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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Forces of Nature Battlemap

Lee:
Is what Lark is saying making any sense? Gosh it's hard to think when your face is bleeding.

Meanwhile, Muffin also very clearly sees the purple butterfly, and tells Lee (who can still only see vague fluttering) it is a Good Thing.

Lark follows Threnody up the stairs. Muffin does too, trotting up in the same direction that Thren sees a purple butterfly. He playfully leaps and bats at the air, not threatening it, just fascinated.

When they get up to the top, the butterfly leads Thren safely along a narrow ridge where the group gets a dramatic view of the ocean. Far to the northwest they ccan make out the silhouette of the Magpie Princess sailing away.

The butterfly draws Thren's eye to another section of the horizon.

There to, everyone on the ridge can just make out another silhouette of a ship. There is something familiar about its shape.

Use of spyglass or Perception DC 25:
it looks like a refitted Rahadoumi cargo ship. Wait, the Man's Promise was a Rahadoumi cargo ship. If you took Hartha's plans for squibbing and applied them to the Promise, you'd get...

That ship.

That's Besmara's Whim.

The butterfly lands on Muffin's nose as if to kiss it, then vanishes.


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

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"That ship over there looks familiar..." the bard notes. "Do we want to risk signaling it? Lark, can you get a good look at it with your spyglass?"


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]

Knowledge Local, DC 25: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Well, I had to try...

Lark unlimbers the Bonewrack spyglass and peers at the distant sail. He hands the glass to Threnody and says, "All thanks to Besmara! That's her Whim out there. I think we have to get after Redclaw's treasure now."


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 peeks through the spyglass. Then she sighs and smiles. "Thank you Desna for bringing us back to our friends," she murmurs. "Then let's get back to our ship and get moving. Though we might want to be prepared with an explanation of what's been going on. And for that matter, where we've been. Hopefully we don't need to reclaim the ship!" She passes the spyglass to Lark.


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)]

"Say, if we are getting into another tussle can I get patched up a little?"


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

"Sure Lee. Sorry, getting distracted."

Thren casts cure light wounds on Lee.

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"Guys, let's signal the ship and see if they'll send someone our way or let us float out on the magic hat. Lee, you got any good spells for that? I might be able to create a glowing ball of light or something like a simple illusion."


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)]

"Thanks for the healing. That plus a good night's sleep will have me sorted out with no problems."

Lee fires off a Scorching Ray as a shot across the Besmara's Whim's bow.

Kind of in front of the ship and at a 45 degree elevation.

"I know that's not going to reach out far enough to do damage, but hopefully it can be seen. With it being a ray, and flame, hopefully their eyes will follow it back in this direction. And it should make any other efforts we make at signaling more effective."

Depending on the height of this hill, the ship may be 10 miles away or so? More or less?

"If the ship doesn't give any indication that it heard or saw us should we ask our triton friends to flag it down? Or should we use the hat and token combo to catch it? Though I would prefer to use the token to power the Whim toward our goal..."

Lee will start casting Light spells on everything he can touch, starting with Lark, Thren, himself and Muffin.

Light is only torchlight but it lasts for 50 minutes and if we have enough torches burning maybe we'll have some luck across the water. Lee can light a lot of torches in 50 minutes, so I can get a lot of them going before they start going out.


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 keeps the glass trained on the ship. "If they don't change their sails or course soon then maybe we'll try Lee's idea with the boat and the fan."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Lee starts making as much of the whole ridge glow as much as he can, while Lark watches through his spyglass. After several tense minutes, he can see the sails being maneuvered as the ship changes course to go closer to the island. As they approach--when it is likely the crew on the ship can begin to see the glow on the ridge--signal flags are raised; through the glass Lark can make out the meaning: we are coming.

The ship--seemingly agonizingly slowly, though in reality it's moving at a reasonable clip--moves closer toward the island. Lark can see figures moving around on deck. There is a slender fellow in the crow's nest. A gnome or halfing sized individual in a very large hat atop the jack mast. Someone stands near the ballista, but they are not (yet) being prepped or aimed.

The party may note that the Magpie Princess could not enter the lagoon itself, hence the need for the launch (convenient for Varossa). Either the party will have to leave the lagoon and sail/row out (presumably using Lark's hat) to meet the ship, or wait for the Whim to get as close as it can and then hopefully know enough to send a launch into the lagoon.

It will take the ship probably another 30-60 minutes to approach.


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)]

"How often can we use the hat as a boat? If we should save it can we ride out to meet the boat on hippocampi, maybe?"


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'd say we use the hat to get back to our ship. I don't think any of us are going to do well riding a hippocampus, seeing as how we've never done it before. Even if they're willing, not likely to go well."


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)]

"Hippocampi riding seems exciting and interesting but you're probably right. We need to choose 'expedient' instead of 'exciting' or even 'interesting'."

Lee sighs deeply.

"The things I'm willing to do to steal an epic treasure. It's sad, isn't it?"


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 claps Lee on the shoulder. "If we weren't busy trying to get epic treasure, it would probably be a lot of fun." She grins. "But right now, we've got other things to do."


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]

"Maybe Jenesara could give us a tow out to the ship. Not quite as fun, but it's be something."

Lark leads the group back down to beach. "Wish me luck, this is actually the fist time I've done this." He sets his tricorne gently at the water's edge and says a brief prayer to Besmara before speaking the command word.

Presuming that works, I'd say we load the crate and ourselves, push out into the lagoon and then row and sail out to the Whim. Am I forgetting anything?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

"I'm sorry, but I'm not endangering my herd any further, which includes not sailing into the sights of a pirate ship, even if you hope it's friendly. You thought your own captain was friendly, after all." Jenesara says when she hears of your plans."I appreciate that you healed us, but we're going to move on as soon as possible."

Lark's hat indeed seems to grow and unfold into a small black sailing ship with a jolly roger flying from its mast. You load your crate of goods onto the ship.

I will wait in case anyone has any final questions or concerns


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 piles into the tiny hat-boat with Muffin.

He gives Jenesara a waive and wishes her and her's the best.


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 helps get the crate into the boat, checks to make sure nothing gets left behind, and will help push off into the lagoon and sail back to the Whim.

Once we're sailing, she asks Lark, "So what do we tell the crew? Assuming they're our crew, and haven't gotten taken by another ship or something."


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Forces of Nature Battlemap

The party waves goodbye to Jenesara. They get ready to sail out of the lagoon, which takes a little time to get everything under way. They sail back out toward the open sea, passing a little island where giant turtles are nesting.

Soon enough, the little magic launch finds itself in the shadow of the ship--freshly painted, black with a white line along it, refitted and restaffed. A skillfully carved masthead graces the bow, of a well armed buxom woman wearing a jolly roger cap. It looks as though she is winking at Lark, Thren, and Lee. Voices from above shout at first indistinctly, then a figure runs along the bowsprit to see them:

Rosie Cusswell points and grins. "F%&! me with a yardarm! It's them! It's really them!" you hear her shout quite plainly.

And in pointing and waving, she nearly loses her balance, but is fortunately yanked in by someone--a large half orc whom you recognize as the friendly pirate Anatoly, one of the Magpie's mutineers whom you recruited.

The ships come close enough for you to properly meet. You hear another Magpie-mutineer's voice in Yamtisy, shouting instructions to lower the nets.

And indeed, as you come to the side, the blue-scarved, red-fleshed pate of Crimson Cogward appears on one side of the net pulley, and Sandara Quinn on the other. The pirate-priestess puts her hands on her hips. "Thank the Dark Lady and all the gods you kept that hat, Captain! We had a thing I knew well enough to hone in on with a locate object spell!"

The fishing nets come down, you climb in, Lark commanding the boat to return to its hat shape and retrieving it. It is perhaps a less than regal way to return to ones' friends, but they are nonetheless--clearly--overjoyed to see you. Quinn hugs you all and kisses Threnody firmly on the cheek, then Crimson and Rosie join in the hugging, and then Conchobhar kisses all of you on both cheeks. Tilly, Giffer, Jack, and Samms raise up hoops and hollers that even Badger and Shivikah join in on.

Meanwhile coming up from the lower decks, Kroop barrels toward you on his stubby middle aged legs, clapping Thren and Lark heartily on the shoulder before scooping Lee and Muffin up in one, twirling both around several times before releasing them. Owlbear then joins in the hugging, and after that everyone gives you a few minutes to recover from the bruised ribs. Maheem, you think if you look at him sideways, may be smiling just a little.

The newer crew--Yamtisy, Belina, Xosrov, Anatoly, Imogene, Petra, and Anezka from the Magpie Princess and Heavy Huldren and his half-orc flunkies Larry and Barry--are obviously a little more standoffish, but all yet smile, happy to have attained the crew's clear and singular goal: to find you.

Yamtisy walks up to Lark. "The crew voted me in charge while you were gone, as most experienced seaman among the group. Still, you made us a fair offer of service aboard your ship, and we were not going to shirk our duty. Also per unanimous vote: this ship remains yours, Captain. I am happy to return the reins of command to you henceforth immediately."

She waves toward the nearby island. "I wasn't sure where we were going--we bought of scrolls of a spell Sister Quinn could use and it pointed us in a straight line, and the Shackles does not move in a straight line. Thank Besmara's for Belina's navigation." She points to the blonde half-elf, who still stands at the helm. "But now we're here, between what I see and Belina's maps... that's Warvil's Folly, a place our old captain was marooned for a good few years. So somehow I got a feeling your being stuck here has Varossa's name all over it.

"So... am I right? And right or wrong, where's our next heading, Captain?"


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 when she hears Rosie's shout and climbs nimbly aboard. "I like what you've done with the ship," she tells the crew with a grin. "Very piratey!"

Then all the greetings begin. When Sandara kisses our tiefling's cheek, the bard manages not only to look surprised but to blush. Then she turns even redder as the various members of the crew holler, though she does regain a little composure when Conchobar kisses her and laugh again.

"If I may be so bold, Captain," Thren addresses Lark. "Maybe we should stow our gear quickly, maybe even get refreshed a bit. I'm still a bit rubbery in the arm from that hag. We can tell our tale as we go. But we wait your orders!"


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 returns everyone's greetings with enthusiam and a huge grin plastered on his face. When Owlbear steps back from the group hug Lark moves into the cleared space.

He straightens his tricorne and assumes an only slightly more sober expression. "Quinn, as always, you're a lifesaver." Lark raises his voice and says, "That goes for everyone here. I couldn't ask for a finer group of pirates for a crew. Yamtisy, thank you for faithful service." He gestures at the island behind them. "You've the right of it, that's Warvil's Folly, and we've had our run-in with Varossa. You'll get the full tale soon, but for now let's get underway. I have a lovely map for Belina with Redclaw's treasure circled by Warvil himself!"


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 turns to Threnody, "I'm tempted to order you on bed rest until you're fully recovered. We need you at full strength as soon as possible. But, I know I'd not like to lie still that long, so I'll leave it you." Lark starts unpacking Warvil's map as he speaks, "Maybe Quinn can fix you up right off. If not we'll try some good old-fashioned physicking."

Lark will take the map to Belina and Yamtisy to plan their new course. He'll also ask for their thoughts on the best way to deploy the Fan Feather Token.


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 opens her mouth to say something. Then she turns to Quinn and whatever quip she was about to make dies on her lips. Turning serious, she asks Sandara, "I don't suppose you have any restorative magic handy that might help?"


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sandara frowns, focused on the talk of wounds. "Restorative?"

Presuming that prompts the group to at least briefly describe the fight with the hag, Sandara nods. "I'll need to prepare a lesser restoration spell tonight-"

"But until then, bedrest for you!" Doc Imogene interjects. Sandara nods.

The halfling notes, "Also, the two of you are covered in bite marks, have you noticed? Even if partly healed, you need attention. And the gashes in his face are doing nothing for the Quartermaster. You should all be fine, but hags are nothing to ignore."

At that prompting, Sandara spends several cure spells and bursts of positive energy to heal the party. "Alright, to the sick bay with you, Miss Nocturne. Surgeon and healer alike agree." As it is indeed the ship's healers' purview to consign someone to the sickbed, so the order is issued.

As they move away, Sandara leans to say quietly to Thren. "And thank you. I noticed." She claps Thren on the shoulder and moves back toward deck.

Meanwhile Lark approaches Belina and Yamtisy. Belina can easily set a course for Brightglass, especially with the particularly detailed map provided from Warvil's cache. "Weather's on our side for now," Belina says.

Yamtisy nods. "By which, I think we'd both advise holding onto that trinket till we're in a pinch. It can only be used once, after all. After a calm last night, winds are up and steady and show no signs of abating--it's not going to do much for us right now, maybe speed up a little quicker, but not enough to catch up to the Magpie Princess. But if we hit the doldrums it can push us out, and if we hit a storm it can calm the winds--so I'd hold onto the that little doodad till it can save lives." Belina nods in agreement.

When they are finished, the ship adjusts course and Yamtisy climbs into the rigging to command tight control of the sails.

Kroop approaches Lark. "Cap'n, I know we're urgin' along to keep up with this other ship and get the treasure... but this crew has worked hard to find ye. I know there's no rest for the rightly wicked, but permission to get into the stores and produce us a special feast?"

"Speaking of stores," Rosie Cusswell cuts in, "Something you should know. We stocked well up on food and water. But any spare wealth we could pool together went to the scrolls Quinn used to track you. So we are rather short in the way of plunder--at least, we haven't stopped to get anything new." She gets quieter. "This ain't a problem now, but the crew'll expect to have their investment repaid now we've found you. For me, it's enough to see you all again, but this IS a pirate ship, captain. Is your lead on treasure a good one?"

A note: if there was any significant Plunder you left on the ship before you surrendered to Hyrix, that does remain--I honestly don't remember what you sold to purchase gear and what you converted to Plunder. The crew spent personal wealth and miscellaneous liquid funds--and moreover have not ADDED to the ship's stores outside of necessities. The point that Rosie's subtly getting to is the crew themselves are short of funds and morale may depend to an extent to ensure they get paid.


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

"You heard them, captain. Here's me, following orders. Though if any of my tea is still aboard, I'm going to get a bit of that first. Good night for everyone."

Our bard does get herself something to drink: tea if it's still aboard, water if not. Contrary to doctor's orders, she ambles up on deck for a minute with her beverage. She walks the deck at a leisurely stroll, just looking around, taking in the sights, seeing how people are doing. While she's trying to see how people are doing-part of her job after all-it's mostly as if she's enjoying the feeling of being home. Once she's done that, our heroine follows orders and heads to bed.


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 will stow his gear then look in on Kroop.

"It's good to be back on a good ship. It's good to see you again, too. How's this crew? Have they learned to work as a unit?"


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Threnody indeed finds her tea--anything that had been left on the ship is still there. People seem in good spirits, and excited talking of finding the legendary Jemma Redclaw's treasure.

Kroop grins at Lee, and waves at him to join him as he heads for the galley. "I spend most of the time in the kitchen, Lee. My sense of the crew ain't quite what a topsman sees. But we've got through storm and sea monster, and fared well, and that speaks to the crew workin' together well. A good bit o' free talkin' over meals and the rum ration too, and that's always a good sign."

He pauses at the chicken cages and selects a speckled white one, picking her up, and then carrying her upside down where she hangs kind of limply. "You've not been layin', Bessy, and the capn and his crew are home and need a good meal." He looks up to his pet black chicken, which he still is often seen riding his shoulder, and he puts her down near the entrance to his cabin. "You'll not want to watch this, Blue."

There is a brief pause when they enter the kitchen, and an unfortunate chicken murdering occurs. Bessy is gone. Kroop hangs the bird's carcass from a hook to let her drain.

"The crew we took with us from the Wormwood... all of us are so grateful to be free from Plugg and by extension Harrigan, that good will carries a long way. Even the ones that might keep it to'emselves, like Maheem or Badger. Most folk from the Wormwood also have worked together a long time, and tha' helps. The newer folks you've recruited... well, it's hard to get used to so many new folks at once, but Maheem vouged you'd recruited'em truly. And a number of Yamtisy's group are more seasoned salts than the others--and started off as volunteers rather than were pressed. Quinn and Cog and Rosie were 'specially insistent we go look for ya. I was alongside'em on that too. But we were gonna need some seasoned officers to help call the ropes. Took some convincing to let Yamtisy lead--but well, I'll take her over Master Scourge any day and then some. She didn't act like no tyrant, that's for sure. They want to serve on a good ship and find a good amount of booty. Everyone does. So that agreed on, everyone gets along."

Kroop starts peeling root vegetables. "That start was rough though. That hellfaced hag attacked the Man's Promise while you three had wandered off into the woods, sent giant flying fish to gnaw on the rigging. Lookin' fer a man spyin' on ya. Ya didn't think much on that, did ya? Never hunt for a bear in its own cave. So we had to wait for the repairs on top of the repairs. It was a bit intense there. It's amazin' we caught up with ya, but Sandy had the idea to go to Bogsbridge to consult a diviner and bought some scrolls from 'im, and so I think we found the shortest route to get to ya. Some might mutter though... what if the capn and his favorite officers wander off again? What'll we do? So as much as all seems well, an officer'd do well to check in with the regulars and make sure they know he's got their back."


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

For her part, Thren will follow doctor's orders that night but be impatient to get moving in the morning. She spends the first part of the morning carefully filing her horns, muttering about how long it's taking to regrow the broken horn.


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)]

Even though Lee is tired, he'll take time to speak with Lark (and Thren if he can catch her before she hits the hay) before he rests.

"We need to do a little work on the crew and it should probably be a coordinated effort. First, the crew came to get us, not us going to the crew. We need to reassure them that the ship's leadership is intact and that we won't leave them in a lurch again. Second, they spent their earnings to buy scrolls to find us. We need to explain what kind of payday awaits them. I mean, taking Redclaw's Treasure is probably going to make us household names in these waters, but what are the crew going to be able buy with 'householed name'? Not much. We need to play up the fame and fortune. And third, we will need to figure out how to stash Redclaw's Treasure if we get it. I mean, it was more than anyone can spend which is why it got stashed to begin with, right?"

Lee gives it a few beats to sink in.

"I think we need to start off with letting the crew know we are back to stay first and go at it pretty forthrightly. Talking up the treasure should go slower. Maybe start some rumors that the crew can spread among themselves but have us, officially, be kind of tight-lipped about it. We don't know what the treasure is, after all. And finally, the stashing or spending just needs to be thought about. Maybe invest in businesses? Buy more ships and create a fleet? I'm just spitballing but we should probably start thinking."


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

"Crew's proven their loyalty to us," Thren observes. "They could've sailed off on their own, but instead came looking for us. I think they deserve the truth: we're after Redclaw's Treasure. They'll get shares if we get our hands on it. Probably should even give them extra shares, just to show that their loyalty is appreciated. They're pirates, Lee--we are pirates--and loyalty is a hard thing to find. Varossa just left us on a beach. Sure, she didn't throw us overboard, but she didn't even terminate our contracts to our faces, just to get that treasure. So let's not go all secretive on them and make them think we ran off for treasure we don't care to share. It'd be too easy for them to think of that."

Thren yawns as she swings in her hammock.

"As for what to do with it: we need to know what it is. For all we know, it's a five-ton statue of a goblin carved from jade! But, assuming it's spendable, let's give the crew their shares, and figure out what we can do with the rest afterwards. Are there things we can do to outfit our ship better? Do we have enough crew? What about ourselves? We should probably start earning our own reputation, which this will help with I bet. Then we can discuss things like businesses and ships." She yawns again. "You are right about one thing though: we should give it some thought."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

The party goes to rest, prepared to assure the crew that they are ready to go after great treasure and that all will be substantially rewarded.

Chapter 3: Black Coral Cove

Besmara's Whim valiantly pursues the Magpie Princess. While the latter ship always manages to stay far enough ahead that there is no hope of attacking the ship, the Whim is often able to keep up well enough to keep the other ship in its sights. Wind and water seems to be in your favor as you sail full speed ahead in pursuit.

After a good solid day or two of the chase, the Magpie Princess disappears around a chain of islets. One larger island rises up before you with high black granite cliffs. Belina and her charts indicate you are approaching Brightglass Island.

The island shows no recent signs of civilization. A thin beach of yellow sand circles most of the island, except where steep gray crags jut from sea. The strangest feature is the black stone structure that rises from the water on the northeastern side, forming a jagged cliff whose surface and edges resemble a giant black coral reef. Much of the structure is covered by overgrowth from the jungles nearby.

As your ship turns from the nearer smaller islets and faces Brightglass Island, the Magpie Princess comes into view. It is anchored near the largest beach on the island. Figures dart about on deck. Further ahead, Xosrov reports from the crow's nest that a launch is moored on the beach.

As you can see Magpie Princess, they undoubtedly see you. The slender figure of Horemheb stands near the helm, pointing and no doubt barking orders. Several crew run toward the ballista.

Another crew member, likely Jane, raises the black flag of war: clear intent the ship is preparing to attack.

You note: most pirates, apart from generally sailing under black flags to indicate general hostility toward everyone, do not take the time to officially raise a flag of attack. You are being offered the rare courtesy of advance warning.


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

"Looks like we've got a fight on our hands Captain," Thren reports to Lark. "They even warned us! I didn't want to fight them, but I'm not seeing much choice here. I guess Captain Varossa gave them orders to distract us. What's our plan?"


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)]

"The only reason they wuld give us the flag is to give us a chance to move on. Because they don't want a fight. If they wanted a fight, they would just bear down on us and get it underway."

Lee smiles.

"And the only reason that they don't want to fight is because Varossa thinks we have the advantage. Or that at least she doesn't have the advantage. Either way I'm ready to burn that boat out from under her..."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Note that the Magpie Princess would be unable to "bear down" upon Besmara's Whim because they are anchored in the water. However, there is no way to get to the shore to follow whomever was in the launch without passing by the Magpie Princess, which looks like it is readying its ballista to fire as soon as you get within range.

Sense Motive DC 10, Threnody gets a +2:
Lee might be half right--and half very wrong. Given it was Jane who raised the flag, and she got along well with you, SHE might not want a fight. As it is, all she can do without actually betraying her crew is giving you a moment to prepare.

Post whatever planning discussion you like, and then about 1 round's worth of actions.


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

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

"I wouldn't be surprised if this is like our little mutiny against Scourge and Plugg," Thren states. "Some of 'em may like us and not want to fight, while others might be indifferent and just following orders. Jane raised the flag and she might not want to fight us at all, but she's still part of the crew of the Princess and if she doesn't...."


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)]

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"Hmmm... Okay. Let's say they don't want to fight. How do we get by without fighting in a manner that doesn't get them cooked for letting us pass? And quickly..?"


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

"Maybe if we put on a good enough show of force, we can bluff or intimidate them into standing down?"


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 could give them a merciful version of a Fireball spell. That would drop them all and then we'd just need a boarding party armed with buckets to put out the fires and mop up the straggles. The only people in real jeopardy would be anyone in the rigging, but not being under way, I would suspect that nobody is up there..."

Lee smirks.

"Have 9/10's the legal ownership of Captain V's ship would tilt any future negotiations in our favor, too..."


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

"That's a pretty good idea!" Thren replies with an evil smirk of her own.


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]

"Have I mentioned lately that I really like how y'all think?" Lark endorses Lee's plan with a smile. "Lee, let's get you close enough to pick your favorite target. Taking out either Horemheb or their ballista might do the trick."

Lark turns to Belina and says, "Can you bring us across their stern while they're still anchored? My recollection is all their ordinance is fore-mounted."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Belina replies to Lark, "I can't get fully behind them, but I can try to angle us in to keep us at distance from Harsh Language and Angry Molly as long as possible. I also want to be sure we can easily close in and board if we take them out like Mr. Lee says. The best range is about 120 feet... though they'd probably start firing within about twice that range and hope for the best. If you can be accurate with your fireball from farther away, then it may not even matter."

She pauses. "Captain, do you have a way to put out fires once they start? We... we may have fought against them, but the Princess's crew is a good one, no matter Varossa's ambitions. It..." she falters. "The spell might only knock them out, but if they're unconscious and breathing in all that smoke, they could die anyway. It would of course be to our advantage to capture them. Not to mention, better to salvage the ship for its value." While she speaks of the piratical advantages, the look in her eyes is one of concern.


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

"If we can hit them with a fireball and then get in close enough fast enough, we can deal with any fires, make sure no one's too hurt, and claim the ship. Which sounds like a win for everybody to me." The bard opines. "Which just relies on our speed to make it happen."


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]

"Belina, I hear you, we're not looking for a slaughter. Threnody has the right of it, a speedy victory is best. " Lark gives Belina a brief touch on the shoulder, "Bring us in behind them as quickly as you can."

Lark continues his orders, "Threnody, ready the boarders. Lee, prepare your fire and that water spout of yours. Once we're a little closer don't wait for my orders, if you see a good target hit it."


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 can start firing at around 640 feet. Just let me know when you want me to scour the deck. I can start extinguishing fires at around 40 feet."

GMDQ, if you can give me a map, I can pick out some 20 foot radius locations to cleanse with fire.


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

"Aye Captain!" Thren grins. "All hands, prepare for battle!"

The bard picks out a crew for boarding, trying to get a mix of veterans from both crews who aren't doing the absolutely most essential things (e.g. up in the rigging, manning the ballista, steering the ship, etc.). Blade in her hand, she waits for the chance to launch her attack.

When we get to that one round of actions, Thren will begin to inspire courage.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

If you click on "ship battle map" you'll see it is preemptively set up for boarding action. The Magpie Princess is the one on the bottom. I'll add a 20 foot radius shape that you can move around to your liking. While obviously when you toss the fireball, the ship will not be next to the other one (so you don't have to worry about hitting the target) this will hopefully still give you an idea of where to target.

Thren, how many boarders do you want? You can also just pick from the list in the discussion thread.

I'll initiate actions in a moment, waiting for Lark's round of actions and any other orders being given.


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

How about the following: Larry, Barry, Rosie, Petra, Anezka?


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 gives his final orders. "Lee, try to hit them before they fire those ballistas. About 300 feet from what Belina said. Thren, pick a few more to follow your first wave. We've got them on sheer numbers so let's use that."

Lark hefts a speaking trumpet to help his voice carry. He addresses the crew of the Magpie Princess, "You're outgunned and outmanned! Varossa has fled before the battle, but if you surrender you won't be harmed!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27


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

Second wave: Owlbear, Tilly, Tibbs, Jack?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sandara stands next to Lark and holds aloft her symbol, initiating an energy channel, not enough to disperse power, to but to glow in Besmara's light, raising a glowing image of Besmara's Jolly Roger behind Lark.

Aid Another Lark: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The Jolly Roger looks a little lopsided. If you also want to aid another it will not count against your actions

Boarder roster looks good.

Is fireball going off at 640 or 300 feet?


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 will wait for a reply to Lark's offer to surrender before acting.
If we get no answer (or something unsuitable) Lee will lay down his first merciful fireboall spell down where the blast template sits now as we get to the 300' mark, per Lark's order.

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