Sheldon's page

Lem goes for it, with a smile on his face, he cracks open the door and if the coast is clear he enters & begins looking around. Sheldon, with his eyes narrowed just a bit, & cautious in his demeanor, stands watch outside the room.

Seelah begins to organize the evacuation. She asks Harsk to provide covering fire if an attack arises. They take a count of the workers. Seelah asks "who can move on your own? who can help others?" they look at the wounded & determine who cannot move without help. Once everyone is ready and if there are enough others to help the severely wounded. Then & only then will they take off at fast pace back to the station with Seelah in the lead. Once they get close, Harsk will take off in full zig, zag run to rejoin them.

Lem taking his que, playing another role so to speak, quietly follows the mysterious Petrune:

1d20+9=14

Not terrible in the midst of a battle, though I bet the female elf takes note!

Sheldon & Harsk each engage a foe, this time fighting firmly. But, wait, on a lark, Harsk asks of his foe, "why are you attacking this station?"

Seelah:

1d20+9=15, 1d8+4=8

Harsk:

1d20+7=22, 1d12+3=11

Sheldon, curious at Lem's stopping playing & nothing going on, decides to begin to go down the stairs of the tower. He'll stop & pause at the second floor.

Fully engaged in battle, Harsk & Seelah focus on their elven foes:

Harsk: 1d20+8=16, 1d12+4=11

Seelah: 1d20+10=24, 1d8+5=11

Surely, the masterful axe & sword "play" of the tandem has felled two of the otherwise stouter jungle elves.

Lem continues his playing this time bringing in a melody of curiosity.

Sheldon too notices the attractive, yet he senses dangerous elf.

[occ/ I decided I don't want to run her as a character. If you have her in the adventure, I'd prefer she be an npc. I'd like to keep Lem around. Perhaps there's something we could do to strengthen Lem.]

Seelah rushes to the aid of the guard:

1d20+10=24, 1d8+5=10

Harsk goes quickly to help the work advancing on the elf with a snarl an axe ready to cleave:

1d20+8=24, 1d12+4=10

(oh, how these two make a greet pair & note, they still have the benefits of poor Lem's courageous tune).

Sheldon remains at the ready, Lem now cracking a wide smile & yawning a bit as if everything is all ok.

Seelah and Harsk burst in to the laundry behind the guards already there ready for what awaits. Let this work be done Seelah thinks something is not quite right about the situation gnawing at her Paladin's conscience!

Slinging their bows, Harsk & Seelah draw axe & sword respectively and run at full speed to the laundry with shields held high to cover their runs.

Sheldon will watch the laundry and launch a missile at any elf who fires from the laundry:

1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=3

Lem smugly surveys the scene and relaxes a bit. He's confident that Harsk & Seelah will quickly do what needs to be done, then maybe they can all get some dinner!

All fire is now directed at those approaching the barn!

Harsk:

1d20+10=27, 1d10+3=12

Ouch, bet that hurt!

Seelah:

1d20+7=21, 1d8+5=12

(not to be outdone!)

And Sheldon from above!

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=2

A fine performance if not quite as good as his warrior friends!

And Lem keeps a playin' "all fight long!"

Reacting quickly, Seelah & Harsk shift their fire toward the elves coming to the cold storehouse letting a magic arrow & bolt respectively fly:

Seelah:
1d20+7=14, 1d8+5=8

Harsk:
1d20+10=12, 1d10+3=4

Perhaps doing better than his compatriots, Sheldon takes a shot at an elf attacking the cold shed:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=3

Consistent, at least!

Lem keeps on playing, all fight long (maybe)!

Seelah seeing Harsk take a beat on the elves approaching building 3 follows his lead. They both let magic bolts fly!

Harsk: 1d20+9=19, 1d10+2=4

(note I did not add Lem's singing +1 to attk/dmg so Harsk really scored 20 to hit, 5 dmg).

Seelah: 1d20+ 7=8, 1d8+5=12

Seelah hisses as her arrow badly misses but at least got the elves attention!

Both she & Harsk are using a pole and the rail as partial cover.

Little Lem is content to play behind a pole & as out of sight as possible.

Sheldon catching his breath looks out through the cover slit. He sees the direction of his friends fire and realizes he can launch an arcane attack easily. He briefly thinks about putting up his mage armor but senses with the amount of cover he has his focus better be on offense -- he really wants to get up river!

