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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The shark struggles to shake off the effects of the blow, then heads off in pursuit of the unseen creature. Without any blood to track, he has difficulty, instead trying to follow it's wake.
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Spot [roll0]
Once the trail has been sighted, the shark races off, making the most of it's hasted status as it attempts to clamp it's jaws on the creature again.
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Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Concealment [roll3]
Attack [roll] [roll4]
Damage [roll] [roll5]
Concealment [roll6]
(Current hp - 17)
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quid
The wheel was easily overwhelming the poor halfling. He gets a little anxious to see the number of folks dive off into the water.
"Hey guys? If we're abandoning ship into the water... I'm all for it. But shouldn't we all go at the same time?"
Opting not to abandon the airbreathers, the halfling will remain on deck near the wheel, struggling to hold on.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg is calmer now. He moves a few feet through the water towards where he thinks the creature is, and jabs twice with his shortsword.
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Underwater equivalent of a five-foot step towards the creature. Full-round attack, 2 attacks from Haste.
To hit: [roll0]
If it threatens: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Critical hit damage: [roll3]
Second attack:
To hit: [roll4]
If it threatens: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Critical hit damage: [roll7]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
(Kwikweg)
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Concealment [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
(Kwikweg)
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Concealment for second attack: [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
The creature in the water proves impossible to find. The turning currents cover any indication of its path, and the unseen foe doesn't seem to displace water as an invisible creature normally would. Nothing seems to reveal its location until it again crashes into the side of the ship, cracking more wood.
Above the water, Hoyard rushes up from below decks. "We're taking on water," he shouts. Pointing to Besc, Celidea, and Nelsrial he continues. "You three! Get down here and help with the water and making some patches!" As the elven trio hurries below decks, Hoyard takes a look at the damaged masts. "I should have asked for more pay," he mumbles as he disappears into the ship once again.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg returns to the surface. He calls out to the ship.
Zuhaitz! We can't even see this thing! Do you have any spells that can help us?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Surge turns from side to side, scanning for enemies in his Raged State. The only thing keeping him from leaping off the boat after this unseen enemy is the vague knowledge that he can't really swim. He runs towards the bow with weapons raised and, unless another enemy presents itself, stays there till his rage subsides.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The shark swims back to the ship and makes a slow circle of the boat to examine the damage.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka tries to think what manner of creature they might be dealing with here.
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Knowledge Rolls:
Religion [roll0]
The Planes [roll1]
If Xenka is within Melee distance (including 5' step):
Full Round Action: Eldritch Glaive
Eldritch Glaive attack Roll (Melee Touch Attack): [roll2]
Eldritch Glaive Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll3]
Concealment roll: [roll4]
Extra Attack from Haste
Eldritch Glaive attack Roll (Melee Touch Attack): [roll5]
Eldritch Glaive Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll6]
Concealment roll: [roll7]
If Xenka is not within Melee Distance
Standard Action: Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast attack Roll (Range Touch Attack): [roll8]
Eldritch Blast Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll9]
Concealment roll: [roll10]
Move action: Move in closer to the creature
Status:
HP: 32/47
AC: 27
Effects:
Haste: +1 Attack/AC, Extra Attack
Bless: +1 Attack/Saves against Fear
Shield of Faith: +3 Deflection AC for 57 rounds
Swimming in the Styx: Water breath, Gain Swim speed equal to land speed, +8 to Swim checks, able to take 10 on swim checks.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Melsitel, seeing Zuhaitz's uncertainty about if he has any spells that will help, pulls a fist sized bottle out of his pouch. He looks at it for a moment with an uncertain look. Seeming to have reached a decision, he tosses the bottle to Kwikweg. "Try breaking that near the creature!" he instructs gloomily.
Xenka sends an eldritch blast through the water toward where the creature is attacking the Spear's hull, but doesn't appear to hit anything. Pushing against the currents, he swims back toward the drifting ship.
