Savage Tide [IC]

[Squark]

Prometheus
Rousing yourself from your daily meditation, you find Halia waiting patiently for you. “Pardon me, Prometheus, but a hafling woman delivered a letter for you. I think it’s from a noblewoman in the Merchant’s District”.
Upon opening the letter you find the following message addressed to you;
Greetings, and I hope this message finds you in good health, Master Prometheus*.
My name is Lavinia Vanderboren, and I humbly request your presence tomorrow at a dinner at my estate. I wish to discuss a possible offer of employment that I believe may be suited to your unique talents. I hope to be speaking with you soon.
*Just a minor clarification here; Master would be the appropriate title for addressing a young nobleman; That is, Lavinia is addressing Prometheus as if he was Aust’s son.
Shaali
During a mid-morning sparring match, you are visited by a wizened old halfing woman. ”Pardon me, M’lord, but my lady has a message for you.”
The letter reads;
Greetings, and I hope this message finds you in good health.
My name is Lavinia Vanderboren, and I humbly request your attendance at dinner at my estate on Festival Street and Blue Skink Lane tomorrow evening. I think I can present you with an opportunity that is uniquely suited to your talents. Please inform the carrier of this message of your response to this invitation, and I hope to be speaking with you soon.

Ladon

Late in the morning, an old Halfling woman interrupts your alchemical work with a message. You dimly recognize her as a retainer to the Vanderborens; her name is Kora, if your memory serves.

Opening the letter, you see that it is written by your old friend Lavinia Vanderboren.

Greetings, old friend. I hope this message finds you in good health.

As you have probably heard, my parents recently lost their lives in a fire that consumed their ship. I have unfortunately found myself in something of a pickle at the moment; I’m hoping you could come over for dinner at my parents- err, my estate tomorrow evening. I believe you may be able to help me deal with a rather… unusual problem. Please tell Kora if you can make it. I hope to see you soon.

Alister

Sometime in the middle of the afternoon, you are approached by a wizened looking hafling woman carrying a letter. “Pardon me, M’lord, but my mistress has a message for you.”

Opening the letter, you find it reads as follows;

Greetings, and I hope this message finds you in good health.
My name is Lavinia Vanderboren, and I humbly request your attendance at dinner at my estate on Festival Street and Blue Skink Lane tomorrow evening. I think I can present you with an opportunity that is uniquely suited to your talents. Please inform the carrier of this message of your response to this invitation, and I hope to be speaking with you soon.

Ariki

Later in the day, as you are bringing the day’s catch in, you are approached by an old hafling woman. She offers you a letter. Opening it, you find it reads;

Greetings, and I hope this message finds you in good health.

My name is Lavinia Vanderboren. This may not mean anything to you, but your adoptive father was the captain of one of my parent’s vessels. Their recent deaths (and his, for which you have my sincerest condolences) have left me in something of a jam. The captain always spoke well of you, and I was hoping you might be able to help we resolve a rather unusual problem. I would much appreciate it if you could meet me for dinner at my estate on Festival Street and Blue Skink Lane tomorrow evening. Please inform the carrier of this message of your response to this invitation, and I hope to be speaking with you soon).

Link to OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13887142)

[Sgt. Cookie]

Bowing to the halfling woman slightly, Alister responds "I am no lord, I am a street performer. Alister will do. I would be honoured to attend. Though, please make sure that suitable arrangements are made for my companion" he gestures towards Sharptooth as he says that, "and please make sure that any other people are made aware that Sharptooth, do not worry about the name, he is as tame as a kitten, is to be treated with more respect than a simple hound. Simply because he seems to understand our speech, and feels insulted."

After the woman leaves, Sharptooth turns to Alister. "Tame as a kitten?" "Unless I say otherwise, of course." Alister states with a small smile.

They make their way to The Ticklish Ogre.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali dips his shoulder just as his opponent lunges for a strike, with a small twist of the waste and pivot of his foot the opponent tumbles through the air into a pile of hay in the corner of sparing pit. As if art of the artful move he bows low to the halfling woman as she address him.

Greetings my dear, you are looking lovely this morning.

His words would have been far more elegant if it was not for his opening the letter by tearing it open with his mouth. He flips the letter open and a broad grin spread across his face. As he ducks a ham handed charge by his opponent, who streaks by falling ineffectually, he chuckles.

I would be more than pleased to see Lady Vanderboren. Send her my best wishes and that I hope my response finds her well.

Again pleasant words ruined as his opponent finally lands a blow with his wooden sparing blade across the back of Shaali's head. Stumbling forward wincing he addresses the halfling once more.

I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?

when she responds

Well I hope your day is well Kora

he turns and tosses his opponent once more, this time missing the hay stack on purpose.


a few checks on our soon to be business partner Lavinia Vanderboren
knowledge:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

all trained

[King Tius]

Ladon gives a deep and respectful bow to Kora. Though halfling and gnomes are of a different bloodline, there is a kinship between the smallfolk that taller races just wouldn't understand. His parents had raised him right and this woman, though she may only be a servant, deserved his respect.

"Please give Lavinia my deepest condolences. She knows I'd do almost anything for an old friend. I'll be there with bells on my feet."

The young and industrious gnome sets to working even harder than before, determined to get a head start on tomorrow's work so he can leave the shop he has found temporary employment at extra early to arrive on time. He didn't move quite as fast as bigger folk, and one must be sure to allot the proper time for getting about the city.

[Tome]

Prometheus

"Thank you Halia", he rumbles pleasantly, turning from his place at the window and accepting the note from the maid. His eyes give a quiet pulse and his jaw opens slightly, his equivalent of a smile to one of the few people who would recognise it. "Are you aware if father-creator has finished his trance yet? I should inform him of this invitation".

----------------------------------

After informing his father-creator of the invitation, he pens a reply.

Greetings in turn, Lady Vanderboren.

I thank you for your inquiry into my well-being. Both I and my father-creator are well.

His pen pauses, and he contemplates adding a comment about the fire he recalls hearing of. Showing awareness of the public details of others lives is usually perceived as polite, if he recalls. But no, bringing up past misfortunes is too likely to give offence, and he knows too little of the event. He dismisses the idea, settling for a more general platitude in it's place.

We hope this reply finds you in similar health.

I would be delighted to attend, and will be happy to discuss any business you may have in mind. My talents are ever at your service, should you have need.

Sincerely,
Prometheus, of House Galanodel

[Cardea]

Ariki


Truth be told, Ariki had spent most of the day avoiding the topic of it. For hours he simply swam in the waters underneath where his boat was, far away from shore, simply to be near no one. It made him feel calmer, being surrounded by the water. It was weak. It was childish of him. But he didn't know when it would be appropriate to handle it.

So when he came to shore, with what few fish he had, which he would keep for himself, the letter hit something hard. He read it, twice, as the halfling woman stood there. He pinched the bridge of his nose, and nodded to the woman, confirming his arrival. "Ariki will be there."

As she walked away, he set the letter inside a small watertight box in his bag, to preserve it. He set it in his boat, and began to row back into the ocean, to dive again.

[Squark]

All:

The rest of the day, and the next day, pass uneventfully. Eventually, the time comes for you to go to the Vanderboren estate. The building itself is three stories tall*, a tall, some what imposing gothic building. The grounds are surrounded by a seven foot stone wall, with several old trees giving the estate a buffer from the bustle of the Merchant district. The rooftop is decorated with several gargoyles and dancing nymphs. You find the gate left open for you. Knocking on the doors, the hafling woman who delivered the letters opens the door for you and ushers you into the atrium. One by one, you arrive at the building. As you wait, Kora apologizes, saying, "My lady regrets that she cannot greet you in person, but she is currently discussing business with some of her associates. She will be with you shortly."

*For Europeans, that's two stories
Given that none of your characters have met, introductions are probably in order.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali arrives punctual, or rather a little early having no matches for the day, bowing to Kora.

