Plunder & Infamy - A Skulls & Shackles PbP Adventure

Game Master DancingShadow


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Dark Archive

I just put up a post hoping to spawn a S&S game. Is there any chance you'd condsider bringing in a Summoner? I know they don't really fit the requested roles.

@Feral: Current party is:
Sunny an Elf Monk/Barbarian
Torque a Half-Orc Cleric of Gorum
Aoro Orsis an Aasimar Tattooed Sorcerer (Aquatic)
Gene Deathcraft a Human Gunslinger

Liberty's Edge

Shadow, are you open to 3rd party stuff?

I'd like to play one of the classes out of this.

Dark Archive

I've been reading through the past posts and I'd like to present Skaldi the Tallest for your consideration. The sheet would need to be updated to fit your criteria (namely a one level bump).

His background can easily be slightly adjusted fit the story, either having washed ashore near the PCs' next port of call or simply being found drifting in the open sea by the PCs (as opposed to landing at Thoska). Myrkr himself wants to influence the world. He's simply chosen the Shackles as the place to do so.

Can I ask what the fate of Alestone was? I see that the player left the game, but what happened to his character (it may bein the gameplay thread, but I haven't gotten that far as of yet).

DM Bound Shade wrote:
What made your character become a pirate or want to become a pirate?

A Matter of Desire:
Skaldi has Northern blood in his veins, raiding comes naturally. When he learned of his circumstances in the Shackles, he took to it like a fish to water. He has nothng left at home. He was always alienated due to the circumstances of his birth. He's more than willing to ply these seas as opposed to the Steaming Sea back home.

Skaldi seeks, among other things, acceptance. He's more likely to find that here in the south, at this point.

On top of that, Myrkr whispers desire for destruction in the back of his head often. Perhaps this will quiet the beast for a bit.

DM Bound Shade wrote:

What post on the ship do you want? I'd advise not trying to fill in one already occupied by an existing PC.

Earning His Way:
As for a role, I can see him exceling at the role of Pilot (currently filled by the overworked Sandara). His P: Sailor skill is decent and he's got the Blessing of a Linnorm (represented by Besmara's Blessing)

@Feral: twilsemail's got the right of the list for the crew. As for the third party stuff, I'm sometimes good with it, provided it fits the flavor of what I'm looking for. A wrestling class and character doesn't fit within the flavor of piracy, so I'm going to say no.

@twilsemail: Something happened to him, but I haven't noted it yet due to it not being brought up at all. They may eventually find out, but I'm not going to throw it at them. What happened isn't all that big a thing, though.

I really like Skaldi. He's a very interesting character that has a well-thought out background and it answers many of my questions precisely with a minimum of words. What's your plan on advancing him and Myrkr?

Liberty's Edge

It was a worth a shot.

Would you be okay with a Dragonlance minotaur? They're natural sailors. He'd probably be a rogue.


@Feral: How would you validate a creature from another continuity being here? Is he really from Krynn or just a small minotaur, in which case his racial stats don't really align perfectly with the idea of minotaurs in this world? It just seems off.

Liberty's Edge

No, he wouldn't be from Krynn. He'd just be a shrimpy minotaur. It's not unheard of in Golarian. Nuar Spiritskin is a canon Pathfinder minotaur that's only medium. He's even a political figure - (sort of).

If you're open to the idea I'll cook up some backstory and you can make your final judgement then.


Interesting. I had not seen that. I'd like to see what you come up with for a backstory.

Liberty's Edge

History:
Bjorkus was born as the result of the union between a minotaur warrior and one of his prize concubines deep within the Kortos mountains. Although his mother was healthy and strong the pregnancy was troubled and Bjorkus was born sickly and small. The warrior, his father, demanded the calf be killed as no such weakness could ever be known to come from his loins. His mother, knowing she had little choice and that Bjorkus would never survive among such a brutal people, made her way to the coast and left her calf on a piece of driftwood for nature to take its course. As she departed to return to her master's side she said a prayer to Besmara, that the goddess of the sea would be merciful and make her son's death a swift one.

Besmara smiled on the woman's desperate prayer (or maybe it was just dumb luck) but the sickly little calf drifted on the piece of castoff lumber south towards the city of Absalom. Outside the city, moored off the coast in order to hide a large shipment of pesh, the crew of a smuggler's ship spotted the piece of driftwood with its bovine passenger and dragged it to shore. The hardened sailors took a liking to the little beast and the ship's captain, a cruel woman known as Iron Osprey, adopted him as a pet.

Growing up on Iron Osprey's ship was not easy. As soon as he was old enough to walk Bjorkus was put to work but the little calf proved surprisingly bright and able. When he grew older and stronger still, the ship's first mate put him to work hauling cargo, tying rigging, and hoisting sails. It was not a happy life but it was all the young minotaur knew. The only reprieve Bjorkus found in his day to day life was with the ship's windsinger, a grizzled old ulfen. The old human would share stories of grandeur and glory with the growing minotaur and even told him a little about his own people. Bjorkus loved these stories and began to emulate the bard's performances - much to the humor of the crew.

