Burns says back to Korrik as they were rowing to the ship. "Yess.... exactly. Exxxceelllennntt."
OK, Korrik moves first. He creates his illusion as described, pos up into the nest and with his smaller frame is able to get some good leverage and his fist dislodges the guys jaw from his skull. The subsequent elbow is worse. It caves in the guys skull, and he makes some quiet gurgling sounds as his brain has been penetrated with skull matter. He is already dying, and then THWAP THWAP, Ash drives her two daggers in his heart and then she retracts them gracefully. Basically putting him out of his misery and probably more to stop his gurgling noises. The crows nest is pooling with blood, but it won't overflow or anything. Maybe drips after a bit.
Alright, so you two are up 40 feet in the nest. Maybe a few moments pass, and then the others start towards the middle of the deck towards that large hatch.
Ben, the smuggler responds. "I'm Bill. And he's Ted. Quite an excellent adventure we've got going on here as you'll soon see. Here, I'll open the hatch."
The smuggler is about to open the gate to the cargohold.
I will pause here to see what you might want to do. Ash and Kay are in the crow's nest, with the dead guy. Ess is following Ben's lead and is holding some fake bolts of silk. However much he can comfortably carry. Bill and Ted are each carrying casks of whisky. They do not suspect it's fake. They are expecting you to follow them down to the hold, drop the stuff off, and repeat. Let's say it'll take 3 trips to bring all of the fake stuff down.
Burns and Smithers are waiting nervously in the boats on each side of the ship.
Maps are updated. I've shown the next level down as the hatch is opened, but no details yet except you just see wooden stairs going down, and you think there might be more people down there.
((if you would've acted before they opened that gate, we can totally retro, just let me know))
Ash lowers the crows nest guy into a laying position whispering, “shhh.... shhh....”. She withdraws her blades, cleans them on the deceased’s clothes, and re-sheaths them.
Then she draws her crossbow and loads a bolt, looking over the side of the crows nest to see the deck-crew hoisting goods and preparing to make the first run down below deck, before the hatch is opened.
She gestures to Korrik, to suggest he readies a ranged weapon too, and watches Ben for any kind of sign that could help her make up her mind whether to take these two out now, or wait...
As soon as Ben, Ess, and the two deck crew go below deck, Ash will head back down to the deck and position herself, crouched low, on the deck, near the hatch, but out of sight, and on the side of the hatch that would be behind anyone emerging up back into the deck.
Assuming Korrik does the same, she will wait, crouched, with her black and red daggers drawn.
When Ben, Ess, and the two deck crew come back up, she will quickly move (unseen and unheard) up behind the crew member at the back (emerging last), stabbing them twice. If they die, she will again lower them quietly to the deck if possible.
((LOL... be prepared for similar bad guy names throughout the game. You've got me hooked now.))
Ash and Korrik could be behind Bill and Ted when they come back up the stairs out the hatch to get the second load, yes.
Ben, on the main deck, you don't hear anything behind any of those doors. Sea is way too loud. (disadvantage for perception that relies on hearing on main deck, no need to reroll though). If it was for when you get down to the cargo hold, you also don't hear anything behind the doors but see the entire hold which I will explain shortly.
*please excuse the smuggler quintuplets. LOL. The more important baddies will have their own different mugshots :) and will have proper names.
As Ben and Ess head down the stairs down into the cargo hold as they help unload, they see what I have uncovered on the map. They also see 2 other smugglers down there who are organizing the huge amount of stolen goods. They don't seem to bother with you and just nod when they see you all unloading.
Lantern light reveals an orderly cargo hold. Through the center runs the base of the main mast; beside it, narrow wooden stairs lead up to the hatch above. Against the aft bulkhead are stacked bolts of cloth, lashed by ropes to brackets bolted to the deck so they are secure. On each side are stacked a large number of small casks, also secured by ropes to the deck.
A lantern hanging from the ceiling, positioned just forward of the main mast, provides bright illumination. You can see the plain wooden hatch that allows access to the bilge, forward of the mast.
Meanwhile, Korrik and Ash head down the crows nest and get into a position that will be behind the smugglers when they come out to get load #2. It would be behind the rowboat that is on the deck. The hatch is a grate so you can't really hide behind it.
The smugglers will be surprised if you jump them, along with the 2 other guys in the hold, should combat break out.
