GM Endless Forms' Space Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Will do, Captain! The path of glory is ours.

Arriving the Peril System, you find an orbit around the closest planet where many of the crew are eager to take some short leave. Before you can relax and enjoy the system too much though, you must petition for an audience with the Nebula King Kerdak Bonefist to receive a letter of marque and thereby become "legitimate" pirates, at least in the eyes of other Free Captains. The procedure is fairly simple: you must send a message to Planet Hazard where the Nebula King lives, along with a small bribe. All of this goes well and the Nebula King agrees to grant you an audience the following evening.

The next morning Kerdak's first mate Tsadok Goldtooth, a burly Klingon, publicly meets you at the space dock. An entourage of cronies follows him and many spectators have gathered to witness as well. Tasdok starts with an introduction.

"I am Tsadok Goldtooth, first mate and formal representative of the Nebula King Kerdak Bonefist. Captain Francis Ulhutch and his Millenium Yak wish to join the ranks of Free Captains. Code requires the officers undergo testing to determine whether they're worthy of becoming Free Captains. We'll soon see if they have what it takes or if they are just playing at pirates."

"The first test is to see whether they are passable engineers or just fancy jackets who found themselves in command of a crew."

You need to perform some routine maintenance on a junker ship in the dock, requiring Profession (sailor) or Knowledge (engineering). Also roll Perception and Sense Motive.

"Next I want to see how much talent and luck they've got." He motions to one of his cronies, who rushes to set up a table. "A game with me. Bastard's Fool, a bluffing game."

You have 10 pp. For each hand, you secretly roll 1d20 to represent your starting hand. You may raise your bet if you'd like. You can then discard and draw new cards, represented by rolling another die (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, or d20). This is added to your original roll, followed by another round of betting. The goal is to get as close as you can to 20 without going over; if you go over 20 with both dice, you only choose the highest number.

You can use Bluff, Profession (gambler), or Sense Motive to add +1 to your score (or an additional +1 for a DC 5 higher). A DC 20 Sleight of Hand can increase your score by 4 points but failing could get you caught.

"A pirate needs to be able to fight, so we're also testing your combat abilities. You will all compete in this, defending against a boarder of my choice. We'll take care of this task last. Let's get to it then!"

A challenge? How fitting. You shall know our sheer superiority soon enough, then.

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Back to my usual rolls, it seems! Xerxes isn't much of a bluffer, so he'll stand down on the game.

The Force is with me and my talents will do the rest ! said eagerly Sh'yl.

I will show how Sh'yl Lord of Tidewater Rock, servant of the Force, son of Sh'aar and Sh'uu M'sshakul, blood scourge of the Space, Captains of the Starship Blackdeath, do it

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

@EF for the game, how high is the DC for profession (gambler) or Sense Motive ?

Oh, I'm not telling you that! Depends on if you think you can get away with it playing against Tsadok!

Xerxes bumbles about and nearly installs a phase-coupler upside-down, much to the amusement of the bystanders. Fortunately, Sh'yl is standing by to help correct the mistake. The communications system is down but a quick diagnostic reveals that the sensor relay is interfering with it. A recalibration brings the comm system back online!

During this last fix though, the comm system continues to falter despite Sh'yl's efforts. He quickly notes that the sensor relay is adjusting to his recalibrations, as if to sabotage your efforts at fixing the ship. This could only be done manually, so clearly someone is making this harder on you than it should be....

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Francis looks around for anyone shady, messing with their ship! "You can do it team! This is why I pay you guys!" he yells at Sh'yl and Xerxes.

Despite the saboteur's effects, Sh'yl and Xerxes pull off an effective repair on the ship. Satisfied with this, Tsadok commands that it is now time to show your skills at fighting off a hostile boarding.

Once you are in position, some of Tsadok’s crew wheel a large, covered cage onto the dock adjacent to your ship. Tsadok uncovers and opens the cage, revealing a hideously ugly and obese giant of a creature.

"Fishpork, attack!" Tsadok commands the creature as he steps away and retreats the crowd watching the spectacle.

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork
3. Sh'yl

Francis, Karter, and Xerxes are up!

