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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 24, 2012 12:08:28 GMT -6
April 18 on Hill Street in Arkham. Dawn finds our heroes bruised from their scuffle with Clubber's gang and hung over from the night's festivities. Minion and Vina emerge bashfully from the Star Lodge, and he mutters something about "helping with her astronomy homework." Breakfast, packing, grooming, and a dip in the pond for Shade, and the party is ready to report for their expedition briefing at the Museum.
As official Expeditioneers, the party is now permitted to carry arms within city limits. They march in proud formation down Hill Street, attracting attention from the neighbors and a few admiring cheers from the shoeless green children.
Soon they have reached the Museum warehouse for briefing with the Curator of Giant Heads.
"The Bridgewater Triangle, or Hockomock Swamp as the natives called it, is an important archaeological site. Unfortunately we have been prevented from recovering the monolithic Profile Rock by the hostile fauna of the swamp. Your task will be to command the Expedition's military efforts, protect our quarry workers, and bring the Head safely back to Arkham. The Museum will provide all necessary food, tools, and supplies for the trip; you need bring only armor, weapons, and personal gear.
"Due to the enormous mass of the Head (estimated 80 tons) travel will be by sea. We have hired a large cargo ship and pooled the resources of several expeditions. You will set sail from Kingsport and the ship will be dropping off and picking up expeditions and supplies at several sites before reaching the Swamp.
"At that point you will take command of the Fall River Brontosaurus Squad, which will assist with extraction of the Head. The ship will pick you up on its return voyage to Arkham. And now I will turn you over to your Captain who will brief you on the sea leg of your journey."
Captain Jack Records is an intimidating presence with pure matte black skin and long, straight, black hair knotted into a queue. He looks disapprovingly at your blackened eyes and scraped knuckles. "OK. Any questions?" Apparently he is a man of few words...
[Please post here to join the Expedition. Any lurkers who want to sign up, shoot me a PM!]
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Post by waysoftheearth on Mar 24, 2012 15:51:48 GMT -6
Gunnery taps and shakes his wrist, then seems to listen to it a moment, then gives up.
"The Gunnery Veiled, reporting," he introduces himself, when it is his turn.
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 24, 2012 18:55:45 GMT -6
"You a [orange]Gun'ry[/orange], huh? Baby no warship, but she got a few cannon. Hope we don't need 'um..."
He notices that [orange]Gunnery[/orange] looks a bit less disheveled than his comrades, and nods approvingly.
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Post by ehiker133 on Mar 24, 2012 22:24:24 GMT -6
The Shade of the Evermore bows at Captain Jack Sparrow Records to show he is present and ready to get to work.
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Post by crusssdaddy on Mar 24, 2012 23:21:27 GMT -6
Fated: "Captain, I urge you not to be intimidated by the presence of heroes such as ourselves. Just try to do your usual adequate job, I'm sure you will do just fine."
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kipper
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 57
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Post by kipper on Mar 25, 2012 10:59:29 GMT -6
Breath of New Moon stands ready, nodding her skull-like visage towards the captain but not speaking. She admires his brevity.
((Do Bone Men even show visible bruises/wounds??? ;D))
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 29, 2012 8:43:54 GMT -6
The rag-tag expedition boards a riverboat and floats down the Miskatonic River to Kingsport and the sea.
When you arrive, your eyes are torn between two spectacles: the teeming capital city of the Green Men, or the vast expanse of ocean stretching east to the horizon. For all of you, it is your first trip to Kingsport; for some of you, it is your first glimpse of the sea. Shade wipes a salty tear from his three eyes and his awe overflows for all to hear!
Exploration of Kingsport will have to wait [we can hit it up on the return voyage if you like] for there is work to be done. Captain Jack Records proudly welcomes you aboard The Bagel, an impressive carrack-class vessel, with a large cargo capacity and a crew of about 80. In contrast to your travels through Green Man Country, the crew of the Bagel is a racially-integrated hodgepodge of misfit sailors from around the globe.
Your expedition's gear is stowed in the hold, the anchor is lifted, and your fate is up to the Old Ones who command the winds, tides, and waves.
[To Be Continued]
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 29, 2012 9:04:54 GMT -6
April 19
[save vs. poison all around]
Breath, Fated, and Gunnery have a miserable, sleepless night, wracked with seasickness, projectile-vomiting and barely able to walk straight.
