Zale Trelebor's page

Some might have been surprised by the sudden attack of the lobster creatures, but Zale was quickly learning to expect the worst in any given situation. He tread water while he drew his blade, took in a deep breath, and dove for the creature threatening G'nosha.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Minus underwater penalties for a slashing weapon, I assume...?

Hey, so my computer finally had its final meltdown this last week. I should have my replacement arriving shortly, but posting from my phone is officially the most annoying thing in the world, so you can go ahead and bot me for a couple more days, if you don't mind.

Sorry it seems like I'm just bouncing from reason to reason when it comes to not posting; I guess life's been kinda weird to me lately. I promise I'll get more on it.

If it's not our turn, but we come up before any enemies, would you like us to just post our actions preemptively?

Zale gratefully dove towards Hodge, snatching up the offered angrily snapping creature and shoving it into the trap. He couldn't help giving the Undrowned a moderately confused look as he did so, still marveling at the creature's apparent total lack of a need for air.

Jeez. I feel like I'm waking up from a coma. I was so tired. Anyway, more or less back and alive again.

Preparatory Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Zale did his best to detach himself from the proceedings, hoping someone else could point him toward a crab, as he was utterly failing to find one on his own.

Fair warning, guys, if it gets to my turn and I'm slow; I'm opening a play this week, and my brain is basically fried from long rehearsal days. My intent is to take Aviz's suggestion and let someone else spot for Zale while he keeps trying to snatch crabs.

Zale, distracted for a moment by his wonder at the sight of Hodge plodding along the sea floor, shook his head and got to diving.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Unfortunately, at least at first, he spotted no crabs worth snatching up.

Who're we waiting on right now? Is it me?

Hey, guys, having some internet issues tonight. Posting from my phone is always kind of a mess, so... I'll probably be back to functional status tomorrow.

Zale rolled his shoulders after removing his chain shirt and laying his shield atop it. He definitely didn't need the weight today. He started to lay his cutlass down as well, but after a moment's thought, strapped it on tighter instead. For all he knew, Scourge would throw in chum after them just to make things 'interesting'.

Also taking 10 for this first bit, getting me a 17.

No big, life happens.

Catching Esmarelda's intentions, Zale quickly rubbed away the last of the sleep from his eyes and moved over. "No need for that - I need to talk to Scourge anyway," he said quickly; perhaps too quickly...?

Running a hand over his face, Zale blinked awake, doing his best to come to attention swiftly.

I thought that was my point? I'm under the impression that full round casts can be interrupted until the start of the caster's next turn, per the Injury section in the Concentration rules: "The interrupting event strikes during spellcasting if it comes between the time you started and the time you complete a spell (for a spell with a casting time of 1 full round or more) or if it comes in response to your casting the spell (such as an attack of opportunity provoked by the spell or a contingent attack, such as a readied action)."

If we're playing differently, cool by me, but that's how I thought it worked.

Sorta back - I'll be posting for realsies later tonight. For right now, I feel like I should point out Sleep is a full round cast; I'll bet I was capable of interrupting Esk's attempt at spellcasting earlier, (if he was in any state to listen to me, anyway). Shouldn't make a whole lot of difference in how the rest of this goes down, but I noticed it nonetheless.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Zale, looking about to see the others' reaction at the beginning of the fight, noticed Eskilline muttering words of magic. His eyes went wide and he practically flung himself toward the younger man, his hand slapping over the sorcerer's mouth with a feigned laugh. "Hah! Don't need you sicking up just now, Esk!"

He leaned in closer to whisper urgently at Eskilline. "Knock it off! If you interfere with the whole ship's entertainment for the evening, you're likely to get the lash!"

Can others of us make that Perception check, or just Aviz?

Zale, surprised Aviz decided to step forward, caught the strix's arm before he moved over to Scourge, offering one last thought. "Don't beat 'im too badly, 'f you can. Doubt he's got any more choice than we do."

For contrast, I'll be headed out of town come Monday. I should have my computer and the internet, but my free time will be coming at a serious premium until Thursday evening. I'll try to check in if things get hopping, but no guarantees on a day to day basis.

Zale leaned in towards Aviz.

"One way or another, I don't think we're going to get much of a choice," he said in a low tone, his eyes flicking to Scourge, then blinking and turning to give Eskilline an odd look. "I...s'pose?"

