-Nate
Machinations
This scenario is Part 17 of the
Come Hell and High Water campaign, an adventure series for the
Skull & Bones historical
setting, for use with the Dungeons & Dragons
roleplaying game version 3.5. It is intended for a party of
tenth-level characters. Although it is intended as part of an ongoing
collection of scenarios, it can also be run as a stand-alone
adventure with a bit of modification. Note also that this scenario,
as with its predecessors, "The Ends of the Earth" and
"Retribution"--uses much more of a “sandbox” style,
allowing for many different developments depending on the course of
action chosen by the PC's. To that end, the events of this scenario
could even be intertwined amidst those of "Retribution."
Background
As mentioned above, the previous scenario was an open-ended affair
with all kinds of possible outcomes. As such, it is necessary before
starting this one to answer a number of preparatory questions.
- Have the PC's remained loyal to the Cabal (or at least seemingly so), or did they betray that organization and strike out on their own?
- Has the Cabal been successful in its efforts to gather practitioners of various magical traditions, likely including old associates of the PC's? What efforts have the PC's made to deal with this activity?
- Is there any other unfinished business that the PC's have, not necessarily related to this, that could become entangled with it?
- Etc.
The answers to these questions should help set the scene for the
start of this scenario.
Unfinished
Business
In 221 BCE, the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ti united his country
under his rule. Although his leadership brought prosperity and many
other benefits to the land, it was not without a price. For one
thing, the Emperor tried to control the intellectual pursuits of his
people, ordering certain texts to be burned and even a few scholars
to be buried alive. Some believe this effort was made to prevent
lines of throught that ran contrary to his beliefs, but others
maintain that the purpose was to focus the efforts of the nation's
scholars on a single task: finding the key to immortality.
To that end, Qin Shi Huang Ti sent an expedition across the sea to
the east, a fleet of ships crewed by sailors and scholars, in search
of a mythical island where the answer to this puzzle could be found.
It was under the command of Fu Xu. After years away, he returned with
a report that some kind of sea monster blocked access to the desired
goal; the Emperor sent him back with more ships, sailors and
soldiers. This time, Fu Xu and the expedition never returned.
Although the fate of the fleet was never learned, the tale of its
disappearance remained. Indeed, no less a person than Sir Francis
Drake was aware of it, and looked out for evidence of its ultimate
end when he made his famous circumnavigation in 1577-80. After all,
he had as an advisor John Dee, one of the most famous occultists of
his era.What few people know, however, is that certain agents of the
English crown have remained interested in the matter, even going so
far as to enlist the Cabal in order to search for the lost fleet.
Introduction
At the start of this scenario, it's important to know a few details
about the party's situation. Some of these questions are presented in
the Background section, above, but there are others. For one thing,
how is it that the PC's find themselves in London? Do they have a
ship at the docks? Where are they lodging? How do they spend their
downtime in the city? As always, the answers to these questions help
to set the scene when the action starts.
Use
the answers to these questions to determine the starting points for
the different PC's. Allow each player to describe what one's
character is doing, and perhaps to do a little bit of roleplaying or
perhaps make some relative skill checks or other dice rolls--these
might include ones for a drinking contest, a bit of knife throwing or
wrestling, carousing and the like. It should not continue for too
long, however, before the real action begins.
Encounter
1--Explosive Developments
Just after dark, London is rocked by a massive explosion down along
the River Thames. Those who look can see the rising fireball,
followed by a tall plume of thick black smoke. It is easy to follow
these down to the river, where a ship in the harbor is burning. Once
they are close enough to do so, the PC's should make Search or Spot
checks; a DC 10 reveals that there are sailors still on deck, choking
amidst the smoke, and a similar Listen effort lets characters hear
them crying out for help.
At this point, roll initiative. This should help give a sense of
urgency to the situation, and to help track how the situation
develops as the PC's respond to it. The ship sits three hundred feet
from shore, and its bilge is already flooded, while water continues
to pour in through the hole in its side. It takes six rounds for the
lower deck to flood, and then another six for the middle deck. The
fore- and sterncastles fill in only four rounds, at which point the
vessel sinks to the bottom of the Thames. (The GM might wish to use
appropriate dice to represent the amount of time that has passed as a
visible reminder to the players that the ship is sinking.
