Corsairs of Varisia

Game Master dain120475

“Corsairs of Varisia” is a homebrew campaign which has low magic; emerging technology in the form of firearms; reavers, swashbucklers, buccaneers, and pirates.

“Corsairs of Varisia” campaign pits the starting party in a emerging town situated between Riddleport and Magnimar.

The town, formerly Roderic’s Cove, had been conquered by pirates from Riddleport, but has been recently liberated from support from the south to stop the advance of Riddleport into their waters.

The town was renamed “Beacon” and the lord of the town is calling on any who wish to make their fortune and become something great; with little to aid them but their wits and steel.


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Polux wrote:
...forward scout, gathering intel, and reporting back. If we move as a group, then he sticks to the middle ground, waiting for an opening, while the frontliners push through.

"That is good plan, chief," Snaga says sagely.

How far ahead do you want to be when you advance from the group? As in - how many feet do you want to be in front of the group?

Polux wrote:
Polux is not a frontliner.[/ooc]

He nods.

Aye!"

But you are a rogue - I hope you're able to Disarm the Trap on the Hatch before you can advance.

Good luck - and as soon as I get that role we can move forward into the Pit of Despair...


Taissa Sloane wrote:
And Dain what checks do you need from Daya as she stays on/above the roof?

Once you guys go down inside and Daya's on the roof, she may need to make a check, but I'll keep you posted when that will happen.


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hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

If no one has a spare bow to hand to Snaga (Taissa only has one and it has a +2 STR rating and she is using it), then she will do the following...

Taissa hands Snaga her musket and the 10 alchemical cartridges Zayna had created for her. This decreases the loading time to a standard action rather than a full-round action, as per Zayna's instruction. If Snaga needs more ammo, Taissa also has 2 shots remaining and will give him those as well. She checks the pouch about her waist and ensures there are two Alchemist's Fire there and a vial of Oil of Restfulness.

Before they move from the roof, Taissa gives quiet instruction to Daya to stay and watch the roof without drawing attention to herself. If any of the enemy were to show themselves, then Daya was to take care of them if it was safe enough or fly a safe distance away. Not sure where we'll end up and whether Daya can meet us if we go make it to the bottom of the structure. Perhaps she can just fly down to Holystone on the raft...much later on.

Then Taissa gets into position (bow readied) and moves as quietly as possible, taking care to observe the area for sign of threat etc.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19


HP: 48/48 || AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +3 Dex) || Inspiration (+1d6, 6/day) || Init +3
Current Status:
HP: 45/48 // AC: 23 = 17[Regular] + 2 [Natural AC from Mutagen] + 4 [Shield Extract] or 25 (assuming Prot Evil) // Effects: // Inspiration left: 5/6

Haha good one Dain - I was actually thinking more along the lines of the 'Over here' scene from Predator ;)

Polux nods at Snaga, then goes to work on the trap.

Taking 20 on Disable Device, for a total of 30. If I cannot take 20:

Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

If the trap is disarmed without any issues:

Polux stares and listens down the chimney, then looks for somewhere to tie a rope to, and begins descending - "Wait here" - he tells the others - "If I pull the rope once, the area is clear. If I pull it twice, go down in silence for an ambush. If I pull a lot of times, get me the hell out of there" - he grins.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

As to how far ahead, I guess we'll go on a per case basis :D


Taissa Sloane wrote:
Taissa hands Snaga her musket and the 10 alchemical cartridges Zayna had created for her.

Snaga nods and takes the musket, checking the priming and readying it.

Taissa Sloane wrote:
Before they move from the roof, Taissa gives quiet instruction to Daya to stay and watch the roof without drawing attention to herself. If any of the enemy were to show themselves, then Daya was to take care of them if it was safe enough or fly a safe distance away. Not sure where we'll end up and whether Daya can meet us if we go make it to the bottom of the structure. Perhaps she can just fly down to Holystone on the raft...much later on.

Daya hears and obeys!

