Unbinding the Fetters - Disciples of Master Gond (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Nisk nods and quickly climbs into the crows nest, moving up the rigging as the sailors had taught him and then peering as closely as he can at the other ship.

Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Gorak - don't worry, I've made the mistake myself before. For me I think I have the avatar filed under halfling, but I'm learning. My first PbP I took about a month before I finally realized one of the characters was male and not a woman (again a profile picture related issue).

Nisk scurries up the mast to the nest as Morthar calls his bos'un over. Whispering a few hushed orders "Send a few boys to make sure the powder and cannon are ready... don't want to be caught unawares" before his eyes flit to Nisk and Gorak, impatient to see what they might report back. His bos'un makes off at pace, collecting a few sailors as he makes his way belowdecks.

Gorak is unable to bear Javi aloft, so rescinds his rider to the deck and takes off alone.

Gorak-eagle swoops closer, though still wary of reprisal.

percep 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Frakdar keeps his eyes on the ship and casually begins to crack his knuckles.

I don't think that ship is friendly.

Nisk looks at the ship for awhile longer to see if anything changes, and if it doesn't he quickly puts away the spyglass and scuttles back down the rigging. "A warship. But..." The half-elf shrugs. "There's no one crewing it? I couldn't see one person on deck. Ever heard of such a thing Captain?"

If there is no crew Gorak gets closer to take a good view around the ship, maybe 50 feet.

perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Morthar weighs Nisk's words as he strokes at his bearded chin "Not in these waters... but there are some tales... we best be ready for anything all the same" then raises his voice to call to Torgus "ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR BETTERS TO SHOW YOU HOW TO FIGHT LITTLE BEAR?"

With that Mtumbo, Fangul and the Harrower begin to get the Initiates ready for battle as a precaution.

Gorak - DC 15 Will Save Please

WIll 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Know Nature if needed 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Gorak flies back to the ship and shifts back to his humanoid form.

"I saw nothing on the ship or reason for the sails to be filled with wind. I don't know what to make of it. "

As before, Cassadar simply observed, though Morthar's bellowing made him look between the two with a somewhat resigned expression, tilting his head as Gorak returns. It was likely that the "How" was magic, but the "Why" was what they likely needed to know, and the "When" was another question that would help make sense of things. However, it seemed that some of those answers would be theirs to find.

Calmly, he moved out of the main passageways and settled to the ground, seeking a sense of calm in case action was needed.

Torgus looks to Javi, "HA! Little Bear, that is a good name for you! Good one Old Champ. WE SHALL SHOW THEM ALL HOW THE ELITE FIGHT! BWAHHAAH" The ego of Torgus ignores who the comment was directed to and stands laughing at the uncoming danger.

Last call for any preparatory actions before the ship gets close enough for fun to ensue. You have a good forty odd minutes before the action starts.

The crew, initiates and masters are seen to both scurry about ship as well as ensconce themselves in positions where their abilities can be best served. A number of initiates and crew take positions in the rigging with crossbows hanging at their sides. The rest of the crew disappear below-decks to man the cannon - leaving the deck to your group and the remainder of Gond's men.

Gond himself has still not left his quarters.

Waiting for the ghost ship to arrive, I take out my crossbow, load it and wait to see if there is anything aboard.

Gorak Breathes rythmically and meditates a moment to mentally prepare himself.

Nisk stands uneasily, watching the others being so calm. "I hate this part." He whispers to Javi to avoid bothering the others. "The waiting is the worst part." He gestures to the smaller half-elf with his rope dart. "You're faster than I am, and I can avoid any attacks if something's on there. Let me strike first and draw their fire, then move in behind me to flank it. Agreed?"

The minutes pass as slowly as treacle as you wait for the ship to draw near enough to act upon. Without wind of your own, you are forced to merely sit and wait. Given that it has the advantage of maneuverability, the empty ship approaches from the bow - where Morthar has no cannons to bring to bear.

As it comes close you are all able to see that the scout's reports were true - there does not appear to be any sailors aboard. However it still comes. When the vessel reaches a mere few hundred feet it suddenly lurches forward with enormous force and energy, a large wave breaking before it. At that moment the veil is also dropped and you see if for it's truth...

