Masks of the Living God: Price of Immortality

Game Master polyfrequencies

"Oh my, that does sound horrible!" Charles says as he begins filling the divot on the head of the leader. He looks at the teeth marks on the kappa and tries to see if he can think of any animal that swims, flies, and could have a similar bite.
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

After filling the water for the leader, he would begin helping the others as well. Both giving them water, and offering them his hand in assistance getting up.

Winter shakes off the lake water from his fur and starts to sniff the unfortunate kappa out of curiosity.

Silvio joins in the efforts to restore the kappa, emptying his waterskin and filling it with lake water from the bucket. "The creature has tusks, a vicious tail, and can fly?" asks Silvio with worry.

As the kappas are restored, they begin helping each other as well, cheering and embracing as they start to run back along the beach. They have surprisingly good balance, and despite their jostling none of them seem to be at risk of spilling their water on their own. Some of them begin to play with Winter, chasing or being chased along the damp sand.

The leader alone remains speaking with Charles and Silvio, bending deeply down to his knee. "Thank you, kind travelers. You have my bale's deep thanks. We would have had to wait for the next storm without you." He looks at his kin playing with the sheepdog. "So quickly they forget and return. The joys of being young."

The lead kappa draws closer to the halfling and the human, beckoning Charles to bend down towards him. "My parents spoke of a similar attack ten years ago. Most of our tribe was wiped out then and we had to rebuild. I do not know what it was, but I hope we can avoid it again. I do not want to have to leave our homes."

To Charles mind, there are a small handful of animals that might be capable of such feats, but not many. Those capable of such distinct modes of movement were usually not animals, but rather extraplanar beings or the results of beasts having been exposed to tremendous magical energies. But there is a likelier explanation that his mind begins to flit towards...

Dragons.

You don't have quite enough to go on to make the Knowledge (arcana) check, but I'll definitely give you that it's no animal that attacked them.

Winter greatly enjoys having some new friends to play with!

"It was nothing," Silvio says to the leader as he bows in thanks. Though the halfling definitely appreciates the kind words from the kappa.

But when he leans forward to listen to the elder's story, he's surprised to hear this had a historical precedent. "That sounds really awful. Is there anything you can do? If this only happens once in a decade, perhaps it is tolerable. But what could the motive possibly be for such attacks?"

"I don't know anything about the beastie," the lead kappa replies. "Why does anything happen?" He gets a far-off look in his eyes as he ponders that question, but then comes back to answer the rest of Silvio's query.

"It sure seemed angry, though. We're not so good at hunting--we're good at other things, but not that! I'd like to find it and teach it a lesson. Show it that kappas aren't to be messed with!"

The kappa raises his fists once more and throws a left hook like he's shadowboxing.

If anyone (specifically Charles or Silvio) has Knowledge (history), you might be able to piece together a bit more.

Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Charles refills the skin and offers it to the older kappa, feeling a bit of kinship as he is with a group of younger travelers as well. "Please take this for your journey. I pray that it is not needed, but sometimes it helps to be prepared when there are younger ones in your entourage." He says with a genuine smile.

"I hope that you don't have to run into the creature again, but if you do give it a sound thumping!"

Charles has studied myriad things about kappas, and of the wider Lake Encarthan region, but he hasn't heard of anything like decennial dragon attacks. That doesn't mean that they don't happen, of course. Kappas aren't known for producing books that make their way into the libraries of the region, or for writing anything at all. They're so rarely seen away from their watery homes. It's possible that other shore-based travelers have encountered difficulties, but if they have then it's not spoken of in any records that Charles has read.

The elder kappa looks at the waterskin with awe. "A gift?" he says, marveling. "You are a good human. I like you very much." He bows deeply. Despite the depth of the bow, his head bowl does not spill over. "You are welcome to return to our inlet any time!"

Anything else, or returning to ship?

"Nice to meet you all," says Silvio. He lets out a sharp whistle to get Winter back to attention and at his side. The sheepdog can be seen panting, having exerted himself in all the excitement of play. Silvio gives Winter a friendly rub--the quick stop was good for the dog's spirits.

Good to go here!

The shore party returns from their brief leave, a bit damp but having made some new allies on the journey. Unless they give him reason otherwise, Captain Walren steers the Black Mist back out away from the beach and continues the southerly journey to Tamran. Just a bit longer until you're there, gods willing.

