GM Ragged's Core Rules Souls for Smuggler's Shiv

Game Master waynemarkstubbs

All over Golarian, small children thrill to tales of the excitement of the sailor's life. Fierce seamonsters, wicked pirates, savage storms and all manner of perils stir the imagination of those who are snug and warm, a hundred leagues from the ocean.

The reality, as you have discovered, can be very dull - on-board the Jenivere, one day is much like the next. The crew, under the firm discipline of Captain Kovack, operate with practiced efficiency, such that there is little for First Mate Devers to do. The ship has made the run south dozens of times, bringing luxuries from the more civilized lands of the north to trade for spices, gems, plumes and exotic fruits to be sold in the chilly northern markets of Varisia.

This run, however, the fortunes of trade have not favoured the Jenivere, and Captain Kovack has tempered his losses by adapting some of the cargo area to passenger quarters, taking on more paying guests than is his wont. So it is a motley group that emerges, yawning and stretching onto the decks on a fine, hazy morning, three days out of Port Peril, as the Jenivere turns towards the rising sun and begins its long run up the Gulf of Sargava towards the colonial city of Eleder.

Please introduce your characters to the others, and describe how you joined the ship, and your general activities on board. The other passengers are described on page 11 of the Serpent's Skull Players' Guide

Pamela boarded the ship upon Jenivere's initial departure, before there were many passengers. Gelik, a paculiar gnome, boarded with her, and they quickly bonded over each others' stories and boasts as they attempted to pass the time.

Despite what Pamela heard about the wonders of sea travel, being confined to the ship wore on her excitement. And if there was one thing Pamela hated, it was boredom.

When not passing time with Gelik or exchanging stories with the sailors, Pamela is often found near the bow watching the sea as she attempts to control her abilities with water.

Corin boarded Jenivere in Port Peril. Though he is clearly Chelaxian, he speaks Taldane with a strange but faint accent.

And wears an obscure wooden holy symbol.

Quietly intense, he passes the journey with odd pursuits such as staring for long periods of time at an alcoholic beverage before dumping it over the side, or watching a game of chance without joining in.

He keeps his distance from Ieana and largely keeps to himself.

Karia is a slender Half-elf woman with bone white hair that stands out against her tanned complexion, her accent is Varisian and the mandolin strapped to her pack gives away her occupation.

She boarded the Jenivere at Mediogalti, and looked pleased to be leaving that island.

She promptly went around introducing herself to everybody, also giving Sasha a curious look, but not asking about her time in Ilizmagorti.

She spends a lot of time with Galik, enjoying his stories and trading her own in long winded tale spinning sessions.

Karia is a people person, if rebuffed she shrugs and moves on, she's a very good listener and enjoys hearing other peoples histories.

She happily catches up on Varisia with Pamela, not having been to her homeland for some years.

Although he boarded at Port Peril, dark-haired Corliss began working with the Jenivere's crew almost immediately thereafter and seems to know his way around a ship. The lithe fellow goes shirtless on the hotter days, a carved wooden skull-and-crossbones holy symbol of Besmara dangling from a leather cord around his neck, but he knows enough to put on a light long-sleeved shirt come evening to ward against mosquitoes. The captain, first mate, and crew all call his "Blackboots" but he's told those who've taken the time to speak with him that his real name is Corliss.

He often sings and whistles as he goes about his chores.

"Oh, pour me a slug of it! Throw me a mug of it! Bring me a jug of that Sargavan Spiced!" He then whistles the rest of the tune, perhaps having forgotten all but the song's chorus.

Apologies to Alestorm and "Famous Old Spiced."

A barefooted Sizara boarded the ship in Senghor, hoping the Jenivere would take her to exciting adventures. The elven barbarian is quite tall, not to mention busty and draws many an eye to her, and it doesn't help that she wears very little, although this could be since she has lived in the jungle and prefers the wildness of nature to civilized society she has never really noticed the pitfalls of being attractive. She is quite puzzled why the male, and some of the female, crew members whistle or do catcalls at her. Still, she is friendly and seems quite well, amazed at the activities and natures of the crew and other passengers on board the ship. Upon meeting Sasha, Sizara has become quite close to the red headed woman. While puzzled at the loss of the woman's missing finger, the Amazonian elf has decided not to sour their growing friendship by prying into things best left alone. The two have swapped stories about various things and Sizara has taken a liking to the redheaded human. Some of the crew whisper and smirk that the elf and human are lovers although they're not...well not right now, but Sizara prefers to let actions and words decide the fate of things like romance so it depends on what happens between the two.

