Devil-spawn and Demon-taint: A Fiendish Take on Skull & Shackles
Game Master Mark Sweetman

I am a little confused, have I just been tied off and am awaiting something?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 <-- trying to figure out what the intentions of the insane Scourge is.

Rats. I'm to be reduced to squashing rats. Not even the human kind either. Best to play along though. Nachni steps forward, "Why not? I'll give it a go. Badger, perhaps you'd care to try for a skull?"

I am a little confused, have I just been tied off and am awaiting something?

Indeed, Scourge didn't take too kindly to your wasting of the rum, and has decided an example needs to be made of you.

Obisyth can't discern what Scourge has planned... apart from it having something to do with the rat stomping action soon to take place.

Cedrick's challenge is met by jaundiced half-orc Jape "Hur hur, I'll take yer money Bootlick... First to three?"

Nachni finds Badger an amiably willing opponent as she smiles wide "I'll give ye a run Nach, how many you want to soil yer toes with?"

I'll have the stomp bouts play out in parallel, and anyone is able to bet also - as long as it's stated before we begin.

I just stand back and contemplate seeing Scourge fall overboard and into the jaws of a waiting shark.

"It does sound like an interesting diversion," Joneth offers as he too approaches, though an expression of mild distaste does cross his face briefly. "I assume five gold is an acceptable wager, is it not?"

"Well, much as I'm tempted to say ten toes ten rats to show the boys a little girl power, why don't we start with two rats for two feet."
Do I get Weapon Finesse with my feet?

"I'll be having your coins shortly Mr Jape!" Cedrick offers ion a friendly tone. "First to three it is!"

"Atta boy!" Deader has enough time to say before devolving into incoherent giggles and coughs and then seeming to pass out and hang there with a silly grin on his face. It's hard to tell if he's really unconscious since his eyes occasionally open and flick about, and how he sometimes says something incoherent. Mostly he just laughs and drools.

"Plague upon the hurricane...

...made us furl and flee...

...war is done between us...
...the deep the Lord hath seen us...

...our bones we'll leave the barracout' an' God may sink the sea..."

Joneth's offer is taken up by Cog, who emerges from the crowd "I'll give yer a run. To three?"

Ok, recapping:
Nachni vs Badger - 1 gold, first to two
Cedrick vs Jape - 5 gold, first to three
Joneth vs Cog - 5 gold, first to three

Nachni and Badger are the first to face off, Badger removing her shoes and rolling up her leggings before stepping into the rope ring "Best take your shoes off lass... no point in soiling em" Fipps and Conch gather up a pair of wriggling and writhing rats into a small sack and hand them to each competitor.

Conch explains "Shake em as much as you like and wait for the whistle. When she blows, empty out the vermin and get tae stomping." before looking to the crowd "Anyone open fer a wager? I'd be open to anywhere to double figures on the Badger to win."

Badger offers a friendly handshake before focusing herself to task.

Badger Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Nachni Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

_________

After the first stomp fest is complete, the broken and bloody rat corpses are picked up and put into a nearby bucket. A quick splash of water refreshes the rings for round 2.

Jape grins at Cedrick with a knowing and predatory smile "Hope you got your money on you Bootlick"

Jape Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Cedrick: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

There is a possibility that a slight retcon might be needed pending Perception success.

_________

The dead rats are once more gathered and put into the same bucket as the first batch. Obisyth notes that Scourge occasionally looks at the dead rat bucket, then to herself... and smiles.

Cog offers Joneth a nod and words "May the best man win" before getting started.

Cog: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Joneth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Rules of the Game:
Simple really, one attack a round and you can use either Strength or Dexterity to boost your BAB on the stomping.
For your first stomp, the rats are disoriented and flat-footed - so the target AC is 10
Rounds 2 and on, target AC is 14.
A successful hit is a successful stomp - no need to roll damage. In the case of a tie on rounds, then the first in initiative wins (as per roll above).
Please roll out your full set of stomps until you've gotten your number - then I'll respond with NPC rolls to suit.
Any questions?

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Cedrick seems a bit buys adjusting the hems of his trousers to really note whatever has just transpired.

"So its the pair of us to match it out eh? Well I'll be having you then!" Cedrick offers cheerfully.

With that done, he hops in the ring with Jape and makes a show of chasing his rats, surprisingly though, Cedrick has an alternative idea about his this game might work, and instead strikes Jape a solid blow to the head.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

"Good luck to you as well," Joneth replies simply with a nod of his own before he joins Cog in the ring.

