GM WhtKnt's Open Water - A Skull & Shackles Adventure Path

Game Master WhtKnt

Prasi nods in agreement, and immediately starts to help inspecting around, collecting whatever needed, and getting ready to return to the ship.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

I'd also assume that after being in the ship for a while, even if in the "backstage", the other officers probably already know Prasi is a kitsune so wouldn't get confused when she shapechanges or anything. Otherwise, if desired, I can RP her revealing herself at some point when we're back onboard.

While the group gathers the armor and weapons to carry back to the ship, Chumtooth draws his kukri and steps up to the fallen giant.

With several smooth, practiced cuts, he severs the head and hands from the body.

Take 10 on Survival check to remove head and hands cleanly.

"The weapon is too big for us to wield, but will make fine trophy, mounted on the wall next to the head and hands of its wielder."

"I will take the head and hands of the one who carried the axe, also."

On the way out, he will Take 10 again to remove the head and hands of the magic axe wielding cyclops."

Riori meets Faengrim's stare and replies, solemnly but not warmly, "Desna keep you whole." Purple light surges through her to Faengrim and heals him.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 = 12

I think he was down 10 hp after Doc's healing, so that should more than do it

The sextet gathers its trophies and makes plans to return to the ship. And yet, an uninvestigated door beckons invitingly. A glance at one another confirms that the door is to be opened.

Several statues and two ornate runic circles stretch along this rubble-strewn hall. Several exits have been blocked by cave-ins, but a single open passage, its dusty floor marked with giant-sized footprints, leads eastward.

"More prey to hunt," Chumtooth says, pointing to the foot prints. "They must all be hunted down."

Faengrim stalks down the tunnel.

Prasi mutters a quick prayer to Besmara, then follows Chumtooth and Faengrim closeby, leaving enough space for her martial companions to take the lead. She still has most of her resources available, so she is feeling comfortable if there's more combat to be seen - or more enemies to be hunted down.

Team: when we have a chance (1 hour cast time!), and maybe before leaving, Prasi could also cast Create Tresure Map using some pieces from this last "boss guy" we fought. I Think it's thematic, and who knows what it may reveal! Let me know your thoughts :) I never used it before, but hey - it's a fricking buccaneer bard, that's the right AP for this kind of craziness!

Riori pauses to look at the runic circles. "Dantes, any idea what those are?"

Dantes looks the statues up and down as he approaches the runic circles. He crouches down by one, reaching out a hand. He waves his hand slowly, feeling for magic emanations as he studies the runes.

Statues, knowledge history, religion or nobility. 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18. If history is appropriate, the result should be one higher.

Rune circles, knowledge arcana, planes or spellcraft 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19. Plus four if it is spellcraft, plus five if it is arcana.

As Dantes kneels to look over the southwest circle, the two marble statues begin to move! They leave their bases and advance, carrying slender swords!

Everyone is up!

INITIATIVE
Rogar
Prasi
Riori
Chumtooth
Dantes
Faengrim
Statue 1 (northmost)
Statue 2 (southmost)

STATUS
Statue 1: AC 23/10/22; unharmed
Status 2: AC 23/10/22; unharmed

Chumtooth: AC 19/14/16, 111/111 hp
Riori: AC 25/13/19, 87/87 hp
Dantes: AC 15/15/14, 124/124 hp
Rogar: AC 20/15/17, 93/93 hp
Prasi: AC 23/15/19, 73/73 hp

Chumtooth Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Dantes Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Faengrim Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 (+4 in water)
Riori Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Rogar Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Prasi Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Statue 1 Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Statue 2 Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Prasi moves towards the center of the room, and as she lands in a space, she begins her inspiring dance again. The kitsune wouldn't want to wait any time, and was hoping her movements could once again help her fellow officers towards victory.

Inspire courage, +5 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +5 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

GM, I don't know if she still has her mirror images up or not; it was supposed to be only 10 minutes, and I don't know how much time we spent searching around and moving here.

"Watch out, lads and lassies. Th' statues are on th' move!"

sand bomb, PBS, IC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 + 5 = 33 21 vs touch
damage, IC: 5d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 2, 1) + 6 + 5 = 17 fire damage plus blinded for one round

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +14 1d6+4

Faengrim takes a simple step closer to the statue screaming his fury while cutting with his blade.

