DrK Savage Tide I IC

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

A look of horror spreads across 'Tienne's face. I've done it again, he thinks. First, I frightened that sailor into the arms of the rhagodesa, then I falied to grab the torch before escaping.

He looks around at the others and again exercises his talent for stating the obvious. "If the ship burns, no one gets paid, and our patron will be ruined."

He proposes the only plan of action he can think of on such short notice. "I'll try to lure the rhagodesa into the galley. One of you can shut the door on it, while I blink out. Then we can put out the fire."

Perhaps he is too rash, but he thinks there's no time for discussion. He runs in the direction of the galley and blinks out.

Spoiler

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Blinking back to the galley, taking whatever movement I need to on deck to get within range of it. He is aiming for the far end of the galley – as far from the door as he can manage.

Blinking ends any further actions for the turn. I'm not sure whether that would apply to talking, as well. As soon as he is able, however, he will try to set up a racket in the galley: yelling, banging pots and pans together. If at all possible, he will then try to switch to Total Defense when the rhagodesa shows up.

I can blink out just as soon as someone shuts the door on the beast. That shouldn't take too long, right?

Right?

[RCgothic]

Lara

"Oh ****!"

Fire on a ship is about the worst thing that can happen. Worse than a tentacle-spider thing. Lara begins searching frantically.

"We have to find the ship's pumps!"

Spoiler

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Cunning Search (1d20+5)[17]

The only restriction on there is I can't use the same cunning skill twice in one day, but I don't think I have yet. Inspiration points are power encounter, and this is the first of my 5 since the spider thing appeared because my readied attack didn't trigger.

[Felhammer]

Amara

Seeing the fire, the elf drops her bow and grabs her backpack. Pulling her waterskin out, she dumps its contents all over her bedroll. With the wet bedroll in hand, she rushes over to the fire and frantically tries to put it out.

Spoiler

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Might be two turns worth of actions. :(

No idea what kind of check would be involved. Maybe a DEX check?

(1d20+3)[19]

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Locksley assesses the flames, perhaps to see the value in smothering it with a wet blanket.

"As good a plan as any! Please do not let any spidery creature kill me!"

Following the elf cleric's lead, Locksley wets his bedroll, then descends in an attempt to smother the flames.

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

Tyndall sees Locksley and Amara descend into the hold. Without thinking Tyndall he leaps down after them, ready to do whatever he can. As they deal with the fire he worries about the other lethal problem, the rhagodessa hiding somewhere. "It's you or me buddy" flashes briefly through his mind as he grabs the nearest harmless-looking furry creature from it's cage and tosses it arcing toward the spider's corner.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move action: Jump/ climb into the hold (safely...I don't want to draw any skill checks 'cos Tyndall will fail abysmally). Stand between the spider and the firefighters <gulp!>
Move action?: Kick/ slide/ push a tasty innocent creature over to the spider to buy us some time. Hoping to occupy it not draw it out!

rolls if needed? (1d20)[3](1d20)[11](1d20)[13] Edit: hmm I hope he didn't grab the king cobra

[Starbin]

Grimgor

With the chaos that erupted right after Locksley fired into the hold, the dwarf started cursing under his breath. With a grunt, he dropped his pike growled at whoever was still on deck. "Watch me weapon, or it be yer arse!" Then he moved towards the hold, pulling free his axe for close-quarters fighting.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action / draw weapon to advance. If there's something to swat, then he will do so. Two-handed until he can pull out a shield!

If he can - Attack - (1d20+4)[24], Damage - (1d10+4)[11]+Stance - (1d6)[3] = 14 or 33 if a 16 confirms.


Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 15
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: +1d6, -2AC
Effects: Punishing Stance

[DrK]

Arrows fly down into the hold, a bard wets his bedroll and other ready for spider hunting... In the midst of it the dwarf jumps down into the hold, the Rhagodesa obvious behind the crate that had shielded it from the deck and with a singke two handed strike buries his massive war axe in its skull. The beast twitching a few times before going still!

With nothing to fear the others soak their bedrolls and cloaks as Lara on deck finds a pump and is soon able to spray some water ontonthe fire quenching it quickly, the remaining beasts making a hideous cacophony of noise in the smoke and steam!

victory! Fight over.

