Interlude: The Chase 2

Here is another interlude, this one with suggestions for chase scenes that cover huge tracks of land. It is inspired by the novel Birds of Prey by Wilbur Smith.

-Nate

Interlude 34: The Chase 2

A previous interlude, “The Chase,” provided tables for spicing up a pursuit in an urban setting. Such a scene makes for fast action, with characters ducking around obstacles, jumping from roof to roof and the like. It is also possible to evoke this kind of drama in the outdoors, using natural terrain as the background. While the action here doesn't move nearly so quickly--indeed, it can stretch over a period of hours or even days--it can still make for excitement. To do this, consider the following factors.

Refer to the appropriate chapter of the Player's Handbook for information about speed based upon terrain, and the same in the Dungeon Master's Guide (or the D20 SRD) for more details about getting lost. What is more, different landmasses can present different kinds of obstacles and hazards that the PC's and their quarry or pursuers must face. Take, for example, the desert island presented in the adventure "Dead Reckoning." It contains three types of terrain--hills, forest/jungle and swamp. These areas could present the following obstacles.

Hill-Climbing

In places where the hills are steep, members of the party must make Climb checks in order to advance. Failure adds to the time that it takes to bypass the obstacle, allowing pursures to close or quarry to escape. If the height of the obstacle is thirty feet (requiring two checks at DC 15), every member of the party must spend one round per check trying to surmount it. Failure adds another round to the group's total, which the GM can tally. There is also the possibility that someone falls, causing 1d6 damage per ten feet, or that one character can reach the top and lower a rope (and thus lower the check DC to 5).

In the event that a character is incapacitated by damage suffered in this way, it might become necessary for another person to haul the victim. Additionally, any treatment through the use of the Heal skill eats up more time, as does taking time to rest in order to regain hit points.

Slogging through Swamps

In addition to slowing down the overall pace of the party, swamps can also conceal quicksand. This is a large area of sand and possibly water that creates a deadly sinkhole. (Mud, snow and similar substances can work in a similar manner.) Upon falling into it, a character is initially one-half submerged and must make a DC 15 Swim check to reach solid ground. Simply floating on top of the quicksand requires a Swim check with a cumulative -2 penalty for each minute spent in it. One failed Swim check means the character becomes three-quarters submerged; a second failed check (at a -4 penalty) means the character is completely submerged and begins to drown. Movement to solid ground at this point entails a Swim check with a -8 penalty.

Only upon reaching solid ground—earth, stone a tree trunk that extends into the water, etc.—can the character attempt to climb out; this requires a DC 15 Climb check with a penalty similar to that of the Swim check above. Failure on the Climb check does not cause a character to become more submerged, but does prevent escape.

Other characters can attempt to pull out the drowning character with a DC 15 Strength check; failed checks do not cause the character to become further submerged.

Clearing a Path in the Forest/Jungle

This can be treated in the same manner as a complex action, as detailed in the encounter "The Shipwreck 2." A given patch of forest or jungle can be given a number of hit points or DC, such as 300. Characters involved in the trek can make attacks against AC 5 or Survival checks against the same DC, with those that succeed adding to a combined total. Reaching it allows the characters to proceed, with the GM again keeping track of time taken.This naturally gives an advantage to pursuers, who can follow the path taken by their quarry.

Tracking and Spotting

The rules for using the Survival skill and Track feat are well dilenated in the core rules; they can provide guidelines for following another person's trail--or for having someone tracking oneself. Should the pursuers come close enough to their quarry, they might actually be able to see them, depending on the terrain. For example, if an area of forest gives way to more open hills, the pursuers might be able to see and even shoot at the ones whom their following.

All in all, this kind of pursuit gives characters a chance to use their skills, and can make for a different kind of action from combat or the typical chase scene.

The Dhow

Today's post is an adaptation of a map from this blog's first adventure, providing a deck plan for a dhow or fishing boat.

-Nate

The Dhow

While bigger ships are a crucial component of the quintessential scenario for action at sea, trading broadsides, smaller vessels are also important. After all, they can be used for running up rivers into unknown lands, making small-scale raids and the like.

Refer to the appropriate map for the layout of the ship. Unlike larger vessels, the dhow doesn't have separate cabins in the back; rather, there's a raised deck from which the tiller is operated. Beneath it is a narrow space that provides some cover from the elements, accessible by a short ladder. On the opposite side of the ship another such ladder leads below decks into a cramped space that serves as hold and sleeping quarters for the crew. There's another such ladder forward, in front of the mast. Vessels like this one are generally lateen-rigged, with one large triangular sail.

