CrazyHedgehog's Skull & Shackles Game (Inactive)

Game Master CrazyHedgehog

Love Bards, can turn a game by befriending people...oh you just have.

Song for Quara
For she's a jolly good bard, for she's a jolly good bard, for she's a jolly good bard and so say all us pirates...you could end up as captain, if you're not good.

Talking of that...Arven will happily see Plugg meet his end, Scourge tried and sent to the plank, guys what shot at us cat o' nine tails. Good for discipline on the high seas.

Missing a "Like" button here. Agree with Arven wholeheartedly.

Mutiny - Round 3

Penta Slaughter lashes her whips, and the bladed leathers wrap around Scourge's neck. He grapples with them in vain and his face turns scarlet as the whips constrict his breathing. Finally his breath gives out. The pirate's eyes roll back into his head and he collapses onto the deck, unconscious. I'm glad to have a player with an interest in using whips as a weapon, it's a chance to explore all the nuances involved in mastering them. 11 points nonlethal damage, just enough to render him unconscious.

Atajay draws nearer to the ongoing fight with Mister Plugg. Throwing his hands up as if he's about to blast Plugg to bits with an arcane bolt, he calls for the acting captain to surrender. Plugg looks startled by the threat, and certainly appears to expect Atajay to make good on it. He stays his hand and lowers his blade. Plugg has been successfully demoralized and is shaken for the next three rounds.

Unaware of Plugg's predicament, his allies fight on. Syl Lonnegan takes advantage of the warpriest's fight with Scourge to hack at her with his cutlass, a glancing blow to her arm. 4 points damage to Penta. Fipps Chumlett continues to trade blows with Quara Sher, another slash of his cutlass getting past her guard. 5 points damage to Quara. The others on the deck also fight on, not landing any telling hits.

Throughout the fight you are aware that not everyone is accounted for. Especially, Plugg seems to be missing some of his most loyal supporters. Then, you hear steps from below and three more sailors rush up the ladder to the main deck. One is Shivikah, the tall and burly Mwangi ex-slaver. Another is the human ex-harlot Aretta Bansion, along with the hulking half-orc Jaundiced Japes. Each of them have cutlasses to hand and immediately launch themselves into the fray by attacking you! Shivikah makes a thrust at Batango, who tries to dodge out of the way but not quite quickly enough. 4 points damage to Batango. Aretta attacks Sandara from behind, her blade punching through the protective force of Atajay's mage armor spell. The devotee of Besmara is surprised by the attack and grievously hurt. 7 points damage to Sandara. Jaundiced Jape leaps up and tries to slice Penta in two with his oversized sword, but she is able to nimbly dodge the overpowered attack.

A'vandira and Arven up next, basically Plugg has seven supporters left standing: Jape, Narwhal, Fipps, Aretta, Shivikah, Badger and Slippery Syl. Man, I didn't think it would take nearly so long for getting the next post up, otherwise I would have just given advanced warning that I'd be signing off for the holidays. It was good fun though.

BTW, totally agree with the success you've all had with winning your crewmates around. I think Quara's a key part of that success, but you've all done well with a combination of good Diplomacy rolls at key moments and good roleplaying. Keep it up! If you should manage to take the ship for your own, you may need those skills to hire new crew, and to keep them loyal to you. You wouldn't want a mutiny on your hands! ;)

Updated Map

Initiative
21 - Penta
16 - Atajay
16 - enemies
13 - A'vandira
13 - Arven
13 - Crimson Cogward
7 - Batango
3 - Quara
3 - allies

=========

Penta steps back from both Syl and Jape. She calls upon another blessing from Calistra. Penta's wounds heal before the crew's eyes. Her whips fluidly attack her attacker's feet and weapon, trying to pull both out from under Syl.

Stay out of this fight or I will bathe in your blood. Last warnin'! she seethes at Syl. She looks to Jape. Your ugliness offends me. In order to stomach food again, you will have to die half breed.

5' step away from Syl and Jape.

Fervor Swift Cast CLW

CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Full HP again :)

Masterwork Silver Scorpion whip (Trip): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Masterwork Cold Iron Scorpion whip (Disarm): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Throughout the fight, I was wondering about Pluggs missing allies and just when I about to warn my friends, they turn up with a clear intent to alter the outcome of the fight. "Jape! I'm going to weaken you till you can't lift that sword of yours, then I will kill you with it!
With a snarl, I point a finger Jaundiced Jape and a ray of magical force leaps towards the hulking half-orc.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Attack, Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage, Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

AC 12 - Current HP 19/19

Quara maintains her song, her voice rising above the din of battle while she flicks her sword from her left hand to her right, lashing out at Fipps Chumlett.

"Twice blood you drew /
Well, bully for you! /
Once your blood I'll spill /
And that's the end of you!"

Continuing inspire courage +1 for all my allies and myself. Perform (sing) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15.
Attack roll 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16 for 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10 damage.

Seeing that Plugg sees a bit taken aback Arven grabs the tip of his cutlass in one hand and the other holds firm the pommel, the undine pushes the evil captain with the flat side of his sword, across his chest toppling him over the side. "Tell the sharks, Arven sent you." he laughs with a glint in his eye.

CMB to push Plugg over the side 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 23 rage, inspire courage, size increase, bless ... hope it succeeds or my flowery prose fails ...

Without even thinking about it, Batango's dagger is in his hand. He glances down at the blade, thinking on how precise he had been with it on the island. Ghouls, grindylows..he had nestled accurate strikes in the lot of them. Furrowing his brow, he casts a sickly stare upon Shivikah, wincing from the cut the fellow Mwangi had just given him. But instead of using his grim powers, he thrusts his dagger at the enemy's throat.