Nineteen years later, the Iron Osprey's ship was caught and sieged by the Taldan navy. By chance, Bjorkus and a few other shipmates escaped on a smaller craft but were powerless to watch the ship that had been their home for so long burned to splinters. The few survivors took turns rowing and, though fearful that they'd be picked up by the nearby navy, eventually arrived at Port Peril.

Here, Bjorkus parted with the other survivors and each individual went his separate way. He was no longer a sickly calf, thick layers of sinew filled out much of his fur-covered frame, but for the first time in his life he was free. His future was his own and he would never let himself be a slave again.

Personality:
Life with the Iron Osprey taught Bjorkus three things: Stay sharp, stay armed, and that sometimes you have to bleed to get what you want. These lessons stuck with the minotaur even after he was freed from her service.

He is a bull of simple pleasures. He loves to laugh, he loves to drink, and he loves to... love. His years of working alongside the ulfen windsinger taught him a thing or two about singing and a thing or two about storytelling, both skills he's found to be invaluable since he's been on his own. One thing he hasn't learned is impulse control and coin that finds its way to his purse quickly founds itself spent.
He wants nothing more than to find a purpose or a place he can call his own but he knows very little about finding those things.

Appearance:
Although small by minotaur standards, Bjorkus is as tall as the tallest shoanti and broader still. He grew quickly since being a sickly calf and his limbs and torso have ballooned with tough muscle from years of hard work at sea. His fur and hide are ebon black and a pair of long sharp horns jut dangerously from the top of his bovine head.

Bjorkus enjoys the feeling of the sea breeze across the fur on his chest and, when aboard the deck of a ship, he wears little more than a vest of tough hide and a loincloth. If made aware of an impending battle he has a dented and ill-fitting breastplate he can strap on alongside a small wooden buckler. For weapons he carries a pair of knives and a sturdy cutlass.

Questions:
1. What position do you see yourself eventually in on a ship?

Bjorkus's is a natural sailor and between his keen senses and strong survival skills would be an excellent Sailing Master.


2. How do you feel about piracy in general? (This includes stealing, killing, plundering, etc.) 


For Bjorkus, piracy is just life. The strong take from the weak and foolish. He understands that at the end of the day, his survival is up to him and that he should expect others to think any other way.
He has some understanding of honor but it's a concept he's never really seen extensively in action - the Iron Osprey's crew was largely evil.

3. Which campaign trait are you selecting and why?

I hadn't even opened the Player's Guide until answering these questions but Blessing of Besmara seems like a natural fit. For a calf left to die at nature's whim to survive and thrive surely much be the will of a diety. =P

Build:
I'm leaning towards making him a Freebooter Ranger with a level or two dip of Sea Singer Bard. He'd be able to help out on the front line, buff the party with Inspire Courage and Freebooter's Bane, and use wands to help heal in downtime.

Liberty's Edge

Bjorkus:

Minotaur Bard (Sea Singer) 1 Ranger (Freebooter) 1
CN Medium Humanoid
Init +0; Senses Perception +6
Aura freebooter's bane +1
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+6 armor, +1 shield, +2 natural)
hp 25 (1d10+1d8+10)
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +3
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +5 (1d4+4/19-20/x2) and
. . Gore (Natural Attack: Gore) +0 (1d6+2/x2) and
. . Masterwork Cutlass +6 (1d6+4/18-20/x2)
Special Attacks bardic performance (standard action) (5 rounds/day, bardic performance: distraction, bardic performance: fascinate (1 targets) (dc 11), bardic performance: inspire courage +1
Bard (Sea Singer) Spells Known (CL 1):
1 (2/day) Saving Finale (DC 12), Unbreakable Heart
0 (at will) Light, Mending, Prestidigitation (DC 11), Know Direction
Ranger (Freebooter) Spells Prepared (CL 0):
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 12
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 15
Feats Toughness +3
Traits Besmara's Blessing (1/week), Resilient
Skills Acrobatics -5 (-9 jump), Bluff +5, Climb +3, Escape Artist -5, Fly -5, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (geography) +4, Knowledge (nature) +4, Perception +6, Perform (sing) +5, Profession (sailor) +8, Ride -5, Stealth -5, Survival +5 (+6 to track), Swim +7
Languages Common
SQ bardic performance: sea shanty, track, wild empathy, world traveler (1/day)
Other Gear Breastplate, Hide shirt, Buckler, Dagger, Masterwork Cutlass, 150 GP
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Bardic Performance (standard action) (5 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Bardic Performance: Distraction (Su) Counter magical effects that depend on sight.
Bardic Performance: Fascinate (1 targets) (DC 11) (Su) One or more creatures becomes fascinated with you.
Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +1 (Su) Morale bonus on some saving throws, attack and damage rolls.
Bardic Performance: Sea Shanty (Su) Allies use your perform for saves vs. Exhaustion, fatigue, nausea, or sickening, or can reroll.
Besmara's Blessing (1/week) Reroll a Profession (sailor) check and take the higher result.
Freebooter's Bane +1 (Ex) +1 to hit & damage versus chosen target.
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Wild Empathy +2 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
World Traveler (1/day) (Ex) Can reroll a Knowledge (geography, local, nature), or Linguistics check.

Here's a prospective build. I wasn't sure how much gold to assume so I just equipped some basic gear.


