GMDQ's Skull and Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master tumbler

Campaign Slides

S&S Ship Battle Map

Loot Sheet

A small band of mariners find themselves press-ganged into service on the Wormwood, led by the fearsome Barnabas Harrigan. Will they turn their misfortune to glory on the high seas, or will folly lead them to an ignominious watery death?


4,201 to 4,250 of 7,919 << first < prev | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | next > last >>

Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Seeing that everyone has cover from the ballistas, Lee redirects his attention.
If the marine who is manning the ballistas gets too rambunctious, I suppose a torch can be hucked into the Web by nearly any crew member.

It looks like Lark is having issues finishing Tisserond, so Lee joins in the effort by uncorking a couple of Scortching Rays on her.

Lee casts Scortching Ray.

Attack Tisserond - Scortching Ray - Ray #1 - haste, prayer, inspire courage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 28
Hit

Attack Tisserond - Scortching Ray - Ray #2 - haste, prayer, inspire courage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 23
And hit

Damage Tisserond - Scortching Ray - Ray #1: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 6) = 16

Damage Tisserond - Scortching Ray - Ray #2: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 3) = 11


Male Silvanshee (Familiar) (Level 9) [ HP: 28/28 AC 22 T 16 FF 14 | CMD 12 | Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +7 | Init +4 Perc: +7]

Muffin, from up in the rigging, keeps an eye out for anything unexpected for Lee and the rest of his crewmates.

Perception - prayer: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 1 = 23


Forces of Nature Battlemap

GM Screen:

1d20 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 6 = 21
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The captain's armor seems unusually resilient and deflects both blows and fire--what protections must she have upon her? She keeps smiling and laughing, one hand on the other while the other points at the foolish party. Her orations to her sailors continues, her voice resounding amazingly loudly above the fray.

Lark:

She keeps smiling and laughing... in the same motion over and over again, with only occasional variation. And then you realize... it's not that you're not hitting.

Rather, there is nothing to hit. You've been focusing your attacks upon an illusion. The voice you're hearing sounds very close by, but it isn't even quite syncing with her movements, come to think of it.

Emberar steps back and swings his halberd at the mariner.

Attack, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

And is successful, nearly cutting one of the man's arms off.

Rosie, not seeing an easy way to help Thren and Lark goes to load one of the enemy's ballista. The others fight the marines, throwing daggers and axes and doing a fair amount of damage.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Round 8
Captain Tisserond NL 22?, hp ??/30 | AC 15 T 12 FF 14 | F +1 R+6 W+6 | Inspired +2 (and inspiring), _
Chelish Marine 1 NL 10, hp 26/26 | AC 21/17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2, reappeared
Chelish Marine 2 hp 26/26 | AC 21/17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2, webbed
Chelish Marine 4 NL 27, hp 26/26 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2, unconscious
Chelish Marine 5 NL 27, hp 26/26 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2, unconscious
Chelish Marine 6 hp 6/26 | AC 21/17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2,
Chelish Marine 7 hp 13/26 | AC 21/17 T 14 FF 13 | F+4 R+4 W+0 | Inspired +2,
Lee hp 46/46 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | mage armor (should AC be 21?), haste, prayer
Lark HP 60/68 | AC 18 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+4, Ref+8, Will+6 | heroism, invisibility, haste, prayer
Muffin HP 23/23 | AC 22 T 16 FF 14 | CMD 12 | Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +7 | (controlled by KeefX) haste, prayer
Emberar hp 48/48 | AC/T/FF: 19/12/18 | CMD 19 (23 v overrun/trip) | F+9 R+4 W+8 (+2 v. enchant) | heroism, haste, bull's strength, prayer
Threnody hp 63/63 | AC 23(21) T 15(13) FF 18 | CMD 21(19 )| Fort +5, Ref +11 (+9), Will +6 | heroism, cat's grace, haste, prayer
Sandara Quinn hp 33/33 | AC 15 T11 FF 14 | CMD 15 | Fort +4 Ref +2 Will +8 | (controlled by Lathiira), haste, prayer
Besmara's Whim Boarding Party | prayer

I may have been tracking the marines by number wrong. I think I have fixed it.

One of the marines you thought disappeared below decks pops behind Shivikah and attacks her. With a practiced flank, the two Chells knock her out cold.

Emberar's dancing partner presses in, hoping to gain an advantage.

Attack, IC: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13

But it's not his day.

Meanwhile the enwebbed marine tries to break free.

CMB: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27

He pushes his way slowly through the webs.

"Stand strong boys, we can take them!" Captain Tisserond shouts. She makes the same pointing gesture she did before.

The party is up.


[Female human cleric of Besmara 7 HP: 40/45 AC: 19 TAC: 11 FFAC: 18 l BAB: +6 CMB:+ 6 CMD: 17 | Fort +5 Ref +3 Wis +9 | Init +1 Perception +3] Cleric 7

Seeing the fire go out, the ship's healer decides to keep up firefighting duties and casts create water again on the next closest wave of flame.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

attack Chel Marine 6: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 19

"Damn it!" Thren sees the two Chels team up to lay Shivkah low. The bard leaps down to the lower deck, ignoring the taunts of the Chellish's ship's captain to try to slip behind one of the marines and strike a blow. But seeing the tiefling coming, the marine keeps up his guard despite her quick approach and manages to parry the thrust of her blade just in time. Somehow she does this while singing part of the second act of a Chellish opera. Still.