The deck of the vessel is covered with fish creatures armed with tridents and nets. The ship itself is much less grandiose than it was made out to be by the illusion and is little more than a derelict hulk. The tattered sails that propelled it finally hang limp from the masts and a number of the fish creatures at the rear of the vessel open their eyes and turn towards you.

The vessel of the fish creatures cannons towards you and is seconds away from impact...

Ok the start of this fight will play out cinematically - that is without initiative. Just describe how you act and make any rolls you deem appropriate for that action. I'll similarly describe what the crews of each vessel are doing to attempt to turn the tide of battle.
The ship is careening towards you from about 200ft away at present.
Any questions?

Sorry for the weekend/monday absence… car troubles. :(

Nisk stands uneasily, watching the others being so calm. "I hate this part." He whispers to Javi to avoid bothering the others. "The waiting is the worst part." He gestures to the smaller half-elf with his rope dart. "You're faster than I am, and I can avoid any attacks if something's on there. Let me strike first and draw their fire, then move in behind me to flank it. Agreed?"

Javi mirrors Nisk's nervous energy. It's not fear… more like a slow simmer of adrenaline preparing to be used. He nods at Nisk's suggestion, "Sounds good to me." Not seeing his opponents means Javi isn't able to figure out what to anticipate. "If they try to overwhelm us, however, I'd suggest we get back-to-back… let as few of them flank us as are able. But we can make that call when the time comes."

Javi watches as the eery ship nears them, trying to suppress his surprise when the illusion drops away. With a nervous smirk, he calls out to everyone, "Anyone know anything about fish people?"

His preparations are simple. He finds the nearest piece of the ship that is bolted down and grabs hold. Every ship battle story he's every heard has had one ship desperately trying to ram the other. Don't really want to spend this fight overboard.

He mentally prepares, running through as many scenarios he can think of and anticipating his best course of action, always planning to stick with Nisk regardless. He also naturally tries to find a bit of shelter to hide behind. Always best to attack from surprise.

Frakdar watches the ship as it approaches. As soon as the illusion drops and the fish men appear, he fires his crossbow, aiming at the fish steering the ship.

Attack-crossbow: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 4 = 10 <-- -4 from distance
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

I hate fish.

After firing, he moves 5 feet back from the rail so that on the unlikely chance he is knocked down, he does not get thrown into the water. He then reloads his crossbow.

Know Nature 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Ive had some s!#* rolls lately.

Gorak knows nothing about fish people.

Gorak moves to the edge of the ship and waits for the enemy to try to board. He readies his mind to call forth flame if needed. A plan forms in his mind.

"Fish people." Nisk said with a confused grimace. "I can honestly say I did not see that coming." He notices Javi has disappeared with a slight grin. Good. He's best when he's not being seen. The muscular half-elf stands ready and grabs onto the railing with one hand to avoid being thrown and waits until the fishys get closer, watching between the boats to best guess the trajectory of any ranged attacks.

AC against first attack:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

Torgus takes a chug out of his jug of ale, as he looks on to the empty ship. "Why should we fear in a empty....HAHA." His laughter cuts into his comments as he sees the Fish men aboard the enemy ship. "BWAHHAHAHA! FOOLISH CREATURES! DON'T THEY KNOW THAT BEAR'S EAT FISH!!! BWAHAHHA" The giant Kellid streches out his arms as he yells his challenge to the foul smelling creatures. He steps infront of his group getting ready to jump aboard the enemy ship, with a look of bloodthirsty delight coming over his face.

Intimidate:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Torgus joins Mtumbo and Morthar at the bow of the ship... they seem to have the same idea and exchange toothy grins with the bear.

The remainder of you find places to batten down the hatches amidship as the fish vessel surges on...

Loving the responses so far, and looking forward to how things go once battle is joined ;)
Just giving Cassadar a chance to post before I do the full update.... plus I'm waiting for THIS to be available as a PDF :)

Don't worry about giving me a chance to post. Cassadar's a reactionary type, so should something occur, he'd recover and react.

