A look of relief comes across Theena's face as it appears to her that the ship would be heading towards the Gallow Glens. "Thank you all! I'm sure everyone in the Glens would be more grateful for the assistance! And how about you Riordan? Are you willing to help out as well?" she asks turning towards the elf.
Over the next few days, despite Kembe's insistence that there was no other food, he does manage to find a pack of rations and turn them into something descent enough. Crew portions are small, but no one is exactly starving. It's a funny, subtle, effect that settles in on the crew, a kind of light, focused tension. Lean meals and repetitive days lower the chatter, and a kind of determination soaks in. Hesitation about the mission becomes dissection. Conversation about what should be done turns into how to do it. As one the crew begins to turn their focus toward what food the orcs will have, where will they have it, will it be guarded. By gestalt, a plan emerges; Use the drop-hopper to appear above a herd, take out any shepherds or guards immediately, run the animals up the gang plank immediately, leave immediately. No one wants a protracted fight. The doctor offers to stay on the ship and coordinate, hoisting a battered spyglass. Kembe offers to get the animals up onto the ship. Xial's got a bow, and says he'll try to keep the orcs off Kembe. Cruaz says she'll do the same, as does Riordan. The Doc suggests Theena do a mix of look out and skirmisher.
In the last day before you start seeing small groups of orcs dotting the planes, a hush falls over the crew. People speak in whispers, short and direct. The edges of the sails have become brittle and papery, as if reflecting the mood of the crew.
Below can be seen a flock of sheep, tended to by a pair of worgs. Trailing behind them is a pair of wide wagons called broodhauls. Xial informs you the orcs will have their younglings in the broodhauls, and that what little food they have stored will likely be in there. There are likely at least two orcish women in addition to the riders, which are probably men. He also mentions that the most dangerous ones will be the armed riders and their mounts, but that hardly needs to be said. "We shouldn't go in the broodhauls. Cramped and poor lighting."
"But stored food is easier to carry off than animals." Cruaz points out.
The Doctor replies, "We don't know how many are in the haulers, or if their old enough to fight. You could get trapped."
Kembe concurs, "Focus on the sheep."
Joviality, and moral concerns, dropped away with disturbing uniformity. In the brisk cold, the crew seems more like wolves than the worgs.
As the flock draws near, Xial sets the ship to ascend, drawing up above the cloud line. It's a matter of estimation to tell where the flock is, peering through the wispy clouds.
"Get ready for the drop. Everyone grab something. Have weapons secured on you, not drawn or loose. Bend your knees, feet set just wider than your shoulders. Resist the momentum just as we stop, don't lock up."
Standing by the mastpipe, taking a wide stance just like they're describing, Xial put's their hand on a brace lining the pipe. They're other hand unlatches the valve release and get's ready to throw the lever on the drop-hopper.
Theena silently noticed a subtle change with everyone on the ship over the past few days as they approached the Gallow Glens. At first, she thought nothing of it, thinking that the group was perhaps nervous of fighting off a few groups of raiders. But as the days went by, her opinion on the situation began to change; somehow, without her even noticing it, the goal of the mission had shifted. Instead of fighting off a would-be group of marauders threatening her home, the crew now seemed dead-set on thievery instead; and while she wasn't against stealing, this seemed different. When she had worked with the Catfolk, they had stolen exclusively from the wealthily to help the less fortunate. But now it sounded like they were going to steal from families with women and children instead of the marauding horde they were expecting. Were there even any raiders at all? she thought to herself questioningly.
Before she knew it, Xial had announced they were making their final approach and that their attack was imminent. Grabbing her things, she joined the rest of the crew onto the deck of the ship before listening to their plan of action. As they then headed towards the drop-hopper, she finally spoke up and asked, "Are we sure about this? I mean... they don't look like raiders. Maybe we should leave them alone if they're not going to attack the Gallow Glens?" Theena asked the others. If we end up still going through with this, Theena thought to herself, I'll make sure they don't hurt anyone who can't fight unnecessarily. With her bow and pack secured, grabbed onto the edge and waited for a response... or a drop.
"Yeah, which is pirates with a license. What did you think we were doing here?"
Cinnabar turns to Theena, "It's all connected. If we make enough of a ruckus, that will cause the orcs to divert some of their troops this way. It disrupts battle plans."