Good evening Kora, I presume you are ok with me calling you that. Waiting shaint be a problem

Entering the estate he looks around as he waits for his host. Shaali leans against a wall as he waits chewing on a lip. His loose fitting cloths hanging off of his scrawny frame in a haphazardly manner, his sparing jacket open in the front as a form of fashion. His lanky unkempt fiery hair falling over his eyes as he waits.

[Tome]

Prometheus

Perhaps the lady's strangest guest is a construct, roughly the size of of a well-built human. It's metallic plating is sculpted with an artist's flair and covered in strange traceries of faintly luminous blue crystal. A shawl of rich blue fabric is draped over one shoulder, evidently more for decoration than any real need, and a belt around it's waist hold a selection of pouches and fragments of the same blue crystal threaded throughout it's body. One shard floats free, silently orbitting it's head. The strange construct nods it's understanding to the halfling. "I understand, I shall be here whenever the Lady Vanderboren is ready", it adds in a rumbling voice.

Content to wait for the lady to see him, Prometheus passes a analytical gaze over the other invitees, trying to figure out why they might have been invited. A skinny elf, likely of the rougher sort going by his scars and leather. Two humans, one a labourer of some sort, perhaps a fisherman or sailor by the tattoos and clothing, and the other carrying a guitar and whip, accompanied by a remarkably well-behaved wolf. A gnome festooned with trinkets is the last member of the group, likely... Prometheus pauses in his assessment, fixing the gnome with an intent look and the glow in his crystalline eyes briefly intensifies, accompanied by a faint hum, like the ringing of glass. Yes, he decides after a moment, the trinkets are magical, as is the pearl carried by the wolf and also, surprisingly, the elf's boots. An unusual selection of guests then, bearing more magic than most. Perhaps here for the same reasons as himself? He has no doubt he will find out shortly. For now, he occupies himself by trying to figure out the nature of each enchantment.

Using 1 PP from his built-in cognizance crystal to manifest Detect Psionics and confirm who's carrying anything magical.

Unless someone does something to make him do otherwise, he's going to keep looking long enough to try and figure out what each item is, starting from the pearl, then the boots, and then Ladon's items.

Psicraft: [roll0]
Psicraft: [roll1]
Psicraft: [roll2]
Psicraft: [roll3]
Psicraft: [roll4]

[Squark]

Prometheus:While the nature of the pearl eludes you, you are reasonably certain the boots bear some kind of transmutation effect. As for the gnome, closer inspection suggests that the auras you sensed were actually a multitude of small items; Most likely potions and scrolls. A multitude of schools can be found among the auras, although necromancy seems to be the most predominant (Likely healing potions)

[crazedloon]

Shaali

When the warforged arrives Shaali brightens up, and walks up to the creature. He takes a few steps around the creature looking it up and down.

Well it seems the good lady is better off than I thought.

A grin spreads across his face, a mischievous thing.

I thought these things cost a fortune. He knocks on the warforged shoulder. Sturdy thing as well. Well no reason for you to sit around and glow like an overpriced torch. I think your owner would like you to perform your task and serve her guests. I would like a cup of tea.

He snaps his fingers and steps back to let the construct get on with its designated task.

[Tome]

Prometheus

There is a slight twitch to the construct's head. "I am not a servant, elf" he retorts, irritation quickly creeping into his tone. Prometheus momentarily contemplates dousing the elf in tea, just to make a point, but quickly abandons the notion. It wound be terribly rude to the Lady Vanderboren to spill tea all over her floor in the process. "It is an... easy mistake to make" he admits with obvious distaste, "if one has not encountered me before. So I shall overlook your error. I am Prometheus, of house Galanodel, and my mind is my own. Do not make that mistake again". He fixes the elf with what you are sure would be a harsh glare, were he to possess a more expressive face. As it is, the now agitated motion of the crystal shard that hovers near his head is more expressive.

[Sgt. Cookie]

"Since introductions appear to be in order, my name is Alister. The wolf is called Sharptooth. Word of advice, don't insult him. It's almost like he understands what we're saying. I am a street performer, from the merchant district. As you could probably guess, I play guitar."

Taking it from his back, he shows it to the others.
"It is carved from the bone of a Dragon, hence its off white colouration. Unlike a wooden guitar, one made from bone as a softer, more gentle sound to it, due to the fact the bone absorbs some of the sound. Have a listen."

Perform (Strings)
[roll0]

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali ***** his head as grins at the construct

Ah! You are the mistake! I hear you think you are a person, how cute!

He spins as a new guest adress them.

Greetings Alistar, I am Shaali renown gladiator and true savant. Why would I insult sharp tooth is quite te cute puppy!

He grins as he spins an bows in his introduction.

[Tome]

Prometheus

Another irritated twitch of the head. "Th... There is a difference between an accident and a mistake, fool!" Prometheus retorts, indignant. "And I can already tell that while my creation was unintended, between the two of us, you are the mistake. It is a shame the ones who made you did not correct their error". Just who does this pathetic sack of flesh think he is addressing? Why, he should.... no, Prometheus thinks, attempting to calm himself, to rise to this fool's provocation would be beneath his dignity. And he is better than that, or so he reminds himself.

And we're off to a smashing start. I can just tell we're all going to get along like a house on fire. :smalltongue:

Let's do some Knowledge checks to see if Prometheus has heard of Shaali.

Knowledge (Local): [roll0]

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali shook his head a smirk on his face, this creature was sad indeed.

An accident is something people call a mistake when they do not wish to be blamed for it. If you were more than a malfunctioning golem you may have learned something from the house you claim to be part of. Your creator he begins to chuckle as he thinks about it or perhaps you call him father comes from a noble race, which share a liniage with mine. We do not love foolishly nor do we reproduce "by mistake" so you can be assured that you are indeed the only mistake in the room.


a burning house indeed, mind you I have no malice towards you Tome this is just RP so I hope it is not personal :smalleek:

[Cardea]

Ariki


He wanted to cut throats. It was probably misdirected anger, but Ariki heard them talking, and just wanted to silence him. One voice was grating, and the other was brutish. He kept his eyes froward, as he stood in the hallway. Arms folded behind him, feet hips-width apart. His khopesh was at his side, and he ignored the urge to take it out harm the present company.

The gnome was an oddity, if only for his appearance. Gnomes never looked simple, and rarely ever were. The other human had a pup and an instrument; was he here to... entertain, the Lady of the house? If so, why wasn't he already gone? And then the metal man and the thug. The first one, even though it sounded like a person, could probably be sold for scrap metal if he ever perished, Ariki noted, just in case this twit of a thug turned out to be more useful than slinging half-thought insults to those above his station.

Let them talk. They didn't matter.

[Sgt. Cookie]

Cracking his whip to get their attention. "Enough!" Alister shouts. "We were all invited here, so if you two can't be in the same room together, then perhaps you should both leave. Now shut up and wait before I lash you both "by mistake"."

OOC note:
My perform check in my last post should actually have been 22. I forgot to add in the bonus from a masterwork instrument.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali turns to the upstart human.

I would watch your tongue, it seems to be making threats it can not possibly follow through with. Until the lady of the house arrives I shall do as I wish within normal hospitality norms.

[Tome]

Prometheus

"Insulting the other guests is hardly within the bounds of most definitions of hospitality, elf" Prometheus remarks snidely, having taken the chance to gather his wits, "Alistair, I believe it was, has a point though. This argument is pointless".

He turns to talk with the minstrel, pointedly turning his back to Shaali. "My thanks, Alistair. That really was most undignified of me".

Most humorous misspelling of Vanderboren yet: 'Vanderporn'. I predict I'll misspell it as 'Wonderporn' at some point.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

You can not insult furniture, and as you are but fancy talking furniture I have insulted nothing.

Shaali shakes his head and leans against the wall to wait for the tardy host, this was rather rude of her to make them wait this long.