Xerxes reacts instinctively, closing in on the creature and striking before it can react!

Quick Draw the blades, move to the creature, then strike (sneak attack, study as a swift action if the attack lands.

Is it an aberration, by the way?

Psyblade (cold iron), PA: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 = 111d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9[/spoiler]

Epic fail!

Francis sees the large behemoth and decides to take action. "Subdue it quickly men!" he yells to his crew as he conjures a portal to beyond the stars and draws forth the crackling black energy whip once more.

He flings it forward, trying to catch the creature's throat. If it has one... he thinks to himself wryly.

Limp Lash-TAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Str/Dex/Con Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

In order to keep the thing wrangled, he will move in behind Xerxes as the protoss gives him a bit of cover from the creature.

Giant, technically. Some sort of ooze might have made more sense but this combat was supposed to be against a marsh giant so that's what I'm using for stats.

Xerxes steps forward but nearly slips in the creature's grease. Francis, however, is able to wrap his magical leash around the thing's neck!

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (4 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

Karter is up!

I'm only asking because I have a bonus against aberrations, actually.

Yep, understood. Actually, I'll go ahead and give you that bonus since he looks like an aberration.

Karter is up!

Sorry we keep getting stalled. Moving on for now.

The giant blob ignore's Francis' tether for now and decides to throw its significant weight in Xerxes' direction instead!

slam: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 16 - 2 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 2 = 11

slam: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 2 = 33
damage: 1d6 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (4 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

You guys are up!

Francis holds on to the Limp Lash as it leeches more life force from the beast.

Str/Dex/Con Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

-Posted with Wayfinder

”Hey Sh'yl, Why did the evil Jedi cross the road?!", Karter fires his rifle then tries to pick up the mood of the crew, ”To get to the Dark Side!”.

heavy rifle: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 >>damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6 confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 >>damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Inspire Courage +1, this round or next round, not sure of the sequence right now.

All the other test stuff, just in case
Profession (Spacecraft): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Perception : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Karter shoots his rifle into a fat roll of the slug-thing while Francis pulls on the leash.

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (6 dmg, 5 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

Sh'yl and Xerxes are up!

Sh'yl call for the Force to help him.

May the Force be with me ! Swift action : Divine Favor

Then move to help Xerxes fight the creature.

Lightsaber: 1d20 + 10 - 5 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 5 + 3 = 22
Damages: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 13

Was looking over the spell and, apparently, I still get other actions on subsequent rounds as long as I don't let go of the lash.

Seeing the beast grow weaker, Francis conjures a blast of arcane magicks to weaken it further.

A pale green ray erupts from his fingertip as his other hands holds the lash firmly.

Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Strength Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Fortitude DC 15 for half Strength damage.

Fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Sh'yl digs his lightsaber into the giant blob creature as Francis drains more strength from it!

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (19 dmg, 2 str, 5 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

Xerxes is up!

Xerxes steps aside to catch the fell beast in a pincer attack with Sh'yl.

Flanking, Hatred (aberrations)
Psyblade (cold iron), PA: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 231d6 + 4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 + (2, 4) = 15
If it hits, study as an immediate action. The following attacks include that +2 modifier.
Psyblade (cold iron), PA: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 231d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 + 2 + (5, 3) = 22
Psyblade (cold iron), PA: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 151d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 2 + (4, 1) = 20
Psyblade (cold iron), PA: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 171d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 + (3, 6) = 21

Xerxes' psyblades cut into the monster twice but it then retaliates by trying to stomp on Xerxes!

slam: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 3 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 8 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 3 = 11

slam: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 16 - 3 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 8 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 3 = 6

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (58 dmg, 2 str, 5 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

You guys are up!

Sh'yl well placed to help Xerxes attacked the creature with all his might !

Lightsaber 1(power attack): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 15
damages: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 16
Lightsaber 2(power attack): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 19
damages: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 19
Lightsaber 3(power attack): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 18
damages: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 15
Lightsaber 4(power attack): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 18
damages: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 17

Only one of Sh'yl's lightsaber attacks hits the beast; the others do not cut deep enough to penetrate the thick hide.

Initiative:

1. Francis, Karter, and Xerxes
2. Fishpork (58 dmg, 2 str, 5 str/dex/con)
3. Sh'yl

Francis, Karter, and Xerxes are up!

Francis keeps hold of the Lash as he drains more energy from the beast.

Limp Lash: 1d6 ⇒ 4

-Posted with Wayfinder

Karter stirs up another one-liner for the crew. start bardic performance, Inspire Courage +1 (adds to Francis and Sh'yl this round?), position Karter 30' from jabba.

"Hey fellas, what's the internal temperature of a tauntaun? -Luke warm!"

2 more points of damage from the bleed, since the sneak attack went through.

Xerxes stabs again multiple times, emboldened by Karter's positive attitude.

Psyblade (cold iron), PA, flanking, study, inspire, hatred: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 311d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + (5, 6) = 28

Psyblade (cold iron), PA, flanking, study, inspire, hatred: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 341d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + (3, 5) = 22

Psyblade (cold iron), PA, flanking, study, inspire, hatred: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 131d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + (1, 2) = 19

Psyblade (cold iron), PA, flanking, study, inspire, hatred: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 221d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + (4, 6) = 23

Confirmation: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 161d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 1 + (1, 3) = 20

Francis drains away more of the life energy of the angry mound of flesh before you as Xerxes puts his psyblades to work cutting it open. Soon it flops over on the deck, unconscious.

Out of combat!

Ok, I think it's time for some gambling for anyone who wants to participate.

”So how do you play this game?”, Karter playing the rube, antes up 1pp and peaks at the nudie cards.

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

”Hmm, I'll raise 1pp.”.

Wounded, the Protos blinks at Sh'yl but does not say a single thing.

As the beast falls, Francis' lash dissipates into nothingness. He follows the crew to the tavern for their final challenge: cards.

Seeing the resident loudmouth take a seat, Francis decides to just watch Karter as he goes toe-to-toe with the opposing captain and keep an eye out for shenanigans.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sh'yl call for the Force to heal some of Xerxes' wounds.

May the Force heal your wounds

Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) + 7 = 19 seeing that Xerxes was still hurt he does it again
Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 7) + 7 = 15

He let Karter do the game, being not a good bluffer or player.

The Force must not be used for this sort of thing.

Thank you, brother. May the Force be with you. Is that the proper prayer?

1d20 ⇒ 12

Tsadok thinks for a moment before matching Karter's bet and raising another 5 pp to bring his bet to 7 pp total.

Karter can match the bet or raise as he wishes.

”Whoa big spender! Alright, I'll call”, Karter throws out 5pp more, ”Let's see those ladies!”.

I didn't look at the GM secret roll, just going off Karter's card 19+1 Bluff= 20

Chips: 3/10 pp

Yes it is Xerxex ! responded mentally Sh'yl

Tsadok nods in approval as he lays out his cards: exactly 20! His smug grin is wiped clean when Karter reveals that he too is holding exactly 20. "A draw then! Split the pot and start again."

Tsadok takes a look at his cards and exchanges a few of them. With a satisfied nod he raises the bet by 5 pp in addition to the 1 pp ante.

”Ha-ha yea sure” You damn cheat, Karter smiles tightly.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Perception for Tsadok cheating: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

After checking his card, ”Fold-. Next round?”.

chips: 9/10

Karter deals the cards, whistling an old tune about a freighter bound for nowhere and a stranger.

”Ante,...and raise you three.”

chips: 5/10

"Fine." Tsadok throws down his cards-again, exactly 20. Surprisingly though, Karter hasn't noticed any cheating.

Tsadok thinks for a moment and exchanges a few cards before meeting Karter's bet and raising another 3 pp.

Karter weighs the man for a moment, reading his face and the way he held his eyes, "All in..." pushing his pile forward.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Tsadok thinks for a moment, studying Karter's face. He obviously thinks he sees something and after a moment he calls Karter's bet. "Fine. All in. Let's stake it all on one hand then, shall we?" He turns his cards over to reveal a total of 18. His brow furrows in frustration when he sees that Karter once again has exactly 20. Not seeing any way that Karter could have cheated though, he admits defeat and pulls you aside for a quiet discussion.

