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

Game Master Lucendar

Ialda waited with the boys, and let the two ladies do their work. It bugged her stayingg behind, but she knew this was the best course of action to get teh soldiers alone. Worst case, they can scream like bloody hell...the rest of the sailors on the next ship would tear them limb from limb to save a beautiful lady.

Xarethi's eyes dart to Aranel's. This isn't exactly what she had planned for. She adjusts her stance to a little bit more of a defensive one and casually brushes the leering guardian's fingers off her shoulder.

"Well, then, gentlemen. Right this way." She leads them back towards the dock and her companions.

The two men motion to the three sailors on the deck of the Blue Nixie, pantomiming thrusting motions and yelling, "We'll be back in 10, maybe 15 minutes!" You hear a lot of whistling, hooting and hollering from the deck, as the 2 men walk behind the ladies, admiring their assets and high-fiving each other. "Lucky day, today!"

Aeronniell shakes her head as they walk back towards Chez, Kowaru and Ialda.

So much for doing it without the sailors on the Nixie's deck being aware. We'll have to work quick.

The elf smiles politely, if not awkwardly, at the two men and leads them toward their inevitable fate.

So what's the plan? Attack them on the boardwalk? Follow them to inn room? Something else?

My thinking is once they get blocked from the Nixie by the closest ship, that the rest of us, step out, corner them, and ask them about things. Then we will beat them up, if necessary, lol.

Ok, are you approaching weapons drawn or not?

I don't think so. Kowaru and the others probabaly want to give Diplomacy a legit chance. Ialda isn't so sure, but she will work with the team.

The girls and the sailors turn east at the boardwalk, walking toward the inn. Kowaru, Chez, and Ialda wait for the group to pass them and then approach the sailors. One of the sailors says, "Sorry, these ladies are spoken for, so beat it, if ya know what's good for ya." The sailors grip their rapiers to show they mean business.

Here is the visual depiction of the scene to avoid any confusion. Now you can rp/diplomacy all you want. Any combat move will provoke initiative.
Scene

Xarethi turns to the sailors. "Actually, this is Captain Chez Saryn, his master-at-arms, and ship's cook. He was the one who wanted to arrange for shipping contracts. And I recommend that you listen to what he has to say."

Bluff
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"I tolds ya, honey. Shipping contracts after. You boys don't mind, right? Just be a few minutes with these lovely ladies and we'll be back to discuss business, ok?"

Aeronniell moves purposefully to stand behind Chez and Kowaru (directly behind Chez on the map will be fine).

I already feel better putting these two between me and the sailors, although I wonder if his past was a little less lucky, if Chez could be one of Vark's men?

The elf's false smile quickly sours as the men's prolonged self-interests continue to be apparent.

"No, it's time for you both to listen. Now, just how loyal are you to Vark?"

Aeronniell attempts another smile to show the men that their cooperation is the only path in which she'll "play nice".

Diplomacy (to adjust from indifferent to friendly?): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Vark treats us good, keeps us fed, pays for our whores. None as hot as you though." The sailor blows kisses at the elf. "He's good people so yeah, we loyal to him. Now, honey, stop hiding behind these guys and come back and give me some sugar. I'll treat ya nice if ya let me." The other sailor seems entranced by Xarethi's cleavage. "Yeah, what he said."

Ialda stands very quietly, seething wtih rage at these sailors' behavior. Better say something profound, gentlemen, or I'm gonna be bashing these scum with my flail, sooner rather than later...

Aeronniell's decades among human sailors resulting in way too much elvish tolerance for boorish sailing-men, she manages to remain calm in spite of their crass remarks.

"Bet you were pretty impressed when he stole that Vander-someone's ship out from under her then? Shows his cunning, does it not?"

The elf continues to paint on a smile for the pair.

"Hahaha, and took her gold on top of it! That is cunning! And nothing she can do about it!" As the laughter eventually dies down, the sailor asks, "So what's your name honey and what's this business with shipping contracts? Let me know your proposal and we'll pass on the info to Vark..and if you come with us to the inn, we'll make sure your friend here, Captain whatever, gets a good deal. How does that sound?"

These no-good, despicable... we should thump their heads until they see daytime stars...

*Jovial voice: Wouldn't that make you vigilantes?*

Would that be so bad?

Aeronniell maintains her smile, as painful as it is, and allows her eyes to meet with Chez, Kowaru and Ialda's in turn, as if to ask - is this sufficient?

Gonna let someone else jump in here now...

Same here. I want to give Chez and Kowaru a shot before Ialda starts a fight, lol.

Chez will smile and nod at their replies.

"Fine enough. You do need to know that these ladies are in my employ. All that I want from you two in return is to vouch for me, and introduce me to Vark once you have completed business in inn."

He will do his best to sound cordial yet business-like.

Diplomacy roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"And ladies, be sure they appreciate my generosity." He gives a sly smiles towards the men.

Chez will stand aside and allow them to pass, while motioning with his hand towards the inn.

Provided they are out of eye-sight of the ship, as the men pass, Chez will nod towards Kowaru then draw his rapier and attempt to smack one in the back of the head with the flat of the blade.

All the while, Kowaru stands near to Chez, silent and imposing. His fists are crossed over his chest, and he quietly stares at the "men" before him. He allows Chez to play the face, and despite his best efforts, the men refuse to turn on Vark. Nothing for it, then. I am sorry, master - these men will not see reason. Guide my hand, and at least let us be content that no innocent blood shall be spilt here. He catches Chez's glance, and his hand lashes out to strike a nerve cluster on one of the men as Chez strikes the other.

Man, you miss several hours in this game, you miss a lot!

Xarethi will continue her seduction ploy and try to lure the sailors to the Inn with her (so that Chez's surprise attack works from behind, if possible.

If we go to initiative, Xarethi delays until after Chez and Kowaru have acted, then will go after one of the sailors with a dehydrating touch.

"Definitely, definitely, we will vouch for you, no worries there. Oh yeah! Ladies, please lead the way!" The sailor rubs his hands with glee in anticipation. As Aeronniell leads the way, the sailor follows but at the last second turns back to thank Chez again for his generosity only to see him reaching for his weapon! "Treachery!" The other sailor, however, is too entranced by Xarethi's curves to notice the monk come up from behind him...

Kowaru is the only one with a surprise attack (standard or move actions only). Then we go to initiative.

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

I can't remember, do we roll our own initiative rolls, or does the GM do that for us?

Usually, I do, but that's when I noticed no one except Ialda had visible modifiers and I was lazy to click on the profiles to look up the modifiers. But since I need to post this anyway, here goes:

Initiative Order:
Chez
Ialda
Sailors
Kowaru
Xarethi
Aeronniell

Need Kowaru's surprise round attack but in the meantime, Chez and Ialda can also attack.

Combat Map

Ialda pulls her heavy flail and takes a swing at the closest sailor to her.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Damn, rolling snake eyes!

Chez, note that you have only drawn your rapier so it will be a move action to draw the other weapon.

Chez unsheaths his shortsword, and attempts to smack the sailor in front of him with the flat of his rapier.

Rapier attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Rapier damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The perceptive one's cry does alert Kowaru's target for a brief moment, and the blow is not as solid as Kowaru had hoped.

Kowaru's blow strikes the unaware guard in the back of the head, as he scream in pain. Looking back in disgust, he says "You'll pay for that with your life!"

Chez strikes with his sword but the other sailor deflects the blow with his own rapier.

Ialda strikes with her flail but she swings awkwardly trying to avoid hitting Chez and missess.

Some in the crowd, drop their crates, move away from the fight so as not to get hurt, and watch from a safe distance.

"You don't know who you mess with, fancy boy! I am Grogan, master swordsman!" He backs up his words by unleashing a fanciful attack that penetrates Chez' defenses and agility, puncturing his ribs deeply and drawing much blood, as Chez howls in pain. "Yeah, that's how it's done! Kern show that orc the same!"
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Kern unsheathes his rapier and tries to attack the half-orc with as much success! Surprisingly, he shows even more skill, puncturing Kowaru's neck, nearly severing his jugular, and inflicting a decent wound!
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21..possible critical
Confirmation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11..no confirmation
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The crowd gasps at the realization that this fight has turned lethal, but they still can't turn their eyes away from it.

Kowaru, Xarethi, and Aeronniell are up!

Kowaru reels from the blow that "Kern" deals to him, clasping one hand to the freely flowing neck wound he's been dealt. The monk lets loose an avalanche of blows, several feints with his free hand, a powerful kick or two, as well as a well-placed headbutt that sends the man reeling.

Is it still nonlethal or was the second lethal?

Kowaru's perfectly placed kick breaks the sailor's nose. "Aaargh, you bastard!" As Kern reaches up to grab his nose, he sees the headbutt coming and manages to shift his shoulder at the last minute to avoid its brunt, so it deflects off him with no damage.

Xarethi reaches forward with her hand, again seeking out the water in the sailors flesh.

Dehydrating Touch (on the one I'm flanking with Chez)
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 nonlethal and sicken for one round.

Which one, X? Grogan or Kern?

She is flanking on Grogan, I think, DM.

Thanks!

Grogan looks back at Xarethi and says with a smirk on his face, "Don't worry, honey, this will only take a few second and then we can conclude our business." That's right before he feels the sorceress' touch on the back of his neck drain the moisture from his body, as he literally feels the breath from his body drawn out and momentarily suffocates. Grogan grabs at his stomach, briefly vomiting, as he screams, "What did you do to me, bi*ch?!"

Don't forget that Aeronniell is standing behind Chez!

Aeronniell stares at the salor in (L,22) for the briefest moment, then she bites her lip for a second before her fake smile turns into a real one.

"You want me so bad? Come here then!"

Cast Command (DC13 Will) and instruct him to Approach.

He should have to move around Kowaru to accomplish this action, which would provoke an AoO from pretty much everyone as he approaches Aeronniell.

Actually, Aeronniell, you're no longer there. When Chez spoke and told the sailors it was fine to proceed with the women, they wouldn't have proceeded with Aeronniell and Xarethi leading the way. Not wanting to ruin the plan, I would assume your character consented; hence, your position on the map so you may change your action or command if you wish.

I was looking at this map which is just on the south side of the boat we led them to originally...

Are we some distance into town instead? I'm not seeing another map where Aeronniell is in the lead and has led them some distance?

And yes, obviously she wouldn't use Command to make someone "Approach" who is already standing next to her!

I guess the easiest thing would be for Aeronniell to use Acrobatics to move half-speed (3sq/15ft) into position behind Kowaru if it's the same map, then use Command to have the one sailor move 10ft to her (ending just south of Kowaru).

Acrobatics (to avoid AoO; vs sailor's CMD): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

The inn is off the docks map to the NE. When I mean you in the lead, I meant further east; hence, why you're on the right side of the map. The sailors were following behind with you and Xarethi in the lead.

DC to move through threatened square is 5+opponent's CMD so 14 fails.
Aeronniell tries to move past Kern but he reacts too quickly. "Where's my little honey going?" He blocks her move, knocking her back and jabbing at her with his rapier, stabbing her in the leg! "Stay or I'll cut ya sum more!"
AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Aeroniell still has a standard action left.

I was going around his square, not sure if that makes a CMD14... Aeronniell would never try to tumble *through* someone!

Am I missing a map? Is the relative positioning correct? If the relative layout was the same, the intended movement was 5ft to L,24 then 5ft to K,24 then 5ft to J,24 so the Command spell would force the northern sailor to move 10ft to "Approach".

Regardless if she tumbles, she'll use Command to give her allies all the AoO.

Ok, I see the confusion. Currently, you are at M23. There is no row 24, right now. The boardwalk here is only 15 feet wide. You're going off the map at L24. Further ahead on the pier, there is a ramp leading south, connecting to the businesses, including the inn, but not here. You can rethink your action.

Ah, I see, I thought that was just more land (i.e. the pier ran parallel with the shoreline or a road.

Given all of my presumptions on locations and the ability to use Command to provoke AoOs without much trouble are moot, I'll opt to use the Command for him to "Fall".

Aeronniell takes a step back away from the armed sailors and considers her options.

"Get down!" she says, a commanding tone summoned in her voice, as her green eyes make contact with the sailor's.

DC13 Will.

Kern looks at the elf, cocks his head, and falls prone! Grogan looks shell-shocked..."What the hell ya doing?!"

Summary of Round 1:
Chez missed
Ialda missed
Grogan cut Chez
Kern cut Kowaru
Kowaru kicked Kern
Xarethi dehydrated Grogan
Aeronniell commanded Kern to fall prone, which he did

Round 2:
Chez and Ialda are up!

Chez looks down at the line drawn across his chest as he begins to see it turning red. He smiles at Grogan. "Ah, a worthy opponent then!"

Rapier attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Rapier damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Shortsword attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Shortsword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I sense a failure in the dice generator.

Ouch! Snake-eyes!

Ialda swings at Grogan yet again, frustrated by her earlier miss.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Grogan, despite his sickened state, laughs, "Pretty boy, who shown you how to swing like that? Your granny?!" Unfortunately, he does not notice the powerful half-elf's blow, as the flail's metal bars slam into his head, sending blood and rapier flying, as his body spins and lands in a heap on the pier 5 feet away! Ialda notices a little brain matter now stains her weapon. You see a few in the crowd yelp at the blow and some pump their fists in joyous exultation.

Kern gulps at the powerful blow and already prone, throws his weapon aside and says "Please don't kill me!" He looks up to see Grogan's collapsed body, blood freely flowing from the vicious head wound, and asks, "Is he dead?"

Some sailors from the other ships scream, "No mercy!"
Combat over!