The Returning Captain
A short boarding drill, Master Gandon. No sharp steel, no heroics, and no sailor leaves his station without my order. Show me control, and I will sign the bargain.
The returning captain clears a narrow lane between the mast and rail. The Seawren's acting officer posts himself beside the gangplank, while the Seawren swordsman and Jonas Pike take opposite ends of the improvised passage with blunted foils ready.
the Seawren swordsman
We will prove the lesson, Captain. Jonas, close when I give the mark, not before it.
the Seawren's second swordsman
I know when to close. I only need the chance to show him I am quicker than he thinks.
At Pike’s signal, the Seawren swordsman advances in measured steps. Jonas surges early, impatience breaking the pattern, and Arrus must angle between them before their blunted blades collide near the rail.
the Seawren's acting officer
Hold the line! Master Gandon has the deck, but one careless step and this demonstration becomes a disorderly fight.
The Returning Captain
There is your test, envoy. Take command of the lesson without taking command of my ship, then tell me why I should carry you west.
✓ Quest Accepted
Win Captain Pike’s approval for the passage and training arrangement
“"I can do exactly as you command and more, Captain!" I will then pull one more additional practice sword foil from the ship's collection and move in between Jonas and Caleb with holding a blade in each hand to fight each of theirs and hold them at bay before addressing the Captain again before them, "Pay attention my good Captain, and tell me honestly if these still look like the same swordsmen you left aboard your ship this morning..." I will then quietly say to Jonas and Caleb, "Alright lads, show the Captain what you've learned..." and lead them into an immediate 2-versus-1 duel where I will fence against both of them and Elias Ward, masterfully and interchangeably against opponents, until the Captain is impressed and satisfactorily convinced.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Fencing, rolled -3)
Arrus Gandon
I can do exactly as you command and more, Captain! Pay attention, my good Captain, and tell me honestly if these still look like the same swordsmen you left aboard this ship this morning.
Arrus snatches a second practice foil from the ship’s collection and steps between the Seawren swordsman and Jonas, one blade in each hand. Peerless Duelist precision holds both men at bay, while Battle-Tested Insight reads every cramped-deck opening.
Arrus Gandon
All right, lads. Show the Captain what you have learned.
The Seawren swordsman and Jonas attack together. Arrus turns interchangeably between them, using the practice blades to redirect thrusts, close angles, and force each sailor to cover the other instead of chasing a reckless touch.
His Code of Honor checks the instinct to punish every opening, keeping the drill controlled rather than cruel. Peerless Duelist discipline and Battle-Tested Insight turn that restraint into a lesson, and the Seawren swordsman and Jonas begin moving as one.
A hard exchange drives Arrus’s heel against the rail and jars his wrist, leaving a hot scrape across his palm. He absorbs the pain, slips between both foils, and disarms neither sailor, instead ending with both blades safely checked at his shoulders.
The Returning Captain
That is sufficient. I have seen control, instruction, and sailors who improved under it. Master Gandon, the Seawren carries you west under our agreed bargain. Your passage and duties are settled.
Quest Complete
Win Captain Pike’s approval for the passage and training arrangement