GM Netherpongo's Warhammer Fantasy

Game Master Nathan Goodrich

Although each of you has your personal reasons for being there, you find yourselves in the port city of Grunburg, which sits on the side of the reddish waters of the Teufel River. The local industry focuses heavily on shipbuilding, and the docks are filled more with the scent of woodwork than fish.

Marven's Magnificent Curios is known to stop in Grunburg periodically, but the pedlar is uncharacteristically late this time, and some in the town are starting to worry over the travelling merchant's fate. You received word this morning, however, that Marven's barge pulled into the Grunburg docks late last night. He should be available somewhere in Grunburg's market district this morning.

Just to be sure we've covered it with everyone, spoilers are meant only for the people that they apply to. I'll be posting "GM Stuff" spoilers periodically when I need to make rolls or track other hidden information, and those are GM specific.

Also, it's not too late to arrange for your characters to know each other in advance. Just sort out details beforehand in Discussion.

Gossip Skill Check (38): 1d100 ⇒ 31

Ludger has enjoyed working the docks of Grunburg. There’s a lot of interesting ships coming and going and lots of interesting looking folks around. He’s even spotted a Lady Slayer, who would have thought it?

And best of all, he found himself a lost crate which may be full of jewels or gold or magic weapons, the possibilities seem endless to Ludger’s greedy imagination. Taking his crate to a quiet, out of the way corner of the docks, Ludger ignores the odd smell coming from it and pries the lid off to see what’s inside. This could be a big score. Whatever it is, he’s sure that Marven will be able to take it off his hands.

Gossip (45): 1d100 ⇒ 50

Magda was worried.

Of course Peter's parents were caring, maybe more than the usual parents in the Empire, but the urchin's cough didn't seem to pass, whatever remedies she tried. And it was worsening. If, as the copper-eyed halfling supposed, he was sick with Grumblar's Hack, the only thing that could help him recover was some Thirsfen' herbs concoction.

She could hear people chatting around her as she walked toward the docks, where the barge of Marven's Magnificent Curios should coast, but she wasn't really paying attention, lost in her thoughts.

I'm an halfling but I have no time for small talk. I hope Marven will have some Thirsfen herbs, so I can give them to Peter's parents. If not, maybe I can command some for them, or he might know someone who can have the herbs in stock, and have them delivered to Peter's house. It's worth trying. I'll have to give the recipe to Frau Starich, and show Peter's mom how to properly grind the herbs, it's not that hard. But the herb is essential to the concoction.

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

Ooo...fancy, never seen anything like this before. I bet Marven will pay at least a few Shillings for these.

Perception Skill Test (30+20): 1d100 ⇒ 21

Wow, these things stink...hmmm...just like those supplies the army unloaded last summer. Maybe these are really worth something since the army wouldn't let us stevedores touch 'em.

Whistling a happy tune, Ludger picks up the crate and hurries to the market, anxious to sell his find to Marven as quickly as possible. This will get me a step closer to owning my own boat I bet.

Axel looked at the pennies he had in his palm... then weighed it against the envelope in his other hand and winced.

Marven's Magnificent Curios was proving hard to find.

He sighed and put the envelope away, inside his shirt, close to his skin.

Herr Hilsfeder had money, and therefore friends... Axel had none. And he was smart enough to realise to that weighed the scales heavily in favour of honesty.

He started searching again, with renewed determination... he could dally one the letter was delivered.

RL 45 + 20: 1d100 ⇒ 43

Can Anyone help me find Marven's Magnificent Curios? Anyone..., but the people around him seemed far too busy or disinterested to help.

Please, he should be available somewhere in Grunburg's market district this morning?

At that he thought he saw some comprehension on a few nearby faces...

Marven's operation isn't precisely discreet, and you are able to get directions without trouble.

"...most exciting arrangements from all over the world!" the headmaster of the pedlar exclaims from the top of a box nearby his colorful wagon. "From Brettonia to Kislev, we've gathered wares for your perusal. The finest items and prices you will find anywhere!"

Several shoppers are gathered around Marven's assistant, but few are paying much attention to the pedlar himself.

You are the owner, proprietor and operator of Marven's Magnificent Curios? Your name sir? I need be sure...

Ludger hangs back from the wagon waiting until he can have a quiet word with Marven.

