Lucendar's Savage Tide....All aboard! (Inactive)

Game Master Lucendar

Awesome, Xarethi! Thanks...now we are all veeeeery stealthy swimmers.

And the half orc gets the bronze. Bah. ;)

Before diving into the sea, Kowaru feels both Aeron and Xarethi lay a hand upon him - he feels his flesh knit back together with a soothing warmth, and a tingle inside his chest. He followed Ialda and Xarethi towards the Coy Nixie, shocked at the unusual sensation of seawater turning into fresh air in his lungs. He's even more shocked by both Ialda and Xarethi beating him to the Nixie - Ialda, at least, had the build of a swimmer, but Xarethi was an enigma to him. How could a slip of a girl like her best him? Truly, that one was filled with surprises.

Meanwhile... On the rowboat, a couple of the sailors from the deck of the Blue Nixie hail Kern as you get closer, "Kern, where's Grogan?? And who you got in your boat?" Kern yells back, "Tarn, you know Grogan, he's still with the whore, said he would be 10 minutes late. And these are some merchants, want to buy some of the exotic stuff." Tarn replies, "That Grogan, always puttin' his di*k before the job..one day, Vark's gonna chop it off! Hahaha! Hail around, we'll put the rope the ladder down for ya!"

When the swimmers reach the boat, you hear the voices of the sailors on deck and you also see 2 ways to climb: the anchor in the SE or some rigging hanging over the side in the SW, normally used to cover cargo.

Swimmers, since you were underwater the whole time, you didn't have to wait till the rowboat was half way. You could have started as soon as they took off. In that case, you've already reached the boat since swimming is faster than rowing. You waiting for the boat? Starting to climb? Which side? Let me know. Boat is about 1 minute behind.

Ialda sticks with the original plan. After swimming to the boat, she raises her head out of the water just enough to hear what was occurring. Once she heard the voices of the sailors, she figured they were the most distracted, and began her climb up the anchor.

While Ialda climbed the Nixie's anchor, Kowaru grabbed ahold of the rigging and pulled himself hand-over-hand to the Nixie's deck.

Xarethi waits for everyone else until they are ready to climb, then climbs the rigging beside Kowaru.

Need 4 DC 10 Climb checks from the climbers. The only one at risk of falling is Ialda since she has no ranks in Climbing and her skill is +2 I believe with -1 ACP.

Climb
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

A slippery patch of moss nearly causes Kowaru to spill back into the sea, but he holds on, clambering up the rest of the rigging.

Meanwhile... Kern guides the rowboat to the northern side of the ship, as the three sailors on deck toss down a rope for him to tie the boat. As he is doing so, Tarn yells down in anger "Hey Kern, what's wrong wit ya?? Ya know the Captain don't let nobody armed on his boat. Trying to get yourself killed?!" Kern answers, "Yeah, you're right, I don't know where my mind is." He turns to Aeronniell and Chez with his back to the sailors, and with a nervous look on his face and his eyes almost bulging out, he says "Gentleman and miss, your weapons, please."

Chez will shout up in somewhat of a snobbish voice, "Tis my fault good captain. I am Chesley Saryn of the House Saryn of Taldor. These are my family's blades and I cannot surrender them to a man of this... stature. Should you permit us to come aboard to browse your uniquities for a suitable gift for my fiancee, we would be more than happy to abide by the rules of your ship and relinquish our blades to you."

In case its needed in this situation:
Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Oh, dear!" Aeronniell remarks when she's asked to turn over her weapons.

She turns to Chez and works up a look of concern.

"Perhaps this was a bad idea after all? That was supposed to be part of the thrill right? Us standing here picking a dangerous animal out... I don't know if I'd quite be interested if we couldn't pretend to be armed and dangerous too!"

The elf gives Chez a private wink as she looks back over to the other sailors.

Bluff (to act the above convincingly): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

I wonder how genuine that sounded? Although, I'm pretending to be someone pretending...

*Jovial voice: You're overthinkin' it, Aranel... these men are thieves, just aim your bow at one and get ready for your friends to hop on board.*

Shrugging, Aeronniell pulls her bow up over her torso and begins to hand it to Kern...

