This thread is for the posting of my Skull & Shackles campaign journal. I am running this campaign Friday nights in the mystical unseen dimension known only as the REAL WORLD.
After some consideration, I have decided to write the journal from Sandara Quinn's point of view, adding in additional journal entries from other NPCs as appropriate.
This is intended as a readily available "catch-up" and "sum-up" thread for my player's convenience and as an alternative to repeating everything from last session in the current week's session. :)
I will try to make this an entertaining and rewarding read (especially for my players!).
Calistril 1st, 4712
I’ve finally managed to snag my journal back from that half-orc quartermaster. Right superstitious that one. It's a good thing too, I'm not sure how I could afford her prices with naught but the clothes on my back to my name. Tomorrow I’ll see about getting back some of my other equipment but for now I'd best get belowdecks, that odious troll master Scourge is looking at me again.
Calistril 2nd, 4712
The nerve of that rat, trying to make a pass at me! Besmara preserve me, if he wasn’t the bosun I’d have gutted Scourge right there. Thankfully he’s ashore tonight along with several of his toadies. With any luck he'll have drunk enough tonight to not make me miserable on the morrow.
Its funny, I’m finally living the life my father wanted for me and I'm basically a prisoner on this ship. Oh Besmara, Queen of the Furled Sail, send me aid! I have few friends and fewer now that Scourge has it out for me. No one will speak to me. Not even Rosie wants to bunk near me anymore. She seems to think there is less of a chance of recovering her precious instrument if she hangs around me. My career as a pirate may end just as suddenly as it began...
Calistril 3rd, 4712 [Day 1]
So much happened today I may not be able to write it all down. Scourge’s shore leave last evening was apparently another of Harrigan’s “recruiting missions”. And what strange recruits they are!
The women were all landlubbers judging by the way they stumbled onto the deck. The short, blue-haired lass was all stares like she could drink in all that was around her with her eyes only.
The tall, ebon-skinned Mwangi had more in common with a zombie than the living. I swear not an inch of her wasn’t covered in gruesome scars!
The third woman was of average height, blonde hair and had an almost regal bearing about her. Nobility of some sort perhaps? If her hair had been dark she might have been the spitting image of Chelish royalty!
The final unfortunate was a rather comely long-haired man with a near-militaristic gate and a fine pair of sealegs.
During Mr. Plugg's rigger test I did alright but no one quite as good as that mysterious new recruit. I swear he climbed that rigging like his sails were full and he’d just gained a tailwind! I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the view…
When that poor Mwangi woman fell from the riggings I felt sure she would need my priestly aid...or a coffin. Suprisingly she stood up only seconds later! As Besmara is my witness I swear the look on her face was one not of pain or confusion but of…bliss. Sooooo creepy. Now she’s the cook’s mate…well let’s hope I don’t find any newt’s eye or bat’s wing floating in my soup.
I managed to acquire a few more items from Grok today despite ferrying messages back and forth all day. I think I have all of my equipment back now and even a couple of items for the new recruits. From the looks Plugg and Scourge are throwing their way they will need all the help they can get…
Calistril 4th, 4712 [Day 2]
I think I’m beginning to like these new recruits. They accepted my gifts last night readily enough despite our hasty introductions. I will never forget the look on Fipps face today when they dragged him from belowdecks for being late to roll call. I don’t know how they managed it but one of the new recruits managed to turn his skin a very rosy colored pink to boot! I don’t doubt there will be reprecussions for that later.
I got stuck on bilge duty today with that creepy Mwangi, Zaljka I think she calls herself. Though she is able to mend wounds much as I do yet she calls upon no god. I wasn’t able to glean much more information about her as we had to make up for Aretta’s slacking.
Calistril 5th, 4712 [Day 3]
I hate rat catching! It doesn’t help that Fipps kept trying to stomp on my toes the entire time I was belowdecks. Clumsy oaf! He wouldn't know a cockroach from a coconut even if it landed on his big fat head!
