GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

It didn't take overly long to shuffle her to your camp, though you did have to move carefully in order to avoid awkward questioning by the town guards.

Next?

What time is it? I though we were at night and preparing for sleep then the ship rescue in the morning. If not then we go find this man that wanted us dead :)

I suppose if it's early enough we could take a crack at finding the guy before taking a nap and preparing to board a funeral ship under the cover of fog...

Yeah, if we can reasonably try to hunt this guy down without being fatigued tomorrow, that sounds good. Otherwise, rest.

Today, you were out for most of the day getting lessons on the vessels you'll be using. You got back to the Inn late afternoon, then went to gather information, then got attacked. The plan is, incidentally, to go for the funeral ship this evening.

Oh yeah, ok. Sounds better to focus on the boat-heist for now, and deal with our attacker later on. Any objections?

Nope, let's plunder a funeral boat.

Great, I was fuzzy on the timeline.

Heading back to the inn.

"Well let us go and finish our preparations. We have a guide to save."

Alright since this was a new day I had not refreshed my spells, but As I had Mage Armor running and I cast rejuvenate twice. I will have 1 first level use left for this day which will be to recast Mage Armor for the boat attack. So first level slots will be exhausted for the day. I will have one 2nd level, and all my 1st level inquisitor spells, and 1 2nd level.

In fairness, that happens a lot with PbP games, where something that's ten minutes at a table could be a month in posts. Don't hesitate to ask for an updated timeline if you're ever feeling fuzzy. ^^

It was about an hour before sunset when you finally gathered on the beach, waiting for Ukshakka and the kayaks. Much of the fog had burned off, but enough remained for your purposes. As your guide appeared, you saw a distant red light - the beginning of the fire that would soon spread to the ship. "All right, it's now or never. Remember what I taught you." she said quietly.

Taka and Shutai are in one Kayak, while Aleksson is with Ukshakka. Each boat needs a successful DC 10 Profession (Sailor) or Wisdom check to get to your destination.

Wisdom Check: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Shutai helped the kayak moved forwards with surprising efficiency.

As they approach Taka increases his defenses by summoning a shield to help deflect attacks.

Casting Shield of Faith, Ready as I can be :)

Wisdom: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Aleksson was much more comfortable guiding a living creature than this vehicle of dead wood, but he and Ukshakka managed anyway.

The training was clearly paying off, because you managed to row your way without any particular trouble.

The deck of the longship has been built up with planks over the old rowing benches, creating a space belowdecks. It appears that the funerary treasures have been placed in this hold, as the deck is empty save for a silent, shrouded form resting atop a bier in front of the mast, surrounded by stacked wood. A leather sack sits atop small pile of sand at the base of the bier, the glow of flame and wisps of smoke escaping from it. A hatch leads down, but it's been nailed shut.

Shutai looked at the sack in concern. Being burned with the ship was not a good plan. "We can't stop that or we'll have the whole shore swarm aboard," she noted in frustration. "We had best be fast. I shall check up here, if you gentleman could see to opening the way below decks."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"I have no tools to breach that hatch. No axe, no crowbar. With some time I could claw through it. If it is not too thick. We have to suspect a trap, they know about us. The ship is anchored but it would not be dock side if it is to burn, so they would need to swim or boat to it and climb to get to us. Unless they are waiting bellow and it is all a ruse. Well I suggest you and Aleksson watch and harass them with range fire while I try and hack through the hatch. I will create water over the sack and fuse. Unless either of you have a better plan."

Taka draws and drinks one of his potions as his muscles bulge.

"That should help a bit in getting through that hatch."

Drink potion of bulls strength.

Aleksson thought for a moment, then began to unstrap his shield as he spoke. "Taka, with your claws and magic muscles, you'd quickly budge the hatch from its tight seal. I could then wedge my shield in the gap to use as a lever. With our full weights and strengths and the durability of my shield's magic, we could be in soon."

What say you, Rednal? Could we get a pretty good advantage on the Strength check using my shield like that?

Checking carefully, Shutai noted a faint rattling of chains coming from belowdecks. The bag could probably be removed (it was definitely a timer of some sort), although you'd want to replace it before you left if you wanted to avoid drawing attention to your presence.

As for the hatch, prying it open was a definite possibility. It'd take some muscle, but you did have those.

With your plans... make a DC 15 Strength check. And yes, you can AA. And because we know you're not going to fail in the time you have allotted... XD

Pulling the hatch up, you can see the main hold of the deck. It's fairly short, at only four feet high, so you'd have to squeeze in if you wanted to look around. Unfortunately, enough crates are piled inside to make it impossible to see much beyond them.

"I will go, keep a look out here. Call if you notice a trap. If there is a trap bellow I will call or retreat back and bring them above."

