Diamondust's Skulls and Shackles

Game Master Diamondust

just to be sure, do we need a Swim check to reach the spot?

Reinald swims toward the the person having the most trouble getting to the rally point and guards the person pulling out his dagger. "Jord is right reach the firm ground."

Swim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

If one of the reefclaws gets close attack

Attack if it gets close this round: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

hey Diamondust can those of us still on board support the swimmers with ranged weapons?

It's 200+ft. away. And at the time they are away you are in the hotbox. Swim checks are DC 10 guys.

"Oh now what?" the doctor sighs as he hears the cries of alarm. He struggles through the water to the patch of "ground"' dragging his half-full crab pot.

swim: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Rolled for Sejanus. Jerieth pretty much never needs to roll swim checks. This fight will be clasified as underwater combat. -2 to attack. Slashing or Bludgeoning weapons deal half damage. Speed is reduced to half(Jerieth keeps normal swim speed).

You all manage to make it back to Samms and prepare yourselves to fight the Reefclaws. They speed through the water with their eel tails propelling them towards you. Jord and Genade are attacked with the attack on Jord missing. Unfortunately Genade finds himself grappled and fighting off the effects of the Reefclaw's poison. 3 damage. DC 13 Fort save for poison.

Samms pokes her spear towards the creatures but is unable to get past their hard exoskeleton.

Your turn.

Jord only gets -1 to hit due to trait and he'll use his morning star in Piercing attack mode

Jord attacks the Reefclaw that attacked him

Morning Star held in 2 hands: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Last attack I made with another character in different game was a 1 as well.. stupid RNG

Sejanus begins casting a spell, and summons a set of translucent armor to protect himself. He tries his best to avoid getting hit while casting.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Vs DC 17 to cast defensively. Cast mage armor.

Reinald throws himself toward the reefclaw grappling Sejanus.

Attack dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Been trying to post something but where am I in relation to everyone including the monsters? I don't want to hit my buddies with friendly fire now. Plus I forgot to pick a weapon. So until I find where I am in relation to everyone I'll inspire courage to the party.Also sorry for not posting lately. Been under the weather with a sinus infection, nasty cough and been busy with work.

Jerieth laughed a bit at Reinald's comments before replying, "It's going along nicely. Still haven't wooed her into bed with me yet but I'll get her there. Speaking of which, what about you and Samms? Been seeing you talking with her a good bit. Personally I think she might be your type, and I usually have a good eye for those who are quite attractive."

She winks at him and is about to say something else when Samms warns the group about the reefclaws.

Being the fastest swimmer among them she is able to reach where the group could make a stand. Unsure how best to use her magic without hurting the others, the undine simply used her abilities to inspire her friends to overcome their foes.

Perform (dance): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Argh!" Genade shakes off the creature from his arm and circles around it, putting it between him and an ally. "What are you then?" He tries to recall anything about the creatures he may have learned in his studies.

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

He then takes a jab at it, trying for a chink in the plates.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 11 +2 flank, -2 water, +1 Jerieth's performance(thanks for reminding me)
Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (3) + 1 = 5

Morningstars don't have piercing or bashing modes. Their damage just counts as both at all times

It is grappling Genade just to clarify. Since you are grappled you also can't move or simply 'shake it off' as you posted without a grapple check. Grapples means -4 dex AND -2 attack so underwater you're attacking at -6.

Reinald's dagger slides under the shell of the creature causing wound and Jord's morningstar makes a big splash but little else.

Genade resists the poison sting and recalls that Reefclaws are powerful grapplers that, though small, can grapple and constrict creatures of any size. Their poison saps one's strength. As you feebly attempt attacking it, its claws squeeze, constricting you and injecting more of its poison into you. 2 dmg, DC 13 fort save

Jord is attacked again and this time the creature grabs ahold, grappling him as well. 5 dmg, DC 31 fort save

Samms spear slides past making a minor cut on the creature attacking Jord.

Jord and Genade are now both grappled. -4 dex, -2 att. Same for the creatures.

How big are these things. Small, medium.