Zaljka and the seaman are off drinking with Grok and Kroop again tonight. After downing all that rum last night I wasn't sure they would be so eager to continue to do so tonight. I managed to get the name of the other two women, Nava and Alerian before both snuck off somewhere belowdecks.
Calistril 5th, 4712 [Day 3]
*The following words are written in crude Elven*
Bilge duty again today. That's the seventh time this month! I work hard and this is how I'm rewarded? Blast this ship and blast its heartless captain!
*Sigh*
On the bright side, that new woman, Alerian promised to teach me how to tie that beautiful knotwork she demonstrated yesterday. She told the most wonderful stories of an elven ruin she explored as a child. Ahh to see the elven forests and to bask in their magic glow...
Perhaps she would like to hear some of my stories as well?
[BOON] Badger will grant one PC a +2 to Know(Arcana) as it pertains to elves.
Calistril 5th, 4712 [Day 3]
* The following is written in a strange mish-mash of common and orcish. Nearly half of the page has been smeared to incomprehension by drops of what seem to be alcohol.*
*smear* ..got to lock the door again today. Got to 'member to do that.
Met new friends today. pair o' stout drinkers those two, though I doubt they've ever tasted drink this strong. Even being human *smear* is kinda cute.
[BOON] Grok will allows the PCs into the quartermaster’s store after normal hours.
Calistril 6th, 4712 [Day 4]
Hauling rope around all day was tiring work! That new blonde girl sure knows how to tie a knot. Took me three tries to get one of those undone until she showed me how. Alerian is actually quite friendly when she isn’t staring off into the distance. I wonder what is always on her mind that engages her so. I have more than enough trouble trying to stay away from Scourge.
Well, at least I’m not a rigger. If I had to deal with the likes of Slippery “Syl” all day I’d likely need two rum rations at night just to sleep. Those creepy black eyes of her were crawling all over the “Seaman” today as he was going about his work. Nearly earned a lash for gawking.
Calistril 7th, 4712 [Day 5]
Got three lashes today for a dirty deck. Found myself alongside Jape, Aretta, and Shivikah today. Those good for nothings barely lifted a finger to help out today. And at the end of the shift, one of them tripped me into a bucket of pitch, spilling it all over the deck. I expected this from Jape or Aretta but Shivikah?! The tall mwangi woman has never been my friend per say but we’ve exchanged friendly words now and again. She laughed right along with the rest of them when Scourge chewed me out for the mess on deck.
“Zombie” is what the crew call Zaljka now and I’ve even caught myself saying it without thinking now. Still, she seems to be getting along with the crew…well some of the crew. I don’t know how she managed to get Rosie’s fiddle back from Grok (may have something to do with the strange ritual he performed over it) but when she and Alerian gave it back to Rosie…well that is the first time I’ve ever heard her use polite speech before.
I just hope we won’t have any trouble with Conchobhar later. I heard he had been gambling rather recklessly lately. Now I’ve had my share of suitors and he strikes me as the kind of fellow to come well-armed to any conflict, be it love or war. If I had to bet money I’d say he was trying to get enough money to buy her fiddle back for her!
Mr. Plugg brought his “pet” Owlbear on deck tonight. I was rather concerned when Mr. Plugg singled out “Seaman” for a fist fight. Seaman seemed ready to refuse but then Mr. Plugg whispered something that changed his mind. A dirty trick no doubt. Despite my misgivings, Owlbear lost tonight for the first time (from what I’ve heard). That honorless bosun Scourge claimed it wasn’t actually a win because Owlbear hadn’t be knocked unconscious. At least Seaman got to keep his sword. I heard it’s was his father’s. *sigh* Mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome. If I’m not careful I’ll start falling for him…
Calistril 7th, 4712 [Day 5]
Bloody ****ing Hell I am tired. My smaller stature has many advantages but running ain’t one of them.
