The newly named Captain Mister II has barely settled into command when a sharp-prowed Eye Land ship glides into view. Its bow cuts cleanly over the swell, and a masked figure studies the merchant deck through a brass telescope.
The figure lowers the glass and raises one gloved hand in a precise signal. The Eye Land vessel holds its distance, not threatening, but not drifting either.
The Masked Observer
A tidy transfer of authority. Rare to see one deck change owners before the salt dries.
Captain Mister II stiffens near the rail, while Mercer Halden watches from a little apart, stripped of command and pride alike. The Quartermaster and the Boatswain keep their hands near their weapons, waiting for Arnold’s word.
The Masked Observer
I am called The Masked Observer. Eye Land marks interesting vessels, and yours has become considerably more interesting.
Captain Arnold Runner
The telescope is better made than most ship's stores.
The masked figure tilts their head, as if weighing the deck, the cargo, and the new captain in a single glance. The waters between the ships remain calm for the moment.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what the Masked Observer wants
✓ Quest Accepted
Deal with the Eye Land vessel
“"We were en route to Eye Land ourselves. Have you trade goods for purchase?"”
SUCCESS (Great Intrigue, rolled -2)
The Masked Observer leans one hand on the rail of the Eye Land ship, posture easy, as if Arnold has asked for a weather report instead of a purchase.
The Masked Observer
Trade goods for purchase? Yes. We buy maps, sealed cargo, curios, and anything a captain does not wish to declare.
Captain Mister II glances from Arnold to the stranger, then back again, trying to read whether this is a sale or a test. Mercer Halden stays rigid, listening despite himself.
The Masked Observer
Eye Land also values provenance. A ship that changes hands cleanly is easier to trust than one that comes with lies clinging to the planks.
The Quartermaster
We have goods enough to interest any honest buyer, and a few that interest the less honest ones too.
The Boatswain
If you mean to inspect the lot, come aboard and look with your own eyes.
The Observer gives a small, approving tilt of the head, then gestures toward a line of marked chests on the Eye Land deck.
The Masked Observer
Then let us speak plainly. Show me your cargo, Captain Runner, and I will tell you what Eye Land is prepared to pay for.
“Arnold gives an approving nod to the Boatswain for inviting them to his ship. Then he turns and whispers to the Quartermaster "Smart positioning, study them but no attack unless I signal."”
SUCCESS (Great Intrigue, rolled +3)
Captain Arnold Runner gives the Boatswain a brief, approving nod, then leans toward the Quartermaster where the spray cannot carry the words away.
Captain Arnold Runner
Smart positioning. Study them, but no attack unless I signal.
The Quartermaster’s grip tightens on the belaying pin, then settles. He shifts his stance to watch the Eye Land rail, not the cargo.
The Quartermaster
Understood. I read their hands, not their hearts.
Across the gap, the Masked Observer notices the new discipline at once, and the gloved fingers rest lightly on the rail instead of reaching for a weapon.
The Masked Observer
Good. A careful captain saves lives and cargo. Let us begin with the marked chests.
Captain Mister II straightens beside the merchant rail, while Mercer Halden watches the Eye Land crew with a sour, measuring stare. The two ships sit steady, locked in quiet appraisal.
“Arnold opens the chest, then steps back and studies the masked observer's clothing for the size and shape of any bulging.”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled -1)
Captain Arnold Runner opens the marked chest. Inside, neat bundles of cloth, coins, and sealed parcels sit lashed against the roll of the sea, all of it plainly trade goods, nothing hidden in the first layer.
He steps back from the lid and lets his gaze travel over the Masked Observer instead, catching the way the coat hangs and where the fabric breaks at the waist and hip.
There is a bulge at the left side, flat enough to be a ledger case or packet, and another at the inner chest, small and hard beneath the layers.
Captain Arnold Runner
Ledger. Packet. Not empty pockets.
The Masked Observer
You inspect well. The chest is honest cargo, and I am carrying the true terms.
Captain Mister
Then speak them plainly, before the tide turns or the men grow impatient.
Mercer Halden narrows his eyes at the chest, while the Eye Land rail stays steady in the swell. The trade pauses on the edge of a reveal, waiting for Arnold to answer the Observer's offer.
“"My captain speaks well, I want to hear them."”
SUCCESS (Superb Communication: Command, rolled +2)
Captain Arnold Runner
Then let us hear the true terms.
The Masked Observer
Gladly. I want the marked cargo, and I want it moved by hands that know the sea. No fuss, no loss, no witness trouble.
Captain Mister
That is plain enough. He buys speed, not scraps.
The Masked Observer
And you, Captain Runner, have a sharper eye than most. The bulge at my chest is the contract case. The one at my side is my seal and tally.
Mercer Halden
So the trade is real. Fine. Better a clean taking than a brawl over it.
The Boatswain
Clean is a strong word, but I can work with it.
The Quartermaster
If the terms are honest, then so is the payment. Let us see the ink.
The Masked Observer
Then come aboard my rail, Captain Runner, and check the figures yourself.
Quest Complete
Learn what the Masked Observer wants
Skill Upgrade: Intrigue Great→Superb
“"Do you not shut up even from the brig?!" Arnold declares, exasperated. He turns to the masked observer. "If you don't mind a delay, I think we have enough of an audience for a keel hauling. Mr. Halden is a mutineer that cannot seem to keep his mouth shut."”
SUCCESS (Superb Communication: Command, rolled +0)
Captain Arnold Runner
Do you not shut up even from the brig?
