Skulls and Scallywags - The Changing Tide Team 2

Game Master DarkestHeart

Not a problem at all, I'm just glad to be in your game again!

Ah, another day in the kitchen it'll be... The tengu thinks to herself as she nervously collects the pots. She turns to her crewmates who have just returned, "I hope you managed to get these without too much trouble. Sorry I couldn't be of help... My luck here has been, well, lacking." She looks into the pots and her eyes grow wide, "But what a catch... And I know just the thing to make." She takes out her alchemy kit and flips through it, wondering if perhaps an additive or two may perfect the flavors. She closes it up and follows Kroop to the galley.

Aqguazula will show her his right arm, bruised and scarred from the creature clamping its chitinous claw on him,eager to snap it off."Almost lost an arm and a leg between them and the sharks, luckily some dolphins came out and helped. Sasha is the one I'm worried about, we will talk more later you've got some cooking to do. Glad to see you're better."

'Glad she made it through that fever, I still want to see that goblin into slavery when we get the chance, could be mine and Shivikah's first new sale. I'm worried about Sasha, between the addiction and the shark, she might break soon.' Aqguazula thought to himself.

His stomach will grumble like a dying seahag,"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starving."

"It'll probably be a while til the crabs are ready, but I can give you some of my rations once I pick up my gear from Grok."

Linnet turns to the officers. "Can we go see Sandara as well? None of us came out of that fight unscathed."

Aqguazula's eye will dart towards Linnet as she starts speaking, his eye will quickly shift to his stomach.

"Keep your rations Linnet, I will fill up on my hooch still supper. My personal favourite: Bilgewater Ale, it's dark and potent and I have some red wine made from direrat blood, both are safe to drink and there is plenty of both."He will say with a hearty belly laugh as his stomach continues to grumble.

"Thank ye Captain, Dacota playfully tosses the coin bag into his other hand, "I can taste that evil crustacean now."

Sasha does what is required of her and when she can makes her way below decks, a look of worry on her face.

Night 7 - Scales in the Moonlight

Nightime actions / Daytime actions please.

After the success of the Crab hunting trip, the group is given some time off, all bar Chandria who is set to work cooking straight away. Sasha is tended to by Sandara quite fiercely and, after a couple of spells, a hard night of detoxing with the aid of some herbs and copious amounts of salt water to dehydrate and rehydrate the woman, Sandara begins to kick the effects of the Rum. By the next night she is shaky and sickly but not craving any more.

Yeah I know that aint how detox / rehab works but f#~! it. Fantasy!

The party had earned themselves the rest of the night and the next day off, in exchange for a night time shift the day after. Having earned the right to work as Night watch, they are patrolling the boat with lanterns, keeping a watch for any possible attacks / naval vessels of Andor or Cheliax / Krakens.

Around the fourth bell, the sun still but a dream, watch coming to an end, Aqguazula finds wet tracks on the top deck. The tracks lead down on to the deck where Dacota picks them up, following them down to the middle hold. The light from their lanterns picks up a dark pool of liquid pooling on the bottom of the stairs, and a flash of light on scales reveals the back of a finned body.

The Sahugain turn as you reach the stairs and hissing words reach your ears as they catch sight of Aqguazula, the words Traitor and filth clearly heard.

Linnet and Chandria are up. Gonna update the map now. Sorry for the absence all. I am a sucky GM

I'll post when it's not so late with my day+night actions, but did the rest of us get healed by Sandara too? Otherwise, it seems time to cut tail and run!

You all got healed and had 8 hours of rest too. Everyone is at full health.

We A-OK

I basically healed everyone after combat, so resting or sandara would of covered the rest. I'm going to think of my day and night actions because they're going to be complicated but in short I would be looking for Cog and offering him some money for a job and then we would be doing that job in the day or night if possible. Also I don't think I would be using a lantern unless forced, using darkvision is easier and wouldn't give away my position.

Why are these things attacking us? What ARE they, anyway? Chandria thinks to herself as she quickly continues up the stairs and sees the two fish-like creatures. A couple of black feathers fall to the ground as she tries to stay still, overcome with nerves.

"Dacota... Duck!" The tengu reaches into her pack and pulls out a bubbling flask. She tosses it at the red-finned creature.

Bomb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Nighttime: work on locking up our stash like we discussed (Chandria, if you didn't have any plans, your knowledge of the kitchen would come in handy!)

