Skull & Shackles: AP #55 - 60 (Inactive)
Game Master ThatEvilGuy

well that was sad, I was hoping to at least get a chance to hit once or twice before I went down... sigh...

well that was sad, I was hoping to at least get a chance to hit once or twice before I went down... sigh...

Apparently you are more of a lover than a fighter.

Ned looks with eyes wide open at Seijiro on the ground, blood trickling from his mouth. He looks sideways at Jasmine and whispers.

We could sure use that money.

He then approaches Sandara and asks:

Can you get me up and running for tomorrow's activities if that - points at Seijiro - happens to me?

If she agrees, he takes off his shirt and hat, asking Jasmine to hold them. He then procceeds to pray for his life.

Ned will cast divine favor, bless, guidance and virtue, on that order before joining battle. He will use the +1 bonus of the guidance spell on Initiative check.

Ned approaches the giant, stretching his arms and preparing for the bout.

I'll give ya your show, mate.

Jasmine nods approvingly at Ned, Will his luck finally turn?, a doubtful eye after witnessing Seijiro get pummeled.

Come on Ned, a win will do a lot to gain respect on this tub of leaks. Her eyes shift over to the unconscious member of the crew.

Plugg smirks. "Ahhh, more punishment for the new blood." he chuckles and sneers. "Again, Owlbear."

The large, brutish man grins idiotically. "Umm... okay, sir! I gonna beat this one good too!"

Ned moves just a split second faster than Owlbear! There's been something nagging at the back of his mind since he saw the way that the big man moved and attacked Seijiro, and the same thing is bothering him right now when he realizes that Owlbear seems to be blind in his left eye and despite his lucky shot, his movements are sluggish, if powerful.

If you attempt to fight Owlbear from his left side you can make a free DC 10 Acrobatics or Bluff check each round. Success indicates that he can't possibly hit you as take advantage of his weakness.

I'm a glutton for punishment...a gold piece on Unlucky Ned. Seeing a person willing to take the bet she nods. "Come Ned, you survived the roaring sea when she spit you onboard this ship, certainly this feather man can't beat the man of the sea spit out."

Ned brings his hands up carefully analyzing his opponent's movements and trying to ready a dodge.

Make that five gold, love!

Anticipating the punch, he ducks to his right, approaching the enemy by its left side.

Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10. Phew!
Free Action: Maintain Sermonic Performance (1/5).
Move action: Approach the Owlbear.
Standard Action: Unarmed attack - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 bludgeoning nonlethal damage.

In case I survive this round, I'll post my next action to speed things up:

Round 2

Ned keeps dodging and ducking to his opponent's left, trying to avoid his attention and dodge his blows.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12. Phew!
Free Action: Maintain Sermonic Performance (2/5).
Move action: Circle the Owlbear, keeping to his left side.
Standard Action: Unarmed attack - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 bludgeoning nonlethal damage.

"I don't think you are worth 5 GPs, but if I must...5 more GP on Unlucky Ned. Go pluck some feather dear."

Amerdan watches on with beleaguered amusement. He's not a violent man, but he's not without some sense of schadenfreude either.

"Careful, Jasmine, your pockets are not without their bottoms."

Jasmine waits patiently for the fist fight to begin.

Ned's first swing manages to miss Owlbear and the counter-attack doesn't even come close to touching the priest with his wild, and slow, swing. It's evident that Seijiro wasn't knocked out by skill but by pure, dumb luck on the brute's part. Ned's fist connects easily with Owlbear's stomach and he responds with a jab a foot off from where Ned is bobbing and weaving.

"Stand still so's I can hit you!", whines the big man.

"Now that is a sound tactical strategy...stand still to be hit," smirking.

Round 2

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree, big fella!

Ned begins to breathe heavily as the effort to circle this large opponent's reach starts to take its toll on the castaway.

Free Action: Maintain Sermonic Performance (3/5).
Move action: Circle the Owlbear, keeping to his left side.
Acrobatics check DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 FAIL!

Oh shi-

Seeing his enemy turned too fast, Ned throws only a light punch, getting his fists up so he defend himself from the blow.

Standard Action: Fighting Defensively Unarmed attack - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 bludgeoning nonlethal damage. Effect: +2 dodge bonus to AC until next round.

Owlbear grunts as Ned strikes him again and stumbles back, his lower lip trembling slightly as it looks like he's about to cry.

"You simpleton!", yells out Plugg, "Can't you do anything right? Use this you and finish the lubber off!"

Mr. Plugg throws a club towards Owlbear who looks at it for a few seconds in confusion and then picks it up and then his face brightens. "I hit!" he says and gets ready to strike.

Ned's eyes widen with surprise at this obvious betrayal.

I should have expected it, damnit Ned!

The pirate drops his arms from the boxing defensive posture, seeing that blocking a wodden bat's blow will break his arm. He instead positions his arms low to the side for balance, hoping to dodge any blows.

Should I declare my action? Did he spend his to get the weapon?

He spent his round picking the weapon up and feeling all proud of himself.

Round 4

Ned whispers almost to himself, hoping that special someone to hear his prayers.

You didn't save me from the wreck and pluck me outta water for nothin', Bes. You're not givin' me this death so soon.

He feints left and dodges right, planting a punch in the giant's ribs.

Free Action: Maintain Sermonic Performance (4/5).
Move action: Circle the Owlbear, keeping to his left side.
Acrobatics check DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Standard Action: Unarmed attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 bludgeoning nonlethal damage.

Posting my next round action:

Round 5

Sweat running down his brow and stinging his eyes, Ned grits his teeth in anger. The giant only has to land one single hit and he's out, maybe for good. Dodging each blow at the last second is starting to take its toll on the poor pirate.

DAMNIT, JUST FALL DOWN ALREADY!

Free Action: Maintain Sermonic Performance (5/5).
Move action: Circle the Owlbear, keeping to his left side.
Acrobatics check DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Standard Action: Unarmed attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 bludgeoning nonlethal damage.

As Ned's fist connects with Owlbear's kidney the big man staggers back and his lower lip trembles before he bursts into tears.

"No more! No more! Please, no more hurt!" he blubbers as he stumbles away from Ned, trying to get away. The circle of pirates, most of them lickspittles for both Plugg and Scourge, push him back roughly towards the Besmaran cleric.

"Go on, ye big cry baby! Finish the lubber off!" yells out Plugg, disgust and scorn, moreso than usual, drips from every word. Owlbear turns his pleading, red-rimmed eyes towards Ned and cringes as he cries even harder, his face covered in snot and tears.

"Please! Don't hit me no more! I be good!" he says in a fear-choked, childlike voice.

Jasmine looks a bit astounded at the blubbering man.

I'm still here, but as far as I know, Seijiro is still unconscious, which is why I'm not posting... I guess it's up to others for the time being... Now that we're back, let's get things going!

Ned looks uncertain at the man.

'Tis a trick? Doesn't look like it.

I believe the result here is clear, mateys. Your man forfeits.

"Lucky watch him...don't become unlucky again."I've got 6 gold on you lucky.

Amerdan snorts.

That is all, lol.

Jasmine looks up at Mr Plugg and scrouge to see their reactions.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Mr. Plugg's eyes narrow in annoyance, watching his "champion" break down like a beaten child.

"It looks like it." he hisses venomously, glaring at Owlbear, who is looking down and wiping his hand across his nose and sniffles. "Here's your gold. I am a man of my word." he snarls and throws the bag at Ned's feet.

"Owlbear. Here. Now." he commands and the big man dejectedly walks over towards his master, though he falters for a moment and looks back over at Ned with a single emotion plastered over his simple features.

Gratitude.

He hurries over to Mr. Plugg who starts whispering angrily at him and leads him below deck, presumably back to his "room".

100 gold pieces for the party! Jasmine, you can collect your 6 gold on top of it as well.

The Besmaran priestess moves over to Seijiro and says a prayer to her goddess, filling the kitsune with the Pirate Queen's healing grace.

2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 7) + 5 = 15 healing for Seijiro

"Quite a lump ye took there, lad. Lucky 'Owlbear' din' break yer neck with that hit." she says with a smirk then turns her attention to Ned. "Nice fight. Yer even still on yer feet, somehow. Don't happen often when the First Mate sends his pet t'teach the new bloods a lesson from what I've heard."

She pulls out her ever-present pipe and lights it up.

Jasmine walks over to the indebted crew member and retrieves her winnings. She gives on brief nod to the sailor. The walks back to Amerdan and Ned.

Seijiro looks up at Sandara with gratitude and rubs his aching head... "oooh that hurt... not sure what's hurt more... my head or my pride... not that I'm much of a fighter but to be honest none of us really are. What happened after I got hit?" He gets up slowly as he checks for what's still hurting... though he moves like nothing's really damanged. "Thank you for your healing touch, ma'am." He bows formally to Sandara as a show of thanks.

Ned nods respectfully to the cowering giant as he takes the gold sack.

Got a couple'a coins heading yar way if ya can do tha same wit me, pretty lady.

He kneels next to Seijiro, and offers his hand for the boy to get up.

Are yaright there, boy? Let's take the sting of that punch with a nice bottle'o'rum, shall we?

