GM Imperius' Skull & Shackles

Game Master bluedove

Tucci takes out his pike, "Now that's a big snake!" he says in surprise.

He does what he can to track the creature in the swamp, even going so far as to cast Aquatic Trail (all day) to help.

Survival, tracking: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

Tucci is easily able to track the snake, even through the swampy water-logged terrain. It appears to be a natural beast, am anaconda, albeit rather exceptional in size. It's olive green scales dappled with black markings.

How would you like to approach/engage the Giant Anaconda?

Since our new friends won't be coming in right away - at least not until we head back to the 'keep', shall we continue the snake hunt?

Tucci is drained of most of his spells, though more than a few are still going. So he takes out his pike, extends its reach (20') and tracks away. When he thinks they're getting close, he'll warn the others - but he has no further prep until they're ontop of it!

As usual, he'll walk behind Kasin, ready to send his trusty capybara ahead into battle!

"I should be immune to the beast's attempts to grapple and crush."

Brother MacLaren casts Divine Favor and drinks a draught of Bull's Strength.

Veronica Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
MacLaren Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Tucci Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Eric Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Snek Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The snake raises it's head from the lily pads, black tongue flicking out to taste the air, scenting the approach of meat.

Round 1
-------------------
➤Veronica
➤Eric
Snek
Tucci
MacLaren

No attempts at sneaking so we'll skip the surprise round. Veronica and Eric are up! Again, happy for active players to call actions for the non-active. Dorian Grey could participate this way for the moment. ^_~ New Map, place your tokens as you like and indicate altitude if you are not on the ground.

How about...
Veronica casts Haste on the party.
Eric casts Good Hope and starts Inspire Courage +3

The snake's beady eyes track the progress of the overgrown rodent snack in it's proximity as it slithers forward, but a man-thing stands in front of the tasty treat so it lunges to clear away the obstacle.

Snek bite vs MacLaren: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37 Bite Damage: 4d6 + 19 ⇒ (6, 5, 4, 1) + 19 = 35

Grab: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (3) + 30 = 33

But despite the well aimed strike, the man slips free of it's coils as it tries to wrap around it's prey.

Round 1
-------------------
Veronica - casts Haste
Eric - casts Good Hope and Inspires Courage +3
Snek - moves, bites MacLaren
➤Tucci
➤MacLaren

Round 2
-------------------
➤Veronica
➤Eric
Snek
Tucci
MacLaren

Sorry for my delay. I've had some bad luck of late. Overworked and injured my hand at work and when I scrape up enough time and mental bandwidth to try and post, either the boards are down or storms interfere with power/internet.
Party is up!

That's a lot of damage! Glad it can't Grab and Constrict.

Brother MacLaren drinks the Cure Moderate Wounds draught from his Sipping Jacket as a swift action.
CMW: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 3) + 10 = 14

Then he attacks with blade and tankard.

Rapier, Divine Favor +3, IC +3, Haste +1, PA -2, TWF -2, Good Hope +2, Bull's Strength +1: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 3 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 3 + 3 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 27

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Tankard: 1d20 + 12 + 3 + 3 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 3 + 3 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 15
Str going from 19 (+4) to 21 (+5) means that off-hand damage does not increase from Bull's Strength.

Rapier Iterative: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Damage: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
Confirm?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

So assuming a 26 hits, that is 90 damage. If a 21 hits and the crit confirms, 116. This is not a typical round from MacLaren but rather one mostly buffed.

The rapier Brine's Sting has a small rider effect - on every hit, the foe must make a DC 14 Fort save or take -1 to attacks and damage for 1 round.

MacLaren: AC 25, HP 52/73

@Tucci, do you want to bot Veronica and Eric after your turn?

Should anybody else get bitten and grappled by the snake, MacLaren will cast Liberating Command as an immediate action before it can Constrict.

Ouch! Hand damage sucks. I hope you’re on the mend!