Anything else that you get up to for the rest of the day, or shall we move on to the sixth day?

Anyone mention the strange monster thing to Sledge? I've got a rank in knowledge history for the purpose of being an arrogant know-it-all.

Go ahead and make a knowledge (history) check, Sledge.

Love it!

Silvio reports back to Sledge. "Well, no monsters or anything in sight. But apparently some fearsome flying creature with tusks, a fearsome bite, and a dangerous tail scared the wits out of them! Or so they claimed. Apparently an attack happened 10 years ago that actually killed many of their number, so I don't know if they're just getting scared by some old legends."

Garen does nothing in particular, he just goes back to helping with the boat duties.

Sledge is still welcome to roll a Knowledge (history) check, but it sounds like the group is ready to move on. I'll move us along to...

* * * Toilday, 17th of Neth, 4709 AR * * *

The rain falls steadily on the final day of travel, showing no signs of letting up. "We're not too far, I expect," Captain Walren says around lunch time. "If we push on a bit after it gets dark 'stead of stoppin', we'll get there tonight. Only a bit behind."

But as the day goes in, the dwarf seems nervous. His usual cheery whistle is quiet today.

Please specify today whether you are doing anything in particular and when.

After a morning of occasional work in the rain, Silvio is about ready to stay dry and snuggle up to a book for the afternoon. He hadn't really expected much, but The Dark and the Light had unquestionably captivated his attention. Would Kelinahat make it to the Library of Oaths?

And yet, there was something nagging at him, preventing him from turning to his book just yet. "Rain won't let up, will it?" he says as an icebreaker. "You've been awfully quiet this morning."

Walren looks up at the sky, then glances over at Silvio. Dwarves are taller than halflings by about a foot, but they're much closer than humans (especially practical giants like Ewem), so he doesn't really have to look down. "No, t'won't," he responds. At the mention of being quiet, the Captain looks a bit flustered and overcompensates with an over-elongated grin and an obviously false whistle before he lets the facade fall. "I want tae reach the city tonight is all." He looks over once more, fixing Silvio with his gaze. His voice takes on a graver tone than any Silvio has heard from him so far, even during the incidents with the goldpebble or the scrag. "Border sailin' ain't so safe during wartime."

Knowledge history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"A dangerous tail you say? And tusks. Perhaps it was a chimera or something of that ilk." Sledge ponders for an extra second. "Or perhaps a mutant catoblepas with flight capabilities."

During the last day of the trip, Sledge finishes the varnish on his mask. He puts it on, satisfied with the work that he had done, marking the completion of his masterwork, 50gp high quality mask.

"How do I look?" he asks the general boat.

Garen helps out where he can with Ewem or when the Captain calls out a need. Otherwise he bides his time in the fore of the boat. The Captain's uncharacteristic silence speaks of caution so Garen periodically detects evil to the front of the boat and then walks to either side and does the same. He does this perhaps every half hour to try and keep them from being taken unawares by something.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Sensing the darker mood and rain, Charles keeps Roger close. The small weasel staying close for warmth and sensing the tension. Charles continues to be jovial to keep up spirits, attempting jokes occasionally just to illicit a chuckle at his attempts, even if a punchline of a goblin with a peg leg doesn't bring a laugh to everyone. It should.

Charles prepares his spells a bit differently this day knowing that there is more likely to run into humanoid opponents. He expresses gratitude to Garen for his diligence in keeping watch and does his best to do so as well, helping out with things on deck with a watchful eye off the port bow.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

The mood on the boat matches the clouds as the party remains vigilant. The constant patrol begins to wear on the mind and the senses, but the men maintain their focus. And sure enough, it pays off.

About one hour after the last glimmer of sunlight peeking through the clouds and fog disappears, the lights of Tamran are just visible in the distance. With their gaze set, both Charles and Garen just spot another ship sailing towards them. The thick cloud cover blankets the night's faint moonlight and continued rain, but there is a ship, gliding silently along the lake. Gauging its speed, it's about a minute away from reaching the Black Mist. For the purposes of anything ranged, they're 300 ft away.

What do you do?

Garen quietly notifies the others. If the Mist is running any lights, Garen asks if they should extinguish them. Perhaps, running dark, they may be able to avoid their apparent pursuer. Then, lights on or off, he takes up position on the side the boat approaches from.

