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

Game Master imimrtl

Seijiro, Tomo on his shoulder grooming his hair, stands in the prow near AMen-Set and watches ahead and down, keeping an eye out for anything that might prove a threat.

perc: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Rain thinks a quick reconnaissance flight over bay and smaller rock at centre of bay is fine, but for the ship to be safely docked at the mouth of the bay, a watch to be placed to ensure nothing sneaks up to attack us over...

I'm all for using Summon Monster to send in Aquatic animals to also help search the bay for rocks or whatever may be in there, too. Also, did we ever find out what the status is with Dhaavan's sister? She might be able to lend a unique helping hand with that issue, too, if possible... What does everyone think of that?

He watches the sea foam, trying to guess their speed, then he looks back at Rajah.

"Do you think it would be handy to pray for spells of Divination on the morning to find this stone? I would rather our arsenal of prayers for more practical matters, of course, but I am curious to know what you think of the idea..."

"Or," he says pausing, the smile still on his lips "shall we rely rather on your coin for such answers?" he adds, his serious manner now more relaxed as he listens to Rajah's advice.

Turning back to the man of many trades, "I fear Divination is beyond my capabilities, Sir Flynn. But, now that you mention it, we just might have that alternative we were looking for," he says as he pats his pocket to where the coin resides and gives a wink before heading toward the prow of the ship.

Noticing Seijiro as he arrives at the prow, "Good Seijiro, what are you doing up here? I believe you are best in the crow's nest. I will not take the spot of one who possesses such a fine eye as yourself, my good man!" he says with a wide grin. "Besides," he looks up toward the nest, seeing how empty it is, "it just seems... wrong if it is not you that is up there. I know I feel a thousand times safer with you watching out for us in your proper spot," he tells him, still grinning as he motions with a friendly nod toward the nest, trying to persuade him. "Yay? Nay? What do you say, good Seijiro?"

@Horatio: Unfortunately, Warpriests don't get Divination until 4th level spells hit. Yeah it stinks. It's the drawback of being a warpriest. They only go to 6th level in spells and it's a slow go to even get to those levels.

@Seijiro: The crow's nest is your, my friend! As long as your up and about, it's most definitely all yours. Heck, it's your spot. It's just weird if were sailing and you're not up there. The ship may just sink because the whole thing just seems "off" if you're not up there. :)

lol

Seijiro gives Rajah a little mock salute and a grin, then he and Tomo climb up to the crow's nest, where he keeps watch.

Variel sees all things well in hand: Rain at the wheel, Jiro in the crow's nest, Horatio and Amen doing soundings. It made him smile that everything was as smooth as it could be. That ease was well earned after long hours and trying times but they were all better for it. Variel heard Rain and Horatio discussing plans and saw Rain look his direction. He gave her a broad smile trusting in her judgment and knowing as well that Horatio would provide 5 different alternatives as well. It was a good thing though as each deviation just made you analyze your own thought process that much more fully. Variel could not help himself though and had to toss his own words in. I am in agreement with both of you. I think total surprise is out of the question unless we find a cave system and the creatures are underground. That being said I would not venture into the island any further tonight and feel we should wait for the new day. By all means though Horatio, expend what magical resources you want to tonight to explore the bay as that will only provide security for us and the crew in the bay.

Turning back to the man of many trades, "I fear Divination is beyond my capabilities, Sir Flynn. But, now that you mention it, we just might have that alternative we were looking for," he says as he pats his pocket to where the coin resides and gives a wink before heading toward the prow of the ship.

Horatio nods his head slowly.

"Ah... I did not know this. Yet Amen-set can petition her god and ask to Divine things, should we need it. Yet in my experience, Divination - though under the purview of higher level casters - is not often worth the return," he muses thoughtfully.

"She can add that to her list of spells in the morning, but I wondered; is it worth it, or would another spell do better?" he asks, rephrasing the question a bit.

Not sure if Divination is worth it (personally I thought it was always kind of a lame spell); meantime, if you guys think it is worth it, she'll memorize it, if not - then probably not...

He gave her a broad smile trusting in her judgment and knowing as well that Horatio would provide 5 different alternatives as well.

Hey now, I only offered four; well, maybe four and a half ;)

I am in agreement with both of you. I think total surprise is out of the question unless we find a cave system and the creatures are underground. That being said I would not venture into the island any further tonight and feel we should wait for the new day. By all means though Horatio, expend what magical resources you want to tonight to explore the bay as that will only provide security for us and the crew in the bay.

Horatio nods at Variel.

"As for the bay itself? As I indicated before - something, call it hunch - suggests to me now that there would be no problem rowing a rowboat into the bay, but there will be a large problem taking our ship into it... I do not know why, but I am now suspicious of it."

"I think the full examination of the bay should be done by those most skilled at underwater exploration - specifically; the First Officer's kin... If she's still with us; I don't know where she, or Dhaavan, is at this time, though."

"If they are willing to do so, then I will do all I can to aid them. If not, then I would have an alternative suggestion."

"We know that there are two small islands to the north of the bay. Given that we have a undetermined amount of daylight left, and given that the ruins may be hard to find, but certainly not something we wish to explore at night time, I thought it might be prudent to also take a scout team to the small islands north of the bay and given them a cursory examination for possible locations to build fortifications."

"What do you think of that option? Given that there will apparently be light we should have several hours to explore those islands and clear or clean them of any threats; should Dhaavan be unable to aid us in the exploration of the bay itself."

He takes a drag from his smoke and then waits to hear what the others think.

Ana seems lost in thought during the discussions, almost as if she is listening to another conversation altogether. She tilts her head to the side and says No, that won't work at all. The one on the left.

If you ask what she's talking about she looks at you as if she doesn't understand what you mean. She seemed fine up until you all reached the ship and now seems a bit...strange.

You proceed out of the bay slowly, it's sheltered confines sapping a good bit of your wind. Making your way around the coastline you see several interesting features. You see a section of shoreline that is abundant with fields of kelp, that would make a good area for fishing and for utilizing the kelp for it's various uses. You hear a shout from Seijiro as he spots what looks like a shipwreck. A mess of driftwood lies scattered and broken on these rocky shoals, continually battered by the crashing waves. Seabirds roost among them, their calls eddying upon the wind.

Do you want to stop and see if there is anything to salvage or keep going?

"No, that won't work at all. The one on the left."

Horatio glances at Dhaavan's sister curiously, his eyes studying her.

He wishes Amen-set were near; here ability to sense a person's motive far superseded his own.

Still, he'll give it try...

Sense Motive
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

EDIT: Meh... for what it's worth...

Do you want to stop and see if there is anything to salvage or keep going?

Horatio has some thoughts on the matter; but before he can respond, can we get its approximate location on the map, as well as the location of the kelp fields.

Also, to help this decision about exploring; can we have the current time; time of sunset; and our current speed in relation to the relative location of the shipwreck?

I can't speak for the others, but as soon as I know more on the subject, I'll have Horatio respond better.

Peering in the direction of the driftwood, Rajah's curiosity gets the better of him. "Rain! Head towards the driftwood! There may be something of interest... ing use! Yes, use!" he yells to her from the prow, thinking 'use' might be the better term in this case. They may not bother with it at all if I say 'something of interest' and then how will I ever know what's there? 'Twould be a shame really, he thinks to himself as a matter of factly.

Sorry. I can't help it. Enquiring minds want to know. (Or possibly it's a unbridled rage of curiosity. Six of one, half dozen of the other) :)

Peering in the direction of the driftwood, Rajah's curiosity gets the better of him. "Rain! Head towards the driftwood! There may be something of interest... ing use! Yes, use!" he yells to her from the prow, thinking 'use' might be the better term in this case.

Horatio feels a sense of irritation that the new-comer is giving orders to Rain. Surely she saw the driftwood and could make that call, but - unfortunately - this was no time for having fun or private adventures.

At this point they were being forced to get a stone for some creature before they could do what they wanted to do on this island. Until or unless that journey was completed, they were not really able to do anything else on the island, unfortunately.

He turns a glance at the driftwood - more interested in the birds nesting there than the wood itself.

"We made a full sweep of this island this morning and this mess wasn't found. Now we find it - and look; scavengers are rooting in it - that means they smell blood, and given that the waves are pounding on the water, the blood must be fresh enough to have drawn their attention after our initial pass this morning - but not so long that the waves didn't wash it away," he says to Rajah.

He frowns, knowing full well that the sea monster they fought earlier that day was never fully finished and may still be out there near the rocks, to also feast on remains below the waves - or attack another ship...

"Oye - Action Stations! Look alive lads," he says to the Halfling gunners on the Fighting Top above them, then calls to the other gunners who are now on deck "Ready port gun crew," he adds, knowing at as they were sailing counter-clockwise around the island that the coast was obviously to their port side.

He turns to one of the deckhands.

"Sound the fathoms - then let the Pilot-Major know our depth so we don't run aground on anything," he calls out recalling the earlier hunch about shallow or threatened water.

If the water is deep enough, that thing may be swimming below us even now - possibly even moving further to our starboard to try to drive us into the rocks... Gods damn it! Why the hell didn't we finish that thing off when we had the chance!

