DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign
Game Master imimrtl

Seijiro says softly, "The smile suits you, Rain... you're very pretty when you smile." He blushes and goes back to his playing.

Oh now I've said too much. She'll think I think she's not pretty when doesn't smile and that's not true. I hope she doesn't get the wrong idea and think I'm in love with her too. That wouldn't do at all... though I suppose there would be worse fates than to fall in love someday, it hasn't happened to me yet. I hope she understands.

Even Tomo gives a little simian grin and chitters softly, then grows quiet as if he, too, were engrossed in the music.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Rain takes Jiro's words on face value and accepts them graciously, inclining her head in acknowledgement and thanks. There has not been much to genuinely smile about of late. I know I should smile more. I will attempt it when in public or in front of the crew. Even if I do not a feel a lightness in a particular moment, I can turn a smile. Misunderstandings plague my head. I will not be placed in the middle. Rain sighs softly but recovers swiftly and smiles, tapping her foot in time with Jiro's tune. The seas will be rough, so this is the time to unwind. My future is uncertain but I shall not fear the veil obscuring my true destiny.

lol, i read that as true identity at first and thought maybe you had a secret identity hehe... wrong genre, I know.. anyway...

I hope she doesn't MIND that I'm not in love with her... that would bee as bad as if she thought I were in love with her... Oh I don't understand women at all, especially ones with no tails!

Finally, after playing another song or two, and seeing that Flynn is not returning to the table, and he and Rain are alone with Tomo as their only company, Seijiro leans forward almost conspiratorially and asks softly, "I am just curious and you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but why do you want to go to with us, Rain? What pulls you to a life of piracy or even just to be on asea?"

It would be cool if Rain had a secret identity. ;)

Rain leans in too and addresses Jiro's question in low-toned Aquan,

"The answer is both simple and complex, Jiro. I will try and explain it. Initially, I set out to sea for pure economic reasons. My grandfather is quite old now and his tenure at sea is drawing to an end. He will require someone to replace him as head of the family trade. We are Freebooters, all of us. I am unsure how it is in the Minkai Empire, but here in The Shackles, females are not respected for their minds and abilities. They are seen as weak, defenceless and poor in trade and subterfuge. If I am to succeed, I need to earn great wealth and in the process gain a reputation and a name that will be known throughout the Isles. In the process it would be advantageous to establish reliable connections on and off the sea. Respect as a female is imperative, and in a dangerous world one must take drastic actions to compete in lands such as these." Rain uses her hand to demonstrate the breadth of The Shackles and the seas surrounding and beyond.

Rain looks across the tavern, intuitively keeping her voice low and her thoughts to the ears of Jiro alone.

"Then, under the hard hand of Plugg and his ilk, my mind turned to the sea and the gods and desiring to rid the waters of unnecessary violence and corruption. There can be honour among thieves, I believe that. I would seek to chase down enemies; capturing merchant ships belonging to enemy nations. For too long their forces have ruled the waters of The Shackles and taken more than their fair share. While on Harrigan's ship I observed and listened. A wise person researches emerging threats, prepares ahead of time and does not leave things to chance. I would eradicate threats before they can take root and flourish. I would be a clever pirate over a conceited, bloodthirsty tyrant."

Rain takes a sip of her watered down ale. Her mind is racing and her words flowing in the Aquan tongue.

"I respect the gods and the oceans. I love the eloquence and abundance of the sea. If we take from her, we must give back." She is reflective for a moment.

"I am with you to see what I am made of - the mettle of my will, my creed, my integrity, my skill, my desire for better. If I kill, I do so for the protection of my person and those I care and am allied to. I am no murderer, and any pirate who slakes their thirst for blood and death under the banner of the Jolly Roger is not honourable and may Besmara take their souls down deep below and torment them for all eternity." There is a fervent fire in the turquoise of her eyes. A deep, abiding conviction.

Rain looks about the room, wondering why Flynn had left in such silent anger.

