Flynn, I'm not aware of any current issue that you're referencing via your post above (about compromising fun in game or wasting your time with tactics). Just wanted to preface my reply with that.
As to what could be on the island and what needs protecting, the party only knows as much as they've been told before coming to the island. And everyone's in the same boat (no pun intended). There's nothing wrong with making some speculation via narrative. If posts are on the long side, I find spoilers are good as the bulk of narrative can been tucked away, uncluttering the game play thread. If you want to address things with certain characters, then they too can be spoilered, titled to said character, as really, one on one conversations or quietly spoken ones aren't for general hearing anyway. This also helps people keep track of who is saying what and to which character.
The discussion board is great for asking things or a FYI, even for in character stuff to save time, especially if action has moved forward. One of my pet peeves are long (and multiple) OOC postings on the game thread. This isn't just directed at this game but any game I play in. The discussion thread is where the bulk of OOC conversation should go.
So, you can strategise here in quick, point form at any given time in game and ask the other players what they think. It saves time, negates the need for multiple long postings and is probably a quicker way to get an answer from other players.
As to the NPC Engineer, your work on that was appreciated, however, we also mentioned up front, the two NPCs would only be background characters to work for the group and were not to be played out in game. That aside, your time and work on the Engineer was not a waste.
I know that you enjoy writing and that is great. Just have fun with your characters. Some strategies work and some don't - it's the nature of things and not a bad thing. If the group doesn't agree with them or certain strategies come to naught, just move forward, no harm no foul.
Congrats on baby #4, Immortal. I wish your lovely wife all the best for the remainder of her pregnancy and for the delivery.
Just a bit of game business: Due to time zone disparity and my life becoming exponentially busier - with very little down/free time, I'm going to step down as co-GM and free the role up for someone with more time to take on the dual role of player and back up GM. I'll continue playing Rain. Thanks, guys.
I'll make a post as Rain later in my evening as I'm at work and this is my only brief break for the rest of the day.
The blackish squares are the areas covered by the octopus' ink cloud. Everyone in the water is inside the ink areas (I didn't cover your tokens for ease of reference). Amen's fine flying above the water but she can't see you guys now from the black in the water. The ink cloud will remain in the water for a few minutes.
Okay. Brine's Sting boons are two fold: On a successful hit that deals damage, the target must succeed at a DC 14 Fortitude save or take a –1 penalty on attack and damage rolls for 1 round as salty brine drips painfully onto the wound. A new saving throw must be made each time the weapon deals damage. Since Jiro hit twice, the octo needs to roll two Fort saves (DC 14).
On a successful critical hit against a creature with the aquatic or water subtype, the target takes an additional 3d6 points of damage as its flesh cracks and withers from dehydration as salt crystals form around the wound.
3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6) = 15Another great set of rolls. This is crazy! Haha.
Okay, so Jiro's possible damage to octopus is 11+13+26+15=65 pts lethal damage & 10 pts non-lethal damage = 75pts of damage. (corrected so as to not include the double of the double. ;)
Immortal will wrap up the results of the PCs' current round actions and post the octopus' new round actions soon. :)
I believe Jiro's player should be back from the Con? Hopefully they can catch up on the posts and join us in the new round.
Please remember there is Freebooter's Bane activated on the octopus (+1 to weapon attack and damage rolls on octopus). This won't apply to the summoned creatures' attacks and damage (from Dhaavan's and Amen's recent round summons) as they don't materialise until next round.
Pulling Brine's Sting out from between his teeth, Jiro, using his camo skin to blend in the surrounding water, cautiously swims down closer and strikes out at the giant octopus and then thrusts his rapier, again, at it.
(Surprise Strike (Ex): As a swift action, you can expend one use of mythic power to make a melee attack or ranged attack against a target within 30 feet, in addition to any other attacks you make this round. When you make a surprise strike, the target is considered flat-footed regardless of any class features or abilities it might have, and you add your tier to the attack roll. Damage from this attack bypasses damage reduction.
Is there a penalty to shooting a scorching ray while under water at an underwater target?
Or can I use hydraulic push to move an ally and break a grab?
I thought this rule applied re magical fire underwater:
Spells or spell-like effects with the fire descriptor are ineffective underwater unless the caster makes a Spellcraft check (DC 20 + spell level). If the check succeeds, the spell creates a bubble of steam (or boiling water) instead of its usual fiery effect, but otherwise the spell works as described.
Okay, corrections to attacks and damage from Immortal's post above. He extends his apologies for the mix up as he was in the car, posting from his phone.
