Also Horatio, remember it takes 2 full rounds to reload a ballista. Also I was wrong, Siege Engines CAN crit against objects. So I need you to roll a confirmation to see if you crit. You will probably need to roll another 20 to confirm but it's possible, unless you use a hero point to add +8 to the confirmation roll, in which case you'd still need to roll high but not as bad.
F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 5, Hunter 4, Guardian 1 /AC 23, T12, FF21/ HP 78/78, F+11, R+12/+13, W+6 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ CMB +10, CMD 22/Init +4(+6), Perc. +17/+19
Okay, pretty sure this is another silly question, but what side of the ship is our ballista at present? I'm assuming they are positioned on both port and starboard sides of the ship.
F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 5, Hunter 4, Guardian 1 /AC 23, T12, FF21/ HP 78/78, F+11, R+12/+13, W+6 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ CMB +10, CMD 22/Init +4(+6), Perc. +17/+19
okay, we got the upperhand last check (by 1). So we get one square in any direction as a free action. I'm trying to figure out the position of the Dread Lady at present (on the map), based on last round's action/movement. Help, please?
Rain turns the ship hard to Port (left) (standard action), moving at her current speed.
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
Hello - back from work.
Rain - regarding your question, the balista were initially on the forward and aft section of the ship when we took it, I believe.
The current ship map doesn't have their positions designated at this time, but I assumed that's where they remained which is why I had mentioned in earlier that I would be running to the forward part of the ship. Even though they're both in the front and back of the ship, since they can rotate if we move alongside a ship that would mean that we can still rotate them for a full "broadside".
Next - I was hoping to use the shot once we got into a better range. Specifically - 360 feet or less; which would mean a -4 penalty on my shot. When I posted earlier, I assumed that between sailing and moving forward at some point before when we closed, the shot would be needed. As such - I would have held action util we got a bit closer.
Please let me know what range we are formally when we let the first shot fire.
GM - thank you for clarification on the Critical Hit issue; I wasn't sure myself, or the target that would chosen - but now I know. Though to be fair, I would think the most "logical" choice would be to aim for the captain of the enemy ship ;)
Finally - the other reason I was specifically training a "gun crew" is for this: A light ballista loaded by two creatures takes 1 round to load the siege weapon, since the creatures each take one of the two necessary full-round actions to do so.
With one of the gang to aid me - I can have another shot ready to fire every other round. I will roll to confirm the critical hit now - but a lot of the success and failure is directly related to how close we are to the ship. Please factor that in for range increments when the "confirmation" is rolled. Thank you!
Again - +3 +3 +1 to hit; -4, -1, Range X? 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
If it hits - 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 3 = 11
Sorry about earlier post - I misread Archaeologists Luck.
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
Not sure about the penalty to hit via range - if I need to burn a Hero Point retro - I may do it; but I would have liked to have gotten closer before the shot formally goes off.
Also - the minute it does go off, Horatio will instantly drop Archaeologist's Luck and begin reloading with whoever is next to him and prepare the next shot.
You can see up braced against the mast standing on the crossbeam, a figure holding a long metal object with what looks like a small spyglass attached to the top. You notice it has a long tail that is wrapped around the mast.
Horatio, since you were the one firing, you are the one that was hit.
What kind of numbers do we have? There's 24 people on our ship, now that we lost Reevah so there should be a spare 2 to act as part of the Gun-Crew Otherwise Dhaavan'll help load the ballista till we get closer, and one of the other officers can as well in which case we each can use our full-round actions to work on loading and then Flynn can fire. that way he gets a shot every round, thanks to having a crew of 2 extra taking actions.
Round 2
1d3 ⇒ 3 Eagles appear
Move action Handle Animal:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 on the birds to get them to attack the Pilot which works cause it would be a trick they know. so all 5 charge 160 ft to attack the pilot of the ship.
Standard Action
Start Summoning SM2 again
Round 3 when we get to the enemy ship Round 1 of ship to ship combat
Hell-Hound pops
Free Action
Dhaavan screams in infernal to the hound to burn the sails.
Hounds actions
Breath fire to burn the sails and anyone in the area with his AOE breath weapon
Eagles actions
Full attacks on the pilot and others near by.
