CrazyHedgehog's Skull & Shackles Game (Inactive)

Game Master CrazyHedgehog

"Is everyone okay with heading this direction? Spoke of the rest of you know more about land travel than I do. When I'm not on the deck of a ship, I'm out of my element. Is it climbable?"

"I'm not a master climber, myself," Quara replies, "but with some rope and a little patience, we should all be able to get up there. C'mon, chaps! Best climbers in front, weaker ones in the back."

Quara presents a coil of silk rope and proceeds to tie everyone together before starting the ascent.

Perception to check for danger: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3. Climb 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Climb check, not including any roping bonuses. 1d20 ⇒ 9

"I cannot say climbing is my strength...but what must be done must be done, no? If I am to be falling, de patron will guide me slowly to de ground."

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

Ah, but before you get up the ridge you need to get to it. Which means travelling through the mire...

You strike out towards the long ridge running along the northwestern edge of the island. You follow the path leading out of the ruined and abandoned village, hoping that it will either lead you to the ridge or close enough that you can bushwhack the rest of the way. Certainly, the ridge makes for an imposing landmark.

As you make your way along, the pathway slips suddenly into a large green bog. Remnants of an old wooden bridge cross the bog, but only short timber platforms on either side remain, leaving just the pilings jutting from the mud.

Scouting about, you see that the mire stretches right across this stretch of the swamp. Going around would mean tracking far around the swamp, costly in time and effort. But crossing the mire looks tricky as well, as the slowly swirling water and thick, oozing mud look ready to trap and drag down the unwary.

Map of the mire

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 2

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Arven seeing the dangerous looking brown and brackish waters of the mire, looks above the points, "We could make our way across through the trees, see how the boughs bridge across?"

Skill check, Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Well, there ain't much trees where I'm from, so what I'm seeing here is trees growing over the muck, but I couldn't tell if they are usable for crossing or not, if my life depended on it. Come to think of it, it just may. Arven, honey? Think you can do it?"

The big man smiles, "Well I'm no monkey, but climbing over trees ain't a lot different from the rigging. So to an old salty dog, I'm sure the trees would feel just as much home as anything on land." he laughs confidently. "If we tie ourselves together, I'm sure I can see you safely over too." he winks at the woman whose hands can manipulate the magical forces.

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

"You'll have to tell me which way to climb," Quara says, eyeing the canopy in a puzzled manner. "I don't the way."

Taking the overhanging branches into account, you figure you have three options. If you are feeling nimble, you could just try hopping on the old wooden pilings across the mud. Alternatively, you could try climbing up the trees and across on the branches. Or, the branches look stout enough that you could lash a whip or a rope and swing across, in true adventurer style. Or, you could just chance wading through the mud, though it does look thick and oozing, clinging to everything.

Hopping across the pilings requires a DC 10 Acrobatics check.

Climbing across on the branches requires a DC 20 Climb check to find the right branches to hold your weight.

Swinging across Indiana Jones-style requires a DC 15 Climb check to climb a tree and lash a rope/whip, and a DC 10 Acrobatics check to swing across.

Atajay shakes his head, knowing this wouldn't go well. He tries hopping over the pilings.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

If you consider hopping across the pilings is in fact jumping then Arven will do this ... Acrobatics(jumping) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Seeing Atajay having trouble making his way over the pilings, Arven attempts to catch him as he struggles.

Deciding that climbing up a rope and then balancing over tree branches just to cross the mire is too much for me, I cast a look over the stumps of the bridge pilings. "Thanks for the offer of help Arven, but if it's all the same to you, I'll just show you how it's done."
Taking a moment to judge distances and positions of the pilings, I start jumping hither and dither from one piling to the next, until I safely and with dry feet reach the other side of the muddy water and muck. "See? Nothing to it. Are you guys coming?"

Skill check, Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Hooray for a timely natural 20 on an unskilled check ;-)

Quara looks from one option to the other -- and grins.
"I ain't no monkey, me," she says as she backs up a few steps, her tail lashing in a way any housecat owner would recognize.

