GM Shathira's Skull and Shackles

Game Master Kelarith

Even covered with filth and bile, the sea-witch seems openly relieved to see their companions rescued. He smiles broadly at the two, before getting serious again.

"Lets grab what there is of value and get our companions to safety. We still have to get the fresh water and back to the ship before Plugg leaves us marooned."

As soon as the fight is over, Ri'el swims back to Sandara's side.

"You lost something," he says with a shy grin as he returns her hat, carefully placing it on her head. Then relief overcomes him and he tearfully hugs her.

"I was so afraid I'd never see you again."

Eventually though practical concerns put a necessary end to the reunion, as Astein's words remind the party that they are not quite out of the woods yet.

"Won't take me long to conjure the water we need," Ri'el replies. "But we best be ready for a fight. I'm beginning to wonder whether Plugg knew exactly what kind of a hellhole this place was, and was hoping that the island's denizens would finish off some of us for him."

Could we get a list of what we find from searching the cave?

Garavaen nods, "I'm thinking they'll be a bit shaken from the loss of their queen and her.... champion... But best grab what we can and get our feet on solid ground again before they find their courage."

He rubs his shoulder-wound and says, "Thinking the javelin's enchanted, if nothing else."

He offers a dagger to each Sandara and Crimson, "In case they do find it before we're clear."

Garavaen will keep watch for incoming nasties while the others search.

Sandara grins at the hug and gives Ri'el a kiss on the cheek, "My hero." She plops the hat on his head with a wink, "Keep it, I think you'll find it useful. Blessed by Besmara and all."

I'll need to know where you are searching, remember it *is* a 3 dimensional space now, with some of it posing some interesting problems. ;) I will list the items you find near the surface.

As you start to search the area, both Crimson and Sandara hold up the ropes that bound them, which are attached to 8 silver ingots. The nooks and cranies of the place hold dozens of scrimshaw objects. Most are crude and not worth anything, but amidst the wreckage you do find the jawbone of a shark, carved with scrimshaw images of a vast octopus eating whales, and containing a dozen silver and gold rings hammered into it, a huge hooked tooth from some colossal sea creature, with a seaweed-plugged cavity containing six pearls, and a whale skull with arcane sigils carved into it that function like scrolls. Garavaen is easily able to swim over and grab the harpoon which is bobbing atop the churning water.

Ri'el blushes at Sandara's gift.

"I...thank you, Sandara. I will treasure it dearly."

Well, I guess I'm not going to be able to wear a Jingasa of the fortunate soldier now. Damn. XD What does the hat do?

Turning to the others, he says, "there were a couple of Lacedons under the water. They were chained to the ground, but I reckon if there's any treasure to be found, it'd be near those 2."

Was the BBEG throwing multiple harpoons earlier, or did her harpoon have the returning property? If it had the returning property, could we just assume that we keep throwing it at the lacedons until they die, and hand-wave the combat?

I also assume we search both the BBEG and the "whale", and anywhere around the cave that looks like it might hold a stash of treasure.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Killing them with the harpoon would do it, yeah :) The Queen's body sank to the floor of the cave, and the visibility is only 5' so it will take some time. Especially if nobody has the ability to breathe underwater. How much time do you want to spend searching?

Someone with monkeyfish should do it -- having a swim speed would help with the getting up and down (and the ability to automatically not fail swim checks is super-helpful)

I only prepared it once today, but it lasts for 3 minutes, so if the duration has not ended, I'll do it for the remainder of the duration of my spell. Anyone else with a swim speed that lasts a longer duration is very welcome to help. XD

After searching the bottom, which takes up the rest of the spell duration, Ri'el finds Sandara and Crimson's gear, four heavy crossbow bolts, a silver spearhead, an iron bracelet, 211 sp, and 136gp.

GM: Anything magical? Also scanning the room with detect magic before leaving. Just in case.

Party: Are we in good enough shape to head straight back to the ship? I'm good to go. What about you guys?

Garavaen says, "Might be worth stashing some of what we found on our persons, best as we can... and we'd best decide whether or not we want to be ready to face the shipboard bullies, 'specially given some of the nicer things we've found....and how they're like as not to lay claim to it."

"Let's see what we've got and then decide. The stuff we got here might just be enough to turn the tide in our favour in a confrontation. And if I'm not mistaken about Plugg deliberately sending us here to be picked off, then odds once we return with the water, he's likely to take what he wants from us and then slit our throats."

Ri'el's eyes flit to Sandara when he speaks, a subconscious but clear indication of the one thing in particular he most does not want Plugg getting his hands on.

Had to do a bit of back-reading to remind myself, but back in APRIL (wow has it been that long?) we had concluded that Plugg was probably going to mutiny against Harrigan, and would probably also slit our throats to keep that fact under wraps. We were doing head-counts and everything to see what our odds would be in a fight, and whether we would have enough allies left after the fact to run the ship. I'm thinking that the confrontation wouldn't be far off, especially now that we have what appear to be our two strongest allies back on our side. And if my guess that Plugg sent us here to weaken us is correct, then when we come back with full numbers AND Crimson and Sandara, he's likely to make his move very quickly. So I'm thinking that if we are not attacked when we get back, we should make the move ourselves - spring our attack on him on the first night we're back on the ship.

If we have time, it might be a good idea to rest and let Sandara replenish her spells, and so we can all heal up a little. If time does not permit, we might need to just do the best we can.

Davina realized just how bad of shape Crimson was in when he groaned, she quickly released him and stood back blushing as she said, "You don't have to get beat up to get a hug from me Crimson."

I agree on all counts Ri'el.

Garavaen's eyes narrow, "That's the thought I had. We come back weak as kittens, he'll take advantage and drown us in sacks... and I don't relish the thought of handing over the magical gear and making them stronger."

"I agree, we need to be ready when we get back to the ship."

The crossbow bolts are magical, the bracelet glows a dim magic as if it's only half functional, the harpoon is magical and so is the tricorne hat.

You were given two days to find water. You've spend one day and a few hours after the rest you took overnight. If you take Plugg at his word, you could rest 8 hours and maybe make it back in time.

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To the rest of the party:

"It looks like we may have some time to rest before we're due to return. Sandara and Cog look like they could use some rest and healing. Let's rest up and then return to the ship. And let's be ready for a fight when we get there."

If Sandara is injured, Ri'el will cast his prepared CLW spell on her before resting. If she is not hurt, he will cast it on the most-wounded party member.

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Garavaen nods, "We should work our way back -- at least partially -- out of the territory of these strange beasts. Better if we're not looking over our own shoulders while resting... and while it might not let you lot get your magic back, it should help Sandara and Cog."

Sandara gives Ri'el's hand a little squeeze, but shakes her head slightly when he heals her. She then moves over to where Crimson is, and mutters a short prayer. A dark blue light covers her hand and she places the hand on his shoulder, healing some of his wounds.

Sandara looks at the rest of the group, "Others are hurt worse than I am, I have a few spells left that I can cast. Does anyone else need their bumps and bruises tended to?" She casts a wry grin.

Astein is still bleeding from multiple wounds and covered with bruises from being swallowed whole. "Yes, before we sleep - let us use any resources we have, then in the morning perhaps we can make ourselves whole. I for one need aid."

Sandara nods at Astein, and says a small prayer to Besmara. Her hand glows dark blue as she places a hand on Astein, and his wounds begin to fade.

cure moderate wounds: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6) + 3 = 13

I'm down 11 HP right now, if more healing is available.

The little goblin says, "Now that the treasure is packed, let's get out of here... Best be careful in case any more of these fish-dwarves are still lurking in the passages."

Eli will scout the way out just in case there are more Grindylows.

Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Since we've lost the dwarf, are we going to re-distribute the Ring of Swimming he had?

Sure, give the ring to another person

Who's the weakest swimmer?

Probably me if I can't cast a spell to help me.

Actually, I'm probably the worst natural swimmer, but Sandara has given me her hat, and that apparently gives me some small bonus on swim checks, and I also often have monkey fish prepared, so I should be relatively ok without it.

You're right, I assumed I either had a penalty or you had a ten, not sure which, maybe both. It should probably go to someone who can't cast a spell for a similar effect if possible I imagine.

The hat gives a +2 bonus on swim and sailor checks
Sandara smiles an odd smile at the odd goblin, and lays a hand on his head, calling out for Besmara's aid.

CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

The group travels a ways away from the Cove and then takes time to bandage wounds and get a few hours of sleep before trudging back towards the Man's Promise, and Mister Plugg

*********Status after rest***********
Astein 20/20
Davina 17/17
Elias 18/18
Garavaen 17/25
Ri'el 19/19

All Daily use abilities and spells recovered.

Yay! Shathira rulez!

When they set up to rest for a bit before returning to the ship Davina stayed near Crimson as she rested, a wing draped over him to reassure herself he was still there. A few hours later she rose and prepared to move along once more and get off of this deathtrap of an island once and for all.

Excellent!

Despite being on a death-trap of an island, Ri'el finds himself resting far more easily than he had before. He had surprised himself with how recklessly desperate he had been at the prospect of losing her. It had been a long while since he had found someone who he felt so strongly about. Since the night the bug-faced men attacked the tribe, it had just been him and Thali...

At the thought of Thali, his hand wanders to the little pouch where the spirit had been quietly hiding all this while. She had been unusually quiet, which was understandable whilst they were on the Wormwood, and then the Promise, but here on the island without the threats of Harrigan or Plugg or Scourge hanging over them, it was odd that she would not take the chance to fly and speak freely.

"Maybe she just wants to wait till this whole thing with Plugg and Scourge is over and done with. Maybe then she'll choose to reveal herself," he thinks.

But in the calmness that followed after rescuing Sandara, he had begun to feel a silent anger emanating from Thali through their empathic link. An anger that, he realised, had been emanating from her for several days now. He also recalls the admonishment that Garaveen had given him after their battle with the ghoul whores.

"Perhaps in my desperation to find Sandara, I have been careless and ended up neglecting Thali in some way," he thinks to himself with a wince.

Ready to proceed!

Sandara smiles an odd smile at the odd goblin, and lays a hand on his head, calling out for Besmara's aid.

"Thanks, Miss Sandara." He says with relief and his wounds are healed. He notes the odd look on her face and answered the unasked question. "I'm like a cursed coin... I always turn up."

Garavaen stretches out, "Well, the rest helped -- but as much as we're in better shape now, it'll be the same dilemma when we get back."

Nodding at Gravaen, Astein says "Looks to me like Plugg is in open mutiny against the captain and is trying to steal this ship. He has no reason to keep us around as witnesses. We're in more danger returning to the ship than from the threats on this god-cursed rock. I think we may need to plan to take down Plugg..."

Ri'el nods.

"Let's go back ready for a fight. If he doesn't attack us upon our return, we make our move against him tonight. Will be better that way. If we take out the head, the sailors that he swayed to his side will most likely not press the matter and fall into line. Less bloodshed that way."

The group sets up and starts to head back for the Man's Promise with a plan of sorts. They approach the longboat, and make ready to launch.

What plans are you making for your approach to the ship?

Garavaen shrugs at Ri'el's comment, "Trouble with that is we don't know how much poison he's put in the ears of the newcomers... Or his own followers, at that. Based on the earlier attempt on my life, all I can say is there seems to be more hatred there than makes any sort of sense."

Hard to plan if we don't know what exactly to expect when we get back to the ship. I guess we go back ready for a fight, but not too overtly so. Keep our eyes peeled. If Plugg and scourge do not attack first, we gather any other allies we have left on the ship and raid the captain's quarters at nightfall.

Davina nodded, "I agree, we should be prepared for anything but not obvious about it. Either way we need to get moving, I want off of this island as soon as possible."

"For now, we are still obeying orders. Let us approach and give over the water as planned. If they are aggressive, go for Plugg immediately."

"Alright then, let us go put an end this."

Garavaen nods, "Agreed. For the approach, I'll keep a bolt readied, looking back toward the island, but ready to turn and fire as need be."

The longboat laden with water begins its trip back to the Man's Promise, and at first everything looks calm. Very shortly however, the sharp clack of a crossbows cross arms snapping forward are heard, followed shortly by the hiss of bolts. From about 100' away you get your first look at the Man's Promise with its repairs completed, and you see Mister Plugg with a crossbow, Master Scourge with a shortbow, and several of the other pirates with crossbows arrayed along the gunwales. They hurriedly reload another volley. Among the pirates on the gunwales you see Giffer Tibbs, Badger Medlar, Fipps Chumlett, Jaundice Japes, Maheem, Shivikah, and Owlbear (who doesn't have a crossbow). Owlbear yells "Davey Jones' Locker for em!" Looking at the other pirates with the halfwit grin on his face, but a slight look of confusion crosses his features when he sees who they are firing at.

***************Begin Combat***************
Init: Scourge, Elias, Garavaen, Astein, Ri'el, Japes, Davina, Badger, Shivikah, Owlbear, Fipps, Crimson, Sandara, Giffer, Plugg, Maheem

Scourge vs Ri'el: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Scourge takes aim and fires an arrow that whizzes over the empty space once the longboat gets to 80', which strikes along Ri'el's arm, leaving a line of red.

Astein yells, "Traitors! Mutineers! Besmara mark those who betray your code! Owlbear, stop them!" he then casts a spell calling sparkling silver motes to land on Scourge, Plug and some of the others.

Glitterdust. He will angle the spell to mark Scourge and Plugg and as many of the others who are shooting that he can get while avoiding Owlbear. Hopefully some blindness will help us get close enough to act.

"Guess we're going right on to the festivities," Ri'el mutters as he casts monkey fish on himself and swims across to the hull of the ship, latching on with his magically-enhanced climbing ability.

With the curvature of the ship's hull, I should have cover from the guys on deck until I start climbing a little higher? How high do I need to climb to get to the deck, btw?

"We need to get topside!" he yells to his friends.

Garavaen says, "Well, that makes things clear.", and brings up his loaded crossbow, forging a connection between the weapon in his hand and Scourge with his will, then pulling the trigger to make it a reality.

Spending 1 grit, Shooter's Resolve [ignoring cover/concealment])
Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Threat
Confirm?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Confirmed

Critical Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 7) = 9

With no means of causing damage from this distance, Davina did the only things she could, called down the blessing of the heavens and then ducked down for cover until they got closer to the ship.

I cast Bless on the party and duck down low for cover.

Ri'el, I know the map doesn't show it (because I don't have 100' of map), but the description indicated you were 80' away when Scourge took his first shot. Do you want to dive into the water that far away and swim to the ship still? Or wait till the longboat gets closer? Also, Ri'el is carrying a medium load, which means Monkey Fish would have no effect. Astein, two choices, really. You can get Scourge and Plugg only (no way for a 10' radius spell to get them and anyone else without hitting Owlbear, or you can hit everyone but Plugg and Owlbear. Until on the ship, all enemies are considered to have partial cover.

***********Round 1 Continued*************
Init: Scourge, Elias, Garavaen, Astein, Ri'el,, Japes, Davina, Badger, Shivikah, Owlbear, Fipps, Crimson, Sandara, Giffer, Plugg, Maheem

Elias steadies himself in the boat and fires at Plugg. attack on Plugg: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 attack on Plugg: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Both arrows hiss as they leave Eli's bow, and the arrows take Plugg high in the arms, and Plugg lets out a howl of pain and rage, "Kill those bloody traitors!"

Japes levels his crossbow, aiming at Elias, and fires. The bolt grazes Eli's ear.
jape vs Eli: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Davina calls upon her sorcerers magic and grants her allies a blessing, then slips down in the boat behind the water barrels.

Eli touches his bloody ear, smiles, and yells over the water "Japes, you poxy bastid, I'm gonna eat you alive... starting at your balls! The rest of you lot... if ya side with us, you get an equal share. Or stand aside and we'll put you off at a friendly port. But if ya side with these black-hearted bastards - I'm gonna eat well."

The little gobbo doesn't hold out much hope anyone will have a change of heart, but maybe a few of them will hesitate.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Scourge and Plugg only