with the Spanish vessel.

The Spanish, not expecting the French naval presence turn to engage her as port hands and deck hands gawk as the two tall ships veer to engage one another.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:15, Wed 11 May 2022.

I really have no fortune at all do I? Jean thought to himself as he watched the two warships turn on each other.

After a moment of hesitation he strode to the deck rail to address the crew, a commanding yet foppish figure in his richly embroidered long coat, a waistcoat, and cravat and of course his dashing plumed hat.

"Monsieur Lavigne trim the sails. Monsieur MacGann up in the crows nest. The rest of you lubbers forget about the show and get back to work; we're bound for St. Maartens avec toute la vitesse."

"C'mon you mangy curs! You heard the captain!! Let the warring ships vie for the advantage of sinking one another! Perfect distraction!" said Lavigne as the sailors got out of their stupor and started manning the sails.

"You seem unhappy captain," said Joost van Dyke as watched the scene unfold. "Two powerful Man'o'wars fighting like that... the war is right on our doorstep! I've ordered the ladies below..."

"A wise move Monsieur van Dyke," Jean answered. The French captain smiled ruefully. "Ah I tell you my friend I love L'Enchantresse and she is the fairest ship afloat in these seas and fast as a dolphin but sometimes I envy the power of ships like that."

With a shake of his head he turned away from the battle and back to Joost. "And as you know I was not overly happy the war broke out in the first place. But it is what it is - now let's speed you and your fair ladies to safety."

"And you will have one of them at some point, I am sure. Even Nicholson started as you did with a small reliable sloop, and I dare say a Man'o'War might not be a tough nut for him to tackle should he wish too," Joost said as he watched the warring vessels southward. "He's probably wondering if he wants to go to the trouble of getting his hand on one of those ships for himself, especially if he can't get pardoned for his acts of piracy he's been accused of. Though I have it on good authority that he committed those acts to save a lady from the clutches of one of their less reputed captains, and brought her back to her husband. So trading 2 cargo holds for 1 more cannon mount... might be worth his while, but the only way to do so is to steal one from under someone; none of the navies that I know will willingly part with one."

Soon the warring ships' sails disappear over the horizon, and then the sounds of their cannonades dies down as the Enchantresse makes its way into St. Maarten's coastal waters, and raises land to the north. Soon the van Dyke women are on deck pointing excitedly at the familiar site of their home port; waving occasionally at local trawling vessels as the ship glides nearer the port.



Available at port:

1gp for a crate of Tobacco
2gp for a crate of Cocoa
2gp for a crate of Rum
2gp for a crate of Rum
2gp for a crate of Cocoa
1gp for a crate of Tobacco
1gp for a crate of Tobacco

Also available from the Shipwrights: Hammocks +1 Crew and all sorts of weapons.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:55, Fri 13 May 2022.

Jean looked at Joost in surprise. The canny merchant sounded almost as if he admired the pirate!

As Saint Maartens hoved into view and the van Dyke clan assembled on deck Captain Lefanu smiled at the sight. true he might have liked it even more if he had and the beautiful Christina could have snuck off for a quick tumble while her mother wasn't watching but the Enchantresse was a small ship. Besides he would have felt very bad about betraying the trust of Joost van Dyke whom he had grown to like greatly.

"It seems our voyage has ended Monsieur van Dyke but it was a privilege having you and your lovely family aboard. I shall have to visit the next time I am in port."

Captain Lefanu gallantly bowed and doffed his plumed hat as the women took their leave of the ship. He was well aware that many of the sailors had been ogling the ladies but they at least had the decorum to pretend they weren't.

He was planning to sell his rum and textiles and pick up two crates of tobacco. Not the most profitable cargo but since he was planning to hunt down Monsieur Kidd and his big in the waters off Santo Domingo cargo didn't matter that much.

Jean also intended to purchase some fine hammocks for his crew and perhaps some Dutch sailors (assuming they spoke a civilised tongue like French). He had confidence in his vessel and crew but going into battle they would need an edge!

