Rolled 1 (1d2)

It is only natural we decide this with the roll of a die.
1=Elizabetha
2=James

>>6410655
>>Elizabetha Patrickson

>>6410655
>>Coin falls overboard
(If this is protagonist selection, maybe we can have dual protagonists and dual captains, if possible?)

>>6410656
>>6410658
>>6410749
Elizabetha wins. Locked and writing

Heads!

For a moment it looked like the coin was going to fall in the water but with a mad dive James managed to catch. Unfortunately he did rock the boat hard enough for Elizabetha to lose balance and fall. He offered her his hand.

"Let me help you up, Captain."

A bit later Elizabetha was studying a sea chart while James was rowing the boat at an impressive speed. From what she could tell there were three islands they could reach before night. Part of her wanted to ask James if he had any opinion since she didn't know much about any of them but she decided against it. As captain she had to learn to make her own decisions.

In the end she made her choice and checked the compass to make sure they were on course.

"Okay mister, you've been rowing long enough. Time for a break."

Despite clearly being tired James objected.

"What, no. I can keep going. Besides you're a gi.."

He never got to finish his sentence as Elizabetha whacked him on the head with her spear.

"Captain's orders."

Elizabetha wasn't going quite as fast but the two were still going straight to

> Karate island
Somewhat tough combat, chance for equipment/abilities, supplies

> Samuwanai Island
Loot, supplies and minor combat

> A small uninhabited island
Free supplies, sparring

>>6411098
>Samuwanai Island

>>6411098
> Karate island
It's only "somewhat" tough combat.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Tie-breaker roll
1 is >>6411132
2 is >>6411155

File: 54a31933830039d9ae5b92fd9(...).jpg (119 KB, 736x1262)

119 KB JPG

By the time they could see Karate Island in the distance the sun was already setting and James had taken over as rower again. In the way to the harbor they passed an anchored marine ship. The ship's captain just happened to look out at sea and spotted both the rowboat and their weapons. "


"Hey you two. Are you bounty hunters?"

"Actually we're..."

Before Elizabetha could finish her sentence James "accidentally" splashed water from her face as he moved the oar a bit too fast.

"We're still pretty new, but yes."

The captain cocked his eyebrow but moved on.

"I see. Well I'm here to pick up some Marine recruits from training and I was just thinking that some experience with other fighting-styles might do them some good. You two interested in helping out tomorrow? I'll see to it that you're rewarded for your time.

He rolled up a map and tossed it down to the rowboat. Elizabetha did her best to smooth it out and saw it showed where to find a dojo.

> Accept his offer.

> Refuse and plan to sneak aboard the ship while he is collecting the recruits.

> Refuse and plan to stay away from both the marines and the dojo.

>>6411611
>Accept his offer.

>>6411611
>Accept his offer

>>6411611

> Accept his offer.

Rolled 2 (1d5)

Was having him drop the map before the choice too railroady?
>>6411672
>>6411768
>>6412123
"Fine, we'll help."

While Elizabetha and James tied their rowboat to shore the captain went back to his quarters and checked the bounties for new pirates, but didn't find anything about the two "bounty hunters".

"Oh well, guess they aren't my problem. Not yet at least."

After wandering around for a bit the two pirates found a decently nice looking cheap inn and got a single room.

-----------------------

The next morning neither Elizabetha nor James looked like they had gotten a lot of sleep.

"Are you sure you want to go through with it? I mean we had a busy night and you're..."

Elizbetha sighed.

"I know you're worried about me but if we wanna be pirates, an excuse like "My boyfriend kept me up all night" isn't gonna fly."

James wanted to say more but she was the captain and he knew her well enough he wasn't going to convince her.

With that settled they finished their breakfast and followed the map to the dojo, arriving there after about fifteen minutes and spent some time studying both it and the layout.

"Those walls are a bit higher than I'd like but they shouldn't be able to stop us."

Upon entering the dojo they saw the captain already waiting for them, and talking to what they presumed was the master of the dojo while thirteen students were either swinging wooden swords, running laps or doing pull-ups.

"So these are the two bounty hunters you mentioned, Kangaroo?"

"We're Elizabetha and James. You wanted us to help with the training?"

The master of the dojo nodded and clapped his hands, which caused all the students to assemble around him.

"Elizabetha and James are here to give you some experience with fighting against non Marines. We'll start by doing one on one matches."

He then turned to the couple.

"Which one of will go first? And feel free to take a break by switching to the other if you need to.

> James will go first
> Elizabetha will go first

File: Ryu_dojo.png (1.6 MB, 999x683)

1.6 MB PNG

Forget the image

>>6412172
> James will go first
Ladies fir-oh right bosses go last last duh.

>>6412172
Didn't feel too railroady to me. As the posts are relatively short, it feels pretty quick-paced to me and having a bit of an idea of what is going on is helpful there. Especially as we're still getting to know (and develop) the MCs.

>>6412180
That sounds pretty Jamesy, +1 from me

>>6412172
+1 to
>>6412180

>>6412180
+1

>>6412172
>Elizabetha will go first

>>6412172
>>6412180
>>6412339
>>6412341
>>6412343

So James will go first. Roll me 1d20 BO3, rerolls are allowed after two hours

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>6412407

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>6412407

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>6412407

>>6412421
>>6412422
>>6412451
2 and 17

James stepped forwards, holding one wooden sword in each hand.

