The weather looks to be relatively clear the next three days, you suspect it may rain for 24 minutes and 37 seconds at precisely 3:18pm tomorrow afternoon. ;-P
"We got folk what's I know the Cap'n tends ta charge in, and Jiro's got his ways for swingin over, but the rest o us? I'll likely vanish afore we get to em, summon some eagles on the approach, then drop a Hell Hound on the deck as we grapple o're. Then I can conjur a pit for them what at the wheel, so there'll be no way to control the ship," Dhaavan explains with a vicious grin. "Adular, Flynn, Rain?"
"I will stay on the Lady as long as possible, ensuring we have successfully grappled and our helm is secure. I will have Sandara protect the wheel once I move to board the other vessel. I too can either use the rigging the swing myself over or I can climb across the ropes. So, I will be in the second wave to board the enemy vessel."
The weather looks to be relatively clear the next three days, you suspect it may rain for 24 minutes and 37 seconds at precisely 3:18pm tomorrow afternoon. ;-P
GM, how fast is the enemy going? Jack can fly 160 ft/round with a full run, so whenever Jack can get in range to scout some
"There's thinkin," Dhaavan acknowledges. If/and when possible, Dhaavan says, "Jack, go on ahead and scout the enemy a li'l, eh? See what kind o' whatnot they got on em yeah? Crew, seige-weaponry, wether or not they got oars an' such?"
Amen-set moves near Horatio, listening to him talk. As he continues to speak, she hands Dhaavan a small package and presses it into his hands. It is a bit bulky, and a few pounds.
”For later, imey-er,” she says somewhat shyly with an intent gleam in her eyes.
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During the discussion of tactics, Variel has a thought and shares it with the group. What would you think if when we are within signal distance, we signal them to surrender and give up their cargo. If they do so then no harm will come to them. If they choose to fight then blood will be spilt till they do surrender? If they have heard of us and our reputation for dealing fairly with our captured prey they might surrender without a fight. Even if they don't surrender right away, they will know we accept surrender as an option and will stop fighting sooner when they realize they can not win. If they should refuse, then we can see what Flynn has in store for them with his catapult targeting the steering wheel to disable them. I don't want to
As for the combat itself, I will start near Rain prepping myself and turning her invisible for a short period of time. Not only will this provide her some protection, but it may alarm the other ship to see ours unpiloted yet still chasing after them. Beyond that it is too soon to tell what may happen. Besmara guide us.
"Seems fine to me, Captain. We don't want to risk the prize any more than we must."
Horatio listens to Variel’s speech about offering terms of surrender; a fair gambit. It would allow them the chance to demonstrate mercy and show a reputation for being less barbaric than others. It would certainly mean that those who surrendered would be more eager to join with them, for their crew would not demonstrate that they were outright killers; but instead the sailors on "The Dread Lady" would be seen as more decent – and, in a way, even honorable.
Still – one thing disturbed him about the plan…
”It’s a good plan. But, if they surrender outright, then we’ll not spill blood,” he says slowly, his expression somewhat unsettled.
He hefts a boarding axe which is dangling loosely in his hand, gripping it a bit more tightly; the spike which juts from the aft of the blade is still rust colored and stained.
”But for that – I agree; you have a good plan in asking for surrender. I like it and respect it, aye," he says considering things.
Then he lifts his gaze and speaks more directly.
"But - no offense meant - I’d rather fight and kill then ask for terms this day.”
His eyes are distant and seem to stare at nothing, ignoring the widened look of surprise on the young girl who has shadowed him the past several days.
After making that opinion known, he continues to listen to Variel’s plans.
During Variel's plans Horatio's eyes narrow a moment and his gaze suddenly moves from Variel to Rain, then back to Variel.
”I thought Rain meant to board with our second wave? If so, wouldn’t that mean Sandara would have the helm as Rain readies herself to board?” he asks, looking at Variel’s eyes, as if studying them.
After a moment, he rubs his chin, and shrugs; but the distant look in his eyes is gone, and now he seems very focused and alert.
”I don’t know – but I think that if we were eager to protect anyone, it would be people on board who could heal; our clerics are both Adular and Sandara; and it’s likely that Sandara will be conning the ship in any case as Rain is boarding with us. No offense to Rain, but I would rather our clerics weren’t hit at all, if we could help it. If our healers are slaughtered outright then I think we'll all be in trouble.”
”Besides, when we're toe-to-toe in a hard fight, isn't the general rule to always protect the casters first?” he asks curiously.