At this time he says nothing to interfere with the sailing of the ship, leaving that to others - but operating the ship's weapons was his responsibility and he took that very seriously; especially when there were unknown threats close to them.

Besides; given the threats of shoals, reefs, shallows and rocks - especially near a crushed ship - he assumed knew Rain wouldn't take their ship near the rocks itself; though she may have a longboat launched to explore it... Still, she was at the helm and she had the con, so he would find out what she would do regarding sailing the ship soon enough...

"Orders, Pilot-Major?" he calls out to her, wondering what she will have the ship do with the potential threat nearby.

GM - can we get its approximate location on the map, as well as the location of the kelp fields.

Also, to help this decision about exploring; can we please have the current time; time of sunset; and our current speed, not to mention our location in relation to the relative location of the shipwreck?

Thank you!

Rain listened to the warnings from Jiro in the Nest, Amen hanging from the bow and Flynn and his men calling out the depths. Her eyes strained to take in the mess of driftwood lying on the rocky shoals; her keen sailor's eyes evaluating the threat, tide, waves and applying the knowledge to driving the Lady safely in the water and area.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Prof Sailor: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (14) + 26 = 40 (To determine the best distance to keep the ship safe from the rocks, shoals and strong waves/tides.)

"Rain! Head towards the driftwood! There may be something of interest... ing use! Yes, use!"

Rain's dark blue brow shot up at the man's instruction, finding it amusing since it was not that long ago he fell over himself to return the Nest to Jiro. "Variel, best you give over your Captain's tricorne to Rajah there. He is most eager to lead us." A soft chuckle escaped her lips before being replaced by a serious demeanour as she contemplated the shipwreck and what to do about it. "Let us see what it is about."

'Now we find it - and look; scavengers are rooting in it - that means they smell blood, and given that the waves are pounding on the water, the blood must be fresh enough to have drawn their attention after our initial pass this morning - but not so long that the waves didn't wash it away,"

She called to the Nest, "Jiro, do you see blood in the water or atop the driftwood?" As she waited for Jiro's reply, Rain looked to Flynn, "Perhaps the gulls nest among the driftwood or fish have been caught there for them to feed. Did you see blood or did Amen?"

"Orders, Pilot-Major?" he calls out to her, wondering what she will have the ship do with the potential threat nearby.

Rain dared not sail the ship too close and she called to her companions, "We stop here. If we wish a closer inspection than I suggest we send out a strong summoned swimmer or one of the birds to inspect the driftwood. If there is no present danger, then we take a longboat out to it while there is still light." Immortal, I'm not sure how far from the ship this wreck is, but Rain will sail as close as she can - safely - than hold ship steady or drop anchor, depending on what Variel says.

Prof Sailor to sail/manoeuvre the Lady safely close enough so she isn't grounded on any shoals/rocks etc: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (16) + 26 = 42

"Perhaps the gulls nest among the driftwood or fish have been caught there for them to feed. Did you see blood or did Amen?"

Horatio turns to her.

"I didn't see blood at all - we're not close enough to make something like that out... But gulls are scavengers, they do feed on the dead. Why should they be nestled in the shipwreck if there was nothing to encourage their presence?" he says with great confusion.

Rain - all of this is mostly speculation as - at this point; I have no idea where this shipwreck is on our map. I honestly don't know if there are beaches or mostly rock, but I assume if it was smashed against rocks, there'd likely not be beaches? But I'm not sure...

If anyone knows its location than can they please mark it on the GM's map for me?

"The side of the cliffs are rock; they need to be near sand to hunt for dead fish which was ashore.... If they're going to make a nest, it makes no sense to nest in the battered ruins of a ship, especially one that wasn't here when we scanned this place this morning..." he adds the last in a confused voice, almost to himself.

He turns back to the Jiro and Amen-set RE: Perception Checks

"Did any of you make our her make and colors? Do we know what class of ship she might be, or who conned her before he wreck?" he asks them.

This could be local ship, but it could also be the Cheliax ships to the north the GM mentioned via possible trouble with them; if one of their ships was sailing south this afternoon after our initial pass, then it's possible that their could be some survivors who are now on the island...

Rain dared not sail the ship too close and she called to her companions, " "We stop here. If we wish a closer inspection than I suggest we send out a strong summoned swimmer or one of the birds to inspect the driftwood. If there is no present danger, then we take a longboat out to it while there is still light."...

Horatio says nothing at this, but merely scans the wreck, letting the others on lookout relay their information first.

To be honest, I have no idea what to do via searching or tactics until we know more about the location of the wreck or how much daylight we have left.

GM - could we please get the correct time, time of sunset, and the position of the wreck on the map, as well as the moon cycle? Thank you :)

Variel considers the shipwreck and its appearance. It was a curiosity indeed and sometimes luck favors the bold. Turning to Rain he gives her a smile and asks I fancy a swim and a quick trip in the water. What say we explore this wreck for anything useful as Rajah suggests? As for my hat dear, I would not offend Jiro by loaning it away so easily. Smiling he continues, You are right. He is an eager chap. One trip inside the belly of a beast would be enough. Apparently he wants to see if there are any more down there we can cut him free from.

Calling out to the other officers, I think we will have time to explore this wreck now if we are just going to sleep tonight in the other bay. Perhaps we missed the wreck due to the tide earlier and only by chance did we stumble upon it now. Lets explore and take what we can now. A quick flight would be in order though as we prepare so we know what we are getting ourselves into.

Rajah wrote:

"Rain! Head towards the driftwood! There may be something of interest... ing use! Yes, use!"

Rain's dark blue brow shot up at the man's instruction, finding it amusing since it was not that long ago he fell over himself to return the Nest to Jiro. "Variel, best you give over your Captain's tricorne to Rajah there. He is most eager to lead us." A soft chuckle escaped her lips before being replaced by a serious demeanour as she contemplated the shipwreck and what to do about it. "Let us see what it is about."

Rajah finds himself confused a moment, not sure why Rain would make such a statement. He then mentally takes himself back to what he said and mumbles the words to himself. His eyes then go wide as it hits him on how that may have sounded. "Oh dear. I do fear that did not come out right at all." As Rain seems to take it in stride, he can't help but grin sheepishly, shaking his head at his own folly.

I fancy a swim and a quick trip in the water. What say we explore this wreck for anything useful as Rajah suggests?

Horatio shakes his head.

"Begging your pardon, but if you want to explore the wreck, I'd advise against taking a swim. We don't know what's there; how hard the waves and the tides are, and - if we find anything of note - it will be tricky bringing it back."

"I'd advise taking the longboat; it would be easier to fight, shoot and cast spells from, should the need arise, and if we find any goods or gear of note we can load the boat and then haul them back to the ship with little difficulty," he adds.

"Also, if there is anything beneath the surface of the waves that needs to be taken then it should be both safer and easier to haul it up from the water from the longboat rather than swimming all the way there, diving below, then trying to haul anything all the way back to the ship while swimming - if we need to, that is."

"Anyway, that's just a suggestion..."

I think we will have time to explore this wreck now if we are just going to sleep tonight in the other bay. Perhaps we missed the wreck due to the tide earlier and only by chance did we stumble upon it now. Lets explore and take what we can now. A quick flight would be in order though as we prepare so we know what we are getting ourselves into.

Horatio looks both ashamed and abashed at that news.

"It seems impossible to me that we could have missed something like this on our search this morning. But if so, then I apologize, for the fault is mine - it was my suggestion to search the perimeter of the island first. The least I could have done is been more vigilant in my duties."

Variel - I have no idea what the time is formally; but I know this much at least - before we set out on this mission we were advised we had roughly 2 hours until sundown. Based on our current position on the map and via the mileage, this should mean we've sailed roughly 1 hour - and should theoretically have at least 1 hour until sunset (assuming our speed wasn't boosted by Rain's earlier check). Point is - at this stage we should have plenty of sunlight to search.

Also, given our current position via the map, I'm no longer sure it's guys from Cheliax - the shipwreck is too far south (though not impossible, this is just a hunch; but Cheliax is north and other than Sargava and possibly the southern part of the Mwangi Expanse, I can't think of anything of note south; but it could also be just some random ship, too). But given its current location, it's close enough to the mouth of the bay that the sea monster thing we let escape could have done this.

As he studies the wreck, his eyes tack back to the large pool of kelp thoughtfully.

Knowledge: Nature - 19 and Geography - 23 on the Kelp to discover why it's so stagnant with heavy waves/current around (based on the scale of the map that looks almost like a mile of kelp; that's pretty big and now I'm curious...)

As he waits for the others to voice their thoughts on taking the longboat to the wreck rather than just swim over there, he overhears Rajah...

"Oh dear. I do fear that did not come out right at all."

He turns to him.

"No worries, mate - it happens to the best of us. Hell, as it hard as it may seem to believe, even I've had trouble saying things right," he says, then gives Rajah a grin as if he were sharing some sort of inside joke.

"No worries, mate - it happens to the best of us. Hell, as it hard as it may seem to believe, even I've had trouble saying things right," he says, then gives Rajah a grin as if he were sharing some sort of inside joke.

LOL! Oh man I'm rolling! :D

Rajah nods, grinning, shaking it off and ready to move on. "Longboat or swimming matters little to me. Even if there's a beast down there...," he pauses a moment to consider Variel's reminder of his previous encounter with a sea beast. Eventually he nods as a matter of factly, "I'm thinking the longboat is a good choice, Sir Flynn, a good choice."

