This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abner
Abner grins broadly at the aarakocra. "Whoooo... I like your tunic!"he calls out, cheerily. "And your beak!"
He pauses to study them with wide eyes, and then adds, "How far have you been flying?"
(Is his brother still in the air? Also: Is the portly man named Fat Drane the same blond guy with missing teeth we saw earlier?)
Although he knows he's horrible at picking up on social cues and such, Abner does his best to read the attitude and body language of Grout and Fat Drane. What's their reaction? What are they planning to do next? He glances nervously to his friends for help in figuring out what's going on.
Red looks innocent, hands open What? I just said "look out"
then quieter, just to friends and Ebokk: If it will smooth things over with Captain Bosun, we could pay for the Aarakocra's rest - and I suggest we should hire them to scout your island and shipwreck, Lord Lockforge. I wager they'd be worth quite a bit in information
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
A storm brews in the Tortle's eyes, but in a flash it is gone. "Captain, I appreciate you listening to logic and reason. Valkur looks favorably on those who assist fellow travelers in need."
Yaro traces a symbol in the air, casting Guidance on the captain, as a gesture of good faith. "May the Captain of the Waves continue to bless this ship, and guide its captain in his decisions."
He then makes his way over to the Aarakocra who has landed on the ship. "Though I have not power to grant you passage on this ship, I would be happy to mend your wounds to help you on your way."
In a whisper to his companions, Brozak says, “I agree with Redemption. Scouts would be helpful, scouts from the air would be even more so. But if the captain and crew are that ready to fight without provocation, that concerns me. I have no problem paying for their passage. Bahamut smiles on those who help others.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Brozak - Red Dragonborn Paladin, lvl 2, Never Winter, Seldom Spring
Let us not assume malice where it could be mistake, Brother Brozak. Not that there is no malice, our new friend Yagrot is being hard-treated and that is a thing to fix. But the attack could be a mistake. Sharp-eyed sailors spotted what they thought was a threat, and tragedy averted by even-sharper-eyed passengers, cunning distraction, and sound reason.
We are at the mercy of the crew though - by the captain's leave alone we get where we are going and back. We may have to swallow some hardship, offer some value, and act with subtlety. Master Abner's innocence is actually an asset - not often will I say this again, but imitating our sorcerer is not unwise.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
The aarakocra looks down at Abner from its perch. "Thank you! Your beard looks like a nest! We've been flying all day, maybe 14 miles?" The brother swoops down and lands next to the other. This one looks very similar, but with a different patterning around the beak and a grey tunic of an identical style. He has yellow tips on the end of his wing feathers, and has a falchion slung across his hip. The two begin conversing in their strange bird-like language which sounds similar to howling winds and the rustling breeze.
After the captain grunts an effortless thank you towards Yaro, the Tortle heads over to the group. Abner tries to get some sort of visual cue from Grout and Fat Drane, but instead they notice him staring and both stop talking - returning the half-elf's stare. Ebokk hurries over to them to discuss the aarakocra.
"Ah, but we are not wounded my friend," the bird-man replies to Yaro, "just tired and in need of something to drink. My brother Aereek has always wanted to board a ship." The other aarakocra nods and smiles, or at least to the best of his ability. "We've both had interactions with human sailors before, and particularly enjoy the dice games that they dream up!"
Ebokk waddles back over to you all and lets out a large sigh as he raises his eyebrows. "Bosun Grout will allow the bird-folk to rest and share food, provided that they agree to scout ahead of the voyage tomorrow morning." The two aarakocra turn to each other and whisper, then nod to Ebokk, who bursts into a smile, "Excellent!"
The bird-folk step down from the rail and extend their scaly hands. The one in the green tunic speaks up, "I am Vreek, and this is my brother Aereek. We hail from the Whale Bones south of here. Aereek does not speak the common tongue... Nor many other for that matter!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zagrot watches the confrontation unfold to its conclusion, his dark eyes diligently moving amongst the participants. As soon as it's finished, he hastily returns to work, disappearing belowdecks with the barrel in his arms.
