Conquest of Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master SinBlade06

Tiberius just sits in the same spot day after day. He isn't a sailor so he cannot do anything on the ship. He is just hired muscle. He finds a spot day after day and sits there, making sure to take up space and grumble about how there is nothing to do on the ship. He stays wrapped up in his long dragon cape as he waits for this god forsaken voyage to end. He is always seen in his armor. The only time he takes it off is at night while he is alone so nobody knows what he looks like in the face.

As the eleventh day rises, Vi and Ian find themselves out on the deck just as the morning fog lifts. Out below the water level and ice flows, the bows of broken and sunken ships stand out under the water, wrecks of unknown time.

There is a fog settling in, and visibility starts to disappear. Tiberius finds himself blanketed in fog, unable to see past his helmet.

Just before the fog bank engulfs the Claren Dare, Vi and Ian are able to make out that one of the scuttled ships on the horizon isn't entirely scuttled.

What is going on? What is with this ungodly fog?!

Tiberius stands up on the deck, pulling out his shield and spear at the ready. He does not like being blinded like he is but what could he do about it. His helmet was stifling...and it made it hard to see.

Crows nest! I am coming up!

Tiberius let out a low growl, lowered himself for a jump and catapults himself up, landing on the highest point possible for his jump onto the ship. 1d20 + 67 ⇒ (2) + 67 = 69 Acrobatics I can use Grand Skyfall once per encounter, but we never said how often I can do it outside of combat, so I will say out of combat I can do it once a minute.

That sounds resonable to me.
"... Home... Alright, ya lilly livered humans! Prepare yourselves! Ahahahahahaha!!!" Lot laughs loudly, even if people don't know what he's saying, Lot's laugh can be heard throughout the ship and drifts eirily into the fog.

Myali doesn't care for the cold and is bundled up to attempt at staying warm. She's up on deck and out of the way just in case she is needed. The fog is unsettling to her and se stays close to Ian in case anything should happen.
Auf Elven: Ian I don't like this at all. The cold, the fog, the uneasy feeling I have about all of this. Would it be wrong if I just wanted it to hurry up and be done so I can be back on land?

Vi speaks as she looks out into the fog, I see ships...lots of them sunken and broken. On the surface and below the water.I do not think we are the first to pass through these waters. She continues to watch slowly walker over the the side railes holding on to get a better view. Capin, Are you sure this ship will remain afloat. I have never doubted you but this ship graveyard makes me uneasy.

Tiberius finds himself a third of the way up the 35 foot main mast. From here he still finds himself in fog, but the fog is thinner up here, letting him see further than before. You may give me another perception check if you wish.

The Captain is at the helm, commanding the helmsman where and when to go. "Don't worry, lass. I've traveled these waters three score, eight years, and 29 days. We'll be fine. I've even sent of few of those ships to Davy Jones' Locker! You've got nothing to fear."

To Myali: No it would not be wrong, dear. I despise this weather as well, but at least we are finally nearing the excitement! Ian's pale green cat-eyes gleam at the prospect of the upcoming events

To the Cap'n: Hey Cap, looks like one of those ships is not as picked clean as the rest. What o you think?

To Ian: I do hope you're right. Myali moves to stand in front of Ian in hopes of picking up some of his warmth.

Ian wraps his arms around Myali while he awaits the captains reply.

Myali rests agains Ian a they travel along. She still has an uneasy feeling about the fog. However being in Ian's arms does give her some reassurance.

"Hrm? Did you say that a ship isn't picked clean? I say we go there. Nothing too much to fear in these parts other than the occasional Sahuagin or Ghost, unless we know that Lamonitus is in the waters. I don't want to go anywhere near Lamonitus." Lot says as to the captain in his draconic tongue.

Tiberius waits a minute to rest his legs. He peers out into the waters to see if he can see anything before continuing his climb up to the crows nest. its funny how he can do all this with full armor and gear on.

1d20 ⇒ 2

"Lamonitus? That beastie wouldn't know the backside of its tail if it smacked him in the nose! Besides, I don't think he likes the taste of Kobold!" The Captain lets out a hearty laugh and the rest of the crew joins in.

"What do you mean 'picked clean'? If you mean what I think you do, no one dares try to pillage these waters. Too many downed ships for many a sea captain's liking." Ian can still see a slight glint of fear in the Captain's eye.

I understand that. However that ship is obviously in working condition and I bet that there are people on it. How about we steer clear for now and change our course. I would love to avoid any sort of confrontation.

Let me summon one of my creatures and let's fly the kobold over so he can look over the ship and report back if the ship is worth the time to investigate. Myali says from the safety of Ian's arms.

