There be lootin' to do - Skulls & Shackles

Game Master Spazmodeus

Isaac also joins in, telling of their fights against Captain Inkskin and the sauhagin.

Diplomacy to assist: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Edward begins telling his story, and immediately it's clear that most of the room are eating out of the palm of his hand. As Isaac and Diana add in bits from the story of the sahuagin, it's clear that things are going well.

At that point, however, a slurring pirate near the back of the room pops up and shouts out, in reference to Diana's new trident, "More like Drool, am I right?" It's not the most creative heckling in the world, but it does get a few drunken laughs. The first heckler is quickly joined by another two shouting out entirely uncreative insults.

Insults I don't currently have the brainpower to come up with, sadly...but there are hecklings being thrown your way! There are three hecklers in the room, and any of you can try to deal with one. Likely skills would be Perform Comedy, Diplomacy, or Intimidate...but I'm open to other suggestions! You could also deal with them less peaceably, but it might not go over very well...

Say now, that's no way to treat a lady, and even more so when that lady is a servant of Besmara. Diana say indignation. I'll be needing me a champion to show that lout out of the room. Who here would win my favor?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

...anyone else gonna fight a heckler?

Isaac glares at the heckler. ”Aye. It be bad form to insult a lady as such. I be suggestin’ ye keep yer mouth shut. Lest ye be findin’ yerself at th’ end o’ Besmara’s wrath.”

Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Ugh...

Jaina cracks her neck and steps up. "Miss Seamyst, if you're needing a champion, I could fill the part."

She grins like a maniac at the three drunken louts. "I sure hope all three of 'em put up a better fight than Fishpork. That whole affair left me a little... disappointed."

Intimidate?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

^w^

Diana was hoping to make some fans with folks not in her party to defend her, in case that was not clear. Perhaps someone will want to defend her as an oracle of Besmara if not because she is a lovely lass. :)

The hecklers laugh at Isaac’s pious and polite rebuttal, but Jaina’s “retort” shuts them up pretty quickly—and Diana’s posturing also elicits cheers from a few other burly men around the room, one of whom vigorously headbutts a heckler. There’s a cheer for the violence, but it is quickly quashed by the Hurricane King’s guards/bouncers. Edward finishes his tale with minimal interruption, and Bonefist sits back in his chair, looking pleased.

“Yer not so yellow-bellied a crew as some would tell it, it seems! What d’yeh say, my captains? Aye or nay? Shall we accept this new Silvermane into th’ fold?”

There’s a cheer of acclaim, whistling, and even a few enthusiastic listeners pounding on tables. Bonefist holds out his hands, commanding silence, and accepts a sealed envelope from Tsadok Goldtooth. “So be it, then! Isaac Silvermane, an’ the crew o’ the Silver Shrike, I hereby award ye a letter o’ marque declarin’ you a Free Captain o’ the Shackles! As long as it be not against another ship of our great nation—except in cases o’ dire dispute, o’ course—or serious financial or emotional injury—ye may pillage, rob, seize an’ slaughter crew, an’ generally behave in ways unfittin’ to those o’ more ‘civilized’ lands. All hail our newest Free Captain an’ his crew!” As another cheer goes up, Bonefist holds out the letter and, when Isaac goes to take it, pulls the younger man close. His breath reeks and his rotten yellow teeth stare out from his mouth as he whispers hoarsely, “Don’ think I won’t be watchin’ ye closely, Silvermane. Ye think even briefly o’ crossin’ me, an’ I’ll gut you, behead the dandy, crucify yer waterwitch, an’ make yer tough watch before I start on ’er. Savvy?” Without waiting for a reply, he releases Isaac and shoves him back toward the crowd. “Enjoy the feast!!”

The Hurricane King is clearly done with you, and the rest of the night is lost to revelry.

————————————

The next day dawns warm and sunny, with the promise of fair skies following the rain of the last few days. Though you all arise later than usual (and likely hungover), the day is yours to do with what you will!

Sorry for the delay—crazy end of the week. You’ve obtained your Letter of Marque, as well as 1 point of Infamy/Disrepute! Well done. Let me know if there’s anything you want to do roleplay-wise at the Hurricane King’s feast—otherwise, you’re at liberty to enjoy the day and take shore actions in Port Peril (selling plunder, raiding Infamy, recruiting crew, etc.) the next day!

Isaac frowns at Bonefist's threat and the shove back into the crowd. During the party, the new Free Captain takes the time to subtly inform his officers about what the Hurricane King said to him.