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 16 - 3 + 5 = 29 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 30

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 = 33 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 28

Claw: magic, silver, pow att, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 24 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 21

Bite: magic, silver, pow atk, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 21 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 20

Confirm Crit +2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 = 29 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 32

Riori flies upward out of reach of the statues and readies her starknife.

Chumtooth moves to adjust his line of sight, then hurls his harpoon at the statue engaged with Faengrim.

Ranged Attack, Point blank, Inspired: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 5 = 35

Damage, NO sneak attacks on constructs: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 + 5 = 22

GM, I don't know if she still has her mirror images up or not; it was supposed to be only 10 minutes, and I don't know how much time we spent searching around and moving here.

I'll let it have 5 minutes remaining.

Dantes carefully darts away, getting closer to his captain so he can bolster his prowess.

Withdraw action to get clear of the statues. Position is updated on the map.

Rogar starts things off with a bang, tossing a sand bomb at the nearest statue. Prasi begins another performance, and Riori flies up out of reach and readies her starknife. Chumtooth hurls his harpoon and strikes the first statue, seconds before Faengrim strikes. Dantes gets clear, drawing closer to Chumtooth. Faengrim's blade hits hard, slashing into the stone. The statue is heavily damaged, but still remains intact and fighting.

The damaged statue moves with impossible speed; its stone weapon slashing three times in rapid succession. Faengrim is hit twice, leaving deep cuts across his flesh. The other statue lumbers towards Rogar, swinging blindly. The blow whizzes over the dwarf's head.

Just so everyone is aware, the statues have DR 10/-.

Everyone is up!

STATUS
Spell Effects:
Mirror image (Prasi) (5 minutes)
Inspire courage

Statue 1: AC 23/10/22; -93 hp
Status 2: AC 23/10/22; -7 hp (blinded)

Chumtooth: AC 19/14/16, 111/111 hp
Faengrim: AC 23/15/20; 57/114 hp
Riori: AC 25/13/19, 87/87 hp
Dantes: AC 15/15/14, 124/124 hp
Rogar: AC 20/15/17, 93/93 hp
Prasi: AC 23/15/19, 73/73 hp

Harpoon damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 1) = 10
Greatsword damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) = 13
Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Damage: 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (1, 2) + 20 = 23
Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Damage: 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (5, 6) + 20 = 31
Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Damage: 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (5, 5) + 20 = 30
Statue vs. Rogar: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32 Damage: 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (5, 6) + 20 = 31
Miss chance (high misses): 1d100 ⇒ 88

Chumtooth moves around behind the statue attacking Faengrim, flanking it.

He hurls his harpoon, this time at the statue's lower body.

Ranged Attack, Point-Blank, Inspired, Flnking: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 5 = 38

Damage, NO sneak attacks on Constructs: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 5 = 21

Combat Maneuver, Grapple with harpoon: 1d20 + 14 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 5 = 36

Prasi moves her hands with grace, pronounces some words as a small shaving of licorice root is consumed, and suddenly her companions feel a lot faster than before.

Prasi casts HASTE. Due to harmonic spell, when she casts a level 1 or higher spell her performances keep going without having to waste rounds - so she didn't interrupt the performance yet. Unfortunately Faengrim is a bit far, but everyone else should be within 30 feet of each other - sorry Faengrim :/

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +14 1d6+4

Faengrim looks at his wounds in bewilderment before screaming his fury and diving back in.

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 16 - 3 + 5 = 35 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 30

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 = 15 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 32

Claw: magic, silver, pow att, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 23 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 21

Bite: magic, silver, pow atk, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 21 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 17

Confirm Crit +2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 = 15 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 26

"Miserable molecule o' mildew! Ye almost hit me!"

Not wanting to get better acquainted with that axe, Rogar scurries away from the lumbering statue but draws AoO while doing so, and tosses a bomb to distract the enemy.

sand bomb, PBS, IC, haste: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 32
damage, IC: 5d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 3, 6) + 6 + 5 = 34 fire damage plus blinded for one round

Riori hurls her adamantine starknife at the most damaged statue, or if one is remaining, the remaining statue.

