IC The Pirate Dream: Sliced Heart

[Rokku]

With his target gone, Brom runs towards the stern. Fetching a javelin off his back as he goes, he hurls it at the elemental hovering above Asvard.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move to AE 11. Throwing a javelin (1d20+7)[26](1d6+4)[10]

[Bansheexero]

Rather annoyed that she can't get a clean lock on any target, at least not until they are already slain, Eralia moves towards the accursed chest that these creatures spawned from and tries to neutralize it before any other threats arise.

Spoiler: OoC

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Anger causes her to succumb to the raging song, even though she normally would not be so single-minded. Move to R10, adjacent to the box. Attempt to close. If she can't, she will try to push it off the ship. Strength check? (1d20+1)[5]

[CWater]

Asvard glares at the elemental who struck, eyes glowing as more frost coats his staff and blasts out towards it.
"Where did these things even come from!"

Spoiler: OOC

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I don't think he's threatened by Ai3, but if he is he'll 5ft step to AL 14
(1d100)[77] to hit touch
[roll1] cold damage and the usual DC 17 for save vs stagger if he hits

The magic strikes the elemental's core and it disappears with a howl.

"I'd like to know that too!", shouts Waltya, stopping in her tracks as the threat in the front is neutralized.

With his target gone, Brom runs towards the stern. Fetching a javelin off his back as he goes, he hurls it at the elemental hovering above Asvard.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move to AE 11. Throwing a javelin (1d100)[77][roll1]

As a second enemy is finished by Asvard, Bromden throws the javelin at the remaining air elemental, piercing its chest. The creature droops, but manages to keep its form together.

Spoiler: Bromden

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Since Ai3 was killed by Asvard, I directed the attack at its buddy. If you'd like to move to another square instead of AE11, you can do so.

Piscine is smiling in victory as he manages to pin the creature in place, only to get smacked upside the head by one of its massive arms. Oh, okay, ow. That pretty quickly takes away his mirth, and it doesn't return with the captain's backhanded compliment. Growling under his breath, he maneuvers around his crewmates, taking one of his nets from his belt and slinging it upwards at one of the elusive air elementals.

Spoiler: Actions

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Piscine moves to Q9, then is going to throw one of his regular (non-masterwork) nets at the air elemental. Using the inexpensive one because I'm paranoid that if I miss the net's going overboard. Figure I have to be that close to be in range, since it's 10 ft. in the air.

(1d100)[77] edit: whacks Piscine on the back of the head with a ruler this is why we can't have nice things!
If successful, the elemental is entangled. To escape, it must make a DC 20 Escape Artist or DC 25 Strength check.

Spoiler: Entangled Condition for Easy Referencing

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The character is ensnared. Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose the spell.

Unfortunately the elemental still has enough vigour in it to dodge the net. To Piscine's relief the net doesn't fly overboard.

Spoiler: Where does the net fall

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Since the target is so close to the edge, giving the net a 40% change to fly overboard.
1-40 means it falls in the ocean, 41-100 it falls on the deck.
(1d100)[77]

Rather annoyed that she can't get a clean lock on any target, at least not until they are already slain, Eralia moves towards the accursed chest that these creatures spawned from and tries to neutralize it before any other threats arise.

Spoiler: OoC

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Anger causes her to succumb to the raging song, even though she normally would not be so single-minded. Move to R10, adjacent to the box. Attempt to close. If she can't, she will try to push it off the ship. Strength check? (1d100)[77]

Eralia runs over to the chest lying on the deck. Inside it she sees a vortex, like a miniature whirlpool. It's almost hypnotic. She tries to close the chest but the lid is stuck open as if held by an invisible force. However the container is small and she can tuck it under her arm.

Spoiler: OOC

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Damn, the forum roller is being mean to you in this fight. :(

Hesti does another somersault and one of her kicks hits the remaining air elemental. The creature looks about ready to drift into pieces, but still it holds on. Frin sighs and throws a dagger at its head, which finally finishes the troublesome enemy.

Spoiler: Map

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Light brown squares mark the main deck.
Brown squares are the forecastle and quarterdeck.
Dark brown mark the masts, and also the prow at the front that holds the bowsprit, but is otherwise a little lower than the forecastle, and the higher part at the back of the quarterdeck.
Black squares have cannons in them, so you can't run or charge through them, but can otherwise move normally.
Grey squares contain loot that was waiting to be moved to the hold, no running or charging and these squares cost double to pass through.
Yellow squares indicate stairs.
Light orange squares mark both the doors and a large hole into the cargo hold.
Blue is the sea.

People are represented by the first one or two letters of their name. Vigo is currently hanging from a rope, 10 ft. above the deck.
P1-P14 are regular pirates.
sw1 and sw2 are rat swarms summoned by Tybalt, they take up the whole indicated spaces.
Eralia is carrying the box where the elementals came from.

M1-M3 are imp-like creatures made of ice, salt and air, respectively.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Tybalt plays louder as Abrayus starts up with that infernal 'Pirates of the Ocean' song. Again.
He directs the swarms to get the awful little beasts- even if it was getting harder to keep time with the competing music.

Spoiler: OoC

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Swarm 2: make an "L" shape to try for both M1 and M2. M2 would get an AoO.
(1d6)[4] swarm damage

Swarm 1: So, swarms can share space with any creatures. Swarms count as a single creature.
Double move so that its 'front' is at S13. This provokes an AoO from M1 (assuming he can even be hit.)
(1d6)[1] swarm damage

[rs2excelsior]

Glancing around as the crew begin to fight back, Vigo picks out his next target. He catches himself humming Abrayus' song as he swings toward the smaller elemental creatures. He lands on a pile of looted cargo and aims a thrust at the ice creature.

Spoiler: OOC

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Accepting the raging song! AC is now 14.

Using Rope Swing talent to move to R13. Athletics check vs M1's CMD to move past without provoking an AoO, failure means I fall prone next to it.
Athletics: (1d20+8)[11]

Assuming I don't fall, attack roll vs M1:
Attack: (1d20+7)[27]
Damage: (2d4+2)[7]

[CWater]

Tybalt plays louder as Abrayus starts up with that infernal 'Pirates of the Ocean' song. Again.
He directs the swarms to get the awful little beasts- even if it was getting harder to keep time with the competing music.

Spoiler: OoC

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Swarm 2: make an "L" shape to try for both M1 and M2. M2 would get an AoO.
(1d20+5)[24] swarm damage

Swarm 1: So, swarms can share space with any creatures. Swarms count as a single creature.
Double move so that its 'front' is at S13. This provokes an AoO from M1 (assuming he can even be hit.)
(1d3+1)[3] swarm damage

Spoiler: AoOs and saves

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M1 at sw1: (1d20+5)[24]
Damage: (1d3+1)[3]

M2 at sw2: (1d20+5)[8]
Damage: (1d3+1)[4]

Both halved (rounded up) as the claws deal slashing damage.

Also, I believe the swarms spread disease upon injury, so Fort saves DC 12.
M1: (1d20+2)[8]
M2: (1d20+2)[22]

The rats climb all over the two creatures and bite and claw at them. Most of their attacks don't manage to break their skin, however.

Glancing around as the crew begin to fight back, Vigo picks out his next target. He catches himself humming Abrayus' song as he swings toward the smaller elemental creatures. He lands on a pile of looted cargo and aims a thrust at the ice creature.

Spoiler: OOC

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Accepting the raging song! AC is now 14.

Using Rope Swing talent to move to R13. Athletics check vs M1's CMD to move past without provoking an AoO, failure means I fall prone next to it.
Athletics: (1d20+5)[24]

Assuming I don't fall, attack roll vs M1:
Attack: (1d3+1)[3]
Damage: (1d20+5)[8]

While the ice fiend is distracted by the rats swarming all around it, Vigo swings himself over. His landing could be better as he ends up flat on his back; fortunately not in the middle of swarm, though a few stray rodents scurry past and over him. However, a determined man like Vigo is not discouraged, and he stabs the ice creature in the foot. It's thick hide prevents him from sinking the blade as deep as he'd thought he could, but the target hisses in pain all the same.

[CWater]

Abrayus frowns in disgust and steps away from the rats. "...and oh I see our ship overcome with rodents!...", he adds a verse not heard before and swings his battleaxe at the ice fiend, though the blow doesn't connect. The crew gangs up on the enemies made of ice and salt and some of them manage to deal damage to the uninvited visitors.

Waltya runs across the deck and Ignace stumbles after him. Other pirates nearby follow their lead. However, it's starting to get so crowded that there's little space to enter the fray.

The ice creature glares at one of the pirates who managed to deal a strong blow and points him with its fist. A bright ball of light shoots forward and hits the crewman in the chest.

Spoiler: M1 attacks P9

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Damage: (1d4+1)[3] (auto-hit)

The salt fiend's mad grin only widens and it sets its arms akimbo and concentrates. Suddenly the air in the nearby area becomes very dry and all living beings with any liquid inside them feel pain, as if it's being sucked right out of their veins.

Spoiler: Area attack

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Everyone within 20 ft. of M2 take (2d8)[6] damage.
Fort save, DC 14 for half (rounded up).
Eralia has -2 penalty on the save due to her Aquatic subtype.

The third creature jumps to claw at Vigo who is down on the deck and leaves mean scratches on him.

Spoiler: M3 attacks Vigo

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Claw1: (1d20+9)[19] (+4 to prone target included)
Damage: (1d3+1)[3]

Claw2: (1d20+9)[18] (+4 to prone target included)
Damage: (1d3+1)[4]

"MAKE WAY!!", the Captain shouts and makes her way towards the enemies, pushing aside pirates and rats alike. Her flail connects with the ice creature's skull and cracks spread over its whole being until it shatters into small pieces.

Spoiler: Map

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Light brown squares mark the main deck.
Brown squares are the forecastle and quarterdeck.
Dark brown mark the masts, and also the prow at the front that holds the bowsprit, but is otherwise a little lower than the forecastle, and the higher part at the back of the quarterdeck.
Black squares have cannons in them, so you can't run or charge through them, but can otherwise move normally.
Grey squares contain loot that was waiting to be moved to the hold, no running or charging and these squares cost double to pass through.
Yellow squares indicate stairs.
Light orange squares mark both the doors and a large hole into the cargo hold.
Blue is the sea.

People are represented by the first one or two letters of their name. Vigo is currently prone on the deck.
P1-P14 are regular pirates.
sw1 and sw2 are rat swarms summoned by Tybalt, they take up the whole indicated spaces.
Eralia is carrying the box where the elementals came from.

M2-M3 are imp-like creatures made of ice, salt and air, respectively.

[hannahbbug3]

Piscine sucks in a deep breath as he feels the hydration suddenly sucked from his skin, lips chapping at once and eyes starting to water to make up for the lack of dampness normally required to keep them comfortable. He hefted his trident again, but... there were so many people between him and the little imps that were attacking them. He knew he couldn't stop fighting, he'd look a coward, but there really wasn't much of a way for him to contribute from this far away.

Spoiler: Actions

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Holding my turn. If one gets in reach, Piscine will attack it.

[Thunder999]

With a grin on his face, Asvard takes aim at the Airy little creature, with a chant and a swing yet more icy magic leaves his rime coated staff.
He's not at all interested in Abrayus' song, his own chanting doesn't mix well with a proper sea shanty, let alone that, not that he's too bothered, he's having a great time blasting elementals after all.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+4)[20] to hit touch AC (I've included the penalty for firing into melee)
[ROLL]4d6+5[ROLL] cold damage with a DC 17 fortitude save vs stagger on a hit

[Bansheexero]

Looking to rid the ship of the accursed chest, Eralia moves to the edge of the ship and tosses it overboard, into the briney deep, whispering a prayer to Skagos to consume it so it's magic can be nullified.

Spoiler: OoC

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Simple turn, move to Q8, throw chest as far out into the water as possible. Basically treating it like a category 4 fire.

[Rokku]

With no particular threats left near him, Bromden begins picking his way across the deck towards the mephits. They might be handled by the time he gets there, but who knows...

[CWater]

Looking to rid the ship of the accursed chest, Eralia moves to the edge of the ship and tosses it overboard, into the briney deep, whispering a prayer to Skagos to consume it so it's magic can be nullified.

Spoiler: OoC

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Simple turn, move to Q8, throw chest as far out into the water as possible. Basically treating it like a category 4 fire.

As Eralia lets go of the box and it begins to fall, a large watery hand reaches out trying to grab a hold of her!

Spoiler: Grapple attempt

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Eralia can make an AoO, if it hits, the grapple check is lowered by an amount equal to the damage.

Grapple check against CMD: (1d20+14)[22]

Hesti circles around the battle via the quarterdeck, to approach the enemy from behind.

Spoiler: Map

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Light brown squares mark the main deck.
Brown squares are the forecastle and quarterdeck.
Dark brown mark the masts, and also the prow at the front that holds the bowsprit, but is otherwise a little lower than the forecastle, and the higher part at the back of the quarterdeck.
Black squares have cannons in them, so you can't run or charge through them, but can otherwise move normally.
Grey squares contain loot that was waiting to be moved to the hold, no running or charging and these squares cost double to pass through.
Yellow squares indicate stairs.
Light orange squares mark both the doors and a large hole into the cargo hold.
Blue is the sea.

People are represented by the first one or two letters of their name. Vigo is currently prone on the deck.
P1-P14 are regular pirates.
sw1 and sw2 are rat swarms summoned by Tybalt, they take up the whole indicated spaces.
Eralia is carrying the box where the elementals came from.

M2-M3 are imp-like creatures made of ice, salt and air, respectively.

[rs2excelsior]

Vigo scrabbles to his feet, doing his best to dodge any strikes the creature might aim at him, and takes another jab at it with his estoc.

Spoiler: OOC

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I thought you could use acrobatics to stand up without provoking, but apparently not :/

Move action to stand, I'll take the AoO

Attack: (1d20+7)[16]
Damage: (2d4+1)[5]

[Bansheexero]

Eralia grits her teeth and slashes wildly at the oncoming aquatic hand.

Spoiler: OoC

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I take it I can ignore critical checks and precision damage for this thing, so I'll forgo those rolls.
Attack roll (1d20+9)[17]
Damage (1d8+5)[9]

[CWater]

Eralia grits her teeth and slashes wildly at the oncoming aquatic hand.

Spoiler: OoC

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I take it I can ignore critical checks and precision damage for this thing, so I'll forgo those rolls.
Attack roll [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Eralia slashes at the grabbing fingers, pushing the hand away and the cursed chest falls into the waves.

Asvard blasts the air creature and it hisses.

Vigo scrabbles to his feet, doing his best to dodge any strikes the creature might aim at him, and takes another jab at it with his estoc.

Spoiler: OOC

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I thought you could use acrobatics to stand up without provoking, but apparently not :/

Move action to stand, I'll take the AoO

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Vigo stabs the same enemy, though its hide resists damage. When the box is dropped overboard, the impish creatures suddenly become alert and their grins disappear. Their wings start to buzz and the two fly up, over the deck and dive into the sea approximately where the chest went. The still moving ship puts some distance to them at a steady pace, which is not fast enough for Captain Ironskin.

"Wind to the sails! Full speed!! I want to leave that thing far behind and quick! Up into the rigging you lazy sluggards!!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Combat is over! (for now)

Sorry I kinda skipped Tybalt's turn, but it didn't seem to me he would have much changed the final outcome at this time, even if he'd done some damage to the mephits. I hope that's ok.

As after the previous combat scene, you may do as you like. The Seeker's not a military ship, but helpful actions are appreciated by the command. However, they are not enforced (usually).

[rs2excelsior]

Regaining his feet and dusting himself off, Vigo glances around and mostly tries to stay out of the way. He isn't skilled enough with the rigging to know what to do to help. Instead, he sets about clearing up any loot that appears to be in the way of the more experienced sailors or blocking off access to the rigging.

[hannahbbug3]

With a glance spared in Asvard's direction, Pisince lifts his hands to the skies, open-palmed and conjuring a wind which will swiftly carry them away from the cursed box and its belligerent contents.

Spoiler: Wild Magic rolls

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(1d10)[7]
If a One - (1d100)[60]

[Bansheexero]

Eralia is seething with frustrated anger, though as the song wears off, it begins to settle. She looks disappointed and upset that she could not get any good kills in. She feels somewhat cheated. Only now does she begin to notice her wounds, but feeling unfulfilled, she is unsure if she'll be able to rest. She waits a few moments, hoping some enemy remains to cut down, but when she sees there is none, she sullenly returns below deck. She starts to quaff the bottle of grog she grabbed earlier, this time drinking a bit more deeply. The rum and orange flavor are extremely sour, but her aquatic taste buds are more accustomed to such a flavor. She just wants to rest a bit, feeling she may lash out at her crewmates if she doesn't.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Tybalt finally lowers the pipes and the rats disperse back into their hiding places- he may need them again in the future! And he managed to get through without a scratch, while still providing obvious aid. This was the best possible outcome.

He returns belowdecks to the barrels he'd been loading, humming a few bars of Abrayus' "pirates of the ocean". Wouldn't be good to leave them rolling around now that the ship was going faster.

Spoiler: OoC

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No worries! Feel free to skip whenever you need, friend.

[Rokku]

Bromden wipes his brow and puts his swords away, peering around for sign of Tirana. He definitely needed to blow off some steam now, the elementals had been terrible teases.

[CWater]

The wind responds to Piscine's summon, puffing the ship's sails, which the rigging crew are hastily adjusting for optimal position.

Together with a couple of other helpful pirates Tybalt and Vigo start clearing out the deck, while Eralia disappears below deck to find some peace of mind and rest.

Bromden spots Tirana nearby, leaning to her ranseur. "Dull fight, I'm not even sweating", she says smirking, grabs his arm and leads him back to the bowels of the ship for a new attempt at... privacy.

Spoiler: OOC

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500 XP for all for participating and surviving the fight! Not a single NPC pirate died either, I'm very surprised.

Also, 100 XP extra for Eralia for throwing the chest to the sea, that was a smart move. Also 100 XP for Asvard for being particularly effective at neutralizing these enemies. (Please don't be worried if you didn't get extras this time, it's likely going to come your way as the game progresses. :) )

The general feeling on the deck is tense for a while, but after no elementals show up to chase the ship the crew soon relaxes, and eventually Ironskin orders to drop the speed and directs the ship to anchor near a uninhabited island. As the sun starts to fall closer to the horizon, coloring the sky with shades of orange and pink, some pirates row to shore and head out to the forest to fetch water from a nearby spring, while others start to uncork bottles of grog in celebration of the successful raid. Card and dice games are played, money is won and lost, brawls break out, toasts are made and the witch cook Hekla carries a large cauldron of calamari soup onto the deck; it doesn't taste too bad actually, just very squid-y. Abrayus takes out a strange instrument made of shells and plays it sort of like a flute, conjuring merry tunes to the joy of some and the horror of others. A couple of particularly jolly pirates start to dance and sing to the music.

During the partying Frin makes the rounds, handing out the loot he believes each member of the crew is owed. "Come check out the cargo afterwards, if you want to exchange coin for goods!"

