GM Endless Forms' Space Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

”Oh look! It's the captain!”, Karter bluffs the thug

Feint: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
NL punch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 >>damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Xerxes and Karter punch the space pirates!

Initiative:

1. Karter, Francis, Sh'yl, and Xerxes
2. Crew (#1: 5 nl, #2: 6 dmg, #3:, #4: 10 nl)

Francis and Sh'yl are up!

With a last punch Sh'yl tried to send in morpheus' arms his target.

touch attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 Fort DC12 or must hold his breath and is staggered for 1 round

My blessing said If the target was attempting to hold its breath, it can no longer do so: it must breathe on its turn or risk suffocation and unconsciousness.
@EF as he couldn't catch his breath on his turn, he began suffocating right ? So if failed a third time his save he fall in uncounsciousness ?

Francis has been having computer issues I think. We'll move on without him. This wasn't supposed to be too big of a deal anyways:

@Sh'yl: Ah, ok! I didn't read it that way at first but now I get it.

Sh'yl steals the breath from one of the men and he falls over, turning slightly blue around the lips. The others begin to slide back. "He's ok, just leave him!" one of them says to the others. As they turn tail and run back down the corridor, one of the green-skinned thugs shouts back, "Hope we didn't make you late! Mr. Plugg won't be liking that at all...."

You can take a few seconds to heal yourselves if you need to.

----

You rush down the corridor, your feet clanging on the metal grating below and sending echoes on ahead of you. You burst out onto the loading bay, where Mr. Plugg awaits you with the rest of the enslaved help. This time, however, Mr. Plugg is joined by a large humanoid creature with a lizard head and scaly skin.

Mr. Plugg smiles evilly at your entrance. "Ah, I wondered who'd be showing up late." You notice the three men you fought with smirking from the background. "It seems you four are today's losers, which is unfortunate for you because today the loser has to fight against my friend here; we call him Hartshorn but you'll call him the source of your ailments by the end."

Hartshorn steps forward and everyone in the room steps back until most of the loading dock is bare in the center except for your beastly-looking foe. Mr. Plugg laughs and says, "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's see if you'll be pulling a double-duty today!"

Initiative:

1. Xerxes, Sh'yl, Francis, and Karter
2. Hartshorn

You guys are up!

Xerxes attempts to communicate with the creature, checking if it's sentient. I don't want to fight you, but I will defend myself if we fight. I also resent fighting when forced, like you do I'm sure.

Xerxes hold his punches until he sees what the beast replies, if he does so. Delay until Hartshorn acts.

What is that !?

Sh'yl remembered what his parents told him. Looking directly in Hartshorn's eyes he said.

I am Sh'yl M'sshakul, son of Sh'aar and Sh'uu M'sshakul, blood scourge of the Space, Captains of the Starship Blackdeath.
If you move on step closer, I will crush you like my parents did with their rebellious crew or their prisonners.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Hartshorn thinks back at Xerxes, F%#@ you, I was born to fight! If that changes your action and you want to jump back in, go for it.

Sh'yl's words seem to bring some doubt into the dead eyes of the lizard creature. Beat it by 11. . . lol, he's got a negative Wis score. . . so shaken for 3 rounds.

Initiative:

1. Sh'yl, Francis, and Karter
2. Hartshorn (shaken 3 rounds)
3. Xerxes

Francis and Karter are up!

That picture is hilarious.

Francis grows weary of the fighting. "What about that nice repetitive cleaning job..."

"Punicius... arderum..." Francis mutters with his hands outstretched. His mind wanders and gives in to the malevolent spirit inside of him.

1d100 ⇒ 63

As he starts to intone, his voice takes on a gravely quality and the language rapidly shifts to another language as fire erupts from his outstretched hands to engulf the beast. "میں نے اپنے دشمنوں کو تباہ کرنے کے لئے سرخ شعلوں آگے سمن جاری. پیلے رنگ میں انسان بشکریہ."

Burning Hands: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 1) = 7 Madness Bloodline: +1 CL; Spell Specialization: +2 CL Reflex Save DC 15 for half

A glint in his eye shows that there is a different Francis in front of the group, then before.

I guess we aren't supposed to have our weapons, so better not use them.

