Fipps keeps his eyes locked on you as he's led to the rail and jumps off. Narwhal, meanwhile, goes quietly, but right before he's shoved over the side, he lets out a yell. "MUTINY!!!"
As Fipps gives him the evil eye, Elek raises his cursed prosthetic, glaring. "You should have never come down those stairs and threatened me." Watching the big man Jump, he turned to Narwhal, frowning as the dwarf yells. 'No surprise there, at last were not fighting those two as well.' Moving quickly, he gestures to the others, "To the aft cabin." Running towards the rear he calls to the half elf Meldlar. "Badger, watch those two swimmers, make sure they don't double back this way!"
As he runs towards the cabin door, he calls to "Giffer" "Tibbs is he loose yet?"
Double move towards the rear cabin door, not sure if we get to the door before it opens or not. Just let me know.
You reach the cabin just as the doors fly open, revealing both Plugg and Scourge, Scourge holds a nasty-looking whip, and Plugg has his cutlass drawn. "Mutiny, eh? I should have known you weren't dead. Always been a tricksy one, haven't you! This is your one chance to surrender."
'Surrender?""Ha!" Smiling, Elek gestures around the ship. "Surrender? Look around!" He points the estoc back to where Badger is watching to make sure the two are swimming away from the boat. "Fipps and Narwhal are overboard. You're alone." He points the cursed cannon at Plugg. "Let me give you a counter offer. Drop your weapons and I'll maroon you on the island, maybe tell Harrigan where he can find his first mate." He shrugs, "If not, I'll kill you, even if I have to hunt you down." He looks over Pluggs shoulder. "The offer stands for you as well Scourge, drop you weapons, and over you go. But you'll live to see another morning."
influence:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 Edit: a question, how close is Elek to Plugg?
Plugg shakes his head and gives you a cocky grin. "Big words for someone who needs an army of supporters to threaten my authority. Why don't you challenge me yourself like a real man?"
Scourge, meanwhile, is too busy glaring at Syl to respond. "You filthy little trollop! Stop hiding and get over here so I can remind you who's in charge!"
You're about 10ft away from Plugg. Owlbear will be free in another round or two.
'Well, I gave him a chance, I think that's more than he would have given me.' Shaking his head, Elek Shrugs, "Your choice." Straightening the arm cannon he tells it "shèjí" As the cannon errupts leaveing a shadow in it's wake. Elek Calls back over his shoulder, "Syl stay where your at, if your with us, your with us."
Seeing the shot blow a hole in the door frame "Blasted bloody prosthetic" Elek curses under his breath, "Keep Scourge off of me, but Plugg is mine."
Suprise round? I wasn't sure Elek would be able to get a full round in. Attack Shadow Wake arm cannon. attack:1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11fordamage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2nonlethal:1d6 ⇒ 5
You raise your cannon, but Plugg is faster. He points his sword at you, and you're suddenly bombarded with a wave of water!
Bull Rush:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Looks like you're able to withstand it, so you're welcome to take the rest of your full round if you want.
Ok, so the attack didn't happen, but with your permission, the words did get said, so I don't have to retype them :)
Blast, didn't see that coming,' The water attack knocking him off his stance. Elek rushes forward, telling the cursed prosthetic, " Biànchéng yú chā shǒu." Moving quickly towards Plugg, he feints wide to the left with the harpoon hand slashing, then thrusts true with the estoc. Side stepping he quickly moves back out to the middle of the ship, so he has more room to maneuver. Calling to Plugg, as he raises the bloody estoc "Well come on you sea slug."
As long as you're using the harpoon hand to feint, it'll add the +1.
You land a devastating blow to Plugg's side. As you move back, your crewmates form a loose ring around the edge of the deck. There'll be no fleeing over the side for this fight - something Plugg appears to be considering. Especially since Giffer just finished severing Owlbear's shackles.
While Plugg weighs his options, Scourge's whip suddenly lashes out towards your estoc.
Disarm:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Plugg's taking a total defense this round since you took out almost half his HP with that strike. XD Both he and Scourge are about 15ft away from you.
not sure if I should switch NPC's or not, but I think they can handle Scourge. So does total defense aid PSD?
'Cheating bastard!' Jerking the estoc out of the way, Elek points it at Scourge. "Breaker, Crimson, Syl, kill Scourge; but Plugg's mine!" Seeing Plugg look from Him towards Owlbear, Elek snarls at Plugg, "I thought you wanted to fight." Elek charges towards Plugg, Feinting at Pluggs sword arm with the cursed harpoon hand, then thrusting again with the bloody estoc.
You stab Plugg once again, and the (severely injured) man falls to his knees. "Mercy!" he begs.
Meanwhile, Owlbear lumbers toward Scourge, whirling the chain around his wrist like a flail. He's backed up by Giffer and several of your friends. Scourge looks terrified, but there's nowhere to flee to. His escape is blocked by those he's most abused.