Dagger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

HP: 13/17

Mutiny - Round 3 continued

Noticing Jape's attack, A'vandira turns on the hulking half-orc and sends a coruscating ray at the sailor. It hits him dead on and seems to drain most of his strength away. True to her word, his cutlass suddenly seems unwieldy and heavy in his hands.

Plugg's hesitation becomes more pronounced as thanks to A'vandira's magic Arven increases in size until he is towering over the man. Suddenly the stern officer doesn't look so powerful and haughty. Flexing his muscles the undine gives a powerful shove with the flat of his sword, a shove that sends Plugg flailing backward. "Tell the sharks, Arven sent you." The man hits the railing and pitches over the side, into the briny deep!

Crimson Cogward is still battling Badger Medlar, as Batango thrusts the dagger in his hand into Shivikah's throat. It's a terrible wound for the ex-slaver, all the more surprising coming from the sea-witch. 4 points damage to Shivikah.

Quara continues to sing away to spur her fellows on. All the while she trades blows with Fipps Chumlett until finally she bats his blade aside and runs him through with her longsword. It's not a killing blow, but a grievous wound nonetheless. He looks down at the blade in horror. 10 points of damage to Fipps, he's hanging on to consciousness but a mere thread.

There's a loud report as Kenya raises her pistol again and fires point blank at Narwhal Tate just as he's loading his crossbow for another attack. The shot hurls the dwarf back onto the deck, and looking down you see there's not much left of him. Rolled a critical hit for Kenya Bloodblade, with her pistol causing a x4 multiplier to damage for a total of 19 points. Narwhal's dead.

The battle seems to pick up as your allies swarm the remaining sailors that were loyal to Plugg and Scourge. The fight seems to have gone out of them now that Plugg is gone and Scoure is lying senseless on the deck. Badger Medlar goes down under a flurry of blows, and Owlbear comes to Batango's aid by smashing Shivikah's skull with his club. Aretta Bansion is also taken down by Sandara and Kroop with his frying pan.

There are only three adversaries still left standing: Syl Lonegan, Jaundiced Japes, and Fipps Chumlett. Top of the round, Penta and Atajay have actions before they make their next move.

Updated Map

Initiative
21 - Penta
16 - Atajay
16 - enemies
13 - A'vandira
13 - Arven
13 - Crimson Cogward
7 - Batango
3 - Quara
3 - allies

=====

you forgot my actions again:P

Penta steps back from both Syl and Jape. She calls upon another blessing from Calistra. Penta's wounds heal before the crew's eyes. Her whips fluidly attack her attacker's feet and weapon, trying to pull both out from under Syl.

Stay out of this fight or I will bathe in your blood. Last warnin'! she seethes at Syl. She looks to Jape. Your ugliness offends me. In order to stomach food again, you will have to die half breed.

5' step away from Syl and Jape.

Fervor Swift Cast CLW

[dice=CLW] 1d8 + 3

Full HP again :)

[dice=Masterwork Silver Scorpion whip (Trip)]1d20 + 9

[dice=Masterwork Cold Iron Scorpion whip (Disarm)]1d20 + 9

CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Full HP again :)

Masterwork Silver Scorpion whip (Trip): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Masterwork Cold Iron Scorpion whip (Disarm): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Blades be halted, arms at rest!" Quinta shouts, her voice still cutting through the din.
"Surrender now, and you'll be heard
Fight on and die for these two turds!"

The tiefling gives the call for the Scourge and Plugg's cronies to surrender. If they fail to do so, though, she lashes out at Fipps Chumlett again, this time using her fist to put him out of the fight before she moves on to the next enemy.

Perform (sing) to maintain inspire courage +1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9. If necessary: Attack roll 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12 for 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4 subdual damage.

Arven laughs, as he watches the evil pirate Plugg fall into the raging sea. "Soon your friends will join you, those who continue tro oppose us!!" he shouts about the noise of the waves, through his blood and salt encrusted lips. Carried by the winds to all on the ship.

Atajay moves to protect Sandara, hoping the three remaining thugs will throw down their weapons and have their morale broken.

you forgot my actions again:P

Oh no! Truly I am an accursed GM! :)

Mutiny -Round 4
Penta takes a wary step back from Syl and Jape, brandishing her whips. A quick prayer beseeching Calistra's aid heals her wounds. Then a flick of one of her scorpion tongues pulls Jape's feet out from under him, sending the half-orc hard to the deck. A second flick with the other scorpion whip sends Jape's cutlass spinning away from him just as he tries to grab for it. The warpriest fixes both sailors with a steely glare as she tells them what they can expect if the make another move.

With those words it Might be worth making an Intimidate check to cow them.

Intimidation: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20. Hmm~! ^^ I may have to invest a rank in this skill, next level-up.

Sorry, been struggling with a nasty stomach bug.

Intimidation 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"Throw down your weapons now, and we might take you on as members of our new crew. Keep the battle up, and the bastard sharks will feast on the lot of you three!"

"Yeah, your ex-captain is fish food, all hail Captain Sher!!" the undine shouts.

Intimidate aid another (Atajay) 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

Thank you for that kind nomination, Arven. ^^ Do I hear any other votes? Seriously, before I declare myself the new captain, I'd like to make sure everyone is cool with it...

You have my vote...as long as Penta is in charge of dicipline ;P

That sounds fair. Just don't leave them with permanent scars or dead unless they actively try to betray the crew, attempt to kill a crewmate or mutiny. ;)

That is fine with me. Batango has no real interest in being leader, preferring a more advisory role, with his experiences and learning in various bits of knowledge, and from having filled that role in his earlier years..he also likes being a "spymaster" of sorts, or at least having an ear in all corners of the ship through his use of enchantments and such.