Tucci sends Kasin in (provoking) to move toward flank and take a bite!
Kasin Bite (magic): 1d20 + 12 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 8 = 24 (fang, hope, inspire, haste)
damage (B/P/S): 1d8 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 7 = 17 (fang, hope, inspire)

Tucci swiftly takes on the main of the tiger and the bear before he rushes in, supported by the haste, and also attacks - though he stays out of reach, or tries to!
Pike: 1d20 + 14 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 8 = 23 (hope, inspire, haste, flank)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 5 = 17 (hope, inspire)

Veronica closes into flank, assured of no AoO thanks to Kasin (hoping for no combat reflexes!). She swings!
Swift: Arcane pool for +2 and keen
Snake Attack!: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25

Eric keeps his inspiring song going as he shoots four arrows towards the nasty snake!
rapid Snake Attack!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

rapid Snake Attack!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

hasted Snake Attack!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

iterative Snake Attack!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

I'm not 100% sure those numbers are right. But they should at least be close based on past posts and current buffs.

The great snake is a wily one, having survived long enough to attain such size. It's thick scaly hide repells many of the party's attacks. Only those aimed especially well do more than bounce off. Eric's second arrow pierces the flesh at the thing's throat and it's massive bulk splashes down beneath the surface of the swampy water, now tinted with it's blood.

Out of Combat!

Unfortunately, ridding the lands of dangerous beasts is it's own reward and nothing of note is to be found here, save for what you might harvest from the body.

Survival rolls if you want to attempt to butcher or skin the anaconda.

"Whew! I was sure that Kasin was gonna get swallowed up and have to bite her way out." He shudders at the thought.

He suggests heading back to base for the day. After all they'd done a lot. Time to check in and plan the next outing. And pick up our new players - woot!!

Fine by me! You know the place better than I do, so I won't try and narrate the place. ^_~

The fort isn’t much, and it’s been left to the elements and worse for quite some time. But there’s a party planned in a few months, and so repairs are taking place a break-neck speed. The ship was well supplied for this endeavor and it’s still not empty. A skeleton crew remains on The Charm but the rest of their substantial crew is at work on docks, and structural improvements.

They’ve even had a few expand their roster since making landfall. So there’s a very pleasant mix of folk! A busy place at the moment.

I presume… The party returns before dinner, curious to see what some of their newer residents might have cooked up - if the kitchens are even close to being ready of course. Evenings are somewhat festive at camp since the weather’s been holding and supplies plentiful.

Tucci spots the new folk right away. He turns to his companions, ”Hey, you know those folks? They’re not of the Charm’s crew and they’re standing rather straighter than most folk. Might be something more to them than meets the eye.”

Veronica nods at Tucci's words and eyes the newcomers appraisingly. "Heh, I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting so much attention so soon. Figured it'd come after the feast, not before. I guess news of your nice picnic spot gets around fast." Veronica replies with a grin. "Guess we might as well greet them, I figure they were standing around to meet us."

With a confident smile, Veronica approaches the newcomers and greets them. "Veronica Blackblade, captain of The Charm. I wasn't expecting visitors so soon, but I guess the island can get pretty interesting, if you're into hunting oversized creatures, that is. Care to share a drink and tell us what brings you here?"

Nil seems a bit taken aback and uncomfortable being approached so directly, but the discomfort passes quickly and he greets Veronica with a practiced easy grin. "It's a pleasure, Captain Blackblade. I'm Nil. My friend Arkhan is..." He glances about. "Well, he was right here. We're a couple of able hands looking for work who can help with anything you need assistance with, on a boat or otherwise. And aye, we'll take that drink."

Nil is a wiry half-elf with a bit of scruff, dressed in plain work clothes cut for the tropical heat, and he's fairly unadorned except for a bejeweled cutlass in a scabbard strapped to his belt. He looks and smells all the worse for wear from a long and harried journey.

Tucci is tall, for a halfling, at 3’4”, and he is lanky - feet and arms seemingly bounding around with a life of their own. He’s always reaching for things, and his wide gait accents his oversized feet. Though middle aged, his energy seems younger. He’s reasonably well dressed in layered leather, and wears something of a cravat or simple scarf, nearly all the time.

He has a pack which seems neat and orderly, though bulging with odds and ends. Further, he has a tall (reach) boarding pike at his side, though he seems to very nearly stab everyone within its long reach as he walks along - eyes darting here and there, always searching. Occasionally he extends the pike to 20' (!) almost as if he's compensating for something.

He often reaches out for this and that, pausing to admire some object or other. He seems to enjoy the texture of things, cradling them softly as he takes his time examining them.

"Welcome Nil, glad to meet you. I'm Tucci, helmsperson and would be governor of this here isle if all goes well." Tucci waves and smiles. He rushes to arrange for the drinks while the captain and Mac introduce themselves.

The obvious Caydenite carries a rapier and tankard. He is a fairly large man, and seemingly quick as well.

"I'm Brother MacLaren, priest of Cayden Cailean. I am the ship's quartermaster, brewer, and sometime cook. I am also, through marriage, lord of a small island called Tidewater Rock where we have allies."

He takes a quick look at Nil's bejeweled cutlass.
Hmm.

"As to that drink..."

He offers a prayer to Cayden Cailean and a nearby pitcher fills with ale.

"Well, nice to meet you all. Esteemed company! I, uh..." he accepts the offered drink and glances around a bit with a hint of paranoia. "Convenient to have your own islands, I'd say. If all goes well? Is it in some dispute? And do you spend much time here, or are you moving around on your ship most of the time? And if the drinks are here, care to show me around?"

Tucci shrugs, "Well, it hasn't been decided that I'm governor yet. The island is ours though, so it'll be one of us. The Captain is the captain, so she's in charge on the ship no question. Mac has his own island as he mentioned. So you know, if all goes well and no one else snaps it up!" He grins at Nil, samples some of MacLaren's beer, and grins some more.

"We've just been here a week or so now, maybe two. Gotta clear out the roughage and make it ready for a grand party in a few months. Very few months. Lots to do. Prior to that, we've been shipboard for quite a while. Putting in here and there of course, but mostly at sea."

"It's been wonderful."

Tucci shows Nil Pac around as best he can, his big feet flopping about as he gestures here and there. That said, there's really not much to see. A fort being renovated just as fast as they can, and a few rows of tents in the meantime by way of shelter when in camp.

"There are some wonderful views around the island, but it's still somewhat hostile so folks need to stay close. We've been making forays to clear things out. Then we'll plan some features here and there. Sightseeing benches, that sort of thing. You know, like a big pleasant park!"

It's clear the little man has big dreams about the place. For now he's content to work, and work hard, to make them happen.

"I'm not sure where we'll head tomorrow. But join us and you might have some fun."

Looking at the map, I'm not sure where we've been. I think we just came back from 'J'.

MacLaren looks at Nil, and considers what to say. Finally, he says,

"Sir, I think you are no common sailor. I could ask Veronica to Detect Magic on you and your gear. But I would rather ask you. Are you a captain of some note? Have you been extraordinarily successful in piracy, or as a soldier of fortune, or as a Pathfinder, or in some other line of work?

We have enemies of some considerable power and resources. We've run into assassins. I am afraid we need at least some information as to who you are. We have given you much information about ourselves. I'd like to hear a little bit about you."

I'm not going to push too much on this, but a party with so many enemies should make at least some inquiries instead of blindly welcoming anybody who wants to travel with them. Just to make us not seem totally stupid.

"You need not tell us everything, and if there are things you wish to keep private then say so. If you lie to us... I am not the best at sniffing out deception, but if I have any doubts then I can ask my god if what you say is true.
Mostly I would be concerned if you were or had been an operative of Cheliax, or of Barnabas Harrigan. Or if you bring other enemies onto our tail."

Veronica nods at Mac and gives Nil a sly grin. "I've got to agree with Mac on this, Mr. Nil. At the very least, I'd like to hear why you chose to come here, specifically. It's not like we don't need the help, but if you're willing to work, you could have easily joined a crew back at Port Peril."

"I know we're getting pretty famous around The Shackles, but so are so many other Free Captains. Why us? Granted, we're probably the best crew you could join. Just ask anyone!" She laughs as she gestures around the camp, but then looks back to the man with a more serious expression. "But I'd hear your own reasons for being here. Place yourself in our position for a bit: a clearly capable man shows up at your remote island, by his own means, just looking to scrub a deck or something similar. Can't really blame us for being a bit suspicious, right?"

Nil eyes the group for a moment and weighs his options. He could try to fade into the background, let them search him - they likely wouldn't find anything, even a trace of magic. But they might. And Nil wasn't here to make enemies. He was here to beg asylum, help even. So honesty - even if it wasn't total, complete honesty, was probably the best policy here.

Nil returns the grin and rests a hand on the bejeweled sword hilt. "Canny you are! I am no captain, no Chelaxian, or even a pirate of any note, but I have made my livelihood by my blade - what soldier of fortune hasn't? I have found myself at loggerheads with a previous employer, one who you'd rather not know, I think. We disagreed over granting mercy to one I made a choice not to kill despite my employer's express command. So I have sought out a crew who is capable, who may stay on the move, and who I estimate will not ask me to make a similar terrible choice again. I do not seek to bring trouble to your doorstep - I have taken steps to cover my tracks, I do not think I was followed, and I believe that my former employer would not seek retribution against any but myself. If they present themselves, I will tell you more of them and what to expect. But unless and until then, I amend my request - grant me a bunk, asylum as it were, and a modicum of trust, and I and my blade will help you as we are capable, with might, spells, or cunning, all of which I estimate I can supply more so than your common sailor."

Brother MacLaren listens and nods.

"I can agree to that. Captain, Tucci, what do you think?"

"Feels good to me! We can use the help, and that's for sure."

Tucci grins and prepares to welcome the newcomer!

Veronica nods along with Mac with a smile.

"Same here. Thank you for your honesty. I won't press you on the issue, but considering me and Mac also have some issues with a previous "employer" that we'll be looking to settle eventually, don't hold back on asking for help with yours. I take the safety of my crew very seriously, Mr. Nil. If whomever you have a problem with is foolish enough to come after you now that you're with us, I'll have to show them just how bad of an idea that is."

"Now, considering you seem to be a man of some skill with that sword of yours, I think your skills will be better used if you came with us as we explore the island and deal with whatever threats we find on the way. It's been mostly oversized beasts, so prepare accordingly if there's anything you think you need."

"Well, good to be aboard, Captain!" He smiles widely, thinking to himself of the absurdity of this group, skilled as they may be and himself included, charging into the Crimson Citadel, but he doesn't voice that joke aloud.

"The mission is beasts, eh? Making the island more habitable, I take it. Very well then. We can go presently, I came only with what I carry and I have all that I need."

K. Cyclopean Docks

Huge stone pylons lead from the shore into the island's eastern bay here. The broken beams and timbers that once formed a giant dock lie smashed between them, half-submerged in the water. Three giant-sized canoes and a catamaran lie beached on the sand nearby.

I think you've progressed through the western body of the Island and now down to K-P left. K is detailed above since there isn't much to it.

K-P, check! I think that's right.

I also think it’s late in the day from my spell list… shall we retire?

Tucci suggests, ”Let’s share a meal then, along with our drinks, and plan our continue investigations tomorrow fresh.”

In the morning, he suggests they start with K (hah!) and move on to L. Maybe follow the coast around to P, O, and N from there before heading inland to the high ground M.

"Nil, do you fly? We have a tendency to take to the air on a fairly regular basis in one form (fly) or another (air walk)."

"Fly? I can when the need arises, although I daresay I'm no expert in aerial maneuverability. I'll make sure I'm able tomorrow. Any other requests, or dangers I should be able to overcome?"

"Lead on, Tucci. I am ready to go."

"Will do!" Tucci takes out his spyglass and gets the lay of the land whenever possible. He takes the group by the most direct route, considering terrain of course and ease of travel.
Survival: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

He first heads to the inlet and then the coast (K). He's impressed by the sheer size of the boats, "Maybe we can convert these to galleons or something? Coastal defense? Get some masts in there? I dunno. We need a shipbuilder to take a look at them."

He then suggests a walk along the coast to see what might be there, which will lead them to 'L'.

Tucci is riding Kasin, his substantial capybara for now, so the group can move more quickly overland. Every so often, he'll dismount and check for tracks, just curious to see what might be around this area. In those situations, he'll take-ten for a 37 Survival (tracking).

Once he makes the beach, he'll cast his all day spells on himself and the group.

- Deadeye's Lore (all day) (1)
- Barkskin (+4 natural armor, all day) (2 - rod)
- Bloodhound (scent, +8 perception (smell), +4 survival (scent), all day) (2)
- Shared Training (MacLaren, Nil, & Veronica; all day; Outflank & Bonded Mind) (2 - rod)
- Life Bubble (MacLaren, Nil, Veronica, & Kasin; all day) (3 - rod)
- Magic Fang Greater (+2 Kasin’s bite, all day) (3)

Brother MacLaren will cast the following spells on himself:
Extended Air Walk (all day, Brew Reservoir at 6/7)
Extended Freedom of Movement (all day, Brew Reservoir at 5/7)

The stroll along the stretch of shoreline is quite peaceful. Broken bits of seashell and loose stones dot the beaches here. Farther inland, tall grass and wildflowers grow in the compacted sand, their fronds waving in the ocean breeze.

But as you come around a rocky bend, you behold quite an interesting sight. Two huge crabs seem to dance together, mirroring each other's movements with claws up and waving in the air.

Map is updated!

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Tucci spies the, uh, Shark-Eating? Crabs. He communicates silently with the others (bonded mind), "Wow, check that out. It's a courtship dance! Must be a mated pair."

He glances again and looks at the map, "Are those carapaces really 10' in the air? Good god, they're massive! I think we'll have to deal with these, or this beach is off limits."

He looks to the others for their opinions before charging in moronically, as is his style. He dismounts Kasin.

Aw man! I have to remember to prep Plane Shift now that I have the focus. Don't have it prepped today but it would be an easy way to eliminate one of these.

Predators? Then I suppose we should eliminate them. I lack much in the way of ranged options, but they won't be able to grab me if I go in for melee. Taking them out from a distance seems wiser - but then they might just flee into the ocean and come back to plague our ships.

Spells prepped:
3: Bestow Curse, Fly, Heroism, Dispel Magic
2: Blindness/Deafness x2, Boneshaker, False Life, Hidden Presence
1: Air Bubble, Bleeding Strike, Ill Omenx2, Infernal Healing, Mudball, Reduce Person
0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Spark, Stabilize

Casting False Life for Temp HP: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Nil follows along with the group, mostly staying quiet but engaging in whatever small talk passes amongst the more familiar peers. As they near the beach and see the amorous crab dance, he gets incredibly quiet and murmurs, "If we're to clear out fauna, I am best off engaging them up close but will be more effective if they do not see me coming. I'll be close by, and I'll move on your mark."

With that, he tries to slink quietly off into the bushes. Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

Tucci grins and says through the bond, ”Alright!” He watches as Nil Pac disappears with great skill. Impressive!

He swiftly takes on the mien of the tiger and the bear (+4 dex/con) before charging the red one! (Well, I assume the sand is difficult terrain? So he just moves up.)

He takes his swing on the red one (unless it’s a double move to close of course).
Pike: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

He directs Kasin into flank with the red one and the noble capybara leaps into position (double move for sure).

Group buffs from Tucci
Shared Training (MacLaren, Nil, & Veronica; Outflank & Bonded Mind)
Life Bubble (everyone)

Brother MacLaren moves up and strikes.

Rapier, PA -2, Outflank: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 13 - 2 + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 = 12

If Tucci or Kasen is grabbed, Brother MacLaren will cast Liberating Command as an immediate action to give them an immediate-action Escape Artist check with an extra +18.

C'mon folks! Let's game. :)

Veronica Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
MacLaren Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Tucci Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Nil Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Crab Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Crab Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Ambush!
-------------------
Nil - moves into cover
MacLaren - moves, rapier attack vs Red for 12 damage
Tucci - directs Kasin, pike attack vs Red for 14 damage
_Kasin - moves into flank

Round 1
-------------------
➤Nil
Red Crab
MacLaren
Veronica
Blue Crab
Tucci

The huge crabs, too involved in their courtship to notice such small creatures, are taken by surprise as MacLaren and Tucci move in and attack.

No difficult terrain, Nil is up! And yes, the item swap is fine, Tucci.

Apologies, been in vacation mode myself. Got to sail on a tall ship today! So....doing my homework I guess? As far as item swapping, Nil has a bit extra but not that much. Id l9ve heroism on him, he can cast it himself but its not going to last a whole adventuring day. Maybe I'll pick him up a rod of extend. Realizing now i should have grabbed at least a few daggers too, but it probably makes sense that hes a bit underprepared after his flight.

