Orcland Border

[Sagittarius]

His condition somewhat improved during the evening, Olaf eagerly participates in the conversation, careful not to interrupt the priest. Upon hearing the plans, he scratches his head in contemplation. "Certainly, I would prefer negotiating a peaceful outcome with the orc captain and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. However, I am at a loss how a compromise between us would be fashioned. After all, I would not know how to justify letting him get away with his ploy and leave him to just attack the next ship that comes along. We certainly should look for the most peaceful option possible but at the moment I feel somewhat adamant about incapacitating the pirates enough to make the sea a safer place. And concerning possible other slaves... I doubt that he had any of them acquired legally. Unless we find compelling evidence to the contrary, I would say that we are justified - if not indebted - to extract them."

[sum1won]

Negotiations, bah. The scum will simply see us as weak, and try to seize us as well. At best, we'll be forewarning them of our presence. If we are going to negotiate, best we do it after we've demonstrated our strength, not while exposed. Now, I'll be taking the first set of watches. I have less need of rest than most of you.

Caerin then hunkers down in the bow, behind a blanket he stretched across the railings.

hide (1d20+8)[12]

ooc:I'll also take ten on my handle animal check telling the hound to guard.

[Paramour Pink]

Aiko

Aiko had disengaged herself from the earlier conversation with the contingent of outsiders suddenly, her disappearance cued by the sickly blonde showing signs of recovery. She spent the evening in the company of the four night crewmen. When it became apparent that they were understandably tiring, she offered to show anyone interested how to slip into a meditative state.

“Mediation would work to deepen relaxation and sharpen concentration; with enough practice, it will lessen fatigue and enrich rest. Your night vigil is a necessity,” the girl explained with an earnest nod, “but your weariness is not.”

[Sagittarius]

Olaf hears the words of the ranger, patiently waiting for the others to voice eventual concerns first. If nobody does, he speaks up while looking at Caerin and the distant sea alternatingly. "These are harsh words but there probably is some truth in it so far that we can't allow the pirates to get the jump on us. However, I want to stress that we at least show the decency to allow our adversaries a peaceful surrender. From what I have heard, these seas do not allow much compassion and there may be enough pirates who are following Batakar only out of fear for revenge."

[Steward]

Rigmund clasped his hands together. "I have to agree with the good Paladin." Rigmund says. "Even Pirates are men too, God's creatures all. But... I'll be damned if I'll let some pirates kill us all." But he recognizes the importance of what Caerin had said, about displaying a show of force. "If the pirates respond to our overture, so be it. But if they make war or threaten the captain's daughter... then blood may be shed."

[sum1won]

Those near the stern will hear a low, almost melodic muttering as Caerin speaks to his dog. The dog is watching him solemnly, with its head on its paws.

For those who speak elven: I believe this is Garen and Aiko.

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<Damn fool paladin and his damn fool negotiations. And the other holy man too. They'll have us waltz right up to those orcs with our paltry dozen and make demands. I'd be surprised if the orcs even pretend to listen, eh Bo?> He sounds slightly angry, but mostly resigned.

[Falconknight06]

Garen, noticing how everyone else seemed to have found their place among the crew and its duties. He begins to talk to himself, forgetting where he is, "I wonder if I'm in the right place. I'm not a fighter or even a caster of any note. Why would I be here with these people who obviously have all seen plenty of combat. I hope I can prove useful in some way."

His sleep woud be very troubled as he thinks about why he would be included in this group

[dagaarn]

Tark approaches Olaf, with a worried expression on his face. He opens his mouth a few to times to speak, but seems to not be able to work out what to say. Finally he mutters, "Olaf, lad, I know we are on a mission for our god, but sometimes we have to kill. It's a hard world, but these men are pirates. If we ask them to surrender they will get us while our guard is down."
Tark stops, surprised that he managed to speak so many words at once, ((a charisma of 7 will do that to you)).
He returns to his coil of rope, still looking very shocked at himself.

[Paramour Pink]

Aiko

Towards the stern of the ship, Aiko had been gently leading one of the sailors through a minor breathing exercise. When the elf spoke she did not immediately respond. Instead she waited until the small exchange with the sailor was done, only then turning to the bald archer.

“You are perceptive, and yet presumptuous,” the Yuanese girl commented in a curious and calm manner, her tone and tongue becoming that of the elves' flippant speech.

“It does not matter what those around you intend to do – unless you are so weak that you would do nothing else. A strong voice means little without wise words. I will not fall in line with a flawed plan.”

[Sagittarius]

Olaf's eyes narrow as he hears Tark. "Don't get me wrong on this one. We will kill any of the pirates that stand against us and threaten either us or their captives. It would be irresponsible to give them time to use a hostage - or even get an idea like this. But there may - and I stress the word may - be some pirates who will not sacrifice their life for their captain."

[dagaarn]

Tark nods at Olaf's words. "I hear the wisdom in your voice. I will follow and protect you as our god has appointed me to do."
He then falls into a brooding silence, ignoring anyone who may talk to him, unless it's about when it's his watch.

[Gmonkey]

Tiberius

Since the ship has set out, Tiberius has been rather quiet, finding position by the Jackal at the front of the ship Now this is the aft, I think, he sits crosslegged as he struggles to meditate, to find a deeper connection to his god through the well of power he possesses. As always, he easily succeeds the meditative stance, he feels the flow of energy through his body, and could extend it as usual into the Blade, but as always he still fails to reach the next level and separate his power, to become a true psion.

Releasing the trance, Honos will reveal it to me in His own time, if that is the path he wishes me to tread. Tiberius opens his eyes to the ship around him, he sees the other priest aboard, with his retinue, acquaintances all from the journey, he smiles and nods at each of them who notice him looking, and raises the wine to Tark when it reaches him, though he doesn't partake.

The crew seem more than competent at their jobs, and doing well at avoiding the influx of hired help on this mission, the other mercenaries, [I]I suppose mercenaries would be the right term[i], are a mixed bunch, the solitary masked man by his side appears to be a good sort, not one to waste too many words. The girl wandering amongst the crew appeared harmless enough, or at least good at putting on that act, the way she moves carries a certain grace, and confidence that would mark her as a warrior, or at least someone who can look after themselves.

The bard seems a jovial sort, though their type always appear that way, it remained to be seen whether he is the sort to sing of stories, or to actually partake. The other two, a human and an elf, obviously warriors both, probably here for the money, though with the human offering to help out with the chores among ship makes that less certain.

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Hi all, apologies I'm a little late to the party, been away from internet these past few days.

For watching the ship: Spot: (1d20+6)[17]

Seeing a group congregate to discuss the mission, Tiberius rises and makes his way over, neatly making his way across the busy deck.

Listening to their words, Tiberius recognises a lot of sense in them, though as Tark falls silent he chooses that moment to speak; "Brother priest, Honos at least frowns upon those who allow evil to proceed as well as those who perpetrate it, there are no innocents in that camp but for the hostages.

Use the quietest of our group to infiltrate the camp just before daybreak to identify and incapacitate any sentries. Then split our main force into two groups, move one to see to the hostages, while the other group pursues the Captain." Tiberius looks to each of the others in the group for suggestions.

[sum1won]

Canidale

In elvish, Canidale responds to the slight pajama girl.

<Much as I'd love to go at this alone, a job this complicated needs teamwork. Now, if we could get a few more->

Hearing Tiberius, Canidale cuts off again for a moment, before addressing the group as a whole.

The good fellow has a point. Any pirate that will be surrendering won't be doing so until they're feeling beaten. I'm more than willing to be part of the forward group. Anyone else game?

This last part is said with a nod to Aiko.

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Also, here are the spot and listen rolls for my watch

Spot (1d20+8)[17]
Listen (1d20+8)[10]
(+3 to both results if against orcs)

[Falconknight06]

"As is probably obvious, being sneaky is not exactly my forte. What I'm good at is making other people better at what they do. My abilities would be best put towards going after the hostages or helping the group in pursuit of the captain" stated Garen to the group, still unsure what his place would be in this group.

[CyrusXerxes]

Vladis Nox

Upon Tiberius's watch Vladis finally sits and leans against the side of the boat to grab some shut-eye while Tiberius is 'on-duty'. As Tiberius departs for the meeting he rouses and continues his watch with a "Keep me informed... with the plans of the ... mission... just... one thing... I don't want those slave traders to get away with this..." As he mentions the slave traders an obvious underlying feeling of anger fills his voice.