Batango spits on the deck. "Why give dese fools quarter? We were offered none, no choice on serving on dese ships. Kill dem now, I am tinking. Each enemy we leave alive is a possible knife in de night. Purge de questionables, and sleep better for it."

Of course, his advice might not generally be popular..

"We offer quarter because this is a ship," Quara says in reply to Batango's words. "We need every available hand to keep her afloat, especially given the possibility of calamity on the waves."

The tiefling glares at the remaining enemies.
"All hands save Plugg and Scourge who are willing to ally with us now, rather than be pitched overboard as chum."

Your advice is understandable, of course. ^^ But an ocean-going vessel does need every able hand, and we can always tie them up and lock them away when they're not needed. :p

Atajay is cool with Captain Sher...she's been the mvp, so she deserves the seat!

Hearing most of the rest of their side agreeing, Atajay repeats his offer. "Last chance to pledge allegiance to the new Captain! If not, chumming is too good for you!"

Resolution - Round 4 continued

Jape and Lonegan glare at you murderously, but the effect of Atajay, a towering Arven, Quara, and Penta standing together over them is enough to make them lose heart. Fipps Chumlett looks positively frightened. A'vandira and Batango join you, and already your allies are cheering your victory, as your last foes throw down their weapons and surrender. The day is yours!

None of your crewmates contest Quara Sher as the new captain of the Man's Promise. and are more than pleased to see the harsh Mister Plugg gone. As predicted, sharks are always ready for a feast and are quick on the scene. All you can see of his remains is a spreading pool of blood in the water.

In the meantime, apart from Scourge, the other pirates who opposed you are happy to throw their lot in with you after the conflict. For some, fear of punishment was enough to keep them allied with Plugg; others perhaps aligned themselves with the first mate more readily. Everyone agrees though that it's better to serve a new captain than be marooned on some monster-infested flyspeck of an island.

Congratulations, the ship is yours! What do you plan to do with her next? What do you want to do with Scourge? Discipline him, or something more permanent? And the bodies of Conchobar, Narwhal, Badger, Aretta, and Shivikah?

Apart from having possession of the sailing ship, this encounter is pretty light treasure-wise. During the fight Plugg cast down his masterwork cat-o-nine-tails, but the rest of the gear he was wearing went overboard with him. In Plugg's cabin you find a leather drinking cup and a stash of 100 gold pieces and 200 silver. If you disposess Scourge of his gear, you recover the following: medium suit of leather armor, punching dagger coated with black dagger venom, masterwork handaxe carved with notches for the number of Scourge's kills, a shortbow with a leather quiver with a buttoned shutter to protect them from the elements (by Scourge's bunk), whip, potion of blur, potion of cure light wounds, corked dark green bottle containing 8 doses of oil of taggit, a hefty waxed coat with many hidden pockets, a leather snuff box with a diamond stud containing 1 dose of dark reaver powder (the box itself could easily be worth 100gp), a silver wedding ring that might fetch 25 gold, 14 platinum pieces and 29 gold pieces. If you really want to know him around you discover that he has 6 gold teeth that could be worth 5 gold each.

You also receive a +2 bonus to your Disrepute and Infamy scores for the successful mutiny and taking control of the ship. I'll post more info next time about what those scores represent.

Atajay will cast Detect Magic to be sure nothing was missed.

"How about we cast the corpses over the side? Anything else is too good for them. A nice keelhauling for Scourge might be good for morale."

"Pray tie Mister Scourge to the mast," Quara says, "and strip him bare. Gag him with one of his socks. If the filthy bugger doesn't wear socks, use his underwear. I'll deal with him in a bit."

The tiefling crooks her finger at Sandara Quinn.
"Miss Quinn, I am promoting you. Henceforth, in addition to your other duties, you'll be our ship's chaplain. Your first official duty will be to hold burial services for the dead. We'll sew them up in canvas and toss them overboard when the sharks have left."

The tiefling addresses the crew: "Yes, they fought against us. But at one point they were our crewmates and we fought side-by-side. One day, it'll be our turn to get pitched over the side. When that happens, I'm sure we'd all prefer just a wee bit of style."
Quara winks outrageously. "That, and I don't want to give the scum any excuse to come crawling back out of the sharks' gizzards to go bump in the night."

Quara walks over to Crimson Cogward and claps him on the shoulder, grinning like a tigress.
"Mister Cogward, while I'm handing out promotions, here's yours; you'll be our master of arms. If you know anyone on board who's better with boot and blade and better suited to the role, let me know. We'll be having weapon drills soon, and you'll be teaching."

Quara hops up on an empty crate and grins at the entire crew.
"If I am your captain, then you are my crew. I will take care of you. In return, I ask you give me your best effort and your honest opinion. If you have a concern, tell me. If you have a complaint, let me know. Should anyone make an offer for your loyalty, let me know so I can match it or surpass it. I will listen to you. A captain is not some king on a high throne, distant from the hard work.
Ladies and gentlemen, stick with me and I shall make you legendary. Take it from a Bard, I know what makes a legend."

The tiefling points to Penta.
"Miss Slaughter! You'll be our new mistress of discipline. Unlike the previous management, I expect you to use your voice, extra duties and maybe the fist and boot as your first line of discipline. Keep the whips sheathed for all but traitors, those who commit crimes against their crewmates and for our enemies, if you please."

