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Niobe purses her lips, then says, "Stay back."
She gestures and writhing, horrid black tentacles rise up out of the deep in the area where the halfling started struggling to swim.
"If the tentacles hold him underwater he'll probably just drown. Which I feel slightly bad about, but if he killed Louisiana Jane then he doesn't really deserve better, and besides, that's what they say in the stories, right? We lead sailors out to the water to drown for... some reason?"
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The waters swirl and bubble as horrible black tentacles thrash violently for some time. Ending with a dead Halfling floating boneless face down when they vanish.
Loot:
Elixir of fire breath,
Elixir of love,
Elixir of swimming,
Potion of cure serious wounds,
Potion of water breathing,
Liquid ice* (3),
Tanglefoot bags (5),
Thunderstones (3),
Ttindertwigs (5);
Eel skin armor (+2 slick electricity resistance leather armor),
+1 light mace,
Chime of opening,
Handy haversack,
Ring ofjumping,
Alchemist's kit,
formula book,
Portable alchemist's lab
EEL SKIN ARMOR
Aura moderate evocation ; CL 6th
Slot a rmor; Price 33,810gp; Weight 15lbs.
DESCRIPTION
This red +2 slick electricity resistance leather armor is crafted from the skin of the crimson hag fish, more commonly known as the Shackles slime eel.
The armor exudes a slippery slime that grants its wearer a +5 competence bonus on Escape Artist and Swim checks. In addition, as a standard action once per day, the wearer can form an aura of electricity around himself that persists for 5 rounds.
Creatures adjacent to the wearer when this power is activated and at the start of the wearer's turn take 2d6 points of electricity damage and are staggered for 1 round.
A successful DC14 Reflex save halves the damage and negates the staggering effect. The aura persists for 5 rounds.
CONSTRUCTION
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, elemental aura (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 218), grease, resist energy; Cost 16,985 gp
Among his possessions is Sefina's shawl.
When Niobe & Callidora deposit the body on the docks the gathered Free captains look interested. "The Eel!" Tessa Fairwind mutters. "The slippery bastard finally bit off more than he could chew."
the Eel has a reputation for sabotage and murder throughout the shackles. Having developed relationships with hardened criminals in the region, supporting their activities by supplying alchemical substances, bottled toxins, and distilled drugs to those with enough coin to pay. More often, he exchanges these services for rare reagents or favors instead. Captain Fairwind can also tell you he served with Captain Barnaba Harrigan for many years before setting up in business for himself.
That ends Book 4. I'll post the wrap up soon.
The feast draws to a close. With one exception you have greatly impressed the other Captains and easily passed the tests needed to gain your seat on the Pirate council.
Before she sets of to return to Port Peril Captain Fairwind advises you to travel there as soon as you can to attend your first meeting of the council.
She will be looking over reports from her agents and hopes to have some leads for the Chelaxian spy hunt when you arrive.
What are you doing now?
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Marnir smiles broadly as Niobe and Cally bring the dead halfling back to shore. "Looks like you've solved our problem," he says, embracing the women a huge bear hug of gratitude. He listens to Captain Fairwind tell of The Eel's past exploits, and his face darkens at the mention of Barnabas Harrigan. "Why am I not surprised?" he growls, "those two slippery bastards were made for each other."
Marnir walks the captains to the dock and bids them farewell, pleased to have gained their assent for his place on the Council. "We'll tidy up here, then we'll be in Port Peril as soon as we can," he promises Tessa, looking forward to their next meeting already.
Kung's face darkens when their eternal foe is mentioned. "Harrigan. Always he. Always. Harrigan needs meet death. Kung volunteer."
Niobe gratefully accepts Marnir's bear-hug, then says, "With your permission, captain, we'd like to return this to Sefina." She holds up the shawl.
"From the stories you've told you all know what it's like to be press-ganged, and that's the position that Sefina is in now."
"It's what he deserves, especially for killing your friend." Callidora says, swimming beside Niobe as they watch the tentacles do their grisly work.
Callidora laughs as Marnir grabs them both up in an enthusiastic hug. she nods as Ni shows them the shawl. "Yes, there's a piece of her bound to it and we could see how much she was suffering being forced to act against her own wishes by this rotten little bastard!" she says glaring down at the halfling's corpse for a moment.
Welcome to Book 5 of Skull & Shackles. 'The price of infamy'.
Sefina is delighted to have her shawl returned to her, embracing you both with tearful gratitude. Stammering apologies for what she was forced to do at the command of the man who stole it from her.
Your island is now firmly under your command, Master Baine has the growing port nicely coming along. Workers, traders and craftsmen arrive almost daily to be in early for this prime location.