---------

The next morning, Isaac walks on the deck, grinning ear to ear. He's feeling really good about himself. He gathers his officers and crew. "Well, lads an' lasses. We did it. We be finally be recognized as a crew fit fer a Free Cap'n! I wan' to thank ye all fer yer par' in achieving' this. Ye be th' bes' crew I've had th' pleasur' o' bein' a par' o'."

Later, he gathers his officers and most trusted crew members. "So, we shoul' be sellin' off our loot an' plund'r, ay'? Who be wantin' to go wit' me?"

Edward isn't too interested in any of the rowdy stuff other pirates might be getting into, like drinking a lot, and waits for Isaac to come back from his one on one talk with the hurricane king.

"Looks like some firm exchange of words, right?"

The following morning, Edward's sensible choice of not drinking much paid off, feeling rested.

"You go ahead to sell. I'll get around the port and promote ourselves to the locals."

Raising infamy.

[dice=Social, diplomacy & bluff same mods]1d20+16{/dice]

Jaina hops to it with drinking and carousing, occasionally bragging about how well she performed on the Test.

Redoing Ed's roll for formatting: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 I'm assuming you don't spend any plunder to give you bonuses - 1 point of plunder = +2 on the check. You can also spend 3 points to reroll it.

Edward hits the docks and bars, and spreads tales of the crew's exploits - but though the pirates there listen with interest, none seem truly impressed. Tough crowd!

Didn't quite make it, though as I said you can reroll by spending 3 points of plunder. Does anyone else want to do anything? If not, I'll move us forward to the night following the Hurricane King's feast!

Diana hooks arms with Jaina saying Would you mind some company? Its high time we girls had a night out. And perhaps, Besmara willin, we will run into one or two of the lads who were cat calling me at the feast. Diana adds with a hopeful smile. While out carousing she will talk up the deeds of her crew and captain and try to add to their infamy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Diplomacy reroll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Jaina gives Diana an odd look before shrugging. "Sure. Sounds like fun."

She's evidently not entirely used to someone asking her for a 'girls' night out'.

Diana joins Jaina in her explorations that day but, despite her best efforts, she finds that her tales are little better received than Edward’s. The taller the tale, it seems, the more skill and luck is demanded in the telling!

That night, you all meet to compare notes and plan for the next few days in an tavern Jaina’s identified as having slightly-better-than-average brew: the Riptide Alehouse. The atmosphere inside is noisy and rough (clearly most of the customers are pirates) but relatively convivial. There are dice games going on at several of the tables, and crowds of toughs hunched over their drinks and chatting intently.

Let me know if you’d like to join in any of the dice games, if there’s anything you need to speak to the others about, etc.; and can everyone please make me a Perception check.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 What are the odds. Well I can calculate them. 1 in 400. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

For selling plunder, I was referring to whatever was unclaimed on the loot sheet. Is that okay with everyone?

Ah, I didn't realize that. Yes, if you want to sell the unclaimed items on the loot sheet you can certainly find places to sell all of them in Port Peril!

As you all settle into your cups, something catches Isaac's eye.

Just at that moment, though, a distraction appears in the form of a lithe, blond-haired man with an eyepatch and a scruffy beard. He saunters up to your table with a mug of ale and, quite smoothly, offers you all a bow as he slides into a seat between Edward and Isaac. "Greetings, greetings, greetings to this fair and I hope friendly crew! I think I've heard some of the tales you've been spreading 'round the taverns these past two days - quite the stories, if true! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Pierce Jerrell, captain of the Salty Flagon. Can I buy you all a round of ale? I've had a run of luck lately that I'm eager to share, particularly with such a charming company!"

Isaac narrows his eyes at Caulky. He nudges Edward with his elbow and subtly points her out to him. He whispers, ”She be lookin’ shifty. An’ I don’t lik’ th’ look o’ tha’ bottl’. Thinkin’ we shoul’ tak’ car’ o’ ‘er befor’ she be tryin’ anythin’.”

Isaac smiles at the newcomer. ”Ay’. Join us! Th’ mor’, th’ merri’r! Tell us yer tal’s firs’! Really interested in hearin’ ‘em.” He pays attention to Pierce. But he also tries to keep an eye on Caulky.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Sense Motive vs Pierce (just in case): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Sense Motive vs Caulky (what is she up to?): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Edward looks sideways at the woman Isaac points out.
"I could see if she'd join us, she'd be right within arm's length."

Having not spotted or been clued into Caulky Diana continues to drink and eat and have a good time. She is still hoping to spot one of the men that had heckled her earlier, planning some sport at their expense.

