OOC - seeing as no other posts are forthcoming, I'll continue

The party of adventurers are quite willing to talk about their conquest and, after a good meal, a few drinks and all around relaxation on the open seas, they tell you they were able to defeat a large keep of undead (quantity and quality variable, depending on level of inebriation and braggadocio) in order to 'acquire' a magical artifact of power. The artifact is supposed to be eminently useful in summoning undead, and the party wanted to remove this tool and take it to where it can be destroyed safely. While they don't go so far as to show you the object, a few of their number are more than happy to regale the crew with stories about their campaign. 

With the use of Detect Magic, can Sal see any large pockets of necromancy between the adventurers?

S'ika notices the others talking and decides to see whats going on. As she walks up, she see Carolinas holding a book. She gets close enough to lean over and take a peek at the contents.

 Carolinas senses the magic being cast by Sal and continues to asking questions about their campaign so he may write them down in his book, not only for his own curiosity, but to also attempt distracting them so they don't take notice to Sal casting her spell.

As the next leg commences, Sebastian settles back into his role. Still wary from the earlier legs of the voyage, he makes sure to carry his weapons the majority of the time. If he isn’t armed, his weapons are close by. 

As for the newcomers, he is no stranger to adventurers. He does keep an eye on them when they are found in places they shouldn’t be or doing anything suspicious.

Carolinas notices the newcomer taking an interest in his book and moves the spectral hand so S'ika can get a better look.

"Maybe not the most exciting tome, but I hope it will eventually aid adventures some day. What do you think?"

OOC: Just to clarify what Carolinas is doing with his books, he is basically making an encyclopedia that is a precursor of sorts to the D&D Monster Manuals and other guide books in the D&D universe. Perhaps in our recent past someone came across a long lost copy of his work and decided to turn it into a game. :)

The new passengers settle in quite well and no issues develop for the first day. Bruz's cooking is met with much appreciation, and the newcomers seem surprised that such good fare is being served aboard a merchant trawler. The calm and routine is shattered that evening however, when four explosions occur on deck, hooked ladders are attached to the ship on both sides, and over a dozen Sahuagin clamber over the sides! Anyone on deck at the time takes 8 force damage, DC 12 DEX save for half.

OOC - roll Initiative and a DC 25 (or 1d4 and don't get a one, if you'd prefer) percentile to determine if any of you are on deck and affected by the small AoE. If you specifically want to be on deck , go right ahead. Under 25 and you happen to be in the area, otherwise.

Rolling the % first: 18

Sal will have been on deck, taking a break from being in the same room for some time. She will have her armour on, as she doesn't like the idea of the nearby nation's ethics to do with undead, and protection is probably paramount.

Dexterity Saving Throw: 5

Sal feels the call of Mystra, something in the weave pulls her, managing to evade the main brunt force of the explosive ability. She looks to the sahuagin, feeling the need to guide and assist her allies. "Sound the alarm!" She calls if it hasn't been called already. She then readies her holy symbol and shield to repel the beings of the sea from raiding and killing her companions. (Sal's Hit Points: 17/21)

Initiative: 8

On deck(?): 38

Initiative: 10

Dex save: 16

Rook is sitting on his bunk below deck admiring his sword that is on his lap and eating an extra plate of leftovers from Bruz's excellent meal, something the young man tends to do as he still has the appetite of a growing boy.  He brushes the crumbs from a hunk of bread off of the sword and just then the explosions rock the boat.  He stands in a flash and almost drops the sword, catching the hilt awkwardly but recovering as the metal plate clangs to the floor.  The lad begins dashing up to the deck to see what is wrong now, a frosty layer of arcane armor beginning to spread over his body like the overlapping remnants of waves reaching up onto a beach.  The mind of the 'other' Rook begins to take over as the senses controlling all of his newfound magic kick in.

On Deck: 92

 S'ika was laying in her bunk practicing a new piece when suddenly the ship was rocked by a couple of explosions. In that moment, those close by could hear a burst of random notes.  After getting back her balance, she went to grab her rapier and dagger. Once she gathered what she needed for a fight, she quickly made her way towards the deck. She awkwardly put on the rest of her armor as she is running to the top.

Initiative: 5

Carolinas would be writing and illustrating his book, but would not risk doing this on the top deck for fear of it falling into the water, so he would have likely been in the galley or in his bunk most of the time. Maybe an occasional stroll on deck to check for potential fire hazards and to get some fresh air.

Initiative 22

Percentile (d4): 4

Carolinas in his bunk taking his downtime writing in his book hears a massive explosions on deck. He is startled and throws his book on his bunk and quickly runs to see the disturbance.

Location 2

Sebastian is just getting his hammock ready when he hears the explosions from above. “This sail...” he says plainly as he shakes his head. “Up and at em boys!” He calls to the other crew mates in the hold with him. Grabbing rapier, bow, and quiver, he runs for the deck. 

Initiative 8

On either side of the ship, over half a dozen Sahuagin clamber aboard, nostrils wide at the scent of blood in the air and burbling heatedly. They engage immediately with any people on deck, and begin slaying all within reach. Quickly enough, some of the passengers engage with these humanoid sharks, preventing the slaughter they are attempting and joining others in the defense of the ship! Four more Sahuagin come over the railings, two to a side, and these seem.. more imposing, somehow, as they sniff the air. From over the side, those on desk to start with will hear a loud, bubbling call that fills the late twilight.

Initiative order - Carolinas, Sahuagin Group 3, Rook, Group 1, Sebastian, Group 2, S'ika and Sal.

OOC - Sorry about that, Poke. I had it on my master document, but I failed to transfer it when I ordered the Init.

(I got such a low initiative I didn't even make the final cut :-p )

Sebastian’s eyes go wide as he recognizes the language being yelled above deck. ”Sahuagin!”

Carolinas sees the sharkmen on deck engaging everyone and immediately says, "Burn, say I! Callah!"

A large 5ft diameter Flaming Sphere materializes on deck (in a place to damage as many as possible).

Fire dmg: 9 DEX ST 13 for half.

The flaming sphere materializes between the deck rail and the invaders, and is able to singe three of the opponents, steam boiling away from their flesh! The Port group of fish-men swing out at the various defenders, their movements violent and frenzied as they use their weapons to pull people into range of their fierce teeth! No one goes down from this assault, but the effects are certainly felt from the blows that land. 

OOC - If you specifically engage any of the Sahuagin in melee, I need to know which group. Until then, I am assuming you are not in melee and are leaving that messy chore to the passengers and other armed sailors. This may result in deaths a-plenty if the battle goes on too long. 

OOC _ Anyone below deck can reach the main deck in one movement round and still be able to take action. Each deck is less than 10' to climb and allowing for misc travel distances, you can still cover the full distance and get into battle, should you choose to. 

Rook reaches the top of the stairs after having given himself his chilling arcane armor and sees the battle quickly upon them.  He stands back for a brief second and surveys the scene, spotting Sal already on deck and potentially in danger.  He casts Hex on the closest enemy to Sal, intent on helping his friend so she can help others.