"Longboat sounds fine, though we might still end up swimming... I'll be ready if that's the case." Seijiro smiles, under the assumption he'll be going along. "Maybe it would be a good idea to get a closer aerial scout of the wreck before we head out."

"I'm thinking the longboat is a good choice, Sir Flynn, a good choice."

Horatio glances at Rajah and nods.

"Maybe it would be a good idea to get a closer aerial scout of the wreck before we head out."

Horatio's eyes flick to Jiro aloft in the crow's nest.

"That's good thinking," he calls to him.

Horatio turns and scans the coast.

"Survivors may have moved inland after the wreck," he muses, his eyes flicking to what looks like a hill with a level plateau beyond.

He calls out to Amen-set who rests easily at the prow and she sends Horus aloft to get a wide circle of the land around; paying specific attention for things like the remains of camp fires, signal fires or constructed shelters.

Horus's Perception Check at 100 feet up with a 150 foot radius from the point of the wreck.
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

"Given that no one seems to mind taking the longboat, let's get her ready..." he says, then motions to some deckhands to do that.

He turns and looks back at Dhaavan.

"Begging your pardon, Ser Dhaavan, I assume you'll be watching the ship while we explore the wreck?" he asks.

I don't really know what's up with Dhaavan, but we haven't heard from him in a bit so I guess if he stays on board to give us cover fire if we're attacked while we head ashore then we don't have to keep anyone else on board?

At this point Horatio moves to the longboat and pauses only get some long rope and carpentry tools in case they need gear to break up broken beams/spars and also to haul anything from the wreck that they may find.

Then he swings himself into the boat and glances at the others.

"Well - shall we be away?" he asks.

Cool; so to clarify - Horatio is still looking for the results of the Checks to determine what type of ship this; where she comes from; what her flag/colors indicate; the Knowledge checks on the nature of the large kelp stuff, as well as the current time and the time until sunset.

Seijiro climbs down, sends up a crewman to take his place in the crow's nest, and hops over to the longboat. "Wouldn't miss out on this!"

Yes longboat is fine with me. I just meant that once we get to the wreck someone will have to dive in to fully explore it.

Variel likewise gets ready for the longboat launch making sure his cutlass is free in its scabbard and spell component pouch is ready.

"Nor would I, good Seijiro, nor would I!" he says with excitement as he follows suit and finds a place within the longboat himself.

Yes longboat is fine with me. I just meant that once we get to the wreck someone will have to dive in to fully explore it.

You might be right; but I'm still a bit wary about diving in until we need to. After all, this is pretty close to the bay we were at; the sea monster fled east and the shipwreck was also east of our bay. So it's possible that the sea monster fled from us then found a ship out here and did this recently, maybe even a ship following us from the Regatta (possibly?). In any case, it's possible that survivors may have gotten on shore - when we get there, I'd like to also scan the beach near the wreck to search for tracks. But we should also be careful before diving that there are no hidden threats beneath...

Seeing that the others are boarding, he turns to Amen-set.

"You're pretty damn good at spotting things, but we both know you need more practice with swimming... That said, stay back with Ser Dhaavan and make sure to give him any support he needs if the ship is harassed by any threats. Also, keep an eye out on the water and the beach - if you something we miss, then let us know."

"Hopefully we should be back soon."

She nods respectfully to him, then unslings her musket and checks the priming.

While the others are gone, Amen-set will make sure the ship is angled so as to present a potential broadside to the shore, if necessary.

Horatio turns to Rain.

"Pilot-Major; I presume you have the con?" he asks her with a small smile, nodding to the tiller at the aft of the boat.

As the boat is lowered into the waves he begins to sing a soft song as he checks the priming on his pistols, then he helps man the oars.

Song

Rajah listening intently to the tune, begins to keep time with the gunslinger. After hearing the chorus a time or two, he finds himself caught up.
"To be rollicking randy dandy-O!
Heave a pawl, oh, heave away!
Weigh hey, roll and go!
The anchor's on board and the cable's all stored
To be rollicking randy dandy-O!" the warpriest sings along before returning to a hum and nodding in rhythm.

After hearing the chorus a time or two, he finds himself caught up.

Horatio feels the rhythm when Rajah sings and grins eve as he tugs the oars in time to the song.

As he listens to the Warpriest return the lyrics, his eyes twinkle and he adds a new verse or two...

Halflings drink tea and the Elves drink their wine
Weigh, hey, roll and go!
But my lips taste salt water and that suits me fine
To be rollickin' randy dandy O!

Heave a pawl, oh, heave away,
Weigh, hey, roll and go!
The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored,
To be rollickin' randy dandy O!

Now we won an island and we’ll hold her tight
Weigh, hey, roll and go!
And them who would take it are them who we’ll fight…
To be rollickin' randy dandy O!

Once the Lady was positioned a safe distance from the wrecked ship, Rain called Amen, who had returned to the deck, to her and committed the helm over to her. "Keep the Lady safe for me, little sister. Be of clear mind and calm resolve if threat should be sighted." Rain gave a quick smile and grabbing hold of Svingli's Eye, placed it inside her pack. Readying her weapons, strapping both Zul and her magical pike to her back, between her wings, and her sheathed cutlass on her hip, Rain looked to Neko, "Come, there is room on the longboat for you, at the aft with me."

The golden cat stood and stretched and padded along side Rain to the longboat, jumping in and waiting for her mistress to join her.

"Pilot-Major; I presume you have the con?" he asks her with a small smile, nodding to the tiller at the aft of the boat.

"Aye," she gave Flynn a small smile and took her position by the steering oar, as she listened to the singing as the longboat was lowered to the water.

Once the vessel hit the water, she looked toward the mess of driftwood, "All together now, and as quietly as we can." (She enjoys a good shanty as well as any other sailor, but she thinks it best to row as quietly as possible and not draw any unwanted attention. Good song choice, Flynn.)

Prof Sailor: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 46

Ana seems lost in thought during the discussions, almost as if she is listening to another conversation altogether. She tilts her head to the side and says No, that won't work at all. The one on the left.

If you ask what she's talking about she looks at you as if she doesn't understand what you mean. She seemed fine up until you all reached the ship and now seems a bit...strange.

Dhaavan cocks his head and glances at Ana, then gives a little twitter, and Jack flits over to her, and flaps waiting to alight on her shoulder, What do you mean, "What do you mean?"? he asks. You said it had to be the left one, but I only see one jack replies in response to her not understanding what we mean when we ask what she's talking about. He'll twitter and chat with her as long as she allows him on her shoulder/head/other perch.

REGARDING THE WRECK

Aye a closer look sounds good. I'll hold of on using a summoned creature until we have a little information. Don't want to go disturbing nothin' down there

Dhaavan whispers and with a gesture, his raven vanishes [b]He'll be back presently.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Once the Lady was positioned a safe distance from the wrecked ship, Rain called Amen, who had returned to the deck, to her and committed the helm over to her. "Keep the Lady safe for me, little sister. Be of clear mind and calm resolve if threat should be sighted."

Amen-set looks at Rain, not knowing if Dhaavan will be going with them or will remain behind with her. Yet before she can say anything, Dhaavan interjects -

Aye a closer look sounds good. I'll hold of on using a summoned creature until we have a little information. Don't want to go disturbing nothin' down there

Amen-set's eyes widen in surprise, realizing that - with Dhaavan going with them - Rain is leaving her in charge of the vessel formally.

She folds her hands over her breast and drops to a knee.

"It shall be my honor," she says with grave courtesy to Rain as she watches the company of officers get into the longboat and head out.

Amen-set turns to the rest of the crew.

"Gun crews to forward and rear siege weapons; I shall have four archers ready with fire arrows on the foredeck until the return of our officers."

She bounds up the stairs to the quarterdeck and then eases the wheel a bit to starboard, tacking the helm of the vessel to point due east and allow the port side of the ship to be better angled against any threat from the coast.

Profession: Sailor
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

"Four of thee shall stand ready on the starboard deck to study the south and eastern waters for any threat of the sea beast that harassed us yet fled. Should thy see any threat that could cause issue then sound alarm and take action to halt it."

Her eyes turn to the coast beyond and she studies intently as her fingers tighten around the grip of the wheel.

Perception on coast was the company moves toward it -
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

"Prepare thyself for any eventuality," she calls to the rest of the crew.

Diving into the water, you descend into the reef. Bits and pieces of the ship dot the sea bed and coral but before long you hear a bell ring from the longboat, the signal that someone has found something. After some discussion, it seems that Rajah found a strongbox, partially buried in the sand below an overhang of brain coral. With the help of Dhaavan's summoned creatures, you are able to get the strongbox up on the longboat and then back to the ship. The wreck did not contain any other items of note, nor were enemies harboring within it at this point.

Up on deck, Seijiro is able to easily pick the rather simple lock, revealing the contents within.

+1 Keen Cutlass
A watertight, wax sealed scroll tube with scrolls of: Transmute Rock to Mud, two scrolls of Water Breathing, as well as a single golden coin that falls out when the scroll tube is overturned.