When she's not explaining things like dinosaurs and other animals found in the jungle to Sasha, Sizara can be found listening to Gelik. She finds the gnome's tales and stories to be fascinating and amazing. The elven barbarian knew that there was a larger world out there but she didn't realize how amazing it would be!

She does steer clear of Ilena. Something about her makes Sizara very nervous...
If y'all okay with it, seeing if a romance can blossom between Sizara and Sasha. But depends on what happens. So wish me luck!. ;)

It soon becomes clear that there is something slightly out of sorts on the Jenivere that morning. The crew, usually so quick to respond to the captain's orders look in surprise as he sets the course and orders the arrangement of the sails, leading to him barking at them to 'step to'.

After a while, First Mate Devers has a quiet, yet obviously heated discussion with the captain at the stern of the ship, well out of earshot of the others. It is clear though that the First Mate is objecting to something, but is unable to change the captain's mind. With grim face, the first mate then sees to the arrangement of the ship, having quiet, soothing words with the crew.

The crew, for their part, mutter darkly about "steering too close to the Shiv" and grimly scan the horizon.

A Knowledge(geography) or Profession(Sailor) check might let you know what they are talking about. Alternatively, you could try a Diplomacy check to get more information from the crew.

Being a total gossip hound Karia drifts over to First mate Devers when the Captain is out of earshot. Smiling nicely she asks after the reason for the disquiet?

Diplomacy roll 16 + 6 = 22

Being a total gossip hound Karia drifts over to First mate Devers when the Captain is out of earshot. Smiling nicely she asks after the reason for the disquiet?

Diplomacy roll 16 + 6 = 22

"Ah, nothing to worry about Miss - the captain has just ordered an adjustment to our usual course. Cutting a few corners - you know? Should get us into Eleder all the quicker. The captain is very experienced. As I say, nothing to worry about."

But his face shows that he is worried.

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Karia nods as if reassured and asks him about this 'Shiv' She's heard the sailors discussing?

Diplomacy roll = 9 + 6 = 15

Once he's answered her she'll thank him and wander off, letting her fellow passengers know what she's found out.

Especially anyone who might know the area.

[dice=Knowledge (geography)]1d20 + 4

Corin draws a blank with that.

Karia nods as if reassured and asks him about this 'Shiv' She's heard the sailors discussing?

Diplomacy roll = 9 + 6 = 15

"Ah, Smuggler's Shiv. It's a nasty little island with some dangerous reefs. We usually give it a wide steer. But as I say, nothing to worry about - we won't get too close, and the captain knows what he is doing."

As I said, Karia will pass this on to the other passengers.

Hoping someone knows enough about the area to guess why the sailors seem so unhappy?

When Pamela hears about this Smuggler's Shiv, she seeks out Gelik, who seemed to know much about other lands.

"Do you know anything about this island? Sounds like it has a history," Pamela comments.

Picking up on the crew's unease, Corin moves to the ship's rail and scans the skies for signs of ill weather.

[dice=Take 10 Survival to predict the weather]10 + 6[/dice]

When Pamela hears about this Smuggler's Shiv, she seeks out Gelik, who seemed to know much about other lands.

"Do you know anything about this island? Sounds like it has a history," Pamela comments.

Gelik shrugs. "Heard mention of it - an old sailors' tale. A deadly island surrounded by reefs and currents, and full of cannibals, zombies, zombie cannibals, dragons, buried pirate treasure, cannibalistic zombie dragons, and tribes of savage warrior women who kidnap men and ravish them to death in great torchlit ceremonies. All depending on who is telling the tale."

Picking up on the crew's unease, Corin moves to the ship's rail and scans the skies for signs of ill weather.

[dice=Take 10 Survival to predict the weather]10 + 6

** spoiler omitted **

The weather is hot, hazy and fine, with a good following breeze, and no sign of storms. Corin does notice that the ship appears to be in a current stream - nothing major, but something the helmsman will have to compensate for to avoid being moved off-course.

Corin nods as he overhears Gelik speaking to Pamela. He shades his eyes as he studies the weather.

Sounds like the kind of place I'm looking for. Pity we're sailing past it. I need to climb the stairs.

Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Corliss continues to work tirelessly as he pays his passage east. He notices that although his brain doesn't register all the lingo, his fingers, hands and body seem to recall this kind of work, going about their business without his mind's input. He recognizes that the Jenivere has changed course and that the rest of the crew is worried by this fact. "Shiv" has that same "elusively familiar" ring to it that Eleder has, and the ex-pirate seems to think it had another name attached to it. Castaway's Shiv? Nay. Scallawag's Shiv. No. No matter.