[Fitz10019]

Dorrem replies enthusiasticly, animatedly using his hands as he speaks, "The idea of some of us 'looking for hostages'... that's my point about defining our goal. If we're taking the ship, the hostages can wait, no? If we're extracting them, then, while the extraction team looks for hostages, the assault team should be very distracting, and can be more destructive, like setting fire to the sails. I want us to decide between taking the ship or extracting the hostages. If we're extracting, I want us to brainstorm how to disrupt the pirate crew as much as possible." He grins. Dorrem is happy to be discussing the mission.

[BlueWizard]

Captain Jim will hear the specialists discussing the plan. He will agree that this is a very important topic. "My plan is to get you all to investigate the situation. Honestly, I don't know how the base is guarded, but we need to at least scout the area. If you guys think you can handle it without getting my sso... daughter, killed I think we should do it. That isle probably is surrounded by guards, so my plan was to drop you all off quickly before any pirate skiffs could be sent out after us. We can outrun a galley, but not one of those smaller wind-surfers. As to negotiating with Batakar, that is not an option. If we can I'd love to bring that orc back alive for hanging in the empire. He has caused others grief, and I think we can get a little bounty for him. But, personally if we kill him, and get my... daughter, then I'd be happy."

The evening gets darker, the sun is past the horizon, but still lights up the Western sky with a reddish purple.

A sailor, Xei Chen, is eager to learn these meditative steps with Aiko, but seems to be getting more turned on than anything by the breathing exercises. Xei Chin will whisper into her ear, "Do you have a boyfriend?" He's a scrappy looking fellow, with a kind face, but not that attractive.

Dinner has been eaten, watches are being planned, and some of you already went below decks to get some early sleep or at least try to. Many of you are still wandering about the deck when Caerin notices something off the starboard bow. It was red, maybe white, and coming up from the sea. Only the bright red color stood out for Caerin, for it was even harder to see into the water now, but something that looked dangerous was coming up, and fast!!

{OOC- This will be our first combat. I don't do maps, so feel free to ask questions. At this point I'm letting you guys decide where you are. There is no room to sleep on the main deck. So, when Vladis tried to lay down up here, Kip would've asked him to head below decks. Please post your desired action, or even if/then actions {with bonuses}. I try to post one combat round per day AT LEAST, so please keep up. }


OOC2: I will allow Trained knowledge:Nature rolls

Initiatives:
Aiko 19+7
Caerin 20+4
Tiberius 19+3
Quinn 19+2
Olaf 16+1
Rigmund 10+1
Garen 4+3
Dorrem 5+2
Vladis 4+2
Tark 3+1


OOC- Sorry about the delay, my computer was not connecting to the internet reliably. I wanted this up yesterday.

[sum1won]

Canidale
ooc:(I don't know why I've been typing Caerin in for the last umpty ump turns, I'll fix that)

Canidale peers over the railing at the apporaching creature, bow in hand
(1d20+6)[20] Knowledge: Nature



OOC: (Actions)

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If Canidale thinks the target is an animal and less than 30' away, he uses his wild empathy ability:
(1d20)[7] Wild animal empathy

Otherwise, he waits until the creature is within 110' feet before firing at it.
(1d20+6)[16] Attack
(1d8+2)[3] Damage

[CyrusXerxes]

Vladis Nox

Vladis is near the bow of the ship and would move toward wherever the danger lies, however he is careful not to stand right along the edge of the ship.

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Assuming something comes onto the boat
Attack roll (unarmed): (1d20+3)[16]
If something grappleable: Grapple. (1d20+7)[11]
In either case: Damage: (1d6+3)[4]

Target preference:
Protecting someone who is being overpowered or out numbered, followed by the largest enemy

[Gmonkey]

Continuing the discussion of tactics, Tiberius is just about to call it a night when he notices the Elven warrior, Canidale, was it?, unlimbering her bow. He runs over to check what is happening. "Trouble?", noticing the red shape rising, "Honos preserve!", reflexively he takes a step back, his shortsword jumping into his left hand as his right fist crackles, green lightning flowing through his veins as a shaft of light explodes forward, crystalising into a semi solid looking blade, the mirror of the one in his left hand. Those paying attention might see his eyes darken, going from a striking green to a dull brown

[Falconknight06]

Garen, hearing the commotion above deck, will make his way to the top deck.