Total Defense boosts PSD, that's correct. This fight is going very differently than I'd imagined, by the way. I guess all your low attack rolls thus far were preparing you for the mutiny. XD
Total Defense boosts PSD, that's correct. This fight is going very differently than I'd imagined, by the way. I guess all your low attack rolls thus far were preparing you for the mutiny. XD
Dude, it's the cursed cannon, as long as he isn't shooting he does fine :)
'Mercy? Plugg would kill me if he could. But I have no need to kill pirates.' Tucking the estoc blade into his left armpit, Elek raises his right hand. "Your actions prove your not worthy to captain this lot. Drop your weapons and strip to your waist. Your going overboard, marooned to the island."
Regripping the estoc, he tells the cursed prosthetic, "Dàpào." Ponting the cursed weapon at Pluggs head he gestures towards Plugg and Scourge. "Crimson, Breaker; relieve Mister Plugg and Mister Scourge of their weapons." Moving closer to the kneeling Plugg. "To many people want to kill our kind, we shouldn't do their work for them." He looks from Plugg to Scourge. "But if I see Captain Harrigan I'll let him know where I left you and that you were on your way to Rickety's Squibs with his ship. I wonder if he'll take the same view I do."
if it gets this far
Looking around as Plugg and Breaker strip down. "I've said it before, I have no desire to sail with a pirate who doesn't want to sail with me." He gestures towards the two. "These two have proven their not fit to lead. I'm taking the ship. I've got the training, I've got the heritage and most importantly I've got the audacity to do it. If you don't want to sail with me as captain you can go with them. My rules will be different then theirs and Harrigans'. But know this, I'll not put up with anyone killing any of my crew." He pauses looking at Syl then Aretta. "If you can't live with that prepare for a swim, cause you'll be better of with then." He smiles "But if you lubbers can endure each other we sail for Rickety's Squibs to get this tub refitted and then back out to sea to do what pirates do."
if we get this far
Once Plugg and Scourge get down to their nickers, Elek nods to Crimson and Breaker to give them a shove overboard.
Stripped, Plugg and Scourge tumble overboard as the crew - your crew - cheers. If they survive, they're sure to come seeking revenge, but based on your experience on that inhospitable hellhole of an island, that's a bit if.
And with that, the ship is yours. Thanks to your planning and concealing your most powerful abilities, it happened with a minimum of bloodshed. Next stop? Rickety's Squibs.
Loot
MW Handaxe (with notches to indicate kills)
cruel whip
Hefty waxed coat with many hidden pockets
Leather snuff box with a diamond stud (worth 100gp)
Silver Wedding Ring (worth 25gp) tidewater cutlass shackles of compliance
379gp
Tidewater Cutlass
As a standard action, the wielder can spend a spell point to call forth a blast of water that makes a bull rush attempt against a creature within Close range (as hydraulic push). This ability can be used once per day without paying the spell point cost.
'Now down to the business of running a ship.' Picking up the cutlass that Plugg dropped, Elek held it by the blade, handing it to Crimson. "Crimson, this belongs to you now." He looks to the crew, "We still going to sail out at high tide. So we need to get some sleep." As the crew begins to turn, he calls out, "Sandara, assign Breaker, Cutlass, Artful and Bonnie, three crew members, We will keep our own watch now. Three hours each." He turns to Owlbear, "well big guy, it's been a busy evening why don't you go below decks and get some sleep. Things will be very different tomorrow."
As the crew begins to head below decks, Elek notices Sandara is done assigning crew and watches to his four most trusted crewmembers. "Sandara a moment." As she joins him, he points to the foredeck cabin. "I didn't want to say this in front of the whole crew, just in case you refused me, but I'd like to make you my second in command." He walks into the cabin. "This will be your cabin.' He looks around, rifling through Tam and Fipps' gear. "Well, yours and maybe another officer or two, depending on who we chose." He gestures towards the front of the bow and the open sea. "I've told you my mother was a cleric of Besmara, and I value her blessing. And believe me I intend to be a pirate." He looks at her, "Think about it and let me know in the morning. As for tonight, this cabin is yours whatever you decide."
As he leave the cabin he nods at Breaker who was busy talking to Aretta, pointing to where he wanted her. He noticed Ratline was already in the crows nest and Tilly was on the forecastle. he waived smiling, "Don't worry Tilly, tomorrow there will be grog for everyone."
As he made his way back to the aft cabin he gathered the remaining things that Plugg and Scourge left behind. Walking in the cabin he dumped them on the table, too anxious to sleep he began familiarizing himself with the room, eventually looking at charts and identifying their exact location. Once he was tired enough, he moved towards the very fancy hammock, pausing he thought about sleeping in the same hammock as his old rival. Smiling at himself, a hammock was a hammock. He climbed in the fancy thing and was soon fast asleep.
