Presented here is the next adventure in the series. While I hoped that it would pull together a number of loose threads from previous scenarios, it also leaves open some major possibilities. In any case, I hope that it's engaging and a change of pace from previous ones.
-Nate
Above and Below
This scenario is Part 18 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 designed for a party of
eleventh-level characters. Although it is intended as part of an
ongoing collection of scenarios, and in particular as a direct sequel
to the adventure "Machinations," it can also be run as a
stand-alone adventure with a bit of modification.
Background
As detailed in the scenario "Machinations," a chance
rendezvous on a remote island has led to a complicated situation for
the PC's. It started when they witnessed an explosion aboard a vessel
in the Thames River. Rushing to help, they managed to rescue a the
captain of the Temerarious, Isaac Faulkes. He, in turn, led
them to a meeting with a local apothecary, Reuben Meier, and his
unusual guest, Liu-Chang Kwan. The three men then told their story.
Liu-Chang was part of an expedition that sailed from China in search
of the fabled, long-lost fleet of Xu Fu. That group had been sent by
Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ti to find the secret of immortality, and had
never returned. For that reason, Liu-Chang and his fellows crossed
the Pacific Ocean, eventually making landfall at an island on the
western coast of North America that was rumored to be a domain of
evil. They began exploring, and found evidence that that Xu Fu had
been there. Sadly, they also ran into a ship sent by the Cabal, one
that had no interest in sharing the find with them.
The Cabal, a ruthless group of occultists based out of London, had
learned of the Chinese expedition and had followed it, lying in wait
until the time was right, and then ambushing the other ship. During
the ensuing battle, the Chinese sailors, soldiers and scholars fought
valiantly, but were finally defeated. For his part, Liu-Chang managed
to jump overboard during the fighting, carrying with him the truth of
what had happened.
This sole survivor managed to swim to shore and then hide among the
native people, the Yelamu. There he remained until another English
ship came along, one whose captain, Faulkes, treated the natives with
respect. Taking a risk, Liu-Chang approached that captain and asked
for transport back to civilization. This Faulkes granted him, and
then began to make inquiries about the Cabal's activities back in
Londn. Liu-Chang's journey back to his homeland was disrupted when
agents of the Cabal, learning of Faulkes's inquiries, attacked his
ship in order to silence him.
That's where the PC's enter the picture. Liu-Chang is eager to
continue his quest, but Faulkes no longer has hi ship; that is why
they have asked the PC's to take them aboard their own vessel, to
return to the island in hopes of preventing the Cabal from
discovering its secrets.
Introduction
Ideally, this adventure should begin in medias res--in the
middle of things--with the PC's already en route from London to the
South Sea. That is why such matters as outfitting and crewing the
ship, along with any other necessary preparations, are covered in the
previous scenario. Even so, it might be important, if some time has
elapsed between sessions, to review some details about the PC's,
their vessel, crew and passengers.
Who are the important officers aboard the vessel? This could include
the captain, sailing master, helmsmen, quartermaster, doctor,
lookouts and the like.
What is each Player Character's station aboard the ship? Where is
each character likely to be found while not on duty?
Where are the special passengers, such as Kwan Liu-Chang, Isaac
Faulkes and Reuben Meier, quartered?
As always, these details help set the scene when the action begins.
The Great Secret
At some point during this scenario, the three aforementioned
passengers take the PC's aside to discuss the reason why, they
believe, the Cabal is so interested in the lost expedition of Fu Xu.
This should be an important bit of interaction, given that it ties
this business to the Cabal's previous activities. Refer to the
scenario "Retribution" for more details about those
developments, and the article "The Great Secret" for a
description of the mythological foundation for the Cabal's plot.
Note that the effectiveness of this scene can have big repercussions
for the rest of the scenario. If the information can be presented in
an atmospheric, somewhat conversational way--rather like a person
telling a good ghost story--it can really set a good tone for the
remainder of the adventure. On the other hand, if it is just
presented like so many bullet points, it would really detract from
the atmosphere.