OOC:

Believe you sold the rum in Basse Terre, and got sugar.

You could sell the sugar for 3gp and 6gp for Textiles that are in demand.

Forgot that I need to draw 7 cargo in St. Marrtens, so I pulled another crate of Rum, should you want to get those for 2gp each. Let me know.

Did you need a list of armaments and what they do / cost?

St. Maartens also allows you to stash gold at a cost of 5GP per time you stash. It becomes interesting if you deposit large amounts, but otherwise you can do so for free at your home port due south of here.

OOC: The tobacco is fine for the moment - I'd be reluctant to pick up rum at full price when I have a deal going. :)

A list of armaments would be neat! Jean is intending to go and hunt down Captain Kidd and capture him and his ship so the hammocks/additional crew would be useful in boarding. The Enchantresse is at a disadvantage in cannons so it is in Jean's interests to board the enemy.

The deal provides you 1 free rum, otherwise the rum is at the daily price (2 is ok, 1 is the best you can get normally, 3 is the max you can get it for unless the port has a demand for it, which means you can sell at 6gp).

Fair assessment of the combat situation...! Interesting tactic.



NOTE: Ship stats are maxed at 5


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Fri 13 May 2022.

OOC: How much money does Jean have after selling his cargo and buying tobacco?

You currently have 6 gold;

Selling all your cargo gets you 9 gold, which means you have 15 gold to play with.

EDIT: you can also sell your ship for 5gp+1gp per mod, whenever you feel like you need to switch it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Fri 13 May 2022.

OOC: Okay.

- Crow's Nest
- Cannon Port
- Rigs and sails
- Hammocks
- 2 x Tobacco

So left with one gold - I hope this fight works out! :)

OOC:

Ship mods are restricted to one type per port:

Ship Mods - Only Hammocks availble at this port
Armaments - Everything available in every port

Totally Forgot that the Van Dykes are Contraband!! 10gp for their safe return to St. Maartens, so you have 25gold!!!

ooc: Oof... okay I guess a cannon port then and caltrops.

The shipwright's apprentice looks at you strangely, "You mean hammocks, jah? Vee can get you Chain Shot, Grapeshot, Grappling Hooks, Heated Shot, Double shot, Caltrops... plus hamocks for a total of 21 gold beste kapitein. Ohh! I see you have hooks and grapeshot already, dus je totaal is 15 gold!!"

"Which leaves us enough to procure the tobacco, and still have some gold to play with!" said Lavigne happily who then storms off to ensure the tobacco makes its way into the holds, and to enlist more crew.

Captain Lefanu hesitated before nodding at the shipwright's apprentice. "That's correct jah, I mean qui."

Turning to his First Mate he said: "Make sure they speak French please Monsieur Lavinge. The Lowlanders make fine sailors but it would be helpful if they understood me too."

Having overseen these developments he returned to his cabin to draw up battle plans - and enjoy the luxury of space. As pleasant as it had been having the van Dykes aboard it was still a cramped ship!

Monday, February 16th, year of our Lord 1671 - Turn 10

The crew had helped the Van Dykes with their personal items and effects, and the girls had been all curtsies and blushes before they finally disappeared definitely behind the curtain of buildings that composed St. Maartens port. The evening went by just as quickly, everyone had been kept busy prepping for an encounter at sea, and new mariners employed and integrated with the crew. In a few hours the tide would turn, signalling the Enchantresse’s exit to sea.

It was a melancholy farewell for Captain Lefanu. The ship felt emptier without the noisy Van Dyke family. As they left Jean walked around the decks of his vessel, seeing how the new crew and new armaments had left her (the new Dutch voices among the crew Monsieur Lavigne had hired were not quite as mellifluous as the Van Dyke girls!)

"We'll make west for San Juan in the morning when the tides shift," he told his mates as everyone bar the night watch was turning in for the night. "Monsieur Kidd has the larger ship but I think we have the finer crew and if we can take the Intrepid it will make our names. Bon nuit my gallant crew and dream of success and English defeat!"