"The very same," the man atop the box replies confidently to Axel. "What can I do to help you this morning?"

I come bearing a missive from Marcius Hilsfeder. I have been instructed, sternly, to wait for your reply sir.

Magda finally arrives near the traveling merchant's barge, and waits her turn, patiently, looking around for the herb she seeks, but unable to spot them

Perception 40: 1d100 ⇒ 93

Sorry, hadn't realized we had started:

Bolka spent her first morning on dry land going from "scholar" to "wiseman" in the city, all of them worthless. "Giant Ratmen in the sewers!" sounded good, until she learned that there were no sewers; a "Troll" turned out to be an ugly drunken Kislevite.

Needless to say, her patience had run as thin as an Elf's will to fight, and her nose was bloodied; the Kislevite had hit like a mule.

This was the last lead she had found, and she stomped into the middle of the market square, looking for this so-called trader.

There was a group of people arrayed in front of the wagon/storefront, and Bolka started shoving her way through them.

No problem, Bolka. It took me way longer than I meant to get started, so I can't fault people for not being prompt when I did.

"Thank you sir," Markus says as he takes the missive from Axel and opens it before perusing the document. He frowns before he continues.

"The letter does indeed require a reply. It will take me some time to draft it properly, and I have business to attend to. I'm going to take more of your time, unfortunately. Get yourself something to eat in the Market." He gives Axel four pennies and turns to the next person awaiting his attention.

We have most everyone here now. I'll suggest that people all speak up at once. We can assume that you waited your turns properly, but it will help us get through this in a reasonable timeframe give the pbp format.

So who is here?

Bolka....isn't exactly waiting. She's started to shove her way to the front of the crowd.

Once people saw who was shoving through the crowd: an incredibly strong woman with a massive hammer on her back and a giant reddish-orange mohawk, most were willing to allow her to pass, especially once they saw her face.

Finally at the front, she snarled "You, Umgi, I need information from you, and with Grungnir as my witness, if you tell me that a Human is a troll I will come back here and smash your wagon to splinters!"

Bolka....isn't exactly waiting. She's started to shove her way to the front of the crowd.

Once people saw who was shoving through the crowd: an incredibly strong woman with a massive hammer on her back and a giant reddish-orange mohawk, most were willing to allow her to pass, especially once they saw her face.

Finally at the front, she snarled "You, Umgi, I need information from you, and with Grungnir as my witness, if you tell me that a Human is a troll I will come back here and smash your wagon to splinters!"

Ludger figures the easiest way to get to Marven may be to just follow along behind the dwarven battering ram. "Excuse me, pardon, just trying to keep up with the Slayer, don't want to make a Slayer mad do we," Ludger murmurs to the crowd as he shoves his way through in the wake of the angry dwarf.

It looks like Magda, Ludger, Bolka & Axel are all here. Our last player has gone silent on me. I'm trying to figure out what's going on. We can continue for now though.

Marven looks perplexed at Bolka's approach. It's not every day that he is confronted by a Slayer, it seems. "I'll...keep that in mind. What can I do to help you?"

Do you have some Thirsfen herbs? I need them for a medical concoction. A young boy who's ill.

You would never have thought that the lithe halfling would be bold enough to speak before the massive dwarf warrioress. Or that anyone would be bold enough to speak before the angry slayer, anyway.

But then Magda isn't speaking for herself, she's speaking for one of her patient.

Axel was dumbfounded by both sights, a dwarf and a halfling were hardly common sights!

"I seek my doom, Manling. I have been told you know where I can find it."

"Oi Marven, got something here that I think you'll find interesting. Let's you and I work out a deal."

Ludger opens the crate and holds it so Marven can see what inside. Ludger carefully unwraps the oiled clothes revealing the colorful tubes. Dropping his voice so hopefully no one but Marven can hear, Ludger adds, "I think this is good military type stuff, out to be worth a pretty penny."

Its going to be a long time... but I'll save these four pennies and enjoy the show!, he thinks, fascinated.

"Thirsfen..." Marven says as he considers Magda's question. "I haven't stocked up on that for a while, and I know I unloaded most of what I have back in Averland. You said you need it for a concoction though? If the amount required is small, I should be able to find what you need. I'll need to search the wagon, though. Please wait a moment. As you can see, I'm very busy..."

