GMDQ's Skull and Shackles (Inactive)

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A small band of mariners find themselves press-ganged into service on the Wormwood, led by the fearsome Barnabas Harrigan. Will they turn their misfortune to glory on the high seas, or will folly lead them to an ignominious watery death?


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Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Knowledge (nobility), untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Never heard of them. Then again, I didn't know the name of my own house til I was nearly ten." Then she shrugs. "Could be an older House or a newer, I wouldn't know them from spit."

Hearing Rosie's comments, Thren pipes up indignantly. "Hey! I'm Chellish! You saying I'd be better dead! Just because my countrymen are a bunch of devil-blinded asshats doesn't mean I am!"


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Rosie stands up. "I grew up in Cheliax too." Rosie doesn't have to say anything else. Threnody knows EXACTLY how halflings are treated in Cheliax. "You wanna complain about how they treated you? 'Cause you still got to live the high life compared to me--especially if you still identify as one of them. I won't take back what I said. You got a problem with that, let's have it out now." She holds up her fists.

Sandara starts to interject with calming words, but Cog puts his hand on her shoulder, wanting to give the others a chance to work it out first.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren looks at Rosie for a long moment. Then she gets two cups and extends one to the halfling warrior. "Tell you what: we'll agree that you'd win, and neither of us are Chellish. You can make up suitably funny stories about it later. Deal?" The bard says this with sincerity, honestly trying to apologize.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Rosie grits her teeth and glares, fists clenched until the knuckles turn white.

And then she grins, snatches the cup, and says, the warmth having returned to her voice, "As long as we're clear I kicked your ass."

Cog pipes up after a moment. "Hey, if we're passing a cup around..."


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"We are indeed!" Lark quickly pours and hands a cup to Cog and then again for Quinn. "Now that you mention it, we haven't properly toasted today's victory." Lark raises his cup. "Here's to driving the grindylows out of that cave and getting our friends back!"

"That was the scariest and most dangerous thing I've ever done by a long shot. I had a few scrapes before I left home, but I've never fought so hard as that. Every day on the Wormwood seems to have a tougher battle than the next."

"Have any of y ever been in a worse fight?"


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren laughs at Rosie's answer. "Not like you could reach anything higher on me!" She then raises her cup to Lark's toast and drinks deep.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Lee joins in, drinking to victory.

Once the food gets served around, Lee will also take a look a the frame and journal...
Knowledge (nobility (untrained)): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
...but sadly, no bells ring for him, either.

"No worse fights for me. I mean, the sinking of the Aurora’s Kiss was probably worse, but I felt more like an observer for that. Not so 'hands on' as it were..."

Lee will let the conversation perk along.
When it is appropriate (and doesn't seem like he's injecting some bizarre non-sequitur) he will offer the following conversational subject:
"So, let's suppose that we are able to stock up, get back to the Man's Promise and get back underway? What's next?"


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren nods agreement when Lee mentions the fate of the Aurora's Kiss. "First real fight I'd been in was on that ship. But this last one was the worst." Then she takes in the rest of his words.

"You say it like we've got much choice," the bard comments with a bit of sarcasm. "We're still headed wherever our so-called 'captain' tells us we're headed. Assuming he hasn't left us behind by now. Or turned the rest of the crew against us. Or planned to keelhaul us for entertainment. I don't put much past him."


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"One side effect of being swallowed whole is it makes our other problems seem less," Lark pauses. "Well, less everything. Scary, daunting, you name it. Plugg and Scourge are bad, but they're not unbeatable."

"I think the question is do we confront them now or wait and see where they're taking us. I admit I'm a little curious about that. Plugg is a terrible captain, but still the captain. How much loyalty do we owe him and rest of the crew?" Lark looks over to Sandara. "Quinn and I discussed this a little but I'm sure it bears more conversation. Even with a bad captain mutiny is no light matter. Is our situation that drastic yet?"


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

As an aside, how big is the launch we sailed here in?
I thought it was big enough to sail away. Is that not true?
Could we island hop back to civilization?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

"If Plugg did maroon us here, he'd be rid of most of those of us who ain't too afraid or too nasty to disobey him. And as such, I'd be worried as heck about Kroop. Owlbear too, and Tilly's been more open about talking about avenging her husband of late." Rosie says. "I don't wanna leave them behind."

Sandara nods. "I don't either. Besmara asks us to end our quarrels on shore. We do have a convenient shore right now. Question is, do we call Plugg out on it, or just report back--knowing, as Threnody says, he may well just find a way to punish us for rescuing crew and finding a clean water supply?"

"Whatever he'll want to do, Plugg likes show. He won't leave us behind without a word--even if he wants to maroon us or whatever, he'll want the crew to see his 'justice' and the looks on our faces at whatever he decrees." Cog adds in.

The three of them look to the three of you, apparently expectant of a plan.

The ship's boat can hold, IIRC, 12-20 people plus a small amount of cargo. It is designed for short trips, not long sea voyages. Moreover, if you encountered the kind of storm you went through just a couple days ago, a ship of that size would easily capsize, especially with only a crew of six manning her. You're not exactly sure where you are---and you have no navigation charts to help you with that---but you have no certainty you would have the supplies needed nor a guarantee there are safe islands to hop to between here and the Sargavan coast, which is one-two weeks away (the Promise went waaaay off course---Bonewrack Island is marked on the Shackles map as an arrow pointing off the edge of the map). With a skeleton crew, no navigation charts nor skilled navigator, a tiny ship, and minimal supplies, your chances of survival would be extremely small. And that's if you make it over the coral reef to begin with.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

I'm hoping that the thoughts below come out as part of a conversation, not one long monologue.
I typed it all out b/c I'm not going to be touching a computer until tonight and wanted to get it out there.

"Okay, let's think this through. Whatever plan we develop has to include not leaving decent folks behind. So that eliminates "just sailing off" because plucking the decent folks off the boat is just too difficult. Actually, "plucking the decent folk off of Man's Promise and sailing off" should be planned for in case the opportunity presents itself. but the likelihood of that plan working would be very very slim."

Lee considers.

"One plan is to sail back to Man's Promise, keep our heads down, and just ride things out. Easiest to do. Low chance of success, given out officers' behavior and our dislike of the lash."

"It seems like our best course, then, would be to use maritime law to our best advantage. We legally take control of the boat, sail the boat into harbor and walk off as free people. When Harrigan shows up again we say, "There's your boat. Pugg and Scourge are in prison, facing the judgement of a maritime court for crimes on the high seas, and we..." may choose to be done with him, re-up for his crew, whatever we wish as walking-around-on-dirt, free individuals."

"But for this to happen, we need to be able to quote the law, chapter and verse. Every single step we take has to be firmly and 100% supported by whatever codes are in place, otherwise we are outlaw mutineers and that never turns out for the best. So, Sandara, given the behavior of our officers, is there any legal grounds upon which to oust them? Or anyone else who has a firm grip on seafaring law and tradition. I'm using logic, but I don't have any kind of practical application of the law to rely on..."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Quinn chuckles a little. "'Law' is a word scarcely bandied about in the Shackles. Yes, we live by Shackles Code and whatever the Hurricane King and the Council declares---but the Free Captains know to restrict the pirates too tightly would just sow chaos in its own way. A long leash keeps order here, and a short one would be our ruin. The Council'd only bother to hold a tribunal for something like, I don't know, a known Free Captain selling that would endanger the Shackles as a whole--grand scale treason kind of stuff. Anyway, for everyday things, you ought think of every ship its own city-state in the Shackles, and the Captain its governor. A given Captain's word is law, for the crew on his or her ship, and that's seldom questioned from the outside."

She shrugs. "That is, indeed, why mutiny is considered high crime. But to be more specific, I'd say that it's failing at mutiny that's the trouble. If you've obtained a ship and have a loyal crew, and are able defend it well, how you got that ship and who owned it beforehand is really seldom questioned--obviously whoever it was was a gutless scallowag who couldn't hold on to what was his. And indeed... where a Captain IS questioned is if the crew isn't getting their fair share or otherwise mismanaging things. If you're worried about if you're doing the wrong thing as regards Plugg, remember he drove us off course to begin with, and was obviously planning to betray Harrigan."

Rosie interjects, "And I wanna be clear on somethin', speaking of Harrigan. IF we get the hell out of here, whether it's running or hanging Plugg's ugly skull from the bowsprit, ain't no f~&&ing way I am going back to Harrigan! If we get free, we stay free, or I may as well stay here and become a ghoul."

"Hear hear!" Cog says, and clinks his mug with Rosie's.

Sandara too nods agreement. "If you really want legitimacy, Lee, what you do survive and fight long enough to get your own ship, and then earn the right to be called Free Captain from the Hurricane King, either through earning enough plunder and infamy that you can't be ignored, or winning the Free Captains' Regatta, or both. But that's jumping well ahead of ourselves. If we must lay low, we lay low--but for me, the only other option is seeing Scourge and Plugg's heads on pikes, and we do it while we have a shore to fight on. Even if we captured them on grounds of gross incompetence and failure to dole out the crew's fair share, it'd be up to the crew, not the Free Captains Council, to decide their fates. And letting them live would just mean Plugg hunting us down for vengeance for the rest of our days."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Sounds to me like we should then take care of Scourge and Plugg then. That's the only path to our freedom and continued livelihood." Thren muses. "Well, never liked them anyway. And a few others either. So, how do we pull this off?"


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"Settle quarrels on shore," Lark quietly repeats Quinn's words. "That might be just the thing."

Lark hops to his feet, "What if we piled up all the loot we've won on the beach? Would that draw out Plugg, you think? Could he sail off once the crew sees what they'd be losing?"

"If we can lure him to shore then we get to have it out on ground of our choosing!" Lark bounces on his toes and then settles down, glancing around the group. "Y'all better help me poke holes in this plan before I get too carried away."


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

"No. I think you are onto something. 'Settle quarrels on shore' is about as slender as it gets, but slender may suffice."

Lee takes a stick and starts writing in the sand:
Plugg
Then puts a line thru it.

"So now Plugg is gone. Who is in charge then?"

Lee then writes:
Scourge
Miss Grumpy Pants
Then puts a line through Scourge.

"I can't imagine that being a problem for anyone here, but are we satisfied with who we have left? Can we sail under her? If not, who remains in the chain of command?"

"Of course, this only matters in a 'mysterious accident on shore' scenario. And in that scenario, everyone on shore has to go. But what if we only get Scourge on shore? A 'mysterious accident' for him would be satisfying but not the desired result.
So, how do we lure our desired targets into shore without them bringing an entourage? Rumor of treasure so precious and compact that they'd try to screw the rest of the crew?
'A diamond, the size of your fist! But cursed! If anyone other than a worthy ship's captain lays a finger on it they die and their ship sinks...'
That's a lot of drama but may be effective.
"


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

"If we decide to just stab everyone we dislike right in the face, then we can re-order the chain of command as we like. That would be the advantage of employing brick-like levels of subtlety."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"I don't think subtle is gonna help much. Those two are sneaky and cunning, if they've made it this long, but I doubt they can handle subtle." Thren opines. "If we take them out, their supporters may back down, or not. But otherwise Lee, I think you're right."


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"I think I'd be okay if the navigator ended up in charge."

"You're probably right that getting them on shore will be harder than I was picturing. If we could, though, I was imagining two senarios. If Plugg only sends a few of his supporters to the beach then we'll have favorable odds against them. If instead he brings a bunch of cronies then we disable their boat and strand them here while we return to the Man's Promise."

"I know, Quinn, you advised against leaving Plugg alive. Once we have the crew and the ship on our side we could still return and have it out with Plugg if necessary."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sandara nods. "Lee, as you say, if we win the fight, we say who's in charge. And usually whoever leads the mutiny, becomes the captain. That something you guys are ready to take on? If you don't show strong leadership from the get-go, it'll all fall apart."

Cog interjects, "And you can't put the Rahadoumi chit in charge if she lives--she'd've been beaten by us twice and no one would obey her."

Rosie jumps up on a log. "Wait aminute waitaminute guys. I think we're all focusin' on the wrong thing here. HOW DO WE F$!&ING BEAT THEM TO BEGIN WITH?" She looks around at the group. "How we get'em to shore ain't the real problem--the fact we've got the barrels of fresh water alone, and Plugg will want to check to be sure it ain't poisoned, is probably something we can work with. And no point in figurin' who wields the whip if we get ourselves killed first. So...

"Focus on the blood and guts, lads and lasses! Plugg is a knave and a fool in many ways, but he didn't get where he was by paddlin' in tide pools. He's a vicious swordsman. Scores of salts have been butchered by that blade of his, and he can use it to call up waves that knock people overboard. You've all seen what Scourge does with a whip and worse, and since me and Quinn have lived in the officer's quarters, I can tell ya he keeps some of his stuff dosed with poison too. The Rahadoumi b@$*& we MAY have beat once, but not till after she nearly hung Thren like a flag on her boarding pike. The others may not be so tough, but in numbers they're still a big problem, and there's way more that will obey Plugg than follow us." She looks at Lark. "You've got us, and Kroop, and maybe Owlbear and Tilly. The rest of the scurvy bastards are too afraid of Plugg or too enamored of licking his backside to resist, and they'll take us down and turn us into Plugg for a reward rather than join us, I'd bet. Whatever we plan, that's all we can count on."

Now that we're over our vacation hump, let me know when you're ready to wrap this up and move forward.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"I wonder if we can still get some of them on our side. I mean, we came ashore here just to get supplies, and we'll be coming back with two lost seamen-" Thren nods to Sandara and Cog, "-and loot besides. Seems to me that might convince a few that they're on the wrong side. If we can do that much, just four of us, in a day or two, maybe they'll start to wonder how much more we can do?" The bard muses.

"As for winning the fight...we'll just have to find a way. After that-" the tiefling grins, "-Lark's in charge!"


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

"Oh yes! Lark's in charge! He'll be perfect. Strong jaw. Upright posture. Bold. Impetuous. I like it."


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark smiles at Lee, "Bold and impetuous? You can just say feckless and foolhardy, it's okay, I can take it."

"Thank you Rosie for that stirring and informative speech. Clearly Rosie's right and we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. We need a really good plan to beat Plugg. If we don't have one then maybe we need to finish our mission, return to the Promise, and win over more of the crew. That sound about right?"

"I'm always open to ideas, but maybe it's time to sleep on it and see how things look in the morning."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Quinn nods. "I agree, I think Lark would do well as leader, should it come to it. And I think Besmara would approve as well."

"Thren does have more charm--no offense," Cog says, "But Lark's a natural seaman."

"Hells Yes!" Rosie says. "Alright, we'll sleep on it, but let's not lollygag in the mornin'."

After a satisfying meal, you cram most of yourselves into the mosquito-net protected area, and Cog uses his outdoorsmanship to create some further protections against bug infestations. You fall into a deep rest, wearied from a long day of fighting and swimming. Your rest is uninterrupted, the benefit of having killed most of the largest threats on the island. If there are any ghouls, grindylows, or other ghastlies around, they have opted to avoid you.

In the morning you awaken a bit sore, but generally better off than yesterday (heal your 3 hp for your level), and Thren is likely relieved to notice her fever and hunger is totally gone. Sandara makes her feel even better, as she prepares and casts lesser restoration (restoring 1d4 ⇒ 2 Con).

I need you to tell me the following:
- Marching order (adding in Cog and Sandara) (it's largely single-file down the switchback)
- What supplies (food, water, etc.) you are carrying with you. We can handwave that you picked up the barrels you left at your ship on your way up the hill, there would have been time to do that.
- Any other preparations you make or discussions had
-The more detail the better
And of course, Perception checks please. As well as any checks you think pertinent. If I do not see Stealth rolls, I will presume you are not attempting stealth from the hill to the beach in any section


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Thanks Sandara!" Thren beams a smile as she receives the blessings of Besmara through her priestess. Her color finally returns as the last of the effects of the ghoul fever subside.

"Just in case there's a swarm of giant killer mosquitos or something worse around, I might suggest we go with some degree of stealth," the tiefling suggests. "I also suggest Lark leads, then Rosie, Lee in the middle with Cog, Sandara in the rear. I'll follow Lark and Rosie. That puts our more vulnerable members-" she apologizes as her eyes go to Cog's stump, "-further back. Any objections?"

"I also think we need to grab whatever vegetables we can from the fields and some coconuts wouldn't hurt either if we can manage it. Might help the next time stew gets made if there's some fresh veggies for it."

Sandara's spell removes the last of the ability damage Thren had taken, so she's back up to full health.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

The bard's high spirits (probably) distract her from noticing anything untoward in our travels. She does keep her rapier at hand however, having learned this little island is full of unpleasant surprises. Welcome back to reality courtesy of the Crankipator.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Lee likes that marching order.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark will ask Quinn for further healing in the morning as he's still quite battered. 7 HP after resting.

He'll also talk to Cog about rigging handles or slings for the water barrels. I assume they'll be too heavy when filled to carry into a fight. Better if two people carry one and can quickly set it down.

Craft Carpentry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

For food Lark agrees with Thren that they can harvest the field and maybe catch more crabs once they've got the water stowed in the boat.

In addition to all the other loot Lark will be sure to retrieve the spyglass from the tree. He'll use it for one last look around before dismounting it and bringing it along.

Perception, spyglass up a tree: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

If no one objects Lark will claim the MW silver dagger as his off-hand weapon and the other two MW daggers as throwing weapons.

Also: "Does anyone have a bow with them? We've recovered a bunch of different weapons but I don't recall seeing a bow or crossbow among them. Either way someone should probably go ahead and wear these magic bracers. Better that then just stowing them in a pack. Any takers?"

GMDQ - I assume those were Lesser Bracers of Archery we found in the cavern. Is that right?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Post 1/2

You would have recovered all of the NPCs gear in the boss room, which I didn't explicitly mention before. And yes, they are lesser bracers of archery.

Quinn claps Thren on the shoulder for luck after healing her, and then tends to Lark.

Cure Moderate Wounds, scroll: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 4) + 3 = 15
Healing Surge on Everybody: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Top up Lark with cast Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Cog produces a case from his pack: a quiver of arrows and a bow. He hands them to Lark. "I can't use them anymore. Why don't you or Thren use it? I owe you my life, I can at least give you a bow. And it's too big for Rosie or Lee, and I think Sandara prefers her crossbow."

Sandara nods. "Indeed I do, and whoever takes the bow, I say have the bracers too. If I'm falling back on my crossbow I'm out of better options."

The barrels have handles for carrying, and Cog and Lark work on fashioning some drags from ropes and cloth to make it easier to get them down the cliff.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Post 2/2

Lark has the tremendous foresight (hero point for Lark!) to climb the tree and use the spyglass they found and observe the goings-on around the island.

He notices two especially important things:

1. (Less Important) The masts of the sunken ship to the south seem to have a number of tentacled creatures swimming around it that it did not before.

2. (More Important) The Man's Promise has been freed from the reef, and it has moved to the east side of the island, on the safe side of the reef directly east from where the party landed on the coconut palm beach.

As Lark trains the spyglass upon said beach, he can make out several pirates already standing on the beach, investigating the party's craft. Far in the distance, he can see the ship's second boat sailing toward the beach. It appears that a good number of the crew appear to be coming to the island to either look for the party, or at least for the supplies they were supposed to be obtaining.

He estimates that the second ship's boat would land just a little before the party would get to the beach themselves.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"I'll take the bracers if you don't mind. If I ever get my hands on a bow, they'll help." Thren suggests.

When she hears about Lark's findings, she grins. "See? This is why you're the leader! Leaders think of these things! So now what's our plan?"


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Cog suggests you take his shortbow along with the bracers.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Much obliged, Cog!"

How many arrows, and can I assume standard shortbow? No Strength rating or whatnot?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sorry I forgot! Composite (str +1) shortbow. 25 arrows.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Thanks!

While Quinn is channeling Besmara's healing Lark pulls out the homemade icon she gave him and adds his own prayer for victory.

"I think the plan is the same. We head down the hill and see what develops. We've got a bunch of loot and this water for the crew. Maybe delivering it gives us an edge on Plugg with the crew. Maybe we get a chance to encounter a smaller group away from the beach. What I'm really sure of is we can't afford to wait here."

"Now that we know they're here let's forget stealth and just get down there quick. I know the water will slow us down, but it gives us the chance to argue that we're still following orders, if it comes to that."

Lark suggests putting the most valuable loot all in one box or bag so that it's handy for a dramatic reveal if needed.

For quick reference Here's our marching order courtesy of Thren's earlier sagacious suggestion: Lark, Rosie, Thren, Lee, Cog, Quinn.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Lee falls into the marching order and gets ready to haul whatever he's best suited to carry down the hill.

Lee is carrying Muffin.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Do we want to go down there ready for a fight, or go down as if we're just following orders? In other words: weapons ready, or not? Please say ready." The bard asks with a grin.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"If you want to cover us with that bow while we tote this water I'm fine with that. I'm not one to get between a lady and her new toy."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Here that Sandara? Lark doesn't want to get between you and me!" Thren jokes, being careful to stay out of the Besmaran's reach as she says that.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark chuckles at Threnody's wit. "Nice one, Thren. Keep it up and we'll all be happy to meet our fates."


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

"Oh yeah. That's funny stuff."
Lee casts Mage Armor on himself.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sandara winks. "Little girl likes to play with fire, eh? Well, I expect we'll be in luck--no matter what happens, I doubt what's about to happen will go smoothly."

Following Lee's lead, she casts her instant armor spell (a common enough sight so it wouldn't provoke suspicion amongst the crew).

If you're otherwise ready, please describe your descent and approach to the beach.

Pending your replies, I should be able to fully move us forward tonight.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

I think we're ready. Will likely continue to banter though, Thren's feeling much better!

"Playing is always fun, fire or not," the tiefling replies to the priestess with a saucy grin. "Though I'll grant you that nothing ever does go smoothly regarding this crew." Then she turns her grin to Lark. "Lead the way, oh Great Captain Lark!"

Thren will keep the shortbow in hand fro the descent and approach, an arrow loosely fitted on the string so she can fire quickly at need.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"That's why we need all this water, so we can dunk you if you're danger of burning up."

Let's head down with Lark in the lead carrying a water barrel with Rosie. Then Thren and Lee unencumbered. Finally Cog and Quinn carrying another barrel.

"I know it's not a great fighting formation, but I still hope they'll see that we're following orders. Maybe that will buy us some maneuvering room."

Since stealth is out while lugging these things let's make the best time we can without exhausting ourselves. Maybe we can catch them while they're still getting organized on the beach.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

GM rolls:

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The party moves swiftly down the hill, Thren and Lee on the alert while the others carry barrels and drag behind them Ivey's chest, full of loot.

As they ascend the dunes that separate the beach from the rest of the island, they see the second ship's boat also moored on the beach, next to their own. Standing near the bow of the second ship's boat is Nam Tate, Scourge's toadie.

Waiting for them standing roughly nearest the party's approach is Scourge, Fipps, and Jaundiced Jape. Behind them stand Plugg and Owlbear, and behind Owlbear is Fishguts. The tactical map is updated so you can see what this looks like. Your pieces are not on the grid yet, you're about 20-30 feet to the south.

Perception DC 12:
It's hard to tell because Owlbear is standing right in front of him, but it looks like Fishguts has his hands tied behind his back.

Lark knows there were at least two-four more people standing on the beach when he spotted the group from the ship first arriving--not to mention, there would have been more people approaching in the boat that had not yet landed.

While the others are also be aware of the discrepancy in numbers because Lark described what he saw earlier, Lark notices something additional.

Lark:
Based on some odd shadows and shifted sails, you're guessing there's a number of crew hiding in both boats.

The pirates notice you as you ascend the dune, and Scourge calls out, "Finally, there's the lazy lubbers! I guess we don't hafta form a rescue party after all, Cap'n Plugg." He says "rescue party" in a tone that suggests he was not terribly concerned about rescuing any of you.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Perception, DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Lark halts at the top of the dune and speaks quietly to his group, "Let's set everything down here on the high ground." Thinking they might serve as cover Lark maneuvers so the water barrels are right next to each other at the forward edge of the dune.

As they're doing this Lark quickly fills them on what he's seen, "There's definitely more crew around. At lease some of them are hiding in the boats. Looks like Kroop's hands might be tied as well. Life on the ship may have been interesting while we were ashore."

Lark calls back to Scourge, "You don't gotta worry about us Master Scourge. An island full of ghouls and grindylows ain't enough to keep us from doing our duty for the ship and the crew." Lark raps on a water barrel to emphasize his point.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren makes a point of looking around watchfully, as if keeping an eye open for more trouble. She purposefully stands behind the water barrels as she does so, getting Lark's idea about using the barrels for cover. In particular, Thren is keeping an eye open for her rival Syl.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25


Forces of Nature Battlemap

"Looks like you were wastin' yer time huntin' for fishbait," Scourge says, pointing at Sandara and Cog. "Bring those barrels down and let's be sure you didn't just fetch us bilge from the marshes."

None of the pirates move, looking at the party expectantly.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Quick question: how sturdy and how big are these water barrels? I'm thinking real hard about the old trope of sending the barrels down into the enemy ranks....


Forces of Nature Battlemap

They are very sturdy, because they need to hold the ship's water on a ship that may rock violently. They are large enough for one person to carry (though quite heavy full of water, and thus would be difficult to "aim"). You may wish to bear in mind the following: using the barrels as a weapon means, while sturdy, they may still break and then you have less water storage (which will very definitely piss off the pirates for good reason--as a seawoman you well know the importance of having all the water storage you can get), and there are coconut trees all over the beach that the barrels may smash into, as well as foliage and coconut crabs that may slow or misdirect their descent. In other words, if you want to try it, I will allow the attempt, but it may be very difficult (improvised weapon penalty plus penalty for oversized weapon) with a good chance of no to negative payoff.

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