Waking with the dawn, he exited the cabin, finding Bonnie on watch with her crew. He nodded, "Wake the crew. We'll set a few rules in place before the tide, so once it hits we can sail."
Will work on a few ideas for rules and officers and such, and post tomorrow.
Rules:
There will be no theft among the crew. Anyone caught thieving will pay back the debt seven fold.
There will be no fighting with weapons, Any parties wishing to fight will do so bare handed on the deck after dinner so the rest of us can wager on it. Punishment determined by severity of injuries.
There will be no killing of other crew, anyone guilty of murdering a crew member will walk the plank. If in port they will walk the plank starboard side with their hands tied and thier gear tied around thier neck.
Grog will be optional and served with every meal. We will use a 3/1 ratio, so it's the same amount of rum :) Drunkenness beyond the ability to perform ones duties will be punished with the serving of water, the time of punishment will depend on the length and severity of said drunkenness.
Lesser infractions will be punished as the officer on duty see's fit, up to and including the lash.
As the crew come above deck, ELek has them gather around. "I've posted a list, of officers and rules. If your not on the list your responsibilities have not changed. If you are on the list and you have questions ask Ms. Quinn. If she can't answer them, then the two of you come to me."
He looks at Kroop, "Fishguts, measure out four gallons of grog, see that each sailor has the option to have a pint with breakfast."
Then turning to Ratline "Mr. Rattsberger get a quick breakfast and be ready to take the helm."
Turning back to the crew, "We sail with the tide for Rickety's Squibs."
Elek watches as the crew moves about their business. 'I doubt i Owlbear can read.' Walking over to his large friend, Elek calls "Owlbear, I need a favor." He gestures towards where Kroop is moving below decks. "Since I'm not going to be able to help my friend Fishgut's, I need someone to take my job that I can trust. I need you to be Fishgut's assistant in the galley, ok?"
Waiving Jack over to him, "Jack, cabin boy is really easy." He smiles. "It means you do whatever I say." He winks. "so for now, make yourself useful and see which of these knives you like best." Elek hands the expensive Scrimshaw blade to the boy. "Try them both out. Keep whichever you like."
Waiving the boy off, he pauses looking at the sky. Smiling, he begins to calculate how long it will take to get to Rickety's Squibs.
Kroop gives you a salute but looks a bit embarrassed. "Aye, Cap'n! I'm sorry to say, though, that Plugg had all the booze dumped overboard, and I wasn't able to save anything but a small tun. This is an occasion that deserves celebratin', so I'll happily share it with the crew, but there's only enough for everyone to have a cup or so."
Sandara accepts your offer. "A good captain keeps someone around to watch his back. You've saved my life and I've saved yours, so we're already joined by blood. I'd be honored to serve."
Ratline nods approvingly. "As long as the winds are fair, we'll be there in two days, Captain."
Owlbear scratches his head before grinning. "Help Fishguts make yummy food? Owlbear can do that. Make sure food tastes good for friends!"
Jack looks proud as he salutes. "Aye, aye, sir! I won't let you down!"
The rest of the crew sets about their duties. Your list of rules is a good sign that things will be a lot different moving forward. Now it just remains to be seen if you'll stick to them - or let your newfound power go to your head. The overall mood, though, is optimistic.
Kroop 'dumped the rum overboard? he really was a prick.' Nodding Elek puts his hand on Kroops shoulder, "Sharing your own stash with the crew, you are a kind man Kroop." Pausing, "Water it down a little more, instead of three to one go four to one and add a little lime juice." Nodding to his friend, he moves to leave, then turns back. "I need another favor, take Owlbear under your wing." He shrugs, "Let him help in the kitchen as best as he can. I'm hoping if we work with him a little he starts seeing himself as more human than animal." Elek winks at his oldest friend. "See what kind of potential the big lug has."
Sandara
Nodding at Sandara's comment, "The honor is mine." Smiling, he gestures towards the foredeck, "You, Bonnie and Giffer take the fore-cabin, I'll stick Crimson, Ratline, Artful and Breaker in the Captains galley, Put up a curtain or something." As they strolled the deck, "I'm surprised the size of the captains quarters, once we get to Rickety's squibs, I may have them put a divider up so we have more private quarters."
Ratline
Smiling a wide smile, "Let me know if the wind doesn't partisipate." He points at the sails with his cursed harpoon hand concentrating. Calling on the name of the wind. " Fēng" He momentarily causes a severe wind to push into the sails causing the ship to jerk forward for the briefest of seconds. He turns and winks at Ratline, "I've been looking for an excuse to do that." as he leaves the Aft-castle he turns and tells Ratline, "Oh, you'll be bunking in the Captains galley with some of the other officers."