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If Garen sees his comrades in combat, he will begin singing an epic song of sea battles long past:
Activate Bardic Music
+1 to Hit, +1 to Damage to everyone on board and a +1 bonus to saves against fear

[Fitz10019]

Dorrem is near the mast. He loads his sling.

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Spot (if needed): [roll0]
Knowledge Nature: [roll1]

He will announce any information he knows that seems combat relevent.

If others attack, and the creature is within 50 ft, then he will attack.

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Dorrem attacks with his sling: (without Bardic bonus b/c of initiative order)
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Fitz10019]

Dorrem is near the mast. He loads his sling.

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Spot (if needed): [Roll]1d20 + 1[/Roll]
Knowledge Nature: [Roll]1d20 + 5[/Roll]

He will announce any information he knows that seems combat relevent.

If others attack, and the creature is within 50 ft, then he will attack.

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Dorrem attacks with his sling: (without Bardic bonus b/c of initiative order)
Attack: [Roll]1d20 + 3[/Roll]
Damage: [Roll]1d4 + 3[/Roll]

[Fitz10019]

Dorrem is near the mast. He loads his sling.

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Spot (if needed): (1d20+1)[9]
Knowledge Nature: (1d20+5)[14]

He will announce any information he knows that seems combat relevent.

If others attack, and the creature is within 50 ft, then he will attack.

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Dorrem attacks with his sling: (without Bardic bonus b/c of initiative order)
Attack: (1d20+3)[11]
Damage: (1d4+3)[7]

[Steward]

Rigmund curses as he peers out at the eerie shape looming out of the water. He had clambered up to get some fresh air and perform his nightly devotions to Tyr and was about to return asea when he noticed the commotion starting up around him. Rigmund falls to his knees and throws his arms up, beseeching Tyr. "Almighty God! King of the world, King of the stones and the stars, King of the waves of the sea -- your servant Rigmund calls upon you now! Send a champion to defend this ship from the ravages of the murky deep!"

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I am casting the Cleric spell Summon Monster I -- to summon a Celestial Porpoise into the water. If it is successful, I will order it to swim towards the thing in the water and if it seems to be alive and hostile it should swim back and inform me.

[Paramour Pink]

Aiko

Aiko had become significantly more interested in the conversation when those assembled began speaking of using their various strengths rather than hinging hope on the uniquely optimistic paladin. She began thinking of how to contribute to the strategies said, her thoughts entangled in ideas of disguise and death, so when the seemingly unrelated question about a boyfriend came up, she stared dumbly, not understanding what that had to do with the mission. Then she noticed the elf sentry bringing out his weapon and knew something was wrong.

“Get below deck and stay there,” she ordered Xei with quiet urgency.

“Warn the others while you can.”

The girl quickly went to snap up her quiver and short bow that had been laid near the starboard side. She then placed herself towards the back of the group assembled on deck. Aiko was a small, weak swimmer that preferred stealth, so she was not going anywhere near what she imagined was a large, aquatic creature bold enough to openly assault their ship. She notched an arrow, waiting only until she judged the shape close enough to hit, and no longer hidden within the water.



Rolls:

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Shooting with my short bow when it comes out of the water and within 60 feet of the ship.

Attack roll: (1d20+3)[19]
Damage roll: (1d6)[1]
Sudden Strike: (1d6)[2]

With a 26, I'm hoping that gives me high enough initiative to go before the monster. If I do, then I do Sudden Strike damage. If not, ignore that damage roll.

[Sagittarius]

Olaf had eaten a light supper and is just about to go below deck and figure out how to remove his new armor when he hears the shouts around him. With his untrained eyes, he is unable to see anything except for maybe one spot of red in front of the different red at the horizon. He picks up his sword and shield again and steps towards the railing, looking for a place that would give him sure footing and kicking away any loose objects that might hinder him or others on a frantic run that might follow. Trying to apply a kind of improvised battle stance, he concentrates on the point in the distance. Would it be a simple sea dweller? Or something more fiendish in origin?

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If the thing is in striking range and still charging, attack. If not, wait until it is within 60 feet and Detect Evil.

