9 Marpenoth (October)
Location: Lac Dinneshere

The party rises early in the morning and gathers their things before filing into the common room of Dinev's Rest, where they eat breakfast and steel their minds toward their task. The lake is quite large and, they learn from the locals, contains numerous small coves along her shores and a semi-permanent chain of icebergs colloquially known as Icewyrm Maw. Within any of these locales the party might find the Howling Fiend, if that dread ship doesn't find them on the lake itself.

The party has chartered a mere fishing vessel, surely no match for a large pirate ship outfitted with the mysterious black ice ram. A number of similar vessels have already be sacked by her and the party can only hope they do not join their numbers. For his part, Speaker Siever has requested the party reclaim the ship, if possible. Far too much treasure has already been spent to make her a capable war vessel and her loss will not be well received.

In any event, after a warm breakfast, the party files out into the dark, cold morning. Leaden skies loom overhead and light snow lends a tone of dread to the moment. On the upshot, it is not quite as cold this morning, though a low bank of fog drifts over the lake. Arriving at the docks, the party is greeted by their captain standing aboard a small but serviceable single-masted boat. She is rigged with fishing nets and the like and looks in no way built for battle. The captain assures the party she is a worthy and fast ship and helps them aboard.

"Well, if we are going to do this, we might as well be about it," he says. "Easthaven, right?" he asks hopefully.

Morgrim takes the captain's arm as he boards the vessel. He smiles comfortingly. "First the Icewyrm Maw. Once its been cleansed we can see if you're still prepared to take us on to Easthaven," he replied.

Thane was never the nervous-Nelly sort, but today, this morning, he definitely felt anxious.  Oh, he'd been on ships before (he was a Luskan Soldier, after all) but going in search of a Pirate vessel in a modest fishing vessel gave him plenty of cause for concern.

He smiled at the captain as he boarded.  "I used to pray to Tempus before every battle.  I stopped when he quit listening.  However, if you have a god to pray to, it might be a good time for it," he shared in a self-reflective manner.  "But, if we do our jobs right, we'll win the day and You, Sir, will be more the famous for it!  The fishin' man what took on the mighty and fearful Howling Fiend!"

Thane found a central location on the ship to settle down and make sure all his gear, including at least one of the flasks of alchemist's fire.  He had heard the Speaker's words, but honestly, he'd rather send that Fiend to the bottom as a burning wreck.  The Black Ice ram on it seemed something better lost than found, in his judgement, anyway.

Arnan boarded the fishing vessel from the dock, and looked around. At first glamce, there was nothing about the vessel itself to give him any confidence that they would succed in their task.

He had some questions that he wanted to ask the Captain, but he decided that he would wait until they had left the dock behind. He didn't know how much backbone the man had, and he didn't want him to start thinking so much about the details of engaging the Howling Fiend that he suddenly developed cold feet and decided that it wasn't such a good day to be out on the lake after all.

Consequently, Arnan busied himself with finding a spot on deck that was out of the way of the crew as they went about their business of readying to cast off.

After a quick warm breakfast and extra sausage rolls tucked into her pack and pockets, Kira trudged out with the others well before the sun was up and feeling it was positively unholy to be up at that hour.  Funny thing given how she'd been such a night child not that long ago but throwing herself in with this lot had meant some adjusting and she rather liked being part of a group rather than totally on her own.

She had kept silent when the high muckety-muck said he wanted to keep the Howling Fiend intact and she wasn't going to say anything to spook the captain of this ship so she followed Arnan to an out of the way spot.  Leaning in, she kept her voice down for only his ears.  "I'm of two minds about this," she whispered.  "The first is sink that think so no one's ever mauled by it again.  The second ... what if the black ice is causing the insanity and dead to walk?  If it's sunk, what of the creatures in the water?  Would it end up contaminating them and then those who eat them?"

Morgrim quietly concurred. "The prow must be destroyed. How one does that is another question. But it is better to rest at the bottom of the lake while we determine that, than to fall back into the idle hands of men."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 6):

"Take down the prow by taking down another section?  It might be easier to do that than attacking it directly."

Arnan smiled a thin smile at all the chatter about how to best deal with the Black Ice ram of the Howling Fiend. "My hunch is that we shall have little choice in the matter. I suppose that the pirates could surrender to us, but I suspect that their ship will be well aflame before they are willing to . . . well, I would say 'Strike their colors', but I doubt that they will be flying any."

"In any event, I suspect that it will be a matter of sinking them before they sink us."

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 8):

"Honestly, the best way to deal with the Fiend would be to come upon it sneaky-like, board it, and roust the crew.  I just don't know if we'll be able to do that during daylight," Thane offered his opinion while seeing to his gear.

Once everyone is aboard, Ryev, Captain of the Lilting Tern, sets to sail, guiding the fleet vessel eastward out of Knucklehead Harbor and into Lac Dinneshere. Gliding across the waters, the ship cuts through banks of tendril-like fog, a light patter of snow descending gracefully from the grey veil that extends from one horizon to the next.

Ryev is a sure pilot and effortlessly guides the vessel, soon veering northward in what he comments is a route that runs parallel to the lake's western shore, though none can see it through the icy gloom. No ships are seen on the water for some time, but after an hour or so the group spots a few fishing vessels bearing the flag of Caer-Konig in the distance. Ryev steers well clear of these ships and hurriedly hoists another flag up the mast, this banner declaring the ship is not fishing these contested waters, rather just passing through. For their part, the rival fishing vessels take no outwardly hostile action against the Litlting Tern and carry on about their business. After a few tense, uncertain moments, the adventurers lose sight of the other ships and continue their journey northward toward Icewyrm Maw.

A few hours later, the party spots a chain of icebergs and rocky isles ahead and picks up the distinct scent of smoke. No smoke trails are seen in the distance, due to the ever-present fog, but it is quite evident wood is burning somewhere within the chain known as Icewyrm Maw. Ryev drops anchor about 100 yards from the chain and comments, "Too dangerous to get much closer yet, with the fog and all."

He further suggests he can get close enough to an outlying island and offer the party a rowboat to reach shore, in the event the group wishes to explore the islands.

Morgrim nods. "Lets have the rowboat then," he remarked. "There's smoke in the air. Someone is close by."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 11):

"Sounds good to me," Arnan replied to Morgrim.

"The pirates won't expect anyone to come looking for them, and the fog should aid us in approaching them unseen. With any luck we can surprise them, which can only work to our benefit."

Kira peeked over the rail at the frigid water and made a face.  "Even with the smoke and fog, we need to be very quiet and pray we don't run into anything that would give us away," she stated but was ready to go when the others were.  At least this way they might be able to just throw the alchemist fire onto the deck instead of lobbing from this ship to the Fiend.  "This ship's gonna wait here for us though, right?" she asked, not relishing the thought of having to try to row all the way to shore.

Thane nodded his head in agreement.  "I'll work the oars.  Someone else can tell me which way to go," he offered.  He then shrugged his shoulders.  "I'm not the lightest on my feet, but I think I can row quietly enough!"

"I figured that you might have some experience rowing," Arnan replied to Thane. "My eyes are sharp enough -- I'll get up in the front of the rowboat and try to keep us headed in the right direction as best I can."

Turing to Morgrim, he added, "I think that Kira's got a good point about not wanting the captain to get cold feet and sail away, leaving us out here in the middle of the lake. Since you've taken the lead in speaking to him, can you mention it to him?"

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 15):

"Come on brother.  Let's go see the captain.  Perhaps he needs a bribe to stay or something.  I mean, incentive to stay.  Yeah, that's right.  He needs some sort of incentive to stay put."

Dal grinned at her brother and nodded for him to proceed.  She'd go with him to either support him or heal him.  It usually seemed to be one or the other when it came to their family.

Morgrim nodded. "Lets go have a word."

Ryev helps the party set the rowboat adrift of the fishing vessel and agrees to remain just offshore of the island chain while the group explores further. He suggests the adventurers use three short whistles to signal their return. "Hopefully you won't be gone too long. I don't much fancy waiting out here very long..." he says while nervously scanning the distance, perhaps expecting The Howling Fiend to appear at any moment.

Soon, the companions are aboard the rowboat and paddling their way to the nearby island. The small rowboat strikes several large chunks of ice along the way, but fortunately none puncture the boat's hull. However, it is quite clear why Ryev was reluctant to bring his ship any closer to the island.

Making landfall on a rocky shore, the group hauls he rowboat in. The distinct smell of burning wood fills the air. Fog hangs thickly over the island and the group can see no further than perhaps 30 feet or so at best, though often times visibility is even poorer. The island is steeply banked and looks as though a pile of jagged rocks has been thrust up from the lake at odd angles and kept aloft by strange magic.

Thane slung his shield and readied his crossbow after securing the rowboat as best he knew how.  "Alright, we'll need to be fast but not foolish about it.  In this fog we're likely to stumble right on top of someone before we can see 'em clearly.  What's our plan?  Take 'em down as soon as we come across someone?  Or if we come across a loner, knock 'em out and see if we can get him to talk?"

"Hard to plan in fog this thick," Morgrim grunted. "We take what we find. If its one sailor on his lonesome, so much the better. If its the whole crew we best be prepared to fight."

"If the Fiend isn't already launched I don't want to give them a chance to get her waterborne."

The fog was a blessing and a curse, giving them a chance to hide but also preventing herself or Arnan from trying to spy on whoever had the fires going.  "Let's just hope it's one person and if they aren't part of the crew they forgive us for smacking them," Kira stated quietly, trying to remain alert.

---

Passive Perception 16

"Trust brother.  Trust in our Gods to help out us on this mission.  We plan but be flexible.  I know that's hard for Dwarves to do but we must try."

Dalgura grinned as she said the last part, hoping that her brother didn't see the grin.  She mentally went through what spells she had prepared for the day and felt that she was as ready as she could be.

"Nay, we definitely can't let them get their boat launched whilst we are still on land," Arnan agreed with Morgrim.

Nocking an arrow, he turned to Thane. "Be nice to get some information from one of them, if we get the opportunity," he said. "Hard to say what we'll stumble across in this fog, although it'll be tougher for them to locate us, too."

"I'll take the lead, since I can usually be relatively quiet," he offered. "Hopefully the fog will muffle any sounds if I happen to make a miss-step."

OOC:

14:28, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7. Stealth.

Pretty mediocre. Hopefully if they have sentries posted, they aren't very diligent. :)

Morgrim took a deep breath of the fog choked air. "The smoke is strongest this way," he said after a moment. "I'm right behind you, Arnan."

22:09, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Perception.

Following the scent of burning wood, Morgrim leads the party eastward along a reasonably well-trodden trail of ice-strewn crushed rock. The adventurers trek northward across a large island, a relatively narrow channel spanning the distance to another island immediately east. The channel appears large enough to permit a boat's passage, but is filled with numerous jagged rocks and other pitfalls. Piloting a ship through such an obstacle course would be quite difficult, especially in poor visibility and without knowing the channel very well. All this to say, it's understandable why Ryev was unwilling to risk such a journey.

Eventually the party runs out of island and spots a roughly circular harbor, about 200 feet across, almost completely encircled by high rock outcroppings. Within the cove, the party spots what must assuredly be the Howling Fiend, her black ice prow shaped in the form of a demon being a clear giveaway. Beyond the ship, anchored just offshore, the party sees a series of tents spread across a frozen beach, about 20 feet wide. A few camfires here or there trailing smoke into the damp, cold air. Not many pirates seem to be out and about, though keen-eyed party members spot two pair of guards at either edge of the cove, obvious lookouts stationed ay watch for anyone approaching over the tundra or through the narrow channel from the lake.

OOC: The edge of the island the party is currently on is about 20 feet from one end of the beach. The water between the island does not appear to be very deep. The Howling Fiend is about 100 feet distant from the island the party is currently on.

4 sentries visible, of which two are looking our way?

What is the visibility like? You mentioned thick fog before.

How many tents on shore? Wondering about rough idea of number of enemies we can expect.

The lookouts are manning their posts but do not seem overly vigilant in their tasks. They are not staring intently in any particular location, but neither are they nodding off or ignoring their duties.

Occasional banks of heavier fog drift into the cove, obscuring visibility to all but 30 feet or so for brief periods of time, but in general, conditions can be described as low-light conditions.

There are 10 tents on shore, each large enough to comfortably house 4-6 occupants

Kira's eyes narrowed as she hunkered down to take it all in and it was clear she wasn't to thrilled.  "At best we're lookin' at about eight of them for one of us but that's if we're lucky.  Not likin' those odds too much," she said quietly.

She looked to the ship then, chewing on her bottom lip with that little crease in her brow deepening.  "Any chance of just sinking the ship and not takin' on a small army?  Unless you two got a way to keep them pinned right there ..." she added with a long look to Dal and Grim.

In reply to Kira (msg # 28):

Dal had looked at the set up and she wasn't happy with it.  Of course being on the water wasn't her favorite thing to do anyway so it wasn't unusual that she wasn't happy with it.

"Not sure either Kira.  We might have to wait until they are actually out away from the others.  Those aren't the greatest odds for us.  What do you think Grim?"

Morgrim watched the sentries from his hidden rest, ice forming on his whiskers in the morning light. "I can keep them from seeing us," he said at last. "Nothing I can do to disguise the sound of us fording the water, but if we're careful we can still sneak up on them." He turned and glanced at his companions briefly.

"Or at least Arnana and Kira can. I've seen ye play hide n' seek as a wee lass, Dal, and Thane has all the subtlety of a muskox."

Morgrim turned back to the far shore.

"Drop those two and we have a chance to get on board without being seen, or else make our way across the camp to silence the other sentries."

Arnan couldn't help but chuckle at Morgrim's comparison of Thane to a muskox.

Then his expression turned thoughtful as he surveyed the scene before him, and mentally counted the tents. After a moment he muttered "We can't take on the whole crew -- those odds will get us killed, for sure. Nor can we sail the Howling Fiend out of the harbor -- or at least I don't think we can. None of us have the skills to do such a thing, unless mayhaps you do, Thane -- you have mentioned being part of a 'crew' before, I think."

"Unless Thane can sail us out of here, we need to scuttle -- is that the right word? . . . it seems to me that we need to get aboard the Howling Fiend and sink her where she sits at anchor, then hopefully steal away again and get back to our own boat without having the whole mob of a crew chase us down. If Morgrim can keep the sentries from seeing us whilst we wade out and climb aboard, I'm not sure that we need to take them out."

OOC:

If I am reading Shane's description correctly, I believe that the party is closer to the ship than we are to the sentries (the four of which are posted on rock outcroppings, two each on either side of the spot where the narrow channel that leads into the lake feeds into the harbor). With the ship being at anchor within the harbor, we can reach it without having to pass the sentries. Do I have that right, Shane?

Also, will wading out to the ship require Constitution checks, Shane? The water will be awfully cold, but if it is shallow enough (and as long as the party doesn't stand around in it for too long), I'm hoping not. Does Arnan (IC) know this as a matter of common knowledge (and his personal background and experience), or should he make a Survival check? Thanks!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Mon 04 Dec 2017.

"The water is awfully shallow here," Morgrim warned. "If we don't drown it deeper they might be able to haul it onto the beach and patch the hull. But I'm certainly game to try."