"I'll go first."


"Very well."

The dojo master pointed at one of the recruits who grabbed her own bokken and walked up to the pirate and gave him a respectful small bow. After a few seconds James returned the gesture meanwhile the master explained the rules.

"The match will continue until either one of you is pushed out of the circle, admits defeat or Kangaroo or I call it."

The second the explanations were over James adjusted his footing and threw one of his swords, hitting the recruit full in the chest before pulling it back with the chain, leaving her winded.

"N..no fair."

Rather than respond James moved in and ended up with the tips of his swords inches away from her neck.

"Pirates don't fight fair. Get used to it."

"James wins!"

With a sigh the recruit backed down and walked away while James stayed where he was.

"Next!"

Another recruit got picked and entered the circle. Like last time he bowed, James having expected it this time took advantage of the act. Before the marine had the chance to assume a fighting stance James dropped his swords and pushed him out of the circle.

Again he was declared the winner and the marine left angrily.

The third marine was smarter. He approached James with his sword ready and immediately went for a swing from above aimed at the top of his head. James was just barely able to block it with the chain but used the height difference to headbutt the much taller marine in the chest. This was considered enough to let him win the third mach as well.

"Not bad. You marines can learn, after all."

> James keeps fighting
> Elizabetha takes over

>>6412842
> Elizabetha takes over

>>6412842
> Elizabetha takes over
If she was more of a boss, I would have voted for James to continue fighting until "something", but the way I see it now - she is also inexpirienced and needs training.

>>6412842
>Elizabetha takes over

Rolled 4 (1d5)

>>6412864
>>6412896
>>6412929

Alright roll me another 1d20 BO3

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>6413061

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>6413061
Dice addiction.

Ooof.
QM, what are your rules regarding crits? No crit failures/crit successes? There are crit failures, but they do not override successes, if there is success among the rolls? Or, crits override?

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>6413061
roll

>>6413079
d20s do crit like crazy.

>>6413065
>>6413070
>>6413095
Well, clearly she ain`t our crew muscles. Or maybe she REALLY should have slept last night...

>>6413100
Her legs are still wobbly. What the hell did James do to her.

>>6413100
>>6413119
They are newlyweds on their honeymoon so obviously they were having too much fun last night to sleep properly lol.

>>6413065
>>6413070
>>6413095
4 and 8
>>6413079
No crits
>>6413100
Oh thanks to my roll she might surprise you
>>6413172
They really were, that is why Elizabetha said being kept all night wasn't an excuse here >>6412172

"My turn."

"Are you su..., I mean alright. Good luck."

With her spear in her right hand Elizabetha walked up to the circle, while some of the recruits were complaining about how James barely used his weapons.

"The unexpected is also a weapon, but yes you do have a point."

The master briefly turned to James.

"If you wish to train here you are more than welcome or you could buy some of our manuals. Anyway let's not slow things down too much."

The master pointed at another marine and Elzibetha assumed a combat stance as her challenger entered the circle. This time the marine didn't bow before starting but rushed straight at Elizabetha. Unfortunately for him he hadn't considered the range difference between a spear and a wooden sword and his quick offensive ended the match similar to how James won his first fight, by taking a hit straight to the chest. At least it was the blunt end of the spear or things would have gone much worse.

"Oof, yeah spears are quite nasty to fight against if they have room."

The second marine took Captain Kangaroo's words to heart and got a lot closer to Elizabetha, which she didn't stop, before taking an defensive stance. He even bowed to her and she returned the courtesy.

At first neither of them moved, Elzibetha wondering what the marine was up to and the marine hoping to counter her.

Some of the spectators started complaining about it being boring and two of the marines even started a conversation about something.

Eventually Elizabetha ran out of patience and having seen that her opponent was guarding his chest went for his legs, sweeping them out from under him with her spear.

Her third match also started by her opponent rushing her but this time he zigzagged, dodging Elizabetha's attacks and even forcing her to block his sword. The marine clearly had the strength advantage as Elizabetha's arms were being pushed back. Before he could break her defense though she stepped to the side and let go of her spear with one hand. Before the marine could recover his balance Elizabetha smacked him in the head and ended her third match.

Panting she waited for her next opponent.

"Maybe you should take a break."

"Not yet."

"If you're sure."

The dojomaster pointed at another marine but as she walked into the circle from Elizabetha's left the pirate didn't react, still catching her breath even as her opponent took an offensive stance and raised her sword.

"Look out!"

Thanks to James' warning she managed to evade most of the attack but the wooden sword did graze her arm.

"Hmm, I wonder."

Both James and Elizabetha were too distracted by the fight to notice the dojomaster's reaction. The pirate just barely ducking underneath a wide swing of her opponent's wooden sword, too wide a swing in fact as the marine had fully intended to end the fight with her second attack. With how the marine had twisted her body it was simple to repeat the leg sweeping trick that won Elizabetha's second match but it was clear she was running out of stamina.

James wanted to say something but she expected it and glared in his direction.

"Hey, your opponent is over here."

As Elizabetha focused on him the marine he had been talking too earlier snuck closer to the circle holding a wooden sword and without a sound "stabbed" her in the back

"No fair!"