Farhl circles the ship, looking for the damage. The creatures' attacks have damaged the hull and the ship is taking on water, but the Windspear can still take a few more hits before its in danger of sinking. Its seaworthiness will likely be lessened and the damage will need to be repaired as soon as possible least it become more serious.
The invisible monster, meanwhile, continues to throw itself against the hull.
Xenka
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Given the unusual invisibility it has in the water and the nature of the attacker above the ship, you're fairly certain it is a water elemental attacking the Spear's underside.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg takes the bottle, dives back under the water, and swims down to the hull of the ship. He studies it carefully, trying to predict where the creature is by where the impacts are falling. He swims over to where he guesses the creature is and smashes the bottle with the hilt of his sword.
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Swim check: [roll0]
Spot check: [roll1]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The shark searches the seas for an glimpse of the attacker.
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Spot [roll0]
Once (if) the trail is been sighted, the shark races off, making the most of it's hasted status as it attempts to clamp it's jaws on the creature again.
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Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Concealment - if needed [roll3]
Attack [roll4]
Damage [roll5]
Concealment - if needed [roll6]
(Current hp - 17)
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka shouts "I think its a Water elemental!" before proceeding to launch another attack.
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Spot Check if needed: [roll0]
If Xenka is within Melee distance (including 5' step):
Full Round Action: Eldritch Glaive
Eldritch Glaive attack Roll (Melee Touch Attack): [roll1]
Eldritch Glaive Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll2]
Concealment roll: [roll3]
Extra Attack from Haste
Eldritch Glaive attack Roll (Melee Touch Attack): [roll4]
Eldritch Glaive Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll5]
Concealment roll: [roll6]
If Xenka is not within Melee Distance
Standard Action: Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast attack Roll (Range Touch Attack): [roll7]
Eldritch Blast Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll8]
Concealment roll: [roll9]
Move action: Move in closer to the creature
Edit: :smallannoyed: The dice are against me.
Status:
HP: 32/47
AC: 27
Effects:
Haste: +1 Attack/AC, Extra Attack
Bless: +1 Attack/Saves against Fear
Shield of Faith: +3 Deflection AC for 56 rounds
Swimming in the Styx: Water breath, Gain Swim speed equal to land speed, +8 to Swim checks, able to take 10 on swim checks.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg opens his mouth to ask Xenka something, but then realises he can't talk underwater. He mimes instead:
(Points in general direction of the elemental)
(Throat-slitting gesture)
(Baffled shrug)
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I'm assuming mime is a free action.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg dives below the water again and swims over to where the creature is attacking the ship. He smashes the bottle with the hilt of his sword, releasing a clear, white liquid into the water. The substance spreads out, making strange wispy shapes in the water which seem to cling to human's arm, sword, and the remains of the bottle. These ghostly tendrils also cling to the unseen creature, creating a clear outline of its strange, wave like shape.
With the elemental clearly outlined in white, Farhl's easily bites into the creature. From a distance Xenka hurls a blast of eldritch energy at the elemental, but misses.
Discovered, the water elemental seems to trash around in panic. Soon the creature is spinning, carrying the currents around it into a vortex.
The Spear continues to rock as the storm carries the ship where it will. Waves begin to crash over the sides of the ship, spraying cold water across the deck. After one such wave pushes the ship, the vortex appears at the side of the boat with Kwikweg and Farhl trying to avoid being trapped in it.
Kwikweg: DC 15 Reflex save or take [roll0] damage
Farhl: DC 15 Reflex save or take [roll1] damage
If you fail the DC 15 save, roll a second one. If you fail the second one you are trapped helplessly in the currents of the vortex.
Everyone else: The water elemental is clearly visible now, both above and below water.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
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Reflex Save DC 15 [roll0]
2nd Reflex Save DC 15 (if needed) [roll1]
Farhl swims clear of the vortex, back towards the ship.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg tries to twist himself away from the vortex.
