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

[Admin Dirk]

"Impetuous youth, aren't they," Rhoma growled to no one in particular. One of the crewmen looked up at her words, and bobbed his head in agreement before he realized who he was overhearing. Immediately, he made the sign of the Wayfarer in the air before himself, and scuttled away like a crab at low tide.

"Ward, the younglings will die before they make the ships," she said louder, so the captain could hear her over the whistling winds. She held tight to a capstan, her magically enhanced grip suckering to the wood grain as if cemented. The witch watched as the figures danced, darted, and dived through the air.

"Well, maybe not. I might have been a bit premature," she followed up. "Good for them. They may survive long enough to die later."

[Grenadier]

The winds intensified as the storm approached. Each crack of thunder possessed a resounding quality that seemed to shake the world. Ward stood like a statue behind the helm, his coat being tossed about wildly by the wind while it seemed his hat was impervious.

“Aye, their faith makes them zealous,” the captain said with a stern expression, hardly bothering to raise his voice in the wind, “They have their gods to look over them, so let us concern ourselves with our own fates for the moment.” His tone was somewhat detached, as he was more squarely focused on guiding the Breeze along the brink of the storm.

Fortunately, Ward was better able to gauge his foe's performance by that time. He ought to be able to keep ahead of their sluggish pace while subjecting them to a bombardment, at least for a while. “Wheel about on them again!” he shouted all of the sudden, “And give her a mighty gust.” Rising up out of the storm, Ward hoped that his allies could disrupt some of the artillery fire as the Breeze began its approach.

“Be ready to open fire,” Ward muttered as his gaze settled on the enemy ships far ahead.

 

Precognition (1 PP)
10/43 PP

We'll come about to closing this time. Assuming the party is going to be able to disrupt some of the artillery. Open fire at first opportunity, targeting ship not boarded by our party.

Dice Profession Sailor for Advantage:

1d20+12

(1)+12

Total = 13

[Battlechaser]

 

combining previous round and this rounds actions.

Seeing Princess take a hit from does bloody ****ing Marguul and still being able to board it, Brunner was filled with rage and pride at the same time. Rage because those hobbo's tried to hurt one of his own and pride because birdie was still up and clawing.

Opening a rift in the time-space-continuum - at least that's how he had heard it being described at one of the colleges he had visited in search for forbidden arts - the monk hurtled forward till he flew right next to the other ship. Peaking above the rim, Brunner spread his senses and tried to find the skipper. The warlock knew the bugger must be speaking the fire elemental's language to coax it to do his bidding. If he sees him, Brunner will launch an eldritch blast at him and the drop to fly beneath the ship.

 

Dice Perception:

1d20+13

(9)+13

Total = 22

Dice Sense motive:

1d20+11

(6)+11

Total = 17

Dice Stealth:

1d20+10

(8)+10

Total = 18

also still invisible.

Dice RTA:

1d20+10

(16)+10

Total = 26

Dice Eldritch spear damage:

4d6

1, 4, 1, 3

Total = 9

[Eviltedzies]

In silent protes, Maris clenched his teeth as he watched his fellow crewman and women being bombarded by siege cannons from affar. "Dammit, why did they have to advance so far ahead of us. I know they are capable, but I can't do a dam thing from so far away." Realizing that he still had some time to prepare, Marius glided across the decks with a swiftness only obtained from years of practicing magical flight. His movemens led him towards the helm where he found Ward and Rhoma watching the scene intently. The look on Marius's face made no effort to hide his concern for his fellows, but his eyes flared with a grim determination. "Captain. Rhoma. Please let me begin weaving you both into my eldritch tapestry so I can assist you from afar if need be. The others left before I could initiate the binding process." The last few words came out faintly as to berate Marius himself, but the mage focused on the task at hand. Not waiting for a response, Marius began the process to weave his comrades into his eldritch tapestry.

 

Marius' Actions Moving to find Ward and Rhoma and begining to weave an eldrtich tapestry. Rhoma and Ward are easily within line of sight and if Marius is able to keep line of sight on any of the other PC's for the next 10 minutes he will be able to add them as well. I do not expect Marius to be able to finish his tapestry in time, but if he does then all the better. Taking 10 on the DC Craft: Weaving check to get a 19.

[Fil kearney]

peering about Brunner sees a solid warrior-type mid-deck standing tall amongst the gathered hobbos, unarmed and smug as Aribel and Daer approach.
In gruff common, the commanding warrior taunts, "Braght yar beby wit ya to nagoshiatt surrender, wench? Settle yar crow down on that claw thar and we can has a peaceful accord"
gesturing to the grappling claw Princess hovers near, dented and stained with the red markings of the Wyvern


As Aribel and D sized up their opponents, the other vessel slid past, noxious smoke spilling out the back of the aesthetically curved tail. On a direct course for The Breeze, the scorpion would be in range to snare their Tradesman in a matter of seconds.

"this is marguul taritory, an' we don't take kind to pirats. Ar brothar ship will tug ya to safety, pay arsalves far the sarvisses, and put ya back from whar ye came."
With two Ballistae and a dozen hobgoblins pointing longspears at Princess, it was respectful to at least humor them for a moment...

The crew of The Breeze tensed as the scorpion loomed nearer... waiting for authority to declare fire for the siege machinery.
"they aren't firing on us? Do they mean to board us 'just like that', captain?"
Meera glanced up at her ancestor quizzically, having learned better than to jump ahead without knowing what he has in mind.

As best the warlock could tell, they were completely serious... but it made sense; the storm would pressure a decision, and winning spoils without risking crew through intimidation is a tactically sound choice. Bullying, to be sure-- but definitely not throwing lives --or ships-- away for nothing. What stuck out to him most though, was labeling The Breeze as pirates.
granted, it was a pirate ship-- but surely that was just coincidence.
under the tension between crew and Aribel, Brunner caught sense of crewmen inside the metal beast's belly... the "man on deck" was likely calling all the shots, with pilot's crew safe under cover.
well, what they may /consider/ to be safe
he smirked as two of the hobbo crewmen looked right through him towards the approaching storm.

[Admin Dirk]

Rhoma simply nodded to Maris when he asked his question. "Go ahead," she answered. The witch cared little, it would take but a moment to send up a small shield on her thoughts, to keep them from leaking across any pathway he might make, and it could make her job easier in the fray.

When the other ship approached close enough, Rhoma gathered the magical energy around her, and focused on creating a large veil of nauseating energy between The Breeze, and the incoming ship.

"Nauseum", she intoned, and waved a hand in the air, sending a tangle of multicolored threads the size of a small spider into the air. It disappeared, and suddenly, a large curtain of nearly black color appeared, like a mass of curtains on a stage, near the side of the ship. Rhoma knew, however, that the other side of the veil, it twisted and shimmered in a weaving pattern, making everything that viewed it sickened. She smiled, a crooked smile that twisted on her scarred side, at the thought. "Take that, and I hope the storm tosses your meals too," she said.

 

casting loathsome veil. positioning it like a curtain on the side of the ship, between our ship and the closest one that is pulling alongside to attempt boarding. It should be quite a sight, and much of the crew should see it (40 feet long, 20 foot high, it's a big curtain).

The DC is 18 to successfully save.

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Effect transparent pattern 40 ft. long, 20 ft. high

Duration concentration + 1 round/level (D)

Saving Throw Will negates Spell Resistance yes

This spell creates a transparent veil of shifting, multicolored strands of light that form into endlessly varied and alien patterns. One side of the veil, chosen by you at the time of casting, is harmless. The other side twists and turns into impossible shapes, affecting any creature with 60 feet who views the veil. The veil affects a maximum of 24 Hit Dice of creatures. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first. Among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell are affected first. The effect is according to the creature's HD.

4 HD or fewer: The creature is nauseated while it can see the veil, nauseated for 1d4 rounds after it last saw the veil, then sickened for 2d4 rounds after it last saw the veil.

8 HD or fewer: The creature is nauseated for 1d4 rounds, sickened while it can see the veil, then sickened for 1d4 rounds after it last saw the veil.

9 or more HD: The creature is sickened while it can see the veil.

A successful saving throw ignores all effects of the veil. Sightless creatures are not affected by loathsome veil. Affected creatures can avert or close their eyes to avoid seeing the veil, similar to avoiding a gaze attack.

[spikehed]

"Your position is perilous, Marguul. If you engage us and we defend ourself, which rest assured will happen, you will lose men and sustain damage to your ship. This could leave you at the mercy of the approaching Storm. Should we surrender, I doubt your ships can make enough speed towing ours to avoid the storm. There is no profit to be made either way. Your only safe option is to turn around to the safety above and allow us to pass." Daegrel's eyes burned with a silvery light.