Is the plan still to proceed with the ambush as Bill and Ted come out to get the second load? Will Ben still close the hatch after they come out for the second load? That will look very strange to Bill and Ted and might ruin surprise.
Let me know exactly what you all want to do in this moment given all of the new info and I'll play it out. I'll need initiative rolls from all, and also desired attacks and rolls for Ben and Korrik if that's how it goes down. Already have Ash's. Then I'll do Ess.
((Where are the remaining goods stacked? To the NE side of the main deck? If there are enough barrels that an extra would likely go unnoticed, he'll barrel up and hide there, ready to pop out and crack some dudes when they get close, if not, then hide behind boat.))
Korrik, you could indeed hide behind the remaining barrels by the NE side of the deck. That's exactly where the others unloaded them to. I moved you on the map and we can assume you're hidden behind one load of whisky casks.
Ok this is actually enough to kill them both, and yes it would happen without the other 2 in the hold hearing because of the waves and because of how you've set this up. The surprise removes their ability to yell right away. The kills are like clockwork, just like the kill up in the nest. I will not roll initiative for Ess to save time, but this is how I see the kills going down with the initiatives that have been rolled.
Ash immediately pounces on Ted and sticks him twice, real quick like. It's a pro kill, and silent and Ted musters "what a bogus journey...... ughhhhhh.." and dies.
Korrik moves forward out of hiding and knocks his staff over Bill's head followed with a kick that breaks his neck. Equally as pro. Equally as dead.
Ess was about to unsheathe his sword, almost in a clumsy manner, but then sees Korrik and Ash take care of things and 'keeps it in his pants' for now.
He whispers"WOAH. Dudes. Ash. You guys rule. Ok, so are we going to just jump those two down there now like these ones all quiet like?"
Ben holds his words as well Bill and Ted are.. dead.
What is the plan now to deal with the two down in the hold? There are the two dead bodies of Bill and Ted near the hatch. One is bleeding because of Ash's daggers.
The sound of the waves and the fact that they are busy looking at the inventory made those guys not hear along with the efficiency of the kills.
* that hatch in the cargo hold goes to the bilge
The two guys are semi-expecting you to come back with more loads soon as it wasn't assumed that you were done unloading even though they weren't really paying attention to you other than glancing as you unload and nodding.
"Well. Good work. Grab those two and put them out of the way, I'll clean up the blood here. Once that is done Ess and I will head back down and I will convince them to come topside to help carry things down."
Once everything is setup he will grab some more silk and head back down with Ess and put them where they go and say to the other guys,
"Hey, Bill told me to get you guys to help carry fork down, they are still unloading our boat and I'd like to get this done before dawn. Got a couple trips left."
Persuasion/deception (min 17):16
If they come along he'll lead saying loudly enough to be heard as they come up the stairs,
"Names Willard, that ugly cheese slicer over there is Jay."
The guys in the cargo hold (Tango and Cash) are lazy. The 17 isn't enough. Please roll again for advantage, as Ess would've helped with the persuasion/deception. "Yeah, c'mon man. The quicker we get done, the quicker I can get back to ole Ruthie. Please, bros?"
Ash agrees with Ben’s plan, “Yes, so far so good...”, helps move the bodies, and resets behind the boat on the deck, watching and listening from there...
((Omg yes! Thanks!!!!.... And yes dndB is being super picky about manipulated rolls for no reason!!))
Extra Crit dice for sneak attack: adds an extra 6 damage.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Burns says back to Korrik as they were rowing to the ship. "Yess.... exactly. Exxxceelllennntt."
OK, Korrik moves first. He creates his illusion as described, pos up into the nest and with his smaller frame is able to get some good leverage and his fist dislodges the guys jaw from his skull. The subsequent elbow is worse. It caves in the guys skull, and he makes some quiet gurgling sounds as his brain has been penetrated with skull matter. He is already dying, and then THWAP THWAP, Ash drives her two daggers in his heart and then she retracts them gracefully. Basically putting him out of his misery and probably more to stop his gurgling noises. The crows nest is pooling with blood, but it won't overflow or anything. Maybe drips after a bit.
Alright, so you two are up 40 feet in the nest. Maybe a few moments pass, and then the others start towards the middle of the deck towards that large hatch.
