[IC] Guardians of the Heart (3.5 FR)

[haldhin]

Armed guards and soldiers meander through the city of Scornubel with a frequency never before seen in this city. While most are members of the Red Shields mercenary company, there are many who bear no specific emblem save that of the city. To your surprise, you learn that more and more arrive daily via the barges that move up and down the Reaching River. The hobgoblin attacks have been ruthless during the winter, and have not shown any signs of stopping. For that reason, Rhessajan Ambermantle, Lady of the Tents, and nominal ruler of the city, has sent messages far and wide to recruit willing and able adventurers to help reassert Scornubel’s control over the surrounding countryside.

For various reasons – perhaps the timing of the request, maybe the promise of gold, or simply that familiar ache to see more of the world - you decidted to accept the invitation.

After being processed in a brightly-colored tent just steps away from the docks, you received your first duties. You find yourself with a number of other volunteers on The Alabaster Gull, a wide river barge captained by Kelanos Thriver, the half-elven owner of the ship. He, along with eight crew members, are tasked with delivering supplies to a number of docks and ferries along the northern stretch of the Reaching River. There have been reports of goblinoids moving in the forest near the river, and it is hoped your presence in the area should act as a deterrence.

The assignment you receive indicates you are to depart The Gull at the first stop, travel to several important homes and farmsteads deeper in the Reaching Wood, then rendesvouz back with Captain Kelanos at his last stop. After returning to the barge, you will accompany the Captain back to Scornubel where you will receive payment.

-----

The journey on The Alabaster Gull has been one of complete and utter boredom. Due to the massive load of cargo, the barge travels very slowly upriver, and though Winter has ended and Spring has started to once again emerge, the banks of the Reaching River contain nothing unusual or interesting to keep your attention. Even the Captain and crew are unusually quiet, though you suspect it has more to do with their work and isn't a result of having you onboard. Captain Kelanos even offered to make sure all of you have the best bunks, including his own small private cabin, in an effort to see to your comfort. Still, the barge was not constructed with passengers in mind. Boxes of cargo are stacked neatly together in the lower hold so tightly that there is barely enough space for the wooden table and benches at which most share their meals.

Near dusk on the fifth evening away from Scornubel, the typical sloshing of the water against the hull is violently interrupted as the ship suddenly stops its progress with a massive CRUNCH!

Tumbling rivermen fall over themselves amidst much cursing and yelling, and going by the large splash you hear, at least one falls into the river. After only a second, you hear Captain Kelanos' voice over the chaos striving to regain order.

((You may be anywhere on the barge you want to be, doing whatever you want to do, when the crash happens. The ship has suddenly stopped, there is a crewmember overboard, and you know that the barge is damaged but you aren't sure where it is, or how bad it is. If you choose to be on deck, you did not see anything before the crash. What would you like to do?))

[Archmage1]

Arathel, who had been lounging on the deck, as the hold was rather... stinky, was quite surprised at the impact, rolling over from his lounging position, and swiftly coming to his feet before his brain really realized that the impact had happened.
Reflecting on his memories, there was a loud splash, and if there was one thing that was certain... the man overboard would, of course, not be able to swim.
As he started heading towards the side the splash had occurred on, seeking rope to throw to the man overboard as he went, he considered just how much his life had changed in the past months. From leading a patrol, proudly doing his duty, to this!
Still, duty was clear, and having reached the edge of the ship, he tries to toss the end of the rope he had collected to the man overboard.

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota Fita Ir was sitting on the deck when the crash happened. he seemed at peace despite seeming to be out of place. A dragonborn was a rare sight even in Faerun after all. His eyes where closed, and he seemed to be mentally praying to his father before the incident. the crash seemed to jostle him about, but he remained. When he heard the cry of a man over board however he was quick to his feet. with little grace he ran into the direction of the voice.

With out even thinking Tota dived into the river to save the person. He was not thinking of himself when he did this action, but of the possible benefit the person he saved may play in his aid on the War. Tota knew he was young compared to other dragonborn, but he still had the same drive. when Tota had hit the surf of the water it was like little Ice sickles where hitting him, all over his body. but he would over come this discomfort and save the man.

in an instant the keen dragons eye, that where gifted to Tota, soon found the man, he swam and grab the victim to help him stay float. You will be alright, now lets get you back on the boat before this water freezes us to death.


if needed i'll take ten on swim checks.

