((Ah, no, I was going off what it was. Can't stop even momentarily in an occupied space to attack. He can move through creatures larger than him though, just can't stop, so he'll duck through Ess's legs and take up a position to the west of Ash, holding the attacks in case someone needs punching. But if you want to just handwave it, he's a monk, so you could get away with saying he swung in and did some crazy acrobatic stuff to get the attacks off before landing to the west of Ash this time, rather than rewinding time.))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
If needed, here are Ash’s rolls, in case the rest of the ‘payment’ is in any kind of locked chest, or something… ((if permissible (since they’re not under any time pressure), she’ll ask Korrik to ‘help’, since he also has proficiency. If not, just use the first rolls))…
"Yeah bro, I think I will take a breather while you guys check things out. Damn, it stinks in here."
A distinct odor about this room reminds you all of a marsh or a swamp — not fetid, not oppressive, but certainly noticeable.
In the center of the area is a wood table, bolted to the deck. On the table sits a silver jug half full of a red liquid; with it are three pewter mugs. Around the table are set three upright wooden chairs, and a dimly lit hooded lantern hangs from the ceiling above.
You can see three hammocks — one at each end of the cabin slung between the bulkhead and one of the ship’s ribs, and the third hanging across the corner of the cabin from next to the aft door to the central bulkhead.
A small chest or box of some sort lies under the most forward hammock.
The chest was locked, and Ash you did notice that there was a small poisoned dart set to fire upon opening! With your rolls you were able to notice and disable the trap and pick the lock.
The chest contains ten electrum ingots.
Ben, on the lizardfolk/in their quarters, you'd find 3 spiked shields, 3 javelins and 3 heavy clubs.
The ingots disappear with the others as does the silver pitcher after its contents are poured over the side of the boat. Ben gives Smithers a nod as he empties the pitcher into the water.
"I am very curious as to where they are getting these ingots from. Either way, I think we are more or less done here so, yes, let us go chat with my 'friend'."
He will go and grab some quick/prepared food from the ship's mess and head down to see the odd elf. Swinging open the hidden door he'll say, without entering,
"Good evening! I have a bit of news you'll likely welcome. This vessel is under new management."
He lets that sink in before continuing,
"And the new management would like to know who you are and why you are down here. As a sign of our good will, answers will be followed by food. Truthful and complete answers."
He shows the food he brought then pulls up a chair to listen to the answers.
When the elf gives him a confused look and says something indecipherable he will turn to Ash and Kay,
"Do either of you speak Elven?"
Then to Ess he will call,
"Do you speak Elven?"
Then to Smithers,
"Hey, do you speak Elven? They have an elf locked up below deck and we want to figure out why before we let him out."
If no one speaks Elven he will return and say in loud, slow words,
"YOU" points at him, "STAY" he points at the chains.
He then tosses the elf the food and some water before closing the door.
"Alright one more search of everything then we send Smithers off to get a crew to take it back to Marshswamp? Actually we can probably just send him now and then do our search. It is going to take him half the day."
"Hei ddyn, mae'n debyg nad ydych chi'n siarad Hanner araith?"
Presuming that doesn't elicit a response.
"Don't seem to speak Halfling either. If Smithers or Burns don't speak it, maybe they know someone who does, and they can bring them back with a crew to sail this old girl?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ben doesn't even bother trying infernal. It will just sound like he is threatening the guy anyway.
"There has got to be someone in Marshswamp that speaks it. They certainly aren't going anywhere while we find them, whether it be here on when we get back."
Ben, Smithers shakes his head when he's asked about elven and Ess does the same.
Korrik, Burns already left - Captain Ben waved him off in character earlier, and he then travelled back to Marshswamp (you think), likely reporting that the boarding was a success but the mission is still in progress. He would not have came back. So he's out of the picture right now.
Ben, the elf now sees you, and seems to understand what you mean (it's obvious with the pointing and the one word speaking), and he seems to be more responsive to it when you give him the food and water. And that you don't seem to be one of his captors. He nods at you, and starts to eat/drink as you shut the door.
Ben, with your investigations of the boat, you don't find anything else of interest where you're already been. You do notice one hatch in the cargo hold leading to the bilge that no one opened, and if you decided to poke your head down there, this is what you'd see:
From the hatchway, you can see a little of what lies in the gloom below. This area stretches the full width of the ship and, for all you can see, the full length, for no bulkheads are in view. What must be the bottom of the ship is covered with a thick layer of wet sand (presumably ballast) on top of which is an inch or so of green, greasy water.
A scuttling noise toward the stern indicates there is some life down here — perhaps living off the garbage thrown in occasionally by the lazy crew, for there are heaps of trash immediately below the hatch that have formed small islands in the fetid water. A particularly large one has accumulated at the base of the mast.
You catch a yellow reflection in one of the garbage piles.
Ok, looking back, it was 10:00pm when the boats left from the mansion/shoreline to the ship. It took approx 30 mins to get to the ship. Given that, along with everything that has transpired so far, I'd say it's around midnight or early in the wee hours of the night. (unless I referenced a different time earlier that I've forgotten or didn't see when I looked back) So, Smithers could go back now and return with a proper crew to take the ship back and also bring a person who speaks elven and they would all get to the ship around 3:00am since it'd take some time for Smithers to gather the crew etc.
While Smithers is gone, the captain will come to, as well as the lizardfolk, all of which are completely restrained. The lizardfolk will be extremely aggravated by all of this, and if they are gagged they will be aggressively trying to spit it out but with no chance of escaping.
The captain would be quiet when he came to as you guys already KO'd him again he kind of knows that he is screwed right now.
Would you deal with them while you wait for the Marshswamp crew to come back? Or just keep the restrained and just wait?
((Yeah, knew Burns left, but if he spoke it, Smithers might know that and we'd be able to bring him back here as someone who is already part of the operation rather than bringing in a separate interpreter.))
((Restrained and keep an eye on them.))
"Might be worth checking out the bilge. Good spot to stow smuggled goods or stowaways... though never pleasant."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((ah - gotcha. Smithers said that Burns didn't speak it, but that there would be someone who he could bring back in the recovery crew who would be able to))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((some of the dialogue in this game really entertains me!))
Korrik, you crawl down the hatch and look around. You notice the bilge offers only 4 ft of headroom.
As you proceed further into the bilge, you see a few harmless rats, and you also see what was making the reflection in one of the piles of garbage - it's a gold coin. There's actually 2 of them.
As you're looking at the coins, you are startled by 2 big swarms of nasty grubs that live in one of the garbage masses. One of the masses start to bump against you, and you get a flashback to the ones that were on the dead guy in the smugglers mansion in the cellar.
Given your perception roll, you would've seen the grubs before they are able to do anything, and so you're not surprised by them or anything, but we will need to roll initiative here and depending on the results of that we will go from there. If they beat Korrik, they may get the chance to attack, and I have a map for the bilge if need be.
If Korrik scores higher initiative, he'd be able to disengage from them and then escape the bilge as they can only move 5ft and then that would be that.
I think it all boils down to the initiative roll here.
Grubs x 2 initiative: 18
Everyone else, please roll!
((LOL well there you go!! Don't even bother. Korrik, you can grab the 2 gp and leave))
Sorry, I just saw the cross post! Updating now.
Yeah, with Korrik's damage plus Ash's attacks, all of the lizardfolk are KO'd for 2 hours.
I will get a proper post out ASAP with the aftermath of this.
In the meantime, combat is over, and let me know what might be next with any rolls, etc. as usual. and I'll roll it into one post.
Unstoppable!
((Ah, no, I was going off what it was. Can't stop even momentarily in an occupied space to attack. He can move through creatures larger than him though, just can't stop, so he'll duck through Ess's legs and take up a position to the west of Ash, holding the attacks in case someone needs punching. But if you want to just handwave it, he's a monk, so you could get away with saying he swung in and did some crazy acrobatic stuff to get the attacks off before landing to the west of Ash this time, rather than rewinding time.))
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
((Yes, I like that. It wouldn't matter anyhow, the remaining lizardfolk would get KO'd the next round no doubt, I'm totally ok with handwaving that!))
So Ben cuts the lights and Ess, Ash and Korrik knock out the lizardfolk with special ops-like precision.
What will you all do next?
