Keliwyn finds Inigo just before Darthen greets him.
"Inigo! Good fortune to us this day!" He says as he greets the priest.
Not five steps later, he turns to Darthen and greets him. "Indeed the sun has seem to break from the clouds. It is good to see you my friend. This here is Inigo, a priest of Asmodeus. I've told him about Garven and his, ahem, activities. He's here to look into things." With his back to Inigo, Keliwyn gives Darthen a wink. "I saw Darvyl at the courthouse," he continues, "but unfortunately, I was not able to get his attention."
Hearing Keliwyn's voice, Jeorik smiles and stands, "I know that voice," he says to Arando.
Striding to the edge of the ship, he calls over to the elf, "Greetings friend Keliwyn, we meet again!"
"Jeorik! Is Arando with you?" Keliwyn yells. "I just saw Dorman at the courthouse and he said you were here. How do things look?"
"Guards, where is the captain of this vessel? I demand to see him."
"Just who do you think you are?" One of the guards bristles at Inigo's commanding tone, but another quiets him, " That's the Hammer. He's from Azmodeus' temple. The harbourmaster said one of them would be along. Now go get the captain."
The first Guardsman mounts the gangplank, within a few short minutes Captain Smalls emerges . After pausing for a quiet, "be alert" to Jeorik and Arando, he descends the gangplank.
"Are you responsible for this travesty? Me ship's never been sealed like this. Fifteen years with the cleanest record of any ship that ports here. I demand that you lift the ban and let me unload."
Spot check DC 16 for Darthen, DC 18 for everyone else.
"Jeorik! Is Arando with you?" Keliwyn yells. "I just saw Dorman at the courthouse and he said you were here. How do things look?"
"I don't know," yells Jeorik back, "For some reason, the authorities have decided to search the ship, though I am not sure why or for what. Still, my uncle will be glad to learn my cousins's namesake has finally made it home, cargo intact."
About that time, the Captain comes out and Jeorik falls silent, as he keeps a watchful eye out for any possible trouble he might assist with.
"Just who do you think you are?" One of the guards bristles at Inigo's commanding tone, but another quiets him, " That's the Hammer. He's from Azmodeus' temple. The harbourmaster said one of them would be along. Now go get the captain."The first Guardsman mounts the gangplank, within a few short minutes Captain Smalls emerges . After pausing for a quiet, "be alert" to Jeorik and Arando, he descends the gangplank.
"Are you responsible for this travesty? Me ship's never been sealed like this. Fifteen years with the cleanest record of any ship that ports here. I demand that you lift the ban and let me unload."
Spot check DC 16 for Darthen, DC 18 for everyone else. ** spoiler omitted **
"I don't know what you are talking about, Captain. I am here on Official Church Business and you better get the wax out of your ears when I say that I am here for the shipment for the Church." Inigo voices suddenly acquiring a more menacing tone, "And woe unto you should you fail to make delivery!"
Keliwyn finds Inigo just before Darthen greets him.
"Inigo! Good fortune to us this day!" He says as he greets the priest.
"The blessing of the True Church be upon you as well."
Out of the corner of his eyes Darthen spots a few thugs hanging around an alley. The dock also seems to be strangely quite to have a ship just docked with cargo to unload.
Thom:
Whispering to the others, "Don't know if you spotted them but a couple of bruisers sitting in alley close by. NO, don't look. Notice anything else? Like an absence of workers getting ready to unload this ship? I got a bad feeling about this. Just be ready in case this blows open." Continuing to watch and listen he nonchalantly places his hand near his sword hilt. Quietly cursing himself, "I new I shouldn't have put off buying that shield last week."
Trying not to be too obvious in looking around, Keliwyn leans towards Darthen and quietly says, "Well, this is certainly getting more and more interesting by the minute."
"I don't know what you are talking about, Captain. I am here on Official Church Business and you better get the wax out of your ears when I say that I am here for the shipment for the Church." Inigo voices suddenly acquiring a more menacing tone, "And woe unto you should you fail to make delivery!"
Captain Smalls face turns nearly as red as his hair. "I've got no cargo for the Church of Azmodeus. And you better get the wax out of your ears when I tell you that even if I did, I couldn't unload it because these guardsman are here to prevent that at the request of Morten, Grandmaster of the Temple of the Iron Fist!"
The second guardsman seems quite amused as he nods his head to support Smalls' statement.