"Damned pirates," Walren curses when he hears Garen's report. "Fine. Douse the lights. But be prepared. They've caught glimpse of us and I doubt they'll give up so easy."

You have a minute to prepare, and then we'll roll for initiative.

During the last day of the trip, Sledge finishes the varnish on his mask. He puts it on, satisfied with the work that he had done, marking the completion of his masterwork, 50gp high quality mask.

"How do I look?" he asks the general boat.

Silvio is startled to see the high quality mask. "You're selling being a follower of Razmir very, very well." Well enough to make Silvio uncomfortable. "Don't lose yourself too much in your character."

* * *

Silvio gives up on reading in view of Walren's nerves. When the threat is sighted, Silvio gathers them around. "We'll need light to see eventually," he notes. He prepares with spells as the threat draws too close to deny:
-Light on a sling bullet, which he keeps concealed until needed
-Bless (from wand)
-Divine Favor
-Weapons Against Evil

Silvio: when are you casting each spell? Weapons Against Evil is rounds/level, while divine favor and bless are both one minute. Each of them also has a verbal component, so you know that casting--even if the people approaching are not trained in Spellcraft--will reveal something. Assume that boarding actions, if they occur, will happen on Round Eleven. We'll roll Initiative and enter combat if either side does anything overtly hostile.

Also, everyone, please place yourselves where you want to be on the Roll20 map.

Understood. Here's the game plan:
Round 7 - Light on a sling bullet, which he keeps concealed until needed
Round 8 - Bless (from wand)
Round 9 - Divine Favor
Round 10 - Weapons Against Evil - targeting Garen's sword, Sledge's flail, and Silvio's dagger.

Are the bad guys approaching from the left or right? I think the layout would be roughly like so:
Front line: Garen, Silvio, Winter
Next line: Charles, Sledge

Sledge decides to keep the mask on. Perhaps it would help. Or it might make things worse. Only one way to find out. Then he casts shield on himself, and light on his shirt. AC is currently 19 Then he asks the captain, "What would be the most debilitating crewmember for them to lose? If I hit one of them with a spell, could we outrun them?"

Garen works his shoulders and his neck getting ready for the coming fight. His adrenaline starts to pump as the other boat closes. His attention narrows on the attackers. His focus is such that all concerns of self leave him, there is only the desire to protect those around him. Moments before the boats come together (round 10), Garen casts guidance on himself.

"I would think that their helmsman would be a good one to take out if possible," Charles offers. "Though I'm not sure what would be the best way to slow them down. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve though."

Charles does a bit of prep work as well as the silent boat approaches. He boosts up others as much as possible. "Excellent idea, Master Silvio, why don't we make it so we can see but they can't? We can also verify their intentions a bit. I'll light them up as they approach if anyone cares to take shots at them. Maybe we can dissuade them," he says quietly with a smile.

Round 4 - Heightened Awareness on himself (40 minutes)
Round 5 - Dancing Lights on ship (to illuminate possible targets and verify they are pirates) - Should be 140' range and free action each round to move them with the ship to keep targets lit. (through round 15)
Round 6 - Crossbow shot at a pirate
Round 7 - Bull's Strength on Garen (4 minutes)
Round 8 - Bull's Strength on Sledge (4 minutes)
Round 9 - Animal Aspect (Otter) on himself (4 minutes)
Round 10 - Telekinetic Fist - (30' range - On a pirate that looks too eager)


That's the plan and definitely includes overt hostility if we verify they are pirates. Happy to jump into initiative whenever needed.

At about sixty feet out Garen will detect evil. He feels it is a foregone conclusion but might as well be sure.

They're approaching from your left. Also, no plan survives contact with the enemy! I imagine that you will most likely stick with some version of that, but I needed to know when certain things began to happen. Sledge didn't specify in what round he cast his spells, but I'll assume that it coincided approximately with Charles (on rounds 4 and 5 respectively). And that is when things will begin. Rather than rolling formal Initiative, we'll keep things in blocks. You all will act and then they will act. You are both aware of each other, so there will be no surprise round. We will pick up on Round 5.

Captain Walren looks incredulous at Sledge's question. "I can only see so far out in these conditions! I scarcely even know who or what we're dealing with, young man!"

The other vessel is running dark, mere shapes in the distance, gradually closing. It appears to be a small vessel, though.

As Charles and Sledge begin casting spells, however, you can hear the distant sound of numerous crossbow mechanisms being winched back. Then the arcanists renew their light across the ships, providing targets. And the bolts begin to fire.

