Faol Mhor's Skull & Shackles Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Faol Mhor

Be my guest. :) I got it from the oracle of life in a JR game on these boards.

Move Action: Reload Crossbow
Standard Action: Fire Crossbow at Nearest Crew Member Not Engaged

Avakor quickly attempts to reload his crossbow and fire it at one of the sailors, but his hands tremble anxiously during the attempt.

Standard Action: Use Evil Eye Hex (-2 attack roll) on the Officer
Move Action: Cackle

Hey, don't point that at me! You'll put someone's eye out! Jove shouts to the officer and then turns his gaze upon her once again, this time sending shadows of doubt in her accuracy, then cackles. Never faced a warlock before, have ya?

Whats still standing? How close am I? And the most important question doc....am I gonna live?

They are all on the deck below you, about 20ft away. Jove is within 10 feet of the officer on the lower deck. They are all still standing at this point.

Jove she is all ready affected by your hex isnt she? Are you using it again?

ranged touch attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

If the sailor she previously hit is still up, Thea will fling another icicle at him. If not she will target either of the other two that are still up.

Oh never mind jove, I see what you did there. I just assumed the first was -2 to attack, nenvermind.

second will save 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 2 = 8

The officer continues to be filled with doubt and anxiety She now suffers from a -2 to her attack and -2 to her saves

Again Avakor unfortunately misses. Thea, barely manages to strike the same wounded sailor with her shard of ice.

With a scream of agony he falls to one knee before rolling to the side and slowly passing out from the lose of blood. His short sword clattering to the ground.

His companion is barely able to hold onto the rope supporting the jolly boat but he does hold on.

I think we are waiting on Four Skulls and Sabinae? I'll give them a bit of time before I do the pirates 2nd round

The shoanti wisper something in Gan's ears before going down an engaging the women.

Is Sabinae still with us?

SAILOR'S ROUND 2

Although the officer is shaken by Jove she is fast enough to catch the Shoanti's spear with the butt of her pike.

Seeing her one companion down she backs up 5 feet towards her companion still trying to lower the boat. She fixes Thes with an angry glare 20 feet away and she thrusts her pike, the boarding pike is only 8 feet long but suddenly it strikes out, elongating itself to 20 feet.

1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12 the railing in front of Thea splinters with the strike from the boarding pike but doesn't hit it's mark.

The other sailor continues desperately to lower the boat, a task made more difficult now that his partner is down.

Sailor check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 He manages to lower it another length despite the added difficulty.

It is your turn now, PLAYER ROUND 2

Four Skulls, I believe so, I think she's just been really busy with work. I'm hoping she is. In any case we won't wait for her for now but I want to include her until I know for sure if she is done. You never now when a mermaid will be helpful :)

I take aim and fire again, also moved a five foot closer. Shooting at the sailors, I dont care which. Preferably one not in melee though skulls weapon has reach.
Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 For:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Vs touch AC.

Yeah, one piece of advice I found for playing a witch is always hex their saves first because it makes it easier to land the other hexes :) And I just reread Evil Eye, it actually lasts Int mod + 3 rounds, so 8 rounds for Jove. He only bothers cackling so that he can extend the duration of saved (or not yet rolled the save) hexes lol

Standard Action: Evil Eye Hex (-2 to AC) on the Officer
Move Action: Cackle (extend duration of Evil Eye Hexes by 1 round)

Jove turns his gaze one more time on the officer, this time sending shadows of doubt of her ability to protect herself, then cackles again.

Alright, I've softened her up for you, now go get her, pirates!

Move Action: Reload crossbow
Standard Action: Fire Crossbow at Nearest Crew Member Not Engaged

Avakor slides another bolt into place after cocking the crossbow. He takes a couple of extra seconds to aim and exhales, squeezing the trigger.

Hit, damn you!

Ranged touch attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
damage 1d6 ⇒ 3

Thea takes a step back and flings another icicle at the officer.

Four Skulls attacks the women officer again and shouts.
Surrender and the captain may spare your lifes.
Atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Damn dice.
Gan I am not using my reach weapon, just my regular spear.

PLAYER ROUND 2 RESULTS

Gan hist the sailor trying to lower the jolly boat with a bullet to the thigh.