Nodding in assent, Xerxes's fist flails at Hartshorn.
Punch : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage : 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ref: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Perhaps inspired by some previous mentor in a similar situation, Francis lets out a bout of flame that scorches the alien!

Xerxes moves up and finds that Hartshorn is too slow to move out of the way and so Hartshorn takes a punch in his rubbery lizard face!

Initiative:

1. Xerxes, Sh'yl, Francis, and Karter
2. Hartshorn (7 dmg, 5 nl, shaken 3 rounds)

Karter is up!

"He looks catatonic", Karter says with some reservation of getting into a fight with Hartshorn, "Ah well, alright.".

Flanking improvised weapon 'spit bucket' to the head: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18 >>1d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1) = 5

Karter grabs a bucket and bonks Hartshorn in the head as the alien reaches behind him and lunges for a wrench left lying on a crate nearby. He swings the wrench at Xerxes!

wrench, shaken: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 2 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Initiative:

1. Xerxes, Sh'yl, Francis, and Karter
2. Hartshorn (12 dmg, 5 nl, shaken 3 rounds)

You guys are up!

Xerxes assumes a defensive stance, focusing on not falling unconscious.

Total defense

-Posted with Wayfinder

Sh'yl approached the creature to be able to deliver a fury of blow with his four arms, teaming with his new friends.

Punch (Multiweapon Fighting): 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 4 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 - 4 - 5 = 12
damages: 1d3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6
Punch 2(Multiweapon Fighting): 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 - 8 = 10
damages: 1d3 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Punch 3(Multiweapon Fighting): 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 - 8 = 4
damages: 1d3 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Punch 4(Multiweapon Fighting): 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 - 8 = 4
damages: 1d3 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

How does Plugg react while we are fighting?

Francis continues to chant in a unearthly voice, his eyes rolled back into his head. "برہمانڈ کے جادو آپ کی رگوں کے ذریعے چلتا ہے کے طور پر آپ کی جلد کو جھلسانا اور آپ کی ہڈیوں پاپ کرتے ہیں."

1d100 ⇒ 16

More fire unleashes from his fingertips to engulf the beast with the wrench.

Fire Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 4, 1) = 10

Mr. Plugg laughs as you flail against his prize fighter but the smile is wiped from his face as Sh'yl lands a pair of hits that leave nasty bruises and Francis uses a blast of fire to knock Hartshorn over, unconscious!

Out of combat!

From now on you have a +2 bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or Perform checks to influence other NPCs on the ship.

Mr. Plugg frowns and yells to one of the other crew, "Fix him up! And then everybody get back to work!"

Sandara smiles and winks at you as she picks up the wrench and goes off to fix the loading dock's opening mechanism.

Francis falls to the ground. "... What happened?"

Xerxes relents, almost knocked out by Harsthorn's punches.

This one is a worthy fighter. He would make a great ally were we to rebel against Harrigan and Plugg. he telepathically communicates to his newfound companions - or at least the ones he trusts.

Then he blinks at Francis, not sure to understand. What do you mean? You've sent a wave of flames that sent him reeling, along with Sh'yl's martial prowess. Were you not there?

Pleasure to meet your expectation Captain.

Said Sh'yl to the Captain, then resumed to his duty.

I agree, but it seems a little under the influence of the Captain. I don't know if we could convince him to help us fight back

Sh'yl looked at Francis with a worried face. our new friend seemed to be... multiple

”That's right! That's right!!”, Karter throws his arms up in victory over Hartshorn, ”Half-steppin'-moist-a$$-foo!”. Then as a crewman picks up the unconscious body, Karter bends down to help and whispers, "Look man, tell him no-hard feelings, we're all cool, alright? Plugg made us do it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15

After a day of exhausting work moving cargo around the loading bays and fixing various problems on the ship, you head back to your bunkers. "I've got an idea," Sandara whispers to you. "Have you been to see Grok yet? The Quartermaster? She's got your stuff locked up and will only tell you that it's the captain's now if you ask for it back. Of course, you could buy it back but none of us has any money anyways."

"I've been asking around though, and it seems Grok has some mighty weird beliefs. Superstitions, you might say. Terrified of anything she might see as dangerous in some supernatural way. She's highly believable. It might be that you can get your stuff back with a few clever lies, er, stretched thruths."

Your advice is a sound one once again, Sandara. I am grateful, but lying is beneath me, and I have no way with words.

