Blood, Plunder and D&D

  Lieutenant Kitty had observed that the humans often didn't seem to notice Vangeline. Especially when not being noticed was to Vangeline’s advantage. Kitty didn't find this too surprising, Humans, in her experience, had trouble noticing a lot of things, even things that were directly under their noses.  Then again,  they had a terrible sense of smell and their eyes weren't much better, so no surprise there. Humans were strange creatures for sure, and among the animal crew members of the Lady Jezebel, Lieutenant Kitty was considered the local expert on their behavior. DirtyBird the parrot could speak like a human, Blundermonkey could act like one, GoodBoy had eaten a few in his time, but no one understood them like Kitty.  Which is how she knew that Ricmo was probably going to be upset that Vangeline was in the process of stowing away on the longboat headed for Skull River Bay. She'd overheard a conversation between the two of them the previous afternoon.   "But...

  As the small squadron of ships reached the end of their voyage, the companions gathered at the starboard side of the quarterdeck to catch a first glimpse of their destination as it slipped into view over the horizon. The island was small and rocky, it consisted of a single sizable mountain surrounded by white sandy beaches spotted with palm trees. A sheer craggy headland was the only other feature of note.  Their ship, the Lady Jezebel was barely recognizable. Tello had been at work altering her appearance, disguising her to avoid being recognized and branded a pirate vessel.  The  Artificer had cunningly rigged a fake stern-castle and forecastle, high and easily seen, easily removable, but quite convincing from a distance. She flew a red flag instead of her normal Annwyn Jack, and her distinctive sails, bearing the emblem of the Annwyn Empire, were replaced and stowed out of sight. Finally, a garish gilt squid figurehead (also fake and removable) drew attention to...