DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign

Game Master imimrtl

It looks like it takes 2 reflex saves, one for damage and one for catching fire. I threw 2 for Dhaavan so to determine his damage. passing both, he only took 6 fire damage minus his fire resist 5, so 1 point of damage and didn't catch fire.

Do i need to roll for Concentration if i am not damaged by the fire, since being on fire only deals 1d6 to me, and only actually hurts at all on a 6?

To speed things along, I can toss the other save to determine wether or not the sails are on fire?

Seijiro sees some of the sails get damaged by the fire, but there's little he can do from where he is to alleviate the damage... If the fires go out, nothing to worry about, but he's ready to swing over and take his place on a fire brigade if the sails do catch fire and Adular's spell doesn't put it out immediately.

It looks like you guys are good with the sails so we are good to go. They didn't catch fire and we can progress round to round. Dhaavan, I am going to assume each eagle managed to kill one opposing crew member before being brought down themselves instead of continuing to make all of the rolls.

Give me your actions for the final two rounds and then we can begin the boarding operation.

If it was the bottom of round 8 that the arrow attack happened, then Round 9 is used to Vanish, and then from his high vantage poing he will Creat Pit by the wheel, DC 17 reflex to jump to a safe square, and a DC 15 on the squares adjacent to the pit itself.

Round 9: Variel cats vanish as well as he prepares to board the ship imbuing cutlass with additional +1 and keen. Variel issues orders to crew to maintain position until Rain has successfully brought the ships together for grappling.

Round 10: Orders crew to ready grappling lines and prepare for boarding. Sandara to aid the hurt. Variel makes his flying leap across to the other ship under cover of vanish. Prerolled result of 26 factoring slippery conditions and unstable area. VAriel lands on the opposing ship ready to let the havoc commence.

For the next two rounds, Rain will keep the ship on course and close the gap until she has drawn the ship side by side with the Rahadoumi vessel.

My three sailing checks:

Prof. Sailor: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 3 + 2 = 21
Prof. Sailor: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 3 + 2 = 29
Prof. Sailor: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 3 + 2 = 34

Once the ship is in position to grapple and before the boarding begins, Rain will cast Bless on herself and allies within 50ft of her. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects. Duration: 1 minute.

She will attempt to cast as quietly as possible (since she is invisible and wants to keep the illusion going. (rolling just in case necessary.)

stealth (to cast undetected): 1d20 + 10 + 40 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 40 = 65 (A stationary invisible creature has a +40 bonus to stealth, and, if she must move closer/forward to 'hit' everyone with her spell range, it is reduced to +20.)

Before boarding, Rain will hand over the helm to Sandara.

As per GM, grapple (combat maneuver check) made earlier is successful. Just to keep the game moving.

I have a meeting for a couple of hours this morning, so I should be back on the board after that.

Round 9 Noticing the Captain and first mate have vanished out of eyesight, Adular touches Flynn's shoulder and fills him with divine power, "That'll be of some help."

Aid spell
+1 on attack rolls and against fear effects.
Also grants temporary bonus hit points...
1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

EDIT to correct format
The lightning crackles down after that to strike at whoever might be at the enemy's crow's nest...unless he sees the manticore, in which case he'll strike at it instead.

Dmg, Ref save for half DC 17 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) = 7

Round 10:

"Besmara is with us!" He announces to the men, as they prepare to grapple and board, and casts a shield of faith upon which ever manjack of them shows the most courage in rushing forward.

Some lucky sea dog gets +2 Deflection bonus for a few minutes.

And if he sees either an enemy officer or the Manticore, he wills the lightning down on it.

Sorry if I'm being vague with the lightning, but a lot is in flux and I thought it might be easier to let the DM tweak it to whatever targets show themselves when they do rather than slow things down.

Dmg, Ref save for half DC 17 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) = 7

Round 9 Noticing the Captain and first mate have vanished out of eyesight, Adular touches Flynn's shoulder and fills him with divine power, "That'll be of some help."