"You said it yourself. Get used to it."

"They're right, I lost."

>To be continued.

"Ugh, fine. At least let me deal with the rest."

"Not this again. Listen, James, I'm willing to take a break but you're not going to keep me from fighting."

"As interesting as this is I do have one question for Miss Elizabetha.

The dojo master interrupted the couple's bickering and got their attention.

"Oh, what did you want to ask?"

"How is your left eye?"

Elizabetha subconsciously reached for her eye at that question, remembering how she was pushed into that table corner.

"You don't have to tell him that."

James glared at the dojomaster.

"He is right. If it makes you uncomfortable, we can just keep going with the sparring."

"Of course my marines will now have an advantage against you, so you'd better watch your left side."

It was hard to tell if Kangaroo was trolling, warning the two "bounty hunters" or giving the dojo students a hint.

"I know, but remember what the doctor said. Talking about it will help and telling a stranger might be easier than someone we'll constantly see. "Apparently it's psychological, the eye itself works just fine. In fact part of the reason I left home was to get away from hi...

She took a deep breath and grabbed her spear tighter in her right hand.

"the memories. It's been getting better though, if I focus I can see but most of the time......"

James didn't like seeing her like this and desperately wanted to change the subject but he remained quiet. As did everyone else, waiting to see if Elizabetha wanted to say anything else.

> There are still 8 fights remaining how many will James fight and how many will Elizabetha handle? As Kangaroo said the marines will have an advantage against her if they're willing to push it but she knows this as well and the two top students have already had their turn.

>>6414023
5 James
3 Elizabetha

>>6414023
4/4
No more shame in losing than in not trying.

>>6414082
I'll switch to this to break the tie.

>>6414050
+1

>>6414120
Since you got a +1 now, let's go with your original plan if no other votes come in. I'm fine with either.

>>6414050
>>6414137
>>6414144
5 for James 3 for Elizabetha. Locked and writing

James tapped Elizabetha's shoulder

"I'm taking over again, for now."

Since she needed to rest anyway Elizabetha didn't argue, but part of her wanted to tell him to shut it in an attempt to establish her authority as captain.

"Knock them dead."

James' next opponent was chosen and walked into the ring, "accidentally" bumping into the leaving Elizabetha.

"Watch it. Our guests are here to help you and you will treat them with the respect they deserve."

The dojomaster scolded his student who offer a clearly fake apology.

"At least as long as they don't cause trouble. Of course these two bounty hunters are smarter than that, right?."

Captain Kangaroo watched James and Elizabetha for any reaction to his not so subtle warning but neither was in the right headspace to notice, with James being too angry at his opponent and Elizabetha lost in thought, which actually made him wonder if he was wrong about them being pirates.

The moment Elizabetha was fully outside the ring James launched at the marine recruit, holding his two swords crossed in front of him. He only separated them after coming into contact with his target and if he had been using real swords would have no doubt left two diagonal cuts across the student marine's chest. As it was the attack only caused some nasty bruises and pushed the student out of the ring.

"Chained Cross!"

The next student didn't wait until the dojomaster picked her but immediately entered the ring of his own free will, his appearance being similar enough to the marine James just defeated that they were probably brothers.

"You'll pay for that."

"We'll see."

Hhe was too close for James to try his new technique again but he had another idea. He raised both his arms and moved them forward before lowering them again making sure the chain between his swords get behind his opponent's weapon and pointing their tips at her neck. That done he pulled as hard as he could and yoinked the sword out of her hands disarming her ending the match.

>To be continued

As Elizabetha watched James she noticed that he seemed to be using his swords more and figured he must have taken the earlier comments from the dojo master to heart.

Once again someone stepped up before they were picked and James took a few steps back, while dropping the sword in his left hand leaving it dangling on the chain. He had two more tricks he wanted to try and no idea when Elizabetha would take over again.

"What is the matter? Don't tell me you won't fight a girl."

James said nothing, she could think what she wanted.

The marine took the first move but while she was coming at him, James moved his torso the side before quickly twisting it to the other side with his right stretched out in her direction, the momentum of this half spin causing his sword to smack her in the head.

"Chained spin!"

James wasn't too sure if he wanted to keep this move in his arsenal but it hit hard enough to end this match.


This time the dojo master waited to see if anyone else would step but no one did so he just pointed at someone.

"Your turn."

Still not sure about his "Chained Spin" James tried the trick again but his opponent was ready for it and easily knocked it away with his own wooden wooden sword.

"Come on, a trick like that only works if it's unexpected."

"Good thing then it's not the only trick up my sleeve."

James grabbed the dangling sword in his left hand and threw it again to his right hand making sure the chain wrapped around the marine's sword. He then pulled hard enough that his opponent had to let go and ended up disarmed.

"Chained wrap!"

He had gotten the idea for this trick when he disarmed that other marine but like with his previous one wasn't sure about it.

Still like last time disarming his opponent was enough to end the fight and James was relieved, he was getting tired but figured he could handle one more fight at least if he ended it quickly. The more he did the less Elizabetha would have to do, after all.

As his next opponent was picked he took some deep breaths and moved all the way back to the edge of the ring. Luckily for James his opponent entered from the far point giving him enough room to use what was so far his favorite technique.

"Chained cross!"