Seijiro casts detect magic on the coin.. and picks it up to examine it closer...

spellcraft to identify if coin is magical: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

His eyes going wide at the single coin, "What do you make of it, good Seijiro? Is it magical? Does it possibly have the ability to determine decisions made based on a mere flip?" He looks over at Horatio, nodding quite confidently while grinning.

He looks over at Horatio, nodding quite confidently while grinning.

Horatio glances at Rajah and smiles as gamely as he can.

"Anything's possible; but when you find out, please let me know," he says amicably.

He says nothing more about the items, the short foray to shore, or anything else about what happened.

Instead, he merely turns and looks at the Pilot-Major for a moment and then shrugs.

"About what you and me talked about before? Just saying... I definitely got my eyes open. For what it's worth, if I see anything of interest, I will let you know," he adds somewhat cryptically, though courteously.

Then he tips his hat to her and heads over to Amen-set to congratulate her on her professionalism while they were gone.

Until Rain returns to her position, Amen-set will continue to man the helm; when Rain returns, she'll surrender the ship to her and resume her place on the forward watch.

When things have settled, Horatio glances back at Rain again.

"Oye, Pilot-Major - this one's for you..."

Then he clears his throat and sings another song...

"Sing me a song of a Ship that has gone"
"To sail where the gulls don’t cry"
"Over the waves and the surf and the spray"
"It sailed from the Sea to Sky…"

"Stars were astern; Moonlight on port"
"Sunlight on starboard bow"
"Sailed through the wind; through silvered clouds"
"Where is that fair Ship now?"

"Sing me a song of a Ship that has gone"
"To sail where the gulls don’t cry"
"Over the waves and the surf and the spray"
"It sailed from the Sea to Sky"

"Give me again the Sky o’er the Sea"
"Give me the Stars and their songs"
"Give me the Sun and give me the Moon"
"Give the Ship that’s gone… "

"Sing me a song of a Ship that has gone"
"To sail where the gulls don’t cry"
"Over the ways and the surf and the spray"
"It sailed from the Sea to Sky"

"The Ship is the Light which shines in the Night"
"It sails from the Dusk to the Dawn"
"It sailed from the Seas; it sailed to the Sky"
"My heart craves the Ship that is gone…"

"Sing me a song of a Ship that has gone"
"To sail where the gulls don’t cry"
"Over the waves and the surf and the spray"
"It sailed from the Sea to Sky… "

Rain stepped out of the longboat and back onto the Lady. Neko, on graceful padded feet, hopped out and looked about the deck; lifting her nose and smelling the air, allowing the light breeze to stroke her furry face.

Before returning to the Wheel, Rain stood by Jiro, who was now holding the mysterious coin in his hand. She cast Detect Magic on the golden coin and studied it with keen eyes, in hopes of aiding Jiro in discovering if a magical aura surrounded the object.

Spellcraft aid to identify if a magic coin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 (+2 to Jiro's roll, for a total of 17.)

After several minutes had passed and discussion was done regarding the coin, she heard Flynn's voice,

"About what you and me talked about before? Just saying... I definitely got my eyes open. For what it's worth, if I see anything of interest, I will let you know," he adds somewhat cryptically, though courteously.

She nodded once and quietly replied, "Aye. That is good, Flynn." Rain then moved to the Wheel and quietly checked in with Amen, "How did you fare, little sister? Was anything sighted in our absence?"

As she waited to hear from Amen, Flynn drew her attention once again and began to sing anew, his deep, fine singing voice filling the deck. When he was done, she smiled, "A pretty song, indeed, Flynn. What has inspired it this early eve?" (Nicely done on the song. I read the words in time with the Skye Boat melody.)

Seijiro begins the motions and softly sings the incantation for him to be able to see the magical emanations coming off of the coin. As soon as he completes the spell, his hands fly to his eyes and he screams in pain.

Immortal, Rain was aiding Jiro in the Detect Magic/Spellcraft. She was studying the coin in Jiro's hand. So does the same thing happen to Rain?

Completely startled by the unexpected reaction from the kitsune, "Seijiro! Are you alright?!"

Not sure what is going on but that he recognized the incantation that Jiro was using Variel tries to knock the coin from Jiro's hand as he looks to Rajah, Horatio and Sandara for more expertise on maladies. Hold on their Jiro. We will get you help.

Wow really want to detect magic myself right now lol.

fort save dc 23 with a mythic point: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 6 + (2) = 24

Seijiro blinks and swats at his eyes, rubs them... "I can barely see... I've got bright lights making everything hard to see... what IS that thing?"

Looking over at the fallen coin, the warpriest can only shake his head and shrug. "It looks like nothing more than a simple coin, good Seijiro. It obviously is much more than that though. Odd a mere coin would ... I guess the word I'm looking for is 'defend' itself from one who was doing nothing more than examining it. Quite odd if I do say so myself." Looking back to the kitsune, "How is your vision? If you are unable to see at all, let me know and I shall get you fixed up post haste," he says to him, his tone of pure confidence. "But if you are able to see anything at all, then your vision should return to you shortly. I would give it no more than a minute or three." Rajah waits to see if the kitsune's vision improves.

"How did you fare, little sister? Was anything sighted in our absence?"

Amen-set bows before Rain and surrenders the helm to her.

"Nay," she says, almost sadly.

"In truth, senet, my heart should have been better pleased with flesh and bone to sunder in clean battle rather than dally with naught but the foul dwimmercraft which we have thus endured," she says with a somewhat sulky tone.

"Still," she says brightening somewhat "tomorrow is a new day; mayhap we two shall draw steel together and so smite some errant corsair from the northlands who would dare infringe upon this, our new homeland," she adds with genuine enthusiasm.

"A pretty song, indeed, Flynn. What has inspired it this early eve?"

Horatio turns back to her with a pleased expression from her praise, though he seems a bit unsure of the answer for some reason.

"I don't rightly know - but between you and my lass there," he says with a nod at Amen-set "I've seen you both manning the wheel and soaring through the air... Made me think of maybe flying a ship through the clouds and stars... It just sort of came to me, I guess."

Then he he grins at her and doffs his hat to her courteously for her praise.

Noticing Seijiro handle the coin and the consequences, he turns suddenly and watches him intently.

Seijiro blinks and swats at his eyes, rubs them... "I can barely see... I've got bright lights making everything hard to see... what IS that thing?"

Watching Seijiro seem to survive the power of he coin Horatio seems to relax somewhat, then he glances at Variel.

"You're the expert on magic - do you got any idea on what that might be?" he asks Variel.

Before Variel can answer, Rajah offers his own opinions.

Looking over at the fallen coin, the warpriest can only shake his head and shrug. "It looks like nothing more than a simple coin, good Seijiro. It obviously is much more than that though. Odd a mere coin would ... I guess the word I'm looking for is 'defend' itself from one who was doing nothing more than examining it. Quite odd if I do say so myself."

Horatio looks at Rajah thoughtfully, trusting in his assessment of Jiro's medical condition.

"Can you detect if it's Good or Evil? The thing may be cursed, after all..." he adds as Amen-set makes some sort of warding gesture at the coin.

Not willing to dabble with any magical issues, he is still intrigued.

"I'm not the best at understanding magic, but I'm curious to know - if it's a coin, what nation fashioned it?" he asks slowly.

"Would you mind if I looked at it? I don't plan on touching it; but I would like to know if we can recognize any symbols on it, and what metal it was fashioned of..." he adds.

Assuming Horatio is able to look at the coin he will not touch it, but he will use his Knowledge Skills to try to understand what country made the coin; how old it may be, and any other markings on it, if possible, as well as what sort of metal was used to fashion it...

Just heard back from Immortal via PM. Rain suffers the same fate as Jiro.

Just as Rain was about to turn to see what had befallen Jiro she too was suddenly overwhelmed by a fierce fire behind her eyes and her cry of pain rent the air beside Jiro's.

Fort Save with bonus +1 from Cloak of Resistance (DC 23): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 (Success. Only dazzled for 1 hour. (-1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.))

Rain gritted and forced her body to fight against the full effect of the magical malady. Opening her eyes, blinking rapidly, she could not see as she once could - everything was too bright and her eyes were now unsure on what, or, how to focus. She drew breath, closing her eyes again, before remarking to the others, "My sight has been harmed, as Jiro's." Her voice remained flat, even though her nerves were on fire and on edge.

(I suppose that Rain taking the helm off Amen after the whole detecting magic debacle might be put on hold for an hour, yes? She can still use Prof Sailor to guide/move ship based on her other senses and expertise... Perhaps it's a good time to sleep. LOL)

Dangit. I knew I should've waited. My bad.

Turning to Rain as he finds himself taken aback that he completely missed that she was also affected, "Forgive me, Lady Rain, I did not realize you suffered the same fate. The same goes for you then. If you can see anything at all, then your vision will return to you in time. While initially I assumed it to be only a few minutes or so, it is possible it may be longer; but it will return, I promise. Let's give it an hour, you two. I will look for a cure in the mean time and see if we can't speed this process up. If you'll excuse me," Rajah then takes his leave and heads to his quarters to see if he still has anything from within his pack that may help.