[sparky9042]

Piers, who had been patrolling the deck, immediately panics. After all, he can hardly do more than tread water or doggy paddle, and the armor he'd purchased in order to save his life would surely sink him in a matter of seconds. After seeing one of his coworkers throw rope overboard, though, Piers runs over to him. "I can probably pull them in, if you need any help."

[Lix Lorn]

Blake lands flat on her face as the ship crashes, and is horrified by someone falling into the water!
She dearly hopes they can swim better than she, and desperately hopes she can pull something useful from her satchel - but alas, the cards that come to hand aren't the kind that can help.

[hKennyrules]

Victor had been chatting amiably with some of the workers on break when the ship rocked. A splash followed by shouting had alerted everyone that someone had gone overboard, so naturally everyone flocked to the edge of the boat.

But Victor took a different approach. He started heading up the steps to a higher vantage point. He wanted to see what he could see. With any luck, he might figure out what had happened to cause the boat to shake so violently, when ships were not typically known to crash on these waters.

Scanning the environment, Victor searched for anything he might find to give away what had happened. The overboard crew member had enough help from one zealous adventurer who dived in after him.

[roll0] - Spot Check
[roll1] - Listen Check
[roll2] - Search Check

[Metahuman1]

Markarov had the misfortune that evening to be below deck, getting a bit of privacy for his regular practice session as had become his routine. Training with armor on and weapon in hand. He'd have been happier training with a weighted lance and a set of training weights strapped on under heavier armor, but he had to make due with what he had.

The Crash, however, would interrupt his routine before he got past his warm up, and as an immediate reaction, he first moved forward. He wasn't an idiot, an he reasoned that if they had crashed, any damage that would need to be attended too would be at the front or the bottom. And if they were being attacked, he'd know soon enough form the obvious sounds of battle that he might change his direction.

[Archmage1]

When the giant human comes up, and offers to help, Arathel, not taking his eyes off of the water, speaks up, his melodious voice somehow fitting his form perfectly.
"That would be helpful. Strength is not my strong suite."

[cavalieredraghi]

TotaFita's keen ears hear the conversation going on aboard the boat, as he ties the rope around the sailor so he can be pulled up first. he relpies to both of the humanoids, Nah we don't need any help right sailor, that water is like a spa Totafita then looks back up at the boat. OK GET US OUT OF THIS DAMN COLD

[Archmage1]

Aeathel tries to pull up the rope once it has been secured to the crewman, heaving mightily.

[sparky9042]

Piers takes the rope and pulls back, making sure to keep his balance, keep his grip, and do the work with his legs.

Strength check, 'cause I'm not sure what else it would be: [roll0]

[Archmage1]

(([roll0] str check))

[haldhin]

Aeathel and Piers heave the rope up and the sailor crumples to the deck as they throw the rope back down to Tota Fita Ir.

Blake pulls her cards, but is dismayed to see her hand.

You manage to climb up a stout pole used as a supplemental mast. Moving your head quickly, you scan around trying to find something - anything - out of the ordinary.

As you glance toward the western shore, you hear several splashes coming from the eastern side of the river. You turn to look, but you do not see anything - but the splashes were large enough for you to hear them, and you counted at least four.
You enter the hold and quickly move to the front of the barge. What you see is a massive crack extending horizontally across most of the bow in an almost perfectly straight line. The boards nearest the crack have been pushed back and they now protrude into the hold. Luckily, there are only small rivulets of water coming out of the damaged area - whatever happened has managed to stop the barge's progress with a minimum amount of damage.

Captain Kelanos storms past the heroes throwing the rope back into the water and peers over the front of the barge. Cursing loudly, he turns around and yells, "Jon, Theryl, get yourselves up here, you mangy river rats! We need to find out what we're caught on!"

((For reference, the barge is in the center of the river, and the shore is 60' away on each side.))

[Archmage1]

Arathel tosses the rope down once more, and prepares to heave the rope up once more, with their companion attached to it.