Facing Jiro, Rain smiles, a little self-conscious at her stream of words. "Why are you here, Jiro? What has brought you to sea?"

Seijiro replies in Aquan interspersed with the occasional word in Common and even Minkaian. He's obviously still not completely comfortable with his knowledge of the Aquan tongue. Still, he does a fair job of it and can make himself understood.

"I went to sea because I love the ocean, I love being aboard ship. The movement of a deck under my feet is more akin to home to me than dry land ever was. I think I was just born to go to sea, despite my racial heritage. My parents and brother thought I was crazy, but I just had to have a life aboard ship. I took to the sea when I was just a boy of 12, and while it's only been five years, I think I've learned a lot. Hei Feng's been kind to me. I'm still here, while some others I've sailed with have not been so lucky."

He shrugs and offers Tomo another date, while he momentarily grows quiet. Whether a moment of silence for the dead, or simply considering his next words, it's hard to say.

"I agree with you that we don't need to be like those who shanghaied us, not evil, nor murderers. I wouldn't like to be known as either. But we can still take what we need from those who have. As you said... clever pirates without being bloodthirsty tyrants."

"Killing isn't necessarily an evil thing... sometimes you have no choice when it's your life or theirs. But I agree it shouldn't be casual or undertaken lightly. For protection, or self-preservation, maybe... or when there's simply no other option, like Plugg and Scourge, who fought to the death. I like the fact that we spared their followers, who now sail with us. Hopefully they will turn out to be loyal to us when they see that they are treated better than before and we don't hold their prior service against them."

He gives Rain a wry smile. "Though I wouldn't mind a few of them getting what's coming to 'em, I will leave that up to karma."

He takes a deep breath through his nose and sighs. "Even this close to the sea, I cannot smell the salt air inside the taproom... All I smell is sweat and bodies... Yet it's too hot to sit outside in the sunlight. I can already feel myself itching to get back to the water. I hope the ship is done soon."

He continues in quiet Aquan a little. "I think perhaps women are often considered as less than men in some ways, greater than others. I'm not wise in such things, but in Minkai, women are valued for their beauty and poise, but rarely for leadership. They are, as you say, often seen as weak and defenseless, though some are actually valued for their abilities in trade and subterfuge. Still there are some few that rise above those stereotypes and make names for themselves as leaders and even some as warriors. I guess it is no different here... though I do see more women here in the West asserting themselves in that way than I ever did at home. Or perhaps Eastern women are more ... quiet... about it, and many excel at subterfuge and even magic... sometimes moreso than men. Of course, as you know... I left home for the sea when I was very young, so most of what I know of women and such comes from tales and stories, so might be a bit off, if you know what I mean."

"I hope you find what you seek in a life at sea, Rain. It seems a hard way to test yourself and grow, but then what way would be easy? And if it were, would it be worth it, neh?"

You all can retcon your conversations on the social thread if you need to. I'm going to move things along.

The next few days go by in a haze of boredom. A pleasant surprise on the third day though as the heat breaks momentarily and a heavy rainstorm lashes down upon Rickety's little village. Standing in the doorway of the commons, a drink of your choice in your hands, you all marvel at the sudden change that has overcome the locals. Several of them dance in the streets and radiate sheer joy at the end of the drought and attempt to pull some of you out into it. The rain continues overnight and the next morning dawns cooler and a heavy fog lays over the inlet. Sounds are somewhat muffled in the mists and an eerie quiet descends over the town. The banging of the hammers and rasp of the saws at the dry dock which has been a constant over the past few days is barely heard.

This is the morning of the 4th day at Rickety's.

Waking up after the rainstorm, Seijiro is entranced to find an altered world, drenched in fog. After wolfing down a quick breakfast with Tomo on his shoulder as usual, he slips outside to enjoy the cool morning fog, though he doesn't stray far from the taproom. He seems quietly subdued today, and even Tomo seems to be affected by his mood.