When the aarakocra arrives, he pauses for a good look, raising his eyebrows in surprise when the second bird-man arrives.
Turning back to his task, he mutters something under his breath, pops something in his mouth, and grabs another barrel.
---
Zagrot was watching from a distance, noting especially the body language of his boss and any crew involved in the conflict.
Was he able to glean the fact that a threat of some sort was being delivered to the tortle?
Was he able to glean the fact that a threat of some sort was being delivered to the tortle?
Insight:20
[OoC]: Grout's demeanour was threatening, but you've seen him square up to other crew (including yourself) before; and although he definitely has the bite to back up his bark, he seldom uses it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
To Vreek, patting his beard: "I tried to make my beard into a nest once. It was a terrible idea. ...Mice. You give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile." "Need any mending? I'm good at mending!"
Then: "Are you familiar with all the islands in this area? Could you draw us a little map of the area into which we're headed? I'd ask the captain, but he's a little bit scary."
The aarakocra seems amused by Abner's words. "No mending here, but thank you, Nest-Beard. Unfortunately, we have only been around these parts once before, and that was a couple of years ago. All I can tell you is that there's very little land around for many miles." He appears saddened that he cannot help further.
Yaro finds an empty barrel that was used to store some of the dried fruits and nuts and fills it completely with fresh water by muttering an incantation and allowing a small droplet to hit the bottom. Sounds of shock from those nearby fill the air, and chatter quickly spreads. The aarakocra look impressed and give the tortle a bow as they cup their hands and drink their fill. The crew begin to congregate around Yaro and the barrel. Eventually, Grout pushes himself to the front of the group and looks at the almost full container of drinking water. "A clever trick mister tortle. Had you told us prior that you could do this, I'm sure your welcome would have been somewhat warmer." He claps a hand on the top of Yaro's shell and smiles, seemingly genuinely impressed. Grout calls a quick break for the crew, and many of them begin queuing for a taste of the water, thanking Yaro as they pass him. Some of the men choose not to partake, suspicion clear on their expressions.
For much of the remainder of the day, the morale of the ship is raised. A couple of the crew members even exchange some small talk with Zagrot as he passes them, carrying crates and such. The rest of you keep to your own business, helping where needed, staying out of the way, and playing listener to Ebokk and Vreek as they share stories.
As the day draws on closer to the dinner call, a commotion in the crow's nest draws your attention. Suddenly, Benn's wiry face leans over the side and he shouts at the top of his lungs, "KRAKEN! STARBOARD SIDE!"
Manic cries go out across the deck and panic sets in. Bosun Grout begins ordering men below deck as they start to run to safety at the port side of the ship. Suddenly, a group of figures clamber up the port side of the vessel, disgusting humanoids with pallid skin sporting coral and barnacle growths. Some of them have the features of fish, sharks, octopi and urchins. The shouting grows more hysterical - it would seem that these sailors are not the sort that are used to fighting.
Grout shouts even louder, "Crew, get to safety belowdeck!" He leans over the wheel and looks in horror as men are being clawed, bitten and thrown into the sea. Grout appeals to the group of you, "We need the crew alive to get us to dry land! Defend this ship!"
Ebokk and Grout draw their weapons up on the quarterdeck, with Zagrot nearby - hands full with a large crate of salted pork. Yaro and Aereek are up on the forecastle, whilst the rest of you are scattered around the main deck. As you all turn to face the menace of the aquatic men who are invading the ship, you hear further alarm from behind you as a trio of long, thin tentacles bursts from the water and pull Fat Drane overboard with a scream. The rest of the crew just about manage to make it through the doors to the cargo hold and living quarters, with several men still bleeding to death at the feet of the fish-men, who now slobber and gurgle as their eyes hungrily look towards the defenders of the Clan's Hope.
