DMJ's Skull & Shackles

Game Master Jonasty1031

Callum joins the others to look through Grok's wares, mainly focusing on the weapons and armor, but looking at the other items too. "An interesting selection, ye have here, Grok. Ye get much call fer baptisms an' the like?" he says with a smile by the holy water. "An' best be careful with those," he continied chuckling as he passed by the alchemist's fire, "They could sink us all." He stops at one of the masterwork bucklers and picks it up, turning it around, considering it.

Thinking about buying the MW buckler. Of course if the discount is so huge Callum can buy the +1 short sword, we'll go with that ;)

Here is the check for whatever the most expensive item he buys. Probably the buckler, but I'm holding off to make sure we don't need to pool our money for something and he's forced to buy something cheaper.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

By the time Tully had collected his total earnings made his way to Grok's shop, Callum had already laid claim to the buckler Tully had examined earlier. Tully spotted a second of equal quality and was quick to grab it from the Half-orc's stores.

My dearest lady... Your taste is exquisite. And you sacrifice none of its function in creating its aesthetic. How wonderful!

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Oh, and what have we here? Tully asked as he picked up the wand. Powerful magic, nearly spent. Still... I shall have to consider this purchase.

DMJ, my math puts the wand's price at 240 gp. If that's correct, then I'll see where I stand with the discount before buying that.

Ko'ulu follows the rest of the group down to Grok's, eager to spend what money he has.

"A chain shirt? It would be easy to get out of...can't sleep in it though...and it rusts to bits. But it might help when I need it...", Ko'ulu muses, fingering the steel links.

Tully, your math seems right to me. With you critting the Diplomacy roll, let's call it 200 for the wand if you want it.

Does anyone else want to purchase things cause I'm gonna move us along shortly and the opportunity will be lost at that point.

Is either the +1 shortsword or +1 dagger gnome sized?

Tully spun the wand dexterously through his fingers. The power of one of the gods' champions at his fingertips...

"I oughta barter for that silver tongue o' yers," Grok huffed. "For you, two hunnerd."

No... No, thank you, dear Grok. Just this device, for today, I think.

Tully pays for the buckler and returns to the main deck, ready for further adventure! =)

Xanxan, I've never really made a distinction for "generic" loot so if you want either of them to be, then that's fine. If an item is specifically sized, I'll make sure to note it but for stuff like this, I'm fine saying it happens to be. It could be Medium sized for everyone else, depends on who buys it first lol.

Xanxan eyes the short sword, "How much for the short sword or dagger, Grok?"

Standard book price, minus any Diplomacy check discount.

2000 gold I aint' got so ...
The gnome eyes the items wistfully, but in the end, "Ah, too rich for this poor swabbie's blood."Xanxan figures he might be able to buy... or even steal, such an item later.

sorry about the delay. I know the window is closed after this, but Xanxan doesn't so he's passing for now, and may regret it later :)

So people have had more than enough time to shop, time to move along.

The revelry continues through the evening and all through the next day and night, everyone drinking themselves silly and talking of all they would do with their coin once they made port. It was amazing to see how quickly spirits picked up at the thought of spending their hard-won plunder.

The following morning, two days after the Wormwood vanquished her prey, it appears the party is finally over and it is back to the business at hand. Coming up on deck, you find the Wormwood's officers standing around deck facing a line of the prisoners taken in the battle. As the rest of the crew gathers, Harrigan stomps forward and paces before the you all and the prisoners.

All right, you scurvy tars! You've done a right good job by me. We've got a second ship now, and she's quite a prize from the looks of her. But I still only have one crew. So here's the plan! The Wormwood will sail on to our planned destination with our new shipmates here, while Mister Plugg will pick a skeleton crew to sail the Man's Promise, Harrigan indicates the other ship with a wave of his hand, to Port Peril, where she'll be worth a pretty penny as salvage.

As for these fine fellows here, and he gives a look over the captured crew of the other ship, some of them no doubt will be worth a hefty ransom from their families back in Azir. And for the rest, if the life of a pirate's not for them, then they can spend the rest of the their lives at sea! At this Harrigan grabs one of the prisoners and hurls her over the side of the ship, where she splashes into the water with a cry. Much of the crew cheers and laughs at this and the captured sailors quickly begin swearing allegiance to Harrigan's flag.

Stomping back to the aft of the ship with the rest of the officers, Harrigan's voice rings out. Mister Plugg, gather your crew and be ready to sail!

Plugg calls out an affirmative before his voice rings out, naming his crew. You're almost surprised as he you hear your names ring out but then you catch a glimpse of the cruel smile on his face and realize that you aren't being chosen for your skills. As the last of the crew is selected from some of the captured sailors, Plugg faces his new "crew". You heard the cap'n! Grab your shit and make your way to the Promise. We make sail in 10 minutes and if you're not on board, you'd better be a strong swimmer!

After some brief chaos, the two ships part company and begin sailing off. As the Promise gets under way, acting captain Plugg calls his crew on to deck. Alright you dogs, listen up! You'll all keep to your assigned posts as you were on the Wormwood. Things ain't different just cause you're on a new vessel. In fact, discipline was always a bit lax on the 'wood and that'll be changing now, so get your jobs done and done right! Also there's to be no more rum rations or evening entertainments! Crew is confined to quarters after dinner.

Late into that first day, the Wormwood's sails disappear over the horizon and you are on your own. The day's work is finished quickly and after the meal, everyone heads below decks. The mood is somber and quiet amongst everyone as the first day aboard the Promise comes to a close.

Alright back from the long weekend and time to get things going again. Big changes are clearly afoot. Let me know what's going on with you guys. If any of you want to do or say anything during all of the above, I'm fine with that. Otherwise, let me know what the plan is right now/for the evening. Once everything's been resolved, either evening activities, retcon stuff or both, at that point I'll move the thread along.

You heard the cap'n! Grab your s%%! and make your way to the Promise. We make sail in 10 minutes and if you're not on board, you'd better be a strong swimmer!

"Aye, aye," Callum mutters as he heads down to the crew quarters to collect his things and boards the new ship, looking around at the others, his friends and allies as well as their enemies and the new Rahadoumi crew. An' now it gets interestin'.

Callum works dilligently through the day, getting a feel for the new ship. Aye, she's a nice un.

Perception DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

At night, seeing selected crew being taken up to the deck, Callum quietly speaks to the others. "It looks te me like Plugg be gatherin' them whats with him an' them whats afraid o' him," he says indicating the now empty cots. "I was hopin' te be able te do some convincin' on Fipps and the new swabs, an' mayhap turn 'em our way. We can still put in the effort but I expect we can bet on them te be against us now." He looks around at the crew left behind. "I see about twelve o' us, thirteen if we count Fishguts, te their eleven. I like them odds. I say we play it real civil-like fer now, but keep an eye out fer the time when Besmara's opportunity comes a knockin' on the deck."