Sejanus -- now protected by a shimmering field of force -- stabs with his dagger at the reefclaw grappling Jord.

dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 201d4 ⇒ 4 Really? When I use my DAGGER!?
dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 141d4 ⇒ 2 Critical confirmation.

Don't forget y'all about the inspire courage bonus to your attack and damage rolls!

Maintaining her performance, she cast a spell to help even the odds.

Casting daze on the reefclaw grappling Genade. D.C. To resist is 13

They are small

Fort save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Jord resists the poisons effects

Escape Grapple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

And escapes the grapple, if he is able he turns the grapple on the reefclaw if not he 5 ft steps to be flanking it with Sejanus..

"Good shot Sejanus"

Sorry, I misread where it grappled me, missed it somehow.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The doctor quickly realizes he will have to chose between breaking free and killing the creature, and he doubts he has the strength to break its grip. He stabs at it again.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"They're venomous, don't let them grab you!"

i just realised i misread my grapple result.. the following text should be if he breaks free he makes a 5ft step

Reinald stabs at the creature again.

dagger: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 w/ inspire courage
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

The creature shrugs off Jerieth's spell unaffected though this gives Genade the precise opening to strike it in a vulnerable spot, wounding it. As this happens Sejanus helps Jord escape the other creature's grip by stabbing it. This does not phase it and it grabs hold of Jord again hurting him with it's claws 5 dmg, DC 13 fort save, grappled. Genade is released by the creature as its hold on him slips DC 13 fort save still. Samms shortspear again makes a mark on the creature attacking Jord, now looking very much the worse for wear in this fight.

Fort SAve: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Jord resists the creatures poison

Jerieth keeping up her inspirational dance, casts a healing spell on Jord, in the hopes of keeping him alive.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Jord will try and reverse the grapple

Reverse Grapple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Can someone save me from this thing.. i'm a bit stuck"

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Genade tries to shift into a flank, then stabs at it again. The poison saps his strength, but he never relied on it much anyway.
That grapple really hurts when you're dex based

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 25 Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) + (6) - 1 = 7 Critical: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Sejanus tries to stab the one grappling Jord again.

dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 181d4 ⇒ 4

I just realized I forgot the +1 damage from Jerieth. It would negate the -1 from my STR damage

Also forgot. Should be 19 attack and 5 damage.

Rolled for Reinald. Hit for 7 dmg.

Sejanus gives the creature another stab wound as does Genade against his own enemy in conjunction with Reinald's dagger. This sends both creatures into a violent frenzy, their bodies spasming and releasing their grip on their victims their claws flay around one last time before dying, wounding Jord 4dmg, Sejanus 4 dmg and Genade 3 dmg. All three must make DC 13 fort save.

The reefclaws have been killed and everyone is able to catch their breath.

Damage Taken
Jord 10dmg
Genade 11dmg(staggered condition at 0HP)
Sejanus 3dmg

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 Failed poisoned

Jord then bashes in the reefclaws heads to make sure they are dead and channels energy multiple times to heal all

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 1

2 str damage. Roll up to 3 more DC 13 fort saves. Only one needs to succeed. Same for Genade and Sejanus if their first fails.

"Seems that was a tough fight. I wish I had the sense to get a weapon. I'm pretty good with a rapier or a short sword," she says.

"Well might as well as gather these two reefclaws and take them with us. Hopefully we will get a lot of praise for our efforts. Damn, wish I had my journal with me! I've a lot of things to write in it. Anyhow, let's get going before we attract more reefclaws."

Btw gm, what became of my talking with Sandara prior to us fighting the reefclaws? It was a 28 diplomacy roll so I'm hoping something came out of it.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Sejanus easily shakes off the toxin from the reefclaw, and gladly acceps healing from Jord.

"Between crabs and these reefclaws, we have more than enough. Let's head back to the ship."

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

"Ugh.. that poison seeps into yer bones... it's going to be a fun swim back to the ship for me."

Jord sets off swimming for the ship

swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

In order to help Jord out, Jerieth used her magic to heal Genade.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Here you go Doc. Hope this helps ya out."

