DM Davy Jones' Skulls & Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Elmdorprime

... how does a group of people look like a single gorilla? Nymph thinks to herself, though she didn't feel the need to make the question verbal since Yuki was talking.

Rocky hovers in the air and beats on his chest like a gorilla

Did they change the font/layout again?

Pierce bows as you exit, then walks into Tessa's townhouse.

You all make it back to the Calamitous Intent without incident, although the burnt wood and merchandise smell of the harbor lingers in your nose.

Which way are you going?

After we pick up a cage for our guest, we'll go to Quent first.

You set sail from Port Peril leaving it to the various tradesmen picking up the pieces of your rampage.

Your sailing across the Shackles occurs without incident and you find yourselves sailing into Quent.

Quent, the second largest port, has a more settled feel than Port Peril. Unlike the capital of the Shackles numerous people have found themselves settling on land to support the somewhat more honest sailors Quent sees that Port Peril doesn't.

Numerous dockside taverns line the stone wharves and rooming houses and inns stack backwards in the well-formed harbor town set on a perfect inlet bay.

You drop anchor and prepare to go ashore.

Any special instructions for your crew?

"We should be back in a few hours, this isn't shore leave, sorry, so the crew will need to stay on the ship." Yuki says to the crew before departing for the temple, "Stay alert, Harrigan's cabin girl told us that he's still out for our hides. Oh, and be extra sure she doesn't try to escape."

If there is something I'm forgetting, please let me know!

Just a we roll into town, Ayre will use a mage armor scroll

note that I have my second set of spells prepared

Well it has been a while since I got to do something exciting. What can I expect?

"Cap'n, you want me to stay aboard and make sure our captive doesn't get up to any mischief? I don't have much to add with the Calistrians other than my charming smile," says Bahrin.

"Do you have a way of making her sleep while we're on shore? I'd hate to not have you there in case things don't go so well." Yuki replies to Bahrin's offer.

"Only via head trauma, I'm afraid," says Bahrin. "Either way, just let me know what you prefer."

"Just come along, unless you have some sort of aversion to going to the temple. In that case, 'nuff said, you can stay here."

"No aversion. Just thought it might be worth considering," says Bahrin. He hoists his bag and comes along.

Nymph is almost bouncing on her feet as they walk. We're going to a temple of Calistria, we're going to a temple of Calistria, we're going to a temple of Calistria...

I could magically sleep her, but it would not last long. Probably just tie her up tight

Quent is quite the town, with all the delights of a prosperous Taldan or Chelaxian town without the devil-worship or law to worry about.

You notice people, even those who appear to working relatively low key manual labor, have a weapon nearby and consequently arguments remained subdued. Not to say there isn't the odd knifing in a tavern but that sort of thing happens all over Golarian.

The House of Stolen Kisses, as the sign outside the temple proclaims it to be, is a wide wooden building built in the classic Calristian style. Painted yellow, the bee-hive shaped structure looks oddly out of place and you notice the extremely drunk, happy or relieved stream of sailors of both sexes and every conceivable race entering the building or lounging in the pleasant courtyard that surrounds it along with very attractive men and women in revealing clothing near them.

Clearly the temple is practicing in the traditional fashion - as a temple and a brothel all in one.

As you approach you find yourself next to a beautiful elven maid whose hair reminds you of freshly fallen snow and fully black eyes that reflect the daylight and seem far more enticing than they would on a human. Dressed in the abbreviated garb of an acolyte that shows much yet promises even more her smile towards you is a little less winsome and lot more enticing than you'd normally see on a cleric of the more subdued priesthoods of, say, Abadar or Iomadae.

Greetings fair travelers and welcome to the grounds of the House of Stolen Kisses. The blessings of Calistria be with you. How can the servants of the Unquenchable Fire serve you?

Bahrin leans over to Galean and says, "So you know what they do here, right?"

They bake cakes Galean. That's all

Yuki flashes the hostess a big grin as she pulls out the note Tessa provided, "Good morning! We're hear to speak to Dindreann, the note should explain everything."

"Oh, if there's a bun in the oven, it's probably because something went awry," chuckles Bahrin. "Seriously though, they trade money for experience."

Galean frowns even as he blushes red. "I know!", he says out in an annoyed tone. "My mother was a priestess... Uh, of Besmara, of course.", he adds quickly, before crossing his arms, yet his eyes are drawn a lot more to the Calistrian than to either Bahrin or Ayre. He grins. "And if you tease me again, next time you go for a swim, you should start watching out for dolphins.", he points an accusatory finger at the sorcerer.

Bahrin's eyebrows go up slightly as he replies, "I'm not teasing. I'm just saying that if you were looking for a certain kind of experience, this might be an opportunity. Or not - your preference. But it's one of those 'adult things' that you've been taking on as you've grown into new responsibilities and a new position. Maybe you'd enjoy it; maybe you don't feel ready. Your call."