Captain Arnold Runner
If you do not mind a delay, I think we have enough of an audience for a keel hauling. Mr. Halden is a mutineer that cannot seem to keep his mouth shut.
The deck goes still on the word. Mercer Halden’s jaw clamps shut so hard his whole face tightens, and the crew around the rail looks to Arnold instead of him.
The Masked Observer
A sound choice. Discipline is worth more than noise in any ledger.
Captain Mister
He has the deck, then. Best we all remember it.
The Quartermaster
Aye. The captain speaks, and the deck answers.
The Boatswain
And if Halden keeps flapping, I’ll fetch the rope myself.
Halden swallows whatever he meant to say. The masked buyer’s attention returns to the figures on the contract, while the chest stays open between them like an offered verdict.
“"Up with him then! Sailors to your positions!"”
SUCCESS (Superb Communication: Command, rolled +2)
Captain Arnold Runner’s order cracks across the deck, and it lands clean. The Quartermaster and the Boatswain move at once, one closing on Halden’s left, the other on his right.
Mercer Halden starts to protest, then thinks better of it as hands seize his arms and turn him toward the rail. His boots scuff hard against the boards.
Mercer Halden
This is your notion of fair dealing?
The masked buyer does not flinch. They merely tilt the contract case open a touch wider, revealing a neat line of figures and the marked seal beside them.
The Masked Observer
Fair dealing includes efficient hands. Yours seem to have them.
Captain Mister II shifts his stance by the rail, now openly watching the restraint take shape instead of hiding behind caution.
Captain Mister
If the captain means to proceed, then proceed. I’ll have the line cleared.
Below the rail, a spare length of rigging is dragged free and laid ready. The chest stays open, the sea rolls on, and every eye finds Captain Arnold Runner for the next command.
“"He will be tamed or killed, my concern is as little which as the punishment itself." He stares Halden straight in the eye. "And if you survive this and still flap away, you won't survive what comes next."”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
Captain Arnold Runner lets the silence sit on Halden like a thumb on the throat. The merchant’s glare falters, then sinks to the deck.
Captain Arnold Runner
He yields.
Mercer Halden
Enough. I am heard.
The Quartermaster eases his grip a fraction, not releasing Halden, just proving the choice is theirs. The Boatswain keeps one hard hand at the elbow and watches for any fresh twitch.
The Masked Observer
That is the proper shape of trade. Fewer bruises. Better figures.
Captain Mister
Then let us finish cleanly. I would rather take a ship in order than drag one behind me.
Halden swallows, straightens by degrees, and gives Arnold a stiff, sour nod. The open chest gleams between them, waiting for the last terms to be settled.
“Arnold's fury is reduced, but not satiated. "Finally, some peace and quiet. But it is too late for you not to pay for what you've done already. 10 lashes. Now, no argument."”
SUCCESS (Superb Communication: Command, rolled +1)
Captain Arnold Runner
Finally, some peace and quiet. But it is too late for you not to pay for what you've done already. Ten lashes. Now, no argument.
The deck goes still on the words. The Quartermaster releases Halden just enough to let the order stand on its own. The Boatswain reaches for the rigging line, already measuring its length with a sailor's practiced hand.
Mercer Halden
Ten... so be it. I hear you.
Captain Mister II gives a single curt nod, and the open chest reflects the movement like a bright blade. The Masked Observer tilts their head, making a neat notation in the contract case.
The Masked Observer
A clean settlement, then. Stronger terms travel farther.
The Boatswain snaps the line once against his palm and starts toward Halden's side of the rail. Halden squares his shoulders, jaw tight, as the crew closes in to carry out the sentence.
“Arnold overlooks the discipline.”
SUCCESS (Superb Communication: Command, rolled +3)
Captain Arnold Runner gives the deck no second look. His cutlass stays low, his gaze fixed past Halden, as if the sentence is already old news.
The Boatswain cracks the rigging line across his own palm and steps in close. Halden sets his jaw and holds still, but the strength goes out of his shoulders.
One measured lash lands. The sound is sharp, clean, and final. The crew does not flinch.
Captain Mister II watches the punishment like a ledger being balanced, then turns his attention back to the open chest.
The Masked Observer's pen scratches once more. A small folded receipt is slid free and left where Arnold can take it.
Halden swallows hard and looks away from the rail. The Boatswain lowers the line, waiting for the next count.
The Masked Observer closes the contract case with a neat click and lifts their chin toward the marked cargo. "Shall we finish the tally, Captain?"
“"Yes, the Quartermaster can put Halden back in the brig while we settle. What price were you thinking?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Intrigue, rolled +2)
Captain Arnold Runner gives the order with a curt tilt of his chin. The Quartermaster takes Halden by the arm and turns him toward the companionway without ceremony.
The Boatswain eases the line down and steps aside. Halden goes with a stiff, defeated shuffle, no longer the deck's center of attention.
The Masked Observer
A clean arrangement, Captain. For marked cargo of this quality, I offer seven chests at once, and a fair premium on the remainder.
Captain Arnold Runner
Split the lot into eight chests, and keep the premium. That buys you smooth hands and no delay.
The Masked Observer
Eight it is. Your terms are brisk, and they save my crew a struggle.
Their pen moves, the tally gets amended, and the receipt folds into the contract case like a seal set in wax. Captain Mister II looks from the cargo to Arnold, then gives a sharp nod.
Below the rail, the brig door bangs shut on Halden. The Eye Land ship stays alongside, waiting on the final handoff.
Quest Complete
Deal with the Eye Land vessel
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great