At Torgus' bellow, he opened his eyes, his expression serene, and reached out to grab ahold of something, observing the reactions of the rest of the crew. His focus narrowed to the scant seconds beyond the moments that it would take to spell life or death in this battle and waited, prepared.

The two ships kiss at the bow with an almighty crunch followed by a tearing sound as they begin to slip past one another. Your vessel lurches violently to the port side putting the deck at an angle before the two ships settle into the water adjacent to one another. Some of the fish-men at the rails of the derelict sling grappling hooks to catch upon the railings of your ship so as to bring the boats into an intimate embrace for the dance to come.

Torgus, Morthar and Mtumbo had set themselves at the bow and jumped just before the bows broke upon one another, sending them streaking into the ranks of the fish-men on the fore-deck of the derelict. Tucking to a roll you stand up surrounded by the fish-men.

The remainder of you find it hard to keep your footing as the deck shudders below you, though as you all braced yourselves you bear it more readily than some of the other crew. Rope and barrels that were not secured sufficiently roll across the deck making the area treacherous. Immediately opposite you loom a rank of the fish-men with nets at the ready to fly towards you. Already the more limber of the initiates are being led by Fangul to re-inforce the side of the ship with a wall of hands and feet.

Bolts and quarrels fly between the twin sets of rigging as the opening shots of the battle are made. A couple of the fish men are struck, though a halfling also falls from your rigging to land on the deck with a sickening crunch. At the aft of the derelict you can make out some of the fish men starting to chant, The air around a group of five of them close together begins to shimmer as though hot and charged with electricity.

The fish men are of two distinct types. One is more squat and bulbous, almost reminding you of a toad while the second has more prominent fins on it's head and limbs. The voice of the Harrower can be heard above the din "The toads are kua-toa, beware their whips"

Back to you guys

While the footing was an issue, Cassadar knew that the chanting could not bode well for them, given the rather.. violent introduction they just had. As he had secured himself, and was lower to the deck, the impact of the two ships did not unsettle him enough to make him worry like the chanting did.

His mouth curled into a small smile as the state of the deck reminded him of an obstacle course. As he rose, he set his intentions towards the chanters, and set out determinedly to interrupt them, gaining the attention of what unoccupied crew that he could with contact, rather than voice.. Warning them would not do.

As Mtumbo and the two loud ones set into it, his intent was to drive through rather than over, and if enough of the crew was behind him, he would.

Here's hoping enough of the crew would follow him that he can slip past the Kua-toa without provoking too many attacks of opportunity.

Spellcraft to ID the spell(s) being used by the casters 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23.
The results of this will dictate Javi's actions.

The spell being cast appears to be some sort of summoning ritual.

From somewhere behind Nisk, Javi's voice whispers, "Nisk, they're trying to summon something. I'm guessing it's fairly important to interrupt whatever it is from getting through. Soooo... take out the casters?"

He continues to wait for Nisk's actions, still planning on following the other half-elf's lead.

Still trying to use Nisk as a flank-buddy, if possible.
Useful rolls:
Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23; No Trace.
Acrobatics 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
.
Cestus 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 1 = 27; combat expertise <-- Crit?
---> damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (2, 3) = 7.
Crit Confirm 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 1 = 18
---> damage 7 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ 7 + (1) + 1 = 9.

Gorak charges the nearest one and attempts to roundhouse it in the face.

Unarmed strike 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Damn right." Nisk said back flatly, not trusting whatever these creatures might be able to call upon, he leapt forward into the fray, attempting to use his natural acrobatics to avoid the strikes of those between him and the strange casters.

Acrobatics to avoid AoOs:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

The half-elf danced nimbly through his enemies to reach the chanting fish. Avoiding for once his usual overly flashy style, Nisk simply threw out one heavy fist, striking at the fish things throat as he heard his partner's fist doing the same on the other side.

Darkfang Charge Attack:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 (D'oh!)

If Frakdar is close the the rear of the ship where the spell casters are, he will move in that direction. If not, he will attack and get in the middle of any net or whip wielder so that he gets lots of AoOs.

Since this is a standard attack, I will make it using Scorpion Style.
Attack-Unarmed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 + DC15 Fort save or movement reduced to 5' for 3 rounds.