Crossbow bolts come flying at Winter, Garen, Ewem, and Sledge. The two aimed at the men on the upper deck go flying past, splashing in the dark beyond the Black Mist. One thunks into one of the studs on Winters leather barding, bouncing off, but barely. And as though threading a needle, one bolt just edges past Garen's armor, drawing the faintest bit of blood. (2 damage to Garen.)

Ewem grunts and pulls out his hammer and klar, banging them together in readiness. Walren calls out, "Have at 'em!" as he holds the ship steady. There will be no outrunning these brigands tonight.

Round Six
Charles: 35/35, Heightened Awareness, Dancing Lights
Garen: 45/47
Silvio: 36/36
Winter: 36/36
Sledge: 37/37, Shield, Light
Ewem
Walren
Privateers (~150 ft from the boat, slightly farther for attacking)

Please also not the rules for vision and light. You all are currently in normal or dim light, while the enemy is currently in the dark. But they can see you quite easily. Charles should have control of the dancing lights if I did things correctly.

If you have declared a course of action, I can use that to bot you if I haven't heard from you for 24 hours. Otherwise, let's officially enter combat! Everyone is up!

"Get down!" cries Silvio, as the first volley of crossbow bolts launch toward them. Both he and Winter drop to the deck. Silvio pulls out a wand and casts Bless on the party. Winter stays out of trouble.

Silvio - drop prone, draw wand, bless.
Winter - drop prone, total defense.

Sledge, watching the bolts go whizzing by him feels a surge of exhilaration. He opens his arms wide, and bellows into the night, "What base treachery is this, what vile blaggards lay squirming apishly upon the river tonight? Woe unto them, woe unto those who dare attack Razmir's most devoted, most faithful! Observe the splendiferous majesty of Razmir's might!" Sledge gestures at his glowing shirt as he continues to pontificate.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Hopefully they don't just shoot me dead now, but it felt like a cool scene.

I positioned the dancing lights where Charles would have originally summoned them. (140' range) That should light them up in dim light at least. We'll have it stay right on top of them as soon as they get within range. Did they drop lights near us as well to see us? **Edited, I think I understand. I should have clarified that I was putting the lights on their ship when they were close to max range for the spell. Not ours. :-) Moving those lights out to where I had intended.

Charles draws his crossbow and fires a return shot at the men in the small boat. "Definitely not friendly!" he says to whomever cares to hear him state the obvious. "Let's see how they like it!" He steadies his crossbow and let's a bolt fly across the waters as the pirates coast closer to his lights.

Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7
20% miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 39

After loosing the bolt, he takes the bolt that Roger has pulled and quickly sets it into place and pulls the lever back so it could be fired again.

-2 for being out one range increment, but they should be in dim light as they are within 40' of the torches, so 20% miss chance.

Garen goes into total defense until he casts guidance a few seconds (1 round) before the boats touch.

That's AC 27 during my total defense rounds.

It was very cool, Sledge! Unfortunately, they're not in range of a good demoralize effect (30 ft), but feel free to try that again once they get closer. All hail the living god...

So RAW, the defender is supposed to roll for concealment rather than the attacker. But the 18 missed anyway, and they're now lit up light Christmas trees, so it's a moot point. Heck of a roll, though!

And the light on the Black Mist is coming from Sledge. There are two decks, represented side-by-side in this map, so I mirrored Sledge's light from the upper deck to the lower deck.

As Silvio and Winter hit the deck, Garen holds firm, and Sledge shouts into the inky void. Charles levels his crossbow and tries to fire back a retort. He hears, and barely sees, the bolt reach its destination, as there is a *clink*. From the sound of it, that was deflected off of the enemy's armor, but it was a very near thing.

"Any of you lot come up here, I'll give you some of Gozreh's blessings! Thick skin or swift feet, what have ye." Walren cries from the wheel.

Today the captain has prepared Barkskin (AC +2) and Slipstream (Speed +10 ft, Swim Speed 20 ft).

Ewem does not begin his magical war chant just yet, but rather adopts a defensive stance, his klar weaving about. And although there is nothing supernatural behind his voice yet, he begins a rhythmic song in his native tongue, keeping the beat with with a hammer clattering on his shield.