Initiative
Aarakocra: 3
Abner: 8
Brozak: 19
Ebokk: 9
Enemies: 13
Bosun Grout: 14
Red: 22
Therne: 12
Yaro: 6
Zagrot: 14
Combat
Abner, Brozak, Red and Therne:
The four of you currently occupy the main deck with Vreek. There are five piscine humanoids advancing towards you on one side, and the grasping tentacles of some other aquatic beast flailing in your direction from the other. The tentacled beast is below the rim of the edge of the ship, so you will need to get to the edge to be able to attack, unless you ready an action to strike a tentacle (as a reaction) as it attacks you on its own turn.
Yaro:
You are currently on the forecastle with the aarakocra brother, Aereek. Stairs in the middle of the raised area lead back down to the main deck, which is 10 ft. lower than your current elevation.
Zagrot:
You are currently up on the quarterdeck with Ebokk and Bosun Grout, near the wheel. You have a crate of salted pork in your hands, and your weapons are stored in your trunk below deck. The closest weapons you can see that aren't wielded by your close allies are the scimitars and javelins dropped by the slain crew at the feet of the amphibious boarding party. Similar to the forecastle, you are 10 ft. higher than the main deck, and stairs on either side of the quarterdeck lead down to the rest of the group.
Order of Initiative: Red, Brozak, Zagrot, Bosun Grout, Enemies, Therne, Ebokk, Abner, Yaro, Aarakocra.
[OoC]: There's a lot going on here, so I'm going to post some features of the map in the spoiler below:
Barrels - depicted by a circle with a dot, e.g. d9.
Crates - depicted by a box with a line through, e.g. d5.
Masts - depicted by solid circles, e.g. e7 & e8.
Stairs - depicted by rectangles with an arrow that points in the direction of the highest step, e.g. h4 & i4. These count as difficult terrain, i.e. it costs 10 ft. of movement to enter these squares.
Grate - depicted by a box with a cross through, j7, j8, k7 & k8.
Doors - depicted by hollow rectangles, these lead below deck.
The greyed out vertical lines are just to illustrate where the raised areas are; the quarterdeck and forecastle.
Apologies if I'm butchering any of the naval terminology by the way, (I'm looking at you, skuk). As always, if there are any questions, drop them in the group chat. Alpha and Dreak, sometimes if it's a player's turn in the initiative order and they are taking their time to post, you can preemptively post what your turn will be in case you won't have a chance to post later. Make sure you only do this for other player's turns and not NPCs though. This will probably be my last post tonight unless an NPC rolls higher initiative than any of you guys. My internet is playing up hugely at the moment too, so I'll try my best to stay consistent.
Red will move to about i7, in front of the crate, facing the humanoids for now, as he goes singing ...Ramble on, And now's the time, the time is now to sing my song. I'm goin' 'round the world, I got to find my girl, On my way.... (bonus action) to grant Therne Bardic Inspiration (add 1d6 to an attack or save or check in the next 10 min - you can decide after you roll but before DM says result)
Then for the main action cast Faerie Fire at a 20’ cube around the aft 3 goobers; every creature DC13 Dex save or be outlined in light – attacks on them have advantage for the next minute
Zagrot’s eyes sweep the main deck. With a look of determination he stumps, crate still in his arms, behind Grout and Ebokk, to the top of the starboard stairs of the quarterdeck. He effortlessly hoists his burden clean above his head with both hands, then flings it with a grunt at the tentacles ten feet below.
Seeing Red take up a defensive position against quarterdeck, the orc’s eyes move to the sea creature nearest to the bard. With a frown, Zagrot charges down the stairs and across the main deck, skidding to a halt just before the enemy. He stoops down, grabs a javelin with both hands, and sets his feet into a wide stance, blocking the creature's path to the tiefling.
Eyes locked onto his foe, Zagrot leans forward and snarls, baring his sharp, stained teeth and the two stubs of his filed-down tusks. If there were ever any illusion of this fellow being half-human, it’s certainly dispelled now.
OOC:
Zagrot is going to move to G-10, then use his Action to hurl the crate at the tentacles below in the hope it will provide a distraction, something non-human for them to latch onto and drag off the deck. If he can hit a limb with the crate, all the better; but his goal is for the crate to end up on the deck amongst the tentacles to confuse/distract them. (For technical reference: Zagrot's Strength, combined with his Powerful Build trait, gives him a carrying capacity of 450lbs, with push/drag/lift of 900lbs. And he doesn't even lift.)
