The morning rolls around and as the crew drifts back, most of them hungover like nobodies business, Clarke outlines the adventure to come.  "We set sail for the deep south boys, Port Castigliar, Chult!"  he says, the effects of the night before not appearing to slow him at all.  "Everyone knows its a haven for pirates sneaking into the country, well boys, its time we put an end to that!" with that he begins calling out orders, and though the sailos are a bit slow due to their condition this morn they still hop to!

OOC: finish up at the ship sale, buy what you might want...we're going pirate hunting!
This message was last updated by the player at 21:34, Thu 29 June 2006.

Vraul, having slept out on the sea's floor. Swims in to port in the morning and climbs aboard. He starts making sure everyone returns and starts working.

Calgarvin does his best to hide his hangover from the Captain as he gives his very loud and long speech.

His head aching, he tries to find a little chore to do in the corner of the boat for a few minutes, but still LOOK like he's doing something....just enough time for the pounding on his temples to subside.

With the help of Captain Clarke's magic the ship fair flies across the waves, the summoned winds never once abating or slowing in the least.

OOC: you have til saturday 8pm (EST) to buy what you need in the ship for sale thread, after that its to late gents.  Let me know what you've bought.

[Private to DM N1NJ4C0W: I'll be there monday if you can keep your people in the area til then.]

Vraul moves about the ship. Making sure everyone is working and everything is stowed away and lashed down.

Clarke stands at the rear of the ship, calling to the winds to keep the ship on its speedy course toward the Refuge Bay and the jungles of chult.  He is very quite on this trip, relying of his well disciplined crew to keep the ship in order as he keeps the breezes blowing to bring the ship to that far away land.

Vraul prowls around the ship, assuring that everyone is on their toes and keep us sailing the sea as fast as possible.

He makes the Marines practice with the balista.

Calgarvin also tries his luck out on the ballista on the offchance that he is needed on siege weaponry.

Tagen's hangover is severe and he swears it will last for a week. He sets himself about the tasks ordered and finds the hard work begins to force the alcohol from his brain and things improve greatly.

When he finds the spare moment or two, he locates a place on deck to practice with his bow. He did not care for his performance during the last encounter and feels he has grown lax with his favorite weapon.

Vraul notices some of the crew look green. He is confused, for none of them ever got sea sick before...and they only drank for one whole night....so that could not be it....

The days pass swifty as the small shift is fair flown over the waves to the distant Refugee Bay area of Chult, a land of mysteries and death by all accounts.  As the ship nears the dark land Clarke calls out "Rig the netting boys, these waters are famous for pirate attacks and anything to slow the boarding will help!  You men there, make sure those balista are in good condition, I've a feeling they'll be used 'ere long.  Mr. Varul, are you and your men ready?"  As the thought of combat comes upon the Captain he seems to be more animated than ever before, the thrill of the upcoming battles seem to fill him with vigor.

OOC: Post shipboard comments here in this thread, once we engage they can go into the hunters/pirates combat posting.  Have fun boys, I'm a little curious to see whos going to win this!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Tue 04 July 2006.

"Aye, there they be. It seems the have more crew then us." Vrul comments with a smile on his face. Hearing the Captains query he says, "We be ready to board Capn." Making sure veryone is ready to fight. He turns and shouts man the balista and fire as soon as you can.

Vraul suggest "Your pet could punch a hole in the body of their ship and I can enter from beneath with a couple o marines if we do not care about the prize."

Vraul request a Barkskin Spell be cast upon him..if no one can do it he will drink his last Barkskin potion.

Vraul also grabs onto a line and jumps into the sea..after being totally submerged, he climbs back onto the ship and is ready for combat.

"I think Fido will be of more us to keep swimmers off of the ship, but if she'll be ready to assist if she can." the captain replies, still scanning the horizon for the incoming ship.


OOC: just working out distances and combat at sea with Ninj4Cow

Tagen prepares as best he can. It is obvious that his crewmate's skills far exceed his own, so he resolves to follow their lead and do what he can in whatever events transpire.

Hopefully he will give a chance for a PC to be hit by the balista..instead of just damage to his ship and NPC's.. :)

The two ships are still to far out of range to see what she might be, but the captain calls out orders for the worst anyway.  "Prepare buckets and wet the sails boys...I don't want to see the girl go up if it comes to that."  With that the captain takes a good long look at the far ship, trying to judge the distance and the time before they will be in range.

ooc: if we don't hear something from Ninjamoo in regards to the ship battle shortly I'll go albatross on 'em and do some scouting around their ship.

"I sure hope that taint just sum other merchant." Vraul says with a glint in his eyes for battle.

"In these waters?  Unlikely...even if she's not a pirate, shes smuggling something, or a slaver.." he says the last with more than a hint of disgust.

 "Then she is ours either way," Vraul says.

"I don't like the looks of that ship men, I'm going to get a better look at her colors." Captain Clarke calls to the men as he advances on the rail, quickly jumping over a large albatrosis soon wheeling overhead and off toward the other vessel.

"We can use this as a drill anyway....Marines get in position. Man the Balista and archers aloft." Varul yells. Then turns to the Captain,"One day we need a ship wizard to support your casting." He then moves off to see what this ship is.

Calgarvin waits for the ship to close on the potential enemy, and mans the lines until they reach a critical distance.

"A exercise in futility...she flies no colors lads...that in itself bears no good signs.  I saw we close with her, but be ready for anything." The captain begins to say almost before he has turned back into his human form, the large wings melting back into his own arms.

"All merchant and military vessels would be flying their colors. As a matter of fact, who would sail without colors....only one thing I can think of...." Vraul says letting his sentence trail off.

"My thoughts as well Varul..." Clarke says as he turns to the rest of the crew "Mak ready for comat men!  I'm taking no chances with that caraval!"

"Aye, aye Capn." Vraul says, then shouts "Marines prepare for battle and man the balista."

"Dirty pirate scum! Let's get 'em lads!" cries Calgarvin as he gets about his battle chores.

Umbril checked that his chain was wrapped neatly and ready for action around his waist as he swung a final bucket over the rail and drew it up full of sea water to dump it into one of the fire barrels.

He slung the line over his shoulder and checked the lay of the coil so that it would run free.  He rushed up the ratlines to the spar and swung the bucket into the sea.  Following the captain's orders, he doused the sails that he could reach as the others prepared for battle below.

Chulu heard the order and moved over to the railing, surveying the other ship and though he could tell everything about it with a glance.  Due to his diminuitive size and lack of physical stature when compared to the other shipmates, he had avoided most of the meanial tasks.  Soon, though, it would be time for him to harness his "special talents".

Coming up from below Gildor heard The Captain's orders. Finally, A little action! he thought to himself. checking to make sure that his weapons were securely set in their sheaths, he ran to get a bucket and started to wet down the sails in preparation for battle.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 15 Sept 2006.

The burly human, the biggest one in the crew, followed the motions of the rest, getting water to wet the sails. But Karal did his chore with a difference. The small giant takes five buckets and strings them on a rope like ornaments. All five go over the edge and then he pulls them all back up at once. Then taking a bucket in each of his meaty hands he tosses the water two at a time. Karal hardly makes a sound as wets the sails and then repeats the action.

Hands didn't bother to check his weapons. An oaken bat with metal bands hangs through a pair of loops on his belt and strapped against his leg to keep it from swinging free. Odds were good he wouldn't bring it out in the fight but the threat was there all the same.

Varul looks at the captain for orders, "Do we open fire with the balista as you planned and hit em wif your long distance spells?"

"No! Not yet.  Wait until they close to 100 ft and then open fire on them.  We may have the wind now, but they are a faster ship and I don't want to loose here.  All hands stand by for boarding action!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:39, Fri 29 Sept 2006.

Vraul yells at everyone "Ya herd the Capn you swabies. Be ready to attack upon closing ta 100'." He lifts a heavy cross bow and loads it.

Chulu remains on the railing, immobile as a statue as his green cloack whips and blows about him in the wind, a sharp contrast to the light tan of the ship or bright hues of blue in the sea and the sky.  His chance was coming.  Soon, very soon.