The first problem that the PC's face is finding a means of reaching
the vessel. While swimming is one option, perhaps a better one is to
commandeer a lonboat or rowboat. The local boatmen are hesitant to
venture out to the ship, given its situation, so it takes a DC 15
Diplomacy, Intimidate or Sway check to convince them. Alternately, of
course, the PC's could just take a boat by force. If they do acquire
a boat, the PC's should make Strength checks (with lower results
counting as Aid Another actions for the highest one) to determine how
fast they can move the boat.
Result / Time
Taken
0-9 / 8 rounds
10-19 / 5 rounds
20-29 / 3 rounds
30+ / 2 rounds
Refer to the appropriate map to find a layout for this vessel. The
panicking sailors are gathered on the main deck (Area 1), and move to
the sterncastle (Area 8) once the water threatens to run over the
side of it. Due to their fear, they attempt to leap aboard any boat
that approaches their ship; the PC's might need to use Intimidate or
Sway checks to keep them in good order. It's also necessary for the
PC's to climb up the side, requiring a DC 5 check. As always, the GM
should feel free to provide circumstance bonuses or even quick,
cinematic interpretations if the PC's devise clever means of putting
themselves aboard the ship.
Once they are aboard, the PC's can learn from the sailors that other
people are still aboard the vessel, in the lower decks. This includes
their captain, who was "belowdecks before she blew" as one
sailor recalls. Should the PC's wish to take more time for questions
and answers, they can learn that this ship is the Temerarious,
captained by Isaac Faulkes. At that point, a DC 15 Knowledge: local
check reveals that this captain is one who often works with the
English nobility--certainly a valuable personage, if he can be saved.
The location of the breach is marked with an X on the map.
As long as one or more PC's do head below, it's important to
remember just how far this ship has sunk into the water. By now the
lower deck should be mostly full, meaning that it takes DC 10 Swim
checks, along with holding one's breath, to explore it. Captain
Faulkes is in the special cargo hold, Area 12, and is trapped by the
press of water against the door there, which opens out into Area 11.
It takes a DC 20 Strength check to force open this door; up to two
characters can combine on this effort, along with Faulkes. At this
point the captain has already been holding his breath for the number
of rounds that have transpired, meaning that he might fall unconcious
and could drown if not quickly freed.
At the GM's discretion, there could be other opportunities for
heroism aboard this ship. For example, any of the following things
could happen.
- One crew member is trapped underneath some barrels that were knocked loose by the explosion; rescuing him requires making a DC 20 Strength check, although the PC's can combine their efforts and perhaps even gain a +2 circumstance bonus for using leverage.
- Another crewmen has broken both his legs, and needs to be moved. This can be handled via some kind of strategy, such as rigging a stretcher or the like.
- There are more victims than can fit in one boat. When they all try to crowd into it, the craft is in imminent danger of being swamped. To deal with this the PC's must again devise a suitable tactic, such as having some of the escapees hang on to the side while swimming in the water.
- A number of the victims need medical treatment; this requires one DC 15 Heal check to properly triage their injuries, followed by a similar check to set the broken leg and others to deal with characters who've been injured.
The Opposition
While this situation is unfolding, there is also the matter of the
enemies who caused this trouble in the first place. Believing that
they've accomplished their goal of eliminating Captain Faulkes, the
assassins who serve the Cabal have fled in a long boat heading across
the Thames. In this way, they expect to land and then make their way
by foot, back across the bridge to London proper. PC's who are in a
position to do so might (DC 20 Search or Spot check) notice them.
Should any character have a spyglass handy, it's even possible to
take a close look at the attackers. On the other hand, the assassins
can attempt a similar effort to notice the PC's and realize that
their plan has been foiled. They do not have a spyglass, however.
Should one or more PC's be so bold as to pursue the attackers, the
situation could become complicated. While it's unlikely that they
have more than one rowboat with which to haul away rescuees, it is
possible. Alternately, one could even try to swim across the river by
making DC 10 checks over a distance of 600 feet. If a character does
manage to reach the other side of the river, this could turn into a
running chase. The attackers have a wagon waiting there, ready to
take them back to their lodgings at a nearby London inn.
