[IC]Adventures on the Inner Sea[PF]

[Erloas]

https://7ntcqw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mksPyire3zNQqGv8MG13TEyGHrh-jgLrqSHUN70OYp7Bnnz5Gz6PoTOaqW1iaAj7EE7NVE0HOXOXCv F1wzj0rq4DdZYgmpipawWP_IBd3MufNH8stlo-MSauNC68CX8f3q4KjQAR6fZJTtd6tQfZnPgMbvGSpPHo-Z2D3-81MZLXKzpq3s7sECXj0IEii3Nde


Adventures on the Inner Sea


Azir is one of the largest cities in Golarian and is the capital of Rahadoum. Rahadoum, sitting on one of the two points between the small pass between the Arcadian Ocean and Inner Sea it sees a lot of trade and travel. It is unique in that it secular state and has banned open religious practice. There are still people of faith there but they are not as in the open about it. Also the neutral stance of the government and general strength of law has lead it to become a safe neutral area for negotiations between other groups.

Azir is a very busy metropolis with a strong tie to trade. Thanks to its natural protection from the harbor and the strong military presence on the island of Nuat in the mouth of the bay it is a safe place for merchants and fishermen to dock. At the same time that strength makes it a valuable, if dangerous, run for smugglers or a foolhardy pirate trying to strike while a merchant still thinks they’re safe.

You have all arrived in Azir recently, some a few days, some longer, and you have been finding odd jobs, recovering, and working on selling the various oddities you’ve picked up on your most recent adventures. While you didn’t know each other before, you’ve all ended up staying in various Inns around the docks on the southernmost reaches of Azir, as the river opens into the bay. You’ve noticed each other around, maybe occasionally bumped into each other at a shop, or just sitting on the docks in the evening watching the sun set. It also happened that you all picked the same local purveyor of magical curiosities to sell some of the more unusual things you’ve found. The shop keeper said he had a big buyer coming in and he needed that before he could pay you, so you all turned up at the same time to finish collecting. One of you [whomever claims it] got a bit more than you were expecting and feeling flush with gold decided to treat everyone to a nice dinner.

You’ve headed to a relatively nice place, a good view of the bay where you can watch the ships come and go, where you have your own table and meal is a step up for the surprise-on-a-stick and mystery in a bun that you had been eating from the street vendors.

This table on the terrace overlooking the ocean with a nice salty breeze blowing in is where we now find ourselves.


[You have each collected the 514gp post character creation. All purchases with this and any remaining from creation will be done IC]
[OOC thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?573250-Adventure-on-the-Inner-Seas-PF-OOC] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?573250-Adventure-on-the-Inner-Seas-PF-OOC)

[Image used from a Sickbrush on DeviantArt, assume this is fair use with credit, right?] (https://www.deviantart.com/sickbrush/gallery/)

[samduke]

sitting down with her new comrades to enjoy a semi decent meal, looking at the others, while thinking about the prospect of gaining a sponsor or hiring onto a ship.

[Daishain]

A slender woman with dark eyes sips on some tea as she regards the others. Eventually she smoothly says, "Now then, we seem to have a few things in common, at the very least a certain state of affairs. Perhaps collaboration would be prudent?"

Something seems to shift under the woman's cloak, and another pair of glittering eyes appear to look out at the rest of the group from inside the hood.

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohohoho" A garishly dressed man takes a seat at the table of his new found companions. While there is joy in his laugh, his face is unreadable due to the full head mask he wears. "Straight to business? I like that in a woman. But wouldn't it be polite to introduce ourselves before we dive in? Here I'll start, My name is River, glad to know you all Yohohohohoho" With a gloved hand, River flamboyently tips his ratty top hat in an overly dramatic bow

[Daishain]

She raises an eyebrow at the strange laugh, "Truth be told I prefer not to give my name until certain I wish for others to use it dearie. Names have more power than you know. For now, you can call me... Cassandra, yes, Cassandra. It is not my name, but it will do for now."

She looks from face to face, studying each in turn, "I can smell the sea on each of you, it is a part of you. The need to fly over the water burns does it not? We need a ship."

[Lekkric]

Morley Hastings looks around the table, taking in the motley crew with a roll of his eyes. "Name's Morley, and I got more salt water than blood in me veins.

"There, now that we're all best friends, can we get down to business? Seems like we all got our own reasons for it, but we got one thing in common. We all want to hunt down some pirates, and for that we need a ship. I got a little change in me pocket, but ain't no way it's enough to buy a bloody ship, so anyone got a diff'rent way to get one? Fer the record, I ain't above using some, uh, unsavory means, s'long as it ain't good folk gettin' hurt." He takes a long swallow from his mug of ale and looks around expectantly.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku chews on hunk of meat thoughtfully. Contrary to what the massive plate of food in front of him would suggest, he wasn't quite sold on this foreign food yet, but it would serve in a pinch. He fed Shaddup a morsel to keep him from making a racket before continuing. "I am Bodaku, and this is Shaddup. This place seems to have quite a lot of people. Surely some of them are pirates, and surely some of those pirates have a ship. Can we not just take one of theirs and put it to better use?"

[Erloas]

Oliva looks lost in thought for a second then stands up, walks to the entrance, gives the host a silver piece, picks up a piece of paper from the counter and comes back. It is a local paper named Docks Docket.

There are a few ads for merchants, shipping companies, and the like, as well as a short classified section. There is a local tide chart, a report from the oracles saying they expect good weather this spring, a warning for ships sailing south trying to hug the coast to avoid the Eye of Abendego that there has been an increase in hostile activity in the area and it is safest to head farther into the Acadian Ocean. There is also a reminder that spring tends to bring more travelers though, so it is a good time to pick up crew but also an increase in petty crime. There is also some tips on the fish in season and the best places to catch them.

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Cassandra....so mysterious! Perhaps you'll bless me with your real name some day, but Cassandra is as lovely a name as they come. We all are entitled to our little secrets are we not? Yohohohoho It is wonderful to meet you as well Morley, Bodaku, and Shaddup. A fabulous crew I'm sure we shall all make. Of Pirate Hunters? What an intriguing notion! You can certainly count me in, if you dont mind these old bones Yohohohohohoho! Why not a bit a music to celebrate hmmm?" With that said, River stands up and pulls out his Violin. After plucking the strings quickly to confirm they're in tune, he begins playing a jaunty shanty that the others may or may not know. After about a minute of playing, River walks over to the bar and, while continuing his performance, speaks with the bartender.


"Good Sir! This is an exquisite establishment you have here. I do hope you don't mind my playing, nothing beats a classic tune to a good drink if I do say so myself. I was wondering if you could perhaps be of some help. Me and my associates over there desire to feel the ocean beneath our feet and the sea breeze in our hair. Would you know of any crews in port who are looking to hire a few new hands? Preferably ones that don't require extensive documentation.

"My, what a beautiful woman! As lovely as the seas at sunset! I am certainly a lucky man to be able to speak with such a gem. I was wondering if you could perhaps be of some help. Me and my associates over there desire to feel the ocean beneath our feet and the sea breeze in our hair. Would you know of any crews in port who are looking to hire a few new hands? Preferably ones that don't require extensive documentation.


Perform: Strings 1d20+11
Versatile Performance: Diplomacy 1d20+11

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' turns to Bodaku as he makes his suggestion, "I do like the way you think. There are indeed pirates here. Finding some should not be difficult. The catch I suppose would be finding some we can take a ship from without too much difficulty. I presume most of you can handle a weapon?"

"I regret to say that discretely finding such information is not a talent of mine. Yet at any rate. I hope that one of you can claim such a skill."

[TheStillWind]

Daegan, a tall pale snow elf, tattooed in queer markings and dressed in seal skins, speaks up for the first time during the meal.

"I don't much understand you southerners. We just started eating and you want to talk business already. Things move more slowly in the cold."

He stabs a table knife into a plate of fried octopus and eats it from the blade.

"You are correct though... I too am interested in taking out my frustrations on those scavengers out there." He gestures to the ocean. "I was one of the survivors of the sacking of the frigate, The Seeker. After that hellish encounter, I do not have much left of myself. There is not much more that I want other than the smell of sea salt and foe's blood. I will join you if you will have me."

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku looks sadly at his new friend (in Bodaku's mind, anyone who eats food with him is a friend, at least until the end of the meal). "I too have felt the pain of loss that comes from the cruelty of the sea devils. I am glad to have you here with us. Vengeance, and hunting, is best done as a group." He passes his friends food. "Eat more, and be merry while we eat. Vengeance is best undertaken on full stomach." He ruminates for a bit while chews. "This strange cloth that tells us the news, it says to be wary of pirates. Does it tell us where the pirate attacks occur? That could be a good place to start our search."

[Erloas]

River says to the bartender "Good Sir! This is an exquisite establishment you have here. I do hope you don't mind my playing, nothing beats a classic tune to a good drink if I do say so myself. I was wondering if you could perhaps be of some help. Me and my associates over there desire to feel the ocean beneath our feet and the sea breeze in our hair. Would you know of any crews in port who are looking to hire a few new hands? Preferably ones that don't require extensive documentation.


He responds with "You are quite good with that, we don't normally get live music in here. As for a ship, I'm not sure how much help I can be. I frequent the markets for most of the provisions for the restaurant, and while I do work with a couple fishermen directly for the freshest seafood, I don't think hauling in crab and salmon is the adventure you're looking for. You could always join the navy" As he is talking a waitress walks up, gives a simple signal and he pours a couple beers. He passes them off and stops to think for a second, then continues;"The Aspis Consortium is always looking for more able talent. Both Neptune Navigations and Pelican Transport are local companies that I know of looking to spread their reach, but they are both merchant fleets. Of course there are a lot of free captains who take jobs as they come up. They are usually in port only long enough to find their next job, then head out again. The docks are the place to be if you want to find a captain looking for crew." He then starts to work on a more complex drink for the waiter that just walked up.

[The Aspis Consortium is large enough that most of you will have at least heard of it. A large corporation with branches in most major cities, powerful and dealing with anything that will make them money]
[Bodaku there is limited space between the Eye and land. It doesn't say exactly, but figuring out the general area is pretty straight forward. The southern coastal area of Rahadoum and into the Sodden Lands.]

[TheStillWind]

Daegan downs more seafood listening to River's playing and thinking about what his new friends have said. A few moments pass. Some conversation can be heard coming from the bar area. Daegan squints and looks Bodaku in the eyes, then to his half-elf ears, then to his tattoos and skark-tooth ornaments. He touches his own skrimshaw necklace.

"You are on to something Bodaku. Our consanguinity is very very distant, but I suspect we think more alike then we know...

Daegan repeats the last thing that Bodaku said and then adds to it, ... 'Where the pirate attacks occur'... To hunt a hunter you first locate it prey..."


Untrained perform percussion [roll0]


Daegan smiles and begins drumming the table, badly, along to River's fiddling, "Now, I know many, if not most of you have more years operating in this industry than I do, so correct me if I am wrong." He looks at Morly. "But my only experience with southern ships ended with a thing called 'insurance'. The Captain of the ship I was hire on, Captain Yukan, paid gold for a contract that paid back even more gold to him and the crew if something disastrous happened to the ship. I naturally, do not trust a piece of paper with my name on it stuffed in some desk somewhere, but sure enough when I came to collect, it was real. When Captain Yukan negotiated this deal, he was told by some soft fat man in a suit that the risk was too great and the cost would be enormous. Captain Yukan could afford it. But there must be some one in this city whose voyage is risky enough to be too expensive for him or her to afford. A person like that might be headed to the wrong place. A person like that would appreciate some company on his or her trip I think. Cassandra is right about handling our weapons. You all wouldn't be here if you couldn't. I know I certainly can handle mine." He smiles at the strange and bewitching Cassandra. We jump on that person's ship, plan for the best and hope for the worst.

"Olivia, Did that paper you read mention anything about insurance? We find the insurance, we find the bait, we hunt the hunters. Think it over and tell me what you think? I am going to get a drink."

Daegan gets up, now drumming his thigh, and heads over to River and the bartender. "Do you have any winter berry wine?" He turns to River and explains his plan to get his input.

[optimumsquare]

"It's not the worst plan I've ever heard, but then again, my mentor regularily consumed the vision mushrooms. I feel that I should point out, that your plan is effectively making us the bait. We would not have control over who we fight. Granted, it is a sure way to find some pirates."

[Erloas]

[some general knowledge based on background]


You know that any ship with more than one mast/set of sails (a really tall mast might have two sets of sails on it) is going to take more people to run than the 6 of you. So stealing a ship will need some crew close by. Getting out of a harbor? Slowly but you could do it. Making a couple day voyage? Not likely.
There are three types of flags used on ships, the country you are in, the ship/companies' individual flag, and country of origin (if any).


You know that most crew on a pirate ship are just there for the work. Officers have enough stake to fight, most crew will follow their highest chance of survival and/or gold. A press-ganged crew are much more likely to switch, as are crew under a captain that is ruling with intimidation rather than loyalty.
You also know that even pirates will fly under the flag of a nation when they’re in their waters, at least assuming they aren’t actively pirating, sailing into harbor lacking a nation's flag will likely be seen as act of aggression. Just having a nation's flag isn't a clear pass if you're personal flag isn't known to the nation, in that case expect company before you make it to dock. Pirates are also like any other bandit or thug, they go for the (apparent) easy fights.


The law is pretty strong in town. Anyone actively smuggling or pirating will be keeping it hidden. But there are ships that go to many different cities. There are merchants that sail into pirate cities, they need goods just like any other city.

[If you want more information about anything in particular, I'll expand as warranted. A knowledge roll may be required]

[samduke]

walking back over to the group.. tossing the paper into the middle of the table. I might suggest the classifieds we might get a lucky with getting sponsored, if not we problably can hire onto a ship headed out for fish or maybe pirate hunting , she clutches at her sides groaning face expressing a hint of some sort of pain.

[Daishain]

The still unnamed woman waves a hand in the air, deliberately distracting from Olivia's distress, "Shall we head down to the docks then? Some sea air would do me good, and we can assess these ships for ourselves. Perhaps we can spot an opportunity."

When she gets a chance to speak with Olivia on the sly, Cassandra murmurs to her sympathetically. "Are you all right my dear? I know how to soothe some hurts if you are willing to trust me."

[Lekkric]

Morley looks around to make sure he isn't overheard. "Just so ye know, ain't no way we're gonna sail any ship worth the name with just the 6 of us. One way or another we gotta get a crew. Headin' down to the docks is a great idea, 'cause that's the place to find sailors lookin' for work. We take a good look at the ships in port, we might stumble into somethin' useful. Whether it's a ship we can take or a crew we can lead to mutiny, somethin'll come up."

He downs the rest of his ale and stands, gesturing at the paper with his empty mug. "While we're waitin' for lady luck to smile on us, we can check out anythin' in that paper that looks promising."

[Erloas]

The classified section has an address for someone specialising in buying and selling ships, and they can find the best that will fit your budget, or at least so the ad claims.
There is also information about a formal registry for captains, sailors, guards, and other ship board jobs. It is a city run office located on the main street heading towards the docks.
One "Looking for Adventure? Have what it takes to get the job done, no questions asked? We've got work for you!" With an address.
Both of the local shippers mentioned by the bartender have small ads listed. Neptune Navigators say they can get your goods anywhere you need them in the south. Pelican Transport says they specialize in northern routes.
There are also various ads for ship repair, maps, sails, tar, ropes, lumber, and all manor of other goods and services a captain might need.

[other than addresses, there is no more specific information in the paper]

As you have ate and talked the sun has set, casting the horizon in a glowing orange, that has slowly faded to night. With it the noise from the docks, the clank and cracks of goods being loaded and unloaded from ships, has faded. It has been replaced by the sounds of taverns starting to fill, drinking and gabling starting. There is a half moon, and a few clouds in the sky, dark but not too dark. It will be too late to visit any businesses tonight but now is the time for less formal communication.

[no need to hurry or leave, just setting the time]

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohoho It sounds like we have a plan! Such a Joyous occasion! I agree my dear Cassandra, we should make our way to the docks. Even with twilight upon us, we can scout to see what potential prospects lie in the harbor.It wouldn't do to think of signing up with a crew without first seeing what we would get ourselves into Yohohohoho!" River says as he walks back over to the table, still strumming his Violin. As he takes his seat once more, he looks toward Morley. "A larger crew? A wonderful idea! But perhaps we should wait till we achieve a few more coins in our purse before that. A crew that is willing to mutiny against their current employer is a crew that would be willing to mutiny against us after all Yohohohohohoho"

[samduke]

no need for healing thanks

[Lekkric]

"A larger crew? A wonderful idea! But perhaps we should wait till we achieve a few more coins in our purse before that. A crew that is willing to mutiny against their current employer is a crew that would be willing to mutiny against us after all Yohohohohohoho"

"See, in my eyes a crew that's willin' to mutiny is just a crew that ain't been treated right. Plenty o' pirates out there that rule with an iron fist, as they say, and their crews just need a little nudge to happily toss 'em overboard. Either way, let's keep our eyes open for opportunities as they arise." Morley nods to the others and heads out the door. "I figure now's a good time to visit a tavern or two and hear what the local sailors have to say. You all comin'?"

[Daishain]

Finishing the last of her tea, 'Cassandra' stands and sedately walks to the door, "Why certainly, I presume such an experienced hand as yourself knows just where to look for these mistreated sailors."

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku finishes the last of his meal and picks at his teeth with a splinter of bone. "Hmmmh. Delicious. Come let us depart." Bodaku gets up and pays the bartender for his meal. Since he is still unused to a coin based economy, he pays with gold pieces when he should be paying with copper. "I assume this next place we go to will also have good food yes?" he asks as the group walks out the door.

[Erloas]

The party finishes up their meals and River pays for themeal [3gp] and thanks the bartender for his help and the food. The group heads out the door and into thenight. It is a slightly cool but pleasant spring night. You head down the cobbled road towards the docks, the shop stalls along the road are boarded up for the night,with the exception of a few food carts. A few people that appear to be living on the streets are around, but noneare begging at this time of day, preferring to not draw attention to themselves now. There are others going about their business but the streets are pretty clear compared to the bustle of the day.

You pass the “Azir Port Registry” office building mentionsin the paper. It is closed but you notethe times it is open. There is also alist ports, with a ship and captain’s name and their current dock location, posted outside. You note that there are two ships heading to Ilizmagorti [capital of Mediogalti], three to Botosani andone to Nuat [in Rahadoum, near the edge of the bay, and island in the mouth ofthe bay respectively], one to Eleder [capital of Sargava], and one each to Quent and Port Peril [major cities in The Shackles]. You add that information to your notes aswell. This appears to be designed for merchants and captains to get together, it doesn’t seem to cover fishing or personal ships, nor any Navy activity. [there are also quit a few heading North and into the Inner Sea, I didn’tnote them since South seemed to be the plan]
After a brief discussion you assume that any pirates or smugglers would probably not register, or at the least not be honest about their destination, with a city run service.

The taverns just off the main road are relatively quiet,more towns folk and fisherman than anything else. A few drinks and a few silver and copperpieces later [3sp] and you pick up that the fishing picks up just north of the Eye of Abendego, but with that has came the increase in pirate activity. Some pirates leave the fishermen alone asthey don’t usually have much of value. Somealso run a protection racket of sorts, but since the Mediogalti pirates aren’t unified the captains never quite know what they’re going to get. Seems to be some new pirate captains lookingto make names for themselves too.

As you head farther down the docks and closer to the edge oftown things get a bit rougher and more drunken. A bit more searching and you find that “Anchors Away” is the tavern of choice for those on the last night of shore leave. You make your way there, it is large and verycrowded. It looks like it probably usedto be several different businesses that merged over time with 3 different mainrooms. There are plenty of rooms upstairs,but it isn’t the kind of place you stay overnight, many are even conveniently pre-occupied. There is a mix of those sailorsready to ship out and those looking for a job.

It is a very metropolitan crowd. Some clearly very seasoned, some barely old enough to be leaving home. You would guess that less than half are human, and of many different ethnicities, and the otherusual races. You’ve noticed at least one Ifrit,a few Tengu hanging together in a corner, Tieflings, some other outsiders, a pretty motley bunch for sure

After a bit of watching and listening you’ve noticed a few people or groups of interest. You’ve heard at least two crews from ships you noted from the registry, one heading to Ilizmagorti, and one to Port Peril, the former is with their captain (male half-elf) and officers, the latter seems to just be the crew but there is a clearleader (female half-orc). There is also a captain (male Garundi human) looking for a few guards for a fishing trip to the south. There is also a smaller crew led by a Undine woman that appears to be looking for work. There are many other people, but they’ve either been more reserved about their conversations or not heading anywhere useful. You haven’t yet talked to any ofthem, you’ve picked it up by listening, watching, and a couple silver pieces to some of the servers.