Summary of Events:

1. Naturally I’ll work either with, or independently (depending on Dhaavan) on taking the body of the Naga and rendering it down for “spare parts” for crafting magical gear; using both Heal Checks for surgically removing the parts/organs and “Craft: Alchemy” to properly handle and store the parts for Dhaavan’s components for magical gear.

2. My usual routine is to walk the grounds roughly four times a day. Once before breakfast, one before lunch, one before dinner and once before sundown – just to keep myself occupied with what is going on.

3. I have nothing better to do, and I’m handy enough with carpentry, so – given that I currently think squibbing is quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve heard of, I’m tacking course to a new attitude for a change (gasp!).

Rather than sit around and complain it, I decide to educate myself in the process and see if old man Rickety can turn me around on the subject.

Essentially I’ll pack a lunch from the tavern and take my afternoons and work with the “Squib” gang – lending a hand to refit the ship, learning the “how/why” of it, and trying to understand the procedure a bit better.

At this point I figure I can either say “I don’t get that procedure, so I think it’s dumb and I’ll complain about it” – or I could say “Yeah, I don’t get it – why exactly do you do it? Maybe you could teach me, and then, when I learn, I’ll see what it’s all about and learn something new and help out, instead of just complaining.”

To clarify – in this case I’ll be going with option “B”. You know – the learning, helping out, studying, and working with the guys on the Squib gang so I learn what it’s all about instead of sulking in the tavern. Also, it’s kind of fun just “getting my hands dirty”, and who knows, maybe learning this thing will be a good experience for my character in the long run (I know it's a depart from my usual gaming style, but hopefully you can all accept the fact that my character is going to try less complaining and more learning/helping :)

If necessary, I can roll a “Craft: Carpentry” check for each day as I work with the guys, as well as “Diplomacy” to mingle well with them – but I’d only prefer doing that if I need to.

4. I’ll spend the dinnertime mingling with the Halfling folk – specifically getting to know the person I am hiring on; their name, their race, their language, their likes/dislikes – you know, getting to know them. I believe it is a Halfling, but I don’t know if it is, nor do I know if it is male or female.

5. During the evening I’ll compile notes in my logbook about the techniques I’ve learned here on squibbing – as well as the customs, the foods, the people, and the general attitude of the place.

6. After my morning “Walk around the grounds” – on or around breakfast time I’ll be examining the charts/maps we lifted from Plugg before heading out to the ship around lunchtime to lend a hand.

GM: During the breakfast time I’ll be examining the charts/maps we lifted from Plugg. I still haven’t got an update on his data – what we found in the logbooks, and the charts, and navigational instruments. Just tossing it out there – but I am interested in that stuff, as it will give me a clue on where I’d like to go next.

7. Finally – during any of this time and in general, I’ll happily be available for any conversation, but I won’t initiate any. In fact, currently I'm kind of "stand-offish" with the rest of the crew, spending more time with the locals, or working alone. Of course, I’ll answer any questions or comments from anyone, but I won’t initiate any. Hopefully that will keep me out of trouble.

Horatio There was very little in Plugg's logbooks as you weren't on the ship very long and all the best stuff was kept by Harrigan. You did find a few charts but nothing of any real importance or note. There is a note in the log almost like a reminder, for Plugg to pick up additional charts and such at their next major port of call. You do see that he intended to go to Bloodcove after the squibbing and then out into the shipping lanes heading to and from Sargava.

When you go into the dry dock, you are amazed at the transformation that has taken place already. Though the length and width of the ship are the same, and everything below decks is similar, the top of the ship looks very different. The quarter and stern decks have been heightened and lengthened and the ship now has a much leaner sleeker look to it as a result. The foredeck has a higher bow and it looks like it has been reinforced from the merchant ship it was before into something a bit more formidable.

The naga cannot be used for "crafting components" but you can get poison from it with a few craft alchemy checks.