@Feral: I think that you've answered the questions that DM Apeture, the previous GM asked, not the ones that I did. Also, the starting wealth is mentioned in the recruitment post I made. It's standard wealth for 2nd level, 1,000 gp.

The minotaur is still bothering me. I thought it might, but it just doesn't jive with Pathfinder for me and to be honest, I'm not that big a fan of Dragonlance. What race would you try otherwise?

Liberty's Edge

I really like minotaur for this character. It's not just Dragonlance, Narnia had sailing minotaurs too.

I spent too much time on him to give it up. I will probably just pass if it doesn't work for you.


I'll toss in a Human Ranger/Rogue... Skills and thrills.


Here is "Lux" former Catfolk slave. Recent conscript aboard the Wormwood. Not his first time being forced "before the mast." He so far has been keeping his head low and out of the way as he learns the new ropes.


Ho Ho! That Lux guy looks more "themed". I vote for Lux!

I really just wanted to be in another game with twilsemail. Maybe with no instrument... maybe.


I had originally posted in your other campaign and would like to throw my hat into the ring for this one as well. Randall McNally, Sea-singer Bard.


Randall McNally!!! Awesome I hope you took the Ancient Explorer and have plenty ranks in profession cartographer.

Liberty's Edge

Seasinger is very cool. I liked it for Bjorkus too.

I guess we'll see if Shadow is more at peace with catfolk than minotaurs.


In the interest in full disclosure. I have been wanting to get into a Skull and Shackles game for awhile because I will be running it for my local group in a few months. I have read through the AP, but I have a good distinction between IC and OOC knowledge. If that disqualifies me I understand.


I will have a submission up by this evening - Tarchinis Verance, exiled Chelaxian scoundrel, Duelist, and Rogue...


As promised: Tarchinis Verance, fighter and rogue:

Crunchy Bits:

Tarchinis Verance

Male Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 Rogue 1
CN Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +1
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+4 armor, +1 shield, +2 Dex)
hp 17 (1d10+1d8+2)
Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +0
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20/x2) and
Dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20/x2) and
Dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20/x2) and
Dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20/x2) and
Masterwork Cutlass +4 (1d6+2/18-20/x2)
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Combat Expertise +/-1, Improved Feint, Skill Focus (Profession [sailor])
Traits Besmara's Blessing (1/week), Charming

Skills
Acrobatics +4
Appraise +6
Bluff +7 (+8 vs. characters who could be attracted to you)
Climb +4
Diplomacy +6 (+7 vs. characters who could be attracted to you)
Disable Device +7
Escape Artist +4
Knowledge (engineering) +6
Knowledge (nature) +3
Perception +1 (+2 to locate traps)
Profession (sailor) +9 (+11 to navigate at sea)
Profession (siege engineer) +4,
Sense Motive +4
Stealth +4
Survival +4 (+6 to navigate in the wilderness, +6 to avoid becoming lost when using this)
Swim +4

Languages Common, Osiriani, Varisian

SQ trapfinding +1

Combat Gear Acid (2), Alchemist's fire (2), Alchemist's kindness (5), Antiplague, Smokestick, Sunrod (5); Other Gear Masterwork Lamellar (leather) armor, Buckler, Dagger, Dagger, Dagger, Dagger, Masterwork Cutlass, Astrolabe, Backpack (12 @ 14 lbs), Belt pouch (5 @ 4.5 lbs), Cards, Chest, large (14 @ 14.9 lbs), Clay tobacco pipe, Compass, Flint and steel, Hat, Mug/tankard, Perfume/cologne, Thieves' tools, masterwork, Tobacco, Tobacco (2), Waterproof bag (empty), Waterskin, Weapon cord, Whetstone, Wine, Corentyn (per bottle), 114 GP, 6 CP
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Astrolabe +2 navigation
Besmara's Blessing (1/week) Reroll a Profession (sailor) check and take the higher result.
Charming +1 Bluff/Diplomacy/save DC for a language-dependent spell vs. targets who could be sexually attracted to you.
Combat Expertise +/-1 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack.
Compass +2 circumstance for Survival or Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to avoid becoming lost.
Improved Feint You can make a Bluff check to feint in combat as a move action.
Sneak Attack +1d6 +1d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.
Weapon cord Attached weapon can be recovered as a swift action.

Semi Fluffy Stuff:

Ship positions: Sailing Master, Bosun, quartermaster, Pilot - anywhere he can be useful. He will, of course, have his eye on his own ship, someday, but will not be bucking for a mutiny against his fellow PC's.

Why a pirate's life?: That comes out more fully below, but in brief, he was too much of a wild child for the lawful confines of Cheliax, got himself into trouble over women, ended up in Riddleport, which proved not far enough away from Cheliax.

Great Big Pile of Fluff:
The Second Mate’s blue eyes were wide, his mouth working soundlessly, as his rapier’s hilt slid out of his nerveless hand and he collapsed slowly to the blood-stained deck. The Chelaxian had passed his razor-sharp cutlass in a low draw cut, neatly transecting the big artery in the Taldan second mate’s thigh as they stepped past each other. The finely dressed Chelaxian had not even turned around, merely taking another two steps in the brief time it took the Mate to bleed out. When he heard the “thud” of his opponent’s collapse, he bowed his head for a moment. He did not need to look up to read the mood of the crowd – resentful, angry, ugly, and all aimed at him.