Aid spell
+1 on attack rolls and against fear effects.
Also grants temporary bonus hit points...
1d8+5

EDIT to correct format
The lightning crackles down after that to strike at whoever might be at the enemy's crow's nest...unless he sees the manticore, in which case he'll strike at it instead.

Dmg, Ref save for half DC 17 3d6

Round 10:

"Besmara is with us!" He announces to the men, as they prepare to grapple and board, and casts a shield of faith upon which ever manjack of them shows the most courage in rushing forward.

Some lucky sea dog gets +2 Deflection bonus for a few minutes.

And if he sees either an enemy officer or the Manticore, he wills the lightning down on it.

Sorry if I'm being vague with the lightning, but a lot is in flux and I thought it might be easier to let the DM tweak it to whatever targets show themselves when they do rather than slow things down.

Dmg, Ref save for half DC 17 3d6

Horatio turns wild eyes to Adular; his face covered in soot and blood.

With no specific targets in site, Horatio will continue to fire on the enemy crew with the crossbow until we grapple. At that time, I’ll make my next move when I know more.

GM – did Johnson do as he was ordered earlier? Did the other NPC’s on the ship take up range weapons and fire at the enemy after he ordered them too? Also – if possible – who among them hit an enemy first? Thank you.

Current Status: 51/42 - NOTE: 13 temporary HP for 5 minutes

The crew have been firing back and forth the whole time. They are background to you all. Dhaavan, that is fine for the placement of the pit. The Pilot falls into the pit as she was unable to dive out of the way. Rain, you are good with the Bless. Adular, remember that to call a lightning bolt is a standard action so you won't be able to cast another spell at the same time.

Ok. Skip the call lightnings on those two rounds then. He'll still have a few left. Aid still on Flynn etc.

Ok. Skip the call lightnings on those two rounds then. He'll still have a few left. Aid still on Flynn etc.

Thank you again, sir :)

The crew have been firing back and forth the whole time. They are background to you all. Dhaavan, that is fine for the placement of the pit. The Pilot falls into the pit as she was unable to dive out of the way. Rain, you are good with the Bless. Adular, remember that to call a lightning bolt is a standard action so you won't be able to cast another spell at the same time.

I know the crew was formally background to me - but I also know I would have been watching for that in particular. I guess I'll toss up a Perception Check to notice, if that's okay?

Perception check to have noticed who among the crew managed to hit an enemy first:
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

If that fails, I will ask the crew afterwards and I guess I'll play it out then, if that's cool.

While the crew are busy grappling the enemy vessel, Seijiro casts Vanish, and prepares to swing over to the Rahadhoumi ship. Seeing no one at the helm and nothing there but a big pit, he looks for whoever seems to be in charge, maybe the captain or a first mate or even boatswain. If he can't spot anyone who fits that bill, he'll target someone who is still wielding a missile weapon against The Dread Lady.

perception to locate a good target: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

There are four more heavily armed men on deck that look like good targets.

Lets get started with initiative and we will start on round 1. I will go ahead and give you guys initiative since you are starting the boarding action. As before the crews are fighting with each other but you guys are fighting with your counterparts on the enemy ship and no others.

Round 1 starts, you guys are up. No one is flat-footed on either side as you have pretty much been in combat this whole time.

The Rahadoumi ship looks similar to yours except for the fact that it only has two sails. That, coupled with Rain's exceptional piloting were why you were able to catch up so quickly. There is a hole in the deck that goes down into what you assume are the holds. There is a large hole in the deck near the wheel, conjured by Dhaavan's impressive magics.

since I am invisible, my opponent would still be considered flat-footed to my attack, yes?

Yes definitely. I just meant that they aren't flat-footed just from the start of combat. You are good to do your Tarzan impression at any point. :-)

Gotta run, I'll be out most of the day today - but I will post as soon as I get home, actually I have a few minutes so here is a quick post - please don't kill me before I get home lol

Seijiro swings over to the enemy vessel, trying to pick a spot where he won't be immediately surrounded once he turns visible. He picks one of the more well-armed pirates and attacks as part of his swinging charge.

to hit, vs flat-footed ac: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19

dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + (2, 1) = 8

Sounds good. No rush.

