Plunder and Peril Ship 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Matthais777

Don't look at Jack for sneakiness. I'll be back here with my bow and sword, ready to jump in once the fight starts. I think that one Jack motions towards Coatl, fancies trying to have a chat with em before we inevitably kill them.

Wenton frowns and takes a moment to cast lesser evolution surge on Mortiferix, granting him the level 1 evolution swim.

Coatl if you want to get in there and try and talk them out of here, go for it. In case they won't listen, we will use your conversation as a distraction to get the rest of us in a good position. I recommend we surprise the two on the rocks with Tanglefoot Bags in an attempt to keep them grounded and focus the third to try to take him out before the others break free. If anyone needs, you can use some of the javelins I just bought. Whoever is going to sneak close enough to throw the Tanglefoot Bags can use a does of my Silence Dust to help you out.As he says all of this Socraties pulls three Tanglefoot Bags, three doeses of Silence Dust, and the javelins, from his Handy Haversack and lays them out for whoever can best use them.

Sorry no links, my current internet connection blocks all the sites I could link to. Toooootally not posting at work ;P

Ortun listens to the group formulate their plans. "I will take to the river. I am at home in water, rapidly flowing or calm pools. You idea is a good one, Socraties. To take away their power of flight will give us the advantage.

"Once you are ready to attack, signal me and I will rain down arrows on them to darken the sky."

To save a lot of banter, Ortun has a swim speed, but will stealthy keep close to the bank. Ready crossbow attack.
Once he is in position, he will secure himself at an advantageous anchor point, i.e. rock or tree, and ready his crossbow to attack the drake in the water. While in the water Hydrated Vitality (8 HP/day) Gain fast healing 2 when submerged completely in natural, flowing, water and cast Wave Shield as a buff granting me DR/2 and Fire Resistance 2 for the first attack. Swim Speed (+13 if needed)

Coatl peers at the lounging drakes through the forest branches and leaves, snickering to himself and rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Ok Patzmiqui. You follow me. Maybe stay back a little, you not as sneaky as Coatl gunna be."

The druid crouches on all fours and closes his eyes briefly. In seconds his armor and all of his clothes begin to disappear, as if they were melting into his body. At the same time, a soft, spotted fur begins to grow. His shoulders swivel wide, unnaturally disjointed for a brief moment before melding back in to the furred body.

The spotted jungle cat that now sits where Coatl's body was only moments ago plops down on his hindquarters and begins to lick a paw. Briefly rubbing the paw on his face, he emits a low purr that slowly turns into recognizable common.

"Good plans. No need to talk to the drakes, they have upset the balance here." comes a deep and resonant voice, punctuated with a throaty rumble.

"Three of you take a tanglefoot bag. Once I am close and in position, all three launch at a different drake at the same time. I will take that as my cue and charge in, teeth and claws flailing, Patzmiqui behind me. We will take them by surprise and end this threat quickly before any of us risks serious injury."

So there is a bunch of ways we could handle this, but I like where everyone's head is at. We sneak close, and in the surprise round either throw a tanglefoot bag, charge, or attack at range. If the tanglefoot bags keep them from flying, we could make pretty short work of them.

Assuming everyone is on board... Coatl stalks in between the plants, padding silently through the undergrowth until he gets within a few short bounds and waits for the bags of goo to fly through the air.

Stealth, silence dust: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

The drakes take no notice of the jaguar as he stalks them...

Looks like Setare and I will be taking the Tanglefoot Bags. I will use my Vanish spell to get close, it doesn't last long, so once everyone is almost in position I will make my move. I will reappear when I attack so use that as the signal. As he says this he helps Coatl (after transforming) and Setare use the Silence Dust on their feet, and gives one Tanglefoot bag to Setare, before using the Silence Dust on himself, putting away the javelins and one Tanglefoot Bag, grabbing out his flag and grabbing hold of the last Tanglefoot Bag.

When everyone is ready, he will move to cautiously toward the drakes to 80ft away deliberately picking his way behind trees and such to stay as quiet and out of sight as possible.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Assuming they don't see him at that distance. Continue down, if they do I am guessing that makes initiatives.

