[Game Thread] --> Chapter 1: Into the Storm <--

[Grenadier]

The captain found himself on the brink of two distinct catastrophes. His instincts told him to plunge the Breeze down, down into the madness of the Mourn in order to skirt the fine line of disaster. However, there was a sense of bloodlust amongst the crew, who had grown eager for battle over their long hunt. Ward would oblige them.

Without a word of confirmation, the captain held his left hand aloft, and a wreath of flame manifested about it. Ward brought his hand down in a snap motion, extending a snaking tail of flame that became like unto a whip as it reached across the deck and wrapped around the helm. The captain pulled upon this fiery lash, and The Dancing Breeze lurked as it banked to met the approaching ships.

“Headlong into the fray, mateys!” Ward called out to this crew as he walked back to the helm, “And let Alutan know that the Breeze came upon him like a mighty gale.” As he spoke, his hand worked the helm, passing over the scorched wood that would later needed to be mended.

 

Two Rounds of Buffs:
Precognition 1 PP (Standard), Fire Lash (Move)
Vigor 7 PP (Standard, Focus), Psionic Focus (Move)
8/43 PP (0 Restricted)

Skill Checks:

Dice Perception Check:

1d20+10

(4)+10

Total = 14

Dice Knowledge Local:

1d20+9

(17)+9

Total = 26

Using Third Eye Improv. Likely focused on information about Alutan's crew and their tactics.

Dice Profession Sailor:

1d20+12

(1)+12

Total = 13

Using Precognition. Claiming as ability to recognize strengths/weakness of one type of ship against the other; maneuvering in the terrain and wind.

Dice Profession Sailor Reroll:

1d20+12

(10)+12

Total = 22

Action point reroll. Not starting my captain career with a one.

EDIT: Forgot Concentration for Focus.

Dice Concentration:

1d20+9

(11)+9

Total = 20

[Admin Dirk]

"I am not sure fighting fire with fire is the best choice, Ward." Rhoma pitched her voice loudly, which had the effect of making it even hoarser than normal. It sounded more like a rusty hinge on a large door squeaking in painful protest. "Aren't those things fire driven in the first place?"

The witch had little else to offer however, and simply grabbed hold of a nearby rail, and held tight. She suspected Ward would toss the ship to and fro like a mustang soon enough, and she had no desire to go flying off the thing.

[Sir Alex]

Aribel paused in mid-think. Something about this setup felt off, as if her noggin still lacked for a piece of lore, but then a faint whistle brought her head around. For now, she was needed back at the ship.

Wheeling back to the Breeze, Princess swooped across the stern and then pulled up short, settling on the platform with a staccato click of twenty sharp claws. Aribel noted the ship's new brand with a flash of teeth. So. Fisticuffs it is.

"Hop on," she said to Daergel, patting the extra loops that had been installed for just this purpose. The saint hardly weighed more than her sword. He was easy enough to accomodate.

And speakin' of my sword. The half-nymph hefted her fullblade on high, then waved it in a fifteen foot arc so it caught the dawning light. She met the gaze of each nearby crew member. Aribel was beautiful in a way that drew in every stare, and her eyes were full of flame and triumph. "Gods of the Sovereign Host," she shouted, "Bless our hands and ward our hearts today as we bring the hurt to this gods-damned Seventh Prince of demon taint. Funny thing about evil is...no one likes it." She raised the tip of her sword again, pointing toward the oncoming ships. "So lets do the world a favor and snuff those boats like horsepiss on a campfire! Ay!"

She raised an eyebrow at Daergel, daring him to give a better blessing.

[Battlechaser]

Brunner kept himself aloft with a few lazy beats of his wings. He studied the ship's defenses, shifting his eyes from the normal spectrum to the magical and then to the unseen one. If a chance presented himself he would teleport right behind the helmsman, kill him and dissappear before anyone knew what happened.

Ooc next buff: see the unseen.

[Fil kearney]

"Captain, there's a red wyvern painted on the claws of those ships..." Meera snapped her spyglass shut as she strode onto the stern deck, offering the device to her greaterestest grandfather.
The new information resonated in Rhoma's mind until it synched with her cultural dichotomy studies...

The Red Wyvern standard was characteristic of Marguul Tribe ships... a particularly zealous faction on Darguul that had seized control of southern Darguun during a bloody civil war some thirty years ago.
Whether they were employed by Alutan to guard the region without raising suspicion, or happened upon the Breeze by coincidence was not yet certain.