New
Moving to his cabin he grabs the bag of gear that he found on the island, Pausing for a moment, he removed all of the 'valuables' and placed them in his Sea chest, locking it. The other items he left in the sack, hefting it over his shoulder, he goes looking for Bonnie. Finding her below decks, inventorying items, he sits the bag down smiling. "I hope you didn't mind me making you Quartermaster. It's an important job and I knew I could trust you. I've go a few more things for you to take care of." Dumping the weapons out of the sack. "All of them are well made, I wouldn't have bothered keeping them otherwise. If you see something you like keep it, the rest pass out to the crew, no reason not to put them to good use in the next raid." before he leaves he asks., "Any questions?"
Weapons: MW Handaxe (with notches to indicate kills), MW Handaxe, MW Dagger x2, MW Silver Dagger and MW Cold Iron Sickle
Carrying his sack, Elek tracks down Artful, pulling out the 'Shackles of compliance.' "Artful, since your Master-at-Arms, I want you to keep Scourges shackles, rather have them and not need them, than need them and not have them, Right?" Pausing, "Oh you, Breaker, Crimson and Ratline are bunking in the captains Galley, let the boys know, yeah?"
Finding Tibbs, he pulls the last item out of the sack. Showing Tibbs the Whale skull covered in scrimshaw, "Found this on the island, knew the scrimshaw was spells of some sort. Can you use them, or might you know if any of the crew uses a spell book?"
Bonnie takes the silver dagger. "Nice! I don't have one of those, yet."
Giffer intently peruses the whale skull before handing it back. "Afraid not. Most pirates don't have the brains for wizardry. I'm the exception, but my talents are purely mundane. I know those carvings do something magical, but I have no idea what."
Regarding the various items you're giving to the crew (like most of the weapons you listed), keep a list of them. Once we get to port, you'll unlock another way to spend your wealth: ship and crew upgrades. XD
With Bonnie
Smiling he nods, "Good, Keep the rest, if anyone needs a quality weapon go ahead and give them one." He pauses for a moment, turning back to her. "If the Rahadoumi stay with us, we may need to find them weapons."
With Giffer
Nodding, Elek admits. "Yeah, me too." lifting up the cursed prosthetic, "I've a little magical but don't have a clue how it works, or if I could even use a written spell." He puts the whale skull back in the bag, "Maybe there will be someone in Rickety's Squibs that can translate it for us." He smiles, "Who knows maybe we can hire a wizard to join our crew."
now
He looks around the ship seeing his first mate on the deck near the Helm. Walking up the steps, he approaches, remembering a conversation he had with his father years before. "So my dad would ask my mother to pray over different gear, or weapons. She made a sacrifice to Besmara." Elek smiled at the memory. "I can remember watching her pray over this shield then tossed the gold overboard as a sacrifice. But after the prayer, the shield was more balanced, like it was crafted better." He pauses, looking Sandara in the eye, "Have you ever heard of such a thing. After the fights back on the island I thought my armor should be better>" Shrugging. "And wit the money we found, well we could afford the offering."
Giffer shrugs. "Mayhaps. Alternately, while not a wizard, if given some training, Conchobhar and Rosie could probably serve as mages. Their music always elicits a reaction from their listeners - for better or for worse." (in other words, they're both Bards - with very different builds)
Sandara smiles. "I'll pray about it tonight. Perhaps in the morning, we can make an offering." (with advance notice, she can cast it once per day)
With Giffer
Nodding, Elek asks, "Really, I knew Conchobhar had some talent that way when we fought with the rats in the bilge, but I didn't know Rosie did. I just liked her energy." He rubs his chin for a moment. "What else can you tell me about the crews hidden talents?" Smiling, "Heck, what can you tell me about how you do what you do?"
With Sandara An offering, when was the last time I gave a proper offering to Besmara, Gold from a raid over the gunwale of a pirate ship.' Smiling at Sandara he nods. "That would be nice."
not sure what the plan is for the day, Elek would talk to Giffer about the crews talents as long as Giffer wanted to provide information
There's no need to go day-by-day anymore, by the way. We can arrive at Rickety's Squibs whenever you're ready. XD
Cool
Listening carefully and taking a few mental notes, Elek nods, feeling more comfortable about his knowledge of the crews fighting ability. Nodding, "Once we give an offering to Besmara in the morning I'll feel like were ready for anything."
Don't need to do the offering unless you want to, happy to subtract 150 gp. from his wealth and make the armor MW. Think I will change his look a little as well, use the silk handkerchief as a bandana on his head, no not like Jack Sparrow, well maybe a little like Jack...