Taissa Sloane wrote:
Then Taissa gets into position (bow readied) and moves as quietly as possible, taking care to observe the area for sign of threat etc.

Snaga watches Taissa move into position and chuckles mirthlessly.

"Grond!" he says with a somewhat encouraging voice to her, readies his weapon and waits for Polux to try to disarm the trap.

As soon as Polux attempts to Disarm the Trap I'll need to know how far ahead he'll advance (distance in feet) to find out how far he'll be ahead in the map.


hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

"Grond." Taissa whispers back to Snaga.

Silently she asks the Spirits to watch over, guide and protect them.


Polux wrote:

Polux nods at Snaga, then goes to work on the trap.

[dice=Disable Device]d20+10

If the trap is disarmed without any issues:

"Wait here" - he tells the others - "If I pull the rope once, the area is clear. If I pull it twice, go down in silence for an ambush. If I pull a lot of times, get me the hell out of there" - he grins.

[dice=Perception]d20+5

[dice=Climb]d20+5

[dice=Stealth]d20+11

Snaga pauses and then reaches his hand forward to grab Polux's hand with a vice-like grip.

"Chief - you see that stream of smoke from the chimney? That's because there is fire in the fireplace below... So if you climb down chimney you will probably choke on the smoke and burn up."

He watches Polux, who had luckily disarmed the trap on the hatch to the stairs.

"I think what you meant to say is that you're heading down the hatch which is by the chimney and is in fact a ten-foot wide stairway; though covered by the hatch - which is wide enough for us to advance in a two-by-two formation..." he says watching his chief intently.

"And for now I'm guessing you're moving fifteen feet in front of the rest of the others."


HP: 48/48 || AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +3 Dex) || Inspiration (+1d6, 6/day) || Init +3
Current Status:
HP: 45/48 // AC: 23 = 17[Regular] + 2 [Natural AC from Mutagen] + 4 [Shield Extract] or 25 (assuming Prot Evil) // Effects: // Inspiration left: 5/6

Crap, I thought we were going down the chimney... My bad.

Going 30' ahead of the others if the place is illuminated - if not, I go back to the formation - 'gots no darkvision savy'?

Some details on Polux's default scouting - taking 20 on Perception at doors, chests, closets, or particular features; taking 10 and then rolling twice for Perception at each intersection in corridors and whatnot (you can roll if you prefer Dain);

"Was just testing to see if you were paying attention Snaga - good job" - he chuckles.


Polux wrote:
"Was just testing to see if you were paying attention Snaga - good job" - he chuckles.

Snaga glances at Polux.

"Of course," he says dryly then hefts his firearm.

"Alright, boss - let's do some good!" he says eagerly.

Polux, for now I've got you at 15 feet ahead of the group which should coincide with the earlier maps Snaga showed you before on the previous page - if you moved 30 feet ahead of the group, that could be a problem.

The Combat Map is here.

Polux advances into the room below – no one sees anything in the room except for a long table against the southern wall with some hatchets, picks, shovels and other gear for working on the palisade fence above leaning against the wall. The table itself has a few whetstones and some other gear for cleaning and sharpening the tools for the place above.

The room is cold, damp and chilly; as only an underground stone room without insulation when a massive cold rain is falling just outside can be.

The only light you see in this room comes from the open hatch above you which offers enough ambient light to illuminate the small room.

To the east is a doorway which leads into the hallway.

According to Snaga the stairway leading down is located at L/M:0/1.

Of course, you’ll need to exit through the doorway, move down the hallway and swing around the corner.

This assumes that you don’t examine the other rooms on the way down…

Your move.


HP 27 /37, AC 26, T12 FF24, Bab +4, Melee +7, CMB 6 , CMD 20, F +7, R +1(+2VsBursts&Spell Effects Wi Sheild), W +0/+2Vs Enchantment, Init +1, Perc+12, “Human”(DC21 Disguise) Titan Mauler2/Shield Master2,

Melthune waits then, after seeing (Also effectively hearing) the first room is empty, moves to D-6 and waits. Her sword and shield ready.

Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25(Listening at the door for sounds beyond)


Melthune wrote:

Melthune waits then, after seeing (Also effectively hearing) the first room is empty, moves to D-6 and waits. Her sword and shield ready.

Perception:1d20+12(Listening at the door for sounds beyond)

Don't really hear much at this time; but you'd guess that's because no one is moving around out there right now...

Snaga moves to C:3 and drops a knee; pointing the musket at the door, ready for someone to open it and shoot whoever may be on the other side.


HP 27 /37, AC 26, T12 FF24, Bab +4, Melee +7, CMB 6 , CMD 20, F +7, R +1(+2VsBursts&Spell Effects Wi Sheild), W +0/+2Vs Enchantment, Init +1, Perc+12, “Human”(DC21 Disguise) Titan Mauler2/Shield Master2,

Melthune taps the side of her helmet, points to the door and then shakes her head slowly.

"I don't hear any one, thing" She whispers.

Just a question. What are the 'internal' walls made of..?


Polux wrote:
Some details on Polux's default scouting - taking 20 on Perception at doors, chests, closets, or particular features; taking 10 and then rolling twice for Perception at each intersection in corridors and whatnot (you can roll if you prefer Dain);

Polux glances around the room, his mind tacking back to the trap from above.

"That was a pretty sophisticated trap," he says suddenly.

"If I had stepped on the tripwire it would have caused the area around the hatch to blow up; it was compressed black powder with small shards of lead in it. Not only would it have signaled the place, but it probably would have done some heavy damage..." he adds.

Yeah - 6d10 damage in a 15 foot radius; Reflex Save DC 25 for half damage. Pretty nasty - good that you found the trap.

Meanwhile, as Polux sees Melthune at the door and Snaga ready with his musket, Polux looks at his mates and grins easily.

"Relax, lads - I got this..." he says as he ambles to the door.

"Hey, it's not even locked," he adds easily as he looks at it, pretty confident that they wouldn't trap this inner door with such a potent booby trap above.

He lifts the latch and swings it open slowly.

Stealth Check -
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

He then takes a look down the hallway.

He sees the dim light of a lantern that he guesses comes from the end of the hallway probably at M:8 or M:9.

He peeks down the hallway...

Takes 10 on Perception for a 15

Then he turns back to his mates and whispers.

"I think I hear voices from behind the door across the hall..." he says quietly.

Okay - I've NPC'd Polux for a bit; anyone else want to go? FYI he's now at C:6 at this point. Anyway - does anyone want to do something else?


HP 27 /37, AC 26, T12 FF24, Bab +4, Melee +7, CMB 6 , CMD 20, F +7, R +1(+2VsBursts&Spell Effects Wi Sheild), W +0/+2Vs Enchantment, Init +1, Perc+12, “Human”(DC21 Disguise) Titan Mauler2/Shield Master2,

Melthune nods to Polux.

"I'll take up a blocking position at (G-7/8)." She indicates the space between the four doors.

"Then people can deal with the opposite door with less worry about sound bringing people into that fight."

She gets ready to move as quietly/slowly as she can into position, but awaits others input first.


Melthune wrote:

Melthune nods to Polux.

"I'll take up a blocking position at (G-7/8)." She indicates the space between the four doors.

"Then people can deal with the opposite door with less worry about sound bringing people into that fight."

She gets ready to move as quietly/slowly as she can into position, but awaits others input first.

Polux nods.

"Right - but be careful and be ready to fall back in a pinch if you need, too," he says quietly.

"I'd recommend a Full Defense if anyone tries to charge you - for now I'm thinking we try to clean out room by room - don't want any of these basterds coming up behind us after we move down."

He looks at the others.

"That said - ya'll ready to clean out that room across the hall?" he asks the gang.

Okay - I'll wait for the others to check in at this point. See you all tomorrow; maybe tonight - depending on who checks in soon.


hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

With nocked bow, Taissa quietly moves closer to the long table, at E:2, and makes ready to fire at a possible enemy rushing through the door. She takes a full defensive stance, ready for anything, watchful and listening for sounds, movement etc.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

In much lowered voice, Taissa answers Polux, "Aye, let's clear that room. I've got you covered with my bow."

Total Defense: You can defend yourself as a standard action. You get a +4 dodge bonus to your AC for 1 round.

Taissa's HP 38/38, AC this round 18+4=22


Male Human Barbarian (Outlander- Zealot of Saxwyn)(CN)/3, HP 35/39: , AC: 16 , Saves: STR +6 CON +6, Initiative: +2, Passive Perception: 14: Rage Remaining 1/2

Hack whispers,

Polux, check the room across the hall. I am on yer heels.

Hack draws his axe and moves out into the hall after Melthune and stands at C-8 awaiting the advance of Polux. He listens intently at the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27


HP: 48/48 || AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +3 Dex) || Inspiration (+1d6, 6/day) || Init +3
Current Status:
HP: 45/48 // AC: 23 = 17[Regular] + 2 [Natural AC from Mutagen] + 4 [Shield Extract] or 25 (assuming Prot Evil) // Effects: // Inspiration left: 5/6

Dain, thanks for the GMPC ;)

Polux steps quietly across the hall, and examines the door in front of him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

If unlocked:

He turns back to Hack, whispering - "It is unlocked. Places everyone, and then we can storm"

My suggestion is that Taissa finds a spot that allows her Line of Sight into the next room, Hack gets ready to open the door and storm in. I think Melthune should go inside also - fact is, she has the highest AC of us all - if anyone should stand on watch at the intersection it should be either me or Snaga - not the Barbarian/Fighter :|


hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

Snaga is currently at C:3 with the musket. So he has line of sight. If I have Taissa move in front of him and obscure that line it wouldn't make much sense. Yes? If I move Taissa to the now vacated B:5 she has some sight line into the other room and isn't interfering with Snaga.

I agree -- Melthune has the highest AC and it makes sense she is in the front line moving into the room.


Polux wrote:
Polux steps quietly across the hall, and examines the door in front of him.

Neither Polux or Hack hear anything at this door. However, Hack pauses a moment and frowns, shaking his head.

"Sounds like... singing... but not hear, maybe... maybe a little far away..." he says with a whisper.

"It may be coming from downstairs," he adds.

Polux wrote:
"It is unlocked. Places everyone, and then we can storm"

Not sure on your "Storm Burst" pattern here - as in; who will be where or what... But for now...

Polux moves adjacent to Hack and gives the large barbarian a nod.

Hack responds and gently places his hand on the door and pushes it forward slowly even as Polux readies his blades.

The door swings open to reveal a darkened room.

As the remains of the dim light spill into it Polux and Hack can smell the somewhat musty scent of grains and a little mildew.

Peering inside the gloom, Polux advances in somewhat stealthily and notices that laying against the north wall there are sacks of barley and dried corn. He also sees other sacks and reaches inside and lifts a potato from a heap.

Turning to the south wall he sees heavy oak barrels and casks, as well as crates.

While most of the crates are nailed shut, one of them is open and he gingerly reaches inside to find a case of peaches. They're a bit small and not very sweet; but something strikes you as unusual as you examine them...

Knowledge: Nature DC 15:

Peaches are not native to this land; native to lands farther south, actually.

Also, even though they're clearly imported, they do not ripen this early. Whoever has brought these peaches must have brought them from a warm land and probably cultivated them so they could ripen out of season and be available during months other then mid-summer.

Too dark to see anything else without a light in the room, Polux looks back at Hack and nods.

"Must be the supply room..." he says quietly.

Hack nods in response, holding his weapon out.

Cool - now I'm heading to work.

Meanwhile, and I cannot stress this enough: you guys need to figure out what your basic tactics will be on advancement.

I'm good with NPC'ng people - but if someone like Melthune tells me that they want to head to the middle of the hallway as a "blocker" I'll do that; but if other players suggest that Melthune do something else - even if I agree - Melthune's made his action; I can't overrule that until I hear from Melthune.

At the same time Taissa's made her move to offer ranged cover from inside the room; but Polux is correct that she doesn't have a good shot into the room across the hall. Again - I have to go with what Taissa said for her own character.

I've made some modest adjustments so far - for example; I had Melthune on "blocking duty" with "Full Defense" because that's been Mel's standard Operating Procedure in the past, and if she is using her armor/shield to block the hallway, that makes the most sense.

I'm going to be gone most of the day today - but you guys, please take this time to figure things out on the Discussion Thread. One moment I have people suggest that their smallest/weakest character who also has healing abilities be the Scout/Pointman - then people realize that maybe keeping the healer behind the heavy hitters is a better plan. And since goblins have really high Dexterity - and he'll be in the back anyway - giving him a Ranged Weapon was a good idea, even if he doesn't have the best Feats; his odds of hitting are still pretty good.

My recommendation is to go back to the previous page. Snaga sketched out the entire place for you guys (sans most furniture and the placement of any guards). Take a look at it and figure out what you're going to do.

Okay - now I really got to go. I'll see you all later tonight. Figure things out with tactics and advancement. Once you start getting away from the cold, wet entrance you probably will start bumping into people and I may need to NPC some of you - I need to know what people want to do. Like I said, I'll be gone most of the day; so take your time and plan things out and make sure you're all in agreement with stuff.


hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

Dain you had Snaga move to C:3 and he got line of sight into the room. When I could post I didn't want to get in Snaga's way. So I moved Taissa elsewhere. The way you made it sound is like I randomly chose and then incorrectly. I'm sorry but that isn't the case.

Know. Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Taissa quietly shares all the info beneath the spoiler with the others.


Male Human Barbarian (Outlander- Zealot of Saxwyn)(CN)/3, HP 35/39: , AC: 16 , Saves: STR +6 CON +6, Initiative: +2, Passive Perception: 14: Rage Remaining 1/2

Look, this is much simpler than we are making it. I believe that we are all experienced enough to know that Melthune and Hack must be at the front of melee. Polux will pick his spots for the purposes of flanking and sneak attack. Tai should sit at short range and used her ranged capabilities with Snaga. There is no reason for Melthune to be in the middle of the hallway when we breach any room. Tai and Snaga will likely be in the hall or in the doorway after the "meat" breaches. They can easily let us know if someone approaches from behind. With Polux lurking and Hack's movement, we should be able to come to their aid quickly. That should be our standard MO for any room in this cavern.


Male Human Barbarian (Outlander- Zealot of Saxwyn)(CN)/3, HP 35/39: , AC: 16 , Saves: STR +6 CON +6, Initiative: +2, Passive Perception: 14: Rage Remaining 1/2

I am officially bowing out. Thanks GM Dain, and thanks to all of you players for trying to get this going in the proper direction. I will see all of you around the boards.


hp 38/38, AC 18, T13 FF18, bab +4, melee +6, ranged +7, cmb 6 (+8 to sunder), cmd 19, F +5/+9, R +7/+8, W +3/+5, Init +3, Perc +9, 2/5 Musket shots/10 Alchemical Cartridges Half-Elf Beastmaster 4

So two out of the remaining three players have answered your question. I am officially bowing out, as well. Thank you for all the work you put into this game, Dain GM. Sorry we can't see it to the end. And thank you to those that I rped with and worked alongside in this game. Happy gaming to all.


Thank you for your patience and courtesy, Hack and Taissa.

In the meantime, I know that Melthune has been on the boards fairly routinely and has plenty of time to post in other games/forums; so the fact that he did not post a response on this is a disappointing, though not very surprising.

I've also read many of your PM's about personal thoughts on the game. I appreciate your candor and opinions about the game and if we have the chance to game again in another world, I'm open to it.

Meantime, have a great gaming experience wherever you are!

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