"Forgive me, Lady Rain, I did not realize you suffered the same fate. The same goes for you then. If you can see anything at all, then your vision will return to you in time. While initially I assumed it to be only a few minutes or so, it is possible it may be longer; but it will return, I promise. Let's give it an hour, you two. I will look for a cure in the mean time and see if we can't speed this process up. If you'll excuse me," Rajah then takes his leave and heads to his quarters to see if he still has anything from within his pack that may help.

Horatio's eyes widen in surprise when he understood Rajah had some sort of inkling about what may have happened, but knowing the error was likely in good faith, he says little more about it.

He is completely relieved to understand that, while it is frustrating, both Rain and Jiro will have their full vision returned soon with no lasting negative affects.

Though, as Rajah is preparing to head below, he does offer a final observation...

"Well, I suppose you'll be wanting to give me the coin, you know - partial payment for the loan and all..." he says, then gives Rajah a wink to show he's just trying to lighten the mood a bit.

(I suppose that Rain taking the helm off Amen after the whole detecting magic debacle might be put on hold for an hour, yes? She can still use Prof Sailor to guide/move ship based on her other senses and expertise... Perhaps it's a good time to sleep. LOL)

Rain - if I'm not mistaken, if all we have to do is just move the ship around the coast to the northern bay, that probably wouldn't require a very high DC. Even with a penalty, I think you should be able to get the ship there with ease; there's no storms, we've already sailed around the island once, and all we're really doing is just moving a few miles north. It's totally up to you, of course, but I think even with a penalty and Natural One you probably could do it :)

GM: Any chance of getting any mundane info on that coin? I mean, is it from Cheliax, Port Peril, Slaver's Bay - what? Also, how old is the coin; and can we tell what metal it is (without touching it of course, just looking at it? If so, please let me know. Thanks!

She listened to Rajah's apology and reassurances and she nodded before as he walked away to determine a remedy.

Neko stood and came to her mistress' side. A minute or two passed and it seemed as though the two were having a internal conversation for Rain began to walk slowly to the Wheel, Neko pressing against her legs from time to time if it looked like Rain would misstep or collide with an obstacle.

Upon reaching the helm, Rain took hold of the Wheel in her hands and quietly spoke to Amen, "I cannot fully trust my vision at present, little sister. Be my second eyes as I steer the ship to the northern bay so we may anchor for the night. It is only a few miles, but I would rather we did not breach the hull of the ship because I missed something in the water." Neko stood beside her mistress, still pressed against her leg.

Even with the heightened sensitivity of her eyes, Rain slowly looked out and tried to determine any obstacles in the path for the bay. She called out to the crew, "I need eyes on all sides. Shout out if you see me tilting off course or heading for a collision. Or we are coming under attack by some sea creature." Her many years sailing a ship and being on the water could be trusted on to sail the Lady now - she would rely on her other senses and skill as a pilot.

"I determined clear weather this night, so let us proceed to the northern bay and anchor for the night. Those with light and a voice to the sides." And with that, Rain began to sail, keeping her eyes somewhat downcast from time to time to protect her overstimulated sight.

Perception with penalty for dazzled: 1d20 + 19 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 19 - 1 = 22
Prof Sailor to steer true: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (16) + 26 = 42

Seijiro lets another climb to the crow's nest and simply takes a spot at the railing and watches from there, keeping his eyes on the direction the ship is traveling.

perc: 1d20 + 15 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 15 - 1 = 17

Clearly, his current condition is clouding his vision.

Though, as Rajah is preparing to head below, he does offer a final observation...

"Well, I suppose you'll be wanting to give me the coin, you know - partial payment for the loan and all..." he says, then gives Rajah a wink to show he's just trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Looking back to his fellow sailor as he walks on, "Feel free to take that one, my good man," he points to the cursed coin, giving a wink as he continues along to his quarters.

After a bit, Rajah returns and takes his place at the bow of the ship to keep an eye out, shaking his head in frustration. "I've no salve and know of no magic that heals such a condition. One would think there would at least be something that could cure it," he says to himself, giving it no thought if anyone hears him speak to himself or not due to the frustration that is clearly evident with his inability to help his fellow crewmates.

Upon reaching the helm, Rain took hold of the Wheel in her hands and quietly spoke to Amen, "I cannot fully trust my vision at present, little sister. Be my second eyes as I steer the ship to the northern bay so we may anchor for the night. It is only a few miles, but I would rather we did not breach the hull of the ship because I missed something in the water." Neko stood beside her mistress, still pressed against her leg.

"I shall do as thy would ask, senet, yet methinks that thy need no eyes but thy own to pilot this vessel."

Amen-set seems almost dismissive at Rain's concerns, but it comes off as more of bluster; as if she's trying to convince both Rain and herself that there's nothing to be worried about.

When she hears Rain's concerns of running aground, she does offer one question -

"Begging thy pardon; would thy have me at thy side now, or is it better for me to be at helm to watch the water below the waves?" she asks, not sure if Rain would like her nearby to aid her checks, or if she should be near the front of the ship where the keel still has a Light spell cast on it so it can shine light below the surface of the waves to help illuminate any potential threat.

Amen-set will happily go where Rain thinks it is best but I'm not entirely sure where that would be - but I'll go wherever would be best, though :)

Perception Check
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Looking back to his fellow sailor as he walks on, "Feel free to take that one, my good man," he points to the cursed coin, giving a wink as he continues along to his quarters.

"Really? Why thank you, don't mind if I... Wait a minute," Horatio says as he reaches forward and then suddenly withdraws his hand at the last minute "Ah! You almost had me there," he says with a grin, and then heads to the forward watch to aid in the lookout.

As Rain gets afflicted by the same pain Variel rushes to her side to make sure she is ok. As it seems that she is ok and no permanent damage is done Variel breathes a sigh of relief and stays with her until she reaches the wheel and has Amen's help.

When Horation asks about magical maladies and effects Variel tries to remember what he learned...

know arcana 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Assuming that is enough if not...
surge 1d6 ⇒ 2

Contemplating the coin and the effects on Jiro and Rain Variel responds back to Horatio. I believe that the problem is the coin has magical properties beyond our ability to fathom or contain. Such power comes at a price. It may be that is what happened to Jiro and Rain.

Watching Horatio retract his hand and leave the coin Variel calls out after him. Merely touching the coin should not cause any of the issues previously noticed. Then again there could be other affects that we are not aware of. If no one does pick up the coin then Variel will to keep it safe.

Go down, you blood red roses, go down...

Step right up men and put down yer mark! Looking for men and women who want a life of hard labor, long hours, and almost certain death at the end! If that sounds like you then the life of a Pirate might just be right for ye!

Campaign Guidelines

Posting: Minimum of 1-2 posts per day M-F. If you are going to be gone for more than a day please let me know so I can NPC you and move the game along.

Maturity: This campaign WILL have some mature content in it. I am not planning on going over the top but executions, lashings, and other such unpleasantness will be occurring. Depending upon how things go, it may even be your character that is subjected to things like this. I'm not overly harsh but I don't pull punches either.

Play Nice: Even though this is a pirate game, I'd like to keep Player vs Player conflict to a minimum. There are more than enough NPC's for you to hate and fight with so you shouldn't need to worry about each other.

Character Creation (crunchy bits):

Character Level: 1st
Race/Class: Core, APG, UC, UM, ARG (no custom races)
Abilities: 20-pt Buy
Alignment: Any non-evil and no Lawful Good, I will accept 1 Lawful Evil so long as they can play well with others.
Wealth: Average by class
Character Traits: Two traits plus one Campaign Trait (from S&S Players Guide)

I currently have 3, maybe 4, slots preselected. As such I am looking for 2-3 characters to round out the crew.

The current characters are:
Elven Freebooter Ranger
Human Buccaneer Gunslinger
Tattoo Infernal Bloodline Sorcerer (Unknown Race currently)
Potentially one more but no response yet on race or class

Character Submission:

1. Good writing and a good backstory are paramount with these submissions.
2. You do not need to have a fully detailed sheet or profile (It won't hurt but it won't replace a good well written backstory)
3. As has been done well in the past, please answer the following questions (None of these questions will hurt your chances. They just give me a feel for your character):

1. What position do you see yourself eventually in on a ship?
2. How do you feel about piracy in general? (This includes stealing, killing, plundering, etc.)
3. Which campaign trait are you selecting and why?

Last but certainly not least, I have seen this used to great effect and it is a bit of fun while waiting for recruitment to close but after you submit the basics out of character, start RPing with each other so I can see about group dynamic and your writing style. The scene to RP in is the night you are all taken from the bar in Port Peril. The music is blaring and the night is raucous!

That's about it! I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!

Sounds interesting! I'll try to come up with an application, most likely a druid.

I would be interested in joining your Campaign. Though I must let you know, I am new to this type of game, and PF in general... I am in a campaign with my friends, so I do know the VERY basics of the game, and how to create my own character and things.

Not sure how to do a back story, and am not to good at RP.... I am still learning things. Also, this will be my first online campaign, so you may need to kind of let me know how it works. Thank you.

Dotting for interest I may just use one of my aliases (from another S&S game) unless that one pick back up again -- was going very slow after the first couple of posts

I would be interested in joining your Campaign. Though I must let you know, I am new to this type of game, and PF in general... I am in a campaign with my friends, so I do know the VERY basics of the game, and how to create my own character and things.