"Captain... they have the advantage." Meera warned, scratching at a deep scar in her cheek nervously, "Shall I take the com to bring her about, or shall I join the weapons crew?"
The scorpions were closing fast... the catapult would be in range in less than a minute, and the storm beneath was closing distance to swallow everyone involved

Drawing near The Breeze, Brunner did the math, realizing the storm would be unavoidable in about 30 seconds.
Crewmen began dividing themselves between tending rigging, siege machinery, damage control and melee as the figurative "rock" and "hard place" pinched the ship.

[spikehed]

"Bring me within 50 feet of the lead's deck. May your Gods protect our approach." Despite being imbued with power by the Silver Flame, Daegrel did not openly preach his faith, nor did he have the requirement to do so in order to keep the powers bestowed upon him. So long as I fight the evils of this world as the Flame's light fights against the darkness.

He drew a deep and focused breath and nimbly swung himself atop the griffon, grasping the loop tightly and tucked behind Aribel to help reduce drag on Princess's manuevers. "When I make my jump, stay clear of their range."

[Eviltedzies]

As crew began to shout and move about with haste, Marius looked to the skies and sure enough found himself swept up in the frenzy of the moment. His brow creased as a frown crossed his lips. "I have not had time to prepare my arcane threads. My comrades will be the weaker for my lack of foresight. Dam..." Not one to mope about, Marius focused his mind and exhaled deeply. Tiny streams of black smoke flitted through the air about his breath and slowly coalesced above his right shoulder until until the wings of a raven spread out wide. "Good morning Relina, I wish things were in better circumstances though." As he witnessed his comrades eagerly moving to intercept the ship, Marius softly began to whisper incantations as translucent feathers wings briefly extended from his back before fading away. With but a thought, Marius lifted himself off the ground of the ship. "Now at least I can get to where I am needed quicker." Marius flew to the upper decks of the ship and began casting a series of defensive spells as he awaited the inevitable collision. "When the fighting starts I'll move to where the fray get the thickest."

 

Actions: Dice Knowledge: Local: 1d20+4 (10)+4 Total = 14 Dice Perception:: 1d20+7 (19)+7 Total = 26 Dice Bardic Knowledge:: 1d20 7 Manifesting Familiar Casting Fly on Self If time permits, casting Mage Armor, Shield, and Shield of Faith on self.

[Battlechaser]

Now where are you? Brunner hovered next to the first Scorpion. He studied the ship's crew intently to find the helm's mate. Come on. Come on. The storm won't wait. The clouds were streaked with magical flares in his view.

 

Dice Perception:

1d20+13

(8)+13

Total = 21

So when spotted:

Swift eldritch claws
Standard dimension door next to target
Slash
Move: fly away

[Sir Alex]

"Sounds good," said Aribel, diving off the ship and making way to the lead enemy craft, "except that part about stayin' clear. I'm not about to sit around while they've got siege engines pointed at the Breeze. Don't you worry, though. I'll be in and out again quick. A storm's on its way, and I'm none too keen to let it catch me."

In the time it took to approach the ship, Aribel conjured up a Shield of Faith (+3 deflection) and Entropic Shield (concealment vs. some ranged attacks)couple of spells. Couldn't hurt to be ready. Quite the opposite, really. As an afterthought, the paladin As a Saint, you can cast Bless at will, correct?spoke to Daegrel again as they reached the midway point. "Hey, you gonna do your thing? Bless us before the fight?"

The stormfront air smelled...strange. Like the tang of ozone mixed with juniper, plus a hint of something else.

 

OOC: I'm assuming we have at least several rounds to reach the approaching ship, and I didn't want to take up too many "turns" without giving the DM and others a chance to react.

Actions: Casting Shield of Faith and Entropic Shield, which affect both Aribel and Princess for 6 mins.