1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=2

He senses satisfaction knowing he sent three stunning bolts of light into one who would do him harm though he wonders "what is really going on here? to himself."

Sheldon looks up at Seelah & winks then with but a moment's hesitation & contemplation if only he'd stayed in the boat gets up to quickly follow Seelah & Carlton. Seelah merely smiles and moves forward to the task at hand.

Lem & Harsk, a comedy of wee folks, manage to get out the door of their quarters without knocking each other down. They proceed to the door, bow drawn & flute in hand. Lem starts his courage song for the defenders as soon as they reach the door giving off a magical inspiration to the troops at hand.

Sheldon sending the thought to his trusted companion knows what he must do. Having only two minutes or so of invisibility left, he as quietly as he can gets up and bolts off the ship running in a zig zag as he approaches the walls of the fort and the entry. When he gets closer, he yells "It's Sheldon, it's Sheldon!" then as he gets within 10ft of the door reappears and crouches quickly to be less of a target! His owl is within his cloak during the whole time!

Sheldon still invisible for a four minutes lets his trusty owl, peak and look out too while himself trying to determine what's going on with the elves:

1d20=13, 1d20+8=26

Sheldon is intent upon his own scanning and receiving the very clear impressions of his friend. Otherwise, they remain as still as possible, though invisible, and on the boat.

Seelah is monitoring & looking out, wondering "where is Sheldon?" Her urge is go to the rescue, though something is holding her back for now. Perhaps he's up to something . . .

Lem & Harsk mutter about false alarms. Harsk easily falls back to sleep, Lem has thoughts of a jungle ballad floating in his head.

Harsk & Lem keep on their perhaps not needed guard duty. Seelah raises the alarm. "Where's Sheldon, he must have been left outside?!" (being lawful & not really imagining, Sheldon is up to his own devices).

Sheldon remains quiet & tries to determine what the elves are communicating with/whom:

1d20=7

Harsk & Lem simply wait for orders & keep looking at what's going on around them.

Seelah followed orders and withdrew into the station house.

Sheldon on the other hand . . . knowing that he could do a few more invisibility spells . . . makes his way over to the boat where he looks for a place to observe the woods but remain behind cover. Here is Sheldon's Spot Check:

1d20=17

His winged friend is securely covered in his cloak.

Seelah finds cover and notches another arrow awaiting any sign of a legitimate target. Sheldon looks for a place from which to safely observe the other side of the river.

Lem & Harsk gear up & go out into the hall to await orders. Both want to assist their friends. This guarding thing is not so much fun!

1d20=17, 1d20+2=7

Seelah, the valiant paladin immediately jumps into action, unslinging her bow, notching an arrow, scanning from where the arrows fly. As soon as she sees a target based on an arrow's fly, she launches her own strike:

1d20+5=15, 1d8+3=11

She senses her arrow flew straight, but will the jungle cover protect the shooter on the otherside of the river she wonders. Either way, whatever the arrow hit will never be the same. (11 dmg roll).

Sheldon, being more cautious, and not totally enamored of this mission, remains in the background, doing nothing to draw attention to himself. He goes within to let his magic powers come forth, he then makes a few simple gestures and quietly makes his incantation casting the spell "invisibility" upon himself (5 minutes).

Harsk & Lem remain in their room until they hear a summons or alarm.

1d20=11, 1d20+1=14

Straining to stay awake both Sheldon and Seelah keep watch scanning their eyes around the jungle and across the river. Momentarily, Seelah (roll 14) seems to notice something . . . is it something she asks . . .

Lem & Harsk are doing what off duty soldiers do. They are resting. They are both sound asleep though Harsk the tough dwarf has his leather armor on, he's learned to sleep in it as a ranger.

Lem & Harsk welcome the opportunity for extra rest. They remain soundly asleep except that Harsk's badger is with him and cautiously guarding his loyal master.

Seelah is considering her choice of profession, not the holiness but the wearing of heavy armor. If she can stand it, she will keep it on, simply because battle is possibly afoot. She is however, pondering what are the motives of the elves? Am I serving on the side of right? She keeps her questioning to herself, but Sheldon can see there is a tightness in Seelah's face and at times a pained look.

Sheldon is restraining himself from pulling some practical joke magic on the dock workers. He's day dreaming on an illusionary goblin jumping in front to the workers & watching the reaction. On the shift goes . . .