Daytime: If we have the day off, do we get an extra action? Pick remaining gear up from Grok, flirt a little more ;) hang with my man Owlbear if there's time

They want to fight one of us, they get all of us!

Linnet charges to the top of the stairs (can't move my token but behind Dacota, which I think is the extent of my movement) with a yell and shoots her crossbow at one of them (blue).

Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Nighttime action: Sure, I'll assist Linnet in securing the stash.
Daytime action: Likely a quick visit to Grok to regain my footing with her.

Dacota spends much of his downtime relaxing and filling his few vices. During the day, he fished off the ship, but only seemed to catch minnows and utterly small game worth next to nothing. The later half he made his way to the quarter master, and after some light flirting that may have not gone so well, he grabbed his old cutlass and rapier, but left the weathered boarding axe as a token of thanks.

Much later as they took the night shift, it was deciding to Dacota that there were those in the ship that shouldn't be there.

"Hmm, rather seem to not like you Aq."

Just going to do my night and day actions now
Night action
As dusk sets in Aqguazula goes on a hunt to find Crimson and Rattsberger.
'F&~%ing lobster thing, nearly snapped my arm.' staring at his right while giving it a scratch.

Before finding the two, Aqguazula cast two spells on himself to enhance his presence. Enhance diplomacy and guidance.

Pull them aside to ask them something with a stern expression on his face. Whispering to them to avoid unwanted ears,"Boys I wouldn't ask you this under normal circumstances but this is very important. I need to ask you a favour, but it's dangerous, you will be paid well. Pluggs men are trying to frame me with theft and kill me while I'm locked up in the bilge. The two are Sly and Jape, I want you two to help me frame them. It will make us safer and weaken Plugg. What says you guys?"
Pulling out 40 gold coins from his coin pouch,"It's not much now but it's the beginning of good things to come with me at your side. I have the stuff to plant I just need help getting it in, I will wake you two up early and we can do the deed."
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Morning action
Waking up early from his constant nightmares and the visions of the ancients which plague his sleep, Aqguazula wakes with full energy set him plan in motion. Sneaking towards Crimson and Rattsberger, taking as much time to carefully. Taking 20
Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17
Whispering to the two men,"Wake up boys, it's time to get this done,Ratt work on Sly and Cog work on Jape."

Aqguazula will look around the room, making sure none were watch them at work.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Handing each on them a heavy mace to place in Sly and Jape's lockers, two of his holy symbols to Cog, Linnet's dice and cards,Chandria's wrist sheath and Aqguazula's other holy symbol to Rattbergers.
"That should be about it boys, you have will have plenty of drinks courtesy of me."

Here is the updated party loot page, I'm going to remove everything that chandria had on her person now that she's back. All the items that I'm having planted, also Ten Thousand Meals Under The Sea. is a cooking book for Chandria so ask the dm what bonus it gives. Aqguazula would of mentioned Bleeposes stash and that he thinks the little halfling had wanted the musical instrument.

sasha spent as much time as possible in her bunk. trying to recover the hell she had been through. between near dying, and the rum problem, she had very little energy left for much else.

but of course now duty calls yet again, she works to muster up the energy to fight another thing that wants to kill her.

Sasha moves to head down to the middle hold and flank the intruders.

double move to head down the stairs to get in behind the attackers.

Sorry guys, I'm going to email you all to explain my absence in a few, but for now, I'll push us along.

Linnet- Yes you can take an extra day time action if you like.

IF anyone needs my input in their actions, please let me know.

Early Morning Framing-

Ratline snorts loudly and splutters a loud "WHAT?" as Aq shakes him from his sleep. At the same time Cog tumbles from his hammock with a loud thud, knocking a bottle over to tumble across the ground. This is greeted with a hail of well aimed boots and growled "SHUT UP YA RUNT!" before the crew subside to a low grumble.

Sorry Aq. Both Cog and Ratline rolled a Nat 1 on their initial Sneak Checks. Guess this side quest really wasn't meant to be.

Late Night Fish Bake-

Chandrias bomb arcs over the heads of her allies and explodes, throwing one of the Sahugain back a step and stunning the other visibly. The less blasted one reacts with record speed however and lunges towards Dacota, aiming his trident at the mans stomach.

The weapon hits, sinking deep in to the man, causing a massive amount of damage.

Dacota takes 9 Damage.

The loud explosion is met by a startled yelp from the back of the hold, back by Sasha, who sees Owlbear leap to his feet, brandishing a Club and looking scared and half asleep. Above her head, in the Officers quarters, Sasha can hear movement and cursing.