"Don't we have to rob a lot of people to make that work?" Druaz tapped at her chin with her tail while she thought. "That's kind of more questionable, isn't it?"
"Ok, again, what the hell did you expect? We're pirates. Pirates steal things."
Kembe shakes his head "You're a pirate, you and Riordan. I'm just a cook."
Before Xial can object Dr. Cinnabar interrupts. "Where is Riordan?" A quick glance around the deck confirms that you are, in fact, one red elf short. A few moments of Xial below deck yelling his name ends with Xial coming back and saying, "I don't thing he's on board."
"Um," Kembe searches the faces of the others, "W-what's the other option?"
Xial, exasperated, "I guess he jumped ship."
Cruaz responds, "So, you're theory is just, random suicide? That's what you're going with?"
"No, I mean - yeah no, that's stupid." Xial, deflated, drops their weight against the mastpipe. The hopper's lever, left unsecured, swings outward, activating the drophopper, and sending the ship into an uncontrolled free fall.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The ship drops out of the sky, dispersing clouds and drenching the crew. Within a dozen feet of hitting the ground the ship abruptly stops.
Doctor Cinnabar 18
Xial 12
Druaz 4
Kembe 19
Theena (10)
Well, it appears every member of the ship fell prone. As using a drophopper is typically an aggressive move, the orcs are taking this as an attack. Initiative order is as follows:
Druaz: 19 - Action: Rising from prone and swearing, Druaz moves to ship's railing and yells "Whoa, sorrysorrysorry, we're not attacking you!, ignore us!" Unfortunately, she does so in Common, which these folks don't speak. Disadvantage to communicate the intent. 10
Theena: 19 - Getting up and looking around.
Xial: 16 - Action: Xial's head knocks against the mastpipe with a resounding BONG, and he stumbles backward before falling over.
Worg2: 16 - Howling.
Orc2: 15 - Pulling a pack of javelins from his back.
Worg1: 14 - Running back toward the hauler.
Kembe: 13 - Action: Rising from prone and moving behind Druaz. He's largely in panic mode and casts about trying to figure out what he should be doing.
Orc1: 13 - Calling out something in orcish, in the direction of the hauler, as his worg bears him in that direction.
Cinnabar: 11 - Action: Rising from prone (climbing back into his chair). Using the backward momentum of getting into his chair, the Doctor grabs one wheel, causing himself to pivot around, spinning over toward Xial, who he's able to hoist onto his feet.
The herd: 7 - Action: Fleeing out across the plains.
Theena would use half her movement to stand back up and then use her action to see what's going on now that the ship has stopped falling . (Perception Check: 6) (Andddd she probably doesn't see much ;P)
Well, here's your DM forgetting basic rules: Since, yes, standing from prone takes half your movement, not your whole turn, I'll modify that last post. Since you and Druaz have the same Initiative, I'll go back and forth on who acts first. That means you'll act first on the new round, so, what does Theena do as events unfold?
Seeing how the situation is rapidly devolving into Chaos, Theena would pull out her bow as she ducked down, hid out of sight and waited.
Action: Readied Action - if Druaz, or another one of her comrades is hit, fire an arrow at the one who attacked her: (Attack Roll: 19) (advantage if unseen due to stealth roll) (Damage: 7 + Sneak Attack (if applicable): 7)
"Druaz!" Theena called out as she saw the reptilian woman struck and fall to the ground below. "Someone help me get her back up!" Before she heard a response, Theena unfolded her wings and jumped out of the Drophopper towards the fallen woman.
Action: Readied Action - if Druaz is attacked fire an arrow at the one who attacked her: (Attack Roll: 20) (advantage if unseen due to stealth roll) (Damage: 8 + Sneak Attack (if applicable): 5)
Just to be clear, the drophopper is a device on top of the air bag, with it's controls below it on the mastpipe. I'm assuming Theena jumped over the railing.
Druaz: Lying there, not moving. Death Save 17
Xial: 16 - Action: Drawing his bow and kneeling on the edge of the gang plank, Xial sends an arrow in the direction of the riderless worg. Attack: 24 Damage: 8
Theena: 19 - Since the attack the worg is making is essentially in the direction of Druaz, I'd say we can apply this attack at the worg. It wouldn't count as a sneak attack, but it does hit directly, for 8. It's now got two arrows sticking in it.
