The Black Tempest IC

[Gelatinous Cube]

Murdock leaned back in his chair, contemplating, trying to figure this Captain out. Most Captains he had worked for had been cowardly and self-serving, using the crew as little more than an extension of their whim. Then again, the prohibitive standards of Pirate education lent little to their own credibility in the way of self-respect and plain wit.
His eyes were drawn to the sack of coin on the table, and he felt almost ashamed at the way his mouth watered, though the quick payment wasn't what he was after. Didn't matter a whit to him, a life of Piracy was still a damn sight better than dying in the stockades or being hung.
His hanging would likely be followed by a drawing and quartering, his wanted poster wasn't small.
He placed his pipe down on the table and stroked his beard with a calloused, sword-nicked hand.
"Well, I can't very well follow a Captain who can't nut up every now and then. Let' see how you do."

In a swift, fluid movement, Murdock sprung from the chair, and his sword was free of its scabbard in a moment too quick that the drunks surrounding them could barely surmise its happenstance.
"I've been here a few nights now. You could ask any man here and they'll tell you I'm even better when I'm pissed, and I think I've had one too many."

[Gormul]

Babash sat forward in his seat and prepared to watch the duel, he wasn't happy with the captain deciding to put herself in harms way. She could more than handle herself, he knew that, but they had no idea how good this newcomer really was. He wouldn't interfere in the duel no matter what, the captain would be ashamed to have the duel broken off early if it looked like she was losing, but the duellist might find himself in the alley outside missing a few limbs if he seriously hurt her during the duel.

His attention was then drawn to the other side of the bar where Reya had engaged the new woman. There had been a dicey moment where it looked like they might have been drawn into a brawl then and there but it seemed that the danger had passed for now. The offending pirate and his friends continued to glance around the bar, looking in their direction, obviously weighing up their chances if things turned violent.

[Torack]

During the times the second in command was talking to the hotty over by the bar and the captain and this new comer were having a conversation, Bruce, secluded from the outside world, was having a conversation - or more of an argument - with himself on which of these three women he'd like to bang. Of course, Brian being the goody-goody was shocked when the question was asked and said he'd never even consider it, Bruce nudged him along give sideway glances to the captain, the first mate, and the new chick. His interesting conversation went into a halt when the man stood up and unsheathed his sword. The metal on leather sound the sword made as it came loose snapped Bruce back into attention as he looked at the new comer. What the hell is this fool thinking? Bruce thought to himself.

He's having a duel with the captain, Brian said in an attempt to prevent Bruce from dishonouring the captain. "Does he mean to duel the captain," Bruce asked, his pompous voicd filled with arrogance.

[RedxXxDawn]

Apparently the man who put his hand on Sarah made the right choice. Reya did not expect him to back down, even if just for now. His words gave the impression that they would meet again soon, though Reya guessed it was an empty threat. But if he did intend to carry it out, it would probably be right outside the tavern, or some other place convenient to try and strike her down. Or take the new girl for herself. Nonetheless, whether or not his threat was even made, Reya would be ready. She always was.

But when the newcomer challenged her captain, Reya looked at him strangely. Now this man either had guts, or was a complete fool. Of course Reya would not hesitate to step in should things turn bad for Anne. Her hand rested on the hilt of her cutlass, half just in case–half casually. She knew the captain was good, and a good captain would have to be in order to claim that position. Either that, or just a ruthless coward who knew how to intimidate. She had seen those before, and had even killed a few.
But Anne was not like that. She had skill. Reya could see it in her figure, callused hands, her voice, but mostly through her eyes. Those eyes alone, sharpened through experience, proved she was not one to be taken lightly.

Then, Reya sized up her opponent. He looked like a strong man, and not one who would underestimate or show mercy. He had just the right slender-ish figure plus the muscle tone to back it up. He had definitely fought before. And his eyes were sharp too. Sharpened by experience, no less. Reya knew –just knew, that others have fallen to his hands before. And chances are he did not give a goat's rump about whatever lives he had taken. Not that Reya cared about those who had drawn a sword to her either, but still, he was a cold one.
The captain would find him worthy all right. As a foe today, a crewmate tomorrow.

[Hunkat]

Anne was less than surprised that her offer was accepted so easily. Of course it was, it was a great offer, just one minute of proving himself the better swordsman and he could take the gold and the honor. Despite the time ticking and everyone's eyes on them now she took her time, emptied her mug and put it down, stood up in no hurry and brushed some imaginary dust off her clothes.
"A bold choice, taking on the Captain is rather headstrong. I like it."
She told him, almost seeming to ignore that they had a duel going. Pushing her chair back she walked around the table, into the open room where there would be room for a fight, rather than dueling across the table top.
"'N everyone can 'ell yer that the sword be my weakest point. A'll teach yer, yer 'irst lesson though."
And with those word she drew her flintlock, pointing it a a spot right between his eyes.
"Now, yer see, A'm a excellent marksman 'owever and I rarely miss what A'm pointing at."
She lowered the muzzle to point at his manhood, a fate worse than death if she decided to pull the trigger. Quite a few of the patrons in the bar had begun to chuckle in the corners, seeing the rather odd and unfair stand-off. Anne was still smiling to him.
"First rule of Pirates. 'Ever expect a fair fight. Yer think Royal Navy'll be following the rules? 'Aise yer sword 'n they'll shoot you, square between them eyes of yers. "
She sent him a mischievousness grin and shrugged.
"Yer lose."

[Gelatinous Cube]

Murdock had to hand it to the Captain, she had certainly caught him unawares, and he got the sense that nobody else had seen her play coming either.
He had to laugh.
"Now I will drink to that!" He cheered, "If'n yer not planning on shooting me bollocks off."
He raised the sword again, hardening his expression.
"Although...what would your wager be that I couldn't run you through before I bled out? I certainly hope it don't come to that, because I have no doubts about your aim or your willingness, and it certainly wouldn't be the first time a woman has taken something from me that I hold dear."
He lowered the sword, bowing to her.
"When you live from coin to coin, everyone eventually loses. I can tell you won't be the first, but I assure you that I'm a very sore fucking loser."

He sheathed the blade and called for another tankard, which was slid across the floor by a trembling barmaid.
Murdock rolled his eyes and picked it up, taking a big foamy mouthful of the bitter dark.
"Now, being that you would be the apparent winner of our, uh...'duel', I leave my fate in your hands. Will you have me aboard the ship, the Black Tempest, correct me if I'm wrong, or should I take my chances at the hands of the gendarme? I think I'd rather loose me cannon than surrender to them."

[Assallya]

Sarah wasn't sure why the man was still alive, let alone transformed into a crewman. Maybe the captain spared the man because the tavern keeper wouldn't serve her and her crew their grog for a while? Really, this pirating thing was very strange.

Sitting on her stool within arm's reach of this Captain's crew Sarah's nose wrinkled. The tavern was a gluttonous melange of odours but despite that many of the pirates smelled horrible, like sweat, whisky and grog. She'd have figured those living on a ship with such an abundance of water readily at hand would smell much better.

The chestnut haired girl was rife with questions on pirating. Sure, she'd procured passage on boats in the past but being a crewmember? That sounded so bloody exciting! They could teach her to use a cutlass and shoot a blunderbuss and all manner of pirating skills.

The question now was, should she raise her voice and be heard or wait until the captain addressed her? She had, after all, seemed impressed by the loud boorish man who had challenged him to a sword duel after all.