Quara bursts forward, leaping and cartwheeling from piling to piling, and ends her progress with a rather nice forward flip.
"C'mon!" she calls back.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Batango stands in the back of the group and listens as the group decides on how to cross the mire. Personally, he is not keen on any of the options. He was a good swimmer, but most other physical activities were difficult for him. When everyone starts hopping across, the old witch sighs to the otter on his shoulder. "Why must we always be leaving de ship?" He attempts to follow along.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Arven, if you are wanting to help Atajay cross the pilings in addition to crossing yourself, please could you also make a second Acrobatics roll, to aid another.

Actually, now that I think of it, the result would probably be the same, so I'll press on with an update.

After a short discussion, looking at your options, you decide to try your luck by hopping across the pilings. Atajay goes first, followed closely by Arven. The undine has little trouble navigating the course, but Atajay finds it difficult, loses his balance and falls into the mud. Arven makes a grab for the sorcerer, but misses and has to keep hopping or else fall off himelf.

When Atajay surfaces, he looks rather comical, covered in mud. But then you notice just how thick the mud is and how it is sucking him under, making it difficult to tread water.

A'vandira and Quara follow after, hopping lightly and nimbly across. Last to come is Batango. The older man gets a bit further than Atajay but also struggles, his arms windmilling before he falls in too. Normally at home in the water, Tabook is keen to stay out of the mud, perching awkwardly on Batango's head.

It is at this point that you realize that you are being watched, by two pairs of bulbous eyes blinking in the mud, one on either side of the pilings. The bodies they are attached to rise up to reveal two bright emerald frogs, each as big as a person. They watch your progress, their expressions curious but most of all hungry.

Roll for initiative and actions!

The thick mud and water of the mire acts like quicksand, and for those who have fallen in there is a real danger of being dragged under. Each round you need to make a DC 10 Swim check in order to keep your head above water, or if you roll 15 or higher you can move 5 feet. If you roll a 5 or less, you go under and are at risk of drowning.

Anyone who wants to help their comrades needs to use a branch, spear, rope, or something similar and make pull them out with a DC 15 Strength check - see p.427 in the core book. If you are on the pilings, you need to make another DC 10 Acrobatics check to keep from getting knocked off-balance. Easy, right?

Updated Map of the Mire

Initiative
4 - frogs

------

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Init. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Swim 1d20 ⇒ 6

Atajay bobs in the muck, trying his best o make it back to the shore, knowing he might never get out of the quicksand otherwise.

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"We have fresh frog's legs, for all you can eat," Quara starts to sing.
"They're dead already, so they won't miss their feet
Put on a bib, take a gander at all that fresh meat
Then get your teeth stuck in and don't cry defeat!"

While she's singing, Quara brings out her sling and slips a bullet into it. The whining drone when she starts whirling the weapon around is somehow the perfect accompaniment to her odd little ditty.

Move action: ready sling. Standard action: commence Inspire Courage +1, to increase everyone's fun. (I make a rhyme every time. ;-) )

Batango mutters in hushed indignation as he greets the mud, looking quite cross with his head sticking above the thick mud. He swiftly ascertains that this mud is more dangerous than it is inconvenient and becomes determined to get out, though sees that will be a problem when the large frogs show themselves. "Thrice-damned land..."

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Swim: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Round 1
Perched upon one of the pilings, Quara takes out her sling and fits a bullet to it. As she does so, she begins singing a quirky little verse, which nonetheless serves to bolster everyone's courage and resolve.

Batango struggles, trying to free himelf from the mud, but it clings to him, refusing to let him go.

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

Arven takes out him warhammer and jumps across the pilings towards the area where Atajay bobs about in the mud, hoping to pull him up with the sturdy weapon, using it like a branch.

Acrobatics (Jump) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Acrobatics to balance 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Strength check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Seeing how my friends are suddenly in serious danger instead of being merely the target for some joking, I call upon my innate sorcerous powers and a pale ray leaps from my hand towards the frog closest to Batango. In my mind I can hear Shadow doubt my decision: "Thinking with your gut instead of your mind, aren't we? Food over firepower?" - "You know that's not true, Shadow. But Arven is already coming to Atajay's aid. And besides, Batango is our best healer."