Thane held his tongue while the others talked.  When it seemed that his input was needed, he spoke up.

"Sailing a ship isn't that hard," he responded to Arnan's observation, "but in this case it would be best to row it instead of sail it."

He looked at Morgrim and Dalgura thoughtfully, or as thoughtfully as Thane could.  Hard thinking made him look uncomfortable, anxious, but excited all at the same time.  Kind of like a little kid who just got a long-awaited present that he desperately wants to unwrap but also has a very strong need to jump on the potty and let out some solid waste.

"I don't think we should take on all those crewmen on the island.  To do that, we'd need to swim to the boat and climb up the anchor lines.  I'm sure I could do that if the water weren't so awful cold.  You two got any magicks or blessin's from your gods that can ward off the cold?" he asked, his brow furrowed with the task of mentally wrestling out his idea.

"Nearly all the crew should be on shore.  Just a few members would be on the boat itself.  If a few of us could get on board, a pair could see to attacking the on board crew while another would have the task of casting off lines and making it so that none of the other crew could get on the ship.  Maybe even someone with a strong enough bow could fire a light rope back here so that those not in the boarding party could heave the ship to this side of the waters."

Thane seemed to run out of mental steam.  It was an incomplete plan, for sure, but a very different one than what had been proposed thus far.

Dal glared at Grim.  "Tis not my fault that I do not sneak around all quiet like.  I'm a Priestess.  We are trained to raise our voices unto our Gods and to get through to stubborn dwarves who have partied and drank too much the night before."

Dal tried to look offended at Grim but since he had spoken the truth she couldn't.

"I am sorry but my Goddess didn't deem it necessary for me to have any spells that could help.  She did grace me with some spells that might work on an individual, like 'command', but for things like boats I'm afraid it is more like my firebolt and healing for those who have spilled blood. Well I do have mend in case the boat needs that.  It's not the boats fault that it carries such despicable people."

"Speaking of boats, I think I have an idea..."

Morgrim suggested the group return to the longboat, pilot it along the shore to the inlet and then disguise its approach with a Fog Cloud conjured from the banks of the already mist choked isles.

"We can board out of sight, raise anchor and be underway before anyone is the wiser."

Barring no objections from the others, he turned back along the route they had come...

Kira had looked to Dal and Grim when Thane had asked about magics to help endure the cold but when Dal said she didn't, Kira let out a sigh along with a mournful look as she crossed her arms over her bust.  The girls were not going to be very happy and she could just imagine the boys' reactions.  A little smirk formed then as she envisioned the 'retreat' process but then it faded.  She liked these guys and didn't wish them any discomfort.

When Grim came up with the idea to go back and get the boat, she nodded with a much happier expression.  "I like that option a lot better.  Not sure I'd be able to move about too well once I'm dunked in ice water and I'd rather stay dry and limber," she whispered.  Hopefully they could take out the few on the ship without an alarm being sounded.  "Just need to be sure to keep the little boat close for when we sink the big nasty.  Give us a better chance to get away."

"Good!" Thane agreed enthusiastically, but quietly.  "I'll row," he declared and then followed Morgrim back he way the group had come.

Looking at Kira, Thane winked at her as he walked.  "We're not going to sink the boat, we're going to steal it!  Wouldn't want you to get all chilly an' wet, now would we?  Even if there'd be volunteers aplenty to help you get warm again!"

The party treks back to retrieve the longboat and is soon back out on the water, piloting the craft through the narrow rock-strewn channel between the two craggy islands. Dense fog flits in and around the adventurers as they quietly oar the boat through the confined channel, towering rock and ice on either side, to say nothing of the sharp rocks visible just above the water and those lurking just below.

OOC: Whomever is piloting the boat, please make a Survival check (DC 15) at disadvantage

Arnan smirked at Thane's jibe about warming up Kira if she got cold and wet, then got down to business.

"I'll get up in the front of the boat and keep an eye out for rocks and big chunks of floating ice. Thane, if I put my hand on the right top edge of the boat, steer right. Two hands mean hard right. One or two hands on the left top edge mean to go left."

"That way I we should be able to avoid having to talk, even in whispers."

If no one had any other suggestions, Arnan took his position at the front of the boat and mouthed a silent prayer to Tymora to bless his efforts . . .

OOC:

18:48, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 16,18. Survival Check (DC 15): Disadvantage. Success!

By "right (and left) top edge" of the boat, Arnan is referring to what we would think of as the gunwales (not sure what the medieval term would have been, but Arnan wouldn't be familiar with any nautical terminology any way -- hence, his reference to the "front" of the boat). :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Sun 10 Dec 2017.

Arnan deftly guides the longboat with sure hands, avoiding numerous hazards as he navigates through the fog-shrouded channel, drawing ever closer to the Howling Fiend. With the assistance of his companions, the wilderland warrior eventually emerges into the bay, the longboat gliding toward the anchored ship.

Quite fortuitous is their time of arrival, as they streak across the cold water just behind a bank of rolling fog, effectively concealing their approach. A few moments later, Arnan steers to longboat alongside the Howling Fiend. Befitting of its moniker, the darkly lustrous black ice ram depicts the likeness of a winged demon, its maw a throng of razor sharp fangs. The demon is caught in a perpetual silent scream and merely looking upon it for the briefest of moments causes a feeling on unease.

The adventurers do not see anyone atop the Howling Fiend and for the moment, the on shore sentries do not appear to have been alerted to the group's presence. Then again, the shore is momentarily obscured in fog...well, everything is for that matter, as visibility is quite poor at the moment.

Morgrim smiled in the deep mists as the longboat came up alongside the Howling Fiend. Silently climbing aboard, he reached down to offer his hand to the next person up...

Success.

23:20, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 12 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 7,10.  Athletics.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 40):

It took a moment for Arnan to spot what he was looking for in the swirling fog, but before too long he guided the rowboat alongside a spot where a rope ladder dangled down the side of the Howling Fiend.

Granted, the rope was a little slick from the dampness of the fog, but all in all it was an easy climb for the outdoorsman, and it took but a moment for him to scamper up and join Morgrim on the deck of the ship.

Since Morgrim had positioned himself to aid those who were climbing up behind them, Arnan nocked an arrow and busied himself with peering into the swirling fog and listening, in an attempt to ascertain whether any pirates were aboard the ship with them.

OOC:

11:20, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 23  using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 20,17. Athletics Check: DC 10 w/ Advantage. Success!

That's four good rolls in a row (counting Arnan's Spot-check rolls when piloting the rowboat) -- very uncharacteristic of my usual treatment from the Dice-Roller. I'm starting to get a little nervous . . .

Shane, let me know if Arnan needs to make a Spot or Listening check -- thanks!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 11 Dec 2017.

Kira moved up after Arnan, not enjoying the feel of the slimy feel on the rope from the dampness and a bit of algae forming.  She made it up though and like Arnan she knocked a regular arrow for now and passively took a look around while the others joined them on the ship.

---

10:50, Today: Kira rolled 15 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 10,5.  Acrobatics to climb rope with advantage.  Success ... thankfully!
Passive Perception: 16

Thane quietly stowed the oars once it was down to him and Dalgura still in the boat.  Then he made ready to tie the longboat to the rope ladder using the longboat's shore line once she ascended.

"You go next, I'll follow after tying these together," he said.  "Don't start any fights without me!" he followed up with a playful wink.

---

OOC: Thane will keep one of the oars handy in case he has to do some station keeping.  Not an issue if the waters are calm.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 44):

Dal smiled at Thane.  "I'll not start a fight.  That's Grim's job but get me out of the water if I fall in ok?"

Dal silently said a prayer to her Goddess asking for help for her group and if at all possible, not to let Dal make too much of a fool of herself.  She supposed she should have asked that for Grim too but then where would she get ammunition to tease him with.  He didn't mess up often, in her eyes, and she needed something to kid him about.  BUT he was covered in her overall prayers for the group.

Dal carefully climbed up feeling better knowing that her companions had made it and that Grim was up there waiting for her.

Hengar assists Thane by securing the longboat to the Howling Fiend.

"You want I should stay with the boat?" he asks the Luskan warrior.

Morgrim and Kira quickly scale up a rope and pull themselves onto the deck of the Howling Fiend, while, for the moment, the rest of the party remains below in the longboat.

The pirate ship is about 25 feet from port to starboard at its widest point and 90 feet from bow to stern. She's a two masted ship with a raised forecastle and poop deck on either end, a large cargo hold dominating the main deck. The fog is less dense atop the ship, though the air is still gloomy nonetheless. Flickering light emerges from wooden door windows leading into the forecastle and poop decks.

Morgrim signalled those below that the deck was clear. "Quiet now," he whispered. He chose not to push ahead until all those wishing to come aboard had done so.

"Sure, that's a good idea.  You can make sure nobody takes it from us, or uses it to get aboard the Fiend.  I'll holler for you if we need you in the fight."

Thane gripped the man's shoulder and gave it a soldierly squeeze.  Then he climbed the rope ladder and joined his fellows above.  He knelt down in their midst.

"Alright, one of us needs to cut or untie the stay lines, and pull in or drop the gangway so them that's ashore can't get onboard.  The rest of us need to deal with the crew..." he whispered advice, but trailed off to gauge how the party was following along.

---

09:24, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 15,12.  Climb Rope (DC15 w/Advantage).  Success!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Wed 13 Dec 2017.

Hengar remains with the rowboat while the rest of the party climbs up the rope and boards The Howling Fiend. The bay is now socked in with fog and the cove is no longer visible. Any hope the pirate sentries may have had of spotting the adventurers is, for the moment lost.

Standing atop the pirate vessel's main deck, the adventurers take stock of their surroundings. There are no pirates milling about on deck, though the flitting light of lanterns within the forecastle and poopdeck suggest all may be quiet on deck, not so within the ship's quarters. Additionally, the characteristic sound of someone sharpening a blade can be heard within the forecastle and a chopping sound filters out of the poopdeck.

The moment seized, the adventures lurk aboard The Howling Fiend, contemplating their next course of action...

"Alright.  Up front there," he pointed to the forecastle, "is where the sailors be quartered," he informed his fellows using a harsh whisper.  "And back there," he gestured to the rear deck or "poop deck" was, <Goldenrod>"is where the captain'd be quartered.  Sounds like someone be making breakfast back there and readying a weapon up front."</Goldenrod>

He looked aft and then to the fore, then nodded to himself.  "Morgrim, maybe you and Arnan go to the poop deck and sort out whoever's back there.  I'll take Dal foreward to the foc'sle and sort out whoever's there, while you, Kira, use your sneaky ways to sever this ship from the land so nobody on shore has an easy way to get on board.  Sound like a good plan?"

Morgrim nodded. Exchanging a glance with Arnan he headed for the door indicated by Thane. "Seems to me they could just call it a cabin," he whispered to the woodsman. "No need to gussy it all up with these fancy names."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 52):

Arnan gave an amused grunt in response to Morgrim's comment, keeping an arrow nocked as he also glanced at their destination.

"And who the bloody hells came up with a name like 'Poop Deck'? Surely they could have come up with something better than that."

Kira had managed to contain her mirth until Arnan commented on the naming of the poop deck, and then she managed to keep the snicker soft though she had to pinch her nose to keep from snorting.  "Sounds like a decent enough plan.  Is there a way to maybe lock them inside so they can't get out?  Then when we're out far enough we just set this damn thing on fire and let 'em all burn and sink?" she asked.  She knew it sounded horrible but they had killed and done horrible things so they might as well go out like their victims had ... at least that was the way her mind's version of justice worked.

Dal smiled at the silly names sailors gave the parts of the ship.  As long as she didn't have to wade into poop she'd be happy.  No doubt she might have to wade into it after the battle but one step at a time.

"Sounds good to me.  Have fun on the poop...deck."

The party splits up as Morgrim and Arnan make their way toward door leading into the poop deck, Thane and Dalgura toward the door leading into forecastle and Kira seeking out the anchor. Drifts of icy fog hang heavily in the air as the party sets out to their appointed tasks. All is going well until Thane accidentally kicks a loose cask that had been discarded on the deck. The cask goes skittering across the deck, rattling rather loudly and definitely breaking the otherwise silence.

A tense moment passes as the party waits to hear the response to the sudden noise. Then a call pierces the silence, this one coming from somewhere above the adventurers...

From the main mast, "Wot's on down there?"

Glancing up through the fog, the adventurers can faintly make out what looks like a small crow's nest atop the main mast. An outline of a man's upper torso pops up from the mast, the figure clearly attempting to see the nature of the noise.

OOC: Everyone but Kira is about 10 feet distant from their respective doors. It is possible to attempt to hide behind ropes, etc. but the adventurers can also remain still and hope they are not spotted, or dash for the doors, etc.

The good news was that Thane did not trip and fall when he kicked the cask and sent it thumping across the deck.

The bad news was that Thane kicked a cask and sent it thumping across the deck.  It was always something whenever Thane tried to be sneaky!

Hearing the crow's nest sentry call out from above, Thane did the first thing that came to mind - he crouched down and sought to hide from the prying eyes from above.  If he couldn't quickly make it to the base of the mast, then he would have to settle for whatever rigging or sailcloth or clutter on the deck that he could get between him and the man looking out from above...

---

OOC: 11:17, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  Stealth Check take 2.

Morgrim winced. Turning towards the sound of the commotion he whispered under his breath. The sound of a seabird's call filled the misty air, followed by the fluttering of wings as of something taking flight and disappearing over the bow.

Druidcraft to make the commotion seem harmless.

Arnan knew from his experience as a hunter that nothing attracted the eye as quickly as movement. That being the case, when the lookout called down from his perch high up on the mast, Arnan froze in place, hoping that the fog would be thick enough to hide him . . . well, that and the fact that the lookout's attention might well be pulled towards the sounds of a seabird taking flight over towards the bow . . .

---

OOC:

21:36, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11. Stealth Check: Nothin' to See Here.

Through the gloom, the adventurers see the pirate atop the crow's nest jerk his attention in the direction of the illusory seagull, momentarily giving those below an opportunity to dive for cover or the like. The pirate looks off into the distance for a few moments, then, frustrated with his inability to see through the fog, clears his throat and mutters, "By the grace of Auril..." and then something unintelligible.

The pirate throws a heavy fur back over his shoulders and hunkers back down into the crow's nest. He's likely been posted as a lookout, but is obviously not taking his duty very seriously at the moment.

Meanwhile, back down on deck, the adventurers have an opportunity to get into position to get a better view within either of the quarters.

Those outside the forecastle peer through a small window at the top of the door and see a short flight of stairs leading to a small room containing what looks to be sailor's quarters. Hammocks are drawn up to the quarter's walls, while four sailors sit around a square wooden table near the center of the room. A bronze lamp in the middle of the table provides dim lighting. The men appear to be playing cards and a large pile of mostly silver and copper coins litters the table. The men are not wearing armor, but they do have weapons handy.

Those on the other side of the deck, outside the poopdeck, peer through the door window and see a flight of stairs leading down, a door on the right side of a short landing, and the stairwell continuing further down, away out of sight to the left. This stairwell likely leads to the cargo hold below. Dim light spills out from under the closed doorway. Chopping noises are heard below.