Round 1

Melee attack (unarmed) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Round 2

Melee attack (unarmed) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Round 3

Melee attack (unarmed) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

As Obisyth sees the careful handing of a certain bag to Jape followed by Cedrick cold cocking Jape, she calls out:
Attaboy Bootlick, you teach them that you will not allow him to rig the rats against you.

Well there is always a few ways to fix a fight. I hadn't considered 'rigged rats', but I thought if I started asking too many questions about the rules of the match I might well find they told me a rule I didn't want... originally I was going to bullrush him out of the ring, but there was no step out = out rule, so figured I'd knock him out instead

Nachni shows Badger her already bare feet with a grin, "No shoes to soil for me Badger. I'm sure it will be a delight feeling them squish between me toes." She returns Badger's handshake and as the rats come spilling out zips around doing her best to squash them.

Round 1 Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Round 2 Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Round 3 Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Round 4 Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
I think Nachni just got stomped :-P

Well there is always a few ways to fix a fight. I hadn't considered 'rigged rats', but I thought if I started asking too many questions about the rules of the match I might well find they told me a rule I didn't want... originally I was going to bullrush him out of the ring, but there was no step out = out rule, so figured I'd knock him out instead

It seemed the best way to rat them out.

Your DM begs humble apologies for the usual weekend shenanigans.
Normal service to be resumed shortly.

Rat-Squish Round 1 - Nachni vs Badger:

Badger plants her left foot in the center of the rope ring and pivots around in aim of rats...

Stomps: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

...though she if far from effectual, and Nachni outpaces her for a win. Shrugging as she washes down her feet (though Conch swears as he loses his stake to a chuckling Barefoot) with a bucket of seawater she is genial in defeat "Bugger me if they ain't slippery little feckers." She hands over your winnings in coin.

Rat-Squish Round 3 - Joneth vs Cog:

Cog's style is much more visceral, stomping foot over foot and trying to almost put his foot through the deck as he does so...

Stomps: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

...though the speed at which Joneth delivers verminous genocide surprises him. Scowling darkly he settles up with the rogue before moving to solitude at one side and swearing to himself.

Jape Squish - Round 2:

Just a note - I assume you declared a challenge to get the bonus damage? - just wondering where the extra +2 is from

Cedrick's blow catches Jape completely unawares as he is focused upon his feet and his own rats.. which seem to be decidedly less motile than the others. However his actions are not seen as kindly by those observing, both by the cronies.. but perhaps surprisingly by the rest of the crew as well.

Scourge's voice rises above the hubbub of verbal reactions "Stand down Bootlick, afore I put ye down" an edge of menace to his words and his hand hovers near to the cat o' nine at his side. His face gives the impression that he's a hairs breath away from striking out... and is just begging for an excuse.

Post Rat Shenanigans:

At the completion of the rat stomping activities... Scourge turns attention back to Obisyth. He gets the bucket of dead and bloody rats and picks up a tin cup on his way over. When he gets close he wheezes into her face "Seems the rums not to yer taste... perhaps you'll drink somethin born of a fellow bastard." He then strains out a half cup of the accumulated fluid in the bucket of dead rats into the cup. Blood mixed with rat guts and assorted other filth seeps through the mass of matted ratflesh and settles in the tin cup. Scourge then thrusts the vile concoction towards you and waits expectantly.

Obisyth looks down at the glass of swill.

I've had worse. At least I know where this came from.

Obisyth then says a prayer to the spirits of nature, (Cast Guidance), and drinks down the glass.

She then considers using her innate ability to change her appearance to change into a huge hulking man-rat, but decides better.

Giving a save roll in case I need it.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14 <-- +1 guidance

Obisyth almost gags once or twice, but manages to down the protein filled drink without too much difficulty. She then hands the glass back to Scourge with a smile: You should try that, pretty good. The hair gets stuck in your teeth, but that just allows you to enjoy it longer.

"They are slippery buggers, I barely nicked you there Badger. Good show. If you don't mind I'm going to join you in washing off the rat guts." Once she has washed off her feet, Nachni glides over by Conch to watch Joneth and Cog face off. She purrs, "C'mon Conch, you should know better than to bet against a fellow rigger. Has Barefoot really been watching me better than you...or are you just more interested in parts other than my feet?" A sly smile creases her lips and she adds in a whisper, "Or perhaps another has caught your eye? Let's chat about that later."