One voice, a smooth alto touched with the flowing song of a southern Mwangi accent, cut through the low, dangerous murmurs.

“Tarchinis…” The Chelaxian turned toward the raised deck abaft at the sound of Captain Soki speaking his name, his face stone. The tall, shaven-headed Bekyar woman rolled her broad shoulders under her rich green velvet coat, a gesture – for her – like shaking one’s head sadly. She made a sharp clicking noise in the back of her throat, then gestured with her head to the Bosun, a surly Ulfen named Byric. Tarchinis (tar-KINE-iss) held out his right hand, his cutlass dangling from one finger by its brass basket-hilt, nodded his non-resistance to the hulking Bosun. Bryic took the blade, spun Tarchinis around, bound his hands, and marched him after the Captain, who had turned and stomped towards her cabin.

In a moment Byric had left them alone, Tarchinis standing, the captains long, lean form reclining back in her mahogany sea-chair, looking at him with an expression that wavered between affection, exasperation, rage, and anxiety.

“Soki,” he began, his smooth baritone too soft to be overheard by the officers no doubt clustered outside her door. She cut him off sharply.
“Captain! Do not DARE call be aught but Captain right now, you smooth little biting snake. I tell, do I not, I TELL you that it does no good for you to duel with Casien. I tell you, do not do this. So what interrupts my supper? Is my new Chelaxian lover, come to woo me once more with honeyed words, some pleasant diversion? NO! It is my Chelaxian, yes, but now my Chelaxian headache, sword drawn against my officer, the good Taldan Casien, who has been hauling lines and slitting throats on this ship for six years!” She was on her feet now, standing almost chest to chest, towering over him by half a foot and snarling down into his sad, upturned face.

“Captain, I…” he was cut short again, this time by a vicious slap from her long, coal-black hand. Followed by both of her hands, seizing his face and roughly pulling it to hers in a harsh kiss.

When she released him, her voice was softer, her tone sad. “Why do you do this, Tark? You cannot be on this ship now. Kill you, or put you off, one of these I must do. Did you tire of Soki so quickly? Did my good second mate die so that you could be free of me?
And why now? You know that two days behind us is one of the great damned galleys of your people, of the Imperial Navy. Maybe some devil-binder in tow. I need all my crew now, all my cunning, and I would very much like to have my little Tark advising me about his people, and keeping the nights in my hammock free of worry. Why do you give the ship and her captain so much trouble now?”

Tarchinis closed his nearly black eyes, leaning into the hand still cradling his face, and sighed sadly.

“Yes, dear Soki. I killed him so you would send me away. No, put away that look, and listen first. Please. I do not wish to be sent away because I am bored, or want another, or just want to be away. I do not wish to be sent away at all. My three months aboard the Ruthazek’s Breath have been a memory I will always treasure. My time with her captain even more so. But it is because of that galley that I must go. That galley pursues you because of me. “

A frown creased the captain’s face, and she gently turned the shorter man’s shoulder, unlatching the manacles that held his wrists together behind his back. She settled back into her seat, grabbing a long-necked brown bottle and gesturing with it to another, plainer chair. Forgoing glass or corkscrew, she seized the cork in her strong, bright-white teeth, twisted her head like a shark taking a bite of a whale, and spat it out onto the floor.

“There is a tale, here, I think. Tell, “she ordered curtly, tilting the bottle back to let a hearty measure of wine pour back her throat.
The Chelaxian sat, grateful to get off of his feet for the first time since his duel.

“I’ve told you that I come from a well-to-do family in Cheliax. That much is true. In fact, just a few years ago, we had garnered enough wealth from our shipping interests and curried enough favor with the Thrice-Damned house of Thrune that my grandfather was able to purchase a minor title. I was now a descendant of the Parabaronet Verance. “He gave a lopsided grin and made a sarcastically celebratory twirling gesture with his forefinger. “As such a scion, I did my duty to my house and its businesses, even serving shipboard for a few journeys. It was three years ago, when my troubles began.”

He leaned back, holding out a hand to request the bottle. The captain took another long swig, then handed it to him. He mimicked her, handed it back, and continued with another lopsided grin.

“It will, of course, surprise a woman of your sophistication and virtue,” he smiled at the captain’s rough snort of laughter “that it was, in fact, a woman that got me in to trouble. The daughter of the Parabaronet’s sometime partner, sometime rival. Who had been promised in marriage to the wealthiest banker in Kintargo. “ He reclaimed the bottle, took another swig. “My grandfather found it suddenly inconvenient to be related to such a scoundrel, and I found it suddenly inconvenient to be in Cheliax. Then there was that little misunderstanding about a certain set of black pearl jewelry in Korvosa, some ugly accusations in Magnimar…For as vast a wilderness as Varisia is, Soki, it is amazing how quickly it can grow small. The long and the short of it, my dear, is that my shipboard experience – and knowledge of the Kintago shipping lanes – was soon being put to good use by the Captains of Riddleport. I had risen so high as second mate myself, believe it or not, and a mere eight months ago, when my latest reversal of fortune occurred.”

