Ochnam, Kass and Isandros (maybe others?) board Ochnam's ship and it heads out of the harbor of Absalom. While it probably doesn't have to worry about colliding with any of the wreckage from the Flotsam Graveyard, it's better to pay the 10gp Pilot's Guide fee to wend its way through the wreckage.

One ship left just before you did, and as you pass through the safe channel, two more ships arrive. Neither of them appear to be the ship you are looking for, as they are small merchant ships.

Ochnam has to spend some time at the helm directing the ship where to go. While he can simply tell it 'sail to Diobel', it doesn't really know where Diobel is, and even if it did, it'd head for it in a straight line, which would have it running aground in short order.

Isandros stays on the deck after leaving port, watching the waves with a longing expression in his visage. Fifteen minutes into his stare at the Inner Sea, a growl in his stomach takes him out of his thoughts. "Right." He mumbles to himself and frowns. That whole affair of dealing with bureaucrats had interrupted his late lunch, and he didn't eat since.

The ship had a functional kitchen and the larder was stocked with the essentials, so he would much prefer cooking something over digging into his ration supplies. He turns back to face everyone onboard. "Well, looks like I gotta eat. I'm going to make whatever I can in the kitchen." He says while pointing roughly towards the kitchen. "You guys want some?"

Four hours into the journey, Kass mounts his hippogryph, Chelsea, on the foredeck. Using its powerful wings, the mighty beast carries his rider aloft to scout ahead and above, seeking out other ships and landmarks to report back to the Captain. He scouts for an hour before bringing his mount back to rest.


00:00, Today: Kass rolled 17 using 1d20+12.  Ride check.

00:00, Today: Kass rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  Perception .

23:59, Yesterday: Kass rolled 31 using 1d20+19.  Survival/Navigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Mon 27 Sept 2021.

Ochnam points out to Isandros that it's not a kitchen on a ship, it's the galley.


Kass takes to the air on his hippogryph and scouts the waters around the island from on high. There are several ships at sea... two are a ways out heading in to Absalom, and another one is about an hour from putting it to Diobel.

The only one in the immediate area is a warship flying the flag of Absalom. He guesses it's on patrol around island. It's not nearly large enough to be the missing warship.

"Here I am!" an unseen voice calls out to those on the ship.

"I'm not late for the party, am I? There IS a party, right? I like parties!"

Suddenly, the air shimmers for a second and now you see the source of the voice: a Faery! She's about 16 inches tall with pink hair and pinkish sort of butterfly wings. The pink is the bluish-pink of sunsets... you know, the kind where you can't decide if the sky is blue or if it's pink! There's also a candy-coating sheen with a touch of frost and a metallic sparkle. The colors swirl around and move as she flies, and a matching colored sparkle seems to cascade off her wings as she flies.

"I'm naturally invisible, you know!" she informs the others. "In case you didn't know. I don't always remember to turn visible so others can see me, since, usually, I don't want others to see me!"

"Have we found any mutineers yet?"

Kass turns to his hippogryph and his dinosaur. Indicating the winged adventurer, he says "friend, not food. Do not eat her."

"So, what's the plan? Do we check every ship we run across?" Zaira asks.

"Sure would be nice if we knew anything about the mutineers. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack without knowing what a needle is."

"I heard Qadira is playing a deep political game. They don't want the mutineers back to stand trial for fear they'll become martyrs... though I don't know what the cause is."

Since the overland party was planning on scouting the interior of the island some, the ship will reach Diobel about a day ahead of them... unless you do something else.

Since it's Ochnam's ship, he's the de facto captain, so unless someone gives him an alternate option, he's going to put into the port.

Having trailed his bounty, one Felly Cordon, a highwayman, Somtirio had found him holed up in the Underdocks. He'd found the place intriguing, suiting the Gnome quite well due to the low ceilings and dim light.

He'd just turned Cordon over to the sheriff and collected the 100gp bounty when he spotted the odd ship sail into port.

He hadn't seen it yet, but he'd heard of Ochnam's amazing ship. This could be no other. Thus he was at the dock when the ship tied up.
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:36, Thu 18 Nov 2021.

In reply to Zaira Zatara (msg # 7):

Kass says "correct. Not sure about much, but it sounded to me like the mutineers showed good common sense in refusing to fight odds of 15 to 1, against. Their Captain put Ego before Sense. Now to save face, they have to sacrifice the crew to save the captain's reputation. "

"It does sound like the laws of Qadira need some overhauling," Ochnam said.

"There should be some provision for relieving a captain of command due to stupidity. On the bright side, they didn't actually kill the captain. I'm not sure that wouldn't have been my choice. Of course, that could be tricky on a ship. Hard to pull off and not have the rest of the crew find out."

"I'm thinking the harbormaster probably isn't going to be of any help. Not so much because we couldn't get him to talk, but he simply may not know anything."

"Maybe hit a few of the dockside bars to see if they've seen a ship of that size... anchored offshore most likely. I'm not sure about inquiring about the crew. I just can't see them bragging about what they did, and if they don't do that, how would anyone know that they stood out?"

Kass smiles. "I may have an idea or two for that." Kass disembarks and starts looking around for beggars and cut purses while he mentally reviews what he knows of the port city. A well-run Thieves Guild always had multiple watchers at the docks, because Information is Power. It was only a matter of time before Kass could find a local thief to get an audience with the local Rogue Lord.



13:53, Today: Kass rolled 23 using 1d20+14.  Knowledge Local .

13:53, Today: Kass rolled 34 using 1d20+15.  Knowledge Geography.

13:53, Today: Kass rolled 32 using 1d20+17.  Perception
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

For the most part, Kass has heard that there's a different world in the Underdocks... an area built across the pylons and piers below the surface dock. This is possible because ships' decks are considerably above the waterline.

There won't be any beggars down there, but it's an unseen thoroughfare for rogues and thieves.

It's a safe bet, though, that at least one beggar will be a disguised thief, keeping an eye on the ships that come into port. He'll know how to gain access to the Underdocks.

On the other hand, thieves tend to respect mutineers and aren't likely to give up any information on them. The only hope Kass has is to find someone who doesn't know about the mutineers yet. Either that, or pay one of the more unscrupulous thieves into partin with information.

That's not to say that there are any taverns in the Underdocks... maybe a few fences dealing with illegal goods and probably a few hideouts.

He doesn't even have to step off the dock to spot the symbol carved into the sea side of a pylon. It's mostly a thieves symbol saying thieves are welcome here but be careful. Base on the angle of the carving and the pseudo-arrow embedded in the symbol, it seems to be pointing to the tavern called the Dueling Marlins.

"So, shall we go investigate that pub?" Zaira says as she flits around next to Kass.

"Other than listening to gossip and such, I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. Who is likely to know the answer to any of our questions? Hey! Possibly a pawnshop! If the ship put in here, they may have pawned some items to get money for supplies."

"Let's see... what else could they have wanted here? Information? A buyer for the ship? Hey! That brings up an interesting point! If they sold the ship, would the new owners have to give it back if they found out it was stolen? I think we're talking maritime law here... a.k.a. the Law of the Sea. Of course, if they were pirates, it'd have to be reclaimed by force."

"Charts for where they wanted to go? For that matter, maybe they wanted to find out where they could go? Do you think that's a reasonable line of inquiry? We could be looking for the same place!"

"The only other reason for stopping here that I can think of was just to put boots on land for a change. Last chance to wet their whistles, if you get my drift."

"Can you think of any other reason?"

"That's a whole lot more reasons than I thought of!" Ochnam replies.

"If they were looking for a haven, then that would be a reasonable line of inquiry for us to pursue as well."

"Not sure those other ideas are... practical. Mainly because we don't know enough about the mutineers. It's not like we can walk into a chandlery and ask 'Did any mutineers come in here to buy supplies?' Unless you can think of some specialized item that they might have needed..."

