There be lootin' to do - Skulls & Shackles

Game Master Spazmodeus

Clearly I overdid it on her colorful speculations...

Isabella laughs. "Make it stop? They'll not stop until they've wiped you all out like the prey you are." She seems to be gaining steam and contempt again. "Krelloort and his tribe dwell in Mancatcher Cove, along with the treasure of Cyrus Wolfe. You're welcome to take the fight to them if you think that's something you can handle...but I suspect you'll find you're mistaken. As to my map..." Her face clouds over. "I was tattooed when I was much younger. I used Krelloort to kill the man who did it, when he went to track down the treasure." She smiles again. "I've got his head in a jar. So...now what will you do with me, eh?"

Isaac frowns at Isabella's revelation that the sahaugin won't stop attacking. "Then, I guess we be takin' th' figh' to 'em."

He frowns and raises an eyebrow at her story of the map. "I be curious as to why ye be tattoo'd wit' th' map in th' firs' plac' an' why ye us'd this Krelloort to kill th' man who did it. I kno' it be odd. Bu' humor me fer a second. Wer' ye treat'd poorly?"

When she asks about her fate, Isaac turns to his officers. "Well, wha' be yer thoughts on 'er fate?" He turns to Arhiel. "I can be figurin' yer choic', Arhiel." He turns back to Isabella. "By th' way, can ye be fixin' 'er sight?"

Diplomacy (Diana's Enhance Diplomacy): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 = 18

"It's not a happy bedtime story," the woman says sullenly. "He was a predator. I was his prey. I found a better, nastier predator eventually."

When Isaac asks about fixing Arhiel's sight, Isabella snorts. "You're on your own, there. I blind people. I don't unblind. Ask a cleric."

People can correct me if I'm wrong, but given that the spell has a duration of "permanent" rather than "concentration," I don't think that she can dispel it.

you're correct

Isaac frowns. "Well... s&$@. I be sorry to hear tha'. No one shoul' go through such a thing."

When Isaac hears Isabella's response about not being able to remove the blindness from Arhiel, he turns to Arhiel. "Sorry, Arhiel. Jus' be holdin' on fer a bit. Mayb' Sandara can be removin' it."

"I'm hoping so... otherwise it's going to be a long, dark time for me."

We need our old first mate back... Might make sense to lay in a stock of things like scrolls of remove blindness, remove disease, restoration, etc.

The sorcerer has not helped us much. At best she has earned a quick death. Diana puts forth. Turning back to the woman she asks Why do you still work for Krelloort? How does he hold your loyalty? After the sorcerer answers this question Diana will prompt Give us a reason to let you live. And if we let you go where would you go and what would you do?

"She's got a fair point there, missy.
Why do you show such loyalty."

Isaac nods. "I be curious abou' tha', too."

The sorceress snorts. "Why do I show such loyalty? ...Because Krelloort lets me do what I will and live on the high seas, for the most part, I suppose. It took me years under his thumb, years of servitude, to get this far." She glares at you all. "And if you let me go...well, I imagine we'll meet again. Not for Krelloort's sake, but for my own. If you're weak enough that you'd avoid killing me just to ease your precious consciences, you've got a nasty surprise coming to you. This is a hard, cruel part of a hard, cruel world, and blood and violence are about the only ways to get anything done. As you'll no doubt prove."

Aye then, no alliance to be made here. I say she earned a quick death and that is all. As a small consolation we can free the sea snake when the deed is done as I believe once free of the sorcerer it will revert to a normal sea creature.

Isaac nods at Diana's suggestion, but holds on his judgement until the others share their thoughts.

"I don't like the idea of killing a prisoner who can't fight back, but in this case, I have to agree with Diana... she's earned a quick death. Don't expect me to do it though... I'd be happy to if I could see, but I'd likely botch it in my present condition."

Edward nods.

"I'm on that sentiment as well."

Cold. ;) Will wait to continue until someone moves to do the deed/in case Jaina wants to object.

Thinking its more likely that Jaina will want to do the deed. :)

I can give you cold, crude too.

While Edward wasn't the type to outright kill someone, this was , after all, the safety of his friends at stake.

Bound, helpless, right?

He walks over to the sorceress, and conjures a violin as he approaches.
Playing a soft tune, he kneels near her.

He plays for a full round, during which he places the handle of the striker behind one of the violin's strings, causing an eerie vibe to the music.