Variel = 9 damage and grappled,
Rajah = 19 damage (damage=8+5+6), the crit was for him and Immortal isn't going to draw a crit card),
Flynn = 11 damage (damage=6+5),
Rain = 15 damage (damage=10+5)
I adjusted the map and moved her to 5:K (not literally on top of Horatio to make the map grid easier, but close enough). She is still Forty Feet above the waterline to aid in her Perception Check, though.
Our tokens haven't formally moved - do you know where our party would have ended up at?
I have moved Flynn's token to 6:I as you mentioned earlier that you would permit the melee fighters to move before you. Amen-set's token has been moved to 1:H and I have noted on the map that she is flying 40ft above the water - over that spot. She's not too far behind Rain (who's protecting the rear) and Rajah.
I moved everyone's tokens forward for expediency. If you want to be elsewhere on the map (or the swimming order), please move your token accordingly. Variel mentioned earlier that the group should stay close but not be bunched together in case you're dealing with a caster. I tried to follow that instruction. Thanks.
As she is only flying straight up, will she need a Fly Check at this time?
From memory, I believe Amen has Clumsy Fly Speed (sorry, I couldn't see it on her sheet/profile page). Since she isn't attempting any complex maneuver or there are no high winds in play, she does not need to make a Fly Check at this time. Thanks.
Amen wrote:
Amen-set will use a Double Move to Fly 40 feet above the water.
She was standing on the shore with the rest of the party before they took to the water. Do you mean she's flying over the beach, 40ft above the waterline?
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No worries, Dhaavan. I've moved your token for you.
Okay, Rajah, I placed your token at F2 in front of Rain as Variel said to put you at the back, protected as our healer. If you want to be closer to the front or in the middle of the swimming pack, let me know, please.
Let me know the map grid you want your token on and I'll place it for you when I'm back on a comp, Rajah. :) Or, for future reference, you can click on your token and pick up/drag to the square you want to be on.
No worries. That's perfect, Var. Thanks. For everyone else, Variel is currently enlarged via his spell and thus why his token is bigger on the map and taking 4 sqs.
I've placed Rain's and Jiro's tokens on the map. Rain said she'd swim back and keep on the eye on the rear of the group.
Dhaavan's newly summoned water elemental appears as the party imbibes their potions and cast their spells before their excursion into the water.
Upon Dhaavan's command in Aquan, the summoned creature swims out quickly into the deeper part of the bay and begins its search.
Astonishingly, not a minute or two after it reaches the deepest section of the bay (and not far from the first set of bubbles), you can see the water once more begin to roil and bubble, perhaps telling of some violent occurrence below the surface. Just as Variel prepares to get into the water, the bubbles disappear and the water is calm and still again. There is no sign of the second water elemental.
The sea exploration map has been amended and is ready for tokens to be placed (again it's just a simple, visual reference guide and not the actual outline of the bay). I did not change the grid/axes markings, so please go with the ones there as I'm at work and don't have time to switch them around (not that it really matters).
As I said, Flynn, the map is a simple visual aid (and the coastline curves on the true map). The fort is indeed to the west, but I couldn't find any post which said how the ship was parked in the ocean so I placed it where I did for the time being. It can easily be moved on the map to its correct position and will be once I'm back on a comp.
Jiro, have fun at your con. :)
Addendum: A reply to Horus' perception check was given in the post with the Know check spoiler regarding the old dock, Flynn. It's right underneath said spoiler.
Everyone knows what the bay looks like from the earlier map provided by Immortal. I've kept this map rather simple (as per Immortal's wishes), basically so people can see where other people are positioned under the water, the ship etc... The yellow portion on the map represents the shoreline where everyone is currently standing, the white is the sea foam and the turquoise is the tropical water we'll be taking a dip in. ;) Please place your respective tokens on the map. Immortal will be back tomorrow to move the game and sea exploration/hunt forward. Thanks again for your patience.
Immortal is still busy with work-related stuff today and I'm not sure if he will post later in the evening or not at this stage (he has a certification exam in an hour).
I'm currently at work and will try to get some things answered and up on the board in the quieter moments.
Thanks for your patience. :)
Addendum: If by chance Immortal or I miss responding to checks on the game thread, please drop us a quick line on the discussion thread as a reminder. It's easy enough to miss checks and ooc among the longer, numerous postings. Thanks, guys.