Perception Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Tully felt a sharp nudge on his shoulder, dragging him back to consciousness.

"It looks te me like Plugg be gatherin' them whats with him an' them whats afraid o' him," he says indicating the now empty cots.

Tully's sleep-muddled vision was too blurred to pierce the darkness of the 'tween decks. But, it was clear that several of the hammocks were hanging empty.

"I was hopin' te be able te do some convincin' on Fipps and the new swabs, an' mayhap turn 'em our way. We can still put in the effort but I expect we can bet on them te be against us now." He looks around at the crew left behind. "I see about twelve o' us, thirteen if we count Fishguts, te their eleven. I like them odds. I say we play it real civil-like fer now, but keep an eye out fer the time when Besmara's opportunity comes a knockin' on the deck."

"Why do we hesitate? We should strike this very morning, before the first bell. We need not rouse the entire crew." Tully reached into his dunnage retrieving his sap and whip. "The Rahadoumi will support Plugg and Scourge only as long as they believe their lives depend upon it. Even Fipps may only support them conditionally... In a few hours time, when all are sound asleep, we can subdue the crew..." Tully offered the sap to Xanxan, "... and give Mister Plugg and Mister Scourge a taste of their own medicine!" Tully said as he offered the whip to Callum.

"In any event, we should not wait over long. Plugg and Scourge are smart enough to know that their hold on the crew is tenuous. Through a combination of labor and punishment, they will drive us to weakness and exhaustion until we reach Port Peril.

Tylos is surprised to be selected for the new vessel but is heartened when he sees his new companions chosen as well. [i]Perhaps a new ship will give better opportunities for the utilization of my talents. Gathering his gear, he quickly moves to the other ship and stows it.

Upon Plugg's pronouncements of further discipline, Tylos cringes but does not seem to mind being confined to quarters as it gives him more time to research and practice his magic.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

During the down time, he notices Plugg bring a few men and women up on deck. He is not surprised when the others mention it as well.

When the others start speaking of mutiny he says I am in agreement with Callum that we should exercise caution. I am on your side obviously should a fight break out but I worry about what happens if we fail.

Xanxan scowls as the lady is thrown overboard as an example, What a waste of a fine wench. Women folk should be flattered and lied to, not thrown into the drink.

------

But his real surprise comes up when and his mates are put on the Promise.

"Well, well...fellow Wormwood, hello my lady Promise." He grins as he's on the deck.

Alright you dogs, listen up! You'll all keep to your assigned posts as you were on the Wormwood. Things ain't different just cause you're on a new vessel. In fact, discipline was always a bit lax on the 'wood and that'll be changing now, so get your jobs done and done right! Also there's to be no more rum rations or evening entertainments! Crew is confined to quarters after dinner.

Xanxan just smiles, but inwardly he seethes, No. Death'll be coming for Scourge soon, no more bilges, no more flogging.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The meeting starts up, he listens to them all. He takes the sap. "We can't wait too long. We'll get worn down till we're not threat at all. The new six may not think highly of us, as we did kill their mates. swaying them won't be easy. Let me talk to a few of em, but I won't wait longer than a few days. I'll tell you that. Scourge whips me again, or shoves me in the bilges... I won't be waiting."

For a moment the deck is silent, Xanxan's words trailing off into the ever present symphony of wood and wave.

"No." Ko'ulu says from the shadows, the light from the swinging lantern picking up the white of Ko'ulu's eyes.

"Plugg is a coward. He will pick his time and place when we are weak, or he has the advantage. That time will be bad."

"We must go tonight. He has chosen his men. We have ours. We will have the advantage because Plugg will not be able to chose his time and place. Cowards like him are always expecting trouble, his picked men will not."

"I will not sail under Plugg." he says with finality.

Ko'ulu is not smiling.

"Ko'ulu's correct, I fear. Plugg and Scourge are at their weakest at this moment. Tate and Jape will support them, if for no better reason than to oppose us. Perhaps they have cowed Fipps, as well. They are working quickly to secure the allegiance of the Rahadoumi.

"We are at our strongest. But, Plugg has the power to change that! He can, with a word, work us past exhaustion. Then, he'll have us at the gratings for 'failing' at our duties. Remember how much healing was required on the Wormwood just to stave off death! Imagine how much more will be required without Harrigan's control! He will give us no opportunity to influence the crew. You can see he already has us confined below decks, at night. Whatever privacy we might once have found on the Wormwood will be denied us here. Whatever steps we take will be known and countered quickly.

"Tonight. This is our best opportunity."

"The Wormwood is not even a full day's sail away. A bit o' smoke in the air an' the ol' Cap'n will be comin' fer us fast, an' us with naught but a skeleton crew. We need a bit more time te get some more distance methinks."

Callum thinks a bit, "An' mayhap we can figure what they be plannin' an can head off anythin' meant te weaken us. Any chance we have a silent one 'ere what can give a quiet visit te them whats out plottin against us?"

I am with Callum on this one...more for self preservation than anything else. I find it is always better to have more information than less. Also we may want to involve those friends you have managed to make upon the ship and see what their opinions are.

"If they work us the way they usually do while Plugg's picked men do nothing, they will not have to try. We will be weak."

"Plugg will whip me dead the first chance he gets. Then see who follows you. The rest of these sailors aren't going to risk their skin so soon...Tully-man might be able to talk them up though..."

"Take care of smoke by snuffing the fires. Cold ship won't burn."

Callum thinks a bit, "An' mayhap we can figure what they be plannin' an can head off anythin' meant te weaken us. Any chance we have a silent one 'ere what can give a quiet visit te them whats out plottin against us?"

"I'll risk it if ye all like? Might settle things one way or nother."

"I'll risk it if ye all like? Might settle things one way or nother."

Do you still carry the potion with which we were paid? It could make the difference between life and death. If we're to take this course, you must go quickly. Plugg and Scourge are not ones to beat around the bush, as it were. They will come quickly to the point, and set those men about their nefarious business.

This spell will let me hear your words, for a time. Do not speak if speaking will place your life in peril. But, call out quickly if you have need of us. If you believe it to be safe, you can relay what you see to me with whispers.

Tully casts message targeting Xanxan.

"I'll risk it if ye all like? Might settle things one way or nother."

"Mayhap ye be right, Callum says nodding. Take care out there Xanxan an' keep yer wits about ye. May Besmara be with ye on this."