"COME HERE FISHY! THE BRAWLING BEAR IS HUNGRY!" Torgus roars as he charges into the maelstrom of enemies and clotheslines the first fishy man.

Power attack:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage:1d6 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Crict Confirm:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Extra Damage:1d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Torgus unleashed a mighty clothesline, nearly crushing the skull of one of the fin-laden fish people. Morthar grasped one betwixt his meaty fists and drove his skull three inches into the other's chest as he raised it above the deck. Mtumbo took one by the arm as he dove, using his momentum to spin it and turn it into a missile that he aimed at the other beasts crowding them, scattering them into a jumble of limbs. The fish people responded by withdrawing to a wall of scales and tridents - wary of the massive men who all seemed to be smiling as they fought.

Torgus - you're shoulder to shoulder with the other two at the foredeck of the vessel. They've formed a shield wall before you trying to contain you rather than attack

Cassadar followed in the wake left by the big men, diving through the swirl of fish people and attempting to make it through to the chanting kua-toa. Ahead of him was a maelstrom of chaos upon the decks, but above perhaps in the rigging was a clearer way?

Cassadar managed to make it through the first line of fish creatures, leaving the big boys behind you - but now you have to choose between going down to main deck or trying to make the aft by traversing abovedecks.

Javi and Nisk shared the idea, though it was harder going on the main deck. Working in concert they brought down a kua-toa with flanking strikes, but more loomed between them and the aft deck where the chanting continued. Some of the initiates have followed your lead, moving onto the enemy vessel to stand with you. However you hear worrying sounds coming from the cargo hold.... as though heavy scale was dragging across wooden stairs...

Press towards the stern or move to the hold? - you have enemies around you as well.

Frakdar joined Fangul and Gorak in holding off the boarders at the midships, but the swell of people made it difficult. Fangul was already bleeding from a few minor cuts, but he beamed with an infectious smile as he roared "COME SCALY ONES, FANGUL NEEDS EXERCISE!" fist flashing forward to wreck the face of a fin laden fish creature. Nets cross the decks towards you and your fellow fighters as the kua-toa and fin creatures swarm onto your ship.

Frakdar / Gorak - How do you avoid the nets? - and you are able to lash out for a couple of AoOs as they board.

More quarrel and arrow fire was exchanged above decks - the men and beasts in the rigging attempting to shoot each other rather than focus on the deck below. At that twin lances of red fire streaks out from your ship, burning the shape of a harrow card into the flesh of two fish creatures. The source of the lances, the Harrower has moved onto the tip of a cross beam on your ship and holds onto nothing, using merely her balance to keep her footing.

Say what he would about the large, loud men, their entry into the melee was impressive. A glance showed him that the numbers that he would have to face would eventually bog him down, so he took to the rigging without hesitation. There were only so many ways that one could use rope on a ship, after all. At a glance, his focus still on his direction, he looked down towards the fight, trying to gain a sense of the balance of bodies engaged.. He knew that he had to stop the magic, but did not want to leave his companions in dire straits.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

I can make 3 AoO --> Combat Reflexes with 15 Dex

AoO 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

AoO 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

AoO 3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Damn those are some sucky rolls.

Frakdar manages to strike one of the fin-fish as it leaps between the vessels, causing it to unbalance and fall between the jostling ships. Unholy screams of pain ring out as it is slowly crushed to paste between the unyielding planks of oak.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

AOO 1
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

AOO 2
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

AOO 3
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Gorak attempts to flip over and past the net.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Taking in the scene, Javi realizes he's at a crossroads. "Nisk, I can probably make the aft deck to disrupt those chanters by using one of my tricks on myself... I don't know how to get you there without fighting through all these fish things. Any ideas? Or we could check out whatever's coming from the hold."

Waiting to see what Nisk thinks, as he expects Javi to be his wingman.

"Get the mages. I'll deal with whatever's coming up." Nisk grins as he throws off a slight saucy salute and then throws himself pell-mell through the melee toward the hold, confident in his friend's skills.

