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

The Empress raised South America’s north coast as the sun settled to the west, a few hours more and they finally made it to Curaçao proper.


1gp Cocoa beans or contraband due for Port Royal
1 gp Cocoa
1gp Coco or contraband for Cartagena
1gp Textiles
1gp Textiles
1gp Textiles


Long gun available from shipwrights

Nicholson rubbed his hands in greedy anticipation when he noticed that the dutch were still in very short supply of teas. Banking on their creature comforts, he had stocked up his holds with as many tea crates as it could stow, and he was sure to make a fine penny. "Master Combes! Get those tea crates to the dockmaster and make sure he pays full price for them," he said with a rueful grin.

"Aye aye, sir," came the response as he ordered the Empress' own deck hands to work. Meanwhile, Nicholson had business in town he wanted to tend to, but before he did he turned around and ordered Combes to buy all the Textiles, "We have some errands to run in Old Providence, and if I remember correctly they're short on fine fabrics. If you find something else to bring over that side of the map, you can take advantage of it."

Nicholson walked down the plank and once ashore, he slowed his pace and took out a letter from his pocket. He read the smooth flowing script:




After reading it through again, Nicholson pocketed the letter and started looking for the Zeemeermin Herberg, or a doctor's cabinet...

No sooner than you pocket the letter than you're accosted by a thief. "Hand over that purse, nice and easy like," he says as he pushes a pistol into you back.

Roll Combat if you want to fight back.

Old 'Bruce the Bruiser' Nicholson was accustomed to rough play when he was younger, and no sooner than the pistol had touched his back, that he swivelled and pushed the gun hand. The pistol went off, but hit the plaster wall of a nearby building sending debris and locals scattering. Nicholson expertly caught the arm, and twisted it inward as he continued his spin, forcing the brigand off balance and into the dust with a grunt as he fell backwards over Nicholson's leg.

The brigand's pistol was suddenly wrested from his hand, but Nicholson's own lay a precious two feet from the man's face. "Now, that was unwarranted and foolish," Nicholson growled, noting that everyone was eyeing the scene. Soon there was some shouting as one of the patrols was alerted, and mighty soon the pair of them were surrounded. "Thief there tried to steal my purse..!" cried Nicholson.

"No!! He shot at me!! He is holding two pistols!"




08:52, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 3 successes using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,5,6.  Combat - you ain't taking the sky from me.

A stranger pipe’s up: “The man on the ground is lying, I saw him pull a pistol on Monsieur as he was reading a letter.” The voice was French and seemed educated. Looking at him further, you notice a satchel at his side.

“Ah doctor! Thank you again for your assistance,” said the sergeant who motioned for the patrolmen to apprehend the man who tried to rob you. Very soon the patrol was on its way with the shackled thief between them, and the gawkers having dispersed have left you and the doctor alone. “You had quite the moves,” he finally said, “that was most most impressive.”

“Well tickle my whiskers! You must be Sébastien Larocque! I was reading a letter Joost wrote me when the idiot tried to assail me,” Nicholson said extending his hand, “Name’s Nicholson.” Nicholson burst out laughing at the jaw dropping expression on Larocque’s face, “C’mon doctor..! I you didn’t expect an old scoundrel like me would be uninformed? I have contacts all over the Caribbean, you just can’t survive without friends.”

“Errr..Yes..! Sébastien Larocque, at your service, monsieur,” he said, sounding impressed. He shook Nicholson’s hand, a surprised / hesitant look on his face. “What did… Monsieur Van Dyke have to say about me?” He waited for Nicholson to choose a direction and then followed him to his next errand.

“Only that life on land wasn’t as exciting as you thought it would be, even in the Caribbean,” Nicholson replied as he looked for the Inn where’s Van Dyke’s nephew might be staying at. “I so happen to have the need for a mighty fine surgeon such as yourself, should you want to test out your sea legs. Meanwhile, you don’t happen to know where his nephew is residing, would you? I’m afraid I don’t read Dutch as well as I do French or English… he’s at the… Zeemeer—..?”