"Sorry, miss, i wish it weren't personal, but if you want to make it so, you leave me no choice."

The striker flings from the drawn string, and the sharp head of the striker, that was near her face, launches at her eye.

CDG, unorthodox way, improvised shortbow?: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9
DC 19 fort or striker to the brain.

Well, I was going to do it. But, if Edward manages it, then that's fine.

We can stab people with rapiers in many a game, but how many times can one kill the enemy with a violin? ;)

Jaina's about to step in, but Edward's conjuration of a violin gives her pause.

She catches on to what he's about to do, and stops.

...the bloody bastard's an artist.

Isaac's eyes widen as Edward shoots at Isabella with a violin. "By Besmara's heavin' chest!"

I could have used a flute or a lute, but a violin had more 'wth?' appeal. ;)

Well that was...different. :P

The sorceress jerks, then slumps silently, blood trickling from her eye. The sea snake rushes Edward, but Jaina intercepts it quickly and dispatches it. There's a brief silence in the room after Isaac's exclamation before Agasta sighs.

"Well, that's over at least," she says wearily. "Come on, love. Best we get out of here and let your crew clean this up...it'll be some days before the Shrike returns."

With your for interrogated and dispatched, you're left at loose ends for four days before the ship returns. Go ahead and post any role playing or downtime things you want to get done--and also, go ahead and level up to 6th level as you do! ;)

Arhiel goes with Agasta, allowing herself to be led along, though using her free hand to feel her way around as well.... trying to learn the pathways through the place by touch as well as memory. Memory can fail. "This is so frustrating... but I will make it work until such time as we can get it fixed... " When in private with Agasta, she adds, "I've heard the other senses can compensate for loss of one. Come, dear, and let's see what my sense of touch can do in the dark."

Well that was...different. :P

Happy to be of service.

Isaac's eyes widen as Edward shoots at Isabella with a violin. "By Besmara's heavin' chest!"

Edward stands up again, leaving the violin's bow lodged in the sorceress' eyesocket. His expression is the casual one, albeit a tadbit serious.

"Yes, sorry if that upset your stomach.
I know of applications of a few others, but the how or why isn't important."

He taps Isaac on the shoulder, as he pauses walking towards the door.

"Riddleport's full of people, but people are often acquaintances at best. It's either her death or the risk of the death of friends.
My choice wasn't a difficult one."

"I'm off for some fresh air, see you outside."

Jaina stares at Edward before he leaves.

"...that was BRILLIANT." Her face breaks out into a wide (and, in context, unnerving) grin. "You doing anything later?"

(Turns his head in casual manner)

"I haven't got any particular plans, no. Do you have any suggestions?"

Diana only nods at the group, glad the deed was done. She retrieves the sorcerer's strange false teeth. These might come in handy at the right time if we go to see her 'benefactor'. she says. She is more saddened that the sea snake had to be killed than the sorcerer and returns it to the sea. [/b]Unsure if she is worthy of burial at sea, but what else are we gonna do with the body? We could tie it to the rocks and give her to the crabs.[/b]

"Well, I didn't have much appreciation for violin at first. Now, seeing THAT?" She points to the cooling corpse of the shark-toothed sorceress. "Now, I think I might be interested in learning."

Diana has few plans for the downtime. She will explore the island, using her water walk ability to check out every sea cave and the like/ She will meditate in the evenings and exercise in the mornings and spend as much time as possible under the open sky.

Edward stands up again, leaving the violin's bow lodged in the sorceress' eyesocket. His expression is the casual one, albeit a tadbit serious.

"Yes, sorry if that upset your stomach. I know of applications of a few others, but the how or why isn't important."

Isaac shakes his head. "It be not upsettin' me stomach. It jus' be... shockin', is all."

He taps Isaac on the shoulder, as he pauses walking towards the door. "Riddleport's full of people, but people are often acquaintances at best. It's either her death or the risk of the death of friends. My choice wasn't a difficult one. I'm off for some fresh air, see you outside."

Isaac sighs. "I was abou' to pass judg'men'. Bu' thank ye for doin' it."

Isaac smirks at seeing Jania and Edward get along.

Diana only nods at the group, glad the deed was done. She retrieves the sorcerer's strange false teeth. These might come in handy at the right time if we go to see her 'benefactor'. she says.

Isaac nods at Diana's suggestion.