Then he'll use his bonus action to trigger the Aggressive trait, using the resulting movement (along with what's left of his standard move) to advance to I-6. There he'll grab a javelin from the ground with his free Interact Action, and dare that briny bastard to take a swing.
Here's a d20 roll for whatever you might need for the crate-toss. I'll let you add whatever of Zagrot's bonuses/skills you rule are needed: 17
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Red coats two of the creatures in orange light before drawing Redmane's silvered rapier and standing ready to fight. Brozak charges in immediately, stepping over the fallen crew, and smashes his warhammer into the gut of his enemy, causing it to cough up sea water and bile onto the deck. Meanwhile, Zagrot launches his crate of salted pork across the length of the ship and smashes it into the source of the tentacles which barely protrudes from the surface of the water.
Grout takes the opportunity to charge the nearest piscine man and slashes at it twice with his scimitar, deftly using the positioning of Zagrot to further give him an advantage with his swings.
Grout Attack vs. Enemy (j5): 18 Damage: 6
Grout Attack vs. Enemy (j5): 25 Damage: 15
In response to the valiant defence of the ship, the amphibious men charge forward and engage. The one that Brozak hit is bolstered by its ally and they eagerly claw at the dragonborn. They also seem to have unusual spines protruding from their elbows, which they use as they attack to attempt to inject some kind of disgusting venom into their assault.
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 9 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 21 Damage: 3
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 13 Damage: 5 poison
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 21 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 11 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 7 Damage: 2 poison
Brozak Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 5
Another of the illuminated creatures charges towards the middle of the deck and attempts to unleash a barrage of attacks onto the unprepared sorcerer.
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 9 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 16 Damage: 6
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 16 Damage: 2 poison
Abner Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 8
Meanwhile, the aft-most two creatures charge Grout and Zagrot, slashing wildly with their claws and poison quills.
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 20 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 22 Damage: 6
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 12 Damage: 2 poison
Grout Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 21
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 7 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 8 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 6 Damage: 6 poison
Zagrot Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 14
Watching the relentless assault with horror, Therne is assailed by the tentacled creature behind her as one of its mottled green tendrils attempts to wrap around her and squeeze the life from her.
Enemy Attack (k12) vs. Therne: 20 Damage: 14 (if the attack hits, Therne is grappled and restrained, escape DC 16)
Ebokk cries in terror at the sight of Therne being attacked and dashes to her aid as fast as his dwarvish legs will carry him.
[OoC]: Since there are a lot of attacks here, I'm putting the rolls inside spoilers to shorten the time to scroll through the post.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Brozak hits the deck as the aggressive onslaught is more than he can handle. Therne, now wrapped in the inky tentacle, almost falls unconscious as the beast squeezes her tiny form, cracking a couple of ribs in the process. Grout also looks bloodied and even surprised at the viciousness of the enemy attack.
Order of Initiative: Red, Brozak, Zagrot, Bosun Grout, Enemies, Therne, Ebokk, Abner, Yaro, Aarakocra.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abner
A little bewildered by the suddenness of these dual attacks, Abner tries out a new spell, Sleep, which he casts on the three nearby fishmen surrounding Red.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gritting her teeth against the white-hot pain, Therne calls on the magic she's been practicing and wildshapes into a brown bear. She immediately tries to break the grapple.
Abner
Abner grins broadly at the aarakocra. "Whoooo... I like your tunic!" he calls out, cheerily. "And your beak!"
He pauses to study them with wide eyes, and then adds, "How far have you been flying?"
(Is his brother still in the air? Also: Is the portly man named Fat Drane the same blond guy with missing teeth we saw earlier?)
Although he knows he's horrible at picking up on social cues and such, Abner does his best to read the attitude and body language of Grout and Fat Drane. What's their reaction? What are they planning to do next? He glances nervously to his friends for help in figuring out what's going on.
