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The next morning you all dutifully report to The Throaty Mermaid. Captain Veane meets with you briefly, at tells you all to keep out of the way of his crew. He gives you the forward cabin (off the main deck, room number 5) to bunk in. It is apparent that they usually use this for storage, as there are still a few barrels and crates stored in here, mostly foodstuffs.
The crew looks at you all as an inconvenience, much like they do Thanzeril and Sephriel, who was already in his cabin when you arrive. Any attempts to talk to the Ambassador are blocked by his bodyguard.
A week passes without incident, and inquiries about how much longer it will be are answered by "We'll get there when we get there." The crew is not hostile, but for the most part not friendly. The lone exception to this is the half-elf "morale officer" Azuretta, who is quite friendly.
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Miro spends his days walking about the deck, learning a bit of what the sailor's do, and talking to them nonchalantly about their trade. He will make it a point to walk past the Ambassador's cabin a few times.
Evenings he will perform for whoever wishes, and will engage in games of chance and skill with the crew in an attempt to buddy up. Again, he will try to drop by the Ambassador's cabin a couple of times just to be sure the bodyguard is there and things are quiet.
Nights will be spent asleep, besides for his turn on any watch rotation should his companions choose to keep watch.
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With the time already spent at sea, Cyrus is getting a little stir crazy. He spends most days out on the three decks, Fore, Main, and Aft, much like Miro. It didn't take long for him to realize that a sailor's life is not the life for him, as the confines of the ship at sea are nearly too much to handle. The ropes and rigging however have made for a wonderful place to practice some fancy new acrobatic maneuvers.
He makes an effort to chat up the sailors when he can, and takes part in all of the gambling and chance games he can as well. In fact, he has come up with another game that the sailors, even if they don't really admit it, have become rather fond of for multiple reasons. In the evenings, Cyrus spends a good chunk of time in the Cargo Hold of the ship, practicing throwing his daggers at the rats that scurry about in the dark. When the game started to catch on, the ante started at a gold. Whoever brought in the most rats in the allotted time frame would take the whole pot. He tried his best not to dwell on the fact that the supply of targets never seemed to dwindle...
At night, Cyrus is often found scribbling in his journal in the forward cabin provided for the pathfinders, when he isn't sleeping. Occasionally he will pop out in the middle of the night to take in the view from the crow's nest, when the air isn't too chilly and the stars are out.
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Lort spends most evenings fully armored, but gambling like everyone else. He does most of this in the main hold within sight of the elven diplomat's room (or, if not, on the main deck keeping an eye on Sephriel's cabin through the grating). He loses most nights, distracted as he is by keeping watch on the reclusive passenger and his bodyguard.
In the night time, Lort hones his blade quietly in complete darkness and catches up on some prayers to Kurgess. The big half-orc remains within 60 feet of Sephriel's cabin if at all possible, using his keen orcish eyes to survey their precious passenger's quarters, seeing it clearly in black and white.
Been at sea for so long, not going to let this chump get hurt now. His bodyguard is indeed vigilant, but he has to sleep some time and these scallywags could probably overpower him if they has a mind to. Who knows, maybe Thanzeril will appreciate the help and we can complete our mission for the Ruby Prince.
Lort's day times are largely spent sleeping in their makeshift cabin. The food supplies left in there dwindle somewhat faster than expected. If they didn't want me to eat it, they shouldn't have left it here.
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During the day Finarin splits his time. Being an elf among other races, he tries to befriend the esteemed ambassador via his body guard. Happy to try different tactics except those that would cause irreparable harm - like intimidate. Let me know and I can role play some different scenarios.
At nights Finarin remains aloof from the general crew (Pathfinders notwithstanding). He tries to observe crew interactions, crew hierarchies, and cliques much as one would observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
Not sure when a good time is to try and complete my faction missions but here is a start:
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While the group is sailing the high seas:
"All, let me see if I can get Anera away from the figurehead so we can retrieve a certain item."