Ess says "FORK. Bro's, the one got me with it's club pretty good. Ya think we got all of em?"
"Expertly done everyone. How are you doing there Ess? Sit down and catch your wind."
Ben immediately goes in looking for the other half of the payment, and if he finds it will point it out to Ash,
"If you'd be so kind."
He'll then drag the lizardfolk out to see what else they have of value on them and then back into the room to search through their stuff.
If needed, here are Ash’s rolls, in case the rest of the ‘payment’ is in any kind of locked chest, or something… ((if permissible (since they’re not under any time pressure), she’ll ask Korrik to ‘help’, since he also has proficiency. If not, just use the first rolls))…
Investigation (checking for traps): 12
Thieves’ tools: 14
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
"Yeah bro, I think I will take a breather while you guys check things out. Damn, it stinks in here."
A distinct odor about this room reminds you all of a marsh or a swamp — not fetid, not oppressive, but certainly noticeable.
In the center of the area is a wood table, bolted to the deck. On the table sits a silver jug half full of a red liquid; with it are three pewter mugs. Around the table are set three upright wooden chairs, and a dimly lit hooded lantern hangs from the ceiling above.
You can see three hammocks — one at each end of the cabin slung between the bulkhead and one of the ship’s ribs, and the third hanging across the corner of the cabin from next to the aft door to the central bulkhead.
A small chest or box of some sort lies under the most forward hammock.
The chest was locked, and Ash you did notice that there was a small poisoned dart set to fire upon opening! With your rolls you were able to notice and disable the trap and pick the lock.
The chest contains ten electrum ingots.
Ben, on the lizardfolk/in their quarters, you'd find 3 spiked shields, 3 javelins and 3 heavy clubs.
What's next?
"Probably ought to truss them up."
Korrik will do so.
"We've searched the whole ship, yeah? Time to go chat with Ben's friend downstairs?"
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
"Korrik-bro, you tie some damn good knots." Ess watches as Kay ties the lizardfolk up.
Ess will hold his bruised chest as he would come down for the chat with Ben's 'friend' downstairs if that's what's happening.
"Unless you's want me to stay on deck bros? Keep an eye on the horizon?"
And he waves to Smithers.
"Heh, hung around with enough sailors that I learned how to tie knots, swear and throw dice."
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
The ingots disappear with the others as does the silver pitcher after its contents are poured over the side of the boat. Ben gives Smithers a nod as he empties the pitcher into the water.
"I am very curious as to where they are getting these ingots from. Either way, I think we are more or less done here so, yes, let us go chat with my 'friend'."
He will go and grab some quick/prepared food from the ship's mess and head down to see the odd elf. Swinging open the hidden door he'll say, without entering,
"Good evening! I have a bit of news you'll likely welcome. This vessel is under new management."
He lets that sink in before continuing,
"And the new management would like to know who you are and why you are down here. As a sign of our good will, answers will be followed by food. Truthful and complete answers."
He shows the food he brought then pulls up a chair to listen to the answers.
Persuasion (min 17)(?):12
When the elf gives him a confused look and says something indecipherable he will turn to Ash and Kay,
"Do either of you speak Elven?"
Then to Ess he will call,
"Do you speak Elven?"
Then to Smithers,
"Hey, do you speak Elven? They have an elf locked up below deck and we want to figure out why before we let him out."
If no one speaks Elven he will return and say in loud, slow words,
"YOU" points at him, "STAY" he points at the chains.
He then tosses the elf the food and some water before closing the door.
"Alright one more search of everything then we send Smithers off to get a crew to take it back to Marshswamp? Actually we can probably just send him now and then do our search. It is going to take him half the day."
Investigation of the boat: 18
"Nah, don't speak elven."
"Hei ddyn, mae'n debyg nad ydych chi'n siarad Hanner araith?"
Presuming that doesn't elicit a response.
"Don't seem to speak Halfling either. If Smithers or Burns don't speak it, maybe they know someone who does, and they can bring them back with a crew to sail this old girl?"
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
Ben doesn't even bother trying infernal. It will just sound like he is threatening the guy anyway.
"There has got to be someone in Marshswamp that speaks it. They certainly aren't going anywhere while we find them, whether it be here on when we get back."