***

Marven inspects Ludger's crate with interest, leaning in close for a modicum of privacy. "I don't think your wares are belonged to who you said, although I've never gotten close to their wares either. These items lack the requisite stamps. I'll need to take a closer look than I can with all these eyes about...if you could store it in the wagon, I can determine how much I can give you for it afterward. See my assistant to obtain a voucher so your wares won't get lost in the shuffle."

***

Confronted by Bolka, Marven blanches. "Well, I'm not entirely sure how to respond. There are many ways to meet your end, though I suspect that simply drowning yourself would not satisfy, given the markings you bear. Is there any specific foe you wish to seek out?"

** spoiler omitted **

Marven inspects Ludger's crate with interest, leaning in close for a modicum of privacy. "I don't think your wares are belonged to who you said, although I've never gotten close to their wares either. These items lack the requisite stamps. I'll need to take a closer look than I can with all these eyes about...if you could store it in the wagon, I can determine how much I can give you for it afterward. See my assistant to obtain a voucher so your wares won't get lost in the shuffle."

** spoiler omitted **

Hard (-20) Perception Skill (30-20) Test: 1d100 ⇒ 1

Ludger follows Marven’s instructions until,he sees...

Bolka holds up her hand and counts ticks off her fingers as she speaks "Trolls, Dragons, Daemons; Beastmen, skaven, Orks, or Goblins if you haven't got anything better."

Axels eyes widen at the thought of seeing such legendary creatures, jaw hanging open about the dwarfs willingness to face such...

** spoiler omitted **

Being an uneducated stevedore, Ludger has no idea what he's seeing. Just to be on the safe side he draws his dagger even as he calls quietly to the 'people' in the wagon, "Hello??"

"Anything...better?" Marven sputters. "I should hardly think that...ah well. I heard a rumor..."

Marven's ruminations on where Bolka can get herself killed are cut off abruptly as the horses leading Marven's wagon cry out and rear in terror. A bloody gash is clearly visible on the flank of one of the mares. The cry of panic quickly spreads through the crowd gathered about the wagon as onlookers realize their danger.

Going to experiment a bit with initiative for a little bit to see what we like. This time, I'm going to try Initiative as a Dramatic test, recalculated every round. If anyone has questions about how I'm figuring this, let me know.

Axel Initiative 30: 1d100 ⇒ 69 -3 SL
Bolka Initiative 36: 1d100 ⇒ 99 -6 SL
Magda Initiative 32: 1d100 ⇒ 33 +0 SL
Ludger Initiative 36: 1d100 ⇒ 2 +3 SL
Hidden Initiative 20: 1d100 ⇒ 98 -7 SL
Horses Initiative 15: 1d100 ⇒ 41 -3 SL, beat Axel on a tie

Initiative Order:
Ludger
Magda
Horses (they're just panicking this turn)
Axel
Bolka
Hidden
Bystanders (including Marven) Go Last

Please don't wait to declare your actions in initiative order, as it will make things take forever. For those not by the wagon already, it will require some sort of skill test to bypass the crowd if you want to approach. If you need help deciding what to do or how to do it, just ask!

"My wagon!" Marven cries out in terror as he sees the situation unfolding. "Someone, please help!"

This situation is exactly why Ludger has spent hours learning how to fight. Real Greenskins here in Grunberg! Given the cramped condition inside the wagon, Ludger is a bit constrained in his movement but nothing stops him from yelling, ”GREENSKINS!!“ as loud as possible as he attacks.

Attack Roll (56-10): 1d100 ⇒ 23 SL +2
Damage of 2 (WB) + 4 (SB) + 2 (SL)
I will happily let the GM take into account the size difference impact if any

Ludger also swings his dagger around to defend himself if attacked.
Defense Roll (56-10): 1d100 ⇒ 19 SL +3...Possible Advantage from Attack?

"Well, that was quicker than I thought." chuckled Bolka to herself as she is about to draw her hammer when the wagon goes...cattiewompus.

Trying to keep the horses from freaking out, Bolka realizes that she really doesn't know how to deal with animals, so she instead follows Ludger's cry and climbs into the back of the wagon, drawing one of her axes as she does.