He then turns to the others. "It's me firm belief that ye can't take an' keep a ship without a crew te back ye. At my thinkin' we can at least have a Cleric o' Besmara on our side in Sandara. Havin' worked with Maheem, I can say he's got a good strong arm on 'im, Rosie too, if her pig tossin' skills are any indication. Conch may be a tough nut but I'll reckon he'll fight te the best o' his ability on any side Rosie'll be on. Don' know much about Aretta an' Badger, but I expect they'll fight hard fer the right cause. An' a cause, bein takin' down Plugg an' Scourge an' gettin' a ship, that be a right one."

Perception Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

The tengu watches some of the sailors go up on deck with Plugg before hopping over to the others whispered conversation. Jirobo looks at the others with worry at the talk of full-blown mutiny so early, "But the Wormwood is still yet close. Are we sure this is the best time for taking over of the ship? The price of failure in this is death by sword, keel-hauling, or drowning. Maybe we can wait until we are closer to an island or the mainland. If things go south then, we have alternate routes of escape."

DMJ, which way did the Wormwood sail, and which way is the wind blowing?

Nodding to Tully as the spell is cast, and Callum's blessing. He nods to them all, but speaks chiefly to Jirobo.

"Well, my fine feathered friend, that's what my foray will determine. Fear not, whatever happens to me, it's got to be more interesting than the bilges," The gnome winks, nods to all, checks the potion at his side, and slips out.

Many rolls needed I'm sure...
Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Perception with trapfinding: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Disable Device: (traps) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Disable Device: (locks) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

1d20 ⇒ 7
1d20 ⇒ 20

Xanxan whispers,

Xanxan could not hear the scoundrels' conversation. They are on their way back, Tully relayed to the others. Quickly, to your hammocks!

Xanxan wonders if he can wait till Scourge sleeps and then slit his throat. Then sighs Not on me game tonight and I'll need Desna's own luck to pull that right.

Slipping into hold, he come a bit wistful.

stealth back 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Tylos decides that he won't be much help tonight and decides to get some rest so that he can be ready with his spells in the morning.

Sorry for the delay and thanks for the patience everyone.

It's a somewhat restless night as you sleep as you're able but being on a strange ship with Plugg at the helm is enough to give anyone bad dreams. Waking groggily the next morning, you climb up to the main deck where Plugg and Scourge are waiting, both men clearly preening at their newfound authority. Quickly assigning tasks to the lot of you, Plugg moves up to the wheel and stands behind it with a grin.

The work assigned to you is quite possibly the worst you've had to deal with so far during your ordeal as a pirate. It's not necessarily harder than anything you've done but it is certainaly more onerous. Cleaning out foul messes left over from the battle, scrubbing the scorch marks on the hull from the explosion, and other base labor. Within hours you're all sweaty, dirty and irritated.

The day winds to a close and the meal is quickly brought up by Fishguts. It's a welcome relief not to have to swallow the hideous rum you were forced to drink on the Wormwood although it's a bittersweet feeling as it reminds you of Grok and those others you may never see again.

Despite his claims the day before, there isn't a single punishment meeted out. Scourge looks disappointed but Plugg doesn't seem to care, his eyes distant and lost in thought. Regardless, it's a welcome relief. With no evening activities allowed, you all quietly head below decks.

As people settle in and relax, some sailors playing quietly at dice while others simply chat, Amrbose moves towards the group of you. His voice is low as he catches your attention. There's been talk that you lads are thinking of taking the ship. Don't act so surprised, you ain't exactly been hiding your disdain for Plugg and his lapdog.

Kroop lowers his voice further and looks around before continuing. I caught wind of this today and Sandara helped confirm it. I think Plugg means to keep the Promise for himself. I thought heard Tate bragging about it to one of the new sailors and Sandara confirmed that we've indeed changed course. We're no longer heading towards Port Peril but east towards Bloodcove. Anyone with ranks in Know Geography would realize this after Kroop mentions it.

I'm not sure yet but I think I've got a good idea we're headed. There's a seedy little drydock called Rickety's Squibs west of Bloodcove. If Plugg is making a bid on the ship, that's where he'd head. They "squib" ships there, changing their names and shapes enough to look enough like a new ship to fool people. Pirates do it all the time and if Plugg is aiming to take the ship, that's where he'd head.

If he's already planning on betraying Harrigan for himself, I don't think he'd plan on keeping around those of us that don't think kindly of him already. So be wary and if you're planning on doing something, you haven't got much time for it I imagine.

As Kroop moves away, you all settle back and think on what he's said.

I know with the delay it might take people a bit to catch up but let me know what you guys wnat to do. Again sorry for the delay.

Tylos looks over at the rest of the group and says quietly How long do you think it will take to get to this Rickety's Squibs?

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Aye, I thought I noticed a change in what bein' the direction we be headin'. West of Bloodcove? We'll not be there by tomorrow, but it might not matter leastwise. We'd best get our good crew on board this right quick. With Plugg movin' against Harrigan, thems whats may have been afraid o' the repercussions, might be more afraid now o' what'll happen te them, bein witnesses to 'is act, an' not on friendly terms with the scalywag."

Knowledge (geography) Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Perception Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Jirobo finishes the last of the much needed meal as Fishguts fills them in on the doings of the ship. The tengu glances to his friends, "It is almost time for the rinsing storm to sweep through. Ready our friends. Ready our weapons. In a day or two's time, when all is ready, we will take the ship? Might be best time to do so is at night. Ship is not at risk for floundering or fouling if she is not under full speed. Knock out or secure all those against us and just leave Plugg and Scourge by their lonesomes for the final fury of the typhoon."

As Kroop moves away, Ko'ulu grunts.

"I have said my piece. I am still waiting for the wind to change on this ship."

Ko'ulu claps his hands together and stands up.

"Tully-man, tell me if you notice any weather change." he says as he walks away.

My apologies again for using the wrong avatar before.

Tylos looks at the others and says We should be ready, definitely but also I think we should wait for the opportune moment as well. I will support the assault with my magic but I admit other than that I have no skill at fighting hand to hand.

Sorry, somehow i missed the updates!
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Looking around, the gnome notices something "Bloody hell, Tate is missing. He never came down after meal. You think he overheard Sandara or the others talking ?

Perception Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Tate? Are you sure? That bodes ill for us, and our future enterprises. If Plugg and Scourge have taken that one into their confidences...

Master Kroop and Mistress Sandara have demonstrated their loyalties, my friends. But, I think it falls to us to see that justice is done aboard the Man's Promise. Tully lowered his voice even further. In the deepest hours of this night, just before dawn. Time is no longer our ally, gentlemen.

Sorry about the delay. Like Xanxan, I'm not getting updates about new posts, apparently.