As Joneth polishes off his final rat just ahead of Cog, Nachni claps politely thinking while watching Cog's reaction with concern, Oy, who knew a little game would result in so many hurt feelings to patch up. She joins Cog by the rail as Bootlick and Jape square off. After Bootlick's jarring blow to open the match she observes, "Well at least Joneth didn't try a move like that on you Cog. Got a feeling you would have licked him good if he did." She pauses as Jape's rat catches her eye, "Hey Cog, is it just me or is Jape's rat the slowest one I've seen in the game. Is that just coincidence or is something funny going on here?"

When the rat smashing is over, she watches with growing apprehension at what Scourge is up to. But unable to think of a gambit that would stay his cruelty, she remains silent and stifles a giggle at Obi's brave response.

Just a note - I assume you declared a challenge to get the bonus damage? - just wondering where the extra +2 is from

Yeah, sorry should have made an explicit statement to that, the "You and me monkey boy" Type rhetoric was a bit to obtuse perhaps :P

"Sorry boss, not all the rats have four legs, seems that theres been a fix on, seeing the rules is open and we are in the ring...we should settle it here too"

Cedrick keeps swinging...

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

Rat Cocktail:

Barely managing to keep the mixture of blood and filth down, and suppressing a powerful urge to puke, Obisyth manages to jest at her punishment... for now. Scourge just smiles at Obisyth's words, and goes and fills up the cup with another measure of the foul and disgusting liquid, this time filling it to the brim. "Another round since ye like it so much." pushing the cup forward to the bound witch.

Aye Fort saves are the order of the day if you drink.

Round 2: Jape getting kicked by Cedrick

Just like to have uses of abilities and what not explicitly stated so it's easier to track what's in action.

As Cedrick ignores a direct order from his superior and lays Jape unconscious on the deck with a solid punch, Scourge disdains the lash and instead pulls a wicked looking handaxe from his belt. The crowd parts before him as he strides forward and lashes out with the blade...
Handaxe (lethal): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
...cutting through Cedrick's defenses and flensing some flesh off his hip before it skips off the bone. Scourge readies himself for another blow as he growls icily "I gave you an order Bootlick... stand the feck down." Cedrick can see that despite some look of concern upon his friends in the crew (and hungry anticipation on Scourge's cronies), none have come forward to take his side.

You also spy Plugg looking down from the aft-deck with an impassive face. He clearly sees no need to intervene in the drama currently unfolding.

After feeling ill from the first vile concoction, Obisyth looks at the second wishing she had requested the ability to purify unhealthy food such as this. Realizing that she did not, she instead again asks the powers of nature to give her the power to keep this down.

Cast: Guidance

Fort: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

This time, she barely gets the drink to her mouth before the vile smell causes the previous drink to come back up and be spread across the deck.

"Aye Boss!" Cdrick steps back and tries to stay light on his feet despite the pain. "Regional difference and ship rules difference was all, the matter to be settled and left in the ring, no rules an all that. Some of those rats are drunker than my old Aunt Sal...didn't think a match fixing was worth anyone getting flogged over later if a dispute left the circle! best to sort it there and leave it there"

Cedrick continues to back off.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Joneth accepts the gold pieces with a simple nod of his head, choosing to disregard the somewhat obvious displeasure of his opponent and preferring to focus on cleaning the rat ichor off of his feet. As he does so, he looks around, an expression of disgust evident on his face as Obisyth is served her two 'drinks', noting the girl's defiance at the first cup and her rather poorer reaction at the second one.

"A wise choice, if ever there was one," the rogue mutters under his breath once Cedrick chooses to stand down after his display in the circle. Putting his boots on now that his feet are once again clean, he moves a little closer so as to get a better look at the events unfolding between 'Bootlick' and Scourge.

Nachni watches with wariness as Scourge deals the blow to Bootlick wondering if the fight is going to explode into a larger brawl. She scarcely notices she is holding her breath until Cedrick speaks and lets out a long, slow sigh of relief when he chooses to back down. Scourge is worried about losing control. Wonder if he's smart enough to know how to play this right or if he'll lose it all. She edges closer to Cog, "You know, Scourge is starting to remind me of that nasty tale of Mad Manu and the Twisted Tarpon. Hope we don't all wake up covered in blood like his crew one of these nights."

