Jacquelyn Shadowfire's page

Jaquelyn nods, hiding her concern at the unexpected response. "Dangerous is certainly an apt word. I would not ask you to strain your loyalty. No one wants to end up like Magpie for sure."

She lets the thought hang unsupported in the night for a few long moments.

"Well anyway, praise Besmara for the days of smooth sailing to come she has granted us. Only thing worse than sailing into unknown waters would be doing so in a storm. Though, far be it from me to deny the beauty of a good storm. Maybe some day."

The undine stands. "Anyway, sorry for interrupting your meal with such bleak talk as keelhauling crewmates and storms. If you would prefer to be alone I will rejoin my fellow not-quite-slaves. Desna grant you luck to avoid peril, and Besmara grant you skill to survive what you cannot avoid."

Jaquelyn will hesitate long enough for any response the Garundi woman wishes to provide, but will rejoin her companions unless asked to stay.

I'm alive, but more snow this weekend. Not a storm, but could still lose power. Doing good though.

After completing her spell, Jacquelyn will look around and locate Shivikah, and walk over to sit next to her.

"Any idea why the captain is sailing us out this way? You think we might be heading to Motaku or Bag Island? Or maybe even further? Why won't he tell anyone where we are headed?"

trying to sow doubts and show her capability to inspire confidence, hopefully

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

@DM what was the forecast of my Read Weather?

Well I haven't lost power yet so...

Jaquelyn watch quietly, glad that the only lashing was a verbal one. Though I'm sure that won't last. We still need to figure out how to get out of this.

Once food is being passed out, she will retrieve her plate and her rum ration, joining her motley gang to eat.

Rum Save vs Addiction: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Yikes! cut that close
Rum Social lubrication: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Fatigue: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Noticing Rosie has her instrument ready to go, once the halfling is done with her food, Jacquelyn will lean over towards her. "Mind playing something fun and loud? I'd love to have a distraction for what I'm gonna do next."

Once Rosie starts playing, Jacquelyn will try and position herself with bodies between her and any unfriendly crew, then cast Read Weather

To be clear, my main goal is just to not have the entire crew notice me quite obviously casting a spell for a minute. I'm figuring anyone specifically trying to notice will notice, but if I can keep the rabble from catching on it might be for the best. Though the officers not being on deck will likely be a boon in this case. Rest of my nighttime actions will depend a bit on the reading from the spell.

Gross. I have been enduring negative double digits and would die if I lost power.

Gross. I'm in the southeast so at least its not that bad. Actually not even below freezing right now though that isn't expected to stay true. I don't know that I've ever actually been in negative double digits before that's crazy

Just a quick update, I'm in the path of this big ice storm, and have been told to anticipate potentially losing power for ~3 days. Obviously if that happens I won't be posting very much.

Good to move on!

Are Izkaen and Jacquelin in the rigging, or are they on deck pulling ropes to keep sails in place?

I was assuming from the lack of a climb check that I'm on the deck, though I'm not 100% sure of that

Sounds good

Survival: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26

How did I do?

Jacquelyn works at her task of the day, continuing to find her time on ships, even if not at sea, paying off immensely.

Profession (sailor), sneaking daytime action: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

However, as she does, she is spending any idle moments watching the surrounding waters hoping for any clue, as well as tracking the bearing of the ship, trying to determine where they are bound. During a longer lull, she slips away from her post for a moment, trying to see if she can find any additional clue, if her innate sense of direction is not enough.

@DM, thanks to my Starchild trait, tracking north is automatic, but for the rest of this I'm assuming I'll need a check, since knowing nothing but a bearing is probably not enough here. What would you like?

Jacquelyn would share her sense motive result with the more charismatic members of the party, but I don't see a reason to slow us down making that full posts. Ready.

Jacquelyn grimaces when given her rum ration, but drinks it regardless.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
liquid courage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
fatigue: 1d8 ⇒ 3

As she watches the various games commencing, she notices the two crewmates on the fence, and makes a note to work on them later.

Jacquelyn passes over all the gold she owns in return for the casting focus, and makes a mental note to herself to prepare the spell in the morning. Hopefully I'll be able to leverage this into some good fortune for us soon.

As night rolls around, Jaquelyn sits down with her faction and listens with a close ear to the discussions, trying to get a feel for the state of her fellow's spirits.

Taking the "Influence" action, but using sense motive if that is ok, since my charisma skills are s+@$e. Effectively trying to see if someone needs bolstering or who might be primed for leverage of some sort. No specific NPC in mind, DM's choice
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Those ones there should work. Do we have a deal?