Insight: 5
Red looks innocent, hands open What? I just said "look out"
then quieter, just to friends and Ebokk: If it will smooth things over with Captain Bosun, we could pay for the Aarakocra's rest - and I suggest we should hire them to scout your island and shipwreck, Lord Lockforge. I wager they'd be worth quite a bit in information
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
A storm brews in the Tortle's eyes, but in a flash it is gone. "Captain, I appreciate you listening to logic and reason. Valkur looks favorably on those who assist fellow travelers in need."
Yaro traces a symbol in the air, casting Guidance on the captain, as a gesture of good faith. "May the Captain of the Waves continue to bless this ship, and guide its captain in his decisions."
He then makes his way over to the Aarakocra who has landed on the ship. "Though I have not power to grant you passage on this ship, I would be happy to mend your wounds to help you on your way."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
In a whisper to his companions, Brozak says, “I agree with Redemption. Scouts would be helpful, scouts from the air would be even more so. But if the captain and crew are that ready to fight without provocation, that concerns me. I have no problem paying for their passage. Bahamut smiles on those who help others.”
Brozak - Red Dragonborn Paladin, lvl 2, Never Winter, Seldom Spring
Again, quietly:
Let us not assume malice where it could be mistake, Brother Brozak. Not that there is no malice, our new friend Yagrot is being hard-treated and that is a thing to fix. But the attack could be a mistake. Sharp-eyed sailors spotted what they thought was a threat, and tragedy averted by even-sharper-eyed passengers, cunning distraction, and sound reason.
We are at the mercy of the crew though - by the captain's leave alone we get where we are going and back. We may have to swallow some hardship, offer some value, and act with subtlety. Master Abner's innocence is actually an asset - not often will I say this again, but imitating our sorcerer is not unwise.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
The aarakocra looks down at Abner from its perch. "Thank you! Your beard looks like a nest! We've been flying all day, maybe 14 miles?" The brother swoops down and lands next to the other. This one looks very similar, but with a different patterning around the beak and a grey tunic of an identical style. He has yellow tips on the end of his wing feathers, and has a falchion slung across his hip. The two begin conversing in their strange bird-like language which sounds similar to howling winds and the rustling breeze.
After the captain grunts an effortless thank you towards Yaro, the Tortle heads over to the group. Abner tries to get some sort of visual cue from Grout and Fat Drane, but instead they notice him staring and both stop talking - returning the half-elf's stare. Ebokk hurries over to them to discuss the aarakocra.
"Ah, but we are not wounded my friend," the bird-man replies to Yaro, "just tired and in need of something to drink. My brother Aereek has always wanted to board a ship." The other aarakocra nods and smiles, or at least to the best of his ability. "We've both had interactions with human sailors before, and particularly enjoy the dice games that they dream up!"
Ebokk waddles back over to you all and lets out a large sigh as he raises his eyebrows. "Bosun Grout will allow the bird-folk to rest and share food, provided that they agree to scout ahead of the voyage tomorrow morning." The two aarakocra turn to each other and whisper, then nod to Ebokk, who bursts into a smile, "Excellent!"
The bird-folk step down from the rail and extend their scaly hands. The one in the green tunic speaks up, "I am Vreek, and this is my brother Aereek. We hail from the Whale Bones south of here. Aereek does not speak the common tongue... Nor many other for that matter!"
[OoC]: Fat Drane is a different man. The blond man who was mistreating Zagrot is called Sef.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Zagrot watches the confrontation unfold to its conclusion, his dark eyes diligently moving amongst the participants. As soon as it's finished, he hastily returns to work, disappearing belowdecks with the barrel in his arms.
When the aarakocra arrives, he pauses for a good look, raising his eyebrows in surprise when the second bird-man arrives.
Turning back to his task, he mutters something under his breath, pops something in his mouth, and grabs another barrel.
---
Zagrot was watching from a distance, noting especially the body language of his boss and any crew involved in the conflict.
Was he able to glean the fact that a threat of some sort was being delivered to the tortle?