The ship sails directly into the lights summoned by the wizard. At this distance it's difficult to see much about their faces, but they look like hard men. Their vessel is small, just enough to hold them and--perhaps--whatever haul they capture here in the lake. The sound--and now sight--of them drawing back crossbow mechanisms cascades across the open water, and then once again let fly a flurry towards the ship.

The bolts fly towards nearly the same targets. Ewem doesn't even flinch as one whizzes past him. One bursts upon impact with Sledge's arcane shield. Garen is able to sidestep as a bolt whizzes past him and splashes in the distance in the lake. And one flies over Silvio's head, lodging in the wood on the other side of the ship. It was a good thing he had hit the deck.

Round Seven
Charles: 35/35, Heightened Awareness, Dancing Lights
Garen: 45/47, Total Defense
Silvio: 36/36, Prone
Winter: 36/36, Prone, Total Defense
Sledge: 37/37, Shield, Light
Ewem: Total Defense
Walren: Total Defense
Privateers: (~120 ft from the boat, slightly farther for attacking)
Map

Active Party Effects: Bless (+1 morale to attack, saves vs fear)

As the enemy is made visible by light, Silvio decides it's time to fire back. He prays for the favor of Erastil, gets up, and launches a sling bullet at the nearest enemy!

Swift Action Fervor/Divine Favor, Move Action stand, Standard Action fire.
Sling Staff, DF, Bless, Range Penalty: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 18; Damage, DF: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

Charles quickly begins casting a spell and reaches his glowing hand towards Garen, bestowing strength for the coming conflict. He continues keeping the small glowing orbs floating around the four stern men closing in on the ship.

"Next spell is for Sledge," Charles says with a nod towards the young man and makes sure Roger sees who indicates.

Bull's Strength for Garen!

Sledge will walk over to the captain, passing through Roger's square as he does so I know that RAW, you can't do a grapple as an AoO, but ideally the weasel could grab onto me as I move through it's square? "Barkskin please," he requests of the captain quietly before continuing his tirade, ineffective as it might be at this range.

Garen declared that he was staying in total defense, so I'll go with that and keep us moving. If you wanted to declare another action, feel free to do so.

Also, Sledge, I don't take the meaning of why you want Roger to grapple you? Charles hasn't cast the spell he's intending for Sledge yet, so that would be counterproductive.

"Just tell me ye haven't actually joined that damn cult, have ye?" the druid says. He reaches his hand out, chanting in an unfamiliar tongue while tutting his fingers in an elegant pattern resembling a vine and leaves. His hand glows green in the dark knight before he touches the mask-wearing magus. Sledge's skin instantly takes on a weathered appearance, thickening to provide a bit of extra deterrent for any bolts coming his way. Garen's muscles fill out his armor a bit more as Charles' spell takes effect, while Silvio peeks his head up, calls on Erastil, and takes a shot.

"@#$%! The bloody slip just shot me! I'm gonna kill him!"

It sounds like that did the trick. 7 damage to Red!

The revenge against Silvio comes up short. The halfling bats the incoming bolt away with his staff. Garen feels the crossbow bolt impact against his pauldron with significant force, jarring him a hsis armor does its job and deflects the severe bolt. But the pirates seem to have started to figure out which one is the wizard, and two bolts come flying towards him, even though he's just out of the primary light of cast by Sledge's spell.

Charles: roll two d100s. If the result is 1-20, the attack misses. If the first one hits, you take 5 damage. If the second one hits, you take 1 damage.

Round Eight
Charles: 35/35, Heightened Awareness, Dancing Lights
Garen: 45/47, Total Defense, Bull's Strength
Silvio: 36/36, Divine Favor
Winter: 36/36, Prone, Total Defense
Sledge: 37/37, Shield, Light, Barkskin
Ewem: Total Defense
Walren: Soft Cover
Privateers: (~90 ft from the boat, slightly farther for attacking); Red -7
Map

Active Party Effects: Bless (+1 morale to attack, saves vs fear)

The party is up!

Garen holds steady in total defense. "Late to ask now but can anyone do fog?"

Miss 1: 1d100 ⇒ 98
Miss 2: 1d100 ⇒ 48
Charles takes both bolts and grunts severely. He ducks down as he moves over to Sledge and casts his spell on him, trying to make as much use of cover as possible. Roger quickly scampers up and into master's pocket, trying to stay out of harm's way and still be ready for action.

Casting Bull's Strength on Sledge!