Aq is up.

Aqguazula rush through the door/down the stairs. When he's met by the Sahuagin, Aqguazula becomes beset with a fervorous rage. Speaking Abolethic to the Sahuagin.

Aqguazula switches to another language, not wanting to raise suspicions of himself, there was already enough attention on him.

Aqguazula charges at the Sahuagin from across the hall, with his polearm sharpened, ready to be sunken into some flesh.
Spear end: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Aqguazula will look towards Dacota,"Nothing new around this shithole."
Aqguazula will charge at the red Sahuagin if that's doable.

Sasha moved in to position behind the enemies as the Officers stir up above.

Dacota is up.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Dacota reels from the pain and lashes out with his own attack with all the anger one could for a savage attack.

Though Aq didn't manage to get the power of the charge behind him, he does bury his spear up to his hand in the Sahugain, driving the other fish man to his knees to clutch at the shaft buried in his chest. He falls over unconscious.

Dacota swings the handaxe at the Sahugain, hard, lodging it in his collarbone, before ripping it out in a spray of blood. The sahugain falls back, clutching his collar and panting heavily

Enemy Red bites the dust and is bleeding out. Linnet and Chandria.

Looking at the map, wouldn't that have been enemy blue?

Aq killed Red. Dacota left Blue on almost dead numbers but not killed him.

Ah, gotcha

"G-g-go away, sea monster!" Trembling in fear, Chandria channels her flight-or-fight response to leap five feet towards Dacota and quickly slice at the blue sahugain's chest with her blade.

Falchion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 172d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7

Chandria charges forward and lashes out with her blade, biting deep in to the creature and causing it to topple backwards, in to the stack of barrels, clutching at his wounds feebly as he slowly slips in to unconsciousness.

Combat is over. We are still in initiative.

"Hahaha, these sahuagin were too easy. Maybe we should heal and question that one, its hard to talk with a spear in one's chest."

How'd it go with Grok and Owlbear? Since I get a second action, I'll start to introduce him to our plan.

"Sahuagin?" Linnet repeats.

Knowledge (Nature) - Sahuagin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

She brings over her handy healing kit to tend to their fallen foe.

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Well linnet has kn nature, she would probably now know what I am now. Up to her if she want to share that or what have you.

Linnet never thought to check on you what with everything going on! She was taking you at your word. GM, how much does Aqguazula look like the enemies we just vanquished?

I was hoping this would have had a greater reveal than this. Aq did say he was a sea elf, I'm surprised no one tried a check or even speak elven.

Oh man, I forgot that Linnet spoke Elven. It would be a good idea to make use of that at some point.

Plane time. Updates tomorrow homies.

Sasha is still here.

Sorry guys. Got the Flu while travelling. Currently feel like hell.

The sound of running becomes louder as Riaris Krine and Mister Plugg burst down the stairs, both carrying a sword a piece, Riaris sporting a pistol in her other hand, Plugg his usual whip. They take in the scene quickly as more Officers and sailors arrive.

Plugg walks over to you, staring down at the Sahugain, and the dead crew member. "Well, I hate to say it but well done. You managed to stop us from getting thoroughly boarded I see. Good job!" He pushed past Sasha and Aq, pausing beside Chandria to add "Oh, turn in your Kit to the Quartermaster. It seems you fail to learn anything. No punishment but I wont take no for an answer. You will get it back when I say you may. Savvy?"

With that Plugg walks on, heading to report to the Captain.

Anything you all want to do before bed?

Chandria shakes her head. "I have to give up my kit, even after stopping those sahuagin?! If it weren't for us, who knows what those creatures would've done!" She crosses her feathered arms, looking thoroughly annoyed and sighs. "I suppose I can get it back from Grok with a little persuasion, and hopefully there won't be any more boarders before then."

Plugg stops on the step, turning back to glare at Chandria, before walking back to stare down at the woman. "You dare to question me?" He asks in a dangerously quite tone. "I have obviously been too kind to you, you clearly do not know who I am!"

Plugg rips his cutlass from his belt and slams the studded guard directly in to Chandrias face, propelling the woman backwards to land on the body of the Sahugain, bleeding and stunned.

Chandria takes 5 points of lethal damage.

"Forgive me for letting you think I will not just f~~@ing kill you right now you filthy little wretch!" His voice is calm, and dangerous, and bitter. "Do not presume to question me ever again!"