Insight: 20
Current Roles:
GM - Fata Morgana: The Ghosts of Saltmarsh
[OoC]: Grout's demeanour was threatening, but you've seen him square up to other crew (including yourself) before; and although he definitely has the bite to back up his bark, he seldom uses it.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
"Well, it is good to hear you are uninjured. I can certainly help get you some water..."
Yaro searches for an empty bucket, or barrel, casting Create or Destroy Water to fill the vessel with drinkable water.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Abner
To Vreek, patting his beard:
"I tried to make my beard into a nest once. It was a terrible idea. ...Mice. You give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile."
"Need any mending? I'm good at mending!"
Then: "Are you familiar with all the islands in this area? Could you draw us a little map of the area into which we're headed? I'd ask the captain, but he's a little bit scary."
The aarakocra seems amused by Abner's words. "No mending here, but thank you, Nest-Beard. Unfortunately, we have only been around these parts once before, and that was a couple of years ago. All I can tell you is that there's very little land around for many miles." He appears saddened that he cannot help further.
Yaro finds an empty barrel that was used to store some of the dried fruits and nuts and fills it completely with fresh water by muttering an incantation and allowing a small droplet to hit the bottom. Sounds of shock from those nearby fill the air, and chatter quickly spreads. The aarakocra look impressed and give the tortle a bow as they cup their hands and drink their fill. The crew begin to congregate around Yaro and the barrel. Eventually, Grout pushes himself to the front of the group and looks at the almost full container of drinking water. "A clever trick mister tortle. Had you told us prior that you could do this, I'm sure your welcome would have been somewhat warmer." He claps a hand on the top of Yaro's shell and smiles, seemingly genuinely impressed. Grout calls a quick break for the crew, and many of them begin queuing for a taste of the water, thanking Yaro as they pass him. Some of the men choose not to partake, suspicion clear on their expressions.
For much of the remainder of the day, the morale of the ship is raised. A couple of the crew members even exchange some small talk with Zagrot as he passes them, carrying crates and such. The rest of you keep to your own business, helping where needed, staying out of the way, and playing listener to Ebokk and Vreek as they share stories.
As the day draws on closer to the dinner call, a commotion in the crow's nest draws your attention. Suddenly, Benn's wiry face leans over the side and he shouts at the top of his lungs, "KRAKEN! STARBOARD SIDE!"
Manic cries go out across the deck and panic sets in. Bosun Grout begins ordering men below deck as they start to run to safety at the port side of the ship. Suddenly, a group of figures clamber up the port side of the vessel, disgusting humanoids with pallid skin sporting coral and barnacle growths. Some of them have the features of fish, sharks, octopi and urchins. The shouting grows more hysterical - it would seem that these sailors are not the sort that are used to fighting.
Grout shouts even louder, "Crew, get to safety belowdeck!" He leans over the wheel and looks in horror as men are being clawed, bitten and thrown into the sea. Grout appeals to the group of you, "We need the crew alive to get us to dry land! Defend this ship!"
Ebokk and Grout draw their weapons up on the quarterdeck, with Zagrot nearby - hands full with a large crate of salted pork. Yaro and Aereek are up on the forecastle, whilst the rest of you are scattered around the main deck. As you all turn to face the menace of the aquatic men who are invading the ship, you hear further alarm from behind you as a trio of long, thin tentacles bursts from the water and pull Fat Drane overboard with a scream. The rest of the crew just about manage to make it through the doors to the cargo hold and living quarters, with several men still bleeding to death at the feet of the fish-men, who now slobber and gurgle as their eyes hungrily look towards the defenders of the Clan's Hope.
Initiative
Aarakocra: 3
Abner: 8
Brozak: 19
Ebokk: 9
Enemies: 13
Bosun Grout: 14
Red: 22
Therne: 12
Yaro: 6
Zagrot: 14
Combat
Abner, Brozak, Red and Therne:
The four of you currently occupy the main deck with Vreek. There are five piscine humanoids advancing towards you on one side, and the grasping tentacles of some other aquatic beast flailing in your direction from the other. The tentacled beast is below the rim of the edge of the ship, so you will need to get to the edge to be able to attack, unless you ready an action to strike a tentacle (as a reaction) as it attacks you on its own turn.