She is more saddened that the sea snake had to be killed than the sorcerer and returns it to the sea. Unsure if she is worthy of burial at sea, but what else are we gonna do with the body? We could tie it to the rocks and give her to the crabs.

Isaac frowns. "Let us be sendin' 'er to th' sea. Fer Besmara an' out o' prop'r respect."

During his downtime, Isaac will visit his crew, making sure they are okay after the assault. He will also converse/flirt with Rosie (including making out) and checking on Mardus.

The next four days pass idly, with the time spent mostly recovering from the wounds you and your crew sustained in the battle and disposing of the foes' bodies. It's grim work, but not too tiring, and you all recover quickly. Mardus is recovering well, too, and by the fourth day he is walking again, albeit slowly. I think everyone should be back at full HP now.

Late in the afternoon on the fourth day, the Silver Shrike is spotted in the distance, and by evening it is drawing into the harbor. Sanders Quinn is the first off the boat, leaping over the railing to land in the surf and splash her way over to Edward, whom she kisses passionately on the lips. The rest of the crew pile off in a more orderly fashion, greeting friends and admiring battlescars in the surf around the keep, but you notice something odd...Alabaster is nowhere to be seen. Barefoot Samms is the last off the Shrike, and she approaches Isaac directly.

"Message for yeh, cap'n," she says, offering a note. "From Mr. Cain."

That evening, Sandara examines Arhiel, then steps back, shaking her head gravely. "I'm afraid she's beyond my power t'heal," she says, "But there's bound t'be a cleric at a larger temple who can do somethin' t'help. Perhaps if we're headed to Mancatcher Cove we could stop over in Taldas Isle or somesuch?"

Diana watches Sanders and Isaac embrace with just a little longing. She has had many suitors but none that she felt strongly about and could not help but feel a little envy for what they had with each other. But she also felt happiness for them.

I say we must try to do this thing for Arhiel, even if its not on the way.Diana says, offering her opinion even though it was not requested. And maybe buy a scroll of the spell Remove Blindness to be ready for such next time.

Isaac watches as Sandara runs up and kisses Edward, smirking a bit at the sight. Isaac frowns when he doesn't see Alabaster. When Samms comes to him with the message, Isaac is curious. Thanking Samms, he takes the note and reads it. He frowns and looks towards the open sea. After a few moments, he smiles and says, "Blessin's to ye, Alabast'r Cain. Blessin's to ye."

That night, as Sandara makes her assessment, Isaac listens to the suggestions and nods. "Aye. We need to be doin' this fer Arhiel befor' we ev'n think abou' goin' to Mancatch'r Cov'. So, here be th' plan. We be takin' wha' we can from th' dead enemy pirat's. Then, we be puttin' our seig' weapons back on th' Shrik' whil' leavin' Tid'wat'r Roc' wit' enough to defend themselv's. Then we be sailin' to Taldas Isl' to fix Arhiel's sight, gath'r suppli's as needed, an' gath'r information. Then, we be goin' to Mancatch'r Cov'. Bu', ther' be one thing we need to do befor' sailin' out." He looks at his officers and pulls out Alabaster's message. He shows it to them (reading it for Arhiel). Afterwards, he says, "So, wit' Alabast'r be tak'n car' of his affairs, we be needin' a Firs' Mat'." Looking at his officers again, he says, "Any suggestions?"

"THank you Diana, and Isaac... your kindness doesn't go without notice. Alabaster will be missed, but you're right, Isaac, we will need a new first mate. Who's got the skills for it should take the job."

I'm gonna let you guys decide that among yourselves. Note that I can tweak the ship-to-ship battle rules a bit if need be, since we have one fewer player now. But the ship should have a first mate regardless!

I'll put my name into the hat for that job. Diana offers. I've made no secret that I'd like to someday have my own ship and a stint at first mate would help me prepare for that. I can still call our orders for our siege during a battle as that happens mostly from a distance

Isaac nods and turns to the remaining officers. "Edward? Jaina? Yer opinions?"

"You know about me already, i've not aspired to have my own ship.
As long as she doesn't go bossing people around,, - "The wrong way of course, - i see no reason for her not to get some in the field experience."

Arhiel smiles slightly as she considers. "I think Diana would make a fine first mate... As Edward said, it'll be good experience for her before getting her own ship."

Sandara chimes in. "I know that Diana hasn't been with us long, but I do think that she's shown great potential, and I'd be pleased to serve with her. The siege crews can attest to her ability as well."