Standard action: Swing and a miss
Move action: Down to meet Marine 6
Swift action: Arcane strike
Free action: Inspire courage, round 2


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Thren you hit the marine, I forgot to remove the improved AC from when he was in Total Defense. It's the lower AC listed (17). Sorry! I need to find a way to manage or streamline these big fights better. I can't find your usual rapier damage in your statblock so please roll your damage.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark yells in frustration, raising his voice to be heard by the rest of the crew, "Blast it! This is a bloody illusion."

"Rosie, the real captain is near here, help me find 'em."

Lark starts pacing off the deck around the helm, leading with his sword.

Perception, hearing: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

With haste and boots Lark has 70' of movement. That should be enough to go through all of the 6x2 area around the helm, plus maybe one or two squares south of the stairs. Any chance of getting in an attack if he collides with Tisserond?

Lark round 8, move, ?


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 12


Forces of Nature Battlemap

GM Screen:

Lark: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Rosie: 1d20 ⇒ 19
1d20 + 10 + 20 - 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 20 - 10 = 36
Lark: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Lee: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Muffin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Thren: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Emberar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Sandara: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Others: 1d20 ⇒ 18
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Lark moves with magical alacrity around the top deck, wildly swinging, each time thinking he is SURE he has pin-pointed the Chelish captain, only to fail to find her. As Rosie frantically searches, she suddenly cusses up a storm that's impressive even for her, finishing with, "I think that Chell b$&~*'s voice is an illusion too! She ain't up here at all, cap'n!"

Meanwhile Threnody cuts down the Marine that helped take down Shivikah, and a magic missile from Lee easily dispatches the other, while Emberar finishes off his dancing partner.

Suddenly the loud shouting of Captain Tisserond dissipates, and you can now hear only the roar of the fires consuming the Vorsfang and the splashing of the waves around you. The illusion of Tisserond at the helm fades away.

The ballisteer marine finally pushes his way out of the web to see most of his compatriots dead, dying, or unconscious. He pales as he hears the captain's voice go silent, hope draining from his face.

"That scurvy wretch--she's gone invisible and jumped ship!" He looks helplessly at the boarding crew, then Besmara's Whim, then back at you, before finally dropping his sword and kneeling to the ground, hands on the back of his head in surrender.

Before you can process that further, a nasty CCCKKKC-RRACKKKKKK! issues from the Vorsfang. The burning mainmast suddenly topples, sending the ship rocking wildly. Chelish marines, who were busy beheading the occupants of the pirate ship, fall to the ground while others are tossed off the ship. Some of the pirates also go flying. Still others desperately leap to get back to the deck of the Famished Mane, both marines and pirates alike. A few make it.

The Vorsfang rocks, and the hull begins to warp horribly, and the fire and smoke spreads.

One of the Vorsfang crew points at their burning ship's deck. "Maran! She's still over there!"

Half-conscious, a tall, pale-haired woman struggles to get to her feet, though her arms are bound behind her back. She coughs raggedly as the smoke and fire spreads...

... and as they look upon her, while hearing the name "Maran," Lee, Lark, and Thren think they recognize her. She was a sharpshooter who served a tour on Aurora's Kiss.

And the ship she is now upon is about to collapse and sink any minute.

We will resume when all have returned after their holiday travels. Health and happiness to all!


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

The bard takes in the changing situation quickly. Glancing around, she shouts to Lark.

"Captain, if you want to loot this ship and get everyone out of here, now's the time! I'll get Maran!"

With those words, Thren looks back at Sandara with a look of apology and a half-smiled "Sorry!" That done, the bard races to the rail and leaps over to the Vorsfang.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 20

Assuming the bard doesn't trip on the rail or fall into the ocean...

Once across, Thren makes her way to the Ulfen pirate, dodging the worst of the flames and smoke. Knowing she doesn't burn easily but that smoke still will get her, the bard tries to pull her cloak up over her mouth to keep from inhaling too much. "I am an absolute idiot for chasing after a pirate wench in distress," Thren mutters to herself. Then she remembers Cog, Sandara, the whale...and shuts herself up.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark spares a brief sigh for their show-off bard before stepping up to the helm and surveying the deck of the Famished Mane. He raises his voice above the Vorsfang's death rattle and calls out a series of orders.

"Emberar, help Shivikah. Maheem, get a boarding plank or something and help Thren get back over here! Sandara, got any water left? You're on fire watch."

The rogue turns a glare on the marines and their former victims, "The rest of you dogs, down on the deck! I'll have your surrender or your life, but don't make me wait." He points to Lee, "You all saw those fireballs. Lee, you blast anyone that hasn't yielded right quick!"

"Yamtisy and Samms! Get some rope and secure our prisoners."

Is the Famished Mane grappled to the Vorsfang and is it in danger as the Vorsfang sinks? I hesitate to order it cut loose until we're sure we can get Thren and Maran back.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

The few remaining Marines--it looks like only two other conscious ones besides the ballisteer--surrender easily.

Lark checks the Famished Mane's disposition compared to the Vorsfang. It looks like they were getting ready to de-grapple when you attacked. It does need to be detached from the other ship to best ensure its safety, in case it topples in your direction, but it will not take much work (about a round) to disengage. Maran and Threnody will need to move quickly and swash some buckle as necessary to escape.


[Female human cleric of Besmara 7 HP: 40/45 AC: 19 TAC: 11 FFAC: 18 l BAB: +6 CMB:+ 6 CMD: 17 | Fort +5 Ref +3 Wis +9 | Init +1 Perception +3] Cleric 7

Sandara nods at Lark's command and casts create water as needed to keep putting out fires or wet down the decks to prevent them.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Who is still on the Famished Mane?
Are there any things that need to be gotten off the Famished Mane?

Muffin:
Can you do a high speed recon of the inside of Famished Mane?


Forces of Nature Battlemap

The only persons on the burning Vorsfang are Threnody and Maran (with Maheem going over to help them cross quickly).

The Lark and Emberar and the boarding party and the escaped pirates and the surrendering and unconscious Chelish marines are on the Famished Mane, the Chelish ship you just attacked. The crew is following Lark's orders.

Everyone else is on Besmara's Whim. The maps are accurate.

Muffin is capable of scouting the interior of the Famished Mane, but does not wish to risk getting inside the Vorsfang which is on the verge of collapse (you can only hope the Chells captured anything of value before you got there). He departs to look inside the Famished Mane and will report back shortly.

Threnody leaps over to the Vorsfang to assist Maran, who is conscious and coughing; her biggest problem is that her hands are tied up.

Maran, I'll give you a proper intro once you've been able to join in.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Hold still and I'll cut you loose," Thren tells Maran as she draws near, blade in hand. Her tail snakes behind her back as the bard sheathes her rapier, only to reappear with a dagger. She takes the dagger from herself and uses it to cut through Maran's bonds as fast as possible. As she works, the bard keeps her eyes on the flames and the collapsing ship, trying to plot a safe path back to her own vessel.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark moves to the railing near the Vorsfang, gesturing for Rosie to follow. He and Rosie prepare to cut the ties between the two ships once Threnody and Maran are safely back.


fem Human Oracle (Dark Tapestry) 5, AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 15. hp 38. Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5. Init +2; Senses Perception +9.

Struggling to her feet and blinking as she sees familiar faces Maran can't help but give a wild laugh as her hands are freed. "Nice of you to drop by." She calls out, "It's a really warm gathering as you can see, but some of the guests are a bit pushy. Time to go I think."

Acrobatics to jump to safety: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Had really nothing better to do this evening besides sleep a couple more hours before watch, so why not? You got a nice fire going here, thought we might roast something over it, maybe Lee's got something going on." Thren banters as the tall Ulfen woman heads to the rail. For her own part the bard races to the plank Maheem and company put into place and sprints across. Seeing Maran's leap, she shakes her head and grins.

"Show off. Next time let's see you do that with your hands still tied, just to make it a little tougher for you!" The tiefling laughs.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

With Maran and Threnody safely aboard the Famished Mane, Rosie and Lark cut the grapples, and then Maheem and some of the others use planks and whatever long poles they can get their hands on to push away from the Vorsfang. With the last shove, the Vorsfang drifts just a little further away, before the mast fully falls with a deafening thunder, spraying sparks and smoke everywhere. Burning sail falls just inches away from the other ships, but Sandara, already on quenching duty, puts out any major fires before they start.

Emberar casts a cure spell on Shivikah, and helps her to her feet, and they retreat to Besmara's Whim. Once all is safe, your boarding crew ties up the three conscious marines. Maheem inquires of Threnody (his training not to speak directly to the captain still embedded within him) what to do with the unconscious Chells. His hand rests on the hilt of his sabre, subtly suggesting what he thinks should be done.

Besides Maran, there are three survivors of the Vorsfang, who shift uncertainly, not quite knowing whether they are still captive or freed. But one of them, an elven male with weathered flesh and bleach-blonde hair, steps forward when they see Maran and Threnody bantering, and turns to Lark, who he presumes is captain from the way he has been ordering others about (not to mention his fashionable hat). He holds his hands in the air to indicate no threat.

"I don't suppose yer takin' on crew, Cap'n? We appear to be out of a ship, and we'd be dead chuffed to work for anyone who can wallop the Chells that good. I'm Randiel Cutter, and this is Carlos the Knife and Mary Dregg," he indicates a halfling equipped with several daggers and a human woman wearing a coat that appears to be made of old flags sewn together.

Meanwhile Yamtisy calls over, "Are we cutting the Mane loose, or capturing it?"