Invisible and up high, Dhaavan begins his summoning once again, paying close attention to Sejiro's location, well aware of how devestating the kitsune's strikes can be when his foe's attention is divided. Before Jiro goes next round, Dhaavan'll pop an eagle behind whomever Jiro is attacking to give a Flank

Sounds good. No rush.

GM: Some quick questions before I act -

Since I can't see my allies - what is the rule (if any) for shooting? In other words - if I shoot at a bad guy; for all I know one of my friends is standing in front of him but invisible. This is rather tricky question, since over half the party is invisible at this time and I have ranged weapons and don't know where they are.

The other question was: What was the result of the Perception check I made earlier? I don't need a name, but I just wanted know a "yes or no" on if I was able to see who among us spilled first blood.

As soon as I know more, I will be prepared to act; though currently I'm "holding action". Worst case scenario my comrades can attack, I'll see them pop in and I can go from there. Though - as a general question - knowing the rule on shooting into combat when my allies are invisible to me is something that would be helpful.

As the boats near each other, Variel jumps to the other ship gracefully landing amongst the heavily armed opponents. Quickly casting a spell Variel's cutlass turns a soft blue hue as coldness creeps along its blade. Lashing out at the his foe Variel brings his cutlass down hard upon the man to his left. The question in Variel's mind was were the beast was and when and how would he appear.

Move action to jump across ending in I-J,33-34? (squares are not lining up for me that well. Adjacent to the foe on the left but within reach of all of them.)
Standard action to spellstrike with Frostbite
Concentration check 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
attack 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 1 + 2 = 28 str, BAB, enhance, focus, bless, size, invisibility
damage 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + (6) + 5 = 20 9 regular and 11 nonlethal cold and fatigued

Perhaps with his attack and Jiro's they could take him down before the threat of retaliation could be actualized. Variel then uses his newly discovered tactics to move with his opponents should they attempt to step away from him.

Adular leaps across to the other ship, and grins at the nearest foe, "Adular Bluuth, priest of Besmara at your service. I'd stand down if I were you. But then if I were you, I would have bolts raining down on my head."

Move and call lightning while it still has some bolts left
Same story, Ref DC 17 for half 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 2) = 10

Once we draw closer to the Rahadoumi Schooner (just before we board her), Rain will enact Freebooter's Bond (move action) granting all allies within 30 ft who can hear or see her a +2 bonus on attack rolls when flanking with the freebooter or with another ally affected by this ability. Her speech goes something like this, "Let us move as if we are one! Together we will have the might and cunning to defeat this enemy! We are comrades. Let us never forget it."

I posted the above earlier in the game/combat. If it still stands (per GM's discretion), all the officers (and any other standing near Rain) would have heard Rain say this and thus get the advantage of the Freebooter's Bond. I'd say she would have undertaken this speech before Variel cast 'Vanish' on her. But again, I'll leave that to the GM's discretion.

does the bond sdd to damage, too? or just to hit? That would give Seijiro a 21 to hit on his roll (and if it adds to damage also, 10 dmg) thanks, Rain - I'd forgotten about it!

From the description, I'd say it was only an additional +2 to attack/hit. But I haven't played Freebooter's Bond before. No worries! Variel would get +2 on all his attacks above, too, if he's flanking with Jiro currently (I'm not too sure on this). :)

as far as I can tell, Seijiro would currently be about I31, just for reference, if that helps anyone else with their placement/aim/etc.

A follow-up question on the "Freebooter's Bond" - (and regarding invisibility in general) - if any enemy cannot see an invisible threat they are flat-footed. Does that stack with flanking in general? In other words - if I am flanking an enemy with my friend - would we even get flanking bonuses since we can't see our friend to know we're flanking? Also - would the enemy suffer both the penalty of being flat-footed and flanked to invisible threats?

Any other news/rules on shooting into combat while allies are invisible? I haven't seen a penalty, I don't know if I'm missing it, but I'd rather not shoot my friends by accident.

