Tall tales of hidden riches are common in the pirate-infested taverns of the Shackles, but when Captain Varossa Lanteri claims to know the location of the secret treasure hoard of legendary Captain Jemma Redclaw, it seems she may be telling the truth. Captain Lanteri hires the PCs on as crew to help her assemble the magic key that will open the door to Redclaw’s treasure... and the ancient cyclops stronghold in which it’s hidden! Can the PCs survive long enough to claim their share of the lost loot, or will their enemies—or their allies—send them to a watery grave?
"I can make the sacrifice. I still need to show you how to handle my big weapon."
Valaravans looks at Lhinneth with a lascivious look and let out a sleazy chuckle.
Female Half-elf Brawler 2 / Rogue 3 | HP 36/36 {conditions: none} | AC 24 (Tch 15 FF 20) | F +6 R +11 W +2 | Init +6 | Perc +10, low-light vision
"Behave, Salty" Lhinneth says, an amused expression on her subtly smiling lips. Arms folded, she looks at the burly half-orc askew even as she turns to address the Garundi first-mate. "Even the largest weapons are hardly impressive when wielded by crude fighters. And I have to second Arven's request" she goes on almost seamlessly. "We could surely use that spyglass."
"...aye, aye. Me crystal glass goes to the one who takes the crow's nest!" he points up the main mast to a rotting, loosely assembled hunk of trash that somewhat resembles a real crow's nest found on other ships.
If you guys would just like to describe generally what you intend to do here for defense that should be ok, but if you would rather fully play it out that's fine too.
"So its just the five of us to guard the ship from this tengu? Does he have a crew, or is he by himself?" Serenna turns to look at the forest, pondering the ship's defences. (How far is the ship from the shore? What's the cover like up to the water's edge? Does the ship have large weapons of any sort?)"So the two've you're going to take the night watch then,... and we need to prepare for the new figurehead. So, if we have someone in the 'nest at all times with a bow or similar, and another on watch on the deck in the night shift, ready in case something happens... OK. So how about this.." she turns and begins outlining a plan.
Night: Lhinneth in the nest, Salty on the deck, everyone else sleeps. Morning: Serenna in the nest, Salty sleeps, everyone else works. Afternoon: Arven in the nest, Lhinneth sleeps, everyone else works. (Salty cooks dinner)
Croc waits, like a croc does, near the shore, hidden Everyone has weapons on hand (person in the nest with a ranged weapon)
Maybe rig up a bell or something on the nest to wake everyone at night or if the attack is obvious.. some kind of more subtle signal if attacker(s) are spotted sneaking up so we can surprise them.... Unless its raining everyone sleeps on deck.
Rough (scaled, no grid) map on slides. Checking source for available arms, will make something up if not found.
"Well hes known in these parts, this be his home shore. Wouldn't surprise me if hes found some supporters..." he clenches his fist "...and if it be any of me crew this time, I swear the deck will run red..."
There is actually an extremely detailed and enjoyable to read writeup of the Magpie Princess history, creation, etc. After spending some time on the ship, I'll probably have you guys read it and treat like DC 10 knowledge...
But for the matter at hand, some battle stats:
Offense:
Maximum Speed 90 ft. (wind); Acceleration 30 ft.
Ranged 2 light ballistae +9 (3d8/19–20)
CMB +12; CMD 22
Ramming Damage 8d8
Caveat being they can only shoot out the sides of the ship without swiveling. Would take some engineering for modifications I suppose.
Starting the day's watch, Elo pulls out two rings and mutters over them, pressing them against her and her crocodile.
Shield Other, two castings enough to keep it up for 8 hours.
HP:55(65)/55(65) AC 18/15/14 Saves F+7:R+5:W+3 Rage: 12/12;
Arven, sits his back resting against the mast, "Lovely idea." he agrees as Serenna outlines the plan, "But I suggest changing the crows nest every 4 hours, my eyes get tired after 4 hours and might well gently close...." he hums to the others and smiles. Looking forward to a nice quiet time before they sail.
Night 1: Salty in the nest, Lhinneth on the deck, everyone else sleeps. Night 2: Lhinneth in the nest, Salty on the deck, everyone else sleeps.