Tate? Are you sure?

The gnome nods and mutters "we knew he'd be trouble sooner or later."

Realizing that Callum and Tully may still be at loggerheads about this, he pulls out a coin, "Idea for us gents. Rather than squabble and debate till the seacows come home, why not this... one toss of a coin. One of you picks heads, the other tails...and we go with whichever plan Lady Luck blesses. What say ye?"

He was in the water again. The shallows where he'd fought the reefclaws. It was another idyllic day. He floated lazily on his back, skin prickling from the salt and the heat of the bright, bright sun. A piece of the sun broke off and began a gentle descent down towards him, like a feather of fire and light. Slowly, ever so slowly, it took shape like an angel. <Why did she have Sandara's face, he wondered?> Her sword was glowing with heat and radiance like a shard of pure elemental flame. Then she brought the sword down. The blade struck his heart in an explosion of joy and awe and pain.

Tully's eyes opened. He reached for the holy symbol draped across his chest, lying against his heart. The memory of the pain faded quickly, as he reoriented himself to the world.

His instincts told him that it was the earliest hours of the morning, some little time before the sunrise or the morning bell. He slid silently out the hammock, using the faint light of the binnacle overhead to find his friends.

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

One by one, he gently nudged them awake, his finger to his lips in a gesture of silence. He drew his rapier from its scabbard, nodding to the others as he slid silently towards the hammock where Fipps lay snoring. He glanced at the sap in Xanxan's hand before gesturing him towards Fipps' bunk. With only a slight grimace at the sight of Ko'ulu's trident, he nodded him towards where Jaundiced Jape lay. Pointing towards the other Rahadoumi, then the door, he offered Callum, Jirobo, and Tylos their choice of targets. He watched patiently as the others quietly moved into position.

For a moment, everything was still. He listened to the snores, and the creaking and grinding of the ship at sea. His fears were creeping up within him, as the moment approached.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Sense Motive to see if anyone is faking sleep: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Tully will delay action, until everyone is in the position of their choice (the ones I indicated in my post were really just suggestions) and on the same initiative (so that we're acting simultaneously as much as possible in game terms).

With a look and a nod, the time had come... (Assuming everything is going to plan...)

Tully raised his rapier above his head, as he watched the others do the same. Then he brought the hilt down hard on Fipps' temple.

Hilt Bash - Coup de Grace: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (1) + 1 = 8 Non-lethal

Tylos nods his head and moves over and quietly wakes Sandara and any of the others that were identified as friends of ours. We are taking the ship. Plugg has something planned for all of us and I'm sure it isn't good.

Moving off on his own he quietly casts Mage Armor on himself before returning to the others.

Memorized spells from the day before: Mage Armor, Enlarge Person, Color Spray, Silent Image, Grease

Xanxan wakes up quiet like, and is somewhat surprised when he sees that Tully is going to start this with or without the rest of them. Oh, Callum is going to love this. Still, can't let the lad die alone.

He eyes the sap he was given, and who Tully wants him to target. Sneaking over to Fipp, he brings the jack o black down on the fellow's head.

Can one use Coup De Grace rules for sapping? Do they fall into a coma instead of dying if they fail their fort check? :)

regardless.... assuming the sap is gnome sized

Sap damage 1d4 ⇒ 1
crit dmg from coup de grace 1d4 ⇒ 2
Rogue sneak attack dmg bonus 1d6 ⇒ 6

Jirobo shivers with nerves as Tully wakes them up, motioning at others around the cabin while going over to whack the ever-loving heck out of Fipp. The tengu grabs the length of knarly wood that makes up his club as he shuffles quietly as possible over to one of the Rahadoumi sailors. Jirobo closes his eyes for a moment as he lines up the club with the side of the man's head. He opens his eyes just as he swings down hard, trying to stun and knockout the sailor in one go. He whispers as he does so, "So sorry."

Perception Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Stealth Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Club Attack, Nonlethal vs Rahadoumi (if required): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
Club Damage, Nonlethal vs Rahadoumi: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Seeing Tully's eyes on him, Ko'ulu grins, his smile a flash of white in the gloom, then mimics stabbing Jape, enjoying the blanch on Tully's face.

Bare feet silent on the wooden deck, his chainmail jingling slightly with the motion of the ship, Ko'ulu passes the trident to his off hand, then rears back and punches Jape square on the temple.

And that ladies and gentleman, is why every fighter should take improved unarmed combat.

Unarmed:nonlethal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Nonlethal 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Nonlethal coup de grace 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Init:
Callum: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Tylos: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Ko'ulu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Tully: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Xanxan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Jirobo: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Tate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Plugg: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Scourge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

It probably doesn't matter NOW, but Fip took an extra non lethal d6 from the sneak attack if you count Xanxan as level 3.

if needed though:
1d6 ⇒ 4

Taking some liberties for dramatic effect.

As you pummel the sailors in front of you into unconsciousness, you quickly turn to deal with the rest. You spin around to find that Sandara, Maheem and the rest have the other Rahadoumi held at sword point, their faces a mix of anger and confusion. Sandara gives you all a quick nod and a smile. We've got this lot handled. You go take care of that eel Plugg.

Moving quietly up the stairs to the main deck, the moon is bright and nearly full above you, illuminating the deck in a bright white light. As you spread out from the stairwell you see standing at the entrance to the captain's quarters are Tate, Scourge and Plugg, all with weapons drawn. The self-made captain gives you all an evil smile as he lazily twirls his cat-o'-nine-tails, the cutlass in his other hand firm and steady.

I think we all knew this day was approaching but I have to admit I honestly wasn't sure if any of you maggots had the stones. Well it's about time you were put in your place the way you should've been that first day out. The Promise is mine and you lot ain't fit to stride her decks!

Like a bubble popping, the quiet tension breaks and you rush at each other.

So the Init clumps will be:
- Plugg
- Xanxan, Jirobo, Ko'ulu
- Scourge, Tate
- Callum, Tylos, Tully

Map. I tried to make your placement dramatic but also somewhat natural. If anyone has a problem with where they start, feel free to let me know and I'll adjust it. This map already includes Plugg's Round 1 movement.

There is no surprise round, everyone knew this fight was long in the making. ;-) I'll have Plugg's action up shortly and then everyone post from there.

Going against my better judgement, I've decided to run the Skull & Shackles AP here on the boards. I'm looking for 5 players. At this point, I don't think I need to sum up the AP, everyone seems to want a piece of this so let's dive into the nitty-gritty.

