Way of the Wicked(custom gestalt)

Game Master Diamondust

The Villains have survived the dangerous voyage north and now only the gates of Balentyne stand in their way.
Victory Points: 0


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Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

Thorn will not accept responsibility for Timeon. The boy is worthless to him. He must go with you or he must die for his knowledge of the Manor's location.

-----

The next morning shows no sigh of Elise and her knot in the Manor. You are summoned to Thorn's study shortly after breakfast to receive your orders. Tiadora is absent this time. "Welcome, my children," he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it. "Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission. Your mission is war, my children. You will bring war to Talingarde. You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear Chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war."

"Sitting on the dock as we speak is the long-ship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk. Tomorrow when the ship is resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know. Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded."

"It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful. That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde. Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde."

"Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal." He hands you a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus. "I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you. The mission you start upon today is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success." He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of you and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast. "To war."


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Rose took a drink. "Kill the crew, take the money, sink the ship. Fun. I always wanted to be a pirate."


M Human Brawler 3 (Strangler, Steel-Breaker)//Magus 2 (Staff Magus, Hexcrafter) || HP: 39/39 | AC: 18 / T: 14 / FF: 14 | Fort: +6, Ref: +9, Will: +4 | CMD: 19 | Init: +7, Perception: +6

"We're not hauling that over land, right?"


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

Kelvar listens to Thorn's instructions and their task, and makes not at Elise and the others' absence. Clearly they had already been dispatched on their task as one of many cogs in the wheels of Thorn's schemes. What could their task be? Would it make theirs easier, or more difficult. He understood keeping them in the dark - after all, if they were captured, they couldn't betray the rest of the plan, and Thorn could find other ways to advance his goals - but he didn't like not knowing what others were up to.

Kelvar asks, "Can the Fire-Axe hold this horde together? Bugbears are violent and uncontrolled by nature. It would not do to have them tear each other apart before the battle."


Talia is composed, but the most discerning will see that she is not well-rested.

"After we open up the Watch Wall, then the lands beyond will be ripe for pillaging. A barbaric horde with brand new weapons will naturally seek to use them. If Fire-Axe doesn't lead, we will ensure that they still attack."


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

"Grumblejack originally came from the Hordelands, right? If we take him with us we can leave him with Fire-axe as our representative. He can help keep order and join in the pillaging after we take down Balentyne."


M Human Brawler 3 (Strangler, Steel-Breaker)//Magus 2 (Staff Magus, Hexcrafter) || HP: 39/39 | AC: 18 / T: 14 / FF: 14 | Fort: +6, Ref: +9, Will: +4 | CMD: 19 | Init: +7, Perception: +6

"And maybe keeps an eye on those filthy dogs so that they don't get any ideas about killing and robbing us when we're done with this," Marvin suggests.


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

Thorn addresses Marvin's concern, "The ship will be unloaded once you reach the Fire-Axe's camp. You only job before then is to protect the shipment."

To Kelvar's question he replies, "Do not underestimate the Fire-Axe. Worry about completing your own tasks and he shall bring his hordes to bear."

On Grumblejack, "There he would be out of your way while you infiltrate Balentyne. Come the battle is where he would be best used."


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

Kelvar nods in response to Thorn's instruction, not arguing further. To Rose, he says, "Agreed. Grumblejack will do well with Sakarot's horde, and the Fire-Axe may welcome an ogre joining with him. I know Grumblejack will enjoy smashing the Mitran soldiers."


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

After explaining the details of your mission Thorn directs you to the dock accompanied with a servant to show the way. He leaves you to attend to other business. The Frosthamar is a single-masted knarr with a square sail. It is similar to a Viking longship but wider and with a deeper hull better suited to carrying cargo. And the Frosthamar is obviously loaded with cargo. Sitting heavy in the water, she holds twenty four tons of weaponry, arrows and shields emblazoned with a flaming axe. The captain is a grizzled north-man with a wiry beard, pale blonde hair and countless scars. This is Kargeld Odenkirk and he is, as promised, a ruthless mercenary with little thought of anyone but himself. His crew consists of a half dozen grim sailors who speak little of the common Talirean tongue. "You will guard our boat all the way north, yes?" he asks as you approach his ship.


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

On the way from meeting the Cardinal to the Frosthamar

Kelvar will say to Rose, "Timeon is from near Balentyne, is he not? We should see if he has any useful information for about the fortress."