"My space yak should be in the hold. Can we go see him? I sure do miss ol' Pudding." Francis says, his eyes brightening at the thought of getting his pet yak back.

Sandara gets a worried look on her face for a moment. "You had a yak? Oh. . . um. . . yeah, I'm sure he's alright. They've probably got a stables on board or something like that. We can get him back too, if we can find him. . . . "

Can't forget about the space yak!

A space... yak... That's hilarious!

So would you like to go visit the quartermaster now? Or do have something else you want to do first?

The quartermaster seemed fine. Go for it !

Grok is a very attractive (if green-skinned) woman working in what serves as the ship's store. In addition to numerous mundane items and wares, she is in charge of keeping locked up anything the captain desires for himself or deems dangerous in the hands of the crew or slaves. "Well, hello there. Can I help you with anything today?"

"I need my space yak back, Miss!" Francis begs as he rushes up to her. "Ol' Pudding is the best space yak in the universe and I bet she misses me!"

En Taro Tassadar, I am Xerxes of Aiur. I have heard you have some of my belongings under your guard - my psy blades, for instance. Is that the truth?

"I keep everything the newcomers bring with them under lock and key. The captain considers it his property now so if you've come to get it back don't expect me just to hand it over." She furrows her brows. "And I was never given a space yak so I think you're out of luck pal. Better check the kitchen."

"Noooooo!" Francis collapses to his knees, fists balled and held high in the air as he screams. "Puuuuuu-Diiiiiiiing!"

"Noooooo!" Francis collapses to his knees, fists balled and held high in the air as he screams. "Puuuuuu-Diiiiiiiing!"

Pudding!

Exactly!

Francis hurriedly leaves the quartermaster's and searches the bulkheads for the kitchen. "Puuuudding!"

He hollers down an empty stretch of spaceship. "Puuuudding!"

Finally, he stumbles around a corner and finds the kitchen. He bursts into the cookery, shouting "Pudding!?!"

Ambrose Kroop, the ship's cook, stands drunkenly looking about for the sign of the commotion. "Pudding? We don't have no pudding on this ship! When's the last time you seen a slave handed over a bowl of pudding? Ha!"

"Say-", Karter approaches Grok and whispers with as much straight face as he can muster, "It's seriously bad space luck to be responsible for the death of a space yak, you aware? Are you sure you have seen it?! The only way to rid of the hex is to pay back the owners".

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
assists?

Remembering what their new friend said and why they were here, Sh'yl followed Karter's lead

Yes yes, I heard stories about lost space yak ! When they die, a terrible curse is upon those responsible for their death... Only pay back to their owner can left it ! That's why space yak are so dangerous when not owing by someone, you can NEVER get rid of their curse if you kill it !!!

Bluff (aid DC10, max 21): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 2 = 15

Bluff (aid another): 1d20 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 + 2 = 15

I've heard the space yak curse would make your flesh fall off within days... you probably don't want that, do you?

Edit: Thanks Sh'yl, completely forgot about it!

Don't forget Xerxes we have +2 on bluff check to influence NPC on the ship !

Lol, love that movie.

1d20 ⇒ 3 Lol!

Grok's eyes go wide. "Really? I had no idea space yaks brought such bad luck with them! Well, I'm glad they took it to Ambrose instead of me, the old drunken bastard. Here, quick, before my flesh falls off!" She rushes to the back room and you hear some rattling and clanging as she unlocks and opens lockers, flinging stuff through the door to land at your feet. Within minutes, all of your personal belongings are in a pile at your feet.

"So that'll get rid of the curse, right? I'm in the clear? I don't want anything to do with space yaks anymore, so if you find it just keep it away from me, you hear?"

She'll give you Francis' stuff too.

---

Meanwhile in the kitchens:

Ambrose Kroop stares at Francis as the sorcerer cries over spilled milk pudding. "What? You want something else to eat instead? I've got this space yak in the back I could butcher for you if you'd rather have that. Don't really know how to cook space yak, but I'm sure if I charred it enough it'll be edible."

I think the spirit of the Yak has forgiven you. You're in the clear. telepathically says Xerxes to her as he affixes his psyblade back to his wrist.

I guess the reminder of the starting gold is lost for good?

