"I could try to pass for a bodyguard? Or I could swim behind your boat." offers N'Dateh.
"No need to complicate things. All in a boat keeps it simple."
Julian looks to hire a water taxi.
"Very well. We wan to talk first, right?" confirms N'Dateh, then eases into the water taxi.
For a moment, he relaxes, softly supported by the water, and the voices inside him quiet for now.
Where is peace for someone like me? My past has locked my future... he thinks to himself in the quietness.
Morgana nods, "A bodyguard or two would be expected... And it might explain the --forgive me, more exotic nature, shall we say? -- of some of you. They'll probably assume you're dumb muscle, and not the type to damage the goods, as it were. "
She then frowns, Still, it's a rather distasteful plan, one where I need to debase myself... And with my luck, one of the tribals are in the ship-thief's little band, so the new of what I've "come to" can get back to my family...
"Very well. We'll play it straight at the start. I'll be ready to slip off into the shadows given a reason though."
"I can take your rapier... Perhaps if you wrap it around... That belt is a little small... Now, like that is better. Yes. Now it fits. Looks ok?"
That's a girl's weapon you're wearing. You're a shame for your tribe.
A weapon is a weapon. And my tribe has forsaken me because of you, remember?
Julian seem calm as they make their plans.
"We will be most vulnerable when debarking onto the other boat. Those with no swimming skills should be first."
Morgana follows Celentria's lead, unbuckling the belt holding the cutlass and club, then shifting the dagger to her sleeve. "Considering how vulnerable we'll be, can't imagine they'd begrudge a girl a small measure of comfort. In fact, they'd probably be surprised if we weren't carrying knives or saps, just in case."
As you approach the Blue Nixie you see two men on the main dock and two more men on the quarterdeck above. As come within earshot one of the men on the main deck yells out, "Turn back, we are not interested. No one is allowed on board at this time."
Quartle watches the men on deck, paying particular attention to the man that has called out. Not interested? Of course not. Well, let's see if we can change your mind. "You men are in for shore leave no? Thought you might be interested in a little fun with the ladies. Can we come aboard?"
"Someone paid for you boys to have a party as a reward! Girls and rum delivered by boat."
Julian hopes they can get close.
"Vark says no one comes on board. Now move along!"
Quartle whispers under his breath, "He's afraid of Vark. Maybe we should tell him Vark always appreciates a visit by our ladies?"
N'Dateh shrugs and keeps to himself, trying to act the part of the bodyguard, hanging on his longspear, bored.
Morgana says, excitedly, "Let's head back before they change their mind. We have their coin either way."
The man hesitates, "Ok, I will let 2 of you, and only 2, come up while we wake up Vark." The man turns to the other man next to him and sends him off presumably to get Vark. The two men on the quarterdeck have their crossbows at the ready in case you try anything.
Once they are distracted by our boarders, Quartle will slip into the water and swim around to a (hopefully) unwatched part of the boat (thinking the back side) and attempt to climb aboard.
Julian barely saw Quartle depart, and did some quick calculation, mainly about who would be most effective at close range without being too intimidating. That surely left him out of the equation. Nevertheless, the climb was daunting for him, and he wanted someone to aid him. The spear of the saurian looked like it would help.
He motions to Celentria and Morgana and whispers, "I think you two should go. We will have to act quickly, we want the deck held well before the boss comes back. After you are on deck, I think we should immediately follow."
N'Dateh's nostrils flare as he feels the tension of combat building up, but he fights it, trying to calm himself, and asks in a low voice: "What happened to discussing?"
The voice inside his head screams in outrage: How can you be so weak! Coward! Seize the ladder! Climb up! And bask in glorious battle!!!
But N'dateh just smiles inside You've controlled me long enough.
Morgana nods, "I think we're the least likely to raise suspicion. ", then starts climbing.
Quartle reaches the top rail on the far side of the ship and peeks his head over. If the coast is relatively clear, he climbs a nearby mast seeking a good spot to watch over the spot where Celentria and Morgana have come aboard and to prepare an ambush if necessary.
Quartle remains unseen. So what is the plan, are you starting something before Vark gets brought on deck, or are you going to wait until he gets there?
We get our two on deck and then start something right away.
Julian reaches down and finds magic in the azata blood in his veins. He throws a cloud of glitterdust over the sentries on the quarterdeck with the crossbows hoping to blind them. The gold dust sparkles on their skin and eyes with amazing brilliance.
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M (ground mica)
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area creatures and objects within 10-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 round/level
Save Will negates (blinding only); SR no
A cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible things for the duration of the spell. All within the area are covered by the dust, which cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades. Each round at the end of their turn blinded creatures may attempt new saving throws to end the blindness effect.
Any creature covered by the dust takes a –40 penalty on Stealth checks.
As the sky lights in golden sparks, N'Dateh grabs the ladder and climbs hastily up, the voice ringing in his head like the horns of Torag's Hall.
But N'Dateh just says: "Hurry! We must take control of the ship and avoid bloodshed!"
Quartle fires a blunt arrow at one of the crossbow wielding sailors. As soon as the arrow is away, he focuses on the mast and subtly shifts the color of his skin to blend back in.
As Julian releases the bright flash of sparks, Morgana's lovely features turn cold, almost feral, and she lashes out with both hands, trying to tear the throat out of the sailore standing before her.
for
for
adjust -2 in Surprise
adjust +2 in Water
As Julian begins casting the battle erupts! Quartle fires an arrow from his hiding spot hitting the crew member .
- Celentria, Quartle, Crew, Julian, Morgana, N'Dateh
AC 15 T 12 FF 13 CMD 25
Celetnria steps up and slashes the sailor next to her. While it isn't a killing blow, the wound makes the man panic and he backs away before leaping over the side of the ships trying to swim away.
Quartle shoots from up on the mast hitting one of the crewman with the crossbows. That man also panics and drops his crossbow before leaping over the side to swim away.
The one sailor with a crossbow fires at Celentria. The bolt flies true, but only does superficial damage.
*Hit, not confirmed*
As they flee, the door opens up and the sailor that went to fetch Vark comes out with a male and female sailor, who both look like they hastily put on clothes to come out. As they see the battle beginning they draw weapons.
Julian casts his spell at the only sailor he can see. The spell goes off but does not affect the crossbowman
N'Dateh climbs up a rope and makes it on board the ship
- Julian, Morgana, N'Dateh Celentria, Quartle, Crew,
AC 15 T 12 FF 13 CMD 25
AC 18 T 12 FF 17 CMD 25
Julian begins an inspiring chant-- primal and motivating. All his allies' weapons become enchanted.
Julian draws his now magicked small light crossbow.
Celentria moves to attack the crossbowman, scoring a powerful hit.