Larocque seemed to know however, and so he started leading them into the town proper. “Over this way.”

Soon enough the duo had opened the Mermaid’s front door, and slipped into the common-room where several patrons had chosen tables and were engaged in spirited discussions and feasting. Larocque seemed to know where to look for James. He focused at the far end near the bar, and like a basset hound on the hunt, led his master to his quarry. James was the spitting image of his uncle, though brown haired and younger.

“Mister Van Dyke,” Nicholson said slamming two gold coins onto the counter, “your uncle Joost tells me that you’re a bright young man looking to get a Captainship in the Dutch Trading company..?”

The young gangly man seemed surprised at the gold and awed by Nicholson himself. Ends up, Nicholson’s notoriety had made its way all over the Caribbean, including Curaçao. Even more surprising still was the surgeon who sat down next to him at the bar, “I heard you have the most loyal and fiercest pirate crew, how did you get your men to follow you against the English, and now the Spaniards? I mean, you were instrumental at reigning in their war fleet.”

“He’s no pirate,” said the younger van Dyke, “no more than Robyn of Lockersley was a thief. He had to right a wrong, and has been branded a pirate for succeeding. In fact, up until the Swift affair, he was one of the biggest traders the Caribbean had seen, he had no bounties on his head whatsoever until last December.”

“What about the French Expansionist War? Didn’t it start with Nicholson sinking the Spanish flag ship near Basse Terre?”

“That was sancionned by the French who were about to start the assault on San Juan, and soon thereafter Santo Domingo,” Nicholson chimed in. “I banked on my new-found notoriety to help the French Crown take some lands away from the pooly managed Spanish settlements. I’m surprised, you’re not happy about the outcome for France, Monsieur Larocque? Certainly, you don’t agree with the Spanish brutal policies on the indigenous peoples of the yucatan? They’ve anahilated thousounds of Inca / Aztec settlements, and brought disease to their doors, which has dessimated their entire population, all their knowledge and history, their language… will be lost to us forever. ”

Nicholson took a swing of the ale that the barkeep left for them, and then shrugged. “Regardless of your views, you are both welcome to join my crew, and see the Caribbean for yourselves gentlemen. The Empress leaves at on the tide,” he finally said leaving them to think on his offer.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Mon 23 May 2022.

As you make your way back to the ship, you here several people discussing the French Expansionist war, and how it has apparently benefited trade in Petit Goave. “There’s so much cargo for sale, that they’re selling everything at really unheard of prices. If only I had some gold to invest into a ship!” Grumbled one of the gossipers.


"Myriad of Goods"
Rumour has it that thet port of
Petit Goave has an exceptionnaly
high amount of goods for sale.

Influence Actions: Petit Goave (in port)

If true, you get 5 cargo of your choice
(not in demand, and not contraband)."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:54, Tue 24 May 2022.

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

Master Combes looks at his pocket watch and glances warily down the jetty for your new recruits to arrive, but his attention wavers when the lookout calls out sails to the northeast. He switly pockets it and requests a spy glass as you both turn to look northward.

"She's flying Spanish colours, Captain. I think we're going to have to fight our way out of port. Our luck had to run out sometime."

The sound of feet running across the jetty interrupts whatever Nicholson was about to reply as two men yoller for permission to come aboard. "Ahh! Our two recruits!"

In a huff of excitement, the two men were waved aboard. The tallest of the two, Van Dyke, looked Northwards: "Another ship joining the Spanish," he said as he took the spyglass from Combes. "The Sirensong, sir."

"Looks like it'll be an interesting day," mumbled the doctor. He wrung his hands nervously, knowing full well that it wouldn't take very long for his services to be needed. "Where can I set up?" Combes waved him towards the ship's infirmary, ordering the closest deck hand to assist him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Fri 27 May 2022.