Before Carlton leaves, Lem speaks up & reminds him "I have night eyes too, not as good as Harsk here, but good, better than you tall folk. Perhaps I should do the night shift with Harsk in back?"

[Seelah goes within to detect evil. If it's not too late, she was doing that with all the officers. If she detects evil, then we'll need to play this out differently. Please assume from her on out when she has a moment such as the others talking, she will be looking for it. She will not serve if she detect significant evil in the fort. (aside, I think that's a major flaw in the plot vis a via having a paladin as a preset character, but then it's not over yet is it?]

Assuming Seelah, let's it happen, the party then retires to the dining hall to enjoy what will be offered as a meal!

The party is gracious and respectful of the officers. They express empathy for the struggle the guards have fought so far. They ask if they have heard and studied their battles going up the river. The party has successfully fought off the elves twice in combat that could have gone either way. They are very respectful of what the elves can do with bows and when in cover. They have also fought off a beast under their control.

They let them know that Lem is an inspiring force using his arcane music and also a healer. He is brave but they suggest that his primary role should not be to go head to head with elves either with his sling or short sword, though he has always come through as needed. His music can inspire others to fight better. His magic can heal. Given that you have lost your healer, Lem could substitute until a new healer arrives.

Sheldon is a practitioner of the arcane arts. He can remain hidden and also let loose several, deadly blasts of arcane magic. He needs a good place of cover to be effective. Brave, he would not last long in direct combat. He has an x-bow which he would use, but is nowhere near as effective as his magic blasts.

Seelah and Harsk can both go head to head with the elves either with bow or in melee. Harsk can also serve as a scout and medic salving the wounds of the injured. Seelah can inspire confidence.

The party also hopes that the officers will consider using them as a team in reserve, ready to meet elven attacks head on and to stop them before the attack makes headway.

They ask if there would be any possibility of restocking on magical arrows and bolts. Are there healing potions which could be distributed or even purchased if necessary?

They ask about the general defense plan and if there are areas of ambush and trap that have been set.

Is there any plan to try to break the blockade or take the fight to the elves they collectively ask?

Other questions include how many defenders were originally here before the attacks began? Why are the elves attacking? Where/what direction have the attacks originated from? What weapons have been used? Have there been any creatures supporting the elves or under the elves control?

How were we able to bring our boat in . . . unless the elves thought it easier to deal with us in the fort?

They let the officers know that Sheldon could cause Lem and/or Harsk to disappear for a few minutes which might allow them or either to scout closer to the treeline. Harsk would be the best choice, a ranger who has recently grown a fondness for downing these wild elves.

[aside -- when Sheldon & Lem have time to talk privately, both being chaotic, they discuss the possibility of when the two of them go to the wash room together, that perhaps Sheldon should turn Lem invisible and let him explore the upstairs. Lem is intrigued, but thinks not now. We should consider that though to learn what is really going on when the time is right. They will not tell their orderly, lawful companions of this though -- for DM -- now aren't you proud of this role playing?]

Sheldon mutters something about this being worse than being on the boat. "never get out of the boat . . ."

Lem says "we made it this far" before being interrupted by Selah who suggests that they all pick their beds, store gear but in a way that it can be grabbed quickly.

Harsk grunts & nods affirmatively. Both Selah and Harsk take off their armor, Selah with Sheldon's help, and both use oil to tend to it.

Lem sits on a bed quietly trying not to aggravate his companions who he cares for.

Sheldon then goes and simply lies down to get some quick sleep before the summons comes.

The party asks several questions:

1. What is it that we are guarding here at the station?

2. How long has this station been here?

3. When was the last attack?

4. How many times have the elves attacked?

5. What have been the elves tactics?

6. Have they gotten inside the fort?

7. Have they employed magic in the attacks?

8. Do you have healers here?

9. When are reinforcements scheduled to arrive?

10. We have lost several of our enchanted arrows & bullets -- is there a supply where we can restock here?

11. Do you have any other items/weapons/ or supplies that you can spare to help us?

12. Where can we get oil for Seelah's armor and to care for our weapons?

Seelah then speaks, somewhat sheepishly and with a grin "very well then, we will of course honor our term of service. Please tell us what is going on here and why are we facing such fiercely violent elves."

The party looks to the station manager for his answer.