Emboldened by his success, Silvio keeps up the return fire! Same target until he goes down.
Sling Staff, Rapid Shot, DF, Bless, Range: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 22; Damage, DF: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Sling Staff, Rapid Shot, DF, Bless, Range: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 24; Damage, DF: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

Winter just stays down and waits.

Sledge said he was holding on Discord, so we'll stick with that.

"Not today," Walren responds to the paladin. "But I'll do ye one better 'an fog." He begins a more extended spellcasting ritual, asking Sledge to hold the wheel for a moment so that he can concentrate fully on his spell. Ewem continues his chanting, raising his voice defiantly. And both of Silvio's bullets make savage contact with the pirate, who bellows uncouth curses across the water at him. Another barrage that effective might take the man out of the fight before he gets to the Black Mist.

It's another miserable showing for the pirates' archery skills. One of the bolts splashes in the water between the vessels, one thuds into the hull below Sledge (earning a frightened bray from the donkey below deck), while two more are easily batted away by Silvio and Garen.

Round Nine
Charles: 35/35, Heightened Awareness, Dancing Lights
Garen: 45/47, Total Defense, Bull's Strength
Silvio: 36/36, Divine Favor
Winter: 36/36, Prone, Total Defense
Sledge: 37/37, Shield, Light, Barkskin, Bull's Strength
Ewem: Total Defense
Walren: Soft Cover, Casting
Privateers: (~60 ft from the boat, slightly farther for attacking); Red -25
Map

Active Party Effects: Bless (+1 morale to attack, saves vs fear)

The party is up! Although Charles did not move the lights last round, they are still fully illuminated.

"Your bolts cannot strike me! Razmir does not will it! Gaze upon his humblest of servants and despair!" Sledge continues his tirade.

Current AC is 21, so they could totally strike me if they roll better! I see why people prefer dex maguses, harder to hit!

Garen continues defending. As the boat gets closer (round 10) he will cast guidance on himself and prepare for boarding.

Seeing Silvio's aim, Charles begins chanting, Feilloze goddelijke bouten, sla mijn vijanden met uw gerechtigheid and twin bolts of blue energy beginning spiraling from his outstretched hands towards the man that has taken the beating, slamming into his chest as he tries to hide from the lights.
Magic Missle: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6

Charles summons the lights closer to keep the boat well lit, but keep those in his boat out of the illumination.

Silvio finds his task getting only easier as the enemy closes in.
More rapid shot!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23; Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
More rapid shot!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27; Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Winter looks toward Silvio, wondering if it was time yet to fight.

With a one, two, three, four punch, Charles and Silvio's combined might send one of the pirates toppling off the side of his vessel. Before his companions can react, Captain Walren finishes his summoning ritual and the piercing scream of an eagle echoes across the water, taking its talons across the face of one of the remaining pirates for 7 damage. With another bunch of chanting cast up towards the sky, Captain Walren conjures a rumbling cloud that descends on the same sailor, though it doesn't seem like he was unduly affected by it.

With one of their boarding party downed before reaching their target and another hindrance in the way, the eagle-afflicted pirate drops his crossbow and pulls out a spiked handaxe. With a quick swing, he cleaves through the summoned eagle, which disappears from existence. The other two. Then the remaining crossbowmen level their aim at the two obvious casters. Sledge stands stalwart in the way of the dwarven captain being attacked and swings his flail around to knock the missile aside. Charles, however, catches a crossbow bolt to the stomach for max, 12 damage!

Round Ten
Charles: 23/35, Heightened Awareness, Dancing Lights
Garen: 45/47, Total Defense, Bull's Strength
Silvio: 36/36, Divine Favor
Winter: 36/36, Prone, Total Defense
Sledge: 37/37, Shield, Light, Barkskin, Bull's Strength
Ewem: Total Defense
Walren: Aggressive Thundercloud rd 1
Privateers: (~30 ft from the boat, slightly farther for attacking); Red down, Green -7
Map

Active Party Effects: Bless (+1 morale to attack)

The party is up! They'll be at the ship next round!

Garen casts guidance and prepares to meet their boat. He will board their boat if he can beat their initiative.

"Beware, doomed sailors! Tremble and rejoice, now that you are confronted with a servant of the Living God!" He draws his flail, and prepares for combat.

Still outside of 30ft, but I'll keep at it, to really sell the religious fervor vibe.