Pierce grins. "Well, I'm nothin' much special to talk about, if we're bein' honest. Born in Druma, worked on Lake Encarthan for a while, then took up with a more liberated crew (as it were) out of Riddleport. Been in the Shackles a few years now, and bless me if it isn't one of the finest places in the world to live the life we lead! I won the Flagon dicing down in Quent, and I've been plying the trade ever since - moderately successfully. But I've never made quite the splash you have!" He leans in. "Word in the taverns is that your crew's just been invested by His Nibs, and that he's none too happy about havin' a new Silvermane on the waves." He grins. "I make no assumptions as to the truth of your claim, of course. But please - " He leans toward Edward and touches the other man's hand. " - don't let me talk all night. Tell me about yourselves! Where did you come from?"

Barely giving you time to start a response, he turns and shouts, "AHOY! MORE ALE HERE FOR THE SILVERMANE AND HIS GOOD-LOOKIN' CREW!" Several heads turn at the commotion - including Caulky's.

Sry for looking at the spoiler, but both Isaac and i went from the start. ^^

Edward takes the pinky of the guy with his other hand at the joint, where it'll hurt if you resist, and casually removes the guy's hand from his own.

"Nowhere special."

As he learned from his mother back in Riddleport, if people harass you, make them regret it, even if indirect.

Assuming the guy doesn't know any spellcraft skills....

Visible to the others at the table, Pierce's face colors with the shades of makeup, and his beard colors to match his skin, making him look very feminine. Probably the sort the other people in the tavern would hit on.

Prestidigitation.

Bluff, he's got a thing for me [voice of the sybyl: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 16 + 1 = 33
"Though, you haven't met my twin brother yet, have you. He's around here somewhere. He's more inclined to your preferences, than i am."

"Oh, he's over there, just behind that rowdy lot near the bar."

(insert evil chuckling)

Isaac narrows his eyes at Caulky as he manages to figure out what she’s up to. He nudges Diana and Jaina and points them in the direction of Caulky. He whispers to Edward. “I suspect tha’ she be tryin’ to... “recruit” mor’ fer Harrigan’s crew. Ge’ ‘er ov’r her’, Edward. We need to keep an eye on ‘er an’ stop ‘er from hurtin’ anyon’ els’.”

Isaac then heard Pierce’s call for ale and sees Caulky turning to them. “Now, Edward. Iff’n ye can’t, we mov’ to stop her. We can’t be lettin’ Harrigan find ou’ abou’ us.”

If I can assume that Edward caused Pierce’s face to change:

Seeing makeup being applied to Pierce’s face, Isaac gives a subtle deadpan stare at Edward. Turning back to Pierce, the Captain says, ”I be mor’ than willin’ to tell ye me tal’s. Jus’ try to be mor’ respectful o’ oth’rs’ personal spac’. Ask befor’ ye touch. Savvy?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

If not, then Isaac won’t look at Edward. Just blink in confusion before saying the same thing since, with my SM check, I can tell he’s flirting with Edward.

Bold of you to assume so much about your interlocutor... ;)

Pierce blinks in surprise as Edward casts his spell. "Hey now...I may be a little drunk, but I do know magic when I see it..." He looks back and forth between Isaac and Edward. "Apologies if I've given offense, friends! Of course, I'd be more than happy to meet this brother of yours...is there any chance that you could introduce m--"

Pierce's protestation is interrupted by a disturbance from the direction in which Isaac and Edward saw Caulky lurking. A loud, strapping pirate seems to have cottoned on that there's something wrong with the ale. "This drink's been tampered with! I ain't drinking this!" she bellows, tossing it over her shoulder.

The drink hits the man behind her.

He swings, with a roar, and belts the uninvolved person sitting next to the first woman.

And within seconds, the entire tavern has devolved into a scrum of scuffling, roaring, angry pirates looking for a fight!

Pierce whoops. "BAR FIIIIIIIIIGHT!"

COMBAT! ROUND ONE!

The room instantly dissolves into a mess of scuffling bodies, crowding the floor as they overturn benches, throw punches, swing mugs of ale and generally get into the spirit of a really great fight. Pierce grins wickedly at you all, clearly spoiling for a fight but a little slower on his feet - four toughs nearby seem to be moving your way, as well (Diana recognizes one of them as one of the hecklers from the feast!). No one seems to have drawn any weapons or committed any serious violence, though.

And Caulky has vanished into the crowd.

Diana, Jaina, and Edward are up for the heroes!