The existing dock near the fort has mostly fallen into the bay - so the wooden planks (that form the walkway) are all gone and only a few support piers remain in place (its current state: dilapidated and useless). So, the party cannot use the dock in its present condition (it will need to be rebuilt). As to the length of the original dock, you cannot say for certain because not all the piers remain in place, but it could have been used to dock rowboats/longboats/barges and not large sailing vessels once upon a time. The party can reconstruct it to whatever length they deem suitable. You were given the information that the ship could come within 100ft of the island/sheltered bay before chances of it running aground (so this is a good gauge for the dock length). This is due to the numerous low-lying shoals and barrier reefs offshore. Water around these low-lying shoals can be as shallow as 5 to 6 feet, and, over the reefs at low tide, as shallow as 3 feet. Remember, this is a sheltered bay and probably one of the best places to moor a ship. That is all the information I can give you. I hope that helps.
Re Horus' Perception, from his current vantage 50ft above the place where the bubbling occurred, can see nothing at all. Only still water. If there was something, it is now gone.
Okay, so I have this right, going ahead and exploring the fort is halted at this time because there are some who want to take to the water in the bay and look for whatever may be in there (several hundred feet from shore)?
And Rain isn't wanting to explore the bay at this time. She wants to continue on with the fort, just to be clear on her thoughts (as you mentioned the rest are keen to explore the bay).
As to a grid map of the bay, as soon as I know what the group's exact plan is and who is doing what (a summary/rundown can be posted here on discussion thread to save time and confusion) then a map can be provided tomorrow. Thanks.
Regarding Perception checks made to see the cause of the bubbling from under the water.
A few of the officers attempted to see the cause of the bubbling/roiling waters several hundred feet from the shore and also in the water by the ship. Unfortunately, nothing out of the ordinary can be spotted beneath the waves/water currently, and, whatever may have caused the disturbance moments before (if there even was such a creature) seems to be gone now.
Flynn's Know. Nature roll:
Since Flynn could not see anything, then trying to determine/identify what particular creature (or even if there is one) under the water is difficult at this time. Perhaps, if he can spot something...he may learn/know more in due course. Flynn does know there are a number of low-lying shoals and barrier reefs just offshore from his earlier perception check. Any manner of sea creatures could live in these waters. These waters haven't been navigated nor the island's inhabitants (land, air and sea) catalogued in a very long time.
And, respectfully, can you please stop speculating (via ooc and alike) that it is a prehistoric sea monster, for eg Megalodon or Plesiosaur, as it can confuse players who may think Flynn knows something in game that they do not (which isn't the case, here, at present). Thanks.
The group is already on the beach (the longboat reached the shore without incident). The bubbling came afterwards when Dhaavan's summoned water elemental appeared and began scouring the bay for any threat. The bubbles were several hundred feet away (as per Immortal's post), in the water, from the party's current position on the beach. There are no bubbles now - just still water. Since the island drops away pretty steeply by all the shore, the ship is anchored about 100 feet away so as to not be in danger of running aground.
There is already a map of the fort with grid lines (albeit presently without grid numbers). Immortal placed it to the side of the main map of the island. Immortal gave the information pertaining to the outer walls of the fort (Outer wall is 15' high, several interior buildings are 20-30 feet and wooden, the tower looks ancient and of different design. It stands about 100 feet tall).
Flynn, I'm not posting updates to the game thread today as per the reason in my previous discussion posting. As the party isn't in combat, I'm not sure why you're requesting a battle map.
Rain doesn't have water breathing (I think Adular was the one who cast it on us last time).
Immortal will be very busy over the next two days (today and tomorrow). Since it's Valentine's day here in Oz, my evening is out. Tomorrow, I'll move us along in game. Thanks for your patience! :)
To all: I'll be out of town on some important family business this weekend (starting tomorrow). I'll be back on my Sunday afternoon and I'll try to post then.
As to Immortal answering any questions on the game board, he was tied up with his kids and bedtime last night and thus why he couldn't post. Please be patient and he will get some responses up as soon as he is able.
Flynn, read your PM and happy with the alignment change - thanks!
As to your ooc on the game play thread, you did a great job fleshing Thomas out and making his first and only foray into the game. Immortal was not chastising you for the rp/story flavour (nor have you angered or upset any other player); he was simply restating that these 2 recruits wouldn't be played out in game and would be run behind the scenes by the GM, much like the other NPCs (based on the direction of the PCs in game).
