You successfully unlock Maheems locker and find...a few random items like you have before but none of the things you put in there are there. You suspect Maheem has been turning that stuff over to Plugg or Scourge so as not to be keelhauled for stealing.
Grok says Sure i can just cut you a strip of leather to carry over your shoulder and unlimber as you would a shield.
Sorry - just missed GM's comment about "no fire" - so yeah, never mind about the oil. I wouldn't have offered it if I read it - sorry, was on the way out the door.
Responses and today’s actions –
1. Okay – I don’t want to be too obvious about the "Detect Magic". I just want to know if they have magical gear – one round should be enough. If I think I have another six seconds to identify types of aura's – I’ll take it, but only if it looks promising.
2. Okay – I am proficient in martial weapons, so this shouldn’t be too difficult (hopefully). Is it a “light” or “Heavy” crossbow? That will effect damage, and range effects.
A. If it is a “heavy crossbow” I can fire in round 1 at no penalty. I will do so – taking a shot into “total concealment”. So I’m at no penalty “to hit” – but I’m at a 50% chance to miss if I do hit via the fog. After I take my shot, I drop the crossbow, getting into partial cover and waiting for the ships to get closer.
IF it hits –
B. Light Crossbow is weaker, and has a shorter range increment, so I’ll still fire at 120 feet, but at a -2 penalty.
IF it hits –
In either case – once it has been fired, I drop the bow – and roll my “Total Concealment” penalty – 50% miss chance.
Next – as we draw closer, I wait until we’re ready. I’ll take a swing with the Grappling Hook, and toss it. At a -4 penalty base against my range attack of 4, my total penalty is 0 when I throw it.
Once the hook is secure, I’ll prepare to be boarding post haste with the others when the planks have been tossed down.
FINALLY – as no one objected when I asked earlier, I currently have one of the “Cure Light Wounds” potions on me.
I’m hoping you guys divided the rest – we’re likely going to need them. If no one else bothered too, I'll take them all myself, but I'm hoping the party took the rest to for to spread out.
Dhaavan's got a CMW potion so he can do some battle-healing in case any of the others fall, they'll have more HP.
Dhaavan listens and nods as Variel talks about his feelings for Rain, and says after you finish, "Listen, the thing about a boat is that tensions run high, even on a good one, and here, it's even worse. Add romance to the pre-existing infighting and that's putting a lantern on an oil-drum. but if yea want a companion, then yea got ta take what she feels into account more than what you do. I never have trouble wit ladies cause I tend to chase after them what want me already so they don't run real fast, if yea know what I mean. So yea see, Rain wants peace, for one thing, and interaction even though se seem standoffish sometimes. Now what Flynn's goin and getting pulled under, that's not an issue, so long as yea dont' pick any more fights with nobody yer good. Just don't go swoopin in what with her friend dyin now. But give her support for her loss"
Lemme know if you hit a DC 14 Sense motive check and I'll PM you some truth!
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The morning started with a hush surrounding the ship. Everyone was eager to see how much distance the Wormwood had covered during the night. it was with a rush that the first light of dawn broke the horizon illuminating the prey just ahead. Surely the Wormwood would overtake them soon. Knowing that the wasn't much time Variel prepares his spells and readies for the coming engagement. Not trying to hide his abilities anymore do to Flynn, he goes about his meditation with singular focus once done, once done with that necessary duty, Variel stops by Grok. Hey grok, you know that armor that purchased from you. Seems that I need the other one for the fight. Do you think I could borrow it and return it to you. I guarantee that it will be in the same condition that you lent it. Cleaned polished and ready for purchase by someone else. Much appreciated if you would. diplomacy
Returning back to his locker, Variel grabs his weapons, rope and the healing potion that the captain gave them. (cure moderate since no one has claimed it yet) pausing ever so slightly over the acid flasks and alchemist fire, Variel decides against it as fire on a API is never a good idea. Variel just makes it back in time to hear Riaris giving out orders. Nodding his head in understanding, he is glad to hear that Rain will be in charge. She has a level head and can hold her own. Good choice for leadership.