Nachni's glee at Obi's response turns to a cold stare when Scourge approaches her with another cup, He's going to make her take another one!?! Brave girl. Guess that answers my question about Scourge.

"...village runs for cover... mothers, fathers, children, lovers... watching blood creep up upon the sand..."

Deader muttered strange songs throughout the eat-dance, looking extra corpsey in his semi-conscious bliss.

Cedrick's quick back pedaling has saved him from feeling the edge of Scourge's axe again. Looking down at the unconscious Jape he shrugs "Looks like he's been punished enough... call the bet moot. You just watch yer'self Bootlick, I call" holding up the axe and watching Cedrick's blood drip from it for a few moments "you better bloody listen"

__________

Obisyth's abject failure to keep the second cup down puts a smile on his face. Releasing her bonds he hisses "I'll be watchin tomorrer evenin girlie... best you take your measure."

__________

Cog gives a mirthless chuckle at Nachni's words and a nod.

Ok, I think we're ready to roll things forward - I'm putting up a question in the OOC for a ponder.

Late Night Action: Influence Conch
Bluff 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

As the crew all heads to bed, Nachni slips her arm into the crook of Conch's elbow and steers him to a quiet spot for a quick word, "Well, that was a good turn of fun until Bootlick nearly had his leg cut off. Thanks for trying to help lighten the mood for a bit." She pauses for a moment and looks around to make sure no one is listening, "You know...Rosie was so happy to have her fiddle back the poor lass got all emotional with me and put down that tough shell for moment earlier tonight. I, ah, might have exaggerated a small bit and told her you went with me to get it from Grok but of course. Course, your advice helped mightily with that task. Anyway, she's definitely interested in you too. She's not one to let it show and you're going to have to take it from here on your own, but I think you'll get your reward if you'll take a chance. Might want to cool it on the over-the-top lasciviousness at first. Just remember me and the buds if we run into some tough times with Scourge, Plugg, and their nasties later. Good night and good luck."

Nachni's surreptitious talk with Conch finds him eager but still a little reticent to act "I don't know Nach... you've seen the axe o' hers, she'll probably... snip snip... if I 'proach her wrong... She does have a fine ass for a halfling though" wistfully pursing his lips at the thought. "I'll give it a thought... and we'll see."

Day 10:

The next day comes and goes without much action apart from the time spent working the sails, deck and Kroop and Deader playing cards and drinking rum while the stoves are bubbling. Cedrick and Obisyth are rewarded for their previous night's activities by being set to holystoning the decks, where Scourge can keep a ready eye upon them. Wind is brisk, currents are swift and the Wormwood cuts through the brine at speed.

It's evening time before Conch makes a cap in hand approach to Rosie, seeming initially contrite and sincere. She almost blushes before seeming to not reject the advance out of sight. Conch's arms snakes around her waist and is not rejected... though Rosie's elbow is sharp and she's not afraid to use if if Conch's hands slip low.

Rum and food are handed out at the end of the day, and after the fireworks of the previous evening everyone keeps mostly quiet... congregating in small chunks on the topdeck along the lines of those you know to like each other... though a few of your friends are missing. It's then that you each spy either Cog or Sandara Quinn discretely grabbing your attention and beckoning you to follow them down off the top deck and into the bowels of the ship.

Cedrick seems quiet, yet oddly satisfied, and goes about his daily tasks whilsy maintaining a bit of a quiet distance. Seeing Sandara beckoning, he heads off to speak with her and see what she needs...

Obisyth goes through her daily routine methodically and really without caring, a growing disinterest with the ship being replaced with a dire dislike of Scourge, Plugg and the rest of their vermin.

She was thinking of speaking with Cog with whom she had minimal contact when she saw Sandra beckoning her below decks and goes over to investigate and see what is going on.

To Sandra - I hope you have something nice, I have a tough stomach, but there is only so much rat bile a girl can drink.

Also, after the previous night, I have replaced Create Water with Purefy Food and Drink which I will use on pretty much everything that I eat from now on.

You're led below and through the main hold to the crew quarters. At the moment, none of Scourge's cronies are there... but you do spy some friendly faces. Rosie, Conch, Cog, Quinn and Barefoot are huddled at the far end of the hold from the stairs - talking in hushed tones. They stop as you come down, but eagerly wave you over.