Yes, the gold was already taken by the captain. But your items are back now! Don't worry, you'll get more soon. There's a ship to take over eventually.... But first you need to make some friends aboard the ship! A mutiny only works if it has support.

*whips himself for dumping Charisma*

We have to make sure we find the right supporters aboard the ship. How about you talk to the cook, Sh'yl? I could communicate with Rosie. Any other ideas?

Later on, he'll try to talk to Rosie and earn her respect through strength. He proposes to arm-wrestle with the fierce halfling to measure their strength.

I'm trying to bring the befriending roll to another ground than a Charisma-based skill. Any chance that might happen?

With Rosie, maybe. She might be impressed by Intimidate or I could give you a circumstance bonus if you win an arm-wrestling match against her or something. There are plenty of other NPCs besides the ones you've met, too. I'll put up a list later.

I agree Xerxes, it seems that not all the people on this ship are happy with the captain and his goons.
Someone can play cards ? I don't but it could be a way to gain the trust of this gnome with the purple hat !
We also need to secure our friendship with Sandara, she's already been of great help to us so we need to keep her to our side.

As for the cook, I will try my best Xerxes !

If Rosie agrees, he will challenge her at arm wrestling. You're fierce, little Rosie. What formidable strength! Though you will learn who the stronger is around here.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25

Rosie Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Xerxes Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Rosie agrees to the challenge but Xerxes quickly pins her short arm down. "F~%$! Damn it, I thought I had you! You're f&!&ing strong, you know that? Damn useful, it is." Rosie seems impressed with Xerxes and has a new-found respect for the protoss.

@Sh'yl: if you want to talk to Ambrose, you can go ahead and make your case to him and roll an appropriate Charisma-based check.

I'm sure Francis also has a response to Ambrose as well.

Here are some of the other NPCs aboard and their jobs if you want to start working on them or see where their affiliations lie. You're not going to be able to convert all of them to your cause. I'll add them to the Campaign Info tab too; it gets hard to keep track of who's who after a while.

They are human unless noted otherwise.

---

The main officers:
Barnabas Harrigan (orion): captain of the Wormwood
Mr. Plugg (orion): first mate
Master Scourge (orion): boatswain and master at arms
Ambrose “Fishguts” Kroop: cook
Cut-Throat Grok (orion): quartermaster
Peppery Longfarthing: sailing master and old friend of the captain
Riaris Krine: master gunner
Habbly Quarne, the “Stitchman” (denobulan): ship’s surgeon
Kipper: gunner’s mate and bootlicker for Plugg and Scourge
Patch Patchsalt (gnome): boatswain’s mate and sycophant of Plugg and Scourge
“Caulky” Tarroon: the captain’s cabin girl
Hartshorn (gorn): simpleton and “pet” of Mr. Plugg (see page 27)

Other crew:
Barefoot Samms Toppin: a former fisherwoman from the Delta Quadrant who never wears shoes; job: rigger
Giffer Tibbs (gnome): a bedraggled gnome with one eye; job: swab
Jack Scrimshaw: a young lad talented at scrimshaw; job: swab
“Ratline” Rattsberger (halfling): a rat-faced half ling with long arms and three missing fingers; job: engineer
Tilly Brackett: a tough joker who likes her Andoran ale; job: swab
“Badger” Medlar (half-elf): an older woman who shaves her gray hair into stripes; job: swab
Shivikah (orion): a very tall orion exslaver; job: swab
Aretta Bansion: a bad tempered exharlot with big ears; job: swab
Fipps Chumlett: a fat, pushy bully with a shaved head; job: swab
Jaundiced Jape (half-orc): a humorless, greedy half-orc mute; job: swab
Maheem: a big klingon with a permanent scowl; job: rigger
Slippery Syl Lonegan: an unhinged murderer who fled to space to escape his crimes; job: rigger
Tam “Narwhal” Tate (orion): an old friend of Master Scourge with a large, ugly nose; job: rigger
Jakes Magpie: a thief caught stealing from the quartermaster’s store and sentenced to the airlock (which you witnessed earlier so he's already dead); job: swab

"No! Don't cook Pudding! He's MY space yak and he's the best space yak in the whole universe!" Francis yells as he practically leaps over the counter.

Francis pleads with Fishguts. "Please don't kill Pudding. I bet he misses me something terrible. How about I do the cleaning and you can give me Pudding back?"