GM Rednal's Skull & Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Battered by the storm, Lucas counts himself fortunate he can even keep his grip up in the rigging. "Doin' my damnedest, Jaws," he says as he narrowly ducks the end of a rope flying toward his face like a whip. "But this storm is making it tough as hell!"

I was going to go back to the phobia rules here, but they don't seem appropriate to the situation. So I guess Ambrose is just going to have to suck it up.

Ambrose fumes inwardly at the rotten luck, but the rigging is where each of them i needed. Still, Ambrose is in no hurry and waits until most of the others had already ascended. After steeling his nerves, he glares up at the mast and the rigging as though they were personally responsible for putting him here.

As he scales the ropes, he tries to keep his full attention focused on the next step. He breathes in and out through his nostrils, and the thin trails of smoke he releases are blown away instantaneously. With every flash of lightning and peal of thunder, he flinches. This fear is irrational, Lieutenant Jeggare tells himself. You have spent countless hours in the rigging, and you have never been harmed. You will not be blown out of the ropes again. It could not kill you then, and you will not die now. You will discover who was responsible, and you will exact your vengeance in due course, but first you must climb the damned ropes!

By focusing on his anger and his thirst for vengeance, Ambrose keeps the fear at bay enough to do his job without issue. When other thoughts begin to press in, he remembers his past life. Social gatherings in the salon. Shopping trips with his mother. Visiting the shipyards with his father. After-hours study at the Acadamae. Remembering what he's lost - no, what was stolen from him - gives him what he needs to push past the fear and spur him on toward his eventual satisfaction. For a time, he forgets the howling winds whipping his hair about, the pounding rain soaking him to the bone, and the flashes of lightning that turn day to night. He was even able to forget, just for a few hours, that it was a pirate ship in the Shackles he was sailing on, and not the Imp's Purse voyaging across the Inner Sea. For a while, it was enough to do what needed to be done.

Profession (sailor) DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Fort save DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Your success was best described as... muted, at best. Ambrose's stomach wasn't so good by the end of things, and both Lucas and Atsadi were the subject of quite a lot of yelling and cursing from the officers (something the rest of the crew definitely noted). There were no actual whippings to go with the tongue-lashings, though, possibly because they really did need everybody working as best they could.

As the rough day turned into an even rougher night, it was clear sleep would be elusive regardless of your fatigue... and it didn't help that visibility was practically nonexistent as the rain poured down and the winds howled.

And that was when you heard a yelp from near the fore of the ship... not of pain, but of fear.

Fighting fatigue, nausea, and sleeplessness puts Ambrose in an even more sour mood than usual. In a fit of bad judgement, no doubt brought on by the aforementioned, he grumpily responds to the sounds from above-decks. Swinging out of his hammock, he throws on his coat and makes his way up the stairs as the ship tosses beneath his feet. "By all that is unholy, what is it?"

Lucas takes it in stride. Without getting OOTS-y meta about it, sometimes you just roll a 5.

At the sound above deck, Lucas bounds topside, weapons in hand and peering to the front of the ship with his darkvision.

Atsadi doesn't turn away from his work, but will glance over. Seeing Lucas's attention he'll call over to him. "What do you see, Lucas?"

Who said you got to sleep during the storm? XD

At the front of the ship, you saw several small creatures assaulting a crew member - and another member of the crew was pulled over the side, landing with a loud splash. From the rear of the ship - hard to hear over the roaring winds - you could faintly hear orders continuing to be bellowed.

"MAN OVERBOARD! CREATURES ATTACKING IN THE FORECASTLE!"

Lucas bounds into action. "We'll need a line to ready for whoever went over."

"What the devil?!" There was no time to stand around gawking, and Ambrose immediately sets about retrieving the rope. "Atsadi, get in the water! Whatever they are, they have one of ours."

"On it, Ambrose!" Atsadi will start running for the side of the dock, leaping into the water and transforming into his shark form.
initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 and spend 1 spell point to assume aquan form with no concentration.