Everything settled you board your faithful Unbound Drake to return to Port Peril.
Marnir is happy for the ladies to return the shawl - having Sefina as another ally on the island will likely prove invaluable. "I think you'll find plenty of volunteers to take down Harrigan," he replies to Kung, putting his hand on the big man's shoulder in a show of solidarity. "He put us both on this course, and we're going to end him together."
It's a south easterly course to Port peril. The Unbound Drake moving fast and smooth as only a well rigged ship with a veteran crew can do.
A Free captain in the Shackles knows there is no safety to be had for the unwary, so when the lookouts call their warning, "Sails sighted to the north!" The crew and officers are ready when the Dark sword comes into clearer view.
Runaway criminals and indebted stowaways alike know to fear Derin Skallas, an accomplished bounty hunter, who teamed up with Captain Clanston Arrento to sail the seas and hunt down those who've fled their responsibilities.
The Shackles are ripe for this kind of work, since people from all over hope to hide in this pirate paradise. In their first year operating in this way, they brought nearly a dozen outlaws and runaways back to face their crimes and swelled their coffers to fund future endeavors. Cheliax pays the greatest bounties, and the two frequently make trips back and forth to Egorian to claim their prizes and obtain new targets for their enterprise.
What she is doing in these waters remains to be seen, but there is little chance it will be a friendly meeting.
What are you doing now?
Not recognizing the ship or its sails, Kung begins calling out familiar orders to the crew, getting the heavy weapons loaded and ready for battle.
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Niobe is only too happy to return the shawl to Sefina, no strings attached. Her relief at restoring liberation to a fellow water-dwelling woman is obvious and she seems quite pleased and upbeat afterward (moreso than usual).
~~~~~~~~~~
"Another pirate ship?" ponders Niobe as the sails come into view. "I don't recognize it, obviously. Cap'n, you want Callie and I to do a little scouting, or hold here for contact?"
"We could stay beneath the surface, at least get an idea of their ship, and if things get ugly, have the element of surprise." Callidora adds.
"Looks like she's called Dark Sword," Marnir says, putting away his spyglass. "Never heard of her, but let's assume she's not friendly."
He sees Kung already has his weapons crews readying their ballistae and his men-at-arms handing out swords and axes. "Aye, scout her out," he replies to Niobe, "and get ready to drop your magic on her if she looks hostile."
With a plan in place Marnir returns to the ship's wheel and hauls the Drake onto a heading that will bring them into contact with Dark Sword, roaring "ALL HANDS TO ACTION STATIONS!". He uses the time before contact to cast some spells in expectation of a less-than-friendly meeting.
HP 101/101
AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 25 (+9 armour, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural armour)
Speed: 30ft
Fort: +14, Ref: +10, Will: +14 (+4 vs fear) (+2 all heroism)
Conditions: heroism, see invisibility, 6 mirror images
Melee attack (+1 furious battleaxe): +12/+7 (+8 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, -3 Power Attack, +2 heroism)
Melee Damage (+1 furious battleaxe): d8+19 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +3 Arcane Strike)
26/26 rds raging song remaining
The Dark sword seems to be clearly hostile, maneuvering for position the moment she sees the Unbound drake.
"Looks like she's heading towards us," Marnir calls down to Kung, confident that the master-at-arms will be ready by the time Dark Sword gets into range.
Callidora casts a few spells on herself, enhancing her ability to fight in the water before they both dive in, swimming down well beneath the surface before heading for the Dark sword, her powerful tail propelling her, though not as quickly as Niobe's.
Niobe pauses in the midst of the surveying; her eel skin shirt has gotten misaligned and she has to stop to keep it from chafing her shoulder. This, unfortunately, creates quite a bit of bubbles and some noise.
Despite this setback she keeps her eyes peeled for other underwater nuisances, in case this ship has its own scouts...
No one notices the two in the water as the ships begin to battle. It soon turns in the Unbound Drakes favor as superior seamanship leaves the Dark sword struggling. It's weapons destroyed and it's sails shredded.
Your choice on what to do now. Minor damage to the Drake, the Sword is really struggling though. You can sink her, or board.
"Do you want to try boarding?" Callidora asks Niobe as Cioldryss dives down and reports the conditions above. "I can try to sway their minds."
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”Let’s. I think their sailors would rather surrender than sink.”
"Okay, can you think of a way to get on the deck quickly? If not Cioldryss can probably cover our climb." Callidora says as they make their way to the surface.
"Good work Drakes!" Marnir calls down to the deck, pleased with the performance of the sailors and the weapons crews in neutralising the Dark Sword so quickly.
"Let's see what we've won," he mutters to himself before shouting "Kung - prepare for boarding!" as he manoeuvres towards the floundering ship.