Upon arrival at the Frosthamar

Kelvar looks at the captain. The scars speak of a man who has seen combat, and survived to tell of it. He would not be an easy foe when the time came to eliminate him. "We are tasked to do so, Captain Odenkirk, therefore we shall. May we board your vessel?"


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

The Doctor watched in fascination as the summoned devil kills the servant; what power it must take to have a man stand so calmly as he was offered in sacrifice. There was no whimpering, no pleading for continued existence, no nothing. Just simple...acceptance? Or was it a complete obliviousness to the surroundings? Once the ritual is complete, he enjoys the feast as best he can, figuring this will likely be the last chance he has for such morsels for a while.

The next day he awakes fully rested and stands in silence he listens to their next task, mind already trying to work through strategies and plans. It was a little too bad they hadn't been given more of a heads up about this task or he could have tried to prepare some kind of sleeping draft for the crew. Still, they would think of something.

Also after the meeting with the Cardinal on the way to the Frosthammer.

"I would suggest that we do as much plotting about the crew now as we can; who knows where the Captain will have ears once aboard his vessel. While we could all speak Infernal to each other and decrease the chances of them understanding us, I'm afraid that also isn't very subtle. My guess is that we'll want to start our assault before landing near Aldencross, both to avoid any attention from the town and to hopefully minimize the crew's chances of running to safety. After we've arrived is also when they are most likely to suspect us to cause trouble since we will have gotten everything we wanted."

At the ship

The Doctor nods absently as Kelvar answers, instead noticing the two crew members on the deck as well as the row boats. The latter would be useful for if they struck before reaching the shore. He almost wished he knew more of sailing that he might estimate how many crew members might lie below deck, but that was foolish since he'd be able to find out an exact number during their journey.


M Human Brawler 3 (Strangler, Steel-Breaker)//Magus 2 (Staff Magus, Hexcrafter) || HP: 39/39 | AC: 18 / T: 14 / FF: 14 | Fort: +6, Ref: +9, Will: +4 | CMD: 19 | Init: +7, Perception: +6

"We'll need time to learn who on the crew represents what threat," Marvin suggests, "And whether we want help from the bugbears in killing them. If not, we'll need someone who knows how to land a ship safely, or risk the cargo—or whether we want to divide them up while they're busy unloading."


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Rose said nothing to the captain. Kevlar could talk to the brute.

She knew better than to wear plate armor aboard a ship, so she was dressed in the red leather doublet that she normally wore beneath her armor and a finely made traveling cloak. It was not great protection but it was better than nothing.

Timeon attended her, carrying a size able traveling chest, wearing a tabbard with her pentacle-and-burning-wings heraldry and a shield on his back. He struggled with the weight of the chest. Rose clearly did not pack lightly.

As Kevlar spoke with Odenkirk about permission to board, Rose quietly spoke with Timeon a short distance away.

"These men are cut-throat pirates. Smugglers. Thrives. Killers. If Sir Balin were here and forced to take passage on their ship, what would he do? What would Mitran law allow him to do? Nothing. He would take passage, go where the church bid him, and take no action unless he caught them red handed. Which, of course, they are too smart to do. So now, instead of stopping these thrives, the Mitran church has paid them as a ferry service."

"What do you think should be done about such men?"


strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 Did you reveal to Timeon what happened to Sir Balin?
Timeon struggles along but manages not to drop anything. He gulps when he realises who else he will be traveling with. Life just keeps getting worse. "I won't do anything. I promise."


On the way to the ship
"I prefer landing first. It will make things much more convenient. but I agree that we need to study our targets. Perhaps offering to spar with some of them will help. We should also be wary of Tiadora. She took me form my bed to test me. I'm not sure if it was Thorn's orders or her own plot."


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

Odenkirk grunts his assent. "Then I will take you to the cursed north past hope and life." That is about the extent of grim Kargeld’s small talk. For all Kargeld’s grimness, the Frosthamar is a fine ship, seaworthy and strong hulled. Its clinker-built hull is resilient but flexible and well suited to surviving the rough icy seas of the northern ocean. It is smartly rigged and lovingly maintained. Kargeld, it seems, loves nothing save for this ship. And if you want to immediately earn Kargeld’s undying enmity all you need do is insult her even once.