Attack w/ main starknife, Haste, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 1 + 5 = 38

She follows up with her other nonmagical starknives, doubting they will do as much damage, but can't hurt to try.

Hasted bonus Attack, mwk starknife 1, haste, inspire courage: 1d20 + 11 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 5 + 1 = 27

Iterative Attack, mwk starknife 2, haste, inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 5 + 1 = 15

Confirm Crit with main starknife: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 + 5 = 22

Hopefully that's a hit
Main Starknife damage, ignores 10 hardness, inspire: 1d4 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 5 = 14
Main starknife addtl crit damage: 2d4 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 24

Not rolling the masterwork starknife damage as can't bypass hardness. I thought I'd see if I crit, but I did with the adamantine knife, which is even better!

The black starknife returns to Riori's hand after all the action.

"Miserable molecule o' mildew! Ye almost hit me!" Rogar shouts as he scurries away from the statue, which strikes at him as he goes, connecting and leaving a bloodied wound across his back. Rogar takes 27 points of damage! He tosses another bomb, blackening the construct and leaving it blinded again. Prasi casts haste on her companions (except Faengrim).

Riori hurls her black starknife at Faengrim's foe, following it with two more. The latter two deflect harmlessly off the statue's form, one of them shattering in the process (and the other being broken). The adamantine weapon, however, slices cleanly through the statue's neck. The head topples off and shatters against the floor, the remainder of the statue crumbling to rubble soon after, leaving behind a slender falchion.

Chumtooth hurls his harpoon at the other statue, aiming for the lower body. His weapon sinks into the stone leg.

Insert Dantes' action here.

Faengrim, his foe gone, wastes no time in moving to the other statue. He swings his sword against the stone behemoth, chipping away pieces of it. He further attacks it with a claw swipe and a bite, inflicting even more damage (though it pains him greatly).

Waiting on Dantes.

STATUS
Spell Effects:
Haste (10 rounds)
Mirror image (Prasi) (5 minutes)
Inspire courage

Statue 1: AC 23/10/22; -141 hp destroyed
Status 2: AC 20/7/19; -90 hp (blinded)

Chumtooth: AC 19/14/16, 111/111 hp
Faengrim: AC 23/15/20; 57/114 hp
Riori: AC 25/13/19, 87/87 hp
Dantes: AC 15/15/14, 124/124 hp
Rogar: AC 20/15/17, 66/93 hp
Prasi: AC 23/15/19, 73/73 hp

Since the blindness lasts only one round, it ends at the start of Rogar's turn, which means that the statue is not blinded when it takes its AoO.

Statue vs. Rogar AoO: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25 Damage: 2d6 + 20 ⇒ (3, 4) + 20 = 27
Damage to black starknife: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) = 14
Damage to starknife: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) = 8
Damage to starknife: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6) = 15
Damage to harpoon: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) = 13
Damage to greatsword: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1) = 6

Dantes imbues some arcane power into his captain, toughening his skin against the statues attacks.

Giving Chumtooth +2 natural armor bonus for three rounds.

Dantes offers his captain some degree of protection. The statue, for its part, continues to assault Faengrim, lashing out with three rapid-fire strikes. Two connect, one causing a severe wound!

Everyone is up!

STATUS
Spell Effects:
Haste (all but Faengrim) (9 rounds)
Mirror image (Prasi) (5 minutes)
Armor (Chumtooth) (2 rounds)
Inspire courage

Statue 1: AC 23/10/22; -141 hp destroyed
Status 2: AC 20/7/19; -90 hp (blinded)

Chumtooth: AC 22/17/19, 111/111 hp
Faengrim: AC 23/15/20; 3/114 hp
Riori: AC 26/14/20, 87/87 hp
Dantes: AC 16/16/15, 124/124 hp
Rogar: AC 21/16/18, 66/93 hp
Prasi: AC 24/16/20, 73/73 hp

Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15 Blindness (high misses): 1d100 ⇒ 68
Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 2) + 10 = 17 Blindness (high misses): 1d100 ⇒ 3
Statue vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 6) + 10 = 17 Blindness (high misses): 1d100 ⇒ 36

Crit confirm: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26 Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 5) + 10 = 20

Prasi does a side step, getting further from the statue. She lets the performance go another round, but holds on her action, confident her companions can deal with the current threat.

Seeing Faengrim take multiple blows from the statue, Chumtooth draws his morning star and rushes forward, winding up to strike with the full force of his body.

Charge and Power Attack with Morning Star: 1d20 + 15 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 5 + 2 - 2 = 30

Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 5 + 4 = 22

Seeing Faengrim take the brutal assault, Dantes darts up behind him and brushes a hand against his back. He imbues him with the same protection as he did their captain.

Faengrim gets +2 bonus to natural armor for three rounds.

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +14 1d6+4

With a grunt of pain and a scream of fury, Faengrim continues to swing his blade and even try to bite the stone thing.

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 16 - 3 + 5 = 25 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 28

+2 Greatsword: Power Attack, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 5 - 3 + 5 = 26 To Hurt: 2d6 + 8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 + 9 + 5 = 31

Claw: magic, silver, pow att, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 28 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 20

Bite: magic, silver, pow atk, Prasi
To Hit: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 14 - 3 + 5 = 35 To Hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 + 5 = 21

"Why yer lettin' it hammer ye like that?"

It certainly looks like Faengrim is starting to look like minced meat. With a quick appication of Rogar's very own kitchen-surgery skills, he patches the warrior together somewhat.
Heal (treat deadly wounds), heroism: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 21 + 2 = 36 =>50hp healed

Under the rain of blows inflicted by Faengrim and Chumtooth, the statue finally succumbs, falling to pieces as the magic that animates it leaves its frame.

Combat over!

Faengrim gives Rogar a bloody smile- it has to be all his own blood. "Hit it hard enough, fast enough and I win. The hurt it gives in return is just motivation to hit harder and faster."

Anyone need healing besides Faengrim? Just determining what spells vs wand I want to use

I'm currently at full hp.

Prasi finally interrupts her performance, and starts looking around for what could be next. She wants to give time enough for Faengrim to recover for his wounds - or to be cured - but still tries to keep the pace.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

I'm down 27hp, and I think Faengrim is 61hp down. Others are full, I believe

I'll use the wand

3 charges for Rogar: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 7, 6) + 3 = 17

5 charges for Faengrim: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 8, 3, 5, 2) + 5 = 31

1 More for Rogar: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

3 more for Faengrim: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 7, 4) + 3 = 19

3 more for Faengrim: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 7, 6) + 3 = 22

With the giant statues taken care of and the leader of the giants downed, you feel that, while there may be more to explore here, the giants have been broken, and you have the artifact you are seeking. It would be, perhaps, a good time to head back to the fort and the ship.

Which is your GM's way of saying that you have found everything to be found here.

"Alright, mateys... It seems 'tis time for the lot of us to get back to our coral dodger, isn't it?" - says the kitsune, alluding to her desire to step back in the ship soon.

"Right. Enuff giant butts kicked. Time t' head back." Rogar agrees. Every sailor wants some shoretime every now and then, but this place didn't hit Rogar's top ten.

"Aye, indeed. This has been enlightening, to aod the shore team, but Capn, especially since Prasi is feeling better, might I have permission to return to my duties on ship? Better for us all if I can get back to my charts, navigational and predictive. But this has been... Enlightening."

Riori pauses, and retrieves the coffee pot from her haversack. "But on the way back, let's not forget to bring this back to its friend, and be sure he don't devour our souls with it." Riori offers the pot should a senior officer want to hold onto the prize.

Chumtooth takes the pot from Riori and nods. ”If that is your wish,” he replies, with no malice, disapproval or disappointment in his tone.

”Let us return to the fort, and banish the spirits that haunt it.”

"Yes, these circles are just teleportation circles, but I suspect they've long since been non functioning."

Faengrim seems like he is going to say something to Riori, but changes his mind. "One final sweep of the place, then back to ship."

A final sweep finds little of value, and you return to the fort, arriving in the late afternoon.

Chumtooth entrusts the teapot with the Stone insude it to Dantes, Rogar, Prasi and Riori to examine as the party makes its way back.

Meanwhile he and Faengrim keep watch for threats.

"Let us rid ourselves of the madman and the spirit that haunts him once and for all," Chumtooth grumbles, as the fortress comes into full view.