He winks and adds, "I never promised to be a good influence."

The elf looks at the note and reads it quickly then starts to lead you through the temple.

As she makes pleasant small talk you walk through sensually decorated corridors (complete with tapestries and carvings that would make the staunchest Irorian monk blush) and you hear the sounds of Calistrian worship, and other things pleasing to the goddess, from the rooms.

You come in to a chamber that is simple yet relaxing with fine rugs, silk cushioned chairs and a wide desk with gilt chasings drawing geometric shapes along the the legs and tabletop. Behind the desk is seated a beautiful human woman. If she was surprised to see a troop of pirates enter her office she doesn't show it and the elf hands her the note which the priestess reads quite quickly as you're seated.

Please, be welcome at the House of Stolen Kisses. Can I offer you a refreshement?

Yuki quickly introduces herself and her officers, "Refreshments would be keen, whatever you have easy access to is fine. Forgive me for getting straight to business, but this place is kinda distracting. As the letters states, we're looking for information regarding Chelish activity in the Shackles. We were told you would be a good source for that?"

"Forgive me for getting straight to business, but this place is kinda distracting."

"Ohhhh you can say that." Nymph lets, her eyes and ears having explored as much of temple as possible since they entered, all the while wearing a stupid grin that let slip her teeth.

I would love some wine.

Rocky grins and gestures, and says something in his gravel like language.

Rocky would like some ice

Bahrin smiles in an easygoing fashion and takes the offered seat; he keeps his hands to himself and lets the captain do the talking.

The priestess laughs.

You'd be surprised what we have access to. Not to be too boastful but this is the finest temple of Calistria in the Shackles and, frankly, the only place that compares is our main temple in Absalom. And as you can imagine given the nature of the Shackles, there is not much that does not pass through Quent and get offered. And I don't mind at all - the direct approach leaves some things to be desired however it can be refreshing in the right circumstances.

She rings a bell and a serving boy comes in and bows.

Yes mistress?

Bring five glasses of the Tien plum wine for our guests, and a bowl of ice for yon...elemental?

She raises an eyebrow at Ayre.

A most amusing companion sir mage. I'm sure there's an interesting story in how you came to meet him that you must tell me when our business is concluded

Dindreann taps a gilded nail against her lips and thinks.

Chelish spies in the Shackles? Well, you'd be surprised how loose lipped a properly relaxed sailor can be and I might be able to help you but you'd have to do something for me in return.

She smiles as she sees Nymph's eyes light up at what she could do for the beautiful priestess and Galean's red cheeks as he came to the same conclusion.

I see some of you have some ideas for the kind of favor I'm looking for. I'm not averse, by any means, should one or more of you wish to pledge your devotions to the goddess. However I have needs that Free Captains can provide that are less intimate, if no less personal.

Dindreann steeples her fingers and looks at you thoughtfully.

As it happens Tessa's missive is quite timely. You see we recently had a ship go missing - the Lady's Sting. A beautiful craft that was delivering a holy relic to our temple called the Golden Vespal. Perhaps you've heard of it?

We have recently discovered that a group of wreckers have caused the ship to run aground and have stolen the relic. I will be frank; I want the idol back and I want the wreckers dead. Do this for me and my knowledge is yours.

Oh Yuki, you were a fool to think she'd just give us the info without wanting something in return.

Yuki smirks, then nods, "We're not adverse to aiding the church in recovering your stolen relic. I'm assuming you can give a rough location of the wreckers? Did they just steal it or was there some sort of misunderstanding?"

Rocky here is my oldest friend, he is a unique one.

Ayre laughs as Rocky reclines in the bowl of ice like it is a hot tub

Nymph arches an eyebrow and smirks but waits till the priestess and Yuki finish talking. "Sounds fun already."

Well that update didn't take.

Sadly no - the divination that gave us information about the location of the statue told us what but no who or where. The Lady is...demanding when it comes to her clergy's work. There are of course those in the Shackles who can tell you more.

Make a Knowledge (Local) check.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Hmm, well, we really would like to help, but I'm not coming up with a good way to find them. Could you suggest someone else we could talk to?" Yuki admits with an embarrassed shrug.

Bahrin continues to listen carefully, watching the exchange go back and forth.

Just posting in as I don't have much to add to the scene to spice it up and I don't have any appropriate Knowledge skills.

Dindreann arches an eyebrow at Yuki in surprise.

I would have thought a Free Captain would know all about wreckers to keep her ship from being run aground by a false lighthouse. We do know the Lady's departure point and a skilled sailor such as yourself could no doubt chart a course to backtrack.

Profession (sailor) DC 15 or Diplomacy DC 20 to gather the information from other ships on the docks

You might also try the Temple of Hidden Names; but as much as Calistria demands the avarice of Norgorber eclipses with ease. Still I'm sure you know your own business.