-----

The first leg of the journey is placid and peaceful. Everyone has plenty of time to gain their sea legs and get acclimated to shipboard life. The Frosthamar may be a fine ship but it is not a ship that caters to delicate sensibilities. It has no cabins and everyone must sleep under the stars with the rest of the crew. There are no garderobes or chamber pots. The crew simply relieve themselves over the railing. The rations are hardtack and small beer, though Kargeld does stop a couple of times to hunt deer along the wilder part of the coasts. It takes half a day to sail down the Varnyn River and out into the open ocean. The Frosthamar hugs the coast and from the ship you can see countless farming communities and fishing villages go by. More than a few fishermen wave at the Frosthamar. Kargeld is always sure to wave back. "Wouldn’t want ‘em to get suspicious, eh?" he says with a glower. The Frosthamar is not swift so heavily-laden and averages about forty eight miles a day.


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

On the way to the ship
The Doctor stops and blinks at Talia's revelation. "What kind of test?" He wasn't quite sure if it was a good or a bad thing that his night had been restful and unperturbed. I guess this means I'll need to rig something up to give me some warning in case I get tested one night.

Was Grumblejack coming with us on the ship? I believe Rose mentioned dropping him off with the bugbears.

Ship
The Doctor was a bit surprised to see that Timeon was accompanying them on their journey. The good news was that at least while they were on the ship he had no where to run off to, but once they hit land, he'd be one more thing they needed to keep track of. I wonder if it would be possible to create a poison that could be ingested, but triggered later on some remote cue. Or more likely, create a pill of some sort that would only disperse the poison after some remote signal. Though it would have to be able to withstand stomach acid and ideally it would stick in the stomach rather than traveling through the rest of the digestion system. But a first draft would just need the former and then the efficacy window could be worked on...

He shook his head to clear it of such thoughts. There would be time for speculation later. For now he needed more information. The living conditions-- if you could really call them that-- were truly appalling, but he grit his teeth and bore it in silence. He takes advantage of the general lack of privacy to size up the crew, both in terms of number and equipment. Some time is spent getting the know the vessel they're on as much as they're allowed. He smiles seeing the captain's obvious love of the thing. It's a pity that it's probably more practical to kill him before we burn the thing to the ground. I'd love to watch his face as it went down. The rest of the time is spent attempting to find patterns in the crew's movement and memorizing any watches they have.


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

On the way to the ship

Kelvar looks at Talia with her revelation of Tiadora's grabbing her for a test. It did not bode well when one of them was singled out for extra testing by Thorn. It meant he might be considered expendable - and he did not like being considered expendable.

Yes, Grumblejack was coming with us. on the ship.

Ship

Kelvar is unsurprised by the Captain's brusqueness, as he does not look a man for small talk. He quickly gets his sea legs under him, and takes time to observe the crew and the motion of the ship. He will also attempt to ask the captain about his travels with his ship, in particular about any battles he has been in with the ship. Perhaps he will learn something of the Captain's fighting style.

He will also trust to Rose to interrogate Timeon and to get as much information about Balentyne as possible, since the boy likely knew something that would help them.


To the Ship.
She whispers to all of them. "She abducted me. Said I was not worthy. She's more powerful than she seems. Took me to some basement where I fought a lot of Talingarde soldiers. I apparently did well enough for her to have brought me back."

On the ship

She'll watch the crew. If any of them are into it, she'll spar with them - unarmed or with a dagger. She won't use her whole gifts. But she'll note who is best among the crew.


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

Before ship
"Did she allow you to get your weapons and armor?" The Doctor hoped the answer to this question might better reveal the motives behind the abduction. It's not that he mistrusted Talia's claim, so much as the intention behind Tiadora's words. It could be true that she believed their companion was unworthy. But such words could also indicate that she believed Talia to have more potential than the rest of them and was simply trying to motivate her. An idea that might be supported if she weren't allowed to bring armor or weapons: a situation where Talia probably more than the rest of them would do well in.

That then led to the question of if they were all to be tested by Tiadora-- and it seemed better to assume they all would be-- would they be put in a similar situation or one that played to their strengths? If it were him, he'd give them all different tests to minimize advantages of going later (though testing learning could be its own test), though "We have to fight a bunch of people" didn't give much to learn from. But all this really depended on what Tiadora's actual motive was...