However this situation develops, as long as they manage to rescue
Captain Faulkes, he asks them to take him to a nearby apothecary's
shop, as detailed in Encounter 3.
Encounter
2--Trouble in the Streets
In the event that a chase does occur, this encounter presents some
options for conducting such a scene. The GM is advised to mix in
these events as necessary, both in response to the actions of the
NPC's and as necessary to keep the action moving along at a steady
clip. Refer to the map included with the article "London Town"
for a layout of the city.
Spying on the
Party
If the Cabal is aware of the party's interference--such as if the
assassins managed to witness the rescue that the PC's staged and
weren't prevented from escaping--they might draw surveillance from
the occultists who serve that organization. This could take a number
of forms.
If Muriel Grey is still alive, she could send her raven familiar,
Shadow, to follow them. This should present a particularly difficult
challenge, given that the bird can fly and is stealthy. On the other
hand, should she be dead, the Cabal could use agents with the same
stats as the assassins to trail the party. Whatever the case, the
PC's should make Spot or Search checks, as appropriate, opposed to
the spy's/spies' Hide efforts. (This assumes that, since they don't
need to be very close to report on the party's movements, the
spy/spies need not be close enough to require Move Silently checks.
If they are successful, the spy/spies can report the party's
location to the Cabal, bringing trouble in the future. On the other
hand, if they PC's spot their followers(s), they can force a
confrontation. Such a situation could be quickly resolved, given that
the PC's outnumber their opponent, but it could also develop into a
running chase, as mentioned above.
The Long Arm of
the Law
As a further complication, action in the streets could draw the
unwanted attention of the local constables. Such a development could
be used for comic effect, with bumbling and outgunned local
peacekeepers showing up at the wrong time to make the situation more
complicated. On the other hand, this could also build on any sense of
paranoia that the PC's are experiencing. After all, the constables
are essentially mercenaries, hired by their neighborhoods to enforce
the law; who is to say they aren't under the influence of the Cabal?
Encounter
3--Aftermath
Depending on the actions of the PC's during the previous encounter,
they could find themselves in a number of different situations. While
it is never possible to anticipate all of them, a few of the more
likely possibilities are detailed here. As always, a fair amount of
GM adjudication is probably going to be needed.
The Apothecary's
Shop
As long as they are interested in pursuing this matter, it doesn't
take much to find the apothecary's shop, given that good advertising
has made it commonly known. Indeed, a DC 10 Knowledge: local or
Gather Information check reveals the location. Provided they can
accomplish one result or the other, refer to the appropriate map for
the following encounter.
1. Front Room
The walls in half of this room are lined with shelves that hold all
manner of bottles, jars and boxes; these are the various medicines,
unguents and elixirs that Meier has prepared for sale. There is also
a waist-high counter that holds the apothecary's account book, along
with writing materials and a strongbox (hardness 10 and 10 hit
points; DC 20 to finesse open and 20 to break) that holds 500 poe in
mixed coins.
2. Workshop
Here again, two of the walls are lined with shelves; in this case,
they hold the raw materials for the apothecary's creations, along
with tools such as knives, a mortar and pestle, glass containers and
other apparatus for heating preparations and the like. In the middle
of the room is a broad work table, and tucked underneath it are
stools for sitting.
3. Kitchen
This room is well stocked with supplies and equipment, much like in
the workshop, albeit here it is for preparing meals. There are half a
dozen stools for the host and guests to gather around the table.
4. Bedroom
A comfortable bed, trunk and wardrobe stand against one wall of this
room. The wardrobe contains various clothing items, all of a plain
but quality style, while the chest holds numerous mundane personal
items.
5. Privy
Just as one would expect, this room boasts the usual low bench with a
hole in it. This is where Liu-Chang Kwan conceals himself when the
PC's show up at the shop.
Arrival
If they announce their arrival, such as by knocking on the door, they
are greeted by an old man in simple clothing, one whose face is lined
by age but whose eyes have a keen light still shining in them. He
declares that his shop is closed for the night, but can be of the
urgency of this business as long as the PC's tell some of their
recent activities. As long as that happens, Meier invites them
inside, and then bolts the door securely behind them. At that point
he makes a pot of tea and then brings Kwan out of his hiding place.
