There are more than enough bones laying around the dead attackers to make some quick disguises work, though Uragum stands out due to his size difference with the average human. Elisande grabs Ola's hand as the party prepares to leave. "Your 'orsies be right 'ere. I keep dem safe and dey no gon' hurt. So ye come back an' get me? Please," she reiterates.
At the landing, the situation remains the same. Two longboats have been drawn onto the shore, one at either end, with their oars still attached. Each one can comfortably fit all four of you and your gear.
The storm has abated somewhat, but the waters are still quite rough. Despite the waves, however, these boats look sturdy enough to handle a quick voyage with some hard work and focus.
Uragum asks, "You want me to help row part way out and then lay down to hide? Or we gonna risk it" He pauses, "I'd rather be in a position to attack if needed but I'll do whatever to make it onto a boat."
Ola looked at the stormy waves and shook her hear. "You be the judge but I do not think we can manage all the way to the ship without you on the oars. Looks like it will be quite a voyage even for all four of us."
She felt more confident leaving the horses with Elisande (she promised to the girl to return once again and even begun the list (in her thoughts) of the people in Phlan who would be glad to accept an enthusiastic orphan), so she, herself could concentrate on the task at hands. But this close the task looked quite problematic. "Well, who among us knows how to do it?"
Before leaving the kobold, Sylyra kneels down, brandishing his dagger once again before the creature's eyes. "When the boats return to the ship, is there a signal — verbal or physical — that they give as they approach to identify themselves as friendly? Something they yell or show?" Then, "Are there any traps set around the ship that we need to watch out for?" Then, "What does the human in charge look like — the one with the statue?"
After the kobold answers those questions, insight check on the creature for how helpful it's being. If Sylyra feels the creature has been very helpful (I'll let the DM decide how Sylyra feels based on the roll) ...
Sylyra pauses, then asks, "If we bring you along and swear to spare your life, will you help us kill the leader?" While he is asking the question, Sylyra transfers the dagger to his off hand and causes a flame to appear in his dominant palm. He moves his hand around, letting the flame approach the kobold and move away threateningly. "I can make you hurt for a long time if you cross us."
If the kobold agrees to come, and if Sylyra feels he is willing to betray his leader to save his own skin, Sylyra will untie the kobold and bring him along to help with the ruse.
If the crones are nearby as the group is walking to the boat, Sylyra approaches them. "Now you know I was telling the truth, and your demands were detrimental to the safety of your village. We could easily have refrained from helping in response to your rudeness. But we did not refrain. If you would like to help us exact revenge against the one who attempted to burn your home to the ground, including your dark wood, join us. We are taking one of their boats to attack their ship."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sylyra Insight: 5
"No, no, no sign, no words! We leave, attack, then we come back! No trap, no. Ixas scary man, wear purple always, big robe. He human...I think," the kobold answers. When Sylyra mentions bringing him along, he shouts, "Yes! I kill Ixas, I no like Ixas or his scary statue." The kobold shrinks away from the flame as it speaks.
The crones are not near the landing, but are still near the fire pit, and nothing on the island is markedly far from the center. The women smile grimly and respond, "My child, now you know we can defend ourselves quite well. You have earned an apology, and our thanks for helping, but we have no help to offer you. Our place is here, on the island. Only Warsh leaves our home, and he would not fare well against such a force. Go, and take the fight to their ship, for your place is not here."
For Sylyra:
You have broken the kobold, and its rapid answers suggest it is trying to be helpful and get into your good graces.
"This one's coming with us," Sylyra says to the others of the kobold. "If it does anything to betray us, do not kill it. Knock it out only so that I can make it sorry for its treachery later." To the kobold he says, "Arm yourself." Then after a moment's hesitation, "What are you called?"
To the crones, Sylyra simply nods, not at all surprised that they don't want to help. He was hoping for at least one more able fighter to accompany them, but if not, so be it. "We will return either tonight or in the morning for our horses."
With that settled, Sylyra is prepared to board one of the boats to head to the ship. He is planning to be a prisoner.
With disguises in place, and a nervous kobold in tow, the longboats are pushed away from shore and into the wild waves of the Moonsea. Along the way, the kobold shouts back that its name is Raki.