 

Aribel HP:78/78 AC:23+3, Touch:11+3, Flat:22+3 Fort:12, Ref:14, Will:11 Str:16 - Dex:12 - Con:13 - Int:12 - Wis:16 - Cha:22 Active Enhancements: - Shield of Faith, +3 deflection to AC, 6 mins remaining - Entropic shield, 20% miss chance for incoming missiles, 6 mins remaining - Bless, +1 morale to hit and saves vs. fear, 6 mins remaining Active Penalties: None Used Abilities/Items: - Spells Remaining: 0:4/4 1:2/4 2:4/4 3:3/3

Princess HP:117/117 AC:23+3, Touch:11+3, Flat:21+3 Fort:8, Ref:8, Will:8 Str:19 - Dex:15 - Con:16 - Int:6 - Wis:13 - Cha:8 Active Enhancements: - Shield of Faith, +3 deflection to AC, 6 mins remaining - Entropic shield, 20% miss chance for incoming missiles, 6 mins remaining - Bless, +1 morale to hit and saves vs. fear, 6 mins remaining Active Penalties: None Flight Speed: 80(good), with [298+28]lbs currently carried. (Max Light Load: 350lbs)

[spikehed]

Daegrel nodded and closed his eyes for a moment, the image of a roaring silver fire hurt his eyes with it's intensity. "Bless these chosen few, for despite their belief in another faith, serve your greater purpose." The flame in his mind responded to his calling by subsiding back into itself for a brief moment before exploding into a bright flash of light. At that moment, he opened his eyes and felt the will of the Flame wash over Providence, Aribel, and himself.

 

Standard: Bless (SLA)

[Admin Dirk]

Rhoma watched the others circle and dive ever closer to the enemy ships, content in her own mind and place on board the vessel. She loathed combat, physical combat at least, and avoided it at all cost. Her shriveled arm, crooked hip and limp made such feats of prowess near impossible for her. A test of wills, however, she thought, that's more my style.

She watched the ships bear down on each other, and watched the storm clouds move in, drawn it seemed, to the inevitable battle. "Things could get rough," she said to no one, and then thought of a bit more protection. "Just in case things go downside up," she mumbled, and spoke the words of a spell, "Arachnos".

As she finished, with the word still echoing in the buffeting winds, she tipped her head back, and dropped a tiny, live spider into her mouth, quickly crunching it between her teeth, and swallowing. The bitter taste of bitumen, powdered over the spider, maker her face grimace as she swallowed, but she did so anyway, long familiar with the requirements for this spell. Someday, I would like to learn to do this without the components, she thought. "Just for this spell alone," she finished the thought aloud. Ugh.

However, the spell took hold, and she could feel under her fingers, and even through her leather boots, the magic grip her better to the deck, and the crate she stood beside. I won't fall from the ship, she thought. I may fall with it, but not without it now.

[Grenadier]

The captain took the spyglass, but he did not cast a gaze through it. He was too busy considering what was already known. “The witch was right,” Ward muttered to himself. That did not bother him so much, not nearly as much as the bruise to his ego that came with being out piloted. It was not his fault the expedition had chosen a tradeship.

“Bring her about, Meera,” he instructed, “But lets get ready to give them a volley all the same.” Ward didn't like the the idea of letting those claws sink into The Breeze. “Such much for the calculable threat,” Ward said with a smirk, “Let us face the unknown.”

Facing a disadvantage, the captain had opted to pass low, nearer to the storm.

 

Precognition 1 PP
9/43

Come About – Says I can make a Sailor Check DC 15 to force an immediate advantage check against opponent. Better try that if I can. New Heading: Opening.

Dice Profession Sailor:

1d20+12

(10)+12

Total = 22

[Fil kearney]

As The Breeze begins opening distance between the scorpions, Aribel spurs Princess closer to the Marguul Skirmiships, choosing her skills over caution as they approach.
Against all reason, Captain Ward risks brushing near the storm as it continues to rise; the arcs of lightning finding ground along the wall of Darguul. The flicks of blinding green light tear into the massive wall with tremendous force, tearing out chunks, causing a rain of stone as the surface is pock-marked from dozens of lightning strikes. The deep thunder and shattering stone reverberates in the air, making hearts skip with each impact-- the deafening booms growing louder as the storm draws near, already leaving a ringing in everyone's ears.

 

the effects of the storm are as per the 4th level spell, Shout.
in 5 rounds The Breeze will officially be in the storm, and be at risk of taking 0-2 lightning strikes per round, triggering the spell effect across the ship with each strike. The damage is going to cut through the DR, dealing d4 Hull damage per strke per turn, as well as require repeated Fort saves vs DC 16 per strike or be deafened for 2d6 rounds... screwing with casting and command of the ship.

[Sir Alex]

Princess was a storm unto herself, rolling from side to side, barreling downward in a pinwheel of feathers, and snapping her tail about like a weather vane to evade the incoming fire, all the while beating her wings in a frenzy of speed. Aribel's laughter was free and exultant.