Rain slowly focuses her attention on Flynn, her face devoid of emotion but her words clear so he could understand her.
"Variel did say he would make me invisible while sailing the ship, giving chase to them. Not during the battle itself. Once we drew close enough, the tactic would be to unnerve the opposing sailors as if the Lady were in the expert hands of a spectre not a flesh-and-blood pilot."
Then choosing her next words carefully, she utters, "Aye, we hear you would draw weapon and spill blood. However, if we can manage to gain what we seek without bloodshed, then it is preferable as a whole."
"The priests'll be out of harms way, for the most part, and there's both value in the Shock-and-awe from an invisible pilot, and then when she comes over, cloaked in a glamor, she can put that pike o' hers through someone wit' em none the wiser, so she'll get one good shot, eh? Just sayin, there's some sound tactics in that."
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Correct, Rain. Yet to answer Flynn more directly, once we get that close I would move to the main deck and prepare myself for boarding. Do not be surprised if I myself vanish for a second or two. I would only do this should we come abreast of our prey but are unable to grapple her. Whilst others are throwing grappling hooks, I might attempt to leap across then under the protection of invisibility. Once there I would make a direct path to the captain and engage him before they even suspect anything. Hopefully this would allow us to succeed in the grappling and boarding as they are distracted by my appearance in the midst of them. Do not count of this action though as there are too many variables that need to be weighed.we might find ourselves being boarded and I will be needed to help repel them. I thought what I would give you fair warning though if you do not see me leading the charge. Know that I am there ready to lay waste to them.
"I agree offering them a chance to surrender first is a great idea. Perhaps the tales of our deeds, as spread by Dhaavan, might be enough to influence their reaction." He shrugs.
"If not, well then we go ahead and grapple and board them, take them by force. I can help with an encouraging song or two to inspire our men... and women." He looks over at Rain and flashes her a smile as he adds the 'and women'.
"I'll swing over invisible too, hopefully catch one or two offguard like last time."
Dhaavan laughs heartily at the captain and Sejiro's suggestions of their actions. "I can imagine the tales now," he says putting an arm on Adular's shoulder as a tavern go-er sharing a harrowing tale, "They came upon us, Black-wings on a blood-red flag. Offered us a chance to surrender, oh gods i wish we'd taken it. They sail in nobody at the helm, driven by Besmara herself! then before we even know it, they're on-board, our Cap'n dead and the scallywag crew swarms us!" He laughs again, nearly cackling at the thought. mock fear of a survivor in his eyes.
"I love it. We don't board a ship, we appear on the deck swords flashing and blood spilling afore the fight even starts." DHaavan loves it. "Cap'n, even if yea don't need to, Instead of leadin the charge, I think ya may do well usin invisibility anyway."
Rain slowly focuses her attention on Flynn, her face devoid of emotion but her words clear so he could understand her.
"Variel did say he would make me invisible while sailing the ship, giving chase to them. Not during the battle itself. Once we drew close enough, the tactic would be to unnerve the opposing sailors as if the Lady were in the expert hands of a spectre not a flesh-and-blood pilot."
Then choosing her next words carefully, she utters, "Aye, we hear you would draw weapon and spill blood. However, if we can manage to gain what we seek without bloodshed, then it is preferable as a whole."
Horatio hears Rain’s words, but he is watching Variel now, still considering something.
”I do not wish to press the matter; but I disagree on both counts,” he says slowly.
”If the ship is sailing and there is no pilot, I'd figure that would mean that an enemy would simply attempt to attack the helm directly. With no pilot there, they may elect something more mundane – such as lobbing an explosive onto the quarterdeck; or a perhaps something more direct, like a fireball…”
”We do not yet know if this ship has casters – arcane or otherwise.”
”If there is a wizard aboard, and he sees the ship – he may elect to attack the entire quarterdeck completely in an effort to destroy the wheel regardless, and being visible or not won’t matter.”
”I will add that seeing a ship without a pilot would not unnerve me at all – fire ships don’t have pilots, they merely lash the wheel to a beam so it does not spin, set the ship on fire and evacuate. Further still, a ship may be guided by magic. For myself, I do not think it is so impressive a thing; though yes, it would certainly keep Rain from being seen by an enemy. That would be the only advantage I would see to casting a spell on her while she pilots the ship - and it is a good one, too.”