Attack (ranged touch), Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Save: Fort for half damage / DC: 14
Status: AC 12 - Current hp: 13/13

Round 1 continued
Arven looks around. Giant frogs moving closer, looking hungry. On the one side, Batango is wading in the mud but making good progress swimming through the muck. Tabook is perched on the top of his head, clinging to his dreadlocks, trying to keep his fur out of the mud. On the other side, there are just bubbles where Atajay was a moment ago! Unslinging his warhammer, Arven leaps back across the pilings, with nimble dexterity able to touch on pilings occupied by A'vandira and Quara without knocking either into the mud. The undine stoops and thrusts his warhammer into the mud. Atajay is able to grasp it and Arven draws him back to the piling. There isn't room to pull him out of the muck, but Atajay is able to cling to the piling for now to stop himself sinking, and if Arven moves he could probably pull himself up. Climbing up on to a piling is a DC 10 Strength check.

Debating with her familiar, A'vandira barks a word and gestures, and a ray of black, coruscating power leaps from her hand to strike the frog nearest to Batango. The ray enervates the giant frog, and it suddenly flounders in the mud, not swimming as assuredly as it was. Truly, this sucking ooze is dangerous. Frog failed its Fortitude save, Strength reduced by 7 points.

Atajay, you're up and no longer drowning at the moment. Which is always a good thing.

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
13 - A'vandira
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

------

Atajay delays until Arven moves, and then he will try to climb up onto the piling. "Blurb, thank you friend," he gurgles, trying to catch his breath.

Round 1 continued
Atajay clings to the piling, catching his breath.

The frogs, hunger overcoming wariness, wade closer. The closest moves a bit more slowly; drained of strength it is struggling to move through the muck. It opens its mouth and a long, sticky tongue whips out, trying to catch A'vandira. The tongue flops about weakly, and A'vandira easily dodges the attack. The frog struggles to pull its tongue back.

Batango is not so fortunate. Hanging on to the piling, he is unable to react as the other frog moves forward with a predator's ease. Its tongue flicks out, and whips around the man's waist. He tries to hang on, but the tongues starts pulling him inexorably back. Sorry Batango, not picking on you, but you were closest to the frog and looked like a tasty snack. You are still next to the piling at the moment, but grappled by the frog.

Updated Map

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
13 - A'vandira
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

------

Still singing, Quara whirls her sling and launches a bullet at the frog trying to reel in Batango. Hit or miss, she immediately reloads and starts whirling again.

Attack roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 for 1d4 ⇒ 2 damage.

Batango struggles against the tongue, knowing full well he has little chance of breaking free with brute strength. His mind tells him to cast a spell, and while he knows that it will be just as difficult to concentrate his magical force enough to do so, he has little other options. "Deep patron...grant me mastery over this beast..." he mutters as he attempts to move his hands in an eldritch display.

Attempt to cast command on the frog, telling it to "drop" me.

Concentration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Having got Atajay out of the mud and clinging to the piling, Arven surveys the scene. Seeing A'vandira being the subject of an attack from one of the frogs and Batango caught in another's tongue, he has just moments to act. He wades and swims to the frog attacking the magical A'vandira.

If he can use his swim speed to make his way through the mud to the frog, he can get there in a move action. Otherwise if he does not, it will probably take a full round, maybe more to get there.

So strength checks to wade there for a full round. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Or if he can swim, in melee with the frog ...
Warhammer attack 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16 inspire courage
Warhammer damage 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8 inspire courage, +1 damage if the frog is aquatic type.

Can Atajay attempt to cast a spell in his current situation, or is he too distracted to try and do so?

Round 2
Quara fits a bullet to her sling and lets fly at the frog trying to reel in Batango. The bullet smacks into the frog's slimy, mud-spattered head. It's eyes reflexively seem to reel in for a moment, but it doesn't let go of the tasty witch.

Batango struggles against the vice-like tongue which is drawing inexorably towards the hungry frog. Rather than try to break free, he casts a spell, commanding the frog to drop him. The frog blinks, then wordlessly withdraws its tongue, shlurping it back into its mouth as Batango is dropped back into the sucking mud. Spell is a success!

Reacting to the situation, Arven throws himself into the muck in a bid to draw the other frog's attention from A'vandira. He trusts that his swimming skills would allow him to tread through the mud. He is able to swim through the thick mud after a fashion, and as he draws closer to frog he lays about with his warhammer, crushing it in several places. You can indeed move, though your speed is a bit hampered. 8 points of damage to the frog - frogs don't have the aquatic subtype.