While Jove continues to torment the Officer with his evil glare and wicked cackling laugh. Officers will at -2 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 2 = 12 She continues to doubt herself.

Meanwhile Avakor finally strikes true wth a bolt and hits the sailor on the rope in the neck. HE grasps at the quiver as he gurgles for breath before slumping unconscious next to his companion on the deck

With only the officer left standing Thea's attention turns to her and a shard of cold ice splinters into the woman's shoulder. Shards of ice embedded in her flesh.

Seeing his opportunity to catch the officer Four Skulls strikes but his blow is blocked and deflected.

SAILOR'S ROUND 3

The officer seeing that she is surrounded she backs up towards the edge of the boat. Her spear retracts and she tries to hit Four Skulls with a jab in response to his demand.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 it hits him hard in the chest. 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 7 lethal DMG to Four Skulls

It is your turn to act, PLAYER ROUND 3

Move Action: Back up toward the sterncastle but still keeping within 30 ft of the officer
Standard Action->Move Action: Cackle.

Content with the state of the officer's hexes, Jove backs up out of the spear's range and whistles for Zephyrus, who flies down from the rigging and perches nervously on Jove's shoulder, glancing around for Gan.
He'd better not shoot that thing at you again. I don't fancy becoming a normal thrush again, and I'm sure you don't fancy death. Zephyrus says dryly.

Come on, Zeph, you know me. It's not that I'm afraid of death, far from it, it's just death just isn't me. he cackles once more.

I move up to the officer, if there is room, I will draw my shortsword and attempt non-lethal damage.
Attack:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6 And I miss.

We are still waiting on Four Skulls and Thea to post, if they haven't posted by tomorrow when I'm free i'll go ahead and post the sailors turn

Never the easy way...
Moves back 5ft. And cast CLW on self
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Move Action: Move up behind the melee
Standard Action: Ready action to cast cure light wounds on someone that is struck

Avakor moves up behind those in front and prepares to heal any more injuries.

ranged touch 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
damage 1d6 ⇒ 6

Trying to maintain a 25 to 30 foot distance from the officer to avoid another attack, Thea flings an icicle at her.

The icicle smashes into the deck beside the officer. She looks about frantically realizing she is surrounded by your group and the battle has turned against the Rahadoumi all over the ship.

She looks at you all grimly and with a growl she says "Curse you and all of your gods!" She turns and with a leap clears the railing and splashes into the ocean below willingly taking her chances with the sharks rather than a crew of murderous pirates.

Just a moment after Captain Harrigan emerges from the cabin, which is now on the same deck as those of you who ran down to attack the officer. He strides past your group out into the middle of the ship on the main deck where all the pirates are either slitting throats or binding up captives with thick rope. With a victorious roar he hoists what appears to be a bloody heart into the air, the rest of the crew follows his lead and a cheer of victory can be heard throughout the ship.

As the crew cheers he turns to your group and stairs at each of you in turn before pointing "You and You!" He motions with his bloody short sword in his right hand for Gan and Jove to meet him in the center of the ship in front of the entire crew.

He says nothing else, his expression unreadable. He's a terrifying sight with blood dripping from his left arm covered in blood to the elbow with the bloody heart still in his grip and a bullet wound to his chest near his heart that only appears to have caused a trickle of blood.

You can all act and say something.

Gan I know where I want to take this as the GM, but I'm also not sure how you will take it. I mean it all depends on Gan's reaction of course but there are several ways this could go and as the GM I have an idea that would be great storywise...but it could have some long term consequences for Gan. So just letting you know I'm going to play this out in reaction to what you choose to do but I'm also don't want to hold back. I myself don't mind when something happens that is brutal to my characters because that can help develop my character but I don't know all of you guys on a personal level so I don't know how you as a player might take it. It's easier to judge in a RL game how someone will react. All that to say If I end up messing Gan up pretty good I hope that wouldn't make you want to rage quite.

very cryptic I know but I want there to be consequences to player action but I also don't want to ruin the game for you either. Thoughts?

Well let's see how this goes down. Regardless of circumstances Gan will always try to put his best foot forward. The simple fact that such a straight shot failed to put the captain away hurts more than anything he may face, even his own death. Gan himself, not me per sey, has pretty much given up his struggle.