Morning 1: Serenna in the nest, Salty sleeps, everyone else works. Morning 2: Elo in the nest, Salty sleeps, everyone else works.
Afternoon 1: Arven in the nest, Lhinneth sleeps, everyone else works. Afternoon 2: Serenna in the nest, Lhinneth sleeps, Salty cooks, everyone else works.
Croc waits, like a croc does, near the shore, hidden Everyone has weapons on hand (person in the nest with a ranged weapon)
Rig up a bell on the nest to wake everyone at night or if the attack is obvious.. and a more subtle signal if attacker(s) are spotted sneaking up so we can surprise them.... Unless its raining everyone sleeps on deck.
You all manage to finish most of the prep work for the new masthead (which should be ready tomorrow afternoon). It isn't pleasant work scraping off the barnacles and old varnish, replacing the few rotting planks and so forth, but the smell of the sea keeps your spirits high.
It is nearing on twilight that first day when Salty easily spots a small row boat coming from the sea, heading directly towards the Magpie Princess. Through the crystal spyglass, you see a single occupant: an attractive young woman wearing very little clothing. She does not seem particularly distressed, but has a thoughtful look on her face as she eyes the ship.
GM stuff:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28
Salty you alone can roll perception to see if you note anything else.
If the rest of us see the boat, or Salty alerts us.:
Serenna turns to look at the small craft and then glances up at Salty before turning to the others. "Well this is hardly a sneak attack, and that's bloody suspicious if you ask me. Do you think you can get your scaly friend to swim over and stay close to the boat... Ask it to stay hidden as deep as it can." she says to Elo. I think I'm going to keep an eye on the shore. - Scantily clad women acting as a distraction is an old trick that me and Lhinneth have pulled more than a few times. Maybe you should join me Lhin' and point that bloody great ballista at her. That might make her think twice about trying anything. The rest of you keep an eye on the tart on the littleboat"
With that she turns and moves towards the ship's bow, pulling out her crossbow as she moves across the ship's deck. There she stands, peering at the shore.
You can all see the boat, its just so far away you couldn't see detail without the spyglass.
The small boat comes closer and the woman waves, shouting "Oh please, c-can...*echo mumble*... help me? I was out collec... *mumble wave crash* shells and *mumble* lost my way..." its hard to make out what she is saying with the sound of the coast. Luckily, she doesn't show any signs of slowing her approach.
Salty, you can see she is carrying a small utility knife and a large net filled with shells. But its possible her form could be distracting you away from such details.
Elo, your crocodile companion is acting odd, seemingly keeping an eye on the approaching vessel despite the delicious treats.
Serenna turns to look at the small craft and then glances up at Salty before turning to the others. "Well this is hardly a sneak attack, and that's bloody suspicious if you ask me. Do you think you can get your scaly friend to swim over and stay close to the boat... Ask it to stay hidden as deep as it can." she says to Elo. "I think I'm going to keep an eye on the shore. - Scantily clad women acting as a distraction is an old trick that me and Lhinneth have pulled more than a few times. Maybe you should join me Lhin' and point that bloody great ballista at her. That might make her think twice about trying anything. The rest of you keep an eye on the tart on the littleboat"
With that she turns and moves towards the ship's bow, pulling out her crossbow as she moves across the ship's deck. There she stands, peering at the shore.
Salty smiles.
"I'll deal with the woman."
He drink his mutagen, and the shark-shape of "Sour" Valaravans appears as he jumps into the water, swimming rapidly towards the small boat.
He drinks his Feral Beastform Mutagen:
Feral Mutagen Whenever the alchemist imbibes a mutagen, he gains two claw attacks and a bite attack. These are primary attacks and are made using the alchemist's full base attack bonus. The claw attacks deal 1d6 points of damage (1d4 if the alchemist is Small) and the bite attack deals 1d8 points of damage (1d6 if the alchemist is Small). While the mutagen is in effect, the alchemist gains a +2 competence bonus on Intimidate skill checks.