Orc2: 15 - Lying there, motionless.
Worg1: 14 - Running back toward the ship.
Kembe: 13 - Not visible from your vantage point.
Orc1: 13 - Bearing the burning branch towards the ship.
Cinnabar: 11 - "Lookout! They have reinforcements!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Option A: If the Worg is continuing to Attack Theena
Action: Readied Action - If Druaz or Theena is attacked, fire an arrow at the one who attacked her: (Attack Roll: 22 (Advantage: 7)) (advantage if unseen due to stealth roll) (Damage 7 + Sneak Attack (if applicable): 6)
Bonus Action: Stealth - 14
Reaction: If hit, she will use her Skirmisher ability to get away from the Worg
Skirmisher
Starting at 3rd level, you are difficult to pin down during a fight. You can move up to half your speed as a reaction when an enemy ends its turn within 5 feet of you. This movement doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks.
Option B: If the Worg does not attack her this turn, Theena will attempt to revive/ stabilize Druaz
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'm not leaving her down here! Someone help bring her back to the ship!" Theena yelled out as she continued to protect the lizard woman's body.
Action: Readied Action to fire at anyone who attempts to attack her or Druaz - (Attack: 18 (If Advantage: 21), Damage: 9, Sneak Attack (if applicable): 4)
A look of relief comes across Theena's face as it appears to her that the ship would be heading towards the Gallow Glens. "Thank you all! I'm sure everyone in the Glens would be more grateful for the assistance! And how about you Riordan? Are you willing to help out as well?" she asks turning towards the elf.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
...I'm going to assume Riordan gives a reserved nod, and off goes the ship towards the Gallows Glens.
Over the next few days, despite Kembe's insistence that there was no other food, he does manage to find a pack of rations and turn them into something descent enough. Crew portions are small, but no one is exactly starving. It's a funny, subtle, effect that settles in on the crew, a kind of light, focused tension. Lean meals and repetitive days lower the chatter, and a kind of determination soaks in. Hesitation about the mission becomes dissection. Conversation about what should be done turns into how to do it. As one the crew begins to turn their focus toward what food the orcs will have, where will they have it, will it be guarded. By gestalt, a plan emerges; Use the drop-hopper to appear above a herd, take out any shepherds or guards immediately, run the animals up the gang plank immediately, leave immediately. No one wants a protracted fight. The doctor offers to stay on the ship and coordinate, hoisting a battered spyglass. Kembe offers to get the animals up onto the ship. Xial's got a bow, and says he'll try to keep the orcs off Kembe. Cruaz says she'll do the same, as does Riordan. The Doc suggests Theena do a mix of look out and skirmisher.
In the last day before you start seeing small groups of orcs dotting the planes, a hush falls over the crew. People speak in whispers, short and direct. The edges of the sails have become brittle and papery, as if reflecting the mood of the crew.
Below can be seen a flock of sheep, tended to by a pair of worgs. Trailing behind them is a pair of wide wagons called broodhauls. Xial informs you the orcs will have their younglings in the broodhauls, and that what little food they have stored will likely be in there. There are likely at least two orcish women in addition to the riders, which are probably men. He also mentions that the most dangerous ones will be the armed riders and their mounts, but that hardly needs to be said. "We shouldn't go in the broodhauls. Cramped and poor lighting."
"But stored food is easier to carry off than animals." Cruaz points out.
The Doctor replies, "We don't know how many are in the haulers, or if their old enough to fight. You could get trapped."
Kembe concurs, "Focus on the sheep."
Joviality, and moral concerns, dropped away with disturbing uniformity. In the brisk cold, the crew seems more like wolves than the worgs.
(OOC: Is it implied that Theena was also swept up in this change energy onboard the ship or can I have her react differently?)
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
I leave that up to your interpretation of your character.
The ship is in position over the flock, and it isn't clear if you've been spotted.
As the flock draws near, Xial sets the ship to ascend, drawing up above the cloud line. It's a matter of estimation to tell where the flock is, peering through the wispy clouds.