Spoiler: Loot

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Spoiler: Eralia

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260 gp, alchemical silver dagger

Spoiler: Piscine

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280 gp

Spoiler: Vigo

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325 gp

Spoiler: Bromden

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25 gp, masterwork rapier, green gem on the handle

Spoiler: Asvard

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250 gp, fine whiskey, brandy & absinthe

Spoiler: Tybalt

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320 gp (only in gold and copper)

[hannahbbug3]

Piscine happily pockets his gold - though he can't help but notice that several others seem to be getting purses larger than his - however, it's still a small fortune so he calls it even enough. He heads down to the hold to secure his earnings with his other possessions, and whiles away a bit of time down there, but after a while, he finds himself seeing out Eralia.

[Bansheexero]

Waking from her nap very hungover, Eralia takes a swing of the last bit of grog remaining in her bottle to mitigate the effects. She hears the crew celebrating, which pounds on her head quite a bit. She stumbles out of her cot, disheveled and with bloodshot eyes. Seeing young Piscine wandering around, she calls to him in Aquan somewhat haggard, "Hey there, what's going on? The crew is rather loud. I did not quite get my fill during our last battle, so I decided to try to sleep off my frustration. What are you doing down here away from the others?" She is still slightly drunk, but considers taking a swim out in the ocean to rehydrate a bit.

[hannahbbug3]

Piscine perks up when he locates Eralia, hearing her call out to him in their shared tongue. He goes over to her, quirking his brow slightly at her hungover state. When he speaks, he does so quietly, as he's figured out loud noises make the headaches worse. "We've made landfall," he reported. "Crew's celebrating the fact that we all lived." He gives a small shrug. "Island seems dull, but the shoreline isn't rocky. Currents aren't that strong and-" he tilts his head, an idea coming to him. "Weather's clear. Would be good for a dip," he suggests.

[Bansheexero]

Eralia is glad to hear the news. Normally, she would mingle with the crew, but she felt slightly under the weather. "Good. I'm going to grab some meat, hopefully something salty, and head underwater to recover a bit. Still not quite used to the surface, even after all these years." She finds some jerky in the store room and begins to snack on it as she heads out to the pier, and prepares for a swim, retaining her studded leather for the sake of modesty, as she had learned in the past how lustful some surface dwellers could be and she did not mind the added protection, just in case.

[hannahbbug3]

Piscine hums, and hopes Eralia won't mind if he joins her. He, on the other hand, isn't nearly so modest as she is, stripping down to the skin before jumping overboard. He does have his trident with him, just in case, but this close to shore, he doesn't particularly think they'll be in a lot of danger.
He hears a couple of the crew holler at him for skinny dipping, the normal taunts and teases, but Piscine pays them no mind as he disappears underwater. He keeps his senses about him and stays near the boat, but relaxes as he drifts underwater for a while.

Spoiler: OOC

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Letting Hydrated Vitality kick in to heal Piscine for 6 HP.
Side notes, he's got 30 ft. Blindsense around himself, on top of 30 ft. blindsense around the ship. Just in case that becomes important.

[Bansheexero]

Strapping her falcata to her back in such a way that it won't cause too much drag and remain affixed firmly, Eralia takes a dive into the water, enjoying the refreshing familiarity of the sea.

Spoiler: OoC

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If it matters, Deep Sea Dweller gives Darkvision 60 ft and Cold Resist 5

[Thunder999]

Asvard gulps down his soup, grabs a bottle of rum and joins the crew in celebrating a wonderful day (we raided a ship then he got to kill a whole bunch of elementals) by drinking and singing badly.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Tybalt counts his money carefully- seems Frin had been generous this time.

But of course the first thing to do when presented with a large sum of money is try to make it larger, right? He tries his luck at dice and cards. (And tries to ignore that horrible racket Abrayus and Asvard were making.)

[hannahbbug3]

After a good hour of soaking, Piscine decides it's probably time to return to the boat. He pulls himself back up, walking across the deck soaking wet and returning to his cabin. Once he's redressed, he spends a while folding - and refolding - his nets, making sure they're ready for combat. That done... he's bored again. So he goes back up to the deck and hangs around Tybalt for a while, watching the gamblers play their games.