He will then cast Vanish and move within 20ft (two turns double move in difficult terrain would get 60ft) of the drakes.

stealth with vanish: 1d20 + 8 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 20 = 46

Where at his next turn he will reappear with flag in one hand and throw the Tanglefoot bag at the drake closest to him for what I would presume would be the surprise round.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13preview says this went not well, so I will spend two points of inspiration to add to it as a free action.inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Yes I know this is a lot in one post, but unless things go really south, like Ortun said, it is to avoid a lot of back and forth

Setare follows Socraties.

Coatl, I need your location on the map please. Setare...

Setare stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Sneaky, but just not sneaky enough!

As Setare follows Socrates, she steps on a twig. One of the drakes pops his head up and stares directly at her!

Please place your token at the right hand side of the map somewhere on the trail. Trees are difficult terrain, water requires swim checks, considered rough water DC 15, on failure you will be carried downstream to the right 10 feet as well as going under, though the water is only 10 feet deep.

PATHFINDERS FIGHT! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

SUPRISE ROUND! 1 action each!
Coatl
Setare
Socrates
Drake 1
------------------------
ROUND 1
Drake1
Drake2
--------------------
Socrates
Coatl
Ortun
--------------------
Drake3
--------------------
Setare
Jack

Setare looks up ... "Upppps! Socraties I am coming!" she says with determination and then immediately starts to act.

Setare moves forward to stand in front of Socraties and readies and action to attack any of the drakes that move adjacent to her.

Due to ‚Blade of Mercy‘ trait: Non-lethal damage has no -4 to hit and has +1 to damage. I assume Socraties will inspire courage. See readied action below:

Scimitar attack roll, IC : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29
Scimitar potential crit confirm roll: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 = 27

Damage roll, non-lethal, IC : 1d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 11
Damage potential crit roll : 1d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 11

In case Setare is attacked she uses 'Opportune Parry' and parries by expending an AoO to parry and spends a panache point (so if the attack roll of tshe opponent is lower than Setare's parry then the opponent does not hit and Setare could potentially reposte)

Opportune Parry, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 1 = 21

In case Setare successfully parries she uses 'Reposte' as an immediate action to attack the opponent that attacked her.

Scimitar reposte attack roll, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
Damage reposte roll, non-lethal, IC : 1d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 12

Don't forget Wenton!

Coatl, I need your location on the map please. Setare...

[dice=Setare stealth]1d20+9

Sneaky, but just not sneaky enough!

As Setare follows Socrates, she steps on a twig. One of the drakes pops his head up and stares directly at her!

Please place your token at the right hand side of the map somewhere on the trail. Trees are difficult terrain, water requires swim checks, considered rough water DC 15, on failure you will be carried downstream to the right 10 feet as well as going under, though the water is only 10 feet deep.

** spoiler omitted **

PATHFINDERS FIGHT! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

SUPRISE ROUND! 1 action each!
Coatl
Setare
Socrates
Drake 1
------------------------
ROUND 1
Drake1
Drake2
--------------------
Socrates
Coatl
Ortun
--------------------
Drake3
--------------------
Setare
Jack

Freeze before anything else I think you forgot the silence dust. Is Setare still noticed with a 21 on that roll?

Socrates has helpfully reminded me that Setare has the dust of silence, so would not have been detected. So, as of yet the drakes haven't noticed you, but I'll drop us into rounds anyways.

The drakes continue to sleep peacefully, as the twig that should have snapped under setare's feet makes no noise thanks to the alchemic silence of the powder.

PATHFINDERS FIGHT!? THE BOLD MAY ACT!

------------------------
ROUND 1
Drake1
Drake2
--------------------
Socrates
Coatl
Ortun
--------------------
Drake3
--------------------
Wenton
Setare
Jack

EDIT: OOPS! Welp - This would have been my action once things started flying hot and heavy. Ok to save this for that? Happy to edit and change it up though...

GM - I'm going to make an assumption that I was close enough to get in a surprise round charge/pounce, Hopefully being able to target one that is hit by a tanglefoot bag. If the failed sneak prevents that, just let me know and I'll use my surprise action to get closer.

Coatl, in jungle cat form, takes the reaction of the drakes as an indication that there is no more time to wait. He lurches forward, streaking down the river front in a few quick bounds, leaping into the air with claws extended.

