Thod runs Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)
Game Master Thod

When we're ready...

Tal hurls the grappling hook toward the adjacent ship.

Ranged vs AC 5...correct?

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Well that should hold. Glad you're going first though! Tal smirks.

"Here goes nothing... Oh and just so I'm clear, we're not taking a diplomatic approach this time are we?"

Chanix puts a dagger between his teeth and starts his climb.

Climb the rope 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Do it stealthily 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Perception: peering over the edge of the deck, looking for enemies or a ladder 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Toren nudges Markus and says, "Sure hope he doesn't cut his tongue or anything with that dagger in his teeth...what if the boat rocks?!"

Markus hefts the slab of iron onto his back with a grunt.

"Then we will have a quieter trip back to the grand lodge", the brutish Varisian answers.

>:O

Toren set it up. I had to say it!

Toren quietly exclaims, "Hah, I think we've found your humour Markus!"

Ohh and I just gotta thank ya fer saying it!!! :)

Calistria pray let my knives be swift to silence the next unfortunate forever so that I might drop a tongue over the edge of this vessel upon my comrades.

All

I will go into rounds from now on. You don't need to go in initiative order - but that keeps me better to know how much time you have.

Chanix climbs up over the edge of the deck and is fortunate enough to be alone.

He sneaks to the edge of the poop deck so not alert the guard and looks around for more guards and a ladder.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

If there is a ladder or another rope on the poop deck then he will secure it and throw it over the edge to the ferry. If no ladder/rope close and no other guards visible then he will unsheathe his rapier while moving 30' and then charging the guard.

Attack+charge 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
sneak attack 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (5) = 7

Anyone care to go next...or shall I?

"I'll bring up the rear, no sense in knockin' everyone else off if I fall."

All

I give 2 off you the chance to climb up while Chanix goes charging - after that there will be initiative.

You hear a shout of pain as Chanix hits true but seems unable to kill the guard in a single blow.

Initiative
Guards: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Captain: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Toren 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Artemis 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Tal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Priscilla 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Chanix 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Markus 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

When it's Toren's turn
After hearing Chanix start to combat those on the ship Toren looks up and says, "Course, he may not survive if we don't get up there!"

Take 10 on Climb 1 (10)-1 = 9
Stealth check 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Take 10 on Climb 2 (10)-1 = 9

With all the subtlety the big man can muster, Markus grabs the rope and hauls himself up.

The tiny monkey puts both paws over its own mouth and hunkers down on the Varisian's shoulder.

Taking 10 on accelerated climb for a 13.

Stealth Check Markus - 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Stealth Check Grigo - 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

I took care to check all actions should have been possible.

New picture: Before round 1:

A few bits of information about positions and terrain:

I placed Chanix and guard 1 at the place where Chanix caught up.

I have Tal in the position where the rope comes up. 2 players (your choice) can place themselves where Tal is - or 5 feet next to where he is. It is up to the group which other 2 characters start there.

The rope ends on the upper deck. There are stairs down in the middle and a ladder.

3 options to go down to the main deck:
a) jump down (acrobatics needed - it isn't high - but it isn't automatic)
b) down the stairs - I treat this as 'difficult' terrain = 10 feet movement needed and no charge down
c) the ladder - needs climb - automatic success - but you have to apply climb speed.
d) Squares with boxes on the ship are also difficult terrain

Keep your movement speed in mind (if you can't move 30 feet / round).

There are a few pretty low initiative rolls - but I take the dice as they fall.

All

I don't think stealth is necessary anymore.

I need to know the order of people climbing.

Char 1 and 2 up before round 1.
Char 3 and 4 up during round 1
Char 5 up during round 2

So Char 1 and 2 can act (on board - starting position see map) in the initiative order.
Char 3 and 4 will be climbing in round 1 - this is already combat but you are not threatened while climbing - so take 10 does apply
Char 5 will have to wait or do something in the small boat during round 1.

2Markus - you have the shield from Toren on your back - let me know whatever you do with it. If I read no actions then I just leave it on your back. It will cost 1 move action to get it off your back.

For now I'll just carry it. I'll spend the move action to drop it off once Toren is up top too.

I would like to know who are the first 2 up? Only these 2 - and Chanix - can act on board in round 1.

Order of Initiative round 1:
Tal 20
Toren 17
Guards 12
Markus 12
Captain 10
Priscilla 9
Chanix 9
Artemis 6

Assuming Tal doesn't take out the guard I already post actions of the guards:

If nobody is chomping at the bit, assume Markus and Grigo are up first.

Sorry to leave this here at a cliff hanger - but it's late here.

Chanix avoids a very close shave from the cutlass of the guard on deck. Having charged ahead he nearly had to pay for the recklessness with a deep gash.

Assuming Markus is the 1st up, then Toren's taking his turn:

When it's Toren's turn

After hearing Chanix start to combat those on the ship Toren looks up and says, "Course, he may not survive if we don't get up there!"

Take 10 on Climb 1 (10)-1 = 9
Stealth check 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Take 10 on Climb 2 (10)-1 = 9

Excepting the Stealth check of course...not really needed anymore.

Ran out for a bit to eat and look what happens...lol

Tal draws his swords and jumps down to the deck Acrobatics 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 and makes a double move to wind up standing next to Chanix.