Thank you to you and Variel for creating Thomas, the engineer, and Noname, the major-domo. I'm certain both these guys will do a bang up job on the island in their respective positions. :)
Sadly, no to the succubus. ;) I have a feeling the Pirate Lords may enjoy such a character during the course of their fancy dinner, but since Variel put together a Half-Elf Majordomo then my advice would be to make a character which complements the Majordomo to cover the party's needs at the fort, during the Pirate Lords' visit and into the future. I like the idea of a full-time engineer-type on the isle to help with planning/overseeing the building (that's Rain speaking and not the co-GM). Don't worry so much about what to do -- just take the ideas and make a character that is useful and loyal to the group. I'm sure your NPC concept will be fine. :)
”You said the figure was cloaked in black and not seen clearly… And you suggested he was moving fast… That folk didn’t even see what direction he headed before he left…” he adds slowly, as if trying to arrange the details in his own head, punctuating the various points by gesturing absently with the unlit cheroot.
”So, uh, what I’m just wondering is – how did people know he was an Elf, instead of a Man, or Half-Elf?” he says with a cocked head as he studies Horsby thoughtfully, realizing if people knew the race of the mysterious figure then they'd likely know more.
Old Salt looked at the man beside the Taneththir girl and responded in a plain manner, "I never said they were movin' fast nor if they were male or female - only that a cloaked figure was seen in the alley before the time of the murder, but afterwards no one could say where this person went. The cloaked figure had the height, carriage and grace of an Elf and even though the Elf could not be seen clearly - a very pointed Elven-like ear was glimpsed briefly before the hood was drawn lower to obscure their face. You may accept the information or not, it doesn't make much difference to me."
I'm not certain if I was clear but I will clarify: The characters can take 10 on Crafting and honestly I think that's easier and less of a hassle than rolling/making checks and npc rp. I thought one of the recruits was going to be an engineer? I think perhaps you should get the other PCs to weigh in on what they want these recruits to be (re skills and alike), to fill the duties before you.
Immortal has not catalogued what crafting activities/moments in game he will allow a Take 20 on. It will be assessed in the moment (case by case) as the party does not know the breadth of work to be done or future decisions re the work and any other rp/activity in game. Scenarios will unfold based on need and PC decisions/directions at a particular point in time in the game. Once this is established and has unfolded, then Immortal can determine how much time there is for crafting at a particular point in time. Sorry, I can't give you any more than that, Flynn.
Flynn, per crafting: Take 10 is fine/acceptable and Take 20 will be assessed on a case by case basis. Understood re the skill modifier. You can still stat them up (i.e. the 2 recruits), but they won't be played out in game via rp or rolls (more like toss up a Take 10 with the applicable modifier and GM will provide the result via narrative). :)
Flynn and/or whoever else is statting up the 2 new recruits, thank you for doing that. Could you please post the stats up here on discussion once you're done for all to see? You may use spoilers. That way anyone in the party can toss up a post for these recruits crafting or other activity and the game continues to move forward. Thanks!
Variel, you may quickly retcon any last minute purchases. That's fine. Then we can move forward to the island. If you'd like, just list what items you require here on the discussion thread. Thanks! :)
Flynn, the hirelings are a 20pt build. Just remember, they won't be making any checks/rolls in game - they're just like the rest of the NPC Crewman on the ship. The party just needs to state what their role/purpose is for eg carpenter, engineer etc. Thanks!
1) Did we find anyone to work the island while we were on Drenchport?
Yes, two people. They can be either 2nd of 3rd level characters and can be anything the party wants - they fill the party's biggest need in terms of help, but no magic classes can be chosen for these two NPCs.
2) Were we able to purchase supplies for taming and repairing a fort?
I didn't see this played out via diplomacy checks on the game board (if I missed the rp post/s, my apologies). So, as winners of the regatta, I'm going to say the Lady's crew earned 10% discount off goods at Drenchport's general store for general supplies and equipment. As long as they're general items such as shovels, nails, hammers, rope etc you will be able to find them readily. Please provide me with a list of things the group wishes to purchase to fix the fort.
3) Did Jiro ever get an answer as to what may be needed for hosting group of pirate lords so we can at least put in orders here for future pick up?