Seelah steps forward: "Mr. Gorse, I don't think you fully understand our circumstances of our being here. In fact your friend the captain and his boat would not be here but for us. We were hired to guard a station. We protected the boat all the way there. When we arrived, the station had been massacred. While there we fought off jungle elves and a beast. There was not station left to guard and no live arcophage. So my companions and I pulled the boat through the swamp fighting a shambling mound to gain fuel to get here. And, we had to survive a coordinated ambush by the elves that almost killed us all. Only the heroics of my dwarf friend here freed the boat and allowed our escape. And for this, we have yet to receive our payment due which is significant."

"In fact," she continues "receiving payment and negotiating any further services is contingent upon us serving. We want to understand what is going on. If we don't then we will take our services elsewhere, and we have surely earned that right. The contract is expired and we are free to leave. Now you tell us why we should 'serve' here.

Sheldon subtly steps back a bit as Seelah talks; he's prepared to be invisible quickly. Harsk moves very slightly forward and let's his had lower toward his axe. Lem coughs & laughs a bit nervously saying near the end "of course we want to reach agreement here."

Gathering up their gear, the party follows the captains lead and disembarks. Uniformly happy to set foot on "land" though cautious as to what the next moment will bring. They are hoping for payment and yes, some rest & relaxation in the "safety" of this fort. They feel they have earned their reward. Sheldon's owl is on his left shoulder as is Harsk's badger on his. Lem greets the guards and makes some playful small talk: "you sure beat wild elves!" etc. The party will proceed to the station manager.

Sheldon takes this time to write a new post:

"Travel on the river is dangerous at best. There is very little friendly river traffic and reliance upon the Company has proven dangerous. As I write this, the four companions who I began the journey with are safe & sound though it has been close. We recently survived a coordinated ambush by jungle elves who laid a trap to block our boat in a narrow channel of the river. The heroics of all especially the dwarven ranger who dove down into the water to unlock our boat allowed us to survive. Surely, there is more to this story. Many elves died in the attack."

Sheldon continues on describing in mundane detail events & observations so that his report will comport to his society's high standards.

He's feeling a bit of tingling in his fingers almost as if a massive bolt of electricity could shoot out at a moments command. He ponders this thinking perhaps for now this would be more useful than his fanciful dreams of flight. Flight perhaps I will sail with you in the skies another time he thinks.

Lem is his carefree self. He works to compose a song and make sure all of his gear is in order. He does very much like piloting the boat. What fun! What stories to tell and impress the wee lady folk . . . hmm, he thinks it has been awhile. Lem has used his time with the captain to pry for information about their upcoming destination, when payment will be made, the company's presence in the city, and continuing subtle prying to get at why the elves are after them! (role play this if needed -- or I can roll some checks)

Seelah is spending time polishing her armor and weapons. She senses that the party is nowhere done with the dangers at hand.

Harsk is keeping quiet. He is spending time with his badger and also sensing along the river at times. All is not well.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief or two. Lem takes time with the Captain learning to be a pilot "boy." Can't roll now. If he's unsuccessful, the Captain will have to be the man.

Everyone tends to wounds. The party all on the bridge talks out their strategy. Watch will now be from the bridge deck. Lem & Harsk with infra vision will work nights, plus Lem will spend some time with the Captain by day. Sheldon & Seelah by day. When does the Captain sleep?

Harsk & Seelah will have bows ready while on watch. The non-duty shift will be in the cabin below.

Harsk tells the captain to proceed with all haste and to avoid narrow passages. If there is potential for an ambush again, we want to stop & recon it. At that time, Sheldon would let his owl out for a look see.

Sheldon goes below deck ASAP to rest & regain his inner magic strength.

occ -- yes, late June works for you to come to Columbus. I am also seriously contemplating a Seattle trip late spring or during summer. If that works for you, please keep it in mind in your scheduling!

The invisible voice yells, "Harsk help, you're healing arts are needed quickly"

Harsk using his +8 healing skills removes the spear. Lem immediately casts a cure light wounds on the captain to keep him going. Would you roll please, I'm not able to access right now ;).

Seelah keeps protective watch and draws her bow.

Seelah scream to the Captain, "let me take care of this one, you must get to the bride, Lem will help tend your wounds!" She then moves to strike the elf:

1d20+10=20, 1d8+5=11

Yeap, she did it. The captain gasps with relief to know Seelah landed such a blow!