Muffin surreptitiously flies over to the Mane and gets a quick view of the cargo. He sends images of the contents back to Lee.

Lee:
There is an open chest with some gold, gems, and silk within (about 500 gp worth on later examination), and a good deal of ship supplies, including a number of ballista bolts. (48 on later examination, between what is below and on the topdeck). The open chest was probably taken off the Vorsfang; the rest is what you would expect to find on a naval ship (not a pirate ship).

There are 3 conscious marines, 2 unconscious ones, and 5 dead or as good as dead ones.

All of them are equipped with the following:
elixir of swimming
potion of bull's strength
potions of cure light wounds (2)
studded leather
masterwork heavy crossbow
masterwork scimitar
throwing axe
231 gp

One of them does NOT have the elixir of swimming or the two potions of cure light wounds.

Also between all of them you find two potions of jump, 40 crossbow bolts, and 4 flasks of alchemist's fire.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"We'll do what the captain orders with the Chells and when he says to do it, Maheem. He hasn't made his wishes known to me on the matter, but we've been a bit distracted these past few minutes. But personally...." Thren puts her hand on her own sword and glances at the prisoners, then nods.


Male Halfling Sorcerer (Arcane Bloodline) (Level 9) [ HP: 56/56 AC 27 T 14 FF 13 | CMD 15 | Fort +4, Ref +5 Will +7 | Init +8 Perc: +9 Concentration +10 (+14 for Defensive Casting)]

Lee directs crew to the chest and has them transfer it to the Whim. "Thank Muffin for spotting that."

"Well, look at this. A potion of swimming and some healing potions are missing. And we are wondering where Tisserond has gotten off to? Not so much anymore."


fem Human Oracle (Dark Tapestry) 5, AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 15. hp 38. Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5. Init +2; Senses Perception +9.

Mara takes a bow when she lands on the Whim. When the talk turns to the prisoners she speaks up.

"Strip them, cut them and let them swim for it. See if they can race the sharks to shore?" She suggests calmly. "It's more of a chance than they were giving us!"


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

"Maran, it's nice to see you again." Lark offers his hand in greeting. "Thanks for that colorful suggestion, but we'll go with a plain execution." The young captain raises his voice slightly, "They came here seeking death, and death they shall have! Threnody, you and Maheem look ready, see to it."

Lark tells the Vorsfang survivors to report to Yamtisy. He also instructs the half-orc to prepare to scuttle the Famished Mane. "I don't know if Tisserond really fled or is hiding here somewhere. Either way, she's not getting her ship back."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren nods at Lark's order, drawing her blade promptly. "I hope in your afterlife you come back as a devil's doormat," she says nastily to the prisoners. Without further commentary she runs each one through. With Maheem, she throws the bodies overboard.

Grisly business done, she turns back to Lark. "Next orders captain? The day's getting on, night's soon to come." The tiefling asks.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

"Maheem's just hung up on ship etiquette," Sandara says quietly to Thren. "First mate relays concerns of the crew to the captain rather than speak directly." She shrugs. "Welll, that's how it works if you've got a yardarm up your hindquarters, at least."

Maheem pretends not to overhear Quinn, and seems happy enough when Thren and Maheem execute the Cheliaxan marines summarily.

The crew works quickly to get both ships well away from the burning Vorsfang, transfers the Mane's supplies to the ship, ensuring they have more than enough rations and gear to feed their new crew and even if they get lost. Lee will be busy cataloguing it. In addition to what Muffin found below decks (read spoiler), the Captain's quarters features some nice sets of clothing, likely intended for socializing at formal events, in addition to a tapestry that is valuable (500 gp, due to gold-thread woven through the edges) but features absolutely nothing intriguing in imagery whatsoever. You also see orders in the captain's paperwork that indicate she was ordered specifically to harry Shackles pirates.

Then the Mane is sunk.

Night the fog is only just parting, so the night watch is slow and dull, save for any entertainments the crew make on the top deck or in the berth.

The following day the weather is lightly cloudy, but the fog is all gone.

Pausing here to give you a chance to RP and meet Maran. Remember you also always have ship actions available to you as well, such as entertain, influence crew, etc. etc. If you need a fuller explanation please let me know. I am a bit under the weather so this will probably be my only post for the day (but maybe not), but will check in again tomorrow.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"No worries, Sandara. I know why Maheem asked. I'm first mate, not captain, so disposition of prisoners is up to him, not me. Keeping discipline, well...not my strongest point, but my job." She laughs about the yardarm joke. She then glances over at Maran and waves the woman over.

"Welcome aboard Besmara's Whim. This is the ship's healer, my friend Sandara Quinn." The bard says with a friendly smile.


fem Human Oracle (Dark Tapestry) 5, AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 15. hp 38. Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5. Init +2; Senses Perception +9.

Despite seeming to amble over Maran's long legs get her to Threnody and Sandara quickly. "Nice to meet you." She says with a grin. "And I'm not just saying that because you saved my dimpled butt from being roasted."