There were some angry cries from further back - but the ship, quite literally, couldn't afford to be taking people away from managing it at the moment, especially with the three of you already not up in the sails.

The worse news? There was practically no light aside from the ship and the occasional flash of lightning, so it was hard for Atsadi to see much of anything beyond a few feet... and with that short of visibility, there was no telling where the overboard person was. It was, in fact, rather hard for even those up on the ship to see Atsadi... and the encounter at the fore of the ship continued. Given the number of small attackers, it wasn't going to be long before their target fell.

Atsadi gets low light vision and 30ft blindsense while in water with his shark form :3

Atsadi gets low light vision and 30ft blindsense while in water with his shark form :3

So between that and me and Ambrose having Darkvision, can we safely assume we have a clearer picture of our respective environs?

Shark-sadi will swim around where he hears the sound, hoping his blindsense will pick up on something.

Atsadi, you'll need to give me a direction for your search, since the target isn't immediately apparent. Feel free to use keypad orientation (8 is straight ahead, 2 is behind, etc.)

And Darkvision 60 feet doesn't see very far into the water. XD It does let you see down in that direction, though.

Near the front of the ship I think, so..uhm..8?

And Darkvision 60 feet doesn't see very far into the water. XD It does let you see down in that direction, though.

If that was directed at my question, I'm not asking about down in the water. I'm asking about the fight up at the forecastle that you mentioned. What do we see there? If there's not suicidal amounts of trouble I'm heading over there.

I'm just going to go ahead and assume so, since it's dragging the pace.

With Atsadi handling the situation in the water, Lieutenant Jeggare advances to the struggle at the fore of the ship, sword drawn at the ready.

At the front of the ship, you see multiple small creatures attacking your shipmate, though you'll need a knowledge check to properly identify them.

Hefting his boarding axe and one of his daggers, Lucas grins at Ambrose. "Shall we, Butcher?"

If needed:
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Kn(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

And which shipmate is about to think, "Wow, good for Lucas and Ambrose?"

Ambrose curls his upper lip in a sneer at the nickname and pushes past Lucas impatiently. "Let's throw these lubbers back into the drink!"

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Knowledge (?): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

If seeing is still a problem, or if there are other crewmembers that could join in the fight, I have Dancing Lights that can be cast.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Sharksadi will continue to swim near the front of the boat and then around to the side. He's going to try hunting for where the sounds are coming from and use his blindsense and low-light vision to find the flailing person. perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

One you haven't spoken to very much, as it happens...

Identifying the creatures up on deck was proving... difficult. Three of them turned to engage Lucas and Ambrose, though-

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

-and were faster than Lucas, but not as fast as Ambrose. (Who's got a round of actions.)

Down under the waterline, Atsadi was rapidly swimming around - but there was no sign of the figure that had been taken. If there was anything for certain, it was that they were no longer close by.

Even if the characters can't ID, can we the players at least get some sort of description? Right now in my mind's eye we're under attack by department store mannequins. From the children's department, I guess, b/c small. :)

Round 1

As he approaches the outer fringes of the struggle, Ambrose takes the opportunity to cast a protective spell. Speaking in the devil-tongue, he enshrouds himself with hellfire that disappears instantaneously, leaving behind an encircling heat shimmer. Casting mage armor.

"What manner of creatures are these?" Ambrose shouts above the fray. "We do not have their like in Korvosa!"

HP: 22
AC: 16

Metagaming a little bit here, but IIRC, they're like goblins with octopoid lower halves. Like Donald Duck in the Atlantica levels in the Kingdom Hearts games.

Atsadi growls as he realizes whoever had fallen overboard must have already drowned--or worse. He'll follow the ship as it sails, shifting to human form just long enough to shout before turning back into a shark and concentrating on the form.

"Oi! Whoever fell overboard's already gone! Someone throw a rope!"

Well, that's one way to describe them, I suppose. XD

Seeing Ambrose cast, two of the creatures darted over to try and bring him down before he could cast any other foul spells upon them, while the last darted at Lucas to take advantage of his current vulnerability. Each of them was carrying a small spear, and they didn't hesitate to jab out with them.

Melee (Ambrose): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Melee (Ambrose): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Melee (Lucas) vs FF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Rather fortunately for you, none of them had good aim.

Lucas whips his weapons out swipes both of them at the bizarre-looking creature in front of him. The axe's follow through is a little wild, as Lucas tries to decide what on Earth he's facing.

Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Dagger Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Axe Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 15
If this thing is humanoid, my Local is +6, if it's an aberration, my Dungeoneering is +1. Please apply whichever mod applies. As I said, probably won't get to post again until Sunday night.

Ambrose bats a spear aside as another is deflected by his protective spell. He circles defensively until disengaging to retrieve rope. Tossing it out at the water, he calls out for Atsadi. "Hurry up!"

I don't really think there's much Atsadi can do other than follow the ship and wait for someone to throw a rope or something overboard at this point.

Ambrose just threw a rope out...

Feel like using that, then? ^^ Or, y'know, you could patrol for enemies, try to catch some if they aim to escape, and so on. There are options here.

...Missed that, Sorry Hurley!

Shifting back to human form, the pirate struggles with the water, grabbing onto the rope. He shifts into a trance, standing upon the water as he tugs on the rope and begins to scale upward, using the ship to assist his assent.

He grits his teeth and Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 is going to have a hard time clambering up with the storm and the waves. But he'll make his attempt regardless, the sound of combat above driving him to work harder.

Atsadi wasn't making much progress up the rope as the ship rode the violent waves, and he landed back in the water with a splash. Lucas, on the other hand, was finally able to drudge up some memories as he stabbed one of the creatures, and the grindylows - nasty, ill-tempered aquatic beasties in general - hissed fiercely at him. One of them stepped away from Ambrose, joining its companion in attacking what they apparently perceived as the more dangerous foe.

Melee (Ambrose): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Melee (Lucas): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Melee (Lucas): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

For now, though, your defenses were continuing to hold - though only Besmara likely knew how long that would last.

Using the methods of the Inner Sphere Stance, Lucas was able to fend off the grindylows' attacks until they left openings for him to counter. Then, quick as lightning, he buries the axe spike in one while he flicks his knife at the other.

Uh, let's say the axe is going at the one that just came to me, and the dagger is at the one I already attacked.

Boarding Axe attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Axe damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Dagger attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Dagger damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Dagger confirm?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Dagger crit: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Grindylows. Sea goblins. I know there are folks that think they're cute and s+@$ like that, but me, I don't see it."

Ambrose looks backward at Lucas. The odds weren't good, but he was holding his own well enough. Gritting his teeth, he grabs the rope, trying to hold it as steady for Atsadi as possible.

Climb (aid another): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Atsadi's streams of curses and growls are lost to the storm and the sounds of waves crashing against the ship--and him. As Ambrose hauls on the rope to help the half-drowned pirate up, Atsadi looks up with a broad smile.

"Aye, thank you for the help, Ambrose!"
Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

He scowls as his hands slip, his sodden clothing sticking to him. "There isn't a sign of anyone in the water. Whoever fell overboard got dragged off somewhere!" he calls out. "Go help Lucas! I won't drown and I don't want to find one of you bleeding all over the ship when I get up there!"

Note to self: invest in climb skill.

For people who are on a ship a lot? Yeah, climb may be a bit more helpful than usual. Don't forget about tools you can get, either.

With a heavy swing, Lucas took down the injured Grindylow, and followed up by skewering the other. That left just the one attacking Ambrose as he failed to help Atsadi climb up.

Melee (Ambrose): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Its blow glanced away, though - and in just a few moments, Lucas and Ambrose were able to finish it off. A bright flash of lightning crossed the clouds above you a moment later, and in the momentary illumination, you saw perhaps half a dozen other grindylows aboard the ship diving down into the water and heading into the lightless depths.

Lucas turns to the crewman who'd been assaulted. "They do anything more noteworthy than climb up here and start stabbin'? Are you hurt?"

"Grindylows, you said?" he asks Lucas after they repel the attackers. "Sea goblins indeed! Who did they take?" Lieutenant Jeggare takes a headcount as quickly as he can, attempting to discern the identity of the unfortunate victim. Somewhere in the back of his brain, he cannot help but hope for it to have been one of Plugg's ilk.

Finally making his way up (taking 20? XD), Atsadi looks around at the battle scene. "Disgusting monsters. Let's see who we lost!"

Counting heads, you notice only one member of the crew missing - Sandara Quinn. Before you could do much more, though, Plugg was already yelling at you. "Back into the rigging, you lazy barnacle suckers! Storm ain't over yet!"

Sandara.." Atsadi scowls at Plugg, sneering at him but scurrying back to the rigging.

He looks at Ambrose, furrowing his brow and shaking his head, muttering to Lucas. "We'll need to meet up after this storm to talk about this. Any chance you think Plugg somehow overheard us and planned this? Or is this just sheer bad luck..."

Smoke streams from the corners of Ambrose's eyes as he has no choice but to continue the grueling work under their excessively demoralizing conditions. There was nothing for it but to keep a stiff upper lip. This trial would not break him.

As he works, he wonders about the pirate priestess's fate. He knows nothing of grindylows, but if sea goblins were anything like their counterparts on dry land, Sandara's capture was going to be unpleasant for her at best. If they dwell in the depths, she will no doubt be drowned by now. However, they fought on deck. Therefore, they must be amphibious, so it is yet a possibility that they have a lair on land, or a grotto of some sort. But what use could they have for a live captive?

Sandara. Of all the sailors on the gods-forsaken ship, it had to be her. This development was more than just infuriating, it was simply unacceptable! At every turn, things only seemed to worsen for Ambrose. Just when he feels the situation is on the very precipice of improving, it is snatched away. It was enough to make one feel storm-tossed by the very winds of fate! Feeling as helpless as he did floating on the wrecked piece of hull, Ambrose makes a quiet plea for help. Some prayers are not for the uncaring likes of Gozreh or Asmodeus. Instead, he speaks his words to the winds and the waves, entreating whatever force it was that finally pushed him ashore. "Whoever or whatever you are, I know you are listening. You heard me once before, now hear me again. If there was any purpose in preserving my life before, even if just for your twisted amusement, preserve Sandara Quinn now."

Lucas looks down at the dagger in his hand, then takes it and whips it out over the railing, into the sea. As it is lost to the waves, in his heart he makes a brief prayer to Besmara.

O Queen, they say that all things that go beneath the waves become yours, to do with as you see fit. All I ever sought was to live a free life on the waves as one of yours. My friends and I need Sandara’s help in that. I beseech you, keep her safe until the sea shall give her back to us.

As Plugg bellows at them, Lucas walks coolly back into the rigging. "Abandoning a priestess of Besmara, we’ll end up cursed of the sea…"

In response to Atsadi’s question, Lucas replies, "My gut says bad luck, but he’s happy to take the loss. The question becomes, if he’s now down one with Quinn gone, how many more of us can he lose before he literally can’t man the ship?"

If there was a response from the Pirate Queen, it wasn't very obvious - she was a fickle goddess, and unlike mercenary entities like Moloch (who would basically always show up if appropriate offerings were made), one could never be entirely sure what side she was going to take or when she'd choose to intervene.

Everyone, please give me a Fortitude save vs Fatigue. This is a loooong day and a half. XD

Lucas wouldn't have expected any sort of overt response, for precisely those reasons, but that certainly wouldn't have prevented him from asking. And yes, I did take one dagger off Lucas' inventory. :)

Using Indomitable Presence on my Fort save; anyone else that's within 30 feet of me gets that +3 morale bonus.

1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 3 = 20

Fort save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

I've been traveling since last Thursday, just got back yesterday night. I missed this post ><

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 3 = 22