Kass says in a low tone "why complicate things? The local rogues keep an eye peeled on the docks, day and night. Best way to find out if they made port here is to pay for the information, or beat it out of someone. But we have to find the right someone first."

"Oh, poo! I'm going to be too conspicuous, aren't I?" Zaira says.

"I'll just turn invisible again. There! Now, let's go find one of these perspicacious rogues!"

Kass follows the 'rogue signs' trail through the streets of Diobel until it indicates a rogue haven in a pub called the Box of Frogs.

Although the city gives the appearance of a dingy and dismal place, life on the streets is still rather lively, and the buildings aren't as rundown as they appear. They've just been weathered for a long time without being refurbished.

The Box of Frogs is almost an exception. It's brightly colored with a dozen painted wooden frogs nailed up on the outside. But the frogs are weathered and faded as well, just more colorful to start with.

Entering the pub, the interior is surprising clean and bright with the frog motif carried out everywhere. Candle holders on the tables are brightly colored ceramic frogs. More painted wooden frogs are on the wall.

At this time of day (about mid morning), there are only four other people in the pub.

One of them is a portly man eating breakfast. He's wearing a coat over a vest as brightly colored as the frog decor.

Kass notices he's got a tattoo on the back of his left hand that matches the symbol carved into the porch post on the front of the pub--the symbol of a local rogues' guild. He has no idea what the guild is, but it's consistent with 'standard' Thieves' Cant.

Kass pulls out a gold coin and lays it on the table near the man that is dining. He says "pardon me, sir, but I'm new in town and need some advice. In exchange for what help you can give me, I'd offer to pay for your meal and perhaps a cup of wine as well. Would that meet with your approval?" Kass tries to get a read on the man's body language as he responds.



02:13, Today: Kass rolled 22 using 1d20+15.  Sense Motive.

This message was last edited by the player at 10:14, Tue 04 Jan 2022.

"Advice is always free, good sir," the man replies. "No one ever takes it, though. In any case, a good meal is always appreciated."

"Have a seat. Join me. And tell me what sort of advice you seek."

"My name is Somo. What brings you to Diobel?"

Kass takes a seat and says Greetings, Somo. My name is Kass, but my friends call me Firehair......not very imagination among my friends, I guess. Anyways, my business takes me many places, and I have noticed that certain individuals in each city make a living on Information, whether buying or selling. Such individuals often have multiple eyes and ears fixated on the docks, noting the coming and going of goods as well as personnel. Would you have any idea how I might secure an audience with such people, particularly one who favors the shadows?"
Kass smiles slightly, knowing he himself was more at home in the shadows.

"Ah, yes... the Shadows," Somo replies. "Many an unsavory thing lurks within the shadows, especially in a city like Diobel."

"I've heard tell of such people that you seek, though it's always been at least hinted at that they are each a specialist in a particular area of... lore. For example, if you wished to know secrets about certain people in Diobel, rumor says you should speak to the Keeper of Secrets. That certainly makes sense, does it not? Who he is no one really knows... if he really exists."

"I daresay if you wanted to know about ships themselves, you'd best ask the Harbormaster. Unlike most Harbormasters who get their position by knowing the right people, Jannax got his by being the best there is. Even such a one as I have heard it said that there isn't anything he doesn't know about ships."

"Now, if it's goods that you are interested in, that would be Mirella the White of the Far Reaches Trading Company. I've personally talked to her about getting a supply of Maurinthian wine... a favorite of mine that I like to indulge in now and then. She not only knew who in Diobel had a few bottles in his wine cellar but put me in touch with merchant Captain Stregor who was able to bring me 5 cases within 2 months!"

((OOC: by now, Kass realizes that Somo is name-dropping, not just to try and impress Kass but to judge Kass's reaction to each name. Overall, Somo seems to be telling the truth though possibly exaggerating a bit. But then, Kass realizes Somo is dissembling. He could be anyone of the people he mentioned... though probably not the Harbormaster.))

"On the other hand, if it's people you want to know the comings and goings of, that really is a subject for the shadows. I'm not sure there is any one person you could talk to, though there could be several. I know of no such person exactly, but I could make some inquiries on your behalf."

((OOC: the slight smirk that he can't quite hide probably means that he is one of those people, and that you are now about to enter the 'negotiation' phase of the conversation.))

If she'd been the patient kind, she probably would have waited for Kass to say something, but she wasn't.

So she landed on the table and then turned visible for Somo to see her. She got just the reaction she was trying for.

"Cut out the wishy-washy crap, Mr. Somo Toron!" she said in a not-so-Pixie-ish voice. "Tell us what we want to know and things will go well for you. Hold out on us, and things were go very, very badly for you! And don't even think of going for that dagger on your belt! We're very, very good at what we do."

"Why do you think we approached you in the first place? We KNEW you were 'one of them'."

She was trying really, really hard not to laugh. It was all just a bluff... well, maybe... but she couldn't let on that it was.

Kass shakes his head, chuckling. "Young lady, please! The adults are talking here. Pixies!" He sighs. He then says "Mirella the White? The White......she a wizard of some sort? In my experience that's the type of title an arcanist uses to promote themselves as a consultant. In truth, I'm more concerned with a wayward crew on a distinctive ship. As a knowledgeable local, would you say that the harbor master resembles a rabbit more than a hawk? Would strong words and attitudes loosen his tongue, or be more likely to put his back up? Hmmmm, some avenues to explore, to be sure. On the other hand, it always helps to hedge one's bets whenever possible. So yes, Somu, I'd love to get an introduction to some of those Shadow people, if you would be so kind to make inquiries for me? Oh, and I wouldn't want you to beggar yourself on my behalf,in case there are any...costs involved, of course."

"Actually, I don't know if Miriam has a surname or not," Somo replies. "She has white hair, so I suppose the identifier was added to differentiate her from any other Miriam."

"The Harbormaster is apt to tell you anything he knows if you merely ask. He likes to show off his knowledge. Not that a few coins might not make him a bit more loquacious."

"So, you wish to step into the Shadows, do you? That can be arranged. Without knowing who you are or more about you, it could cost several gold to get one of them to risk talking to you. For 10 guilders (gold coins), you can merely enter the Shadows. Depends on how deep you want to go. For 20, you get an 'Apprentice'. A hundred will gain you an audience with a Master."

"Keep in mind, however, that there are no refunds if the Master doesn't know the answer to what you are seeking."

Kass chuckles. "Step into the Shadows? My friend, I often create my own shadows as I navigate a city. I have treated with both Masters and Apprentices as needed. My usual tactics in entering a town is finding someone with loose lips who will tell me things to avoid me hurting them. I decided to be civilized, for once. I will speak, as you indicated, to the harbor master. If need be, I am certain that the knowledge I seek would be in the head of a well-informed apprentice." Kass' dark-edged smile becomes half-covered in shadow as he manipulates the light falling on him.

"Now you've got me confused," an unseen voice says.

"Are you going to pay to talk to an Apprentice? AFTER you go talk to the Harbormaster?"

"Of course", Kass says to the unseen voice. "One fount of information might eliminate the need for another." Kass nods to Somo, then heads off in search of the harbormaster.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:58, Wed 09 Mar 2022.

The harbormaster is easy enough to find. Jondar Krade is in his office in the watchtower down at the docks.

"Just state your business so I can get back to mine," he says rather gruffly without taking his eyes off the windows overlooking the docks.

Kass puts his thumbs in his belt, looking nonchalant. He says "I'm looking for a ship that might've come into port, looking for repairs. Unique ship, 3 masts. Not sure if they changed the name."

"Nope. Nothing like that's ever come into port here," the Harbormaster replies after thinking bout it for a few moments. "A ship that big probably has a draft too deep for the harbor. Never saw such a ship at anchor offshore, either."

"If you have reason to believe such a ship visited Diobel in need of repairs, it most likely anchored out of sight and crew either came by dinghy or went ashore first and walked into town."