Dhaavan's actions
Standard: Cast Vanish
Move: to a safer location.
So Round three should be the round of our boarding action when we are either running over or throwing Grapples and such, but are in Range. So that's my prep and first round action.
Male Human Magus 2; HP 17/17, AC 16/12/14; saves 4/2/3; CMB: +4, CMD 16 loot list
With Jiro's guidance, Rain's navigational skills, and Flynn's accuracy the fate of the longboat seemed a foregone conclusion. All that was left was to actually board her and wrest control from the opposing captain. Knowing that this was primarily his job, Variel went about preparing himself for the coming engagement. In between his spellcasting, Variel makes sure the crew are still following the orders from Valeros and Rain. Rain barking orders to get the maximum out of the ship, Valeros to see that everyone is in the right place at the right time.
Staying near the middle of the ship till he knows which side Rain will pull in on, Variel casts the following spells (10 rounds before start of possible boarding actions right)
Round 1: double move away from Rain and the helm towards center of ship
Round 2: cast shield, retrieve rope
Round 3: cast bull's strength
Round 4: full round to cast enlarge
Round 5: cast mirror image 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Round 6: tie off end of rope around waist
Round 7: move to side of boarding action; perception to find opposing captain 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Round 8: tie other end off to railing to prevent falling in water and drifting away;
Round 9: crouch by railing gaining cover
Round 10: prepare to grapple ship and anchor the 2 together; aid Rain in grapple check of ships 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Start of boarding action: leap over while drawing cutlass and head to the opposing captain; acrobatics 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Now flat-fotted AC: 17
Male Human Magus 2; HP 17/17, AC 16/12/14; saves 4/2/3; CMB: +4, CMD 16 loot list
20 involved in piloting (Rain, Jiro and Valeros included), Flynn, Dhaavan and one more crew on the ballista, Variel prepping for boarding. If you want me to take different actions let me know.
Hearing a crack similar to the one Flynn's weapons can make, VAriel glances up at Flynn in the middle of his spell casting. Not knowing for sure what happened,all Variel can tell is that Flynn is bleeding. Hearing Flynn's exclamation Variel shouts to him, New target Flynn, take him out before he takes you out.
Horatio you can shoot after Rain's check. She easily catches the opposing ship and you all are now on tactical movement. I will update the map accordingly. Your final shot will be in the second range increment or -2.
The other ship gets a shot off of their catapult as well.
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Hit
4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 4) = 9 Damage to the Dread Lady's Wheel.
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
Good call Variel on the sniper, I should have aimed for him; but as of now, it looks like their weapon is broken, which is something, I guess.
Meanwhile...
Horatio barely watches the bolt fly. He steps away from the ballista as Rain drives the ship forward and pulls out his pistols.
”Archaeologists’ Luck” is off until we’re close enough to fire ranged weapons.
Currently standing at the forward part of the ship near the gunwale, his weapons are loose in his hands and ready to bring to bear on a threat as Variel advances with the boarding party.
Currently on our “ship’s map” I would be to the immediate left of “B6a”. With the guard rail around the forward part of the ship, I think that would give me partial cover, but I’m not sure. I would be on the side of the ship closest to the enemy ship, though; not sure if that’s our port or starboard side at this time.
GM – quick question: when our ships move next to the enemy, we’ll likely see them on a battle map. When that happens, where will our crew be in relation to their ship for purposes of ranged attacks from our ship? Also - GM: how much HP does our wheel have? Thank you!
GM, Do Dhaavan's preparations work, and what rolls do you want from me?
Leading up to tactical movement, within 180 feet, can the birds charge with their 180 movement speed and the 16 on the DC 15 Handle animal check?
Eagle 1
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Eagle 5
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
...as they charge in and surround the Pilot at the wheel.
I'll wait to do round one actions once the battle starts, but this is the Prep work that happends in the 4 rounds or so we are closing and getting ready to board.
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
GM - I would have been starting on H:14 - having moved as close to the gunwale as possible.
Does the gunwale give me any cover?
Where are the enemies on the other ship?
I am not sure, but I thought you said the ship had no oars. Is that correct - the picture shows it with oars; which could effect us for boarding action.
As soon as I see targets on the map - I'll act.