Fate and destiny would carry him upon their tides. He was along for the ride. He'd either remember things from his past life or he wouldn't. Perhaps a blank slate wasn't such a terrible thing.

Pamela smirks about the part of a tribe of savage women. "Sounds like a lot of stories surround this place. Too many if you ask me. I think someone's hiding something there. A few spells from afar can get anyone's imagination running," Pamela comments.

After the morning's excitement, the day passes uneventfully. The crew continue to cast fearful gazes to the northeast, and after highsun even the least experienced on board can feel as the current causes the bow of the ship to suddenly 'swing', leading whoever is at the helm to curse loudly, and then lean into the great wheel, forcing the rudder aside to compensate. The captain spends most of the day in his cabin, leaving the running of the ship to the first mate.

The evening meal is taken in the small communal area below decks, just next to the galley. Crew and passengers eat at the same time, although their two tables are separated by half an inch in the cramped space, to preserve the propriety they eat separately. The captain takes his meal in his cabin, but the First Mate enjoys the opportunity to play host - joining the passengers, lavishing attention, jokes and tall tales on the women, and passing round a little of his 'private supply' of Shoanti Firewhisky - which Aerys seems to enjoy greatly.

Dinner is, as always, a hearty stew of root vegetables and salted meat, usually heavily spiced to disguise the somewhat stale ingredients. This evening is no different, except that it seems to taste even worse than usual. |There are a few pieces of dried pineapple and coconut to chew on afterwards, and you look forward to them eagerly as you eat your way through the spicy stew.

If only everything wasn't so blurry. And why is everything moving so slowly? You watch, fascinated, as your crude spoon falls slowly from your fingers before splashes down into your half-eaten stew, causing it to roll off the table and fall onto the collapsed forms of several sailors who are lying glassy-eyed on the floor. What are they doing there? Silly sailors! The captain, who is standing in the doorway to his cabin with that Ieana woman behind him will be cross with them...

And that's the
last thing
you
...
re..
mem...
ber.....

FORT saves please everyone

Corin waves away the proffered Shoanti Firewhisky and digs into his stew with masochistic abandon. As he sees the captain and Ieana he thinks, I should have known I couldn't trust a Chelaxian.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Fortitude Save: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

The elven barbarian is puzzled to why everything is so blurry...

The last thing she remembers is her head hitting the table...hard...

Fort save: 1d20 + 1: (4) + 1 = 5

Feeling rather revolted by the dinner Karia immediately slumps forward and passes out. *Thunk*

Your feet are wet.
And cold.
Wet and cold.

You're lying on a beach. You can feel the sand beneath you. Where are you? And how did you get here?

Slowly, like a bubble rising through treacle, you return to consciousness, although not all of you are at the surface yet. Corin, though, is helped to wakefulness by a sudden, gripping pain in his foot. Instinctively he jerks up his head and opens his eyes, revealing three things:

Fistly, his head really, really does hurt.
Secondly, he is on a beach, lying near the waterline, with a clear azure sky overhead, a number of still bodies scattered around him, and a large pile of assorted gear stacked a few feet to his left.
Thirdly, and most pressingly, there are three, dog-sized creatures looking like a cross between scorpions and lobsters clustered around his feet, and once of them seems to have just taken an experimental nip on his toes.

Corin, please give me an initiative roll and two rounds of actions. In Round 2, Sizara, who is about 20 feet to Corin's right, will wake - please give me an initiative roll and one round of actions. Everyone else will wake up soon. Everyone is sickened (-2 to pretty much all rolls) for this encounter.

Here is map which I hope everyone can see.

[dice=Initiative (sickened)]1d20 + 2- 2[/dice]

Corin scrambles to his feet and shouts, "Arise and defend yourselves!"

He attempts to identify the creatures as he searches about for a weapon, then spies the pile of equipment to his left and shuffles in that direction while attempting to fend off the creatures.

[dice= Knowledge (nature) sickened]1d20 + 4 - 2[/dice]

Move action to stand, 5-foot step to V9, standard action for total defense.

On his following round he keeps shouting in the hope of waking the others while maintaining his defensive posture and picks up a weapon from the pile (hopefully his own longsword).

Standard action for total defense, move action to pick up a weapon.

Int: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10

Sizara's head pounded as she struggled to get up.

"By the mercies of Shelyn, Shimye-Magalla, and Ketephys! What...huh? Where are we? We aren't dead, Shelyn and Shimye-Magalla please don't let us be dead as my head wouldn't be hurting so much."

Upon seeing the strange creatures, Sizara realizes that they are in trouble. With no weapons, the elven barbarian decides that the time for tactics has been thrown out the window, as foreigners usually say about such things as she throws caution to the wind as she charges at the nearest monster.