Encounter 1--Into the
South Sea
Once the action begins, the PC's find themselves making the voyage
for the Cape of Good Hope in order to pass into the Pacific Ocean. As
they do so, the GM could easily work in interludes and other
encounters from previous scenarios; a few of the possibilities are
suggested here.
Interludes that would be appropriate include The Competition 1 or 2,
The Jonah, The Hazards, The Storm 1 or 2, The Serpent or The
Timingila.
Encounters with other sea creatures could also occur.
Possible scenes include the events "Crossing the Line"
from Encounter 3 along with "Cold...So cold... (Again)"
and "The Passage" from Encounter 4 of "The Ends of
the Earth."
PC's who participated in the events of "The Ends of the Earth"
might also observe a friendly giant (or an unfriendly one, depending
on the course of action they chose) observing them as they pass
through the Strait of Magellan.
The Garda Costa
It's
also important to note that the Spanish don't take kindly to ship
from other countries sailing in what they see as their sovereign
territory. For that reason they have a number of ships known as garda
costa, coming in varying
degrees of size and armament. In this case, the PC's run into a full
galleon, the Nuestra
Senora de Manilla, one
that is outfitted for war. This scene can occur at any point once the
PC's have moved beyond the Caribbean, but is most likely after they
make the passage through the Strait of Magellan.
Whatever
the case, PC's and members of their crew who are in a position to do
so should make Profession: sailor, Search or Spot checks, opposed by
the efforts of the lookouts aboard the Nuestra
Senora de Manilla. As
usual, modifiers should be applied for the height of each vessel, the
use of a spyglass and similar circumstance modifiers.
If
the PC's and their crew manage to see the other ship before its crews
notices them, they have a variety of options. One is to alter course,
trying to stay low on the horizor or seeking a landmass in order to
avoid detection. Doing that requires a Profession: sailor check
opposed to that vessel's Search and/or Spot efforts; success allows
the PC's to hide while the other ship sails past them. On the other
hand, failure means that they've been noticed and the chase is on.
That is also the result if the garda
costa's crew wins the
first opposed checks.
In the event of a chase, the starting distance is sixteen miles. The
PC in charge of the party's vessel and the captain of the Senora
should start by rolling 1d20 and adding the ship's maneuverability
rating. If the PC's win initiative, they can begin taking evasive
actions if they wish to do so. This requires three successful
Profession: sailor checks, opposed by the enemy vessel's similar
efforts. Success on two of those allows them to sail out of that
ship's line of sight, thereby avoiding it.
On the other hand, if the PC's are spotted right away, or if they
fail two of the opposed sailing checks, the chase is on. Both crews
should make another round of opposed Profession: sailor checks, this
time to determine how much speed they can coax out of their vessels.
Refer to the following chart for the effects of these efforts.
Check / Results
0-9 / -1 knot
10-19 / +0 knots
20-29/ +1 knot
30+ / +2 knots
The adjusted speeds, then, determine who can catch whom. Given the
actions of the PC's however, and any other factors adjudicated by the
GM, it could be possible to affect these speeds even more.
Of
course, it is also always possible that the PC's are looking for a
fight, or that they can't outrun the garda
costa). In that case,
they have the duration of the chase in which to prepare for battle,
and perhaps some time to begin shooting at their enemy if they have
chase guns on their ship. Once the vessels are within ranged of each
other, the faster one closes with the slower at a rate of ten feet
per round, multiplied by the difference in their speeds. (For
example, if the galleon is traveling at eight knots, and the party's
vessel is traveling at six knots, the enmy gains twenty feet per
round.) As soon as the two vessels have closed with each other, the
battle can be conducted as normal.
Pursuit by Land
If the Spaniards do manage to detect the presence of the PC's, they
also lower a boat to warn the people of the nearest settlement.
Depending on how close they are to land, the PC's might be able to
see riders on horseback bringing word of their presence up and down
the coast. Unless they decide to make a landing, this probably
doesn't have any direct effect on them. It does, however, provide a
hint of just how seriously the Spanish are regarding the party.
Encounter 2--Drake's
Bay
After many days of travel, the PC's finally reach their destination.