Taka hops down, he listens and follows the rattling of chains not wanting to give out his position or alert anyone he may be here if a trap is in place.

Once she had made sure there was no magical geas or other influence on the bag, as it seemed like something these Northerners would use there magic for, Shutai shifted the bag just enough out of position to keep it from setting the boat on fire. Then she did as Taka requested. she kept one eye out.

Perception + Detect Magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Aleksson nodded, momentarily stalling to reaffix his shield, then helped Shutai with lookout duties.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Up above the ship, you didn't see or hear much - though that probably had something to do with the remnants of fog. Squeezing down below in the hold, however, Taka could see a long chain leading to the far back of the hold, which also seemed to be shrouded in some of the mist from outside. The ship probably wasn't as waterproof as it could have been... though given its intended fate, that didn't appear to be much of a problem for anyone. Even as he looked, the chain jolted slightly.

Moving to the entrance in case he needed support or there man was injured, Shutai whispered down, "Do you see anything?"

Taka will draw his blade, follow the chain showing caution and staying alert.

Trusting Shutai to liaison to Taka and alert him if needed, Aleksson maintained watch.

Let me know if I need to roll more Perception checks or whatever.

As Taka moved, a figure lurched out of the mists, covered in seaweed and dripping water. A captain's hat sat upon its head, and an eyepatch covered its left eye... but it was quite clearly undead, and perhaps the man who was to be buried here wasn't quite as at-rest as most had been led to believe.

Init (Undead): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Before any of you could react, the creature darted forward and swung a greataxe down at Taka.

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Rather fortunately for him, though, the axe got stuck on the ceiling and the undead wasted a few moments tugging it loose.

Everyone who goes into the hold is Squeezing. Each square of movement costs double, and you take a -4 penalty to attack rolls and AC. Make sure to note this effect at the bottom of your posts.

Animus: +4
Maneuver Gained (Combat Start): 1d4 ⇒ 3 | stopwatch

Aleksson slid into the hold ahead of Shutai and, with both allies in sight, released an ancient symbol of air to bind with the three of them.

⧼ ⧼ 空 ⧽ ⧽

He then drew his starknife.

Taka a bit surprised to be caught off guard braces for impact as the axe catches the wood overhead. Seeing his opportunity he studies his foe for a week point and lowers his blade to the right and behind before turning his wrists and cutting in an upward arc.

Swift: Arcane Strike
Move: Studied Target
Standard: Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Condition: Squeezing: Current AC:23, 19 while Squezing

Shutai drew the wand of Scorching Ray and dropped into the hold, looking for a chance to fire it.

With a sharp swing, Taka cut into the undead monster as it lurched forward, and his sword bit - though it wasn't enough to bring the shell of a man down. With a grunt, the undead whipped his axe through the air again-

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

-but once more the axe swung wide. It lashed out with an arm a moment later-

Slam (Taka): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

-but only succeeded in breaking a bit off of one of the central powers. The creature definitely had strength, but appeared to be lacking in the accuracy that should have gone with it.

Maneuver gained end of last round (oops): 1d3 ⇒ 1 | elemental strike
Animus: +1

Aleksson moved forth and left as best he could in the hold, trying to get a clearer shot at the thing attacking Taka. He let the starknife fly, infusing it with his energy to guide it as best he could.

Elemental Strike
-2 animus for +4 to attack
+1 returning starknife (+ animus): 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 4 = 29 Ah dang, never with my wakizashi...
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Requires a save to not become fatigued but undead are immune sooo...

He smiled as the blade cut deep into the corpse's flesh, and grabbed the starknife as it returned to his hand.

I hope this is not who we were sent to find, Shutai considered as she raised the wand, but it seemed unlikely. Whatever this thing had once been, it seemed more like the man whose funeral ship this was. It certainly explained why he was to die by flame...

Scorching Ray 1 (Touch Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 4, 4) = 18

Scorching Ray 2 (Touch Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 1) = 15

If needed

Round 2

Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 4 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Between scorching fire, flying starknives, and a slash from the Oni Slayer, the damage was too much for the undead man to handle, and his body crumpled to the ground. For a normal person, that fight might have been much more dangerous... but through skill or fortune, it hadn't been much of a challenge for you.

Sometimes that's how the dice roll. XD

That left the hold safe. A quick search of the ship reveals that neither Ulf Gormundr nor the sword Suishen is present on the ship. The funerary goods stacked in the hold are worth several thousand gold pieces, but most of the items are bulky and impossible to carry off the ship quickly and in kayaks. One obvious exception is a beautiful Ulfen helmet with gold inlays and backswept wings mounted to its sides sits near the hatch.

You can also make one Appraise check each to find your result x 10 in easily-removed valuables, should you feel like plundering the ship.