Time seems distorted as the two ships close. At first it seems that nothing is happening and time has come to a stand still. Perhaps it has thought Variel as he looks about the crew. Then with a flip of the door opening, Peppery walks out dressed in what can only be called battle robes. Climbing up to the fighting deck she starts casting spell after spell.
Spell craft what the spell is exactly Variel is unsure, but the Promise starts to be covered in fog, obscuring the sight of the opposing crew. Seeing this, the prey starts to unleash bolt, ballistae, and anything else they can to slow the hunters down. The attempt is futile in the extreme as the wormwood prepares to engage in only a matter of seconds.
Round 1:
Snapping himself back to attention, Variel draws his bow but waits to shoot. Instead he makes a quick gesture with his hand and the air in front of him compresses densely. Those right next to him feel almost a plane of air the size of a tower shield surrounding Variel.. Glancing over at Dhaavan, Variel shrugs his shoulders, Its nice to have some abilities in just such an occasion besides I would hate to have one of those ballistae bolts strike me before I got over there.
Round 2:
Again as he had countless times before Variel channels a bit of his energy and power into his weapon. Taking aim at a crew member on board, Variel fires into the fog.
Attack -2 for ranged increment
Damage
Miss chance 1-50
Round 3:
Variel continues to fire upon the ship hoping to weaken the crew by the wheel.
Attack
Damage
Miss chance 1-50
Stowing his bow, Variel prepares to board the opposing ship
Round 4:
Delaying until the ships are pulled together, Variel draws his cutlass as he moves and literally runs and leaps into the fray.
Acrobatics -1 is armor check penalty may change based on Grok and armor procurement.
Perception for enemies
Seijiro watches the preparations, magical and mundane with wide-eyed interest. With no missile weapon other than his throwing daggers, he stays under cover until the grapples are thrown and the planks are down.
Once the Magnificent Seven begin their boarding, he will join in the 'procession' across the planks, drawing his rapier as he gets to the other ship. Keeping an eye out for danger from any quarter, he'll head to their goal in the sterncastle.
If any opponent pops up, he'll try to tumble to a position where he has flank with someone else in the party,
Dhaavan's eyes brighten up now that he knows he doesn't have to climb along ropes over shark-infested waters! "We get planks! Really? That's the best news I've heard all day! Even better than getting to have a fight! I could just..." he takes her by the shoulders and plands a kiss on each cheak, breating a heavy sigh of releaf. "Ah, alright then, so how much is that cure potion? I got 20 gp on me, and am bankin on gettin more later. Yea can take my needles as colateral, not that they'll do me no good if I'm dead, but if yea dont' want ta take a loan, I get it.
If ya hit a DC 11 sense motive, I'll PM ya something.
Strategy
"Before we get in there, I want ta talk ask fer a favor. Callin out critters to fight for me takes some time, and gettin hit disrupts my concentration, so if ya can try ta keep enemies off o' me while I'm summoning, then it'll give us an advantage. Yea've see the damage my li'l birdies can do, so protection would mean a lot for me." DHaavan asks the Magnificents.
to make sure i can get a sommon in range of enemies even in the fog, based on where the rails should be and where the bolts are coming from.
Dhaavan is in awe as Peppery burns magic to levetate up the to Fighting Deck. That kind of surplus of power is tryly impressive to the young sorcerer.
Dhaavan waits until their quary is 60 ft away, and begins casting.
When they get to 30 there is a screech on the other ship as a fiendish eagle suddenly appears from the point of origin of one of the bolts.
Dhaavan continues casting through the round 4 when we toss the grapple-hooks, so when the Init begins, we'll have a second eagle appear at the top of our turn.
The bird appears 10 ft in the air, and threatens all the squares around it, launching a full attack at one of the enemies in the 9 squares it threatens. Since it is within 5ft of its target the bird is able to see the target and can attack it with a 20% miss chance. and +1 to attack for high-ground
talon
talon
beak
While the bird flails about wildly with it's talons, it manages to bite hard into one of the men assuming AC of less than 22...
Talon AoO
If one of the archers attempts to get away from the bird that just appeared or take another shot at the crew, It rakes a talon at the man, while flapping wildly.
If Dhaavan thinks he can start to summon a bird diring round 2 so that it appears when the enemy is 60 ft away, then havt it charge into the fog and target an enemy, he will do that.
