Skull & Shackles: Sails under a blood red sky.

Game Master DBH

Neela is glad for the shore leave. She and Wiggles will do a bit of recreational flying!

I had thought i had posted my apologies.

He spent a portion of the shore leave overlooking the two captured ships doing his best to figure out if anything upon them was scavengable to place on their ship. Once he was sastisfied at the status of their vessals he went to the keep to speak with his "wife".

profession sailor: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"You have some knowledge of the seas and ways to make our venture more profitable I believe. Anything we can do to make this keep more advantagious? Anything you need here, this is a partnership after all."

He began relaxing a bit in a safer setting. He paused looking out the windows over the cove they had first arrived in. Perhaps they could see about making a small serviceble dock for a ship or two? Hire a druid to find a solid water sourse from the isle perhaps? He shook his head slightly to himself as he pondered the next move. Sure they could just continue to seek out ships...but that isnt how one became the top apex predator of the pirate world was it? No the infamous and great ones all had an angle...He just had to figure out his.

Lady Smythee looks interested. "The only advantage Tidewater rock had was the view it has of the shipping lanes. A fleet based here could pick a fat prize and be on it before they knew we were coming."

She thinks it over more. "When Sargava rebelled against Cheliax the rock grew less important. The majority of shipping in this area is Sargavian, and with the tithe they pay to the Free captains preying on them would draw a nasty response."

She smiles sadly. "Really the Rock is finished. We'd be better off moving to a more fertile island close by and leaving watchers here to signal when the right ship comes into view.

The Rock has little to recommend it aside from location, and that's not as important as it was in the past. It is part of a group of islands and there are more fertile ones close by to settle if you want to build a more hospitable base.

She changes the subject. "As for you? You've built a reputation now. You really need to head to Port Peril and be recognized as a Free Captain. The best hunting is there now, and it will get you allies and opportunities."

What are you doing now?

"Port Peril? I can honestly say i havent been dreading this opportunity yet at the same time I do not look forward to this journey. Still, I would hate to leave an opportunity behind. So i guess thats the next step. Wish us luck my dear."

He said amiably to his wife... that still sounded awkward to Percival.
He was thinking on what she said but then nodded.

"Do that, look at a safer more stable settlement in the islands nearby. This is still a decent lookout point as you have mentioned, but I have grander dreams."

He added leaving her to her eve.

You still have two ships to deal with. Heading for Rickety's squibs for upgrading I believe?

Yep, I think that is the plan.

With Ashlei keeping the newest crew members in line, Rhialla sails their newest acquisition on their way back to Rickety Squibs, keeping pace with the Bounty.

That is the plan!

Staying aboard Besmara's Bounty He filled the days with keeping their eyes on the two prize ships and training.While it was clear the men they had taken aboard after the last fight knew the ropes to sail a vessel... the ease at which they were taken made him want to make sure they knew which end of the blade went into their foe. Plus it gave him a chance to see what some of them were made off.

After several days calm sailing you reach Rickety's squibs.

Your luck is in and the flag signifying another ship is being squibbed is not flying. You can sail in without incident.

The longboat bearing Rickety rows out and the weathered old craftsman comes aboard.

Selling a ship gives you 5000gp, so you can afford a lot of upgrades. What are you buying?

"Hi, Rickety! We had a really nasty run-in with some sahuagin lately. You ever have to deal with those creatures?" Neela details some of their misadventures in the deep while Rickety does his ship assessment.

Just saying that I'm back!

What's our ship's upgrades captain?

He smiled as they sailed into the empty berthing of Rickety squibs. Despite all the chaos that had happened the last time they were there, he liked the place.

"Alright crew, keep an eye on the skyline, those of you whom havent been here before they have giant wasps that sometimes show up. Nasty things they are. We will likely be here a few days before we head on to Port Peril, so get your shore legs satiated."

He ordered before heading down to meet the proprietor of the place.

"Well met again my friend, we have a couple of prizes here that i thought you might be interested in... also I've a few things I would like to see done to my ship. If you can of course."

"Giant wasps!? Hey...could we capture some and train them like the Rahadoumi did with that manticore...? Oh! OH! How big are they? Could we ride them?!?!"

Its obvious Ashlei is going to be dreaming of finding some giant wasp eggs over the next few days.

The half-orc would never turn down such a magnificent beast as the manticore, but he shakes his head at the idea of riding a bee - "Crazy girl" - then moves out with the captain as bodyguard.

It will take some time to have your vessel fitted, what are you doing in the mean time?

There are Sailors hanging around looking for a ship, alcohol to be drunk and gambling to take your gold.

There are also a number of shifty looking types with what they claim to be valuable information to sell the right party.

What is the party doing while your ship is being squibbed?

Getting drunk. Telling stories of our ship's tales(featuring Ashlei mostly). And seeing if she can buy some Giant Wasp eggs...or go steal some?

Gambling, while perhaps tilting the odds in favor of the players instead of the house!