Nisk only catches a partial nod from his friend as the Wasp melts from sight. "I'll be back as soon as I can... if I live." The now-invisible half-elf launches himself towards the aft deck in a standing jump, trying to make better time by jumping from crate to wooden beam to deck rail.

Spend Ki to go invisible for three rounds (swift action; 2/3 ki remaining).
Then basically try to make the shortest route from his current spot to the aft deck by jumping from ship obstacle to ship obstacle (instead of trying to sneak through the crowd).
Acrobatics 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16.
.
If he's close enough to be able to make an attack on one of the casting fish this round, he'll go ahead and do so.
Cestus 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 28; invisible, combat expertise
---> damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (3, 1) = 7.
.
AC 20

Sorry, forgot to mention the nets.

Frakdar tries to be close enough to any net or whip wielder that the attack will either hit the taller fish people or be ineffective due to the short range.

If anything comes toward him, he will attempt to dodge out of the way.

In the unlikely chance that he gets caught by the net, he will use his Kama to cut the net.

At Nisk's suggestion Gorak looks for a route to the enemy casters and attempts to full move towards them.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Also the "flip over the nets" roll from earlier was an acrobatics roll. I forgot to say that.

The Brawling Bear looks at the fishy and looks up at the wall. "I suppose this might work without an ork." He picks up this fishy holds it as his famous orken sheild and charges into the wall of creatures trying to break there defense. Letting out a might roar, "RRRRAAA, DON'T YOU KNOW YOUR MESSING WITH THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD!!!!"

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
FISHY CHARGE:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Let me know what you want as a result, not really trying a bullrush but just trying to bust up the wall.

Cassadar swung through the rigging, dodging mast, sail and claw as they loomed before him. Javi makes his own way, invisibly slipping between, below and over that which might block his path. Gorak charges forward under the nets thrown towards him and half dodges, half rushes his way towards the casters. He takes a few nicks along the way, but arrives in good shape for whatever may come.

The three of you arrive at the aft deck just as the chanting begins to crescendo above the din of battle. Harsh guttural words in the language of the depths ring out and resonate around your skull.

Torgus grabs one of the fallen fish-men and uses it as a briny battering ram. The unwilling swige weapon collects several gashes, but is able to force a break in the line. Not to be outdone Morthar reaches to the side and tears off a sizeable length of railing, sweeping it before him in brutal arcs. Mtumbo is more restrained... settling for meaty fists crushing bones.

Frakdar ducks under a net, which brings down a couple of initiates behind him. Stepping up in concert with Fangul you fight back to back - leading the defense of your own vessel - while the others all fight on the derelict. The initiates and crew defending the passages to belowdecks on your ship are being pushed back in a concerted effort by the tridents of a gang of kua-toa. The Harrower sees it from her lofty perch and moves to assist.

Nisk extracts himself from the fray to move to the closed hatch cover that leads below decks. The fish people seem to be giving it a wide berth... as it is slowly pushed open from below...

Doing well - a couple more cinematic rounds and we should be ready to cut to a conventional combat.

Frakdar continues to swing at the fish and moves toward the kua-toa gang.

Attack-FOB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Attack-FOB 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

What I hate most about fish is having to gut them all.

Gorak throws himself on one of the chanters to break the ritual.

CMB 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Frakdar lashes out with fist and foot, landing only one blow - but making it a good one. As he went high an initiate to his right went low, making the kua-toa spin 180 and his head smack into the deck with a sickening crunch.

Gorak launches onto one of the chanters, wide armed bear hug breaking his reverie.

The invisible Javi hits the deck amongst the chanters like a comet, tucking into a forward roll as he picks his target, coming up with a FALCON! punch. After slamming his left cestus into the fish's jaw in an attempt to break its fishly concentration, he spins away defensively.

Pick a chanter not being harassed by Gorak, then bust his jaw. :)
Cestus 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 15; invisible, combat expertise
---> damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (4, 6) = 14.

AC 20, now visible.

Seeing the first fish go down, Frakdar quickly scans the area to see if there is an important target, if he does not see one, then he turns to the next one.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

You guys know how hard it is going to be to get this fishy stench off my hands.

Attack-FOB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Attack-FOB2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5