Captain Smalls face turns nearly as red as his hair. "I've got no cargo for the Church of Azmodeus. And you better get the wax out of your ears when I tell you that even if I did, I couldn't unload it because these guardsman are here to prevent that at the request of Morten, Grandmaster of the Temple of the Iron Fist!"The second guardsman seems quite amused as he nods his head to support Smalls' statement.
"The Grandmaster is presently detained by order of the Church so I would choose my words carefully, if I were you, Captain. Where is the package?" Inigo pauses and continues, "Refuse to present the package and it would be my distinct pleasure to report to the Inquisitor of Asmodeus that you delayed his investigation. Mercy is a word long removed from their vocabulary, you know?"
Inigo locks gazes with the amused guards, "And you guardsman! Wipe that smirk off your face! And get me your commander."
"Captain," says Jeorik politely but loud enough to be heard, "Why don't you allow this good man a copy of your manifest and access to your hold. He obviously knows more about this package than you do. Doubtlessly by the time he finds it, this matter will have resolved itself and all will be well. I can't believe my uncle would object to such a course of action."
"Captain," says Jeorik politely but loud enough to be heard, "Why don't you allow this good man a copy of your manifest and access to your hold. He obviously knows more about this package than you do. Doubtlessly by the time he finds it, this matter will have resolved itself and all will be well. I can't believe my uncle would object to such a course of action."
Smalls breathes in deeply in preparation to rebuff Inigo, but Jeorik's suggestion changes his mind. "That's not a bad idea, that. There's a copy on my desk. Arando would you fetch it?"
He turns back to Inigo. "Well then you may come aboard, if you warrant to behave yourself and take nothing without my leave."
Keliwyn says, in a loud voice so everyone can hear, "My dear, Inigo. Let's us not forget the business of Garven Fellstone, and any cargo he may have aboard."
"Good Captain," he yells, "a ladyfriend of mine was aboard your ship when you departed our fair city, a woman by the name of Selumie. Has she returned with you?"
"Alright then let's look at the cargo manifest."
Keliwyn says, in a loud voice so everyone can hear, "My dear, Inigo. Let's us not forget the business of Garven Fellstone, and any cargo he may have aboard."
"Good Keliwyn," says Jeorik, "Why don't you be coming aboard as well. Garven's cargo is all on board ready to be delivered to the man as soon as the Captain is given leave. Qat and a Wardrobe. Its all in the manifest."
Keliwyn says, in a loud voice so everyone can hear, "My dear, Inigo. Let's us not forget the business of Garven Fellstone, and any cargo he may have aboard."
"Good Captain," he yells, "a ladyfriend of mine was aboard your ship when you departed our fair city, a woman by the name of Selumie. Has she returned with you?"
Captain Smalls replies, " You're a friend of Selumie's? Please come aboard then."
After a brief consultation the guards agree that anyone "with" Inigo may come aboard.
Once on board, the captain asks Arando to take care of those interested in cargoes and manifests. Arando brushes his unruly dark hair out of his eyes and begins to go over the documents. Silks, oranges (spoiled en route and discarded), hair brushes, wine and brandy comprise the bulk of the cargo. Fellstone's consignment consists of Qat and a wardrobe.
The captain pulls Keliwyn to the far rail.
Anyway, It was a rough passage sailing home. Three storms the like of which I've never seen. Blew us halfway to world's end and took the masts too. The last straw was a de'ilfish. Big bas___d hauled itself on deck and took half the remaining crew. She got around behind it and sliced clean through two tentacles. Then it turned on her. She led it a merry dance, dodgin' and cuttin' but it pinned her up in the bows. As it lunged in to finish her, she speared it through the eye. That took all the fight out the fish, but as it slithered back overboard it dragged her down. I'm sorry lad. Were you close? I've got her personal effects down in my cabin."
The captain looks over at the others. "Excuse me lad. I've got to be the captain of this boat for a bit. Later, maybe we can get a drink."
The captain returns to the main group. "Allright then, if you've seen the paperwork, maybe we can look through the holds."
The captain returns to the main group. "Allright then, if you've seen the paperwork, maybe we can look through the holds."
Jeorik decides that, having seen the hold, he'll wait above deck and keep an eye on things up there.
[
Jeorik decides that, having seen the hold, he'll wait above deck and keep an eye on things up there.
Looking west across the river, Jeorik spies a triangular dorsal fin streaking through the water towards a flock of seagulls. The birds try to take flight, flapping wings, and running on the water, when a red-streaked bluegray mass of muscle and teeth bursts from the water swallowing three in one bite.