Zale's pretty much singling out the full BAB fighters he knows for potentially fighting Owlbear. Obviously, his choices are just snap judgments and all, made while pretty tipsy, but there it is anyway. Oh, and Hodge of course we only barely know (plus you freak Zale out a bit at the mo'), so no offense meant on leaving you out of the equation.

In related news, sometimes paladin-ery leaves me feeling a bit pompous, and I feel like I need to apologize for it. I promise, he's doing it from a good place.

Is the Cha penalty/fatigue from the rum? Never noticed that before, I'd come to think decent saves canceled such things out.

Zale stood up, placing a hand on Eskilline's shoulder. His eyes were serious, even though his speech was subtly slurred and his tone more familiar than usual. "Don't think that's the best idea, Esk. Y'know your stuff, but a fistfight doesn't seem like putting your best foot forward."

He looked about at the crew, reading the situation as best he could through the slight fog of the rum and realizing it was almost certainly to be one of their band of new recruits that was meant to take the beating. He glanced to G'Nosha and Aviz, his head bobbing questioningly towards the 'Owlbear'. "Looks like it's t'be one of us. Unless someone's partic'larly interested in it, I'll see about collecting the evening's bruises."

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Hale as always, Zale nonetheless found himself discomfited that evening. He watched the creature brought aboard warily, as he had done all day, wondering about the fate his Goddesses had in mind for him and how this unearthly being could play into it. At least for the moment, though the whatever-it-was seemed to be no particular danger to the crew, and that was what was important.

After a while alone with his thoughts, he found himself mingling with the crew once more, seeing if he could find out someone else's perspective on recent events.

Influence: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Urg. No new friends for Zale tonight.

Eh, life as much as work. Things have been weird over here, but I should've been more diligent anyway - I actually tried to check in once with a quick sentence or two, but apparently the postmonster devoured it.

As soon as the gnome grabbed ahold of the rope, Zale got a foot up on the rail, ready to haul Esmarelda back at the first sign she was having trouble in the treacherous waters below, but not wanting to interfere with her ability to swim for herself.

Essentially readying to haul her in if things get...ahem...fishy.

Hrm. I find myself a bit confused by the map, so I just put Zale (who I can move around again, by the way) by G'Nosha. Modify as necessary.

Es and Zale
Zale's brow furrowed as Esmarelda tried to pass over Scourge's blows, but let the moment pass, not sure what else to say. As she continued on to ask about his kapenia, he smiled a small wistful smile.

"Not of my own, I'm afraid. My parents weren't terribly interested in the practice. Although, my great-grandfather's scarf was actually what inspired me to...well." He held up his tattooed right hand. "The oath I mentioned."

Day 6, Cont.
Zale responded to Es's yell immediately, dashing for the rope and taking it up along side G'Nosha. Nodding to the woman, he tensed, prepared to haul in sync with her.

Es and Zale
Zale started, his eyes jerking upward as Esmarelda pulled him out of his contemplations. He blinked, looking up at her as he parsed her question. He let out a soft little chuckle, letting his head lean backwards.

"No...no, it's not. Not really. It's just..." he sighed, and looked more directly at her, his expression serious.

"I am...was? Gch." He shook his head, frustrated. "I swore an oath, to follow a code. It's pretty thorough, but there's one line:"

Closing his eyes, he continued as if reciting. "I will guard the honor of my fellows, both thought and deed." Opening his eyes, he looked up at Esmarelda with a wry expression, gesturing towards her face. "That's gotten a bit complicated."

Day 6
Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Zale left his chain shirt behind that morning, anticipating mobility being more important than armor today. Over and over again, he set his feet and hauled, his toughened frame allowing him to pull his weight and more.

I also can't seem to move Zale around - did my marking in light blue.

The hours I tend to keep mostly prevent me from chiming in on the fun parts of the back-and-forth conversations, but behold - I contribute! Hope I didn't step on anybody's private convo toes.

For reference, part of Zale's little crisis of faith here comes courtesy of some mechanics that I think work well into his character, and I haven't brought up yet: Overhearing about Scourge striking Es and not doing something about it probably triggers Zale's Headstrong drawback, rendering him shaken for an hour.

Ah, drama. I do live for thee.

Zale had nodded to Esmarelda in response to her question about his heritage, explaining his Varisian heritage. He would have gone on, talking about his Sczarni relatives and his more noble ancestors before, but found himself growing quiet as their little group moved over to stand by Zarvas's unconscious form.