Replying to Jord's statement, the undine says, "Aye, it'll be a bit rough for some of y'all. Really wish I had a weapon to help y'all out with those two reefclaws."

"Everyone okay. Hope these things are good eating."

Reinald makes the swim back with his pot and helps with the reefclaw.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Thank you both." the doctor says, as the energy brings him back from the edge. "We had better get some recognition for this..."

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

1 str damage for Genade.

Putting the reefclaws in your pots takes up a whole pot each and your work is done already. Everyone is healed barring some slight weakness from the reefclaw poison and the swim back is as calm as the swim there. Upon arriving back at the ship Plugg seems satisfied with the catch and sends it down to Fishguts. "Back to work now. You've had your pleasant swim. You've got chores to catch up on!" Ever the overlord.

-----

"You're very persistent Jerieth, I'll give you that." She seems to be ok with your flirting though she refuses any sort of 'action' suggested while onboard this ship. You have made her helpful.

"That's true. I'm as hardheaded as a dragon turtle's shell. Plus, I don't give up easily either, like you said. Besides I don't mind flirting with ya. Eventually, we will find a place for us to have private fun. Till then stay beautiful, gorgeous," Jerieth said to Sandara with a smile.

Okay now I'm confused: do we roll our jobs again?

Sejanus hasn't rolled his job yet.

Swabbing Job: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Constitution: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Sejanus is set to swabbing the decks. He does his best, but the swimming excursion from earlier that day leaves him exhausted.

After another hard day's work Plugg announces some more 'entertainment' for the bloody hour. Genade is made an example of for his poor work in the bilges. "I was nice enough to give you a refreshing swim so you thought you could slack around after it huh. This'll show you. I always expect 100% from everybody." 7 nonlethal damage from the whip

After this the dinner is served. Crab for the crew while the officers dined on the delicacies of the reefclaw. The Captain comes out to speak to the crew. "A fine thing you did catching the Reefclaws. Tricky little bastards 'n' smarter than you think. Grok. Return the gear of the crew that helped catch them as reward."

After eating Grok takes you to her store and returns everything that isn't already returned along with one thing extra. "Take this also." She gives you a potion flask. Genade easily detects this as a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. That's ONE potion, not one each.

glaring at Mr. Plugg as he has Genade whipped. 'We will need to fix this Mr. Plug and his lackey Master Scourge.'

Once the 'entertainment' is finished Kunala serves the crew the crab while Fishgut's serve the officers. 'Well that's a pleasant surprise.'

Nodding in agreement as Grok passes out the gear, Kunala asks Reinald, "So were they as good as you expected?"

At the bloody hour Reinald tries to hid his scorn for Plug.

Reinald thanks the Captain with a silent nod.

Reinald enjoys his crab and checks on Genade, "How are you faring good Dr.? We have survived this long. If it helps ut seems that the captain while leaving ship's discipline in the hands of cruel men does not share their scorn." He thinks a moment. "That or he cares little and uses such moments to play officers off crew. Either way we are not as naked as we were when we arrived."

He smiles, "Good enough to have our belongings returned."He looks concerned "I hope things went okay for you here."

Kunala, looking slightly fatigued, shrugs his shoulders, then looking around to make sure no one is listeneing, Lowering his voice. "A day in the hot box was a good reminder that we need to rid ourselves of Mr. Plugg and Master Scourge as quickly as possible." Winking, as he heads to the hold, he calls back. "Tomorrow will be another very long day, I'm going to bed, good night."

Jord as usual stands stoically at the whipping time, plus he doesn't want to show how tired he is from the reefclaw poison.

He tucks into dinner with gusto, crab being a treat.

"Aye me too, we earned a good sleep today."

"I'm not missing any bits of flesh, so I will be allright. Thank you for your concern." the doctor answers Reinald. He opens his sea chest and carefully takes inventory. Lowering his voice, he continues, "We need to get free of this, but those officers look very experienced. I doubt we could take them out directly. We should gather friends, and wait for the perfect opportunity to get away."