Ben, the smuggler responds. "I'm Bill. And he's Ted. Quite an excellent adventure we've got going on here as you'll soon see. Here, I'll open the hatch."
The smuggler is about to open the gate to the cargohold.
I will pause here to see what you might want to do. Ash and Kay are in the crow's nest, with the dead guy. Ess is following Ben's lead and is holding some fake bolts of silk. However much he can comfortably carry. Bill and Ted are each carrying casks of whisky. They do not suspect it's fake. They are expecting you to follow them down to the hold, drop the stuff off, and repeat. Let's say it'll take 3 trips to bring all of the fake stuff down.
Burns and Smithers are waiting nervously in the boats on each side of the ship.
Maps are updated. I've shown the next level down as the hatch is opened, but no details yet except you just see wooden stairs going down, and you think there might be more people down there.
((if you would've acted before they opened that gate, we can totally retro, just let me know))
"Let's make our way down while they're dropping that off and get the jump on them when they come back up.", Korrik whispers to Ash.
((So climb back down, hide wherever is best near the hatch, and attack when they come back out.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ash lowers the crows nest guy into a laying position whispering, “shhh.... shhh....”. She withdraws her blades, cleans them on the deceased’s clothes, and re-sheaths them.
Then she draws her crossbow and loads a bolt, looking over the side of the crows nest to see the deck-crew hoisting goods and preparing to make the first run down below deck, before the hatch is opened.
She gestures to Korrik, to suggest he readies a ranged weapon too, and watches Ben for any kind of sign that could help her make up her mind whether to take these two out now, or wait...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((Sorry, cross posts lol))
Ash considers Korrik’s suggestion, and agrees. She puts her crossbow away, for now, and prepares to scale down when the coast is clear.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((OOC: the way the hatch is set up, would it be possible to be behind people as they climb back up? So that they could be ambushed?))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ben's eyes roll so hard he gets a headache from the smugglers names, and he doesn't even understand why. He hides it though.
Ben will drop off the stuff while looking around and listening for people behind doors he passed.
Perception: 6
He'll let the pair lead the way back up, Ess between him and them and will make sure the hatch is closed as they go back on deck.
As soon as Ben, Ess, and the two deck crew go below deck, Ash will head back down to the deck and position herself, crouched low, on the deck, near the hatch, but out of sight, and on the side of the hatch that would be behind anyone emerging up back into the deck.
Assuming Korrik does the same, she will wait, crouched, with her black and red daggers drawn.
When Ben, Ess, and the two deck crew come back up, she will quickly move (unseen and unheard) up behind the crew member at the back (emerging last), stabbing them twice. If they die, she will again lower them quietly to the deck if possible.
Stealth check (if needed): 35
Attack action (adv. from unseen): Attack: 15 Damage: 6 (piercing damage)
Bonus attack: Attack: 10 Damage: 2 (piercing damage)
...if either of these hit, add 7 sneak attack damage.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((LOL... be prepared for similar bad guy names throughout the game. You've got me hooked now.))
Ash and Korrik could be behind Bill and Ted when they come back up the stairs out the hatch to get the second load, yes.
Ben, on the main deck, you don't hear anything behind any of those doors. Sea is way too loud. (disadvantage for perception that relies on hearing on main deck, no need to reroll though). If it was for when you get down to the cargo hold, you also don't hear anything behind the doors but see the entire hold which I will explain shortly.
*please excuse the smuggler quintuplets. LOL. The more important baddies will have their own different mugshots :) and will have proper names.
As Ben and Ess head down the stairs down into the cargo hold as they help unload, they see what I have uncovered on the map. They also see 2 other smugglers down there who are organizing the huge amount of stolen goods. They don't seem to bother with you and just nod when they see you all unloading.
Lantern light reveals an orderly cargo hold. Through the center runs the base of the main mast; beside it, narrow wooden stairs lead up to the hatch above. Against the aft bulkhead are stacked bolts of cloth, lashed by ropes to brackets bolted to the deck so they are secure. On each side are stacked a large number of small casks, also secured by ropes to the deck.
A lantern hanging from the ceiling, positioned just forward of the main mast, provides bright illumination. You can see the plain wooden hatch that allows access to the bilge, forward of the mast.
Meanwhile, Korrik and Ash head down the crows nest and get into a position that will be behind the smugglers when they come out to get load #2. It would be behind the rowboat that is on the deck. The hatch is a grate so you can't really hide behind it.
