Balsooma Hishal's page

Hey guys,

I'm really sorry about the lack of communication on my part. I tend to do most of my posting from work, and that hasn't been feasible lately. I've also been rather busy outside of work as well, so my actual posting time is limited.

I think it's best that I withdraw and let you guys get on with it, as I'm unable to maintain a proper posting schedule. I feel bad for leaving you in the lurch like this, but the campaign will be better off with someone who has the time to be able to post consistently.

I've thoroughly enjoyed it thus far, and I'll be sure to keep tabs on it to see what adventures you guys get up to in the future.

Balsooma takes a little time out of helping Ambrose to get a better knowledge of the goings-on of the ship.

Action: Sneak

He heads to the common sleeping area, and takes a look around to see if those who aren't friendly towards him or his shipmates are hiding any information or weapons.

[ooc]Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Sorry. Need to get back into the habit of posting at work to retain consistency, else I've been leaving it too late.

Balsooma spends the day in the galley, sitting between Ambrose and his bottles. The hours pass pockmarked with sour conversation, as disappointment with the new ship causes any attempt at jovial discussion to sink quicker than a rock.

"You think Scourge and Plugg will let us be?" Balsooma finally asks Ambrose. "How many do you need to sail a ship like this one?"

Later on that evening, having seen Cieran and Kelly's brutal punishment in the bloody hour, he assists Holgur in retrieving the beaten pair and getting them below decks.

He nods at Holgur's words. "The lines are drawn, it seems, and everyone knows it. It's us against them, it just depends on who is bold enough to strike the first, cursed blow."

After hearing Belor's statement, he raises an eyebrow at the man, considering him with a new appreciation: "Magic, you say? What sort of powers can you bring to bear? Would they suit a more treacherous, or a more upfront approach to solving this mess?"

I'm quite happy to dice for loot (it makes sense in character for the setting), and people can trade or divvy up as they so desire.

Sorry for the lack of posting. Work's been crazy the last couple of weeks. I don't know where the times goes.

Balsooma will pick out two flasks of holy water, and two flasks of alchemist's fire from amongst Grok's stores. "Never hurts to be prepared, it seems."

When the new ship's crew is announced, the freshly-weathered lines from the last two weeks on Balsooma's face deepen in thought. He turns to his companions, nodding in approval of Holgur and Cieran's comments. "At least Harrigan had principles. Mr. Plugg is a blown-up puffer fish of a coward. We must take care to chart our own course to safer harbours, no matter how bloody the waters."

As they take their leave of Grok, he lifts her off the deck in an immense hug. "Besmara's blessing upon you. May the seas treat you like a pirate queen until we meet again. Perhaps by then, I'll have scars of my own to tell tall tails about." He grins broadly. "I also swear to keep Ambrose safe from whatever perils may chance our boat, be they from outside, or from his bottle."

Balsooma spends the two days in a state of welcome relaxation. He drinks with the crew, swapping stories of life in the Shackles, always with his ears open for a new pirate tale or two. He notices that by this point, near-obvious lines have been drawn amongst the crew as to who likes them, and who does not.

At some point on the second day he'll wander down to visit Grok at her shop, and see if he might be able to spend any of his new-won gold on anything fit for a pirate such as he: "Got to spend it while you have it, it seems. Never know when fortune'll turn for the worse."

Balsooma glances over at Kelly, and shakes his head: "Only a scratch, it seems." Turning back to the sailor he grins. "Let me show you how it's done."

Attack sailor in F13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 10 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 21

Balsooma roars at the remaining sailor: "Thrown your weapon down and we won't throw you to the sharks."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Balsooma charges the remaining sailor, bringing his sword up and around in a slow but heavy overhand strike.

Move: charge to F14
Attack sailor in G13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 27

Balsooma steps forward over the sailor's crisping body. Letting out a roar of challenge, he hacks at the second escaping sailor.

5' step to F16
Attack sailor in G15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 79

Balsooma continues forwards, side-stepping the sailor upon which his first blow landed. He brings his falchion around in a bloody arc against the next sailor in line.

5-foot step to E16.
Attack sailor in F15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 12

Holgur, your crit from your longbow should be a lot more damage than that. It's a x3 weapon, and your +2 damage from Favored Enemy is multiplied as well.