He himself intended to dream of Christina van Dyke wearing very little but best not to inform the men of that!

A few hours later, the Enchantresse left under the cover of the stars as the tides turned and eased her out to the open seas. She travelled westward and crested the green jungles of Nouvelle Saint-Jean (San Juan)'s easternmost coast. With the sun slowly rising behind her, the look-out called out: "Sails! North by northwest! She isn't flying any colours, but she's tacking and changing directions and intercept us."

Seems you've been spotted.

A vulpine smile crossed Jean's face as he watched the smudge of the other ship resolve herself into a sleek think of sails and prow. Well that hadn't taken so long after all.

"To your quarters men," he ordered the crew. "Ready cannon and shot. Mr Lavigne prepare to repel borders."

He turned to a half dozen crew members. Most were old hands but two were fresh Dutch recruits that had impressed him. "Gentlemen, your job is to make it look like we are trying to get away. Work the sails, appear to be frantic - but don't actually make speed. We want Monsieur Kidd to think us simple panicked merchants, and come close. Then we take him!"

Lavigne nods approvingly and gets things ready, while he orders the deckhands to tack the sails and  to veer the girl south and west. The deck is busy with chaotic activity as William Kidd's Intrepid quickly catches up with you.

You'll need to give me a Seamanship roll, if you wish to evade him or board him yourself, or you can simply submit to him peacefully. Which will allow him to board you.

OOC: 19:26, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 2,6.  Seamanship.

The bait had been taken!

"Wait for it mon équipage galant," Captain Lefanu ordered as he watched the Intrepid glide ever closer. This close Jean could see she was a fair vessel for a brig, if not a handsome a demoiselle as the Enchantresse. A wily captain too even if his luck was about to run out.

He made sure his pistol was loaded and drew his fine rapier (let others use a cutlass - Jean Lefanu was a gentleman.)

"Hard a starboard Monsieur MacGann," Jean ordered his Second Mate at the tiller (M. Lavigne would be joining the boarding part.) "We're turning to board him! Ready men - pistols and swords at the ready, load the swivel gun! Fight hard but take prisoners! If they surrender from Kidd himself down to the ship's cat let them! Now I want that ship to be ours! Ready! On my order board!"

With the two equally skilled captains wishing to board each other's ships, the two ships grappled one another with no clear advantage to one over the other. William wasn't expecting any resistance however, and was surprised that the Enchanteresse sent grapples to board her.

Soon both crews were engaged into a merciless fight between the two crews.


14:54, Today: William Kidd rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,2.  Seamanship Roll.

Please roll two dice for your swivel gun monsieur! Maybe you can cut down his crew.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Fri 20 May 2022.

OOC: 20:09, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 1,6.  Swivel Gun.


"Fire!" Captain Lefanu ordered the sailors manning the swivel gun even as he took hold of a rope to swing over to the Intrepid, his blade at the ready.

Noticing the trap a second too late, the Enchanteresse's swivel gun tears through Kidd's crew! The Enchanteresse meanwhile, now has the advantage, superior training and numbers.

You can roll your COMBAT Skill now (3 dice).


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Fri 20 May 2022.

OOC:
20:45, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 2 successes using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,4,5.  Combat.

With a cry "vive la France!" the crew of the Enchantresse boarded the larger ship, Captain Lefanu in the lead, his rapier at the ready. Even as touched the deck of the Intrepid he fired his flintlock pistol at one unlucky pirate before turning and looking for Captain Kidd, ready to duel his opposite number himself.

"Surrender Monsieur Kidd the day - and the ship - is ours!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Fri 20 May 2022.

With his crew cut down from under him, William Kidd realizes there is no chance of making it alive if he doesn't cooperate. He drops his sword, defeated, and Lavigne quickly puts shackles on the man's arms and feet as one of his aids starts sorting between both crews' dead or wounded.