The newly anointed Captain hops off the box and passes over to "Fishguts" Kroop, pausing to clap Batango and Atajay on the shoulders in passing.
"Batango, Atajay; this ship can do with a bit more magic in her arsenal. If you're willing to lend us your power and your wisdom, I'd have you for our ship's Mages. There may be a hat to go with the position.
Ambrose Kroop! I have tasted your food, sir!"
The tiefling comes to a halt right in front of the cook, and she grins.
"And I would taste more of it. To be precise, I should like you to give us your finest efforts this day, just as you gave them during the battle. Tonight, we feast! Tomorrow, we stock up on supplies and fresh water. When we go to harvest what we may from this sad island, I'd like you to accompany the gatherers so we might take on the best -- and only what is good for us. Pray use your experienced eye to get us good fruit, so's we can stave off scurvy. We're all counting on you, gizzards to hearts. I know you'll do us proud."

Quara returns to the crate, her smile radiant.
"I said we feast tonight, and feast we shall! After we finish the 'interment' of our late crewmates, let's pop open the stopper to celebrate our freedom from cowards and blackguards! We may be scoundrels, us, but let us be scoundrels who dare to strike in the open, not skulking cravens, crawling around behind each other's backs. We are the wolves of the sea, not its rats.

Tonight we feast to celebrate the new management... And as a sign of that change, I call for a change of names. Our proud ship is named The Man's Promise, and a Rahadoumi man's promise should be unchanging and unyielding. But this ship of ours has changed hands twice now; its timbers are soaking up the wisdom that battle brings change, and fortune shifts at the edge of a blade fuelled by the fire in our hearts. Therefore, a new name, the name of an omen that signifies that very wisdom. The Man's Promise is no more. Henceforth, we are all the proud crew of The Rabbit Prince!"

The Rabbit Prince is one of the cards of the Harrow deck.

Penta looks dumbfounded. The Rabit Prince? she says, adding under her breath, That will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies, Capt'n Fluffy. Penta giggles wildly to herself

Atajay catches Penta's glance and smirks just a bit as well. The Captain's vessel, the Captain's choice of names, he laughs to himself.

Three cheers for the Rabbit Prince, and for Captain Quara Sher!". Atajay walks over and puts his arm around Sandara. "Are you alright, milady? I saw one of those bastards struck a lucky blow on you. We can pitch him over the edge if you'd like. I'm sure the new Captain wouldn't mind much," he whispers to the beautiful cleric.

As Quara takes over the captaincy of the ship and speaks in victory, Arven drops to one kneee as the exhertions of battle take their toll. He offers an arm up to 'Owl' Hartson, blowing heavily, but beaming with happiness and smiles at the same time, "Once more my friend, we have fought, but this time to end the vicious and traitorous Plugg's reign as captain." He claps his strong hand around Hartson's forearm and pulls himself up, hugging the big man in triumph. "Let's enjoy the grub and a bit of grog tonight, eh!"

He joins in the cheers for Captain Sher, his arms punching the sky as he call out. Turning to 'Raven' he plonks a big kiss on her lips, holding her up in the air. "Look 'Raven' see things turn out....we're owners of our own ship, my Gozreh bless the ship and send her fair winds."

Once the battle is over, Plugg gone and Scourge tied up to the mast, I am looking at Quara Sher, as she goes round handing out promotions. In my mind I hear Shadow's reaction to Batango and Atajay being designated as the ship's mages while not being mentioned myself. Shrugging I take a step back and open my shirt to expose the raven tattoo. With a screech, the raven tears itself free from my skin and takes wing before settling down on my shoulder. With a look of surprise on my face, I don't resist Arven picking me up and kissing me on the lips. After the slightest hesitation, I kiss the Undine back, laughing in delight. "You're right, big guy. Now put me down before I'll cast a reverse version of the spell and turn you into a little boy." The twinkling in my eyes is more than enough to tell Arven I'm only joking though.

Arven makes his way amongst the crew, finding Crimson Cogward, his eyes narrow, "Just because you've a position, don't make me forget your part in my journey. You try anything against the Cap'n Sher and you'll end up the same way as Plugg. They don't call me the shark's friend for nothing." he sneers. Before the sound of his peg leg walking on the deck is drowned by the sounds of rejoicing as he rejoins 'Owl' Hartson for more back slapping and celebration.

One by one he congratulates his friends on their part in the fight, making sure that 'Owl' hears how his part in the fight is known and he too is acknowledged as a hero of the crew. He gives Penta a big long hug, "There you go Penta, your turn to discipline me!" he laughs "and try not to enjoy it!" A broad smile across his face, and a saucy wink in his eye. His voie quietens, as he whispers in her ear, "But this cuts need cleaning up, but quietly. That b@@@@@d Plugg struck home more than I want to let on. So when you're ready, if your god allows." He winks once more.

Eventually after more joyous tales with Atajay and Botango, in which he describes the look on Plugg's ashen white face as he fell to the sea, the flailing arm that could offer salvation should Arven have chosen to catch it. Though despite his impending death, not a look of contrition for his treachery appeared on his face, his blaack eyes full of evil.

Finally Arven gets over to Cap'n Sher, who he addresses as such, "The Rabbit of the seas, and a Prince to boot." he laughs. "Well, where d'y'a think we'll be hopping to next then. Let's hope the ship is as fast as the name, and bounces across the waves and not through them, eh! Well done my friend of legends, we're starting our own now."

Quara beckons A'vandira over while she talks to Arven.

"I've got jobs for the two of you as well," she says. "A'vandira, I think you'd be a real boon for our future navigation. That familiar of yours can scout ahead without arousing much suspicion in enemy ships, and can bring us word of the lay of the seas and land. Arven, you'll be A'vandira's main backup in that department. There may be more skilled sailors on board, but none of them will be as in tune with A'vandira as you."

The tiefling quirks an eyebrow at both her shipmates and smiles a subtle little smile.