Seijiro, as you head out you begin to hear what sounds like a distant buzzing sound. It is quite odd and difficult to hear in the mist but with your ears you can definitely make it out.

Jiro's soft spoken words filter to her.

She turns her head, relaxing her arms a little lest Jiro believe her frustration is directed at him.

"I have known of this quarrel between them for some time." She pauses and looks sideways at Flynn to see if he has stopped and is returning to their table.

She swallows a few times, measuring her words in her mind. "From what I have observed, I would say they will never be friends. But that does not mean they cannot work together as comrades, allies. They must check ego at the door. There is no room for such pride on a ship."

Rain's words are also softly spoken but she does not hide her words from Flynn's ears if he chooses to listen in.

"I brought up Variel because I am uninformed. He is Captain of The Dread Lady. Not all captains are liked. I asked because I required information as to the thoughts of the man running the ship. Flynn's reaction and response were too hot for my intentions. I do not care to see them fighting but they are grown men who should put the well being of the ship above their needs and petty squabbles. I have sought neither man's affections. I am here to do a job, I have a purpose. If I travel as passenger aboard the ship, it by no means signifies that I am courting mutiny. I will be respectful of Captain Variel's authority but I will not set my course to it if it goes against my heart, mind and soul. The crew need not know my business or that I am not a formal crew member. They will not see my free will as a precedent to ignore their duty or the authority of the Captain. I speak to you plainly not harshly for I respect you, Jiro. I have grown tired of being the pretty bauble men squabble over. My affections are my own and I shall gift them or not. It does mean that Flynn has the right to walk from me as though I have dishonoured him or mistreated his hospitality and good nature." Some of the wind in Rain's sails diminishes during her speech to Jiro and she capitulates to the dilemma, running a hand through...

Right - well, I can RP this out - in fact, I have a response written, but I figured it may bog things down a piece, because I don't think it'll be a quick conversation. So I thought I'd leave it up to Rain and Seijiro, if one or both of you wants to RP it out, I'm onboard - but like I said, I figure it will be a long conversation. Would have done more last night but I was kind of beat and crashed out early as it's a 5 mile walk to work, and my car's still not running. So that kind of sucks as I have to wake up earlier than I want, and end up coming home later than I want, and being tired all over on top of things, too. But anyhow - if either of you are up for it, let me know - I'll do it. Though I should say, I figure there's a good possibility that it could also have the old "butterfly effect" thing come into play, so I figured I'd let you know that in advance :)

Horatio There was very little in Plugg's logbooks as you weren't on the ship very long and all the best stuff was kept by Harrigan. You did find a few charts but nothing of any real importance or note. There is a note in the log almost like a reminder, for Plugg to pick up additional charts and such at their next major port of call. You do see that he intended to go to Bloodcove after the squibbing and then out into the shipping lanes heading to and from Sargava.

When you go into the dry dock, you are amazed at the transformation that has taken place already. Though the length and width of the ship are the same, and everything below decks is similar, the top of the ship looks very different. The quarter and stern decks have been heightened and lengthened and the ship now has a much leaner sleeker look to it as a result. The foredeck has a higher bow and it looks like it has been reinforced from the merchant ship it was before into something a bit more formidable.

The naga cannot be used for "crafting components" but you can get poison from it with a few craft alchemy checks.

Hey - just sent you a PM via the Naga thing...

Flynn and Jiro, I can continue the social rp with you both on the other board. No worries.

Barzazal spends his days looking into the workings of the shipbuilders and generally getting in the way.

The days roll along and a rhythm gets established soon. After breakfast, Variel checks the progress with Rickety on the ship and makes sure everything is going smoothly. Any questions or concerns that either have is discussed and finalized until the next day brings more questions. Once that is done, Variel spends time sparring and practicing his 'dance' to keep his skills sharp. Soon it is time for lunch and Variel grabs some food while he communes with the locals or the crew. After lunch Variel poors over any maps that the place has to familiarize himself with the local area. Finding a few maps that seem to have detailed information on them, Variel purchases them and adds the information to the map that the group found in the Grindylow caves. Once that is done, he spends time with the officers to make sure that everything is well in hand and that when the ship is done they are able to leave soon thereafter.

