Page 55 - ghosts-of-saltmarsh

height of 8 feet except for the bilge (area 16). which is 4 3. POOP DECK
feet high. The cargo hold hatch in area 1 is closed but
not fastened. The bilge hatch in area 11 is closed and
bolted from the hold side only. The tiller is the most prominent feature of this area, ris-
ing from the deck about six feet from the stern and hav-
SHIP LOCATIONS
ing a horizontal arm some six feet long. Against this arm,
The following areas are identified on map 2.3. on the starboard side and looking coastward. stands a
human figure.
l. MAIN DECK
Leaning on the starboard rail and looking toward the
• coast are three human figures. The one nearest the stern
Though the light is dim at best, you can see details of the
holds something in his hand at shoulder level; occasion-
ship's main deck. In the center, forward of the mast. a
ally he adjusts it in some way.
jolly boat is lashed to the deck with ropes.
Aft of the mast is a hatch to the belowdecks area and a
The figure leaning against the tiller is a crew member
rope ladder climbing to a crow's nest above.
(bandit). The others. from fore to aft, are Punketah (pi-
Two human figures lean against the rail mid-deck, star·
rate deck wizard; see appendix C), the ship's captain
ing toward the coast. Between them at deck level is a roll Sigurd "Snake Eyes'' (pirate captain; see appendix C)
of canvas or rope. and another crew member (bandit). The last holds a
To fore and aft, below the upper decks. stand vague bullseye lantern that has a shutter over its lens; from
lime to time the crew member moves the shutter and
outlines of doors. You can also see ladders that lead to
sends out the prearranged signal.
the upper decks, the aft one on the port side. the forward
one on the starboard. 4. GALLEY STORES

The hatch leads to the hold (area 11) below. Between the From iron hooks set into the ceiling hang three long
two figures waits a 25-foot-long rope ladder, ready to be strings of sausages, a large ham, and a hunk of meat.
thrown over the side. Two 25-foot lengths of rope also
Against the hull are three sacks. Set against the bulkhead
lie neatly coiled at opposite edges of the deck.
beside the door are a cask and a ceramic jar. Against
The two figures are Bloody Bjorn (pirate first mate:
the other bulkhead are set a large and a small cask and
see appendix C) and a crew member (bandit).
another ceramic jar. There is an opening in the latter
2. FORECASTLE
bulkhead about three feet square and with its lower edge
• about three feet above the deck .
A massive shape in the center of the deck area must be •
the ship's capstan. From 1t, the anchor chain runs down The area is unoccupied.
the chain vent to port of the prow. The meat is salt beef: the sacks contain dried beans;
Standing near the bowsprit is a human figure. He ap- the casks contain Aour. salt, and ale; and the jars con-
pears to be scanning to starboard. tain honey and olive oil. The ship's food stores are rela-
tively fresh, though nothing is particularly appetizing.

The capstan arms can be removed and used as clubs. 5. SH IP'S STORES
They have been left in the capstan by express orders of •
the captain. who wants to be able to make a quick get-
Two coiled lengths of rope and three rolls of sailcloth lie
away if such proves necessary.
on the deck alongside a large box. A large wooden cask
The figure is a single crew member (bandit) watching
for any signals from shore. stands next to six lengths of wood planking. Set into a
wooden rack, fastened to the bulkhead by the door, are
two metal-headed hammers, two wooden mallets, two
saws, and an adze. There is an opening. about three feet
square and with its lower edge about seven feet above
the deck, in the other bulkhead.

The area is unoccupied.
Each rope is 100 feet long. The box contains copper
nails, and the cask is three-quarters full of hard. dry
tar. These supplies are used to make regular repairs
about the ship.

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