Yaro:
You are currently on the forecastle with the aarakocra brother, Aereek. Stairs in the middle of the raised area lead back down to the main deck, which is 10 ft. lower than your current elevation.
Zagrot:
You are currently up on the quarterdeck with Ebokk and Bosun Grout, near the wheel. You have a crate of salted pork in your hands, and your weapons are stored in your trunk below deck. The closest weapons you can see that aren't wielded by your close allies are the scimitars and javelins dropped by the slain crew at the feet of the amphibious boarding party. Similar to the forecastle, you are 10 ft. higher than the main deck, and stairs on either side of the quarterdeck lead down to the rest of the group.
Order of Initiative: Red, Brozak, Zagrot, Bosun Grout, Enemies, Therne, Ebokk, Abner, Yaro, Aarakocra.
[OoC]: There's a lot going on here, so I'm going to post some features of the map in the spoiler below:
Apologies if I'm butchering any of the naval terminology by the way, (I'm looking at you, skuk). As always, if there are any questions, drop them in the group chat. Alpha and Dreak, sometimes if it's a player's turn in the initiative order and they are taking their time to post, you can preemptively post what your turn will be in case you won't have a chance to post later. Make sure you only do this for other player's turns and not NPCs though. This will probably be my last post tonight unless an NPC rolls higher initiative than any of you guys. My internet is playing up hugely at the moment too, so I'll try my best to stay consistent.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Red will move to about i7, in front of the crate, facing the humanoids for now, as he goes singing ...Ramble on, And now's the time, the time is now to sing my song. I'm goin' 'round the world, I got to find my girl, On my way.... (bonus action) to grant Therne Bardic Inspiration (add 1d6 to an attack or save or check in the next 10 min - you can decide after you roll but before DM says result)
Then for the main action cast Faerie Fire at a 20’ cube around the aft 3 goobers; every creature DC13 Dex save or be outlined in light – attacks on them have advantage for the next minute
Then draw his rapier
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
OOC:
Given his experience onboard the vessel, does Zagrot know of any nearby stashes of free, unattached rope onboard that can be quickly retrieved?
Current Roles:
GM - Fata Morgana: The Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Brozak pulls out his hammer and moves to n6, shouting, “Bahamut’s might!!” He will attack the fishy fellow at n5.
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Brozak - Red Dragonborn Paladin, lvl 2, Never Winter, Seldom Spring
Zagrot’s eyes sweep the main deck. With a look of determination he stumps, crate still in his arms, behind Grout and Ebokk, to the top of the starboard stairs of the quarterdeck. He effortlessly hoists his burden clean above his head with both hands, then flings it with a grunt at the tentacles ten feet below.
Seeing Red take up a defensive position against quarterdeck, the orc’s eyes move to the sea creature nearest to the bard. With a frown, Zagrot charges down the stairs and across the main deck, skidding to a halt just before the enemy. He stoops down, grabs a javelin with both hands, and sets his feet into a wide stance, blocking the creature's path to the tiefling.
Eyes locked onto his foe, Zagrot leans forward and snarls, baring his sharp, stained teeth and the two stubs of his filed-down tusks. If there were ever any illusion of this fellow being half-human, it’s certainly dispelled now.
OOC:
Zagrot is going to move to G-10, then use his Action to hurl the crate at the tentacles below in the hope it will provide a distraction, something non-human for them to latch onto and drag off the deck. If he can hit a limb with the crate, all the better; but his goal is for the crate to end up on the deck amongst the tentacles to confuse/distract them. (For technical reference: Zagrot's Strength, combined with his Powerful Build trait, gives him a carrying capacity of 450lbs, with push/drag/lift of 900lbs. And he doesn't even lift.)
Then he'll use his bonus action to trigger the Aggressive trait, using the resulting movement (along with what's left of his standard move) to advance to I-6. There he'll grab a javelin from the ground with his free Interact Action, and dare that briny bastard to take a swing.