Beastform Mutagen At 3rd level, a beastmorph's mutagen causes him to take on animalistic features-whether those of an animal, a magical beast, an animal-like humanoid (such as a lizardfolk), or a monstrous humanoid. For example, when the beastmorph uses his mutagen, he may gain a furry muzzle and pointed ears like a werewolf, scaly skin like a lizardfolk or sahuagin, or compound eyes and mandibles like a giant insect. The beastmorph also gains his choice of one of the abilities listed in the alter self spell, which persists as long as the mutagen. He may select a different ability each time he creates a mutagen. This ability replaces swift alchemy.
He gets Swim 30' Speed.
Peggy, the shadows of the jungle play with your eyes as night falls.
Sour, you meet the the woman's little rowboat roughly 60 ft away from the Magpie Princess. She stops rowing, looking somewhat frightened at your approach. "P-please...I j-just want to get back to Lilywhite, can you help me?" her voice is soft and pure, a tinge of the south wholly out of place here in the archipelago.
Perception Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 (+2 hidden objects)
Sense Motive Check:1d20 ⇒ 3 "It depends on what you are willing to pay... or willing to do..."
He smiles showing his double row of big teeth, completely distracted by her womanly charms.
She leans over the side of the boat, seemingly looking through you, her womanly "charms" quite hypnotic "...yes. I'd be willing to do anything for my children." her face withers away horribly revealing a monstrous set of green teeth, her black eyes more like a fish than a humanoid, the smell putting even Arven to shame. In a new voice rough as sandpaper she screeches out "CCCChiiiillldren!!!!!!" and the sea beneath the small craft boils like stew as two dog sized piranhas flank you, surging forth...
Horemheb tears a blade off his back so fast blood spurts forth as he roars in total rampage "Arrgh!!! Ye'll not take the ship tonigh', devil-b&!*+!" and he jumps into the ocean.
Elo frowns. "...a lie-strike?" She runs over to the other end of the ship, watching for threats approaching under the cover of distraction. After a whistle, her croc lunges for the piranha.
Female Half-elf Brawler 2 / Rogue 3 | HP 36/36 {conditions: none} | AC 24 (Tch 15 FF 20) | F +6 R +11 W +2 | Init +6 | Perc +10, low-light vision
Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
"Ah yes. The shipwrecked Calistrian priestess gambit. A whole galleon could have sneaked up on them and they would've been none the wiser" Lhinneth wistfully reminisces. She has waken the crew as soon as she's spotted a boat rowing in their direction, before she could even discern its half-naked occupant. Once her elven eyes catch a glimpse of the alluring woman at the helm, however, she's grateful she did so – precisely for the reasons Serenna's expounding.
"Comin'" she says, following fast after her friend. She helps her load the heavy ballista and aim it at the boat, but as the glamer fades she's quick to draw her bow and shoot an arrow at the disgusting creature's exposed vitals.
HP:55(65)/55(65) AC 18/15/14 Saves F+7:R+5:W+3 Rage: 12/12;
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 to wake up ....
Hearing some sort of conflagration going on, Arven rubs his eyes and gets up, trying to make out what all the fuss is about. He gets up holding his cutlass, "Will someone tell me what's going on?"
Lhinneth's arrow strikes almost immediately after the creature reveals itself, piercing its neck solidly and staying in place likely permanently. Elo's crocodile instantly devours one of the small death fish. Sour unleashes an intense fury of attacks, but only catches her by the thigh on the last claw swipe...he was expecting her to fall down into the water but instead she fell up into the sky...
Twisting hideously and twirling in a quick burst of unseen energy the beast takes flight, screaming in pain and vengeance she rushes towards the ship. Bizarrely, her last fishy companion does the same, jumping into the air and unfolding disgusting fish-skin sails, gliding through the night to find the meat on board.
Like a thrown spear, the fish's jaws thrust towards Arven's face...
Fish Tastes You?:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
But snaps shut too soon, gliding awkwardly next to him.
Everyone who can see Unbeauty needs to make a DC 14 fortitude, or take 1d6 strength damage, mind affecting. Also, if you haven't already, please make a perception check.
As the creature seemingly erupts from the surrounding darkness, intent on boarding the ship, Lhinneth can finally make out her true visage. Her bowels turn and her legs almost falter at the sight of this grotesque mockery of the human form, yet she manages to quickly shake it off. Eh. Serenna would probably say I kissed worse.