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DC 15 reflex check: [roll0]
Second check, if needed: [roll1]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka mimes back by pointing to the creature, giving a small shrug, and then smacking his fist against his open palm. He turns around and tries to shoot another blast at the whirlpool.
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Standard Action: Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast attack Roll (Range Touch Attack): [roll0]
Eldritch Blast Damage Roll (Untyped Damage): [roll1]
Move action: manoeuvre so that Xenka will be about 50' away from the ship on his next round.
Status:
HP: 32/47
AC: 27
Effects:
Haste: +1 Attack/AC, Extra Attack
Bless: +1 Attack/Saves against Fear
Shield of Faith: +3 Deflection AC for 55 rounds
Swimming in the Styx: Water breath, Gain Swim speed equal to land speed, +8 to Swim checks, able to take 10 on swim checks.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
((So is that it for this round? :smallannoyed:))
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
(Kwikweg)
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Yes, I'm assuming escaping the vortex took all of my turn, so I'm waiting for the elemental to take its turn before I attack.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
((Sorry about the slow update! :smalleek:))
Farhl and Kwikweg manage to swim out of the vortex, making their way back toward the ship. The water elemental moves to follow, but once Xenka's blast strikes the creature, it seems to reconsider that course. Resuming its normal, wave-like shape, the monster propels itself downward to disappear into the depths. Celidea and Nelsrial toos ropes down the the trio in the water, helping them return to the deck of the ship.
With the storm elemental no longer controlling the storm overhead, the weather resumes in natural actions, following the winds once more rather than following the ship. The Lucky Windspear continues to be tossed in the waves for an hour before gentler rains and winds resume, allowing her crew to regain fill control. As the storm passes, it becomes clear that the ship has been pushed out to sea. The coastline of Xen'drik has disappeared from view.
As soon as the weather settles, Hoyard immediately begins to organize the repairs on the ship, patching up the two holes caused by the water elemental and trying to get the masts and rigging into working order. Having surveyed the damage, the shipwright approaches Zuhaitz to explain the situation.
"It could have been worse," Hoyard tells everyone present. "That thing in the water wasn't very strong. It would have taken it a while to crack open a hole that was a serious threat to the ship, but a couple sections of the hull are weakened. The masts are a mess. They'll hold the sails fine for calm weather, but we need to watch them in heavy weather. We don't have the supplies on board to make proper repairs on both masts, so we'll have to make to a port before we use both masts."
((You'll need a Knowledge: Geography check to figure out where you are. Your maps will help you determine where to go from there.))
((The elves have their own small council below deck. You may (if you choose) listen in or over hear all or any of this:))
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"Who do you think found us?" Nelsrial asks the others.
Melsitel shakes his head. "Could have been any of them," he relies. "I doubt its Aerenal. Using elementals don't seem like them..."
"The Riedrans?" Celidea suggests. "Are they capable of something like this?"
Melsitel shakes his head again. "I don't know what they aren't capable of, really."
"Do you think Beshilva has found us?" Alimor asks excitedly.
"I doubt it," Melsitel replies. "Es’tal’en's magic should be hiding us from her. And I think she'd come here personally to take care of us."
"The druids." Besc adds.
"I don't think the druids are our enemies," Melsitel says.
Celidea replies, "I wouldn't know after how Melsitel killed those animals..."
"Ah, yes," Melsitel says, grinning with the memories and chuckling. He quickly stifles his amusement when he sees the stern looks the other elves give him.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The bosun approaches Hoyard to talk about the ship.
"You say we need to make port, do you mean a port, or just land?"
After conversing with the shipwright, Farhl makes his way to the back of the boat and starts throwing some chunks of bloody meat out to call his animal companion. Once the shark arrives, he asks it to do a sweep of the area and report back.
ooc
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Can I assist the repairs with the warp wood spell?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg spends a few hours walking around the ship, staring out at the horizon. Afterwards he climbs down the side of the ship and trails a hand in the sea.
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Knowledge (Geography) check: "Where are we, and where's the nearest land?" [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
As Xenka clambers back on board the ship, he shouts out, "Is anyone dying and in need of healing?"
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Xenka will use Touch of Healing to get everyone else back to at least 1/2 HP first. For those unfamiliar with the feat, Xenka can heal you 6 HP each round (1/2 healing for the warforged), as long as your HP is less than 1/2.
Farhl has 39 max HP, so 1/2 HP would be 19.5. His present HP is 17, so Xenka can use ToH once to get him up to 23 HP.
Kwikweg has max 19 HP (I think), so 1/2 would be 9.5. He is down to 3 HP, so Xenka can use ToH twice to bring him up to 15.
If anyone else needs more than that, let me know, Xenka has lesser vigor memorized, and can also spontaneously convert his remaining spells if needed.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Surge looks around and seems lost. With battle being his only real area of expertise, he often finds himself in situations like this, unsure of what to do. He calls out in a voice louder than necessary: "What are my orders?" and awaits instruction to help repairing the ship.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
As his potion wears off, Kwikweg's breathing becomes laboured and rasping. He walks over to Xenka.
I'm not dying, but if there's no-one else worse off I could do with some healing.
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I'd like to be healed from 3 back to 19 if you can.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka nods and proceeds to cast several spells on the Rogue.
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Normally, Clerics will just heal you up to near full and then let the automatic healing from sleep take care of the rest. But if we get into any more trouble today, I think you want your rather low HP to be full.
ToH can get you back up to 15. From there, I will spontaneously convert 4 of my level 0 spells to cure minor wounds, which should bring you up to 19 exactly.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg's breathing returns to normal as the spells take effect. He thanks Xenka and walks over to Melsitel.
Whatever that was in the bottle, it probably saved our lives. Do you have any more?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Qualia
"You say we need to make port, do you mean a port, or just land?"
"We might get most of the repairs done if we make it out open seas to calmer water," Hoyard explains, "It'll be a chore without a proper crane." He mumbles something about his pay. "I'd be more concerned what may happen if we encounter something else like this. We only have so much replacement rigging."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gareth
Whatever that was in the bottle, it probably saved our lives. Do you have any more?
Melsitel frowns at the question. You can't help but notice the other elves take a step back at Melsitel's atypical expression. "No," he replies. "No, I don't. I'm glad it was useful, however. Now if you excuse me I have to go speak with Es’tal’en."
As Melsitel walks off, Nelsrial comes up beside you, chuckling. "I knew he liked that drink," he explains, "but didn't realize he liked it that much. It was a rather exotic drink he gave you. Aerenal Ghost Wine its called, though it really has nothing to do with any of the three. Just some strange drink some dwarf in Sharn developed. Put a couple drops in a glass of water and you get ghostly swirls in it and a fairly potent drink."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
As Xenka finishes using basic healing on the crew and passengers, he overhears the conversation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mantid
"I'd be more concerned what may happen if we encounter something else like this. We only have so much replacement rigging."
"Hmm... I suppose the main question is whether our passenger's are in any sort of rush. Or are they willing to wait a few days for us to complete repairs? But of course, any final decision still lies with the Captain."
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Since Captain Zuhaitz and Quid seem to have dropped out, what do we do?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg
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You easily determine the Windspear's location. It is a couple dozen miles south of the equator, between Xen'drik and Kapaerian Island. As best as you can determine, there are three settlements within two or three days of sailing.
One is an old exploration settlement on Kapaerian Island, however there has been little news from the settlement in recent months. Rumors say it may have been destroyed, but even if that is the case, you may be able to salvage some supplies.
Another option is a settlement known as Tal Esk father to the south and along the path to the giants' fortress the elves are seeking. You know little about Tal Esk, other than it is usually unfriendly to outsiders.
The other option is to return to Stormreach, but, if you are being pursued as the elves believe, you may sail straight into the arms of an enemy.
The final option would be to sail east to Xen'Drik's coast. The land is dotted with ruins and old, abandoned settlements. It is possible you may find one for shelter and supplies.
I keep thinking of this when I'm away from the computer: everyone receives 550 xp for that encounter
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg explains the choice of landing sites to the rest of the crew.
I believe the best option is to land at Tal Esk. It's less of a detour and it'll be easier to fix the ship there. What does everyone else think?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Meh, my sense of direction is horrible. I regularly get lost trying to find my way from the tavern back to the ship, although for some odd reason never the other way around. If you thinks its the best way, that's good enough for me
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The bosun nods in agreement, "We will go where you suggest."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg goes to his cabin and plots a course for Tal Esk, then takes the wheel and turns the ship to the proper heading.
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Profession (Sailor) check:[roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
((I'm going to use the previous Geography roll to set the course then. :smallwink:))
With the repairs in place, the Lucky Windspear unfurls most of its sails, but damage and lack of working rigging prevents the use of all of them. The rest of the day is cleaning the deck of water and derbies and making smaller repairs.
As darkness settles over the sea, the excitement of the day finally wears off, and the crew slips back into their routine of watches. As chaotic as the storm was, the night is peaceful. The stars shine over the quiet seas and the great ring of siberys shimmers in the southern sky. Some maultooths, large, ten foot dolphin-like creatures with long teeth filled snouts, are seen during the night, following the ship as close as a few dozen feet beside it, but the large predators soon loose interest in the Spear, swimming off to find more fish to eat and leaving the ship in solitude once again.
By noon, a white shape appears on the horizon. At first you think it may be a cloud or perhaps a large white bird, but soon the ship beneath the white bird-like sails become apparent. Like the Windspear, it heads south in a course parallel, if not identical to your own.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg stares curiously at the ship.
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Profession (Sailor) check: "How many crew would that ship need, and how many passengers could it carry?" [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The changeling gathers the crew together to discuss the new sighting.
"How far are we from our port, and can this ship catch us before we reach it if it has access to full sail? It may be nothing, but we had better be prepared, lest we become prey."
He turns to the elves
"We need more information from you. Who is after you, and why? If we do not know who we are against, we can't prepare. The time for truth has come!"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Es’tal’en remains in seclusion, but the other elves join you on deck. Melsitel nods and smiles when a full explanation is demanded. "Yes," he says, "perhaps it would be wise. I'm sure the ship can be better prepared if we make a full disclosure."
He rubs his chin as he considers were to start. Finally he turns to Alimor. "You've known Es’tal’en longer than any of us, perhaps you should fill them in on what happened before I joined this campaign."
"Heh," Alimor replies. "There isn't much to tell. I had heard of Es’tal’en's reputation and sought him out. I worked as Es'tal'en's body guard. We went all over to libraries and sages and diviners... it was all rather boring. I guess it from one of them they learned about these ruins. That's when they brought the rest of you in." Alimor shrugs, his expression making it obvious that was all he had to say about it.
Melsitel rolls his eyes. "Well, that's how it was, I guess," he says. "By any account, Es'teli'on knew of the giants' fortress before he hired the rest of us. I was the next one he hired. He needed someone with a... hmm... 'sly' mind to help acquire what has likely the only map in existence that marked the fortress' true location. I'm not too ashamed to admit I've always have been a bit of a blade for hire." He grinning elf looks back at the remaining three.
"Not much to say about us," Nelsrial explains. "During the war we were part of a envoy tasked with sneaking through Crye to reach Breland and form a tactical alliance with them against Crye. We found ourselves stranded in Breland when the Day of Mourning happened. He eventually ended up in Sharn and had been there for almost six years as mercenaries when Es'tal'en found us and hired us for this job." Celidea nods beside the short elf, while Besc stands there like his usual scowling self.
Melsitel continues, "Well, we were all hired for a voyage to Xen'drik. First to the city of Dar Qat to acquire the map, then to Stormreach, which is where you came into the picture.