An Interlude and a Review

Today's post combines two things. The first is a review of the novel The Guardship, the first book in the Brethren of the Coast trilogy by James L. Nelson. The second is an interlude entitled, appropriately enough, "The Brethren," which presents the notion of the pirates in a campaign banding together into a group akin to the council of pirate lords in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

-Nate

Book Review

As a fan of all things piratical, I'm always on the lookout for fiction and non-fiction related to the subject. In this case, I was intrigued when I first learned of The Guardship during a Google search for pirate fiction. Since my local library had a copy of it, I figured it was worth a try. I was not disappointed.

The novel has an interesting premise, rather the opposite of the classic Captain Blood. In the latter, Peter Blood is a respectable gentleman who is thrust into a life of slavery by performing his duties as a doctor. In The Guardship, the hero is a former pirate who seeks to give up that life by going ashore, buying a plantation and living like the other landowners. For that reason, a fair amount of the early action is less swashbuckling and more intriguing. It does not drag, however, since the other gentlemen with whom Thomas Marlowe must deal are just as cutthroat as any pirate. The conflicts are interesting, the characters are engaging, and the story is thus quite satisfying.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guardship-james-l-nelson/1100609631?ean=9780380804528

Interlude 33: The Brethren

In the time of Captain Henry Morgan, there was a band of pirates known as the Brethren of the Coast. Years later, the pirates who gathered around New Providence Island came to be known as the Flying Gang. Both of these groups represent a classic idea for pirates: banding together as an alliance which can resist the forces that would hunt them.

In a Skull & Bones campaign, the notion of an overarching band of pirates can provide for lots of drama an adventure hooks. A few of the possibilities are detailed here.

• First and foremost, the PC's could be invited to join this organization once they have made their own names as leaders of a pirate crew.
• This could come in the form of a messenger who bears the invitation, or perhaps it could come in the form of an encrypted message a la "The Letter."
• One option for this invitation is to be part of a coalition to resist enemies, such as the English or Spanish navies. Under such circumstances the enemy in question would need to be a fearsome one, indeed.
• Another option is that the pirates wish to establish their own settlement, a pirate utopia. This would, of course, require much negotiation and planning in order to find the best possible location and then determine how to administer such a settlement.
• The chosen location is likely to be a remote location, given the checkered histories of those who are invited to it.
• Whatever the situation, the assemblage could bring the PC's together with old allies as well as enemies. For example, the PC's might have previously encountered the Carlisle Brothers during the events of "Reprisal," Captain Bartleby during "Trial by Fire," Captain Horne during "The Mermaid's Tale," or Banshee and Cannon O'Bannon during "Fortune and Glory." If Nneka has established himself as a captain, he too could be present.
• This gives the GM an opportunity for some vivid description, as the PC's see the other vessel arrive, flying their distinctive pirate flags.
• An aggrieved party could call for a duel to settle the matter.
• This gathering provides an opening for other interludes, such as "The Competition" or "The Competition 2," as well as something akin to "The Articles."
• Once the assemblage is brought together, there is the question of leadership. In the tradition of pirate equality, it would be best for each captain to have a vote in matters. Given the tendency for people to be ambitious, however, it could also happen that one pirate tries to be elected as commodore over all the other captains.
• Of course, this call for unity could also be a ruse. For example, an enemy of the PC's could have captured one of their rivals, and then persuaded that unfortunate to betray them.

In this way, this interlude could make for numerous short- as well as long-term conflicts. For example, the PC's might be able to settle an old grudge with a single confrontation, whereas the notion of founding an idyllic pirate community on a remote desert island could make for many sessions' worth of activity.

Interlude: The Burial + Two Important Dates

This interlude is a simple one, but one that could make for some drama.

Additionally, I have a couple of important dates to report. One is for the release of the next Pirates of the Caribbean film, on 10 July 2015. The other is for a new compilation of sea chanties and similar songs, Son of Rogues Gallery, on 19 February 2013. (If you'd like to hear a preview of a song from this anthology, check out .

-Nate

Interlude 32: The Burial

It's an unfortunate fact in the life of an adventurer that some times the best plans go awry. At best, such occasions lead to a great deal of improvising, allowing the heroes to extricate themselves from a bad situation. At worst, of course, it could lead to the death of one or more characters. In a Skull & Bones campaign, of course, PC casualties can roll the bones, and perhaps live to fight another day despite some sort of debilitating injury. For lesser crew members, however, there are no such chances. While this is a necessary risk for the crew of a pirate vessel, it can also make for a good roleplaying opportunity.

A previous article, “A Motley Crew,” introduced guidelines for tracking the development of personalities of crew members. One issue that it did not address is the possibility of such characters being killed. Should that misfortune occur, it behooves the ranking (PC) members of the crew to give the fallen their last respects.

Traditionally, a burial at sea involves stitching the deceased into a canvas shroud made from spare sails, with the last stitch going through the nose in order to make sure there aren't any “dead ringers.” It is also customary to say a few words. This could include a prayer, by whoever is pious enough to lead one, along with comments from those who knew the deceased. The result of this could be an honorable sense of melancholy, or perhaps some disgruntled fellow crew members who question the decisions of the officers and need to be mollified. Whatever emotions are elicited, they are undoubtedly strong ones.

Finally, there is always the chance that a PC who is believed to be dead—and who should be rolling the bones as a result of this setback—is unknowingly stitched into a shroud. This could make for an exciting moment when said character awakens in the middle of the somber proceedings.

The Galleon

This post marks the end of a lengthy process. For a while I've been working on deck plans for a galleon, but I hadn't found a base design that really worked for me. While reading the book The Spanish Main, however--part of the excellent Seafarers series by Time-Life Books--I found a set of pictures by an artist (I think) named John Batchelor. This provided side and top-down views, along with a cross-section, and it just worked.

Also, based on a post from Black Vulmea's enjoyable Really Bad Eggs blog, I present to you my pirate name.

My pirate name is:

Dirty Jack Cash

You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

If you want, take the quiz yourself and discover your own pirate moniker.

-Nate

The Galleon

No vessel better represents the majesty of a ship at sea than the galleon. Although they are most closely associated with the Spanish fleet in the New World, these ships play an integral role in many navies and merchant endeavors.

The following area descriptions are pretty standard for this type of vessel, but by no means comprehensive. Individual captains and crews, as is their want, are likely to modify their vessels to suit their own styles and needs.

1. Main Deck

This broad area is flanked forward by the forecastle, and aft by the quarterdeck. The mainmast juts upward from it, while the cargo hatch and stairways provide access to lower levels. Some vessels carry six cannon on this deck, three to each side.

2. Passenger Cabins

Six small cabins in this area can provide sleeping space for a variety of passenger, or even for lesser officers aboard a ship.

3. Steering Station

In older vessels, before the advent of a ship's wheel connected by chains to the rudder, the ship is steered by a crew member in control of the whipstaff here. A raised section of the roof overhead allows this person to communicate with the captain on the quarterdeck.

4. Great Cabin (Captain)

This large cabin provides space for the captain, along with room enough for hosting meals and meetings. A typical arrangement of furnishings could include a bed, writing desk and wardrobe, along with a table and chairs.

5. Crew Quarters

Despite this area's relatively small size, it can easily hold a dozen hammocks or more. Given that crew members tend to share this sleeping space when they are not on duty, this allows a large number of sailors to be quartered here.

6. Beak

This open area in front of the forecastle is used for little more than storage.

7. Forecastle

The raised platform here is common on merchant and military vessels, but pirates often remove it to provide more open space for combat. As a result, members of a pirate crew are forced to sleep on the open deck or to string up a hammock somewhere belowdecks. The foremast protrudes through here.

8. Quarterdeck

A short set of stairs leads from the main deck up to here, and another leads from here up to the poop deck. The mizzenmast rises up through this area.

9. Sailing Master's Cabin

The person in charge of plotting the ship's course is quartered here, with a view better than that of anyone other than the lookouts in the rigging overhead. This cabin is outfitted much like the captain's cabin, albeit without the table and chairs for hosting.

10. Poop Deck

At the very aft of the ship is this raised deck, from which the bonaventure mast rises. In the back of this area is the transom, on which the ship's name is usually painted; one or more bright lanterns are often mounted here, too, to provide illumination for crew members working during the night.

11. Gun Deck

Underneath the main deck is this level. It is most often filled with cannon, with gunports cut in the sides. At least six cannon can fit on a side, with perhaps a couple more facing aft as chase guns. Depending on the needs of the crew, their could be some hammocks strung up in the middle of the deck to provided more sleeping space.