Well, I could just ride Akhram the griffin over the ship on a fly-by, and I am sure the wizard could use some sort of sorcery to fly there on his own.

well Ian if you really would like to do that I don't see the harm in it. Myali says with a flat tone.

1d20 + 67 ⇒ (6) + 67 = 73 highlander jump up to the crows nest again! oh look at that I make it another 14 ft into the air heading to the crows nest.

Man I love that jump....

1d20 ⇒ 15 perception

"Hold your tongue!" Lot says to the captain. "Sea Serpents will be the end of you!"

perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Vi watches the boat trying to get a better look at it.

Vi is able to tell that the ship she saw earlier is indeed moving. Actually, it appears to have followed the icebreaker into the fog bank.

From Vi's position on the starboard side of the ship, she can tell that the other ship is at least as large as the icebreaker, maybe a little smaller. High above the mainmast she can see that there are two flags being flown, an Ensign flag and a Private flag.

Knowledge local to determine the private flag's owner.

The Ensign is easily identified as the Golden Rule flag, an eagle flying across a gold and white field. (The left half of the flag is gold, the other half is white.) But something seems kinda off about it... Perception or Knowledge Local to determine what's off about it.

Tiberius isn't able to see much else besides water, broken ships, and fog.

The Captain hasn't seen the ship yet, as he's concentrating on getting through the fog bank without hitting anything.

"By the mighty Dragon gods, I will freeze you all!" Lot shouts at the crew as they laugh at him. His high pitched voice not helping him at all.

Little dragonkin, please stop threatening the crew. They find you aumsing and it's not helping you any. Myali says while watching the koblod.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Knowledge (Local; Private Flag Owner): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
Knowledge (Local; What's wrong with it?): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Ian shouts in the voice of one of the crewmen, trying to get the captains attention Cap'n, we got company off the starboard bow!
Bluff to Mimic: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (13) + 35 = 48

"What? What did he say?"

Myali translates for Lot, We've got company! and its not of the pleasant kind.

Knowledge (Local; Private Flag Owner): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Knowledge (Local; What's wrong with it?): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

The Private flag is owned by one Captain Johnathan T Blackthorn.

Ian is able to tell the flag is old. And not just the fact it is ragged, torn, and faded from the sun.

Normally, when a new king takes the throne, they change the flag to match their rule. The current flag has the eagle holding a quiver of arrows in the right claw and a gauntlet in the left. This flag has a grape vine in the right claw and a money purse in the other.

Knowledge History to determine which king's flag he's under.

The Captain takes a look out at the other ship. "Crow's Nest! Send them a signal!"

From the crow's nest a series of whistles are heard. You were told in your briefing that the whistles you heard are the ones used to communicate with other ships over long distances.

Normally, there would be a return signal. There is none.

The Captain starts to get nervous. "Man the guns! Don't reveal until we know if they intend us harm!"

hehehehehe...finally a fight! Captain bring us about...I wish to pay that ship a personal visit! He lets out a menacing laugh as he clenches his spear, he walks along the main mast, right next to the sail as if he was going to make a mad mans leap.

Tiberius steps out onto the main mast, and suddenly realizes the mast is covered in ice from the previous storm.

Acrobatics check to keep from falling.

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 nimble aint he? Acrobatics check to see if I fall off or not. I figured I would have to do a check to stay on.

"Hrm? Whistles? This will be enjoyable!" Lot says as he imagines what horrors he may slay in the name of the Dragon gods. Excitment is showing in his voice.

Ian whistles for Ahkram, his griffon, and calls Nessie from below ship.
Captain, that private flag belongs to one Captain Johnathan T Blackthorn, and that Kingdom flag is off, real old. It's not up to current spec, either.
1/day take 20 on Knowledge, +5 for a 25 on History. What do I know?

To the Kobold, Ian translates The ship flies an old, out of date flag. Those whistles are ship-to-ship signaling, and the other ship doees not respond. The captain is playing it cautious and won't fire first. Get ready for some work.

"Foolish Cat! I already knew these things! Was I not there with you at the briefing when the captain told me?!"

Could it be ghosts? I wish it is ghosts. Maybe some Pirates? I wish they are pirates. Maybe Ghost pirates? I would enjoy that. Praise the Dragon gods!

Lot goes behind some barrels where he can see the other ship but has cover from anything that is shot at the ship.

knowledge: History 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Ian and Myali are able to tell that the flag belongs to King Kleonidus III, 8th king of the Golden Rule.