[roll0] str

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota is actually not bothed by the cold, but he does notices it presence and was afraid for the human. With the Human safe, Tota decides to tell the others his plan. I am going to check the boat for damage, keep an eye on the water, I have a bad feeling about this! he dive under the water with out a single word. he swims around the boat, to the front to see what is holding there progress, and how he may fix it. he also keeps an eye out for any creatures. given the location of the Boat it is probably not a rock they are stuck on.

spot check
[roll0]


here are two more d20 rolls if needed.
[roll1]
[roll2]

[hKennyrules]

Victor watched as the crew lunged into action - somewhat late. There was something in the water, that much was clear. Four splashes, he heard. At least four somethings. And there were now several people in the water.

Quickly making his way over to either the captain or the first mate, whichever was closer, Victor made his discovery known. His voice was calm as he grabbed the arm of whoever he found, but his tone made it clear he had something significant to say.

"There's something in the water, but I didn't get a good look at whatever it was. Those men might be in danger."

There wasn't too much else he could do. He wouldn't waste a summon yet. Victor would wait to see where he was needed most.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[sparky9042]

"Give us a yell when you need the rope back down, then."

Piers drags the rope back up to the boat and coils it haphazardly, then keeps watch on the water for the dragonborn.

Taking ten on Use Rope if necessary.

Two rolls:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Metahuman1]

"Not fancying the looks of this." The halfling though to himself as he took in the sight of the vessel taking on water from the damage.

He turned promptly and started making a B-Line for the Deck, grabbing the first member of the crew he could fined.

"The Bow's taken damage, woods been cracked and water is starting to leak in. It doesn't look horrible yet to my eyes but I'm no expert on such things. I'd suggest we need to either start making repairs now, or get it ashore and then start making repairs."

He kept his tone even, calm. No hint of panic. Panic, after all, just kept you from thinking, and that gave the darker powers that be a chance to come out on top at a time were it could be ill afforded.

[haldhin]

You dive beneath the frigid water and swim forward to inspect the front of the boat. Even before you reach it, you see the problem. A thick chain stretches from one side of the river to the other. Although you can't quite make out either end of the chain in the murky water, it is obviously secured quite well at both ends to have stopped the barge like it did.

Inspecting the chain, you also discover large dull hooks welded to the links. They are embedded deep in the wood of the barge, and will take some effort to remove - it won't be a quick process.

As you take in the chain and the implications of such an obstacle, movement to the east catches your eye. Four humanoids are swimming toward the barge beneath the surface of the water. They appear to lack armor, but they do have weapons strapped to their backs. They are about 50 feet away from the barge.

((Discovering the chain was easy because it's so huge, but you also see the people swimming toward the barge because of your great roll. Let me know if you have any questions.))

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota swims to the part of the boat where he can climb back up, he does not want to alert the pirates into thinking they are caught. One can always reverse a trap afterall. :smallamused:

Tota dives for a second time only so he can propel himself to the laddering of the boat where he can climb onboard. after some effect Tota Reaches the deck and say. Arm up everyone we got Pirates!

[Metahuman1]

Markarove Nodded at this news and turn his attention to the captain.

"Get your men armed and below deck, wait around corners or if they've got ranged weapons take cover at the end of a hall way and be ready to shoot. I'll call for Selune when it's clear."

And with that the halfling turned toward the dragonborn.

"What side are they to come at us form?"

As soon as he had an answer he started pointing to spots near the rail, indicating for the party to draw weapons and make ready to engage as soon as they started coming up. He aimed to make it so as often as could be arraigned they'd have them flanked as they came up and when they were first on deck, and they'd have the high ground on them till they got up. They wouldn't be able to use shields, or dodge particularly well, and we was hoping that with this combination of factors he could keep them from facing down a genuinely pitched fight.

I'll indicate OOC were he's advising everyone to stand and ready themselves when I get a map and an answer to were Tota saw them getting ready to come up at.

[Archmage1]

Arathel shakes his head at this tactic.
"Better to knock them off when they are near the top. We will have better reach, and they will be more surprised, for having climbed most of the way unopposed. If there are enough of them, they will simply swarm us. This way, we should get the next in line to hesitate."

[hKennyrules]

Victor heard the announcement, and nodded. Looked like it was time for work. He spun on his heels and headed over to the two headstrong individuals giving orders and competing to decide whose orders were more clever. Wasn't it the captain's job to give orders on a ship? Alas, the woes of being a PC. So arrogant. So prone to god-complexes.