Character Creation Guide (General):

• I am looking for a backstory submission and a brief outline of the mechanics you plan on taking (class/race/alignment for sure, then maybe stats, starting feats, etc). I don't expect or require a full character sheet or profile be created for this, feel free to wait till you're accepted if you'd like. I know I hate creating a profile only to be passed up in the end. If you want to do a full build or profile, by all means I'm not stopping you. Although see the next point.
• I am looking for a solid backstory submission for your character. This will have more weight with me than a fully completed character sheet. My philosophy is that mechanics can be taught, good writing and inventiveness can't. Please don't take the time to build a full character sheet and then only submit 2 sentences about who they are. I want to see how well you write and what type of RPer you're going to be in the game.
• Please tell me what possible position(s) you see your character filling on the ship. As the AP progresses, you will end up owning your own ship and I'd like to know how you see yourself fitting into this. There are no mechanics behind this and I won't penalize submissions if everyone lists captain as their preferred role. :-) I'm just curious on your character's take.

Character Creation Guide (Mechanics):

• Everyone starts at 1st level. 20 point buy, Max HP, Avg starting gold for your class.
• Races: All core. Additionally I will allow 1-2 of the PC's to be any of the following - Goblin, Orc, Tengu, or Gillman. To be clear, I am not purposefully trying to have these races used/filled. If I end up with a party of 5 humans, that's fine. I am just open to the others listed although keep in mind I will want to see a strong backstory to justify the race selection. I want the majority of the party to be "core" but I'm open to a little variety if it's well written.
• Classes: Pretty much anything Paizo published including Core, APG, UM and UC (and all associated Archetypes) with the following exceptions. No Gunslingers, Ninjas or Samurais. The last two are too heavily Asian-inspired for my taste when running a Pirate-based game. And while the Gunslinger is a perfect fit, I just want to avoid having them in my game this go around, sorry. Also I would ideally like a "well-rounded" party so keep that in mind when people start submitting.
• Alignment: This is a pirate game, so LG should probably not be your first choice. ;-) Evil is allowed but this is a group game so you must be able to play well with others if you go that route.
• Traits: You will have 2 traits. 1 must be a campaign trait from the Skull & Shackles Player's Guide that you may choose. The other trait will be chosen by me. This will be based on your backstory submission or the general impression of your character that I take away from your submission. If you want to angle for a specific trait, then write it up well in the backstory but it will ultimately be chosen by me regardless.

General Game Guidelines:
Pretty standard stuff as far as availability expectations. I am a pretty heavy poster Mon-Fri but I'm conversely a very sporadic poster on the weekends. I'm looking for a minimum 1-2 posts per day during the week. If you're going to be away that's fine, just make sure to let the group know ahead of time if you can.

That's about it. If I missed anything or you have questions, feel free to let me know. Typically this AP sees a crap-ton of submissions fairly quickly so I'm not going to be setting a solid deadline for now. I'm assuming and planning that I'll have more than enough people to choose from by the end of the week but it might be longer or shorter depending on the number of submissions.

So good luck to all and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Introducing for your consideration
Randall McNally Human Bard (Sea Singer)

Randall left his home city of Riddleport at the age of 13 as a lowly cabin boy on his first ship. After several years of maritime activity, some legal, some...not Randall quickly rose through the ranks aboard various ships until reaching the rank of Bosun on his last ship until an "incident" with the ship owner's daughter caused him to be cashiered from service. Randall is now cooling his heels in a local watering hole called the Formidably Maid while waiting for another ship to begin recruiting. Sitting at a table in the corner Randall is heavily into his cups thinking to himself "How was I supposed to know she was the owner's daughter? I thought she was just another dockside doxy looking for a good time. Besamara damn the man for choosing that time to check his cargo in the hold. He just wouldn't listen to reason and I barely got off the ship with my dignity, and other things, intact."

Would like to join as Cadj Nassen, a Chelaxian Human male mage (specialist)

Background:
Son of a Chelaxian merchant, Cadj is a man used to fine clothes, gold and luxurious goods. But he has something else, a thirst for knowledge that his father could never truly understand.
Year after year, they come to the same old towns, using the same old roads.
Every town was the same for Cadj. Everyone was either afraid of him, or wanted to knock a few teeth away from his mouth, just because he was a Chelaxian.
Cadj never asked for troubles. But when a fight began, his opponents would find that the young boy carried a nasty punch... and that he wasn't above a few dirty blows if no one had the sense to ask specifically BEFORE the fight not to use low blows, choke and other wild stuff.
Sometimes, Cadj would lose the fight, of course. His nose is still broken, and he had his share of blackened eyes over the years.

For a reason unknown for anyone, last year, Cadj and his mercantile father parted their way. He studied magic, but any moment of idleness from his tutor saw him doing push ups or other physical stuff, to the bewilderement of the other pupils.

Cadj seems to be a quiet guy, keeping to himself most of the time. He does like physical bouts, something quite strange for a practicionner of the occult arts.
He has no taste for Illusions and Enchantment school,because that "break the laws of reality", in his own words: he can be abrupt in his relationships a "take it or leave it" kind of guy.
He likes money and luxurious goods, being the son of a merchant,but his mind needs to feel busy too, and he likes books, explorations and intellectual challenges. He loves to learn new langages, especially strange and foreign ones.

I would like to toss my name in the ring for consideration. Full Story under my page.

Glad to see a few hits already!

Cadj: Could you elaborate a bit on how you end up in the Shackles? I get the general backstory info but I'm still curious as to how you have ended up in the land of the pirates and what brought you to the Formidably Maid at the start of the AP.

Octavia: Same general question as I had for Cadj, could you give me a little flavor on how you ended up shang-haied(sp?) by pirates? Also, your backstory is really cool but I don't recognize any of the flavor. Is that built around a home-brewed campaign organization. I'm unfamiliar with a group called the Nightwings in Golarion.

Also, you're backstory references some strange power you're developing, is this related to a character build concept later on or is this more supposed to be fluff?

A simple Mwangi Fisherman (Fighter, think Queequeg)

His fishing boat smashed to flinders, Ko'ulu finds himself in the "Formidably Maid" looking for a captain who can take him to his home island.

I plan on developing him into a harpoon and spear fighter, but will keep the basic fighter template.

I have to read the Player's Guide once again before giving you my story. I don't want to make mistakes...

Would like to submit:

Possible role on board the ship would be Navigator; coxswain, or ships Engineer/Carpenter, Last choice would be the Bosun.

Sylvanus is a Human Bard (archeologist) “obtainer of rare antiquities”

Too bad, another S&S recruitment vetoing gunslingers... oh well. Good game to all. ;)

This is probably the least wordy and simplistic of my character creations, but I like it none the less. Cecic the halfling cleric, who is more the 'cabin boy' than that which he really is.