"Anyway, the first place I'd take this ship is to a good harbour for repairs and re-fitting. And possibly some recruiting. We had a skeleton crew setting out from under Harrigan's thumb, and we've even less people now. This ship needs a full crew before we can set sail proper-like."

"Good idea, Cap'n. A refitting might make it a bit harder for us to be recognized. I'm sure the old Captain isn't going to be happy when he hears what we did to Scourge and Plugg."

"Bah for Harrigan," Quara says, spitting over the side. "A man who needs the likes of Scourge and Plugg to keep his crew in line is not fit to lead at all! A crew must be one in purpose, not divided against itself so it can be exploited."

"Whilst I appreciate the outcome of Cap'n H's intervention in my life, I still think he deserves a good old fashioned greeting with my cutlass. We'll take him if we can, we will won't we?" asks Arven of Sher. "No time to be pussy footing around. Anyway, was there any loot or goods we can sell to get us going again, and the crew'll need paying. Best look over Plugg's and Scourge's things for fairer distribution." the undine continues. Arven, seemingly a lot easier in his ideas, now the tyrants have been deposed. "Refitting costs gold."

"Aye, we'll be gutting the captain's quarters and the first mate's for loot we can sell," Quara sells. "That, and some of the jink we got from the Grindylow lair might be good for selling. We'll put it to good use, all of it."

The tiefling rubs her hands and grins.
"Yes, we shall."

Batango walks up the Kroop and clasps the cook on the shoulder. "Glad to see you yet live, my friend. I would be willing to assist you in de kitchens if you are in want of any aid."

As Batango hears the new name of the ship, he makes glances at Penta and Atajay, noticing their reactions. He merely shrugs, seeing this name as no better or worse than any other. "Names mean nothing to de sea. Words matter not. Deeds matter."

The witch gets the scroll-carved whale skull off of Arven and takes it to his cabin to study.

So, witches can teach new spells to their familiars via scrolls by burning the pages to ashes and brewing a tea or some such for the familiar to imbibe...would I be able to powder the skull and achieve the same?

Chapter 4: Hiding Evidence

Your celebrations continue long into the night, as you tell and retell your individual exploits during the fight. You also regale the rest of the crew with your encounters on Bonewrack Island. Afterwards, few are keen to set foot on the cursed isle.

One discovery that casts a shadow over your celebrations is finding the body of Jack Scrimshaw, the young swab you rescued from hungry reefclaws. Since that event the lad had been a firm ally, and it looks like he had been cut down at the bottom of the ladder leading up to the main deck. He died from multiple sword wounds and it was likely he was cut down by Jaundiced Jape, Aretta Bansion, or Shivikah - perhaps even all three. Well liked by most, his death casts a pall over the proceedings, but most are just keen to put recent events behind them and move on. The promotion of several to ship's officers helps ease the tension as well.

As you discuss what to do next, Fishguts Kroop chips in: "Harrigan is not one to forgive a slight easily, and he will be sore wroth that a ship's been stolen under his nose. Even if we hadn't planned to do the stealin'! Seems more and more likely to me now that Plugg was making for the Slithering Coast. We're not far off. There's an estuary, a few folk live there, and I reckon we should look up Rickety Hake. He's got a business turning vessels into squibs - changing their lines and rigging so they appear as another ship. He makes a pretty good living off of Shackles pirates."

Kroop starts to wander off, having purloined a rum bottle off passed out Tilly Brackett. Then, he turns around, something having occurred to him. "Seems to me, the sooner we can build a reputation for the Rabbit Prince and her crew, the better. An unknown ship sailing these waters is quickly going to attract the attentions of other pirates. They'll see us as prey." He takes a long swig of the rum and smiles as he smacks his lips and wanders off.

Searching the ship does turn up something positive. As a prize vessel, the ship was still carrying the Rahadoumi merchant's cargo, a collection of spices, exotic timber, dyed cloth, and other trade goods. In addition you also find Plugg's share of the booty, again it looks like he had kept the most expensive trade items for himself. Altogether you reckon it could fetch at least 2,000 gold in port (or 2 points of Plunder, to be explained in the next post).

Wow, seems you all have put a crew together in no time! Quara, as captain can I nominate you to make an Charisma-based check on behalf of the crew. Basically you can make either a Bluff, Intimidate, or Perform check (your choice) - the DC to beat is 21. I'll try to get the next post up later tonight, but if not it will be in the next day or so.

Batango: In theory, yes you can pulverize the skull and create a beverage that Tabook can imbibe to learn the spells. It's quite a few spells engraved on the scroll - are you thinking to try learning all of them?

Quara's expression is grim when she sees Jack's body, and she makes sure he has a good send-off.
"Chaplain Quinn, young Jack had high hopes for his future, so I'd ask you to talk to Besmara most eloquently on his behalf," she tells the priestess. "He had room to grow, yet, but maybe he can grow in her service. Master Cogward, as a man of Pharasma I expect you know a few good prayers for a man who died in battle. If you'd be so kind as to speak to the Lady of Graves for our fallen crewmate, I'd appreciate it."

After young Jack's remains have been disposed of, the newly minted Captain hears out Ambrose Kroop and nods.
"Good advice," she says. "Our course is clear before us! The Slithering Coast, it is!
RAVEN! If you please, kindly have your friendly familiar patrol ahead of us! All hands to work! We take the tide out to sea and head for the Slithering Coast with full speed! Cast out fishing lines as we go; we'll add to our food stores as we travel. And let's fly Besmara's colours; truth in advertising, and it might warn off some of the scum who might otherwise prey on us.

Mister Kroop, a moment of your time," Quara says, beckoning the cook to return.