"Well, lets get this over with so I can meet these cursed gods." I step forward forcing confidence. I have accepted my fate. It is too bad I take nothing away from this but at least I die a man.

I approach Harrnigan and stand before him in the posture of a proud professional sailor. "You are indeed a great captain! Damn shame I wasn't up to the challenge of taking you down but I was bound to be killed by you sooner or later. Figured I'd at least make an attempt to fight for my life. It is clear I cannot beat you." I kneel, spread my arms and lower my head welcoming the captain to take it. "Gods be damned I didn't want it to end like this but ultimately there was no choice. So many have died already. It was only a matter of time." I await my execution.

I too have an idea how I'd expect this to go but I am not the GM. Just a warning, if Gan dies I bust out Sheamus. Sheamus is the most broken SOB I have ever made for Pathfinder and would be something difficult to control in this setting. As I have stated before, I have a strong policy of quiting a game when my character dies. I find making a new character evertime ones dies eats away at the campaign story. I value the story WAY over Mechanics of gameplay. Thus if a character dies, I'd prefer to start from the beginning. This campaign is a bit different though. Shooting Harnigan was actually an act against boredom. I was getting emotionally worn out by the setting and how long it was taking to resolve that I kind of acted, maybe even out of character, a bit hastily. I will accept however you wish to handle this but I won't mind if I am allowed to continue. I'm just going to have to tough this story out until it finally reaches a fun part....which I am guessing/hoping will be as soon as summer 2013. Maybe? I don't know this is the first I have tried this AP. Well let's see what happens. I apologize for the complaining, I just needed to vent a bit.

Oh dear gods, Jove asks himself, what have I gotten myself into? The bloody heart hits Jove's stomach hard. Maybe Gan was right to shoot this guy. The only way out is through, I'm afraid...

Recovering himself, he addresses the captain. Sir, my name is Jove Sirocco, and I wish to apply for the post of pirate on your crew. As a warlock, I can cast spells and hexes, and as a sylph, I have a connection to the wind. It lets me predict the weather in an area for the next day, as long as magic or supernatural powers don't interfere. And I'm a pretty competent sailor, so I think you'll find me useful.

Skulls watch in silence as the two approuch the captain, a bad foreboding taking over his gut.

Diferent folks diferent strokes I guess. I m really enjoying this AP. Its one of my favorites so far. But then I usually love grit tales of war or detective stories. This setting have a little bit of both.

Sorry I haven't posted sooner. This last week I was on call and worked 60 hours. Very tired. I am back for the fun!

Sabinae watches in silence as the scene unfolds with Gan. She keeps a close eye on the captain and his officers.

Avakor watches placidly, wondering what the fate of another crewmate will be.

Sorry guys, internet has been spotty...again! I'll make sure to post tomorrow morning, early afternoon at the latest I hope because its a little late here now.

The Captain hears what Jove has to say and then waves him back among the others.

Harrigan gives a hearty laugh when Gan addresses him. "When I was your age I myself slew my captain and took his command, so it's someth'n I respect, but I had the forethought and the talent to do it right."

As Gan extends his arms wide and puts his head down Harrigan appears to be ready to oblige him with a quick death.

Harrigan raises his sword high in an exaggerated motion and pauses as if taunting you all to interfere in Gan's fate...

The blade slices down hard and fast and meets flesh. Gan's right hand falls to the deck, it's been chopped off at the wrist cleanly.

There is a pause on the deck before Harrigan says, "Lock him in irons aboard the Merchant Ship, He lives because he's a pirate at heart, he lost his hand because of stupidity, and he'll be sold as a slave in port instead of keelhauled becauese I'm in a good mood today."

Several of the other crew, with scourge rush forward to pick Gan up off the deck.

Harrigan Turns to the rest of the crew. "We've taken our first ship, and it's a ripe one full of loot. This afternoon we'll finish taking the plunder aboard the wormwood and then I'll hand out yer share at sundown, after which you'll be free to have a good time for a night or more, depends on how damn drunk you lot get! He laughs and the crew cheers.

[b]"When we're ready, mister Plugg will take command o' the new ship and he'll sail it back to port to sell her off for a hefty profit. Some o' you lot will be sent with him to crew the ship. Ye'll all get your assignments later. Now, get to it!"[b]

Harrigan wanders over to the tied up Rahadoumi sailors and begins offering them a place aboard his crew, those that accept he has their bonds cut and they are free to help the crew. One of the sailors stands defiant and Harrigan grabs him y the neck and tosses him into the water, hands still bound.

You have all been told to move the cargo, which unless you indicate otherwise I'll assume you help with. After which there will be a long party where you can freely talk to anyone and and act. AT the present you are all standing on the deck, Gan is being chained and his weapons are being striped. HE is also not in good health having his hand cut off. You can all act at this moment as well if you like.

The shoanti moves to Gan picks up his pistol and patchs up his stump sneaking in a cure spell while doing so.
Hang on varisian.
Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

If Skulls can pick up any other of Gan's valuebles while atending to him he will. After healing Gan he will look for Felix while pretending to help move the cargo.

Four Skulls is able to grab up a number of Gan's pieces of equipment and heals up the stump where his hand used to be, but Scourge makes it to the pistol first tucking it away in his belt with a golden toothed sneer.

Scourge and Jaundice Jape hoist Gan ruffly to his feet. They don't notice that the bleeding has stopped.

Four Skulls walks around the boat looking at the corpses. So much potencial, if only I had more control over my... He spot the pair and go talk to them wispering.

Jove helps move the loot, thoughts swirling in his head like the breeze that surrounds him. He will attempt to talk to the pirates he met with at the battle (Avakor, Thea, Four Skulls) as well as any of the crew who are willing to talk with him and get to know them more.

To the PC's only
Sorry about what happened with your friend. I was trying to talk sense into him, not urge him to go ahead with his assassination AFTER the captain was on his guard. I'd be more than willing to help him stowaway, but I can't think of any way to hide, you know, someone the crew already knows about. My illusion spells only go so far. Any ideas?

Sabinae moves around to meet the new members. As she makes her way about she hears Jove speaking in aquan and goes up to him.

"یہ تازگی ہے پانی لوک کی زبان کو سننے کے لئے. مجھے Sabinae ہوں. اور تم کیا ہو؟"

"I understand your intent in all of that. I simply wished he was not so impulsive." Avakor sighs and shakes his head.

Avakor looks over to the merfolk and sylph.

He grins to Jove and Sabinae.

Jove grins back at Avakor and Sabinae, glad to have found a group to speak Aquan with.

I read the first few posts of your thread, Sabinae, and remember they chained your tail to a cannonball to keep you from escaping. Are you still chained up?

Sabinae and Avakor, I think because you both worked for fishguts we can assume you both new each other at least a little bit before you boarded the merchant ship

Four Skulls you can continue your conversation with Sandara and Rosie if you like but I'm going to move along the story a bit.

Gan has been escorted below decks by Scourge, along with three other rahadoumi sailors bound for the slavers. They are lead into the new ships bilges and chained there by their feet and left there. The Bilge hatch it's self has also been latched shut and locked from the topside.

After the cargo from the merchant ship, called The Man's Promise, has been offloaded to the Wormwood the crew that is still alive is called up on the Deck of the Wormwood for the distribution of shares.

Each sailor is given his share of 175 GP.

Riaris speaks up for your group and tells of how you took the sterncastle quickly and how, for the most part you all followed orders and did your job. For that each of your boarding party members receives an extra 100 Gold for a total of 275 GP.

Harrigan also awards your group 3 potions of cure moderate wounds and one potion of invisibility for a job well done. Speak up if you want one or distribute them as you see fit among yourselves.

Jove is singled out by Harrigan for warning him about the backstabbing merchant and Harrigan personally gives Jove an amulet of +1 natural armour.

Over the next half hour all the rewards are given out and then the good rum is rolled out by the cask onto the deck for the party. Fishguts has been working all day to prepare some pigs for the crew so you will all feast well this evening.

But just before you are all allowed to dig in and drink to your hearts content Harrigan Stands on a Cask and lays out his plan.

"Hear me You scurvy dogs! He bellows with a wide smile to the cheers of most of the crew.

"You all did well today and we only lost one man. It's been a long time coming but we've taken our first ship on this voyage and its a ripe one. Stick with me and there will be plenty more. The crew cheers again.

"Now some of you lot didn't come by the sweet trade of your own accord but you held up well and most of you have learnt your place. The life is harsh and cruel and for that I make no apologies. But when it pays it pays! He pumps his hand in the air with some jeweled necklaces that had been part of the loot and most of the crew begins to chant, Harrigan, Hariggan, Harrigan!"

The Captain waves them silent after basking in the praise for a moment

"Ye may have noticed this fine prize, The Man's Promise we've managed to take. She's too nice a ship to scuttle or cut adrift so even though we be under man'd we have to get her back to port to sell her for a mighty profit. So! When you lot have all sobered up... Some good hearted jeers can be heard at that notion. "My loyal first mate Mr. Plugg will be in charge of taking her back to port to sell her and the slaves in her bilge. The Wormwwod will then follow shortly after to meet ye all back at port where we'll distribute the profits and set sail again.

"I've given Plugg a skeleton crew to work with so it wont be a pleasure cruise, he's sure to work you lucky bastards to the bone. But just remember, if I find out you decide to mutiny and take my prize from Mr. Plugg keelhauling would be a mercy compared to what I'll plan to do to you!

Harrigan lets that sink in for a moment. "Mr. Plugg has yer berth assignments all worked out so he'll let you know which ship to stow your gear on after you pick your sorry gobs off the deck in the morning."

With that Harrigan takes his handfull of ornate jewels and necklaces in his hand and tosses them far out into the water as he bellows Besmara you old sea witch, Her be your due! The Pirates cheer in approval and the party begins, the casks are hacked open with hatchets and the rum begins to flow.

Plugg begins to wade through the ruckus and merry making and pointing at pirates one by one as they fill there mugs and plates. "Man's promise!" He says as he points at some pirates. To others pirates he yells "Wormwood," When he gets to each of you, and with a sick grin of contempt he points and says "Man's promise" before he moves off into the crowd again.

What is to ensue is nearly a full day of eating and drinking before you'll need to be ready to ship off over to the new ship. You can each do whatever you like, talk to whom ever you like or do whatever you like. I'll give you each ample time to roleplay out any conversations you want to have with other crew or do what you want to do.

Yes plz, I would like to continue that conversation a little more.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Know. Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Perception Check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Knowledge (religion) Check (untrained) 1d20 ⇒ 14

Jove is delighted with the amulet, placing it around his neck and tucking it into his tunic.

In case I forget and unless we come up with a plan that needs specific spells of mine, this is my loadout of spells for tomorrow:
(1) Mage Armor, Ray of Enfeeblement, Silent Image, Unseen Servant
(0) Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Message, Stabilize

Thea is quite pleased with the gold she's received, though she has no clue when they may end up in a decent port to spend it. Hmph, not at all surprised all us new ones get to be the skeleton crew. Suppose it can't be any worse than staying on this one and at least Scourge ain't coming with us.

Can Thea take a rapier from any of the corpses or does she need to buy one?

Thea the sailors only had cheap short swords and heavy crossbows for the most part, any good weapons went to the officers of your ship or over the side of the ship with the officer you were fighting. You can however go visit grok to buy one, she can probably scrounge one up at its listed price. IF you like you can RP your convo with Grok, if not go ahead and assume you make it down their sometime and buy it before she gets wasted at the party.

Oh before I forget, just to be clear, I got a share of the booty as well too right?

yup. each of you received the amount listed except Gan who is currently chained in the Man's Promise

Just wanted to make sure seeing's how I wasn't technically part of the crew at the beginning of the fight ;-) Guess I got the captain's gratitude enough for a share of the loot in addition to the amulet :)

Yeah, he figured you did your part, and they did seem to have one r two extra shares left after that fight anyway...

Is anyone going to do anything? You have nearly 24 hours to talk to people or try to do something.

Avakor will approach Almathea during the party.

"Thea, I think it might be a good idea to meet with the other pirates that share our... dissatisfaction sometime soon." He sighs, "I doubt that duty aboard a ship run by Plugg is going to be anything near pleasant."