Miro will spend a chunk of his time trying to befriend the woman and her bird, encouraging her to join in the games of chance or to have a drink, hell, he'll even see if she wants to visit Azuretta, if she swings that way. Anything to get her away from the fore deck.
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Amaranti spends most his days on deck, enjoying the fresh air and smell of sea. Lazily he gazes into horizon, enjoying the quiet days. Once bored of watching the skyline, he studies the crew at work, happy to help should anyone ask. Evenings he spends with the pathfinders and trying to befriend the crew; gambling, telling stories or whatever might pass as the social activity on the ship. When not his turn in guard rotation, nights he spends in his hammock.
Since mission was escort duty, it is best to expect trouble. Therefore, Amaranti summons Kaisharga, and keeps it available. In good manner, he introduces the eidolon to the crew, just so to avoid any unnecessary conflict. "This my friend Kaisharga, serpent of dune sea. It very good guard, see in dark, fight good. Kaisharga, say hello to crew!"
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Slowly, the eidolon uncoils, staring at the crew with those glowing eyes. Then it turns its head towards its master.
To waste my words on mortals? The sacks of meat, just waiting to be devoured by time. Point me enemy, o' master, I devour it. Point me friend, I ignore it. Ask me not for words.
No sound is uttered, but Amaranti, and only Amaranti, hears the voice of his servant.
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As you try placing the letter in her pocket, she catches your hand. She looks down, and sees the letter with Baron Jacquo Dalsine's seal, takes it, and says, "Meet me here, tomorrow, at dusk. I assume there will be a response required to this. I will give it to you then."
That was this afternoon, so conveniently her response will be after the festivities.
A week goes by, with the routine of sailing settling in. The crew does there thing, and the Pathfinders do theirs. Sephriel does not leave his cabin, and rarely does Thanzeril leave his post (and when he does, one of the faithful Pathfinders takes his place).
1: Cyrus
2: Miro
3: Amaranti
4: Finarin
Combat Tracker (Surprise Round)
From the aft deck, four aquatic elf warriors attach Aramanti and Karshaiga, who are caught unawares by their climbing aboard the ship.
for
The first two elves catch Karshaiga by surprise with their javelins, the first catching the serpent in the head, causing grievous damage, the second finishing the job.
The other two turn to the Garundi with their javelins.
Amaranti is hit by the javelin, but throws off the effects of the poison.
He is hit once more, but this time cannot shake off the poison. He bellows in pain
Target is -10 for battle. +5 for closed door, +10 for sleeping.
For Lort, he is getting only a +1 for distance
So, everyone wakes up. Note, unless you are wearing light armor, you'll not have your armor on. Your gear will be right next to where you are sleeping. You are prone, so move action to get up... and a move action to grab equipment. I assume separate actions for belt (w/ pouches), weapon, shield, pack, etc). You tell me what you grab as you head out. Move action to open the door.
Lort has whatever gear he'd have... I'd assume pretty much everything except for his backpack.
Combat Tracker (round 1)
(bolding and => denotes currently up)
Note: I have adjusted the map, which is current.
Status
Karshaiga: -1 out of 12hp
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp, staggered, poisoned.
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Finarin leaps out of bed, and starts grabbing his gear. One of the elves runs down the stairs, drawing his trident, to engage in combat with Amaranti. ( ). Blood pooling around the fallen eidolon causes the elf to slip, throwing his stab off target from the staggered Garundi.
Combat Tracker: Round 1
Status
Karshaiga: -1 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #1
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp, staggered, poisoned #4
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Cyrus hears the commotion and jumps up from his bed. Light and well made, his chain shirt is thankfully still on, it being comfortable enough to sleep in. The shouts and cries of pain and battle tell him all he needs to know, as he grabs his sickle from his pack and makes to run out the door.
Amaranti! Are you alright? He shouts, worry in his voice.