[King Tius]

Ladon Sparklegem

As Shaali and Prometheus argue the little gnome just stands there, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open, staring at Prometheus with nothing short of wonder. Finally, when things have settled a bit, he walks ever so slowly towards the living construct with one hand gingerly outstretched. Gently, like he was touching a sleeping babe, the gnome with the bright blue hair places his hand on Prometheus's thigh plate and lets out an incredible sigh. He stands transfixed for a moment, almost as if in prayer, before seeming to snap back to reality. Quickly stepping back from Prometheus, he looks down embarrassingly and fuddles with his many potions and pouches, trying to make himself look more presentable. When he finally brings his eyes up to meet you, his cheeks are flushed with embarrassment but he seems determined to soldier on as if nothing has happened.

"Ladon Sparklegem, Apprentice Artificer at your humble service." The gnome bows low, his hair nearly sweeping the ground. He does so with such vigor that a potion slips loose of its bindings and falls off his chest. Fumbling frantically, he manages to almost drop the vial twice before regaining control and stowing it back in its proper place. Again, the look of embarrassment but trying to hide it. "I...I'm...I'm an old friend of Lavinia's."

[Squark]

Thankfully, an interruption comes before Shaali or Prometheus damage something; Kora opens the doors to the dining hall, and ushers several figures out of the room; a Half-elf in leather armor who walks with a rather flamboyant step and is carrying at least four knives openly on his person (and probably several more that you can't see). Behind him is somewhat surly looking dwarf in green and brown robes who is clutching a spear, an attractive human woman in dark purple robes with a crescent moon tattoo on her cheek, and finally, a tall, attractive human man in a polished breastplate with a well-crafted bastard sword sheathed in his scabbard. The first three of the quartet barely spare you a glance, but the man bringing up the rear pauses for a moment to regard you before saying, "So, you're the ones Lavinia's bringing in to do the chores. Quite an eclectic group. Best of luck to ya!" With that, he and the rest of his group walk out the door and into the city.
Feel free to make a knowledge (local) check to identify the group

The mercenary group (at least, they looked like mercenaries) gone, Kora ushers you into the dining room. The Private dining hall is a small room; Comfortable and cozy without being cramped. The window offers a splendid view of the courtyard, while the rest of the walls are plain but not empty, apart from one portrait of a handsome young man with a short beard*. Below the portrait is a young woman in an elegant blue dress. She smiles as you enter, and introduces herself, "My apologies about the wait; Discussions with some of my associates ran longer than expected. I am Lavinia Vanderboren, and it is a pleasure to have you here. Dinner should be here shortly; In the mean time, I would like to discuss a potential offer of employment with you."

*Ladon recognizes the portrait as Vanthus Vanderboren, Lavinia's younger brother. You haven't heard from him recently, actually.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali glares at the stupid human and than gestures rather rudely. He grits his teeth and and walks into the dinning hall taking a seat and leaning back as he examines the host.

Whats the job?


knowledge [roll0]

[King Tius]

Ladon Sparklegem

The little gnome gives a bow (this time being careful to hold on to his vials) and smiles warmly at Lavinia. "Lavinia my dear, how have you been? It has been too long. How is your brother? I am so sorry to hear about your parents. If there is anything I can do to help, I'm your gnome, as always."

[Squark]

"Thank you, Ladon. I appreciate that, I really do. As for Vanthus*, he's left town. I'm afraid I don't know much more than that. As for the problem, well... As you may know, my parents recently perished in a fire aboard one of their vessels. They left the estate to me, along with a rather long list of debts. It appears that whatever my talents my parent's possessed in regards to adventuring did not extend to finances. If I'm going to get these debts paid, I'm going to need access to my family's vaults in Castle Teraknian.

The problem is, the vaults are magically locked- keyed to special signet rings. Both of my parents had one of these rings, at least, until recently. My mother's ring got lost a few months ago, and the replacement ring won't be ready for another month- Too late for me, unfortunately. That leaves my father's ring. He never wore it; He had a thing about men wearing jewelry. I know he kept it hidden on one of the family ships, the Blue Nixie. The problem is that the ship has been impounded by the harbormaster until someone pays for the last four months of mooring. I've paid the fines to the man the harbormaster put in charge of the ship, but when I went to claim the ship, the office claimed I never paid my fines. The man in charge of the ship, a brute of a man named Soller Vark, claims he never recieved the payment. My complaints to the harbormaster have fallen on deaf ears; he's a doddering old fool and he trusts his men to a fault.

Vark and his men are up to something on my ship, I'm sure of it. What I need is to find out what it is. Unfortunately, Vark isn't the type to respond to diplomacy; All my efforts on that front have come up to naught. I'm afraid I need someone who speaks his language. And that's where you come in, my friends. You all have a talent for more physical exchanges, be it by force or spell, that I lack. If you can find out what Vark is up to, or even better, recover the money I paid him to get the ship released, I can pay each of you 200 Gold Pieces.


*Sense Motive (Ladon): You can't help but get the feeling Lavinia's somewhat uncomfortable talking about this; You can't put your finger on it, but you suspect there's something more to the situation.
(Everyone Else failed their Sense Motive check- It's ok if I make rolls for you for responses like this, right?)

[Sgt. Cookie]

Alister sits down in a chair and leans back.

"Sounds simple enough. We walk up to the guy. Beat the living daylights out of him till he tells us what happened, steal all his worthwhile possessions, run him through and dump him in the harbour. You get your ship back, we get our gold and then we can all carry on with the rest of our lives.

But, something puzzles me. If, as you say, the key to your vault is on a ship, why not simply ask some of your debtors to help? Surely it would be in their best interests for you to get your ship back? Or, why can your debtors not wait a single month? Some may want their money now, true, but most moneylenders would be willing to wait another month. After all, more interest would be accrued, ergo more money for them."

Reflecting on her words for a moment, and rights suddenly.
"Who knows about the signet rings?"

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali grins at the description of the job, this was the sort of thing he loved, a good brawl and a little money. He chuckles when everything is explained.

Perfect, just the sort of job I love! Does Vark have anyone under him that is skilled in anything other than pure force, essentially are we dealing with any wizards?

Upon hearing the bards question he shakes his head, he had dealt with a few debtors before, a gambler is never good for his money.

Its about setting precedent, Alister was it, the second you let one delinquent debtor off the hook all of them want to be let off the hook.

[Squark]

"Err... I'd prefer you at least try to approach the matter a bit more... delicately than that, but I think you grasp the gist of it.

The issue with the time crunch is that the Dawn Council in particular is getting impatient about the backtaxes, and I'm afraid most of the guildhouses have expressed that they don't know enough about me to loan my a sum of that size. While the city watch has said they'll look into the matter eventually, well... They've got their hands full these days, and as I unfortunately lack hard evidence, any investigation on their part will come far too late to do any good.

As for who knows about the rings, they're not exactly a secret; All the vaults under Castle Teraknian use them as a key. Of course, the guards there also check to make sure no one gets in them who isn't supposed to, and I know the Vanderboren vault has at least a few magical surprises in it. I suppose it's possible someone stole my mother's ring, if that's what you're suggesting, but I don't think it would do them much good.

Vark's people... There certainly weren't any mages among them, to my knowledge. Probably just a group of thus who he picked up to back him up, if I had to guess.

[King Tius]

Ladon approaches Lavinia and offers her a hug. "What a terrible burden to bear as you mourn your parents. Why isn't your brother helping you? Don't worry, we'll go have a talk with the harbormaster and his goons. Taking these big folk along will help add some weight to our words, so to speak. We'll get your ship and your ring back, my dear, I promise." Ladon presses the issue about her brother, wanting to see if she will give away anything more.

[Tome]

Prometheus considers the matter. On the one hand, the task proposed is somewhat... unseemly. He does not appreciate being utilised as a tool of brute force. On the other, helping those in need is certainly the noble thing to do, and rooting out possible corruption would be no less than that. Besides, the money would be very useful, and his father would certainly appreciate anything to that could be done to win favour with the other nobles of Sasserine. Yes, his course is clear. "My Lady Vanderborn, I would be most pleased to help. I am sure that... Ladon and I can resolve things without having to resort to such brutish measures".

"In fact", he continues, toying with one of the chunks of crystal attached to his belt, "I believe I have just the tool for convincing this Soller Vark to be more forthcoming".

[Squark]

"You're welcome to try diplomacy, of course. As for Vanthus..." Lavinia pauses a moment before continuing. "He hasn't been quite the same these since he came back to Sasserine. Probably why you haven't seen him, Ladon. Truthfully, I haven't seen him in weeks."

[Sgt. Cookie]

"I doubt Vark is the kind of man who responds to honeyed words. No, violence is all he knows, and all he responds to. We either beat him up, kidnap and torture him or we kill him and demand absolute loyalty from his men. One way or another, we need to find out just why he's doing what he's doing. Either from him, a journal or his second in command."

[Squark]

It's at this point that dinner arrives- Which is probably fortunate, given that you're starting to scare your employer. The rest of the dinner passes relatively uneventfully, although Lavinia avoids the topic of her brother wherever possible.


If anyone has any further questions, feel free, although I'd reccomend avoiding anything too graphic- Lavinia is, after all, a somewhat idealistic young noblewoman, and you're starting to sound like a bunch of murderers.

[Squark]

Eventually, the dinner ends, and you file out of the dining room, although the quiet man in the clothes of a dockworker remains behind. An awkward pause follows as you contemplate what to do next.

[King Tius]

"So, shall we head straight down there and sort this out? I've all I need with me, so I am ready to get down to business, as it were."

[crazedloon]

Shaali

The way I see it we should scout the area and determine if we can simply retrieve the the merchandise and discover what is going on with a overt investigation nothing more complex is needed. As such I would suggest I and the construct go as a simple show of force without revealing our hand entirely.

Inspecting the others he continue.

Ariki, I think it would be best that you provide some covert support in the water itself. You other two need to be near but out of eyesight. Do any of you have access to a boat, if so you can approach the ship from the water while we draw any attention to the docks.

[Tome]

"You vasty underestimate my talents, elf. I am no mere weapon to be used in a show of force! Besides, I have no wish to stir trouble by involving myself in any scheme which you concoct" Prometheus objects.

"Not that any such thing is necessary. We can try simply talking to the man first. I can likely alter his mood to render him much more amenable if necessary, if someone else is able to handle actually conversing with this Vark".

"The idea of conducting a discreet investigation first has promise though. Shard here" he indicates the crystal fragment currently clinging to his head with spidery legs of ectoplasm, which bounces up and down excitedly at the attention, "could serve as a capable scout for an initial sweep. Few people will notice something so small once night has fallen".

[crazedloon]

Shaali

You misunderstand, as should be expected, construct you are an tool of intimidation nothing more. You will simply be silent and I will do the talking. If you are as useless as you say, stand back and I will will provide the necessary force.

He looks at the creepy crystal and grimaces.

That is a horrible scout, should it be spotted they will know something is up and have time to increase security before it could return with whatever information it gathers.

[Sgt. Cookie]

I live in the Merchant District, Elf, so I have seen some strange things. Correct me if I'm wrong Prometheus, but a crystal like that is an indicator of a high level of mental aptitude. Or something like that, I think.

In either case, diplomacy is for those with time to spare. If, as I suspect, they are in fact looking for something, it is only a matter of time until they find it. So we need to act fast and hard.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali sighs, parlor tricks were enough to satisfy some it seems but at least Alister had the right idea.

Good to see some have the right idea. a direct approach would be best and a little intimidation should be all we need. My reasoning behind the construct and I going ahead is he should be an obvious threat, provided the thugs haven't heard rumor of his ridiculous origin, and I have a way with thugs. If something goes wrong we also will not be tipping our hand by revealing our true numbers. If we can find a way to communicate between myself the rest of you if trouble happens we can call for back up and you will be able to take the thugs by surprise.

[King Tius]

"A smokestick or thunderstone would be a good signal, though they can be a little pricey. I could make us one with the right ingredients, but I don't have any on me. I could always accompany you instead. I have several tricks up my sleeve to use as alarm signals."

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Too obvious, it may draw attention of proper authorities and I doubt our client would like that. Also the less we reveal again the more surprise we will have. However if you have some tricks they would be useful for a get away, what can you do to cover our retreat?

[Tome]

Prometheus

"Barbaric" he remarks, indignant, "The Lady merely asked us to investigate the failure to release her ship. If you wish to engage in such skulduggery by attacking what are still technically representatives of the city authorities, so be it. I shall have no part in this".

He turns to leave, giving a slight nod to the gnome and the bard. "Messirs Ladon, Alister. Should you wish to conduct the actual investigation that we have been contracted for, I shall be found at my family's estate. Goodbye".

[King Tius]

Ladon looks at Prometheus as he walks away and frowns. He calls out after the construct. "Barbaric as it may be, it is better to be prepared! If they took my dear friend's money when she is so obviously down on her luck, what's to say they wouldn't resort to violence?" Turning back to Shaali, he draws a scroll out of his scroll-quiver, earmarked with what appears to be a little symbol of a cloud. "Obscuring Mist should do the trick."

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali shakes his head and chuckles.

I wouldn't worry about him Ladon, he is probably just returning for more orders. I doubt his programing went as far as resolving the issue he had been summoned for.

He than sighs and looks at the other two remaining.

It would seem the only other course of action would be a direct approach, no offense but you two lack the intimidation that is required so perhaps numbers will have to work. We should go down and talk to these thugs, if you don't mind I'll do the talking but have that escape plan ready.

[Tome]

Prometheus

"Being prepared is one thing, Ladon, but ignoring the possibility of negotiation, or simply observation, before attempting such brutish intimidation tactics? No, I believe I would much rather approach this problem myself, than go along with any plan concocted by that... fool. I do wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but I'm afraid I simply cannot tolerate his prattling any longer".

Prometheus leaves promptly, heading for the docks to conduct his own investigation.

[Squark]

Prometheus: Leaving the Vanderboren estate, you begin the brief walk to Pier 5. As you walk, passerby stop and stare at you, although the analytical part of your thought process notes that you are less of a curiosity than you were a year ago.

Arriving at the correct, you have to suppress a start; The boat isn't there. After a moment's confusion, you begin to search for the boat; A Ship matching Lavinia's description is anchored perhaps 60ft out from the pier.

[Tome]

Prometheus

If he had eyebrows, Prometheus would raise one. As it is, he continues his walk, attempting to appear uninterested in the ship. He pauses in front of a nearby shop window, browsing as he considers his next action.

Silently, he draws a small folded note and a length of string from within his shawl. Shard he mentally addresses his psycrystal as he attaches the note to it, Take this note back to the Lady's estate, would you? Deliver it to Ladon if you can, or the one who stayed behind if he has left already. The tiny crystal skips up and down happily, scampering off as fast as it's little legs can carry it as Prometheus settles in to do some good thorough browsing of whatever shops may still be open.

Using Psionic Minor Creation to create a pre-written note and some string, using the remaining 1 PP from his crystals.

The note reads:
I have taken the liberty of circumspectly examining the ship. It appears to have been moved out into the harbour. I believe I could still arrange for it to be scouted remotely, but it would be best to wait until later at night.

I may be found browsing the stalls in the area for the next few hours - until this note disappears - and I am aware of anything that Shard knows so long as he is within a mile of myself, should you wish to contact me. If not, I shall be returning home to make further preparations.

[Squark]

As Shard scampers off to deliver the message, you notice several shops are still open at preset. A furniture store, a somewhat dingy alchemist's shop, and a tavern bearing the name The Tipsy Gnome.

[King Tius]

Does the Shard come and find me?

[King Tius]

Ladon Sparklegem

The little gnome stares up at Shaali and shrugs his shoulders. "Well, do you want to get this over with or should we cool off and regroup?"

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Lets get this done.

He smirks and buttons up his jacket. He begins to walk to the docks and the ship pulling on his heavy gloves. The metal which clinks as it folds into plates over his hands and slide to reenforce his hammer blows. He chuckles and continues to grin.

[Sgt. Cookie]

"Agreed. This should be fun."

He adjusts his sword, gives one of his guitar's metal strings a pluck and follows Shaali.

[Squark]

As you approach the docks, Ladon finds a small crystalline... creature tugging at his boots. Attached to the crystal is a note from Prometheus.

I have taken the liberty of circumspectly examining the ship. It appears to have been moved out into the harbour. I believe I could still arrange for it to be scouted remotely, but it would be best to wait until later at night.

I may be found browsing the stalls in the area for the next few hours - until this note disappears - and I am aware of anything that Shard knows so long as he is within a mile of myself, should you wish to contact me. If not, I shall be returning home to make further preparations.

[King Tius]

Ladon reads the note out loud and shrugs. "Let's go have a talk with them and bring this crystal with us. If we run into trouble it'll let Prometheus know what's up."

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali grumbles, this was going to be far harder than it needed to be.

Lets go check this problem out.

He than unclips his jacket and takes his gloves off as he continues the walk to the pier.

[Squark]

The ship itself is anchored about 60 feet from the pier, far from any other ships. Swimming would be possible, but it might make your entrance somewhat less impressive.

As for acquiring a rowboat, the shop in question is open unusually late, in case any young couples want to take a romantic boatride. Renting a boat or two would probably be a simple matter of presenting some collateral and paying 5 gp for the night, and if Prometheus were present, his father-creator's standing among the nobility would most likely be enough to wave the need for collateral.

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Well that's a nuisance

Shaali shakes his head.

Well lets hit the shop and borrow ourselves a couple of boats, if we are lucky we may be able to simply recover the ring with no fuss.

He pauses and turns to the others.

Wouldn't that be boring


Once everyone is settled Shaali will set off for the boat rental place

[Tome]

Prometheus

Prometheus sighs, or would if he were capable of it, as Shard relays the goings on back to him. Some people are simply determined to be fools, are they not Shard? He continues to browse through the stalls, but begins making his way over to the waterfront as he does.

Never the less, I suppose I should be prepared for whatever disaster the elf inevitably unleashes.

[King Tius]

Ladon follows Shaali to the boat rental slip. He will even offer to rent the boat himself, considering that this is all a personal favor for an old friend.

[Squark]

Shaali, Ladon, and Alister

The boatshop isn't closing for another few hours today, although when you arrive, you are the only ones aside from the proprietor present. He's willing to rent you the rowboats you need for 10 GP, but you'd need to provide 100 GP in collateral, or an item or two of comparable value.

[Sgt. Cookie]

"I say we split the collateral between the three of us, that way we all have a reason to keep the boat well, but if worst comes to worst, none of us will loose too much."

[crazedloon]

Shaali

Shaali begins to pat his jacket and pocket.

And here I left all my valuable at home.

He than brightens as he pulls out a pair of manacles.

Though I guess these will do as my collateral about 50 gold if I recall.

He goes to hand them over than stops, grins and plucks the key from pair.

Only got a single copy makes the other pair useless He winks

[Cardea]

Ariki


Leaving the Vanderboren residence, Ariki couldn't help but feel frustrated. One ally was too confident, and the other too insecure. Hot eater mixed with cold makes steam, not clear waters. One would need his temper tempered, and would need his thin skin thickened. Not what he was paid to do. He moved back to his boat, and sat there, thinking about his Captain, trying to remember the times when men would foolishly fall over the side. He'd need strength and water for this.

He prayed for one; he had the other in spades.

[Sgt. Cookie]

Alister simply gives the man 25 GP.

[Squark]

The Boat rental group: The man in charge of the rental scratches his head for a bit, and remarks, "You do realize that dog of yours is not going to do well in the boat, right? If you leave it behind, you'll probably all fit into one. That'd bring the rental price to 5gp, and then those fancy... chain things would do for collateral." The negotiation resolved, you are able to procure the boat, although a few minutes are wasted when the lock holding the rowboat moored to the street proves unresponsive until Ladon breaks out a bit of oil.

Ariki: While observing from your boat, you notice the construct named Prometheus browsing the wares near the docks, while glancing surreptitiously at the Blue Nixie on occasion. You don't see any of the others however.

Prometheus: (Spot Check failed) Prometheus fails to notice Ariki watching the situation from the boat.

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki watches the construct for a moment, observing the thing as it... shops? There shouldn't be anything here it truly needs. He put on his hat, twisting it into position, and got up from his boat. As he approaches, he calls out. "'Ey, thin-skin, whatchu lookin' at 'de here tings for? In the mood for fishin', or you get asked to buy some trout, ah?" Ariki says, smiling and chuckling at his own joke.

[Sgt. Cookie]

Alister nods in response. "Just don't insult him, though. He might bite if you do."

[Tome]

Prometheus

Constructs do not startle, nor do they have readily understandable facial expressions. It is only thanks to this that Prometheus manages to appear unsurprised when Ariki calls out to him.

"Ah, not quite... mister Heihei, was it?" the psion replies hesitantly as he makes his way over. "I was ah, attempting to discretely inspect the Lady's ship. I suspect I have failed at both aspects of that, regretably". He pauses, eyeing the boat. "Were you perhaps here to make your own attempt at retrieving the ring? I find myself at an impasse currently, lacking both the discretion and charm to really deal with this sort of issue solely by myself, and would be happy to assist you. The others that the Lady hired are, I believe, pursuing some no-doubt disastrous plan concocted by the elf at present, and I would most prefer to have the whole business dealt with before they have a chance to enact it".

[King Tius]

Ladon sits in the front of the boat and spends his time on the short journey over double and triple checking that all of his alchemical items are properly secured to his person. The last thing he needs is to lose a reagent into the water or, worse yet, to accidentally set a boat on fire.

[Cardea]

Ariki


"The elf ain't 'de only one with problems, thin-skin," Ariki says, slapping the construct on the shoulder. He gives a look of sympathy. "He 'gon be the least of yo' worries if you can't handle bein' called furniture. Shoot, if you weren't alive, I'd have ya put up for display on 'de big fancy ship I don't have, bein' whatchu look like.

"Which, by 'de way, ain't gon' do you no good for sneakin'. Ain't you got somethin' to see without lookin'? Somethin' to see farther? If you don't, you got ta be leavin' stuff like that to those of us who can. Its like this: I don't try and swim on the ground. You? You can't be sneakin'. And I think part of the elf's blatant racism is that he don' be knowin' what you can be doin'."

[Squark]

Ladon, Alister, and Shaali: In spite of some initial difficulty with the boat, you ultimately arrive at the Blue Nixie no worse for the wear. As you row up to the ship, a rather ugly looking man with a nasty scar on the side of his cheek peers down from the railing.

"Oy! You lot. 'Dis Boat is impo... impole... Aww... ferget it. No one gits on dis boat until da owner pays the fines. Now Pike off!"

[Sgt. Cookie]

Taking on a slightly more cheery tone than normal, "Impounded, you mean good sir? We are well aware of the status of the ship. We were in fact sent by the owner, to make sure that nothing is awry, before payment can be finalised. It would be most appreciative if you would allow us on board to perform our inspection.

Bluff roll:

[roll0]

[Squark]

"Wha... You can't do that*..." Vark stutters for a moment before regaining what composure he can be said to have had. "Allright, listen. I can let one or two of you onto the boat for a bit, but no one goes below decks. Harbor master's orders." The hints of sweat on his forehead, and a general sense of nervousness, however, make one thing clear: Vark is not being truthful with you about that bit.




*OOC: Oh, screw this. I'm horrible at typing out accents phonetically, especially since I'm not sure what sort of accent I was going for in the first place.

[Sgt. Cookie]

Dropping his voice to a whisper "Alright, Elf, you're with me. We get on board, and check the situation. If he's the only one up there, we overpower him, and throw him overboard, preferably dead. Gnome, you come on board after we've dealt with the guard. Alright?"

[Squark]

A rope is thrown down to you to help you climb aboard, although in truth you'd probably be able to manage the climb without it if you had to. You immediately realize you are not facing a single guard, however- There is a motley collection of seven men and women on the deck at the moment; and all of them are armed. The man who let you on board appears to be the leader- The other thugs are watching him carefully. Soller Vark- At least, you suspect this is the Soller Vark Lavinia mentioned- is heavily tanned from working outdoors, and has several rather nasty scars on his face. "Now... You can see we're keeping the boat in good condition," although you suspect a proper sailor might disagree about that, "So get off. Until the fines are payed, no goes below decks, you hear me?" Vark seems to have regained a measure of his composure thanks to his numerical advantage.

Sense Motive rolls
Sense motive for Ladon: [roll0]
Sense motive for Shaali: [roll1]
Sense motive for Alister: [roll2]

Both Shaali and Alister notice Vark sizing them up- He's definitely up to something, and he's resting his hand on the pommel of his blade an awful lot more than he ought to if he really means no harm... If you push him, it's likely things will come to blows.

[Sgt. Cookie]

"You said we are not allowed to go bellow deck? The harbour master assured us that we would be granted full access to the ship. If it is not in perfect condition, the owner is legally entitled to sue."

[roll0]

[Squark]

Sense Motive Checks
Ladon [roll0]
Alister [roll1]
Shaali [roll2]

Sollar Vark's Bluff Check [roll3]

"Damnit, boys, looks like we have to do this the hard way!" Soller Vark draws his blade and makes a movement to push Alister overboard.

OOC: Because Ladon and Shaali made beat Vark's bluff check, they'll get to act in the surprise round. If you guys don't mind, I'll roll initiative for everyone involved in the OOC thread.

EDIT: Prometheus: Your empathic link with shard alerts you to the outbreak of violence on the Blue Nixie, interupting your conversation with Ariki. Shard also manages to convey that the others are badly outnumbered...

[Squark]

Battle Map Warning, this is a bit screen stretchy
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/SurpriseRoundaboardtheBlueNixie.png

[Squark]

Surprise Round: As the fight begins, Soller Vark's minions draw their weapons. THe thugs on the upper decks pull out their crossbows, while the men and women on the main deck brandish rapiers. Shaali pauses for a moment to aim a punch at Vark, but Vark dodges the blow. Vark, meanwhile, charges toward Alister, pushing him overboard through sheer momentum, while dodging a failed second blow by Shaali.
Ladon's up now. Alister takes no damage from the fall, since he landed in the water.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/SurpiseRoundpostbullrush.png


Shaali Concentration check for Sapphire Nightmare Blade [roll0]
Attack roll [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Extra Damage from Saphpire Nightmare Blade [roll3]

Shaali attack of Opportunity against Soller Vark[roll4]
Damage [roll5]

Soller Vark Strength Check to Bull Rush Alister [roll6]
Aliser Opposed Strength Check to resist Bull Rush (No attack of opportunity because he's flat footed) [roll7]

[King Tius]

Ladon takes aim with his Small Light Crossbow at Soller Vark, thankful that he'd spent so much time training with the compact little bolt launcher. It is a truly fascinating contraption, but he needed to stay focused and had little time to ponder the wonders of his weapon.

Ladon has both Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot
Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Tome]

Prometheus

The construct appears thoughtful, as much as it can anyway. "You may well be right mister Heiei" he admits with a sigh, "reacting as I did was most undignified. My father-creator would be most displeased to hear I allowed my pride to get the best of me that way. Though I do have a means of conducting discreet survei-". He pauses suddenly, tilting his head as if listening to something far away.

"... ah, it would appear that discussion will have to wait. Shard tells me that the elf has already gone ahead with his plan and that things have, as I predicted, turned violent. Perhaps we should make haste to the boat and intervene?".

Assuming that Ariki takes them over to the ship, Prometheus is going to take the opportunity to use his Psycarnum Infusion -> Azure Talent combo to recharge his crystals, and then attempt to regain his focus. If he fails, he'll try again for each round it takes them to get over there.

Concentration DC 20: [roll0]

[Squark]

End of Surprise Round and beginning of Round 1: In spite of his careful aim, Ladon's crossbow bolt flies over Vark's head and off into the night. As the Battle Continues, Shaali makes a deft move for Vark's thigh, grabbing it and flipping him over, while making a quick jab with his gauntleted fist into Vark's side, which, channeling his anscestral heritage, he ignites Vark is prone (Not visible from beneath the boat), and takes 1 damage, plus 7 fire damage from Shaali's Burning Blades Boost. Two of the thugs Charge Shaali, brandishing their blades, but the gladiator nimbly sidesteps their carelessly placed blows. Meanwhile, one of the thugs on the deck fires a wild shot at Ladon, but perhaps he had been at the drink, for the bolt flies off wildly into the water over ten feet from where Ladon crouchs in the bolt. Meanwhile, Prometheus's attempts to concentrate his mental energies into the secondary crystals within his body is disrupted by Ariki's rapid movement toward the ship.

Innitiative Order, for reference:
Shaali: 13
Thugs 2 and 6: 12
Prometheus: 11
Thug 7: 11
Alister: 10 <-- Current Position in innitiative
Thug 5: 9
Thug 1: 8
Soller Vark: 7
Ladon: 6
Ariki: 3
Thug 3: 2
Thug 4: 1

Updated Battle Map
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Round1I10.png

[Sgt. Cookie]

Spiting out some sea water, Alister checks his things, and climbs back up the boat.

[roll0]


If I climb on the deck:

Climbing onto the deck, Alister flicks his guitar onto his chest, and starts playing a small harmonious tune. The sound is startlingly loud, even amidst the clamour of battle. As the song reaches Shaali and Landon, their weapons appear to drip small green globules.

Alister will use Inspire Courage, converting it to Dragonfire Inspiration, meaning that all allies within 60ft deal an additional 1d6 Acid damage with all attacks.

[Squark]

As alister clambers onto the deck and begins his music, a pair of thugs move to confront him. The first charges, slashing at him with her rapier and rawing some blood, while the second takes a more circumspect route around the grate, but is similarly successful with his lunge. Mean while, as Vark attempts to rise from his prone state, Shaali stikes him with a savage blow to the gut, leaving Vark more than a little winded. Now rather heavily battered, Vark attempts to withdraw from the immediate battle, leaping over the side of the ship and down to the boat with Ladon, however, he fails to stick the landing and hits his chest on the side of the boat, knocking the wind out of him and leaving him gasping for breath.

Alister takes 7 damage total. Of the Thugs currently in melee, only Thug 5 has not charged. Vark takes six more damage from Shaali's attack of opportunity*, then 5 more damage from the fall, leaving him disabled at 0 hp. It is Ladon's turn again.

Combat Map
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Round1I7.png

*Alister doesn't have a weapon out yet, and as such has no threatened squares.

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki's awkward movement doesn't stop as he approaches the edge of the dock, looking toward the ship. He simply runs out over the water. As he falls, he closes his eyes, and holds his hands out above him, making a circle. He feels his veins pulse once, and his legs begin to kick against the water, speeding him along faster than normal.

Unsure of the casting time of Wings of the Sea, since I can't access Spell Compendium currently. Either way, 60 ft. swim speed should get me to the boat, yes? Given that you said we were at the edge.

If its a standard action, then I'm getting to the edge of the ship.

If its a swift action, I'd like to try and climb it now.

Climb: [roll0]

[King Tius]

Ladon takes aim at the sailor who shot at him and attempts to return fire.

Ladon has both Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot
Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Squark]

Ladon's shot grazes the thugs arm- The damage isn't permanent, but he's clearly startled. Meanwhile, he hears a loud splashing sound behind him as Ariki surfaces*. The remaining thugs are unsuccessful in their attacks; the remaining thug on the upper decks misses Ladon with his crossbow, while the last thug on the deck is to thrown off by maneuvering around the mast to land a blow on Alister.

Thug 2 takes 5 damage. Beginning of Round 2.

Turning around in one fluid movement, Shaali makes a move to grab the leg of the thug behind him, but dodging two of the thug's strikes ruins his motion. Meanwhile the thug Ladon shot, spooked by the sight of his blood, dives over the railing and begins to swim away.

Innitiative Order, for reference:
Shaali: 13
Thugs 2 and 6: 12
Prometheus: 11
Thug 7: 11
Alister: 10 <-- Current Position in initiative (Since Prometheus can't do much at this range outside of a crossbow shot, I'm going to take Thug 7's action too)
Thug 5: 9
Thug 1: 8
Soller Vark: 7
Ladon: 6
Ariki: 3
Thug 3: 2
Thug 4: 1

*I checked my Spell Compendium now that I'm home at the moment, and Wings of the Sea is a standard action

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Round2I10.png

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki swiims further, reaching the side of the ship. Touching its side, he attempts to climb, using his strength the best he can. As he climbs, he prays, forcing his mind open. He says a word, its sound coming out a much deeper tone than how he usually sounds: "Ilno."

Climb checks can be made as part of movement actions, even combined with other movement types. [roll0]

Swift Action to use Chaos Devotion. Even number, adds to AC. Odd number, adds to Attack Rolls. Lasts for a minute. [roll1]

[Sgt. Cookie]

The wound was deep, he had to heal. "That song should keep you going for about half a minute."

He jumped into the water.

Assuming he can jump into the water/survives any AoOs:

Alister casts Cure Light Wounds on himself.

[roll0]

[Tome]

Prometheus glances between the boat it has no idea how to row and Ariki's rapidly retreating form, and comes to a conclusion. "Oh bother".

Fortunately, it is not an obstacle without a solution. His fingers twitching in remembrance of the sculpting, he draws a shape from his mind and grants it form and life. Strange matter, drawn from other realms, coalesces into an even stranger creature. The malformed physique of the upper body is formed as though some artist had heard, distantly, that well-defined muscles were considered aesthetically pleasing, but had failed utterly in the portrayal, while the lower body is that of a fish, filtered through a lens of geometric precision - all patterns and and angles. For all the strangeness of it's sculpting the merman-shaped astral construct swims well enough, pushing the boat on a mental command from Prometheus.

Manifesting Astral Construct as a Standard Action for 1 PP, using the PP stored in the crystal.

The construct has the Swim ability, and is ordered to push the boat as fast as it can, without tipping it over of course, towards the ship.

[Squark]

Alister's jump leaves him dangerously exposed, and two thrusts toward his side ruin his leap and leave him sprawled on the ground, clutching his side in an attempt to stem the bleeding.

Alister takes 6 damage, leaving him at -3 hp.

From here, Alister's attackers move forward, thrusting toward Shaali, although their attacks fail to pierce the elf's defense in spite of the fact his attention is now split between five different attackers. Vark, gasping for breath, spots Prometheus's construct forming by the docks, and glances back to Ladon, before dropping his blade on the bottom of the boat.

Innitiative Order, for reference:
Shaali: 13
Thugs 2 and 6: 12
Prometheus: 11
Thug 7: 11
Alister: 10
Thug 5: 9
Thug 1: 8
Soller Vark: 7
Ladon: 6 <-- Current position in initiative.
Ariki: 3
Thug 3: 2
Thug 4: 1

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Round2I6-1.png

OOC: Sgt. Cookie, I still need a physical description of Alister to create a "miniature" for him.

[Sgt. Cookie]

((OOC: Gonna roll to see if I become stable))

[roll0]

Damn...

[King Tius]

Ladon levels the crossbow, putting it right in Vark's face. "Call off your men or you're dead!" If Vark calls out to his men, Ladon will keep him at "gunpoint" but won't fire. If he doesn't do so immediately, Ladon swivels the crossbow down and fires the bolt into his gut.

Do you want an intimidate or attack roll? Not sure if Vark is prone in front of me or not and also not sure if that would make shooting him easier or harder.

[Squark]

Vark looks startled for a moment before gasping, "It's... Over.. They've got *wheeze* backup comin'". This statement, combined with Ariki's swift ascent, seems to have been the breaking point for the thugs, and they scatter, diving overboard. Before you can react, however, one of them calls out, "Burn them! Burn them all!"

Within seconds, you hear a loud chorus of fantic bird calls and other animal noises coming from the hold, along with the smell of smoke. Then comes an enormous crash, a woman's scream, and a shrill creening noise. There is a brief sound of something bounding arround down in the hold, before you hear a sickening crunch and what was almost certainly the last scream the hapless woman will ever make. As the riot of animal noises and smell of smoke continues to come from the lower decks, Vark looks pleadingly at Ladon, desperately hoping not to be shot, although the only thing he actually says is, "Oh.-" You didn't catch the second word over the circus in the hold, but you can guess what the next word was.

[King Tius]

Ladon looks into Vark's eyes with a determined glare. "You'll pay for this" he says as he lets go of the crossbow with one hand and slugs Vark with the other.

Unarmed Attack: [roll0]

If he misses and doesn't knock him unconscious he grabs hold of his crossbow again and keeps it leveled at Vark's face.

[Squark]

Vark's eyes roll up into his head as he lose consciousness, collapsing on the floor of the boat.

[Cardea]

Ariki


"Dammit!" Ariki shouts out, as he gets a good footing on the ship. He moves forward, trying to get to the main deck. His legs too awkward and stiff to move at the same pace as others. "The damn thugs set the hold on fire! Prometheus be coming, but it don't matter if they ain't no boat to get to! We best be movin' down, before the whole thing goes! We move fast, maybe that fire be tiny thing when we get to it!"

In his mind, he prays. The same mantra, over and over, in his head, frantic.

"Give me rain. Give me water. Let the fire drown. Give me rain. Give me water. Let the fire drown. Give me rain. Give me water. Let the fire drown. I asked for the wrong things today. Please give me what I need now."

[Tome]

Prometheus grimaces at the noise now issuing from the hold of the ship. So much for subtle. At this point, he reckons he'll be lucky if the ship isn't on fire.

Which means he'd best hurry.

He looks disdainfully at the oars. It can't be too hard, can it? And it would get him there faster than just having his constructs push. Gingerly, he takes up the oars, and attempts to copy the rowing motion he saw Ariki using earlier.

"I suspect I may need assistance climbing aboard", he idly notes aloud, but refrains from calling out yet. There are wounded they must see to first, and he would be remiss to distract from that task before he reaches the ship. A certain embarrassment at his fumblings with the oars may also influence his silence.

[Squark]

Prometheus makes surprisingly good time, and he is able to reach the side of the boat by the time his construct has dissipated.

OOC: Two rounds pass during this period of time, so Tome is a bit ahead of the rest of the group at the moment.

[King Tius]

Landon scampers up the ladder to the deck and, seeing Alister down for the count, pours a healing potion down his throat.

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki stumbles forward, the weight of his legs slowing him down. He slows down, then crouches next to Alister. He mumbles to himself, before pressing blue glowing palms onto the man's forehead and chest.

Turning one use of Command into Cure Light Wounds.

CLW: [roll0]

[Squark]

Alister's open wounds heal, so he's no longer in immediate danger due to blood loss, but his injuries are extensive enough that he remains unconscious.

Alister goes to -1 hit points, and stabilizes

[King Tius]

Ladon will still administer a healing potion to the unconscious Alister.

[Squark]

[roll0]


Alister's bruises rapidly fade, and his eyes open as he regains consciousness.

Alister is now at 8 hp

[Sgt. Cookie]

"Thanks Gnome. Now get shooting, that song will give your shots some extra sting."

Alister stands and looks around.

[King Tius]

Ladon nods and brings his crossbow up to the ready. He makes his way towards the hold (the ladder), prepared to fire at any thugs or creatures that might attack him.

[Squark]

As you peer down the hatch, you are nearly hit in the face by a frantic parrot in its haste to escape. Shaking the feathers from your face, you see some sort of monstrous... insect, about the size of a horse. Central to this... whatever it is is a maw that could easily crush a man's head. This eight legged monstrosity is currently occupied with chasing fancifully colored birds over the remains of cages, but as it hears the hatch creak, it charges toward you, a pair of limbs with tiny hooks on them stretching toward you.

EDIT: Because drawing it was proving to diffiicult, I dug up an image of the monster through google.
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/29145/rhagodessa.jpg

Battle Map (It's considerably bigger this time due to showing two decks)

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Encounter%202/BeginningofRound1.png
Roll for Initiative

[Sgt. Cookie]

[roll0]

Alister walks over to the hatch, and upon seeing the creature, searches his mind for anything that may help.

Knowledge (Arcana) roll:

[roll1]

[Collector of Stories used]

[King Tius]

Ladon

Initiative: [roll0]

The little gnome lets out a fairly explicit expletive at the sight of such a creature. Fortunately he curses in Gnomish so it all sounds rather silly to the rest of the group and he is able to maintain most of his dignity.

(waiting to see where I end up in the initiative order)

[Squark]

Knowledge (Nature) check for Alister [roll0]

You recall overhearing a couple of watchmen discussing a beast that sounded an awful lot like this one. Apparently this overgrown vermin is known as the Rhagodessa. They found it after they broke up an animal smuggling ring. From what they said, the creature has an incredibly powerful jaw, and uses the hooked appendages at the front of it's body to grab prey. It is also surprisingly nimble for its size; the watchmen lamented that several of their colleagues had been lost when they understimated the spead of the Rhagodessa's lunge.

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki moves to the side of the hatch, and looks down. Upon seeing the... creature, he shudders. "If it weren' bein' for the fact that this boat be property of the Lady, I'da said lets burn the ship. But as it is... who wants to be goin' first? There be a couple ways down there, so we should try and surround the damned thing." He unsheathes his khopesh from its sheath.

"Ilno. Any takers?"

Initiative: [roll0]

Expending a use of Turn Undead again to use Chaos Devotion as a swift action. If it is odd, it adds to attack roll. Even, it adds to AC. If its 5, it overrides the current duration of Chaos Devotion I still have; doesn't stack duration.

[roll1]

Ffffuuuu. At least I still have a +5 bonus to attack rolls for the next... six rounds?

[Tome]

Initiative: [roll0]

"Mister Heiei, I may be able to help" Prometheus volunteers from the boat, "if I could have some assistance gaining access to the ship first. My body is unfortunately not well constructed for climbing".

The tiny spider-legged crystal scuttles down the side of the ship, waving up and down in greeting. "Ah, hello Shard. I don't suppose you'd care to help me climb up?". The crystal skips up and down in agreement. "Well, let me conjure some help and then we'll give it a try".

With a brief pulse as his embedded crystals discharge, Prometheus conjures forth another of his creations. A strange simian weaves itself into being from thick blue cables, taking it's station at the edge of the deck.

Standard Action: Manifesting Astral Construct again. Special ability is Celerity.
Move Action: Try to climb aboard.

I'm assuming that, being in combat, the option for taking ten is off the table? If it is an option, and assuming at least one other person decides to help out, Prometheus will do that instead. If it's not, here are the rolls.

Climb: [roll1]

Shard Assist Another: 24 (Takes 10 due to racial trait)
Construct Assist Another: [roll2]
Never mind. Squark pointed out that AC is a full round action.

HP: 13/13
PP: 11/11
Cognizance Crystal: 0/2

[Sgt. Cookie]

OOC: Nature? Really? Could've sworn this thing was an aberration.

"Guys, this thing is called a Rhagodessa. I heard some watchmen talking about it. This thing's jaw is powerful, it has hooked appendeges at the front of it's body and don't be fooled by it's size, it's a speedy little bugger. Several watchmen were lost when they underestimated it."

[Squark]

Innitiative Order:
20- Ladon
17- Shaali
16a- Prometheus
16b- Ariki
11- Alister
7- Rhagodessa

Ladon's up first.

[King Tius]

"Can it climb ladders?" Ladon doesn't wait to find out and fires his crossbow at the Rhagodessa. He then drops back 20 feet and hopes the thing doesn't come after him.

Crossbow Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Move Action: Fall back to G4.

[Squark]

Ladon's crossbow shot bounces harmlessly off an armored spot of the Rhagodessa's carapace. Shaali moves to engage the beast, climbing down the ladder to strike it head on. His fists, still enhanced by Alister's song, manage to score a minor wound, although it seems to do little more than anger the Rhagodessa. Meanwhile, Shimmering ectoplasm begins to take shape near the top of the deck as Prometheus concentrates on creating a construct to help him climb.

Shaali does 1 bludgeoning damage and 3 Acid damage to the Rhagodessa.

Innitiative Order:
20- Ladon
17- Shaali
16a- Prometheus
16b- Ariki <--Current Place in initiative. Ariki still has a standard and move action left.
11- Alister
7- Rhagodessa

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Encounter%202/Round1I16.png

[Cardea]

Ariki


Ariki hobbles over to the ladder near the mast, and climbs down as far as he can. When he's on it, in view of the creature, he points to it, commanding in authoritative tone: "Collapse."

Moving to, and as far down as I can, the ladder at L4.

Using Command. Will DC 14. Using the Fall option.

[Squark]

Ariki climbs down onto the lower floor, leaving room for others to move if necessary.
Minor modification to Cardea's original plan as a result of an OOC conversation with him, since I failed to communicate that mind affecting spells wouldn't work here


Innitiative Order:
20- Ladon
17- Shaali
16a- Prometheus
16b- Ariki
11- Alister <--Current place in initiative.
7- Rhagodessa

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Encounter%202/Round1I11.png

[Sgt. Cookie]

Moving to the hatch, Alister reaches into the pouch at his belt and draws a small amount of pork rind. He speaks a few words to it, enchanting it with some magical power, and throws it at the floor under the Rhagodessa. The effect is instantaneous, the pork rind suddenly expands, covering the area directly underneath, and directly behind, in a thick, brown gloop.

"Try not to stand on that stuff if you don't have exceptional balance. You will fall."

For the next two rounds, anyone standing in the squares covered by Grease must succeed on a DC 14 reflex save, or fall prone. You can move at half speed by making a DC 10 balance check. If you fail, you don't move and make the reflex save as before.

[Squark]

The multi-limbed monstrosity looses its footing in a manner that is almost comical. As it attempts to stand up, Shaali takes another swing at the monstrosity, scalding it with the magical fire of Alister's song.

The Rhagodessa takes 4 damage.

From here, the beast lashes out at Shaali, its long arms wrapping arround the elf and pulling him towards its gaping maw. One savage bite attack later and the elf lasps into unsciousness


The Rhagodessa's... peldipap attack hits, allowing it to make a grapple attempt against Shaali through improved grab. It succeeds, getting a free bite attack. Shaali takes 11 damage, putting him at -1 hp.

Innitiative Order:
20- Ladon <--Current place in initiative.
17- Shaali
16a- Prometheus
16b- Ariki
11- Alister
7- Rhagodessa

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Encounter%202/Round2I20_zpsd417d6bb.png

[King Tius]

The little artificer quickly reloads his crossbow, cursing his slow fingers as he hustles to get the weapon ready again. Once properly armed, he moves back to the hole down below deck, reasonably sure the creature isn't going to come after him with so many other delicious options close at hand.

Standard Action: Reload Crossbow
Move Action: Move to K4

[Squark]

Actions somewhat altered after discussion in the OOC thread

Moving towards the starboard side of the sip, Ladon takes hold of a loose rope near Prometheus, bracing himself against the side as he does so. With the aid of the newly formed Astral Construct and Shard, this should be sufficient for Prometheus to scale the side of the ship.

Also, Shaali got a 17 on his fortitude save, so he's not going to be losing hit points from dieing, although another bite probably will kill him.

Innitiative Order:
20- Ladon
17- Shaali
16a- Prometheus <--Current place in initiative.
16b- Ariki
11- Alister
7- Rhagodessa

[Squark]

With the aid of Ladon, the newly appeared Astral Construct, and Shard, Prometheus is able to scale the side of the ship. Both he and the Astral Construct move towards the hold.


Tome said he's been a bit busy over the holiday season, and since he didn't have line of sight to the rhagodessa, I figured the only thing that made sense was to have him move where he could get line of sight. So, Ariki's up. Also, I forgot to create an Astral Construct Mini. Ah well, it's not doing anything this turn anyway.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/TheGreatSquark/Savage%20Tide%20Take%202/Encounter%202/Round2I16_zps7572b7c4.png