GM Endless Forms' Space Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Well done, Sh'yl. I sense great prowess in you. I will be looking forward to dueling with you later, if you accept to compare our skill in battle.

Xerxes's blades a pure psy energy disappear from his wrists as he returns to a meditative trance on the Wormwood. Seeing others feasting, he cannot help but wonder what it feels like to eat, but then shrugs. He nonetheless takes part in the celebration, using the opportunity to check up on Rosie and Sandara.

Later on, he tries to see the Quartermaster to ask her if she could refit the technology of the shock stick to his own psyblades, since both weaponry appear to be similar in some kind.

Would it be possible to have someone tinker the shock stick to turn it into a psyblade or adapt its shock technology to a psyblade (for flavor only, since both are considered short swords), please? If that's possible, Xerxes will ask for that shock stick, as well as a healing potion.

"This personal cloaking device has definitely got my name on it", Karter pockets the item quickly, "Captain, looks like your arm is pretty busted up, I can set a cast on that".

Ship's Surgeon: Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Crimson gives Sh'yl the cold shoulder and grabs a bottle of booze before finding a quiet corner to sit in.

Grok the quartermaster says that she doesn't know how to do such a thing. She just guards and organizes the equipment and has no skill in fixing or making things like that.

I'd let someone make a Craft (weapons) or similar check, maybe even Knowledge (engineering) to do it.

Rosie and Sandara seem to have fared well in the fight. Sandara, as usual, seems in a good mood and Rosie, as usual, cusses up a storm describing her action in the battle, which involved helping to break into the armory.

---

The next morning, Captain Harrigan calls the whole crew together in the cargo hold for an announcement. He stands on a catwalk above, flanked by his usual cronies Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge.

"All right! You’ve done a right good job by me—we’ve got a second ship now, and she’s quite a prize from the looks of her. But I still have only one crew. So here’s the plan—the Wormwood will sail on to our planned destination with our new shipmates here, while Mr. Plugg will pick a skeleton crew to sail the new ship to Deep Space Salvage, where she’ll be worth a pretty penny."

"As for these fine fellows here"—Harrigan gestures at the remainder of the captured ship’s crew—"some of them will no doubt be worth a hefty ransom from their families. And for the rest, they can spend the rest of their lives in the Dark!"

To make the point, Mr. Plugg grabs a captive Ferengi woman and leads her screaming down to the airlock. Everyone watches, shocked, as he throws her in and presses the button to close the door and evacuate the space. Her screams end abruptly.

The rest of the captives quickly and eagerly agree to join the crew and do whatever they have to do to stay alive.

---

Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge then set about scouring through the assembly and hand-picking their skeleton crew to man the new ship.

Mr. Plugg, Master Scourge, Hartshorn, and a number of the Wormwood’s original crew of sailors*, as well as yourselves, Ambrose Kroop, Conchobhar Shortstone, Rosie Cusswell, and Sandara Quinn are brought along to service the new ship.

"And this piece of scrap needs a name!" Mr. Plugg shouts at you as he leaves, heading for the main observation deck.

So Crimson and Grok remain on the Wormwood? As for the shock stick, I'll use it "as is" for now, and I'll definitely have to put some ranks in the skills you've suggested at the next level up.

-Posted with Wayfinder

-leads her screaming down to the airlock. Everyone watches, shocked, as he throws her in and presses the button to close the door and evacuate the space. Her screams end abruptly

lol!

Karter nudges Francis on the new ship name and whispers, "-something yakish?"

Yes, Crimson and Grok stayed on the Wormwood, as did some of the other crew you hadn't really interacted with. I'll add the new 'skeleton crew' to the campaign page.

With a smaller crew it should be easier to figure out where everyone's loyalties lie so you can plan your next move. You should make it a goal to talk with everyone and if you can't convince them to support you if things get rough, at least find out who your enemies are.

Francis thinks to himself on an appropriate new name for the vessel. "The Space Moover?" he says out loud. "No..."

"The Bull Strider... the Yak Attack... the Woolen Vessel..." Francis mutters, seemingly injured with self-perceived failure.