"Anyhow, whatever Es'teli'on is after in the ruins... well it apparently scares the Aerenal elves to no end. They started pursuing us as soon as they caught word of our plans.
"Now, Dar Qat. Its a Riedran settlement. From what I hear, the entire country of Riedra is full of fanatics, total theocratic domination. The leaders of their cult are terribly powerful... mind-binders of sorts, or so I hear. Obviously they didn't take it nicely when we sneaked into their fortified city and stole away with one of their more protected maps."
He points at the ship in the distance. "That, if I'm not mistaken, is an Aerenal Wingship. Every fast for its size. I have no doubt it is in pursuit of us. Their culture is highly religious and fixated on death and necromancy."
"Tsk," Alimor adds.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The bosun stares out at the pursuing ship.
"In our current state, I doubt we could fight them, and given our present condition, we would be lucky to outrun them. We could try hiding you. It's your lives on the line, what do you want to do?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg turns away from the ship and addresses the crew.
If we can't beat them in a straight-up fight, we'll have to be more subtle. I could sneak aboard and sabotage the ship. They'd repair it eventually but it would slow them down.
He turns to Melsitel.
I haven't seen that kind of ship before. You'll have to tell me the best way to sabotage it, or maybe you could come with me.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Xenka rubbed his tired eyes before exclaiming, "So let me get this straight, you mean to say that you have not one, but two entire nations out to get you. And possibly more, which you have so far not disclosed."
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OOC: Do any of us want to confirm if that other ship is hostile first?
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Excuse me for a moment.
Kwikweg goes back to the ship's wheel and turns it all the way to port, as fast as possible without endangering the ship. The ship begins to turn off course, and Kwikweg studies the other ship carefully.
This should show whether they're really after us. We can get back on course soon if they aren't.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
"Well," Melsitel says, "I'm not sure its two entire nations. Riedra is half a world away, so its doubtful the nation itself really cares. But their local representatives, those at Dar Qat, Tel Esk, and what other Xen'Drik colonies they have are likely to be after us."
As the Windspear changes it course, the wingship on the horizon seems to change its own coarse to match.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg looks grimly at the wingship as it changes its course.
Right, time to do this. Quid, take the wheel. Steer the ship straight towards the wingship. Farhl and I will swim over and sabotage it once we're close enough. Xenka, I'll need you to cast Water Breathing on me so I can stay out of sight.
He moves to the side of the ship away from the wingship and prepares to jump in once the spell is cast.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The changeling nods. "We may want some kind of distraction so they don't see us coming."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gareth
Xenka, I'll need you to cast Water Breathing on me so I can stay out of sight.
"Uh..." Xenka says as he scratches his nose nervously, "I'm afraid I'm not quite powerful enough to give you water breath."
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More to the point, right now Xenka only has level 2 spells, and water breath is level 3.
And in case you are wondering, Xenka's own water breath comes from a personal only warlock invoc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Qualia
Farhl
The changeling nods. "We may want some kind of distraction so they don't see us coming."
"What did you have in mind?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
"Are you sure its necessary?" Melsitel asks. "You're sure we can't outrun it?"
"HA!" Alimor counters. "I say if the Aerenans want a fight, I say we give it to them!"
Nelsrial shakes his head at Alimor's eagerness. "I'd rather not risk loosing any more elven blood to day, be it our own or the Aerenals'. Or those of this ship, for that matter. But we are a part of this crew for all purposes. Let us know how we can help."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Sorry Xenka, my mistake.
Kwikweg thinks for a moment.
I can't get over there without them seeing me. But Farhl can turn into the shark, so maybe he could sabotage them. Xenka, if you can still breathe underwater you could go too.
He hands Farhl a flask.
This will turn one person invisible for two minutes, use it on whoever's least sneakiest once you leave the water. Try setting a fire below the decks.
He turns to the rest of the crew.
If we're sneaking up to them, they could be sneaking up to us. Pass out the weapons and prepare to repel boarders. He stares out at the water between the two ships.
Spoiler
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I've given Farhl a Potion of Invisibility
Spot check: [roll0]
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The changeling accepts the potion, and holds it in his hand.
"I cannot take the form of a shark again, though I can swim there and warp the wood to slow the ship if necessary."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mantid
"Are you sure its necessary?" Melsitel asks. "You're sure we can't outrun it?"
Xenka, frowns as he considers their options. "In our ships present battered condition, I don't think that is possible, unless we can somehow slow down their ship. Kwikweg is probably right, some manner of sabotage, destructive or otherwise, seems to be necessary."
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Really, among the 3 of us, we don't have many options.
However, looking at
Zuhaitz's sheet, I realize he has water breathe. He could cast that on Kwikweg (and maybe Farlh) then the 3 of us can move out underwater for ship sabotage (although that probably needs DM approval). In fact, it might be a better idea to bring more than just the 3 of us.
Xenka actually brought along a 1d6 steel sickle especially for underwater sabotage, but its not going to be very effective. By default, a slashing weapon does -2 damage underwater, but affects wooden hulls for full damage (minus the hull hardness of 6).
So if Xenka casts bull strength on himself to give him a strength sore of 18 (bonus +4) and used the sickle as a 2 hander (1.5x strength bonus), he would be able to hit the hull for 1d6+6 damage. Of which, 2 would be subtracted for underwater combat, and 6 for hardness of wood. So the net damage I would deal to the wooden hull per hit would be 1d6-2 (Ave 1.66 damage per hit).
Given that a hull section has 150 HP, it would take him nearly 10 minutes of non-stop hacking to destroy a section, and thats assuming that the people on board don't notice the muffled banging noise, and the fact water is starting to leak in, and dive into the water to drive off the invaders.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
The changeling looks towards the pursuing ship, then back towards their elven passengers.
"I can slow their ship, but that will confirm their suspicions and ensure their pursuit. Perhaps a better first try will be to try to throw them off the scent. We could wave them over, ask for help and claim our passengers left us during the battle with the elementals. What do you think? Can we hide them? Will they fall for it?"
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg frowns.
That could work. You should do all the talking, though. I'm no good at lying.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Xenka
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Qualia
Farhl
"We could wave them over, ask for help and claim our passengers left us during the battle with the elementals. What do you think? Can we hide them? Will they fall for it?"
"If we do that, we are taking a gamble. If they are thorough, and it is most likely that they are, they will search our ship, so you elves had better be excellent hiders."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Farhl
"We could just hide them under the water, a little away from us. Then we can see if they are trying to follow us, or them, and slow up their ship if needed to beat our escape."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Spoiler
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Wait, so do we put the elves in the water secretly or openly?
If we put them secretly, the other ship won't know and will still follow us regardless. Unless the plan is to put them secretly, and then stop and let othe other ship search us so that they won't find the elves on board.
If we put them openly (and hope the other ship goes after the elves and we can go our own way), than thats essentially abandoning the elves and the quest.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Spoiler
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We put them in the water secretly. Then sail a little away. If the elven boat continues to follow us, then they are following the boat. If they change course, then they are somehow following the elves.
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
"It won't work," Celidea says. "Aerenans claim to worship their ancestors, but have no respect for the dead. They are practiced necromancers."
Melsitel nods. "I see what you mean," he replies. "If this ship serves the Undying Court directly, it probably includes a few ghosts. They can search the ship and the water without restriction. We'll need magic if we're to hide from them."
"At least they have shown restraint before," Nelsrial adds. "I'm fairly sure they want us alive."
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Re: The Giants' Crown (Alpha) Ch1 - The Fateful Voyage
Kwikweg looks exasperated.
So we can't outrun them, can't fight them, can't sneak up on them, and can't hide the elves from them? That sounds like the only option is surrender.