”But in any case, the pilot is in the aft of the ship – behind the sails and the rigging. Until or unless we come alongside the enemy to move to board, they likely won’t see anyone past the sails and the masts and the prow of the ship, whether they vanish or not; until the last moment; and I'd wager that by then, they will have other things on their mind.”
”But it seems a vain advantage as a whole; and a waste of a spell besides. And also, we do not yet know fully what enemies are on this ship yet. Even if we are able to somehow confuse them them with no pilot on the helm – assuming that works – what practical advantage will that give us when we fight them? I mean to say, even if they are confused, how long will that last, if at all?” he adds, not trying to goad, but sincerely baffled as to why having an invisible pilot would be so unnerving, considering all the amazing and supernatural wonder's they had seen so far.
He turns his gaze to Rain.
”I reckon I don't agree with you that avoiding bloodshed is preferable. You think it is, and that's your choice. But, no disrespect, I don’t agree.”
”Today I want to kill something; for me, that would preferable.”
"The priests'll be out of harms way, for the most part, and there's both value in the Shock-and-awe from an invisible pilot, and then when she comes over, cloaked in a glamor, she can put that pike o' hers through someone wit' em none the wiser, so she'll get one good shot, eh? Just sayin, there's some sound tactics in that."
** spoiler omitted **
”Begging your pardon, Dhaavan – but how can the clerics be safe?”
”Won’t at least one of the clerics board with us? Surely – if not Sandy, then Adular will be coming with us when we hit deck, right?"
”If he does so, then it’s likely he’ll stick out like a sore thumb, with the others invisible.”
”Meantime, we need him covered, and you covered, Dhaavan; if you come across. Hell, lad you’re not the most hearty of fighters.”
”If you don’t come, though – if you stay on board our ship, you may be successful with ranged attacks, but I’d rather have at least one cleric by my side to help me if I fall; and also I think it would be good if he was nearby so I can at least see him and know that he’s covered personally.”
”But that’s just me. I ain't here to argue, just offer my opinions is all,” he adds.
He looks at the sky, watching the heavens for any signs of a storm, but seeing nothing of note.
”Anyhow, as I see it – you, Rain, Variel and Seijiro will all be invisible; while me, Adular and Sandy will be on the main deck and visible with the rest of the crew… “
He thinks about that for a a moment, then shrugs.
”Well, if that’s the plan, that’s the plan; no point worrying about,” he adds after a moment, looking at Dhaavan.
"So I tell you what; you just tell me who you want killed and I'll do what I can to oblige," he adds, suddenly flashing Dhaavan a friendly smile, and clapping him on the shoulder as he nods politely at Variel to show that he'll not protest anything about this plan and was simply offering some suggestions.
”Today I want to kill something; for me, that would preferable.”
Rain refrained from speaking her thoughts on Flynn's last statement. He was a force and law unto himself.
"Aye, your contrary opinion has been heard and acknowledged, Flynn." There is no ire in her statement. Just a new kind of recognition.
Rain meets Flynn's gaze momentarily before moving about the foredeck somewhat, hoping to alleviate some of the tension from her body.
”Today I want to kill something; for me, that would preferable.”
Rain refrained from speaking her thoughts on Flynn's last statement. He was a force and law unto himself.
"Aye, your contrary opinion has been heard and acknowledged, Flynn." There is no ire in her statement. Just a new kind of recognition.
Rain meets Flynn's gaze momentarily before moving about the foredeck somewhat, hoping to alleviate some of the tension from her body.
Horatio watches Rain walk walk away, but he says nothing.
"For my part, do not worry about me. Most men can't see a man's holy symbol in the heat of battle, and I will be but one more deucedly handsome well dressed pirate among many, and I can take care of meself pretty well," he also adds, "And if I am seen as shirking my part in the fight, how can the men respect me as a Bossun?"
”Anyhow, as I see it – you, Rain, Variel and Seijiro will all be invisible; while me, Adular and Sandy will be on the main deck and visible with the rest of the crew… “
A short few minutes pass as Rain moves about deck (in the near vicinty of the group). She had caught Flynn's additonal words about being visible targets and even Adular's response of not shirking his responsibility and position. Flynn seems unusually bloodthirsty. When did he become this way...Something is not quite right.