In Drake's Bay--the place that will one day be known as San Francisco
Bay--they have numerous dicoveries waiting for them. First among
these are some curious local natives.
Note that the island in question is the one marked with a lowercase f close to the entrance to the bay.
The Yelamu
Assuming that the PC's sail into the bay and then drop anchor, they
aren't left in peace for long. That is because the local natives, the
Yelamu people, are a curious bunch and come out to investigate. Half
a dozen of them--including the shaman and a handful of warriors, load
into their small reed boats and paddle out to greet the newly arrived
vessel. As long as they are treated peacefully, they respond in kind.
Note too that, since the Yelamu people are already familiar with
Liu-Chang, they happily welcome him back to their land.
The shaman speaks neither English nor Spanish, but instead relies on
gestures to convey his meaning. Refer to some of the following
options, and feel free to improvise more.
The Shaman points to the newcomers and then clasps his hands
together and bows his head, meaning to welcome them.
With a gesture he indicates the group and then holds his arms out
wide, trying to ask why the PC's have come to the area.
If the PC's indicate an interest in the island, he shakes his head
vigorously but is frustrated by his inability to communicate why he
thinks it is a bad place.
During these efforts, the shaman can start adding words to his
vocabulary, allowing the communication to become smoother as it
progresses. This should provide a chance for some good roleplaying,
but shouldn't be too tedious for the groups involved.
If the PC's indicate their intention to visit the island in the
middle of the bay, however, the shaman becomes alarmed; he gestures
toward it and shakes his head vehemently. He and his people regard it
as an evil place. He will not use force to prevent them from doing
so, however.
Settling In
Having dropped anchor, the PC's and their crew can set about
obtaining freshwater and perhaps even some foodstuffs. The Yelamu
have a plentiful supply of local fish, shellfish, nuts, berries and
other vegetables. Although it might seem primitive by European
standards, it's a lot better than old salt beef and ship's biscuit.
At the GM's discretion, and if the players are interested, they could
also have more interaction with the Yelamu people. Should the PC's go
hunting, they might run into a family of brown bears for a little
excitement.
At the same time, it's also important to note any defensive
preparations that the PC's might want to make. These include such
concerns as where they are anchoring their ship, whom they are
leaving aboard it, the readiness of weapons and the like.
Encounter 3--The Island
Refer to the following map for a layout of the island. It is long and
narrow, only about a third of a mile in length and about a third of
that in width. It has rocky sides, but trees and other vegetation
atop its crown. On top it is fairly flat, only reaching a height just
shy of 150 feet. At first glance the place seems like it has never
seen human habitation.
Characters who succeed at a DC 25 Search or Spot check, however,
notice a small golden medallion attached to the face of a rock
outcropping. Since there are eight of these in total, this could
happen just about anywhere on the island; again, refer to the map for
the medallions' locations. Each depicts one of the Chinese trigrams.
The trick here is to remember that the Great Secret involves bridging
the gap between heaven and earth. As long as the PC's can find those
two trigrams, and then determine the spot directly between them, they
can find the entrance to the underground structure. At this point,
refer to the appropriate map for the following area descriptions.
1. Entry
As mentioned above, the mouth of this cavern lies directly between
the markers with the I Ching symbols for heaven and earth. It
is blocked by a large, flat stone. Noticing it requires a DC 20
Search check if the PC's know to look in the area (and they can take
20 on the check to do so), or a DC 30 Spot check to notice it by
luck. At that point it becomes clear that there is a space behind the
rock, but it takes a DC 25 Strength check to move. Up to four PC's
can combine in this effort, and the PC's should be able to gain
circumstance bonuses for using tools such as prybars or other
tactics.
2. Yin-Yang Chamber
This area looks like nothing more than a natural cave, with one
exception. The wall opposite the entry has been worked smooth;
moreover, a DC 20 Search or Spot check reveals that a secret door is
built into it. No check is needed to notice the six-inch-wide yin and
yang symbol that is carved into it. This is unpainted, but clearly
depicts the familiar icon. What is more, the two small circles inside
can be pressed inward, at which point the symbol can be turned one
way or the other. At that point it opens the secret door.