He took another drink, his face twisting with genuine irritation as he remembered. “We spotted a nice, fat, juicy merchantman, heading south for the Cheliax, flying flags out of Kintago. We were three, he was one, and far from home. Well, as it turns out, the owner was aboard, with his important guests. As you may guess, lovely Soki, yes, the owner was none other than the wealthiest banker in Kintago. Among his guests were the Parabaronet Verance, and Devilbinder from the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. I saw my Grandfather face to face – though across a hundred yards of foaming sea – for the first time in over two years. Not an encounter I had planned for or desired. “

“It was the devilbinder that was the real problem. That, and, as you can no doubt imagine, the pair of devils that he summoned. It was only by the simple expedient of jumping overboard and climbing aboard our faster frigate that I survived; the other two ships went to the bottom in flames. Where the wind came from that caught our sails but left the merchantman foudering, I know not, but the moment I set foot on the riverport dock, I threw my symbol of Asmodeus - one of the last relics from home – into the depths, and bought one of Besmara from a street hawker.” He glanced down at his chest, fished a pewter skull and crossbones on a leather thong from beneath his bloodstained silk shirt, smiled at it fondly. “So, a pirate’s life for me, in honest truth.”

“I had no doubt that I would be traced to Riddleport, so I signed with a crew heading for the Shackles. That was aboard the Fiesty Falchion, my love, which you had the common decency to board and send to the bottom. Captain Addelfrue was a blend of incompetence, cruel sadism, and lecherous greed that I had never seen in a Gnome before, and my weeks aboard were some of the worst of my life. I’m quite glad you chose to take aboard crew, Captain – and not just because I’ve found your hammock so inviting.” He grinned even as he winced – the sharp leather toe of the Captain’s boot had unerringly found his shin, but her scowl did not really reach her eyes.

“But I will lay coppers to diamonds that that ship is coming for me. They’ll have a signifier, or a devilbinder, or an Asmodean priest or inquisitor with them. So you need to be able to tell them, without lying, that you put me off, or marooned me, and had honest reason to do so. So it’s time for me to go, my Captain. I hope the Queen of the All the Fleets is kind, and lets us serve shipboard together again before we all serve together in the deeps, but, even if not, I’ll always remember my time aboard the Ruthazek’s Breath very, very fondly.”

Captain Soki regarded him from under a raised eyebrow, through which a delicate golden wire hoop had been threaded.

“You do not think, this galley, that the Breath could take her?” Tarchinis’s face grew flat.

“Please, love, don’t even try. Guyvor, your Sea Witch, is fine for patching wounds and predicting the weather, but he’d be a candle in a hurricane against the magical might they’ll bring. They’ll be arrogant, they’ll demand to board, but give them no cause, answer their questions, and they’ll leave you in peace. The seas are more interesting for you being on them, Captain Soki, and so that – and not boredom or another lover – is why I must leave you.”

The captain nodded, and they fell into, first, an uncomfortable silence, which lengthened into a comfortable one.

**
At dawn, Byric and his mate sat, armed to the teeth, in the ships boat while Tarchinis rowed the boat laden with his sea-chest towards the shore of the island. He was well out of any area that he knew, and had not had his astrolabe out of its leather case since well before his duel. Where he was, he knew not – and he hoped that Soki did not know it well, either. If she could just evade the galley for a little longer… Hopefully, the means to move on could be found…

The Captain watched, stony-faced, as the Chelaxian receded towards the strand. Fineas, the wiry halfelven first mate, respectfully cleared his throat behind her. She turned, making an inquisitive click with her tongue.

“Beggin’ the captain’s pardon, but yon rake,” he pointed his chin towards the rowboat,” gave me a message ‘fore his duel yesterday. ‘After I’m gone – dead in the duel, or executed, or put off – go and have a look around Casien’s cabin. And remember his habit of sharing a bottle of Taldan brandy with you and the Captain.’ So, I looks, last night, and here’s what I finds…”

He held out a vial full of a grayish, black-flecked powder. Dark Reaver powder – they both knew this deadly poison. Their eyes met for a moment, then she turned back to the rail. Where no one could see, she let a small, sly smile flit across her face.

“Speak of this to no-one. But I shall want to know more about Casien’s friends. Discretely, but soon.”

“Aye, aye, Ma’am.”


I be lookin for a ship, I do.