"Get ready for the drop. Everyone grab something. Have weapons secured on you, not drawn or loose. Bend your knees, feet set just wider than your shoulders. Resist the momentum just as we stop, don't lock up."
Standing by the mastpipe, taking a wide stance just like they're describing, Xial put's their hand on a brace lining the pipe. They're other hand unlatches the valve release and get's ready to throw the lever on the drop-hopper.
"Everybody ready?"
Before she knew it, Xial had announced they were making their final approach and that their attack was imminent. Grabbing her things, she joined the rest of the crew onto the deck of the ship before listening to their plan of action. As they then headed towards the drop-hopper, she finally spoke up and asked, "Are we sure about this? I mean... they don't look like raiders. Maybe we should leave them alone if they're not going to attack the Gallow Glens?" Theena asked the others. If we end up still going through with this, Theena thought to herself, I'll make sure they don't hurt anyone who can't fight unnecessarily. With her bow and pack secured, grabbed onto the edge and waited for a response... or a drop.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Xial pulls his hand back from the hopper. "Now you're going to get into that?"
"Actually," says Druaz, "I've been kinda thinking about that, but I didn't want to say anything."
Kembe throws his head back, "Thank the gods! I thought I was the only one."
"What? We're friggin' pirates people, seriously." Xial's looks dumb founded.
The doctor interjects, "Privateers, Xial."
"Yeah, which is pirates with a license. What did you think we were doing here?"
Cinnabar turns to Theena, "It's all connected. If we make enough of a ruckus, that will cause the orcs to divert some of their troops this way. It disrupts battle plans."
"Don't we have to rob a lot of people to make that work?" Druaz tapped at her chin with her tail while she thought. "That's kind of more questionable, isn't it?"
"Ok, again, what the hell did you expect? We're pirates. Pirates steal things."
Kembe shakes his head "You're a pirate, you and Riordan. I'm just a cook."
Before Xial can object Dr. Cinnabar interrupts. "Where is Riordan?" A quick glance around the deck confirms that you are, in fact, one red elf short. A few moments of Xial below deck yelling his name ends with Xial coming back and saying, "I don't thing he's on board."
"Um," Kembe searches the faces of the others, "W-what's the other option?"
Xial, exasperated, "I guess he jumped ship."
Cruaz responds, "So, you're theory is just, random suicide? That's what you're going with?"
"No, I mean - yeah no, that's stupid." Xial, deflated, drops their weight against the mastpipe. The hopper's lever, left unsecured, swings outward, activating the drophopper, and sending the ship into an uncontrolled free fall.
"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-"
Roll an athletics check.
"Wait, he ju..." was all Theena was able to get out before she plummeted towards the earth. (Athletics: 6)
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
The ship drops out of the sky, dispersing clouds and drenching the crew. Within a dozen feet of hitting the ground the ship abruptly stops.
Doctor Cinnabar 18
Xial 12
Druaz 4
Kembe 19
Theena (10)
Well, it appears every member of the ship fell prone.
As using a drophopper is typically an aggressive move, the orcs are taking this as an attack. Initiative order is as follows:
Druaz: 19 - Action: Rising from prone and swearing, Druaz moves to ship's railing and yells "Whoa, sorrysorrysorry, we're not attacking you!, ignore us!" Unfortunately, she does so in Common, which these folks don't speak. Disadvantage to communicate the intent. 10
Theena: 19 - Getting up and looking around.
Xial: 16 - Action: Xial's head knocks against the mastpipe with a resounding BONG, and he stumbles backward before falling over.
Worg2: 16 - Howling.
Orc2: 15 - Pulling a pack of javelins from his back.
Worg1: 14 - Running back toward the hauler.
Kembe: 13 - Action: Rising from prone and moving behind Druaz. He's largely in panic mode and casts about trying to figure out what he should be doing.
Orc1: 13 - Calling out something in orcish, in the direction of the hauler, as his worg bears him in that direction.
Cinnabar: 11 - Action: Rising from prone (climbing back into his chair). Using the backward momentum of getting into his chair, the Doctor grabs one wheel, causing himself to pivot around, spinning over toward Xial, who he's able to hoist onto his feet.
The herd: 7 - Action: Fleeing out across the plains.
It isn't clear who is doing what in the hauler.