Nil darts out of cover and dashes towards the giant crabs while his new companions engage one. He finds that he misjudged the distance slightly on the sand and he'll come up short before the crab inevitably stops him, so he pivots his plan, swiftly drawing the sword from his scabbard as he moves, a cutlass with a brilliantly bejeweled handle, and he lobs it at the nearest crab. In the frenetic throes of battle, it would be difficult to notice that a different, simpler hilt now extends from the same scabbard he drew the cutlass from.

Cutlass, thrown when not a thrown weapon vs flat-footed, range penalty: 1d20 + 10 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 4 - 2 = 13
Damage+sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (6) = 8 Plus 9 bleed

Ambush!
-------------------
Nil - moves into cover
MacLaren - moves, rapier attack vs Red for 12 damage
Tucci - directs Kasin, pike attack vs Red for 14 damage
_Kasin - moves into flank

Round 1
-------------------
Nil - moves, throws cutlass, misses
Red Crab
Red Crab Swarm
➤MacLaren
➤Veronica
Blue Crab
Tucci

Nil breaks from cover and hurls his cutlass, catching one of the crabs unawares, but the edge of the blade merely clatters off the creature's thick carapace and lands in the wet sand beneath it.

The other crab raises it's great claws and clacks them menacingly. The surf behind it begins to roil and churn into a sudsy white froth. Then it strikes at Kasin. But the magically augmented capybara dances to and fro, avoiding the snapping claw strikes.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Claw 2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Claw 3: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 2 = 22

But then the source of the frothing waves is revealed as a swarm of diminutive crabs skitter out of the waves and over the nimble capybara, their little claws tearing very little bits of of fur and flesh from Tucci's faithful mount.
Swarm Damage vs Kasin: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Kasin Will Save vs Distraction DC 14: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Kasin takes a whopping 3 damage. MacLaren and Veronica are up!

I believe that as a Celestial animal, Kasin has DR that negates that swarm damage.

Brother MacLaren attacks the crab with sword and tankard.

Rapier, PA -2, Outflank, TWF: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 13 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 4 = 13

Tankard, PA -2, Outflank, TWF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Rapier Iterative: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14

As you can see, when not buffed, MacLaren is not very effective in combat. But Veronica is also up and she deals a lot more damage.

I think Veronica would have started the battle with mirror image going, as she often did. images: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 I’ll track them.

In the first round, she’ll cast haste, catching herself, Brother MacLaren, and Tucci (Kasin and Nil Pac are too far away), and move up into position for her regular strikes next round.

Round 1
-------------------
Nil - moves, throws cutlass, misses
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Kasin, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms over Kasin for 3 damage, reduced to 0
MacLaren - rapier & tankard attacks vs Red for 13 damage
Veronica - casts haste, moves
Blue Crab - steps, claw attacks vs Nil for 12, and 27 damage, grabs Nil
Blue Crab Swarm - swarms over Nil for 8 more damage
➤Tucci

Round 2
-------------------
➤Nil
Red Crab
MacLaren
Veronica
Blue Crab
Tucci

As the conga line of Captains move closer the Red Crab's claw swipes almost drunkenly in her general direction but does not so much as disturb one of her images, let alone a hair on her head.
Red AoO vs Veronica: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Does the parry even go off on a complete miss?

The Blue Crab echoes it's partners castanet-like clacking as it steps closer to Nil and lunges, clipping Nil with the first claw and brutally scissoring into his leg as it clamps down to hold him, but before it can begin to squeeze Brother MacLaren's spell gives him a chance at freedom and the seriously injured new crewmate scrambles free. Only to swallow in dread as the creature's diminutive offspring roil out of the waves to swarm all over him, attracted by the smell of blood and eager for the opportunity to feed.

Blue Claw 1 vs Nil: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Blue Claw 2 vs Nil: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Confirm Blue Claw 2 vs Nil?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Claw 2 Grab: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 Constrict: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Nil Escape Artist via LC: 1d20 + 4 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 18 = 33

Blue Swarm Damage vs Nil: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
Nil Fort Save vs Distraction: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Nil takes a total of 47 damage this round. Welcome to the party indeed! >_<
Tucci, Kasin and poor Nil are up!

Yes, the spell goes off either way, but she didn’t want to be grappled - just in case. Also, she has three memorized, so it seemed like a good time to use one.