I reeeeally want him to, but if there's no way for a summoned bird to make that attack with even a moderate chance of locatign a target based on instruction, and flying around over the heads of the enemy, then i guess i can't do it. BUt i really want to... SO BADLY!!!
Diving during round 3 (not a charge)
talon
Suddenly a fiendish albatros dive-bombs one of the archers, claws raking across his face
Full attack on round 4
talon
talon
beak
Missing horribly with one shash, the sound of movement allows the albatros to adjust, and attempt to deliver another slach which find purchase, as well as bite into the flesh of the poor seaman as its flock-mate appears and rips into another man, biting his flesh!
Talon AoOs for round 3 just in case
Theoretical hit...
and Talon AoO for round 4
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To clarify actions Variel does intend to jump from one ship to the next and not use the planks so others can use them. the more people over at once the better. Don't know if you need another acrobatics check or not for landing. If se here it is...
Acrobatics
Sense motive
Variel looks a Dhaavan with some hope in his words. WhenHe talks about Flynn going under Variel interjects...Now wait a minute I know we dont get along, but that does no mean I wanted him dead. Granted I wanted to punch him in the mouth earlier for his actions but not enough for him to die.
As Dhaavan continues, Variel listens but hopes the is more to what Dhaavan is saying.
Yes Dhaavan can have the scroll of Mage armor. No need to pay back as part of your equivalent share of loot. All good on this end.
Harrigan arches his eyebrow at you when you begin casting. The others don't look. Peppery's eyes are on the ship. There are multiple magical auras coming from all of them.
** spoiler omitted **
Harrigan arches his eyebrow at you when you begin casting. The others don't look. Peppery's eyes are on the ship. There are multiple magical auras coming from all of them.
That's cool - It'd be up for only one round, than.
On Plugg specifically - what gear is glowing?
Meantime - I'll toss for Rain. She has a +4 to hit at range, and a -4 to penalty.
Here's her toss to get a DC of 5:
Sko will do nothing but wait the first three rounds. On the fourth, he'll use Totem Transoformation to give himself Shark Skin (+2 AC (now a whopping 15) & if grappled, or grappling, enemies take 1 point of damage per round). He's hoping that between the enemy ship, the anticipation of combat and the obvious magical displays of Peppery and Dhavaan, that no one will notice that Sko's skin looks a bit different.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Dhaavan, your post didn't let me open the spoiler to me and Rain. I think there was an error with the coding. Can you repeat it please?
One other thing -
I will post mine/Rain's actions to get over onto the ship, once we have a battle map up. For now, we've grappled -
1. I need to know who among us hit the enemy, if at all.
2. Any reactions from the enemy in the meantime.
3. Where the enemy is located, and where we're located in relation to them.
4. Order of initiative - for all of us.
5. Location of the pirates on our side as they also will be rushing across.
You slowly approach the fog bank and shots are traded back and forth some scoring hits and some missing wildly. Dhaavan summons devilish birds straight from the bowels of the nine hells that screech across the sea. The sounds of men screaming in pain and fear are muffled by the heavy fog. Sharks swim around the ships like vultures circling a fresh kill. Great long grey bodies with heads like hammers breach the sea looking for blood.
Time seems to slow as the two colossal vessels approach...50...30...now 20 feet away Harrigan booms out TOSS GRAPPLES!. Horatio tosses his and feels it snag and begins to pull as does Rain. Pulled together, the ships crash with a thundering bang.
At that moment, a giant flash of light shoots overhead and brightens the mist followed immediately by a gigantic KRA-KOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!! The screams of several of the other crew can be heard in the aftermath. It appears Peppery is letting loose a bit it seems.
All down the ship you hear men and women jumping and climbing across and the sounds of battle ensue in the fog. Screams of anguish and triumph make their way through the fog but it is impossible to tell who is winning right now.
Dhaavan watches the enemy approaching as Rain and Flynn disciss strategy, and Rain's reticence about killing those attempting to use the boats. "Well, I'm sure there'll be enough what try to take the wheel back from yea, so if you focus on defendin that, and keepin the rest of us safe, yea can leave others to the more odious parts of the tasks, long as you don't do nothin ta get in the way of that, we'll be able to avoid gettin our hides tanned for lettin anybody escape, and yea won't have ta offend yer moral sensibilities."