There is also the matter of a nest of small viper snakes that live
in the cave; they swarm to attack the first unlucky person who
disturbs them.
3. Chamber of the Trigrams
The PC's might be surprised to find that the secret door in the
previous area wasn't trapped, but they'd best be on their guard in
this room if they want to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Accessible
via a ladder and trapdoor in the ceiling, this chamber is surrounded
by an octagonal wall. The stonework is almost featureless, except for
a small hole in the center of each wall. Close examination (DC 15
Search check) reveals that there is some kind of mechanism inside
each hole; an even closer look (DC 20 check) lets a person notice
that there are also holes for traps built into the ceiling around the
chamber.
The trick here is for the PC's to remember the trigram symbols from
around the island. If they haven't collected these, they need to do
so now. Only by placing the medallion markers into the correct holes
can they open the secret door down to the next level. It takes a DC
10 Profession: sailor check, or the use of a compass, to orient the
symbols correctly. Each failure triggers the trap once.
Poisoned Dart Trap: CR 4; mechanical; location trigger; manual reset; Atk +15 ranged (1d4+4 plus poison, dart); multiple targets (1 dart per target in a 10-ft.-by-10-ft. area); poison (Small monstrous centipede poison, DC 10 Fortitude save resists, 1d2 Dex/1d2 Dex); Search DC 21; Disable Device DC 22.
Finally, once the last of the eight symbols is placed in the correct
position, the trapdoor in the floor leading down to the next level
grinds slowly open.
4. Elemental Chamber
This room is square in shape. In each corner stands a statue
depicting a Chinese guardian lion. Those who think to inquire about
it could notice that they are aligned with four of the eight trigram
symbols, those depicting earth, fire, water and heaven (see map).
What is more, the mouths of the ones that match up with water and
fire are open, while those of the other two are closed. This is
another puzzle, and again is connected to traps that punish failure.
In this case, the solution is to pour water into the mouth of one,
and to place a burning flame into mouth of the other, respectively.
Doing so triggers the mechanisms that open the trapdoor down to the
next level.
5. Natural Cavern
This is where the survivors of the expedition hid their secrets. Here
they realized that the power of transgressing the earth and the
heavens was too great for any one person to command, and therefore
they decided to leave it be and abandon their mission. For one thing,
Fu Xu himself crafted a number of terracotta warriors to protect the
site. What is more, this is also the place where he and his explorers
first encountered the "fish" that prevented them from
gaining access to their secret goal.
The wide spiral staircase from the previous level opens onto a broad
legend, with the ceiling rising to thirty feet overhead. That
continues out over an underground pool, one that is fifty feet deep.
The level of the water ebbs and flows with the tide, but on average
is five feet below the level of the ledge. This is the abode of a sea
serpent--offspring of the very one that Fu Xu and his people faced on
their two seperate incursions. For their part, the members of the
Chinese expedition sent their leader himself to swim across the gap
ahead of the serpent. It was then that, reaching the pinnacle of
rock, he recognized the full importance of the inscriptions on the
tablets there and thus decided that the Emperor was not fit to
possess them. For that reason he and the rest of the party crossed
back to the land and exited, leaving the secret alone--as they
thought, at least--for all time.
Decisions,
Decisions
As
long as the PC's succeed in reaching the pinnacle, they can examine
the tablets. Those doing so who can read ancient Chinese (or have it
translated) and who succeed at a DC 20 Knowledge: arcana or religion
check recognize that the tablets, combined with the other information
collected by the Cabal, could be used to bridge the gap between
heaven and earth. In game terms, this would allow one who possesses
such knowledge to create and use a Codex
of Infinite Spells. In a
low-magic setting such as Skull
& Bones, this should
have huge implications. After all, the notion of people having access
to spells such as wish
or miracle
presents tremendous opportunities for good or evil. With that in
mind, it is up to the PC's to decide just what they want to do with
this power.
