Skull & shackles (Inactive)

Game Master DBH

"What in Gorum's hairy ballsack is going on?" Marnir asks Niobe as the rats continue to swarm around the kitchen. "What do you mean something's drawing them in?" He looks around for anywhere that the rats might be congregating more thickly and starts rooting round for anything out of place that might be attracting the carpet of rodents.

Kung catches Callidora's eye as he shares a celebratory drink with Lady Bloodmourn; he gives his fellow Drake a questioning look, but dismisses it with shrugged shoulders. They call for Kung if they need Kung, right?

"Someone called them here, I think," says Niobe. "Or someone. Maybe planted a magical item or some kind of special food? I need Callidora to see if there's anything magical in this room."

Since my Wild Empathy failed, there is literally nothing I can do about this.

I wouldn't do this in a live game, but in the interests of saving a lot of time - CLUE!. They seem fixated on the food being prepared. :)

Exchanging a look with Kung and having noted the kitchen girl having gotten Niobe's attention, Callidora turns up the charm, engaging the guests and being as captivating a host as possible, keeping as much attention away from whatever was going on in the kitchen as possible.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

"Maybe it's the all the food," Marnir suggests. "I bet there's more food here now than any time in the last hundred years." He looks round the kitchen to work out if there seems to be any food that the rats are particularly attracted to.

"I think you're right," says Niobe. "Cheese, perhaps? Or is that just an old wives' tale?" She splits off from Marnir to try to find out what the rats are especially getting into.

"I prepared a bountiful banquet spell just in case," she adds. "Once we get the rats out of here I can cast it to make more food for the feast."

Using observation with some trial and and error you locate several dishes that the rats are drawn too, they all are meat dishes using a special sauce prepared by the cook.

He sniffs it and declares in rage. "Someone's tampered with my best barbeque sauce!".

You quickly throw the dishes down into the cellar, the rats stop there desperate attempts to enter the kitchen and fall on the meat in a fury, fighting among themselves to get at the food.

While the cook frantically prepares more sauce, sniffing each ingredient suspiciously the kitchen staff hurriedly get more meat over the flames.

Problem solved, but it's clear you have someone trying to sabotage your feast now. However it's time to get out and eat with your guests for now.

What are you doing?

"Keep the food coming," Marnir says, slamming the cellar door on the last of the rats, "I don't want this problem boiling over," he adds, smirking at his own joke.

He leaves the kitchen, no longer convinced that the night will all go to plan, and looks for Kung. He sees him drinking with Lady Bloodmourn and beckons him over for a quiet word, out of earshot of their guests. "Small problem in the kitchen - seems like someone is trying to sabotage our party. I want you to gather up a few of your most trustworthy men, and have Norva and Kyra do the same, then get them patrolling the fort in pairs. Something fishy is going on here, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let it f&*! up this party."

The meal is greeted with great pleasure by the various guests. The well cooked and very tasty food being shoveled down by the great mass. Eaten with more decorum by those with greater rank or manners though.

Captain Darimar engages you in conversation over the meals, asking questions on your knowledge of the Shackles.

Knowledge Geography, Nature or a survival roll please. You can all roll for this.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Niobe clears some space in the kitchen and casts bountiful banquet to supplement the feast, just in case anything was ruined by the rats. Given her aquatic druid nature, the food created runs toward the kinds of things that merfolk eat: sashimi-like cuts of fish, warm seaweed soup, caviar, filleted octopus, and a few fresh fruits and vegetables of the kind that might be find near the shoreline - pine nuts, babaco, guava, and mandarin oranges.

Returning to the party she takes a seat and gingerly pulls apart one of the oranges for herself.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

"We've been plenty of places, though of course most of my knowledge is below," she says. "Among the kelp beds and the places where sunlight filters into warm waters over coral reefs."

"As a non-native of The Shackles it's taken a bit of time to work out where everything is," Marnir says when the conversation comes round to him, "but actually it's a lot like the Lands of the Linnorm Kings - lots of islands, lots of coastline, lots of people vying for territory. Fewer linnorms, though," he adds.

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Part aquatic elf, Captain Darimar has always held a fascination for the creatures of the deep and the aquatic fey.