The fourth morning however when the fog rolls in, Variel stills tries to maintain the routine of the last couple days. He heads over to the ship to check on the progress made during the night. The fog distorted the sound though and it seemed as if there was less activity than usual.

Seijiro, seeing Variel leaving the commons, tosses him a quick warning. "Variel-sama, do be careful... I hear some odd buzzing... no idea what it is, but if there's something harmful out there in the fog, you should be warned and ready for it."

Putting words to action, Seijiro draws his new bow and holds it loosely in his hand, and watches the fog anxiously, while listening intently.

The rain continues overnight and the next morning dawns cooler and a heavy fog lays over the inlet. Sounds are somewhat muffled in the mists and an eerie quiet descends over the town. The banging of the hammers and rasp of the saws at the dry dock which has been a constant over the past few days is barely heard.

This is the morning of the 4th day at Rickety's.

Standing near the doorway, the lack of usual sound grates at Rain's calm. She searches out into the haze, even closing her eyes to discern the barest of sounds. The quiet is disconcerting and unusual. She wonders if the fog is natural or magical.

Knowledge, Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Knowledge, Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

wow, what sucky rolls in a row.

The fog is natural. The rain coupled with the heat made it really foggy in the morning.

The buzzing begins to get louder and louder, it is beginning to get to deafening levels and everyone can now hear it. The whole village stops what they are doing and looks around, trying to guess at the source. All of a sudden a bloodcurdling scream rents the air, from somewhere in the village and the fog begins to swirl all around you.

Rain, right in front of the commons a huge insectile form sweeps down. It looks like a gigantic wasp the size of a bear and it plucks a whole pig out of the pen next to the Commons. You see it jab it with its stinger before taking off into the air.

The sounds of screams and shouts continue.

I'm not going to do initiative on this event. I'm going to keep it narrative for right now. Just give me detailed descriptions of your actions and I will incorporate that into how the events unfold.

She shouts out to her nearest comrades, "The fog is natural, yet the giant insect creature there - it stabbed the pig with its stinger before taking to the air with it! All the villagers stay indoors!"

Knowledge, Nature (monster lore: categorising it and determining the abilities and weaknesses of this lovely insect creature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Turning to her friends, she swiftly shares with them her knowledge of these creatures.

"It is a Giant Wasp. A soldier, most likely, and hunting alone. The venom in the stinger causes paralysis and repeated stings means death. The poison is quite potent, do not be fooled. There is probably a nest nearby; in one of the caves or an abandoned building. It is a good flyer and can see in the dark. The nests are generally not overly populated, about a dozen of them: a queen leader, a few workers and several soldiers. What say you, we give chase? Kill it before it reaches the nest and alerts the others to our presence? The fog is going to slow us down. And none of us can fly. Oh, and they're about 10 feet tall."

Right as you start mentioning that it is alone you see three more fly past.

"I-it's... not... alone! By Hei Feng's pendulous balls, they are BIG!!! Variel!! giant wasps!!!" He hopes his voice will carry far enough inthe fog to warn Variel and the workers at the drydock.

"Maybe if everyone just takes cover they will take a few animals and leave. As long as no people get taken!" He runs back inside the taproom and watches from the doorway, his bow ready just in case one tries to get inside.

Okay – just trying to gauge where I would be. Since this is right after Seijiro walked out, and he walked out right after breakfast, that means it would be (roughly) right during the time that I am researching the logbooks after breakfast but early enough that I wouldn’t be “walking the grounds”.

Hearing Rain’s voice, I will grab my firearms.

Question: Although I had asked previously to move my quarters to a room with a view (specifically a room that has a balcony so I could watch the jungles for more naga’s which may attack) – I never got an answer on that decision. So the thing is, did that happen – or do I go downstairs to under the awning to see what’s up? For right now I’ll play it either way.