Assuming enough time has passed for her friends to climb up.

Instead of handing over her bow, the elf takes several steps back, and with practiced reflexes, pulls an arrow out and launches it into the sailor most likely to run below deck to find Vark.

Just a flesh wound... Jerrell, this was your idea!

Longbow (point blank*): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

* Probably flat-footed, as I'm guessing this is a surprise round.

I noticed that I posted the same time as Aeronniell. Do you want to still go ahead with that action Aeronniell, or do you want to wait to see what the captain's reply is to Chez?

Notice I simul-posted with Chez...

@Chez: Eh I posted what I posted, I'll go with it :) Our reinforcements will be storming the deck, if we wait any longer, I'm sure the next step is they'll go below deck and get Vark and bring out some wild animal to make whatever happens next just that much harder.

That's my princess, nice shot!

Smiling, Aeronniell's face grows stern and she gives Chez a second nod.

"Alright, everyone get down! Nobody needs to get hurt! Now!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

EDIT: Ah I realize we're not on the deck yet... Crud, well, I guess I just shot from the rowboat then at that captain hopefully as part of the same surprise round as everyone else jumping on the deck. Here's hoping we can climb up as fast as Ialda and Kowaru did.

Climb Checks (Can we take 10 on these?)

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Ouch... Xarethi repeatedly falls back in the water. Hopefully she doesn't make a splash.

Ok, a few things to clarify.
1. You are in the rowboat and the sailors have not dropped the rope ladder yet for you to climb on.
2. You have not yet seen Vark yet, it's Tarn and two other sailors aboard.
3. I would have to make Sense Motive checks for the sailors vs. the DC 10 Bluff check to determine surprise.
4. It will be a very difficult climb check with no rope ladder on this side of the boat, unless you plan on your friends dropping it for you after they dispatch the sailors.
5. Xarethi, don't forget the +2 climb from your trait. Thus, with +6, no chance of falling in, just takes a little longer to climb.
Ok, still need to know whether Aeronniell wishes to go through with the shot? I'm fine with it either way.

The +4 includes the +2 trait. It's +2 Strength, and +2 trait.

Ah...thanks for the clarification. Still need 2 more checks from you by the way.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Ah, so many variables...

As we're not on the deck yet as I originally thought, I'm good with attempting our Bluff/Diplomacy checks to get on deck with our weapons. If the net result would be we have to leave them down in the rowboat, then Aeronniell will fire her bow as originally posted to support those who have climbed onto the deck already.

Chez will shout up in somewhat of a snobbish voice, "Tis my fault good captain. I am Chesley Saryn of the House Saryn of Taldor. These are my family's blades and I cannot surrender them to a man of this... stature. Should you permit us to come aboard to browse your uniquities for a suitable gift for my fiancee, we would be more than happy to abide by the rules of your ship and relinquish our blades to you."

In case its needed in this situation:
Diplomacy check: 1d20 +6

Tarn looks at his sailor friends,, "Can you believe this guy? The rich always thinking they get special favors..well NO! Sir Jez or whatever your name is, you give your weapons up to Kern there or you ain't comin' up. You in our territory now! I ain't gonna ask again!" He motions to the crossbow slung on his shoulder.

Kern walks over to you to collect the weapons and whispers.

So decision time Chez and Aeronniell..shoot, give them to Kern, or something else?

For some reason I thought we were talking to the captain too. Chez would have said that he would only relinquish his blades to the captain.

Chez smiles and nods at Kern and then looks back up.

"Apparently your captain is not interested in my money then. Tis a shame since my love here has such expensive tastes. Oh well, I wonder what your captain's reaction is when Kern tells him that you have turned away some easy gold? Oh well, good luck to you sir."

Tarn yells back, "You're pissin' me off, rich boy. It's just going to be easier to take the gold off your miserable bodies before I throw them into the sea for shark bait!" Tarn reaches for his crossbow, but Aeronniell is faster and plugs him in the shoulder with an arrow, as he screams "Kill them!"

Sense Motive checks: 1d20 ⇒ 17...sailors not surprised!

