Ok I got all the crunch put into the profile and also the bloodraging profile.
I added a note in the backstory about how I could see Pike having a dynamic character arc, eventually coming to respect magic and maybe even technology. He would be resistant to this but I expect this game will have a LOT of evidence that may change his mind.
In addition, I gave Pike the headstrong drawback without thinking about it that much because it's SO appropriate. However, I should probably have some idea of how that would be ruled. Since Pike deeply disapproves of and fundamentally doesn't believe in relying on technology, would he just be continually shaken as everyone around him is technology? Or would it require some specific, more extreme instance that he was more directly involved in?
Here's an idea Nethandriel: Since the party has no healing, it might be worthwhile to take the infusion discovery, perhaps via the alchemist's discovery? That way you can pass out extracts of CLW. Or even extracts of long arm if you want to see Pike's reach fighting have extra fun but that's more tailored to what Pike would be doing rather than the whole party's needs.
Ok I have my first draft of the backstory done but will hopefully revise a bit before Thursday (the deadline maybe?). The crunch is also done but so far I've only moved the status line portion of it over from Hero Lab.
Am happy to make any suggested revisions, as well. For example, I assumed the existence of the steamshovel in this partially industrialized world but if that's not appropriate I can change it to something else.
Pike roars in anger, draws a longsword, and swings it down on Halgrin twice in quick succession, striking the half-orc hard both times (14 and then 12 damage before resistance). The half-orc falls again, truly unconscious this time. Pike turns and steps up into Horat's face, grinning ruthlessly. Several of the pirates scatter, trying to find Wrinil up by the wheel but they don't encounter him yet. Two pirates lash out at Enizver but can't bring themselves to hit the small gnome because of his spell. You see another crew member come up from the hold. But instead of joining the fray, the dragonborn roars in anger and unleashes a wave of acid on the sailors in front of him. Two fall groaning in pain!
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Enizver and Olivia miss while Halgrin rushes forward but is stopped again by the captain's weapon. In frustration, he puts one of the other pirates down hard. This helps drive home Wrinil's point. The pirate grasping Wrinil shoves off from the young man and turns on Halgrin, attacking him but not as quickly as Pike does. The captain roars at Halgrin with a grin on his face "You gotta be quicker and slyer than that if you want to beat me on me own ship!!" He strikes Halgrin five times in quick succession, moving with blinding speed. His first strike trips the half-orc then he lands all but one of the remainder, sending powerful blow after blow into the warrior (59 damage to Halgrin before resistance).
Extra attack x action surge + 1 for polearm master.
Since Halgrin should fall, by all rights, Pike stands confident, grinning, and doesn't step away. The rest of the pirates get out of the way and attack Horat instead, knocking him unconscious. "Don't kill 'im!" Pike roars. "I'm gonna make 'im wish we had!" The two pirates by Enizver lash out at him and land serious blows (15 dam). Seriously wounded, the group who would defy Captain Pike have perhaps one more chance to turn the tides.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Sentinel reduces your speed to 0 ft for the rest of the round if you're hit by an AoO from the sentinel. So you're stopped when you enter his reach, 10 ft away from him.
Pike's signature weapon flashes out in front of him as Halgrin approaches, stopping the orc dead in his tracks before he can even reach Pike (11 damage and move speed reduced to 0).
Polearm master+sentinel leaves Halgrin 10 ft away and he doesn't have reach. Because you are stopped 10 ft away and don't have anyone to attack, your reckless attack won't be activated so I won't give enemies adv on hitting you.
Enizver has trouble shooting through the pirates swarming over him and his shot misses. While Horat lands a blow, Wrinil stabilizes Olivia. The two pirates who were aft rush down and attack in the rear. Horat lashes out at one of them as he approaches but misses.
Pike steps to the side and strikes Horat twice with his pike and once with the butt of his weapon. Pirates converge on the deck and Horat is struck again knocking him unconscious. Halgrin is struck once (4/2=2 dam) as is Enizver (5 dam) while two pirates attack Wrinil but are confused when they can't force themselves to strike the innocent-looking man.
Horat, I think your HP aren't updated. But I'm pretty sure you're unconscious at the top of this round. Let's just go with that.