He was known as the Merchant King, hence the vine and bag.

Just one problem: his reign ended 500 years ago after he was killed in a bank robbery.

Ahkram comes up from below deck with Nessie on its back. Ahkram stretches its wings, happy to be in the open air.

Nessie jumps down and goes to Ian. "You called, master?"

In Draconic: We have trouble coming. Ness, warn Nito and Tiberius, tell them to prepare for a fight on deck, then come back to me. You can ride my shoulder or stay in your bag, but I want you to stick with me.

To Lot, still in draconic, he says Lot, the ship flies a 500 year old flag. They may be ghosts, they may be pirates, but we definitely have trouble.

To Myali, in elven, he says Dear, go warn the captain of the ships flag. Be discreet. Speak outside of common if possible, and whisper. We don't want the crew to know unless the captain decides.

Ian also warns Vi

And how, might I ask, does Ian know what Lot was thinking?

In elven to Ian: Be careful my love. I shall go and find the captain at once. She stands on the tips of her toes and kisses Ian on the cheek before going in search of the captain.

to find the captain (perception):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"I'm on it!" Nessie takes off from the deck, flying below deck to warn Nito. "Hurry up! Hurry up! We've got company! It looks like pirates! This is so exciting!!" Zooming out and up the main mast, she also warns Tiberius. "Get ready! Things are getting interesting!" Nessie looks out onto the deck of the opposing ship. Nessie's Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The Captain is still on the deck, and he's looking worried. "Everyone to battle stations! We should be ready for anything." When Myali walks up to him, he turns his attention to her. "Get yourself below deck. This could get ugly."

"PIRATES!! PIRATES!!! PRAISE THE DRAGON GODS!!!!" Lot screams at the top of his lungs in excitement.

A 500 year old flag eh? I have a theory as wild as it might sound. But since we can not see all of it in the fog, could it be just another broken ship that did not sink? Vi asks as she looks over at the ship. She then turns to Ian, her gun pulls form her belt. Why not have someone fly over there to get a look, I have a feeling this could be a ghost ship. If it were pirate they would be flying a flag that pirates fly.

She continues to watch the ship, for any signs of life or movement.
perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Captain I hardly think me being below deck will help the party. You see I am the only one of this group who can assure that you and your crew will live. Myali says as she pulls her holy symbol out and prepares for battle.

Ian mounts his griffon. At Vi's comment, Ian sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.So Vi, your reasoning that it could not possibly be pirates, who are known to be liars, thieves, and merciless killers, is that if they were liars, thieves, and merciless killers, they would fly a big noticeable flag that announces them to be liars, thieves, and merciless killers? Your belief is that instead of, say, flying a false flag that the average person would not be perceptive enough to notice, they would fly a flag that announced, to anyone who looked, that they were liars, thieves, and merciless killers? Did I mention liars?

Vi sighs as she watches the boat, True, however would they not have tried to shoot us with cannons or something by now? You could be right bit a gut feeling is that they are not. You're right though I could be wrong.

Ian looks at Vi and says Well, I will just fly a bit higher and take a better look. Not like it matters who's right
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29
As he flies up to level to the crow's nest,
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31
Ian shouts to the captain
We are good people, captain.
Bluff: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27
We can help you if it comes to a fight. It would hardly be honorable to sit back and let you do all the work
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28
Ian hops off his griffon to land in the crow's nest alongside Tiberius
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
From his new height, Ian takes out his spyglass and peers at the ships deck.
Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
I honestly have no idea what the benefit of my spyglass is, couldn't find it on the PFSRD. Just got it because I had spare money and I thought it would help. I just assumed it was a +5

Tiberius looks over at the cat man.

My eyes are terreble. Tell me what you see...also I have something of an odd...inquiry. How much can you lift sir?

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 Perception to size up Ian's strength

He then looks out at the water again. Trying to even see the blasted ship before it gets to close.

If a fight must break out. I demand first blood. Tiberius seemed overly happy that he will possibly be killing again. His helmet was frosted over and he had his cape wrapped around him for warmth. His shield rested on his back and his spear stays in his right hand.

As he peers down his spyglass, Ian says to Tiberius If you must know, it would take alittle over a ton to slow my step, and I could dead lift about twice that. I could legitimately carry you on my shoulders, with your gear and mine, and move at a dead sprint.

Ian's spyglass shows him a chilling sight, even with the cold winds of the north.

The entire crew of the second ship is frozen. The captain is still giving orders, the lookouts are still using their spyglasses, and the rigrats are still about the ropes, only no one is moving, breathing, or living.

Ian, Will Save.