Talia will cock her head at the Doctor and pause for a moment. Obviously he had gotten caught up in his thoughts and had forgotten who he was dealing with.

She doesn't wear armor. She relies on speed and intuition to avoid getting hit. She can also has a power very much like mage armor. She also conjures a blade of glowing red light. Her powers seem to be different than arcane or divine magic. They seem to involve focusing her willpower.


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

Ohhhh, so the "In Armor" part of your status line refers to the mage armor-like ability and not actual armor? Also, do you always use your conjured blade? Maybe I just missed it, but I thought most of the 9 rooms stuff was with a regular physical weapon.

Seeing Talia's look, the Doctor elaborated. "Whether or not you needed weapons and armor isn't the same as if Tiadora allowed you to retrieve them. I'm just trying to plan for if she decides to continue abducting and testing. It would be useful to know if I should invest in some unarmed martial practice."


"w/ In Armor" is short for "with Inertial Armor". And her blade acts like a regular weapon for the most part. It will be many levels before I can make it act like a real lightsaber.

"I woke up with her on top of me. I had no chance to grab anything." she says with concern about the others in the group who often need a little more preparation. "But I can help train you in unarmed fighting."

She's pretty decent without a blade. +8 to hit, and 1d6+5 damage.


The crew don't seem to like that Grumblejack in on the ship and they keep their distance from him as does Timeon as well. Timeon is scared of the monster. "Perhaps with him on board, the bugbears will be less likely to kill us as soon as they see us," Captain Kargeld suggests. The 6 crew of the Frosthamar don't talk to you, indeed they aren't even able to understand you and speak their own dialect of Norspik. Grumblejack is made to wear a large canvas covering to avoid the chance of others recognising him for what he is. "Grumblejack don't like to hide. Like to fight and eat their face!" But his complaints are short lived when confronted and he sits in a empty spot below the wheel.


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

It takes a week for the ship to pass along the settled coast of Talingarde passing the great city of Daveryn, the largest center of civilization along the western coast. Just a day's journey past the Daveryn bay a ship is spotted coming up behind the Frosthamar. "Two more days and we'd be past the watch wall. Our luck is cursed," the captain says. It is a small patrol ship, smaller than the Frosthamar but faster and likely full of soldiers. Kargeld grimly pairs down their options, "She’s seen us, sure as damnation. And there is no way the Frosthamar will outrun her loaded like this. One look at our cargo and they’ll know us for exactly what we are – weapon smugglers."


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Rose smiled to the captain. "Kite them. Keep them close and moving right behind you and don't let them board. Tell them your sail hoist is stuck and you are having trouble raising the sail to stop the ship."

Then she slipped into the water on the far side of the ship from the pursuing boat.

Once in the water, I'm using Alter Self to turn myself into a Locathah (60' swim speed). I have Cold Resist and Darkvision, so the water should not be a problem. I'm going down so they don't see me, and then up beneath them to anchor onto the underside of their boat with a dagger.


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

Alter self gives up to 30ft. swim speed.

The captain tries to imagine what you are going to do, "Not much I can do there. We're too slow. They'll be alongside us in 15 minutes. 30 if we try to run, in which case they'll know something's up."

Grumblejack hears all the bother. "Grumblejack kill more blue shirts now?"


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

As the ship passes Daveryn, Kelvar stares at the city, seemingly lost in though. He wondered how many of those who'd professed friendship to him and turned on him would die when Fire-axe's army began ravaging the northern lands. He hoped Sir Egarus Lancel's death was particularly brutal and painful. Perhaps he'd even get to do the deed himself. That would be quite enjoyable.

As the Talirean inspection ship sails towards them, and Rose outlines her plan, Kelvar says, "Have you forgotten your lessons already, my lady?" Adjusting his circlet, Kelvar is suddenly transformed into his guise as a Knight of the Alerion. To further compliment the disguise, he places the hated holy symbol of Mitra about his neck. That way, if anyone asked to see it, they would find a real one, although he couldn't wait to remove it. "The deaths of those aboard that ship will draw suspicion, and we don't want that. Heave to, Captain. We'll deal with this appropriately."

"Grumblejack, stay put unless I call you."

Looking at the others, he says, "Clergymen or nuns may help to sell this ruse."

Plus, Alter Self has a duration of 1 minute/level, which means you only have it for 3 minutes. And if it will take the inspection ship 15 minutes to get to the Frosthamar if they don't move, it won't last long enough for you to execute your plan.


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

If she waits for it to get closer her plan would still work.


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

I had planned on waiting until the ship was closer. I wasn't told how far away it was. Three minutes is plenty of time to punch a hole in the hull once it's about 200 feet away.

"Suspicion from who? By the time anyone figures out the ship is gone, we won't be around." Rose said from the edge of the ship, about to go into the water. "When it gets close, I can sink it. No fight. No evidence of anything except that it sprung a big leak."

"Grumblejack doesn't have a disguise. Does that even work on him. Even if he makes himself look a foot shorter, he's still clearly a giant."

"I can't see them being dumb enough not to see through any trick with Grumble on board."


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

"I suspect they will hear you chopping through the hull, unless you have another way to sink it, but if you can do so, sink the ship before they get here. The rest of us will prepare a ruse in case the boat does not sink. We can also ensure Grumblejack is out of sight."

According to the posted description by the GM, Grumblejack is currently hidden under a canvas. With some crate arrangement, we could make it so they would have to physically search the ship to notice him. A Knight of the Alerion could likely convince them it is unnecessary.


"Pretending to be clergy is a good idea. If they see the weapons, we can say that there was a request for them in response to reports of trouble. We'll simply say that the paperwork was delayed."

She looks over at Rose, "It's a pity there aren't two of you. You've got the Master's tongue and would be best at convincing them. Perhaps I should go underwater. I won't be as fast, and I will need to breathe, but I can be quiet."

With float, I can swim at 15'. In calm water I automatically make the check, rough water I'll need to roll a four. Using chameleon, I'll have +20 stealth, more if the water isn't clear. While I'm slower, I don't have the three minute limit.


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

We are in arctic waters. Without cold protection I think the water would kill you.

"Two of me would be fun." she giggled before focusing on the job. "Could you survive the water? I know you don't mind fire much, but this water will kill most people pretty fast."


She smiles. "Breeding matters. There is no cold or heat of this world enough to harm me."

cold, electric and fire resistance 7.


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

"I knew there was a reason I liked you." Rose smiled.

Lets see what the GM says in the discussion thread before deciding who goes. If this is anything Strength related, Rose is still the best bet. If it's not, you go.


M Human Brawler 3 (Strangler, Steel-Breaker)//Magus 2 (Staff Magus, Hexcrafter) || HP: 39/39 | AC: 18 / T: 14 / FF: 14 | Fort: +6, Ref: +9, Will: +4 | CMD: 19 | Init: +7, Perception: +6

Sorry guys, been slammed with work.

"Do I stay belowdecks, then? Or are we killing them?" Marvin asks bluntly.


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

There's no belowdecks. It's a longship, like vikings used.

"Ideally, we aren't killing them directly, but they're still going to die." Rose answered. "Just stay here and pretend to be clergy with Kevlar."


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8
Talia Fireskin wrote:
"I woke up with her on top of me."

And thus, the SS Talia/Tiadora was born. :-P

"Some training might be useful. Though we may be able to pass with better preparation now that we know we might be attacked while in bed."

Ship
As the others discuss plans, the Doctor begins to flip through his notes, seeing what he has that could help. "I don't know how cold the water is, but I have something that might help others if you wanted help. It can protect against weather well below freezing up to -50 degrees F, though not actually cold damage if that comes up. I could also mix something up to make you bigger and stronger for a short time. Similarly I could make something to shrink Grumblejack, but that would only last a few minutes and I suspect any interactions with this other crew would take longer than that and suddenly changing size would only draw attention to him. I could also disguise him, but as Lady Rose has said, that has its limits."

He snaps his notebook shut, putting it in an inner pocket as he draws out his semi-new holy book. He hadn't quite finished reading it since it was hardly a page-turner-- very predictable with unimaginative protagonists. His form shimmers as Kelvar's did as he takes on the guise of a priest. He pushes his glasses up his nose and gives everyone his best benevolent smile.

He then blinks suddenly and begins rummaging through his very full backpack. "If you're going to try to take the ship down, I have a few things that might help." He proceeds to pull out a crowbar, drill, and saw. He starts to pull out a glass cutter before frowning, shaking his head, and putting it back, muttering "It's probably not a glass bottomed boat..."