Rounding a tall headland, you discover a hidden cove at the mouth of a wide jungle river, its sluggish brown waters staining the waters of the blue sea like an ugly bruise. A series of docks has been built upon this estuary, with buildings concealed beneath the overhanging limbs of the jungle beyond. A wooden watchtower stands upon the promontory of the headland, carefully concealed among the trees to provide a clandestine view of the seas.
As you sail past the headland, a checkered flag of yellow and red is raised above the watchtower, and shortly thereafter, a blue flag is hoisted upon a yardarm at the docks ahead. A number of figures emerge from the shaded buildings and gather on the pier. A small, single-masted longboat soon sets out from a boathouse to meet you; its crew hails you. "Ahoy there! Drop anchor so we can discuss terms!"
Assuming you do so
Once aboard, the spokesman (presumably Rickety) immediately begins inspecting your vessel. After some time, he gives you his estimate. "Looks pretty straightforward. Take about a week to squib 'er. It'll cost ya two grand plus any extras you're wanting. Smuggling compartments, armor plating, you get the picture."
Hearing Conchobhar call 'Land ho!' from the crows nest Elek pushes away from the desk in his cabin. As he moves towrds the door he folds his mothers black embroidered linen handkerchief and ties it on his forehead. Adjusting the estoc on his hip he walks out the cabin onto the deck, seeing the land on the horizon. Walking up the stairs to the upper deck he nods to Ratline, smiling, "Mr Rattsberger." Winking he draws the large telescope they found on the Island from it's rack.
Watching as the hidden cove appears out of the mouth of the jungle river. Scanning the docks he quickly sees the wooden watchtower and the checkered flag. Watching the longboat set out, he calls out the order, "Lower sails and drop anchor." Moving down the steps he tells the crew, "Everyone stand to, I don't expect trouble, but if we need to escape I want to be ready."
As he moved to the gunwale, "Ms Quinn if you'd join me." he waves for Sandara to join him. Watching as the 'spokesman' boards the ship and moves about, then presented his price. Raising an eyebrow at the cost, Elek mentally calculated what they had in the hold and what he had collected on the island. Extending his hand, "Rickety Squibs I presume?"
He shifts slightly, "I'm Captain Kardforgató." Pausing, giving the name room to breath, 'Yeah of those Kardforgatós' Gesturing towards Sandara, "and this is my first mate, Sandara Quinn." Putting his hand to his face, rubbing he stubble on his chin. "We've the inventory and goods to do a fare amount of work and I won't begrudge a man a profit. But two thousand seems steep. What are the possibilities that price can come down" Smiling, "Call it an investment in future endeavors."
influence:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 Edit: did any of his famous ancestors do business with Rickety? lore (ancestors):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Rickety thinks for a minute. "Kardforgato, eh? I remember that name. Let's see ... Banshee, right? Was sad to hear what happened. Curse those Chelish bastards!"
When you try to haggle, Rickety shakes his head. "Squbbin's a whole lot more than a paint job and a new name plate. Every vessel's unique, and a knowledgeable sailor can recognize it by the silhouette alone. I'll need to completely rebuild the superstructures and rigging to hide her appearance - and doing that without affecting her performance is tricky.
"That's not all you're paying for, though. No matter how good a squib is, it's completely useless if people know about it. Discretion and silence are expensive. Don't get all up in arms; I'm not trying to threaten you. What I mean is even torture won't make me and my men reveal the identity of a ship we've squibbed."
He pauses. "You can also pay in installments if you're short on funds."
'So the word got out, some of the crew must have escaped slavery then. Or as least told the tale to someone who had.' Nodding as Rickety mentions his fathers ship. He listened as Rickety explained the process the 'Man's Promise' would go through. He had a good idea from when his father brought more than a couple vessels here. But thought it poor manners to interrupt. And Rickety was right Elek was also paying him to keep his mouth shut.
'Can't blame a guy for trying.' Smiling Elek shrugs, "Can't blame a guy for trying. The funds we have in plunder, and I'd like to add Rapid Deploy Sails and a Broader Rudder, that 1,500 in gold I'll be paying out of my own pocket."
He gestures towards the docks, "Where do you want me to put her and how long will it take? Are you going to need me or my crews help? If not where can we hold up?" Pausing for a moment, "And is there anyone in town that could sew a flag for me?"
As the conversation finishes, Elek points to the Bow. "One other thing, change the name of the ship to "The Banshee's Revenge."
"Those are easy enough to add. The sails can be done during the squibbing process, and broadening yer rudder will only add a day or so. Everything'll be done in eight days. There isn't much entertainment around these parts, but yer welcome to enjoy the tavern while you wait."
Your ship will be kept at the dry dock (A5) while Rickety's people work on it. You and your crew can stay at the commons (A4), which has a taproom, market, and chow hall. You'll be able to get a flag made (and buy/sell things) there. A2 and A3 are docks and an empty boathouse. Rickety only works on one ship at a time, so you'll have plenty of privacy. RICKETY'S SQUIBS
With Rickety
Nodding, Elek asks, "So do I leave the plunder on the ship and let your folks unload and inventory it, Or do I take it to the tavern to sell?"
afterwards
Watching Rickety return to his vessel, Elek Turns to Sandara, "That was easy enough. Have the crew ready to disembark once we hit port. Tell them they have seven days leave to spend their hard earned money." Seeing Breaker nearby, he calls to him, "Mr Bones, would you give me hand unloading the loot we acquired on the island?"
After the ship docks, Elek will have the crew unload and head to the tavern. He will help Breaker carry the sea chest of valuables, and the bags with the other items he will assign to other pirates.
The Commons
A once-grand building with broad wings extending from its ground floor stands at the end of the docks, its octogonal dome topped with a cupola. It was obviously a fine villa in its day, but time and the harsh sun and rains of the Slithering Coast have faded its paint and cracked its boards, leaving it a gray ghost of its former self. A painted board above the veranda names it as "Rickety's Squibs." Smaller, less grandiose hovels and sheds clapped together of flotsam and jetsam surround the larger building and merge into the jungle behind it.
As mentioned, there's a taproom, a market, and a chow hall. Everything's somewhat shabby but perfectly functional.
Notable Items for Sale
silver guisarme
circlet of persuasion firefighter's wand(Spheres of Power) goggles of magic sight(Spheres of Power) necklace of the healed soul(Spheres of Power)
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You've got eight days here until your ship's ready. There are a few things scheduled to happen, so lets go day by day. Just give me a general idea of what you want to do (Influence, recruit crew, buy/sell items, gamble, explore the jungle, etc).
Carrying the items from his personal inventory, Elek pauses to admire the once grand building. 'I'll need to ask Rickety how he came to 'acquire' this old plantation.' Entering the he begins the process of selling the non-combat items from the bags and chests, quickly dismissing the crew that was helping him so they could enjoy the seven days of shore leave. He had made it one week so he would have them sober and well rested before they sailed.
At the market as he sold the things they found on the Island he tells about the adventure there. Telling how he killed the evil tree dweller, or fought the sea-goblins. He even told the story about tossing Plugg and Scourge overboard. Doing all he could to impress the locals, both to improve his and the ships reputation and to acquire more crew. While he bragged he also listened to any local rumors, asking about adventure there on the Island. It seemed wasteful not to do something with the few days he had on land. Occasionally seeing something he liked, he inquired about the prices.
Will spend the rest of the day selling stuff and working on infamy and recruiting and gather information about potential adventure. If there is not enough day left to do all that it will flow into tomorrow. influence: Infamy:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32 1nfamy:1d3 ⇒ 3 influence: recruiting:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18LOL no crew for me today :) crew #:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 influence: Information:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30 hrs spent gathering info:1d4 ⇒ 3
Day One: Your roll nets you 2 Infamy. Base number is 1, and you earned an extra 1 point for exceeding the DC by 5.
Day Two: No crew, unfortunately. Feel free to try again tomorrow.
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The Slithering Coast has been suffering from a drought for almost a month now.
"Sirens rarely find true love, but once, one fell in love with a ship's captain. Unfortunately, her father disapproved of the match and, not realizing the depths of his daughter's attachment, conjured a storm to sink his ship. The siren's subsequent suicide drove the Sea King to build a watery memorial filled with winding passages in a fit of remorse. At its heart: the ship captain's bride gift for the Sea King."
There are also an endless number of vessels to plunder and coastal settlements to raid.
What would be the skill roll to find out more about the Sea Kings watery memorial?
That night, pleased with the way folks had responded to his stories, Elek decided to ask the crew if they knew anything about the Sea Kings memorial to his daughter, it sounded like a place worth looting. On the second day He spent his time recruiting crew. He layed a lot of ground work but got no promises. On the third day, he continued trying to impress folks with more stories. On the fourth day he continues searching for crew. All the while listening for any more tidbits about possible targets.
As some point in time he tracks down Rickety and asks him if he is concerned about the drought and if he had heard any reasons for it.
didn't know if only one was aloud per day, or if was just late the last day. So day three, and maybe day four. influence: Infamy:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 influence: recruiting:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35 crew #:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 influence: Information day 3:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28 hrs spent gathering info:1d4 ⇒ 2 edit influence: Information day 4:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37 hrs spent gathering info:1d4 ⇒ 2
Day Three: gained 1 Influence Day Four: recruited 6 crew
It's speculated that the Sea King's memorial is located in the Lake of Scales on Shark Island. The island's variety of dangerous wildlife makes searching a dangerous option, and after a few adventurous groups vanished, the tale was consigned to legend.
Rickety isn't concerned about the drought yet, but if it lasts more than a few weeks longer, he plans to seek out the nagas who inhabit the region and see if they know anything.
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In the afternoon of the fourth day, a sudden shout of alarm is heard, and Rickety's people scatter for cover. Looking outside, you see a Chelish galleon anchored in the cove and an armed party clambering onto the docks from their launch.
Knowledge (civilization):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
It's unlikely that the Chelish navy would know the location of Rickety's Squibs.
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
The landing party are not dressed as Chelish marines.
Knowledge (martial):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Although the landing party has their weapons drawn, they appear to have taken a defensive stance and don't seem to be preparing an offensive.
Seeing Rickety's people scatter, Elek, looks around to see how many of his crew are near. Calling to Sandara, "If this goes south get the crew into the woods and away from here. I'll look for you on the other side of the bay to the south." Looking to see who else was nearby, he located Breaker and Artful having a drink, "Gentlemen your with me." Smiling at Breaker, "I hope you've been practicing with that harpoon."
Moving out of the Villa he tells the cursed prosthetic: "Chéngwéi dàpào." As it becomes the cannon, he tells his masters-at-arms. "Look as intimidating as you want, but follow my lead. Don't draw unless I do, hopefully we'll at least learn who where fighting if it comes to that."
Walking nearer to the Landing party, "Ahoy" shall we parley?"Elek stops at about thirty five feet. "That's quite a lovely vessel, I haven't seen one like it for about seven years. Reminds me a lot of a Chelish galley I had the opportunity to be on for a short period of time." Gesturing with his right hand. "But I don't see any Chelish uniforms. Figured I 'd come out and talk to you, see what your business might be. My names Captain Kardforgató can I ask who's in charge and what your intentions are?"
I'm assuming some of the crew are available and semi sober. If not, he'll walk out alone. If possible I'd like the influence roll to be to influence attitude, if it has to be 'making a request' since he asked a question, i understand. The sense motive is to determine the answers honesty. influence:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 sense motive:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
The captain gives a cautious - but friendly - smile. "Kardforgato, eh? Of the Sikander Kardforgatos? I thought they all got hung a few years back. I'm Merrill Pegsworthy, Free Captain. Came here to get this galleon squibbed. Nobody told me Rickety already had a client...." He awkwardly trails off. As both of you know, squibbing's useless if people know it's being done. Regardless of how this happened, both you and Pegsworthy are in a dangerous position.
Has Elek ever heard of him? Either from parents or locally? both lore ancestor an civilization are + 8 lore/knowledge:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
'Well that puts us both in a very dangerous position. But I don't think he's seen too much of my ship.' Turning and looking towards the dry dock, to see how much of 'the Man's Promise' was visible. He turns back to Breaker and 'Artful' speaking loud enough for Captain Pegsworthy to hear him. "You swabs head back to the tavern," He looks them each in he eyes. "You forget what you heard and there's fifty gold pieces in it for each of you." He waits to see them nod, before he breaks eye contact with them and sends them on their way.
Walking nearer to Captain Pegsworthy, he gestures towards the dry docks. "Not enough for you to see there to determine where mine came from or what she was in her previous life." He stops about ten foot away. Gesturing towards the big chelaxian ship. "I wasn't kidding when I said I had been aboard one." Telling the cannon, "huí dào yú chā shǒu." he lifts up the cursed prosthetic. "That's where I got this, so to speak. I watched my father, Sikander and mother Cassandra both hanged from the yardarms while the crew was taken as slaves. It's where I lost my hand 'for thievery' that's what the captain called it, then me tossed over and left for drowned." He spits. "I've nothing but hate for Chelaxians and would just as soon kill one as look at 'em let alone tell them where their ship got off to."
He nods his head at Breaker and Artful, resting his right hand on the whip on his hip. "I'll be done here in four days and those boys will keep their mouths shut or I'll have 'em whipped for liars." Looking Pegswoorthy in the eye, "I see it as we've got two choices, we can try and kill each other over secrets I'd be happy to keep. Or we can go our separate ways and if you ever find yourself needing help dealing with a Chelaxian vessel, you call on me and mine and well help you. First time, you take sixty percent of the bounty and I'll take forty." He smiles, "That would only be the first time, any more and we split fifty fifty. but I'd be happy to sail with you going after Chelaxians anytime."
This feels like making a request influence:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
MERRIL PEGSWORTHY
Free Captain Peggsworthy is a former Eagle Knight of Andoran who turned to piracy after losing his leg in a battle with Cheliax.
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Peggsworthy considers for a long minute before nodding. "An enemy of Cheliax is a friend of mine. I'll keep your secret. Four days, huh? I'll come back in five. Should be plenty of time to get far enough away that my lookout won't spot you."