Curse those two meddlesome ****ers. That b**** Zombie and the blondie talked good talk but I never thought they’d manage to actually get my ****ing fiddle. Now I might have to owe them something. If those m*****f*****s think I will side with them in whatever shipboard rivalry they’ve got another ****ing thing coming. I take care of my own is all. If anyone was to harm my fiddle for example I’d flay there worthless c*******ing hides off their lifeless, defiled corpses.
Well, I suppose I owe them something.
I’m going to bed. ****ing tired.
[BOON] Rosie’s Training will grant one PC a permanent +1 to Climb skill.
Calistril 8th, 4712 [Day 6]
Turning in early tonight. Running across the ship all day has left me quite tired. During dinner I did overhear an interesting rumor Shivikah told about a Lost Messenger.
Calistril 8th, 4712 [Day 6]
The rum on this ship is just awful! I mean I’m not even half drunk yet! Before I get some more I should probably mention that I think I may have a new drinking buddy. Well, she doesn’t really drink but she says she‘s been to the Devil’s Arches where I grew up. What a coincidence.
What was her name again? Alex…Alefni…Alestrom…bah whatever I’ll just call her Al.
Maybe she’d be up for a game of Heave. If not I bet she’d love the one joke about the gnome, the Halfling, and the golem that walked into the bar… or was it a petting zoo? Oh, and I’d better return these keys to her pocket afore she misses them. Mayhaps I’ll switcheroo a few things in Shivikah’s and Samms lockers while I’m at it too! Heh can’t wait to see the looks on their faces…
Calistril 9th, 4712 [Day 7]
Bilge duty was an endless task today with all of the rain. Little Jack made the time bearable though with his countless stories of daring doo. Quite the storyteller that one. Goldfish the size of Mount Keeba indeed!
I asked around for Zombie today as he had been looking rather ill. He mentioned being bit by a large rat in the bilges a couple days ago but I had no spell prepared for him. Truth is, the help he needs is beyond my abilities currently. Apparently he went to see the Stitchman yesterday and again tonight. *shudder* I hope he survives.
Calistril 11th, 4712 [Day 9]
*the following entry is written in a haphazard fashion in an attempt to avoid grease spots and rum stains*
Twas quite the storm yesterday. Everyone in the riggins’ like a family of jungle monkeys. For the good it did ‘em! The riggins a shambles now and it’ll take some time to repair. Fine bit o’ savin by that the new guy. I hear they is callin him Sharkblood now.
Ahh poor Sandara. She shouldn’t have shown such disrespect for Scourge today. Awful luck about Cap’n Harrigan catching her insubordination. She got off easy too wit dat punch to the face. She won’t be gettin up easy for a few days that be sure. Just take your belts and keep your head down I say. Only way to survive. Sandara a toughin though and me mate, Zombie says she’ll pull through with but a scar ta mar those purty locks.
Ahh well Zombie and his freshbloods will see ta her right so. I be takin quite the shine to them and their ways. Reminds me of my youth back when me’n my mates used to play in the back alleys of Port Peril. Never the same after her passin…but that’s enough reminiscin’ got to get back to the rum-err galley.
Calistril 11th, 4712 [Day 9]
*the following tale appears to be a greatly exaggerated and is written in flowing Halfling script*
Dear Mom,
My luck has turned! I, Captain Concobhar Turlach Shortstone have achieved perfection! Even the Storm of the Century and the Shark of One Thousand Teeth were unable to stop me from achieving my goals!
Whilst resting my eyes for but a moment this interminable ship, the demon-infested Wormwood, threw me viciously from the crow’s nest into the unforgiving sea! After executing a perfect swan dive in my sleep, I found myself facing not one but two great white sharks all with demonic brands ablaze across their foreheads. After avoiding their first lunge by diving below the next crashing wave I slew the first shark with but a kick from my mighty foot. I would have slain the second in similar fashion but for the fall of my crewmate into the raging sea. Knowing I was honor bound to save his life, I grabbed the upper fin of the final shark and lashed myself to its back. It bucked trying to unseat me but I, as an accomplished dinosaur rider, was easily able to tame it into submission. My fellow crewmember owes me his life for saving his at sea. I should have him keelhauled for such bumbling!
In light of recent events though I suppose I shall show leniency. Self-said crewmember has shown a measurable quantity of honor and has revoked his claim to the exquisite Rosie Cusswell (the woman I mentioned in my last letter). As I continue to root out the mutinous element that deposed me from my captaincy, I shall count him and his as newfound allies.
Be well mom as I continue my high adventures as a noble gentleman of fortune!
Calistril 12th, 4712 [Day 10]
Something’s wrong with Sandara. She’s usually such a loud snorer but I found her this morning quiet as the Cold Hand of Pharasma herself. I got Zombie and his to take a look at her. “Sleeping Death” she called it. It looked bad but must have been worse as Zombie woke up Mr. Plugg just to get her seen by Habbly.
Good thing I pinched that book of medicine from Habbly. Al seemed good with books so I thought it might help. It was a fine bit o’ work reading the blasted tome what with both Al and Zombie out for the count from Bloody Hour. Lucky bit o distraction with Sharkblood smooching Grok right there on the deck, letting us sneak below and rouse Al. Funny, I never pictured Grok the romantic type. How we’re to acquire these Pearl Pods to work a cure for Sandara I have no idea.
Calistril 13th, 4712 [Day 11]
Sharkblood they be calling him and I’m believing he may actually be part shark… I wouldn’t want to be near him when there’s a full moon about. Bout just as likely he’s one of them were-thingys.
Captain Harrigan even recognized him for getting those huge crab creatures back for the captain’s meal. It might be wise to keep our heads down a bit. Mr. Plugg weren’t none too happy bout Sharkblood and Zombie getting their gear all back like that. Nor about them waking Sandara up…
Calistril 13th, 4712 [Day 11]
*The following is written in thin, short strokes and the paper has numerous bite marks around the edges*
The atmosphere of the ship has become nearly intolerable. The strictures of this ship are not so extraordinarily harsh for pirates but the harshest punishments are meted out for even the smallest infraction.
It is transparent to even the most casual of observers that Master Scourge is polarizing the commonman members of the crew into two disparate camps. Whether from incompetence or stupidity, Mr. Plugg appears unaware of this schism that has been developing among the men on board and is allowing, nay inciting further separation into two different camps.
It is all well and good to judge these things from a distance but my decision of neutrality is no longer feasible. I was approached by Cogward and that overweight simpleton Fipps last night. It seems they thought they could instill a measure of fear into me. For what purpose I can only guess but their plebian attempts at intimidation were quite transparent.
Unfortunately the serpentine head of my Achille’s Heel reared its head again during our conversation. I may have blurted out an obscenity to them before racing away to my safe place. It seems I have no choice but to throw in with the Newbloods now. They are marginally intelligent but their bravado might get us all killed…
Calistril 14th, 4712 [Day 12]
Besmara be praised! My head has stopped buzzing. I’ve been told I was out for nearly 2 days. I don’t know what was in that brew I inhaled but I can’t quite seem to stop my head from spinning when I think about it.
Apparantly I have my new shipmates to thank for that. They are a strange bunch to be sure but they surely look out after their own. Through them I see the makings of a fine crew, one I’d be proud to sail with to the horizon and beyond.
Conchobhar nearly got sent straight into Pharasma’s Caress this afternoon. Fipps fat-fingered the ropework and nearly knocked Conchobhar off the rigging when the yardarm broke free in a strong crosswind. Nava says Fipps did it deliberately and I wouldn’t put it past him.
Syl apparently took a stab at Zombie belowdecks after dinner. I do not know what is wrong with that girl but she is seriously unhinged. Luckily it was no more than a scratch but Scourge seemed to dismiss it far too easily.
Oh, Besmara when will we be delivered from this time of trial?
Calistril 15th, 4712 [Day 13]
Is the Wormwood cursed to misfortune? Of this I have no doubt after today’s events. We were sailing in what should have been open water when Sharkblood spied one of the Slithering Coast’s treacherous reefs Due to Mr. Plugg’s hesitation we ran right into it, cutting open the hull in three places. Harrigan was pissed but we managed to get the hull repaired in time.
What I can’t seem to explain is where that imp came from. Barreling out of the captain’s cabin like that…it had some big cajones to go up against Harrigan. I don’t like devils at the best of times but it makes you wonder…just what business did it have here on the Wormwood? And what could possibly compel it to risk sneaking onto a Pirate Lord’s ship in broad daylight.
I really don’t like the looks of that dagger Harrigan was using either. I used Besmara’s gift to grant me sight of all magic before me and when I glanced upon it shone with strange mix of evocation, conjuration, and diviniation. Even more peculiar, the wormwood’s clock was aglow! I had to look away else I would have been blinded by it. What I managed to see of it was utterly…evil. I can honestly say I have never seen anything more evil than that menacing all-consuming aura about that clock. Well anything except the evil I sense in Harrigan’s heart.
Sharkblood lost to Cogward at Heave although it was a close thing. Now Cogward won’t stop bragging about it.
Calistril 15th, 4712 [Day 13]
The ocean was a wonderful shade of green these past few days. I spotted at least 3 different species of deep sea fish. How I love the sea! My current circumstances not withstanding, I am living my dream since I left the Sodden Lands.
I believe I have found a kindred spirit in that Sharkblood character. When I saw that look in his eyes I knew the sea was in his blood. Why else dress in that ridiculous armor? Although it does look to work better in the water…
As far as becoming part of his little group, if it’s good enough for Sandara, it’s good enough for me. But I’ll not become that Shark’s cabin girl no matter how much he flirts with me.
Calistril 16th, 4712 [Day 14]
I swear I thought I heard Rosie cry last night. When I mentioned last night to her she called me…well it wasn’t nice but she seems to be back to her normal self now.
Krine’s “lessons” today were needed if harsh. That woman’s insults make Rosie’s language sound like a priest’s prayers. Once we’re in a real battle, we’ll need to be better at boarding ships or we’ll receive worse than a verbal lashing. Poor Zombie. She got the broadside of Krine’s tongue today for falling into the water. She wasn’t the only one who failed either. Krine made them do it again and again until they managed to make it across or she ran out of insults.
Curse Scourge and his meddlesome toadies! I’ve seen Jack hanging out with them more and more and now he won’t even let me tend to his wounds from yesterday’s bloody hour. I fear he doesn’t realize just how bad of a crowd he’s hangin out with.
Calistril 16th, 4712 [Day 14]
*The following is translated from gnomish shorthand and found scrawled in the margins of crude blueprints for mechanical devices…mostly traps*
Was talking to that blonde tallie earlier and she seemed ok. I mean she really had no idea at all what a gnomish razor-knife was but at least she admitted as such. I can see my work is cut out for me. I’ll have to personally educate her on what my family name means. Tibbs traps are the best in the world I tell you! My father’s deathtrap worked splendidly! He didn’t survive did he? Now if only we’d been able to determine which of the 210 randomly chosen planes of existence the trap sent his corpse (and the plans he held) then we could build more!
Calistril 16th, 4712 [Day 14]
Today was truly a good day to die. Had a lot of fun watching the freshbloods trying to get back onto the boat. Krine’s a good sort to teach them how to behave like a true pirate. Oh, and I had absolutely delicious shark for dinner! If you know what I mean. I could truly die happy today…
I ain’t much fer dreamin but had quite the doozy last night. Normally I’d just cut down on the drinkin but this one had that touch about it… you know the touch of destiny …or whatever.
So there I was, fighting olwbears, sharkbears an even the dreaded bunnybear wit my double-bladed Axe of Bloody Vengeance like I normally am alongside my hapless sidekicks, Rum Lad and Beer Boy when something…dark rose from the depths of the ocean. Its great tentacles seized my precious Sharkblood and dragged him into Pharasma’s Embrace. There was nothing I could do…
I will never forget that feeling of...helplessness. It was like that night so long ago in Port Peril…bleeding…body completely numb..pool of my own blood. I’m not sure I should say anything to him about it. He’d just tell me I’m bein’ a wus. Bah, bad memories and be done with them! Now where’d I’d put that rum…
Calistril 17th, 4712 [Day 15]
I can’t believe I’m still in one piece. I had a bad feeling when Scourge interrupted my repair work to go with the freshbloods for a salvage operation. And then when the Emperor of the Waves began sinking and that squid wrapped its tentacles around the wreck I thought we were finished for sure. Once again, Shark, Zombie, Alerian, and Nava not only survived but they bagged the loot too!
I got an authentic Strenkirk lock from the loot! In near-mint condition! I wonder how many combinations it has…
*the remaining parts of this entry is obfuscated by complicated equations and hand-drawn sketches*
Calistril 17th, 4712 [Day 15]
What was that moron thinking! Getting on that **** deathtrap with that ****ing overgrown cuttlefish! He could have been killed! Left dead at the bottom of the Fever Sea. He frustrates me so much with his reckless behavior.
He’s just like the last swashbuckler I dated, Rolan or Evan or something. All derring-do and not an ounce of self-preservation. And what did it get him? Wanted by the Aspis Consortium for art theft.
I wonder where he is now…
Calistril 18th, 4712 [Day 16]
Today was awfully quiet after Sharkblood and the others got back from the salvage. Maybe too quiet. I don’t know what Scourge has planned but I noticed him talking to Plugg. I get the feeling that the respect some of the crew are showing the freshbloods is being noticed and not in a good way.
It was awfully suspicious that both Scourge and Plugg were noticeably absent from the main deck when that yardarm just happened to come loose. Sharkblood and Maheem could have been killed falling from the rigging like that.
This has to stop. We have to find a way to strike back at Scourge and his men before they can manage to pick us off. Besmara, grant me and mine an opportunity for vengeance against these lowlifes!
Calistril 18th, 4712 [Day 16]
Wuz a gud moon today. No crave pain with pearl smoke. Lost frends gained new ones, better an strong. Watch funny girl wiff pearl smoke. Fall like dead but sleep long. She not strong but has magik and soft tongue. Shark save Maheem. Forever serve if can. Have scar to show frends. Wonder if Scarred One is strong wit many scars. Many scars from many battles? Why not fight well? Bird girl funny but talk like beast. Not like but it maybe ok.
In addition, he will grant one PC a permanent +1 to Acrobatics.
Calistril 23rd, 4712 [Day 21]
There is no other way out. My uncle, may he rest in peace, should never have spared my life. Bugs, ghouls, and squid-goblins, this island has put me through more hardship than I know how to articulate. I have exhausted my supply of insect repellant and the flies grow bolder as if they can sense its waning effectivity. I fear the holy water will not hold Abn Nier and his ghoulish servants much longer. The food has spoiled and I cannot venture forth to the fields to gather more. I am a prisoner in my own wooden castle on the edge of the world.
As I sit here writing what might…nay what WILL be my last entry I pause to consider what course steered me here to such an ignomious fate. I hold Sarenrae’s light in my heart but I fear even her rays might not reach me on this forgotten flyspeck.
I am so stupid! Why did I have to stowaway on my uncle’s ship? At least I’m safe from Vinneau’s eyes on this forgotten bit of land at the edge of the world. If only I had turned down Vinneau’s offer of freedom and stayed in the Chelish Navy! Who cares if I had been the pawn to an endless cycle of corruption and bloodshed? I would have been safe…safe to live out my craven existence as the lowest of lifeforms…
NO! I am certain mine was the right choice! I am sure of this fact…as sure as the fact that I will end it here tonight. Before Sarenrae’s radiance makes me doubt my course. I have the noose ready. I used a chain this time…I do not want any mishaps like last time. It is with these final thoughts I write my farewell…I will see you again Angela…in the next life…