Nicholson felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of their luck running out. He gave Combes a baleful glare, but the 1st Mate didn't notice given the arrival of their two recruits. Though he had to concede that fighting a naval battle on two fronts might be too much, even for him. He seemed to be deep in thought as he paced the deck. Upon seeing the Spaniards, he had already decided to fight his way out, but the appearance of Kitty Chatelain complicated matters...

He turned to Van Dyke; "Go aloft, and let me know what her intentions are. She's the wild card. The Spanish on the other hand, we can handle, if she decides to come to port instead of joining them in pinning us down."

Nicholson can feel both crews eyeing each other warrily; he himself stoically shrugs his shoulders and waits for the Sirensong to react.


If the Sirensong goes to port:

Nicholson will bow towards the Sirensong's captain with a flourish, impressed with her catch and Dip his ensign. Haven't decided what I will do if she decides to square off.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Wed 01 June 2022.

All eyes are on the Sirensong, and for a tense minute the two crews seem engaged in a staring contest, until finally Kitty blinks and orders the Sirensong to port, towing her prize brig behind her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Wed 01 June 2022.

Nicholson bowed towards the Sirensong's captain with a flourish, impressed with her catch. "Dip the ensign, Master Combes," Nicholson ordered. "She's got a fine prize between her mits, so lets scratch the cat behind the ears and show her we mean no harm. Just keep your eyes open for any signs of trouble, I don't mind sinking her if we must."

He told Master Combes to take the Empress out to sea: "Action stations everyone! We might not have to dance with Chatelain today, but the Spanish Fleet might have other intentions."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Wed 01 June 2022.

No sooner than the Empress is out to sea, that the Spanish Admiral de Lezo intercepts your ship. The Spaniards seem angry and looking for revenge on their compatriots. It seems that time has run out for Nicholson and his crew.





15:36, Today: Davy Jones, on behalf of Blas de Lezo, rolled 1 success using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4,4,6.  Scouting for JBN

15:52, Today: Secret Roll: Davy Jones, on behalf of Blas de Lezo, rolled 1 success using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,1.  Seamanship Roll - R1.

00:11, Today: Davy Jones, on behalf of Blas de Lezo, failed (no successes) using 1d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4.  Shot Location - R1.


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:12, Thu 02 June 2022.

Nicholson paced the deck as he shouted orders. “Alright lads!! This is what we’ve all been practicing for…! Man the long guns, and make sure you keep that whore from grappling or coming alongside us.. De Lezo is reputed to be a very strong tactician once he’s swarmed a deck..!!” He stopped his pacing and turned to his master gunner, “Send your first salvo, and have the lads try to get more than one shot off! Speed is of the essence! Master Combes, a distraction would be good to get us the advantage, if you please..!”


I get to shoot the long guns first, and I think I can use the benefit below to shoot 6 shots at the fuckers..

22:10, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 2 successes using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 6,5,3,2.  Long Guns.

22:22, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 2 successes using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,5,4,2.  Long Guns, Rapid Fire.

The distraction: I will be using the heated shot to provide me with an extra success, giving me 2 when we do the seamanship contest.

Seamanship:
15:56, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 1 success using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 5,1,4.  Seamanship  (Shoot)

-heated shot for 2 successes; meaning I shoot again.

22:26, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 1 success using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 1,1,2,5.  Shoot, R1




Quick Reload

Play after inflicting cannon damage:

Roll a number of dice equal to the
amount of hits you just made. Successes
inflict new hits (roll for location).

Can be used once, with any type of
cannon-fire, including 'swivel guns'.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Thu 02 June 2022.

The Empress' long guns resound across the bay; a first, a second and a third salvo! Six shots are sent hurtling through the air and wreck havoc on the Spanish Man'o'war sending splinters and debris everywhere and killing crew in its wake. If your gunner's rapidity wasn't enough to contend with, Combes sent a few flaming shots towards the enemy. He wasn't trying to damage her proper, but he rather wanted the San Antonio de Padua to veer away, providing the Empress with the opportunity to provide a third broadside.