Knowledge (nature) prior to raging: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 2 = 10

Move action to stand, enter rage, and finally charge at X1 baddie. since it says I have to move before I do a charge attack. However, I might have overlooked something in the rules. And knowing myself, I probably did. So I apologize if I did. Been a busy day today so my brain's fried. Did a quick review of the rules and realized that by standing up I did do a move! So I checked around and apparently you can charge as soon as you stand up, although numerous forums are divided on how broken that sounds. I'll leave this to the GM: if you're cool with this, then I guess we are good to go. If you don't like it, then I'll do a 5step move and then charge on the next round.

Raging charge (unarmed) attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19

Raging charge (unarmed) attack damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

WARNING: I used PCGen to calculate both her unarmed attack bonus and damage. So they already include both her raging bonus and sickened penalty.

Charging is a full round action and can only be done as a standard action if you are limited to a standard action on your turn, such as if you are staggered or acting in a surprise round. You cannot move and then charge, or take a move action and then charge.

Ah okay. Sorry about that and thank you for pointing that out. The wording concerning the charge rules is a little misleading I'm afraid. But it's cool. Just disregard the charging then. Again I apologize about that.

Round 1

The hungry sea cretures advance on Corin, snapping their claws in anticipation of juicy manflesh. One grabs at his leg as he tries to get away, the sharp edges raking painfully down his calf and drawing blood. 1hp damage

Corin scrambles to his feet, trying to find his footing in the damp sand as his head swims. The creature that was about to munch on his toes, which looks to him like some overgrown sea-scorpion, makes another lunge with its sharp claws, but Corin manages to scramble out of the way. He shuffles over to the pile of gear, never taking his eyes off the creatures.

Round 2

Two of the beasts continue to snap at Corin, while the third scuttles up the beach, having spotted the tempting form a prone Blackboots. It clamps one of its claws around the unconscious man's arm and nips hard, causing him to awake with a yell. 1hp damage - Blackboots also awakes on turn three - please roll initiative and give me two rounds of actions.

Sizara, roused by Corin's shouting, scrambles to her feet, but is disoriented, starting one way, and then another, but not actually going anywhere.

Corin feels one handed for a weapon, any weapon, in the pile of equipment, and the gods favour him as his grip closes on the familiar hilt of his longsword. As he does so, one of them takes the opportunity to lunge at his legs again, causing a ragged cut across his thigh.

Pamela will awake at the beginning of Round 3, and Karia at the beginning of round four. Can I have initiative rolls from Blackboots, Pamela and Karia please, and two rounds of actions from Corin, Sizara, Blackboots and Pamela, and one round of actions from Karia. I'll post a new map shortly.

New Map - start of round 3

Did I take damage from the ragged cut across my thigh?

Corin keeps his guard up as he lashes out at one of the creatures. X2, if it drops on my first attack I'll move on to X3

[dice=Cold iron longsword (sickened)]1d20 + 4 - 2[/dice] damage: 1d8 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 2 = 10

[dice=Cold iron longsword (sickened)]1d20 + 4 - 2[/dice] damage: 1d8 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 = 7

Did I take damage from the ragged cut across my thigh?

Yes, sorry, 1hp

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10

Upon waking to painful shouting, Pamela sees large scorpion like creatures nearby. Leaping up, Pamela instinctively joins the fight, shooting a stream of cold water at one of the creatures.

Move to stand, standard to shoot an elemental ray (cold) at X1, with a -4 from shooting into melee.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 2 - 2 - 4 = 3

Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Keeping to her tactics, Pamela will step away a little from the battle and fire again.

5-foot step to spot X7, then a ray at X1 if alive, then X2 and X3 in that order otherwise.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 2 - 4 = 13

Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Corliss jolts to his senses, seeing the creature that nipped him. One of those things, he thinks, some recess of his mind recognizing the creature's appearance yet not recalling its name. The ex-pirate hops to his feet, surveys the beach, takes a quick (5-foot) step (to R8), and casts a bless spell.

For his second round's action he'll try to reach the equipment pile, hopefully with minimal AoOs from the beasties. As I'm not sure how the map will look then, I'll leave it to GM discretion where he moves.

GM: Are we wearing armor or is that in the equipment pile?

GM: Are we wearing armor or is that in the equipment pile?

Up to you - if you would have reasonably been wearing it when sitting down to dinner, then you are still wearing it. Otherwise it is in the equipment pile.

Come to think of it, I previously posted that Corliss went shirtless during the day and put on a long-sleeved shirt at night, so he wouldn't be wearing his armor.