Your knowledge of the Shackles, and the fact that two of your officers are from aquatic races has impressed him and he also presents you with a gift.

On the heels of a couple of close calls, you face yet another challenge at the end of the meal. As they served the feast, Audessa's
courtesans caught the lecherous eyes of Avimar Sorrinash and his crew.

Sorrinash seems very interested in Audessa, and he questions you extensively about her. She seems familiar to Sorrinash, who visited the brothel in Quent where Audessa worked in the past. As Audessa and her courtesans go about clearing the tables, Sorrinash's advances grow more pronounced. Audessa becomes uncomfortable under this direct attention, but the more she denies his advances, the harder he pursues.

How are you handling this?

Part aquatic elf, Captain Darimar has always held a fascination for the creatures of the deep and the aquatic fey.

Your knowledge of the Shackles, and the fact that two of your officers are from aquatic races has impressed him and he also presents you with a gift.

** spoiler omitted **

”Captain, perhaps you’d care to go swimming some time? We have spells at our disposal to make it simple and enjoyable.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Niobe grows increasingly uncomfortable as Sorrinash and Audessa’s unfortunate situation plays out, and seeks Marnir’s counsel.

”As much as we want the support of the captains... I don’t know that I want his support at this kind of cost.”

"You're right, we don't need that sort of attitude towards our people," Marnir agrees. "Keep an eye on Captain Sorrinash's crew will you? I don't fancy getting stabbed in the back while I have a little talk with their boss."

Marnir grabs a bottle of rum from a passing serving girl and walks over to where Avimar is sitting, looking lecherously towards Audessa who seems to be doing her best to hold back and angry outburst at the belligerent captain. "She is off limits," Marnir says coldly, looking Captain Sorrinash straight in the eye as he slams the bottle on the table. "You will leave her alone, and you'll tell your crew to do the same, or you'll face the consequences." His expression is stern and his eyes hard and sharp as the adamantine axe at his belt. "I'll not tolerate abuse of my people by anybody, no matter how much gold they have nor how many titles they carry. Is that clear, Captain?"

That feels like an Intimidate attempt, so I'll roll just in case.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35

Callidora notes the lecherous squid Sorrinash refocuses his attention on Audessa. For a moment, the seawitch was glad to see the man's eyes veer away from Niobe, noting somewhere in the back of her mind just how much that had actually bothered her.

But as his leering attention became visibly uncomfortable for Audessa, her expression darkens. Excusing herself for a moment she finds the Marnir just as Niobe does, nodding in agreement. "He's by far not only becoming aggressive but insulting your hospitality as well. Everyone here needs to remember that those who call this island home are under your protection."

Started this post before yours but I'm at work so got ninja'd lol

That's the best kind of ninja - a pirate ninja!

A Viking pirate ninja!

Avimar Sorrinash is surprised by Marnir's actions. He staggers back clearly shaken by his words.

Unfortunately his fear triggers his bestial nature and Sorrinash howls as he transforms into his Werewolf form!

Marnir you have an action as he transforms, then we go to combat as he will be attacking.

What are you doing now?

New map up top for the fight. The Feast.

Kung returns to the dining hall after getting a few patrols set up to seek out the cause of--and prevent any further--sabotage on their party. He steps into the room as Marnir slams the bottle down. Stopping to observe, his hands still naturally drift to his greatsword's hilt.

His peg-leg begins tapping the faintest rhythm, the sharp ringing of the stone floor adding an unusual and exotic character to the sound.

Callidora's eyes narrow as the savage reacts poorly to Marnir's warning, her mind already running through options should things result in violence.

' Let him take the first swing and violate our hospitality' she thinks, already planning how this would play out among the pirate court.

"Show who's in charge, captain," says Niobe quietly to Marnir.

Using war blessing: nobility, which gives Marnir a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls for 1 minute.

Oops. Didn't expect to do that.

Marnir recoils as Captain Sorrinash transforms, his bestial appearance startling in it's suddenness. "He is not to be killed!" Marnir roars as he draws his axe. He hears Niobe's words and feels her bolstering magic as he starts his warchant, the coarse Ulfen syllables echoing around the now quiet hall.