{edit: fixed the missing spaces, copy-paste from Word kills spaces randomly it seems...}

[samduke]

Turning to the rest of the group maybe we could get on with this ship headed to Port Peril, seems they have crew with no real officers, what say you ?

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohoho Port Peril? Sounds like quite the adventure. I would certainly be alright with that. Especially since we would be sailing through Pirate waters to get there. Plenty of opportunity to claim a ship there."


I got the silver pieces. River isn't greedy and has no problem dropping a fee coins

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku rub his belly while he ruminates on the choices. "If we are to go with this ship to Port Peril, we should be wary. I understand that Port Peril is the heart of the pirate demons. We could find ourselves in the service of our enemies. Of course, if this did come to pass, it would be an excellent opportunity to acquire a ship suitable for our needs. What's more, when we arrive at Port Peril, we would need to keep our mission secret. I think that the fishing expedition may be worthwile. Aparently pirates are charging the fishermen extortion. It would be quite the pitiful pirate who would prey on simple fishermen. Such a coward would make easy prey. Whatever our decision, let us make it soon. Personally, I vote for the fishing expedition, but I will defer to the will of the pack."

[samduke]

with the fishing expedition route there would be opportunity to potentially snag a pirate ship crew unawares either has its inherent risk. after thinking on it I believe the lesser risk might be the fishing expedition so that is my vote at this time

[Daishain]

"I have no strong objections to either of those options. The fishing trip would appear to be the safer option yes. However I feel that I should point out that it seems also the least likely to present an opportunity in timely fashion. Port Peril would it least be fairly certain to get us into contact with our prey quite soon."

[TheStillWind]

"I agree with Bodaku. The smaller, poorer, and easier target of the fishing boat would attract a bottom feeder. We are in too weak a position to go straight into the belly of our enemy."

[Daishain]

"Then it seems that we have something of a consensus, the fishing trip it is. Let us approach this captain, and ensure that his needs and ours do indeed align."

[samduke]

River I think that with your eloquent skills it might be best that you discuss the details with the fishing boat captain

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Eloquent? Yohohohohoho Such a kind thing to say Fair Olivia! I have never thought of myself as eloquent before! Very well then! I shall approach the fine gentleman and make our proposition post haste!" And with that, River casually makes his way over to the fishing captain's table. "Excuse me good sir! Might I have a moment of your time?"


Diplomacy if needed [roll0]
Reminder: I am wearing a full head mask and have no exposed 'skin' because of my Entertainer's Outfit. I'm not trying to look human, I'm trying not to look undead. Let me know if I need to make a roll for that

[Erloas]

In the time you had been checking out the establishment the captain had talked to a few patrons, some for a while, some for just a short time. He had also approached a few tables on his own with similar results. There appears to be only one other person with him, a female half-elf. Both have dark skin, as is predominate on the continent of Garund. Local or not you can't tell for sure, but his seeming familiarity with a few people makes you believe he has been in town for a while. He has a weathered looked, like he has spent his fair share of time in the elements. He isn't old, but probably on the downhill side of his days of excitement. He is wearing practical clothing, nothing that really stands out, you can see a weapon hilt at his hip, a not uncommon sight here. When not talking to someone he looks clearly preoccupied with something.

The woman was off talking to someone else and the captain had sat back down a bit before you approached him.
He notices as you are approaching the table, stands as you get there and extends his hand to shake.

"Of course, names Robel. Well Captain Robel if we're being formal. And you are?"
River shakes his hand and responds with,"River, just River is fine, I'm here on behalf of my partners as well. I have heard you are looking to hire some guards for a voyage."
"Aye, that I have been, has my wife talked to you yet?" he says as he nods to the woman you noticed earlier.
"No? Ok we're looking for a few able bodies to help with some expected troubles. Some new "captain" try'n to make a living off other people's work and bein' nasty about it" you can see he gets visibly angry at the last part, but quickly drops back to a bit more sullen.
"Not sure I can pay a fair wage for hazardous work, but if you'll work for crab and cod... well maybe we can work something out. Assuming of course you're not too green or, just look'n to escape" The last part with a look at the mask.


In general if you're just talking to someone, no roll is necessary. If you're trying to get information not readily shared or negotiate a deal then we can roll. Will use the roll for if/when we get to that point. Disguise roll isn't necessary at this point, since you're not really trying to hide the fact you're wearing a mask.
{adjustment completed, sticking with this}

[optimumsquare]

When the man says that he will pay in food, Bodaku's eye's light up. "That will be quite alright my fine fisher. Tell me, why are you hiring guards? What trouble do you expect, so that we know what to prepare for."

[Erloas]

"Well normally no self respecting pirate would hit up fishing ships, barrels of fish aren't worth the trouble and they've got no use for our nets or cages. Not really a high profit line of work either, with most of my income going right back into the ship and crew. But I think this guy's lackin the power to take on too much bigger and he seems to be stayin out of shipping lanes as to not draw the eye of his competition. He seems to be covering a small area, maybe tryin to set up a base? Not really sure on that." As he is talking his wife walks back to the table and sits beside him, not saying anything yet. He nods to her as she does. She is similarly dressed and probably about the same age, but it is a bit trickier to tell with her obvious elven blood.
"I can't say how dangerous he and his crew really are, but we figured it was more than we could handle." Nodding towards his wife.
"Not that we don't also have a crew, but most of them haven't used a knife much past cleanin the fish. Could move but I've been fishin those channels for decades now, and well, after our last run in he made it personal when he wasn't happy with what we could pay him." He seems both angry and sad at the last part and lets the silence sit for a moment.

[samduke]

looking at the others, well sir if i might be so bold to speak on behalf of my comrades here, I think this so called pirate needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. I propose setting a trap by sailing out gathering most of a catch of your fish waiting for this pirate to sail in then we can deal with them. I will leave negotiations up to mr. river here concerning food for payment

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Well normally no self respecting pirate would hit up fishing ships, barrels of fish aren't worth the trouble and they've got no use for our nets or cages. Not really a high profit line of work either, with most of my income going right back into the ship and crew. But I think this guy's lackin the power to take on too much bigger and he seems to be stayin out of shipping lanes as to not draw the eye of his competition. He seems to be covering a small area, maybe tryin to set up a base? Not really sure on that." As he is talking his wife walks back to the table and sits beside him, not saying anything yet. He nods to her as she does. She is similarly dressed and probably about the same age, but it is a bit trickier to tell with her obvious elven blood.
"I can't say how dangerous he and his crew really are, but we figured it was more than we could handle." Nodding towards his wife.
"Not that we don't also have a crew, but most of them haven't used a knife much past cleanin the fish. Could move but I've been fishin those channels for decades now, and well, after our last run in he made it personal when he wasn't happy with what we could pay him." He seems both angry and sad at the last part and lets the silence sit for a moment.

"Oh how dreadful! My good sir, My associates and I would be most helpful to your situation!" River takes a moment to order a round of drinks for everyone as they begin discussing terms. "Now payment.....hmmm how does.....30% of that trip's haul sound? It buys the service of myself, the lovely Olivia, the fierce Bodaku, the mysterious Cassandra, the regal Daegan, and the cunning Morley."


Diplomacy [roll0]
River is (trying to) upcharge Captain Robel in an attempt to haggle. (Hopefully) the Captain can sense this and not be offended at the ridiculously high asking price. River fully expects a more reasonable counter offer.
For drinks, I'll pay up to 1 gp a person, depending on the prices of the tavern we're in

[Erloas]

He looks at each of you hard for a moment before responding. He chuckles slightly to himself, "usually my jokes go over with some eye rolls, and not just from the fish, the crew do it too." "I like your enthusiasm but lets not get ahead of ourselves too much. My wife, whom I forgot to introduce earlier*, Lita is better with the finances and I'll let her handle that once we get there." (She has started making notes, maybe doing calculations, you can't quite tell for sure*) He sighs lightly and continues, "It's not that we've got no money, but usually not enough to be worth the time and danger involved for most of our potential candidates. I like that you're more flexible than that, but I've got to make sure that if you're willing to work for a barrel of fish that you'll be of more use in a fight than a barrel of fish. I don't get the impression you're tryin to take advantage of us, when you'll clearly have the numbers when we're out to sea, but I think you've got some angle. I've been off the teat long enough to question strangers claiming to fix all my problems." The server River ordered from earlier returns with the drinks, Robel and Lita take their drinks, thank the server and take a drink.


*Really, I had meant to introduce her last time and after double checking what I wrote I realized I didn't.
This is a cheap tavern, at least for food and drink types of things. 3sp will cover the 8 of you unless someone wants something unusual, but they can get that themselves.

(*) edited this in. Wanted to make sure the offer has been acknowledged, but they're not ready to address it directly yet.

[samduke]

So you seek some form of proof that we are worth the price asked.. certainly reasonable but were not exactly looking for a brawl either - what what do you suggest?

[Erloas]

"Fair point, I don't think a duel would serve us tonight. You seem to believe the situation isn't too big to handle." Sitting back for a second he says, "I would say I've got a soft spot for a fish story or two. Any great adventure to regale us with. Maybe a talent you think might be of use against what we may face?" Lita adds in "We can save the long ones for the voyage, but you have the look of a group that hasn't spent their life so far quietly." Robel finishes "Guarding a fishing ship lacks the allure of many potential adventures."

　

[They're not cunning but they're not oblivious, when sense motive isn't an option, sometimes *ask* motive is the best option]

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku smiles happily. "On my island I was the spiritual guide for our people. When we were attacked by pirates, I helped lead our people against them. I have fought these sea vermin before, and will gladly do so again to protect your ship. I am also an able healer, and a good cook." He pats his round belly to emphasize the last point.

[samduke]

while I have not a tale to tell, I am interested in the logistics of your fishing operations. How many barrels of fish do you on average catch, and how long on average does that take? That information is useful, so we can have a better idea of what we might expect both in commitment of time and potential payment

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' waves her hand, and a tiny, faintly glowing vaguely humanoid figure appears on the table before her. "As for myself, I whisper to the waves, and they often whisper back" The figure pantomimes speaking and then listening to something as she talks. "You will never get lost with me on board, not even if a freak storm blows us hundreds of leagues off course, I have healing talents of my own, and if we are indeed attacked, I do have ways of making people regret pointing a weapon at my charges." At this last the figure starts stumbling, as if its legs no longer work properly.

The figure disappears with another wave of her hand, and she looks the two in the eye, her own shining a bright sky blue, "You are correct to assume we have our own purpose here. You see, we want that ship, the one in the hands of the coward who threatens you. We have reasons to oppose the pirates plaguing these waters, but lack the funds for a fight worthy vessel of our own. Simply taking one from men who stand outside of the law is an appealing alternative."

"So what I suggest is this. Negotiate the price for a fair voyage's work. If we go out there and return with no trouble, that is what we will be owed. If we are attacked, then the spoils of victory are ours, and the ship that once threatened you will act as your escort on the return voyage. We will likely need to borrow a few of your men for the return trip, until we reach port and hire additional crew. Some token portion of the haul would still be appropriate in that instance I think, but not as dear a price as otherwise."

I took some fluff liberties with Dancing Lights. In any case, in character and out, I think they deserve to know our motivations.

[Erloas]

They listen with interest to your stories, questions, and revelations. They look over each of you again. Then Robel asks "hmm, can we have a minute to discuss this?"

You step back from the table a bit to give them some time. You can see a lively conversation between them, but not long, they seem to have been working together a long time. Robel waves you back and says "I think we can find an agreement."

"I'm sure you understood that we wanted to make sure you weren't all hole and no net. I think we would be well served by your efforts."

Lita follows "Normally guards make about 3 gold a day each and we supply food, with a bonus for any conflict, averted or fought. Also potential bonuses for extra work, such as cooking, repairs, or healing. We try to keep our trips to about a fortnight to avoid spoilage and to keep the crew from getting too restless."

"Normally we don't share the financial details with new recruits but we believe we can trust you. While it does vary based on market rates and how good we're doing at finding the fish, a 100 gold a day is a good estimate." Robel breaks in "That was of course before we lost Otho." She takes his hand and squeezes it. "Yes." pause "About a third of that going to pay and feed the crew. The travel times, about 2 days down, 3 days back, still needs to be covered and general repair and maintenance costs."

Robel takes the lead again "Normally we wouldn't put our ship and crew at risk, but we've decided it is a worth while investment to remove this pirate sooner rather than later. If you've got a reasonable plan we could help rather than leave it to chance. If you make sure we make it back to port, we'll make sure you make it back too. We'll offer you 30% net, on top of your daily wage on the condition that if you're foolhardy actions gets any of our crew wounded or killed, reparations are coming out of your share."

"Does that sound like a reasonable deal?"

[samduke]

looking to her comrades -
your offer of 30% net, + daily guard wage is generous and I thank you, as for potential plans to rid the area of a would be pirate. The answer seems obvious to me. I suggest to catch enough to peek the pirates interest and be in an area that he is known to prey in. The next part is somewhat tricky, if this pirate has seen your ship up close he knows what your normal crew numbers are or very close to it. I would say that once in the area that a few of your crew remain below decks hiden and we take their place to draw the pirate in once he is close enough toss up the white flag as though you surrender, and wait to be boarded. then once cthey have droped sail and begin to board we take action. -continued scanning comrades faces, agreed?

[Daishain]

"We can discuss the specifics along the way I think" Cassandra coos, "We do after all have a long ways to go before contact is even possible, and we do need to get to know the crew and ship a bit better. Captain, if you could let us know which ship and when to board, I believe we shall accept your offer."

[Erloas]

"I'm glad we could come to a deal. We're docked in the older section of piers, the ship is the 'Favored Terrain.' We don't guard bunks but we have an area we can keep off limits to the rest of the crew, if you need more individual privacy we can probably put up some canvas walls. We might have a few extra footlockers, but if you need more storage you might pick it up. We've only got one ship's boat, so if you think you need one for your plan you might need to get one. Come by tomorrow and we'll get you familiar with the boat and crew, and we'll leave first thing the next morning."

With that Robel and Lita head out.

Would you like to try to gather more information from here, or do anything else, or head out? It is well into the night by this point.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' looks to the others, "Another ship's boat might be prudent in that case. Perhaps tomorrow we can find something swift and quiet."

"In the meantime, I think that we have done enough for one evening. I would not be adverse to getting to know one another further however."

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohoho I do believe that went very well! By this time tomorrow, we shall be on the High Seas once again! Come! Let us celebrate! The night is still young my friends! With that said, River pulls out his Violin once again and begins playing until 'Cassandra' speaks again. "Yohohohohohohohoho! You are quite the mystery my dear Cassandra! You decide not to give us an inch one moment and the next you're open to being open Yohohohohohoho You certainly keep things interesting! With that being the case...." River quickly moves in front of Cassandra and gently takes her hand. Though it is hard to tell with the mask, he seems to look deeply into her eyes. Then, with a tone so serious it is comical, he asks "May I see your panties?"

[Daishain]

The request seems to take the woman back for a moment, but then she smiles, her eyes flashing a bit dangerously, "A volunteer to clean everyone's smallclothes for the voyage? Very generous of you, but mind that you do a thorough job of it."

[samduke]

well I suggest we all get a decent nights sleep. Pointing a finger in Rivers direction, Are you volunteering to clean everyone's smallclothes ? walking past cassandra, come along cassandra let's move along before he gets any other ideas.

walking with cassandra (if she comes along) to a decent nearby inn for a room

[TheStillWind]

Daegan reacts to the shutdown, "Hahaha. That was sharp Cassandra. So long, tomorrow at the docks then everyone." He heads out into the night toward the place that he is staying.

[Erloas]

Olivia and Cassandra head out first and back towards their inns. Followed shortly after by Daegan. With half the party gone Bodaku, Morley, and River also head out. With the "Anchors Away" being on rougher edge of the docks you all happen to be heading north along the waterway. There are a few people along the docks much as there were when you headed down. As Daegan passes a side street one of the beggars just down the street gets up and says "Got a few gold to spare sir?", you also catch some movement from behind you but the poorly concealed sword on the "beggar" in front of you draws your attention sharply.

Bodaku notices two people coming a few steps out of the alley behind Daegan as the beggar is approaching him, one clearly has a crossbow. Bodaku yells out "Watch out!". The two in the back look surprised, probably assuming an easy lone target.


I rolled the perception out of post to build the encounter
The leader is 5ft away from Daegan, the thugs are 10ft behind him. Bodaku, Morley, and River are about 30ft behind the thugs. Olivia and Ariadne are about 20ft past the leader. Everyone heard Bodaku yell out.

Leader: [roll0]
Thugs:[roll1]
Daegan: [roll2]
Olivia: [roll3]
Cassandra (Ariadne): [roll4]
Bodaku: [roll5]
Morley: [roll6]
River:[roll7]

I'm also assuming everyone has their armor and weapons on, didn't really think about asking before. But heading into a rough area of town late a night it isn't exactly out of place. Also just so you remember, everyone already has an place for a few more days, stuff you wouldn't normally carry around is there.

Anyone that can't/doesn't respond within a day will take a basic set of actions.

Daegan, Olivia, and River first

[samduke]

On Olivia's Action
Move: turn around move towards leader 30ft
Swift action: Draw Cutlas
Free action: Don't try it!
Hold Action if leader does anything but surrender or withdraw -
Attack:[roll0] : confirm crit [roll1]
Damage: :[roll2]

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohoho Good show my fair ladies! Certainly a brilliant retort! That cut as deep as a sword through the chest. Yohohohoho!" River walks up to the bar to pay their tab before following the others out. As he makes his way out, he hears Bodaku cry out to Daegan. River quickly takes note of the two thugs approaching his stalwart ally. Taking a few steps closer, River calls out to them. "You boys picked the wrong target this evening I'm afraid. Though it seems you are simply itching for a fight! Hohohohohohohohoho"


Move Action: 5 ft towards the thugs
Standard Action: Cast Itching Curse on Crossbow Thug(DC 14 Will Save negates)

[TheStillWind]

"Damn, more cautious!" Daegan slides back away from the naked blade and pulls his bow off his back before waving a hand past his face and muttering, "oolvannna". Daegan disappears from sight.


I am hoping that there is a spot that I can move to avoid an AOO (Probably diagonally back away from the leader. If I must pick one guy to go toward it would be the guy with the ranged weapon).

I will 5ft step.
Draw my bow
Cast Vanish to be invisible for 3 turns.

If I can't 5ft step to avoid AOO, I will cast defensively if needed [roll0] vs DC 17

[Erloas]

As the "beggar" starts to approach Daegan, Daegan steps towards the open dockside and away from the buildings just before he vanishes.

The mugger in the back starts to twitch slightly for a second then shrugs off the magic released by River. Other than the end of the crossbow sticking out of his cloak not much can be made out of him or his companion. The other doesn't have anything bulky hidden in his cloak but you can't see what weapons he has.

The "beggar" is clearly the leader of the group and says "Looks like tonight isn't going to be so boring after all" as in one fluid motion she dodges Olivia's attack, steps to the side towards the buildings, drops her cloak and draws a short sword. With the cloak dropped to free her movement you see she is a human and her overall look and movements have you feeling she is well trained and successful in her chosen path. The sword darts out quickly and catch Olivia with a solid blow.


Well since I screwed up this you can see the actual rolls on the OOC page
16 vs DC14 Will save versus itch
26 attack roll vs Olivia (yes, should have been a potential crit but since I screwed up the rolls I'll leave it, guess I need to plan for that possibility at the outset like Samduke did.)
6 damage roll

The leader was still 5ft away, rather than adjacent so no AOO, wasn't quite sure what the convention for actually saying that was, you noticed him before he got right to you but he didn't have far to move.

Olivia is adjacent to the leader, Daegan is now 15ft away (was 5, he stepped 5 farther, leader went 5 in the other direction)

Next is Morley and 'Cassandra'

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' opens her mouth and appears to scream, yet save for a faint sensation just on the edges of one's perception, no one can hear anything, save for the object of the Witch's ire. The leader of the bandits hears an intense scream, loud enough to cause significant pain.

Bandit Leader needs to make a DC 15 Fortitude save. Failure inflicts [roll0] sonic damage and the Dazed condition for 1 round. Success negates Daze and halves the damage.
Huh, really poor damage result... good thing that's not the point, hopefully the Dazed condition sticks.

[Erloas]

Without any obvious cause you see the leader let out a sharp yell and looks to have taken hit as she doubles over and tries to cover her ears from a sound that no one else can hear.


trial map:
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mwnw4uwbhe6&secret=sifyzg1qr32

We'll try the map TheStillWind set up, I've set people where they need to be. Note that it isn't locked and you can change things. If you guys think its good I'll see about locking it down some

[roll0] Vs DC 15

Still giving Morley a chance to act, but posting this to get the map out there. It doesn't seem to render correctly in Edge, but everything else seems good, including mobile.