"Summon your strength. This battle with soon be over, and with it, this pesky mist," Balsooma growls, striding past Cieran and Holgur. Taking the stairs two at a time, he swings his falchion over his head, bringing it down on the closest enemy sailor as he gains the deck.

Attack sailor in F16: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 39

Balsooma moves over to stand by Cieran. Placing a big hand on the young man's shoulder, he murmurs a short prayer to Besmara, and a soft glow of healing energies suffuses across Cieran.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Change Judgement to Healing. Gains Fast Healing 1 until end of combat.

That's fine with me. And I'm perfectly happy for him to play whatever he wants. If he's just getting into the hobby, probably a simpler character might be easier to grasp.

With a grim nod to Kelly, Balsooma swings his sword at the mass of ropes supporting both the man and the boat.

Sunder attempt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 = 9 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 23

Balsooma moves up to the remaining sailor, sword ready to strike if the man shows any sign of doing anything other than surrendering.

Move to B16
Readied attack (if triggered): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12 - miss 1d100 ⇒ 93

Balsooma pushes past Cieran, down the stairs, and moves up towards the sailors in the rowboat. Hefting his sword, he swings it at the man in the rear of the craft.

Attack sailor in A17: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 63

Hearing a cry of pain from the young boy, and seeing Holgur hold up his own in the fight, Balsooma turns and steps around the mast, drawing his sword once more. Steeling himself for battle, he brings his sword down on the godless sailor.

5' step to D21.
Move: draw falchion.
Swift: Change Judgement to Justice. +1 to attacks.
Standard: Attack sailor in C21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 = 10 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 74

Balsooma steps over to the aft mask of the ship, sheathing his weapon. With a grunt, he attempts to haul himself up onto the higher deck, hoping to flank the remaining sailors.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Not quite sure what the DC would be, or if he would reach the whole way up, depending on how high the aft deck is.

Holgur, Balsooma is actually standing on some stairs. The sailors are on higher ground. But he's moved out of the way.

Grimacing as the second strike slips through his guard, Balsooma steps back down the stairs. Murmuring a swift prayer to Besmara to close his wounds, he then clutches at her holy symbol hung around his neck, and utters a loud warcry: "Besmara's blessing upon all who slay these godless ones!"

Swift: Change Judgement to Healing. Gains Fast Healing 1 until end of combat.
Move: 5' step back to F19
Standard: Cast Bless on all allies within 50'. +1 to attacks/saves vs fear for 20 rounds.

You are correct. I'd misremebered it as 1/2, move quick for full. Oops.

Winching in pain from the shallow gash in his arm, Balsooma reaches behind him, yanking his hefty blade free from its makeshift sheath. With a roar, he brings it arcing downwards, trying to cleave the man in front of him in twain.

Move action: Draw weapon.
Attack on the sailor in F21: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 - damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11 - miss: 1d100 ⇒ 9

Thrown off by the pain in his arm, and by the thick fog that obscures his sight of the man, Balsooma's swing bites not into flesh or bone, but the heavy planks of the ship's deck.

Sorry guys,... Going to be a bit of a delay for me because.... (drum roll) I made the top 32 for RPG Superstar! and will be spending ALL my time on that for a few days!

Feel free to DMPC

Congrats you magnificent bastard! You aren't the only one, hahaha. So yes, that goes for me too.

Balsooma, after checking that his sword is firmly secured in its back sheath, clambers out onto the rope, and hauls himself along. Looking down, he can just make out the churning red water through the haze of fog. For him to fall now would be certain death...

Climb (1/2 speed: 15'): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Climb (1/2 speed: 15'): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

The pit in his stomach deepens as he nears the opposing ship, as he can hear the creak of rope over the sound of fighting. Inspired by this fear, he quickly clambers over the side, and drops down between two of the sailors. Ending movement in F20.

Swift action - Judgement: Resiliency. DR1/magic until end of combat.

Scowling, Balsooma hauls his hook back in, and with a loud grunt of effort, hurls it towards the opposing ship.

Grappling hook to F20: 1d20 + 3 - 8 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 8 = 12

This time is more successful, and the hook's prongs bite deep into the railing as he tugs the rope taut.

Sorry! I'd only been skimming the posts while the ranged attacks were going on, and didn't realise it was time for boarding.

Balsooma stands up, murmuring a quick prayer to Besmara: "Let my skin be like shark's hide, my aim as true as the plunging cormorant, and you shall get tribute from me before the sun has bled into the waves."