I watch in grim fascination the creature’s rush in at the townsfolk.

For now, I will stand slightly under the overhang for the tavern which was there to offer people shade while they ate (which should theoretically give my 9/10’s cover from attacks directly above me – as for the rest, I won’t know until I see a battle map). I’ll have both of my pistols out and ready – but I’ll “hold action” until one of them moves close enough to cause trouble (i.e. – in range and possibly threaten a townsperson).

Meantime, ret-con “Crafting Rolls” via the PM earlier.

Craft 1
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Craft 2
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Craft 3
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Craft 4
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Hmm - talk about sucky rolls. PS - I just checked the "Battle Map" - it looks like I'm coming back to the same link of the boathouse. Is that meant to be, or is there a mistake? Sorry - just curious.

I'm not doing a battle map. As I said I am keeping this narrative so just describe any actions you would have taken. As for the room, you all were given quarters on the second floor when you got there and that is the highest floor.

DM, how far (approximately) are the four giant wasps from us (Rain is in the doorway of the tavern)?

I'm not doing a battle map. As I said I am keeping this narrative so just describe any actions you would have taken. As for the room, you all were given quarters on the second floor when you got there and that is the highest floor.

Right, I still don't know where the balcony is, if there is one, or in what position we are from the wasps, if we're near them or not - which is somewhat complicated.

For now I will also toss up actions in narrative as well, I suppose. As I mentioned, though - I am standing in a position that is relatively easy to defend and holding action until one of these things get close enough to shoot.

By the way, I am sending you another quick message via the PM.

Hearing Jiro call out about the fog, Variel draws his cutlass and prepares for anything unexpected. Not seeing much due to the fog, Variel is alarmed when he hears Rin's voice call out about the creatures followed by Jiro shouting that there is more than one. Realization dawns on him why the dock and workhouse might be quieter than normal it wasn't the fog but the workers were being attacked and no one could see it to realize the situation.

Calling out to Rain and Jiro, Protect yourselves and help the villagers remain safe. I am going to make sure the ship is safe along with the workers. Before heading off, Variel takes the few seconds to cast shield on himself. Then moving as quickly as he can towards the ship Variel prepares to fight any beasts coming at him.

If somehow Variel should come across one that Jiro is fighting so be it. It is possible that jiro is closer tot he ship than he is anyways and will have to pass jiro and/or Rain to get there anyways. Eventually though Variel would like to make it to the ship and protect it as his primary goal.

Seijiro and Rain are both still at the commons, so you are between us and the ship, Variel, you won't be passing us on your way there.

The battle goes on for a little while, you all manage to find shelter and other than some livestock and some wounded and poisoned villagers, you manage to drive the creatures off. The workers at the dry dock managed to find shelter in the ship and were left alone for the most part. The fog clears near the time the giant wasps clear off. You all are cheered for your roles again along with a few members of your crew who managed to help as well. Jaundiced Jape and Narwhal Tate actually helped protect one of the halfling families and Shivikah and Rosie rescued a little girl who was almost captured by one of the creatures. All in all things could have gone a lot worse.

Rain: Based upon what you saw this didn't look like an attack so much as the creatures looked like they were migrating and happened across you.

Seijiro comes out from under cover when the last of the buzzing fades away and the fog dissipates. He looks out over the small town to hear the cries of the wounded and the outraged who lost livestock. He takes time to personally thank Jape, Tate, Shivikah and Rosie for their actions during the attack.

He takes a walk around the town to make sure all the wounded have been tended to and if not, he will help them get to Valeros or someone else who can help them.

After the excitement winds down, he and Tomo return to the commons and taproom and relax a bit. Still Seijiro stays away from strong drink, confining his tastes to watered-down ale at the strongest.

"Has everyone who might have been in the way of the wasps checked in and been accounted for?" he'll ask the bartender, for lack of anyone else in authority other than Rickety himself.