Communicating with Kwan presents a considerable problem, of course,
since he does not speak English. In the unlikely circumstance that
one of the PC's does speak Chinese, the old man is delighted and
tells his full story. Assuming that is not the case, however, it
should take a good deal of finagling to learn what he knows. With
this in mind, he could use some of the following techniques.
The Story
Once he has been suitably revived, Faulkes and Meier can help
Liu-Chang tell his story. This is best presented in a conversational
manner, rather than as a monologue, but should include the following
elements.
- Recently Faulkes and his crew aboard the Temerarious made a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope into the Pacific Ocean, where they cruised up and down the western coast of the Americas.
- Their objective was to intercept the Spanish treasure fleet, a goal that they very nearly achieved.
- During their pursuit of a Spanish galleon, however, both vessels ran into a wicked storm that blew them way off course to the north.
- In order to make necessary repairs, they took shelter in a secluded bay, one with an island in the middle of it.
- There they met an unusual individual--a Chinese fellow, the survivor of a shipwreck.
- After long and difficult efforts to communicate, Faulkes was able to discover that this person, whose name is Liu-Chang Kwan, was the only survivor of an attack on his ship by an unknown vessel.
- Knowing that he could not remain on that island forever, Kwan decided to accompany them back to England with the hope of finding a way home from there.
- Finally Liu-Chang admits what he and his men were searching for on the West Coast--evidence of the legendary Fu Xu and the final whereabouts of his lost expedition.
- If he'd known that detail at the time, Faulkes would've stayed in the area; sadly, however, the language barrier prevented him from learning it until they'd returned to England.
- Not knowing better than to trust the Cabal, he went to one of its agents for help in translating Liu-Chang's story.
- While he knows that his charts and logbook were stolen by the thieves, Faulkes believes that he remembers the details well enough to lead a ship back to the island.
At the conclusion of this discussion, Faulkes and Liu-Chang present
their proposition to the PC's: Would they be willing to help outfit
and lead an expedition to complete Liu-Chang's mission? With the
destruction of the Temerarious, the two men now need a
ship--something that the PC's should have at their disposal.
Smoking Out
Their Quarry
It's at this point that the Player Characters' enemies--assuming they
have some means of doing so--catch up to them. As mentioned above,
this could happen because of spies following the party, Muriel Grey's
raven familiar, or perhaps even interviewing locals who've witnessed
the party's movements. Whatever the case, the agents of the Cabal
show up in force, hoping to take the PC's out of this competition
once and for all.
To do this, they use the following tactics. First, a group
sharpshooters takes up positions with cover and line of sight on the
building's front door. They can attempt Hide checks to do so if there
are any PC's who specifically sat that they are watching outside.
Then the close-combat specialists move into position around the door,
ready to make an entrance or deal with those who make an exit. Note
that this requires them to make Move Silently checks opposed to the
Player Characters' Listen efforts, albeit with a +5 circumstance
bonus because the PC's are inside the shop. Finally, other agents
smash in the windows and toss in smokepots to force a confrontation.
At the GM's discretion, there could also be a Cabal occultist present
to provide magical assistance.
Once the attack begins, or when the PC's become aware of these
developments, it's time to roll initiative. This battle should be a
dynamic one, with a good chance of it turning into a running chase
through the streets of London. Should that happen, refer to the
previous encounter for some suggestions regarding how it could
develop. Otherwise, if the PC's manage to defeat all of their foes,
they can proceed with their own business.
Encounter
4--Preparations
If the PC's are interested in accepting the offer made by Faulkes and
Liu-Chang, there's a lot for them to do in order to make ready for
the voyage. Given that the agents of the Cabal are still on the
lookout for the PC's, however, many of these tasks need to be
undertaken in secret.
- For one thing, the PC's need to gather their own crewmembers. Depending on the predilections of these individuals, this could involve interrupting them during what they expected to be some longer-lasting R&R. The GM is free to interpret any roleplaying challenges that ensue from this situation.