'Merril Pegsworthy, friend.' Smiling Elek nods, walking up to the Captain, extending hand. "I'll owe you one then Captain. Remember, if your hunting Chelish ships, I'm your man." Nodding to the crew, so they get a good look at his face, he turns away smiling. 'That couldn't have gone any better if I'd planned it."
Walking back to the tavern where Breaker and 'Artful' are sitting, "That went better than expected." He holds his pouch in his right hand as he loosens the tie strings with the harpoon end. Dumping out a dozen or so platinum pieces he pushes five to Breaker and five to 'Artful' slipping the other two back in his pouch. "Remember, that captains name stays between the three of us." tucking the pouch back in his belt, he watches as each of them nod again.
Remembering he still wore Scourges whip on his belt. uncomfortable with the 'weight' of it he saw Syl drinking. Moving over to the table he sits down beside her. Setting the whip on the table. "I was thinking about how Scourge called you out." Shaking his head. 'Stupid bastard." He pushed the whip towards Syl. "You interested in keeping his whip as a reminder?"
Syl shakes her head. "That's not the kind of pain I enjoy. In fact, I'd prefer it if I didn't have to see it any more."
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Shortly after Peggsworthy and his crew leave, Rickety approaches you. "I'd like to personally apologize for what happened. The watchtower's supposed to signal incoming vessels to inform them when I'm occupied. I'll be sending a man over to see why my lookout failed to do so. In the meantime, would you be amenable to some hidden compartments added to your ship? Free of charge, of course, as a way to make things right."
'Not the kind of pain I enjoy?' Elek looks curiously at Syl, but doesn't ask for specifics. He shrugs. "Was hoping to give it to someone who would get some use out of it. You know if any of the crew is good with it?"
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'An Apology, I was wondering why a cutter didn't intercept Pegsworthy, so the watchtower didn't signal. Amenable to compartments?' Raising an eyebrow at Rickety's generous offer, Elek nods. "I would be amenable, thank you. The apology is appreciated, though I think things ended acceptably. But I understand a good reputation is something of great value and worth protecting." Elek gestures towards the watchtower. "If you need any help with anything let me know, several of my people are bored and wouldn't mind something to do." Eleks smile made it clear that he considered himself in that category.
"Honestly, I don't think any of the crew would want anything to do with that thing."
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"You're more than welcome to come with if you'd like. You're the one affected, after all, so it's only fair that you know what happened."
'Guess I can sell it if I want to, but it is a reminder.' Nodding, "Didn't think if it that way. Shrugging, "Don't know that I'll ever have need to use it, maybe I'll Sell it. Thanks for your honesty."
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'Everyone's run off, not a lot of folks to recruit.' Nodding to Rickety, "Why not, sure I'll come along." As they move he smiles at Rickety, "So Tell me how did you 'acquire' this place?"
Assuming since he's asking a question that it's making a request. influence:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
"Made a treaty with the nagas 'bout a decade 'n a half ago. They let me use this area, and in return, I make sure folks don't get too close to their territory."
You follow Rickety and a couple of his men down a winding trail that follows a knife-edged ridgeline as it climbs along the headland. The way is rocky and steep, overgrown with foliage. "Our lookout lives in the watchtower at the end of the trail. Real antisocial type. Once a week or so, I'll send a couple folks out with food and rum, but other than that, ol' Lyle keeps to himself."
As you get closer, a large, colorful parrot flaps down and squawks, "Shoo, fly, don't bother me!" several times before turning and flying back up the trail toward the watchtower.
'A treaty with the Naga's, hopefully this isn't their work.' Listening as Rickety explains the arrangement, Elek raises an eyebrow when Rickety calls his lookout antisocial. Seeing the large colorful parrot, Elek gestures towards the parrot, "Your man's Friend?"
Ignoring the parrot's warning, Elek pressed on, following Rickety towards the watchtower.
"That's Rotgut, Lyle's parrot. Pretty smart fellow - for a bird."
Inside the watchtower, you find the twisted remains of a rope hammock and a few scattered items of clothing. Lying beneath the hammock, with one boot on and the other lying across the floor from it, is the flyspecked corpse of an elderly man. One side of his neck is black and swollen to the size of a melon, and a dried ring of foam cakes his beard and mustache around his lips. The parrot flaps over, alights on the corpse, and squawks again, "Shoo, fly, don't bother me!"
'Shoo fly, don't bother me?' Looking at the bird, then the corpse. "Looks like he got bit on the neck." he points at the shoe. "Wonder if he threw the shoe at one." Gesturing towards the bird. "Is it possible "shoo fly, don't bother me" was poor Rotgut's last words?" He kneels down beside the corpse. "any of you know anything about poisons or bug bites?"
'Something deeper from the jungle?' Nodding in agreement, Elek turns to Rickety. "Do we want to find it and eliminate the threat?" Looking from Rickety to his companions. "Do any of you have the ability to identify it or the skill to track it?"