"Does anyone object if I keep this potion locked up? I'll bring it along if we head out anywhere."

Taking an hour before bed to brew a dose of mutagen (+DEX type), and one minute to brew a cure light, which he immediately drinks to clear some of the nonlethal damage. I can share those next level

cure light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Jerieth was happy to have her equipment back. She overheard the Doctor whispering and whispered back to him, "No doubt about that. I'm still mad about y'all being punished for saving Rosie. But yeah they're too experienced to take head on. We need to get some of the crew over on our side. There are a few lads and lasses that still need befriending, so if we try to win some over that would be good. When I was with the Gray Corsairs and Steel Falcons of Andoran, some of them did undercover work trying to win over some slavers so they could lead them into a trap while others went undercover as slaves and tried to win over the slaves so they could revolt. Not the same thing of course, but the principle still applies. We just have to be careful and stay alive until an opportunity presents itself."

Jerieth is whispering. I can't get the font to be smaller!

Jerieth was still in a reasonably good mood since she had finally won over the redhead Sandara, even if the priestess wasn't willing to do anything intimate at the moment. Still the undine knew a few things that they could do.

After the crab soup and entertainment the crew retreat to their hammocks and to sleep. Conchobar watches Genade brewing. "Got anything in there that'll help take the edge off after a particularly hard day? Just between us. They keep giving me mainsail and I'm bloomin' exhausted."

-----

The next day begins a little differently. Instead of giving you duties you are all placed under command of the master gunner Riaris Krine, along with Sandara, Rosie, Conchobar, 'Cog', Jack and Samms, who stands next to Reinald, "What do you reckon we're in for now?" she asks quietly.

You are left wondering for only a minute as Riaris speaks up. "Alright you pathetic sodding recruits. As Plugg said, my name is Riaris Krine but to you I am your master today." Krine’s skin is darkened from countless days on deck under the sun, and her nose has the appearance of having been broken several times over. One of her legs has been replaced with a wooden peg leg, some say as the result of a wayward catapult shot that took off her leg below the knee. She may be the most vile-tongued wench you have ever met, and her language makes Rosie Cusswell sound like a nun. "Today we'll see which of ye flamin' landhuggers can handle yourselves like a pirate. Since you ain't ever getting off this ship, it's that or die like a coward. In a few days we'll be upon the shipping lanes we've been aiming for and if we're lucky we'll take the first unfortunate bastards we see. Everyone will be participating so today we'll see if you even stand a chance, though I don't hold much hope for you sad excuses for sailors."

She walks over to the jolly boat near the port rail of the main deck. Inside are a couple of grappling hooks and lengths or rope. "More important than if you can even fight, is getting to the enemy ship in the first place. Two at a time will swim out to me and your goal is to get back on the ship. The next two in line will be the enemy. You will throw stuff to stop them getting on board and knock them into the water." She points to a pile of rubbish that has been dumped nearby for this exercise. It contains rotting food, empty bottles and garbage, harmless for a mock battle, but still a distraction. "If you fall in, swim back to the boat and try again."

She gets in the boat and commands you to launch it for her. Easily done with over half a dozen of you pulling the ropes. Unfortunately the ropes slip and the last few feet drops the jolly boat into the water. Riaris curses at you all foul enough to summon an aboleth. As she starts to row out to a distance of about 40 feet she calls out, "First pair, get your worthless arses out here!"

"I'll show this cranky pants pirate I'm just as good as anyone here. C'mon Rosie, I bet you I'll beat you across. If I win you have to make a song about the hero Conchobar and play for me on your violin." Conchobar lays his purple hat safely down taking the initiative before anyone else can act and dives headfirst over the rails. "If I win you have to burn that bloody hat." She quickly dives after him. "So, who's next?" Jack asks.

Rosie and Conchobar are the first pair that will grapple and climb across. The next pair will throw the junk at them. This is an improvised weapon with 10ft. range increments and does no damage. Decide among you who will go next.

Jord steps forward to the junk pile

"I'll be up next, who's with me?