"We've fared a very beautiful victory, mon capitaine!" Lavigne said to the cheers of the Enchanteresse's crew. "We did lose some of our men, but Kidd's crew has been decimated. With your permission, monsieur, I will take control of the Enchanteresse and bring her to San Juan, Nouvelle Saint-Jean, while you take over the Intrepid. Haha! Vive la France!!" And to that the crew cheered, elated as they were at their captain's resounding success.


OOC: 10 gold added to your coffers; plus 1XP and the following benefit added to your sheet.
I have added another 1 XP for getting a bigger ship..!


Gunner (Specialist)
John Mitchell is a famed gunner and
is willing to join your crew.

You are allowed up to 4 specialist crew.

Leadership Action: (Bridgetown) or 2 gp

You may re-roll 1 hit location die each
time you hit with your cannon/chasers.

"Well done gentlemen, vous m'avez rendu fier!," Captain Lefanu declares to his assembled men. "I shall take a prize crew and sail the Intrepid to an English port to hand over custody of Monsieur Kidd and his men to the authorities, then re-join you!"

Lifting his hat in salute to Monsieur Lavigne he turns to Captain Kidd and his surviving crew, now in shackles and gloomily observing developments. "I am glad you surrendered Monsieur Kidd. I'd rather have a gallant sea dog's sword than his life. Now Monsieur I intend to hand you over to the English authorities... however I am not a cruel man, nor do I bear you any hatred now that I have taken your splendid ship. You strike me as wily rogue Monsieur Kidd and I respect that. I also suspect you well know which English magistrate shall hang you as soon as look at you and which shall be more lenient. You may choose which English port I shall sail too to hand you over."

OOC: He’s a regular Pirate NPC, the French will pay just as readily as any country would. It’s not like a player who wronged the English only.

In reply to Davy Jones (msg # 147):

OOC: Understood, but for character purposes Captain Lefanu would far rather drop him off in an English port rather than just throw him to whichever governor happens to be nearby - he is trying to be noble and so on.

Plus it makes for a more interesting story when news spreads, and a chance to talk to a proper albeit NPC pirate captain. :)

Kidd rolled his eyes. “You French are so arrogant! ‘I do not bear you any hatred…’” he growled, unhappy at having been tricked and humiliated by a one pounder — a single cannon ship. “I might as well be dead; I’ll be ridiculed by everyone. William who..? Wasn’t he the one that got his ship taken from under him? I almost envy the admiral whose ship Nicholson destroyed after marooning him and his entire crew on an island north of Tortuga.”

“You won’t get any cooperation from the likes of him,” said Lavigne, “but if you want an English port, Port St. John can transfer the modifications from one ship to another. With extra hammock spaces and our swivel gun, the Intrepid should be the talk of the Caribbean.”

Captain Lefanu looked disappointed. "I see Monsieur. I understand your feelings but I'd think a sea rover who had the wit to surrender should have more sense now. Still, you are my responsibility now. I'll take you to Port St. John and you can make your case before the magistrate."

Walking away from Kidd he spoke with Lavigne. "A pity; he'd have been a useful fellow to winkle information out of - Monsieur Kidd has been a scourge in these waters for a while. Sacré bleu, these English call us arrogant! No wonder my mother left Ireland."

He shook his head and smiled ruefully. "Well be that as it may I suppose I shall have to take at least one Englishman among my crew. In Bridgetown there is a English gunner named John Mitchell who I hear bears Monsieur Kidd no love. After we stop at Port St. John we'll head there. And of course I shall have to give my gallant crew a night of celebration too! You fought like lions!"

After Lavigne had transferred back over to the Enchantresse and Kidd and his remaining crew were safely shackled Jean and the prize crew examined the Intrepid, or as she now was the Intrépide. She was a fine ship and Captain Lefanu was already thinking of how to spruce up her appearance to his exacting standards...

OOC: I've added a picture of the Intrepid/Intrépide (post re-decoration) in 'The Ships and Captains of the Caribbean' thread!

OOC: Went to look! You’re not the only one who needed a new picture..!! I assume you are simply sailing back without a stop, which puts you right back north of St. Maartens for the end of your turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:53, Sat 21 May 2022.

ooc: Sounds good!