If you want a few more adventures to hitch some adventure hooks on I'm more than willing to work with you to get that going.

This is my submission. Have played rpgs for 35 years first attempt at a pbp game. Very interested to try. Can post at least once per day more if needed.

Orc Barbarian(Sea Reaver)

Even as a small child I was drawn to the water. I
discovered quite by accident that I seemed to have a
natural ability to swim and hold my breath underwater. The
other Orcs, including my family, thought I was wierd since
water is only for drinking. One day while looking through
some old chests I found a journal of a pirate captain. I was
able to understand enough that I could see that this was a
very distant relative of mine. i located a very old and wise
woman who told stories of Orcs on the sea. Always
thought these were fairy-tales. Orcs on the sea, HA. Now I
wasn't so sure about my beliefs concerning her stories. I
found her and she noticed the journal right away and
quickly got me inside her hut. Mazon asked me if I now
believed her stories of long ago. I answered yes and asked
her to tell me the truth. Mazon tells me about a great uncle
that seeked his fortune on the sea and became a much
feared pirate captain. That night I gathered my weapon
and armor and headed to
Shackles to seek the fame and fortune that my great uncle
received. Maybe I will Captain my own ship but for now I
will defend the Captain and crew as best as I can.

Strom Burlog (Human Barbarian, Sea Reaver) ooh ninja'd by an orc. Oh well :)

About Strom Burlog
While his fellow tribemen would sing songs and praise the cold breazes and open plains of his homeland, Strom yearned for the ocean. As often as his hunts would allow he'd run the many days and nights needed to bring him to the blue plains of water. Swimming near the shore, hunting fish and bigger game under the water, taking whatever driftwood he could find to go out as far into the blue plains as he could, rolling with the mountainous waves, feeling the power of the plain beneath him. This, this is the true wilderness, he'd often think to himself in these moments. Until one day, drifting on the waves, eyes closed in bliss, a net was thrown over him and he was dragged aboard a passing whaler which happened to be short on slaves. My lucky day he thought, as he was beaten again and again to be forced into submission. He took the beatings, and still he fought and tries to escape many times, ripping his manacles from the wall on more than one occassion. It wasn't till the Captain himself intervened, giving Strom a choice, he could work willingly and without trouble for the remainder of the journey, or he could patch sails with a needle and thread... and minus a leg. After that things became easier for Strom and his love of the sea only grew. He also grew about eight inches and gained a good forty pounds, finally coming into manhood. Not a few of his 'friends' told him it was a good thing he wasn't this big when they first fished him from the water, or they'd have had to cut his throat right off.

He was also introduced to piracy, a part-time occupation of the Murky Gull, the name of the whaler, when easy targets were available and whet the captain's fancy. Soon enough swinging a weapon on a rolling deck felt like second nature to the young Barbarian, and his great strength and natural seamanship soon earned him the respect, and fear, of the rest of the crew. More than once Strom dove into a stormy sea to save a fellow sailor, for while he was strong, he knew to take care of those that took care of him, and understood ships required more than just sails, but hands to set them. Even the captain was happy to see the retreating mans back, now criss-crossed with old scars gained during his 'education'.

Standing on the docks of Port Peril, Strom reached down and jingled the small purse at his belt, remembering the advice of his fellow sailors and keeping the rest in a hiddle portion of his back. Striding forward people melted out of the way, and if they didn't move quickly enough they were sent flying out of the way. He had learned many things on the Murky Gull, and he knew what his assets were, and his wouldn't soon forget the harsh lessons of that pungent ship of death, the death of his youth, and subsequent rebirth as... something more.

I'd like to throw a grenade in the ring....er, hat in the ring. I believe you were recruiting before and I applied?

Sooty could serve as ships carpenter and eventually a siege engineer, he could also serve as ships surgeon with a skill point change.

His background is in the profile.

Color me three shades of interested. So I present Jirobo the Storm Crow, a Tengu Druid (storm druid archetype).

Born to the Shackles, Jirobo was but a single egg that survived his family’s flight from the Oni invasion of their old home in Tian-Xia. When they had no coin to take them further, Jirobo’s parents were kicked off onto the docks of Port Peril. Equivalent to paupers, only a few coppers to their name, they were not prepared for the harsh dog-eat-dog environment of the Shackles. It was in this first month that Jirobo hatched to a life of poverty. His parents eventually found a place of employment as permanent tenants and tenders of one of Port Peril’s lighthouses but those early years of little to eat stunted some of Jirobo’s growth. The little tengu was rarely allowed to wander from the lighthouse, kept nearby his mother lest some sailor decide he would make a unique pet. Thus Jirobo’s world encompassed a small territory with a view from the top of the tower his only refuge from his captivity.

Atop his windy perch, Jirobo was taught about the ocean by both his father and the whispers of the salty breeze. The gulls told him raunchy stories and the tolling bells of the Port regaled him with mournful tales. But it was the storm, the ever-raging hurricane, the Eye of Abendego that truly trained the young Jirobo. In the long, quiet, alone moments when he was not refueling the great light, Jirobo listened to the secrets of the storm. The rites and guarded words to call the bluster of the winds, the devastation of the waves, and the many forms of nature’s fury, all were laid bare to Jirobo’s insatiable curiosity. During the worst parts of the storms that would periodically crash against the mountains behind Port Peril, Jirobo would practice his newly discovered skills and dreaming of the day when he could ride out atop the ocean and experience the storm as it truly should be experienced.

Unknown to Jirobo, he would soon receive his wish. At an age that his parents finally felt safe sending him to the neighborhood market to pick up a few sundries, Jirobo was thrilled to be let out on his own for the first time ever. He got lost in the first ten minutes of his errand, turning down the wrong street and into the waiting arms of a pirate captain’s press gang…

Possible Positions: Will have to look at the jobs listed in the player's guide again, but something like Navigator.

Also thought about being a captain or a first mate, as far as positions go.

It looks like there are enough leftover characters to sate a dozen more S&S games...
Mine is Linard Toivan, a decommissioned naval artillerist (N Tiefling Wizard (Siege Mage)).

Fellow adventures, I am Diana Seamyst and I am pleased to meet you. Likely you have heard of my father, Captain Seamyst, an infamous Free Captain of the Shackles. Perhaps one day we will draw swords together and plunder the treasures of the isles, no?

Diana is an Oracle of Waves with aspirations to someday command her own ship. She would make an excellent First Mate while proving her skills, or until something unfortunate happens to the captain...

Her background and description is included in this avatar and her sheet is 75% complete. I hope you like her background.

I'd be interested in joining up for some PbP action! I'd probably play something Rogue-like, but if you're full up, it's cool. If you still have some room, however, I can write up a backstory and post it up tonight.