Crunch:

Spoiler:
Pai Ratkarzsuhish
Female Gnome Rogue (Pirate) 2
CG Small Humanoid (gnome)
Init +5; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +4 Dex, +1 size)
hp 13 (2d8)
Fort +0, Ref +7, Will +0; +2 vs. illusions
Defensive Abilities evasion
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft., swinging reposition
Melee Dagger +6 (1d3-1/19-20/x2) and
. . Masterwork Rapier +7 (1d4-1/18-20/x2) and
. . Punching dagger +6 (1d3-1/x3)
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
Spell-Like Abilities Dancing Lights (1/day), Ghost Sound (1/day), Prestidigitation (1/day), Speak with Animals (1/day)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 8, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12
Base Atk +1; CMB -1; CMD 13
Feats Sea Legs, Weapon Finesse
Traits Barroom Talespinner (1/week), Rapscallion
Skills Acrobatics +11 (+7 jump), Bluff +6, Climb +6, Craft (weapons) +11, Diplomacy +2, Disable Device +12, Escape Artist +9, Fly +6, Knowledge (local) +7, Perception +7, Perform (sing) +7, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +13, Swim +6
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Sylvan
SQ illusion resistance, master tinker
Combat Gear Potion of cure light wounds, Potion of mage armor; Other Gear Masterwork Lamellar cuirass, Dagger, Masterwork Rapier, Punching dagger, Artisan's tools, masterwork (Craft [weapons]), Backpack, masterwork (empty), Bedroll, Spider's silk rope, Thieves' tools, masterwork, Waterskin, 4 GP, 9 SP
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Special Abilities
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Barroom Talespinner (1/week) Make DC 15 Knowledge (Local) or Int to gain +1 to influence Wormwood NPCs.
Dancing Lights (1/day) (Sp) With Charisma 11+, cast Dancing Lights once per day.
Evasion (Ex) If you succeed at a Reflex save for half damage, you take none instead.
Ghost Sound (1/day) (Sp) With Charisma 11+, cast Ghost Sound once per day.
Illusion Resistance +2 racial bonus to saves against illusions.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Master Tinker You are proficient with any weapon you have personally crafted.
Prestidigitation (1/day) (Sp) With Charisma 11+, cast Prestidigitation once per day.
Sneak Attack +1d6 +1d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Speak with Animals (1/day) (Sp) With Charisma 11+, cast Speak with Animals once per day.
Swinging Reposition (Ex) Can move 5 feet as a free action after a charge or bull rush when masts and riggings are present.

Fluff:

Spoiler:
Pai grew up in and around the taverns of various cities across the shoreline of the Inner Sea, from Riddleport down to Port Peril. She always found herself drawn to tales of the high seas, and the seadogs who be telling them. She has long sought a career as a pirate, instead having to settle for singing sea shanties at various taverns throughout the world. Every time she thinks she's going to be taken in she's been disappointed and left at the dock watching as the ships leave. At 96, she's growing increasingly worried of the Bleaching, and fears the only way she can stop it is to become a pirate. As such, she has spent long years hopping from port to port, and stowing away on ship after ship, only to be abandoned at the next port time after time.

Small In Character sample:

Spoiler:

Perhaps today will be my lucky day, perhaps today I can find me a ship that could take me on a more than just a bilge rat or passenger.

"I want to be a pirate
A pirate's life for me
All my friends are pirates
And sail the b. b. sea
I've got a jolly roger
Its black and white and vast
Get out of your skull and crossbones
And I'll run it up your mast

With a yo-ho-ho
And a ya-ha-ha
And a ye-hee-hee-ho-hum
With a yo-ho-ho
And a ya-ha-ha
And a yum-yum-jum-jum
Now gimme some rum!"

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Pai bounces off the bar where she had been nimbly dancing and singing to avoid everyone's drinks, doing a back flip and landing on the nearest bar stool.Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

"Watcha lookin at ye scallywag? Ainchye never seen a gnome afore?" She growls at the barkeep staring at her.

And bonus points who can tell me where the song is from :)

Edit: Why a pirate's life? It's always been me dream. And it's a sure fire way to be intrestin nuff to not gets bleached.

What would I do? Well I'd be mighty good up in the crow's nest I'd say.


So I put together the list of applicants that I've gotten so far. I'll take a look through everything and put out some questions tomorrow.

List of Applicants:

  • Skaldi the Tallest, male half-elf Summoner - twilsemail
  • Bjorkus, male minotaur bard(sea singer)/ranger(freebooter) - Feral
  • Terz "Lux", male catfolk Fighter(two-weapon warrior) - Gnomezrule
  • Randall McNally, male human(varisian) bard(sea singer) - Vanulf Wulfson
  • Tachinis Verance, male human(chelaxian) fighter/rogue - mellowgoth
  • Pai Ratkarzsuhish, female gnome rogue(pirate) - Cori Marie


  • 1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Also, Pai, the song is George Harrison's Pirate Song from the Rutland Weekend Television show. Just watched it on YouTube. Entertaining. :)

    Liberty's Edge

    Looking forward to those questions!


    @Bjorkus: Does Bjorkus know the name of the Taldan captain that caught his former home? How does he feel about the Taldans?

    @Lux: Who was the Chelish privateer that the Sargavan merchant vessel you were on ran into? Did the battle end with the destruction of the merchant vessel? What is Lux's views on slavery?

    @Randall: I've got the answers for the other questions I asked you in the other game.

    @Tachinis: Alright, I've got no questions. That's a fantastic vignette there.

    @Pai: Why is Pai being abandoned at each port? It seems like there's a story there.

    Edit: Ninja'd by Feral. Not completely amazing, though, since I've been at it for about 45 minutes. Reading and double-checking, plus that long backstory from Tachinis.


    She hasn't been abandoned at port in reality, but it's how she personally see it. A few times she's offered her services, but the particular ship had no need of them. Most times though she was a stowaway and thrown off in anger by the captain and crew. Her own personal view of these events is that it's a personal attack on her and not the standard actions of a crew. And as each year passes, she tries a little harder, because each year brings her closer to the bleaching. And some of the times she's been 'abandoned' in reality she was a passenger on the ship and had been dropped off at her destination.

    Liberty's Edge

    I was mistaken in Bjorkus's backstory. The navel fleet that burned his former ship down was aligned with Cheliax. From what I understand about the Shackles and the surrounding area, Taldor doesn't have much of a presence there.

    Bjorkus didn't know first-hand who was in charge of the navy vessels that captured and burned down Iron Osprey's ship but upon arriving in Port Peril, via the rumor mill, he learned more. The small Chelaxian fleet was headed by the bitter and merciless Admiral Javert. The Admiral had a reputation for being a deadly pirate hunter and was bold to his purpose as few Chelaxian ships were brave (or crazy enough) to sail that close to the Shackles.

    Having essentially grown up on a smuggling ship, Bjorkus has a very poor grasp of global politics but he knows enough to understand that Cheliax and its navy represent a serious threat to his way of life. The minotaur doesn't dwell on revenge - he held no love for Iron Osprey and most of her crew - but some of his fallen comrades have passed through his thoughts. Some of the lost were good men that deserved better deaths. For them, Bjorkus has dreamt of a chance to lock horns (har har) with the infamous Javert with a proper warship under his hooves, a sharp blade in his hands, and a fleet of his own at his back.

    Dark Archive

    @DM Bound Shade: I'm going to withdraw Skaldi. I'll mull over another concept I've got going and see if I can post him before you halt the recruiting process. How do you feel about a Juju Oracle from the Mwangi Expanse? How about a Cleric of Besmara?


    I do really want to get in on a S&S game, but I'm not sure how much I'm into hopping in a game in progress. Dotting for now - any idea how much longer recruitment's gonna be open?

    Dark Archive

    Mondays tend to be busy at work for me. That said, I'm going to try to have a sheet up for a Motherless Cleric of Besmara by the end of the day. I really like the Qlippoth spawn and thing they fit (at least aesthetically) in a S&S campaign. His story will be fleshed out by tomorrow morning EST, if I've still got the chance to work on him by then.


    I'll be heading to work soon and I've got an early day tomorrow plus a game tomorrow night, so monday/tuesday is usually a fairly slow time for me. I'm thinking that I'll leave recruitment open for a few more days.


    I'm lookin' fore t' hearin' more.

    Dark Archive

    Here is Quagmire, Cleric of Besmara. I need to flesh him out a bit more, personality wise. I'm trying to sort out how he'll fit with the current crew.

    I'll have his cruch up sometime tonight, when I get home to Hero Lab. I'm pretty sure I'll never find a suitable avatar.

    ETA: Quagmire would also be going for the role of "Pilot." Taking hte burden from Sandara.

    Is there a breakdown somewhere of the various roles and what's expected of them?


    so what are the filled ship roles?

    Dark Archive

    They're in the Campaign Info tab. Copied and Pasta'd here for convenience.

    Captain: Aoro Osiris (PC)
    Boatswain(Bosun): Rosie Cusswell
    Sailing Master: Unassigned
    Quartermaster: Conchobhar Shorstone
    Master-At-Arms: Torque (PC)
    Master Gunner: Gene Deathcraft (PC)
    Carpenter/Surgeon: Sandara Quinn
    Pilot: Sandara Quinn
    Cook: Ambrose "Fishguts" Kroop

    One of the PCs, Sunny, has yet to take on a role.

    Dark Archive

    Having just realized that my PC's name is a pop culture reference, I'll change it in the morning. Oops.


    DM Bound Shade wrote:

    @Lux: Who was the Chelish privateer that the Sargavan merchant vessel you were on ran into? Did the battle end with the destruction of the merchant vessel? What is Lux's views on slavery?

    I guess I should have fleshed that out a little more. Unless there is a NPC you want to tie Lux to, the Chelish privateer was Captain Gregor Drine, some lower aristocrat trying to make a name for himself in the empire. He was the captain of the "Black Bargin." Drine attacked the Sargavan vessel that "Lux" was on the merchant galley the "Wayward Wave." The boat was accidentally destroyed when the wale oil caught fire and naturally went BOOM. Lux was blown from the rigging and fished from the wreckage by the "Black Bargin's" crew.

    "Lux" has an eye for an eye view on most things. He is not fond of slavery, it hurt him pretty bad. Though he has lived in a region that has pretty much ruled by the strong forcing their way so he understands slavery's place in that. He has no desire to see someone "innocent" end up enslaved. Though he would love to see someone get what's coming to them.


    DM Bound Shade wrote:
    Reading and double-checking, plus that long backstory from Tachinis.

    Yeah...And I lost that post twice before I was clever enough to write it out in Word and copy/paste it in. Heh. Live and learn.


    Um...I had put my hand up fer 'Sailing Master'. Still...Sunny's Profession Skill be only about 4.

    So she's still workin' hard at 'learnin' tha ropes'.

    Very much best wishes to every one. (^_^)


    ""Stick with me little Sunspot. I'll show you t' ropes.""

    Bjorkus has +8.

    Also, moo.


    @twilsemail: Your cleric's race is listed as "motherless"? I'm curious as to what that is.

    Some of the roles have been added by the players. 'Pilot' is an example. Some ships are piloted by the Captain, others aren't.

    Really, really basic breakdown of roles
    Captain: Guy in charge, decides where to go and what to do, responsible for success
    Boatswain(Bosun): Responsible for the deck and day to day operations on the ship. Responsible for discipline. Typically second or third in command.
    Sailing Master: In charge of the sails for the ship, ensuring that they're handled properly and kept in working condition.
    Quartermaster: Oversees the cargo, weapons, and stores of the ship.
    Master-At-Arms: Responsible for the ship's security, seeing that all of the crew is properly trained and armed for combat, and dispensing of justice (might conflict with boatswain a bit)
    Master Gunner: Keeps shipboard weapons supplied and in working order. Ensures that the crew knows how to operate them.
    Carpenter/Surgeon: Responsible for repair and maintenance of the ship, especially below deck. Above deck, the mainly replace damaged sections, as the maintenance is often overseen by the Bosun. Performs surgery when needed on crew members. May be a separate position on different ships.
    Pilot: Steers the ship, typically at the captain or other officers' direction.
    Cook: Prepares food for the crew and oversees the ship's stores of food. May or may not be responsible for procurement.

    That's a really basic, quick and dirty breakdown. Additionally, some ships may include a Cabin Boy/Girl, who is typically anywhere in age from a pre-teen to a young adult that is learning the ways of sailing in a sort of apprenticeship.

    @mellowgoth: Yeah, sometimes I store posts with tags on Word documents for later access as well.

    @Sunny: Updated. I listed you as 'Sailing Master'.


    (^_^)

    O'course, I jus' done jumped in't tha' roiling waves....So there might be an openin' in'a position afore long. :P


    Ah, well Bjorkus would make a fine Boatswain too. He's plenty intimidating.

    Wouldn't want to displace any PCs.


    I would like to submit a character for this campaign.This is my first app for an online campaign so bare with me on this.

    Xiala CN
    Female Bonuwat Mwangi
    Priest of Besmara
    STR13
    DEX14
    CON9
    INT14
    WIS14+2 for human
    CHR13

    Traits:Hurricane Savy
    Buccaneer's Blood.
    Feats:Skilled Driver(watercraft)Human
    Skill Focus(Prof Sailor)or Extra Turning
    Ship position:Pilot
    Brief History:Daughter to a skilled pilot of a pirate vessel(GMs discretion which one)Xiala has larceny in her blood. When in port her father often showed her the ship he served on and would instruct her in ways of piloting a vessel. Xiala's mother was a tavern wench who died when Xiala was still a babe. With her mother gone and her father away from port for long periods of time Xiala was raised by a local Besmaran priest who educated her in the ways of sailing,pirating and the Besmaran doctrine(what little of it there is.)One day her father never came home and Xiala is always keeping an eye out for him or any word of his fate.

    Personality:
    "There's pirate blood in me and im good with that."
    Xiala is truly happy when gambling or behind the wheel of a ship.Fast talking con artist who will cheat you out of your coin Xiala loves the life of a pirate and the freedom it brings. Xiala is motivated by swag ,but maintains a bit of honor.Caring little for senseless slaughter you can trust her with your life just not your coinpurse.

    Appearance:Think Zoe Saladana from the 1st pirates movie

    Dark Archive

    Motherless are tieflings with Qlippoth heritage. They are the least human looking of the Tiefling varieties. The mother almost never survives the birth, thus the name.

    Somewhat off Topic. How the heck do Tieflings survive to adulthood? it take 3-4 geneartions of humans to raise them to adulthood.


    Slight Correction:

    Boatswain(Bosun) is in charge of the sails and rigging.
    Sailing Master is in charge of navigation, maps, and dealing with large-scale hazards, such as weather. They're similar to the pilot in my mind, but the pilot deals with what's there in front of them and enacts the course set by the sailing master.


    @twilsemail: That's what I thought, but couldn't pin it down with a quick check. Thanks for clarifying.

    @Aramuth: What was her father's profession? If he was a pirate, did he have a reputation?


    I used to come up with elaborate past for my characters but thru the years ive found it better to say whatever works best for the campaign.Though i dont see her wanting to find someone who was a blackhearted murderer.

    A few more details about the character.
    Shes of Mwangi heritage but was raised in and around ports all her life so she feels no connection to what she considers "primitive tribesmen".
    As such native magic or juju really unsettles her. She tends to be on edge around anyone who uses magic that could be considered such.Xiala considers a good time in port being a good card game,a good drink and good companionship(In that order).
    With her father having disappeared a few years back with no explanation she just wants some closure whether that involves reuniting with him,burying him or stealing him blind shes just looking for answers.


    All that and didnt answer your question. Sorry.
    Yes he was a pirate thus she has the Buccaneer's Blood trait.
    It wasnt so much that he was a famous or infamous Free Captain. He was a very capable officer that served under a Free Captain. That being not everyone can be Luke someone has to be Wedge.

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