Magda trots toward the horses, and tries to calm them down, using the experience from years spent in her father's farm

Charm animal 45: 1d100 ⇒ 53

Spend a Fortune point to re roll

Charm animal 45: 1d100 ⇒ 19

I have the Animal affinity talent

Bolka & Magda (also applies to Axel): you can make a Perception check to see the relevant spoiler in my last post before you decide your action. Also, if you want to get closer to the wagon or the horses, you'll need to make some sort of Test to do so as your action in the first turn. Something like Intimidate to get people out of your way or Athletics to weave through the crowd would work, although I'm leaving this sort of freestyle.

***

Snotling Dodge 30 vs Ludger: 1d100 ⇒ 73 -4 SL

Too preoccupied with advancing on Ludger, the goblin fails to notice Ludger's own dagger until it is too late.

Going to be a bit verbose about this attack since we have some new players.

Because Ludger succeeded on an Opposed Test in combat, he gains +1 Advantage. I didn't tell him so before, but I've decided to ignore the Deathblow rule for the size difference due to the crowded conditions in the wagon, mostly because this is an exhibition fight.

Ludger: you can choose to activate Stomp at the cost of your Advantage.

Bolka & Magda (also applies to Axel): you can make a Perception check to see the relevant spoiler in my last post before you decide your action. Also, if you want to get closer to the wagon or the horses, you'll need to make some sort of Test to do so as your action in the first turn. Something like Intimidate to get people out of your way or Athletics to weave through the crowd would work, although I'm leaving this sort of freestyle.

***

[dice=Snotling Dodge 30 vs Ludger]1d100 -4 SL

Too preoccupied with advancing on Ludger, the goblin fails to notice Ludger's own dagger until it is too late.

Going to be a bit verbose about this attack since we have some new players.

** spoiler omitted **...

If a snotling is small enough that Ludger can boot it out of the wagon then will spend Advantage to do so, otherwise will hold onto the Advantage +1

I'm not sure about kicking it out of the wagon (depends how well you do!), but you can attack it with Brawling if you wish.

Ever the opportunist Axel moves, dodging rearing horses, and ends up between the chaos and Marven. He draws his Dagger and tries to gather his wits.

Sigmar! I hope I don't die here! I also hope Marven remembers this!, he thinks, thoughts racing!

I'm not sure about kicking it out of the wagon (depends how well you do!), but you can attack it with Brawling if you wish.

** spoiler omitted **

Ludger grew up playing ‘Kick the Snotling’ on the docks of Ubersreik so can’t resist the chance to play with an actual Snotling to kick. He draws back his strong right leg, keeps his head down and eye on the target and tries to ‘Kick the Snotling’ as far as possible...

Melee Brawl (41-10): 1d100 ⇒ 83 -5 SL

and manages to completely miss the Snotling.

Ludger spent his Advantage and the snotling he attacked is at +1 Advantage after successfully dodging.

Undeterred by the death of their ally, the snotlings begin to swarm about Ludger, attacking him from several angles as more appear from the shadows and nooks of the wagon.

Snotling #1 Attack vs Ludger 20 +10 advantage +10 small: 1d100 ⇒ 1 +4 SL
Snotling #2 Attack 20 vs Ludger +20 gang up +10 small: 1d100 ⇒ 39 +2 SL
Snotling #3 Attack 20 vs Ludger +40 gang up +10 small: 1d100 ⇒ 76 +0 SL

Ludger spent his Advantage and the snotling he attacked is at +1 Advantage after successfully dodging.

Undeterred by the death of their ally, the snotlings begin to swarm about Ludger, attacking him from several angles as more appear from the shadows and nooks of the wagon.

dice=Snotling #1 Attack vs Ludger 20 +10 advantage +10 small]1d100 +4 SL
dice=Snotling #2 Attack 20 vs Ludger +20 gang up +10 small]1d100 +2 SL
dice=Snotling #3 Attack 20 vs Ludger +40 gang up +10 small]1d100 +0 SL

** spoiler omitted **

Snotling #1 Can Ludger use the Defense Roll (19) from above? If so, Ludger ends up with SL +3 (shame used that Advantage). Going to spend a Fortune point to add +1 SL which results in SL +4 and a win in the opposed test giving Ludger Advantage +1

Melee Basic Defense Snotling #2 (56-10): 1d100 ⇒ 30 SL +2 after adding Advantage +1 which is a win in the opposed test giving Ludger Advantage +2

Melee Basic Defense Snotling #3 (56-10): 1d100 ⇒ 97 SL -3 after adding Advantage +2. Spending second Fortune point to reroll

Reroll Melee Basic Defense Snotling #3 (56-10): 1d100 ⇒ 86 SL -2 with Advantage +2. Going to go ahead and keep this horrible roll and save the other 2 Fortune points

Keeping your earlier roll is fine. This first round of combat is a bit confused as it is. Plus I got two Fortune out of you this round, so I can't complain!

Ludger fends off the attacks of two snotlings, but the third proves too much for his defenses. Though the greenskin's attack was clumsy, it gets past Ludger's guard and the small creature's dagger slashes him in the side.

Damage: +2 SL +4 Weapon -4 Toughness Bonus = 2 Wounds lost. Ludger loses both of his Advantage and Snotling #3 gains 1 Advantage.

***

Everyone else: no one made the skill tests I called for to approach the wagon or horses. As things stand, you will all be caught in the crowds and unable to approach this round. Magda's Charm Animal test won't occur, but if Magda wants they can preserve the roll & Fortune expenditure to use on a later round for the same action. For now, they get their Fortune back.

Ever the opportunist Axel moves, dodging rearing horses, and ends up between the chaos and Marven. He draws his Dagger and tries to gather his wits.

Sigmar! I hope I don't die here! I also hope Marven remembers this!, he thinks, thoughts racing!

Skill test Cool 1d100 ⇒ 70SL -2

Perception (I): 36: 1d100 ⇒ 10

You said that if we were next to the wagon we wouldn't have to make tests. AFAIK, I was next to the wagon, since I was shouting at Marven. I'll make a test though.

Bolka starts shoving people out of her way, trying to get to the wagon.

Athletics (AG): 20: 1d100 ⇒ 96

Athletics to get through the crowd (40): 1d100 ⇒ 100

This might spell troubles...

Magda tries to get trought the crowd and reach the horses, but to no avail

Between that 96 and the 100 and all the goblin hits, this may not last past the encounter

Bolka: that's my fault for not describing the situation very well, then. Marven is a bit away from the wagon and separated from it by the crowds as well. The distances aren't big, but the panicking crowd is the complication.

Axel: fortunately, I'm not planning on doing critical skill failures. So Magda and Bolka failed to push or dodge through the crowds successfully, but they aren't taking any additional penalties because their rolls were really bad. 96-100 are autofailure results, so they would have failed even if their skills were super high, though. Also, there was only one goblin hit on Ludger, so he's not doing all that badly yet. If you would like me to explain that, just say so and I'll break it down more fully in Discussion.

Ludger: I forgot it on the first round, but the snotlings have the Infected trait. Make an Easy (+40) Endurance Test to resist.

The horses continue to panic and look ready to bolt as the greenskin now more clearly visible at the seat of the wagon continues to hack away at them. The wagon jostles as they struggle in their lines, and they look ready to bolt. If they do, they'll take the wagon with them! Calming the horses will be Difficult (-10) so long as that snotling continues to attack them.

The sounds of battle are clearly coming from the back of the wagon.

"Help! No, they'll take everything!" Marven cries in horror as he watches, helpless to stop the destruction of his livelihood. The panicking crowd begins to scatter in all directions, and it looks likely that some of them may be trampled.

The crowd is thinned out enough that Bolka & Magda can reach the wagon. They'll be jostled and pushed by the crowd, however, and take a -10 penalty on all tests this turn.

Axel Initiative 30: 1d100 ⇒ 83 -5 SL
Bolka Initiative 36 -10: 1d100 ⇒ 39 -1 SL
Magda Initiative 32 -10: 1d100 ⇒ 89 -6 SL
Ludger Initiative 36: 1d100 ⇒ 68 -3 SL
Greenskins Initiative 20: 1d100 ⇒ 60 -4 SL
Horses Initiative 15: 1d100 ⇒ 77 -6 SL, beating Magda on a tie

Initiative Order: (keep in mind that if you really dislike your Initiative position, you could use Fortune to improve your position by rerolling or adding 1 SL)
Bolka
Ludger
Greenskins
Axel
Horses
Magda
Bystanders (including Marven)

Combat spoilers for each player follow. Decide your actions before you look inside! It might be difficult to adjudicate in this format, but if people decide to go assist Ludger in the wagon, there's only room for one more Average sized person to fight alongside him.