@Atajay: You're not in a great place, but you're current position doesn't hinder you from casting a spell.

Updated Map

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
13 - A'vandira
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

------

Atajay casts Ear Piercing Scream at the closest frog.

Damage 1d6 ⇒ 5

DC 16 Fort save for half damage and to avoid daze for one round.

Quara continues to sing, and simultaneously unleashes her second bullet at the frog that so recently dropped Batango. If it decides to flee, that is fine with her...

Attack roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for 1d4 ⇒ 3 damage.

Crit threat! Attack roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 for 1d4 ⇒ 2 damage.

Round 2 continued
Tottering atop one of the pilings, A'vandira fits a bolt to her light crossbow and fires at the closest frog, covering Arven's attack. The bolt hits the giant amphibian; it flinches, a dark rivulet of blood oozing down its body into the muck. 2 points of damage to the frog nearest Arven.

Atajay hurls an ear-piercing scream at the same frog. It flinches again but continues to hassle Arven, dark spots on the sides of its head indicating where blood is trickling out of its ear holes. Bleeding now from several wounds, the frog would probably have retreated by now to look for an easier meal, but for the desperately hungry look in its amber eyes. Amazingly, the frog made its Fort save, so 3 points of damage only, not dazed.

The frog, in a frenzy, lurches forward to bite Arven, revealing a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. Weakened and sporting numerous wounds, it's attack is ponderously slow and the tall undine is easily able to lean out of the way. Its companion, its tongue still wrapped around Batango, wades closer and tries to reel Batango in for a meal. But the witch is nearly as large as the frog and its mouth not quite wide enough to swallow him.

Round 3
Still singing a rousing song, Quara hurtles another bullet at the frog trying to make a meal out of Batango. The bullet hits it square between the eyes, and the green frog lets go of Batango and pulls in its tongue with a shlurp. Successful critical, deals 5 points of damage to the second frog.

Updated Map

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
13 - A'vandira
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

------

Batango stares down the frog right in front of him, and takes half a sloshing step backwards in the mud, muttering to himself once more while attempting to keep the frog at bay. "Dark patron, sap de vigor of dis base creature..."

Attempt to cast touch of fatigue defensively. DC 15

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Melee touch: 1d20 ⇒ 18 (if successful, frog is fatigued for two rounds).

Wading through the mud, has made it stick on Arven's body and weapon, making all the more difficult to hit the creature.

Warhammer attack 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7 inspire courage
Warhammer damage 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5 inspire courage

Atajay snaps his fingers and a spark of electricity leaps toward the closest frog.

Jolt ranged touch attack 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 4 = 2

Damage 1d3 ⇒ 3

Quara finishes her song - 'Need to keep something in reserve in case we run into something more dangerous than these!' - but loads and releases another bullet. The magic of her bardic music lingers a little...

Ranged attack roll on the frog harassing Batango 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 for 1d4 ⇒ 3 damage.

Round 3 continued
Batango stares down the frog in front of him, starting to back away but tapping the oversized amphibian with his finger. Doing so discharges his spell, and the already enfeebled frog grows even more sluggish as its eyelids half droop down over its bulbous yellow eyes. Successful defensive casting, and unsuccessful Fort save - frog is fatigued next two rounds.

Arven keeps swinging away at the other frog with his warhammer. He doesn't manage to hit it, but at least he's holding its attention.

A'vandira fires another bolt at the frog but that misses as well, disappearing into the mud with a small plop.

Atajay snaps his fingers and a small jolt of electricity jolts across towards the nearest frog. The frog isn't terribly close however, and the electricity disperses into the air. Missed on the ranged touch. Which book does jolt come from again? It's not listed in the PRD, though I have come across mention of it.

The giant frog closest to Arven tries to bite the undine with a jaw full of serrated teeth, but the big barbarian is able to beat it back with his shield.

Its strength and vitality sapped, the other frog seems to have had enough of this fight. It backs up and takes a leap away, submerging itself in the mud as before. Batango you are able to take an attack of opportunity against it if you wish.