At the same time, Kira slinks along the ship's bannister and locates the anchor. The ship is definitely anchored at the moment, though it would not be too difficult to change that.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 60):

It seemed that Morgrim was full of all manner of handy tricks to mask the attackers' sometimes not-quite-as-stealthy-as-intended efforts to take control of The Howling Fiend.

Thane, who Arnan reckoned to be the only one among them who had some experience as a mariner, had seemed to think that the Captain would be located in the cabin at the back of the boat. If he's even aboard-ship at the moment, Arnan thought to himself. Hopefully, at least some of the crew are over in the camp just now instead of being here, where we will have to deal with them.

Arnan could hear the rhythmic thumping of what sounded like chopping noises from behind the closed door, so he supposed that the boat's kitchen was in the area that he and Morgrim would be exploring. If sailors call a cabin a 'Poop Deck', the gods only know what ridiculous name they have coined for the kitchen, he thought to himself.

Whispering to Morgrim, Arnan mused, "So . . . Thane thinks that the Captain will be in this part of the boat, and it sounds like the cook might be downstairs, too."

"Any last-minute thoughts afore we do this?"

"Aye," Morgrim whispered, himself mostly of the opinion that a direct approach was usually the best one. "Don't miss."

Fixing his shield on his arm, he stepped before the huntsman and quietly pushed back the door.

Thane breathed out a slow sigh of relied as the sound of a gull distracted the watchman so that he went back to his lazy sentry duty.

Crouching down at the door, underneath the window, Thane beckoned Dalgura to lean in close.  "We might be better served trapping those men below deck," he advised in a hushed whisper.  "Do you have any magics to help with that?  Or should I do it the old-fashioned way?" he asked, gesturing at his hand axe and the seam of the door.

He casts a glance at what's nearby, hoping to spot a loose belaying pin or other wooden object he could use as a hammer.  Better the sound of wood on metal than metal on metal!

---

OOC: 09:21, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Perception: want a wooden hammer.

Thane easily locates a wooden belaying pin to use as a makeshift hammer.

Dalgura shook her head.  "Sorry.  Don't have anything like that so you will have to do it the regular way.  It's best that way anyway.  Save the magic for distraction more and healing."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 62):

Arnan nodded to Morgrim, and edged through the door, trying to move quietly. Unfortunately a loose board on the stairs had a different idea, and creaked under his weight.

He could only hope that the crew was too busy with their own concerns to take notice, or that they would pass off the noise as one of their fellow crew-members moving around -- or mayhaps as one of those inconsequential shipboard noises that Arnan had noticed on the fishing boat that had ferried them across the lake.

OOC: 17:19, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3. Stealth Check (Creepin' Through the Ship).

Morgrim pushes the door open and Arnan steps through the threshold and climbs down the stairs toward the landing below. Five steps later he arrives at the landing, a door immediately to his right and the stairwell continuing downward to his left, presumably into the cargo hold beneath the sailing ship. More importantly, the floorboard creaks heavily under Arnan's weight and the chopping sound that they had heard earlier coming from the quarters beyond the closed door, ceases abruptly.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the ship, Thane has located a makeshift hammer and is presently conferring with Dalgura.

Kira is assessing what to do about the anchor and Hengar waits patiently in the rowboat moored to the side of the Howling Fiend.

There was no sound Morgrim could conjure, nor trick in his arsenal that could explain the noise of the floorboard to a curious listener as anything other than a footstep. That in itself was not sinister of course, but whoever stood on the far side of the door now expected 'someone' on this side of it. Morgrim held Arnan's gaze in silence for a few moments and then turned towards the door. Drawing his scimitar wordlessly he planted himself alongside the door, back flush to the wall, and waited with bated breath.

Readying an action to slam his shield into the opening door/person and knock them prone.

13:57, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Athletics.

Lets hope they roll low :)

Arnan stood silent, his nocked arrow aimed at the door. He could think of various ways that this could play out.

First, curious about the sound that Arnan had made, the man on the other side of the door could open it and take a look.

Or, mayhaps uncertain as to what he had heard or whether his imagination was playing tricks on him, he could stand silent on the other side of the door, listening to see if the sound would repeat itself. If all stayed quiet, Arnan thought that there was a good chance that the man would return to his task.

Arnan supposed that the man could also call out, and see if one of his shipmates responded from the other (Morgrim's and  Arnan's) side of the door.

Just in case the man opened the door for a look around, Arnan flexed the bowstring and readied himself to loose the arrow , hoping to time his shot with Morgrim's action . . .

---

OOC:

14:09, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5. Readied Attack (Longbow).

14:10, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 14 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 7. Luck Die Re-Roll.

14:11, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7. Damage.

Okay, folks -- Arnan's and Morgrim's d20 rolls have been 3, 5, 7, and 9 . . .  nothing in double digits yet. We've got the Dice Roller warmed up and primed for some good rolls for the rest of you, though! :)

Kira chewed at her bottom lip, hoping this wasn't going to cause more trouble than help but she figured the fewer they had to deal with on the ship the better so drew out her nice new and very sharp dagger and started cutting the rope to the anchor.


OOC:  It's a quieter method though she knows this will be potentially problematic later, having no anchor.

Thane nodded his head and placed his two hand axes on the deck at his feet.  "Alright, I'm going to drive both these into the door jamb.  Grab the handle and hold on tight while I get them both sunk in," he advised quietly.  "I'll have to do this quick-like, that sentry up there is definitely going to notice this!"

He then snatched up an axe in his left hand and set the thin edge into the crack of the jamb.  That seemed the best place to lodge a wedge and keep the door from opening.  He knelt down and then hammered firmly and quickly against the flat back of the hand axe using the belaying pin as the hammer...

---

OOC: 15:00, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Use belaying pin to drive hand axe wedge into door jamb to keep it shut.

Not sure if that's good enough to get the job done.  I'll have Thane drive in his other hand axe as well further up the jamb next "round" to make sure he's done his best to bar the door.

He knelt down so as to make sure he was not easily visible through the window.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Tue 02 Jan 2018.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 71):

Dal nodded and did as Thane asked.  She hoped that she could keep the door shut long enough for him to jam it.  "Do it quickly though.  I'm not sure how long it will take them to figure it out."

"Who's out there? Smitty, that you?", calls out a scratchy voice from the other side of the door. "Best not be shirking watch again!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship, Thane drives a wedge into the forecastle door. "What the hell was that?" a muffled voice is heard to say somewhere on the other side of the door, then what sounds to be a chair scratching across wooden floorboards.

Elsewhere on the ship, Kira cuts the anchor free and the ship begins to slowly list with the current.

OOC: Okay, let's assume initiative order now, with PCs going first.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 73):

Upon hearing the pirate call out, Arnan motioned towards the door with his head so that he would not catch Morgrim by surprise when he went in.

Opening the door with a quick motion, as Arnan stepped inside with an arrow nocked and the bowstring drawn back, he hissed "Surrender!"

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Open door, speak, five-foot step.

Readied Action: 22:41, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13. Readied Attack (Longbow).

22:42, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7. Damage (Arrow).

12:06, Yesterday: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6. Initiative.

Notes: Opening a door and taking a five-foot step are free actions, I believe. A one-word order normally would be a free action, I would think, but if Shane is of the opinion that I am loading in too many free actions, the speaking could be considered Arnan's Move Action.

If the man behind the door does anything other than immediately raise his hands in surrender, Arnan will shoot him.

Arnan throws the door open and steps through its threshold with his bow drawn and arrow knocked. A hirsute man wearing furs is seated at a wooden table immediately across the now open doorway, in his right hand is a meat cleaver and a pile of chopped fish parts litters the table. The man looks up in surprise at the outlander's sudden entrance into the quarter.

"Who the 'ell are you?" the man asks while seemingly punctuating each word with a slash of the cleaver, his face twisted in equal parts confusion and irritation, but no measure of fear.

A moment later, Arnan looses an arrow at the man...and it strikes.

"Oh...now you're in fer it!" the man roaring as the arrow strikes him in the side.

***Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship, at the forecastle***

Thane drives a wedge into the door and heavy footfalls approach on the other end. Several agitated voices are heard, each griping about the racket. It sounds as though someone just attempted to open the door, then it is all too clear that is what happen because the door rattles as someone on the other end attempts to pull it open more forceably.

Thane hears what sounds like four voices on the other side of the door, their protests growing louder.

These protests, coupled with the banging and the the Bosun's cry, are enough to draw the attention of the miserable sentry atop the crow's nest...

OOC:

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Armed Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 55/65


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   19/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

Morgrim waits in breathless anticipation as Arnan bursts through the door and tries to intimidate the occupant into surrender. When it becomes clear that no throwing down of arms was apt to occur, the dwarven druid burst past the huntsman and threw himself upon the hapless cook - four hundred pounds of fur, and knotted muscle and fists that hit like sledgehammers.

Move to engage
Bonus: Wildshape, Ape (https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Ape#content)
Action: Multiattack
1) Hits AC 16 for 7 damage
2) Misses

23:24, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 4.  Damage.
23:23, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  Attack.
23:23, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Attack.

TEMPORARY AC 12
TEMPORARY HP 19

Bolstered by his initial success, Thane grabbed up his other hand axe, but he was concerned about the crow's nest sentry.  "Kira, give that sentry somethin' to think about!" he urged the cleric.  "One more wedge and I think these men will be good and trapped!"

Then Thane set to the task and pounded in the second axe...

---

10:41, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  Drive second wedge into the door.
Initiative: 18
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Tue 09 Jan 2018.

A bit of a ruckus was starting and Kira knew the lookout could cause issues for them if they couldn't drift far enough out away from those on the short so she had drawn her bow and knocked an arrow as soon as she'd cut through the rope to the anchor.  As soon as the sentry peeked over the edge, she'd loose an arrow and pray his attention elsewhere would give her a little advantage.

---

18:47, Today: Kira rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.
18:47, Today: Kira rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Shortbow.  *happy dances*
18:48, Today: Kira rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,6.  Ouch.  O.o
18:48, Today: Kira rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Sneak if applicable.

"Ok.  Go and do it.  I'll try and keep the door closed so don't hit me.  We are out of time."

Dal tried to keep the door closed, like she did when the first wedge was done.  She knew that the boat was aware they had company and she hoped that Thane could get that last second wedge in.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 75):

Arnan stared for a split-second as Morgrim shape-shifted into some sort of long-armed, hairy creature that the huntsman had never seen before, then barreled past him and attacked the crewman. A thought flashed through his mind: ~Glad it's not me that he's coming after,~.

Then it was back to business. Arnan nocked an arrow and flexed the bow, holding the bowstring taut for a moment as he waited for the two who were locked in melee to move in a fashion that gave him a clear shot. A moment later he stepped slightly to the side and took his shot and saw the arrow strike the crewman solidly in his midsection.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Five-foot step in order to gain a clear shot.

Attack Action: 15:53, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16. Ranged Attack (Longbow). Hit!

15:54, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7. Damage .

Move Action:None.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Mon 15 Jan 2018.

***On Deck***

Kira quickly draws and looses an arrow and strikes Peepin' Thomas in the heart, sending the poor man tumbling over the crow's nest railing, where he lands with a hard thud on the deck, 15 feet distant from Kira. The man locks eyes with the rogue and he whispers what Kira thinks to be, "No...no..." before he stops moving altogether, his eyes lifeless but open.

***The Poopdeck***

Meanwhile, back in the poopdeck quarters, Morgrim and Arnan are now engaged in combat with Bosun Darby, a veteran Illuskan pirate of some repute. Staring down an ape and a man with a bow, Darby kicks out from his chair and draws a scimitar with his free hand. In the other, he still wields the cleaver. He grunts in protest to the adventurers' cowardly ambush and focuses his attention on cutting down the ape thrashing through his quarters. The veteran pirate proves to be quite skillful with his weapons, savagely striking Morgrim three times.

"Bloody coward thing t' do," he bellows after executing three precise slashes against the ape. The ape then transforms into a dwarf, a fact that seems to anger the man even more, "Bloody sorcery!"

***The Forecastle***

Thane drives another wedge into the door, effectively securing the door from any hopes of simply opening the door. Someone on the other side bangs on the door heavily with his meaty fist, "'Ey, Wot gives!" Several other voices on the other side of the door chime in now as their ears perhaps pick up other sounds of battle erupting on the ship.

OOC: Morgrim was hit for 20 points of damage and has transformed back into a dwarf.

Additionally, Bosun Darby has a Parry ability (reaction) that adds +2 to any melee attack that will hit him. He will use this ability if it ever applies.

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Armed Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 38/65


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   18/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Mon 15 Jan 2018.

Morgrim's form wavers for a moment caught somewhere between a dwarf and an ape before the druid manages to reassert control over his physical body. Snarling, he continues to hammer away at the bosun but his first strike crashes wide and his second is deftly turned aside.

Bonus: Wild shape again.
Action: Multiattack
1) Misses (AC 10)
2) Would hit (AC 16), but is parried, costing the Bosun his reaction

22:27, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 10,7,16,5 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 5,4,11,2.  Attack.

Up to you here, Arnan. It seems likely I'll lose wildshape again this round.

"I'm sorry," Kira whispered to the dead man.  She did what she had to do to keep him from alerting those on shore but it never set well with her to kill anyone unless she knew they were absolutely evil.  For all she knew, this man could have been relatively innocent in comparison to the captain and crew.  The others likely needed her so she tucked her remorse aside and knocking another arrow hurried back to where Arnan and Morgrim had planned to enter.


I figure it will take her at least the round to get there so didn't roll anything.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 81):

Arnan had expected the ship's cook to be naught but a menial scullion, but he was soon disabused of that notion when the man quickly reacted to their onslaught, wielding his scimitar and cleaver with impressive skill as he landed three quick slashing attacks against Morgrim.

Morgrim's reaction was a bit of a surprise, too, as he momentarily wavered between his creature-form and usual Dwarven form before settling into the creature-form once again and springing to attack the cook.

Morgrim's keeping their foe's attention centered on himself simplified Arnan's task of hitting the man with another arrow, but unfortunately the cook appeared to have plenty of fight left in him.

For a moment Arnan considered shouting out to his companions for assistance. However, he decided against it, since he was unsure whether his fellow-adventurers or members of the pirate-crew would be the ones to respond and come running.

---

OOC:

Attack Action: 15:04, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11. Ranged Attack (Longbow). Hit!

15:05, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5. Damage.

Notes: Oviously, Thane's gambit of sealing members of the crew below-decks is a very clever (and effective) tactic, but since the plan had not been discussed beforehand IC, I didn't feel that it was proper to use OOC knowledge for IC purposes in this instance (either by having Morgrim and Arnan use the same tactic, or even being aware of what their companions are in the process of accomplishing).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:48, Wed 17 Jan 2018.

At the Foc'sle, Thane thumped the last hand axe in place and stepped back, panting slightly with the rapid furiousness of the effort.  He tossed the belaying pin aside casually into a loose lump of sailcloth when the distinct but muffled sounds of melee combat reached his ears.