Not sure how to do a back story, and am not to good at RP.... I am still learning things. Also, this will be my first online campaign, so you may need to kind of let me know how it works. Thank you.

It's not difficult. I played on an Exalted PbP and it's fairly easy; you just need to create a well thought out paragraph with what your character is saying and doing. Rolls, in my experiences, were done at the request of who was running the story and whenever a player thought it was something of interest for her character.

Backstories, I am guessing, are how your character grew up and why she became an adventurer.

Profile to be made soon:

Assuming someone at the bar asked about him...

I am Suuktidi, of de Bekyar (Mwangi). When I jus' a lad, anotha' Bekyar, he come to mah village an' he take de lads. He take us to work on boats. Big boats. I not see mah village since. On de boat, dey see I good wit' mah hands. Dey make me to work with de carpenter. Dat carpenter, he teach me to fix boats. He also teach me to fix sailors. But mos' of all, he teach me to respect Papa Gozreh. I learn. I learn good. Later, carpenter dies of infection. Now I carpenter of de boat. I work hard. De captain, he like me. He let me lead prayers to Papa Gozreh. He even pay me some, even dough I be a slave. I work for da captain 4 years. We take much plunder. Last month, I save enough coin to buy freedom. De captain, he put me in port here dis morning. In da morning, I go to find mah village. I go to find da black'eart who take me from mah village. If one ting I learn from da captain, it be dat de ocean has sharks an' de ocean has fish. Sharks live. Fish die. I will be a shark.

This is the IC, quick version. Suuktidi is a cleric of Gozreh with the Weather and Animal domains. He has worked as a ship's carpenter and surgeon. He has no problem with piracy...he knows "sharks live, fish die." He took the "ship's surgeon" trait. I have a character bio sheet that I've made for myself. I'd like to email it to you if you'll share your email. It's a word document. It will have much more detail about who Suuktidi is. And I'll get that profile up asap for character mechanics.

For anyone that needs it, here is a character survey I use for my characters to flesh them out a bit and get the proverbial juices flowing. This is not a requirement and is just here for help to any who need it.

Dotting for interest since the S&S game I had joined seems to have petered out. I'll be using Henk here and will do a little more fleshing out of history and take a stab at your survey. Henk is a harpooner and has spent long days at sea hunting whales.

Here is Suuktidi. Again, a lot of this info is pretty basic. I have a more detailed thing written up to share.

Ok. Here is Henk for this came. Stats are in the profile. I'll answer athe questions you have here, please tell me if I need to add more.

1. Henk is a bit unsure right now about future positions. He is wary of taking any officer role(Especially captain.) since he has seen the bloody aftermath of mutinies and doesn't want that to happen to him. Overly cruel captains will make him reconsider any neutrality.
2. As for piracy, Henk has few problems with makign off with soemone elses's property at the point of a sword. he knows that fighting and killing is part of piracy and will cut down anyone who tries the same with him. Henk will take surrenders and despises rapists and those who kill for the joy of it.
3. Buccaneer's Blood. Henk's father was both pirate and whaler and often used his modified ship as cover for piracy and a source of income when needed. He raided some ships and gained ome measure of infamy which he passed alogn to Henk.

Who am I? Henk. Just call me Henk. Son of a whaler and oppurtunist. Born in a seaside town and brought on board by my Ma when they had to go out for huntss, learned to walk and swim before I could speak and held a harpoon as soon as my fingers could wrap around one. pa gave me his harpoon here and I'm hoping I'll have the chance to pass it along. Of course, more than likely that I'll be shark food before that happens. hehe.

Hope that works out okay – if not, let me know!

I'm developing a Human Druid (Shark Shaman) and will post when I have him more completed.

Ok. Here is Henk for this came. Stats are in the profile. I'll answer athe questions you have here, please tell me if I need to add more.

1. Henk is a bit unsure right now about future positions. He is wary of taking any officer role(Especially captain.) since he has seen the bloody aftermath of mutinies and doesn't want that to happen to him. Overly cruel captains will make him reconsider any neutrality.
2. As for piracy, Henk has few problems with makign off with soemone elses's property at the point of a sword. he knows that fighting and killing is part of piracy and will cut down anyone who tries the same with him. Henk will take surrenders and despises rapists and those who kill for the joy of it.
3. Buccaneer's Blood. Henk's father was both pirate and whaler and often used his modified ship as cover for piracy and a source of income when needed. He raided some ships and gained ome measure of infamy which he passed alogn to Henk.

Who am I? Henk. Just call me Henk. Son of a whaler and oppurtunist. Born in a seaside town and brought on board by my Ma when they had to go out for huntss, learned to walk and swim before I could speak and held a harpoon as soon as my fingers could wrap around one. pa gave me his harpoon here and I'm hoping I'll have the chance to pass it along. Of course, more than likely that I'll be shark food before that happens. hehe.

Henk appears to be a man right out of his youth but is hardened by the salt and sea. Dirty blond hair is roughly cut and his lgihtly stubled face has a scar along his jawline. Not looking like someone tried to slit his throat, but perhaps an accident.

He has a brown shirt rolled up to the elbows and gloves that are worn more for protection for his hands rather than anthing else. Tan pants tucked into his boots complete the wardrobe and he has a cutlass sheathed at his waist. Next to him is a backpack with a chainshirt folded on it along with other sundry equipment.

@Suuktidi: Do you have family you are going back to at your village? Also thanks for the background stuff, it really gave me a better impression of Suuktidi's history and personality. Also if you could answer the three questions that would be awesome!

@Henk: Good so far and thanks for answering the questions. Why are you looking for work? Why aren't you working with your father? What happened? A little bit more background will help a lot.

@Sir Jolt: Looking forward to seeing it!

@Suuktidi: Do you have family you are going back to at your village? Also thanks for the background stuff, it really gave me a better impression of Suuktidi's history and personality. Also if you could answer the three questions that would be awesome!

@Henk: Good so far and thanks for answering the questions. Why are you looking for work? Why aren't you working with your father? What happened? A little bit more background will help a lot.

@Sir Jolt: Looking forward to seeing it!

Henk is looking for work because his father decided to take a tough-love approach to Henk coming of age and said he needed to leave the ship that his father ran. This was to avoid neoptism and riding on his father's status rather than standing on his own two feet. Henk of course wasn't abandoned and his father passed along the family harpoon and made sure Henk's purse was full before dropping him off at the harbor. "Come back to The Shackles once you get yourself a new life, and hopefully a wife, my boy. This creaky knee needs a young'in to bounce on it."

@Henk: Thanks that helps. If you want to walk into the bar and have a seat there is a table open.

Henk looks up at the battered sign above the bar and shouldered his heavy pack. Da was right, can't be running some ship just because he stabbed some whales and plundered some merchents. Just gotta wonder what is gunna happen. Henk sighed and stolled in.

Looking around, he noticed a table had an empty chair and flumped down on it, makign sure his pack and harpoon were close by. Oy girl! He waved to a serving wench. Ale and stew if ya got it.

Apologies - here are the answers to the questions formally.

1. What position do you see yourself eventually in on a ship?

Ship's Surgeon.

2. How do you feel about piracy in general? (This includes stealing, killing, plundering, etc.)

Piracy - like any action - is judged as good or bad via the situation. For example - the only difference between a "pirate" and a "privateer" is - legally - letters of marquee.

As for more esoteric questions regarding my stance on killing and plundering?

I am not excited to kill; but I will kill if necessary to protect my ship, my crew-mates, my friends and my family.

As for when killing is necessary? The necessities of killing are best dictated by circumstance.

Meanwhile - regarding plunder and other spoils? If on the seas I am ordered to attack a vessel or a town - it is only fitting that the rewards of the vessel or town be given to the victor.

3. Which campaign trait are you selecting and why?

I have selected "Ship's Surgeon".

As to why?

As the son of a priestess who was martyred for her faith when I was young, even now I have a strong desire to make my mother proud. I know that following in her footsteps would accomplish this goal - even though I myself am not particularly religious. I never forget the values of my mother and her goddess - even so, I also remember also the value of a good education, which was extremely important to what little family I had.

Having never known my father, after my mother's murder I was then raised by my uncle - a man of many talents who worked in the lumber yards in Sargava where I and my mother lived. He was a stern caretaker and insisted that I have a better life then his, always pushing me to excel.

My uncle and I survived over the years thanks to the earnings we made with various odd jobs until I grew older. When I reached my mid teens I began to save in earnest what money I could so that I could formally study at Eleder's Academy for Alchemy and Medicine.

During the summers I earned coin as a fisherman; and during Yuletime I would help citizens of the city with repair work on their homes to earn coin for schooling until I finished my time with the academy.

Having recently graduated with my degree as a Surgeon: First Class, I am regrettably left with hardly any funds to my name. With barely the clothes on my back and some meager gear on my person, I have made my way to a local bar to seek refreshment and perhaps the chance for employment.

@Horatio: Excellent, thank you!

@Henk: A pretty serving girl with red hair and a saucy smile comes over and sets down an ale and a plate of a spicy fish stew. At the table with you is a young man in a dark frock coat smoking a pipe. The serving wench looks over at him and says Care for another glass of port, sir?