Then something hit the griffon, snapping ribs with an audible crunch.

The paladin's eyes flared with anger and she called a barrier of protection around them both. The holy shield appeared just in time, for another sharp projectile came zipping at the griffons head. It twisted away at the last moment, deflected by nothing less than divine intervention. Thanks, gods, thought Aribel. I owe you folks a session with incense later today. Damn me if I don't.

"Alright, Princess. Take it easy. I got your back and you know it." Aribel's hand touched the griffon's flank. Lay on Hands for 15hpHealing energy poured into the beast, knitting bones and draining blood from the bruises already forming beneath layers of downy undercoat.

The pair banked in toward the lead scorpion. Daergel was silently clinging on like some kind of critter on its mother's back. "Might want to jump off now!" growled Aribel, and she dove straight onto the central siege engine. She swung her sword forward, aiming to smash the blade into wooden struts. Princess likewise unleashed her claws and beak to tear at the gears.

"Shoot my bird, will you? How bout I sink your sorry little ship!?"

 

Laying on hands in 2nd approach round.

Charging lead ship's front seige engine on last approach round. Princess can hover if there is nowhere for her to technically land.

Dice Aribel charge attack roll, damage roll:

1d20+10+2+1	(1)+10+2+1			Total = 14
6d8+12	(5, 6, 7, 4, 4, 3)+12			Total = 41

Princess pounce attack, with 1 bite, 2 claws, and 2 rakes

Dice Bite:

1d20+12+2+1	(8)+12+2+1			Total = 23
2d6+4	(5, 2)+4			Total = 11

Dice Claw1:

1d20+11+2+1	(5)+11+2+1			Total = 19
1d4+2	(2)+2			Total = 4

Dice Claw2:

1d20+11+2+1	(7)+11+2+1			Total = 21
1d4+2	(1)+2			Total = 3

Dice Rake1:

1d20+11+2+1	(3)+11+2+1			Total = 17
1d6+2	(3)+2			Total = 5

Dice Rake2:

1d20+11+2+1	(6)+11+2+1			Total = 20
1d6+2	(6)+2			Total = 8

 

Le sigh. Will update stats later. Need to go pick up kid from daycare.

 

Aribel HP:78/78 AC:23+5, Touch:11+5, Flat:22+5 (effective AC is 28 this round, after buffs and charge penalty) Fort:12, Ref:14, Will:11 Str:16 - Dex:12 - Con:13 - Int:12 - Wis:16 - Cha:22 Active Enhancements: - Shield of Faith, +3 deflection to AC, 6 mins remaining - Entropic shield, 20% miss chance for incoming missiles, 6 mins remaining - Bless, +1 morale to hit and saves vs. fear, 6 mins remaining - Protection Devotion, +3 sacred to AC, 7 rounds remaining Active Penalties: - AC -2 from charging Used Abilities/Items: - LOH, 15/36 used - Protection Devotion x1 - Spells Remaining: 0:4/4 1:2/4 2:4/4 3:3/3

Princess HP:98/117 AC:23+5, Touch:11+5, Flat:21+5 (effective AC is 28 this round, after buffs and charge penalty) Fort:8, Ref:8, Will:8 Str:19 - Dex:15 - Con:16 - Int:6 - Wis:13 - Cha:8 Active Enhancements: - Shield of Faith, +3 deflection to AC, 6 mins remaining - Entropic shield, 20% miss chance for incoming missiles, 6 mins remaining - Bless, +1 morale to hit and saves vs. fear, 6 mins remaining - Protection Devotion, +3 sacred to AC, 7 rounds remaining Active Penalties: - AC -2 from charging Flight Speed: 80(good), with [298+28]lbs currently carried. (Max Light Load: 350lbs)

[spikehed]

Aribel had not even finished her sentence before Daegrel had released his hold of the ring. A serene calm washed over him as he separated himself from the missile of bird and master. With arms outstretched, the wind roared up to meet his freefall. After a brief moment, he tucked in his arms and directed his fall toward the Marguul ship that Aribel had already engaged.

It looked as if the tiny man might splatter against the decks. Just before making contact with the metal behemoth, Daegrel's form shimmered and dispersed into a wisp of smoke. The white fluttering robe gave away his location, having used some method to shunt himself nearly 50 feet from his original point of impact to safely stand next to one of the other siege weapons.

 

Actions Free fall toward vessel, Shadow Jaunt to deck level before collision.