If you weren't already wet enough from fighting in the downpour, the crashing waters drench you to the bone, though ironically the rain slows as you fight the current. By the time you have sighted the ship that Sylyra had seen, and navigated toward it, twenty minutes of hard rowing have passed, but soon the ship stands out clearly. The mighty ship is remarkably sturdy against the rough waters, looming just a few hundred yards ahead.
Sylyra as usual skillfully avoided manual labor byt to Ola's surprise, the boat reached the ship safely. Cold water (and water in general) did not bother her, but she was not looking forward to climbing on board. She helped to her best ability to get the boat to the ship. Now someone had to convincingly play a raider. That "someone" certainly would not be her.
"No...they knocked out," Raki answers with a shadow-punch for exaggeration. The ship ahead looms even larger, a hundred yards away. Not much can be made out on the decks, the rain creating a fog-like haze that obscures the view.
"Good thinking," fully approved Ola. "The staff can be that "magic item" the raiding party was sent for." She was patiently rowing the boat to the ship.
Suddenly, the sea quiets. Fog lifts from the water and the storm abates. For a brief moment, you can see the sky clearly, the sliver of Selune shining down upon you as you approach the side of the ship.
Just then, your longboat takes on a red cast, like the baleful eye of some great reptile. A terrible tearing sound is heard, followed by a great rushing of wind and heat. Angry screams erupt. The fog returns, billowing from the ship ahead.
As you bring the longboat close in to the ship's ladder on the port side, screams of pain and fear emanate from the deck above.
"Sounds like the time for subterfuge might be at an end." Arnald says and starts helping folks up the ladder. Once everyone else is up Arnald will climb up.
That was getting more and more interesting (more and more dangerous too, but that's life). Ola patted Sylyra's shoulder, getting him up, returned the staff and went to the ladder to climb aboard - she did not expect to find a kraken so close to the shore, but it looked like whatever was attacking could be their real target and she had to see it.
Uragum would wait to be last up, being the largest one of the bunch. He would keep himself ready to assault any hostile creature that appeared by the rail as they made their way up.
Raki reluctantly follows as you climb your way to the deck of the mighty ship one by one. The sight that greets you is as chaotic as the rest of this day's adventure.
As you top the ladder, you see a glowing ship made of bones and issuing a baleful fog, its bowsprit tangled in the rigging of the forecastle of the ship you stand on. The crews of each ship are already in battle with one another. The kobolds and sailors disguised as undead battle another crew--a group of red-skinned humans dressed as buccaneers. The other ship, missing one of its two long boats, has the name Audacity lettered across the side.
Both ships are on fire.
"We've got company!"
"Who is that guy?"
"More o' them!"
Shouts ring out, but both crews seem too tangled with each other at the moment to make an immediate move against the new arrivals. The ship glows with an unearthly white radiance that casts bright light to pierce the night sea. A human in purple robes stands with a human man and woman wielding a spear and shield and six kobolds, all still dressed as undead. The opposing crew, all carrying different scars and disfigurements across their red skin, consists of a man in splint armor, whirling about the fight with a sword in each hand, and five others with a single scimitar each and wearing leathers.
The fire blazes where the ships have come into contact with one another and seems to be spreading slowly. The ship's fog lightly obscures all creatures more than 20 feet away. The mast in the center of the ship is large enough to provide three-quarters cover from anything on the opposite side, and it, along with the edges of the ship, is awash in tangled rigging. The deck tilts both from waves and the sudden crash, making footing slightly difficult.
Placement: The pirates' crew consists of the captain and five pirates. The ship crew consists of Ixas, two humans, and five kobolds. Ixas, a human, and a kobold are fighting two pirates 30 feet away to the left side of the ship. Ixas stands behind the fire, only available by a 5-foot-wide section of the deck. Two kobolds are fighting a pirate 10 feet away. A human and three kobolds are fighting two pirates and their captain 20 feet away to the right side of the ship.
There are more than enough bones laying around the dead attackers to make some quick disguises work, though Uragum stands out due to his size difference with the average human. Elisande grabs Ola's hand as the party prepares to leave. "Your 'orsies be right 'ere. I keep dem safe and dey no gon' hurt. So ye come back an' get me? Please," she reiterates.
At the landing, the situation remains the same. Two longboats have been drawn onto the shore, one at either end, with their oars still attached. Each one can comfortably fit all four of you and your gear.
The storm has abated somewhat, but the waters are still quite rough. Despite the waves, however, these boats look sturdy enough to handle a quick voyage with some hard work and focus.