[Erloas]

Morley hesitates briefly before pulling his hornbow from his back and lets an arrow loose at the thug with the crossbow. His aim is true and the arrow flies straight, striking the thug square in the chest. He staggers for a second before falling to the ground.


The remaing thug looks a bit shocked as his friend falls beside him, lets out a short yell and charges. He pulls a pair of daggers out of his cloak as he runs and swings at River but he is sloppy and doesn't connect.


The leader mutters "useless fools" as the crossbow from her erstwhile companion clatters to the dock.




[roll0]
[roll1] (crit?)
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7] (crit?)

Bodaku, Daegan, Olivia, and River can go again.

edit: Because of Dazed Ariadne and Morley can go too

[samduke]

round 2
On Olivia's Action
Attack leader: [roll0] : confirm crit [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Move: tactical 5ft step south diagonal away

[Daishain]

Satisfied at disabling the leader, if only briefly, 'Cassandra' produces a pistol from somewhere in her robes and fires it at the woman.

attack vs touch AC [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[TheStillWind]

Still hidden under the cover of his previous spell, Deagan takes a shuffle step to adjust distance between the two enemies. If he was not hidden you would see his eyes glow for a moment.

From the center of the battlefield, an arrow of crackling blue light streaks out towards the remaining henchman's back. A second, less flashy, arrow follows just behind the first. Daegan is revealed.




5ft Step to 18,10
Swift Action Arcane Accuracy
Full Attack Spell Combat

Ranged Spell Strike Deadeye Arrow
[roll0] Attack to Flat Footed AC, Bonus =+7 -4 for shooting into Melee, +2 for Invis, -2 For Spell Combat, + 3 For Arcane Accuracy = +6
Confirm Crit
[roll1]
Damage
[roll2] Electric Damage from Deadeye Arrow
[roll3] Composite Bow


Composite Bow
[roll4] Attack to Flat Footed AC, Bonus=+7 -4 for shooting into Melee, -2 For Spell Combat, + 3 For Arcane Accuracy = +4
Confirm Crit
[roll5]
Damage
[roll6] Composite Bow


I am after Bodaku, so if he drops this enemy or if the enemy drops from the first shot, direct the remaining attacks at the leader. Olivia will still be in melee range if the attacks are directed toward the leader instead so the bonuses should be correct.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku holds out his hand, open palmed, and begins mumbling under his breath at the solitary bandit away from his comrades. As he does so, sparks sputter from his palm. Within seconds, a small flame burns in his palm. With a final mutter, the flame shoots at his target. As soon as it leaves his hand, another flame takes it's place. From above, an angry blur of blue, red and greens screams out of the night screaming "Where's dinner, where's dinner, wheres dinner?" over and over again as it claws and bites at the face of the pirate closest to the party. "Good bird," says Bodaku with a smile as his friend/pet peeve Shaddup, claws at the face of the criminal."


Produce flame, Range Touch attack [roll0], damage [roll1]
Shaddup, 3 1d4 attacks (1 bite, two claws)
Attack 1 [roll2] Damage [roll3]
Attack 2 [roll4] Damage [roll5]
Attack 3 [roll6] Damage [roll7]

[optimumsquare]

Second attempt to make rolls


Produce flame, Range Touch attack [roll0], damage [roll1]
Shaddup, 3 1d4 attacks (1 bite, two claws)
Attack 1 [roll2] Damage [roll3]
Attack 2 [roll4] Damage [roll5]
Attack 3 [roll6] Damage [roll7]

[optimumsquare]

Can you crit with natural weapons, because My bird just did. Twice.

[Erloas]

The thug fighting River catches Bodaku's movement and just barely manages to dodge the burning ray. But it is enough of a distraction that he can't dodge out of the way of the bird screaming towards him, it sinks both talons deep in the thugs chest and bits his face, possibly taking out an eye but you can't tell for sure. The thug slumps to the ground in a bloody mess.

Daegan watching the bird drop the henchman and directs his shot at the leader. The sparking blue arrow catches her right in the leg, the other arrow sails wide and shatters as it strikes the wall behind her.


Olivia swings at the leader but she deftly parries the attack away, Oliva takes a step back to refocus. That opens up a clear shot, 'Cassandra' takes the opportunity and fires, striking the leader a solid hit.

As her shot rings out you hear a few voices in the distance calling for the guards. They don't seem to be that close though.

The barrage snaps her out of her daze but she looks battered and gravely wounded. Her eyes dart to the edge of the docks, you think she might make a run for it if she can.


[roll0]crit?

[roll1]crit?
That bird is rolling like crazy, so far you've managed to drop both with exact HP hits

I also see that Shaddup is a "bird" rather than a parrot, so the damage is right.
River and Morley are delaying (although River would have went after the thug fighting him died anyway)



Olivia, Daegan, and River are next

[samduke]

round 3 on Olivia's action
place cutlass in off hand
draw pistol aim at leader and fire (unless he is dead before hand)
Ranged attack vs. touch ac [roll0] : confirm Crit [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[Erloas]

Olivia's marksmanship seems to be better than her sword work tonight and she strikes the woman in the shoulder and she drops to the ground.

You don't yet see any city guards but they can't be far off.


In looking over your would be attackers you find that the first thug is stable but not moving, clearly in a lot of pain but the arrow wasn't instantly fatal.
The other thug has his face and chest torn up badly and is still bleeding, but looks like he could survive with some attention.

The leader is torn up as well with several bad injuries. You're not sure she if she'll survive or not on her own before the guards make it here.


You can see her armor is high quality studded leather and doesn't appear to be standard leather, but you can't tell more without removing it. Her sword and the light crossbow seem of high quality, the rest of the equipment and armor seem pretty standard. They've also got their money pouches but you haven't dug through them yet.


Being that they're just dying rather than dead and the guards are on their way you can decide if you want to take their things or not. Which is why you don't know what is in their packs yet.

[TheStillWind]

Daegan runs up toward the entrance of the alley blocking off the exit whispering, "Heleg." He draws an arrow from his quiver as ice and frost coalesces in his hand. He nocks the ice arrow and raises his bow.

"Your friends are dead, you should talk." Daegan glances at River and then the rest of his companions in turn.


Move to block the alleyway
Swift Action Arcane Accuracy
Ready an action to cast Rime Snowball arrow at the leader if she attacks or flees.
If she does...
Rime Snowball
[roll0] vs AC Bonus=+7+1PointBlankShot+3ArcaneAccuracy=+11, x3/20 crit
DC 14 Fort vs Staggered for 1 round (single action only each round)
[roll1] Crit Confirm

[roll2] Cold Damage
If any cold damage is taken then she also is entangled for 1 round.
[roll3] Arrow Damage (Edit: this should be an additional +1 for point blank shot for a 9 total damage)

[Daishain]

"She can't hear you dearie, let me fix that before you start asking questions."

Quickly divesting the fallen leader of her weapons, 'Cassandra' mumbles something inaudible. From her sleeve emerges a black and white banded sea krait, which most sailors would recognize as being incredibly venomous.

Tilting its head over the leader's worst wound, the sea snake let's fall a single drop of venom. The witch says a few more words, and the drop begins to glow as it falls. When it impacts the bullet hole, there is a sizzling noise, the bleeding stops, and the wound begins to close, pushing the bullet closer to the surface.

She will repeat her treatment for her wounded companions, and then the other dying Bandit if he has not stabilized on his own in the meantime

Healing hex, no the bit about the Venom was not necessary, just felt it was good flavor
There is no limit to the number of times per day I can heal this way, but each person can only benefit once
Healing [roll0]

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohoho There there now Daishan, no need for more violence. I believe we have made our point to this enchanting young lady. I'm sure she will be more than willing to cooperate now." River walks over to the leader of the thugs as Cassandra heals her. River tilts his head slightly as he watches Cassandra work, a tickling in the back of his mind appears as he sees her spell. After the drop of venom begins to work its magic, River crouches over the prone lass. "Up up up now my dear! The battle is over now, and I'm afraid we are in quite a pickle. You see, you don't quite seem to be a group of common thugs, at least to my old eyes Yohohohohoho! Would you be so kind as to explain who you are and why you would attack my associate there?"


KnoArcana to see if I recognize Cassandra's spell [roll0]
Diplomacy to try to get the thug leader talking [roll1]

[Erloas]

The leader comes to with a start, looks at 'Cassandra' hovering over her with a snake, then to Daegan standing with the bow aimed at her. She then focuses on River as he speaks.


"Alright, I know when I've bit off more than I can handle. I'm surprised I'm not another piece of flotsam in the harbor." She hesitates and looks over her wounds and to her companions laying on the ground. The one that had the crossbow has came to and slowly starts to sit up. She reaches out slowly and takes her cloak from the ground and pulls it around her.
She looks to River and continues "Well you're not wrong, this isn't our normal line of work but things have been slow lately so we've been supplementing our normal work where we can."


The third thug starts to come around, but stays on the ground and is feeling the torn flesh around his face where the bird got him.

After watching him for a second she says "We've been looking to head out of town soon, we just haven't found any work worth taking. Our normal contact has been quiet lately."



Both of the others are stabile but still negative. They've made no attempt to do anything

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Goodness! Such bravado! It is quite the risky decision to make in this part of town. If we had happened to be of a less than refutable sort, we might have simply stripped you of your possessions and left you for dead! .......though, the thought of stripping that beautiful armor off of you is quite the tempting thought indeed, Yohohohohohoho!" River brings his hand up to his mask, looking as though he will take it off. "Another question for you my dear. How much do you care for this contact of yours? Is he a person you would die to keep safe? A man or woman you deeply fear will harm you or those you love if not obeyed? Or simply another body in the setting of your life? I would greatly appreciate knowing."


Diplomacy [roll0]

[samduke]

Olivia walks up to the leader looking over the weapons and armor, The less refutable sort ehh my friend, I think this one here needs a lesson soon not forgotten. looking over the armor fasteners. Now then I suggest you answer his questions or I will have this as my own .. tugging at the armor
whichever applies :intimidate or diplomacy they are the same [roll0]

[Erloas]

She cautiously but distinctly tries to turn away from Olivia's hands on her armor. She seems to be watching how the rest of the group reacts. Speaking to River "I learned to use a sword so I wouldn't have to make my money that way. Six is more than I can handle there too..."


After a moment she say "We don't try to hurt anyone, we just try to make it clear that fighting is not a viable option. It usually makes things go a lot easier when they know their coins are gone either way." She looks at Daegan "Usually others choose not to see what is going down" she looks at everyone else "but it seems you all know each other."


She sighs lightly and continues "My name is Salama. I work freelance, usually helping move goods that clients don't want to talk about. As such, I get paid to not ask questions, so I don't. More of a time and place setup than a name. Not a group I want to cross, if it is who I think it is, but they're not too worried about given associate."


As she was talking the thug that used to have the crossbow has slowly and cautiously make his way to his friend and is helping him with the wounds from the bird. He had looked between everyone as he went, making it clear he meant to do nothing more than help his friend.

[ChaoticHarmony]

River suddenly seems incredibly flustered as Olivia picks at Salama's armor. "WhatnoOliviathatisn'twhatImeantIwassayingweWEREN'T thelessrefutalbesortIwouldneverwantthatitsahorribl ethingtodotosomeonewithoutconsentAgentlemanwouldne verresorttosuchtacticswhendealingwiththefairersexi tisadegenateandshamefulactalthough.......I wouldn't mind it if I could see her panties Yohohohohohoho! WAITNOImeanonlywithherconsentofcourseIamsosorrymad amitwasnotmyintentionforthistohapoenatall! Forgive me."


Will add more, comprehensible, text later. Going to offer her 10 go to keep an ear out, with a promise of more if she comes across anything good

[Erloas]

Salama watches River intently as he strings out the words so quickly, taking half a second to parse it, and a slight grin briefly plays across her face. She then scowls at Olivia quickly before responding.
“I can’t say I have much room to complain, all things considered. If you’re not going to kill us then what is the next step?”

River responds with “Yohohohohohoho! We’re looking for eyes and ears on the street. Someone to give us leads on the more interesting happenings in town. We’ll pay for any good information you can give us.” He pulls out a handful of coins and offers them to her.

She looks him over, looks over the group again, trying to judge the sincerity of the offer. “We can do that. Like I said, we’re freelance, we take work when we can find it. No one is our master.” She takes the coins and they disappear into her cloak faster than you can keep track of.

[consider each of these questions asked, waiting for your answer and then the next asked]

“Is the ten gold my cut or split between the three of us?” You’re sure she didn’t have a chance to count it.

“Do we get to take our weapons back?” She asks looking at the weapons on the ground.

“Can you do anything to help my friends get back on the job faster?” She asks looking at her friends and then up at Shaddup, who has since flown up to a nearby roof edge where is he watching everyone.

“The half-orc is Hodari” She says, nodding towards the one that Shaddup tore up. “And our fair Decius” in reference to the human. Hodari’s features can’t be made out well with all the blood on his face, but he has the general look of a Mwangi, the dark skin of one of the main tribes in the jungles to the south. Decius stands out as being rather pale compared to the majority in Azir, likely somewhere in Avistan. Salama has an olive bronze color, guessing she is from the northern part of Garund.

“How do we meet up with you again to keep the work going?” She asks.

With a bit of thought she says “For the first bit of information I can pass along. The Aspis Consortium is doing most of the major jobs in town. That is who we got our side jobs from. They like to keep their field associates loose so they can disavow direct involvement if someone gets caught by the local governments. They’ve got their above-board operations as a cover for the more profitable lines of work.” With another moments pause to think she adds "There are a number of smaller groups too, not everyone wants to deal with the Consortium. I'll see if I can find anything more solid there"

Off in the distance to the north you can see a lantern coming down the dock, it seems to be high in the air, probably on a pole. Not at a run, but a steady bob to the light is evident.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku shakes his head at the masked man. He walks over to the two fallen bandits and mutters in his own language before touching each of them on the chest. A glow radiates from his hands into the fallen criminals. "Consider this part of our down payment. Considering we could have killed you and munched on your bones, but are instead healing you and paying you, I would not be so bold as to ask for more of these shiny trinkets. We are not all so generous as the masked pervert. As for your weapons, take them, but should we ever face again in battle, I will feed you to my bird." Shaddup bobs up and down eagerly. "Check back at the bar we just left regularly. We will find you there when we get our ship." He stands up and looks at the incoming light. "I suggest we leave now. We seem to have attracted attention and I am eager for a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is the first day of the job after all. It wouldn't do to be late."

[samduke]

Releasing the leader, We should go the guards will be here soon

[Erloas]

"Can't blame a woman for trying" she says as she scoops up her sword and it disappears into her cloak. She then goes over to Decius and Hodari, whom are looking much better thanks to Bodaku, though Hodari will likely have a scar across his face, and hands them their weapons. The quickly head south for a little bit before disappearing between some builds, not the same alley they attacked out of.

You then turn and continue north along the docks. You pass a pair of guards a little bit later, they look like they're clearly heading somewhere, but determined not to make it there too quickly.

You make a quick plan to meet at the crossroad between the docks and the main roadway in the morning before meeting with Robel and Lita or heading in to do any shopping. There are no more problems as you each reach your inns and taverns for the night.

The next morning you each have your breakfast and slowly gather at the roadway. You can either start looking for provisions for the trip or go down to check out the Favored Terrain and meet her crew before deciding what you might need.

[samduke]

After breakfast, Well I am off to get a few things I will met you all in a short while down to check out the Favored Terrain. Leaving and headed to the market to purchase some silk rope (50ft) and 1 dragoon alchemical bullet (total roughly 22 gp) once done, She will head directly to where the Favored Terrain is moored.

[TheStillWind]

Daegan shows up at the crossroads wearing his standard pack and carrying a chest of no particular quality.

After Olivia leaves Daegan says, Unless anyone else needs to go buy any personal effects first, I suggest we head down to the boat and take stock of what resources we will be working with. Then we can strategize a little and buy anything we think will be useful. What does everyone say?

[Daishain]

"They already mentioned they only had the one ship's boat. All things considered, I think bringing another one on board with us would be prudent, if only in case one is sunk in the fighting. I have some funds to spare, though it is likely not enough, perhaps we can combine our coin for this"

149 gp in my coinpurse, default ship's boat costs 500 gp, not sure if that's changed for this game.

[TheStillWind]

I would contribute funds for a ships boat. An extra could prove useful.


Some rolls to guide my thoughts on ship strategy and spells to help.

Profession Sailor [roll0]
Arcana [roll1]




We should also grab some grappling hooks and rope to assist in counter boarding. Some spell scroll that would help us track a ship or locate a target on open water would be useful as well, though I cannot cast anything like that and I cannot recall off the top of my head what to look for.

[Erloas]

Daegan nothing specific comes to mind, but you're pretty sure that a merchant would likely have ideas on what they sell a lot of.

Finding ropes, grappling hooks, oars, and small boats should be easy and likely in stock. The flyer from last night has ads and locations for shops so finding them will be trivial.


Don't forget that everyone picked up their last 514gp when we started, so whatever you had left after buying from the initial 2500 plus that.

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohoho Oh the irony my friends. We need to buy a boat, in order to claim a boat. I too shall contribute, so as to make sure one of us does not simply clean out their pocket. Oh I'm so excited, I could sing a song!"

I'll go boat and gear shopping with the guys

[samduke]

after remembering to pick up a couple of kits Olivia heads back for the dock, where she will take the time to thoroughly inspect the fishing vessel, deck to keel, bow to stern. looking for anything that seems out of place.

[Daishain]

"I am grateful to hear it master launderer, now, let us see what is available, hmm?"

'Cassandra' will look to purchasing a Jollyboat, it would be easy enough to store on board the fishing ship, and would be just the right size for her and her new companions

Jolly boat, my share 75 gp, less if others chip in. Picking up some alchemical cartridges, a grappling hook and 50' of silk rope, a 15' hemp rope ladder with boarding hooks at one end, and a catch pole. I'll probably add to this list as I think about it.

[Erloas]

Olivia heads off farther into town to find her supplies while the rest of the group heads down the docks to find a small boat merchant.

A seller is located and a jolly boat is purchased. The merchant gets the slip location of Robel's ship and says she'll have her guys row it down. There are 6 oars included with the boat and a couple ropes so it can be hoisted up into the boat.
After that is squared away the rest of the group heads farther in-land to find the other goods they are looking for.

Olivia reaches the Favored Terrain first and is greeted Lita. Robel is in town preparing for the trip as well. Some of the crew is checking over the equipment, mending traps, checking nets, greasing pulleys, and various other minor maintenance jobs. Lita shows Olivia where they'll be saying, a room at the stern of the ship, probably directly under the captain's chambers. It looks it used to be storage that has recently been repurposed. There are 6 hammocks hanging, as three sets of two, with, it would seem, some spare sail hanging in front of them for a bit of privacy. The galley is just off the crew quarters at the bow of the ship.
There is a grating over a large tub that seems to be where the fish and crab are tossed down from the deck. There are benches and tubs that look to be where the fish and cleaned before being tossed into barrels. There is a wench mechanism at the fore and aft to raise and lower barrels between that deck and the hold. There are a couple permanent light sources in this area. It looks like a well planned out and streamlines setup, like they have had plenty of time and practice to make refinements.

At some point while Olivia is looking over the boat the jolly boat shows up, the delivery people let them know where it came from and head off.

Olivia does a very thorough job looking over the ship and finds nothing unusual. Other than large areas of the deck being covered by crab traps and netting, and lots of empty barrels in the hold that make looking over some areas a bit tricky, there isn't anything that warrants any attention.


River, Cassandra, and Daegan have all pitched in on the jollyboat, so 50gp each.

I'm not sure if everyone has finished picking out everything they think they need.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' greets the fishermen warmly enough, and helps get the jollyboat secured. Then she sets about securing her personal belongings below deck.

[samduke]

After inspecting the ship and helping load and tie down the jolly boat. Looking towards the warf where various fishing supplies and such look to be sold, to those of the group that are present: Hey guys we might want to grab some fish catching gear as well. Olivia walks off the boat over to where it looks like fishing gear is sold and purchases fishing tackle, before returning to the ship and storing it with the rest of her stuff near one of the hammocks. Then returns to the deck waiting for the captain to get underway.

[ChaoticHarmony]

River helps prepare for launch when they return to the fishing vessel with the supplies they gathered. He ishumming a jaunty tune to make the work go by faster when Olivia mentions the fishing gear. "What a wonderful idea my dear! You should buy a kit. They come in very handy I must say. I certainly would've starved a long time ago if it wasn't for mine Yohohohohohoho!"

[Erloas]

After everyone has gathered the supplies they think they needed everyone has made it to the Favored Terrain. With your extra supplies stored in your room and having found nothing of concern on the ship everyone is ready to go. Robel arrived with more crew and the last of the supplies for the trip, some rations and barrels of clean water, and supplies to help preserve the catch.

The day is spent familiarizing everyone with the ship and making preparations. Nothing major occures. The ship leaves harbor in the late afternoon. Robel and Lita decided no need to wait until the next morning since everything was in order, the weather was good, and the moon was going to bright during the night.

You learn that they have 3 crews of 12, with an officer running each crew. The crew barracks is only large enough for one crew at a time, so at any given point one of the crews is sleeping while one is working and the last is eating, resting, and doing light work. Usually there will be a pair tending to the sails, four cleaning the catch and moving the barrels in the lower deck and hold, and six running the nets or pulling and dropping cages. The officer helps where needed or mans the wheel when Lita or Robel aren't on deck. There are some old hands, as well as a few newer crew, with a pretty good mix of races.
There are many other ships heading in and out of the harbor as you leave. Many smaller fishing boats that probably don't leave the bay, some merchants ships of a similar size to the Favored Terrain, as well as some large merchant and navy ships that dwarf the ship.

A little while after setting out Robel gets on a pallet attached to the arms that normally hold the nets and is lowered down to the edge of the water, where he sits quietly and in thought for a long time. After a while some dolphins that are following the boat pass close to where he is sitting and eventually just one is left. He spends quite a bit of time doing this.

Later in the evening as it is getting dark Robel and Lita give you a brief run down of their plan for the trip. They show you a map of the area and explain their general plan. They can't run the nets unless they drop speed, so that won't happen until they get close to where they want to be. At which point they'll spent maybe one shift worth going for fish with the nets. They'll then use the heads and guts of the fish caught to bait all of the crab cages, which they'll drop for one shift and then collect in the next. Then they'll head back out to fish, so they've got the bait for the crab traps and start the cycle over again. There is danger in running the nets too close to any shores and the crabs tend to be more in the channels between islands and their cage lines aren't long enough for really deep ocean floors, so it switches back and forth between more open ocean and more between the islands. Things can change depending how any given spot is doing, but that is the general plan.

You'll have about 2 days of travel time to get there. If you want to start setting anything up, ask more questions, see what the crew can tell you, and anything similar, now is the time. It will be most of a day before you make it far enough into the bay that a pirate, or monsters, are likely to be of any issue. The Rahadoum navy presence is obvious, but the farther out you get the more space there is for them to cover.

https://5xtcqw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mKLQOepMRpTbSpN6CTI3gvsnd1zsjM5sZRTmR9L2dKfK4PFa KeS2nwQq5C82pORsf99Y5YZRgC4_DVzS1sVzF7gnxyHPxSYdqi c5aUWCbB5R4d-oIMUuNXd7YBPsWAhh7Rv3kQepYZ6LwaGjhZzTaTAfee1US740D IhxNLQNbaH82b-O_Q6kS6dcyjTESuseg



Everything people have been looking for so far would not be an issue to find and would be standard prices. If there were any other minor items you would have realized you needed after you got to check out the boat you would have had enough time to go get them. Or if you simply didn't get a chance to post. You'll have about a day real time to add anything you would have picked up prior to leaving.

Let me know your general plan for the travel part of the trip. If you need me to expand on anything, if you want to try to get Robel, Lita, or any of the crew to help set up your plan, etc.

[samduke]

Gathering all of our group to meet with Robel and Lita, I would like to ask if you think it would be at least possible for the next few days for us to work along side your crew to learn the basics of the ship so that when the pirate ship comes, and it might not, then we can act as the normal crew might all knowing what would be normal, and hopfully looking like it from another ship then the pirate might try for us and we can spring the trap. If this is okay by you I will volunteer to work with the first watch crew .. thoughts anyone?

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku slaps his wide belly in approval. "I agree. If for no other reason than I would be ashamed to not work alongside my new companions. I will join you on the watch. First though, there is something I need to do."

When he has a few minutes with just the party, he pulls out his gold pouch. "I have no idea how these shiny trinkets work, but you all seem to be using them for our quest. Take what is my share of the costs."

When he is able, Bodaku walks to the edge of the ship. He mutters a brief prayer the the sea spirits and the animals there in. When finished, he has the crew lower one of the boats into the water so that he is close to dolphins. Once there, he chats them up and asks them where the best fishing spots are. He offers the creatures some of the catch if they lead him there.


If it gets annoying to roleplay that Bodaku is a country bumpkin who doesn't know basic stuff, just tell me and we can ignore that part of his character. He has 1,467 gp which is basically group funds since he comes from a place where money is a weird concept.
I was going to turn into a dolphin and do a really cool swan dive where I transform mid air, but I can't do that until next level. Sad. Cast one level one spell, speak with animals.

[Erloas]

"That sounds like an excellent plan. If two of you want to go with each crew then we'll be covered all day. We can ring up a bell and string in your room to ring to wake up whomever is sleeping if you want.

Would you like to learn how to run the sails, run the fishing gear, or manage the crew?" Robel asks. Once you figure out who is going to work together they'll introduce each of you to the officer leading the crew and they'll start teaching you the jobs you've wanted to learn. If you simply want to stand watch that is ok, they aren't going to force you to work.

We are still traveling, a good way out of the bay but not really into open ocean yet. There will be at least another day before you get to the point where they start fishing. Now would be the time to coordinate any plans for what you want the crew to do when you encounter an enemy. While everyone has knifes, really only the officers have any skill at combat. At this point Lita and Robel don't have any insight as to your specific plans, so if you want them to do or not do something they need to know that.


Same ship as in the OOC, but I've included more of the equipment. The crab traps are stacks of them in these locations, several feet high. They'll be there or not depending on the cycle of the trip. The flags, for lack of a better image, are the long arms and pulleys used to hold the nets while fishing. They're about 10ft long and 6ft high and they can rotate, with locking mechanisms to hold them straight out or back. Both boats are on the stern, with the smaller jolly boat you've bought lowered into the ship's boat they already had.
https://5ntcqw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mGygRJIdENGEBq39pC9dKbMrnPaM6fU9oTtSCplO-Sx2ZtVkbhZG-ucnB3maWg8ZPLF65D_oW67XLKtomvk6a8qUtLeUA89qsINEq2t NnAD6mDsSr6ZhpQS2bXiUyQdRfSPjAYWfzmf8kIigfWxKLc15J JYrwval75-jN3E5jZg1IjWS0cavBR5VxtldguLbT

Bodaku if you want one person to take care of your gold you can work that out. If you just want everyone to know you'll pitch in to anything then I'll make that assumption every time going forward from now. As it is, the jolly boat would be split 4 ways instead, so 37.5 each. River, Cassandra, and Daegan would each get 12.5gp back


"You're not the same one that was talking with me earlier. He was offering me adventure" [And of course since you're still traveling rather than fishing it is a bit earlier to ask that. Though I guess I didn't make that really clear.]

[samduke]

speaking for myself Robel, I wish to learn all your crew can offer, from leadership of running the crew & runing the sails, to operation of fishing gear if this means I pull 2 watches then so be it.

[optimumsquare]

Would you like to learn how to run the sails, run the fishing gear, or manage the crew?" Robel asks. Once you figure out who is going to work together they'll introduce each of you to the officer leading the crew and they'll start teaching you the jobs you've wanted to learn. If you simply want to stand watch that is ok, they aren't going to force you to work.


"I would like to learn the sails if that is alright. The ships I sailed on when I was living on my island were... different."



Bodaku if you want one person to take care of your gold you can work that out. If you just want everyone to know you'll pitch in to anything then I'll make that assumption every time going forward from now. As it is, the jolly boat would be split 4 ways instead, so 37.5 each. River, Cassandra, and Daegan would each get 12.5gp back

That was an in character way of saying that Bodaku's money is group funds. I've never cared about money in rpg games.



"You're not the same one that was talking with me earlier. He was offering me adventure" [And of course since you're still traveling rather than fishing it is a bit earlier to ask that. Though I guess I didn't make that really clear.]

"Well of course I'm not the same as the one talking to you earlier. I'm Bodaku. Tell me, who is this one from earlier, and what was he offering you?"

[Erloas]

speaking for myself Robel, I wish to learn all your crew can offer, from leadership of running the crew & runing the sails, to operation of fishing gear if this means I pull 2 watches then so be it.


"I would like to learn the sails if that is alright. The ships I sailed on when I was living on my island were... different."
"We can do that. Olivia we'll have you run with crew one for the main jobs and can help with minor things on crew two, so you're not working too hard all day. Sounds good Bodaku, I guess we'll have you work with crew three. You can both start with the sailing side while we're still traveling, once we get to fishing we drop most of the sails and just use a few for more controlled and slower paced movement."



That was an in character way of saying that Bodaku's money is group funds. I've never cared about money in rpg games.

[I figured as much, just wanted to make sure]




"Well of course I'm not the same as the one talking to you earlier. I'm Bodaku. Tell me, who is this one from earlier, and what was he offering you?"

"He was on this ship. Offered food and protection if I would learn some tricks from him. He said he worked with another of my kind before but he was killed."
[yeah, not sure how to portray talking to an int 2 animal. Consider this paraphrasing of intent]

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' spends a good deal of time getting to know the crew, having offered to assist in managing them. She is quick to arrive on the scene for any trouble. No doubt she causes some consternation when she first heals someone's hurts with venom from her familiar, but she holds them down and heals them anyways. Afterwards she promises that the snake doesn't bite anyone she doesn't want him to.

[optimumsquare]

"Hmmm. Perhaps another day, I can make you the same offer as he did, but for now, I would settle to know where there is some good fishing. Should you want adventure, simply stay by this boat for a while. You said the man from before came from this boat? Was he like me? A half elf who could speak to you as though he was a dolphin?"

[Erloas]

Cassanda is set to working with crew two along with Morley. Daegan joins Olivia on crew one and River joins Bodaku on crew three.
The crew teaches those that are interesting in the various parts of the sails, the names for each one and what they are used for. The tricks to raising and lowering sails while they're full, and how they need to be changed as the ship turns and winds shift. You get some practice climbing the Jacob's ladders and running the ratlines.
Warning calls for when the boom is being swung. There is also work to be done greasing pulleys, tarring ropes, repairing ropes, mending nets and the crab cages. This ship doesn't have a crow's nest but does have a small platform on the mainmast, referred to simple as the Top.

You've been at sea for about a day and a half now, leaving the bay and passing south of Nuat island. A few ships can occasionally be seen but none have approached yet. Robel estimates that they'll be dropping speed and getting the nets out in about 12 hours.
As you get farther out to sea the crew start talking more about the creatures of the deep. Rumors of sirens, mermaids, and harpies. Whales with giant suction marks on their sides, parts of whales caught in nets that look like they had been bitten in half. Stories of the storm giants and boggards that worship the Eye of Abendego. Of the lizardfolk and cannibals that make their home in the Sodden Lands. There are even stories of new ships that can travel by magic, not with sails or oars. As well as the pirate scourge, but at least the local pirates only tend to take your stuff, unlike the slavers that frequent the Inner Sea that take everyone. [You're currently in the Arcadian Ocean, the Inner Sea is the part between Garund and Avistan continents]

How soon do you want to start worrying about any ships you see? From the deck you can see about 5 miles, and from the Top about 10 miles. The Favored Terrain does about 2.5mph at top speed, many larger ships are faster, but unlikely over maybe 6mph.

He could speak as such too, yes. I do not know, he seemed as whole as all the other land creatures I see

[TheStillWind]

Daegan chooses to spend his time learning the sails. As he is not bad with climbing and he sees that as an opportunity to gain a bit more distance for spotting things, he will try to volunteer to do work that involved being up top.

Additionally, Deagan has some knowledge of the fishing profession, so he will help where he can.

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Come now friends! Do not worry of such tales. One needs not fear the magic of the water if you have proper respect! And what better respect than a good days work and a hearty tune to give the seas!" River plays upbeat music as everyone works, helping however he can between verses.


River spends 2 rounds of Bardic Performance every hour for 5 hours as he plays his song
Song of Competence: Profession: Sailor [roll0]
Helping out the crew; Profession Sailor [roll1]
Perform: String [roll2]

[samduke]

Tending to her tasks as hey come around learning what is different from her other sailing experiences, picking up the few skills needed, she takes her second shift to observe how running this crew is different while enjoying a meal.

[Erloas]

Thanks to some superb sailing the time to finish the trip was much less than they had anticipated. Though not totally without issue, a few times during the trip Olivia has had some pains and irritations on her back and side. They would come and go.
At this point crew three is on shift, so River and Bodaku are working with the crew. Cassandra and the rest of crew two are doing minor work, prepping food, and other light duty work while crew three is doing the heavy work and crew one, including Olivia and Daegan, is sleeping.
You've gotten into the range that Robel wants to start fishing so the speed has been dropped and the nets are out. It is early evening and the next crew will come on late at night, or very early in the morning, depending how you want to look at it.

Robel has explained that he is in the process of befriending and training one of the dolphins following the ship. That Otho, mentioned earlier, was his previous companion and they had been working together for many years before the pirate killed him. He was still morning that loss and had just decided it was time to move on. The first thing he is working on is training the dolphin to be aware of the nets and will be working on training it to help them locate their fish, crabs, and lobster, though it takes some time because they don't have the same preferences in fish and they don't really see lobster and crab as food and naturally don't really bother paying attention to them. It also takes some time to work out signals and getting the dolphin to give signals they can use to navigate the boat by.

So far the fishing has been very good, will full nets and nice sized fish with every load. It is keeping all of the crew very busy. Robel thinks at the rate it is going they'll be able to switch to the crabs and lobsters in 6 hours or so, a bit before crew one comes back on. The fishing is a back and forth between some calm and some frantic activity. The nets are let out and pulled for a while before bring brought back in, which is hard work because it is done entirely by human power. Once the nets drop their catch on the deck any animals they don't want are released and the others are passed through to the lower deck to be cleaned and stuck in barrels and the cages start to be baited.

You have seen just a couple ships since last time, heading west and farther out into the ocean. The main coast is to the east but it can really only be seen on occasion, a few cliffs or trees, otherwise it can't really be seen. You've got a few islands in front of the ship that are getting closer but still a ways out. Robel says you'll turn farther west before getting to them, until enough fish have been caught to head in and start with the cages.

Currently there is a moderate wind from the east, running about perpendicular to the direction you're currently traveling.

Do you have any specific plans you want to tell the crew about? What do you want them to do or not do if anyone shows up?

fishing: [roll0] Robel skill +assist/circumstance bonuses

As mentioned in the OOC thread, I got the tactical speeds wrong, the ship will do about 9mph, some of the bigger ships will do maybe 25mph. So depending on wind and size, you might have an hour or more between when you see a ship and when they could possible reach you, to maybe just 15-20 minutes.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku will facilitate the dolphin training with handle animal and the speak with beast spell when he is not learning knots, rigging and sailing a boat that isn't one of the large sail driven rafts he grew up with. He sends Shaddup on regular scouting missions to find nearby ships and report back on any ships that seem hostile. To be fair, Shaddup is an obnoxious bird, so Bodaku takes the information the parrot provides with a grain of salt.


[roll0]
Do I get a bonus for being able to talk to animals? My understanding is that we are one day out. Bodaku will use speak with animals once per day to faciltate training, meaning that he is down one level one spell each day.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' consults with the fishermen and the others about general strategy. "We need to end the threat this bunch pose to you, if we just chase them off, they'll simply return later and with a vengeance. With that in mind, I suggest that we act as if cowed and ready to hand over everything we have. We strike when they are beginning to board us."

She points to herself and the rest of the group. "We will be above decks when they approach, and we will do the brunt of the work, charging across to their ship to do what must be done. I suggest that the rest of you be below decks for the first exchange, but the odds of success will be greater if those of you willing to fight came up to act as support."

"Does this seem agreeable to all?"

[Erloas]

Robel and Lita let you know they have to talk it over with the crew and they'll give everyone free choice in if they want to put themselves as risk. That night fishing switches to crabs and the ship has moved between the islands just off the main shore and north of the bigger island. So far the crab fishing hasn't been great. They're still coming in, but the cages aren't that full. Not finding the good spots, they can be very hit or miss at times and it seems more of a miss so far today.
It is early morning on day 3 of the trip, and the first full day of fishing. The weather has still been pretty good. Breakfast was, unsurprisingly, fish. The cook seems to have had a lot of practice with fish.

Robel says to Bodaku "Thank you for helping me train the dolphin, you are making things go much faster and easier than I could have hoped to do on my own. Once we start getting some crabs and lobster it will be much easier for him to learn what we want. I'm still picking out a name for her if you've got any suggestions."

When crew one is coming on and before crew two heads to bed they bring everyone together to go over your plan and see who wants to help. All three officers agree to help, as do 6 crew members from crew one, 3 from crew two, and 3 from crew three. Between Lita and Robel's personal weapons, a few crews' personal weapons, and some spears and gaffs used to protect the ship, some dangerous things end up in the nets, you've got the following items to work with: Robel has a long bow, longsword, and pistol, Lita has a light crossbow, there are 4 short swords, 4 spears, 3 long spears, 2 gaffs, and one more light crossbow.

Robel says "We understand the need to fight and we will help you however we can. While Lita and I are past our adventuring days, we aren't done. Do you have a specific signal for us to act and a clear plan for us to follow? I've got one spell if you've got anything you want me to prepare."
Lita adds "While my book is pretty limited, I've mostly got spells to help around the ship, if there is something I've got that will help let me know"

Robel says "Do you have any specific plans for your jolly boat? Right now we can't get it into the water very quickly but we can change things around if you want."

Shaddup has indicated he has seen a few ships in the distance but can't really tell much more than that. Seems that they are moving around at very least.

fishing (crab):
[roll0] (doesn't have as much help and assistance on the crabs yet)

[samduke]

taking stock of the weapons on board bluntly asking the officers who amongst them is most skilled with that light crossbow then follow suit with each of the other weapons (4 short swords, 4 spears, 3 long spears, 2 gaffs) have them stored out of sight but within easy access if we end up in combat.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' says in response to the question about the Jollyboat, "If they come at night, we might try to slip people around their stern with it, but as is, I don't think so. What do you need from us to be ready?"

[Erloas]

"So if we see another ship you want us to wake the sleeping members of your group, get our weapons, and hide out of site, right? What is the signal for us to come out? And do you want those without ranged weapons to just defend our ship or to attack? Should we just keep their crew at bay or try for their officers?" Robel and Lita want to make sure everyone is on the same page and know what to do before it needs to happen.

With some training of the crew you see they can handle their weapons, but they're not going to very skilled with them. One of the officers is a bit better with the crossbow, which weapons do you want the other officers to take?

[samduke]

well if there is a definite way to identify the pirate before they got in close, example a pirate flag, then I would say yes wake the sleeping members and have the current watch prep for defending the ship more than anything, as for that officer who is better with the cross bow he can assist with the counter boarding action shooting at the other ship crew or officers.

Robel and Lita do either of you have a spy glass or the like? we could send an observer up to the top of the tall mast with it to look out and that could gain valuable time to wake us and change the crew out if a pirate was spotted.

[Erloas]

Another shift goes by, the crew is still fishing for crab as the previous gathering didn't use all of the bait. Today has been much better though, the crab pots are full, Robel has found a great spot and the crabs are just pouring in, each cage has been almost packed. As crabs do, they are more worried about eating than being in the cage and even once on deck they're still eating what is left of the bait.

Just as the second shift is ending and they're retrieving one of the crab cages it seems one is stuck. But after a bit of pulling it seems that it is instead just very heavy but is actually moving. The crew could use some help if anyone wants to help pull. The rope is through a pulley on one of the front arms so many people can get on the rope. It is moving in but much heavier than it should be.


Make strength checks if you would like to help pull the cage up

Fishing (crab)
[roll0]

[samduke]

helping out where she can pulling at the rope
[roll0] :edit +1 str = 15 (see ooc)

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku "helping"

[roll0]

[Erloas]

After many minutes of pulling and resting and pulling again the crab pot is almost to the surface, Robel is looking over the railing and as it comes out of the water he says "Wow, that is the biggest rock crab I've ever seen!" and as it leaves the water it takes everyone's effort to finish hauling it up. The arm is released and the crab and pot swing onto the deck. The crab is giant, it wasn't in the cage, it was perched on top with one smaller claw it is grabbing at the fish and regular crabs in the pot, and stuffing it into it's mouth. As it hits the deck it seems to look around, knocks over a barrel of bait and starts eating on the fish the spill out.

Lita, from the wheel on the sterncastle says "If you can kill that they are a rare catch and can fetch luxury prices! Try not to destroy the pinchers if you can help it."

One crewmember, thinking it is distracted moves in closer to get a better look. The crab snaps out with a claw and grabs him crushing him in it's claw. He screams out as it pinches him and then goes limp.


grapple:
[roll0]
damage:
[roll1]

[samduke]

looking at the beast of a crab
initiative [roll0]
on turn
5ft step C7
draws and fires pistol at crab
[roll1] - confirm crit [roll2]
damage [roll3] if crit x3

watching out for the claws maneuvers to the close by mast climbing [roll4] above the crab for an advantage position to attack with her cutlas

[Erloas]

[that's what I get for posting so late, forgot to post the map I had to wait to get home to do]

[initiative
Daegan
[roll0]
River
[roll1]
Ariadne
[roll2]
Bodaku
[roll3]
crab
[roll4]
Olivia 14 (as above)
So everyone goes before the crab]




https://vdlzcg.by.files.1drv.com/y4mJNIkjC3VvMt3d2O69m1e-02kERcmt5ZL9v8lUUsltwedvpnF77Dpr5uS1yunb5dUrTBnwUl 5Cs4kzJRECQftoS3kes9KY7IvYtYVL_umILGkG9BMzvP2pTE25 nVIF_2tjeCdY0vzw-idZ-OjF0nlu2rK7HlAi13MrIV3XktEYxqqJQpPWvgQDzp8dlQ3S03A

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' extends her hand towards the creature and moves her fingers in an intricate pattern, dark energy settles over the crab as she finishes

Misfortune Hex, the crab must make a DC 15 Will save. If it fails, it must roll all ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks it makes for the next round twice, and take the worse result.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku's mouth waters at the site of the giant crab. Fond memories of the sweet meet flood his brain from when he hunted the creatures back home. Of course, then he was with a team of Iiawah hunters. He looked at his companions. These will do. Just in case.


Bodaku calls to the sky casting summon nature's ally. [roll0] eagles swoop in from the heavens. Eagle stat block. (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/birds/eagle/summoned-creature-eagle/).
Not wanting to be outdone, Shaddup swoops in to attack screaming, "My dinner! My dinner!

[optimumsquare]

With rolls this time.
number of eagles: [roll0]
Eagle attacks: [roll1] damage: [roll2]
[roll3] damage: [roll4]
[roll5] damage: [roll6]
Shaddup Attack [roll7] damage:[roll8]

[Erloas]

Olivia's shot finds it's mark and seems to penetrate the thick sell of the beast.

The mystic swirls of dark energy set forth from 'Cassandra' seems to seep into the crab.

As Bodaku summons forth the eagle the crab takes a swipe at him (more coming after rolls)
The birds swoop down and attack the crab, the eagle seems to find a weak spot with one of it's talons, but Shaddup scratches away at the shell with little effect.

The crab takes another swipe at Bodaku, but with the mast in the way can't get it's other claw over there so it swings at another crew member.


AOO against Bodaku
[roll0]
(1d20+9)[24] Hex
damage
[roll1]

normal against Bodaku
[roll2]
(1d20+9)[24] Hex
damage
[roll3]

normal attack against another crew member
[roll4]
(1d20+9)[14] Hex
damage
[roll5]

Not entirely sure if I should skip River and Daegan right now or give them a basic attack/action. Skipping right now, but if you guys think they should we can do it in OOC and paste it in.

Not updating the map right now, as only Olivia moved and I'm not at home with the map so it would be a few hours before I can get it updated.

[samduke]

rnd 2
on olivia's turn
fires pistol again at crab
[roll0] confirm crit [roll1]
damage [roll2] if crit x3

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku's down. His last words before collapsing; "Avenge me Shaddup."


For reasons entirely unrelated to my current situation, missing characters should totatlly get an action. Like healing Bodaku.

[Daishain]

Cassandra grimaces as the crab manages to bring Bodaku down in spite of her hex, and decides to try something else. A burst of golden specks settles over the creature, threatening its vision.

Glitterdust, bugger needs to make a DC 16 Will save vs being blinded for three rounds. It also takes a -40 on stealth even if it passes, but that seems unlikely to come up.

[optimumsquare]

Roll to stabilize [roll0]

[Erloas]

Olivia's shot once again finds it's mark and seems to catch the crab even better than the last one.

As Bodaku drops both birds redouble their attack on the crab, clawing and biting at it. But the shell is tough and they have trouble getting past it, they each find a weak point with their beaks but their claws fail to find a mark.

Daegan pulls out his bow and lets an arrow fly towards the crab but he is off balance and the shot goes wide falling into the ocean.

River pulls out his violin and starts up a rousing shanty that inspires everyone.

The crew lines up to the aft with spears trying to keep the crab from moving in that direction.

The crab scuttles away from the spears and strikes out at Olivia and Daegan. The crab's swipes are powerful and catch both of them solidly.

As the crab moves away Robel runs down the stairs and past River, knees down beside Bodaku and helps him drink a potion, saying "Here drink this. That was quite a hit you took, those cuts look pretty bad."

Daegan's attack
[roll0] (7 base, +1 PBS, -4 into melee)
damage
[roll1] (+2 base, +1 PBS)

Shaddup
attack bite
[roll2]
damage
[roll3]
attack talon
[roll4]
damage
[roll5]
attack talon
[roll6]
damage
[roll7]

Eagle
(Round 2 of 3)
attack bite
[roll8]
damage
[roll9]
attack talon
[roll10]
damage
[roll11]
attack talon
[roll12]
damage
[roll13]

Crab attack:
attack claw vs Olivia
[roll14]
damage
[roll15]
attack claw vs Daegan
[roll16]
damage[roll17]

Robel's CLW potion on Bodaku
[roll18]

River's Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 to damage for everyone as long as the song remains going.
Everyone's turn again.

[samduke]

rnd 3
on olivia's turn
5ft step to a safe spot
fires pistol again at crab
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 to damage
[roll0] confirm crit [roll1]
Damage [roll2] if crit x3

[Erloas]

[Did I really forget to link the map again? I uploaded it, got the link, and seem to have just forgot to post it...]


https://vnlzcg.by.files.1drv.com/y4mr42fJzZAVzf13p0OIrTL4U38U6Ok1iNbKGHI_r4JbYRm3iC oX4trl4K1JUH76AH5H6T0nDwhWHqxJVygYyZU58AHkSMscOZFI rv-yWyvmN-obAAMIa1WrFgxQ8p3ELMoB0BreyGyw6ZPA6JnYhr6siy6qI7uC uMscr4zo_Nmxl3Acw17ujv6MXYaLBtzvAyV

[C6 is a safe point to fire from]
[Also going to say that Robel is defending Bodaku so he can get up from prone without provoking an AOO. Much like Warding Weapon protects a caster, having an actual person doing it should do much better. I didn't see any rules for guarding or protecting others, which doesn't make any sense]

[ChaoticHarmony]

"Yohohohohoho! This colossal crustacean is causing quite the catastrophe! Perhaps a haunting melody shall light our way to victory." River changes up the tune of his song as he focuses his energy at the crab. Suddenly, four spheres of flaming green light burst into existence in front of the beast. Two of the lights fly towards the crab's eyes while the other two dance to the music River plays, swirling around the crab in rhythmic flow.


River casts Dancing Lights in an attempt to distract and blind the crab
Inspire Courage lasts another 2 rounds thanks to Lingering Performance
Perform String [roll0]

[Daishain]

Seeing that she's having surprisingly little effect on hampering the crab's efforts, 'Cassandra' moves closer to the fallen crewmember that the crab first attacked. If he can be saved, she'll heal him now. If not, she'll fire her pistol at the stubborn creature.

Healing Hex effect [roll0]
pistol attack (vs touch AC) [roll1]
pistol damage [roll2]

[optimumsquare]

With his One (count 'em One) hp, Bodaku is going to get up and move as far away from the creature as he can. "You guys are doing good work." It clearly hurts him to talk. "I'm just gonna stand over here. Behind these crab pots." (he moves to d4.)


Shaddup
Bite 1d20+1 Damage 1d4
Claw 1d20+1 Damage 1d4
Claw 1d20+1 Damage 1d4
Eagle
Bite 1d20 Damage 1d4
Claw 1d20 Damage 1d4
Claw 1d20 Damage 1d4

[optimumsquare]

Shaddup
Bite [roll0] Damage [roll1]
Claw [roll2] Damage [roll3]
Claw [roll4] Damage [roll5]
Eagle
Bite [roll6] Damage [roll7]
Claw [roll8] Damage [roll9]
Claw [roll10] Damage [roll11]

[Erloas]

Olivia's and 'Cassandra's' shots both find their mark, passing through the shell and into the flesh underneath. The crab staggers under the blows but doesn't go down.

The crab haphazardly swiped at the lights as they swished around it's head. And it tries to take a swipe as Bodaku as he gets up but Robel is there to parry the claw.

The eagle and Shaddup both grab and bite at the crab, with varying success. The shell keeping them from finding good points to attack, but the holes caused by the bullets gave them enough opening to make it hurt. The vigor from River's song gave them the push they needed.

With a final shudder the crab falls heavily to the deck causing a crash and smashing a cage that it was standing over. After a brief moment Robel steps up and makes sure the crab is dead. Lita takes over the crew, they start to cut it up as best they can and store it away. The eagle slowly fades away and the crew give Shaddup some fish so he leaves the crab for them to work. The claws are taken to prepare for tonight's dinner.

As that is happening Cassandra finds the crew member that was taken out earlier, he is unconscious but alive and with a bit of help from her magic the crew member starts to look much better. He'll be hurting for a while but he is going to survive.

Robel says "That was quite the fight, without you here I'm sure we would have lost people driving that thing away. I should have been more cautious and cut the rope once we saw what it was. Everyone that is hurt will go to light duty for a while and we'll tend to wounds as best we can." The crew only has mundane healing, but between Robel and some dedicated crew they can do a pretty good job. While there is a supply of cure potions, they try to save them for emergencies.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku casts cure light wounds on himself for [roll0]. It takes him a couple of tries as he is a little punch drunk. When he finally succeeds he stands and addresses Robel. "What are you talking about?" he asks on shaky legs. "That thing was a push over. We could take, I don't know, three of them. Easy." He holds up two fingers. "What's next? Pirates? Bring 'em on, I'm ready."

[Daishain]

"Yes dear, of course we could, now hold still." 'Cassandra' helps Bodaku with his wound after reviving the crewman who had fallen earlier, and then moves on to anyone else with injuries.

Using healing hex once on anyone with more than a scratch.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[samduke]

olivia taking time to reload her pistol, then looking over the dead crab realizing that the shell could make for a decent shield, helps with the separation of meat from shell, then will stow the hard upper shell away to work a shield later. Well I don't know about 3 of those guys but it was good to put our abilities to a test.

[Erloas]

The rest of the evening goes without incident. The crew takes in all of the crab pots that were still out, but with a bit more hesitation as they get to the surface. As the day goes the stories of the crab grow, by the end of the trip the crab will probably have been half as big as the ship, blissfully ignoring the the remains which have been stuck up on parts of the ship. The crew member that was knocked out thanks everyone several times for saving his life.

With some help from Robel, whom seems to have some more experience with this sort of thing, Olivia gets her piece of shell. It is cleaned up and stored away for later.

The crab, or at least the part they cooked up is succulent and some is served cut into discs and grilled up and other parts are mixed into a savory stew along with some of the fish and some vegetables from the hold.

A few hours later the ship is heading out of the islands and back into the edge of the open ocean and back to the nets for fishing. Although most of the trip and the start of the fishing happen over night. River is still working with that crew, but Bodaku rests up from his injuries, Olivia and Daegan are also sleeping as normal for their shift.


fishing:
[roll0]

Daegan, Olivia, and Bodaku will regain 3hp from the rest, as well as whatever was got from Cassandra's healing hex. Not sure if there were any other spells worth casting before sleep, but you can add them before. After this transition Cassandra and Morley will head to bed, Daegan and Oliva will be on shift, but doing light work unless they're healed up enough, and River and Bodaku will be doing downtime work with the secondary crew.

Change spells as necessary. And either update mythweaver or just note in your post with current HP.

Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday, and was planning on earlier today but ended up going into work instead.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku cast cure light wounds on himself one more time before bed [roll0]. In the morning, he approaches Robel and asks "When do you usually encounter the pirates? Are we near the waters they hunt?"

[Erloas]

"These are pretty much the same waters we always fish, not the exact same channel we ran into them previously but same general area. I'm not sure if the fact that we haven't seen any other ships since leaving the bay is a good sign or bad. With the warnings out maybe they've had to travel out farther or maybe they're just laying low."

[optimumsquare]

With this new information, Bodaku is going to go talk to the dolphins when he gets a chance, and just ask them if they have seen, know of, and can be on the look out for any other ships in the area. They don't have to figure out if the other ships are pirates, but just give us an idea of what is in the area.

[Erloas]

You watch the ocean occasionally as the morning starts. Figuring the dolphins that have be around the boat probably wouldn't have seen more than you have, you wait for some new group to come by. After some time you see a pod of orcas swimming past. With a bit of time and some help of Robel's dolphin companion (they've finished the bonding but are still working on tricks), you get their attention. Not wanting to chance issues with the fishing nets Robel suggests heading out in a smaller boat to talk with them. You, Robel, and a few crew head out to talk with them. You find that they've came from, as close as you can tell, the open ocean to the northwest, and they've seen several mediums sized ships (about the same as the Favored Terrain) and one large ship, recently. There was some issues with one of the medium ships, but beyond that they don't really know. One seemed to be heading in this general direction but it wasn't of a concern to them so they didn't pay much attention to exactly what it was doing.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' helps as she can in letting the crew recover from the fight. She also helps where she can with the dolphin training, giving a bit of a nudge where she can with its disposition.

[samduke]

Olivia will continue her rest watch and keep an eye out

[Erloas]

Later that day, it has been a good but hard day of fishing. A lot of fish caught and stored away and everyone is getting familiar with and well practiced in the routine. It is late afternoon on a mostly clearly day with a nice and steady breeze coming in from the east. The islands are again to the south as you've worked farther into the open water searching for the schools of fish. The bait buckets are getting full and Robel has once again turned the ship south and west and is heading back towards the islands, but they are still several hours out at the slow speed you're going with the nets out.

Daegan and Morley are both sleeping off shift and everyone is up and working. Bodaku and Oliva both spot the tips of sails in the distance. It is northwest of your current location and in the general direction the orcas seems to indicate. You can see two masts. It is currently too far to make out more than that you can see them and after 10 minutes of watching they seem to be heading in this general direction at a reasonable pace.

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' looks to the horizon and smiles, "It is a good day to meet new people. People to trade with? People to kill? We will soon find out."

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku holds up his arm for Shaddup. After the bird lands, he says, "Shaddup, I want you to fly over that ship over there- Shaddup? Shaddup? Hey. Hey!" He snaps his fingers to get the birds attention. The parrot is grooming under its wing. "Shaddup I'm talking to you!" The bird simply squawks at him. "Dammit, my choice of animal companion was between you and a shark!" Another squawk. "Alright just listen. I need to know if those people are pirates or not." Bodaku says pointing to the oncoming boat. "I need you to fly over there and tell me if they are armed. Pirates will have weapons ready. If they have weapons, I would like to know what kind and how many. Can you do that?"
Shaddup looks at Bodaku thoughtfully for a moment before saying "Where's my dinner?"
"Dammit you greedy bird you just ate! Now go!" With that Bodaku throws out his arm and Shaddup flies away screeching as he goes.

[Erloas]

You watch Shaddup fly off towards the ship. The distance is far enough you can't really seem him after a while. As your watching the ship's direction seems to shift a bit more so it seems that it is heading fairly directly towards your ship. After a little bit you can see the spec that is Shaddup come into view. A few minutes later he lands on the rail and squawks "no food" which sounds like its said with annoyance, and whether that was directed towards you or the other ship you're not quite sure.
"'uns! two" comes out as irritated squaks, you're sure that's just a lipless g there. "s'ords eight eight*" Then looks at you expectantly, then finishes "one bow"


*my ex step son when he was younger would just say "90 90" if there was a lot of something, more than he could count. So I've decided he's going to do that too, and 8 is the biggest number he knows. But having trained him you know that daggers and swords of all sizes are considered swords. You'll also note that even your crew has daggers, so not a total indication.

knowledge engineering, profession sailor and similar might tell you things like how long it will take to reach you, what size crew you might expect based on the ship.

[optimumsquare]

"Good bird" Bodaku fishes out some dried meat which he feeds to Shaddup. After a moment, he adds, "I didn't mean what I said about the shark." He can't look Shaddup in the eye as he says this last bit, but smiles when the bird nuzzle's his arm. He relays the information to his crew mates, indicating that that 8 8 means A lot of pirates. "Prepare for battle!" Bodaku shouts.

[Daishain]

"What a pretty and smart bird you are, I bet you could do even better next time."

Turning to the others, 'cassandra' states, "Sound like it might be them, a fishing boat isn't likely to have guns out in the open."

"I am going to suggest a slight alternative to our prior strategy. Assuming these are our pirates, I intend to use a touch of magic to dive under the waves and come up behind the other ship as they make their approach, from there I can assault whomever they least want in melee. I can take one person with me. I suggest someone prepared to take a few hits. Any volunteers?"

[samduke]

"What a pretty and smart bird you are, I bet you could do even better next time."

Turning to the others, 'cassandra' states, "Sound like it might be them, a fishing boat isn't likely to have guns out in the open."

"I am going to suggest a slight alternative to our prior strategy. Assuming these are our pirates, I intend to use a touch of magic to dive under the waves and come up behind the other ship as they make their approach, from there I can assault whomever they least want in melee. I can take one person with me. I suggest someone prepared to take a few hits. Any volunteers?"

Stepping forward drawing her blade, I am your volunteer, if this is the pirates we were waiting on wait until they are closer so we can see them better, then take us under close to their hull, I might be able to cut their rudder rope and disable their ship in the process

[optimumsquare]

"We should try to time our attack for when you cut the rudder. Once you cut the rudder, I'll summon the allies of nature to create a distraction among their ranks. We will attack when our prey is most vulnerable."

[samduke]

It is a plan

[Erloas]

Really sorry this took so long guys. I figured I would have got it as soon as I got back, but it took a while to get back on schedule. Wasn't able to stay up after work to get things done (after work is like midnight)
I'll switch to close range/5ft maps as soon as we get close enough for direct engagement.

If you're just planning on waiting until they're X away, let me know. Don't want to take away your chance to do anything at range or last minute preparations, as well as see who's still here before going straight into combat.


Robel says "Now that I've got a better view, I'm sure that was the same ship from before. They've either got a poor crew or limited supplies because their sails are weirdly set up. The captain, as your parrot noted, has two guns, one's a musket I know, but I don't know if the other is a pistol or a blunderbuss.

I'm going to have the crew pull in the nets now. Let me know what you want me to do, otherwise I'll just hold course."

You're currently moving at about 20ft per round with minimal sails up. You estimate that the enemy ship is running around 60ft per round right now, so clearly they'll have to slow to match speeds for any attempt to board.


20ft squares. The wind is light coming out of the west.
https://u9lzcg.by.files.1drv.com/y4m9UM6lCKao-fVVQQFU94a1zydLAEruKUVgjMq1sMoO8uB1D-cAhnz8FSXSIp5taRFPQHwmAVRCxeqQhOuf0u6UyOnrywmAnR4X nFt_wXWmdQvRa3E0aPEP7_ua7wMfm3eewt0G-aTcINzvpCJitTBO--PzDuRfzVgw4FKtvpHK1VdsIl9Coi7Rr3IvkV13wnx

[Daishain]

"They are expecting you to pay them yes? Then heave to as if preparing to do so. Have enough people on deck to not seem suspicious, and the rest ready to go just out of sight. The two of us will dive underneath, cut their rudder, and emerge on the other side."

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku puts his hand on his companions shoulder and says. "Best of luck to you my friends. We will wait for your signal to strike. Once we board, we will make straight for the captain of this cursed venture and slay him. Hopefully, the crew will surrender then. Tonight, we shall have a grand feast to celebrate our victory." He gives his belly a slap to emphasize this, and Shaddup squawks his approval.

[samduke]

Olivia hones her blade to a fine sharp edge and readies her pistol for fast access ease of use.
cassandra how long can you keep us under water?

[Erloas]

Robel says to you"Give the signal and we'll help how we can, until then we'll play helpless. I also hope you've got something to protect your gun from the water and a plan for getting up the enemy ship from the water."

As you wait and watch the ship moves in closer, it is about 140 ft away at this point. So you estimate you've got a little time to move into place but not too long before they reach you. You can see a look-out with a bow at the bow of the ship and what looks like a mate getting the crew ready to board. You see maybe a dozen crew, some more eager than others but none really standing out. They look a little ragged but they've clearly had some practice. A few of them have grappling hooks in hand. You also see a few other crew in the sails, working and moving quickly, probably preparing to adjust the sails as they get close so they can slow down.
You can see the captain at the stern giving the pilot some instructions.

Robel says to his crew "Alright, looks like they're ready for a fight. Keep your weapons away until we get the signal from the guards. Our main goal is to keep them off the ship and to protect each other."

I'll switch to 5ft squares next.
Https://vnjtoa.by.files.1drv.com/y4mFRTMFeb8ISgJMFh4QBtej7YKkng98NrZjpSh4NFItqjMcmE y0hXnTx4k1vImO6Z9KeP1wkw74j5ippL9KqME_trR2ksCuaUBY Mp79ebBnlvYvS-OCRNsVLg9RChMuQ-GoegIsyymwUkf6rR8j8vo750TWlJM1nK2n7y6OmlLgG-bdySDQfF5qWeJixwnqOqh

[Daishain]

'Cassandra' shakes her head, "I could wrap the gun in oilcloth, but then it would take too long to retrieve. I had planned on leaving it here. Are there any amongst you capable of making good use of it? I can get myself and Olivia up the side. Its as easy as a hop, skip, and a jump."

In answer to Olivia's question, she states, "The spell I am about to cast on you will last for three minutes. It will allow you to swim like a fish, but not to breathe like one. So how long we can remain underwater depends on our ability to hold our breath. The speed granted by the spell should be sufficient for this purpose, but still, I suggest keeping steady on your course and not wasting time floundering."

She hesitates for a moment before stating, "Since we are about to shed blood together, I think it time. My true name is Ariadne, and I am honored to count you all as companions."

[samduke]

Think 2 minutes maybe 3 holding is max my pistol will be fine underwater i think1 or 2 attempts at the rudder then up we go to fight

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku shakes his head. "Ariadne or Cassandra. I call you friend. Give your gun to Shaddup. He's a noisome beast but he'll deliver it to you when you come up the other side. Go now. They are closing fast. Cut their rudder and we shall strike. Tonight we shall feast together and you can tell me your tale of hidden names. It sounds a fine one." With that he moves to the men and tells them to prepare for boarding. To Robel he says, "Keep it so they must turn to catch us. Once they start to drift from lack of a rudder, turn into them so that we can board. We will strike quickly and rid the sea of their plague."

[Daishain]

Ariadne smiles and hands her pistol over. Then she beckons to Olivia as she starts to clamber over the side of the ship opposite to where the pirates are approaching from. "If someone could wave to us when they're close enough to swim towards, that would be most appreciated."

Ariadne will tie a short length of rope around her waist and a handloop in the other end. Giving the loop to Olivia, she waits. Once they get the signal, she will cast a spell upon Olivia, causing the woman's hands and feet to morph into appendages more suitable to an amphibian.

Olivia now has a swim speed of 30', and can take the 'run' action while swimming. This transformation explicitly does not interfere with the normal function of her hands and feet. Ariadne will be swimming as hard as she can as well so as to not just be a dead weight dragged behind Olivia. The pair will intercept the other ship's rear, cut their rudder, and then move to board from the side away from the fishermen's vessel.
Ariadne's swim check. [roll0]

[Erloas]

Robel says "I can do that. Since their coming in partially against the wind I expect their prow to fairly quickly head away as soon as they loose control. Although they can still do some steering and control with the sails if they are good" [As mentioned previously, the wind is coming from the west]

The lookout on the front of the ship is watching with his bow at the ready but not prepared to shoot. The mate is still working with the crew, waiting where they expect the ships to meet. A few of the crew in the riggings are starting to pull up a few of the sails to drop speed.

As Ariadne casts her spell her and Olivia climb down a rope ladder from the rail on the back side away from the incoming ship. Right at the water level, just before jumping in.

https://vni3tw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mAR_5WqsqNu7r4e_fvF0hU8SJldSoj5Nfp5M9G7idtZGJ4NC EgeR8lFm7gj4sgMxO_sqowXI14oSXSmTRZH1Xma9Rx0pux_KlH tSQ8jkmGOvutSyiynVL27dPXqXHP_n3_DJPYrmYk-Ue0Gxy-6jpjqLYhejJdJM_BXzHGs6G1QVmwt0DY6yFCMMj8lvl_Hgq

[samduke]

jumping over with cassandra loop in off hand.

SPELL* standard +8 bonus on Swim check [roll0]
Constitution check to hold breath for time [roll1]
when at rudder area attack rolls without underwater modifiers
ATK 1: [roll2] confirm crit [roll3] damage: [roll4]
ATK 2: [roll5] confirm crit [roll6] damage: [roll7]
swim upto aft of enemy ship Climb check if needed [roll8]

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku gives the signal to begin swimming to the enemy ship.

[Erloas]

The ship comes in and starts to turn a bit to match direction. They're slowing down slightly too. The lookout doesn't seem to be paying any attention to the water. But as they approach he pulls out an arrow and sends in flying at the crew, seeming more of a warning shot than anything else. And with that he yells "This doesn't have to be hard, just get anything of value you have out onto the deck, and if you're fast about it and we don't find you trying to hide anything, we might not even have to kill anyone!"

https://t9i3tw.by.files.1drv.com/y4m6KPMsNNiqC19jMUnlwngZuo0mfREdI7AnUCrZDnIpJp11PP kL7GhqoU47C2KGJPM4BRSpcWet1wtEb9xH05wvSUoEaCau47VY s-mOsS6Mk3c1jJRCzUNfYV2fvNbBjc1wxkdCZS0U-MK97yaBx7mVsy02GLaVNjY9Dl-0I-bxmHK9nOdgwTK-gOiJndTq8Ah
[I had been waiting for each of you to post. Even if you're just waiting]

[samduke]

if i look at the map correctly we appear to be at P19 so a swim to M19 or there abouts should put us under the rudder area when it comes along side our ship we can then do the rudder rope attacks (pre-rolled) and then board as planned

[optimumsquare]

"Oh, sure," Bodaku calls back to the pirate. "We'll just get right on that." Lowering his voice so the pirates can't hear, he speaks to the crew. "Get in postions and make it look like we're following their commands. As soon as they start to drift, we'll turn hard into them and board."

[Erloas]

Olivia and Ariadne slip below the hull as the ship passes over them and grab onto the rudder. The mechanisms to move the rudder are inside the ship but there seems to be plenty of places around the joints where the rudder could be jammed into place with a knife or sword. You could keep the ship going straight or get it to push away from or towards the fishing ship.

On deck a couple of the crew head to the stairs to go below deck as if to retrieve items. The closest pirate is watching but not directly doing anything. The one running the crew is preparing his crew to throw over hooks once they get a bit closer.

https://tti3tw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mVAYQgh3rpE1vG79zYjWwWyTDl7aGc4bHfBqi6JcHhJSMlqQ 9lZKfKaCCYZnhREdzdt9f70nZTHD3AjCMpCk6HMtyKjuFmjH1W XA_FGSmBxizteqGM-LOiDOb4ekRlieq0S8j-1bh6OKpzNxULB6t83fpaZ5uxo7lREF41xwJNQIgtizNrXVSvM7 qsk88frm4

[Daishain]

Ariadne whispers to Olivia, "Lets jam it so the pirate ship is forced to turn away and sail in circles, but only just after initial contact. I'm going up to ready a surprise for them, use the rope to climb up after me when done."

Olivia focuses on one of her gifts, and smiles when she feels the telltale lightening of her body. Gripping the stern of the ship in order to stay with it, she floats upwards to hover just out of sight behind whoever is manning the tiller.

Activating a Levitate spell via Flight Hex. Readied action to cast Vomit Swarm onto the deck upon her discovery, the initiation of violence by either side, or the pirate crew reacting to the jammed tiller, whichever happens first. The latter will produce a Spider Swarm (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/vermin/spider/spider-swarm/) that is NOT under her direct control and will instead focus on the nearest targets. Note that the swarm is immune to normal weapon damage.

[samduke]

rudder could be jammed into place with a knife or sword
Olivia takes the time to wait for the ship rudder to turn right and then the effort needed to jam the rudder full over right with her [hunting knife] ( See OOC for rolls Knowledge Engineering [24] , Profession Sailor [23], Str [12], Dex [19] ) which should cause the ship into a fixed tight right turn, then surfaces to climb and board from aft

edit for item useage

[optimumsquare]

As the pirate ship starts to turn, Bodaku gives Robel a nudge. At least he means for it to be a nudge. Bodaku is a excited and might just push a little too hard. "That's the signal!" He draws his cudgel and summons his eagles.
[roll0] eagles join the party.

[Daishain]

When things start to kick off, Ariadne pokes her head above the edge of the deck, just enough for her next action to be free of obstruction. Calling a foul series of words out, her speech is followed by a disgusting torrent of spiders spewing from the witch's mouth, all over the deck of the pirate ship. Within moments the things are ganging up and biting anyone nearby.

If the tiny creatures are too close still when Olivia is looking to hop aboard, Ariadne will bid her to pause, saying, "The little ones only see food, they'll eat you up without paying me any heed if you get too close."

Ariadne will stay in as much cover as the side of the ship can provide. She should enjoy a +4 to AC from anyone not right on top of her.

[Erloas]

As the captain turns the ship to come inline with Robel's ship Olivia takes the movement of the rudder as her cue and pushes it farther in that direction, using his own movement against him. It catches him off guard as the wheel jerks but catches it before it moves too far. Olivia jammers her dagger in part of the hinge and works it in as the captain tries to move the wheel back where he wanted it. The jerk of the ship isn't hard but enough that the others notice something isn't right. The mate looks back and yells "what are you doing to drunk fool! You're supposed to save the drinking until we get back." Then turning back to the crew he says "get ready to throw the hooks, hes not going to make this easy on us"
As this is happening Ariadne opens her mouth and spiders come flooding out onto the deck and quickly starts climbing up the captain's legs. He shakes his legs briefly as they first start, not realizing what is there. Moments later he starts to feel their biting and looks down and screams. "AAAAHHH!"

https://v9kcqg.by.files.1drv.com/y4mJpRcedC5N6IagMzLgun4TLB5Q8Vh31-TEkGr4OROKbp1bLseyP_Sh4cDGvL4VEE29_h1kwqUooRX8S7Vt uKYQhKShW58oQLBF5bdi1RUxMFbXxrxavqOsgbX0_ocYMn6QYn tMvKPsO724hkZZYMyjPs46VVWrJ6NWgF0Oqeo98c2tdfyewrXf cI4NO6lcSos


I'm pretty sure that was the way you wanted the ship to go, if I messed it up let me know.

I don't think Adriande did anything attach a rope for Olivia to climb yet did she?
Where is the eagle being summoned to?

Surprise round is over

swarm damage
[roll0]

Initiative
pirates:
[roll1]
Adriadne
[roll2]
Olivia
[roll3]
Bodaku
[roll4]



Everyone goes before the pirates=>

[Daishain]

Ariadne quickly shifts focus and casts another spell, sending a cascade of golden particles to flurry around the pirates.

Ariadne has a rope around her waist, Olivia has the other end. Between the levitation spell and hanging on the side of the ship, she should have more than enough anchorage for a climb.

Oh, I forgot to mention a Prep item. Magic armor is another spell she'd have cast on herself while waiting for the ships to get in position. Current AC is 18.

Targeting a Glitterdust at the largest concentration of pirates available. That's a 10' radius spread, so should be able to cover most of the forward section of the ship where I assume they're gathering. That's a DC 16 Will save vs blindness for three rounds, along with a -40 to stealth whether or not they pass the will save (though that bit is less likely to come into play)

[optimumsquare]

With a grin that is all teeth, Bodaku pours some water into his hand from a water skin. As he mumbles in a strange language, the few droplets turn into a floating ball. With a final shout, the water shoots out in a seemingly unending stream, arrowing at the pirate in the bow of the ship. As the stream strikes, the summoned eagle swoops down take advantage of his plight, while Shaddup waits for Olivia to appear so he can deliver her pistol.


Bodaku cast water jet (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/3rd-party-spells/rite-publishing-3rd-party-spells/w/water-jet/). Target must make a reflex save or be knocked prone. Also his eagle is going to attack the same guy. Shaddup will save his action until Olivia appears.
Rolls
Save for pirate [roll0] + reflex
Damage for water jet [roll1]
Attack for eagle [roll2]
Damage for eagle[roll3]
Think that's everything

[samduke]

olivia still holdiing onto the rope with her of hand, climbs to the deck rail, waits for an opening on the deck for the spiders to clear out before standing on the deck, during that time she draws her pistol and spends the round aiming at the captain's head. ( hoping aimed shot will grant advantage next round )

[Daishain]

Ariadne spots Shaddup approaching with her and Olivia's pistols and quickly waves the bird on down so she has more than spells on hand. The witch quickly hands Olivia her weapon when she climbs up.

It was originally my pistol left behind, but Olivia would face the same problem with water ruining the shot if she had actually dragged it underwater, so hopefully this alteration is acceptable to all in the name of moving on.

[Erloas]

The dust settles over the mate and the majority of the crew causing most of them to to be blinded.

The jet of water shoots from Bodaku's hand and bowls over the scout in the front of the boat. Then the summoned eagle swoops in and digs its claws into him. He lays slumped at the rail of the ship.

The captain turns to see where the spiders came from just as Olivia is climbing over the rail. He fires off a shot at her. Then runs towards the crew yelling "they've jammed the steering, get the grapples out"

The crew try to comply, throwing the grapples towards the ship. But with most not being able to see, few of the grapples even come close. One hits the ship but slides off the deck without finding purchase.

With the rudder jammed the ship turns faster than it had been and rather than turning parallel to Robel's ship, it starts to turn back out towards open water. There is maybe 5 feet between the ships and the mate and the majority of the crew have pulled even with Bodaku. The captain has made it just past the center mast with the spiders between him and Olivia and Ariadne.

Shaddup flies down to the rail beside Ariadne with the bundle of her gun attached, but seems a bit occupied by the spiders swarming below.

Really sorry it took so long to get this up. It seems my NPCs didn't make it to my papers and I had just enough other stuff going on that I never got a chance to find them again. I've got them all on my papers now.

Reflex save, I believe the DC for your spells is 16 right? Not on your sheet

Will save glitterdust
mate
[roll0] vs dc 16
crew
[roll1] vs dc 16 (not a direct save, more an idea of how many saved vs failed)

grapples
mate
[roll2]
if blind
[roll3]
crew
[roll4]


captains attack
pistol
[roll5] vs touch ac
damage
[roll6]


full parties turn =>

[samduke]

full parties turn =>
having just been grazed by the captain's shot, she draws her pistol shouting at the captain Surrender!
and then she spends the round aiming her pistol at the captain's head. ( hoping aimed shot will grant advantage next round )
Intimidate [roll0] - (OOC not sure if there are any other modifiers that would boost this roll - otherwise hes probably not afraid)

[Daishain]

Ariadne tries to coax Shaddup a little closer, "Hey pretty bird, can I have that please?" Meanwhile she waggles her fingers at the captain, seeing as he's still apparently a problem.

Using Misfortune Hex: Captain makes a DC 15 Will save vs disadvantage (roll twice, take worse result) on all d20 rolls he makes for the next round.

[optimumsquare]

The only other prepared spell Bodaku has that could help is produce flame, which he's loath to cast on a wooden thing he's trying to take for himself and his friends. He can however cast summon Natures ally spontaneously. He's already burned his two second level spots, so he will summon, wait for it, another eagle. The two raptors move towards the scent of blood (whoever is wounded more). After it appears from the clear sky, he yells to Shaddup. "Spirits of the sea, earth and sky! Just drop the damn thing you stupid bird and get to work! It's not too late to get that shark!"


Eagle 1 attacks: [roll0]
Eagle 1 damage: [roll1]
Eagle 2 attacks: [roll2]
Eagle 2 damage: [roll3]
(I'm assuming the eagles get one attack each since they each have to move, Also, I think I've been under roling on my eagle attack roles. )
Edit: And one of them crit!

[optimumsquare]

Shaddup drops the pistol and eyes Bodaku menacingly. "Where's my dinner!" the bird squaks. Bodaku recoils slightly as the Shaddup dives for the captain.


If Shaddup can attack

[roll]1d4+2]

[Erloas]

After Ariadne gets her pistol from Shaddup the bird flies up to the captain.

The eagles swarm the mate taking some big gouges out of his flesh. The mate swings wildly at the eagles attacking him.

The captain steps back away from Shaddup, pulls his musket and takes another shot at Olivia.


Will vs misfortune
[roll0] vs dc 15

mate vs eagle [roll1]
Attack: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]
blind: [roll4]

captain vs olivia
Attack: [roll5] vs touch
Attack: [roll6] (if misfortuned)
damage: [roll7]


parties turn =>

[samduke]

edit (OOC might actually miss this)

Olivia aptly dodges the 2nd shot in her direction, seeing the captain unfazed by her warning she takes her shot
Called Shot Head -5 on attack roll vs AC
[roll0] Confirm Crit [roll1] +
Damage [roll2] if it hits target sickened for 1d4 rounds

edit move action draw cutlass

[optimumsquare]

With a silent prayer that this doesn't end in tears, Bodaku gets a running start and leaps across the railing.


[roll0]

[Daishain]

Ariadne swiftly retrieves her pistol and fires at the captain. The sooner he's down the better, that blinding spell won't last forever on the crew.

[roll0] vs touch AC [roll1]

[Erloas]

Olivia's shot flies right past the captain's head. But Ariadne's shot catches him.
The spider swarm continues to swarm the captain biting him but start to dissipate as he swats them off him.

Then with a running start Bodaku leaps from the fishing ship to the pirate ship, landing near the aft of the ship with Olivia and Araidne as the ships start to drift apart.

One eagle fades out of existence while the other continues to bit and claw at the mate, causing more damage.
The mate blindly swings back at the eagle, connecting and cutting it deeply. As it recovering from the hit some of the other crew around the mate that weren't blinded managed to catch it with a dagger and it falls to the deck and fades away.




spider damage
[roll0]
poison save
[roll1]
distraction
[roll2]

*note since I missed the distraction last round I'm doing it this time, this one will apply next if he fails

eagle attack
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

mate attack
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]

[samduke]

**Round 3 Actions**
cutlass primary hand, pistol off hand, (pistol should count as a light weapon for attacks with both -4 / -8)

Move action: close distance to Melee the captain, Swing Sword, Fire pistol

Cutlass to hit [roll0] : confirm crit [roll1] : damage [roll2]

Pistol to hit [roll3] : confirm crit [roll4] : damage [roll5]

edit this is what i get for trying to dual wield with out the twf feat tree.. at least the pistol hit him this time

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku charges the nearest enemy, saving his remaing spells for healing

attack [roll0] damage [roll1]

[Daishain]

Ariadne reloads and fires again.

[roll0] [roll1]

[Erloas]

Oliva misses with her sword but catches the captain with her pistol. Bodaku charges in right beside her and swings his club but the captain manages to dodge out of the way.
As the mate and some of the crew regain site the mate shouts "help the captain, I'll make the caster pay!" as he charges off towards Ariadne, cutting at her with his sword. The crew move up and swarm Olivia and Bodaku. The captain takes a step back as the crew rushes in, takes a moment to reload his pistol and then fires it at Olivia.


crew damage (treating them much like a swarm, but not mindless)
[roll0] damage to Bodaku
[roll1] damage to Olivia

captain
attack
[roll2] vs touch
damage
[roll3]

Mate
attack
[roll4] vs standard AC (includes charge, -2 to his AC due to charge also)
damage
[roll5]

[optimumsquare]

Since we seem to have forgotten about the psychotic birds, they will continue to assault whoever is more wounded (the captain I think).


Eagle
[roll0]
[roll1]
Shaddup
[roll2]
[roll3]

[samduke]

**Round 4 Actions**
cutlass primary hand, pistol off hand, (pistol should count as a light weapon for attacks with both -4 / -8)

Move action: close distance to Flank (+2 to hit) & Melee the captain, Swing Sword, Fire pistol

Cutlass to hit [roll0] : confirm crit [roll1] : damage [roll2]

Pistol to hit [roll3] : confirm crit [roll4] : damage [roll5]

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku puts his hand on Olivia's shoulder and focuses. The power of life itself flows through him. While he focuses on the living, his feathered companions focus on death.


[roll0]
Bird attacks
Eagle:
Bite [roll1] [roll2]
Claw [roll3] [roll4]
Claw [roll5] [roll6]
Shaddup
Bite [roll7] [roll8]
Claw [roll9] [roll10]
Claw [roll11] [roll12]

[Daishain]

Ariadne shifts away from the blade and casts another spell, at the captain again. Her shriek is soundless to all but her target as it threatens to shatter his eardrums.

Where is the fire support from the fishermen crew? I was hoping they would at least down a good portion of the pirate crew before that glitterdust wore off.

Taking a 5' step out of reach before casting. Down to only one spell after this one, and its not very good. But anywho. Ear Piercing Scream on the captain. DC 15 Fort save. success means half of [roll0] damage. Failure means that full damage plus being dazed for one round.

[Erloas]

The eagle catches the captain with a claw, ripping into his arm. Shaddup doesn't get past his armor. Olivia doesn't have the hang of fighting with mixed weapons yet and misses both of her attacks.
The captain flinches in pain as the witch's scream fills his head, disoriented but still standing, but looking very ragged and cut up.

The crew continues swarming around Bodaku and Olivia, no one of them able to strike a telling blow but too many to dodge them all and both take some hits.
The mate again steps up and swings at Ariadne. While looking like a seasoned fighter and used to fighting, he's also looking very wounded.


Robel's crew was almost entirely melee weapons, so without boarding there isn't too much they can do. Robel and Lita both had ranged weapons and one of the foreman did too. Robel is mostly occupied steering the ship though.

Captain is dazed

The enemy crew are going to be a lot easier to demoralize than regular NPCs, you suspect they're not going to fight to the death. Also not sure if I made clear, they're not going to get AOOs.

crews damage vs
Bodaku [roll0]
Olivia [roll1]

Mates attack vs Ariadne
attack [roll2]
damage [roll3]


party's turn

[samduke]

**Round 5 Actions**
Move action: put pistol in waistband
attacking captain
2 handed Cutlass to hit [roll0] : confirm crit [roll1] : damage [roll2] -edit: not sure if there is a flank bonus to be granted from previous so not applied

[optimumsquare]

"This would be so much easier if you just surrendered!" Bodaku muscles through to attack the captain as the birds continue their assault


Bodaku's attack [roll0] Bodaku's damage[roll1]
Eagle's bite attack [roll2] Eagle's bite damage [roll3]
Eagle's claw attack [roll4] Eagle's claw damage [roll5]
Eagle's claw attack [roll6] Eagle's claw damage [roll7]
Shaddup's bite attack [roll8] Shaddup's bite damage [roll9]
Shaddup's claw attack [roll10] Shaddup's claw damage [roll11]
Shaddup's claw attack [roll12] Shaddup's claw damage [roll13]

Jesus christ why did I build a summoner class

[Erloas]

The captain dodges out of Olivia's attack but the eagle and Shaddup sink their claws into him and he collapses unconscious to the ground.

Still in the same turn, just letting you know the captain is down. Ariadne still has her turn before the mate and crew.

[Daishain]

Ariadne barely ducks under the mate's weapon. Rather than risk another hit, she lets go of the ship's railing and floats in place, letting the vessel move off on its circular course as she reloads her pistol and fires again, at the Mate this time. Hopefully the fishermen's vessel will pick her up in a moment, if not the pirate ship should pass by here again shortly.

[roll0] vs touch AC [roll1]

[Erloas]

Ariadne's shot catches the mate solidly and he drops to the deck. The crew looks momentarily unsure of what to do, with looks between anger, fear, uncertainty, relief across the various members still standing. Shaddup is still latched onto the captain's arm on the deck and the eagle fades away. You feel you have mere moments before the crew process what's happened and start to do something.

Ariadne hovers over the water as the ship drifts away. With a moment to look around you see Robel's ship is still close by and you can see them scrambling around the rear of the ship around the jollyboat.


[roll0]

[samduke]

Olivia seeing both the captain and mate drop moves quickly to the captain, hoisting his body up, from behind him, placing her blades sharp edge across his throat. (to the pirate crew) Drop your weapons!

[optimumsquare]

Olivia seeing both the captain and mate drop moves quickly to the captain, hoisting his body up, from behind him, placing her blades sharp edge across his throat. (to the pirate crew) Drop your weapons!

"Or I swear I will eat your livers!"

[Daishain]

Ariadne slides a little further up into the air, calling out, "You had best listen to them while I am still in a forgiving mood. Perhaps you would care to see more of those spiders?"

Attempting an intimidate check. Its not really my forte, but its better than nothing, [roll0]

[Erloas]

The fight that was left in some of the crew has drained out, most of them drop their weapons, a few just lower their's. You hear a few of them say "please don't kill us" "at least leave us on the shore" "I always said that idiot would get us killed" and similar mutterings, but no clear action from anyone. A few moments later Olivia feels the captain become a bit less dead weight and he opens his eyes with a moan.

On Robel's boat they've finally got the jollyboat in the water with a few crew in it.

[samduke]

The fight that was left in some of the crew has drained out, most of them drop their weapons, a few just lower their's. You hear a few of them say "please don't kill us" "at least leave us on the shore" "I always said that idiot would get us killed" and similar mutterings, but no clear action from anyone. A few moments later Olivia feels the captain become a bit less dead weight and he opens his eyes with a moan.

On Robel's boat they've finally got the jollyboat in the water with a few crew in it.

Olivia feeling the captain stir, turn her blade skyward and drives the pommel into his head for non-leathal - intent to knock the guy out for a while

[samduke]

All right we agree, we will not kill you, but for the time all of you must place your weapons aft by the wheel. We will then have you back at shore as soon as we can and if you assist in that, we will even pay you an honest wage.

[Daishain]

The fight over, Ariadne lowers herself back into the water and swims over to the pirate ship, she snatches Olivia's knife from where it jams the rudder mechanism, and then once again uses her waning levitation spell to move up the ship's side with minimal effort.

Once there she states, "I quite agree, we can certainly see our way to leaving you on the shore. Don't give us any further trouble, and we'll make sure its a hospitable one. I think we shall keep your captain though, he is responsible for your actions after all. Just a word of advice dearies, in case you ever start thinking about returning to this sort of life again, even the weakest of prey can find protectors stronger than you."

As she speaks, the witch casually starts using magic to repair the tears in her companion's clothing incurred during the fighting. Partly to keep what she can do fresh in the pirate crew's minds.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku laughs as the pirates leave their weapons behind. "Well fought!" he says jovially to his companions. "I'm glad they surrendered. Some of them look a little stringy and would have made for poor eating. Eh? Eh?" He elbows one of the with sense of camaraderie that is clearly not shared. "I'll go take inventory of our new ship. In the meantime, why don't we drop anchor and see to that rudder?" Once the anchor is dropped, he inspects the ships cargo and facilities.

[Erloas]

Araidne drops into the water and starts to swim towards the ship, but with some sails down isn't making good progress. Luckily the jollyboat quickly gets to her, pulls her in and after her direction takes her back to the pirate ship. A quick check of the dagger in the rudder finds that it has been jammed in tightly and the force of the water and wheel have embedded it into the wood. It looks like it can be removed but it will take a bit of coordination to figure out.
After that Araidne floats up to the deck and makes her statement and starts making the minor repairs.

As the ship turns across the wind and not yet having anyone at control the ship is rocking fairly hard and one of the crew suggests the remaining sails should be raised quickly.

Robel has slowly started to keep relatively close but not too close since the ship isn't under control yet.

Bodaku checks on the scout and mate and find both of them have bleed out. The captain, still in Olivia's grip, is alive but not doing well.

Looking over the crew, you can see that some look like they're doing pretty well, but others look very thin and not in great shape. The officers don't look like they've been missing meals like some of the crew have. Right now the crew seem very unsure of what is going to happen to them or what they should be doing. But they have complied with orders and have piled their weapons on the aft of the ship. Some seem much more willing to help than others but they're all acting cautiously.

[samduke]

Olivia tightly binds the captains arms, if the mate is not dead bind their arms as well then she will prepare the extract cure light wounds [roll0] and will give that to the captain. and if the mate is in similar condition one bound extract cure light wounds [roll1]
then once the captain is stable, she will drag the captain to the wheel area and take command ordering the crew to get the sails furled for the time. (this will cause the ship to stop moving with the wind) once that is done she can work with Araidne to free the rudder. in the meanwhile we can provide food stuffs to the hungry crew and if there are any other officers olivia will suggest that they also get their hands bound and placed with the others near the wheel as prisoners.

[optimumsquare]

Once Adrienne is aboard, Bodaku pulls his companions aside. "Now what?" he asks. "We seem to be in a bit of luck that the captain mistreated his crew. It may be that we can guarentee their loyalty for the few days we need to get back to port with nothing more than a good meal, and we just so happen to know a fisherman who owes us a favor." Bodaku knows in his soul that all problems can be solved with the correct application of food. "We can lock up the officers and the trouble makers, preferably on Robel's ship where they cant stir things up. As an added punishment, they will only eat these measly tack biscuits. Thoughts?"

[samduke]

Once Adrienne is aboard, Bodaku pulls his companions aside. "Now what?" he asks. "We seem to be in a bit of luck that the captain mistreated his crew. It may be that we can guarentee their loyalty for the few days we need to get back to port with nothing more than a good meal, and we just so happen to know a fisherman who owes us a favor." Bodaku knows in his soul that all problems can be solved with the correct application of food. "We can lock up the officers and the trouble makers, preferably on Robel's ship where they cant stir things up. As an added punishment, they will only eat these measly tack biscuits. Thoughts?"

Robel he does owe us, I can't think of a better way to treat this pirate crew than to give them good food.
as for the pirate scum lower officers, bind them below decks and give them nothing more than what the crew had for rations. This captain however will get no more than mere bread and water, I am tempted to tie him to the mast and let him bake for a few hours, but bound on deck by the wheel he is and shall remain, right where at least one of us will always be able keep an eye on him.

[Erloas]

The few crew that came from Robel's ship on the jollyboat have tied the boat to the ship and are looking over things with you guys. They help get the sails furled and help coordinate someone at the wheel while a couple people on the rudder get the dagger out, it wasn't a hard task, it just took a few people working together.

The mate and scout have died, much of the crew has cuts and wounds, in varying states of healing, but none in dire straights. The captain is conscious and tied up, watching warrily but as of yet hasn't tried to do anything. There are 15 crew on the ship, on the lighter side for a ship of this size but not too few to sail. A few have went back to general ship duties, you get the feeling this isn't the first hostile captain change they've seen, or maybe they're hoping to just blend into the background. The talk of food seems to have caught some interested looks from some. You get a sense from many that they're used to doing what they're told rather than offering up information.

Bodaku waves over Robel and after a little while he works on pulling his ship up to the captured ship and they are tied together enough that they don't drift apart. Broached on the subject of supplying food Robel says "I'm sure we can arrange something, but it's going to take some negotiations. If you'll remember, we're still fairly early into our trip and our holds aren't that full yet. I'm also a bit hesitant to stay without any guards but leaving this early into the trip will not fetch much at the markets. What are you proposing?"

[samduke]

Robel, while I know this may seem an imposition considering all things, but how many days sail is it back to port?
I would be happy to forgo my share of payment for your loss of time at fishing for the days lost going back to port and back to the fishing grounds. as to the food supplies I can offer fair market value for that which these consume until we reach port. then you could return with a different guard with minimal time loss from fishing

[Daishain]

Once the weapons are secured, Ariadne moves amongst the pirate crew, whispering soft words of reassurance as she tends to their hurts. Of course, undoubtedly her method of healing them inspires some fear as she makes use of her familiar's venom to heal injuries, holding firm anyone that tries to squirm away before they get the treatment they need. She asks for their names, about how they got here, and other things, trying to get a sense of who they are.

As the discussion of what to do next occurs, Ariadne raises a hand for attention, "We agreed to guard you for the trip, and while the main threat you hired us for is now dealt with, I would not choose to renege on that bargain. But we need to deal with the captain here. What I propose is this, keep fishing, we'll make for the nearest port with some manner of legal authority, dump off the prisoner, swap this crew for another, and return as quickly as we can. If you can spare enough food for that round trip, that can count against what we have already earned."

She pauses for a moment before continuing, "Of course, there is a simpler means of dealing with the issue. This man has done you harm, as captain, you have the legal and moral right to mete out justice here. We can easily dump him overboard, leave him on some tiny spit of land, or be merciful and just give him a clean execution now. It'd save time before he is hung by whoever we hand him to anyways. Get rid of him now, and we can continue to keep guard over your voyage from this newly appropriated ship."

"Of course, then the question becomes what to do with the crew. We'll need to keep a careful eye on them. But they seem unlikely to cause trouble for the moment, and from the looks of them, decent meals would be enough to make them happy for a while. We can put them to work, even helping with the fishing. This ship may not be ideal for the work, but the two ships working together could increase your yield by a notable degree. The additional food usage can come out of our shares, but I believe we can make up the difference with the extra hands."

"And then once the voyage is done, well, we can decide if any of these lads are worth keeping on for our crew on other journeys. Some of them seem rather decent, just down on their luck."

Extensive use of the healing hex on the crew, anyone injured there gets 1d8+3 hp. Same goes for any injuries on our end.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku scratches his chin. "Sounds like a good plan to me." He lowers his voice. "We got that creepy guy with the skull mask. If any of them get out of line, we can just leave them alone with him."

[samduke]

all right then lets split up some of us here, some of us with Robel's crew. and collectivly fishish up this fishing trip turning to robel Robel what say you as to the fate of this pirate captain?

[Erloas]

Araidne gets a few stories from the crew as she looks over them. A few are little more than slaves, having been found or captured, some were willingly recruited to serve on the ship, some claiming they didn't know the captain was a pirate at the time, some say little to nothing. There is a mix of the common races, some a close to "local" as you can be on the ocean, others from far off and others not offering up any information on their background. A few have been on the ship with it's previous captain, some are fresh faced, but rough, kids. You get the feeling there is a lot intentionally left unanswered. [Feel free to go farther into anything if you care to]

Robel says "The closest port is Nuat, though that is more outposts and supplies for the Rahadoumi fleet than open port. It is about a day away. After that Botosani is the next closest, not that much farther and at least half a day closer than Azir.

As for the captain, I would as soon see him dead and feeding the fish as anything. While the navy does pay bounty it's generally not much unless the captain is well known, otherwise someone managed to capture more "pirates captains" than there are ships. Worrying about guards and limited supplies just to have someone else kill him doesn't seem worth the effort.

I would prefer having a few extra skilled hands on guard duty or running two ships to going back to port. If we stayed close we could put the crab pots on your ship and we could run the nets and transfer goods between the ships daily. That ship isn't designed for fishing and processing but with a little work and mixing the crews it could be serviceable.
Seeing that you're not entirely set on what you want to do I'll let you deliberate a bit more about it."

[samduke]

Oliva will walk over and talk with each of the pirate crew and see what their stories are questioning them, investigating things. After she will ask each "if they will assist us with a few days work where they will get an honest days wage and good food, then once back to port they will be free to leave if they wish."

Peception 7 [roll0]
Sense Motives 1 [roll1]
Knowledge (any) untrained [roll2]

After she is done with that she will return to Robel.
Robel we agreed to help you with this fishing trip. let us feed these poor bastards keep this lot over here send some of us to assist you on your ship, I and a few can remain on this ship clear the deck so that it can store crab pots as you suggest, we can run close together this will afford some extra protection for your ship. As to this pirate captain maybe it is best if we keel hull him, tie him to the bow or mast, hang him, or just outright slay him and toss the flesh overboard. In the end Robel you are technically the law out here by right of being an actual captain. If what you say is true about the ports it is probably more hassle than it is worth to turn the captain in for a reward. So I defer to you to pass judgement on his head.

[Erloas]

Having taken everything of worth from the scout and the mate's corpses you toss them overboard. Having also stripped the captain Robel gets his musket from the pile of weapons and takes him to the edge of the ship. He reloads the musket, tosses the captain overboard then shoots him. Then says to the crew "remember that this is how a pirates life often ends" as he returns the musket to the pile. "We can make you legitimate sailors, so work well until we get done and you'll be treated well and you'll make it back to port."

With that Robel, Lita, and his crew start to look over the other crew and make plans for how to split people up.

With a bit of time you get a chance to look over the ship and equipment. Much of the equipment is rather mundane, only the officers had any good equipment.

You've found:
the scout had
a very fine looking composite shortbow, a bit of testing and it seems to be a +1 str weight
very fine looking leather armor and shortsword
the mate had a very nice looking longsword and beastplate
the captain's pistol and musket look of fine quality as well. He had leather lamellar armor that looks to be of an unusual type of leather, as well as a bracer that looks to have magical runes carved into it.

A bit of looking over the ship and you see it below. Although not in nearly as good of shape as the picture, and much of the bottom two levels are much more open, it looks like the ship used to be a merchant vessel, with plenty of room for goods in the hold rather than rooms. (although exactly what is to be found in them you'll find as you get there. Just saying it isn't exactly like the picture)

https://pnkqrg.by.files.1drv.com/y4mxBQyHr_YdBZ1VApQ9ABcuBkENsBzQhNnPBdqoefYcgljUhG 802OOpde-GV4Bgm6lWM6neSXdWTRBv_hPAcfiJkz-Cif9y08mrOL_t7jACm3EPIQW-ptUn41HUXtILVxyScbiJ7pWfPTxu0qcDZAhDCsXXK3wVL2of8R PNRwIlhT6KX2EcdI0IjXXooUc7JGF

[I'll get more on the crew later]

[Daishain]

Ariadne spends much of her time over the following days getting to know the new crewmen. She does what she can to encourage and inspire them to settle into the new life being offered, heading off conflicts before they begin when she can. Most of all, she watches for crewmen who show talent and dedication, making sure those people are rewarded in some way. And if someone seems likely to cause significant trouble, she'll make sure to inspire a bit of terror in their hearts, often by a scene starting with them wake to the sight of her sea krait familiar looming over them.

When certain of the relative loyalties of enough of those crewmen, she'll recommend that the ones she trusts be given back their weapons and asked to help ensure order.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku assists in the best way he knows how, preparing food. Using whatever catch is available from the materials transfered to the new ship, without taking too much from Robel (although Robel and Bodaku may have a different definition of what equals "too much"), he ensures that there is a warm meal at the end of every work shift. He is always present at these events, laughing and joking with the crew, attempting to learn their names, even though he's terrible with names. Although his manner is light, he is wary. These are former pirates afterall. He keeps a close eye on them. (Sense motive [roll0]) During one of these meals, he calls over Cassandra and Olivia. "My friends, I just realized we have committed a grave oversight. We have not yet named our new vessel. We cannot let it keep the name it bore while committing foul deeds. We must rechristen her, for surely it would be bad luck to sail under a nameless ship." He rubs his bald head. "I confess, I've not given it thought until just now. Perhaps, the 'Jaws of the Sea'? Hmmm..." He thinks on the name for a bit. "What do you think?"

[Erloas]

After further examination you figure out that the bracers are +1 Bracers of Armor and that the lamellar armor is made of darkleaf and +1.
The rest of the items are all masterwork quality but non-magical.

As you search the officer's room you find each has a small chest and they're all locked but the keys are found around the rooms. You also found a number of empty potion bottles but do find a few that haven't been used, two of monkeyfish, one endure elements, and one jump. You also find that there are some masterwork tools around, one for making poisons, one for crafting arrows, and one for bullets, as well as three kegs of black powder (5lbs). You also find a fine feather with a picture of an anchor painted on it.
Between the three you find 271gold and 17 minor gems. There is also a cask of wine. There is also a map of the area with a few points along the shores marked but no clear indication what is being marked. There is also all of the mundane sorts of things you would expect, beds, clothing, furniture, etc, nothing fancy.

At this point you haven't went though the crews goods.
As you go through you find there is maybe a week's worth of provisions in the hold, but it is pretty basic fare. The hold has some lumber and some crates and baskets of various trade goods, some is ruined but some might still have some value.

The crew, brief
Older female half-orc and middle aged female dwarf that where on the ship when it was a trading vessel and only ones remaining from when it was taken over. They're pretty indifferent to the apparent changes.
A middle aged human male and younger male gnome that were bought as slaves, they say they weren't the only slaves but the only ones still around, a few having escaped but most having died. The human is helpful but the halfling is very quiet and meek.
Middle aged half-elf male that was picked up after being ship-wrecked, in a bit of despair.
Two were captured from another ship, an older female human that is frightened, and a middle ages male dwarf that is rather angry at everything.
The rest have all claim they're just there for the pay and didn't know it was a pirate ship when they signed on, though you get the feeling some did know and others were just looking for an adventure and didn't care. They have all generally been rather helpful now that they see which was things are going. They are middle aged human male, middle aged half-elf female, a younger female elf, younger male halfling, younger male human, younger female halfling, and a pair of younger half-orcs, male and female, that seem to be a pair.

[Erloas]

[If you would like to talk to and try to learn more about any of the crew talk to them and I'll expand on them, wasn't really sure how to really cover a lot of people at once]

Robel and Lita and their crew get a good meal prepared and get everyone feed. As the afternoon sets in Robel points out a few good places to try for crab and set up a meeting point to meet at the next day if the ships get out of visual range. "Before you head out, it looks like you'll be a little short handed, I'll have one of my crew leads join you with a few people to help get everyone some basic training. If you want to swap some more so you've got a few more people you can trust then let me know who you'll send over.

You really only have enough for two shifts, but you should make sure you've got at least one or two people you can trust watching at all times."

They've loaded a few days worth of empty barrels into the hold and made some suggestions on how to lay things out for cleaning and moving the crabs around, though it is much more make-shift than the troughs, tables, and slides on Robel's ship.

Once you figure out who's going to be on each ship you'll depart and head towards the islands channels.

[samduke]

thank you Robel for your offer maybe we can send you with say 4 or 6 of this lot and you could send over say 6 trusted with 1 or 2 of them as supervisor / trainer for this lot. and thank you for the information on where and how, we can probably make due and meet with you if needed at the area mentioned.
turning to the others well then lets get things squared away and prepare for crab, I think it best if we split the officer wheel watch between the three of us.

[Erloas]

As you're getting to know the crew you inform them that the ones who were captured or slaves are now free and once back to port, if no one causes problems before then, will be free to leave.
When it is announced that some of the crew will be swapped between ships there are several that request going to Robel's ship. You notice that it is the former slaves and others that were captured and that when they go below deck to get their things, their things really isn't much at all, a little clothes and little else. With the other members of your group staying with Robel to help guard his ship he feels comfortable sending you some of his more seasoned crew. You end up with 10 of the existing crew, and 8 of Robel's crew, one of which had been leading a shift and you had worked with, and other that has been training to lead a crew but hadn't actually started yet.

You start with two crews of 9, with 6 of the more experienced split into 2 groups of three that either stay up late or get up early to help run the ship at night.
You're first two shifts of crabbing go ok, people are still getting used to things, you've found piloting a ship this size is a little trickier than Robel made it seem and sometimes have to circle around to get the pots hooked, but it isn't going too bad considering. The night goes by uneventful.
Although you do find in the morning, when it is time for breakfast, that apparently all of the food prep was done by the crew that left for Robel's ship. They were clearly not considered real members of the crew by much of the rest of the crew. Bodaku did get food made, and got help from the crew to do it, but there was a lot of complaining and "not my job" comments being made. Between Bodaku and Ariadne's unusual and mysterious ways and the watchful eyes of their animals the crew seems to be on their best behavior. "Best" being relative, but a sharp glance or wry smile at this point is quelling any open fighting between the crew and complaining mostly hushed.


One of old hands, the female half-orc does come to you with some long standing maintenance issues that she said she has wanted to get fixed next time the ship is in port. Hoping you take it more serious, making it clear that the previous captain didn't. Olivia can see some of what the sailor said, that some of the main sails have been broken and then modified at sea, and while functional is limiting what the ship is capable of.

Around mid-day you meet up with Robel again and swap out barrels of crab for empty barrels and more chum for the cages.


While you are taking 8 hour shifts of piloting the ship, you can split it up so you've always got 2 people awake, or arrange it so you've got all three available in the morning or evening but only one awake during the night. Not sure who is going to cover morning, afternoon, and night.

knowledge (engineering)
[roll0]

crabbing
[roll1]
[roll2]

At this point I'm assuming you haven't told the crew what your ultimate plan is. So they're under the impression this is going to be a fishing vessel from now on.

You've got a chance right now to make any more changes between the crews or check with Robel for anything you might need. Decide who is going to be up when and similar. Also if you want to christen the new name for the ship. I'll speed up the time a bit once the general running of the ship and crew is agreed upon.

[samduke]

Olivia will take the time to talk with the crew about the state of repairs that are needed to the ship, and inventory all supplies, tools, material on board. Then see what can be used to effect a quality repair (OOC masterwork quality) to damaged portion of ship. Anything that can not be done at sea will need to wait for port.

Swapping around crew with Robel:
Robel let us take back two of this ships original lot send you over two from what is here now, we have a few repairs that might need immeadiate attention and then we can finish up this fishing trip and get back to port.

[Daishain]

Ariadne works with Olivia and the half orc to go over the maintenance issues. "All right dearie, lets see what we can do. We might even be able to manage some repairs now."

Willing to make liberal use of the Mending cantrip to help affect repairs to whatever degree you're willing to let me get away with, not to mention levitation to help with anything high up on the mast. Mending wouldn't be able to help much with a cracked keel or anything like that, but canvas/rope should be simple enough, especially in concert with conventional repair work. Should be able to improve the situation with the sails at the least.

If there's a situation where it would help for repairs (such as shifting any portion of the mast rigging), given advance warning to prep the spells, Ariadne can also turn up to five crewmen large sized at once for a few minutes. Obviously the primary subjects of this would not be problematic crewmen.

Arranging it so that two of us are up at any given point in time makes the most sense to me. Spreads coverage around a good bit with no weak points for would be troublemakers to take advantage of.

We'll likely share the longer term plans eventually, but for the moment, how are they reacting to the thought that this will be a fishing vessel?

Concerning renaming the ship, I seem to recall there being multiple superstitions concerning such things, and that it being considered especially bad luck to change a ship's name at sea. Waiting for the moment may be best.

[Erloas]

For those not able to fly, and wanting to check the ship, three sets of climb and acrobatic checks. And any other preparations for climbing around the top of the ship.

For checking the ship, a few perception, or appropriate profession or craft skills to assess the condition of things.

And once you have a list of jobs, are you going to pull some people away from fishing to work on that, and if so how many. If you're going to have them work extra beyond their fishing shift are you going to offer to pay, increased rations, intimidation, or whatever else to get the extra work.

[samduke]

After talking with the crew, then getting crew swapped around, Olivia starts inspecting the shipbow to stern then top to bottom

Bow to stern
Perception: [roll0] : [roll1] : [roll2]
Profession sailor: [roll3] : [roll4] : [roll5]

top to bottom
Climb: [roll6] : [roll7] : [roll8]
Acrobatic: [roll9] : [roll10] : [roll11]
Perception: [roll12] : [roll13] : [roll14]
Profession sailor: [roll15] : [roll16] : [roll17]

take the minimum amount of crew estimated, to do the "joib" task then Offer to pay & increased rations

[optimumsquare]

As you're getting to know the crew you inform them that the ones who were captured or slaves are now free and once back to port, if no one causes problems before then, will be free to leave.
When it is announced that some of the crew will be swapped between ships there are several that request going to Robel's ship. You notice that it is the former slaves and others that were captured and that when they go below deck to get their things, their things really isn't much at all, a little clothes and little else.


Seeing that these poor souls have nothing left from their captivity, Bodaku gives each of them a handful of gold. "Be well. I'm sorry you suffered a cruel fate. I hope this helps in your new lives." (Donates 100 gold, split between those who appeared to be captives or slaves)



You're first two shifts of crabbing go ok, people are still getting used to things, you've found piloting a ship this size is a little trickier than Robel made it seem and sometimes have to circle around to get the pots hooked, but it isn't going too bad considering. The night goes by uneventful.
Although you do find in the morning, when it is time for breakfast, that apparently all of the food prep was done by the crew that left for Robel's ship. They were clearly not considered real members of the crew by much of the rest of the crew. Bodaku did get food made, and got help from the crew to do it, but there was a lot of complaining and "not my job" comments being made. Between Bodaku and Ariadne's unusual and mysterious ways and the watchful eyes of their animals the crew seems to be on their best behavior. "Best" being relative, but a sharp glance or wry smile at this point is quelling any open fighting between the crew and complaining mostly hushed.


Bodaku knows little of operating boats of these sizes. Before leaving his IIawah, he had never been on a craft longer than 25 feet. Repairs, operation, and maintenance are not things he is well suited to help with. He does know about food. He respects it. He LOVES it. The tiny islands he grew up on barely provided enough food to support the population. Jut about everyone was a hunter or a gatherer. Part of his job was to make sure that everyone went to bed with a full tummy. His wide belly is a sign of his success, which is why it is always on full display.

Bodaku does not take complaints about food prep lightly.

"Not your job? Not your job! I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was your job to starve. Those are the two jobs we have here; help with feeding EVERYONE or starve. So it must be your job to starve." Shaddup is if anything, even more distressed than Bodaku, flying throughout the galley screaming "Is there dinner?! Is there dinner?!" "Are you some how better than eating? Will you miraculously continue with an empty belly? Well?" Bodaku does not give the whiners, who really did not understand the full consequences of their words, a chance to answer. "I think not. It is going in your belly after after all. Or should it? You can leave. I'll make sure that you recieve no rations. Or you can be as silent as your stomach, WHICH IS QUIET BECAUSE IT IS FULL, and help. Now if I hear a single one of you complain about having to chop vegetables again, I swear to the spirits of the sea, the islands, the air and all the animals who inhabit them that I will bash your head in and serve you in a stew!"

[Daishain]

Ariadne listens with amusement to Bodaku's tirade. It would be interesting to see which of them learned the right lesson from it.

Checks for checking the ship
Perception [roll0]
Profession Sailor [roll1]
Knowledge Engineering [roll2]
rolled a nat 1 and a nat twenty in the same post. Okay then.

[Erloas]

Olivia and Ariadne scour the ship with a couple of the crew making a list of all the work that needs to be done. While climbing across the riggings on the main sail Olivia slips but catches herself before falling. The biggest issue that was found was the main crossbeam appears to have been broken, and it seems that the other side was cut to balance. While you think you could probably fix it, it seems like too big and dangerous of a job to do while at sea and probably require more carpentry skills than you think you know. There are however many small jobs that need to be done, worn ropes, loose knots, splintered pegs, damaged pulley blocks, and many things that need either grease or tar to seal. Going through the hold you find some basic tools, and some, but not a lot of grease and tar.
With the time and focus required for mending Ariadne focuses on the more complex items like pulleys, or the largest ropes, or wood beams that are splintered but still mostly in-tact. It takes several people working together to tighten the knots around the masts, crosses, and pulley blocks, and not really being "broken" but really just loose, mending magic doesn't seem to help. Smaller, simple items, such as pegs seem like just replacing them with some of the wood from the hold would be easier. The greasing and tarring has to be done by hand too, but Olivia uses a bit of her experience with alchemy to restore some of the old stock onboard and thinks with something big and greasy like a whale or seals, she could make some more, but for the time being there is enough for the work at hand. It is going to take days to get a good chunk of the work done, but you'll be making progress every day. It seems like it has been quite a while since much of this type of maintenance was done, so if you keep up on it then it shouldn't be such a big deal in the future.

The offer of pay does get the interest in about half a dozen of the crew. Though they're wondering how much they'll be paid.

Bodaku's gift to the former slaves was much appreciated, though also somewhat nervously taken. You get the feeling they're worried about now having something worth taking. Once you've got a few of them back from Robel's ship, you think you can see why. Quite a few of the other crew start treating them like second-class members of the crew and expecting them to do all of the things they think are beneath them.

Although many seem to think Bodaku is bluffing, no one is quite willing to call that bluff. Although it is the same few that volunteer to help in the meal preparations. No one complains about the food itself though, everyone seems to be happy with the upgrade in food quality and quantity.

Of the 12 from the original crew, the two former captives have been very helpful, how much from routine and how much is a honest is a bit hard to tell. The old hands seem to have warmed up to your leadership since you've started putting effort into taking care of the ship. The eight remaining (not counting the ones from Robel's ship) are about evenly split, half seeming to not put much effort in and not seeming to care much for what's going on, the other four seem pretty good with things and seem to be adjusting pretty well and seem to be treating this as another adventure.

While all this is going on you've still been crabbing. Two days have passed and you've met up with Robel each day to transfer barrels and chum. You're getting the hang of the ship and the process. The first shift isn't great, you get some full pots but a lot of empty ones. The second half of the day goes a lot better and you find a lot more and feel like you're getting the hang of things. But the second morning you just can't seem to find any, moving around a lot trying to find where they're at but keep coming up empty. After lunch you decide to move quite a ways and try a new area, which seemed to be the right choice as you're once again pulling in pretty good catches.

Robel informs you that they've been doing well with the fishing too and with the two ships it probably won't take as long as originally thought to get the hull full. Before heading out again the second day he warns you that it kind of looks like a storm might be on the horizon and to be ready.


crabbing
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]


You've got a chance to talk with Robel if you want, otherwise you'll be back out in the channels between the islands and back to crabbing. Who is piloting for each shift? I'm assuming each of you gets up 4 hours before your shift, then stays up 4 hours afterwards, with some time to run the crew, work on repairs, and cook, but mostly keeping the ship on course. Day, evening, and night.

[samduke]

Olivia offers to take the 1st watch, and with robels warning of the storm takes the time and a few crew to go through and tie down everything that could shift in a storm, then even though it might cost them time and distance as the storm closes in she will have the crew haul in all of the sails leaving only one low one for navigation knowing it would be the easiest to haul in if the storm turns really bad.
If during her watch the storm hits and starts to get bad, she will tie a rope to herself and to the ship to prevent getting washed overboard, order the sail hauled in and put the bow into the wind.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku "pilots" on his shift, although he is more there for encouragement than anything else. When he gets the chance, he speaks to Robel. "My friend, the skies look angry. Do you have any advice for when the sea becomes callous and the winds harsh?"

[Daishain]

Ariadne claims the night shift, working to keep the ship safe and off of shoals in the hours of darkness.

When the crewmen start harassing some of the former slaves, she stalks up behind them. Her familiar pokes its head out of her blouse and stares at the objects of her ire along with her. In a quiet but stern voice she states, "That will be enough of that. They are freed men, and all of you are equals. That is up until the moment that you earn something otherwise. For instance, you." She points at whomever appears to have been most culpable for the incident. "You have just earned a shift cleaning out the bilges. Get to it. As for the rest of you, if I see this happening again, I may set you to scraping barnacles off of the hull, while we are still at sea. Am I understood?"

When the storms approach, Ariadne will try to divine the best place to ride it out, an area likely not to generate or see ship killing waves, or push the vessel onto rocks.

Profession Sailor [roll0]

As far as bilge duty goes, Ariadne would center on whomever seems to have been the ringleader for the abuse. If there was no one person clearly more responsible for the rest, she would pick out the top 2-3 contenders.

Pretty sure Ariadne has the highest sailor skill, in addition to a feature that straight up states that she cannot get lost at sea at all, and at will castings of know direction. Generally speaking, putting her on shift during the time it is easiest to get lost seems prudent. That leaves Bodaku with the evening shift.

[Erloas]

Before you take off, after Bodaku asks Robel for advice on the storm he gives you some pointers. "There are a few different ways to handle a storm depending on your situation. If you can find a cove downwind of a tall island that will break the wind and waves you can drop anchor and that is the safest option. If not the two most important things to keep in mind is that you don't want to be upwind of any land or shallows, anything that the wind can push you into, and secondly to make sure the boat never turns parallel to the waves, a big wave or having sails up will pretty much guarantee the ship will capsize. With that in mind you can either go with the storm or against it, always keeping the ship straight into the waves. If you're going into it, very minimal jib sail and the tiller working in opposite directions to keep the ship into the waves is the best way, letting the bow of the boat take the waves. You can also go with the wind, no sails, just letting the wind push the boat and keep it going into the waves, but that will move you a lot farther a lot faster and the stern of the boat won't break waves as well as the prow. If you've got a drift anchor* that can make the process easier. Other than that, be careful, keep things buttoned up, and start emptying the bilge early rather than when it starts taking on more water."

Once you set out Ariadne and Olivia take the time to explain and demonstrate to Bodaku and the rest of the crew what that actually means and how to do it. With Olivia's idea you also design a few simple harnesses for the captain and a couple crew to use in case it gets rough.

The crew member that seemed to be leading the more difficult of the bunch and harassing the others was the middle aged human male, who generally seems rather helpful when you're watching but rather lazy when you're not. He looks angry when reprimanded but no one else seems willing to stand by his side with you around so he goes off below deck.

You can feel the breeze picking up and the storm on the far horizon as you're leaving Robel's ship in the late morning after the transfers. The storm is a ways out, you've probably got time to search for a good spot around the islands, or you can put out the pots and get some crab before it really starts to pick up, in which case you've got the option to go into the channels or stay out a bit farther out into the ocean.


*I think they are better known as sea anchors, but drift anchor is a more descriptive name to me and it is what I've heard used on small boats. Essentially a parashot for the water. There isn't one on the ship, but a concentrated effort and repurposing a spare sail in the hold you could try to make one. Tailor/craft clothing would be the most direct skill. There would be a bonus with engineering or sailor (or something similar to clothing or tailoring) and depending how many people you wanted to put to the task. Not sure if there are any spells that would help or not.

Also not sure if anyone has actually taken/claimed the armor or weapons from the captain/officers yet.

[optimumsquare]

Bodaku is going to send Shaddup to scout for islands to shelter behind and he will also ask the dolphins (if still around) if they know where any appropriate shelter is. He sets the crew to working on the makeshift drift anchor in case it is needed. He gets the "helpful" human man to lead, and to make sure he stays busy, Bodaku watches him the whole time. Ideally, he would have Shaddup do it, as he is the more intimidating one, but the bird is scouting for islands.

[samduke]

taking Robels suggestion to heart Olivia during her watch will search for a sheltered anchorage
perception [roll0], profession sailor [roll1]

[Erloas]

Bodaku watches the wildlife swimming around and sends Shaddup out to look around. Thinking about the animals of the oceans he knows that many of the big animals like dolphins, whales, and sharks will head out to open water during storms, the only one he can think of for sure that shelters in and around islands are seals. But you don't currently see any seals around, you think it likely that they've already headed for shelter. Shaddup looks for islands, which he finds and leads you past a couple before you realize he doesn't quite understand what you're asking him to look for, what he finds would be decent shelter for him, or for you, but not really for a ship.

Araidne tries to judge the likelihood of a good cove based on the mountains on the islands before you get close. A few that she thought looks promising didn't really pan out yet.

You are currently on the west side, near the south end, of the larger island farthest to the north-west. The wind is coming out of the east-northeast.

So far through the morning and to mid-afternoon Olivia has been piloting and has done a great job at keeping the ship away from anything dangerous and well under control, as well as making very good time. At this point you are pretty sure you can see the island that Robel mentioned is where the Storm Giants are, you are not far from the smaller island and you can a significantly more massive island behind it. (essentially where the green x with the double line on it)

The crew has been making pretty good work on some of the repairs but it has been a mixed result overall. Although having redirected all of the sail repair to working on the drift anchor did make good progress. Possibly because of Bodaku's ever watchful presence. While still far from complete, you feel nothing is in imminent danger of breaking or jamming. Between Ariadne's magic and the work of the crew the worse of the pulleys have been fixed and most worn ropes replaced or repaired.

This is about the time Bodaku would be taking over piloting and Ariadne has spent half the time looking and working and the other half getting some rest for her night shift. [4 of 8 hours slept so far, will be done half way through Bodaku's shift unless you do otherwise. At which point Olivia will normally head to sleep)

Bodaku
knowledge (nature)
[roll0]
handle animal
[roll1]

Ariadne
knowledge (geography)
[roll2]

Only one day, but not fishing
ropes/tarring
[roll3]
[roll4]
mechanical repairs
[roll5]
[roll6]
sail repair
[roll7]
[roll8]
carpentry (limited by tools more than people)
[roll9]
[roll10]
general repairs
[roll11]
[roll12]

Well how about that 4 natural 1s, and 2 natural 20s. That carpenter isn't doing a very good job.

I'm not totally sure about the animals, I did some searching but decided I had enough to at least make up something believable, so if I've got it wrong then just go with it.


This is the map that Robel originally shared with you of the area. So far almost all of your previous days and so far have been on the outer most smaller islands
https://5xtcqw.by.files.1drv.com/y4mKLQOepMRpTbSpN6CTI3gvsnd1zsjM5sZRTmR9L2dKfK4PFa KeS2nwQq5C82pORsf99Y5YZRgC4_DVzS1sVzF7gnxyHPxSYdqi c5aUWCbB5R4d-oIMUuNXd7YBPsWAhh7Rv3kQepYZ6LwaGjhZzTaTAfee1US740D IhxNLQNbaH82b-O_Q6kS6dcyjTESuseg


Everyone is free to act.

[samduke]

once Olivia is relieved as pilot, she will take a position looking for sheltered anchorage and watching over the crew.
(ooc: i will roll a few for the various things: ship shelter perception [roll0] , [roll1] : crew perception [roll2] , [roll3] , [roll4] )

[Daishain]

Ariadne moves amongst the crew, making sure they know how to handle themselves in the coming storm.

This is hardly my specialty in real life, so I'm less than certain, but wouldn't that channel between the big island and the mountain range be promising? If the storm winds are blowing out of the NE, the mountains would provide a buffer in that area. Storm surge would be at least relatively limited as wave energy is focused to the SW, away from the center of said channel.

[optimumsquare]

Seeing the carpenter having some trouble, Bodaku intervenes and casts shape wood to help.