He looked silently down at the little frog man, his expression pained. He eased himself down to a sitting position, leaning up against a beam as he contemplated Zarvas, and the ministrations of Sandara Quinn. He didn't intend to eavesdrop, but in the relative quiet of the shipboard night, he couldn't help but overhear some of the conversation between Aviz and Esmarelda. Looking up sharply at the mention of her mistreatment at Scourge's hands, his fists balled involuntarily, but instead of rising to act on the sudden fury, he found himself staring at those fists - at the mark of the Pirate Queen's skull and crossbones covering up the sunburst of Iomedae's Radiant Sword emblazoned on the back of his right hand.

His gaze rose to watch Sandara for a few moments, and his hands relaxed, his posture slumping as he rested his arms on his knees. His voice was barely a whisper as he prayed.

"Inheritor...Black Lady...whichever of you is listening; I don't understand what it is you want from me here. If you're simply toying with me, seeing how far I can go before I break or fall, then I suppose it doesn't matter... but if you want something more of me, if there's a purpose to my being here - then I need some guidance. Give me a direction, and I will sail off the edge of the map to get there...but..." his eyes flicked in Esmarelda's direction, taking in her bruised cheek, and he fell silent, his lips pressed together in a tense line.

He ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward, his chin resting on his folded arms - a relatively small, pathetic figure in deep contrast to the confidence the dashing young man usually tried to project.

Day 4 Night
Zale watched Kroop walk away, a bemused look on his face. He called after the cook. "You as well, Ambrose!"

Day 5
Str check (Diligent): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Con check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Zale went to the work with a will, hauling on the lines through the lashing rain and wind. Some tasks on the ship did not come easily to the young man, but this was honest work, serving to preserve lives - and that, the paladin was more than willing to throw himself into.

Zale waited politely (if impatiently) until the others had completed their business, then strode up to Grok with an expression of relief on his face. "My sword and shield, if you please. The blade should be," he spread his hands about four feet apart, "About yea long, crest on the pommel. If it's not pushing my luck too hard, I think there ought to have been a small silver holy symbol as well."
Going with my previous roll for the rest of the day's work.

Night
As the day finally began to come to a close, Zale arched his back tiredly, reflecting with bemused irritation on how much more grueling the day's work became with a heavy shield strapped to you the whole time. He settled his hand on the pommel of his sword, readjusting several times as the reflexive gesture fell on the unfamiliar weapon. Even after a few hours to get used to the idea, he still found himself gaping every time he looked down to see the familiar ancient family crest emblazoned on the pommel of the skull-and-crossbones basket style hilt of the cutlass Grok had handed him. It was an unsettling sight, and a constant reminder of the strange fate that had befallen him.

My Queen...you certainly have an interesting sense of humor.

With a grimace, he tossed back the evening's rum ration as per usual. He was almost used to the taste by now. Almost.
Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
He shook his head vigorously as the foul concoction burned its way towards his stomach, and slapped the flagon down, wandering off to find someone else in need of a bit of pleasant conversation. He could certainly use some relaxation himself.

I'll just let my previous Diplomacy roll for the day carry over, if that works out.

Gragh. Sorry I haven't been more active, guys - I'm working on my fifteenth or so day of overtime in a row, and I'm getting a bit groggy. I'll try and have something up later today.

Oo, are we talking pirate music? I wanna play!

One of my favorites is "We Want" by The Jolly Rogers, but I can't find a single link for it. They have a pile of great songs, actually, but my favorite album is "Cutlass, Cannon and Curves".

Also, definite props for "Shiver My Timbers". Love that movie.

Zale growls and lunges for a morning star, snatching it up in both hands and bringing it around in one continuous motion towards the nearest vermin.

Morning star: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
2-Handed Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Additionally, now finally armed, I can start using Bodyguard when enemies attack adjacent allies. I'll use it any time it's possible.

"Sooner or later, it's always rats," Zale replied, trying to sound calm in the banter. Raising his fists cautiously, he looked around swiftly for something - anything - he could use as a weapon.

Total Defense and an attempt to find something to his rats with for the move action. Presuming Perception check:
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Erg. My computer has been trying to explode this morning, and I've been having a hell of a time getting it and the forum to cooperate. I'll post something later today (probably), but if you need to move things along, Zale will attempt to get adjacent to as many allies as he reasonably can and use Bodyguard whenever anyone gets attacked, in addition to...y'know, fighting.

Zale sighed inwardly and straightened from the scrub work he'd already begun, popping his spine and throwing Scourge a reluctant salute.

Bilges again. Lovely.