Umbril settled into place on the spar, his leg wrapped around one of the ratlines, and his shortbow ready in his hand.  He was ready to loose his first shaft as soon as the order to fire was given.

Gildor drew his weapons. He knew it would not come down to boarding for a while but he never had the knack with bows that other elves had. He did however have a knack for swords. There was a hiss as the twin blades cleared their scabards and Gildor gave them a lazy spin. The swords were a matched pair, an Elven Thinblade and an Elven Lightblade. Both were a gift from Gildor's father as a reward for his proficiency with the swords. Gildor liked the way they felt in his hands, perfectly balanced, Gildor's natural grace and agility would count as much as strength in the coming battle. He moved to a place from which he could jump unto the nearby ship when it came close enough.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Sat 30 Sept 2006.

Jonash finally managed to appear from under the deck where he 'was fixing' stuff is someone would ask. Although he actualy just had slept of his hangover. Though an order to work was easily ignored a call to arms was not. Appearing on deck with in in gear he moved to a good vantage point to prepared a small fire to kindle his arrows to rain down some fire on the enemy and waited.

Upon hearing the words, Duke springs to the deck.  He quickly surveys the situation, and seeing the possibility for combat, does the smart thing, and reads off one of his Mage Armor spells from a scroll.

As soon as we are aproaching the ordered distance Vraul looks at the Captain, when he gives the nod he will fire his massive crossbow and order the firing to begin.

Hands, had never been good with a bow or crossbow and so he caries neither. Instead of preparing to attack with the rest the little giant gathers rope and hooks and hooked ladders that will be used to board the caraval. That is of course if the pirate hunters don't sink the other ship before boarding is possible.

This cloudless day the Shoalrider keeps sailing on under full sail to catch every scrap of wind it can towards the unknown ship off the starboard bow.

The crew hands make preparations for the coming boarding action as fast as they can; concealing grappling hooks, rope, boarding pikes, and other weapons from sight until the last moment.  4-5 crewmen are ordered in front of the forward ballista, frantically waving their arms to hide it from view of the enemy crew and to confuse them to focus their attention on them.

"Everyone to your stations.  You know what to do and I'll see all of you on the other side when it's over.  May Valkur protect you and keep you safe.", the captain bellows from the aft deck.

He then walks the length of the ship, from the aft deck to the forecastle, encourging and comforting the men as he oges.  When he gets to the bow the captain addresses the ballista crew.  "You will only have 1-2 shots, men, so make them count.  Try to aim for the helmsman and steering wheel or any spellcasters you happen to notice first.  Getting hit with a fireball at this close range would be a disaster.  Savy!?!"

When everything is order there the captain makes his way to the rear of the ship, stopping to talk with the officers about their assignments during the fight, and then making his way to the helmsman's station.  "Steady as she goes, helm."

OOC: The enemy ship is 200-100 ft. away at this point.  The captain will want everyone to hold action until the very end for surprise in order to grapple with the other ship.    Everyone start thinking about which part of the ship they will be attack and keep in mind that it will be close quarters combat.

Umbril kept his bow down and out of sight, waiting for the ballista crew to fire.  Once their first shaft was away, he'd pick out his own target.

21:06, Yesterday: Umbril rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

EDIT: Sorry, pasted in the wrong thing the first time 'round.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Fri 13 Oct 2006.

Vraul smiled holding his heavy crossbow. he knows he will fire and then drop it. But maybe he will get a caster with it. He looks forward to the boarding.

OOC - Can I make a Spot Check or something to try and identify somebody important on their ship, like a spellcaster or perhaps their captain?  I'd prefer Spellcraft to identify a caster, heh, I've got a much higher check there.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Fri 13 Oct 2006.

Gildor looked for backup. He moved towards where the first mate was standing and crouched beside him. He'd take his cue from Varul and board at the same time.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Fri 13 Oct 2006.

Jonash looked over at the enemy ship and narrowed his eyes as he prepared to light an arrow to fire into the sails of the enemy vessel. The panic of fire would draw at least some of the pirates from the fight to extinguish it and it would slow its movement.

Hands is somewhat new on the ship and not extremely familiar with the actual boarding process but he is great in close quarters combat. At least he has been in the past. The big human plans to board the enemy ship close to one of their bigger crewman. Karal will be weaponless, he’ll take away whatever weapon the other man carries [OOC: Disarm attempt], knock him down [OOC: Trip attack] and then dispatch villain. The burly human with the extra large hands wonders how many pirates he can treat that way before they give up.

OOC: Everyone make spot, and spellcraft and Know(arcana) check if applicable as well as initiative rolls

13:10, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 6 using 1d20+4. init\.
13:10, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 11 using 1d20-2. spot.

15:33, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
15:32, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 6 using 1d20-1. Spot check.

Init.: 5
Spot: 14

OOC - I had already cast Mage Armor on myself from one of my scrolls.  I'm currently hiding in the back of the ship near where the captain's quarters would be, hopefully protected by the side/railing of the ship.

[Private to GM: Duke rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Spellcraft. Duke rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Arcana Check. Duke rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Spot Check. Duke rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Initiative. ]

09:25, Today: Jonash Netfixer rolled 5 using 1d20+4. initiative.
09:24, Today: Jonash Netfixer rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Spot.

The strange halfling mutters to himself as they approach the ship, not sharing in the cockiness or boisterous and silly human preperations.  To most it would seem to be gibberish [private to DM Songwind: Chonanthan, casting mage armor], or some foriegn language he speaks.  Still, he does not remove his eyes from the ship or acknowledge understanding the orders in any way.

21:30, Today: Chulu rolled 21 using 1d20+3. spot.
21:30, Today: Chulu rolled 16 using 1d20+8. init.

[Private to DM Songwind:
21:31, Today: Secret Roll: Chulu rolled 29 using 1d20+12. spellcraft.
21:31, Today: Secret Roll: Chulu rolled 10 using 1d20+9. knowledge arcana.

action: cast mage armor

Please feel free to use our spellcasters friends check to see if they realize what i'm doing (I was trying to be discreet), and pm them in your next post as applicable.]

20:27, Today: Umbril rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Spot check.

I'd posted my initiative before, but here it is again as well, since it's rolled off the Dice Roller.

21:06, Yesterday: Umbril rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

As the distance between the ships closes the crew of the ship prepares for the boarding action to come; readying grappling hooks and weapons for the impending combat.  From the pirate ship's main deck a fireball comes rushing out to meet the incoming ship's main deck area.  All the crew of the Hunter ship could do is watch in horror as impending ball of fire streaks towards their ship's main deck area.  The hunter ship's captain shoats out to his crew to take what cover they could; knowing there wasn't much else they could do, but take the attack. and begins mumbling words of his own; relying on his officers and crew to do their best.  As the fireball races across to the Hunter's ship, seeking it's death and destruction, the ball of fire grows and expands to point of encompassing the entire main deck and seems to break up; showering everyone there with small embers and sparks, but not doing any real damage.  The Hunter captain nods in satisfaction.  Thank Valkur for that...

He then turns to the ballista crew at the bow of the ship.  "Fire on that person!!!"

At 30 ft apart both ship's crews throw grappling hooks across the distance between themselves and start reeling in the lines to close the distance as fast as possible.  Men in the rigging start firing arrows at their counterparts and enemy's main deck.

At 20 ft the pirate ship, Desert Rose, takes a hit broadside on the opposite of the hunter ship, Shoalrider, so hard the pirate ship moves 5 feet laterally towards the hunter ship; pitching the pirate ship's deck 30 degrees on its side.  The pirate ship's hull boards creak and crack with the impact trying to absorb the impact.  The pirate ship crew stumble around as they attempt to regain their balance.  The pirate captain curses under his breath.  "We've been betrayed!"  Several of the pirate crew pear over the side to find out what hit the Desert Rose.

The soon the ship hulls collide together and both crews prepare for the onslaut that was about to occur....