Swift action: Judgement, +1 to attack rolls.

Grappling hook to F20: 1d20 + 3 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 8 = 1

Hefting his grappling hook in one hand, the rope trailing behind, he hurls it towards the opposing ship, where it crashes uselessly into the ships side-planks and drops into the ocean.

What would be the action/s to retrieve a grappling hook and try again?

Balsooma crouches down, the big man trying to get some cover behind the side of the ship. He grins upon noticing the ship's colours: "Rahadoum. Who better to prey on first but the god-deniers, it seems. "

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a good Christmas and all.

Balsooma sets to work with a scowl. It's a messy business, and it's only a little time before blood cakes his arms up to the elbows. "The sea is dangerous enough, it seems," he says to Fishguts, watching the sleek, deadly fins that now trail the Wormwood. "Why bother stirring up more trouble? I don't understand this."

Balsooma drinks his rum with a scowl plain upon his face. Seeing Ciera lashed bloody and Holgur led off to the sweatbox had soured things.

"Things are same as ever for me. I'm mostly ignored by any and all, it seems. Probably because I'm stuck in the galley all day," he says to Kelly when questioned about his work. "Fight like that on a ship is nasty work. Fine for the shore, but out here on the waves, it's foolish, stupid work. Wish I'd been down in those bilges to crack their skulls like coconuts. They wouldn't have been talking then."

Holgur, coup de grace is an auto-hit, auto-crit attack. If the defender survives this, they then must make a fort save (DC 10 + damage) or die.

And it was a good idea to have Balsooma and Kelly take over for Jape and Fipps rather than to leave them as spectators.

That's just because I have the worst internet dice.

Pumpkin pie!

Jape sees Fipps go down in the murky water of the bilges. He quickly moves to F4, to get his back up against something solid, before taking a swing at Ciera.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 2 = 3 - damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Jape struggles with the goo coating him, swinging wildly at Holgur.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Jape lets out a: "Ugh, disgusting!" Before moving forward to E4 and slashing at Holgur with his dagger. "I'll feed you to the rats for that."

Dagger: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 2 = 12 - Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Playing as the bad guys? Excellent. Perhaps my trait of "terrible rolls during combat" will finally come in handy for once. Who do you want to play, Kelly? I'm quite happy to pick Fipps "Fatty" Chumlet.

"Huh," Balsooma grunts as Holgur quickly relays his suspicions to him on the way below. "Captain wouldn't be too pleased for his crew to be winding up dead; they never are, unless there's a personal grudge on his part. You'd die in an accident then, it seems. I'll keep an ear out and a restless step."

Throwing together what he can for the ship's meal, Balsooma tries to shirk his duties often and step off down to the hold to make sure all is ship-shape, as it were.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Balsooma continues with the routine. Having grown proficient at the task of serving up palatable food for the crew, he spends the next couple of days chatting away with Ambrose and Grok while he works. Although, even down in the ship's galley, he can sense the antagonism coming from those in the crew siding with Plugg and Scourge.

On the second evening, he ends up chatting with Holgur, though not after letting out a "Hey!" at Cieran's dismissal of his cooking ability.

"I don't know what it is. Something's on the wind though, it seems. Such grudges should be settled ashore. Bad for a boat to turn on itself. I heard tale of a ship that did just that: mutinied and fought to the bloody end. The next day the new captains found they couldn't even steer the ship. Starved themselves right into Pharasma's boneyard, they did."

Day 17
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Rum: drink normally
Evening: sleep

Day 18
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Rum: drink normally
Evening: sleep

Day 15

After the previous day's boarding practice, which - although he got a good laugh out of - treated him somewhat poorly, Balsooma is keen to be back to the usual tasks. Under Ambrose's guidance, he diligently spends the day in the galley, whipping together a fine meal for the crew.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 = 12

Though the task presents some initial difficulty, Balsooma's experience and diligence pull through. The crew eats well that night. Balsooma retrieves his rum ration and his own sharevof the meal, then settles down beside Cog, engaging the violent man in gruesome tales of pirate boardings - many first or second-hand accounts he overheard growing up in The Shackles.

