GM Doom 'n Gloom: The Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

Toshiko heads to an empty vessel and begins to get in.

How does the team respond?

Ikari shrugs. "Seems like this one will do. You can write out a note and tack it to the pier, Kenta. How about 'gone fishing'?"

Ikari looks about to see if there's any reaction from the locals, or perhaps an owner of the vessel.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Hiiragi, just after Toshiko, approaches the boat looking every bit like its owner.

"Loved fishing so much this morning that I just had to come back and bring my friends!" she says to no one in particular.

Kenta just smiles, These plans work great, I'm glad we make them!

He waits to see if anyone runs over screaming about a boat theft.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

All this yammering while I'm trying to calculate distance from the damn sun and the shadow of a ship! What do they think is so impor- OH!

Seeing everyone pile into a boat, Itami wastes no further time and hops right in. "I'm sure a note, gold, and apologies will go a long way Kenta," he says, patting him on the back. Especially the gold. Especially if the boat doesn't make it back the way it was left. Never a dull moment.

He nudges Hirragi with his elbow. "I heard you only managed to hook the barnacles! I'll show you how it's done." Bet a force bolt is just as accurate in the water!

Hiiragi nudges right back. "Oh, nothing but minnows, but have I told you about the one that got away? It was thiiiiis big!" she says, holding an oar out with each hand as far as she can manage... before her arms start to shake and she has to lower them.

As Hiiragi settles the oars back into place and begins rowing, you all hear a call from the docks. "Oy, Vulpino. Vulpino!." An older man with his hand cupped to his mouth shouts, "Vulpino. Ya mangy sea dog. I know you hear ol' Bartimaeus." It's clear the man is pointing right at the team.

The man continues his rant, "Another charter huh? That looks like a sad group o' lubbers to me. Betcha a bottle that lot don't catch nuthin' worth eatin'! That's assumin' that crappy scow of yers don't sink n' drown the lot of ya." A toothless cackle is punctuated by a friendly wave.

"Bartimaeus, y'ol' bastard!" chimes Hiiragi from the boat. "This old man's caught fish older'n'bigger'n you! 'E's been doin' it since before they invented rods!"

Kenta watches with wide eyes as the man calls Hiiragi a mangy dog, That HAS to be a horrid insult, please don't hurt him!

To distract her he quietly says, "Lemme take the oars, I've seen this done before."

"I have," Itami says indignantly, stomping his foot a little against the dock. "You know what?! Take us out right now and I'll prove it to you!" he says, raising his voice a little. "These old bones still have more in them as well." Scowling ferociously at Hirragi to complete the act, he takes a seat on the boat and looks expectantly at his new oarsman.
________
Bluff?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

The Lionfish is an old sailing ship that despite relative neglect has remained in good shape over the years. Its crew members may not be the most learned sailors in the Inner Sea, but it seems they replace rotting wood and patch the sails when necessary. The harbor is quite popular, so a ship at anchor is not unusual activity— many boats are anchored relatively far from the docks, especially bigger vessels with wealthy captains. While the view back toward shore has its beauty, and the Cyphergate ahead nothing short of spectacular, a quick look overboard shows only the polluted waters of the Inner Harbor.

RULES OF THE WATER
In order to get to the ship, the PCs need to traverse the perilous waters of Riddleport’s Inner Harbor to reach the ship. Several small rowboats are tied to the docks of the Wharf District, and can be commandeered to aid PCs in crossing the treacherous waters. Five PCs can fit in one of these standard rowboats, and two must succeed at a DC 10 Strength check in order to navigate the water and reach the Lionfish. This DC increases to 15 if one PC is doing the rowing. During the short voyage, Upon reaching the ship, the PCs must climb up the side in order to board it by making a successful DC 20 Climb check. Alternatively, the PCs may climb up the slippery anchor chain at the bow with a DC 10 Climb check, but the rattling chain imposes a –4 penalty on Stealth checks while climbing. A grappling hook and rope reduce the DC of the Climb check to 5.

Stealth check are optional.

Ikari hops in the boat, and takes an oar alongside Kenta.

"Honest labour, Brother. Honest labour."

He gets into a steady rhythm at the oar. Take 10 on the STR check for an 11.

"So, do we announce ourselves once we're on deck? Seems more sensible than when we're down here in a little rowboat. We're easy targets in here."

Kenta nods while pulling the oar on his side in careful rhythm, ”That would be ideal, yes. I’d prefer to have a show of force to back up the demand for surrender.”

Take 10 + str - acp = 10

He thinks to himself about how they will get up on the ship since it isn’t docked, did I buy that grappling hook?*

*The answer is no.

A show of force? Not without making noise... Doubt a grappling hook will go unseen as well. Itami sighs. "Bring her around the back, no need to put on a show for the whole harbor.

Kenta ties his silk rope around his waist and attempts to quietly move up the chain.

I don't know where the chain is on the ship, but I did get our character pieces placed on the rowboat.