Harsk is looking at the shore and to retrieve his bow!

Lem is scurrying to the Captain -- he will assist him to the bridge then do healing. He tells the captain, "follow me, we must start the boat, then I will help to make you whole."

Sheldon moves to the bridge to either assist in getting the boat started or help with the captain as needed!

Harsk quickly surfaces with a gasp from his large dwarven lungs and reaches for the boat. Hopefully, Lem is nearby and ready to lend which he will do.

Harsk does a climb check: 1d20+3=19

Seelah is fully engaged with her foe but tells the captain "quickly, start the boat moving, we are ready to escape!":

1d20+10=14, 1d8+5=13

Sheldon was badly hurt by the wound and realizes he is outclassed in melee combat. He moves back away from the edge of the ship out of immediate spear reach, then casts invisibility on himself, though after the spell is cast he looks to Lem & Harsk and will aid them if needed.

Harsk continues his work, once free he looks up for a way to get back on the boat.

Seelah now draws sword and engages the elf in front of her swinging her longsword down in a slashing attack:

1d20+10=28, 1d8+5=8

Seelah senses some satisfaction knowing she is surely more accurate and often deadly with her sword!

Lem stops playing though the effects of his song will last four more rounds. He moves quickly to the bow and positions himself to help in pulling Harsk back into the boat.

Sheldon steps to the side of the boat with spear drawn, positioning himself to help Harsk put take a poke at any threatening elves. Seeing the ones moving toward Harsk, he makes his thrust:

1d20+3=12, 1d8+1=6

Hopefully, the boat is beginning to move!

Harsk continues to work furiously, knowing of the approaching elves, but trusting in his companions to give him time.

Seelah, thinking it through decides to continue her bow attack. Harsk will need help getting aboard when the boat moves again. She takes her shot with a +1 arrow and bolstered by Lem's continued playing at the vulnerable first elf moving slowly in the water:

1d20+7=11, 1d8+6=12

Hopefully the vulnerability of the elf allowed the shot to land in its face or throat!

Lem is there continuing to play and dance!

Sheldon is now ready to assist. He let's his last of first level energy fly in the form of an arcane missiles into either the first or the second of the elves in the water (depending upon what Seelah's arrow did):

1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=3

Onward!

Screaming "Harsk, they're entering the water behind you!" Seelah lets her mighty arrow fly bolstered by the previous effects of Lem's playing!

1d20+6=26, 1d8+4=11

Harsk does a spot check anyway: 1d20+8=11

Harsk perhaps noticing the elves, perhaps not, is busy rending the obstruction & saving his fellows lives!

Harsk quickly sets about the work at hand. Diving, pulling, moving, and rending the barricade down:

1d20+3=21

It seems Harsk is up to the task!

Seelah takes the momentary pause in her fight to go within and lay hands on herself. This cures only 4 HP because her charisma bonus is low! (But that takes her back to full).

occ/ query -- next round Seelah would like to stand up and rapidly fire arrows at anything that moves toward Harsk -- she would sacrifice even really attempting to hit the targets to increase her rate of fire and draw their attention -- could she do this & how many shots (even if all have zero hit chance or very small)? If she gets shot up, she'd kneel the next round, but still buy Harsk time!

Lem now knowing there are many casts ghost sound back behind the cargo boxes away from visibility of the elves. He chooses to make the sound of several men yelling and preparing to emerge for battle!

Sheldon again turns to his foe, this time ready to finish him. After making true effort of one who does not favor combat to dodge his foes thrust, Sheldon quickly fires the full burst of arcane energy:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=2, 1d4+1=3

Knowing Lem to have cast an illusion, Sheldon calls out to him, we must move quickly to the front of the boat by Seelah, follow me!!!

Harsk growls out to Seelah "you finish off this one & guard me -- I will free us." He then proceeds to move to the starboard side of the boat with his axe ready. Depending upon what he sees, he will either dive in or try to chop from above at the logs holding the ship from moving out of this devilish (and he notes with a grimace, elvish) trap.

Seelah duly complies and with a sense of valor moves to strike the remaining "forward" elf:

1d20+9=27, 1d8+4=12

Ouch, just short of a critical hit, though it is likely to be enough to critically wound her foe!

Lem continues with the dancing routine, this time playing his flute to motivate his mates -- giving them +1 to attack & damage rolls from here on out!