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Rose pulled out a strange, squarish bar of metal with a lot of articulation and other complex technical points. "I'm good. Talia, why don't you grab that crowbar. We can both go. It's abnormal for women to be out on a ship like this, and you have better eyes than I do. Don't suppose you have a chisel, Doc?"

"I think we're set, so you can hang onto your concoctions. Unless Talia wants to be bigger."


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

"Use the circlet to take the form of a priest, Marvin. Our cover is that these supplies are being taken north to the Watch Wall. I will go by Sir Henrik."


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

"Hmm, unfortunately no chisel. Though I would guess those work better if you have a hammer to hit it with, which would be slowed down by the water. It might also be hard to hold yourself in position to hit it. If you simply need a wedge, the crowbar would work, though it's a bit long if you meant to hammer the end."


Talia will take both the crowbar and drill, hanging them from her belt. "Thank you for this, and the offer of your concoctions. I don't think I'll need them. The cold doesn't bother me and I focus more on instinct than strength."

With that, she begins to shimmer, her body taking on the colors of her surroundings. And into the water they go.


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Rose winks at the menfolk and tips herself backwards off the rail. Once in the water, she pulled herself along the ship peeked around the keel to see how far away the other boat was.

When the other ship is about 200 feet away I'll activate Alter Self to become a Locathah and dive. Then when I'm out of easy sight range, I'll activate Enlarge Person and come up beneath the ship. I'll keep communication with Talia through hand signs.


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

I thought you said merfolk there.
As the enemy ship bears down on you, Talia and Rose put in action their plan of sabotage... A couple of minutes before it comes up next to the Frosthamar.


Do we need to make any rolls?


Female Aasimar Antipaladin [HP 40/48 (Fire Resist 4, Cold, Acid, Shock resist 5) | AC 20 | T: 13 | FF: 18| CMD: 18 | Fort:+11 | Ref:+10 | Will:+8 | Init:+1 | Per: -1 | Sense Motive: +6 | Bluff: +12 | Diplomacy:+11] Alter Self 1/1, Smite 2/2, Touch of Corruption 7/7

Nope. Merfolk are slow.


Male Human
Trackables:
Bombs: 9/9 | 1/1 Mutagen | 1st: 1/1 Shield, 1/1 CLW, 2/3 ??, 2nd: 2/2 | Grit 1/1
"Nicholas" Alchemist 4 (Grenadier) | Gunslinger (Bolt Ace) 3 HP: 50/50 | AC 19 T 15 FF 14 | Fort +7 Ref +9 Will + 4 (+2 vs divination) | Init +6 | Perception +8

The Doctor leans non-nonchalantly against a box near/partially blocking the covered Grumblejack. He wasn't sure what the guards' normal behavior was, but surely they didn't bother to stop and search every ship that passed through, so there was no reason to act like it was expected. "If you need to address me, you can simply call me 'Father'. Or I suppose make up some other name, and I'll follow your cue."

I'm guessing androids don't exist in this world? That's the only thing that stood out to me as a possible disguise for Grumblejack: an android replica of Mitra (since animated statue is a different type).

Not seeing any other, more useful uses for his extracts, he mixes up an extra healing extract for himself while offering Marvin and "Henrik" either his premade shield or his premade CLW ones. "If you both wind up hurt, try to stand next to each other, so I can heal you both in one go."


Male Human High Priest of Asmodeus

Androids, not really. They could come from a land outside of Talinguarde (like Elise and her gang).

Rose and Talia don't seem to be noticed as they get to work. The men on board the enemy vessel stand on their deck at the ready with one man clearly the captain standing in the middle of them, all eyes on the Frosthamar.

As soon as the ship gets close enough, the Talirean sailors begin shouting "Heave to in the name of the king!" Kargeld and his men comply, slowing the ship and awaiting the approach. The Captain and four armed sailors brandishing spears board the Frosthamar. "I would speak to the man in charge of this vessel."
Map


Male Human Cleric 3/Slayer 4/Gestalt 4 | AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 | Fort +6, Ref+5, Will +6 | HP 52/52 | CMB +8, CMD 19 | Init +1 | Perception +9 | Condition: None |
Spells:
1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3
| Alias: Andrel

Damn. I guess Rose and Talia have not had enough time to sink the boat.

Stepping forward, Kelvar says, "Greetings, Captain, I am Sir Henrik of the Knights of the Alerion. How may I assist you this day?"

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