Finally - to get to the other ship, will we need an "Acrobatics Check" to jump across, or can we just charge via a "charge attack"?

Okay, that's pretty much it (except also the matter of the Perception Check). For now I'll continue to hold action, until I know more from the GM. Once I get more info I'll be able to post my action for this round.

Ok good job everyone! Answers to questions forthcoming!
Seijiro hits with his swinging charge!
Horatio, you still get the bonuses for flanking while invisible and the defender is still flatfooted unless they have some ability that prevents them from being flatfooted like uncanny dodge. If you are shooting at an opponent that is in melee regardless of if they are visible or not then you get the penalty for shooting into melee.
Variel, you easily hit and your combined lethal and nonlethal damage drops one of the heavily armed sailors.
Adular, your bolt of lightning slams down into the one that Seijiro hit and drops him into a smoking mess.
Rain, Freebooter's Bond only adds to flanking attacks but remember they need to be within 30' of you to benefit.

Horatio, you're up and yes you need an acrobatics check, no you can't charge. You can move and attack.

Horatio, you're up and yes you need an acrobatics check, no you can't charge. You can move and attack.

It looks like the ships are roughly 15 feet apart. I'm assuming the Acrobatics is a DC of 15 if I have a running jump?

Quick Question: Currently I'm the only one who needs to make the Acrobatics Check, I think. If I want to get across between the ships without an Acrobatics Check - what do I need to do?

Horatio watches the others with a wild expression in his eyes as he observes the enemy ship, and those aboard it. His fingers continue to clench into tight fists at his sides as he stands on the ship and his entire body trembling with suppressed energy.

Then, something changes in his gaze.

The tension suddenly relaxes from his face in an almost instant release. His eyes go flat.

Rolling his shoulders, he simply stares across at the enemy and a strange smile twists his lips cruelly as if a sudden thought occurred to him...

Horatio is going to hold action for this round on our ship using "Full Defense" if possible.

You're right. I didn't make anyone else do an acrobatics check so you can get across fine.

Rain, Freebooter's Bond only adds to flanking attacks but remember they need to be within 30' of you to benefit.

The 30 feet from Rain is to hear or see her for the ability to take place and gain the benefit. Is that what you mean?

Round 1

Rain, still invisible, and on the Lady, casts Lead Blades on her cutlass (standard action). This will last fot 4 mins.

Using the rigging, Rain climbs and swings/jumps from ship to ship.

Climb (DC 10): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Acrobatics (to swing/jump across) (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 20 = 45

and she lands very quietly at J:38, adjacent the Rahadoumi sailor, ready to attack.

Since Rain cast a spell before swinging over to the other ship, I don't believe she can also attack this round.

Rain, the way I read the ability it almost seems like an Aura where they need to stay within range to benefit. Usually that won't be an issue but if you are on one ship and they are on the other then it might be a problem until you get back within range.

You easily make it over to the other ship.

I think that is everyone so I am going to go for the other crew.

The two crews swarm against one another, fighting and attempting to repel you while your crew tries to subdue them. Cries and taunts go back and forth. All of a sudden a roar bellows out from beneath the ship and the manticore bursts up from below decks into the air where he flicks his tail, sending a series of four spikes at the largest threat which is easily Variel at this point.

Manticore - 15' in the air over squares H-I 27-28

Spike attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 - HIT
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Mirror Image 1d4 ⇒ 2 1 hits variel - IMAGE DESTROYED NO DAMAGE

Spike Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 - HIT POTENTIAL CRIT
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Mirror Image 1d3 ⇒ 1 1 hits variel - HIT
Crit Confirm 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 NOT A CRIT

Spike Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 - HIT
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Mirror Image 1d3 ⇒ 1 1 hits variel - HIT

Spike Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 - MISS
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

One Image destroyed, 2 hits for 20 damage

--------------------------------------------------------

Marine in G35 attacks Variel with his Boarding Pike
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 - HIT
1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
1d3 ⇒ 3 1 hits variel - IMAGE DESTROYED NO DAMAGE

--------------------------------------------------------

Marine in J37 takes a 5' step to I37 and attacks Variel with his Boarding Pike
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 - HIT POTENTIAL CRIT
1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
1d2 ⇒ 1 1 hits variel - HIT
Crit Confirm 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 - CRITICAL HIT
2d8 + 12 ⇒ (8, 4) + 12 = 24

--------------------------------------------------------

Sorry, apparently the dice roller likes me today. Quick recap, two of Variels images are destroyed and he took 54 damage.