"While I detest the lose of life in situations that do not require it, my faith allows me to defend those that I require to accomplish my mission. I will not hesitate in crippling your ship and leaving you to the mercy of the storm and whatever Gods you make peace with." He uncrossed his arms and held one hand aloft. It seemed to vibrate and pulse as he held it there, no doubt in his intent to cause damage to the ballista next to him.

 

Ready Mountain Hammer Strike targeting Ballista - Ignores Hardness/DR

[Grenadier]

“Pirates?” Ward called out aloud, “Pilgrims be more like it.” He was not sure that his voice would carry over the wind, but perhaps one of his crew would understand his intent. Perhaps these thugs would be more lenient for a bunch of missionaries.

“After all,” he remarked more quietly to those with him with him at the helm, “I've not been wanted for an act of piracy for a good two hundred years.” This moment of levity seemed out of place, given the tense state of the crew, yet nothing on Ward's face suggested that he was all that invested in the situation, as if he was somehow detached from this perilously grim situation.

The captain kept his gaze steadily focused upon his allies on the enemy ship. “Meera, take the helm,” he gave a sudden order, “If they want to parlay then let them, if we get them deck-to-deck then at least we'll save the Breeze some turmoil. Don't have 'em fire unless things escalate, and whatever you do keep us ahead of that storm.”

“I'm heading to the fore of the ship,” he explained as he started to walk off, “so that I'll be ready to join the crew if this does come to blows. Marius, you really ought to join me.” The doctor's charm might be useful during the parlay. Walking at a brisk pace, he began to pass amongst the crew, his dark locks and fiery lash left wagging in his wake.

 

Double move to get towards the front of the ship. Commanding from the front with Meera at the helm.

10/43 PP

[Sir Alex]

Aribel glared at the bristle of spears pointing her way. Of all the things that happened in the next couple minutes, her being a pincushion had better not be one of them. There was brave, and then there was crazy reckless. With a pat and a click of her tongue, she and Princess held their ground but took Standard action: Total Defensedefensive postures. Seems like the others are makin’ to flip the threat around to scare these bastards off. Fine. I’ll play along for now. Worst that can happen is our ears get blasted and we sink straight to hell.

With exaggerated surprise, the paladin glanced over her shoulder at the incoming storm. She tilted her head a notch sideways. Even pushed her silver spectacles up the bridge of her nose. “Hmmm,” she said, turning to leer at the enemy captain. The critter was too smug. She raised her voice to shout above the cracks and galloping booms.

“I’d say you got about…huh…ten seconds to change your tune. We can protect our own ship from the storm. You tow us, and by the end you’ll just be a few chunks of metal hangin’ off our merry boat. Good luck with that. Best you make sail right now. Leave us in peace while you still can, and make your empty threats to someone else. Ay?”

 

Standard action: Aribel and Princess activate Total Defense for +4 dodge to AC.

Persuasion check, if relevant:

Dice Persuasion:

1d20+10

(4)+10

Total = 14

Skill checks to figure out Silence will protect the ship (and it looks like 3 castings of it would cover the hull):

Dice Survival:

1d20+11

(3)+11

Total = 14

Dice Know Arcane:

1d20+9

(5)+9

Total = 14

Dice Spellcraft:

1d20+5

(3)+5

Total = 8

 

Aribel HP:78/78 AC:23+10, Touch:11+10, Flat:22+6 (effective AC is 33 this round, after buffs and total defense) 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, 6 rounds remaining Active Penalties: None. Used Abilities/Items: - LOH, 21/36 remaining - Protection Devotion used x1 - Spells Remaining: 0:4/4 1:2/4 2:4/4 3:3/3

Princess HP:98/117 AC:23+10, Touch:11+10, Flat:21+6 (effective AC is 33 this round, after buffs and total defense) Fort:9, 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, 6 rounds remaining - Total Defense, +4 dodge to AC until next turn Active Penalties: None. Flight Speed: 80(good), with [298]lbs currently carried. (Max Light Load: 350lbs)

[Battlechaser]

So we're trying to talk them down. Brunner shrugged. I can wait. The monk studied the vessel and it's crew more intently, searching for weaknesses and that frikkin' pilot. Where are you bastard?

To entertain himself Brunner mentally painted a bull's eye behind the Master's of arms' ear. Right there.

 

Dice Perception:

1d20+13

(16)+13

Total = 29

Dice Stealth:

1d20+10

(4)+10

Total = 14

What I would give to have a sniper rifle with laser. A small red dot on the Master of arm's head would be a telling argument in our discussion.

[Fil kearney]

With the storm looming below, the scorpions close steadily alongside The Breeze, the massive claw mechanisms whined noisily as their weight strains against the joints of the specialized grappling tools, snappling at the fins and hull of the tradesman smuggling ship.
The first licks of lightning discharge uncomfortably close to the entwining ships.
The Marguul warriors begin pressing forward towards the front of the ships, anticipating the lurch of vessels locking together to propel them onto the main deck of The Breeze when the magic curtain takes affect, forcing many of the aggressors to one knee as they try to hold on to their equilibrium on the wind-tossed rigging
the duress and fussing of the afflicted hobgoblins is cut by the gagged screams of a terrified woman emerging from within the starboard scorpion-- barely clothed, heavily bound and her abundantly bare skin covered with runes painted on with some phosphorescent, alchemical oil or paint.
pushing her towards the ship's starboard bow, a grizzled hobgoblin shaman drags her leashed to him as he holds a black orb aloft, sparking with electricity as he intones complex syllables that echo unnaturally across the void of sky.

The commander on the port ship continues to chide coolly between the resonating booms of the imminent storm, looking through the sworling magicks summoned to keep them at bay.
"Ye best bridle yer witches 'n' warlocks. We gatz magicks of arr own! Nigh of ye has ta die taday-- just let us lead ye away to safer deste nations."

 

OOC:
Map is updated with repositioning ships, troops, as well as having added the hob shaman and victim.
Some of the crew is nauseated, as indicated by the icons

the scorpion ship to the left has a control check of DC 19 and the one on the right has a whopping DC 39 (nat20 on a skill check, I rolled and added a second D20 "exploding dice" style... both DC's will need to be beaten on a single sailor check to avoid 1 or both of the grappling checks, otherwise The Breeze will be grappled.

Anyone interested in what that hobgoblin shaman is up to: arcane lore, spellcraft, local knowledge skill checks can be made to get insight... other rolls for the same purpose can be attempted, but may be penalized due to (lack of..) relevance to the procedure.

[Admin Dirk]

Rhoma smiled, deep inside her hood. Long distance combat was not her forte, ironically, for as much as she disliked being in the thick of things where danger was, such a place was where her magics and skills worked best. That was why she had spent much of her life perfecting the art of stealth.

She moved slightly, to stay inside the shadows of the deck structures, and within the cool, protective cocoon of her own shade. It hovered, awaiting her command, but as always, she rarely asked much of it other than companionship, and its presence.

With a flick of her hand, the witch touched a small pouch and withdrew a tiny square of red cloth, then flicked it into the air. She gathered the energy she felt flowing around her, and cast it towards the nearer ship, to the starboard side. "Arachnosis," she intoned, and cast summon swarm spellconjured a swarm of small spiders aboard the center of the grappling ship, near the captain and his captive. That should make the captain's life more difficult, she thought, and dismissed any thoughts of the slave who might also be caught in the mass.

"Now," she said quietly as she surveyed the battlefield, "who's next?"

 

If necessary to get the captain in range, she will move to the starboard rail of the ship.

depending on how you rule concentration, casting another spell likely broke the concentration on the first spell (the veils of nausea). If so, they will last another 6 rounds, counting this round.

Info on swarms: HERE

spider swarm info: here

Summon swarm spell

[Eviltedzies]

The looming danger of the storm combined with the unfavorable odds had Marius on edge. Even from a distance Marius could make out the tension brewing on the deck of the opposing ship. As Ward called for his aid Marius nodded and intoned a quick spell of protection around the captain. With that, Marius fell in beside the captain a few paces back. Despite being currently able to magically fly, Marius had no intention of revealing more than he needd to. As they approached, Marius watched as the hobgoblin shaman dragged out their catch and began incantating. "This cannot be good....."