"Thank you for being good sports. It seems you might be worthy of the title Free Captains. The true test comes in holding that title, of course. We'll take you to see the Nebula King next and hear his opinion."

Tsadok turns to the crowd and announces your success, proclaiming that you are indeed deserving of becoming Free Pirates, which receives boisterous cheers from the crowd. He announces that the Nebula King will present your letter of marque this evening. This part of the announcement receives significantly less applause, suggesting that the current Nebula King may not be as popular as many outsiders believe.

When you arrive on Planet Hazard, the festivities are already in full swing. The Nebula King Kerdak Bonefist presides over the revelry from his gold-chased, teakwood throne. A heavy hood keeps most of his face in shadows and his right hand looks skeletal as he reaches for a laser pistol and fires it into the air to achieve silence. His voice drawls out over the party, "This fresh catch want to add their fine ship to our brethren of the sky. But before I award this letter of marque and them Free aptains right and true, I say we hear from them. What say you tell us all a tale or two of how you came by the plunder in your hold?"

Any social check could conceivably be used here.

yippee!

"Aww you were just going easy on me Tsadok", Karter cheers up the man, "But now that we're all brothers, here's your ten back!".

At the request of the King, Karter then was about to open his hole again and let out some public air, then pauses, "Maybe Capt. F.U. should these tales instead. Capt-?"

Sh'yl like Karter wait for their Captain to speak before saying something.

Is it weird that some of my alias' have odd initials like that? BS. FU.

"The plunder in my hold comes from the combined might of my crew. Mercy has been offered to many, few have rejected it to succumb to disastrous consequences." he starts in.

"The underlying whispers in the void wish to destroy the world and render us all crippled, but their power can be harnessed in small portions. Our foes have never understood that... Much like your "test"."

"We were advised to seek out a Free Captaincy, but we will do what we wish, which is how we made it this far. Our hold will bulge with treasure and our enemies will burn into madness." Francis concludes a bit viciously.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Lol. I always feel like I'm insulting you when I say "GM BS".

There is some bit of heckling during Captain Francis' speech but his talk of the crippling power of the void quickly silences any doubts the others may have had about the crew's toughness.

The Nebula King calls for a show of approval and the gathering crowd hollers a hearty "Aye!" in your favor. The Nebula King presents you with a letter of marque in front of the assembly.

Now officially recognized as Free Captains in this sector, you are free to sell plunder, recruit additional crew, refit your ship, purchase items and gear, and take some shore leave amongst the other pirates and raiders stationed on this popular planet. Nearby is a popular inn and tavern called the Riptide Alehouse where the Nebula King has provided several free rooms for you for the next week, should you wish to take them.

Great speach Cap' ! said Sh'yl impressed by Francis' choosen words.

I propose to look for new recruits and some people able to complete our crew. proposed Sh'yl

Same! I thought that Francis's initials were chosen after Frank Underwood, the main character in the House of Cards show, actually, where the pun is intended.

Sound advice, Sh'yl. We're sorely lacking of good crewmates, and we could upgrade our gear as well.

Shopping time! How much money would we get once we sell the loot?

”Let's hear it for the Capt!”, Karter leads the crew in a united chant, ”F-U! F-U! F-U!”.

Happy coincidence. Ulhutch is just a reordering of the letters in Cthuhlu and Francis just seemed right. Maybe it was subconscious. ;-)

"We lack crewmates?" Francis asks puzzled as they just took on some Silurians and had others from the original ship. "How many do you suggest we take?"

"A port to upgrade gear would be helpful, however." Francis agrees. "Let's head to the inn, settle in and then find provisions." Francis concludes.

We could used more skilled ones, I think. Moreover, having an all-silurian crew is a recipe for mutiny the moment they start growing proper reproductive attributes. I'm not saying we should ditch the old crew, just that we should diversify our range of skills among crewmates.

Now we are Free Captain, I suggest we also extend our ship. added Sh'yl

I will look for new crewmates and places to upgrade our ship. I will meet you at the inn.

Sh'yl go back to the crowd, asking for good places to extend and upgrade a spaceship as well as crew with different talent, but mostly crew reliable.