"Captain Kelanos! You heard the man! Get your crew in line, and get ready for an attack. You hired us to protect you, and for us to do that, we need order!"

Victor himself was readying a spell. He wasn't sure which spell, exactly, but he was readying it for whatever happened. Luckily, it wasn't just him on the boat, waiting for the pirates to board. He had plenty of backup. That meant Victor could do what he did best - sit back, and aid wherever his summons were needed most.

This wasn't exactly Victor's ideal. But hey, what's life without a good fight now and then?

[Lix Lorn]

"Pirates?" exclaims Blake, with a heady mixture of excitement and fear.

...she can help, at least! Finding an empty spot on deck, she conjures a Mantrap, a many limbed plant creature with sharp teeth.

Venus Mantrap
Size/Type: Large Plant
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 (5hp)
Initiative: + 0
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (+2 natural, +2 dex, -1 size), touch 11, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+4
Attack: Bite +1 melee (2d4+1)
Full Attack: Bite +1 melee (2d4+1), Tentacle -4 melee (1d6+1), Tentacle -5 melee (1d6+1)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: None
Special Qualities: None
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +0
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 4, Wis 10, Cha 6
Skills: None
Feats:Improved Natural Attack (Bite), Weapon Finesse (B)
Alignment: (True Neutral)

A Venus Mantrap has a primary bite attack and two secondary tentacle attacks. It is not capable of speech.

[Archmage1]

When the woman with the cards starts moving, Arathel keeps an eye on her, however, he was not expecting her to summon a giant plant... especially not one that looks that mean. He takes a mental note to keep far away from it.

[Metahuman1]

"That's what I'm trying for. We were hired to be the combatants, so I want to get the people who weren't hired for that purpose out of the line of fire to start. And I want us to be spaced out so that we can hammer them as they start getting near the top, and so that even if they manage to get on deck, they've still got to protect themselves from both sides for a bit. Will maintain the high ground, and because of our positioning, will be able to flank them when they start getting really close."

The halfling spoke quickly in a firm but subdued tone, not wanting to give the surprise away before they even started climbing.

The Summoning of the plant however did catch his attention and he smiled with a small nod.

"Milady, unless your going to tell me your also trained in warriors arts or that you need to be closer to keep up the magic, I might suggest you withdraw from the edges some, give you some space to work and some breathing room if any of them do get up here."

He called neither her strength nor courage into question, he just suggested a tactic based on what appeared to be her skill set, magic, which, in his experience, did not always lend itself well to dealing with close ranged sword play.

[Lix Lorn]

She nods slowly, and then faster.
"Ah. Um. Yes. Good idea."
...and flees away from the frontline.

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota sees the plant be summons, and agrees that maybe the magic users would be best in the background, only then his own magic would be of little us. as he sees the noble woman run to the back, he can't help but think the human is some what attractive, but these are not thought a dragonborn need focus on. ok they will most likely be coming up the way I came It is easier. keep your eyes open. i'll take a position in between you and crew, that way I can be most effective as support.

[Metahuman1]

Markarov nodded and took a position near the edge of the deck were he'd be able to swing and stab downwards at the boarders as they neared the edge, but kept far enough back that if you were climbing the side of the barge he'd not immediately be in your line of sight.

"Alright, would the gentleman with the greatsword take a position to my right and the plant to my left? If you fancy combat in melee sir elf, I'd advise taking a position opposite the plant. If with your bow, I'd suggest backing up and getting either into shadows or on higher ground to shoot them as they come up. If with magic, well, then you may wish some distance and but beyond that I leave it too you.

And to our friendly Wizard, I might suggest taking similar actions as I suggested to the Lady a moment ago."

[hKennyrules]

Victor looked over to the halfling man barking orders. He certainly could take command of a situation. But Victor knew where he would work best. The front lines were certainly not the right place for him. Thus, he held back, waiting, while the heavily armored halfling with a big spear did all the heavy duty work.

"Of course. My specialty is summoning. If a pirate starts to slip through, I'll plug the hole in the defenses with a beast long enough for the rest of you to poke them full of holes. Think of me as your fallback in case we get overwhelmed. Though it seems I'm not the only conjurer here."

A quick nod to Blake signaled Victor's approval of her plant. It was an impressive creature. The two of them would have to talk later - he had never heard of magic through the use of cards, with a few notable exceptions. For now, there were more pressing matters to tend to.

Victor was preparing himself for action. He liked this position - a good view of the action, from a fairly safe distance. He could summon reinforcements to aid any member of the team as needed, without getting involved in the fighting himself.

[Archmage1]

Who does this halfling think he is, to give me orders like that. I am Arathel, or House Andariel, and I do not take orders from halflings!
Not looking at Markarov, Arathel pulls out his bow, and looks around, seeking some location where he would be reasonable safe from attack, but able to see the battlefield.

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota seeing this Halfling having things under control, starts to scan the beach lines incase there are more unseen enemies.

spot check
[roll0]
listen [roll1]

[sparky9042]

"Bastard sword. Hence the shield. By the way, I'm Piers." Piers takes a position to the halfling's left, facing outwards. "Wait...they're probably smart enough to realize that if we know they're coming, we'll guard the obvious entry route..."

[cavalieredraghi]

Name is TotaFita Ir, son of Bahamut. you can call me Tota for short.

[hKennyrules]

The elf had a peevish nature about him when he heard the halfling giving orders. Victor would have to be careful to watch his tone with that one. Still, a bowman would certainly be helpful here.

"Name's Victor. Nice to be working with you all. You there, Gray Elf. We could use some eyes up in the crow's nest, shooting arrows down at whatever enemy is giving us the most trouble. I imagine you'll have a better shot from up there anyway."

The suggestion seemed solid to Victor. Maybe it would be heeded. Regardless, Victor had his niche in this team. Wait. See where his help was needed. His favorite job of all.

[Metahuman1]

"Markarov Proudrider, Follower of Selune and Journeyman from the Kallamore Academy. At your respective serveries, sides, and fronts."

He offered with a smile, nodding to them all before allowing his face to settle back to the stern, serious neutrality it tended to find itself in before the start of a fight he knew was coming.

"Tota, did they see you when you saw them? If not, then there likely banking on catching us unawares. If so, then yes Piers, you are correct and will need to adjust, spread out more, and be ready to get into formation quickly once we know were there gonna come form."

The moon was just barely coming into view, and the halfing spared it a glance as it did and a swift prayer.

"My Lady Selune, I ask your insight guide me to choose well were to make my stand, and that your strength allow me to be the shield for my companions."

[Archmage1]

When Victor also tries giving him commands, Arathel looks even more bothered.
"Arathel. Climbing to the nest would take longer than we have before those pirates get here."
Unspoken, but clearly heard is an attached "Obviously"
He finishes getting into position on the upper deck, keeping low to avoid sight from the river.

[haldhin]

Captain Kelanos bellows for his men to get into the cargo hold and they hurry to follow his orders.

Tota regains his footing on the deck while the rest of the party prepares to repel the oncoming pirates.

From the eastern shore, a frenzy of movement disrupts the tranquil river bank as several figures emerge from a camouflaged blind. The twangs of bowstrings draw your attention to a flight of arrows arcing toward the barge. Though obviously aimed at the heroes, three of the arrows stick in the deck while one falls short and goes into the river.

Three deeper thunks sound out as massive bolts fly across the water pulling thick ropes behind them. The bolts slam into the side of the barge and bury themselves deep into the hull of the ship. The ropes lie on top of the water and run from the bolts back to shore, disappearing into the foliage.

Eight humanoids are now clearly visible on the riverbank. Four hold shortbows while three others stand behind what appear to be oversized crossbows mounted on carts – no doubt the source of the winching bolts. Another man stands behind the line of archers watching the proceedings through a black leather mask.

((Unfortunately, the pirates on shore were well-hidden and nobody got high enough Listen/Spot checks to notice them. They therefore got a surprise round. Currently, there are 8 people on shore 80 feet away. The pirates Tota saw in the water have not yet appeared.))

((We are now moving into normal combat rounds. Please roll initiatives, post your actions/intentions, and let me know if you have any questions. I will post again tonight when the battlemap is uploaded.))

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota initiative.
[roll0]

[hKennyrules]

[roll0] - Victor Initiative

[hKennyrules]

Victor looked off to the shore. Pirates. Pirates everywhere. And while the distance was making it harder for them to hit the people on the boat, the people on the boat had no way of hitting them. One arrow landed alarmingly close to Victor's own nether regions, which of course made this personal.

"Well now. That was rude of them. Oh bloodthirsty colleagues of miiiine! I can get exactly one person on that shore where all the men with pointy stick launchers are. Any volunteers? Just jump in the water and leave the rest to me!"

While he waited, Victor began preparing to cast his spell. His summoning skills were still too weak to keep beasts on this plane for long. But he only needed a few moments. He readied Summon Monster I: Fiendish Octopus to trigger the moment one of his companions volunteered and jumped in the water. The octopus would then grab the companion, and jet to shore.

Assuming someone wanted to go ashore. You know. Because meta-knowledge and efficiency.

[haldhin]

Combat - Round One

22 Blake
19 Makarove
12 Piers
08 Victor
06 Tota
03 Arathel
02 Bad Guys

[[To recap, bandits are in the water near the ship on the starboard (right) side. On that side of the river, more bandits have appeared, shot arrows at you, and then had small siege engines fire large ballista bolts into the barge. These bolts have thick rope attached to them that run back across the water to where the bandits stand on shore. ]]

[[Please let me know what your character would like to do.]]

[[A tactical map is located here (https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2jU8_Jya-eFNkktUUI0VlY1TjQ&usp=sharing). Please give me a starting location for your character inside the blue box (the boat is the large red rectangle). Ropes are thick dashed lines, and bandits are numbered yellow and black boxes. Let me know if you have any questions.]]

[Lix Lorn]

More by fluke chance than skill, Blake opens the battle with a snap shot, drawing her crossbow with a yelp and, eyes barely open, launching a bolt in the direction of the attackers. Meanwhile, her plant moved to defend the ship.

Crossbow yay!
I start around O3, and launch a bolt.
[roll0]

for
[roll1] damage.

Plant starts L7, moves to J10.

[Archmage1]

An arrow seems to launch itself from Arathel's bow towards one of the attackers(Number 4), the elf swiftly knocking another arrow.


[roll0] attack
[roll1] damage

[sparky9042]

Uh, in the range of Summon Monster 1, or wherever I'd need to be to be able to clear the edge of the ship with a long jump. In no one's row.

Piers prepares to jump into the water and immediately climb aboard a summoned octopus, trusting his coworker.

Delaying.

[haldhin]

Combat - Round One

22 Blake
19 Makarov
12 Piers
08 Victor
06 Tota
03 Arathel
02 Bad Guys

Blake fires a shot at the bandits and buries a bolt in one of their chests, dropping the man!

Makarov takes up a position to repel the pirates [Ready action]

Piers prepares to leap into the water [Delay]

Victor begins summoning a powerful extraplanar ally to aid in the fight!

With a steady hand, Arathel puts an arrow into one of the bandits, toppling the man face-first into the river.

[I have not seen an action yet from Tota, so I'll give him until tomorrow then we'll move forward with bad guys and the start of Round 2!]

[haldhin]

Round One - continued

Tota readies an action to charge any bandit who manages to make it to the deck.

The archers on shore resume their attack, peppering the deck with arrows.

One of them strikes Piers for:
[roll0] points of damage

Everyone feels a lurch as the ropes attached to the boat go taut and begin pulling it toward shore.

With hoarse battle cries, four bandits emerge from the water at the boat's side!

[Marakov, your action triggers now - please intimidate these bandits!]

[Metahuman1]

"FALLY OR YOUR FATES ARE SEALED!!!!!"

The halfling Roared at the on coming boarders.

"YOU FACE A SWORDSMAN SCHOOL IN THE FINEST ARTS OF THE BLADE!!! THE LANCER WHO SLEW KAL-DRONUN WITH NOT BUT BROKEN WOOD!!! A PRIEST OF THE PLATINUM DRAGON HIMSELF AND THREE SEPARATE PRACTITIONERS OF THE MYSTIC ARTS!!! ABANDON ALL HOPE FOR YOUR SOULS YE WHO DO NOT RETREAT!!!!! THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!!!"

He was almost a completely different person now. This wasn't the level headed commander or the disciplined warrior or the gentleman they'd see prior, this was someone possesd and all fire and brimstone in his voice and manner as he stood poised to strike.