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

Clattering as loudly as he can in the galley, it takes 'Tienne several seconds to recognize that no beast is charging him, and the noise from the hold is not the sound of combat. Carefully poking his head out, he sees the very dead beast and the extinguished fire.

Then he just feels foolish. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut and hear what someone else's plans are, for a change, he admonishes himself.

"I'll go make sure my boat doesn't drift off," he excuses himself to make his way back to the quarterdeck.

[redzimmer]

Locksley

"Well then, to the task at hand?"

Locksley begins to search about for ledgers, signet rings, house seals and the like.

Spoiler: Search

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(1d20+1)[19]

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

Sheepishly Tyndall puts the mewing kitten back down. With the fire under control he helps Locksley with his ransacking of the ship.

Spoiler: search

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Aid another (1d20-1)[0]

[DrK]

Searching around the bard with Tyndall's help manages to find a catch under the captain's bed and with a clunk a slot in the headboard opens. Inside is a ring with a note wedged through it and a large heavy looking dagger with an iron blade.



In a foot chest lined with metal and heavily reinforced they find Vark's belongings and a pouch with 100pp and a note from Lavinia demanding the return of her vessel. In amongst Vark's dirty clothes they also find a pair of oily potions that smell of the sea.

Spoiler: loot

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2 elixirs of swimming

Knife of Meteoric Iron

[RCgothic]

With the pirates dealt with and the fire extinguished, Lara wanders onto the quarterdeck and takes the helm. She spins the wheel wistfully, and with no way on her the rudder moves freely from side to side. There's no way one inexperienced sailor and five landlubbers could get her under way unfortunately. She sighs. One day she'll captain a vessel like this of her very own.

"Locksley, perhaps you'd like to go and tell Lavinia the Nixie is secure. The rest of us had better stay here lest the harbour master sends anyone else to take possession whilst we're gone."

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Locksley nods and returns to the deck. After a bit of 'haloo-ing,' he summons forth his hired sloop.

"Maestro, take me ashore! I cannot wait to tell the tale of how I wet my bed to save a ship!"

Spoiler: Sorry, am I God-modding?

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I won't presume the boat is still there and can alter the text if he's gone.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

After pulling his axe out of the spider's body, Grimgor called back up to the top of the hold. "Bring me pike wit ye, aye?" Cleaning off his weapon, he slowly looked around, uncertain what they were looking for, but wanting to help where he could.

Spoiler: OOC

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Search and such ... then head back up!

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 15
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Effects: None

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

That dwarf is brutally efficient, 'Tienne thinks, as he makes sure his little rowboat is secured to their larger vessel. I wouldn't ever want to be on the wrong side of a fight with him.

Turning, he sees Lara at the helm. "She's a merchant vessel, isn't she? Is that what you see yourself sailing someday?"

[DrK]

Locksley

The bard, happy with the victory leaps down into the small boat, still with several bottles of liquor in it and is quickly rowed back to shore. A few shouts of concern from others sailors and dock folk about the smoke but they are quickly quashed as Lokcley assures them that the situation is under control and the "lantern fire" is under control now and there is no risk of flames catching on any other boats. Its quick to race back up the paved streets towards the Vanderboren manor were Kora (the halfling) is surprised to see you so quickly. She looks at you "Can I help you master Locksley? Did you have more questions for Lady Lavinia?"



At the explanation she is quick to find Lavinia and the elegant looking woman glides downstairs. She smiles at Locksley as he explains the situation "My word Master Locksley, I did not expect such a quick resolution to things. I hope none of you were badly injured? Please escort me to the boat." Heading downstairs she calls for a couple of house footmen in neat blue uniforms who are quick to fetch her a loose overcoat and summon a sedan chair from some of the street men who populate the merchants district. She invites the bard to squeeze up into the chair with her where the hot tropical sun is blocked out by the curtains and the stench of the city is replaced by the subtle fragrance of Lavinia's perfume. "So tell me Master Bard. What do you do normally in this fine city?... She continues making small talk as they wind their way down to the docks and see the Nixie with the rest of the party aboard her. She smiles a broad beaming smile a she summons a boatman to talk her across to the Nixie.

Nixie

Over the course of the hour or so that Locksley is away everything is made ship shape, most of the animals in the hold seem relatively "normal", or at least not of the man eating variety and the brigands are easily desposed of over the side to where the sharks circle happily munching on more bodies. Lara is able to appraise the boat and despite her obvious merchantile nature she is clearly a sturdy boat and judging from some of the trinkets in the main cabin, some of which are maps of distant seas under Lavina's parents she has clearly traveled far and wide.

The shout form the side is suprising as Lavinia climbs aboard. The woman suprisingly agile in her dress as she climbs up the side of the boat and leaps over the gunwal. She looks about, a broad smile on her face, wind blowing long strands of brunette hair off her face. "So," she begins, eyeing up the blood stains on the deck where Grimgor wrought his slaughter, "I am impressed. You were faster. Please, tell me more about how you were able to deal iwth Vark so handily.

[RCgothic]

Lara

"We'll my lady, it were a might cunning of us. Locksley and Grimgor here posed as liquor merchants and distracted them for'ard whilst the rest of us boarded her aft. Once we were all aboard there weren't much resistance," Lara explains.

[redzimmer]

Locksley

"A mere trifle of disagreement, Misstress Lavinia. Though I regret Vark was not receptive to reason."

The dragonblooded bard enjoys the cozy ride back to the docks. The perks of a job well done.

Once at the boat, Locksley lets Lara do the talking. He was happy to take the lead when needs made, but the rugged sailor seemed a shrewd businesswoman.

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

He spreads his cloak over the worst of the blood, a token effort to sanitize the scene for Lady Lavinia.

"Yes, a swift victory m'Lady. A shame that the scoundrels were so lax with securing the poor beasts that they had captured in the hold. The ship is now yours again as is the coin for the harbourmaster."

Spoiler: party loot question

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I'm happy to record party loot unless you guys have an existing process. Anyone want the knife or swimming potions - maybe one potion to Grimgor and one for Tyndall since we're most likely to sink? Tyndall will be ditching his armour in a level or two which will help with his buoyancy.

I presume that the knife is a Meteoric Knife (MiC pg 53). A neat little toy but not one for Tyndall.

Edit: Assuming that those items don't actually belong to Lavinia, of course.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

Leaning near the forecastle, Grimgor listened to the others dance around the lady with vague answers. With a short, humorless laugh, he pointed towards the bloodstains. "Vark and 'is lads twere easy enow - pike, sword, shark and spider made short work o' tha' lot. Unless ye wanted details o' th' slaughter?

Anyway, are ye mistress o' yer ship agin?"

Spoiler: OOC

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No sugar coating!

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 15
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Effects: None

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

Seeing Lady Lavinia boarding the boat and watching the others attend her, 'Tienne disappears (literally) below decks for another look around.

Spoiler

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search - (1d20+1)[8] Not really expecting to find anything new. (Edit: and with that roll, he's certainly not finding anything new!)
Depending on the perspective, he is either trying to be mysterious (his perspective) or moping.

He'd be happy (though unworthy) to take the meteoric knife, unless someone else would rather.

[DrK]

Lavinia looks stunned by the casual success and grins at you all. "Thank you so much. You have probably saved my family name and business. Keep the platinum please, it covers most of what you are due. For the rest I owe to you will you please escort mevtonthe my family vault in the castle? It's just that I'll be withdrawing a fair amount of coin and I would appreciate the escort!

She looks at the boat with a smile, her hand caressing the signet ring. "Thank you so much, you don't know what this means to me. With my parents gone and my brother, well, who knows what he is doing, it's just, thank you!

She's clearly touched and she looks both beautiful and vulnerable in the evening light as she summons her footmen to watch the boat.

[redzimmer]

Locksley

"Of course I would never presume to speak for these fine Lords and Ladies, but it would be my honour, Lady Lavinia," Locksley says, eventually.

Spoiler: Seriously

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My Grade 9 English teacher would be spitting blood at all the rambling passive voice inflicted by Locksley. But. Characterization marches on.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

When the woman began to get emotional, Grimgor coughed uncomfortably. "Aye ... uh tis'yer gold. Ah'll go where ye need."

Spoiler: OOC

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Mood-breaking 101

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 15
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Effects: None

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

Tyndall holds himself with as much proper poise as he can muster "Indeed my Lady, it would be an honour to accompany you to the castle."

Spoiler: the castle

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Anything worth knowing about this "castle"?

Knowledge (Local) (1d20)[19]
Knowledge (Nobility) (1d20)[20]

[RCgothic]

Lara smiles in response to Lavinia's display of vulnerable gratitude.

"My lady, it seems like you've picked a good team. I'll stick around, see what happens."

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

'Tienne quietly forms up with the others to escort Lavinia to the castle.

[DrK]

Lavinia smiles at then all, "Thank you for your offers of assistance. We should be able to squeeze in a carriage if Master Grimgor and Tyndall ride with the driver?" . A few minutes later her guards are aboard the Nixie beginning to sort through dead pirates and animal cages and the party stand on the pier beside the carriage with the Vanderboren crest.

Piling in the carriage is soon trotting and rattling down the busy night time streets of the merchant district - that even after dark do not really stop. Night stalls now open and slightly shady looking merchants doing business done dark alleys. More than once from your safe perches you see the glint of steel as knife fights break out.

The streets show noticeable improvement and the street performers are cleaner as you roll through the gates into the Noble district. Large manses and noble town houses dominate here along with a strange apparent lack of city watch (although all the locals are well aware that the watch in Noble's district are all in plain clothes as the Nobles' don't like seeing obvious guards).

Spoiler

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The carriage pulls up in the courtyard of a large well appointed inn with a well painted sign of a parrot sitting on a large opalascent pearl. Even as the stable staff run out to greet you Lavinia points to the South where the large and imposing fortress like bulk of Castle Taraknian lies on its own private island just a few hundred feet from the strange architecture with fluted towers and a free floating orb at the tip of the Witchwarden Guild - the guild of arcanists and

Lavinia leads you through the noble district shaking her head at the perfumed fops that paraded the streets here in ever more elaborate and decadent costumes. "It is like they do not even realise the condition of much of the rest of city." her muttered comment to Lara who she chooses to walk alongside. The appearance of Lavinia's companions (the party) does draw some strange looks from the well dressed fops and ladies. Their servants for the most part dressed in plain almost featureless clothes.

A ferry guarded by a dozen of the Castle's own troops is the only way to get across the short span of water and soon enough you land by a small jetty that leads you into the bank of Sasserine. A large arched reception room filled with ledgers, quiet scribes - even at this time of night - and more heavily armoured guards in chain and clutching halberds with decorative feathered blades. Lavinia confers with one of the clerks and he motions you to follow.

You spend only a few minutes in the castle itself. Lavinia talks to a clerk, who verifies Lavinia's identity and her signet ring before escorting you all down a spiral staircase into a large circular chamber. Over a dozen five-foot wide hallways radiate out from the central vault chamber. Each hall is ten feet long and ends an an iron door. The clerk motions you toward a particular door and then bids you good day, returning up the staircase to his office.

The solid-looking door is emblazoned with an eight-pointed star. Above the door, inscribed in flowing script on a polished silver plaque, is the name "Vanderboren". A single handle protrudes from the door, above an indentation that corresponds to the shape of the Vanderboren signet ring.

"It seems that the signet ring is the key to the vault," states Lavinia. "Are you all ready for whatever is down here...". . The symbol on the door with its 8 points does seem familiar.

Spoiler

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Know(local) or (history) will help with that

[redzimmer]

Locksley

The bard is confused as to why he should be ready, but he admits to himself that he was busy admiring the curve of Lady Lavinia to actually have paid attention.

"Er... yes. I am always ready!"

He looks at the star, nothing really anything he recalled. Maybe something he vaguely recollected from his dull history lessons with his equally dull tutor. Locksley remembered seducing him to make the lessons more interesting...

Ah, the splendor of puberty, he mused wistfully.

[RCgothic]

Lara

Laura gives Lavinia a sideways glance as she asks if they're ready.

"What? It's just a vault, isn't it?"

Still, if the lady suspects there could be monsters or traps, that's worth taking seriously. Lara draws her sword slowly.