"Valaravan's found a girlfriend. Unfortunately, they split up already, and not on amiable terms" Lhinneth answers Arven's question. "Also, Piranhas. Watch out!"
As usual, should it come to melee, flanking opportunities would be greatly appreciated :)
As the creatures start flying towards the ship Serenna steps bacj in horror, almost retching at the,... thing's revealed features. Nevertheless, she manages to drop her crossbow and flex her wrists, dropping her two daggers into her hands.
HP:55(65)/55(65) AC 18/15/14 Saves F+7:R+5:W+3 Rage: 12/12;
Fort Save in rage: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15 +1 vs fear, rage If not permitted to rage, strength damage 1d6 ⇒ 1
Arven immediately starts to rage at having his sleep disturbed by this flying ugly creature that tried to bite him. "Come kiss my steel, fishy, fishes are for eating."
Horemheb frowns at the beast in flight, quickly returning to the ship "Ar..." he groans disappointingly, his wet muscles bursting as his ascends the side of the 'pie...
Fortitude Save:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Loss of:1d6 ⇒ 1 STR
The horrid image of the woman drains some strength from him.
Salty swims below the horrid woman, and throws a bomb at her.
"Come here, pretty, I promise not to bite!" Bomb Attack Roll:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7Ranged Touch attack, Fire Damage, 5 splash damage at 5' DC 15 for half, 20' range Damage:1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2) = 5 Miss Direction:1d8 ⇒ 5 Tanglefoot Bomb* (Su) A creature that takes a direct hit from a tanglefoot bomb must save against the bomb's DC or be entangled and glued to the floor as if it had failed its save against a tanglefoot bag (see page 160 of the Core Rulebook). Creatures in the splash area that fail their saves are entangled but not glued to the floor; those who make this save are not entangled at all. Perception Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 (+2 if hidden)
Elo's crocodile dives down into the water, then aims for the surface, paddles hard and soars into the air after the creature. Elo watches from the ship-line curiously.
The crocodile ejects from the water's surface like some kind of enchanted torpedo, but despite getting very close doesn't quite achieve the altitude desired, belly-flopping loudly back into the sea with a devil-may-care attitude.
The flying hag cackles madly, surveying her foes below for a weak victim...
Pick random target, alpha:1d6 ⇒ 2
...her eyes meet with Elo and from Elo's perspective the entire world turns upside-down as it feels you are falling down a leafy slide into darkness...
will save dc 14 or staggered, evil eye gaze attack
HP:55(65)/55(65) AC 18/15/14 Saves F+7:R+5:W+3 Rage: 12/12;
With no immediate threat, just some flying ugly woman, Arven relaxes against the a mast, "Wanna a hand Serenna?" he asks as he makes his way to the ballista.
Female Half-elf Brawler 2 / Rogue 3 | HP 36/36 {conditions: none} | AC 24 (Tch 15 FF 20) | F +6 R +11 W +2 | Init +6 | Perc +10, low-light vision
"Arven, I'll leave this in your care" says Lhinneth moving away from the ballista and towards the misshapen monstrosity up in the air. "Is that all you've got? Staying there and looking ugly?"
Salty throws another bomb at her.
"Come down!"
Bomb Attack Roll:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16Ranged Touch attack, Fire Damage, 5 splash damage at 5' DC 15 for half, 20' range Damage:1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (5) = 11 Miss Direction:1d8 ⇒ 5 Tanglefoot Bomb* (Su) A creature that takes a direct hit from a tanglefoot bomb must save against the bomb's DC or be entangled and glued to the floor as if it had failed its save against a tanglefoot bag (see page 160 of the Core Rulebook). Creatures in the splash area that fail their saves are entangled but not glued to the floor; those who make this save are not entangled at all.
Peggy, taking a shot with the ballista? From where you are lets say its double move to reach it from the main deck. In which case round 3 begins and Lhinneth and Sour's actions resolve...
Lhinneth's arrow easily finds a spot in the sky to stop at, near the beast's black heart. Sour's bomb likewise heavily damages the flying witch, sending a red waterfall into the sea...