Rain moves back to the circle of officers. She looks to Flynn again and her turquoise gaze is calm. "Flynn, we are simply discussing possible tactics -- ideas that may or may not work. Nothing is set in stone at this time. No one wants to see either you, Adular, Sandara or the general crew thrown in harm's way or made into direct targets. Aye, as I mentioned earlier, Sandara will take the helm from me, so I may join the boarding party. I agree that she will need to be protected, and in turn the helm, and I will listen to ideas in that regard for you are in charge of the gun crew. Adular seems well-equipped to handle himself, however if he would rather move between us and be shielded by the group, I will not oppose it. In addition, his access to us will not be compromised in terms of healing." Rain looks toward the half-elven Besmaran priest in case he has something to add. Then, "Let us please continue to talk and finalise our plans. It is true that we must act as a whole or else we may falter and fall. The enemy will look for weaknesses and we cannot show them any."
"If not, well then we go ahead and grapple and board them, take them by force. I can help with an encouraging song or two to inspire our men... and women." He looks over at Rain and flashes her a smile as he adds the 'and women'.
Recollecting Jiro's words a few minutes ago, Rain quietly smiles and takes a look at the kitsune now.
She was glad to have the kitsune on side. Rain wondered if Jiro with his keen senses had observed a strong and abrupt change in Flynn. She could not delve into it at present for they had a fight to prepare for. Dhaavan had not gotten back to her with the information concerning Flynn's silent companion shrouded in wraps and she wondered why. Rain presumed it was the same person Jiro had seen coming onboard with Flynn on their last night in Bloodcove. Rain had to learn to place her trust in all her sworn shipmates. It was hard with some when there seemed to be secrets aboard the Lady. The questioning would have to wait. Now was the time for devising plans that would result in success.
As soon as the tactics were agreed upon, Rain would find a private moment to sacrifice something precious to the ocean, to Besmara herself. Gozreh she already spoken with in her dawn prayers.
"Invisibility is a right fragile Glamor, Flynn. Any attackin'll break most o' the illusions. So the Cap'n an' Sejiro bein unseen'll only last till they take an attack. It's jest a trick ta get o'er there safe an' to the Pilot ot someone real easy. The idea ain't ta sneak round, save for me how I summon an' conjure while hidden."
"So while they'll be invisible for a moment, appearin' may actually draw the crew's attention ta their helm or wherever The Cap'n an' Jiro show up, then they may waste time tryin ta find Rain when they realize that she's likely only vanished as well" then with a shrug, Dhaavan says "but we really ain't gonna know how they react till we do it."
Regarding wizards, Dhaavan feels, "If they got a wizard or sommat on-board what can create fires like that, then there's likelyhood that they throw that magic right off, regardless of who's helming. Rather had I a target and that kind o' power, I'd just kill the pilot outright... Dhaavan really isn't sure one can plan for, or predict enemy caster's actions, rather be as ready as one can, and deal on the fly.
More at lunch, but Dhaavan likes Rain getting us grappled then getting over to the enemy boat to attack, as she's one of our best fighters, and that first invisible attack happening round 2 would be really helpful, i'd bet. Is freebooter's bane a swift or move action? I forget
Horatio listens to the plans for a bit, and props his axe over his shoulder.
”Right – so the plan to talk’s out, and we’re in for blood, then?” he asks, not entirely sure what exactly the others have planned, but guessing that with so many warlike preparations he has seen that nothing regarding diplomatic options is being considered any more at this point.
He glances at the sky for a little bit. As the others talk and his mind ranges over the powers that Variel will have, given the spells he is preparing.
This damn thing will be either really short, or we’re likely going to die fast. Anything that Variel can’t slaughter in one sword stroke will be so damn tough the rest of us will barely scratch it, if we can hit it at all… And if we can put it down, he’ll have it finished before we can charge across.
He shrugs and pulls out a cheroot and lights it, continuing to listen.
There would have been time that he would have held his charge; holding back until Variel had leapt across with all of his powers enhancing him and simply slaughtered two or three men every few seconds with a few sword strokes. During such time Horatio would have waited on their own ship and provided cover fire for those who got too close Variel with ranged weapons, even as folk like Dhaavan used magic, hidden from view; and others with skills at shooting could have also helped out, too.
Then, when things looked good and Variel had cut the swath open, or if he needed some direct help, than he and the other ranged fighters and casters could leap across and fill in any gap that needed filing and lend a hand.
He would have happily done that.
But not today.
Today the group would all move across under the guise of magic. There could be no help from ranged fire from mates aboard The Lady as those ranged folk couldn't see their allies either, and may hit them by accident.
And it seems that there would be no help from casters, kept in safety and hidden from view to call forth magic that would change the tide in a crucial moment. They would already have moved across in the fight…
Meanwhile, of course, the enemy knew they were coming.