If you need something more than my previous diplomacy roll let me know

Its crazy how bad this party is at using heavy maces specifically. Two of the only classes not proficient and a swashbuckler and samurai who both want to use finesse weapons, meaning 4/6ths of us actively want to avoid it. I agree with the consensus of selling them when able, assuming Lily and Ramada don't want one.

As she looks over the various wares she can see, an idea occurs to her. I might be able to improve our situation if I can warn of storms approaching... Now what did I need for that spell? She switches to looking over the various charms to see if any would work for her goal.

@DM, would anything she have qualify for the components of Read Weather? If so, I'm gonna barter for it. Otherwise Jacquelyn will likely just leave, having little money but also having satisfied her curiosity.

When she runs into Lily, Jacquelyn looks over the maces appreciatively, but when Lily offers one towards her she shakes her head. "I'm more likely to break my own foot than actually hurt the person I swing it out. Or worse, break your foot. I do appreciate the offer though. Let me know if you find a sling or something similar. Otherwise, I'll have other ways of contributing to a fight.

I am by far the worst possible user of a heavy mace XD -1 strength and non-proficient.

@DM Am I eligible for that perception check as well? Roll pending your response:

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Well that is one of the nat 20s of all time. Pending DM response, Jacquelyn is content to let Izkaen lead the discussion for now as she browses

Happy Holidays!

Good a time as any to say: I'll be traveling starting tomorrow, and likely mobile only till Sunday. I'll keep up on my phone, but might be a bit slower.

Jacquelyn shrugs when she hears her new task, and nods towards Shortstone. As they settle into the work, she quickly grows annoyed by his flattery. Though she tries to not let her annoyance show, to not upset the new alliance, after one too many comparisons to the ocean she finally snaps, interrupting him, her voice terse but not raised.

"Actually, I was born over a thousand miles from the nearest ocean. My mother is a river Undine. I didn't even see the ocean until I was several years past 60. You'd have better luck telling an Ifrit his hair reminds you of a springtime rain than continue your current course. Shall I compare you to the First World to drive my point home or are we good now?"

As for the work...

Profession (Sailor) for Rope Work, visiting quartermaster: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 = 12

She has absolutely no problems handling the ropes, and even manages to complete her task well enough to steal a few minutes to visit the quartermaster's station.

Oh illustrious DM, what kinds of opportunities/wares are available to me at the quartermasters?

Jaquelyn follows the party above decks, hesitating briefly by Lily as if she is going to say something, before continuing on without a word.

Shocked and impressed at the brutality of the single punch, Jaquelyn relaxes as the fight dissipates. She lets out a soft whistle. "Glad you are on our side."

Damn! 16 damage on a level 1 punch, that was awesome!

Jaquelyn is awake with the first tolling of the bell, and is quickly on her feet, shaking off the remaining effects of the rum from last night. As the ruffians approach Lily, she frowns, but says nothing, hoping the gang dismisses her as a threat.

That's right, don't pay any attention to the small one in the corner. Its not like my fists will hurt you.

In case its unclear, I will be joining combat if initiative gets rolled, just not with my fists ideally

Unless anyone else has something to say to Jacquelyn, she will spend about half an hour staring out over the waves before joining everyone else below decks for bed.

Jacquelyn blushes slightly at Izkaen's warning, and quietly listens as the group continues. After Lily's comment, she speaks up again.

"I agree getting armed would be good, but I also think Izkaen speaks some wisdom. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet, and we should try and see what the situation is. As much as I don't want to be serving under them, too much haste can get us killed."

Jacquelyn, who has been quietly listening to the whispered conversation thus far, speaks up as Scourge leaves the group. "Watching each other's backs is great, and I will certainly all of watch yours, but as long as we sail under those three we risk any number of hardships and torture, not to mention death, all at the whims of needlessly cruel men." she shakes her head, her eyes catching the light of the lanterns and flashing orange as her face takes on a fierce cast. "I for one intend to see that time be as short as possible."

Forgot to roll my alcohol effects, doing so now
charisma bump: 1d4 ⇒ 4
fatigue: 1d8 ⇒ 8
jeez those rolls

Jacquelyn, having noticed her getting pointed at, and feeling much less reclusive than she did a moment ago, meets Jacques as he approaches. Grinning and matching his nod with one of her own, she introduces herself back. "Jacquelyn."

After his assertion, she will respond with a much friendlier demeanor, though it is clear she hasn't held her drink well so it is hard to tell how much can be attributed to that, "I certainly do not intend to cross anyone who offers themselves as my ally. To vouch for myself, while I'm not the most dangerous in a fight, I can pilot this ship, and am likely one of the better navigators you will find in the Shackles, my thanks to Desna for that." She makes a small gesture that could be recognized as a sign of blessing or respect for said deity.

Her voice becomes even quieter, and she looks around carefully. "I have no intentions of sailing under Harrigan and Plugg one day more than necessary"

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Jacquelyn grimaces during the entire display of the execution, taking no effort to hide her distaste for the event. She spends most of the long seconds staring at Plugg. This is a man who treats cruelty as a bedfellow. She shudders. And he is likely not the only one on the ship

As the meal is passed around, she looks wearily at the mug, remembering well the last drink she had. Figuring they can't pressgang her twice, she takes a swig.
Fort save (vs addiction): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

She coughs at the rough brew, muttering to herself "This might be more torture than the whip."

Like Jacques, she eats her stew near the other press-ganged crew, preferring to listen before speaking, still unsure as she is of most of the crew. She does sit as close to the gunwale, looking wistfully out at the sea from time to time.

Jacquelyn doesn't have any skill with the Charisma social skills, and knows she isn't very intimidating, but would absolutely join in with other conversations, potentially assisting with a diplomacy check for influence if it is relevant

I think unless Lily has anything else to say, Jacquelyn is content to move on. And other than learning names where possible, I don't want to spend much time for idle chatter while taking the "work diligently" option.

Jacquelyn raises an eyebrow, looking over towards Sandara contemplatively. That is good to know, though it is probably a bit early to be staging a mutiny, would be good to figure out who else might join in.

The helmsman makes a call, and Jaquelyn begrudgingly starts pulling on the ropes to adjust the sail. "Good to know I have allies though," she puffs. "A friendly face is always welcome in dangerous territory"

Jaquelyn laughs slightly at Lily's question. "I sing no better than anyone else, and quite worse than plenty. You do not need to fear that from me. My skills lie in other directions." She looks around briefly, making sure no crew is too close, before dropping her voice. "What of yourself? Would you be dangerous to make an enemy of?"

Jaquelyn grimaces upon hearing her assignment, looking longingly at the helm. However, wanting to avoid the whip, and thinking maybe she can still learn something, she sets to her task with grim determination.

Profession (sailor), working diligently: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 4 = 24
Constitution, working diligently: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Throughout the day, she outperforms her own expectations, competently managing the ever changing sail without running herself ragged. In her brief idle moments, she watches what the helmsmen is doing, continuing her habit of learning all she can of piloting an ocean vessel. She also tries to track the voyage, relying on her god-gifted sense of direction to see if she can guess where they might be heading in the Shackles.

Not really looking for much here, I can roll a check if you want, but given she doesn't know their exact starting point I don't exactly expect to figure anything out useful

She also takes a few moments through the day to introduce herself, if only by first name, to the other pressganged crew who pass by her.

At one point in the day, as the blond not-quite-human swabbing the deck ambles by, Jacquelyn will nod at her. "Can't say this is how I pictured my day going." She sticks a hand out. "Jacquelyn. What do I call you?"

Not an issue. Just a note, I do have climb speed 20ft... Just putting this out here so that you know I won't be making climb checks if they're DC10.

Good a time as any to echo this sentiment for swim checks. I have 30ft swim, and between the racial +8 and a rank I'm at a +11 total, and per swim rules:

The creature can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered when swimming.

Swim rules

If the swim DC is 21 or less, I can't fail without penalties.

I should probably consider how Izkaen's alignment is going to play into things, or whether I should just go CN. One big thing is that our crew can't engage in slavery, though, whatever his alignment - it's one of his edicts.

I figure we should probably discuss this before it becomes an IC issue, as our crew has a wide spectrum of alignments.

I will take this moment to say that Jacquelyn is CN leaning good, and will certainly draw the line at some point. She is fine with general piracy obviously, but while the exact spot of that line will likely be discovered organically, slavery and wholesale slaughter of innocents would certainly be past that point (not that anyone has suggested that second one yet, just as an example).

I think having a blend of alignments is really cool, and can lead to some awesome inter-party interactions as the group figures out where we lie on various issues, and possibly influences each other to be better/worse as Lily mentioned.

So, your character by all means, but for my money, having a CG member of this party is something I think will be really cool.