Even with the sheer hulk of the enemy ship, the damage done by the Empress' crew was catastrophic, destroying sails, cargo holds, masts, and taking out a few cannon mounts. Any other ship would have sunk by the sheer brutality of the attack, but the Man'o'war stayed afloat. Wounded, certainly, but not yet out of the fight.

12:00, Today: Davy Jones, on behalf of Blas de Lezo, failed (no successes) using 2d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 2,4.  Seamanship Roll - R2 (Shoot)


You have advantage in Seamanship Contests with her now. +1 to your Seamanship because her Manoeuvrability went down.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:45, Thu 02 June 2022.

Nicholson could hear his crew's cheers as they passed the crippled Spanish warship, but he waved them to silence. "We might've won the first round lads, but now's not the time to dance around and celebrate. Combes! Steady as she goes..! Send more steel at that Spanish hore's sails, we'll board her next!!"


Using Chain Shot to reduce her to 0 mobility, use it on the 1, have the 2 and 4 hit.

12:26, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 1 success using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 3,6,2,1.  Seamanship  (Shoot) + Advantage.

12:27, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson failed (no successes) using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 1,2,4.  Cannons!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Thu 02 June 2022.

The Spanish are unable to return fire.

The Empress, pressing her advantage sends a barrage of of steel into her side, and a well aimed shot from the gunners sent a chained shot which brought down the man'o'war's sails, leaving her crippled and unable to get away.



12:54, Today: Secret Roll: Blas de Lezo failed (no successes) using 1d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 4.  Seamanship Roll - R2 (disabled).
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Thu 02 June 2022.

With their enemy waiting like sitting ducks, the Empress quickly comes alongside and boards the Spanish Man'o'war. Nicholson, along with his crew charge the Spanish in a bloody engagement on the enemy' deck.


13:00, Today: Secret Roll: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 2 successes using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 with rolls of 6,5,1.  Crew Combat.

"Spain will have your hide for this, Nic-olson!" cried a massive Spaniard that could only be the enemy's captain. He levelled a pistol at Nicholson' head, but the pirate ducked out of the way. Seizing the moment, De Lezo brandished his sword, and soon the two men and their crews were embroiled in a vicious dance of death.

Unfortunately for the Spaniards, they were severely outnumbered after having lost most of their crew to cannon fire. They did, however, fight like cornered badgers and didn't let go an inch of their deck until they felled as many men as they had left. Eventually the last of their men died, just as Nicholson thrust his sword deep into De Lezo's abdomen.



End of Combat

Today: Davy Jones, on behalf of Blas de Lezo, rolled 2 successes using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 ((4,5,1,5))

Nicholson heard the crew cheer, but his eyes were on the dying De Lezo whose anger and defiance had turned to surprise. Nicholson saw him fighting to stand, clawing as he could to combat the pain, so he twisted his sabre deeper into the man as a mercy. Soon enough De Lezo went limp and fell to the ground.

They had won an impressive battle with minimal losses to the ship or crew. Even his investment in Larocque was paying off. The surgeon had his hands full, but he looked in his element. In the end, he saved roughly half of the men Nicholson would have normally lost. “That’s fine work, Doctor!” Nicholson said impressed by his work, trying to push De Lezo’s death to the side. “Van Dyke! Any trouble coming our way as we take care of things here?”



09:03, Today: Joseph Bruce Nicholson rolled 1 success using 3d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 5 ((5,4,1)).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Fri 03 June 2022.

Benefit:


FOG

Play when a battle is about to start:
You may select any combat action
The first round, but “Long Guns”
cannot be used against you.

On a Merchant Raid, ignores
An icon of your choice.

Usable once.

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 can RP the new skill and how your crew bring the Manowar to port St. John in your new thread.

3) You start in the waters outside of Basse Terre.

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?

On 4) sure, I suppose... not like everyone isn't terrified of me already. LOL