Rum - drink normally

Evening - Influence(intimidate): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Day 16

After the success of the previous day's meal, Balsooma figures that he can take some time off to banter with Grog while he's supposed to be working.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Compated to yesterday, this day's cooking is a breeze, so he finds plenty of excuses to step over to the quartermaster now and then: "We've been at sea...must be near two weeks now it seens. Is it normally this lomg between plunders? If Harrigan weren't nearly so scary a man as he is, seems like there'd be trouble by now."

In the evening Balsooma drinks his rum normally, but doesn't stay up much later. He trades friendly insults with Rosie for a little while, before a serious invasion of the yawns drives him to his hammock, the mocking crow of a wide-awake Rosie slowky fading from his ears.

Rum - drink normally

Evening - sleep

Balsooma laughs all the way back to the ship, constantly poking fun at Conchobar's ineptitude. The brief dip in the sea and physical exertion has helped him feel more refreshed, so he drinks normally from his tankard of rum, and spends the evening talking to Narwhal Tate about horrific tales of haunted pirate ships, cursed by Besmara's briny wrath.

Rum action: drink normally
Evening action: Influence(intimidate) - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

+1 Inquisitor Level

HP: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 (+2 con +1 favored class)

BAB +1 = 1
Fort Def +1 = 16
Will Def +1 = 16

6 skill points (5 + 1 racial)
-Profession (sailor) +1 = +7
-Perception +1 = +8
-Intimidate +1 = +6
-Sense Motive +1 = +8
-Knowledge (Nature) +1 = +3
-Survival +1 = +6

Class Stuff:
Cunning Initiative - Add wisdom to initiative checks.
Detect Alignment - At will Detect Chaos/Evil/Good/Law.
Track - +1/2level on Survival checks to follow/identify tracks.

New Spells:
-Cure Light Wounds
-Guidance

Swim: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Balsooma easily pulls himself through the warm ocean water to the boat, still laughing at Conch as he does: "You climb like a drunken chimp, it seems. Perhaps the captain should send you up first, to quell our enemies with laughter."

Having reached the boat, his laughter quickly sours to frustration, as he can't get a good grip on his rope: slipping back into the drink time and time again.

Oh, right. I guess then he does laugh enough to lose his grip and join the gnome in the drink.

Climb 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Climb 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Balsooma glances over to see Conch tumble from his rope and hit the water with an ungainly splash. He has to pause for a moment to stop the laughter from welling up at the gnome's fall. Then, securing his grip once more, he continues upwards.

I assume by Holgur in that last post you meant me. So, 22.5' up. Just over halfway.

First round
Throw: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (14) - 5 = 9

Balsooma's hook clanks over the rail of the Wormwood. He gives it a couple of strong tugs to ensure its security, then quickly fastens it off on the side of the rowboat.

Second round
Climb 1st:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Climb 2nd:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Clambering over the side of the rowboat, he finds the seawater pleasantly warm - baking as it is in the morning heat. Hanging off of the rope by his hands, he lifts his feet out of the water, and tucks them over the rope. He then begins hauling his way up towards the rail. Knowing he won't be able to dodge any missiles that come his way, he doesn't bother turning around to look. Having handled the available "weaponry," he doesn't want any of it to catch him full in the face.

Attack on doesn't even matter:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2

Balsooma reaches into one of the slop buckets to haul out an even messier projectile. As he pulls his hand back to hurl it, the stench is enough to make him gag, causing his throw to hit the railing and splatter himself with rotten-smelling debris.

I'm so glad this isn't actual combat if I keep rolling like this.

Balsooma Hishal wrote:

Attack on Holgur:1d20-3

Et tu, Balsooma?

I rolled a 3 on purpose.

Attack on Holgur:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0

Balsooma's latest missile slips from his hand as he raises it to throw, splattering across the deck in a puddle of goop.

Balsooma picks a mold-ridden apple - all slime and fur - and hurls it at the foul-mouthed halfling, wiping his hand on the rail afterwards.

Attack on Rosie: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12

I'm back now! Thanks for doing my activity rolls for me. I completely forgot about them at the time of writing, haha.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Balsooma tries to settle back into the routine for the next couple of days, but it all goes awry. On the first day, he gets distracted swapping stories with Grok, and manages to turn that night's meal into a flaming, charred muck, which proves about as palatable as the timbers of the Wurmwood itself.

Thoroughly lashed, he makes up for it the next day by solely concentrating on the meal at hand. However, when it comes to that evening, he is caught tipping his rum over the side, his explanation for which is: "it tastes worse than my cooking."