Greetings! The GM reached out to me and offered me a spot in the crew. I'll try and catch up, get something posted later tonight - work's been killing me, but I'm glad for the opportunity.

And let it not go without saying, welcome to the crew! I hope you enjoy your stay :D

I'm fine waiting for a few days, this is a crazy week for a lot of people.

As she crests topside, Jaquelyn can't help but pause for a moment, her breath taken away by the majesty of the view of the open ocean surrounding her, and she inhales deeply the salt air. As the person behind her catches up, she is broken from her reverie and continues towards the line of people. She looks around at the crew, trying to see which faces might be friendly, and which clearly show no sympathy. As her gaze sweeps the ship though, her sight locks onto the helm, and her thoughts wander once more to her dream of sailing.

As Harrigan starts talking, she watches him wearily. I doubt I want to sail under this mountain of a man. Piracy is one thing, but this man seems like one who views cruelty as amusement. I better walk small until I can figure out the best way forward.

Okay, I think I'm done with the conversion. If anybody sees anything wrong please let me know.

To that note, your magical lineage trait on your profile page still says Shocking Grasp. Is that intentional with the shift to ranged?

Wincing as her eyes open, Jacquelyn groans softly. "Desna, forgive the dreams of drunken fools."

Twisting her feet underneath her, she feels the unmistakable feeling of planks beneath her bare feet, at the same moment she feels the rocking of a ship on swells. Eyes jolting open, she jumps to her feet, excitement coursing through her. The taste on her mouth puts a damper on the situation however, quickly added to by the jumbled memories of the night before. So she had been pressganged had she? She was finally on the water, but would it prove worth it?

The sound of the bearded man's voice cuts through her thoughts. Cautious, but excited, she follows the far taller woman towards the companionway.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 9 = 19
Know(Nature), take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

Also Jacques and Jacquelyn, be prepared for one or both of you to be nicknamed, you got very similar first names.

I am super down being nicknamed, and think you will have a lot of fun choices for nicknames as you learn more about her. Excited to hear what you come up with!

As for healing, I do at least have CLW in class, which will be helpful if the AP hands out those wands and for anyone who objects to IH. Early levels im not opposed to being a bit of a healbot until my combat utility improves. We will need another solution once i start wildshaping though.

I do think the idea of hyper offense for a party comp is pretty funny, and could lead to some amazingly intense and fun combats.

I for one love the shift if our DM allows it, that sounds super fun and interesting.

As for ranged options, at higher levels Jacquelyn will have some options for ship-to-ship combat (though probably not as good as cannons till very high levels) but i'm not going to be much of a blaster. I will ask the question:
How much do we think we will need a dedicated ranged option? I know we won't be on the ship full time, but ship ranges tend to be "out of bowshot" or "bad breath range" typically.

More accurately, I'm putting a message here to say welcome! As well as open up my DMs again, now that we know the final group, for anyone who wants to consider having our characters be familiar with each other before session start. No pressure, but anyone is welcome if they see something of interest in my background they want to get in on.

Either way, I'm excited to play with everyone and look forward to setting sail!

Warm congratulations to the players chosen, and lukeworm congratulations to the characters! Hopefully we can all survive the pressganging!

@Jacquelyn Shadowfire If this guy gets picked how would you feel about being buddies with a NE (or TN? Nah, I think probably NE/selfish type) rifle-maker from Pitax? Backstory would involve his dad being a rogue Alkenstar engineer poached by Prince Irovetti to set up a firearms workshop in his arts academy, then dad gets screwed over by Irovetti because of course he does and then this PC has to hightail it out of the River Kingdoms. They could have been traveling together for a while, two River Kingdoms Freedoms-loving folks out in the big bad world.

I'm open to the discussion as mentioned! Let me DM you some thoughts!

Hello all! I am the friend that our illustrious Nightmare mentioned in his recruitment post. I will be playing a CN Undine Storm Druid. Focusing on wildshape casting, geared towards battlefield control/utility. Some blasting at high levels, but not a focus. Focusing on debuffing enemies and turning the tide (pun intended) in the parties favor. I also intend to be the helmsman of the ship. Out of combat, the focus is on general druid stuff, with the added benefit of being an Undine and thus being amphibious. Also, as she is a devotee of Desna and Elion (in addition to Besmara), she has a focus on navigation and traveling, and will basically ensure the party never gets lost.

I am open to discuss joint backstories if anyone were to be interested, below is my elevator pitch if you want more details.