Looking around she remarks "Your own ship now? You guys have done well for yourselves."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Not a big deal. I don't burn as easy as most, made sense to me to go and get you. You can ask Sandara, I'm a sucker for crazy heroics and other pirate women in trouble." Thren grins. "She'd know, she's the one usually putting my horns back on when I'm done."

Thren then waves her hand over the ship. "It's been a rough road to get this far, still more to come, but we've got the essentials: a ship, open seas, and fair winds. What more can you ask for?" The bard pauses as she remembers those words from her vision. "Well, besides loot, drink, and friends at any rate."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Besmara's Whim is a newly painted three masted vessel, with the figurehead of a pirate woman.

Sandara is wearing a well-kept sailor's coat and an ebony holy symbol of Besmara's. Her auburn hair is tied back with a scarf, that also shields her eyes from the sun. "I take it you know each other?"

Meanwhile, Randiel, Mary, and Carlos report to Yamtisy, a scarlet-scarved, half-orc woman. After chatting with them a bit, she reports to Lark. "They seem able enough, though Carlos and Mary are fairly inexperienced. The Chells executed the ship's officers first. I'm adding them to the roster as swabs for now. Mary has some experience as a seamstress, so she could eventually prove useful as a sailmaker. I've told Randiel to fill in for Shivikah and will show the other two to some berths--they're shaken by the attack and have breathed in some smoke to boot, so best they get their nerves back."

The rest of the crew is excited about defeating a Chelish ship (ignoring the advantage of the fog and that they were already engaged)... and some are quietly speculating on their share of the prize.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

"Maran served on the Aurora's Kiss with Lark and Lee and I. Good with a crossbow as I recall. Only person I've met as crazy as me. Except for you Sandara, for putting up with me." The bard grins. "I'll want to hear how you ended up here at some point Maran, but right now I want to check on the others and start the night shift." Thren nods and heads off to check on the other new arrivals, letting the crew enjoy the moment.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark thanks Yamtisy for sorting out the new swabs, "Good work. Let me know if there are any problems. We'll see about a formal introduction during evening mess in a few days, once they're settled."

"Maran, speaking of dinner, are you up for sharing your story? Thren's not the only one curious about your path since the Aurora's Kiss. We can trade you our own recent history." Lark invites Maran to regale them with her story and to join the crew as well. "What was your post on the Vorsfang? Are you ready for us to find you spot here?"


fem Human Oracle (Dark Tapestry) 5, AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 15. hp 38. Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5. Init +2; Senses Perception +9.

Maran nods respectfully to Lark, "You seem to be handling the Captains role pretty well." She shrugs and stretches out with some effort. "Getting tied up after fighting hard is not good on the body, unlike being tied up and getting some hard action,if you know what I mean?" She adds shamelessly.

"Wasn't on the Vorsfang for long, just working my passage back to Port peril from Sengahor. Went down there to see if there was anything nasty worth hunting? No such luck though, only colonists and natives yapping at each other as usual."


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren shakes her head as she disappears below decks, trying not to think about Maran's comments too hard. She heads down to see where Yamtisy has the new arrivals berthed and how they're doing.

"Everyone all right down here?" The bard calls cheerfully as she arrives. "You had a close call with the Chells."


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Sandara is not far behind Thren, wanting to check on the newcomers' health.

Some of the night shift crew are snoring, as Carlos and Mary are setting up their hammocks in a corner of the berth deck. Carlos is sitting on the top "bunk" hammock, instinctively checking his knives. Keen eyes note he is trembling just slightly. Mary is standing, but wrapped in a blanket she must have been provided. They are bleary eyed but seem to be holding up.

Mary looks up at Thren, sizing her up and down. She is tall, slender, with pale brown skin (gone red with exposure to the heat) and dark hair. "That was quite a leap you took to get to Maran. She's good people, so thanks." She coughs. "Got a rotten headache, but I reckon that'll pass. Only got over here with the clothes on our backs, but better with our lives than nought."

Sandara steps forward. "That's Threnody Nocturne, she's the Whim's First Mate. And I'm your ship's healer, Quinn, so let me take a look at you." Sandara gives them a look over while the others talk.

"My th-thanks, Miss Nocturne," Carlos says, sounding sheepish and small, contradictory to his rugged look: shaven head with tattoos, light facial hair, well-muscled--he could probably give Rosie a challenge at arm wrestling. "I really th-thought there I'd be a s-slave again."

Sandara looks up. "Once the First Mate is done with you, get some rest. Mess will be called soon and someone will bring you your ration. After that it's straight to bed with you. Doctor's orders. But you should be fine in the morning, so report to the bosun in the morning." She nods to Thren. "I'm going to go check on Shivikah."

The two nod their thanks to Quinn and look expectantly at Thren.


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

Lark pauses, monetarily nonplussed, then breaks into a grin and tips his tricorn to Maran, "Good one! I'll warn you though, both those situations can be common when you do everything by the seat of your pants like I do."

He begins touring the deck and gestures Maran to follow. "Hold your compliments, too. I've had my moments, but it was some very questionable leadership that put us on this trip to visit Plumetown and the Smoker. I near got Thren killed and now we've got a curse to lift." Lark reaches up to his hat again, this time to briefly touch the embroidered jolly roger. "But finding you and avenging the Vorsfang was a good days work. I trust Besmara still has some use for us."

Lark ends their stroll at the ship's stern and gestures to the ballista. "I recall you're more than a fair shot. What do you say to trying out as a gunner?"


fem Human Oracle (Dark Tapestry) 5, AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 15. hp 38. Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5. Init +2; Senses Perception +9.

Maran grins with delight. "Sounds good to me Captain. I'm happy to serve, and wouldn't say no to ending a few more of those damned Chelish if the chance comes up."

She also looks pleased that Lark laughed at her joke and fired back.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Our bard nods to Sandara. "Thanks Sandara. Hopefully you can get Shivkah back to full strength, damn unlucky the way that played out." She smiles as the ship's healer departs, then turns her focus to Carlos and Mary. She leans against the wall comfortably in a clear spot, then settles to the floor.

"This is a pirate ship, but there are far worse than us afloat. No one's a slave here. The captain wouldn't brook that, I won't brook that, Rosie, Sandara...no one here would. Some of us don't care for Chells, myself among them. No, with us you get a choice. You can stay, earn your keep, get a share of the loot. Or, we can put you ashore when we get to port and go your own way. So long as you don't cause trouble along the way, of course. Captain Lark's a fair man." She lets all that sink in for a few moments.

"Maran was a shipmate with me a while back. Only person I've met as crazy as I am." She chuckles. "Just seemed like a good idea to go and help her. She's got no reason to like the Chells, and I burn slower than everyone else." Thren laughs again.

"Now, all that said, we're looking for a few more hands for our own ship here. If you're interested, I can speak to the captain about that. Mary, if you're any good with a needle, you'd be of help keeping the sails in one piece. We can always use a good strong arm too, if you're of a mind to stick around Carlos. We're a motley lot, as they say, but with room for more."

The bard lets her audience think for a bit, waiting to here their replies.


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Lark and Maran hear a snort from behind them. It's Crimson Cogward, a ruddy-faced Varisian in a blue headscarf. "Probably for the best cap'n. I can aim good but it's hard to load those ballista with this." He holds up his hook-hand.

The newcomer elf, already busy crushing some soapstone to swab the decks with, whistles and says to Cog sympathetically, "Besmara bless ye, mate."

Meanwhile below decks, Carlos relaxes notably at Threnody's words. "I reckon a gal like you'd have little use for Chells, but it's good to hear all the s-same. If we come across any other trouble I won't sh-shirk."

Mary replies, meanwhile, "You get me a good needle and thread to work with, I'll sew whatever you like. At least once this headache passes." She sits in her hammock, looking weary.

It's fine to move to dinner when you are ready. Lee, working as cook and quartermaster, has commandeered Samms and Conchobar to help make the stew, so he can log the treasure into the books.


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren nods but approaches Mary. "Do you get these headaches often, or is this just because you've had a bad day? I know a little bit of healing magic and I'm willing to use it if you like. I'd rather you were up and about after all you've been through, or at least have that choice."


Human Rogue 8 [HP 64/84 AC 20 T 13 FF 15 | CMD 19 | Fort+5, Ref+9, Will+6 | Init+8 Perc/sight+12/+8]

That evening, once everyone has food and grog in hand Lark calls for attention and gives a brief, prepared speech. Talking about the attack on the Famished Mane he highlights how the crew literally pulled together to bring the ships together, and he praises the valor of the boarding party.

Lark ends his remarking by directing Lee to pay out 50 gold to everyone that night and another 50 once they reach Plumetown. "Enjoy your well-earned reward, but let's not have unlucky dice rob anyone of the chance to fully enjoy shore leave!"

A little later in the meal Lark approaches Yamtisy. "Thanks again for riding herd on those folks from the Vorsfang. You've been a big help to Threnody and that's a big help for me. Maybe I've said this before: I'm sorry for what happened between you and Varossa, but I count that as a lucky day for me and mine. I want you know I consider you and yours a big part of the core of what we're building here."

Diplomacy, influence Yamtisy: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 = 21


Male Half-Elf Cleric of Keltheald 6/Horizon Walker 1 | HP: 79/79 | AC/T/FF: 19/12/18 | F+9 R+4 W+8 (+2 v. enchant) | CMD 19 (23 v. overrun/trip) | Channel: 4/4 | Agile Feet 5/5 | ToC 5/5

Emberar smiles warmly to welcome the new crew members, but stays mostly to himself until dinnertime. He frowns a bit at the execution of the Chelaxian sailors, but he's not about to run counter to Lark's orders. Certainly they'd do the same--or worse--to us, given the chance.

At dinnertime, Emberar raises his mug of grog with the rest of the crew. As he sips it, he turns to Shivikah, who happens to be standing near him. "So...how long have you been on this ship? I know I'm new, but I'm curious to get to know everyone."

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4


Forces of Nature Battlemap

All are called to mess, the night shift's breakfast and the day shift's dinner. The meal is a rudimentary but filling fish stew, with some ship's biscuit and pickles. The officers are fed fish filets with vegetables and potatoes. All receive their rum ration, which is good rum purchased in Lilywhite that Kroop may have over-requisitioned for the ship.

The crew cheers at receiving pay and at the thought of shore leave in town.

Mary shakes her head at Thren. "Just the smoke, I reckon." She seems surprised that Thren would care, however.

Yamtisy's long ears perk up a bit at Lark's comment. "Thank you, Captain." She pauses. "I admit, we have been uncertain about our future. But we were known mutineers, and you never had to offer us a chance to begin with, so know that we appreciate that." She chuckles. "I worried you might be a little soft, but that boarding action couldn't have gone better. But we need to be sure we're ready when the weather isn't on our side. Speaking of... I've got a bit of a headache. The kind usually doesn't come in less a storm's on the way within the next few days. Sky doesn't seem that bad, but..."

Shivikah raises an eyebrow at Emberar. He had helped heal her, so she had been staying near him. "As long as the rest of us," she says enigmatically, and seems unwilling to say more, and drifts away eventually.

"Don't mind Shiv," Emberar hears a voice behind him. A half-elven woman with well-weathered skin and silver hair--a night watch rigger the crew calls "Badger." She smokes a small pipe, which she puffs on occasionally between words. "She's embarrassed she's the only casualty, and you healed her up, so she feels like you've seen her weakness. Let me give you the lowdown, so you know what's what with the ship's politics." She looks over to Maran if she is nearby, with an eye suggesting she might listen too. "Before you, the newbies were the two half-orcs and the half-elves younger than myself--Yamtisy, Anatoly, Belina, Xosrov; the Ustalavan twins Anezka and Petra; Doc Imogene, the halfling who we left to work on building that drydock. They mutinied from the Magpie Princess when a pair of captains had a falling out. They're seasoned pirates, in a bad situation their captains put them in. The captain they rebelled from then captured Captain Lark, Nocturne, O'Neld, and some weird fisherwoman they'd picked up at Lilywhite, who's since run off. We had to go rescue them, but the capn and co put Captain Lanteri in her place, so they've got good reason to stick around here. Couple other newcomers from Lilywhite, Huldren, who they beat in a fight, and his lackeys Lar and Bar, who're back at the island. Now, the rest of us... we were originally crew for Barnabas Harrigan on the Wormwood."

Emberar has heard of Harrigan, who is spoken of among pirates like mothers talk to children about the Bogeyman. A powerful and ruthless rogue who has conquered not just many ships, but ports as well.

"Your top officers, the ones who took you giant-fighting, were pressganged when we were short on crew. Harrigan runs a tight, cruel ship, most of us kept quiet with some rum he had dosed with gods-know. Me and Shiv and Maheem, had gotten in good with Scourge, the bosun. Mind, I don't care if someone showed up wearing a coat made of Scourge's skin, he was a bastard, but it made more sense to be on his side than against it. It's a long damn story, but Scourge didn't like the newbies. Made sure they felt the pressure." You sense there is much more to that than she says. "Long story short, we take a ship--this one we are now on, and Harrigan has his first mate Plugg and a skeleton crew, including us, move onto the ship to sail it somewhere to sell it---but we overhear from Scourge a different story: we're gonna get it squibbed, and Plugg will steal it from Harrigan. We don't know how we feel about that. Storm gets us shipwrecked south of the Sargava coast, and Plugg and Scourge try to kill Lark, Lee, and Thren on the island, with us trying to help Plugg and Scourge. But the tide turned against Plugg, and so we turned too. Plugg and Scourge dead, we all took the ship, and got it squibbed up at Lilywhite during the Rum Festival. I'll be honest... serving here is a much better option for survival and good living than serving Harrigan, no matter how powerful he is." She adds very quietly, "Though so far, the takings have been smaller, by comparison." She shrugs. "Then again, we are not yet a ship sanctioned by the Hurricane King. I think the officers are planning to do something about that, but you've got to build yourself a reputation before petitioning him. I reckon getting to brag about taking on the Chells in Plumetown will help." As much as she has said, you sense there is also much she hasn't. Still while maybe you didn't make a friend, you at least got some information.

The day after, the sky is slightly overcast, but there are no signs of a storm as best anyone can see. Three whales come and swim along side you for awhile, before "saluting" you with some tail flips and veering away. Many talk of that as a sign of good luck.

The fog is clear, and you course correct from going slowly in the fog fairly well. You're about 2-3 days from Plumetown at this point.

If you want to talk, or just move to the following day, let me know


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren spends her time when her shifts permit making the newcomers feel more at home, seeing that they don't feel useless or unwelcome. In particular, she makes a point to get them set up with what can be spared from the ship's stores in the way of gear.