Cog acts as the group's voice, seeming to pay greater respect to Deader than before "Mateys, we've been watching and thinking... and I knows ye been doing the same. We've all come aboard at roughly the same... but summat ain't right on this tub. The feckin Captain's never a deck, the first mate and swab lead are taking liberties... We don't like it... and we're guessing you're thinkin similar..." you can see the nervousness on their faces as they talk, eager for you to crystallize your own feelings.

Obisyth watches and listens to Cog, and the quietly waits to see whether anyone else is going to speak up. She also watches the facial expressions and reactions of the others below decks.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

EDIT:

Also during the day, I have a brief conversation with Deader.
If you are ever having trouble catching enough fish, or need a really nice one, I have a friend who can help. See that albatross that is gliding up there? I point to Shadow a few hundred feet above and away from the ship effortlessly gliding through the air, his magnificent wings locked in place so that he appears almost motionless against the blue sky.

He is an amazing hunter and fisherman. I could probably get him to grab a prime fish every so often if you need a prize for the captain. It might have a few claw holes, but with a little preparation, nobody will notice that.

Nachni is happy to get up into the rigging and spend some time well away from Scourge and Plugg. She attempts to get some conversation going with her fellow rigger Ratline while working the lines and sails, "Hey Ratline, I think we've come up with a solution for your problem with Hungry." She pauses to allow the hook to set and begins trying to reel in another fish or pied piper another rat perhaps. "Remember how Bootlick put a hurting on Hungry a few nights back when Plugg tried to egg him on? Well, seems Plugg has pushed Hungry a little too hard too...just like he's doing with most of this crew. Our boy Bootlick didn't only win that fight. He won over Hungry. So, if you want to avoid future trouble with Hungry, remember who his friends are now. We'd like you to be one of those friends too."
Bluff to influence 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

As evening comes, Nachni watches discreetly as the fruits of matchmaking between Conch and Rosie ripen. Two more. That pair make a pretty cute couple. No idea what the kids will be like, but I do like where things are going.

When Cog gestures to Nachni, she nods and heads below deck listening to his words, but concentrating on Barefoot since she is the one in the group Nachni knows the least about.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Joneth works in his usual way during the day, focused and methodical in order to get the job done with as little exertion as possible. He does keep his eyes open as he does so, noticing Nachni's exchange with Ratline, but he pays them little to no mind.

In the evening, his time passes in an uneventful manner as well, eating the food and disposing of the rum as usual and taking in the various interactions between the crew members in silence, again as usual. And so it goes until, like the others of his kind, he joins Cog and Sandara and those others with them. He listens carefully to Cog before speaking.

"Perhaps the Captain is not as much in charge of this ship as he or we might think so? Perhaps we have a new Captain and we have not been told yet?"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Can't say I have a fondness for the way things are run. At least in the Navy I got a payment along with three squares and a cot, we might be pressers, but even pressers got a coin from his Majesty"

Nachni's words to Ratline about Hungry are met with a cautiously raised eyebrow "So ye're threatenin me wi' setting Hungry on me iffin I don't play yer tune?"

_________________________

You get a sense that the conspirators with you are united in purpose, though definitely afraid of those in charge of the Wormwood.

Cog continues "I wouldn't say that, the Captain's a right scary customer... afore ye arrived there were a couple of pressers like yerself who got lippy durin his welcome... he feckin tore one of the guy's tongues out through his throat. We don't want him coming after us. He might not be on deck much... but he's watchin I'm sure." Conch adds "Scourge and Plugg might not be bright shining stars upstairs, but you've felt their arms... we've got to be careful like round them as well." licking his lips nervously.

Sandara Quinn steps in "What we suppose we're trying to say is that we're with ye... but we have to be careful... bide our time and look for a chance where we might get a slip of Besmara's graces and be able to make a break."

I don't know much about Besmara or the other gods, but nature 'll help us. That's what I can bring.

Nachni barely stops herself from rolling her eyes at Ratline's response, "Not at all my dear. Hungry already threatens you...Plugg and Scourge made sure of that. What I'm offering is a way to improve your situation. If you like the way it is, don't change a thing." Watching his reaction, she grins widely, a row of pointy teeth gleaming through her parted lips.
______________________________

Nachni listens intently to the conversation, her head swaying ever so slightly as the mutinous words begin to flow, but she nods in assent as Cog and Quinn say their piece. When she speaks, the words slip from her mouth like a lover's caress. "Wise words friends and patience my lovelies. We are still but cubs in the twisted timber of the Wormwood. The wolves will snatch us like our darling Fish if we move too soon. Let us gather a few more to our side and bide time for the right moment."