”I can just shapeshifter into a grippli and climb right up, then lower a rope for you.”
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"That works, let's do it?" Swimming a bit closer, she impulsively throws her arms around Niobe, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be careful up there."
@Niobe. Nothing in the water, on the ship is another matter. For a small, fast raider it's packed to the railings with fighters. If you're climbing aboard make a stealth roll.
Niobe blushes and whispers, "Aww thanks! Up to you to get me out if I'm caught!"
Niobe turns into a little frog-like creature and sticks to the side of the ship, then clambers up to try to take a peek just at the railings.
Niobe, you scale the sides of the hull and peep over the edge of the deck. No one seems to have spotted you. All eyes are fixed on the oncoming Unbound Drake. This is clearly not a pirate ship. It seems crewed by a more mercenary selection.
3 Round until the Drake arrives. What is everyone doing?
"Kung, are we ready to go?" Marnir calls as the Drake pulls ever closer to her prey. He takes a few moments before contact to cast his remaining spells, then draws his axe. He raises it high above his head and roars "DRAKES! ATTACK!" as the two ships come together in a crash of wood.
HP (123) 101/(123) 101
AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 25 (+9 armour, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural armour, +1 haste, -1 rage)
Speed: 60ft (+30ft haste)
Fort: +16, Ref: +10, Will: +15 (+5 vs fear) (+2 all heroism, +2 Fort & +3 Will rage, + 1 vs fear Battle Cry)
Conditions: heroism, see invisibility, 6 mirror images, haste, Battle Cry, inspired rage
Melee attack (+1 furious battleaxe): +15/+15/+10 (+8 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, -3 Power Attack, +2 heroism, +2 rage, +2 furious, -1 Reckless Rage)
Melee Damage (+1 furious battleaxe): d8+27 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +3 Arcane Strike, +9 Power Attack, +3 rage, +3 Reckless Rage, +2 furious)
26/26 rds raging song remaining
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Niobe stays on the back of the ship, huddled carefully, until just before the attack commences. Then she calls out and launches a spell before pushing off the hull, arching her back as she somersaults backward and resumes her mermaid form and splashes into the water below.
The ships come together in the familiar dance. Suddenly a circle of hideous black tentacles appears on the deck trying to violate those within it's reach.
Green charges at Kung.
Battle order up top.
Enjoying simply watching the beauty of Niobe in action, Callidora looks on, smiling at the elegant dive, her smile turning into a grin as she hears the screams of those on the boat as the odd tentacle flails beyond the deck.
Kung looks down in shock, the man appearing and striking before he'd had a chance to even step onto the other ship. His pegleg begins it's rhythmic, staccato tapping as he begins to swing his greatsword, Marnir's arcane enhancements powering his strikes as much as his own rage.
HP 22+111/120
AC 23 touch 14 flat-footed 18 (+8 armor, +4 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
CMD 30 flat-footed 25 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +4 dex, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
DR 1/-, concealment 20%
Speed: 70 ft (+30 ft/haste)
Fort: +14, Ref: +15 (+1 dodge/haste), Will: +9 (+2 rage)
Superstitious: +7 vs spells/spell-like abilities
Conditions: blur, grand destiny (1/2 uses), haste, battle cry, rage
CMB: +20 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Melee (+3 furious greatsword): +23/+15 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +3 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+3 furious greatsword): 2d6+23 (+9 str, +3 enhancement, +9 power attack, +2 rage)
Melee (+1 spiked gauntlet): +21/+13 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+1 spiked gauntlet): 1d4+15 (+6 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage)
Ranged (javelin): +16 (+10 BAB, +4 dex, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry)
Ranged damage (javelin): 1d6+8 (+6 str, +2 rage)
22/23 rds Rage remaining
Green gets his ships crew morale up with a bold charge and strike on Kung. Morale plummets like a paralyzed seagull when Kung's response is to cut Green to pieces.
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Now back in the water, Niobe simply calls down a powerful column of flame on the back part of the ship where she recalls the enemy forces.
Three men die screaming in a column of flame.
Callidora & Marnir go.
Looking at the ship after Ni blasts it with fire, Callidora begins to chant in an echoing, sonorous tone that rings across the water. The ocean itself responding to her call, the waters around them draw towards the prow of the ship, tilting the entire boat drastically.
The ship goes up and down, damaging the Unbound drake and it grinds against it.
Marnir sprints over as it settles and swings his axe at Red.
Nearly making him fall with the force of the blow.
Red curses foully in Chelaxian and fights back desperately.
Blue joins the fray in a fury. "What have you bastards done to my ship! Slashing at you with his two daggers.
Lilac concentrates and vanishes from the midst of the black tentacles.