There's no single majordomo for such events as each Pirate Lord's staff and the majordomo in their respective households take care of their formal dinners. The Master of Gales gave no further detail other than they will expect to be feted as befits pirate lords of their stature. The majordomo in the Master of Gales household could be interviewed. He will tell Jiro that the number of prominent Pirate Lords will depend on those willing to make the voyage to the island or curious to see what the group have accomplished over the course of the three months. There are 6 prominent Pirate Lords on the Council and other lesser pirate lords. So to expect 5 or 6 at least and maybe more depending on the inclinations of the other pirate lords. The Master of Gales majordomo will suggest that the general crew could be used as servers - at least 2, possibly 3 will suffice if there are only 5 or 6 pirate lords. Fine pottery or colourful ceramic plates and bowls, ornate goblets for wine and tankards for the ale, metal flatware and linen or silk cloth for the table and for wiping one's mouth and hands. The finest bottles of rum and wine and casks of ale for drinking. Good quality tobacco and pipes for smoking; fine cigars/cheroots for after dinner. To provide music/entertainment for the pirate lords - they enjoy a good story of battles on the sea or a lively tune. Large tables to sit all the guests together with high-backed cushioned chairs. Large, floor rugs/mats. Food - mainly assortment of fish and mussels - smoked and baked - with rich sauces and thick gravy. Wheels of cheese and fresh, crusty bread. Spicy soups served in ceramic bowls and a variety of vegetables and fruits to snack on. Perhaps a roasted pheasant (with its plumes for decorative appeal) or honey-glazed roasted boar served on large platters. Candlelight and lanterns to light up table and/or chamber. (I hope that helps. You may add more as you see fit. These are just suggestions.)
4) How much in supplies are we going to need for food for ourselves for the next 3 months? Everyone fine with spending 200gp in food and calling it good for the next 3 months?
It's an uncultivated island where dinosaurs roam (via Varyan Taneththir's information), possible cyclops (if history/island lore is anything to go by) and large statues with empty eyes on the cliff tops. There may be things like certain fruits and fresh water rivers you could find in this place, but it is a dangerous island (with overgrown foliage etc) as you have been advised via your previous checks. So, having a ready supply of food/food products and drink (including extra barrels of fresh water) would be wise. Rain is fine with spending 200gp on food and drink. Is the group buying donkeys/mules or carts to carry goods and supplies especially to repair the old fort?
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Note: There are no maps of this island or where it is situated in the sea as very few navigators/sailors have gone to this part of the world/ocean in a very long time. The only thing to navigate by is a heading: The island is 100 miles west of Drenchport. We'll have to plot a course and make alterations to the course as we go. It will take a few days to reach the Island of Empty Eyes if everything goes to plan.
Since Variel is placing a Displacement spell on Rain (on his turn before Amen set's action to examine Rain), it would mean Rain appears to be 2 feet from her current location by the Wheel.. I think if Amen tried to examine her, she'd find it difficult with the spell in play, yes?
With Variel's focused anger and powerful strokes of blade, he manages to hit the blinded elemental twice, and, wounding it greatly, it dissipates into nothingness just like the previous elemental.
Rain continued pushing the Lady forward as if the ship was flying through the water, so was the Elven pilot's determination to make the finish line before the Wormwood or any other vessel.
End of current combat. Please advise what you will be doing now. Also, an exciting point to note: As soon as the regatta is over, we'll be done with Book 3!
I've removed the last summoned hounds from the map as per Dhaavan's earlier request (as advised by Javell recently).
As to Dhaavan, if his player doesn't post in the next hour then Flynn you may go ahead and bot him this round so the game/combat can continue to move forward. Thanks!
He needs to roll how many hounds - and I couldn't see the roll anywhere for a new set. It's been a few days since his last post and we haven't heard from Dhaavan. If he doesn't check in soon, he will be botted. Thanks, Javell. :)
Dhaavan and Variel, you still have your respective actions to go this round. Dhaavan, several minutes have passed since you summoned the hell hounds. Wouldn't they have *winked* out of existence and returned to their own plane by now? Just checking with you since their tokens are still on the battle map. Thanks!
@Javell: I've moved Jiro's token to where I believe he wanted to be positioned (Jiro, if that's not the correct sq, please feel free to move the token - thanks). Last round he swung off the mast and attacked the elemental but the token wasn't moved - that's why it's a distance away. Q4 is perfectly free for you to move to. :)
Adular took a five foot step and lifted his holy symbol high into the air and a wave of healing energy moved in a 30ft radius burst from him, healing any of his companions, especially Rain, and selectively choosing to not include the attacking creatures.
Channel Energy with Selective Channelling:4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 5) = 13
Channel Energy used twice. 3 more uses available this day. Blue Rajah, not sure if you've lost any hps previously, but the channel hit you as well, if you need some healing (wasn't sure if Amen healed you right up earlier). :)