FYI Horatio is one of the preselected players.

Henk nods and grins at the serving girl, his eyes wandering up and down as he digs into his stea. Dern good to get something hot and filling tonight.

Henk gives a nod to the man sitting next to him after the girl leaves. Evenin.

@Horatio: Excellent, thank you!

@Henk: A pretty serving girl with red hair and a saucy smile comes over and sets down an ale and a plate of a spicy fish stew. At the table with you is a young man in a dark frock coat smoking a pipe. The serving wench looks over at him and says Care for another glass of port, sir?

FYI Horatio is one of the preselected players.

”Thank you madam; but – apologies, I feel that one glass is all that I need at such an hour,” I respond to the barmaid with a slightly awkward smile.

Glancing to the well armed and geared man sitting down next to me I take another pull of smoke and watch him order his meal and drink.

Hmm… a full pack; and look there – a water skin – in a tavern? This is a lad that means to travel or recently come to land. If he has come to land, then it is likely that he may have news of work – or perhaps not. In any case – circumstance has thrust us together, perhaps I should seize upon it?

”Beg pardon sir – you’ve come recently to this tavern, clearly; is it for work or pleasure? I confess readily that I seek employment on a vessel. Do you know of any such ships that would seek skilled laborers?”

Henk turns to his adresser. Work, and maybe a little pleasure. Henk grins at the retreating backside of the maid. Recently got off a ship to find something. Gotta find new ships so I don't get all rusty doing something for too long. As for work for yerself, You might check the docks for the 'Whale's Doom' whaling boat that might be suitable for what you want to do.

1. Suuktidi would aspire to be a ship's carpenter/ship's surgeon. The S&S Player's Handbook says the two go hand-in-hand so I've built him to do both.

2. Suuktidi has been "raised" on a pirate ship. Piracy is a part of his life. To him it's a matter of nature - predators feed on prey.

3. He took the Ship's Surgeon campaign trait because he was trained by a master carpenter who doubled as the ship's surgeon. He learned how to mend both ship and man under that tutelage.

Suuktidi did have family in his village - a father, Suuktari, and a mother, Mishka, grandparents, and uncles. His believes his father and uncles were killed in the raid that took the boys from their homes. He expects his grandparents would be dead by now anyway. He has hopes that his mother, Mishka, is still alive. He doesn't know the name of the slaver who ruined his life, but he intends to hunt the man like a boar.

Dotting for interest will have a elven magus up tomorrow.

Henk turns to his adresser. Work, and maybe a little pleasure. Henk grins at the retreating backside of the maid. Recently got off a ship to find something. Gotta find new ships so I don't get all rusty doing something for too long. As for work for yerself, You might check the docks for the 'Whale's Doom' whaling boat that might be suitable for what you want to do.

"Whaling? Nay - that is not of my interest,” I respond, thinking of the time when I saw whalers during my youth.

The fine fountain of water that would spray forth from the blowhole and darken the sky as it obfuscated the dawn. The sudden thrust of their bodies shattering the hulls of the longboats and the force of their collapse back into the sea – crushing boat and man alike under their weight. And always the presence of the sharks which swam about like ravenous dogs, eager for the scraps of flesh and blood that would roil from the still fresh carcasses of the beasts that were butchered on the open sea.

Killing a man in clean combat was one thing perhaps – but the slaughter of such creatures seemed uncouth and unseemly – and not to my taste.

Smiling a bit, I continued.

”I confess that such action does hold draw for some men, perhaps - but for myself? I find there to be a certain coarseness to the butchery of animals when there are more prudent ways of gaining what rewards there may be drawn from rendering the fat of such beasts; no disrespect to you, sir. Every man must earn his bread, of course, and I do not begrudge any of the task of such labors,” I add, my eyes avoiding the presence of the well-used harpoon which lay propped against his chair.

”For myself – though whaling ships need skilled surgeon’s, it is true – I would rather put my services to the use of men with more noble causes.”

I lean in – somewhat conspiratorially.

”Sir – as a man versed in the sea, surely you are aware of the presence and encroachment of the scum from Cheliax who – from time to time – seek to cause unrest in our fair nation? Could it be doubted? Their own folk follow demons, ‘tis said – and often seek to do great harm to their neighbors,” I add with a vague gesture with my pipe – waving it somewhere northwards to suggest their imminent presence and encroachment on our waters.

”It is said that men of iron will guard these waters – at cost of a stern levy, 'tis is true – but it seems that it would be not only a wise course, but a clever one, to follow these men who would guard our waters, and; to seek to assist such sailors in the prevention of those who hail from Cheliax - a land governed by demons. For myself, I would seek such a vessel – and offer my service to such a captain as that,” I add the last somewhat emphatically.

Then, realizing I may have said too much, I lean back a bit, – and consider that the last comment a bit too sentimental, perhaps. However, after my mother passed and my uncle raised me I heard many times from him and his colleagues that the work we did in the lumber yards was to pay local captains for their protection against such evil as the scum from Cheliax.

It stirred my blood readily to ally with a noble captain as the one's who's legends were bandied about taverns and campsites – indeed; even one with a shadowed heart – surely, in time, he would show his true colors at the presence of such villainy. Then I could, with greater ease, lift steel as the captain would lead us in a charge take his crew to task in the duty of wiping clean the sea lanes of any enemy to my native country.

At least that was the thought that was greatest in my heart. Still – exposing such sentiment could be dangerous in such a place. Quickly I did what I could to conceal my true feelings.

”Besides,” I added with a bit of a grunt ”The pay would be far greater to serve with such men who can crush enemy ships and take what prizes they offer! Better that then wasting time trying to bandage impoverished sailors on a mere whaling ship, eh?” and offer my best effort at a boisterous laugh to accompany my grim jest.

Even so – a sailor is a sailor, be he whaler or privateer – therefore, do not laugh so easily at the agony of a dying man, no matter what his profession, for it is unseemly.

I hear the words in my head – my mother’s admonishment, perhaps – and do my best to keep that part of my mind from showing on my face.

I will have a character up tomorrow. Thinking of creating a samurai, or cleric. I don't think a samurai really fits the setting. Thanks.

I will have a character up tomorrow. Thinking of creating a samurai, or cleric. I don't think a samurai really fits the setting. Thanks.

What about wako? The samurai of the sea :)

If you will allow it lol. I have only ever played a Wizard, and Paladin. Interested in Samurai, and Magys, but don't have UM book yet.

Henk shrugs at the man's words. No stomach for whalen? Yer choice of course. Fighten against a whale be just like fighting a man many a time. Whales not all be gentle giants of the sea. A whole pack of orca be something that sends sharks fleeing.

At the mentain of Cheliax, I have heard of them. Them and their demon friends, selling yer soul to some hellspawn for power just isn't worth it. A hundred years if a man is lucky for an eternity in the pit? Henk makes a sign across his chrst. Give me a clean death at sea before I sign some hell paper.

As for guarding our waters? More like self preservation mixed with pride. Keeping the Cheliax out and The Shackles hell free is good sense for any man who doesn't have a heart as lack as the byss. Don't let that fool you though, many a pirate have a demon's heart, one doesn't become a pirate by being a noble man. Just make sure you watch yourself when you do sign on and keep your gear packed if you find yourself on the wrong ship.

Henk quaffs some more ale. Well anyway, here is to finding a captain who hans't lost his soul yet. Name is Henk by the way.

OKeys, dottin' fer interest.

I be in'a game already, but the DM went up an' disappeared on our crew a couple weeks gone by now an' I be loosin' hope o' them returnin'.

Am lookin' t' cast me eye afield t'seek adventure, spoils an' such.

Hope me postin' meets with the DM's want fer things. (^_^)

A tall, lithe Elf wanders into the tavern. Her blond mop of hair and tanned physique indicate a life spent under the sun. Her clothing seems to consist of little more than a shirt and skirt, though the handle of a large-ish sword does rise above her shoulder. A small back-pack might hold the rest of her earthly possessions.

She pads barefoot up to the bar, leans against the wood and her lips move in silent concentration as she reads the menu scrawled across the chalk-board there...eventually she seems to understand the goods on offer and leans back, looking over at the Bar-keep,

I'll be havin' a jug o' yer neatest Rum...an' perhaps be lookin' fer lodgin'." She says even as she turns and surveys the rest of the room and its occupants.

Oy Suny! Long tiem no see. Been watchin your exploits on the other S&S board.

Hee! (^_^) Hey-ya there! Aye, t'is fun. Though the Dm o' th' game up an' disappearin' in't the either dun't help nun a'tall! Hope things be swell fer ye an' yours! (^_^)

@Suuktidi: Thanks! That helps.

@Variel: That trait is fine. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

@Sunny: Good submission so far and great job on the survey. What class are you planning on? If I could get your answers to the three questions also that would be awesome.

@Rapth: Samurai are fine.

Ok here are the submissions so far.

Horatio Flynn: Human Gunslinger (Preselected)
Unnamed Tattoo Sorcerer (Preselected)
Unnamed Elven Ranger (Preselected)
Sunny Elven ???
Henk Human Fighter
Suuktidi Human Cleric of Gozreh
Sir Jolt's Druid (Shark Shaman)

Please let me know if I missed anyone.