Stealth - ACP - Jangly Chain: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 2 - 4 = 9

Alternatively, the PCs may climb up the slippery anchor chain at the bow with a DC 10 Climb check, but the rattling chain imposes a –4 penalty on Stealth checks while climbing.

Kenta, your rowboat is at the rear (aft) of the ship, so there is no chain. I will allow you to retcon your actions given the higher DC to scale the back of the ship.

I missed that detail about the location of the chain. I would prefer to retcon the location of our rowboat or just move the rowboat so that it is next to the chain. I put a possible new location of the rowboat in the red box on the map.

Wherever the boat ends up, Itami does his best to climb up while maintaining some semblance of stealth.
________
Stealth (Jangles): 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10
Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 ...nothing but noise...
Sorry, when I wrote "around the back" I meant on the side between the boat and the sea, not the boat and the harbor. Wouldn't want the whole harbor to be able to check us out while we did whatever we are about to do!

Toshiko glances up at the side of the ship. Studying for a few moments she picks out some hand and foot holds. Satisfied with her path she draws a dagger, puts it between her teeth and begins to climb.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

”Might be best to wait for a rope to be lowered Itami. Hey, maybe another one of your ‘friends’ might look in on us?”

Ikari draws his bow amd waits in the boat, looking up at the climbers and waiting for a rope to be lowered.

I foresee another Charm Person in our future should we be discovered.

stealth on approach?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Toskiko begins scaling up toward the prow of the ship, and is in position to tie off a rope. Impatient, Itami tries climbing the chains before losing his grip and falling back onto the boat with a thump.

"Whuzzat?" First voice
"Didja hear sumthin? Sounds like trouble!" Second voice
"Oi look! Itsa girly pirate bitin' down on a dagger!" First voice again
"Hehe, I gotta better use fer ya. Still y'ain't gettin' on this boat." Second voice

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 1 Bold may act.

???
Toshiko
Kenta
Hiiragi
???
BLACK
GREEN
Itami
Ikari

Hiiragi, considering the possibilities, decides to get climbing ASAP.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

It's really too bad that she sucks at it.

Accelerated Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

She does better on her second try, though!

Kenta watches Toshiko hop out of the boat and start scurrying up the side, he almost yells at her to stop but then realizes they are trying to be quiet.

For whatever good it didn't do them as she is quickly noticed. He watches Hiiragi attempting to climb up after and takes position below her to follow.

Delay until Hiiragi goes, then attempt to climb the chain.

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Toshiko ties a rope off and tosses the end over the edge down to the boat.

As Hiiragi swings herself on to the deck, Toshiko quickly ties off the rope and kicks the remaining coil down to the boat below. The pair of crewmen eagerly race forward. The one in green britches ignores Hiiragi, instead lashing out at the Toshiko. "You look like you got some spirit. Let's dance little girl." His cutlass leaves a small gash on the swashbuckler's arm. The other deckhand moves forward to attack, but not as well as his compatriot.

Hiiragi, if you have a weapon out or a natural attack, you can take an AoO vs GREEN as he passes you by.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 1 Bold may act.

???
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta
Hiiragi
???
BLACK
GREEN
Itami
Ikari

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Ikari shouts up to his comrades above, and then stashes his bow and tries to climb the rope.

climb, accelerated: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 I've assumed this is a DC5 now, being able to brace against the ship. If I can't brace, then it'll be normal climb speed.

Unfortunately, I needed both hands to climb, and I'm still in disguise as Vulpino.

Which is a heck of a name for a human sailor!

"I can manage, I can manage," Itami says sheepishly. "I'll make my way up after everyone else, we need more meat up there first!"
________
Climb, DC 5?: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15
Was Kenta able to board the ship? IF there is space up there AND Itami wouldn't be blocking anyone else, he will attempt to climb. Otherwise, he will delay until there is or someone is in sight for a Magic Missile.

Yes he was. I envisioned him on the main beam sticking out from the bow. It just looks like he is still on the rowboat. He is 10-ish feet up. You are on the deck.

Now that he is up even with the enemy, Kenta yells out his challenge. "FRIENDS BE CALM! I offer this one chance to SURRENDER and atone for your crimes!"

"I recommend listening to him," advises Hiiragi, who hasn't bothered to clean the chunks of bloody canine off of her flail. "It didn't go so well for the last two groups of guys."

Are we all on deck now? I didn't move my token, sorry.

Bursting out of a door under the pilot's wheel, A grippli runs onto the deck. He reaches into a large satchel and withdraws what looks to be a cloth-wrapped package. He croaks out, "You will no COME on board this SHIP!" His cadence is very reminiscent of a frog creek side at dusk. He tosses the sack, which falls short of Ikari and splats all over the deck.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 2 Bold may act.

From the sound of thumping feet, clearly more crew are coming!

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta
Hiiragi
???
BLACK
GREEN
Itami
Ikari

Kenta moves up past his allies, allowing one of the crew a chance to hack at him so he feels no guilt when he turns to remove a head from a body.

Move while drawing Greatsword, provoking from Green, Attack Green

MW Greatsword - Power Attack + Flank: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 1 + 2 = 18 for Slashing + PA: 2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6) + 3 + 3 = 16

Unfortunately for GREEN, he has already used his AoO for the round.

With righteous conviction, the paladin swing his blade. With a silent gurgle, the head is indeed severed from the man's body. At the moment of impact, those gathered hear a melodic 'yip' and witness the barest whisper of a flame along the tip of the blade. In his soul Kenta knows that at this moment, his 'Lady', the Singing Flame, is with him.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 2 Bold may act.

From the sound of thumping feet, clearly more crew are coming!

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta May take a free action to bask in glory of an Empyreal Lord
Hiiragi
???
BLACK
GREEN He's dead Jim! Suffering from a case of Kenta like I've never seen before.
Itami
Ikari

Hiiragi considers; there's definitely no room to grow here... so she'll make room! She'll have to get mad, though.

Whirling her flail, she whips it forward, toward the guy in the black shirt!

RAGING Flail Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Uh-oh.
RAGING Flail Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Bye, guy!
RAGING Flail CRIT damage: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (3, 8) + 6 = 17

She is not to be outdone in the glory of her deity, either, it seems!

"Beat THAT, Kenta!" she snarls with a wide grin as she presumably kills a dude in a manner I'll let the GM describe.

Not to be outdone, the Daikitsun priestess steps forward and swing her flail.

Perhaps it is a trick of the light, but it seems that the very moment of impact, the flail turns white as snow.

Perhaps that is what caused the look of disbelief on the human's face.

Perhaps that is why he awkwardly stumbled to the rail.

Perhaps if his spine had not been shattered, his arms would have grasped the wood instead of hanging futiley at his side.

Perhaps that would have been enough to stop him from falling over the side and cartwheeling into the harbor waters.

Perhaps.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 2 Bold may act.

From the sound of thumping feet, clearly more crew are coming!

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta May take a free action to bask in glory of an Empyreal Lord
Hiiragi May take a free action to raise an eyebrow at Kenta.
???
BLACK Dammit Jim! Another one. I'm only a simple country doctor. They may as all be wearing red shirts!
Itami
Ikari

Kenta feels the divine power guiding his strike and his fur stands on end. He shivers with happiness, "Striking down scum must agree with both our gods." He turns towards the frog, "You are next!"

"Good, Kenta, good! Let your anger flow through you! Anger gives you strength! Strength to smite the unrighteous who would take from those who have toiled!"

Ikari approves.

Moving us along. Placing Toshiko in delay. She can post twice.

Two more of the crewmen run on to the deck, cutlasses in hand.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 2 Bold may act.

From the sound of thumping feet, clearly more crew are coming!

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta
Hiiragi
YELLOW
RED
Itami
Ikari

Ikari advances, leveling his spear. Calling upon the Lady of Foxes, he grows faster than the rice grains of Tian Xia.

large raging spear vs Red: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 = 17

Now threatening at a range of 15-20 feet with spear, and at 0-10 feet with bite.

Itami looks around, pleased with his family's handiwork. "We're getting rather quick at this!" he observes. He then begins to chant and weave wisps of blue haze into a net above him. Bet that Captain knows something!
________
Begin casting Sleep.

"That's what happens when you hit Level 2!"

Toshiko moves up and hurls a dagger at Yellow.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Tosh's blade thunks into the main mast next to the sailor. Upon seeing the giant invader on his deck, Muckbuckle takes a step back before hurling a flask. It crashes into Ikari's face and explodes on the barbarian!

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 3 Bold may act.

From the sound of thumping feet, clearly more crew are coming!

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta
Hiiragi
YELLOW
RED
Itami
Ikari {9/22 hp}

Hiiragi snarls, charging forward!

As her feet take her past Toshiko, they start to grow larger... along with the rest of her.

This boat now has two big angry folks!

Charging, Enraged, Large Flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Charging, Enraged, Large Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 5) + 6 = 18

She promptly reduces the fellow in yellow to a smear.

Toshiko throws another dagger, at red this time.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Kenta steps up behind his recently exploded ally and reaches up to touch the... hip? side? probably not tall enough for the shoulder... of the angry Ikari, "Bless this Fox with long life!"

5-ft step, Standard to Lay on Hands healing Ikari for 1d6 ⇒ 5, 3/4 LoH remain

Hiiragi does indeed reduce the man to a jumbles mess of blood and gore. A dripping puddle of death.

With two large foes before him and a dagger sticking out of his thigh, the uncertain pirate takes a cautious step backwards. He seems ready to swing his blade should someone get close enough.

Meanwhile, Kenta rushes over to provide succor to Ikari.

NO PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD! Round 3 Bold may act.

Muckbuckle
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Kenta
Hiiragi
RED
Itami
Ikari {14/22 hp}

Will await result of Irani's Sleep spell which should off now.