"In the case of the latter, you'd best check the chandlers to see if any ship parts were bought. In the case of the former, I wouldn't have noticed unless it was painted pink or sent up fireworks. Too many small boats like that around and they aren't large enough to offer any threat."

"If you check with the fishermen, they might have noticed. They tend to know each other fairly well, and would have taken notice of any strangers potentially encroaching on their fishing territory. Then, too, they might have spotted the ship as they sailed in and out on their daily fishing runs."

Clearly his reputation as knowing everything about ships was well-founded. It was almost like he anticipated any other questions Kass was likely to ask and forestalled them right up front.

Kass nods his appreciation and asks the directions to the chandlers. After departing he walks along the pier looking for low taverns where fishermen might congregate after a day's catch.

There appear to be several dozen fishing boats tied up at the wharves and piers, but only the large ships use the docks. A ship wouldn't hesitate to squash a boat if it was tied up at the docks.

That means there are several taverns where fisherman hang out. As Kass and Zaira approach them, he can see fishermen coming and going but he can't really tell if there's any sort of rhyme or reason to which fishermen go to which tavern.

There's the Dancing Mermaid, the Harpoon and Trident, and the Golden Sails... pretty much in that order. It does look like the more prestigious wharves and fishing boats are down at the end, which could mean that they hang out at the Golden Sails.

Just as Kass reaches the Dancing Mermaid, Ochnam steps out of front door.

"Yo. Had the same idea," Ochnam says as he stops just in front of Kass.

"Sailors might know the big ships that put into port, but it's the fishermen that patrol the surrounding waters. Well, as they fish. I suppose a few, like Big Red, think it's their responsibility to keep watch over the bay."

"Big Red didn't see it, but one of the others, Swordfish Harry, claims to have seen a four-master at anchor about two miles up the coast. It was late in the day and the tide was against him, so he couldn't get too close. It wasn't flying a flag. The next day it was gone, so he didn't think much of it. Thought it was probably a ship out of Absalom."

"That was two weeks ago. Nothing else like it has been spotted since then."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:36, Sat 14 May 2022.

Kass nods. "Best way to find out if they are still around will be a fly-over. I can take Chelish up and around the coast looking for a 4-master. Even if I don't spot it, I might see where any longboat beached on the shore. Maybe someone out that way can provide us with more information. Good work."

((OOC: The problem with your post is that you stated an INTENT but never actually said you were doing it. I'm probably being too literal, but what you write is all I have to go on.))


Kass is accompanied by Zaira as he flies around the island. He has no problem spotting a number of ships coming and going, both to and from Diobel and Absalom, but none of them are four-masters, nor do any of them look like they could handle a fourth mast.

When you fly over the coastline where the ship was reported to have been spotted, it's Zaira that spots what looks like a campsite.

Flying down to investigate, you see that there were three campfires set up and in such a way that the fires probably wouldn't have been spotted from the sea. After two weeks, not much else can be determined, though the latrine probably saw use by two dozen men, which is consistent with the 3 campfires.

There's some trash/debris left behind, which leads you to believe that the ship's crew spent the night here while the ship's boat went into Diobel for supplies. The ship would have sailed on the morning tide.

Unfortunately, there's no way to tell which way the ship sailed from looking at the sand or the surf.

"I know! Let's follow the footprints all the way to where they made anchor next!" Zaira suggests as they examined the campsite.

"I think they were definitely here. I also think it means they had no intention of sailing up or down the mainland coast. This is too far out of their way. We should be looking somewhere westward... southwest maybe, or northwest."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Sun 19 June 2022.

Kass says "now that we have a better idea of their process, I can get some information out of that broker. You won't find many instances of a Ship's boat docking, and leaving with supplies, with No ship in sight to take the supplies to. There are enough curious observers on the docks to notice something like that."

"Maybe," Zaira conceded as she flitted around Kass's head in order to have the conversation, "but there were probably ships in the harbor. It doesn't seem likely that anyone would know which ship the ship's boat came from."

"On the other hand, the fact that it was in the middle of the night might have been more significant. I don't know enough about dock operations to say for certain, but if ships need to sail on the morning tide, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that the docks are busy all night long."

"What do you think the chandler can tell us?"

A yawn escapes Isandros' mouth while he leaves his compartment on the ship. From the tiny window there he had seen some docks, which could only mean one thing. They had arrived and he had overslept. Isandros only planned to have a shut-eye for a couple of hours tops, but it seemed that his body had other plans. "Oh well..." the man responds to his thoughts and goes outside to the decks.

He looks outside and sighs at the sight of absolutely no one on the decks. His colleagues are probably chasing leads while he was being lazy. But he could rectify that swiftly. Well... he could after he got a status update on the current leads. No need to chase the same goose multiple times if he can help it.

Isandros starts to search for Ochnam within the ship and around the docks, assuming he wouldn't wander far away from his most recent baby. Once he finds the inventor, he claps him on the shoulder and asks "It appears I've overslept. What did I miss?"

"Oh, hi! Glad you could make it," replies when Isandros finds him. He'd been correct--Ochnam had no intention of letting his ship out of sight. Of course, that left him few options for chasing down leads.

"Not much. We made a few wrong assumptions. But, then again, we really don't know the mindset of the mutineers. I'm almost starting to feel bad for them. Don't think they really did anything wrong... they were in a no-win situation."

"Still, we found a fisherman who probably spotted the ship up the coast about two weeks ago. That's consistent with the time line as we know it. It was four-master... the only one seen in these parts in... well, ever!"

"We think they came assure via ship's boat at night and probably sailed with the morning tide. Unfortunately, we've yet to get a lead on what supplies they bought. We're hoping that'll give us an idea of where they were heading. Probably too much to expect one of them to have let something slip."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. If this assignment was easy, they wouldn't have needed us."

"Tricky..." Isandros comments on the situation. He strokes his beard while his gaze moves to the horizon, obviously trying to identify an avenue of approach.

"How many rations would they need, at the minimum? Assume the Avenger dropped most of her crew here. A ship like that would still need a sizeable skeleton crew to even properly operate. If they are looking to go anywhere other than Kortos, even the minimum is a lot of provisions they need to secure."

"So, some of the crew arrives in the night. How busy would you think the Underdocks are on a normal night? Either way, they probably got some attention on themselves. They have to arrive, locate the supplies, acquire them without an apparent ship, and then transport it back themselves. All before the morning tide. No, I think they didn't have time to set up a clandestine operation. Even if they had a prior contact, which I bet they did, they were in a rush."

"This is an unusual occurrence. Maybe they bought the supplies from a store and the keeper found the rush and the size of the order odd. Maybe some dockworkers saw them transporting a ship's worth of supplies to a boat. Chances are someone saw it, and I think Diobel is the kind of place where gossip spreads fast."

With that, the course of action was clear to Isandros "I guess I'll ask around for people getting a ton of supplies with no ship two weeks ago in the middle of the night then." he tells Ochnam, and adds a small question to him as a courtesy "Do you need anything done while I'm combing the docks?"

Afterwards, he leaves Ochnam and heads toward the docks. He spends a couple of hours canvassing people working in the Underdocks, local taverns, and supply stores about rumours that the crew could've left behind.

OOC: Gather Information with Diplomacy. Rolled a 33 and takes 2 hours.
Isandros of Aelyosos rolled 33,2 using d20+23,d4.  Gather Information Check and Duration

"I was thinking the same thing originally," Ochnam replies, "but it turns out that this a rather busy port... though I've yet to figure out why."

"In any case, ships often need to sail on the morning tide, so they resupply during the night."

"I'm not seeing massive amounts of supplies taken on board a mere ship's boat, so not for an extended journey. Then again, they may have already supplied before they got here."

"What I was thinking was some special item that might not be available where they are going... or that they might run out of before they get there. I admit, though, that I've yet to think of such a thing. The only thing that comes to my mind is a case of quality rum."

"But maybe you'll find something else that fits that category."

Isandros begins making the rounds of the docks, questioning people working there, fishermen, patrons of the taverns, and even the stores that sell ship supplies.

Most of those that may have seen a ship's boat in the middle of the night two weeks ago are currently sleeping, and the rest don't remember that far back.

However, he does find one old man who seems to sit on the docks all the time carving scrimshaw that claims to recall what you are asking about.

"Oh, yep, sonny, remember it clear as day. Night it was. I can't rightly say that it were different than any other strange boat what come into the docks, but those that were in it, they spoke real funny like. Didn't recognize the accent. Ain't seen none of them in Diobel before."

"Were just six o' them. Took on some supplies. Food. Water. More spices than ten ships should need. And a lot of pipeweed. 50 people couldn't smoke it in a month! Har-har."

"Heard one of them say something about 'Hermea'."

"Hope that helps."

"Appreciate your help." Isandros thanks the older man and starts to walk back to Ochnam. Hermea. That was an island, right? Isandros tries to think about what he remembered about that place, but he had always paid half a mind to his geography lessons back home. Much to his father's disappointment.

He relays the old man's words to Ochnam and adds "So, a lot of spices and pipeweed. As trade goods perhaps? Maybe get some profit under their belt until they can afford a more regular trading vessel? It wouldn't attract as much attention as The Avenger would. It might be for something else, but I can't think of another reason. Do you have any other ideas?"

"Though I am unsure how Hermea comes into play. I don't think it was in the Inner Sea, was it?"

OOC: Knowledge (Geography) about Hermea. Taking ten, the result is 16.

When Isandros returns with his report, Ochnam pulls out the ship's charts and begins perusing them.

"It sounds vaguely familiar," he says, "but these charts aren't as up to date as they should be. Let's see what we can find..."

"Ah! Here it is! In the Arcadian Ocean. Out in the middle of nowhere."

"It's far enough away that it could be a safe haven."

"As for the pipeweed, I'd think they weren't expecting to be able to get it wherever they're going, so they were stocking up on it for the long haul. It's what I would have done."

Isandros doesn't remember too much about Hermea, though Ochnam's charts do prompt some memory.

It's supposed to be a utopian society. Ruled by a gold dragon. There was something about only smart or good people being allowed onto the island.

Kass goes back to the taverns by the fishing boats. By quiet inquiry he tries to find out which fishermen tend their craft furthest from shore. Such men would take note of the fewer vessels that passed them towards shore, and their origin points.


23:33, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy/Gather Info.

23:32, Today: Kass rolled 24 using 1d20+13.  Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Mon 04 July 2022.

"How long do you think travel to Hermea would take for the Avenger?" Isandros asks Ochnam. "Could they even make it one go?"

"If they can't, we can see what ports they could use to resupply and maybe research what could be purchased on the way. If the ports on the route would not have the supplies they were amassing, say pipeweed, that would make the island a more likely destination"

"Sure, a ship can stay at sea for six months or more," Ochnam replies. "It's not a good idea as the crew can mutiny after a month or so. Depends on what they find along the way, what kind of provisions they stocked, and stuff like that."

"Even the best of sailors needs to put his feet on land now and then."

"Don't know the winds and waves of that area, but, barring bad weather, I'd guess 30 to 40 days to get there."

"As for ports, depends on how much they know about the Inner Sea. Andoran or Thuvia are the only places I'd put into. Rhadadoum, Cheliax and Nidal are nasty business. If they saw the ship, they'd try to take it."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Sun 21 Aug 2022.

Kass has no difficulty locating several fisherman that fish along the shore rather than go out deeper. Several of them saw the ship and wondered why it was so far out, but strange things always seem to happen in Diobel. One did see the ship sail around the headland from the west and make for the cove where he saw it later. He can't be positive it was the same ship, of course, but how many 4-masters are there?

Unfortunately, no one saw the ship leave, but that makes sense since it would have sailed on the morning tide just like the fisherman, so it would have been long gone by the time the fisherman passed that cove again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:14, Mon 17 Oct 2022.

Since no one had bothered to designate a rendezvous point in Diobel, the Overland Group heads for the docks first in search of Ochnam's ship, which is easy enough to spot as it's the largest ship in the inner harbor. Only its magical nature would have enabled it to penetrate the maze of wreckage that served as protection from any seaborne onslaught.

Ochnam easily spots you as you approach, and he greets you heartily.

"I see you all made it in one piece!" he calls out humorously. "Hope you had as much luck as we did!"

"Permission granted to come aboard!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Fri 19 Aug 2022.

"Thank you, captain! And yes, we did get lucky." Arthur climbs aboard, shaking Ochnam's hand. "We found a conscripted farmer who left our target. He didn't participate in the mutiny, and was allowed to leave when they stopped here. According to him, the mutineers weren't interested in becoming pirate, just in getting away from Qadira. Last he heard, they wanted to head North and West, despite their lack of sea charts."

Kass catches the end of this when he lands his hippogryph on the lee side of the deck. He comments "the vessel sailed out on the morning tide. They were encamped around the northern promentory and had sent a ship's boat in for supplies. Deeper sea fishermen noted the ship in question, a 4-master, when it was anchored farther out earlier in the week. I heard mention of the Northern waters, but I think that was just speculation on the part of the fishermen.

"I guess this means we'll be setting sail now," Jak groused a bit.

"I don't mind a little bit of water now and then. I little bit of water is nice. We're talking nothing BUT water as far as the eye can see! 'Cause, of course, we'll be sailing out of sight land, right?"

"Which one of you can be used as a flotation device?"

The Tengu casually strode aboard, nodding in thanks and giving a short bow.

”Indeed, it seems that we must venture forth to the sea. While I shall be unto you useless as a floatation device, if I understand the ordinary properties of wood correctly, you will find that just about any piece of the ship will work just fine.”

"Thanks for the not-so-helpful advice, Aikio," Jak responds sarcastically. "When I get washed overboard, I'll be sure to break off a piece of the ship first."

"Okay, now that we're altogether, who gets to play Admiral to Ochnam's Captain? Somebody needs to be in charge or we ain't gonna go anywhere or get anything done."

"And nobody better suggest that dang fairy! For that matter, is she still around?"

He glances around nervously, knowing that she's normally invisible.

"I'm still here, Furball," an invisible voice pipes up practically in Jak's ear. "Insult me all you want--you're not going to get rid of me that easily!"

"We know where they went!" she then adds in a mocking sing-song tone.

"This assignment is hard! Normally, we can gather a lot of information about the people we're hunting... to get a sense of who they are, what they want, and where they might go. We'd have to go to Qadira to do that for these mutineers."

"'Cause... if only good people are allowed on Hermea, how do we know that the mutineers will be accepted? They mutinied, after all. Does that make them bad people even though they did it with good reason?"

"If they aren't allowed on the island, where will they go then? Sooner or later, some of them are going to get homesick. But 'home' means 'death' for them now. They may not be pirates yet, but if that's the only option left to them...?"

About halfway through her little speech, she turns visible so everyone can see her flying in the midst of them.

"Hmm... I doubt they'd try for Hermea. Without charts, it would be risky to sail too long away from shores. Unless they risk a stop in Cheliax, I think it would be more likely for them to sail to the pass between Rahadoum and Cheliax, and deciding from there whether to risk the Shackles, or head north for Varisia." Arthur suggests. "Either way, we'll have to do our best to follow along, and gather what clues we can as we do."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:58, Tue 08 Nov 2022.

"But that's the point, isn't it?" Ochnam responds. "We don't know what charts they had."

"At least one of the crew seems to have known about Diobel. And while we haven't found any information that indicates they picked up any charts here, we don't know that they didn't. They could have stolen them rather than buy them. If they stole them from a ship that was here in the harbor, that ship is long gone, too, and even if they've discovered that their charts are missing, they have no way of reporting it here."

"I just don't think we should rule out Hermea."

"If they need supplies, they'll need to put into a port. If all they need is food and water, though, any bay will do."