Francis goes to sweep and clean up the new vessel the next day. As he is swabbing the deck, cleaning slowly and using his spells to make it dirty again, over and over. He sees a half-orc cleaning the area behind him. "Hello, Mr. Green. I'm Francis. Want help?"

@EF : did we still have the +2 bonus to Bluff/Diplomacy/Perform against the PNJ ?

Sh'yl while not helping Ambrose in the kitchen, went to go see their new chief engineer, the halfing Rattsberger

Hi ! Rattsberger. You're our chief engineer, right ? I'm not as knowledgeable about engineering as you but my parents, famous pirats at their time, talked to me about some of it.
Do you think we could transform this good chunck in something far better ? Able to cross the space with better speed and boarding other ship with even more ease ?
I have some idea, but I fear they could be stupid, so I would like to propose them first to a professional !

Yes, the +2 bonus still applies.

The half-orc stops scrubbing blood from one of the walls for a second to regard Francis. He finally shrugs and turns back to scrubbing.

---

The halfling scratches his head with his remaining fingers. "Oh, this thing's got some solid bones, that's for sure! Looks like their engineer didn't do the best job keeping up the systems and right now it's not running as smooth or fast as it could. With a little work I think we could fix her up into a right proper ship, yes. What did you have in mind?"

---

Diplomacy or other Cha checks from anyone talking to the crew.

Diplomacy (take 10 if I can else): 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 16 use 1 on the three daily fervor to cast Enhanced Diplomacy before speaking as a swift action

Oh, I've heard some stories about ... Prof. (sailor): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 to spoke about better engine or better armour for space ship I could have heard while listening to my parent's pirate's stories

Understanding the peace in constant activity, Francis will join the half-orc and start scrubbing this area. About twenty minutes later, it hits him. "Ah! We should call this the Millenium Yak!"

In the days to come, Xerxes tries to make contact with various people aboard the new ship, including Giffer Tibbs. The Protoss addresses the gnome telepathically.

Tibbs? Giffer Tibbs? I've heard your race does wonders with tinkering. Are the stories true? Look, I have recovered one of these shock sticks, and was wondering if the tech could be adapted to my psyblades here. Any idea on how I could do that?

Assuming he doesn't:
I see that you aren't a gearhead like some of your kin, so what is your thing? We may have more in common than you think. Like what we think of Scourge and Plugg? With Harrigan away, those two are but a shadow of their former selves. Are you still afraid of them?

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 + 2 = 9

If it doesn't work:
Why am I asking? You know for a fact that there's a shift of power on this ship, and I will be your worst nightmare, should you choose to remain among the bootlickers of Plugg and Scourge! Who is your new master?! Say it! NAME IT! I AM XERXES AND YOU WILL ANSWER TO ME!

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

Ratline nods his head at Sh'yl and says, "Yes, yes! You've obviously been around a starship before, those are all fine ideas. Yes, I think we could turn this into quite the ship," he looks around and whispers the last part, "if only it were under different leadership, eh?"

---

The half-orc doesn't speak with Francis for the remainder of the shift but later you hear that Mr. Plugg gathers a few volunteers and suits them up with airtight suits to get to work painting Millenium Yak on the sides of the ship.

---

Xerxes tracks down Giffer Tibbs, the one-eyed gnome currently crawling through a service tube to reroute some plasma conduit or other. He crawls out and dusts himself off. "Oh, quite true," he moans, rubbing his back. "I actually know a thing or two about building and fixing up. Didn't trust me with it back on the Wormwood but now with a smaller crew on this ship, they've put me to work in engineering, as you can see."

Giffer takes the blade from Xerxes and studies it with his one good eye before turning his attention to the protoss' psyblades. "Hmm, it's some interesting technology you've got here. But I suppose if I recalibrated the phase adjusters and tweaked the photon emitters.... Yes! I think I can do it. Just give me a few days and I'll see what I can work up."

Listening to Xerxes talk about Plugg and Scourge, Giffer shakes his head in annoyance. "Those two. . . no, I wouldn't say I'm afraid of them. Down-right incompetent they are. We'd be better off with that gorn fella at the helm! Thugs and brutes is all they are!"

---

Keep up the RP! I'm going to delay any more action until you guys are satisfied with your NPC interactions.

Sh'yl whispered back to Ratline I agree with you my friend ! And as a matter of fact, my friend and I, well, we've already arrived at the same conclusion... I hope I could count on you when the time will come.

---------------

After talking to Ratline and gain his support in the upcoming events, Sh'yl search for Maheem, the big Klingon.

Hi Maheem, I'm Sh'yl, nice to be with you ! If you need some help, or anything specific to eat, don't hesitate to ask, I will try my best as I'm friend with Ambrose and know a little about cooking !. I'm sure Sh'yl has french blood in him :P also, even if I'm no rigger, I know my way around a ship and the Force give me some powers. So if you're hurt come to me, I will fix it.

Diplomacy (take 10 if I can, else): 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 12 use my second on the three daily fervor to cast Enhanced Diplomacy before speaking as a swift action

Xerxes nods at the gnome, satisfied with the answers he gives.

Then we understand each other. That is good. Follow me and you will earn power, respect. Follow Scourge or Plugg and death will appear to be a sweet fate compared to what those two and their followers will suffer.

Later on, he elects to face Jaundiced Jape, seeking him out.

You are strong, I can feel it. How is it that you haven't shown Scourge and Plugg what you're really made of? Are you afraid of them? Or are you one of their bootlickers? As for me, I bow to no one, and you should do the same. One day we'll fight for our freedom, for our own fate. That day, I'm counting on you to fight for what is right. What say you?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

Francis: Love the name!

Goal 1: Achieved. Goal 2: Anthropomorphic Animal on Pudding so he can be my Chewie. Goal 3: Shoot first.

Francis will smile as he works next to the half-orc. "Right and proper swab job..." This time he doesn't redirty his area, smiling proudly.

The half-orc wanders off as Francis beams. "He seems like a right proper chap. Knows how to get into the spirit of mundanity."

---

Francis wanders about the Millenium Yak as he looks for more things to clean. He sees a rigger talking to himself up in the rafters of the cargo hold. Bu....frieeeeend him. Befriend him!

"Now you are talking sense!" Francis says to himself. "Hey, Mr. Rigger! Are you real?"

Thanks, Lithrac!

@Francis: Becca used anthropomorphic animal on her sloth AC in my Reign of Winter game to great effect. I could see Goal 2 happening in the distant future. I allow permanency in my games by the way.

---

Maheem responds to Sh'yl, "A cook? Pansy work, that! Men are supposed to be warriors! Your race must be weak, I knew it when I first saw you." He spits to the side. "And if I should be hurt, I would rather die on the battlefield than come to you for aid!" Maheem seems offended and stomps away from Sh'yl.

---

The half-orc stays silent but thinks back to Xerxes, Afraid of them? Who do you think I am? I'm not no bootlicker! I go where the power is and they hold more power in their little fingers than you'll ever hold in your pathetic life! You'll be lucky I don't go tell them what you just said....

---

@Francis: who are you talking to? There are several riggers aboard.

The crazy one.

-Posted with Wayfinder

@EF : can I take 10 on my diplomacy roll ? Because, each time I roll for diplomacy I made it worse...

Slippery Syl Lonegan: an unhinged murderer who fled to space to escape his crimes; job: rigger

Just remember my words before the end. I shall remember yours.

Xerxes then warns his companions that Jaundiced Jape is indeed on Scourge and Plugg's side before turning to Conchobar, glaring at the gnome in a scary way.

You, gnome. Conchobar, yes? We haven't had the chance to talk, but you do not have to say anything save for words of agreement. Hear me and fear me: you will now leave Rosie alone, she doesn't want you. I will give you much better, riches and wenches beyond your imagining. What I ask for in return? Your undying loyalty when we rise and take power here. You will live to support us, or die opposing us. Are we clear?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19

Yes, you can T10 on your rolls.

---

"Of course I'm real!" Slippery Syl shouts down at Francis. "What kind of stupid ass question is that?"

---

Conchobar grins as Xerxes approaches, idly shuffling his deck of cards. His smile slowly fades as he hears Xerxes' words in his head. "Oh, um, sure, just like you said. Yes, no problem from me, that's the truth."

"Is the guy hanging from the ceiling above you real? Hey Mr. Upside-Down Guy! Are you real?!" Francis yells to a blonde-haired copy of Slippery Syl that is inverted from the real one at the crown of their head.

"You must be crazy," he says while shaking his head. "Then again, people told me I'm crazy just cause I killed a few folks...."

"I think I killed a guy two days ago. One of those Franzettis on the ship. How do you feel about yaks?" Francis asks.

"How do they taste?" Slippery Syl responds with a wicked grin. "I bet they taste great. And good meat is hard to come by out here."

Francis frowns. "Yaks can't be eaten! They are like portals to other universes. Staring into Pudding's eyes is like seeing the cosmos..." he informs the man.

He thinks for a moment before following up, "Can you eat Franzettis? Are they tasty?"

Francis ponders on this for a second before a lightbulb clicks in his head. "What if I promised you all the meat you could want?"

Continuing his overview of the crew, Sh'yl approach young Jack.

He lad ! Nice to meet you, I'm Sh'yl. I've heard you good at scrimshaw! I would like to see some of your work, as a souvenir. I could pay you for the trouble if you want or I can teach you some tricks I've learned.
May be you don't know about the "Force". It's a powerful thing in this world I can teach you how to use it to be better.

Shyly talk about the precept of the Force Know. Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 to gain the trust of Jack Diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 6 + 2 = 18

Slippery Syl responds to Francis with an evil glint in his eye, "Oh, you can eat just about anything if you cook it right. And I can get my own meat whenever I want it, just keep that in mind." He steps closer to Francis in a threatening manner.

Doesn't look like you'll be able to convince this madman to listen to you.

---

Jack smiles meekly as Sh'yl mentions his craft. He pulls out a few bones of various styles and origins, showing the carvings and burnings made into them, depicting starships of different classes and makes. "Just something I've been playing around with for a few years."

As Sh'yl mentions the Force, Jack's eyes light up in curiosity. "Really? So it's just. . . all around us? Do you really think I would be able to. . . to harness something like that?"

Jack thinks for a moment and says, "Well, I know it's not much in return but I'll give you whichever bones you want if you can teach me. I can even show you how to make your own; it's not hard, it just takes time."

Of course I will be happy to teach you ! Everyone is touch by the Force, and like your gift for crafting these beautiful scrimshaw, it needs time to master it.
Make a deal, you will teach me how to craft and I will teach you how to master the Force.
Is that Ok for you Jack ?

"Whatever you say, monster man!" Francis says happily as he keeps walking.

Jack agrees to take Sh'yl up on his offer and seems willing to help in anything Sh'yl might ask of him.

---

I think the only ones you guys haven't spoken with yet are Tam “Narwhal” Tate, Barefoot Samms Toppin, and Aretta Bansion.

You there, the one they call Narwhal. I think we haven't talked yet. You don't like Scourge and Plugg much, do you? I don't think I can call you one of their bootlickers.

You guys are insane.

"Say, uhh, your Kingliness", Karter talks up to Master Scourge, "I was noticing your fine tattoo there across your neck looks a lot a case of the Filopian herpes. Oh it is. Well, you're in luck, as I am a trained surgeon. Did you see how I patched up ol' Cap's broken arm? Let me get my kit and and a blow torch, be right back".

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Sh'yl went to see Samms after his talk with Jacks, happy to have convinced him to follow the Force.

Hi Samms ! I'm Sh'yl. Nice to meet you. I've heard you were a Fisherwoman back ? Have you like us be abducted to join the crew or do you choose ?
In my opinion, I think everyone must have the choice.

Diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 6 + 2 = 18

Sh'yl began to know more about the woman before going further.

Narwall turns his ugly green face on Xerxes. "What? Are you saying you've got a problem with my good friend Scourge? Is this something that needs to be brought up with our new captain Mr. Plugg? It sounds like maybe you need some time in the brig to correct your opinions."

---

"Don't you dare." Master Scourge stares down Karter with a look of death in his eyes. "And stay away from me or you'll get 50 lashes across your neck."

---

Barefoot Samms smiles at Sh'yl as he approaches. "Oh, I miss my life out on the ocean, that's for sure. I'll take the Big Blue for the Big Black any day. No, but it wasn't meant to be. I was out on Deep Space Three visiting a friend when we were raided by those Orion jackasses. I try to keep a positive outlook, but I sure am getting tired of listening to those bozos."

I understand Samms. I was myself hoping to take the black, but these... bozos, as you said, took me without my consent !
With some other friends on this ship, we hope to change that... to change "direction".
If you are interested, I will be happy to count on your help to make some changes. Are you ?

Diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 6 + 2 = 18

You misunderstand me, Narwhal, I was merely implying that you weren't one of their lesser ones. You deserve better. But if you don't agree with me, then we have little business together.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Francis goes to lay down in his bunk. He feels a headache coming on.

”Fine, fine!”, Karter throws up his hands in caution at Scourge, ”Don't come to me when you lose an eye”. Drop your ugly ass out the airlock next chance I get.

Later on, he drops in behind Aretta,”So,...”.

”D'you come here often?” Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

”Got anyone whispering sweet nothin' into those beautiful ears?”. Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Samms winks at Sh'yl. "You bet."

---

Aretta at first turns to Karter in disgust but he can tell from the smirk playing at the edges of her mouth that she is only feigning disinterest. "Oh, honey, you only wish you could have me! Just like so many others around here! But you know I don't take suitors any more, I've changed my ways! Maybe that Sandara's been speaking to me a little bit too much, I don't know. And if you don't think Conchobar hasn't tried every page of the book, you'd be fooling yourself."

"Well, in space no one can hear us scream you know", tries another line but knows it's limits, "How about we just be mates for now, as long as we're on the same cruise and all. Deal?".

"I think that's a deal I can take." Aretta smirks at Karter.

---

The next day as everyone rises and heads to their morning shifts, Sh'yl learns a bit of disturbing news from Ambrose Kroop. "Aye, we seem to have left the Wormwood behind. Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge have their own plans I think and if I'm reading the starfield right I think we're heading to Rickety's Squibs. For a price old Rickety Hake completely refits ships and provides new identities, com badges, and the like to make the ship completely unrecognizable."

"We'll be passin' by the planet of Bonewrack Four today, but then I reckon it's only a few more days before we get there. And once the ship's refitted I don't know if they'll be having much use for those as aren't they're loyal friends...."

---

Later that day, Mr. Plugg's voice comes over the intercom as the sirens once again begin to blare. "We've got a Bonewrack vessel coming up behind! They're going to overtake us! Hold on, we're entering evasive maneuvers!"

The ship lurches and reels and you can hear explosions as, no doubt, the ship begins to become bombarded. "We're gonna take this thing to the atmo!" Master Scourge's voice announces. The ship descends towards the planet, trailed by the hostile Bonewrack ship.

There is a crash as the Millenium Yak makes an emergency landing and the shouts and screams from elsewhere indicate the ship has been boarded, although they quickly die down as the Bonewrack crew seems to retreat.

Mr. Plugg calls everyone together for a head count and determines that Sandara and young Jack Scrimshaw have gone missing! Mr. Plugg is dismissive of their fate, claiming they probably ran away and went over to the enemy side.

Some of the crew discover that in the rough landing a plasma conduit has burst and will take some time to repair, probably about two days.

Sh'yl hearing Mr. Plugg dismissing the fate of their new friend said

He ! You can't dismiss some comrades like that ! They wer... are part of the crew. And we need to look on each other, that's what mean to be a pirate.
And I know Jack will never go to the ennemy side, as for Sandara she was a great help when we first got here.

Mr. Plugg scoffs at Sh'yl. "If you're so sure, then you're welcome to go out onto the surface and find them yourself. I sure as hell won't be going outside on this foul planet. But if you're not back in two days, we're leaving without you!" Mr. Plugg storms off and the rest of the crew goes back to work.

I'm guessing you'll be readying yourselves and heading off the ship then? I'll get a map up later.

Sh'yl turned to the other crews

I will go search for my friends alone if needed. Who's with me ?

Diplomacy (take 10): 10 + 6 + 2 = 18

I stand with you. Sandara and Jack are part of us, and we don't leave our own behind.

Francis wants to go and get some fresh air, but he seems reticent to leave his friend behind. "Can I bring Pudding?"