This is my first recruitment for S&S, what you see is what there is for applications. Haven't selected anybody, submit away.

Ho there,

How is multi-classing handled? Character concept requires a class dip later or a full on switch.

Is the RP or circumstance required or can we pick the class at level-up time?

Thanks!

Holy crap hell yes I am so there! I am having a blast in your Wheel of Time game and would LOVE to see how skull and shackles would go. I will have something up later on tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

Hassan: Depends on the situation really. If you're a Barbarian and want to take a level of Wizard, that might be a bit of a stretch and need some extra RP in game. Case by case basis is what it boils down to. What'd you have in mind.

Imimrtl: Glad to see you interested, I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Thought I would provide some basic mechanics for Sylvanus:

Thinking long term and rich backgorund.

Fighter, with familial legacy/prophecy awakens the Summoner within. It's a familial trait of sorts... manifesting later in life.

In the long term, Summoner 85-90%, with a starting dip in fighter... works better with the story, but could start with Summoner for simplicity. Would want a dip or two later.. fighter or rogue, maybe.

Thanks for considering it.

Sholos (Half-Elf Sorcerer-Aquatic Bloodline [Seaborn])

About 9 months after that adventuring party rolled through town, Sholos was born to a fisherman's daughter who hadn't heeded the villager's warnings about leading the motley group to the "Haunted Isle". The strange masked elf had brought her back safe and sound, though, with a bagful of loot and a bellyfull of Sholos to show for it.

The boy was odd, no doubt about it. The first time he'd gone missing the whole town had turned out to look for him, only for the tyke to wander out of the surf at midnight with a strange little smile on his face. After that, vanishing was a matter of course. "Just like his father," his mother would say with a wry grin. When he was around, he did odd jobs for the fisherfolk, mended nets, scraped barnacles, and usually for little or no pay. He just sat and listened to the old salts spin yards about the sea and all the manner of strangeness in it.

When he was of age, he signed on with a fishing crew aboard the Wet Rover that plied the deeper waters. He became something of a good luck charm, since they always filled their nets and had the wind at their back when he was aboard. And he had saved Old Tom Durby when he was knocked overboard during that squall, (though some say he only did it because Tom knew the best tales.)

When the Rover came to dock in Port Peril, Sholos took his pay and left and even Cap'n Squint said he was sad to see him go. The last any of the crew saw him, he was headed towards the Formidably Maid.

(Ship's role would be...weird advisor I guess, and ship's caster. The sea affinity trait is the one i'd lean towards.)

Ok, feeling roguish so..
Here's Xanxan, gnome rogue and sailor... (I'll put up a full portfolio of his own if he gets selected)

Background:
Gnomes fear neither man nor beast, nor pastry! But oh how they fear the bleaching, that soul withering condition that has plagued them ever since they were divided from the first world. They'll find any obsession to keep the wonder they need alive.

For Xanxan, it was the sea, and always has been. When he first set eyes on a human merchant ship, many years ago, the first thing he did was stowaway. He learned to hide, sneak, and ...well, with the help of good friends who were bad influences, he gained the skills he needed to survive and thrive. While sailing along the coasts of civilized lands was exciting, eventually he heard of the Shackles, a place not just of sailing, but PIRATES.

How could he resist? Drawn by a lure he couldn't explain, he traveled to the shackles. A few drinks at the formidably maid, and then a walk by the docks with a pleasant buzz.

Then a smack up the backside of his head, and blackness.

Well, he thought just as he winked out, THIS could be interesting...

Other notes: I gave him "touched by the sea" to reflect his way of fighting the bleaching better.

As for what role he might play, I doubt he's really captain material, but he's an excellent standard ABS (Able Bodied Sailor), and could be quite good in the crow's next or among the rigging.

Kira Moonsong; Female Elf Rogue 1 Wizard 0 Arcane Trickster 0

Kira is a forlorn elf in her seventies who grew up raised by tengu in a human settlement within the shackles, she has maturity issues due to her perception being skewed by the short lives of those around her, and she lived a rather eclectic lifestyle. she currently runs errands for a local wizard college funded by the pathfinder society in exchange for a discount on her lessons. she knows a bit of arcane theory, but has yet to learn a simple cantrip. she carries a spellbook but hasn't fully mastered it yet, favoring the art of admixture but forsaking enchantment and necromancy. she is larcenous and a bit playful, like her tengu stepfather. favoring chaos, discord, and flashy colors.

I will probably be making a submission tomorrow.

Octavia: Same general question as I had for Cadj, could you give me a little flavor on how you ended up shang-haied(sp?) by pirates? Also, your backstory is really cool but I don't recognize any of the flavor. Is that built around a home-brewed campaign organization. I'm unfamiliar with a group called the Nightwings in Golarion.

Also, you're backstory references some strange power you're developing, is this related to a character build concept later on or is this more supposed to be fluff?

I apologize. The strange power was a throwback from the last time this concept was used and it refers to psionics which I am not planning on using.

The Nightwings are an assassin guild from Riddleport in my home game, that are part of her founding.

As for why she would be around the pirates

As to my role aboard a ship, my skill lie in 'wet work' so naturally I would make a welcome addition to any boarding team. Also with my nature skill and intense training securing goods, locked or otherwise, would be a relative breeze.

I forgot to add that I have no real life knowledge of ships, and I don't know if the positions matter in the game like the government positions do in Kingmaker.

If anyone has a list of ship position other than captain and first mate I would like the info. I only know about those two from movies.

I found this site. Is it accurate? Ship Positions

I forgot to add that I have no real life knowledge of ships, and I don't know if the positions matter in the game like the government positions do in Kingmaker.

If anyone has a list of ship position other than captain and first mate I would like the info. I only know about those two from movies.

I found this site. Is it accurate? Ship Positions

that is about it I usually end up referencing naval positions which are slightly different than Pirate ships but the functions are basically the same

More to add to Cecic's background previously submitted for application.

Here's the current submission list, broken by roles in case you're looking to up your chances. (Obviously roles are subjective depending on the specific build so this is broadstrokes classification.) If I missed anyone, let me know. Anyone still wanting to submit, feel free. Recruitment will be open for the next couple of days.