--------------------------------------------------------

You all are up. Round 2!

Tryin to figure out my move, but i'm wondering why6 the ships are so far apart? Would the grappling draw the ships closer together? things for my spells a lot if they were closer...

Var i could try to get a bird up by the Manticore to go for a flank, since you can still reach it at 15' up, but i need to know about the distance between the boats first.

Falling damage on pilot from create pit 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 4) = 15

Unless variel has some sort of DR or something or I made a mistake somewhere, he is currently at -8 hp and bleeding out.

I was planning on pulling the ships closer on round 2. Thanks for reminding me.

dm - did you remember the -4 on each spike attack for firing into melee? that might save variel, even the manticore should be affected by that

Since he's still alive (for the moment), are his buffs still active? that way he would still be large and buffed up nice if he gets a heal?

Rain's the only one that can hit the thing at the moment then? with the Boarding pike of Repelling/justice?

can I get flank with a bird or Rain? she has quite a reach I'm willing to tumble into flank position if necessary

Unfortunately the nearest friendly target of the manticore is 10' away so the -4 doesn't apply I don't think.

From the SRD "If your target (or the part of your target you're aiming at, if it's a big target) is at least 10 feet away from the nearest friendly character, you can avoid the –4 penalty, even if the creature you're aiming at is engaged in melee with a friendly character."

The buffs are still active until he dies. I think that is how they are supposed to work.

darn, was hoping that would help...

Jack's had 8 rounds to heal up 8 HP via IH fast-healing, so if he's concious at this point, would he be able to land on Variel and deliver a touch spell for me? He has the movement to avoid AoO's to close on him and deliver a touch spell for me, but only if he's concious at this point. and if he landed on var, could he stay in Var's space and not really be targetable? Not that my heals will get Var up, but it may be good to have on, in case he gets his again

With the ships’ current positions, I can drop my Bird above the Manticore, so anybody hitting it from the deck with reach will have a flank on it.
After Flynn takes his action (so he can take a shot at the manticore before we get into Melee, if he wants), a Fiendish Eagle appears above the monstrosity (I:28), and with a powerful flap of it's wings it moves to the creature's back 5' step to (H:27), viciously ripping into it.
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
For 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
For 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
For 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Hopefully distracting it so one fo Dhaavan’s companions can take advantage to make an attack from below... maybe.

dropping a soldier may be more useful so Jiro can tumble 20 ft+10 for tumbling through 2 squares to avoid AoO's into Flank with Rain right now, and if he drops the soldier she is free to go where Jiro was and hit the Manticore with the Pike, if she wanted. Or slice up a soldier.

Determining Dhaavan's spell-choice once i know about Jack... May just summon in the end either way...
dunno yet

just an fyi - srd also says an opponent has to be at least 2 size categories larger than an opponent to reduce the penalty to hit to -2, or 3 size categories larger to reduce the penalty to hit to 0. This kinda contradicts the 'part you are aiming at is 10' away' bit a little. Since when can we aim shots in missile combat anyway? I thought called shots was a variant rule?

"Captain!" Adular backs away from foes towards the downed Variel calling out to the others, "Keep folks off my back."

I hope I'm reading the map right, but it looks like I can 5-step to Variel, avoid an AOO and cast a cure spell on him.

Converting his third level prayer spell to a cure serious.
3d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) + 5 = 13

"By Besmara's favor, awaken captain, and avenge yourself!"

tumble to H36 into flank with Rain: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23
to hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + (6, 3) = 13