"I expect them to put ashore somewhere along Thuvia's coast. Thirty to sixty days... no need to go longer when land is close at hand."

Kelmanor approached the ship after his travel from Absalom with a bit of caution. Although it was the only ship in the harbor that looked like the ship he was supposed to be joining, he still wasn't sure it was the right one.

"Ahoy, Starwind! Permission to come aboard!" he calls out. "Kelmanor here with a message from Captain Braddock!"

As owner and captain of the ship, it was clearly his responsibility to grant permission to board his ship. He didn't recognize this Kelmanor but perhaps he really did have a message from Braddock.

"Permission granted!" Ochnam calls back and then moves to wait for the man to reach the top of the gangplank.

"So, what's the message? We're were just getting ready to sail."

"Yeah, I figured as much! Which is why I had to rush to get here before you sailed," Kelmanor replies.

"The Captain did give me the details but Fafhrd and Gray Mouser are being recalled. I think there's a special mission that only they can... um, perform. At least, that's the scuttlebutt."

"If you feel it's necessary, I am to be their replacement. Well, not necessarily their equal, of course, but another body since  you've got an entire crew to get."

When the message is relayed to Fafhrd and Gray Mouser, they semi-protest for a bit, but quickly realize that the Captain wouldn't have gone to this extreme if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

They say their goodbyes to everyone and then disembark from the ship. The Skywind has a different direction to go and getting another ship to sail back to Absalom wouldn't be very fast, so they head out overland. By themselves, they can make good time.

"We are ready to sail, right?" Ochnam asks the others.

"Do we know where we're heading yet?"

"My pappy always said if you don't know where to go, pick the second star to the right and go straight on till morning," Jak offered. "Of course, that means we'd have to wait till dark to see a star..."

"So, Ochnam, do we need to wait for the outgoing tide, or is your magic ship capable of moving against the tide?"

Having not sailed to Diobel, he had no idea what the ship was capable of.

"Yes, it can move against the tide, but I'd prefer not to show off its capabilities unless it becomes necessary," Ochnam answered.

"We still haven't decided where we're going, so we'll be sailing with the tide... as soon as we decide."

"Well, Arthur suggested they'd sail to the pass between Rhahadoum and Cheliax before deciding they were going," Zaira added.

"Makes sense to me. By then, they'd have an idea of how rough the going might be... whether they needed to put into a port or not."

"And remember, that ship is a PRIZE! Just like here in Diobel, they wouldn't risk sailing it into a port. Although... I suppose they could offer to sell it to someone. Maybe trade it for a smaller less conspicuous ship."

"Ooo! If they do that, are we still going to be able to return the ship? Is there a bounty on the ship? Or is it just on the mutineers?"

Kass chimes in "I verified that the ship has 4 masts for increased sail speed and maneuverability. Makes it pretty easy to discern it from other vessels at a distance. And every 6 hours or so I can take my mount aloft and do a little scouting from on high. Just need to bring a telescope along next time."

From the dock, a half-elven woman calls out near a ship several berths away, "Kelmanor, where are you?" She had stayed behind to settle her tab at the tavern and had lost track of Kelmanor during that time. By this point, she looked tired as she made her way down the wharf stopping near each ship to repeat variations of her call until she received a response from him.

"YO!" Kelmanor returned Elena's call from two ships away.

"OVER HERE!"

When she got aboard, he asked her:

"What happened to you? I thought you were right behind me, but then I looked back and you weren't anywhere in sight!"

"I had an important message to deliver. Besides, I was pretty sure you could take care of yourself."

"Probably would have come looking for you before too long... once I delivered the message."

Elena answers, "I know, I said that I'd be right behind you after I settled my tab, but then the tavernkeeper had to help another table and then a party of 12 came in." She gestures with her hands as she continues, "And I couldn't just leave her to deal with all of that on her own, and I knew that you were headed down to the docks. So I just had to help her, and next thing I knew half an hour had passed." She smiles at his last comment, "See, it all would've worked out fine. Are these the people we were looking for?"

”So, we travel West, making whatever stops could plausibly be made, see if we find clues as for their direction, and hope to uncover enough information by the time we get beyond the Inner Sea to know whether to turn north or south. Does that seem reasonable?”

Kass adds "if I spot any intelligent flyers perhaps I can ask them if they've seen such a vessel? Never overlook a possible source of Information, I say."

"That's what I was expecting," Ochnam agrees. "I was just waiting for the tide and seeing if anyone had any other information."

"As Zaira said, it's a lot harder to find information out about the mutineers. Even if we went to Qadira, I'm not sure we'd learn anything useful. By mutinying, they pretty much burnt their bridges. From what I know about Qadira, which isn't really all that much, there wouldn't be anywhere safe there."

"Good point, Kass, but how many intelligent flying creatures are there likely to be? And would they fly over the sea?"

"If we spot a pod of whales or other swimmers, that's a possible source of info as well. I rarely ask sharks though. Information will cost you an arm and a leg ......"

Arthur nods. "Honestly, finding the ship will likely be our best bet to find the mutineers. As far as we can tell, only one of them was willing to leave the ship so close to their country of origin, and it's the one who slept through the fight. I think the others will probably want to keep sailing far from here before they consider splitting up."

Sensing a lull in the conversation, Elena steps towards the rest of the party to introduce herself, "Hello, my name is Elena. I came here with Kelmanor as part of the relief sent by captain Braddock to supplement your team after some of your number were recalled." She takes a curious look over the assembled group and asks, "So who are all of you and what do each of you do? Captain Braddock didn't really say much about all of you."

”I am called Aikio. I specialize in infiltration, subterfuge, target acquisition and retrieval, dispute mediation, intervention, and arbitration, and unarmed combat.”

The fire-haired man shrugs. "I'm Kass. With me are Chelish and Kassandra" he says, indicating a hippogryph and a small dinosaur. "I'm more or less a skill monkey, specialized in Survival, Tracking, Scouting. I'm also an excellent field medic and skilled in information gathering." From his build and equipment he is Definitely a fighter as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Sun 27 Nov 2022.

With a grin, Elena says to Aikio, "I'm also skilled at infiltrating places that I'm not supposed to be, so I suppose that we'll be working together at some point." To Kass, she responds, "I'm glad to know that we have a doctor beyond my wand. It doesn't have terribly many charges left."

The hooded man bows. "I'm Arthur, former professor and the Retriever's Guild translator. I have a generalized knowledge of magic, but my main talent is to provide obscure information on various fields, including the weaknesses and abilities of any threats we encounter."

"Pleased to meet you, Elena!" a voice says near Elena. A second later, a small flying fairy turns visible.

"I'm Zaira. I'm a Cleric--what you called a doctor--and a Wizard. Just the usual skills that come with those callings. Well, I can turn invisible. Actually, I'm normally invisible but I can turn visible when I want to. That's useful for gathering information on a bounty."

Kass jokes "such a pity that she hasn't learned that silence pairs well with invisibility. It would make her an excellent scout."

Elena grins, "Knowing things is good. At least, that's what I've heard. I can't say I've done it too often." After Zaira's introduction and Kass's joke, she'll give a small laugh as she answers with a smile, "Two doctors is even better than one. It's a shame about the scouting, but I'm sure things will work out somehow." turning back to the larger party, she asks, "So what were you doing before me and Kelmanor arrived?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:22, Thu 01 Dec 2022.

"We just finished gathering what info we could on the mutineers, were sharing what we found, and waiting to set sail on the evening tide... per Captain Ochnam's request," a racoon-like humanoid replied to Elena.

"Right, Captain? Or is it the morning tide we're waiting for? Never can keep all this tide stuff straight... ebb and flow and neap and high and low... Hey! In the Bay of Grundy, they say the river flows backwards when the tide comes in! Ain't that a hoot!"

"I'm Jak Woodshock. My species is called the Ahrahkoonem. Not many people have heard of them."