He cocked his head for just a moment, confirming the sound, then stood up straight and lashed on his shield.  "Dalgura, stay up top here and fetch Hengar.  You and him need to locate the oars for this boat," he advised, pointing his free hand this way and that, "and also mind them pirates below so's they don't get loose and cause trouble.  I'm going to help Arnan and your brother...I hear fighting!"

Thane then set off at the quicktime for the aft of the ship to make sure that whatever fighting was going on got finished...for the right side!

---

OOC: 15:52, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Perception check (DC10).

Bonus: Speak to Dalgura
Action: Ready Shield
Move: Single move towards the melee in the Poopdeck.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Fri 19 Jan 2018.

Dal was just going to say how was she going to "fetch" Hengar and stay where she was at the same time.  MEN!  She didn't like staying behind especially when Grim was in battle.  He didn't always duck fast enough and stayed longer than when he should but that what made him a great fighter too.  She took up her post and turned her head to look around for Hengar.

***On Deck***

Her task complete, Kira races across the deck, past the slain lookout, toward the tell-tale sound of combat coming from the stairs leading to the poopdeck quarters. She bounds down the stairwell and see Arnan filling the doorframe, his bow drawn, and an ape and scimitar-wielding man clashing through a small mess hall. Tables and chairs scatter this way and that as the two engage one another in combat

***The Poopdeck***

Morgrim assumes ape-shape again and Bosun Darby grits what are left of his teeth in determination. Wielding his scimitar and cleaver with great precision, the pirate slashes and jabs at Morgrim, striking the ape twice, the cleaver strike being particularly effective. The man hollers between exertions, "The hell are you?!"

***The Forecastle***

Thane has drives another spike into the door and then bolts back across the deck toward the poopdeck. He sees Kira do the same, disappearing down the stairwell ahead of him. Dalgura remains behind, looking for Hengar. The tribal warrior remains in the canoe, as instructed, though he is growing increasingly concerned as he hears the sound of battle erupt on deck. He hisses up at her, "What's going on up there?"

Meanwhile, Dalgura hears the sound of wood splintering coming from where she and Thane just left. From the sound of the men shouting coming from that direction, those who were trapped in their cabin are not taking kindly to it and are presently taking matters into their own hands...by breaking the door down. From the sound of wood snapping she just heard, it sounds like they may have well been successful!

OOC: Morgrim was hit for 12 points of damage.

Additionally, Bosun Darby has a Parry ability (reaction) that adds +2 to any melee attack that will hit him. He will use this ability if it ever applies.

Kira is behind Arnan, who is standing in the doorway firing arrows at Bosun Darby, trying to avoid striking the ape. Thane is at the top of the stairwell leading to the poopdeck cabin.

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Armed Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 30/65


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   18/19    1      13       Ape AC 12, Temp HP: 7/19


PCs are UP!!!

Approaching the doorway with an arrow knocked, Kira stepped in and took a wild shot then cursed colorfully.  She knew better than to not slow down and take proper aim.

---

21:07, Today: Kira rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Shortbow.  Miss!  *grumbles*

Morgrim (in his creature-form) continued to go toe-to-toe with the redoubtable pirate, giving Arnan an opportunity to contine to skewer their foe with arrows. Arnan turned his head towards the doorway for a split-second as an arrow that he had not shot went flashing by the pirate's head, hitting the wall behind him with a loud "Thonk!".

Nodding a quick greeting to Kira, Arnan went back to work, tracking the pirate with his arrow held steady in a flexed bow until a clear shot presented itself. The archer took the shot when there was a small measure of separation between Morgrim and their foe, and the arrow flew true, striking the pirate in his midsection.

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Glance at Kira, nod a greeting to her.

Attack: 12:30, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18. Ranged Attack (Longbow). Hit!

12:30, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 4. Damage.


This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Mon 22 Jan 2018.

Morgrim's wound begin to knit shut of their own accord, though the process is slow and the wounds are deep. Knowing that their best hope lay in keeping the archers at range Morgrim continued to press the offense, hammering away at the Bosun with his formidable strength. The old pirate was quick however and managed to keep him at bay for the most part.

Bonus action: Spending 1 lvl 1 spell slot to heal 3 hp. Morgrim the ape has 10/19 temporary hit points.
Action: Multiattack.
1) Misses (12)
2) Should hit (15) but is parried)

13:58, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 12,5,15,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 7,2,10,5.  Attack.

13:57, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Bonus Heal.

Stay where she was or go and take care of the people trying to leave.  She knew she should stay but it would be worse if she didn't do something about the people trying to get out.

Dal finally made her decision.  Dalgura looked around to see if she could see Hengar.  Where was the man when she needed him?  If she didn't see him, she would cause ominous whispers to be heard close by the group that was escaping the cabin.

ooc:  Cantrip Thaumaturgy - 30 feet, up to 1 minutes - create an instantaneous sound that originates from a point of your choice within range (30') - sound ominous whispers - p. 282)

Thane skidded to a stop at the head of the stairs, wobbling slightly but fortunately avoiding a tumble downwards.  He saw Kira down below, nocking and launching an arrow through a doorway.  I don't know if I am needed down there and it's bound to be very cramped.  We need to start moving this boat!

Thane turned his head towards Hengar and the rowboat.

Dalgura wasn't at the appointed place.  Instead, she was on the other side of the boat looking back at...a splintering door!

Crap!  The door's not holding!

That sight motivated Thane to do the thing he probably should have done himself instead of leaving to someone else.  He rushed to the gunwale and peered over at Hengar.

"Come up!  We need you!" he urged the man, staying put to steady the way for him to board the Fiend.

***On Deck***

Thane and Dalgura now stand atop the deck as the sound of battle carries up from beneath the Howling Fiend from one end and a splintering door from the other.

Hengar wastes no time heeding Thane's request and quickly lashes the rowboat to the side of the Howling Fiend before scaling the rope and bounding over its top rail a few moments later.

***The Poopdeck***
Another arrows strikes Bosun Darby and the seasoned veteran seems to now be feeling the effects of his wounds. He grits his teeth and slashes wildly at the ape, striking Morgrim savagely several times with his scimitar and cleaver, causing Morgrim to revert back into dwarf form.

"Ow! Damn ye all!" he grunts between exertions. "Who sent ye?!"

"Answer me this much!"

***The Forecastle***

Meanwhile, the sound of snapping wood from the stairwell leading to the forecastle makes it clear whomever was trapped in the cabin has found their way out. Moments later, ominous whispers echo in the same corridor, causing a group of men to call out "Gah! Sorcery! Up above! On deck! Avast their cursed tongue! Sound the alarm!"

Moments later footsteps come racing up the stairwell and a single pirate emerges, a slovenly brute of a man armed with a mace. The man scans either side of the deck before finally seeing Thane and Hengar near the railing, some 15 feet distant.

"Oo de hell 're you two?" the man bellows out, his voice gravelly and coarse.

OOC: Morgrim was hit for 13 points of damage, 3 of which tranfered after he shapeshifted back to dwarf-form.

Bosun Darby has a Parry ability (reaction) that adds +2 to any melee attack that will hit him. He will use this ability if it ever applies.

Kira is behind Arnan, who is standing in the doorway firing arrows at Bosun Darby, trying to avoid striking the ape. Thane, Hengar and Dalgura are atop the Howling Fiend's deck.

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Wielding Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 23/65

Viggo, the Pirate Thug
AC: 11
HP: 32/32


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   15/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

"Caer-Dineval!" Morgrim spat back. The mounting wounds had forced him back into his usual guise and returned to him the capacity of speech once more. Raising his shield defiantly he kept a wary eye for his foe's next strike. There was a limit to his reserves and he was nearing the end of it.

"The only cowards are those who prey upon fishing skiffs. Ye can preach your moral superiority up at me from the bottom of the lac for all I care."

Dodge. Attacks against Morgrim have disadvantage.

Thane looked at the thug from below decks, then looked at Hengar and frowned, then looked back at the thug from below.  He cocked his head to the side and rolled his eyes at the mace-wielding man.  Maaan, we got other stuff to do than this! he thought with much irritation.

Then he sprang into action, closing the distance quickly while readying his flail.  "We're the First Volunteer Corsairs of Caer-Dineval, come to seize this ship!" he answered with words, followed up by a cracking flail-strike to the man's hip.  "You really shoulda stayed below deck!"

---

Move:  Advance into melee vs Viggo.
Action:  Flail attack vs Viggo.
21:10, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  Melee attack: flail vs Viggo (AC11).
21:11, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Melee Damage vs Viggo.

Thane has the Protection fighting style (reaction).  When a creature that Thane can see attacks a target other than himself that is within 5 feet of him, he can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.  Thane must be wielding a shield (and he is).

For the purposes of the current round, Thane will use that ability to benefit Hengar (I assume he will follow and engage in melee against Viggo).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

Hengar lopes over the railing with ease and draws his axe before his feet even hit the deck. He scans the ship's deck for a moment and then joins Thane in attack, coming up alongside the Luskan fighter and executing a precise chopping strike that catches Viggo unaware.

OOC: Hit for 7 points of damage.

06:17, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 24,7 using d20+5,d8+3 ((19,4))

Dal rolls her eyes at the man that Thane and Hengar were attacking.  Why did they have to question everything?  Wasn't it enough that they were there and not part of the crew?  Seeing that the man was getting ready to attack and that her team was already attacking him, Dal looked at the man and cast her Sacred Flame.  "Oh mighyt Sharindlar, please grant this request to help my comrades and also show this thug your magnificent radiance.  I know it's a lot to request but please kinda keep one eye out to help protect Grim too.  He needs all the help he can get but don't tell him I said that."

1st - Cantrip - Sacred Flame:  range 60' target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no benefit from cover for the saving through.


09:11, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  dal  sacred flame damage if save is missed.

"The souls of those you helped murder, ya damned pirate," Kira replied to the cleaver-handed pirate, letting loose another arrow and finding a bit of satisfaction as this one found its mark.

---

10:06, Today: Kira rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Shortbow.
10:06, Today: Kira rolled 5 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 2.  Ouch.
10:07, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Sneak if applicable.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 93):

Arnan noted that Morgrim did not switch back into his beast-form, but the archer had no time to give thought as to the whys and wherefores. Instead, he kept his concentration centered on the work at hand, which was putting another arrow into the pirate. Thanks to Morgrim's keeping their foe engaged, Arnan was able to ply his craft as smoothly and calmly as if he were putting shafts into targets at a shooting-range.

His arrow once again flew true, striking their foe squarely in the chest mere seconds after Kira's arrow thudded into the man.

"Surrender or die!" he snarled at the pirate.

---

OOC:

Attack: 11:08, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Ranged Attack (Longbow). Critical Hit!

11:11, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 4,2. Damage (Critical Hit).

Free Action: Speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

***On Deck***
Thane and Hengar square off in melee against Viggo, while Dalgura brings her deity's sacred flame down on the man! The trio's combined efforts are definitely enough to get his attention and he curses profusely and damns all to hell.

Behind him, three of his cohorts come flying up the stairwell, spilling onto the deck to join the fray. One squares off against Hengar, one teams up with Viggo to tag-team Thane and the third races across the deck to engage Dalgura.

These men have a wild, deranged look in their eyes and they fight with wild abandon, hacking and slashing without any discipline or skill. All fail to connect, despite their proliferation of curses and other unspeakable things that fall from their gibbering mouths.


***The Poopdeck***
The Bosun likewise bears a deranged look, but unlike those fighting on the deck, this man is badly wounded and appears ready to keel over at any moment. "L' right...right...let me live fer cryin' out loud!" he yells in protest as he drops his scimitar and cleaver, each clattering noisily onto the floor.

"But 's no use fer ye. Derrick 'll drown yer necks fer sure..." he laments in slurred speech. The Bosun steadies himself against the wall while examining his wounds with wide, wild eyes, seemingly unable to process what is happening.

OOC:

All PCs need to make a DC15 Charisma Saving Throw and post those results to their next post.

Bosun Darby has a Parry ability (reaction) that adds +2 to any melee attack that will hit him. He will use this ability if it ever applies.

Kira, Arnan and Morgrim are in the poopdeck. Thane, Hengar and Dalgura are atop the Howling Fiend's deck fighting Viggo and his three lackeys.

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Wielding Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 5/65 (surrendered)

Viggo, the Pirate Thug
AC: 11
HP: 17/32

Viggo's Lackeys (3)
AC: 12
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   15/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

Dalgura looked at the thug that came after her.  Automatically she called upon Sharindlar for aid in the spell she was going to cast.  She held up her hand and yelled “FLEE” as she tried to command the maniac in front of her.  She said it in common for the best chances of the man understanding her.


ooc: level 1 spell - Command - 1 action; Range 60 ft; Save Wisdom

17:16, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  chr roll for Dal - Chr?  A Dwarf Char?  LOL.

When the huge beast gave up, Kira looked to her companions.  "Tie him up good ... gag him too," she suggested.  "I'm gonna go check on the others."  Taking another arrow, she settled it to be ready to fire quickly if needed and scampered off to see how the others were faring.

---

08:03, Today: Kira rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  Charisma.
Well ... looks like we're all screwed so far.

Morgrim kicked the scimitar and cleaver aside.

"I'll tie him tight," he confirmed, already reaching for a length of rope. "Get back above deck. Dal's in trouble." He spoke the last with absolute confidence, though no direct knowledge whatsoever of what was transpiring just above their heads. Brother's intuition.

Critical success. Morgrim has Charisma in spades.
09:36, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Charisma.

Restraining the bosun and removing access to weapons.

Thane could not help but look upon the pirates with absolute disgust.  They seemed little more than animals in their expression and the way they went about fighting.

"What's wrong with you...people?!?" he exclaimed.  He really wasn't expecting an answer, which was plain to see because Thane rocked his arm backwards and then forwards to smash the fail against Viggo's demented head.

---

Action:  Melee attack vs Viggo.
Move: None

14:15, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 17,7.  Melee Attack: Flail vs Viggo (AC11).  Struck Viggo for 10 damage.

Other: CHA save result - 3
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Thu 25 Jan 2018.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 100):

All of a sudden, Arnan understood what was going on. ~It's the Black Ice. The Dwarves think that since their people discovered it, that entitles them to have it. That stuff is worth a king's ransom, no doubt. And we all know how covetous the Dwarves are when it comes to riches.

Morgrim must think that there's some down in the hold, and he's sending us topside so that he can take a look-see without Kira and me peering over his shoulder . . . be easier for him to hide it, that way.

Well, I'm on to his little plan. I'll just make a point of staying alert. As long as I keep my eyes and ears open, there's no way that the Dwarves can get the stuff off the ship without me noticing . . .~

The scene up on deck confirmed the Outlander's suspicions. Sure, Dalgura was squared off against a pirate, but then so was Hengar, and Thane was fighting two of their foes. If anyone was in need of assistance it was the Luskan, in Arnan's estimation. ~It's just as I suspected . . . Morgrim wanted us out of the way so that he and his sister can claim the Black Ice for themselves,~ he thought, congratulating himself on his cleverness for seeing the Dwarves' plan for what it was.

His lips compressed into a thin line that hinted at the irritation that he was feeling, the archer lined up a shot on the larger of the two pirates who was fighting Thane. When the Luskan moved clear, Arnan took his shot, but his scowl deepened when he saw that the arrow did little but slash a bloody furrow in the pirate's arm.