Initiative Order Round 1:
Aeronniell (already acted, used same roll and damage as before, shot longbow, has move action though it is a cramped rowboat so not a lot of room to maneuver in)
Kowaru (delayed)
Ialda
Sailors
Chez
Kern
Xarethi

Combat Map
Aeronniell, Chez, and Kern are in rowboat 20' below deck of ship. Kowaru and Ialda are up!

DM, not sure if Ialda is considered on the ship yet or not. If she has a move action left to close with the bad guys she will do so. If not, she will close next round.

Ialda pulls herself up the anchor and grabs her long spear. "Is that any way to treat visitors," she calls out, trying to attract the sailors attention from the two in the boat and the others coming up from the rear. She moves toward the sailors, spear at the ready.

DM, not sure if Ialda is considered on the ship yet or not. If she has a move action left to close with the bad guys she will do so. If not, she will close next round.

Yes, pulling yourself on board is a move action. What square did you move to? You could draw the spear while you move since you have BAB +1.

Can she scamper onto the crate at S9, assuming that is indeed a crate? If so, she"ll take the higher ground and keep the attention on her.

S9 is fine and it is a crate.

Kowaru watches as the men on deck pull their weapons, and springs into action. His sandaled feet splash across the Nixie's deck, and he comes to a stop in front of one of the men. Rather than kicks or punches, Kowaru uses his momentum and barrels into one of the men, hoping to shove him over the side.

Kowaru plows into the man but the sailor puts his shoulder down and resists the bull rush maneuver.

Round 1 Sailor's Turn:
The sailors scream, "We're under siege! Captain Vark! Vark!"

The sailor that Kowaru just bull rushed steps to N7 and shoots a bolt at the monk, which he easily sidesteps!

Tarn, bleeding from the arrow in his shoulder, shoots Aeronniell, grazing her in the left arm. He then steps to N9, drawing his rapier.

The last sailor aims and shoots Ialda, but his nervousness at the athletic half-elf's appearance is apparent and his shot misses by a mile. He also moves, to Q8, and draws his rapier, as he stares at Ialda's wet form.

Chez, Xarethi, then Aeronniell, Ialda, and Kowaru are up in Round 2! Chez and Aeronniell do not have line of sight to anyone right now.

Updated Combat Map

He was flat-footed, does that change anything?

I know I go after Chez, but gonna go ahead and post my action anyway.

Xarethi unstraps her light crossbow and quickly loads it, then aims it at the sailor in N9.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 (+2 if flanking) for Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Crit Threat: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 (+2 if flanking) for Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

He was flat-footed, does that change anything?

I calculated that into it, missed by 1.

Damn, flat-footed CMD of 14 at 1st level? That's huge! Alright, so much for the easy way...

Kowaru continues to angle towards his foe, darting this way and that to deny him a clear shot. He gives a mighty kiai shout, and feints towards the man's head and lands a few light body blows into his abdomen.

Damn, flat-footed CMD of 14 at 1st level? That's huge! Alright, so much for the easy way...

Whoa...I swore when I responded to Kowaru's last post your attack roll total was 12 and now when I check it's 14. I know I'm not going blind. It's not the first time the numbers change like this; in another PbP, the numbers changed on me on the initiative scores. Weird. To be fair, then, I will rule Kowaru hits twice next round.

Round 1 Summary:
Aeronniell shot Tarn, wounding him
Kowaru failed bull rush attempt
Ialda climbed aboard and moved
Sailor shot and missed Kowaru
Tarn shot Aeronniell, wounding her
Sailor shot Ialda, missing
Chez (most likely sheathes weapon and starts climbing...need Climb check)
Kern dives into the sea to avoid getting hit by stray bolts
Xarethi shoots Tarn in the chest and he drops

Round 2:
Aeronniell (has no targets, missing 2 hps, delays)
Kowaru hits the sailor twice with his punches and he falls to the floor unconscious
Ialda and Aeronniell are up!

Chez curses, grabs ahold of the ship and begins climbing.

Climb check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

DM, can I get a poke at the sailor 10' from Ialda on the crate? If so, I will.

Ialda thrusts her spear at the sailor with the crossbow in his hand. "Just surrender now...save us both some trouble, will you?"