Though Aleksson strived to be an honorable man, it was a Hongal sort of honor - the kind that balanced a distaste for wastefulness and a need to pack up at a moment's notice. He searched for an item of value that had little bulk and was reasonably durable.

Appraise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
200 gp valuable

"Pfff, I never understood the burning of valuables to send off the dead. Though they do this to honor him and as one ruled by my honor I will not carry or take anything."

He looks to the others as if saying "but that is not to stop you from doing so." As he gets out of the hold and sets himself to assist others up as the come.

"From what I have seen of him, I am not sure one such as him deserves anything like this kind of honour. Let us be done here, and let this cursed thing burn." Rather than plundering simple gold, Shutai moved through the hold looking for magic, or unusual items that might help with the quest.

Perception + Detect Magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Most of the items in the hold seemed to be mundane treasures, but the elaborate helm radiated a faint aura of divination and a moderate aura of good.

Meanwhile, up top, the wooden bier has become fully alight and burns brightly at midship. Beyond it in the water you can see the kayaks that brought you here cut loose and drifting out of reach. Ukshakka is bound and apparent unconscious in one of them. Tied off at the stern of the ship are two canoes, into which a group of black-clad, masked figures are quickly clambering.

Taking the helmet (the aura of good was intruiging enough to save from the flames) Shutai raised an eye behind the mask. "Swim to the canoes or stand and fight?" she whispered to the others.

Sorry are they trying to get back in there canoes and escape or are they boarding to fight? If they are fleeing then Taka will not hesitate to run and jump after their cut free kayaks with Ukshakka in in it. If they are boarding to fight Taka draws his blade and calls out to Shutai and Aleksson

From what I understand, our transport is drifting away, and the black-clad figures are getting INTO the canoes. Our options are swim to canoes, swim to our kayaks, or stand and burn to death on the ship. Provided that is the case and that Taka is going after Ukshakka, what is our distance from the enemy canoes, and what is the number of this group?

They are attempting to leave.

great, we have a lead on them so saving the guide is our/Taka's play the other two can harass the bad guys if they wish :)

Taka scowls at the masked men, but waste little time leaping into the water and swiming toward the kayak with Ukshakka in it.

Swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Not sure if we're acting round-by-round, but Aleksson's in combat mode regardless, ready to harrass.

Animus Gained: 4
Maneuver Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 2 | spark strike

With Ukshakka in good hands, Aleksson turned his attention to the canoes and began to feel the dragon's blood pulse with energy... but it wasn't the energy he needed. He broke and mended his quick-draw stance, feeling the taste of fire rise up in his throat, and then released his blood's power in a burst so that he could recollect it with more purpose.

Maneuvers Gained: elemental strike, fluctuation movement

..

.

..

@Rednal, still wanted to know how far off the canoes were?

I'm guessing they think the beastie in the hold got us, so they just re-lit the fire and legged it. Sounds like we should offski too, rather than harassing them, unless they come for us.

Shutai headed for the stranded canoe too, on the theory that there drunken ally might be wounded and need some spells to revive them. Rowing with only one would be a slow thing.

The kayaks you'd used were only ten feet or so away from the boat, drifting off instead of being actively pushed. The black-clad figures were showing no signs of hostility as they piled into their own boats and began paddling away, though. Back on the ship, the fire was quickly starting to spread.

A DC 10 Swim check is quite sufficient to reach your kayaks. Or a same-DC Acrobatics check if you want to jump.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Shutai hoped into the boat, and checked on the fallen woman.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

But, but, I wanted to set a canoe on fire, possibly the same canoe TWICE! Oh well, some other time.

Aleksson reached for his alchemist's fire... and thought better of it. They left Ukshakka alive... they showed some honor, and I shall show the same, when I do not attack them with their backs turned. Releasing a tiny emblem of water onto his body, he returned to the other kayak alongside his allies.

Swim (+ Water Glyph): 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 3 = 26

Taka pulls himself up into the kayak and then draws his bow. He watches the ones clad in black to make sure they retreat.

Not looking to engage but ready to fire if they decide to harass us or engage in range combat. Lucky for them I don't speak the elemental languages yet. I would summon a water elemental and have it destroy their boats from bellow and keep them busy until we got over too them :) Oh well.

The funeral boat went up in flames soon after you left, and you paddled a little faster to stay in the mist as the heat began to dissipate it. Paddling hard managed to return you to shore, at least - slightly richer, but without the one you'd hoped to find. Your foes didn't leave very many clues, did they...?

(You did, however, find a clay token marked with a songbird around Ukshakka's neck - a fairly clear reference to the faith of Shelyn. They had a shrine in the Fire Quarter that you'd seen during your earlier investigations.)

"He wears a medallion of Shelyn. Let us take him to the shrine. It should be safe enough. They may even help care for him until he awakes. We can then investigate the man that hired the assassin. I am growing tired of these games."