Ochnam informs you that the ship can and will sail on the evening tide, which will start going out in about an hour after dusk. It's dusk now. The sun hasn't quite set yet, but it's low enough in the sky to cast long shadows across the docks and the town.

Everyone needs to make a Perception check.

09:58, Today: Jak Woodshock rolled 32 using 1d20+18 ((14)).

Not bad. If he perceives something, great. Otherwise, he'll continue talking to Elena.

Kass looks out to the horizon as they start to get ready.

07:23, Today: Kass rolled 24 using 1d20+15.  Perception, +2 vs Surprise, +2 vs Magical beasts, +4 vs Undead.

16:08, Today: Arthur Spellseeker rolled 32 using 1d20+14.  Perception check.

13:37, Today: Elena rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

”I do have some skill with non-magical medicine as well,” mused Aikio.

Perception: 31.

"It's nice to meet you Jak," Elena responds, "I can't say that I've heard of the Bay of Grundy, but I think that I'd like to see it. It must be a grand sight to watch a river flow backwards." Turning towards Aikio, Elena adds, "It's good to know that we won't run out of doctoring halfway through the day."

Kass cocks an eye at Elena. "Run out of Doctoring? Ah, perhaps you misunderstood me. I use no magic in my healing, not directly anyways. I'm a cut-and-stitch surgeon, not a divine healer."

13:25, Today: Zaira Zatara rolled 14 using 1d20+10 ((4)). Perception check.


Just because she was normally invisible didn't mean she couldn't see things. But then again, she was always flitting about, never staying in place long enough to notice much of anything. Whatever there was to notice, she sure didn't!

When Ochnam explained about tides, she tried to pay attention, but flying above the water meant tides were mostly irrelevant to her, so she knew less about them than Jak.

Ochnam was as anxious to set sail as they others, but while time and tide wait for no man, man does wait for time and tide. The ship could have sailed against the tide, but it would have required more energy than he wanted to expend at the start of their journey.

While he was telling the others about sailing on the tide and when it was be going out, he wasn't really paying attention to his ship since it was docked in the harbor.

13:42, Today: Ochnam Shirab rolled 15 using 1d20+12 ((3)). Perception check.

14:03, Today: GM StarMaster, on behalf of Kass, rolled 33,27,23 using 1d20+15,1d20+9,1d20+14 ((18,18,9)). Perception checks for Kass, Chelish, Kasandra.


14:08, Today: GM StarMaster, on behalf of Myles Garrett, rolled 16 using 1d20+10 ((6)). Perception check for Myles.


14:10, Today: GM StarMaster, on behalf of Kelmanor, rolled 13 using 1d20+10 ((3)). Perception check for Kelmanor.


Arthur and Jak almost sense something is... 'amiss', while Kass definitely knows something is going on but can't quite put his finger on it. However, as such, he's the only one that isn't surprised at the sudden attack as warriors seem to pour over the sides of the ship.


Four of them spring over the port (ocean side) gunwales and attack with sabers. Akio, Elena and Kelmanor are the closest.

14:31, Today: GM StarMaster rolled 14,29,25,18 using 1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10 ((4,19,15,8)).

The first of the attackers swing his cutlass at Akio and misses.
The second one attacks Elena and hits her for 11 points of damage.
The third one attacks Kelmanor and just misses.
The fourth one also attacks Akio and misses.


Four more clamber over the bow, bows in hand, and fire at those who are closest to them: Arthur, Jak and Ochnam.

14:39, Today: GM StarMaster rolled 14,29,20,22 using 1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10 ((4,19,10,12)).

The first one shoots at Arthur... and hits for 8 points plus 5 points of cold damage from the frosty shaft.
The second one fires at Jak and hits for 7 points plus 6 points of fire damage from the flaming shaft.
The third one targets Ochnam and misses.
The fourth warrior aims at Jak and manages to hit for 10 points of damage plus 6 points from crackling energy dancing along the shaft.


Another four warriors climb up over the stern. Somewhat distracted by the attacks of the other two groups, you don't realize at first that these four warriors start out by casting spells... almost in unison born from long practice of working together, directed at Kass, Myles and Zaira.

16:33, Today: GM StarMaster rolled 31,18,22,18 using 1d20+14,4d6,1d20+14,4d6 ((17,5,2,6,5,8,5,4,5,4)).

The first one casts a pair of scorching rays at Kass--both strike him for a combined total of 36 points of fire damage.


The second one's spell causes icy spikes to shoot up from the deck around Myles. No one else is close enough to be affected. The spikes do 11 points of piercing damage to Myles and another 8 points of cold damage (Reflex save for half damage).

The third one sends a cone of silvery darts at Zaira. She wasn't invisible when the attack came, so she takes 36 points of damage! (Reflex save for half damage)

The fourth one sends forth a cone of diamond-like shards at Myles for 17 points of damage (Reflex save for half).


The archers will get off a second shot unless you beat their initiative, so everyone now needs to make an Initiative roll.

18:12, Today: Elena rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Kass' body seems to Absorb the flames as he decides which group to attack first.

18:12, Today: Kass rolled 9 using 1d20+8.  Initiative.

Feh!

"What in the world!?" Arthur raises his hands to start casting, though his reflexes leaves something to be desired.

23:58, Today: Arthur Spellseeker rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.

Can we have a general description of the attackers?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Sun 04 Dec 2022.

The Tengu assumed a demeanor of steely calm while avoiding the cutlass strikes.

”So you’ve chosen death,” she said with an emotionless monotone.

Initiative: 17.

11:42, Today: Ochnam Shirab rolled 9 using 1d20+5 ((4)).

Yikes! Half of us aren't going until Initiative 9! How weird is that?

11:44, Today: Jak Woodshock rolled 12 using 1d20+9 ((3)).

Nope. Not me. I REFUSE to go last! Whew. That was close!

Maybe the dice roller is broke again...

While the attackers aren't all identical, they do have a certain look in common.

They appear to be all around the same height and build (approximately 6' tall, 200 lbs.), a bronze-like skin, bald or shaven heads, golden eyes, black tattoos under both eyes... they all seem to be wearing chain mail shirts,  black, dark blue, or purple vests fancily embroidered in gold and silver, loose fitting light-colored pantaloons that appear to be made of silk... and while they don't all have bows, they all seem to be carrying some type of cutlass.

Oh, crap!

12:12, Today: Zaira Zatara rolled 8 using 1d20+7 ((1)). Reflex save.


My initiative isn't bad but not sure it'll be enough...

12:08, Today: Zaira Zatara rolled 15 using 1d20+5 ((10)). Initiative.


"Ow-ow-ow! That hurt, you sneaky little cretins! You'll pay for that!" she shouts at the spell-casting attackers.

Oof. At least I'm not going last!

12:23, Today: Kelmanor rolled 10 using 1d20+5 ((5)). Initiative roll.

Yes, the dice roller is definitely broken...

OOC: The roller coaster got stuck at the top of the hill... now it's unstuck and going down fast...


Only Aikio beat the attackers' initiative, but the archers weren't shooting at her.

They do get a second shot at Arthur, Jak and Ochnam.

22:43, Today: GM StarMaster rolled 22,11,12,22 using 1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10 ((12,1,2,12)).

The first one shoots at Arthur... and hits for 7 points plus 4 points of cold damage from the frosty shaft.
The second one fires at Jak and misses.
The third one targets Ochnam and also misses again.
The fourth warrior aims at Jak again and manages to hit for 7 points of damage plus 4 points from crackling energy dancing along the shaft.


Everyone can now act.

Angered by the nasty surprise attack, Zaira blinks out by turning invisible. She then flies upward and toward the spellcasting enemy! If nothing interferes with her, she'll throw one of her Beads of Shocking at the first one she reaches.

23:41, Today: Zaira Zatara rolled 24 using 6d6 ((5,1,5,5,4,4)).

He takes 24 points of electrical damage but gets to make a DC 14 Reflex save for half damage.