She smiles and her clerical robes part in such a way to give you an ample view of her figure while remaining - barely - on the side of propriety.

Once you return the idol to us I promise our gratitude will be great even to such adventurous souls as yourselves.

It looks like I'm the only one with Knowledge (local) now.

"We've never needed a wrecker. I guess we're too good at sailing." Yuki replies with the barest hint of annoyance at the woman's passive dig, which also mutes her response to her figure, "We'll be in touch then I guess."

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

While the rolled sucked, Galean has a +26 on that check, so I assume he'll share that information.

You can also use Diplomacy if you want?

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"I'm sure we could do a little asking around - perhaps some of the other captains haven't been so lucky," chimes in Bahrin. "Nobody likes wreckers, so there must be someone in this charming town who has had a run-in with them and is willing to give up some information in exchange for a few drinks."

Bahrin flashes a wry smile at the priestess and adds, "Maybe I can make a few inquiries while our first mate hammers out the remaining details?"

He glances to Nymph for a moment and nods in her direction as he wingmans for her.

Profession(Sailor): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (14) + 26 = 40

Galean doesn't wait for a second offer to start looking at the ships on the docks, despite the offer of hammering. "Oh, Quent is so large! That's a fishing boat... Except it's sitting way too low. There's bound to be something else on it.", he excitedly exclaims as he pulls Yuki's sleeve. "And that's a junk! Wow! And a great one at that!", he points to another ship with beautifully coloured sails. "And that.", he points to a third. "Is a piece of junk.", he shrugs. "Cap'n, there's bound to be some other navigators who're willing to exchange some knowhow on currents, drifts and reefs. And about sails! And wood! Did you know that...", he carries on for as long as he's tolerated, before running towards the docks.

In Galean's mind, there's only one winner in the fight between corvettes and corselets, Bahrin!

You do your thing, I'll do the priestess. ;)

After consultation over the charts gifted to you by Tessa, and with a surprising lack of taking advantage of the finest temple of Calistria you've ever seen, you believe that the wreckers must have ambushed the ship somewhere near the Rampore Isles.

Are you all going to go straight there or did you want to head to the Temple first?

I'm fine with going straight there - no sense helping the Norgobers if we can avoid it. They suck.

They suck.

Unlike the Calistrians? *dodges rotten vegetables*

Galean, after a long conversation with another navigator, "...No, obviously using birch for your mizenmast is insane... What's next, you use Aroden's Buckle for navigating in the winter?...", bursts into a room in the Temple, pointing down at the map, with a victorious shout. "Aha! I've found whe... I'mreallysorrythisisthewrongroomwhatareyoudoingwiththatfeatherdustergoodbye haveaniceday."

...After two very clear knocks on the next door down the corridor, Galean slowly opens the door, his cheeks burning red. "Uh, Cap'n! I found where they've probably wrecked the ship, and I've plotted a course."Can I buy one of those in here?, his thoughts float back to the revelations of his immediate past.

Calistrians suck in a totally different way!

Bahrin leans back in his chair, hands folded behind his head, then noting the red flush of Galean's cheeks, he says with his trademark easygoing grin, "You saw the business side of the temple, didn't you."

Then he leans forward and says in a serious tone, "We can be ready to get underway today if you want, cap'n. The crew's just finishing loading up the fresh water and rum."

"Let's go straight to the wreck, I don't want to deal with those Norgoobers [sic] anymore than we have to. If we pull this off, I'll be fine with you all taking advantage of the temple when we return the artifact. I just don't want to owe them until they owe us, you know?"

Bahrin grins and says, "Smart. That's why you're the captain!"

The Calamitous Intent plies the sea lanes as it cuts through the water between the islands in the Shackles.

You find yourself heading towards the Rampore Isles and you find yourself looking on a merchant ship - its sails are lowered and it flies the Rahadoumi flag.

So, does Yuki still have the Farglass that she got as a wedding present from her wife? Since she has to give it back in case of divorce, I would assume it's still somewhere, although I forgot about it when I was updating my equipment.

Also, do we know what it does exactly? It probably at least acts as a spyglass.

If Yuki has it, she'll use it, then give it to someone else who seems more perceptive for a second look. Otherwise she'll probably ask Galean scout it as an unobtrusive animal.

Note that since we are heading toward potential conflict I have special spells set, not the daily spells

Hey Cap'n after this, let me know if you want me to start making you some wands...Ill probably need you to come cast some spells on occasion, but I can do that. Anything from your list Yuki we should be able to make, you would just have to cast the spell each day, assuming DM is ok with that

Ayre rummages through his scrolls and casts a mage armor on himself.

Resist Energy might be a good wand to have, but it's going to be a little expensive since it's level 2. We got plenty of healing wands at the moment.

whelp we just need to gather the cost and I can start making it. I have $0 atm