"While we're at it, talkign plans, it takes time to summon, and I'm pretty vulnerable when i do it. SO if yea can try to keep folks off o' me till i get a few out, It'd be a huge help, that way i don't loose any spells.
= Average of 13.57 (Nice job!)
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
= Average of 10.57
You all go first! This is round 1 place yourselves on the map and tell me how you plan to board. Good luck and i hope you like the map!
Also don't worry about the pirates on your crew, they are all doing their own jobs and won't be interacting too much so it's pretty much you all on your own for your particular job.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
If any opponent pops up, he'll try to tumble to a position where he has flank with someone else in the party,
acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
So, that said, it doesn't look like he can make it into flanking position, even with a roll of 34, so following Rain and Valeros over (since they rolled higher inits), he'll work his way over to the further stairs, ready to head up on them when he has more movement. His rapier is out and ready to strike should anyone unfriendly approach.
Remember with the concealment you can use stealth.
Dhaavan has been chanding and gesturing eyes aflame, gleefully smiling as he hears the Rahadoumi screams, laughing wildly between foul arcane utterances.
Gleefully crying out in infernal, he returns to his arcane speach while Jack hops up off of Dhaavan's shoulder and flies out toward the enemy ship, flitting on silent wings, screeching at his fellow avians in infernal, hovering about 8 ft above the Rahadoumi 2.
to avoid notice of the humans.
Eagle 1 takes a single strong flap and rises to get higher-"ground" on the Rahadoumi below the infernal pet of it's summoner and viciously attacks with beek and claw.
Attacks on R2
Looks like his first talon attack was more to find purchase grabbing at nothing, but the second causes a satisfying scream.
Eagle 2 gets behind the human fool facing his newest flockmate, and viciously attacks it's equally foolish human companion.
attacks on R1
Claws digging into the human, tearing flesh away, the bird's snaps its beek at nothing buy mist.
Eagle 3 Screeches as it appears, and seeing it's flock maiming and killing, the fiendish bird joins in the revelry biting and slashing at soft mortal flesh.
attacks on R2 again
It manages to bite into the human, but claws do not find flesh. Oh well. This blood us yummy, i'll have to drink more!
Fumble confirm... eep!
Dhaavan is still casting!
Eagle 2 flanks with Eagle 3, and scores 9 damage on R1
Eagle3 flanks with Eagle 2 and scores 5 damage on R2
Assuming AC of 18 or lower.
9 damage to R1, 10 damage to R2
Dhaavan spent 4 Lv1 spells. and Eagle 4 will appear at the top of the next round, when Eagle 1 disappears.
Rain's Action
Rain is temporarily “Holding action” – she’s waiting for her mates to get across. Than she will “asses the situation” – and once she sees the most threatening of the folk (or the one that her crew hasn’t killed) – she will move across the plank and use “Freebooters Bane” on that rogue.
Right now, she’s not sure who she needs to put that mark on, yet.
Flynn's Action
Horatio runs across the platform and ends up at 7:R for the full 30 feet. He is currently carrying his rapier and a dagger (one of the daggers belonging to Maheem; nothing fancy about it).
He’ll attack pirate R2 with his rapier and R1 with his dagger – with penalties in place.
IF it hits –
IF it hits –
IF it hits -
.
Seijiro moves stealthily under cover of the fog as he crosses the deck of the enemy ship. He whispers something under his breath in Minkaian as he does so, the only recognizable words that Flynn might catch is the name 'Hei Feng,' which Seijiro has referred to several times in the past.
Seijiro moves stealthily under cover of the fog as he crosses the deck of the enemy ship. He whispers something under his breath in Minkaian as he does so, the only recognizable words that Flynn might catch is the name 'Hei Feng,' which Seijiro has referred to several times in the past.
Sko runs across the plank and will follow Seijiro up the stairs putting him in .
”May Gozreh swallow you whole; and may Besmara keep you in her cold embrace!”
Rain cries out as she grips her trident and rushes across the plank to the enemy vessel.