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Things are starting to look a bit grim for our friend the Garundi Summoner, as a second elf draws his trident, and moves to attack. . Again the previous aptitude fails an elf as his leading foot squelches as he plants it during the charge, throwing off his aim. Amaranti looks worried, hoping to get the chance to use his lance before they are able to drop him like they dropped Karshaiga.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid
Status
Karshaiga: -1 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #2 (2)
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp, staggered, poisoned #4
Up now is Ibid. followed by the remaining elves.
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The old man rolls over, awoken from sleeping, audibly moaning and visibly still seasick and aching to his very core. Through the waves of nausea and lightheadedness coursing over his body, the old man gets up, grabs his longbow and a quiver of arrows.
Through teeth clenched tightly to avoid loosing a torrent of sickened bile, Ibid shouts as best he can to his companion who is in danger, "We're coming, Amaranti!". Days spent sickly doubled over in pain and nausea shows as Ibid moves, manifested in the old man's awkward, uneasy steps toward the combat.
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As our trusty heroes scamper to come out to save Amaranti, the shouts declaring help is coming are not lost on the elves. The two elves on the aft deck, rather than running down to overwhelm the beleaguered summoner, each take a stop to the right, and draw another javelin. It appears to Amaranti that they are waiting to throw.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 1)
Status
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #2
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp, staggered, poisoned #4
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 2)
Status
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #2
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp
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Hearing the sounds of battle overhead, Lort springs into action. At last, after so many months, I finally get to use my new greatsword! I was beginning to worry that I would wear it down into a rapier before it tasted blood.
"Fighting above!" screams Lort rapidly (and more than a little joyously) at Thanzeril, "Find Sephriel and don't let him out of your sight! I've got this. " leaping up the stairs two or three at a time, the enormous warrior reaches the top in mere seconds.
A door! Between me and battle. There's always one more obstacle. Lort half-opens, half-bashes the door noisily outwards. Surveying the scene of battle, he feels a twinge of concern for his big Garundi friend. He can handle it, and now Kurgess has blessed me with the power to heal him if he can't.
"At last! Some action!" is the elated half-orc's battle cry as he impatiently brandishes his razor-sharp greatsword, looking for a worthy opponent.
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Lort notices as he flies up the stairs that the elf that he thought he was addressing was missing from his post. He doesn't give it a second thought, though, for the sounds of battle are above him!
As Lort pushes open the door, he is greated by a thrown javelin. The elf seems taken aback by the big half-orc, and his throw goes wide, sticking into the side of the stair next to Lort.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 1)
Status
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #2
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp, staggered
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 2)
Status
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp, staggered, poisoned #2
Amaranti: 12 out of 17hp
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It all happened so fast, javelins flying from the dark. Kaisharga falling down. A javelin hitting Amaranti; pain followed by odd numbness. Then, elves charging down.
For moment Amaranti panics, not knowing what to do. Then he hears the shouts of his comrades, and sees Lort appearing on the deck. Encouraged by this, he takes a fighting stance, staggers backwards, and gives his newly enchanted lance its first true test.
"INTRUDERS!!!" the Garundi bellows, hoping to wake any remaining sleepers.
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Amaranti steps back, and thrusts mightily into the elf. A solid hit is dealt, but the elf just grimaces, and does not fall. Miro starts singing, inspiring the Pathfinders to fight all the harder. Finarin steps up, opens the door, and fires an arrow at elf #1.
Finarin threads a shot past Amaranti, past the mast, and hits the aquatic elf in the right eye! The elf looks shocked as he falls back, dying.
The elf that Amaranti wounded then steps up, thrusting his trident at the Garundi.
. The elf hits Amaranti with another glancing blow with his envenomed trident, but the big man shakes off the burning.
Though still bleeding out, Karshaiga finally throws off the effects of the poison.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 3)
Status:
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp, staggered, dying
Amaranti: 10 out of 17hp
Elf 1: Dying: 18 damage
Elf 2: 10hp damage
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 damage.