Ben, Smithers shakes his head when he's asked about elven and Ess does the same.
Korrik, Burns already left - Captain Ben waved him off in character earlier, and he then travelled back to Marshswamp (you think), likely reporting that the boarding was a success but the mission is still in progress. He would not have came back. So he's out of the picture right now.
Ben, the elf now sees you, and seems to understand what you mean (it's obvious with the pointing and the one word speaking), and he seems to be more responsive to it when you give him the food and water. And that you don't seem to be one of his captors. He nods at you, and starts to eat/drink as you shut the door.
Ben, with your investigations of the boat, you don't find anything else of interest where you're already been. You do notice one hatch in the cargo hold leading to the bilge that no one opened, and if you decided to poke your head down there, this is what you'd see:
From the hatchway, you can see a little of what lies in the gloom below. This area stretches the full width of the ship and, for all you can see, the full length, for no bulkheads are in view. What must be the bottom of the ship is covered with a thick layer of wet sand (presumably ballast) on top of which is an inch or so of green, greasy water.
A scuttling noise toward the stern indicates there is some life down here — perhaps living off the garbage thrown in occasionally by the lazy crew, for there are heaps of trash immediately below the hatch that have formed small islands in the fetid water. A particularly large one has accumulated at the base of the mast.
You catch a yellow reflection in one of the garbage piles.
Ok, looking back, it was 10:00pm when the boats left from the mansion/shoreline to the ship. It took approx 30 mins to get to the ship. Given that, along with everything that has transpired so far, I'd say it's around midnight or early in the wee hours of the night. (unless I referenced a different time earlier that I've forgotten or didn't see when I looked back) So, Smithers could go back now and return with a proper crew to take the ship back and also bring a person who speaks elven and they would all get to the ship around 3:00am since it'd take some time for Smithers to gather the crew etc.
While Smithers is gone, the captain will come to, as well as the lizardfolk, all of which are completely restrained. The lizardfolk will be extremely aggravated by all of this, and if they are gagged they will be aggressively trying to spit it out but with no chance of escaping.
The captain would be quiet when he came to as you guys already KO'd him again he kind of knows that he is screwed right now.
Would you deal with them while you wait for the Marshswamp crew to come back? Or just keep the restrained and just wait?
((Yeah, knew Burns left, but if he spoke it, Smithers might know that and we'd be able to bring him back here as someone who is already part of the operation rather than bringing in a separate interpreter.))
((Restrained and keep an eye on them.))
"Might be worth checking out the bilge. Good spot to stow smuggled goods or stowaways... though never pleasant."
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
((ah - gotcha. Smithers said that Burns didn't speak it, but that there would be someone who he could bring back in the recovery crew who would be able to))
"Fine. I'll help by keeping the hatch open for you Kay. Let me know if you find anything worth the smell."
Ben would ignore the lizardfolk and the captain.
"And do the..." Korrik waves his hand vaguely, "thing to clean me up when I'm done?"
He props his staff up against the wall and pulls out a pair of daggers, crawling through the hatch and looking around.
Perception: 12
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
((some of the dialogue in this game really entertains me!))
Korrik, you crawl down the hatch and look around. You notice the bilge offers only 4 ft of headroom.
As you proceed further into the bilge, you see a few harmless rats, and you also see what was making the reflection in one of the piles of garbage - it's a gold coin. There's actually 2 of them.
As you're looking at the coins, you are startled by 2 big swarms of nasty grubs that live in one of the garbage masses. One of the masses start to bump against you, and you get a flashback to the ones that were on the dead guy in the smugglers mansion in the cellar.
Given your perception roll, you would've seen the grubs before they are able to do anything, and so you're not surprised by them or anything, but we will need to roll initiative here and depending on the results of that we will go from there. If they beat Korrik, they may get the chance to attack, and I have a map for the bilge if need be.
If Korrik scores higher initiative, he'd be able to disengage from them and then escape the bilge as they can only move 5ft and then that would be that.
I think it all boils down to the initiative roll here.
Grubs x 2 initiative: 18
Everyone else, please roll!
((LOL well there you go!! Don't even bother. Korrik, you can grab the 2 gp and leave))