Furthermore, the enemy knew their own ship and Horatio did not. The enemy knew where they could hide best; where they could position themselves – also with vanishing spells, perhaps – and remain hidden for long moments until combat seemed nearly finished. They could hide cleverly until a mate rushed by them; then they could lunge forth from their magical cover and strike at a vital spot.
Your mates will each have one free attack before they’re hip deep in it. And with your ship following, who knows if the enemy is not planning on doing similar things even now?
You should wait; you should offer fire in any case from the distance of your ship; not go charging in, if you can help it. That will help your allies best; to offer range from a safer distance instead of getting mixed into it, eh?
His eyes narrowed a bit at that thought.
No.
If you do that you will not feel what you seek. You will not feel that ripple that travels from iron or steel and then into your flesh, and up your arm and deep into your very heart when you deliver a killing blow with your hands.
He glances at Amen-set.
And what of the girl who travels with you, eh? If you throw your life away, she will likely die or be beached, along with Piper. If your life is held so cheaply, at least consider theirs.
He frowns as the young girl turns her eyes at him, regarding his face curiously, as if trying to read his thoughts.
Gods damn it…
He glances back to the sky again.
I don’t have to decide either way, yet. Aye, so I’ll decide in the moment, when my blood is up, and not with all this thinking. I think too much anyway.
Content at this, he nods to himself.
Good! So, when it comes to playing it safe and cautiously, or throwing my life away simply to butcher an enemy – I’ll let my blood decide that course when it the need is in front of me, not before.
Feeling better when that weight is lifted from his spirit, he smiles easily again.
”Anyhow – like I said; you tell me who you want killed, and I’m content with that,” he adds, speaking to the others, his voice relaxed.
"I could fly Jack over with a message, asking for surrender. He could drop the note for 'em and wing back, playing the simple bird. He's clever enough not to get hisself killed over there if he drops it.?"
"So all in all, I'll be conjuring, invisible, and Jiro and Variel lead the charge, potentially glamoured as well. Rain's got the Con till we grapple em an'll join the fight right then, givin' Sandara the Helm ta tie off. Adular's for his blessings as well as curses for the enemy to throw from out ship," Dhaavan lists out for the officers early in the afternoon.
"Flynn, you got command of the siege? Anybody else a good shot what can help with the aiming of other weapons?" [ooc]We got the two Balista, and two catapults, right? "ANd then when we get there, Flynn, yea don't need to worry over much, if yea can get a pot-shot on the Cap'n off early on, as we're moving then either take shots at who all approaches the fighters yea can come over later if need be? Whatcha think?" Dhaavan asks, trying to establish a plan so as not to get in the way of Flynn's shots.
So, when the time comes to grapple the Rahadoumi Schooner,
If someone wants to comment on offering terms of surrender, I'll do that. Just need to write the note. GM any rolls for that?
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Variel will help Dhaavan compose the note for Jack to drop off to the other captain. The message is simple, surrender and let us board you and you will not get hurt. Resist and be attacked until you surrender. Signed Captain Variel Nightstorm of The Dread Lady. Or something similar. He will let Dhaavan pen it though and put it into his own words.
You all will manage to catch up, it will take 10 rds before you are in range to board. You are 300' away and will get 30' closer per round. Let me know about what actions you plan when.
Looking at the ship in the distance, Horatio’s eyes narrow.
He turns to Piper –
”Go take care of the bloody offering,” he growls.
She nods quickly – then dashes below decks…
Looking at the sights, his eyes narrow as he gauges the range and sites his target.
”FIRE!” he roars out.
As soon as the shot is fired, he instantly orders the men to begin to reload the catapult.
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Round 1: shield
Round 2: cat's grace
Round 3: mirror image
Round 4: bull's strength
Round 5: enlarge
Round 6: skip
Round 7: vanish on Rain and move to main deck
Round 8: finish move to main deck ending by center mast using it as cover against incoming fire
Round 9: step out from the main mast cast vanish
Round 10: jump across and board the other ship when adjacent and using arcane pool to add +1 and keen
Hp: 36/36
AC: 21, 13, 17
Mirror images: 3
Arcane pool used: 2/6
AOO: 5 total, +10, d8+7, 15-20/x2
spell combat: +8, d8+7, 15-20/x2
Concentration: +13
all this preperation and rounds of combat may be moot, if they accept our terms...