On the one hand, they could decide to use it for themselves. To do
so they might need to gain access to the lore assembled by the Cabal,
if they have not already done so. At that point, of course, a good
deal of GM adjudication likely becomes necessary. What is more, the
PC's, while facing off against their enemies in the Cabal, would also
find themselves opposed by powers such as Kuan Liu-Chang, Reuben
Meier and Isaac Faulkes, agents of the Inquisition, and others. Of
course, it is always possible that the PC's decide to cooperate with
the Cabal, but Brother Simon is not one to share unlimited power with
others if he can possibly avoid doing so.
On the other hand, the PC's could always decide to destroy the
tablets so as to prevent such power from falling into anyone's hands.
In that case, allies such as Meier and Faulkes approve of their
decision. This can be done by dealing a suitable amount of damage to
the tablets, which have hardness 8 and 50 hit points.
Whatever the PC's decide, as they emerge from the underground
complex, they must face up to the other parties who are interested in
their discovery.
Encounter
4--Repercussions
Characters who think to do so can make DC 25 Spot checks to survey
the waters surrounding this island as they exit the cache; those who
specify such wariness may make DC 20 Search checks instead. Those
who succeed notice that two more vessels are arriving in Drake's
Bay--the Duke and the Duchess. (As always, the GM
should modify this situation based on what has previously transpired
during the campaign.) Whatever the case, trouble arrives for the
PC's.
This should make for a dramatic situation in which the players might
need to control the actions of the PC's as well as the NPC's aboard
their ship. (Here the GM is encouraged to use the rules for tracking
crew members presented in the article "A Motley Crew.") In
such a situation, the PC's must hurry to reach their vessel while it
is under attack.
As mentioned above, there is always the possibility that the PC's
decide to cooperate wth members of the Cabal, or at least that they
feign to do so. That situation presents a complicated roleplaying
situation, and one that requires a good deal of GM adjudication. At
the very least, they need to figure out how to make their
capitulation apparent to the newcomers. This could entail some kind
of signalling, running up a white flag, or the like.
Alternately, if the PC's decide to make a stand and fight, they face
a classic run-out-the-guns, ship-to-ship combat. This could include
maneuvering in the tight confines of Drake's Bay, along with the
trading of broadsides and other such glorious action.
Additional
Difficulties
Just when the battle is reaching a fever pitch, it becomes more
complicated--the aforementioned vessel of the Garda Costa reappears.
This development serves two purposes. For one thing, it provides a
reprieve if the PC's and their crew have been caught offguard by the
agents of the Cabal. For another, if the PC's have chosen to
capitulate, this presents a contrary opinion and could precipitate a
fight. Here again, GM adjudication is likely necessary to resolve
these developments.
At the GM's discretion, the captain of this vessel could be none
other than Salvator Jimenez, or another character whom the PC's have
previously encountered.
Implications
If they haven't already done so, in the aftermath of the battle the
PC's must decide on their intentions. They should be aware that they
possess information of tremendous value, albeit some that could be
used to unleash almost unspeakable power. With that in mind, theirs
is a choice that could carry heavy consequences. Although it is never
possible to anticipate all of the directions that an adventure can
take, some of the more likely outcomes are detailed in the
Conclusion, below.
Conclusion
With power such as this available to them, the PC's could pursue any
number of goals; indeed, this is really more of a beginning for them
than any kind of resolution.
Further
Adventures
Given that, here are suggestions for some of the myriad
possibilities.
The PC's could decide to use the power available to
them, or let someone else use it. Keep in mind that doing so calls
into play all of the normal rules for casting spells beyond one's
knowledge, just like when a low-level character uses high-level
spell scrolls. To that end, it could bring some unexpected
consequences.
It could be that the PC's need to access the lore
collected by the Cabal if they wish to harness this potent magic.
Should that be the case, they might need to bargain with Ephraim or
Muriel Grey, or even seek out Brother Simon himself at the Cabal's
repository.
There is always the chance that the PC's decide to
destroy the tablets. This is not difficult to do, given the stats
for them mentioned above. Such an action is not without
repercussions, however, as the agents of the Cabal are relentless in
their efforts to recover the tablets or punish those who disregard
them.
In the event that someone such as Brother Simon is able
to wield the power of this connection, he can start to make some big
changes in the world around him. The earthquake that destroyed Port
Royal is a good example of what he might unleash.