Full name: Raina Taneththir, but I go by the name Rain.
Elf, Female Freebooter Ranger.
5'10", 110 lbs, Long, Dark Blue Hair, Fair Skin, Turquoise Eyes (my unusual hair and eye colouring come from an aquatic elf ancestor, so I am told). Tall, lithe, exotically pretty. Only child to an only child (my father), I am the single living reminder of my father in this world and my surviving grandparents treated me as special and raised me to understand life in its many guises. I grew up around craftsmen of boats, ships and sails since we lived in a fishing town.

1. What position do you see yourself eventually in on a ship? Sailing Master.
2. How do you feel about piracy in general? (This includes stealing, killing, plundering, etc.) In a perfect world, I would only steal and plunder from those wealthy enough to endure the loss. I enjoy the challenge. I will kill in order to protect myself, ship, crew-mates, family and friends. So, I will not kill for killing's sake or from a bloodthirsty heart. I do not relish the killing but understand its purpose and need in a dangerous world.
3. Which campaign trait are you selecting and why? Besmara's Blessing. My family were faithful folk and my father had been dead near six months. When I was still inside my mother Cristiel's womb, she and my paternal grandparents, Varyan and Eleniel Taneththir, sailed to the small island of Besmara's Throne to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy site of Queen Bes. It was the anniversary of my father's death. As they waited dockside for the ship to return them to Tempest Cay, my mother went into labor and delivered me right there upon the dock. My grandfather swore he saw a light soar overhead and careen into the deep waters of Besmara's Throne -- a good omen, he said, to anyone who would ask. I always felt a kinship with the ocean and with the Pirate Queen, Besmara, and believed a great destiny awaited me if I chose to answer its call.

@Rain: Excellent thank you!

Dreaming Warforged's application: Noche'WA, a Shoanti Oread Aquatic Druid.

Looking forward to your comments. I am away for a few days though, starting tomorrow, and will have a harder time posting.

Henk shrugs at the man's words. No stomach for whalen? Yer choice of course. Fighten against a whale be just like fighting a man many a time. Whales not all be gentle giants of the sea. A whole pack of orca be something that sends sharks fleeing.

At the mentain of Cheliax, I have heard of them. Them and their demon friends, selling yer soul to some hellspawn for power just isn't worth it. A hundred years if a man is lucky for an eternity in the pit? Henk makes a sign across his chrst. Give me a clean death at sea before I sign some hell paper.

As for guarding our waters? More like self preservation mixed with pride. Keeping the Cheliax out and The Shackles hell free is good sense for any man who doesn't have a heart as lack as the byss. Don't let that fool you though, many a pirate have a demon's heart, one doesn't become a pirate by being a noble man. Just make sure you watch yourself when you do sign on and keep your gear packed if you find yourself on the wrong ship.

Henk quaffs some more ale. Well anyway, here is to finding a captain who hans't lost his soul yet. Name is Henk by the way.

”Well met Hank. My name is Hora.. er… call me Doctor Flynn; well, no, actually I suppose “Flynn” will do just as well,” I add, feeling both my given name, and my title, somehow out of place in this establishment as I offer my hand to Hank.

To cover my embarrassment my mind instantly tacks course to the more academic element of my raising.

”And, as for whaling? You speak the truth – do not mistake me there – I’ve seen whales crush the hull of schooners with their heavy heads as they plow into them, and the slap of their tail can break a longboat into matchwood – aye, they are no peaceful beast, especially if riled. Even so – they are beasts, not men,” I add, a touch of intensity in my voice I try to push down a bit.

”Men have free will – and the choice to do good, or evil – that choice is in their power. They know, or should know – that if they are prepared to do great harm to another then it comes from that choice. A whale has no such education – it acts to protect itself and its mate or young – I do not fault an animal, or even a man, for that. And to kill a man who intends to do me murder does not overly vex me – yet to abuse or mistreat an animal seems a different issue – I find that a man unmasks a perversity in himself when he chooses to harm a beast. An animal, be it a dog or even a whale is only a simple creature that is without education or even the wits to know right from wrong – and yet is mistreated simply for a man’s personal amusement… though of course, hunting them - for the necessities of life - that is a different story,” I add hastily; reminding myself of his profession.

Swallowing down my longing look at his rich stew, I plow on in my comments, though.

”I agree on your point about those who would sell their souls to demon masters; yet I cannot agree with the issue of survival being the only reason to guard this place. There are some – though not all – who have roots here; who have history. Again, I am no idealist – but I refuse to believe that no captain who sails these waters, even if they should take “protection money” to watch the costs and harbors – has no sense of sentiment or consideration for the community he guards.”

”Surely there are captains who – knowing the danger of the armies of Cheliax and the wealth they can offer in bribes - are ambitious enough to accept those bribes rather then our own offers of coin for protection. But I have heard of none that succumb to these temptations. My heart tells me that though it is likely many of the men who ply these waters may in fact be cutthroats – or worse – even still; the essence of their heart cannot wholly be erased. Surely inside those who have not sold their souls to demons beats the heart of a man who has at the least a love for the place he calls his own, and will not suffer the domination of no other men?” I add, my speech growing somewhat lengthy.

Pausing a moment, I take a deep breath – I am not in a lecture at the academy; but a barroom sitting across from heavily armed men who have drank of deep spirits and may not be inclined to listen to such long words.

I shrug a bit at the words, smiling to take the edge off of such a long commentary.

My eyes flick up then as the door opens and they see the presence of a young female elf. Instantly my eyes are drawn to her; for she is a different quality of the females I have met or known, even in passing.

She has neither the fair aristocratic features of the “colonials” who live in Sargava, nor does she have the dark sensuality of the women of Mwangi. Her body is lithe and her skin looks like honeyed cream. A mop of golden hair shrouds her face somewhat – and she has little in the way of clothing.

I know little of elves – but what I studied in the academy (taking a course or two in “Elven” so I could learn more about these unique people), but to see one so close and so… bereft of modesty? It was indeed a bit of surprise.

My concentration was somewhat moved from Hank, and – despite my efforts – I couldn’t help my eyes as they traveled the trim lines of her small frame as she ordered a drink.

Knowing that I was without more food, and that a drink would do much to ease my tension this night (further it was my chance to celebrate graduation) – I determined I would order another drink.

”Apologies Hank – I think I will be getting something from the bar,” I add politely, and move up to the bartender.

Looking at the elf, and watching her lift the mug, I smile at the bartender.

”Greetings,” I say to him.

Looking out of the corner of my eye at the lady I add to the bartender ”Your pardon – but I, too shall order a tot of rum, if you would be so kind?”

I then turn to the elven lady and do my best to offer her a polite smile.

Um DM Immortal...which three questions would they be?

As fer class?

There be a method t'me madness. (^_~)

Much cheers to all.

Sunny holds the mug on both hands. Lifting the (Earthen ware?) vessel to her lips for what seem to be small sips, after which each is followed by a quick flick of her tongue to make sure all the Rum is had.

Island Elf (^_^)

As she leans against the bar her gaze wanders slowly around the room. Seeming just as interested in what ever holds the roof up as what lays about upon the floor. When one of the other patrons swaggers over to the counter and orders Rum, then turns and offers a smile to her Sunny instantly grins back. (^_^)

Submissions still open? You know I gotta throw my hat in on this one if there's a shot.

@Jonasty:

Definitely still open Jonasty and awesome to see you! They'll be open until probably friday or saturday.

@Sunny:

1. What position do you see yourself eventually in on a ship?
2. How do you feel about piracy in general? (This includes stealing, killing, plundering, etc.)
3. Which campaign trait are you selecting and why?

Dotting. Ill have a sea reaver barbarian probably

Henk shakes the hand that is offered. Pleased to meet you. When the attractive elf wanders in, Henk's eyebrows rise and he makes a low whistle. Hmm..Now that is a high quality streetlass. Henk nods at Flynn as he walks up and returns to his meal.

Noche'Wa has been sitting for a while now, sipping a soup that certainly did not grant the Formidably Maid its reputation.

Or perhaps it did...

He smiles at the sheer exoticism of the place. What they said was true... This is a great place to find a ship. I'll come back after my walk by the shore. It had been a while now that he didn't get a chance to walk on the edge between sand and sea, something that brought peace to him and reminded him of his mother. If I'm lucky, the moon will be out to great me. He takes a big swallow and is about to cough as he hears the Doctor talk about animals. He listens some more, then finds he mostly agree with the man.

As though he's heard his thoughts, the Doctor turns to face the Shoanti. The broad sculpted man smiles back, mostly covered in a simple woollen cloak: "Well met! Well met! Ah! Ah! Ah! Indeed, those poor beast often show more wisdom than us, and it's a waste to make them suffer. Unless of course we are hungry! And unless of course THEY are hungry! Ah! Ah! Ah! I am Noche'Wa. A pleasure!"

"Oh, and pass the soup..."

Sunny, I think he will need a first level version of your character.

Asked some questions @Sunny.....

*Giggles* I done answer them, silly! *Points back up thread*

So, there they be agin fer ye benefit. (^_^)

Much cheers to all!

My mistake Sunny thanks for clearing it up. Apparently I need to check my prescription lol.

Noche'Wa very well done.