---

OOC:

Move Action: Move up on deck.

Action Surge: 10:20, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19. Ranged Attack vs. Viggo. Hit!

10:20, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2. Damage.

11:17, Yesterday: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 13. Charisma Save. Fail
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

***On Deck***
(OOC: Last round...forgot to take Hengar's action...) Hengar becomes dizzy for a moment and tries to make sense of his surroundings. The tribal warrior looks around at his companions and those he is fighting against and becomes angry at the situation he has found himself in. What in hell is he even doing here? Maybe his elders were right? These city folk deserve whatever they get...

The thoughts of black ice come flooding into his mind, all the while, battle rages across the deck of the Howling Fiend...

(OOC: This round...)

Dalgura, Hengar and Thane face off against Viggo and his lackeys, while Arnan and Kira join the battle after dashing up the stairs from the poopdeck...

Viggo is not compelled to follow Dalgura's command and shakes off her divine words with an irritated snarl. Thane's attack gets his attention however, as does Arnan sprinting up to the deck to skewer him with a well-aimed missile. Viggo stumbles a bit, but is compelled to fight for his life against the marauders who seek to deprive him of it. The Lluskan thug grips his mace tightly and swings for the moon twice, cracking Thane once.

"C'mon boys. Step lively now. Get up here and fight!" Viggo exhorts of the three lackeys spilling out of the forecastle cabin.

The three lackeys weave their way onto the deck and into the fray, their scimitars slashing this way and that as they move to engage the adventurers. Thane parries away the blows, but Hengar and Dalgura are both struck in the process.

***The Poopdeck***
Morgrim kicks the scimitar and cleaver aside and moves to restrain the Bosun. Now left alone with just one enemy, the odds are stacked more decidedly in the Bosun's favor and he seizes his opportunity. As soon as Morgrim goes to retrieve rope from his back, the hulking Bosun quickly draws a dagger from beneath his vest and plunges it into Morgrim's side. Then, quick as a whip, the bear of man moves to tackle Morgrim to the floor, "Ye'll never get your filthy paws on that black ice again dwarf!" he roars.

OOC: Everyone make a Perception Check as a free action and post results to your next post.

Viggo hits Thane for 6 points of damage. A lackey hits Dalgura for 6 and another lackey hits Hengar for 4. Bosun Darby stabs Morgrim for 7 points of damage.

Morgrim must beat a DC 9 on an Athletics or Acrobatics check to avoid being grappled.

[Private to Morgrim Ironhammer: Morgrim is no longer affected by the irritated, paranoid condition therefore is no longer at Disadvantage on ability checks or saving throws.]

Bosun Darby has a Parry ability (reaction) that adds +2 to any melee attack that will hit him. He will use this ability if it ever applies.

Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Wielding Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 5/65 (Morgrim)

Viggo, the Pirate Thug
AC: 11
HP: 2/32 (Thane)

Viggo's Lackeys (3)
AC: 12
HP: 11/11 (Hengar), 11/11 (Dalgura), 11/11 (Thane)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   18/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   16/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   11/17    1      13
Morgrim   15    8/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

Something odd washed over Kira as she bounded up the steps to check on the others, a feeling that erupted into seething words that hissed over her chapped lips.  "Damn these pirates and damn this cold!  I could be holed up somewhere warm and comfy instead of this crap," Kira grumbled as she took aim and let loose on the thug attacking Dalgura.  Somewhere in her mind, she knew she should be paying more attention to her surroundings but right now she just wanted the fight to be over so they could get out of here.

---

10:28, Today: Kira rolled 10 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 4.  Perception.
10:28, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Shortbow.
10:29, Today: Kira rolled 9 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 6.  Ouch.
10:29, Today: Kira rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Sneak if applicable.

Morgrim hits the deck hard but has the sense of mind to get his blade up just in time. As the bosun barrels down upon him he takes the full force of dwarf's thrust in the gut. Just as quickly, the melee is over, and Morgrim rolls the lifeless body of the sailor off of him.

"Bloody cowardly thing to do," he said breathlessly.

Morgrim is grappled.

Spending inspiration. Attack hits AC 21 for 6 damage. Bosun Darby dies.

11:36, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4.  Athletics, DC 9.
11:34, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 5.  Damage.
11:33, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 21 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 6,18.  Inspired attack.

"A snarl?  Did I just hear you snarl at me?  Who do you think you are - my wannabe brother.  HE at least can do a proper shape change and while I'm at it...you are so rude for not fleeing like I told you to. OUCH!!!!!  Hey stop that.  Pick on somebody your size."

Dalgura grasps her mace and swings at the lackey that had hit her.  "Sure.  Go pick on  the woman!  No manner at all.  Just like all the guys.  Order us to stay here.  For what?  To be attacked?  That's no way to treat a lady!"

ooc:
16:32, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  dal rolling to hit with mace - roll 2.

16:32, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 17 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 14.  dal rolling to hit with mace - roll 1.

Disadvantaged roll of 13 being used.

Hit -
16:42, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 6.  damage from disadvantage attack - Dal.

Arnan noticed that Morgrim still hadn't made an appearance on-deck. ~So much for being concerned about his sister,~ he thought sourly. To the archer's way of thinking, this just confirmed his suspicions that the Dwarves were working in secret to keep all the Black Ice for themselves. ~He's probably hiding it away right now, so he can come up and tell us that there's not any to be found down in the hold . . . I wonder how much this Black Ice is worth, any way . . . for the right buyer, I mean . . .~

The sounds of battle yanked Arnan's mind back to the here and now. ~Not that I really need to give it any more thought, now that I've got it all figured out.~

The bigger of the two pirates who was squared off against Thane was bloody and his movements were clumsy -- the man looked to be on his last legs. Arnan decided to finish him off with an arrow and even up the odds for Thane.

Arnan was correct that another arrow would finish off the pirate, as the man crumpled in a heap when the shaft struck him.

---

OOC:

Attack Action: 10:53, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18. Ranged Attack vs. Viggo. Hit!

10:53, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3. Damage.

10:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 18,7. Perception Check (Disadvantage).

Thane took the hit from Viggo and snarled back at the thug.  "That the best you got?" he taunted the man, anger rising inside him.  How dare the idiot bust down the door that held him trapped, didn't he know that Thane was trying to save his life?

That didn't matter one whit for as soon as Thane uttered his taunt, an arrow zipped past and buried itself in Viggo's neck.  Zip - whump - thump!  The man went down.

Thane stared back hard along the arrows path and spotted Arnan.  An unreasonable surge of irritation flooded the warrior and he snapped at the bowman.  "What, you think I'm not able o' kickin' his ass by myself?  Ye gods, man, watch and learn!"

Thane spun, somewhat clumsily, and smashed his flail across the face of the pirate lackey who had been chipping splinters off his shield.  It was a brutal smash and the sheer impact of it was likely enough to knock the unfortunate man off his feet, if not kill him outright.  Thane licked his lips with warrior satisfaction and turned his attention to the foe facing Hengar.

---

Action: Melee attack vs Lackey: hit AC17 for 11 damage

09:12, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 34 using 2d20+5 with rolls of 17,12.  Melee vs pirate lackey (AC12). Disadvantage 12 +5 = 17
09:13, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 11 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 8.  Melee damage vs pirate lackey.

Other: Use the Protection fighting style to benefit Hengar.

Hengar slashes at the pirate lackeys in a bid to quickly end the conflict and get on with the business of either piloting the vessel through the narrow channel or sinking the ship where she is moored. In any event, he has little desire to tarry too long here and slams his axe into one of the men. It's a solid blow, enough to take him out of the fight.

16:57, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 14,8 using d20+3,d8+1 ((11,7)).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Mon 29 Jan 2018.

The adventurers make quick work of Viggo and the pirate lackeys, while down below, in the poopdeck, Morgrim has taken out Bosun Darby. Bleeding, lifeless bodies are now littered throughought The Howling Fiend. All the while, dense icy fog hangs over the bloody scene, obscuring the not too distant shore.

But fog does nothing to ward away sound. The adventurers now hear shouting coming from the hidden cove, followed shortly thereafter by what sounds to be oars splashing water....

OOC:

[Private to GM: Bosun Darby, the Cleaver-Wielding Man in the Poop-Deck
AC: 15
HP: 0/65 (Morgrim)

Viggo, the Pirate Thug
AC: 11
HP: 0/32 (Thane)

Viggo's Lackeys (3)
AC: 12
HP: 0/11 (Hengar), 0/11 (Dalgura), 0/11 (Thane)]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   20/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   18/22    1      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   16/22    1      NA
Dalgura   15   11/17    1      13
Morgrim   15    8/19    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

Morgrim emerged from the aft castle, leaning heavily upon the timbers. His armor was matted with blood, both his own and that of the late Bosun.

" 's everyone alright?" he asked, slurring his words slightly.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 114):

Dal looked at her brother and sighed.  "Well there you are!  Getting into trouble again I presume. Of course I'm all right...if you count getting injured all right.  And look at you.  All bloody and stinky.  Stand still and I'll heal you but I can only do it once.  Then when I fall down I expect you to help me.  What's up with you going off by yourself!"

Dal went over to Grim and thumped her hand down on his shoulder as she called upon her Goddess to help her.  ~Oh Great Sharlindar, please heal this brother of mine.  Even though he doesn't have the sense to dodge when somebody swings at him.  He IS my brother and I don't want him to die so please heal him.~

ooc:  Cure wounds – touch’ 1d8+your spellcasting ability modifier. – p. 230


18:39, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 9 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 6.  heal my big lug of a brother - Dal.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:39, Tue 30 Jan 2018.

Morgrim blinked in the hazy half-light of the fog ridden bay. Then he leaned in and wrapped his arms around his sister.

"I love ye too, Dal," he said quietly.

Thane grunted with predatory satisfaction as the last pirate fell.  He turned and delivered an uncharacteristically judgmental glance at Arnan and Morgrim.

"Bout time we got that done!  We ain't got time to dawdle, we got to get this boat movin'!" he half stated, half commanded.  "Ain't no wind, we're gonna have to row this beastly ship."

When he heard the noise of paddles slapping the water accompanied by the shouts of the other pirates, his face grew darkly grim.  He skewered Kira and Arnan with hard looks.

"You two, take the bottles of alchemist fire and your bows and keep them damned pirates from boarding while the rest of us find the oars and get to rowin'!"

---

OOC: Actions: organize and set folks in motion.  Search for the oars.

Arnan watched the two Dwarves closely to see if Morgrim handed off anything to his sister, but did not detect anything out of the ordinary -- well, not unless you counted Morgrim's "I'm trying to do something sneaky" look that the Outlander had already noted. ~I'll have to keep an eye on those two . . . they'll make their move sooner or later, but they won't catch me napping,~ Arnan thought to himself.

"You'd better be glad that I was around to pull your chestnuts outta the fire," he retorted when Thane chided him for finishing off the bigger of the two pirates who had been battling the Luskan. "They'd have kicked your ass if I hadn't pitched in to help."

"An' who the bloody hells do you think you are, givin' orders like we're your lackeys?" Arnan questioned, scowling darkly, when Thane began spouting his commands.

But the archer had also heard the tell-tale shouts from the beach, followed by the ominous sounds of oars churning the water. So in spite of the urge to put Thane in his proper place, Arnan moved over to the side of the ship that was closest to the noises, set the jar of Alchemist's Fire down on the deck at his feet, and nocked an arrow . . .

---

OOC:

Arnan has moved over along the gunwale (don't know the proper medieval term for it) nearest to the approaching boats full o' pirates.

My recollection is that he has one (or maybe more) of the jars of Alchemist's Fire, although I forgot to make note of it on his Character Sheet. Does anyone else remember how the jars were divvied up among the party? :)

Thane locates oars near the gunwale, enough for each party member, and a tiller at the rear of the ship. Now that Kira has cut away the anchor, the ship lists the current and given its current trajectory, will eventually crash into the north side of the cove. Action must be taken to avoid this eventuality.

Men, and women, shout as they row their canoes furiously to prevent the adventurers from making away with their prized vessel. It seems the pirate camp is now alerted to something be amiss aboard The Howling Fiend and is rapidly mobilizing in response.

OOC: Need to know who plans on rowing, who plans on manning the tiller, who is spotting (if anyone), etc.

Those planning on rowing need to make an Athletics check.

Those planning on manning the tiller need to make a Dex check.

Those planning on serving as spotters need to make a Perception check.

Remember, everyone but Morgrim is currently at Disadvantage on Saves and Skill checks due to irritability, unease, etc.

The actions I listed above are not the only thing your PCs my attempt, I just listed them out as examples.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 119):

You guys, well Grim and Kira, can tell Dal what to do.  She would have less objections to those two people in her current mood.

Athletics - don't have
Perception - won't be able to use proficiency bonus but it is off of Wis which would be a +3.
Dex check would be at a +1

"All of ye quit yer grousing and get sorted!" Morgrim shouted, cutting through the rancour and discontent. "They're coming!"

"Thane, ye said you know a thing or two about ships? Well this is your ship now! Get is moving!"

"Kira, I need your eyes and your bow with me on the water! None of those boats are going to catch us if I can help it!"

"And the rest of ye, grab an oar and shut up!"

Morgrim planted a kiss on his sister's cheek and headed for the rails.

"You too, Dal. You can thump me after when we're good and safe."

22:39, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Perception.

Thane bristled at being ordered about by Morgrim.  Ironically, he mentally echoed Arnan's earlier retort.  Who the hells does that Earthkin think he is?!? he fumed darkly.

"I'm rowin'!" he pronounced, with heat.  "We need someone with quick hands on the rudder.  Arnan, I reckon you can do it good enough.  It's simple, move it left to go left, right to go right, based on what the lookout calls to ya!"

Thane moved to an oar-lock and got his oar set for action.

"Those bastards ain't getting this ship back!" he snarled.

---

Thane will row.  Here is his check:
10:27, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 17,12.  Athletics w/Disadvantage.

With those rolls, he might have been good enough to steer the ship.  Now he can help make it move faster or better instead.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Sat 03 Feb 2018.

Arnan's eyes narrowed into slits as Morgrim and Thane began competing to see who could bark out the most orders. He also thought back over what Morgrim had said, suspicious that there was some hidden meaning that would give the two Dwarves an advantage when it came to keeping the Black Ice for themselves -- and away from everybody else.

But when push came to shove, he understood that this really wasn't a good time to stand around and argue. After all, the pirates were getting closer with every passing moment, and the sooner they got this tub moving, the better. For a split second he wondered whether he would rather keep the Black Ice away from the pirates or the Dwarves, then shook his head with irritation when he was not able to reach a conclusion. Plus, every time he tried to give serious thought to anything, his head seemed somehow . . . uncomfortable.

So Arnan stopped thinking for the moment and took up position at the back end of the ship, by the thing that, according to what Thane had said, would steer them in different directions. The Luskan called it the rudder, although like all things that had to do with ships, its name meant little to a landsman like Arnan.

~Move this thing to the left and we go left, move it to the right if we want to go right. Sounds pretty simple,~ the Outlander thought to himself.

---

OOC:

12:43, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 2d20+3, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 10,8. Dex Check (Manning the Tiller): w/ Disadvantage.

Here's hoping that moving the tiller left and right is no higher than a DC 10. :)

Dal stopped grumbling and put her hand up to her cheek where Grim had kissed her.  The tender moment passed quickly enough when he then ordered her to take her turn at rowing.  Rowing?!  Really?  With all those taller people around who could pull oars and he wanted her to join them.  Darn right she'd thump him afterwards.

She started to grumble again but did as asked.  She didn't like this place and it was obvious that the men outnumbered the women so they weren't probably going to do something smart right away.  She got "her" oar and sat down and prepared to row.  It couldn't be THAT hard...could it?

ooc:  It didn't work out like it should have with the dice roller but translated it means that I got a 12 for my disadvantaged rowing.

08:58, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 28 using 2d20+1 with rolls of 11,16.  Dal's disadvantage rowing method.

Hengar takes up position on the opposite side of the ship from Thane, drops an oar into the water and sets his back into the task. The tribal warrior executes his task with clean fluid motions that suggest he is no rookie to such work.

Kira scurries into another rowing station as best she is able and likewise lends her muscle to the task.

The Howling Fiend lurches away from the cove with each pull, gliding through the fog-shrouded waters, her demonic screaming prow piercing omenously through the misty veil. From his vantage point atop the crow's nest, Morgrim calls down directions as best he is able, navigating his companions through the narrow channel, one false move risking certain disaster for the fleeing crew.

Derrick the Drownder's crew is now on full alert and the adventurers hear the sound of several row boats' oars splashing into the water. Pirates call out to one another in an attempt to coordinate their efforts. "There she is! Starboard! Starboard!"

"Pull right! Heave ho!"

"Don't let 'em get away with The Fiend!"

The men, and women, cry out these and other things as the adventurers slip into the channel drawing ever nearer to Lac Dinneshere, where they will most certainly make good on their escape.

But the chase is on!

Through the fog, Morgrim spots two rowboats, four pirates aboard each, all rowing their hearts out in a desperate bid to draw even with The Howling Fiend!

OOC: Everyone can take another action...

Surveying the activity from high overhead, Morgrim waits until the advancing canoes are in range and then turns nature's wrath loose upon them. Grasping, icy seaweed tendrils snake between the boats like sea serpents and wrap them tight, clutching at oars and binding hands to paddles. All the while he continues to call out directions, guiding the Fiend out of the channel into open water.

Casting Entangle with Morgrim's last spell slot to catch both boats.

Thane could hear the voices of the pursuing pirates loud and clear above the slapping sound of oars hitting the water.  His blood was up!

"Row, damn you, row with all you got!" he thundered at his fellows.  Truth be told his mentors were all from the old school of "the beatings will continue until morale improves" mindset, and even though he personally didn't like that mentality, in times of high stress he'd pop off with the same kinds of sayings that he had heard so many times before in his life.

Besides, he just couldn't tolerate the thought of losing the ship to those scummy pirates.  He and his fellows were sent to reclaim the whole ship with the black ice ram, and that's exactly what they were going to do!

---

Action: Row like a madman
11:49, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 19 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 14,18.  Athletics Check w/Disadvantage.

~Good, good, that'll be one less spell that he'll have available to use on the rest of us when the Dwarves make their play for the Black Ice,~ Arnan thought to himself as he heard Morgim casting from on high. The Outlander also heard Thane bellowing out orders, and he did his best to ignore the annoying Luskan.

One thing that Arnan did pay attention to was the directions about steering the Howling Fiend that Morgrim shouted down to him. All was going well when his hand momentarily slipped from the wooden tiller that had grown slick with the damp from the thick fog. But as Luck would have it, he recovered quickly and mouthed a silent prayer of thanks to Tymora, hoping that no harm had been done.

---

OOC:

12:04, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 2d20+3, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 5,9. Dex Check (Manning the Tiller): w/ Disadvantage.

12:05, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 13 using 2d20+3, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 12,10. Luck Die Re-Roll.

Was afraid to let that 8 stand. :) Arnan has 2 of his 3 Luck Die remaining (refreshes after the next long rest).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Wed 07 Feb 2018.

Morgrim's druidic magic ensnares the rowboats in pursuit. This, coupled with Arnan, Dalgura, Hengar, Kira and Thane's coordinated efforts to row and steer the dread vessel through the narrow channel, gives the Howling Fiend the edge she needs to pull away from her pursuers.

Slipping beyond the shelter of the low hills on either side of the channel, the Fiend's mainsail ripples as she glides into the open waters of Lac Dinneshere. Beyond the gloomy veil cast all about them, the adventurers hear panicked and feverish wails of despair as Derrick the Drownder's gang realizes it has lost possession of their prized ship.

The Howling Fiend has been captured!

Unfortunately, everyone aboard the ship, save for Morgrim, is incredibly edgy and irritable, their thoughts beginning to drift to dark and evil places as the Fiend's sails flap in the rushing gale. A wave of suspicion and jealousy washes over the ship and it is difficult to celebrate this victory...

"We're in the clear!" Morgrim shouted down exuberantly from the crow's nest. He began to climb down the rigging at once. "Now lets make sure there's no one else still aboard down below and then lets scuttle this two-bit rowboat!"

Kira had chaffed a little at being ordered around and she knew she wasn't strong but Thane was a sailor and the others were far more experienced in life so she'd buckled down and hoped once they were in the clear the horrible thoughts and feelings she was having would subside.  At first she'd done what was necessary and then she'd joined in the fighting with a bit more zest, telling herself they were going to hurt the people who had become her new family.

Now that they were clear and the wind was in the sails, she let go of the oar and looked around at the others.  "I say once we're out a little further set the damned thing on fire and let it go down.  We've got our small boat and can get away.  No sense in risking our hides out in this insufferable cold anymore and that way no one else can use this thing to hurt anyone else," she halfway growled.  She tried to look behind them, her gaze deadly as she felt protective of her pack.

In reply to Kira (msg # 131):

"I don't like this place and want to leave it.  Sink the boat but make sure we are safe on land or something when we do.  Dwarves shouldn't be on boats!"

Even as proud as she was at her brother for letting them get away, she knew that he still had a thumping due.  Running off without her, giving orders and showing off with his magical skills.  Really!  She wouldn't even go there on thinking why everybody else was all grumpy.

Arnan scowled at all the talk about sinking the boat. "Why would we want to do something stupid like that?" he growled.

"We had to work damned hard to get our hands on the Black Ice that's on the ram -- with mayhaps some more stored away elsewhere," the Outlander added, scowling at Morgrim as if he suspected the Dwarf of hiding some of the precious material down in the hold -- which, indeed, was precisely what he was thinking.

"Why the hells would we want to sink something that valuable to the bottom of the lake?"

"Valuable?" Morgrim said incredulously. "This ice has brought nothing but misery to the dwarves that mined it and the townsfolk they've sold it to. I don't want to sink it to the bottom of the lake. Its a crime against the fish. But barring a gate opens to the pits of Tartarus and we can steer the ship on through, the bottom of the lake will have to do."

Without wasting more breath on the matter, Morgrim headed below decks intent on making sure there were no other stowaways who might drown if and when the boat went under.

Thane stood up from his oar once the sails caught wind and let out an exultant shout.

"Yeeeeeeah!  Serves ya right, ya pirate scum!" he hollered into the misty spaces behind the moving boat.  He glared fiercely at Kira, who had been rowing in front of him, his expression a curious mix of fury, satisfaction, pride, and admiration.  Maybe something more than mere admiration?

"You worked that oar well!  There's really more to you than meets the eye!" he congratulated her.  Then the back and forth between Morgrim and Arnan evoked a change in Thane's face.  Something base - anger, maybe? - took hold and the warrior turned and looked betwixt the two men.

"Sink the whole boat?  There may be some spoils here yet which ought to go back to the townsfolk!" he protested, agreeing quite by accident with the irritatingly opportunistic (and wimpy!) archer.  Or maybe we could just keep any booty to ourselves, not like we didn't earn it! he thought darkly.

"I don't like this boat much, but the speaker wanted her intact if possible.  Maybe we can just lop off the black ice ram and sail the ramless Fiend back to port?" he suggested.

---

Thane will move forward and examine how the black ice ram is affixed to the boat to get an idea for how difficult or easy it would be to dismount it or literally lop it off with axes.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Fri 09 Feb 2018.

Morgrim searches from room to room and then within the cramped cargo hold but does not find any stowaways aboard The Howling Fiend.

Meanwhile, Thane draws nearer to the black ice battering ram affixed to the front of the pirate ship, and can't help but notice the exquisite craftsmanship that went into its fabrication. The detail of the ram is exceptional, a work of art of the highest order. The ship is aptly named in likeness of the ram, a Howling Fiend instilling terror on all who behold her magnificence on the chill waters of these northern lands.

A crew could make a decent go with a ship such as this...

Returning his attention to the task at hand, Thane notices the beautiful armored beak is about 8 feet long. The driving center, bottom plate, and cowl are securely affixed to the ship with mortise and tenon joints. Each of these is strengthened with sturdy oak pegs and reinforced with metal banding at critical points.

It would be a difficult task removing the ram without the proper tools, particularly out on open waters and not in dry dock. Not impossible though.

Of course, removing it would diminish her majesty. But what other things of wonder might be constructed with so much black ice?

Weapons? Sure. Armor? Yes.

So many possibilities...

Morgrim emerges from below and drops a bundle of assorted weapons onto the deck, taking one dagger for himself. Stalking over to the edge he hurls a small black charm on a leather thong as far as his arm will carry it into the waves.

"If ye think we can get the ram off, lets get it off," he says, turning to offer his muscle. "Otherwise we sink her."

Coin to party treasury please: 15 gp, 42 sp and 22 cp.

Weapons remaining:
4 maces
3 scimitars
4 daggers
2 crossbows
15 bolts

Additionally, the Bosun has a small black ice charm in the shape of raven in profile affixed to a leather thong, which he wears as a pendant around his neck. (Discarded)

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 137):

"I'm not sure I want any of those weapons.  I have my own that I trust and at least I know that mine aren't cursed."

Dal then went over to Morgrim and slugged his arm.  "There.  Now consider yourself thumped.  You were taking foolish chances out there."  She glared at Morgrim for good measure.

"Course I was," Morgrim said smiling. "Couldn't let anything happen to you. Mum would kill me again on the other side."

Hengar crosses the deck in Morgrim's direction but appears to be addressing the party as a whole, "Seems foolish to sink this ship."

"We should keep it for ourselves!" Hengar says. "We fought for it. It's rightly ours!"

Thane ambled back from his examination of the prow.  His eyes were filled with wonder!

"I agree!  That prow is so fine, it would be a crime to sink it to the depths.  I don't like pirates or piracy but that black ice could be made into the finest weapons and armor..." he trailed off, dreamy-like.

"Oh, for the love of..." Morgrim turned and hurled a ball of flame at the unattended flasks of alchemical fire that Arnan had left on the deck of the ship in preparation for the boarding parties. Together they exploded into a mess of oily flame that quickly caught and began to creep along the boards and up the rigging.

"Well you'd better lop it off quickly, cause ye don't have long!" Morgrim said, striding towards the boarding vessel they'd tied on.

"When the lot of you are done trying to crew the ship of the damned, I'll be waiting for you in the life boat."

Produce flame targeting unattended object. Assumes no one is standing next to the vials.

Kira had noticed the look in Thane's eyes and in spite of her irritability, she smiled wickedly.  "Only just now noticing are ya?" she replied when he said there was more to her than met the eye.  Yet there were other things going on and as much as she liked being appreciated, for whatever reason, she was easily distracted away from that moment.  "Ooooo, I like the thought of just getting rid of the ram," she said, casting a wary look at the thing that Thane was going to inspect.

Thane and Hengar both spoke of keeping the ship and Kira couldn't deny she felt the attraction but there was also that prickling sensation she didn't quite understand, the feeling that something was wrong and threatening her very existence as well as those around her.  "I don't like the black ice ... it turned Grim and Dal's people against them," she said as she moved to the big guys, her small hands patting at them plaintively.  "What if it does that to us?  You're ... you're the only family I got ... and I don't wanna lose you."

Then Grim took action, setting one of the vials afire and the flames licked quickly along the rigging.  "C'mon!" she called out, tugging at Thane and Hengar then dashing over to Arnan to pull at him too.  She wasn't normally afraid of fire but burning alive didn't set well with her and drowing in the icy depths didn't appeal either.  "Get to the dingy and let's go ... back to warmth and food and ... family," she pleaded then scurried over to the side where they'd tied the dingy.

"What are you doing?!?" Thane thundered at Morgrim when the plucky druid cast down fire and engulfed a portion of the Fiend in flames.  A wave of unreasonable hostility swept over the Luskan fighter but the man stood still.

Flames.

On the boat.

Spreading.

A sudden pain in his head made Thane drop to one knee and press his right hand to his eyes.  "What is happening to me?!?!" he cried out in no small anguish.

Arnan nodded in agreement as Hengar gave voice to his thoughts about keeping The Howling Fiend -- the barbarian's comments were in line with what Arnan himself (and Thane, too) had been saying.

Morgim soon cut the discussion short, however, by setting the bottles of Alchemist's Fire aflame. Arnan watched in horror as the flames began to lick at the wood of and rigging of the boat.

"Godsdammit!" he shouted, flashing an angry look at Morgrim as he glanced around to see if the pirates had some barrels of sand standing by -- or anything else that might be used to put out fires aboard-ship.

The pirate crew of The Howling Fiend would not be worth their salt if they did not keep a ready supply of sand for contingencies such as errant or intentional fire.

Arnan finds several barrels of sand nearby for just this purpose. There is now a small fire burning aboard the deck, but it certainly has not had enough time to expand to uncontainable proportions.

OOC: DC15 Dex check to attempt to contain the fire.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 146):

A quick glance showed Arnan what he was looking for, and he quickly moved over to a barrel of sand that was on-deck. He cursed under his breath as his hands slipped on the fog-dampened wood of the barrel, but then he managed to get a firm grip and dumped the contents of the barrel on the fire that the foolish Dwarf had started.

Arnan had no idea why Morgrim wanted to sink The Howling Fiend -- the only thing that he could think of was that it would keep the Black Ice out of everyone else's hands, and would give the resourceful Dwarves an opportunity to reach the shipwreck by tunneling under the lake-bed.

~Clever bastard!~ the Outlander thought to himself as he set about attempting to un-do what Morgrim had set in motion.

---

OOC:

18:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 2d20+3, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 3,6. Puttin' Out the Fire (Dex Check; DC 15).

Notes: I checked the wrong box on the Dice-Roller -- the result should be a 6. Either result is  a Failure, obviously.

18:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 15 using 2d20+3, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 12,14. Luck Die Re-Roll. Success!

Notes: Arnan has 1 of 3 Luck Dice remaining. Shane, I am assuming that Arnan is still acting under the influence of the Black Ice. :)

They were so close to getting off the ship, the fire supposed to get them moving but then Arnan had to be stubborn and found some sand to start throwing on it and Kira's temper snapped.  Her family was being threatened!  First it was the pirates and now it was the blasted ship.  Yes the black ice was purportedly a great treasure but for someone like Kira who only truly desired family, her jealousy and anger focused on a different level.

"NO!  YOU'D RATHER KEEP THIS STINKING SHIP THAN ME ... THAN ALL OF US?" she cried out and flung herself in front of Arnan, trying to stop him from putting out the fire.  Tears welled in her eyes as she tried to punch at his chest and arms, her frustration and hurt from over her lifetime finally rushing out of her.  It was a display she would never have shown to anyone, showing just how vulnerable she truly felt inside.

That was when something inside of her snapped and her face turned blood red.  Whatever hold it was the black ice had on her was gone and she suddenly backed away from Arnan.  "It's the black ice!  You have to fight this ... all of you!" she cried out to all of them.  "It's making us act in ways we normally wouldn't.  Greed and hate and everything we all stand against.  Let it go ... let the damn thing sink," she pleaded.

"What? What're you talking about? There's nothing wrong with the Black Ice," Arnan replied, giving an irritated shake of his head, when Kira made her impassioned plea.

"And there's no way I'm lettin' that stinkin' Dwarf sink the boat out from under us. He just wants all of the Black Ice for them -- him and his sister!" the Outlander muttered under his breath as he turned back to the task of getting the fire put out.

---

OOC:

11:21, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 2d20-1, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,9. Charisma Save w/ Advantage (DC 15). Failure.

11:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 2d20-1, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 12,5. Luck Die Re-Roll.

Arnan did not make his Save, but on the bright side of things, he has no more Luck Die to apply towards frustrating the efforts of his companions. :)

Dal stepped back when she saw the fire start and all the people arguing.

"Sure!  Sure!  Didn't ya know that Dwarves just LOOOOOVE water?  That is is our secret?  Don't be daft!  We came to stop the boat from taking over others and that's what he did but if you want to fight, you'll have to fight me too!"

She knew that it was the black ice but she wasn't sure how to stop it's affect.  THEN the idea that her brother might get injured, and this time not because of his own clumsiness, cleared her head.

"You're right Kira.  It's the black ice.  It makes people distrust each other.  We have fought side by side.  Don't give in to it now!"

Ooc:  Dal made her save at a 16.

"Kira is...right," Hengar says while grabbing his temple with a free hand. "It's the black ice. It seeks to turn us against one another..." he says with newfound certainty.

"What's this craziness?" Thane blurted out, the pain in his mind passing by quickly.  Conflicting emotions and thoughts warred with the visible chaos on the deck.  The warrior stumbled to his feet and made his way towards Arnan, apparently in an attempt to help the archer put out the fires on the deck.  But the sandy boards messed up his footing and Thane went down in a heap near the now-empty sand barrel!

"Ungggh!" he grunted and scrambled to get up again.  "That Black Ice is valuable!  We have to get it back to port so's we can profit by it!" he objected strongly, blatantly going against everyone else's opinion but Arnan's.

---

14:49, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 6 using 2d20, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 5,6.  CHA Save DC15 w/advantage.
16:10, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 1 using 2d20, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 6,1.  DC15 DEX Check (assist Arnan) w/disadv.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Wed 14 Feb 2018.

OOC: Everyone make a perception check...

The party hears the sound of splashing oars and shouting in the not too far distance. The pirates have not given up on chasing down the adventurers!

"O'er there!" one man calls out. "I see fire! They're burnin' 'er! Quickly! Don' let 'em burn 'er!!!"

The fog is still quite dense, but the voices sound quite near.

"Idjits," Morgrim muttered, rushing to the rail of the ship to peer into the mists. "Bloody, foolish idjits."

"Had to squelch the fire. Well now we've got a fight on our hands and we can't abandon ship else they'll take it right back."

DM is the fire out or merely contained?

The fire is merely contained, still smoldering at a few points, but certainly not a raging inferno.

Thane roughly pushed himself up to his feet, his nostrils flaring in and out like those of a winded horse.

"They'nt gettin' this boat back!" he growled.  Forgetting for the moment the matter of the smoldering embers on the deck, and the misgivings of his fellows over the Black Ice, Thane sprang into action regarding the sails and the rigging.

"Someone get back on the rudder and steer this boat while I trim the sails and get us movin' at speed!"

---

OOC: Thane, if you need a skill check for Thane to trim out the sails, please let me know what sort that would be.

Thane sets the sail and moments later the Howling Fiend begins swiftly gliding away from the panicked shouts. Soon, those cries are no longer heard over the flapping of the wind-filled sails.

Hearing the pirates didn't make Kira's mood any better, but at least she wasn't enthralled anymore and she wiped the wetness from her cheeks as she considered options but Thane moved quickly and managed to get them gliding quickly away.  "Good job, Thane!" Kira called out, even if his motivations were not quite what they should be and she glared at the black ice.  Moving over to where the ram was, she looked it over a bit like Arnan had but with a different thought process.

---

OOC:  If it can't be hacked off easily, will one of the flasks of alchemist fire do the trick?  Burn off just that part?

"They damn sure ain't!" Arnan muttered in agreement with Thane's statement about the pirates not getting The Howling Fiend back under their control. As the Luskan jumped to deploy the sails, Arnan responded to Thane's call for someone to man the rudder. "I'm on it!" he replied. It helped that this time, the landsman actually knew what the rudder was and how it worked.

Once Thane had set the sails, The Howling Fiend shot forward, easily leaving the pirates behind, howling their frustation. "Ha, ha! Kiss my ass, losers!" Arnan chortled, shouting back in the direction where the rowboats had disappeared into the fog.

Dal stopped herself from  saying "why are you trimming sails."  To her, trimming something meant cutting something...trim beards, trim hair, trim cloth, but she thought it must be a nautical term so she just shut up.

Dal looked around and then at the others.  "Shouldn't we search the ship?  To make sure that there isn't anybody else on board and to see if they burned their food?"  Dal was sure that she remembered the smell of food cooking when they climbed on board.  Maybe that was why everybody was so edgy.  While she knew that REALLY wasn't the answer, she knew that being hungry didn't help either.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Fri 16 Feb 2018.

"That's more like it!" Thane exulted as the pursuing pirates were left in the "spray", so to speak.  Satisfied that the sails were trimmed properly, he turned his attention to the others, especially Morgrim.

"Whad'ye mean, tryin' to burn the boat with us on it?" He jerked a thumb back towards the Black Ice ram.  "The speaker wants the boat intact, if possible, you fool," he spat.  The black ice was clearly still affecting his mood (not that Thane knew it).

He spied Kira examining the ram up close.  "You're wasting your time, Kira.  That's mounted about as well as any ram I've ever seen.  Built to not come off when ships collide, ya know, sturdy as a prize ox!"

Then his expression brightened and a cunning look surfaced.  "And what's this bunk about the ice getting in our heads?  Can't you see how valuable it is, what wonders can be made of it?  Now that I've seen it myself, I think we'd be idiots to just sink it into the deep.  That stuff could make us rich if we just run somewheres else with it..."

While others are discussing the ship's disposition, Kira slips away toward the prow to get a closer look at how it is affixed to the ship. Burning the strange battering ram off the ship, without compromising the ship's integrity, looks like it will be extremely difficult. However, it does look like it would be possible to use some finesse to accomplish the same feat, without destroying the ship in the process.

Kira determines it's really no different than disarming a trap...and she has just the tools to do it!

Kira had blocked out what was being said and done by the others, focusing on the ram to try to figure out how to get rid of the dang thing when a little something clicked in her mind.  "Well why not give it a try," she muttered to herself.  Taking out her tools, she wriggled about and situated herself as best she could so that she could safely try to 'disarm' the ram.

---

08:48, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Tools.

Kira laces her legs through the ship's railing and hangs upside down to gain better access to the mortise and tenon joints. Then, with tools in hand, the rogue goes to work while her companions are top-side, discussing things and seeing to the ship's navigation.

The task turns out to be not very difficult and Kira quickly works through the process of dislodging the lustrous, black ice battering ram.

Then, support joints removed, the demon-prow falls free of its own accord, and splashes noisily into the icy water!

PLUNK!

Then, at that precise moment, a chill gale howls across the ship. The fierce wind catches the sail and the boat lurches sideways violently, throwing everyone aboard equally as violently. It's all anyone can do to grab hold of something before they are tossed overboard!!!

OOC: Dexterity Saving Throws please.

"Kiraaaaa!  What are you doeeeyoweeee...!" Thane exclaimed as he saw the plucky lass tinkering at the ram and it suddenly plopped into the water and the Fiend lurched like a bucking horse under the sudden gale of winds.

He scramble to grab hold of something, anything, that would help him from tumbling over the gunwales and into the icy waters!

---

14:29, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  DEX save.

Dal suddenly found herself in the air and when she came down it was in water.

"MORGRIIIIIM!!!!!"

Dal quickly put her hand on her holy symbol, gather some comfort in it as she silent made a prayer to her goddess and tried not to panic.  ~Oh Great Goddess please help me!  Help all who enter these freezing waters but if you don't mind...me first!~

Arnan was still looking out over the back end of the ship, peering into the fog in the direction where the pirates' boats had last been seen.

If he had been looking in the right direction, he might have seen the fierce winds churning the waters of the lake as they neared the ship, and had a moment to brace himself. Woulda-coulda-shoulda . . .

As it was, the wind slamming into the ship and tipping it to the side took him entirely by surprise. He grabbed for the wooden tiller, hoping to steady himself, but missed . . .

"Oh, shhh . . . !" he growled, the blustery winds drowning out the tail-end portion of his words.

---

OOC:

15:52, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1. Acrobatics Check.

I rolled an Acrobatics Check instead of a straight Dex Check, since an Acrobatics Check is specifically said to apply  to "your attempt to stay on your feet in a tricky situation, such as when you're trying to . . . stay upright on a rocking ship's deck" (p. 176, PHB). Obviously, it didn't help!

"Aye!" Morgrim angrily spat back at Thane. "The speaker wants the boat intact, if possible, you bloody big lummox. Its not possible! That ice is chilling your brain!"

"Those pirates were little better than rabid dogs at the end, and if ye don't watch yerself ye won't be far behind!"

Just then the ram gave way under Kira's light touch and the deck began to heave violently. Morgrim weathered the tossing waves like he'd been born to the sea, a strange state of affairs for most dwarves. Seeing that his sister was not so skilled he reached out to try to steady her before she went over the edge.

Another natural 20 save. The dice gods are looking out for Morgrim.
16:10, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 21 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 20.  Dex.

Good thing you burnt all your luck dice Arnan! ;)

Morgrim will try to grab Dal before she pitches over the edge.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Fri 16 Feb 2018.

Hengar lurches forward and reaches out to grab a loose rope to avoid being thrown over the side of the Howling Fiend.

Kira, Morgrim and Thane also manage to grab hold of something, but Arnan and Dalgura are tossed violently to the deck, both skidding out of control toward the edge of the ship...

OOC: Arnan and Dalgura can make another DEX saving throw or Acrobatics check (both DSC 10) to avoid being tossed over the side. Dalgura will make it at advantage, since Morgrim is nearby and stated he will attempt to grab her.

Failure means the character is over the side and into the drink.

Arnan had never slid across the deck of a ship before, but he had slid on sheets of ice -- which, to his mind, was slicker and more slippery than the wet wood of The Howling Fiend's deck-timbers.

So, the experience was not entirely foreign to the Outlander. Thus, as he felt himself careening towards the side-rail of the ship where he would, he knew, be pitched into the frigid waters of the lake, Arnan had the presence of mind to reach out and halt his out-of-control sliding by grabbing hold of a loose rope.

---

OOC:

11:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11. Acrobatics Check (DC 10). Success!

There was an inelegant shriek from where Kira still dangled by her legs, arms windmilling as she tried to plaster herself against the ship so she wouldn't be tossed about like a rag doll being shook by a dog.  "Not good," she muttered and as soon as the ship evened out was scrambling up to the deck, her tools secure in the pouch.  She hoped no one would comment on her scream.  A rogue had her image of always cool under pressure after all!  "Everyone okay?" she asked, hoping perhaps the effects of the black ice might be wearing off.

Both Arnan and Dalgura manage to grab hold of something solid, thereby preventing their decidedly unheroic deposition into the icy lake.

The adventurers hear a howling shriek, or perhaps it's just the wind, as the ship slams back down into the water. The ship displaces a large amount of water as it comes back down onto the lake's surface, but eventually, the ship rights itself and the party sails away from the shore...out into open water.

A short time later, the party sees another ship cut through the fog, The Lilting Tern. Captain Ryev shouts short phrases of encouragement over the screaming wind, his face beaming upon seeing the adventurers in control of the magnificent vessel. Captain Ryev gestures for the adventurers to follow him. The Captain is a master at his craft and he effortlessly hops to and fro, getting The Tern to respond to his expert guiding.

Captain Ryev sails straight toward Caer Dineval, looking over his shoulder several times to ensure the adventurers follow along in his wake.

Arnan thumped back down on the deck of The Howling Fiend, which seemed to have righted herself and to no longer be pitching and rolling wildly. The Outlander had heard winds shriek and howl before, but this seemed somehow . . . different . . . almost as if something evil were giving voice to its displeasure. He glanced around on all sides, and was relieved that he did not glimpse any sort of a water-beast that was responsible for all the noise and commotion.

Arnan felt light-headed, and he suddenly realized that the ship was missing its Black-Ice ram -- a fact that he had overlooked in all the goings-on. He briefly closed his eyes and massaged his forehead, then shook his head as if to clear it of mental cobwebs. He knew that  just because one event followed another, it did not necessarily mean that the two were related. But until someone convinced him otherwise, he was inclined to think that the Black Ice had somehow poisoned his mind, influencing him to think and say all manner of things that would not ordinarily occur to him.

Just about then, Captain Reyv and his ship appeared out of the swirling fog, and the experienced lake-sailor began shouting and gesturing for those aboard The Howling Fiend to follow him. Since Arnan had been manning the rudder, he took up position there once again, steering the captured vessel so as to follow the veteran Reyv's lead.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Mon 19 Feb 2018.

Following Ryev's lead, the adventurers sail through the morning, bound toward Caer Dineval. The wind picks up and the fog clears. Soon, the lakeside village appears in the distance, its clifftop fortifications overlooking the fishing vessels operating in and around Knucklehead Harbor.

Several tense moments pass as the adventurers bring the ship into port, villagers nervously spying the Howling Fiend's return and perhaps expecting another surprise attack. Of course, none comes, as she no longer carries that dread black ice battering ram and is sailed by friends of the village.

Tense moments turn to bouts of impromptu celebration as it becomes clear the prized vessel has been captured, intact. The adventurers pull into port under a heroes' welcome, as its normally stoic denizens marvel at this welcome turn of events. The Speaker of Caer-Dineval is soon on the scene. He too congratulates the adventurers on capturing the village's ship and suggests they regale the village with tales of how they bested Derrick the Drownder...at the Uphill Climb, of course.

Speaker Siever further suggests, "Drinks on me, ALL AROUND!" This is met with a chorus of cheers and hurrahs. Nearly the entire village spills out onto the docks, their faces a mask of relief and joy. It's all the adventurers can do to avoid being carried aloft, all the way up to an awaiting tavern, where taps run freely and the day promises to slip away in a riot of song, dance and festive cheer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Mon 19 Feb 2018.

Never one to refuse a pint, Morgrim none the less makes a point of cornering Siever early in the evening. It was necessary to be forthright if for no other reason than to make sure the harbor was well watched that night.

"We outwitted Derrick," he confided in the burly man. "Bested his bosun and ship's crew and stole the vessel out from under his nose, but we never spied Derrick himself."

"He's out there still, in the icebergs, with who can say how many men. They have canoes, but nothing larger. They won't catch a fishing boat at sail, but they might paddle right up to your pier if they think they can get away with it. Make sure the watchtowers are lit tonight, or whatever it is you have looking over the harbor. I wouldn't put it past him to try to take back the boat."

"In fact, I wouldn't mind sleeping on the boat tonight in case he tries."

Thane sat in the tavern, enjoying his free rounds.  It had been quite a loooong day, tense and difficult, but worthwhile in ways he couldn't put into words.  He made the rounds, taking a few moments to speak with each of his companions in turn.

To Arnan he went first, extending a hand to the wiry archer.  "You'd make a fine rudderman if you ever decided to put down your bow," he joked.  He knew Arnan's type and was sure he'd not change vocation.  "That black ice sure gave me some funny thoughts," he confided, sneaking a glance at Kira, "at one point I was convinced you were going to try to steal away with the stuff and I was just about ready to knock you off'n the boat.  Sure glad I didn't, seein' how things worked out."  He tilted his mug in honor of the archer and ambled over to talk a moment with Morgrim.

"We're lucky you fought like the devil itself, and kept your head, Morgrim," Thane said a bit sheepishly.  "That damned black ice playin' with everyone heads was near the ruin of us all."  Then Thane swallowed a bit of pride and leaned down to say something quietly in Morgim's ear.  [Private to group Dwarvish: "I'm sorry I was such a bigfacedummybutt.  Dark frostedbits gave me big bad feels.  Many thankings for you!"]  Thane straightened up and nodded respectfully to the tough druid, then tottered off towards Dalgura.

He'd been drinking quite a bit, even for a big Luskan!

He smiled big at the tender hearted cleric.  "We did it!" he laughed, remembering the fight against the crewmen of the Howling Fiend.  "Probably best that them pirates went down fighting as I don't think they'd enjoy rotting in the town dungeon.  There's just some folks you can't save even if you want to," he continued, sneaking another glance Kira's way.  "You done good, Dalgura.  Real good!"  He raised his mug in her honor, then sauntered over to talk with Hengar.

"I'm real glad you joined up with us, Hengar," Thane clopped the man on the shoulder.  "You mightn't think it, but you have the heart of a soldier.  Reliable.  Tough.  Sensible."  Thane took a pull from his mug followed by a deep, centering breath.  "And I'm right thankful for you teachin' me how your folks fight.  I really have learned a thing or two my Luskan Armsmasters don't even know.  you and your people are Good Folk in my book."  Thane stuck out his hand and shook the Luskan with the customary barbarian forearm to forearm warrior handshake.

Then he set his shoulders and straightened up a bit, and wove his way across the tavern room to where Kira was.  He tipped his head to her when he caught her eye.  "That was quite some thing you did, Kira," he praised her.  "I looked at that dreaded ram and didn't see no way to get it off'n there that wouldn't take at least a quarter hour of hackin' with axes.  An' you dropped it in, what, quicker'n I can count to fifty?!?"  He smiled at her and shook his head.  That look was still there.  "You sure are good with your tools.  Figures, though.  You're a Luskan!" he grinned, then looked down towards his feet.  A couple seconds passed then he leaned over and whispered something in her ear.

[Private to Kira: "I've paid for the biggest bath this place has to offer.  I'm gonna go get me a loooooong soakin'.  Be a shame for me to waste all o' that water on plain ol' me when it surely can handle two.  I reckon' there ain't nobody here better'n you to share it with.  Actually, I'm damn certain there ain't!  Come join me and thaw your bones.  Soakin'...more than soakin'...'sup to you."] he said, all serious but also genuine and sincere, then a sheepish grin took over and he winked at her.  He straightened up, drained the last of his mug, set it down on the table, then sauntered off into the back of the tavern.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

Morgrim barked a laugh over top of his ale. "Aye, well, I'm glad you and I found a ship we both could fight for, Thane Harkensen," he said, hearkening back to the Luskanite's words in the Dwarven Valley.

"Figuratively and literally. And I've about ground this axe long enough. Apology accepted."

"Can't imagine we'll be allowed to buy our drinks tonight, but when you go looking for the hair of the dog that bit ye come tomorrow, first round's on me."

The remainder of the trip back to Caer Dineval's harbor was uneventful, but docking The Howling Fiend proved to be a bit more troublesome than Arnan had anticipated. He had not had occasion to look for the ship's hand-brake -- a useful contraption that he was used to from the few times that he had been in the driver's seat of a wagon -- but as he neared the docks and was ready to halt the forward progress of the boat, he was chagrined to find that she was apparently not equipped with a brake.

As a result, The Howling Fiend slammed into one of the docks with more force than was usual for incoming vessels, accompanied by an audible "Whump!" and a shudder that was felt throughout the ship. Luckily the impact was not severe enough to throw anyone off of their feet nor significantly damage either the boat or the dock, but it left Arnan red-faced nonetheless. "Sorry!" he called out, giving a wave to one and all. "It seems that I'm a landsman through and through, and I'll admit to being more than a little eager to be back on solid ground again!"

A little to Arnan's surprise, The Howling Fiend's bumpy arrival with him at the rudder did little to dampen the enthusiasm with which the adventurers -- and the erstwhile pirate vessel -- were welcomed by the townsfolk. Speaker Siever himself soon arrived at dockside, and -- even more surprisingly to the Outlander, given the man's previous display of a rather grumpy disposition -- offered drinks to one and all, at his own expense.

Once the throng had reached The Uphill Climb tavern, beer and ale were indeed flowing freely, and Arnan accepted a mug. Thane made a point of seeking out the Outlander and complimenting his rudder-work in spite of Arnan's using the dock to halt The Howling Fiend's forward motion. Arnan's first impression was that the Luskan's comments were tongue-in-cheek and that Thane was making fun of him, but the big man gave every impression of being earnest.

True to his nature as a man who was often off on his own and alone with his thoughts, Arnan was not especially glib in his reply. He chose not to comment on his rudder-work or Thane's admission that he had come close to tossing the scout overboard, and simply agreed "Aye, that Black Ice . . . it did put some odd thoughts into my head, that's for damned sure."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

Dal hugged the nearest person when the ship bumped into the dock.  Her hug was actually more like squeezing tightly for fear of being dumped into the water.  When it became obvious that she was going to be on dry land, Dal disengaged herself and smiled.

"Well that was an adventure!  Let me see the dock area.  Perhaps I can do something about that."

Dal looked at the dock to see if it was damaged and if so if she could do her Mend cantrip on it.  It wasn't the docks fault that it got bumped into.  AFter all, it was just sitting there and then the next thing you knew...whump...from a ship.  At least it wasn't the black ice!

When Kira realized everyone was okay, she let out a huge sigh of relief.  Neither Thane nor Arnan swept down upon her, fists or weapons in hand to murder her for dropping the battering ram and that was another relief.  Then their previous ride appeared and they were headed back to town, all in one piece and no longer under the influence.  HUZZAH!  The reaction of the townsfolk surprised her though and she found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed as they were herded along to The Uphill Climb for drinks.  She didn't deny herself drinks either, finding herself a spot close to the fireplace yet sort of in the shadows too.

So far no one had said anything about her crying and acting like such a baby, another bit of relief that made her knees weak though she would never want anyone to know.  She was on her third (or was it fourth?) mug, watching everyone surreptitiously as a mellowness settled about her.  Better not have a fourth ... lips tingling means I'll soon be dancing on the tables, she thought to herself as her eyes drifted from Arnan to Hengar to Thane.  Or trying to lure the three of them somewhere ...  They were three fine men, all spectacular in their own ways.

She watched as Thane moved to Arnan and grinned as they spoke, looking all manly.  Thane moved on to Hengar and and again she felt her mind slipping more into fanciful daydreams.  Enough time had passed she had found each man more than reliable and good hearted ... and enough time to find each one desirable.  Morgrim even had his qualities but Dal was like a sister she never had and by extension Grim felt like a brother.  Funny how she thought of them all as family but her thoughts strayed with the big guys.

Through her musings Thane had talked to Dal and Grim but she hadn't noticed, her mind wandering as she warmed near the fire.  The light around her dimmed and she blinked, then looked up to see Thane standing there blocking some of the light.  "Heyla," she said and was about to offer him a seat when he brought up the ram, making her laugh when he called her a Luskan.  "Nahhhh, sometimes I'm just good at figuring out puzzles and got lucky it worked.  I grew up in Luskan but I'm actually from somewhere around these parts," she said as she fingered the antler pendant.

He didn't say anything about all that though and leaned down to whisper in her ear.  He said his piece and then sauntered off, leaving her sitting there a little slack-jawed until she picked up her mug and drained the last dregs so she didn't look quite so stupid.  From the heat emanating from her, she knew her face was bright red and that made her turn even redder.  She'd just been sitting there with such fanciful thoughts going on and then ... "Oi it's warm in here," she muttered, wondering what had happened to her since she'd left that rathole and traveled north.

What should she do?  So many thoughts started racing around in her mind and when she looked up again, she saw Dal.  Another woman ... and a cleric to boot!  She'd shown a lot of wisdom along the way.  "Pssst!" she hissed and gave Dal a little wave that was a touch on the frantic side, hoping to draw her to her since there was a modicum of privacy there in her little corner.

Dal looked around but didn't drink TOO much.  It was by accident that she noticed Kira waving to her.  Dal waved back and grinned.  THEN it occurred to her that perhaps that wave wasn't a "hi there" kind of wave but a "come over here" kind of wave.

Dal took her drink with her and made her way to Kira's table.  As she sat down at Kira's table she put her feet up on one of the empty chairs.  "You DID want me to come over didn't you?  I'm not intruding am I?"

Dal caught on, thank goodness, and made herself comfortable in Kira's little corner of the world.  "Yes ... no ... I mean ... you aren't intruding becuase I did mean for you to come over," Kira said, stammering a bit at first and then smoothing out a little.  She looked into her empty mug and sighed, shaking her head as she set it aside.  "No more tonight," she muttered then looked back up at Dal, feeling her cheeks heat again.

"Thing is ... I need some ... advice," she said in a quieter voice, leaning forward so she could stay quiet and look about to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation.  "Growing up in Luskan, I didn't have any family and it's something I've wanted really bad ... something I've sort of found traveling with all of you.  Sort of makes me look at some things a lot different, you know?"

In reply to Kira (msg # 183):

Dalgura could tell that Kira had something on her mind so she settled down in her chair and propped up her feet and was prepared to listen.

"Yeah, I can see that.  This has been good for me because I'm not used to being with others besides Dwarves and I like you guys too."

It took Kira a moment as she considered Dal's situation.  "There were all sorts of people around, never thought about how some folk would only stay with others like them," she said thoughtfully.  "Guess it's kinda weird but I'm glad you and Grim got out and about.  I used to watch you two on the caravan," she admitted.  "It was hard at first and I was a little jealous, wishin' I had a brother or sister ... or at least someone close who'd have my back no matter what."

Her fingers lightly tapped the tabletop, a bit like a nervous habit.  "Back in Luskan, I just went about things without a whole lotta thought.  If someone wanted to spend some time with me ... you know what I mean?" she said with a certain look.  "Well, I'd just go have some fun 'cause there wasn't anyone else to think about.  Now though, I got several to think about and I'm not sure what to do.  If I wanted to have some fun ... what if it hurts someone else?  I ... don't wanna mess things up ... ya know?"

In reply to Kira (msg # 185):

Dal looked perplexed.  Why would it hurt somebody if someone spent time with another?  THEN it dawned on her what Kira possibly might be really saying.

"Yeah, it's nice to have others and I'm glad that you are here.  Brothers are great and all but they can be dunderheads at times.  It's nice having another female to talk to.  Of course there are times when you might only want...ummm...male attention.  Some women might want female attention only.  Give me a clue here Kira.  I'm not sure which way I'm suppose to be talking to you about.  You like males right?  If that's the case then I am guessing you like somebody in our party right?"

Dal gets excited and her foot comes off of the chair it had been resting on.  "Ooohhh.  Fess up. Who?  Which one?  Wait.  Did you mean Grim?  I don't think you'd mean him but maybe. Hengar?  No not Hengar.  He's all muscles and stuff but that probably wouldn't affect our group that much.  That leaves Arnan or Thane.  Arnan AND Thane?  Ohhh.  Come on.  Tell me...tell me."

Watching the wheels spin in Dal's mind was almost enough to distract Kira but she shook her head in the negative about liking other women for more than sisters or friends.  Then Dal truly caught on and sat up, demanding she fess up and again the heat felt like it flamed out of her ears as she brought a finger to her lips.  "Shhhhh!" she whisper-hissed, her eyes drifting to take in the guys who were being mentioned and then she slumped a little in defeat.

"Grim's your brother and he's more like a brother to me," she said to set that part straight.  "And Hengar's simple but he's got a good heart.  All three of 'em do," she sighed and rested her chin on her hand.  "But yeah ... I like both of 'em," she admitted of Thane and Arnan.  "I know there's some who'd say you gotta pick one or other other and some'd say take 'em both.  I wouldn't mind that but I dunno how they feel about that sort of thing."

She knew the blush was still on her cheeks as she leaned even closer to Dal.  "I was just sittin' here thinking about that sort of stuff but didn't think anything would come of it, was just gonna keep on the way things were," she stated.  "But then I sorta got an offer.  The old me would'a beat him to the place and asked what took him so long.  It's temptin' ... more temptin' than that damned black ice.  But if I did, an it hurt the other's feelings, and it messed up the group I'd ..."

She couldn't finish the statement, swallowing hard at the lump in her throat.  She'd seen jealousy and how it could destroy lives.  Now that she was starting to feel like part of something like a family, she was afraid to lose everything.  A soft whimper escaped as she looked up in Dal's wise eyes.  "I'm scared, Dal," she whispered and blinked at the stinging in her eyes.  It wasn't something she ever liked to admit but sometimes the truth was just unavoidable.

In reply to Kira (msg # 187):

Dal smiled at Kira.  Scared she knew.  Scared she could relate to.  Dal put her hand over Kira's and shook her head.

"Don't be scared.  You've got me on your side.  You know what is scary?  Knowing that if your brother doesn't like who you are interested in, and I doubt he will EVER like anybody I am interested in, he might turn all beastly on them.  I mean literally!  So you just need to take some deep breaths."

Dal waited for Kira to take the deep breaths and if she doesn't Dal will remind her too again.  Dwarven and priestly stubbornness at its best.

"Soooo is there one or the other that you might like a bit better?  Tell me what you like about them.  Besides being all manly and big and such."