Round 4
With the frog pestering Batango in full retreat, Quara pivots and hurls another bullet at the other frog. Again the bullet hits the frog square between the eyes and it knocks the frog out cold. It starts to sink into the mud under its own weight. Quara I figured you would move your attack to the other frog, in which case...

The field of battle is yours - victory!

Initiative
19 - Quara
19 - Batango
14 - Arven
13 - A'vandira
6 - Atajay
4 - frogs

------

I don't think I'd ever looked up Jolt before, DM. D20pfsrd says that it was a cantrip posted on the Paizo blog back in 2011, meant to be in Ultimate Magic, but was left out. If you want me to replace it, I certainly will. I never realized it wasn't in a book. Interesting.

Don't have a melee weapon out, so I believe I'm not able to make an AoO. I'll let the slimy thing escape.

Content enough with the outcome of the fight, Batango focuses on getting back up out of the mud, cursing all the while under his breath. "Every time we be leaving de ship, some manner of beast wishes to eat us. Am I de only one noticing? Of course, when ever we are on de ship, some manner of man wishes to kill us, so I am supposing it is an out of the cauldron and into de fire situation we have. Bah."

"Cheer up!" Quara calls to the grumbling Witch. "If that croaker sinking down is dead, lop off its legs and we'll eat like kings tonight!"

Arven, makes his way back through the mud, going to the aid of those who are still stuck in the smelly brown/black sludge-like mud. Once back he casts his eyes about the party, "I may not always be the cleanest, but this is revolting. Can you spot a clean stream anywhere, just to remove this stuff before it becomes a second skin."

@Atajay: No need to replace Jolt. I had come across the spell on the messageboards. I just like to find the published versions for these things, to keep me right so that I'm using the same notes as everyone else.

The water around here is pretty sluggish and mired, but moving on along the trail you eventually find sections of swamp where the water runs a bit clearer. There, keeping an eye out for any more frogs, you are able to wash off the mud.

Taking a few minutes to recover from your encounter with the frogs, you become aware of the myriad mosquitoes, biting flies, and no-see-'ems that seem to be hovering around the area. There's also an awful, fetid smell in the air. This is not an area where you'd want to settle in for an extended rest.

Pinching my nose closed between the index finger and thumb of my left hand, I point at Arven and a grin splits my face as relief over our victory settles in. "You got that right, big guy. You may not always be the cleanest around, but that can be a good thing. Skin glistening and slick with sweat from exertion is kind of a turn-on, you know? But now you downright stink! Time to wash up, buddy. Need someone to wash your back?"

As we come up on a section of swamp with more or less clear water, I give the Undine barbarian a playful shove: "There. Water to clean up in. Time to get rid of that gunk covering you."

Arven feels the "Raven's" gentle push in the back and over acts as he lands in the sluggish and stagnant water of the swamps. From within the water he harvests what weeds he can, and places them over his head, as his new found shaggy green hair style. He beckons "A'vandira over, daring her to rub his back, his strong arm outstreched and a wide grin on his face .... "Well.." he speaks, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "You really wanna clean my back, the water's lovely...." He lies with a smile, the foul gas of the mud, still clinging to the swampy brown water and its vegitation, though Arven seems impervious to its stench.

He rises up, dripping wet with his new found green wig, still an aura surrounds him, but at least the clods of mud that clung to him before have slipped off his body and back into the water. He runs up to A'vandira and shakes his head vigourously as a dog would drying itself. He sends strands of weed flying into the air, though he somehow manages to miss the sorceress's space with the weed, and he laughs, before continuing on.

This time he speaks over to Batango and Quara, "Careful of that water, its not really as refreshing as it should be. You might want to make it clean before you use it for cooking or anything." His tone now more serious, before his grin returns and he points playfully at A'vandira, "Next time!!" he laughs and happily walks on.

Survival 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 to pick a safe path ...

"Get serious, dangnabbit! That pretty little cleric's out here and we need to find her. Don't forget why we are really here while you are having your water fight, please."

"Aye," Quara says. "Also, you don't want to be splashing around here for too long. Where there's mosquitoes, the water's more likely to be stagnant -- and stagnant water means disease. Let's move on quick before those buzz-mites stick us and get us sick 'n all."