Second chance - Way of the Wicked (Inactive)

Game Master Big OM

"Sounds good to me. My tribe's priests can bless us as we prepare, but the blessing won't last so we'll keep any talking brief."

Odenkirk scratches his beard. "She's seen us, sure as damnation. And there is no way the Frosthamar' will outrun her loaded like this. One look at our cargo and they'll know us for exactly what we are - weapon smugglers," he summarises.

A qualified guess is that the ship will be able to pull up along your side in roughly 10 minutes.

Best to let her come along side and then bring the fight to her. There will be no talking out way out of this one. Prepare for battle.

Vank moves to put the cargo between himself and the incoming ship. Pulling out his sword he sharps it for little. When the ship comes close maybe 1 minute before the encounter his mannerisms change and speaks in goblin casting spells.

shield of faith on himself, bless on everyone and just both the ships make contact Divine favour on himself. +2 ac for himself and +1 to hit for everyone, both have a 3 minute duration. Additional +1 to hit and damage for himself but only 1 minute duration.

Thomas readied himself by hiding as best he could.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Robert, perhaps you and I can best lure these Mitrans onboard. A lady and her retainer having booked passage on this ship, shall we say?" Nadine's clothes shift into that of a hurried minor noblewoman. She borrows some from her true form, giving herself windswept and unkempt red hair, a faded and old, but still elegant traveling dress, and simple jewelry.

Robert follows suit, changing his.appearance to subtly match Nadine's look.

"Aye, m'lady. I believe you have the right of it. Captain, are they likely to board our vessel? If so, that could prove out opening to eliminate the inspectors as well as the patrol boat entirely."

We must wait and see Robert. I expect to be boarded. How else will they get a look under this tarp at all the fine lumber we haul. He says with a grin.

When the approaching vessel comes with in shouting distance you can hear the words: "Heave to, in the name of the king!" Complying captain Odenkirk and his men lowers the sail and awaits to be boarded. The Talingarde ship quickly close in and 5 men jumps onto the Frosthammer. Accompanied by 4 marines with spears the fifth a young muscular black haired man states: "I am Captain Sambryl who is in charge of this vessel?"

Vank leaps around the corner of the cargo and charges Captain Sambryl. "You don't need to worry about whose in charge."

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Surprise round? I'll leave attack rolls until its my action.

Stanislav eyes the approaching vessel warily. He tries to get a head count of sailors and of fighting men. He also looks for any signs of archers or siege weapons on board, or a ram. Know your enemy. he thinks.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

What time of day is it and what are the weather conditions?

I am responsible for the cargo. That is all you need to know. Stanislav steps forward, weapon in hand. We are outside of the Kings territory. You have no authority here. He has positioned himself so that the cargo is between him and any potential missile fire from the other boat.

Nadine comes over to where Captain Sambryl has boarded the ship. "What is the meaning of this?! I will not stand for this delay, Captain. I need to get to the north quickly and I don't appreciate you wasting my time." She looks over the men who boarded the ship and then over to the other ship.

How many left on the ship who didn't come over?

Just clear thins up, if Vank charges we enter combat and the option of diplomacy is gone, well rather meek to begin with.

It is during the day, later in the afternoon, there is a small breeze and a partially obstructed sun by changing clouds.

Sorry I thought the plan was to attack. If we are going to fight we are better off doing it straight away. Vank is happy if you want to talk to anyone left alive at end.

It's likely this will end up in a fight, but maybe we can draw the captain off where Nadine, Stanlislav, and Robert can kill him quickly while Vank and Thomas hold off the other guards for a few rounds.

Vank would be happy to give them 20 seconds if GM is happy to clarify things that way, but after 3 rounds he'll attack anyway.

"M'lady, Captain, perhaps we should talk to these good men and assist them. We have nothing to hide after all."

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 bluff
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 diplomacy

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

There is five on the ship, the captain and four more. Eight sailors remain on the patrol ship, bows ready.

The captain doesn't respond very well to Stanislav's staement. Rather harshly he replies: "You are mistanken, this is Talingarde waters and I have all the authority needed. Now yield and let me continue my insepction." A little puzzled by Nadine's appearance he keeps chain of thoughts and continues: "This is an inspection as I said and you will have to wait until I am satisfied you aren't smugglers." A little more appreciative of Robert's suggestion he adds: "Listening to the young man would be a very wise idea."

its more likely that these men are thieves after our cargo. We are clearly no longer in Talingarde waters. There, behind us is the border, as any true riverman or captain would know. Stanislav points towards the boarder that they have already passed. This is nothing but piracy.

"Smugglers?! Captain, I assure you, I am not a smuggler. I am Lady Gloria Hawthorne. Please, I have urgent business in the north and I cannot wait until you have ransacked this ship looking for whatever it is."

Nadine takes a breath, shaking her head. "My apologies, Captain, for my forwardness. Perhaps I can explain things, but with some modicum of privacy, yes?" She motions to the an isolated area of the ship. "Would you come and speak to me and the cargomaster where you men cannot overhear?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

"Milady, Captains, may I offer you some repast? I am afraid wine or water is all I habe available, but will be glad to fetch it for you."

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 bluff to get Vank and Thomas's attention.

"Please, I will be just a moment gentles."

"Oh you are still in our waters," the captain retorts to Stanislav's statement.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Realising such a lady might have a purpose this far north Captain Sambryl reluctantly agree to follow her to a more isolated end of the Frosthammer. "Very well mylady," he confirms the request unalarmed by Robert's hidden message.

Escorting Nadine and ? to the farthest end of your ship the young captain remains watchful.

Do the men that came aboard with him follow him?

No 8 on their own ship, 4 waits by the entry and the captain alone follows. You are still hiding right?

Just to clarify - you said "and now you are good to leave Talingarde behind you for a time". I take this to mean we have left Talingarde behind us. I am beginning to think you meant we are close to doing so. I am not trying to bluff the other captain. I understood that you said we were no longer in Talingarde.

"Wine, please Robert. And some for the Captain too." She motions for Robert to go. She turns back to the Captain, intent on buying Robert some time.

"Now, Captain why are you stopping our boat? My brother's estates in the north require my attention and I have been delayed enough. What makes you think we are smugglers?"

What sort of armor and weapons are they carrying? And Robert, your spells might be better off helping Vank and Thomas against the mass of soldiers. I only hope Nadine and Stanislav can kill the Captain though.

It is kind of tricky you are passing by the watchwall so technically you are crossing a border and they believe that entitles them to search you, who is right is a matter of debate.

I didn't take your words as a bluff Stanislav, the geography was poor wording on my part.

"Not many ships with good intentions sail north milady. Fewer sitting as heavy as yours do in the water. Where is this estate? I thought no civilised persons lived north of the wall," the captain responds and adds: "It would take long to search a ship as this, so let me begin and you will be on your way soon."

Would anyone be annoyed if I attack now?

Not I Now! Stanislav bellows as his blade slices at one of the men that came aboard with the captain. Stanislav tries to keep cover from the bows on the other boat as he cuts into the man.

glaive-guisarme: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Robert remains behind cover relative to thw patrol boat and readies his shield, casting murderous command on the captain.

DC 16 will or attack ally

Which enemy am I closest to that would be flat footed?

They're all flat-footed in the surprise round.

Nadine casts a spell and dislocates her jaw, allowing thousands of spiders to spill out.

Cast Vomit Swarm (CL4 via her trait).

Spider Swam Stats

Having both weapons ready from earlier, Thomas stepped out and stabbed the nearest guard.

Kidney Shot: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Damage?: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + (6, 3) = 15 +2 Bleed/Round

Remember bless is up. I'll make my rolls and let Big PM work out order and stuff.

Vank closes with the nearest of the patrol boat crew member.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 19 bless, divine favor, power attack.

Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 20 divine favor, power attack.

The order to attack has barely left Stanislav's lips before Vank spring into action. The Hobgoblin cuts down one of the marines following the captain onboard where he stands. Somewhat slower of the block Thomas draws a dagger and stabs it into the left kidney nicking the aorta on the way bleeding profoundly internally another marine falls to the deck. Stanislav is not quite as efficient and his weapon slides of the captain's armour leaving a shocked man behind adrenaline coursing through his veins. The foul whispers guided to the captain's ear from Robert seems to fester. The spiders quickly overwhelm the poor captain and small droplets of clear poison rolls from the hundreds of bites slowing his actions under the weight of his armour.

In short 2 of 4 marines down, 5 damage dealt to the captain who is poisoned, 2 str damage and under murderous command for his 1st turn.

No surprise actions for Odenkirk and crew. They will act in initiative order.

Quick question on Murderous command, the captain fail and has no ally within reach, and thus must move, is this without self preservation or can he withdraw towards it denying AoO? He will move on his turn since he has no action in the surprise round.