Sheldon not liking the fact that now somebody or something has just about speared him, turns and while avoiding being hit himself by the vengeful woodland being, launches his arcane bolts into the soon to be charged elf:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=2

The party collectively hopes that Harsk's axe will do the trick!!!

Almost in unison, the party cries out: "Put the boat in reverse!"

Harsk decides to drop another elf:

1d20+7=12, 1d12+3=12

Seelah decides to follow in Harsk's lead:

1d20+9=14, 1d8+4=6

Lem or the Lems, go into a dodge & weave mode, +2 defense hoping to take the attention away from the elves by getting between them and his friend with the mighty missiles!

Sheldon seeing Lem's or the Lems' antics takes full advantage and shoots up the closest elf:

1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=2

The party has had just about enough of this trip!

Harsk's eyes glimmer as he senses that the battle may be won with Seelah at his aid. He strikes the nearest of the newly "dropped" elves:

1d20+7=11, 1d12+3=11

Seelah then sensing Harsk may have missed steps to the challenge:

1d20+9=16, 1d8+4=7

If an elf in the trees is within range, Lem casts Hideous Laughter on him; if not then one at the front who is fighting his mates! Will save negates; range 35ft -- affected is capable of action and drops to ground but is not helpless. Lem finds this all very amusing!

Sheldon moves to the door of the cabin keeping cover and observing -- if he sees a target especially in the trees, he fires a magic missile:

1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=3

Harsk immediately drops his bow and engages the elf who has made it on the boat, yelling they are coming from the trees!

1d20+7=23, 1d12+3=8

Seelah draws sword and moves to block invaders coming a board. She attacks if one is within range!

1d20+9=21, 1d8+4=12

Lem dodges & ducks back in the door and casts mirror image on himself lasting 4 minutes and producing: 1d4+1=2

Sheldon taking the opportunity for safety casts mage armor on himself +4AC which will last the whole battle!

Badger is hanging back in shadows. Owl is in unobtrusive spot!!!

Seeing movement and being under attack, Harsk fires at what he sees with little hestiation:

1d20+9=20, 1d10+2=9

The party will respond as thus:

1d20=12, 1d20+3=19, 1d20+2=7, 1d20+3=18

Harsk = 19
Lem = 18
Seelah = 12
and Sheldon = 7 (a little slow to rouse, perhaps his cautionary nature)!

1d20+2=8, 1d20+8=19, 1d20=5, 1d20=2, 1d20+3=23, 1d20=2

In order: Seelah, Harsk, Sheldon, Lem, Badger & Owl -- owl may have +3 if it's dark.

Clearly Harsk & his trusty badger are aware!

Following Harsk's directions, the party disposes of the creature plant. The remanants are placed in a sealed barrel with weight added once they are sure they have all of it. Harsk & Seelah then with a bit of disgust toss it over into the water to sink, sink, sink . . .

The party then goes its separate ways on the ship. Lem into introspection. Sadness melding with a new song taking form in his head.

Sheldon, really is beginning to feel more alive in his powers. He feels almost ready to fly, the slight lift coming off the ground, just not quite there yet. It helps him to keep his mind of this "mis" adventure.

Seelah is steeling herself. She is now more determined to quash evil. After some rest time, she returns to sword drill & exercise.

Harsk spends his days near the prow of the ship, looking out, sensing, wanting the voyage to end, his companions safe & to have savored time alone with his badger, living the ranger way.

Harsk immediately comes in and "ensures the kill" then searches the thing trying to understand more and see if he finds anything of interest.

Lem stops playing. It's time for a rest.

Seelah stands back and feels a sense of some small satisfaction. There will be less evil in the world.

Sheldon is really thinking that being hired is a crimp on his chaotic good style. He needs to set his own course.

Seelah's Fort Save 1d20+8=26 with +1 because of the bard song -- I checked it helps v. charm.

Seelah sensing deep evil launches a ferocious smite evil attack:

1d20+11=19, 1d8+8=15

This attk includes +1 bard, +1 charisma; the damage roll has +1 bard, +4 paladin levels.

Harsk screams out, he will "deal" with this beastie and at first opportunity pops his head across the door -- if there are plants in the room he casts entangle; if not he will take a point blank shot.

Sheldon pops across the door only long enough to take a shot when the view is clear letting his arcane missiles fly:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=2, 1d4+1=5

Lem, in the background keeps the music up!!!