Attack: (1d20+5)[24]
Damage: (1d8+3)[7]

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That little gender-confused slip of our captain makes me curious. Anything I can interpret out of it via Sense Motive?

[dagaarn]

When the alarm goes out Tark rises from his coil of rope, drawing his spiked chain. He goes and stands at the railing with the others.
Assuming he can reach, he attacks. ((Also may get attacks of opportunity depending on what the sea creature does/where it moves, 10ft reach ftw))

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attack (1d20+6)[22]
damage (2d4+4)[8]

[BlueWizard]

As alarm spread over the ship, you all became aware of red specks in the water.
It looked at first as dots in the water, but quickly come bursting up around you from all sides of the ship! "Red Sahuagins!" Kip screams out to the men.
"Call to arms! Call to arms!!" the Captain shouted, but all of you were already acting.

These beasts were humanoid with scaly red skin. Their necks and bellies were a dark pink. They have sharp teeth and great staring pink eyes with large black pupils. Their claws and feet are webbed and they have necklaces and adornments, as well as spear, nets, and other weaponry. 3 ride sharks. The biggest of all the red sahuagins, stays underwater, on its large great white. There are at least 8 other sahuagins that are not on sharks.

Aiko fires at the first one she sees, and sets an arrow in it's chest. It snarls and keeps coming! Xei nods like a child when Aiko tells him to go below decks.

Caerin can vibe with the sharks, but they ain't feelin' him. These creatures are loyal to their masters; Caerin gets the feeling these sahuagin's actually treat these sharks with a little idolatry.

Few noticed Tiberius' manifestation come into being, but it would be impressive to watch. Most eyes are fixed with horror on the sea around you.

Silent Quinn had been below decks taking a crap. He rushes up to see what the matter is and quickly gets in his mind what spell he'll cast next round.

Olaf will immediately feel utter evil from these beasts rising from the sea, he readies to attack, but they do not approach the ship's side. Thinking back to the Captain's gender confusion, Olaf will definitely think it sounded fishy, he looked uncomfortable covering his error.

Rigmund had been casting his summon spell, and as the beasts rose to the surface the celestial porpoise was in the sea. It immediately found an intense hatred for the sharks. {OOC- I am considering the spell Rigmund's 'surprise' round action sort of... Basically, he can ready himself again now. So post two actions next time.}

Captain Jim has his men moving by now, and the skinny ones are flying by Aiko to the lower decks. Aguella, the half-orc and 3 other beefy sailors draw up spears and small wooden arm shields. Aiko will see the skinny men below decks grabbing short bows and arrow stacks from a barrel.

Garen begins to sing much to the sahuagin's annoyance. Everyone is inspired of old tales of yor at sea. Garen is quite talented, and the sahuagin's take note of the handsome one's skill.

Dorrem knows what they are, but can't seem to hurt one, as his slingshot bounces harmlessly off of it. The red scaled sahuagins were some of the meaner ones, and a little out of their normal sea zone.

Vladis fires his shot at the first one he saw, and it struck one, but didn't kill it. The sahuagins keep their distance.

Nets come flying onto the deck as several of the creatures try to pull your fellows into the sea.
2 nets come for Quinn and pull the gnomish wizard out to sea without so much as a peep!
A net went for Vladis, but he deftly avoided it.
A net also pulls one of the beefy dudes in as well.
Other nets are resisted, Caerin, Garen, and the half-orc all pulled away from their nets.

Tark finally comes up from below, and to the side. He can see nets all over the deck, and the red sahuagins in the water.

End Round 1---------------------------->


Initiatives:
Aiko 19+7
Caerin 20+4
Tiberius 19+3
Quinn {pulled into the sea}
Olaf 16+1
Rigmund 10+1
Captain Jim and the Crew
Garen 4+3 --- Bard SONG +1
Dorrem 5+2
Vladis 4+2
Red Sahuagins!
Tark 3+1

[Fitz10019]

Noting the failure of his bullets and the success of others' arrows, Dorrem swears mildly and announces, "Blunt force does not work."

He drops his sling and draws his shortbow. He fires at one of the creatures holding a line on the net around Quinn.

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Shortbow aimed at a Sahuagin:(including Bardsong bonus)
Attack: (1d20+4)[7]
Damage: (1d6+1)[4]