- Additionally, Faulkes asks that the survivors from his crew be allowed to join the expedition. Since he is the only one who knows how to find the island again, he does have some leverage if he wishes to push the point. This provides a chance for the GM to develop the personalities of these NPC's, and perhaps to create some drama as they are integrated with the Player Characters' own crew members.
- There is also the matter of provisioning the ship, which is complicated by the need for stealth and secrecy, along with the fact that it's happening in the middle of the night. This is a good chance for the PC's to call on some contacts, if they have any, or to use roleplaying and perhaps some skill checks to make the deals happen.
- Should they wish to acquire any armaments or munitions for their vessel, the PC's face an even greater challenge. Not only does that present the challenge of dealing with more outfitters, possibly at an ungodly hour, but it also takes a great deal of work to move heavy ordinance aboard a ship.
Additionally, Reuben Meier asks to accompany the group, given that he
no longer feels safe in his apothecary shop. If they're willing to
include him, he could prove to be a useful asset for the party.
Sabotage?
The possibility of this event is left to the discretion of the GM. If
the Cabal has been able to identify the PC's, and if its agents could
track them back to their ship, they could stage an attack on it. Here
it's important to consider how much notoriety the PC's have gained
and how much their ship would blend in among the other vessels (or
not). How much Fame have the PC's earned? Do they fly a particular
flag? Have they been keeping a low profile in London, or have they
been spending lots of money and letting it be known that they're in
port?
If an attack of this nature is appropriate, it can make for an
engaging scene. Although the attack could happen while the PC's
happen to be aboard their ship, it could also be interesting to focus
the action here on other crew members. This is especially true if the
GM has been using the suggestion for troupe-style play (from page 126
of the Skull & Bones rulebook) or has been tracking the
sailors aboard the ship as noted in the article "A Motley Crew."
The force that attacks should be modified based on who is defending
the party's ship. Whatever the case, the attackers approach in
longboats as detailed in Encounter 1, and the characters who are
present should make Listen checks to notice their approach.
Setting Sail
The final task that the PC's face is making their way down the Thames
and out into the English Channel. Given the twists and turns that
this river takes on its way to the sea, that is no easy task. To
successfully maneuver this passage, the PC's must make two DC 20
Profession: sailor checks--one to maneuver amidst the vessels that
are docked in the river, and another to make way through the numerous
bends in the river. Failure on either of these checks causes 1d4
structure points of damge for every five points by which it failed
(with the same damage dealt to an unfortunate ship on the first
check). Although this shouldn't be enough to compromise the
seaworthiness of their ship, it should provide a bit of comedic
counterpoint as the voyage for the mysterious island begins.
Conclusion
This ending is a little bit of a cliffhanger, given that the finale
is really a beginning. Even so, the down time that such a voyage
provides gives the PC's a chance to rest and recuperate, and to
prepare for what is to come. For one thing, if this adventure is
being run as part of the Come Hell and High Water campaign,
the PC's should earn enough experience to reach 11th level. What is
more, they can also take some time to discuss the situation with
Liu-Chang Kwan and Reuben Meier, and thus to learn just why the Cabal
is so interested in Faulkes' discovery and what kind of a threat they
present to the rest of the world.
Continuing the
Adventure
At this point there are a lot of possibilities for future storylines;
presented here are a few of the possibilities.
- As mentioned above, there is the possibility for drama between the party's crew and those who served under Faulkes. This shouldn't be anything too violent, but could make for some engaging roleplaying.
- Also mentioned previously is the fact that Reuben Meier is a font of information about the Cabal's plots. He is, after all, an accomplished Khabbalist, and is knowledgeable about all kinds of religious and occult subjects. Indeed, both he and Liu-Chang Kwan could become mentors to the PC's, especially ones who are interested in pursuing arcane or divine magic.
- It is likely that the agents of the Cabal, once they realize that the PC's have departed London, decide to send their own vessel in pursuit; this should add a real sense of impending danger to the voyage across the Atlantic. What is more, they could again call on Muriel Grey's raven familiar or other means in order to track the movements of the PC's.
- Ocean crossings are never an easy matter. The GM here could incorporate any number of events, but especially recommended are such interludes as "The Storm," "The Competition 2," or perhaps even "The Jonah" or "The Stowaway."
Whatever the case, the voyage can be as eventful or unremarkable as
fits the desires of the GM and players.
Appendix
1--Dramatis Personae
Constables
Warrior 3; CR 2; Size medium; HD 3d8+6;
hp 23; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 armor); Atk +5
(2d6, short musket) or +4 (1d6+1, cutlass); AL LN; SV: Fort +5, Ref
+3, Will +2; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Background: Military.
Skills: Climb +5, Jump +5, Survival
+5, Swim +5.
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Far
Shot, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Proficiencies (simple,
martial).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment:
Buff coat, short musket, cutlass.
Contsable Sergeant
Warrior 5; CR 4; Size medium; HD
5d8+10; hp 36; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+3 Dex, +2
armor); Atk +8 (2d6, short musket) or +6 (1d6+1, cutlass); AL LN; SV:
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 13, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha
10.
Background: Military.
Skills: Climb +7, Jump +7, Survival
+7, Swim +7.
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Far
Shot, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Proficiencies (simple,
martial).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment:
Buff coat, short musket, cutlass, pair of pistols.
Sea Dog 4/Sea Officer 5; CR 9; Size
medium; HD 4d8+5d10+18; hp 68; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 11
(+2 buff coat, -1 Dex); Atk +8 (melee) or +6 (ranged); SQ Bonus feat,
survivor +2, expert pilot, resilient, skill expert +3 (Profession:
sailor), command (morale bonus, readiness); AL NG; SV: Fort +7, Ref
+1, Will +7; Str 12, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 16.
Background: Seaman (Climb, Profession:
sailor).
Skills: Climb +5, Diplomacy +10,
Gather Information +8, Heal +12, Knowledge (geography) +8, Knowledge
(sea lore) +8, Listen +12, Profession (sailor) +16, Sense Motive +9,
Spot +12, Survival +12.
Feats: Alertness, Guidance,
Negotiator, Self-Sufficient, Skill Focus (Profession: sailor), Track.
Fortunes: Code of Honor.
Equipment: Buff coat.
Isaac Faulkes is something of a rarity in England, a Jewish ship's
captain. In this way he is notably more pious than some others of his
profession. Even so, his years spent commanding voyages and exploring
new lands have proven his competence, and the discrimination that he
sometimes faces because of his beliefs has only honed his
determination. He has long been friends with Reuben Meier; the older
fellow acts as a spiritual advisor to Isaac, while the sailor helps
the apothecary with his business.
Faulke's Sailors
Warrior 1; CR 1/2; Size medium; HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +1 (+1 Dex);
Spd 30 ft.; AC 11 (+1 Dex); Atk +3 (1d6+2, belaying pin or gaff hook)
or +2 (ranged); SQ details; AL LN; SV: Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1; Str
15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Background: Seaman.
Skills: Climb +6, Knowledge (sea lore) +3, Profession (sailor) +5.
Feats: Power Attack, Seagoing.
Fortunes: Superstitious.
Equipment: Sailor's clothing, gaff hook or belaying pin,
miscellaneous possessions.
Wizard (Diviner) 9; CR 9; Size medium;
HD 9d4; hp 24; Init +0 (+0 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 10 (+0 Dex); Atk +4
(melee) or +4 (ranged); SQ Scribe Scroll, bonus feat; AL N; SV: Fort
+3, Ref +3, Will +13; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 13.
Background: Scholar.
Skills: Concentration +12, Decipher
Script +14, Knowledge (arcana) +14, Knowledge (history) +14,
Knowledge (religion) +14, Spellcraft +14.
Feats: Greater Spell Focus
(divination), Iron Will, Mental Acumen, Scribe Scroll, Skill Focus
(Concentration), Spell Focus (divination).
Fortunes: Enlightened.
Equipment: Spell components &
pouch, I Ching coins.
Spells per Day: 4/5/5/4/3/2. Spells
Known: (0) Arcane mark, detect magic, read magic, resistance; (1)
identify, mage armor, shield, true strike; (2) cat's grace, fox's
cunning, locate object, obscure object; (3) arcane sight, dispel
magic, illusory script, nondetection; (4) detect scrying, lesser
glove of invulnerability, locate creature, mnemonic enhancer; (5)
break enchantment, dream
Liu-Chang Kwan is a Chinese mystic who is skilled in the art of
divination. He uses his powers to gain a greater understanding of the
world around him, and therefore of his own place in it; he has little
concern for gaining power or wealth. It is this desire that led him
to trace the legendary voyage of Fu Xu, leaving him in his current
predicament.