Initiative
Caulky
Diana, Edward, Jaina<------
Brawlers
Pierce
Isaac

Combat Map

Some notes on the map: due to the crowd, the entire floor on the main level is difficult terrain. There is a balcony on the western side of the room; it's 15' above the main floor and is fronted by a carved wall reaching down to the ground level that you could climb. You'll also note those wheel-like things, six in total, over the main area - those are chandeliers, which are grabbable with an Acrobatics check. Go to town! :)

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 grr. Will post tomorrow.

Oh, i've a perfect spell for this. :D
Is Pierce considered an enemy? If so, he's affected by this as well.

Edward frowns.
"Can't we even sit down for some proper peace and quiet? Didn't your mothers teach you to leave people be, or were you born to drooling hyenas?"

Each of them, unless 32 was not enough, are demoralized and take 1d10 ⇒ 7 fire dmg. They have to pass a DC 16 reflex save or they are set on fire.
*fingers crossed for some failed reflex saves*

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
"Btw guys, that woman's bailing out over there.", he points.

Oooh, bringing out the lethal damage quickly, I see. :P I’m going to put it on you as the caster to decide whether to include Pierce; he hasn’t made a move toward you yet, though he looks like he’s excited to be in the fight at large.

Well, CN is i. ;)
It seems appropriate, they want a fight, they shall have it.

Including Pierce in the effect. He who plays with fire gets burned. ^^

Edward, I was expecting Calm Emotions. lol. Norv, I need to know if Edward pointing out Caulky is enough for Diana to see her. Diana only missed her perception by 2. Also would like to know which of the 4 toughs was the cat caller?

I don't have Calm Emotions in my repetoire. :)

Edward pointing out Caulky is totally sufficient—the rest of you can spot her with his help. And let’s say the cat caller is Green. :)

Waiting on Diana and Jaina’s actions!

Diana casts Punitive Transformation 7 rounds, DC 18 fort and then will (Su) as Baleful Polymorph on green as she calls out You pig! Caulky is just too far for Diana's cool short range stuff. She then advances, drawing her trident. If he fails his initial save She will advance further.

Gonna bot Jaina for the nonce.

ROUND ONE (cont'd)

Edward's empowered chastisement seems to darken the very room, drawing several people's eyes to it and causing all of the toughs who were moving your way to flinch as his words sear them. Ironically - or perhaps because he wasn't expecting to be targeted by you - Pierce is the only one who catches fire.

"AAAAHHHHH!" he screams. The man, clothes ablaze, in the middle of the crowded tavern is prompting more screams now as the fight around you starts to go from "piratical brawling" to something more terrified and actually violent.

Diana's spell transforms her catcaller into a pig and she begins to push through the crowd toward Caulky (Diana, it looks like you actually moved your full 20' - remember the floor is difficult terrain). Jaina goes to head off one of the other toughs, grinning cheerfully, and punches him in the mouth. He bellows with rage and swings a hefty pewter flagon at her, but she dodges it!

One of the other toughs, seeing that Diana has pulled out a weapon, seizes a chair and smashes it, moving toward her and swinging wildly - it bounces off her armor. The last one leaps adroitly up onto the nearby table and swings a chair down at Edward's head, bellowing, "Kill the firecaster!" The bard is taken off-guard by the attack, but manages to evade it.

Pierce manages, patting frantically, to put out the fire on himself. He glares at Edward. "So! It's gonna be like that, huh?!" He snaps his fingers and mutters a word, and grins as he draws his longsword - faster than you could possibly imagine! "Iwouldn'tnormallydrawsteelinabarfight," he says, sounding slightly higher-pitched and...faster? "Butsinceyou'vebroughtlethalforcetobear - well!"

Isaac is up!

Initiative
Caulky
Diana, Edward, Jaina
Brawlers
Pierce
Isaac<-----

Combat Map Remember the floor is difficult terrain!

Edward shrugs, a rogue-ish smile on his otherwise casual face.
"More amusing, you've now got a voice to match that girly face of yours, even."

Norv, shaken also affects skill checks, ability checks and saving throws, just in case it matters on their end. :P

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Gotcha. Edward, you know that Pierce cast haste on himself. Isaac, you’re up! Will bot you if you haven’t posted by tonight.

Looks like I have only moved 10 feet to me, but I have forgotten where I started. Move me back some if I moved too far.

Isaac frowns as he sees his officers go to lethal means. Drawing his cutlass, he steps back and points it at the blue clad pirate. With a word, a jet of seawater comes forth and tries to push the pirate away from Edward.