Seelah, Harsk, Sheldon, Lem: 1d20=14, 1d20+3=10, 1d20+2=14, 1d20+3=5

Seelah perceives what? And let's everyone know what she sees, if she is able! Seelah strikes if it's close!!!

Harsk dives & rolls & shoots if he can!

Sheldon fires magic missiles if he gets a shot -- he moves forward near Seelah.

If Seelah needs help, Lem will aid her. Otherwise he keeps playing, +1 courage -- to hit & damage rolls!

Rolls will come once we have a clearer picture of what's happening!!!

All in the party ask themselves if they have any knowledge of what might have affected Faruq. Nobody moves to check him though.

Rolls:

1d20=18, 1d20=3, 1d20=3, 1d20=18

If they know anything, they share it with each other!

The party takes a moment to collect itself. It is decided that they will move out with Seelah in the lead sword drawn and Harsk behind slightly to the left with x-bow at the ready. Sheldon and Lem will take the rear with Lem playing his song of courage. Sheldon casts mage armor to ready himself. The groups moves first to the top of the boat and then will systematically work its way down and through the ship. It will fire and attack at the first indication of trouble.

Lem continues with his inspiring verse while Sheldon again seeing the need to stop the lumbering half-beast whole foe, fires his arcane missiles again:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=2, 1d4+1=4

Seelah moving next in the flow of battle seeing the missiles impact his former ally moves to strike the felling blow:

1d20+10=18, 1d8+5=6

Harsk then seeing an opening let's fly another deadly bolt:

1d20+9=18, 1d10+2=11 (using +1 bolt)

(He visualized a strike & got one).

Please be sure to add Lem's +1 to attack & damage rolls!!!

Did Harsk's last attack hit?

In any event, and with some reluctance, the party continues its defense:

Seelah confronting the evil she faces, looks for an opening then strikes:

1d20+9=18, 1d8+4=9

Harsk using his point blank skill again fires!:

1d20+9=18, 1d10+2=3

Lem not having such accuracy, quickly takes out his flute and begins a ballad of courage granting his friends +1 to attk & dmg!

Sheldon now visible again lets launch another volley of magic missiles:

1d4+1=3, 1d4+1=5, 1d4+1=4

The party is girded for this unwanted fight and the chatter about is hoping to save Faruq if possible!

I don't know, what the . . . does one do with this?

Seelah yells: strike to incapacitate Faruq, it is possible the creature will leave him, even as he is on the verge of death, we may save him."

They all go balistic on Faruq:

Harsk w/ +1 bolt: 1d20+9=18, 1d10+2=12

Seelah with sword while intercepting and engaging Faruq blocking his move toward the others: 1d20+9=16, 1d8+4=8

Sheldon lets the missiles go: 1d4+1=4, 1d4+1=2, 1d4+1=5

Lem lets a bolt fly aiming for Faruq's head with the hopes of knocking him out!!

1d20+9=26, 1d3=3

Mama say knock you out???

What more can you ask of a solitary man? Love? Compassion? or just D&D mayhem???

Let's assume the party is all together. Each makes a roll to see if in his/her wisdom she recognizes what's going on!

Seelah, Harsk, Sheldon and Lem (1d20=2, 1d20=13, 1d20=14, 1d20+1=3)

Seelah is simultaneously detecting evil:

Initiative:

Seelah, Harsk, Sheldon & Lem (1d20=12, 1d20+3=9, 1d20+2=14, 1d20+3=22)

Lem yells out very loud, Faruq "what are you doing? What's the matter?" Lem stays in a defensive ready to tumble mode. He also hope to draw the Captain's attention to what's hapening!

Sheldon the brave, casts invisibility on himself.

Harsk ducks and has his bow drawn. He will only fire if Faruq moves in to attack him. If so, he will launch ferociously.

Seelah has her hand on her sword hilt. She is giving Faruq the benefit of the doubt while she senses what is happening. She will strike out with speed and courage should she be attacked.

With signs of some exasperation, the party decides Harsk & Sheldon will pull for the last time. They prepare themselves and presumably with help from Faruq get the boat going again. Lem has responsibility for the "loot" for what it's worth. He begins playing a song of good cheer to keep them all going. Seelah is cautiously eyeing everything going on, including the boat crew to make sure nothing goes awry.