Pike appears to be roaring for reinforcements but no sound is heard. There is, however, plenty of grunting and stomping coming from other parts of the deck. It can't be long before the fight is noticed by those below.
With a quick jab of his boarding pike, the captain stabs Liv in the side and she passes out from blood loss. He then moves past the mast while striking at Horat (hits for 9 dam). He takes up a poised position in the center of the ship and, grinning, says something to taunt Horat and Halgrin. But, oddly enough, nothing can be heard. Pike looks perplexed by this. Two of the pirates on deck rush Enizver and strike at him with their cutlasses but can't manage to land a blow. Six other pirates throw a dagger each at Halgrin and Horat but as blades fly all over the deck, only one manages to strike Horat in the leg (7 damage).
Even though Olivia thinks she is leaving carefully, the captain still swings his pike with blistering speed, striking her hard in the side (14 damage) and pulling her down to the deck where she lands hard (2 fall damage and prone). Then when she tries to cast her spell, he strikes her again with the pike in the shoulder (10 damage). She tries to focus on the spell but the intimidating captain standing over her makes it very difficult (concentration with disadvantage failed).
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
While you're still quite distant from Nyanzaru (too far to make it out in any detail) Pike stalks over to where you stand. "Get below! And hand over your weapons and armor!" The big man stands before you, boarding pike in hand and wearing armor of his own. Several of his pirates stand around, hands near their weapons, but they look confident in their captain's ability.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Awesome stuff, Olivia. Take inspiration.
Through the subtlety of Olivia and Wrinil, you managed to avoid the confrontation Enizver was preparing for and Halgrin and Horat had positioned themselves to deal with. The Lion's Mane resumes its long journey down the Sword Coast. Pike seems to regard Olivia as incompetent and sets her to some of the harder tasks as well as subjecting her to verbal abuse but doesn't lash out physically again. You resume your tasks about the ship, working long hours to supplement the passage you paid.
Everyone roll me a check representing your work on the ship. Then feel free to roll against the below spoiler as well.
DC 15 insight:
One of the members of the crew, a weathered-looking green dragonborn, seems to be regarding the five of you with some sympathy though he keeps to himself silently.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The cog definitely has sails. They're using them to scoot away now.
GM screen:
Insight:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Pike growls angrily as he sees the cog bearing away. "Well now you learn! No ideas of your own on my ship! One my orders!" He strikes Olivia across the face with the bac of his hand.
6 damage to Olivia.
Pike the stomps off and growls at other crew members to get back to various sailing-related tasks.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Yeah without any sort of attempt at stealth somebody would notice a flying lady pretty quickly I think. Not necessarily the mirror, though. I'll retcon he didn't see the mirror if you beat his passive perception with disadvantage for distance with a sleight of hand check.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Pike roars "What are you doing up in the air with that mirror! Get down here or I'll skin you alive!"
The cog begins steering away from the Brigantine.
I'm not sure how they would understand that as different from a distress call but with a deception roll like that we'll assume Liv knows morse code or some basic sailor signals. Pike definitely has questions about what in the Abyss you were doing up there. You'll have to deceive him too.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Since Horat hasn't posted and we need to keep momentum, I'll assume he does nothing.
Enizver sabotages a ballista without being noticed. Wrinil invisibly pulls the ship of course. The captain bellows "Bring us alongside that cog or I'll keelhaul you myself!!" The pilot curses and tries to right the ship.
Str check:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
New round. Everyone take actions. Wrinil, I'm assuming you're making another str check to disrupt steering? It's not that crazy for a ship's rudder to misbehave so I don't the pirates are suspicious yet. Perhaps they'll notice you're missing soon, tho.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
"Bring us closer!" Pike roars to the helm. His brigantine begins sailing up to the cog, which doesn't seem to yet suspect the intentions of the other vessel.
We're not exactly in combat yet but we'll use a turn order. Pirates just went. You guys may now all take an action each if you like. You may also delay, ready, or wait.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain roars with laughter at his thick new crew members. "What do I mean? I mean we go see if they need to be lightened of any valuable cargo!"