Hydraulic Push vs blue: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 3 = 15

The Free Captain then shouts, "Stop this nonsens'! This figh' started becaus' o' 'er!" He points his cutlass at Caulky. "She be spikin' th' drinks! Go ge' 'er!"

No dice roll for that because I think it would cost an action and I'm unsure which action it would be.

ROUND TWO!

Isaac tried to point the crowd toward Caulky, but in all the chaos few people hear him and even fewer can tell what “she” he’s talking about. Caulky heads, though, and she takes off toward the stairs, ducking, weaving, and occasionally shoving her way through the crowd.

The jet of water Isaac sprays from his cutlass does distract the tough slightly—and is very comical—but fails to knock the big man off his table, where he and Pierce are menacing Edward.

Diana, Edward, and Jaina are up!

Initiative
Caulky
Diana, Edward, Jaina<———
Brawlers
Pierce
Isaac

Combat Map again, the floor is difficult terrain!

Diana advances, likely provoking and uses her punitive transformation ability on Caulky. You're keeping your head down Caulky, like a tortoise. Diana calls. You might as well be one! DC 18 fort. If she fails DC 18 will.

"Isaac, think you and Jaina can handle them? Blondie's gotten a haste spell on himself, though.", Edward looks over at the captain.

Holding posting my action until he gives his answer.

Isaac nods. ”Ay’. I’ll do me bes’ not to kill ‘em. Don’t wan’ Bon’fis’ to com’ down on us so soon.”

Edward nods.

Concentration DC 21: 1d1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Phew just enough.

Edward grins in the faces of the tough and Pierce girly, and vanishes from sight.
Invisibility sphere.
Under the cover of his spell, Edward moves past his opponents.

Gonna assume I should bot Jaina again.

ROUND TWO (cont'd)

Pierce curses colorfully as Edward vanishes. Diana curses Caulky, who cries out in terror...as she suddenly is transformed into a tortoise! The creature looks around and, seemingly startled, pulls its legs and head into its shell.

Nicely done, Diana. That curse is useful in all sorts of unexpected places!

Jaina hops acrobatically up onto the table in front of to kick her opponent in the teeth. He grunts in pain and attempts to return the favor, but she easily hops over his wild swing. One of the other pirates, angry to see Diana casting magic again, leaps up on the table she's standing next to. "'Ere now! It ain't decent to be turnin' people into pigs an' turtles! It just! Ain't! Right!" He tries to smash a bottle on her head, but in his wild swing he completely misses. "'Ey Greg! 'Elp me take out this dangerous witch 'ere!" The pirate who had been trying to brain Edward with a chair looks up and, leaping from the table he's on, lands wobbly on the table you were sitting at. Gritting his teeth, he takes another leap and, swinging off the chandelier, lands on Diana's opposite side! "Aha! Gotcha now, witch!" He swings his chair down at her, but she easily dodges that attack as well!

Pierce, meanwhile, finds himself face-to-face with Isaac. "Wellwellwell. Captaintocaptain,eh? Engarde!" He snaps his fingers and mutters another word, and then leaps up onto the table, his sword held ready in a fencer's stance.

Isaac is up! Man, none of them can hit you thanks to their terrible rolls...

Initiative
Caulky
Diana, Edward, Jaina
Brawlers
Pierce
Isaac<-----

Combat Map Remember the floor is difficult terrain!

Isaac looks at Pierce as he challenges him. The Captain then moves onto the longer table. "I'd rath'r not figh' ye. Ye haven't don' anythin' to us. So iff'n I figh' ye, th'n I shall only try to knock ye ou'." He then moves forward and swings his cutlass!

Attack (nonlethal): 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 4 = 8
Nonlethal Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

If I get any penalties from him having the higher ground, please add them in. Not that it matters much.

ROUND THREE!

I forgot that Caulky failed her Will save, so there was really no need for a break there...

Pierce just laughs and leaps nimbly over Isaac's blade. "Sochivalrousnow! Lesssowhenyermateissettinpeopleonfire, eh?" He laughs out loud.

Caulky the Tortoise, meanwhile, disappears, seeking shelter under a nearby chair.

Rest of the party's up!

Initiative
Caulky (hiding)
Diana, Edward, Jaina<------
Brawlers
Pierce
Isaace

Combat Map (Again, the floor is difficult terrain!)

Jaina limbers up, then snaps three quick punches at the patron facing her.

Swift Action to gain Power Attack.

Nonlethal Power Flurry: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Nonlethal Power Flurry: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Nonlethal Damage?: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Nonlethal Power Flurry: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6