Assuming no one has major objections:

"Congratulations, Diana," Agasta says warmly. "And thank you, all of you. I'm very glad that you'll be getting Arhiel healed before anything else. Is there anything else we can do for you here? Or will you depart soon for Taldas Isle and the treasure you seek?"

Taldas Isle (main port: Little Oppara) is about a day and a half's sail away; Mancatcher Cove is a couple of days' sail from there. Say the word and we'll be off!

Isaac nods at the suggestions. He turns to Diana and smiles. "Very well. By vot', Diana is now th' Firs' Mat' o' th' Silv'r Shrik'. Congratulations." At Agasta's question, Isaac strokes his chin. "We be needin' to ge' our seig' weapons back on our ship. Don't worry, Agasta. We be makin' sur' ye be havin' sufficient defens's."

Thank you all for the chance. Diana says with a flourish. And then she takes charge of the moving of the siege back to the Shrik.

Isaac nods at Diana and aids in moving the siege weapons back to the Silver Shrike.

By the end of that evening, you've loaded the siege weapons back onto the Silver Shrike, and the night is spent in a light-hearted mood as you all celebrate the preparations to depart the next day. Agasta feeds you well, and everyone spends the night sated and content.

The next morning, the Shrike makes ready to depart. Agasta guides Arhiel onto the ship, and kisses her gently before returning to her keep. "I hope you find what you need in Little Oppara, dear. Please be safe if you all do go to explore Mancatcher Cove--the place can't have the reputation it does without reason." Royster McCleagh, though still clearly wary of your piratical crew, gives you all a salute as you pull the gangplank up and set sail, streaming out of the harbor accompanied by the waves of the ocean and of the small group remaining at Tidewater Rock.

A day and a half's smooth, sunny sailing brings you to Taldas Isle, just southwest of Motaku Isle, and you pull into the harbor of Little Oppara just after noon. The city is unlike any you've visited in the Shackles so far: grandiose marble manors sit atop the hills at the back of town, and even the dockside neighborhoods look more orderly, cleaner, and brighter than most towns you've visited, with whitewashed walls and shingled roofs. Many of the people walking around on the streets are well dressed in stylish clothing, and if you didn't know better you could almost mistake this for a small city in the heart of far-off Taldor.

After negotiating a nominal docking fee, you're free to tie up at the docks and explore the town. Not far from the docks, there's a large plaza fronted by a marble edifice labeled "The Blooming Rose Theater," and advertisements promise an opera tonight. A variety of taverns, public houses, and eateries abound nearby.

Where will you go, and what will you do?

What a beautiful little city. Oh, I'm sorry Arhiel. Let me describe it to you. Diana does her best to describe the approach into the port as she works in the capacity of First Mate to get the ship moored. Once save and sound at the dock she says. First thing it to fix Arhiel's eyes. Then perhaps we could all take in an opera.

Arhiel kisses Agasta back, and hugs her tightly. "I hate leaving you again, but there is wisdom in this trip, and high adventure. I will hopefully return to you with new tales to tell and new eyes to see with."

****

In Oppara, to Diana, she replies, "It sounds beautiful.. I can't wait to see it... and even if we can't get my vision restored until another day, I can listen to an opera and envision the events on stage... so I'd enjoy it even so."

Isaac looks at the city in wonder. When Diana and Arhiel show interest in taking in a show, Isaac smiles. "Hmm... Tha' be soundin' lik' an interestin' idea. Nev'r seen an opera befor'."

Jaina snorts derisively. "A town of dandies and fops who'd s!~! themselves and run away screaming if one of their peers got so much as a hangnail. At least Port Peril was honest about how rough and tumble you had to be to even get by."

"I have to wonder how this place has lasted so long without some pirates sailing into port and sacking it."

Jaina's grumbling seems to be somewhat accurate--it does seem odd that this place has stood unmolested for so long. But then again, even the dandies in this town are carrying blades of one kind or another, and no one seems to be giving your ragtag, heavily armed group a second glance. So perhaps there's more to this town than there seems...

To get Arhiel's vision fixed, the obvious choice is some kind of temple. A small building adjacent to the theater bears a symbol--a dove with a rainbow tail--that Diana recognizes as the holy symbol of Shelyn, over an unassuming doorway. If you care to ask around, you might find more sites of faith.