Pounce claw 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
for Claw 1 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Pounce claw 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
for Claw 2 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Pounce bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
for bite damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Grab Attempt if Bite Hits: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Rake 1 if Grab is successful: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
for Rake 1 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Rake 2 if Grab is successful: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
for Rake 2 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Pounce claw 1 Crit??: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
for Claw 1 Crit damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

It was my goof, so happy to save it as a readied action.

If I am understanding where we are correctly, and the fact that everyone should have had time to position themselves appropriately by this point, then my previously posted action stands

Socraties throws the tanglefoot bag at the drake closest to him with a 15 to hit touch.

GM, I would keep Setare's action above and also her position.

Setare totally do you, if it is what you want to do, but I thought you were part of the tanglefoot bag plan?

Plunging into the stream, Ortun steadies himself against the torrent of water rushing around his knees. Swim DC 15: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Seizing up the drakes, he fires once his friends give him the signal.
light crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3 indicated with a star

Setare will still move forward as described. Happy holidays. :-D

Sorry guys, moving is the WORST.

Drake reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Socrates lobs his tanglefoot bag, and as the river drake is smothered in goo, all hell breaks loose.

Coatl rushes out of the woods and lays into the now stuck drake, a ball of claws and fury. The sticky drake goes limp in Coatl's mouth as he shakes and rends at it, blood dripping into the flowing water. In terror, the drake next to him attacks him viciously, trying to do something!

bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7

Tail Slap: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

But the rushing water beneath them and the gore of it's comrade and the shock of the attack leaves the river drake unable to land a blow!

PATHFINDERS FIGHT!? THE BOLD MAY ACT!

------------------------
ROUND 1 PROPER
Drake2 -3
--------------------
Socrates
Coatl
Ortun
--------------------
Drake3
--------------------
Wenton
Setare
Jack

Socraties will continue to hold his flag as he uses a move action to pull the last Tanglefoot bag from his Handy Haversack, then a standard action to throw it at the other drake on the rocks.

touch attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15

Take out the other one before it gets airborne!

My previously posted action

Ortun, I included your 3 damage in the update on that drake. Your up for your next action.

Sorry for the holiday delay! I was also miserably sick yesterday, which didn't help. Back on the horse today though.

Coatl shakes his head, spraying the blood of the drake that soaks the fur around his maw. Continuing the advantage of surprise they hold, he lunges for the next drake in line.

5' step, full attack again.

claw 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
for claw 1 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

claw 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
for claw 1 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
for Bite damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Grab Attempt if Bite is successful: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Rake 1 if Grab is successful: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
for rake 1 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Rake 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
for Rake 2 damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Socrates bombs another one with his sticky bag, and it howls in shock as it's smothered in glue. But before it can do much else, Coatl is on it! It tries to get away, but Socrate's glue slows it down just enough that it can't escape! Coatl rips it's throat out as it's blood joins it's fellows in the water.

PATHFINDERS FIGHT!? THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Drake2 -3
--------------------
Socrates
Coatl
Ortun
Wenton
Setare
Jack

Patzmiqui slithers along the jungle floor, closing the gap to the drakes. He slides behind Coatl and prepares to assist in wrapping the beast up.

Double move. Provokes if the drake isn't grappled.

Not wanting to prevent Setare from getting in there, Jack will level his bow at the Drake not in melee and loose a shot.

Move action to studied target, then standard to shoot

Range Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Setare looks at Jack and smiles!

She moves forward and attacks.

Due to ‚Blade of Mercy‘ trait: Non-lethal damage has no -4 to hit and has +1 to damage. I assume Socraties will inspire courage. See readied action below:

Scimitar attack roll, IC : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 = 17

Damage roll, non-lethal, IC : 1d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 10

In case Setare is attacked she uses 'Opportune Parry' and parries by expending an AoO to parry and spends a panache point (so if the attack roll of tshe opponent is lower than Setare's parry then the opponent does not hit and Setare could potentially reposte)

Opportune Parry, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19

In case Setare successfully parries she uses 'Reposte' as an immediate action to attack the opponent that attacked her.

Scimitar reposte attack roll, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16

Quickly drawing another bolt, Ortun reloads his light crossbow Move Action. Lining up his shot, he once again takes aim at the only remaining drake.

light crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

light crossbow confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Pleased with his shot, Ortun utters, "This is most definitely Gozreh's Plan"

Wenton and Mortiferix both spend their round getting closer!

The drake screams in pain and tries to flee! The ensuing barrage of attacks from the pathfinders bring the thing down into the water with a splash. Getting the jump on the drakes made a ton of difference!

PATHFINDERS WIN! VICTORY!

Socrates soon enough is able to find the grove of trees that the riverdrakes where barring the way to. Their nest sits beneath the base of a particularly impressive tree. In the muck, the team finds two masterwork hand axes, a masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), and
a 100-pound carved wooden statue of a river drake. Apparently, someone had the bright idea to get up close to carve the likeness of the drakes. The blood stains indicate this was a poor decision, though it is impressive they completed the thing before they finished.

"That was fast." Coatl speaks again while still in Jaguar form.

He watches the shredded drakes leak their lifeblood with an odd curiosity. After a moment, he pulls each of their bodies onto the shore.

He speaks to the bodies of the fallen drakes. "Back to the earth you go. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. There is a hungry pack of coyotes nearby that can eat again now that you are gone." The deep, melodious tones of Coatl's voice in this form is absorbed easily by the soft undergrowth.

While the others gather the booty of the drakes, Coatl takes a moment to climb the tree where the drake nest sat to get a better view of where they are in the woods.

Setare looks at the drakes with sadness but remains silent.

Oh good some axes, I was just realizing I didn't pack any. I wonder if this river drake statue could make a masthead if not we might be able to sell it? Let's load it up and whatever of this special wood we can fit in our cart and get back to town. Don't need something or someone getting the jump on us like we did those drakes.

Socraties first cast prestidigitation to tidy up the statue of the blood, and then will aid in "packing" wherever the stronger members of the party want him to. Before leaving he will also take whatever Coatl is willing to let him have from the drakes [ie a nail or tooth] as proof of their victory for the craftswoman.

knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 8 + (2) = 20 Incase he needs to identify the proper wood.

perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33Keeping an eye out for anything or anyone trying to sneak up on the party while we work.

"Ha!" Ortun laughs as the drake falls. The waters swirling around his legs he moves along the calmer water closer to the shore until he reaches his new friends. "That was well devised, Socraties. And Coatl you seem to become quite a fierce jungle cat. I just pray that you have also studied the beasts of the oceans too.

"I can help with that." Ortun emerges from the water, dripping wet but none the worse for wear. Clipping his loadec crossbow back on, he bends down and cups his hands beneath the carving of the water drake. What a mighty heave, he pushes off the loamy forest floor to pivot the carving almost upright. With a reddening face, he looks to Jack, "A bit o' help if you would please." he begs as his arms begin to quiver with exertion.

I don't want any of the loot unless no one claims an axe

With a bit of work and hauling, drake teeth and timber are collected and carted back to Hartha's. She's very happy to have her timber back, and cuts the appropriate amount off the price for the timber, meaning that the gold sack is nearly as heavy as when they first came.

I'll have it done for you in a day or two.

She says as she returns to work.

I'll send a runner to your captain to know where she wants me to send it.

After heading back to the inn, the team spots the captain and the quartermaster pouring over plans... several x's through various items indicate that the rest of the crew has been hard at work collecting what's needed.

Iulia spots the team and waves them over.

I hope you being back means you have good knews on the new mast head?

Setare still looks a little sad.

"The drakes ha ... had to die. It ... it was necessary I ... I think. And you ... your mast head wi ... will be delivered soon. I ... I just wanted to ask if ... if you also plan to in... invest some of ... some of the treasure into thi ... this community ... that ... that would be su... super kind." she says with some hope in her voice.

Back in human form, Coatl waves awkwardly across the busy, but open space between the group and lulia.

"Good news. If you mean getting masthead and not spending hardly any gold all set is good news. Bad news is it won't be ready right away. Have to wait at least two days." Coatl raises his eyebrows, passing on the seriousness of this last bit.

"Fire lady is right. Forest was out of balance with river drakes. We did a good favor to the forest by getting rid of them." There is a somberness about how Coatl adds to Setare's assessment, but the druid does not appear overly sad about it. Apparently the connection to that task and getting the masthead so quickly was a tenuous one at best in Coatl's mind. Nature generally came first where he was concerned.