With that he turns and leaves, sheathing the Cutlass as he goes.

Waiting until Plugg walks away out of site and ear shot, Dacota spits, "What a miserable c#@%. Should've led the damn beasts right that curs quarters. Could deal for some healin'."

Aqguazula will place his foot on the dead Sahuagin and pulling on his spear till it becomes dislodged from the corpse. Quickly searching it to see if anything of note is on it.
Taking 10 on perception

Examining the dead crew member to ascertain their identity.
'I told Grok a boarding party of sahuagin is nasty, if only they made it to the officers quarters.'

Once Scourge leaves, Aqguazula will dress the wounds of Chandria and Dacota.
Muttering some prayer to Dagon,clicking his teeth and light chanting.
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
"This should get you both through the night. Although I want your help now."

Aqguazula will point towards the Sahuagin that's bleeding like a fish.
"I want information from him, draw your weapons please." Aqguazula will ask in a surprisingly calm tone.

Aqguazula will squat in front of the dying sahuagin, with his dagger in hand, he will ready a healing spell once his allies back him up.
Readied Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
What weapons does the Sahuagin have, standard heavy crossbow and trident? I would love me a new bow,also who's the dead member?

Chandria struggles to catch her breath after the blow from Plugg, but Aqguazula's magic has her feeling much better, and she stands up with a few less feathers. "Thank you," she nods to Aq. Once Plugg is out of sight, she continues "I... I HATE that Plugg! I'd like to plug his mouth with one of my explosive vials... And see how much he talks then..."

She draws her falchion at Aq's request and holds it up in front of the sahuagin.

"Which, I keep three.

in my last post I meant to write plugg rather than Scourge.

Aqguazula will turn to Dacota,"Whatever you're comfortable with, I just want some back up. I'm going to collect that other one's blood for my purposes and then both are getting chucked back into the water. You seem to be pretty fond of that handaxe, it looks like a fine weapon."

Rather than returning to squatting position, Aqguazula will stand up putting away his fine dagger in favour of his blood stained spear. Using his braided hair to wrap around the Sahuagins arms and wrists while also acting as a conduit for his healing spell, Aqguazula continues to ready his healing spell once Dacota is in position.

Dacota pulls out his cutlass, an old thing with inscriptions written in typical Chelish Navy style, "It's just an axe. Fine for all purpose work. When fighting on a ship, you learn to use whatever you got. Of course, this blade however here has killed many in its career."

Aqguazula will let out a low chuckle, presenting his spear still dripping with cold blood."It appears we both have something in common then, a sabre and a spear, simple yet very effective weapons. This spear too has been plenty of men "through" its life time, never killed a Chel but plenty of Andorans have gotten to very close to me and this spear, if you catch my drift."

"Um, I haven't killed anyone..." Chandria shrugs at all the talk of murdering others. "Well, except for that sahuagin, and possibly some pirates sooner or later..." The jittery tengu seems a little annoyed with the current state of affairs. "Do we have a plan? We've been on this ship for days. You seem resourceful, Aqguazula, you must surely be planning something... Although, maybe we should not talk about this here."

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Technically you can't diplomacy a Pc, but I always admire the effort.

Aqguazula will look at Chandria who appears to shaking like a small chicken.
"Haha, you will learn soon enough, we're bound to eventually run into some rival pirate crew,a merchant vessel or maybe a slave galley. Do I have a plan? Aye you would be correct,like it or hate it, my force of personality allows me to attract others, even the most unlikely.Talk to me tomorrow in the morning, we might be able to set up my plan."

"Andorans aye. Yea they'd give us trouble. I served aboard a number of ships for red and black before. Though, we never had to fight more than a small schooner or two. Didn't want to get in such a conflict. Though, merchant ships and smaller game ere always fun."

"And here I thought Chels had silver coated rods rammed up their asses from birth, slap my ass and call me a Varisian whore. You're not bad company. Maybe if or when we're free, there could be room in the slaving trade together?"

"And that's where you are wrong. I detest slavery and renounce my nation. While I may call the old Chelish Navy my home, I draw the line there. That is why I chose the life of a privateer. To be a real free man. Of course, Plugg is not making that easy and being forced into service, although one already looking forward to join, isn't my taste."

"Oh well, I can't blame someone for that then. Where I come from we waste nothing, the same goes for the life of others. It was a good paying job, funny it finally turned tables."