The evening goes quietly as everyone settles in for the night.  Watch is quiet, as is to be expected here in port and dawn sees many a ship setting sail for the open sea.  The captain is up before the sun, going back over the ship himself from stem to stern, inspecting lines and making sure that the tarps protecting the balista from sea and spary are lashed tight, but the ties easy enough to remove in a hurry.  With a soft whistle he a slap on the rail he calls Jax, the large sea lion that has been hanging around the ship, to make ready for setting out.  As the sun comes up and the rest of his crew come on decks he begins giving orders to lower the sails and make for the open seas to begin three months of patrols.

Brald calmly went about each task assigned him.  His alert eyes missing nothing as he darted through the rigging to adjust sheets and canvas.  Nearly always, when a correction needed to be made, he was already at the correct line waiting for the order to haul or loose.

With easy comfort and a condescending grin, he walked the deck and helped those having trouble with balance or weak stomachs.  "Don't eat for the first day boy, then only eat hardtack with just enough water to make it go down, you're stomach will toughen up in no time."  He advised one young sailor with a greenish complexion, unnatural for the human he appeared to be.

Before the sun rises, Vraul dives over board and spends an hour under the water. Before surfacing he scans the hull once again from stem to stern. Making sure their has been no foul play. He then climbs up the rope he has hanging over the leeward side.

As the sun rises, he makes sure all the crew is up. And that the ship is ready to sail. As the Captain calls out orders, he assures those that have been assigned them are carrying them out correctly. He re-enforces orders where he see's some one slacking...or he thinks is slacking. Which at times could mean just doing it slower then he would have.

Calgarvin rises early and, after taking his morning meal and a handful of bread extra, heads to the deck to see to his morning chores. Every so often when his chores take him to the rear of the ship, he moves to the side and tosses a small chunk of bread over the side, then returns to his chores.

While the first few hours at sea are a bit rough due to sailors getting the kinks worked out and regaining thier sea legs, everything seems to come into itself shortly and the day begins to pass with the normal boring repetiveness of the sea.  The hours streatch on, as the ship sails further from port.  The captain spens a short while at the stem of the ship, taking barings before calling course changes back to the wheel to keep the ship on course.  The men are now going about thier business with a regular percision that is to be expected on a fighting ship.


OOC: I'm not going to call for prof: Sailing checks to often, however if we run into rough waters, come accross a sea monster, or any battles this will be the first check requested.  I'll roll one general check for the ship as a whole, then I'll need one from each of you which may or may not affect your combat readiness.....be sure to roll well, wouldn't want to have Varul coming down on you for not being ready for combat!

"Stop that land lubbing ways," Vraul shouts. "You belong to me again. And dat means you be sailors. So get deem sheets taught and give me a wake." Since the captain has just given orders to the helmsman, he seems to escape any comments from Vraul. "You der, Human Tim, get up to the nest and keep watch for sails on da horizon. Now go!" Yells at a new sailor. He knows the chances of seeing a pirate this soon is very small so he figures it will be good practice for the pleb.

Standing near the railing on the left side of the ship, Varlath made a semi-concious effort to stay opposite the ship's first mate, a brutish-looking seaman who he had picked up was named Varul. While not all that concerned, Varlath knew his expertise was less than diminished while at sea, seeing as he was so new to the water. Following after a few sailors, the young sorcerer did his best to appear to fit in.

Brald spent most of his time up in the masts, adjusting sail and plotting the course in his head as he watched the changing seas and points of land pass along.  The foaming wake of the swift little ship churned up small fish, which attracted bigger fish, and the rear view of flying fish, porpoises, and the like was as much interest as the forward view and their destination.

Particularly, as the disturbed chain of life in their wake sometimes tended to attract larger predators...

Calgarvin is quite responsible with his duties. He tends to stick to the deck, and does the occasional run through the hold where possible to check that everything is in order with the ship. On a time during a very short break, he seeks out Varul. "Excuse me, Sir. I am curious to know if we received any reports of specific pirate activity in this lane prior to shipping out and, if so, the nature of the reports?"

Days go by, the miles sweep past behind you as the Swyft Wynd sails on.  The days are quiet, the nights even more so.  Life on board the ship is a long string of boredom, order kept on the ship out of respect for the strength of the captain and fear of the first mate.  You've been sailing a week now, few ships have been sighted, those that you have seen you've sailed past without a thought, all of them, large and small, merchant ships.  It is coming up to evening when you begin to see red in the water...lots of red.  It is blood in the water and it is fresh, it is not long before you come upon the bodies of what appears to be a small pod of whales, thier bodies ravaged by something large.  Some are half eaten, the rest appear to have been killed for the fun of it.

Coming to the call of the man on watch, Clarke is not happy to see the destruction around his ship.  "Reef the sails, I want to know what caused this...its not the work of whalers.  Varul, get a group together, I want to know what caused those wounds.  This is to close to shipping lanes to allow something this large to be allowed to hunt these gounds...it'll only be a matter of time til it takes to sinking ships."

"Reports of activity is it. Now mind your business and the captain will mind his. You will know when it is time. Now get back to work. And stop bothering me with nonsense." Vraul grumbles thinking all these sailors think they be captain.

"Ya heard the captain. Reef the sails and put out the sea anchor. Lets see what caused this here mess." Vraul shouts. "And I want all marines armed. Keep your eyes on the water you there in the crows nest. And I want the siege team on their weapon. Load it fer da pratice. But if this be an aberation, we'll be glad we have the balista loaded." He looks to make sure everyone is follwoing orders. He takes his trident from Scrub, the small aquatic elf that serves as cabin boy to the Capn and errand boy for Vraul. Vraul smiles at the boy for having the initiative to bring hsi weapon without being asked. His smile to the rest of the crew looks like a very savage scowl. But scrub and the Capn know the difference.

Walks over to th egunnel and throws his boarding rope ove rthe side. Even thow he could climb up the line from the sea anchor they now drag behind them...he would rather keep in the practice of tossing his saftey line in.

"Be careful down there Varul, take a look around, but don't take to long...whatever did this is large, and dangerous." Captain Clarke says to his old friend.  After a moment of soft meditation he touches the sea warriors shoulder and smiles in satisfaction as the large man turns a distinctly wooden tone.  "I want you marines to be ready, whatever did this could be miles away, or lounging under the surface waiting for some fool captain to stop and take a look around!"

[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: Cast Barkskin as per 8th lvl druid (I think its +3 ac)]

"Aye aye Capn," he says with a smile as he hits his chest with his fist. The sound of the impact rebounds across the deck as Vraul grabs his rope losely and jumps into the ocean and down.

[Private to Captain Clarke: Thanks for AC.. :)

Vraul will dive down below th eblood and look around. He knows he is th eonly one for this  job. even the weak aquatic elves could not see as far as his people coul ddown here in the murk.

Spot Check: 12


You see nothing in the murk, whatever caused this is not in the area now...at least not that you can tell.  ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Sun 16 Oct 2005.

Watching his old friend sink into the surf Clarke goes to each of the marines, touching each of them on the shoulder he motions for each of them to follow him into the depths of the sea.

OOC: Water breathing, almost 2 hours for each of us....grap weapons and head into the sea boys and girls....its time for DM FoxPaws to earn some extra points for killing more players.

"Aye Cap'n."  Brald looked out over the bloodstained waters.  "Aside what done this, there'll be scavengers aplenty out there too."  He took out his weapons, and dove cleanly into the scarlet sea, not without a look of doubt at his own sanity.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Sun 16 Oct 2005.

OOC: DM's always go for them extra points....
[Private to DM Foxpaws: Vraul will go deeper and spin looking in all directions.....Including down.  :)

We'll wait for some of the others to post before we let on whats happeneing deeper....but please, read nothing into my giving you those extra AC points.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Sun 16 Oct 2005.

Varlath winces faintly at the red water, though quickly regains his composure as orders come out from the captain and the first mate. Thinking to grab his crossbow and head up into the crows nest, the mage stops himself and instead picks out his spear, figuring the weapon to be more useful under the waves. Varlath makes his way to where the safetly line was thrown over and shakes his head, muttering about what he'd gotten himself into. Making sure his spear wouldn't stab himself, he mutters a quick incantation under his breath and starts down the rope and into the ocean after making sure his pack with wands and scrolls were left securely on deck.

OOC: I'm guessing all the PCs are considered to be the marines?

Casting Mage Armor (+4 AC, duration 3 hours)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Mon 17 Oct 2005.

Calgarvin quickly goes below to grab his club. He doesn't feel that he'll have a lot of success with a club underwater but is, as always, keen to obey orders. When he hits the deck again he heads into the water after the crew to seek out the menace. [Private to DM Foxpaws: I'll empathise with My animal companion to make sure he is near. I'll try calling him closer to me once I hit the water and try and relay to stay close given the danger around.]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:36, Mon 17 Oct 2005.

With a scream that is heard by all, even those out of the water, a mass of teeth charges out of the depths of the ocean, with a thud and a shudder the ship takes the brunt of the attack, but it won't take many like it.  From under the surface you can see that she was raised at least a foot out of the water by that attack, fron the deck it felt more like 30!  Sailors high in the rigging fall into the ocean, into the world of this monster.

From below you see what appears to be a shark, but unlike any beast you have seen.  It is easily 30' feet long, and appears to be all teeth when it swims towards you.

Init:

Fiendish Great White : 5 (ac 15, t 10, ff 13 - for ease of hits)
Varul : 7
Brald : 16
Calgarvin : 22
Varlath : 22
Clarke : 10

  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|BW|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|CW|VR|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|CC|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|VK|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 K|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  | X| X|  |  |  |  |  |  |K
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 L|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |L
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 M|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |M
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 N|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |N
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 O|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |O
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 P|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |P
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 Q|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |Q
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--

S = Swyft Wynd
X = Shark (X = front)

For the curious, we are sailing a brig, see this link for what the ship layout is. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/ima...ex_sabledrakemap.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

where am I?

Sharks belly, quick combat no?  (I'll add you in now)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Wed 19 Oct 2005.

Initiative: 7

[Private to DM Foxpaws: If shark is within 10' of me I will throw my trident at it....if further I will shoot with aquatic crossbow.(especially if swimming away from me)]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Wed 19 Oct 2005.

Brald dives deeper, swimming underneath his friends toward the giagantic toothy maw.

09:11, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Letting out a gasp in suprised horror, Varlath silently curses himself for the waste of air and starts to head for the surface. He stops himself before he takes even one stroke though, remembering the spell cast on him allowing him to breathe underwater, and turns to face the abnormaly large shark, spear at the ready.

01:24, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Thu 20 Oct 2005.

Combat, feel free to post your combat to me in a private line, I'll do a wrap up when all is said and done.  you don't ahve to wait for whoever got highest init to make your attack, i'll put it in order when I do the round wrapup

OOC: Do we get the range attacks before the melee or just one or the other...[Private to DM Foxpaws: Especially since as soon as my trident is thrown and hits/misses it is back in my hands.]


OOC FROM DM: Yes, feel free to take a pot shot at the beast as it eats your ship mates that fell into the water.  Bear in mind, ranged weapons don't work as well in water, they get a -2 for every 5 feet of distance.  Thrown weapons that aren't made for water simply don't work in water.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:20, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

Init: 22

Calgarvin waves his hands and utters words of magic.  [Private to DM Foxpaws: I'm wanting to cast Summon Nature's Ally II, calling 1d3 porpoise. How do you want me to handle it? I can roll the d3 on the roller, but should I take the average HP or roll them all as well? Also, as I haven't memorised the spell, I will spontaneously cast it and export Wood Shape to make a spot for it. Just let me know whether you'd like me to roll or take the average. I have left the appearance of the dolphins for you to mention in case there's any dramas.

the dolphins are yours to command, we'll go with averages though.  You may use your init value for them and roll all the attacks at the same time.  For my ease we'll say that they are always within striking distance of the beast once they appear.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:51, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

Vraul throws his trident as the shark moves to attack those that have fallen into the water. His trident seems to go right past the shark and disapear into the dark depths ...at least it seemed too. Vraul has a trident in his hands and is ready for combat.

Attack: 8
[Private to DM Foxpaws: Assumed I missed... ;)]

Swim 15 feet toward fish (full round action to move half my move, taking 10 for an 18 on the swim check)
to J13 (5 feet under Varlath)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

With a snap of teeth and a brief scream of pain one of the sailors that was unlucky enough to fall into the water with you is snapped in half, the bite flashing out and captureing the poor man before he even knew what had hit him.

Init:

Fiendish Great White : 5 (ac 15, t 10, ff 13 - for ease of hits)
Varul(4) : 7
Brald(3) : 16
Calgarvin(1) : 22
Varlath(2) : 22
Clarke(5) : 10

  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S| 2| 4|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S| 5|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|13|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 K|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | S| S| S|  |  | X| X|  |  |  |  |  |  |K
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 L|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |L
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 M|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |M
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 N|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |N
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 O|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | x| x|  |  |  |  |  |  |O
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 P|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |P
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 Q|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |Q
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--

S = Swyft Wynd
X = Shark (X = front)

Now that we have everyone's init, lets get those opening moves,
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

Brald kicks over to the gills of the huge shark, and stabs expertly into the sensitive organs with his elven blades.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:
Initiative: 18
Starting Location: J13
Free Action: 5-foot 'step' to k14
Move Action:
Full Action: full attack on shark
Action Results: 24 hp damage to shark
Ending Location: K14

Effects:
water breathing
swimming (reduced movement, 3-d movement)
Current AC: 19
Current HP: 15


Die Rolls:
17:48, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 8 using 1d6+2. damage lightblade.
17:47, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 18 using 1d20+5. attack lightblade.

17:49, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 10 using 1d8+2. crit damage thinblade.
17:48, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Crit check thinblade.
17:47, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 6 using 1d8+2. damage thinblade.
17:47, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 23 using 1d20+5. attack thinblade.
 ]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Fri 21 Oct 2005.

Vraul quickly swims to the side of the shark and strikes with his trident.

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Move to M13
Attack: 26
Damage: 17]

Swimming towards the beast Captain Clarke lashes out with his shortspear, the blade of the weapon glowing blue as the icy tip pierces the beasts side, freezing deep in its wound.  He smiles with satisfaction to see his old friend Sharpbite pounding into the beast, slamming it with his snout.  He smiles even more to hear the sound of bones cracking as the animal deals massive damage to the watery giant.  The beast lets out a roar as it thrashes in its death throes, the body sagging as its lifes blood soaks in with that of the dead whale pod.

Motioning for the crew to join him Clarke begins to swim back towards the anchor line, climbing up he spots something before he goes up and swims back to the dead beast.  Reaching deep into its toothy maw the captain pulls back hard on the haft of a spear, the barbed end buried deep in its throat.  Returning to the ship he tosses it to Varlath saying "This appears to be your weapon of choice...it thrums when you grasp it"



[Private to GM: Damage 14]


OOC: OK then....we'll just chalk that up to my inexperience....next time its 2 fiendish sharks and no suprise attacks :P[Private to Varlath Kir'El: you'll have to get it identified on your own....check around the ship, someone might have the spell.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Sat 22 Oct 2005.

Vraul swims to the dead beast and takes a souvenir; he cuts out one of its largest razor sharp teeth. Once he has secured it, he will place it in his pouch and make his way slowly back to the ship. Making sure he is the last one to climb aboard.

Mouth agape in awe at the speed in which the shark was dispatched, Varlath quickly returns to the rope after the captain, climbing up and standing near the railing, dripping water onto the wood and watching/helping the others up. He cocks an eyebrow at Captain Clarke as the man tosses him a spear, and he nods. "Uh, thanks. Oh, and nice job 'gainst the shark sir." he replies, a little suprised though sincere. Looking the weapon over, Varlath straps his 'old' one to his back and gathers his equipment he left behind, retiring below decks to dry off and examine the thrumming weapon.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:
21:48, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 24 using 1d20+7. Knowledge(arcana).
If that would help at all with the weapon.<Blue>You are able to tell that it is enchanted, though not how.  It no longer thrums now that the combat is over.]

OOC: Don't worry guys, everyone gets a toy...just need to have a few more encounters.....ones that don't die as soon as they see you :P
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Sun 23 Oct 2005.

With a whistle and a few odd hand gestures the captains 'friend' reams its head to grab onto the tail fin of the large shark and drag it below the surface, soon more red emerges but the beast is seen no more.  Returning to stand near the helmsman Clarke calls out "Make ready to sail, I want to be away from here from the feeding frenzy begins... Mr. Varul, lift anchor and lets be back on our way."



OOC: made a few changes to the captain, he finally has a char sheet (for the most part) and an animal companion.... http://critters.pixel-shack.co...ery/Elasmosaurus.jpg

Vraul shouts from the water "Aye aye Capn." He swims to the line and climbs up to the deck of the ship. Before his feet hit the deck he is yelling out orders. "Bring in the sea anchor, unfurl the sails, the battle is over back to being sailors you maggots." And he makes sure that everything is being accomplished. He will make sure the sea anchor is stored correctly, for he knows how important it becomes in large storms for the survival of the ship.

Brald scampers up the side of the ship, and continues right up into the masts.  As soon as the order is given, he's busy kicking loose bindings and unfurling sail.

After drying himself of as best he can, Calgarvin moves quickly to attend to his duties on deck, tying off lines, etc. [Private to DM Foxpaws: I'll also try and empathise with my dolphin to make sure he is still ok and is ready to follow the ship when it sets sail.<Blue> Your companion is fine, he was playing with the captains companion 'Fido' during the attack.]

Man, I have to watch more sailing movies. I need some lingo!
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:55, Mon 24 Oct 2005.

Varul notices Calgarvin drying off, "Hey there. What you think ya doing? Get aloft and help in bending that sail!" he shouts.

The ship set and the anchor raised the miles sail past as the ship contines to make its journey.  The trip for the most part continues to be a bore, with hardly a ship seen for several days.  The crew goes about its duties as befits a good crew.

OOC: Time for a slow down folks, back to see life and the boredom that it brings.  Bring out the RP for bonus xp if you keep me entertained ;)
[Private to Brald Wyndlass: 540 xp for our brief combat]
[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: 540 xp for our brief combat]
[Private to Varlath Kir'El: 540 xp for our brief combat]
[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: 480 xp for our brief combat]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:25, Mon 24 Oct 2005.

After taking his gear down to his bunk, Varlath eyes the spear for a moment before returning to the upper decks, his eyes searching for the first mate. Muttering a few words under his breath, he again eyes the weapon in hand for a few more moments. After a while, Varlath's ears lead him to Varul, who was busy urging another marine to get back to work, and the young mage hesitates for a second before striding over to the man. "Excuse me, Varul, sir. I was uh, wondering if there were any other resident mages aboard? The Captain had pulled this out of the shark earlier," Varlath nods his head towards the spear held in his hand, the one Clarke had tossed him after the battle and continues, "and well I thought it just might be a little more useful if there were someone else to help indentify the magic upon it."

OOC:Casting Detect Magic on the spear and then concentrating on it for a few rounds to get the full effect of the spell on the weapon. Then, if there's still time remaining on the spell, just out of curiousity, Varlath will look over Varul with the detect magic spell.

[Private to Varlath Kir'El: You detect nothing from the first mate, however his weapon which is nearby does give off a faint glob of magic.  your spell expires before you can determine what type.  On your new spear you detect a moderate evocation.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:43, Tue 25 Oct 2005.

Calgarvin, eager to please the first mate, refrains from any conversation with the rest of the crew unless spoken to, and continues with his chores on board.

Vraul looks down on Varlath and says "So you be a spell caster be ye. Will if that be so...you figure out what da spear be and tell the Capn. It is why he gave it to ya I'm sure. And what was you doing in da water. A spellcaster ain't no marine. You help sail da ship as any sailor. But when it come to da combat, your job is to protect the ship wif your magic at all cost." Vraul laughs to himself and mumbles "He taught he was a marine." Then the laugh gets louder. "Iffin you can use the spear, use it and figure out what it does as we go. Ifn the Capn wants the spear, I'll get it for him when he ask.  Now get ta work."

Brald sits on a high spar, high above the deck and behind the billowing sail.  From his position, he can watch the sheets, the lines, the course, and Varul.   Wel all bases covered, he simply enjoys the view and the salt wind in his face.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Varlath nods curtly at the first mate and walks away, rolling his eyes after his back is turned. Typical. They think you can do anything with magic just 'cause you can harness the power... he thinks to himself, smiling faintly as he continues on towards the area of the ship opposite Varul. He groups himself up with a pair of sailors and mimicks their movements, keeping busy enough so that Varul's 'wrath' would be spared him. "Say, either of you know of any mages aboard? Cap'n gave me a present and I'm lookin' to get it's full capabilities looked at..." Varlath asks the two crewmen he's with.

Vraul moves to the prow of the ship and slowly makes his way aft making sure everything is ship-shape. Having someone fix whatever he see's is wrong (In his gentle way, yelling for it to be fixed by whomever is right next to it or within his line of sight).

The days continue and the nights as well, the ship sails on through storm or shine, men climbing over her as they go about the daily duties of sailing a ship.  Things are fairly quite the last week of this little trip comes around, night watch is set and most of the ship is resting as the bell is rung and the call goes out. "Lightening on the starboard, and shes blowing this way! A Squall is comeing, make the ship ready captain, it doesn't look good!" the sailor on watch calls out.

Varul hearing that starts yelling to get everything lashed down just in case the squall be a big one. And to get the  sheets brought down and run up the storm sails.

He starts moving about the ship. He yells "Set both storm sails so that they be ready. Make sure you remember their sheeting positions and reference points on the halyard and the deck. Vraul then see's nothing being done forward so he yells "You their you flea off a mangy dog, hoist the storm jib and make sure that there is a short strop or pennant at the tack so that the sail is up off the deck allowing waves to crash underneath it." Once the strop in place, Vraul will make sure that the sheeting point on deck is in the right location. If necessary, he will yell at who ever just put up the jib, "Now you know you have to lengthen or shorten the strop so that the sheet hits the padeye when the sail is trimmed tightly." He yells in frustration.


Now not knowing if the storm be a bad one or not and whether the skipper be thinking a Tysail be needed. Vraul like to prepare for even hurricane winds. So as he moves aft and pas tthe mas the see's Varlath and th etwo crewmen he is with. He Yells at them. "You there mage and you two. Get over herr and run the trysail track all the way down to the deck where you can leave the trysail in its bag with the slides permanently mounted on the track. Hop to it." 

He wanders the rest of the ship making sure the rest of the crew is doing their jobs for storm preperation. He also personally makes sure the open sea anchor was stored correctly...just in case the need it.

Calgarvin goes quietly, yet quickly, about the business of preparing the ship for the coming storm, not wanting to incur the eternal wrath of the first mate.

Staying within his cabin, Clarke begins to concentrate on the storm itself, attempting to lesson its fury before it overwhelms the ship.  Knowing that Varul will have everything in hand on deck he delves into the heart of the strom, opening himself to its fury in an attempt to calm the great storm.

OOC: Due to the captains actions everyone gets a +2 to prof. sailing checks.  also, I'm going to need a reflex roll for anyone on deck, those of you working below decks to secure cargo will need to make one as well.  and all of you will need to make the sailing check....let me know where your at when you make the check (deck or hold)

Brald stays up in the masts while the mailsail and running sails are brought in, then goes quietly about getting the storm sails up.  Once the canvas is set for a strom, he falls back to deck and goes about every task he sees that needs doing.
OOC:
22:45, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 14 using 1d20+10. Sailor.
22:45, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 15 using 1d20+11. Balance.
19:28, Today: Brald Wyndlass rolled 18 using 1d20+14. Predict weather.
 - to see how long the storm will last

Sorry Brald, this isn't a take 10 type of situation, theres serious danger involved in this deal....

[Private to DM Foxpaws:

You do know the danger or consequence of failure has nothing to do with whether you can take 10 or not?  You can take 10 whenever you are not being threatened or distracted.  I can see the storm being a distraction, but just because it's dangerous isn't a reason not to take 10.

It's take 20 you can't do when there are dangerous consqeunces of failure. You are correct sir, and I apologize for my note, however very shortly you will be threatened by the storm (this is a roll for then, not currently...well, except for the sailing check) the rest is to keep your footing during the storm...anyone that goes over will not be picked up.  Just like real world, the ship can't turn in a storm...you go down, better hope you die quick, or that fido doesn't bite you in half trying to rescue you ;).]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:34, Thu 03 Nov 2005.

Reflex Save: 22
Prof: Sailor check: 9

Vraul see's that everyone is at least trying his best so he smiles....which looks like a snarl to all but the captain.

Prof: Sailor:  22
Balance:  12

The man at the wheel is able to bring the ship about, brow into the wave to protect the ship from floundering, he quickly lashes himself to the wheel while ordering the other helmsmen below.  the few sailors left on the deck of the ship try their best to maintain footing, some doing better than others.  Below decks the men are busy lashing cargo down to ensure that it does not roll with the swells, possibly doing damage to the ship.  The captain continues to commune with the storm, attempting to calm it before it is able to increase in size to something that could sink his ship.

Vraul looks to see who is one deck. If there any and sheets flaping lose, he will try and yell over the wind for the nearest sailor to lash it down and then get below.  He would hate to be swept over board, for he knows the captain needs him. Worse case for Vraul is he swims below the storm and catches a ride on the captains friend. He wil ldo his best to get all the crew members below that are not needed on deck. he will use his strength to hold onto lines as he moves about. Always having on hand secured on some part of the ship.

Varlath looks up at Varul as the first mate shouts orders, quickly following the two other sailors with him to complete their task. As the storm hits, Varlath tries to stay on his feet, not wanting to face the humiliation of being blown off his feet. He tries to hurry below decks as soon as he can, checking to make sure his present from the captain was strapped securely to his back.

23:06, Today: Varlath Kir'El rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Reflex save.
As for Prof(sailing) can that be used untrained?

Prof skills are trained only, Your on the ship because you can cast spells, not because you can tie a knot ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Fri 04 Nov 2005.

Once all his tasks have been completed, and there appear to be no outstanding things to do on deck, Calgarvin will follow the crew below deck to wait out the storm. He does, however, Stay closer to the exit in case men are needed to secure lines, etc in a hurry.

When all is said and done the ship came through the strom fairly well...all things considered.  The sails are a bit tattered, unfortunatly the mast is showing signs of cracking...it went before the sails did.  As the storm subsides the captain comes out on deck to survey the damage.  "Go below Mr. Jones, its time to rest, I'll take the wheel." he says to the beaten and battered helmsman.  As the crew begins to climb back onto deck he calls for half sail, afriad that any more would crack the mast for good.  "I think thats the end of this voyage boys, lets take her back in."

"Aye Aye, You heard him lets get this lady home." Vrual says. GVraul goes and grabs the carpenter and says "Go mend that mast as best you can. ....Now!" He does not like limping back into a port. But he knows the Capn must have his reasons. He would rather have gobe to an island and made a new mast. Oh well back to the lousy smell of a city.

OOC: :P to you Tagen

Standing on the deck of the merchant ship the Marines can see the devestation that has been wrought on the vessal.  The mast has been splintered, the sails burned to nothing, parts of the decking have been blasted with fire and are dangerously weak where they have not fallen through altogether.  Looking around the deck the cabin at the rear of the ship is still standing, for the most part, and it appears that you may be able to get below through one of the burned out sections if you are careful.

Taking a look around the main deck, it is soon apparnt that this was not a simple merchant vessal, this is (was) one of the holy ships of the merchant goddess, Waukeen!  Her defiled symbol can be seen on the door to the cabin, as well as the outline of where it must have once stood at the center of the broken wheel.  Opening the cabin door it takes all of a heart beat to see what has happened to at least part of her crew, a woman is pinned to the doorway with a trio of daggers, her body exposed and the evidence of what she went through before her death displayed for all to see.

Vraul shouts out as he continues to search, "Can't belive dem pirates attacked a ship of da merchant goddess, Waukeen."

Calgarvin looks around in shock. "It does seem very strange that they would be so brutal to this ship. We should give that woman a sea burial."

Vraul says, "When we done searching and salvage what we can. We should sink all to bottom."

Tagen says nothing at the ghastly sight and moves past the body to take a look inside the cabin, if he sees nothing threatening he will move cautiously inside, testing the strength of the floor as he goes.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:

15:33, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Search.
15:34, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Listen.
15:34, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Spot. ]

Checking out the captains quarters reveals more carnage, it looks like half a dozen bodies haven been stacked in here, blood is everywhere.  A search of the room reveals that the charts are missing, as is the captains log.  It looks like no stone has been left unturned when whoever did this left, the foot locker is a splintered mess, what few contents that weren't worth taking have been scattered.  Leaving the room there is a barely heard cough from the bottom of the pile.  Digging swiftly threw the bloody mess reveals a small boy, his body beaten and his flesh torn in many places...but his chest still rises and falls, if in a ragged thready pattern.

Vraul ask the person under the pile, "Did they leave you behind? Can't imagine them leaving someone alive." He looks around, "Anyone have a minor cure for this guy?"

The bloody mess that is the boy does not answer, the pain he has suffered prevents much of anything escaping his lips beyond simple breath.

Calgarvin reaches into his pack and pulls out a small vial. He kneels down gently next to the young lad and ever so carefully lifts his head up. Very slowly, he begins to pour to liquid into the boy's mouth, stopping every once in a while to allow him to breath.
When he has finished the potion of Cure Light Wounds, he can have 7hp of heealing.

"So boy you tink I can move you now," Vraul ask as he looks to see if it is safe to left him and move him to their ship.

Tagen watches Calgarvin administer to the boy while keeping an eye on the rest of the cabin. "So, except for this being a Waukeen vessel, is this standard pirate tactics?"

Tagen is beginning to understand the hatred the others have expressed for pirates.

"This is such a waste. If you do not want the ship for prize...at least let it go so you can catch it full at sea agin. They must not have wanted to be recognized...And are a very evil bunch." Vraul says as if thinking to himself.

"Perhaps this young chap will be able to shed some light on what happened here. I tell you, though, I have never seen pirates behave like this. It is all very unusual. It could have been a contract job. Pirates have been known to do that at times."

Calgarvin waits patiently for signs that the boy is still breathing..........

Vraul will point for one of his marines to take the boy aboard their ship. While he continues to search....

The small boy slowly opens his eyes which promptly go wide with terror upon seeing the sailors standing over him, and one of them reaching for him for who knows what purpose.  He tries to struggle but is still much to weak, from his injuries now mostly healed, and from lack of nutrition...the smell of this place lets you know it has been here for some days.  Upon being picked up by the sailor the small boy feints back into oblivion and is still that way when he is presented to the Captain to see if anything can be done for him.

A search of the ship reveals the hold ransacked, whatever she was carring, this ship is now empty of all but the dead.

"Well, lets sink this wreck if we can not use anything. No sense leaving a hazrad to navagation." Vraul suggest.

After watching the injured boy being carried up to the deck of the Swiftwynd, Tagen sets to following Varul's orders and works with the others to rig the derelict ship to sink.

"With your permission, Varul, I will accompany the boy. If he awakens I would like to be there to question him, and to help further if his condition deteriorates." If Varul allows it, he will go back onto the ship with the boy.

"Sure. Sure...go ahead." Vraul waves Calgarvin off. He will dive into the sea and check under the hull of the ship to see if anything is there....

The brief trip underwater reveals nothing new about the ship, or its attackers.  Perhaps a trip to the bottom might turn up a body, but even then would it be attackers or attackees?  Climbing back aboard leaves the first mate wet, but still without new insight into why such a bloody attack...and by whom?  As the orders are given to return to the Swyft Wynd the crew stands quietly by as the order is given to douse the ship with pitch and send her below.

Vraul supervises the destruction of what remains of that poor ship.

Watching the merchant Gods ship go up in a blaze does not sit well with Clarke, it was unusaual for pirates to do something like this.  This was more than simple greed, this was hatred at its rawest form.  Calling his men together the Captain addresses them "I don't like this men, its not right, and its not normal.  They must have had a mighty large catch to be put down like that, something so sweet that the people who did this couldn't risk them making it to shore to report what was stolen.  I want these pirates, someone needs to be brought to task over this.  Calgarvin, I want you to try to work on the boy...my own skills don't lend themselves to that type of work.  Try to see if you can get anything out of him...a ship name, the pirates or the Goddesses, baring that what they were carrying...maybe we can track them down by that.  The rest of you, lets get the gear ready...I've a feeling when we find these dogs it'll be a bloody mess." The captain falls silent as the last of the merchant vessal sinks below the waves, a cloud of smoke now all that marked where she once floated.

"Someone get aloft and see if dar be anything on the horizon." Vraul shouts when he gets back on board.

"Aye sir!" Tagen responds to Varul's order.

He hits the rigging quickly and starts a bit awkwardly, this being his first time trying to climb it, but after a few feet he proves to be very sure footed and makes his way to the top in short order. Grabbing hold of the mast to steady himself, Tagen scans the horizon.

[Private to DM Foxpaws: 21:13, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 17 using 1d20+4. spot check. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Fri 14 Apr 2006.

Once Captain Clarke has finished addressing the crew, Calgarvin will go below immediately and tend to the boy. If/when he regains consciousness, he will gently and patiently ask about the ship, the cargo, the attackers, etc.

He'll take it slowly, though, so as not to send the boy back into unconsciousness.

Once he sees that his order has been obeyed, Vraul will get the ship on the move...

"Varul, I want who did this.  There is no reason for this type of chaos other than pure evil.  Set sail, we're heading out to sea to see what can be found." Turning to the rail Clarke looks out to sea, lost in thought as he ponders the destruction of the Waukeen ship.

[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: The boy slips in and out of consiousness, his terror at seeing anyone eventually subsiding has he comes to reliaze that you are not here to harm him.  However, at this point his is unable to speak other than two words ...desert rose...beyond that he says no more.]

[Private to Tagen Vrinn: Your scouting reveals nothing on the horizon at this time, but no one really thought that the people responsible for this travisty would still be in the area...those bodies were at least a day old by now and most likely older.]

Varul smiles as he gets the order that he anticipated and the ship starts to move as soon as the Capn has finsihed giving it...

Calgarvin comforts the boy as best he can. He informs him he will return in a few minutes, and goes topside to seek out the First Mate.

"Varul, the boy is groggy still, and unable to say much, although I expect he will improve over the next day or two.

"He was able to mutter two words that were unmistakable. Desert Rose. I thought they might mean something to you. It could be the name of the ship we are seeking."

"Aye, it could be a name of the ship. Keep up the good work." Vraul will then go tell the Capn what the boy has divulged thus far...as he searches his memory to see if he knows that name.

Tagen stays aloft and continues scanning the horizon for any sign of ships, sneaking an occasional peek at the deck below to keep tabs on what is going on.

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Feel free to roll any Spot checks you might need from me as I'm watching form the "crow's nest". I figure that's better than me including one with every post while I'm up here..]

"Desert Rose? Sounds like a ship to me, but not one that I'm familiar with.  If shes a pirate vessal she's a nasty one though.  'Course, that could have been the name of the Waukeen vessal we sent below as well.  Good Work Varul, have Mr. Calgarvin keep watch on the boy, see if there is anything else we can find out from him.  I plan to keep us out a might bit longer, after that we'll head back to port and find us a Merchants Temple to take care of the boy, and hopefully tell us more about that lost ship." The captain says as he stares out over the waters.  With a loud whistle and a few moments wait the large head of Fido emerges next to the ship.  After a few moments of stareing at the Captain he submerges and a wake can be seen move rapidly away from the Swyft Wynd.  "Lets see if any of Fido's friends were in the area for that little bit of trouble".  With that the captain heads back to the wheel and the ship once again begins to sail for points unknown.

[Private to Tagen Vrinn: At this point you have seen nothing, just ocean and more ocean.  Toward the end of the day you do finally spot a sail on the horizon, a square rigged vessal that appears to be moving toward you.]

OOC: I have to apologize guys, and warn you all.  Dont' expect to much out of me for a while, RL has gone all wierd time wise and getting a moment to sit down at a computer for fun is not on the top of the time list right now.  I'm going to continue to post as often as I can, and hopefully we'll get some combat going soon even if its just for the fun of it....and I really want to try ship to ship combat some time :)  - but not right now Tagen :P

Tagen keeps his watch throughout the day seeing nothing but water until just a few hours before dark.

"SAIL HO!" Tagen yells, "OFF THE STARBOARD BOW! A SQUARE RIGGER HEADING OUR WAY!"

Taking a sharp eye toward the starboard side Clarke nods to you all to arm yourselves, but take no immediate actions.  "Lets she what colors she flies boys, these are merchant waters afterall." The journey toward the encoming ship is as slow as any night before a battle, but blessedly it is no where near as bloody as the dawn of that battle.  A large merchant vessel hails the Swyft Wynd calling for any news.  The Captain goes over breifly with a few sailors to converse with the merchant captain and informs him of the dangers of the waters...just in case.

Returning to his own ship Clarke calls out "Lets move on boys, their a pirate out there I mean to have words with, and she's not gonna be found waiting here!"

Calgarvin continues to attend to his duties on board until given alternate orders.

"Sailors stay were ye be fer now and do your jobs. Marines man battle stations in case da be pirates." vraul shouts.

Heading out with the setting sun off on the horizon the night could not be more peaceful, clear skys, calm waters and a gentle wind to sail the ship by.  The days begin to blend as the ship sails on, always in search of prey.  Calgarvin makes little progress with the boy, though he no longer screams when the first mate is within his view.  The captain begins to grow irritable at the lack of leads into this frightening case of piracy, though he has yet to take it out on the crew.  In all the entire ship has begun to feel like a to tightly wound spring, ready to snap.

OOC: bear with me guys, I don't have class after next monday (not the one coming up, but after that) and you had better believe I plan to get some damn combat in during that time!

BTW, everyone take 250xp for sticking it out with me, I apprecaite it guys.

Calgarvin continues to go about his chores as he is able, thought he asks for special dispensation so that he can spen as much time with the boy as possible. The best clue to the piracy will come from the boy's lips, and Calgarvin will be there when he utters it.

No dramas, Foxpaws. Whenever you can make it is fine :)

[Private to DM Foxpaws: Hey Dude, I'm up a level so I will PM you all the relevant details soon.]

Vraul tells the marines to stand down and go about routine business. It seems no pirates will be found today...If possible, vraul seems in a worse mood then normal.

Sailing on the small ship soon returns to the shipping lanes, moveing amoung the larger, slower moving craft with a nimbleness that makes the other ships seem to be standing still.  It is toward the end of the day when smoke begins to appear on the horizon, still to far to see what might be causing it, but a few words from the Captain and the winds begin to pickup, the ship fair flys across the waters, bringing sign of two small ships engaging a larger merchant ship.

"Stand ready men! I'll do my best to hold off one of the ships, the other you marines will need to engage!" with that the captain withdraws into himself, concentrating on the ship on the starboard side of the merchantman.  Soon its decks soon become slick with ice, slowing its crew down as they rush to free the ship of the heavy mess before it causes her to capsize.

Vraul shouts, "All hands to battle stations. We have pirates to sink." He looks to make sure all are taking positions. "Marines to me..we shall board the other ship as the Capn orders."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Fri 19 May 2006.

Calgarvin, not being a marine, still moves with Varul and stays towards the rear of the boarding party so that they might form a shield for him behind which to cast his spells.

"Helmsmen, bring us in line with that ship, men reef the sails, lets not come upon her so fast we over shoot her.  Varul, be safe there, I mean to have my marines back in one piece!" with that the captain withdrawals into himself once more and smiles in satisfaction as three hippogriffs appear above the starboard ship, quickly they begin to attack the men in the rigging working to free the ice, and any archers that are still working their deadly craft toward the merchantmen.


OOC: what say you boys, ram her, or come along side and let Mr. Woodwill have at her with his spells while the rest of you board?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Fri 19 May 2006.

I'm ready either way :). I'll do whatever the first mate asks :).

"Bring along side....I'd hate to see us damaged with another pirate out there." Vraul suggest.

Coming up along side the pirate vessal is not all that difficult, most of its crew on board the merchant craft in struggles to take thier prize.  The crew of the Swyft Wynd quickly throw out the grapling lines and bring the ships together.

(ok, ships are: Pirate, Merchant, Pirate, Swyft Wynd

  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |/ |\ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | /|  |  |\ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | /|\ |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |H |/ | \|  |  | /|  |  |M |P |\ |  |  |/ | \|  |  | /|  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  | :|P |P |: |  |: |b |  |P |  |: |  | :|b |  |: |  |:V|  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  | :|P |H |: |  |: |  |P |  |  |: |  | :| P|  |: |  |:T|C |  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  | :|H |b |: |  |: |  |M |P |b |: |  | :|  |  |: |  |:B|  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  | :|==|==|: |  |: |  |  |  |  |: |  | :| P|  |: |  |: |  |  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |  |  |M |P |: |  | :|==|==|: |  |: |  |CC|H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: | P|  |  |  |: |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |==|==|I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |:P| M|  |  |  |: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 K|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |==|==|==|==|: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |K
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

V = Varul
T = Tagen
B = Brald (?)
C = Calgarvin
CC = Capt. Clarke (and sailors, they'll cover the ship, and provide ranged atks.
H = Hippogriff (6 rounds)
P = Pirate
M = Merchant

(also, there is 5' between each ship...so make a good jump boys!)
Ok guys, I know its kinda hard to read, but bear with me...anyone have better ideas for ship combat grids?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Sun 21 May 2006.

Init: 22

Init.: 12

Init: 6

With a screan and a running jump the two pirates on deck of the ship grappled to the Swyft Wynd  One to land amid the marines, the other rushes to attack Captain Clarke as he concentrates on the summoned hippogriffs...he quickly regrets that charge as Clarke dispatches the man with barely a thought.  The other attempts an overhand cut against Tagin, but his attack is foiled by the pitching deck and a bad landing.

  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 A|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |/ |\ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |A
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 B|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | /|  |  |\ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | /|\ |B
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 C|  |  |H |/ | \|  |  | /|  |  |b |  |\ |  |  |/ | \|  |  | /|  |  |C
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 D|  |  | :|b |P |: |  |: |b |  |  |  |: |  | :|b |  |: |  |:V|  |  |D
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 E|  |  | :|P |b |: |  |: |P |P |P |  |: |  | :|  |  |: |  |:P|TC|  |E
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 F|  |  | :|H |b |: |  |: |  |M |P |b |: |  | :|  |  |: |  |:B|  |  |F
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 G|  |  | :|==|==|: |  |: |  |  |  |  |: |  | :|  |  |: |  |: | b|  |G
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 H|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |  |  |M |P |: |  | :|==|==|: |  |: |  |CC|H
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 I|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: | P|  |  |  |: |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |==|==|I
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 J|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |:P| M|  |  |  |: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |J
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
 K|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |: |==|==|==|==|: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |K
--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--
  |01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|

V = Varul - 12
T = Tagen - 6
B = Brald (?)
C = Calgarvin - 22
CC = Capt. Clarke (and sailors, they'll cover the ship, and provide ranged atks.
H = Hippogriff (6 rounds)
P = Pirate
M = Merchant

As the pirate jumps to board his ship, Vraul sets/readies his trident for the pirates charge so that the pirate lands on it.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:
Attack: 24
Damage: 29]

After avoiding the blow from the pirate, and with little room to manuever, Tagen slashes at his attacker with his sword.

[Private to DM Foxpaws:

08:56, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 6 using 1d8+2. Long Sword Damage.
08:56, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Crit Threat ck.
08:55, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Long Sword attack.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Fri 26 May 2006.

Calgarvin, satisfied that his crewmates can deal with the imminent threat in front of them, holds off behind them, conserving his energy for the main assault.

The two on the immediate ship taken care of, the rest of the pirates quickly go to work on the remaining crew members of the merchant ship while the hippogriffs begin to have effect on the pirates of the far ship, dropping two of the pirates for the one of their own that was lost.

Captain Clarke continues to organises the sailors to hold the ship incase of any boarders while motioning for the marines to move forward.  THe deck of the first ship is clear, the second ship still holds six of the pirate crew, who have turned to face the new threat, waiting for you to come to them.

"Lets go get them pirates," Vraul shouts as he jumps to the next ship heading to the deck on the following ship covered with pirates.If he gets within throwing distance of a pirate he will throw his trident.

Tagen attempts to follow Varul over to the next ship but a misstep causes him to slip and he comes up short. Hitting the side of ship, Tagen grasps at whatever he can find and manages to grab part of the ship's rigging to keep himself from falling into the sea.

Jump check: DC=10 for 5' jump with less than a 20' running start.
16:35, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Jump Check.

Failed by less than 5 so I get a DC=15 Reflex save to grab onto the far side.
16:39, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Reflex save.

Joy :)

Sorry fellas. Been a bad, BAD week just past for Calgarvin in RL. Back on board now, so to speak :)

Calgarvin follows Varul over onto the next ship but once again stays out of combat while his first mate is still healthy.

Rushing accross the pirate ship Varul quickly outpaces his companions in his desire to join combat.  Tagen, after a brief struggle, manages to climb aboard the pirate ship, his footing now secure on the pitching ship.  Meanwhile Calgarvin keeps pace with VArul, but continues to hold is attack as he watches for the right opportunity.  Captain Clarke has also advanced to the pirate ship, and is taking a pair of sailors with him to check for anyone below decks that might think to press the attack now that the Marines have moved on.

OOC: Varul, your in range, go ahead and throw.  You'll all be in range next round for hand to hand.

VArul see's another pirate as he charges across the ships as if they were dry ground. He throughs his trident at the first one in his line of sight...
Attack: 20
Damage: 14

Tagen decides against trying to leap to the next ship and uses his bow instead. Taking quick aim he lets fly at a the closest pirate.


09:05, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 10 using 1d8+2. Longbow damage.
09:04, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Longbow Attack.

Calgarvin follows his first mate over but again stays out of his way, now used to the fact that he is best held back, until needed at the death. "I have your back," he says hurriedly to Varul as he follows.

While most of the pirates aboard the second pirate ship have been dealth with with last two seem to have done away with the Captain's summoned friends, and now turn to deal with Varul and his hangeron.  Meanwhile the one attacked by Tagen manages to avoid getting stuck by his arrow and lands a nasty blow on the suprised Calgarvin who is concentrating on aiding Varul. [Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: 9 damage]


3 left, 2 on V 1 on C.

Vraul trident reapears in his hands as he stabs the pirate in front of him.
AttacK 22   Damage: 19

If Varul and Tagen look as though they have things under control, Calgarvin will go into Total Defense.

Tagen knocks another arrow and once again aims for the pirate on Calgarvin.

08:33, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 18 using 1d20+6. Long bow attack.
08:33, Today: Tagen Vrinn rolled 4 using 1d8+2. Longbow damage.

Watching as his companions fall the last remaining pirate engaged with Varul breaks and runs, hopeing to get back to his own ship before the large warrior can turn his attack.  Meanwhile Calgarvin drops into a defensive stance to avoid any further attacks from the now arrow piereced attacker.

Meanwhile the Captain continues to search the pirate ship, searching the hull for any remaining pirates and dispatching those that will not surrender.

Calgarvin continues in Total Defense until the annoying archer stops firing arrows at him. If/when he does, Calgarvin will continue up behind Varul, ready to summon his minions if need be.[Private to Calgarvin Woodwill: You know that its Tagen shooting the pirate that is attack you, right?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:12, Tue 06 June 2006.

Vraul seeing the pirate turn to run strikes at him with his trident (AoO) and then throws his trident at the pirates departing back if he gets away.

AoO: 25 Damage: 16
Attack: 30 Damage: 14

Dropping the last of the pirates that had attacked him Varul stands alone on the deck, while Calgarvin maintains his ground against the pirate attacking him...which shortly drops from an arrow through the back from Tagen.  Captain Clarke re-emerges from the hold of the ship he had been searching to yell out "Stop them, they're getting away!" as the remaining pirates cut the guy lines and begin to pull away from the merchant ship and limp away with a much reduced crew.

The merchant has been saved, and one of the pirates captured.  The few remaining sailors aboard the merchant ship emerge with a wary eye toward the crew of the Swyft Wynd, not yet sure if they have traded one evil for another until Clarke calls a hearty welcome to them and asks to speak with thier captain...if he still lives.

Stepping forward from the few sailors that survived one of the sailors steps forward to say "I guess I'm what will pass for a captain now Sir, I'm the helmsman...most of the other officers are dead now.  Whom can we thank for our lives and our ship?"  Clarke waits for the marines to introduce themselves, as they are the true saviours of the day.  Once that is done, and the few crew are ready Clarke asks if they are ready to move out, or if they are able...after being informed that the ship is in good enough condition to sail he retreats with the marines to the pirate vessel and the Swyft Wynd and allows the merchant ship to limp back to port....the remaining pirate vessal long gone.


OOC: OK boys, your call....we've got a ship and the main ship.  You can take off to form your own crew, or sell the ship for the prize....I'll let you all decide.  If you take off you loose Clarke as a fighter at the end (not a big deal, I'm sure if clarke is gone the pirate captain will bow out of the end fight and let it be just the players vs players....(course, they are pirates, he might decide to attack you after all!)

Vraul says, "I am Vraul Reefcrusher, Captian of da marines." And he indicates that the marines may introduce themselves. As he moves off to see where the other pirate ship is at and if he can reach it. Seeing it sail away he is furious. He moves back to the Capn, "Are we going after them..or taking this here ship in for the prize first."

Calgarvin nods modestly to the saved crew. "Calgarvin Woodwill. We kill pirates for a living. No need to thank us."

He turns to Varul and speaks quietly. "It is your call, Varul. I am just as happy to sell the ship and get the money to buy some better equipment as I am to take the ship for our own and splinter off. I will leave it up to you, as I am indifferent.

"I would like to voice an opinion, however, on our next step. I'd like to return to port and work it out."

Tagen bows slightly to those the Swyftwind has saved.

"Tagen Vrinn, at your service."

He leaves it at that and turns to answer Varul's question.

"I'm with Calgarvin, whatever you think best, although two prizes would be more satisfying than one."

"Thank you men," Vraul says looking almost embarased. "But I cannot make a fair decession. You all vote. If you want to splinter off and the Capn gives us a by your leave, I would be proud to be your captian." he says and pauses. "But I owe alot to our Captain, he saved me life he did. And if we lose him, we lose his wisdom and his pet. But I know we would do well if that be the way you wish to go."

OOC: sorry just trying to play per my back story.....

After a pause and talking with the rest of his marines, Vraul goes to the Captain and says, "Sur, we wish to sell the ship fer the prize and better arm ourselves fer the pirate scum we be getting ready to face. Two ships of em this time. Who knows what is next."

"Glad I am to hear that men!  Varul, take command of that vessal and lets get it back to port...we can escort this ship to the nearest port and unload the vessal while they reoutfit themselves." the captan says, happy to have the crew still with him.

"Aye, aye Sur." Vraul says as he picks a skel;eton crew about 1/3 of the sailors and 1/4 of the marines to accomapny him. "Will be on your starboard all the way Sur." And with that he swings over to the other ship and starts to get it ready to be on the way.

The going is a bit slow as the two hunter ships escort the lumbering merchantman to a port.  Its a thankfully large port, which should be a good thing when it comes to unloading the pirate vessal and anything that might have been in its hold.

Vraul brings the ship into port and docks it where merchants dock to sell their cargo.