12. Bilge Pump

In the middle of the gun deck stands this structure, one that is both loved and hated by sailors. While it can often mean the difference between surviving and returning to life on land, or finding one's death in the cold embrace of the sea, it can also make for brutal labor when the hull is badly damaged. One pipe leads down from here to the lower deck, while another juts out through the ship's starboard side.

13. Orlop Deck

This deck, along with the one below it, provide most of the space for cargo and supplies aboard the ship. As such, both can be divided as necessary by erecting temporary bulkheads. For example, one section might hold the ship's water barrels, while another is filled with spare timber, rope and canvas. There could also be a sealed rooms for holding treasure or weapons. Finally, extra space for passengers, especially soldiers, can be set up here.

14. Lower Deck

All of the masts except the bonaventure mast have their steps here, and the pipe leading up to the bilge pumps can also be found runs through the floor here to reach the bilge. Other than that, this area functions in the same manner as the orlop deck, with one exception. Given that it is hard to keep this deck dry, it's not likely that people are quartered here.

Giants in the Earth

Sometimes ideas flow more easily than at other times. In this case, I was reading the Skull & Bones book's entry for island giants and it started me thinking. With a little bit of research online, I found the makings for some interesting ways of incorporating giants in a piratical campaign. The net result of this is the following article.

-Nate

The Giants of Patagonia

This article is inspired by the entry for the island giant from Chapter 13 of the Skull & Bones rulebook. It is intended to build on the information presented there, including details from world mythology and specific historical references to encounters with them. In this way, the giants can be more intricately woven into the tapestry of a campaign setting.

The Origins of the Giants

Depending on the region in which they are told, stories vary widely about how the first giants came to exist. For example, the Greek record presented in the Theogony claims that the gigantes were the offspring of the Earth mother, Gaea, when she was impregnated by the blood of Ouranos following his castration at the hands of his son Cronus. They fought against the gods on behalf of the titans, hoping to overthrow Zeus and the other Olympians. In a variation on this theme, two of the giants—Otus and Ephialtes—tried to stack mountains on top of each other so that they could reach the dwelling of the gods atop Mount Olympus. Another example of giants from Greek mythology include the Laestrygonians, cannibals who killed most of the fellow crew members of Odysseus.

The Judeo-Christian tradition is perhaps the best known, however. According to the Old Testament (Genesis 6:1-4):

“When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them,

The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years." The nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.”

These giants, then, were the cause of God's wrath and thus the flood. Some of them managed to survive it, however, and (like Goliath, Gog and Magog) went on to do battle with Jewish heroes for centuries thereafter.

There are still many other examples. In the Norse tradition the giants are known as the Jotun, and were enemies of the gods, just like among the Greeks. Indeed, the Norse giants were such formidable foes that, it was believed, they and the gods who destroy each other in an epic battle at the end of this world. Finnish folklore tells of a giant shaman, Antero Vipunen, from whom the hero Vainamoinen learned ancient magic. British legends tell of another giant, Gogmagog, whom the early settlers of Britain had to conquer in order to have peace in the realm.

Although there is considerable variation in all of these tales, a few common details stand out amongst them. The giants, not surprisingly, are quite powerful—and not just because of their size and strength. Some of them possess magical abilities, and most have some kind of supernatural origin connected to ancient powers in the world. Many were considered to be a danger to humans, and a few even threatened the gods themselves.

Disappearance and Rediscovery

It is because of this unending conflict with humankind that the giants tried to leave the settled parts of the world behind them. For that reason they set out across the Atlantic Ocean, seeking places where there was little human occupation. Some of them tried different territories that were remote at the time, such as Albion. Others ended up in various parts of North and South America; this is doubtless what gave rise to various native stories of encounters with giants. The largest group by far, however, eventually settled on the southernmost point of this new continent, in the region that would come to be known as Patagonia.

This seclusion finally started to unravel when the Portuguese captain Ferdinand Magellan made his famous voyage of circumnavigation. While passing between the mainland and Tierra del Fuego, he and his crew witnessed a curious sight: "One day we suddenly saw a naked man of giant stature on the shore... He was so tall that we reached only to his waist, and he was well proportioned..." These reports led to the giants being given the name Patagon, a reference to the large footprints they left behind. When those who'd survived the voyage (not including Magellan, who was killed by natives in the Philippines) reported the discovery, it caused a sensation. Due to the remote nature of where it happened, however, others could only speculate but not investigate what had been seen.