With the Intrépide I wanted something that was as colourfully decorated and elegant as Jean's original ship while still looking bigger. I'm pretty happy with the result! :)

Tuesday, February 17th, year of our Lord 1671 - Turn 11

With your prisoner below deck safely tied to a mast, the Intrépide swiftly raises St. Maartens, with the day's fair skies and fair winds. Behind you, from the Enchantresse's command deck, Lavigne waived genially. Splitting his crew between two ships wasn't ideal as Lefanu soon found out, but the new ship responded well to the deckhands' attention, and Lavigne was an accomplished first mate. He had the old ship well in hand, but skies seemed to darken eastwards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Fri 27 May 2022.

Tuesday, February 17th, year of our Lord 1671


I am the captain of a new vessel, the brig Intrépide a splendid madam lately in the possession of Monsieur Kidd. I admit I miss my fair maiden Enchantresse but this new lady has many charms of her own and I shall take care of her.

We make for St. John's to hand over Monsieur Kidd and his brethren, see the Intrépide brought up to my standards and sell my dear Enchantresse. I know that is a parting that will be bittersweet. I shall also have to take on crew to replace my losses in battle. There are always out of work sailors in ports.

---

Having noted his entry in his log Captain Lefanu had departed his new cabin (he had to admit Captain Kidd was not without taste in furnishings - for an Englishman) and strode to the deck.

"Steady as she goes Mon capitaine," said the Third Mate, a bald  Marseillais sea dog named Toussaint who was enjoying a temporary promotion with Lavigne on the Enchantresse.

Jean nodded and turned his telescope to starboard and the white triangle of the Enchantresse's mainsail visible in the the distance. After a long moment he sighed and lowered the spyglass. "Keep a ready watch. Both our ships are undermanned and the last thing I want before we reach port is trouble!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 27 May 2022.

If the mere mention of the Devil caused him to take notice of you, the mere mention of not wanting to find trouble usually meant you found it turning around the next peninsula. No sooner had the Intrépide entered the waters around St. John, that the lookout called sails-ho! From the South veered a small sloop, sails full of wind and on an intercept course. “It’s flying the Jolly Roger, sir…”

I will need a Seamanship Roll as we start the combat; I also need to know whether you are going to fire, attempt to board, or if you are attempting to flee.

OOC:
01:23, Today: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4,1.  Seamanship.

Well that's a great start... :(

I guess cannons.

---

Captain Lefanu cursed. "Prepare for battle! Monsieur Toussaint man those cannons!"

Picking up his spyglass he anxiously scanned the horizon for the Enchantresse. Where was Lavigne?

The two crews were tangled in a daring battle of wits and survival; the Intrépide being a skeleton of a crew, but extremely loyal to their captain versus the ambitious crew of the pirates baring down on them at the most importune moment.

ooc: time for you to use your crew; roll me Influence. A success adds +1 to your action.



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Sat 28 May 2022.

"Courage mon équipage galant!" Jean cries out as he strides the command deck, plumed hat on his head, embroidered coat on his slim frame, expression defiant. "Courage!"

---

OOC: 01:49, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 3 successes using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,6,5.  Influence.

Rousing his crew, Lefanu manages to lead them into the first incredible exploit of the battle! The Intrépide’s crew outmaneuvers the pirate ship and fire an entire broadside into their enemy.

OOC; I’ll need two 2d6 (1 per cannon), if you have armaments you can use them on a success, otherwise the hits based on the dice result.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Sat 28 May 2022.

The roar of defiance from the French crew almost drowns out the thunder of cannon fire from the Intrépide’s broadside!

---

OOC:
02:20, Today: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 3,2.  Cannon!

I think the armaments are probably still aboard the Enchantresse so Jean is firing the regular ammunition William Kidd had aboard ship.

You can use the armaments, except those that require 5 or 6 on your cannon rolls:

OOC: In that case I'm using Heated Shot!