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Uragum asks, "You want me to help row part way out and then lay down to hide? Or we gonna risk it" He pauses, "I'd rather be in a position to attack if needed but I'll do whatever to make it onto a boat."
Ola looked at the stormy waves and shook her hear. "You be the judge but I do not think we can manage all the way to the ship without you on the oars. Looks like it will be quite a voyage even for all four of us."
She felt more confident leaving the horses with Elisande (she promised to the girl to return once again and even begun the list (in her thoughts) of the people in Phlan who would be glad to accept an enthusiastic orphan), so she, herself could concentrate on the task at hands. But this close the task looked quite problematic. "Well, who among us knows how to do it?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Before leaving the kobold, Sylyra kneels down, brandishing his dagger once again before the creature's eyes. "When the boats return to the ship, is there a signal — verbal or physical — that they give as they approach to identify themselves as friendly? Something they yell or show?" Then, "Are there any traps set around the ship that we need to watch out for?" Then, "What does the human in charge look like — the one with the statue?"
After the kobold answers those questions, insight check on the creature for how helpful it's being. If Sylyra feels the creature has been very helpful (I'll let the DM decide how Sylyra feels based on the roll) ...
Sylyra pauses, then asks, "If we bring you along and swear to spare your life, will you help us kill the leader?" While he is asking the question, Sylyra transfers the dagger to his off hand and causes a flame to appear in his dominant palm. He moves his hand around, letting the flame approach the kobold and move away threateningly. "I can make you hurt for a long time if you cross us."
If the kobold agrees to come, and if Sylyra feels he is willing to betray his leader to save his own skin, Sylyra will untie the kobold and bring him along to help with the ruse.
If the crones are nearby as the group is walking to the boat, Sylyra approaches them. "Now you know I was telling the truth, and your demands were detrimental to the safety of your village. We could easily have refrained from helping in response to your rudeness. But we did not refrain. If you would like to help us exact revenge against the one who attempted to burn your home to the ground, including your dark wood, join us. We are taking one of their boats to attack their ship."
Sylyra Insight: 5
"No, no, no sign, no words! We leave, attack, then we come back! No trap, no. Ixas scary man, wear purple always, big robe. He human...I think," the kobold answers. When Sylyra mentions bringing him along, he shouts, "Yes! I kill Ixas, I no like Ixas or his scary statue." The kobold shrinks away from the flame as it speaks.
The crones are not near the landing, but are still near the fire pit, and nothing on the island is markedly far from the center. The women smile grimly and respond, "My child, now you know we can defend ourselves quite well. You have earned an apology, and our thanks for helping, but we have no help to offer you. Our place is here, on the island. Only Warsh leaves our home, and he would not fare well against such a force. Go, and take the fight to their ship, for your place is not here."
For Sylyra:
You have broken the kobold, and its rapid answers suggest it is trying to be helpful and get into your good graces.
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"This one's coming with us," Sylyra says to the others of the kobold. "If it does anything to betray us, do not kill it. Knock it out only so that I can make it sorry for its treachery later." To the kobold he says, "Arm yourself." Then after a moment's hesitation, "What are you called?"
To the crones, Sylyra simply nods, not at all surprised that they don't want to help. He was hoping for at least one more able fighter to accompany them, but if not, so be it. "We will return either tonight or in the morning for our horses."
With that settled, Sylyra is prepared to board one of the boats to head to the ship. He is planning to be a prisoner.
Uragum nods, "So we get on board and we surprise attack. I like it." With that he also boards the boat and grabs an oar.
With disguises in place, and a nervous kobold in tow, the longboats are pushed away from shore and into the wild waves of the Moonsea. Along the way, the kobold shouts back that its name is Raki.
If you weren't already wet enough from fighting in the downpour, the crashing waters drench you to the bone, though ironically the rain slows as you fight the current. By the time you have sighted the ship that Sylyra had seen, and navigated toward it, twenty minutes of hard rowing have passed, but soon the ship stands out clearly. The mighty ship is remarkably sturdy against the rough waters, looming just a few hundred yards ahead.
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Sylyra as usual skillfully avoided manual labor byt to Ola's surprise, the boat reached the ship safely. Cold water (and water in general) did not bother her, but she was not looking forward to climbing on board. She helped to her best ability to get the boat to the ship. Now someone had to convincingly play a raider. That "someone" certainly would not be her.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra hands his staff to Ola. "Prisoners don't carry weapons," he says, stating the obvious. He turns to the kobold. "Raki, are prisoners tied up?"
"No...they knocked out," Raki answers with a shadow-punch for exaggeration. The ship ahead looms even larger, a hundred yards away. Not much can be made out on the decks, the rain creating a fog-like haze that obscures the view.
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"Good thinking," fully approved Ola. "The staff can be that "magic item" the raiding party was sent for." She was patiently rowing the boat to the ship.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra gives Raki a curt nod and then lies down in the boat to play possum.
Uragum will continue to row. As he does so hes running various scenarios of how this could go wrong and lead to a fight. He smiles at the thought.
Suddenly, the sea quiets. Fog lifts from the water and the storm abates. For a brief moment, you can see the sky clearly, the sliver of Selune shining down upon you as you approach the side of the ship.
Just then, your longboat takes on a red cast, like the baleful eye of some great reptile. A terrible tearing sound is heard, followed by a great rushing of wind and heat. Angry screams erupt. The fog returns, billowing from the ship ahead.
As you bring the longboat close in to the ship's ladder on the port side, screams of pain and fear emanate from the deck above.
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"Sounds like the time for subterfuge might be at an end." Arnald says and starts helping folks up the ladder. Once everyone else is up Arnald will climb up.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
That was getting more and more interesting (more and more dangerous too, but that's life). Ola patted Sylyra's shoulder, getting him up, returned the staff and went to the ladder to climb aboard - she did not expect to find a kraken so close to the shore, but it looked like whatever was attacking could be their real target and she had to see it.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Uragum would wait to be last up, being the largest one of the bunch. He would keep himself ready to assault any hostile creature that appeared by the rail as they made their way up.
Sylyra climbs up after Ola, motioning for Raki to follow him.
Raki reluctantly follows as you climb your way to the deck of the mighty ship one by one. The sight that greets you is as chaotic as the rest of this day's adventure.
As you top the ladder, you see a glowing ship made of bones and issuing a baleful fog, its bowsprit tangled in the rigging of the forecastle of the ship you stand on. The crews of each ship are already in battle with one another. The kobolds and sailors disguised as undead battle another crew--a group of red-skinned humans dressed as buccaneers. The other ship, missing one of its two long boats, has the name Audacity lettered across the side.
Both ships are on fire.
"We've got company!"
"Who is that guy?"
"More o' them!"
Shouts ring out, but both crews seem too tangled with each other at the moment to make an immediate move against the new arrivals. The ship glows with an unearthly white radiance that casts bright light to pierce the night sea. A human in purple robes stands with a human man and woman wielding a spear and shield and six kobolds, all still dressed as undead. The opposing crew, all carrying different scars and disfigurements across their red skin, consists of a man in splint armor, whirling about the fight with a sword in each hand, and five others with a single scimitar each and wearing leathers.
The fire blazes where the ships have come into contact with one another and seems to be spreading slowly. The ship's fog lightly obscures all creatures more than 20 feet away. The mast in the center of the ship is large enough to provide three-quarters cover from anything on the opposite side, and it, along with the edges of the ship, is awash in tangled rigging. The deck tilts both from waves and the sudden crash, making footing slightly difficult.
Initiative:
Arnald: 6
Ola: 20
Sylyra: 22 (-5)
Uragum: 17
Average: 9
Ixas: 8
Guard: 8
Guard: 20
Kobold: 14
Kobold: 17
Kobold: 12
Kobold: 11
Kobold: 7
Kobold: 20
Average: 12.56
Captain: 7
Pirate: 11
Pirate: 8
Pirate: 12 (+5)
Pirate: 14
Pirate: 10
Average: 14.83
Round 1 Order:
Pirates
Ship Crew
Players <=====
Placement:
The pirates' crew consists of the captain and five pirates.
The ship crew consists of Ixas, two humans, and five kobolds.
Ixas, a human, and a kobold are fighting two pirates 30 feet away to the left side of the ship. Ixas stands behind the fire, only available by a 5-foot-wide section of the deck.
Two kobolds are fighting a pirate 10 feet away.
A human and three kobolds are fighting two pirates and their captain 20 feet away to the right side of the ship.
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