I will go out and do what I can to assist the people who have been wounded.

If anyone is sick from poison, I will try to aid them with "Heal" if necessary.

I will find Jape and Tate and buy drinks the both of them for their efforts, praising their work, as well as Shivakah and Rosie.

I will also check on the Halfling family personally, and see how they are doing, especially checking on the little girl to check her status.

I will then lend my services (assuming no one needed specific medical attention via the poison) to helping on any repair work via carpentry that needs to be done in the town.

I will then check on the people in the town and try to make sure that everyone is doing okay in general. If I can do anything to help, I will do what I can - and today I shall forgo assisting the squib gang, instead working with the village directly.

Curse you, ninja poster :)

Rain ponders the migration of the giant wasps. She silently wonders why they would leave their nest but is relieved that only some of the villagers were injured and not mortally so.

Rain moves away from the tavern awning and steps into open ground. She noticed Jiro making his exit and surveying the injuries and possibly celebrating the departure of the dangerous large insects.

People speak of the injured, names and location and Rain walks about, attempting to assist Flynn in the healing. She was getting quite good at it and her skill could be quite valuable to him at his time.

"That was a close call. It surprised me to see a colony of them flying out, for when the pig was taken I presumed the original wasp was out hunting. They are solitary hunters. My apologies for the incorrect premise."

Sorry I didn't post at all, but I'm getting used to my new shift.

GM: Can I get an action in for the fight?

Sounds good Dhaavan

GM - the wasps have "poisoned stings" you said, and we brought some down. Any way we can extract some poison from the wasps to use later? Just let me know, and what rolls you prefer. Meanwhile, I got to work now, so I can't post more. I hope everyone has a great day, though, and I'll see you when I get back!

Actually I said you "drove them off" so you didn't actually kill any of them.

Horatio: You were able to extract two doses of Naga Venom.

Poison (Ex) Bite-injury; save Fort DC 17; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Con damage; cure 2 saves. Each dose if bought retail would cost about 1000gp.

Everyone is brought into the commons for treatment and a head count, yourselves included, to make sure that no one was carried off. It takes a little bit to gather everyone and it takes about 30 minutes to go through the roll call. Upon leaving the Commons and going back outside a cry of alarm goes up! You run and immediately see a Chelish galleon anchored in the cove and a group of armed men clambering onto the docks from what appears to be their ships cutter. The crew immediately form a defensive semi-circle on the docks as they spot you all.

Game is to you guys. What do you do? Obviously this is a problem as they now see your ship in the dry dock.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

know local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Seijiro points out to the others that their clothing is all wrong for Chelish marines. Though he knows little else about them, he knows something is not right here.

"What do you think we should do? Are they looking for us do you think." Still, despite his misgivings, he doesn't draw steel or do anything hostile.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
know local:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Variel takes stock of the situation quickly. In all likelihood the galleon entered the cove in the fog and thus was able to bypass the alarm that Rickety set up. What their purpose was though was left to be seen. However, Variel would not want to spill blood unless he had to in Rickety's port. It would reduce the chances of them returning for future additions to this ship and others.

Taking a closer look at the men, Variel senses caution from the crew rather than them waiting for orders to attack. The leader seems calm and not phased a bit. Interesting to say the least.

whispering to Jiro and the others, You have keen eyes there Jiro. I do believe These men are here for the same reason as us. Surely with a full galleon they would not send a single cutter to attack the town or us. profession sailor to determine max crew size: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Although to attack the group would probably have the entire galleon open fire on us.

Stepping forward, hand resting at ease on the cutlass, Variel looks at the man in charge. Ahoy there, what brings you here at this time? We are in an uproar just now as we were attacked by beasts from the jungle. It made everyone a bit jumpy. Perhaps we can talk and fill you in on the beasts. Or is there other business you have? I can see by your dress that your not Chellish, yet that is a Chellish galleon if I am not mistaken.

Variel leaves that last line open seeing how the man responds. Hopefully, if his guess is right and the information Jiro had was correct, these are pirates as well going to refit their ship.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
"Take it easy mates. They look more scaired that us, and if they ain't military, something else must be goin on." Dhaavan says, giving Flynn in particular a glance to guage his reaction, considering his feelings about Chellish folk. "good call ta parlay wit' em yeah?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
"Aye! We ain't looking for a fight, and yea don't look ta be either, so yea can put up yer weapons and take it easy yeah? Now what brings yea ta these waters?"

Aid in diplomacy with Dhaavan. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

The man who appears to be the leader smiles at your words, though he still looks wary and says to his crew. Put them up lads. No blood needs spilling today, thank the gods. He walks forward down the dock, his crew at his heels putting their weapons away.

The leader is a large man with a long frock coat with golden epaulets in the shape of eagles.

He strides forward on one simply made pegleg and holds his hand out to whomever is in the lead. Free Captain Merril Pegsworthy, he says with a smile. My sincere apologies for the intrusion. We were not signaled that there was someone already in the docks having work done. Usually Rickety will send out a longboat to warn us to come back another time but none came so we came in.

He continues I understand the predicament I have put you in but if that ship is the one I think it is then you need have no fear of me.

Barzazal listens to the exchange with great interest as he has not found the time to actually ask what it is that this new crew of his has gotten themselves into.

knowledge local 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
knowledge local 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Taking his cue from Captain Pegsworthy, Variel extends his hand likewise. Captain Variel Nightstorm and my first mate Dhaavan. I understand the situation as well. No harm at all. I am sure the fog and the attack had everyone distracted as to not notice your arrival. As it is, I believe that we shall be finished resupplying our ship in just a few days. Perhaps we can talk more in private about The Dread Lady. How about a drink?

Variel will then offer to buy the 'Free captain' the drink. Perhaps meeting the Free Captain isn't such a bad thing after all. If he truly is a Free Captain then he must have connections throughout the Shackles. Who better than to help spread the tales of The Dread Lady and not be seen as prey.

Captain Pegworthy smiles again and grasps your hand and says Well met Captain Nightstorm. A drink would be excellent. Following you into Rickety's he selects a table in the far corner and has his men sit at tables around it to discourage eavesdroppers. Smiling he waits for you all to sit before sitting himself.

Captain Pegsworthy is very well spoken and polite. He has a strong military bearing and you suspect that the Eagle Knight epaulets were not stolen. Once you all are there he says First, let me again apologize. We did not mean to place you in a bad position with your "resupplying" of the Man's Pro...I mean...The Dread Lady.

Seeing your reaction to the first name he says The deeds of those that took your ship has traveled a bit and as I do not see that bastard Plugg, then I assume you have decided to go your own way from Captain Harrigan. This... he says with a very stern look, I heartily approve of.

Breaking into a wide grin he says Anything to stick in the craw of that son of the sands Harrigan. As you can tell we don't get on very well. I don't tolerate butchers.

Taking a long pull on his drink he shouts over to Rickety Beer's getting better and better Rickety! before turning back to you all.

Seijiro listens to Capt. Pegsworthy, keeping Tomo on a short leash while he does so to prevent the monkey from annoying anyone. He stifles a chuckle when the captain corrects himself regarding the name of the ship, and sighs softly. I hope when Rickety is done, others won't recognize her so easily.. that's the whole purpose of this.

He grins widely when the good captain mentions not seeing Plugg and approving of the company's actions.

Softly he says, "Aye, Harrigan's an evil one, that he is."

He does look at the captain quizzically as if he had questions of his own, but he doesn't ask them if he does, just shakes his head slightly and takes a long drink of his own watered-down ale.

Horatio: You were able to extract two doses of Naga Venom.

Poison (Ex) Bite-injury; save Fort DC 17; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Con damage; cure 2 saves. Each dose if bought retail would cost about 1000gp.

Huzzah!

Poison is so noted!