"Thank you, Captain," Keliwyn whispers before stumbling to the rail and peering down at the water. He is very clearly upset to anyone looking on, and after a short time, he slumps to the deck.
Inigo follows closely behind Keliwyn. "You are familiar with this ship's layout, Keliwyn?"
Darthen follows Keliwyn and Iñigo up the gangplank. He takes up a post near the gangplank in case the thugs come up. Trying not to look as if he himself is a hired thug he adopts a relaxed stance keeping his hands clear but close to his hilt.
Not long after boarding he watches Keliwyn and the captain speak. As Keliwyn slumps down on the deck he hurries over. Speaking in a hushed tone, "Are you alright? You look as if you just heard the most terrible news."
Leaning on Darthen, Keliwyn pulls himself up, and straightens out his clothes. "Thank you, my friend," he says to Darthen. "The Captain has informed me that I've lost a dear friend, but this is neither the time or the place for mourning."
Turning to the others, he says, "Gentlmen, I know little of this ship and nothing of its layout. I'll wait here with Darthen to keep an eye on the dock, and leave you to your business. Inigo, I am sure the Captain can assist you with anything belonging to Garven Fellstone."
Turning to the others, he says, "Gentlmen, I know little of this ship and nothing of its layout. I'll wait here with Darthen to keep an eye on the dock, and leave you to your business. Inigo, I am sure the Captain can assist you with anything belonging to Garven Fellstone."
Captain Smalls looks concernedly at Keliwyn. "Sir, I apologize. I shouldn't have just dropped anchor on you like that. I can only say I would have done better by you if'n I'd had more rest lately.
"Jeorik, why don't you take Keliwyn down to my cabin. There's a bottle of brandy in my chest on the port side, the blue one. A bracer might set him up. I'll be along when we've had a look at the cargo."
He leads Arando, Inigo, and perhaps Darthen down the central ladder.
"You need a bracer, Keliwyn," asks Jeorik.
Assuming the other says yes, Jeorik leads him to the Captain's cabin.
"Who is that priest," asks Jeorik along the way.
Keliwyn follows Jeorik's lead to the Captain's cabin. "Inigo is a cleric of Asmodeus, and very much one of the law & order types that give this city its distinctive feel," he says in response to Jeorik's question. "He's familiar with Garven Fellstone, and I've let him know that there might be something illegal going on here. Of course, if your uncle happens to reap some small benefit, who are we to deny the favor of the gods?"
In the cabin, Jeorik searches for the brandy and when he finds it, he hands both bottle and glass to the elf.
"Not one for drinking myself," says Jeorik with a grin, "I'll let you pour your own."
Keliwyn and Jeorik: The brandy is very fine. The captain's cabin is functionallly spare and clean, bare of any ornament save a three quarter length irregularly shaped mirror with a heavy dark wood frame resembling twisted briars.
Inigo: Below decks the air is stuffy. It smells faintly of mildew and men, and more strongly of salt. It is dark and the lantern is needed to see clearly. You follow Smalls forward along a narrow hall. He stops before a doorway on the left. "This is the compartment for Fellstone's shipment." He announces. He produces a key and opens the door. Inside is a small room. Three bales of Qat about a cubic yard each and a large pine wardrobe are in the room.
Darthen:
"Damn, where did they place that thing here?!" Inigo considers tearing the entire shipment apart. But considers that that would be very counterproductive.
"When you are ready, we will head back up," says Jeorik.
Trying to make conversation, Jeorik asks, "Are there many elves in the city?"
Darthen's sneers at the thugs. Shouting so they can hear him, "STABBING A MAN IN THE BACK, EH? SNIVELING BILGE RATS IS WHAT YOU ARE." He shouts for the others on the ship as loud as he can, "GET OUT HERE NOW THERE'S TROUBLE. AT LEAST FIVE OF THEM CHARGING THE SHIP". After alerting the others he draws his short sword and moves to the gangplank to force them to fight on his terms.
Init roll:
Init (1d20 3=9)
As Jeorik hears the shout from above he leaves off with the pleasantries and heads up on deck, readying his longbow and an arrow.
After alerting the others he draws his short sword and moves to the gangplank to force them to fight on his terms.
As backstabber eases his victim to the ground, the two remaining guards, alerted by Darthen's cry draw weapons to defend themselves. The second stranger does likewise and combat is joined between him and the two guards. A group of eight ragged ruffians bursts from the alleyway and charges toward the ship.