There's a curious side note to this tale. As Magellan and his crew were passing through the Strait, some of his captains attempted mutiny. Although reports differ, it is known that at least one captain was executed, while another, along with a priest, were marooned in the area. Most people assume this insubordination occurred because these men had wearied of the dangerous voyage, but others suspect that their might have been other reasons.

Years later another band of explorers encountered the Patagon when Sir Francis Drake led a similar voyage. It was his chaplain, Francis Fletcher, who reported on the encounter. Similarly, sailors aboard two later vessels (both in the 1590s) reported related encounters; one saw graves for bodies some twelve feet tall, while the other reported actually being attacked by the giants.

Even given these detailed reports, other voyages failed to find the elusive giants. Given the scientific enlightenment that has arisen during the Renaissance and afterward, many people now view the stories with skepticism. Those who are familiar with the history of the giants, however, know that this skepticism is just what the giants would want to encourage.

Lifestyle and Culture

The Patagon, as they are known, have a nomadic lifestyle—one that fits well with their desire to stay away from human attention. As such, they move between various cave complexes, following the animals that live close to them. Those who live in the islands around Tierra del Fuego hunt the guanaco (an animal resembling a llama) and rhea (a bird rather like an ostrich). To that end they employ large bolas, which they hurl at and thus entangle their prey. Those who live near the sea also use spears for hunting fish, venturing forth in massive dugout canoes.

As far as religion is concerned, the giants practice a form of ancestor worship. Some scholars speculate that this is because the giants have always been the enemies of humans and their gods, and so choose to revere their own fallen progenitors instead of other powers. For this reason the giants maintain small shrines to those who have died, usually in the same place where they bury their dead. Of course, given the long lives that giants have, they do not often lose members of their tribes. As such, these shrines are kept somewhere near the territory in which the giants travel and hunt. Other tales tell of savage, cannibal giants who consume the bodies of their fallen comrades in order to inherit their physical and spiritual strength. Some scholars speculate that, if the giants do possess ancient lore or lost relics, it is these shrines where such items might be found.

In their seclusion the giants have one set of companions, dire wolves. These creatures are the size of horses, but look like normal wolves in comparison to the giants. They are utterly loyal to their large companions, helping with hunting and defense while benefitting from having intelligent fellows. Thus the two groups provide mutual protection and assistance for each other.

Among the giants, two forms of entertainment are most notable. One is rock throwing and catching, a game that helps train younger giants for combat. Another is storytelling. This allows the giants to pass along the history and traditions of their kind; these tales could include any of the ones told by humans, as mentioned above, although the versions told by the giants no doubt vary according to their different point of view.

Giant Characters

Detailed here are several types of giants that vary from the statistics presented in Chapter 13 of the Skull & Bones rulebook. Note that they reflect a fairly primitive lifestyle, as detailed above. It is entirely possible that other giants live a much more civilized existence.

Giant Hunter

Giant Ranger 4; CR 11; Size large; HD 12d8+4d10+64; hp 140; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 40 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +9 natural, +2 leather armor); Atk +21/+16/+11 (1d10+12, large longspear) or +12/+7/+2 (2d6+8, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching, favored enemy (humans), Track, wild empathy, combat style, Endurance, animal companion; AL N; SV: Fort +16, Ref +7, Will +5; Str 26, Dex 8, Con 19, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 17.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +9, Handle Animal +7, Hide +6, Jump +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +6, Spot +11, Survival +7, Swim +16.

Feats: Cleave, Impale, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (greatclub).

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

These giants specialize in tracking and killing animals—and other quarry, should there be need. They specialize in using spears in close combat, and are known to impale enemies and prey. In temperament they are closer to the shamans than other giants, although they can be ruthless when in pursuit of a foe. They generally choose dire wolves as their animal companions.

Giant Shaman

Giant Cleric 4; CR 11; Size large; HD 16d8+48; hp 120; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 40 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 20 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +9 natural, +3 hide armor); Atk +17/+12/+7 (2d8+7, large greatclub) or +11/+6/+1 (2d6+5, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching, turn or rebuke undead, spells; AL N; SV: Fort +15, Ref +4, Will +12; Str 20, Dex 8, Con 17, Int 6, Wis 18, Cha 17.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +7, Heal +11, Jump +6, Knowledge: religion +7, Spot +8, Swim +14.

