Joan Porter's page

Unfortunate.

Still here if/when the GM can get back into this ... Cheers! :)

I'm here today and tomorrow, but will be going out of town for a week starting Monday.
If that conflicts with game progression, please feel free to roll for Joan as she continues fighting.

Okay!
I won't be around tomorrow afternoon/evening (USA time), but I should be back the following evening.

I'm out of town until Monday ... Feel free to bot me if necessary... Joan keeps cutlass fighting, and would only switch to shooting leadership targets if all is clear around her.

Joan continues to duel the pirate in front of her.

Cutlass Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

If the pirate survives, she continues her duel. If the pirate drops, Joan designates another likely freebooter's bane target with an apt insult and then attacks that pirate, or, if she could dunk multiple pirates in the ocean by cutting the rope in front of her or toppling the ladder diagonally in front of her at (15,06), she would do so.

Cutlass Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Joan's grin fades, but her ferocity remains, as her own blood is spilled for the first time in this fight. At Mirandir's directive, she responds through gritted teeth...

"...a little busy right now..."

Joan, being unwilling to sacrifice her precious AC, doesn't let Morven's song affect her.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

She also manages to avert her gaze and avoid being blinded by the bright flashes.

Cutlass Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

On her turn, Joan designates another likely freebooter's bane target with an apt insult and then attacks that pirate.

Cutlass Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

A fierce grin spreads across Joan's face as her heart beats with the wild thrill of battle.

These past couple weeks have been crazy for me, too, but I should be more free starting tomorrow evening. :)

Joan would try to slice the rope unless Elenia or someone else does so first. If that's not an option she would designate another target for freebooter's bane and shoot, then ready her cutlass.

Did Errol and Brayan succeed in chopping through both ropes? If not, which one remains?
Are there any pirates in melee range of us? If not, how far away are they?
Thanks!

This is a super crazy time for me with work and life in the next week and a half, so if I miss things or can't post, please bot me appropriately I should be much more free to post after that. If you bot me, please remember to add +1 At for Mwk. cutlass on loan from Capt., and +1 At and Dam from Freebooter's Bane for me and allies w/in 30 ft.

Joan's Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

It seems like it would be a good idea to stay at 10,6 on bridge at top of stairs and take pot-shots at those on the other ship attempting to board before switching to the cutlass when/if they board, but Joan would only do that if it didn't seem to be against the Capt.'s orders. She would continue to verbally indicate likely targets for Freebooter's Bane.

Joan's heart rushes and her focus intensifies at the thrill of battle.

In this situation, it makes sense to use one of the heavy crossbows. Considering the distance, Joan targets the outrigger crew until there are no more, then the deck crew.

Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

With the distance as it is, I think we all actually take a -2 range penalty on those attacks. If so, only two would hit.

Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8 ... +1 (See below!)
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8 ... +1 (See below!)

As mentioned before, Joan takes cover, as much as possible, behind the ship's rail as she shoots.

EDIT:
Actually, if possible, Joan also uses this ability:

Joan calls out things like, "Hey, get that ugly one hanging way out to the left!"

This causes her and EVERYONE within 30 ft. of her, PC and NPC alike, who chooses to target that individual, to get a +1 attack AND damage against that target until that target drops or until Joan designates a new target. :)

So, I think at least one more of my shots above should hit, and both the damages rolled above should get +1.

Another Damage Roll: 1d10 ⇒ 10 ... +1!

Okay!

No problem! :)

Joan hesitates to part with her "souvenir" of her previous battle, but appreciates the usefulness of the masterwork weapon, accepts it, and thanks the Captain accordingly.

I don't have much to add other than repeating my previous post. My 20 profession check above should help Joan determine what is currently most needed, and she could help with either ballistae or sailing, until we get into shortbow range.

At the sighting of the most-likely-hostile red-sailed ship, a thrill runs through Joan's heart, and she bites her lip in excitement. Action!

She hurries down to don her leather armor and grab her weapons and equipment, running an almost-loving hand over the cutlass she sticks in her belt.

When Joan returns to the deck, she looks first in the direction the Lady Sue is sailing to make sure they're not headed into a trap, or worse. Then, she makes note of the current position of the unknown red-sailed ship, and, unless she sees an obvious need for help elsewhere on the Lady Sue deck (she could assist with sailing or ballistae, if necessary) or receives other orders from the Captain, she takes up a position crouched behind the rail facing the enemy, looking for a target to shoot with her shortbow, and racking her brain for any tales or information she may have heard about red-sailed ships like this, perhaps discussing it with the Captain. She also tries to observe the ship's movement pattern and any sailors or officers she might spy through the glass, if allowed, in order to better judge their intent.

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 +1 vs. traps
Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 +1 track

Will post later today ...

Cool. Good trip?

"Yes, m'am. I think I just saw a glimpse of sails in that direction, m'am, though I don't now. It may have been a ship sailing away in the distance."

Unless otherwise instructed by Ms. Avalon, Joan heads quickly to the Captain's quarters and knocks on the door. When the Captain answers, Joan informs her...

"M'am, Ms. Avalon sent me to bring you up on deck. We've discovered the wreckage of a lifeboat and six dead persons. It seems they had their fingers broken and were tied into the boat, and it seems the boat had a gash chopped into the side, and they were left to drown. I saw what I believe to be a glimpse of sails in the distance, but then they disappeared."

Have fun! :)

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Joan didn't notice the finger thing until Mirandir mentioned it, but now she scans the horizon for pirates or more wrecked lifeboats.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
... Or plus 8 if it's a trap...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Or +8 if, in the words of Admiral Ackbar, it's a trap!

EDIT:
Joan isn't quite sure which part of the wreckage Ms. Avalon is referring to, or what's so significant about it, so she keeps her mouth shut.

Ugh. Some people never learn.

"Yep, you do! And that something would be sleep. G'night!"

Joan curls up in her own hammock.

Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Upon returning to the hold, Joan, too, is quieter than usual.

At one point, however, she heads over to Salty to speak softly, trying to be helpful.

"Hey. If there's ever a next time, skip the part about the 'dumb orders.' Stick with the apology for not hearing the order. That way it's not really insubordination, and she can still save face without punishing you like that."

Nayli, I hope all gets better soon!

Mirandir, very cool! They look great. Thanks! :)

Joan graciously accepts the drink from the Captain, but makes sure to only sip it slowly as they work together. When the Captain asks her about herself, she replies.

"Not too much to say, m'am. The sea's my life. My father was a ship's porter before me, and I tagged along on voyages with him since before I can remember. I've been on my own since I was fourteen, and I've taken good care of myself, and of quite a few different ships' officers, too, since then."

Joan sips her drink and looks at the Captain with curiosity.

"Do you have a story about yourself you'd like to share, m'am?"

Chatty post with the Captain coming later today... Sorry for the delay...

When the Captain mentions disciplining Mr. Salt and looks deep into Joan's eyes, Joan wonders,
Is she testing me? Seeking advice from me? Looking for approval?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 to possibly gain more insight into the Captain's motivation here.

Joan nods at the Captain.

"Yes, m'am."

When the Captain mentions the charts and asks for assistance, Joan responds,

"I have some experience with charting a course, m'am. How may I help?"

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Joan assists the Captain in plotting a course as best as she can. When she is done, she will continue with her other porter's duties, or whatever the Captain would find most helpful.

Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

EDIT:
As requested...
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Joan isn't trained in diplomacy and could never make a DC 28.

Huzzah for no death! :)

As soon as the rope coils and ties around Salty and Brayan, Joan starts hauling them in, working fiercely.

Once they are safely aboard, Joan gives Salty a nod.

"Glad you're alright."

She gives Brayan a pat on the shoulder and a relieved wink.

"So, about those swimming lessons..."

She then goes about helping in whatever way she can.

She takes ten on her Profession (Porter) check for a total of fifteen.

Wouldn't it be DC 5, +2 for every range increment (10 ft) beyond the first ten feet?

(Does Salty actually need to jump in if Elenia can animate the rope to tie around Brayan? Less weight to haul up one than two...)

I said Joan tried to toss a line out to Brayan, but I didn't make rolls to pinpoint Brayan's location in the waves or to actually target him with the rope.
If these rolls are good enough, Brayan could just grab on, or Elenia could enchant the rope to coil around him and knot.

Perception to see Brayan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Ranged touch attack to target Brayan (or his square) with the rope end: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

EDIT: Hm. I might be able to see him, but I doubt that's enough to get a rope all the way out to him.
Someone else could try another ranged touch attack with another rope.
Joan wouldn't risk her life and/or a flogging by the Captain in an attempt to save the dwarf.
(The ship itself is flogging her plenty without getting the Captain involved!)
However, if a rope was tied around Brayan, or Salty, or Elenia, or whoever, she would certainly help haul them back up on deck!

Elenia - I don't think Salty can enlarge you, since he's using an alchemist extract, and those generally only work on the alchemist who made them.
Also, with waves taller than ships, Brayan is probably already underwater. Don't count on talking to him.
The animate rope idea is clever, though. Could it possibly work to grab him, even without anyone else going overboard?
Joan wouldn't risk her life and/or a flogging by the Captain in an attempt to save the dwarf.
(The ship itself is flogging her plenty without getting the Captain involved!)
However, if a rope was tied around Brayan, or Salty, or Elenia, or whoever, she would.certainly help haul them back up on deck.

After quickly securing things in the crew quarters taking ten for a total profession (porter) check of fifteen, Joan returns to the main deck and hooks onto the reef line, just in time to get snapped across the back by the loose sail line.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Assuming that's enough to avoid being knocked prone...?

Joan manages to keep her footing on the deck, despite the lash of the line, and the rush of the wave. Her brow furrows in frustration when she realizes Brayan has washed overboard.

"That poor fool of a dwarf ... not built for swimming, indeed... "

She moves quickly to toss a line out to where Brayan fell into the waves, as the Captain suggested, just in case it helps, and she also makes sure Salty has a line when she realizes he intends to dive in. She warns him...

"Those waves look killer, even for a good swimmer."

Joan herself wouldn't disobey the Captain's order. She figures a storm is certainly no good time for insubordination, and that poor carpenter was foolish not to let himself be taught to swim. It's never easy to lose crew mates, but it's nothing new to Joan. Instead of hurling herself overboard in a foolish rescue attempt, she holds tight to the rail and glances around to see if there is anything else she can help with on deck.

Initiative, if it matters: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

I take 10 on my profession check for a total of 15.. Sorry about fewer posts at present... Will post more and longer soon!

Joan does a fine job of ironing and attending to the Captain's cabin.

"Is 1 silver a good enough bet? I never play for much more but this keeps things interesting."

"Definitely. I'm in."

Joan places a silver on the table.

"As for swimming it's a fair offer, but Dwarfs were not built for swimming just as Elves were not built for mining and humans were not built for dice games."

The very human Joan gives the dwarf Brayan a wicked grin.

"So, if I can beat you at this game, then you can learn to swim."

"We now know why old Brayan went to sea but what foul tragedy befell all of you to force you into the hard life of a seafarer?"

Joan laughs at the question.

"The sea life is all I've ever known, and I don't mind it a bit. I grew up tagging along with my dad on ships. He was a porter long before I was."

Rolls for making a good first impression on Brayan, noticing things during the game, noticing things about my fellow players, and any bluffing that might be helpful in a game of dice (not cheating)...

-
-

Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

In response to the Captain's instructions, Joan nods.

"Yes, m'am."

During the officers' dinner, Joan can't help a slight smirk when Mr. Stokes speaks about Elenia.

When her shift is done, in addition to the leftovers, Joan enjoys a mug of the hot bean drink offered by Salty.

"Hey, thanks, Salty! This is good to warm ya up! Never had anything quite like it. Good stew, too."

When Errol proposes a game of dice, Joan grins.

"I'm in!"

She lets down her hair and removes the neck ruff to relax. When a good moment presents itself, she addresses the old dwarf Brayan.

"Hi, Brayan. I'm Joan, the ship's porter. You've presumably been a ship's carpenter for a good many years, right? How is it you never learned to swim? If you're just lacking a coach, I could certainly help you out when we get to St. Valeros."

Neat stuff! It's good to get an idea of the ship layout and who else is on board.
I always enjoy character interaction and story the most, so never a need to rush into combat on my account!

Joan would definitely be curious to listen in on what the officers talk about at dinner, so if you want to share any conversation snippets or summary, GM, I'd always be interested. (I also understand if it's too much for you, though.)

Also, how did the Captain react when Joan asked about keeping a dagger on her as a tool? (She wants to be prepared, but she definitely does not want to be flogged as an insubordinate assassin!)

Rolls for meeting Mr. Winters and Mr. Gleambright, then doing her job, and keeping watch...
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Joan serves the Captain as best as she can, expertly following all instructions given, and keeping a sharp eye out for trouble. She does, unfortunately, manage to step on Mr. Gleambright's toes once when she doesn't notice him down there. Oops.

Checking to see if I understand the watch system from the linked chart:
The Lady Sue has four groups of crewmen on rotation, and our group is starting with "first watch" ... So, we're on duty from 8pm to midnight tonight, then off for three watches, then back on duty for afternoon watch tomorrow from noon-4pm, then off for three watches, then on again for middle watch from midnight to 4am that night ... and so on ... Is that right?

When Errol shrugs off the threat of pirates to Nayli, Joan mentions,
"Do keep a sharp eye out, though. Pirates can be upon a ship real sudden-like, with no warning. Believe me, I've seen it."

When Errol asks Joan about the Captain, Joan rolls her eyes and glances around to make sure the officers are not within earshot before replying to Errol,
"Yeah, you were right. Captain Perfectionist Quicktemper has already found a reason to say she should flog me, and all I did was arrive prepared. Hopefully she'll never get around to it, though. And besides, she's a half-orc woman. Props to her for rising to the rank of Captain in a society with as much bias as ours. She probably has had to be crazy tough to get where she is, so I'm not surprised she has to lay on the attitude. She certainly hasn't risen through the ranks by charm, that's for sure. I just hope, if I do my job right, her lash won't find me. I'm too pretty for flogging!"

Joan speaks that last line in a half-joking manner with a knowing smile.

"By the way, it seems that our Captain and First Mate are having some kind of disagreement over the route we should take...something about ships disappearing ... You know anything about that, Errol?"

When the ship sets sail and the salty sea breeze hits Joan's face full on, she breaks into a wide grin.
"I always love the start of a new voyage!"

When the familiar song breaks out, Joan smiles, prepared.
At her turn, her rich, melodious voice calls out...

"Under Captain Loophook's lash, we don't want to be wailing!"

The crew responds, in agreement,

"Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe."

Joan finishes,

"So let us work ourselves right hard, as we go merrily sailing!"

The crew responds, with vigor,

"Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!"

Here we go! ... Rolls for meeting the Captain...

Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

New rolls for meeting Ms. Avalon and hopefully earning PM info...

Joan would indeed follow the Captain's instructions below deck. She would, however, try to find an appropriate moment to say,

"My apologies, M'am. In addition to my more standard duties, I have assisted in the defense of other Captains, and would be happy to do so for you as well, M'am, should you desire it. I shall stow my swords, bow, and armor for now. Shall I keep a dagger for use as a tool, M'am, or would you prefer I keep that away, too?"

Joan would summon Ms. Avalon, stash her weapons, and change clothing as requested. When she returns to the Captain's cabin she listens to the conversation with subtle interest as she carefully sees to the Captain's personal effects.

When the crew gathers on deck to listen to their half-orc Captain's speech, Joan raises an eyebrow at the very different tone the woman uses with the group, but she keeps her mouth shut.

When Errol approaches with shift news, Joan smiles.

"Nice. You can show us the ropes, and then we'll probably have similar times off for games."

Lady Sue officers:

Captain Demelza Loophook - female half-orc
Master of Sails/First Mate Ms. Avalon - female half-elf
Quartermaster Mr. Stokes - male human
Boatswain Mr. Gleambright - male gnome
Lead Cook Mr. Toby Winter - male halfling

...

As for gear, Joan would prefer to keep wearing her leather armor (no ACP) and carrying her weapons, if she's allowed to do so. Would she be allowed to do so?

---

FYI, I'm packing tonight and heading out of town tomorrow morning to join family for Easter. I'll be back in town late Monday. I'll still try to post each day, but it's going to be something of a whirlwind trip, plus baby and pre-schooler, so, my apologies in advance if I miss a day or two.
Have a lovely Easter weekend, all!

Joan smiles slightly and nods politely, responding to the Captain's question.

"Joan Porter, reporting for duty as ship's porter, Captain Loophook.
What can I do for you, m'am?"

I'm a 34-year-old high school English and Drama teacher in Florida in the USA.
I'm happily married to the shrubbery (Tacticslion) and have two adorable sons ages 3-years-old and 5-months-old.
I've enjoyed playing 3.5 and then Pathfinder (whenever life has allowed the time) for almost ten years now (as long as I've been married), and have also had some fun experiences with the Star Wars RPG.
I've been a player in a few PBPs here, and I GM one.
I'm excited to be in a nautical campaign, and I'm really enjoying everyone's characters, including the NPCs! :)

Joan would listen to any further advice given by Errol and introduce herself to any other crew members there who seem friendly enough. Then, she would say,

"Thanks, Errol. I'd better get going. I don't want the Captain to think I'm dallying. I hope I get to join that dice game later. Then, maybe you'd like to join in a game of cards? Oh, one last question. Does the Captain like to be called "sir" or "m'am"? I've only worked on two ships with a female officer before, and one liked it one way, and the other liked it the other way, and they were both very particular about it."

After hearing Errol's response, she would smile, thank him again, nod, and head quickly to the Captain's cabin.

She knows her way around ships and shouldn't have any trouble finding it, but if she has any doubt, she would ask for direction.

When she arrives outside the Captain's door, she would make sure her appearance is as orderly as possible, take a deep breath, and knock crisply.

Here we go! ... Rolls for meeting the Captain...
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Profession (Porter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Ug! I knew it! Her first low diplomacy roll would be for the Captain ... sigh ... Well, at least this should be interesting!

EDIT:GM, would you like us to specify somehow exactly what we're carrying now and what's stowed, or divide it on our character sheets? Or does it not really matter? Thanks!

When Salty 'flirts' with Nayli, Joan remains noticibly silent, staying out of it and minding her own business.

Joan notices Mirandir with a smile, but he leaves before she has a chance to chat with him.

At Elenia's rude comment, Joan freezes for a fraction of a second, then raises her eyebrows with a worried expression.

"I'm ... sorry? I don't mean to offend."

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Joan smiles when Errol gives Elenia a look in her defense, then she starts to play a bit with the tiny monkey on his shoulder as she speaks.

"I think avoiding becoming known by the Captain will be impossible for me. I'm a porter, and I'm supposed to report to her cabin now. Any particular things that trigger her anger that I should avoid?"

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Elenia's monkey nips at Joan's fingers. She withdraws her hand.

Let's see...

Lady Sue officers, as far as I can tell:

Captain Demelza Loophook - female (?)
Master of Sails/First Mate Ms. Avalon - female (?)
Quartermaster Mr. Stokes - male human
Boatswain Mr. Gleambright - male gnome
(Lead Cook Mr. Winter - male (?))

Have I got it right so far? :)

If Tac/Thomas wants to dot in gameplay to follow the campaign, but DM_Judd doesn't want him showing up under current characters in the characters tab, DM_Judd could just edit campaign info to mark the character Thomas as "previous" without marking the player Tacticslion as "previous." That should do the trick. DM's choice, of course. :)

"Yellowjackets, you can't seriously be on their side, can you? They're not going to treat you nicer just because you pretend to like them."

Joan blinks at Nayli in genuine surprise.

"Of course they are. Which one of us didn't have to do any barrel lifting to get on this ship? If you talk balk to them, you only make your life harder."

"Errol, was it? Nayli." Nayli holds out a hand and gives him a coy smile

"Silly me. Where are my manners? I'm Joan. Joan Porter. Nayli, Errol, good to know you both."

Joan smiles and offers handshakes.