The attack was blocked and the force behind it was enough to create cracks in the wood of both of James's swords but it was also enough for the marine to drop his own wooden sword and end the match in another win for James.

"Guess, it's my turn again"

"But..."

James looked at his swords.

"Yeah, you're right"

"Relax, lover boy, there is only three left. I can handle that."

>To be continued

When Elizabetha entered the ring so did the marine who "stabbed" her in the back.

"Hope you don't mind losing to me again."

She didn't even bother responding, it wasn't like these fights were life or death or that he had hurt her after all. Still she decided to defeat as fast as possible, to show she could and that she wasn't any weaker than James.

So the moment he came within spear distance she went on the attack, quickly and repeatedly thrusting the blunt end in a circular pattern while also forcing him backwards.

"Full Moon Barrage!"

By the time she stopped her attack he had been hit several times and was clearly the loser.

"Hope you don't mind losing to me."

She waited for her next opponent but like with James none of the marines stepped forwards until the dojo master pointed at one. This marine entered the ring in a defensive stance but made the mistake of getting within Elizabetha's spear's range but staying too far away to hit her with his shorter sword.

As a result she used the same technique again and to the student's credit he managed to block a few of her thrusts before getting overwhelmed. Still since Elizabetha took some pity she never actually hit him despite clearly winning.

"Guess it's my turn."

Since he was the only one who hadn't fought the last student knew he would get picked anyway and entered the ring while the previous one walked out.

"I just hope neither master nor Captain Kangaroo is too disappointed in us."

"As long as you learn from this there is nothing to be disappointed about."

"I already have learned two things from just watching."

"Oh and what might that be?"

"I'll tell you after the match."

With that the marine bowed to Elizabetha and immediately stepped to her left with his sword raised high. As he brought it down Elizabetha also showed what she had learned by blocking it with her spear and like James ending the fight by aiming the tip of her weapon at her opponent's neck.

"So?"

"I learned about the issues you have with your eye and that sometimes you must fight dirty to win."

To prove his point he then gently bopped her in the head with his wooden sword.

"I mean that did let me get a hit in."

Captain Kangaroo laughed at this.

"Now about your rewards I have something that should help you while my friend here has something for James."

> Take the rewards they have prepared and nothing more.

> Ask for two real swords for James instead of the reward the dojo master has planned for him.

> Ask for two real swords for James instead of the reward the dojo master has planned for him and plan to sneak in at night to steal the prepared reward.

> Take the prepared rewards but sneak in at night to try and steal some swords for James.

>>6415548
>Ask for two real swords for James instead of the reward the dojo master has planned for him.

>>6415548
> Take the rewards they have prepared and nothing more.
MYSTERY BOX

also a deal is a deal even we are pirates and its not like they screwed us over or anything.

>>6415548
+1 to >>6415635
Also, I really think we should head the warning, get the reward and GTFO - I`m personally not keen on tempting fate.

>>6415548
> Take the rewards they have prepared and nothing more.
So far we seem to be more in the 'fun and adventure' department of piracy than in the skullduggery or the 'cruel and evil' departments.

Also, asking as someone not fully familiar with lore. Since there is a World Goverment and not a multitude of truly independents nations, am I correct in assuming that there is no such concept as "letter of marque"?

>>6415716
At a certain point in time there are (or were) the seven warlords of the sea (shichibukai) who had basically a licence from the world government to do what they want to a certain extent. But there is (or was) nothing similar to historical privateers to my knowledge.

>>6415723
At this point the warlords are still around, this is the same time the straw hats are exploring Skypiea after all, but yeah no Letters of Marque and neither James nor Elizabetha is remotely strong enough to be considered for the Seven warlords. Anyway standard reward it is. Locking the votes and writing

File: downloads.jpg (7 KB, 318x159)

7 KB JPG

Elizabetha and James talked privately for a bit before making their choice.

"We'll just take the prepared rewards, please."

"But I would appreciate it if you could give me the name of a cheap weapon shop."

"Very well."

The dojomaster took out some scrolls while Captain Kangaroo tossed a short tube to Elizabetha.

Both pirates looked a bit confused, clearly not having expected that.

"Those scrolls contain copies of our dojo sword training regiment as well some basic techniques."

"As for that tube try thrusting your spear with it."

Elizabetha was skeptical but decided to try it anyway. She quickly found that the tube greatly reduced the friction, allowing her to thrust much faster.

"Wow."

"Glad you like it, it was used by a pirate I captured about five years ago. He really gave me some trouble with that spear of his. Anyway it's time for me and those students to head to ship so they can get assigned to their bases."

As Kangaroo got up all the students lined up and bowed to the dojo master and in a clearly rehearsed manner thanked him, some also thanking Elizabetha and James and some others not saying anything to them.

Just to be safe Elizabetha and James went in the opposite direction as soon as they had left the dojo.

"Do you think he was onto us?"

"No idea, do you think we could have taken him?"

"Absolutely not, we need to get much stronger."

"We're also going to need a crew and a ship, much as I'd prefer it just being the two of us for now."

"Yeah."

Hand in hand they walked away from the dojo, occasionally looking to see if any marines were following them after all.

> Get new swords for James as well supplies and leave the island.

> Get new swords and go back to the inn, you can get supplies and leave tomorrow.

>>6416056
> Get new swords and go back to the inn, you can get supplies and leave tomorrow.

Lets wait for a bit, I want to put some healhy distance between us and people who would, in usual circumstances, would be the one to catch us.

>>6416056
> Get new swords and go back to the inn, you can get supplies and leave tomorrow.
We should spend an evening at the inn to think about a crew and a ship and maybe take a first glimpse at our future training regimen.

>>6416056
>Get new swords and go back to the inn, you can get supplies and leave tomorrow.

>>6416140
>>6416141
>>6416168
It's unanimous, locked and writing

"Anyway, let's get you some new swords and go back to the inn. I doubt you want to spend the rest of the day rowing anymore than I do."

"Plus, I can think of of plenty I want to do tonight."

Elizabetha smirked at James' comment.

"I bet."

"I meant chaining the new swords together and studying those scrolls. Really."

"Sure you did, loverboy. Sure you did."

Eventually they found a sword shop and entered. Despite knowing that their current budget meant James was going to have to settle for two wooden blades again he immediately looked at some of the katana's while Elizabetha quickly informed the shopkeeper what they were there for before he could get his hopes about a big sale.

By sheer luck James came across a single katana that was in their budget.

"I know what we agreed on but look here."

He pointed at the price.

"I don't know. We still need supplies."

"Come on, we can always go hunting on that deserted island."

The shopkeeper also spoke up, wanting to make a sale but not wanting take advantage of a young couple that clearly didn't have a lot of money.

"I'm gonna be honest that sword isn't very high quality and since it has been taking up space for over a year with no one buying it, I'm willing to offer you a 5 % discount."

James had already noticed the quality problems. The sword was poorly balanced and a bit heavier than it should be, but as far as he could tell those were the only real issues with it and the extra weight could even be an advantage as it meant the attacks would pack an extra punch, even though it would also be a bit sluggish.

> Buy the metal katana.

> Stick to the plan and buy two wooden swords.

>>6416459
>Buy the metal katana
those wooden ones got cracks after a few training bouts

>>6416459
> Buy the metal katana.
It will help James to get stronger and when we get him two good ones he'll be even faster with them. Plus it'll look cool.

>>6416491
>>6416568
Locked and writing

File: James' fist katana.png (99 KB, 700x110)

99 KB PNG

"We'll take it."

"Thanks, I'll make it up to you."

Their weapon shopping done Elizabetha and James headed back to the in, taking a semi scenic route to just explore the island while they were there. They even enjoyed a brief free karate demonstration while sitting in a front of an empty food stall, while it was entertaining enough none of the locals were too impressed, two of talking about the missing owner of the stall instead of paying attention to the fight.

"He is still not back?"

"No, he went to the nearby island to look for herbs and spices a while back. I'd be worried but he does it all the time."

"Wait, was he out at sea during that storm?"

Once the show was over James suggested going to the in so he could study the scrolls, since Elizabetha was curious as well she agreed and pretty soon they were back in their room for one last night before setting out again. James was sitting the ground with one of the scrolls in front of him.

"This is all just techniques for one sword."

"What did you expect? That is what every student used. Look up their training maybe we can both use that."

As requested James rolled the scroll up and grabbed another one. It showed several drawing of a figure cutting tatami mats at different angles.

"Not that helpful for you and definitely not enough to do it on the rowboat. Once we get our own ship we should add some kind of training area."

"Oh yeah, we should also add a training dummy and some kind of target to help me group the hits of Full Moon Barrage close together."

They talked a bit more about the ship they eventually wanted before going to sleep.

The next day they set out on their journey immediately after breakfast. James took up rowing first again while Elizabetha used their map to make sure they stayed on track to the deserted island. When they arrived they spotted a ship being anchored there as well and made sure to park their rowboat some distance away.

> Check out the ship.

> Explore the island.

>>6416883
> Check out the ship.
Slowly approach and spy at/eavesdrop. If seemingly uninhabited/unwatched maybe even sneak aboard and check it out.
We don't want any surprises coming from the ship when exploring the island.

>>6416883
> Check out the ship.
does this belong to the missing shopowner? if he's dead then we just gained our first boat upgrade :)

>>6415706
>So far we seem to be more in the 'fun and adventure' department of piracy
I'd say that the only people really worth fighting and stealing from are gonna be other pirates. Marines could be worth a fight just to measure our strength, but they likely won't have good loot.

>>6416993
So...Just bounty hunters who would call themself pirates for the cool factor?
Well, fine with me.
>>6416883
> Check out the ship.
+1 to "Slowly approach and spy at/eavesdrop."
If there is no one there - do not loot anything yet.

>>6416954
>>6416992
>>6417017
Checking out the ship wins.
Give me a vote who wil do the talking to anyone on board
> James
> Elizabetha

>>6417065
> Elizabetha

It is natural for the boss to control negotiations.

>>6417065
> Elizabetha
She deserves a little bit of spotlight and should grow into the role of leadership and negotiation anyway.

>>6417065
>Elizabetha

>>6417081
>>6417087
>>6417199
Locked and writing, though there probably won't be an update today or tomorrow

File: dbe92c51ac51206709e4fb71b(...).jpg (44 KB, 640x479)

44 KB JPG

Elizabetha and James exited their rowboat and walked to the ship, Elizabetha on James' right side and both of them unaware they were being watched by someone hiding in the bushes.

Before they could get too close a musketround hit the sand of the beach and a voice from the ship ordered them to stop.

"Hey! Freeze right there! This island is supposed to be deserted. Who the hell are you two, and what are you doing here?"

From what they could tell there were four men guarding the ship, one wielding the musket that was just fired, two holding wooden clubs, and one seemingly unarmed.

Elizabetha's right eye twitched as she tried to think of something and she elbowed James knowing he was about to about to say something. She was the captain after all and as such she had to defuse the situation.

" Who are we? Wow, great question, spectacular question. We are... tourists! Yes! Just regular, everyday South Blue vacationers."

"You expect us to believe that? This place is an uninhabited jungle full of giant bugs."

" Oh, but the bugs are the best part! We are huge fans of entomology."

One of the club wielding guards noticed her twitching eye and loudly whispered to the others.

"Hey... her eye keeps twitching. Is she having a stroke or something?"

"She's lying through her teeth, you idiot!"

The four guards immediately exited the ship, the musket carrier using the gangplank while the other three jumped onto the beach. Knowing that a fight was inevitable now both James and Elizabetha switched to combat stances.

Despite her lie failing Elizabetha was still confident until she noticed the musket wielding pirate aim his weapon at them. Thinking quickly she gripped her spear and began spinning it around in front of bother and James.

>Roll me 1d20 BO3. No crit fails or crit successes

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>6418305
You deny me my critfail? Woe be upon you.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>6418305

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>6418305

>>6418313
>>6418344
>>6418368

"What the—?! She deflected a bullet with a stick?!"

"That was my last bullet as well."

Elizabetha was just as surprised, her jaw dropping at the fact that it worked but she quickly recovered, and decided to remember and name that trick. It was bound to be useful.

In the meantime the other three ship guards charged forwards, the two club wielders following after the last one who had drawn a serrated knife.

Using the fact they were on a beach Elizabetha quickly flicked her spear through the loose sand sending it flying to the charging pirates.

It didn't blind them long but it did allow her and James to flank them.

"Leave those clubs to me!"

Trusting James Elizabetha focused on the knife user. The guy tried, but her longer reach meant she could easily take him down.

James however was having slightly more trouble in his fight. He had intended to take both of his opponents down in one strike but half way through his attack remembered he only had one sword and was wide open on one side.

As a result he took a hit to his outstretched arm while the weight and poor balance of the katana meant that his actual swing was just slow enough that it could be dodged rather easily by his opponent.

Without a word Elizabetha stepped in and tripped the pirate that had managed to hit James, pointing her spear tip at his neck

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, loverboy."

"Gonna let her fight me too loverboy?"

The remaining club wielder taunted James who having learned from his mistake grabbed his sword in both hands.

"Nah, you're not worth my captain's time."

James lifted his sword and brought the pommel down his opponent's head with enough force to knock him out.

With his companions easily defeated and him being out of ammo the remaining pirate did the only sensible thing.

"We surrender, we surrender!"
______________________________________

The person hiding in the bushes was impressed by the newcomers even if they messed up his plans to hitch a ride off of the island. He briefly considered letting the larger group on the island know their crewmembers were beaten up but wasn't sure if they would believe he wasn't involved in the fight. Besides he could just take the rowboat belonging to the newcomers and row back home instead.

__________________________________

James and Elizabetha had tied up and disarmed their opponents and learned that they were on the island because of a treasure map.

>Check the ship for anything valuable and then look for the rest of the crew
>Look for the rest of the unknown pirate crew and the treasure

>>6418677
>Check the ship for anything valuable and then look for the rest of the crew
Can just ambush them when they return to the ship anyway.

>>6418677
>>Check the ship for anything valuable and then look for the rest of the crew

Locked and writing

File: pngtree-vector-white-jewe(...).jpg (13 KB, 360x360)

13 KB JPG

"Let's take a look inside."

Both James and Elizabetha climbed aboard the ship and split up to look faster.

"You go that way, I'll look over there."

"Aye, aye, Captain."

While James didn't find anything valuable he did come across the pirate's food supply. Since they couldn't fit most of it on their rowboat anyway and he didn't want them to starve he just grabbed enough to last him and Elizabetha a few days, before heading back above deck.

Elizabetha on the other hand did come across something that could be worth a lot, namely a necklace that seemed to have a gold chain and a flower made of gems as the pendant. Naturally she took it and

> Wore it over her clothes openly
> Hid it under her jacket

______________________________________

The unknown figure meanwhile had made it to James and Elizabetha's rowboat and was ready to leave. Ultimately though he couldn't bring himself to just abandon two strangers to the same island he had been stuck on for five days. He even considered coming back but that would only be possible if he could find someone to lend him their boat and who knew what might happen considering that guy with the fake horns and large iron club was still on the island.
______________________________________

On her way back out Elizabetha checked each of the ten hammocks but didn't find anything more interesting than some Beri coins which she did take.

Back on the deck James threw her some of the hardtack he had found and they both ate it quickly but not very enthusiastically.

"So, what is the plan now?"

"Easy, we..

> try and find that treasure ourselves"
> leave, this necklace I found should buy us supplies back at Karate Island."

>>6419134
> Hid it under her jacket

> try and find that treasure ourselves"
Try to get a general idea of the island's features (mountains, rivers, woods, swamps for example), first and be sneaky if advancing towards where the other pirates probably are.
Also
>count the hammocks
before we leave the ship, so we have an estimate how many of the other pirates are out there.

>>6419177
Don't worry about the hammocks Elizabetha already knows there is 10

>>6419134
>Wear it under her clothes, between her cleavage

> try and find that treasure ourselves"

>>6419134
> Hid it under her jacket, asked pirates about it and made a mental note to also ask first jeweler they will met.

And, of course
> try and find that treasure ourselves".

>>6419134
>Wear it under her clothes, between her cleavage
> try and find that treasure ourselves"

"try and find that treasure ourselves"

As they left the ship Elizabetha double checked that the necklace was hidden under her jacket. The four defeated pirates having heard their plans spoke up.

"Our captain will deal with you."
"Yeah, he even has a bounty. Nine hundr...."

James drew his sword and they quickly shut up.

"Maybe they're right and we should just go. There is no reason for you to.."

Elizabetha sighed as James was being protective again.

"If we want to challenge the Grand Line you can't keep doing this."

"But you might get hurt or something."

"Not another word from you. Captain's orders."

______________________________________

He was getting tired of waiting for the owners of the rowboat to come back and figured they might have gone after the rest of the pirates instead. Luckily he had a pretty good idea where the horned fellow went and so he headed straight there.
______________________________________

"I think it's the third time we came across this rock."

"Yeah, maybe we should east this time."

"Actually that is west, you can tell by the sun."

"All right so we'll go this way then."

Elizabetha turned around 180 degrees and kept walking.

Before long they spotted a group of seven people in the distance, two of them arguing while three were digging.

"I keep telling you, I'm here because my sailboat sank during that storm five days ago."

"Do you think I'm stupid, you bastard?! You're here for .."

"Calm down captain, there is no way he knows about it."

"You're right, gotta control my temper and besides it's just one guy."

The captain took some deep breaths.

"It might some kind of trick."

"I don't think so, there were only ten hammocks on that ship."

> Reveal yourselves.
> Hide and wait until they actually dig up the treasure.

>>6419672
>> Hide and wait until they actually dig up the treasure.
They already started digging, it would be rude to interrupt.

>>6419672
> Hide and wait until they actually dig up the treasure.

>>6419672
>Hide and wait until they actually dig up the treasure

>>6419672
Was very indecisive yesterday, so I'll just roll with the crowd I guess...
> Hide and wait until they actually dig up the treasure

>>6420045
>>6420046
>>6420171
>>6420203

Locked and writing

File: wanted-poster.png (1.7 MB, 772x1154)

1.7 MB PNG

>>6420430
"Should we..?"

"Let's wait, until they find the treasure."

The captain of the pirate crew pointed his club in the direction of the stranger.

"You, back away slowly and sit down in front of those bushes where we can keep an eye on you!"

Seeing no reason to argue he did as he was told but he did speak up.

"I do have a name you know, It's Chenketh."

"Show some respect to captain Carter, he has a 900.000 belly bounty."

"I can talk for myself!"

As Chenketh sat down almost right in front of James and Elizabetha, Carter swung his club at the pirate who mentioned his bounty but it was intentionally slow and easily evaded by jumping backwards.

"Strike 1!"

Still that led to the pirate tripping into the hole and falling backwards on the ground.

James smirked at the whole thing and Chenketh briefly tensed up, having heard the accompanying snort.

Before he could sat anything though one of the diggers spoke up.

"We found it, captain we have the treasure chest."

Cater pushed his crew the side to look at the chest.

"Good job, you guys. Our first buried treasure."

"Now!"

With that James and Elizabetha leapt out of the bushes. Seeing them Carter's face turned bright red and he ran at them and Chenketh.

"Liar! You did have crewmembers here! I'm gonna kill you."

Without a word James and Elizabetha crossed their weapons together to block the club, stopping it just a few inches from Chenketh.

"Th..thanks."

In the meantime the other five pirates all formed a half circle around them, all wielding wooden clubs and clearly not wanting to get too close to the captain

"Don't just stand there! Attack!"

Who will deal with Carter? Chenketh will help with fighting Carter's crewmates
> Elizabetha
> James
> Both

>>6420707
> Elizabetha
She has more reach, so she better suited to fight someone with very destructive(for our level) attacks. Meanwhile James does not have her eye-problem, so he better suited to fight multiple targets at the same time. And, if he and Chenketh will ba able to deal with Carters crew quickly - they could always help.

>>6420707
>Elizabetha

>>6420707
> Elizabetha
Captain versus captain

>>6420707
> Elizabetha

>>6420772
>>6420826
>>6421078
>>6421113

Roll me 1d20 BO3. No crits

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>6421346

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>6421346
We're just better. EZ

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>6421346

File: IMG_0719.png (5.51 MB, 1583x1664)

5.51 MB PNG

"James, you handle the ones on the left. The captain is mine."

Elizabetha hoped James picked up on the meaning behind her having him cover her left as she didn't want to reveal her weakness. Despite her worries though Carter's crew didn't get any closer and the reason why quickly became clear as Carter took a few steps backwards and swung his club in a wide arc.