The smugglers will be surprised if you jump them, along with the 2 other guys in the hold, should combat break out.
Is the plan still to proceed with the ambush as Bill and Ted come out to get the second load? Will Ben still close the hatch after they come out for the second load? That will look very strange to Bill and Ted and might ruin surprise.
Let me know exactly what you all want to do in this moment given all of the new info and I'll play it out. I'll need initiative rolls from all, and also desired attacks and rolls for Ben and Korrik if that's how it goes down. Already have Ash's. Then I'll do Ess.
Maps are updated!
((Where are the remaining goods stacked? To the NE side of the main deck? If there are enough barrels that an extra would likely go unnoticed, he'll barrel up and hide there, ready to pop out and crack some dudes when they get close, if not, then hide behind boat.))
Initiative: 6
Staff Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Kick Attack: 15 Damage: 4
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((If it will look strange he will just stand in it blocking the way.))
Ben will hold his attack for if either Bill or Ted are breathing after Ash, Kay and Ess get in there.
He'll only add, at a normal volume,
"That was most definitely not excellent."
Vicious mockery: 1
At whoever is still alive.
Initiative: 9
Ash’s initiative: 12
((She rolled super stealthy too!!))
((If we drop them without too much noise, given the sound of the waves, is there a chance the other two won’t know?))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((OOC: I’m assuming Ess would weigh in too (quietly) lol, if needed))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Korrik, you could indeed hide behind the remaining barrels by the NE side of the deck. That's exactly where the others unloaded them to. I moved you on the map and we can assume you're hidden behind one load of whisky casks.
Ok this is actually enough to kill them both, and yes it would happen without the other 2 in the hold hearing because of the waves and because of how you've set this up. The surprise removes their ability to yell right away. The kills are like clockwork, just like the kill up in the nest. I will not roll initiative for Ess to save time, but this is how I see the kills going down with the initiatives that have been rolled.
Ash immediately pounces on Ted and sticks him twice, real quick like. It's a pro kill, and silent and Ted musters "what a bogus journey...... ughhhhhh.." and dies.
Korrik moves forward out of hiding and knocks his staff over Bill's head followed with a kick that breaks his neck. Equally as pro. Equally as dead.
Ess was about to unsheathe his sword, almost in a clumsy manner, but then sees Korrik and Ash take care of things and 'keeps it in his pants' for now.
He whispers "WOAH. Dudes. Ash. You guys rule. Ok, so are we going to just jump those two down there now like these ones all quiet like?"
Ben holds his words as well Bill and Ted are.. dead.
What is the plan now to deal with the two down in the hold? There are the two dead bodies of Bill and Ted near the hatch. One is bleeding because of Ash's daggers.
Maps are updated.
The sound of the waves and the fact that they are busy looking at the inventory made those guys not hear along with the efficiency of the kills.
* that hatch in the cargo hold goes to the bilge
The two guys are semi-expecting you to come back with more loads soon as it wasn't assumed that you were done unloading even though they weren't really paying attention to you other than glancing as you unload and nodding.
"Well. Good work. Grab those two and put them out of the way, I'll clean up the blood here. Once that is done Ess and I will head back down and I will convince them to come topside to help carry things down."
Once everything is setup he will grab some more silk and head back down with Ess and put them where they go and say to the other guys,
"Hey, Bill told me to get you guys to help carry fork down, they are still unloading our boat and I'd like to get this done before dawn. Got a couple trips left."
Persuasion/deception (min 17):16
If they come along he'll lead saying loudly enough to be heard as they come up the stairs,
"Names Willard, that ugly cheese slicer over there is Jay."
((He uses prestidigitate to clean the blood, not his hands or anything menial like that!))
This is going too
well.easy!The guys in the cargo hold (Tango and Cash) are lazy. The 17 isn't enough. Please roll again for advantage, as Ess would've helped with the persuasion/deception. "Yeah, c'mon man. The quicker we get done, the quicker I can get back to ole Ruthie. Please, bros?"
Ash agrees with Ben’s plan, “Yes, so far so good...”, helps move the bodies, and resets behind the boat on the deck, watching and listening from there...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Persuasion/deception: 20
"Seriously guys, we'll all get done with this fork quicker and ya do whatever for the hour it takes to row there and back again."