Characters who want to buy some time to think could
always sail home via the westward route, thereby completing a
circumnavigation of the globe.
Appendix 1—Dramatis
Personae
Captain Isaac Faulkes
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.
Liu-Chang Kwan
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.
Reuben Meier
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.
Mercenary Soldier
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.
Mercenary Sergeant
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.
Mercenary Lieutenant
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.
Mercenary Captain
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.
Muriel Grey
Wizard 11; CR 11; Size medium; HD 11d4;
hp 29; Init +0 (+0 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+2 armor, +1 deflection);
Atk +5 (ranged) or +4 (melee); SQ spells; AL CN; SV: Fort +4, Ref +4,
Will +7; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 8, Cha 14.
Background: Scholar.
Skills: Appraise +8, Concentration
+14, Craft (writing) +13, Decipher Script +19, Knowledge (arcane)
+19, Knowledge (geography) +19, Knowledge (history) +19, Knowledge
(religion) +13, Spellcraft +19.
Feats: Combat Casting, Craft Wondrous
Item, Dodge, Improved Counterspell, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus
(enchantment/charm), Spell Mastery (Details).
Fortunes: Details.
Equipment: Clothing, spellbook, pouch
with components, pouch containing 20 poe, cloak of resistance +1,
amulet of natural armor +2, ring of protection +1.
Spells per Day:
4/4+1/4+1/4+1/3+1/2+1/1.
Spells Known: Level
0—Arcane mark, detect magic, read magic, resistance; identify, mage
armor, magic weapon, shield, true strike; cat's grace, fox's cunning,
misdirection, protection from arrows; arcane sight, dispel magic,
haste, heroism, keen edge; bestow curse, locate creature, remove
curse; break enchantment, dream, nightmare, permanency; analyze
dweomer, greater dispel magic, greater heroism.
Muriel seeks one thing in this world--arcane power. This is why she
joined the Cabal, and why she now leads the expedition to Patagonia.
She is willing to use any means of achieving that goal, including
exploiting others if they might be useful to her. To that end, Muriel
can be downright charming, but this is only a veneer. She is highly
knowledgeable when it comes to the ancient traditions of the world,
but always seeks more information in hopes of unlocking the deeper
secrets of eldritch might.
Muriel's Raven Familiar (Shadow)
Animal; CR 1/6; Size tiny; HD 11d4; hp
14; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 10 ft., fly 40 ft.; AC 14 (+2 size, +2
Dex); Atk +13 (claws, 1d2-5); SQ low-light vision, Alertness,
Improved Evasion, share spells, deliver touch spells, speak with
master, speak with animals of its kind, speak English, SR 16; AL N;
SV: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +9; Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 14,
Cha 6.
Background: NA.
Skills: Listen +16, Spot +16.
Feats: Weapon Finesse.
Fortunes: NA.
Equipment: None.
Ephraim Grey, Agent of the Cabal
Male Wizard 9; CR 9; Size medium; HD
9d4; hp 24; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +4
(1d4, dagger) or +6 (ranged); SQ Spells; AL N; SV: Fort +3, Ref +5,
Will +9; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 17, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Background: Scholar.
Skills: Appraise + 5, Concentration
+12, Decipher Script +15, Knowledge (arcane) +15, Knowledge
(geography) +15, Knowledge (history) +15, Spellcraft +18.
Feats: Combat Casting, Leadership,
Mental Acumen, Scribe Scroll, Skill Focus (Spellcraft); Spell Focus
(School).
Fortunes: Enemy, Magic.
Equipment: Clothing, spellbook,
writing materials, pouch of spell components, pouch holding 50 poe,
ring of keys.
Spells per Day: 4/4+1/4+1/3+1/2/1.
Spells Known: (0) Arcane mark,
detect magic, read magic, resistance; (1) Endure elements, identify,
mage armor, magic weapon, protection from chaos/evil/good/law,
shield, true strike; (2) cat's grace, fox's cunning, owl's wisdom,
protection from arrows; (3) arcane sight, dispel magic, haste,
heroism; (4) bestow curse, lesser globe of invulnerability, locate
creature, remove curse; (5) break enchantment, contact other plane.