This could have been discovered with sufficient persuasion rolls to gather gossip in Waterdeep but you were all champs and didn't read the spoiler since you didn't roll high enough. Props.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain quickly sets Horat and Halgrin to hauling on some ropes. He allows Olivia to keep cleaning the deck and orders Envizer to climb to the crow's nest and keep an eye out for danger. He sets Wrinil to mending some sails. The first mate also barks his share of orders, keeping you all busy throughout your first day of sailing. The pattern continues for many days as you all work yourselves into exhaustion before falling in your bunk every night.
In your second week of sailing, the crew spots a small merchant cog off the coast of Amn. The captain turns to you all with a steely look in his eyes. "We're gonna make our fortune, lads and lassie. But are you gonna be part of it or you gonna cause trouble?" The captain stands on deck with his signature pike while a dozen men come up from the deck carrying shortbows and cutlasses.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
I'll assume Halgrin is good to go.
You load up your belongings onto the Lion's Mane, handing over your passage to the captain. He sniffs and tastes Envizer's antitoxins, evaluating very carefully whether or not they seem worth as much as the gnome claims. Finally, he lets the gnome come aboard. The Mane is far from a luxury vessel and you are assigned hammocks with the rest of the crew down in the hold. A few hours after you come aboard and situate your belongings, the boat pushes off. You sail out of the deep blue harbor of Waterdeep, heading to a land very far away. But your reverie is soon interrupted by a bellowing captain "You're not taking a luxury cruise to Chult! You're working the whole way there! So hop to it!"
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Was sick. Better now. Catching up.
We're going to time skip a bit here with Envizer doing his crafting. If you want to earn cash, then come up with a reasonable way of doing so, perhaps a skill check, then roll it and I'll award you accordingly. Some skills make more sense than others, e.g. perform, but you might come up with a good way to earn gp with perception.
You leave the docks as Pike doesn't seem to want you about while his crew is unloading and loading. "Come back when we're about to heave off! I won't have you aboard before then."
Halgrin:
When you enter your room back at the Yawning Portal, you say a cloaked man sitting in a chair. He quickly pulls back his hood to show that it is Alain Turick. "What news have you, Sword? I dislike this secrecy in my own city."
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain counts on his fingers briefly. "Depends where you want to go. We're stopping several places along the coast. 55 dragons if you want to go all the way to Chult."
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain raises an eyebrow as Envizer speaks of profitable chemicals of all sorts. He crosses his arms. "Fine. Bring me this before you leave and you'll all have yourselves passage at half-price."
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain looks sufficiently satisfied with most of you but he turns to Envizer and looks down at him. "You, little man. You talk a lot but you don't show me anything. Not gonna cut it with Pike." He places a thick hand on his broad chest.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
The captain crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow as he surveys the lot of you. "You're useful, eh? Let's see it. You two, bring those water casks aboard." He points to two large casks on the dock. Then he turns to the other three. "Useful magic, eh? Prove it!"
DC 11 str checks for Halgrin and Horat. For one who wishes to prove useful magic, feel free to be creative. You can assume there's a somewhat-injured crewman on deck or reasonably common opportunities for you to show magical utility.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
"Jenkins! Careful with that cask! You drop it and I'll let you go thirsty when it leaks! Higgins hurry with those fish or they'll go bad before we can sell them! I'll take the loss out of you!"
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
Not sure where the third goblin came from exactly but I might get an AoO on him. For example, if he came from due south I'd get an AoO. Due west I wouldn't.
Dwarf Bloodrager (blood conduit/primalist/untouchable) 3 | HP: 37/37 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 | Saves F: +8 R: +4 W: +4 (+3 more vs spells, slas, or poisons, +2 vs allies spells, +1 vs mind-affecting non-fear) | Perc: +8 (+2 if stonework, auto check within 10 ft, DV) | Speed: 20 ft | CMD: 17 (+4 bullrush, +6 trip) | Botted attack: +6 for 2d6+7 | | +2 DC to cast defensively in my threat area
I moved. I can hit the goblin from there. First diagonal is 5 ft second is 10 ft. So since that's one diagonal and one vertical square, she's 10 ft from me.