In reply to Jean Lefanu (msg # 162):

You can also use double shot, you’d roll two more shots, but require successes in order to hit anything

OOC: Double shot away!

Roll’em! :D

OOC:
02:37, Today: Jean Lefanu failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4,2.  Double shot..

Oh well...

Having severely underestimated the Intrépide’s crew as easy prey, Long Ben Avery’s orders his men to tack the sails and they swiftly veer away from the battle.

OOC: I need you to roll Seamanship and let me know what your tactic is.


This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:45, Sat 28 May 2022.

"Let the coward run," Captain Lefanu called out. "We'll hunt him down another day gentlemen."

As eager as was to give chase Jean knew full well how limited his crew was and how sleek a sloop could be. Better to exercise caution - and seek Long Ben's hide some other time.

OOC:
02:46, Today: Jean Lefanu rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,1.  Seamanship.

As you order to the crew to tack the sails and head towards Saint John, the Enchanteresse appears from behind a reef and shoots its gun on the sloop hitting her amidship to the general roar and cheering of both crews. The pirates still make way, but they have been schooled enough that they should leave most merchants alone for a little while as they find a place to repair.

Having the coast clear, the two ships can finally make their way to Port St John. Once safely in St. John proper you order Lavigne to get an estimate from the Shipwrights about the worth of both ships and find out what sort of cargo is available.




3gp for a crate of Spice
3gp for a crate of Bananas
2gp for a crate of Sugar Cane
2gp for a crate of Sugar Cane or 3gp for Explosives to be smuggled in Trinidad
2gp for Lumber
2gp for Lumber or 3gp for Stolen Documents to be provided to a contact in Tortuga


Also Available from the Shipwrights: Chasers 1gp*; Galleon 35GP, Transfer Ship Mods total cost 2gp for 2 modications. Total 37GP
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Sat 28 May 2022.

As they arrived Jean personally escorted William Kidd and his confederates to the authorities. Having handed over the sullen buccaneer to the English magistrate Captain Lefanu swiftly withdrew to let matters take their course. Monsieur Kidd had proven a disappointing guest but there was a romantic streak to the Frenchman that rather hoped he avoided the noose.

A pleasant stroll through the English port brought Jean back to his ship... or rather ships. He stood a while, wistfully watching the Enchantresse before turning to the larger brig beside her. One of his first orders had been for the Intrépide to be cleaned and painted even as the swivel gun and hammocks were transferred to her and she gleamed blue and gold.

He had much to do. The Intrépide would be heading for Trinidad via Bridgetown to pick up the famed gunner John Mitchell, said to bear a life long grudge against William Kidd. Then who knew, perhaps sailing to meet that adventurous gentleman Sir William Phips?

First though he would have to sell his dear Enchantresse - but only to someone of taste - and buy cargo.

---

OOC: Okay, I guess a crate of Bananas, a crate of Sugar Cane and the explosives. I think I still have the two crates of Tobacco which I'll transfer to the Intrépide.

Just confirming:

18 Gold at Start
+5 for selling the Enchanteresse
-2 for Transfering Ship Mods
-3 for Bananas
-3 for Contraband for Trinidad
-2 for Sugar
----
13 gp after purchases

ooc: Sounds right!

Farewell my beautiful Enchantresse. :(

Just a few administrative things to finish off this first part:

1) Your new log is found here: link to a message in this game

2) You have 10XP, let me know where you wish to increase your skills (no sense in saving it up
since you don't have any stats at 4 that could go to 5). You can answer me in the new thread. You can RP why you chose that skill if you like.

3) I will be posting the start order for the next game in your new thread, feel free to jump in and express how your crew celebrate the new ship (or mourn the old one). You start in Port St. John

4) Do you authorize me to add this thread to the archives so that other players may read it? Or would you rather we keep it private to you only?

In reply to Davy Jones (msg # 173):

1) Thanks!

2) I'm increasing Seamanship - the most recent battles have taught jean a trick or two!

3) Thanks, will do!

4) I authorise you to add it to the archives! :)