Bolka: that's my fault for not describing the situation very well, then. Marven is a bit away from the wagon and separated from it by the crowds as well. The distances aren't big, but the panicking crowd is the complication.

Axel: fortunately, I'm not planning on doing critical skill failures. So Magda and Bolka failed to push or dodge through the crowds successfully, but they aren't taking any additional penalties because their rolls were really bad. 96-100 are autofailure results, so they would have failed even if their skills were super high, though. Also, there was only one goblin hit on Ludger, so he's not doing all that badly yet. If you would like me to explain that, just say so and I'll break it down more fully in Discussion.

Ludger: I forgot it on the first round, but the snotlings have the Infected trait. Make an Easy (+40) Endurance Test to resist.

The horses continue to panic and look ready to bolt as the greenskin now more clearly visible at the seat of the wagon continues to hack away at them. The wagon jostles as they struggle in their lines, and they look ready to bolt. If they do, they'll take the wagon with them! Calming the horses will be Difficult (-10) so long as that snotling continues to attack them.

The sounds of battle are clearly coming from the back of the wagon.

"Help! No, they'll take everything!" Marven cries in horror as he watches, helpless to stop the destruction of his livelihood. The panicking crowd begins to scatter in all directions, and it looks likely that some of them may be trampled.

** spoiler omitted **

The crowd is thinned out enough that Bolka & Magda can reach the wagon. They'll be jostled and pushed by the crowd, however, and take a -10 penalty on all tests this turn.

dice=Axel Initiative 30]1d100 -5...

First thing first, Easy Endurance Test

Second thing, will correct Ludger's profile to reflect Wounds and spent Fortune points right after posting this

Ludger hesitates for a split second trying to decide what should be done. The horses! I need to get that Snotling away from the horses!

Ludger will use his size edge to disengage freely from his 3 current opponents and will Charge the Snotling that is tormenting the horses. If Charge is not possible, it'll be a regular attack. Assuming that the combat to protect the horses will not be in the cargo section of the wagon and therefore no -10 penalty?

Ludger shoulders aside his smaller foes and smashes past them to protect the horses to try to stop them from bolting and taking the wagon with it. Dagger already dripping with foul, greenskin blood, Ludger charges into the Snotling that is attacking the horses.

Ludger's Charging Melee Attack (56): 1d100 ⇒ 5 SL +5 (SL +6 if Charging is allowed) with hit location of 50 which is body

Checking the Spoiler, it looks like Snotling #5 rolled a 32 which is a SL +0 and thus a crushing win for Ludger. HURRAH FOR LUDGER

Ludger's damage would be +2 (Dagger) + 4 (Strength) + 6 (SL) for 12 points! Take that Snotling!

The pitiful Snotling attacking the horses had no idea his doom was upon him until he was skewered by the stevedore's dagger.

Ludger gained Advantage +1 for Charging and another point for winning the opposed check against the Snotling for a total of Advantage +2

Ludger shouts out a challenge to the Snotlings in the wagon, "HEY STUPID SNOTLINGS - COME OUT HERE AND FACE ME AND GET KILLED LIKE YOUR ROTTEN LITTLE FRIENDS"

Ludger's Defense Rolls in case the Snotlings are following him from the wagon, leaving it to GM to add Advantage as appropriate.

Defense Roll 1 (56): 1d100 ⇒ 98 I really do not want to be stuck with that 98, so spending Fortune Point #3 to reroll

Defense Reroll of 1 (56): 1d100 ⇒ 64 Could be SL 0 or SL +1 depending on Netherpongo's decisions on the options above

Defense Roll 2 (56): 1d100 ⇒ 46 SL +1 not counting any Advantage points

Defense Roll 3 (56): 1d100 ⇒ 67 SL -1 not counting any Advantage points

Axel, unable to get to the merchant, stabs that snotling attacking the horses... maybe that will help!

Dagger: 1d100 ⇒ 30 SL + 0

Ludger: the front of the wagon would be more cramped, not less. I wouldn't have applied any additional penalties, though, and even with a -10 you crushed him.

Axel: the goblin you swung at would be dead by your turn. What would you like to do instead?

I'll resolve the attacks vs Ludger later.

Can I use that move to get to the merchant and tell him to hide/get on the boat?