"Nil, back off if you like, these things are tougher than they look. Come around if you can." He worries about their newfound friend.

Kasin has a swarmbane clasp (link) to overcome swarm DR (and distraction).

Tucci directs Kasin on the swarm, though Kasin stays in flank. Then Tucci attacks the larger beast with his pike! He then shuffles over toward the other one (5' step if possible? If not I'll move back.)

Pike: 1d20 + 14 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 5 = 21 (flank, haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Pike: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 5 = 33 (flank, haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Hasted Pike: 1d20 + 14 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 5 = 37 (flank, haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Kasin gnoshes on the swarm (he does full damage thanks to the clasp). He then shuffles over toward the other one (5' step if possible? If not I'll move back.)
Kasin Bite (magic): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 = 18 (fang)
damage (B/P/S): 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11 (fang)

Kasin Bite (magic): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 (fang)
damage (B/P/S): 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12 (fang)

Group buffs from Tucci
Shared Training (MacLaren, Nil, & Veronica; Outflank & Bonded Mind)
Life Bubble (everyone)

If i can retroactively, reactively use Windy Escape on the crit, I'd like to do that, which would negate the critical part of the damage and knock 10 off the normal damage, assuming it wasn't magical. Either way, Nil will withdraw.

Nil gets thoroughly crabhandled, turned into a human water wiggler, and nibbled by dozens of tiny angry crabs, and he briefly wondered how crabs can be so much harder to kill than people. Clearly, he underestimated them. Discretion is perhaps the better part of valor here. He retreats towards his new companions.

Kasin has a swarmbane clasp (link) to overcome swarm DR (and distraction).

In that case, he should get an AoO...

Windy Escape and 5' steps are Ok.

Round 1
-------------------
Nil - moves, throws cutlass, misses
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Kasin, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms over Kasin for 3 damage, reduced to 0
MacLaren - rapier & tankard attacks vs Red for 13 damage
Veronica - casts haste, moves
Blue Crab - steps, claw attacks vs Nil for 12, and 27 damage, grabs Nil
Blue Crab Swarm - swarms over Nil for 8 more damage
Tucci - directs Kasin to attack Swarm, pike attacks vs Red for 39 damage
_Kasin - crunches Red Crab Swarm for 23 damage

Round 2
-------------------
Nil - withdraws
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Mac, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms through Red Parent over Mac and Veronica for 3 damage
➤MacLaren
➤Veronica (distracted/nauseated)
Blue Crab
Tucci

Tucci and Kasin do serious damage to the family of crustaceans but though clearly suffering, they are not yet finished. Red slashes repeatedly at MacLaren but cannot connect with a blow while it's offspring scuttle away from the voracious capybara, over and under the protective bulk of it's parent to swarm over MacLaren and Veronica, pinching and scratching for 3 damage.

Red Claw 1 vs Mac: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Red Claw 2 vs Mac: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Red Claw 3 vs Mac: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 = 19 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Red Swarm Damage vs Mac & Veronica: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Mac Fort Save vs Distraction DC 14: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Veronica Fort Save vs Distraction DC 14: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Mac and Veronica are up, though Veronica is distracted/nauseated. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move action per turn.

Brother MacLaren attacks with rapier and tankard.

Rapier, PA -2, Outflank, TWF: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 33
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 4 = 15
Confirm?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11
His rapier has two minor powers. One is that a foe hit must make a DC 14 Fort save or take -1 to hit and damage for 1 round (a pretty trivial save at this level). The other, which I don't think has come up yet, is +3d6 on crits vs foes of the aquatic or water subtypes. Which should apply here?
Bonus Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3) = 10
So 36 from that hit if a 25 confirms.

Tankard, PA -2, Outflank, TWF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Rapier Iterative: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 + 4 - 2 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14
Iterative Confirm?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 4 = 15
Bonus Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 6) = 11
Another 40 damage if a 22 confirms.

And two AOOs for Kasin due to Outflank (if Kasin has Combat Reflexes).

Wow! A pretty good round for no buffs. 81 damage plus triggering AOOs from allies.

If the Crab is down after the first 36-point crit, then MacLaren will use a move action to walk up and out of the swarm (he has Air Walk).