Cleric 9; CR 9; Size medium; HD 9d8; hp
35; Init +0 (+0 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+0 Dex, +2 magic); Atk +6/+1
(melee) or +6/+1 (ranged); SQ Turn Undead; AL LG; SV: Fort +6, Ref
+3, Will +10; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 20, Cha 12.
Background: Religious (Diplomacy and
Knowledge: religion).
Skills: Craft Wondrous Item, Diplomacy
+13, Heal +17, Knowledge: religion +16, Profession: apothecary +17,
Survival +4.
Feats: Herbalist, Iron Will,
Self-Sufficient, Skill Focus (Knowledge: religion).
Fortunes: Enlightened.
Equipment: Clothing, books, various
herbs and powders, herbalist equipment, amulet of natural armor
+2, incense of
meditation, restorative ointment.
Spells per Day: 6/5+1/5+1/4+1/3+1/2+1.
Meier may select from the list of "discreet" spells
presented in the article "Clerics in the New World."
Reuben Meier is best known around London as a highly skilled
apothecary; many people swear by his remedies, and rightly so. What
fewer people know is that he's also an accomplished Khabbalist. In
his spare time, he reads from his religious texts and meditates on
their meanings. He is also intrigued by other cultures, however,
delighting especially in books and tales from the far-flung corners
of the world.
Fighter 1; CR 1; Size medium; HD
1d10+2; hp 12; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +4 (1d8+2, cutlass) or +2 (2d6, musket); AL LN; SV: Fort
+5, Ref +1, Will +1; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Background: Military (Survival 2
ranks).
Skills: Climb +6, Jump +6, Professions
(sailor) +5, Survival +5.
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Rugged,
Weapon Focus (cutlass).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Buff coat, cutlass, musket,
powder and shot.
Fighter 3; CR 3; Size medium; HD
3d10+6; hp 27; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +6 (1d8+2, cutlass) or +4 (2d6, musket); AL LN; SV: Fort
+6, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Background: Military (Survival 2
ranks).
Skills: Climb +8, Jump +8, Professions
(sailor) +7, Survival +5.
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Power Attack,
Precise Shot, Rugged, Weapon Focus (cutlass).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Buff coat, cutlass, musket, powder and shot.
Fighter 6; CR 6; Size medium; HD
6d10+12; hp 49; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +9/+4 (1d8+7, cutlass) or +6 (2d6, musket); AL LN; SV:
Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha
8.
Background: Military (Survival 2
ranks).
Skills: Climb +12, Jump +12,
Professions (sailor) +11, Survival +5.
Feats: Cleave, Far Shot, Point Blank
Shot, Power Attack, Precise Shot, Rugged, Weapon Focus (cutlass),
Weapon Specialization (cutlass).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Buff coat, cutlass, musket, powder and shot.
Fighter 10; CR 10; Size medium; HD
10d10+20; hp 75; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +15/+10 (1d8+9, cutlass) or +11 (2d6, musket); AL LN; SV:
Fort +10, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12,
Cha 8.
Background: Military (Survival 2
ranks).
Skills: Climb +16, Jump +16,
Professions (sailor) +15, Survival +5.
Feats: Cleave, Far Shot, Great Cleave,
Greater Weapon Focus (cutlass), Greater Weapon Specialization
(cutlass), Point Blank Shot, Power Attack, Precise Shot, Rugged,
Weapon Focus (cutlass), Weapon Specialization (cutlass).
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Buff coat, masterwork cutlass, masterwork musket, powder
and shot.
These soldiers of fortune are all business. They sell
their services to the highest bidder, working to support that patron
in whatever pursuits he or she might have. For that reason, they do
not take the actions of opponents personally, but that does not mean
they aren't ruthless toward their enemies. They would rather shoot
first and ask questions later, if at all. Of course, should someone
offer them more money, that could always change the situation.