At this stage - do you need our initiative? Or is that up to Rain to roll (as she is the pilot) vs. their helmsman to find out who acts first? Or is this a "Surprise round"?
F Elf Ranger (Freebooter) 5, Hunter 4, Guardian 1 /AC 23, T12, FF21/ HP 78/78, F+11, R+12/+13, W+6 (+2 vs Enchantments)/ CMB +10, CMD 22/Init +4(+6), Perc. +17/+19
Rain unfortunately does not manage to dodge the stone missile in time which hit the wheel of the Lady and is mildly injured by its assault. She cries out in anger, emitting a low growl and curse.
Male Human Magus 2; HP 17/17, AC 16/12/14; saves 4/2/3; CMB: +4, CMD 16 loot list
VAriel growls as the ballista bolt flies towards him, stopped in its tracks by the shield spell. Not really caring if anyone hears him or not, After the captain and pilot are gone, he is next. Then again what else wold they expect to fire at with literally a large sized human threatening to jump over and assault their ship.
Flynn will move from his starting point to P:22. If I’m correct, that should put his 45 feet from the man in the rigging.
Does any of that help me figure out what this thing is; and how he can have a tail to grip the rigging? Like possibly an Alchemist, or a Race? At this time he’ll raise a pistol and shoot that bugger as his attack action!
Attack with Pistol - -4 for Range, -1 for Deadly Aim; Archaeologist’s Luck on. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Male Human Magus 2; HP 17/17, AC 16/12/14; saves 4/2/3; CMB: +4, CMD 16 loot list
Oops sorry Immortal, I should have specified that I meant as far forward towards the other captain on the other ship after boarding. Double move if necessary to get to the captain, but no AOOs . Also Variel is large at this time. Thanks again.
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
Well, as you ask, I guess it depends... As of now, I want to know what the guy is. I think he's either got an specialized musket or a firearm based on what I saw before; but if he has a tail, I'm guessing he's either a demon/tiefling, or possibly an "Alchemist" with a "tentacle" mutation - but I don't know - hence the Knowledge Checks. Once I know what he is, that will effect my action - but I would like to shoot at the guy, as it seems he's up on an elevated position with range weapons to bring to bear on the others.
But I'd like to know what he is; and I believe Knowledge Checks can be done as a free action; or "no action". If it turns out that my hunch on this guy is wrong, I may try something else; but I don't know - he did attack me, and I'm not happy about it.
AC20 (T 16, FF 14); HP 86/86; saves F +6, R +16, W +7; bab: 6/1; melee 8/1(+13/8), ranged +12/7; CMB 8, CMD 24; speed 30; init +6(+8); perc +11(13)(+15) mp 2/5 | kitsune rogue (pirate)/7; bard(sea singer)/2
skills:
acro 21(23,26), appr 11, bluff 6, climb 11, dd 17, disg 5, esc art 10, fly 9, intim 8, k local 5, k geog 6(8), ling 8, perc 11(13,15), prf: harm 8, prf: act 8; pr: sail 11, sm 2, soh 13, spcrft 6, stlth 19(21)(23), swm 10
whoa... i go out for the evening and come back to 35 posts... just wow... anyway... will post when it's our init. In the meantime, Seijiro is up in the rigging, ready to swing over to the other ship when it's our init.
Seijiro's brow knits as he spots the Vanara on the other ship... a creature from home... but an enemy, in this case. He considers calling out to the fellow, opens his mouth to speak, then closes it, thinking better of the action.
know local to identify the Vanara, know about his kind:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Male Human Guns. 1 (Mysterious Stranger), Fighter 1 (Lore Warden), Bard 6 (Archaeologist) - Barbarian 1 (Urban) Mythic (Champion) (AC 20 / HP 82 / F +9, R + 10, W +7 / Ini + 3 / Perc. +16)
Apologies, GM - I am a bit confused. I was under the impression we had an attack/move before the initiative via Rain's post about you giving us a round before Initiative went. Was she correct, or do we need to wait to move after Initiative as Seijiro says?
Also - I thought Variel's orders were that he wanted to go across with 5 people on the boarding party; secure a landing, than have us follow him up. Did something in the plan change?
Sorry, I just want to know what the plan is before formally acting, if I was in error.