Deader was already a little drunk by the time evening rolled around and his ration didn't help. He was cheerily swaying and whistling by the time dinner ended. If he was still suffering from the previous night's lashings he didn't really show it. He was as unstintingly happy as ever.

"Albatross? Them's good luck. Tell ya what, you get me some extra fish, I'll salt 'em or smoke 'em and start stockpiling some extra food. Captain be damned. We need the food more'n he does. Ships run mostly on their stomachs."

As they made their way below decks Deader listens for a while. "Naw, Rat, you got it all wrong. Hungry aint hungry forus, he's Hungry 'cause Plugg doesn't feed 'im enough. One of his parents was somethin' that can't never eat enough t' get filled. How would you like it if you had a couple dozen extra stomachs and only ever got leftovers? Try tossing him a bite or two tomorrow. He'll warm up t' you. Promise."

Just a clarifying note - Ratline is not in the conspiratorial group right now.

Ratline retains his healthy skepticism, but seems a bit more trusting "I ain't feckin interested in making friendly with it... but iffin ye words true that ye ken keep him off of me then I spose that's got some meanin to it..." mulling it a little further before guardedly agreeing cryptically and meaningfully "Turns out me hearin and eyes aren't as good as they used tae be... sometimes I miss things going on right in front of me... iffin ye understand me meanin"

_____________________

The conspiratorial posse comes to a reasonably abrupt cessation with the sound of descending booted feet. Sandara sees fit to add "Lets keep eyes and ears lively, and look out for any others that might share our views... and keep on the handle end of the daughter rather than the lashes, aye?" and you are joined in the hold by some of the other crew descending drunkenly and turning their mind to sleep.

_____________________

Day 11: Cap'n Wants Crabs

The morning passes with the regular trudgery that you've become used to. You're tracking along the coast of the Slithering Coast and the proximity to shore has blunted the thrust of currents. A momentary diversion comes when Fipps trips and ends up soaked with a bucket of deck wash, but there is little else of mirth to be observed. Early in the afternoon, a call comes from Narwhal in the crow - pointing North towards the shallows and land and calling to Plugg "Reef, Mister Plugg"

Deader is brought up from his task of vegetable dissection and the merry band of bastards are addressed as one by Plugg "Cap'n has a hankerin fer some fresh food... an he likes crab." pointing to the reef a couple hundred feet distant he adds "There's the crab... go an get it." as Rosie prepares four crab pots for you. Maheem and Shivikah weigh anchor and the rest of the riggers furl sail, looks like the ship will lie waiting while you carry out your task.

For clarity, he's instructing you to swim 200ft out into open water to the reef and go crab diving.

"May we take a Jolly Boat out there Mr Plugg, all the better to bring back some full crab pots?" Cedrick starts stripping down his armour, but ensures his hand axe is looped on a cord to avoid it falling into the depths should he drop it.

Plugg shakes his head "Reef gets shallow in parts, don't want to risk you numpties staving in the jolly's bottom."

Obisyth shrugs and simply sticks her club into her sash as she dives overboard and into the water preparing to catch some crabs.

Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

What checks? And what can we take 10 on?

Checks will be instructed when required.
Swim checks take 10 will be fine (seas are calm). Was leaving a pregnant pause to allow for people to request additional gear / get ready / etc.

Joneth sighs, but shows no other signs of displeasure or disagreement with the task asked of him and the others like him. Making sure his dagger is secure in its wrist sheath, the tiefling rogue moves to join his fellows in swimming towards the reef.

Deader just nods and gives an "Aye sir." then goes below decks to the quartermaster.

"They're sending me into the reef. I need something that'll save my feet from the coral, like a leather sock. Something that won't keep me from swimming but will give me a bit of protection. Have anything like that? Also, I need some rope and a life preserver."

Something that would work as a club is fairly easy to find on board, correct? I'd go for a spear, but I'm fairly sure that won't be so easy to come by.

Hope this isn't some evil plan to strand us all on a reef. Don't see an easy way around it though... Nachni shimmies out of her skirt and prepares to swim out to the reef with the crab pot. and club if allowed.