Action: Influence Mary

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22


Male Half-Elf Cleric of Keltheald 6/Horizon Walker 1 | HP: 79/79 | AC/T/FF: 19/12/18 | F+9 R+4 W+8 (+2 v. enchant) | CMD 19 (23 v. overrun/trip) | Channel: 4/4 | Agile Feet 5/5 | ToC 5/5

Emberar nods his appreciation to Badger Medlar. "Thanks for giving us the skinny. I appreciate hearing what it's been like from the crew directly...sounds like some of you lot have been through quite a bit." He claps her warmly on the shoulder. "If you ever need help or healing, don't hesitate to come to me. It's part of my job, now, after all!"

The next day, he spends most of the day pacing the ship, watching the weather and the seas carefully. He finds the whales delightful, watching them from a good perch near the bow with a big grin on his face for most of the time they follow the boat. When Badger's on duty but not too busy, he tries to strike up a conversation with her, since she proved willing to be helpful yesterday.

Diplomacy, Influence Badger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Otherwise ready to move on!


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

Thren when she finds out about the whales will be sorry she missed them on nightwatch.

Ready to move on!


Forces of Nature Battlemap

Thren, since you left the details to me, I am taking some liberties, if this doesn't feel right feel free to retcon Thren goes to Lee to see what supplies may be in the stores for Mary, Carlos, as well as Randiell. He digs up some duffels, brass knives, scimitars, and throwing axes, as well as some plain flasks or tankards. The supplies looted from the Famished Mane include a change of clothes appropriate for Mary and Randiell, though they don't have anything for halflings outside of gunny sacks for slaves. But, Lee notes, he never uses the padded waxed coat Harrigan gave him, and thinks if Mary's willing to tailor it (Carlos is a little broader shouldered than Lee), that would be something to give him at least. He is indeed, able to dig up a sewing kit from the supplies kept for the ship's doctor, and says, in his observant way, "You know, I bet she made that neat coat made of old flags herself. Probably something she's pretty proud of. Maybe she'd like more creative projects than fixing the sails. Though fixing the sails is important of course too. Anyway, tell her this kit is hers to keep, and go from there."

Indeed, Mary--who is indeed much better what with getting to breath oxygen and all--lights up at the sight of the sewing kit, and Thren hardly needs to say much more to put her in a better mood. But Thren suggests tailoring Lee's coat for Carlos, perhaps offering some additional fabric from her own supplies to go nuts with, and it makes her feel good to have something special to do, and also to help her shipmate. She offers to repay for the sewing kit.

Badger is on the night shift, so the easiest time to catch her is at the evening meal. Emberar notices Badger mainly talks to Shivikah and few others and keeps to herself, generally watching everyone else banter and play. Shivikah still seems to mainly want to be left alone, so when Emberar greets her again she seems pleased enough for the company.

This time she is more inclined to let Emberar talk, and asks him about his travels, and is interested in his visits to the ruins. "You should talk to Belina about that. She loves hearing about weird sites and marking them on her charts."

More to come later today


Female Tiefling bard (arcane duelist) 9 [ HP: 81/81 AC 24 T 15 FF 20 (50% miss chance) | BAB +13/+8 CMB +7 CMD 20| Fort +6 , Ref +11, Will +7 | Init +4 Prc: +12 Prof (sailor) +12] Disruptive

The bard smiles warmly at Mary's enthusiasm. "Don't worry about the sewing kit, I covered it myself with the quartermaster. You're also welcome to get into some of my own supplies. I like your coat of flags, so I can only imagine what else you might come up with given a bit of time. I bet everyone will be jealous of Carlos by the time you're done!"


Forces of Nature Battlemap

The following day, the light cloud cover over you has grown darker, to many of the crew members' surprise, as they were sure the clouds were only passing post-fog. Emberar, who has particularly been paying attention to the skies, thought so too yesterday, but as he awakens, his senses, well trained by travel, alert him to a tang in the air and a weight to the air that tells him a storm may be on the way---and the clouds are looking darker on the horizon. Meanwhile, Yamtisy quietly grumbles of her headache getting worse.

Traveling at the rate you have been, including making up for lost time in the fog, the ship is still about a day and a half away from Plumetown. But Emberar is certain it will begin raining by nightfall and the storm will fully be here by tomorrow morning--if not sooner. And even if they are but a short distance from Plumetown when the storm hits, it could easily damage them or push them farther away.

Several options (amid others the crew and officers may come up with) include:
1. Maintain a steady course, and prepare for the storm as best you can if/when it comes. This may keep your crew happier in the short term, but puts you and your goals at more risk.
2. Push the crew now to do everything possible to increase speed and get as close to Plumetown as possible. This means waking everyone up and working one long shift to run the rigging, keep lookout, etc. The crew morale may go low in the short term, but it is probably your best chance to get to Plumetown quickly and at the least risk of your own health and that of the ship's.
3. Change course entirely, hoping to sail around the storm or find another, temporary port to wait it out. This will add days if not a week or more to your journey, but might be safest.

4,201 to 4,250 of 7,919 << first < prev | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / GMDQ's Skull and Shackles All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.