Searching for rumours amongst the shady folk probably, uh... lots of downtime with Rhilla. Recruiting of good sailors also a thing.

Ok, those wishing to recruit new crew members need to make a diplomacy roll DC20.

Those investigating the shady types can make a sense motive check. DC20 as well.

The gambling is low stakes and you can make at the most 1d10 gold a day from it.

Those wishing to gather Giant wasp eggs are directed to head into the jungle and look for the giant hive, or to let a giant wasp sting them till they are paralyzed and then it will lay it's eggs inside them. :)

I just ninja'd Rhialla. :)

^^ pretty much this.

Yes you did! lol

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Herzag prefers to stay out of the mainstream and boisterous taverns and alehouses - he wants to drink (moderately, more interested in quality than quantity) in peace and quiet, and will take the time to look for just the right place, and will pay for it.

Apart from that:

- He will be looking to upgrade his gear (do we have loot shares?)
- He will be looking for information on the best vessels around, and maybe how they can get their hands on them;

Since the captain seems to be fine on his own, he will stop with the bodyguard duty.

During the days when his time wasnt spent with Rhialla he would speak amongst the gathered availible sailors talking about their conquests and regailing them with their deeds.

diplomancy DC 20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

As the evenings roll about he would spend more time with the shadier folk probing them for information.

sense motive dc 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

And that's why he's the Captain

Those wishing to gather Giant wasp eggs are directed to head into the jungle and look for the giant hive, or to let a giant wasp sting them till they are paralyzed and then it will lay it's eggs inside them. :)

Ohhhhhh. Soooo tempting... What kind of rolls do you need to sneak into a giant wasp hive? Dangit...

I just ninja'd Rhialla. :)

Yes. Yes you did.

So then, 1500g for the Silk sails, another 200gp to fit the Besmara's bones figure head. 1000gp for the magic control device.

Herzag there isn't much to buy here, Rickety's is too small for upgrading and shopping.

Percival you now have a map to a lost ship and it's valuable cargo.

Where to now?

Any one with any response to the question?

I was waiting for the Captain's reply. I think we all agreed we needed to head to the pirates's capital in the Shackles: Port Peril correct?

Sounds like a plan to me!

Yup

Doh i was waiting both for the return to activities and well to see if my crazies in the crew went wasp hunting or anything else silly.

Shore leave over and the ship prepared he found himself on the deck overlooking the crew. He spent a moment studying them before cracking a slight grin.

"Listen up Crew of Besmara's Bounty! Today we set sail for Port Peril and Destiny! In a short time we have done much to enrich ourselves and prepare for the journey. I want every man and woman sharp. I want our ship to be resplendant and beautiful as we pull into port, I want each one of you to stroll into that port like you are the living examples of the best sailors on the seas alive today!"

He paused for a moment eyeing the crew for a moment to let his words linger in their minds.

"With that in mind, everything on this particular voyage is to be doubled. Rewards.... and punishment if that needs to be meted out. With that in mind... Mistress Rhialla would you be as so kind as to get us underway."

He began with a smile for his paramour.

Ashlei groans and elbows Herzag in the side.

"Ugg. You know that means my three least favorite words: Swab the deck. Well at least we are goin' somewhere interesting."

"Meh... When was the last time you swabbed the deck lass?" - Herzag chuckles - "You're needed for more important stuff than that now, and you know it" - he adds - "Even if some swabbin' does suit you" - and follows up with one of the usual provocations, staring at the blue eyed woman - "It always brought a smile to the lads' faces"

Staring am the half-orc suddenly, Ashlei snaps her fingers in front of his face then stalks off. Her 'assets' on full bounce and display.

"YOU WISH!"

Neela caresses her pet dodo bird as she gazes into the horizon. "Port Peril . . . I'm sure fate has in store some exciting plans once we arrive--if not on our journey there!"

It's a fast run to Port Peril, the wind on your shoulder while the crew work hard to make the Bounty look good for her debut. Shipping is heavy in these waters and you can feel the many eyes looking you over as you pass other ships, eyes like yours on them. Evaluating just how easy tit would be to take the other.

Arriving in Port Peril with no encounters feels a little strange, but this part of the Shackles is under the control of the Free captains, and they want shipping to use the waters. Independent pirates do not last long here.

Which is why your first action once moored will be to petition for an audience with the Hurricane King Kerdek Bonefist, to obtain your letter of Marque and become 'legal' pirates.

You need to send a messenger to Fort Hazard with at least 4 points of plunder to get his attention.

Having sailed them to Port Peril, Rhialla chooses appealing items of plunder for their tribute, working to get the Hurricane King's attention. Selecting one of the more charismatic crew members to serve as messenger, she readies the 'care package' for Fort Hazard.

Neela seems to view the parceling of valuables for delivery with unease. "So . . . does anyone here actually WANT to see the Hurricane King? I can't imagine he's the easiest fellow to get along with."

Ashlei waves her hand dismissively.

"He's a pirate. Give him enough money and he'll like us and forgive us for almost any transgression. Also...there is a code too. He has to honor the code explicitly or he wouldn't be king for long I think."