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Cyrus bursts through the door onto the main deck, and sees the grim situation in front of him. Get off of my friend! He yells, not quite sure what else to say, but feeling the need to shout something.
He calls upon his inner reserves, that special place of focus that helped him survive on the streets, and his feet fly just a bit faster as he bolts across the deck. Coming up beside Amaranti at a nearly blinding speed, he drops into a slide across the deck, whipping by the aquatic elf and popping back to his feet. He comes up swinging, anger in his eyes.
for
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Following in the footsteps of the young rogue, Ibid steps through the doorway into the adjacent room and pulls back on the string of his composite longbow. After a few steps, the old man attempts to align his shot with the attacking elf but unfortunately finds the roll of the ship in conjunction with his crippling seasickness to cause a quivering of his arrows as it springs from the bow.
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Cyrus tried to quickly tumble past the elf that is attacking Amaranti, but isn't paying close enough attention to what he is doing, and rushes a little too much. The elf thrusts his trident at the ninja, , but the elf was baffled by Cyrus's strange moves. However, the elf on the aft deck takes the chance to throw at Cyrus at this point, , though this attack also goes wide! Cyrus then slashes at the obviously distracted elf, hamstringing him. The elf goes down in pool of his own blood.
Ibid then moves out, and takes a shot at one of the elves up above, but his uneasiness at being at sea causes him to miss.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 3)
Status:
Karshaiga: -2 out of 12hp
Amaranti: 10 out of 17hp
Elf 1 dying (17 damage)
Elf 2 dying (17 damage)
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 damage.
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Lort inwardly gives a small cheer when Amaranti's expert blow goes wide. They will need me after all! I though that elf was a goner for sure. Keen blade, keen eyes, come on Lort, c'mon!
"Has no-one lit the battlefield yet? An expert blow, my large friend, would have skewered the biggest boar. Alas that he had moved to the left a little."
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After being missed by Amaranti, the elf on the deck turns his attention back to Cryus. . The elf just misses!
. Unfortunately, Karshaiga continues to bleed.
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 3-4)
Lort and Finarin are up!
Status:
Karshaiga: -3 out of 12hp
Amaranti: 10 out of 17hp
Elf 1 dying (17 damage)
Elf 2 dying (17 damage)
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 damage.
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With a roar of unbridled glee, Lort rushes up the stairs to face off against one of the two remaining elves. The half-orc's maniacal eyes reflect in equal parts his hearty Ulfen lust for war and his bloodthirsty orcish savagery. In the dim light, the elf is perhaps unaware of exactly how badly this metal-encased madman wants to maim him.
bellows Lort, so loud that the crew will later remark how it could probably have been heard all the way off in Riddleport.
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Indeed, Lort's rash actions give the elf an opening, , but the elf seems a little hesitant to strike the bellowing half-orc, and instead drives his trident into the decking of the ship. Lort continues on his rampage, and in a might strike, opens the belly up on the elf. The elf grasps at his stomach in a look of shock, and falls over the edge of the aft castle, .
Combat Tracker: Throaty Mermaid (round 4)
Status:
Karshaiga: -3 out of 12hp
Amaranti: 10 out of 17hp
Elf 1 dying (18 damage)
Elf 2 dying (18 damage)
Elf 4 dying (23 damage, stable)
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 damage.
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"Ha ha!" squeals Lort delightedly as his foe falls to the deck below, "Worry not, friends, if you cannot see him well enough to hit him, I will help you out with your elf soon enough!"
Lort smiles broadly, ready to rush back down the stairs at any moment.
Gutting that elf actually hurt a little. My muscles must have atrophied with all the time belowdecks. I'll have to be sure to keep up the training some more. Amaranti and Cyrus seem up for it. Perhaps I can get the others to join in as well. Now, was the ambassador's room a room with a view? Could one of these creeps get in through a window?