OOC: post two rounds of attacks everyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

"Fire if ya got em!" Varul shouts as he lets two bolts fly from his crossbow at the pirate at the railing. He drops his crossbow behind him and a trident apears in his hand as he prepares to board the pirate vessel.

[Private to DM Songwind: 2 Attacks

Attack: 10  miss
Attack: 16  Damage: 2]

The sound of the captain's voice spurs Hands to evasive action. He moves to the quarter deck and hauls a couple of ship hands with him to get them out of danger from the blast behind a couple of crates. Barely a moment after the fireball strikes he is back out against the rails, throwing a pair of grappling hooks and heaving his weight against the ropes to bring the Desert Rose closer. Karal watches the distance between them shrink steadily.

As they get close enough to see details of the pirates they are about to engage, Hands drops his ropes and back pedals away from the rails. "Just a little more." His deep bass voice rumbles like a distant storm but he is speaking only to himself. The massive human takes a position across the ship and waits for the space between the ships to reach 15 feet before he bellows, "MAKE A HOLE! COMIN THROUGH!" Heavy feet pound the deck and Hands sprints across from port to starboard! He launches himself over the rails of the Shoalrider and aims to land hard on the pirate vessel! If his aim is true the big brute will soften his landing with some of the crew on the other ship.

---

OOC: I only rolled a 6 for Initiative so I don't know when this action will take place. Can I take 10 on that leap? If so I can make the jump successfully when the distance is 15 feet. If I can't take 10 please let me know so I can roll for it.

Gildor peers over the side as Varul pulls his trident. WHen the big first mate boards, so will he.

OCC: Initiative is 6

Duke pops up and fires at the fireball thrower as he comes within range.  Ducking, he waits and then pops back up hurling an orb of acid at him as well.  Once again Duke ducks down behind the railing of the ship for cover.

OOC - The first is AC 18 with 4 damage.  The second was also AC 18 with 8 damage.

OOC: Before I can post, I need to find out if I survived the fireball.  How much damage did we take, and how will being up in the rigging affect whether I'm in range, and how will it affect my Reflex save?

As the ships grapple with each other a cloud of mist and vapor billows out of the pirate ship's main cargo hatch and growing to include the entire main deck and reaching high to encompass the rigging as well.

The Hunter ballista crew takes aim at the spellcaster who cast the fireball spell and fires a bolt across the distance; impacting the spellcaster and knocking him to the deck.

Duke near the main deck railing throws a globs of acid at a pirate each.

OOC: Resolving attacks....


All pirates within the cloud has their vision obscured beyond 5 feet.  This includes darkvision.

If there is attack that I missed from you before we start the boarding action then you need to tell me now.

Round 1 is about to start, so everyone roll initiative again and spot checks.  Also when making your attacks please post the damage for that attack; even if you feel the attack will miss.

09:59, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 24 using 1d20+4.
09:59, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 14 using 1d20-2. SPOT.

12:22, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 20 using 1d20+7. Jump check.
12:21, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 17 using 1d20-1. Spot check.
12:20, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
15:40, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Disarm nearest foe.

Karal lands soundly on the pirates' ship and grabs at the hands of the nearest man with a weapon. The giant-handed human twists and pulls trying to rip the pirate's weapon from him!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

Vraul will swing onto the ship trying to reach the stern quarter deck since he is starting out at that height plus (the railing of our forecastle) and if he faces the Captain, first mate or wizard will go into an intimidating rage which will cause his foe within 30ft to become shaken.

Raging
Initiative: 10
Spot: 9  (though he see's 4x further then a human and in murky conditions)
Jump/charge: 19
Intimadate: 15
Attack: 15
Damage: 17

This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Mon 06 Nov 2006.

From his perch aloft, Umbril fired at the closest of the pirates who was acting like an officer.  If nothing else presented itself, he released his arrow at the helmsman.

Once the shaft was away, he slid down the ratlines and headed toward the pirate ship, pulling his chain from around his waist as he moved, ready to join in the fun.

20:06, Today: Umbril rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
20:06, Today: Umbril rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Spot check.
20:11, Today: Umbril rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Arrow attack.
20:13, Today: Umbril rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Arrow damage, if needed.

Gildor gets up and prepares to follow the first mate. He grabs a rope and swings across to the pirate ship and crouches behind the Varul watching the mates back.

14:56, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 25 using 1d20+6. jump.

With the cloud of fog hinder vision on the pirate ship the Hunter archers have a difficult time finding and hitting targets.  Hails of arrows from both sides litter the sky as they seek the blood of their enemies.  The npc hunters on the hunter ship's main deck waiting for the first pirate to fall and make room for them on the other side of the railing.

Hands decides to jump between the two ships as they grappled and landed on top of an npc pirate on the pirate ship's main deck; wresting his cutlass weapon away from the pirate. All of the reamining npc pirate crew in the adjacent area turn towards Hands with weapons drawn; ready to take him down.  The fog limits Hands vision to just 5 ft around him; obscurring everything around him...

On the quarter deck of the pirate ship the pirate captain and helmsman are put on the defensive as several hunters cross over the railing and form up for an attack; taking several arrow hits from pirate archers up in the pirate ship rigging.  Varal's anger building within him and begins expressing his passion for combat; intimidating those around himself.  "My, my boys.  All this for little o'me?  I'm touched."  You here the female pirate captain say as she draws a rapier and short sword from her belt.  She calls out to her crew, "Mister Roberts, to the quarter deck if your not too busy sightseeing."

Just then two small pale blue skinned humanoids with sparks of electricity coming off their bodies come flying over pirate ship quarter deck railing near the edge of the fog bank and flittering among the rigging nearby and the fog bank for cover.  "Look at the ugly blue monkey having a tantrum." You hear one say as the other replies, "He is rather funny looking, now isn't he."



Those on the pirate ship main deck hear a low based hum sound that becomes a shrilling screaching sound five times and then going silent.  This happens twice in a row...

OOC:
Pirate ship main deck still effected by cloud of fog; reducing vision to 5 ft.

Gildor: 1 arrow hit total damage 5; moved to the pirate ship quarter deck.
Varal: 2 arrow hit total damage 4; moved to the pirate ship quarter deck.
Umbril: arrow attacks miss you; moved from the rigging to the hunter forcastle.
Hands: Leaps into the middle of 9 npc pirates on the pirate main deck and wrests a cutlass from a pirate.  Vision impaired to 5 ft around you.
Chula: Unsure; caught in a net on the hunter main deck.
Duke: Unsure; currently at the railing of the hunter ship main deck next to pirate ship. Hiding behind the railing.
Jonash: Unsure; effected by Doom spell.

npc hunters:
 -forcastle: 2 npc hunters move to the pirate quarter deck to support Gildor & Varal.
 -rigging: 9 npc hunters providing ranged attack support.
 -main deck: 10 npc hunters trying to move to the pirate main deck.
 -quarter deck: captain and helmsman fighting two pirate npcs on pirate ship forcastle.
===============================================================================
Pirate ship main deck still effected by cloud of fog; reducing vision to 5 ft.

npc pirates:
 -forcastle: 2 npc pirates retreating into the fog bank for cover.
 -rigging: 9 npc pirates providing ranged attack support.
 -main deck: 10 npc pirates defending pirate main deck; attacking Hands now.
 -quarter deck: captain and helmsman defending against 2 npc hunters, Varal, & Gildor.

Post your round 1 actions/attacks please...

Vraul attacks the Captain of the pirates.

Attack: 28
Damage: 16

Gildor moves right after Varul, he runs across the deck taking evasive action as he goes to get into a flanking position. He attacks with one of his thinblades but to no avail, maybe all the fancy footwork through off his aim.


09:44, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 12 using 1d20+11. attack (Flank Captain).
09:42, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 20 using 1d20+11. Tumble DC: 15

Duke pops up again, once more hurling a spell from his scroll in the general direction of where the captain from the pirate ship is...

OOC - Your dice suck. :P

09:58, Today: Duke rolled 2 using 1d8. OoA Damage.
09:58, Today: Duke rolled 12 using 1d20+3. OoA Captain.

The little giant looked at the nine men facing him. A grim smile formed on his lips making his scarred face twist unnaturally. ”Oh good. More fun for me.” To the surprise of the men facing him, Karal tossed the cutlass overboard. That would be one less weapon that the pirates would use against him and his shipmates. Before the cutlass splashed into the water the warrior grabbed out to disarm the next nearest foe!

OOC:
Dodge feat: Hands will Dodge the pirate with the biggest weapon.
11:16, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Disarm nearest foe.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Wed 08 Nov 2006.

Umbril dashed toward the railing nearest to Hands.  He threw himself into space, trying to follow the other man's jump.

22:07, Today: Umbril rolled 17 using 1d12+9. Jump check.

As both parties face off on the pirate quarter deck the pirate captain shakes her head in resignation and positions herself between the barbarian and his next target as human shield after mumbling something under her breathe.  No one is going to win this fight; not and still have enough men to crew a ship properly.  We're too evenly matched..., she thinks to herself.  In a commanding voice that makes people hesitate and take notice of her and her words the pirate captain commands to everyone, including the hunter crew, "Stand fast!! Everyone will hold their actions!!  I demand to see your captain at once!"

She pauses a little as everyone senses something monumentous is about to happen and the future is about to be rewritten...

The Hunter captain makes his way to the Hunter ship's forcastle to address the pirate captain in resignation; as if he too had drawn the same conclusion.  "I'm listening, Captain Blackmane.  Make it quick!", he responds.  Every member of the Hunter crew mimics

A flicker of respect passes across the eyes of Captain Blackmane at the recognition of her name.  Did you seek me out then on purpose since I don't believe in coincidences?  "I'll make a bargain with you, captain.  Spare this ship, myself, and it's crew and let us go unharmed, and I will give you something of value in return."

The Hunter captain considers for a moment.  She is a small fish...  "The name of your employer and his base of operation.

Figuring this was going to be asked she shakes her head "no".  "You know I can't give you that.  I and my crew would never find work if it got out that we turned on our employers and you know that.  However I am willing to give the name and location of a major slave trading operation in the area that goes against even my principles."  She chuckles a little and smiles.  "I know it sounds hypocritcal of me to see considering my line of work and yes, I do collect cargo and intelligence from the ships we take, but we don't traffic in slaves or necromancy.  That is dispicable.  As I am sure you agree?"  She pauses to gauge the reaction of the Hunter captain who looks around the immediate area at the tactical situation of the moment; taking note of the flying beings among the rigging with trepidation.  Hearing of a slave trading operation in the area was of interest to him on principle alone.  "I'm still listening, Captain Blackmane.  What did you have in mind?"

YES!! He bought it...If this guy is as good as he appears then I will have one less enemy in the world...  "A raid on his base of operations and haven and to make sure that isn't used for such a purpose ever again.  What say you?"

The Hunter captain responds, "I agree to your bargain and should have to remind you what will happen if I find out that you're lieing to me."  He then swings aboard by rope to the pirate quarter deck and approaches Captain Blackmane; tension increasing on both sides.  Captain Blackmane sheathes her swords and extends her hand to the Hunter captain.  "I keep my word.  You can be sure of that.  Besides this really does need to be done."

The Hunter captain grasps her hand; sealing the bargain.  "Varal, collect our wounded and return to our ship.  Make preparations to get under way.  I will join you shortly.  Captain, if you please." and motions with his hand towards Captain Blackmane's cabin.

She nods and starts walking that way.  "See to the wounded and make ready to sail once we are done.", she says to her helmsman.

The Hunter and Pirate captains make their way to the captain's cabin and are there for only 10 minutes...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Mon 13 Nov 2006.

Varul shakes his head as if confused or in a daze then shouts, "Everyone back on board our ship....we have slavers to kill."

Karal stands in a fight ready stance for a long moment even after the captains have finished their negotiation. He waits until one of the nine pirates backs away before relaxing his guard. When two more turn to go Hands feels comfortable turning his back on them and finding a rope to climb back over to the Shoalrider. He looks disappointed but says nothing.

Gildor returns to the ship.

Umbril shook his head, but followed the captain and mate's orders and returned to the ship.  He stood ready in case of treachery from the pirates until his duties called him away from the rail.

"Well, that really did not go well." Vraul admits.

”Relax Varul.” Karal’s deep bass voice sounded from the quarterdeck. ”As long as we keep those pirates close we can break their heads after they help slaughter the slavers. We get two good deeds done.” He busied himself recoiling rope that had been used in boarding the other ship.

As the two crew follow the orders of their respective captains, gathering the wounded, returning to the ship, and preparations to get underway both captains watch over the proceeding with a critical eye; knowing both crews were disappointed with the outcome of this encounter and looking to quench their thirst for blood.

The two ships are soon ungrappled and sails unfurlied.  Shouts from the sailing master to the sailors ring out from the main decks....  The fog bank gently lifting from the pirate ship's main deck area.

As the two ships gather movement along the quarter decks to pass each other the Hunter captain yells out to Captain Blackmane in passing.  "I'll see you in three days."

After a safe distance between the ships had been achieved the captain turns to Varal.  "Gather all the specialist in my cabin for a meeting." He says in an emotionless command voice and walks to his cabin.  The calm before the storm...

Vraul does as he is order and walks are the ship ordering all specialist to report to the Captains cabin now!

Hands drops what he is in the middle of and calls a deckhand nearby to finish it for him. The big human plods across the deck toward the captain’s cabin. The last time Karal was invited into the captains cabin was when he was hired on the ship and someone decided he would be a good “specialist”. But Hands never did find out what his specialist duties were supposed to be. After all he had never even been a sailor before he got hired for this voyage. Hands followed Varul into the captains quarters.

Once Varul is sure all the specialist are headed to the cabin, he will head there himself.

Gildor sheaths his weapons and heads to the Captains cabin. The Adrenaline from his almost battle beginning to wear off.

As the specialists make their way to the captain's cabin and take a seat around the table the captain watches the reactions and body language of each one.  They are not very happy about this... They are not in command.  "Have a seat everyone."

After everyone settles down the captain takes a seat.  The captain says in an even commanding tone that broaches no argument, "I know that many of you are displeased with how the day went to today and frankly I don't care.  What we're about to do is more important than taking out a small fish in a big sea, so get over it.  Quick."  He pauses and looks each one of you in the eye around the table.

"We have bigger fish to fry.  About three days sailing time from here there is a pirate haven along the coastal penisula of Chult.  There is a system of large caves there that are used to hide ships from sight and a base of operations for pirates and their raids.  Several pirates with ships are working together their and are quite an evil lot. They traffic in any thing that will turn a profit; from raiding merchant ships of rival merchant companies and selling captured crews into slavery in Calimshan or corpses to a necromancer."  He pauses to let that sink in for a moment.

"That's right.  No one will miss these people and rumor has it that this group of pirates attacked a wealthy merchant ship bound for Halaaru and are holding hostage several important people for ransom.  That is our mission.  To release these people and take them to Halaaru as well as take out this nest of vipers, so they are never in a position to do this again.

If you're worried about the truth of this information then be reassured.  It seems that Captain Blackmane has made an enemy or two of this pirate brotherhood, so I trust the information that she's given to me on this, and even if it was a lie then the curse upon Captain Blackmane should be kicking in right about now.  Are there any questions?"

Gildor thought about it fopr a moment and then decided that sometimes allowing the lesser evil to get away to take on a greater was necessary even right. No Captain, I personally have no questions. I follow where you lead, always.

"I am sure we are all with ye Capn," Vraul growls as he looks around the table daring anyone to disagree.

Hands had been a real rebel as a kid but his time in the Pit had cured him of that. Ever since his release the big brute felt his sense of the law snap to attention whenever he heard the sound of authority. In this case the voice of the captain. Karal would not question the Captain’s word even if he had said Bane and Cyric were wrestling on a remote island and it was his duty to try and stop it. ”Just one question, Captain; When we finish with the viper’s nest, we will finish what we started with Blackmane and her crew, yes?” There was an edge to his voice like the grinding of stones but it was easy to tell his wrath was meant for the pirates and held no ill will toward Captain Clarke.

"Assuming she keeps her word and I believe that she will the crew of the Desert Rose will provide a distraction for our attack.  If she or her crew get in the way then it's every man for himself.  Just don't get cocky, Hands.  This is a big haven.  It's possible that there will be 1-4 ships, complete with crews plus the Desert Rose and the usual guards and the like to maintain order among the prisoners and slaves.  That's a lot of people to defeat; 40-160 enemy plus noncombatants and it only takes one person to raise an alarm.  A necromancer also traffics with them and there's no tell if he brought any forces or not if he is there as well."

The captain looks around the room.  "Which is why this will be a commando stealthy raid and not a frontal assault.  Is that clear?  We take'em down one at a time; quickly and quietly, dispatching them as we go.  Since there is a water element to this attack we will split up into three teams.  Since we both can enter the cavern undetected underwater Varal and I will enter that way; creating as much sabotage as we can to enemy ships.

The second team will be Gildor, Hands, Duke, Chula, and Umbril.  This cavern system has an escape route from it with a concealed trail to a nearby town.  Your task will be to find that escape entrance as your entrance into the cavern system, quietly neutralizing the enemy as you make your way to the main cave entrance.  If the rumors are true and there are still prisoners and slaves within the caverns then releasing them could give us some allies in the fight.

The third team will be the rest of the crew and the Shoalrider.  There are several small inlets to hide a ship near the cavern entrance.  It will be the ship's responsibility to chase down any ships that get away and, if needs, be retrieve the second team if a withdrawl is needed.

I know this sounds like an impossible job, but I believe we can do this with luck and Valkur's blessing.  What say you?"

"I am with you sir."

"Aye Captain. It sounds to be a fine way to spend an afternoon. Searchin caves and splitting heads of pirates and slavers and worse." He pounded a huge fist into the palm of his other giant hand. "We'll not let you down Captain."

It seemed that the warrior now had another question. "Is there a timeline on this Captain? Do we have to have all the sea rogues ousted by a particular time? What happens if we do not meet the time?"

"If we intend to use the Captain Blackmane as our distraction then we will have to be in place, ready to go, in three days time.  That is our time table.  Which means for the first and second teams will need to be at our destination in 2 and half days to give them time to move into position.

Also I would prefer to get there before any slaves are tranfered to a slave market somewhere or killed.

The point of this raid is to kill as many pirates at one time as possible and the more pirates located at this haven means less time wasted running them down to ground later on."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Fri 17 Nov 2006.

Gildor takes a deep breath, You mean all we have to do is storm a pirate stronghold where we will be outnumber about ten to one, kill a bunch of slavers and pirates, rescue some slaves and get back in one piece? Sounds like fun!

"Any further questions?", the captain asks.

Hands speaks up one last time. "Captain, I want some time to prepare with the second team. I have only seen battle with these men once and not nearly long enough to know their strengths." The muscle-bound human might be slow in a lot of ways but he understood battle tactics. "I wanna know what kind of men I will be fighting with."

OOC: I just want to learn each PCs class, level, and combat abilities and maybe work out a cooperative plan for dealing with the slavers.

Umbril had remained silent at the back, casting surly glances toward the captain from time to time.  When it was clear they'd get to go after some pirates after all though, he nodded as well. "Aye, sir."

If the meeting broke up, he moved to report to Hands to coordinate tactics.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Wed 22 Nov 2006.

Ready when you are."

As the meeting breaks everyone leaves the captain's room and returns to their duties on ship.  The broods more on the plan; thinking of ways to improve the odds of their success.  A lot of things can go wrong with this....

The day passes and night falls on the first day after the battle with the Desert Rose and the pirates.  Off in the dark just over the horizon on the port side the midnight watch can see flashes of light and fire and sounds of explosions being exchanged back and forth.  Whoever they are powerful magics and siege weaponary were being used over there; easily reducing the Shoalrider to splinters and ash.  The display causes a sense of wonder, awe, and fear in those on deck.

The next two days happens without incident.  Everyone feeling the rhythm of the crew's routine and building emotions of the coming day.

As the third day dawns the crew sees the coastline of the Chult peninsula appear on the horizon.  As the Shoalrider gets closer to land the details of the coastline are easier to make out.  The captain stands on the forecastle; looking through a spyglass towards the shoreline.  "Well well.  She wasn't lieing to us, boys.  Tell the helmsman to come 15 degrees to starboad.  We'll make for that inlet there and see if we can't hide the ship there in anchorage.  Make preparations.  Go!"  As he points towards his right at a cliff outcropping off a ways out of sight.  One of the crew hurries to aft of the ship to relay the order and the ship veries right towards the outcropping.

OOC: if there is something you wanted to do during this time like use a craft skill or something then just let me know.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Fri 01 Dec 2006.

Vraul just spends his time doing the job he loves the most. Making sure everything on the ship runs smoothly. He looks forward as the capn calls out the new heading to the helmsman.

Hands is persistent in his request for time to train with the other specialists in the crew. He pulls them from their duties to practice whenever the captain or the first mate allow it. They talk about fighting tactics and work out a few ideas involving what they might do when the come in contact with the slavers. When the Chultan shoreline appears, the dedicated warrior is not satisfied with what he has learned. Hands resigns himself to the fact that the other specialists are well trained in their own way and he hopes what they have learned of each other is enough.

"Ready or not, here we come." Karal mumbles to himself as he stands on the forecastle watching the shoreline get closer.

Gildor joins Hands at training whenever the human requested it. He was a little pushy but Gildor knew he had the missions best interest at heart. Gildor spends the rest of his time simply going about the ships duties.

Umbril was aloft when the call to change course came.  He joined the rest of the topgallant seamen in trimming the sails to help Shoalrider come about cleanly.

The Shoalrider makes the turn and sails down the coastline for an rocky cliff inlet for about an hour.  The crew maintains a state of alertness; scanning the rocky coastline for any lookout that may spy their progress.

The ship makes it to the inlet without incident.  The captain's hunch was correct.  On the other side of the inlet is a moderately sized lagoon area with sandy beaches and bottom; just large enough to maneuver the Shoalrider into and hide her from prying eyes.  As the ship makes it's way into the lagoon orders ring out to take in the sails and prepare to beach ship.

By the time the ship is secured on the beach the sun is beginning to set.  Night will soon be upon you.  The captain calls the specialist together on the main deck one last time.  "Everyone knows what they need to do.  The pirate cave is about 2 miles down the coast.  Team 2 will make it's way overland and find the hidden entrance to the cave complex and meet inside.  Remember, any help you can convince to help us in this endevour would be a bonus.  We'll be outnumbered at least 20 to 1, so anything you can do to even the odds and not get caught or killed you do.  Any last minute questions?"

"Wut about your animal companion? He could sink ships on his own." Vraul ask know how large he is having swam many times with him.

"He will be coming with you and I, Varal, to provide protection and support on our end."

Gildor grabbed his backpack and weapons and got ready for the mission. He looked for thwe other members of his team. Ready? He asked, certain that they were and hoping that they would all do well in the coming battle.

"I am ready," Varul says.

”None from me, Captain. I am ready. We will head inland and look for the hidden entrance.” Having already checked and rechecked his gear, Karal could only wonder how they could possibly find the entrance. But that problem was for the specialists, not for the Captain. He would have his own difficulties. ”We will not let you down Captain.”

Hands turned to the other specialists. ”We should search for a trail. Are any of you able to find trails?” He started looking around to see where they should enter the jungle.

One of the sailors from the crew dressed in gray and black clothing approaches the group of specialists.  "Leave that to me.  My name is Sam, by the way.  We should be on our way since we will have to travel farther than the captain and the first mate.  Shall we to the longboats and shore?"

Karl nodded to Sam and hefted his gear. "Well met San. So you are a tracker are you?" The big man was preparing the longboat and then climbing aboard. "Well we are glad to have you. And I imagine you will earn your keep this day." Hands rowed along with everyone else to get the longboat to shore quickly as possible.

Gildor helped get the longboat in the water and helped row to shore. Once there he disembarked and dragged the boat up onto the sand so the tide wouldnt take it out. So, which way then?

The captain watches the longboats head out towards shore and then brings his attention back to the activity of the crew on board the ship.  He makes his way to the second mate and sailing master to leave final instructions with them.  The sails are taken in, the ballista is manned and ready, and the crew makes ready for any trouble that may come....

He then finds Varul and asks, "You ready to get wet old friend? Let's go for a swim and see how far Valkur's luck will take us." He says with a grin.

He then jumps over the side of the ship and calls his animal companion to him waiting for Varul....



[Private to Varul Reefcrusher: From here on start posting in the Hunters: Under the Sea thread.]

With a huge smile and almost no splash, Varul dives into the sea and does not resurface.

"I'lll scout on ahead a little and see if there is a trail to follow, but I would get my hopes up.  This is jungle terrain and doesn't look like it been disturbed in a while.  We will probably have to blaze our own trail at least for a while.  It shouldn't be too bad though; we just stick to the coast line for most of the way.  I would rather not run in to anything before we get there.  I would also suggest that we get off the beach and out of sight quickly before we are noticed by anyone or anything."

With that Sam strings his bow and settles his backpack and quiver on his back and makes his way to the treeline quickly and quietly; looking for any signs of threats...

Gildor follows 5the scout to the treeline.

13:21, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 10 using 1d20+4. move silently.
13:21, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 22 using 1d20+4. hide

Sam scouts ahead of the group about 60 ft.  As the jungle closes in around you and sunset occurs the night sounds of the jungle begin their evening symphony.

The terrain and undergrowth do impede the groups progress, but the specialist are able to glimpse the sea and the cliff wall on their left every now and then.

A few times during your trek Sam motions for the group to wait while he checks on some strange sound, but returns moments later and motions you to continue...

Hands trudges along with the others, pulling down vines that get in their way and trying his best to hide his great bulk. "I have never been in a jungle before. I do not think I like it." One of his big hands swatted at a strange looking little lizard that was eying them funny. "If there is no trail, Sam, how do you know which way to go?"

20:16, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Hide.
20:16, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Move silently.

During a time when Sam is in earshot to hear Hands question he replies, "The captain said the main sea entrance to the pirate haven is about 2 miles down the coast from the Shoalrider and we have been moving parallel to the coast.  Unless anyone has any better ideas I was planning on leading the group to that point and then spread out in a spiral search pattern until we find the hidden entrance or a sentry guarding it."

That sounds like a good plan Sam Gildor says.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 02:34, Tue 12 Dec 2006.

Once off the beach and making your way through the jungle undergrowth with seems to reach out to snag at your clothing every chance it gets the terrain becomes very hilly, almost mountainous, as you continue hike.  You have about a 2 mile hike to get to the pirate cave entrance.


OOC: Roll a spot, listen, and initiative check for me

On through the jungle they went. Karal came right behind Sam thinking that if there was any sort of big snake or some other unpleasant surprise he would be best to take the brunt of the damage, if any. The sound of the leave and braches brushing past his ears plus the debris under his feet, not to mention the birds and insects all around, all caused too much noise for him to hear much of anything else. He made sure to keep his eyes peeled and looked around frequently.

12:44, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
12:44, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 2 using 1d20-1. Listen check.
12:44, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 13 using 1d20-1. Spot check.

Umbril followed along toward the rear of the group.  His bow was ready in his hand, but there wasn't an arrow on the string yet.

20:44, Today: Umbril rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Spot.
20:44, Today: Umbril rolled 1 using 1d20. Listen.
20:44, Today: Umbril rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Gildor travels uneasily through the3 jungle the ambient noises and shadows in the underbrush confounding his senses. He is ready for anything however


21:35, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 24 using 1d20+4. initiative.
21:35, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 10 using 1d20-2. listen.
21:35, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 5 using 1d20-2. spot.

Sam stops dead in tracks near a tree.  His head tilted to the wind like he's straining to hear certain sound.  He turns back to rest of the group and motions to the rest of the group to join him.

Without using words Sam points out in front of him to a rock out cropping about 75 ft in the side of the hill.  You can barely make out a small crevice among the rocks and foliage that could be the entrance to a cave.

You also hear the faint sound of running water off in the distance.


10:29, Today: Sam Denison rolled 12 using 1d20+4. initiative check.
10:28, Today: Sam Denison rolled 28 using 1d20+9. Spot check.
10:28, Today: Sam Denison rolled 16 using 1d20+9. Listen check.

The giant of a man looked at the small opening, then back to Sam, then back to the opening again. He whispered, ”Is that where you think our slavers are?” From where Karal was standing that crevice did not look large enough to fit even a thin man. ”You want me to fit in through there?”

Sam whispers back to Hands.  "I thought I saw a pin prick of light like someone taking a puff on a pipe for an instant coming from there."

Hands peered through the leaves and trees and squinted. ”You saw that from this distance?” He looked impressed. ”Tis a sharp pair of eyes in your head Sam. Lead on then.” The big man’s bass voice carried farther than he meant for it to. ”Let us see what there is to see.” A pair of enormous hands clenched into fists and flexed open again threateningly.

Sam moves from shadow to shadow and make his way to the cave entrance niche; making sure the rest of the group follows behind him.

As you approach the entrance you all notice that the mouth of the cave is partially concealing the entrance from 2 directions.  The approach is only large enough for one man to enter.

Sam stops 30 ft from the entrance and looks at the rest of the group as if to say who wants to go first....

Seeing none of the others eager to press ahead, Karal steps forward. ”Well men, if no one else wishes to brave it, I will put myself in the lead.” He nodded as if to agree with his own idea and then crept toward the opening. Hands looked in first to see if anyone was nearby and to give warning if they were. Then he would go in ready to snap the neck of anyone he met.

Storing his bow, Umbril unwound his chain from his waist as he moved forward so that he was only a step or two behind Karl.

Each square is 5"x5"

As Karal approaches the entrance to the cave he sees the above area.  The cave is dark but Karal do see three pirates relaxing a bit as if they are sentries and one is smoking a pipe.  An ember of fire becoming visible with each puff on it.

There is a small waterfall concealing another entrance to the cavern with a small river leading away into the jungle.

OOC: Everyone gets a surprise round attack.  Roll initiative, spot, and listen checks again and 2 rounds of actions(surprise and 1st round).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Fri 22 Dec 2006.

Sam moves with the group quickly down the cave corridor into the main area and moves to the left into the main cavern area.  He stops for a moment with his bow drawn with a notched arrow; taking a bead on the farthest pirate by the waterfall pool and releases the arrow....

17:05, Today: Sam Denison rolled 22 using 1d20+4. initiative check.
17:05, Today: Sam Denison rolled 17 using 1d20+9. listen check.
17:05, Today: Sam Denison rolled 16 using 1d20+9. Spot check.
17:02, Today: Sam Denison rolled 10 using 2d6+2. Arrow damage.
17:01, Today: Sam Denison rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Arrow Attack roll.

Gildor rushes forward attacking one of the Pirates. If the pirate survives he will follow up with two quick jabs from his weapons. If the pirate doesn't survive the initial charge Gildor wil take a five foot step and attack the second pirate with both weapons. If he can't reach with a 5 foot step he will use a move action and attack once,


10:59, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 9 using 1d8+3. damage off hand.
10:58, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 9 using 1d8+3. damage on hand.
10:58, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 7 using 1d8+3. damage charge.
10:58, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 16 using 1d20+7. off hand attack.
10:58, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 24 using 1d20+7. on hand attack.
10:58, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 16 using 1d20+11. charge attack.
10:56, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 5 using 1d20-2. listen.
10:56, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 0 using 1d20-2. spot.
10:56, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 24 using 1d20+4. init
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:20, Sat 23 Dec 2006.

As the Hunters rush into into the small cavern area they move with lethal precision.  Gildor notices the nearest pirate and charges him; his initial charge critically wounding the pirate with his follow up attack dispatching him.  Gildor then reaches out to the pirate's dicing partner near and critically wounding him; surprise showing in his eyes.

As he moves past the entrance Sam moves right, releasing his arrow at the farthest pirate that appears protruding from the pirate's throat.  The pirate's voice gurgles a warning of alarm as he crumples to the ground unmoving.  He then moves to the pirate's corpse to make sure he's dead and looks around to measure the progress of his companions....  For his second attack he finishes off the second pirate that was attacked by Gildor.

Nothing else appears to be moving in the immediate area.  Everyone does hear noise coming from the passage at the back of the cave leading down.

Hands had just started lumbering forward to apply his muscle to the fight when all at once the fight had ended. ”Ashes,” he cursed, “you boys do move quick. I like it.” The big man turned to face the sound of the movement in the back of the cave. ”Somebody outta to search those men for keys or anything that might help. I will keep an eye out for others. We should keep quiet. Maybe we can surprise ‘em. After the search Hand will suggest someone quieter than him, perhaps Sam, perhaps not, should move forward and see who is ahead of them.

Sam moves across the cave to the far side of the water pool and searches the body of the first pirate he killed.  He pockets a few things and then looks around that part of the cave for any further information.

He presses on a section of the rear cave wall and it gives way....

12:26, Today: Sam Denison rolled 23 using 1d20+8. search check.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Tue 26 Dec 2006.

Each square is 5"x5"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Tue 26 Dec 2006.

The warrior blinks in surprise as Sam reveals the hidden opening. ”You are very good at what you do Sam. Good work. I am impressed.” Grabbing the arms of the fallen pirates, Hands starts dragging them toward the opening. ”We can hide the bodies in there. If someone passes through maybe they will not realize we are here. So what did they have on ‘em Sam?”

After getting the bodies hidden in the secret passage, Hands suggests the little group check down the secret passage first and then back track if it doesn’t look like the best way to go. ”Do not forget, the point of this raid is to kill as many pirates as possible but freeing any slaves would be a fine thing to do as well.”

In a whispered voice he replies to Karal's question; shrugging in the dark. "Just a few coins and a dagger.  Nothing much else but their cutlasses and clothes."

Sam then gets an idea as he looks down at the color of his clothes.  He begins to disrobe the pirate he killed and starts putting on his clothes; packing his grey/black clothing away in his backpack, so he wont stick out so much.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 26 Dec 2006.

Gildor, seeing the wisdom of Sam's idea, also disguises himself in Pirate garb. Stowing his clothes in his pack.

Umbril shook his head.  The action had come almost too fast for him.  He watched as the others chose to disguise themselves in pirate rags, but he stayed in his normal clothing and watched for new threats.

After he changes his clothes in the dead pirate's clothes and the rest to the group is ready to proceed Sam readies himself and begins to down the secret passageway.

The passageway has steps carved into the floor and slopes down at a 30 degree angle down.  Halfway  down the steps Sam pauses for a moment; looking at the steps.  He turns around to the whisper to the rest of the group.  "Beware of this trip wire."  He then steps over the trip wire and continues on.

The passageway is about 500 ft long with some S-curves; eventually the group comes to a deadend.  Sam begins looking around for another concealed door and listening to hear if anyone is on the other side.

Sam then turns back to his teammates to see if they are ready....

13:18, Today: Sam Denison rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Search check.
13:18, Today: Sam Denison rolled 28 using 1d20+9. Listen check.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Thu 28 Dec 2006.

Each square is 5"x5"

The room on the other side of the secret door appears to be a private bedroom.  There is a bed, wardrobe, desk, several bookcases with ledgers, books, and papers, a small water basin, and a wall tapistry along the north wall.

No one is in this room at this time.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Tue 02 Jan 2007.

Umbril stepped over the wire that Sam pointed out, and continued to move warily forward.

It seemed like a good idea to try and disguise themselves as the pirates. Hands could not find any fault in the plan...until the giant human tried it himself and realized he could not get the dead pirate’s shirt over his head. Grumbling a little he satisfied himself by putting the pirate’s bandanna over his head.

As Sam proved his worth once more Karal decided he would recommend the sharp eyed man for a promotion or other recognition from the captain. After passing over the trip wire and then seeing the scout find another secret, the big man responds to Sam’s inquisitive gaze with a nod of confidence. Hands looked ready for anything as he followed into the room.

”Books and ledgers. We should take any that look important. They might tell us what we are up against here.” He spoke in a deep whisper as he started looking through the books to see which he should put in his pack.

Give me a search check if you intend to do this.

Hands grabs a couple of the books that look frequently used and flips through the most recent entries.

18:45, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Search check.

As Karal searches the desk area he finds what you would typically find for business documents: shipping orders, inventory lists, accounting information, etc.

Sam moves to the shut door in the northwest corner of the room and listens while the rest of the group does a search of the room....

Not knowing much about the books and ledgers, Umbril let the others do the searching, and padded along behind Sam, stopping a few feet behind so that his breathing didn't interfere with Sam's concentration on the door.

Each square is 5"x5"

After not hearing anything from the other side Sam cracks open the door and peaks through the door.  The next room appears to be an office of some kind with two desks filled with paperwork, a bench, and a table.  It's like any other clerk's office of a merchant.

There is no one in this room either at the moment, but there is a commotion coming from outside the southwest double doors...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Fri 05 Jan 2007.

Gildor swiftly moved into the room taking care to be as silent as possible. He goes up to the double doors and awaits the rest of his team.

17:27, Today: Gildor Inglorion rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Move silently.

Sam moves to the door in the southeast corner of the room and listens for any noise.  Hearing none he opens the door a crack to take a peek what is on the other side.  He then turns back to the rest of the group and says in a hushed tone, "We should go this way.  If we go out the front door we will draw suspision to ourselves by whoever was the last to leave this office.  They would know this room was empty when they left.  There appears to be a storage room through this door. I'll see if it leads to another exit."

Sam goes through the door and returns within a few moments.  "This way.  Hurry.  There are two other exits through the storage area."

Hands did not see anything in the ledgers to indicate the number of pirates or slaves that might be in this place but he took a couple of the books anyway. Maybe the captain would be able to make something of the information. It occurred to Karal that for pirates they appeared to be very well organized. He slipped them into his pack and followed after Gildor and the others. He knew his big feet made a lot of noise so the warrior went last this time. It would not make any difference. Hands was looking around the clerk’s office as he went through the room and walked right into the desk, knocking a candlestick and a couple of books onto the floor with a clatter!

OOC: 11:16, Today: Karal Enzoe aka Hands rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Move Silent. – BOTCHED Roll!

Each square is 5"x5"

The storage room area is filled with boxes, crates, and barrels.  You notice there are two main aisles leading to double doors on both ends and a small aisle connecting these aisles.

Umbril winced at Hands' sudden noise.  The weighted end of his chain began slowly swinging from side to side, in something that looked like a nervous gesture.

There was a long pause after the crash of noise. ”Uh...oops?” The deep bass voice sounded more than a little embarrassed but apparently no one had noticed the noise outside of the group of hunters. Karal wanted to go and check out the warehouse but was now reluctant to be the first one in. He was afraid he might make another clumsy mistake. ”Maybe one of you others ought to go on ahead.” Following the others at a slight distance, Hands moved slower than normal taking extra care not to make any noise.

OOC: Move silently – Take 10...or 20?
If nobody else wants to be first I don't mind going in front, but IC this makes more sense.

Umbril shrugged and slipped through the door.  Stealth wasn't his strongest point, but he didn't worry too much about the reception he might receive.

His chain still swung loose in his hand, its constant twitch giving away the nervousness he might otherwise be hiding.

19:51, Today: Umbril rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Move Silently.

"Looks like I get the honors then."  Sam moves through the door into the warehouse area and begins to scout around....

At the moment there is no one else in the storage area beside the hunters group.

There are barrels, boxes, and crates stacked to the ceiling of foodstuffs, water, beer, water, etc.

”Tis a shame we are trying to be subtle and stay undetected. This would make quite a bonfire I think.” Hands chuckled at the thought of the pirates’ expression when they saw their stockpile of food go up in flames. ”Wonder what they need so much food for.” As they moved the big warrior looked at some of the crates to see if they were marked in some way or if any appeared to be something other than foodstuffs. ”I say we move to the southwest corner. What say you all?”

Sam listens to Hand a moment and comments, "Hmm...That is a pretty good idea Hands.  Setting this room on fire, I mean.  It would definately cause a distraction which is something we may need in the future.  Did anyone bring anything to start a fire?  As for all the supplies either the pirates don't like going to market everyday for their meals or there are a lot of mouths to feed."

Sam scouts the room and listens at each of the double doors on the west side of the room.  "There people talking and milling about on the other side of both sets of doors and sound like the same people from their conversations."

Sam goes to check the double doors on the east side of the room and listens there.  He then peeks on the other side of the doors to see what's on the other side.  "There appears to be a tavern and a large kitchen area on the other side of these doors and no one seems to be around at the moment."

”Fire? Aye that. I’ve a torch and some flint here.” He pulled of his pack and rummaged for the little bag of flint and steel. ”Maybe we start the fire at the far north end. When the men clear out of that room there come to put it out we go though there and see what lies farther west. How does that sound?” With a torch in his large hands, Karal was ready to light it and go set some of the crates aflame. "Either that or we trap them in her and cut them down while they try and put out the fire."

Umbril said, "Burning is a horrible death." His tone was very neutral, and it would be hard to say whether he was in favor or against.

"But we would become trapped ourselves, Hands, in the process.  We should always have an escape route.  At the moment something is distracting the pirates away from their normal activities.  I say we use this by going thru the tavern and out into the main areas to blend in with the pirates for now and look for an opportunity."

A thoughtful look crawled over the warrior’s face and he slowly nodded. ”Good point Sam.” He didn’t bother to point out that tactics and planning were not his strong suit. ”The captain’s orders were to kill as many pirates as possible and the fire might help with that. But we do not wanna get ourselves roasted in the process. Anybody got a better idea?” Another thought popped into Karal’s head. ”You really think we can blend in with these pirates?”

"We're wearing their clothes at the moment, aren't we?  We should be able to blend in.  There is no way a person would know and be able to recognize everyone else within a ship's crew.

It's too bad we didn't bring any poisons along with us.  I suppose we could have spiked the beer or food to cause some damage that way."

Umbril almost snarled, "If you want to blend in with these vermin, I'll guard your rear, but I'll have no part of it myself."

Hands looked optimistic, though he had no real reason to. "So you have a better idea then Umbril? Well spit it out then my friend. We have no time to spend making guesses. Do you plan to wait here while we look for an escape route?" There was no malice or disagreement in the large man's deep voice. Only a sense of urgency brought on by the need to get the job done and get out of there.

"My concern is if we start a fire in here it will draw people from every entrace; leaving us trapped in here with who knows how many pirates at one time.  A fire will also be a sign that we were here as well.  Are we prepared to suffer the consequences of that choice?  If we are then let's use the beer and wine stored here to set off the fire to burn the entire room and then move into either the tavern or kitchen area to hide and then try picking the pirates off one at a time.  Would that satify you, Umbril?"

OCC: Sorry guys didn't have internet for asweek.


Gildor just shook his head. Whatever we do we need to do it fast.

Umbril shrugged, "I'll die fighting before I dress up as one of those."

"If we need to get more of the crew to even the odds, let's do it. We got this far, we can get back and bring help.  If we can handle what's here on our own, I'm ready for that as well."

The twitch in the weight on his chain was rapidly becoming a tight circle of agitation.

The big man shook his head. ”I do not think getting more of the crew here is possible, Umbril. They have to stay at the ship and prepare for the sea battle against the pirate boats.” A pair of oversized hands clenched into fists. ”Besides, I say we can handle ‘em. Lets look around some more and see what we are up against.” Hands was ready to go though the kitchen area and check out the pirate tavern.

"Sounds like a plan to me Hands."  Following Hands line of thinking Sam makes his way to the northern set of double doors and moves through it.

Umbril smiled grimly and nodded.  He too followed Hands, his chain still swirling in tight circles at his hand.

Gildor didn't get why Umbril didn't want to dress up as a pirate but he figured it was no big deal. He skulked along with the rest to see what he could see.

Each square is 5"x5"

The tavern and kitchen area are very large rooms.  100-200 people could be served here at any one time.

The tavern room has several beer keg barrels stacked against one wall and several tables, benches, and chairs around the room for patrons to use while they are here.

The kitchen area is big enough to prepare and feed a small army.  Crates of vegetables and other food ready to be prepared are stacked in the corner of this room with several ovens lining the south wall of the room.  There are two wash basins on the north side of the room and several counterspace tables in the middle of the room with food in various stages of preparation.  You get the impression someone left in a hurry from this room.  The ovens are still on and generating heat...

At the moment there is no one is in either of these two rooms...

Sam makes his way quickly across the tavern room to a set of double doors on the western wall of the room; listening in the other side.

Hands stares up and around at the enormous room. He whistled a low impressed whistle. ”Somebody in this place asked for Sharess’ blessing. Look at the size of it.” As they passed the open crates, Hands grabbed a carrot and took a bite. ”There must be a LOT of pirates in this place if it takes a room this size to feed ‘em. We gotta be careful.” Noticing the ovens still open and hot, Karal asked, ”Think our arrival made ‘em all run out and leave the fires on?”

Umbril grinned.  "That or something bigger and meaner than we are is already on its way..."

"There are a group of people on the other side of this door off a ways.  Sounds like a brawl going on.  Shall we?" As he montions through the door and goes through the door...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Fri 26 Jan 2007.

Why not? Guildor replied. He tried to put on his best Pirate swagger as they he headed towards the door.

Umbril sighed and followed after.  He glanced back at Hands and muttered, almost to himself, _{"Glad we decided to be careful..."}

"Aye my friend." The big warrior roughly patted Umbril on his shoulder in the way compatriots sometimes do. To the rest he added, "Time to see how much of the opposition we can eliminate." Karal clenched his hands into fists and rolled his shoulders to loosen them up. From the stance of his body and the expression on his face, no one would question his intent.

Umbril smiled grimly and moved to follow Hands.  This was more to his liking than all this sneaking around like... like... pirates or something.

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/chubbell_2003/room2a.bmp" width=150 height=150>
Each square is 5"x5"

As you exit out of the tavern/kitchen areas the group enters into a large hallway with a large group of pirates at the south end of it in what appears to be a fight of some kind.  The hallway also opens up to the south into a very large cavern area with a small underground lake and docked ocean going ships.

The doors on the west side of the hall open up into a large sleeping quarters area filled with bunk beds three high.

The doors just south of the kitchen open up into a hospital/sick bay of sorts.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Thu 01 Feb 2007.

OOC: I'm not seeing the image.

Ditto.

OOC: That makes three of us. No image.

Karal is about to wade into the mass of fighting pirates and beating down as many as he can reach with his considerable grasp, but stops to see if his companions have any better ideas. "Any reason we should not jump in there?"

Umbril grinned, "None that I can think of.  We can start on the near end and leave the far end for the archers."

The swing of his chain had widened and looked almost relaxed as he prepared for battle.

OOC: If I paste just the image code out of your post, I can see the map, but there's nothing on it to tell me where we are, or where the pirates are, so my actual movements are necessarily vague.

It all seemed so easy...but then again, no plan survives contact with the enemy.

The slavers were tougher, better armed, and better motivated that would be expected.  Many hunters fell, but the slavers were brought to heel slowly, as they fought their way back, deeper into the lair...

Until Najaksef a dragon of the deepest, wickedest, black appeared...

Was he in control of the operation?  Was the operation simply a larger effort of a whole?  Hard to say, and no time to determine while the remains of the hunters fled, the drakken-fear spurring them to flight.

The ship did not have more than a league behind it when the drake pounced; they had no more chance than a mouse against a feral cat...