Seijiro accepts Ned's hand and gets help getting up. "I'm good, thanks to Sandara, the sting is gone, and I thank you for your offer, but rum?" He switches to a low whisper, and continues, "I dunno... I've been tryin' ta stay clear o' drink as much as I can... do you have your own here or are ya referrin' to the nightly tot?"

He looks from Owlbear to Ned at the strange looks between them. "What happened? Did someone beat him?"

Ned smiles, the blood in his mouth responding the question. The fact he's sweaty and shirtless could factor on that, too.

At least let's get inside. It's getttin' chilly up hear.

"Might be chilly cause you are in need of a shirt." Seijiro chuckles then looks around to make sure going below right now isn't going to get them in any kind of trouble...

Jasmine come up to Ned..."Good job but don't think Plugg appreciated the performance." Touching Lucky's forearm, "You need to be careful."

"Damn, wish I could have seen you beat him... that must've been something to see alright." He whispers again, "Especially the look on Plugg's face when you won. I think Jasmine has a point - watch your back, mate."

Amerdan rolls his eyes. "Yes, yes, good job, watch your back, and so on. Now can we return inside?"

Oops, SUPER wrong alias.

"That'd be a mighty fine idea." she says as she takes a puff from her pipe then tips the tobbacco out into the sea. "An' the look on Plugg's face was worth the beatin' ye took, Seijiro. I'm just sorry I din't get to ye fast enough t'bring ye back sooner so ye could have seen it."

BTW, the Chelish diva (divo for men!) is an awesome archetype. Took one from 1st to 16th in Curse of the Crimson Throne. There's something awesome about a bard with as much AC as the tank.

cool, sounds interesting... I'm not familiar with the archetype, but now I want to go look it up!

what time is it - is this after dinner? before or after rum time? have we done our evening actions or did this count as them?

Whispering, Seijiro talks to Ned quietly, "If ya get a chance, ya should talk to that big lug. He seems quite grateful to you for not killin' him. He might prove friendly now and it would be a good thing to have someone Plugg depends on as loyal ta be friendly with us instead."

BTW, the Chelish diva (divo for men!) is an awesome archetype. Took one from 1st to 16th in Curse of the Crimson Throne. There's something awesome about a bard with as much AC as the tank.

His character is awesome, he is playing it in my COT game. He is new to the group as a replacement player and he jumped in wiht both feet.

Jasmine follows closely behind the others. When we are alone, "We need to continue to work on the crew finding more allies, Lucky's beating may have swayed a few."

Amerdan nods in agreement with Jasmine's remark. "Indeed. I've been speaking with the chirurgeon, but he seems to be fairly neutral and hardly in the business of making new friends. We'll have to cast a wider net."

Amerdan lowers his head, attempting to deflect any attention from his unintentional pun.

Sandara nods to Jasmine. "Most of us were pressed an' have no loyalty t'Harrigan and his officers beyond fear. Some of the pirates here are good men an' women just under hard circumstances. They'll take Lucky's mercy as a good thing an' it'll raise him in their eyes. Others'll take it as a sign o' weakness. Any choice be a double edged blade onboard a ship like this." She looks up to the sky and purses her lips. "Looks like a storm may be rollin' in a few days."

Amerdan believes that it will be much sooner than a few days judging from the look of the sky as the sun sets.

Does Jasmine notice any change in the air as an Air elelmentalist Jasmine will sepnd the evenng trying to influence and to geta feel for how Lucky's mercy is playing out with the crew members.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

She is focusing her attention on the gnome, Conchobhar Turlach Shortsone. Approaching him and flirting slightly complimenting him on his style.

Under my character profile there is a spoiler with the NPC attitudes that we have encountered so far. If anyone needs a refresher.

Ned winks to the party before getting his clothes and gear. He quickly counts coins and separates a few left and right. The lucky man takes Jasmine's hands gently, depositing a handkerchief with 25 gold coins inside.

Tanks for believin', pretty lass. As I see ah won't be needin' that much coin, ya seem that needs it more than meself.

As the party gets inside, he slips another 25 gold coins into Seijiro's hand.

Ya tired him up, mate, made it easier for me. Ya should have ya share.

Finally, the pirate tries approaching Amerdan.

You an' me haven't seen eye to eye yet, matey. But ya look like a mity fine young sailor. But if ya aim to survive this current predicament, ya better start makin' friends. Hope this coin can help ya wit it.

Seijiro looks down at the coins in surprise... then nods in thanks... murmurs softly, "Thankee, Lucky..." He slips the coins away somewhere inside his shirt.

These will come in very handy. Nice man, that Lucky.