The party may now act.
Kung braces himself as the ship rocks from Callidora's large wave. His feet are steady, though, from long season's on the Drake, and he quickly launches himself across the gap between the ships to close on the few remaining foes. He circles between Marnir and the mast, and drives his greatsword home as he comes around to the farther of the two.
HP 22+111/120
AC 23 touch 14 flat-footed 18 (+8 armor, +4 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
CMD 30 flat-footed 25 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +4 dex, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
DR 1/-, concealment 20%
Speed: 70 ft (+30 ft/haste)
Fort: +14, Ref: +15 (+1 dodge/haste), Will: +9 (+2 rage)
Superstitious: +7 vs spells/spell-like abilities
Conditions: blur, grand destiny (1/2 uses), haste, battle cry, rage
CMB: +20 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Melee (+3 furious greatsword): +23/+15 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +3 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+3 furious greatsword): 2d6+23 (+9 str, +3 enhancement, +9 power attack, +2 rage)
Melee (+1 spiked gauntlet): +21/+13 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+1 spiked gauntlet): 1d4+15 (+6 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage)
Ranged (javelin): +16 (+10 BAB, +4 dex, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry)
Ranged damage (javelin): 1d6+8 (+6 str, +2 rage)
21/23 rds Rage remaining
Marnir's illusory doubles take the blows of the Dark Sword's officers for him and he emerges unscathed. He grins widely at his opponents, his war chant deafeningly loud, and strikes back with his axe. He barely notices the ship rock violently, his focus entirely on the enemies before him.
HP (123) 101/(123) 101
AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 25 (+9 armour, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural armour, +1 haste, -1 rage)
Speed: 60ft (+30ft haste)
Fort: +16, Ref: +10, Will: +15 (+5 vs fear) (+2 all heroism, +2 Fort & +3 Will rage, + 1 vs fear Battle Cry)
Conditions: heroism, see invisibility, 6 mirror images, haste, Battle Cry, inspired rage, fast healing 4
Melee attack (+1 furious battleaxe): +15/+15/+10 (+8 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, -3 Power Attack, +2 heroism, +2 rage, +2 furious, -1 Reckless Rage)
Melee Damage (+1 furious battleaxe): d8+27 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +3 Arcane Strike, +9 Power Attack, +3 rage, +3 Reckless Rage, +2 furious)
24/26 rds raging song remaining
Kung hits, then Marnir hits once.
Lilac emerges from the cabin behind everyone.
Red takes a 5' step back and drinks a potion.
Blue is annoyed by not inflicting any real damage on Manir and tries again.
The party may now act.
When the Dark Sword's officer steps back to drink his potion, he finds that Kung never left his side; the half-orc's sword was already in his face before the stopper was even undone.
Kung continues his attacks without pause, striking again and again until the man falls, stepping onto his prone form if and when he falls and continuing his attacks on what he presumes to be the ship's captain.
HP 22+111/120
AC 23 touch 14 flat-footed 18 (+8 armor, +4 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
CMD 30 flat-footed 25 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +4 dex, +1 deflection/ring, +1 dodge/haste, -2 rage)
DR 1/-, concealment 20%
Speed: 70 ft (+30 ft/haste)
Fort: +14, Ref: +15 (+1 dodge/haste), Will: +9 (+2 rage)
Superstitious: +7 vs spells/spell-like abilities
Conditions: blur, grand destiny (0/2 uses), haste, battle cry, rage
CMB: +20 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Melee (+3 furious greatsword): +23/+15 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +3 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+3 furious greatsword): 2d6+23 (+9 str, +3 enhancement, +9 power attack, +2 rage)
Melee (+1 spiked gauntlet): +21/+13 (+10 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-3 power attack, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry, +2 rage)
Damage (+1 spiked gauntlet): 1d4+15 (+6 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage)
Ranged (javelin): +16 (+10 BAB, +4 dex, +1 haste, +1 morale/battle cry)
Ranged damage (javelin): 1d6+8 (+6 str, +2 rage)
20/23 rds Rage remaining
Blood flies as Kung stops Red from drinking his healing potion with the simple expedient of killing him first.
Still in his groove he steps 5' and cuts down the captain before the man can even realize he's under attack.
Lilac blinks in shock, wipes the blood spray off his face and raises his hands quickly in the air. "I surrender!" He squeals desperately.
What are you doing now?
"That's a good idea," Marnir says as the spellcaster throws up his hands. He flicks the blood from his axe and strides towards the man, stepping over the corpses of the Dark Sword's crew that the men and women of the Drake are stripping of valuables.
"What's your name?" he asks the surrendered mage, his eyes bright and his grin fierce. "What are you doing out here?"