"You got something else for us to do? Or-Ta-Un had good idea that I should learn more about ocean critters. Thought I might go introduce myself to some while we wait. You wanna come Or-Ta-Un?" Exquisite salty sunlight glints off a golden tooth in Coatl's wide smile.

The quartermaster looks at Setare curiously.

Drakes? Perhaps it's best I don't know. As for investing our treasure, we're buying everything to rebuild the ship here aren't we? And what you do with your own pay is up to you.

The quartermaster looks to Coatl.

Two days is fine... it'll probably take us 3 or 4 to get everything else ready...

The captain calls out from her maps.

Get 'em to the ship tomorrow morning! They can help with repairs on ship. Knew I picked good ones.

The quartermaster nods.

Aye aye captain!

She turns to the team.

You heard the captain. We'll put you up here tonight, and I'll get you to the ship first thing tomorrow morning with some chores and guard duty. Enjoy the rest of the night off as thanks for the good work. Saves me lots of headache.

That's some good work boys. Right fearsome lot we are. Now what have we here... this carving might fetch a pretty penny.

Jack looks on amused as the undine struggles with the carving. When asked for help, Jack approaches it, squats down, and hauls the thing onto his shoulder.

Best be heading back now. Want to make it back to Lilywhite before nightfall.

He turns and trudges off with the carving on his shoulder.

Back at the Tavern,

It'll be good to be back on a ship again. None of you best be thinkin' you're too good to do some deck swabbing or potato peeling on the ship. Every man and woman pulls their weight out at sea - ain't no room for ego or laziness.

Always happy to help with the chores Jack, though I give priority to making sure my stash of tools is always stocked and ready.

Socraties will get himself and his compy a modest, but healthy meal before he calls it an early night, wishing everyone a good sleep on his way to bed.

Waves wash over Coatls knees as he stands ankle deep in the surf, just a few strides out from the sandy beach. He stares out to the horizon, admiring the distant ripples as they tickle the pink, sunwashed sky, showing off its last color burst of the day before the sun dips below the surface, far far away.

Patzmiqui wriggles one last time, allowing the warm sand to finish flowing over his coils and burying himself completely. A medium sized bulge sits in his body, just a few feet below his throat, a portion of the river drakes that will satiate his hunger for several weeks. All the better since they will be out to sea for who knows how long.

The druid closes his eyes, feeling the rhythm of the waves, the cycle of high to low, push and pull. He smiles.

”Do you feel it? The rhythm? The swells of the ocean, the movement of the water? It is like a great Taldorian orchestra. Each part playing it song, contributing to the greater overall sound. Clear your mind, find one note, one creature.” Ortun smiles as the saltwater swirls around them.

”Sounds good Or-Ta-Un. So what fish is most chatty in the ocean? Or maybe which one gets eaten the most? They probably know what the best critter to shape into.”

”Ha! Right for the top you go. I like it. The ocean does not though.” he explains seriously. ”Many bold die quickly. I know you respect the power of nature, but you must proceed with caution. There, that sand shark. See how it appears to not move, to blend in with the sand below it. Watch how it strikes that prism fish.”

”Hey, I bet Mishell knows.” Coatl suddenly bends at the waist only, the crest of the waves passing just beneath his nose. His eyes dart around until he sees the small snapping turtle swimming circles around Ortun’s feet.

”Qui és la criatura oceànica més gran i maldestre?” he asks the critter directly.

The snapping turtle slowly cranes its elongated neck towards the man. ”Eres un niño jugando un juego de hombres. Cada criatura es poderosa. El delfín es veloz y caza en paquetes, la raya lleva veneno. El tiburón mata a todos.”

Coatl looks up from his conversation with Mishell. ”Why you not say this before?” he asks with a big grin on his face. ”You pretty smart about fish, not-fish-man Or-Ta-Un.”

Coatl wades in a little deeper, then suddenly gets an excited look on his face.

”SEA CORAL!” he exclaims, like a child who just discovered his mom’s stash of chocolate. ”These guys super old, they know everything!”

In a flash, Coatl dives head first into the next breaker and disappears below the surface