He moved down the decks towards the bilges, trying to keep his irritation from his face as he nodded to his fellow new recruits. "Looks like we're quite the lucky little bunch today, aren't we?"

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Zal jumped slightly and blushed furiously as he passed Tilly, returning Esmarelda's smile with a sheepish one of his own, taking a place near the two women in order to talk over what passed for breakfast. "Worse things have happened, I admit."

Sword's light, you'd think we were all a common crew of friendly workers, not pressganged pirates. Amazing what a little good will can do, even among a group like this.

He looked up from a determined attempt to chew the hardtack when Scourge yells out. He muttered quietly to Esmarelda, "This doesn't bode well. Be on your guard today," before brushing away the crumbs and getting to work.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Ship actions as per usual? If so, Influence again, trying to talk to somebody who seems like they might have a clue if something's up today.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Well, pirates do love booty.

For reference (and I apologize if this is repeat information, I can never remember who I've talked with this about) - in my head, Zale's sword was a longsword, an heirloom his Sczarni parents kept from his further back paladin ancestors. You can still see the family crest, but now it seems to be emblazoned on the basket hilt of his shiny new cutlass. Besmara has a sense of humor.

Oh, and on another note? Damn I think this business with Tilly is entertaining. I definitely never envisioned Zale's first few days on a pirate ship involving being caught up in an odd little bit of romantic comedy.

Day 3
Zale smiled back at Grok somewhat awkwardly, thinking to his encounter with Tilly the night before with no small amount of mixed feelings. He spread his hands helplessly. "Sad to say, there wasn't exactly a whole lot left to my name when I found myself coming to on board. Managed to come across a bit of chain," he adds, plucking at his armor demonstratively, "But..."

His head cocks slightly to the side as a thought occurs to him. "Actually, now I think about it - I don't suppose any of my things found their way down here, did they? There was a sword; a family heirloom, actually. I'd hate to think it ended up overboard."

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Zale will continue the conversation for a bit (we can play it out if you like, but I worry about holding things up), but essentially, he's gonna check to see if Grok has any of his things, and if she does, then he'll try to get her to hold those things in hock in exchange for Rosie's fiddle (he has no idea what it's worth, probably figures it can't be too much - it's just a bit of wood and catgut, right?). He'd very much like to get his sword back if he can finagle it in the deal, though.

Night 3
Zale smirked a bit wryly, laying the shirt aside. "How about a lot less drink?" He patted the bit of deck beside him, leaning up against the rail. "Seems like I'm still a bit more seasick than a good sailor ought to be. Maybe we'd better just spend a little more time with those sweet words you mentioned...at least until I get my sea legs."
He'll try to actually get to know her better for the evening, sans the drink or funny business. Oh, and if he managed to get ahold of Rosie's fiddle earlier in the day, then he'll definitely get Tilly to come with him to return it to Rosie, any reward or such refused (except maybe a song for a dance with the lady).

Hah! Somehow I doubt you'll have issues finding a suitable target, Es.

*blink* Something just occurred to me: At some point on the third day, while swabbing, Zale's gonna find a minute to Detect Evil sweep the deck, see if anybody's blatantly, viciously awful. Preferably from a quiet corner. He's managed to verify Syl is terrible by Smiting her, but Detect probably won't turn up anybody but the absolute worst. Still, seems worth doing.

Poor Zale. This is a supremely awkward thing for him. Crude question: is Tilly pretty? He is a 20 year old dude, after all.

Zale blinked. Tilly's less-than-subtle advances threw the young paladin off his stride rather fully; what with his training and devotion, he hadn't had much time for...well. For much else.

"Er...never been much for drink, myself," he finally stammered, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "But I'd be glad to swap stories."

Zale will happily talk with Tilly, and does his damnedest not to offend, but it's gonna take some work on her part to get whatever she's after *cough cough*. He's too unsure of his place in the world (and this ship specifically) to be terribly confident with himself in this sort of situation.
As for his next day's actions - sure, let's head over to Grok's.
And the next night...well, let's see how persuasive/persistent Tilly is, I suppose. In particular, if she's got some sob story or other to tell, Zale is probably a sucker for such things; although he will try to find a moment to surreptitiously Detect Evil at her, out of paranoia.

Sorry about my total absence the last few days, guys - I've been on the road a bit. Still am, actually, but I've found a brief window of time where I can post anyway. I really ought to have warned you folks, but somehow I mistakenly thought I would have more time on this trip. I'll be back home late tomorrow, and presuming I'm sane after the long drive, I should be back on track after that.