Feats: Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (greatclub).

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

Spells per day: 5/4+1/3+1. Domains: Animal and Plant.

More peaceful than other island giants, shamans carry on their connection to the past. They study the healing arts and thus have more respect for all living things. Even so, they can be very protective of their fellows, especially when it comes to threats to their society. Note: Refer to the article “Clerics in the New World” for suggestions about how to add divine magic to a Skull & Bones campaign.

Adolescent Giant

Giant; CR 4; Size medium; HD 8d8+16; hp 52; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 40 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 21 (-1 Dex, +9 natural, +3 hide armor); Atk +11 (1d10+7, greatclub) or +5 (2d6+5, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching; AL N; SV: Fort +8, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 21, Dex 8, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 17.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +8, Jump +7, Spot +2, Swim +8.

Feats: Weapon Focus (greatclub).

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

These young giants are approaching the age of majority and thus are starting to learn the ways of their elders. For that reason, they may accompany others on hunting trips or other such educational opportunities. While they won't rush into combat, they do provide a second line of defense should a settlement be attacked.

Juvenile Giant

Giant; CR 2; Size small; HD 4d8; hp 18; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 40 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 19 (+1 size, -1 Dex, +9 natural); Atk +6 (1d8+4, small greatclub) or +2 (1d6+3, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching; AL N; SV: Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +2; Str 17, Dex 8, Con 11, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 17.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +4, Jump +4, Spot +1, Swim +4.

Feats: None.

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

These little giants are generally non-combatant, only entering combat in direct self-defense. Of course, older giants rush to protect them should they be threatened.

Savage Giant

Giant Barbarian 4; CR 11; Size large; HD 12d8+4d12+64; hp 144; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 50 ft., swim 40 ft.; AC 20 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +9 natural, +3 hide armor); Atk +21/+16/+11 (2d8+12, large greatclub) or +13/+8/+3 (2d6+8, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching, fast movement, rage 2/day, uncanny dodge, trap sense +1; AL N; SV: Fort +16, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 26, Dex 8, Con 19, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 17.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +13, Jump +13, Spot +4, Survival +7, Swim +16.

Feats: Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (greatclub).

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

These island giants have adopted a brutal lifestyle. They hate interlopers of any kind and attack them on sight, working themselves into a vicious frenzy as they do so.

Giant Magician

Giant Wizard 4; CR 11; Size medium; HD 12d8+4d4+48; hp 112; Init -1 (-1 Dex); Spd 40 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 17 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +9 natural); Atk +15/+10 (2d6+7, greatclub) or +10/+5 (2d6+5, rock); SQ Rock throwing and catching; AL N; SV: Fort +11, Ref +4, Will +8; Str 20, Dex 8, Con 16, Int 17, Wis 10, Cha 14.

Background: NA.

Skills: Climb +6, Concentration +9, Jump +5, Knowledge: arcane +10, Spellcraft +10, Spot +4, Swim +13.

Feats: Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Spell Focus (Illusion), Weapon Focus (greatclub).

Fortunes: NA.

Equipment: Greatclub, throwing rocks.

Spells per Day: 4+1/4+1/3+1.

Spells known: All 0-level spells except from the evocation and necromancy schools; color spray, comprehend languages, disguise self, identify, mage armor, shield, silent image, ventriloquism; blur, hypnotic pattern, invisibility, minor image.

These giants are reclusive, but still important to the rest of their society. It is they who study the ancient magic, hoping to find the means to prevent humans from rediscovering giantkind. Ironically, it is this knowledge of the arcane arts that makes them intriguing objects of pursuit for some humans.

Using the Giants in a Campaign

Island giants can be used in a Skull & Bones campaign in a variety of ways; a few of the possibilities are presented here.

• Sailors aboard an English whaling ship, while plying the waters near Tierra del Fuego, spy what they believe to be a giant; when word reaches a prominent naturalist (such as Dr. Mordechai Smith, from a previous Interlude), he recruits the PC's to help investigate the matter.
• Alternately, the PC's could just be passing through the area, perhaps bound for the Pacific Ocean, when they spy a towering figure in the distance; it's up to them to decide whether or not they want to pursue contact.
• Another possibility is that a young Spanish nobleman decides to go looking for the remains of an ancestor who sailed with Magellan and was marooned or executed. Just how this person comes into contact with the PC's, however, could require some finagling on the part of the GM.
• Alternately, someone who suspects that the giants possess ancient lore or lost relics might arrange an expedition to visit Patagonia. This could be an out-and-out raid, or these intentions might be concealed behind one of the aforementioned scenarios.
• As humans continue to explore the world and thus make more and more voyages through the giants' territory, they could become hostile and begin attacking passing ships.

New Rule and Feat

Detailed here are a new optional game rule and feat, especially useful for large characters.

New Rule: Long Stride

According to the core rules for the D20 System, characters and creatures can take a five-foot step as a free action without being exposed to attacks of opportunity. While this makes sense for humans and others of medium stature, it seems less appropriate for large (and even bigger) creatures that have longer strides. For that reason, this optional rule allows characters and creatures can take a free step of a distance based on their size: medium = 5 feet; large = 10 feet; huge = 15 feet; gargantuan = 20 feet; colossal = 25 feet.

New Feat: Impale

When using spears and similar weapons, you can drive them through the flesh of your opponents and thus hold them in one position.

Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +6, Power Attack feat, proficiency with appropriate weapon.

Benefit: If you hit with an attack and do damage to an opponent, you can make a grapple attempt. This is resolved as normal. If it succeeds, the opponent is considered grappled, but can choose to suffer base damage from the weapon (without a Strength bonus), as a free action, in order to escape.

Normal: You cannot impale opponents with your weapon.

Special: This feat can only be used with the following weapons: longspear, halberd, ranseur, boarding pike. Feats that provide benefits for other grapple checks do not apply to the grapple check made to resolve impaling an opponent.

Related Relics

Detailed here are a number of magical items inspired by the legends of giants from around the world. They could be useful tools for the PC's to wield against such foes, or items that the giants themselves seek to acquire.

Bronze Armor of Goliath

This breast-and-back armor, forged from bronze, is sized to fit a huge creature. The style of craftmanship is clearly very old, harking back to Biblical times. It is enchanted with a +2 enhancement bonus, and possesses invulnerability—that it, it grants damage reduction of 5/magic to its wearer. Note that, while some giants view it as a relic of the ancient race that should be prized and used by giant warriors in battle, others regard it as a reminder of the aggression that has led to the downfall of the race.

Bronze Spear of Goliath

This spear, with a metal head on a wooden shaft, closely resembles the armor mentioned above. It, too, is sized for a huge creature. The weapon is imbued with a +2 enhancement bonus, along with the wounding quality. As such, it causes one point of Constitution damage to targets of a successful attack. Although a potent weapon, some giants regard it with the same sense of disapproval that they have for Goliath's armor.

Four Stones of David

According to the story in the Bible, the shepherd David, after deciding to face Goliath, collected five stones from a nearby stream. In the end he only needed one with which to defeat his opponent. What few know, however, is that the other stones still retain their divinely magical properties, having +2 enhancement bonuses along with the greater slaying property (DC 23 save) versus giants. They are of such a size that they can be used with slings, or if fired from a special wide-bore firearm, essentially a portable swivel gun. It is believed that agents of the Vatican may have gathered these weapons in order to use them against giants.

Interlude: The Escape

In the event of a worst-case scenario during an adventure, this interlude provides suggestions for what happens if the PC's are caught ad imprisoned, along with how they might escape.

-Nate

Interlude 31: The Escape

There comes a time in the career of every adventuring party when things just don't work out right. Perhaps the PC's are beaten into unconsciousness and left for dead, or maybe they find themselves in a no-win situation and actually surrender. Whatever the case, they could wind up being held prisoner, either aboard a ship or in a building on land. Rather than being an unhappy ending, this situation instead can make for a truly engaging scene, as they look devise an escape plan and settle the score. Should this situation arise, the GM would do well to consider the following factors.

Taking Stock of the Situation

First and foremost, the PC's find themselves stripped of all possessions. This should make for a particularly challenging situation, given that they're probably accustomed to having their chosen weapons and other equipment.