The morning after you successfully arrange an audience, Kerdak Bonefist’s first mate Tsadok Goldtooth. A male half-orc publicly meets the you at the docks. Tsadok arrives with an entourage of cronies, and many spectators gather to see the entertainment as well.

Tsadok starts with introductions, declaring he’s there as the Hurricane King’s formal representative. He plays to the crowd as he explains the situation. It’s unusual for a new, successful, but relatively unknown ship to request a letter of marque without the sponsorship of a recognized Free Captain.

In this case, the Pirate Code requires the ship’s captain and officers to undergo “Testing” to determine whether they’re worthy of becoming Free Captains themselves. While this Testing is often merely a formality, Bonefist has sent Tsadok to make a show of it.

Tsadok is callous and rude to you, making jokes at your expense and hinting that you’re just playing at being pirates. Some among the crowd laugh at his gibes, but others scowl or remain silent, hinting that many aren’t fond of Tsadok.

What is your response?

"Oh, what a rude prick!" Neela, normally a happy soul, seems to become more and more frustrated as the crude half-orc continues with his jibes. Finally, she's had enough of taking it.

"Hey Tsadok! How'd you get your name anyway? I heard it was because your ship's so leaky, you were "Tsad"-ly always stuck in "dok"!"

It was pretty childish but the best the witch could come up with.

Ashlei laughs and waves at the man.

"Don't bother Neela...he's probably half-orc and half barracuda: AND ALL WET behind the ears!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

He had been afraid that something like this would happen. Licking his lips for a moment he tilted his head to the side and cracked his neck.

"We've fought off undead Chellish marines, crushed a sahaugin encampment, captured several godless ships and Cracked the rock with ease. I've let you have your fun and while you are a representive of the Hurricane king, You are still just his lacky. Curb your words before We go before him with your teeth in a box as tribute... Boy."

With that said he approached the orc, no weapon drawn and cracked his knuckles with a smirk.

intimidate check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
"I am Captain Percival Asploric of Besmara's Bounty.
If Tsadok draws a weapon I will attempt to disarm him, If he tries to hit me unarmed I will take my Attack of Opportunity to pop him in the mouth. (assuming he doesnt have improved unarmed strike)

AoO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Add +2 if its a disarm

Rhialla stuedies the boorish oaf, calling to mind any stories about the man, his weaknesses, foibles or possible fears as she watches her paramor challenge the fool with a smile.

Lore (Pirate Captians): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Herzag leans lazily against the rail, watching the exchange and twirling his daggers, trying to remember if he knows anything about this Tsadok.

Knowledge (Local)?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Ashlei smiles evily and looks at the Hurricane King's lacky for his response. She licks her lips and whispers softly to herself.

"OOOoooohhh. Rhialla...you lucky..."

Neela can't contain her excitement as Captain Percival steps forward. "Oh, there we go, it's on now!"

Tsadok sneers in Percival's face. "Every tavern in the port's got scum lying about what great deeds they've done Princess."

He turns his back on you without care and makes a wide gesture pointing to another ship moored at the docks. "First test! Lets see if these ponces can actually handle a ship?"

Tsadok’s first test is to see whether you are passable sailors, not just “fancy jackets” who found themselves in command of a pirate crew. One of you must swiftly climb to the top of a nearby ship’s foremast and complete the tricky task of unfurling and setting the sail from the top yard without assistance, before one of Tsadok’s crew does the same on the mizzenmast. Flight magic is illegal, and the contestants must unfurl the sails themselves, not conjure creatures to do it.

The ship used for the challenge is the Stingray, a brig with two all square-rigged masts. Competitors must climb 60 feet up the mast’s rigging to the top spar. Climbing the mast requires a DC 10 Climb check for the lower 45 feet and a DC 15 Climb check for the upper 15 feet.

Rhialla. You know that Tsadok has been Kerdak Bonefists first mate for over a decade now, and is known as a sadistic killer.

Herzag. You get nought.

Who is taking the challenge?

GM hint. Don't pick a fight here unless you want to roll up a new character.

"Good to see this challenge is one that actually makes sense then. Burnout..."

He called to the fiery lass whom he knew was skilled in climbing... after all she liked to leap off tall things it seemed.

"If you would be so kind as to do as the Hurricane King's emmisary asks."

You got this Ash! I have the faith.. I hope :P

"Good to see this challenge is one that actually makes sense then. Burnout..."

He called to the fiery lass whom he knew was skilled in climbing... after all she liked to leap off tall things it seemed.

"If you would be so kind as to do as the Hurricane King's emmisary asks."

You got this Ash! I have the faith.. I hope :P

No worries!

Ashlei places her hand and her hip and smiles broadly, and gives the captain a big wink.

"Let's get this over with so we can get to the drinking and carousing!"

Climb(DC10): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Climb(DC10): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Climb(DC15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Profession(Sailor): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Profession Sailor Re-Roll and take the best effect:
Profession(Sailor): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28