Arcane
Cadj Nassen: Human, Wizard (Evocation)
Khuzdac "Sooty" Firebreath: Dwarf, Alchemist (Grenadier)
Linard Toivan: Tiefling, Wizard (Siege Mage)
Sholos: Half-Elf, Sorcerer (Aquatic Bloodline)(Seaborn)

Divine
Cecic: Halfling, Cleric
Jirobo the Storm Crow: Tengu, Druid (Storm Druid)
Diana Seamyst: Human, Oracle (Waves)

Combat
Ko'ulu: Human, Fighter
Sauldor Aqua: Orc, Barbarian(Sea Reaver)
Strom Burlog: Human, Barbarian (Sea Reaver)
Marek ibn Sabbah: Human, Summoner

Skills
Randall McNally: Human, Bard (Sea Singer)
Octavia 'Tavi' Delphina: Halfling, Rogue (Knife Fighter)
Sylvanus Backus: Human, Bard (Archeologist)
Xanxan: Gnome, Rogue
Kira Moonsong: Elf, Rogue

Undecided
imimrtl ?
Mr. Swagger ?
Dark Netwerk ?

Edited based on last few posts.

Regarding Swaggers ship positions question. I was asking to have more of an understanding of your character's goals and personality, etc. The positions aboard ship are not mechanically driven like the ones in the Kingmaker AP, at least not as solidly.

I'd like to throw in my submission. I'll figure a name and write up the background a bit later (at work now).
Thinking about a ranger (freebooter) with buccaneers blood trait.

Human Summoner - Marek ibn Sabbah

The class is technically "arcane", but with Summon Monster x5 per day and a strong eidolon (benefitting from Augemented Summoning)... I'd classify him under Combat.

Spells are limited.

Hassan

Updated the above list with Darknetwork and Hassan's summoner. And Hassan, I play a Summoner in one of my RL games and agree it's definetly more a combat role than arcane.

His father, the Margrave Tarek of the Cerulean Marches was assassinated when Marek was only seven years old. The sadness weighed heavily on his mother Isabelle. Some say it made her visions stronger, some say it led her to not trust them, her most precious birth-right and gift as Oracle.

But, for years she and Marek's older brother Robert managed the affairs of the Cerulean Marches. But, Robert came into his own... made his own polital moves and friends. His mother lost favor.

This is what Marek remembers, along with the last vision she shared with him. It came as a prophecy or a riddle...

Marek did not understand. And Isabelle could not decipher it, save in one manner. "Run, Marek... Run as fast as you can, as far as you can. For me, Marek. I love you, my son... Now, run!"

And, grabbing whatever was at hand... Marek ran, as he heard marching feet coming down the hall. Not yet a man, he ran from everything he knew. He believed in his mother's vision.

And he had nightmares, cold and wet sleeping out of doors. The feeling of being watched. Of someone or something getting closer. Stalking him. And one day, as he washed his face at a stream, he saw his own reflection... and something was on his forehead, a mark.

No one else could see it.

Then there was that night on the docks years after leaving home, when they came for him. No one in particular, just bad men. Cruel men that had chosen them as their quarry. There was nowhere to run, so he hunkered down in the back of the dark alley... praying they'd not find him.

But, they did... and they tortured him by walking slowly into the darkness. And a strange thing happened. His fear slowly turned to anger and rage... But, it was not "his" nature.

The rage swelled and he felt that very familiar and unsettling feeling of being watched, followed... stalked. But, it was not "them". Yet, as they approached he screamed with his soul into the moonlit sky that barely lit the alley.

And, from above him came the most glorious thing he could imagine. For that is exactly where it came from after years of forming, his very imagination.

It had feline eyes, and a near ursine body... all black, with silvery teeth and claws with that same mark he'd seem upon his own brow on its forehead. That unmistakable sigil. Snarling as it circled for position and silent in it's strike, it was seconds until all the men were laid low.

And them the beast turned to come for him.

He remembered his mother's words then, as he slipped into oblivion.

"Shiny diamonds. Like the eyes of a cat in the black and blue. Something is coming for you..." He had never thought it was coming to save him.

Just realised I gave the wrong domains for Cecic, should be Besmara (Trickery and Oceans)

Here's my submission - Calvin, a human witch. The stats and all that in the profile are from another application and may be disregarded.

Thanks for the consideration, Jonasty. And just remember, I hold Darius' life in my hands...

Your threats scare me not! ;-) Glad to see your interest Idyll.

The Cerulean Marches are thus named because they border the sea and command a small but tactical port and a long swath of beach.

Skills: Craft (Ships), Profession (Sailor), Swim.

One day, Marek aims to find out what happened to his mother and return to the Cerulean Marches.

If he were to join the crew of a ship, he'd be happy to maintain the vessel and lead the away/boarding team... wanting no part in politics or power-plays.

So head's up to those on the fence or reading this now. I will be closing the Recruitment for this game tomorrow(Wednsday) night. If you have not submitted a character then you still have a little time. With the large number of entries already, I don't really need to keep this open that much longer.

Barring any really last minute submissions, I should have the selected group posted tomorrow night. When I do post my selections, I'll go into checking in, alternate spots, etc. But for now focus on the Wed date if you haven't already submitted.

Here's is my submission for your consideration - Tully, Half-Elf Buccaneer (Bard)

I will have stats posted soon. Thanks for the consideration!

It will not alter my story significantly, but I would like to consider adding duel cursed to my oracle unless you think Misfortune is just to OP or difficult to handle in a PBP. Without duel curse Oracles are a little low on the power curve but I like the flavor of this Waves oracle so would he happy either way. Her skill set is sooo pirate. It will be fun.

Regarding Swaggers ship positions question. I was asking to have more of an understanding of your character's goals and personality, etc. The positions aboard ship are not mechanically driven like the ones in the Kingmaker AP, at least not as solidly.

Ok. I just have to decide if being a pirate is something I intended to do, or if I just happened to see an opportunity and go for it. I might even decide to do it out of necessity.

well, elf rogue/wizard/arcane trickster is Kira's mechanical goal. covering the skill role using both skills and spells to do so.

may i ask if we can just Ditch the XP system and level when you say we level?

i also took the liberty of starting with a wizard's spellbook (paying only the cost of the book itself), if only, to have one for when i reach level 3. and the hawk i bought is to become my familiar. assuming it survives.

the UMD is so i can use divine consumables and "Cheat" the requirements of specific items. like gloves of dueling. to milk a better to hit bonus when flanking.

On that note, do we all level together... or are there individual merits that allow us to level sooner/later?

I understand some feel this creates a rift in XP, and could create a rift in power level (from character to character). Just wondering how you play it...

Lastly, understanding that deciphering the DM's request for info is part of the "test", and your instructions are rather clear... But, do you need anything else from Marek, the Summoner to properly evaluate him as a candidate?

Thanks!

This would be my first PbP here.

Here is my submission. I'll create an Alias for him later.

Callum Carnvegas, Ranger (freebooter) 1 {may consider dip into Rogue (Pirate) and prestige into Inner Sea Pirate}