Theena would use half her movement to stand back up and then use her action to see what's going on now that the ship has stopped falling . (Perception Check: 6) (Andddd she probably doesn't see much ;P)
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Well, here's your DM forgetting basic rules: Since, yes, standing from prone takes half your movement, not your whole turn, I'll modify that last post. Since you and Druaz have the same Initiative, I'll go back and forth on who acts first. That means you'll act first on the new round, so, what does Theena do as events unfold?
(Haha no worries! Happens to the best of us!)
Seeing how the situation is rapidly devolving into Chaos, Theena would pull out her bow as she ducked down, hid out of sight and waited.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Druaz: 19 - Action: Stands up on the railing (Acrobatics to stay upright: 11), but falls off the ship.
Xial: 16 - Action: Having been righted by the Doctor, Xial runs over to the gangplank and flips it out toward the ground.
Worg2: 16 - Begins to run toward the ship.
Orc2: 15 - Throws a javelin at Druaz: Attack: 4 Damage: 7. Hitting Druaz in midair.
Theena: 19 - Readied Action: Returns fire on the orc, 14 damage. The orc takes it straight to the chest and tumbles off the worg.
Worg1: 14 - Action: Runs up to the edge of the hauler, leaning in for it's rider.
Kembe: 13 - Action: Tries to catch Druaz between the bars under the railing as she falls: 11. Misses, and Druaz falls, taking 9 damage.
Orc1: 13 - Action: Reaches into the hauler, and is handed a burning branch.
Cinnabar: 11 - Action: Rolling across the deck to grab his dropped spyglass.
The herd: 7 - Action: Continuing to run.
In the distance you hear several howled responses.
"Druaz!" Theena called out as she saw the reptilian woman struck and fall to the ground below. "Someone help me get her back up!" Before she heard a response, Theena unfolded her wings and jumped out of the Drophopper towards the fallen woman.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Just to be clear, the drophopper is a device on top of the air bag, with it's controls below it on the mastpipe. I'm assuming Theena jumped over the railing.
Druaz: Lying there, not moving. Death Save 17
Xial: 16 - Action: Drawing his bow and kneeling on the edge of the gang plank, Xial sends an arrow in the direction of the riderless worg. Attack: 24 Damage: 8
Worg2: 16 - Charges at Theena, snapping it's jaws. Attack: 9 Damage: 7
Theena: 19 - Since the attack the worg is making is essentially in the direction of Druaz, I'd say we can apply this attack at the worg. It wouldn't count as a sneak attack, but it does hit directly, for 8. It's now got two arrows sticking in it.
Orc2: 15 - Lying there, motionless.
Worg1: 14 - Running back toward the ship.
Kembe: 13 - Not visible from your vantage point.
Orc1: 13 - Bearing the burning branch towards the ship.
Cinnabar: 11 - "Lookout! They have reinforcements!"
The herd: 7 - Running, having existed the scene.
The howling is getting closer.
Option A: If the Worg is continuing to Attack Theena
Skirmisher
Starting at 3rd level, you are difficult to pin down during a fight. You can move up to half your speed as a reaction when an enemy ends its turn within 5 feet of you. This movement doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks.
Option B: If the Worg does not attack her this turn, Theena will attempt to revive/ stabilize Druaz
(Edit: Wow what terrible rolls haha!)
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Sorry to be slow on posting. I'll have a proper response later today.
Theena: Fires an arrow at the one who attacked her: (Attack Roll: 6)
Druaz: Lying there, not moving. Death Save:3 One save, one fail.
Xial: 16 - Xial yells "Get back up here!" and puts another arrow in the worg. Attack: 16 Damage: 5
Worg2: 16 - Bites Theena. Attack: 6 Damage: 11
Orc2: 15 - Lying there, motionless.
Worg1: 14 - Running over to the fallen orc.
Kembe: 13 - Throws a cast iron pot at the riderless worg: Attack: 14 Damage: 1
Orc1: 13 - Having lit the side of the ship on fire, tosses the burning branch on to the deck as he rides over to the fallen orc.
Cinnabar: 11 - Tosses the burning branch off the deck. "The ship's on fire!"
"I'm not leaving her down here! Someone help bring her back to the ship!" Theena yelled out as she continued to protect the lizard woman's body.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM