A Bit of Fiction and Another Resource

Today's post includes something of a new venture for me. Although I do a lot of writing for RPG-related projects, I don't write much fiction. I want to do more of that, however, and the short story included below is a start in that direction. While I was writing it, I also stumbled across a cool resource for 3.X D&D campaigns in general and Skull & Bones in particular.

-Nate

The Benediction

“How are the preparations going, Captain?” Able seaman Roy Williams stood on a pier in the harbor of Port Royal, next to his superior officer, watching as the crew of the Venture finished loading and securing a steady stream of cargo and supplies.

“Well, I'd say.” Ned Carstens stroked his beard as he surveyed the scene. “Another hour or so, and I reckon we'll be ready to sail.”

“Aye, Sir.” Roy nodded. “Your leave, then, to run a quick errand?”

“Granted.”

“Thank you, Sir.” With something akin to a bow, Roy slipped away, jogging down the pier and then turning onto Fisher's Row, which ran parallel to the harbor. Before long he reached a small merchant's stall, where an old woman had various fruits and vegetables on display.

“Good afternoon, Miss Agnes.” He bowed.

Courtly manners always brought a smile to her face. “And good day to you, Mister Roy. What is your business today?”

“The usual, of course; we expect to sail in a couple of hours.”

“I'd heard as much, and so I saved something special just for you.” From the pile of produce she retrieved a large, ripe breadfruit and held it up for his inspection.

“It's perfect, as always.” Roy counted out the correct coinage, plus a little more.”

“Thank you, Mister Roy. Clear skies to you—and give my regards to the Reverend.”

“Thank you, milady; I will.”

With another bow he was on his way again, continuing up Fisher's Row until it ran into Thames Street. There, on the edge of a broad, open square, stood the Sign of the Boar's Head, tavern, inn and brothel. Ordinarily Roy would have had a considerable interest in what that place had to offer, but today he had other business.

Behind the building was a short alley that ended at a high wall. In front of the wall stood a makeshift shrine consisting of a small table and hat rack.

Perched atop the latter item as a parrot, wearing a small golden crucifix around its neck.

“Good afternoon, Reverend.” Roy broke the breadfruit in half, exposing the flesh and seeds inside it, and then placed it on the table.

“Rawk.” The bird hopped down from its perch and began to tear at the offering with its beak. “The Lord bless you and keep you,” it pronounced.

“Thank you, Reverend.” With a tip of his hat, Roy headed back toward his waiting ship.

Parrot

Animal; CR 1/3; Size tiny; HD 1d8+1; hp 5; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 10 ft., fly 60 ft.; AC 16 (+2 size, +2 Dex, +2 natural); Atk +4 (1d4-2, talons); SQ Low-light vision, mimicry; AL N; SV: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 6, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 10.

Skills: Spot +6, Listen +12.

Feats: Weapon Finesse (talons).

http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Parrot_(3.5e_Creature)