Minion and Shade get their sea legs quickly and are soon exploring the ship and mingling with the sailors, soldiers, and scientists aboard the Bagel. A few notable personae:
Captain Jack Records, black man
[blue]First Mate Wiggle Projector[/blue], an energetic blue man whose skin ripples like the sea
Sergeant At Arms the Tattooed Mofo, bone man with 3-D glow in the dark body art and multiple piercings
Dr. Esophagus, white man, the ship's physician
and the members of your quarrying team
[green]Buck, Lance, and Rod Quarry[/green] of Arkham
Early in the morning, as the seasick PCs are leaning over the rail, there is a troubling sight on the eastern horizon: huge spouts of water that jet dozens of feet into the air.
"Whales," explains Cap Jack. So the stories are true! Huge ocean creatures that must surface to refill their lungs before they dive into the abyss to prey on the denizens of the lightless deep. One can only hope they do not get too close and capsize your vessel!
Late in the day, the Bagel arrives in Provincetown, a tiny one-lighthouse community clinging to the remote tip of the Cape. The sailors get to work loading and unloading supplies and personnel. At Fated's insistence, the party spends the night on solid ground at the town's only Inn, filling their bellies with chowder and rum.
A few hours of sleep, until pre-dawn, the Tattooed Mofo is banging on your door, angrily cursing that the ship is waiting for you. The voyage continues...
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kipper
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 57
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Post by kipper on Mar 29, 2012 10:01:25 GMT -6
Breath of New Moon has thoroughly enjoyed her night back on solid ground, and secretly rues the return to the vessel. However, she tries not to let it effect her professionalism. ((OOC: Love the names  ))
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Post by ehiker133 on Mar 29, 2012 10:30:18 GMT -6
The Shade quietly eyes the miles of salty water, waiting for the opportunity to slip in at some point and be free! FREE!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2012 15:03:44 GMT -6
Minion engages the Tattooed Mofo in a bit of conversation, enquiring as to where he got the glowinthedark tattoos.
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 29, 2012 15:50:29 GMT -6
Minion engages the Tattooed Mofo in a bit of conversation, enquiring as to where he got the glowinthedark tattoos. spins tall tales of Shiptown, a lawless floating city where the sailors of the world congregate, whose location changes with the tides and trade-winds. The only way to find it is to start traveling and ask the sailors you meet along the way. |
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 29, 2012 16:09:12 GMT -6
April 20
Another round of saving throws. Fated gains his sea legs, but Breath and Gunnery are still feeling rather "green."
As the Bagel approaches the island of Nantucket, they witness a violent sight! In the distance, a whaling ship is closing in for the kill. Brave men go down into rowboats to finish off the great, dark beast with vicious harpoon-thrusts. The whale thrashes, and a rowboat is thrown into the air by its broad tail, the men flung into the water like ragdolls!
At Nantucket, the Bagel drops off another Miskatonic expedition. Their huge wooden crates occupy a large part of the cargo hold, and it takes several hours for the crew to unload. The Party takes this time to learn more about the whaling industry: the whales are "harvested" for their spermaceti, ambergris, and high-quality oil that has fueled the industrial revolution of the Green Men.
The journey continues...
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Post by waysoftheearth on Mar 29, 2012 16:20:46 GMT -6
Gunnery curses the roiling ocean and this d**nable tub as he drools over the edges.
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 29, 2012 17:00:38 GMT -6
That night, it happens. The PC's are sound asleep in their cabin when the Bagel is rocked by an impact from the port side! The Bagel has been struck by forces unknown for [3d6]=9 ship hit points (shp), reducing her to 25shp! Moments later comes the clanging of alert bells (as if there is any doubt the ship is in trouble) and the shouts of men rushing to battle stations. Hit points for The Party: Breath (2d6): 5 Fated (2d10): 10 Gunnery (1d6+1): 4 Minion (2d4): 5 Shade (2d8): 11 When you post your actions, please specify how you wish to equip yourself (keeping in mind metal armor sinks). Fated for example (temporary NPC until Tuesday) chooses to remain as light foot and readies his sword. You are probably wondering the deck plan of The Bagel; please see here for description and illustrations of this classic ship design: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrack |
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Post by ehiker133 on Mar 29, 2012 18:48:17 GMT -6
Is it possible for Shade to extend a long, harpoon- or spear-like protrusion of bone from his hand?
If not, he'll grab his flail, but he'll stay in loose flowing robes, no armour. In fact, he'll try to stay low and ... and forgo the boots. That way, if he ends up in the water, he'll easily be able to swim and move about.
If he cannot do the bone protrusion, then he'll try and recall if he saw any harpoons or spears on the ship either on-deck or anywhere between their cabin and the deck. Otherwise, he'll grab his bang stick and head for the upper decks.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2012 20:26:16 GMT -6
Minion heads out on deck with his lightning spear!
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 30, 2012 9:29:56 GMT -6
Shade wakes up with a bone-like protrusion which, combined with the reach of his rubbery arms, can be used to skewer a foe up to 10' distant [attacks as a pike].
Fated, Minion, and Shade are first to reach the top center deck [I'm sure there's some name for this, but my nautical lingo is nonexistent] and this is what they see:
The weather tonight is [d%] stormy. Visibility is hampered by the lashing rains, and the crew is shooting flares off the port side to get a better look at the attacker. A huge wake of water is churned up as something circles around for another pass! As it turns broadside to the ship, you can just make out a neat row of circular, phosphorescent markings running along its side. Then it dives just below the surface and gathers speed!
Lightning flashes and you see Captain Jack Records at the ship's wheel, straining every sinew to maneuver the ship, his long queue whipping in the wind. [blue]Wiggle Projector[/blue] is racing to and fro like a madman, supervising damage control.
Tattooed Mofo is barking orders: "Cannons ready on my mark! Sailors get your harpoons ready, she's coming around again!" He spots you and smiles grimly. "Time to earn your passage, landlubbers!" He places 40 sailors (light foot, harpoon=pike) under your command!
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Post by ehiker133 on Mar 30, 2012 11:13:21 GMT -6
Shade communicates with the others in the party, including Captain Jack Records and Tattooed Mofo...
**Whatever we decide to do, I can easily communicate with everyone to coordinate the attack. That way, we don't have to shout anything over the noise and hope everyone hears it clearly.**
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kipper
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 57
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Post by kipper on Mar 30, 2012 11:30:09 GMT -6
Breath staggers to her feet, and grabs for her Glaive. She's wearing her leather clothes, and is still not feeling her best to say the least. She makes her way to the gun deck (with much faltering and swaying) to help with the cannons. ((If she should really be up on deck with the others, she'll head that way instead.))
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 30, 2012 12:20:43 GMT -6
Breath staggers to her feet, and grabs for her Glaive. She's wearing her leather clothes, and is still not feeling her best to say the least. She makes her way to the gun deck (with much faltering and swaying) to help with the cannons. ((If she should really be up on deck with the others, she'll head that way instead.)) A cannon attacks as the person aiming it, so Breath will have a definite advantage over a 0-level sailor. The Bagel has 6 guns on each side (12 total). |
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Post by waysoftheearth on Mar 30, 2012 16:19:05 GMT -6
I Gunnery is able, he'll stagger up onto the deck (sans armour) with his bow and light weapons. He'll look for a good archery position in the rigging, and quickly decide whether or not he can clamber up there in time...
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 30, 2012 18:41:49 GMT -6
I Gunnery is able, he'll stagger up onto the deck (sans armour) with his bow and light weapons. He'll look for a good archery position in the rigging, and quickly decide whether or not he can clamber up there in time... I had a hunch Gunnery would end up in the crow's nest.  |
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Post by Mushgnome on Mar 31, 2012 12:59:57 GMT -6
Round 1 and initiative is rolled. Party 1, enemy 4.
Your attacker turns head-on toward the Bagel. There is a blast of smoke and fire from its "head" [arquebus vs. horse at medium range needs a 9 on 2d6, rolls a 2] and a large projectile, several times larger than a cannonball, whistles over your heads and splashes harmlessly into the water beyond.
"Rally to me, seamen!" shouts Fated to Die. "Protect me with your harpoons; there is no greater glory!"
Breath goes below decks to take command of the cannon battery. There are 6 guns, each with a crew of 4 men. Tattooed Mofo is here as well. [Arquebus vs. barded horse needs 10 on 2d6.] Breath inspires her cannon crew to [8, 5, 4, 10...] blast the target for [3d12] 19 shp. Tattooed Mofo takes aim and [10...] his shot is accurate for [3d12!] 13 shp damage to your attacker. Three of the remaining guns [8, 6, 8, 5; 8, 4, 6, 9; 8, 3, 5, 4] miss, but the fourth [10...] hits for [again with the 3d12! the dice love you today!] 9 shp.
As the cannonballs strike their target, there is a clanging sound of metal-on-metal, and showers of sparks and steam from the vessel! By now it is obvious this is no whale. The iron-clad submersible has taken a cumulative 41 shp. It revs up its propellors and gathers speed!
*** She's going to ram us!! *** shouts Cap Jack into Shade's head. He calls on every ounce of experience and seamanship to begin evasive maneuvers!
It will take 4 rounds to reload the cannons (rate of fire 1/5). If the Captain's maneuver succeeds, you may be able to get a shot with the 6 loaded cannons on the other side of the ship.
Meanwhile Gunnery reaches the crow's nest and has time to fire a single arrow. [2d6+2=13 for 5hp damage] Nice shot! Unfortunately his arrow bounces harmlessly off the armor-plating; normal weapons must inflict 10 or more hit points damage to deal 1 ship hit point. (1shp = 10hp; round fractions down)
I need orders and battle stations for Minion and Shade and the 40 sailors under their command.
An explanation of our house-ruled cannon-fire mechanics: Up to 4 men may crew each cannon. Each man on the crew gets to roll; a single successful roll indicates a hit, and stops the dice rolling. For example Breath (attacks as 2 men) plus 3 zero-level sailors rolls 5x2d6 and needs one or more 10's to hit; since the 4th roll was a hit, I stopped rolling. With less than 4 crew per gun, the rate-of-fire slows even more to 1/8 (3 men) or 1/10 (2 men). See the catapult rules on p. 46 of LotFP.
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kipper
Level 3 Conjurer
Posts: 57
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Post by kipper on Mar 31, 2012 13:17:24 GMT -6
((Sorry if I'm jumping in a bit soon, just wanted to get in Breath's actions for next round so I don't forget later))
Breath orders someone to take her position at the first cannon to reload, and turns her attention to the crew on the opposite side of the ship, ready to fire when the target presents itself.
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Post by ehiker133 on Apr 1, 2012 9:35:13 GMT -6
**The guns are most effective! To the cannons on the other side!** Shade communicates to the men under their command
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2012 11:37:11 GMT -6
"It's a ship! To the cannons!"
Minion directs the men to help avoid confusion and panic. If the ship comes within range, he will shock it with his spear, but otherwise will be on the lookout for incoming grapples, boarders, etc.
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Post by Mushgnome on Apr 2, 2012 6:43:18 GMT -6
Round 2
The iron-clad submersible attempts to intercept The Bagel, while Cap. J. Records initiates evasive maneuvers!
[01-35 = sub intercepts; 36-00 = Bagel evades]
The roll is 33!
The submersible pulls even with the Bagel's port side and fires its grappling chains, which splinter into the wooden hull and hold fast. With a "snick, snick," the attacking vessel deploys its pneumatic gangplanks.
Prepare to be boarded!
Simultaneously there is a muffled explosion from below. *** That came from inside the ship; from the cargo hold! *** are the panicked thoughts of the Captain.
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Post by waysoftheearth on Apr 2, 2012 7:14:48 GMT -6
Gunnery curses his foolishness... this weapon is not a plasma rifle! He fires at the enemy crew instead. Firstly he seeks for any enemy firing missiles from the rigging above, and then aims at enemy captains issuing orders from the deck (behind the melee).
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Post by ehiker133 on Apr 2, 2012 7:27:19 GMT -6
OOC: Mush, which side of the ship is the submersible on? The side that has already fired cannons? Or the side that didn't? Also, not sure if the crew under Shade/Minion's command had time to go down or if they were still on the deck, so adjust accordingly. If it is on the port side (the side that already fired), then...
IC: **The starboard guns are no longer useful. We need 20 men to remain on/get to the main deck to repel boarders with Minion. I'll take the other 20 down to the cargo hold to see what is going on down there. There might be more trying to come in from below.**
OOC: If the submersible happens to have attached itself to the starboard side, then...
IC: **Fire!!**
I assume the former, but... just in case.
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))