If these folk were indeed slavers, they deserved their fate; and if Flynn was right and they were heretics besides…
After Rain manages to hit the deck on the other side, she quickly assesses the situation, her hand gripping her trident tightly – her eyes fierce.
Seeing the men at the stairs giving way to the blows; she quickly tosses a gaze at the sterncastle – their intended target. The sterncastle holds the wheel to the ship – if it is not taken quickly, one of the enemy pirates may attempt to grab the wheel, and swing the tiller, pulling the ships apart, and causing them chaos for those still trying to board; and leaving others like Dhaavan potentially out of reach for spells.
There were two stairways – one of them seriously guarded – the other open and easily accessible by her mates, but they lingered on the deck, as if waiting.
”Get your bloody asses up those stairs – now, gods damn it,” she cries out, staggered that the crew would congregate on the main deck, when the pirates could easily use a few men to prevent them from getting up the stairwells.
Now was the time for speed, while they had the initiative!
If they don’t get up the stair quickly; then the remaining pirates could cluster at the stairwells – preventing her crew from advancing up them – and they had a limited time to achieve this goal; hanging back would not help them!
Seeing one of the enemy is untouched, and in a prime position to advance to support his mates; and observing that between Variel, Horatio, and Dhaavan’s magic – the two pirates of R1 and R2 should be easily dealt with – Rain quickly uses as a “Standard Action” on the pirate R4.
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Jumping the gap between the ships with ease, Variel quickly casts a spell before the RahadoumI can react. Using the skill he has honed he imbues the cutlass as he swings. Catching the unsuspecting sailor off guard Variel slices through his defenses to land a telling blow that staggers the man with sword and magic.
Cast frostbite and swing with spell strike.
Arcane pool 2/4 used
Attack
Damage
Cold non lethal
Crit confirm
Damage
Cold non lethal
Miss 1-20
9 lethal damage, 8 nonlethal cold and fatigued
I know Jumping is a roll of 4xheight, so for every 4 you roll, you get 1 foot up.
It's prolly a DC 10 climb check to get up there, but if you roll high enough on the jup, You'll save rain some movement.
Now that both enemies are dead - Rain can "double move" to the wheel. I don't think she can climb the wall; but she certainly can run through Flynn's and Variel's space - which she does.
She now "has the con".
Rain cannot see her opponents at this time - however; she guesses they are there.
If it is possible - her plan is to "fight defensively" if attacked.
Although she has not taken an attack, she did do a double move - so would she be able to do that now, or would she have to wait until next round?
The relative calm of the ocean belies the fury that rides upon it. The smashing of the ships together began the fray. Within seconds the shouts of battle rolled over both ships. The air heavy with the fog and eerie flashes of light and color coming through as spells are flung and even a few of what sound like gun shots.
Dhaavan stands at the rail as the ships close with each other with his eyes closed for a moment, when they open they blaze with unholy fire and he flings out his hands towards the other ship. When he points, several red and black birds burst forth from his hands in a haze of sulfurous smoke. The devil birds streak into the mists and immediately screams of pain and horror are heard. A slow smile spreads across his face as he hears the screams.
Horatio is poised on the balls of his feet and darts across immediately as the ships come together. Turning quickly he heads towards the aft deck and with a quick thrust runs one of the Rahadoumi through with his rapier when he comes upon him.
Sko, Seijiro and Valeros look at each other and silently move towards the opposite stairway, hoping to flank the sailors. Seijiro moves like a ghost through the mists. Sko, big and imposing, strides through in a manner of a hunting shark, eyes swiveling back and forth looking for prey. Valeros, with his odd clunking gait, moves through with the practiced ease of one who has spent his whole life at sea.
Variel takes a couple of breaths...his eyes locked onto a point in space where he knows the ship to be...and leaps through the air with his Cutlass leading the way. Landing next to a Rahadoumi, his sword glows with a faint silvery light as trails of snow fall off of it. Swinging it in a vicious arc, beheading the man in a single blow. The body falls to the floor and shatters...the frost having frozen it's body near solid.
Rain, like a good leader, waits a moment and then darts over herself, intent upon their mission. She immediately goes for the wheel and secures it. Taking a defensive posture, she holds her cutlass steadily as she looks around.