Darthen's sling shot flies wide. Jeorik dashes out of the cabin, preparing his bow. The backstabber straightens up draws a short sword and waits at the foot of the gangplank. Apparently Darthen's quick defense giving him pause.
Below decks, the party hears Darthen's alert. Inigo whirls and heads for the central ladder. Captain Smalls shouts to Arando, "To the bow, we'll ram'em amidships."
Initiative order for remainder of combat:
Jeorik, Keliwyn, Inigo, Backstabber and friend, Darthen, Thugs.
The gangplank is in I7. Darthen is in I6. Jeorik and Keliwyn may pick their squares on deck. (The captain's cabin being under the quartdeck and opening directly on deck) Inigo reaches the bottom of the central staircase. (Still below deck, square equivalent to J4 on deck.)
Back stabber is in I8. His friend is in K9, Two guards are in J9 and K9. Thugs are strung out in columns H7-10 and I 8-10 and J10.
A jump check may be made from G6, H6, J6, K6 to reach shore. DC 11 from ship to shore. DC 13 from shore to ship, plus a DC 12 climb check to get over the bulwark.
Rushing to the side of the ship near the stairs going up () Jeorik takes in the scene whilst fitting an arrow to his bow. As there is one man with a bloody weapon, Jeorik chooses him as a target.
"Danger on the Deck!" shouts Jeorik, hoping that any below who have not heard the alarm will come running.
Jeorik looses an arrow. It is not his best effort but it flies generally in the direction of his target.
Rushing to the side of the ship near the stairs going up () Jeorik takes in the scene whilst fitting an arrow to his bow. As there is one man with a bloody weapon, Jeorik chooses him as a target.
"Danger on the Deck!" shouts Jeorik, hoping that any below who have not heard the alarm will come running.
Jeorik looses an arrow.
Tha backstabber ducks and Jeorik's arrow flies high, momentarily scattering the onrushing thugs.
For Thom
"For Your Will shall bring Order to Chaos."
Inigo's armor appears to be more formidable, devilish even.
"For Your Will shall bring Order to Chaos."
Inigo's armor appears to be more formidable, devilish even.
10' move gets you to the top of the stairs, say K5. you may use your remaining movement from there.
Backstabber moves to engage one of the guards, as he moves his hat flies off revealing a balding head of brown hair. His friend and one of the thugs are also in combat with the guards. The main body of the thugs continues onto the gangplank, headed by a large muscular bald man weilding a club.
Jeorik: spot check DC 12
Everyone: spot check DC 16
OK
Inigo moves in the direction of the nearest troublemaker.
"When you are ready, we will head back up," says Jeorik.
Trying to make conversation, Jeorik asks, "Are there many elves in the city?"
Keliwyn pours himself a healthy drink and sips from it. Lost in mournful thought, he mumbles, "A fair number," in response to Jeorik's question before they hear Darthen. Scrambling after Jeorik, Keliwyn jerks out of his repose, only to notice the mirror as he's running out of the room.
Slight correction to the bad guys positions. Zven is in I8. Nihls is in K10, Two guards are in J9 and K9. Thugs are strung out in columns H7-10 and I 9-11 and J10.
INigo in J6, Keliwyn in K6. Jeorik in L6. Darthen I6.
Jeorik's arrow shot kicks off round 1.
Keliwyn rushes to the ship's rail beside his friend, weapons drawn and ready. Inigo charges up the steps and to the ship's rail between Keliwyn and Darthen.
On the dock, Nihls trades blows with the righthand guard. Both draw blood, but continue the fight with renewed ferocity. Zven manuvers behind the lefthand guard, who is also engaged by one of the toughs. Zven strikes and the guard staggers, but continues gamely.
The group of toughs funnels onto the gangplank. The first one in line is a very large bald man wielding a club. Holding it out to parry Darthen's blows, he charges hard into the smaller man.
"Master Keliwyn, I suggest we move to flank this troublemakers. We'll route them quickly if they see how exposed they are."
"Master Keliwyn, I suggest we move to flank this troublemakers. We'll route them quickly if they see how exposed they are."
Another note on terrain. squares G4-I5 are the gratings covering the loading hatch. It's 18" above deck level and will confer higher ground bonus to hit.
** spoiler omitted **
Your choice, they're both vulnerable.
If you want to post your attack spoilered, assuming it comes to pass, then I can cap oof the round after Darthen posts.