 

Actions Casting Protection from Evil on Ward before following him. Knowledge Arcana + Spellcraft checks to identify what the shaman is doing. Dice Arcana Check: 1d20+9 (13)+9 Total = 22 Dice Spellcraft: 1d20+4 (20)+4 Total = 24

 

Statblock HP:66/66 AC:22(10 + 4 Armor + 4 Shield + 1 Dex + 3 Deflection | Touch:14 (10 + 1 Dex + 3 Deflection) | Flat: 21 (10 + 4 Armor + 4 Shield + 3 Deflection) Fort: 6, Ref: 3, Will: 6 Str:10 - Dex:12 - Con:12 - Int:10 - Wis:13 - Cha:20 Active Enhancements: - Shield of Faith, +3 deflection to AC, duration 5+ minutes - Shield, +4 shield bonus to AC, duration 5+ minutes - Mage Armor, +4 armor bonus to AC, duration 5+ hours - Fly, duration 5+ minutes - Familiar Summoned (+2 Perception) Active Penalties: None. Used Abilities/Items: - Spells Remaining: 0:4/4 1:4/5 2:4/4 3:2/3

[Sir Alex]

Aribel's eyes widened at the sight of the collared woman. Her knuckles clenched, going white against bridle and sword hilt. A rage began to boil past all reason, but its tide was buffered by locks and dams that the gods had placed within her spirit. She felt a presence that comforted her, even as it guided her on the path of righteousness. No. Aribel would not fly into a reckless frenzy. Instead, her fury was forged into calm resolve.

Damn if I'm not already at this ship. Not like the other one can get away, though. Might as well cripple the chain of command here, then swing on by our other neighbor for some bloody liberation. Uh, I mean..."further negotiations."

"So, we're doin' this the hard way. That'll be my pleasure." With a squeeze of one knee, she had Princess jink a pace to the right, still hovering to keep aligned with the scorpion's hull. Aribel brought her sword up and over, then crashed it down twice on the commander's head while princess unleashed her own claws. She'd Knowledge Devotion check, with Collector of Stories bonus. I'm assuming these are Hobgoblins, since I think you said that somewhere? Humanoids are studied using a Know Local check.

Dice Knowledge Local:

1d20+10+5

(18)+10+5

Total = 33

recalled a tale about these green folk. They had weak spots on crown and collarbone, if one knew just where to strike. Easy as buttering bread.

Rolling her eyes at Daegrel, Aribel called out. "Someone could take this runt's flank, and I'd be much obliged."

 

Move: 5' Move to get adjacent to commander (see battle map)

Aribel Full Attack, with Knowledge Devotion granting +3 to hit/damage:

Dice Attack1, Damage1, Attack2, Damage2:

1d20+8+1+3	(6)+8+1+3			Total = 18
2d8+7	(3, 3)+7			Total = 13
1d20+8+1+3	(2)+8+1+3			Total = 14
2d8+7	(6, 8)+7			Total = 21

Princess Full Attack:

Dice Bite attack, Damage:

1d20+12+1	(20)+12+1			Total = 33
2d6+4	(1, 5)+4			Total = 10

Dice Claw1, Damage1, Claw2, Damage2:

1d20+11+1	(8)+11+1			Total = 20
1d4+2	(3)+2			Total = 5
1d20+11+1	(5)+11+1			Total = 17
1d4+2	(2)+2			Total = 4

Dice Bite Crit Confirmation, Damage:

1d20+12+1	(16)+12+1			Total = 29
2d6+4	(3, 2)+4			Total = 9

 

Aribel HP:78/78 AC:23+6, Touch:11+6, Flat:22+6 (effective AC is 29 this round) 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, 5 rounds remaining - Knowledge Devotion, +3 insight to hit/damage vs. hobgoblins, until end of encounter Active Penalties: None. Used Abilities/Items: - LOH, 21/36 remaining - Protection Devotion used x1 - Spells Remaining: 0:4/4 1:2/4 2:4/4 3:3/3

Princess HP:98/117 AC:23+6, Touch:11+6, Flat:21+6 (effective AC is 29 this round) Fort:9, 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, 5 rounds remaining Active Penalties: None. Flight Speed: 80(good), with [298]lbs currently carried. (Max Light Load: 350lbs)

[Battlechaser]

Seeing his companions spur into action, a cold grin split Brunner's face. Finally. came the eager thought. His eyes glowed a shining white as he called upon the power the Silver Flame has invested in him. The fire seethed within the monk, caressing him, burning him, begging to be unleashed. Brunner pointed at the Master of arms and opened the floodgates. Crackling yellowish-white energy spurted forward and hit th hobgoblin on his chest. Damn too low.

Instantly dropping himself, the monk flew beneath the vessel to the other side and hovered there, ready to fire again.

 

Dice RTA:

1d20+10

(6)+10

Total = 16

Dice damage:

4d6

6, 5, 1, 1

Total = 13