Round 1 begin

Initiative:
Vank 24
Thomas 15
Stanislav 15
Odenkirk and crew 14
Robert 9
Nadine 3
Men of Talingarde 2

Not I Now! Stanislav bellows as his blade slices at one of the men that came aboard with the captain. Stanislav tries to keep cover from the bows on the other boat as he cuts into the man.

[dice=glaive-guisarme]1d20+8;1d10+9

Not a big deal but Stanislav had not attacked the captain. He went for "one of the men that came aboard with the captain". His thought was to be in position to take ann AOO on the captain as he approached.

I miss read. No problem we'll retcon it your strike killed a man. That is three down.

Actually, it was a short sword. But no matter, the result is the same.

Per SRD murderous command:

Nothing about avoiding AoOs so I'd say he moves without concer, possibly charging.

With only one of Patrol boat's sailors on their boat Vank will push the advantage and board their boat. If he can't get past or board use the roll against the last sailor on our boat.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 17 bless, divine favor, power attack.

Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 16 divine favor, power attack.

Vank's AC=20

Thomas withdrew his blade from the Talingarde's kidney, quickly and silently stepped towards the next one and stabbed forward.

Since they haven't acted yet, I believe I still get my Sneak Attack.

Stab!: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19 Added Bless this time.

Twist!: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + (3, 5) = 12 +2 Bleed/round

Pleased at Vank's initiative and seeing Thomas engage the last of the men-at-arms Stanislav moves to attack the spider covered captain.

glaive-guisarme: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 = 201d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

For Nadine's turn.

Nadine laughs as she sees the captain covered in spiders. She turns to the men still on the other boat. "Come forward my dear! We're having so much fun here!"

Cast Command on one of the men on the boat. Will DC 16 or approach Nadine as quickly as possible for 1 round, provoking any AOOs from her boys in front of her along the way. Since Nadine was back away from the others, I figure getting to her would provoke from almost everyone.

Finally back, just started a new position in another town, so it has been quite hectic.

Effortlessly Vank passes the remaining marine and boards the inspection vessel. It is only now that the Hobgoblin stands on their ship that the ugly truth dawns on the remaining sailors, they are now the prey. He swings his weapon through one of the drawn bows and into the chest of its possessor. Unfortunately for Thomas his aim is more precise this time and the blade is well places in the kidney but missing the artery. Yanking his steel away the man still stands, then the bleeding starts and he joins his comrades on the deck. Stanislav moves to the spider covered captain and the swarm parts like water before a god as the glaive slices into the man's back. Odenkirk grips his axe thightly and his normal features gives way to the crazed look of a berserker. He launches himself towards the other ship. The remaining crew moves to the farthest end of the ship putting as much space between themselves and Nadine's magic. The beguiling words of the witch calls a sailor to his doom and one of the men moves past Vank without thinking, only towards his new mistress. Trying to control his turning stomach the captain pushes past Stanislav towards his subordinates murder burning in his eyes. Determined to save themselves the remaining sailors turn their bows on Vank, alas most is to shaken to hit but two manages to place their arrows in the Hobgoblin causing some damage. Vank 7 damage

Vank AoO on a sailor, if Vank misses the Thomas
Stanislav AoO on the captain.

I am only missing Robert's action this turn, let me know if I overlooked it.

All marines dead, 1 dead sailor on the inspection ship the captain still alive and kicking(25 damage, 2 str damage).

Vank swings at the back of the charmed bowman as he advances on the others.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 16 bless, divine favor, power attack.
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 19 divine favor, power attack.

As he advances he stares down one of the two that hit him. "Beg for mercy, beg for your life" No matter what he does Vank swings.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 13 bless, divine favor, power attack.
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 18 divine favor, power attack.

Vank's AC=20 Hp=24/31

Are there any enemies close enough for me to reach?

Stanislav slashes out as the captain passes, but this time he tries to disarm the man's weapon.

glaive-guisarme against CMD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Robert pulls his crossbow and fires at one of the archers.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 to hit; 1d8 ⇒ 6 damage

Nadine refocuses on the Captain beset by the spiders. She narrows her eyes at him and focuses her will.

Evil Eye Hex. Will save DC 16 or -2 to his saves.

No Thomas you have to move to either the captain or the sailors on the other vessel.

Stanislav can you use a disarm as an AoO?

Cutting down sailors left and right Vank fells yet another man. He must have scared the men to some degree as they are rather careful and Roberts bolt hits armour instead of man. Impressively enough the captain under much duress manages to shake of the ancient curse of Nadine's powers.

I am missing actions from Stanislav and Thomas.

Will vs. Evil Eye: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19