Here's a d20 roll for whatever you might need for the crate-toss. I'll let you add whatever of Zagrot's bonuses/skills you rule are needed: 17
Go ahead and roll anything else Zagrot needs.
Current Roles:
GM - Fata Morgana: The Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Enemy Dexterity Saving Throws:
j5: 12
k4: 6
l5: 1
Zagrot Damage vs. Tentacle Creature: 6
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Red coats two of the creatures in orange light before drawing Redmane's silvered rapier and standing ready to fight. Brozak charges in immediately, stepping over the fallen crew, and smashes his warhammer into the gut of his enemy, causing it to cough up sea water and bile onto the deck. Meanwhile, Zagrot launches his crate of salted pork across the length of the ship and smashes it into the source of the tentacles which barely protrudes from the surface of the water.
Grout takes the opportunity to charge the nearest piscine man and slashes at it twice with his scimitar, deftly using the positioning of Zagrot to further give him an advantage with his swings.
Grout Attack vs. Enemy (j5): 18 Damage: 6
Grout Attack vs. Enemy (j5): 25 Damage: 15
In response to the valiant defence of the ship, the amphibious men charge forward and engage. The one that Brozak hit is bolstered by its ally and they eagerly claw at the dragonborn. They also seem to have unusual spines protruding from their elbows, which they use as they attack to attempt to inject some kind of disgusting venom into their assault.
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 9 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 21 Damage: 3
Enemy Attack (n5) vs. Brozak: 13 Damage: 5 poison
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 21 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 11 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (o6) vs. Brozak: 7 Damage: 2 poison
Brozak Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 5
Another of the illuminated creatures charges towards the middle of the deck and attempts to unleash a barrage of attacks onto the unprepared sorcerer.
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 9 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 16 Damage: 6
Enemy Attack (m7) vs. Abner: 16 Damage: 2 poison
Abner Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 8
Meanwhile, the aft-most two creatures charge Grout and Zagrot, slashing wildly with their claws and poison quills.
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 20 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 22 Damage: 6
Enemy Attack (j5) vs. Grout: 12 Damage: 2 poison
Grout Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 21
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 7 Damage: 4
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 8 Damage: 5
Enemy Attack (j6) vs. Zagrot: 6 Damage: 6 poison
Zagrot Constitution Saving Throw (if hit by poison attacks) vs. Poisoned (lasts 1 minute): 14
Watching the relentless assault with horror, Therne is assailed by the tentacled creature behind her as one of its mottled green tendrils attempts to wrap around her and squeeze the life from her.
Enemy Attack (k12) vs. Therne: 20 Damage: 14 (if the attack hits, Therne is grappled and restrained, escape DC 16)
Ebokk cries in terror at the sight of Therne being attacked and dashes to her aid as fast as his dwarvish legs will carry him.
[OoC]: Since there are a lot of attacks here, I'm putting the rolls inside spoilers to shorten the time to scroll through the post.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Brozak hits the deck as the aggressive onslaught is more than he can handle. Therne, now wrapped in the inky tentacle, almost falls unconscious as the beast squeezes her tiny form, cracking a couple of ribs in the process. Grout also looks bloodied and even surprised at the viciousness of the enemy attack.
Order of Initiative: Red, Brozak, Zagrot, Bosun Grout, Enemies, Therne, Ebokk, Abner, Yaro, Aarakocra.
"The most important step a person can take is always the next one." - Dalinar Kholin; Oathbringer
Abner
A little bewildered by the suddenness of these dual attacks, Abner tries out a new spell, Sleep, which he casts on the three nearby fishmen surrounding Red.
Sleep
Hit points affected: 18
Do fish sleep? So many creatures he's unfamiliar with!
(Does he recognize these? If he has a moment to think about it:
Nature: 7)
Gritting her teeth against the white-hot pain, Therne calls on the magic she's been practicing and wildshapes into a brown bear. She immediately tries to break the grapple.
Strength check, with inspiration: 16
She growls and prepares to attack again.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep