Having listened to Lavinia’s impassioned plea, and the details of her proposal, Lyssa, Bynoc, and Ballast bow out, citing a myriad of reasons for their refusal, leaving Eldin, Harvin, Terin, and Anders to discuss strategy. Lavinia makes preparations to retire for the evening, and after thanking the four of you profusely for your assistance, she adds, “I did not want to say anything until all of you were committed to helping, but there are two others waiting already at pier five. I sent them there earlier in the day to keep watch in case Vark attempted to leave port with my family’s ship.”
Lavinia continues, “One is a distant relative who should be easy to spot by his tattoos. The other, well, I’m not entirely sure about that one but he seemed desperate for work, I’m desperate for help, and he has a lead on transportation, which I thought you might need. I wish I could do more for you, but everything I own is tucked away in the family vault. Good night, and good luck!”
Tyndal:
Hail and well met. Are you the 2 we are to meet? Lavinia sent us.
"And I take it that is the Blue Nixie?" asks Eldin, nodding in the direction of the ship. "I am Eldin of Fharlanghn," he adds, raising his hand in greeting. "We have been discussing our options for getting aboard - whether to speak or fight remains to be seen. But we don't know of your abilities. That may alter the intended plan."
Oh, of course, I am Terin. I go by "The Beast" to some. Yes, Eldin here has displayed a desire to negotiate with that vile Mr. Vark, to see if we can get him to agree to give up his ill-gotten gains. He is hoping to avoid bloodshed and we had planned to try to get Vark to believe we were acting under the Harbormaster's orders. I view this as an action that will not end well but we could use the negotiations as a cover so that some of our team may approach with stealth for if/when the discussions turn ugly. Perhaps a code word to let Mr. Anders know when to unleash his illusionary tricks would work to gain us a few added seconds for the our team{s} to meet and present a unified force to combat Vark's men if he decides to eliminate our group. Say if combat starts or someone says "The Harbormaster is my uncle" or some such.
Any thoughts?
"Hail" Tyndal looks over the group and takes a pull from his wineskin, emptying it.
"Bugger...I'm out" He spits off the dock into the water.
"You look like the crew that Lavinia described. I got a boat, The Low Tide. Not much to look at, but its got at least a few days before its at the bottom of the harbor."
"Im not much for talking, but I know how to be quiet while the grownups talk. I'll be happy to back up the talking group when things go south, which, from the looks of that crew, is going to happen no matter how much sugar you give em"
Tyndal drains the last drops from his wineskin.
"Lets do this before I get sober"
Seann or Tyndal:
Spot check DC 20 or higher:
It is now roughly 10:30 in the evening.
"That's the Blue Nixie" Tyndal points at the ship. "My boat is a few docks over."
Spot Check:
1d20-1=11
Kinda far out there, are ya sure? Failed spot
Anders' Spot check (1d20-1=17)
"I'm unfamiliar with the boat, but that does seem to be the one Lavinia described."
"I have spoken with Terin about our plan somewhat, and we think we might be best served if I create an illusion of some sort to distract the crew and provide us with an opening to get more of our boarders over the gunwhale."
"I also have some skill at bluffing my into places I shouldn't be, an old habit from childhood. I might be able to convince them that we are there for an inspection of some sort, though that is risky, and if it doesn't wrk, we're caught in the disadvantaged position, on lower ground. Er... water."
Eldin peers out over the water. “There appears to be light and activity on the ship,” he says. “I can’t tell how many crew, perhaps six or more?”
He then returns to the conversation at hand. “Yes, that has been my main concern, having to fight our way onto the boat from a position of considerable disadvantage. Whether we use diplomacy, bluff or stealth, I would like to be able to get up on that deck without being cut down by arrows and axes as I try to climb up.”
"I can help."
The large, tattooed man speaks for the first time in an oddly high, reedy voice.
"Just tell me what to do, I'll do it."
“Well, that depends pilgrim,” Eldin responds to the tattooed man. “What can you do? Are you a warrior by trade? And what are both your names, so that I may address you properly?”
He looks around again. “It is good that you have a boat. Our original plan called for two, but I suppose it is late to be offering any locals gold to rent theirs. Harven, you were going to try to gain the ship by stealth, what are your thoughts on this?”
“Well, that depends pilgrim,” Eldin responds to the tattooed man. “What can you do? Are you a warrior by trade? And what are both your names, so that I may address you properly?”
"I am Seann Eoghan, of Geoff, Keoland, and the Olman. Though I fight well, I am no warrior. Warriors are limited in their ability to overcome. As a caster of spells, I am unlimited in what I can do."
Harven's Spot Check (1d20+7=22)
Being honest, the plan for stealth basically involved not so much those with a talent at it, but simply those that didn't wear, loud clanking armor. I didn't think it would actually end up being that stealthy.
Since we only have the single boat, we really don't have much choice, but I could try to sneak on board unseen during your opening discussions.
"The true question becomes 'how easily can we approach the boat unnoticed?' If we can get quite close without them noticing us, distracting illusions will be most effective. If we are noticed, and have to parley before boarding, that will likely increase the chances they will see through our ruse, or assume that we are party to whatever commotion the illusions cause, and begin attacking us before we can board."
"If one of those mercs goes anywhere near the gunwale, I've got a little surprise for 'em."
Seann winks, then traces a small tattoo of an octopoid figure on the back of his left hand, knowingly.
As you discuss strategy, Tyndal leads you to a nearby dock. Though obviously somewhat proud to be Captain of something, his boat the “Low Tide” has seen better days. The gunwale is a mishmash of colors and materials, and at least one major hole in the hull of the boat is plugged with what appears to be a large shield and copious amounts of caulk. The ship itself smells of rot, but appears to be seaworthy enough for the moment, assuming the weather remains calm. Several bailing buckets are present on deck. “Here we are,” he states matter-of-factly, picking up and then discarding an empty whiskey bottle over the side of the vessel.
That certainly is a boat alright. *mumbles under breath* Glad I can swim...
Anders eyes the boat warily.
"I hope we do not have to linger long in this craft. If we can successfully retake the Blue Nixie, we'll have sturdier passge back at least. Not to disparage your vessel, friend, but it has seen better days."
"Low Tide. A fitting name for such a... vessel."
While none of you present the impression of nautical competence, Tyndal finally manages to get the boat launched and underway (largely due to Harven’s aid with the algae covered ropes). The warm, gentle breeze from earlier in the evening has continued, which is fortunate, as there appear to be no oars on board to speak of, merely the aforementioned bailing buckets, a decaying net, and an ancient, corroded anchor from below deck. Small, ragged sail unfurled, the “Low Tide” begins to steal ever closer to the “Blue Nixie.”
As you approach, the grunts of the sailors begin to reach your ears. They appear to be making ready to get the ship underway, and are belting out a particularly fierce buccaneer shanty: “All the leaves are brown…and the sky is grey…”
As of yet, they do not appear to have noticed you.
Spot DC 10:
Spot DC 20:
Listen DC 15:
"There seems to be only a couple of sailors topside. An illusionary boarding party might cause them to raise the alarm. Perhaps some playful, naked mermaids cavorting in the water below?"
1d20+5=21 spot and 1d20+4=16 listen
"The deck has been mostly cleared of cargo, and there appear to be only two sailors topside at present. Between two tarpaulin-covered masses, I see a large dog looking directly at our vessel with its head cocked to the side inquisitively. It definitely sees us, but has yet to react to our presence in alarm. I also hear a load snapping or popping sound from the belly of the Nixie, followed by innovative cursing in a feminine voice. I seem to be able to make out the sounds of numerous animals amidships." I say to my companions as I try to let the dog know that I am a friend through my body language and personality.
Wild empathy check to move the dog's attitude from indifferent to friendly is 1d20+1=19!!! I am keeping the dog on deck calm and relaxed in our presence. The dog seems to be responding well to my nature and is growing friendly to me.
The large, grey hound sits back on its haunches, and does not reveal your presence. A few moments later, a booming voice from below decks yells, “Bark, come!,” and the canine lopes quietly away, paying you no further mind.
Neither crewmember appears the wiser for your being there, and the “Low Tide” continues to glide towards the Nixie. In fact, your tiny trawler appears to be picking up speed (though this may simply be your nervous imagination) as you draw ever closer to the great broadside of the caravel. Now may be an excellent time to determine how you wish to stop your vessel.
I nudge Anders and gesture towards the sail, then start the process for lowering the sail, assuming Anders will get the idea and assist.
We should tie up to the ship, anyone have a hook? I have rope.
Anders helps lower the sail as quietly as he can.
"Someone be ready to place a hand or two on the Nixie, and keep us from bumping into them."
