While Lila keeps watch (and prepares to try to look exceptionally pretty), Mokhai rows without complaint.
Richter and Mokhai navigate the rowboat towards the Blue Nixie. The ship is lit by a couple of red tinted bullseye's lanterns at the bow and the stern, drowning the fey craft in a tinge foreshadowing blood. As Lorskan and Malek swim closer, they and Lila notice that there appears to be two men standing on the main deck, both dressed in leather or studded leather armor, and carrying rapiers along with crossbows. They appear to be looking out to both sides for something.
Nayala whispers to those in the boat: "See if we can get close enough to climb the anchor chain or ladders. If they notice us, then we try the dock-Walker ruse, eh?"
”Two soft skins, watching both times.” Iorskan said, not wanting to get the race wrong. All soft skins looked alike. He swam as quietly as he could...
Lila nods in reply, knowing Nayala can see well in the dark. She holds her breath in anticipation of a fight as Mokhai keeps rowing the group closer.
Lorksan is able to make it onto the boat without anyone noticing him. The two men notice the boat approaching, and yell out "Hail the boat! State your name and business as you approach, or be fired upon! This ship is impounded under the order of the Harbormaster!
Malek whispers tries to climb up with Lorksan, quietly he says I'm ready to call in some... temporary assistance when needed
"Ahoy mateys!" Lila calls out in a girly tone, waving as the rowboat draws nearer. "It's been a slow night at the Crimson Genie, so the owner sent our little crew out to see if any berthed ships are in need of some entertainment or...companionship."
Nayala waves her arm in the general direction of the ship.
"Cant earn coin with no customers, right friends?"
Quietly, and very slowly, Iorskan climbed out of the water. The guards were distracted. Now was the best time to slip past them...or if need be eat their legs.
Richter and Mokhai navigate the rowboat towards the Blue Nixie. The ship is lit by a couple of red tinted bullseye's lanterns at the bow and the stern, drowning the fey craft in a tinge foreshadowing blood. As Lorskan and Malek swim closer, they and Lila notice that there appears to be two men standing on the main deck, both dressed in leather or studded leather armor, and carrying rapiers along with crossbows. They appear to be looking out to both sides for something.
Richter and Mokhai navigate the rowboat towards the Blue Nixie. The ship is lit by a couple of red tinted bullseye's lanterns at the bow and the stern, drowning the fey craft in a tinge foreshadowing blood. As Lorskan and Malek swim closer, they and Lila notice that there appears to be two men standing on the main deck, both dressed in leather or studded leather armor, and carrying rapiers along with crossbows. They appear to be looking out to both sides for something.
Both of the thugs smile at Lila and Nayala'a offer. "Well now, doxies on order? What will they think of next, dockside meal delivery? How much for a ride in your ocean, dearies?"
Nayala looks at Lila and half shrugs.
"We go up and take a look at these fellas and 'haggle'?"
Lila returns Nayala's shrug. Knowing that they likely need to only keep the men occupied for a few more seconds, she calls back, "Standard rates...assuming you've got a bed, hammock, or at least some decent blankets on your boat."
Iorskan felt a twinge of panic. They were bartering but didn’t bring any goods! What did they plan to sell? It didn’t make sense. Maybe this was for an ambush...?
One thug says "Oh we have plenty of hammocks and beds to use for a exploration of your ladies' oceans. Hop aboard and my fellow intrepid souls will be happy to show you.. The thug gratures at a nearby ladder that leads on to the main deck of the ship.
"Right-o, lads. Get your coin purses in order, and make sure you've washed up recently."
Nayala begins to climb the ladder confidently.
Mokhai makes eye contact with Richter, wondering when he's planning on springing his aforementioned 'trick' on the guards. He glowers a bit as Nayala starts up the ladder and Lila prepares to follow after.
Malek watches with... confusion and curiosity at the trickery. Honestly he thinks it's a brilliant move, anything to avoid mindless bloodshed, regardless he was ready for it to break out if the ruse was seen through
The two thugs chortle and say, Oh we're clean enough for you, lassie. I just washed last week". The two thugs move towards the railing, eager to trade coin for pleasure.
Mokhai makes eye contact with Richter, wondering when he's planning on springing his aforementioned 'trick' on the guards. He glowers a bit as Nayala starts up the ladder and Lila prepares to follow after.
"I can make a construct appear over there, it should serve as a good distraction. Might be able to shove one right off the boat too, if that sounds like something we'd be interested in. Could have it show up right as we start climbing, so they don't see us come up. How's that sound?"
"Sounds good," Mokhai growls softly as he pulls in the rowboat's oars. "Also a bit late," he adds with a nod toward Nayala, who's already on the ladder.
The two thugs stand patiently, eager to slake their lust.
"Stop dragon your feet!" Lila giggles in a girly, perhaps slightly inebriated tone as she gives Nayala a playful swat on the butt. She hopes Iorskan's close enough to catch her sneaky call to action.
Where's the ambush? she wonders to herself. Did the others get eaten by sharks? Or drown?
Nayala moves up the ladder and steps aside, allowing Lila to get all the way up.
"Juat hold onto your trousers, boys. Our watcher needs to climb up before we get to business, keeps us safe on these "house calls" as it were. Dont worry, we've got plenty of time to dance tonight."
She attempts to get one of the sailors close enough to impede his crossbow usage, ideally with Lila directly opposite her to flank him.
Malek takes a look around to see if the others are in place, when he notices the call to action he Casts Summon monster 1 suddenly Summoning An eagle to attack the pirates, as he draws his Shortspear and Shield.
He summons the Bird right over the head of one of the pirates. The bird then proceeds to slash and bite the evildoer!
At the same time, Richter's Astral Construct appears, taking the form of a dwarf with oversized, spiky forearms. It slams both of its palms into the other pirate's shins with surprising force.
Lila scrambles up the ladder with Mokhai right behind her.
"Whoa! What's that--a giant mosquito?" the bard asks, feigning ignorance of the summoned creature's origin.
Dragon! Was that his cue? He didn’t care. He considered it his cue. Iorskan was ready to charge!
The first thug screams in pain as one of the eagle's talons and its beaks tears into him. The second thug grunts from the impact of the armored ectoplasmic Hulk, but retains his footing. He seems to be made of sterner stuff then his counterpart. Nayala and Lila move to flank the thug of their choice. Nayala, Lorskan, Lila, and Nayala get a surprise action, and then we'll switch to initiative.
"Hey stupid, Sneak Attack!"
Nayala slices the man flanked with her kukri, aiming for the belly rather than his throat.
to hit, for
confirmation, slashing
Lila draws her dagger and takes a 5-foot step forward to allow Mokhai and Richter easier access to the deck of the Blue Nixie.
Nayala's thug drops from being stabbed in the gut by her well aimed kukri, and the natural weapons of the celestial eagle summoned by Malek. The second thug is still engaged by the ectoplasmic dwarf. Lorskan and Mokhai still have actions this surprise round.
Mokhai follows Lila up the ladder and prepares to draw his weapon while telling the smaller bard to get behind him.
Iorskan, for his part, merely moves into range upon he can begin his feast.
Lila scoots quickly past the surprised guard and into flanking position opposite Nayala. Grinning at her new friend, she attempts to stab the guard with her dagger. Her battle form is pretty poor, however.
for
lila misses the thug. Malek is up next.