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Since Aeronniell's action does not affect combat, she can retcon it. As for Ialda she will need to move 5' closer to use the spear.

Ialda moves closer and spear draws blood, puncturing the sailor's abdomen. He is in bad shape, barely standing, but as he thinks about Ialda's offer, a shout comes from the west, "There shall be no surrender! Mates, let our enemies' blood run freely, in the name of Soller Vark, your Captain!"

All on board look and see the brutish captain with two more of his sailor brethren. Pic of Vark

Inspired by the appearance of their boss, the sailors fight on!

Sailors' Turn Round 2:

Sailor on Ialda steps in 5' and strikes at her but misses poorly.

Sailor with crossbow shoots Xarethi, barely grazing her:

Soller Vark, crossbow in hand, and buckler strapped to his forearm takes a shot at Kowaru, aimed perfectly at his chest, till the half-orc remembers his Master's training and deftly spins, smacking the bolt away! Vark snarls in disgust and motions Kowaru to come up to him.

Last sailor with crossbow shoots Kowaru too, but misses poorly!

Updated Combat Map

Chez need 2 more Climb checks this round or someone can toss down the rope ladder lying there, then Xarethi, Kowaru, Ialda, and Aeronniell again. The stairs leading up to Vark are on the NW side and are currently blocked by a sailor with a crossbow (I6).

DM, this post is out of order, but I might be out for a few minutes, and Ialda and her sailor's action shouldnt effect anyone else.

"You should've listened to me, sea dog. Now I have to squish you...," the green skinned half elf mutters to her combatant. As he pushed through her spear, she drops it to the ground, and pulls out her flail, swinging it menacingly at his head.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Aeronniell's round 2 actions will certainly affect combat... since it's casting Bless!

+1 to everyone

As the sailors depart from the railing, Aeronniell only prays they are close enough to her so that Desna's blessing will find them.

Then with her move action, she'll leap into the water and begin swimming for an anchor.

Swim (Calm Water DC10): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

That should be quarter-speed to S,5 or so.

Care to change that action up, Aeron?

Kowaru silently thanks his Master for his lessons as the crossbow bolt clatters harmlessly several feet away from him. He grabs the rope ladder nearby and tosses it over the side to aid Chez and Aeron in ascending, then turns to face Vark. "No captain are you, Vark, just a murderer with more aspiration. Tell your men to stand down, throw down your blade, and you all may live to begin your lives anew. If you do not, then you and your men may all die this day by my compatriots hands. I do not wish your deaths."

Your belief is correct sir with regard to the mechanics!

LOL, if the ladder was indeed dropped before Aeron acted in initiative, she would gladly have spent her time climbing up that rather than swimming away from it.

Well, Kowaru drops ladder in Round 3. In Round 2 you cast Bless. We can say instead of swimming, you shouldered the bow in preparation to swim. And in Round 3, after Kowaru drops the ladder, you can climb.

Ah, no special retconning necessary, I'm content with swimming back and climbing up if the ladder didn't appear until round 3 - Aeronniell would have had no idea that was coming, and would've began swimming around looking for an anchor or something easier to use. Although I guess you are correct, a move action would've been necessary to shoulder the bow.

True but I doubt she's swimming with a longbow in hand, unless she dropped it in the boat.

Nod, I wouldn't have had her drop her bow, so yes, Bless and shouldering the bow. Thanks for the lenience.

No problem, it's logical.

Chez Climb checks in Round 2:
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8..no progress
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5..falls down 7.5' back into the water but stays afloat!
Swim check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Round 2 Summary:
Kowaru knocked sailor out
Aeronniell cast Bless and shouldered Bow
Ialda wounds sailor
Sailor shoots Xarethi with bolt, 1 pt of damage
Sailor misses Kowaru
Sailor misses Ialda
Vark's bolt is deflected by Kowaru
Chez fails Climb checks, slips off and falls in water but stays afloat
Xarethi is up to finish Round 2.

Ooops! Miscounted turns. Sorry about that!

With little else to do, Chez will swim for the anchor chain.

Round 2
Xarethi charges the sailor who shot her, with a dehydrating touch.

Dehydration: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10 for
Nonlethal: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 and sicken for one round.