Ephraim is a dedicated agent of the Cabal, working to
fulfill its objectives around the world. He is not so zealous as to
eschew possible allies, however, and as such will exploit anyone he
can. To that end he can be quite charming and even witty, but this is
only a front for his cunning and calculating nature. Grey dresses
like a proper English gentleman, with a tophat, coat and vest. He is
unfailingly polite, until he dismisses someone as an enemy.
Yelamu
Champion
Ranger 5; CR 5; Size medium; HD 5d10+5;
hp 37; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+3 Dex, +2 armor); Atk
+8/+3 (1d6, short bow) or +6/+1 (1d6+1, hand axe); SQ Favored Enemy
(animals, humans), Wild Empathy, Combat Style (archery), Endurance,
Animal Companion; AL CN; SV: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +3; Str 13, Dex
16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Background: Native.
Skills: Climb +10, Heal +6, Hide +11,
Listen +10, Move Silently +11, Spot +10, Survival +10, Swim +10.
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot,
Rapid Shot,Track.
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Bow and arrows, hand axe.
Yelamu
Chieftain
Ranger 11; CR 11; Size medium; HD
11d10+11; hp 76; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+3 Dex, +2
armor); Atk +14/+9/+5 (1d6, short bow) or +13/+8/+3 (1d6+2, hand
axe); SQ Favored Enemy (animals, humans, magical beasts), Wild
Empathy, Combat Style (archery), Endurance, Animal Companion,
Improved Combat Style, Woodland Stride, Swift Tracker, Evasion,
Combat Style Mastery; AL CN; SV: Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +5; Str 14,
Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Background: Native.
Skills: Climb +17, Heal +6, Hide +17,
Listen +16, Move Silently +17, Spot +16, Survival +16, Swim +17.
Feats: Improved Critical (short bow),
Improved Precise Shot, Manyshot, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot,
Rapid Shot,Track.
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Bow and arrows, hand axe.
Cannibal
Warrior
Ranger 1; CR 1; Size medium; HD 1d10+1;
hp 11; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +3 (1d6,
shortbow) or +2 (1d6+1, hand axe); SQ Favored Enemy (animals), Wild
Empathy; AL CN; SV: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 12,
Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Background: Native.
Skills: Climb +5, Heal +6, Hide +6,
Listen +6, Move Silently +6, Spot +6, Survival +6, Swim +6.
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Track.
Fortunes: None.
Equipment: Bow and arrows, hand axe.
These warriors wear primitive clothing, adorning
themselves with the skins and bones of their victims. When they are
on the hunt, they also add a variety of intimidating warpaint, along
with an array of deadly weapons. At the GM's discretion, they could
also possess some minor magical items or other such trinkets and
treasures.
Spanish Captain (Salvator Jimenez?)
Expert 5; CR 4; Size medium; HD 5d6+5; hp 25; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd
30 ft.; AC 9 (-1 Dex); Atk +3 (1d6, cutlass) or +2 (2d6, pistol); SQ
details; AL LN; SV: Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 8, Con 12,
Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 14.
Background: Seaman.
Skills: Appraise +9, Climb +4, Diplomacy +10, Knowledge (navigation)
+9, Knowledge (sea lore) +9, Listen +13, Profession (sailor) +14,
Sense Motive +11, Spot +13, Survival +11.
Feats: Alertness, Seagoing, Skill Focus (Profession: sailor).
Fortunes: Been-Round, True Thomas.
Equipment: Sailor's clothing, cutlass, pair of pistols, logbook,
pouch with 100 poe, pipe and tobacco.
Captain Jimenez plays the part of a swaggering sea
captain, but in truth he is something of a coward. He is also cruel
and self-centered, which makes him the ideal candidate to command a
slave ship. While he is full of bravado when first encountering
trouble, a show of superior strength can quickly change his attitude.
Spanish Crew Member
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.
Sea
Serpent--Refer to the interlude
"The Serpent" to find stats for this creature.