Anders helps lower the sail as quietly as he can.
"Someone be ready to place a hand or two on the Nixie, and keep us from bumping into them."
"Right."
"Those tarpulin covered lumps you say are up there will certainly help cover our boarding and give us some place to hide. Hopefully there are some ropes dangling over the side. There usually are, but I don't see that great in the dark. I can light up the deck once we're aboard, but I'll save that until after our presence is known."
Lemme see if I spot any hanging down ropes.... spot 9
Spot Check (1d20+7=17)
Listen Check (1d20+7=24)
"You heard it too huh" he replies to Terrin.
Being small, and unable to really help with the "piloting" of our "vessel" he just tries to stay out of the way in the front of the boat.
He is checking the Blue Nixie for any ropes, etc that could be used to board. Spot Check (1d20+7=16)
“I am no sailor, but I have had occasion to use a small boat before in my travels,” whispers Eldin, assisting with the sail in an effort to slow the boat.
“Terin, if you have that rope you mentioned to hand, tie it off to that old anchor – or have Harven assist you with that. Once we are slowed, gently drop the anchor – be sure to tie off this end of the rope! Hopefully the harbour at this point is not so deep that the rope will not reach the bottom.
“We want to avoid putting any more than the slightest pressure on the hull of that ship when we get close. Anything more will alert those on deck that something has hit them.
“I have another rope in my pack, that should assist us in getting aboard.”
All of this is said in a hasty, low whisper. His companions notice that Eldin lisps as he whispers, so that the distinctive hiss of “s” sounds do not carry to the nearby boat.
[whispering]On it Eldin, I got the anchor. [/whispering]....
I end up tieing the rope to the mast bottom as all the little boat's cleats seem to be ready to come loose from the state of disrepair present on the old girl.
I end up tieing the rope to the mast bottom as all the little boat's cleats seem to be ready to come loose from the state of disrepair present on the old girl.
Your combined efforts pay off; lowering the sail slows the “Low Tide” considerably. Drawing only the slightest groan of protest from the mast, the anchor catches on the rocky bottom, and your vessel twists alongside the “Nixie” without touching, smoother than if you had planned it. Numerous ropes drape the side of the richly appointed caravel , though they seem a bit greenish-hued, and might be slippery .
Your endeavors to remain stealthy appear to have been realized as well, for at this angle, the sailors topside would have to look directly over the side towards the waterline to notice you. You are close enough to the hold now that you hear another sharp crack, followed by the shouted exclamation, “I said keep them APART!”
The 7 roll should cut it, you are close enough now that a DC5 would be more than enough. -> Yes, and closer to the middle.
[whispering]"Who is our stealthiest, and who is our best climber? I don't suppose we should be so fortunate that they are one and the same."[/whispering]
Anders looks at Harven the entire time as he speaks, then glances at Terin and Tyndal as he finishes.
Eldin makes a complex, silent gesture which is meant to indicate that he is not much of a climber, and that others should go first.
“Harven, want to go first and find a place to hide?” he whispers. “Then maybe you two,” like Anders he indicates Terin and Tyndal. “If anyone is spotted climbing up, I will call up an obscuring mist over us – it should momentarily conceal us from sight. Also, before we go, I will call Fharlanghn’s blessings upon us.” .
I will call Fharlanghn’s blessings upon us.” .
You [the party] feel your spirits suddenly uplift, as if the wind and the sun were at your back, and the long road ahead was full of possibility.
You [the party] feel your spirits suddenly uplift, as if the wind and the sun were at your back, and the long road ahead was full of possibility.
[whispering]"If you're discovered or a fight breaks out, caw out loudly, like a crow, and I will conjure a sound above them, to get them to look up. We'll come up as best and fast as we can behind. If you see a boarding ladder or net on this side of the boat, roll it over the side as soon as you can."[/whispering]
[whispering]"Who is our stealthiest, and who is our best climber? I don't suppose we should be so fortunate that they are one and the same."[/whispering]
Anders looks at Harven the entire time as he speaks, then glances at Terin and Tyndal as he finishes.
[whispering]"Unfortunantly, I am much better at stealth than I am at climbing, but these ropes should be alright. Give me a minute or so, and I'll climb up and check it out."[whispering]
With that, Harven chooses a rope that leads to a decent hiding place on deck, and quietly ascends.
Climb Silently (1d20+12=17)