[Archmage1]

Arathel launches another arrow, trying to down the first archer on the shore.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[haldhin]

Round One - Final

The four bandits quickly scramble backwards away from the ship upon hearing Markarov's threats. In a panic, they flail about in the water and begin swimming as hard as they can toward their allies on shore.

Round Two

22 Blake
08 Victor
07 Piers
06 Tota
03 Arathel
03 Makarov
02 Bad Guys

[Okay, next round! Please note I have adjusted initiative order based on actions in the first round of combat. Blake, what would you like to do?]

[The octopus is going to appear this turn - Piers, where are you going and what are you going to do once you arrive?]

[Arathel fired an arrow, but what about Tota, Victor, and Makarov? The bandits who were coming toward the boat are retreating - what would you all like to do?]

[Archmage1]

Taking advantage of his mysterious power up, Arathel fires another arrow, this time, launching it at number 3.


if you weren't serious about the mysterious power up, feel free to ignore this
[roll0] attack
[roll1]

[Metahuman1]

Markarov held his ground weapon at the ready. They were with drawing, if Piers or Tota weren't as good as he'd just made them out to be, they'd be back, and he would be ready.

[Lix Lorn]

Bouyed by her fortunate shot, Blake launches a second.

[roll0]
does
[roll1] damage if a hit. 19-20 crit.

My plant will keep moving towards the edge of the boat, and wait for them.

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota not wanting to see the crew harmed, decides to take the attack to the pirates and keep them, on him. HE rushes back to the edge of the boat and dives back into the water heading for the shore line.

[haldhin]

Round Two

22 Blake
08 Victor
07 Piers
06 Tota
03 Arathel
03 Makarov
02 Bad Guys

With fortune on her side, Blake fires another shot with her crossbow, dropping another bandit who falls into the river clutching the bolt protruding from his chest.

Victor finishes his spell and an octopus from the nether realms emerges into this realm with an audible rush of high-pitched arcane power.

Piers is quickly grabbed by the octopus and pulled across the shore, emerging from the water to face the obviously surprised bandits.

Tota dives into the water and begins swimming toward the shore.

Arathel fires another arrow but it flies to the left of the bandit and sticks into the sandy bank.

Makarov takes up a defensive position on the boat to ensure the bandits fleeing toward shore don’t rediscover their courage and return to the barge.

Cries erupt from the ladders leading down into the hold and three sailors emerge holding bloody daggers. They charge Victor, Blake, and Makarov, with Victor taking a slash across the arm [[Victor takes 4 points damage]].

The bandits on the south shore drop their bows and pull daggers, while the one to the north (#1) pulls a longsword. They all begin advancing on a grim-looking Piers.

[[Marakov, the attacker activates your readied action, please feel free to attack.]]

[[The pink squares on the barge are bandits, the light green box "O" is the octopus. And as a reminder, the black box 1 is the apparent bandit leader.]]

[Archmage1]

Arathel, bow still in hand, backs away from the suddenly revealed bandits, moving to I8, before extending his hand, and muttering, sending a bolt of pure force into pink bandit 1.(or whichever enemy is alive when he gets to move, anyway)

[roll0] magic missile

[Metahuman1]

Makarov Comes Around fast and let's a nasty high thrust up, the kind that would Stymy Momentum, the kind that killed Rythem, the kind that, in short, was gonna make him very hard to actually hurt.

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[roll3]

Using Stone Power, I loose 1 point of my BAB and gain two Temporary HP. If I get the Attack of Opportunity for the charge against my reach weapon as well as the readied attack action, I'll use Stone power twice to make it 4. I'm also gonna use the Stone Bones Strike from the Readied action attack to gain DR 5/Adamatine for the round.

Lastly, any damage I take up to the first 5 points worth this round goes straight to my delayed damage pool.

[sparky9042]

Piers moves in to attack the nearest enemy, deciding to push him back as far as possible.

I have Improved Bull Rush.

Move action to move five feet forward, standard to initiate bull rush attempt.

My bull rush check: [roll0]

[cavalieredraghi]

Tota Catches up to one of the fiends in the water. his hand pulsing with dark energies. but instead of using the magical energies he has he instead uses his weapon. swim to 21 J and swings his pick at him on enemy 1
[roll0]
[roll1]