When he does, she puts a hand on his shoulder and gives him a friendly smile.
"Your knowledge is welcome, Master Chef. I'd benefit from it a bit more, if you please. Therefore, when you're not cooking, how about joining us up on deck more? And maybe make that bottle last...?"

Once the ship is underway, Quara calls the other party members to her, and then calls for Jape, Lonnegan and Fipps.
"You three are incredibly lucky," she tells them. "You're getting a chance here that you wouldn't get from the likes of Harrigan or Plugg, and you know it. I could have you whipped raw or keelhauled without anyone objecting - and I'm not going to do it. You surrendered, agreed to join our crew. I'll take your surrender. I'm not going to order you to do the crappiest jobs, but it'd be a good idea if you work to your best ability. Tell me you understand."
The tiefling's golden eyes flash at that last, pointed question. Once the three pirates have given their answer, she orders them along to the mast, asking the rest of the party to join them.

There, Scourge should still be bound fast, nude apart from either a sock or his skivvies -- which have been used as a gag.
"Enjoying the sunshine, Scourge?" Quara greets the man in a jovial tone. "You're so pasty, I thought it might do you good. Ah, but I am being so rude! Would someone be so kind as to unstopper this bottle so it may breathe? Mister Scourge, you thought to murder us from ambush, and you were implicit in a mutiny of cowardice. These are not redeeming qualities, mister Scourge. I am not of a mind to let you join my crew, so here's a very important question: do you have anything to say that will persuade me not to have you skinned alive and lashed to the prow as our new figurehead, so you can be pickled and murdered by the sea herself?!"

The question comes out as a thunderous roar, and the captain has a white-knuckled grip on the hilt of her longsword.

Charisma-based check on behalf of the crew: Perform (dance) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Atajay certainly did not speak up or come to the defense of Scourge. Keelhauling was too good for the bastard. If The Cap'n wanted to let him stay there and rot, the sorcerer had no objection.

Cogward looks decidedly uncomfortable to be asked to say a few prayers for the departed. Still, he mumbles a blessing over each form as it his heaved over the side to the ocean's embrace.

Once the ship is underway, Jake, Lonegan and Fipps are quick to give their assurances that they will put body and soul into their duties and not cause trouble. More than can be said for Scourge. Sullen, humiliated, the man looks up at you in challenge, though he directs his words to the new captain. "I have nothing to say to you. I promise you, you will regret this." He offers no resistance to being strung up.

Kroop agrees to help with what he knows. He looks surprised to see the rum bottle in his hand. "This? Heh, this is just for the cooking see, a marinade."

Rabbit Prince's Crew
Quara Sher (female tiefling) - captain
Arven (male undine) - first mate?
Penta Slaughter (female human) - boatswain and disciplinarian? I wasn't sure what Arven or Penta's title would be.
A'vandira Silvermane (female human) - navigator
Batango (male human) - ship's mage
Atajay (male human) - ship's mage
Sandara Quinn (female human) - ship's chaplain
Crimson Cogward (male human) - master of arms
Ambrose "Fishguts" Kroop (male human) - ship's cook

Aretta Bansion (female human swab): a bad tempered ex-harlot with big ears.
Fipps Chumlett (male human swab): a fat, pushy bully with a shaved head.
Jaundiced Jape (male half-orc swab): a humorless, greedy half-orc mute.
"Slippery" Syl Lonegan (male human rigger): an unhinged murderer who f led to sea to escape the gallows.
Kenya Bloodblade (female human gunslinger and swab): tough pirate fascinated with the possibilities of black powder.
Owlbear Hartshorn (male Shoanti human): simple-minded but loyal brute.
“Ratline” Rattsberger (male Halfling rigger): a rat-faced halfling with long arms and three missing fingers.
Rosie Cusswell (female Halfling swab): foul-mouthed tough who plays a mean fiddle.
Tilly Brackett (female human swab): a tough joker who likes her rum.

Plunder = A shorthand for all the items, trade goods, and valuables taken in a pirate raid. One point of plunder is equal to 1,000gp. It can be sold in port, and a canny pirate can try to earn more coin when converting it to money.
Infamy & Disrepute = As you engage in piracy, you start to build a reputation for yourselves. When in port, make a group Bluff, Perform, or Intimidate check. With success your reputation grows as people hear about your exploits. Infamy represents the total score for your reputation, while Disrepute indicates the extent to which you can cash in on that fame, providing you with tangible benefits. Your group's current Infamy rating is 2.

The only spells I can teach to Tabook with the skull-scroll are enlarge person, hypnotism, alter self, touch of idiocy, vampiric touch, and black tentacles. Color spray, blur, daylight, and slow are not on the witch spell list, and I already know touch of idiocy. If no one else minds, I'd like to try and add the enlarge person, hypnotism, alter self, vampiric touch, and especially black tentacles to my spells known. Doing so requires a spellcraft check for each spell, and failure means I do not get the spell and the scroll is lost. If Atajay or Raven would like the pieces (assuming we can fragment the skull into pieces) holding color spray, blur, daylight, and slow, I'll gladly part with them.

As the night goes on, Batango makes it out of his quarters after having studied the whale skull for some time, and picks his way through the festivities, studying all who carouse before him. He still did not much like the idea of taking would-be enemies into the crew, but that sun had set and he sees no good point to stoke that fire. He merely consigns to stay out of their way.

When he can, the old witch approaches the new captain while she is alone, Tabook balancing gracefully on his shoulder. He hands a morsel of clam meat to the otter as he throws a rope of hair out from in front of his grim eye and looks her over once. "De tides have certainly transmuted, de currents shifted. What once was is no more, and here we stand, atop the mound under which we were so recently buried. What is it, that ting dey say on land to sound as if dey are knowing of de true ocean? Ah, yes, 'de sea is a fickle mistress.' Ha." he snorts. "Now you stand at de helm of dis crew, motley as it is. Scallywags and skullduggers, most of dem, not dat such tings cannot also be sailors. But most of dem were not born for a life at sea, rather chose it on a whim or to escape some fate. Dey can grow to learn, perhaps...dey are still so young, many of dem. Meaning no offense. I have no qualms with you being captain. I have seen many captains in my day, have served beside several. Some goodly folk, but most were pirates. You're different; even a blind man could see such a ting. I have not seen much mercy on ships such as dis, and as captain you are free to give it if you are wishing, but be cautious. On de one hand, you may win dese...sailors...to your cause, your side. Ours, rather. But on de other, you threaten to coddle dem, to take de fear, or de fight out of dem. Your speeches are rousing, for a certainty, but I wonder - is it a crew of pirates you mean to lead, or a crew of adventurers? Pirates murder, pillage, despoil. Don't let Plugg or Scourge or dis lot fool you - dey more play at pirates, by my eye. Adventurers, well...such a vague term, but, adventurers travel, fight monsters, collect treasure, take rewards..perhaps on de surface, sounding similar, but a fin cutting de water could be a dolphin as surely as a shark."

"I know we do not see so much eye to eye on existential philosophy, but I would implore you to take my advice to your mind. If we are to be pirates, we need to be pirates. If you show too much mercy, as I said, you might win some support, but to others you will look weak..might be to some of this very crew, and certainly to other captains of other pirates. I am both capable and willing to commit to a life of blood and pillage, as I am sure much of the crew is, though for differing reasons, I am sure...if you are ready to lead such a life. You can only avoid it for so long. Harrigan will be looking for us, altered ship or no. And I am sure he will not be de only one looking to pick a fight. You are a bard, yes? You may have heard de story of Captain Vereno Twinrivers, but I shall speak of it nonetheless. Captain Vereno Twinrivers of de Distant Wake was a pirate with de fastest ship of his time. He would rob taverns and brothels, and even send his crew sneaking up de sides of ships in de dark of night with grapples and boot-spikes to plunder dem whilst everyone slept. Captain Vereno Twinrivers cared not, for he knew none would catch him. He and his crew were a jovial lot, always avoiding danger, running ahead of it. Dey would drink and sing and dance on de decks under de moon, boasting of plunder. One day, Captain Voreno and his crew happened upon a great sea serpent who had a mighty hoard of treasure on a small island. De crew waited until night when de serpent slept along de shore, and snuck onto de island and took for themselves de serpent's treasures. When de serpent arose, it bellowed in anger and gave chase to de Distant Wake, tail thrashing all de way. But de ship, she was too fast. On de deck the crew and Captain Voreno danced and laughed, even as de serpent roared out dat it would never give up de chase. Captain Voreno yelled back "Then we will never stop sailing and never slow down, and you will die of exhaustion!" And so dey sailed for days upon days, weeks upon weeks, never seeing de serpent behind them. Dey even slowed to capture supplies from other ships, and dey would boast, de serpent could not even catch them as they pirated others. Finally, after months of swift flight, de Distant Wake saw a geat shadow above, and was splintered apart by de slamming of de serpent's tail. Dey had gone so fast and so far, dey had come up behind de serpent even as it chased dem, and met ends in his gullet."

"A silly tale, surely, but in it there is some good advice. Only can be so much flight, or so much laughter and frivolity. For a pirate, danger is always behind, and always ahead. And in de real world, de danger is oft much more horrible den greedy sea serpents. I have kept you too long, captain, but I have said my piece. Your decisions are yours by right, but I hope you will take someting of what I have said to heart. Still, a few grains of wisdom left in me. Or else, just esoteric ramblings of an old man." Batango gives Quara the first and only genuine smile he has given since the start of all this, and he offers a short bow to the new captain before heading back to his quarters.

"You spin a good tale, Batango!" Quara says, grinning as she claps the Witch on the shoulder. "You'll have to tell that one at dinner sometime. And fret not, I'll keep your wisdom in mind. Oh yes, so I shall..."

When Scourge spits defiance, Quara... smiles. Actually, she grins, baring nearly every tooth she has. It actually doesn't look all that funny. The way her eyes turn jet-black is not amusing, either. When she laughs, it might actually cause the amusement value of the situation to drop into the negatives.

"Boldly spoken, mister Scourge! Boldly spoken! You know, I may have been a little unkind, if you can spit defiance in my face with death on your doorstep! Let's see, you wanted what many a seafaring man wants, didn't you? A ship under your command, even if only in part? Well, by gum! I do believe I'll make a captain out of you."

Quara gives some rapid orders, and a piece of lumber is brought out of the hold; a worm-eaten piece she spotted earlier.

"Many a captain would make you walk the plank, mister Scourge," she says in a jovial tone as she elbows Scourge in the side -- a little harder than strictly necessary, perhaps -- "but that seems cheap. I'm giving you your own plank, to keep. Tip 'er over the side!"

As soon as the plank has been thrown into the ocean, Quara selects an end of rope and ties it around Scourge's neck like a noose. She gives him a wink, then gives more orders: "Untie this bilge-rat -- beg pardon! Untie captain Scourge and send him down to his ship. Congratulations, captain Scourge, on your maiden voyage aboard The Plank. May she serve you well. Keep the rope, with my compliments; you do enjoy your whipping-tools, after all."

As soon as Scourge has been thrown overboard, Quara leans on the railing and looks down on the man. Provided he comes up, she gives him a cheery wave -- then draws a blade and nicks the palm of her hand, allowing bright red drops to spill down into the water.

"A ship's not much good without a crew!" she calls down to Scourge, smiling. "Accept this, my final act of generosity; a few drops of savoury to summon hence some eager candidates to join you. I'm sure they'll be right hungry for a position on the crew of captain Scourge! May they serve you well! Unless, of course, you'd prefer to avoid the work interviews and head back to shore for your retirement? You know which way you should paddle, right? If not, try to spot a bird; they always head for shore... eventually. At night. Good day to you, captain Scourge, and goodbye. I'll ask chaplain Quinn to say a prayer for your diseased soul."

With the execution out of the way, Quara heads over to the wheel, and there... she sings. A working song, to indicate the show is over, and everyone is to go back to their duties. The rhythm is good enough, and gradually, the captain's eyes go from murderous black to their merry gold.

Perform (sing) for the working song: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Atajay looked away from the scene, not wanting to see any sharks that might happen upon Scourge. Hopefully Scourge will kill a couple of them before the rest take him.. With that uncomfortable matter taken care of, he turns his attention back toward the Slithering Coast and Rickety Hake.

Rickety's Squibs
With little ceremony you consign Scourge to the sea. The pirate does surface, clinging to the plank. He curses you with fervor from his bobbing plank as you sail away. His voice soon fades, and soon you can see him no more. The denizens of the sea seem to have left him alone as you watch, but you can see the fins of sharks beginning to circle. It's not a far distance back to Bonewrack Isle, it's possible he could make it there. You consider whether his fate was a mercy or a death sentence.

A couple days' sailing brings you alongside the Slithering Coast. Following Kroop's suggestions, you scout carefully - the estuary where you might find Rickety's Squibs is well concealed by a tall headland. At last, with Raven's help you spy the likely place. Rounding the tall headland reveals a hidden cove at the mouth of a wide jungle river, its sluggish brown waters staining the waters of the blue sea like an ugly bruise. A series of docks has been built upon this estuary, with buildings concealed beneath the overhanging limbs of the jungle beyond. A wooden watchtower stands upon the promontory of the headland, carefully concealed among the trees to provide a clandestine view of the seas.

As the Rabbit Prince sails past the headland, a checkered flag of yellow and read is raised above the tower on the promontory, and an answering flag of blue is hoisted upon a yardarm at the docks ahead. A number of humanoid figures emerge from the shaded buildings and gather on a pier. A small, single-masted longboat soon sets out from the boathouse on the estuary to meet the ship, and the boat's crew hail you. They request that you drop anchor so that they may parlay with you.

Soon a short, stoop-backed old man with a leathery, weatherworn face requests permission to come aboard. He has watery blue eyes and a halo of frizzy white hair. He is followed half a dozen men armed with nought but dirks at their belts. When the man comes aboard, he runs an appreciative hand along the wooden railing and stomps hard on the deck. "Nice lines, this one. Rahadoumi, is it? See the teak working on the prow? Straight out of Azir. Well, yes. If you're looking for Rickety Hake, well you've found 'em. Where you sailing from, and what yer business be?"

His fate wasn't meant to be a mercy at all. Either the denizens of the sea eat him or the ghouls do. ^^

"Master Hake, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, a right honour, it is!" Quara says, her voice as friendly as her smile. She warmly shakes the Squib-maker's hand and pats him on the shoulder with her other hand. "You come warmly recommended, sir, for your skills with ships.

Aye, this fine ship was built by the Rahadoumi. We sail her out of theft into piracy, but dash it all! The Rahadoumi look is just not fashionable enough, and as you can see we're all slaves to the latest fashions."

The tiefling glances around at the Rabbit Prince's crew, then back to Rickety Hake and winks outrageously.

"Apart from our being here to partake of your fine skills, Master Hake, I have a crew that's been on the waves for a fair while. No doubt some of my brave men and women would like an opportunity to carouse, if you have an inn and anything worth drinking here. That, and we're looking to restock and maybe pick up some extra crew members. Have you any bold souls in your little slice of paradise that might want to ply the briny blue for a bit?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Knowledge (local) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Truly said! Truly said, Captain...er, apologies I didn't quite catch the name there. Well, we'll see if we can fashion her into a ship that befits her captain's sense of style." He walks around the deck for a few minutes, examining everything appraisingly. As he does so he explains that you are welcome to lay over regardless of what you decide to do. There's not much in the way of services, but there is a chow hall and what passes as a tap room here. Finally, he turns to you, rubbing his hands. Right. I can refit her, it'll take about eight days, and it's going to cost you 2,000 gold. More if you're wanting any additions. I can fit in some small smuggling compartments into the bulkheads if you like. That'll cost 500 gold extra." Hake smiles, a friendly smile but it shows the many gaps in his rotten teeth. "If gold's a problem, I'm sure we can come to some alternative arrangement."

======

"Cap'n, I think the extra smuggling compartments are worth the gold. If we are to make our fortune, every little bit extra will help."

Can we trade him any of the unused magical items we recovered?

"Sher," Quara says. "Captain Quara Sher."

She blinks companionably at Rickety Hake's words, then nods at Atajay.
"Aye, the smuggler's compartments would probably come in handy, should the Rabbit Prince ever find some ah, 'honest' work to do."

Quara puts a friendly arm over Hake's shoulder and asks: "Now tell me honestly, master crafts - what do you have in the way of special additions in addition to the aforementioned smuggling compartments? I'm sure a master of your craft has many a fine trick up his sleeve."

Another Diplomacy check 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30. I hope I can haggle a bit for a lower price if I get him friendly enough. :p