"Hajen! that ship looks Rahadoumi. You mind translating this note below the words i've got written, in case they don't read common, or would rather have a note in their own tongue?"
Jack speeds over to the opposing vessel, carrying a note tied round a wooden shaft in one claw, and a small white cloth in the other. Flitting up along the side, he takes a quick wing over the stern of the ship, he drops the shaft with the note onto the deck and flits around the back, hiding in behind the woodwork, Listening to the Rahadoumi speak, in case they use any common...
The note reads:
You are pursued by the Dread Lady on this day. Lay down your arms and surrender your cargo to us and none aboard shall be harmed. Rather you shall be released to go upon your way with supplies enough to make the nearest port. Resist and be attacked until your surrender.
Signed: Captain Variel Nightstorm, Captain and commander of the Dread Lady.
Below this reads the same message in Rahadoumi tongue
Seijiro climbs up in the rigging and finds himself a suitable rope for swinging over onto the enemy vessel... He casually waits to see what their response is going to be to the terms offered.
Horatio your attack will hit but it's not enough damage to destroy the ballista.
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Dhaavan, you see Jack wing off and as it gets closer to the ship a flurry of movement happens.
Crit confirm
You see something flick with blurring speed over the sterncastle and watch in horror as Jack plummets into the waves, speared by several black spikes. At which point you see, standing on the sterncastle where it had been invisible, a monstrous creature that roars defiantly at you all. It has a man shaped head on a lions body with dragon wings and a long sinuous tail tipped with multitudes of black spikes.
Seijiro sees Jack get speared and winces... and is glad he left Tomo in the officer's quarters for the duration of the attack... it was too dangerous on deck for the little fellow. He looks over to Dhaavan to see what his reaction is to Jack's fall into the water. He must be frantic. And really angry, but how could we have known they had an invisible monster on deck?
Had a nice frikin description of my actions written, and got poofed. grumble...
[edit]Then my familiar died!
As the ship approaches, Dhaavan es, incanting a spell to call forth his pets. Three Fiendish Eagles appear, and rise into the air as Dhaavan once agains taps his profane connections to the nine layers of hell, summoning from the fell kennels of Avernus itself a hellhound.
Round 7:
- Vanish
Round 8:
- Summon Monster 2
Round 9:
- Summon Monster 2
- Fiendish Eagles which rise into the air and position to charge
Round 10:
boarding action on Dhaavan's Init
- hellhound appears on the enemy deck
- eagles attack, to be directed in roudn 1 of combat.
- Dhaavan's action
Status at start of combat
- Invisible - 2 rounds
- Spells cast - Lv1: 1, Lv2: 2
- HP/AC/Saves same
By your statement, and based on the empathetic link I have with Jack, Dhaavan is aware of his pet's state.
Casting a summoning spell with , Dhaavan screams at the top of his lungs, in aquan, "Get me my bird back, alive NOW!" directing the water elemental that he's called to return with Jack, whom he points the creature to.
He's not technically dead yet! He wants to go for a walk! :-) Plus I don't think hes in danger of drowning as dont most birds float?
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Knowledge arcane
By Besmara what have they got on board that ship? Oh my it's a Manticore. We need to take that down now. calling out to Flynn, Flynn, I need you to take out that manticore. Or at least take it down a notch before we get too close. Use the ballista if you need to or your own weapon if you must but I want it dead and soon.
The presence of the manticore was alarming to say the least, but Variel knew that the quickest way to end this conflict was to take out the captain first. Then once that was accomplished he could focus on the manticore. Unfortunately it's greater mobility would be in its favor and Variel could only hope to catch in within his expanded reach as it flew over and around him.
Right before he does this, he turns to Amen-set.
”Get it ready,” he barks out – then turns to the gun crew – ”FIRE, GODS DAMN YOU!
Spark
Turning his head to some of the other gunners; he calls out as a "free action" - "Gods damn it - get to the Top with poxing arrows!"
Knowledge arcane d20+8
By Besmara what have they got on board that ship? Oh my it's a Manticore. We need to take that down now. calling out to Flynn, Flynn, I need you to take out that manticore. Or at least take it down a notch before we get too close. Use the ballista if you need to or your own weapon if you must but I want it dead and soon.
The presence of the manticore was alarming to say the least, but Variel knew that the quickest way to end this conflict was to take out the captain first. Then once that was accomplished he could focus on the manticore. Unfortunately it's greater mobility would be in its favor and Variel could only hope to catch in within his expanded reach as it flew over and around him.