The arc was wide enough that the three easily dodged but Elizabetha could tell that having James and Chenketh close by would just complicate things by giving Carter more targets.

"Go already!"

With that both James and Chenketh went to deal with the crewmembers.

"You've got guts facing me alone, Missy. I can respect that but I'm not going to hold back."

She honestly didn't want him too, if she couldn't even handle someone with a bounty of 900.000 belly she would never be able to challenge the Grand Line.

"Bring it."

Trusting her spear's range she take a fighting stance and prepared her first attack.

"Full Moon Barra..."

She got a few hits in before Carter easily smacked her spear away with his club, leading her to realize the flaw in her plan. Their weapons had similar range and Carter could take more hits than she could.

----------

While Elizabetha was rethinking her strategy Chenketh and James both took their first opponent, Chenketh with a quick jab to the pirates eyes followed by an elbow to the chest and James by using the same pommel strike he used on one of the ships guardians.

--------

"Strike two!"

Only Carter yelling out the name of his attack warned Elizabetha of him going for the same wide swing again, from the left this time. She dropped to the ground and as the club just barely passed over her head, she realized what advantages she had.

It was risky but with the tube from Kangaroo she should be able to pull it off. She slid the tube forwards, and held her spear a lot closer to the tip. She then got a few steps closer and assumed the stance for Full Moon Barrage again to bait him.

As expected Carter recognized the attack and tried to counter it the same way, but Elizabetha's attack didn't come. Instead she waited until the swing was complete. Before Carter could retake his stance she pulled the tube back even faster than for Full Moon Barrage

Realizing the danger Carter lifted his club overhead but as he was bringing it down Elizabeth completed her attack by snapping her arm forwards. She used a lot more force than for Full Moon Barrage and this wasn't something she would be able to pull off several times in a row. Still her spear hit him full in the chest, and while he was tough enough that it wasn't fatal he was still forced on his knees and dropped his club in defeat.

>>6421892


Panting Elizabetha dragged the club away from Carter just in case. In the meantime both James and Chenketh finished their fights and the three check out the treasure chest, seeing that it's full of old silver coins.

>Take the whole treasure.
>Leave some of it behind for Carter, you also have the necklace after all.

File: Spoiler Image (5 KB, 246x100)

5 KB JPG

>>6421893
>Take the whole treasure
if they don't like it they can try coming after us in the future...

>>6421893
>>Take the whole treasure.
Raider's rights. We won, we take. Simple as.

>>6421893
>>Take the whole treasure

>>6421893
>Take the whole treasure
>Ask how exactly Carter earned a bounty.
>If it is something actually really bad - also take him for this bounty. If not - just leave him be.

>>6422016
+1 to this

>>6421893
>>6421925
>>6421964
>>6421998
>>6422016
>>6422071

No post today but vote is locked. I will try to include the write-in

"Nice, I was hoping for gold but this is still quite the bounty."

"Wait, you're going to steal from pirates? Are you sure that is smart?"

" We're pirates ourselves, besides these guys clearly aren't a threat to us. Hmm, speaking of bounties..."

Carter had of course heard their entire conversation.

"So you're saying he really wasn't a part of your crew?!! What would you have done if we hadn't attacked you?!"

"We still would have tried taking this. It was why we went looking for you guys after hearing about it from your other crewmates."

"Makes sense, at least my temper wasn't to blame for this. You didn't kill them right? Right?"

They were all surprised by this reaction given how aggressive Carter had been so far.

"Don't worry, they're all still alive."

"So...are we good?"

"NGGG-KHA-HA-HA! Of course not! I will get you, someday but not today."

"Fair enough."

Chenketh just stared at Elizabetha as she calmy accepted him swearing revenge.

"Are you sure it's smart to just let him go?"

"Maybe not but we would be saying the same thing in his place, and besides it is three against one."

"Who said we're just going to let him go. Tell me Carter, how did you get your bounty?"

Carter didn't answer and just glared at them but seeing both James and Elizabetha ready their weapons started talking.

"It is all that stupid merchant's fault. Due to a cave in our island failed to deliver all the coal he ordered. He then refused to pay, which I could have accepted but had his people take the coal anyway and threatened to sue us. Angrily I attacked his bodyguard and then he ran to the marines who placed a bounty on my head for attacking him."

>Take Carter in for the bounty.
>Leave with the treasure and necklace.


"This does still leave one question."
James turned to face Chenketh.
""
""Yeah, what are you doing here?"

"Oh that is simple. I came here to gather spices and other edible plants to make my own hot sauce with but that storm a few days back sank my boat and left me stranded."

"Your own hot sauce?"

"Yeah, I have a foodstand on Karate Island and it's my dream to crossbreed spices and use them in my own hot sauce. I was actually hoping you could give me a ride back home."

>Accept to take Chenketh back.
>Refuse but promise to send someone to pick him up.
>Offer to take him along to the next inhabited island you land on

>>6422934
>Leave with the treasure and necklace.
Carter is probably embellishing story in his favor somewhat, but its clear that he is no monstrous mass-murderer. I say, leave him be.
>Accept to take Chenketh back.
Why not? Surely we didn`t do anything bad (yet) so we have no reason to fear marines!