(Edited based prior info...still unclear as to where guard 2 is though)

If nobody is chomping at the bit, assume Markus and Grigo are up first.

I'm not counting Grigo - he will just climb up like it's a game - so who is second ?

Markus - you go on 12 - but after the guards.

Sorry - just got interupted here - a gamer who passes by for years and seemingly only today while drunken found the courage to knock.

Tal, you should know better than to leave me alone on a boat full of enemies! I think there might be more than one guard. Unsure. This one tried to hit me though!

Please all check the map - HERE

That should help doing decision what to make.

Post 368 has the link as well and also some more details how to interpret the map.

So Markus gets to the top just after the guards have moved to engage Chanix?

Seeing the melee unfold Markus turns back down to the remaining boarding party.

"Hurry, the elf is in trouble."

I'm assuming the guard's counterattack is his first round action. Is that correct? If he isn't killed by anyone else and I'm not dead before my turn then the following is my turn action.

Chanix narrowly dodges a devastating blow and counters with a rapier thrust.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Boom! Critical confirmation:

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
additional damage if confirmed 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Wow I step out for a couple of hours and 35 new posts....
Artemis Takes 10, for 10, to climb the rope, he is last in initiative, so unless anyone holds I guess I am last up the rope

"The diplomatic approaches were working so well, I knew that couldn't last forever."
Artemis states, as he awaits his turn on the rope.

Climb take 10 if possible if not 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Stealth if needed at this stage 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

I climb at my initiative and board, or attempt to.

I might be afk in the morning so I am posting some options.

All

I'm trying to get order into the madness here ...

A drawn out fight like this is already a challenge on a table - this medium makes it more difficult.

Round 1 actions as they happened:

Tal uses his accrobatics to jump down to the lower deck and to get to Chanix.
Toren climbs up and gets on board.
The first guard hopes for reinforcement. His attack seems only half hearted (fighting defensivly) - which saves Chanix as he misses by a hairs margin

A second guard rushes out from the cabin below the deck - taking out a cutlass on his way. He closes in on Chanix and Tal but doesn't reach them.

Markus has still his action for round 1

You hear a shout from below - "Protect the ship. I will have you walk the plank otherwise." But nobody so far appears.

Priscilla climbs up

Chanix tries to get the guards down. He has a nasty cut at the guard. But his defensive stance protects the guard from Chanix turning the blade and finish him off (critical miss due to defensive stance).
The guard looks horrified by the onslaught - but he is still standing.

Artemis - being last - manages to get half way up the rope. I don't want to have you wait and do nothing until it's over. Off course - feel free to use the remaining standard action to start encouraging your friends.

Next actions:

I will do a new map in the next few hours.

Markus - the second guard isn't in combat yet. He is around the mast - so 20 foot away from the upper deck. The guard being attacked by Chanix is 45 foot away and has cover (Chanix, Tal) and is in melee.

I totally forgot that I had accelerated climbed.

Hefting a dagger pulled from his sash as he finishes his climb, Markus hurls it with deadly force at one of the sailors.

Targeting the unengaged guard.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Confirmation Roll

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Tal

I have you next to Chanix. But please be aware that you don't yet have a weapon up. You needed both hands free to climb and used a double move to get where you are.
As rogue level 1 you can't yet move and draw a weapon. Yes - there is a reason guard 2 didn't reach you and instead got his cutlass out.

Tal

I have you next to Chanix. But please be aware that you don't yet have a weapon up. You needed both hands free to climb and used a double move to get where you are.
As rogue level 1 you can't yet move and draw a weapon. Yes - there is a reason guard 2 didn't reach you and instead got his cutlass out.

Actually I'm 2nd level...but no worries I can draw & attack when I'm up during round 2.

Tal
Sorry - missed your second level. Just looked up your are a rogue. Won't make much of a difference - especially as you act before the guards anyhow.

Actually I'm 2nd level...but no worries I can draw & attack when I'm up during round 2.

It's round 2 now, no?

Markus still to act round 1 and Yes - round 2. Sorry - no updated map yet.

Tal and Toren ahead of the guards.

My actions will be pretty much dependent of their actions / dice rolling - so I'm holding them for the moment.

You hear the wounded guard shouting

"Take out this bastard here first. He nearly killed me. He desrved to be sliced open."

Speaking is free and can be done out of initiative or to co-ordinate.

"Tal, would you do the honor of silencing this oaf?"

Pardon the interruption...did you call for back up? Tal smirks as he draws his swords & attacks the wounded guard.

Main Hand: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Off Hand: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Tal takes a 5 foot step away from Chanix to hopefully set up a future flanking situation.

The guard hardly stays upright - but he parries both blows from Tal.

Updated positions

Upper Deck

Lower Deck

The ladder should be lying on the floor (the second guard has to come out somewhere and this seems more realistic.

Positions are after round 1.

Markus still to act round 1
Tal already moved 5 feet to set up flanking

Thod, what about Markus at post 388? Is that not round one?

Thod, what about Markus at post 388? Is that not round one?

Missed perception check ...

I would have sworn it just sneaked inbetween. Thanks for pointing it out.