Sizara was a bit dazed and disoriented, but as soon as she got her bearings straight, she immediately went into a frenzy, charging at the one of the two monsters attacking Corin.

Charging at X2, if it's still alive. If it's not, then I'm charging at X3.

Raging charge (unarmed) attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

Raging charge (unarmed) attack damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Please note once again that the rage bonus and sickened penalty have already been factored in. Again sorry about that: PCGen is helpful but I thought it best to let y'all know.

Sizara still has her hide armor on...not that means much due to the penalties from the sickened and raging conditions. ;P

Round 4
Karia awakens groggily, blinking in confusion at where she finds herself.

Init = 1d20 +2; (6) +2 -2(sickened) = 6

She starts Inspire courage using Perform (Oratory).

Perform (Oratory) 1d20 + 9; (9) + 9 - 2 (sickened) = 16

All who can hear her get +1 to save vs fear and charm effects. And +1 to attack and damage.

Karia is not in her armor and carefully gets to her feet ready to make for the equipment pile.

Bardic performance is a standard action. Getting up is her move action. Does Karia still have her spells? If so does she see anyone who needs a cure light?

Round 3
Corliss attempts to gain his feet, giving the hungry sea-creature threatening him a chance to lash out. Its sharp pincers close around his arm before he can yank it away, leaving a bleeding cut. 1hp damange.
The ex-pirate scrambles to put some distance between the creature and himself, before clutching at the symbol around his neck and mouthing a few words.

BLESS is now in effect - +1 morale bonus to attack rolls

The creature who attacked Corliss, maddened by the scent of blood, lunges again, and again draws blood as it rakes it sharp pincers down the man's leg. another 1hp

Back near the pile of equipment, the two creatures attacking Corin lunge forward, their claws clicking loudly, but the man holds them off with his newly retrieved blade.

Sizara, fury in her eyes, charges one of the creatures, pummelling it with her fists, and taking a nasty wound for her trouble 1hp Her savage blows eventually beat the creature into submission and it collapses onto its side, twitching and stunned.

Pamela concentrates, and a jet of icy water shoots from her hand, aimed at the creature attacking Corliss. Her woozy head throws off her aim, though, and the jet splashes into the sand, creating a slushy puddle.

Corin, sword in hand, lashes out at the remaining creature in front of him, but can't penetrate its thick shell.

Round 4
Corliss moves closer to the pile of equipment, nimbly sidestepping the grasping claws of the creature, and ending up standing next to focused Pamela.

The creature that was attacking him, seeing Sizara as a now much more tempting target, scuttles up to the elven woman and slashes at her with its claws, drawing a ragged wound on her thigh. 1hp damange

The one facing off against Corin, sensing itself surrounded by foes, flicks its long tail up and over its body, the glistening tip sinking into the man's shoulder. Corin feels a sudden burning sensation, and then a slowly spreading numbness from the wound 1hp damage, and see below.

Sizara turns her fury to the second creature, grabbing hold of its twisting tail and thumping it hard on the head with her fist until it too lies still in the sand.

Pamela compensates for her aim, and sends another stream of icy water at the remaining creature. It strikes true, coating it with an icy glaze, and it chitters and thrashes, then it too lies still.

Koria finally wakes from her fugue, to find herself presented with a most curious scene...

Combat over. Corin needs to make FORT saves, taking 1 DEX damage for each failure, until he succeeds or he fails 4 saves.

Corin drops to his knees in the sand, breathing hard, trying to collect himself. After a while he looks up and around, attempting to make sense of where he is.

The first roll saves, so Corin doesn't feel great, but he takes no DEX damange.

The group has time to look around, and try to work out what is going on. What they will immediately notice is a group of another 5 bodies, lying still on the sand about fifty yards further down the beach.

Are we still sickened?

After collecting himself, Corin sheathes his sword and moves over to the other bodies to see if he can help.

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Are we still sickened?

No, after the adrenaline rush of battle fades, your heads clear and you are no longer sickened.

The five bodies turn out to be five individuals from the Jenivere - Aerys the abrasive half-elf woman, Gelik the gnome, Ishirou the Tian, Jask the prisoner, his hands still manacled, and Sasha from Ilizmagorti. They are unconscious, and only now beginning to stir. Some of their gear is piled nearby.

Karia struggles to her feet, groaning and clutching her stomach, squinting as she looks around to get her bearings.

Once she's steadied a bit she'll move to the pile of equipment and get anything that's hers, donning armor and equipping weapons while still keeping an eye about her.

"Anyone have a clue about where we are, or what happened? The last I remember we had just eaten that awful meal on the ship."

"We need fresh water."

Corin looks around for any waterskins or water barrels.