He'd just taken a lot of damage, but he was still standing... barely. He needed to retaliate...  NOW! Unfortunately, only his spells had that kind of range. He unleashed an Ice Storm at the archers.

00:25, Today: Jak Woodshock rolled 8,4 using 3d6,2d6 ((1,1,6,3,1)).

Well, that was pitiful! 8 bludgeoning damage and only 4 cold. Still, heavy snow and sleet will continue to fall on the archers for another 7 rounds.

Kass says "Chelish, fly high on lookout. Kassandra,flank with me." Kass casts a Shield spell that he shares with his animals. As the hippogryph takes to the air, the dinosaur and Kasatha charge towards the spellcasters, the latter drawing his twin blades as he moves (is 40' enough to reach them?). The flames clearly left him unharmed.


20:37, Today: Kass rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Chelish Perception from 100' up.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Aikio burst into action, flailing her cloak wide as she spun around, circling one of her attackers, delivering precise lightning quick jabs to vitals and pressure points.

Acrobatics (Tumble): 30 to avoid AoO. Moving 5 ft before each attack. AC 33 v. AoO.

Unarmed Strikes (Canny Tumble + Circling Mongoose):
 • 27 to hit, 14 NL damage (+2 to hit, +39 NL damage if Tumble success)
 • 24 to hit, 13 NL damage (+2 to hit, +19 NL damage if 1st attack hits)
 • 22 to hit, 14 NL damage (+2 to hit, +19 NL damage if 1st and 2nd attacks hit)

Debilitating Injury (Bewildered): Target’s AC is -4 for 1 round after successful Sneak Attack (-2 against anyone else’s attacks).

More arcane joins Jak's as Arthur casts his own spell. The ice crystal surrounding the archer begin to shimmer, as though catching every rays of light, and focusing it on the intruders.

OOC: Cast Glitterdust on the archers, 10 feet radius. Will save DC 14 or blind for 8 rounds.

Elena begins to dance energetically as she channels her magic through her movements and into the air around the warriors engaging the boarders.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Standard Action: Cast Haste with blatant subtlety using a level 3 Sorcerer slot (Target as many of the martials as possible)
Move Action: Inspire Courage (Affected allies receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.)
Swift Action: None
Free Action: None
Conditions: Haste? (8 rounds), Inspire Courage

---

This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

Since Elena's initiative was better than everyone else's except Aikio, she manages to get off her Haste spell before the others react.

Jak, Kass and Myles are now hasted and get an extra attack this round. It won't affect Aikio until next round.


Even augmented with the snow and sleet from Jak's spell, Arthur's spell doesn't blind the archers, but it does impart an additional penalty to their range attacks.


Zaira's attack is also only half effective.

Granted the boost to speed, Kass' companion, a raptor, pounces from a flank at one of the fire casters while Kass strikes from the opposite side. The claws and talons of the raptor both gleam with blood in the waning light.

Kasandra's attacks (pounce ability, full attack)

20:47, Today: Kass rolled 23 using 1d20+14.  Talon attack #1.
20:46, Today: Kass rolled 11 using 1d8+5.  Talon damage #1.
20:46, Today: Kass rolled 33 using 1d20+14.  Talon attack #2.
20:45, Today: Kass rolled 13 using 1d8+5.  Talon damage #2.
20:45, Today: Kass rolled 32 using 1d20+14.  Bite attack.
20:44, Today: Kass rolled 9 using 1d6+5.  Bite damage.
20:43, Today: Kass rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Claw attack #1.
20:43, Today: Kass rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Claw damage #1.
20:42, Today: Kass rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Claw attack #2.
20:42, Today: Kass rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Claw damage #2.


Kass' attack (single strike, pirahna strike)

20:58, Today: Kass rolled 24 using 1d20+17.  Dueling blade attack, flanking, pirahna strike.
20:58, Today: Kass rolled 18 using 1d8+15.  Dueling blade damage.
20:57, Today: Kass rolled 13 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.


Target is Bewildered. -2 AC vs all, -4 AC vs Kass
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Kelmanor chooses a spot where most of the attackers are gathered and with arcane signs and whispering some words, he opens the palm of his hand and throws a ball of fire at them.

OOC:
Standard: Cast Fireball at group of enemies
11:39, Today: Kelmanor rolled 46 using 12d6.  Fireball damage (scratch the previous one).
Reflex Save DC 22 for half
Half of the damage is divine if the enemies are evil.

Conveniently, there were four archers on the bow of the ship and that was where the ballista was pointed. As part of the near-living ship that Ochnam had crafted, he could direct the ship's weapons to fire at will... provided, of course, that it was loaded.

It took but a thought for him to trigger the ballista that sat amidships.

19:25, Today: Ochnam Shirab rolled 19,13 using 1d20+12,3d6+2 ((7,3,4,4)).

Didn't even come close... exactly... as it streaked between two of the archers and sailed off into the water.

Fortunately, he had the Unseen Ship's Crew spell permanenced onto the ship, so they would now reload. They just couldn't aim and fire.

"Well, damn! That didn't go as planned," he groused as he tried to keep the ballista between  him and the archers and the warriors.

Aikio's first attack actually hits, leaving the target bewildered  (-4 to AC). That's just enough to enable her next two attacks to hit as well. The enemy is tougher than they look. Although it doesn't look like they are wearing armor, her hits reveal that they do have some sort of armor under the loose-fitting clothes.


From up in the air, Chelish does not see any other attackers than those that are already on board.

Kasandra manages to hit with one talon and her bite while Kass barely manages to hit with the help of Elena's song. Even the combined assault, though, isn't enough to take the spellcaster down.


The enemy spellcasters at the stern are engaged with Kass and his companion raptor as well as Zaira, so Kelmanor casts his fireball at the group of warriors that attacked over the side, managing to place it just close enough to keep from affecting his allies.



Even though he's a hunter and fighter, Myles chooses to cast Call Lightning for both the damage and range. He targets one of the spellcasters and does 15 points of damage.


The enemy archers now all attempt to shoot again but they all miss due to the snow and sleet interfering with their vision.


The enemy warriors attack back. The first one attacks Aikio and misses.
The second one also attacks Aikio and misses.
The third one attacks Kelmanor and hits for 17 points of damage.
The fourth one attacks Elena and misses.

20:23, Today: Xabat Thorn rolled 25,28,25,15 using 1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10,1d20+10 ((15,18,15,5)).

They don't get a second attack due to the fireball that engulfed them, though it didn't take any of them down.


Only one of the enemy spellcasters is able to get off a spell--Magic Missile--due to the others having taken damage or are in combat. He targets Myles for 16 points of damage.

The one engaged by Kass attempts to attack back with a dagger, and just barely manages to hit for 7 points of damage.


OOC: There is now a deck plan/map of the ship under Group 0 Game Map.

The ship's port side is tied up to the docks.

Arthur, Jak and Ochnam are forward of the cargo hatch. The archers are on the forecastle.

Aikio, Elena, and Kelmanor are on the port side of the cargo hatch, which is where the warriors came over the gunwales. They are still standing on the gunwales to gain a height advantage. And they were all affected by Kelmanor's fireball.

Kass, Myles and Zaira were aft of the cargo hatch. Kass and Zaira have moved up to the sterncastle and have engaged the enemy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

The Tengu emerged from the fiery explosion unscathed, then repeated her flurry of vital and pressure point strikes on the same target, circling around, ducking, and jabbing with quick and short but devastating precision.

Reflex Save v. Fireball: 22. No damage! Whew!

Acrobatics (Tumble): 37 to avoid AoO. Moving 5 ft before each attack. AC 33 v. AoO.

Unarmed Strikes (Canny Tumble + Circling Mongoose):
 • 33 to hit v. -4 AC (Bewildered), 16 NL damage (+2 to hit, target Flat-Footed, and +32 NL damage if Tumble success)
 • 38 to hit v. -4 AC (Bewildered), 14 NL damage (+2 to hit, +25 NL damage if 1st attack hits)
 • 19 to hit v. -4 AC (Bewildered), 20 NL damage (+2 to hit, +18 NL damage if 1st and 2nd attacks hit)

Debilitating Injury (Bewildered): Target’s AC is -4 for 1 round after successful Sneak Attack (-2 against anyone else’s attacks).

Kass goes into a full attack , timing his command to Kassandra to 'shift' after landing his first blow. Kasandra then moves over (5' step) to flank the next caster in line. Kassandra lunges into that one with a Full Attack, joined by the rest of Kass' attacks After Kass uses Cornugon Smash to terrify the first enemy, and also the second caster.

Vs Caster #1, Kass attacking.

21:16, Today: Kass rolled 22 using 1d20+17.  Hasted attack, flanking, Power Attack vs -4 AC.

21:15, Today: Kass rolled 17 using 1d8+15.  Dueling blade damage.

21:14, Today: Kass rolled 9 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.

Cornugon Smash
21:22, Today: Kass rolled 19 using 1d20+18.  Intimidate to Demoralize.


OOC SHEEESH, it really doesn't want me doing this.

Caster #1 continues to be Bewildered until end of Next Turn. -4 AC vs Kass, -2 AC vs all others.


Vs Caster #2, Kasandra Full Attack

21:39, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d20+14.  Hasted Talon attack.

21:38, Today: Kass rolled 9 using 1d8+5.  Hasted Talon damage.

21:38, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d20+14.  Talon #1 attack.

21:38, Today: Kass rolled 10 using 1d8+5.  Talon #1 damage.

21:37, Today: Kass rolled 27 using 1d20+14.  Talon #2 attack.

21:36, Today: Kass rolled 10 using 1d8+5.  Talon #2 damage.

21:35, Today: Kasandra rolled 25 using 1d20+14.  Bite attack.

21:35, Today: Kasandra rolled 7 using 1d6+5.  Bite damage.

21:29, Today: Kasandra rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Claw #1 attack. Threat!

21:30, Today: Kasandra rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Crit confirm.

21:29, Today: Kasandra rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Claw #1 damage.

21:30, Today: Kasandra rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  Added crit damage.

21:28, Today: Kasandra rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Claw #2 attack. Threat!

21:28, Today: Kasandra rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Crit confirm.

21:27, Today: Kasandra rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Claw #2 damage.

21:29, Today: Kasandra rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Added crit damage.


Vs Caster #2, Full Attack, Kass

21:55, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d20+17.  Primary blade attack #1, flanking, Power Attack.

21:54, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d8+15.  Primary blade damage #1.

21:53, Today: Kass rolled 10 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.

21:52, Today: Kass rolled 26 using 1d20+17.  Secondary blade attack #1.

21:52, Today: Kass rolled 21 using 1d8+15.  Secondary blade damage #1.

21:51, Today: Kass rolled 16 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.


OOC This one hit for sure. Cornugon Smash!



21:56, Today: Kass rolled 37 using 1d20+18.  Cornugon Smash Demoralize to Intimidate.

Caster #2 is Bewildered (-4 AC vs me, -2 AC vs all) and probably Shaken.

21:51, Today: Kass rolled 17 using 1d20+14.  Primary blade attack #2.

21:50, Today: Kass rolled 20 using 1d8+15.  Primary blade damage #2.

21:50, Today: Kass rolled 12 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.

21:49, Today: Kass rolled 18 using 1d20+14.  Secondary blade attack #2.

21:48, Today: Kass rolled 19 using 1d8+15.  Secondary blade damage #2.

21:47, Today: Kass rolled 15 using 4d6.  Sneak attack damage.

OOC: I think Aikio, Kelmanor and Elena are side by side... if not, let me know.

Kelmanor steps back and decides to protect his companions, casting a wall of fire that can harm their attackers.

OOC:
Free: 5ft-step back
Standard: Cast Wall of Fire
12:22, Today: Kelmanor rolled 22 using 2d6+16.  Wall of Fire Damage.
The wall is opaque, so they can't see you if you want to move or cast spells.

For the most part, Ochnam considered his ship to be his weapon, so it was only natural that he'd keep shooting ballista bolts at the intruders.

His phantom crew quickly reloaded and left it to him to aim... though he admitted he wasn't very good at that. Build the damn thing, yes--shoot it, not so much.

At the last second, he decided to use his Artificer abilities to imbue it with cold.

16:17, Today: Ochnam Shirab rolled 20,14 using 1d20+13,3d6+10 ((7,1,2,1)).

Well, damn! Might have hit but for poor damage!

"GET OFF MY SHIP!" he shouted at the enemy for emphasis!

Jak wasn't much better at this mass combat than Ochnam was and he didn't even have  a ship to throw at the enemy!

Under the circumstances, he really didn't expect a Wandering hex to be all that effective, but maybe in conjunction with the others... He targeted one of the archers with his Slumber hex.

It did not seem as if these attackers, particularly the spellcasters at the stern, could detect Zaira when she was small and invisible so she continued to flit around the deck dodging behind crates and barrels and masts and whatever else was convenient until an opportunity presented it.

WHAM! She dropped another Shocking Bead onto the head of an untouched spellcaster!

16:34, Today: Zaira Zatara rolled 28,35 using 1d20+8,8d6 ((4,3,5,1,6,6,4,1,5)).

GM says crit confirmed for max damage x 2! 96 shocking damage! Yippee-ki-yay!

~~~~~ BATTLE AT THE BOW: Arthur, Jak, Ochnam~~~~~


Arthur?

Ochnam fires another ballista bolt; hits archer #3 for 14 points of damage and slams the warrior back over the bow of the ship. Anyone paying attention can hear him splash into the water below.

Jak targets archer #4 with his Wandering Slumber hex and the man falls to the deck asleep!


~~~~~ BATTLE ON THE STERN: Kass, Myles, Zaira ~~~~~


Kass sprung to attack Caster #1, easily hits him multiple times for 26 points of damage and leaving him bewildered.
Kassandra also leaped to full attack vs. spellcaster #2, hit multiple times for 74 points of damage.
Since the enemy didn't fall, Kass continued his attack against Caster #3. Two more hits 67 points demoralized him to death!

Myles?

Zaira eludes the 3rd spellcaster and delivers a critical Shocking Bead to his noggin! He's down and out!


~~~~~ BATTLE AT THE STARBOARD SIDE: Aikio, Elena, Kelmanor ~~~~~


Aikio hits Warrior #1 twice for 55 points of non-lethal damage and leaving him bewildered.

Elena?

Kelmanor casts a Wall of Fire right on the starboard gunwales where the enemy is standing, delivering 22 points of fire damage to all of them. The opaque wall of flames now makes it hard to see the opponent on the other side.


I'll give Arthur, Myles, and Elena a chance to post an action before the enemy gets to attack.

Elena continues to dance as she weaves the magic into her words as she commands one of the warriors, "Lay down your arms and go sit down over there until one of us tells you to get up." She accompanies her words with a gesture towards a relatively safe corner.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Standard Action: Cast a Suggestion using the language the spellcasters were using to cast spells if she can speak it, otherwise she uses common on the least injured looking warrior with a L3 sorcerer spell slot. DC 23 Will save (+1 if Humanoid)
Move Action:
Swift Action: None
Free Action: Sustain inspire courage, 5' step away from anyone engaging her
Conditions: Haste (7 rounds), Inspire Courage

---

Arthur glances at the archer falling overboard, before addressing one of his remaining friends. "He looks badly injured... you should really help him before he drowns." His words echoes with subtle pressure, making the advice very convincing.

OOC: Cast Suggestion on Archer #1, dc 15.

"Regroup!" Kelmanor falls back to put some distance between him and the enmies.
Then some little lights like stars in the night sky begin to glow around him.


OOC:
Move: Mova away 30 ft.
Standard: Use Coat of Many Stars +4 to AC
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Wed 01 Mar 2023.