• Any characters who were hurt badly enough while being captured should roll the bones; adapting to any new developments, such as the loss of a hand, can be part of the drama.
• Rogues in the party must find or improvise some thieves' tools, especially if the PC's are locked in irons. Likely candidates for substitution include hairpins, needles and the like. Depending on the likelihood of the item in question, an equipment penalty from -2 to -5 could be appropriate.
• Hougans, bokor, clerics and perhaps even occultists must deal with both the lack of spell components and perhaps inability to prepare spells, as well. Depending on what they can find, such characters might be forced to make do with a limited repertoire, which should provide an interesting challenge.
• All of the PC's could be forced to deal with improvised weapons, based on the items to which they have access. For those who are given work details, this could include the tools for laboring; another option is stealing them from unwary guards.
• Along the same line, it could help build conflicts if one or more NPC's were to claim the Player Characters' equipment and perhaps even use it against them.
• Finally, the PC's could always by themselves a little time—and perhaps create opportunities to escape—if they can convince their captors that they hold the secret to a hidden treasure cache.

Imprisonment

Once the PC's are locked away in confinement, it could be important to have some details about their dwelling. As mentioned above, this could happen aboard a ship at sea; in such a case, refer to the deck plans for a sloop, a slave ship or even a galley. Indeed, serving aboard a galley was especially common in those countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. On the other hand, if they are in a port city, use the floor plan for an appropriate building. Unless they're brought to a major fort, such as Cape Coast Castle, the chances are good that they find themselves in an impromptu prison, often a converted warehouse.

It has a door of iron-banded wood sealed with a stout padlock (DC 20 to open; hardness 10 and 30 hit points). What is more, shackles are added around the walls, and captives are kept locked in them. Buckets serve for inmates' toilet needs, and bowls of soup and hunks of bread are provided for meals. Guards are usually posted outside the door, with the number assigned depending on the size of the incarcerated party along with the reputations of the prisoners.

Lieutenant

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.

Sergeant

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.

Soldier

Warrior 1; CR 1/2; Size medium; HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 armor); Atk +3 (2d6, short musket) or +2 (1d6+1, cutlass); AL LN; SV: Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10.

Background: Military.

Skills: Climb +3, Jump +3, Survival +3, Swim +3.

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Proficiencies (simple, martial).

Fortunes: None.

Equipment: Buff coat, short musket, cutlass.

This is only a temporary measure, of course, a holdover until the PC's can be transferred to a more secure location, something like Cape Coast Castle.

Paying the Price

As part of their incarceration, the PC's are likely to face some kind of punishment. This could include humiliation at the hands of an enemy, physical labor, or perhaps even torture. While the GM should not overdo this part of the situation, it can be an effective means by which to establish an enemy. For example, if the PC's are subjected to the not-so-tender mercies of a jailer who whips them while they haul heavy stones as part of a work detail—thereby inflicting subdual damage an perhaps even fatigue upon them—it can create more dire circumstances, and make the scene even more engagin once they have a chance for some comeuppance.

A trial could be an opportunity for engaging roleplaying. Should this occur, each of the PC's is brought before the court and accused of his/her crimes; the judge asks questions, while witnesses present their own versions of the events in question. It could make for an especially lively discussion if the PC's have differing opinions about the facts of the matter.

A Little Help

During their incarceration, the PC's might have a chance to work with one or more allies. Some of the possibilities for this include the following.

• Characters who have animal companions—especially those who have invested in fortunes like Parrot Perch, Monkey Magnet or Dog's Best Friend, and perhaps even the Bonded Animal feat—might find that these creatures have survived the fateful encounter. After all, enemies might not consider an animal to be much of a threat. Considering the tricks that these pets might have learned, they could certainly prove useful.
• Imprisonment could also give the GM a chance to introduce new NPC's, or to make use of old ones. For example, a chivalric gesture toward a local noblewoman could pay dividends if she visits the prison and takes pity on the PC's, as could an act of kindness toward a street urchin, or something similar.
• This is also a good chance for PC's to make use of any contacts they might have, depending on their chosen backgrounds.

Choosing the Right Moment

Another important consideration is where and when to take action. Likely moments include while being forced to participate in a work detail (in Algiers, for example), or while being escorted to the place of judgement or execution (as might happen in Port Royal or other places). Other preparations should lead up to this moment, building a sense of tension and anticipation. Once the escape effort begins, the action should be fast and furious. Something akin to a running chase is probably best, rather than having the PC's stand and fight all of their enemies. Although this might mean that some opponents survive, this only makes for an even more memorable confrontation in the future. Similarly, this could mean that they are forced to leave behind valued possessions and the like.

Making an Exit

Once the deed is done, it behooves the PC's to move as far away from the scene of the action as they can, and as quickly as possible. Therefore, having a vessel—or at least horses—available is advisable. As long as they can put some distance between themselves and the long arm of the law, the PC's can live to fight another day.