If I only get one action, like a surprise round, then I'll draw my weapon and take a 5ft step back. If I get a full round of actions (not sure how long the transformation takes) I'll cast haste on us all. Either way, Savage Intuition makes my inspired rage start for free.

Doesn't go into how long it takes to transform, it does say he turns into his Werewolf form if you intimidate him. I'm saying it's a full round so the party is hasted.

Only the officers of the ships are at the feast, when Sorrinash's men look to join the fight Captain Fairwind shouts in a commanding voice. "Anyone who interferes will be keelhauled! By command of the Pirate council. The fool broke guest law by himself, let him fall by himself!"

Captain Bloodmourn nods, watching matters closely. "Agreed. He's not at home in his stinking kennel now and if he doesn't realize that he can suffer!"

His officers look around and see several crews looking their way with bloodthirsty interest and carefully sit back in their seats.

Battle order.

Marnir, then Kung and Callidora.

Sorrinash

Niobe.

GO for it.

A full round of actions also nets me a swift action - I'll also use Battle Cry during my first round of actions to give allies within 30ft a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear for 1 minute.

With the other captains keeping Sorrinash's crew out of the fight, and with Captain Fairwind declaring Sorrinash in the wrong, Marnir roars his warchant as he steps forwards and swings his axe at the beast before him.

Free Action to continue inspired rage, Swift Action to use Arcane Strike, Free Action to 5ft step, Full Round Action to full attack.

Axe attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30

Axe attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30

Axe attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32

Also, what do I know about werewolves?

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

The tap of Kung's peg-leg increases in volume as he rage takes over, propelling him towards the werewolf in Marnir's wake. Kung, with enhanced quickness, slashes his greatsword in his fury, though not a fury so blind that he loses sight of his captain's admonition. ...not killed ... not killed ... not killed...

Oops. Didn't expect to do that.

Marnir recoils as Captain Sorrinash transforms, his bestial appearance startling in it's suddenness. "He is not to be killed!" Marnir roars as he draws his axe. He hears Niobe's words and feels her bolstering magic as he starts his warchant, the coarse Ulfen syllables echoing around the now quiet hall.

** spoiler omitted **

Uhhmmm.....I'm pretty sure Kung just killed him

Nope. Marnir missed all his attacks, Kung hit twice for 85hp damage, but Sorrinash is still on his feet.

Callidora's baleful gaze falls upon the raging werewolf, twisting the strands of fate against him.

Misfortune Hex DC 20 Will. Anytime the creature makes an ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll twice and take the worse result

Will save vs Misfortune: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 :)

Sorrinash ignores Callidora's hex and goes all out on Marnir.

Longsword: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Longsword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Longsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Howling out "Kill you! Kill you all!" as he swings savagely.

Niobe can act, then the first three again.

Niobe weaves a quick spell to engulf Sorrinash's blade.

Heat metal, Will save DC 17 or it suffers the usual continual fire damage over the next several rounds.

...not kill ... not kill ... not kill... Kung keeps his mantra in his mind, the symmetry of its rhythm with that of his peg-leg only apparent to the half-orc. He swipes again and again with his sword, beating at the werewolf almost as much as he is slashing.

Callidora frowns as she feels the hex break against Sorrinash's defenses. With an exertion of will she grabs hold of the threads of fate once again, twisting them out of the savage captain's favor.

Accursed Hex. When you target a creature with a hex that cannot target the same creature more than once per day, and that creature succeeds at its saving throw against the hex’s effect, you can target the creature with the same hex a second time before the end of your next turn.

Will save vs Heat metal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Will save vs Hex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Botting Marnir
axe: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
axe: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
axe: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

damage: 1d8 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

Assuming Marnir is still going for non-lethal?

Sorrinash collapses to the ground, bleeding from the heavy blows, but still breathing.

"A shame you didn't end the worthless beast." Captain Bloodmourn says dryly, getting a nod of agreement from Tessa Fairwind.

What now?

"I have something better." Callidora says ominously as she begins to guesture, chanting in flowing aquan as she calls to the Mother of the Deep to never again offer the vicious monster succor.

Old Salt’s Curse (DC 20 Will)

Thanks GM. I wasn't aiming for non-lethal, just hoping that I didn't hit hard enough to kill him.

"He's a guest here, despite his poor behaviour. I'll not be know as the captain that kills those he hosts," Marnir says, making it clear that despite Captain Sorrinash's unacceptable actions he isn't to be killed on the island. "We'll make it known that he's a violent, predatory lout, and he'll find himself no longer welcome here." He watches as Cally weaves her magic across the captain's prone form, knowing nothing of her spell but suspecting that it won't be good for the werewolf.

Marnir turns to some of Captain Sorrinash's officers, who stand agog as their captain bleeds across the floor. "Get him back to his ship, I want him off my island by the time he wakes up."

Cally, that spell is savage!

Will save vs Old Salts curse: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Will save vs Old Salts curse Misfortune roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Late in the evening, after you have have addressed Avimar Sorrinash's uncouth behavior, one of Audessa's young proteges approaches you.
The courtesan is responsible for adding an aphrodisiac into Sorrinash's drink, and realizing his mistake, he tries to explain what happened.
The young man tells you that while he was throwing out scraps in the back alley, a beautiful woman approached him and asked him to serve Lord Sorrinash a specially prepared drink.

It never even occurred to the man to refuse her.
When you ask the young man for the woman's description, you can quickly surmise that the woman in the alley was the nereid Sefina?

What now?

"Well, s~!#," Marnir says, his righteous anger somewhat diminished by the fact that Sorrinash's lecherousness may have been influenced by their saboteur. "Seems unlikely it would have been Sefina," he muses to the others. "Maybe we should have a look around the alleyway, see if there are any clues as to who's trying to stitch us up."

I'd like to have a quick look outside, see if anyone has left anything suspicious. I've got an idea of who might be trying to shaft us, but I doubt Marnir would have put it together.

"Hmm. Yes, it could very well be a magical disguise," says Niobe.

"Altogether, quite a good thing that you prudently spared his life."

"Worth a look." Callidora says after a moment of thought. "If need be Niobe and I can ask her about it when we swim with her at some point. I agree though, it doesn't seem to make sense that it would be her."

There is nothing to be found in the alleyway behind the kitchen, and from what the young man told you about not even thinking to refuse this woman, he must have been placed under some form of magical compulsion?

It looks as if you will need to at least speak with Sefina.

What are you doing now?

"We're going to need to talk to her, best you two do it, tomorrow maybe," Marnir suggests as they return to their party. "For now, no-one goes outside alone. Spread the word among Audessa's staff, the kitchen staff, and the guards - I don't want anyone else caught with their pants down. Unless they've paid for it, obviously," he adds with a cheeky wink.

Marnir grabs a drink on his way back though the kitchen and heads off to talk with the remaining three Free Captains to ensure that they're enjoying the party and that they're looking favourably on his island set-up.

"Sounds good." Callidora agrees smiling at Niobe."We'll meet her for a swim sometime tomorrow and ask her about it"

As Marnir heads off to continue hosting, Callidora takes Niobe's hand as they head to the kitchen to talk to Audessa and her staff. "I really liked your song."

The rest of the evening carries on in a normal, lusty pirate feast. A few fights are all part of the entertainment as far as this lot are concerned.

The rest of the night is peaceful and morning dawns as you awake in what ever bed you found yourself for the night. :)

What now?

Marnir drags himself out of bed and goes looking for whoever else might be awake at this point. His head is slightly muzzy after last night's drinking, but his need to be a good host and keep the party somewhat under control prevented the sort of overindulgence that would have led to a more severe hangover.

He heads down to the main hall, seeing a few of Audessa's crew making a start on the clean up, and looks around for anyone who might have been on watch over night. "Any trouble?" he asks the nearest sailor, a young woman he recognises from the Drake's ballista crew.

"Just the normal fun & games Captain." The sailor reports, "The Blood moon headed out at first light with all sails unfurled. We kept an eye on them but they didn't leave anything we could see."

"Round up anyone who's still on duty and start a sweep of the whole fort," he instructs, pleased with the sailor's succinct summary. "I don't want any surprises left behind by whoever was busy sabotaging us last night. Oh, and get me a report from the watch on the Drake."